-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, OdTX45baLpWTQo6FzWBtjtAxIN91XUXePY2Xm75vHA8FqIAYbuPhuSl3NuCkSXO2 3xLlNrKUthrEYcZkRQ5noQ== 0000950130-99-003271.txt : 19990623 0000950130-99-003271.hdr.sgml : 19990623 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000950130-99-003271 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 424B5 PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 1 FILED AS OF DATE: 19990524 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: ALLIANCE LAUNDRY SYSTEMS LLC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001063699 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: WHOLESALE-MACHINERY, EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES [5080] IRS NUMBER: 391927923 FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 424B5 SEC ACT: SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-56857 FILM NUMBER: 99633310 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: RAYTHEON COMMERCIAL LAUNDRY STREET 2: P.O. BOX 990 CITY: RIPON STATE: WI ZIP: 54971-0990 BUSINESS PHONE: 9207481634 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: RAYTHEON COMMERCIAL LAUNDRY STREET 2: P.O. BOX 990 CITY: RIPON STATE: WI ZIP: 54971-0990 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: ALLIANCE LAUNDRY CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001063697 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: [] IRS NUMBER: 391928505 FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 424B5 SEC ACT: SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-56857-01 FILM NUMBER: 99633311 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: RAYTHEON COMMERCIAL LAUNDRY STREET 2: P.O. BOX 990 CITY: RIPON STATE: WI ZIP: 54971-0990 BUSINESS PHONE: 9207481634 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: RAYTHEON COMMERCIAL LAUNDRY STREET 2: P.O. BOX 990 CITY: RIPON STATE: WI ZIP: 54971-0990 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001063698 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: [] IRS NUMBER: 522055893 FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 424B5 SEC ACT: SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-56857-02 FILM NUMBER: 99633312 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: RAYTHEON COMMERCIAL LAUNDRY STREET 2: P.O. BOX 990 CITY: RIPON STATE: WI ZIP: 54971-0990 BUSINESS PHONE: 9207481634 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: RAYTHEON COMMERCIAL LAUNDRY STREET 2: P.O. BOX 990 CITY: RIPON STATE: WI ZIP: 54971-0990 424B5 1 424B5 RULE NO. 424(b)(5) REGISTRATION NO. 333-56857 PROSPECTUS [LOGO] ALLIANCE LAUNDRY SYSTEMS ALLIANCE LAUNDRY SYSTEMS LLC ALLIANCE LAUNDRY CORPORATION Offer to Exchange their Series B 9 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008 for any and all of their outstanding Series A 9 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008 --------------- The Exchange Offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on June 18, 1999, unless extended. --------------- Alliance Laundry Systems LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("Alliance" or the "Company"), and Alliance Laundry Corporation, a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of the Company ("ALC" and, together with the Company, the "Issuers"), hereby offer (the "Exchange Offer"), upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Prospectus (the "Prospectus") and the accompanying Letter of Transmittal (the "Letter of Transmittal"), to exchange $1,000 principal amount of its Series B 9 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008 (the "Exchange Notes"), which will have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), pursuant to a Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, for each $1,000 principal amount of its outstanding Series A 9 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008 (the "Notes"), of which $110,000,000 principal amount is outstanding. The Issuers' payment obligations under the Exchange Notes will be jointly and severally, irrevocably and fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior subordinated basis (the "Guarantees") by Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and parent of the Company, and each of the Company's future direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries (the "Guarantors"). The Guarantees will be subordinated to the guarantees of Senior Debt issued by the Guarantors under the Senior Credit Facility. The form and terms of the Exchange Notes are the same as the form and term of the Notes (which they replace) except that the Exchange Notes will have been registered under the Securities Act and, therefore, will not bear legends restricting their transfer and will not contain certain provisions relating to an increase in the interest rate which were included in the terms of the Notes in certain circumstances relating to the timing of the Exchange Offer. The Exchange Notes will evidence the same debt as the Notes (which they replace) and will be issued under and be entitled to the benefits of the Indenture dated May 5, 1998 between the Issuers and United States Trust Company of New York (the "Indenture") governing the Notes. See "The Exchange Offer" and "Description of the Exchange Notes." Neither Issuer has issued, and does not have any current firm arrangements to issue, any indebtedness to which the Exchange Notes would rank senior or pari passu in right of payment. The Exchange Notes will be general unsecured obligations of the Issuers and will be subordinate in right of payment to all existing and future Senior Debt (as defined) and will be senior or pari passu in right of payment to all existing and future subordinated indebtedness of the Issuers. As of December 31, 1998, the Company and its Subsidiaries (as defined) had $200.0 million of Senior Debt outstanding (exclusive of $67.0 million available under the Revolving Credit Facility (as defined), which would also be Senior Debt). See "Capitalization," "Description of Senior Credit Facility" and "Description of the Exchange Notes--Subordination." The Issuers will accept for exchange any and all Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on June 18, 1999, unless extended by the Issuers in their sole discretion (the "Expiration Date"). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Issuers will not extend the Expiration Date beyond June 25, 1999. Tenders of Notes may be withdrawn at any time prior to 5:00 p.m. on the Expiration Date. The Exchange Offer is subject to certain customary conditions. The Notes were sold by the Issuers on May 5, 1998 (the "Note Offering") to the Initial Purchasers (as defined) in a transaction not registered under the Securities Act in reliance upon an exemption under the Securities Act. The Initial Purchasers subsequently placed the Notes with qualified institutional buyers in reliance upon Rule 144A under the Securities Act and in offshore transactions pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act. Accordingly, the Notes may not be reoffered, resold or otherwise transferred in the United States unless registered under the Securities Act or unless an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act is available. The Exchange Notes are being offered hereunder in order to satisfy the obligations of the Issuers under the Registration Rights Agreement entered into by the Issuers in connection with the offering of the Notes. See "The Exchange Offer." With respect to resales of Exchange Notes, based on interpretations by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") set forth in no-action letters issued to third parties, the Issuers believe the Exchange Notes issued pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be offered for resale, resold and otherwise transferred by any holder thereof (other than any such holder that is an "affiliate" of either Alliance or ALC within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act) without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, provided that such Exchange Notes are acquired in the ordinary course of such holder's business and such holder has no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution of such Exchange Notes. See "The Exchange Offer--Purpose and Effect of the Exchange Offer" and "The Exchange Offer-- Resales of the Exchange Notes." Each broker-dealer (a "Participating Broker- Dealer") that receives Exchange Notes for its own account pursuant to the Exchange Offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such Exchange Notes. The Letter of Transmittal states that by so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, a participating Broker-Dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act. This Prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a Participating Broker-Dealer in connection with resales of Exchange Notes received in exchange for Notes where such Notes were acquired by such Participating Broker-Dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities. The Issuers have agreed that, for a period of 180 days from the consummation of the Exchange Offer, they will make this Prospectus available to any Participating Broker-Dealer for use in connection with any such resale. See "Plan of Distribution." If any holder of Notes is an affiliate of either Alliance or ALC, is engaged in or intends to engage in or has any arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution of the Exchange Notes to be acquired in the Exchange Offer, such holder (i) cannot rely on the applicable interpretations of the Commission and (ii) must comply with the registration requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale transaction. Holders of Notes not tendered and accepted in the Exchange Offer will continue to hold such Notes and will be entitled to all the rights and benefits and will be subject to the limitations applicable thereto under the Indenture and with respect to transfer under the Securities Act. The Issuers will pay all the expenses incurred by them incident to the Exchange Offer. See "The Exchange Offer." --------------- See "Risk Factors" on page 14 for a description of certain factors that should be considered by holders who tender their Notes in the Exchange Offer. --------------- THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE. The date of this Prospectus is May 19, 1999. The Issuers will not receive any proceeds from the Exchange Offer. The Issuers have agreed to bear the expenses of the Exchange Offer. No underwriter is being used in connection with the Exchange Offer. There has not previously been any public market for the Notes or the Exchange Notes. The Issuers do not intend to list the Exchange Notes on any securities exchange or to seek approval for quotation through any automated quotation system. There can be no assurance that an active market for the Exchange Notes will develop. See "Risk Factors--Absence of a Public Market." Moreover, to the extent that Notes are tendered and accepted in the Exchange Offer, the trading market for untendered and tendered but unaccepted Notes could be adversely affected. THE EXCHANGE OFFER IS NOT BEING MADE TO, NOR WILL THE ISSUERS ACCEPT SURRENDERS FOR EXCHANGE FROM, HOLDERS OF NOTES IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH THE EXCHANGE OFFER OR THE ACCEPTANCE THEREOF WOULD NOT BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE SECURITIES OR BLUE SKY LAWS OF SUCH JURISDICTION. NO PERSON IS AUTHORIZED IN CONNECTION WITH ANY OFFERING HEREBY TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR THE ACCOMPANYING LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL, AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE ISSUERS. UNTIL AUGUST 19, 1999 (90 DAYS AFTER COMMENCEMENT OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER), ALL DEALERS EFFECTING TRANSACTIONS IN THE EXCHANGE NOTES, WHETHER OR NOT PARTICIPATING IN THE EXCHANGE OFFER, MAY BE REQUIRED TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS. THIS IS IN ADDITION TO THE OBLIGATION OF DEALERS TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS WHEN ACTING AS UNDERWRITERS AND WITH RESPECT TO THEIR UNSOLD ALLOTMENTS OR SUBSCRIPTIONS. The Exchange Notes will be available initially only in book-entry form and the Issuers expect that the Exchange Notes issued pursuant to the Exchange Offer will be issued in the form of a Global Note (as defined), which will be deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") and registered in its name or in the name of Cede & Co., its nominee. Beneficial interests in the Global Note representing the Exchange Notes will be shown on, and transfers thereof will be effected through, records maintained by DTC and its participants. After the initial issuance of the Global Note, Exchange Notes in certificated form will be issued in exchange for the Global Note only under limited circumstances as set forth in the Indenture. See "Description of the Exchange Notes--Book-Entry; Delivery and Form." AVAILABLE INFORMATION The Issuers have filed with the Commission a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the "Exchange Offer Registration Statement," which term shall encompass all amendments, exhibits, annexes and schedules thereto) pursuant to the Securities Act, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, covering the Exchange Notes being offered hereby. This Prospectus does not contain all the information set forth in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement. For further information with respect to the Issuers and the Exchange Offer, reference is made to the Exchange Offer Registration Statement. Statements made in this Prospectus as to the contents of any contract, agreement or other document referred to are not necessarily complete. With respect to each such contract, agreement or other document filed as an exhibit to the Exchange Offer Registration Statement, reference is made to the exhibit for a more complete description of the document or matter involved, and each such statement shall be deemed qualified in its entirety by such reference. The Exchange Offer Registration Statement, including the exhibits thereto, can be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at the Regional Offices of the Commission at 75 Park Place, New York, New York 10007 and at Northwestern Atrium Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661. Copies of such materials can be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. Additionally, the Commission maintains a web site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the Commission, including the Issuers. As a result of the filing of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement with the Commission, the Issuers will become subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance therewith will be required to file periodic reports and other information with the Commission. The obligation of the Issuers to file periodic reports and other information with the Commission will be suspended if the Exchange Notes are held of record by fewer than 300 holders as of the beginning of any fiscal year of the Issuers other than the fiscal year in which the Exchange Offer Registration Statement is declared effective. The Issuers will nevertheless be required to continue to file reports with the Commission if the Exchange Notes are listed on a national securities exchange. In the event the Issuers cease to be subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act, Alliance will be required under the Indenture to continue to file with the Commission the annual and quarterly reports, information, documents or other reports, including, without limitation, reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, which would be required pursuant to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act. Under the Indenture, the Issuers shall file with the Trustee annual, quarterly and other reports within fifteen days after it files such reports with the Commission. Further, to the extent that annual or quarterly reports are furnished by the Issuers to unitholders generally it will mail such reports to holders of Exchange Notes. The Issuers will furnish annual and quarterly financial reports to unitholders of the Issuers and will mail such reports to holders of Exchange Notes pursuant to the Indenture, thus holders of Exchange Notes will receive financial reports every quarter. Annual reports delivered to the Trustee and the holders of Exchange Notes will contain financial information that has been examined and reported upon, with an opinion expressed by an independent public or certified public accountant. The Issuers will also furnish such other reports as may be required by law. ---------------- This Prospectus includes "forward-looking statements" which appear in a number of places in this Prospectus and include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company or its officers with respect to, among other things, the use of proceeds of the Offering, the ability to borrow funds under the Senior Credit Facility, the ability to successfully implement operating strategies, including trends affecting the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this Prospectus, including, without limitation, the statements under "Prospectus Summary," "Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Data," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Business," and located elsewhere herein regarding industry prospects and the Company's financial position are forward-looking statements. Readers are i cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Although the Issuers believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, they can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Issuers' expectations (the "Cautionary Statements") are disclosed in this Prospectus, including, without limitation, in conjunction with the forward- looking statements included in this Prospectus under "Risk Factors," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Business." All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Issuers or persons acting on their behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the Cautionary Statements and Risk Factors contained throughout this Prospectus. ---------------- Trademarks and Tradenames The following items referred to in this document are trademarks that are federally registered in the United States and abroad pursuant to applicable intellectual property laws and are the property of the Company: Speed Queen, Huebsch and UniMac. The following items referred to in this document are trademarks owned by the Company, for which applications for registration are pending in the United States pursuant to applicable intellectual property laws: MicroMaster and CardMate Plus. ii PROSPECTUS SUMMARY The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed information and financial statements, including the notes thereto, appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus. Each prospective investor is urged to read this Prospectus in its entirety, including information set forth under the heading "Risk Factors." As used in this Prospectus, unless the context requires otherwise, references to "Alliance" or the "Company" (i) with respect to periods prior to the Transactions refer to Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC (the "Parent," formerly known as Raytheon Commercial Laundry LLC) and its predecessors and subsidiaries, (ii) with respect to periods subsequent to the Transactions, refer collectively to Alliance Laundry Systems LLC and its subsidiaries and (iii) when used with regard to financial data refer to the consolidated financial results of Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC and Alliance Laundry Systems LLC. As used herein, the term "stand alone commercial laundry equipment" refers to commercial laundry equipment excluding dry cleaning equipment and custom engineered, continuous process laundry systems and the term "stand alone commercial laundry industry" includes laundromats, multi- housing laundries and on-premise laundries and excludes dry cleaners and continuous process laundries. The Company Alliance believes it is the leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of stand alone commercial laundry equipment in North America and a leader worldwide. Under the well-known brand names of Speed Queen, UniMac and Huebsch, the Company produces a full line of commercial washing machines and dryers with load capacities from 16 to 250 pounds. The Company believes it has had the leading market share in the North American stand alone commercial laundry equipment industry for the last five years and has progressively increased its market share from approximately 21% in 1993 to 38% in 1997. The Company attributes its industry leading position to: (i) the quality, reliability and functionality of its products; (ii) the breadth of its product offerings; (iii) its extensive distributor network and strategic alliances with key customers; and (iv) its substantial investment in new product development and manufacturing capabilities. As a result of its market leadership, the Company has an installed base of equipment that it believes is the largest in the industry and that generates significant recurring sales of replacement equipment and service parts. Internationally, the Company has developed targeted opportunities, generating equipment sales of $45.5 million and $34.1 million in 1997 and 1998, respectively. In addition, pursuant to an agreement, the Company supplies consumer washing machines to Amana Company, L.P. ("Appliance Co.") for sale at retail. For 1997 and 1998, the Company generated net sales of $347.7 million and $330.3 million and EBITDA (as defined) of $57.2 million and $44.2 million, respectively. The Company believes it has developed the most extensive distribution networks to each of the three distinct customer groups within the North American stand alone commercial laundry equipment industry: (i) laundromats; (ii) multi-housing laundries, consisting primarily of common laundry facilities in apartment buildings, universities and military installations; and (iii) on- premise laundries, consisting primarily of in-house laundry facilities in hotels, hospitals, nursing homes and prisons. The Company estimates that in over 80% of the North American market its laundromat and on-premise laundry distributors are either the number one or number two distributor for their respective selling regions. In addition, the Company's in-house sales force has developed superior relationships with leading route operators that own, install and maintain commercial laundry equipment in multi-housing laundries, a critical factor in enabling the Company to grow its market share. Internationally, the Company sells its laundry equipment through distributors and to retailers. With an investment of over $77.0 million since 1994, the Company has substantially completed the development of many new products, the redesign of existing products and the modernization of its three manufacturing facilities in Wisconsin, Florida and Kentucky. Since January 1, 1997, the Company has introduced new product designs and new product models that comprise over 85% of its current product offerings. The Company believes its considerable investment in its product line and manufacturing capabilities has strengthened and will continue to enhance its market leadership position. 1 Industry Overview The Company estimates that North American stand alone commercial laundry equipment sales were approximately $498.0 million in 1997, of which the Company's equipment sales represented approximately $187.0 million. The Company believes that North American sales of stand alone commercial laundry equipment have grown at a compound annual rate of approximately 4.5% since 1993. North American commercial laundry equipment sales historically have been relatively insulated from business and economic cycles, given that economic conditions do not tend to affect the frequency of use, or replacement, of laundry equipment. Management believes industry growth will be sustained by continued population expansion and by customers increasingly "trading up" to equipment with enhanced functionality, raising average selling prices. Manufacturers of stand alone commercial laundry equipment compete on their ability to satisfy several customer criteria, including: (i) equipment reliability and durability; (ii) performance criteria such as water and energy efficiency, load capacity and ease of use; (iii) availability of innovative technologies such as cashless payment systems and advanced electronic controls, which improve ease of use and management audit capabilities; and (iv) value- added services such as rapid spare parts delivery, equipment financing and computer aided assistance in the design of commercial laundries. Company Strengths Market Leader with Significant Installed Base. The Company believes it led the North American industry in sales to all customer groups, with a 38% market share overall in 1997. The Company's market share has increased progressively during the last five years for each customer group. As a result of its leading market position, the Company has achieved superior brand recognition and extensive distribution capabilities. The Company's market position has also allowed it to establish what it believes to be the largest installed base in its industry, which generates a significant level of recurring sales of replacement equipment and service parts and provides a platform for sales growth. Industry-leading Product Offering. The Company believes its product line leads the industry in reliability, breadth of offerings, functionality and advanced features. Its development team of more than 100 engineers and technical personnel, together with its marketing and sales personnel, work with the Company's major customers to redesign and enhance the Company's products to better meet customer needs. For example, the Company has introduced since January 1, 1997 new product designs and new product models that comprise over 85% of its current product offerings; the Company's new products emphasize efficiency and new technology, facilitating ease of use as well as improving performance and reliability. In addition, the Company believes it is the only manufacturer in North America to produce a full product line (including washers, dryers, washer-extractors and tumblers for all customer groups), thereby providing customers with a single source for all their stand alone commercial laundry equipment needs. Extensive and Loyal Distribution Networks. The Company believes it has developed the industry's most extensive North American distribution networks. The Company estimates its distributors are either the number one or number two distributor for their respective selling regions in over 80% of the North American market. Most of the Company's distributors have been customers for over ten years. In addition, through its in-house sales force the Company has developed excellent relationships with industry-leading route operators, who are direct customers of the Company. The Company believes its strong relationships with its customers are based, in part, on the quality, breadth and performance of its products and on its comprehensive value-added services. Leading National Brands. The Company markets and sells its products under the widely recognized brand names Speed Queen, UniMac and Huebsch. A survey commissioned by the Company in 1993 of more than 1,000 commercial laundry distributors and end-users ranked Speed Queen as the leader in terms of brand awareness and as an industry leader for quality and reliability. In the same study, UniMac was ranked a leading brand in the stand alone on-premise laundry industry; Huebsch and Speed Queen ranked first and second, respectively, in customer satisfaction. 2 Strong and Incentivized Management Team. Led by Chief Executive Officer Thomas L'Esperance, the Company believes it has assembled the strongest management team in the commercial laundry equipment industry. The Company's seven executive officers have over 80 years of combined experience in the commercial laundry equipment and appliance industries. This management team has executed numerous strategic initiatives, including: (i) ongoing refinements to its product offerings; (ii) the development of strategic alliances with key customers; (iii) the implementation of manufacturing cost reduction and quality improvement programs; and (iv) the acquisition and successful integration of the commercial washer-extractor business of the UniMac Company ("UniMac"). In addition, senior management (the "Management Investors") owns approximately 19% of the Company's common units on a diluted basis. Business Strategy The Company's strategy is to achieve profitable growth by offering a full line of the most reliable and functional stand alone commercial laundry equipment, along with comprehensive value-added services. The key elements of the Company's strategy are as follows: Offer Full Line of Superior Products and Services. The Company seeks to satisfy all of a customer's stand alone commercial laundry equipment needs with its full line of products and services. The Company seeks to compete with other manufacturers in the commercial laundry equipment industry by introducing new products, features and value-added services tailored to meet evolving customer requirements. In 1998, for example, the Company introduced a new line of small- chassis frontload washers, offering multi-housing laundries increased water and energy efficiency. In addition, in 1997, the Company introduced its Automatic Balance System for topload washers, providing industry-leading out-of-balance handling; Alliance's new topload washers generate a higher g-force, thereby reducing moisture left in the laundry and drying time, ultimately reducing operating costs for the Company's customers. Develop and Strengthen Alliances with Key Customers. The Company has developed and will continue to pursue long-term alliances and multi-year supply agreements with key customers. The Company is the predominant supplier of new laundry equipment to Coinmach Corporation ("Coinmach"), the largest and fastest growing operator of multi-housing laundries in North America. Similarly, the Company is the supplier of substantially all of the laundry equipment purchased by SpinCycle, Inc. ("SpinCycle"), an emerging leader in the North American laundromat industry. Continuously Improve Manufacturing Operations. The Company seeks to continuously enhance its product quality and reduce costs through refinements to manufacturing processes. The Company achieves such improvements through collaboration among key customers and its engineering and marketing personnel. Since 1995, the Company has progressively reduced manufacturing costs through improvements in raw material usage and labor efficiency, among other factors. These improvements are driven in part by the Company's goalsharing programs, through which the Company's manufacturing teams share in a portion of the cost reductions they achieve. The Sponsor Bain Capital, Inc. ("Bain"), founded in 1984, manages capital in excess of $1.5 billion and has invested in more than 100 companies. Bain is one of the most experienced and successful private equity investors in the United States, and the firm's principals have extensive experience working with companies on a wide range of operational challenges. Bain's investment strategy is to acquire companies in partnership with excellent management teams and to improve the long-term value of businesses. The firm typically invests in companies that are market share leaders with strong strategic positions and significant opportunities for growth. Following consummation of the Transactions, affiliates of Bain own 54.9% of the outstanding equity interests of the Parent. In addition, Bain has entered into the Management Services Agreement (as defined) with the Company pursuant to which Bain will provide general management, acquisition and financial services. 3 The Transactions On May 5, 1998 the Company completed the offering of the Notes (the "Note Offering") and the recapitalization of the Parent (the "Recapitalization") through (i) the Merger whereby, among other things, Bain/RCL, L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company ("Bain LLC"), the BRS Investors (as defined) and the Management Investors (collectively with Bain LLC and the BRS Investors, the "Securityholders") acquired 93% of the common equity of the Parent, of which the Company is a direct wholly-owned subsidiary, and (ii) financings whereby the Company entered into and borrowed under the Senior Credit Facility and entered into a $250.0 million off-balance sheet receivables and equipment financing facility (the "Asset Backed Facility"). In addition, simultaneously with the consummation of each of the other Transactions, the Parent completed the Parent Contribution (as defined). The transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement (as defined) were funded by: (i) $200.0 million of term loan borrowings by the Company pursuant to the Senior Credit Facility; (ii) the Note Offering, with aggregate gross proceeds of $110.0 million (substantially all of the amounts in clauses (i) and (ii) was distributed to the Parent to fund the Merger and related fees and expenses); (iii) the issuance by the Parent of the Seller Subordinated Note (as defined) to Raytheon, with a principal amount of $9.0 million; (iv) the issuance by the Parent of the Seller Preferred Equity (as defined) to Raytheon Company ("Raytheon") with a liquidation value of approximately $6.0 million; (v) an equity investment in the Parent by the Securityholders of approximately $47.1 million (the "Investors Equity Contribution"); and (vi) a retained equity investment in the Parent by Raytheon with a fair market value of approximately $3.5 million (the "Raytheon Equity"). The Offering, the Senior Credit Facility, the Investors Equity Contribution, the Parent Contribution, the Merger, the Asset Backed Facility and the issuance of the Seller Subordinated Note and the Seller Preferred Equity are collectively referred to herein as the "Transactions." Each of the Transactions was conditioned upon each of the others, and consummation of each of the Transactions occurred simultaneously. See "The Transactions." ---------------- The executive offices of the Company are located at Shepard Street, Ripon, Wisconsin 54971-0990, and its telephone number is (920) 748-3121. 4 The Note Offering Notes....................... The Notes were sold (the "Note Offering") by Alliance and ALC on May 5, 1998 to Lehman Brothers Inc. and Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation (the "Initial Purchasers") pursuant to a Purchase Agreement dated May 5, 1998 (the "Purchase Agreement"). The Initial Purchasers subsequently resold the Notes to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act. ALC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alliance that was incorporated for the sole purpose of serving as a co-issuer of the Notes in order to facilitate the Note Offering. ALC does not have any substantial operations or assets of any kind and will not have any revenues. Prospective investors in the Exchange Notes should not expect ALC to participate in servicing the interest, principal obligations or Liquidated Damages, if any, on the Exchange Notes. See "Description of the Exchange Notes-- Certain Covenants." Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement........... Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Issuers and the Initial Purchasers entered into a Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of May 5, 1998 (the "Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement"), which grants the holder of the Notes certain exchange and registration rights. The Exchange Offer is intended to satisfy such exchange and registration rights which terminate upon the consummation of the Exchange Offer. The Exchange Offer Securities Offered.......... $110,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Series B 9 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008. The Exchange Offer.......... $1,000 principal amount of the Exchange Notes in exchange for each $1,000 principal amount of Notes. As of the date hereof, $110,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Notes are outstanding. The Issuers will issue the Exchange Notes to holders on or promptly after the Expiration Date. Based on an interpretation by the staff of the Commission set forth in no-action letters issued to third parties, the Issuers believe that the Exchange Notes issued pursuant to the Exchange Offer in exchange for Notes may be offered for resale, resold and otherwise transferred by any holder thereof (other than any such holder which is an "affiliate" of either Alliance or ALC within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act) without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, provided that such Exchange Notes are acquired in the ordinary course of such holder's business and that such holder does not intend to participate and has no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution of such Exchange Notes. 5 Each Participating Broker-Dealer that receives Exchange Notes for its own account pursuant to the Exchange Offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such Exchange Notes. The Letter of Transmittal states that by so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, a Participating Broker-Dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act. This Prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a Participating Broker-Dealer in connection with resales of Exchange Notes received in exchange for Notes where such Notes were acquired by such Participating Broker-Dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities. The Issuers have agreed that, for a period of 180 days from the consummation of the Exchange Offer, they will make this Prospectus available to any Participating Broker- Dealer for use in connection with any such resale. See "Plan of Distribution." Any holder who tenders in the Exchange Offer with the intention to participate, or for the purpose of participating, in a distribution of the Exchange Notes could not rely on the position of the staff of the Commission enunciated in no- action letters and, in the absence of an exemption therefrom, must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale transaction. Failure to comply with such requirements in such instance may result in such holder incurring liability under the Securities Act for which the holder is not indemnified by the Issuers. Expiration Date............. 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on June 18, 1999 unless the Exchange Offer is extended, in which case the term "Expiration Date" means the latest date and time to which the Exchange Offer is extended. Accrued Interest on the Exchange Notes and the Each Exchange Note will bear interest from its Notes...................... issuance date. Holders of Notes that are accepted for exchange will receive, in cash, accrued interest thereon to, but not including, the issuance date of the Exchange Notes. Such interest will be paid with the first interest payment on the Exchange Notes. Interest on the Notes accepted for exchange will cease to accrue upon issuance of the Exchange Notes. Conditions to the Exchange The Exchange Offer is subject to certain Offer...................... customary conditions, which may be waived by the Issuers. See "The Exchange Offer--Conditions." Procedures for Tendering Each holder of Notes wishing to accept the Notes...................... Exchange Offer must complete, sign and date the accompanying Letter of Transmittal, or a facsimile thereof, in accordance with the instructions contained herein and therein, and mail or otherwise deliver such Letter of 6 Transmittal, or such facsimile, together with the Notes and any other required documentation to the Exchange Agent (as defined) at the address set forth herein. Delivery of the Notes may also be made by book-entry transfer in accordance with the procedures described below. Confirmation of such book-entry transfer must be received by the Exchange Agent prior to the Expiration Date. By executing the Letter of Transmittal or effecting delivery by book-entry transfer, each holder will represent to the Issuers that, among other things, the Exchange Notes acquired pursuant to the Exchange Offer are being obtained in the ordinary course of business of the person receiving such Exchange Notes, whether or not such person is the holder, that neither the holder nor any such other person has any arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution of such Exchange Notes and that neither the holder nor any such other person is an "affiliate," as defined under Rule 405 of the Securities Act, of either Alliance or ALC. See "The Exchange Offer--Purpose and Effect of the Exchange Offer" and "-- Procedures for Tendering." Untendered Notes............ Following the consummation of the Exchange Offer, holders of Notes eligible to participate but who do not tender their Notes will not have any further exchange rights and such Notes will continue to be subject to certain restrictions on transfer. Accordingly, the liquidity of the market for such Notes could be adversely affected. Consequences of Failure to Exchange................... The Notes that are not exchanged pursuant to the Exchange Offer will remain restricted securities. Accordingly, such Notes may be resold only: (i) to the Issuers; (ii) pursuant to Rule 144A or Rule 144 under the Securities Act or pursuant to some other exemption under the Securities Act; (iii) outside the United States to a foreign person pursuant to the requirements of Rule 904 under the Securities Act; or (iv) pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act. See "The Exchange Offer-- Consequences of Failure to Exchange." Shelf Registration If the Exchange Offer is not permitted under Statement.................. applicable law or Commission policy or any holder of the Notes (other than any such holder which is an "affiliate" of either Alliance or ALC within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act) is not eligible under applicable securities laws to participate in the Exchange Offer, and such holder has provided information regarding such holder and the distribution of such holder's Notes to the Issuers for use therein, the Issuers have agreed to register the Notes on a shelf registration statement (the "Shelf Registration Statement") and use its best efforts to cause it to be declared effective by the Commission as promptly as practicable on or after the consummation of the Exchange Offer. The Issuers have agreed to maintain the continuous effectiveness of the Shelf Registration Statement for, under certain circumstances, a period of two years, to cover resales of the Notes held by any such holders. 7 Special Procedures for Beneficial Owners.......... Any beneficial owner whose Notes are registered in the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee and who wishes to tender should contact such registered holder promptly and instruct such registered holder to tender on such beneficial owner's behalf. If such beneficial owner wishes to tender on such owner's own behalf, such owner must, prior to completing and executing the Letter of Transmittal and delivering its Notes, either make appropriate arrangements to register ownership of the Notes in such owner's name or obtain a properly completed bond power from the registered holder. The transfer of registered ownership may take considerable time. The Issuers will keep the Exchange Offer open for not less than twenty business days in order to provide for the transfer of registered ownership. Guaranteed Delivery Holders of Notes who wish to tender their Notes Procedures................. and whose Notes are not immediately available or who cannot deliver their Notes, the Letter of Transmittal or any other documents required by the Letter of Transmittal to the Exchange Agent (or comply with the procedures for book-entry transfer) prior to the Expiration Date must tender their Notes according to the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth in "The Exchange Offer--Guaranteed Delivery Procedures." Withdrawal Rights........... Tenders may be withdrawn at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date. Acceptance of Notes and Delivery of Exchange The Issuers will accept for exchange any and all Notes...................... Notes which are properly tendered in the Exchange Offer prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date. The Exchange Notes issued pursuant to the Exchange Offer will be delivered promptly following the Expiration Date. See "The Exchange Offer--Terms of the Exchange Offer." Use of Proceeds............. There will be no cash proceeds to the Issuers from the exchange pursuant to the Exchange Offer. Exchange Agent.............. United States Trust Company of New York. The Exchange Notes General..................... The form and terms of the Exchange Notes are the same as the form and terms of the Notes (which they replace) except that: (i) the Exchange Notes bear a Series B designation; (ii) the Exchange Notes have been registered under the Securities Act and, therefore, will not bear legends restricting the transfer thereof; and (iii) the holders of Exchange Notes will not be entitled to certain rights under the Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, including the provisions providing for an increase in the interest rate on the 8 Notes in certain circumstances relating to the timing of the Exchange Offer, which rights will terminate when the Exchange Offer is consummated. See "The Exchange Offer--Purpose and Effect of the Exchange Offer." The Exchange Notes will evidence the same debt as the Notes and will be entitled to the benefits of the Indenture. See "Description of Exchange Notes." Securities Offered.......... $110,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Series B 9 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008 of the Issuers. Maturity Date............... May 1, 2008. Interest Payment Dates...... May 1 and November 1, commencing November 1, 1998. Events of Default........... An Event of Default occurs under the Indenture in instances such as the failure to pay principal when due, the failure to pay any interest within 30 days of when due and payable, the failure to perform or comply with various covenants under the Indenture or the default under the terms of certain other indebtedness of the Company. See "Description of Exchange Notes--Events of Default." Optional Redemption......... The Exchange Notes will be redeemable at the option of the Issuers, in whole or in part, at any time on or after May 1, 2003, at the redemption prices set forth herein, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, thereon to the date of redemption. In addition, at any time prior to May 1, 2001, the Issuers may, in their discretion, redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes issued under the Indenture at a redemption price of 109.625% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, thereon to the date of redemption, with the net cash proceeds of one or more Equity Offerings, provided that at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of the Exchange Notes issued under the Indenture remains outstanding immediately after each such redemption. See "Description of the Exchange Notes--Optional Redemption." Change of Control........... In the event of a Change of Control, holders of the Notes will have the right to require the Issuers to purchase their Notes, in whole or in part, at a price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, thereon to the date of purchase. At any time on or prior to May 1, 2003, the Exchange Notes may also be redeemed in whole, but not in part, at the option of the Issuers, upon the occurrence of a Change of Control (but in no event more than 90 days after the occurrence of such Change of Control), at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof plus the Applicable Premium as of, and accrued but unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages thereon, if any, to, the date of redemption (subject to the right of holders on the relevant record date to receive interest due 9 on the relevant interest payment date). There can be no assurance that the Company will have the financial resources necessary or be able to arrange financing to repurchase the Exchange Notes upon a Change of Control. See "Description of the Exchange Notes--Repurchase at the Option of Holders--Change of Control;--Optional Redemption." Ranking..................... The Exchange Notes will be general unsecured obligations of the Issuers, subordinate in right of payment to all existing and future Senior Debt of the Issuers, including all borrowings of the Company and its subsidiaries under the Senior Credit Facility. Concurrently with the Note Offering, the Company entered into a new $275.0 million Senior Credit Facility. As of May 5, 1998, after consummation of the Transactions, including the Offering, borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility and application of the net proceeds therefrom, the Company and its Subsidiaries had $200.0 million of Senior Debt outstanding (exclusive of $75.0 million available under the Revolving Credit Facility which would also be Senior Debt). See "Capitalization," "Description of Senior Credit Facility" and "Description of the Exchange Notes-- Subordination." Guarantees.................. The Issuers' payment obligations under the Exchange Notes will be jointly and severally guaranteed on a senior subordinated basis (the "Guarantees") by the Parent and each of the Company's future direct and indirect Domestic Subsidiaries (the "Guarantors"). The Exchange Notes will not be guaranteed by any of the Company's current direct and indirect Domestic Subsidiaries or current or future Foreign Subsidiaries (the "Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries"). For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries accounted for 3% of the Company's net sales and generated $1.7 million of EBITDA. The Guarantees will be subordinated to the guarantees of Senior Debt issued by the Guarantors under the Senior Credit Facility. See "Description of the Exchange Notes--Exchange Note Guarantees." Certain Covenants........... The indenture pursuant to which the Exchange Notes will be issued (the "Indenture") will contain certain covenants that, among other things, limit the ability of the Company, its Restricted Subsidiaries (as defined) and, with respect to clause (i), any Guarantor to (i) incur additional indebtedness and issue preferred stock, (ii) pay dividends or make certain other restricted payments, (iii) enter into transactions with affiliates, (iv) make certain asset dispositions, (v) merge or consolidate with, or transfer all or substantially all of its assets to, another Person (as defined), (vi) encumber assets under certain circumstances, (vii) restrict dividends and other payments from Restricted Subsidiaries or (viii) engage in certain business activities. See "Description of the Exchange Notes--Certain Covenants." In addition, under certain circumstances, the Issuers will be required to offer to purchase the Exchange Notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and 10 unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, thereon to the date of purchase, with the proceeds of certain Asset Sales (as defined). See "Description of the Exchange Notes--Certain Covenants;--Repurchase at the Option of Holders-- Asset Sales." For additional information regarding the Exchange Notes, see "Description of Exchange Notes." For a discussion of certain factors that should be considered by holders who tender their Notes in the Exchange Offer, see "Risk Factors." 11 Summary Historical and Unaudited Pro Forma Financial and Operating Data The following table sets forth (i) summary historical combined financial data for the four years ended December 31, 1997 and summary historical consolidated financial data for the year ended December 31, 1998 and (ii) summary unaudited pro forma consolidated financial data for the year ended December 31, 1998. For periods prior to the Transactions, the historical combined financial information represents the results of the Company. As a result of the Transactions, the Company is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Parent. Because the Parent is a holding company with no operating activities and provides certain guarantees, the financial information presented herein for periods subsequent to the Transactions represents consolidated financial information of the Parent, rather than consolidated financial information of the Company. The summary historical combined financial data for the four years ended December 31, 1997 were derived from the audited combined financial statements of the Company, which for the two years ended December 31, 1997 are included elsewhere herein, together with the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants. The summary historical consolidated financial data for the year ended December 31, 1998 were derived from audited consolidated financial statements of the Company, which are included elsewhere herein, together with the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants. The summary historical consolidated financial data for the year ended December 31, 1998 reflect the impact of the Recapitalization and are not necessarily indicative of the results for the full year. The summary unaudited pro forma consolidated statement of income and other operating data for the year ended December 31, 1998 give effect to the Transactions as if each had occurred on January 1, 1998. The summary unaudited pro forma consolidated financial data are intended for informational purposes and should not be considered indicative of either future results of operations or the results that might have occurred if the Transactions had been consummated on the indicated date or had been in effect for the period presented. The following table should be read in conjunction with "Selected Historical Financial Data," "Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Data," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the historical financial statements and the notes related thereto of the Company included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
Years ended December 31, Pro Forma(/1/) --------------------------------------------- -------------- 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1998 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------------- (Dollars in thousands) (unaudited) Statement of Income: Net sales............... $267,445 $324,529 $318,263 $347,709 $330,267 $329,337 Cost of sales........... 208,543 259,272 246,017 263,932 251,159 251,159 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Gross profit............ 58,902 65,257 72,246 83,777 79,108 78,178 Selling, general and administrative expense. 29,782 35,360 34,464 40,827 43,478 43,682 Nonrecurring costs(/2/). -- 574 3,704 -- 6,784 6,784 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Operating income....... 29,120 29,323 34,078 42,950 28,846 27,712 Other income, net....... 312 778 685 (243) 306 306 Interest expense........ -- -- -- -- 21,426 32,618 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Income before taxes..... 29,432 30,101 34,763 42,707 7,726 (4,600) Provision for income taxes(/3/)............. 11,265 11,545 13,408 16,431 2,391 -- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Net income.............. $ 18,167 $ 18,556 $ 21,355 $ 26,276 $ 5,335 $ (4,600) ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
12
Years ended December 31, Pro Forma(/1/) ------------------------------------------------- -------------- 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1998 -------- -------- -------- -------- --------- -------------- (Dollars in thousands) (unaudited) Other Operating Data: EBITDA(/4/)............. $ 37,573 $ 40,948 $ 45,908 $ 57,152 $ 44,241 $43,107 EBITDA Margin(/5/)...... 14.0% 12.6% 14.4% 16.4% 13.4% 13.1% Cash interest expense(/6/)........... $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ 18,720 $28,498 Depreciation and amortization(/7/)...... 8,141 10,847 11,145 14,445 16,671 17,494 Capital expenditures(/8/)...... 11,579 16,177 22,030 19,990 7,861 7,861 Operating cash flows.... 19,381 17,517 77,192 39,654 6,787 -- Investing cash flows.... (19,659) (80,847) (21,177) (19,159) (5,511) -- Financing cash flows.... 549 63,126 (55,226) (20,249) 2,355 -- Ratio of EBITDA to cash interest expense.................... 2.4x 1.5x Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(/9/)..... 149.6x 153.0x 96.8x 108.8x 1.4x 0.9x Balance Sheet Data (at end of period): Working capital.................................... $ 15,434 $ 29,378 Total assets....................................... 205,086 214,204 Total debt......................................... -- 320,124 Mandatorily redeemable preferred equity............ -- 6,000 Parent company investment/(members' deficit)....... 148,573 (151,312)
- ------- (1) See "Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Data." (2) Nonrecurring costs in 1995 and 1996 are associated primarily with reductions in work force. In 1998 such costs relate to a $4.5 million restructuring charge and $2.3 million associated with payments under retention agreements with certain key employees. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-- Results of Operations." (3) Subsequent to the consummation of the Transactions, the Company will not be a tax paying entity. Historical amounts represent the Company's tax attributes as a division of Raytheon as calculated on a separate return basis. See "Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Data." (4) "EBITDA," as presented, represents income before income taxes plus depreciation and amortization, cash interest expense and non-cash interest expense on the Seller Subordinated Note. Interest accrued on the Seller Subordinated Note is capitalized annually and will be repaid when the note becomes due. EBITDA should not be considered an alternative to measures of operating performance as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, including net income as a measure of the Company's operating results and cash flows as a measure of the Company's liquidity. Because EBITDA is not calculated identically by all companies, the presentation herein may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." (5) Represents EBITDA as a percentage of net sales. (6) Cash interest expense represents interest expense less amortization of deferred financing costs and non-cash interest expense on the Seller Subordinated Note. Interest accrued on the Seller Subordinated Note is capitalized annually and will be repaid when the note becomes due. (7) Depreciation and amortization amounts for the historical 1998 and pro forma 1998 periods include $1,582 and $2,405, respectively, representing the amortization of deferred financing costs included in interest expense. (8) Excludes purchases of assets related to the November 1994 acquisition of the business of UniMac. For each of the five years ended December 31, 1998, capital expenditures excluding those relating to major new products, significant product redesigns and major capacity additions would have been less than $10.0 million. (9) For purposes of computing this ratio, earnings consist of income before income taxes plus fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of interest expense on all indebtedness and the estimated interest portion of rental expense. 13 RISK FACTORS Holders of the Notes should carefully consider the risk factors set forth below, as well as the other information appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus, before tendering their Notes in the Exchange Offer. Certain statements, estimates, predictions and projections contained herein under "Prospectus Summary," "Risk Factors," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Business," in addition to certain statements contained elsewhere herein, are "forward- looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. These forward-looking statements are prospective, involving risks and uncertainties. While these forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect the Company's current judgment regarding the direction of its business, actual results will almost always vary, sometimes materially, from any estimates, predictions, projections, assumptions or other future performance suggested herein. Some important factors (but not necessarily all factors) that could affect the Company's revenues, growth strategies, future profitability and operating results, or that otherwise could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by any forward-looking statement, include the following: lack of operating history as an independent public company; inability to enter into and borrow under the Senior Credit Facility; ability to successfully implement operating strategies; working capital adjustments; payments pursuant to indemnification arrangements; changes in economic conditions; competition; regulatory difficulties; and the other matters referred to herein or elsewhere in this Prospectus. Holders of the Notes are urged to carefully consider these factors in connection with the forward-looking statements. Risks Relating to the Exchange Notes Substantial Leverage The Company incurred significant debt in connection with the Transactions. As of May 5, 1998, the Company had outstanding indebtedness of $319.0 million, including $200.0 million drawn under the Term Loan Facility $110.0 million of the Notes, and $9.0 million of the Seller Subordinated Note, and had a significant members' deficit. In addition, the Company had available borrowings of up to $75.0 million under the Revolving Credit Facility. In addition, subject to restrictions in the Senior Credit Facility and the Indenture, the Company may incur additional indebtedness from time to time to finance acquisitions or capital expenditures. For the year ended December 31, 1998, after giving pro forma effect to the Transactions, the Company's ratio of earnings to fixed charges would have been 0.9 to 1. The Company's ability to make scheduled payments of principal of, or to pay the premium, if any, interest or Liquidated Damages, if any, on, or to refinance, its indebtedness (including the Exchange Notes), or to fund planned capital expenditures will depend on its future performance, which, to a certain extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond its control. Based upon the current level of operations and certain anticipated improvements, management believes that cash flow from operations and available cash, together with available borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility, will be adequate to meet the Company's future liquidity needs for at least the next several years. There can be no assurance, however, that the Company's business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations, that anticipated revenue growth and operating improvements will be realized or that future borrowings will be available under the Senior Credit Facility in an amount sufficient to enable the Company to service its indebtedness, including the Exchange Notes, or to fund its other liquidity needs. The Company may be required to refinance all or a portion of the principal of the Exchange Notes on or prior to maturity. There can be no assurance, however, that such refinancing would be available on commercially reasonable terms or at all. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-- Liquidity and Capital Resources." 14 The degree to which the Company has been leveraged following the Transactions could have important consequences to holders of the Exchange Notes, including, but not limited to: (i) making it more difficult for the Company to satisfy its obligations with respect to the Exchange Notes; (ii) increasing the Company's vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions; (iii) limiting the Company's ability to obtain additional financing to fund future working capital, capital expenditures, research and development and other general corporate requirements; (iv) requiring the dedication of a substantial portion of the Company's cash flow from operations to the payment of principal of, and interest on, its indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of such cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures, research and development or other general corporate purposes; (v) limiting the Company's flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in its business and the industry in which it competes; and (vi) placing the Company at a competitive disadvantage compared to less leveraged competitors. In addition, the Indenture and the Senior Credit Facility contain financial and other restrictive covenants that limit the ability of the Company to, among other things, borrow additional funds. Failure by the Company to comply with such covenants could result in an event of default which, if not cured or waived, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. If the Company cannot generate sufficient cash to meet its obligations as they become due or refinance such obligations, the Company may have to sell assets or reduce capital expenditures. In addition, the degree to which the Company is leveraged could prevent it from repurchasing all of the Exchange Notes tendered to it upon the occurrence of a Change of Control. See "Description of Senior Credit Facility" and "Description of the Exchange Notes--Repurchase at the Option of Holders--Change of Control." Subordination of the Exchange Notes; Guarantees The Exchange Notes will be contractually subordinated to all Senior Debt including all obligations under the Senior Credit Facility. Upon any distribution to creditors of the Company in a liquidation or dissolution of the Company or in a bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, receivership or similar proceeding relating to the Company or its property, the holders of Senior Debt will be entitled to be paid in full in cash before any payment may be made with respect to the Exchange Notes. In addition, the subordination provisions of the Indenture will provide that payments with respect to the Exchange Notes can be blocked in the event of defaults on Designated Senior Debt (as defined). In the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization of the Company, holders of the Notes will participate ratably with all holders of subordinated indebtedness of the Company that is deemed to be of the same class as the Exchange Notes, and potentially with all other general creditors of the Company, based upon the respective amounts owed to each holder or creditor, in the remaining assets of the Company. In any of the foregoing events, there can be no assurance that there would be sufficient assets to pay amounts due on the Exchange Notes. As a result, holders of the Exchange Notes may receive less, ratably, than holders of Senior Debt. At May 5, 1998, after giving effect to the Transactions, the aggregate amount of consolidated indebtedness and other liabilities to which the Exchange Notes were subordinated was approximately $200.0 million, consisting of secured borrowings under the Term Loan Facility. In addition, the Company had available borrowings of up to $75.0 million under the Revolving Credit Facility, all of which would constitute Senior Debt. Subject to certain limitations, the Indenture will permit the Company to incur additional indebtedness. Substantially all of the assets of the Company will or may in the future be pledged to secure other indebtedness of the Company or its Subsidiaries. See "The Transactions," "Description of Senior Credit Facility" and "Description of the Exchange Notes--Certain Covenants--Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock." The Issuers' payment obligations under the Exchange Notes will be jointly and severally guaranteed on a senior subordinated basis by the Parent and each of the Company's future direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries. The Exchange Notes will not be guaranteed by any of the Company's current direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries or current or future foreign subsidiaries. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries accounted for 3.0% of the Company's net sales and generated $1.7 million of EBITDA . The Guarantees will be subordinated to the guarantees of Senior Debt issued by the Guarantors under the Senior Credit Facility. Additionally, the Company's payment obligations under the Notes will be structurally subordinated to indebtedness of the Company's subsidiaries. See "Description of the Exchange Notes--Subordination--Exchange Note Guarantees." 15 Restrictions Imposed by the Senior Credit Facility and the Indenture The Senior Credit Facility requires the Company to maintain specified financial ratios and tests, among other obligations, including a minimum interest coverage ratio and a maximum leverage ratio. In addition, the Senior Credit Facility contains affirmative and negative covenants customary for financings of that type, including, among other things, limitations on the Company's ability to incur additional indebtedness and make acquisitions and capital expenditures. A failure to comply with such covenants could lead to an event of default thereunder, which could result in an acceleration of such indebtedness. Such an acceleration would constitute an event of default under the Indenture relating to the Exchange Notes. If an event of default exists on Designated Senior Debt, subordination provisions in the Indenture may restrict payments to holders of the Exchange Notes until holders of Senior Debt are paid in full or such default is cured or waived or has ceased to exist. In addition, the Indenture restricts, among other things, the Company's ability to incur additional indebtedness, sell assets, create liens or other encumbrances, make certain payments and dividends or merge or consolidate. A failure to comply with the restrictions in the Indenture could result in an event of default under the Indenture. See "Description of Senior Credit Facility" and "Description of the Exchange Notes--Certain Covenants." Fraudulent Transfer A significant portion of the net proceeds of the Offering were paid as a dividend to the Parent and used to consummate the Merger. Under applicable provisions of the United States Bankruptcy Code or comparable provisions of state fraudulent transfer or conveyance laws, if the Company, at the time it issued the Notes, (i) incurred such indebtedness with intent to hinder, delay or defraud creditors or (ii)(a) received less than reasonably equivalent value or fair consideration for incurring such indebtedness and (b)(1) was insolvent at the time of incurrence, (2) was rendered insolvent by reason of such incurrence (and the application of the proceeds thereof), (3) was engaged or was about to engage in a business or transaction for which the assets remaining with the Company constituted unreasonably small capital to carry on its businesses or (4) intended to incur, or believed that it would incur, debts beyond its ability to pay such debts as they mature, then, in each case, a court of competent jurisdiction could void, in whole or in part, the Exchange Notes, or, in the alternative, subordinate the Exchange Notes to existing and future indebtedness of the Company. The measure of insolvency for purposes of the foregoing will vary depending upon the law applied in such case. Generally, however, the Company would be considered insolvent if the sum of its debts, including contingent liabilities, was greater than all of its assets at fair valuation or if the present fair saleable value of its assets was less than the amount that would be required to pay the probable liability on its existing debts, including contingent liabilities, as they become absolute and matured. The Company believes that, for purposes of all such insolvency, bankruptcy and fraudulent transfer or conveyance laws, the Notes were issued without the intent to hinder, delay or defraud creditors and for proper purposes and in good faith and that the Company, after the issuance of the Notes and the application of the proceeds thereof, was solvent, will have sufficient capital for carrying on its business and will be able to pay its debts as they mature. There can be no assurance, however, that a court passing on such questions would agree with the Company's view. Limitations on Change of Control In the event of a Change of Control, the Issuers will be required to make an offer for cash to repurchase the Exchange Notes at 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, and Liquidated Damages, if any, thereon to the repurchase date. The provisions of the Indenture may not, however, afford holders of the Exchange Notes protection in the event of a highly leveraged transaction, reorganization, restructuring, merger or similar transaction involving the Company that may adversely affect holders of Exchange Notes, if such transaction does not result in a Change of Control. A Change of Control will result in an event of default under the Senior Credit Facility and may result in a default under other indebtedness of the Company that may be incurred in the future. The Senior Credit Facility will prohibit the purchase of outstanding Exchange Notes prior to repayment of the borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility, and any exercise by the holders of the Exchange Notes of their right to require the Issuers to repurchase the Exchange Notes will cause an event of default under the Senior Credit Facility. In addition, prior to repurchasing the Exchange Notes upon 16 a Change of Control, the Company must either repay all outstanding indebtedness under the Senior Credit Facility or obtain the consent of the lenders. If the Company does not obtain such consent or repay its outstanding indebtedness under the Senior Credit Facility, the Company would remain effectively prohibited from offering to purchase the Exchange Notes. Finally, there can be no assurance that the Company will have the financial resources necessary or be able to arrange financing to repay obligations under the Senior Credit Facility and the Indenture or to repurchase the Exchange Notes upon a Change of Control. See "Description of the Exchange Notes--Repurchase at the Option of Holders--Change of Control." Absence of Public Market Prior to the Exchange Offer, there has been no public market for the Notes. The Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act and will be subject to restrictions on transferability to the extent that they are not exchanged for Exchange Notes by holders who are entitled to participate in this Exchange Offer. The holders of Notes (other than any such holder that is an "affiliate" of either Alliance or ALC within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act) who are not eligible to participate in the Exchange Offer are entitled to certain registration rights, and the Issuers are required to file a Shelf Registration Statement with respect to such Notes. The Exchange Notes are new securities for which there currently is no market. The Exchange Notes are eligible for trading by qualified buyers in the Private Offerings, Resale and Trading though Automated Linkages (PORTAL) market. The Issuers do not intend to apply for listing of the Exchange Notes on any securities exchange or for quotation through the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System. Although the Exchange Notes are eligible for trading through PORTAL, the Exchange Notes may trade at a discount from their initial offering price, depending upon prevailing interest rates, the market for similar securities, the Company's performance and other factors. The Issuers have been advised by the Initial Purchasers that they currently intend to make a market in the Exchange Notes as permitted by applicable law and regulations; however, the Initial Purchasers are not obligated to do so and any such market-making activities, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time without notice. In addition, such market-making activities may be limited during the Exchange Offer and pendency of the Shelf Registration Statement. Therefore, there can be no assurance that an active market for any of the Exchange Notes will develop, either prior to or after the Issuers' performance of their obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement. See "Description of the Exchange Notes." The Exchange Notes generally will be permitted to be resold or otherwise transferred (subject to the restrictions described under "Description of Exchange Notes") by each holder without the requirement of further registration. The Exchange Notes, however, will also constitute a new issue of securities with no established trading market. The Exchange Offer will not be conditioned upon any minimum or maximum aggregate principal amount of Notes being tendered for exchange. No assurance can be given as to the liquidity of the trading market for the Exchange Notes, or, in the case of non-exchanging holders of Notes, the trading market for the Notes following the Exchange Offer. The liquidity of, and trading market for, the Exchange Notes also may be adversely affected by general declines in the market or by declines in the market for similar securities. Such declines may adversely affect such liquidity and trading markets independently of the financial performance of, and prospects for, the Company. Exchange Offer Procedures Issuance of the Exchange Notes in exchange for the Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer will be made only after a timely receipt by the Issuers of such Notes, a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal and all other required documents. Therefore, holders of the Notes desiring to tender such Notes in exchange for Exchange Notes should allow sufficient time to ensure timely delivery. The Issuers are under no duty to give notification of defects or irregularities with respect to the tenders of Notes for exchange. Notes that are not tendered or are tendered but not accepted will, following the consummation of the Exchange Offer, continue to be subject to the existing restrictions upon transfer thereof and, upon consummation of the Exchange 17 Offer, certain registration rights under the Registration Rights Agreement will terminate. In addition, any holder of Notes who tenders in the Exchange Offer for the purpose of participating in a distribution of the Exchange Notes may be deemed to have received restricted securities and, if so, will be required to comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale transactions. Each Participating Broker-Dealer that receives Exchange Notes for its own account in exchange for Notes, where such Notes were acquired by such Participating Broker-Dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such Exchange Notes. See "Plan of Distribution." To the extent that Notes are tendered and accepted in the Exchange Offer, the trading market for untendered and tendered but unaccepted Notes could be adversely affected. See "The Exchange Offer." Company-Specific Risks Appliance Co. Transaction The Company has mutual supply agreements with Appliance Co. that terminate in 1999. Pursuant to such agreements, (i) the Company purchased commercial small-chassis frontload washers from Appliance Co.'s Searcy, Arkansas facility until September 1998 and purchases commercial small-chassis frontload dryers from the Searcy facility until September 1999 and (ii) Appliance Co. purchases consumer topload washers from the Company's Ripon, Wisconsin facility (the "Appliance Co. Supply Agreement") until September, 1999. Consumer topload washers sold to Appliance Co. currently comprise a substantial percentage of the unit volume of the Ripon facility and represented approximately 23% of 1998 net sales. Upon the termination of the Appliance Co. Supply Agreement, the Company will experience a significant decline in unit volume. This volume decline may result in an increase in the Company's average cost per unit, due to, among other factors, unabsorbed manufacturing overhead, reduced raw materials purchasing scale and reduced manufacturing efficiency. In addition, a failure by the Company to successfully implement the reconfiguration of the Ripon plant and thereby to partially offset any impact on the Company's cost per unit following this volume decline could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. See "-- Ripon Transition" and "Business--Ripon Transition;--Appliance Co. Transaction." The Company relies on Appliance Co. to supply it with commercial small- chassis frontload dryers and will continue to rely on Appliance Co. until the Company has established manufacturing capability for such products at the Ripon facility (expected to be September 1999). Products sourced from Appliance Co., including frontload washers and dryers, represented 9% of the Company's 1998 net sales. In the event Appliance Co. is unable or unwilling to continue to manufacture commercial small-chassis frontload dryers for the Company, it could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. There can be no assurance that Appliance Co. will continue to supply products that are consistent with the Company's standards or that any disagreements will not result therefrom. In this regard, the Company has occasionally received and may in the future receive shipments of products from Appliance Co. that fail to conform with the Company's quality control standards. In such event, the Company risks the loss of revenue from the sale of such frontload dryers. The failure of Appliance Co. to supply frontload dryers that conform to the Company's standards could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations, as well as on its reputation in the marketplace. See "Ripon Transition" and "Business--Ripon Transition." For a discussion of pending litigation with Appliance Co., see "Business--Appliance Co. Transaction." Ripon Transition The Company is in the process of establishing manufacturing capability at the Ripon facility for commercial small-chasis dryers (beginning September, 1999) and has recently introduced a new line of commercial small-chassis frontload washers (beginning September, 1998). Full implementation of the Company's plan to introduce small-chassis frontload washer and dryer production and to cease production of consumer topload washers for Appliance Co. is expected to require aggregate capital expenditures of approximately $13.0 million ($2.9 million incurred in 1998) and result in aggregate nonrecurring expenses (such as plant reconfiguration expenses, severance expenses and 18 manufacturing start-up expenses) of approximately $2.5 million ($0.2 million incurred in 1998). There can be no assurance, however, that the reconfiguration of the Ripon plant will be completed on time or will not exceed estimated costs. In addition, there can be no assurance that the Ripon plant will not experience any production problems once reconfiguration is completed and frontload washer and dryer production begins. To the extent that such transition is not completed in a timely manner or within expected costs or to the extent that production problems occur, it could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. See "Business--Ripon Transition;--Appliance Co. Transaction." Dependence Upon Significant Customers The Company's top ten equipment customers (excluding Appliance Co.) accounted for approximately 26% of 1998 net sales (excluding sales to Appliance Co.), of which one customer, Coinmach Corporation ("Coinmach") accounted for 11.1% of such net sales for the period. While the Company believes its relationships with such customers are stable, many arrangements are by purchase order and are terminable at will at the option of either party. In addition, Appliance Co. accounted for 23% of 1998 net sales. The Company's business also depends upon the financial viability of its customers. A significant decrease or interruption in business from the Company's significant customers could result in loss of future business and could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. See "--Appliance Co. Transaction," "Business--Appliance Co. Transaction." Possible Fluctuations in the Cost of Raw Materials; Possible Loss of Suppliers The major raw materials and components the Company purchases for its production process are motors, stainless steel, aluminum, electronic controls, corrugated boxes and plastics; in addition, the Company externally sources finished small-chassis dryers from Appliance Co. The price and availability of these raw materials and components are subject to market conditions affecting supply and demand. Raw material costs increased significantly in 1995 due to increases in commodity prices and as a result of such increase, the 1995 results of the Company were adversely affected. There can be no assurance that increases in raw material or component costs (to the extent the Company is unable to pass on such higher costs to customers) or future price fluctuations in raw materials will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, there can be no assurance that the loss of suppliers or a significant delay in the supply of externally manufactured finished goods from Appliance Co. or of components would not have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. See "--Appliance Co. Transaction," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Business--Manufacturing." Competition Within the North American stand alone commercial laundry equipment industry, the Company competes with several large competitors. With respect to laundromats, the Company's principal competitors include Wascomat (the exclusive North American distributor of Electrolux AB products), Maytag Corporation and The Dexter Company. In multi-housing, key competitors include Maytag Corporation and Whirlpool Corporation. In on-premise laundry, the Company competes primarily with Pellerin Milnor Corporation, American Dryer Corporation and Wascomat. There can be no assurance that significant new competitors or increased competition from existing competitors will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. Certain of the Company's principal competitors have greater financial resources and/or are less leveraged than the Company and may be better able to withstand market conditions within the commercial laundry industry. There can be no assurance that the Company will not encounter increased competition in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. See "Business-- Competition." 19 Absence of Recent Independent Operating History The Company has benefited in the past from Raytheon's procurement leverage with respect to insurance selection, travel services, telecommunications and computer hardware and operating systems, audit, tax, banking and legal services and retirement/benefits plan selection. No long-term agreement exists or is contemplated between Raytheon and the Company for the supply of such services subsequent to the consummation of the Transactions. While management believes the Company will be able to procure adequate replacement services from third-party suppliers, there can be no assurance that such services will be obtained at favorable prices. As part of the Transactions, the Company and Raytheon entered into a transition services agreement pursuant to which Raytheon would provide the Company with certain of such services for a period of at least 90 days after the closing of the Transactions. See "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions--Transition Services Agreement." Foreign Sales Risk Sales of equipment to international customers represented approximately 10.0% of 1998 net sales and may increase in the future. Demand for the Company's products are and may be affected by economic and political conditions in each of the countries in which it sells its products and by certain other risks of doing business abroad, including fluctuations in the value of currencies (which may affect demand for products priced in United States dollars), import duties, changes to import and export regulations (including quotas), possible restrictions on the transfer of funds, labor or civil unrest, long payment cycles, greater difficulty in collecting accounts receivable and the burdens and cost of compliance with a variety of foreign laws. Changes in policies by foreign governments could result in, for example, increased duties, higher taxation, currency conversion limitations, or limitations on imports or exports, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. The Company does not and currently does not intend to hedge exchange rate fluctuations between United States dollars and foreign currencies. Risks Relating to Asset Backed Facility The Company offers an extensive financing program to end-users, primarily laundromat owners, to assist in their purchases of new equipment from the Company's distributors or, in the case of route operators, from the Company. Typical terms include 2-7 year loans with an average principal amount of approximately $50,000. At the Closing, the Company entered into a five year Asset Backed Facility to finance both new equipment loans as well as the future sale of trade receivables through off-balance sheet bankruptcy remote subsidiaries (the "Financing Subsidiaries"). A significant increase in the cost of funding the Financing Subsidiaries could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, if certain limits in the size of the Asset Backed Facility are reached (either overall size or certain sublimits), additional indebtedness may be required to fund the financing programs. The Company's inability to incur such indebtedness to fund the financing programs could result in the loss of sales and have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Significant Transactions--Equipment Financing Program," "Business--Sales and Marketing--Equipment Financing" and "Description of Asset Backed Facility." Dependence on Key Personnel The Company is dependent on the continued services of its senior management team. Although the Company believes it could replace key employees in an orderly fashion should the need arise, the loss of such key personnel could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. See "Management--Directors and Executive Officers." Labor Relations Approximately 610 of the Company's employees at its Wisconsin facilities are represented by The United Steel Workers of America. The Company is periodically in negotiations with The United Steel Workers of 20 America, and the collective bargaining agreement covering employees at its Wisconsin facilities, approved in March, 1999, expires in February 2002. Although the Company expects to renew the existing agreement or negotiate a new agreement without a work stoppage, there can be no assurance that the Company can successfully negotiate a new agreement or that work stoppages by certain employees will not occur. Any such work stoppages could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. Although the Company believes that its relations with its union employees are generally satisfactory, there can be no assurance that the Company will not at some point be subject to work stoppages by some of its employees and, if such events were to occur, that there would not be a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. See "Business--Employees." Computer System; Year 2000 Issue The Company is evaluating the extent to which its computer operating systems will be disrupted upon the turn of the century as a result of the widely-known dating system flaw inherent in most operating systems (the "Year 2000 Issue"). While the Company believes that new software being installed into its computer system will address the Year 2000 Issue, there can be no assurance that the new software will be installed in time to remedy the Year 2000 Issue, that the Company's computer operating systems will not be disrupted upon the turn of the century or that such modifications will not require unanticipated capital expenditures. Any such disruption, whether caused by the Company's systems or those of any of its suppliers or customers, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Year 2000." Controlling Shareholders The Securityholders beneficially own substantially all of the outstanding membership interests of the Parent and collectively control the affairs and policies of the Company, including the ability to amend the Company's Certificate of Formation and the LLC Agreement (as defined). Circumstances may occur in which the interests of the Securityholders could be in conflict with the interests of the holders of the Exchange Notes. In addition, the Securityholders may have an interest in pursuing acquisitions, divestitures or other transactions that, in their judgment, could enhance their equity investment, even though such transactions might involve risks to the holders of the Notes. See "Security Ownership." Environmental, Health and Safety Requirements The Company and its operations are subject to comprehensive and frequently changing federal, state and local environmental and occupational health and safety laws and regulations, including laws and regulations governing emissions of air pollutants, discharges of wastewater and storm water and the disposal of solid and hazardous wastes. The Company is also subject to liability for the investigation and remediation of environmental contamination (including contamination caused by other parties) at the properties it owns or operates and at other properties where the Company or predecessors have arranged for the disposal of hazardous substances. As a result, the Company is involved, from time to time, in administrative and judicial proceedings and inquiries relating to environmental matters. There can be no assurance that the Company will not be involved in such proceedings in the future and that the aggregate amount of future clean-up costs and other environmental liabilities will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Environmental Liabilities" and "Business--Environmental, Health and Safety Matters." Federal, state and local governments could enact laws or regulations concerning environmental matters that affect the Company's operations or facilities or increase the cost of producing, or otherwise adversely affect the demand for, the Company's products. The Company cannot predict the environmental liabilities that may result from legislation or regulations adopted in the future, the effect of which could be retroactive. Nor can the Company predict how existing or future laws and regulations will be administered or interpreted or what environmental conditions may be found to exist at the Company's facilities or at other properties where the 21 Company or its predecessors have arranged for the disposal of hazardous substances. The enactment of more stringent laws or regulations or stricter interpretation of existing laws and regulations could require expenditures by the Company, some of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. See "Business--Environmental, Health and Safety Matters." Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, and subject to a three year notice period following the Closing, Raytheon has agreed to indemnify the Company for certain environmental liabilities in excess of $1,500,000 in the aggregate arising from the operations of the Company and its predecessors prior to the Merger, including with respect to environmental liabilities at the Ripon and Marianna facilities. In addition to the Raytheon indemnification, with respect to the Marianna, Florida facility, a former owner of the property has agreed to indemnify the Company for certain environmental liabilities. In the event that Raytheon or the former owner fail to honor their respective obligations under these indemnifications, such liabilities could be borne directly by the Company and could be material. Reliance on Trademarks and Other Intellectual Property The Company holds numerous United States and foreign trademarks that management believes have significant value and are important in the marketing of its products to customers. The Company owns numerous United States and foreign patents and has patent applications pending in the United States and abroad. In addition, the Company owns United States (federal and state) and foreign registered trade names and service marks and has applications for the registration of trade names and service marks pending in the United States and abroad. The Company also owns several United States copyright registrations and a wide array of unpatented proprietary technology and know-how. Further, the Company licenses certain intellectual property rights from third parties. The Company's ability to compete effectively with other companies depends, to a significant extent, on its ability to maintain the proprietary nature of its owned and licensed intellectual property. Although the Company's trademarks are currently registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and in all 50 states and are registered or have applications pending in 58 foreign countries, there can be no assurance that the Company's trademarks cannot be circumvented, do not or will not violate the proprietary rights of others or that the Company would not be prevented from using its trademarks if challenged. Any challenge to the Company for its use of its trademarks could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations, as a result of either a negative ruling with regard to the Company's use, validity or enforceability of its trademarks or because of the time consumed and the legal costs of defending against such a claim. In addition, there can be no assurance that the Company will have the financial resources necessary to enforce or defend its trademarks. In addition, there can be no assurance as to the degree of protection offered by the various patents, the likelihood that patents will be issued for pending patent applications or, with regard to the licensed intellectual property, that the licenses will not be terminated. If the Company were unable to maintain the proprietary nature of its intellectual property, such loss could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. See "Business-- Patents and Trademarks." 22 THE TRANSACTIONS Overview On May 5, 1998, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement") among Bain LLC, RCL Acquisitions, L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company ("MergeCo"), the Parent and Raytheon, MergeCo was merged with and into the Parent (the "Merger") with the Parent being the surviving entity. Prior to the Merger, Raytheon owned 100% of the equity securities of the Parent and Bain LLC, the BRS Investors and the Management Investors owned 100% of the equity securities of MergeCo. As a result of the Merger (i) Raytheon's limited liability company interest in the Parent was converted into the right to receive (a) an aggregate amount of cash equal to $339.5 million, subject to pre-closing and post-closing adjustments (which resulted in a reduction of $24.8 million as of December 31, 1998, substantially all of which was due to working capital levels) (b) a Junior Subordinated Promissory Note from the Parent in the original principal amount of $9.0 million which matures in 2009 (the "Seller Subordinated Note"), (c) preferred membership interests of the Parent with a liquidation value of approximately $6.0 million which are mandatorily redeemable in 2009 (the "Seller Preferred Equity") and (d) Common Units (as defined) of the Parent representing 7% of the total common membership interests of the Parent and (ii) Bain LLC's, the BRS Investors' and the Management Investors' limited liability company interests in MergeCo were converted into the right to receive up to 93% of the total common membership interests of the Parent. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, immediately following the Merger, the corporate name of the Parent was changed to "Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC." The Merger Agreement contains various other provisions customary for transactions of this size and type, including representations and warranties with respect to the condition and operations of the business, covenants with respect to the conduct of the business prior to the Closing (as defined) and various closing conditions. The transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement were funded by: (i) $200.0 million of term loan borrowings by the Company pursuant to the Senior Credit Facility; (ii) the Note Offering, with aggregate gross proceeds of $110.0 million (substantially all of the amounts in clauses (i) and (ii) were distributed to the Parent to fund the Merger and related fees and expenses); (iii) the issuance by the Parent of the Seller Subordinated Note to Raytheon in the original principal amount of $9.0 million; (iv) the issuance by the Parent of the Seller Preferred Equity with a liquidation value of approximately $6.0 million; (v) the Investors Equity Contribution; and (vi) the Raytheon Equity. Each of the Transactions was conditioned upon consummation of each of the others, and consummation of each of the Transactions occurred simultaneously. Simultaneous with the consummation of each of the other Transactions (the "Closing"), the Parent contributed (the "Parent Contribution") substantially all of its assets and liabilities to the Company. Immediately after the consummation of the Transactions, the Company became the only direct subsidiary of the Parent and succeeded to substantially all of the assets and liabilities of the Parent. Senior Credit Facility In connection with the Transactions, the Company entered into a credit agreement (the "Senior Credit Facility") with a syndicate of financial institutions (the "Lenders") for which Lehman Brothers Inc. acted as arranger and Lehman Commercial Paper Inc. acted as syndication agent. The Senior Credit Facility is comprised of a term loan facility aggregating $200.0 million (the "Term Loan Facility") and a $75.0 million revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Credit Facility"), which was made available in conjunction with the issuance of the Notes. The Term Loan Facility requires no principal payments during the first two years and amortizes at the rate of $1.0 million per year for years three through five, $40.0 million for year six and $157.0 million for year seven. The borrowings under the Term Loan Facility, together with the aggregate gross proceeds from the issuance of the Notes and from the Investors Equity Contribution, were used to consummate the Merger and pay fees and expenses in connection with the Transactions. In addition, the Revolving Credit Facility provides financing for future working capital and other general corporate purposes. See "Description of Senior Credit Facility." 23 Asset Backed Facility In connection with the Transactions, the Company, through the Financing Subsidiaries, entered into a $250.0 million Asset Backed Facility to finance trade receivables and notes receivable related to equipment loans. The Company offers equipment financing to end-users of its commercial laundry equipment to assist in their purchases of new equipment from the Company's distributors or, in the case of route operators, from the Company. See "Description of Asset Backed Facility." 24 USE OF PROCEEDS The Exchange Offer is intended to satisfy certain of the Company's obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement. The Company will not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of the Exchange Notes in the Exchange Offer. The sources and uses of funds from the proceeds from the Note Offering, the Investors Equity Contribution and borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility as of May 5, 1998 are set forth below:
May 5, 1998 --------------------- (Dollars in millions) Sources of Funds Senior Credit Facility(/1/): Revolving Credit Facility...................... $ -- Term Loan Facility............................. 200.0 9 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008........ 110.0 Seller Subordinated Note(/2/).................... 9.0 Seller Preferred Equity(/2/)..................... 6.0 Raytheon Equity(/2/)............................. 3.5 Investors Equity Contribution(/3/)............... 47.1 ------ Total sources of funds(/4/).................... $375.6 ====== Uses of Funds Merger consideration(/3/)(/4/)................... $333.2 Fees and expenses of the Transactions............ 22.4 Notes received from management(/5/).............. 1.8 Excess cash to fund working capital(/4/)......... 18.2 ------ Total uses of funds............................ $375.6 ======
- -------- (1) The Company received commitments of up to $275.0 million for the Senior Credit Facility, of which $200.0 million was in the form of a Term Loan Facility and $75.0 million was in the form of a Revolving Credit Facility maturing in 2003. At May 5, 1998, the Company borrowed $200.0 million under the Term Loan Facility and had no amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility. The Term Loan Facility requires no principal payments during the first two years and amortizes at the rate of $1.0 million per year for years three through five, $40.0 million for year six and $157.0 million for year seven. See "Description of Senior Credit Facility." (2) The Seller Subordinated Note and the Seller Preferred Equity issued by the Parent and the Raytheon Equity represent non-cash Merger consideration paid to Raytheon. The Seller Subordinated Note pays interest-in-kind and is not redeemable until 2009 or upon a change of control or an initial public offering. The Seller Preferred Equity does not accrete or accrue or pay dividends and is mandatorily redeemable in 2009 or upon a change of control or an initial public offering. (3) Reflects the issuance of membership interests in the Parent to the Securityholders in exchange for a capital contribution of $47.1 million. (4) The Merger consideration of $358.0 is subject to pre-closing and post- closing adjustments estimated as of May 5, 1998 to result in a reduction of $24.8 million, substantially all of which was due to changes in working capital levels. In addition, as a result of this reduction, the Company did not sell any notes receivable or accounts receivable to generate funds for use as of the Closing. In March 1999, the Parent and Raytheon agreed to an additional reduction of the Merger consideration of $2.8 million which is not reflected above in resolution of a dispute regarding working capital levels as of the Closing. (5) The Parent loaned approximately $1.8 million to the Management Investors to finance a portion of their purchase of membership interests in the Parent. 25 CAPITALIZATION The following table sets forth as of December 31, 1998 the capitalization of the Parent. This table should be read in conjunction with the "Selected Historical Financial Data" and the historical financial statements of the Company and notes related thereto included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
December 31, 1998 ------------ Parent ------------ (Dollars in millions) Long-term debt: Senior Credit Facility: Revolving Credit Facility...................................... $ -- Term Loan Facility............................................. 200.0 9 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008........................ 110.0 Junior Subordinated Note......................................... 10.1 ------ Total long-term debt........................................... 320.1 ------ Mandatorily redeemable preferred equity............................ 6.0 ------ Members' deficit................................................... (151.3) ------ Total capitalization........................................... $174.8 ======
26 UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL DATA The Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Data for the year ended December 31, 1998 are based on the historical financial statements of the Parent as adjusted to give effect to the Transactions. The pro forma adjustments were applied to the historical financial statements to reflect and account for the Merger as a recapitalization. Accordingly, the historical basis of the Company's assets and liabilities has not been impacted by the Transactions. The following Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 1998 gives effect to the Transactions as if they had occurred on January 1, 1998. See "The Transactions." The Unaudited Pro Forma Statement of Income is for informational purposes only and does not purport to represent what the Company's results of operations would have been if the Transactions had occurred as of the date indicated or what such results will be for any future periods. The Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Data are based upon assumptions the Company believes are reasonable and should be read in conjunction with the historical financial statements and the notes related thereto included elsewhere in this Prospectus. 27 UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME Year Ended December 31, 1998
Pro Forma Historical Adjustments Pro Forma ---------- ----------- --------- (Dollars in thousands) Net sales...................... $330,267 $ (930)(/1/) $329,337 Cost of sales.................. 251,159 -- 251,159 -------- -------- -------- Gross profit.................. 79,108 (930) 78,178 Selling, general and administrative expense........ 43,478 (140)(/2/) 43,682 344 (/3/) Nonrecurring costs............. 6,784 -- 6,784 -------- -------- -------- Operating income.............. 28,846 (1,134) 27,712 Other income, net............. 306 -- 306 Interest expense............... 21,426 11,192 (/4/) 32,618 -------- -------- -------- Income before taxes............ 7,726 (12,326) (4,600) Provision for income taxes..... 2,391 (2,391)(/5/) -- -------- -------- -------- Net income..................... $ 5,335 $ (9,935) $ (4,600) ======== ======== ========
28 NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA STATEMENT OF INCOME (Dollars in thousands) (1) Represents the reduction in gain recorded on the sale of notes receivable originated in the equipment financing program, as follows:
For the period January 1 through May 4, 1998 -------------- Historical gain on equipment financing program.............. $(3,114) Pro forma gain under the Asset Backed Facility.............. 2,184 ------- Net decrease in net sales................................. (930) =======
The Company recognizes a gain when notes receivable originated by the Company are sold to the Financing Subsidiaries. As part of the Transactions, the historical equipment financing program with the previous financial institution was terminated. The historical program provided the Company with certain preferential interest and advance rates due, in part, to guarantees made by the Company's former parent, Raytheon. As a direct result of the Transactions, Raytheon will no longer provide any such guarantees. As a result, the new Asset Backed Facility is therefore based on terms and conditions which are less favorable (both with respect to interest and advance rates) than the historical program. The pro forma gain under the Asset Backed Facility is calculated using the less favorable interest and advance rates partially offset by the impact of using estimates (when determining the gain to be recorded under the Asset Backed Facility) that reflect the performance of equipment loans similar to those expected to be sold under the Asset Backed Facility. The pro forma gain under the Asset Backed Facility is calculated based on the terms of the Asset Backed Facility and on the actual performance of the equipment loan portfolio both of which are factually supported by the agreements creating the Asset Backed Facility or the Company's books and records. The December 31, 1998 balance sheet includes a residual interest of $4.2 million related to the notes that had been sold since May 4, 1998. (2) Represents the reduction in loss recorded on the sale of trade receivables, as follows:
For the period January 1 through May 4, 1998 -------------- Historical loss on the trade receivables financing program. $(1,575) Pro forma loss under the Asset Backed Facility ............ 1,435 ------- Net decrease in selling, general and administrative ex- pense................................................... (140) =======
The Company recognizes a loss on trade receivables sold to the Financing Subsidiaries. As part of the Transactions, the historical trade receivables financing program with the previous financial institution was terminated. The historical program provided the Company with certain preferential interest and advance rates due, in part, to guarantees made by the Company's former parent, Raytheon. As a direct result of the Transactions, Raytheon will no longer provide any such guarantees. As a result, the new Asset Backed Facility is therefore based on terms and conditions which are less favorable (both with respect to interest and advance rates) than the historical program. The pro forma loss under the Asset Backed Facility is calculated using the less favorable interest and advance rates. The pro forma loss under the Asset Backed Facility is calculated based on the terms of the Asset Backed Facility which are factually supported by the agreements creating the Asset Backed Facility. The December 31, 1998 balance sheet includes a residual interest of $6.9 million related to the trade receivables that had been sold since May 4, 1998. (3) Represents the $1.0 million annual management fee to be paid to Bain for consulting and financial services to be provided to the Company. See "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions--Management Services Agreement." 29 (4) The increase in pro forma interest expense as a result of the Transactions is as follows:
For the period January 1, 1998 through May 4, 1998 -------------- Senior Credit Facility: Revolving Credit Facility(a).............................. $ 287 Term Loan Facility(b)..................................... 5,829 9 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008(c).............. 3,662 ------- Cash interest expense....................................... 9,778 Non-cash interest expense(d)................................ 1,414 ------- Net increase in interest expense.......................... $11,192 =======
(a) Represents interest and commitment fees on the $75.0 million Revolving Credit Facility using an assumed interest rate of 8.175% (LIBOR plus 2.375%) assuming an average annual outstanding balance of $5.8 million for the period from January 1, 1998 through May 4, 1998. (b) Represents interest on the Term Loan Facility using an assumed interest rate of 8.425% (LIBOR plus 2.625%). (c) Represents interest on the Notes using an interest rate of 9.625%. (d) Represents amortization of $16.2 million in deferred financing costs utilizing a weighted average maturity of 6.7 years and non-cash interest on the Seller Subordinated Note. An increase or decrease in the assumed weighted average interest rate on the Senior Credit Facility of 0.125% would change pro forma interest expense by $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 1998. (5) Represents the elimination of the historical provision for income tax. Historical amounts represent the Company's tax attributes as a division of Raytheon as calculated on a separate return basis. As the Parent and the Company are both limited liability companies, the individuals or entities who ultimately hold common membership interests in these limited liability companies are responsible for income taxes. Subject to certain limitations, the Company is allowed per Board of Managers' approval to distribute amounts necessary to pay income taxes related to its operations should the Securityholders have income tax obligations related to the ownership of their common membership interests. 30 SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA The following table sets forth selected historical combined financial data for the four years ended December 31, 1997 and selected historical consolidated financial data for the year ended December 31, 1998. For periods prior to the Transactions, the historical combined financial information represents the results of the Company. As a result of the Transactions, the Company is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Parent. Because the Parent is a holding company with no operating activities and provides certain guarantees, the financial information presented herein for periods subsequent to the Transactions represents consolidated financial information of the Parent, rather than consolidated financial information of the Company. The selected historical combined financial data for the four years ended December 31, 1997 were derived from the audited combined financial statements of the Company which for the two years ended December 31, 1997 are included elsewhere in this Prospectus, together with the report thereon of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants. The summary historical consolidated financial data for the year ended December 31, 1998 were derived from audited consolidated financial statements of the Company, which are included elsewhere herein, together with the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants. The following table should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the historical financial statements and the notes related thereto of the Company included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
Years ended December 31, ------------------------------------------------ 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- (Dollars in thousands) Statement of Income: Net sales.................... $267,445 $324,529 $318,263 $347,709 $330,267 Cost of sales................ 208,543 259,272 246,017 263,932 251,159 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Gross profit................. 58,902 65,257 72,246 83,777 79,108 Selling, general and administrative expense...... 29,782 35,360 34,464 40,827 43,478 Nonrecurring costs(/1/)...... -- 574 3,704 -- 6,784 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Operating income............. 29,120 29,323 34,078 42,950 28,846 Other income, net............ 312 778 685 (243) 306 Interest expense............. -- -- -- -- 21,426 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Income before taxes.......... 29,432 30,101 34,763 42,707 7,726 Provision for income taxes(/2/).................. 11,265 11,545 13,408 16,431 2,391 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Net income................... $ 18,167 $ 18,556 $ 21,355 $ 26,276 $ 5,335 ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== Other Operating Data: EBITDA(/3/).................. $ 37,573 $ 40,948 $ 45,908 $ 57,152 $ 44,241 EBITDA Margin(/4/)........... 14.0% 12.6% 14.4% 16.4% 13.4% Depreciation and amortization................ $ 8,141 $ 10,847 $ 11,145 $ 14,445 $ 16,671 Operating cash flows......... 19,381 17,517 77,192 39,654 6,787 Investing cash flows......... (19,659) (80,847) (21,177) (19,159) (5,511) Financing cash flows......... 549 63,126 (55,226) (20,249) 2,355 Capital expenditures(/5/).... 11,579 16,177 22,030 19,990 7,861 Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(/6/)................ 149.6x 153.0x 96.8x 108.8x 1.4x Balance Sheet Data (at end of period): Working capital (deficit).... $ (5,222) $ 66,673 $ 23,899 $ 15,434 $ 29,378 Total assets................. 201,496 220,063 209,795 205,086 214,204 Total debt................... 1,400 1,100 1,000 -- 320,124 Mandatorily redeemable preferred equity............ -- -- -- -- 6,000 Parent company investment/members' deficit. 93,335 175,317 141,546 148,573 (151,312)
31 - -------- (1) Nonrecurring costs in 1995 and 1996 are associated primarily with reductions in work force. In 1998 such costs relate to a $4.5 million restructuring charge and $2.3 million associated with payments under retention agreements with certain key employees. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-- Results of Operations." (2) Subsequent to the consummation of the Transactions, the Company is not a tax paying entity. Historical amounts represent the Company's tax attributes as a division of Raytheon as calculated on a separate return basis. See "Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Data." (3) "EBITDA," as presented, represents income before income taxes plus depreciation, amortization, cash interest expense and non-cash interest expense on the Seller Subordinated Note. Interest accrued on the Seller Subordinated Note is capitalized annually and will be repaid when the note becomes due. EBITDA is included because management believes that such information provides an additional basis for evaluating the Company's ability to pay interest, repay debt and make capital expenditures. EBITDA should not be considered an alternative to measures of operating performance as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, including net income as a measure of the Company's operating results and cash flows as a measure of the Company's liquidity. Because EBITDA is not calculated identically by all companies, the presentation herein may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. (4) Represents EBITDA as a percentage of net sales. (5) Excludes purchase of assets related to the November 1994 acquisition of the business of UniMac. For each of the five years ended December 31, 1998, capital expenditures excluding those relating to major new products, significant product redesign and major capacity additions, would have been less than $10.0 million. (6) For purposes of computing this ratio, earnings consist of income before income taxes plus fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of interest expense on all indebtedness and the estimated interest portion of rental expense. The Company had no significant interest or rental expense for the periods prior to the Recapitalization. 32 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations covers periods both before and after the consummation of the Transactions. In connection with the Transactions, Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC and its wholly owned subsidiary, Alliance Laundry Systems LLC entered into financing arrangements and significantly altered its capital structure. As a result of the Transactions, the Company is operating as a stand alone entity for the first time, and the historical combined financial statements and notes related thereto reflect management's estimates of certain costs associated with operating as a stand alone entity and reflect taxes that are not applicable to the Company following the consummation of the Transactions. Additionally, since September 10, 1997 the Company has sold consumer laundry equipment to Appliance Co. at negligible margins to cost compared to modest margins for sales to Raytheon's consumer appliance business in prior periods. Accordingly, the results of operations for the periods subsequent to the consummation of the Transactions will not necessarily be comparable to prior periods. See "The Transactions," "Capitalization," "Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Data," "Selected Historical Financial Data," "Description of Senior Credit Facility," "Description of Asset Backed Facility" and the historical financial statements and notes related thereto included elsewhere in this Prospectus. Overview The Company believes it is the leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of stand alone commercial laundry equipment in North America and a leader worldwide. Under the well-known brand names of Speed Queen, UniMac and Huebsch, the Company produces a full line of commercial washing machines and dryers with load capacities from 16 to 250 pounds. The Company's commercial products are sold to three distinct customer groups: (i) laundromats; (ii) multi-housing laundries, consisting primarily of common laundry facilities in apartment buildings, universities and military installations; and (iii) on- premise laundries, consisting primarily of in-house laundry facilities of hotels, hospitals, nursing homes and prisons. In addition, pursuant to the Appliance Co. Supply Agreement, the Company supplies consumer washing machines to the consumer appliance business of Appliance Co. for sale at retail. Internationally, the Company has developed targeted opportunities, generating equipment sales of $45.5 million and $34.1 million in 1997 and 1998, respectively. The Company's net sales have grown at a compound annual rate of 5.4% to $330.3 million in 1998 from $267.4 million in 1994. For this same period operating income before certain nonrecurring costs described herein has grown at a compound annual rate of 5.2% to $35.6 million in 1998 from $29.1 million in 1994. Significant Transactions Appliance Co. Transaction The Company's former parent, Raytheon, sold its consumer appliance business to Appliance Co. on September 10, 1997. In connection with the Appliance Co. Transaction, the Company entered into a two year agreement to supply consumer topload washers to Appliance Co. at selling prices that approximate cost. Prior to this supply agreement, transfers of product to Raytheon's consumer appliance business generated modest margins; in addition, in 1997, the Company incurred $0.9 million of transition costs associated with the Appliance Co. Transaction and $2.1 million of costs which would have been reimbursed under the terms of the Appliance Co. Supply Agreement. If this supply agreement had been in place for the full year of 1997, net sales would have been lower by approximately $3.6 million and operating income would have been lower by approximately $0.6 million. Accordingly, the results of operations for the periods subsequent to the Appliance Co. Transaction will not necessarily be comparable to prior periods. The Company also entered into a similar supply agreement for the Company to purchase commercial small-chassis frontload washers and dryers from Appliance Co. for one year and two years, respectively. Ripon Transition The Company is in the process of establishing at its Ripon facility the capability to manufacture small-chassis commercial dryers (beginning September, 1999) and has recently introduced a new line of commercial small- chassis frontload washers (beginning September, 1998). Until such time, the Company will continue to source these products from Appliance Co. The Company has provided notice to Appliance Co. that it will not be renewing the supply agreement to purchase small-chassis dryers after September 1999. Similarly, as of 33 September 1998, Appliance Co. had provided notice to the Company that it will not renew the supply agreement to purchase consumer topload washers from the Company. This supply agreement expires in September, 1999. As a result, the Company will experience a significant decline in unit volume. The Company's plan to introduce small-chassis frontload washer and dryer production and to cease production of consumer topload washers for Appliance Co. (the "Transition Plan") is expected to require aggregate capital expenditures of approximately $13.0 million ($2.9 million incurred in 1998) and nonrecurring expenses (such as plant reconfiguration, severance expenses and manufacturing start-up expenses) of approximately $2.5 million ($0.2 million incurred in 1998). To the extent that the Transition Plan is not completed in a timely manner or within expected costs, it could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. Equipment Financing Program Since 1992, the Company has provided equipment financing to laundromat owners, multi-housing route operators and on-premise laundry operators. From 1992 to January 1996, the Company provided financing through several external sources. Under these programs, the Company originated financing transactions and sold the notes receivable and the servicing rights to third parties. In January 1996, the Company developed an in-house program to replace its external financing programs, thereby retaining the benefits and risks associated with these financings. As notes receivable in this program were sold to the Company's Financing Subsidiaries, the Company recognized a gain in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Concurrent with the Closing of the other Transactions, the Company entered into the Asset Backed Facility, which provides $250.0 million of off-balance sheet financing for trade receivables and equipment loans. The Asset Backed Facility is structured in a manner that qualifies for off-balance sheet treatment in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. It is expected that under the Asset Backed Facility, the Company will continue to act as originator and servicer of the equipment financing promissory notes and trade receivables. The Asset Backed Facility is based on terms and conditions which are less favorable (both with respect to interest and advance rates) than the prior program. As a result, the earnings and cash flows resulting from the sale of trade receivables and equipment loans in the future will be negatively impacted by the sale of trade receivables and equipment loans to the Asset Backed Facility versus the prior facility. Results of Operations The following table sets forth the Company's historical net sales for the periods indicated:
Years Ended December 31, -------------------- 1996 1997 1998 ------ ------ ------ (Dollars in millions) Net sales Commercial laundry equipment....................... $209.1 $239.3 $220.1 Appliance Co. consumer laundry equipment........... 77.0 76.8 77.2 Service parts...................................... 32.2 31.6 33.0 ------ ------ ------ $318.3 $347.7 $330.3 ====== ====== ======
The following table sets forth certain condensed historical financial data for the Company expressed as a percentage of net sales for each of the periods indicated:
Years Ended December 31, ------------------- 1996 1997 1998 ----- ----- ----- Net sales........................................... 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Cost of sales....................................... 77.3% 75.9% 76.0% Gross profit........................................ 22.7% 24.1% 24.0% Selling, general and administrative expense......... 10.8% 11.7% 13.2% Nonrecurring costs.................................. 1.2% 0.0% 2.1% Operating income.................................... 10.7% 12.4% 8.7% Net income.......................................... 6.7% 7.6% 1.6%
34 Year Ended December 31, 1998 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 1997 Net sales. Net sales for the year ended December 31, 1998 decreased $17.4 million, or 5.0%, to $330.3 million from $347.7 million for the year ended December 31, 1997. This decrease was primarily due to decreases in commercial laundry equipment sales of $19.2 million which were partially offset by increases in consumer laundry equipment sales of $0.4 million and in service part sales of $1.4 million. The decrease in commercial laundry sales consisted of lower sales to international customers of $11.4 million and a decrease in laundromat sales of $11.5 million which were partially offset by higher earnings from the Company's off-balance sheet equipment financing program of $1.8 million. Sales to international customers were lower as the Company's products (priced in U.S. dollars) have become less competitive due to unfavorable exchange rate movements. The laundromat sales decrease was due to lower sales to a recently formed laundromat chain following higher sales in 1997 to support an initial nationwide rollout. Gross profit. Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 1998 decreased $4.7 million, or 5.6%, to $79.1 million from $83.8 million for the year ended December 31, 1997. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased to 24.0% for the year ended December 31, 1998 from 24.1% for the year ended December 31, 1997. The gross profit decrease is primarily attributable to the decreases in international sales, laundromat sales and higher field service expenses of $1.4 million related to late 1997 product introductions, and a decrease in consumer laundry selling prices and related service parts pricing under the Appliance Co. Supply Agreement. These reductions were partly offset by profit growth from other North American sales, manufacturing efficiencies and the increased earnings from the Company's equipment financing program. Selling, general and administrative expense. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 1998 increased $2.7 million, or 6.6%, to $43.5 million from $40.8 million for the year ended December 31, 1997. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales increased to 13.2% for the year ended December 31, 1998 from 11.7% for the year ended December 31, 1997. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to an increase in the Company's Argentina selling and administrative expense of $1.2 million and higher administrative expenses associated with being a stand-alone company of $1.3 million. Nonrecurring costs. Nonrecurring costs for the year ended December 31, 1998 were $6.8 million, with no nonrecurring costs recorded for the year ended December 31, 1997. Nonrecurring costs are comprised of employee retention costs of $2.3 million and a restructuring charge of $4.5 million ($3.6 million is non-cash) associated with the closing of the Company's Argentina coin laundromat operations. See Note 4--Nonrecurring Items in Notes to Financial Statements. Operating income. As a result of the foregoing, operating income for the year ended December 31, 1998 decreased $14.1 million, or 32.8%, to $28.8 million from $43.0 million for the year ended December 31, 1997. Operating income as a percentage of net sales decreased to 8.7% for the year ended December 31, 1998 from 12.4% for the year ended December 31, 1997. Interest Expense. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 1998 was $21.4 million, with no interest expense recorded for the year ended December 31, 1997. The increase is attributable to interest expense on debt issued in connection with the Recapitalization and represents interest from May 5, 1998 through December 31, 1998. Income Taxes. The provision for income taxes for the year ended December 31, 1998 decreased $14.0 million, to $2.4 million from $16.4 million for the year ended December 31, 1997. Income tax provisions recorded through May 4, 1998 represent the Company's tax attributes as a unit of Raytheon as calculated on a separate return basis. Effective May 5, 1998 the Company is a stand alone limited liability company, and is no longer subject to federal or state income taxes. 35 Net Income. As a result of the foregoing, net income for the year ended December 31, 1998 decreased $21.0 million, or 79.7%, to $5.3 million from $26.3 million for the year ended December 31, 1997. Net income as a percentage of net sales decreased to 1.6% for the twelve months ended December 31, 1998 from 7.6% for the year ended December 31, 1997. Year Ended December 31, 1997 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 1996 Net sales. Net sales for 1997 increased $29.4 million, or 9.2%, to $347.7 million from $318.3 million for 1996. This increase was due to an increase in commercial laundry sales of $30.2 million partially offset by slight reductions in Appliance Co. consumer laundry equipment sales and service parts. The increase in commercial laundry equipment sales consisted of increases of: (i) $14.7 million in laundromat sales due to the inclusion of a full year of sales to a new laundromat customer compared to two months in the prior year as well as increased sales to existing and other new customers; (ii) $4.7 million in multi-housing customer sales primarily due to increased sales to key customers under supply agreements; (iii) $3.7 million in on- premise laundry sales due in part to the Company's new product offerings in 1996 and 1997; (iv) $5.6 million due to increased volume of equipment financing promissory notes originated and sold pursuant to the Company's off- balance sheet equipment financing program; and (v) $1.5 million in other commercial laundry equipment sales. Gross profit. Gross profit for 1997 increased $11.6 million, or 16.1%, to $83.8 million from $72.2 million for 1996. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased to 24.1% for 1997 from 22.7% for 1996. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in commercial laundry equipment sales volume and related efficiencies, manufacturing cost reductions and growth in the Company's equipment financing program, which were partially offset by a decrease in Appliance Co. consumer laundry equipment selling prices under the Appliance Co. Supply Agreement, costs related to the Appliance Co. Transaction, new product start-up costs as well as increased depreciation. Selling, general and administrative expense. Selling, general and administrative expense for 1997 increased $6.3 million, or 18.3%, to $40.8 million from $34.5 million for 1996. Selling, general and administrative expense as a percentage of net sales increased to 11.7% for 1997 from 10.8% for 1996. The increase in selling, general and administrative expense was primarily due to a $3.4 million loss on sale recognized in connection with the increased level of trade receivables sold through the Company's Financing Subsidiaries, an increase of $1.9 million in selling and distribution expense resulting from increased sales and an increase of $1.3 million in engineering expense principally to support new product introductions. Operating income. Operating income for 1997 increased $8.9 million, or 26.1%, to $43.0 million from $34.1 million for 1996. Operating income as a percentage of net sales increased to 12.4% for 1997 from 10.7% for 1996. The increase in operating income was primarily due to the factors discussed above; in addition, nonrecurring costs of $3.7 million were incurred in 1996 primarily associated with the elimination of certain redundant processes as part of the consolidation of Raytheon's appliance businesses, which included the Company. See Note 4 to the Company's historical financial statements and notes related thereto included elsewhere herein. 1997 vs 1996 Income Taxes. The provision for income taxes for the year ended December 31, 1997 increased $3.0 million, to $16.4 million from $13.4 million for the year ended December 31, 1996. The income tax provision for 1997 reflects the higher pre-tax earnings. The effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997 is 38.5%. Net Income. As a result of the foregoing, net income for the year ended December 31, 1997 increased $4.9 million, or 22.9%, to $26.3 million from $21.4 million for the year ended December 31, 1996. Net income as a percentage of net sales increased to 7.6% for the year ended December 31, 1997 from 6.7% for the year ended December 31, 1996. 36 Liquidity and Capital Resources Post-Transactions Following the Transactions, the Company's principal sources of liquidity are cash flow generated from operations and borrowings under the $75.0 million Revolving Credit Facility. The Company's principal uses of liquidity are to meet debt service requirements, finance the Company's capital expenditures and provide working capital. The Company expects that capital expenditures in 1999 will not exceed $16.0 million, including all capital expenditures related to the Ripon Transition. The Company expects that ongoing requirements for debt service, capital expenditures and working capital will be funded by internally generated cash flow and borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and Asset Backed Facility. The Company has incurred substantial indebtedness in connection with the Transactions. As of December 31, 1998, the Company has approximately $320.1 million of combined indebtedness outstanding. The Company's debt service obligations could have important consequences to holders of the Exchange Notes. See "Risk Factors--Risks Relating to the Exchange Notes--Substantial Leverage." At May 5, 1998, after giving effect to the Transactions, the Company borrowed $200.0 million under the Term Loan Facility, issued $110.0 million of the Notes, issued a $9.0 million Junior Subordinated Note and had additional availability of approximately $75.0 million under the Revolving Credit Facility. Each of the $200.0 million Term Loan Facility and the $75.0 million Revolving Credit Facility comprising the Senior Credit Facility is subject to certain limitations on indebtedness set forth in the credit agreement governing the Senior Credit Facility up to maximum borrowings of $200.0 million and $75.0 million, respectively. As of December 31, 1998, the Company could have borrowed up to approximately $17.0 million in additional indebtedness under the Revolving Credit Facility. In addition, subject to certain limitations on the incurrence of indebtedness in the Indenture governing the Exchange Notes, the Company may issue additional Exchange Notes up to the aggregate principal amount of $200.0 million. As of December 31, 1998, the Company was not able to issue any additional Exchange Notes under the Indenture. See "Description of Senior Credit Facility" and "Description of the Exchange Notes--Certain Covenants--Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock." The $200.0 million Term Loan Facility amortizes quarterly and is repayable in the following aggregate annual amounts:
Amount Due ---------- (Dollars Year in ---- millions) 1999.......................... $ 0.0 2000.......................... $ 0.5 2001.......................... $ 1.0 2002.......................... $ 1.0 2003.......................... $20.5 2004.......................... $98.5 2005.......................... $78.5
The Term Loan Facility is also subject to mandatory prepayment with the proceeds of certain debt incurrences, asset sales and a portion of Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the Senior Credit Facility). The Revolving Credit Facility will terminate in 2003. See "Description of Senior Credit Facility." Concurrent with the Closing of the other Transactions, the Company entered into the Asset Backed Facility, which provides $250.0 million of off-balance sheet financing for trade receivables and equipment loans. The finance programs have been and will continue to be structured in a manner that qualifies for off-balance sheet treatment in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. It is expected that under the Asset Backed Facility, the Company will continue to act as originator and servicer of the equipment financing promissory notes and the trade receivables. See "Description of Asset Backed Facility." 37 The Company's ability to make scheduled payments of principal of, or to pay the interest or Liquidated Damages, if any, on, or to refinance, its indebtedness (including the Exchange Notes), or to fund planned capital expenditures, will depend upon its future performance, which, in turn, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive and other factors that are beyond its control. Based upon the current level of operations and anticipated growth, management believes that future cash flow from operations, together with available borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility, will be adequate to meet the Company's anticipated requirements for capital expenditures, working capital, interest payments and scheduled principal payments. There can be no assurance, however, that the Company's business will continue to generate sufficient cash flow from operations in the future to service its debt and make necessary capital expenditures after satisfying certain liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business. If unable to do so, the Company may be required to refinance all or a portion of its existing debt, including the Exchange Notes, to sell assets or to obtain additional financing. There can be no assurance that any such refinancing would be available or that any such sales of assets or additional financing could be obtained. See "Risk Factors--Risks Relating to the Exchange Notes-- Substantial Leverage." Historical Prior to the Transactions, the Company's principal sources of funds have been operations and short-term funding from Raytheon. The Company's principal uses of funds have been capital expenditures and distributions to Raytheon as described below. In 1998, the principal uses of funds included capital expenditures and amounts held as retained interests related to trade receivable and equipment loans under the Asset Backed Facility. See "Description of Asset Backed Facility--Advance Rate." Cash generated from operations during the year ended December 31, 1998 of $6.8 million decreased from $39.7 million for the year ended December 31, 1997. The decrease is attributable to (i) the lower net income for the period, (ii) amounts held as retained interests related to trade receivables and equipment loans under the Asset Backed Facility and (iii) lower levels of trade payables principally due to lower production activity in the fourth quarter of 1998. The Company's cash generated from operations during the year ended December 31, 1997 of $39.7 million decreased from $77.2 million for the year ended December 31, 1996. The decrease is primarily attributable to the one time impact in 1996 of the initial sale of $56.7 million of trade receivables through the Company's off-balance sheet financing facility and to the higher levels of notes receivable retained at December 31, 1997. These impacts were partially offset by a decrease in inventory levels in 1997. The Company retained a portion of notes receivable eligible for sale under its off-balance sheet equipment financing facility at December 31, 1997, as a result of having reached the maximum availability under that facility. Inventory decreased during the year ended December 31, 1997 principally due to the transfer of consumer laundry finished goods inventory to Appliance Co. at the time of the Appliance Co. transaction. Prior to the Transactions, cash has been transferred between the Company and Raytheon based on the Company's cash position. For the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively, the Company made cash and non-cash transfers to Raytheon of $17.5 million, $19.2 million and $55.1 million (including dividends of $7.7 million), respectively. The substantial transfer in 1996 was attributable to the cash generated from the initial sale of trade receivables through the Company's off-balance sheet financing facility. Capital Expenditures The Company's capital expenditures for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 were approximately $7.9 million, $20.0 million and $22.0 million, respectively. For the three years ended December 31, 1997, capital expenditures included investments for major new product updates and designs (approximately $16.5 million) and modernization programs at all three of the Company's manufacturing facilities, primarily related to increasing production capacity and reducing manufacturing cost (approximately $13.7 million) and Ripon transition costs of $2.9 million. Other capital expenditures of $16.8 million for the three years ended December 31, 1998 included ongoing cost improvements and maintenance programs. 38 Year 2000 The Company has completed the evaluation of its computer operating systems that would potentially be disrupted upon the turn of the century as a result of the Year 2000 Issue. As of February 1999, the Company estimates that it is Year 2000 compliant on over 80% of all business-related software and hardware and that it will be fully compliant by the end of the fourth quarter of 1999. The Company's current status with respect to both information technology ("IT") and Non-IT systems is as follows: IT software/hardware The Company believes that its Infinium financial system applications, including general ledger, accounts receivable, payroll, human resources and accounts payable subsystems, and its Mapics manufacturing systems applications are currently Year 2000 ready. In addition, the Company has conducted a comprehensive analysis of its Data3 manufacturing and internally developed order processing and warehouse location inventory systems for which Year 2000 readiness may be an issue. Impacted files within such systems and the programs which access them have been triaged according to urgency based on critical functionality and time period during which readiness will become an issue. As of February 1999, the Company estimates that 70% of the files and programs are Year 2000 ready and expects all files and programs to be Year 2000 ready by December 1999. In addition, suppliers have provided Year 2000 ready releases of the Company's Strategy Loan Management (implemented prior to year end 1998) and Salestax Reporting (implemented February 1999) systems. Based on the triage approach, ongoing testing in a development environment and advanced implementation of changes to critical systems, the Company currently anticipates that any Year 2000 vulnerability with respect to its IT software and hardware will be encountered and corrected in advance of a crisis situation. The Company currently estimates that all effectivity date processing changes will be completed and implemented by the end of the first quarter of 1999 and that critical date display functions which sort data by date will be completed by August 1999. The Company has completed an audit of IT hardware within the organization. Results indicate that the AS400 processing platform is Year 2000 ready and, as of February 1999, over 80% of the network, network software, printers and PCs in place throughout the organization are Year 2000 compliant. The network and network software will be upgraded with Year 2000 ready releases provided by suppliers during the third quarter of 1999. Phased upgrades to Company PCs and printers are planned during 1999 with periodic reassessment to ensure ongoing Year 2000 readiness. The Company's phone system will be upgraded for Year 2000 readiness in the second quarter of 1999. The Company currently believes that the worst case scenario with regard to IT would be the malfunction of a non-critical or sporadically used application. Although the Company believes this scenario to be unlikely, manual back-up procedures for these types of functions currently exist and would be initiated in the event of a Year 2000 readiness issue. Such malfunctions, if they were to occur, would be prioritized in conjunction with other critical projects being addressed at the time that the Year 2000 readiness issue arises. Non-IT software/hardware The Company began implementation of a coordinated effort in September 1998 to include every department in the challenge of ensuring Year 2000 readiness in Non-IT areas. Areas that were assessed included office machines, security access devices, Uninterrupted Power Sources, maintenance control chips within equipment used throughout the organization, robotics, process control devices, HVAC and electrical systems and Year 2000 date sensitive controlled devices. Under the direction of each functional Vice President, the Company has begun to implement programs to correct Year 2000 issues in Non-IT areas. In addition to such remedial actions, the programs include the development of contingency plans (such as additional inventory, alternate manufacturing processes, manual/procedures, etc.) for areas where Year 2000 readiness may be an issue. As of February 1999, 39 the Company currently estimates that Year 2000 readiness for Non-IT areas is 40% complete in the Ripon facility, 75% complete in the Madisonville facility and more than 80% complete in the Marianna facility. The Company currently anticipates that all Non-IT Year 2000 issues will be addressed by December 1999. Products, customers and suppliers The Company, an industry leader in the use of electronic display controls, uses micro controls, embedded chips and related software in several of its products. The Company evaluated 100% of its products for Year 2000 readiness between November 1997 and November 1998 and currently believes that its products are Year 2000 ready. The Company has prepared a product-related Year 2000 readiness Field Bulletin that is distributed to customers upon request. The Field Bulletin has been in use since the fourth quarter of 1998. The Company sent out Year 2000 readiness questionnaires to all suppliers in December 1998. As of February 1999, more than 60% of the Company's suppliers have responded to the questionnaire and indicated when its products and facilities will be Year 2000 ready. Based on the response to the initial questionnaire, the Company will prioritize the suppliers that could potentially have Year 2000 problems which could have a material adverse affect on the Company's operations and will formulate contingency plans to mitigate Year 2000 risk. The Company plans to routinely follow-up with suppliers to reassess and monitor Year 2000 compliance allowing contingency plans to be modified as required. Based upon our initial assessment, the Company does not believe there are significant Year 2000 issues that would have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition or results of operations. Costs In 1996, the Company utilized outside consultants to determine the scope of the Year 2000 readiness project. This cost was commissioned by the Company's former parent and was not incurred locally. The Company secured the services of one consultant that was used for a period of 18 months to assist with some of the initial code changes required for system conversions of the highest priority. In addition, expenses incurred by the Company related to Year 2000 readiness included operating and application software upgrades, personal computer and network computer upgrades, central computer upgrade and internal IT resources required to upgrade in-house developed application software. During 1998, expenditures related to Year 2000 were $1.2 million ($0.6 million in expense and $0.6 million in capital). In 1999, the Company has budgeted another $1.5 million ($0.9 million in expense and $0.6 million in capital) to support Year 2000 related projects. The Company estimates that $0.8 million ($0.6 million in expense and $0.2 million in capital) will be needed in 2000 for equipment upgrades and clean-up projects for seldom used low priority applications that have little impact on the Company's operations or performance. Certain of the Company's other IT projects have been delayed due to the allocation of internal IT development staff to Year 2000 readiness issues. However, quarterly project prioritization reviews occur at which time competing critical priorities are assessed. Up to this point, resources have been considered adequate to maintain progress on the Year 2000 readiness project while supporting other strategic projects. The Company believes that such deferrals will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition and results of operations. While the Company believes that new software being installed into its computer system will address the Year 2000 Issue, there can be no assurance that all of the new software will be installed in time to remedy the Year 2000 Issue or that the Company's computer operating systems will not be disrupted upon the turn of the century. Any such disruption, whether caused by the Company's systems or those of any of its suppliers or customers, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. See "Risk Factors--Company--Specific Risks--Computer System; Year 2000 Issue." Environmental Liabilities Federal, state and local governments could enact laws or regulations concerning environmental matters that affect the Company's operations or facilities or increase the cost of producing, or otherwise adversely affect the 40 demand for, the Company's products. The Company cannot predict the environmental liabilities that may result from legislation or regulations adopted in the future, the effect of which could be retroactive. Nor can the Company predict how existing or future laws and regulations will be administered or interpreted or what environmental conditions may be found to exist at Company facilities or at other properties where the Company or predecessors have arranged for the disposal of hazardous substances. The enactment of more stringent laws or regulations or stricter interpretation of existing laws and regulations could require expenditures by the Company, some of which could be material. See "Business--Environmental, Health and Safety Matters." Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In June 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," which requires that all derivative instruments be recorded on the balance sheet at their fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recorded each period in current earnings or other comprehensive income, depending on whether a derivative is designated as part of a hedge transaction and, if it is, the type of hedge transaction. Management of the Company anticipates that, due to its limited use of derivative instruments, the adoption of SFAS No. 133 will not have a significant effect on the Company's results of operations or its financial position. This Statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 1999. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk The Company is potentially exposed to market risk associated with changes in interest and foreign exchange rates. The Company does not and currently does not intend to hedge exchange rate fluctuations between United States dollars and foreign currencies. However, from time to time, the Company may enter into derivative financial instruments to hedge its interest rate exposures. An instrument will be treated as a hedge if it is effective in offsetting the impact of volatility in the Company's underlying interest rate exposures. The Company does not enter into derivatives for speculative purposes. Sales of the Company's products to international customers represented approximately 10% of 1998 net sales. At December 31, 1998, there were no material non-United States dollar denominated financial instruments outstanding which exposed the Company to foreign exchange risk. As noted above, the Company is exposed to market risk associated with adverse movements in interest rates. Specifically, the Company is primarily exposed to changes in the fair value of its $110 million senior subordinated notes, and to changes in earnings and related cash flows on its variable interest rate debt obligations outstanding under the Senior Credit Facility and its retained interests related to trade accounts receivable and equipment loans sold to the Company's special purpose finance subsidiaries. Borrowings outstanding under the Senior Credit Facility totalled $200 million at December 31, 1998. Retained interests related to sold trade accounts receivable and equipment loans totalled $6.9 million and $12.4 million, respectively, at December 31, 1998. The fair value of the Company's senior subordinated notes was approximately $106 million based upon prevailing prices in recent market transactions as of December 31, 1998. The Company estimates that this fair value would increase/decrease by approximately $6.0 million based upon an assumed 10% decrease/increase in interest rates compared with the effective yield on the senior subordinated notes as of December 31, 1998. An assumed 10% increase/decrease in the variable interest rate of 8.4% in effect at December 31, 1998 related to the term loan borrowings outstanding under the Senior Credit Facility would decrease/increase annualized earnings and cash flows by approximately $1.7 million. An assumed 10% increase/decrease in interest rates under the Asset Backed Facility at December 31, 1998 would not have a material effect on the fair value of the retained interest in sold trade accounts receivable due to the short-term nature of the underlying receivables. Finally, based upon the mix of variable and fixed rate equipment loans sold by the Company, a 10% increase/decrease in interest rates would decrease/increase the fair value of the Company's retained interests at December 31, 1998 of $12.4 million by less than $1.0 million. 41 BUSINESS Alliance believes it is the leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of stand alone commercial laundry equipment in North America and a leader worldwide. Under the well-known brand names of Speed Queen, UniMac and Huebsch, the Company produces a full line of commercial washing machines and dryers with load capacities from 16 to 250 pounds. The Company believes it has had the leading market share in the North American stand alone commercial laundry equipment industry for the last five years and has progressively increased its market share from approximately 21% in 1993 to 38% in 1997. The Company attributes its industry leading position to: (i) the quality, reliability and functionality of its products; (ii) the breadth of its product offerings; (iii) its extensive distributor network and strategic alliances with key customers; and (iv) its substantial investment in new product development and manufacturing capabilities. As a result of its market leadership, the Company has an installed base of equipment that it believes is the largest in the industry and that generates significant recurring sales of replacement equipment and service parts. Internationally, the Company has developed targeted opportunities, generating equipment sales of $45.5 and $34.1 million in 1997 and 1998, respectively. In addition, pursuant to an agreement, the Company supplies consumer washing machines to Appliance Co. for sale at retail. For 1997 and 1998 the Company generated net sales of $347.7 million and $330.3 million and EBITDA (as defined) of $57.2 million and $44.2 million, respectively. The Company believes it has developed the most extensive distribution networks to each of the three distinct customer groups within the North American stand alone commercial laundry equipment industry: (i) laundromats; (ii) multi-housing laundries, consisting primarily of common laundry facilities in apartment buildings, universities and military installations; and (iii) on-premise laundries, consisting primarily of in-house laundry facilities in hotels, hospitals, nursing homes and prisons. The Company estimates that in over 80% of the North American market its laundromat and on- premise laundry distributors are either the number one or number two distributor for their respective selling regions. In addition, the Company's in-house sales force has developed superior relationships with leading route operators that own, install and maintain commercial laundry equipment in multi-housing laundries, a critical factor in enabling the Company to grow its market share. Internationally, the Company sells its laundry equipment through distributors and to retailers. With an investment of over $77.0 million since 1994, the Company has substantially completed the development of many new products, the redesign of existing products and the modernization of its three manufacturing facilities in Wisconsin, Florida and Kentucky. Since January 1, 1997, the Company has introduced new product designs and new product models that comprise over 85% of its current product offerings. The Company believes its considerable investment in its product line and manufacturing capabilities has strengthened and will continue to enhance its market leadership position. ALC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alliance that was incorporated for the sole purpose of serving as a co-issuer of the Notes in order to facilitate the Note Offering. ALC does not have any substantial operations or assets of any kind and will not have any revenues. Prospective investors in the Exchange Notes should not expect ALC to participate in servicing the interest, principal obligations or Liquidated Damages, if any, on the Exchange Notes. See "Description of the Exchange Notes--Certain Covenants." Company Strengths Market Leader with Significant Installed Base. The Company believes it led the North American industry in sales to all customer groups, with a 38% market share overall in 1997. The Company's market share has increased progressively during the last five years for each customer group. As a result of its leading market position, the Company has achieved superior brand recognition and extensive distribution capabilities. The Company's market position has also allowed it to establish what it believes to be the largest installed base in its industry, which generates a significant level of recurring sales of replacement equipment and service parts and provides a platform for sales growth. Industry-leading Product Offering. The Company believes its product line leads the industry in reliability, breadth of offerings, functionality and advanced features. Its development team of more than 100 42 engineers and technical personnel, together with its marketing and sales personnel, work with the Company's major customers to redesign and enhance the Company's products to better meet customer needs. For example, the Company has introduced since January 1, 1997 new product designs and new product models that comprise over 85% of its current product offerings; the Company's new products emphasize efficiency and new technology, facilitating ease of use as well as improving performance and reliability. In addition, the Company believes it is the only manufacturer in North America to produce a full product line (including washers, dryers, washer-extractors and tumblers for all customer groups), thereby providing customers with a single source for all their stand alone commercial laundry equipment needs. Extensive and Loyal Distribution Networks. The Company believes it has developed the industry's most extensive North American distribution networks. The Company estimates its distributors are either the number one or number two distributor for their respective selling regions in over 80% of the North American market. Most of the Company's distributors have been customers for over ten years. In addition, through its in-house sales force the Company has developed excellent relationships with industry-leading route operators, who are direct customers of the Company. The Company believes its strong relationships with its customers are based, in part, on the quality, breadth and performance of its products and on its comprehensive value-added services. Leading National Brands. The Company markets and sells its products under the widely recognized brand names Speed Queen, UniMac and Huebsch. A survey commissioned by the Company in 1993 of more than 1,000 commercial laundry distributors and end-users ranked Speed Queen as the leader in terms of brand awareness and as an industry leader for quality and reliability. In the same study, UniMac was ranked a leading brand in the stand alone on-premise laundry industry; Huebsch and Speed Queen ranked first and second, respectively, in customer satisfaction. Strong and Incentivized Management Team. Led by Chief Executive Officer Thomas L'Esperance, the Company believes it has assembled the strongest management team in the commercial laundry equipment industry. The Company's seven executive officers have over 80 years of combined experience in the commercial laundry equipment and appliance industries. This management team has executed numerous strategic initiatives, including: (i) ongoing refinements to its product offerings; (ii) the development of strategic alliances with key customers; (iii) the implementation of manufacturing cost reduction and quality improvement programs; and (iv) the acquisition and successful integration of the commercial washer-extractor business of the UniMac Company ("UniMac"). In addition, senior management (the "Management Investors") owns approximately 19% of the Company's common units on a diluted basis. Business Strategy The Company's strategy is to achieve profitable growth by offering a full line of the most reliable and functional stand alone commercial laundry equipment, along with comprehensive value-added services. The key elements of the Company's strategy are as follows: Offer Full Line of Superior Products and Services. The Company seeks to satisfy all of a customer's stand alone commercial laundry equipment needs with its full line of products and services. The Company seeks to compete with other manufacturers in the commercial laundry equipment industry by introducing new products, features and value-added services tailored to meet evolving customer requirements. In 1998, for example, the Company introduced a new line of small-chassis frontload washers, offering multi-housing laundries increased water and energy efficiency. In addition, in 1997, the Company introduced its Automatic Balance System for topload washers, providing industry-leading out-of-balance handling; Alliance's new topload washers generate a higher g-force, thereby reducing moisture left in the laundry and drying time, ultimately reducing operating costs for the Company's customers. Develop and Strengthen Alliances with Key Customers. The Company has developed and will continue to pursue long-term alliances and multi-year supply agreements with key customers. The Company is the predominant supplier of new laundry equipment to Coinmach Corporation ("Coinmach"), the largest and fastest 43 growing operator of multi-housing laundries in North America. Similarly, the Company is the supplier of substantially all of the laundry equipment purchased by SpinCycle, Inc. ("SpinCycle"), an emerging leader in the North American laundromat industry. Continuously Improve Manufacturing Operations. The Company seeks to continuously enhance its product quality and reduce costs through refinements to manufacturing processes. The Company achieves such improvements through collaboration among key customers and its engineering and marketing personnel. Since 1995, the Company has progressively reduced manufacturing costs through improvements in raw material usage and labor efficiency, among other factors. These improvements are driven in part by the Company's goalsharing programs, through which the Company's manufacturing teams share in a portion of the cost reductions they achieve. Industry Overview The Company estimates that North American stand alone commercial laundry equipment sales were approximately $498.0 million in 1997, of which the Company's equipment sales represented approximately $187.0 million. The Company believes that North American sales of stand alone commercial laundry equipment have grown at a compound annual rate of approximately 4.5% since 1993. North American commercial laundry equipment sales historically have been relatively insulated from business and economic cycles, given that economic conditions do not tend to affect the frequency of use, or replacement, of laundry equipment. Management believes industry growth will be sustained by continued population expansion and by customers increasingly "trading up" to equipment with enhanced functionality, raising average selling prices. Manufacturers of stand alone commercial laundry equipment compete on their ability to satisfy several customer criteria, including: (i) equipment reliability and durability; (ii) performance criteria such as water and energy efficiency, load capacity and ease of use; (iii) availability of innovative technologies such as cashless payment systems and advanced electronic controls, which improve ease of use and management audit capabilities; and (iv) value-added services such as rapid spare parts delivery, equipment financing and computer aided assistance in the design of commercial laundries. Outside of the stand alone commercial laundry equipment market, the Company does not participate in manufacturing or selling commercial dry cleaning equipment or custom engineered, continuous process laundry systems. Each of these other markets is distinct from the stand alone commercial laundry equipment market, employing different technologies and distribution networks and serving different customer groups. Customer Categories. Each of the stand alone commercial laundry equipment industry's three primary customer groups--laundromat operators, multi-housing laundry operators and on-premise laundry operators--is served through a different distribution channel and has different requirements with respect to equipment load capacity, performance and sophistication. For example, equipment purchased by multi-housing route operators is most similar to consumer machines sold at retail, while equipment purchased by laundromats and on-premise laundries has greater durability, delivers increased capacity and provides superior cleaning and drying capabilities. Laundromats. Management estimates that laundromats accounted for approximately 52% of North American stand alone commercial laundry equipment sales in 1997. These approximately 35,000 facilities typically provide walk- in, self-service washing and drying. Laundromats primarily purchase commercial topload washers, washer-extractors and tumblers. Washer-extractors and tumblers are larger-capacity, higher-performance washing machines and dryers, respectively. Laundromats have historically been owned and operated by sole proprietors. Laundromat owners typically rely on distributors to provide equipment, technical and repair support and broader business services. For example, distributors may host seminars for potential laundry proprietors on laundromat investment opportunities. Independent proprietors also look to distributors and manufacturers for equipment financing. Given the laundromat owner's reliance on the services of its local 44 distributor, the Company believes that a strong distributor network in local markets differentiates manufacturers in serving this customer group. In addition to distributor relationships, the Company believes laundromat owners choose among different manufacturers' products based on, among other things: (i) availability of equipment financing; (ii) reputation, reliability and ease and cost of repair; (iii) the water and energy efficiency of the products (approximately 22% to 25% of annual gross wash and dry income of laundromats is consumed by utility costs, according to the Coin Laundry Association ("CLA")); and (iv) the efficient use of physical space in the store (since 15% to 20% of annual gross income of laundromats is expended for rent according to the CLA). Multi-housing laundries. Management believes that multi-housing laundries accounted for approximately 26% of North American stand alone commercial laundry equipment sales in 1997. These laundries include common laundry facilities in multi-family apartment and condominium complexes, universities and military installations. Most products sold to multi-housing laundries are small-chassis topload and frontload washers and small-chassis dryers similar in appearance to those sold at retail to the consumer market but offering a variety of enhanced durability and performance features. For example, topload washers sold to multi-housing laundries typically last up to 12,000 cycles, approximately twice as long as the expected life of a consumer machine. Multi-housing laundries are managed primarily by route operators who purchase, install and service the equipment under contract with building management. Route operators pay rent (which may include a portion of the laundry's revenue) to building management. Route operators are typically direct customers of commercial laundry equipment manufacturers such as the Company and tend to maintain their own service and technical staffs. Route operators compete for long-term contracts on the basis of, among other things: (i) the reputation and durability of their equipment; (ii) the level of maintenance and quality of repair service; (iii) the ability of building management to audit laundry equipment revenue; and (iv) the water and energy efficiency of products. The Company believes reliability and durability are key criteria for route operators in selecting equipment, as they seek to minimize the cost of repairs. The Company also believes route operators prefer water and energy efficient equipment that offers enhanced electronic monitoring and tracking features demanded by building management companies. Given their investments in spare parts inventories and in technician training, route operators are reluctant to change equipment suppliers. Therefore, the Company believes an installed base gives a commercial laundry equipment manufacturer a competitive advantage. On-premise laundries. Management believes that on-premise laundries accounted for approximately 22% of North American stand alone commercial laundry equipment sales in 1997. On-premise commercial laundries are located at a wide variety of businesses that wash or process textiles or laundry in large quantities, such as hotels and motels, hospitals, nursing homes, sports facilities, car washes and prisons. Most products sold to on-premise laundries are washer-extractors and tumblers, primarily in larger capacities up to 250 pounds. These machines process significantly larger loads of textiles in shorter times than equipment typically sold to laundromats or multi-housing customer groups. Effective and rapid washing (i.e., reduced cycle time) of hotel sheets, for example, reduces both a hotel's linen requirements and labor costs of washing and drying linens. The Company believes that in a typical hotel on-premise laundry, up to 50% of the cost of operations is labor. On-premise laundries typically purchase equipment through a distributor who provides a range of selling and repair services on behalf of manufacturers. As with laundromats, the Company believes a strong distributor network is a critical element of sales success. On-premise laundries select their equipment based on the availability of specified product features, including, among other things: (i) reputation and reliability of products; (ii) load capacity and cycle time; (iii) water and energy efficiency; and (iv) ease of use. In addition, the availability of technical support and service is important to an on-premise laundry's selection of an equipment supplier. 45 Trends and Characteristics Growth Drivers. The Company believes that continued population expansion in North America has and will drive steady demand for garment and textile laundering by all customer groups purchasing commercial laundry equipment. The Company believes population growth has historically supported replacement and some modest growth in the installed base of commercial laundry equipment. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the United States population has grown at a compound annual rate of 0.9% since 1988 and is projected to grow at approximately 1.0% per year on average over the next ten years. In addition, customers are increasingly "trading up" to equipment with enhanced functionality, raising average selling prices. For example, national customers in the laundromat and multi-housing customer groups are more likely to take advantage of recently available electronic features, which the Company believes provide such customers with a competitive advantage. Moreover, customers are moving towards equipment with increased water and energy efficiency as the result of government and consumer pressure and a focus on operating cost containment. Limited Cyclicality. North American commercial laundry equipment sales historically have been relatively insulated from business and economic cycles because economic conditions do not tend to affect the frequency of use, or replacement, of laundry equipment. Management believes industry growth will be sustained by continued population expansion and by customers increasingly "trading up" to equipment with enhanced functionality, raising average selling prices. Under all economic conditions, owners of commercial laundries typically delay equipment replacement until such equipment can no longer be economically repaired or until competition forces the owner to upgrade such equipment to provide improved appearance or functionality. The economic life of such equipment and thus timing of replacement of such equipment are also generally unaffected by economic conditions; the economic life of stand alone commercial laundry equipment is generally 7-14 years. International Growth. The Company anticipates growth in demand for commercial laundry equipment in international markets, especially in developing countries where laundry machine penetration remains low. As of 1995, only 40% of the population of South America and 20% of the Asian population had a washer in their home, compared to over 70% in North America. Reducing Customer Operating Costs. The time required to wash and dry a given load of laundry (i.e., cycle time) has a significant impact on the economics of a commercial laundry operation. Accordingly, commercial laundry equipment manufacturers produce equipment that provides progressively shorter cycle times through improved technology and product innovation to decrease labor costs and increase the volume of laundry that can be processed in a given time period. Examples of methods of reducing cycle time are: (i) increasing the fill, wash and drain rates; (ii) increasing water extraction capability by increasing spin rate; and (iii) decreasing the number of unfinished wash cycles by improving out-of-balance performance. Products Overview. The Company offers a full line of stand alone commercial laundry washers and dryers, with service parts and value-added services supporting its products, under the Speed Queen, Huebsch and UniMac brands throughout North America and in over sixty foreign countries. The Company's products range from small washers and dryers primarily for use in laundromats and multi-housing laundry rooms to large laundry equipment with load capacities of up to 250 pounds used in on-premise laundries. The Company also benefits from domestic and international sales of service parts for its large installed base of commercial laundry equipment. Internationally, the Company sells laundry equipment under the Speed Queen and private label brands. In addition, the Company produces consumer laundry washers for Appliance Co. under a supply agreement. See "--Appliance Co. Transaction." Washers. Washers, including consumer products sold to Appliance Co., represented approximately 61% of 1998 net sales and include washer-extractors, topload washers and frontload washers. 46 Washer-Extractors. The Company manufactures washer-extractors, its largest washer products, to process from 18 to 250 pounds of laundry per load. Washer- extractors extract water from laundry with spin speeds that produce over 300g's of centrifugal force, thereby reducing the time and energy costs for the drying cycle. Sold under the Speed Queen, UniMac and Huebsch brands, these products represented approximately 23% of 1998 net sales. Washer-extractors that process up to 80 pounds of laundry per load are sold to laundromats, and washer-extractors that process up to 250 pounds of laundry per load are sold to on-premises laundries. Washer-extractors are built to be extremely durable due to the enormous g-force generated by spinning several hundred pounds of water-soaked laundry, to the constant use of the equipment and to the high cost of failure to the user. In 1997, the Company introduced new features and increased capacity for washer-extractors. The Company believes this redesign further strengthens the Speed Queen and UniMac brands of on-premise laundry equipment as the leading products within the industry. Increased capacity models allow the Company to address a broader on-premise laundry customer base. The redesigned line combines greater productivity at less cost with more options to meet the demands of on-premise laundry customers, including improved features such as the Ultra-soft wash cycle, which allows laundering of the most delicate hand- washable draperies or bedspreads. Topload Washers. Topload washers are small-chassis washers with the capability to process up to 18 pounds of laundry per load with spin speeds that produce up to 150g's. Sold primarily to multi-housing laundries and laundromats under the Speed Queen and Huebsch brands, these products represented approximately 15% of 1998 net sales. In addition, the Company's sales of consumer washers to Appliance Co. represented approximately 23% of 1998 net sales. In 1997, the Company introduced its Automatic Balance System ("ABS"), which it believes provides the industry-leading out-of-balance handling. New topload washers with ABS deliver higher g-force, reducing moisture left in the laundry, thereby reducing drying time and energy usage. Frontload Washers. In September 1998, the Company introduced a new small- chassis frontload washer with the capability to process up to 18 pounds of laundry per load. Frontload washers are sold under the Speed Queen brand to laundromat and multi-housing customers. The frontload washer's advanced design uses 28% less water compared to commercial topload washers. Furthermore, decreased usage of hot water and superior water extraction in the high g-force spin cycle reduce energy consumption. This new frontload washer is available with front controls (front accessibility complies with Americans with Disabilities Act regulations) and can be purchased with a matching small- chassis dryer (single or stacked). The Company sourced frontload washers from Appliance Co. through September 1998. See "--Appliance Co. Transaction" and "--Ripon Transition." Dryers. Dryers represented approximately 25% of 1998 net sales and include tumbler dryers, standard dryers and stacked dryers. The Company also sells a new line of stacked frontload washers and dryers. Tumbler Dryers. Tumblers are very large dryers with the capability of drying up to 170 pounds of laundry per load. Tumblers represented approximately 16% of 1998 net sales. Tumblers are sold primarily to laundromats and on-premise laundries under all three of the Company's brands. The Company's new tumbler dryer design, introduced in October 1997, features commonality of internal components between models, reducing parts inventory and improving serviceability. These units have 33% to 50% fewer moving parts as compared to their previous design. In addition, these tumblers reduce drying time using 22% less energy as compared to their previous design. The Company's new product offering expands the capacity range of the tumbler dryer line to include the 25 pound single dryer, which is popular in foreign markets. Standard Dryers. Standard dryers are small capacity dryers with the capability to process up to 18 pounds of laundry per load. Sold under the Speed Queen and Huebsch brands, standard dryers (including stacked dryers) represented approximately 9% of 1998 net sales. In 1997, the Company introduced its newly designed standard dryer, which serves the multi-housing and international consumer markets. The Company believes the dryer's increased capacity, measuring 7.1 cubic feet, is among the largest in the industry. The size of the loading door 47 opening has also been increased to improve loading accessibility. The Company believes that the increased drying capacity and enhanced operational convenience that these improvements provide are critical factors to a customer's product satisfaction. The Company will source its standard and stacked dryers from Appliance Co. until September 1999. See "--Appliance Co. Transaction" and "--Ripon Transition." Stacked Dryers and Stacked Frontload Washers and Dryers. To enable its multi-housing customers to conserve valuable floor space, the Company offers a stacked unit consisting of two 18 pound standard dryers and will offer a stacked unit consisting of an 18 pound frontload washer paired with an 18 pound standard dryer. The Company believes it will be the only manufacturer of stacked frontload washer and dryer units. Service Parts. The Company benefits from the recurring sales of service parts to its large installed base. Such sales accounted for approximately 10% of 1998 net sales. The Company offers immediate response service whereby many of its parts are available on a 24-hour turnaround for emergency repair parts orders. Other Value-Added Services. The Company believes its customers attach significant importance to the value-added services it provides. The Company offers services that it believes are significant drivers of high customer satisfaction, such as equipment financing (which accounted for approximately 2% of 1998 net sales), laundromat site selection assistance, investment seminar training materials, computer-aided commercial laundry room design, sales and service training for distributors, technical support and service training material. In addition, the Company believes it offers an unmatched range of complementary customer services and support, including toll-free technical support and on-call installation and repair service through its highly trained distributors. The Company believes its extensive service capabilities, in addition to the dependability and functionality of its products, will continue to differentiate its products from the competition. Customers The Company's customers include more than: (i) 120 distributors to laundromats; (ii) 110 distributors to on-premise laundries; (iii) 110 route operators serving multi-housing laundries; and (iv) 75 international distributors serving more than 60 countries. The Company's top ten equipment customers (excluding Appliance Co.) accounted for approximately 26% of 1998 net sales (excluding sales to Appliance Co.). Coinmach, the largest multi-housing route operator in the United States, Macke Laundry Service, L.P. (which was acquired by Coinmach in early 1998), PWS Investments, Inc. and Metropolitan Laundry Machinery Co., Inc. were the Company's largest customers (excluding Appliance Co.), the largest of which, Coinmach, accounted for 11.1% of 1998 net sales (excluding sales to Appliance Co.). In addition, sales to Appliance Co. accounted for 23% of 1998 net sales. See "--Appliance Co. Transaction." Sales and Marketing Sales force. The Company's sales force of approximately 30 is structured to serve the needs of each customer group. In addition, the Company, through a staff of approximately 40 professionals, provides customers and distributors with a wide range of value-added services such as laundromat site selection assistance, investment seminar training materials, computer-aided commercial laundry room design, sales and service training and technical support. Marketing programs. The Company supports its sales force and distributors through a balanced marketing program of advertising and industry trade shows. Advertising expenses totaled $3.1 million in 1998 and included a variety of forms, from print and electronic media to direct mail. In addition, Company representatives attended over 40 trade shows in 1997 to introduce new products, maintain contact with customers, develop new customer relationships and generate demand for the Company's products. 48 Equipment financing. The Company, through the Financing Subsidiaries, offers an extensive off-balance sheet equipment financing program to end-users, primarily laundromat owners, to assist in their purchases of new equipment. Typical terms include 2-7 year loans with an average principal amount of approximately $50,000. Management believes that the Company's off-balance sheet equipment financing program is among the industry's most comprehensive and that the program is an important component of its marketing activities. In addition, this service provides the Company with stable, recurring income. The program is structured to minimize risk of loss. The Company adheres to strict underwriting procedures, including comprehensive applicant credit analysis (generally including credit bureau, bank, trade and landlord references, site analysis including demographics of the location and multiple year pro-forma cash flow projections), the receipt of collateral and distributor assistance in remarketing collateral in the event of default. As a result of these risk management tools, losses from the program have been minimal. Net write-offs inclusive of loans sold to third parties since the inception of the program in 1992 have been less than 0.5% as of December 31, 1998. See "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions" and "Description of Asset Backed Facility." Research and Development The Company's engineering organization is staffed with over 100 engineers and technical support staff. The Company's recent research and development efforts have focused primarily on continuous improvement in the reliability, performance, capacity, energy and water conservation, sound levels and regulatory compliance of its commercial laundry equipment. The Company's engineers and technical personnel, together with its marketing and sales personnel, collaborate with the Company's major customers to redesign and enhance its products to better meet customer needs. Research and development spending has increased from $4.8 million in 1994 to $8.4 million in 1998. The Company has developed numerous proprietary innovations that the Company uses in select products. Over the past two years, the Company has rolled out its MicroMaster line of electronically controlled tumblers and washer-extractors under the Speed Queen brand as well as its CardMate Plus debit card cashless system designed to replace coin payment systems. The Company believes this array of new products allows it to continue to be an innovative leader in electronic controls equipment. The Company believes improvements made to existing products and the introduction of new products have supported the Company's market leadership position. Competition Within the North American stand alone commercial laundry equipment industry, the Company competes with several large competitors. The Company believes, however, it is the only participant in the North American stand alone commercial laundry equipment industry to serve significantly all three customer groups with a full line of washer-extractors, washers, tumbler dryers and standard dryers. With respect to laundromats, the Company's principal competitors include Wascomat (the exclusive North American distributor of Electrolux AB products), Maytag Corporation and The Dexter Company. In multi- housing, the principal competitors include Maytag Corporation and Whirlpool Corporation. In on-premise laundry, the Company competes primarily with Pellerin Milnor Corporation, American Dryer Corporation and Wascomat. The Company does not believe that a significant new competitor has entered the North American stand alone commercial laundry equipment industry during the last ten years, however there can be no assurance that significant new competitors or existing competitors will not compete for the business of different customer groups in the future. Consequently, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to compete effectively in the future. Certain of the Company's principal competitors have greater financial resources and/or are less leveraged than the Company and may be better able to withstand market conditions within the commercial laundry industry. There can be no assurance that the Company will not encounter increased competition in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. 49 Manufacturing The Company owns and operates three manufacturing facilities in Wisconsin, Florida and Kentucky--with an aggregate of more than 800,000 square feet. The facilities are organized to focus on specific product segments, although each facility serves multiple customer groups. The Ripon plant presently produces the Company's topload washers and small-chassis frontload washers and is expected to produce the Company's small-chassis dryers, beginning in fall of 1999. The Company's large-chassis products are produced in Marianna (washer- extractors) and Madisonville (tumblers). The Company's manufacturing plants primarily engage in fabricating, machining, painting, assembly and finishing operations. The Company also operates four regional distribution centers, of which three are owned and one is leased. The Company believes that existing manufacturing facilities provide adequate production capacity to meet expected product demand. See "--Ripon Transition." The Company purchases substantially all raw materials and components from a variety of independent suppliers. Key material inputs for manufacturing processes include motors, stainless steel, aluminum, electronic controls, corrugated boxes and plastics; in addition, the Company externally sources finished frontload washers and dryers. The Company believes there are readily available alternative sources of raw materials from other suppliers. The Company has developed long-term relationships with many of its suppliers and has sourced materials from nine of its ten largest suppliers for at least five years. The Company is committed to achieving continuous improvement in all aspects of its business in order to maintain its industry leading position. All of the Company's manufacturing facilities are ISO 9001 certified. Properties The following table sets forth certain information regarding significant facilities operated by the Company as of December 31, 1998:
Approximate Location Function/Products Square Feet Owned/Leased -------- ----------------------------- ----------- ------------ Production Facilities Ripon, WI............... Manufacture Small Washers 425,400 Owned Marianna, FL............ Manufacture Washer-Extractors 222,200 Owned(/1/) Madisonville, KY........ Manufacture Tumbler Dryers 152,700 Owned --------- Subtotal 800,300 Regional Distribution Centers Ripon, WI............... Washers, Dryers, Tumblers 138,700 Owned Ripon, WI............... Service Parts 60,800 Owned Madisonville, KY........ Tumblers 80,000 Leased(/2/) Marianna, FL............ Washers, Washer-Extractors 37,000 Owned --------- Subtotal 316,500 Other Ripon, WI............... Div. Support 65,700 Owned Engineering, Procurement 43,100 Owned --------- Subtotal 108,800 --------- Total 1,225,600 =========
- -------- (1) The Marianna building is owned, however, the land is leased from the city of Marianna. (2) Up to 80,000 square feet of warehouse space is available and is rented on an as needed basis. Currently 40,000 square feet is rented. The Company believes existing manufacturing facilities provide adequate production capacity to meet product demand. See "--Ripon Transition." 50 Appliance Co. Transaction On September 10, 1997, Raytheon (the former parent of the Company) completed the sale of its consumer appliances business to Appliance Co. (the "Appliance Co. Transaction"). Prior to the Appliance Co. Transaction, Raytheon owned two plants that manufactured laundry equipment for both consumer and commercial use on the same production lines: (i) a facility in Searcy, Arkansas that manufactures small-chassis frontload washers and dryers and (ii) a facility in Ripon, Wisconsin that manufactures small-chassis topload washers. In connection with the Appliance Co. Transaction, Raytheon sold the Searcy facility to Appliance Co. and retained the Ripon facility. In addition, Appliance Co. entered into a supply agreement (the "Appliance Co. Supply Agreement"), including license and cross license agreements to purchase consumer topload washers from the Company until September 1999 (subject to certain extension rights), and the Company entered into a supply agreement with Appliance Co., including license and cross license agreements to purchase commercial small-chassis frontload washers and dryers until September 1998 and September 1999, respectively. Under both supply agreements, products are sold at prices that approximate cost. As of September 1998, Appliance Co. had provided notice to the Company that it would not be renewing the Appliance Co. Supply Agreement which expires in September 1999. In addition, the Company provided notice to Appliance Co. that it will not be renewing the supply agreement to purchase small-chassis dryers after September 1999. On April 17, 1998, Appliance Co. filed suit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against Raytheon and the Company seeking (i) declaratory relief that the Company is bound by a non-compete agreement between Appliance Co. and Raytheon that prohibits the participation by Raytheon and corporate affiliates of Raytheon in the consumer retail distribution laundry market, and (ii) unspecified damages from Raytheon and the Company for breach of the non-compete agreement. On June 2, 1998, Appliance Co. filed an amended complaint reiterating the allegations of the original complaint and also asserting that, by virtue of the manner in which they consummated the sale of the Company by Raytheon, both the Company and Bain tortiously interfered with the non-compete agreement between Appliance Co. and Raytheon. Appliance Co. now claims to be entitled to damages in excess of $100 million and also contends that, if the Company is not bound by the non-compete agreement, then Appliance Co. should also be relieved of any obligations under the non-compete agreement. The defendants dispute all Appliance Co. allegations, deny that Appliance Co. is entitled to any damages and have filed motions to dismiss all claims pertaining to the non-compete agreement, which are still pending. Raytheon has agreed to pay the attorney's fees and costs incurred by the Company and Bain in contesting this lawsuit. In late January 1999, Appliance Co. filed another amended complaint to add claims against Raytheon and the Company in connection with the Horizon washing machine, a "single-pocket" frontload washing machine that was being readied for volume production as of the time when Appliance Co. was entering into the Appliance Co. Transaction with Raytheon. Appliance Co. alleges that both Raytheon and the Company subsequently breached their contractual obligations with respect to preparing the Horizon for volume production and misrepresented the readiness of the Horizon for volume production. Both the Company and Raytheon are moving to dismiss these claims. Appliance Co. also alleges that the Company has breached its contractual obligations to provide competent engineering services in connection with preparing the Horizon for volume production and also breached its duty of due care in the course of providing Appliance Co. with these engineering services. Appliance Co. seeks damages for (i) the profits it claims to have lost by virtue of not being able to sell the Horizon, (ii) the damage to its commercial standing that is allegedly attributable to its sale of defective washers to critical customers, and (iii) the expenses it incurred in preparing for volume production of the Horizon. In addition, Raytheon has agreed to hold the Company harmless against claims pertaining to the Horizon and to reimburse the Company for any fees incurred in defending these claims. There can be no assurance that the Company will prevail in the Appliance Co. lawsuit and, accordingly, the Company may be prohibited for some period of time from participating in the consumer retail distribution laundry market. The Company does not currently participate in this market. In addition, although the Company does not believe that it is reasonably likely that Appliance Co. will prevail in the lawsuit, if Appliance Co. did prevail, the Company could be required to pay the claimed damages in excess of $100 million and if so, such payment would have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. 51 Ripon Transition The Company is in the process of establishing at its Ripon facility the capability to manufacture small-chassis dryers (beginning September, 1999) and has recently introduced a new line of commercial small-chassis frontload washers (beginning September, 1998). Until such time, the Company will continue to source small-chassis dryers from Appliance Co. Similarly, the Company expects Appliance Co. to begin producing topload washers at its own facilities in September 1999. The Company's plan to introduce small-chassis frontload washer and dryer production and to cease production of consumer topload washers for Appliance Co. (the "Transition Plan") is expected to require aggregate capital expenditures of approximately $13.0 million ($2.9 million incurred in 1998) and nonrecurring expenses (such as plant reconfiguration, severance expenses and manufacturing start-up expenses) of approximately $2.5 million ($0.2 million incurred in 1998). The Company is confident in its ability to successfully execute the Transition Plan for the following reasons: (i) except for certain discrete improvements, the Company is replicating production processes, equipment and tooling that its own engineers designed and installed in the Searcy facility and (ii) the Company will benefit from experience in the Searcy facility to improve upon existing designs and manufacturing processes at the Ripon facility. Consumer topload washers sold to Appliance Co. accounted for a substantial percentage of the unit volume of the Ripon facility and represented approximately 23% of 1998 net sales. The Company expects the decline in topload washer production volume at the Ripon facility resulting from termination of the Appliance Co. Supply Agreement will be offset in part by the introduction of dryer and frontload washer production and by growth in sales to other customers. After implementation of the Transition Plan, the Company believes the Ripon facility will be the world's largest facility dedicated to manufacturing small-chassis commercial laundry equipment, comprised of three "focused factories," each with its own dedicated manufacturing and engineering teams. The Company believes the implementation of the Transition Plan will enable it to respond more flexibly and rapidly to customer requirements with product changes as a result of (i) improved communication and coordination among the design, engineering, marketing and sales organizations centralized at the Ripon facility and (ii) the ability to concentrate exclusively on medium volume, higher margin products. New Business Opportunities The Company is evaluating a number of new business opportunities. For example, the Company sees a potential opportunity to become a full-line supplier of environmentally safe dry-cleaning equipment as the dry-cleaning industry comes under increasing regulatory and consumer pressure to provide environmentally friendly services. The cornerstone of this strategy is the development of a CO\\2\\-based dry cleaning machine, based on a technology for which the Company holds one of only two North American licenses. The Company is also evaluating certain opportunities to increase sales of existing products in international markets. Patents and Trademarks The Company's trademarks are currently registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and in all 50 states and registered or applications are pending in 58 foreign countries. Management believes that such trademarks have significant value and are important in the marketing of its products to customers. The Company owns numerous United States and foreign patents and has patent applications pending in the United States and abroad. In addition, the Company owns United States (federal and state) and foreign registered trade names and service marks and has applications for the registration of trade names and service marks pending in the United States and abroad. The Company also owns several United States copyright registrations and a wide array of unpatented proprietary technology and know-how. Further, the Company licenses certain intellectual property rights from third parties. The Company's ability to compete effectively with other companies depends, to a significant extent, on its ability to maintain the proprietary nature of its owned and licensed intellectual property. 52 Legal Proceedings Various claims and legal proceedings generally incidental to the normal course of business are pending or threatened against the Company. While the Company cannot predict the outcome of these matters, in the opinion of management, any liability arising thereunder will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations after giving effect to provisions already recorded. In addition, the Company is currently involved in litigation with Appliance Co. which the Company believes will not result in material monetary obligation to the Company. See "Business--Appliance Co. Transaction." On February 8, 1999, Raytheon commenced an arbitration under the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association in Boston, Massachusetts against the Parent. Raytheon seeks damages of $12,223,310.66 plus interest thereon and attorney's fees for breach of the Merger Agreement based on Raytheon's claim for indemnification for a payment made to a third party allegedly on behalf of the Parent and the Company following the Closing Date. Raytheon also filed suit that same day in Massachusetts Superior Court for the county of Middlesex seeking the same relief; the suit was dismissed by Raytheon without prejudice in March 1999. The Parent believes that Raytheon owed the $12,223,310.66 to the third party and that neither the Parent nor the Company is liable for such amount. In addition, the Parent and Bain LLC have filed counterclaims and claims, respectively, seeking damages in excess of $30 million from Raytheon. See "The Transactions." Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Bain LLC, the Parent and Raytheon have agreed on a post-closing price adjustment of $2.8 million due to the Company from Raytheon, as a result of a dispute regarding working capital levels as of the Closing. The parties have agreed this amount will not be paid to the Company until the resolution of the arbitration discussed above or this amount will be offset against any amounts due to Raytheon from the Company as a result of such arbitration, and as such, this amount has not been reflected in the accompanying financial statements. Environmental, Health and Safety Matters The Company and its operations are subject to comprehensive and frequently changing federal, state and local environmental and occupational health and safety laws and regulations, including laws and regulations governing emissions of air pollutants, discharges of waste and storm water and the disposal of hazardous wastes. The Company is also subject to liability for the investigation and remediation of environmental contamination (including contamination caused by other parties) at the properties it owns or operates and at other properties where the Company or predecessors have arranged for the disposal of hazardous substances. As a result, the Company is involved, from time to time, in administrative and judicial proceedings and inquires relating to environmental matters. There can be no assurance that the Company will not be involved in such proceedings in the future and that the aggregate amount of future clean-up costs and other environmental liabilities will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. The Company believes that its facilities and operations are in material compliance with all environmental, health and safety laws. Federal, state and local governments could enact laws or regulations concerning environmental matters that affect the Company's operations or facilities or increase the cost of producing, or otherwise adversely affect the demand for, the Company's products. The Company cannot predict the environmental liabilities that may result from legislation or regulations adopted in the future, the effect of which could be retroactive. Nor can the Company predict how existing or future laws and regulations will be administered or interpreted or what environmental conditions may be found to exist at the Company's facilities or at other properties where the Company or its predecessors have arranged for the disposal of hazardous substances. Certain environmental investigatory and remedial work is underway or planned at, or relating to, the Company's Marianna, Florida and Ripon, Wisconsin manufacturing facilities and at a facility in Omro, Wisconsin formerly leased by the Company. With respect to the Marianna facility, such work is being conducted by a former owner of the property and is being funded through an escrow account, the available balance of which 53 the Company believes to be substantially greater than remaining remediation costs. With respect to the Ripon facility, such work will be conducted by the Company. The Company currently expects to incur costs of approximately $200,000 through 1999 at the Ripon facility to complete remedial work, subject to the Raytheon indemnification described below. There can be no assurance, however, that additional remedial costs will not be incurred by the Company in the future with respect to the Ripon facility. With respect to the Omro facility, the Company leased the Omro facility through July 1998 at which time it completed a transition to outsourced aluminum die castings. The remedial work is being conducted by Raytheon, the current owner of the facility, at Raytheon's sole cost and expense. The Company does not currently expect to incur any costs with respect to the remediation of the Omro facility. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, and subject to a three year notice period following the Closing, Raytheon has agreed to indemnify the Company for certain environmental liabilities in excess of $1,500,000 in the aggregate arising from the operations of the Company and its predecessors prior to the Merger, including with respect to environmental liabilities at the Ripon and Marianna facilities. In addition to the Raytheon indemnification, with respect to the Marianna, Florida facility, a former owner of the property has agreed to indemnify the Company for certain environmental liabilities. In the event that Raytheon or the former owner fail to honor their respective obligations under these indemnifications, such liabilities could be borne directly by the Company and could be material. The Company has also received an order from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") requiring participation in clean-up activities at the Marina Cliffs site in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the location of a former drum reconditioner. EPA asserted that the Ripon facility was a generator of wastes that were disposed of at the Marina Cliffs site. The asserted disposal predated the Company's ownership of the Ripon facility. The Company believes that EPA also has contacted a prior owner of the facility to assert that the former owner may be liable. There is an established group of potentially responsible parties that are conducting a cleanup of the site. The group has estimated that the cleanup will cost approximately $5 million. The group proposed to settle their alleged claims against the Company, and to protect the Company from further liability at the site, for approximately $100,000. The Company declined the proposal because it believes that any liability related to the site is borne by the Ripon facility's prior owner, and not be the Company. The Company has met with EPA to explain its defenses to enforcement of the administrative order. However, in the event the Company were to incur liability related to the site, the Company believes that any allocated remediation costs (currently estimated by the Company at $100,000 based upon on the proposed settlement offer mentioned above which would protect the Company from further liability at the site) would not have a material adverse affect on its business, financial condition or results of operations. Employees As of February 1999, the Company had approximately 1,623 full-time employees. Approximately 610 of the Company's employees at its Ripon, Wisconsin facility are represented by The United Steel Workers of America. The Company is periodically in negotiations with The United Steel Workers of America. The Company considers its overall relations with its work force to be satisfactory. The Company's current contract with The United Steel Workers of America for its Ripon employees was approved in March 1999 and will expire in February 2002. 54 MANAGEMENT Managers and Executive Officers The representatives to the Board of Managers and executive officers of the Company following the Merger are as follows:
Name Age Position ---- --- -------- Thomas F. L'Esperance... 50 Chief Executive Officer and Manager Jeffrey J. Brothers..... 52 Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing Bruce P. Rounds......... 42 Vice President, Chief Financial Officer Herman W. Beach......... 52 Vice President, Washer-Extractor Operations R. Scott Gaster......... 46 Vice President, Washer, Dryer and Tumbler Operations Robert T. Wallace....... 43 Vice President, Controller Scott L. Spiller........ 48 Vice President, Law and Human Resources Edward W. Conard........ 41 Manager Robert C. Gay........... 46 Manager Stephen C. Sherrill..... 43 Manager Philip S. Taymor........ 42 Manager
Thomas F. L'Esperance has been Chief Executive Officer of the Company since March 1996. He had served as President of the Amana Home Appliance Company from 1993 to 1996 and was President of Caloric Corporation, a manufacturer of appliances, for two years prior thereto. Jeffrey J. Brothers has been Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing of the Company since October 1989. He has been employed with the Company since 1977. Mr. Brothers has been involved in sales for the Company since 1983 and has held other positions such as Manager of Distribution Development, Plant Controller and Financial Analyst. Bruce P. Rounds joined the Company in 1989 as Vice President of Finance and was promoted to his current position in February 1998. He held the position of Vice President, Business Development, for the Company from 1996 to 1998. Before coming to the Company, he served in a variety of capacities for eight years at Mueller Company and for three years with Price Waterhouse. He is a Certified Public Accountant. Herman W. Beach has worked for Raytheon and the Company for nearly 20 years and has held his current position since April 1996. His employment with Raytheon began in the Missile Systems Company for two years. His career with the Company began in 1980 with positions in Human Resources and Strategic Planning. Mr. Beach's prior work experiences include the Tennessee Valley Authority and H.D. Lee Company. R. Scott Gaster joined the Company as Vice President, Procurement and Materials, in June 1995. He took on the added responsibility of Vice President of Washer and Dryer Operations in July 1997 and Tumbler Operations in August 1998. Mr. Gaster has also retained his former purchasing responsibilities. Prior to joining the Company, he was employed by GKN Automotive, Inc. from 1979 to 1995 in such positions as Director of Procurement and Logistics, Corporate Purchasing Agent and Purchasing Manager. Robert T. Wallace has been Vice President, Controller, of the Company since June 1996. He held positions as Controller and Manager-Reporting and Analysis for the Company from 1990 to 1996. Mr. Wallace's previous experience includes two years as Controller of Alcolac (chemicals), four years as Manager of Reporting and Analysis with Mueller Company, five years with Ohmeda and two years with Price Waterhouse. He is a Certified Public Accountant. 55 Scott L. Spiller has been Vice President of Law & Human Resources, and General Counsel of the Company since February 1998. From April 1996 to February 1998, Mr. Spiller was practicing law as a sole proprietor. Prior to that, he was General Counsel and Secretary of the Company for ten years. Edward W. Conard serves as a Manager following the Merger. He has been a Managing Director of Bain since March 1993. From 1990 to 1992, Mr. Conard was a director of Wasserstein Perella, an investment banking firm that specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Previously, he was a Vice President of Bain & Company, where he headed the management consulting firm's operations practice area. Mr. Conard also serves as a director of Waters Corporation, Details Holdings Corp., Details, Inc. and Cambridge Automotive. Robert C. Gay serves as a Manager following the Merger. Mr. Gay has been a Managing Director of Bain since 1993 and has been a General Partner of Bain Venture Capital since 1989. From 1988 through 1989, Mr. Gay was a principal of Bain Venture Capital. Mr. Gay is Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of IHF Capital, Inc., parent of ICON Health & Fitness Inc. Mr. Gay also serves as a director of Alliance Entertainment Corp., GT Bicycles, Inc., Physio-Control International Corporation, Cambridge Industries, Inc., Nutraceutical Corporation, American Pad & Paper Company, GS Technologies and Small Fry Snack Foods Limited. Stephen C. Sherrill serves as a Manager following the Merger. Mr. Sherrill has been a principal of Bruckmann, Rosser, Sherrill & Co., L.P. since its formation in 1995. Mr. Sherrill was an officer of Citicorp Venture Capital, Ltd. from 1983 through 1994. Mr. Sherrill is a director of Galey & Lord, Inc., Jitney-Jungle Stores of America, Inc., Restaurant Associates Corp., B & G Foods, Inc., Windy Hill Pet Food Company, Inc. and HealthPlus Corporation. Philip S. Taymor serves as a Manager. Mr. Taymor has been Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Waters Corporation since August 1994. Previously, he was an officer in the Millipore organization, including Corporate Controller, Director of Finance of Millipore's Membrane Division and Manager of Corporate Accounting. Mr. Taymor joined Millipore from Grant Thornton & Company, Certified Public Accountants. Executive Compensation The following table sets forth information concerning the annual and long- term compensation for services in all capacities to the Company or its predecessor for 1998 of those persons who served as (i) the chief executive officer during 1998 and (ii) the other four most highly compensated executive officers of the Company or its predecessor for 1998 (collectively, the "Named Executive Officers"): Summary Compensation Table
Annual Compensation ---------------------------------- Other Annual Name and Principal Position Year Salary($) Bonus($) Compensation($) --------------------------- ---- --------- -------- --------------- Thomas F. L'Esperance................ 1998 310,003 94,615 6,529(/1/) R. Scott Gaster...................... 1998 131,700 31,780 -- Jeffrey J. Brothers.................. 1998 126,006 21,775 -- Herman W. Beach...................... 1998 120,696 30,294 -- Bruce P. Rounds...................... 1998 119,700 25,160 --
- -------- (1)Represents payments for nondeductible moving expenses. Retention Agreements In connection with the Merger, the Company has succeeded to retention agreements originally entered into by Raytheon Commercial Laundry LLC in connection with the sale of its commercial laundry business. The retention agreements are with certain key executives, managers and commissioned salespeople, including Mr. L'Esperance, Mr. Gaster, Mr. Brothers, Mr. Beach, Mr. Rounds and Mr. Wallace and have remaining terms of approximately one year. As of December 31, 1998, the Company's remaining aggregate commitment under these agreements was $1.8 million of which $0.4 million was accrued at December 31, 1998. 56 Employment Agreement In connection with the Merger, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Thomas F. L'Esperance. Such agreement provides for: (i) a five year employment term; (ii) a minimum base salary and bonus following the end of each fiscal year so long as the Company employs Mr. L'Esperance; (iii) severance benefits; (iv) non-competition, non-solicitation and confidentiality agreements; and (v) other terms and conditions of Mr. L'Esperance's employment. Executive Unit Purchase Agreement In connection with the Merger, MergeCo entered into Executive Unit Purchase Agreements with certain members of management of the Company (each, an "Executive"), including Mr. L'Esperance, Mr. Gaster, Mr. Brothers, Mr. Beach, Mr. Rounds, Mr. Spiller and Mr. Wallace. Such agreements govern the sale to the Executives of common membership interests of MergeCo in exchange for cash and/or a promissory note from the Executive and provide for repurchase rights and restrictions on transfer of the common units. In connection with the Merger, the Executives' membership interests in MergeCo were converted into common membership interests of the Parent. Deferred Compensation Agreement In connection with the Merger, Raytheon, the Company and the Parent entered into Deferred Compensation Agreements with certain Executives, including Mr. L'Esperance, Mr. Gaster, Mr. Brothers, Mr. Beach, Mr. Rounds and Mr. Wallace whereby the Company assumed certain long term compensation obligations earned by management under programs established by Raytheon. Such agreements provide for the deferral of compensation until the earlier of (i) the payment of a lump sum (the "Benefit Amount") to the Executive ten years after the date of such agreement, regardless of whether the Executive is employed by the Company as of such date or (ii) the payment of the Benefit Amount upon the occurrence of certain events described therein. Pension Plan Substantially all eligible salaried employees of the Company, including executive officers of the Company, are covered under the Alliance Laundry Systems Retirement Income Plan (the "Pension Plan"). The cost of the Pension Plan is borne entirely by the Company. Annual amounts of normal retirement pension commencing at age 65 based on the highest consecutive sixty months of compensation over the prior ten years of service are illustrated in the following table: Pension Plan Table
Years of Service ----------------------------------------------- Remuneration 15 20 25 30 35 40 ------------ ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- $ 50,000........................ 9,450 12,600 14,700 16,800 18,900 21,000 75,000........................ 15,669 20,892 24,373 27,855 31,377 34,819 100,000........................ 22,419 29,892 34,873 39,855 44,837 49,819 150,000........................ 35,919 47,892 55,873 63,855 71,837 79,819 200,000........................ 49,419 65,892 76,873 87,855 98,837 109,819 300,000........................ 76,419 101,892 118,873 135,855 152,837 169,819 400,000........................ 103,419 137,872 160,873 183,855 206,837 229,819 500,000........................ 130,419 173,892 202,873 231,855 260,837 289,819
The annual pension amount is equal to the participant's highest consecutive sixty months of compensation over the prior ten years of service less the participant's primary social security amount, multiplied by 1.8% for each of the first 20 years of service and multiplied by 1.2% for each year of Benefit Service in excess of 20. The participant's final average earnings is defined generally as a the highest consecutive five year average of the 57 participant's base salary and bonus during the last ten years. The amount of earnings that can be recognized for plan purposes is limited by the IRS to $160,000 in 1998. A participant vests in his benefits accrued under the Pension Plan after five years of service. Respective years of benefit service under the Pension Plan, through December 31, 1998, are as follows: Mr. L'Esperance 0; Mr. Gaster 1; Mr. Brothers 20; Mr. Beach 19; and Mr. Rounds 9. Mr. L'Esperance was covered under Raytheon plans through April 1998, at which time he became a participant under the Company's Pension Plan. Savings Plans Substantially all of the salaried employees, including executive officers of the Company, participate in a 401(k) savings plan established by the Company (the "Company 401(k) Plan"). Prior to the transaction, such employees participated in a 401(k) plan and an ESOP sponsored by Raytheon. As part of the Transactions, Raytheon transferred the account balances associated with the Company employees in the Raytheon 401(k) plan to the Company 401(k) Plan. Employees are permitted to defer a portion of their income under the Company 401(k) Plan and the Company will match such contribution. The matching contribution is consistent with that under the prior Raytheon plan which provided a matching contribution equal to 50% of the first 6% of the employee's contribution. In addition, employees received a contribution under the Raytheon ESOP equal to 0.5% of W-2 pay. This contribution is made as a supplemental contribution to the Company 401(k) Plan in the form of a discretionary cash contribution (instead of membership interests). Compensation of Managers The Company will reimburse Managers for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in connection with services provided in such capacity. In addition, the Company may compensate Managers for services provided in such capacity. 58 SECURITY OWNERSHIP The Parent owns all of the outstanding equity interests of the Company. The following table sets forth certain information regarding the approximate beneficial ownership of the Parent's common equity interests held by (i) each person (other than Managers and executive officers of the Company) known to the Company to own more than 5% of the outstanding common membership interests of the Company, (ii) certain Managers of the Company and (iii) the Named Executive Officers of the Company. The Parent's common equity interests are comprised of four classes of membership units including Class A, Class L, Class B and Class C.
Percentage of Common Membership Name and Address of Beneficial Owner Interests - ------------------------------------ ----------------- Bain Funds(/1/)(/2/).......................................... 54.9% c/o Bain Capital, Inc. Two Copley Place Boston, MA 02116 BRS Investors(/3/)............................................ 27.7% c/o Bruckmann, Rosser, Sherrill & Co., L.P. 126 East 56th Street, 29th Floor New York, NY 10022 Management Investors(/4/)..................................... 9.4% c/o Alliance Laundry Systems LLC P.O. Box 990 Ripon, WI 54971-0990 Raytheon Company.............................................. 7.0% 141 Spring Street Lexington, Massachusetts 02173 Edward Conard(/1/)(/2/)(/5/).................................. 54.9% c/o Bain Capital, Inc. Two Copley Place Boston, MA 02116 Robert Gay(/1/)(/2/)(/5/)..................................... 54.9% c/o Bain Capital, Inc. Two Copley Place Boston, MA 02116 Stephen Sherrill(/3/)(/6/).................................... 27.7% c/o Bruckmann, Rosser, Sherrill & Co., L.P. 126 East 56th Street, 29th Floor New York, NY 10022 Stephen Zide(/1/)(/2/)........................................ 16.3% c/o Bain Capital, Inc. Two Copley Place Boston, MA 02116 Thomas F. L'Esperance(/4/).................................... 3.4% c/o Alliance Laundry Systems LLC P.O. Box 990 Ripon, WI 54971-0990 Philip S. Taymor(/7/)......................................... 0.5% c/o Maple Street Partners 34 Maple Street Milford, MA 01757
59
Percentage of Common Membership Name and Address of Beneficial Owner Interests - ------------------------------------ ----------------- R. Scott Gaster(/4/)......................................... 0.6% c/o Alliance Laundry Systems LLC P.O. Box 990 Ripon, WI 54971-0990 Jeffrey J. Brothers(/4/)..................................... 0.8% c/o Alliance Laundry Systems LLC P.O. Box 990 Ripon, WI 54971-0990 Herman W. Beach(/4/)......................................... 0.9% c/o Alliance Laundry Systems LLC P.O. Box 990 Ripon, WI 54971-0990 Bruce P. Rounds(/4/)......................................... 0.7% c/o Alliance Laundry Systems LLC P.O. Box 990 Ripon, WI 54971-0990 All Managers and executive officers as a group (21 persons)(/1/)(/2/)(/3/)(/4/)................................ 92.0%
- -------- (1) Amounts shown reflect interests in Bain/RCL, L.L.C. which beneficially owns 55.9% of the outstanding common membership interests of the Company through its ownership of Class A and Class L membership units in the Parent. (2) Amounts shown reflect the aggregate interests held by Bain Capital Fund V, L.P. ("Fund V"), Bain Capital Fund V-B, L.P. ("Fund V-B"), BCIP Trust Associates II ("BCIP Trust"), BCIP Trust Associates II-B ("BCIP Trust II- B"), BCIP Associates II ("BCIP") and BCIP Associates II-B ("BCIP II-B") (collectively, the "Bain Funds"), for the Bain Funds and Messrs. Conard and Gay and the aggregate interests held by BCIP Trust, BCIP Trust II-B, BCIP and BCIP II-B for Mr. Zide. (3) Amounts shown reflect the aggregate interests held by Bruckmann, Rosser, Sherrill & Co., L.P. ("BRS"), BCB Family Partners, L.P., NAZ Family Partners, L.P., Paul D. Kaminski, Bruce C. Bruckmann, Donald J. Bruckmann, Harold O. Rosser, Stephen C. Sherrill, H. Virgil Sherrill, Nancy A. Zweng, John Rice Edmonds, Susan Kaider, Marilena Tibrea, Walker C. Simmons and MLPF&S Custodian FBO Paul Kaminski (collectively, the "BRS Investors.") (4) Includes Class A and Class L membership units in the Parent but excludes Class B and Class C membership units which are subject to vesting and generally have no voting rights, representing on a fully diluted basis approximately 10.6% of Parent's membership units for the Management Investors, 3.1% for Mr. L'Esperance, 1.3% for Mr. Gaster, 1.4% for Mr. Brothers, 1.3% for Mr. Beach and 1.3% for Mr. Rounds. (5) Messrs. Conard and Gay are each Managing Directors of Bain Capital Investors V, Inc., the sole general partner of Bain Capital Partners V, L.P. ("BCPV"), and are limited partners of BCPV, the sole general partner of Fund V and Fund V-B. Accordingly Messrs. Conard and Gay may be deemed to beneficially own the interests owned by Fund V and Fund V-B. Messrs. Conard and Gay are each general partners of BCIP, BCIP II-B, BCIP Trust and BCIP Trust II-B and, accordingly, may be deemed to beneficially own the interests owned by BCIP, BCIP II-B, BCIP Trust and BCIP Trust II-B. Each such person disclaims beneficial ownership of any such shares in which he does not have a pecuniary interest. (6) Mr. Sherrill is a director of BRSE Associates, Inc., the sole general partner of BRS Partners, L.P., the sole general partner of BRS and, accordingly, may be deemed to beneficially own the interests owned by BRS. Mr. Sherrill disclaims beneficial ownership of any such shares in which he does not have a pecuniary interest. (7) Mr. Taymor is a partner of Maple Street Partners LLC, and accordingly, may be deemed to beneficially own the interests owned by Maple Street Partners. Mr. Taymor disclaims beneficial ownership of any such shares in which he does not have a pecuniary interest. 60 CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS Parent Securityholders Agreement Upon the consummation of the Merger, the Parent, Raytheon and the Securityholders entered into a securityholders agreement (the "Securityholders Agreement"). The Securityholders Agreement: (i) restricts the transfer of the equity interests of the Parent; (ii) grants tag-along rights on certain transfers of equity interests of the Parent; (iii) requires the Securityholders to consent to a sale of the Parent to an independent third party if such sale is approved by certain holders of the then outstanding equity interests of the Parent; and (iv) grants preemptive rights on certain issuances of equity interests of the Parent. Certain of the foregoing provisions of the Securityholders Agreement will terminate upon the consummation of an Initial Public Offering or a Liquidity Event (each as defined in the Securityholders Agreement). Management Services Agreement In connection with the Transactions, the Company entered into a Management Services Agreement (the "Management Services Agreement") with Bain pursuant to which Bain agreed to provide: (i) general executive and management services; (ii) identification, support, negotiation and analysis of acquisitions and dispositions; (iii) support, negotiation and analysis of financial alternatives; and (iv) other services agreed upon by the Company and Bain. In exchange for such services, Bain will receive (i) an annual management fee of $1.0 million, plus reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (payable quarterly) and (ii) a transaction fee in an amount in accordance with the general practices of Bain at the time of the consummation of any additional acquisition or divestiture by the Company and of each financing or refinancing (currently approximately 1.0% of total financings). The Management Services Agreement has an initial term of ten years subject to automatic one-year extensions unless the Company or Bain provides written notice of termination. Parent Registration Rights Agreement Upon the consummation of the Merger, the Parent, Raytheon and the Securityholders, entered into a registration rights agreement (the "Parent Registration Rights Agreement"). Under the Parent Registration Rights Agreement, the holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities (as defined in the Parent Registration Rights Agreement) owned by Bain LLC have the right, subject to certain conditions, to require the Parent to register any or all of their common equity interests of the Parent under the Securities Act at the Parent's expense. In addition, all holders of Registrable Securities are entitled to request the inclusion of any common equity interests of the Parent subject to the Parent Registration Rights Agreement in any registration statement at the Parent's expense whenever the Parent proposes to register any of its common equity interests under the Securities Act. In connection with all such registrations, the Parent has agreed to indemnify all holders of Registrable Securities against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. Parent Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement Bain LLC, the BRS Investors, the Management Investors and Raytheon (collectively, the "Members") have entered into an Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement (the "LLC Agreement"). The LLC Agreement governs the relative rights and duties of the Members. Membership Interests. The ownership interests of the members in the Parent consist of preferred units (the "Preferred Units") and common units (the "Common Units"). The Common Units represent the common equity of the Company. Holders of the Preferred Units are entitled to return of capital contributions prior to any distributions made to holders of the Common Units. 61 Distributions. Subject to any restrictions contained in any financing agreements to which the Parent or any of its Affiliates (as defined in the LLC Agreement) is a party, the Board of Managers (the "Board") may make distributions, whether in cash, property or securities of the Parent, at any time or from time to time in the following order of priority: First, to the holders of Preferred Units, an amount determined by the aggregate Unreturned Capital (as defined and described in the LLC Agreement). Second, to the holders of Class L Common Units (the "Class L Units"), the aggregate unpaid amount accrued on such Class L Units on a daily basis, at a rate of 12% per annum. Third, to the holders of Class L Units, an amount determined by the aggregate Unreturned Capital. Fourth, to the holders of Common Units, an amount equal to the amount of such distribution that has not been distributed pursuant to clauses First through Third above. The Parent may distribute to each holder of units within 75 days after the close of each fiscal year such amounts as determined by the Board to be appropriate to enable each holder of units to pay estimated income tax liabilities. Management. The Board consists of six individuals (each a "Representative"). Pursuant to the Securityholders Agreement, the holder of the majority of the Common Units held by the BRS Investors appointed one Representative. The members of the Parent holding a majority of the Bain Units (as defined in the LLC Agreement) appointed the remaining Representatives. The initial Board consists of Messrs. L'Esperance, Conard, Gay, Zide, Sherrill and Taymor. Parent Seller Subordinated Note Upon the consummation of the Merger, the Parent issued a Junior Subordinated Promissory Note (the "Seller Subordinated Note") in the principal amount of $9.0 million due August 21, 2009, to Raytheon. Pursuant to the terms of the Seller Subordinated Note, interest accrues at the rate of 19.0% per annum until the eighth anniversary of the date of issuance of the Seller Subordinated Note and at a rate of 13.0% thereafter. The Seller Subordinated Note is subordinated in priority and subject in right and priority of payment to certain indebtedness described therein. Parent Seller Preferred Equity Upon the consummation of the Merger, the Parent issued mandatorily redeemable preferred membership interests (the "Seller Preferred Equity") with a liquidation value of $6.0 million to Raytheon. The Seller Preferred Equity does not accrete, accrue or pay dividends and is redeemable at the earlier of (i) a Change of Control (as defined therein), (ii) any initial public offering or (iii) 2009. The holders of the Seller Preferred Equity are entitled to receive distributions from the Parent in an amount equal to their Unreturned Capital (as defined therein) prior to distributions in respect of any other membership interests of the Parent. See "--Parent Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement." Management Investor Promissory Notes In connection with the Transactions, the Parent entered into promissory notes (the "Promissory Notes") aggregating approximately $1.8 million with Mr. L'Esperance, Mr. Gaster, Mr. Brothers, Mr. Beach, Mr. Rounds and Mr. Wallace to help finance the purchase of Common Units in the Parent. The Promissory Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.94% per annum and mature on June 5, 2008. 62 DESCRIPTION OF SENIOR CREDIT FACILITY In connection with the Transactions, the Company entered into a credit agreement (the "Senior Credit Facility") with a syndicate of financial institutions (the "Lenders") for which Lehman Brothers Inc. acted as arranger and Lehman Commercial Paper Inc. acted as syndication agent. The following is a summary of the material terms and conditions of the Senior Credit Facility and is subject to the detailed provisions of the Senior Credit Facility and the various related documents entered into in connection therewith. Loans; Interest Rates. The Senior Credit Facility is comprised of a $200.0 million Term Loan Facility and a $75.0 million Revolving Credit Facility, which were made available in conjunction with the issuance of the Senior Subordinated Notes. The proceeds of the Senior Credit Facility, together with the proceeds of this Offering, provided a portion of the financing for the Transactions and certain expenses related to the Transactions and provide financing for future working capital and other general corporate purposes. The Term Loan Facility was available for one drawing on the date of the Closing and will be repaid in full at the end of seven years. The Revolving Credit Facility is available on a revolving basis during the period commencing on the date of the Closing and ending on the date that is five years after the date of the Closing. The Term Loan Facility bears interest, at the Company's election, at either the Base Rate plus a margin ranging from 1.125% to 1.625% or the Eurodollar Rate plus a margin ranging from 2.125% to 2.625%. The Revolving Credit Facility bears interest, at the Company's election, at either the Base Rate plus a margin ranging from 0.625% to 1.375% or the Eurodollar Rate plus a margin ranging from 1.625% to 2.375%. Repayment. The principal amounts of the Term Loan Facility are repayable in quarterly installments in the following approximate aggregate annual amounts:
Year Amount ---- ------ 1......................................... $ 0 2......................................... 0 3......................................... 1,000,000 4......................................... 1,000,000 5......................................... 1,000,000 6......................................... 40,000,000 7......................................... 157,000,000
Security. The obligations under the Senior Credit Facility and the related documents are secured by a first priority lien upon substantially all of the real and personal property of the Company and its Domestic Subsidiaries (other than the Financing Subsidiaries) and a pledge of all of the capital stock of the Company's subsidiaries (provided that no lien will be granted on the assets of foreign subsidiaries and no capital stock of foreign subsidiaries will be pledged). Guarantees. The obligations of the Company under the Senior Credit Facility are guaranteed by the Parent and substantially all of the Company's subsidiaries (other than the Financing Subsidiaries) (provided that no guarantee by a foreign subsidiary shall be made). Prepayments. The Company will be required to make prepayments, with customary exceptions, on loans under the Senior Credit Facility in an amount equal to 100% of the net proceeds of the incurrence of certain indebtedness, 100% of the net proceeds received by the Company and its subsidiaries (other than certain net proceeds reinvested in the business of the Company or its subsidiaries) from the disposition of certain assets (and certain recovery events in connection therewith) including proceeds from the sale of stock of any of the Company's subsidiaries and 75% of excess cash flow (which percentage may be reduced to 50% under certain circumstances). Conditions and Covenants. The obligations of the lenders under the Senior Credit Facility are subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions precedent, including consummation of the Offering, customary for similar credit facilities or otherwise appropriate under the circumstances. The Company and each of its subsidiaries are 63 subject to certain negative covenants contained in the Senior Credit Facility, including without limitation covenants that restrict, subject to specified exceptions: (i) the incurrence of additional indebtedness and other obligations and the granting of additional liens; (ii) mergers, consolidations, amalgamations, liquidations, dissolutions and dispositions of assets; (iii) investments, loans and advances; (iv) dividends, stock repurchases and redemptions; (v) prepayment or repurchase of other indebtedness and amendments to certain agreements governing indebtedness, including the Indenture and the Notes; (vi) engaging in transactions with affiliates; (vii) capital expenditures; (viii) sales and leasebacks; (ix) changes in fiscal periods; (x) changes of lines of business; and (xi) entering into agreements which prohibit the creation of liens or limit the Company's subsidiaries ability to pay dividends. The Senior Credit Facility also contains customary affirmative covenants, including compliance with environmental laws, maintenance of corporate existence and rights, maintenance of insurance, property and interest rate protection, financial reporting, inspection of property, books and records, and the pledge of additional collateral and guarantees from certain new subsidiaries. In addition, the Senior Credit Facility requires the Company to maintain compliance with certain specified financial covenants including maximum capital expenditures, a maximum ratio of total debt to EBITDA (as defined in the Senior Credit Facility) and a minimum interest coverage ratio. Certain of these financial, negative and affirmative covenants are more restrictive than those set forth in the Indenture. The Senior Credit Facility requires the Company to maintain compliance with two financial covenants which are tested at the end of each fiscal quarter of the Company for the period of the preceding four consecutive fiscal quarters (or on an annualized basis in the case of the Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio for the first fiscal year from the Closing Date). The Consolidated Leverage Ratio prohibits the Company from exceeding specified ratios (which decline over time) of Consolidated Total Debt (as defined in the Senior Credit Facility) for the applicable period to Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Senior Credit Facility) for such period. The Company is currently prohibited from exceeding a Consolidated Leverage Ratio, to be measured as of the four consecutive fiscal quarters ending March 31, 1999, of 6.50 to 1.00. The Consolidated Leverage Ratio at December 31, 1998 was 6.17 to 1.00. This Consolidated Leverage Ratio periodically declines over time such that as of the four consecutive fiscal quarters ending on the dates set forth below, the Company will be prohibited from exceeding the Consolidated Leverage Ratio set forth opposite such date:
Fiscal Quarter Ending On or Consolidated About Leverage Ratio --------------------------- -------------- June 30, 1999................... 6.50 to 1.00 September 30, 1999.............. 6.50 to 1.00 December 31, 1999............... 6.50 to 1.00 March 31, 2000.................. 7.00 to 1.00 June 30, 2000................... 7.10 to 1.00 September 30, 2000.............. 7.00 to 1.00 December 31, 2000............... 6.40 to 1.00 March 31, 2001.................. 6.40 to 1.00 June 30, 2001................... 6.40 to 1.00 September 30, 2001.............. 6.40 to 1.00 December 31, 2001............... 6.00 to 1.00 March 31, 2002.................. 6.00 to 1.00 June 30, 2002................... 6.00 to 1.00 September 30, 2002.............. 6.00 to 1.00 December 31, 2002............... 5.25 to 1.00 March 31, 2003.................. 5.25 to 1.00 June 30, 2003................... 5.25 to 1.00 September 30, 2003.............. 5.25 to 1.00 December 31, 2003............... 4.25 to 1.00 March 31, 2004.................. 4.25 to 1.00 June 30, 2004................... 4.25 to 1.00 September 30, 2004.............. 4.25 to 1.00 December 31, 2004 and each Fiscal Quarter thereafter...... 3.10 to 1.00
64 The other financial covenant, the Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio requires the Company to maintain specified minimum ratios (which increase over time) of Consolidated EBITDA for the applicable period to Consolidated Cash Interest Expense (as defined in the Senior Credit Facility) for such period. The Company is currently required to maintain a Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio, to be measured as of the four consecutive fiscal quarters ending March 31, 1999 of 1.60 to 1.00. The Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio at December 31, 1998 was 1.73 to 1.00. This Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio periodically increases over time such that as of the four consecutive fiscal quarters ending on the dates set forth below, the Company will be required to maintain the Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio set forth opposite such date:
Consolidated Interest Fiscal Quarter Ending On or About Coverage Ratio --------------------------------- -------------- June 30, 1999.................... 1.60 to 1.00 September 30, 1999............... 1.60 to 1.00 December 31, 1999................ 1.60 to 1.00 March 31, 2000................... 1.50 to 1.00 June 30, 2000.................... 1.45 to 1.00 September 30, 2000............... 1.45 to 1.00 December 31, 2000................ 1.60 to 1.00 March 31, 2001................... 1.60 to 1.00 June 30, 2001.................... 1.60 to 1.00 September 30, 2001............... 1.60 to 1.00 December 31, 2001................ 1.70 to 1.00 March 31, 2002................... 1.70 to 1.00 June 30, 2002.................... 1.70 to 1.00 September 30, 2002............... 1.70 to 1.00 December 31, 2002................ 1.90 to 1.00 March 31, 2003................... 1.90 to 1.00 June 30, 2003.................... 1.90 to 1.00 September 30, 2003............... 1.90 to 1.00 December 31, 2003................ 2.30 to 1.00 March 31, 2004................... 2.30 to 1.00 June 30, 2004.................... 2.30 to 1.00 September 30, 2004............... 2.30 to 1.00 December 31, 2004 and each Fiscal Quarter thereafter.............. 3.00 to 1.00
The Senior Credit Facility also limits the amount of capital expenditures that the Company and its Subsidiaries may make or commit to make in any fiscal year, including up to $17.5 million for fiscal 1998, $25.0 million for fiscal 1999 and $15.0 million for fiscal 2000 and each fiscal year thereafter. Up to 50% of such amounts may be carried over for expenditure in the next succeeding fiscal year if not so expended in the fiscal year for which it is permitted. Events of Default. The Senior Credit Facility also includes events of default that are typical for senior credit facilities and appropriate in the context of the Transactions, including, without limitation, nonpayment of principal, interest, fees or reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit, violation of covenants, inaccuracy of representations and warranties in any material respect, cross default to certain other indebtedness and agreements, bankruptcy and insolvency events, material judgments and liabilities, defaults or judgements under ERISA and change of control. The occurrence of any of such events of default could result in acceleration of the Company's obligations under the Senior Credit Facility and foreclosure on the collateral securing such obligations, which could have material adverse results to holders of the Exchange Notes. 65 DESCRIPTION OF ASSET BACKED FACILITY In connection with the Transactions, a special purpose single member limited liability company (the "SPE") that is a Subsidiary of the Company entered into a $250.0 million revolving loan agreement (the "Asset Backed Facility") with Lehman Commercial Paper Inc. (the "Facility Lender"), an affiliate of Lehman Brothers Inc., an Initial Purchaser of the Notes. The SPE is operated in a fashion intended to ensure that its assets and liabilities are distinct from those of the Company and its other affiliates, and its assets are not available to satisfy claims of creditors of the Company and its other subsidiaries. As a result of the foregoing, the SPE was not consolidated as a part of the financial statements of the Company. The SPE constitutes an "Unrestricted Subsidiary" and a "Securitization Entity" under the Indenture. In addition, the transactions described in this section constitute "Qualified Securitization Transactions" under the Indenture. The Company sells certain eligible trade receivables and certain eligible equipment loans to the SPE. For financial reporting purposes, the transfer of trade receivables and equipment loans from the Company to the SPE is recorded as a sale and results in the derecognition of trade receivables and equipment loans from the financial statements of the Company. The following is a summary of the material terms and conditions of the Asset Backed Facility and is subject to the detailed provisions of the Asset Backed Facility and the various related documents entered into in connection therewith. Facility Amount. The Asset Backed Facility is a $250.0 million facility, with sublimits of $100.0 million for loans on eligible trade receivables and $200.0 million for loans on eligible equipment loans. The amount of loans may be increased or decreased, subject to certain standard conditions precedent. The Asset Backed Facility has a term of five years. The obligation of the SPE under the Asset Backed Facility is a recourse obligation of the SPE. Advance Rate. Loans under the Asset Backed Facility are secured by a pledge of receivables owned by the SPE. With respect to loans secured by trade receivables, the Facility Lender will make loans up to but not exceeding 85% of the outstanding amount of eligible trade receivables. With respect to loans secured by equipment loans, the Facility Lender will make loans up to but not exceeding the lesser of 90% of the outstanding principal balance of eligible equipment loans or 90% of the market value with respect to eligible equipment loans, as determined by the Facility Lender in its reasonable discretion. The eligibility of both trade receivables and equipment loans is subject to certain concentration and other limits. In addition, after 24 months in the Asset Backed Facility, an otherwise eligible equipment loan will no longer be considered an eligible equipment loan, subject to two automatic six-month extensions upon payment of a fee if such equipment loans have not been securitized or otherwise disposed of by the SPE. Interest Rate. The interest rate of loans under the Asset Backed Facility is generally equal to one-month LIBOR (adjusted for reserves, if applicable) plus 1.00% per annum. Credit Enhancement. The SPE provides additional credit enhancement to the Facility Lender (consisting of an irrevocable letter of credit, an unconditional lending commitment of the Lenders under the Senior Credit Facility or a cash collateral account) in an amount not to exceed 10% of the aggregate principal amount of loans outstanding under the Asset Backed Facility up to $125.0 million and 5% of the aggregate principal amount of loans outstanding above $125 million. The additional credit enhancement is provided by the Lenders. The Company is obligated under the reimbursement provisions of the Senior Credit Facility to reimburse the Lenders for any drawings on the credit enhancement by the Facility Lender. If the credit enhancement is not replenished by the Company after a drawing, the Facility Lender will not be obligated to make further loans under the Asset Backed Facility and the Asset Backed Facility will begin to amortize. In addition, at any time when (i) the aggregate principal amount of loans outstanding under the Asset Backed Facility exceeds $125.0 million and (ii) the delinquency or default ratios with respect to trade receivables or equipment loans exceed certain specified levels (an "Excess Spread Sweep Event"), and for four months after a cure of such excess delinquency or default 66 ratios, the collections on the equipment loans (after payment of accrued interest on the loans under the Asset Backed Facility) will be directed into an excess spread sweep account in the name of the Facility Lender until the amount on deposit in such account is equal to five percent of the aggregate principal amount of loans outstanding under the Asset Backed Facility. Collateral. In order to secure payment of principal and of interest on the loans and other amounts owing to the Facility Lender under the Asset Backed Facility documents, the SPE has assigned, pledged, and granted to the Facility Lender a security interest in all of its right, title and interest in, to and under trade receivables and equipment loans originated by the Company and related assets. The Facility Lender will release its security interest in some or all of such collateral under certain specified conditions. Prepayment. Early repayment of the loans under the Asset Backed Facility will be required upon the occurrence of certain "events of default," which include: (i) default in the payment of any principal of or interest on any loan under the Asset Backed Facility when due, (ii) the bankruptcy of the SPE, the Company or the issuer of the letter of credit or provider of the line of credit, (iii) any materially adverse change in the properties, business, condition or prospects of the SPE or the Company, or any other condition which constitutes a material impairment of the SPE's ability to perform its obligations under the Asset Backed Facility and related documents, (iv) specified defaults by the SPE or the Company on certain of their respective obligations, (v) delinquency, dilution or default ratios on pledged receivables exceeding certain specified ratios in any given month, (vi) the ratio of (a) the indebtedness of the Company and its subsidiaries minus indebtedness subordinated to the loans under the Asset Backed Facility to (b) the sum of the tangible net worth of the Company and its subsidiaries and the amount of debt subordinated to the loans under the Asset Backed Facility exceeding a specified amount and (vii) a number of other specified events. The SPE expects to effect term securitizations of equipment loans on a periodic basis and to use the proceeds to repay the loans under the Asset Backed Facility. There is no assurance, however, that such securitizations will be at an equivalent advance rate or that the cost of funds will be equivalent to or more favorable than the cost of funds under the Asset Backed Facility. In addition, no sooner than the date which is three months prior to the time that an equipment loan will cease to be eligible for financing, or will have a substantially reduced value, under the Asset Backed Facility, the SPE will cause such equipment loan to be included (and may include other specified equipment loans) in a term securitization or to be otherwise disposed of on terms and conditions as favorable to the SPE as are obtainable in the market. 67 DESCRIPTION OF THE EXCHANGE NOTES General The Exchange Notes will be issued pursuant to an Indenture (the "Indenture") among the Company ALC, the Parent and United States Trust Company of New York, as trustee (the "Trustee"). The terms of the Exchange Notes include those stated in the Indenture and those made part of the Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the "Trust Indenture Act"). The Exchange Notes are subject to all such terms, and Holders of Exchange Notes are referred to the Indenture and the Trust Indenture Act for a statement thereof. The following summary of the material provisions of the Indenture does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Indenture, including the definitions therein of certain terms used below. Copies of the proposed form of Indenture and the Registration Rights Agreement are available to Holders as set forth below under "--Additional Information." The definitions of certain terms used in the following summary are set forth below under "--Certain Definitions." For purposes of this summary, the term "Company" refers only to Alliance Laundry Systems LLC and not to any of its Subsidiaries. ALC is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company that was incorporated in Delaware for the purpose of serving as a co-issuer of the Notes in order to facilitate the Note Offering. The Company believes that certain prospective purchasers of the Exchange Notes may be restricted in their ability to purchase debt securities of limited liability companies, such as the Company, unless such debt securities are jointly issued by a corporation. ALC will not have any business operations or assets and will not have any revenues. As a result, prospective purchasers of the Notes should not expect ALC to participate in servicing the interest, principal obligations and Liquidated Damages, if any, on the Notes. See "--Certain Covenants." The Exchange Notes will be general unsecured obligations of the Issuers and will be subordinated in right of payment to all current and future Senior Debt, including permitted borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility. The Exchange Notes will rank pari passu in right of payment with all senior subordinated Indebtedness of the Issuers issued in the future, if any, and senior in right of payment to all subordinated Indebtedness of the Issuers issued in the future, if any. As of May 5, 1998, on a pro forma basis giving effect to the application of the net proceeds from the Offering, the Company would have had Senior Debt of approximately $200.0 million. The Indenture will permit the incurrence of additional indebtedness, including additional Senior Debt, subject to certain restrictions, in the future. See "--Certain Covenants--Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock." As of the date of the Indenture, all of the Issuers' Subsidiaries will be Restricted Subsidiaries, other than the SPE, Alliance Commercial Appliances Receivables LLC, Alliance Commercial Appliances Finance LLC and Alliance Laundry S.A. However, under certain circumstances, the Issuers will be able to designate current or future Subsidiaries as Unrestricted Subsidiaries. Unrestricted Subsidiaries will not be subject to any of the restrictive covenants set forth in the Indenture. The Indenture provides that two Officers (as defined in the Indenture) shall sign the Exchange Notes for each of the Issuers by manual or facsimile signature. In addition, the Indenture provides that the Trustee shall, upon a written order of each of the Issuers signed by two Officers of each Issuer, authenticate Exchange Notes for original issue up to the aggregate principal amount of $200.0 million. The Trustee may (at the expense of the Issuers) appoint an authenticating agent acceptable to the Issuers to authenticate Exchange Notes. An authenticating agent may authenticate Exchange Notes whenever the Trustee may do so. Principal, Maturity and Interest The Exchange Notes will be limited in aggregate principal amount to $200.0 million, of which $110.0 million will be issued in the Offering, and will mature on May 1, 2008. Interest on the Exchange Notes will accrue at the rate of 9 5/8% per annum and will be payable semi-annually in arrears on May 1 and November 1, commencing on November 1, 1998, to Holders of record on the immediately preceding April 15 and October 15. Additional Exchange Notes may be issued from time to time after the Offering, subject to the provisions of the 68 Indenture described below under the caption "--Certain Covenants--Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock." Interest on the Exchange Notes will accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid, from the date of original issuance. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months. Principal, premium, if any, and interest and Liquidated Damages thereon, if any, on the Exchange Notes will be payable at the office or agency of the Issuers maintained for such purpose within the City and State of New York or, at the option of the Issuers, payment of interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, may be made by check mailed to the Holders of the Exchange Notes at their respective addresses set forth in the register of Holders of Notes; provided that all payments of $1,000 or more principal, premium, if any, interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, with respect to Exchange Notes the Holders of which have given wire transfer instructions to the Issuers at least ten business days prior to the applicable payment date will be required to be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts specified by the Holders thereof. Until otherwise designated by the Issuers, the Issuers' office or agency in New York will be the office of the Trustee maintained for such purpose. The Exchange Notes will be issued in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof. Subordination The payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Exchange Notes, Liquidated Damages, if any, Change of Control Payments or other obligations of the Issuers in respect of the Exchange Notes (collectively, the "Note Payments") will be subordinated in right of payment, as set forth in the Indenture, to the prior payment in full of all Senior Debt, whether outstanding on the date of the Indenture or thereafter incurred. Upon any distribution to creditors of the Issuers in a liquidation or dissolution of any Issuer or in a bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, receivership or similar proceeding relating to such Issuer or its property, an assignment for the benefit of creditors or any marshalling of such Issuer's assets and liabilities, the holders of Senior Debt will be entitled to receive payment in full in cash of all Obligations due in respect of such Senior Debt (including interest after the commencement of any such proceeding at the rate specified in the applicable Senior Debt, whether or not such claim is allowed under applicable law) before the Holders of Exchange Notes will be entitled to receive any payment with respect to the Exchange Notes, and until all Obligations with respect to Senior Debt are paid in full in cash, any distribution to which the Holders of Exchange Notes would be entitled shall be made to the holders of Senior Debt (except that Holders of Exchange Notes may receive and retain Permitted Junior Securities and payments made from the trust described under "--Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance"). The Issuers also may not make any Note Payment or any deposit pursuant to provisions described under "--Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance" (except in Permitted Junior Securities or from the trust described under "-- Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance") if (i) a default in the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on Designated Senior Debt occurs and is continuing beyond any applicable period of grace or (ii) any other default occurs and is continuing with respect to Designated Senior Debt that permits holders of the Designated Senior Debt as to which such default relates to accelerate its maturity and the Trustee receives a notice of such default (a "Payment Blockage Notice") from a representative of the holders of any Designated Senior Debt. Payments on the Exchange Notes may and shall be resumed (a) in the case of a payment default, upon the date on which such default is cured or waived or has ceased to exist or such Designated Senior Debt has been discharged or repaid in full in cash and (b) in case of a nonpayment default, the earlier of the date on which such nonpayment default is cured or waived or 179 days after the date on which the applicable Payment Blockage Notice is received or has ceased to exist or such Designated Senior Debt has been discharged or repaid in full in cash, unless the maturity of any Designated Senior Debt has been accelerated. No new period of payment blockage may be commenced unless and until (i) 360 days have elapsed since the commencement of the effectiveness of the immediately prior Payment Blockage Notice and (ii) all scheduled payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes that have come due have been paid in full in cash. No nonpayment default that existed or was continuing on the date of delivery of any Payment Blockage Notice to the Trustee 69 shall be, or be made, the basis for a subsequent Payment Blockage Notice unless such default shall have been waived for a period of not less than 180 days. The Indenture further requires that the Issuers promptly notify holders of Senior Debt if payment of the Exchange Notes is accelerated because of an Event of Default. As a result of the subordination provisions described above, in the event of a liquidation or insolvency, Holders of Exchange Notes may recover less ratably than creditors of the Issuers who are holders of Senior Debt. After giving effect to the Transactions, including the Offering and the application of the proceeds therefrom, the principal amount of Senior Debt outstanding at May 5, 1998 was approximately $200.0 million. The Indenture limits, subject to certain limitations, the amount of additional Indebtedness, including Senior Debt, that the Issuers and their subsidiaries can incur. See "--Certain Covenants--Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock." "Designated Senior Debt" means (i) any Indebtedness outstanding under the Senior Credit Facility and (ii) any other Senior Debt permitted under the Indenture the principal amount of which is $25.0 million or more and that has been designated by the Issuers as "Designated Senior Debt." "Permitted Junior Securities" means Equity Interests in or debt securities of any Issuer or any Guarantor that are issued pursuant to a plan of reorganization of such Issuer or such Guarantor and are subordinated to all Senior Debt (and any debt securities issued in exchange for Senior Debt) to substantially the same extent as, or to a greater extent than, the Senior Subordinated Notes are subordinated to Senior Debt pursuant to Article 10 of the Indenture so long as (i) the effect of the issuance of such Equity Interests or debt securities is not to cause the Exchange Notes (or the relevant Note Guarantee) to be treated as part of the same class of claims or any class of claims pari passu with, or senior to, such Senior Debt pursuant to such plan of reorganization and (ii) the rights of the holders of such Senior Debt are not altered or impaired without their consent. "Senior Debt" means (i) all Indebtedness outstanding under Senior Credit Facilities and all Hedging Obligations with respect thereto, (ii) any other Indebtedness permitted to be incurred by the Company under the terms of the Indenture, unless the instrument under which such Indebtedness is incurred expressly provides that it is on a parity with or subordinated in right of payment to the Exchange Notes and the Note Guarantees and (iii) all Obligations of the Company and any Note Guarantor with respect to the foregoing. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, Senior Debt will not include (w) any liability for federal, state, local or other taxes owed or owing by the Issuers, (x) any Indebtedness of the Company or any Guarantor to any of their Subsidiaries or other Affiliates (other than Indebtedness of the Company or any Note Guarantor to Sankaty Partners representing Sankaty Partners' participation in any one or more of the Senior Credit Facilities where Sankaty Partners is one of the institutional lenders to such Senior Credit Facilities), (y) any trade payables or (z) any Indebtedness that is incurred in violation of the restrictions described under "Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock" below; provided that Indebtedness under Senior Credit Facilities will be Senior Debt if the holders of such Senior Debt shall have received a written certificate from an officer of the Company to the effect that the incurrence of such Indebtedness does not (or in the case of up to $75.0 million of revolving credit Indebtedness available to be borrowed under the Senior Credit Facility after the date of the initial borrowing thereunder, that the incurrence of such entire committed amount would not) violate the Indenture. Parent Guarantee The obligations of the Issuers under the Exchange Notes and the Indenture are guaranteed (the "Parent Guarantee") on a senior subordinated basis by the Parent. The Parent Guarantee is subordinated in right of payment to all Senior Debt of the Parent to the same extent that the Exchange Notes are subordinated to Senior Debt of the Issuers. Since the Parent is a holding company with no significant operations, the Parent Guarantee provides little, if any, additional credit support for the Exchange Notes, and investors should not rely on the Parent Guarantee in evaluating an investment in the Exchange Notes. 70 Note Guarantees After the date of the Indenture, the Issuers will cause each newly acquired or created Domestic Subsidiary (each, a "Note Guarantor"), to execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture pursuant to which such Subsidiary will guarantee (each, a "Note Guarantee") payment of the Exchange Notes. Each such Note Guarantor as primary obligor and not merely as surety, will jointly and severally, irrevocably and fully and unconditionally Guarantee, on a senior subordinated basis, the performance and punctual payment when due, whether at Stated Maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, of all obligations of the Issuers under the Indenture and the Exchange Notes, whether for principal of or interest on the Exchange Notes, expenses, indemnification or otherwise (all such obligations guaranteed by such Note Guarantors being herein called the "Guaranteed Obligations"). Such Note Guarantors will agree to pay, in addition to the amount stated above, any and all expenses (including reasonable counsel fees and expenses) incurred by the Trustee or the Holders in enforcing any rights under the Note Guarantees. The obligations of each Note Guarantor will be limited to the maximum amount, as will, after giving effect to all other contingent and fixed liabilities of such Note Guarantor, result in the obligations of such Note Guarantor under the Note Guarantee not constituting a fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer under federal or state law. Each such Note Guarantee shall be a continuing Guarantee and shall (i) remain in full force and effect until payment in full of the principal amount of all outstanding Exchange Notes (whether by payment at maturity, purchase, redemption, defeasance, retirement or other acquisition) and all other Guaranteed Obligations then due and owing, unless earlier terminated as described below, (ii) be binding upon such Note Guarantor and (iii) inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Trustee, the Holders and their successors, transferees and assignees. The Indenture provides that, subject to the provisions described in the next succeeding paragraph, no Note Guarantor may consolidate or merge with or into (whether or not such Note Guarantor is the surviving Person) another Person unless (i) the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than a Note Guarantor or the Company) assumes all the obligations of such Note Guarantor under the Note Guarantee, the Registration Rights Agreement and the Indenture pursuant to a supplemental indenture, in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, and (ii) if such merger or consolidation is with a Person other than the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary, (x) immediately after such transaction, no Default or Event of Default exists and (y) the Company will, at the time of such transaction after giving pro forma effect thereto, be permitted to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in the covenant described below under the caption "--Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock." Notwithstanding the preceding paragraph, concurrently with any sale or disposition (by merger or otherwise) of any Note Guarantor in accordance with the terms of the Indenture (including the covenant described under "--Asset Sales") by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary to any Person that is not an Affiliate of the Company, such Note Guarantor will automatically and unconditionally be released from all obligations under its Note Guarantee; provided that the Net Proceeds of such sale or other disposition are applied in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Indenture. See "-- Repurchase at the Option of Holders--Asset Sales." In addition, any Note Guarantee of any Note Guarantor will be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged upon the merger or consolidation of such Note Guarantor with and into the Company or another Note Guarantor that is the surviving Person in such merger or consolidation. "Guarantors" means each of (i) the Parent and (ii) any Subsidiary that executes a Note Guarantee in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture, and their respective successors and assigns. Optional Redemption The Exchange Notes are not redeemable at the Issuers' option prior to May 1, 2003. Thereafter, the Exchange Notes are subject to redemption at any time at the option of the Issuers, in whole or in part, upon not 71 less than 30 nor more than 60 days' notice, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) set forth below plus accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages thereon, if any, to the applicable redemption date, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on May 1 of the years indicated below:
Year Redemption Price ---- ---------------- 2003.................................. 104.813% 2004.................................. 103.208% 2005.................................. 101.604% 2006 and thereafter................... 100.000%
Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time prior to May 1, 2001, the Issuers may on any one or more occasions redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of Exchange Notes issued under the Indenture at a redemption price of 109.625% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages thereon, if any, to the redemption date, with the net cash proceeds of any Equity Offerings; provided that at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of Exchange Notes issued under the Indenture remains outstanding immediately after each occurrence of such redemption (excluding Exchange Notes held by the Issuers and their Subsidiaries); and provided, further, that each such redemption shall occur within 45 days of the date of the closing of such Equity Offering. If less than all of the Senior Exchange are to be redeemed at any time, selection of Exchange Notes for redemption will be made by the Trustee in compliance with the requirements of the principal national securities exchange, if any, on which the Exchange Notes are listed, or, if the Exchange Notes are not so listed, on a pro rata basis, by lot or by such method as the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate; provided that no Exchange Notes of $1,000 or less shall be redeemed in part. Notices of redemption shall be mailed by first class mail at least 30 but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each Holder of Exchange Notes to be redeemed at its registered address. Notices of redemption may not be conditional. If any Exchange Note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption that relates to such Exchange Note shall state the portion of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed. A new Exchange Note in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion thereof will be issued in the name of the Holder thereof upon cancellation of the original Exchange Note. Exchange Notes called for redemption become due on the date fixed for redemption. On and after the redemption date, interest ceases to accrue on Exchange Notes or portions of them called for redemption. At any time prior to May 1, 2003, the Exchange Notes may also be redeemed, as a whole but not in part, at the option of the Issuers upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior notice (but in no event may any such redemption occur more than 90 days after the occurrence of such Change of Control) mailed by first-class mail to each Holder's registered address, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof plus the Applicable Premium as of, and accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages thereon, if any, to the date of redemption (the "Redemption Date"). "Applicable Premium" means, with respect to any Exchange Note on any Redemption Date, the greater of (i) 1.0% of the principal amount of such Exchange Note or (ii) the excess of (A) the present value at such Redemption Date of (1) the redemption price of such Exchange Note at May 1, 2003 (such redemption price being set forth in the table above) plus (2) all required interest payments due on such Exchange Note through May 1, 2003 (excluding accrued but unpaid interest), computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate at such Redemption Date plus 75 basis points over (B) the principal amount of such Exchange Note, if greater. "Treasury Rate" means the yield to maturity at the time of computation of United States Treasury securities with a constant maturity (as compiled and published in the most recent Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 72 (519) which has become publicly available at least two business days prior to the Redemption Date (or, if such Statistical Release is no longer published, any publicly available source or similar market data)) most nearly equal to the period from the Redemption Date to May 1, 2003; provided, however, that if the period from the Redemption Date to May 1, 2003 is not equal to the constant maturity of a United States Treasury security for which a weekly average yield is given, the Treasury Rate shall be obtained by linear interpolation (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth of a year) from the weekly average yields of United States Treasury securities for which such yields are given, except that if the period from the Redemption Date to May 1, 2003 is less than one year, the weekly average yield on actually traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to a constant maturity of one year shall be used. Mandatory Redemption Except as set forth below under "--Repurchase at the Option of Holders," the Issuers are not required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the Exchange Notes. Repurchase at the Option of Holders Change of Control Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, each Holder of Exchange Notes will have the right to require the Issuers to repurchase all or any part (equal to $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof) of such Holder's Exchange Notes pursuant to the offer described below (the "Change of Control Offer") at an offer price in cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages thereon, if any, to the date of purchase (the "Change of Control Payment"). Within ten days following any Change of Control, the Issuers will mail a notice to each Holder describing the transaction or transactions that constitute the Change of Control and offering to repurchase Exchange Notes on the date specified in such notice, which date shall be no earlier than 30 days and no later than 60 days from the date such notice is mailed (the "Change of Control Payment Date"), pursuant to the procedures required by the Indenture and described in such notice. The Issuers will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent such laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of the Exchange Notes as a result of a Change of Control. On the Change of Control Payment Date, the Issuers will, to the extent lawful, (i) accept for payment all Exchange Notes or portions thereof properly tendered pursuant to the Change of Control Offer, (ii) deposit with the Paying Agent an amount equal to the Change of Control Payment in respect of all Exchange Notes or portions thereof so tendered and (iii) deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee the Exchange Notes so accepted together with an Officers' Certificate stating the aggregate principal amount of Exchange Notes or portions thereof being purchased by the Issuers. The Paying Agent will promptly mail to each Holder of Exchange Notes so tendered the Change of Control Payment for such Exchange Notes, and the Trustee will promptly authenticate and mail (or cause to be transferred by book entry) to each Holder a new Exchange Note equal in principal amount to any unpurchased portion of the Exchange Notes surrendered, if any; provided that each such new Exchange Note will be in a principal amount of $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof. The Indenture will provide that, prior to complying with the provisions of this covenant, but in any event within 90 days following a Change of Control, the Issuers will either repay all outstanding Senior Debt or obtain the requisite consents, if any, under all agreements governing outstanding Senior Debt to permit the repurchase of Exchange Notes required by this covenant. The Issuers will publicly announce the results of the Change of Control Offer on or as soon as practicable after the Change of Control Payment Date. The Change of Control provisions described above will be applicable whether or not any other provisions of the Indenture are applicable. Except as described above with respect to a Change of Control, the Indenture does not contain provisions that permit the Holders of the Exchange Notes to require that the Issuers repurchase or redeem the Exchange Notes in the event of a takeover, recapitalization or similar transaction. 73 The Senior Credit Facility limits the ability of the Issuers to purchase any Exchange Notes and also provides that certain change of control events with respect to the Company would constitute a default thereunder. Any future credit facilities or other agreements relating to Senior Debt to which the Issuers become a party may contain similar restrictions and provisions. In the event a Change of Control occurs at a time when the Issuers is prohibited from purchasing Exchange Notes, the Issuers could seek the consent of its lenders to the purchase of Exchange Notes or could attempt to refinance the borrowings that contain such prohibition. If the Issuers do not obtain such a consent or repay such borrowings, the Issuers will remain prohibited from purchasing Exchange Notes. In such case, the Issuers' failure to purchase tendered Exchange Notes would constitute an Event of Default under the Indenture which would, in turn, constitute as default under the Senior Credit Facility. In such circumstances, the subordination provisions in the Indenture would likely restrict payments to the Holders of Exchange Notes. See "--Subordination." The Issuers will not be required to make a Change of Control Offer upon a Change of Control (i) if a third party makes the Change of Control Offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements set forth in the Indenture applicable to a Change of Control Offer made by the Issuers and purchases all Exchange Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn under such Change of Control Offer or (ii) the Issuers exercise their option to purchase all the Exchange Notes upon a Change of Control as described above under the caption "Optional Redemption." Asset Sales The Indenture provides that the Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, consummate an Asset Sale unless (i) the Company or the Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, receives consideration at the time of such Asset Sale at least equal to the fair market value (evidenced by a resolution of the Board of Managers set forth in an Officers' Certificate delivered to the Trustee) of the assets or Equity Interests issued or sold or otherwise disposed of and (ii) at least 75% of the consideration therefore received by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, is in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents; provided that the amount of (x) any liabilities (as shown on the Company's or such Restricted Subsidiary's most recent balance sheet), of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than contingent liabilities and liabilities that are by their terms subordinated to the Notes or any guarantee thereof) that are assumed by the transferee of any such assets pursuant to a customary novation agreement that releases the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary from further liability and (y) any securities, notes or other obligations received by the Company or any such Restricted Subsidiary from such transferee that are immediately converted by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary into cash (to the extent of the cash received), shall be deemed to be cash for purposes of this provision. Notwithstanding the immediately preceding paragraph, the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries are permitted to consummate an Asset Sale without complying with the prior paragraph if (i) the Company or the applicable Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, receives consideration at the time of such Asset Sale at least equal to the fair market value of the assets or other property sold, issued or otherwise disposed of (as evidenced by a resolution of the Company's Board of Managers set forth in an Officers' Certificate delivered to the Trustee) and (ii) at least 75% of the consideration for such Asset Sale constitutes a controlling interest in a Permitted Business, long-term assets used or useful in a Permitted Business and/or cash or Cash Equivalents; provided that any cash or Cash Equivalents received by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with any Asset Sale permitted to be consummated under this paragraph shall constitute Net Proceeds subject to the provisions of the next succeeding paragraph. Within 365 days after the receipt of any Net Proceeds from an Asset Sale, the Company may apply such Net Proceeds, at its option, (i) to repay Senior Debt and, in the case of any Senior Debt under any revolving credit facility, effect a corresponding commitment reduction under such credit facility, (ii) to the acquisition of a controlling interest in a Permitted Business, the making of a capital expenditure or the acquisition of other Additional Assets or (iii) a combination of prepayment and investment permitted by the forgoing clauses (i) and (ii). Pending the final application of any such Net Proceeds, the Company may temporarily reduce revolving 74 credit borrowings or otherwise invest such Net Proceeds in any manner that is not prohibited by the Indenture. Any Net Proceeds from Asset Sales that are not applied or invested as provided in the first sentence of this paragraph will be deemed to constitute "Excess Proceeds." When the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $10.0 million, the Issuers will be required to make an offer to all Holders of Exchange Notes (an "Asset Sale Offer") to purchase the maximum principal amount of Exchange Notes that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds, at an offer price in cash in an amount equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages thereon, if any, to the date of purchase, in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Indenture (the first date the aggregate of all such Net Proceeds is equal to $10.0 million or more shall be deemed an "Asset Sale Offer Trigger Date"). Each Asset Sale Offer will be mailed to the record Holders as shown on the register of Holders within 25 days following the Asset Sale Offer Trigger Date, with a copy to the Trustee, and shall comply with the procedures set forth in the Indenture. Upon receiving notice of the Asset Sale Offer, Holders may elect to tender their Exchange Notes in whole or in part in integral multiples of $1,000 in exchange for cash. To the extent that any Excess Proceeds remain after consummation of an Asset Sale Offer, the Company may use such Excess Proceeds for any purpose not otherwise prohibited by the Indenture. If the aggregate principal amount of Exchange Notes tendered into such Asset Sale Offer surrendered by Holders thereof exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, the Trustee shall select the Exchange Notes to be purchased on a pro rata basis. Upon completion of such offer to purchase, the amount of Excess Proceeds shall be reset at zero. The Issuers will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent such laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of Exchange Notes pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the Asset Sale provisions of the Indenture, the Issuers shall comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached its obligations under the Asset Sale provisions of the Indenture by virtue thereof. Certain Covenants Restricted Payments The Indenture provides that the Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly: (i) declare or pay any dividend or make any other payment or distribution on account of the Company's or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries' Equity Interests (including, without limitation, any payment in connection with any merger or consolidation involving the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries) or to the direct or indirect holders of the Company's or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries' Equity Interests in their capacity as such (other than dividends or distributions payable in Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company or to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company); (ii) purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire or retire for value (including, without limitation, in connection with any merger or consolidation involving the Company) any Equity Interests of the Company or any direct or indirect parent of the Company or other Affiliate of the Company (other than any such Equity Interests owned by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary); (iii) make any payment on or with respect to, or purchase, redeem, defease or otherwise acquire or retire for value any Indebtedness that is subordinated to the Senior Subordinated Notes or any guarantee thereof, except a payment of interest or principal at Stated Maturity; or (iv) make any Restricted Investment (all such payments and other actions set forth in clauses (i) through (iv) above being collectively referred to as "Restricted Payments"), unless, at the time of and after giving effect to such Restricted Payment: (a) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would occur as a consequence thereof; and (b) the Company would, at the time of such Restricted Payment and after giving pro forma effect thereto as if such Restricted Payment had been made at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period, have been permitted to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in the first paragraph of the covenant described below under caption "--Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock"; and 75 (c) such Restricted Payment, together with the aggregate amount of all other Restricted Payments made by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries after the date of the Indenture (excluding Restricted Payments permitted by clauses (ii), (iii), (iv), (vi), (vii), (viii) and (ix) of the next succeeding paragraph), is less than the sum, without duplication, of (i) 50% of the Consolidated Net Income of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries for the period (taken as one accounting period) from the beginning of the first fiscal quarter commencing after the date of the Indenture to the end of the Company's most recently ended fiscal quarter for which internal financial statements are available at the time of such Restricted Payment (or, if such Consolidated Net Income for such period is a deficit, less 100% of such deficit), plus (ii) 100% of the aggregate net proceeds (including the fair market value of property other than cash (determined in good faith by the Board of Managers as evidenced by a certificate filed with the Trustee, except that in the event the value of any non-cash consideration shall be $15.0 million or more, the value shall be as determined based upon an opinion or appraisal issued by an accounting, appraisal or investment banking firm of national standing)) received by the Company since the date of the Indenture as a contribution to its common equity capital or from the issue or sale of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company (excluding any net proceeds from an Equity Offering or capital contribution to the extent used to redeem Notes in accordance with the optional redemption provisions of the Notes) or from the issue or sale of Disqualified Stock or debt securities of the Company that have been converted into such Equity Interests (other than Equity Interests (or Disqualified Stock or convertible debt securities) sold to a Subsidiary of the Company), plus (iii) to the extent that any Restricted Investment that was made after the date of the Indenture is sold for cash or otherwise liquidated or repaid for cash, the cash return of capital with respect to such Restricted Investment (less the cost of disposition, if any), plus (iv) any dividends (the fair market value of property other than cash shall be determined in good faith by the Board of Managers as evidenced by a certificate filed with the Trustee, except that in the event the value of any non-cash consideration shall be $15.0 million or more, the value shall be as determined based upon an opinion or appraisal issued by an accounting, appraisal or investment banking firm of national standing) received by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary after the date of the Indenture from an Unrestricted Subsidiary of the Company, to the extent that such dividends were not otherwise included in Consolidated Net Income of the Company for such period, plus (v) to the extent that any Unrestricted Subsidiary is redesignated as a Restricted Subsidiary after the date of the Indenture, if as a result of such redesignation, (x) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of the Company on a pro forma basis is lower than such ratio immediately prior thereto, then the lesser of (A) the fair market value of the Company's Investment in such Subsidiary as of the date of such redesignation or (B) such fair market value as of the date on which such Subsidiary was originally designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary or (y) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of the Company on a pro forma basis is equal to or higher than such ratio immediately prior thereto, the fair market value of the Company's Investment in such Subsidiary as of the date of such redesignation; provided, further that any increase in the amount of Restricted Payments permitted to be incurred as a result of application of subparagraphs (iii), (iv) or (v) above related to dividends, returns of capital or redesignation of foreign joint ventures shall be reduced by the difference between (A) the fair market value of any equipment (as determined by sales by the Company of comparable equipment to unaffiliated third parties) transferred to such joint ventures in reliance on subparagraph (xii) of the covenant entitled "Transactions with Affiliates" and (B) the value received by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary from such joint venture with respect to such equipment transfer. The foregoing provisions will not prohibit (i) the payment of any dividend within 60 days after the date of declaration thereof, if at said date of declaration such payment would have complied with the provisions of the Indenture; (ii) the redemption, repurchase, retirement, defeasance or other acquisition of any Equity Interests of the Company or subordinated Indebtedness of the Company or any Guarantors in exchange for, or out of the net cash proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale (other than to a Subsidiary of the Company) of, other Equity Interests of the Company (other than any Disqualified Stock); provided that the amount of any such net cash proceeds that are utilized for any such redemption, repurchase, retirement, defeasance or other acquisition shall be excluded from clause (ii) of the preceding paragraph provided that no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing immediately after such transaction; (iii) the defeasance, redemption, repurchase or 76 other acquisition of subordinated Indebtedness with the net cash proceeds from an incurrence of Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness; (iv) the payment of any dividend by a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company to the holders of its Equity Interests on a pro rata basis; (v) the repurchase, redemption or other acquisition or retirement for value of any Equity Interests of the Parent, the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company held by any member of the Company's (or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries') management pursuant to any management agreement, stock option agreement or similar agreement; provided that the aggregate price paid for all such repurchased, redeemed, acquired or retired Equity Interests shall not exceed $5.0 million in the aggregate since the date of the Indenture (and shall be increased by the amount of any net cash proceeds to the Company from (x) sales of Equity Interests of the Parent to management employees subsequent to the date of the Indenture and (y) any "key-man" life insurance policies which are used to make such redemptions or repurchases) and no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing immediately after such transaction; provided further, that the cancellation of Indebtedness owing to the Company from members of management of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with such a repurchase of Capital Stock of the Parent will not be deemed to constitute a Restricted Payment under the Indenture; (vi) the making of distributions, loans or advances to the Parent in an amount not to exceed $1.5 million per annum in order to permit the Parent to pay required and ordinary operating expenses of the Parent (including, without limitation, directors' fees, indemnification obligations, professional fees and expenses, but excluding any payments on or repurchases of the Seller Subordinated Note or the Seller Preferred Equity); (vii) distributions to the Parent to fund the required tax obligations of the Parent or its members related to income generated by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries and taxable to such members, including the tax distributions contemplated by Article IV of the LLC Agreement as in effect on the date of the Indenture; (viii) repurchases of Capital Stock deemed to occur upon the exercise of stock options if such Capital Stock represents a portion of the exercise price thereof; (ix) distributions to the Parent to fund the Transactions (as described under "Use of Proceeds"); (x) distributions to the Parent to purchase or redeem the Seller Subordinated Note and the Seller Preferred Equity pursuant to change of control provisions contained in the governing instrument relating thereto; provided, however, that (x) no offer or purchase obligation may be triggered in respect of such Seller Subordinated Note or Seller Preferred Equity unless a corresponding obligation also arises with respect to the Notes and (y) in any event, no repurchase or redemption of any such Seller Subordinated Note or Seller Preferred Equity may be consummated unless and until the Issuers shall have satisfied all repurchase obligations with respect to any required purchase offer made with respect to the Notes; provided, however, that such purchases or redemption of the Seller Subordinated Note or the Seller Preferred Equity shall be included in the calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments and provided that no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing as a consequence thereof; and (xi) if no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would occur as a consequence thereof, other Restricted Payments in an aggregate amount not to exceed $5.0 million since the date of the Indenture. In addition, any dividend which is declared but not paid shall not be included in the calculation of Restricted Payments under clause (c), and any dividend which is declared and paid shall be included only once in the calculation of Restricted Payments under clause (c). The Board of Managers may designate any Restricted Subsidiary to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary if such designation would not cause a Default. For purposes of making such determination, all outstanding Investments by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries (except to the extent repaid in cash) in the Subsidiary so designated will be deemed to be Restricted Payments at the time of such designation and will reduce the amount available for Restricted Payments under the first paragraph of this covenant. All such outstanding Investments will be deemed to constitute Investments in an amount equal to the fair market value of such Investments at the time of such designation. Such designation will only be permitted if such Restricted Payment would be permitted at such time and if such Restricted Subsidiary otherwise meets the definition of an Unrestricted Subsidiary. The amount of all Restricted Payments (other than cash) shall be the fair market value on the date of the Restricted Payment of the asset(s) or securities proposed to be transferred or issued by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, pursuant to the Restricted Payment. The fair market value of any non-cash Restricted Payment shall be determined by the Board of Managers whose resolution with respect thereto shall be delivered to the Trustee, such determination to be based upon an opinion or appraisal issued by an 77 accounting, appraisal or investment banking firm of national standing if such fair market value exceeds $15.0 million. Not later than the date of making any Restricted Payment, the Company shall deliver to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate stating that such Restricted Payment is permitted and setting forth the basis upon which the calculations required by the covenant "Restricted Payments" were computed, together with a copy of any fairness opinion or appraisal required by the Indenture. Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock The Indenture provides that the Issuers will not, and will not permit any of their Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, issue, assume, guarantee or otherwise become directly or indirectly liable, contingently or otherwise, with respect to (collectively, "incur") any Indebtedness (including Acquired Debt) and that the Issuers will not issue any Disqualified Stock and will not permit any of their Restricted Subsidiaries to issue any shares of preferred stock; provided, however, that the Company or any Guarantor may incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Debt) or issue shares of Disqualified Stock or preferred stock if (i) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing at the time of or as a consequence of the incurrence of any such Indebtedness or the issuance of any such Disqualified Stock and (ii) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Company's most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date on which such additional Indebtedness is incurred or such Disqualified Stock is issued would have been at least 2.0 to 1.0, determined on a pro forma basis (including a pro forma application of the net proceeds therefrom), as if the additional Indebtedness had been incurred, or the Disqualified Stock had been issued, as the case may be, at the beginning of such four-quarter period. The provisions of the first paragraph of this covenant will not apply to the incurrence of any of the following items of Indebtedness (collectively, "Permitted Debt"): (i) the incurrence by the Company (and the guarantee thereof by the Guarantors) of Indebtedness and letters of credit under one or more Senior Credit Facilities; provided that the aggregate principal amount of all Indebtedness (with letters of credit being deemed to have a principal amount equal to the maximum potential liability of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries thereunder) outstanding under all Senior Credit Facilities after giving effect to such incurrence does not exceed an amount equal to the greater of (x) $275.0 million less the aggregate amount of all repayments of any term Indebtedness and all commitment reductions of any revolving indebtedness, in each case, under one or more Senior Credit Facilities pursuant to clause (i) of the third paragraph of the covenant described above under the caption "--Asset Sales" and (y) the Company's Borrowing Base; (ii) the incurrence by the Issuers of Indebtedness represented by the Notes and the Guarantees thereof by the Guarantors in an aggregate principal amount of $110.0 million outstanding on the date of the Indenture; (iii) the incurrence by a Restricted Subsidiary that is a Foreign Subsidiary and is not a Guarantor of the Exchange Notes in an amount at any one time outstanding that does not exceed (x) $3.0 million plus (y) the Borrowing Base of such Restricted Subsidiary; provided, that none of the Company or any other such Restricted Subsidiary shall be obligated, directly or indirectly, to pay principal, premium, interest or other amounts thereon or in respect thereof (including by way of net worth requirements, equity keepwells, etc.); (iv) the incurrence by the Company and its Subsidiaries of other Indebtedness outstanding on the date of the Indenture for so long as such Indebtedness remains outstanding; (v) the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness (including Capitalized Lease Obligations) to finance the purchase, lease or improvement of property (real or personal) or equipment (whether through the direct purchase of assets or the Capital Stock of any Person owning such assets) in an aggregate principal amount outstanding not to exceed the greater of (x) $10.0 million and (y) 7.5% of Total Assets at the time of any incurrence thereof (including any Refinancing Indebtedness with respect thereto) (which amount may, but need not, be incurred in whole or in part under the Senior Credit Facilities); 78 (vi) the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness constituting reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit issued in the ordinary course of business, including, without limitation, letters of credit in respect of workers' compensation claims or self-insurance, or other indebtedness with respect to reimbursement type obligations regarding workers' compensation claims; (vii) the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness arising from agreements of the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company providing for indemnification, adjustment of purchase price, earn out or other similar obligations, in each case, incurred or assumed in connection with the disposition of any business, assets or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, other than guarantees of Indebtedness incurred by any Person acquiring all or any portion of such business, assets or Restricted Subsidiary for the purpose of financing such acquisition; provided that the maximum assumable liability in respect of all such Indebtedness shall at no time exceed the gross proceeds actually received by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with such disposition; (viii) the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of obligations in respect of performance and surety bonds and completion guarantees provided by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company in the ordinary course of business; (ix) the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness in connection with an industrial revenue bond in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $10.0 million for the expansion of the Company's Madisonville, Kentucky facility; (x) the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in exchange for, or the net proceeds of which are used to refund, refinance or replace Indebtedness (other than intercompany Indebtedness) that was permitted by the Indenture to be incurred under the first paragraph hereof or clauses (ii) and (iv) of this paragraph or any Indebtedness issued to so refund, refinance or replace such Indebtedness; (xi) the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of intercompany Indebtedness between or among the Company and any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; provided, however, that (i) if the Company is the obligor on such Indebtedness, such Indebtedness is expressly subordinated to the prior payment in full in cash of all Obligations with respect to the Notes and (ii)(A) any subsequent issuance or transfer of Equity Interests that results in any such Indebtedness being held by a Person other than the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary thereof and (B) any sale or other transfer of any such Indebtedness to a Person that is not either the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary thereof shall be deemed, in each case, to constitute an incurrence of such Indebtedness by the Company or such Subsidiary, as the case may be, that was not permitted by this clause (xi); (xii) the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Hedging Obligations that are incurred in the normal course of business and not for speculative purposes used for fixing or hedging currency or interest rate risk with respect to any floating rate Indebtedness that is permitted by the terms of this Indenture to be outstanding provided, however, that in the case of Hedging Obligations that are incurred for the purpose of fixing or hedging interest rate risks with respect to Indebtedness, the notional principal amount of any such Hedging Obligation does not exceed the principal amount of the Indebtedness to which such Hedging Obligation relates; (xiii) the guarantee by the Company or any of the Guarantors of Indebtedness that was permitted to be incurred by another provision of this covenant; (xiv) the incurrence by the Company's Unrestricted Subsidiaries of Non- Recourse Debt, provided, however, that if any such Indebtedness ceases to be Non-Recourse Debt of an Unrestricted Subsidiary, such event shall be deemed to constitute an incurrence of Indebtedness by a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company that was not permitted by this clause (xiv); 79 (xv) the incurrence by a Securitization Entity of Indebtedness in a Qualified Securitization Transaction that is Non-Recourse Debt with respect to the Company and its other Restricted Subsidiaries (except for Standard Securitization Undertakings and Limited Originator Recourse); and (xvi) the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that is a Guarantor of additional Indebtedness and/or the issuance of Disqualified Stock in an aggregate principal amount or aggregate liquidation value, as applicable (or accreted value, as applicable) at any time outstanding, including all Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness incurred to refund, refinance or replace any Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this clause (xvi), not to exceed $30.0 million. For purposes of determining compliance with this covenant, in the event that an item of Indebtedness meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of Permitted Debt described in clauses (i) through (xvi) above or is entitled to be incurred pursuant to the first paragraph of this covenant, the Company shall, in its sole discretion, classify or later reclassify such item of Indebtedness in any manner that complies with this covenant. Accrual of interest, accretion or amortization of original issue discount and the payment of interest on any Indebtedness in the form of additional Indebtedness with the same terms will not be deemed to be an incurrence of Indebtedness for purposes of this covenant; provided, in each such case, that the amount thereof is included in Fixed Charges of the Company as accrued. Liens The Indenture provides that the Company will not and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any Lien of any kind securing Indebtedness or trade payables (other than Permitted Liens) upon any of their property or assets, now owned or hereafter acquired, unless (i) in the case of Liens securing Indebtedness that is expressly subordinated or junior in right of payment to the Notes, the Notes are secured on a senior basis to the obligations so secured until such time as such obligations are no longer secured by a Lien and (ii) in all other cases, the Notes are secured on an equal and ratable basis with the obligations so secured until such time as such obligations are no longer secured by a Lien. Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Subsidiaries The Indenture provides that the Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any encumbrance or restriction on the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary to (i)(a) pay dividends or make any other distributions to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (1) on its Capital Stock or (2) with respect to any other interest or participation in, or measured by, its profits, or (b) pay any indebtedness owed to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, (ii) make loans or advances to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or (iii) transfer any of its properties or assets to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries. However, the foregoing restrictions will not apply to encumbrances or restrictions existing under or by reason of (a) Existing Indebtedness as in effect on the date of the Indenture, (b) the Senior Credit Facility as in effect as of the date of the Indenture, and any amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings thereof, provided that such amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacement or refinancings are no more restrictive, taken as a whole, with respect to such dividend and other payment restrictions than those contained in the Senior Credit Facility as in effect on the date of the Indenture, (c) the Indenture and the Notes, (d) applicable law, (e) any instrument governing Indebtedness or Capital Stock of a Person acquired by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries as in effect at the time of such acquisition (except to the extent such Indebtedness was incurred in connection with or in contemplation of such acquisition), which encumbrance or restriction is not applicable to any Person, or the properties or assets of any Person, other than the Person, or the property or assets of the Person, so acquired, provided that, in the case of Indebtedness, such Indebtedness was permitted by the terms of the Indenture to be incurred, (f) customary non-assignment provisions in leases entered into in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practices, (g) purchase money obligations for property acquired in 80 the ordinary course of business that impose restrictions of the nature described in clause (iii) above on the property so acquired, (h) any agreement for the sale of a Restricted Subsidiary that restricts distributions by that Restricted Subsidiary pending its sale, (i) Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness, provided that the restrictions contained in the agreements governing such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness are no more restrictive, taken as a whole, than those contained in the agreements governing the Indebtedness being refinanced, (j) secured Indebtedness otherwise permitted to be incurred pursuant to the provisions of the covenant described above under the caption "Liens" that limits the right of the debtor to dispose of the assets securing such Indebtedness, (k) provisions with respect to the disposition or distribution of assets or property in joint venture agreements and other similar agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business, (l) restrictions on cash or other deposits or net worth imposed by customers under contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business, (m) any Purchase Money Note, or other Indebtedness or other contractual requirements of a Securitization Entity in connection with a Qualified Securitization Transaction; provided that such restrictions apply only to such Securitization Entity, (n) other Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary that is a Guarantor permitted to be incurred subsequent to the date of the Indenture pursuant to the provisions of the covenant described above under the caption "Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock"; provided that any such restrictions are ordinary and customary with respect to the type of Indebtedness or preferred stock being incurred or issued (under the relevant circumstances), and (o) any encumbrances or restrictions imposed by any amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings of the contracts, instruments or obligations referred to in clauses (a) through (n) above; provided that such amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings are, in the good faith judgment of the Company's Board of Managers, no more restrictive with respect to such dividend and other payment restrictions than those contained in the dividend or other payment restrictions prior to such amendment, modification, restatement, renewal, increase, supplement, refunding, replacement or refinancing. Merger, Consolidation, or Sale of Assets The Indenture provides that neither Issuer may consolidate or merge with or into (whether or not such Issuer is the surviving corporation), or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its properties or assets in one or more related transactions, to another corporation, Person or entity unless (i) the Company is the surviving corporation or the entity or the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than the Company) or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition shall have been made is a corporation organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia; (ii) the entity or Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than such Issuer) or the entity or Person to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition shall have been made assumes all the obligations of the Issuers under the Registration Rights Agreement, the Exchange Notes and the Indenture pursuant to a supplemental indenture in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee; (iii) immediately prior thereto and immediately after such transaction no Default or Event of Default exists; and (iv) except in the case of a merger of the Company with or into a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company and except in the case of a merger entered into solely for the purpose of reincorporating the Company in another jurisdiction, the Company or the entity or Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than the Company), or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition shall have been made will immediately after giving pro forma effect thereto as if such transaction had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period, (x) be permitted to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in the first paragraph of the covenant described above under the caption "--Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock" or (y) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Company or the entity or Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than the Company) would be greater than such ratio for the Company or such surviving entity immediately prior to such transaction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company is permitted to reorganize as a corporation in accordance with the procedures established in the Indenture, provided that the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an opinion of counsel in the United States reasonably acceptable to the Trustee confirming that such reorganization 81 is not adverse to holders of the Exchange Notes (it being recognized that such reorganization shall not be deemed adverse to the holders of the Exchange Notes solely because (i) of the accrual of deferred tax liabilities resulting from such reorganization or (ii) the successor or surviving corporation (a) is subject to income tax as a corporate entity or (b) is considered to be an "includible corporation" of an affiliated group of corporations within the meaning of the Code or any similar state or local law) and certain other conditions are satisfied. The entity or the Person formed by or surviving any consolidation or merger (if other than the Company) will succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Issuers under the Indenture, but, in the case of a lease of all or substantially all its assets, neither Issuer will be released from the obligation to pay the principal of and interest on the Exchange Notes. Transactions with Affiliates The Indenture provides that the Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, make any payment to, or sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its properties or assets to, or purchase any property or assets from, or enter into or make or amend any transaction, contract, agreement, understanding, loan, advance or guarantee with, or for the benefit of, any Affiliate (each of the foregoing, an "Affiliate Transaction"), unless (i) such Affiliate Transaction is on terms that are no less favorable to the Company or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary than those that would have been obtained in a comparable transaction by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary with an unrelated Person and (ii) the Company delivers to the Trustee (a) with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions involving aggregate consideration in excess of $3.0 million, a resolution of the Board of Managers set forth in an Officers' Certificate certifying that such Affiliate Transaction complies with clause (i) above and that such Affiliate Transaction has been approved by a majority of the disinterested members of the Board of Managers and (b) with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions involving aggregate consideration in excess of $10.0 million, an opinion as to the fairness to the Holders of such Affiliate Transaction from a financial point of view issued by an accounting, appraisal or investment banking firm of national standing. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following items shall not be deemed to be Affiliate Transactions: (i) any employment agreement entered into by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business and consistent with the past practice of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, (ii) transactions exclusively between or among the Company and/or its Restricted Subsidiaries provided such transactions have not otherwise been prohibited by the Indenture, (iii) payment of reasonable directors fees to Persons who are not otherwise Affiliates of the Company, (iv) transactions effected as part of a Qualified Securitization Transaction, (v) Restricted Payments that are permitted by the provisions of the Indenture described above under the caption "--Restricted Payments," (vi) reasonable fees and compensation paid to and indemnity provided on behalf of, officers, directors, employees or consultants of the Company or any Subsidiary as determined in good faith by the Company's Board of Managers or senior management, (vii) the payment of consulting and advisory fees, annual management fees and related expenses to the Principals made pursuant to any financial advisory, financing, underwriting or placement agreement or in respect of other investment banking activities, including, without limitation, in connection with acquisitions or divestitures which are approved by the Board of Managers of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary in good faith, (viii) any agreement as in effect on the date of the Indenture or any amendment thereto or any transaction contemplated thereby (including pursuant to any amendment thereto) in any replacement agreement thereto so long as any such amendment or replacement agreement is not more disadvantageous to the Holders in any material respect than the original agreement as in effect on the date of the Indenture, (ix) payments or loans to employees or consultants which are approved by the Board of Managers of the Company in good faith, (x) the existence of, or the performance by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of its obligations under the terms of, any stockholders agreement (including any registration rights agreement or purchase agreement related thereto) to which it is a party as of the date of the Indenture and any similar agreements which it may enter into thereafter; provided, however, that the existence of, or the performance by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of obligations under, any future amendment to any such existing agreement or under any similar agreement entered into after the date of the Indenture shall only be permitted by this clause (x) to the extent that the terms of any such amendment or new 82 agreement are not otherwise disadvantageous to the Holders of the Notes in any material respect, (xi) transactions with customers, clients, suppliers, joint venture partners or purchasers or sellers of goods or services, in each case in the ordinary course of business (including, without limitation, pursuant to joint venture agreements) and otherwise in compliance with the terms of the Indenture which are fair to the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries, in the good faith determination of the Board of Managers of the Company or the senior management thereof, or are on terms at least as favorable as might reasonably have been obtained at such time from an unaffiliated party and (xii) in the case of foreign joint ventures, transfers of equipment for sale outside of North America in exchange for value not less than the Company's cost of producing such equipment. No Senior Subordinated Debt The Indenture provides that (i) the Issuers will not, directly or indirectly, incur any Indebtedness that is subordinate or junior in right of payment to any Senior Debt and senior in any respect in right of payment to the Notes and (ii) no Guarantor will incur any Indebtedness that is subordinate or junior in right of payment to its Guarantor Senior Debt and senior in any respect in right of payment to such Guarantor's Guarantee. Limitation on Issuances of Guarantees of Indebtedness The Indenture will provide that the Company will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary, directly or indirectly, to guarantee or pledge any assets to secure the payment of any other Indebtedness of the Company unless such Restricted Subsidiary simultaneously executes and delivers a supplemental indenture to the Indenture providing for the Guarantee of the payment of the Exchange Notes by such Restricted Subsidiary, which Guarantee shall be senior to or pari passu with such Restricted Subsidiary's Guarantee of or pledge to secure such other Indebtedness, unless such other Indebtedness is Senior Debt, in which case the Guarantee of the Exchange Notes may be subordinated to the Guarantee of such Senior Debt to the same extent as the Exchange Notes are subordinated to such Senior Debt. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any such Guarantee by a Subsidiary of the Notes shall provide by its terms that it shall be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged upon any sale, exchange or transfer, to any Person not an Affiliate of the Company, of all of the Company's stock in, or all or substantially all the assets of, such Restricted Subsidiary, which sale, exchange or transfer is made in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Indenture. The form of such Guarantee will be attached as an exhibit to the Indenture. Business Activities The Company will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, engage in any business other than Permitted Businesses, except to such extent as would not be material to the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole and ALC will not own any operating assets or other properties or conduct any business other than to serve as an Issuer and obligor on the Senior Subordinated Notes. Payments for Consent The Indenture provides that neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries will, directly or indirectly, pay or cause to be paid any consideration, whether by way of interest, fee or otherwise, to any Holder of any Notes for or as an inducement to any consent, waiver or amendment of any of the terms or provisions of the Indenture or the Exchange Notes unless such consideration is offered to be paid or is paid to all Holders of the Exchange Notes that consent, waive or agree to amend in the time frame set forth in the solicitation documents relating to such consent, waiver or agreement. Reports The Indenture provides that, whether or not required by the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"), so long as any Exchange Notes are outstanding, the Issuers will furnish to the Holders of Exchange Notes (i) all quarterly and annual financial information that would be required to be contained in a filing with the Commission on Forms 10-Q and 10-K if the Issuers were required to file 83 such Forms, including a "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" that describes the financial condition and results of operations of the Issuers and its consolidated Subsidiaries (showing in reasonable detail, either on the face of the financial statements or in the footnotes thereto the financial condition and results of operations of the Issuers and their Restricted Subsidiaries separate from the financial condition and results of operations of the Unrestricted Subsidiaries of the Issuers) and, with respect to the annual information only, a report thereon by the Issuers' certified independent accountants and (ii) all current reports that would be required to be filed with the Commission on Form 8-K if the Issuers were required to file such reports, in each case within the time periods specified in the Commission's rules and regulations. For so long as the Parent is a Guarantor of the Exchange Notes, the Indenture will permit the Issuers to satisfy its obligations in this covenant with respect to financial information relating to the Issuers by furnishing financial information relating to the Parent; provided that the same is accompanied by consolidating information that explains in reasonable detail the differences between the information relating to the Parent, on the one hand, and the information relating to the Issuers and their Restricted Subsidiaries on a stand-alone basis, on the other hand. In addition, following the consummation of the exchange offer contemplated by the Registration Rights Agreement, whether or not required by the rules and regulations of the Commission, the Issuers will file a copy of all such information and reports with the Commission for public availability within the time periods specified in the Commission's rules and regulations (unless the Commission will not accept such a filing) and make such information available to securities analysts and prospective investors upon request. In addition, the Issuers and the Guarantors have agreed that, for so long as any Exchange Notes remain outstanding, they will furnish to the Holders and to securities analysts and prospective investors, upon their request, the information required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act. Events of Default and Remedies The Indenture provides that each of the following constitutes an Event of Default: (i) default for 30 days in the payment when due of interest on, or Liquidated Damages with respect to, the Exchange Notes (whether or not prohibited by the subordination provisions of the Indenture); (ii) default in payment when due of the principal of or premium, if any, on the Exchange Notes (whether or not prohibited by the subordination provisions of the Indenture); (iii) failure by the Issuers or any of their Restricted Subsidiaries to comply with the provisions described under the captions "--Change of Control," or "-- Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets;" (iv) failure by the Issuers or any of their Restricted Subsidiaries for 30 days after written notice by the Trustee or Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes to comply with the provisions described under the captions "--Asset Sales," "--Restricted Payments" or "--Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock"; (v) failure by the Issuers or any of their Restricted Subsidiaries for 30 days after written notice by the Trustee or Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding Exchange Notes for 60 days after notice to comply with any of its other agreements in the Indenture or the Exchange Notes; (vi) default under any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there may be issued or by which there may be secured or evidenced any Indebtedness for money borrowed by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (other than a Securitization Entity) (or the payment of which is guaranteed by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (other than a Securitization Entity)) whether such Indebtedness or guarantee now exists, or is created after the date of the Indenture, which default (a) is caused by a failure to pay principal of or premium, if any, or interest on such Indebtedness prior to the expiration of the grace period provided in such Indebtedness on the date of such default (a "Payment Default") or (b) results in the acceleration of such Indebtedness prior to its express maturity and, in each case, the principal amount of any such Indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any other such Indebtedness under which there has been a Payment Default or the maturity of which has been so accelerated, aggregates $10.0 million or more; (vii) failure by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to pay final judgments aggregating in excess of $10.0 million, which judgments are not paid, discharged or stayed for a period of 60 days; (viii) certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency with respect to the Issuers or any of their Subsidiaries; and (ix) except as permitted by the Indenture, any Guarantee shall be held in any judicial proceeding to be unenforceable or invalid or shall cease for any reason to be in full force and effect or any Guarantor, or any Person acting on behalf of any Guarantor, shall deny or disaffirm its obligations under its Guarantee. 84 If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding Exchange Notes may declare all the Exchange Notes to be due and payable immediately. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of an Event of Default arising from certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency, with respect to the Issuers, any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company that constitutes a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, all outstanding Senior Subordinated Notes will become due and payable without further action or notice. Holders of the Exchange Notes may not enforce the Indenture or the Exchange Notes except as provided in the Indenture. Subject to certain limitations, Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Exchange Notes may direct the Trustee in its exercise of any trust or power. The Trustee may withhold from Holders of the Exchange Notes notice of any continuing Default or Event of Default (except a Default or Event of Default relating to the payment of principal or interest) if it determines that withholding notice is in their interest. The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Exchange Notes then outstanding by notice to the Trustee may on behalf of the Holders of all of the Exchange Notes waive any existing Default or Event of Default and its consequences under the Indenture except a continuing Default or Event of Default in the payment of interest on, or the principal of, the Exchange Notes. The Company is required to deliver to the Trustee annually a statement regarding compliance with the Indenture, and the Company is required upon becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default, to deliver to the Trustee a statement specifying such Default or Event of Default. No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Stockholders No director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of the Issuers, as such, shall have any liability for any obligations of the Company under the Exchange Notes, the Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder of Exchange Notes by accepting a Exchange Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Exchange Notes. Such waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws and it is the view of the Commission that such a waiver is against public policy. Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance The Issuers may, at their option and at any time, elect to have all of its obligations discharged with respect to the outstanding Exchange Notes and to have each Guarantor's obligations discharged with respect to its Guarantee ("Legal Defeasance") except for (i) the rights of Holders of outstanding Exchange Notes to receive payments in respect of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, on such Exchange Notes when such payments are due from the trust referred to below, (ii) the Issuers' obligations with respect to the Exchange Notes concerning issuing temporary Exchange Notes, registration of Exchange Notes, mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Exchange Notes and the maintenance of an office or agency for payment and money for security payments held in trust, (iii) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee, and the Issuers' obligations in connection therewith and (iv) the Legal Defeasance provisions of the Indenture. In addition, the Issuers may, at their option and at any time, elect to have the obligations of the Issuers and each Guarantor released with respect to certain covenants that are described in the Indenture ("Covenant Defeasance") and thereafter any omission to comply with such obligations shall not constitute a Default or Event of Default with respect to the Exchange Notes. In the event Covenant Defeasance occurs, certain events (not including non-payment, bankruptcy, receivership, rehabilitation and insolvency events) described under "Events of Default" will no longer constitute an Event of Default with respect to the Exchange Notes. In order to exercise either Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance, (i) the Issuers must irrevocably deposit with the Trustee, in trust, for the benefit of the Holders of the Senior Subordinate Notes, cash in U.S. dollars, non- callable Government Securities, or a combination thereof, in such amounts as will be sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants, to pay the principal of, premium, 85 if any, and interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, on the outstanding Exchange Notes on the stated maturity or on the applicable redemption date, as the case may be, and the Issuers must specify whether the Exchange Notes are being defeased to maturity or to a particular redemption date; (ii) in the case of Legal Defeasance, the Issuers shall have delivered to the Trustee an opinion of counsel in the United States reasonably acceptable to the Trustee confirming that (A) the Issuers have received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling or (B) since the date of the Indenture, there has been a change in the applicable federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such Opinion of Counsel shall confirm that, the Holders of the outstanding Exchange Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such Legal Defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such Legal Defeasance had not occurred; (iii) in the case of Covenant Defeasance the Issuers shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel in the United States reasonably acceptable to the Trustee confirming that the Holders of the outstanding Exchange Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such Covenant Defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such Covenant Defeasance had not occurred; (iv) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit (other than a Default or Event of Default resulting from the borrowing of funds to be applied to such deposit) or insofar as Events of Default from bankruptcy or insolvency events are concerned, at any time in the period ending on the 91st day after the date of deposit; (v) such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under any material agreement or instrument (other than the Indenture) to which the Issuers or any of their Subsidiaries are a party or by which the Issuers or any of their Restricted Subsidiaries are bound; (vi) the Issuers must have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel (subject to customary qualifications and assumptions) to the effect that after the 91st day following the deposit, the trust funds will not be subject to the effect of any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally; (vii) the Issuers must deliver to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate stating that the deposit was not made by the Issuers with the intent of preferring the Holders of Exchange Notes over the other creditors of the Issuers or with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding creditors of the Issuers or others; and (viii) the Issuers must deliver to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent provided for relating to the Legal Defeasance or the Covenant Defeasance have been complied with. Transfer and Exchange A Holder may transfer or exchange the Exchange Notes in accordance with the Indenture. The Registrar and the Trustee may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and the Issuers may require a Holder to pay any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture. The Issuers are not required to transfer or exchange any Exchange Note selected for redemption. Also, the Issuers are not required to transfer or exchange any Exchange Note for a period of 15 days before a selection of Exchange Notes to be redeemed. The registered Holder of an Exchange Note will be treated as the owner of it for all purposes. Amendment, Supplement and Waiver Except as provided in the next two succeeding paragraphs, the Indenture or the Exchange Notes may be amended or supplemented with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the Exchange Notes then outstanding (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, Exchange Notes), and any existing default or compliance with any provision of the Indenture or the Exchange Notes may be waived with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Exchange Notes (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange for, Notes). 86 Without the consent of each Holder affected, an amendment or waiver may not (with respect to any Exchange Notes held by a non-consenting Holder): (i) reduce the principal amount of Exchange Notes whose Holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver, (ii) reduce the principal of or change the fixed maturity of any Exchange Note or alter the provisions with respect to the redemption of the Exchange Notes (other than provisions relating to the covenants described above under the caption "--Repurchase at the Option of Holders"), (iii) reduce the rate of or change the time for payment of interest on any Exchange Note, (iv) waive a Default or Event of Default in the payment of principal of or premium, if any, or interest on the Exchange Notes (except a rescission of acceleration of the Exchange Notes by the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Exchange Notes and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration), (v) make any Exchange Note payable in money other than that stated in the Exchange Notes, (vi) make any change in the provisions of the Indenture relating to waivers of past Defaults or the rights of Holders of Exchange Notes to receive payments of principal of or premium, if any, or interest on the Exchange Notes, (vii) waive a redemption payment with respect to any Exchange Note (other than a payment required by one of the covenants described above under the caption "-- Repurchase at the Option of Holders") or (viii) make any change in the foregoing amendment and waiver provisions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, without the consent of any Holder of Exchange Notes, the Issuers and the Trustee may amend or supplement the Indenture or the Exchange Notes to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency, to provide for uncertificated Exchange Notes in addition to or in place of certificated Exchange Notes, to provide for the assumption of the Issuers' obligations to Holders of Exchange Notes in the case of a merger or consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of the Company's assets, to add additional guarantees with respect to the Exchange Notes, including any new Exchange Note Guarantees, to make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to the Holders of Exchange Notes or that does not adversely affect the legal rights under the Indenture of any such Holder, or to comply with requirements of the Commission in order to effect or maintain the qualification of the Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act. In addition, any amendment to the provisions of Article 10 of the Indenture (which relate to subordination) will require the consent of the Holders of at least 75% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding if such amendment would adversely affect the rights of Holders of Exchange Notes. Concerning the Trustee The Indenture contains certain limitations on the rights of the Trustee, should it become a creditor of the Issuers, to obtain payment of claims in certain cases, or to realize on certain property received in respect of any such claim as security or otherwise. The Trustee will be permitted to engage in other transactions; however, if it acquires any conflicting interest it must eliminate such conflict within 90 days, apply to the Commission for permission to continue or resign. The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Exchange Notes will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the Trustee, subject to certain exceptions. The Indenture provides that in case an Event of Default shall occur (which shall not be cured), the Trustee will be required, in the exercise of its power, to use the degree of care of a prudent man in the conduct of his own affairs. Subject to such provisions, the Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the Indenture at the request of any Holder of Exchange Notes, unless such Holder shall have offered to the Trustee security and indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense. Additional Information Anyone who receives this Prospectus may obtain a copy of the Indenture and Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement without charge by writing to Alliance Laundry Systems LLC, P.O. Box 990, Ripon, WI 54971-0990, Attention: Chief Financial Officer. 87 Book-Entry: Delivery And Form The Exchange Notes initially will be represented by one or more notes in registered, global form without interest coupons (collectively, the "Global Note"). The Global Note will be deposited upon issuance with the Trustee, as custodian for The Depository Trust Company ("DTC"), in New York, New York, and registered in name of DTC or its nominee, in each case for credit to an account of a direct or indirect participant as described below. Except as set forth below, the Global Note may be transferred, in whole and not in part, only to another nominee of DTC or to a successor of DTC or its nominee. Beneficial interests in the Global Note may not be exchanged for Notes in certificated form except in the limited circumstances described below. The Notes may be presented for registration of transfer and exchange at the offices of the Exchange Agent. DTC has advised the Issuers that DTC is a limited-purpose trust company created to hold securities for its participating organizations (collectively, the "Participants") and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of transactions in those securities between the Participants through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the Participants. The Participants include securities brokers and dealers (including the Initial Purchasers), banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations. Access to DTC's system is also available to other entities such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Participant, either directly or indirectly (collectively, the "Indirect Participants"). Persons who are not Participants may beneficially own securities held by or on behalf of DTC only through the Participants or the Indirect Participants. The ownership interest and transfer of ownership interest of each actual purchaser of each security held by or on behalf of DTC are recorded on the records of the Participants and the Indirect Participants. DTC has also advised the Issuers that pursuant to procedures established by it, (i) upon deposit of the Global Note, DTC will credit the accounts of Participants designated by the exchanging holders with portions of the principal amount of the Global Note and (ii) ownership of such interests in the Global Note will be shown on, and the transfer of ownership thereof will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC (with respect to the Participants) or by the Participants and the Indirect Participants (with respect to other owners of beneficial interests in the Global Note). The laws of some states require that certain persons take physical delivery in definitive form of securities that they own. Consequently, the ability to transfer beneficial interests in the Global Note to such persons may be limited to that extent. Because DTC can act only on behalf of the Participants, which in turn act on behalf of the Indirect Participants and certain banks, the ability of a person having beneficial interests in the Global Note to pledge such interests to persons or entities that do not participate in the DTC system, or otherwise take actions in respect of such interests, may be affected by the lack of a physical certificate evidencing such interests. Except as described below, owners of interest in the Global Note will not have Notes registered in their names, will not receive physical delivery of Notes in certificated form and will not be considered the registered owners or holders thereof under the Indenture for any purpose. Payments in respect of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on the Global Note registered in the name of DTC or its nominee will be payable to DTC or its nominee in its capacity as the registered holder under the Indenture. Under the terms of the Indenture, the Issuers and the Trustee will treat the persons in whose names the Notes, including the Global Note, are registered as the owners thereof for the purpose of receiving such payments and for any and all other purposes whatsoever. Consequently, none of the Issuers or the Trustee nor any agent of the Issuers or the Trustee has or will have any responsibility or liability for (i) any aspect or accuracy of DTC's records or any Participant's or Indirect Participant's records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in the Global Note, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any of DTC's records or any Participant's or Indirect Participant's records relating to the beneficial ownership interests in the Global Note, or (ii) any other matter relating to the actions and practices of DTC or any of the Participants or the Indirect Participants. 88 DTC has advised the Issuers that its current practice, upon receipt of any payment is respect of securities such as the Notes (including principal and interest), is to credit the accounts of the relevant Participants with the payment on the payment date, in amounts proportionate to their respective holdings in principal amount of beneficial interests in the relevant security as shown on the records of DTC. Payments by the Participants and the Indirect Participants to the beneficial owners of the Notes will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices and will not be the responsibility of DTC, the Trustee or the Issuers. Neither the Issuers nor the Trustee will be liable for any delay by DTC or any of the Participants in identifying the beneficial owners of the Notes, and the Issuers and the Trustee may conclusively rely on and will be protected in relying on instructions from DTC or its nominee as the registered owner of the Global Note for all purposes. Interests in the Global Note will trade in DTC's Same-Day Funds Settlement System and secondary market trading activity in such interests will therefore settle in immediately available funds, subject in all cases to the rules and procedures of DTC and the Participants. Transfers between Participants in DTC will be effected in accordance with DTC's procedures and will be settled in same-day funds. DTC has advised the Issuers that it will take any action permitted to be taken by a holder of Notes only at the direction of one or more Participants to whose account with DTC interests in the Global Note are credited and only in respect of such portion of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes as to which such Participant or Participants has or have given such direction. However, if any of the events described under "--Exchange of Book Entry Notes for Certificated Notes" occurs, DTC reserves the right to exchange the Global Note for Notes in certificated form and to distribute such Notes to its Participants. The information in this section concerning DTC and its book-entry system has been obtained from sources that the Company believes to be reliable, but the Company takes no responsibility for the accuracy thereof. Although DTC has agreed to the foregoing procedures to facilitate transfers of interest in the Global Note amount accountholders in DTC, it is under no obligation to perform or to continue to perform such procedures, and such procedures may be discontinued at any time. None of the Issuers or the Trustee nor any agent of the Issuers or the Trustee will have any responsibility for the performance by DTC or its respective participants, indirect participants or accountholders of their respective obligations under the rules and procedures governing their operations. Exchange of Book-Entry Notes for Certificated Notes The Global Note is exchangeable for definitive Notes in registered certificated form if (i) DTC (x) notifies the Issuers that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depository for the Global Note and the Issuers thereupon fail to appoint a successor depository or (y) has ceased to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, (ii) the Issuers, at their option, notify the Trustee in writing that they elect to cause the issuance of the Notes in certificated form or (iii) there shall have occurred and be continuing a Default or an Event of Default with respect to the Notes. In all cases, certificated Notes delivered in exchange for the Global Note or beneficial interests therein will be registered in the names, and issued in any approved denominations, requested by or on behalf of DTC (in accordance with its customary procedures). Certain Definitions Set forth below are certain defined terms used in the Indenture. Reference is made to the Indenture for a full disclosure of all such terms, as well as any other capitalized terms used herein for which no definition is provided. "Acquired Debt" means, with respect to any specified Person, (i) Indebtedness of any other Person existing at the time such other Person is merged with or into or became a Subsidiary of such specified Person, including, 89 without limitation, Indebtedness incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such other Person merging with or into or becoming a Subsidiary of such specified Person, and (ii) Indebtedness secured by a Lien encumbering any asset acquired by such specified Person. "Additional Assets" means (i) any property or assets (other than Indebtedness and Capital Stock) to be used by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary in a Permitted Business; (ii) the Capital Stock of a Person that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary as a result of the acquisition of such Capital Stock by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company; or (iii) Capital Stock constituting a minority interest in any Person that at such time is a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company; provided, however, that, in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii), such Restricted Subsidiary is primarily engaged in a Permitted Business. "Affiliate" of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. For purposes of this definition, "control" (including, with correlative meanings, the terms "controlling," "controlled by" and "under common control with"), as used with respect to any Person, shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by agreement or otherwise. "Asset Sale" means (i) the sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition of any assets or rights (including, without limitation, by way of a sale and leaseback) other than sales of inventory in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices (provided that the sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole will be governed by the provisions of the Indenture described above under the caption "--Change of Control" and/or the provisions described above under the caption "--Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets" and not by the provisions of the Asset Sale covenant), and (ii) the issue or sale by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Equity Interests of any of the Company's Subsidiaries, in the case of either clause (i) or (ii), whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions (a) that have a fair market value in excess of $1.0 million or (b) for net proceeds in excess of $1.0 million. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following items shall not be deemed to be Asset Sales: (i) a transfer of assets by the Company to a Restricted Subsidiary or by a Restricted Subsidiary to the Company or to another Restricted Subsidiary, (ii) an issuance of Equity Interests by a Restricted Subsidiary to the Company or to another Restricted Subsidiary, (iii) a Restricted Payment that is permitted by the covenant described above under the caption "--Restricted Payments," (iv) the sale or discount, in each case without recourse, of accounts receivable arising in the ordinary course of business, but only in connection with the compromise or collection thereof, (v) the factoring of accounts receivable arising in the ordinary course of business pursuant to arrangements customary in the industry, (vi) the licensing of intellectual property, (vii) disposals or replacements of obsolete, uneconomical, negligible, worn out or surplus property in the ordinary course of business, (viii) sales of equipment loans on a non-recourse basis to a third party in an amount at least equal to 75% of the fair market value thereof, and (ix) sales of receivables, equipment loans and related assets (including contract rights) of the type specified in the definition of "Qualified Securitization Transaction" to a Securitization Entity for the fair market value thereof, including consideration in the amount specified in the proviso to the definition of Qualified Securitization Transaction. "Borrowing Base" means, with respect to any Person, the sum of (x) up to 90% of the net book value of the non-affiliated accounts receivable of such Person in accordance with GAAP and (y) up to 60% of the net book value of the inventory of such Person in accordance with GAAP. "Capital Lease Obligation" means, at the time any determination thereof is to be made, the amount of the liability in respect of a capital lease that would at such time be required to be capitalized on a balance sheet in accordance with GAAP. "Capital Stock" means (i) in the case of a corporation, corporate stock, (ii) in the case of an association or business entity, any and all shares, interests, participations, rights or other equivalents (however designated) of 90 corporate stock, (iii) in the case of a partnership or limited liability company, partnership or membership interests (whether general or limited) and (iv) any other interest or participation that confers on a Person the right to receive a share of the profits and losses of, or distributions of assets of, the issuing Person. "Cash Equivalents" means (i) United States dollars, (ii) securities issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the United States government or any agency or instrumentality thereof (provided that the full faith and credit of the United States is pledged in support thereof) having maturities of not more than six months from the date of acquisition, (iii) certificates of deposit and eurodollar time deposits with maturities of six months or less from the date of acquisition, bankers' acceptances with maturities not exceeding six months and overnight bank deposits, in each case with any lender party to the Senior Credit Facility or with any domestic commercial bank having capital and surplus in excess of $500 million and a Thompson Bank Watch Rating of "B" or better, (iv) repurchase obligations with a term of not more than seven days for underlying securities of the types described in clauses (ii) and (iii) above entered into with any financial institution meeting the qualifications specified in clause (iii) above, (v) commercial paper having the highest rating obtainable from Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or Standard & Poor's Corporation and in each case maturing within six months after the date of acquisition and (vi) money market funds at least 95% of the assets of which constitute Cash Equivalents of the kinds described in clauses (i)-(v) of this definition. "Change of Control" means the occurrence of any of the following: (i) the sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition (other than by way of merger or consolidation), in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole to any "person" (as such term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), whether or not otherwise in compliance with the provisions of the Indenture (other than the Principals and their Related Parties), (ii) the adoption of a plan relating to the liquidation or dissolution of the Company, (iii) the consummation of the first transaction (including, without limitation, any merger or consolidation) the result of which is that any "person" (as defined above) becomes the "beneficial owner" (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 and Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, except that a person shall be deemed to have "beneficial ownership" of all securities that such person has the right to acquire, whether such right is currently exercisable or is exercisable only upon the occurrence of a subsequent condition), directly or indirectly, of more of the Voting Stock of the Company (measured by voting power rather than number of shares) than is at the time "beneficially owned" (as defined above) by the Principals and their Related Parties in the aggregate or (iv) the first day on which a majority of the members of the Board of Managers of the Company or the Parent are not Continuing Managers (as defined below). Clause (i) of the definition of Change of Control includes a phrase relating to the sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of "all or substantially all" of the assets of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole. Although there is a developing body of case law interpreting the phrase "substantially all," there is no precise established definition of the phrase under applicable law. Accordingly, the ability of a Holder of Exchange Notes to require the Issuers to repurchase such Exchange Notes as a result of a sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of less than all of the assets of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole to another Person or group may be uncertain. "Consolidated Cash Flow" means, with respect to any Person for any period, the Consolidated Net Income of such Person for such period plus (i) an amount equal to any extraordinary loss plus any net loss realized in connection with an Asset Sale (to the extent such losses were deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income), plus (ii) provision for taxes, including foreign withholding taxes to the extent paid, based on income or profits of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, to the extent that such provision for taxes was included in computing such Consolidated Net Income, plus (iii) consolidated interest expense of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued and whether or not capitalized (including, without limitation, amortization of original issue discount, non-cash interest payments, the interest component of any deferred payment obligations, the interest component of all payments associated with Capital Lease Obligations, commissions, discounts and other fees and charges incurred in respect of letter of credit or bankers' acceptance financings, and net payments (if any) pursuant to Hedging Obligations), to the extent that any such 91 expense was deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income, plus (iv) depreciation, amortization (including amortization of goodwill and other intangibles but excluding amortization of prepaid cash expenses that were paid in a prior period) and other non-cash expenses (excluding any such non-cash expense to the extent that it represents an accrual of or reserve for cash expenses in any future period or amortization of a prepaid cash expense that was paid in a prior period) of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period to the extent that such depreciation, amortization and other non- cash expenses were deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income, plus (v) one time non-cash legal, accounting and debt issuance charges resulting from the Transactions, minus (vi) non-cash items increasing such Consolidated Net Income for such period, in each case, on a consolidated basis and determined in accordance with GAAP. Consolidated Cash Flow shall exclude the amortization of debt issuance costs. "Consolidated Net Income" means, with respect to any Person for any period, the aggregate of the Net Income of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, on a consolidated basis, determined in accordance with GAAP; provided that (i) the Net Income (but not loss) of any Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary or that is accounted for by the equity method of accounting shall be included only to the extent of the amount of dividends or distributions paid in cash to the referent Person or a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary thereof, (ii) the Net Income of any Restricted Subsidiary shall be excluded to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by that Restricted Subsidiary of that Net Income is not at the date of determination permitted without any prior governmental approval (that has not been obtained) or, directly or indirectly, by operation of the terms of its charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or governmental regulation applicable to that Restricted Subsidiary or its stockholders, (iii) the Net Income of any Person acquired in a pooling of interests transaction for any period prior to the date of such acquisition shall be excluded, (iv) the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles shall be excluded, (v) any one time non-cash charges relating to the Transition Plan in an amount not to exceed $5.0 million shall be excluded, and (vi) the Net Income (but not loss) of any Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be excluded, whether or not distributed to the Company or one of its Subsidiaries. "Continuing Managers" means, as of any date of determination, any member of the Board of Managers of the Company who (i) was a member of such Board of Managers on the date of the Indenture, (ii) was nominated for election or elected to such Board of Managers with the approval of a majority of the Continuing Managers who were members of such Board at the time of such nomination or election or (iii) was nominated by a Principal pursuant to the Securityholders Agreement. "Currency Agreement" means any foreign exchange contract, currency swap agreement or other similar agreement or arrangement designed to protect the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company against fluctuations in currency values. "Default" means any event that is or with the passage of time or the giving of notice or both would be an Event of Default. "Disqualified Stock" means any Capital Stock that, by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible, or for which it is exchangeable, at the option of the holder thereof), or upon the happening of any event, matures or is mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or redeemable at the option of the Holder thereof, in whole or in part, on or prior to the date that is 91 days after the date on which the Notes mature; provided, however, that any Capital Stock that would constitute Disqualified Stock solely because the holders thereof have the right to require the Issuers to repurchase such Capital Stock upon the occurrence of a Change of Control or an Asset Sale shall not constitute Disqualified Stock if the terms of such Capital Stock provide that the Issuers may not repurchase or redeem any such Capital Stock pursuant to such provisions unless such repurchase or redemption complies with the covenant described above under the caption "--Certain Covenants--Restricted Payments." "Domestic Subsidiary" means any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company other than a Foreign Subsidiary. 92 "Equity Interests" means Capital Stock and all warrants, options or other rights to acquire Capital Stock (but excluding any debt security that is convertible into, or exchangeable for, Capital Stock). "Equity Offering" means any offering of Qualified Capital Stock of the Parent, the Company or any successor thereto; provided that, in the event of any Equity Offering by the Parent, the Parent contributes to the common equity capital of the Company (other than as Disqualified Stock) the portion of the net cash proceeds of such Equity Offering necessary to pay the aggregate redemption price (plus accrued interest and Liquidated Damages thereon, if any, to the redemption date) of the Notes to be redeemed pursuant to the preceding paragraph. "Existing Indebtedness" means Indebtedness of the Company and its Subsidiaries (other than Indebtedness under the Senior Credit Facility) in existence on the date of the Indenture, until such amounts are repaid. "Fixed Charges" means, with respect to any Person for any period, the sum, without duplication, of (i) the consolidated interest expense of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued (including, without limitation, amortization of original issue discount, non- cash interest payments, the interest component of any deferred payment obligations, the interest component of all payments associated with Capital Lease Obligations, commissions, discounts and other fees and charges incurred in respect of letter of credit or bankers' acceptance financings, and net payments (if any) pursuant to Hedging Obligations) and (ii) the consolidated interest of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries that was capitalized during such period, and (iii) any interest expense on Indebtedness of another Person that is Guaranteed by such Person or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries or secured by a Lien on assets of such Person or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries (whether or not such guarantee or Lien is called upon) and (iv) all dividend payments, whether or not in cash, on any series of Preferred Stock of such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, other than dividend payments on Equity Interests payable solely in Equity Interests of the Company (other than Disqualified Stock) or to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company. Fixed Charges shall exclude the amortization of debt issuance costs. "Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio" means with respect to any Person for any period, the ratio of the Consolidated Cash Flow of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period to the Fixed Charges of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period. In the event that the referent Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries incurs, assumes, Guarantees or redeems any Indebtedness (other than revolving credit borrowings) or issues or redeems preferred stock subsequent to the commencement of the period for which the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is being calculated but prior to the date on which the event for which the calculation of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is made (the "Calculation Date"), then the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect to such incurrence, assumption, guarantee or redemption of Indebtedness, or such issuance or redemption of preferred stock, as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter reference period. In addition, for purposes of making the computation referred to above, Consolidated Cash Flow and Fixed Charges shall be calculated after giving effect on a pro forma basis for the period of such calculation to (i) acquisitions that have been made by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, including through mergers or consolidations and including any related financing transactions, during the four-quarter reference period or subsequent to such reference period and on or prior to the Calculation Date as if such transaction had occurred on the first day of the four-quarter reference period and Consolidated Cash Flow for such reference period shall be calculated without giving effect to clause (iii) of the proviso set forth in the definition of Consolidated Net Income, and (ii) the Consolidated Cash Flow attributable to discontinued operations, as determined in accordance with GAAP, and operations or businesses disposed of prior to the Calculation Date, shall be excluded and (iii) the Fixed Charges attributable to discontinued operations, as determined in accordance with GAAP and operations or businesses disposed of prior to the Calculation Date, shall be excluded, but only to the extent that the obligations giving rise to such Fixed Charges will not be obligations of the referent Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries following the Calculation Date. For purposes of this definition, whenever pro forma effect is to be given to a transaction, the pro forma calculations shall be made in good faith by a responsible financial or accounting officer of the 93 Company consistent with Article 11 of Regulation S-X, promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act, as such Regulation is in effect on the date of the Indenture. "Foreign Subsidiary" means (a) any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company that is not organized under the laws of the United States of America or any state thereof or the District of Columbia and (b) any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company that has no material assets other than securities of one or more Foreign Subsidiaries, and other assets relating to an ownership interest in any such securities or Subsidiaries. "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such other statements by such other entity as have been approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession, which are in effect on the date of the Indenture, except that calculations made for purposes of determining compliance with the terms of the covenants and with other provisions of the Indenture shall be made without giving effect to depreciation, amortization or other expenses recorded as a result of the application of purchase accounting in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion Nos. 16 and 17. "guarantee" means a guarantee (other than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary course of business), direct or indirect, in any manner (including, without limitation, by way of a pledge of assets or through letters of credit or reimbursement agreements in respect thereof), of all or any part of any Indebtedness. "Hedging Obligations" means, with respect to any Person, the obligations of such Person under (i) currency exchange or interest rate swap agreements, interest rate cap agreements and interest rate collar agreements and (ii) other agreements or arrangements designed to protect such Person against fluctuations in interest rates or currency exchange rates. "Indebtedness" means, with respect to any Person, any indebtedness of such Person, whether or not contingent, in respect of borrowed money or evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments or letters of credit (or reimbursement agreements in respect thereof) or banker's acceptances or representing Capital Lease Obligations or the balance deferred and unpaid of the purchase price of any property or representing any Hedging Obligations, except any such balance that constitutes an accrued expense or trade payable, if and to the extent any of the foregoing (other than letters of credit and Hedging Obligations) would appear as a liability upon a balance sheet of such Person prepared in accordance with GAAP, as well as all Indebtedness of others secured by a Lien on any asset of such Person (whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by such Person) and, to the extent not otherwise included, the guarantee by such Person of any indebtedness of any other Person (but excluding, with respect to Indebtedness of a Qualified Securitization Entity, any Limited Originator Recourse or Standard Securitization Undertakings that might be deemed to constitute guarantees). The amount of any Indebtedness outstanding as of any date shall be (i) the accreted value thereof, in the case of any Indebtedness issued with original issue discount, and (ii) the principal amount thereof, together with any interest thereon that is more than 30 days past due, in the case of any other Indebtedness. For purposes of calculating the amount of Indebtedness of a Securitization Entity outstanding as of any date, the face or notional amount of any interest in receivables or equipment that is outstanding as of such date shall be deemed to be Indebtedness but any such interests held by Affiliates of such Securitization Entity shall be excluded for purposes of such calculation. "Investments" means, with respect to any Person, all investments by such Person in other Persons (including Affiliates) in the forms of direct or indirect loans (including guarantees of Indebtedness or other Obligations), advances or capital contributions (excluding commission, travel and similar advances to officers and employees made in the ordinary course of business), purchases or other acquisitions for consideration of Indebtedness, Equity Interests or other securities, together with all items that are or would be classified as investments on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP. If the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company sells or otherwise disposes of any Equity Interests of any direct or indirect Subsidiary of the 94 Company such that, after giving effect to any such sale or disposition, such Person is no longer a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, the Company shall be deemed to have made an Investment on the date of any such sale or disposition equal to the fair market value of the Equity Interests of such Subsidiary not sold or disposed of in an amount determined as provided in the final paragraph of the covenant described above under the caption "-- Restricted Payments." "Lien" means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge, security interest or encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset, whether or not filed, recorded or otherwise perfected under applicable law (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any lease in the nature thereof, any option or other agreement to sell or give a security interest in and any filing of or agreement to give any financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code (or equivalent statutes) of any jurisdiction). "Limited Originator Recourse" means a reimbursement obligation to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary in connection with a drawing on a letter of credit, revolving loan commitment, cash collateral account or other such credit enhancement issued to support Indebtedness of a Securitization Entity under a facility for the financing of trade receivables and the warehousing of equipment loans and leases; provided that the available amount of any such form of credit enhancement at any time shall not exceed 10.0% of the principal amount of such Indebtedness at such time. "Net Income" means, with respect to any Person, the net income (loss) of such Person, determined in accordance with GAAP and before any reduction in respect of preferred stock dividends, excluding, however, (i) any gain (but not loss), together with any related provision for taxes on such gain (but not loss), realized in connection with (a) any Asset Sale (including, without limitation, dispositions pursuant to sale and leaseback transactions) or (b) the disposition of any securities by such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or the extinguishment of any Indebtedness of such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and (ii) any extraordinary or nonrecurring gain (but not loss), together with any related provision for taxes on such extraordinary or nonrecurring gain (but not loss). "Net Proceeds" means the aggregate cash proceeds received by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of any Asset Sale (including, without limitation, any cash received upon the sale or other disposition of any non-cash consideration received in any Asset Sale), net of the direct costs relating to such Asset Sale (including, without limitation, legal, accounting and investment banking fees, and sales commissions) and any relocation expenses incurred as a result thereof, taxes paid or payable as a result thereof (after taking into account any available tax credits or deductions and any tax sharing arrangements), amounts required to be applied to the repayment of Indebtedness (other than Senior Debt under one or more of the Company's Senior Credit Facilities) secured by a Lien on the asset or assets that were the subject of such Asset Sale and any reserve for adjustment in respect of the sale price of such asset or assets established in accordance with GAAP. "Non-Recourse Debt" means Indebtedness (i) as to which neither the Company nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (a) provides credit support of any kind (including any undertaking, agreement or instrument that would constitute Indebtedness), (b) is directly or indirectly liable (as a guarantor or otherwise), or (c) constitutes the lender; and (ii) no default with respect to which (including any rights that the holders thereof may have to take enforcement action against an Unrestricted Subsidiary) would permit (upon notice, lapse of time or both) any holder of any other Indebtedness (other than the Notes being offered hereby) of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to declare a default on such other Indebtedness or cause the payment thereof to be accelerated or payable prior to its stated maturity; and (iii) as to which the lenders have been notified in writing that they will not have any recourse to the stock or assets of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries. "Obligations" means any principal, interest, penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements, damages and other liabilities payable under the documentation governing any Indebtedness. "Parent" means Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, or any corporation as successor thereto. 95 "Permitted Business" means the lines of business conducted by the Company and its Subsidiaries on the date hereof and businesses that are reasonably similar, ancillary or related thereto or which constitute a reasonable extension or expansion thereof. "Permitted Investments" means (i) any Investment in the Company or in a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of the Company that is a Note Guarantor (whether existing on the date of the Indenture or created thereafter); (ii) any Investment in Cash Equivalents; (iii) any Investment by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company in a Person, if as a result of such Investment (x) such Person becomes a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of the Company or (y) such Person is merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into, or transfers or conveys substantially all of its assets to, or is liquidated into, the Company or a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary and Note Guarantor of the Company; (iv) any Investment made as a result of the receipt of non-cash consideration from an Asset Sale that was made pursuant to and in compliance with the covenant described above under the caption "--Repurchase at the Option of Holders--Asset Sales"; (v) any acquisition of assets solely in exchange for the issuance of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company; (vi) Hedging Obligations permitted under the caption "--Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock"; (vii) any Investment by the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company in a Securitization Entity or any Investment by a Securitization Entity in any other Person in connection with a Qualified Securitization Transaction; provided that any Investment in a Securitization Entity is in the form of a Purchase Money Note or an equity interest and (viii) other Investments in any Person having an aggregate fair market value (measured on the date each such Investment was made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value), when taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (viii) that are at the time outstanding, not to exceed the greater of (x) $7.5 million and (y) 7.5% of Total Assets. "Permitted Liens" means (i) Liens securing Senior Debt (including the Senior Credit Facilities); (ii) Liens in favor of the Company and any Restricted Subsidiary; (iii) Liens on property of a Person existing at the time such Person is merged into or consolidated with the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company; provided that such Liens were in existence prior to the contemplation of such merger or consolidation and do not extend to any assets other than those of the Person merged into or consolidated with the Company; (iv) Liens on property existing at the time of acquisition thereof by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, provided that such Liens were in existence prior to the contemplation of such acquisition; (v) Liens incurred or deposits made in the ordinary course of business in connection with workers' compensation, unemployment insurance or other kinds of social security, or to secure the performance of statutory obligations, surety or appeal bonds, performance bonds or other obligations of a like nature incurred in the ordinary course of business; (vi) purchase money Liens to finance property or assets of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company acquired in the ordinary course of business; provided, however, that (A) the related purchase money Indebtedness shall not exceed the cost of such property or assets and shall not be secured by any property or assets of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company other than the property and assets so acquired and (B) the Lien securing such Indebtedness shall be created within 90 days of such acquisition; (vii) Liens existing on the date of the Indenture; (viii) Liens for taxes, assessments or governmental charges or claims that are not yet delinquent or that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings promptly instituted and diligently concluded, provided that any reserve or other appropriate provision as shall be required in conformity with GAAP shall have been made therefor; (ix) statutory liens of landlords, mechanics, suppliers, vendors, warehousemen, carriers or other like Liens arising in the ordinary course of business; (x) judgment Liens not giving rise to an Event of Default so long as any appropriate legal proceeding that may have been duly initiated for the review of such judgment shall not have been finally terminated or the period within which such proceeding may be initiated shall not have expired; (xi) easements, rights-of-way, zoning and similar restrictions and other similar encumbrances or title defects incurred or imposed, as applicable, in the ordinary course of business and consistent with industry practices which, in the aggregate, are not substantial in amount, and which do not in any case materially detract from the value of the property subject thereto (as such property is used by the Company or its Subsidiaries) or interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Company or such Subsidiaries; provided, however, that any such Liens are not incurred in connection with any borrowing of money or any commitment to loan any money or to extend any credit; (xii) Liens on assets transferred to a 96 Securitization Entity or on assets of a Securitization Entity, in either case incurred in connection with a Qualified Securitization Transaction; (xiii) Liens incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company with respect to obligations that do not exceed $5.0 million at any one time outstanding and that (a) are not incurred in connection with the borrowing of money or the obtaining of advances or credit (other than trade credit in the ordinary course of business) and (b) do not in the aggregate materially detract from the value of the property or materially impair the use thereof in the operation of business by the Company or such Subsidiary; (xiv) Liens on assets of Guarantors to secure Senior Debt of such Guarantors that were permitted by the Indenture to be incurred; (xv) Liens on assets of Unrestricted Subsidiaries that secure Non-Recourse Debt of Unrestricted Subsidiaries; (xvi) any interest or title of a lessor under any Capital Lease Obligation; (xvii) Liens upon specific items of inventory or other goods and proceeds of any Person securing such Person's obligations in respect of bankers' acceptances issued or created for the account of such Person to facilitate the purchase, shipment or storage of such inventory or other goods; (xviii) Liens securing reimbursement obligations with respect to commercial letters of credit which encumber documents and other property relating to such letters of credit and products and proceeds thereof; (xix) Liens encumbering deposits made to secure obligations arising from statutory, regulatory, contractual or warranty requirements of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, including rights of offset and set-off; (xx) Liens securing Hedging Obligations which Hedging Obligations relate to Indebtedness that is otherwise permitted under the Indenture; (xxi) leases or subleases granted to others that do not materially interfere with the ordinary course of business of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries; (xxii) Liens arising from filing Uniform Commercial Code financing statements regarding leases; (xxiii) Liens in favor of customs and revenue authorities arising as a matter of law to secure payment of customer duties in connection with the importation of goods; (xxiv) Liens securing Indebtedness under Currency Agreements; and (xxv) Liens securing Indebtedness of Restricted Subsidiaries that are Foreign Subsidiaries incurred in reliance on clause (iii) of the second paragraph of the covenant described above under the caption "--Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock." "Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness" means any Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or any Disqualified Stock of the Company issued in exchange for, or the net proceeds of which are used to extend, refinance, renew, replace, defease or refund other Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than intercompany Indebtedness); provided that: (i) the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) of such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount of (or accreted value, if applicable), plus accrued interest on, the Indebtedness so extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded (plus the amount of reasonable expenses incurred in connection therewith); (ii) such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness has a final maturity date no earlier than the final maturity date of, and has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity equal to or greater than the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of, the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded; (iii) if the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded is subordinated in right of payment to the Senior Subordinated Notes, such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness has a final maturity date later than the final maturity date of, and is subordinated in right of payment to, the Exchange Notes on terms at least as favorable to the Holders of Exchange Notes as those contained in the documentation governing the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded or is Disqualified Stock; and (iv) such Indebtedness is incurred either by the Company or by the Restricted Subsidiary who is the obligor on the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded or is Disqualified Stock. "Principals" means Bain Capital, Inc., Bruckmann, Rosser, Sherrill & Co., L.P., their respective affiliates and executive officers of the Company as of the date of the Indenture. "Purchase Money Note" means a promissory note of a Securitization Entity evidencing a line of credit, which may be irrevocable, from the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company in connection with a Qualified Securitization Transaction, which note shall be repaid from cash available to the Securitization Entity, other than amounts required to be established as reserves pursuant to agreements, amounts paid to investors in respect of interest, principal and other amounts owing to such investors and amounts paid in connection with the purchase of newly generated receivables or newly acquired equipment. 97 "Qualified Capital Stock" means any Capital Stock that is not Disqualified Stock. "Qualified Securitization Transaction" means any transaction or series of transactions pursuant to which the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries may sell, convey or otherwise transfer to (a) a Securitization Entity (in the case of a transfer by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries) and (b) any other Person (in case of a transfer by a Securitization Entity), or may grant a security interest in, any receivables or equipment loans (whether now existing or arising or acquired in the future) of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, and any assets related thereto including, without limitation, all collateral securing such receivables and equipment loans, all contracts and contract rights and all Guarantees or other obligations in respect of such receivables and equipment loans, proceeds of such receivables and equipment loans and other assets (including contract rights) which are customarily transferred or in respect of which security interests are customarily granted in connection with asset securitization transactions involving receivables and equipment (collectively, "transferred assets"); provided that in the case of any such transfer by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, the transferor receives cash or Purchase Money Notes in an amount which (when aggregated with the cash and Purchase Money Notes received by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries upon all other such transfers of transferred assets during the ninety days preceding such transfer) is at least equal to 75% of the aggregate face amount of all receivables so transferred during such day and the ninety preceding days. "Related Party" with respect to any Principal means (A) any controlling stockholder, 60% (or more) owned Subsidiary, or spouse or immediate family member (in the case of an individual) of such Principal or (B) any trust, corporation, partnership or other entity, the beneficiaries, stockholders, partners, owners or Persons beneficially holding a 60% or more controlling interest of which consist of such Principal and/or such other Persons referred to in the immediately preceding clause (A). "Restricted Investment" means an Investment other than a Permitted Investment. "Restricted Subsidiary" of a Person means any Subsidiary of the referent Person that is not an Unrestricted Subsidiary; provided that, on the date of the Indenture, all Subsidiaries of the Company shall be Restricted Subsidiaries (other than the SPE, Alliance Commercial Appliances Receivables LLC, Alliance Commercial Appliances Finance LLC and Alliance Laundry S.A.). "Securitization Entity" means a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Company (or another Person in which the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company makes an Investment and to which the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company transfers receivables or equipment and related assets) that engages in no activities other than in connection with the financing of receivables or equipment and that is designated by the Board of Managers of the Company (as provided below) as a Securitization Entity (a) no portion of the Indebtedness or any other Obligations (contingent or otherwise) of which (i) is guaranteed by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company other than pursuant to Standard Securitization Undertakings or Limited Originator Recourse, (ii) is recourse to or obligates the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company (other than the Securitization Entity) in any way other than pursuant to Standard Securitization Undertakings or Limited Originator Recourse or (iii) subjects any property or asset of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company (other than the Securitization Entity), directly or indirectly, contingently or otherwise, to the satisfaction thereof, other than pursuant to Standard Securitization Undertakings or Limited Originator Recourse, (b) with which neither the Company nor any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company has any material contract, agreement, arrangement or understanding other than on terms no less favorable to the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary than those that might be obtained at the time from Persons that are not Affiliates of the Company, other than fees payable in the ordinary course of business in connection with servicing receivables of such entity and (c) to which neither the Company nor any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company has any obligation to maintain or preserve such entity's financial condition or cause such entity to achieve certain levels of operating results. Any such designation by the Board of Managers of the Company shall be evidenced to the Trustee by filing with the Trustee a certified copy of the resolution of the Board of Managers of the Company giving effect to such designation and an Officers' Certificate certifying that such designation complied with the foregoing conditions. 98 "Seller Preferred Equity" means preferred membership interests with a liquidation value of $6.0 million due August 21, 2009 issued by the Parent to Raytheon. "Seller Subordinated Note" means a junior subordinated promissory note in the principal amount of $9.0 million due August 21, 2009 issued by the Parent to Raytheon. "Senior Credit Facility" means that certain Senior Credit Facility, dated as of May 5, 1998, by and among the Company, General Electric Capital Corporation, as administrative agent, and Lehman Commercial Paper Inc., as syndication agent, providing for up to $75.0 million of revolving credit borrowings and up to $200.0 million of term loan borrowings, including any related notes, guarantees, collateral documents, instruments and agreements executed in connection therewith, and in each case as amended, modified, renewed, refunded, replaced or refinanced from time to time. "Senior Credit Facilities" means, with respect to the Company, one or more debt facilities (including, without limitation, the Senior Credit Facility) or commercial paper facilities with banks or other institutional lenders providing for revolving credit loans, term loans, receivables financing (including through the sale of receivables to such lenders or to special purpose entities formed to borrow from such lenders against such receivables) or letters of credit, in each case, as amended, restated, modified, renewed, refunded, replaced or refinanced in whole or in part from time to time. "Significant Subsidiary" means any Restricted Subsidiary that would be a "significant subsidiary" as defined in Article 1, Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X, promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act, as such Regulation is in effect on the date hereof. "SPE" means the special purpose single member limited liability company that is a Subsidiary of the Company and that entered into a $250.0 million revolving loan agreement with Lehman Commercial Paper Inc. at the Closing. "Standard Securitization Undertakings" means representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities entered into by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company that are reasonably customary in receivables or equipment loan transactions. "Stated Maturity" means, with respect to any installment of interest or principal on any series of Indebtedness, the date on which such payment of interest or principal was scheduled to be paid in the original documentation governing such Indebtedness, and shall not include any contingent obligations to repay, redeem or repurchase any such interest or principal prior to the date originally scheduled for the payment thereof. "Subsidiary" means, with respect to any Person, (i) any corporation, association or other business entity of which more than 50% of the total voting power of shares of Capital Stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person (or a combination thereof) and (ii) any partnership (a) the sole general partner or the managing general partner of which is such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person or (b) the only general partners of which are such Person or of one or more Subsidiaries of such Person (or any combination thereof). "Total Assets" means the total consolidated assets of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, as set forth on the Company's most recent consolidated balance sheet, except that calculations made for the purpose of determining compliance with the terms of the covenants and with other provisions of the Indenture shall be made without giving effect to goodwill, deferred financing costs and other intangibles shown on the balance sheet as a result of the application of purchase accounting in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion Nos. 16 and 17. 99 "Transition Plan" means the process by the Company of establishing at its Ripon, Wisconsin facility the capability to manufacture small-chassis frontload washers and dryers beginning in September 1998 and September 1999, respectively, and to cease production of consumer topload washers for Appliance Co. "Unrestricted Subsidiary" means each of the SPE, Alliance Commercial Appliances Receivables LLC, Alliance Commercial Appliances Finance LLC and Alliance Laundry S.A. In addition, "Unrestricted Subsidiary" means (i) any Subsidiary that is designated by the Board of Managers as an Unrestricted Subsidiary pursuant to a Board Resolution; but only to the extent that such Subsidiary: (a) has no Indebtedness other than Non-Recourse Debt; (b) is not party to any agreement, contract, arrangement or understanding with the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company unless the terms of any such agreement, contract, arrangement or understanding are no less favorable to the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary than those that might be obtained at the time from Persons who are not Affiliates of the Company; (c) is a Person with respect to which neither the Company nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries has any direct or indirect obligation (x) to subscribe for additional Equity Interests or (y) to maintain or preserve such Person's financial condition or to cause such Person to achieve any specified levels of operating results; (d) has not guaranteed or otherwise directly or indirectly provided credit support for any Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; and (e) has at least one director on its board of directors that is not a director or executive officer of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and has at least one executive officer that is not a director or executive officer of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries. Any such designation by the Board of Managers shall be evidenced to the Trustee by filing with the Trustee a certified copy of the Board Resolution giving effect to such designation and an Officers' Certificate certifying that such designation complied with the foregoing conditions and was permitted by the covenant described above under the caption "Certain Covenants--Restricted Payments." If, at any time, any Unrestricted Subsidiary would fail to meet the foregoing requirements as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, it shall thereafter cease to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary for purposes of the Indenture and any Indebtedness of such Subsidiary shall be deemed to be incurred by a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company as of such date (and, if such Indebtedness is not permitted to be incurred as of such date under the covenant described under the caption "Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock," the Company shall be in default of such covenant). The Board of Managers of the Company may at any time designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that such designation shall be deemed to be an incurrence of Indebtedness by a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company of any outstanding Indebtedness of such Unrestricted Subsidiary and such designation shall only be permitted if (i) such Indebtedness is permitted under the covenant described under the caption "Certain Covenants-- Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock," calculated on a pro forma basis as if such designation had occurred at the beginning of the four-quarter reference period, (ii) such Subsidiary shall execute a Note Guarantee and deliver an opinion of counsel in accordance with the terms of the Indenture and (iii) no Default or Event of Default would be in existence following such designation. "Voting Stock" of any Person as of any date means the Capital Stock of such Person that is at the time entitled to vote in the election of the Board of Directors or the Board of Managers of such Person, as the case may be. "Weighted Average Life to Maturity" means, when applied to any Indebtedness at any date, the number of years obtained by dividing (i) the sum of the products obtained by multiplying (a) the amount of each then remaining installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other required payments of principal, including payment at final maturity, in respect thereof, by (b) the number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth) that will elapse between such date and the making of such payment, by (ii) the then outstanding principal amount of such Indebtedness. "Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary" of any Person means a Restricted Subsidiary of such Person all of the outstanding Capital Stock or other ownership interests of which (other than directors' qualifying shares) shall at the time be owned by such Person or by one or more Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiaries of such Person. 100 THE EXCHANGE OFFER Purpose and Effect of the Exchange Offer The Notes were originally sold by the Issuers on May 5, 1998 to the Initial Purchasers pursuant to the Purchase Agreement. The Initial Purchasers subsequently resold the Notes to qualified institutional buyers in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act and in offshore transactions pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act. As a condition to the Purchase Agreement, the Issuers entered into the Registration Rights Agreement with the Initial Purchasers pursuant to which the Issuers have agreed to: (i) to use their respective best efforts to file with the Commission on or prior to 90 calendar days after the date of issuance of the Notes (the "Issue Date") a registration statement on an appropriate form under the Securities Act (the "Exchange Offer Registration Statement") relating to a registered exchange offer (the "Exchange Offer") for the Notes under the Securities Act and (ii) use their respective best efforts to cause the Exchange Offer Registration Statement to become effective within 180 calendar days after the Issue Date. Upon the effectiveness of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement, unless it would not be permitted by applicable law or Commission policy, the Issuers will promptly offer to exchange any and all of the outstanding Notes for the Exchange Notes that are identical in all material respects to the Notes (except that the Exchange Notes will not contain terms with respect to transfer restrictions) and that would be registered under the Securities Act. The Issuers will keep the Exchange Offer open for not less than 20 business days (or longer, if required by applicable law) after the date on which notice of the Exchange Offer is mailed to the holders of the Notes. For each Note surrendered to the Issuers pursuant to the Exchange Offer, the holder of such Note will receive an Exchange Note having a principal amount equal to that of the surrendered Note. Interest on each Exchange Note will accrue from the date of its original issue. Under existing interpretations of the staff of the Commission contained in several no-action letters to third parties, the Issuers believe that the Exchange Notes would in general be freely tradeable after the Exchange Offer without further registration under the Securities Act. However, any purchaser of Notes who is an "affiliate" of either Alliance or ALC or who intends to participate in the Exchange Offer for the purpose of distributing the Exchange Notes: (i) will not be able to rely on the interpretation of the staff of the Commission; (ii) will not be able to tender its Notes in the Exchange Offer; and (iii) must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any sale or transfer of the Notes, unless such sale or transfer is made pursuant to an exemption from such requirements. If (i) the Issuers are not required to file the Exchange Offer Registration Statement or permitted to effect the Exchange Offer because the Exchange Offer is not permitted by applicable law or Commission policy; or (ii) any Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities notifies the Issuers at least 20 business days prior to commencement of the Exchange Offer that (a) it is prohibited by law or Commission policy from participating in the Exchange Offer or (b) that it may not resell the Exchange Notes acquired by it in the Exchange Offer to the public without delivering a prospectus and the prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement is not appropriate or available for such resales or (c) that it is a Broker-Dealer and owns Notes acquired directly from the Issuers or an affiliate of the Issuers, then the Issuers will file with the Commission a shelf registration statement (the "Shelf Registration Statement") to cover resales of Transfer Restricted Securities by such holders who satisfy certain conditions relating to the provision of information in connection with the Shelf Registration Statement. For purposes of the foregoing, "Transfer Restricted Securities" means each Note and each Exchange Note, the Holder of which is subject to prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in order to sell such Note or Exchange Note, until the earliest to occur of any of the following events: (i) the first date on which such Note may be exchanged for an Exchange Note in the Exchange Offer, if following such exchange such Holder would be entitled to resell such Exchange Note to the public without complying with the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act; (ii) the date on which such Note has been registered pursuant to an effective Shelf Registration Statement under the Securities Act and disposed of in accordance with the "Plan of Distribution" section of the Prospectus contained in such Shelf Registration Statement; or (iii) the date on which such Note is sold to the public pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act or by a Broker-Dealer pursuant to 101 the "Plan of Distribution" contemplated by the Exchange Offer Registration Statement (including delivery of the Prospectus contained therein). The Issuers will use their respective best efforts to cause the Exchange Offer Registration Statement or, if applicable, the Shelf Registration Statement (each, a "Registration Statement") to become effective under the Securities Act by the Commission as soon as practicable after the filing thereof but in no event later than 180 calendar days after the Issue Date. Upon the effectiveness of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement, unless it would not be permitted by applicable law or Commission policy, the Issuers will promptly commence the Exchange Offer to enable each Holder of the Notes (other than Holders who are affiliates (within the meaning of the Securities Act) of either Alliance or ALC or underwriters (as defined in the Securities Act) with respect to the Exchange Notes) to exchange the Notes for Exchange Notes. If applicable, the Issuers shall keep the Shelf Registration Statement continuously effective for, under certain circumstances, a period of two years after the Issue Date. In the event that, for any reason whatsoever: (a) the Issuers fail to file any of the Registration Statements on or before the date specified for such filing; (b) any of such Registration Statements is not declared effective by the Commission on or prior to the date specified for such effectiveness (the "Effectiveness Target Date"); (c) the Issuers fail to consummate the Exchange Offer within 30 business days of the Effectiveness Target Date with respect to the Exchange Offer Registration Statement; or (d) the Shelf Registration Statement or the Exchange Offer Registration Statement is declared effective but thereafter ceases to be effective or usable in connection with resales of Transfer Restricted Securities during the periods specified in the Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement (each such event referred to in clauses (a) through (d) above a "Registration Default"), then the Issuers will pay liquidated damages ("Liquidated Damages") to each Holder of Notes, with respect to the first 90 calendar day period, or any portion thereof, immediately following the occurrence of a Registration Default, in an amount equal to $.05 per week per $1,000 principal amount of Notes held by such Holder. The amount of the Liquidated Damages will increase by an additional $.05 per week per $1,000 principal amount of Notes with respect to each subsequent 90-day period until all Registration Defaults have been cured, up to a maximum amount of Liquidated Damages for all Registration Defaults of $.50 per week per $1,000 principal amount of Notes. Following the cure of all Registration Defaults, the accrual of Liquidated Damages will cease. The Issuers (i) shall make available for a period of 180 days from the consummation of the Exchange Offer a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any resale of any such Exchange Notes and (ii) shall pay all expenses incident to the Exchange Offer (including the expense of one counsel to the Holders covered thereby) and will indemnify certain holders of the Notes (including any broker-dealer) against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. A broker-dealer which delivers such a prospectus to purchasers in connection with such resales will be subject to certain of the civil liability provisions under the Securities Act and will be bound by the provisions of the Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement (including certain indemnification rights and obligations). Each holder of Notes who wishes to exchange such Notes for Exchange Notes in the Exchange Offer will be required to make representations in the Letter of Transmittal that (a) it is not an "affiliate" of either Alliance or ALC (within the meaning of Rule 405 of the Securities Act); (b) it is not engaged in and does not intend to engage in, and has no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in, a distribution of the Exchange Notes to be issued in the Exchange Offer; (c) it is acquiring the Exchange Notes in its ordinary course of business; and (d) if it is a Participating Broker-Dealer holding Notes acquired for its own account as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, it acknowledges that it will deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of Exchange Notes received in respect of such Exchange Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer. The Commission has taken the position and the Issuers believe that Participating Broker-Dealers may fulfill their prospectus delivery requirements with respect to the Exchange Notes (other than a resale of an unsold allotment from the original sale of the Notes) with the 102 prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement. Under the Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, the Issuers are required to allow Participating Broker-Dealers and other persons, if any, subject to similar prospectus delivery requirements to use the prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement in connection with the resale of such Exchange Notes. If the holder is a Participating Broker-Dealer, it will be required to include a representation in such Participating Broker-Dealer's letter of transmittal with respect to the Exchange Offer that such Participating Broker- Dealer has not entered into any arrangement or understanding with the Issuers or any affiliate of the Issuers to distribute the Exchange Notes. Holders of the Notes will be required to make certain representations to the Issuers (as described above) in order to participate in the Exchange Offer and will be required to deliver information to be used in connection with the Shelf Registration Statement in order to have their Notes included in the Shelf Registration Statement and benefit from the provisions regarding liquidated damages set forth in the preceding paragraphs. A holder who sells Notes pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement generally will be required to be named as a selling securityholder in the related prospectus and to deliver a prospectus to purchasers, will be subject to certain of the civil liability provisions under the Securities Act in connection with such sales and will be bound by the provisions of the Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement which are applicable to such a holder (including certain indemnification obligations). For so long as any Notes are outstanding, the Issuers will continue to provide to holders of the Notes and to prospective purchasers of the Notes the information required by Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act. The foregoing description of the Registration Rights Agreement contains a discussion of all material elements thereof, but does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to all provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement. The Issuers will provide a copy of the Registration Rights Agreement to holders of Notes identified to the Issuers by any Initial Purchasers upon request. Terms of the Exchange Offer Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Prospectus and in the Letter of Transmittal, the Issuers will accept any and all Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date. The Issuers will issue $1,000 principal amount of Exchange Notes in exchange for each $1,000 principal amount of outstanding Notes accepted in the Exchange Offer. Holders may tender some or all of their Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer. However, Notes may be tendered only in integral multiples of $1,000. The form and terms of the Exchange Notes are the same as the form and terms of the Notes except that: (i) the Exchange Notes bear a Series B designation and a different CUSIP Number from the Notes; (ii) the Exchange Notes have been registered under the Securities Act and hence will not bear legends restricting the transfer thereof; and (iii) the holders of the Exchange Notes will not be entitled to certain rights under the Registration Rights Agreement, including the provisions providing for an increase in the interest rate on the Notes in certain circumstances relating to the timing of the Exchange Offer, all of which rights will terminate when the Exchange Offer is terminated. The Exchange Notes will evidence the same debt as the Notes and will be entitled to the benefits of the Indenture. As of the date of this Prospectus, $110,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Notes were outstanding. The Issuers have fixed the close of business on May 19, 1999 as the record date for the Exchange Offer for purposes of determining the persons to whom this Prospectus and the Letter of Transmittal will be mailed initially. Holders of Notes do not have any appraisal or dissenters' rights under the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, the General Corporation Law of Delaware or the Indenture in connection with the Exchange Offer. The Issuers intend to conduct the Exchange Offer in accordance with the applicable requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder. 103 The Issuers shall be deemed to have accepted validly tendered Notes when, as and if the Issuers have given oral or written notice thereof to the Exchange Agent. The Exchange Agent will act as agent for the tendering holders for the purpose of receiving the Exchange Notes from the Issuers. If any tendered Notes are not accepted for exchange because of an invalid tender, the occurrence of certain other events set forth herein or otherwise, the certificates for any such unaccepted Notes will be returned, without expense, to the tendering holder thereof as promptly as practicable after the Expiration Date. Holders who tender Notes in the Exchange Offer will not be required to pay brokerage commissions or fees or, subject to the instructions in the Letter of Transmittal, transfer taxes with respect to the exchange of Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer. The Issuers will pay all charges and expenses, other than transfer taxes in certain circumstances, in connection with the Exchange Offer. See "--Fees and Expenses." Expiration Date; Extensions; Amendments The term "Expiration Date" shall mean 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on June 18, 1999, unless the Issuers, in their sole discretion, extends the Exchange Offer, in which case the term "Expiration Date" shall mean the latest date and time to which the Exchange Offer is extended. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company will not extend the Expiration Date beyond June 25, 1999. In order to extend the Exchange Offer, the Issuers will notify the Exchange Agent of any extension by oral or written notice and will mail to the registered holders an announcement thereof, each prior to 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the next business day after the previously scheduled expiration date. The Issuers reserve the right, in their sole discretion, (i) to delay accepting any Notes, to extend the Exchange Offer or to terminate the Exchange Offer if any of the conditions set forth below under "--Conditions" shall not have been satisfied, by giving oral or written notice of such delay, extension or termination to the Exchange Agent or (ii) to amend the terms of the Exchange Offer in any manner. Any such delay in acceptance, extension, termination or amendment will be followed as promptly as practicable by oral or written notice thereof to the registered holders. Interest on the Exchange Notes The Exchange Notes will bear interest form their date of issuance. Holders of Notes that are accepted for exchange will receive, in cash, accrued interest thereon to, but not including, the date of issuance of the Exchange Notes. Such interest was paid with the first interest payment on the Exchange Notes on November 1, 1998. Interest on the Notes accepted for exchange will cease to accrue upon issuance of the Exchange Notes. Interest on the Exchange Notes is payable semi-annually on each May 1 and November 1 commencing on November 1, 1998. Procedures for Tendering Only a holder of Notes may tender such Notes in the Exchange Offer. To tender in the Exchange Offer, a holder must complete, sign and date the Letter of Transmittal, or a facsimile thereof, have the signatures thereon guaranteed if required by the Letter of Transmittal, and mail or otherwise deliver such Letter of Transmittal or such facsimile, together with the Notes and any other required documents, to the Exchange Agent prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date. To be tendered effectively, the Notes, Letter of Transmittal and other required documents must be completed and received by the Exchange Agent at the address set forth below under "Exchange Agent" prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date. Delivery of the Notes may be made by book-entry transfer in accordance with the procedures described below. Confirmation of such book-entry transfer must be received by the Exchange Agent prior to the Expiration Date. 104 By executing the Letter of Transmittal, each holder will make to the Issuers the representations set forth in the eighth paragraph under the heading "-- Purpose and Effect of the Exchange Offer." The tender by a holder and the acceptance thereof by the Issuers will constitute agreement between such holder and the Issuers in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein and in the Letter of Transmittal. THE METHOD OF DELIVERY OF NOTES AND THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND ALL OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT IS AT THE ELECTION AND SOLE RISK OF THE HOLDER. AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO DELIVERY BY MAIL, HOLDERS MAY WISH TO CONSIDER OVERNIGHT OR HAND DELIVERY SERVICE. IN ALL CASES, SUFFICIENT TIME SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO ASSURE DELIVERY TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT BEFORE THE EXPIRATION DATE. NO LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL OR NOTES SHOULD BE SENT TO THE ISSUERS. HOLDERS MAY REQUEST THEIR RESPECTIVE BROKERS, DEALERS, COMMERCIAL BANKS, TRUST COMPANIES OR NOMINEES TO EFFECT THE ABOVE TRANSACTIONS FOR SUCH HOLDERS. Any beneficial owner whose Notes are registered in the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee and who wishes to tender should contact the registered holder promptly and instruct such registered holder to tender on such beneficial owner's behalf. See "Instruction to Registered Holder and/or Book-Entry Transfer Facility Participant from Owner" included with the Letter of Transmittal. Signatures on a Letter of Transmittal or a notice of withdrawal, as the case may be, must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution (as defined below) unless the Notes tendered pursuant thereto are tendered (i) by a registered holder who has not completed the box entitled "Special Registration Instructions" or "Special Delivery Instructions" on the Letter of Transmittal or (ii) for the account of an Eligible Institution. In the event that signatures on a Letter of Transmittal or a notice of withdrawal, as the case maybe, are required to be guaranteed, such guarantee must be by a member firm of the Medallion System (an "Eligible Institution"). If the Letter of Transmittal is signed by a person other than the registered holder of any Notes listed therein, such Notes must be endorsed or accompanied by a properly completed bond power, signed by such registered holder as such registered holder's name appears on such Notes with the signature thereon guaranteed by an Eligible Institution. If the Letter of Transmittal or any Notes or bond powers are signed by trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact, offices of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, such persons should so indicate when signing, and evidence satisfactory to the Issuers of their authority to so act must be submitted with the Letter of Transmittal. The Issuers understand that the Exchange Agent will make a request promptly after the date of this Prospectus to establish accounts with respect to the Notes at the book-entry transfer facility, The Depository Trust Company (the "Book-Entry Transfer Facility"), for the purpose of facilitating the Exchange Offer, and subject to the establishment thereof, any financial institution that is a participant in the Book-Entry Transfer Facility's system may make book-entry delivery of Notes by causing such Book-Entry Transfer Facility to transfer such Notes into the Exchange Agent's account with respect to the Notes in accordance with the Book-Entry Transfers Facility's procedures for such transfer. Although delivery of the Notes may be effected through book- entry transfer into the Exchange Agent's account at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility, an appropriate Letter of Transmittal properly completed and duly executed with any required signature guarantee and all other required documents must in each case be transmitted to and received or confirmed by the Exchange Agent at its address set forth below on or prior to the Expiration Date, or, if the guaranteed delivery procedures described below are complied with, within the time period provided under such procedures. Delivery of documents to the Book-Entry Transfer Facility does not constitute delivery to the Exchange Agent. 105 The Depositary and DTC have confirmed that the Exchange Offer is eligible for the DTC Automated Tender Offer Program ("ATOP"). Accordingly, DTC participants may electronically transmit their acceptance of the Exchange Offer by causing DTC to transfer Notes to the Depositary in accordance with DTC's ATOP procedures for transfer. DTC will then send an Agent's Message to the Depositary. The term "Agent's Message" means a message transmitted by DTC, received by the Depositary and forming part of the confirmation of a book-entry transfer, which states that DTC has received an express acknowledgment from the participant in DTC tendering Notes which are the subject of such book-entry confirmation, that such participant has received and agrees to be bound by the terms of the Letter of Transmittal and that Pen-Tab may enforce such agreement against such participant. In the case of an Agent's Message relating to guaranteed delivery, the term means a message transmitted by DTC and received by the Depositary, which states that DTC has received an express acknowledgment from the participant in DTC tendering Notes that such participant has received and agrees to be bound by the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in order to validly tender in the Exchange Offer with respect to Securities transferred pursuant to ATOP, a DTC participant using ATOP must also properly complete and duly execute and applicable Letter of Transmittal and deliver it to the Depositary. Pursuant to authority granted by DTC, any DTC participant which has Notes credited to its DTC account at any time (and thereby held of record by DTC's nominee) may directly provide a tender as though it were the registered holder by so completing, executing and delivering the applicable Letter of Transmittal to the Depositary. DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS TO DTC DOES NOT CONSTITUTE DELIVERY TO THE DEPOSITARY. All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility (including time of receipt), acceptance of tendered Notes and withdrawal of tendered Notes will be determined by the Issuers in their sole discretion, which determination will be final and binding. The Issuers reserve the absolute right to reject any and all Notes not properly tendered or any Notes the Issuers' acceptance of which would, in the opinion of counsel for the Issuers, be unlawful. The Issuers also reserves the right in their sole discretion to waive any defects, irregularities or conditions of tender as to particular Notes. The Issuers' interpretation of the terms and conditions of the Exchange Offer (including the instructions in the Letter of Transmittal) will be final and binding on all parties. Unless waived, any defects or irregularities in connection with tenders of Notes must be cured within such time as the Issuers shall determine. Although the Issuers intend, to notify holders of defects or irregularities with respect to tenders of Notes, neither the Issuers, the Exchange Agent nor any other person shall incur any liability for failure to give such notification. Tenders of Notes will not be deemed to have been made until such defects or irregularities have been cured or waived. Any Notes received by the Exchange Agent that are not properly tendered and as to which the defects or irregularities have not been cured or waived will be returned by the Exchange Agent to the tendering holders, unless otherwise provided in the Letter of Transmittal, as soon as practicable following the Expiration Date. Guaranteed Delivery Procedures Holders who wish to tender their Notes and (i) whose Notes are not immediately available, (ii) who cannot deliver their Notes, the Letter of Transmittal or any other required documents to the Exchange Agent or (iii) who cannot complete the procedures for book-entry transfer, prior to the Expiration Date, may effect a tender if: (a) the tender is made through an Eligible Institution; (b) prior to the Expiration Date, the Exchange Agent receives from such Eligible Institution a properly completed and duly executed Notice of Guaranteed Delivery (by facsimile transmission, mail or hand delivery) setting forth the name and address of the holder, the certificate number(s) of such Notes and the principal amount of Notes tendered, stating that the tender is being made thereby and guaranteeing that, within five New York Stock Exchange trading days after the Expiration Date, the Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof) together with the certificate(s) representing the Notes (or a confirmation of book-entry transfer of such Notes into the Exchange Agent's account at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility), and any 106 other documents required by the Letter of Transmittal will be deposited by the Eligible Institution with the Exchange Agent; and (c) such properly completed and executed Letter of Transmittal (of facsimile thereof), as well as the certificate(s) representing all tendered Notes in proper form for transfer (or a confirmation of book-entry transfer of such Notes into the Exchange Agent's account at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility), and all other documents required by the Letter of Transmittal are received by the Exchange Agent upon five New York Stock Exchange trading days after the Expiration Date. Upon request to the Exchange Agent, a Notice of Guaranteed Delivery will be sent to holders who wish to tender their Notes according to the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth above. Withdrawal of Tenders Except as otherwise provided herein, tenders of Notes may be withdrawn at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date. To withdraw a tender of Notes in the Exchange offer, a telegram, telex, letter or facsimile transmission notice of withdrawal must be received by the Exchange Agent at its address set forth herein prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date. Any such notice of withdrawal must (i) specify the name of the person having deposited the Notes to be withdrawn (the "Depositor"), (ii) identify the Notes to be withdrawn (including the certificate number(s) and principal amount of such Notes, or, in the case of Notes transferred by book-entry transfer, the name and number of the account at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility to be credited), (iii) be signed by the holder in the same manner as the original signature on the Letter of Transmittal by which such Notes were tendered (including any required signature guarantees) or be accompanied by documents of transfer sufficient to have the Trustee with respect to the Notes register the transfer of such Notes into the name of the person withdrawing the tender and (iv) specify the name in which any such Notes are to be registered, if different form that of the Depositor. All questions as to the validity, form and eligibility (including time of receipt) of such notices will be determined by the Issuers, whose determination shall be final and binding on all parties. Any Notes so withdrawn will be deemed not to have been validly tendered for purposes of the Exchange Offer and no Exchange Notes will be issued with respect thereto unless the Notes so withdrawn are validly retendered. Any Notes which have been tendered but which are not accepted for exchange will be returned to the holder thereof without cost to such holder as soon as practicable after withdrawal, rejection of tender or termination of the Exchange Offer. Properly withdrawn Notes may be retendered by following one of the procedures described above under "--Procedures for Tendering" at any time prior to the Expiration Date. Conditions Notwithstanding any other term of the Exchange Offer, the Issuers shall not be required to accept for exchange, or exchange Exchange Notes for, any Notes, and may terminate or amend the Exchange Offer as provided herein before the acceptance of such Notes, if: (a) any action or proceeding is instituted or threatened in any court or by or before any governmental agency with respect to the Exchange Offer which, in the sole judgment of the Issuers, might materially impair the ability of the Issuers to proceed with the Exchange Offer or any material adverse development has occurred in any existing action or proceeding with respect to the Issuers or any of their respective subsidiaries; or (b) any law, statute, rule, regulation or interpretation by the staff of the Commission is proposed, adopted or enacted, which, in the sole judgment of the Issuers, might materially impair the ability of the Issuers to proceed with the Exchange Offer or materially impair the contemplated benefits of the Exchange Offer to the Issuers; or (c) any governmental approval has not been obtained, which approval the Issuers shall, in their sole discretion, deem necessary for the consummation of the Exchange Offer as contemplated hereby. If the Issuers determine in their sole discretion that any of the conditions are not satisfied, the Issuers may (i) refuse to accept any Notes and return all tendered Notes to the tendering holders, (ii) extend the Exchange 107 Offer and retain all Notes tendered prior to the expiration of the Exchange Offer, subject, however, to the rights of holders to withdraw such Notes (see "--Withdrawal of Tenders") or (iii) waive such unsatisfied conditions with respect to the Exchange Offer and accept all properly tendered Notes which have not been withdrawn. Exchange Agent United States Trust Company of New York has been appointed as Exchange Agent for the Exchange Offer. Questions and requests for assistance, requests for additional copies of this Prospectus or of the Letter of Transmittal and requests for Notice of Guaranteed Delivery should be directed to the Exchange Agent addressed as follows: United States Trust Company of New York 114 West 47th Street New York, New York 10036-1532 Delivery to an address other than as set forth above will not constitute a valid delivery. Fees and Expenses The expenses of soliciting tenders will be borne by the Issuers. The principal solicitation is being made by mail; however, additional solicitation may be made by telegraph, telecopy, telephone or in person by officers and regular employees of the Issuers and their respective affiliates. The Issuers have not retained any dealer-manager in connection with the Exchange Offer and will not make any payments to brokers, dealers, or others soliciting acceptances of the Exchange Offer. The Issuers however, will pay the Exchange Agent reasonable and customary fees for its services and will reimburse it for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection therewith. The cash expenses to be incurred in connection with the Exchange Offer will be paid by the Issuers. Such expenses include fees and expenses of the Exchange Agent and Trustee, accounting and legal fees and printing costs, among others. Accounting Treatment The Exchange Notes will be recorded at the same carrying value as the Notes, which is face value, as reflected in the Company's accounting records on the date of exchange. Accordingly, no gain or loss for accounting purposes will be recognized by the Company. The expenses of the Exchange Offer will be expensed over the term of the Exchange Notes. Consequences of Failure to Exchange The Notes that are not exchanged for Exchange Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer will remain restricted securities. Accordingly, such Notes may be resold only; (i) to the Issuers (upon redemption thereof or otherwise); (ii) so long as the Notes are eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A, to a person inside the United States whom the seller reasonably believes is a qualified institutional buyer within the meaning of Rule 144A under the Securities Act in a transaction meeting the requirements of Rule 144A, in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act, or pursuant to another exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act (and based upon an opinion of counsel reasonably acceptable to the Issuers); (iii) outside the United States to a foreign person in a transaction meeting the requirements of Rule 904 under the Securities Act; or (iv) pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, in each case in accordance with any applicable securities laws of any state of the United States. 108 Resales of the Exchange Notes With respect to resales of Exchange Notes, based on interpretations by the staff of the Commission set forth in no-action letters issued to third parties, the Issuers believe that a holder or other person who receives Exchange Notes, whether or not such person is the holder (other than a person that is an "affiliate" of either Alliance or ACL within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act) who receives Exchange Notes in exchange for Notes in the ordinary course of business and who is not participating, does not intend to participate, and has no arrangement or understanding with person to participate, in the distribution of the Exchange Notes, will be allowed to resell the Exchange Notes to the public without further registration under the Securities Act and without delivering to the purchasers of the Exchange Notes a prospectus that satisfies the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act. However, if any holder acquires Exchange notes in the Exchange Offer for the purpose of distributing or participating in a distribution of the Exchange Notes, such holder cannot rely on the position of the staff of the Commission enunciated in such no-action letters or any similar interpretive letters, and must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale transaction, unless an exemption from registration is otherwise available. Further, each Participating Broker- Dealer that receives Exchange Notes for its own account in exchange for Notes, where such Notes were acquired by such Participating Broker-Dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such Exchange Notes. As contemplated by these no-action letters and the Registration Rights Agreement, each holder accepting the Exchange Offer is required to represent to the Issuers in the Letter of Transmittal that (a) it is not an "affiliate" of either Alliance or ALC (within the meaning of Rule 405 of the Securities Act); (b) it is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, and has no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in, a distribution of the Exchange Notes to be issued in the Exchange Offer; (c) it is acquiring the Exchange Notes in its ordinary course of business; and (d) if it is a Participating Broker-Dealer holding Notes acquired for its own account as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, it acknowledges that it will deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of Exchange Notes received in respect of such Exchange Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer. As indicated above, each Participating Broker-Dealer that receives and Exchange Note for its own account in exchange for Notes must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such Exchange Notes. For a description of the procedures for such resales by Participating Broker- Dealers, see "Plan of Distribution." CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES The following discussion (including the opinion of special counsel described below) is based upon current provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable Treasury regulations, judicial authority and administrative rulings and practice. There can be no assurance that the Internal Revenue Service (the "Service") will not take a contrary view, and no ruling from the Service has been or will be sought. Legislative, judicial or administrative changes or interpretations may be forthcoming that could alter or modify the statements and conditions set forth herein. Any such changes or interpretations may or may not be retroactive and could affect the tax consequences to holders. Certain holders (including insurance companies, tax- exempt organizations, financial institutions, broker-dealers, foreign corporations and persons who are not citizens or residents of the United States) may be subject to special rules not discussed below. The Issuers recommend that each holder consult such holder's own tax advisor as to the particular tax consequences of exchanging such holder's Notes for Exchange Notes, including the applicability and effect of any state, local or foreign tax laws. Kirkland & Ellis, special counsel to the Issuers, has advised the Issuers that in its opinion, the exchange of the Notes for Exchange Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer will not be treated as an "exchange" for federal income tax purposes because the Exchange Notes will not be considered to differ materially in kind or extent from the Notes. Rather, the Exchange Notes received by a holder will be treated as a continuation of the Notes in the hands of such holder. As a result, there will be no federal income tax consequences to holders exchanging Notes for Exchange Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer. 109 PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION Each Participating Broker-Dealer that receives Exchange Notes for its own account pursuant to the Exchange Offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of Exchange Notes received in respect of such Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer. This Prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a Participating Broker-Dealer in connection with resales of Exchange Notes received in exchange for Notes where such Notes were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities. The Issuers have agreed that for a period of 180 days from the consummation of the Exchange Offer, it will make this Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, available to any Participating Broker-Dealer for use in connection with any such resale. In addition, until August 19, 1999, all dealers effecting transactions in the Exchange Notes may be required to deliver a prospectus. The Issuers will not receive any proceeds from any sales of the Exchange Notes by Participating Broker-Dealers. Exchange Notes received by Participating Broker-Dealers for their own account pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be sold from time to time in one or more transactions in the over- the-counter market, in negotiated transactions, through the writing of options on the Exchange Notes or a combination of such methods of resale, at market prices prevailing at the time of resale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or negotiated prices. Any such resale may be made directly to purchaser or to or through brokers or dealers who may receive compensation in the form of commissions or concessions from any such Participating Broker- Dealer and/or the purchasers of any such Exchange Notes. Any Participating Broker-Dealer that resells the Exchange Notes that were received by it for its own account pursuant to the Exchange Offer and any broker or dealer that participates in a distribution of such Exchange Notes may be deemed to be an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act and any profit on any such resale of Exchange Notes and any commissions or concessions received by any such persons may be deemed to be underwriting compensation a under the Securities Act. The Letter of Transmittal states that by acknowledging that it will deliver and by delivering a prospectus, a Participating Broker-Dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act. With respect to resales of Exchange Notes, based on interpretations by the staff of the Commission set forth in no-action letters issued to third parties, the Issuers believe that a holder or other person who receives Exchange Notes, whether or not such person is the holder (other than a person that is an "affiliate" of either Alliance or ACL within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act) who receives Exchange Notes in exchange for Notes in the ordinary course of business and who is not participating, does not intend to participate, and has no arrangement or understanding with person to participate, in the distribution of the Exchange Notes, will be allowed to resell the Exchange Notes to the public without further registration under the Securities Act and without delivering to the purchasers of the Exchange Notes a prospectus that satisfies the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act. However, if any holder acquires Exchange Notes in the Exchange Offer for the purpose of distributing or participating in a distribution of the Exchange Notes, such holder cannot rely on the position of the staff of the Commission enunciated in such no-action letters or any similar interpretive letters, and must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale transaction and such a secondary resale transaction should be covered by an effective registration statement containing the selling security holder information required by Item 507 or 508, as applicable, of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act, unless an exemption from registration is otherwise available. Further, each Participating Broker-Dealer that receives Exchange Notes for its own account in exchange for Notes, where such Notes were acquired by such Participating Broker-Dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such Exchange Notes. The Issuers have agreed that, for a period of up to one year from the consummation of the Exchange Offer, it will make this Prospectus available to any Participating Broker-Dealer for use in connection with any such resale. 110 LEGAL MATTERS Certain legal matters with respect to issuance of the Exchange Notes offered hereby will be passed upon for the Issuers by Kirkland & Ellis, New York, New York. EXPERTS The financial statements of Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC as of December 31, 1997 and 1998 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1998 included in this Prospectus have been so included in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting. 111 ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Page ---- Report of Independent Accountants......................................... F-2 Financial Statements: Balance Sheets at December 31, 1997 and 1998............................ F-3 Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998................................................................... F-4 Statements of Parent Company Investment/Members' Deficit for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998................................. F-5 Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998................................................................... F-6 Notes to Financial Statements............................................. F-7
F-1 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS To the Board of Managers and Members of Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC In our opinion, the financial statements listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial statements of Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC at December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1998, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Milwaukee, Wisconsin March 9, 1999, except as to Note 14 which is as of March 26, 1999 F-2 ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands)
Consolidated December 31, ----------------- 1997 1998 ASSETS -------- -------- Current assets: Cash...................................................... $ 1,208 $ 4,839 Cash-restricted........................................... -- 2,084 Accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $451 and $692 at December 31, 1997 and 1998, respectively)............................................ 21,648 21,421 Inventories, net.......................................... 33,714 30,443 Deferred income taxes..................................... 7,860 -- Prepaid expenses and other................................ 1,732 8,900 -------- -------- Total current assets.................................... 66,162 67,687 Notes receivable............................................ 12,424 10,036 Property, plant and equipment, net.......................... 69,701 62,264 Goodwill (net of accumulated amortization of $4,747 and $6,246 at December 31, 1997 and 1998, respectively)........ 51,318 49,819 Debt issuance costs, net.................................... -- 14,940 Other assets................................................ 5,481 9,458 -------- -------- Total assets............................................ $205,086 $214,204 ======== ======== LIABILITIES AND PARENT COMPANY INVESTMENT/ MEMBERS' DEFICIT Current liabilities: Accounts payable.......................................... $ 15,915 $ 8,617 Finance program obligation................................ 13,324 5,154 Other current liabilities................................. 21,489 24,538 -------- -------- Total current liabilities............................... 50,728 38,309 Long-term debt: Senior credit facility................................... -- 200,000 Senior subordinated notes................................ -- 110,000 Junior subordinated note................................. -- 10,124 Deferred income taxes....................................... 5,785 -- Other long-term liabilities................................. -- 1,083 -------- -------- Total liabilities....................................... 56,513 359,516 Commitments and contingencies (See Note 14)................. Mandatorily redeemable preferred equity..................... -- 6,000 Parent company investment/members' deficit.................. 148,573 (151,312) -------- -------- Total liabilities and parent company investment/members' deficit................................................ $205,086 $214,204 ======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements. F-3 ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC STATEMENTS OF INCOME (in thousands)
Combined Years Ended December 31, ----------------- Consolidated Year Ended December 31, 1996 1997 1998 -------- -------- ------------ Net sales: Commercial laundry............................ $209,123 $239,255 $220,068 Appliance Co. consumer laundry................ 76,992 76,853 77,184 Service parts................................. 32,148 31,601 33,015 -------- -------- -------- 318,263 347,709 330,267 Cost of sales................................... 246,017 263,932 251,159 -------- -------- -------- Gross profit.................................... 72,246 83,777 79,108 -------- -------- -------- Selling, general and administrative expense..... 34,464 40,827 43,478 Nonrecurring costs.............................. 3,704 -- 6,784 -------- -------- -------- Total operating expenses........................ 38,168 40,827 50,262 -------- -------- -------- Operating income.............................. 34,078 42,950 28,846 Interest expense................................ -- -- 21,426 Other income (expense), net..................... 685 (243) 306 -------- -------- -------- Income before taxes........................... 34,763 42,707 7,726 Provision for income taxes...................... 13,408 16,431 2,391 -------- -------- -------- Net income.................................... $ 21,355 $ 26,276 $ 5,335 ======== ======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements. F-4 ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC STATEMENTS OF PARENT COMPANY INVESTMENT/MEMBERS' DEFICIT (in thousands)
Combined Years Ended Consolidated December 31, Year Ended ------------------ December 31, 1996 1997 1998 -------- -------- ------------- Parent company investment, beginning of period...................................... $175,317 $141,546 $ 148,573 Comprehensive income: Net income................................. 21,355 26,276 5,335 Net unrealized holding gain on residual interest.................................. -- -- 2,800 -------- -------- --------- Total comprehensive income................. 21,355 26,276 8,135 Dividends.................................... (7,746) -- -- Net cash and noncash transfers to Parent..... (47,380) (19,249) (17,450) Issuance of common units..................... -- -- 48,882 Distribution to Parent and related transaction costs........................... -- -- (339,452) -------- -------- --------- Parent company investment/members' deficit, end of period............................... $141,546 $148,573 $(151,312) ======== ======== =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements. F-5 ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (in thousands)
Combined Consolidated Years Ended December 31, Year Ended -------------------------- December 31, 1996 1997 1998 ------------ ------------ ------------ Cash flows from operating activities: Net income........................... $ 21,355 $ 26,276 $ 5,335 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization...... 11,145 14,445 16,671 Restructuring charge............... -- -- 4,466 Non-cash junior subordinated note interest.......................... -- -- 1,124 (Gain) loss on sale of property, plant and equipment............... (19) 243 (306) Deferred income taxes.............. 1,073 2,281 180 Changes in assets and liabilities: Accounts and notes receivable.... 25,863 (21,751) 2,615 Inventory........................ (3,453) 10,546 3,271 Other assets..................... (2,019) (4,468) (10,049) Accounts payable................. (2,054) (1,966) (7,298) Finance program obligation....... 24,598 13,324 (10,254) Other liabilities................ 703 724 1,032 ------------ ------------ -------- Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities.......... 77,192 39,654 6,787 ------------ ------------ -------- Cash flows from investing activities: Additions to property, plant and equipment........................... (22,030) (19,990) (7,861) Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment................. 853 831 2,350 ------------ ------------ -------- Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities.......... (21,177) (19,159) (5,511) ------------ ------------ -------- Cash flows from financing activities: Transfers to Parent.................. (47,380) (19,249) (15,553) Dividend payments to Parent.......... (7,746) -- -- Increase (decrease) in other long- term debt........................... (100) (1,000) -- Proceeds from senior term loan....... -- -- 200,000 Proceeds from senior subordinated notes............................... -- -- 110,000 Proceeds from junior subordinated note................................ -- -- 9,000 Issuance of mandatorily redeemable preferred equity.................... -- -- 6,000 Issuance of common units............. -- -- 48,882 Debt financing costs................. -- -- (16,522) Distribution to Parent and related transaction costs................... -- -- (339,452) ------------ ------------ -------- Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities.......... (55,226) (20,249) 2,355 ------------ ------------ -------- Increase in cash....................... 789 246 3,631 Cash at beginning of year.............. 173 962 1,208 ------------ ------------ -------- Cash at end of year.................... $ 962 $ 1,208 $ 4,839 ============ ============ ======== Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Cash paid for: Interest........................... $ 70 $ 33 $ 15,579
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements. F-6 ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 (dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise indicated) Note 1--Description of Business and Basis of Presentation: Description of Business Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC (the "Company") designs, manufactures and services a full line of commercial laundry equipment for sale in the U.S. and for export to numerous international markets. The Company also manufactures consumer washing machines for sale to Appliance Co. (see "Sale to Appliance Co.") and international customers. The Company produces all of its products in the U.S. at three manufacturing plants located in Ripon, Wisconsin, Marianna, Florida and Madisonville, Kentucky. In 1996, Raytheon Appliances, S.A. was established to build, own and operate coin laundromats in Latin America. The Company originated from the acquisition of Speed Queen Company ("Speed Queen") by Raytheon Company (the "Parent") in October of 1979. Speed Queen operated as a separate subsidiary of the Parent until March 31, 1996 when it was merged into Amana Refrigeration, Inc. ("Amana"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Parent, which manufactured and serviced home appliances. In connection with this consolidation, the Speed Queen legal entity was dissolved and Amana was renamed Raytheon Appliances, Inc. On September 10, 1997, in connection with the sale by the Parent of its consumer laundry business (see "Sale to Appliance Co."), Raytheon Appliances, Inc. was dissolved. Concurrently, Raytheon Commercial Laundry LLC was established as a limited liability company to carry on the commercial laundry portion of the Parent's appliance business. In addition, the legal entity Raytheon Appliances, S.A. became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the newly established entity, Raytheon Commercial Laundry LLC. Sale to Appliance Co. Historically, the Company reported as one of five operating units comprising the Parent's appliances division. On September 10, 1997, the Parent sold three of the five operating units of its appliances division to Amana Company, L.P. ("Appliance Co." or the "Appliance Co. Transaction"). As a result of this sale, the Parent divested its consumer appliance, heating and air conditioning, and commercial cooking operating units, while retaining its commercial laundry and control systems operating units. In connection with the sale, the Parent also sold to Appliance Co. a laundry manufacturing plant in Searcy, Arkansas ("Searcy"). This plant was acquired by the Parent as part of the Speed Queen acquisition. Searcy's operations are predominantly related to the production of consumer laundry equipment (approximately 80% consumer and 20% commercial). Since 1991 the Company's operations have been managed as a strictly commercial laundry business with the Searcy plant's consumer products managed as an integral part of the Parent's consumer business. Therefore the Searcy plant's operations have been excluded from the Company's financial statements. All assets and liabilities of Searcy have been excluded from these financial statements, except for certain tooling and dies which are specific to the production of commercial laundry products and which were retained by the Company subsequent to the sale. Production of commercial product by Searcy has been reflected as being purchased by the Company at standard cost for all periods presented. Outstanding payables associated with these purchases from Searcy of $1.3 million and $0.5 million are included in accounts payable at December 31, 1997 and 1998, respectively. On September 10, 1997, $10.4 million of consumer laundry inventory was located at the Ripon plant. This inventory was sold by the Parent as part of the Appliance Co. Transaction. The Company recorded the transfer of this inventory to its Parent at book value as a reduction to inventory and parent company investment. F-7 ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 (dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise indicated) Effective September 10, 1997, in connection with the Appliance Co. Transaction, the Company and Appliance Co. entered into two supply agreements. Under the first supply agreement, the Company has agreed to purchase small chassis front loading washing machines from Appliance Co. for one year and small chassis dryers, stack dryers, and stack front loading washer/dryer combinations for two years commencing on September 10, 1997. The Company has agreed to purchase a minimum of 144,000 machines over the two year period at an approximate cost of $40 million. Failure to purchase the minimum quantity in any twelve month period would result in damages due Appliance Co. of $45 per unit of shortfall. The Company is currently developing the production capability to produce those products purchased from Appliance Co. at its Ripon, Wisconsin facility. Under a second agreement (the "Appliance Co. Purchase Agreement"), Appliance Co. has agreed to purchase a specified quantity of top loading washing machines from the Company annually over the term of the agreement. The Company has been notified by Appliance Co. that the agreement will not be renewed after September 10, 1999. Basis of Presentation The financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 1998 present the financial position and results of operations of the Company following the May 1998 recapitalization (the "Recapitalization") and merger discussed in Note 3. The merger has been accounted for as a recapitalization and accordingly, the historical accounting basis of the assets and liabilities is unchanged. The financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 1998 represent the consolidated financial position and results of operations of the Company, including its wholly-owned direct and indirect subsidiaries, Alliance Laundry Systems LLC and Alliance Laundry Corporation which were formed in connection with the Recapitalization. For periods prior to the Recapitalization, financial statements present the Company's results of operations and financial position as it operated as a unit of the Parent, including certain adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the business. The financial statements presented for pre- Recapitalization periods may not be indicative of the results that would have been achieved had the Company operated as an unaffiliated entity. Since the Company did not operate as a stand-alone legal entity until September 10, 1997, the financial statements have been presented on a combined basis for the year ended December 31, 1996. Although the Company was a stand-alone legal entity at December 31, 1997, it did not operate as such for the majority of 1997 and therefore the financial statements for the year then ended have also been presented on a combined basis. The balance sheet at December 31, 1997 is presented on a consolidated basis. All material intercompany transactions have been eliminated in the preparation of these financial statements. Note 2--Significant Accounting Policies: Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Reclassifications Certain amounts in prior year financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. F-8 ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 (dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise indicated) Cash, Cash Equivalents and Cash Management The Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments with an initial maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Prior to May 5, 1998 under the Company's cash management program, which was handled through the treasury function of the Parent, checks and amounts in transit were not considered reductions of cash or accounts payable until presented to the appropriate banks for payment. At December 31, 1997, checks and amounts in transit totaled $3.8 million. Restricted cash at December 31, 1998 represents unremitted collections on notes receivable sold prior to May 5, 1998. Revenue Recognition Commercial Laundry Revenue--Commercial laundry revenue is recognized upon shipment. Commercial laundry revenues include sales of consumer laundry products to international customers. Appliance Co., Consumer Laundry Revenue--The Company sells consumer laundry products manufactured at its Ripon, Wisconsin plant to Appliance Co. and its predecessor Amana. Revenues from consumer laundry sales to Amana have been recognized at standard cost plus 7% for all periods presented prior to September 10, 1997. Subsequent to September 10, 1997, sales of consumer laundry products are made to Appliance Co. at amounts approximating 1997 standard costs in accordance with the Appliance Co. Purchase Agreement. Service Parts Revenue--Service parts revenue is recognized upon shipment. Financing Program Revenue--As discussed below, the Company sells notes receivable and accounts receivable through its special-purpose bankruptcy remote entities. The Company, as servicing agent, retains collection and administrative responsibilities for the notes. The Company earns a servicing fee, based on the average outstanding balance. In addition, the Company records gains or losses on the sales of notes receivable and accounts receivable in the period in which such sales occur in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 125, "Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishment of Liabilities". The Company also recognizes interest income on notes receivable and other beneficial interests retained in the period the interest is earned. Servicing revenue, interest income on beneficial interests retained, and gains on the sale of notes receivable are included in commercial laundry revenues. Losses on the sale of accounts receivable are recognized in the period in which such sales occur and are included in selling, general and administrative expense. Sales of Accounts Receivable and Notes Receivable (See Notes 5 and 6) Effective January 1, 1997, the Company adopted SFAS No. 125, "Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities." According to SFAS No. 125, a transfer of financial assets in which the transferor surrenders control over those assets is accounted for as a sale to the extent that consideration other than beneficial interests in the transferred assets is received in exchange. Beginning in 1997, the Company sold a significant portion of accounts receivable and notes receivable to third parties through special-purpose bankruptcy remote entities designed to meet the SFAS No. 125 requirements for sale treatment. Accordingly, the Company removed these receivables from its balance sheet at the time of transfer. Prior to the Recapitalization, the special-purpose bankruptcy remote entities included Raytheon Commercial Appliances Receivables Corporation ("RAYCAR") through which the Company sold eligible trade accounts receivable and Raytheon Commercial Appliances Financing Corporation ("RAYCAF") through which the Company sold eligible notes receivable. In connection with the Recapitalization, the Company established Alliance Laundry Receivables Warehouse LLC ("ALRW"), a special-purpose bankruptcy remote entity, to which all eligible trade F-9 ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 (dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise indicated) accounts receivable and eligible notes receivable are sold after May 4, 1998. In a subordinated capacity, the Company retains rights to the residual portion of interest earned on the notes receivable sold. This retained beneficial interest is recorded at its estimated fair value at the balance sheet date. Unrealized gains and losses resulting from changes in the estimated fair value of the Company's retained interests are recorded as other comprehensive income in accordance with SFAS No. 125. In determining the gain on sales of notes receivable, the investment in the sold receivable pool is allocated between the portion sold and the portion retained, based on their relative fair values. Under these arrangements the Company acts as servicer or sub-servicer of the accounts receivable and notes receivable sold. As such, the Company continues to administer and collect amounts outstanding on such receivables. At December 31, 1997, the Company had collected approximately $7.8 million of accounts receivable, which were subsequently transferred through a monthly settlement process. At the balance sheet date, this amount was recorded as a finance program obligation. At December 31, 1997 and December 31, 1998, the Company had collected approximately $1.5 million and $1.9 million, respectively, of notes receivable which were subsequently transferred to the buyers through a monthly settlement process. At the balance sheet dates, these amounts were also recorded as finance program obligations. Inventories Inventories are stated at cost using the first-in, first-out method but not in excess of net realizable value. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost. Betterments and major renewals are capitalized and included in property, plant and equipment while expenditures for maintenance and repairs and minor renewals are charged to expense. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the assets and related allowances for depreciation and amortization are eliminated and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in other income (expense). When events or changes in circumstances indicate that assets may be impaired, an evaluation is performed comparing the estimated future undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset to the asset's carrying amount to determine if a write-down is required. Provisions for depreciation are computed generally on a declining- balance or straight-line method. Depreciation provisions are based on the following estimated useful lives: buildings 40 years; machinery and equipment (including production tooling) 5 to 10 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the remaining life of the lease or the estimated useful life of the improvement. Intangibles Goodwill represents the excess of the acquisition cost over the fair value of the net assets acquired in purchase transactions, and is amortized using the straight-line method over 40 years. At each balance sheet date, the Company evaluates the realizability of goodwill and other intangibles based on expectations of non-discounted cash flows and operating income. Based on its most recent analysis, the Company believes that no impairment of recorded intangibles exists at the balance sheet date. Debt Issuance Costs In conjunction with the Recapitalization, the Company recorded $16.5 million of debt issuance costs. These costs are being amortized on a straight-line basis over periods ranging from 5 to 10 years. Accumulated amortization was $1.6 million at December 31, 1998. F-10 ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 (dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise indicated) Warranty Liabilities The cost of warranty obligations are estimated and provided for at the time of sale. Standard product warranties cover most parts for two years (three years for products sold beginning in June 1997) and certain parts for five years. Warranty costs were $2.3 million, $2.2 million and $3.6 million in 1996, 1997 and 1998, respectively. Research and Development Expenses Research and development expenditures are expensed as incurred. Research and development costs were $6.3 million, $7.6 million and $8.4 million in 1996, 1997 and 1998, respectively. Advertising Expenses The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. The Company incurred advertising expenses of $3.0 million, $3.4 million and $3.1 million in 1996, 1997 and 1998, respectively. Environmental Costs The Company adopted Statement of Position 96-1 (SOP 96-1) "Environmental Remediation Liabilities", in 1997. SOP 96-1 provides authoritative guidance with respect to specific accounting issues that are present in the recognition, measurement, display and disclosure of environmental remediation liabilities. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations. Income Taxes Historically, the Company's operations have been included in the consolidated income tax returns filed by the Parent. For periods prior to the Recapitalization, income tax expense in the Company's statement of income was calculated on a separate tax return basis as if the Company had operated as a stand-alone entity. The provision for income taxes was calculated in accordance with SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes," which requires the recognition of deferred income taxes using the liability method. As a result of the Recapitalization, the Company is now a stand-alone limited liability company and is not subject to federal or state income taxes effective May 5, 1998. Parent Company Investment Prior to the Recapitalization, the Company received short-term funding from its Parent to meet its periodic cash flow needs. During 1996, the Company paid dividends from its earnings to its Parent of $7.7 million. No dividends were paid to its Parent in 1997 or 1998. Interest expense associated with the Parent's general corporate debt has not been allocated to the Company. Prior to the Recapitalization, the Company participated in numerous benefit plans of the Parent (see Note 15). Certain services were provided to the Company by its Parent, primarily related to treasury, taxes, legal and risk management. The estimated costs of such services have been included in these financial statements. Management believes these allocations are reasonable. The Parent provided certain supplemental services to the Company related primarily to general tax and legal, audit and human resources which are not material and have been excluded from these financial statements. During a portion of 1996 and a portion of 1997, certain administrative services were performed by Amana on behalf of the Company. In 1996, these costs were not material and were excluded from these financial statements. The estimated cost of these services, which consisted mainly of accounting and payroll services, have been reflected in the income statement in 1997. All transfers to and from the Parent have been reported in the parent company investment account. F-11 ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 (dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise indicated) Fair Value of Financial Instruments The carrying amounts reported in the statement of assets, liabilities and parent company investment/members' deficit for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the short-term maturity of these financial instruments. The amounts reported for borrowings under the senior credit facility approximate fair value since the underlying instruments bear interest at variable rates that reprice frequently. The fair value of the Company's senior subordinated notes at December 31, 1998 is estimated based upon prices prevailing in recent market transactions. Credit Risk Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk include trade accounts receivable and notes receivable. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables and notes receivable are limited because a large number of geographically diverse customers make up the Company's customer base, thus spreading the credit risk. The Company controls credit risk through credit approvals, credit limits and monitoring procedures. Bad debt expenses have not been material. Certain Concentrations As discussed in Note 1, the Company has mutual supply agreements with Appliance Co. that terminate in 1999. Products sourced from Appliance Co. represented 9% of the Company's 1998 net sales. In the event Appliance Co. is unable or unwilling to continue to manufacture commercial small-chassis frontload dryers for the Company, it could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. There can be no assurance that Appliance Co. will continue to supply products that are consistent with the Company's standards or that any disagreements will not result therefrom. In this regard, the Company has occasionally received and may in the future receive shipments of products from Appliance Co. that fail to conform with the Company's quality control standards. In such event, the Company risks the loss of revenue from the sale of such frontload dryers. The failure of Appliance Co. to supply frontload dryers that conform to the Company's standards could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations, as well as on its reputation in the marketplace. In addition, consumer topload washers sold to Appliance Co. currently comprise a substantial percentage of the unit volume of the Ripon facility and represented approximately 23% of 1998 net sales. Upon the termination of the Appliance Co. Purchase Agreement, the Company will experience a significant decline in unit volume. This volume decline may result in an increase in the Company's average cost per unit, due to, among other factors, unabsorbed manufacturing overhead, reduced raw materials purchasing scale and reduced manufacturing efficiency. In addition, a failure by the Company to successfully implement the reconfiguration of the Ripon plant and thereby to partially offset any impact on the Company's cost per unit following this volume decline could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. New Accounting Standards In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income," which established standards for reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components. This standard requires that certain items recognized under accounting principles as components of comprehensive income be reported in an annual financial statement that is displayed with the same prominence as other financial statements. The Company has adopted this standard in 1998. F-12 ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 (dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise indicated) Future Accounting Changes In June 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." This statement requires all derivative instruments to be recorded in the consolidated balance sheet at their fair value. Changes in fair value of derivatives are required to be recorded each period in current earnings or other comprehensive income, depending on whether the derivative is designed as part of a hedge transaction and if it is, the type of hedge transaction. This statement is effective for all fiscal quarters of fiscal years beginning after June 15, 1999. The effect of adoption of this statement on the Company's earnings or financial position is expected to be minimal. Note 3--Recapitalization Transaction: On May 5, 1998, pursuant to an agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement") among Bain LLC, RCL Acquisitions, LLC ("MergeCo"), Raytheon Commercial Laundry LLC and the Parent, MergeCo was merged with and into Raytheon Commercial Laundry LLC (the "Merger") with Raytheon Commercial Laundry LLC (renamed immediately following the Merger to "Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC") being the surviving entity. Prior to the Merger, the Parent owned 100% of the equity securities of Raytheon Commercial Laundry LLC and Bain LLC, the BRS Investors, as defined, and certain members of management owned 100% of the equity securities of MergeCo. As a result of the Merger (i) the Parent's limited liability company interest in Raytheon Commercial Laundry LLC was converted into the right to receive (a) an aggregate amount of cash equal to $339.5 million, subject to pre-closing and post-closing adjustments, (b) a junior subordinated promissory note from the Company in the original principal amount of $9.0 million which matures in 2009, (c) preferred membership interests of the Company with a liquidation value of approximately $6.0 million which are mandatorily redeemable in 2009 and (d) common membership units of the Company representing 7% of the total common membership interests of the Company and (ii) Bain LLC's, the BRS Investors' and the certain management members' limited liability company interests in MergeCo were converted into the right to receive up to 93% of the total common membership interests of the Company. Simultaneous with the consummation of the Merger and each of the other related transactions (the "Closing"), the Company contributed substantially all of its assets and liabilities to Alliance Laundry Systems LLC, a newly- formed limited liability company ("Alliance Laundry"). Immediately after the consummation of the transactions, Alliance Laundry became the only direct subsidiary of the Company and succeeded to substantially all of the assets and liabilities of the Company. Subsequent to May 4, 1998, Alliance Laundry comprises all of the operating activities of the Company. The transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement (the "Transactions") were funded by: (i) $200.0 million of term loan borrowings by Alliance Laundry; (ii) $110.0 million of senior subordinated notes of Alliance Laundry due in 2008 (substantially all of the amounts in (i) and (ii) were distributed by Alliance Laundry to the Company to fund the Merger and to fund related fees and expenses); (iii) the issuance by the Company of a junior subordinated promissory note in the original principal amount of $9.0 million; (iv) the issuance by the Company of the mandatorily redeemable preferred membership interests with a liquidation value of $6.0 million; and (v) the investors' equity contributions. Each of the transactions was conditioned upon consummation of each of the others, and consummation of each of the transactions occurred simultaneously. Note 4--Nonrecurring Items: During the fourth quarter of 1998, the Company recorded a $4.5 million restructuring charge associated with the closing of the Company's Latin American coin laundromat operations. A decision was made to close these operations because of continued unprofitable performance. The charge includes $1.5 million for the estimated loss on the sale of company-owned drycleaning and laundry stores representing the excess of the carrying value F-13 ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 (dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise indicated) of assets relating to these stores over estimated proceeds from sale, $1.4 million for the write-off of the unamortized balance of the LaveRap tradename and franchise rights purchased in 1996 for use in developing coin laundromats in Latin America, $0.9 million for severance and related benefits arising from the termination of 41 employees and $0.7 million for certain other expenses associated with discontinuing the Latin American operations. The carrying value of assets held for disposal at December 31, 1998 is not material. The Company anticipates that all stores will be sold during 1999. The components of the restructuring charge and its utilization are summarized as follows:
Balance at December 1998 Utilized 31, Charge Cash Non-cash 1998 ------ ----- -------- ---------- Estimated loss on sale of stores........ $1,469 $ -- $ -- $1,469 Write-down of intangible assets......... 1,366 -- (1,366) -- Write-down of other assets.............. 656 -- -- 656 Employee termination and severance benefits............................... 893 (213) -- 680 Other................................... 82 -- -- 82 ------ ----- ------- ------ Total................................. $4,466 $(213) $(1,366) $2,887 ====== ===== ======= ======
The Company's Latin American operations generated net sales of $2.4 million and an operating loss of $1.6 million before this restructuring charge for the year ended December 31, 1998. The Parent entered into retention agreements with certain key executives, managers and commissioned salespeople prior to the Recapitalization. During 1998, the Company incurred approximately $2.3 million in expense associated with payments under these agreements. Payments under this program continue through November of 1999. During 1996, the Company incurred $3.7 million in costs associated with severance and benefit payments to reduce headcount and eliminate certain redundant processes as part of the consolidation of Speed Queen into Amana Refrigeration (see Note 1). Note 5--Customer Financing: Since 1992, the Company has offered a variety of equipment financing programs (capital leases) to finance equipment purchases. These capital leases are transferred immediately to third parties who administer the contracts and earn all associated interest revenues ("External Financing"). These External Financings have terms ranging from 2 to 7 years and carry market interest rates as set by the third-party lender. These third parties have recourse against the Company ranging from 15% to 100%. Under these programs, the Company sold $20.2 million during the year ended 1996. At December 31, 1997 and 1998, the uncollected balance of leases with recourse under these programs was $102.4 million and $25.5 million, respectively. In connection with the Recapitalization, the Parent agreed to indemnify the Company for any recourse obligations arising from these programs. In 1996, the Company established an internal financing organization to originate and administer promissory notes for financing of equipment purchases and laundromat operations. These notes typically have terms ranging from Prime plus 1% to Prime plus 3% for variable rate notes and 9.9% to 14.5% for fixed rate notes. The average interest rate for all notes approximates 10.9% with terms ranging from 2 to 7 years. All notes allow the holder to prepay outstanding principal amounts without penalty, and are therefore subject to prepayment risk. In connection with the Transactions, the Company entered into a five year $250.0 million revolving loan agreement (the "Asset Backed Facility") through ALRW, its special-purpose single member limited liability company, to F-14 ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 (dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise indicated) finance trade receivables and notes receivable related to equipment loans with Lehman Commercial Paper, Inc. (the "Facility Lender"), an affiliate of Lehman Brothers, Inc. The Asset Backed Facility is a $250.0 million facility, with sublimits of $100.0 million for loans on eligible trade receivables and $200.0 million for loans on eligible equipment loans. With respect to loans secured by equipment loans, the Facility Lender will make loans up to but not exceeding the lesser of 90% of the outstanding principal balance of eligible equipment loans or 90% of the market value with respect to eligible equipment loans, as determined by the Facility Lender in its reasonable discretion. The eligibility of both trade receivables and equipment loans is subject to certain concentration and other limits. In addition, after 24 months in the Asset Backed Facility, an otherwise eligible equipment loan will no longer be considered an eligible equipment loan, subject to two automatic six-month extensions upon payment of a fee if such equipment loans have not been securitized or otherwise disposed of by ALRW. The interest rate of loans under the Asset Backed Facility is generally equal to one-month LIBOR plus 1.0% per annum. The Company as servicing agent retains collection and administrative responsibilities for the notes sold. The Company sold $44.2 million of notes under this agreement during 1998. The amount of uncollected balances on equipment loans sold to ALRW was $42.4 million at December 31, 1998. ALRW provides additional credit enhancement to the Facility Lender (consisting of an irrevocable letter of credit, an unconditional lending commitment of the Lenders under the Senior Credit Facility or a cash collateral account) in an amount not to exceed 10% of the aggregate principal amount of loans outstanding under the Asset Backed Facility up to $125.0 million and 5% of the aggregate principal amount of loans outstanding above $125 million. The Company is obligated under the reimbursement provisions of the Senior Credit Facility to reimburse the Lenders for any drawings on the credit enhancement by the Facility Lender. If the credit enhancement is not replenished by the Company after a drawing, the Facility Lender will not be obligated to make further loans under the Asset Backed Facility and the Asset Backed Facility will begin to amortize. In addition, at any time when (i) the aggregate principal amount of loans outstanding under the Asset Backed Facility exceeds $125.0 million and (ii) the delinquency or default ratios with respect to trade receivables or equipment loans exceed certain specified levels (an "Excess Spread Sweep Event"), and for four months after a cure of such excess delinquency or default ratios, the collections on the equipment loans (after payment of accrued interest on the loans under the Asset Backed Facility) will be directed into an excess spread sweep account in the name of the Facility Lender until the amount on deposit in such account is equal to five percent of the aggregate principal amount of loans outstanding under the Asset Backed Facility. Early repayment of the loans under the Asset Backed Facility will be required upon the occurrence of certain "events of default," which include: (i) default in the payment of any principal of or interest on any loan under the Asset Backed Facility when due, (ii) the bankruptcy of ALRW, Alliance Laundry or the issuer of the letter of credit or provider of the line of credit, (iii) any materially adverse change in the properties, business, condition or prospects of, or any other condition which constitutes a material impairment of ALRW's ability to perform its obligations under the Asset Backed Facility and related documents, (iv) specified defaults by ALRW or Alliance Laundry on certain of their respective obligations, (v) delinquency, dilution or default ratios on pledged receivables exceeding certain specified ratios in any given month, (vi) the ratio of (a) the indebtedness of Alliance Laundry and its subsidiaries minus indebtedness subordinated to the loans under the Asset Backed Facility to (b) the sum of the tangible net worth of Alliance Laundry and its subsidiaries and the amount of debt subordinated to the loans under the Asset Backed Facility exceeding a specified amount and (vii) a number of other specified events. Prior to the Transactions, the Company through its special-purpose bankruptcy remote entity, RAYCAF, had entered into an agreement with Falcon Asset Securitization Corporation (the "Bank"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Chicago/NBD, under which it sold defined pools of notes receivable. Under the terms of the F-15 ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 (dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise indicated) agreement with the Bank, the Bank is paid interest based on the 30-day commercial paper rate plus 0.3% and has recourse against the Company ranging from 15% to 100%. The Company, as servicing agent, retains collection and administrative responsibilities for the notes. In 1996, 1997, and 1998 under this financing program, the Company sold $55.9 million, $105.0 million, and $28.7 million, respectively. Notes were no longer sold under this program after May 4, 1998. The total amount uncollected at December 31, 1997 and 1998, was $134.0 million and $89.1 million, respectively. Gains on sales of notes receivable in 1996, 1997, and 1998 of approximately $0.6 million, $5.9 million, and $7.7 million, respectively, are included in commercial laundry revenues. At December 31, 1998, the Company has included in notes receivable $4.2 million related to its retained interest in notes sold to ALRW. In addition, at December 31, 1997 and 1998, included in other assets is $3.4 million and $8.2 million, respectively, related to the Company's beneficial interest in the residual portion of interest earned on notes sold. Note 6--Sales of Accounts Receivable: As described in Note 5 above, in connection with the Transactions, the Company entered into the Asset Backed Facility through ALRW to finance trade receivables and notes receivable related to equipment loans. With respect to loans secured by trade receivables, the Facility Lender will make loans up to but not exceeding 85% of the outstanding amount of eligible trade receivables. The interest rate of loans under the Asset Backed Facility is generally equal to one-month LIBOR plus 1.0% per annum. The Company as servicing agent retains collection and administrative responsibilities for the accounts receivable sold. Under this agreement, the Company sold $210.4 million during 1998. Uncollected balances on trade accounts receivable sold totaled $43.4 million at December 31, 1998. Prior to the Transactions, the Company had entered into an agreement through its special-purpose bankruptcy remote entity, RAYCAR, with the Preferred Receivables Funding Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Chicago/NBD, to sell certain defined pools of trade accounts receivable. Under the terms of the agreement, interest was charged based on the 30-day commercial paper rate plus 0.3%. The interest rates were adjusted based on the Parent's debt rating. The Company, as servicing agent, retained collection and administrative responsibility for the accounts receivable. Under this agreement, the Company sold $56.7 million, $284.5 million and $92.2 million in 1996, 1997 and 1998, respectively. Accounts receivable were no longer sold under this agreement after May 4, 1998. At December 31, 1997, $74.6 million was uncollected or had not been remitted to the Bank. No receivables under this agreement were uncollected as of December 31, 1998. Losses on sales of trade accounts receivable of $3.4 million and $4.1 million in 1997 and 1998, respectively, are included in selling, general and administrative expense. At December 31, 1998, included in other current assets is $6.9 million related to the Company's retained interest in trade accounts receivable sold to ALRW. Note 7--Inventories: Inventories consisted of the following at:
December 31, ---------------- 1997 1998 ------- ------- Materials and purchased parts........................... $16,701 $14,296 Work in process......................................... 2,758 3,280 Finished goods.......................................... 18,564 16,571 Less: inventory reserves................................ (4,309) (3,704) ------- ------- Total................................................. $33,714 $30,443 ======= =======
F-16 ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 (dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise indicated) Note 8--Property, Plant and Equipment: Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following at:
December 31, ------------------- 1997 1998 -------- --------- Land................................................. $ 556 $ 773 Buildings and leasehold improvements................. 26,788 26,215 Machinery and equipment.............................. 137,245 137,279 -------- --------- 164,589 164,267 Less: accumulated depreciation....................... (98,555) (107,135) -------- --------- 66,034 57,132 Construction in process.............................. 3,667 5,132 -------- --------- Property, plant and equipment, net................... $ 69,701 $ 62,264 ======== =========
Depreciation expense was $9.5 million, $12.9 million and $13.3 million for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998, respectively. Note 9--Other Current Liabilities: The major components of other current liabilities consisted of the following at:
December 31, --------------- 1997 1998 ------- ------- Warranty reserve.......................................... $ 4,748 $ 4,626 Workers compensation...................................... 1,576 435 Accrued sales promotion and cooperative advertising....... 4,417 4,381 Salaries, wages and other employee benefits............... 5,157 5,297 Accrued interest.......................................... -- 2,931 Accrued restructuring..................................... -- 2,887 Other current liabilities................................. 5,591 3,981 ------- ------- Total................................................... $21,489 $24,538 ======= =======
Note 10--Long-Term Debt: Long-term debt at December 31, 1998 consisted of the following:
December 31, 1998 ------------ Term Loan Facility........................................... $200,000 Senior Subordinated Notes.................................... 110,000 Junior Subordinated Notes.................................... 10,124 -------- $320,124 ========
F-17 ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 (dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise indicated) Senior Credit Facility In connection with the Transactions, the Company entered into a credit agreement (the "Senior Credit Facility") with a syndicate of financial institutions (the "Lenders") for which Lehman Brothers, Inc. acted as arranger and Lehman Commercial Paper, Inc. acted as syndication agent. The Senior Credit Facility is comprised of a term loan facility aggregating $200.0 million (the "Term Loan Facility") and a $75.0 million revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Credit Facility), which was made available in conjunction with the issuance of the Company's senior subordinated notes. The Term Loan Facility requires no principal payments during the first two years and amortizes at the rate of $1.0 million per year for years three through five, $40.0 million for year six and $157.0 million for year seven. The Company is required to make prepayments with the proceeds from the disposition of certain assets and from excess cash flow, as defined. No excess cash flow payment was required for 1998. The Term Loan Facility bears interest, at the Company's election, at either the Lenders' Base Rate plus a margin ranging from 1.125% to 1.625% or the Eurodollar Rate plus a margin ranging from 2.125% to 2.625%. The Revolving Credit Facility bears interest, at the Company's election, at either the Base Rate plus a margin ranging from 0.625% to 1.375% or the Eurodollar Rate plus a margin ranging from 1.625% to 2.375%. The interest rate on borrowings outstanding at December 31, 1998 was 8.4%. Borrowings outstanding under the Senior Credit Facility are secured by substantially all of the real and personal property of the Company and its domestic subsidiaries (other than the financing subsidiaries). Senior Subordinated Notes Also on May 5, 1998, the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Alliance Laundry Corporation, issued $110.0 million of 9 5/8% senior subordinated notes due in 2008 (the "Notes") to Lehman Brothers, Inc. and Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation (the "Initial Purchasers"). The Initial Purchasers subsequently resold the Notes to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A of the Securities and Exchange Act and to a limited number of institutional accredited investors that agreed to comply with certain transfer restrictions and other conditions. The Notes are general unsecured obligations and are subordinated in right of payment to all current and future senior debt, including permitted borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility. Interest on the Notes accrues at the rate of 9 5/8% per annum and is payable semi-annually in arrears on May 1 and November 1, commencing on November 1, 1998. The fair value of the Notes at December 31, 1998 was approximately $105.6 million based upon prices prevailing in recent market transactions. The Notes are not redeemable prior to May 1, 2003. Thereafter, the Notes are subject to redemption at any time at the option of the Company, in whole or in part, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days notice, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) set forth below plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the applicable redemption date, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on May 1 of the years indicated below:
Redemption Year Price ---- ---------- 2003........................................ 104.813% 2004........................................ 103.208% 2005........................................ 101.604% 2006 and thereafter......................... 100.000%
F-18 ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 (dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise indicated) Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time prior to May 1, 2001, the Company may on any one or more occasions redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes at a redemption price of 109.625% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the redemption date, with the net cash proceeds of any equity offerings, as defined by the indenture governing the Notes; provided that at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes remains outstanding immediately after each occurrence of such redemption; and provided, further, that each such redemption shall occur within 45 days of the date of the closing of such equity offering. The Company is required under the terms of the Notes to offer to redeem the Notes at a redemption price of 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the redemption date, upon a change of control, as defined. Further, the Company is required to offer to redeem the Notes at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the redemption date, when the amount of excess proceeds from asset sales, as defined, exceeds $10 million, up to the maximum principal amount that may be purchased out of such excess proceeds. Junior Subordinated Promissory Note Upon the consummation of the Merger, the Company issued a junior subordinated promissory note (the "Junior Note") in the principal amount of $9.0 million due August 21, 2009, to the Parent. Pursuant to the terms of the Junior Note, interest accrues at the rate of 19.0% per annum until the eighth anniversary of the date of issuance of the Junior Note and at a rate of 13.0% thereafter. The Junior Note is subordinated in priority and subject in right and priority of payment to certain indebtedness described therein. Interest which accrues on the Junior Note is payable in kind. The Senior Credit Facility and the indenture governing the Notes contain a number of covenants that, among other things, restrict the ability of the Company to dispose of assets, repay other indebtedness (including, in the case of the Senior Credit Facility, the Notes), incur liens, make capital expenditures and make certain investments or acquisitions, engage in mergers or consolidation and otherwise restrict the activities of the Company. In addition, under the Senior Credit Facility, the Company will be required to satisfy specified financial ratios and tests, including a maximum of total debt to EBITDA (earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization) and a minimum interest coverage ratio. The aggregate scheduled maturities of long-term debt in subsequent years are as follows: 1999.......................................... $ -- 2000.......................................... 500 2001.......................................... 1,000 2002.......................................... 1,000 2003.......................................... 20,500 Thereafter.................................... 297,124 -------- $320,124 ========
Note 11--Income Taxes: Prior to May 5, 1998, the Company's financial statements reflect a provision for federal, state and foreign income taxes based on income as if the Company had been subject to income tax on a separate return basis. The F-19 ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 (dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise indicated) charge was computed in accordance with SFAS No. 109 and the charge was based on current tax rates. Effective May 5, 1998, in connection with the Transactions, the Company became a stand-alone limited liability Company and is no longer subject to federal or state income taxes.
Years Ended December 31, ---------------------- 1996 1997 1998 ------- ------- ------ Current income tax expense: Federal and foreign.............................. $10,081 $11,576 $1,809 State............................................ 2,254 2,574 402 ------- ------- ------ 12,335 14,150 2,211 Deferred income tax expense...................... 1,073 2,281 180 ------- ------- ------ Income tax provision............................. $13,408 $16,431 $2,391 ======= ======= ======
The provision for income taxes differs from the U.S. Federal statutory rate due primarily to state income taxes in 1996 and 1997 and to state income taxes and the change to a non-tax paying entity effective May 5, 1998. Current income tax expense amounts are included as a transfer to the Parent in the parent company investment account. The effect of temporary differences which gave rise to deferred income tax balances is summarized below. Deferred tax account balances which existed at the date of the Merger were transferred to the Parent as part of the Recapitalization.
December 31, 1997 ------------ Current deferred tax assets: Inventory reserve........................................... $ 1,588 Accounts receivable allowances.............................. 2,384 Warranty reserve............................................ 1,878 Accrued vacation............................................ 435 Other reserves.............................................. 1,575 ------- 7,860 Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities: Depreciation and amortization............................... (5,785) ------- Net deferred tax assets..................................... $ 2,075 =======
F-20 ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 (dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise indicated) Note 12--Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Equity and Members' Equity: The following table summarizes the authorized, issued and outstanding preferred and common units by class and the related dollar amounts for each class as of December 31, 1998. During the year ended December 31, 1998, the only activity relating to the preferred and common units was the issuance of such units in connection with the Recapitalization. Certain members of management entered into promissory notes totaling $1.8 million to help finance the purchase of the common units.
Units Dollars --------- ----------- Preferred Units..................................... 6,000.00 $ 6,000,000 Common Units: Class A........................................... 50,645.16 $ 5,064,516 Class B........................................... 3,232.67 32 Class C........................................... 3,439.01 34 Class L........................................... 5,627.24 45,580,645 --------- ----------- Total Common Units.............................. 62,944.08 50,645,227 ========= Management Investor Promissory Notes........................ 1,762,901 ----------- Net Proceeds................................................ $48,882,326 ===========
Bain LLC, the BRS Investors, certain management investors and the Parent (collectively, the "Members") have entered into an Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement (the "LLC Agreement"). The LLC Agreement governs the relative rights and duties of the Members. The ownership interests of the Members in the Company consist of preferred units (the "Preferred Units") and common units (the "Common Units"). Holders of the Preferred Units are entitled to a return of capital contributions prior to any distributions made to holders of the Common Units. The Common Units represent the common equity of the Company. Preferred Units--Upon consummation of the Merger, the Company issued mandatorily redeemable preferred membership interests (the "Seller Preferred Equity") with a liquidation value of $6.0 million to the Parent. The Seller Preferred Equity does not accrete, accrue or pay dividends and is redeemable at the earlier of (i) a change of control (as defined in the LLC Agreement), (ii) any initial public offering or (iii) 2009. The holders of the Seller Preferred Equity are entitled to receive distributions from the Company in an amount equal to their unreturned capital (as defined in the LLC Agreement) prior to distributions in respect of any other membership interests of the Company. Common Units--The Common Units of the Company are divided into the following four classes: Class L Units--These units provide a yield of 12% on the unreturned capital and unpaid yield (as defined), compounded quarterly. Class L Units do not provide any voting rights to the holders. Class A Units--These units are the primary vehicle of equity ownership in the Company. Class A Units are the only units that provide voting rights. Decisions made by a majority of the voting holders of Class A Units are binding on the Company, provided that members holding at least 20% of the Class A Units are present. Class B and C Units--Class B Units and Class C Units do not provide any voting rights to the holders. These units are not eligible to receive distributions until the Company achieves the defined target multiple F-21 ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 (dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise indicated) applicable to each class of units. The target multiple is calculated as the sum of all distributions to all holders of Class L and Class A Units divided by the sum of all capital contributions made by such holders. Class B Units become eligible to receive distributions when vested and the target multiple reaches or exceeds 1.0 and the Class C Units become eligible when vested and the target multiple reaches or exceeds 3.0. Pursuant to agreements entered into with the members of management who participated in the purchase of membership interests (see Note 16), the Class B and Class C Units vest ratably from the Closing to May 5 of each year through 2003. Such agreements also provide for accelerated vesting in certain circumstances. Distributions--Subject to any restrictions contained in any financing agreements to which the Company or any of its affiliates (as defined in the LLC Agreement) is a party, the Board of Managers (the "Board") may make distributions, whether in cash, property, or securities of the Company, at any time in the following order of priority: First, to the holders of Preferred Units, an amount determined by the aggregate unreturned capital. Second, to the holders of Class L Units, the aggregate unpaid yield accrued on such Class L Units. Third, to the holders of Class L Units, an amount equal to the aggregate unreturned capital. Fourth, ratably to the holders of Common Units, an amount equal to the amount of such distribution that has not been distributed pursuant to the clauses described above. The Company may distribute to each holder of units within 75 days after the close of each fiscal year such amounts as determined by the Board to be appropriate to enable each holder of units to pay estimated income tax liabilities. Allocations--Profits and losses of the Company are allocated among the various classes of units in order to adjust the capital accounts of such holders to the amount to be distributed upon liquidation of the Company. Restrictions on transfer of securities--No holder of securities may sell, assign, pledge or otherwise dispose of any interest in the holder's securities except that (i) Bain LLC may transfer its securities to other security holders in the same class, (ii) holders may transfer their securities through applicable laws of descent and distribution, (iii) transfers of securities may be made to an affiliate, and (iv) the Parent may transfer its Preferred Units with the consent of the Board. Note 13--Employee Stock Plans: As an operating unit of its Parent, the Company had no employee stock option plan; however, certain employees of the Company participated in the Parent's stock option plans. The Parent had three stock option plans. The 1976 Stock Option Plan provided for the grant of both incentive and nonqualified stock options at an exercise price which was 100% of the fair market value on the date of grant. The 1991 Stock Plan provided for the grant of incentive stock options at an exercise price which was 100% of the fair market value, and nonqualified stock options at an exercise price which may be less than the fair market value on the date of grant. The 1995 Stock Option Plan provided for the grant of both incentive and nonqualified stock options at an exercise price which was not less than 100% of the fair market value on the date of grant. The plans also provided that all stock options could be exercised in their entirety 12 months after the date of grant. Incentive stock options terminate 10 years from the date of grant, and those stock options granted after F-22 ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 (dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise indicated) December 31, 1986 became exercisable to a maximum of $100,000 per year. Nonqualified stock options terminate 11 years from the date of grant or 10 years and a day if issued in connection with the 1995 Stock Option Plan. The following stock option information relates to options granted to the Company's employees under the Parent's plans. Shares exercisable at the corresponding weighted average exercise price at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively, were 95,928 at $44.19 and 73,861 at $34.22. Information for 1996 and 1997 follows:
Weighted Average Shares Option Price ------- ---------------- Outstanding at December 31, 1995...................... 88,460 $34.04 Granted............................................. 48,950 52.56 Exercised........................................... (14,599) 33.14 ------- ------ Outstanding at December 31, 1996...................... 122,811 $41.53 Granted............................................. 115,000 51.69 Exercised........................................... (26,883) 32.60 ------- ------ Outstanding at December 31, 1997...................... 210,928 $48.20 ======= ======
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 1997:
Options Outstanding Options Exercisable ---------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------- Shares Weighted Average Shares Exercise Outstanding at Contractual Weighted Average Exercisable at Weighted Average Price Range December 31, 1997 Remaining Life Exercise Price December 31, 1997 Exercisable Price ----------- ----------------- ---------------- ---------------- ----------------- ----------------- $22.98 to $28.44 6,040 5.2 $28.40 6,040 $28.40 $32.88 to $39.03 40,938 7.1 36.52 40,938 36.52 $51.69 to $52.56 163,950 9.2 51.95 48,950 52.56 ------- ------ Total 210,928 95,928 ======= ======
The Parent applied Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees", and related interpretations, in accounting for its plans. The Parent adopted the disclosure-only provisions of SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" and accordingly, no compensation expense is recognized for the stock option plans in these financial statements. Had compensation cost for the stock options awarded to the Company's employees been determined based on the fair value at the grant date for awards under these plans, consistent with the methodology prescribed under SFAS No. 123, and had such compensation expense been reflected in net income, the Company's net income would have approximated the pro forma amounts indicated below:
1997 1996 ------- ------- Net income-as reported.................................... $26,276 $21,355 Net income-proforma....................................... $25,819 $21,131
F-23 ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 (dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise indicated) The weighted-average fair value of each option granted in 1997 and 1996 was estimated as $9.95 and $10.80, respectively, on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions: Expected life............................................ 4 years Assumed annual dividend growth rate (5 year historical rate)................................................... 6% Expected volatility...................................... 15% Risk free interest rate (month-end yields on 4 year treasury strips Equivalent zero coupon)................. 5% to 7.5% range Assumed annual forfeiture rate........................... 5%
The effects of applying SFAS No. 123 in this pro forma disclosure are not indicative of future amounts. Options which had not vested at the time of the Recapitalization were settled by the Parent at a cost of $0.4 million. Employees holding vested options have a period of one year following the date of the Recapitalization to exercise these options. The difference between net income as reported for the year ended December 31, 1998 and pro forma net income, after deducting the compensation cost of stock options determined in accordance with SFAS No., 123, is not material. Note 14--Commitments and Contingencies: At December 31, 1998, the Company had commitments under long-term operating leases requiring approximate annual rentals in subsequent years as follows: 1999............................................ $ 603 2000............................................ 526 2001............................................ 236 2002............................................ 108 2003............................................ 27 Thereafter...................................... 49 ------ $1,549 ======
Rental expense for 1996, 1997 and 1998 amounted to $1.1 million, $1.2 million and $1.5 million, respectively. The Company's Marianna, Florida plant is located on property leased from the Marianna Municipal Airport Development Authority (acting on behalf of the City of Marianna). The lease expires on February 28, 2005 and may be renewed at the Company's option for five additional consecutive ten year terms. The Company and its operations are subject to comprehensive and frequently changing federal, state and local environmental and occupational health and safety laws and regulations, including laws and regulations governing emissions of air pollutants, discharges of waste and storm water and the disposal of hazardous wastes. The Company is also subject to liability for the investigation and remediation of environmental contamination (including contamination caused by other parties) at the properties it owns or operates and at other properties where the Company or predecessors have arranged for the disposal of hazardous substances. As a result, the Company is involved, from time to time, in administrative and judicial proceedings and inquiries relating to environmental matters. There can be no assurance that the Company will not be involved in such proceedings in F-24 ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 (dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise indicated) the future and that the aggregate amount of future clean-up costs and other environmental liabilities will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial position and results of operations. However, in the opinion of management, any liability related to matters presently pending will not have a material affect on the Company's financial position, liquidity or results of operations after giving affect to provisions already recorded. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, and subject to a three year notice period following the Closing, Raytheon has agreed to indemnify the Company for certain environmental liabilities in excess of $1.5 million in the aggregate arising from the operations of the Company and its predecessors prior to the Merger, including with respect to environmental liabilities at the Ripon and Marianna facilities. In addition to the Raytheon indemnification, with respect to the Marianna, Florida facility, a former owner of the property has agreed to indemnify the Company for certain environmental liabilities. In the event that Raytheon or the former owner fail to honor their respective obligations under these indemnifications, such liabilities could be borne directly by the Company and could be material. On April 17, 1998, Appliance Co. filed suit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against Raytheon Company and Alliance Laundry seeking (i) declaratory relief that Alliance Laundry is bound by a non-compete agreement between Appliance Co. and Raytheon Company that prohibits the participation by Raytheon Company and corporate affiliates of Raytheon Company in the consumer retail distribution laundry market, and (ii) unspecified damages from Raytheon Company and Alliance Laundry for breach of the non-compete agreement. On June 2, 1998, Appliance Co. filed an amended complaint reiterating the allegations of the original complaint and also asserting that, by virtue of the manner in which they consummated the sale of Alliance Laundry by Raytheon Company, both Alliance Laundry and Bain Capital, Inc. ("Bain") tortiously interfered with the non-compete agreement between Appliance Co. and Raytheon Company. Appliance Co. now claims to be entitled to damages in excess of $100 million and also contends that, if Alliance Laundry is not bound by the non-compete agreement, then Appliance Co. should also be relieved of any obligations under the non-compete agreement. The defendants dispute all Appliance Co. allegations, deny that Appliance Co. is entitled to any damages and have filed motions to dismiss all claims pertaining to the non-compete agreement, which are still pending. Raytheon Company has agreed to pay the attorneys' fees and costs incurred by Alliance Laundry and Bain in contesting this lawsuit. There can be no assurance, however, that Alliance Laundry will prevail in the lawsuit and, accordingly, Alliance Laundry may be prohibited for some period of time from participating in the consumer retail distribution laundry market. Alliance Laundry does not currently participate in this market. In addition, although the Company does not believe that it is reasonably likely that Appliance Co. will prevail in the lawsuit, if Appliance Co. did prevail, the Company could be required to pay the claimed damages in excess of $100 million and if so, such payment would have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. In late January 1999, Appliance Co. filed another amended complaint to add claims against Raytheon and the Company in connection with the Horizon washing machine, a "single-pocket" frontload washing machine that was being readied for volume production as of the time when Appliance Co. was entering into the Appliance Co. Transaction with Raytheon. Appliance Co. alleges that both Raytheon and the Company subsequently breached their contractual obligations with respect to preparing the Horizon for volume production and misrepresented the readiness of the Horizon for volume production. Both the Company and Raytheon are moving to dismiss these claims. Appliance Co. also alleges that the Company has breached its contractual obligations to provide competent engineering services in connection with preparing the Horizon for volume production and also breached its duty of due care in the course of providing Appliance Co. with these engineering services. Appliance F-25 ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 (dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise indicated) Co. seeks damages for (i) the profits it claims to have lost by virtue of not being able to sell the Horizon, (ii) the damage to its commercial standing that is allegedly attributable to its sale of defective washers to critical customers, and (iii) the expenses it incurred in preparing for volume production of the Horizon. In addition, Raytheon has agreed to hold the Company harmless against claims pertaining to the Horizon and to reimburse the Company for any fees incurred in defending these claims. On February 8, 1999, Raytheon Company commenced an arbitration under the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association in Boston, Massachusetts against the Company, seeking damages of $12.2 million plus interest thereon and attorney's fees for breach of the Merger Agreement based on Raytheon's claim for indemnification for a payment made to a third party allegedly on behalf of the Company and Alliance Laundry following the Closing. Raytheon also filed suit that same day in Massachusetts Superior Court for the county of Middlesex seeking the same relief; the suit was dismissed by Raytheon without prejudice in March 1999. The Company believes that Raytheon owed the $12.2 million to the third party and that neither the Company nor Alliance Laundry is liable for such amount. In addition, the Company and Bain LLC have filed counterclaims and claims, respectively, seeking damages in excess of $30 million from Raytheon. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Bain LLC, the Company and Raytheon have agreed on a post-closing price adjustment of $2.8 million due to the Company from Raytheon, as a result of a dispute regarding working capital levels as of the Closing. The parties have agreed this amount will not be paid to the Company until the resolution of the arbitration discussed above or this amount will be offset against any amounts due to Raytheon from the Company as a result of such arbitration, and as such, this amount has not been reflected in the accompanying financial statements. Various claims and legal proceedings generally incidental to the normal course of business are pending or threatened against the Company. While the ultimate liability from these proceedings is difficult to determine, in the opinion of management, any additional liability will not have a material effect on the Company's financial position, liquidity or results of operations. Note 15--Pensions and Other Employee Benefits: The Company has several pension and retirement plans covering the majority of its employees. The pension plan covering salaried and management employees provides pension benefits that are based on the five highest consecutive years of the employee's compensation in the ten years before retirement. The pension plan covering hourly and union employees generally provides benefits of stated amounts for each year of service, but in some cases can use a final average pay based calculation. The Company's funding policy for the salaried plan is to contribute annually at a rate that is intended to remain at a level percentage of compensation for the covered employees. The Company's funding policy for the hourly and union plan is to contribute annually at a rate that is intended to remain level for the covered employees. Unfunded prior service costs under the funding policy are generally amortized over periods from 10 to 30 years. F-26 ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 (dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise indicated) Total pension expense (benefit) for the Company's plans was $0.7 million, $0.2 million and ($0.8) million in 1996, 1997, and 1998, respectively, including the following components:
Years Ending December 31, ---------------------- 1996 1997 1998 ------ ------ ------ Service cost benefits earned during the period.... $1,233 $1,118 $1,391 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation..... 1,590 1,650 2,086 Actual (gain) loss on assets...................... (4,508) (2,278) (6,261) Net amortization and deferral..................... 2,158 (315) 1,942 Curtailment adjustments........................... 213 -- -- ------ ------ ------ Net periodic pension cost (benefit)............. $ 686 $ 175 $ (842) ====== ====== ====== Assumptions used in the accounting were: Discount rate................................... 7.75% 7.25% 6.75% Expected long-term rate of return on assets..... 9.25% 9.25% 9.25% Rate of increase in compensation levels......... 4.50% 4.50% 4.00%
In 1996, various plan curtailments were recognized as a result of workforce reductions. The following table provides a reconciliation of benefit obligations, plan assets and funded status of the plans at December 31:
1998 ------- Change in benefit obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of year........................... $28,355 Service cost...................................................... 1,391 Interest cost..................................................... 2,086 Actuarial loss.................................................... 3,368 Benefits paid..................................................... (1,330) ------- Benefit obligation at end of year............................... 33,870 ------- Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year.................... 39,880 Actual return on plan assets...................................... 6,261 Benefits paid..................................................... (1,330) ------- Fair value of plan assets at end of year........................ 44,811 ------- Funded status..................................................... 10,941 Unrecognized transition asset..................................... (287) Unrecognized prior service cost................................... 2,178 Unrecognized (gains)/losses....................................... (12,339) ------- Prepaid (accrued) benefit cost.................................. $ 493 =======
F-27 ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 (dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise indicated)
1997 ------- Funded status.................................................... $11,525 Unrecognized transition asset.................................... (431) Unrecognized prior service cost.................................. 2,362 Unrecognized (gains)/losses...................................... (13,674) ------- Prepaid (accrued) benefit cost................................. $ (218) =======
As a result of the management of the Company's plans with those of the Parent prior to September 10, 1997, information relating to the change in the benefit obligations and the change in plan assets is not available for 1997. Plan assets primarily include equity and fixed income securities. The Company's salaried pension plan provides that in the event of a termination of the plan within three years after an involuntary change of control of the Company, the assets of the plan will be applied to satisfy all liabilities to participants and beneficiaries in accordance with Section 4044 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Any remaining assets will be applied on a pro rata basis to increase the benefits to the participants and beneficiaries. In addition to providing pension benefits, the Company provides certain health care and life insurance benefits for retired employees. Substantially, all of the Company's employees may become eligible for these benefits if they reach normal retirement age while working for the Company. Retiree health plans are paid for in part by employee contributions, which are adjusted annually. Benefits are provided through various insurance companies whose charges are based either on the benefits paid during the year or annual premiums. Health benefits are provided to retirees, their covered dependents, and beneficiaries. Retiree life insurance plans are noncontributory and cover the retiree only. The net postretirement benefit cost for the Company in 1996, 1997 and 1998 included the following components:
Years Ending December 31, ----------------- 1996 1997 1998 ----- ----- ----- Service cost benefits earned during the period............ $ 45 $ 52 $ 58 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation............. 110 107 142 Net amortization and deferral............................. 64 63 91 ----- ----- ----- Net postretirement benefit cost......................... $ 219 $ 222 $ 291 ===== ===== ===== Assumptions used in the accounting were: Discount rate........................................... 7.75% 7.25% 6.75% Rate of increase in compensation levels................. 4.50% 4.50% 4.00% Health care cost trend rate in the first year........... 7.00% 6.50% 6.00% Gradually declining to a trend rate in the year 2001 & beyond of....................................... 5.00% 5.00% 5.00%
F-28 ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 (dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise indicated) The following provides a reconciliation of benefit obligations, plan assets and the funded status of the plan at December 31:
1997 1998 ------ ------ Change in benefit obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of year..................... $1,441 $1,523 Service cost................................................ 52 58 Interest cost............................................... 107 142 Actuarial loss.............................................. 62 562 Benefits paid............................................... (139) (415) ------ ------ Benefit obligation at end of year......................... 1,523 1,870 ------ ------ Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year.............. -- -- Employer contribution....................................... 139 415 Benefits paid............................................... (139) (415) ------ ------ Fair value of plan assets at end of year.................. -- -- ------ ------ Funded status............................................... (1,523) (1,870) Unrecognized transition obligation.......................... 963 899 Unrecognized net loss....................................... 70 605 ------ ------ Prepaid (accrued) benefit cost............................ $ (490) $ (366) ====== ======
A one percentage point change in the assumed health care cost trend rate would change the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of December 31, 1998 by approximately $47 and would change the net postretirement benefit expense for 1998 by approximately $6. Prior to the Recapitalization, eligible employees were able to participate in the Parent's Savings and Investment Plan and the Parent's Employee Stock Ownership Plan. Subsequent to the Recapitalization, eligible employees are able to participate in the Alliance Laundry Systems Capital Appreciation Plan ("ALCAP"). The provisions of ALCAP are substantially the same as those of the Parent's Savings and Investment Plan. In addition, the Company makes an annual contribution to ALCAP equal to approximately one half of one percent of salaries and wages, subject to statutory limits, of eligible employees. Under the terms of the Savings and Investment Plan, a defined contribution plan, covered employees are allowed to contribute up to 17 percent of their pay on a pre-tax basis up to the limit established by the Internal Revenue Service. The Company contributes amounts equal to 50 percent of the employee's contributions, up to a maximum of such Company contributions equal to three percent of the employee's pay. Total expense for the Savings and Investment and ALCAP plans totaled $1.0 million in 1996 and 1997 and $1.1 million in 1998. The Company's annual contribution to the Employee Stock Ownership Plan was approximately one half of one percent of salaries and wages, subject to statutory limits, of substantially all United States salaried and a majority of hourly employees. The expense was $0.1 million, $0.3 million and $0.1 million for 1996, 1997 and 1998, respectively. F-29 ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 (dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise indicated) Prior to May 5, 1998, the Company's employees were covered under the Parent's workers compensation program. The Company's allocated expense for workers compensation during the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997 and the period ended May 4, 1998 was $1.0 million, $0.8 million and $0.4 million, respectively. Deferred Compensation Agreements In connection with the Merger, the Company and the Parent entered into deferred compensation agreements with certain executives, whereby the Company assumed certain long-term compensation obligations earned by management under programs established by the Parent. Such agreements provide for the deferral of compensation until the earlier of (i) the payment of a lump sum (the "Benefit Amount") to the executive ten years after the date of such agreement, regardless of whether the executive is employed by the Company as of such date or (ii) the payment of the Benefit Amount upon the occurrence of certain events described therein. The balance sheet at December 31, 1998 includes a long-term liability of $1.1 million related to such agreements. Note 16--Related Party Transactions Securityholders Agreement Upon the consummation of the Merger, the Company, the Parent and certain securityholders entered into a securityholders agreement (the "Securityholders Agreement"). The Securityholders Agreement (i) restricts the transfer of the equity interests of the Company; (ii) grants tag-along rights on certain transfers of equity interests of the Company; (iii) requires the Securityholders to consent to a sale of the Company to an independent third party if such sale is approved by certain holders of the then outstanding equity interests of the Company; and (iv) grants preemptive rights on certain issuances of equity interests of the Company. Certain of the foregoing provisions of the Securityholders Agreement will terminate upon the consummation of an initial public offering or a liquidity event (each as defined in the Securityholders Agreement). Management Investor Promissory Notes In connection with the Transactions, the Company entered into promissory notes (the "Promissory Notes") aggregating approximately $1.8 million with certain members of management to help finance the purchase of Common Units in the Company. The Promissory Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.94% per annum and mature on June 5, 2008. The Promissory Notes are classified as a component of members' deficit at December 31, 1998. Executive Unit Purchase Agreements In connection with the Merger, MergeCo entered into executive unit purchase agreements (the "Purchase Agreements") with certain members of management of the Company (each an "Executive"). Such agreements govern the sale to the Executives of common membership interests of MergeCo in exchange for cash and/or a promissory note from the Executive and provide for repurchase rights and restrictions on transfer of the common units. In connection with the Merger, the Executives' membership interests in MergeCo were converted into common membership interests of the Company. The Purchase Agreements provide the Company with a repurchase option upon the termination of each Executive. If the Executive's termination is the result of death, permanent disability or without cause, as defined, Class A and Class L Units, and vested Class B and Class C Units may be repurchased by the Company at a price per unit equal to fair market value, as defined, and unvested Class B and Class C Units may be repurchased F-30 ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 (dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise indicated) at a price per unit equal to the lower of fair market value or original value, as defined. If an Executive's termination is voluntary or for cause, as defined, all units may be repurchased at a price equal to the lower of fair market value or original value, unless an Executive's voluntary termination occurs seven and one-half years from May 5, 1998, in which case the repurchase price shall be fair market value. The Class B and Class C Units were purchased by the Executives at a nominal value based upon the subordinated nature of such interests (see Note 12). Management Services Agreement In connection with the Transactions, the Company entered into a management services agreement (the "Management Services Agreement") with Bain pursuant to which Bain agreed to provide: (i) general executive and management services; (ii) identification, support, negotiation and analysis of acquisitions and dispositions; (iii) support, negotiation and analysis of financial alternatives; and (iv) other services agreed upon by the Company and Bain. In exchange for services, Bain will receive (i) an annual management fee, plus reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (payable quarterly) and (ii) a transaction fee in an amount in accordance with the general practices of Bain at the time of the consummation of any additional acquisition or divestiture by the Company and of each financing or refinancing (currently approximately 1.0% of total financings). In connection with the Recapitalization, Bain also received a transaction fee from the Company. The Management Services Agreement has an initial term of ten years subject to automatic one-year extensions unless the Company or Bain provides written notice of termination. Note 17--Condensed Financial Information of Alliance Laundry Systems LLC As discussed more fully in Note 3, substantially all of the assets and liabilities of the Company were transferred to Alliance Laundry, a wholly- owned subsidiary of the Company, in connection with the Merger. Therefore, the historical financial statements of Alliance Laundry are the same as the historical financial statements of the Company prior to the Merger inasmuch as Alliance Laundry did not exist prior to that time. Subsequent to the Merger, Alliance Laundry is the only direct subsidiary of the Company and comprises all of the Company's operating activities. F-31 ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 (dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise indicated) In connection with the Merger, and as discussed in Note 10, Alliance Laundry and its wholly owned subsidiary, Alliance Laundry Corporation, issued the $110.0 million senior subordinated notes. Alliance Laundry Corporation was incorporated for the sole purpose of serving as a co-issuer of the Notes in order to facilitate their issuance. Alliance Laundry Corporation does not have any substantial operations or assets of any kind. Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC has provided a full and unconditional guarantee of the Notes and has no operating activities independent of Alliance Laundry. Separate financial statements of Alliance Laundry are not presented because Company management has determined that they would not be material to investors. Summarized information for Alliance Laundry as of December 31, 1998 and for the year then ended is presented below.
December 31, 1998 ------------ (in millions) Current assets............................................... $ 67.7 Noncurrent assets............................................ 146.5 ------- $ 214.2 ======= Current liabilities.......................................... $ 38.3 Long-term debt............................................... 310.0 Other long-term obligations.................................. 1.1 Member's deficit............................................. (135.2) ------- $ 214.2 ======= For the year ended December 31, 1998 ------------ Net sales.................................................... $ 330.3 Gross profit................................................. 79.1 Selling, general and administrative expense.................. 43.5 Nonrecurring costs........................................... 6.8 ------- Operating income............................................. 28.8 Interest expense............................................. 20.3 Other income (expense), net.................................. 0.3 ------- Income before taxes.......................................... $ 8.8 =======
F-32 ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued) December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 (dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise indicated) Note 18--Segment Information Based upon the information used by management for making operating decisions and assessing performance, the Company has organized its business into categories based upon products and services broken down primarily by markets. Commercial laundry equipment and service parts, including sales to international markets, are combined to form the commercial laundry segment. Commercial laundry net sales include amounts related to the Company's finance program which supports its commercial laundry operations. The Company's primary measure of operating performance is gross profit which does not include an allocation of any selling or product distribution expenses. Such amounts are reviewed on a consolidated basis by management. In determining gross profit for its operating units, the Company also does not allocate certain manufacturing costs, including manufacturing variances and warranty and service support costs. Gross profit is determined by subtracting cost of sales from net sales. Cost of sales is comprised of the costs of raw materials and component parts, plus costs incurred at the manufacturing plant level, including, but not limited to, labor and related fringe benefits, depreciation, tools, supplies, utilities, property taxes and insurance. The Company does not allocate assets internally in assessing operating performance. Net sales and gross profit as determined by the Company for its operating segments are as follows:
1996 1997 1998 ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- Net Gross Net Gross Net Gross Sales Profit Sales Profit Sales Profit -------- ------- -------- ------- -------- ------- Commercial laundry....... $241,271 $76,367 $270,856 $94,048 $253,083 $91,145 Appliance Co. consumer laundry................. 76,992 5,688 76,853 3,926 77,184 2,642 -------- ------- -------- ------- -------- ------- $318,263 82,055 $347,709 97,974 $330,267 93,787 ======== ======== ======== Other manufacturing costs................... (9,809) (14,197) (14,679) ------- ------- ------- Gross profit as reported.............. $72,246 $83,777 $79,108 ======= ======= =======
Depreciation expense allocations for each segment are presented below:
1996 1997 1998 ------ ------- ------- Commercial laundry................................. $4,515 $ 5,975 $ 6,078 Appliance Co. consumer laundry..................... 3,876 5,754 5,957 ------ ------- ------- $8,391 $11,729 $12,035 ====== ======= =======
F-33 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representations not in this Prospectus, and, if given or made, such information or representation must not be relied upon as having been authorized by the Issuers or the Initial Purchasers. This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities other than the Exchange Notes offered hereby nor does it constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any of the Exchange Notes to any person in any jurisdiction in which it would be unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation to such person. Neither the delivery of this Prospectus nor any sale made hereunder shall, under any circumstances, create any implication that there has not been any change in the facts set forth in this Prospectus or in the affairs of the Company since the date hereof. ----------------- TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page ---- Prospectus Summary........................................................ 1 Risk Factors.............................................................. 14 The Transactions.......................................................... 23 Use of Proceeds........................................................... 25 Capitalization............................................................ 26 Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Data........................................ 27 Selected Historical Financial Data........................................ 31 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations............................................................... 33 Business.................................................................. 42 Management................................................................ 55 Security Ownership........................................................ 59 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions............................ 61 Description of Senior Credit Facility..................................... 63 Description of Asset Backed Facility...................................... 66 Description of the Exchange Notes......................................... 68 The Exchange Offer ....................................................... 101 Certain United States Federal Income Tax Consequences..................... 109 Plan of Distribution...................................................... 110 Legal Matters............................................................. 111 Experts................................................................... 111 Index to Financial Statements............................................. F-1
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $110,000,000 [LOGO] ALLIANCE LAUNDRY SYSTEMS ALLIANCE LAUNDRY SYSTEMS LLC ALLIANCE LAUNDRY CORPORATION Offer to Exchange their Series B 9 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008 for Series A 9 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008 ----------------- PROSPECTUS ----------------- May 19, 1999 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----