-----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, QzHSlxWCWr2kd+WAB+Gbq3iqpWS7F4kSjxrkrNhgkFR2PpaL32Gk7sT9gw5fhu0u oT/tUcWbkBFeiQfbO6HdhA== 0001193125-06-049714.txt : 20060309 0001193125-06-049714.hdr.sgml : 20060309 20060309164504 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001193125-06-049714 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 9 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20051231 FILED AS OF DATE: 20060309 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20060309 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: 10-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-56857 FILM NUMBER: 06676593 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: ALLIANCE LAUNDRY SYSTEMS STREET 2: P.O. BOX 990 CITY: RIPON STATE: WI ZIP: 54971-0990 BUSINESS PHONE: 9207481634 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: ALLIANCE LAUNDRY SYSTEMS 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: WHOLESALE-MACHINERY, EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES [5080] IRS NUMBER: 522055893 FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-56857-02 FILM NUMBER: 06676594 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: WHOLESALE-MACHINERY, EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES [5080] IRS NUMBER: 391928505 FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-56857-01 FILM NUMBER: 06676595 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 10-K 1 d10k.htm FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 


FORM 10-K

 


 

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from              to             

 

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER   333-56857
  333-56857-01
  333-56857-02

 


ALLIANCE LAUNDRY SYSTEMS LLC

ALLIANCE LAUNDRY CORPORATION

ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC

(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

 


 

DELAWARE

DELAWARE

DELAWARE

 

39-1927923

39-1928505

52-2055893

(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF

INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)

 

(I.R.S. EMPLOYER

IDENTIFICATION NO.)

P.O. BOX 990, RIPON, WISCONSIN 54971-0990

(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)

(920) 748-3121

(REGISTRANT’S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE)

 


Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None.

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None.

 


Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer  ¨    Accelerated filer  ¨    Non-accelerated filer  x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

State the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common equity, as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter. Not Applicable

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. The number of shares of the registrants common stock outstanding as of March 9, 2006: 1,000 shares.

 



Table of Contents

Alliance Laundry Systems LLC

Alliance Laundry Corporation

Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC

Index to Annual Report on Form 10-K

Year Ended December 31, 2005

 

          Page
  

CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS FOR FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

   3
  

PART I.

  

ITEM 1.

  

BUSINESS

   3

ITEM 2.

  

PROPERTIES

   27

ITEM 3.

  

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

   28

ITEM 4.

  

SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

   29
  

PART II.

  

ITEM 5.

  

MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

   29

ITEM 6.

  

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

   29

ITEM 7.

  

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

   32

ITEM 7A.

  

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

   54

ITEM 8.

  

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

   56

ITEM 9.

  

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

   104

ITEM 9A.

  

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

   104
  

PART III.

  

ITEM 10.

  

DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

   104

ITEM 11.

  

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

   107

ITEM 12.

  

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

   111

ITEM 13.

  

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

   114

ITEM 14.

  

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

   116
  

PART IV.

  

ITEM 15.

  

EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

   118
  

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

   122

 

2


Table of Contents

CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS FOR FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This Annual Report includes “forward-looking statements” which appear in a number of places and includes statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations with respect to, among other things, the ability to borrow funds under the Senior Credit Facility, the ability to successfully implement operating strategies, including trends affecting the business, financial condition and results of operations. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this Annual Report, including, without limitation, the statements under “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 cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Although the Company believes 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.

PART I.

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

General

Throughout this annual report, we refer to Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as “Alliance Holdings,” and, together with its consolidated operations, as “Company,” “Alliance,” “we,” “our,” and, “us,” unless otherwise indicated. Any reference to “Alliance Laundry” refers to our wholly-owned subsidiary, Alliance Laundry Systems LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and its consolidated operations, unless otherwise indicated. Any reference to “ALH” refers to ALH Holding Inc., a Delaware corporation and Alliance Holdings’ parent entity. Throughout this annual report the term “stand-alone commercial laundry equipment” refers to commercial laundry equipment excluding the consumer laundry market, drycleaning equipment and custom engineered, continuous process laundry systems and the term “stand-alone commercial laundry equipment industry” includes laundromats, multi-housing laundries and on-premise laundries and excludes consumer laundry, drycleaners and continuous process laundries.

Our business began in 1908 when we introduced a hand-operated washer to the marketplace. Industry leading features were introduced under the Speed Queen brand with the introduction of stainless steel wash tubs in 1938 and automatic washers and dryers in 1952. In 1956, McGraw Electric Company purchased our business. Manufacturing and marketing of coin-operated laundry equipment began in 1957. The addition of Huebsch brand commercial tumblers in 1978 further expanded our product line. In 1979, Raytheon Company, or Raytheon, purchased our business. During the next 19 years, we expanded the capabilities of our commercial laundry business by purchasing the UniMac product line and established ourselves as a leader in the commercial laundry industry. On May 5, 1998, Bain Capital Partners, LLC, (“Bain”), and members of our management, acquired 93% common equity interest in us with Raytheon continuing to own 7% of the common interests. In January 2005, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board, (“OTPP”), indirectly acquired approximately 91.8% of the equity interests of Alliance Laundry through ALH Holding Inc. (“ALH”), and our management indirectly owns the remainder of Alliance Laundry’s equity interests through ALH. ALH owns 100% of the equity interests of Alliance Holdings.

We refer to the acquisition of Alliance Holdings by ALH, including the related management investments in ALH, as the “Acquisition.” In connection with the closing of the Acquisition, we

 

3


Table of Contents

consummated certain financing transactions (the “Financing Transactions” which we refer to, together with the Acquisition, as the “Transactions”). For additional information about the Acquisition, see the discussion under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—The Acquisition.”

Alliance Laundry Corporation (“ ALC”) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alliance Laundry that was incorporated in 1998 for the sole purpose of serving as a co-issuer of Alliance Laundry’s Series B 9 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008 (the “1998 Senior Subordinated Notes”). In connection with the Transactions, we redeemed all of the outstanding 1998 Senior Subordinated Notes. ALC also served as the co-issuer of Alliance Laundry’s 8 1/2% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 (the “2005 Senior Subordinated Notes”), which notes were issued in connection with the Acquisition. ALC does not have any substantial operations or assets of any kind and will not have any revenue.

As a result of the Acquisition, the Consolidated Financial Statements present our results of operations, financial position and cash flows prior to the date of the Acquisition transaction under “Predecessor.” The financial effects of the Acquisition transaction and our results of operations, financial position and cash flows following the closing of the Acquisition are presented under “Successor.” In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, or GAAP, our Predecessor results have not been aggregated with our Successor results and, accordingly, our Consolidated Financial Statements do not show results of operations or cash flows for the twelve months ended December 31, 2005. However, in order to facilitate an understanding of our results of operations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2005 in comparison with the twelve months ended December 31, 2004, we have presented certain financial measurements such as international revenues, total revenues and EBITDA on an unaudited combined basis. The combined results represent the January 1, 2005 through January 27, 2005 Predecessor period added to the January 28, 2005 through December 31, 2005 Successor period. The combined results of operations are non-GAAP financial measures and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the Predecessor and Successor results.

We believe that we are a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer in North America of commercial laundry equipment used in laundromats, multi-housing laundries and on-premise laundries. Under the well-known brand names of Speed Queen, UniMac and Huebsch, we produce a full line of commercial washing machines and dryers with load capacities from 16 to 250 pounds. We have been a leader in the North American stand-alone commercial laundry equipment industry for more than ten years. We also offer laundry and drycleaning presses and shirt finishing equipment under the Ajax brand.

We attribute our success in this industry to: (i) the quality, reliability and functionality of our products; (ii) the breadth of our product offerings; (iii) our extensive distributor network and strategic alliances with key customers; and (iv) our investment in new product development and manufacturing capabilities. As a result of our industry position, we generate significant recurring sales of replacement equipment and service parts. In addition to stand-alone commercial laundry equipment, we also offer presses and finishing equipment used in the drycleaning industry under the Ajax name. Internationally, we generated revenue of $52.0 million, $41.3 million and $34.0 million in 2005, 2004, and 2003, respectively. For 2005, 2004 and 2003 we generated net revenues of $317.3 million, $281.0 million and $267.6 million and EBITDA (as defined in Item 6 – Selected Financial Data) of $13.6 million, $45.1 million and $53.1 million, respectively.

 

4


Table of Contents

We serve three distinct end-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 in hotels, hospitals, nursing homes and prisons. The primary means of serving these end-customers is through distributors and route operators. We reach laundromat and on-premise laundry end-customers through a network of over 250 North American distributors and over 140 international distributors, serving over 90 different countries. Our distributors purchase equipment from us, then re-sell and install it for laundromat and on-premise end-customers. We serve multi-housing end-customers through a network of over 100 route operators. Route operators purchase equipment from us, and then obtain leases from multi-housing property managers to place it into common laundry rooms.

We believe that we have the most extensive distribution network in North America which gives us a significant competitive advantage. We estimate that our distributors and route operators have either the number one or number two market position in over 80% of North American markets. We believe that the superior quality and loyalty of our distribution network has been a significant factor in achieving this market position in each of our three end-customer groups.

We estimate that the North American stand-alone commercial laundry equipment industry generated approximately $517 million in revenue in 2005. The industry’s revenues are primarily driven by population growth and the replacement cycle of laundry equipment. North American consumers view clean clothes as a necessity, with economic conditions having limited effect on the frequency of use, and therefore the useful life, of laundry equipment. As a result, the industry’s revenues have been relatively stable over time and through economic downturns.

With investments totaling over $20.0 million since 2001, we have completed the development of many new products, the redesign of existing products and the modernization of our manufacturing facilities in Wisconsin and Florida. We believe our considerable investment in our product line and manufacturing capabilities has strengthened and will continue to enhance our market leadership position. For information about the financial results of our operating segments, see Note 18 to the Financial Statements – Segment Information.

Company Strengths

Market Leader with Significant Installed Base. We believe that we are a market leader in the overall North American stand-alone commercial laundry equipment industry. In addition to being a market leader in North America, we believe that we are a leader in sales to each of our three primary end-customer groups. As a result of being a market leader for over ten years, we believe that we have one of the largest installed bases of equipment in North America, comprised of over two million machines. A significant majority of our revenue is attributable to replacement sales which are driven by our large installed base combined with an average ten year estimated life per machine.

Extensive and Loyal Distribution Networks. We believe we have developed the most extensive distribution network in North America, with over 250 distributors and over 100 route operators. We estimate that our laundromat and on-premise laundry distributors and multi-housing route operators have either the number one or number two market position in over 80% of North American markets. These leading distributors and route operators are attracted by our industry-leading brand equity, broad product array, significant installed base and our comprehensive value-added support, which includes training, extensive electronic support of installation and service and joint promotion efforts. These factors lead to high costs for distributors and route operators to switch manufacturers, especially when combined with

 

5


Table of Contents

their substantial investments in service parts inventories and in training their sales and installation personnel with respect to our highly engineered products. Our end-customers place great value on the proven reliability of our products, backed by years of demonstrated experience in the field, as this significantly impacts their long term repair and maintenance expenses. We have not historically experienced any significant turnover of our distributors and route operators, of which a significant number have been customers for over ten years.

Comprehensive and Innovative Product Offering. We believe our product lines lead the industry in reliability, breadth of offerings, functionality and advanced features. In addition, we believe we are the only manufacturer in North America to produce a full product line (including topload washers, dryers, frontload washers, washer-extractors, tumbler dryers and finishing equipment for all commercial customer groups), thereby providing customers with a single source solution for all their stand-alone commercial laundry equipment needs. Our development team of more than 65 engineers and technical personnel, along with our marketing and sales personnel, work together with our major customers to redesign and enhance our products to better meet customer needs. Many of our new products place an emphasis on energy efficiency and feature new electronic controls, facilitating ease of use as well as improving performance and reliability. In late 2000 we introduced our NetMaster system of technologically advanced laundry products offering multi-housing and laundromat operators more flexibility and accountability, allowing operators to change vend prices, cycle times, rinse options and cycle selections from a remote site while also auditing machine operation. We estimate that since the introduction of the NetMaster system, over 300 laundries have been built with this product, with approximately 20% of those being fully networked. In 2003, we introduced an upgraded Micro-electronic Display Control on the topload washer that conserves water and energy. The improved efficiency qualifies the Micro-electronic Display Control topload washer for the ENERGY STAR label and other federal and local energy efficiency programs. In 2003 we introduced our Wash Alert system which allows students to view the availability of equipment in their common laundry areas and to view the status of their laundry from the convenience of their dorm rooms. In 2005 we introduced a variable frequency drive for certain of our washer-extractors which uses approximately 50 percent of the electricity of our regular models.

Leading North American Brands. We market and sell our products under the widely recognized brand names Speed Queen, UniMac, Huebsch and Ajax. We believe that we have industry-leading brand equity and brand recognition, based upon historical customer survey results.

Strong and Incentivized Management Team. Led by chief executive officer and president Thomas L’Esperance, we have assembled a strong and experienced management team. Our eight executive officers average over 18 years of experience in the commercial laundry equipment and appliance industries. This management team has executed numerous strategic initiatives, including: (i) developing strategic alliances with key customers; (ii) acquiring and successfully integrating the commercial washer-extractor business of UniMac and the drycleaning press and shirt finishing equipment business of Ajax; (iii) implementing manufacturing cost reduction and quality improvement programs; and (iv) ongoing refinements to our product offerings. In addition, management currently owns approximately 8.2% of the Company’s common equity on a diluted basis, and could own up to 18.6% of the Company’s common equity if the service and performance stock options become exercisable (as defined in the ALH stock option plan).

Business Strategy

Our strategy is to continue our strong financial performance and selectively pursue growth opportunities by offering to our customers a full line of the most reliable and functional stand-alone

 

6


Table of Contents

commercial laundry equipment, together with industry-leading, comprehensive value-added services. The key elements of our strategy are as follows:

Develop and Strengthen Relationships with Key Customers. We have developed and will continue to pursue long-term relationships with key customers and will pursue supply agreements where appropriate. The relationships that we establish with our customers are comprehensive and include training, extensive technical support and promotion activities. In addition, we model our product development efforts to meet evolving customer preferences by working with key customers to develop new products, features and value-added services.

We have not experienced any significant customer turnover. Our top ten customers, other than a significant new account that was added in 2003, have been our customers for at least ten years. Coinmach, which is the largest operator of multi-housing laundries in North America, has been a significant customer of ours for over two decades.

Continue to Improve Manufacturing Operations. We seek to continuously enhance our product quality and reduce costs through ongoing refinements to our manufacturing processes. We have achieved such improvements, and intend to continue doing so, through collaboration among key customers, suppliers and our engineering and marketing personnel. Since 1995, we have progressively reduced our manufacturing costs through improvements in raw material usage and labor efficiency, as well as plant consolidation. Since 2000, we have been implementing a demand flow production system on our higher volume product lines. These process changes have resulted in significant improvements in assembly efficiency, inventory levels, customer order lead times and production quality. For example, labor productivity improved by 4.0% from 2004 to 2005, and over the same period, we reduced our first year warranty costs to less than 0.3% of sales.

Expand into the U.S. Consumer Laundry Market. We re-entered the U.S. consumer laundry market in October 2004, after the expiration of a non-compete agreement. This non-compete agreement was a result of the divestiture of a sister division in 1997. We are targeting the mid to high-end U.S. consumer laundry markets with existing products that we currently sell internationally and into commercial markets. These existing products are designed to have useful lives approximately twice that of typical consumer laundry equipment. We are leveraging the strong brand equity of our Speed Queen name in order to recapture a portion of our historic market share. This strategy to enter the mid to high-end U.S. consumer laundry markets should allow us to expand our sales and continue to diversify our customer base with minimal incremental capital expenditures since these products will be produced in our current facilities.

Industry Overview

We estimate that North American stand-alone commercial laundry equipment sales were approximately $517 million in 2005. We believe that the North American market for stand-alone commercial laundry equipment has grown at a compound annual rate of approximately 0.9% since 1995. North American commercial laundry equipment sales historically have been relatively insulated from business and economic cycles, given that economic conditions tend not to affect the frequency of use, or replacement, of laundry equipment. We believe steady industry growth will be sustained by continued population expansion and by customers increasingly “trading up” to equipment with enhanced functionality and higher average selling prices.

 

7


Table of Contents

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) the availability of innovative technologies such as cashless payment systems and advanced electronic controls, which improve ease of use and management audit capabilities; (iv) the ability to swiftly and reliably provide servicing for their equipment; and (v) the supply of value-added services such as rapid spare parts delivery, equipment financing and computer-aided assistance in the design of commercial laundries.

Trends and Characteristics

North American Growth Drivers. We believe that continued population expansion in North America will continue to drive steady demand for garment and textile laundering by all customer groups that purchase commercial laundry equipment. We believe 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 1.2% since 1995 and is projected to grow at approximately 0.8% per year on average over the next ten years.

In addition, customers are increasingly trading up to equipment with enhanced functionality, thereby raising average selling prices. For example, the larger national and regional customers in the laundromat and multi-housing customer groups are more likely to take advantage of recently available electronic features, such as cashless payment systems and advanced electronic controls which we believe provide these customers with a competitive advantage. Customers are also moving towards equipment with increased water and energy efficiency as the result of escalating energy costs, government and consumer pressure and a focus on containing operating costs.

Limited End Use Cyclicality. North American commercial laundry equipment sales historically have been relatively insulated from business and economic cycles because economic conditions tend not to dramatically affect the frequency of use, or replacement, of laundry equipment. The useful life of commercial laundry equipment, and thus the timing of replacement of the equipment, are also generally unaffected by economic conditions. The useful life of stand-alone commercial laundry equipment is generally 7 to 14 years. Under all economic conditions, owners of commercial laundries typically continue to use their equipment until it can no longer be economically repaired or until competition forces the owner to upgrade their equipment in order to improve its appearance or functionality.

International Growth. We anticipate growth in demand for commercial laundry equipment in international markets. We believe this is particularly true in developing countries where laundry needs are currently less sophisticated than in North America. We believe that continued development and growth of disposable income in these countries will cultivate an increased need and demand for laundry services addressable by our products.

Reducing Customer Operating Costs. The time required to wash and dry a given load of laundry, which we refer to as 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. This shorter cycle time decreases labor costs and increases the volume of laundry that can be processed in a given time period. Examples of methods for reducing cycle time are: (i) shortening fill, drain and wash times; and (ii) decreasing water extraction time by increasing spin speed. Our product enhancements in 2000 increased our topload washer’s spin speed to the fastest in the commercial laundry equipment industry.

 

8


Table of Contents

The higher spin speed substantially increases water extraction and thereby lowers moisture retention. For coin laundromat and multi-housing laundry owners, the lower moisture retention results in reduced energy bills for clothes drying operations. Overall, this improvement provides faster drying times, lower energy costs and the potential for increased revenue-generating cycles per day.

Customer Categories

Stand-alone Commercial Laundry Equipment. 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 operating features. Vended equipment purchased by multi-housing route operators is most similar to consumer machines sold to retail customers and is generally purchased directly from us. Equipment purchased by laundromats and on-premise laundries has greater durability, delivers increased capacity, provides more sophisticated cleaning and faster drying capabilities and is generally purchased through distributors. In addition, we separately sell drycleaning equipment to drycleaners.

Laundromats. We estimate that laundromats accounted for approximately 55% of the sales for the North American stand-alone commercial laundry equipment industry in 2005. There are an estimated 35,000 laundromats in North America. These laundromats typically provide walk-in, self-service washing and drying and primarily purchase commercial topload washers, washer-extractors and tumblers. Washer-extractors and tumblers are larger-capacity, higher-performance washing machines and matching large capacity dryers, respectively. Laundromats have historically been owned and operated by sole proprietors who typically rely on distributors to find locations for stores, design the laundromat, provide and install equipment and provide technical and repair support and broader business services. For example, distributors frequently host seminars for potential laundromat proprietors on laundromat investment opportunities. Independent laundromat proprietors also look to distributors and manufacturers for equipment financing. Given the laundromat owner’s reliance on the services of its local distributor, we believe that a strong distributor network in local markets differentiates manufacturers which serve this customer group.

In addition to distributor relationships, we believe that laundromat owners choose among different manufacturers’ products based on, among other things: (i)reputation, reliability and ease and cost of repair; (ii) availability of equipment financing;(iii) the water and energy efficiency of the products (approximately 24% of annual gross wash and dry revenue of laundromats is consumed by utility costs, according to the Coin Laundry Association, or CLA); and (iv) the efficient use of physical space in the store (approximately 35% of annual gross revenue of laundromats is expended on rent, according to the CLA’s “2005 Coin Laundry Industry Survey”).

Multi-Housing Laundries. We estimate that multi-housing laundries accounted for approximately 24% of North American stand-alone commercial laundry equipment sales in 2005. These laundries include common laundry facilities in multi-family apartment and condominium complexes, universities and military installations, as well as equipment for in-unit hook ups.

Most products sold to multi-housing laundries are small-chassis topload and frontload washers and small-chassis dryers that are vended, but similar in appearance to those sold to the retail consumer market and offer a variety of enhanced durability and performance features such as audit functions that keep track of the number of cycles and the amount of money that has been collected. We estimate that 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.

 

9


Table of Contents

Multi-housing laundries are managed primarily by route operators who purchase, install and service the equipment under contracts 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 ours 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 their repair service; (iii) the ability of building management to audit laundry equipment revenue; and (iv) the water and energy efficiency of products.

We believe reliability and durability are key criteria for route operators and their property management customers in selecting equipment, because these criteria help to minimize equipment down time and repair costs. We also believe route operators prefer water and energy efficient equipment that offers enhanced electronic monitoring and tracking features demanded by building management companies. Route operators are reluctant to change equipment suppliers given their investments in spare parts inventories and in sales and repair technician training, particularly as laundry equipment becomes more technically sophisticated. Therefore, we believe a large installed base of laundry equipment gives a commercial laundry equipment manufacturer a significant competitive advantage and a high likelihood of substantial replacement sales.

On-Premise Laundries. We estimate that on-premise laundries accounted for approximately 21% of North American stand-alone commercial laundry equipment sales in 2005. 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.

Products sold to on-premise laundries include washer-extractors, tumbler dryers and flatwork finishers. The washer-extractors and tumbler dryers are primarily in larger capacities, up to 250 pounds per load, and process significantly larger loads of textiles and garments 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. We believe that in a typical on-premise laundry within a hotel up to 50% of the operating costs is labor.

On-premise laundries typically purchase equipment through a distributor who provides a range of sales and repair services on behalf of manufacturers. As with laundromats, we believe 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 when an on-premise laundry operator selects an equipment supplier.

Drycleaning. We estimate that North American drycleaning equipment sales were approximately $200.0 million in 2005. Approximately 30,000 drycleaners in North America provide full-service drycleaning and wetcleaning for households. These services include stain removal, cleaning, pressing, finishing and packaging. In addition, many commercial drycleaners provide laundry services for water-washable garments and rug cleaning services and minor alteration and repair services.

 

10


Table of Contents

Drycleaners primarily purchase drycleaning machines, presses and finishing equipment, washer-extractors, tumblers and small-chassis topload washers and dryers. Drycleaners primarily include independently operated neighborhood cleaners, franchisees and specialty cleaners. Drycleaners typically rely on distributors and chemical supply companies to provide equipment, detergents, stain removers, technical support and broader business services. For example, distributors and chemical suppliers provide training seminars on the proper use of equipment and chemicals for cleaning, stain removal and garment finishing.

As with laundromats and on-premise laundries, drycleaners typically purchase equipment through distributors who can provide service parts, repair service and technical support. Drycleaners select their equipment based on the availability of specified product features, including, among other things: (i) reputation and reliability; (ii) load capacity and cycle time; (iii) ease of use; and (iv) solvent and energy efficiency.

Consumer Laundry. We re-entered the U.S. consumer laundry market in October 2004 after the expiration of a non-compete agreement. Products sold in this segment include topload washers, frontload washers and standard dryers, which we sell through distributors. Within this new sales segment we are targeting the mid to high-end consumer laundry markets with existing products that we currently sell internationally and into commercial markets. These existing products are designed to have useful lives approximately twice that of typical consumer laundry equipment. We are leveraging the strong brand equity of our Speed Queen name in order to recapture a portion of our historic market share. This strategy to enter the mid to high-end consumer laundry markets should allow us to expand our sales and continue to diversify our customer base with minimal incremental capital expenditures since these products will be produced in our current facilities.

Products and Services

We offer a full line of stand-alone commercial laundry washers and dryers, with service parts and value-added services supporting our products. Our 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. Our brands include Speed Queen, Huebsch and UniMac and are sold throughout North America and in over 90 foreign countries. Additionally, we offer laundry and drycleaning presses and shirt finishing equipment under the Ajax brand. We also benefit from domestic and international sales of service parts for our large installed base of commercial laundry equipment. Internationally, we also sell laundry equipment under private label brands in order to take advantage of distribution networks of other companies and to round out their product offerings.

In 2003, we completed the successful introduction of the Micro-electronic Display Control on our small chassis product and the tumbler dryers. The Micro-electronic Display Control offers an electronic interface between the Micro-electronic Display Control and card readers from various manufacturers offering enhanced features such as time of day and multi-level pricing. Emerging energy and water consumption standards are also met with the unique cycle programming of the control. The introduction of the Micro-electronic Display Control on the washer-extractors in conjunction with an upgraded electronic control in 2004 gave the Huebsch brand a full line of electronically controlled equipment for the first time, resulting in increased sales for this brand.

 

11


Table of Contents

Washers

Washers represented approximately 45% of our 2005 net revenues and include washer-extractors, topload washers and frontload washers.

Washer-Extractors. We manufacture washer-extractors, our largest washer products, to process from 20 to 250 pounds of laundry per load. After cleaning, washer-extractors extract water from laundry with spin speeds that produce over 300 Gs of centrifugal force, thereby reducing water retention and the time and energy costs for the drying cycle. Sold under the Speed Queen, Huebsch, and UniMac brands, these products represented approximately 25% of our 2005 net revenues. 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 in order to handle the enormous G-force generated by spinning several hundred pounds of water-soaked laundry. Also, the equipment is in constant use and must be durable enough to avoid frequent breakdown, which would increase operating costs and downtime for the user.

In 2003, we introduced the following: (i) a new line of technologically advanced soft mount washer-extractors from 18 to 165 pound capacity which features user friendly alpha numeric controls, efficient dimensions and high energy and water efficiency; (ii) a new micro processor control for the coin market offering individual cycle pricing, cycle modifier keys, time-of-day pricing and new easier programming, all designed to be customer and environment friendly; and (iii) a companion to our premium line products referred to as the “value line,” which are one step below the premium featured line with a price point advantage.

In 2005 we introduced a larger capacity 150 pound washer-extractor which provides many productivity advantages. The washer’s cylinder is the largest in the industry, within its category, equating to more laundry done in less time. This additional capacity also reduces the number of wash cycles per day, saving as much as 10% in water usage over other models. A door opening of nearly 25 inches makes it easier and faster to load and unload linens. The door opening height is designed to make it easy for operators to load and unload, again saving operation time.

In 2005 we introduced a variation of our current Huebsch washer-extractor product line by adding models with 50% higher extract speed which removes more water from clothes at the end of the wash cycle and significantly shortens the drying cycle, thereby reducing utility costs.

Topload Washers. Topload washers are small-chassis washers with the capability to process up to 16 pounds of laundry per load with spin speeds that produce up to 150 Gs. Sold primarily to multi-housing laundries and laundromats under the Speed Queen and Huebsch brands, these products represented approximately 14% of our 2005 net revenues.

In late 2000, we introduced our NetMaster system of technologically advanced laundry products offering multi-housing and laundromat operators more business flexibility and accountability. This system interfaces with several types of payment including coins, tokens and debit cards and credit cards, and enables operators to program vend prices, cycle times, rinse options and cycle selections from a remote site while auditing machine operation.

In 2003, we introduced our Wash Alert system to universities. This system allows students to view the availability of equipment in their common laundry areas and to view the status of their laundry from the convenience of their dorm rooms. Our software solution provides students with added convenience, while providing universities with accurate laundry room activity analysis through their own network system.

 

12


Table of Contents

In addition, in 2003, we introduced an upgraded Micro-electronic Display Control on the topload washer that conserves water and energy. The improved efficiency qualifies the Micro-electronic Display Control topload washer for the ENERGY STAR label and other federal and local energy efficiency programs.

Wash Alert is not only a time-saver for students; universities benefit from it as well. The system verifies the income from coin/card vending laundry equipment ensuring greater revenue accountability. The system’s remote diagnostic capability translates to faster response time capabilities from service providers.

In 2005 we expanded our energy efficient commercial topload washer offerings by introducing additional models that comply with the 2005 California appliance energy efficiency regulations.

Frontload Washers. Frontload washers contributed approximately 6% of our 2005 net revenues. In 1999, we 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, UniMac and Huebsch brands to laundromat and multi-housing customers. The frontload washer’s advanced design uses 22% to 57% less water than topload washers. Furthermore, decreased usage of hot water and superior water extraction in the high G-force spin cycle reduce energy consumption. The frontload washer is available with front controls (front accessibility complies with Americans with Disabilities Act regulations) or rear controls and can be purchased with a matching small-chassis dryer (single or stacked, front or rear controls).

Our frontload washers display the U.S. federal government’s ENERGY STAR mark. The ENERGY STAR label was designed by the U.S. federal government to denote products that use less energy, thereby saving money on utility bills while helping to protect the environment. Along with our 18 pound wash load capacity, our frontload washer has a spin speed of up to 1,000 revolutions per minute, providing significant savings in the energy required to dry wash loads.

In 2001, we introduced a new commercial stacked frontload washer and dryer which takes up half the floor space compared to a conventional washer and dryer. The pair also reduces energy and water usage and received the U.S. federal government’s ENERGY STAR mark. We offer this product with push button, coin or card activation.

In 2003, we introduced a major upgrade to the frontload washer. This upgrade included a new drive system which incorporates an induction motor and a motor control with an integrated inverter. Also, the new drive system will deliver longer equipment life and is substantially quieter to operate. This new system represents leading edge technology and provides a significant increase in energy efficiency.

Dryers

Dryers represented approximately 34% of our 2005 net revenues and include tumbler dryers, standard dryers and stacked dryers. We also sell a new line of stacked combination frontload washers and dryers.

 

13


Table of Contents

Tumbler Dryers. Tumblers are very large dryers with the capability of drying up to 170 pounds of laundry per load. Tumblers represented approximately 23% of our 2005 net revenues. Tumblers are sold primarily to laundromats and on-premise laundries under all four of our brands. In 2003, we upgraded our 50 and 75 pound tumbler designs by enlarging the doors to facilitate easier loading and unloading. These new doors are also reversible which allows for a broader array of installation arrangements. In addition, in 2003, we introduced the CARE fire suppression system option for 50, 75, 120 and 170 pound tumblers. This system detects and diminishes spontaneous combustion fires which can be started when cleaning chemically saturated fabrics.

In 2003, we also began supplying tumbler dryers to a large European original equipment manufacturer account allowing the account to curtail its production of similar sized products. In 2005, sales to this account exceeded $10.2 million.

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, Huebsch and UniMac brands, standard dryers (including stacked dryers) represented approximately 11% of our 2005 net revenues. Our dryer’s capacity, measuring 7.1 cubic feet, is among the largest in the industry.

Stacked Dryers and Stacked Frontload Washers and Dryers. To enable our multi-housing customers to conserve valuable floor space, we offer a stacked unit consisting of two 18 pound standard dryers and offer a stacked combination unit consisting of an 18 pound frontload washer paired with an 18 pound standard dryer.

Presses and Finishing Equipment

Presses and finishing equipment are sold primarily to commercial drycleaners and industrial cleaning plants under the Ajax brand. Sales of this equipment accounted for approximately 2% of our 2005 net revenues. We offer a broad array of presses and finishing equipment such as cabinet presses for shirt finishing; pants and linen presses; collar and cuff presses; shirt sleevers; steam-air garment finishers; and utility presses and accessories.

Service Parts

We benefit from the recurring sales of service parts used to support our large installed base of equipment. The expected field service life of the equipment is 7 to 14 years. Service parts sales accounted for approximately 13% of our 2005 net revenues. We offer immediate response service whereby many of our parts are available on a 24-hour turnaround basis for emergency repair parts orders. The significant demand for service parts generated by the large installed base provides us with a source of higher margin recurring revenue.

In 2005, our websites were enhanced to enable authorized distributors and route operators to register products, process warranty claims and order parts online. These online improvements offer customers more flexibility, shorten processing time and reduce order processing errors.

Other Value-Added Services

Management believes we offer an unmatched range of complementary customer services and support, including technical support and on-call installation and repair service through our highly trained distributors. We believe our customers attach significant importance to these value-added services. We

 

14


Table of Contents

offer services that we believe are significant drivers of high customer satisfaction and retention, such as equipment financing (which accounted for approximately 3% of our 2005 net revenues), laundromat site selection assistance, investment seminar training materials, computer-aided commercial laundry room design and sales and service training for distributors. In 1999, our technical communications department introduced a new, CD-ROM based, parts look up program called SearchIt. Since that time, the program has continually been updated to include service manuals, troubleshooting guides, parts pricing information and a parts ordering pick list. Our websites provide information on all of our products and services, including equipment sizing and cost analysis tools, and include the ability to download product literature, installation and operating instructions, programming manuals, technical bulletins and warranty information. The websites also provide product selection assistance, education centers, an online consumer magazine, dealer and distributor locators, servicer locators, product comparison guides and energy and water consumption guides. In 2004 we added an E-Business section to our website that allows authorized distributors and route operators to check the status of their equipment and parts orders online as well as parts inventory availability. In 2005 our technical communications department created product service training videos and online electronic control training for use by authorized distributors and route operators. Our laundry design service provides construction drawings and 3-dimensional layouts of proposed laundry facilities. The service also provides a cost analysis for new or updated laundries. We believe our extensive services, in addition to the dependability and functionality of our products, will continue to differentiate our products from the competition.

Customers

Our customers include more than: (i) 90 distributors to laundromats; (ii) 130 distributors to on-premise laundries; (iii) 50 distributors to drycleaners; (iv) 100 route operators serving multi-housing laundries; and (v) 140 international distributors serving more than 90 countries.

Our top ten customers accounted for approximately 35.6% of our 2005 net revenues. Our top ten customers, other than a significant new account that was added in 2003, have been customers for at least ten years. In 2005, Coinmach Corporation, the largest multi-housing route operator in the United States, PWS Investments, Inc. and Laundry Systems Group N.V. were our largest customers, with Coinmach and its subsidiary Super Laundry Equipment Corp. being the largest, accounting for 12.6% of our 2005 net revenues.

Sales and Marketing

Sales Force

Our sales force of 30 as of December 31, 2005, is structured to serve the needs of each of our customer groups. In addition, through a marketing staff of approximately 46 professionals as of December 31, 2005, we provide customers and distributors with a wide range of value-added services such as advertising materials, training materials, computer-aided commercial laundry room design, product development and technical service support.

Marketing Programs

We support our sales force and distributors through a balanced marketing program of advertising and industry trade shows. Advertising expenses totaled $3.6 million in 2005 and included a variety of forms, including internet websites, multi-media projects, print literature, direct mail and public relations

 

15


Table of Contents

activities. In addition, our representatives attended over 44 trade shows in 2005 to introduce new products, maintain contact with customers, develop new customer relationships and generate sales leads for our products.

Off-Balance Sheet Equipment Financing

Through our special-purpose financing subsidiaries, we offer 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 two to nine year loans with an average principal amount of approximately $67,000. We believe that our off-balance sheet equipment financing program is among the industry’s most comprehensive and that the program is an important component of our marketing activities. In addition, this service provides us with an additional source of recurring income.

The financing program is structured to minimize our risk of loss. We adhere 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 for equipment loans have averaged approximately 1% for the five year period ended December 31, 2005, and were less than 1% for the year ended December 31, 2005. For additional information about the financing program, see the discussion under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources,” Note 3 to the Financial Statements – “Significant Accounting Policies” and Note 5 to the Financial Statements – “Equipment Financing and Sales of Notes Receivable.”

Research and Development

Our engineering organization was staffed with over 65 engineers and technical support staff as of December 31, 2005, and we have developed numerous proprietary innovations that we utilize in select products. Our 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 our commercial laundry equipment. Our engineers and technical personnel, together with our marketing and sales personnel, collaborate with our major customers to redesign and enhance our products to better meet customer needs. Our cumulative research and development spending exceeded $32.7 million for the period 2001 through 2005.

Competition

Within the North American stand-alone commercial laundry equipment industry, we compete with several large competitors. However, we believe that we are the only participant in the North American stand-alone commercial laundry equipment industry to serve significantly all three customer groups (laundromats, multi-housing laundries and on-premise laundries) with a full line of topload washers, washer-extractors, frontload washers, tumbler dryers and standard dryers. With respect to laundromats, our principal competitors include Wascomat (the exclusive North American distributor of Electrolux AB products), Maytag Corporation and The Dexter Company. In multi-housing, our principal competitors include Maytag Corporation and Whirlpool Corporation. In on-premise laundry, we compete primarily with Pellerin Milnor Corporation, American Dryer Corporation and Wascomat. We do not believe that a significant new competitor has entered the North American stand-alone commercial laundry equipment industry during the last ten years.

 

16


Table of Contents

Within the drycleaning industry, we compete primarily with other drycleaning pressing and shirt finishing equipment and shirt laundering equipment manufacturers. With respect to pressing and finishing equipment, our principal competitors include Unipress Corporation and Sankosha, USA Inc. With respect to shirt laundering equipment (primarily washer-extractors), our principal competitors include Wascomat and Pellerin Milnor Corporation.

Manufacturing

We own and operate two manufacturing facilities located in Ripon, Wisconsin and Marianna, Florida with an aggregate of more than 830,000 square feet. The facilities are organized to focus on specific product groups, although each facility serves multiple customer groups. The Ripon plant produces our small-chassis topload washers, frontload washers, small chassis dryers and tumbler dryers. The Marianna plant produces our large-chassis washer-extractors, presses and finishing equipment. Our manufacturing plants primarily engage in fabricating, machining, painting, assembling and finishing operations. We also operate three product distribution centers in the United States, all of which we own. We believe that existing manufacturing facilities provide adequate production capacity to meet expected product demand. On October 12, 2005, we announced our intention to close our Marianna, Florida facility and consolidate the manufacture and design of the Facility’s product lines into our existing Ripon, Wisconsin operations. For additional information about the Marianna, Florida facility closure, see the discussion under Note 4 to the Financial Statements – “Infrequently Occurring Items.” Additionally, in November of 2005 we entered into a lease agreement related to future production space in Ripon, Wisconsin. This production space is intended primarily for the manufacture of product lines being transitioned from the Marianna, Florida facility.

We purchase substantially all raw materials and components from a variety of independent suppliers. Key material inputs for manufacturing processes include motors, stainless and carbon steels, aluminum castings, electronic controls, corrugated boxes and plastics. For the majority of raw materials and components, we believe there are readily available alternative sources of raw materials from other suppliers. We have developed long-term relationships with many of our suppliers and have sourced materials from eight of our ten largest suppliers for at least five years.

We are committed to achieving continuous improvement in all aspects of our business in order to maintain our industry leading position. Both of our manufacturing facilities are ISO 9001 certified. ISO 9001 is a set of standards dealing with quality management systems for quality assurance in design/development, production, installation and servicing that are published by the International Standardization Organization.

Intellectual Property and Licenses

We have approximately 18 trademarks registered in the United States, which are registered in as many as 53 foreign jurisdictions as of December 2005. Our widely recognized brand names Speed Queen®, UniMac®, Huebsch®, and Ajax® are identified with and important to the sale of our products. Generally, registered trademarks have a perpetual life, provided that they are renewed on a timely basis and continue to be used properly as trademarks, subject only to the rights of third parties to seek cancellation of the marks. As of December 31, 2005, we recorded a reduction in the value of the Ajax trademark. For additional information regarding the Ajax trademark, see the discussion under Note 4 to the Financial Statements – “Infrequently Occurring Items” and Note 7 to the Financial Statements – “Goodwill and Other Intangibles.”

 

17


Table of Contents

We currently hold approximately 39 United States patents. Our business is not dependent to any significant extent upon any single or related group of patents. We believe that our most significant patents are the “Conical Spring Braking Mechanism” and the “Suspension System for Automatic Washing Machine,” which patents expire in 2009 and 2011 respectively. The Company does not believe that the expiration of either of these patents will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or its results of operations.

As part of a settlement agreement arising out of the divestiture in 1997 of a sister division, we granted Amana Company, L.P. and its affiliates (“Amana”) a license to use the Speed Queen and Horizon trademarks and trade names until 2012. Amana has a license to use the Horizon trademark in connection with an unlimited number of home-style washers and home-style dryers and the Speed Queen trademark in connection with sale of no more than 75,000 home-style washers and 75,000 home-style dryers per calendar year. Amana also has a license to use certain patents, copyrights, mask works and know-how in perpetuity for the purpose of competing in all markets. We do not believe that the use of the Speed Queen or Horizon trademarks or other intellectual property by Amana in competition with our business will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

Our business is not dependent to a material degree on copyrights or trade secrets although we consider the CustomerOne™, NetMaster®, CardMate®, Wash Alert™, CARE®, and SearchIt® systems and our upgraded Micro-electronic Display Control™ to be developments that are important to our business. Other than licenses to commercially available third-party software, we do not believe our licenses to third-party intellectual property are significant to the business.

Regulations and Laws

Environmental, Health and Safety Matters

Our 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 transportation, storage and disposal of wastes, including solid and hazardous wastes. We are also subject to potential liability for non-compliance with other environmental laws and for the investigation and remediation of environmental contamination (including contamination caused by other parties) at the properties we own or operate (or formerly owned or operated) and at other properties where the Company or predecessors have carried on business or have arranged for the disposal of hazardous substances. As a result, we are involved, from time to time, in administrative and judicial proceedings and inquiries relating to environmental matters. There can be no assurance that we will not be involved in such proceedings in the future and that the aggregate amount of future clean-up costs and other environmental liabilities (including potential fines and civil damages) will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We believe that our facilities and operations are in material compliance with all environmental, health and safety laws. In our opinion, any liability related to matters presently pending will not have a material effect on our financial position, liquidity or results of operations after considering provisions already recorded.

Federal, state and local governments could enact laws or regulations concerning environmental matters that affect our operations or facilities or increase the cost of producing, or otherwise adversely

 

18


Table of Contents

affect the demand for, our products. We 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 we predict how existing or future laws and regulations will be administered or interpreted or what environmental conditions may be found to exist at our facilities or at other properties where we or our predecessors have arranged for the disposal of hazardous substances.

Certain environmental investigatory and remedial work is underway or planned at, or relating to, our Ripon, Wisconsin and Marianna, Florida manufacturing facilities. With respect to the Ripon facility, this work is being conducted by us with the support of an environmental consultant. In furtherance thereof, during 2005, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources requested the installation and monitoring of a ground well at the Ripon facility. We currently expect to incur costs of less than $100,000 through 2007. There can be no assurance, however, that we will not incur additional remedial costs in the future with respect to the Ripon facility. With respect to the Marianna facility, this work was conducted by a former owner of the property and had been funded through an escrow account, which has now been closed due to the completion of such work. On December 28, 2004, Florida environmental regulators issued a Conditional Site Rehabilitation Completion Order for the work being conducted by the former owner of the property. This was the last step in achieving final resolution of the Marianna, Florida remediation. The Conditional Site Rehabilitation Completion Order essentially released the facility from further obligation to conduct site rehabilitation for non-petroleum volatile organic compound contamination.

We also received an order in 1995 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, requiring participation in clean-up activities at the Marina Cliffs site in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the location of a former drum reconditioner. The EPA asserted that the Ripon facility was a generator of wastes that were disposed of at the Marina Cliffs site. The asserted disposal predated our and Raytheon’s ownership of the Ripon facility. We believe that the 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 $5.0 million. The group proposed to settle their alleged claims against us, and to protect us from further liability at the site, for approximately $100,000. We declined the proposal because we believe that the Ripon facility’s prior owner, and not us, is responsible for bearing the costs of any liability related to the site. We have met with the EPA to explain our defenses to enforcement of the administrative order. We received a General Notice of Potential Liability on March 21, 2001, regarding an additional five acre parcel at the site. We were informed that Raytheon has settled this matter by paying $138,672 plus interest from October 31, 2001 in exchange for an Administrative Order from the EPA. It is our opinion that the Raytheon settlement and release in the Administrative Order resolves any liability of Raytheon’s former subsidiaries doing business in Ripon, Wisconsin, and hence any liability that may have passed to us.

Other Regulation

In addition to environmental regulation, our operations are also subject to other U.S. federal, state and local laws, including those relating to protection of public health and worker safety.

Employees

We are dependent on the continued services of our senior management team and certain other key employees. We currently have an employment agreement in place with Mr. L’Esperance, and have entered into new severance protection agreements in January of 2005 with several other members of our

 

19


Table of Contents

senior management team as discussed more fully in “ITEM 11. Executive Compensation—Employment Agreement” and “ITEM 11. Executive Compensation—Severance Protection Agreements.” We do not maintain life insurance policies with any key employees.

On December 31, 2005, we had 1,312 employees. Approximately 603 of our employees at our Wisconsin facilities are represented by The United Steel Workers of America. On September 28, 2005, the United Steel Workers of America entered into an amendment (the “Amendment”) to their existing labor contract, dated March 1, 2004 (the “Labor Contract”). The Amendment allowed changes to the tiered wage system, pension benefits and medical coverage for employees hired after January 1, 2006. The Amendment also extends the contract from February 28, 2009 through February 28, 2013 contingent upon the Company maintaining a certain level of employment, and contains amendments to provisions that are customary for an agreement of this type, including, among others, those related to overtime and severance pay; pension and savings plans; and life, disability, medical and dental plan coverage. The Marianna, Florida facility is not unionized. There have been no work stoppages at any of our facilities for more than 30 years. We believe that current labor relations are good, and no labor disruptions are anticipated in the foreseeable future.

 

20


Table of Contents

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our financial health and prevent us from fulfilling our obligations under the notes.

We are highly leveraged. As of December 31, 2005, we had $327.0 million of consolidated indebtedness, excluding unused commitments under our revolving credit facility and letters of credit.

Our substantial indebtedness could have important consequences to noteholders and creditors. For example, it could:

 

    make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to our indebtedness;

 

    increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;

 

    require us to dedicate a substantial portion of cash flow from operations to payments on our indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, research and development efforts, our planned expansion into the U.S. consumer laundry market and other general corporate needs;

 

    limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate;

 

    place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors with less debt;

 

    subject us to the risk of increased sensitivity to interest rate increases on our indebtedness with variable interest rates, including our borrowings under our Senior Credit Facility; and

 

    limit our ability to borrow additional funds.

To service our indebtedness, we will require a significant amount of cash. Our ability to generate cash depends on many factors beyond our control.

Our ability to make scheduled payments of principal and interest with respect to our indebtedness, and to fund our planned capital expenditures, our expansion into the U.S. consumer laundry market and our research and development efforts, will depend on our ability to generate cash and on future financial results. This, to a certain extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control.

We cannot assure that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations, or that future borrowings will be available to us under the Senior Credit Facility or otherwise to enable us to pay our indebtedness, including the 2005 Senior Subordinated Notes, or to fund other liquidity needs. If we fail to make any required payment under the agreements governing our indebtedness or fail to comply with the financial and operating covenants contained in them, we would be in default, and our lenders would have the ability to require that we immediately repay our outstanding indebtedness. If the lenders required immediate payment, we may not have sufficient assets to satisfy our obligations under our indebtedness.

 

21


Table of Contents

We also could be forced to sell assets to make up for any shortfall in our payment obligations under unfavorable circumstances. The Senior Credit Facility and our obligations under the notes will limit our ability to sell assets and will also restrict the use of proceeds from any such sale. Furthermore, the new credit facility will be secured by substantially all of our assets. Therefore, we may not be able to sell our assets quickly enough or for sufficient amounts to enable us to meet our debt service obligations.

In addition, we may need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness on or before maturity. We cannot assure that we will be able to refinance any of our indebtedness, including the Senior Credit Facility and the 2005 Senior Subordinated Notes, on commercially reasonable terms or at all.

Our net revenues depend on a limited number of significant customers.

Our top ten equipment customers accounted for approximately 35.6% of our 2005 net revenues, of which one customer, Coinmach Corporation and its subsidiary, Super Laundry Equipment Corp., accounted for approximately 12.6% of such net revenues for the period. Many arrangements are by purchase order and are terminable at will at the option of either party. Our business also depends upon the financial viability of our customers. A significant decrease or interruption in business from our significant customers could result in loss of future business and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our inability to fund our financing programs to end-customers could result in the loss of sales and adversely affect our operations.

We offer an extensive financing program to end-customers, primarily laundromat owners, to assist them in their purchases of new equipment from our distributors or, in the case of route operators, from us. Typical terms include two to nine year loans with an average principal amount of approximately $67,000. We provide these financing programs through our asset backed facility, which is a four year $330.0 million revolving facility entered into by Alliance Laundry Equipment Receivables Trust 2005-A, a trust formed by Alliance Laundry Equipment Receivables 2005 LLC, one of our special purpose bankruptcy remote subsidiaries, and backed by equipment loans and trade receivables originated by us. The trust is utilized to finance both equipment loans and trade receivables. If certain limits in size of the asset backed facility are reached (either overall size or certain sublimits), additional indebtedness may be required to fund the financing programs. Our inability to incur such indebtedness to fund the financing programs or our inability to securitize such assets through off-balance sheet bankruptcy remote subsidiaries could limit our ability to provide our end-customers with financing which could result in the loss of sales and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, a significant increase in the cost of funding our financing subsidiaries could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Price fluctuations or shortages of raw materials and the possible loss of suppliers could adversely affect our operations.

The major raw materials and components we purchase for our production process are motors, stainless and carbon steel, aluminum castings, electronic controls, corrugated boxes and plastics. The price and availability of these raw materials and components are subject to market conditions affecting supply and demand. There can be no assurance that increases in raw material or component costs (to the extent we are unable to pass on such higher costs to customers) or future price fluctuations in raw materials will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of

 

22


Table of Contents

operations. We also purchase a portion of these raw materials and component parts from foreign suppliers using foreign currency. As a result, we are subject to exchange rate fluctuations that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operation. In addition, there can be no assurance that the loss of suppliers or of components would not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We currently do not hedge commodities associated with payments for purchased raw materials and components.

We operate in a competitive market.

Within the North American stand-alone commercial laundry equipment industry, we compete with several large competitors. With respect to laundromats, our 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, we compete 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 our business, financial condition and results of operations. Certain of our principal competitors have greater financial resources and/or are less leveraged than us and may be better able to withstand market conditions within the commercial laundry equipment industry. There can be no assurance that we will not encounter increased competition in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

In addition, we may face competition from companies outside of the United States that may have lower costs of production (including labor or raw materials). These companies may pass off these lower production costs as price decreases for customers and as a result, our revenues and profits could be adversely affected.

Energy efficiency and water usage standards could adversely affect our industry.

Certain of our washer products are subject to federal and state laws and regulations which pertain to energy efficiency and/or water usage. There is a federal standard for residential clothes washers. The federal government and individual U.S. states may consider and enact laws and corresponding standards which would regulate energy efficiency for certain of our commercial washers, as well as water usage standards for certain of our residential and commercial washers.

These existing laws and regulations, along with anticipated energy efficiency and water usage laws and corresponding standards, may create short term market conditions which are economically disadvantageous to us and may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our business is subject to the economic and political risks of selling products in foreign countries.

Sales of equipment to international customers represented approximately 16.4% of our 2005 net revenues. Demand for our products are and may be affected by economic and political conditions in each of the countries in which we sell our 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.

 

23


Table of Contents

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 our business, financial condition and results of operations. We do not, and currently do not intend to, hedge exchange rate fluctuations between United States dollars and foreign currencies associated with payments for equipment and service parts sales.

We are dependent on key personnel.

We are dependent on the continued services and performance of our senior management team and certain other key employees, including Thomas L’Esperance, our CEO and President. Mr. L’Esperance’s employment agreement with us automatically renews for one-year periods beginning on May 4, 2005 of each year unless the Company or Mr. L’Esperance provides written notice not to renew the agreement. The loss of any key employee could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations because of their experience and knowledge of our business and customer relationships. We do not maintain life insurance policies with respect to key employees.

Adverse relations with employees could harm our business.

As of December 31, 2005, approximately 603 of our employees at our Wisconsin facilities were represented by The United Steel Workers of America. We are periodically in negotiations with The United Steel Workers of America. The current collective bargaining agreement covering employees at our Wisconsin facilities was approved in February 2004. A contract amendment in September 2005 extended the agreement from February 28, 2009 through February 28, 2013 contingent upon the Company maintaining a certain level of employment. However, there can be no assurance that we can successfully maintain such employment levels or 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 our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Beginning in June 2009, we will be unable to utilize our off-balance sheet asset backed facility. If we are unable to refinance this facility, this may have an adverse impact on our business.

Beginning in June 2009, we will be unable to request new borrowings under our off-balance sheet asset backed facility and any outstanding borrowing will amortize over a period of up to nine years. Based on current market conditions, we believe that we will be able to refinance the facility. However, should market conditions change or our financial position deteriorate, we cannot assure that we will be able to refinance the facility on advantageous terms or at all. An inability to refinance or replace this facility prior to June 2009 could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, including our revenues and EBITDA and leverage. Gains on sales of notes receivable and other net finance program income in 2005 of approximately $9.3 million are included in commercial laundry revenue. As of December 31, 2005, the amount due to investors under our off-balance sheet asset backed facility for trade receivables and equipment notes was $36.8 million and $222.9 million, respectively. If we are unable to refinance or replace the facility, among other things, our EBITDA could decrease over time due to the loss in revenue generated by new financings and our leverage could increase as a result of having to finance accounts receivables on our balance sheet.

 

24


Table of Contents

The controlling equityholder of our parent company could exercise its influence over us to your detriment.

OTPP controls, indirectly through ALH and Alliance Holdings, approximately 91.8% of our voting securities and has significant influence over our management and is able to determine the outcome of all matters required to be submitted to the shareholders for approval, including the election of our directors and the approval of mergers, consolidations and the sale of all or substantially all of our assets. The interests of OTPP as an equity owner could be in conflict with interests of our noteholders or creditors. OTPP may also have an interest in pursuing acquisitions, divestitures, financings or other transactions that, in their judgment, could enhance its equity investment, even though such transactions might involve risks to noteholders or creditors. In addition, certain determinations that need to be made under covenants in the Senior Credit Facility and the indenture governing the 2005 Senior Subordinated Notes (the “Notes Indenture”) will not be made by the managing member of Alliance Laundry. Instead, these decisions will be made by the board of directors of our ultimate parent company, ALH. It is not clear under either the laws of the State of Delaware or applicable federal bankruptcy law what, if any, duties the board of directors of ALH will owe to Alliance Laundry and its equity and debt holders. In the absence of any such duties, the board of directors of ALH could make determinations under the Senior Credit Facility and the Notes Indenture that are not in the best interest of our other shareholders.

The nature of our business exposes us to potential liability for environmental claims and we could be adversely affected by environmental, health and safety requirements.

We are subject to comprehensive and frequently changing federal, state and local environmental, 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. We 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 we predict how existing or future laws and regulations will be administered or interpreted or what environmental conditions may be found to exist at our facilities or at other properties where we or our predecessors have arranged for the disposal of hazardous substances. The enactment of more stringent laws or stricter interpretation of existing laws could require additional expenditures by us, some of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We are also subject to liability for the investigation and remediation of environmental contamination (including contamination caused by other parties) at the properties we own or operate and at other properties where we or our predecessors have arranged for the disposal of hazardous substances. As a result, we are involved, from time to time, in administrative and judicial proceedings and inquiries relating to environmental matters. There can be no assurance that we will not be involved in such proceedings in the future, and we cannot be sure that our existing insurance or additional insurance will provide adequate coverage against potential liability resulting from any such administrative and judicial proceedings and inquiries. The aggregate amount of future clean-up costs and other environmental liabilities could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Certain environmental investigatory and remedial work is underway or planned at, or relating to, our Ripon, Wisconsin and Marianna, Florida manufacturing facilities. With respect to the Ripon facility, this work is being conducted by us with the support of an environmental consultant. In furtherance thereof, during 2005, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources requested the installation and monitoring of a ground well at the Ripon facility. We currently expect to incur costs of less than $100,000 through 2007. There can be no assurance, however, that we will not incur additional remedial costs in the future with respect to the Ripon facility. With respect to the Marianna facility, this work was

 

25


Table of Contents

conducted by a former owner of the property and had been funded through an escrow account, which has now been closed due to the completion of such work. On December 28, 2004, Florida environmental regulators issued a Conditional Site Rehabilitation Completion Order for the work being conducted by the former owner of the property. This was the last step in achieving final resolution of the Marianna, Florida remediation. The Conditional Site Rehabilitation Completion Order essentially released the facility from further obligation to conduct site rehabilitation for non-petroleum volatile organic compound contamination. There can be no assurance that significant additional costs will not be incurred by us in the future with respect to the Marianna, Ripon or other facilities.

Our operations are also subject to various hazards incidental to the manufacturing and transportation of commercial laundry equipment. These hazards can cause personal injury and damage to and destruction of property and equipment. There can be no assurance that as a result of past or future operations, there will not be claims of injury by employees or members of the public. Furthermore, we also have exposure to present and future claims with respect to worker safety, workers’ compensation and other matters. There can be no assurance as to the actual amount of these liabilities or the timing of them. Regulatory developments requiring changes in operating practices or influencing demand for, and the cost of providing, our products and services or the occurrence of material operational problems, including but not limited to the above events, may also have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We may encounter certain risks when implementing our business strategy to expand into the U.S. consumer laundry market.

We re-entered the U.S. consumer laundry market in October 2004 after the expiration of a non-compete agreement. Our strategy to expand in the U.S. consumer laundry market could cause us to incur unforeseen capital expenditures, divert management’s attention from our core businesses and cause us to incur losses on assets devoted to the strategy. Any failure to successfully execute this strategy could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to service our indebtedness.

We may incur product liability expenses.

We are exposed to potential product liability risks that arise from the sales of our products. In addition to direct expenditures for damages, settlements and defense costs, there is a possibility of adverse publicity as a result of product liability claims. We can not be sure that our existing insurance or any additional insurance will provide adequate coverage against potential liabilities and any such liabilities could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to service our indebtedness.

We are subject to risks of future legal proceedings.

At any given time, we are a defendant in various legal proceedings and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. Although we maintain insurance policies, we can make no assurance that this insurance will be adequate to protect us from all material expenses related to potential future claims for personal and property damage or that these levels of insurance will be available in the future at economical prices or at all. A significant judgment against us, the loss of a significant permit or other approval or the imposition of a significant fine or penalty could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and future prospects.

 

26


Table of Contents

Interest rate fluctuations could have an adverse effect on our revenues and financial results.

We are exposed to market risk associated with adverse movements in interest rates. Specifically, we are primarily exposed to changes in the fair value of our fixed rate debt, including the notes, and to changes in earnings and related cash flows on our variable interest rate debt obligations including, upon consummation of the Transactions, obligations outstanding under the new credit facility and our retained interests related to trade accounts receivable and equipment loans sold to our special-purpose securitization entity. See ITEM 7A, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk for an additional discussion of such market risks.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

The following table provides certain information regarding our significant facilities as of December 31, 2005:

 

Location

  

Function/Products

   Approximate
Square Feet
   Owned/
Leased
 

Production Facilities

        

Ripon, WI

   Manufacture small washers and dryers, and tumbler dryers    572,900    Owned  

Marianna, FL

   Manufacture washer-extractors, presses and finishing equipment    259,200    Owned 1,3

Ripon, WI

   Future production space for washer- extractor production    134,900    Leased 2
          
  

Subtotal

   967,000   

Regional Distribution Centers

        

Ripon, WI

   Washers, dryers, tumbler dryers    147,500    Owned  

Marianna, FL

   Washer-extractors, presses and finishing equipment    33,000    Owned 1,3

Ripon, WI

   Service parts    60,800    Owned  
          
  

Subtotal

   241,300   

Other

        

Ripon, WI

   Sales and administration    65,700    Owned  

Ripon, WI

   Engineering and procurement    43,100    Owned  
          
  

Subtotal

   108,800   
          
  

Total

   1,317,100   
          

1 We own the Marianna buildings, but we lease the land from the city of Marianna through February 28, 2015 at a current annual lease cost of $14,246 per year.
2 On November 11, 2005 Alliance Laundry Systems LLC (the “Company”) entered into a lease agreement for this manufacturing space. The Lease term is seven years and two months beginning on January 1, 2006 with an option to extend for five years and an additional option to extend for three years.
3 The Marianna facilities are scheduled to close in 2006 upon the transition of product lines to Ripon, Wisconsin. For additional information about the Marianna, Florida facility closure, see the discussion under Note 4 to the Financial Statements – “Infrequently Occurring Items.”

 

27


Table of Contents

On October 12, 2005, we announced our intention to close our Marianna, Florida facility (the “Facility”) and consolidate the manufacture and design of the Facility’s product lines into the Company’s existing Ripon, Wisconsin operations. The Company expects to complete the facility closure and transition by the end of 2006. We believe existing manufacturing facilities provide, and after the closure of the Facility will provide, adequate production capacity to meet product demand.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Various claims and legal proceedings generally incidental to the normal course of business are pending or threatened against us. While we cannot predict the outcome of these matters, in the opinion of our management, any liability arising under these claims and legal proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations after giving effect to provisions already recorded.

In September 1999, Juan Carlos Lopez pursued an arbitration against Alliance Laundry Sociedad Anonima, or ALSA, a foreign subsidiary of Alliance Laundry Systems LLC. In July 2003, we entered into a Settlement, Release, Discharge and Indemnification Agreement with Mr. Lopez. Pursuant to this agreement, we paid Mr. Lopez $736,440 on August 6, 2003 and agreed to deliver commercial laundry equipment, up to a cost to us of $60,000 to Mr. Lopez. In consideration for such payment and delivery of equipment, Mr. Lopez released and permanently discharged and waived any claims or rights of any nature whatsoever against us. In addition, Mr. Lopez and his counsels signed the dismissal of the lawsuit referred to above. A provision for this settlement was recorded in the second quarter of our 2003 consolidated financial statements.

In April 2002 we were named as a defendant in a lawsuit filed by Imonex Services, Inc. (“Imonex”) for patent infringement, arising from a coin selector, the “W2000,” which was a component supplied by our vendor, W. H. Münzprüfer Dietmar Trenner GmbH (“Münzprüfer”), and which was used in certain of our products. Münzprüfer indemnified us and agreed to pay, and has paid for, our representation in this matter. A final judgment, including attorney fees and interest, totaling $1,289,469 was awarded to Imonex and was satisfied in September 2005.

Pursuant to an agreement with Münzprüfer relating to its indemnification obligations to us in connection with this matter, $796,564 of the $1,289,469 final award was paid by Münzprüfer on behalf of the Company, with the remaining award of $492,905 paid directly by the Company. Münzprüfer has further agreed that $464,000 of the amount paid by the Company will be repaid by Münzprüfer to the Company over a five (5) year period.

In accordance with GAAP, as a judgment had been rendered by the court, in the fourth quarter of 2003, we recorded an appropriate payable to Imonex related to our estimated liability and a corresponding receivable balance from Münzprüfer within our consolidated financial statements. During 2005, the receivable from Münzprüfer was adjusted to $464,000 and the estimated amount payable to Imonex was eliminated. Additionally, in 2005, we applied a $69,407 discount to the receivable balance, with a corresponding charge to interest expense.

 

28


Table of Contents

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

None.

PART II.

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

There is no established public trading market for any class of common equity of Alliance. There was one holder of record of the common equity of each of Alliance Laundry Systems LLC, Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC and Alliance Laundry Corporation as of March 9, 2006.

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following table sets forth selected historical consolidated financial data for the period January 28, 2005 through December 31, 2005 (Successor); the period January 1, 2005 through January 27, 2005 (Predecessor) and the years ended December 31, 2004 (Predecessor), December 31, 2003 (Predecessor), December 31, 2002 (Predecessor) and December 31, 2001 (Predecessor). Alliance Laundry is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alliance Holdings. Because Alliance Holdings is a holding company with no operating activities and provides certain guarantees, the financial information presented herein represents consolidated financial information of Alliance Holdings, rather than consolidated financial information of Alliance Laundry. The summary historical consolidated financial data for the successor and predecessor periods presented were derived from our audited consolidated financial statements. 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 Alliance included elsewhere in this Annual Report.

 

29


Table of Contents
     

January 28,
2005 through
December 31,

2005

   

January 1,
2005 through
January 27,

2005

    Years Ended December 31,  
       2004     2003     2002     2001  
      Successor     Predecessor     Predecessor     Predecessor     Predecessor     Predecessor  
      (in thousands)  

Statements of income (loss) data:

                  

Net revenues

   $ 296,645     $ 20,683     $ 280,987     $ 267,607     $ 255,177     $ 254,016  

Cost of sales

     225,706       15,585       199,010       188,979       179,047       188,982  
                                                  

Gross profit

     70,939       5,098       81,977       78,628       76,130       65,034  
                                                  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     38,632       3,829       39,879       33,599       30,065       28,732  

Securitization and other costs

     10,009       —         —         —         10,920       —    

Transaction costs associated with sale of business

     —         18,790       —         —         —         —    
                                                  

Total operating expenses

     48,641       22,619       39,879       33,599       40,985       28,732  
                                                  

Operating (loss) income

     22,298       (17,521 )     42,098       45,029       35,145       36,302  
 

Interest expense

     24,117       995       25,439       28,258       28,341       33,538  

Loss from early extinguishment of debt

     —         9,867       —         —         2,004       —    

Costs related to abandoned public offerings

     —         —         4,823       —         3,409       —    

Other income (expense), net

     —         —         —         (797 )     —         —    
                                                  

(Loss) income before taxes

     (1,819 )     (28,383 )     11,836       15,974       1,391       2,764  

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

     (1,158 )     9       71       55       56       34  
                                                  

Net (loss) income before cumulative effect of accounting change

     (661 )     (28,392 )     11,765       15,919       1,335       2,730  

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

     —         —         —         —         —         2,043  
                                                  

Net (loss) income

   $ (661 )   $ (28,392 )   $ 11,765     $ 15,919     $ 1,335     $ 687  
                                                  
Cash flow data:                   

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

   $ 6,628     $ (6,619 )   $ 34,880     $ 30,393     $ 22,775     $ 21,338  

Net cash (used in) investing activities

     (4,225 )     (188 )     (4,101 )     (3,590 )     (2,563 )     (4,964 )

Net cash (used in) financing activities

     (1,922 )     (70 )     (27,245 )     (26,205 )     (18,532 )     (15,806 )
 
Other data:                   

Capital expenditures

   $ 4,229     $ 188     $ 4,166     $ 3,600     $ 2,652     $ 5,152  

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(1)

     —         —         1.5       1.6       1.0       1.1  

EBITDA(2)

   $ 40,427     $ (26,862 )   $ 45,085     $ 53,101     $ 40,518     $ 50,608  

 

30


Table of Contents
    

January 28,
2005 through
December 31,

2005

        

January 1,
2005 through
January 27,

2005

    Year Ended December 31,  
         2004     2003     2002     2001  
     Successor          Predecessor     Predecessor     Predecessor     Predecessor     Predecessor  
     (in thousands)  
Reconciliation: EBITDA                    

Net (loss) income

   $ (661 )        $ (28,392 )   $ 11,765     $ 15,919     $ 1,335     $ 687  

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

     —              —         —         —         —         2,043  

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

     (1,158 )          9       71       55       56       34  
                                                     

(Loss) income before income taxes

     (1,819 )          (28,383 )     11,836       15,974       1,391       2,764  
 

Adjustments:

                   

Interest expense

     24,117            995       25,439       28,258       28,341       33,538  

Depreciation and amortization(3)

     20,187            526       9,695       10,886       13,293       17,026  

Non-cash interest expense included in amortization above(4)

     (2,058 )          —         (1,885 )     (2,017 )     (2,507 )     (2,720 )
                                                     

EBITDA

   $ 40,427          $ (26,862 )   $ 45,085     $ 53,101     $ 40,518     $ 50,608  
                                                     

 

     Year Ended December 31,
     2005    2004    2003    2002    2001
     Successor    Predecessor    Predecessor    Predecessor    Predecessor
     (in thousands)
Balance sheet data:               

Total current assets

   $ 68,330    $ 64,410    $ 60,996    $ 59,472    $ 56,493

Total current liabilities

     34,366      48,372      42,977      45,406      33,945

Working capital(5)

     33,964      16,038      18,019      14,066      22,548

Total assets

     463,459      184,016      190,639      197,295      203,771

Long-term debt (including current portion)

     326,336      269,559      292,199      314,577      323,564

Long-term obligations(6)

     335,260      282,777      304,690      328,600      331,246

(1) For purposes of determining the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings are defined as income (loss) before income taxes and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle plus fixed charges. Fixed charges include interest expense on all indebtedness, amortization of deferred financing costs and one-third of rental expense on operating leases, representing that portion of rental expense deemed to be attributable to interest. In 2005, the Successor earnings were inadequate to cover fixed charges. The amount of incremental earnings required to attain an earnings to fixed charges ratio of 1.0 to 1.0 in 2005 would have been less than $1.8 million. In 2005, the Predecessor earnings were inadequate to cover fixed charges. The amount of incremental earnings required to attain an earnings to fixed charges ratio of 1.0 to 1.0 in 2005 would have been $28.4 million. The ratio of earnings to fixed charges is not shown for the combined period as the information would not be meaningful.

 

31


Table of Contents
(2) “EBITDA,” as presented, represents net income before income taxes plus depreciation, amortization (including non-cash interest expense related to amortization of debt issuance costs) and cash interest expense as well as non-cash interest expense on the Predecessor junior subordinated promissory notes. Interest accrued on the Predecessor junior subordinated promissory notes was accumulated annually and was repaid in connection with the consummation of the Transactions. Based on our industry and debt financing experience, we believe that EBITDA is customarily used to provide useful information regarding a Company’s ability to service existing debt, to sustain potential future increases in debt and to satisfy capital requirements. EBITDA, adjusted for certain non-recurring and non-cash items and as defined in the Senior Credit Facility and the Notes Indenture, is also used to determine our compliance with key financial covenants under the Senior Credit Facility and the Notes Indenture, which, among other things, impacts the amount of indebtedness we are permitted to incur. Our use of EBITDA, however, 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 our operating results, and cash flows, as a measure of our 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.
(3) Amortization expense for 2001 includes goodwill amortization of $2.0 million. In accordance with SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” we discontinued amortization of the goodwill balance as of December 31, 2001.
(4) Amortization of deferred financing costs which are a component of interest expense are reflected in depreciation and amortization amounts above.
(5) Working capital resources represents total current assets less total current liabilities.
(6) Long-term obligations includes long-term debt, current portion of long-term debt, other long term liabilities and the Predecessor mandatorily redeemable preferred units.

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

OVERVIEW

We believe we are the leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of stand-alone commercial laundry equipment in North America and that we are similarly a leader worldwide. Under the well-known brand names of Speed Queen, UniMac, Huebsch, and Ajax, we produce a full line of commercial washing machines and dryers with load capacities from 16 to 250 pounds as well as presses and finishing equipment. Our commercial products are sold to four distinct customer groups: (i) laundromats; (ii) multi-housing laundries, consisting primarily of common laundry facilities in apartment buildings, universities and military installations; (iii) on-premise laundries, consisting primarily of in-house laundry facilities of hotels, hospitals, nursing homes and prisons and (iv) drycleaners.

The North American stand-alone commercial laundry equipment industry’s revenues are primarily driven by population growth and the replacement cycle of laundry equipment. With economic conditions having limited effect on the frequency of use, and therefore the useful life of laundry

 

32


Table of Contents

equipment, industry revenues have been relatively stable over time. Similarly, with a majority of our revenues generated by recurring sales of replacement equipment and service parts, we have experienced stable revenues even during economic slowdowns.

Sales of stand-alone commercial laundry equipment are the single most important driver of our revenues. In 2005, our net revenues from the sale of commercial laundry equipment were approximately $268.3 million, which comprised over 84% of our total net revenues. The other main component of our revenues is the sale of high margin service parts. We offer immediate response service whereby many of our parts are available on a 24-hour turnaround for emergency repair parts orders. In 2005, our net revenues from the sale of service parts were approximately $40.5 million, almost 13% of our total net revenues. In addition to commercial laundry equipment and service parts, we re-entered the U.S. consumer laundry market in October 2004, after the expiration of a non-compete agreement. In 2005, our net revenues from the sale of consumer laundry equipment were approximately $8.5 million, which comprised approximately 2.7% of our total net revenues.

We have achieved steady revenues by building an extensive and loyal distribution network for our products, establishing a significant installed base of units and developing and offering a full innovative product line. As a result of our large installed base, a significant majority of our revenue is attributable to replacement sales of equipment and service parts.

We believe that continued population expansion in North America will continue to drive steady demand for garment and textile laundering by all customer groups that purchase commercial laundry equipment. We anticipate growth in demand for commercial laundry equipment in international markets as well, especially in developing countries where laundry processing has historically been far less sophisticated than in North America. In addition, customers are increasingly trading up to equipment with enhanced functionality, thereby raising average selling prices. Customers are also moving towards equipment with increased water and energy efficiency as the result of government and consumer pressure and a focus on operating costs.

Recent Developments. On October 12, 2005, we announced our intention to close our Marianna, Florida facility (the “Facility”) and consolidate the manufacture and design of the Facility’s product lines into our existing Ripon, Wisconsin operations. We expect to complete the facility closure and consolidation by the end of the third quarter of 2006. The decision was based on an analysis of each facility’s manufacturing capabilities as well as the continuing investment requirements for each of the locations. We believe that efficiencies will be gained with the consolidation of the design and manufacturing of all of our product lines within our Ripon, Wisconsin operations. For additional information about the Marianna, Florida facility closure, see the discussion under Note 4 to the Financial Statements – “Infrequently Occurring Items.”

The Acquisition. On January 27, 2005, ALH Holding Inc. (“ALH”), an entity formed by Teachers’ Private Capital, the private equity arm of Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board, or OTPP, acquired 100% of the outstanding equity interests in Alliance Holdings for aggregate consideration of approximately $466.3 million. In connection with such acquisition, the members of our senior management acquired approximately $7.6 million of newly issued shares of common stock of ALH, and our other management employees acquired approximately $2.0 million of newly issued shares of ALH common stock in exchange for equity interests in Alliance Holdings and cash pursuant to a management share offering. A portion of the aggregate acquisition consideration was used to repay our then existing indebtedness, redeem our then outstanding preferred equity interests and pay certain fees and expenses payable in connection with the consummation of the acquisition and the financing transactions described

 

33


Table of Contents

below, and the balance was paid to Alliance Holdings’ former equity holders. The Acquisition was financed with approximately $350.0 million of debt financing described below, the management equity, approximately $107.4 million of new equity capital from OTPP and available cash.

As a result of the Acquisition, all of the outstanding equity interests of Alliance Laundry are owned by Alliance Holdings, all of the equity interests of Alliance Holdings are owned by ALH and approximately 91.8% of the capital stock of ALH is owned by OTPP. The remaining capital stock of ALH is held by management.

In connection with the closing of the Acquisition, we consummated the following financing transactions:

 

    the closing of the issuance of $150.0 million of 8 1/2% senior subordinated notes due January 15, 2013, which we refer to as the “2005 Senior Subordinated Notes.” The proceeds from the 2005 Senior Subordinated Notes offering were $149.3 million;

 

    the closing of Alliance Laundry’s new $250.0 million senior secured credit facility, which we refer to as the “Senior Credit Facility,” consisting of a six-year $50.0 million revolving credit facility and a seven-year $200.0 million term loan facility; and

 

    the settlement of the tender offer and consent solicitation, or the tender offer, initiated by us on January 4, 2005 for the $110.0 million aggregate principal amount of our then outstanding 1998 Senior Subordinated Notes. We redeemed the approximately 5.10% of the total principal amount of the 1998 Senior Subordinated Notes that remained outstanding after the consummation of the tender offer in accordance with the indenture governing such notes.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the financial statement date and reported amounts of revenues and expenses, including amounts that are susceptible to change. Our critical accounting policies include accounting methods and estimates underlying such financial statement preparation, as well as judgments around uncertainties affecting the application of those policies. In applying critical accounting policies, materially different amounts or results could be reported under different conditions or using different assumptions. We believe that our critical accounting policies, involving significant estimates, uncertainties and susceptibility to change, include the following:

Revenue Recognition. Revenue from product sales is recognized by us when all of the following criteria are met: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; (ii) delivery has occurred and ownership has transferred to the customer; (iii) the price to the customer is fixed or determinable; and (iv) collectibility is reasonably assured. With the exception of certain sales to international customers, which are recognized upon receipt or acceptance by the customer, these criteria are satisfied, and accordingly, revenue is recognized upon shipment by us. In addition, warranty and sales incentive costs are estimated and accrued at the time of sale, as appropriate.

 

34


Table of Contents

We sell notes receivable and accounts receivable through our special-purpose bankruptcy remote entity. Servicing revenue, interest income on beneficial interests retained, and gains on the sale of notes receivable are included in commercial laundry revenue. 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. We generally estimate the fair values of our retained interests based on the present value of expected future cash flows to be received, using our best estimate of key assumptions, including credit losses, prepayment rates, interest rates and discount rates commensurate with the risks involved.

Inventories. We value inventories at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined by the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. Valuing inventories at the lower of cost or market requires the use of estimates and judgment. Our policy is to evaluate all inventory quantities for amounts on-hand that are potentially in excess of estimated usage requirements, and to write-down any excess quantities to estimated net realizable value. Inherent in the estimates of net realizable value are our estimates related to our future manufacturing schedules, customer demand, possible alternative uses and ultimate realization of potentially excess inventory.

Notes and Accounts Receivable. We value notes receivable not sold and accounts receivable net of allowances for uncollectible accounts. These allowances are based on estimates of the portion of the receivables that will not be collected in the future, and in the case of notes receivable, also considers estimated collateral liquidation proceeds. However, the ultimate collectibility of a receivable is significantly dependent upon the financial condition of the individual customer, which can change rapidly and without advance warning. Balances are written off after all collection efforts have been exhausted.

Retained Interests in Securitized Notes Receivable. We value retained beneficial interests in notes receivable sold to our off-balance sheet special-purpose entity based upon the present value of expected future cash flows to be received on the residual portion of cash flows on the notes, using our best estimate of key assumptions, including credit losses, prepayment rates, interest rates and discount rates commensurate with the risks inherent in such estimates. Unrealized gains and losses resulting from changes in the estimated fair value of retained interests are recorded as other comprehensive income (loss). Impairment losses are recognized when the estimated fair value is less than the carrying amount of the retained interest. Note 5 to the financial statements discloses the sensitivity of current fair value estimates to immediate adverse changes in certain valuation assumptions.

Employee Pensions. We sponsor a defined benefit pension plan covering the majority of our employees. Generally accepted accounting principles require us to develop actuarial assumptions in determining annual pension expense and benefit obligations for the related plan. Such assumptions include discount rate, expected rate of return on plan assets, compensation increases and employee turnover rates. These assumptions are reviewed on an annual basis and modified as necessary to reflect changed conditions. For purposes of determining our pension expense for 2006, the discount rate and expected rate of return on plan assets have been reduced to 5.50% and 8.50%, respectively.

Further, generally accepted accounting principles require the recognition of a minimum pension liability and in certain circumstances an adjustment to member(s) equity (deficit) when the fair market value of year-end pension assets are less than the accumulated benefit obligation.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in this report.

 

35


Table of Contents

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

As a result of the Acquisition, the Consolidated Financial Statements present our results of operations, financial position and cash flows prior to the date of the Acquisition transaction under “Predecessor.” The financial effects of the Acquisition transaction and our results of operations, financial position and cash flows following the closing of the Acquisition are presented under “Successor.” In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, or GAAP, our Predecessor results have not been aggregated with our Successor results and, accordingly, our Consolidated Financial Statements do not show results of operations or cash flows for the twelve months ended December 31, 2005. However, in order to facilitate an understanding of our results of operations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2005 in comparison with the twelve months ended December 31, 2004, we have presented and discussed below our Predecessor results and our Successor results on an unaudited, combined basis under “Combined”. The Combined results represent the January 1, 2005 through January 27, 2005 Predecessor period added to the January 28, 2005 through December 31, 2005 Successor period. The combined results of operations are non-GAAP financial measures and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the Predecessor and Successor results.

 

     

January 28,
2005 through
December 31,

2005

    

January 1,
2005 through
January 27,

2005

    Years Ended December 31,  
           2005     2004    2003  
      Successor      Predecessor     Combined     Predecessor    Predecessor  
              (unaudited)  

Net revenues

   $ 296,645      $ 20,683     $ 317,328     $ 280,987    $ 267,607  

Cost of sales

     225,706        15,585       241,291       199,010      188,979  
                                          

Gross profit

     70,939        5,098       76,037       81,977      78,628  
 

Selling, general and administrative expense

     38,632        3,829       42,461       39,879      33,599  

Securitization and other costs

     10,009        —         10,009       —        —    

Transaction costs associated with sale of business

     —          18,790       18,790       —        —    
                                          

Total operating expense

     48,641        22,619       71,260       39,879      33,599  
                                          

Operating income (loss)

     22,298        (17,521 )     4,777       42,098      45,029  
 

Interest expense

     24,117        995       25,112       25,439      28,258  

Loss from early extinguishment of debt

     —          9,867       9,867       —        —    

Costs related to abandoned public offerings

     —          —         —         4,823      —    

Other income (expense), net

     —          —         —         —        (797 )
                                          

(Loss) income before taxes

     (1,819 )      (28,383 )     (30,202 )     11,836      15,974  

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

     (1,158 )      9       (1,149 )     71      55  
                                          

Net (loss) income

   $ (661 )    $ (28,392 )   $ (29,053 )   $ 11,765    $ 15,919  
                                          

 

36


Table of Contents

The following table provides our historical net revenues for the periods indicated:

 

     

January 28,
2005 through
December 31,

2005

  

January 1,
2005 through
January 27,

2005

   Years Ended December 31,
         2005    2004    2003
      Successor    Predecessor    Combined    Predecessor    Predecessor
                (unaudited)          
          (dollars in millions)

Commercial laundry

   $ 251.0    $ 17.3    $ 268.3    $ 239.2    $ 230.7

Consumer laundry

     8.3      0.2      8.5      3.6      —  

Service parts

     37.3      3.2      40.5      38.2      36.9
                                    
     $ 296.6    $ 20.7    $ 317.3    $ 281.0    $ 267.6
                                    

The following table provides certain condensed historical financial data expressed as a percentage of net revenues for each of the periods indicated:

 

     

January 28,
2005 through
December 31,

2005

   

January 1,
2005 through
January 27,

2005

    Years Ended December 31,  
          2005     2004     2003  
      Successor     Predecessor     Combined     Predecessor     Predecessor  

Net revenues

   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %

Cost of sales

   76.1 %   75.4 %   76.0 %   70.8 %   70.6 %

Gross profit

   23.9 %   24.6 %   24.0 %   29.2 %   29.4 %

Selling, general and administrative expense

   13.0 %   18.5 %   13.4 %   14.2 %   12.6 %

Securitization and other costs

   3.4 %   0.0 %   3.2 %   0.0 %   0.0 %

Transaction costs associated with sale of business

   0.0 %   90.8 %   5.9 %   0.0 %   0.0 %

Operating income (loss)

   7.5 %   -84.7 %   1.5 %   15.0 %   16.8 %

Net (loss) income

   -0.2 %   -137.3 %   -9.2 %   4.2 %   5.9 %

 

37


Table of Contents

Below is a reconciliation of certain items of the consolidated statements of cash flows for the periods presented (in thousands):

 

     

January 28,
2005 through
December 31,

2005

   

January 1,
2005 through
January 27,

2005

    Years Ended December 31,  
          2005     2004     2003  
      Successor     Predecessor     Combined     Predecessor     Predecessor  
              (unaudited)  
      (dollars in thousands)  

Net cash (used in) provided by operations

   $ 26,616     $ (20,675 )   $ 5,941     $ 31,496     $ 32,128  

Net cash (used for) provided by working capital

     (19,988 )     14,056       (5,932 )     3,384       (1,735 )
                                          

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

   $ 6,628     $ (6,619 )   $ 9     $ 34,880     $ 30,393  
                                          

Cash flows from investing activities:

                

Additions to property, plant and equipment

   $ (4,229 )   $ (188 )   $ (4,417 )   $ (4,166 )   $ (3,600 )

Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment

     4       —         4       65       10  
                                          

Net cash used in investing activities

   $ (4,225 )   $ (188 )   $ (4,413 )   $ (4,101 )   $ (3,590 )
                                          

Cash flows from financing activities:

                

Principal payments on long-term debt

   $ (23,000 )   $ 1     $ (22,999 )   $ (27,245 )   $ (26,237 )

Proceeds from senior term loan

     200,000       —         200,000       —         —    

Proceeds from senior subordinate notes

     149,250       —         149,250       —         —    

Repayment of long-term debt

     (275,920 )     —         (275,920 )     —         —    

Contribution from member

     117,000       —         117,000       —         —    

Distribution to old unitholders

     (154,658 )     —         (154,658 )     —         —    

Debt financing costs

     (13,230 )     —         (13,230 )     —         —    

Cash paid for capitalized offering related costs

     (1,364 )     —         (1,364 )     —         —    

Net proceeds - management note

     —         (71 )     (71 )     —         —    

Repayment of management note

     —         —         —         —         32  
                                          

Net cash used in financing activities

   $ (1,922 )   $ (70 )   $ (1,992 )   $ (27,245 )   $ (26,205 )
                                          

Year Ended December 31, 2005 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2004

Net Revenues. Net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2005 increased $36.3 million, or 12.9%, to $317.3 million from $281.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2004. This increase was primarily attributable to higher commercial laundry revenue of $29.1 million, higher service parts revenue of $2.3 million and higher consumer laundry revenue of $4.9 million. The increase in commercial laundry revenue was due primarily to higher North American equipment revenue of $15.1 million, higher international revenue of $10.7 million and higher earnings from our off-balance sheet equipment financing program of $3.2 million. The increase in North American equipment revenue was primarily due to higher revenue from coin operated laundry customers and on-premise laundries, partially offset by lower revenue from drycleaners. Revenue from international customers was higher in Asia, Europe, Middle Eastern countries, Africa and Latin America. Our off-balance sheet equipment financing program earnings were higher due to an increase in notes sold and due to adjustments of beneficial interests to their respective fair market values. The increase in consumer laundry revenue resulted from our re-entry into this marketplace, following the expiration of a non-compete agreement in late 2004.

 

38


Table of Contents

Gross Profit. Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2005 decreased $6.0 million, or 7.2%, to $76.0 million from $82.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2004. This decrease was primarily attributable to the amortization of $6.2 million related to an inventory step-up to fair market value recorded on the Acquisition date, higher depreciation expense of $6.0 million driven by the Acquisition asset write-up to fair market value which totaled $5.0 million and accelerated depreciation related to the planned closure of the Marianna, Florida manufacturing facility of $1.0 million, and material cost increases of approximately $13.0 million, mostly related to steel cost increases. These cost increases as compared to the prior year were mostly offset by price increases, margins associated with higher sales volumes and the higher earnings from our off-balance sheet equipment financing program. The inventory step-up to fair market value is fully amortized at December 31, 2005. Gross profit as a percentage of net revenues decreased to 24.0% for the year ended December 31, 2005 from 29.2% for the year ended December 31, 2004, primarily as a result of the amortization associated with the inventory, the higher depreciation expense and lower contribution margins associated with consumer laundry products.

Selling, General and Administrative Expense. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2005 increased $2.6 million, or 6.5%, to $42.5 million from $39.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2004. The increase in selling, general and administrative expense was primarily due to $3.8 million of increased amortization expenses driven primarily by Acquisition date write-ups to fair market value for customer agreements, engineering drawings, and our distribution network, $1.1 million of costs related to a retention program for key executives, $0.6 million of legal costs relating to business development initiatives and $0.4 million of costs associated with the transition of Marianna, Florida products to Ripon, Wisconsin. Additionally, sales expenses increased $0.9 million as a result of bonuses related to the higher sales volumes and higher trade show costs. These increases were partially offset by $3.4 million of lower non-cash incentive compensation relating to incentive units and stock option programs and lower pension expense of $0.6 million. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenues decreased to 13.4% for the year ended December 31, 2005 from 14.2% for the year ended December 31, 2004.

Securitization and Other Costs. Securitization and other costs for the year ended December 31, 2005 were $10.0 million, with no similar costs in 2004. These costs are comprised of $8.1 million of transaction costs incurred in establishing a new asset backed facility for the sale of equipment notes and trade receivables, a $1.7 million impairment charge related to the Ajax trademark and $0.2 million related to Marianna plant closure costs. Securitization and other costs as a percentage of net revenues was 3.2% for the year ended December 31, 2005.

Transaction Costs Associated With Sale of Business. Transaction costs associated with the sale of the business for the year ended December 31, 2005 were $18.8 million, with no similar costs in 2004. These costs are comprised of seller transaction fees including transaction underwriting fees of $4.5 million, legal and professional fees of $1.3 million, a management sale bonus of $6.2 million and advisory fees to Bain Capital Partners LLC and Bruckman, Rosser, Sherrill & Co. of $6.8 million. Transaction costs associated with sale of business as a percentage of net revenues was 5.9% for the year ended December 31, 2005.

Operating Income. As a result of the aforementioned, operating income for the year ended December 31, 2005 decreased $37.3 million to $4.8 million from $42.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2004. Operating income as a percentage of net revenues decreased to 1.5% for the year ended December 31, 2005 from 15.0% for the year ended December 31, 2004.

Interest Expense. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2005 decreased $0.3 million, or 1.2%, to $25.1 million from $25.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2004. Interest expense in

 

39


Table of Contents

2005 includes a favorable non-cash adjustment of $1.1 million to reflect adjustments in the fair values of an interest rate swap agreement. Interest expense in 2004 included a favorable non-cash adjustment of $0.2 million to reflect adjustments in the fair values of an interest rate swap agreement.

Loss on Early Extinguishment of Debt. Loss on early extinguishment of debt for the year ended December 31, 2005 was $9.9 million, with no similar costs in 2004. These costs include the write-off of $5.8 million of unamortized deferred financing costs associated with pre-Acquisition debt, which was paid off as of the Acquisition date and $4.1 million of tender and call premium costs associated with redeeming the 1998 Senior Subordinated Notes. Loss on early extinguishment of debt expense as a percentage of net revenues was 3.1% for the year ended December 31, 2005.

Costs Related to Abandoned Public Offerings. Costs related to abandoned public offerings for the year ended December 31, 2004 were $4.8 million with no similar costs in 2005. During 2004, we pursued an initial public offering of Income Deposit Securities for which we incurred offering related expenses and for which we capitalized debt and offering related costs totaling $4.8 million. In the fourth quarter of 2004, this public offering was abandoned and all related capitalized costs were expensed at that time.

Income Tax Benefit. The income tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2005 was $1.1 million, with no similar benefit for the year ended December 31, 2004. Prior to January 28, 2005, we did not provide for U.S. federal income taxes or tax benefits as the Predecessor Company was a partnership for tax reporting purposes and the payment of federal and most state taxes were the responsibility of the partners.

Net Income. As a result of the aforementioned, net income for the year ended December 31, 2005 decreased $40.9 million to a loss of $29.1 million as compared to income of $11.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2004. Net income as a percentage of net revenues decreased to negative 9.2% for the year ended December 31, 2005 from 4.2% for the year ended December 31, 2004.

Year Ended December 31, 2004 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2003

Net Revenues. Net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2004 increased $13.4 million, or 5.1%, to $281.0 million from $267.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. This increase was primarily attributable to higher commercial laundry revenue of $8.6 million, higher service parts revenue of $1.3 million and higher consumer laundry revenue of $3.6 million. The increase in commercial laundry revenue was due primarily to higher international revenue of $7.3 million and higher North American equipment revenue of $1.5 million, which were partly offset by lower earnings from our off-balance sheet equipment financing program of $0.2 million. Revenue from international customers was higher in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe and was driven by favorable selling prices resulting from the weaker United States dollar. The increase in consumer laundry resulted from our re-entry into this marketplace, following the expiration of a non-compete agreement in late 2004. The increase in North American equipment revenue was primarily due to higher revenue from on-premise laundries and drycleaners, partially offset by lower revenue from multi-housing laundries and laundromats.

Gross Profit. Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2004 increased $3.4 million, or 4.3%, to $82.0 million from $78.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. This increase was primarily attributable to margins associated with higher product sales volume, a price increase and lower depreciation expense of $1.1 million, which were partially offset by steel cost increases, higher nickel

 

40


Table of Contents

and chrome surcharges of $4.8 million related to stainless steel purchases and higher employee medical expenses of $1.1 million. Gross profit was not affected to the full extent of recent steel market conditions as we have steel purchase agreements in place. When these agreements expire in early 2005, we will be subject to prevailing steel prices at that time. As a result of the recent escalation in the cost of steel and the negative impact from nickel and chrome surcharges related to stainless steel purchases, we published a price increase, effective on December 1, 2004, which is expected to offset anticipated steel cost increases. Gross profit as a percentage of net revenues decreased to 29.2% for the year ended December 31, 2004 from 29.4% for the year ended December 31, 2003, primarily as a result of the increases in steel related components and medical expense increases.

Selling, General and Administrative Expense. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2004 increased $6.2 million, or 18.7%, to $39.8 million from $33.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to recognition of $5.6 million of non-cash compensation expense related to incentive units issued to our executives in 1998 and 2003, higher sales and marketing expenses of $1.2 million and higher independent development costs of $0.4 million, which were partially offset by lower pension expense of $1.0 million. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenues increased to 14.2% for the year ended December 31, 2004 from 12.6% for the year ended December 31, 2003.

Operating Income. As a result of the aforementioned, operating income for the year ended December 31, 2004 decreased $3.0 million, or 6.5%, to $42.1 million from $45.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. Operating income as a percentage of net revenues decreased to 15.0% for the year ended December 31, 2004 from 16.8% for the year ended December 31, 2003.

Interest Expense. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2004 decreased $2.9 million, or 10.0%, to $25.4 million from $28.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. Interest expense in 2004 includes a favorable non-cash adjustment of $0.2 million to reflect changes in the fair values of an interest rate swap agreement. Interest expense in 2003 included an unfavorable non-cash adjustment of $1.4 million to reflect changes in the fair values of an interest rate swap agreement. Interest expense was also lower in 2004 as a result of lower interest rates and a reduction in total debt outstanding of $45.0 million, or 14.3% since December of 2002.

Costs Related to Abandoned Public Offerings. Costs related to abandoned public offerings for the year ended December 31, 2004 were $4.8 million with no similar costs in the prior year. During 2004, we pursued an initial public offering of Income Deposit Securities for which we incurred offering related expenses and for which we capitalized debt and offering related costs totaling $4.8 million. As a result of abandoning the Income Deposit Securities offering, we have written off all related capitalized costs in 2004.

Other Income (Expense), Net. Other expense for the year ended December 31, 2003 was $0.8 million with no similar expense in 2004. The 2003 other expense is comprised of costs associated with the settlement of a lawsuit against a former subsidiary in Argentina.

Net Income. As a result of the aforementioned, net income for the year ended December 31, 2004 decreased $4.1 million to $11.8 million as compared to $15.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. Net income as a percentage of net revenues decreased to 4.2% for the year ended December 31, 2004 from 5.9% for the year ended December 31, 2003.

 

41


Table of Contents

Liquidity and Capital Resources

In connection with the consummation of the January 27, 2005 Transactions, we refinanced substantially all of our indebtedness, which included the refinancing of our amended and restated credit agreement dated as of August 2, 2002 (the “2002 Senior Credit Facility”) and the 1998 Senior Subordinated Notes, with borrowings under our Senior Credit Facility and the proceeds of the offering of the 2005 Senior Subordinated Notes.

Senior Credit Facility. The Senior Credit Facility is comprised of a senior secured revolving credit facility in a total principal amount of up to $50.0 million (less the then outstanding letters of credit), which we refer to as the “Revolving Credit Facility,” and a senior secured term loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of $200.0 million, which we refer to as the “Term Loan Facility.” The Revolving Credit Facility has a six-year maturity and the Term Loan Facility has a seven-year maturity. We expect to use borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility for general corporate purposes, including working capital, capital expenditures and letters of credit. We used borrowings under the Term Loan Facility together with proceeds from the offering of the 2005 Senior Subordinated Notes to pay the adjusted equity purchase price under the Acquisition, to repay outstanding debt, including the 2002 Senior Credit Facility, 1998 Senior Subordinated Notes, junior subordinated promissory notes, unreturned capital on certain preferred units, and to pay fees and expenses related to the Financing Transactions.

The Senior Credit Facility requires that we meet certain financial tests including, without limitation, a maximum total leverage ratio and a minimum interest coverage ratio. For the year ended December 31, 2005, the Senior Credit Facility allowed us to incur a maximum ratio of consolidated debt to Adjusted EBITDA (the “Consolidated Leverage Ratio” as defined by the Senior Credit Facility) of 6.50. For the year ended December 31, 2005, the Senior Credit Facility requires us to have a minimum ratio of Adjusted EBITDA to consolidated interest ( the “Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio” as defined by the Senior Credit Facility) of 1.75. We were in compliance with these and all other debt related covenants set forth in the Senior Credit Facility as of December 31, 2005, the latest measurement date. The maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio and the minimum Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio as set forth in the Senior Credit Facility for the period ending December 31, 2006 are 5.75 and 2.00, respectively.

The Senior Credit Facility contains covenants and restrictions including, among others, limitations or prohibitions on capital expenditures and acquisitions, declaring and paying dividends and other distributions, redeeming and repurchasing our other indebtedness, loans and investments, additional indebtedness, liens, guarantees, recapitalizations, mergers, asset sales and transactions with affiliates. The occurrence of any default of these covenants could result in acceleration of any outstanding principal balances under the Senior Credit Facility (approximately $177.0 million as of December 31, 2005) and foreclosure on the collateral securing such obligations. Further, such acceleration would constitute an event of default under the indenture governing the 2005 Senior Subordinated Notes.

Additional borrowings and the issuance of additional letters of credit under the Senior Credit Facility are subject to certain continuing representations and warranties, including the absence of any development or event which has had or could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition.

 

42


Table of Contents

The Senior Credit Facility requires mandatory prepayments for 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 on January 27, 2011.

2005 Senior Subordinated Notes. As part of the Financing Transactions, we offered and sold $150.0 million of 2005 Senior Subordinated Notes and received proceeds of approximately $149.3 million. The indenture governing the 2005 Senior Subordinated Notes (the “Notes Indenture”), among other things, restricts our ability and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to make investments, incur or guarantee additional indebtedness, pay dividends, create liens, sell assets, merge or consolidate with other entities, enter into transactions with affiliates and engage in certain business activities. The occurrence of an event of default under the Notes Indenture covenants could result in an acceleration of the principal amount of the 2005 Senior Subordinated Notes of approximately $150.0 million, plus any other amounts due under the Notes Indenture.

Securitization Programs. On June 28, 2005, Alliance Laundry, through a special-purpose bankruptcy remote subsidiary, Alliance Laundry Equipment Receivables 2005 LLC (“ALER 2005”), and a trust, Alliance Laundry Equipment Receivables Trust 2005-A (“ALERT 2005A”), entered into a four year $330.0 million revolving credit facility (the “Asset Backed Facility”), backed by equipment loans and trade receivables originated by us. During the first four years of the Asset Backed Facility, Alliance Laundry is permitted, from time to time, to sell its trade receivables and certain equipment loans to the special-purpose subsidiary, which in turn will sell them to the trust. The trust finances the acquisition of the trade receivables and equipment loans through borrowings under the Asset Backed Facility in the form of funding notes, which are limited to an advance rate of approximately 95% for equipment loans and 60-70% for trade receivables. Funding availability for trade receivables is limited to a maximum of $60.0 million, while funding for equipment loans is limited at $330.0 million less the amount of funding outstanding for trade receivables. Funding for the trade receivables and equipment loans is subject to certain eligibility criteria, including concentration and other limits, standard for transactions of this type. After four years from the closing date, which is June 27, 2009, (or earlier in the event of a rapid amortization event or an event of default), the trust will not be permitted to request new borrowings under the facility and the outstanding borrowings will amortize over a period of up to nine years. As of December 31, 2005, the balance of variable funding notes due to lenders under the Asset Backed Facility for equipment loans was $222.9 million.

The variable funding notes under the Asset Backed Facility will commence amortization and borrowings thereunder will cease prior to four years after the closing date upon the occurrence of certain “rapid amortization events” which include: (i) a borrowing base shortfall exists and remains uncured, (ii) delinquency, dilution or default ratios on pledged receivables and equipment loans exceeding certain specified ratios in any given month, (iii) the days sales outstanding on receivables exceed a specified number of days, (iv) the occurrence and continuance of an event of default or servicer default under the Asset Backed Facility, including but not limited to, as servicer, a material adverse change in our business or financial condition and our compliance with certain required financial covenants, and (v) a number of other specified events.

The risk of loss to the note purchasers under the Asset Backed Facility resulting from default or dilution on the trade receivables and equipment loans is protected by credit enhancement, provided by us in the form of cash reserves, letters of credit and overcollateralization. Further, the timely payment of interest and the ultimate payment of principal on the facility are guaranteed by Ambac Assurance Corporation. All of the residual beneficial interests in the trust and cash flows remaining from the pool of receivables and loans after payment of all obligations under the Asset Backed Facility would accrue

 

43


Table of Contents

to the benefit of Alliance Laundry. Except for the retained interests and amounts of the letters of credit outstanding from time to time as credit enhancement, we provide no support or recourse for the risk of loss relating to default on the assets transferred to the trust. In addition, we are paid a monthly servicing fee equal to one-twelfth of 1.0% of the aggregate balance of such trade receivables and equipment loans.

We have structured our Asset Backed Facility, and intend to continue to structure, the finance programs 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, we will continue to act as originator and servicer of the equipment financing promissory notes and the trade receivables.

The Asset Backed Facility replaces a similar facility previously maintained with CDC Financial Products, Inc., Bear, Stearns & Co., Inc. and Altamira Funding, LLC (the “ALERT 2002A Facility”). In connection with the establishment of the Asset Backed Facility, Alliance Laundry, through its special-purpose subsidiaries, repurchased and simultaneously resold the assets held by the ALERT 2002A Facility to the Asset Backed Facility.

Trends, Demands, Commitments, Events and Uncertainties. After the Acquisition, our principal sources of liquidity are cash flows generated from operations and borrowings under our $50.0 million Revolving Credit Facility. Our principal uses of liquidity are to meet debt service requirements, finance our capital expenditures, restructure operations and provide working capital. We expect that capital expenditures in 2006 will not exceed $7.0 million. We expect the 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.

We believe, based on currently available information, that for the foreseeable future, cash flows from operations, together with available borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility, will be adequate to meet our anticipated requirements for capital expenditures, working capital, interest payments, scheduled principal payments and other debt repayments while achieving all required covenant requirements under the Senior Credit Facility and 2005 Senior Subordinated Notes.

Our ability to make scheduled payments of principal or to refinance our indebtedness, or to pay the interest or liquidated damages, if any thereon, or to fund planned capital expenditures, will depend upon our future performance, which, in turn, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive and other factors that are beyond our control. There can be no assurance that our business will continue to generate sufficient cash flow from operations in the future to service our debt and make necessary capital expenditures after satisfying certain liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business. If unable to do so, we may be required to refinance all or a portion of our debt, 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.

At December 31, 2005 we had outstanding debt of $177.0 million under the Senior Credit Facility and $150.0 million of 2005 Senior Subordinated Notes. At December 31, 2005, there were no borrowings under our revolving credit facility. Letters of credit issued on our behalf under the Revolving Credit Facility totaled $30.2 million at December 31, 2005. At December 31, 2005, we had $19.8 million of our existing $50.0 million revolving credit facility available subject to certain limitations under our Senior Credit Facility. After considering such limitations, which relate primarily to the maximum ratio of consolidated debt to Adjusted EBITDA (as defined by the Senior Credit Facility), we could have borrowed $19.8 million at December 31, 2005 in additional indebtedness under the revolving credit facility.

 

44


Table of Contents

The aggregate scheduled maturities of long-term debt in subsequent years, after giving effect to the scheduled payments of $1.5 million and $21.5 million of voluntary prepayments made through December 31, 2005, are as follows:

 

Year

   Amount Due
     (Dollars in
     millions)

2006

   $ —  

2007

     1.8

2008

     1.8

2009

     1.8

2010

     1.8

Thereafter

     319.8

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA. We have presented EBITDA below and Adjusted EBITDA below because certain covenants in the Notes Indenture governing our 2005 Senior Subordinated Notes are tied to ratios based on these measures. “EBITDA” represents net income (loss) before interest expense, income tax (provision) benefit and depreciation and amortization, and “Adjusted EBITDA” is EBITDA as further adjusted to exclude, among other things, certain non-recurring expenses and other non-recurring non-cash charges which are further defined in the Notes Indenture. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not represent, and should not be considered, an alternative to net income or cash flow from operations, as determined by GAAP, and our calculations thereof may not be comparable to similarly entitled measures reported by other companies. Based on our industry and debt financing experience, we believe that EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are customarily used to provide useful information regarding a company’s ability to service and/or incur indebtedness. In addition, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are defined in the Notes Indenture in a manner which is identical to the definition of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA in our Senior Credit Facility under which we are required to satisfy specified financial ratios and tests, including a maximum of total debt to Adjusted EBITDA and a minimum interest coverage ratio. The Notes Indenture governing our 2005 Senior Subordinated Notes also requires us to meet a fixed charge coverage ratio in order to incur additional indebtedness, subject to certain exceptions.

 

45


Table of Contents

The following is a reconciliation from Net Income to EBITDA and EBITDA to Adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented:

 

     

January 28,
2005 through
December 31,

2005

       

January 1,
2005 through
January 27,

2005

    Years Ended December 31,  
              2005     2004     2003  
      Successor         Predecessor     Combined     Predecessor     Predecessor  
                      (unaudited)              
      (dollars in thousands)  

Net (loss) income

   $ (661 )     $ (28,392 )   $ (29,053 )   $ 11,765     $ 15,919  

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

     —           —         —         —         —    

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

     (1,158 )       9       (1,149 )     71       55  
                                            

Net (loss) income before income taxes

     (1,819 )       (28,383 )     (30,202 )     11,836       15,974  
 

Adjustments:

                  

Interest expense

     24,117         995       25,112       25,439       28,258  

Depreciation and amortization (a)

     20,187         526       20,713       9,695       10,886  

Non-cash interest expense included in amortization above

     (2,058 )       —         (2,058 )     (1,885 )     (2,017 )
                                            

EBITDA

   $ 40,427       $ (26,862 )   $ 13,565     $ 45,085     $ 53,101  
                                            

Adjustments:

                  

Finance program adjustments (b)

   $ (1,879 )     $ 31     $ (1,848 )   $ 2,980     $ 3,396  

Other non-recurring charges (c)

     9,734         28,657       38,391       4,823       797  

Other non-cash charges (d)

     9,133         1,089       10,222       5,579       —    

Management fees paid to affiliates of Bain

     —           83       83       1,033       1,020  
                                            

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 57,415       $ 2,998     $ 60,413     $ 59,500     $ 58,314  
                                            

(a) Depreciation and amortization amounts include amortization of deferred financing costs included in interest expense.
(b) We currently operate an off-balance sheet commercial equipment finance program in which newly originated equipment loans are sold to a qualified special-purpose bankruptcy remote entity. In accordance with GAAP, we are required to record gains/losses on the sale of these equipment based promissory notes. In calculating Adjusted EBITDA, management determines the cash impact of net interest income on these notes. The finance program adjustments are the difference between GAAP basis revenues (as prescribed by SFAS No. 125/140) and cash basis revenues.
(c) Other non-recurring charges include executive retention costs included in administrative expenses and infrequently occurring items, as are allowed based on the Notes Indenture, as follows:

 

    Other non-recurring charges in 2003 relate to $0.8 million of costs associated with the settlement of a lawsuit against a former subsidiary in Argentina.

 

    Other non-recurring charges in 2004 relate to expenses associated with a proposed initial public offering of Income Deposit Securities (“IDS”). In connection with the proposed IDS offering, as of December 31, 2004 we had incurred and recorded $1.3 million of offering related expenses in the consolidated statement of income. In addition we had capitalized $3.5 million of debt and offering related costs in other assets within the consolidated balance sheet. On December 7, 2004, we chose to abandon the proposed IDS offering, and consequently wrote off the $3.5 million of capitalized costs in 2004.

 

46


Table of Contents
    Other non-recurring charges for the period from January 1, 2005 through January 27, 2005 relate to seller transaction costs of $18.8 million incurred as part of the business sale and a loss on the early extinguishment of debt of $9.9 million. The seller transaction costs are primarily comprised of transaction underwriting fees of $4.5 million, legal and professional fees of $1.3 million, Bain and BRS advisory fees of $6.8 million and a management sale bonus of $6.2 million. The loss on early extinguishment of debt includes the write-off of $5.8 million of unamortized deferred financing costs associated with pre-Acquisition debt, which was paid off as of the Acquisition date and $4.1 million of tender and call premium costs associated with redeeming the 1998 Senior Subordinated Notes.

 

    Other non-recurring charges for the period from January 28, 2005 through December 31, 2005 relate to $8.1 million of costs associated with establishing a new asset backed facility for the sale of equipment notes and trade receivables, a periodic accrual of $1.1 million under a one time retention bonus agreement and $0.5 million of expenses relate to the closure and transition of the Marianna, Florida facility. The retention bonus agreements were entered into with certain Company executives concurrent with the Acquisition and entitle the executive to receive special retention bonus awards upon the second anniversary of the closing date of the Acquisition, subject generally to their continued employment with Alliance Laundry through such date. The aggregate amount of retention bonuses payable upon the two year anniversary of the sale date under these agreements is approximately $2.3 million.

 

(d) Other non-cash charges are described as follows:

 

    Other non-cash charges in 2004 relate to $5.6 million of non-cash executive unit compensation associated with incentive units issued to our executives in 1998 and 2003.

 

    Non-cash charges for the period from January 1, 2005 through January 27, 2005 relate to non-cash incentive compensation expense resulting from the acceleration of vesting for incentive units at the date of the Acquisition. These incentive units were issued to our executives in 1998 and 2003.

 

    Non-cash charges for the period from January 28, 2005 through December 31, 2005 relate to $6.2 million associated with the inventory step-up to fair market value recorded at the Acquisition date, $1.7 million for an impairment charge related to the Ajax trademark and $1.1 million of non-cash incentive compensation expense resulting from an increase in value and additional vesting of stock options granted to certain of the Company’s executive officers in 2005.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

On June 28, 2005, Alliance Laundry Equipment Receivables Trust 2005-A (“ALERT 2005A”), entered into a $330.0 million ABS Funding Facility (the “Asset Backed Facility”) backed by equipment loans and trade receivables originated by Alliance Laundry. Pursuant to a Purchase Agreement, dated June 28, 2005, between Alliance Laundry, as seller, and ALER, as buyer, Alliance Laundry will sell or contribute all of the trade receivables and certain of the equipment loans that it originates to ALER 2005. Immediately thereafter, pursuant to a Pooling and Servicing Agreement, dated June 28, 2005, ALER 2005 will sell such trade receivables and equipment loans to ALERT 2005A. ALERT 2005A will finance the acquisition of the trade receivables and equipment loans through borrowings under variable funding notes (the “Notes”) issued to the lenders under the Asset Backed Facility (which lenders shall initially be certain affiliates of IXIS Financial Products Inc. and Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc.

 

47


Table of Contents

(collectively, the “Initial Lenders”)), pursuant to a master indenture, dated June 28, 2005 (the “Indenture”). The Bank of New York will act as indenture trustee under the Indenture. The Notes will be secured by all of the assets of ALERT 2005A. The Initial Lenders advanced $245.4 million against the maximum facility amount to ALERT 2005A on June 28, 2005 pursuant to a Note Purchase Agreement, dated June 28, 2005 (the “Note Purchase Agreement”).

Without the consent of the lenders, advances against the equipment loan Notes may be made no more than once in each calendar week and advances against the trade receivable Notes may be made no more than twice in each calendar week. Funding availability for trade receivable Notes is limited to a maximum of $60.0 million, while funding for equipment loan Notes is limited to $330.0 million less the amount of funding outstanding for trade receivable Notes. Funding of the Notes is subject to certain advance rate and eligibility criteria standard for transactions of this type. After June 27, 2009 (or earlier in the event of a rapid amortization event, an event of default or the termination of the Asset Backed Facility by Alliance Laundry), ALERT 2005A will not be permitted to request new borrowings under the Asset Backed Facility and the outstanding borrowings will amortize over a period of up to nine years thereafter.

Additional advances under the Asset Backed Facility are subject to certain continuing conditions, including but not limited to (i) the absence of a rapid amortization event or event of default, as defined in the Note Purchase Agreement, (ii) compliance by Alliance Laundry, as servicer, with certain covenants, including financial covenants and (iii) no event having occurred which materially and adversely affects the operations of Alliance Laundry. In addition, advances under the Asset Backed Facility in respect of fixed rate equipment loans are subject to limitations on the weighted average interest rate and the aggregate loan balance of all fixed rate equipment loans then held by ALERT 2005A.

The risk of loss resulting from default or dilution on the trade receivables and equipment loans is protected by credit enhancement, provided in the form of cash reserves, letters of credit and overcollateralization. The timely payment of interest and the ultimate payment of principal on the Asset Backed Facility are guaranteed by Ambac Assurance Corporation (“Ambac”) in the form of a financial guaranty insurance policy (the “Policy”). All of the residual beneficial interests in ALERT 2005A and cash flows remaining from the pool of receivables and loans after payment of all obligations under the asset backed facility will accrue to the benefit of Alliance Laundry. Except for amounts of the letters of credit outstanding from time to time as credit enhancement, Alliance Laundry will provide no support or recourse for the risk of loss relating to default on the assets transferred to ALERT 2005A. Alliance Laundry, as servicer, will be paid a monthly servicing fee equal to one-twelfth of 1.0% of the aggregate balance of such trade receivables and equipment loans.

Interest payments on the Notes are paid monthly, which began in August 2005, at an interest rate equal to 1-month LIBOR plus the applicable margin, which will be 0.5% for the four-year period after the closing date of June 28, 2005 and 0.85% thereafter (including the last day of such four-year period). If an event of default occurs the otherwise applicable interest rate will be increased by an amount equal to two percent (2%) per annum. Prior to a rapid amortization event or event of default, the lenders under the Asset Backed Facility will also earn an unused facility fee of 0.175% of the unfunded portion of each lender’s commitment amount.

The Indenture provides that upon a written demand by the Control Party (initially, AMBAC as surety provider) after the occurrence of a rapid amortization event (including, among others, the occurrence of a shortfall in the applicable borrowing base (an amount calculated based on the value of the equipment loans or trade receivables, the value of the credit enhancements and certain other credit

 

48


Table of Contents

characteristics of the collateral) that remains unremedied for three or more business days; a draw on the reserve account; termination of or a drawing on the letters of credit providing credit enhancement for the benefit of the Notes (unless the proceeds are deposited in the reserve account); failure to maintain certain financial and other ratios; or the occurrence of an event of default or a servicer default) the Notes will amortize and borrowings under the Notes will cease. Upon written demand by the Control Party after the occurrence of a servicer default (including, among others, a failure to deposit amounts required to be deposited by the servicer, failure of the servicer or ALER 2005 to observe certain covenants, including financial covenants, which failure has a material adverse effect on the Control Party or lenders under the Asset Backed Facility, voluntary or involuntary bankruptcy of the servicer, a material adverse change in the financial condition or business of the servicer, occurrence of a cross default for indebtedness in excess of $5.0 million or failure of the equipment loans and trade receivables to meet certain performance metrics) the servicer may be replaced. The Indenture also includes usual and customary events of default for facilities of this nature (with customary grace periods and options for curing, as applicable). The Indenture provides that upon written demand by the Control Party after the occurrence of an event of default (including, among others, default in the payment of principal, interest or the premium to the surety provider when due or a draw on the Policy) the Notes may be accelerated and/or the collateral sold.

Pursuant to the terms of the Asset Backed Facility, we provide credit enhancement to the note purchasers (including an irrevocable letter of credit, which is an unconditional lending commitment of the lenders under the Senior Credit Facility) subject to certain limits. We are obligated under the reimbursement provisions of the Senior Credit Facility to reimburse the lenders for any drawings on the credit enhancement by the facility indenture trustee. If the credit enhancement is not replenished by us after a drawing, the trust will not be permitted to request new borrowings under the Asset Backed Facility and the Asset Backed Facility will begin to amortize. The amount of the irrevocable letter of credit related to the Asset Backed Facility at December 31, 2005 was $28.5 million.

Gains on sales of notes receivable and other net finance program income in 2005 of approximately $9.3 million are included in commercial laundry revenue. After June 27, 2009 (or earlier in the event of a rapid amortization event or an event of default), the trust will not be permitted to request new borrowings under the facility and the outstanding borrowings will amortize over a period of up to nine years thereafter. Based on current market conditions, we believe that we will be able to refinance the facility. However, should market conditions change or our financial position deteriorate, we may not be able to refinance the facility on advantageous terms or at all. At December 31, 2005 and 2004, we recorded $16.9 million and $15.9 million, respectively, related to the estimated fair value of our beneficial interests in the promissory notes sold to the trust. For a further discussion of our off-balance sheet arrangements, including the Asset Backed Facility, reference should be made to Notes 5 and 6 to the consolidated financial statements.

Disclosures About Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

A summary of our contractual commitments under purchase and lease commitments as of December 31, 2005 and the new debt obligations in place as a result of the Transactions, and the effect such obligations are expected to have on liquidity and cash flow in future periods appears below.

 

49


Table of Contents
     Payments due by period
          Less than    2 - 3    4 - 5    More than
     Total    1 year    years    years    5 years
     (in thousands)

Long-term debt(1)(2)

   $ 327,000    $ —      $ 3,603    $ 3,603    $ 319,794

Projected interest on long-term debt(2)

     160,174      24,390      48,357      48,920      38,507

Operating leases

     2,420      573      749      531      567

Purchase commitments(3)

     17,778      17,778      —        —        —  

Other long-term obligations(4)

     3,320      1,000      2,320      —        —  
                                  

Total contractual cash obligations

   $ 510,692    $ 43,741    $ 55,029    $ 53,054    $ 358,868
                                  

(1) Long-term debt includes the Senior Credit Facility and 2005 Senior Subordinated Notes.
(2) $110.0 million of our outstanding debt at December 31, 2005, is subject to floating interest rates after giving effect to an interest rate swap agreement required by the Senior Credit Facility. Interest payments are projected based on rates in effect on the closing date of the Transactions and after giving effect to the interest rate swap agreement assuming no variable rate fluctuations going forward. Further, we assumed that only scheduled debt payments would be made for purposes of projecting long-term debt and interest on long-term debt.
(3) Purchase commitments are based on our estimate of the liability we could incur under open and blanket purchase orders for inventory related items.
(4) Other long-term obligations includes a 2006 expected pension plan contribution of $1.0 million and payment of a one time retention bonus of $2.3 million in January, 2007, under retention bonus agreements which were entered into with certain Company executives concurrent with the Acquisition, and entitle the executive to receive special retention bonus awards upon the second anniversary of the closing date of the Acquisition, subject generally to their continued employment with Alliance Laundry through such date.

We do not have any significant guarantees of debt or other commitments to third parties. We have disclosed information related to guarantees in Note 14 to our consolidated financial statements. We lease various assets under operating leases. The future estimated payments under these arrangements are disclosed in Note 13 to our consolidated financial statements.

Cash Flows

As discussed in more detail below, we believe that our operating cash flows, cash and cash equivalents, and borrowing capacity under our Senior Credit Facility are sufficient to fund our capital and liquidity needs for the foreseeable future.

 

50


Table of Contents
    

January 28,
2005 through
December 31,

2005

        

January 1,
2005 through
January 27,

2005

    Years Ended December 31,  
              2005     2004     2003  
     Successor          Predecessor     Combined     Predecessor     Predecessor  
                                                     (unaudited)              
     (dollars in thousands)  

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

   $ 6,628          $ (6,619 )   $ 9     $ 34,880     $ 30,393  

Net cash (used in) investing activities

   $ (4,225 )        $ (188 )   $ (4,413 )   $ (4,101 )   $ (3,590 )

Net cash (used in) financing activities

     (1,922 )          (70 )     (1,992 )     (27,245 )     (26,205 )
                                             

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   $ 481          $ (6,877 )   $ (6,396 )   $ 3,534     $ 598  
                                             

Cash generated from operating activities for the twelve months ended December 31, 2005 of $9,000 was derived from $5.9 million of earnings before depreciation, amortization and non-cash adjustments, as well as from changes in working capital. The working capital investment in accounts receivable at December 31, 2005 of $9.1 million increased $3.5 million as compared to the balance of $5.6 million at December 31, 2004. The investment in beneficial interests in securitized accounts receivable at December 31, 2005 of $22.6 million increased $3.1 million as compared to the balance of $19.5 million at December 31, 2004, which was primarily attributable to an increase in retained interests on trade receivables sold under the Asset Backed Facility. The net working capital investment in beneficial interests in securitized financial assets at December 31, 2005 of $16.9 million decreased $2.5 million as compared to the balance of $19.4 million at December 31, 2004, which was primarily attributable to a decrease in the beneficial interests sold to the trust. The working capital investment in inventories at December 31, 2005 of $29.1 million increased $2.3 million as compared to the balance of $26.8 million at December 31, 2004. The working capital investment in accounts payable at December 31, 2005 of $7.9 million decreased $3.7 million as compared to the balance of $11.6 million at December 31, 2004.

Cash generated from operating activities for the twelve months ended December 31, 2004 of $34.9 million was derived from $31.5 million of earnings before depreciation, amortization and non-cash adjustments, as well as from changes in working capital. The working capital investment in accounts receivable at December 31, 2004 of $5.6 million decreased $3.6 million as compared to the balance of $9.2 million at December 31, 2003. The investment in beneficial interests in securitized accounts receivable at December 31, 2004 of $19.5 million increased $2.7 million as compared to the balance of $16.8 million at December 31, 2003, which was primarily attributable to an increase in retained interests on trade receivables sold under the Asset Backed Facility. The net working capital investment in beneficial interests in securitized financial assets at December 31, 2004 of $19.4 million decreased $3.3 million as compared to the balance of $22.7 million at December 31, 2003, which was primarily attributable to a decrease in the beneficial interests sold to the trust.

Capital Expenditures

Our capital expenditures for the twelve months ended December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 were $4.4 million and $4.2 million, respectively. Capital spending in 2005 and 2004 was principally oriented toward product enhancements and reducing manufacturing costs.

 

51


Table of Contents

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

During January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, issued FIN No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities,” which clarifies the consolidation and disclosure requirements related to variable interests in a variable interest entity. A variable interest entity is an entity for which control is achieved through means other than voting rights. In December 2003, the FASB issued a revision to FIN No. 46, which replaced FIN No. 46. The revised Interpretation (“FIN 46-R”) was adopted by us beginning on January 1, 2005 for interests in entities created on or before December 31, 2003. The adoption of FIN 46-R did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

FIN 46-R provides exceptions from its scope for certain entities, including qualifying special-purpose securitization entities subject to the reporting requirements of SFAS No. 140 and business entities, as defined, that do not possess certain characteristics.

Our primary variable interests are notes receivable that we have retained and are comprised primarily of equipment loans to laundromat operators and other end-users. The carrying value of such loans was approximately $4.1 million at December 31, 2005. If in the future we are required to consolidate a variable interest entity in which our SFAS No. 140 qualifying special-purpose entity also holds a variable interest, the qualifying status of the special-purpose entity would be eliminated. In that instance, we would be required to determine if we are the primary beneficiary of the affected securitization entity under FIN 46-R and if so, to consolidate that entity, which could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

During May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity,” which establishes standards for the classification and measurement of certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. The FASB has also subsequently issued certain staff positions that effectively amended SFAS No. 150. The Statement was effective for us beginning January 1, 2004. As a result of the adoption of SFAS No. 150, as amended, our mandatorily redeemable preferred interests have been reclassified from mezzanine equity to the long-term liability section of our consolidated balance sheet. This change was implemented on a prospective basis in accordance with SFAS No. 150.

During May 2004, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) No. 106-2, “Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003” (“FSP 106-2”), which provides guidance on accounting for the effects of the new Medicare prescription drug legislation (“the Act”). The Act, which was signed into law on December 8, 2003, introduces a prescription drug benefit under Medicare (Medicare Part D) as well as a federal subsidy to sponsors of retiree health care benefit plans that provide a benefit that is at least actuarially equivalent to Medicare Part D. FSP 106-2 was adopted by us in the third quarter of 2004. Because our post-retirement health care plan does not provide prescription drug benefits beyond age 65 (general eligibility for Medicare Part D), the Medicare Act had no effect on our accumulated post-retirement benefit obligations or net periodic post-retirement benefit cost.

In November of 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, “Inventory Costs,” an amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4 “Inventory Pricing.” SFAS No. 151 adopts the IASB (International Accounting Standards Board) view related to inventories that abnormal amounts of idle capacity and spoilage costs should be excluded from the cost of inventory and expensed when incurred. The provisions of SFAS No. 151 are applicable to inventory costs

 

52


Table of Contents

incurred during fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. We believe the effect of the adoption of SFAS No. 151 will not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated results of operations and financial position.

During December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123R “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS 123R”), which replaces SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” (“SFAS 123”) and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.” SFAS 123R requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized as expense in the financial statements based on their fair values beginning with the first annual period after June 15, 2005. The pro forma disclosures previously permitted under SFAS 123 will no longer be an alternative to expense recognition. We adopted SFAS 123R using the modified-prospective method in the fourth quarter of calendar year 2005. The impact of adoption resulted in $1.1 million of compensation expense in the period ended December 31, 2005.

The FASB is expected to re-expose a proposed statement that would amend and clarify SFAS No. 140 (and related implementation guidance). The proposed statement will address permitted activities of qualifying special-purpose entities, including the degree of discretion allowable in determining the terms of beneficial interests issued after inception, and whether certain transfers can meet the criteria for sale accounting under SFAS No. 140 if the transferor or any consolidated affiliate provides liquidity support for the transferee’s beneficial interests. As the proposed statement has not been issued, we are unable to determine the effects of the related transition provisions, if any, on our existing securitization entity. However, in the event that transfers to our existing asset backed facility would no longer qualify as sales of financial assets in the future, we may recognize additional costs for a replacement facility or it may have other material financial statement effects. An exposure draft was issued in the third quarter of 2005 and a final document is anticipated in the second quarter of 2006.

In March 2005, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 47, “Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations” (“FIN 47”), which clarifies that an entity is required to recognize a liability for the fair value of a conditional asset retirement obligation if the fair value can be reasonably estimated even though uncertainty exists about the timing and/or method of settlement. The Company adopted FIN 47 in 2005. The adoption of FIN 47 did not have a significant impact on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.

In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections,” a replacement of APB Opinion No. 20 and FASB Statement No. 3. This statement applies to voluntary changes in accounting principles and requires retrospective application to prior period financial statements, unless impracticable to determine. This Statement is effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. We do not expect this standard to have any material impact on our results of operations or financial condition.

Forward Looking Statements

With the exception of the reported actual results, the information presented herein contains predictions, estimates or other forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934, as amended, including items specifically discussed in the “Note 13 – Commitments and Contingencies” section of this document. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements of our business to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although we believe

 

53


Table of Contents

that our plans, intentions and expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, we can give no assurance that such plans, intentions, expectations, objectives or goals will be achieved. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those included in forward-looking statements include: impact of competition; continued sales to key customers; possible fluctuations in the cost of raw materials and components; possible fluctuations in currency exchange rates, which affect the competitiveness of our products abroad; possible fluctuation in interest rates, which affects our earnings and cash flows; the impact of substantial leverage and debt service on us; possible loss of suppliers; risks related to our asset backed facility; dependence on key personnel; labor relations; potential liability for environmental, health and safety matters; potential future legal proceedings and litigation.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are potentially exposed to market risk associated with changes in interest and foreign exchange rates. From time to time, we hedge exchange rate fluctuations between United States dollars and foreign currencies for purchases of inventory components. Such amounts are not material to our operations. Additionally, from time to time, we may enter into derivative financial instruments to hedge our interest rate exposures. We do not enter into derivatives for speculative purposes. We currently do not hedge commodities for purchased raw materials and components.

Revenue from international customers represented approximately 16.4% of 2005 net revenues. At December 31, 2005, there were no material non-United States dollar denominated financial instruments outstanding which exposed us to foreign exchange risk.

As noted above, we are exposed to market risk associated with adverse movements in interest rates. Specifically, we are primarily exposed to changes in the fair value of our $150 million 2005 Senior Subordinated Notes, and to changes in earnings and related cash flows on our variable interest rate debt obligations outstanding under the Senior Credit Facility and our retained interests related to trade accounts receivable and equipment loans sold to our special-purpose securitization entity. Borrowings outstanding under the Senior Credit Facility totaled $177.0 million at December 31, 2005.

The fair value of our 2005 Senior Subordinated Notes was approximately $141.0 million based upon prevailing prices in recent market transactions as of December 31, 2005. We estimate that this fair value would increase/decrease by approximately $7.2 million based upon an assumed 10% decrease/increase in interest rates compared with the effective yield on the 2005 Senior Subordinated Notes as of December 31, 2005.

An assumed 10% increase/decrease in the variable interest rate of 6.6% in effect at December 31, 2005 related to the variable rate term loan borrowings outstanding under the Senior Credit Facility would decrease/increase annualized earnings and cash flows by approximately $0.7 million.

On March 4, 2005, we entered into a $67.0 million interest rate swap agreement with The Bank of Nova Scotia to hedge a portion of our interest rate risk related to our term loan borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility. Under the swap, which matures on March 4, 2008, we pay a fixed rate of 3.81%, and receive or pay quarterly interest payments based upon three month LIBOR. Under the swap, net cash interest paid during 2005 was $0.4 million. The fair value of this interest rate swap agreement, which represents the amount that we would receive if we were to settle the instrument, was $1.3 million at December 31, 2005.

 

54


Table of Contents

An assumed 10% increase/decrease in interest rates under our special-purpose entity at December 31, 2005 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 we have sold, a 10% increase/decrease in interest rates would decrease/increase the fair value of our retained interests at December 31, 2005 of $16.9 million by approximately $0.4 million.

 

55


Table of Contents

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Index to 2005 Financial Statements:

 

     Page

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   57

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2005 (Successor) and December 31, 2004 (Predecessor)

   59

Consolidated Statements of Income for the period January 28, 2005 through December 31, 2005 (Successor); the period January 1, 2005 through January 27, 2005 (Predecessor) and the years ended December 31, 2004 (Predecessor) and December 31, 2003 (Predecessor)

   60

Consolidated Statements of Member(s) Equity (Deficit) and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the period January 28, 2005 through December 31, 2005 (Successor); the period January 1, 2005 through January 27, 2005 (Predecessor) and the year ended December 31, 2004 (Predecessor)

   61

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the period January 28, 2005 through December 31, 2005 (Successor); the period January 1, 2005 through January 27, 2005 (Predecessor) and the years ended December 31, 2004 (Predecessor) and December 31, 2003 (Predecessor)

   62

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   63

 

56


Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and the Sole Member

of Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC:

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income, consolidated statement of member’s equity and comprehensive income and consolidated statement of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC and its subsidiaries (Successor Company) at December 31, 2005, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the period January 28, 2005 to December 31, 2005 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. 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 the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, 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 our opinion.

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company had a change in ownership as of January 27, 2005 which resulted in a new basis of accounting.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

February 28, 2006

 

57


Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and the Sole Member

of Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC:

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income, consolidated statements of members’ equity and comprehensive income and consolidated statements of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC and its subsidiaries (Predecessor Company) at December 31, 2004, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the period January 1, 2005 to January 27, 2005 and for the two years ended December 31, 2004 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. 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 the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, 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 our opinion.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

February 28, 2006

 

58


Table of Contents

ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands)

 

    

December 31,

2005

      

December 31,

2004

 
         
     Successor        Predecessor  
Assets            

Current assets:

           

Cash

   $ 5,075        $ 11,471  

Accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $104 and $123 at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively)

     9,056          5,611  

Inventories, net

     29,050          26,761  

Beneficial interests in securitized accounts receivable

     22,577          19,479  

Deferred income taxes

     433          —    

Prepaid expenses and other

     2,139          1,088  
                   

Total current assets

     68,330          64,410  

Notes receivable, net

     6,131          6,742  

Property, plant and equipment, net

     66,869          30,481  

Goodwill

     139,903          55,414  

Beneficial interests in securitized financial assets

     16,939          19,379  

Deferred income taxes

     8,932          —    

Debt issuance costs, net

     11,172          5,751  

Intangible assets, net

     145,183          172  

Other assets

     —            1,667  
                   

Total assets

   $ 463,459        $ 184,016  
                   
Liabilities and Member(s) Equity (Deficit)            

Current liabilities:

           

Current portion of long-term debt

   $ —          $ 12,036  

Revolving credit facility

     —            —    

Accounts payable

     7,866          11,618  

Other current liabilities

     26,500          24,718  
                   

Total current liabilities

     34,366          48,372  

Long-term debt:

           

Senior credit facility

     177,000          118,218  

Senior subordinated notes

     149,336          110,000  

Junior subordinated note

     —            28,776  

Other long-term debt

     —            529  

Other long-term liabilities

     8,924          7,218  

Mandatorily redeemable preferred units

     —            6,000  
                   

Total liabilities

     369,626          319,113  

Commitments and contingencies (see Note 13)

           

Member(s) equity (deficit)

     93,833          (135,097 )
                   

Total liabilities and member(s) equity (deficit)

   $ 463,459        $ 184,016  
                   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

59


Table of Contents

ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(in thousands)

 

    

January 28,
2005 through
December 31,

2005

        

January 1,
2005 through
January 27,

2005

    Years Ended December 31,  
              2004    2003  
     Successor         Predecessor     Predecessor    Predecessor  

Net revenues

   $ 296,645          $ 20,683     $ 280,987    $ 267,607  

Cost of sales

     225,706            15,585       199,010      188,979  
                                    

Gross profit

     70,939            5,098       81,977      78,628  
                                    

Selling, general and administrative expense

     38,632            3,829       39,879      33,599  

Securitization and other costs

     10,009            —         —        —    

Transaction costs associated with sale of business

     —              18,790       —        —    
                                    

Total operating expenses

     48,641            22,619       39,879      33,599  
                                    

Operating income (loss)

     22,298            (17,521 )     42,098      45,029  
 

Interest expense

     24,117            995       25,439      28,258  

Loss from early extinguishment of debt

     —              9,867       —        —    

Costs related to abandoned public offerings

     —              —         4,823      —    

Other income (expense), net

     —              —         —        (797 )
                                    

(Loss) income before taxes

     (1,819 )          (28,383 )     11,836      15,974  

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

     (1,158 )          9       71      55  
                                    

Net (loss) income

   $ (661 )        $ (28,392 )   $ 11,765    $ 15,919  
                                    

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

60


Table of Contents

ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF MEMBER(S) EQUITY

(DEFICIT) AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(in thousands)

 

                       Unrealized     Total  
     Member(s)           Minimum     Holding Gain     Member(s)  
     Equity     Management     Pension     on Residual     Equity  
     (Deficit)     Loans     Liability     Interests, Net     (Deficit)  

Predecessor balances at December 31, 2002

   $ (158,911 )   $ (1,412 )   $ (8,003 )   $ 1,586     $ (166,740 )

Repayment on loans to management

     —         32       —         —         32  

Net income

     15,919       —         —         —         15,919  

Unrealized holding gain, net

     —         —         4,381       650       5,031  
                                        

Total comprehensive income

           $ 20,950  
                

Predecessor balances at December 31, 2003

     (142,992 )     (1,380 )     (3,622 )     2,236       (145,758 )

Net income

     11,765       —         —         —         11,765  

Unrealized holding gain (loss), net

     —         —         3       (1,107 )     (1,104 )
                                        

Total comprehensive income

           $ 10,661  
                

Predecessor balances at December 31, 2004

     (131,227 )     (1,380 )     (3,619 )     1,129       (135,097 )

Net (loss) from January 1, 2005 through January 27, 2005

     (28,392 )     —         —         —         (28,392 )

Unrealized holding gain, net

     —         —         —         203       203  
                                        

Total comprehensive (loss)

           $ (28,189 )
                

Predecessor balances at January 27, 2005

     (159,619 )     (1,380 )     (3,619 )     1,332       (163,286 )

Transaction and purchase accounting

     254,863       1,380       3,619       —         259,862  
                                        

Successor balances at January 27, 2005

     95,244       —         —         1,332       96,576  

Net (loss) from January 28, 2005 through December 31, 2005

     (661 )     —         —         —         (661 )

Unrealized holding (loss), net

     —         —         (751 )     (1,331 )     (2,082 )
                                        

Total comprehensive (loss)

           $ (2,743 )
                

Successor balances at December 31, 2005

   $ 94,583     $ —       $ (751 )   $ 1     $ 93,833  
                                        

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

61


Table of Contents

ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

 

     January 28,
2005 through
December 31,
2005
         January 1,
2005 through
January 27,
2005
    Year Ended
December 31,
2004
    Year Ended
December 31,
2003
 
     Successor          Predecessor     Predecessor     Predecessor  

Cash flows from operating activities:

               

Net (loss) income

   $ (661 )        $ (28,392 )   $ 11,765     $ 15,919  

Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to cash provided by operating activities:

               

Depreciation and amortization

     20,187            526       9,695       10,886  

Non-cash interest

     (933 )          351       4,415       5,290  

Non-cash executive unit compensation

     1,120            1,089       5,579       —    

Non-cash trademark impairment

     1,767            —         —         —    

Non-cash debt financing write-off

     —              5,751       —         —    

Non-cash inventory expense

     6,246            —         —         —    

Deferred income taxes

     (1,158 )          —         —         —    

Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment

     48            —         42       33  

Changes in assets and liabilities:

               

Accounts receivable

     (2,889 )          (556 )     3,546       (3,323 )

Inventories

     (456 )          (1,833 )     (546 )     (518 )

Other assets

     246            101       344       4,346  

Accounts payable

     (22,828 )          19,076       339       (2,518 )

Other liabilities

     5,939            (2,732 )     (299 )     278  
                                     

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

     6,628            (6,619 )     34,880       30,393  
                                     

Cash flows from investing activities:

               

Additions to property, plant and equipment

     (4,229 )          (188 )     (4,166 )     (3,600 )

Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment

     4            —         65       10  
                                     

Net cash used in investing activities

     (4,225 )          (188 )     (4,101 )     (3,590 )
                                     

Cash flows from financing activities:

               

Principal payments on long-term debt

     (23,000 )          1       (27,245 )     (26,237 )

Proceeds from senior term loan

     200,000            —         —         —    

Proceeds from senior subordinate notes

     149,250            —         —         —    

Repayment of long-term debt

     (275,920 )          —         —         —    

Contribution from member

     117,000            —         —         —    

Distribution to prior unitholders

     (154,658 )          —         —         —    

Debt financing costs

     (13,230 )          —         —         —    

Cash paid for capitalized offering related costs

     (1,364 )          —         —         —    

Net proceeds - management note

     —              (71 )     —         —    

Repayment of management note

     —              —         —         32  
                                     

Net cash used in financing activities

     (1,922 )          (70 )     (27,245 )     (26,205 )
                                     

Increase (decrease) in cash

     481            (6,877 )     3,534       598  

Cash at beginning of period

     4,594            11,471       7,937       7,339  
                                     

Cash at end of period

   $ 5,075          $ 4,594     $ 11,471     $ 7,937  
                                     

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

               

Cash paid for interest

   $ 19,699          $ 1,133     $ 21,876     $ 22,148  

Cash paid for taxes

   $ 55          $ 9     $ 71     $ 55  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

62


Table of Contents

ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

(Dollar amounts in thousands unless otherwise indicated)

Note 1 - Description of Business and Basis of Presentation:

Description of Business

Throughout this annual report, we refer to Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as “Alliance Holdings,” and, together with its consolidated operations, as the “Company,” “Alliance,” “we,” “our,” “Predecessor,” “Successor,” and “us,” unless otherwise indicated. Any reference to “Alliance Laundry” refers to our wholly-owned subsidiary, Alliance Laundry Systems LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and its consolidated operations, unless otherwise indicated. Any reference to “ALH” refers to ALH Holding Inc., a Delaware corporation and Alliance Holdings’ parent entity.

We design, manufacture and service a full line of commercial laundry equipment for sale in the U.S. and for export to numerous international markets. We also manufacture consumer washing machines for sale to domestic and international customers. We produce all of our products in the U.S. at two manufacturing plants located in Ripon, Wisconsin and Marianna, Florida. We also provide equipment financing to laundromat operators and other end-users.

Alliance originated from the acquisition of Speed Queen Company (“Speed Queen”) by Raytheon Company (“Raytheon”) in October of 1979 and it was an operating unit of Raytheon under various names, including Speed Queen and Raytheon Appliances, Inc. On September 10, 1997, in connection with the sale by Raytheon of its consumer laundry business (“Amana Transaction”), Raytheon Appliances, Inc. was dissolved and Raytheon Commercial Laundry LLC was established as a limited liability company to carry on the commercial laundry portion of Raytheon’s appliance business. On May 5, 1998, a recapitalization (the “Recapitalization”) and merger transaction occurred, whereby Raytheon Commercial Laundry LLC was renamed Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC; and Bain Capital Partners, LLC, (“Bain”) and members of our management acquired 93% common equity interest in Alliance Holdings. In connection with the Recapitalization and other related transactions, substantially all of our assets and liabilities where contributed to Alliance Laundry, as the only direct subsidiary of Alliance Holdings. Alliance Laundry now comprises all of our operating activities. On January 27, 2005, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board, (“OTPP”) and members of our management indirectly acquired 100% of the outstanding equity interests in Alliance Holdings through ALH (See Note 2).

Basis of Presentation

As a result of the January 27, 2005 transactions described further in Note 2, activity that occurred prior to January 27, 2005 has been reflected as the Predecessor and activity that occurred after January 27, 2005 has been reflected as the Successor. We have inserted a dark vertical line to segregate the activities of the Predecessor and Successor. The distinction between Predecessor and Successor relates to the application of purchase accounting in accordance with Statement of Financial Standard (SFAS) No. 141, “Business Combinations.” The basis of the assets and liabilities has been reflected at fair market values in the Successor financial statements.

 

63


Table of Contents

The consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2005 and for the period January 28, 2005 through December 31, 2005 present the consolidated financial position and results of operations of Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC, including our wholly-owned direct and indirect subsidiaries, Alliance Laundry Systems LLC and Alliance Laundry Corporation.

All material intercompany transactions have been eliminated in the preparation of these financial statements.

Note 2 - Sale of Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC

On January 27, 2005, ALH, an entity formed by Teachers’ Private Capital, the private equity arm of Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board (“OTPP”), acquired 100% of the outstanding equity interests in Alliance Holdings pursuant to a unit purchase agreement for aggregate consideration of $466.3 million. In connection with such acquisition, the executive officers of Alliance Laundry acquired $7.6 million of newly issued shares of common stock of ALH, and our other management employees acquired $2.0 million of newly issued shares of ALH common stock in exchange for equity interests in Alliance Holdings and cash pursuant to ALH’s stock purchase and rollover investment plan. A portion of the aggregate acquisition consideration was used to repay our existing indebtedness, redeem our outstanding preferred equity interests and pay certain fees and expenses payable in connection with the consummation of the acquisition and the financing transactions described below, and the balance was paid to the then current equity holders of Alliance Holdings.

We refer to the acquisition of Alliance Holdings and the related management investments in ALH as the “Acquisition.” The Acquisition was financed with $350.0 million of debt financing described below, the management equity, approximately $107.4 million of new equity capital from OTPP and available cash. As a result of the Acquisition, all of the outstanding equity interests of Alliance Laundry are owned by Alliance Holdings, all of the equity interests of Alliance Holdings are owned by ALH and approximately 91.8% of the capital stock of ALH is owned by OTPP. The remaining capital stock of ALH is owned by our management.

In connection with the closing of the Acquisition, we consummated the following financing transactions, (the “Financing Transactions,” which we refer to, together with the Acquisition, as the “Transactions”):

 

    the closing of the issuance of $150.0 million 8 1/2% senior subordinated notes due January 15, 2013, the “2005 Senior Subordinated Notes.” The proceeds from the 2005 Senior Subordinated Notes offering were $149.3 million;

 

    the closing of Alliance Laundry’s new $250.0 million senior secured credit facility, which we refer to as the “Senior Credit Facility,” consisting of a six-year $50.0 million revolving credit facility and a seven-year $200.0 million term loan facility. On the closing date (January 27, 2005), the term loan facility was drawn in full, but the revolving credit facility remained undrawn (of which $22.2 million was available due to $27.8 million of letters of credit issued and outstanding as of the closing date); and

 

64


Table of Contents

ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

    the settlement of the tender offer and consent solicitation, or the tender offer, initiated by us on January 4, 2005 for the $110.0 million aggregate principal amount of our then outstanding 9 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008 (the “1998 Senior Subordinated Notes”). We redeemed the approximately 5.10% of the total principal amount of the 1998 Senior Subordinated Notes that remained outstanding after the consummation of the tender offer in accordance with the indenture governing such notes.

In connection with the consummation of the Transactions, Alliance Laundry and Alliance Laundry Corporation became the obligors under the 2005 Senior Subordinated Notes. Alliance Laundry is the borrower and obligor under the Senior Credit Facility and Alliance Laundry Corporation became a guarantor under the Senior Credit Facility, and Alliance Holdings became a guarantor of the Senior Credit Facility and the 2005 Senior Subordinated Notes.

Alliance Laundry Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alliance Laundry and was originally incorporated for the sole purpose of serving as a co-issuer of the 1998 Senior Subordinated Notes. Alliance Holdings is the parent of Alliance Laundry and has provided a full and unconditional guarantee of the 2005 Senior Subordinated Notes. Alliance Holdings and Alliance Laundry Corporation do not have any operations or assets independent of Alliance Laundry.

Note 3 – Significant Accounting Policies:

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires us 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.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Cash Management

We consider all highly liquid debt instruments with an initial maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue from product sales is recognized by us when all of the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; delivery has occurred and ownership has transferred to the customer; the price to the customer is fixed or determinable; and collectibility is reasonably assured. With the exception of certain sales to international customers, which are recognized upon receipt or acceptance by the customer, these criteria are satisfied, and accordingly, revenue is recognized upon shipment by us.

 

65


Table of Contents

ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs

In accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 00-10 “Accounting for Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs,” shipping and handling fees and costs are reflected in net revenues and cost of goods sold as appropriate.

Sales Incentive Costs

In accordance with EITF Issue No. 01-09 “Accounting for Consideration Given by a Vendor to a Customer (Including a Reseller of the Vendor’s Products),” all sales incentive costs including cash discounts, customer promotional allowances, and volume rebates are reflected as a reduction of net revenues.

Financing Program Revenue

As discussed below, we sell notes receivable and accounts receivable through our special-purpose bankruptcy remote entity. As servicing agent, we retain collection and administrative responsibilities for the notes and accounts receivable. We earn a servicing fee, based on the average outstanding balance. In addition, we have recorded 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” through March 31, 2001 and subsequently in accordance with SFAS No. 140 as discussed below. We also recognize interest income on 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 revenue.

During the second quarter of 2001, we adopted SFAS No. 140 “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities, a Replacement of FASB Statement No. 125.” This Statement revised certain aspects of the existing standards for accounting for securitizations and other transfers of financial assets and collateral, and required certain new and expanded disclosures. SFAS No. 140 was effective for us in the second quarter of 2001 and did not have a material effect on our financial statements with respect to the recognition and measurement of sales of financial assets.

Effective April 1, 2001, we also adopted the provisions of EITF Issue No. 99-20 “Recognition of Interest Income and Impairment on Purchased and Retained Beneficial Interests in Securitized Financial Assets.” In accordance with the provisions of EITF 99-20, we recognize write-downs of our retained interests pursuant to the impairment provisions of EITF 99-20. We also recognize interest income on retained beneficial interests in accordance with EITF 99-20.

Sales of Accounts Receivable and Notes Receivable (See Notes 5 and 6)

According to SFAS No. 125 and 140, 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. We sell all of our trade receivable and eligible notes receivable to third parties through a special-purpose bankruptcy remote entity designed to meet the SFAS No. 125 and 140 requirements for sale treatment. Accordingly, we remove these receivables from our balance sheet at the time of transfer.

 

66


Table of Contents

ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

In a subordinated capacity, we retain rights to the residual portion of cash flows, including interest earned, from the notes receivable sold. This retained beneficial interest is recorded at its estimated fair value at the balance sheet date. 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. We generally estimate the fair values of our retained interests based on the present value of expected future cash flows to be received, using our best estimate of key assumptions, including credit losses, prepayment rates, interest rates and discount rates commensurate with the risks involved. Unrealized gains and losses resulting from changes in the estimated fair value of our retained interests are recorded as other comprehensive income (loss). Impairment losses are recognized when the estimated fair value is less than the carrying amount of the retained interest in accordance with EITF 99-20.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at cost using the first-in, first-out method but not in excess of net realizable value. Our policy is to evaluate all inventory including manufacturing raw material, work-in-process, finished goods, and spare parts. Inventory in excess of our estimated usage requirements is written down to its estimated net realizable value. Inherent in the estimates of net realizable value are our estimates related to future manufacturing schedules, customer demand, possible alternate uses and ultimate realization of potentially excess inventory.

Notes Receivable

Notes receivable reflect equipment loans that we expect to sell shortly after the balance sheet date, and non-performing and other loans not eligible for sale to our existing securitization facility. Notes receivable are stated at the principal amount outstanding, net of the allowance for credit losses. Interest income is accrued as earned on outstanding balances. Recognition of income is suspended when we determine that collection of future income is not probable (after 90 days past due). Fees earned and incremental direct costs incurred upon origination of equipment loans are not significant.

We determine that a note receivable is impaired when it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the note. These equipment loans are collateral-dependent and accordingly, measurement of impairment is based upon the estimated fair value of collateral.

The determination of the allowance for credit losses is based on an analysis of the related notes and reflects an amount which, in our judgment, is adequate to provide for probable credit losses. Notes deemed to be uncollectible are charged off and deducted from the allowance. The allowance is increased for recoveries and by charges to income.

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 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

 

67


Table of Contents

ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

operations. Long-lived assets, principally property, plant and equipment, to be held and used are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amount may not be recoverable based upon related estimated future undiscounted cash flows. When required, impairment losses on assets to be held and used are recognized based upon the fair value of the asset as compared to its carrying value. Long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell.

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

In accordance with SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” goodwill is not amortized. However, under SFAS No. 142, goodwill shall be tested for impairment at least annually and more frequently if an event occurs which indicates the goodwill may be impaired. Impairment of goodwill is measured according to a two-step approach. In the first step, the fair value of a reporting unit, as defined by the statement, is compared to the carrying value of the reporting unit, including goodwill. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. In the second step the implied value of the goodwill is estimated as the fair value of the reporting unit less the fair value of all other tangible and intangible assets of the reporting unit. If the carrying amount of the goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess, not to exceed the carrying amount of the goodwill.

Additionally, under SFAS No. 142, intangible assets not subject to amortization (indefinite lived intangible assets) shall be tested for impairment at least annually and more frequently if an event occurs which indicates the intangible asset may be impaired. The impairment test consists of a comparison of the fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of an intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss shall be recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The Company’s other recorded intangible assets, tradenames and trademarks, have been deemed to have an indefinite life. We have completed the analysis required by SFAS No. 142 and have concluded that no impairment of recorded goodwill exists at December 31, 2005. Based on the analysis required by SFAS No. 142 for indefinite lived intangible assets, we have recorded a reduction in the value of the Ajax trademark of $1.7 million at December 31, 2005.

Income Taxes

Subsequent to the Acquisition, the income tax provision (benefit) is computed based on the pretax income (loss) included in the consolidated statement of income. Certain items of income and expense are not recognized on our income tax returns and financial statements in the same year, which creates timing differences. The income tax effect of these timing differences results in (1) deferred income tax assets that create a reduction in future income taxes and (2) deferred income tax liabilities that create an increase in future income taxes. Recognition of deferred income tax assets is based on management’s belief that it is more likely than not that the income tax benefit associated with certain temporary differences, operating loss and capital loss carry forwards, and income tax credits, would be

 

68


Table of Contents

ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

realized. We have not recorded a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred income tax assets based, in part, on our assessment of future taxable income and in light of our ongoing prudent and feasible income tax strategies. If our estimate of future taxable income or tax strategies change at any time in the future, we may have to record a valuation allowance; recording such an adjustment could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of income.

Prior to the Acquisition, we were a stand-alone limited liability company and were not subject to federal and most state income taxes.

Debt Issuance Costs

As a result of the Transaction, we capitalized as debt issuance costs the fees associated with the Senior Credit Agreement and the 2005 Senior Subordinated Notes, totaling $13.2 million. Accumulated amortization related to these debt issuance costs was $2.1 million at December 31, 2005.

As a result of the 1998 Recapitalization and as a result of amending and restating our 2002 Senior Credit Facility in 2002, we had previously capitalized as debt issuance costs the fees associated with these facilities of $13.4 million. Accumulated amortization related to these facilities was $7.6 million at December 31, 2004. As a result of the Transaction, in the period ended January 27, 2005 we wrote-off $5.8 million of remaining debt issuance costs associated with these prior financing arrangements.

Warranty Liabilities

The cost of warranty obligations are estimated and provided for at the time of sale. Standard product warranties cover most parts for three years and certain parts for five years. We also sell separately priced extended warranties associated with our products. We recognize extended warranty revenues over the period covered by the warranty in accordance with FTB 90-1, “Accounting for Separately Priced Extended Warranty and Product Maintenance Contracts.” The reserves for extended warranties are included in the table in Note 14.

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development expenditures are expensed as incurred. Research and development costs were $5.9 million and $0.5 million for the periods from January 28, 2005 through December 31, 2005 and January 1, 2005 through January 27, 2005, respectively, and $7.2 million and $6.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively.

Advertising Expenses

We expense advertising costs as incurred. We incurred advertising expenses of approximately $3.3 million and $0.3 million for the periods from January 28, 2005 through December 31, 2005 and January 1, 2005 through January 27, 2005, respectively, and $3.0 million and $3.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively.

 

69


Table of Contents

ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

Pre-Acquisition Class B and C Units

The Company issued Class B and C Unit interests to certain members of management in connection with the May 5, 1998 recapitalization transaction, and certain additional Class B and Class M interests in 2003 (see Note 17). These units were issued for nominal consideration based upon the subordinated nature of such interests, and represented performance-based compensatory awards for accounting purposes. Compensation expense was measured each period based upon the estimated fair value of all common units and recognized over the vesting period when it became probable that certain fair value target multiples, as defined, would be achieved. We recognized $1.1 million in non-cash incentive compensation expense related to these units in the period ended January 27, 2005 and $5.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2004. No expense was recognized in 2003. All Class B and C Unit interests were settled in connection with the consummation of the Transactions on January 27, 2005.

ALH Stock Option Plan

On January 27, 2005, in connection with the Acquisition, ALH established a stock option plan, primarily for the benefit of Alliance Laundry’s executive officers. As of the closing date of the Acquisition, ALH granted stock options representing an aggregate of 10% of the fully diluted common shares of ALH among certain members of management. The granted options entitle the member of management to purchase shares of our common stock at an option price of $100 per share, subject to certain requirements. Sixty percent (60%) of the options granted will vest in five equal annual installments on each of the first five anniversaries of the closing date, with the potential for accelerated vesting upon a change in control of Alliance Laundry. The remaining 40% of the options granted are “performance options” that have the opportunity to vest in five annual installments based on Alliance Laundry’s achievement of certain specified annual or cumulative earnings targets during fiscal years 2005 through 2009. The performance options may also vest based on the realization by ALH shareholders of certain specified values upon a subsequent sale of ALH. Based upon a valuation of these stock options, for the period ended December 31, 2005, we recognized $1.1 million of compensation expense. No expense was recognized for the period ended December 31, 2005 for the performance options as the specified annual target for 2005 was not attained and other earnings target requirements are currently not expected to be attained.

Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets 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 our 2005 Senior Subordinated Notes at December 31, 2005 is estimated based upon prices prevailing in recent market transactions. The fair value of interest rate swaps are obtained based upon third party quotes.

Derivative Financial Instruments

We adopted SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” on January 1, 2001. SFAS No. 133 as amended, requires us to recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities and measure those instruments at fair value, and recognize changes in the fair value of derivatives in net income or other comprehensive income, as appropriate.

 

70


Table of Contents

ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

In accordance with the transition provisions of SFAS No. 133, we recorded a cumulative-effect-type gain adjustment of $0.7 million in other comprehensive income (loss) within member(s) deficit to recognize at fair value its interest rate swap arrangements at January 1, 2001. We reclassified in earnings during 2001 approximately $0.6 million of the transition adjustment that was recorded in other comprehensive income (loss). For the year ended December 31, 2001, we recognized a loss of $1.5 million reflecting the subsequent changes in the fair values of our interest rate swaps and a gain of $0.6 million for the reclassification of the transition adjustment as discussed above. We entered into a new interest rate swap agreement in December 2002. We recognized a gain reflecting the subsequent changes in the fair value of these interest rate swaps of $1.1 million and $9,000 for the periods from January 28, 2005 through December 31, 2005 and January 1, 2005 through January 27, 2005, respectively, and a gain of $0.2 million and a loss of $1.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 respectively.

The Company periodically enters into short-term gas supply contracts for its facilities. Upon adoption of SFAS 133, the Company concluded that these contracts met the normal purchases and sales exception of SFAS 133, and therefore did not record the fair value of these instruments in the financial statements.

Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk include trade accounts receivable and notes receivable, and related retained interests in securitized accounts and notes receivable. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables and notes receivable are limited, to a degree, by the large number of geographically diverse customers that make up our customer base. The Company’s sales to international customers accounted for 16.6% and 14.1% of net revenues for the periods from January 28, 2005 through December 31, 2005 and January 1, 2005 through January 27, 2005, respectively, and 14.7% and 12.7% of net revenues in 2004 and 2003 respectively. We control credit risk through credit approvals, credit limits and monitoring procedures, as well as secured payment terms or Foreign Credit Insurance Agency (“FCIA”) insurance for sales to international customers.

Certain Concentrations

We sell our products primarily to independent distributors. Our largest customer accounted for 12.6%, 13.7% and 15.8% of net revenues in 2005, 2004, and 2003 respectively.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

During January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, issued FIN No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities,” which clarifies the consolidation and disclosure requirements related to variable interests in a variable interest entity. A variable interest entity is an entity for which control is achieved through means other than voting rights. In December 2003, the FASB issued a revision to FIN No. 46, which replaced FIN No. 46. The revised Interpretation (“FIN 46-R”) was adopted by us beginning on January 1, 2005 for interests in entities created on or before December 31, 2003. The adoption of FIN 46-R did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

 

71


Table of Contents

ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

FIN 46-R provides exceptions from its scope for certain entities, including qualifying special-purpose securitization entities subject to the reporting requirements of SFAS No. 140 and business entities, as defined, that do not possess certain characteristics.

Our primary variable interests are notes receivable that we have retained and are comprised primarily of equipment loans to laundromat operators and other end-users. The carrying value of such loans was approximately $4.1 million at December 31, 2005. If in the future we are required to consolidate a variable interest entity in which our SFAS No. 140 qualifying special-purpose entity also holds a variable interest, the qualifying status of the special-purpose entity would be eliminated. In that instance, we would be required to determine if we are the primary beneficiary of the affected securitization entity under FIN 46-R and if so, to consolidate that entity, which could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

During May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity,” which establishes standards for the classification and measurement of certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. The FASB has also subsequently issued certain staff positions that effectively amended SFAS No. 150. The Statement was effective for us beginning January 1, 2004. As a result of the adoption of SFAS No. 150, as amended, our mandatorily redeemable preferred interests have been reclassified from mezzanine equity to the long-term liability section of our consolidated balance sheet. This change was implemented on a prospective basis in accordance with SFAS No. 150.

During May 2004, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) No. 106-2, “Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003” (“FSP 106-2”), which provides guidance on accounting for the effects of the new Medicare prescription drug legislation (“the Act”). The Act, which was signed into law on December 8, 2003, introduces a prescription drug benefit under Medicare (Medicare Part D) as well as a federal subsidy to sponsors of retiree health care benefit plans that provide a benefit that is at least actuarially equivalent to Medicare Part D. FSP 106-2 was adopted by us in the third quarter of 2004. Because our post-retirement health care plan does not provide prescription drug benefits beyond age 65 (general eligibility for Medicare Part D), the Medicare Act had no effect on our accumulated post-retirement benefit obligations or net periodic post-retirement benefit cost.

In November of 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, “Inventory Costs,” an amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4 “Inventory Pricing.” SFAS No. 151 adopts the IASB (International Accounting Standards Board) view related to inventories that abnormal amounts of idle capacity and spoilage costs should be excluded from the cost of inventory and expensed when incurred. The provisions of SFAS No. 151 are applicable to inventory costs incurred during fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. We believe the effect of the adoption of SFAS No. 151 will not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated results of operations and financial position.

During December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123R “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS 123R”), which replaces SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” (“SFAS 123”) and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.” SFAS 123R requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be

 

72


Table of Contents

ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

recognized as expense in the financial statements based on their fair values beginning with the first annual period after June 15, 2005. The pro forma disclosures previously permitted under SFAS 123 will no longer be an alternative to expense recognition. We adopted SFAS 123R using the modified-prospective method in the fourth quarter of calendar year 2005. The impact of adoption resulted in $1.1 million of compensation expense in the period ended December 31, 2005.

The FASB is expected to re-expose a proposed statement that would amend and clarify SFAS No. 140 (and related implementation guidance). The proposed statement will address permitted activities of qualifying special-purpose entities, including the degree of discretion allowable in determining the terms of beneficial interests issued after inception, and whether certain transfers can meet the criteria for sale accounting under SFAS No. 140 if the transferor or any consolidated affiliate provides liquidity support for the transferee’s beneficial interests. As the proposed statement has not been issued, we are unable to determine the effects of the related transition provisions, if any, on our existing securitization entity. However, in the event that transfers to our existing asset backed facility would no longer qualify as sales of financial assets in the future, we may recognize additional costs for a replacement facility or it may have other material financial statement effects. An exposure draft was issued in the third quarter of 2005 and a final document is anticipated in the second quarter of 2006.

In March 2005, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 47, “Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations” (“FIN 47”), which clarifies that an entity is required to recognize a liability for the fair value of a conditional asset retirement obligation if the fair value can be reasonably estimated even though uncertainty exists about the timing and/or method of settlement. The Company adopted FIN 47 in 2005. The adoption of FIN 47 did not have a significant impact on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.

In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections,” a replacement of APB Opinion No. 20 and FASB Statement No. 3. This statement applies to voluntary changes in accounting principles and requires retrospective application to prior period financial statements, unless impracticable to determine. This Statement is effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. We do not expect this standard to have any material impact on our results of operations or financial condition.

Reclassifications

Certain amounts in the prior year financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

Note 4 – Infrequently Occurring Items:

In connection with the Acquisition, the Company incurred $18.8 million of seller related expenses. These expenses were comprised of underwriting, legal and professional fees of $5.9 million, change of control bonuses paid to the executive management of $6.2 million and fees paid to Bain Capital Partners LLC and Bruckman, Rosser, Sherrill & Co. totaling $6.7 million. These amounts were expensed in the period ended January 27, 2005, and are reflected as a deduction in determining operating income (loss).

 

73


Table of Contents

ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

In connection with the Acquisition, the Company incurred $9.9 million in expenses related to the early redemption of debt. These expenses were comprised of tender and call premium fees of $4.1 million associated with the redemption of the 1998 Senior Subordinated Notes and the write-off of $5.8 million of remaining unamortized debt issuance costs associated with both the Company’s 1998 Senior Subordinated Notes and the Company’s 2002 Senior Credit Facility. These amounts were expensed in the period ended January 27, 2005, and are reflected as a loss from early retirement of debt.

In connection with the establishment of the Asset Backed Facility, the Company incurred $8.1 million in expenses in the Successor period related to establishing the new securitization facility. These expenses were comprised of structuring and underwriting fees of $5.8 million, legal and professional fees of $1.3 million and a LIBOR based cap premium of $1.0 million. This amount is recorded within the securitization and other costs line of the consolidated statement of income.

As of December 31, 2005, pursuant to SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” we performed an impairment test of our goodwill, trademarks and tradenames, which have an indefinite life. Based on this impairment test we have recorded a reduction in the value of the Ajax trademark of $1.7 million in the Successor period. This amount is recorded within the securitization and other costs line of the consolidated statement of income.

In April of 2004 we announced that Alliance Laundry Holdings Inc. (“Alliance Laundry Holdings”), a company formed to be the holding company for the operations of Alliance Laundry Systems LLC, and its subsidiaries filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to the proposed initial public offering of Income Deposit Securities (“IDSs”) representing shares of Alliance Laundry Holdings’ Class A common stock and senior subordinated notes. The registration statement also related to an offering of a separate issue of senior subordinated notes of the same series as the senior subordinated notes represented by the IDSs. In connection with the proposed IDS offering, in 2004 we had incurred and recorded $1.3 million of offering related expenses in the consolidated statement of income and had capitalized $3.5 million of debt and offering related costs in other assets within the consolidated balance sheet. On December 7, 2004 we chose to abandon the proposed IDS offering, and consequently wrote off the $3.5 million of capitalized costs to costs related to abandoned public offerings line in the consolidated statement of income.

Costs Associated With Exit or Disposal Activities

On October 12, 2005, we announced our intention to close our Marianna, Florida facility (the “Facility”) and consolidate the manufacture and design of the Facility’s product lines into our existing Ripon, Wisconsin operations. We expect to complete the facility closure and consolidation by the end of the third quarter of 2006. The decision was based on an analysis of each facility’s manufacturing capabilities as well as the continuing investment requirements for each of the locations. We believe that efficiencies will be gained with the consolidation of the design and manufacturing of all of our product lines within our Ripon, Wisconsin operations.

We estimate total cash costs and expenses associated with the closure of the Facility to be approximately $7.7 million, comprised of (1) approximately $4.0 million of one-time termination benefits and relocation costs; (2) approximately $1.6 million of other labor related costs including training and temporary living expenses; (3) approximately $1.4 million related to the relocation of the Facility’s tooling and equipment; and (4) approximately $0.7 million of other related expenses.

 

74


Table of Contents

ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

We estimate total non-cash costs and expenses associated with the closure of the Facility to be approximately $4.1 million, related to additional depreciation expense. This cost will be partially offset by a post-retirement health care plan curtailment benefit of $0.5 million. The additional depreciation expense results from a re-evaluation of the remaining useful lives of our Marianna facility’s buildings and land improvements in accordance with applicable accounting rules.

As of December 31, 2005, we recorded $1.6 million of costs in the Successor period for the Facility closure, comprised of a cash charge of $0.4 million for employee retention costs, which is reflected in selling, general and administrative expense and less than $0.2 million of other cash charges, which are reflected in securitization and other costs. Additionally, we recorded a non-cash charge of $1.0 million related to the additional depreciation expense for the Marianna Facility, which is reflected in cost of sales. We currently anticipate that substantially all the remaining closure costs for the Marianna Facility will be incurred prior to December 31, 2006.

Note 5 - Equipment Financing and Sales of Notes Receivable:

General

We maintain an internal financing organization to originate and administer promissory notes for financing of equipment purchases primarily for laundromats. These notes typically have terms ranging from Prime plus 1.0% to Prime plus 6.0% for variable rate notes and 8.0% to 14.5% for fixed rate notes. The average interest rate for all notes at December 31, 2005 approximates 9.1% with terms ranging from 2 to 9 years. All notes allow the holder to prepay outstanding principal amounts without penalty, and are therefore subject to prepayment risk.

Funding Facilities

On June 28, 2005, Alliance Laundry, through a special-purpose bankruptcy remote subsidiary, Alliance Laundry Equipment Receivables 2005 LLC (“ALER 2005”), and a trust, Alliance Laundry Equipment Receivables Trust 2005-A (“ALERT 2005A”), entered into a four year $330.0 million revolving credit facility (the “Asset Backed Facility”), backed by equipment loans and trade receivables originated by us. During the first four years of the new Asset Backed Facility, Alliance Laundry is permitted, from time to time, to sell its trade receivables and certain equipment loans to the special-purpose subsidiary, which in turn will sell them to the trust. The trust finances the acquisition of the trade receivables and equipment loans through borrowings under the Asset Backed Facility in the form of funding notes, which are limited to an advance rate of approximately 95% for equipment loans and 60-70% for trade receivables. Funding availability for trade receivables is limited to a maximum of $60.0 million, while funding for equipment loans is limited at $330.0 million less the amount of funding outstanding for trade receivables. Funding for the trade receivables and equipment loans is subject to certain eligibility criteria, including concentration and other limits, standard for transactions of this type. After four years from the closing date, which is June 27, 2009, (or earlier in the event of a rapid amortization event or an event of default), the trust will not be permitted to request new borrowings under the facility and the outstanding borrowings will amortize over a period of up to nine years. As of December 31, 2005, the balance of variable funding notes due to lenders under the Asset Backed Facility for equipment loans was $222.9 million.

 

75


Table of Contents

ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

Additional advances under the Asset Backed Facility are subject to certain continuing conditions, including but not limited to (i) covenant restrictions relating to the weighted average life, weighted average interest rate, and the amount of fixed rate equipment loans held by the trust, (ii) the absence of a rapid amortization event or event of default, as defined, (iii) our compliance, as servicer, with certain financial covenants, and (iv) no event having occurred which materially and adversely affects our operations.

The variable funding notes under the Asset Backed Facility will commence amortization and borrowings thereunder will cease prior to four years after the closing date upon the occurrence of certain “rapid amortization events” which include: (i) a borrowing base shortfall exists and remains uncured, (ii) delinquency, dilution or default ratios on pledged receivables and equipment loans exceeding certain specified ratios in any given month, (iii) the days sales outstanding on receivables exceed a specified number of days, (iv) the occurrence and continuance of an event of default or servicer default under the Asset Backed Facility, including but not limited to, as servicer, a material adverse change in our business or financial condition and our compliance with certain required financial covenants, and (v) a number of other specified events.

The risk of loss to the note purchasers under the Asset Backed Facility resulting from default or dilution on the trade receivables and equipment loans is protected by credit enhancement, provided by us in the form of cash reserves, letters of credit and overcollateralization. Further, the timely payment of interest and the ultimate payment of principal on the facility are guaranteed by Ambac Assurance Corporation. All of the residual beneficial interests in the trust and cash flows remaining from the pool of receivables and loans after payment of all obligations under the Asset Backed Facility would accrue to the benefit of Alliance Laundry. Except for the retained interests and amounts of the letters of credit outstanding from time to time as credit enhancement, we provide no support or recourse for the risk of loss relating to default on the assets transferred to the trust. In addition, we are paid a monthly servicing fee equal to one-twelfth of 1.0% of the aggregate balance of such trade receivables and equipment loans.

The estimated fair value of Alliance Laundry’s beneficial interests in the accounts receivable and notes sold to ALERT 2005A are based on the amount and timing of expected distributions to Alliance Laundry as the holder of the trust’s residual equity interests. Such distributions may be substantially deferred or eliminated, and result in an impairment of our residual interests, if repayment of the variable funding notes issued by ALERT 2005A is accelerated upon an event of default or rapid amortization event described above.

The Asset Backed Facility replaces a similar facility previously maintained with CDC Financial Products, Inc., Bear, Stearns & Co., Inc. and Altamira Funding, LLC (the “ALERT 2002A Facility”). In connection with the establishment of the Asset Backed Facility, Alliance Laundry, through its special-purpose subsidiaries, repurchased and simultaneously resold the assets held by the ALERT 2002A Facility to the Asset Backed Facility. In conjunction with the ALERT 2002A Facility, Alliance Laundry established a special-purpose bankruptcy remote subsidiary, Alliance Laundry Equipment Receivables 2002 LLC (“ALER 2002”). ALER 2002 ceased operations on June 28, 2005.

On November 28, 2000, Alliance Laundry, through a special-purpose bankruptcy remote subsidiary, Alliance Laundry Equipment Receivables LLC (“ALER”), and a trust, Alliance Laundry Equipment Receivables Trust 2000-A (“ALERT”), completed the securitization of $137.8 million of

 

76


Table of Contents

ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

notes receivable related to equipment loans (the “ALERT 2000A Facility”). On July 15, 2005, pursuant to a clean up call option, Alliance Laundry re-purchased the remaining equipment loans and related collateral from ALERT; and ALER and ALERT ceased operation and the ALERT 2000A Facility was terminated. Substantially all of the equipment loans repurchased by Alliance Laundry were resold to the Asset Backed Facility.

Sales of Notes Receivable

Gains on sales of notes receivable and other net finance program income for the period January 28, 2005 through December 31, 2005 (Successor) of approximately $8.9 million; for the period January 1, 2005 through January 27, 2005 (Predecessor) of approximately $0.4 million; for the year ended December 31, 2004 (Predecessor) of approximately $6.1 million and for the year ended December 31, 2003 (Predecessor) of approximately $6.3 million, are included in commercial laundry revenue.

At December 31, 2005, we recorded $16.9 million related to the estimated fair value of our beneficial interests in the notes sold to ALER 2005. At December 31, 2004, we recorded $19.4 million related to the estimated fair value of our beneficial interests in the notes sold to ALER 2002 and ALERT.

The estimated fair value of our beneficial interests in the notes sold to ALER 2005 are based on the amount and timing of expected distributions to us as the holder of ALER 2005’s residual equity interests. Such distributions may be substantially deferred or eliminated, and result in an impairment of our residual interests, if repayment of amounts due under the notes issued by ALERT 2005 is accelerated upon an event of default or rapid amortization event (as those events are defined in the Asset Backed Facility indenture). These events include (i) delinquency or default ratios on equipment loans exceeding certain specified levels, (ii) a termination of us, as servicer, due to non-compliance with certain financial covenants or a material adverse change in our business and (iii) a number of other specified events.

 

77


Table of Contents

ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

Portfolio Information

The table below summarizes certain information regarding our equipment loan portfolio, delinquencies, and cash flows received from and paid to our special-purpose securitization entity:

 

     December 31, 2005    December 31, 2004
     Principal
Amount
    Principal Amount of
Loans 60 Days or
More Past Due
   Principal
Amount
    Principal Amount of
Loans 60 Days or
More Past Due

Total portfolio

   $ 234,884     $ 4,839    $ 238,506     $ 5,162

Less: loans sold

     227,845       4,270      230,234       4,628
                             

Loans held

     7,039     $ 569      8,272     $ 534
                 

Allowance for loan losses

     (908 )        (1,530 )  
                     
   $ 6,131        $ 6,742    
                     

 

    

January 28,
2005 through
December 31,

2005

     

January 1,
2005 Through
January 27,

2005

   For The Years Ended December 31,
              2004    2003
     Successor       Predecessor    Predecessor    Predecessor

Proceeds from sales of loans

  $ 95,201     $ 6,660    $ 86,310    $ 94,083

Purchase of delinquent or foreclosed assets

  $ —       $ —      $ —      $ —  

Servicing fees and other net cash flows received on retained interests

  $ 9,833     $ 971    $ 14,132    $ 14,475

Our credit losses, on a total portfolio basis, as a percentage of average loans outstanding during 2005, 2004 and 2003 were 0.52%, 0.66% and 0.89% respectively. The following table presents activity in the allowance for loan losses related to loans held on-balance sheet:

 

     Balance at
Beginning
of Period
   Charges to
Expense
    Deductions    Balance at
End of Period

Period ended:

          

December 31, 2003 (Predecessor)

   $ 1,300    1,844     1,444    $ 1,700

December 31, 2004 (Predecessor)

   $ 1,700    700     870    $ 1,530

January 27, 2005 (Predecessor)

   $ 1,530    108     102    $ 1,536

December 31, 2005 (Successor)

   $ 1,536    (597 )   31    $ 908

Valuation of Retained Interests

With respect to the Asset Backed Facility, we recognize beneficial interests in notes sold to ALER 2005, which represents the estimated fair value of our retained interest in the residual cash flows, including interest earned from notes sold, and the present value of estimated proceeds from a cash reserve account. In 2004, we recognized beneficial interests in notes sold to ALER 2002 and our interest in the residual equity of ALER.

 

78


Table of Contents

ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

     December 31,
     2005    2004

Beneficial interests in notes sold to ALER 2005

   $ 16,939    $ —  

Beneficial interests in notes sold to ALER 2002

     —        15,866

Other beneficial interests in notes sold - ALER

     —        3,513
             
   $ 16,939    $ 19,379
             

Key economic assumptions used in valuing retained interests at December 31, 2005 and 2004 were as follows:

 

     2005     2004  

Average prepayment speed (per annum)

   25.0 %   25.0 %

Expected credit losses (per annum)

   1.0 %   1.0 %

Residual cash flows discounted at

   12.5 %   12.5 %

The weighted-average remaining expected life of notes receivable sold by us was approximately 21 months at December 31, 2005.

At December 31, 2005 and 2004, key economic assumptions and the sensitivity of the current fair value estimates of such retained interests to immediate 10 percent and 20 percent adverse changes in those assumptions are as follows:

 

     December 31,  
     2005     2004  

Prepayment speed assumption:

    

Impact on FV 10% adverse change

   $ (204 )   $ (70 )

Impact on FV 20% adverse change

   $ (402 )   $ (139 )

Expected credit losses:

    

Impact on FV 10% adverse change

   $ (243 )   $ (233 )

Impact on FV 20% adverse change

   $ (485 )   $ (465 )

Residual cash flow discount rate:

    

Impact on FV 10% adverse change

   $ (282 )   $ (327 )

Impact on FV 20% adverse change

   $   (555 )   $   (644 )

These sensitivities are hypothetical and the effect of a variation in a particular assumption on the estimated fair value of retained interests is calculated without changing any other assumptions; in reality, changes in one factor may result in changes in another, which may magnify or counteract the sensitivities.

Note 6 - Sales of Accounts Receivable:

As described in Note 5, we, through our bankruptcy remote subsidiary ALER 2005, entered into the Asset Backed Facility to finance the sale of all of our trade receivables and certain eligible notes receivable related to equipment loans. With respect to the variable funding notes (the “Notes”) secured by trade receivables, the Asset Backed Facility lenders will make loans which approximate 60% to 70%

 

79


Table of Contents

ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

of the outstanding amount of trade receivables sold. Funding for the trade receivables is subject to certain eligibility criteria, including concentration and other limits, standard for transactions of this type. As servicer, we retain collection and administrative responsibilities for the accounts receivable sold. The total amount of uncollected balances on trade accounts receivable sold at December 31, 2005 was $58.5 million and the variable funding notes due to lenders under the Asset Backed Facility for trade receivables was $36.8 million.

Losses on sales of trade accounts receivable and related expenses of $2.1 million, $1.8 million and $1.5 million in 2005, 2004 and 2003 respectively, are included in selling, general and administrative expense. Our retained interest in trade accounts receivable sold to ALER 2005 at December 31, 2005 was $22.6 million and our retained interest in trade accounts receivable sold to ALER 2002 at December 31, 2004 was $19.5 million.

Note 7 – Goodwill and Other Intangibles

The Acquisition price including transaction costs was approximately $466.3 million. The sources and uses of funds in connection with the Acquisition are summarized below (in thousands):

 

Sources:

  

Proceeds from Senior Term Loan

   $ 200,000

Proceeds from 8 1/2% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013

     149,250

Proceeds from equity investors

     108,396

Reinvestment of equity

     8,604
      

Total sources

   $ 466,250
      

Uses:

  

Stated purchase price

   $ 450,000

Working capital adjustment

     791

Fees and expenses

     15,459
      

Total uses

   $ 466,250
      

 

80


Table of Contents

ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

The Company has allocated the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their respective fair values as determined by an independent third-party valuation firm as of the date of the acquisition. The allocation of the purchase price to the fair value of net assets acquired was finalized during the second quarter of 2005 and is summarized below (in thousands):

 

     Gross    EITF 88-16
Adjustment
    Adjusted
Balance
January 27,
2005

Acquired tangible net assets

   $ 152,991    $ (4,153 )   $ 148,838

Acquired intangible assets - trademarks and tradenames

     122,800      (8,697 )     114,103

Acquired intangible assets - customer agreements and distributor network

     30,400      (2,153 )     28,247

Acquired intangible assets - engineering and manufacturing designs and processes

     8,460      (599 )     7,861

Acquired intangible assets - patents

     70      —         70

Acquired intangible assets - computer software and other

     963      (58 )     905

Goodwill

     150,566      (10,663 )     139,903
                     

Total allocation of purchase price

   $ 466,250    $ (26,323 )   $ 439,927
                     

In accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 88-16, “Basis in Leveraged Buyout Transactions,” management’s continuing residual interest has been reflected at its original cost, adjusted for its share of the Company’s earnings, losses and equity adjustments since the date of original acquisition (“predecessor basis”). In accordance with EITF Issue No. 90-12, “Allocating Basis to Individual Assets and Liabilities within the Scope of Issue 88-16,” only a partial step-up of assets and liabilities to fair value has been recorded in purchase accounting. The partial step-up has resulted in the Company’s assets and liabilities being adjusted by approximately 92.92% of the difference between their fair value at the date of acquisition and their historical carrying cost.

The following condensed pro forma unaudited disclosure for net revenues, operating income (loss), and net (loss) income are based on the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere herein, adjusted to give effect to (i) the Acquisition; and (ii) the Financing Transactions (collectively the “Transactions”). These pro forma disclosures assume that the Transactions had occurred at the beginning of each of the periods presented and include adjustments for depreciation, amortization, interest expense and taxes. Transaction costs related to the sale of the business of $18.8 million and loss on early extinguishment of debt of $9.9 million, included in the January 1, 2005 through January 27, 2005 period, have not been eliminated in the year ended December 31, 2005 pro-forma disclosure. Additionally, the pro forma disclosures for the year ended December 31, 2004 do not reflect amortization for the inventory step-up to fair market value of $6.2 million.

      Years Ended December 31,
     2005     2004

Net revenues

   $ 317,328     $ 280,987

Operating income (loss)

   $ 4,711     $ 33,861

Net (loss) income

   $ (18,299 )   $ 3,086

The pro forma results have been prepared for comparative purposes only and do not purport to be indicative of the results that would have actually been attained if the Transactions had occurred on the date indicated or of the results that may be obtained in the future.

 

81


Table of Contents

ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

Identifiable intangible assets, which are subject to amortization, consist primarily of customer agreements and distributor networks which are amortized over the assets’ estimated useful lives ranging from five to twelve years; engineering drawings, product designs and manufacturing processes, which are amortized over their estimated useful lives ranging from four to fifteen years; and computer software and patents which are amortized over their estimated useful lives ranging from four to fifteen years. Intangible assets also include trademarks and tradenames, which have an indefinite life. Such assets are not amortized, but will be subject to an annual impairment test pursuant to SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” Amortization expense associated with identifiable intangible assets was as follows (in thousands):

 

    January 28,
2005 through
December 31,
2005
       January 1,
2005 through
January 27,
2005
   Twelve Months
Ended
December 31,
2004
   Twelve Months
Ended
December 31,
2003
    Successor       Predecessor    Predecessor    Predecessor

Amortization expense

  $ 4,150        $ 14    $ 197    $ 251
                              

The following is a summary of identifiable intangible assets as of December 31, 2005 (in thousands):

 

     December 31, 2005
     Gross
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
   Net
Amount

Identifiable intangible assets:

        

Trademarks and tradenames

   $ 112,336    $ —      $ 112,336

Customer agreements and distributor network

     28,247      3,330      24,917

Engineering and manufacturing designs and processes

     7,861      592      7,269

Patents

     233      3      230

Computer software and other

     656      225      431
                    
   $ 149,333    $ 4,150    $ 145,183
                    

The following is a summary of identifiable intangible assets as of December 31, 2004 (in thousands):

 

     December 31, 2004
     Gross
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
   Net
Amount

Identifiable intangible assets:

        

Patents

   $ 178    $ 18    $ 160

Computer software and other

     2,531      2,519      12
                    
   $ 2,709    $ 2,537    $ 172
                    

Estimated amortization expense for existing identifiable intangible assets is expected to be approximately $4.5 million, $4.5 million, $4.5 million, $4.2 million and $3.8 million for each of the years in the five-year period ending December 31, 2010, respectively. Estimated amortization expense can be affected by various factors including future acquisitions or divestitures of product and/or licensing and distribution rights.

 

82


Table of Contents

ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

In connection with the Transactions, the Company recorded approximately $150.6 million of Successor goodwill. In accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 88-16, “Basis in Leveraged Buyout Transactions,” the goodwill attributable to the Predecessor basis of $10.7 million has been recorded as a reduction of equity. Pursuant to SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” the Successor goodwill will not be amortized but will be subject to an annual impairment test.

As of December 31, 2005, pursuant to SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” we performed an impairment test of our goodwill, trademarks and tradenames, which have an indefinite life. Based on this impairment test we have recorded no adjustment to the carrying value of goodwill and we have recorded a reduction in the value of the Ajax trademark of $1.7 million which is reflected in securitization and other costs.

Note 8 - Inventories:

Inventories consisted of the following at:

 

    December 31,
2005
         December 31,
2004
 
    Successor          Predecessor  

Materials and purchased parts

  $ 10,259          $ 9,899  

Work in process

    4,448            3,713  

Finished goods

    15,859            14,468  

Less: inventory reserves

    (1,516 )          (1,319 )
                    
  $ 29,050          $ 26,761  
                    

The Company recorded inventories at fair market value as a result of the Acquisition. This resulted in a net write-up of $6.2 million. This amount was expensed in cost of sales in 2005 as this inventory was sold.

Note 9 - Property, Plant and Equipment:

Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following at:

 

    December 31,
2005
         December 31,
2004
 
    Successor          Predecessor  

Land

  $ 1,008          $ 903  

Buildings and leasehold improvements

    29,671            30,110  

Machinery and equipment

    47,723            148,403  
                    
    78,402            179,416  

Less: accumulated depreciation

    (13,943 )          (150,893 )
                    
    64,459            28,523  

Construction in progress

    2,410            1,958  
                    
  $ 66,869          $ 30,481  
                    

 

83


Table of Contents

ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

Depreciation expense was $14.0 and $0.5 million for the periods from January 28, 2005 through December 31, 2005 and January 1, 2005 through January 27, 2005, respectively, and $7.6 million and $8.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 respectively.

Note 10 – Other Current Liabilities:

The major components of other current liabilities consisted of the following at:

 

    December 31,
2005
       December 31,
2004
    Successor        Predecessor

Warranty reserve

  $ 4,109        $ 4,309

Accrued sales incentives

    4,021          3,842

Salaries, wages and other employee benefits

    9,701          6,064

Accrued interest

    6,903          2,954

Executive unit compensation

    —            5,579

Other current liabilities

    1,766          1,970
                
  $ 26,500        $ 24,718
                

Note 11 – Debt:

In connection with the acquisition of the Company by ALH on January 27, 2005 (See Note 2), all borrowings under the 2002 Senior Credit Facility, junior subordinated notes and other long-term debt were repaid. The Company initiated a tender offer and consent solicitation on January 4, 2005 for the $110 million of 1998 Senior Subordinated Notes. By March 7, 2005 the entire $110 million was tendered or redeemed.

Debt consisted of the following at:

 

    December 31,
2005
       December 31,
2004
 
    Successor        Predecessor  

Term loan facility

  $ 177,000        $ 130,000  

Senior subordinated notes

    149,336          110,000  

Junior subordinated note

    —            28,776  

Revolving credit facility

    —            —    

Other long-term debt

    —            783  
                  

Gross long-term debt

    326,336          269,559  

Less: current portion

    —            (12,036 )
                  
  $ 326,336        $ 257,523  
                  

 

84


Table of Contents

ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

Senior Credit Facility

Concurrent with the closing of the Acquisition, we entered into a Senior Credit Facility, consisting of a six-year $50.0 million revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) and a seven-year $200.0 million term loan facility (the “Term Loan Facility”). Alliance Laundry is the borrower under this facility and Alliance Holdings and Alliance Laundry Corporation are the guarantors under this facility. After considering the scheduled payments of $1.5 million and $21.5 million of voluntary prepayments made through December 31, 2005, the Term Loan Facility requires quarterly principal payments of approximately $0.5 million through December 31, 2011. The final principal payment of $168.0 million is due on January 27, 2012. We are required to make prepayments with the proceeds from the issuance of certain equity, the incurrence of certain indebtedness, the disposition of certain assets and from excess cash flow, as defined in the Senior Credit Facility.

The Revolving Credit Facility is available, subject to certain conditions, for general corporate purposes in the ordinary course of business and for other transactions permitted under the Senior Credit Facility. A portion of the Revolving Credit Facility not in excess of $35.0 million is available for the issuance of letters of credit. Letters of credit issued on our behalf under the Revolving Credit Facility totaled $30.2 million at December 31, 2005.

Borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility bear interest, at our option, at a rate equal to an applicable margin plus (a) the base rate, which is the higher of (1) the prime lending rate as set forth on the British Banking Association Telerate and (2) the federal funds effective rate from time to time plus 0.5% or (b) the Eurodollar rate, which will be the rate at which Eurodollar deposits for one, two, three or six months are offered in the interbank Eurodollar market. The applicable margin for the Revolving Credit Facility is expected to be, initially, 1.50% with respect to base rate loans and 2.50% with respect to Eurodollar loans, subject to step-downs if we meet certain leverage ratios. The applicable margin for the Term Loan Facility is 1.25% with respect to base rate loans and 2.25% with respect to Eurodollar loans, subject to step-downs if we meet certain leverage ratios. The interest rate on these borrowings as of December 31, 2005 was 6.59%.

In addition, we are obligated to pay a quarterly commitment fee currently equal to 1/2 of 1% per annum on the average daily unused portion of the $50.0 million revolving loan commitment. We are also obligated to pay a commission on all outstanding letters of credit in the amount of the applicable margin, then in effect with respect to Eurodollar loans under the Revolving Credit Facility, which currently is 2.50%, as well as a 0.25% fronting fee on the aggregate amount of all outstanding letters of credit.

Additional borrowings and the issuance of additional letters of credit under the Senior Credit Facility are subject to certain continuing representations and warranties, including the absence of any development or event which has had or could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition.

2005 Senior Subordinated Notes

As part of the Financing Transactions, we offered and sold $150.0 million of 2005 Senior Subordinated Notes and received proceeds of approximately $149.3 million. The maturity date of the 2005 Senior Subordinated Notes is January 15, 2013. The 2005 Senior Subordinated Notes are general

 

85


Table of Contents

ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

unsecured obligations and are subordinated in right of payment to all current and future senior indebtedness, including permitted borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility. The indenture governing the 2005 Senior Subordinated Notes, among other things, restricts our ability and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to make investments, incur or guarantee additional indebtedness, pay dividends, create liens, sell assets, merge or consolidate with other entities, enter into transactions with affiliates and engage in certain business activities. In addition, under the Senior Credit Facility, the Company is 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.

Interest on the 2005 Senior Subordinated Notes accrues at the rate of 8 1/2% per annum and is payable semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15. Such payments commenced on July 15, 2005. The fair value of the 2005 Senior Subordinated Notes at December 31, 2005 was approximately $141.0 million, based upon prices prevailing in recent market transactions.

The 2005 Senior Subordinated Notes are subject to redemption on or after January 15, 2009, 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 January 15 of the years indicated below:

 

Year

   Redemption
Price
 

2009

   104.250 %

2010

   102.125 %

2011 and thereafter

   100.000 %

If we experience certain kinds of changes in control, we must offer to repurchase the then outstanding notes at the redemption price set forth in the indenture governing the 2005 Senior Subordinated Notes. At any time prior to January 15, 2009, we may redeem up to 35% of the notes with the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings at the redemption price set forth in the indenture governing the 2005 Senior Subordinated Notes.

Debt Maturities and Liquidity Considerations

The aggregate scheduled maturities of long-term debt in subsequent years, after giving effect to $21.5 million of voluntary prepayments made prior to December 31, 2005, are as follows (in thousands):

 

2006

   $ —  

2007

     1,802

2008

     1,802

2009

     1,802

2010

     1,802

Thereafter

     319,792
      
   $ 327,000
      

 

86


Table of Contents

ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

The Senior Credit Facility and the indenture governing the 2005 Senior Subordinated Notes contain a number of covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability to dispose of assets, repay other indebtedness (including, in the case of the Senior Credit Facility, the 2005 Senior Subordinated Notes), incur liens, make capital expenditures and make certain investments or acquisitions, engage in mergers or consolidation and otherwise restrict our operating activities. In addition, under the Senior Credit Facility, the Company is required to satisfy specified financial ratios and tests, including a maximum of total debt to Adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the credit agreement governing the Senior Credit Facility) and a minimum interest coverage ratio.

The maximum ratio of consolidated debt to Adjusted EBITDA under the Senior Credit Facility is scheduled to be reduced from 6.50 at December 31, 2005 to 5.75 at December 31, 2006. At December 31, 2005, based upon the maximum ratio of consolidated debt to Adjusted EBITDA allowable under the Senior Credit Facility of 6.50, we could have borrowed an additional $19.8 million of the available and unutilized Revolving Credit Facility to finance our operations. We believe that future cash flows from operations, together with available borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility, will be adequate to meet our anticipated requirements for capital expenditures, working capital, interest payments, scheduled principal payments and other debt repayments that may be required as a result of the scheduled ratio of consolidated debt to Adjusted EBITDA discussed above.

Note 12 – Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Units and Member(s) Equity (Deficit):

Prior to the Acquisition, we had outstanding mandatorily redeemable preferred interests (the “preferred interests”) with a liquidation value of $6.0 million. The holders of the preferred interests were entitled to receive distributions from us in an amount equal to their unreturned capital (as defined in the Alliance Laundry Holdings Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement) prior to distributions in respect of any other membership interests of the Company. These units were redeemed on January 27, 2005.

Member(s) equity (deficit) at December 31, 2005 (Successor) and December 31, 2004 (Predecessor) consists of the following:

 

    December 31,
2005
         December 31,
2004
 
    Successor          Predecessor  

Common member(s) contributed capital

  $ 95,244          $ 50,645  

Accumulated loss

    (661 )          (181,872 )

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

    (750 )          (2,490 )

Management investor promissory notes

    —              (1,380 )
                    
  $ 93,833          $ (135,097 )
                    

As discussed in Note 1, the May 5, 1998 merger (Predecessor) was accounted for as a recapitalization and accordingly, the historical accounting basis of assets and liabilities was unchanged. As such, the consideration paid for the Company, including the premium paid over the Company’s May 5, 1998 net book value, was recorded as a reduction of member(s) equity.

 

87


Table of Contents

ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

Note 13 - Commitments and Contingencies:

The Company rents under operating leases a variety of assets used in its operations including manufacturing facilities, office equipment, automobiles and trucks. At December 31, 2005, we had commitments under long-term operating leases requiring approximate annual rentals in subsequent years as follows:

 

2006

   $ 573

2007

     416

2008

     333

2009

     280

2010

     251

Thereafter

     567
      
   $ 2,420
      

Rental expense amounted to $1.4 million and $0.1 million for the periods from January 28, 2005 through December 31, 2005 and January 1, 2005 through January 27, 2005, respectively, and $1.3 million and $1.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively.

Our 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, 2015.

Our 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 transportation, storage and disposal of wastes, including solid and hazardous wastes. We are also subject to potential liability for non-compliance with other environmental laws and for the investigation and remediation of environmental contamination (including contamination caused by other parties) at the properties we own or operate (or formerly owned or operated) and at other properties where the Company or predecessors have carried on business or have arranged for the disposal of hazardous substances. As a result, we are involved, from time to time, in administrative and judicial proceedings and inquiries relating to environmental matters. There can be no assurance that we will not be involved in such proceedings in the future and that the aggregate amount of future clean-up costs and other environmental liabilities (including potential fines and civil damages) will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We believe that our facilities and operations are in material compliance with all environmental, health and safety laws. In our opinion, any liability related to matters presently pending will not have a material effect on our financial position, liquidity or results of operations after considering provisions already recorded.

In September 1999, Juan Carlos Lopez pursued an arbitration against Alliance Laundry Sociedad Anonima, or ALSA, a foreign subsidiary of Alliance Laundry Systems LLC. In July 2003, we entered into a Settlement, Release, Discharge and Indemnification Agreement with Mr. Lopez. Pursuant to this agreement, we paid Mr. Lopez $736,440 on August 6, 2003 and agreed to deliver commercial laundry equipment, up to a cost to us of $60,000 to Mr. Lopez. In consideration for such payment and delivery

 

88


Table of Contents

ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

of equipment, Mr. Lopez released and permanently discharged and waived any claims or rights of any nature whatsoever against us. In addition, Mr. Lopez and his counsels signed the dismissal of the lawsuit referred to above. A provision for this settlement was recorded in the second quarter of our 2003 consolidated financial statements.

In April 2002 we were named as a defendant in a lawsuit filed by Imonex Services, Inc. (“Imonex”) for patent infringement, arising from a coin selector, the “W2000,” which was a component supplied by our vendor, W. H. Münzprüfer Dietmar Trenner GmbH (“Münzprüfer”), and which was used in certain of our products. Münzprüfer indemnified us and agreed to pay, and has paid for, our representation in this matter. A final judgment, including attorney fees and interest, totaling $1,289,469 was awarded to Imonex and was satisfied in September 2005.

Pursuant to an agreement with Münzprüfer relating to its indemnification obligations to us in connection with this matter, $796,564 of the $1,289,469 final award was paid by Münzprüfer on behalf of the Company, with the remaining award of $492,905 paid directly by the Company. Münzprüfer has further agreed that $464,000 of the amount paid by the Company will be repaid by Münzprüfer to the Company over a five (5) year period.

In accordance with GAAP, as a judgment had been rendered by the court, in the fourth quarter of 2003, we recorded an appropriate payable to Imonex related to our estimated liability and a corresponding receivable balance from Münzprüfer within our consolidated financial statements. During 2005, the receivable from Münzprüfer was adjusted to $464,000 and the estimated amount payable to Imonex was eliminated. Additionally, in 2005, we applied a $69,407 discount to the receivable balance, with a corresponding charge to interest expense.

Note 14 – Guarantees:

The Company, through its special-purpose bankruptcy remote subsidiary entered into a $330.0 million Asset Backed Facility as described in Notes 5 and 6 above. Pursuant to the terms of the Asset Backed Facility, we provide credit enhancement to the note purchasers including an irrevocable letter of credit, which is an unconditional lending commitment of the lenders under the Senior Credit Facility, subject to certain limits. We are obligated under the reimbursement provisions of the Senior Credit Facility to reimburse the lenders for any drawings on the credit enhancement by the facility indenture trustee. If the credit enhancement is not replenished by us after a drawing, the trust will not be permitted to request new borrowings under the Asset Backed Facility and the Asset Backed Facility will begin to amortize. The amount of the irrevocable letter of credit related to the Asset Backed Facility at December 31, 2005 was $28.5 million.

We offer warranties to our customers depending upon the specific product and the product use. Standard product warranties vary from one to three years for most parts with certain components extending to five years. Certain customers have elected to buy without warranty coverage. The standard warranty program requires that we replace defective components within a specified time period from the date of installation. We also sell separately priced extended warranties associated with our products. We recognize extended warranty revenues over the period covered by the warranty in accordance with FTB 90-1, “Accounting for Separately Priced Extended Warranty and Product Maintenance Contracts.”

 

89


Table of Contents

ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

We record an estimate for future warranty related costs based on actual historical incident rates and costs per incident trends. Based on analysis of these and other factors, the carrying amount of our warranty liability is adjusted as necessary. While our warranty costs have historically been within our calculated estimates, it is possible that future warranty costs could exceed those estimates.

The changes in the carrying amount of our total product warranty liability for the periods ended December 31, 2005 and the period ended January 27, 2005 and the years ended December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003 were as follows:

 

    

January 28,
2005 through
December 31,

2005

         

January 1,
2005 through
January 27,

2005

    Years Ended December 31,  
               2004     2003  
     Successor           Predecessor     Predecessor     Predecessor  

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 4,309           $ 4,309     $ 4,759     $ 4,890  

Accruals for current and pre-existing warranties issued during the period

     2,140             140       2,072       2,250  

Settlements made during the period

     (2,340 )           (140 )     (2,522 )     (2,381 )
                                      

Balance at end of period

   $ 4,109           $ 4,309     $ 4,309     $ 4,759  
                                      

Note 15 – Income Taxes

As of January 27, 2005, Alliance Holdings is a single member LLC owned by ALH, which is a corporation for U.S. tax purposes. Accordingly, the consolidated financial statements are being presented as if Alliance Holdings was taxed as a corporation. As of January 28, 2005, we use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes whereby deferred income taxes are recorded for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are revalued to reflect new tax rates during the periods in which rate changes are enacted.

The provision for income taxes consists of the following (in thousands):

 

     January 28,
2005 through
December 31,
2005
 
     Successor  

Deferred:

  

Federal

     (455 )

State

     (703 )
        

Total deferred

     (1,158 )
        

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

   $ (1,158 )
        

 

90


Table of Contents

ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

We did not provide for U.S. Federal income taxes or tax benefits for the Predecessor Company as it was a partnership for tax reporting purposes and the payment of federal and most state taxes were the responsibility of the partners.

Below is a reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate and the effective income tax rate (in thousands):

 

     January 28, 2005 through
December 31, 2005
 
     Amount     %  
     Successor  

Statutory federal tax rate

   $ (618 )   34.0 %

State taxes, net of federal benefit

     (428 )   23.6 %

Goodwill

     (162 )   8.9 %

Other, net

     50     -2.8 %
              

Effective income tax rate

   $ (1,158 )   63.7 %
              

Temporary differences which give rise to the deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2005 and January 28, 2005 are as follows (in thousands):

 

     December 31,
2005
    January 28,
2005
 
     Successor     Successor  

Deferred income tax liability:

    

Unrealized gain on equipment notes sold

   $ (2,441 )   $ (1,727 )

Goodwill

     (3,249 )     —    

Other

     (478 )     —    
                

Deferred income tax liabilities

     (6,168 )     (1,727 )

Deferred income tax assets:

    

Inventory

     864       181  

Fixed assets

     3,481       1,346  

Intangibles

     2,843       4,372  

Deferred financing costs

     2,947       3,422  

Warranty reserves

     797       —    

Net operating loss and credit carry forwards

     1,692       —    

Other assets

     1,534       —    

Pensions and employee benefits

     500       —    

Other

     875       58  
                

Deferred income tax assets

     15,533       9,379  
                

Net deferred income tax assets

   $ 9,365     $ 7,652  
                

 

91


Table of Contents

ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

Management believes, based on the operating earnings in prior years, expected reversal of taxable temporary differences, and reliance on future earnings, that it is more likely than not that the remaining deferred tax assets are fully realizable. At December 31, 2005, the Company’s federal net operating loss carryforward was approximately $2.6 million. The Company also has state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $1.9 million and state tax credit carryforwards of approximately $0.6 million. The federal net operating loss carryforward will expire in 20 years. The state net operating loss carryforwards will expire in 5-20 years and the state tax credit carryforwards will expire in 15 years.

Note 16 - Pensions and Other Employee Benefits:

Substantially all of our employees are covered by a defined benefit pension plan. Effective December 31, 2002, the Alliance Laundry Systems Retirement Benefit Accumulation Plan, a pension plan covering salaried and management employees, was merged into the Alliance Laundry Systems Plan for Hourly Employees. The pension plan as combined was amended and renamed the Alliance Laundry Systems Pension Plan. A final determination of the merged plan’s qualified status remains pending with the Internal Revenue Service. The pension benefit for salaried and management employees is a cash balance plan whereby an account is established for each participant in which pay credits are based on salary and service, and interest credits are earned annually. Pay credits are calculated as a pre-determined percentage of the participant’s salary adjusted for age and years of service. Interest credits are earned at the rate of a one-year U.S. Treasury Bill, as of the last day of the prior plan year, plus 1%. The pension benefit for hourly and union employees generally provides benefits of stated amounts for each year of service. Our funding policy for the salaried and management employees is to contribute annually at a rate that is intended to remain at a level percentage of compensation for the covered employees. Our funding policy for the hourly and union employees 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.

Total pension expense for our pension plan was $0.8 million and $0.1 million for the periods from January 28, 2005 through December 31, 2005 and January 1, 2005 through January 27, 2005, respectively, and $1.1 million, and $1.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively, including the following components:

 

    

January 28,
2005 through
December 31,

2005

        

January 1,
2005 through
January 27,

2005

    Years Ended December 31,  
              2004     2003  
     Successor          Predecessor     Predecessor     Predecessor  

Service cost benefits earned during the period

   $ 1,608          $ 151     $ 1,624     $ 1,444  

Interest cost on projected benefit obligation

     2,519            228       2,684       2,569  

Expected return on plan assets

     (3,334 )          (310 )     (3,306 )     (2,822 )

Net amortization and deferral

     —              10       141       587  
                                     

Net pension benefit cost

   $ 793          $ 79     $ 1,143     $ 1,778  
                                     

 

92


Table of Contents

ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

Assumptions used in determining net pension benefit cost were as follows:

 

    

January 28,
2005 through
December 31,

2005

         

January 1,
2005 through
January 27,

2005

    Years Ended December 31,  
               2004     2003  
     Successor           Predecessor     Predecessor     Predecessor  

Discount rate

   5.75 %         5.75 %   6.25 %   6.50 %

Expected long-term rate of return on assets

   8.75 %         8.75 %   8.75 %   9.00 %

Rate of increase in salaried compensation levels

   4.00 %         4.00 %   4.00 %   4.00 %

In determining the net pension benefit cost for 2005, we used an 8.75% long-term rate of return on assets assumption. To develop the expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption, we considered historical returns and future expectations. Over the 10 and 15 year periods ending December 31, 2005, the returns on the portfolio, assuming it was invested at the mid point of our investment policy statement’s strategic asset allocation and is rebalanced annually, would have been an annual average of approximately 9.32% and 11.20%, respectively. Considering this information, costs of administering the plan and the potential for lower future returns due to a generally lower interest rate environment, we updated our long-term rate of return on assets assumptions to 8.50% for 2006 and future years. For the December 31, 2005 valuation of the benefit obligations, the Company began using the RP 2000 mortality table to better align the plans with current life expectancies.

 

93


Table of Contents

ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

The reconciliation of the changes in the plan’s benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets and the statement of the funded status of the plan at December 31 are as follows:

 

     2005           2004  
Change in benefit obligation:             

Benefit obligation at beginning of year

   $ 48,793           $ 44,155  

Service cost

     1,759             1,624  

Interest cost

     2,747             2,684  

Actuarial loss

     3,046             2,668  

Benefits paid

     (2,155 )           (2,338 )
                      

Benefit obligation at end of year

   $ 54,190           $ 48,793  
                      
Change in plan assets:             

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

   $ 43,359           $ 39,056  

Actual return on plan assets

     2,515             5,591  

Employer contributions

     1,000             1,050  

Benefits paid

     (2,155 )           (2,338 )
                      

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

   $ 44,719           $ 43,359  
                      
Reconciliation of funded status:             

Funded status

   $ (9,471 )         $ (5,434 )

Unrecognized prior service cost

     —               412  

Unrecognized actuarial net loss

     3,246             5,465  
                      

(Accrued) prepaid benefit cost

   $ (6,225 )         $ 443  
                      
Net amount recognized:             

Other long-term liabilities

   $ (7,476 )         $ (3,588 )

Intangible asset

     —               412  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, gross

     1,251             3,619  
                      
   $ (6,225 )         $ 443  
                      

 

94


Table of Contents

ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

Assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation at the end of the year were as follows:

 

     2005     2004  

Discount rate

   5.50 %   5.75 %

Rate of increase in salaried compensation levels

   4.00 %   4.00 %

Expected long-term rate of return on assets

   8.50 %   8.75 %

We use a December 31 measurement date for the plan.

The accumulated benefit obligation for the plan was $52,195 and $46,947 as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

Our pension plan weighted-average asset allocation at December 31, 2005 and 2004, by asset category was as follows:

 

Asset Category

   2005     2004  

Equity securities

   69.0 %   69.0 %

Debt securities

   30.0 %   30.0 %

Other

   1.0 %   1.0 %
            

Total

   100.0 %   100.0 %
            

A Pension Committee (the Committee), on behalf of Alliance Laundry as the plan administrator, was appointed to manage the operations and administration of the pension plan and related trust. The Committee has an investment policy statement for the pension plan that establishes target asset allocation ranges by asset type, plan objectives, securities guidelines for money managers, evaluation benchmarks and control procedures. The midpoint of the asset allocation ranges for the above listed asset classes are as follows: Equity securities 63%, Debt securities 34%, and Other (cash and cash equivalents) 3%. The Committee is committed to diversification to reduce the risk of large losses. To that end, the investment policy requires that each asset class will be diversified, multiple money managers with differing styles of management will be employed, and equity exposure will be limited to 78% of the total portfolio value. On a quarterly basis, the Committee and an external investment advisor review progress towards achieving the pension plan and individual money managers’ performance objectives.

In addition to providing pension benefits, we provide certain health care benefits for retired employees upon early retirement, up to age 65. Employees with more than 10 years of service are eligible for these benefits if they reach age 62 while working for us. 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 and their covered dependents.

 

95


Table of Contents

ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

Our net post-retirement benefit cost for the periods from January 28, 2005 through December 31, 2005 and January 1, 2005 through January 27, 2005, and the years ended December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, included the following components:

 

    

January 28,
2005 through
December 31,

2005

         

January 1,
2005 through
January 27,

2005

   Years Ended December 31,
                2004    2003
     Successor           Predecessor    Predecessor    Predecessor

Service cost benefits earned during the period

   $ 96           $ 11    $ 92    $ 63

Interest cost on projected benefit obligation

     107             11      108      90

Net amortization and deferral

     (19 )           10      103      81
                                  

Net postretirement benefit cost

   $ 184           $ 32    $ 303    $ 234
                                  

Assumptions used in determining the net post-retirement benefit cost were as follows:

 

     2005     2004  

Discount rate

   5.75 %   6.25 %

The following provides a reconciliation of benefit obligations, plan assets and the funded status of the plan at December 31:

 

     2005           2004  
Change in benefit obligation:             

Benefit obligation at beginning of year

   $ 2,298           $ 1,730  

Service cost

     107             92  

Interest cost

     118             108  

Actuarial loss

     (133 )           522  

Benefits paid

     (151 )           (154 )
                      

Benefit obligation at end of year

   $ 2,239           $ 2,298  
                      
Change in plan assets:             

Employer contributions

   $ 151           $ 154  

Benefits paid

     (151 )           (154 )
                      

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

   $ —             $ —    
                      

Funded status

   $ (2,239 )         $ (2,298 )

Unrecognized transition obligation

     —               363  

Unrecognized actuarial net loss

     (113 )           1,411  
                      

Accrued benefit cost

   $ (2,352 )         $ (524 )
                      

Assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation at the end of the year were as follows:

 

     2005     2004  

Discount rate

   5.50 %   5.75 %

Rate of increase in salaried compensation levels

   4.00 %   4.00 %

We use a December 31 measurement date for this plan.

An 11% annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits was assumed in 2005 to determine the benefit obligation at the end of the year. An 11% annual rate of

 

96


Table of Contents

ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits was assumed in 2004. The rate in 2005 was assumed to decrease gradually to 6% until 2010 and remain at that level thereafter. The rate in 2004 was assumed to decrease gradually to 6% until 2010 and remain at that level thereafter.

A one percentage point increase in the assumed health care cost trend rate would increase the accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation as of December 31, 2005 by approximately $214 and increase the total of service and interest cost by approximately $29. A one percentage point decrease in the assumed health care cost trend rate would decrease the accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation as of December 31, 2005 by approximately $183 and decrease the total service and interest cost by approximately $24.

Projected benefit payments from the plans as of December 31, 2005 are estimated as follows:

 

Year

   Pension    Retiree Medical

2006

   $ 2,763    $ 133

2007

     2,834      152

2008

     3,033      141

2009

     3,246      122

2010

     3,593      144

2011 - 2015

     19,727      695

We currently anticipate making an additional voluntary contribution in 2006 of approximately $1.0 million to the pension plan.

Our post-retirement health care plan provides for prescription drug benefits. On December 8, 2003, the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (the “Act”) was signed into law. The Act introduces a prescription drug benefit under Medicare (Medicare Part D) as well as a federal subsidy to sponsors of retiree health care benefit plans that provide a benefit that is at least actuarially equivalent to Medicare Part D. In accordance with FASB Staff Position FAS 106-2, “Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003” any measures of our accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation or net periodic post-retirement benefit cost in the financial statements and accompanying notes do not reflect the effects of the Act on the plans. Because our post-retirement health care plan does not provide prescription drug benefits beyond age 65 (general eligibility for Medicare Part D), the Medicare Act will have no effect on our accumulated post-retirement benefit obligations or net periodic post-retirement benefit cost.

Eligible employees are able to participate in the Alliance Laundry Systems Capital Appreciation Plan (“ALCAP”), which is a qualified plan under Sections 401(a) and 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. In addition, we may make a discretionary 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 ALCAP, covered employees are allowed to contribute up to 50 percent of their pay on a pre-tax basis up to the limit established by the Internal Revenue Service. We contribute 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 ALCAP was $1.2 million, $1.1 million, and $1.0 million, for 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

97


Table of Contents

ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

Deferred Compensation Agreements

In connection with the Recapitalization and related transactions, the Company and Raytheon entered into deferred compensation agreements with certain executives, whereby we assumed certain long-term compensation obligations earned by management under programs established by Raytheon. Such agreements provided 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 consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2004 included a long-term liability of $2.0 million related to such agreements. The amounts owed under these deferred compensation agreements were paid in full upon the closing of the Acquisition.

In addition, we established the Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan. The Plan provided certain eligible employees and members with the opportunity to defer portions of their base salary, bonus payments and other payments in accordance with the provisions of the Plan. As of December 31, 2004, the amounts owed under the nonqualified deferred compensation plan totaled $1.3 million. This plan was terminated in 2005 and the amounts owed under this Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan were paid in full following the closing of the Acquisition.

Note 17 – Related Party Transactions:

Post-Closing Retention Bonuses

On January 27, 2005, in connection with the Acquisition, the Company entered into new retention bonus agreements with certain members of management. Under the retention bonus agreements, these executives are entitled to receive special retention bonus awards upon the second anniversary of the closing date of the Acquisition, subject generally to their continued employment with Alliance Laundry through such date. The aggregate amount of retention bonuses payable upon the two year anniversary of the sale date under these agreements is approximately $2.3 million. For the period ended December 31, 2005, we recognized $1.1 million of expense related to these agreements.

ALH Stock Option Plan

On January 27, 2005, in connection with the Acquisition, ALH established a stock option plan, primarily for the benefit of Alliance Laundry’s executive officers. As of the closing date of the Acquisition, ALH granted 130,000 stock options representing an aggregate of 10% of the fully diluted common shares of ALH among certain members of management. Sixty percent (60%) of the options granted will vest in five equal annual installments on each of the first five anniversaries of the closing date, with the potential for accelerated vesting upon a change in control of Alliance Laundry. The remaining 40% of the option pool will be “performance options” that will have the opportunity to vest in five annual installments based on Alliance Laundry’s achievement of certain specified annual or cumulative earnings targets during fiscal years 2005 through 2009. The performance options may also vest based on the realization by ALH shareholders of certain specified values upon a subsequent sale of

 

98


Table of Contents

ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

ALH. Based upon a valuation of these stock options, for the period ended December 31, 2005, we recognized $1.1 million of compensation expense. None of these options have been terminated or exercised as of December 31, 2005.

Pre-Acquisition Executive Unit Purchase Agreements

Certain members of management of the Company had entered into executive unit purchase agreements (the “Purchase Agreements”) which governed the Executives’ investment in their common membership interests of the Company prior to the Acquisition. The Purchase Agreements included vesting provisions for certain Class M, Class B and Class C Units which were issued as an incentive for the Executive’s retention and future performance. The Class M, Class B and Class C Units were purchased by the Executives at a nominal value based upon the subordinated nature of such interests.

Based upon a valuation of these and all other previously issued incentive units, for the period ended January 27, 2005, we recognized $1.1 million of compensation expense, primarily associated with the acceleration of vesting of these units as of the Acquisition date. We recognized incentive unit compensation expense of $5.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2004. There was no incentive unit compensation expense recognized in 2003.

Stockholders Agreement

Upon the consummation of the Acquisition and related transactions, ALH, OTPP and certain management stockholders entered into a stockholders agreement (the “Stockholders Agreement”). The Stockholders Agreement contains customary terms, including, among other things, terms regarding transfer restrictions, tag-along rights, drag-along rights, calls and preemptive rights. The Stockholders Agreement places certain restriction on the transfer of shares of common stock. Additionally, OTPP has “drag-along” rights to cause the management stockholders to sell their shares on a pro rata basis with OTPP to a third party in a liquidity event (as defined in the Stockholders Agreement).

Pre-Acquisition Junior Subordinated Promissory Notes

In May 1998, Alliance Holdings’ predecessor issued a junior subordinated promissory note in the principal amount of $9.0 million, plus accrued interest, due August 21, 2009, to Raytheon. All outstanding junior subordinated promissory notes were repaid in connection with the consummation of the Transactions on January 27, 2005.

Pre-Acquisition Preferred Interests

In May 1998, Alliance Holdings’ predecessor issued mandatorily redeemable preferred membership interests to Raytheon. In September 2003, these preferred membership interests were sold to affiliates of each of TCW and Sankaty. We redeemed all preferred membership interests in connection with the consummation of the Transactions on January 27, 2005.

Pre-Acquisition Management Investor Promissory Notes

We 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 as of May 5, 1998. All outstanding Promissory Notes were repaid in connection with the consummation of the Transactions on January 27, 2005.

 

99


Table of Contents

ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

Pre-Acquisition Management Services Agreement

In May 1998, we entered into a management services agreement (the “Management Services Agreement”) with Bain LLC pursuant to which Bain LLC 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 us and Bain LLC. In exchange for services, Bain LLC 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 LLC at the time of the consummation of any additional acquisition or divestiture by us and of each financing or refinancing (currently approximately 1.0% of total financings). Under this agreement, we recognized management services expense of $0.1 million for the period ended January 27, 2005, and management services expense of $1.0 million and $1.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively. Additionally, pursuant to the Management Services Agreement, transaction fees paid to Bain in the period ended January 27, 2005 related to the Acquisition totaled $4.6 million.

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 two reportable segments. Commercial laundry equipment, including sales to domestic and 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. Our other reportable segment is consumer laundry, which includes sales to domestic and Canadian distributors. Service parts is not considered a separate segment, in that the service operations are required to support both commercial laundry and consumer laundry segments, but the operations could not stand alone and the results are not reviewed as a separate operating entity. As the service operations are also not allocated to the commercial laundry equipment segment or the consumer laundry segment, we have chosen to show the service operations separately.

Our assets and liabilities, including inventory, trade receivables, property, plant and equipment, and accounts payable are not reviewed by segment by management for making operating decisions and assessing performance. Such information would not be useful due to common manufacturing lines and significant shared components across all product lines.

The Company’s primary measure of operating performance is gross profit which does not include an allocation of any selling 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 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, supplies, utilities, property taxes and insurance.

 

100


Table of Contents

ALLIANCE LAUNDRY HOLDINGS LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

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 (in millions):

 

     January 28, 2005 through
December 31, 2005
          January 1, 2005 through
January 27, 2005
    2004     2003  
    

Net

Sales

   Gross
Profit
         

Net

Sales

   Gross
Profit
   

Net

Sales

   Gross
Profit
   

Net

Sales

   Gross
Profit
 
     Successor           Predecessor     Predecessor     Predecessor  

Commercial laundry

   $ 251.0    $ 83.1           $ 17.3    $ 4.6     $ 239.2    $ 77.8     $ 230.7    $ 70.1  

Consumer laundry

     8.3      (0.3 )           0.2      —         3.6      0.2       —        —    

Service parts

     37.3      15.7             3.2      1.5       38.2      16.4       36.9      15.3  
                                                                  
   $ 296.6      98.5           $ 20.7      6.1     $ 281.0      94.4     $ 267.6      85.4  
                                            

Other manufacturing costs

        (27.6 )              (1.0 )        (12.4 )        (6.8 )
                                                  

Gross profit as reported

      $ 70.9              $ 5.1        $ 82.0        $ 78.6  
                                                  

 

101


Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING

FIRM ON FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE

To the Board of Directors and the Sole Member

of Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC:

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements referred to in our reports dated February 28, 2006 appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K also included an audit of the financial statement schedule listed in Item 15(a)(2) of this Form 10-K. In our opinion, this financial statement schedule present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements.

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company had a change in ownership as of January 27, 2005 which resulted in a new basis of accounting.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

February 28, 2006

 

102


Table of Contents

Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

(Dollars in Thousands)

Accounts Receivable Allowance for Doubtful Accounts:

 

     Balance at
Beginning
of Period
   Charges to
Expense/
(Income)
    (Additions)/
Deductions
    Balance at
End of Period

Period ended:

         

December 31, 2003 (Predecessor)

   $ 207    66     16     $ 257

December 31, 2004 (Predecessor)

   $ 257    61     195     $ 123

January 27, 2005 (Predecessor)

   $ 123    1     (7 )   $ 131

December 31, 2005 (Successor)

   $ 131    138     165     $ 104
Inventory Valuation Reserves:          
     Balance at
Beginning
of Period
   Charges to
Expense/
(Income)
    (Additions)/
Deductions
    Balance at
End of Period

Period ended:

         

December 31, 2003 (Predecessor)

   $ 2,195    685     1,294     $ 1,586

December 31, 2004 (Predecessor)

   $ 1,586    689     956     $ 1,319

January 27, 2005 (Predecessor)

   $ 1,319    223     58     $ 1,484

December 31, 2005 (Successor)

   $ 1,484    217     185     $ 1,516
Notes Receivable Reserve:          
     Balance at
Beginning
of Period
   Charges to
Expense/
(Income)
    (Additions)/
Deductions
    Balance at
End of Period

Period ended:

         

December 31, 2003 (Predecessor)

   $ 1,300    1,844     1,444     $ 1,700

December 31, 2004 (Predecessor)

   $ 1,700    700     870     $ 1,530

January 27, 2005 (Predecessor)

   $ 1,530    108     102     $ 1,536

December 31, 2005 (Successor)

   $ 1,536    (597 )   31     $ 908

 

103


Table of Contents

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a) We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer along with our Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer along with our Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of December 31, 2005 our disclosure controls and procedures (1) are effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to the Company (including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in our periodic SEC filings and (2) are adequate to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports filed or submitted by us under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed and summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

(b) There have been no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the three month period ended December 31, 2005 or in other factors that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal controls over financial reporting.

PART III.

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

The following table identifies Alliance Laundry’s executive officers and key employees, as well as the members of the board of directors of ALH. As limited liability companies, neither Alliance Laundry nor Alliance Holdings has a board of directors and neither entity has a board of managers. The ultimate function of a board of directors for both Alliance Laundry and Alliance Holdings is fulfilled by the board of directors of ALH. We therefore disclose the identity of the directors of ALH because they have the power to direct decisions made by our managing member.

 

Name

       Age       

Position

Thomas F. L’Esperance

   57    Chief Executive Officer, President and Director

Jeffrey J. Brothers

   59    Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing

Bruce P. Rounds

   49    Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

R. Scott Gaster

   53    Vice President, General Manager Ripon Operations

Robert J. Baudhuin

   44    Vice President, General Manager Marianna Operations

Scott L. Spiller

   55    Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Secretary

Robert T. Wallace

   50    Vice President, Corporate Controller

William J. Przybysz

   61    Vice President, Strategic Projects

Lee L. Sienna

   54    Director

Shael J. Dolman

   34    Director

Charles J. Philippin

   55    Director

 

104


Table of Contents

Thomas F. L’Esperance has been a member of the Board of Directors of ALH since the consummation of the Transactions on January 27, 2005. He has been our President since March 1996, and additionally our Chief Executive Officer since May 1998. From June 1991 to 1996 Mr. L’Esperance served as president for Caloric Corporation and Amana Home Appliances. Prior to that time, Mr. L’Esperance held several executive management positions with Raytheon.

Jeffrey J. Brothers has been our Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing since October 1989. He has been employed with us since 1977. Mr. Brothers has been involved in sales for us since 1983 and has held other positions such as Manager of Distribution Development, Plant Controller and Financial Analyst.

Bruce P. Rounds joined us 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, from 1996 to 1998. Before joining us, 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.

R. Scott Gaster joined us as Vice President, Procurement and Materials, in June 1995. He became the Vice President of Washer and Dryer Operations in July 1997 and Tumbler Operations in August 1998. In December of 2003 Mr. Gaster was promoted to Vice President, General Manager Ripon Operations. Mr. Gaster has also retained his former purchasing responsibilities. Prior to joining us, 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 J. Baudhuin has been our Vice President, General Manager Marianna Operations since October 2005. He has been employed with us since 1992. Mr. Baudhuin has held various management positions with us which include Vice President Product Management and Customer Support, and Ripon Plant Manager. Prior to joining us, he served in various engineering and quality assurance positions for seven years with Maysteel Corporation.

Scott L. Spiller had been our Vice President of Law & Human Resources, General Counsel and Secretary since February 1998 but he assumed the new title of Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary for Alliance Laundry in June 2004. From April 1996 to February 1998, Mr. Spiller was practicing law as a sole practitioner. Prior to that, he was our General Counsel and Secretary for ten years.

Robert T. Wallace has been our Vice President, Corporate Controller since June 1996. He held positions as Controller and Manager—Reporting and Analysis for us 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.

William J. Przybysz rejoined us in May 2000 as Vice President, General Manager Marianna, Florida operations and was named to Vice President, Strategic Projects in October of 2005. Previously he had been with us as Vice President of Logistics and Material from 1990 through 1993. From 1993 through February of 2000 he was the Vice President and General Manager of Amana Central Heating and Air Conditioning Division based in Fayetteville, Tennessee. Mr. Przybysz’s prior experience includes ten years in various management positions with Whirlpool Corporation and eight years of management experience with Wheelhorse Products (since acquired by The Toro Company).

 

105


Table of Contents

Shael J. Dolman has been a member of the Board of Directors of ALH since the consummation of the Transactions on January 27, 2005. Mr. Dolman is a Director at Teachers’ Private Capital, the private equity arm of OTPP. Mr. Dolman joined OTPP in 1997 after working in Commercial and Corporate Banking at a Canadian chartered bank. Mr. Dolman received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Western Ontario and his MBA from McGill University. He is a director of Worldspan Technologies Inc. and The Hillman Group Inc.

Lee L. Sienna has been a member of the Board of Directors of ALH since the consummation of the Transactions on January 27, 2005 and is currently the Chairman of the Board. Mr. Sienna has been Vice President of Teachers’ Private Capital since 2002. From 1998 to 2002, Mr. Sienna was Partner at Calcap Corporate Finance Limited. From 1995 to 1998, Mr. Sienna was Vice President, Corporate Development at Dairyworld Foods. Prior to 1995, Mr. Sienna held various positions in management and corporate development. He is a director of Samsonite Corporation. Mr. Sienna is also a Chartered Accountant and a graduate (HBA) of the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario and received an MBA from the Rotman School at the University of Toronto.

Charles J. Philippin has been a member of the Board of Directors of ALH since May 1, 2005, and is currently the chair of the audit committee of the Board. Mr Philippin has been a principal of Garmark Advisors since 2002. From 2000 through 2002, Mr. Philippin was CEO of Online Retail Partners. From 1994 through 2000, Mr. Philippin was a member of the management committee of Investcorp International Inc. Prior to 1994, Mr. Philippin was a partner of PriceWaterhouseCoopers and was National Director of Mergers & Acquisitions. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Samsonite Corporation, CSK Auto and Competitive Technologies. Mr. Philippin is also a Certified Public Accountant and received a Bachelor’s Degree from Columbia School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

Board of Directors Committees

Alliance Laundry is a limited liability company, and the ultimate function of our board of directors is fulfilled by the board of directors of ALH which is the single managing member of Alliance Laundry’s parent, Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC.

The audit committee of the Board of Directors is comprised of Messrs. Charles J. Philippin, Lee L. Sienna and Shael J. Dolman. Messrs. Phillipin, Sienna and Dolman qualify as “audit committee financial experts,” as defined by Securities and Exchange Commission Rules, based on their education, experience and background. Mr. Philippin serves as the committee chair and is an independent member of the Board of Directors. The audit committee will, among other things, recommend the annual appointment of auditors with whom the audit committee will review the scope of audit and non-audit assignments and related fees, accounting principles we will use in financial reporting, internal auditing procedures and the adequacy of our internal control procedures.

The compensation committee of the Board of Directors is comprised of Messrs. Lee L. Sienna and Shael J. Dolman. The compensation committee will, among other things, review and approve the compensation and benefits of our executive officers, administer our employee benefit plans, authorize and ratify stock option grants and other incentive arrangements, and authorize employment and related agreements.

 

106


Table of Contents

Board of Directors and Officers of Alliance Laundry Corporation

Upon the consummation of the Transactions, Mr. L’Esperance was appointed the sole member of the Board of Directors of ALC, and Lee L. Sienna and Shael J. Dolman were appointed the President and Secretary of ALC, respectively. On February 28, 2005, Bruce P. Rounds and Scott S. Spiller were appointed Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary of ALC, respectively.

Code of Ethics

On February 28, 2005, ALH, ALC and the manager and sole member of each of Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC and of Alliance Laundry Systems LLC adopted a code of ethics (“Code”) that applies to our Board of Directors of ALH and the officers of ALH and its subsidiaries, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting manager and controller of ALH and all of its subsidiaries. This Code supersedes the code of ethics adopted by the Board of Managers of Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC on March 4, 2004. We filed the Code as Exhibit 14.1 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2004 and it is available to any person upon request by calling 920-748-3121.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The following table sets forth information concerning the annual and long-term compensation for services in all capacities to us for 2005 and 2004 of those persons who served as (i) the chief executive officer during 2005 and (ii) the other four most highly compensated executive officers of our Company for 2005 (collectively, the “Named Executive Officers”):

 

107


Table of Contents

Summary Compensation Table

 

          Annual Compensation  

Name and Principal Position

   Year    Salary($)    Bonus($)    Other Annual
Compensation($)
    All Other
Compensation($)
 

Thomas F. L’Esperance

   2005    348,144    408,223    67,390 (1)   2,815,825 (2)

Chief Executive Officer

   2004    334,560    408,223    20,422 (1)   6,500  
   2003    318,360    481,706    19,560 (1)   6,000  

Jeffrey J. Brothers

   2005    175,080    76,349    16,107 (1)   627,652 (2)

Senior VP, Sales and Marketing

   2004    169,164    76,348    13,625 (1)   2,537  
   2003    159,466    85,625    12,582 (1)   4,389  

Bruce P. Rounds

   2005    173,028    75,878    16,950 (1)   654,756 (2)

VP, Chief Financial Officer

   2004    166,368    75,878    9,582 (1)   4,991  
   2003    158,304    83,432    8,082 (1)   4,749  

R. Scott Gaster

   2005    179,232    76,823    17,432 (1)   589,777 (2)

VP, Washer, Dryer and

   2004    173,172    76,823    10,040 (1)   5,195  

Tumbler Operations

   2003    166,309    87,842    8,405 (1)   4,989  

William J. Przybysz

   2005    180,960    78,614    —       345,866 (2)

VP, Strategic Projects

   2004    174,840    78,614    —       5,245  
   2003    167,904    96,199    —       5,037  

(1) Represents gross-up amounts paid for non-deductible fringe benefits provided by the Company.
(2) Includes change of control bonuses paid on January 27, 2005.

Employment Agreement

In connection with the consummation of the Acquisition, the Company amended and restated its employment agreement with Thomas F. L’Esperance. Mr. L’Esperance’s employment agreement with us automatically renews for one-year periods beginning on May 4, 2005 of each year unless the Company or Mr. L’Esperance provides written notice not to renew the agreement. Such agreement provides for: (i) a minimum base salary and participation in an annual bonus program so long as we employ Mr. L’Esperance; (ii) severance benefits; (iii) non-competition, non-solicitation and confidentiality agreements; and (iv) other terms and conditions of Mr. L’Esperance’s employment.

Severance Protection Agreements

In connection with the Acquisition, the Company entered into new executive severance protection agreements with each of Messrs. Brothers, Rounds, Gaster, Przybysz, Wallace, and Spiller. Under the new agreements, the executives are entitled to 12 months salary and benefits continuation, plus a pro-rata bonus for the year of termination, in the event of an involuntary termination without cause by the Company. In consideration of the enhanced severance benefits, the executives agreed to be bound by certain post-termination of employment restrictive covenants.

Change of Control Bonus Arrangements

The Company entered into agreements with each of Messrs. L’Esperance, Brothers, Rounds, Gaster, Przybysz, Wallace, and Spiller providing for the payment of special bonuses to the executives

 

108


Table of Contents

upon the closing of the Acquisition, subject generally to their continued employment with the Company through such date. The aggregate amount of change of control bonuses paid under these agreements on January 27, 2005 was $6.2 million.

Retention Bonuses

In connection with the Acquisition, the Company entered into new retention bonus agreements with each of Messrs. L’Esperance, Brothers, Rounds, Gaster, Przybysz, Wallace, and Spiller. Under the retention bonus agreements, the executives are entitled to receive special retention bonus awards upon the second anniversary of the closing date of the Acquisition, subject generally to their continued employment with Alliance Laundry through such date. The aggregate amount of retention bonuses payable upon the two year anniversary of the sale date under these agreements is approximately $2.3 million.

Investment in ALH

In connection with the Acquisition, each of Messrs. L’Esperance, Brothers, Rounds, Gaster, Baudhuin, Przybysz, Wallace, and Spiller acquired newly issued shares of common stock of ALH. The aggregate amount of ALH common shares acquired by these executive officers on the closing date of the Acquisition was approximately $7.6 million. In addition, in connection with the Acquisition, our other management employees acquired (directly or indirectly) approximately $2.0 million of newly issued shares of ALH common stock pursuant to a management share offering in exchange for equity interests in Alliance Holdings and cash.

ALH Stock Option Plan

ALH established a new stock option plan, primarily for the benefit of the Company’s executive officers. As of the closing date of the Acquisition, ALH granted stock options representing 10% of the fully diluted common shares of ALH among Messrs. L’Esperance, Brothers, Przybysz, Rounds, Gaster, Wallace, and Spiller. The exercise price for the options is equal to the closing date value of the common shares. Sixty percent (60%) of the options granted will vest in five equal annual installments on each of the first five anniversaries of the closing date, with the potential for accelerated vesting upon a change in control of the Company. The remaining 40% of the option pool will be “performance options” that will have the opportunity to vest in five annual installments based on the Company’s achievement of certain specified annual or cumulative earnings targets during fiscal years 2006 through 2009. The performance options may also vest based on the realization by ALH shareholders of certain specified values upon a subsequent sale of ALH.

Executive Unit Purchase Agreement

In 1998, each of our then executive officers entered into executive unit purchase agreements. Such agreements governed the sale to the executive officers of common membership interests of Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC in exchange for cash and/or a promissory note from the executive and provided for repurchase rights and restrictions on transfer of the common units. We terminated these agreements upon the closing of the Acquisition in connection with ALH’s purchase of all outstanding units.

 

109


Table of Contents

Deferred Compensation Agreements

In May 1998, Raytheon, Alliance Laundry and our predecessor entered into deferred compensation agreements with certain of our executive officers, including Messrs. L’Esperance, Gaster, Brothers, and Rounds whereby we 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 benefit amount to each such executive officer ten years after the date of such agreement, regardless of whether such executive officer is employed by us as of such date or (ii) the payment of the benefit amount upon the occurrence of certain events described therein. The amounts owed under these deferred compensation agreements were paid in full upon the closing of the Acquisition.

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan

The Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan provides certain eligible employees and members with the opportunity to defer portions of their base salary, bonus payments and other payments in accordance with the provisions of the plan. Certain employees received an accelerated payout of their accrued deferred compensation amounts upon the closing of the Acquisition. As of December 31, 2005, neither employees nor members of Alliance Holdings may defer any portion of their compensation under the plan. This plan was terminated effective March 11, 2005.

Pension Plan

Substantially all of our eligible salaried employees, including our executive officers, are covered under the Alliance Laundry Systems Pension Plan. The cost of the pension plan is borne entirely by us. The pension plan, pertaining to eligible salaried employees, is a defined benefit cash balance plan. Under this plan, an account is established for each participant in which pay credits and interest credits are earned as the participant provides service. Pay credits are calculated as a percentage of the participant’s remuneration adjusted for age and years of service in accordance with the following table:

 

Pension Plan Pay Credits Table

Total of Age and

Years of Service

  

Base Remuneration

Credit Rates

Less than 45

   3.0%

45 but less than 50

   3.5%

50 but less than 55

   4.0%

55 but less than 60

   4.5%

60 but less than 65

   5.0%

65 but less than 75

   6.0%

75 but less than 85

   7.0%

85 or more

   8.0%

In addition, a supplemental pay credit is earned on remuneration in excess of $57,809 (indexed for years after 2005) at the lesser of 5% or the percentage used per the above table. A participant’s account also increases for interest credits each year. Interest credits are earned at the rate of a one-year Treasury Bill as of the last day of the prior plan year plus 1%, which was 3.75% for 2005. The amount of earnings that can be recognized for plan purposes is limited by the IRS to $210,000 in 2005. 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, 2005, are as follows: Mr. L’Esperance, 7; Mr. Brothers, 26; Mr. Rounds, 16; Mr. Gaster, 9; and Mr. Przybysz, 5.

 

110


Table of Contents

Savings Plan

Substantially all of the salaried employees, including our executive officers, participate in our ALCAP 401(k) plan. Employees are permitted to defer a portion of their income under this plan and we will provide a matching contribution equal to 50% of the first 6% of the employee’s contribution.

Compensation of Directors

Mr. Phillipin is paid a fee of $30,000 per year as a member of the Board of Directors and a fee of $10,000 per year for his role as audit committee chair. In addition, Mr. Phillipin is paid a meeting fee of $1,250 for each board meeting attended and $1,000 for each audit committee attended. Non-independent directors receive no fees, but all directors are reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in connection with services provided in such capacity.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

(A) We do not have any items to report related to Management Resources, Nominating and Compensation Committee interlocks or insider participation relationships with the Company by its members.

(B) No executive officer of the Company served as a member of the compensation committee (or other board or board committee performing equivalent functions) of another entity, one of whose executive officers served on the compensation committee of the Company. No executive officer of the Company served as a director of another entity, one of whose executive officers served on the compensation committee of the Company. No executive officer of the Company served as a member of the compensation committee (or other board or board committee performing equivalent functions) of another entity, one of whose executive officers served as a director of the Company.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

ALH indirectly owns all of the outstanding equity interests of Alliance Laundry. The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership as of March 15, 2005 of ALH, of:

 

    each person or entity known to us to own 5% or more of ALH common stock;

 

    each member of ALH’s board of directors;

 

    each of our named executive officers; and

 

    all members of ALH’s board of directors and our executive officers as a group.

Beneficial ownership of shares is determined under the rules of the SEC and generally includes any shares over which a person exercises sole or shared voting or investment power. Except as indicated by footnote, and subject to applicable community property laws, each person identified in the table possesses sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of common stock held by them. Shares of common stock subject to options currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of

 

111


Table of Contents

March 9, 2006 and not subject to repurchase as of that date are deemed outstanding for calculating the percentage of outstanding shares of the person holding these options, but are not deemed outstanding for calculating the percentage of any other person. Unless otherwise noted, the address for each director and executive officer is c/o Alliance Laundry Systems LLC, P.O. Box 990, Shepard Street, Ripon, Wisconsin 54971.

 

     Common Stock  
     Number of
Shares
Beneficially
Owned (1)
   Percentage
of Shares
Owned (1)
 

OTPP

   1,074,145    91.8 %

Thomas F. L’Esperance

   33,900    2.9  

Jeffrey J. Brothers

   9,989    0.9  

Bruce P. Rounds

   7,872    0.7  

R. Scott Gaster

   8,931    0.8  

Robert J. Baudhuin

   2,000    0.2  

Scott L. Spiller

   14,340    1.2  

Robert T. Wallace

   11,547    1.0  

William J. Przybysz

   2,921    0.2  
           

All employee directors and executive officers as a group(2)

   75,900    6.5  
           

Shael J. Dolman(3)(4)

   1,074,145    91.8  

Lee L. Sienna(3)(4)

   1,074,145    91.8  

(1) The number of shares beneficially owned by the executives named in this table, as well as the corresponding percentage of shares owned, includes the management equity that such executives, or individual retirement accounts owned by such executives or their spouses, acquired in connection with the consummation of the Transactions. For each individual named in this table, the number of shares beneficially owned, as well as the corresponding percentage of shares owned, also includes vested stock options.
(2) Does not include the shares of ALH common stock held by OTPP with respect to which Messrs. Dolman and Sienna may be deemed to have the power to dispose as described in footnote (4) below.
(3) The address of each of Messrs. Dolman and Sienna is c/o Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board, 5650 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario M2M 4H5.
(4) Represents the shares of ALH common stock held by OTPP. Messrs. Dolman and Sienna may be deemed to have the power to dispose of the shares held by OTPP due to a delegation of authority from the board of directors of OTPP, and each expressly disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares.

 

112


Table of Contents

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

All of Alliance Laundry’s issued and outstanding equity interests are owned by Alliance Holdings and all of Alliance Holdings’ equity interests are owned by ALH. The following is a summary description of ALH’s capital stock and certain terms of its amended and restated certificate of incorporation and its amended and restated by-laws, which became effective upon the consummation of the Transactions.

Authorized Capitalization

ALH’s authorized capital stock consists of:

 

    1,500,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share of which 1,170,000 shares are issued to OTPP and members of our management in connection with the Acquisition, and of which 130,000 stock options related to the right to acquire shares have been granted to certain members of management; and

 

    50,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, of which no shares are issued and outstanding.

The shares of common stock issued in connection with the consummation of the Transactions are fully paid and non-assessable. The rights and privileges of holders of the common stock are subject to any series of preferred stock that ALH may issue in the future and to the stockholders agreement. See “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions—Stockholders Agreement.”

Common Stock

Voting. Except as otherwise required by Delaware law, at every annual or special meeting of stockholders, every holder of common stock is entitled to one vote per share on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders and do not have cumulative voting rights.

Dividends. Holders of common stock are entitled to receive proportionately any dividends that may be declared by the board of directors of ALH, subject to the preferences and rights of any shares of preferred stock.

Board of Directors. The amended and restated by-laws of ALH provide that the board of directors of ALH initially consists of three members, each of whom was elected by the holders of the outstanding common stock of ALH. The amended and restated certificate of incorporation and the amended and restated by-laws provide that the number of directors is fixed and may be increased or decreased from time to time by OTPP, but the board of directors will at no time consist of fewer than three directors. The amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that no director will be personally liable to ALH or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except to the extent that this limitation on or exemption from liability is not permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”) and any amendments to that law. ALH’s organizational documents include provisions that eliminate, to the extent allowable under the DGCL, the personal liability of directors or officers for monetary damages for actions taken as a director. They also provide that ALH must indemnify directors and officers against, and if such indemnification is

 

113


Table of Contents

unavailable, advance to directors and officers expenses incurred in defending against certain such actions against such persons. ALH is also expressly authorized to carry directors’ and officers’ insurance for its directors and officers for some liabilities. See “—Voting Agreements” below.

Voting Agreements. In connection with the consummation of the Acquisition, ALH entered into a stockholders agreement with OTPP, certain employees of ALH or its subsidiaries and certain entities affiliated with such employees, who own shares of ALH’s common stock. The stockholders agreement provides that Thomas F. L’Esperance will be a member of the board of directors of ALH for so long as he serves as the chief executive officer. OTPP has the right to designate a majority of the other directors. The stockholders agreement provides that the other parties to the stockholders agreement will vote all of the shares of common stock owned by such stockholders in favor of the designees of OTPP. See “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions—Stockholders Agreement.”

Preferred Stock

ALH’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that it may issue shares of its preferred stock in one or more series as may be determined by its board of directors. ALH’s board of directors has broad discretionary authority with respect to the rights to issue series of its preferred stock and may take several actions without any vote or action of the holders of its common stock, including:

 

    determining the number of shares to be included in each series;

 

    fixing the designation, powers, preferences and relative rights of the shares of each series and any qualifications, limitations or restrictions with respect to each series, including provisions related to dividends, conversion, voting, redemption and liquidation, which may be superior to those of ALH’s common stock; and

 

    increasing or decreasing the number of shares of any series of preferred stock.

The authorized shares of ALH’s preferred stock, as well as shares of its common stock, are available for issuance without action by its common stockholders, unless such action is required by applicable law or the rules of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which its securities may be listed or traded.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

Stockholders Agreement

Concurrently with the closing of the Acquisition, ALH entered into a stockholders agreement (the “Stockholders Agreement”) with OTPP, certain employees of ALH or its subsidiaries and certain entities affiliated with such employees, who own shares of ALH’s common stock. The stockholders agreement provides that Thomas F. L’Esperance will be a member of the board of directors of ALH for so long as he serves as the chief executive officer. OTPP has the right to designate the other directors. The stockholders agreement provides that the other parties to the stockholders agreement will vote all of the shares of common stock owned by such stockholders in favor of the designees of OTPP.

The stockholders agreement contains customary terms, including, among other things, terms regarding transfer restrictions, tag-along rights, drag-along rights, calls and preemptive rights. The

 

114


Table of Contents

stockholders agreement generally restricts the transfer of shares of common stock owned by the employees and the entities affiliated with such employees, or collectively, the management stockholders, who are or who become parties to the agreement. Exceptions to this restriction include transfers for estate planning purposes or to family members, so long as the transferee agrees to be bound by the terms of the stockholders agreement.

In addition, the management stockholders have “tag-along” rights to sell their shares on a pro rata basis with OTPP in sales to third parties at any time after the six month anniversary of the Acquisition, subject to certain exceptions. Similarly, OTPP has “drag-along” rights to cause the management stockholders to sell their shares on a pro rata basis with OTPP to an independent third party in a liquidity event (as defined in the stockholders agreement). The management stockholders are subject to “call” rights, which entitle ALH to require a management stockholder to sell ALH shares of common stock held by such management stockholder, upon any termination of the employment of the management stockholder, or the employee affiliated with such stockholder, with ALH or its subsidiaries, at differing prices, depending upon the circumstances of the termination. The stockholders agreement also contains a provision that requires ALH to offer the management stockholders, as long as such management stockholder or the employee affiliated with such management stockholder is employed by ALH or its subsidiaries at such time, the right to purchase equity securities of ALH in a new issuance to OTPP on a pro rata basis, subject to certain exceptions. Certain of the foregoing provisions of the stockholders agreement terminates upon the consummation of an initial public offering (as defined in the stockholders agreement).

Registration Rights Agreement

Concurrently with the closing of the Acquisition, ALH entered into a registration rights agreement with OTPP and the parties to the stockholders agreement. Pursuant to this agreement, OTPP has the right to make an unlimited number of requests that ALH register its shares under the Securities Act at ALH’s expense. In any demand registration, all of the parties to the registration rights agreement have the right to participate on a pro rata basis, subject to certain conditions. In addition, in the event that ALH proposes to register any of its shares (other than registrations related to benefit plans and certain other exceptions), all of the holders of registration rights under the agreement have the right to include their shares in the registration statement at ALH’s expense, subject to certain conditions. In connection with all such registrations, ALH has agreed to indemnify all holders of registration rights under the agreement against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

Predecessor Junior Subordinated Promissory Notes

In May 1998, Alliance Holdings’ predecessor issued a junior subordinated promissory note in the principal amount of $9.0 million, plus accrued interest, due August 21, 2009, to Raytheon. All outstanding junior subordinated promissory notes were repaid in connection with the consummation of the Transactions.

Predecessor Preferred Interests

In May 1998, Alliance Holdings’ predecessor issued mandatorily redeemable preferred membership interests to Raytheon. In September 2003, these preferred membership interests were sold to affiliates of each of TCW and Sankaty. These preferred membership interests were redeemable at a redemption price of $6.0 million upon a change of control or certain other liquidity events. We redeemed all preferred membership interests in connection with the consummation of the Transactions on January 27, 2005.

 

115


Table of Contents

Predecessor Management Investor Promissory Notes

In May 1998, we entered into promissory notes aggregating approximately $1.8 million with certain members of management to help finance the purchase of common units in Alliance Holdings’ predecessor. Management repaid these promissory notes in connection with the consummation of the Transactions.

Predecessor 1998 Executive Unit Purchase Agreements

Certain members of our management entered into executive unit purchase agreements which governed these executives’ investments in the common membership interests of Alliance Holdings’ predecessor. These unit purchase agreements were terminated in connection with the consummation of the Transactions.

Predecessor Management Fees

We paid Bain Capital Partners LLC an annual management fee of $1.0 million in 2004 pursuant to a management services agreement. In addition, in connection with the consummation of the Transactions, we paid to Bain Capital Partners LLC and Bruckmann, Rosser, Sherrill & Co. fees of $7.0 million. The management service agreement pursuant to which such fees were paid was terminated in connection with the consummation of the Transactions.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

For 2005, the audit committee pre-approved the continuation of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for audit, audit related and tax related services.

Aggregate fees billed to us during the fiscal years ending December 31, 2005 and 2004, by our principal accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, are set forth in the table below. All auditing services and permitted non-audit services (including the fees and terms thereof) to be performed for Alliance by its independent auditor must be pre-approved by the Board of Directors. All audit and non-audit services provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, during 2005 were pre-approved by the Board of Directors.

 

     2005    2004
     (in thousands)

Audit Fees (1)

   $ 846.3    $ 1,327.0

Audit –Related Fees(2)

     120.9      831.6

Tax Fees(3)

     208.5      126.9

All Other Fees(4)

     —        10.3
             

Total

   $ 1,175.7    $ 2,295.8
             

(1) Includes the aggregate fees associated with the annual audit and quarterly reviews and out-of-pocket expenses billed in each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for the audit of our annual financial statements and the review of financial

 

116


Table of Contents

statements included in Form 10-Q. In 2004, audit fees include approximately $1,028.8 of fees associated with the comfort letter and assistance with the review of documents filed with the SEC for various public filings associated with a public offering of Income Deposit Securities.

(2) Includes the aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for assurance and related services by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. The audit-related fees for 2005 include services for consultations concerning acquisition related matters and related reporting standards and consultation regarding matters related to the ALERT2005 financing facility. The audit-related fees for 2004 include services for consultations concerning financial accounting and reporting standards associated with a public offering of Income Deposit Securities.
(3) Includes the aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning.
(4) Includes the aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for services provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, other than those services described above. Other fees in 2004 relate to transitional services to move pension actuarial valuations to Mercer. There were no other fees in 2005.

 

117


Table of Contents

PART IV.

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a) (1) and (2) The response to this portion of Item 15 is submitted as a separate section of this report in the “List of Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules” on page 120.

(3) The response to this portion of Item 15 is submitted as a separate section of this report in the “Index to Exhibits” on pages 122 through 127.

(b) Exhibits—The response to this portion of Item 15 is submitted as a separate section of this report in the “Index to Exhibits” on pages 122 through 127.

(c) Financial Statement Schedules—The response to this portion of Item 15 is submitted as a separate section of this report in the “List of Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules” on page 120.

 

118


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Alliance Laundry Systems LLC has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized, in the city of Ripon, state of Wisconsin, on the 9th day of March 2006.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/s/ Thomas F. L’Esperance

   Chief Executive Officer and President   3/9/06
Thomas F. L’Esperance     

/s/ Bruce P. Rounds

  

Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and

Chief Accounting Officer

  3/9/06
Bruce P. Rounds     

Date: March 9, 2006

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below as of March 9, 2006, by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated:

 

/s/ Thomas F. L’Esperance

Thomas F. L’Esperance

Chief Executive Officer and President

/s/ Lee L. Sienna

Lee L. Sienna

Director

/s/ Shael J. Dolman

Shael J. Dolman

Director

 

119


Table of Contents

Supplemental Information to be Furnished With Reports Filed Pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act by Registrants Which Have Not Registered Securities Pursuant to Section 12 of the Act

No annual report to stockholders, proxy statements or forms of proxies or other proxy soliciting materials have been or will be sent to any of the Registrant’s stockholders.

Item 15(a)(1), (2) and (3), and 15(b)

LIST OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

     Page

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   57

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2005 (Successor) and December 31, 2004 (Predecessor)

   59

Consolidated Statements of Income for the period January 28, 2005 through December 31, 2005 (Successor); the period January 1, 2005 through January 27, 2005 (Predecessor) and the years ended December 31, 2004 (Predecessor) and December 31, 2003 (Predecessor)

   60

Consolidated Statements of Member(s) Equity (Deficit) and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the period January 28, 2005 through December 31, 2005 (Successor); the period January 1, 2005 through January 27, 2005 (Predecessor) and the year ended December 31, 2004 (Predecessor)

   61

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the period January 28, 2005 through December 31, 2005 (Successor); the period January 1, 2005 through January 27, 2005 (Predecessor) and the years ended December 31, 2004 (Predecessor) and December 31, 2003 (Predecessor)

   62

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   63

 

120


Table of Contents

Financial Statement Schedules:

The following consolidated financial statement schedule of Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC is included in Item 15(a)

 

Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

   102

All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and therefore have been omitted.

 

121


Table of Contents

INDEX TO EXHIBITS:

 

Exhibit   

Description

  

Incorporated Herein By

Reference To

2.1    Agreement and Plan of Merger and Plan of Reorganization, dated as of January 27, 2005, by and among ALH Finance LLC, Alliance Laundry Systems LLC and ALH Holding Inc.    Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant’s Form S-4/A, dated February 11, 2005 (file no. 333-122524-02)
2.2    Agreement and Plan of Merger and Plan of Reorganization, dated as of January 27, 2005, between ALH Finance Corporation and Alliance Laundry Corporation.    Exhibit 2.2 to the Registrant’s Form S-4/A, dated February 11, 2005 (file no. 333-122524-02)
3.1    Certificate of Incorporation of Alliance Laundry Corporation.    Exhibit 3.3 to the Registrant’s Form S-4, Amendment #1, dated July 2, 1998 (file no. 333-56857-2)
3.1.1    Amended and Restated Certificate of Formation of Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC.    Exhibit 3.1.1 to the Registrant’s Form S-4/A, dated February 11, 2005 (file no. 333-122524-02)
3.1.2    Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Formation of Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC.    Exhibit 3.1.2 to the Registrant’s Form S-4/A, dated February 11, 2005 (file no. 333-122524-02)
3.1.3    Certificate of Formation of Alliance Laundry Systems LLC.    Exhibit 3.1 to Alliance Laundry Systems LLC’s Form S-4, Amendment No. 1, dated July 2, 1998 (file no. 333-56857-2))
3.1.4    Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Formation of Alliance Laundry Systems LLC.    Exhibit 3.1.4 to the Registrant’s Form S-4/A, dated February 11, 2005 (file no. 333-122524-02)
3.1.5    Certificate of Merger of ALH Finance LLC with and into Alliance Laundry Systems LLC.    Exhibit 3.1.5 to the Registrant’s Form S-4/A, dated February 11, 2005 (file no. 333-122524-02)
3.1.6    Amended Certificate of Incorporation of Alliance Laundry Corporation.    Exhibit 3.1.6 to the Registrant’s Form S-4/A, dated February 11, 2005 (file no. 333-122524-02)
3.1.7    Certificate of Merger of ALH Finance Corporation with and into Alliance Laundry Corporation.    Exhibit 3.1.7 to the Registrant’s Form S-4/A, dated February 11, 2005 (file no. 333-122524-02)
3.2.1    Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC, dated as of January 27, 2005.    Exhibit 3.2.1 to the Registrant’s Form S-4/A, dated February 11, 2005 (file no. 333-122524-02)

 

122


Table of Contents
Exhibit   

Description

  

Incorporated Herein By

Reference To

3.2.2    Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Alliance Laundry Systems LLC, dated as of January 27, 2005.    Exhibit 3.2.2 to the Registrant’s Form S-4/A, dated February 11, 2005 (file no. 333-122524-02)
3.2.3    Amended and Restated By-Laws of Alliance Laundry Corporation, as adopted on January 27, 2005.    Exhibit 3.2.3 to the Registrant’s Form S-4/A, dated February 11, 2005 (file no. 333-122524-02)
4.1    Indenture, dated as of January 27, 2005 (the “2005 Indenture”), among Alliance Laundry Systems LLC (as successor by merger to ALH Finance LLC), Alliance Laundry Corporation (as successor by merger to ALH Finance Corporation) and The Bank of New York Trust Company N.A., as trustee.    Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Form S-4/A, dated February 11, 2005 (file no. 333-122524-02)
4.2    Form of Senior Subordinated Note.    Included in Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Form S-4/A, dated February 11, 2005 (file no. 333-122524-02)
4.3    Supplemental Indenture to the 2005 Indenture, dated January 27, 2005, among Alliance Laundry Systems LLC, Alliance Laundry Corporation and Lehman Brothers.    Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant’s Form S-4/A, dated February 11, 2005 (file no. 333-122524-02)
4.4    Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of January 27, 2005, among Alliance Laundry Systems LLC (as successor by merger to ALH Finance LLC), Alliance Laundry Corporation (as successor by merger to ALH Finance Corporation) and the Initial Purchasers named therein.    Exhibit 4.4 to the Registrant’s Form S-4/A, dated February 11, 2005 (file no. 333-122524-02)
4.5    Joinder Agreement to the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of January 27, 2005, among Alliance Laundry Systems LLC, Alliance Laundry Corporation, Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC and the Initial Purchasers named therein.    Exhibit 4.5 to the Registrant’s Form S-4/A, dated February 11, 2005 (file no. 333-122524-02)
4.6    Credit Agreement, dated as of January 27, 2005, by and among Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC, ALH Finance LLC, Alliance Laundry Systems LLC, the several banks and other financial institutions parties thereto and Lehman Commercial Paper Inc., as administrative agent.    Exhibit 4.6 to the Registrant’s Form S-4/A, dated February 11, 2005 (file no. 333-122524-02)
4.7    Guarantee and Collateral Agreement, dated as of January 27, 2005, made by Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC, Alliance Laundry Systems LLC, and Alliance Laundry Corporation in favor of Lehman Commercial Paper Inc.    Exhibit 4.7 to the Registrant’s Form S-4/A, dated February 11, 2005 (file no. 333-122524-02)

 

123


Table of Contents
Exhibit   

Description

  

Incorporated Herein By

Reference To

4.10    Supplemental Indenture to the 1998 Indenture, dated January 20, 2005, among Alliance Holdings, Inc., Alliance Laundry Systems LLC, Alliance Laundry Corporation and The Bank of New York as trustee.    Exhibit 4.10 to the Registrant’s Form S-4/A, dated February 11, 2005 (file no. 333-122524-02)
10.1    Unit Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 7, 2004, by and among Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC, its Securityholders and ALH Holding Inc. and the sellers named therein.    Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Form S-4/A, dated February 11, 2005 (file no. 333-122524-02)
10.2    Amendment No. 1 to Unit Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 27, 2005, by and among Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC, ALH Holding Inc. and the sellers named therein.    Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Form S-4/A, dated February 11, 2005 (file no. 333-122524-02)
10.11*    Supply Agreement dated as of January 4, 2006, by and among Coinmach Corporation (hereinafter, “Buyer”), and Alliance Laundry Systems LLC, (certain portions of this exhibit were omitted subject to a pending request for confidential treatment).   
10.12    Agreement by and between Alliance Laundry Systems LLC and The United Steelworkers of America Local 1327 Ripon, Wisconsin, executed and accepted on September 28, 2005.    Exhibit 10.1 to Alliance Laundry Systems LLC’s Form 10-Q, dated November 10, 2005 (file no. 333-56857-2)
10.15*    Lease agreement, dated November 11, 2005 between Alliance Laundry Systems LLC (tenant) and 700 Stanton Drive, LLC (landlord)   
10.20    Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of January 27, 2005, by and between Alliance Laundry Systems LLC and Thomas F. L’Esperance.    Exhibit 10.20 to the Registrant’s Form S-4/A, dated February 11, 2005 (file no. 333-122524-02)
10.25    Form of Executive Severance Protection and Restrictive Covenant Agreement of Alliance Laundry Systems LLC.    Exhibit 10.25 to the Registrant’s Form S-4/A, dated February 11, 2005 (file no. 333-122524-02)
10.26    Form of Closing Bonus Letter Agreement of Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC.    Exhibit 10.26 to the Registrant’s Form S-4/A, dated February 11, 2005 (file no. 333-122524-02)
10.27    Executive Retention Bonus Letter Agreement, dated January 27, 2005, between Thomas F. L’Esperance and Alliance Laundry Systems LLC.    Exhibit 10.27 to the Registrant’s Form S-4/A, dated February 11, 2005 (file no. 333-122524-02)

 

124


Table of Contents
Exhibit   

Description

  

Incorporated Herein By

Reference To

10.28    Form of Executive Retention Bonus Letter Agreement of Alliance Laundry Systems LLC.    Exhibit 10.28 to the Registrant’s Form S-4/A, dated February 11, 2005 (file no. 333-122524-02)
10.29    ALH Holding Inc. Stock Purchase and Rollover Investment Plan, as adopted on January 27, 2005.    Exhibit 10.29 to the Registrant’s Form S-4/A, dated February 11, 2005 (file no. 333-122524-02)
10.30    Stockholders Agreement, dated as of January 27, 2005, among ALH Holding Inc., Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board and the Management Stockholders named therein.    Exhibit 10.30 to the Registrant’s Form S-4/A, dated February 11, 2005 (file no. 333-122524-02)
10.31    Registration Rights Agreement of ALH Holding Inc., dated as of January 27, 2005, among ALH Holding Inc., Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board and the Management Stockholders named therein.    Exhibit 10.31 to the Registrant’s Form S-4/A, dated February 11, 2005 (file no. 333-122524-02)
10.32    ALH Holding Inc. Stock Incentive Plan, as adopted on January 27, 2005.    Exhibit 10.32 to the Registrant’s Form S-4/A, dated February 11, 2005 (file no. 333-122524-02)
10.33    Form of ALH Holding Inc. Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement.    Exhibit 10.33 to the Registrant’s Form S-4/A, dated February 11, 2005 (file no. 333-122524-02)
10.34    Form of Management Subscription Agreement of ALH Holding Inc.    Exhibit 10.34 to the Registrant’s Form S-4/A, dated February 11, 2005 (file no. 333-122524-02)
10.60    Indenture, dated as of June 28, 2005, between Alliance Laundry Equipment Receivables Trust 2005-A and The Bank of New York, as indenture trustee.    Exhibit 10.1 to Alliance Laundry Systems LLC’s Form 10-Q, dated August 10, 2005 (file no. 333-56857-2)
10.61    Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 28, 2005, between Alliance Laundry Equipment Receivables 2005 LLC as buyer and Alliance Laundry Systems LLC as seller.    Exhibit 10.2 to Alliance Laundry Systems LLC’s Form 10-Q, dated August 10, 2005 (file no. 333-56857-2)
10.62    Pooling and Service Agreement, dated June 28, 2005, among Alliance Laundry Systems LLC as servicer and originator, Alliance Laundry Equipment Receivables 2005 LLC as transferor and Alliance Laundry Equipment Receivables Trust 2005-A as issuer.    Exhibit 10.3 to Alliance Laundry Systems LLC’s Form 10-Q, dated August 10, 2005 (file no. 333-56857-2)

 

125


Table of Contents
Exhibit   

Description

  

Incorporated Herein By

Reference To

10.63    Trust Agreement, dated June 14, 2005, between Alliance Laundry Equipment Receivables 2005 LLC as transferor and Wilmington Trust Company as owner trustee.    Exhibit 10.4 to Alliance Laundry Systems LLC’s Form 10-Q, dated August 10, 2005 (file no. 333-56857-2)
10.64    Administration Agreement, dated June 28, 2005, among Alliance Laundry Equipment Receivables Trust 2005-A, Alliance Laundry Systems LLC and The Bank of New York.    Exhibit 10.5 to Alliance Laundry Systems LLC’s Form 10-Q, dated August 10, 2005 (file no. 333-56857-2)
10.65    Limited Liability Company Agreement of Alliance Laundry Equipment Receivables 2005 LLC, dated as of June 1, 2005.    Exhibit 10.6 to Alliance Laundry Systems LLC’s Form 10-Q, dated August 10, 2005 (file no. 333-56857-2)
10.66    Insurance and Indemnity Agreement, dated as of June 28, 2005, between AMBAC Assurance Corporation as insurer, Alliance Laundry Equipment Receivables Trust 2005-A as issuer, Alliance Laundry Equipment Receivables 2005 LLC as seller, Alliance Laundry Systems LLC and The Bank of New York as indenture trustee.    Exhibit 10.7 to Alliance Laundry Systems LLC’s Form 10-Q, dated August 10, 2005 (file no. 333-56857-2)
10.67    Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 28, 2005, among Alliance Laundry Equipment Receivables Trust 2005-A as issuer, Alliance Laundry Systems LLC as the Servicer, Alliance Laundry Equipment Receivables 2005 LLC as the transferor, the Note Purchasers party hereto, IXIS Financial Products Inc. as administrative agent and as an agent, Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. as an agent and The Other Agents Hereto.    Exhibit 10.8 to Alliance Laundry Systems LLC’s Form 10-Q, dated August 10, 2005 (file no. 333-56857-2)
12.1*    Statement re Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges   
14.1    Code of Ethics    Exhibit 14.1 to Alliance Laundry Systems LLC’s Form 10-K, dated March 18, 2005 (file no. 333-56857-2)
21.1*    Subsidiaries of Alliance Laundry Systems LLC.   
31.1*    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.   
31.2*    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.   

 

126


Table of Contents
Exhibit   

Description

  

Incorporated Herein By

Reference To

32.1*    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.   
32.2*    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.   

* Filed herewith

 

127

EX-10.11 2 dex1011.htm SUPPLY AGREEMENT DATED AS OF JANUARY 4, 2006 Supply Agreement dated as of January 4, 2006

EXHIBIT 10.11

**Multiple asterisks throughout this Agreement indicate that the portion of this document so marked has been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment and has been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.**

SUPPLY AGREEMENT

This Supply Agreement (hereinafter the “Agreement”), dated as of January 4, 2006, is made and entered into by and among Coinmach Corporation (hereinafter, “Buyer”), and Alliance Laundry Systems LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (hereinafter, “Seller’).

WITNESSETH

WHEREAS, Buyer is in the business of providing vended and non-vended laundry equipment services for multi-family housing units, owning and operating their own coin laundries, and is also a distributor of coin laundry and on-premise laundry equipment and laundromat stores; and

WHEREAS, Seller is a national manufacturer and distributor of Products (as defined herein); and

WHEREAS, Buyer previously entered into a Supply Agreement with Seller, dated as of January 1, 2003 (the “Existing Supply Agreement”) which Buyer and Seller wish to terminate and replace with this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, Buyer desires to purchase certain of its requirements for Products (as defined below) from Seller, and Seller desires to sell to Buyer such Products, in each case pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of Ten Dollars ($10.00) and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

1. Requirements Contract. For the term hereof (as defined in Section 12), so long as Seller is a manufacturer of the Products defined in Section 2 herein and so long as Buyer leases and/or operates premises on which one or more coin-operated or card-operated washing machines and/or dryers are located and/or is an authorized distributor for Seller’s Products in one or more territories, Seller agrees to sell to Buyer, and Buyer and/or its subsidiaries agrees to purchase from Seller, Buyer’s requirements of Products on the terms and conditions contained herein.


2. Definition of Products. For purposes of this Agreement, the parties agree that the following are the defined “Products” referenced in this Agreement;

(a) All coin-operated or card-operated washing machines and front load washers;

(b) All coin-operated or card-operated dryers, stacked dryers, and tumbler dryers; and

(c) All new replacement and new repair parts for any and all of Seller’s coin-operated or card-operated washing machines, dryers, frontload washers, stacked dryers and tumbler dryers owned by, leased to or serviced by Buyer.

3. Prices. Seller shall charge Buyer **OMITTED PURSUANT TO CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUEST** The prices to be charged Buyer will be **OMITTED PURSUANT TO CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUEST**

All prices are stated on an FOB shipping point basis, except Seller (a) will prepay freight on orders of 42 or more route style products of Seller’s washers and dryers (21 or more for route style stacked dryers) for shipments within the continental United States and, (b) will prepay freight to a destination point selected by Buyer on the U.S.—Mexican border for shipments into Mexico. For shipments of washer extractors and tumbler dryers, **OMITTED PURSUANT TO CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUEST** Buyer will use its commercially reasonable efforts to order and request shipments in full truckloads (number of units will vary depending on size and mix of models). Full truckloads are defined as 53’ (fifty three foot) long trailers.

The current prices to be charged Buyer for replacement and repair parts are those set forth in Seller’s published parts price lists, stated as either a net price or a suggested list price; however, if such price is listed as a suggested list price, Buyer shall be charged suggested list price less a **OMITTED PURSUANT TO CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUEST**

Seller reserves the right to select the carrier and shipping point for Products, as long as current transit times are not materially affected and the costs are reasonable and competitive. Payment terms shall be **OMITTED PURSUANT TO CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUEST**; provided, however, that Seller retains the right to adjust payment terms in the event that Buyer fails to maintain its timeliness of payment in all material respects and after notice of such non-payment, such non-payment has continued for a period of 30 days.

4. Rights with Respect to Future Prices. **OMITTED PURSUANT TO CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUEST**

5. Competitive Products. Subject to the terms hereof and in consideration of Seller’s agreement to provide significant discount pricing, Buyer and/or its subsidiaries agrees to purchase at least **OMITTED PURSUANT TO CONFIDENTIAL

 

2


TREATMENT REQUEST** of Buyer’s Product requirements from Seller during the term of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if (i) Seller is unable to deliver Products which Buyer has ordered within ten (10) days of the date such Products would be shipped in the ordinary course of Seller’s business, (ii) Products available from Seller pursuant to this Agreement do not substantially conform to the equipment specifications required by Buyer or are not compatible in any respect or are not able to be used or installed in their present condition without modification for their intended purpose (other than customary modifications routinely made by Buyer, such as reinforced meter cases, dryer ducts, gas lines, pigtails, coin slides, card readers etc.), (iii) despite Buyer’s good faith efforts to solicit a customer to purchase Seller’s equipment, such customer requests the installation or use of equipment from an alternate source, or (iv) Seller refuses or is not able to finance equipment purchases for a customer and such customer decides to buy equipment from an alternate source, then, in each such case, Buyer shall have the right to purchase equipment from any other source (and such purchases by Buyer shall be excluded from the **OMITTED PURSUANT TO CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUEST** requirement to purchase Products under this Agreement). In the event that specific Product models are unavailable, Buyer has the right to request that Seller substitute upgraded models for delivery at no additional cost to Buyer.

Additionally, any failure by Seller to deliver Products within 45 days from the date such Products were ordered by Buyer shall be deemed to be an Event of Default by Seller hereunder.

6. Technical Support. Seller will commit resources to work directly with Buyer on projects mutually beneficial to both parties, including but not limited to audit control, electronic display, card-actuated washers and dryers and stacked frontload washer/dryer combinations. This undertaking is required by Buyer to ensure timely response to competitive new product developments and to allow Buyer to be more competitive by offering more efficient customer friendly laundry equipment services.

7. Forecasting and Logistics. Three business days prior to the beginning of each month, the Buyer shall provide Seller a rolling 90 day forecast of monthly requirements for each of the product categories relating to Buyer’s route business, as defined in Section 2(a), except that the first 30 days of the forecast shall be by model. Quantities provided in the forecast will not be binding on Buyer but shall only serve to evidence a good faith estimate of future requirements.

Buyer and Seller will cooperate with each other and use their respective good faith efforts to optimize order processing and distribution logistics using the following guidelines:

(a) The locations listed below will order in full truckload quantities:

 

Cranbury, NJ    Glendale, CA
Dallas, TX    Syosset, NY
Houston, TX    Elkridge, MD
Union City, CA   

 

3


(b) Intermodel shipments (truckloads on trains) will be made to these locations with the associated estimated transit time:

 

Location   Transit Time
Dallas, TX   3-4 days
Glendale, CA   5-6 days
Houston, TX   3-4 days
Union City, CA   3-4 days

(c) Buyer must order in increments of 6 for topload washers, electric dryers, and gas dryers and in increments of 3 for stacked dryers - gas and stacked dryers - electric.

8. Product Reliability. Buyer and Seller will share with each other service history and product reliability data which is readily available to Buyer concerning the performance of Seller’s products; provided that Seller agrees to treat all such data as confidential information of Buyer and shall not disclose any such data to any third party without Buyer’s prior written approval in accordance with Section 22 hereto.

9. Product Warranty. All Products sold to Buyer shall be sold to Buyer with Seller’s standard manufacturer’s warranty and standard commercial limited parts warranties, in each case at the time of purchase, unless otherwise specified by Seller and mutually agreed to in writing by Buyer in advance of any sales; except that Speed Queen branded route and home style Washers, Dryers and Stack Dryers shipped by Seller to Buyer on or after the date hereof shall be sold to Buyer without warranty, provided, further, however, that Seller shall reimburse Buyer for any cost of material incurred by Buyer which is attributable to Seller’s verified “Epidemic Failure” of component parts, as well as labor allowances and other related costs and expenses to be agreed upon by Seller and Buyer. An “Epidemic Failure” of a component part occurs when there is in excess of a **OMITTED PURSUANT TO CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUEST** failure rate for the preceding twelve (12) months for that component based on quantities shipped to Buyer. Seller will extend standard warranty on all electronic control boards of Money Master, Net Master and MDC products. Seller will continue to extend standard warranty on all distribution-style products and all route style products sold through distribution.

10. Representations and Warranties. Each of Seller and Buyer represents and warrants to the other as of the date hereof that:

(i) such party is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its formation;

(ii) such party has the power, authority and all other rights necessary and sufficient to enter into and be bound by the terms and conditions of this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder; and

 

4


(iii) such party has taken all necessary action on its part to authorize the execution and delivery of this Agreement, and this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered on behalf of such party and constitutes a legal, valid, binding obligation of such party, enforceable against such party in accordance with its terms.

Seller further represents and warrants to Buyer and covenants as of the date hereof that:

(i) each Product shall be manufactured by Seller and not by any subcontractor or other person or entity, unless in the manufacture of such Products such subcontractor or other person or entity is required to comply with the same quality and standards applicable to other similar products of Seller and that such Products carry warranties of Seller no less favorable than those provided by Seller on other similar products of Seller;

(ii) each Product shall be manufactured, processed, packaged and shipped by Seller in conformity with all applicable laws and regulations and, upon delivery to Buyer in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, shall be free of defects, liens or encumbrances of any kind, including, but not limited to, claims of third parties;

(iii) all raw materials, supplies actually supplied or obtained by Seller and all equipment utilized in the manufacture of the Products and parts therefor shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations;

(iv) neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Seller nor the performance of Seller’s obligations contemplated hereby will: (a) result in any violation of or constitute a breach of or default under any of the terms or provisions of: (i) Seller’s formation documents or (ii) without regard to the giving of notice or the passage of time, any contract or any other obligation to which Seller is a party or to which it is subject or bound; (b) violate any judgment, order, injunction, decree or award of any court, administrative agency, arbitrator or governmental body against, or affecting or binding upon, Seller; or (c) constitute a violation by Seller of any applicable law or regulation; and

(v) there are no pending or, to the best of Seller’s knowledge, threatened, judicial, administrative or arbitral actions, claims, suits or proceedings against Seller relating to the activities contemplated by this Agreement or that otherwise could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on Seller’s performance of its obligations hereunder.

 

5


11. Default and Arbitration. Each of the following shall constitute an event of default (an “Event of Default”) under this Agreement:

(a) Default in the payment when due of any amount owed to either party by the other under this Agreement, if such failure continues for a period of thirty (30) days after notice of such default;

(b) Default by Buyer in the obligation to purchase Products from Seller in the manner set forth in Sections 1 and 5, if such failure continues for a period of thirty (30) days after written notice by Seller of such default; and

(c) Default by Seller in any of Seller’s obligations to Buyer under this Agreement, including but not limited to Seller’s failure to timely deliver Product to Buyer pursuant to Section 5 hereof and Seller’s breach of any representation or warranty of Seller contained in Section 10 hereof.

Upon the occurrence and continuation of an Event of Default hereunder, Seller, in the case of an Event of Default under clause (a) or (b) of this Section 11, and Buyer, in the case of an Event of Default under clause (a) or (c) of this Section 11, shall have the non- exclusive right to commence appropriate proceedings in any state court located in New York, New York, or in the federal courts for the Southern District of New York, Buyer and Seller hereby agreeing that it irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of such courts and waives, to the fullest extent such party may effectively do so, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of any such action or proceeding. The foregoing notwithstanding, if there is a dispute arising out of any of the other terms of this Agreement, such dispute shall be immediately submitted to arbitration in New York, New York, by a retired judge provided by the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Service in accordance of the commercial rules then in effect of the American Arbitration Association, and any award of such arbitration shall be final and binding upon the parties.

12. Term. This Agreement shall commence **OMITTED PURSUANT TO CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUEST** and shall remain in full force and effect until **OMITTED PURSUANT TO CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUEST**

13. Termination. This Agreement may be terminated under the following circumstances:

(a) Buyer may terminate this Agreement upon the occurrence of a Change of Control (as hereafter defined) affecting Buyer and the giving of written notice to Seller specifying a termination date of not less than 120 days following the date of such notice. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Change of Control” shall be deemed to have occurred upon the earliest of the following events: (i) upon the sale, transfer or other disposition, on a cumulative basis subsequent to the date of this Agreement, of equity securities representing interests sufficient to elect a majority of the board of directors or other persons responsible for the management or governance of Buyer or of Coinmach Service Corp., a Delaware corporation (“CSC”), the indirect parent of Buyer; (ii) upon any other occurrence after the date of this Agreement resulting in the ability of any person or group of persons not presently in control of Buyer or CSC to, directly or indirectly, exercise actual control over the direction and management of Buyer or CSC; or

 

6


(iii) the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of Buyer or CSC; provided, however, that no Change of Control hereunder shall be deemed to have occurred as a result of the sale or issuance by Buyer or CSC of any class of equity securities in a transaction pursuant to a registration statement which has been declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission; or

(b) Buyer may terminate this Agreement (a) upon Seller’s default under or breach of this Agreement or (b) upon the occurrence of a default by Seller under any of its bank agreements, bond indentures or other debt agreements after not less than sixty (60) days advance written notice to Seller of such termination (provided that Seller shall be required to notify Buyer of any such default within ten (10) days of the occurrence thereof).

14. Notice. Except as otherwise provided herein, any notice required hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been validly served, given, or delivered upon (a) deposit in the United States certified or registered mails, with proper postage prepaid, (b) deposit with a reputable overnight courier with all charges prepaid, or (c) delivery, if hand-delivered by messenger, all of which must be properly addressed to the party to be notified as follows:

 

If to Seller at:    Attn.: Chief Executive Officer
   Alliance Laundry Systems LLC
   Shepard Street
   P. 0. Box 990
   Ripon, WI 54971-0990
with a copy to:    Attn.: Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing
   Alliance Laundry Systems LLC
   Shepard Street
   P. 0. Box 990
   Ripon. WI 54971-0990
With a copy to:    Attn: Vice President Chief Legal Officer & Secretary
   Alliance Laundry Systems LLC
   Shepard Street
   P. O. Box 990
   Ripon, WI 54971-0990
If to Buyer at:    Coinmach Corporation
   521 East Morehead St., Suite 590
   Charlotte, N.C. 28202
   Attn. Stephen R. Kerrigan
with a copy to:    Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw, LLP
   1675 Broadway
   New York, New York 10019-5820
   Attn.: Ronald S. Brody, Esq.

or to such other address as each party may designate for itself by like notice.

 

7


15. Choice of Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York.

16. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors, legal representatives and assigns. This Agreement may not be assigned, transferred or otherwise conveyed by Buyer or Seller without the other party’s prior written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or unduly delayed.

17. Counterparts Clause; Telecopy Execution. This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which shall constitute but one and the same instrument. Delivery of an executed counterpart of this Agreement by telefacsimile shall be equally as effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement. Any party delivering an executed counterpart of this Agreement by telefacsimile shall also deliver a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement, but the failure to deliver a manually executed counterpart shall not affect the validity, enforceability, and binding effect of this Agreement.

18. Future Acquisitions. Buyer may, in the future, acquire other route businesses from independent operators and operate such either under a new wholly-owned subsidiary (if, for example, such acquisition is structured as a stock purchase with the acquired corporation not thereafter being merged into one of the entities comprising Buyer) or under one of Buyer’s existing operating entities (if, for example, such acquisition is structured as an asset purchase). In the event that Buyer consummates any such future acquisitions and the cash consideration paid by Buyer does not exceed $50 million in the aggregate, Buyer or its applicable subsidiary shall remain entitled to the same benefits hereunder as if such person were a party, as an additional “Buyer,” to this Agreement, and in the event any acquisition results in a new wholly-owned or controlled subsidiary of Buyer and the cash consideration paid by Buyer in all prior acquisitions following the date hereof exceeds $50 million, Buyer shall cause such new subsidiary to execute an agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to Seller, adopting the terms of this Agreement as a “Buyer” hereunder and agreeing to be bound by all the terms and provisions hereof; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not require Buyer or any such new subsidiary to take any action that is prohibited by applicable law or is prohibited by, or would otherwise result in a default under or breach of, any agreement or instrument to which Buyer or such new subsidiary is a party and, provided further that, until such time as any such new subsidiary has adopted this Agreement, Buyer shall, subject to the foregoing, cause such new subsidiary to abide and be bound by the terms hereof in the same manner as if such new subsidiary were a party hereto. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event Buyer’s new subsidiary is already a party to a supply or similar agreement (exclusive of a supply agreement which was entered into by such new subsidiary in contemplation of Buyer’s acquisition or formation of such new subsidiary), Buyer is not bound to cause such new subsidiary (and such new subsidiary shall not be required) to execute an agreement adopting the terms of this Agreement or to abide and be bound by the terms hereof in any manner. Buyer shall use commercially

 

8


reasonable efforts to obtain the cancellation or termination of any provision preventing a new subsidiary from becoming a party to this Agreement, provided that Buyer shall not be obligated to expend funds or take any other action adverse to Buyer’s interests in order to obtain such cancellation or termination, and further provided that upon the expiration of any such restrictive provision, Buyer shall, subject to the foregoing, cause such new subsidiary to join in and become a party to this Agreement. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary herein, this Section 18 and the obligations of Buyer hereunder do not apply to and shall not give effect to for any purpose hereunder either of the two proposed acquisitions specifically identified to Seller by Buyer on or prior to the date hereof.

19. Incorporation of Schedules. All Exhibits and Schedules attached hereto are by this reference incorporated herein and made a part hereof for all purposes as fully set forth herein.

20. Section Headings. Section headings contained in this Agreement are for convenience and reference only and shall not be deemed a part of this Agreement.

21. Severability. If for any reason whatsoever, any one or more of the provisions of this Agreement shall be held or deemed to be inoperative, unenforceable or invalid as applied to any particular case or in all cases, such circumstances shall not have the effect of rendering such provision invalid in any other case or of rendering any of the other provisions of this Agreement inoperative, unenforceable or invalid.

22. Confidentiality. Each of Buyer and Seller shall maintain, and shall cause each of their respective employees and officers to maintain, the confidentiality of this Agreement and of all other confidential proprietary information concerning the parties hereto and their respective businesses which is obtained by either party in connection with the negotiation and performance of the transactions contemplated herein; provided, however, that each of Buyer and Seller, and their respective officers and employees, may disclose information concerning this Agreement or any other such non-public information to their respective external accountants and attorneys, or as may be required by any applicable law (including, without limitation, the reporting obligations of either Buyer or Seller under the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the rules and regulations promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission), or by any order of any judicial or administrative proceeding. In addition, each of Buyer and Seller may disclose any such non-public information (i) pursuant to any law, rule, regulation, direction, request or order of any judicial, administrative or regulatory authority or proceeding (whether or not having the force or effect of law), or (ii) to (a) any person providing financing to either such party hereto, (b) any rating agency or comparable body in connection with any financing provided to either party hereto, or (c) any prospective or actual successor or assignee of either party hereto, provided that each such person to whom disclosure is made pursuant to this clause (ii) is informed of the confidential nature of such information in a manner consistent with the practice of the party making such disclosure when such party is making disclosure of its own confidential or proprietary information to persons of a similar nature. The foregoing notwithstanding, each of Buyer and Seller agree that they shall use the information contained in this Agreement, and any

 

9


other confidential proprietary information which they obtain concerning the other party, only for the purpose of performing their duties and obligations under this Agreement, and that they shall not use or exploit such information for their own benefit, or for the benefit of any other person, without the other party’s prior written consent.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Buyer and Seller shall be responsible for any breach of this confidentiality provision by any of their respective representatives, agents, advisors or providers of financing. With respect to any information to be disclosed pursuant to applicable law, legal process or by any order of any judicial, regulatory or administrative proceeding, the disclosing party will promptly notify the non-disclosing party thereof and cooperate with the non-disclosing party to the extent legally permissible if such non-disclosing party should seek to obtain an order or other reliable assurance that confidential treatment will be accorded designated portions of the confidential information.

23. Complete Agreement. This Agreement, those documents expressly referred to herein and other documents of even date herewith (i) embody the complete agreement and understanding among the parties, and (ii) supersede and preempt any prior agreements (including the Existing Supply Agreement, which is hereby terminated and of no further force or effect), summaries of terms and conditions, understandings, or representations by or among the parties, written or oral, which may have related to the subject matter hereof in any way. No waiver of any provision hereof shall be effective unless set forth by written instrument and executed by the parties hereto.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

10


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date and year first above written.

 

BUYER:    SELLER:
COINMACH CORPORATION,    ALLIANCE LAUNDRY SYSTEMS LLC,
a Delaware corporation    a Delaware limited liability company
By:  

/s/ Stephan Kerrigan

   By:  

/s/ Jeffrey J. Brothers

Title:   CEO    Title:   Senior VP Sales & Marketing

 

11


EXHIBIT A

**OMITTED PURSUANT TO CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUEST**

 

12


EXHIBIT B

**OMITTED PURSUANT TO CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUEST**

 

13


EXHIBIT C

**OMITTED PURSUANT TO CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUEST**

 

14

EX-10.15 3 dex1015.htm LEASE AGREEMENT, DATED NOVEMBER 11, 2005 Lease agreement, dated November 11, 2005

EXHIBIT 10.15

LEASE

Date:                 November 11, 2005

Landlord:         700 Stanton Drive, LLC

Tenant:             Alliance Laundry Systems LLC

1. BASIC TERMS. The following terms shall have the meaning set forth in this section unless specifically modified by other provisions of this Lease:

1.1 Building. The building located at 700 Stanton Drive, Ripon, Wisconsin, together with the land approximately 14 acres of land and other improvements and facilities appurtenant thereto, more particularly described on the attached Exhibit A.

1.2 Premises. Approximately 134,921 square feet of space in the Building as shown on the floor plan attached hereto as Exhibit B. For purposes of this Lease, the parties accept the number of square feet shown above, even if measurement or confirmation might yield a different number of square feet.

1.3 Common Areas. The areas of the Building not regularly and customarily leased for exclusive use of tenants, including, but not limited to, any entranceways, common hallways and stairs, elevators, loading areas, roofs, all parking areas (whether for the exclusive or non-exclusive use of any tenant), driveways, walks and landscaped areas.

1.4 Term. Approximately seven (7) years and two (2) months commencing on the Commencement Date and terminating on the Termination Date. There two (2) extension options as set forth in Section 40.

1.5 Commencement Date. The earlier of (i) January 1, 2006 or (ii) the date Tenant completes the work described in Exhibit C.

1.6 Termination Date. The last day of the Eighty Sixth (86th) month after the Commencement Date or the last day of the last exercised renewal period if the renewal option[s] are exercised in accordance with this Lease.

1.7 Base Rent. Two Hundred Thirty Two Thousand Eight Hundred Fifty Six and No/100 Dollars ($232,856.00) annually, payable in advance monthly installments of Nineteen Thousand Four Hundred Four and 66/100 Dollars ($19,404.66) due on the first calendar day of each month.

1.8 Base Rent Commencement Date. March 1, 2006, without regard to whether Tenant has completed the work described in Exhibit C.

1.9 Permitted Use. General office, engineering, receiving, manufacturing, storing of material and shipping purposes in connection with Tenant’s business.


1.10 Landlord’s Address for Notices.

 

C/o Carter Management
Attn: Sandy Ward
330 E. Kilbourn Avenue Suite 838
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
Telephone: (414) 224-9102
Facsimile: (414) 224-1022

1.11 Outside Storage Area. The area designated on Exhibit E as the area for Tenant’s exclusive use for outside storage.

1.12 Trailer Parking Area. The area designated on Exhibit E for Tenant’s exclusive use for truck and trailer parking.

1.13 Admanco Space. The office space within the building consisting of approximately 8,724 rentable square feet leased by Admanco – a division of EBSCO Industries, Inc. as of the date of this Lease.

1.14 Tenant’s Proportionate Share. When splitting the amount of any costs and/or expense for items described in this Lease, Tenant’s Proportionate Share shall mean 94% of such cost and/or expense. When Tenant has paid a cost and/or expense that is to be split between Landlord and Tenant, Landlord shall reimburse Tenant for 6% of such cost and/or expense within ten (10) days of a written demand for payment accompanied with a copy of the applicable invoices and proof of payment. When Landlord has paid a cost and/or expense that is to be split between Landlord and Tenant, Tenant shall reimburse Landlord for 94% of such expense within ten (10) days of a written demand for payment accompanied with a copy of the applicable invoices and proof of payment.

1.15 Tenant’s Address for Notices.

 

Atten: Jeffrey E. Thoms
Treasurer and Assistant Secretary
Alliance Laundry Systems LLC
Shepard Street, P.O. Box 990
Ripon, WI 54971

Telephone: (920) 748-4403

Facsimile: (920) 748-1629

With a copy to:

 

Atten: Scott L. Spiller
Chief Legal Officer
Alliance Laundry Systems LLC
Shepard Street, P.O. Box 990
Ripon, WI 54971
Telephone: (920) 748-4320
Facsimile: (920) 748-4334

 

2


1.16 Exhibits.

 

A - Legal Description

B - Floor Plan of the Premises

C - Tenant Improvements

D - Landlord Work

E - Tenant Parking Areas

F – Admanco Parking Area

G – Recorded Covenants and Restrictions

2. DEMISE AND TERM. Landlord leases the Premises to Tenant and Tenant leases from Landlord the Premises subject to the provisions of this Lease; provided, that any space in the Premises used for shafts, pipes, conduits, ducts, electrical or other utilities or Building facilities that service the Admanco Space after the completion of the Landlord Work described in Exhibit D, the separate utility metering work described in Section 12.1 of this Lease, and the Tenant Improvement work described in Exhibit C, as well as access thereto through the Premises for the purposes of installation, operation, maintenance, inspection, repair and replacement, are reserved for Landlord’s non-exclusive use. The Term of this Lease commences on the Commencement Date and ends on the Termination Date unless sooner terminated as provided herein. Each party will, at the request of the other, execute and deliver an instrument confirming the actual Commencement Date and the Termination Date when determined. As used herein, “Lease Year” means a period of twelve (12) full and consecutive calendar months. The initial Lease Year begins on the Commencement Date and ends on the last day of the month preceding the first anniversary of the Commencement Date; provided, however, if the Commencement Date does not occur on the first day of a calendar month, then the initial Lease Year shall begin on the Commencement Date and end on the last day of the month which contains the first anniversary thereof. Each succeeding Lease Year shall begin upon the termination of the preceding Lease Year.

3. RENT.

3.1 Commencing on the Commencement Date, Tenant will pay to Landlord at Landlord’s address set forth in Section 1.10 or such other place designated by Landlord, in advance on the first day of each calendar month without prior demand or notice, the rent for the Premises consisting of the monthly installments of Base Rent set forth in Section 1.7 and any other additional payments due under this Lease. The obligation of Tenant to pay rent is an independent covenant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, payment of monthly installments of Base Rent shall not commence until the Base Rent Commencement Date.

3.2 Except as otherwise provided herein, this Lease is what is commonly called a “net lease,” it being understood that Landlord shall receive the Base Rent set forth in Paragraph 3.1 free and clear of any and all other impositions, taxes, assessments, liens, charges or expenses of any nature whatsoever in connection with the ownership, maintenance, repair and operation of the Premises. In addition to the Base Rent, Tenant shall pay to Landlord, or to the other persons or entities respectively entitled, all taxes and impositions, insurance premiums, operating charges, maintenance charges, repairs, and any other charges, costs and expenses which arise or may be contemplated under any provisions of this Lease during the Term related to the Building, except as expressly required to be paid for by Landlord hereunder. All of such charges, costs and expenses when due, shall constitute additional rent (“Additional Rent”), and upon the failure of Tenant to pay any of such costs, charges or expenses, Landlord shall have the same rights and remedies as otherwise provided in this Lease for the failure of Tenant to pay

 

3


Base Rent. Base Rent, payable under this Lease by Tenant shall be paid without notice or demand and Landlord is required to send notice or demand for any Additional Rent and all other sums payable under this Lease. Except as otherwise provided herein, Base Rent, Additional Rent and all other sums payable under this Lease by Tenant (collectively “Rent”) shall be an absolute net return to Landlord for the Term free from any expense, charge, deduction, offset or counterclaim by reason of any obligation of Landlord or any other reason.

3.3 It is the intention of the parties to this Lease that the obligations of Tenant under this Lease shall be separate and independent covenants and agreements, that the Base Rent, the Additional Rent and all other sums payable by Tenant under this Lease shall continue to be payable in all events and that the obligations of Tenant under this Lease shall continue unaffected, unless the requirement to pay or perform the same shall have been terminated pursuant to an express provision of this Lease.

3.4 Tenant acknowledges that late payment of rent (Base Rent or additional rental) involves additional costs to Landlord for collection and bookkeeping, and, accordingly, if rent (Base Rent or additional rental) due hereunder is not paid by the 10th day after it is due, then Tenant shall pay upon demand, as additional rent, a late charge equal to 5% of the amount required to be paid. The payment of a late charge shall not be construed to extend the date for payment of any sums required to be paid by Tenant or to relieve Tenant of its obligation to pay all such sums at the time or times herein when due, and neither the demand for, nor collection by Landlord, of such late charge shall be construed as a waiver of Landlord’s rights under Section 23 of this Lease.

4. TAXES.

4.1 Taxes “Taxes” shall mean real estate taxes, assessments (general or special), sewer rents, rates and charges, transit taxes, taxes based upon leases or the receipt of rent, and any other federal, state or local governmental charge, general, special, ordinary or extraordinary (but not including income or franchise taxes, inheritance, capital stock, or any other taxes imposed upon or measured by Landlord’s income or profits) which may now or subsequently be levied, assessed or imposed against all or any portion of the Building or interest in the Building. Notwithstanding anything contained in the foregoing definition to the contrary:

(a) If at any time the method of taxation then prevailing shall be altered so that all or any part of any new or additional tax, assessment, levy, imposition or charge shall be imposed upon Landlord in place or partly in place of any Taxes or contemplated increase in such Taxes, or in addition to Taxes, and shall be measured by or be based in whole or in part upon the Premises, the rents or other income from the Premises or any leases of all or any part of the Premises, then all or any part of such new taxes, assessments, levies, impositions or charges, shall be included in Taxes levied, assessed or imposed against the Premises.

(b) Notwithstanding the year for which any such taxes or assessments are levied, in the case of special taxes or assessments which may be payable in installments, the amount of each installment, plus any interest, payable during any year shall be considered Taxes assessed and levied for that year. Landlord represents and warrants that no special taxes or assessments have been levied or, to Landlord’s knowledge, proposed for the Building and that no installments of special taxes or assessments remain outstanding as of the date of this Lease. Except as provided in this Section 4.1(b), all references to Taxes assessed, levied, confirmed or imposed during a particular year shall be deemed to refer to Taxes levied, assessed or otherwise payable during such year without regard to when such Taxes are imposed.

 

4


(c) Taxes shall also include personal property taxes (if any) imposed upon the furniture, fixtures, machinery, equipment, apparatus, systems or appurtenances owned by Landlord and located on and used in connection with Tenant’s use of the Premises or its operation.

4.2 Payment. Tenant shall pay to Landlord Tenant’s Proportionate Share of Taxes which are assessed, levied, confirmed, imposed or which become a lien upon the Building with respect to any period of time within the Term. Taxes shall be prorated for the first and last year of the Term. Tenant shall pay to Landlord, Tenant’s Proportionate Share of the known or estimated yearly real estate Taxes and assessments with respect to the Building in monthly payments equal to one-twelfth (1/12) of the known or estimated yearly real estate taxes and assessments next payable with respect to the Premises. From time to time Landlord may reasonably re-estimate the amount of real estate taxes and assessments, and in such event Landlord shall notify Tenant, in writing, of such re-estimate and fix future monthly installments for the remaining period prior to the next tax and assessment due date in an amount sufficient to pay the re-estimated amount over the balance of such period after giving credit for payments made by Tenant on the previous estimate. If the total monthly payments made by Tenant pursuant to this paragraph shall exceed the amount of payments necessary for such taxes and assessments, such excess shall be refunded to Tenant within thirty (30) days of the date Landlord pays such payments under this paragraph. If the total monthly payments made by Tenant pursuant to this paragraph shall be insufficient to pay such taxes and assessments when due, then Tenant shall pay to Landlord such amount as may be necessary to make up the deficiency within thirty (30) days of the date of Landlord’s demand therefore. If the Premises is ever taxed separate from the Admanco Space, then Tenant shall only be responsible for the Taxes directly relating to the Premises.

4.3 Contest. Landlord shall direct the appropriate governmental body to send any bill, notice of assessment, or other notices or correspondence relating to Taxes directly to Tenant. Tenant shall have the right at its own expense to contest the amount or validity, in whole or in part, of any Tax by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted in good faith, however such a contest shall not affect Tenant’s obligation to make estimated payments for Taxes as described in Section 4.2 above. In connection with any such contest, Tenant shall pay all costs, fees, including attorneys’ fees, interest, penalties, fines and other liabilities relating thereto. Landlord may, but is not obligated to, contest the amount or validity, in whole or in part, of any Tax by appropriate proceedings and will be responsible for all attorneys fees and other costs incurred by Landlord connected to such action.

5. CONDITION OF PREMISES. Tenant leases this Premises in its “As Is” “Where Is” condition. Prior to April 30, 2006, Tenant shall substantially complete the construction of improvements to the Premises pursuant to Exhibit C attached hereto. All such work shall be done in a good and workmanlike manner in compliance with all building codes, laws, ordinances, and regulations. Except as specifically provided on Exhibit D and elsewhere in this Lease, Landlord shall not be required to perform any improvements or to rework, remodel or recondition the Premises in any manner whatsoever for Tenant’s use and occupancy thereof. Tenant’s taking possession of the Premises or earlier entry upon the Premises pursuant to Exhibit C, shall be conclusive evidence that Tenant accepts the Premises and that they are in satisfactory

 

5


condition. Tenant, at Tenant’s sole cost and expense, except as expressly required under the terms of this Lease, shall perform all other alterations, improvements and other work necessary to prepare the Premises for Tenant’s use. All work done by Tenant shall be done in accordance with Exhibit C and Section 13 below.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Landlord shall complete the Landlord’s Work and provide Tenant an allowance as set forth on the attached Exhibit D.

6. USE. The Premises shall be used only for the purpose set forth in Section 1.9 above and for no other purposes without Landlord’s express prior written consent. Tenant shall be solely responsible for securing all necessary and appropriate permits, licenses and approvals from all governmental authorities having jurisdiction for the use of the Premises as set forth herein. Tenant shall not do or permit anything to be done in or about the Premises which in any way will obstruct or interfere with the rights of any other occupants of the Building, or use or allow the Premises to be used for any unlawful purpose or otherwise violate any recorded covenant or restriction affecting the Building.

7. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. Tenant shall, at its sole cost and expense, promptly comply with all laws, statutes, ordinances and governmental rules, regulations or requirements now or hereafter in force, and with the requirements of the local Board of Fire Underwriters or any similar body now or hereafter constituted relating to or affecting the condition, use or occupancy of the Premises and with all recorded covenants and restrictions affecting the Premises set forth in the attached Exhibit G. Tenant shall also observe and comply with the requirements of all policies of insurance at any time in force with respect to the Building, provided that such requirements do not prevent Tenant’s use of the Premises to operate its business as such business is operated within its other facilities, and Tenant shall not do or permit anything to be done on or about the Building or bring or keep anything therein that is not required as part of its business operation which will in any way increase the cost of any insurance now or thereafter carried on the Building or any of its contents or that will invalidate any such insurance.

8. ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS.

8.1 Former Ink Sludge Pit. Landlord, in advance of the Commencement Date, shall clean and remediate the former ink sludge pit identified as an environmental condition in the Report of Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, dated March 24, 2004, to the satisfaction of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and shall further close off and seal any entrances to the former ink pit to avoid any possibility of further infiltration of liquids or other materials into such pit.

8.2 Tenant’s Environmental Obligations. Tenant, shall comply with all applicable federal, state and local environmental laws, ordinances and all amendments thereto and rules and regulations implementing the same, together with all common law requirements, which relate to discharge, emissions, waste, nuisance, pollution control, hazardous substances and other environmental matters as the same shall be in existence during the Lease Term (collectively, “Environmental Laws”). Tenant shall obtain all environmental licenses, permits, approvals, authorizations, exemptions, certificates and registrations (collectively, “Permits”) and make all applicable filings required of Tenant under the Environmental Laws required by Tenant to operate at the Premises. Copies of all Permits and required filings shall be delivered to Landlord upon request. Tenant shall not cause or permit any flammable explosive, oil,

 

6


contaminant, radioactive material, hazardous waste or material, toxic waste or material or any similar substance which is or may become regulated under any applicable federal, state or local law including, without limitation, any substance regulated under Wis. Stat. § 292.01(5). (collectively, “Hazardous Materials”) to be brought upon, kept or used in or about the Premises except for quantities of such substances as is necessary in the ordinary course of Tenant’s business provided that Tenant shall handle, store, use and dispose of any such Hazardous Material in compliance with all applicable laws and the standards prevailing in the industry for the storage and use of such substances or materials, in a manner which is safe and does not contaminate the Premises.

8.3 If Landlord’s lender requires testing to ascertain whether or not there has been any release of any Hazardous Material after the Commencement Date and attributable to Tenant’s operation, then (i) the reasonable costs thereof shall be reimbursed by Tenant to Landlord upon demand as additional rent if such requirement applies to the Premises, provided, however, that if such testing reveals that there has been no release of any Hazardous Material by Tenant, its agents, employees, guests, or invitees (collectively for purposes of this Section 8, the “Tenant Parties”) after the Commencement Date, Landlord shall pay for such testing, (ii) such testing shall be done by a company approved by Tenant, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, (iii) Landlord shall require as part of the engagement of the testing company that all report findings shall be kept confidential by Landlord, Landlord’s lender and by the testing company, except as required by law and only to the extent required by such law, and (iv) Tenant shall be provided with a copy of the report. If a governmental agency with the requisite authority requires testing to ascertain whether or not there has been any release of any Hazardous Material after the Commencement Date and attributable to Tenant’s operation, then (i) the reasonable costs thereof shall be reimbursed by Tenant to Landlord upon demand as additional rent if such requirement applies to the Premises, provided, however, that if such testing reveals that there has been no release of any Hazardous Material by any Tenant Parties after the Commencement Date, Landlord shall pay for such testing, (ii) such testing shall be done by a company selected by Tenant and approved by Landlord, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, (iii) all report findings shall be kept confidential by Landlord, except as required by law and only to the extent required by such law, and (iv) all report findings shall be the sole property of the Tenant. Tenant shall, from time to time, at Landlord’s request, execute such other affidavits, representations and the like concerning Tenant’s best knowledge and belief regarding the presence of Hazardous Materials on the Premises. Except to the extent caused by the negligence or willful misconduct of Landlord or its employees, agents, invitees or contractors or caused by the tenant of the Admanco Space (or any employees, agents, invitees or contractors of the tenant of the Admanco Space), Tenant will indemnify and hold Landlord harmless from any liability, claim or injury, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, and the cost of any required or necessary repair, cleanup, remediation or detoxification, solely arising out of (1) the use, manufacture, handling, storage, disposal or release of any Hazardous Materials by any Tenant Parties on, under or about the Premises, or (2) an actual or alleged violation of Environmental Laws in connection with the presence any Tenant Parties on the Premises or the operation of Tenant’s business on the Premises during the Lease Term. Tenant’s liability under this Section 8 is limited to the liability caused solely by the actions, omissions or negligence of Tenant Parties. The foregoing covenants and indemnification shall survive the expiration of the Term of this Lease.

8.4 Landlord’s Environmental Obligations. Except to the extent caused by Tenant Parties, Landlord will indemnify and hold Tenant it’s directors, owners, officers,

 

7


employees, subsidiaries, parent organizations, predecessors in interest, successors in interest and agents harmless from any and all environmental conditions or environmental liabilities existing on the Premises prior to the date of the Lease, whether known or unknown, and whether such conditions or liabilities originated on site or have migrated onto the Premises from off site. Landlord further acknowledges that it retains full possession and control of the subsurface of the property (i.e. any portion of the leased Premises below ground level or underneath building floors or foundations) and that Tenant has and will not have had during any time covered by the Lease, possession or control of any portion of the subsurface of the property. The foregoing covenants and indemnification shall survive (i) the assignment of this Lease by Landlord, with respect to environmental liabilities existing in advance of the date of such an assignment, and (ii) and the expiration of the Term of this Lease.

9. COMMON AREAS. Tenant and its employees, customers and invitees shall have the reasonable nonexclusive right to use the public portion of the Common Areas as may from time to time exist, in common with Landlord and the other tenants and occupants of the Building and their respective employees, customers and invitees and all others to whom Landlord has or may hereafter grant rights to use the same. Landlord shall have the right to close any or all portions of the Common Areas to such extent as may, in Landlord’s opinion, be necessary to prevent a dedication thereof or the accrual of any rights to any person or the public therein. Landlord shall at all times have full control, management and direction of the Common Areas. Tenant shall not cause or allow any storage of materials or equipment outside of the Premises on any of the Common Areas except raw material and other production material, company vehicles and shipping trailers may be stored within the outside storage area designated on Exhibit E attached hereto. Landlord reserves the right at any time and from time to time to reduce, increase, enclose or otherwise change the size, number, location, layout and nature of the Common Areas, to construct additional buildings and stories, to create additional rentable areas through use and/or enclosure of Common Areas, to close portions of the Common Areas for maintenance, repair or replacement, providing that none of the foregoing shall materially or adversely affect Tenant’s use of the Premises as permitted in Section 6.

10. PARKING. Tenant and Tenant’s employees, customers and invitees shall have the exclusive right to use the parking spaces located within the Common Areas as shown on Exhibit E attached hereto. Tenant shall not permit vehicles to be abandoned or stored (except within the Trailer Parking Area) in the parking areas of the Building. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parking spaces designated on the attached Exhibit F shall be reserved for the exclusive use of the tenant of the Admanco Space.

11. MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS.

11.1 Tenant Maintenance. Tenant, at Tenant’s sole cost and expense (except as otherwise provided herein) shall maintain the Building and the Common Areas throughout the Term and in good and working condition and shall make all repairs and replacements to the same, except structural repairs which shall be solely conducted at the expense of the Landlord. In addition to, and in no way in limitation of the foregoing, Tenant shall take good care of, repair and maintain all driveways, pathways, roadways, sidewalks, curbs, parking areas, loading areas, landscaped areas, ponds, entrances and passageways in good order and repair and shall promptly remove all accumulated snow, ice and debris from any and all driveways, pathways, roadways, sidewalks, curbs, parking areas, loading areas, entrances and passageways, and keep all portions of the Building, including appurtenant areas, in a clean and orderly condition free of snow, ice,

 

8


dirt, rubbish, debris and unlawful obstructions. Tenant shall also repair, replace, and maintain in good, safe, and working condition, the exterior walls of the Building, the heating, ventilating, air conditioning, electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems in the Building along with the shafts, pipes, conduits, ducts, electrical and other utilities and Building facilities. Notwithstanding the forgoing, Tenant shall have no obligation to maintain, repair or make replacements within the Admanco Space. Tenant shall be responsible for Tenant’s Proportionate Share of the costs and/or expenses Tenant incurs in maintaining, repairing and replacing the Building and the Common Areas as described herein, and Landlord shall reimburse Tenant for 6% of such cost and/or expense within ten (10) days of a written demand for payment accompanied with a copy of the applicable invoices and proof of payment.

11.2 Casualty. Except for Landlord’s negligence, Tenant shall be responsible for the entire cost of all repairs and replacements otherwise the responsibility of Landlord hereunder that are required by reason of acts or negligence of Tenant, its agents, employees, customers or invitees, or the particular nature of Tenant’s use of the Building, provided, however, that the foregoing shall not prohibit Tenant from make a claim therefore upon any insurance policy maintained by or for the Landlord hereunder. Tenant shall be responsible for repairing any damage to the Building caused by the installation or moving of Tenant’s furniture, equipment, personal property, and approved Structural Alterations. Tenant shall, at its expense, also repair or replace with glass of equal quality any broken or cracked plate or other glass in doors, windows and elsewhere in or adjacent to the Premises if broken or cracked by Tenant, its agent, employees, customers, or invitees. Tenant shall not defer any repairs or replacements to the Building by reason of the anticipation of the expiration of the Term.

11.3 Landlord Responsibility. Landlord shall not be required to furnish any services or facilities or to make any repairs or alterations in, about, or to the Building, provided, however, that notwithstanding anything contained herein, Landlord shall be responsible, at Landlord’s sole cost and expense, except as set forth in Section 11.2 above, for the repair and maintenance of (i) the roof, structure, and foundation of the Building, and (ii) the parking lot portion of the Common Areas, unless Landlord resurfaces the parking lot as contemplated on Exhibit D. Any repairs which are the responsibility of the Landlord not commenced by the Landlord within 30 days notice from the Tenant, can be performed by the Tenant and Landlord shall pay the reasonable costs incurred by Tenant within ten (10) days of a written demand for payment accompanied with a copy of the applicable invoices and proof of payment.

12. UTILITIES.

12.1 Utility Service. Tenant will pay, when due, all charges of every nature, kind or description for utilities furnished to the Premises or chargeable against the Premises during the Term, including all charges for water, sewage, heat, gas, light, garbage, electricity, telephone, DSL, or other public or private utility services. Landlord shall cause heating, ventilating, and air conditioning service, gas and electric to be separately metered to the Premises, at Landlord’s sole cost and without any contribution by Tenant and without any reduction to the Landlord Contribution, which separate metering work shall be done in advance of the Commencement Date. If any utilities are not separately metered after commercially reasonable attempts to separately meter, then Tenant shall only be responsible for Tenant’s Proportionate Share of such utilities.

 

9


12.2 Deposits. In the event that any charge, deposit or fee is required to furnish any utility to the Premises as a condition precedent to furnishing or continuing to furnish such utility, such charge, deposit or fee shall be deemed to be a utility charge payable by Tenant.

12.3 Interruption. In no event shall Landlord be liable for damages, nor shall the rental herein reserved be abated or subject to offset or deduction for failure to furnish or any delay in furnishing any utility services nor shall the temporary failure to furnish any of such services be construed as an eviction of Tenant or relieve Tenant from the duty of observing and performing all of the provisions of this Lease.

13. ALTERATIONS. Those alterations identified on the attached Exhibit C and any non-structural alterations (together the “Non-Structural Alterations”) required to accommodate Tenant’s manufacturing process during the term of the Lease do not need Landlord approval as provided in this Section 13 (however, Exhibit C contains its own approval process). Tenant shall not make any structural alterations, additions or improvements (“Structural Alteration”) in, on or to the Premises or any part thereof without delivering to Landlord the plans and specifications therefor and obtaining the express, prior written consent of Landlord. Landlord’s consent to any Structural Alteration shall not be unreasonably withheld and Landlord shall provide its approval or specify the reasons for its rejection within ten (10) business days, however, if Landlord does not provide Tenant with a rejection of the submitted plans (or any resubmissions of plans) within said ten (10) business days, then Tenant’s plans most recently submitted shall be deemed approved by Landlord.. Tenant shall pay for all reasonable costs incurred by Landlord in considering any request for consent to any proposed Structural Alteration project, including, without limitation, any architect, engineer, or attorney fees, up to a maximum of Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($2,500), per project. Any Non-Structural Alteration or approved Structural Alteration shall be made at Tenant’s own cost and expense and in a good and workmanlike manner in accordance with the laws, ordinances and codes relating thereto and free from any claim or claims for construction liens, and Tenant shall indemnify and hold Landlord harmless from and against any and all claims, liens, costs and expenses on account of such work. Upon completion of any Structural Alteration, Tenant shall provide Landlord with a copy of the as-built plans and blueprints for the same if such Structural Alteration materially differs from the original plans submitted. Normal and customary decorating and redecorating of the Premises shall not require Landlord’s approval as long as Landlord has been provided reasonable notice and it does not affect Landlord’s operations, fire safety, insurability, or use by other tenants and their customers, invitees, and agents.

14. SIGNS. Tenant shall not install, affix or place any sign or other advertising or identifying media upon the exterior of the Premises or the Building without first obtaining the written consent of Landlord in each instance, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, subject to applicable ordinances. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Landlord agrees to permit entrance signs showing the name of Tenant at both entrances to the Building and signage on the Building in a location or locations and in any size permitted by applicable ordinances. Landlord agrees to remove or to have removed on or before December 1, 2005 and without any cost or contribution by Tenant and without any deduction from the Landlord Contribution, the large building-mounted Admanco sign located at southeastern side of the Building and Tenant shall remove all other Admanco signs that are presently located at the entrances to the Building or are attached to the Building. Landlord further covenants and agrees that Tenant shall have the sole and exclusive right to any signage at the entrances to the Building, and that no other tenant signage will be permitted except for signage immediately in front of the front door to the Admanco Space and in a size not to exceed 2’ high and 5’ wide.

 

10


15. LIENS. Tenant shall not create or permit any liens under any construction lien law to be filed or recorded against the Premises or against the interest of Landlord or Tenant therein. If any such lien is filed or recorded, Tenant shall immediately cause such lien to be discharged of record, or bonded over in a form reasonably satisfactory to Landlord.

16. RIGHT OF ENTRY. Landlord and its agents shall have the right to enter the Premises to inspect the condition thereof, to supply any service to be provided by Landlord to Tenant hereunder, to show the Premises and to alter, improve, or repair the Premises and any portion of the Building at all times during business hours with at least forty-eight (48) hours advance notice to Tenant, except in the event of an emergency (as determined by Landlord in its reasonable discretion), when no notice is required. Landlord agrees not to take or permit others to take any photographs, video or other recorded images of the interior of the Premises. Landlord will use its best efforts not to interfere with Tenant’s business during such access. Tenant shall not add or change the locks to any doors of the Premises. Tenant will deposit or permit Landlord to deposit on Tenant’s behalf a key to the Premises in a lock box if required by and for the benefit of the local fire department. Any entry to the Premises shall not under any circumstances be construed or deemed to be a forcible or unlawful entry into, or a detainer of, the Premises, or an eviction, of Tenant or impose any liability on Landlord. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to impose on Landlord any obligation or duty to make repairs or alterations to the Premises except as expressly provided in this Lease.

17. INSURANCE

17.1 Fire and Casualty. Tenant shall continuously maintain in full force and effect during the Term of this Lease a policy or policies of insurance insuring the Building against loss or damage by fire and extended perils and other perils except those excluded by an “all-risk” replacement cost coverage, with full replacement cost and agreed amounts endorsements. Full replacement cost shall be interpreted to mean the cost of replacing the Building with all required building code upgrades, and it shall include a reasonable sum for architectural, engineering, legal, administrative and supervisory fees connected with the restoration or replacement of the Building in the event of damage to or destruction of the Building. Tenant shall be obligated for Tenant’s Proportionate Share of the cost of the aforementioned insurance and Landlord shall reimburse Tenant for 6% of the actual cost and/or expense within ten (10) days of a written demand for payment accompanied with a copy of the applicable invoices and proof of payment.

17.2 Liability. During the Term, Tenant, at its sole cost and expense, shall continuously maintain in full force and effect the following additional insurance coverages:

(a) Commercial general liability and excess/umbrella liability policies against any loss, liability or damage within the Premises, with limits of not less than $2,000,000.00 combined single limit coverage for bodily injury or property damage liability claims on an occurrence basis arising out of or in connection with Tenant’s operations in and maintenance and use of the Premises.

 

11


(b) Boiler and pressure vessel (including, but not limited to, pressure pipes, steam pipes and condensation return pipes) insurance, if the Building contains a boiler or other pressure vessel or pressure pipes, in an amount reasonably satisfactory to Landlord.

17.3 Rental Loss Insurance. As a part of the insurance coverage maintained by Tenant, Tenant shall, at Tenant’s sole cost and expense, during the demised term, carry rental loss insurance to insure the payment of rent, the payment of taxes, charges and assessments, and the payment of insurance premiums under this Lease for a period of not less than twelve (12) months in the event of a casualty.

17.4 Policies. All policies of insurance required by this Lease shall provide that the Landlord and any mortgagee of Landlord be designated as additional insureds, as their interests may appear. In addition, Landlord shall be designated as the loss payee on the casualty and rental loss insurance policies required hereunder. Each policy shall have attached (i) an endorsement that such policy shall not be cancelled without at least thirty (30) days prior written notice to the other party, and (ii) an endorsement to the effect that the insurance shall not be invalidated by any act or neglect of any person. All policies of insurance shall be written by a company or companies reasonably satisfactory to Landlord and licensed in the State of Wisconsin, and with a general policyholder’s rating of not less than A- and a financial rating of not less than VII in the most current available Best’s insurance reports. Certificates of insurance, in a form reasonably acceptable to Landlord, shall be delivered to Landlord.

18. INDEMNITY. Tenant agrees to indemnify and save Landlord harmless against and from any and all third party claims, damages, losses, liabilities and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees), arising out of Tenant’s occupancy of the Premises or from the conduct of management of the business conducted by Tenant in the Premises from any breach or default on the part of Tenant in the performance of any covenant or agreement on the part of Tenant to be performed pursuant to the terms of this Lease, or from any act or negligence of Tenant, its agents, contractors, servants, employees, sublessees, concessionaires or licensees in or about the Premises; but excluding (i) any claims, damages, losses, liabilities or expenses to the extent caused by the willful misconduct or gross negligence of Landlord or Landlord’s employees, agents, contractors or invitees and (ii) any environmental claims, damages, losses, liabilities or expenses that are not the responsibility of Tenant pursuant to Section 8.2 of this Lease. In case any action or proceeding is brought against Landlord by reason of any claim covered by Tenant’s indemnity, Tenant, upon notice from Landlord, shall defend such action or proceeding that is brought against Landlord by reason of any such claim. Tenant, upon notice from Landlord, covenants to defend such action or proceeding by attorneys reasonably satisfactory to Landlord unless such attorneys are chosen by Tenant’s insurer.

19. NONLIABILITY OF LANDLORD. Except to the extent solely caused by an act of Landlord or Landlord’s agents, contractors, invitees or employees, Landlord shall not be liable to Tenant, and Tenant hereby waives all claims against Landlord, for any injury or damage to any person or property in or about the Building resulting from the Building or Premises, or any part thereof, or any equipment thereof becoming out of repair; flooding of basements or other areas; damages caused by sprinkling devices, air-conditioning apparatus, snow, frost, water leakage, steam, excessive heat or cold, falling plaster, broken glass, sewage, gas, odors or noise or the bursting or leaking of pipes or plumbing fixtures; any act or neglect of other tenants or occupants or employees in the Building; or any other thing or circumstance whatsoever, whether of a like nature or of a wholly different nature. All property in or about the Building or in the

 

12


Premises belonging to Tenant, its agents, employees or invitees shall be there at the risk of Tenant or other person only and Landlord shall not be liable for damage thereto or theft, misappropriation or loss thereof. If Landlord fails to perform any covenant or condition of this Lease upon Landlord’s part to be performed and, as a consequence of such default, Tenant recovers a money judgment against Landlord, such judgment shall be satisfied only out of the proceeds of sale received upon execution of such judgment and levy thereon against the right, title and interest of Landlord in the Building and out of rents or other income from such property receivable by Landlord and Landlord shall not be personally liable for any deficiency.

20. CASUALTY. If the Premises or the Building is damaged or destroyed by fire or other casualty covered by insurance, then (unless this Lease is terminated as hereinafter provided) this Lease shall continue in full force and effect, Tenant shall not be entitled to any abatement of rental, and Landlord shall promptly and diligently proceed, after adjustment of such loss, to repair or restore the Premises to the condition which Landlord furnished to Tenant upon the commencement of the Term. Landlord shall be under no obligation to restore any Alterations to the Premises made by Tenant unless the same is covered by the casualty insurance required to be maintained hereunder, and nothing herein shall be construed to require Landlord to insure such property. In no event shall Landlord be obligated to expend an amount in excess of the insurance proceeds available to Landlord for such repair or restoration. If the Premises are repaired as provided herein, then Tenant shall repair and restore its furnishings, furniture, equipment and personal property at its own expense. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any destruction or damage to the Premises or Building (whether or not the Premises are affected) is so extensive that Landlord will be commercially and financially unable to repair or restore the Premises or Building within one hundred fifty (150) days, or the proceeds of insurance are not sufficient or available to fully pay the cost of the repair or restoration, then Landlord may terminate this Lease effective as of the date of the damage by written notice to Tenant within 30 days of the casualty. Except in the case of an event of force majeure (defined below), if Landlord has not terminated this Lease pursuant to the preceding sentence and the Premises are not repaired or rebuilt within one hundred eighty (180) days after the casualty, Tenant shall have the right to terminate this Lease by giving notice to Landlord within twenty (20) days following the expiration of the one hundred eighty (180) day period. The provisions of this Section are subject to the rights of Landlord’s mortgagees, if any.

21. CONDEMNATION. If all or substantially all of the Premises are sold to or taken by any public authority under its power of condemnation or the threat thereof, this Lease shall terminate as of the date possession is transferred to the acquiring authority, and the rental payable hereunder shall be apportioned accordingly. If any material part of the Building is sold or taken (whether or not the Premises are affected), Landlord shall have the right to terminate this Lease as of the date possession is transferred to the acquiring authority upon giving written notice thereof to Tenant, and the rental payable hereunder shall be apportioned accordingly. If this Lease is not terminated pursuant to the foregoing, then this Lease shall continue in force as to the part of the Premises not taken and the rent payable thereafter shall be reduced in proportion to the amount of total floor area of the Premises taken. If any such taking occurs, Landlord, upon receipt and to the extent of the award in condemnation or proceeds of sale, shall, unless this Lease has been terminated, make necessary repairs and restorations (exclusive of Tenant’s leasehold improvements and Alterations) to restore the Premises remaining to as near its former condition as circumstances will permit. All damages awarded by or amounts paid by the acquiring authority for any such taking, whether for the whole or a part of the Premises or the Building or Common Areas shall belong to and be the sole property of Landlord whether such

 

13


damages are awarded as compensation for loss of, or diminution in value to, the leasehold or the fee thereof; provided, however, Tenant shall have the right to pursue such claim or claims as Tenant may have legally for relocation expenses, interruption of business and such items which do not reduce the award or proceeds of sale payable to Landlord. If this Lease is terminated, Tenant shall not have any claim against Landlord for the value of the unexpired term hereof. The provisions of this Section are subject to the rights of Landlord’s mortgagees, if any. Except in the case of an event of force majeure (defined below), if Landlord does not make the determination to restore or rebuild the Premises within 45 days after the condemnation, or if the Premises are not repaired or rebuilt within 180 days after the condemnation, Tenant shall have the right to terminate this Lease, by giving notice to Landlord within 20 days following the expiration of the applicable time period. If the Premises or any part of the Premises are rendered untenantable by the condemnation, a just proportion of the rental, based upon the number of rentable square feet of area in the Premises which are untenantable, shall be abated until the Premises or such part of the Premises shall have been put in a tenantable condition.

22. ASSIGNMENT AND SUBLETTING. Tenant shall not assign, pledge, mortgage or otherwise transfer or encumber this Lease or sublet any part or all of the Premises and shall not permit any use of any part of the Premises by any other party, or any transfer of its interest in the Premises by operation of law without Landlord’s prior consent, which will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed except as required under any mortgage affecting the Building (refusal or delay due to any mortgage shall be considered a “reasonable” grounds for withholding consent). The following shall be deemed to be an assignment of this Lease within the meaning of this section: (a) If Tenant is a nonpublic corporation, the sale, issuance or transfer of any voting stock of Tenant, or if Tenant is a public corporation, such sale, issuance or transfer results in Tenant becoming a nonpublic corporation or results in a change in voting control of Tenant; (b) the sale, issuance or transfer of more than fifty percent (50%) of the partnership or membership interest in Tenant if Tenant is a partnership or limited liability company; (c) the change or conversion of a general or limited partnership to a limited liability company, limited liability partnership or any other entity which possesses the characteristics of limited liability; (d) the sale, issuance or transfer of any beneficial interest in Tenant if Tenant is a trust; and (e) the death or incapacity of Tenant if Tenant is a natural person. Without waiving Landlord’s right hereunder to declare a default in the event of an assignment of this Lease or a subletting of the Premises or any part thereof or occupancy of the Premises by anyone other than Tenant, Landlord may collect from the assignee, sublessee or occupant, any rental and other charges herein required, but such collection by Landlord shall not be deemed an acceptance of the assignee, sublessee or occupancy, nor a release of Tenant from the performance by Tenant of this Lease. Tenant at all times and under all circumstances shall remain liable to Landlord for the payment of rent due and to become due and the performance of all other obligations of Tenant hereunder for the term hereof. Tenant shall pay to Landlord, as additional rent, any costs and expenses including attorneys’ fees incurred by Landlord in connection with any proposed or purported assignment, sublease or other transfer.

23. DEFAULT.

23.1 If:

(a) Tenant fails to pay the rent or any charge due hereunder within ten (10) days after written notice of such default, or

 

14


(b) Tenant fails to perform any of the other covenants or conditions herein contained on the part of Tenant, and such default shall continue for 30 days after written notice thereof shall have been given to Tenant, provided, however, if the nature of the default is such that it cannot be reasonably cured within the 30 day period, Tenant shall not be deemed in default if Tenant commences to cure within the 30 day period and diligently prosecutes the same to completion, or

(c) Tenant or any guarantor of this Lease becomes insolvent or bankrupt or makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or

(d) a receiver or trustee of Tenant’s property or that of any guarantor of this Lease is appointed and such receiver or trustee, as the case may be, is not discharged within 60 days after such appointment,

then in any such case, Landlord may, upon written notice to Tenant, recover possession of and reenter the Premises without affecting Tenant’s liability for past rent and other charges due or future rent and other charges to accrue hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence and the remedies provided in Section 23.2 below, if Tenant subsequently cures an event of default after the passage of any applicable cure period and Landlord fails to exercise Landlord’s remedies provided in the forgoing sentence and in Section 23.2 below as a consequence of such event of default within thirty (30) days after the date that Tenant cures the event of default, then that particular event of default shall thereafter be deemed waived by Landlord.

23.2 Remedies. If an event of Default occurs and Tenant fails to cure the Default within any applicable cure period, Landlord shall have the rights and remedies set forth below, which shall be distinct, separate and cumulative and shall not operate to exclude or deprive Landlord of any other right or remedy allowed it at law or in equity or elsewhere in this Lease:

(a) Landlord may terminate this Lease by giving Tenant written notice of its election to do so, in which event the Term shall end and all right, title and interest of Tenant under this Lease shall expire on the date stated in such notice;

(b) Landlord may terminate Tenant’s right to possess the Premises without terminating this Lease by giving written notice to Tenant that Tenant’s right of possession shall end on the date stated in such notice, whereupon Tenant’s right to possess all or any portion of the Premises shall cease on the date stated in such notice; and

(c) Landlord may enforce the provisions of this Lease and may enforce and protect the rights of Landlord under this Lease by a suit or suits in equity or at law for the specific performance of any covenant or agreement contained in this Lease, and for the enforcement of any other appropriate legal or equitable remedy, including, without limitation, injunctive relief, and for recovery of all monies due or to become due from Tenant under any of the provisions of this Lease. Landlord shall, to the extent required by law, use commercially reasonable efforts to mitigate Tenant’s damages.

23.3 Surrender of Possession. If Landlord exercises either of the remedies provided for in Paragraphs 23.2(a) and (b), Tenant shall surrender possession of and vacate the Premises and immediately deliver possession of the Premises to Landlord, and Landlord may re-enter and take complete and peaceful possession of the Premises, with or without process of law,

 

15


full and complete license so to do being granted to Landlord, and Landlord may remove all occupants and property from the Premises, using such force as may be necessary, without being deemed in any manner guilty of trespass, eviction or forcible entry and detainer, and as to Paragraph 23.2(b), without relinquishing Landlord’s right to Rent or any other right given to Landlord under this Lease or by law or in equity.

23.4 Additional Rights and Remedies. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Lease, in addition to the remedies set forth herein, Landlord may pursue any other remedy now or hereafter available under the laws or judicial decisions of the State of Wisconsin.

23.5 Termination of Lease. In the event of the termination of this Lease by Landlord as provided for by Paragraph 23.2(a), Landlord shall be entitled to recover from Tenant (i) all the accrued and unpaid Rent for the period up to and including such termination date as well as all other additional sums payable by Tenant, or for which Tenant is liable or in respect of which Tenant has agreed to indemnify Landlord under any of the provisions of this Lease, which may be then owing and unpaid, and all costs and expenses, including, without limitation, court costs and attorneys’ fees incurred by Landlord in the enforcement of its rights and remedies under this Lease, and (ii) Landlord shall be entitled to recover as damages for loss of the bargain and not as a penalty the unamortized cost of any leasehold improvements, additions, alterations, if any, paid for by Landlord pursuant to this Lease, unless Landlord was reimbursed for such costs by Tenant or though other sources.

23.6 Costs. The losing party shall pay all costs, charges and expenses, including, without limitation, court costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees of the prevailing party, incurred in enforcing the obligations of the losing party under this Lease.

23.7 Bankruptcy. In the event a petition is filed by or against Tenant under the federal bankruptcy laws now in effect or as amended from time to time (the “Bankruptcy Code”):

(a) Tenant, as debtor and debtor in possession, and any trustee who may be appointed, agree to adequately protect Landlord as follows: (i) to pay monthly in advance on the first day of each month as reasonable compensation for use and occupancy of the Premises an amount equal to all Rent due pursuant to this Lease; (ii) to perform each and every obligation of Tenant under this Lease until such time as this Lease is either rejected or assumed by order of a court of competent jurisdiction; (iii) to determine within sixty (60) days after filing of such petition whether to assume or reject this Lease; (iv) to give Landlord at least thirty (30) days prior written notice, unless a shorter notice period is agreed to in writing by the parties, of any proceeding relating to any assumption or rejection of this Lease; (v) to give at least thirty (30) days prior written notice of any vacation or abandonment of the Premises, any such vacation or abandonment to be deemed a rejection of this Lease; and (vi) to do all other things of benefit to Landlord otherwise required under the Bankruptcy Code. Tenant shall be deemed to have rejected this Lease in the event of the failure to comply with any of the above.

(b) If Tenant or a trustee elects to reject this Lease subsequent to the filing of a petition under the Bankruptcy Code, or if this Lease is otherwise rejected, Tenant shall immediately vacate and surrender possession of the Premises.

(c) If Tenant or a trustee elects to assume this Lease subsequent to the filing of a petition under the Bankruptcy Code, Tenant, as debtor and as debtor in possession and

 

16


any trustee who may be appointed agree as follows: (i) to cure each and every existing breach by Tenant within not more than ninety (90) days of assumption of this Lease; (ii) to compensate Landlord for any actual pecuniary loss resulting from any existing breach, including without limitation, Landlord’s reasonable costs, expenses and attorneys’ fees incurred as a result of the breach, as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction, within ninety (90) days of assumption of this Lease; (iii) in the event of an existing breach, to provide adequate assurance of Tenant’s future performance, including without limitation: (a) the deposit of an additional sum equal to three months’ Rent to be held (without any allowance for interest) to secure Tenant’s obligations under the Lease; (b) the production to Landlord of written documentation establishing that Tenant has sufficient present and anticipated financial ability to perform each and every obligation of Tenant under this Lease; and (c) assurances, in form acceptable to Landlord, as may be required under any applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code; (iv) the assumption will not breach any provision of this Lease; (v) the assumption will be subject to all the provisions of this Lease unless the prior written consent of Landlord is obtained, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed; and (vi) the prior written consent to the assumption of any mortgagee to which this Lease has been assigned as collateral security is obtained.

(d) If Tenant assumes this Lease and proposes to assign the same pursuant to the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code to any person or entity who shall have made a bona fide offer to accept an assignment of this Lease on terms acceptable to Tenant, then notice of such proposed assignment, setting forth (i) the name and address of such person; (ii) all the terms and conditions of such offer; and (iii) the adequate assurance to be provided Landlord to assure such person’s future performance under the Lease, including without limitation, the assurances referred to in any applicable provision of the Bankruptcy Code, shall be given to Landlord by Tenant no later than twenty (20) days after receipt by Tenant, but in any event no later than ten (10) days prior to the date that Tenant shall make application to a court of competent jurisdiction for authority and approval to enter into such assignment and assumption, and Landlord shall at such time have the prior right and option, to be exercised by notice to Tenant given at any time prior to the effective date of such proposed assignment, to accept an assignment of this Lease upon the same terms and conditions and for the same consideration, if any, as the bona fide offer made by such person, less any brokerage commissions which may be payable out of the consideration to be paid by such person for the assignment of this Lease. The adequate assurance to be provided to Landlord to assure the assignee’s future performance under the Lease shall include without limitation: (a) the deposit of a sum equal to two (2) months’ Rent to be held (without any allowance for interest) as security for performance under this Lease; (b) a written demonstration that the assignee meets all reasonable financial and other criteria of Landlord as did Tenant and its business at the time of execution of this Lease, including the production of the most recent audited financial statement of the assignee prepared by an independent certified public accountant; and (c) the assignee’s use of the Premises will conform with the use set forth herein.

Neither Tenant nor any trustee who may be appointed in the event of the filing of a petition under the Bankruptcy Code shall conduct or permit the conduct of any “fire,” “bankruptcy,” “going out of business” or auction sale in or from the Premises.

24. COSTS AND ATTORNEYS’ FEES. Each party hereto shall pay all costs, expenses and reasonable attorneys’ fees that may be incurred by the other party hereto in enforcing any covenants and agreements of this Lease if and to the extent that such other party prevails on its claims.

 

17


25. INTEREST. Any amount due from Tenant to Landlord hereunder which is not paid when due shall bear interest at an annual rate equal to 5% per annum in excess of the reference rate of interest announced, from time to time, by M&I Marshall and Ilsley Bank, Milwaukee, Wisconsin or its successor (but in no event shall such rate of interest exceed the maximum rate of interest permitted to be charged by law) from the date due until paid, compounded monthly, but the payment of such interest shall not excuse or cure any default by Tenant under this Lease.

26. SURRENDER. Upon the termination of this Lease, by expiration or otherwise, Tenant shall peaceably surrender the Premises to Landlord in good condition and repair consistent with Tenant’s duty to make repairs as provided herein, ordinary wear and tear and damage by insured, fire and other casualty excepted. All Alterations and decorations made to the Premises by Tenant shall remain and be the property of Landlord unless Landlord shall require Tenant, at Tenant’s expense, to remove any or all thereof and repair the damage caused by such removal. If Landlord is provided with accurate plans and specifications, Landlord shall indicate, prior to commencement of construction or installation of any Alteration or decoration, whether such Alterations or decorations will remain with the Premises at the end of the Lease Term or any extension thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all furniture, inventory, manufacturing equipment, and trade fixtures, and unattached movable personal property owned by Tenant may (and upon Landlord’s request shall) be removed from the Premises by Tenant no later than the termination date and Tenant shall repair any and all damage caused by such removal. Tenant shall also have the right to remove all (i) air compressors, (ii) electrical substations, (iii) air handling equipment, (iv) exhaust systems, and (v) steel storage shed and Tenant shall repair any and all damage caused by such removal. If the Premises are not surrendered upon the termination of this Lease as set forth herein, Tenant shall indemnify Landlord against all loss or liability resulting from delay by Tenant in so surrendering the Premises including, without limitation, any claim made by any succeeding tenant founded on such delay. Tenant shall also surrender all keys to the Premises and shall inform Landlord of combinations in any locks, safes and vaults, if any, in the Premises.

27. HOLDOVER. If Tenant remains in possession of the Premises after the expiration of this Lease without the execution of a new lease, it shall be deemed to be occupying said premises as a tenant from month-to-month, subject to all of the conditions, provisions and obligations of this Lease insofar as the same are applicable to a month-to-month tenancy until the termination of such tenancy, except that the Base Rent will be 200% of the Base Rent previously in effect. Payment of Rent during such period does not grant Tenant any greater rights under this Lease.

28. TRANSFER BY LANDLORD. A sale or conveyance by Landlord of the Building releases Landlord from any future liability under this Lease, provided the transferee landlord assumes all obligations of Landlord arising on or after the date of such transfer, and in such event Tenant agrees to look solely to the successor in interest of Landlord in and to this Lease. This Lease shall not be affected by any such sale or conveyance, and Tenant will attorn to the purchaser or grantee, which shall be obligated on this Lease only so long as it is the owner of Landlord’s interest in and to this Lease. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Landlord shall remain liable for its obligation to indemnify Tenant pursuant to the terms of this Lease for any liability that relates to the time periods before the sale or conveyance.

 

18


29. SUBORDINATION. Subject to the provisions below, this Lease is and shall be subject and subordinate at all times to the lien of any mortgages now or hereafter placed on or against the Building, or on or against Landlord’s interest or estate therein, and including all extensions, renewals, amendments and supplements to any such financing, without the necessity of the execution and delivery, of any further instruments on the part of Tenant to effectuate such subordination. Tenant will execute and deliver upon demand such further instruments evidencing such subordination of this Lease to the lien of any such mortgages as may be required by Landlord provided that the holder of any mortgage has agreed to recognize the rights of Tenant under this Lease so long as Tenant is not in default hereunder. Notwithstanding anything herein above contained in this Section, if the holder of any mortgage at any time elects to have this Lease constitute a prior and superior lien to its mortgage, then upon any such holder notifying Tenant to that effect in writing, this Lease shall be deemed prior and superior in lien to such mortgage, whether this Lease is dated prior to or subsequent to the date of such mortgage.

30. MODIFICATIONS. Tenant will execute any modification of this Lease which may be reasonably required by a lender as a condition to making a first mortgage loan on the Building; provided that no such modification shall alter the rent or term provided herein or materially reduce the economic value hereof to Tenant or conflict with the Tenant’s obligations to its lenders. Tenant will complete and promptly return any estoppel certificates that may be required in connection with any mortgage loan on the Building. From time to time, upon receipt of a written request, Tenant shall furnish Landlord and its lender a copy of Tenant’s most recent SEC 10Q or 10K filing. In the event that Tenant does not make such filings, Tenant shall provide to Landlord, upon Landlord’s request, certified copies of Tenants most recent financial statements for Tenant prepared by Tenant in the ordinary course of its business and in accordance with sound accounting practices.

31. ESTOPPEL CERTIFICATES. At any time and from time to time upon not less than 10 days after the request of Landlord, Tenant shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to Landlord a statement in writing certifying (a) that this Lease is unmodified and in full force and effect (or if there have been modifications, specifying the same), and (b) the dates to which the rent and other charges have been paid, and (c) that, so far as Tenant knows, Landlord is not in default under any provisions of this Lease (or if Tenant knows of any such default, specifying the same) and (d) such other matters as Landlord or Landlord’s mortgagee may reasonably require. Any such statement may be relied upon by any person proposing to acquire Landlord’s interest in this Lease or any prospective mortgagee of, or assignee of any mortgage upon, such interest.

32. SORTING AND SEPARATION OF REFUSE AND TRASH. At Tenant’s sole cost and expense, Tenant will comply with all present and future laws, orders, and regulations of all state, federal, municipal, and local governments, departments, commissions and boards regarding the collection, sorting, separation and recycling of waste products, garbage, refuse and trash into such categories as provided by law. Each separately sorted category of waste products, garbage, refuse and trash shall be placed in separate receptacles specified by Landlord. Such separate receptacles may, at Landlord’s option, be removed from the Premises in accordance with a collection schedule prescribed by law. Landlord reserves the right to refuse to collect or accept from Tenant any waste products, garbage, refuse or trash that is not separated and sorted as required by law or in accordance with the provisions of this section, and to require Tenant to

 

19


arrange for such collection at Tenant’s sole cost and expense, utilizing a contractor satisfactory to Landlord. Tenant shall pay all costs, expenses, fines, penalties or damages that may be imposed on Landlord or Tenant by reason of Tenant’s failure to comply with the provisions of this section, and, at Tenant’s sole cost and expense, shall indemnify, defend, and hold Landlord harmless (including attorneys’ fees and expenses) from and against any actions, claims, and suits arising from such noncompliance, utilizing counsel reasonably satisfactory to Landlord.

33. NOTICES. All notices and demands which may or are required to be given by either party to the other hereunder shall be in writing, and delivered in person or sent by either United States certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid or by Federal Express or other nationally recognized overnight delivery service. Notices and demands to Tenant shall be addressed to it at the address set forth in Section 1.11 hereof or to such other place as Tenant may from time to time designate in a written notice to Landlord. Notices and demands to Landlord shall be addressed to it at the address set forth in Section 1.10 hereof, or to such other firm or to such other place as Landlord may from time to time designate in a written notice to Tenant.

34. EXECUTION. The submission of this document for examination does not constitute an offer to lease, or a reservation of, or option for, the Premises and this document becomes effective and binding only upon the execution and delivery hereof by both Landlord and Tenant. Tenant confirms that Landlord has made no representations or promises with respect to the Premises or the making or entry into of this Lease except as are expressly set forth herein, and agrees that no claim or liability shall be asserted by Tenant against Landlord for, and Landlord shall not be liable by reason of, breach of any representations, or promises not expressly stated in this Lease. This Lease can be modified or altered only by agreement in writing between Landlord and Tenant.

35. BINDING EFFECT. The covenants, agreements and obligations herein contained, except as herein otherwise specifically provided, shall extend to, bind and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective personal representatives, heirs, successors and assigns (but in the case of assigns only to the extent that assignment is permitted hereunder). No third party, other than such successors and assigns, shall be entitled to enforce any or all of the terms of this Lease or shall have rights hereunder whatsoever.

36. INTERPRETATION. The laws of the State of Wisconsin shall govern the validity, performance and enforcement of this Lease. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Lease shall not affect or impair any other provision. Whenever the singular number is used, the same shall include the plural, and the masculine gender shall include the feminine and neuter genders. The captions appearing in this Lease are inserted only as a matter of convenience and in no way define, limit, construe or describe the scope or intent of such sections or paragraphs of this Lease nor in any way affect this Lease.

37. FORCE MAJEURE. If either party is delayed or hindered in or prevented from the performance of any act required hereunder by reason of strikes, lockouts, labor troubles, inability to procure materials, failure of power, restrictive governmental laws, regulations, orders or decrees, riots, insurrection, war, acts of God, inclement weather, or other reason beyond either party’s reasonable control, then performance of such act shall be excused for the period of the delay and the period for the performance of any such act shall be extended for a period equivalent to the period of such delay; provided, however, Tenant’s obligation to pay rent shall not be affected hereby.

 

20


38. AUTHORITY. If Tenant is a corporation or limited liability company, each individual executing this Lease on behalf of Tenant represents and warrants that he or she is duly authorized to execute and deliver this Lease on behalf of said corporation or limited liability company, as the case may be, and that this Lease is binding upon said corporation or limited liability company, as the case may be in accordance with its terms without the joinder or approval of any other person.

39. MEMORANDUM. A memorandum of this Lease in form reasonably acceptable to Landlord may be recorded.

40. EXTENSIONS. Tenant is hereby granted one (1) option to extend the Lease for a period of five (5) years and a subsequent second option to extend the Lease for a period of three (3) years (each such option period shall be referred to as an “Extended Term”). Tenant may exercise the option only if: (i) Tenant is not, at the time of notice of intent to exercise of the option as described below, then in default in the payment of money under this Lease which is not within the cure period defined in the Lease, or then in default under any other provision of this Lease which is not within the cure period in the Lease, after giving effect to any requirements therein for the giving of notice or grace period or both, and (ii) Landlord receives from Tenant written notice of Tenant’s exercise of the option no less than one hundred eighty (180) days prior to the end of the then current Term. If Tenant exercises the foregoing option to extend, the annual Base Rent for said Extended Term shall be equal to 110% of the annual Base Rent for the previous term.

41. RIGHTS OF FIRST REFUSAL.

41.1 Admanco Space. If, at any time during the term of the Lease, Landlord receives a written offer to lease that portion of the Building currently leased to Admanco – a division of EBSCO Industries, Inc. (the “Admanco Space”), from anyone other than the existing tenant, or an affiliate or parent of Landlord, Landlord shall first give written notice to Tenant of Landlord’s intention to lease Admanco Space and shall present to Tenant a copy of the lease upon which Landlord is willing to lease such space. In such event, Tenant shall have the right for a period of thirty (30) days after such notice to lease such space on the presented terms. If within such thirty (30) day period, Tenant elects not to lease such space on the presented terms, this right of first refusal shall terminate and the Tenant shall have no further interest in the Admanco Space except as set forth in Section 41.2 below.

41.2 Building. If Landlord receives from an unrelated third party a bona fide offer to purchase, or in any way acquire, fee simple title to the Building (the “Offer”), Landlord shall give Tenant notice in writing of such Offer which shall include a true and complete copy of the Offer, and of Landlord’s willingness to sell or otherwise transfer the Property on the terms and conditions in the Offer (the “Offer Notice”). Tenant shall then have the first right and option to purchase the Property by giving written notice to Landlord, within thirty (30) days of its receipt of the Offer Notice, of its intention to purchase the Property at the same price and on the same terms as the Offer.

If Tenant elects not to exercise its right of first refusal or fails to give written notice within said thirty (30) day notice period, Landlord may thereafter sell or otherwise transfer the Property to the party making the Offer and on the same terms and conditions contained in the Offer Notice. If there are any material changes in the Offer or in the third party buyer, Landlord shall resubmit the revised Offer to Tenant for acceptance or rejection in

 

21


accordance with the above terms of this Right of First Refusal. This Right of First Refusal and the rights and terms hereunder shall run with the land and shall be binding upon all subsequent transferees and assigns of Landlord until such time as Tenant acquires the Property. For purposes hereof, an offer, in order to be a bona fide offer, must be in writing and must be made by a person or entity having sufficient financial ability and willing to consummate the transaction so proposed to Landlord.

42. ADDENDA. The provisions, if any, included at the end of this Lease, and any riders and exhibits appended to this Lease, are hereby made a part of this Lease as though set forth in full at this point.

43. COUNTERPARTS. This Lease may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which shall constitute one document. Either party hereto may execute this document by facsimile signature which facsimile signature shall be deemed to be an original signature.

[signature page follows]

 

22


EXECUTED as of the date first written above.

 

LANDLORD:
700 STANTON DRIVE, LLC
By:  

/s/ Scott J. Revolinski

 

Scott J. Revolinski, Member

Authorized Agent

TENANT:
ALLIANCE LAUNDRY SYSTEMS LLC
By:  

/s/ Bruce P. Rounds

Print Name:  

Bruce P. Rounds

Title:  

VP - CFO

 

23


EXHIBIT A

LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF BUILDING

Parcel 1:

Commencing at a point on the East line of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 16, in Township 16 North of Range 14 East, lying 1419.69 feet South 00 degrees 32 minutes West of the Northeast Corner of said Southeast 1/4, thence South 00 degrees 32 minutes West, 744.04 feet to the Northwesterly line of the C.M. St.P & P.R.R. right of way, thence South 52 degrees 30 minutes West along said right of way line 30.78 feet, thence South 89 degrees 21 minutes West, 763.08 feet, thence North 00 degrees 08 minutes West, 778.74 feet, thence South 89 degrees 28 minutes East, 796.21 feet to the place of beginning.

Parcel 2:

Outlot in Certified Survey Map No. 5243, as recorded in Volume 32 of Certified Survey Maps, at Pages 72, 72A and 72B, as Document No. 612718, Excepting lands described in Quit Claim Deed in Volume 1480 of Records, at Page 8, Document No. 682368.

Note: Lease contains Site Plan diagram illustration as part of Exhibit A

 

A-1


EXHIBIT B

FLOOR PLAN OF THE PREMISES

Note: Lease contains site plan diagram illustration that outlines the lease 134,921 sq foot building space.

 

B-1


EXHIBIT C

TENANT IMPROVEMENTS

1. Tenant will be granted the right, subject to Landlord’s approval of Tenant’s plans and specifications (as described in paragraph 3 below), to make the following improvements to and install the following fixtures within the Premises (collectively, the “Tenant Improvements”): (i) addition of electrical substations and change point to point electrical connections to support manufacturing process, (ii) add additional air handling equipment and exhaust system to exhaust welding smoke from building, (iii) remove/modify existing HVAC ducting to accommodate manufacturing equipment (may need to add spot heating equipment), (iv) add air compressor and modify/add point to point air lines to support manufacturing layout, (v) modify/add fire protection/sprinkler system to accommodate manufacturing process/insurance and code requirements, (vi) modify/add point to point natural/LP gas lines to support manufacturing layout, (vii) modify/add lighting pattern to support manufacturing layout, (viii) modify floor to increase floor thickness (for required footer thickness) as needed to accommodate manufacturing equipment, (ix) office modifications to accommodate computer, telephone lines, etc., (x) modify/add sanitary and drainage lines in building to accommodate manufacturing process (may include demolition and restoration of existing floor to add, modify and/or connect into existing sanitary/drainage system), (xi) develop a steel storage shed (canopy type shed) outside of the building and on the parking lot surface for use in providing cover for the outside storage of stainless steel raw material, and (xii) and modification of the existing interior load-bearing partition walls to develop openings for Tenant’s long assembly lines to be installed. Tenant may make additional improvements as part of Tenant’s Improvements conducted in advance of the Commencement Date of the Lease beyond those listed above subject to the same Landlord approval requirement provided above.

2. Prior to the Commencement Date, Tenant shall have the right to enter the Premises to construct the Tenant Improvements. From the date of Tenant’s first entry upon the Premises, Tenant will indemnify Landlord and save it harmless from and against any and all claims, actions, damages, liability and expense in connection with loss of life, personal injury and/or damage to property, or presence of Hazardous Materials, arising from or out of any occurrence in, upon or at the Building or by reason of the presence of Tenant, its agents, contractors, suppliers, invitees, and employees upon the Premises or Building and the construction of the Tenant Improvements. If Landlord is made a party to any litigation arising out of any such occurrence, then Tenant shall protect and hold Landlord harmless and shall pay all costs, expenses and reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred or paid by Landlord in connection with such litigation. Tenant’s obligations under this section shall survive the termination of this Lease.

3. Prior to commencement of the Tenant Improvements, Tenant shall submit engineering plans for the same to Landlord for approval, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Landlord does not provide Tenant with a rejection of the submitted plans (or any resubmissions of plans) within five (5) business days after delivery by Tenant of the same, then Tenant’s plans most recently submitted shall be deemed approved by Landlord. Tenant shall construct the Tenant Improvements in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

 

C-1


4. Tenant shall notify its contractors and suppliers for the Tenant Improvements that Tenant is not acting as the agent of the Landlord and shall have no right to a mechanic or materialman’s lien on the Landlord’s interest in the Building. Tenant will indemnify and hold Landlord harmless from any and all liens, claims, damages or costs arising out of the performance of the work for the Tenant Improvements. Landlord will have the right to impose reasonable conditions upon the performance of the work, including, without limitation, setting means of access, rules concerning the disturbance of other tenants, hours of performing the work, limiting access to the building, and otherwise. Tenant shall not disturb or interfere the with the operations of other tenants of the Building. No material changes to the approved plans and specifications will be made except with the prior written consent of Landlord (subject to the same approval provisions and time periods outlined in paragraph 3 above). All such work performed shall be done in a good and workmanlike manner in compliance with all then current building codes, laws, ordinances, and regulations.

5. Tenant shall pay for all costs associated with the Tenant Improvements. Upon completion of the Tenant Improvements, Tenant shall deliver to Landlord 1) final lien waivers from all those who worked on or supplied materials to the Building, 2) a certificate of substantial completion, 3) a copy of a final, unconditional Certificate of Occupancy 4) a one year warranty from the Tenant’s general contractor in favor of Landlord and Tenant for one year from the date of substantial completion, 5) an as-built set of plans for the Tenant Improvements if the Tenant Improvements were constructed in a manner that is materially different from the Tenant Improvements depicted in the plans approved by Landlord, and 6) a list of all subcontractors and architects who worked on the Premises.

6. Tenant acknowledges that it accepts the Premises in its “as is” condition prior to the commencement of the Tenant Improvements and Tenant’s acceptance of the Premises is in no way conditioned upon Tenant’s ability to complete the Tenant Improvements. Landlord has no obligation or liability for completing the Tenant Improvements.

 

C-2


EXHIBIT D

LANDLORD WORK

At a time mutually agreeable to Landlord and Tenant, but in no event later than July 1, 2006, Landlord shall either (i) resurface and stripe the parking lot located at the Building, or (ii) pull the weeds, fill in all of the cracks, seal and stripe the parking lot (the “Landlord’s Work”).

Landlord shall also pay to Tenant for the construction of the following improvements (the “Work”) the amount of actual costs incurred by Tenant for the such improvements during the term of the Lease up to Seventy Five Thousand Dollars ($75,000) (the “Landlord Contribution”): (i) develop an additional loading dock constructed substantially the same as the existing loading docks located on the southwest end of the Building, (ii) increase the size of the water lateral from 4” to 6”, (iii) develop a demising wall between the Premises and the Admanco Space, and (iv) increase the ceiling height within portions (approximately 1000 to 3000 square feet to be determined by Tenant) of the Building as required for the installation and use of Tenant’s manufacturing equipment. All of the work contemplated by this paragraph will be done by contractors directed by Tenant. Bids will be obtained by Tenant for the Work for Landlord’s approval prior to December 31, 2005.

The Landlord Contribution shall be paid to Tenant in the form of a credit against the monthly payments of Base Rent first due under the Lease. Tenant shall deliver to Landlord 1) final lien waivers from all those who worked on or supplied materials to the project, 2) a certificate of substantial completion from Tenant’s contractor, 3) an as-built set of plans for the Work, if the Work is performed or conducted in a manner that is materially different from the Work depicted in the plans approved by Landlord, 4) a list of all subcontractors and architects who worked on the Premises, and 5) an accounting of Tenant’s actual construction costs.

 

D-1


EXHIBIT E

ALLIANCE EXCLUSIVE PARKING

Lease contains site plan diagram illustration that outlines the Alliance exclusive parking area.

 

E-1


EXHIBIT F

ADMANCO EXCLUSIVE PARKING

Lease contains site plan diagram illustration that outlines the Admanco exclusive parking area.

 

F-1


EXHIBIT G

RECORDED COVENANTS AND RESTRICTIONS

NONE

 

G-1

EX-12.1 4 dex121.htm STATEMENT RE COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES Statement re Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

EXHIBIT 12.1

Alliance Laundry Holdings Inc

Earnings to Fixed Charges

 

   

January 28,
2005 through
December 31,

2005

        

January 1,
2005 through
January 27,

2005

    Years Ended December 31,
             2004    2003    2002    2001
    Successor          Predecessor     Predecessor    Predecessor    Predecessor    Predecessor

Earnings:

                     

Income (loss) before taxes

  $ (1,819 )        $   (28,383 )   $   11,836    $   15,974    $   1,391    $   2,764

Fixed charges:

                     

Interest expense

    24,117            995       25,439      28,258      28,341      33,538

Rentals

    476            25       441      360      337      363
                                               

Income (loss) before taxes and fixed charges

  $   22,774          $ (27,363 )   $ 37,716    $ 44,592    $ 30,069    $ 36,665
 

Fixed Charges

  $   24,593          $ 1,020     $ 25,880    $ 28,618    $ 28,678    $ 33,901

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges

    —              —         1.46      1.56      1.05      1.08

(a) For purposes of determining the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings are defined as income (loss) before income taxes and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle plus fixed charges. Fixed charges include interest expense on all indebtedness, amortization of deferred financing costs and one-third of rental expense on operating leases, representing that portion of rental expense deemed to be attributable to interest. In 2005, the Successor earnings were inadequate to cover fixed charges. The amount of incremental earnings required to attain a ratio of 1.0 to 1.0 is less than $1.8 million. In 2005, the Predecessor earnings were inadequate to cover fixed charges. The amount of incremental earnings required to attain a ratio of 1.0 to 1.0 is $28.4 million.

EX-21.1 5 dex211.htm SUBSIDIARIES OF ALLIANCE LAUNDRY SYSTEMS LLC Subsidiaries of Alliance Laundry Systems LLC

EXHIBIT 21.1

SUBSIDIARIES OF ALLIANCE LAUNDRY SYSTEMS LLC

 

    

NAME OF SUBSIDIARY

   PLACE OF
INCORPORATION
1.   

Alliance Laundry Corporation

   Delaware
2.   

Alliance Laundry Equipment Receivables LLC

   Delaware
3.   

Alliance Laundry Equipment Receivables 2002 LLC

   Delaware
4.   

Alliance Laundry Equipment Receivables 2005 LLC

   Delaware
EX-31.1 6 dex311.htm SECTION 302 CEO CERTIFICATION Section 302 CEO Certification

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Thomas F. L’Esperance, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Alliance Laundry Systems LLC, Alliance Laundry Corporation and Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Alliance Laundry Systems LLC, Alliance Laundry Corporation and Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrants as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4. The registrants’ other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrants, including their consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) [Reserved];

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants’ disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrants’ internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrants’ most recent fiscal quarter (the registrants’ fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants’ internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The registrants’ other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants’ auditors and the audit committee of registrants’ board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrants’ ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrants’ internal control over financial reporting.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/s/ Thomas F. L’Esperance

   Chief Executive Officer and President   3/9/06
Thomas F. L’Esperance     
EX-31.2 7 dex312.htm SECTION 302 CFO CERTIFICATION Section 302 CFO Certification

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Bruce P. Rounds, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of Alliance Laundry Systems LLC, Alliance Laundry Corporation and Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Alliance Laundry Systems LLC, Alliance Laundry Corporation and Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrants as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4. The registrants’ other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrants and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrants, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) [Reserved];

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants’ disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrants’ internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrants’ most recent fiscal quarter (the registrants’ fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants’ internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The registrants’ other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants’ auditors and the audit committee of registrants’ board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrants’ ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrants’ internal control over financial reporting.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/s/ Bruce P. Rounds

   Vice President, Chief Financial Officer   3/9/06
Bruce P. Rounds     
EX-32.1 8 dex321.htm SECTION 906 CEO CERTIFICATION Section 906 CEO Certification

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of Alliance Laundry Systems LLC, Alliance Laundry Corporation and Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC (the “Companies”) on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Thomas F. L’Esperance, Chief Executive Officer and President of the Companies, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the best of my knowledge:

 

  (1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

  (2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Companies.

 

/s/ Thomas F. L’Esperance

Chief Executive Officer and President
March 9, 2006

This certification accompanies the Report pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not, except to the extent required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, be deemed filed by the Companies for purposes of §18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

EX-32.2 9 dex322.htm SECTION 906 CFO CERTIFICATION Section 906 CFO Certification

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of Alliance Laundry Systems LLC, Alliance Laundry Corporation and Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC (the “Companies”) on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Bruce P. Rounds, Vice President, and Chief Financial Officer of the Companies, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the best of my knowledge:

 

  (1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

  (2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Companies.

 

/s/ Bruce P. Rounds

Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
March 9, 2006

This certification accompanies the Report pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not, except to the extent required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, be deemed filed by the Companies for purposes of §18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

-----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----