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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 9, 2004

Registration No. 333-112531



SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO
FORM S-4/A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933


EQUINOX HOLDINGS, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
  7991
(Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number)
  13-4034296
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

895 Broadway
New York, New York, 10003
(212) 677-0181

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of Registrant's principal executive offices)


See Next Page for Co-Registrants


Jeffrey M. Weinhaus, Esq.
Rosen Weinhaus, LLP
40 Wall Street, 32nd Floor
New York, NY 10005
(212) 797-1900

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of Registrant's agent for service)


With copy to:
Paul D. Brusiloff, Esq.
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
919 Third Avenue
New York, New York
10022 (212) 909-6000

        Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective.

        If the securities being registered on this Form are being offered in connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with General Instruction G, check the following box.    o

        If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.    o

        If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.    o

        The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until this Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.






OTHER REGISTRANTS

Name of Registrant

  Jurisdiction
of Organization

  Primary
Standard
Industrial
Classification Code

  IRS
Employee
Identification Number

  Address
of
Principal
Executive
Office

EQX Holdings, LLC   Delaware   7991   13-4034296   895 Broadway, New York, New York 10003
Equinox 92nd Street, Inc.   New York   7991   13-3809519   895 Broadway, New York, New York 10003
Equinox-85th Street, Inc.   New York   7991   13-3841492   895 Broadway, New York, New York 10003
Equinox-76th Street Inc.   New York   7991   13-3606196   895 Broadway, New York, New York 10003
Equinox 63rd Street, Inc.   New York   7991   13-3874315   895 Broadway, New York, New York 10003
Equinox-54th Street, Inc.   New York   7991   13-4002110   895 Broadway, New York, New York 10003
Equinox 50th Street Inc.   New York   7991   13-4044765   895 Broadway, New York, New York 10003
Equinox 44th Street, Inc.   New York   7991   13-4098306   895 Broadway, New York, New York 10003
Equinox-43rd Street, Inc.   New York   7991   13-4049519   895 Broadway, New York, New York 10003
Equinox Columbus Centre, Inc.   New York   7991   60-0002632   895 Broadway, New York, New York 10003
Equinox Greenwich Avenue, Inc.   New York   7991   13-4112533   895 Broadway, New York, New York 10003
Broadway Equinox, Inc.   New York   7991   13-3740437   895 Broadway, New York, New York 10003
Equinox Tribeca, Inc.   New York   7991   13-4173627   895 Broadway, New York, New York 10003
Equinox Tribeca Office, Inc.   New York   7991   02-0651780   895 Broadway, New York, New York 10003
Equinox Wall Street, Inc.   New York   7991   13-4098303   895 Broadway, New York, New York 10003
Equinox White Plains Road, Inc.   New York   7991   13-4007808   895 Broadway, New York, New York 10003
Equinox Woodbury, Inc.   New York   7991   01-0738956   895 Broadway, New York, New York 10003
Equinox Greenvale, Inc.   New York   7991   56-2397071   895 Broadway, New York, New York 10003
The Equinox Group, Inc.   New York   7991   13-3981646   895 Broadway, New York, New York 10003
Energy Wear, Inc.   New York   7991   13-3734825   895 Broadway, New York, New York 10003
Equinox Darien, Inc.   Connecticut   7991   41-2048453   895 Broadway, New York, New York 10003
Equinox Lincoln Park, Inc.   Illinois   7991   02-0580290   895 Broadway, New York, New York 10003
Equinox Highland Park, Inc.   Illinois   7991   02-0651787   895 Broadway, New York, New York 10003
Equinox Gold Coast, Inc.   Illinois   7991   02-0651787   895 Broadway, New York, New York 10003
Equinox West Hollywood, Inc.   California   7991   03-0394730   895 Broadway, New York, New York 10003
Equinox Fitness Pasadena, Inc.   California   7991   22-3803586   895 Broadway, New York, New York 10003
Equinox Pine Street, Inc.   California   7991   56-2396525   895 Broadway, New York, New York 10003
Equinox Mamaroneck, Inc.   New York   7991   56-2422596   895 Broadway, New York, New York 10003
Equinox Fitness Santa Monica, Inc.   California   7991   56-2422601   895 Broadway, New York, New York 10003

The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and we are not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where such solicitation or offer is not permitted.

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED AUGUST 9, 2004


PROSPECTUS

LOGO

Equinox Holdings, Inc.

Offer to Exchange $160,000,000 Outstanding
9% Senior Notes due 2009
for $160,000,000 Registered
9% Senior Notes due 2009


The New Notes:

    The form and terms of the new notes are identical in all material respects to the terms of the old notes except that the new notes are registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and will not contain restrictions on transfer or provisions relating to additional interest, will bear a different CUSIP number from the old notes and will not entitle their holders to registration rights.

        Investing in the new notes involves risks. You should carefully review the risk factors beginning on page 12 of this prospectus.

The Exchange Offer:

    Our offer to exchange old notes for new notes will be open until 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on            , 2004, unless we extend the offer.

    No public market currently exists for the old notes or the new notes. We do not intend to apply for listing of the new notes on any national securities exchange or arrange for them to be quoted on any automated dealer quotation system.

    Old notes may be tendered only in integral multiples of $1000.

The Guarantees:

    All of our subsidiaries existing on the date of the issuance of the notes and certain subsidiaries formed or acquired subsequent to the issuance of the notes will jointly and severally guarantee the notes fully and unconditionally on a senior basis. Each guarantee will be unsecured and rank equally with all existing and future unsubordinated obligations of the guarantor, subject to release as provided for in the indenture for the notes.

        Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.


The date of this prospectus is                        , 2004.



TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
  Page
Summary   1
Risk Factors   12
Forward-Looking Statements   18
The Exchange Offer   19
Use of Proceeds   27
Capitalization   28
Selected Consolidated Financial Information and Other Data   29
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations   32
Business   46
Management   57
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management   63
Related Party Transactions   64
Description of Capital Stock   67
Description of Certain Indebtedness   70
Description of Notes   71
Material United States Federal Tax Considerations   111
Plan of Distribution   115
Legal Matters   116
Experts   116
Where You Can Find More Information   116
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements   F-1

i



SUMMARY

        The following summary contains basic information about us and this offering. It likely does not contain all the information that is important to you. You should read the entire prospectus, including the financial data and related notes, before making an investment decision. This summary contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ significantly from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause or contribute to such differences include those discussed in "Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors." In this prospectus, "Company," "Equinox," "we," "our," and "us," refer to Equinox Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries.


Equinox

        Equinox operates upscale, full-service fitness clubs that offer an integrated selection of Equinox-branded programs, services and products. We currently operate twenty-one fitness clubs: sixteen in the New York City metropolitan area, two in Los Angeles and three in the Chicago area. During 2003 we opened four new clubs. Two of the twenty-one clubs currently in operation were opened in January 2004, one of these in New York City and the other in the Chicago area. In addition, we have five new locations under development, consisting of two in the New York City metropolitan area in Mamaroneck and Roslyn, two in San Francisco and one in Santa Monica projected to be opened during 2004 and early 2005. We cluster clubs near the highest concentrations of our target members' areas of both employment and residence, typically in densely populated major metropolitan regions. Our target member is a well-educated professional between 25 and 55 years of age with significant discretionary income and who considers fitness an essential part of their active lifestyle.

        Our strategy is to continue to capitalize on our investment of newer clubs, continue opening new clubs in existing markets and enter select new markets and increase revenues per member. Once we have saturated our existing markets, specifically the New York City Metropolitan area, we may encounter difficulties entering new markets. In addition we may not have as much demand at our current pricing structure. We charge our members an up-front membership fee which ranges typically between $245 to $545, depending on the type of membership. Monthly dues range between $95 to $143 per month. Total revenues increased by $6.8 million or 25.5% to $33.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2004 from $26.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2003. Total revenues increased by $20.8 million or 21.9% to $116.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 from $95.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2002. Revenues per member for the twelve months ended March 31, 2004 increased to $1,988 from $1,870 for the twelve months ended March 31, 2003. Revenues per member are $1,977 and $1,934 for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Our revenue per member metrics exceeded the 2002 industry range of approximately $625 to $1,406 per average member.

        Our members are offered Equinox-branded programs, services and products, including strength and cardio training, group fitness classes, personal training, spa services and products, apparel, food/juice bars and swimming pools. Our members increased by approximately 20.1% to 70,000 at March 31, 2004 from 58,000 at March 31, 2003. Members are encouraged to participate in our programs and services, and as a percentage of revenue our ancillary products and services are 35.2% and 36.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, 34.6% and 35.2% for the twelve month period ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively and 34.8% and 33.5% for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, compared to the 2002 industry average of 24.9%.

        For the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 our net loss is $(557,000) and $(290,000), respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 our net (loss) income was $(7.3) million, $1.8 million and $3.0 million, respectively. The 498.4% decrease in net income for 2003 was due to $33.7 million of interest expense primarily related to our private offering of 9% senior notes due 2009, which increased to $21.0 million from $12.7 million of interest expense for the year ended

1



December 31, 2002. The 39.2% decrease in net income for 2002 from 2001 was due to a $3.6 million increase in total other expense related to a $4.1 million increase related to marking our warrants to market, offset by a decrease in interest expense. As such, our EBITDA as defined on page 11 is $5.7 million, $29.9 million, $5.6 million and $22.3 million for the three and twelve months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively and $29.9 million, $25.5 million and $23.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2003 2002 and 2001, respectively. As a percentage of revenue, EBITDA is 16.9%, 24.3%, 21.1% and 23.1% for the three and twelve months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively and was 25.7%, 26.8% and 30.1% for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively, compared to the industry average of 25.4% for fiscal 2002. We present EBITDA because we believe it provides investors with useful information regarding our liquidity.

        Adjusted EBITDA as defined on page 11 is a key component in the determination of our compliance with certain covenants under our credit agreement and we believe it provides investors with useful information regarding our liquidity.

        Under the terms of our credit agreement, we may incur additional debt so long as the pro forma ratio of total debt to Adjusted EBITDA is less than or equal to 5.5 to 1.0 at December 31, 2003 and for the twelve months ended March 31, 2004 and 5.0 to 1 at December 31, 2004. If we fail to meet this ratio test, as well as other ratios, our ability to incur new debt may be significantly limited. Our ratio of total debt to Adjusted EBITDA is 5.15 to 1.0 at March 31, 2004.

        See "Management's Discussion and Analysis" for a discussion of the components of Adjusted EBITDA.

*    *    *

        Equinox Holdings, Inc. was incorporated in 1998 under the laws of the State of Delaware. Our principal executive offices are located at 895 Broadway, 3rd Floor, New York, New York 10003. Our telephone number is (212) 677-0180. We maintain the following web site: www.equinoxfitness.com. Our web site provides information about club locations, program offerings and on-line promotions. Information contained on this web site, however, is not incorporated by reference in or otherwise a part of this prospectus.

2



Summary of the Terms of the Exchange Offer

        On December 16, 2003, we completed a private offering of $160,000,000 principal amount of 9% senior notes due 2009. In this prospectus, we refer to (1) the old notes sold in the original offering as the old notes, (2) the notes offered hereby in exchange for the old notes as the new notes and (3) the old notes and the new notes together as the notes.

The Exchange Offer   You may exchange old notes for new notes. Old notes may be tendered, and new notes will be issued, only in integral multiples of $1,000.
Resale of New Notes   We believe the new notes that will be issued in this exchange offer may be resold by most investors without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, subject to certain conditions. You should read the discussion under the heading "The Exchange Offer" for further information regarding the exchange offer and resale of the new notes.
Registration Rights Agreement   We have undertaken this exchange offer pursuant to the terms of a registration rights agreement entered into with the initial purchasers of the old notes. See "The Exchange Offer" and "Description of Notes—Exchange Offer; Registration Rights".
Consequence of Failure to Exchange
Old Notes
  You will continue to hold old notes that remain subject to their existing transfer restrictions if:
      you do not tender your old notes, or
      you tender your old notes and they are not accepted for exchange.
    We may reject any and all notes that we determine have not been properly tendered or any old notes which, if accepted, would, in the opinion of counsel for us, be unlawful. We may waive any irregularities or conditions of tender of the old notes. With some limited exceptions, we will have no obligation to register the old notes after we consummate the exchange offer. See "The Exchange Offer—Terms of the Exchange Offer" "—Consequences of Failure to Exchange" and "Description of Notes—Registration Rights."
Expiration Date   The exchange offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on                        , 2004 (the "Expiration Date"), unless we, in our sole discretion, extend it, in which case "Expiration Date" means the latest date and time to which the exchange offer is extended.
         

3


Interest on the New Notes   The new notes will accrue interest from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or provided for on the old notes or, if no interest has been paid on the old notes, from the date of original issue of the old notes.
Conditions to the Exchange Offer   The exchange offer is subject to several customary conditions, which we may waive. We will not be required to accept for exchange, or to issue new notes in exchange for, any old notes and may terminate or amend the exchange offer if:
      we determine in our reasonable judgment that the exchange offer violates applicable law, any applicable interpretation of the SEC or its staff or any order of any governmental agency or court of competent jurisdiction;
      at any time any stop order is threatened or in effect with respect to the registration statement of which this prospectus constitutes a part; or
      at any time any stop order is threatened or in effect with respect to the qualification of the indenture governing the notes under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.
    See "The Exchange Offer—Conditions". We reserve the right to terminate or amend the exchange offer at any time prior to the applicable expiration date upon the occurrence of any of the foregoing events.
Procedures for Tendering Old Notes   To tender in the exchange offer, you must complete, sign and date the letter of transmittal, or a facsimile of such letter of transmittal, have the signatures on such letter of transmittal guaranteed if required by such letter of transmittal, and mail or otherwise deliver such letter of transmittal or such facsimile, together with any other required documents (including, if applicable, a substitute Form W-9, bond powers, evidence of payment of applicable transfer taxes and a certification of foreign status), to the exchange agent prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date. In addition, either
      certificates of old notes must be received by the exchange agent along with the applicable letter of transmittal, or
         

4


      a timely confirmation of a book-entry transfer of such old notes, if such procedure is available, into the exchange agent's account at the book-entry transfer facility, The Depository Trust Company, pursuant to the procedure for book-entry transfer, must be received by the exchange agent prior to the Expiration Date with the applicable letter of transmittal, or
      the holder must comply with the guaranteed delivery procedures.
    Custodial entities that are participants in The Depository Trust Company, which we refer to as the "Depositary" or "DTC," may tender old notes through DTC's Automated Tender Offer Program which we refer to as the ATOP which enables a custodial entity, and the beneficial owner on whose behalf the custodial entity is acting, to electronically agree to be bound by the letter of transmittal. A confirmation of such book-entry transfer of such old notes into the exchange agent's account at DTC must be received by the exchange agent prior to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time, on the expiration date. See "The Exchange Offer—Procedures for Tendering Old Notes."
    Pursuant to the terms of the letter of transmittal, you will agree, upon request, to execute and deliver any additional documents deemed by us to be necessary and desirable to complete the sale, assignment and transfer of the old notes tendered.
    By tendering your old notes in either of these manners, you will be representing to us, among other things, (i) that any new notes to be received by you will be acquired in the ordinary course of business, (ii) that you have no arrangements or understandings with any person to participate in the distribution of the old notes or the new notes within the meaning of the Securities Act, (iii) that you are not an "affiliate" of ours as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act, (iv) if you are a broker-dealer, that the old notes were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities and that you will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of new notes, (v) if you are not a broker-dealer, that you are not engaged in and do not intend to engage in the distribution of the new notes, and (v) that you are not acting on behalf of any person that could not truthfully make any of the foregoing representations.
         

5


Guaranteed Delivery Procedures   If you wish to tender your old notes, but cannot properly do so prior to the expiration date, you must tender your old notes according to the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth in "The Exchange Offer—Guaranteed Delivery Procedures".
Withdrawal Rights   Tenders of old notes may be withdrawn at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date. To withdraw a tender of old notes, a written or facsimile transmission notice of withdrawal must be received by the exchange agent at its address set forth in "The Exchange Offer—Exchange Agent" prior to 5:00 p.m. on the expiration date.
Acceptance of Old Notes and Delivery of New Notes   Subject to the conditions to the exchange offer, any and all old notes that are validly tendered in the exchange offer prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date will be accepted for exchange. The new notes issued pursuant to the exchange offer will be delivered promptly following the expiration date. We may reject any and all notes that we determine have not been properly tendered or any old notes which, if accepted, would, in the opinion of counsel for us, be unlawful. We may waive any irregularities or conditions of tender of the old notes. With some limited exceptions, we will have no obligation to register the old notes after we consummate the exchange offer. See "The Exchange Offer—Terms of the Exchange Offer" "—Consequences of Failure to Exchange" and "Description of Notes—Registration Rights."
Material United States Federal Tax Considerations   The exchange of the old notes for new notes will not constitute a taxable exchange for U.S. federal income tax purposes. See "Material United States Federal Tax Considerations."
Exchange Agent   U.S. Bank National Association is serving as exchange agent.

6



Summary of the Terms of the New Notes

        The terms of the new notes are identical in all material respects to the terms of the old notes except that the new notes:

    will be registered under the Securities Act, and therefore will not be subject to restrictions on transfer,

    will not be subject to provisions relating to additional interest,

    will bear a different CUSIP number from the old notes, and

    will not entitle their holders to registration rights.

Maturity   December 15, 2009.
Interest payment dates   June 15 and December 15, beginning June 15, 2004.
Guarantees   All of our subsidiaries existing on the date of the issuance of the notes will jointly and severally guarantee the notes fully and unconditionally on a senior basis. Future subsidiaries may also be required to guarantee the notes fully and unconditionally on a senior basis.
Ranking   The notes will be unsecured and will rank equally with our existing and future unsubordinated obligations and senior to our subordinated obligations. Each guarantee will be unsecured and will rank equally with all unsecured existing and future unsubordinated obligations of the guarantors and senior to all subordinated obligations of the guarantors. The notes and guarantees will also be effectively subordinated to all of our secured obligations and secured obligations of the subsidiary guarantors to the extent of the value of the assets securing such obligations.
    As of March 31, 2004, after giving effect to the initial offering of the notes and the use of proceeds therefrom,
      in addition to our obligations under our new senior secured revolving credit facility, we and the guarantors have outstanding approximately $3.3 million of capitalized lease obligations and other secured indebtedness to which the notes and the guarantees would have been effectively subordinated, and
      we and the guarantors have outstanding approximately $0.5 million of additional unsubordinated indebtedness that would have ranked equally with the notes.
         

7


Optional redemption   We may redeem some or all of the notes at any time on or after December 15, 2006 at the redemption prices set forth in this prospectus. See "Description of Notes—Redemption—Optional Redemption."
Public equity offering optional redemption   Before December 15, 2006, we may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes with the net proceeds of one or more public equity offerings at 109% of the principal amount of the notes, plus accrued interest, so long as at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes issued remains outstanding after such redemption.
Change of control   Upon the occurrence of certain change of control events, holders of notes may require us to repurchase all or a portion of their notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the notes, plus accrued interest. See "Description of Notes—Change of Control."
Covenants   The indenture governing the notes contains covenants that, among other things, limit our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to:
      incur additional indebtedness and issue or sell preferred stock,
      make restricted payments,
      make investments,
      create certain liens,
      sell assets,
      in the case of our restricted subsidiaries, restrict the ability to make dividend or other payments to us,
      in the case of our subsidiaries, guarantee indebtedness,
      engage in transactions with affiliates,
      create unrestricted subsidiaries, and
      consolidate, merge or transfer all or substantially all of our assets and the assets of our subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.
    These covenants are subject to important exceptions and qualifications. See "Description of Notes."


Risk Factors

        You should refer to the section entitled "Risk Factors" beginning on page 12 for an explanation of some of the risks relating to us, our business, and an investment in the notes.

8



Summary Consolidated Financial and Other Data

        You should read the summary consolidated financial and other data below in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes contained in this prospectus. We derived the historical financial data as of and for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 from our audited consolidated financial statements. We derived the historical financial data as of March 31, 2004 and for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 and for the 12 month period ended March 31, 2004 from our unaudited consolidated financial statements and our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements. You should also read "Selected Consolidated Financial Information and Other Data" and the accompanying "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" contained elsewhere in this prospectus.

 
  Year Ended December 31,
  Three Months
Ended
March 31,

  Twelve(A)
Months
Ended
March 31,

 
 
  2001
  2002
  2003
  2003
  2004
  2004
 
 
  (restated)

  (restated)

   
   
   
   
 
      (in thousands, except for ratios and operating data)  
Statement of Operations Data:                                      
Revenues:                                      
  Membership fees   $ 52,489   $ 63,369   $ 75,677   $ 17,004   $ 21,716   $ 80,387  
  Personal training     15,024     17,709     25,000     6,011     7,273     26,263  
  Other revenue     11,907     14,197     15,450     3,682     4,520     16,288  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Total revenues     79,420     95,275     116,127     26,697     33,509     122,938  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Compensation and related expenses     31,274     37,572     48,202     11,429     14,463     51,235  
  Rent and occupancy     9,793     11,870     16,646     4,273     4,911     17,285  
  General and administrative     13,378     15,976     21,280     4,931     8,784     25,133  
  Other expenses(1)     2,222     1,477     1,042     433     402     1,011  
  Depreciation and amortization     5,785     6,850     9,750     2,253     2,936     10,433  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Total operating expenses     62,452     73,745     96,920     23,319     31,496     105,097  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Income from operations     16,968     21,530     19,207     3,378     2,013     17,841  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

Other income (expense):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Interest expense     (13,298 )   (12,708 )   (33,693 )   (3,941 )   (3,791 )   (33,543 )
  Interest income     149     8     132     36     51     148  
  Other income (expense)(2)     1,188     (2,869 )   900         714     1,614  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Total other expense     (11,961 )   (15,569 )   (32,661 )   (3,905 )   (3,026 )   (31,781 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Income before provision for income taxes     5,007     5,961     (13,454 )   (527 )   (1,013 )   (13,940 )

Benefit from (provision for) income taxes

 

 

(2,007

)

 

(4,137

)

 

6,189

 

 

237

 

 

456

 

 

6,407

 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Net income   $ 3,000   $ 1,824   $ (7,265 ) $ (290 ) $ (557 ) $ (7,533 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

    (A)
    Twelve months ended March 31, 2004 is included to facilitate comparability of ratio analysis and revenues per average member data.

9


 
  Year Ended December 31,
  Three Months
Ended
March 31,

  Twelve(A)
Months
Ended
March 31,

 
 
  2001
  2002
  2003
  2003
  2004
  2004
 
 
  (restated)

  (restated)

   
   
   
   
 
      (in thousands, except for ratios and club related data)  
Balance Sheet Data:                                      
Cash and marketable securities   $ 2,806   $ 1,302   $ 42,779   $ 17,260   $ 41,476   $ 41,476  
Total assets     101,088     113,515     189,303     139,702     196,946     196,946  
Total debt     98,778     102,615     163,999     103,915     163,815     163,815  
Stockholders' deficit     (34,319 )   (36,580 )   (35,074 )   (26,847 )   (35,646 )   (35,646 )
Pro forma Data:                                      
Interest expense(3)           $ 15,931   $ 4,083   $ 3,791   $ 15,638  
Net income (loss)             2,368     (368 )   (557 )   2,183  

Other Financial Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Net cash provided by operating activities   $ 16,714   $ 17,641   $ 16,271   $ 5,879   $ 9,745   $ 20,137  
Net cash used in investing activities     (18,590 )   (21,377 )   (27,009 )   (4,993 )   (9,954 )   (31,970 )
Net cash provided by financing activities     3,669     2,266     52,202     15,073     (1,025 )   36,104  
Earnings (deficiency) to fixed charges(4)     1.3     1.4   $ (13,536 ) $ (527 ) $ (1,013 ) $ (13,940 )

Club Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Number of clubs at end of period     13     15     19     16     21     21  
Members at end of period     45,978     54,911     67,400     58,013     70,054     70,054  
Revenues per average member(5)   $ 1,943   $ 1,934   $ 1,977   $ 488   $ 487   $ 1,988  
Ancillary revenues as a % of total revenues     33.9 %   33.5 %   34.8 %   36.3 %   35.2 %   34.8 %
Revenue growth from comparable fitness clubs(6)     14.5 %   7.7 %   8.2 %   13.4 %   6.7 %   6.6 %

(footnotes continued on following page)


(1)
Includes fees and expenses paid to certain principal stockholders under certain contractual arrangements. See "Related Party Transactions."

(2)
Consists of non-cash charges resulting from the mark-to-market adjustments of our common stock put warrants and our interest rate swap. See "Description of Capital Stock—Common Stock Put Warrants."

        The following table reconciles net income (loss) to EBITDA and illustrates components of Adjusted EBITDA as that amount is used in our calculations under the covenants contained in our credit facility:

 
  Year Ended December 31,
  Three Months
Ended
March 31,

  Twelve Months(A)
Ended
March 31,

 
 
  2001
  2002
  2003
  2003
  2004
  2004
 
 
  (restated)

  (restated)

   
   
   
   
 
      (in thousands)  
Net income (loss)   $ 3,000   $ 1,824   $ (7,265 ) $ (290 ) $ (557 ) $ (7,533 )
Depreciation and amortization     5,785     6,850     9,750     2,253     2,936     10,433  
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes     2,007     4,137     (6,189 )   (237 )   (456 )   (6,407 )
Interest expense, net of interest income     13,149     12,700     33,560     3,905     3,740     33,395  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
EBITDA(7)   $ 23,941   $ 25,511   $ 29,856   $ 5,631   $ 5,663   $ 29,888  

Components of Adjusted EBITDA:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Stock compensation expense     1,022     313     35             35  
Related-party management fees and expenses(a)     1,199     1,164     1,007     433     402     976  
Non-cash deferred rent     975     1,088     2,496     786     785     2,495  
Other (income) expense(b)     (1,188 )   2,869     (900 )       (714 )   (1,614 )
    (a)
    As discussed under "Related Party Transactions," we are contractually obligated to make these cash payments and such payments are not subordinated to the notes. However, we are presenting these adjustments to provide a clearer indication of the EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA associated with our operations.  

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    (b)
    Consists of non-cash charges resulting from the mark-to-market adjustments of our common stock put warrants and our interest rate swap. See "Description of Capital Stock—Common Stock Put Warrants." Under the terms of our credit facility definitions, this line item must be added back to net income (loss) in calculating Adjusted EBITDA.

(3)
Pro forma interest expense assumes our previously outstanding revolving credit facility, senior notes due 2007, senior subordinated notes due 2008, preferred stock, certain related party debt, and other debt and certain fees were satisfied, or redeemed and that the issuance of the new senior notes occurred as of the beginning of 2003.

(4)
The ratio (deficit) of earnings to fixed charges has been computed by dividing earnings before income taxes and fixed charges before preferred stock dividends (increased to reflect the pre-tax earnings requirement related thereto) by the fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of interest and related charges on debt, preferred stock dividends and the portion of rentals for real and personal properties in an amount deemed to be representative of the interest factor.

(5)
Based on average number of members for the 12 months ended.

(6)
Revenue growth of clubs that had been open for at least 12 months.

(7)
We define EBITDA as net income (loss) before interest expense, income taxes and depreciation and amortization. We present EBITDA because we believe it provides investors with useful information regarding our liquidity, including compliance under our debt covenants. Adjusted EBITDA is defined in our $25.0 million credit agreement as EBITDA, adjusted for mark-to-market adjustments for our common stock put warrants, stock compensation expense, write-off of other receivables, management fees and expenses paid to our principal stockholders and non-cash deferred rent. Non-cash deferred rent expense reflects the difference between accrued rent expense in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("GAAP") and cash rent expense actually paid in a given period, which difference is typically positive in the early years of a lease and negative in the later years of a lease. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not measures of financial performance under GAAP. We present the components of Adjusted EBITDA because this measure is a key component in the determination of our compliance with certain covenants under our credit agreement as more fully described in our liquidity section of our Management's Discussion and Analysis contained herein. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for net income, cash flows, or other consolidated income (loss) or cash flow data presented in accordance with GAAP or as a measure of our liquidity or financial condition. Because EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not measures determined in accordance with GAAP and is thus susceptible to varying calculations, Adjusted EBITDA as discussed may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies.

11



RISK FACTORS

        You should carefully consider the risks described below before making an investment decision. Any of the following risks could materially and adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations. In such case, you may lose all or part of your original investment.

Risks Related to Our Substantial Debt

Our substantial indebtedness could have a material adverse effect on our financial health and our ability to obtain financing in the future and to react to changes in our business.

        We have a significant amount of debt. As of March 31, 2004, we had approximately $163.8 million of debt outstanding. Our significant amount of debt and other contractual commitments could have important consequences to you. For example, it could:

    make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations to you under the notes and to the lenders under our new revolving credit facility;

    increase our vulnerability to adverse economic and general industry conditions;

    require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to principal and interest payments on our debt, which would reduce the availability of our cash flow from operations to fund capital expenditures or other general corporate purposes;

    limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and industry;

    place us at a disadvantage compared to competitors that have proportionately less debt;

    limit our ability to borrow additional funds in the future, if we need them; and

    prevent us from obtaining financing to repurchase the notes from you upon a change of control or otherwise limit our ability to make such repurchase.

        Despite current indebtedness levels, we may be able to incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future. The terms of the indenture governing the notes and the terms of the new revolving credit facility will limit, but not prohibit, us from doing so, and our new revolving credit facility will provide for borrowings of up to $25.0 million, subject to certain limitations. Those borrowings would be secured and effectively senior to the notes and the guarantees to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such borrowings. If new debt is added to our and our subsidiaries' current debt levels, the related risks that we and they now face would intensify.

Our ability to generate the significant amount of cash needed to make payments on and otherwise satisfy the notes and our other debt and contractual commitments and to operate our business depends on many factors beyond our control.

        Our ability to make payments on and otherwise satisfy the notes and our other debt and contractual commitments and to fund working capital needs and planned capital expenditures and expansion plans will depend on our ability to generate cash and secure financing in the future. Among our contractual commitments are (1) contractual payments to our founding stockholders on the earlier of a qualified public offering, a change of control or December 15, 2010 and (2) a contingent obligation to use our best efforts to purchase common stock put warrants representing approximately 8% of our fully-diluted equity (as of the date hereof), at their fair market value if a majority of the warrant holders so require following December 15, 2006 if a qualifying initial public offering of our common stock has not previously occurred. We cannot assure you that we will be able to satisfy our obligations to purchase the warrants or that a dispute relating to our use of "best efforts" will not arise. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Contractual and Commercial Commitments Summary."

        Our ability to meet these obligations is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors beyond our control. If our business does not generate sufficient cash flow from operations, and sufficient future borrowings are not available to us under our new

12


revolving credit facility or from other sources of financing, we may not be able to repay the notes or our other debt or satisfy our other contractual commitments, operate our business or fund our other liquidity needs. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain additional financing or comply with our obligations with respect to our founding stockholders and warrant holders, particularly because of our anticipated levels of debt and the debt incurrence restrictions imposed by the agreements governing our debt. Our significant contractual obligations, including our obligations to our founding stockholders and the potential issuance of our preferred stock, could make it more difficult for us to effect a financing transaction, including an initial public offering of our common stock. If we cannot meet or refinance our obligations when they are due, we may have to sell assets, reduce capital expenditures or take other actions which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations and on the value of your investment in the notes.

The agreements and instruments governing our debt contain restrictions and could limit our ability to operate our business.

        Our new revolving credit facility and the indenture governing the notes contain, and any of our future indebtedness could contain a number of significant covenants that will restrict, among other things, our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to:

    pay dividends or make other distributions;

    make certain investments or acquisitions;

    enter into transactions with affiliates;

    dispose of assets or enter into business combinations;

    incur or guarantee additional debt;

    issue equity;

    repurchase or redeem equity interests and debt;

    create or permit to exist certain liens; and

    pledge assets.

        These restrictions could limit our ability to obtain future financing, make acquisitions or needed capital expenditures, withstand a future downturn in our business or the economy in general, conduct operations or otherwise take advantage of business opportunities that may arise. Furthermore, our new revolving credit facility requires us to meet specified financial ratios and tests. Our ability to comply with these provisions may be affected by events beyond our control. The breach of any of these covenants would result in a default under our new revolving credit facility, which could place us in default under the indenture governing the notes.

Risks Related to Our Business

Our business is geographically concentrated, and adverse regional conditions or events could adversely affect us.

        We currently operate in three metropolitan areas, and our clubs in and around New York City generated approximately 86.9% of our revenues for the twelve month period ended March 31, 2004. Adverse economic conditions or increased competition in those areas, especially in New York City, could have adverse effects on our financial condition and results of operations. Moreover, a catastrophic event in any of those areas, such as the attacks of September 11, 2001, could adversely affect our members, damage our clubs and harm our business.

We may be unable to attract and retain members, which could have a negative effect on our business.

        The performance of our fitness clubs is dependent on our ability to attract and retain members, and we cannot assure you that we will be successful in these efforts, or that the membership levels at our clubs will not materially decline. There are numerous factors that could lead to a decline in

13



membership levels at established clubs or that could prevent us from increasing our membership levels at newer clubs, including harm to our reputation, a decline in our ability to deliver quality service at a competitive cost, the presence of direct and indirect competition in the areas in which the clubs are located, the public's interest in sports and fitness clubs and general economic conditions. As a result of these factors, we cannot assure you that our membership levels will be adequate to maintain or permit the expansion of our operations. In addition, a decline in membership levels may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

We may not be able to successfully execute our growth strategy or effectively manage our growth.

        We intend to increase our number of fitness clubs from 21 today to approximately 40 by the end of 2006. Currently, we consider nine out of our 21 fitness clubs to be mature (i.e., open for 48 months or longer at the beginning of the fiscal year). Successful implementation of this growth strategy will require considerable expenditures before any significant associated revenues are generated. In addition, many of our existing clubs are still relatively new. We cannot assure you that our existing immature or future fitness clubs will generate revenues and cash flow comparable with those generated by our existing mature clubs.

        Our expansion will also place significant demands on our management resources. We will be required to identify attractive club locations, negotiate favorable rental terms and open new fitness clubs on a timely and cost-effective basis while maintaining a high level of quality, efficiency and performance at both mature and newly opened fitness clubs. Moreover, we plan to expand into markets where we have little or no direct prior experience, and we could encounter unanticipated problems, cost overruns or delays in opening fitness clubs in new markets or in the market acceptance for our clubs.

        We may not be able to effectively manage this expansion, and any failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We may not be able to continue to compete effectively in each of our markets in the future.

        The fitness industry is highly fragmented. Within each market in which we operate, we compete with other commercial fitness centers, physical fitness and recreational facilities established by local governments, hospitals and businesses for their employees, YMCAs and similar organizations and, to a certain extent, with racquet, tennis and other athletic clubs, country clubs, weight-reducing salons and the home-use fitness equipment industry. Competitive conditions may limit our ability to maintain or increase initiation fees or membership dues, attract new members and keep existing members, and could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operation. See "Business—Competition."

We could be subject to personal injury claims related to the use of our clubs.

        Members or guests could assert claims of personal injury in connection with their use of our services and facilities. If we cannot successfully defend any large claim or maintain our general liability insurance on acceptable terms or maintain adequate coverage against potential claims, our financial results could be adversely affected.

We are subject to government regulation. Changes in these regulations or a failure to comply with them could have a negative effect on our financial condition.

        Our operations and business practices are subject to federal, state and local government regulations in the various jurisdictions in which our fitness centers are located, including:

    general rules and regulations of the Federal Trade Commission, state and local consumer protection agencies and state statutes that prescribe provisions of membership contracts and that govern the advertising, sale, financing and collection of membership fees and dues; and

    state and local health regulations and building codes.

14


        If we were to fail to comply with these statutes, rules and regulations, we could suffer fines or other penalties. These may include regulatory or judicial orders enjoining or curtailing aspects of our operations. It is difficult to predict the future development of such laws or regulations, and although we are not aware of any proposed changes, any changes in such laws could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

If we do not retain key management personnel and/or fail to attract and retain highly qualified personnel, our business will suffer.

        The success of our business depends on the leadership of our key management personnel. If any of these persons were to leave, it might be difficult to replace them, and our business could be harmed. See "Management." In addition, we cannot assure you that we can attract and retain sufficient qualified personnel to meet our business needs.

Our trademarks and trade names may be misappropriated or challenged by others.

        We believe our brand name and related intellectual property are important to our continued success. We attempt to protect our trademarks and trade names by exercising our rights under applicable trademark and copyright laws. If we were to fail to protect our intellectual property rights for any reason, it could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

The interests of our controlling shareholders may be in conflict with your interests as a holder of notes.

        Funds managed by North Castle Partners, L.L.C. and J.W. Childs Associates, L.P. indirectly own approximately 93% of our outstanding common stock and together have the ability to elect a majority of the board of directors and generally to control the affairs and policies of our company. Circumstances may occur in which the interests of either North Castle or J.W. Childs, as our shareholders, could be in conflict with the interests of the holders of the notes. For example, if we encounter financial difficulties or are unable to pay our debts as they mature, their interests as equity holders and as counterparties to a consulting agreement might conflict with your interests as a holder of notes. See "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management" and "Related Party Transactions."

Risks Related to the Notes

We are a holding company and the notes and guarantees are effectively junior to all of our and the guarantors' existing and future senior secured obligations to the extent of the collateral.

        As a holding company, all of our revenues are generated by our subsidiaries and substantially all of our assets are owned by our subsidiaries. As a result, we are dependent upon dividends, incidental expense reimbursement and inter-company transfer of funds from our subsidiaries to meet our payment obligations on the notes and our other obligations.

        The notes and the guarantees provided by the guarantors will be general unsecured obligations. This means that you will have no recourse to our or the guarantors' specific assets upon any event of default under the indenture governing the notes and the guarantees. Accordingly, the notes and the guarantees will be effectively subordinated to any of our and the guarantors' secured obligations to the extent of the value of the assets securing such obligations, including our and the guarantors' obligations under the new revolving credit facility. Under certain circumstances, we may also incur secured debt owing to other creditors that will have the right to be repaid out of specific property. We and the guarantors may also issue additional unsecured and unsubordinated debt, which will also rank equally with your right to be repaid under the notes and the guarantees.

        If we default on the notes, become bankrupt, liquidate or reorganize:

    you will be entitled to be repaid from our remaining assets only after any secured creditors have been paid out of proceeds from the sale of their collateral; and

15


    to the extent there are assets available after all of the foregoing creditors have been paid, then you will be entitled to be repaid on a pro rata basis with and only to the extent that there are sufficient assets to repay any of our other obligations or the guarantors' obligations that rank equally with the notes in right of payment.

        If we and the guarantors have no secured debt at the time of a bankruptcy, liquidation, reorganization or similar proceeding relating to us or the guarantors, holders of the notes will participate ratably with all of our and the guarantors' other unsecured and unsubordinated creditors, including unsecured trade creditors and tort claimants, in our and the guarantors' assets.

        As of March 31, 2004, the notes and the guarantees would have been effectively subordinated to approximately $163.8 million of secured debt (including capitalized lease obligations). Under the terms of the indenture governing the notes and the expected terms of our new revolving credit facility, we will be permitted to borrow substantial additional indebtedness, including secured debt, in the future, subject to certain limitations.

We may not have the funds to purchase the notes upon a change of control as required by the indenture for the notes.

        The source of funds for any purchase of the notes would be our available cash or cash generated from other sources, including borrowings, sales of assets, sales of equity or funds provided by our existing or new equity holders. We cannot assure you that any of these sources will be available or sufficient. Upon the occurrence of a change of control event, we may seek to refinance the indebtedness outstanding under our new revolving credit facility and the notes. However, it is possible that we will not be able to complete such refinancing on commercially reasonable terms or at all. In such event, we would not have the funds necessary to finance the required change of control offer. See "Description of Notes—Change of Control."

Our being subject to certain fraudulent transfer and conveyance statutes may have adverse implications for the holders of the notes.

        If, under relevant federal and state fraudulent transfer and conveyance statutes, in a bankruptcy or reorganization case or a lawsuit by or on behalf of unpaid creditors of Equinox or the guarantors, a court were to find that, at the time the notes were issued by Equinox or guaranteed by the guarantors:

    Equinox issued the notes or a guarantor guaranteed the notes with the intent of hindering, delaying or defrauding current or future creditors, or we or the guarantors received less than reasonably equivalent value or fair consideration for issuing or guaranteeing the notes, as applicable; and

    Equinox or a guarantor, as the case may be:

    was insolvent or was rendered insolvent by reason of the incurrence or guarantee, as applicable, of the indebtedness constituting the notes;

    was engaged, or was about to be engaged, in a business or transaction for which its assets constituted unreasonably small capital;

    intended to incur, or believed that it would incur, debts beyond its ability to pay as those debts matured (as all of the foregoing terms are defined in or interpreted under the relevant fraudulent transfer or conveyance statutes); or

    was a defendant in an action for money damages, or had a judgment for money damages docketed against it (if, in either case, after final judgment the judgment is unsatisfied);

such court could avoid or subordinate the notes or the relevant guarantee to presently existing and future indebtedness of Equinox or the guarantor, as the case may be, and take other action detrimental to the holders of the notes, including, under certain circumstances, invalidating the notes or the guarantees.

16



        The measure of insolvency for purposes of the foregoing considerations will vary depending upon the law of the jurisdiction that is being applied in any such proceeding. Generally, however, we or a guarantor would be considered insolvent if, at the time it incurs or guarantees, as the case may be, the indebtedness constituting the notes, either:

    the sum of its debts (including contingent liabilities) is greater than its assets, at a fair valuation; or

    the present fair saleable value of its assets is less than the amount required to pay the probable liability on its total existing debts and liabilities (including contingent liabilities) as they become absolute and matured.

        There can be no assurance as to what standards a court would use to determine whether we or a guarantor, as the case may be, was solvent at the relevant time, or whether, whatever standard was used, the notes or guarantees would not be avoided on another of the grounds set forth above.

        We and the guarantors believe that at the time the notes are initially issued by us and guaranteed by the guarantors, we and the guarantors will be neither insolvent nor rendered insolvent thereby, will be in possession of sufficient capital to run their respective businesses effectively and incurring debts within their respective abilities to pay as the same mature or become due and will have sufficient assets to satisfy any probable money judgment against them in any pending action.

        In reaching the foregoing conclusions, we and the guarantors have relied upon our and their analyses of internal cash flow projections and estimated values of assets and liabilities. There can be no assurance, however, that a court passing on such questions would reach the same conclusions.

There is no public market for the notes, and we cannot be sure that a market for the notes will develop.

No active trading market currently exists for the notes. If any of the notes are traded after their initial issuance, they may trade at a discount from their initial offering price, depending upon prevailing interest rates, the market for similar securities and other factors, including general economic conditions, our financial condition, performance and prospects, and prospects for companies in our industry in general. In addition, the liquidity of the trading market in the notes and the market prices quoted for the notes may be adversely affected by changes in the overall market for high-yield securities.

You may have difficulty selling the old notes that you do not exchange.

        If you do not exchange your old notes for the new notes offered in the exchange offer, your old notes will continue to be subject to significant restrictions on transfer. Those transfer restrictions are described in the indentures governing the notes and arose because we originally issued the old notes under exemptions from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. The old notes may not be offered, sold or otherwise transferred, except in compliance with the registration requirements of the Securities Act, pursuant to an exemption from registration under the Securities Act or in a transaction not subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act, and in compliance with applicable state securities laws. We did not register the old notes, and we do not intend to do so under the Securities Act. If you do not exchange your old notes, your ability to sell those notes will be significantly limited.

        If a large number of outstanding old notes are exchanged for new notes issued in the exchange offer, it may be more difficult for you to sell your unexchanged old notes due to the limited amounts of old notes that would remain outstanding following the exchange offer.

17



FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        This prospectus includes forward-looking statements regarding, among other things, our plans, strategies and prospects, both business and financial. All statements contained in this document other than historical information are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements that represent our beliefs concerning future operations, strategies, financial results or other developments, and contain words and phrases such as "may," "expects," "should," or similar expressions. Because these forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions that are subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control or are subject to change, actual results could be materially different. Although we believe that our plans, intentions and expectations reflected in or suggested by these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure you that we will achieve or realize these plans, intentions or expectations. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

    changes in general economic conditions in the United States;

    changes in operations and prospects;

    the degree to which we are leveraged;

    the relative success and timing of our business strategies;

    our ability to execute and manage our growth strategy;

    adverse regional conditions;

    availability and terms of capital;

    increased competition in the fitness industry;

    actions of third parties, such as legislative bodies and government regulatory agencies; and

    protection of our trademarks; and

    various other factors beyond our control.

        Consequently, such forward-looking statements should be regarded solely as our current plans, estimates and beliefs. We do not intend, and do not undertake, any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

        You should review carefully the section captioned "Risk Factors" in this prospectus for a more complete discussion of the risks of an investment in the notes.

18



THE EXCHANGE OFFER

        The following contains a summary of the material provisions of the registration rights agreement. It does not contain all of the information that may be important to an investor in the notes. Reference is made to the provisions of the registration rights agreement, which has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement. Copies are available as set forth under the heading "Where You Can Find More Information."

Terms of the Exchange Offer

        General.    In connection with the issuance of the old notes pursuant to a purchase agreement, dated as of December 9, 2003, between Equinox and the initial purchasers, the initial purchasers and their respective assignees became entitled to the benefits of the registration rights agreement.

        Under the registration rights agreement, we have agreed to use our reasonable best efforts to (1) file with the Commission the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part with respect to a registered offer to exchange the old notes for the new notes on or prior to 60 days after initial issuance of the old notes, (2) to cause the registration statement to be declared effective under the Securities Act on or prior to 180 days after the initial issuance of the old notes and (3) to commence the Exchange Offer and issue, on or prior to 211 days after the initial issuance of the old notes, new notes in exchange for all old notes tendered prior thereto. We will keep the exchange offer open for the period required by applicable law, but in any event for at least 20 business days after the date notice of the exchange offer is mailed to holders of the old notes.

        Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this prospectus and in the letter of transmittal, all old notes validly tendered and not withdrawn prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date will be accepted for exchange. New notes will be issued in exchange for an equal principal amount of outstanding old notes accepted in the exchange offer. Old notes may be tendered only in integral multiples of $1,000. This prospectus, together with the letter of transmittal, is being sent to all registered holders as of                        , 2004. The exchange offer is not conditioned upon any minimum principal amount of old notes being tendered for exchange. However, the obligation to accept old notes for exchange pursuant to the exchange offer is subject to certain customary conditions as set forth herein under "—Conditions."

        Old notes shall be deemed to have been accepted as validly tendered when, as and if we have given oral or written notice of such acceptance to the exchange agent. The exchange agent will act as agent for the tendering holders of old notes for the purposes of receiving the new notes and delivering new notes to such holders.

        Based on interpretations by the Staff of the Commission as set forth in no-action letters issued to third parties (including Exxon Capital Holdings Corporation (available May 13, 1988), Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated (available June 5, 1991), K-III Communications Corporation (available May 14, 1993) and Shearman Sterling (available July 2, 1993)), we believe that the new notes issued pursuant to the exchange offer may be offered for resale, resold and otherwise transferred by any holder of such new notes, other than any such holder that is a broker-dealer or an "affiliate" of us within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act, without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, provided that:

    such new notes are acquired in the ordinary course of business,

    at the time of the commencement of the exchange offer such holder has no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in a distribution of such new notes, and

    such holder is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, a distribution of such new notes.

19


        We have not sought, and do not intend to seek, a no-action letter from the Commission with respect to the effects of the exchange offer, and there can be no assurance that the Staff would make a similar determination with respect to the new notes as it has in such no-action letters.

        By tendering old notes in exchange for new notes and executing the letter of transmittal, each holder will represent to us that:

    any new notes to be received by it will be acquired in the ordinary course of business,

    it has no arrangements or understandings with any person to participate in the distribution of the old notes or new notes within the meaning of the Securities Act, and

    it is not our "affiliate," as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act.

If such holder is a broker-dealer, it will also be required to represent that the old notes were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities and that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of new notes. See "Plan of Distribution." If such holder is not a broker-dealer, it will be required to represent that it is not engaged in and does not intend to engage in the distribution of the new notes. Each holder, whether or not it is a broker-dealer, shall also represent that it is not acting on behalf of any person that could not truthfully make any of the foregoing representations contained in this paragraph. If a holder of old notes is unable to make the foregoing representations, such holder may not rely on the applicable interpretations of the Staff of the Commission and must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any secondary resale transaction unless such sale is made pursuant to an exemption from such requirements.

        Each broker-dealer that receives new notes for its own account in exchange for old notes where such new notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making or other trading activities, must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act and that it has not entered into any arrangement or understanding with us or an affiliate of ours to distribute the new notes in connection with any resale of such new notes. Each letter of transmittal states that by so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, a broker dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act. This prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of new notes received in exchange for old notes, where such old notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities. We have agreed that, for a period of 90 days after each applicable expiration date (as defined herein), we will make this prospectus available to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale. See "Plan of Distribution."

        Upon consummation of the exchange offer, any old notes not tendered will remain outstanding and continue to accrue interest at the rate of 9% but, with limited exceptions, holders of old notes who do not exchange their old notes for new notes in the exchange offer will no longer be entitled to registration rights and will not be able to offer or sell their old notes, unless such old notes are subsequently registered under the Securities Act, except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. We will generally have no obligation to register the old notes upon the consummation of the exchange offer except for in the limited circumstances specified in the registration rights agreement which is filed as an exhibit to this registration statement. See "Description of Notes—Registration Rights."

        Expiration Date; Extensions; Amendments; Termination.    The Expiration Date shall be, New York City time, on 2004, unless Equinox, in its sole discretion, extends the exchange offer, in which case the Expiration Date shall be the latest date to which the exchange offer is extended.

        To extend the Expiration Date, we will notify the exchange agent of any extension by oral or written notice and will notify the holders of old notes by means of a press release or other public announcement prior to 9:00 AM., New York City time, on the next business day after the previously scheduled Expiration Date. Such announcement may state that we are extending the exchange offer for a specified period of time.

20


        With regards to the exchange offer, we reserve the right

    1.
    to delay acceptance of any old notes, to extend the exchange offer or to terminate the exchange offer and not permit acceptance of old notes not previously accepted if any of the conditions set forth under "—Conditions" shall have occurred and shall not have been waived by us prior to the Expiration Date, by giving oral or written notice of such delay, extension or termination to the exchange agent, or

    2.
    to amend the terms of the exchange offer in any manner deemed by us to be advantageous to the holders of the old notes.

Any such delay in acceptance, extension, termination or amendment will be followed as promptly as practicable by oral or written notice of such delay, extension or termination or amendment to the exchange agent. If the terms of the exchange offer are amended in a manner determined by us to constitute a material change, we will promptly disclose such amendment in a manner reasonably calculated to inform the holders of the old notes of such amendment.

        Without limiting the manner in which we may choose to make public announcement of any delay, extension or termination of the exchange offer, we shall have no obligations to publish, advertise, or otherwise communicate any such public announcement, other than by making a timely release to an appropriate news agency.

Interest on the New Notes

        Each new note will accrue interest at the rate of 9% per annum from the last interest payment date on which interest was paid on the old note surrendered in exchange for such new note to the day before the consummation of the exchange offer and thereafter, at the rate of 9% per annum, provided, that if an old note is surrendered for exchange on or after a record date for an interest payment date that will occur on or after the date of such exchange and as to which interest will be paid, interest on the new note received in exchange for such old note will accrue from the date of such interest payment date. Interest on the new notes is payable on June 15 and December 15 of each year. No additional interest will be paid on old notes tendered and accepted for exchange.

Procedures for Tendering

        To tender in the exchange offer, a holder must complete, sign and date the letter of transmittal, or a facsimile of such letter of transmittal, have the signatures on such letter of transmittal guaranteed if required by such letter of transmittal, and mail or otherwise deliver such letter of transmittal or such facsimile, together with any other required documents, to the exchange agent prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date. In addition, either

    certificates of old notes must be received by the exchange agent along with the applicable letter of transmittal, or

    a timely confirmation of a book-entry transfer of such old notes, if such procedure is available, into the exchange agent's account at the book-entry transfer facility, The Depository Trust Company, pursuant to the procedure for book-entry transfer described below, must be received by the exchange agent prior to the Expiration Date with the applicable letter of transmittal, or

    the holder must comply with the guaranteed delivery procedures described below.

We will only issue new notes in exchange for old notes that are timely and properly tendered. The method of delivery of old notes, letter of transmittal and all other required documents is at the election and risk of the note holders. If such delivery is by mail, it is recommended that registered mail, properly insured, with return receipt requested, be used. In all cases, sufficient time should be allowed to assure timely delivery. No old notes, letters of transmittal or other required documents should be sent to us. Delivery of all old notes (if applicable), letters of transmittal and other documents must be made to the exchange agent at its address set forth below. Holders may also request their respective

21



brokers, dealers, commercial banks, trust companies or nominees to effect such tender for such holders. Neither we nor the exchange agent are required to tell you of any defects or irregularities with respect to your old notes or the tenders thereof.

        The tender by a holder of old notes will constitute an agreement between such holder and us in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this prospectus and in the applicable letter of transmittal. Any beneficial owner whose old notes are registered in the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee and who wishes to tender should contact such registered holder promptly and instruct such registered holder to tender on his behalf.

        Signatures on a letter of transmittal or a notice of withdrawal, as the case may be, must be guaranteed by any member firm of a registered national securities exchange or of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., a commercial bank or trust company having an office or correspondent in the United States or an "eligible guarantor" institution within the meaning of Rule 17Ad-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (each an "Eligible Institution") unless the old notes tendered pursuant to such letter of transmittal or notice of withdrawal, as the case may be, are tendered (1) by a registered holder of old notes who has not completed the box entitled "Special Issuance Instructions" or "Special Delivery Instructions" on the letter of transmittal or (2) for the account of an Eligible Institution.

        If a letter of transmittal is signed by trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact, officers of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, such person should so indicate when signing, and unless waived by us, provide evidence satisfactory to us of their authority to so act must be submitted with such letter of transmittal.

        All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility, time of receipt and withdrawal of the tendered old notes will be determined by us in our sole discretion, which determination will be final and binding. We reserve the absolute right to reject any and all old notes not properly tendered or any old notes which, if accepted, would, in the opinion of counsel for us, be unlawful. We also reserve the absolute right to waive any irregularities or conditions of tender as to the old notes. Our interpretation of the terms and conditions of the exchange offer, including the instructions in the letter of transmittal, will be final and binding on all parties. Unless waived, any defects or irregularities in connection with tenders of old notes must be cured within such time as we shall determine. Neither we, the exchange agent nor any other person shall be under any duty to give notification of defects or irregularities with respect to tenders of old notes, nor shall any of them incur any liability for failure to give such notification. Tenders of old notes will not be deemed to have been made until such irregularities have been cured or waived. Any old notes received by the exchange agent that are not properly tendered and as to which the defects or irregularities have not been cured or waived will be returned without cost to such holder by the exchange agent, unless otherwise provided in the letter of transmittal, as soon as possible following the Expiration Date.

        In addition, we reserve the right in our sole discretion, subject to the provisions of the indentures pursuant to which the notes are issued,

    to purchase or make offers for any old notes, that remain outstanding subsequent to the Expiration Date or, as set forth under "—Conditions," to terminate the exchange offer,

    to redeem old notes as a whole or in part at any time and from time to time, as set forth under "Description of Notes—Optional Redemption," and

    to the extent permitted under applicable law, to purchase old notes in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise.

        The terms of any such purchases or offers could differ from the terms of the exchange offer.

22



Acceptance of Old Notes for Exchange; Delivery of New Notes

        Upon satisfaction or waiver of all of the conditions to the exchange offer, all old notes properly tendered will be accepted promptly after the Expiration Date, and the new notes will be issued promptly after acceptance of the old notes. See "—Conditions." For purposes of the exchange offer, old notes shall be deemed to have been accepted as validly tendered for exchange when, as and if we have given oral or written notice thereof to the exchange agent. For each old note accepted for exchange, the holder of such old note will receive a new note having a principal amount equal to that of the surrendered old note.

        In all cases, issuance of new notes for old notes that are accepted for exchange pursuant to the exchange offer will be made only after timely receipt by the exchange agent of

    certificates for such old notes or a timely book-entry confirmation of such old notes into the exchange agent's account at the applicable book-entry transfer facility,

    a properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal, and

    all other required documents.

        If any tendered old notes are not accepted for any reason set forth in the terms and conditions of the exchange offer, such unaccepted or such non-exchanged old notes will be returned without expense to the tendering holder of such notes, if in certificated form, or credited to an account maintained with such book-entry transfer facility as promptly as practicable after the expiration or termination of the exchange offer.

Book-Entry Transfer

        The exchange agent will make a request to establish an account with respect to the old notes at the book-entry transfer facility for purposes of the exchange offer within two business days after the date of this prospectus. Any financial institution that is a participant in the book-entry transfer facility's systems may make book-entry delivery of old notes by causing the book-entry transfer facility to transfer such old notes into the exchange agent's account at the book-entry transfer facility in accordance with such book-entry transfer facility's procedures for transfer. However, although delivery of old notes may be effected through book-entry transfer at the book-entry transfer facility, the letter of transmittal or facsimile thereof with any required signature guarantees and any other required documents must, in any case, be transmitted to and received by the exchange agent at one of the addresses set forth below under "—Exchange Agent" on or prior to the Expiration Date or the guaranteed delivery procedures described below must be complied with.

Exchanging Book-Entry Notes

        The exchange agent and the book-entry transfer facility have confirmed that any financial institution that is a participant in the book-entry transfer facility may utilize the book-entry transfer facility Automated Tender Offer Program ("ATOP") procedures to tender old notes.

        Any participant in the book-entry transfer facility may make book-entry delivery of old notes by causing the book-entry transfer facility to transfer such old notes into the exchange agent's account in accordance with the book-entry transfer facility's ATOP procedures for transfer. However, the exchange for the old notes so tendered will only be made after a book-entry confirmation of the book-entry transfer of old notes into the exchange agent's account, and timely receipt by the exchange agent of an agent's message and any other documents required by the letter of transmittal. The term "agent's message" means a message, transmitted by the book-entry transfer facility and received by the exchange agent and forming part of a book-entry confirmation, which states that the book-entry transfer facility has received an express acknowledgement from a participant tendering old notes that are the subject of such book-entry confirmation that such participant has received and agrees to be bound by the terms of the letter of transmittal, and that we may enforce such agreement against such participant.

23



Guaranteed Delivery Procedures

        If the procedures for book-entry transfer cannot be completed on a timely basis, a tender may be effected if

    the tender is made through an Eligible Institution,

    prior to the Expiration Date, the exchange agent receives by facsimile transmission, mail or hand delivery from such Eligible Institution a properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal and notice of guaranteed delivery, substantially in the form provided by us, which

    sets forth the name and address of the holder of old notes and the principal amount of old notes tendered,

    states the tender is being made thereby, and

    guarantees that within three New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") trading days after the date of execution of the notice of guaranteed delivery, the certificates for all physically tendered old notes, in proper form for transfer, or a book-entry confirmation, as the case may be, and any other documents required by the letter of transmittal will be deposited by the Eligible Institution with the exchange agent, and

    the certificates for all physically tendered old notes, in proper form for transfer, or a book-entry confirmation, as the case may be, and all other documents required by the letter of transmittal are received by the exchange agent within three NYSE trading days after the date of execution of the notice of guaranteed delivery.

Withdrawal of Tenders

        Tenders of old notes may be withdrawn at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date. If the applicable expiration date has been extended, tenders pursuant to the applicable exchange offer as of the previously scheduled expiration date may not be withdrawn after such previously scheduled expiration date.

        For a withdrawal to be effective, a written notice of withdrawal must be received by the exchange agent prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date at the address set forth below under "—Exchange Agent." Any such notice of withdrawal must

    specify the name of the person having tendered the old notes to be withdrawn,

    identify the old notes to be withdrawn, including the principal amount of such old notes,

    in the case of old notes tendered by book-entry transfer, specify the number of the account at the book-entry transfer facility from which the old notes were tendered and specify the name and number of the account at the book-entry transfer facility to be credited with the withdrawn old notes and otherwise comply with the procedures of such facility.

    contain a statement that such holder is withdrawing its election to have such old notes exchanged,

    be signed by the holder in the same manner as the original signature on the letter of transmittal by which such old notes were tendered, including any required signature guarantees, or be accompanied by documents of transfer to have the trustee with respect to the old notes register the transfer of such old notes in the name of the person withdrawing the tender, and

    specify the name in which such old notes are registered, if different from the person who tendered such old notes.

All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility and time of receipt of such notice will be determined by us, in our sole discretion, which determination shall be final and binding on all parties. Any old notes so withdrawn will be deemed not to have been validly tendered for exchange for purposes of the exchange offer. Any old notes which have been tendered for exchange but which are not exchanged for

24


any reason will be returned to the tendering holder of such notes without cost to such holder, in the case of physically tendered old notes, or credited to an account maintained with the book-entry transfer facility for the old notes as soon as practicable after withdrawal, rejection of tender or termination of the exchange offer. Properly withdrawn old notes may be retendered by following one of the procedures described under "—Procedures for Tendering" and —Book-Entry Transfer" above at any time on or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date.

Conditions

        Notwithstanding any other provision of the exchange offer, we shall not be required to accept for exchange, or to issue new notes in exchange for, any old notes and may terminate or amend the exchange offer if at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date, we determine in our reasonable judgment that the exchange offer violates applicable law, any applicable interpretation of the Staff of the Commission or any order of any governmental agency or court of competent jurisdiction.

        The foregoing conditions are for our sole benefit and may be asserted by us regardless of the circumstances giving rise to any such condition or may be waived by us in whole or in part at anytime and from time to time in our reasonable discretion. Our failure at any time to exercise any of the foregoing rights shall not be deemed a waiver of any such right. All conditions to the offer, other than those dependent upon the receipt of governmental approval, must be satisfied or waived prior to expiration of the offer.

        In addition, we will not accept for exchange any old notes tendered, and no new notes will be issued in exchange for any such old notes, if at any such time any stop order shall be threatened or in effect with respect to the registration statement of which this prospectus constitutes a part or the qualification of either indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended. We are required to use every reasonable effort to obtain the withdrawal of any order suspending the effectiveness of the registration statement at the earliest possible time.

Exchange Agent

        U.S. Bank National Association has been appointed as exchange agent for the exchange offer. Questions and requests for assistance and requests for additional copies of this prospectus or of the letter of transmittal should be directed to the exchange agent addressed as follows:


 

 

By Mail, Hand Delivery or Overnight Courier:
US Bank National Association
Corporate Trust Services
60 Livingston Avenue
St. Paul, Minnesota 55107
Attn: Specialized Finance
Transmission Number:
(651) 495-8158
    Fax cover sheets should provide a call back phone
number and request a call back, upon receipt.

 

 

For Information Call:
(800) 934-6802

Fees and Expenses

        The expenses of soliciting tenders pursuant to the exchange offer will be borne by us. The principal solicitation for tenders pursuant to the exchange offer is being made by mail; however, additional solicitations may be made by telegraph, telephone, telecopy or in person by our officers and regular employees.

25



        We will not make any payments to or extend any commissions or concessions to any brokers, dealers or other persons soliciting acceptances of the exchange offer. We will, however, pay the exchange agent reasonable and customary fees for its services and will reimburse the exchange agent for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection therewith. We may also pay brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries the reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in forwarding copies of the prospectus and related documents to the beneficial owners of the old notes, and in handling or forwarding tenders for exchange.

        The expenses to be incurred by us in connection with the exchange offer will be paid by us, including fees and expenses of the exchange agent and trustee and accounting, legal, printing and related fees and expenses.

        We will pay all transfer taxes, if any, applicable to the exchange of old notes pursuant to the exchange offer. If, however, new notes or old notes for principal amounts not tendered or accepted for exchange are to be registered or issued in the name of any person other than the registered holder of the old notes tendered, or if tendered old notes are registered in the name of any person other than the person signing the letter of transmittal, or if a transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than the exchange of old notes pursuant to the exchange offer, then the amount of any such transfer taxes imposed on the registered holder or any other persons will be payable by the tendering holder. If satisfactory evidence of payment of such taxes or exemption therefrom is not submitted with the letter of transmittal, the amount of such transfer taxes will be billed directly to such tendering holder.

Consequences of Failure to Exchange

        Holders of old notes who do not exchange their old notes for new notes pursuant to the exchange offer will continue to be subject to the restrictions on transfer of such old notes as set forth in the legend on the old notes as a consequence of the issuance of the old notes pursuant to exemptions from, or in transactions not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. In general, the old notes may not be offered or sold, unless registered under the Securities Act, except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. Equinox does not currently anticipate that it will register the old notes under the Securities Act. To the extent that old notes are tendered and accepted in the exchange offer, the trading market for untendered and tendered but unaccepted old notes could be adversely affected because the liquidity of this market will be diminished and their restrictions on transfer will make them less attractive to potential investors than the new notes.

Regulatory Requirements

        Following the effectiveness of the registration statement covering the exchange offer, no material federal or state regulatory requirement must be complied with in connection with this exchange offer.

26



USE OF PROCEEDS

        We will not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of the new notes under the exchange offer. In consideration for issuing the new notes as contemplated by this prospectus, we will receive the old notes in like principal amount, the terms of which are identical in all material respects to the new notes. The old notes surrendered in exchange for the new notes will be retired and canceled and cannot be reissued. Accordingly, the issuance of the new notes will not result in any increase in our indebtedness or capital stock.

        The net proceeds from the original offering were $152.0 million, after deducting discounts, commissions and expenses of the original offering payable by us. The proceeds from the original offering:

    repaid the entire outstanding principal amount of approximately $27.6 million under our then existing credit agreement and terminated all related commitments;

    repaid the entire outstanding principal amount of $25.3 million under our then existing senior notes due 2007, plus accrued and unpaid interest;

    repaid the entire outstanding principal amount of $52.5 million under our then existing senior subordinated notes due 2008, plus accrued and unpaid interest;

    redeemed approximately $1.3 million of our preferred stock;

    paid a contractually required amount of $5.0 million to our founding stockholders;

    paid related redemption premiums, transaction fees and expenses (including an amendment fee to holders of our common stock put warrants); and

    will fund our planned expansion to approximately 40 fitness clubs by the end of 2006 and be used for other general corporate purposes.

27



CAPITALIZATION

        The following table sets forth our audited cash and marketable securities and capitalization as of March 31, 2004. This table should be read in conjunction with our historical financial statements and other financial information appearing elsewhere in this prospectus.

 
  As of March 31, 2004
 
 
  (dollars in millions)

 
Cash and restricted cash   $ 45.2  
   
 

Debt:

 

 

 

 
  9% senior notes due 2009 and notes payable     161.6  
  Capital leases     2.2  
   
 
    Total debt   $ 163.8  
Total stockholders' equity (deficit)     (35.6 )
   
 

Total capitalization

 

$

128.2

 
   
 

28


SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND OTHER DATA

        You should read the selected financial information and other data below in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes contained in this prospectus. We derived the historical financial data as of December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 and for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003 from our audited consolidated financial statements. We derived the historical financial data as of December 31, 1999 and 2000 and for the year ended December 31, 1999 and for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 and for the twelve month period ended March 31, 2004 from our unaudited consolidated financial statements and our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements. You should also read the accompanying "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" contained elsewhere in this prospectus. Amounts below may not total due to rounding.

 
  Year Ended December 31,
  Three Months
Ended
March 31,

  Twelve(A)
Months
Ended
March 31,

 
 
  1999
  2000
  2001
  2002
  2003
  2003
  2004
  2004
 
 
  (restated)

  (restated)

  (restated)

  (restated)

   
   
   
   
 
 
  (in thousands, except for ratios and operating data)

 
Statement of Operations:                                                  
Revenues:                                                  
  Membership fees   $ 32,131   $ 42,646   $ 52,489   $ 63,369   $ 75,677   $ 17,004   $ 21,716   $ 80,387  
  Personal training     10,430     14,133     15,024     17,709     25,000     6,011     7,273     26,263  
  Other revenue     5,260     6,326     11,907     14,197     15,450     3,682     4,520     16,288  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Total revenues     47,821     63,105     79,420     95,275     116,127     26,697     33,509     122,938  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Compensation and related expenses     21,257     25,759     31,274     37,572     48,202     11,429     14,463     51,235  
  Rent and occupancy     4,111     8,763     9,793     11,870     16,646     4,273     4,911     17,285  
  General and administrative     10,028     10,159     13,378     15,976     21,280     4,931     8,784     25,133  
  Recapitalization expenses         5,608                          
  Other expenses(1)     235     3,158     2,222     1,477     1,042     433     402     1,011  
  Depreciation and amortization     3,573     4,360     5,785     6,850     9,750     2,253     2,936     10,433  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Total operating expenses     39,204     57,807     62,452     73,745     96,920     23,319     31,496     105,097  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Income from operations     8,617     5,298     16,968     21,530     19,207     3,378     2,013     17,841  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Other income (expense):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Interest expense     (888 )   (2,420 )   (13,298 )   (12,708 )   (33,693 )   (3,941 )   (3,791 )   (33,543 )
  Interest income     90     122     149     8     132     36     51     148  
  Other income (expense)(2)             1,188     (2,869 )   900         714     1,614  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Total other expense     (798 )   (2,298 )   (11,961 )   (15,569 )   (32,661 )   (3,905 )   (3,026 )   (31,781 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Income before provision for
income taxes
    7,819     3,000     5,007     5,961     (13,454 )   (527 )   (1,013 )   (13,940 )
  Benefit from (provision for)
income taxes
    403     3,057     (2,007 )   (4,137 )   6,189     237     456     6,407  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Net income (loss)   $ 8,222   $ 6,057   $ 3,000   $ 1,824   $ (7,265 ) $ (290 ) $ (557 ) $ (7,533 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(A)
Twelve months ended March 31, 2004 is included to facilitate comparability of ratio analysis and revenues per average member data.

Balance Sheet Data:                                                  
Cash and marketable securities   $ 5,938   $ 1,017   $ 2,806   $ 1,302   $ 42,779   $ 17,260   $ 41,476   $ 41,476  
Total assets     49,297     83,624     101,088     113,515     189,303     139,702     196,946     196,946  
Total debt     17,449     93,476     98,778     102,615     163,999     103,915     163,815     163,815  
Stockholders' equity (deficit)     10,294     (39,338 )   (34,319 )   (36,580 )   (35,074 )   (26,847 )   (35,646 )   (35,646 )

Pro forma Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Interest expense(3)   $   $   $   $   $ 15,931   $ 4,083   $ 3,791   $ 15,638  
Net income                     2,368     (362 )   (557 )   2,183  

29


 
  Year Ended December 31,
  Three Months
Ended
March 31,

  Twelve(A)
Months
Ended
March 31,

 
 
  1999
  2000
  2001
  2002
  2003
  2003
  2004
  2004
 
 
  (restated)

  (restated)

  (restated)

  (restated)

   
   
   
   
 
 
  (in thousands except for ratios and club related data)

 

Other Financial Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Earnings (deficiency) to fixed charges(4)     5.1     1.7     1.3     1.4   $ (13,536 ) $ (527 ) $ (1,013 ) $ (13,940 )
Net cash provided by operating activities   $ 19,145   $ 11,543   $ 16,714   $ 17,641   $ 16,271   $ 5,879   $ 9,745   $ 20,137  
Net cash used in investing activities     (17,263 )   (22,298 )   (18,590 )   (21,377 )   (27,009 )   (4,993 )   (9,954 )   (31,970 )
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities     2,341     5,850     3,669     2,266     52,202     15,073     (1,025 )   36,104  

Club Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Number of clubs at end of period     7     11     13     15     19     16     21     21  
Members at end of period     30,414     37,904     45,978     54,911     67,400     58,013     70,054     70,054  
Revenues per average member(5)   $ 1,755   $ 1,912   $ 1,943   $ 1,934   $ 1,977   $ 488   $ 487   $ 1,988  
Ancillary revenues as a % of total revenues     32.8 %   32.4 %   33.9 %   33.5 %   34.8 %   36.3 %   35.2 %   34.8 %
Revenue growth from comparable
fitness clubs(6)
    22.5 %   14.7 %   14.5 %   7.7 %   8.2 %   13.4 %   6.7 %   6.6 %

(1)
Includes fees and expenses paid to certain principal stockholders under contractual arrangements. See "Related Party Transactions."

(2)
Consists of non-cash charges resulting from the mark-to-market adjustments of our common stock put warrants and our interest rate swap. See "Description of Capital Stock—Common Stock Put Warrants."

        The following table reconciles EBITDA to net cash provided by operating activities:

 
  Year Ended December 31,
 
 
  2001
  2002
  2003
 
EBITDA   $ 23,941   $ 25,511   $ 29,856  
   
 
 
 
Adjustments to reconcile EBITDA to net cash provided by operating activities:                    
  Allowance for doubtful accounts net of write-offs     (223 )   11     23  
  Interest expense     (10,437 )   (10,007 )   (14,484 )
  Changes in fair market value of put warrants     (1,336 )   2,849     (888 )
  Write-off of other receivables         169      
Stock compensation expense     1,022     313     35  
  Accretive interest expense related to payable to founding stockholders     568     677      
Deferred rent     975     1,088     2,521  
  Deferred income taxes     (148 )   (1,724 )    
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                    
  Accounts receivable     (668 )   237     (59 )
  Due (to) from affiliates     398     176     787  
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets     (2,067 )   (2,989 )   (2,422 )
  Other assets     (96 )   (585 )   (3,436 )
  Accounts payable     (745 )   (527 )   160  
  Accrued expenses     2,832     346     (1,065 )
  Deferred revenue     2,698     2,096     5,243  
   
 
 
 
    Net cash provided by operating activities   $ 16,714   $ 17,641   $ 16,271  
   
 
 
 

30


        The following table reconciles net income (loss) to EBITDA and illustrates components of Adjusted EBITDA as that amount is used in our calculations under the covenants contained in our credit facilty:

 
  Year Ended December 31,
  Three Months
Ended
March 31,

  Twelve(A)
Months
Ended
March 31,

 
 
  1999
  2000
  2001
  2002
  2003
  2003
  2004
  2004
 
 
  (restated)

  (restated)

  (restated)

  (restated)

   
   
   
   
 
 
  (in thousands)

 
Net income (loss)   $ 8,222   $ 6,057   $ 3,000   $ 1,824   $ (7,265 ) $ (290 ) $ (557 ) $ (7,533 )
Depreciation and amortization     3,573     4,360     5,785     6,850     9,750     2,253     2,936     10,433  

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

 

 

(403

)

 

(3,057

)

 

2,007

 

 

4,137

 

 

(6,189

)

 

(237

)

 

(456

)

 

(6,407

)
Interest expense, net of interest income     799     2,298     13,149     12,700     33,560     3,905     3,740     33,395  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EBITDA(7)   $ 12,191   $ 9,658   $ 23,941   $ 25,511   $ 29,856   $ 5,631   $ 5,663   $ 29,888  

Components of Adjusted EBITDA:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Recapitalization expenses         5,608                          
Stock compensation expense     235     3,158     1,022     313     35             35  
Write-off of other receivables         186                          
Write-off of other assets     1,028                              
Related-party management fees and expenses(a)             1,199     1,164     1,007     433     402     976  
Other (income) expense(b)             (1,188 )   2,869     (900 )       (714 )   (1,614 )
Non-cash deferred rent     479     1,475     975     1,088     2,496     786     785     2,495  
    (a)
    As discussed under "Related Party Transactions," we are contractually obligated to make these cash payments and such payments are not subordinated to the notes. However, we are presenting these adjustments to provide a clearer indication of the EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA associated with our operations.

    (b)
    Consists of non-cash charges resulting from the mark to market adjustments of our common stock put warrants and our interest rate swap. See "Description of Capital Stock—Common Stock Put Warrants." Under the terms of our credit facility definitions, this line item must be added back to net income (loss) in calculating Adjusted EBITDA.

(3)
Pro forma interest expense assumes our previously outstanding revolving credit facility, senior notes due 2007, senior subordinated notes due 2008, preferred stock, certain related party debt, and other debt and certain fees were satisfied, or redeemed and that the issuance of the new senior notes occurred as of the beginning of 2003.

(4)
The ratio (deficit) of earnings to fixed charges has been computed by dividing earnings before income taxes and fixed charges before preferred stock dividends (increased to reflect the pre-tax earnings requirement related thereto) by the fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of interest and related charges on debt, preferred stock dividends and the portion of rentals for real and personal properties in an amount deemed to be representative of the interest factor.

(5)
Based on average number of members during the period.

(6)
Revenue growth of clubs that had been open for at least 12 months at the beginning of the period.

(7)
We define EBITDA as net income (loss) before interest expense, income taxes and depreciation and amortization. We present EBITDA because we believe it provides investors with useful information regarding our liquidity, including compliance under our debt covenants. Adjusted EBITDA, is defined in our $25.0 million credit agreement as EBITDA, adjusted for mark-to-market adjustments for our common stock put warrants, stock compensation expense, write-off of other receivables, management fees and expenses paid to our principal stockholders and non-cash deferred rent. Non-cash deferred rent expense reflects the difference between accrued rent expense in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("GAAP") and cash rent expense actually paid in a given period, which difference is typically positive in the early years of a lease and negative in the later years of a lease. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not measures of financial performance under GAAP. We present the components of Adjusted EBITDA because this measure is a key component in the determination of our compliance with certain covenants under our credit agreement as more fully described in our liquidity section of our Management's Discussion and Analysis contained herein. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for net income, cash flows, or other consolidated income (loss) or cash flow data presented in accordance with GAAP or as a measure of our liquidity or financial condition. Because EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not measures determined in accordance with GAAP and is thus susceptible to varying calculations, Adjusted EBITDA as discussed may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies.

31



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

        The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the "Selected Consolidated Financial Information and Other Data" and our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.

        This prospectus contains, in addition to historical information, forward-looking statements that include risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements.

        The following discussion makes reference to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA. EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and, amortization. We present EBITDA because we believe it provides investors with useful information regarding our liquidity. Adjusted EBITDA is defined in our credit agreement as EBITDA adjusted for mark-to-market adjustments for our common stock put warrants, stock compensation expense, write-off or other receivables, management fees and expenses paid to our principal stockholders, and non-cash deferred rent. We present Adjusted EBITDA because this measure is a key component in the determination of our compliance with certain covenants under our credit agreement which may limit the Company's ability to incur additional indebtedness.

        Investors should be aware that the items excluded from the calculation of EBITDA, such as depreciation and amortization, are significant components in an accurate assessment of our financial performance. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net income, cash flows or other consolidated income or cash flow data prepared in accordance with GAAP or as a measure of our profitability or liquidity.

Equinox

        Equinox operates upscale, full-service fitness clubs with spas in the New York City metropolitan area, with growing operations in Los Angeles and Chicago. We currently operate twenty-one fitness clubs: sixteen in the New York City metropolitan area, two in Los Angeles and three in Chicago. During 2003 the Company opened four new clubs. Two of the twenty-one clubs currently in operation were opened in January 2004, one of these in New York City and the other in Chicago. In addition, we have five new locations under development, consisting of two in the New York City metropolitan area in Mamaroneck and Roslyn, Santa Monica, and two in San Francisco projected to be opened during 2004 and early 2005. As of March 31, 2004 we had approximately 70,000 members. In the second half of 2004 the Company will begin consolidating the results of Eclipse Development Corporation, a variable interest entity as defined by FASB Interpretation No. 46. The consolidation of Eclipse Development Corporation will not materially effect our statement of operations or financial position.

        As used in this section the terms listed below have the following meanings:

        Revenue.    As club memberships are sold, each member is charged an initiation fee as well as membership dues. The initiation fee is due up front and amortized over an estimated membership life of 24 months, commencing with the first month of the new member contract. The initial contract period is twelve months. Membership dues for members who pay annual dues up-front (both new membership sales and membership renewals) are amortized over a 12-month period commencing with the first month of the new member contract or renewal contract, as applicable. Membership dues for members who pay monthly are recognized in the period in which facility access is provided.

        Sales commissions and other direct expenditures paid with regard to deferred membership revenue are amortized over the period in which the related revenue is recognized as income. Deferred costs do not exceed related deferred revenue for the periods presented. Such costs are amortized over the life of the membership agreement. Revenues for ancillary services are recognized as services are performed. The Company recognizes revenue from merchandise sales upon delivery to the customer. Other income, which consists of license fees paid to the Company under concession and operating agreements, is recognized on a periodic basis according to these agreements.

32


            Compensation and Related Expenses.    Compensation and related expenses is comprised of all operations and general and administrative salaries, bonus, commissions, recruiting expenses and related payroll taxes, and benefits.

            Rent and Occupancy.    Rent and occupancy expense is comprised of rent, real estate taxes and other facilities costs for all of our health clubs and general and administrative offices.

            General and Administrative Expense.    General and administrative expenses consist primarily of costs for general corporate functions including accounting and legal, bad debt expense, club supplies, utilities, marketing and promotional expenses comprised of professional fees, utilities, and club supplies.

        Our fixed costs include rent, certain payroll expenses, utilities, janitorial expenses and depreciation. Our variable costs include commissions and other payroll expenses, advertising and supplies. Cost of goods sold for our retail business represents a small portion of our total operating expenses and is included in general and administrative expenses. We refer to "club contribution" as the excess of a club's revenues over its operating expenses (operating income before depreciation and other non-cash expenses and allocation of corporate expenses).

        When we open a new fitness club, our fixed costs increase (as do our variable costs to some degree), but without the membership revenue base of a mature fitness club. As a new fitness club increases its membership base, fixed costs are typically spread over an increasing revenue base and its club contribution tends to improve. Based on our experience, revenues of a fitness club increase significantly during its first four years of operation. By the end of the first full year of operations, a fitness club has typically achieved modest club contribution. By the end of the second full year of operations, a fitness club has typically generated significantly better club contribution as the member base grows with minimal incremental fixed operating costs. By the end of the fourth full year of operations, a typical fitness club has matured, with memberships at or near capacity. The following table illustrates our fitness club locations, opening dates and months of operations as of December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 and for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003:

 
   
   
  December 31,
  March 31,
 
  Date Club
Opened

  Total
Months of
Operation

Name
  2001
  2002
  2003
  2003
  2004
Equinox 76th Street, Inc.   09/23/91   150   12   12   12   3   3
Broadway Equinox, Inc.   11/27/93   124   12   12   12   3   3
Equinox 92nd Street, Inc.   11/08/95   100   12   12   12   3   3
Equinox 85th Street, Inc.   08/27/96   91   12   12   12   3   3
Equinox 63rd Street, Inc.   12/11/97   75   12   12   12   3   3
Equinox White Plains Road, Inc.   04/08/99   48   12   12   12   3   3
Equinox 54th Street, Inc.   05/03/99   59   12   12   12   3   3
Equinox 50th Street, Inc.   02/03/00   50   12   12   12   3   3
Equinox 43rd Street, Inc.   03/09/00   49   12   12   12   3   3
Equinox Wall Street, Inc.   11/30/00   40   12   12   12   3   3
Equinox 44th Street, Inc.   12/23/00   39   12   12   12   3   3
Equinox Pasadena, Inc.   11/28/01   28   1   12   12   3   3
Equinox Greenwich Avenue, Inc.   12/30/01   27   1   12   12   3   3
Equinox Darien, Inc.   12/12/02   15   0   1   12   3   3
Equinox Lincoln Park, Inc.   12/30/02   15   0   0   12   3   3
Equinox Tribeca, Inc.   03/22/03   12   0   0   9   1   3
Equinox Woodbury Inc.   04/01/03   12   0   0   9   0   3
Equinox West Hollywood, Inc.   07/02/03   9   0   0   6   0   3
Equinox Gold Coast, Inc. (900N Michigan)   12/24/03   0   0   0   0   0   3
Equinox Highland Park, Inc.   01/29/04   0   0   0   0   0   2
Equinox Columbus Centre, Inc.   01/31/04   0   0   0   0   0   2
           
 
 
 
 
  Total           134   157   204   46   61
           
 
 
 
 

33


        Currently, 12 of our 21 fitness clubs have been in operation for less than 48 months. Based on the historical performance of our mature fitness clubs, we expect that, even in difficult economic times, our newer fitness clubs will grow significantly faster over the first four years than our average mature fitness club, while requiring only a minimal level of maintenance capital expenditures. We expect growth in revenues to continue as recently opened fitness clubs continue to mature. In addition, we expect growth in revenues as we implement long-term strategic plans to expand the brand with new clubs in existing markets and selected new markets and with new programs, services and products. However, we expect significant variability in our results as we implement our plans to bring our total fitness clubs up to approximately 40 by the end of 2006, as our mix of newer and more mature clubs varies.

        For purposes of comparison on a "same-store basis," we refer to "comparable fitness clubs" as those clubs that were operated by us for the entire period presented and for the entire comparable period of the preceding year. We use "total months of club operations" as one measure of the number of fitness clubs operating in a given period. We define "total months of club operations" as the aggregate number of full months of operation during a given period for the fitness clubs open at the end of such period. Because new fitness club openings result in a total increase in fixed and variable costs, an increase in total months of club operations can signal significant increases in our operating costs.

        During 2001, we implemented a new management information system that integrates all aspects of our operations. The system brings applications such as electronic funds transfer, point-of-sale transactions, employee time clocks and the front desk check-in area together into one nationally integrated system. With this system we now have the ability to better track facilities usage, monitor revenues per average member and eliminate most paper records. In addition, more useful information on how members use the fitness clubs enables us to focus our marketing efforts on sales of ancillary programs and services, such as personal training and spa services, as well as to facilitate seamless information exchange between our club locations. We continue to refine the system to add desired functionality, such as prospect management and proprietary business protocols. In addition, we have begun implementation of an automated human resources system to improve our ability to manage our employees.

        Under so-called state "cooling off" statutes, a member has the right to cancel his or her membership for a period of three days after becoming a member and, in such event, is entitled to a refund of any payment made. In addition, our membership agreements provide that a member may cancel his or her membership at any time for qualified medical reasons or if the member relocates a certain distance away from any of our facilities. The specified procedures for cancellation in these circumstances vary due to differing state laws. In each instance, the canceling member is entitled to cancellation of any further obligation and a refund of prepaid amounts only. Furthermore, where permitted by law, we assess a cancellation fee that we offset against any refunds owed.

34



Results of Operations

        The following table sets forth our results of operations as a percentage of revenue for the periods indicated:

 
  For the years ended December 31,
  Three Months
Ended
March 31,

  Twelve Months(A)
Ended
March 31,

 
 
  2001
  2002
  2003
  2003
  2004
  2004
 
 
  % of Revenue

  % of Revenue

 
Revenues:                          

Membership fees

 

66.1

%

66.5

%

65.2

%

63.7

%

64.8

%

65.4

%
Personal training   18.9 % 18.6 % 21.5 % 22.5 % 21.7 % 21.4 %
Other revenue   15.0 % 14.9 % 13.3 % 13.8 % 13.5 % 13.2 %

Total revenue

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Compensation and related expenses

 

39.4

%

39.4

%

41.5

%

42.8

%

43.2

%

41.7

%
Rent and occupancy   12.3 % 12.5 % 14.3 % 16.0 % 14.7 % 14.1 %
General and administrative   16.8 % 16.8 % 18.3 % 18.5 % 26.2 % 20.4 %
Related-party management fees and expenses   1.5 % 1.2 % 0.9 % 1.6 % 1.2 % 0.8 %
Stock compensation expense   1.3 % 0.3 % 0.0 % 0.0 % 0.0 % 0.0 %
Depreciation and amortization   7.3 % 7.2 % 8.4 % 8.4 % 8.8 % 8.5 %

Total operating expenses

 

78.6

%

77.4

%

83.5

%

87.4

%

94.0

%

85.5

%

Income from operations

 

21.4

%

22.6

%

16.5

%

12.7

%

6.0

%

14.5

%

Other income (expense):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Interest expense   (16.7 )% (13.3 )% (29.0 )% (14.8 )% (11.3 )% (27.3 )%
Interest income   0.2 %   0.1 % 0.1 % 0.2 % 0.1 %
Other income (expense)   1.4 % (3.0 )% 0.8 % 0.0 % 2.1 % 1.3 %

Total other expense

 

(15.1

)%

(16.3

)%

(28.1

)%

(14.6

)%

(9.0

)%

(25.9

)%

Income before provision for income taxes

 

6.3

%

6.3

%

(11.6

)%

2.0

%

(3.0

)%

(11.3

)%
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes   2.5 % (4.3 )% 5.3 % .9 % (1.4 )% 5.6 %
Net income (loss)   3.8 % 1.9 % (6.3 )% (1.1 )% (1.7 )% (5.7 )%

        Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2001 financial statements to conform with the 2002 and 2003 presentation.

Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2003

        Revenues.    Total revenues were $33.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2004 compared to $26.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2003, an increase of $6.8 million or 25.5%. Membership fees increased to $21.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2004, an increase of $4.7 million or 27.7% from $17.0 million for the prior year's first quarter. Personal training revenue increased to $7.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2004, an increase of $1.3 million or 21.0% from $6.0 million for the prior year's first quarter. Other revenue increased to $4.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2004, an increase of $838,000 or 22.8% from $3.7 million for the prior year's first quarter. These increases in revenue are due to an increase in membership base and a 3% increase in our monthly dues. Our membership base increased to 70,000 an increase of approximately 12,000 or 20.8% from 58,000 as of March 31, 2003. This increase in members is predominantly from new and recently opened clubs. There were twenty-one clubs open as of March 31, 2004 compared to sixteen as of March 31, 2003. Revenues from non-members was immaterial.

35


        Compensation and Related Expenses.    Compensation and related expenses increased to $14.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2004, an increase of $3.0 million or 26.5% from $11.4 million for the prior year's first quarter. This increase was due to a 21.3% increase in employees to 2,487 at March 31, 2004 from 2,051 at March 31, 2003 and a 32.6% increase in total months of club operations to 61 months for the three months ended March 31, 2004 from 46 months for the prior year's first quarter. In addition, our personal trainer's wages increased consistently with the increase in our personal training revenue. As a percentage of total revenue compensation and related expenses increased to 43.2% from 42.8%. This increase as a percentage of revenue is due to new clubs which by definition have not reached maximum membership capacity and incur certain fixed compensation and related expenses.

        Rent and Occupancy.    Rent and occupancy expense increased to $4.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2004, an increase of $639,000 or 15.0% from $4.3 million for the prior year's first quarter. This increase was due to our five new clubs opened between April 2003 and January 2004, which represents a 32.6% increase in total months of club operations to 61 for the three months ended March 31, 2004 from 46 for the prior year's first quarter. In addition we experienced an increase in property taxes. As a percentage of total revenue, rent and occupancy expenses decreased to 14.7% from 16.0% for the prior year's first quarter. This decrease is due to increased revenues from the ramp up of recently opened clubs that incur fixed rent and occupancy expense.

        General and Administrative Expenses.    General and administrative expenses increased to $8.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2004, an increase of 78.1% from $4.9 million for the prior year's first quarter. This increase is due to $144,000 in additional expense associated with our ancillary products, an increase of $900,000 for professional fees, a $1.1 million increase in repairs and maintenance and supplies, marketing and advertising increased by $1.4 million, and credit card fees increased by $147,000. These increases are due primarily to our five new clubs opened between April 2003 and January 2004, which represents a 32.6% increase in total months of club operations to 61 for the three months ended March 31, 2004 from 46 for the prior year's first quarter. In addition our marketing expense increased by $1.2 million due to our new 2004 campaign and we incurred approximately $750,000 in connection with a landlord disputes. As a percentage of total revenue, general and administrative expenses increased to 26.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2004 from 18.5% for the prior year's first quarter. This increase as a percentage of total revenue is primarily due to approximately $2.0 million incurred in marketing and legal and professional fees related to a landlord dispute in the first three months of 2004 over the prior year's first quarter.

        Related-Party Management Fees and Expenses.    Related-party management fees and expenses decreased to $402,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2004 from $433,000 for the prior year's first quarter. Related-party management fees and expenses represent contractual fees of $800,000 per annum for consulting services plus expenses due to our investors as per our recapitalization agreement.

        Depreciation and Amortization.    Depreciation and amortization expense increased to $2.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2004, an increase of 30.4% from $2.3 million for the prior year's first quarter. This increase is due to an increase of $34.6 million of fixed asset additions principally for leasehold improvements in connection with our new club openings during 2003 and 2004.

        Total Operating Expenses.    Total operating expenses increased to $31.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2004, an increase of $8.2 million or 35.1% from $23.3 million for the prior year's first quarter. This increase is primarily due to higher compensation, rent and occupancy, general and administrative and depreciation and amortization. We experienced these increases in connection with our five new clubs opened between April 2003 and January 2004, which represents a 32.6% increase in total months of club operations to 61 for the three months ended March 31, 2004 from 46 for the prior year's first quarter. As a percentage of total revenue, total operating expenses increased to 94.0% from 87.3% for the prior year's first quarter. This increase as a percentage of revenue is due to new clubs

36



which have not reached maximum membership capacity and incur fixed costs and additional fixed asset additions resulting in higher depreciation expense, additional marketing and legal and professional fees in connection with landlord disputes.

        Other Expense.    Other expense decreased to $3.0 million or 22.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2004, from $3.9 million for the first quarter of the prior year. The decrease is primarily due to our marking our warrants to market resulting in other income in the first quarter of 2004.

Year Ended December 31, 2003 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2002

        Revenues.    Total revenues were $116.1 million in fiscal 2003 as compared to $95.3 million in fiscal 2002, an increase of $20.9 million, or 21.9%. Membership fees increased to $75.7 million in fiscal 2003, an increase of approximately $12.3 million or 19.4% from $63.4 million for the prior year. Personal training revenue increased to $25.0 million in fiscal 2003, an increase of approximately $7.3 million or 41.2% from $17.7 million in fiscal 2002. Other revenue increased to $15.5 million in fiscal 2003, an increase of approximately $1.3 or 8.8% from $14.2 million. These increases in revenue are due to an increase in our membership base and pricing increases. Our membership base increased to 67,000 at December 31, 2003, an increase of approximately 12,000 members or 22.7%. This increase in members was predominantly from recently opened and new clubs. In addition to an overall increase in our membership base, our pricing structure increased by approximately 3%. Revenues from non-members was immaterial.

        Compensation and Related Expenses.    Compensation and related expenses increased to $48.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, an increase of $10.6 million or 28.3% from $37.6 for the prior year. This increase was due to a 31.6% increase in employees to 2,128 from 1,617, and a 29.9% increase total months of club operations to 204 months for 2003 from approximately 157 months in 2002. In addition, our personal trainers' wages increased consistently with the increase in our personal training revenue. As a percentage of total revenue, compensation and related expenses increased to 41.5% from 39.4%. This increase is due to new clubs added in 2003, which have not reached maximum membership capacity and incur fixed compensation and related expenses. In addition compensation related expenses for general and administrative staff increased slightly.

        Rent and Occupancy.    Rent and occupancy expense increased to $16.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, an increase of $4.8 million or 40.2% from $11.9 million for the prior year. This increase was due to additional rent and related expenses incurred in connection with our four new clubs opened during 2003, a 29.9% increase in total months of club operations to 204 months for 2003 from approximately 157 months in 2002 which includes the four new clubs, additional office space, and increased property taxes. As a percentage of revenue, rent and occupancy expense increased to 14.3% from 12.5% for the prior year. This increase as a percentage of revenue is due to new clubs, which by definition have not reached maximum membership capacity and incur fixed rent and occupancy expenses.

        General and Administrative Expenses.    General and administrative expenses increased to $21.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, an increase of $5.3 million or 33.2% from $16.0 million for the prior year. This increase is due to $641,000 in additional expenses associated with our ancillary products, $385,000 increase in credit card fees, $864,000 increase in utilities, $873,000 increase in advertising, $525,000 increase in insurance expense and approximately $2.0 million in other operating expenses. These increases are primarily due to a 29.9% increase in total months of club operations to 204 months for 2003 from approximately 157 months in 2002. In addition we had $700,000 in expenses associated with our refinancing and continued investments in our finance department, information technology and marketing. We will likely incur approximately $2.0 million of additional costs related to this landlord dispute in 2004 consisting of approximately $1.3 million for

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legal fees and $700,000 for other rents. As a percentage of total revenue, general and administrative expenses increased to 18.3% from 16.8% for the prior year.

        Related-Party Management Fees and Expenses.    Related party management fees and expenses decreased to $1.0 million from $1.2 million for the prior year. Related management fees and expenses represents contractual annual fees of $800,000 for consulting services plus expenses due to our investors related to our recapitalization agreement. As a percentage of revenue related party management fees and expenses decreased to .86% from 1.21% for the prior year.

        Stock Compensation Expense.    In connection with the granting of stock options to non-employees, we recognized stock compensation expense of approximately $35,000 and $313,000 for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

        Depreciation and Amortization.    Depreciation and amortization expense increased to $9.7 million, an increase of $2.9 million from $6.8 million in the prior year. This increase is due to approximately $27.0 million of fixed asset additions principally for leasehold improvements in connection with our new club openings during 2003 compared to $21.4 million for the prior year.

        Total Operating Expenses.    Total operating expenses increased to $96.9 million, an increase of $23.2 million or 31.4% from $73.7 million for the prior year. This increase is due primarily to higher compensation costs, rent and occupancy and other expenses related to a 29.9% increase in total months of club operations to 204 months for 2003 from approximately 157 months in 2002. As a percentage of revenue, operating expenses increased to 83.5% from 77.4% for the prior year. This increase as a percentage of revenue is due to new clubs, which have not reached maximum membership capacity and incur fixed rent and occupancy expenses upon the clubs opening.

        Other Expense.    Other expense increased to $32.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, an increase of $17.1 million or 109.8% from $15.6 million for the prior year. This increase was due to the interest expense in connection with the repayment of certain debt in connection with our offering of 9% senior notes due 2009 at the end of 2003 and included interest expense on our senior notes, line of credit, term loan, original issue discount and prepayment penalties of $23.4 million, $5.8 million in deferred financing costs related to our prior debt that were written-off, and $3.2 million of accelerated interest that was included in the $5.0 million paid to our founding shareholders. In addition we incurred approximately $592,000 of interest costs related to our offering of senior notes. Other interest costs including interest under capital leases totaled approximately $300,000.

        Provision (benefit) for Income Taxes.    The provision (benefit) for income taxes was $(6.2) million in fiscal 2003 as compared to $4.1 million in fiscal 2002, a decrease of $10.3 million. Our effective tax rate in fiscal 2003 decreased to (46)% from 69% in fiscal 2002, primarily as the result of the loss before income taxes in 2003, permanent differences relating to mark-to-market adjustment for the common stock put warrants issued to the holders of our senior subordinated notes and the impact of state and local taxes in the jurisdictions in which we operate fitness clubs.

Year Ended December 31, 2002 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2001

        Revenues.    Total revenues were $95.3 million in fiscal 2002 as compared to $79.4 million in fiscal 2001, an increase of $15.9 million, or 20.0%. Membership fees increased to $63.4 million in fiscal 2002, an increase of approximately $10.9 million or 20.7% from $52.5 million for the prior year. Personal training revenue increased to $17.7 million in fiscal 2002, an increase of approximately $2.7 million or 17.9% from $15.0 million in fiscal 2001. Other revenue increased to $14.2 million in fiscal 2002, an increase of approximately $2.3 million or 19.2% from $11.9 million for the prior year. These increases in revenue are due to an increase in our membership base and price increases. Our membership base increased to 55,000 at December 31, 2002, an increase of approximately 8,933 members or 19.4%. This

38


increase in members was predominantly from recently opened and new clubs. In addition to an overall increase in our membership base, our pricing structure increased by approximately 2.6%. Revenues from non-members was immaterial.

        Compensation and Related Expenses.    Compensation and related expenses increased to $37.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, an increase of $6.3 million or 20.1% from $31.3 for the prior year. This increase was due to a 19.6% increase in employees to 1,617 from 1,352, and a 17.2% increase total months of club operations to 157 months for 2002 from approximately 134 months in 2001. As a percentage of revenue compensation and related expenses remained at 39.4% for both 2002 and 2001.

        Rent and Occcupancy.    Rent and occupancy expense increased to $11.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, an increase of $2.1 million or 21.2% from $9.8 million for the prior year. This increase was due to increased real estate taxes and a full twelve months of rent from clubs opened in 2001, as well as related expenses incurred in connection with two new clubs opened during 2002, a 17.2% increase in total months of club operations to 157 months for 2002 from approximately 134 months in 2001 which includes the two new additional clubs. As a percentage of revenue, rent and occupancy increased to 12.5% from 12.3% for the prior year. This increase as a percentage of revenue is due to new clubs, which by definition have not reached maximum member capacity and incur fixed rent and occupancy expenses.

        General and Administrative Expenses.    General and administrative expenses increased to $16.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, an increase of $2.6 million or 19.4% from $13.4 for the prior year. This increase was due to $552,000 in additional expenses associated with our ancillary products, $629,000 increase in credit card fees, $373,000 increase in insurance, $267,000 increase in additional marketing, advertising and promotional expenses, $239,000 increase in bad debt, $300,000 increase in club supplies, approximately $139,000 in repairs and maintenance, and approximately $101,000 related to additional expenses incurred with our 2 new clubs, which represents a 17.2% increase total months of club operations to 157 months for 2002 from approximately 134 months in 2001. As a percentage of revenue, general and administrative expenses remained at 16.8% for both periods.

        Related-Party Management Fees and Expenses.    Related party management fees and expenses remained at approximately $1.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001. Related management fees and expenses represents contractual annual fees of $800,000 for consulting services plus expenses due to our investors related to our recapitalization agreement. As a percentage of revenue related party management fees and expenses decreased to 1.2% from 1.5% for the prior year.

        Stock Compensation Expense.    In connection with the granting of stock options to non-employees, we recognized stock compensation expense of approximately $313,000 and $1.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

        Depreciation and Amortization.    Depreciation and amortization expense increased to $6.8 million, an increase of approximately $1.1 million from $5.8 million in the prior year. This increase is due to approximately $21.4 million of fixed asset additions including leasehold improvements in connection with our new club openings during 2002.

        Total Operating Expenses.    Total operating expenses increased to $73.7 million, an increase of $11.3 million or 18.0% from $62.5 million for the prior year. This increase is due to increased compensation, rent and occupancy and other expenses related to a 17.2% increase in total months of club operations to 157 months for 2002 from approximately 134 months in 2001. As a percentage of revenue, operating expenses decreased to 77.4% from 78.6% for the prior year. This decrease as a percentage of revenue is due to expenses from new clubs being outpaced by an increase in revenues.

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        Other Expense.    Other expense increased to $15.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, an increase of $3.6 million or 30.2% from $12.0 million for the prior year. This increase is mainly due to marking our warrants to market of $2.9 million compared to $(1.2) million in 2001, offset by a decrease in net interest expense of approximately $449,000.

        Provision for Income Taxes.    The provision for income taxes was $4.1 million in fiscal 2002 as compared to $2.0 million in fiscal 2001, an increase of $2.1 million, or 106%. Our effective tax rate in fiscal 2002 increased to 69% from 40% in fiscal 2001, primarily as the result of permanent differences relating to mark-to-market adjustment for the common stock put warrants issued to the holders of our senior subordinated notes and the impact of state and local taxes in the jurisdictions in which we operate fitness clubs.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

        Historically, we have satisfied our liquidity needs through cash from operations and various borrowing arrangements. Principal liquidity needs have included the development of new fitness clubs, debt service requirements and other capital expenditures necessary to maintain existing facilities. Our regular cash requirements consist principally of scheduled payments of principal and interest on outstanding indebtedness, capital expenditures and lease expenses. In June 2004, we made our first semiannual interest payment of approximately $7.2 million on our senior notes. In addition to these and other regular liquidity requirements, liquidity requirements include our obligation to pay up to $15 million to our Founding Stockholders on the earlier of a qualified public offering, a change of control or December 15, 2010 and approximately $800,000 plus expenses, annually to our principal investors for consulting services. In addition, commencing on December 15, 2006, holders of a majority interest in the common stock put warrants will have a right to require us to use our best efforts to purchase all of our outstanding warrants at fair market value if we have not previously consummated a qualifying initial public offering of our common stock. Although each warrant holder will receive preferred stock equal to the value of its warrant if we fail to purchase the warrants within 60 days, such a demand, if made, could result in additional liquidity requirements. The future value of the warrants cannot presently be predicted but we expect it to be material. The value of the warrants, as marked to market at March 31, 2004, was approximately $8.9 million. Based upon our current level of operations and the anticipated maturation of our immature club base, we believe that the proceeds from the offering of our 9% senior notes due 2009 and the entering into of our new senior secured revolving credit facility, our cash flow from operations and available cash will be adequate to meet our short and long term liquidity requirements including our plan to expand to approximately 40 clubs by 2006. We estimate each club opening requires between $4.0 million and $9.0 million, depending on size and location as well as approximately $100,000 capitalized expenses to maintain existing clubs. Clubs undergo major renovations every 5-7 years which range from $500,000 to $1.0 million.

        Our credit facility was undrawn at March 31, 2004, with availability subject to specified actions with respect to collateral and subject to a borrowing base formula (except for up to $3.5 million of cash collateralized standby letters of credit under this facility or issued by another financial institution). The revolving credit facility will help enable us to fund our plans to expand and develop new fitness clubs in existing markets and in select new markets. Our revolving credit facility contains restrictive affirmative and negative covenants and financial covenants including leverage ratios, an interest coverage ratio and capital expenditure and dividend payment restrictions. The facility is guaranteed by all of our existing and future domestic subsidiaries and secured by substantially all our assets, other than real property leases, but including capital stock of our subsidiaries and cash and deposit accounts. See "Description of Certain Indebtedness." Our significant contractual obligations, including our obligations to our Founding Stockholders and the potential issuance of our preferred stock, could make it more difficult for us to effect a financing transaction, including an initial public offering of our common stock. In

40



addition, our common stock is not publicly traded and therefore equity financing is not available to us on the same basis as it is for companies that have publicly traded stock.

        We have included information in this Registration Statement with respect to Adjusted EBITDA because it is a key component in the determination of our compliance with certain of the covenants under our past and current credit agreements.

        Under the terms of our current credit agreement, we may incur additional debt so long as the pro forma ratio of total debt to Adjusted EBITDA is less than or equal to 5.5 to 1.0 through March 31, 2004, which decreases ratably to 3.0 to 1.0 at December 31, 2008. If we fail to meet the ratio test, as well as other ratios, our ability to incur new debt will be significantly limited. Pursuant to our credit agreement, the aggregate amount of Capital Expenditures for any Fiscal Year may not exceed the sum of: (i) for the Fiscal Year ending December 31, 2003, $40,000,000 or (ii) for any Fiscal Year ending thereafter, $60,000,000. If the entire amount of Capital Expenditures permitted in any period set forth above is not utilized, we may carry forward to the immediately succeeding period only: (i) one hundred percent (100%) of such unutilized amount up to an aggregate amount of $15,000,000 and (ii) fifty percent (50%) of the unutilized amount in excess of $15,000,000 (in each case with Capital Expenditures made in such succeeding period applied last to such carried forward amount).

        Our Interest Coverage Ratio as of the last day of each fiscal quarter ending during the periods set forth below to be less than the ratio set forth below for such period:

Period
  Ratio
Closing Date through December 31, 2004   1.55
January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2005   2.05
January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2006   2.55
January 1, 2007 and thereafter   3.10

        The Company is in compliance with its covenants at March 31, 2004.

        The following illustrates our net income and EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA calculations, total debt and ratio of total debt to Adjusted EBITDA:

 
  Year Ended December 31,
  Twelve Months
Ended March 31,

 
 
  2001
  2002
  2003
  2004
 
 
  (in thousands-except ratios)

 
Net income (loss)   $ 3,000   $ 1,824   $ (7,265 ) $ (7,533 )
Depreciation and amortization     5,785     6,850     9,750     10,433  
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes     2,007     4,137     (6,189 )   (6,407 )
Interest expense, net of interest income     13,149     12,700     33,560     33,395  
   
 
 
 
 
EBITDA     23,941     25,511     29,856     29,888  
Stock compensation expense     1,022     313     35     35  
Other expense (income)     (1,188 )   2,869     (900 )   (1,614 )
Related-party management fees and expenses     1,199     1,164     1,007     976  
Non-cash deferred rent     975     1,088     2,496     2,495  
   
 
 
 
 
Adjusted EBITDA   $ 25,949   $ 30,945   $ 32,494   $ 31,780  
Total debt as defined   $ 98,778   $ 102,615   $ 163,999   $ 163,815  
Ratio of total debt to Adjusted EBITDA     3.81     3.3     5.05     5.15  

        Pursuant to our credit agreement, Adjusted EBITDA is calculated for the twelve months then ended.

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Our Recapitalization

        In December 2000, as part of a recapitalization, we repurchased shares of our then outstanding common stock from the founding stockholder group (the "Founding Stockholders"). We then issued new shares to North Castle, J.W. Childs and other shareholders (the "Incoming Investors") to complete the initial recapitalization transaction. We funded the recapitalization with a combination of cash from Incoming Investors, a credit facility consisting of a $37 million term loan and up to $23 million of available revolving credit commitments and a $50 million investment by institutional investors in senior subordinated notes, which were issued with common stock put warrants representing approximately 8% of our common equity on a fully diluted basis (as of the date hereof). Commencing on December 15, 2006, holders of a majority interest in the warrants will have a right to require us to use our best efforts to purchase the warrants at fair market value unless we have previously consummated a qualifying initial public offering of our common stock. Our net income will also be affected by our continuing need to mark-to-market our common stock put warrant obligations. In accordance with a cash escrow agreement under the recapitalization agreement, we retained restricted cash in the amount of $4.4 million to secure indemnification obligations of the Founding Stockholders. In early 2002, these indemnification obligations expired, and the restricted cash was remitted to the Founding Stockholders, with a corresponding charge to equity. At March 31, 2004, the Founding Stockholders held 7% of the outstanding common stock and the Incoming Investors held 93% of the outstanding common stock of Equinox. As a result of the repayment of the existing credit facility and the senior subordinated notes, we had an obligation under the recapitalization agreement to pay the Founding Stockholders $5.0 million. This was paid in 2003 in connection with our private offering of $160 million in 9% senior notes due 2009. We have an obligation under the recapitalization agreement to pay the Founding Stockholders up to $15.0 million in cash upon the earlier of an initial public offering, a change of control or December 2010.

        Operating Activities.    Net cash provided by operating activities was $9.7 million in the first three months of fiscal 2004 as compared to $5.9 million during the same period in fiscal 2003. As a result of our $160.0 million private offering, our accrued expenses, principally for interest expense on the senior notes, increased to $10.2 million at March 31, 2004 from $4.2 million at December 31, 2003. Net cash provided by operating activities was $16.3 million and $17.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. With the exception of our corporate membership program, we have no material accounts receivable. Within our corporate membership program, no single corporation accounts for more than 7% of our gross accounts receivable. We currently have a working capital surplus and plan to finance operations through operating cash flows.

        Net cash provided by operating activities was $17.6 million in fiscal 2002 as compared to $16.7 million in fiscal 2001. The increase in cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to the improved profitability of our recently opened fitness clubs, offset by fitness clubs opened in fiscal 2002 or 2003 which are operating at margins lower than those of mature clubs.

        Investing Activities.    Primarily as a result of our expansion efforts, we invested $10.0 million in capital expenditures, net of landlord contributions of $925,000, and asset purchases in the first three months of fiscal 2004 as compared to $5.0 million during the same period in fiscal 2003, net of landlord contributions of approximately $1.9 million. We estimate that for the year ended December 31, 2004, we will invest an additional $30.0 million in capital expenditures, primarily to build new clubs and maintain existing fitness clubs. These expenditures will be funded by cash flow generated from operations and available cash. Primarily as a result of our expansion efforts, we invested $27.0 million in capital expenditures and asset purchases, net of landlord contributions during 2003 as compared to $21.4 million in 2002 of the $27.0 million, net of $5.8 million of landlord contributions, approximately $24.4 million was paid towards new clubs during 2003. We expect to continue investing in capital expenditures in accordance with our expansion strategy.

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        Financing Activities.    Net cash (used) by financing activities was $(1.0) million in the first three months of fiscal 2004 as compared to $15.1 million of net cash provided by financing activities during the same period in fiscal 2003. In January 2003, some existing shareholders purchased additional shares of common stock for $10.0 million and a new lender purchased $25.0 million of senior notes. We used the proceeds to pay down our existing revolving credit facility, leaving approximately $15.1 million of net proceeds. Net cash provided by financing activities was approximately $52.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 as compared to $2.3 million of net cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2002. During 2003 we completed our private offering of $160.0 million of 9% senior notes due 2009, a new lender purchased $25.0 million of senior notes and certain existing shareholders purchased additional shares of common stock for $10.0 million. We used the net proceeds of approximately $152.0 million from our offering of senior notes to repay our existing revolving credit facility of $16.9 million, repay the entire outstanding principal amount plus accrued interest of our senior notes due 2007 of $55.7 million, repay the entire principal amount plus accrued interest of $53.3 million of senior subordinated notes due 2008, redeem $1.3 million of our preferred stock and pay our Founding Stockholders a contractually required amount of $5.0 million. We plan to utilize the remaining proceeds to fund our expansion and for general corporate purposes. In March 2002, we distributed $4.4 million (representing escrowed proceeds) to the Founding Stockholders in accordance with the applicable transaction agreements.

        Net cash provided by financing activities was $2.3 million in fiscal 2002, reflecting draws against the revolving credit facility partially offset by the distribution to Founding Stockholders, as compared to $3.7 million of net cash provided by financing activities during the same period in fiscal 2001. The primary sources of cash from financing activities in fiscal 2001 were draws against the revolving credit facility. Net cash provided by financing activities was $3.7 million in fiscal 2001.

        As a direct result of the offering of our 9% senior notes due 2009, we expensed deferred finance charges incurred in connection with debt to be refinanced as well as original issue discount associated with the senior subordinated notes issued in December 2000. The amount of deferred finance charges and original issue discount charged to expense and equity was $5.9 million and $6.9 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2003. In connection with the offering of senior notes and in accordance with contractual obligations, we paid approximately $3.9 million of early redemption premiums to the holders of our then outstanding senior notes and senior subordinated notes and a $1.0 million amendment fee to holders of our common stock put warrants, both of which was charged to expense, and we paid $5.0 million to the Founding Stockholders. As a result of redeeming of all of the outstanding preferred stock, we reduced Stockholders' Equity by $1.3 million.

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Contractual and Commercial Commitments Summary

        Our aggregate long-term debt, capital lease obligations, operating lease obligations and other material contractual obligations as of March 31, 2004, after giving effect to the payment of $5.0 million to the Founding Stockholders at the close of our offering, are as follows:

 
  Total
  Less than
1 year

  1-3 years
  4-5 years
  After
5 years

Long-term debt(1)   $ $161,642,988     126,625     318,633     80,338   $ 161,117,392
Capital lease obligations(2)     2,342,716     982,230     1,019,475     341,011    
Operating lease obligations     304,992,639     17,079,478     37,926,623     38,540,036     211,446,502
Payment to Founding Stockholders(3)     15,000,000                 15,000,000
Common stock put warrants(4)     8,941,605         8,941,605        
   
 
 
 
 
    $ 492,919,948   $ 18,188,333   $ 48,206,336   $ 38,961,385   $ 387,563,894

(1)
The long-term debt contractual cash obligations include principal payment requirements only. Semi-annual interest payments of $7.2 million commenced on June 15, 2004 and will be payable on June 15 and December 15 thereafter until December 15, 2009.

(2)
Capital lease obligations represent principal and interest payments.

(3)
Represents the maximum obligation under the recapitalization agreement to pay the Founding Stockholders upon the earlier of a qualified public offering, a change of control or December 15, 2010.

(4)
Includes the obligation to purchase the common stock put warrants at fair market value if we have not consummated a qualifying initial public offering of our common stock prior to December 15, 2006. The amount presented is the fair market value of the warrants at March 31, 2004 and has been calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model; the actual fair market value at the time of any purchase will not be based upon a Black-Scholes calculation and could vary materially from the amount presented.

Use of Estimates and Material Accounting Policies

        The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

        The most significant assumptions and estimates relate to the useful lives, recoverability and impairment of fixed and intangible assets, the allocation and fair value ascribed to assets acquired in connection with acquisition of businesses under the purchase method of accounting, valuation of and expense incurred in connection with stock options and warrants, valuation of accounts receivable and related reserves, legal contingencies, deferred income tax valuation and the estimated membership life.

        Our one-time member initiation fees and related direct expenses are deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis in operations over an estimated membership life of 24 months. As our new club management system allows us to continue to refine the actual amount of time that our members remain active, we may adjust our estimate of membership life. Consequently, the amount of initiation fees and direct expenses deferred by us could increase or decrease in proportion to our revised estimate of membership life. Since initiation fees were only 1.8% of our revenues for the twelve months

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ended March 31, 2004, a change in estimated membership life is not expected to impact our financial results materially.

        The rights of holders of our common stock put warrants to require us to use our best efforts to purchase their warrants associated with the senior subordinated notes are being valued on each report date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. As the exercise price of the warrants is only $0.01, this model is subject to changes in the fair market value of our common stock, average volatility of comparable publicly traded companies and changes in risk-free interest rates.

        Long-lived assets, such as fixed assets, goodwill and intangible assets are reviewed for impairment when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Estimated future cash flows are used to determine if an asset is impaired, in which case the asset's carrying value would be reduced to fair value. Actual cash flows realized could differ from those estimated and could result in asset impairments in the future. Our primary long-lived assets are fixed assets; goodwill comprises less than 2% of our total assets as of March 31, 2004.

        We implemented SFAS 142 and 144 beginning on January 1, 2002. There were no changes to the estimated useful lives of amortizable intangible assets due to the SFAS 142 and 144 implementation.

Internal Controls and Procedures

        In connection with the audit of our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2003 and for the three month period ended March 31, 2004, we were advised by our auditors, KPMG LLP, of significant deficiencies concerning our internal controls and their operation during the year. The significant deficiencies are as follows: (1) we did not complete timely formal reconciliations between subsidiary records and the general ledger for certain of our balance sheet accounts; and (2) we had clerical and accounting errors that could have been averted through greater management review and approval of reports, statements and reconciliations. In addition, we were advised by our auditors that the Company should hire at least one new director who is considered to be "financially literate" so this person could serve on the audit committee of the Company.

        We understand that these significant deficiencies, if unaddressed, could adversely affect our ability to record, process and report financial data consistent with our assertions in the financial statements. Since October of 2003, we have taken steps to strengthen our internal control structure and procedures for financial reporting and our disclosure controls and procedures. In the third quarter of 2003, we hired a new chief financial officer who has significant public company accounting experience. We are in the process of establishing a formal disclosure committee that will meet at least once a quarter and will be responsible for establishing and reviewing our disclosure controls and procedures for ensuring the accuracy and completeness of the information contained in our financial statements, books and records. We also anticipate further accounting staff hires, a more formal financial quality review process and other process and system control improvements. We believe that we are appropriately addressing each of these internal control issues, but there can be no assurance that similar or other issues will not arise in the future.

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BUSINESS

        Equinox operates upscale, full-service fitness clubs that offer an integrated selection of Equinox-branded programs, services and products to meet the fitness needs and active lifestyles of our members. By delivering an exceptional member experience, the Equinox brand has achieved national recognition for both our ability to inspire and motivate members to get results and for the quality, innovation and design of our facilities. Operating in the middle- to upper-end market segment of the fragmented fitness industry, we target an attractive demographic and psychographic member profile. Our typical member is a well-educated professional between 25 and 55 years of age with significant discretionary income and who considers fitness an essential part of their active lifestyle. As of March 31, 2004 we operate 21 fitness clubs: 16 in the New York City metropolitan area, two in Los Angeles and three in Chicago. In January 2004, we opened Equinox Columbus Centre, in New York City and Equinox Highland Park in Chicago. In addition, we have five new locations under development, consisting of two in the New York City metropolitan area in Mamaroneck and Roslyn, Equinox Fitness Santa Monica, San Mateo and our first fitness club in San Francisco. We offer our 70,000 members Equinox-branded programs, services and products, including strength and cardio training, group fitness classes, personal training, spa services and products, apparel and food/juice bars.

        Our members enjoy the benefits of our emphasis on service, value, quality, expertise, innovation and attention to detail. We encourage our members to participate in our programs and services and to use our facilities frequently. We believe that participating members will get results and will be more likely to renew their memberships and to refer new members. Participating members are also more likely to use high-margin ancillary programs and services, such as personal training and spa services. As a result, our member retention rate has consistently been between 66%-67%, comparable to the median retention rate of fitness clubs nationwide, and member referrals account for 42% of new membership sales. In addition, 34.6% of our revenues are derived from ancillary programs and services, and our revenues per average member of $1,988 for the twelve months ended March 31, 2004 were almost triple the industry median for 2002.

        We have a distinctive operating model, consisting of disciplined procedures for developing and operating a fitness club, with a rigorous focus on execution and cost control. This operating model leverages the strengths of our active lifestyle brand and contributes significantly to our attractive financial performance.

        Revenues for the twelve months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 are $122.9 million and $96.5 million, respectively, an increase of 27.4%. For the three months ended March 31, 2004 our revenues increased to $33.5 million compared to $26.7 for the first quarter of the prior year, a 25.5% increase. Our revenues were $116.1 million, $95.3 million and $79.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. We had net income (loss) of $(7.3) million, $1.8 million and $3.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Our 2003 loss was predominantly due to $33.7 million of interest expense compared to $12.7 million in the prior year. Interest expense increased in 2003 due to our refinancing of debt in connection with our private bond offering. Between 1994 and 2003, we grew our revenues from $11.7 million to $116.1 million, representing a 9 year compounded annual growth rate of 33.2%. Over the same period, club contribution (operating income before depreciation and other non-cash expenses and allocation of corporate expenses) grew from $3.5 million to $42.7 million, representing a 9 year compounded annual growth rate of 36.7%. More recently, during the challenging economic times since 2001, our membership grew 52.5% and we produced strong financial results with revenues and EBITDA increasing by 46.2% and 24.7%, respectively. Our financial performance and recent record pre-opening memberships at certain of our recently opened clubs demonstrate the resiliency of our operating model and the demand for our programs and services. For the year ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, Equinox generated EBITDA of $29.9 million, $25.5 million and $23.9 million, respectively. Revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2004, on a "same-store basis" increased by 6.7% over the same period in 2003.

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Industry Overview

        Fitness industry growth patterns and demographics present an attractive business environment, particularly in the middle- to high-end niche that Equinox targets. The fitness industry includes commercial facilities, YMCA facilities, non-profit facilities, gyms, hospital-operated facilities and country clubs. Total industry revenues in 2002 were approximately $13.1 billion.

    In the fifteen years between 1987 and 2002, overall fitness club memberships increased at a compounded annual growth rate of 5.0%, from 17.3 million to 36.3 million.

    The percent of the US population with fitness club memberships increased from 7.1% in 1987 to 14.1% in 2002.

    Between 1987 and 2002 the number of "core" members (who visited health clubs 100 or more days during a year) increased from 5.3 million to 14.6 million.

        The fitness industry remains highly fragmented. The five largest fitness club owner/operators, excluding franchise operators, accounted for less than 7% of commercial fitness clubs in the United States in 2002. This fragmentation creates a significant opportunity for a multi-club operator with a proven record of growth and profitability to increase its market share.

        We expect that favorable attitudes about health and well-being, together with demographics, will fuel further growth in the fitness industry. Government and medical reports urge exercise, active and healthy living, and the benefits of physical exercise to reduce the risks associated with obesity and sedentary lifestyles. For example, the Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health emphasizes findings that health benefits occur from physical activity and that the amount of health benefit is directly related to the amount of regular physical activity. According to the Surgeon General, more than 60% of adults do not achieve the recommended amount of physical activity and 25% of adults are not physically active at all. As awareness of the health benefits of being physically fit continues to increase, we expect that the percent of the population with health club memberships will continue to grow at rates consistent with recent trends.

        Today, approximately 69% of fitness club members have a household income in excess of $50,000, which is approximately 18% higher than the 2002 national median, and this member-segment has increased 35% over the past five years, which is more than ten times as fast as those earning less than $50,000.

        Equinox's focus on the middle- to high-end market segment of the fitness industry includes baby boomers (Americans aged 35-54). We believe that baby boomers and the elderly place an increasingly greater emphasis on fitness as an important component of healthy living. In absolute terms, the baby boomer segment of the fitness industry grew 143% between 1987 and 2002. In 2002, baby boomers accounted for 13.1 million members, 36% of the health club population. In addition, baby boomers generally have discretionary income available for the ancillary products and services that a fitness club like Equinox offers.

Competitive Strengths

        Strong Lifestyle Brand.    Within the fitness industry, we believe we have one of the most recognizable brand platforms for geographic expansion and product diversification and extension. According to an independent focus-group study conducted by Bouchez Kent, the Equinox lifestyle brand represents service, value, quality, expertise, innovation, attention to detail, market leadership and results. Throughout our 12-year history, the press has consistently recognized our leadership and innovation in the fitness industry. Highlights include Vogue's article featuring our strategy to become "a national megabrand" and our new club in Pasadena, New York magazine's "Spa & Fitness" and "Best Spas in the City" issues featuring Equinox on the cover, regular mentions in the Style Section of The New York Times and NBC's Today Show featuring Equinox-branded apparel. Equinox has been referred to as the "Best of New York" by New York magazine, the "Best Gym" by Allure, the "Most

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Cutting-Edge Gym in the Country" by Fitness and the "Ace of Clubs" by Interior Design. In 2002, management estimates that Equinox generated over $8 million in marketing value, including more than 40 press mentions per month. We expect monthly media placements to continue to grow throughout 2004. We believe this brand awareness will continue to drive our strong member retention and enhances our ability to grow sales of ancillary Equinox-branded products and services.

        Focus On Member Experience with Innovative Programming.    Our core operating philosophy revolves around the member experience, from the design and layout of our facilities to our high standards of operations, attention to detail and extensive programming. To motivate and satisfy our members, we offer an integrated selection of high quality Equinox-branded programs, services and products that help our members get results. In addition to basic services, such as strength and cardio training and over 1,000 group fitness classes per week, we offer a wide range of ancillary programs and services, including personal training, spa services and products, apparel and accessories and food and juice bars. Our highly qualified personal trainers enhance our reputation for offering some of the most progressive personal training programs in the country. In addition to having a national certification or a relevant college degree, we require all of our personal trainers to participate in our proprietary educational program, the Equinox Fitness Training Institute. Many of our ancillary programs and services have been recognized as among the best in the industry by Allure, Elle, Fitness, GQ, New York magazine and others. We constantly improve our programs and develop new initiatives such as our Cycletech program, which simulates outdoor cycling in spinning classes, and TRIP, which offers adventure travel beyond the "four walls" of Equinox to national and international destinations.

        Ancillary programs and services generate additional revenues and require minimal incremental capital investment or fixed costs. As a result, they not only produce high margins, but also enhance the Equinox brand, improve member retention, increase our revenues per average member and diversify our revenue. For the year ended December 31, 2003, we generated approximately 34.8% of revenues from ancillary programs and services compared to the most recently available median of 27% for the industry in 2002.

        Operating Model.    Our operating model includes specific protocols for developing and operating a fitness club. Our typical clubs range between 20,000 and 40,000 square feet. Our development team has created a distinctive club prototype that increases speed to market, reduces design inefficiencies, lowers construction risk and the likelihood of cost overruns and maximizes purchasing efficiencies. We have incorporated the core elements of fitness club design and layout into distinct models that provide flexibility in terms of size, programming, price and construction cost. We determine which model is appropriate for a prospective site based on local demographics and psychographics, population density, market demand and the structural characteristics of a particular building. We leverage the brand awareness and programming generated by our larger fitness clubs to serve a broader market area without sacrificing quality or profitability. We have also established standard operating procedures, controls and appropriate corporate infrastructure to manage additional clubs with limited incremental overhead. Our commitment to employee training ensures that we are able to staff new clubs with highly skilled management teams.

        Historically, we have generated positive club contribution within 12 months of opening and achieved an average return on investment (club contribution as a percentage of cumulative capital investment) in excess of 50% by the fourth year of operations. We attribute our high returns to (i) our ability to achieve premium pricing by selling value to a discriminating consumer with significant discretionary income, (ii) our high percentage of revenues from ancillary programs and services, (iii) our ability to use our reputation and desirability as a tenant to secure attractive locations and favorable lease terms, (iv) our ability to creatively use space to minimize occupancy costs and to maximize member through-put, and (v) our disciplined operating strategy that controls operating costs. We have never closed an Equinox fitness club, and every Equinox fitness club generates positive club contribution.

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        Attractive Facilities and Prime Locations.    We have consistently received national recognition for our award-winning architectural designs and have established a reputation for building and operating extraordinary facilities. We have a team dedicated to identifying and evaluating expansion sites based upon our market research and our disciplined and rigorous criteria for development. In addition, given the attractive demographic and psychographic profile of our members, we receive numerous unsolicited proposals from prospective developers/landlords to be an anchor tenant or amenity in a mixed use or office development or to reposition property. From a wide variety of opportunities, we select future locations efficiently and lease superior real estate on attractive terms.

        Experienced Management Team.    Led by our President and CEO, Harvey Spevak, we believe our management team has the vision, experience and passion to manage our continued growth. Since Mr. Spevak's appointment in January 1999, the team has opened 16 new locations and increased revenues from $38.0 million in 1998 to $122.9 million for the twelve months ended March 31, 2004. Our management team has a proven track record of strengthening our brand by increasing our member base and enhancing financial performance through disciplined expansion, site selection and club design combined with rigorous execution. We have assembled a management team with experience in every aspect of the business by recruiting from a wide variety of related professional industries. Our senior management team has developed a corporate culture that emphasizes the complete understanding of the Equinox vision, member experience and results orientation. We reinforce the understanding of our corporate culture by maintaining ongoing recruiting and training programs to successfully identify and develop new managers and employees to support our club growth in both our new and existing markets. The management team, including some of our club managers, have shares or options to purchase shares constituting approximately 11.7% of our common stock on a fully diluted basis as of March 31, 2004.

Business Strategy

        Capitalize on Existing Investment in Newer Fitness Clubs.    We intend to capitalize on our investments in our recently opened clubs. Based on our past experience, membership levels reach maturity in four years. With four clubs opened in the past year and 17 opened since January 1999, we expect these recently opened clubs to account for a significant portion of our growth over the next three years with minimal required capital expenditures. We have a twelve year operating history of successfully launching and maximizing the returns of new locations. Specifically, at each of our five fitness clubs opened during the past year we have met or exceeded our pre-opening membership targets and the average return on investment of our seven mature clubs at the end of the fourth year of operations was in excess of 50%.

        Open New Clubs in Existing Markets and Enter Select New Markets.    We intend to continue to develop regional clusters of Equinox fitness clubs in the New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago metropolitan areas, and in similar markets. In 2002, we opened our first Chicago fitness club, which produced positive club contribution approximately six months after opening. In July 2003, we opened our second Los Angeles area fitness club, which generated more pre-opening memberships than any Equinox location in the history of the Company. In December 2003 we successfully opened our 900 N. Michigan Ave. club (Chicago). Our initial success in Chicago and Los Angeles demonstrates the demand for and portability of the Equinox brand outside New York and the transportability of our business model. Our business plan calls for increasing the number of our fitness clubs from 19 at December 31, 2003 to approximately 40 by the end of 2006, with possible locations in major metropolitan markets that are similar to New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, where significant demand for the Equinox brand exists. In addition to the Equinox Columbus Centre, NY and Equinox Highland Park, Chicago locations opened in January, 2004, we plan to open four more fitness clubs in 2004 and one in the first quarter of 2005.

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Current Announced New Fitness Club Openings

Location

  Square footage
  Target opening date
Roslyn (Long Island), NY   24,000   2nd Quarter 2004
Santa Monica, Ca.   28,930   3rd Quarter 2004
San Francisco, Ca.   31,850   4th Quarter 2004
Mamaroneck, NY   25,314   4th Quarter 2004
San Mateo, Ca.   24,847   1st Quarter 2005

        Increase Revenues Per Average Member.    Through focused sales and marketing programs, we plan to continue to increase the number of existing members who purchase Equinox-branded programs, services and products. We plan to develop new branded offerings based on member demand and market opportunities, such as TRIP, an outdoor adventure travel program offered through Equinox with services provided by upscale travel partners, and a progressive nutrition program that includes the sales of customized programs and vitamins and supplements. We also believe we can extend the Equinox brand through targeted licensing opportunities with third-party manufacturers that share our reputation for quality and value.

Sales, Membership and Marketing

        Sales.    Our sales strategy, whether for membership, personal training or other ancillary services and products, focuses on value. Membership advisors are rigorously trained in selling the unique benefits of an Equinox membership and are paid a base salary plus commissions. Commissions are tied to unit sales and overall revenues (both membership and ancillary) generated at the point-of-sale. Advisors are also compensated on a commission basis for membership renewals. This policy encourages membership advisors to focus on attracting new members who will take advantage of ancillary programs and services and ensures that they will maintain contact with members long after the initial sale. We currently employ 76 membership advisors at our 21 fitness clubs as of March 31, 2004. Unlike some fitness club operators, our membership advisors are not permitted to manipulate membership prices or incentives. By offering our services to all potential customers at the same location at the same price, we are able to carefully control the quality and professionalism of the sales process. Moreover, this ensures that membership advisors emphasize the value and unique benefits of an Equinox membership over price, a strategy that we believe translates into increased sales and ancillary revenues. Our membership advisors convert approximately 40% of all prospects into sales.

        The sales process further distinguishes us by providing professional and personalized service. Upon a prospective member's first visit, the membership advisor will invite him or her on a private tour of the facility. The membership advisors are trained to tailor the tour and the information they provide to the specific interests, goals and concerns of the prospective member. During this process, membership advisors stress our commitment to our members achieving results and enjoying the unique benefits of Equinox, including the complimentary Equifit fitness assessment, and the advantages of personal training, spa services and other amenities. The sales process continues after a prospective member's initial visit to a club. The membership advisor, following our protocol, diligently follows up with each prospect by phone, mail and e-mail encouraging him or her to join Equinox. Additionally, we encourage the prospect to use the club as a guest. We enter each prospect's name, telephone number and address into our database to assist in the follow-up process.

        In the second half of 2000, we initiated a corporate membership program targeting professional organizations to generate additional membership growth.

        Membership.    Membership advisors offer prospective members several membership options. A Select membership offers access to one club while an All Access membership allows the use of all

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Equinox facilities. With the growth in the club portfolio, we have been diligently up-selling our Select members, increasing the ratio of All Access memberships to total memberships from 17% in 2000 to 39% at March 31, 2004. Because All Access memberships will allow members to take advantage of a national portfolio of clubs, facilities near work and home, and different locations with different amenities, we believe that we will be able to further increase this ratio, particularly as we develop more regional urban clusters and expand into suburban markets near these clusters.

        Initiation fees vary by location and club model. Our initiation fees currently range from $245 to $545. Monthly dues for a Select membership range from $110 to $125 at our urban facilities and from $95 to $108 at our suburban facilities. Monthly dues for an All Access membership are currently $143.

        We do not discount monthly dues or offer different prices to individuals for the same individual membership at the same location. We do, however, offer an incentive to prospective members, usually in the form of a discount off the initiation fee. In general, all individual members at a specific location pay the same dues, but may have paid a different initiation fee at the time they joined.

        We offer two payment options: monthly and paid-in-full. Membership agreements are for a minimum of one year. Paid-in-full members pay the initiation fee and the equivalent of 11 months of membership dues upfront; in return, they receive one free month, for a total of 12 months of membership. Paid-in-full memberships expire after 12 months and need to be renewed annually. We also offer a monthly payment option, which also has a minimum one-year duration, but does not expire unless cancelled. Monthly membership dues are collected through electronic funds transfer, whereby each customer submits a credit card or bank account authorization and is automatically billed each month. As of March 31, 2004, approximately 37.2% of our members had paid-in-full memberships, and the remaining 62.8% had monthly memberships.

        Marketing, advertising and public relations.    We maintain an ongoing marketing, advertising and public relations program aimed at increasing our brand recognition and generating sales prospects. In 2003 and 2002, we spent approximately $4.2 million and $3.8 million, or 3.6% and 3.9%, respectively of total operating revenues, on marketing and public relations. For the three months ended March 31, 2004 our marketing, advertising and public relations expense was approximately $2.5 million. In January of 2004 we launched our new marketing campaign called "It's not Fitness. It's Life." We reach prospective and existing customers through referrals, direct mail, cable television and print advertisements in publications such as The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, New York magazine and Hamptons Magazine, and other venues such as outdoor advertising on buses and telephone kiosks. We also use the window space of our clubs, which are often in high-traffic areas, to create an integrated brand image.

        We believe that member referrals and word of mouth are our most effective means of marketing. To foster this cost effective and efficient source of marketing, we maintain a number of incentives for members to continuously produce new member leads, including a free month's membership or Equinox gift cards with monetary credit that can be used to purchase Equinox-branded programs, services or products at our clubs. Several times a year we also target former members by direct mail. We launched our current advertising campaign in January 2002 around the theme and brand position "Equinox makes you feel good." This integrated campaign is designed to increase brand awareness and highlight the unique benefits of an Equinox membership.

        A separate but integrated public relations effort results in extensive press coverage that affirms the Equinox brand status and profile. We maintain a public relations department that is responsible for pitching ideas as well as responding to press inquiries. We believe that by leveraging our press relationships, we are able to perpetuate the Equinox brand and maintain a high profile in local and national media at a low cost. As part of the public relations strategy, we regularly distribute press releases and stage major press events to introduce new and innovative programming. In addition, an integral part of our marketing strategy involves partnering with premier brands, corporate partners and/

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or properties that have similar member demographics and characteristics and embrace core values similar to ours. With such programs, we and our partners jointly market our products and services to a group of targeted customers. In addition, we are very active in our local communities. Giving back to selected charities is important to our management team, employees and member base further emphasizing our brand values.

Facilities and Properties

        Our facilities are meticulously designed, maintained and updated to inspire, motivate and create energy and excitement for our members. We design and program our facilities to cater to the needs of the local market and maximize membership flow and revenue potential. We have incorporated the core elements of facility design and layout into distinct club models that vary primarily in terms of size, programming, pricing and construction cost. We determine which club model is appropriate for a location based on the local demographic, population density, market demand, and structural characteristics of a particular building. Our three club models enable us to minimize the time between site identification and club opening and helps leverage the experience gained in our larger clubs to profitably serve a larger market area without sacrificing quality or profits.

        We use Eclipse Development Corporation, a company wholly owned by Mr. Paul Boardman, exclusively to provide site selection, acquisition, design, construction and maintenance services. A service agreement we entered into with Eclipse in February 2001 prohibits Eclipse and Mr. Boardman from performing any services for anyone that competes with our fitness clubs and spa facilities. Eclipse is thinly capitalized and highly dependent upon our business. For the three months ended March 31, 2004 and in fiscal 2003, over 90% of our capital expenditures were paid to Eclipse.

        We operate 21 fitness clubs in four states. We lease all of our facilities pursuant to long-term leases (generally with initial terms of 15 years with renewal options). We also lease our corporate offices, which are located in New York City. Our leases generally contain customary terms such as restrictions on transfers and changes in control and requirements that we pay real estate taxes, insurance and maintenance costs.

        The following table provides information about our existing fitness clubs:

Location

  Square footage
  Date opened
Amsterdam Avenue & 76th Street, NYC   25,050   Sep 1991
Broadway & 19th Street, NYC   39,048   Nov 1993
Broadway & 92nd Street, NYC   29,780   Nov 1995
Third Avenue & 85th Street, NYC   33,050   Aug 1996
Lexington Avenue & 63rd Street, NYC   40,959   Dec 1997
800 White Plains Road, Scarsdale, NY   20,097   Mar 1999
Second Avenue & 54th Street, NYC   32,448   May 1999
Broadway & 50th Street, NYC   28,543   Feb 2000
Fifth Avenue & 43rd Street, NYC   27,546   Mar 2000
Wall Street & Nassau Street, NYC   36,900   Nov 2000
Lexington Avenue & 44th Street, NYC   29,600   Dec 2000
Pasadena, CA   26,500   Nov 2001
Greenwich Avenue & 12th Street, NYC   40,000   Dec 2001
Darien, CT   26,000   Dec 2002
1750 N. Clark, Chicago, IL   33,000   Dec 2002
West Broadway & Church Street, NYC   27,000   Mar 2003
Woodbury (Long Island), NY   22,600   Apr 2003
West Hollywood, CA   29,491   Jul 2003
900 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL   30,021   Dec 2003
         

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Columbus Centre, NYC   41,756   Jan 2004
Highland Park, IL   30,700   Jan 2004

Services

        We believe we set the industry standard of excellence with our quality and innovative programming. We believe that a member's experience and loyalty is driven by the results achieved through group fitness classes, personal training, spa and other service and product offerings. Our core program centers around group fitness, which is included in the price of membership. We offer additional programming, such as personal training, pilates and spa services, on a fee-for-service basis, thereby generating ancillary revenues. Because of our fully integrated lifestyle platform and our broad range of programming at each club, we believe we generate some of the highest revenues per member in the industry. For the three months ended March 31, 2004 and the year ended December 31, 2003, ancillary programs and services generated approximately 35.0% of our total revenues. We believe ancillary revenues will continue to be a significant source of high-margin growth in the future.

        Group fitness.    Categories in our group fitness program, which is included in the price of membership, include cardio and dance, yoga, spinning, body sculpting, core training, kickboxing, aquatics, strength training and conditioning, sports training, and boxing and martial arts. Our group fitness program is recognized for its original offerings, quality instruction and comprehensive lifestyle approach. Weekly at each fitness club, we offer on average over 100 classes, many characterized as the "best of the best" by Fitness and New York magazine. Many of these classes are offered only at our facilities. We introduce proprietary new classes each year. We focus on quality, integrity and expertise in the origination of programming, and average class size ranges from 15 to 60 individuals, with participation varying based on the class, location and time offered.

        Our group fitness team constantly seeks new and innovative programming and instructors to keep Equinox at the forefront of fitness programming. Each club location maintains its own selection of programming designed to meet the needs of its local demographics. Instructors are carefully selected for their knowledge, expertise and ability to communicate with and motivate members. We pride ourselves on not only identifying and recruiting talent, but also developing our own instructors. Our instructors frequently present at national and international conventions and are often featured in prominent print media such as GQ, Men's Journal, Allure, Vogue and Self.

        Personal training.    We believe personal training is one of the most effective ways to help our members reach their health and fitness goals. Our personal trainers are highly visible throughout each fitness club, assisting members with equipment and providing informal tips on a complimentary basis. Each of our clubs maintains approximately 35-60 personal trainers, depending upon club layout, membership and usage patterns.

        Our personal training is customized to the needs of each member within our proprietary training methodology and system. Upon enrollment, we give each new member a complimentary 30-minute Equifit fitness assessment and a one-hour personal training session. All personal trainers are instructed to cross sell our offerings, including personal training packages and other services that will help the member achieve his or her goals. This initial contact with the personal trainer is designed to motivate our members to actively participate and purchase additional services. Approximately 10% of new members purchase personal training at this time. Our personal training pricing is structured to appeal to the widest demographic. We offer both single- and multi-session packages with price dependent upon the number of sessions and the certification level and experience of the personal trainer. Our personal trainers are divided into three levels based upon education and expertise: Elite, Comprehensive and Elite Plus. All of our personal trainers agree to limit their training activities outside of Equinox, and they earn a commission based on the training revenues they generate. The commission payout increases

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as trainers attain higher levels of certification, which we believe motivates trainers to sell personal training services and to attain higher levels of certification.

        In addition to having a national certification or a relevant college degree, we require all of our personal trainers to participate in our proprietary educational program, the Equinox Fitness Training Institute or EFTI. EFTI not only provides a comprehensive curricula of professional development for our personal trainers but also serves as a primary source of progressive program development. As our trainers complete certain classes provided by EFTI, they are eligible to train at a higher level and earn higher commissions.

        The Spa at Equinox.    Our spas complement our integrated lifestyle approach to health and fitness by offering an environment in which members can receive massages and facial or body-care services while focusing on relaxation and rejuvenation. We currently operate full-service day spas that have been designed to invoke a sense of luxury and comfort. In addition, we maintain treatment rooms in our other facilities that offer massage services to further integrate the spa concept. Our spas are staffed with knowledgeable and experienced therapists. Our spas are open to both members and non-members.

        The Shop.    The Shop is our retail business that sells Equinox-branded products and other name brand merchandise that have been carefully selected to complement the Equinox brand image. The Shop has been recognized by Women's Wear Daily for identifying trends and offering hard-to-find, lesser-known styles and manufacturers before they become popular. Much of The Shop's product line prominently displays the Equinox logo, providing increased visibility and exposure in addition to reinforcing the brand image. Equinox-branded apparel has been featured in nationally televised programs, such as HBO's Sex and the City, as well as in prominent consumer publications. With the exception of one location, The Shop operates in all Equinox facilities and is open to both members and non-members.

Finance and Management Information Systems

        During 2001, we implemented a new management information system that integrates all aspects of our operations. The system brings applications such as electronic funds transfer, point-of-sale transactions, employee time clocks and the front desk check-in area together into one nationally integrated system. With this system we now have the ability to better track facilities usage, monitor revenues per member and electronically store most paper records. In addition, more useful information on how members use the fitness clubs enables us to focus our marketing efforts on sales of ancillary programs and services, such as personal training and spa services, as well as to facilitate seamless information exchange between our club locations. We continue to refine the system to add desired functionality, such as prospect management and proprietary business protocols. In addition, we have begun implementation of an automated human resources system to improve our ability to manage our employees. Currently, we are upgrading our accounting systems and in the process of integrating an online-realtime purchasing system.

Trademarks

        We believe that our trademarks and other proprietary rights are important to our success and we aggressively protect such trademarks. All of our trademarks are either registered or have pending registration applications. We are not aware of any current or pending suits in connection with our trademarks. We currently hold 18 trademarks. We have registrations for trademarks in an aggregate of 22 countries. We have also registered a series of Internet domain names relating to our business, services and products.

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Competition

        The fitness industry is highly competitive and fragmented. The five largest fitness club owner/operators, excluding franchise operators, accounted for less than 7% of commercial fitness clubs in the United States in 2002.

        Budget clubs offer limited services, primarily free weights and strength-training machines with a modest group fitness class schedule, if any, and usually charge a nominal initiation fee and low monthly membership fees. We do not compete directly with budget clubs, such as those offered by Bally's and Gold's Gyms, as we do not target customers with the same demographic characteristics as the members of budget clubs.

        Full-service clubs offer a combination of workout alternatives, including strength training equipment, free weights, cardio equipment, group fitness and personal training. Full-service clubs, such as those operated by Town Sports International, Crunch, New York Health & Racquet, Multiplex and Lake Shore Athletic Clubs, generally command a premium to the budget clubs and can be further classified based on price and amenities. Our membership fees are higher than many of our full-service competitors. We believe we are able to maintain such pricing based upon the perceived value of our commitment to the member experience combined with our innovative and diverse programming, high-quality member services, superior club design and overall high standards for operating our facilities.

        Urban country clubs, such as the East Bank Club in Chicago and clubs operated by The Sports Club Company, are generally larger than 100,000 square feet, with additional sports facilities such as basketball courts, swimming pools and tennis courts and featuring non-fitness amenities such as restaurants, salons, laundry/dry-cleaning services and executive locker rooms. Urban country clubs charge high initiation fees and membership dues. We believe we compare favorably with the urban country clubs, based upon price, the convenience of our numerous locations, and services offered.

        In addition, employers, residential buildings, and public and other not-for-profit organizations (including parks, YMCAs and college clubs) offer fitness facilities. These facilities provide alternatives to membership in a commercial fitness club, and constitute a competitive factor in the industry.

        We believe several competitive factors influence success in the fitness club business, including convenience, price, customer service, quality of operations, quality programming and ability to secure prime real estate at economical rates. We believe that our integrated, branded lifestyle offering focused on enabling our targeted customer base to get results and the price-to-value relationship are very attractive compared to that of our competitors. The combination of an exceptional member experience created through innovative programming, high-quality service and operations and superior club design positions us as one of the few recognized brands within the industry. Our offering of ancillary services and products further distinguishes us as a lifestyle brand.

Employees

        We have approximately 2,487 as of March 31, 2004 employees, of which approximately 890 are employed full-time. Approximately 99 employees compose our corporate staff working in Manhattan. None of our employees are subject to collective bargaining agreements or union representation. Although we experience turnover of non-management personnel, we have not experienced difficulty in finding new employees. We believe relations with our employees are good. We believe that we offer competitive compensation and employee benefits. We have developed a corporate culture that emphasizes a complete understanding of the Equinox vision, member experience and results orientation. We reinforce our team's understanding of our corporate culture by maintaining ongoing recruiting and training programs to identify and develop new managers and employees to support our

55



growth in both new and existing markets. In addition to EFTI, we have formal training programs for our general managers-in-training and membership advisors.

Government Regulation

        Our operations and business practices are subject to regulation at the federal, state and, in some cases, local levels. State and local consumer protection laws and regulations govern our advertising, sales and other trade practices.

        Statutes and regulations affecting the fitness industry have been enacted in states in which we conduct business. Typically, these statutes and regulations prescribe certain forms and provisions of membership contracts, including:

    Giving the member the right to cancel the contract, in most cases, within three business days after signing;

    Requiring an escrow of funds received from pre-opening sales or the posting of a bond or proof of financial responsibility; and

    Establishing maximum prices and terms for membership contracts.

        In addition, we are subject to other types of federal and state regulations governing the sale of memberships. These laws and regulations are subject to varying interpretations by a number of states and federal enforcement agencies and the courts. We maintain internal review procedures in order to comply with these requirements and believe that our activities are in substantial compliance with all applicable statutes, rules and decisions.

        Under so-called state "cooling off" statutes, a member has the right to cancel his or her membership for a period of three days and, in such event, is entitled to a refund of any payment made. In addition, our membership agreements provide that a member may cancel his or her membership at any time for qualified medical reasons or if the member relocates a certain distance away from any of our facilities. The specified procedures for cancellation in these circumstances vary due to differing state laws. In each instance, the canceling member is entitled to a refund of prepaid amounts only. Further, where permitted by law, we assess a cancellation fee that we offset against any refunds owed.

        Our locations are also subject to zoning and other regulations relating to the operation of health clubs and other facilities open to the public.

Legal Proceedings

        We are involved in various claims and lawsuits arising in the normal course of business. We believe that the ultimate outcome of these matters will not have a material adverse affect on our business, results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.

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MANAGEMENT

        The names, ages and positions of the directors and executive officers of Equinox as of March 31, 2004 are set forth below. Directors are elected annually and hold office until their successors are elected and qualified, or until their earlier removal or resignation.

Name

  Age
  Position
Charles F. Baird, Jr.   50   Director, Chairman
Harvey Spevak   39   Director, President and Chief Executive Officer
Scott Rosen   45   Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Christopher J. Peluso   43   Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Jeff Grayson   34   Vice President, Chief Technology Officer
Glenn Hopkins   38   Director
Benjamin B. James(1)   46   Director
John Richards   54   Director
Adam Saltzman(2)   34   Director
Mark Tricolli   32   Director
William E. Watts(1)   50   Director
Edward D. Yun(2)   36   Director

(1)
Member, Compensation Committee.

(2)
Member, Audit Committee. None of our Audit Committee members at present would be considered to be independent within the meaning of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

        Each of our officers is elected by the Board of Directors to hold office until the next succeeding annual meeting of the Board of Directors. None of our officers has any family relationship with any director or other officer. "Family relationship" for this purpose means any relationship by blood, marriage or adoption, not more remote than first cousin.

        The business experience of each of the directors, executive officers and employees listed above is as follows:

        Charles F. Baird, Jr. was elected Chairman of Equinox in December 2000. Mr. Baird is the founder and a Managing Director of North Castle. Prior to founding North Castle in 1997, Mr. Baird served as a Managing Director of AEA Investors, Inc., and from 1978 to 1989 he worked at Bain & Company as an Executive Vice President and North American Management Committee member. Mr. Baird is a trustee of the Alger Fund. He currently serves as chairman of the Board of Directors for Leiner Health Products, Grand Expeditions, EAS and Elizabeth Arden Salon Holdings, Inc., corporations in which investment partnerships managed by North Castle have investments. Mr. Baird also serves on the Boards of Directors of the Ultimate Juice Company, Enzymatic Therapy, Inc., and CRC Health Group, Inc., corporations in which investment partnerships managed by North Castle have investments.

        Harvey Spevak has been President and Chief Executive Officer of Equinox since December 1999 after joining as President and Chief Operating Officer in January 1999. He became a member of the Board of Directors in January 1999. Prior to joining Equinox, he served as Vice President of Chelsea Piers. Mr. Spevak is on the Board of Directors of Elizabeth Arden Salon Holdings, Inc. and is a member of the Young Presidents Organization and the Council for the Fresh Air Fund.

        Scott Rosen was elected Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer upon joining the Company in August 2003. Prior to joining Equinox, Mr. Rosen served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for J. Crew Group from 1994 to 2003. Prior to J. Crew, Mr. Rosen was Vice President and Divisional Controller for the Women's Sportswear Group, a division of Liz Claiborne, Inc.

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        Christopher J. Peluso was elected Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer upon joining the Company in December 2002. Before joining Equinox, Mr. Peluso was a vice president at JPMorgan Asset Management where he was employed since 1999. From 1997 to 1999, he was President and Chief Operating Officer of WH Smith USA, where he operated their book and music division and served as a senior vice president of Marketing for Borders Group, Inc.

        Jeff Grayson has nine years of technology industry experience including roles ranging from software developer to Chief Technology Officer. Prior to joining the Equinox team, Jeff was CTO of ReferralNetworks where he managed the IT department, defined product strategy and drove the deal which resulted in the company's successful sale. In previous roles, Jeff has led teams of technologists for Deutsch Bank, Keyspan Energy, Lucent Technologies, Sputnik7 Media, RadioShack, Wit Capital and SportsYA! Media. Jeff's background includes a BA from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Masters from NYU combining Computer Science from The Courant Institute of Mathematics and MBA work from The Stern School of Business.

        Glenn Hopkins became a member of the Board of Directors in December 2000. He is a Partner of J.W. Childs and has been at J.W. Childs since 1995.

        Benjamin B. James became a member of the Board of Directors in December 2000. He is a Principal of North Castle since 1998. Prior to joining North Castle, Mr. James co-founded the Private Finance Group at PPM America. Mr. James currently serves on the Board of Directors of Enzymatic Therapy, Inc. and Leiner Health Products, corporations in which investment partnerships managed by North Castle have an investment.

        John Richards became a member of the Board of Directors in February 2003. He is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Elizabeth Arden Salon Holdings, Inc. Before joining Elizabeth Arden Salon Holdings, Inc. in October 2001, Mr. Richards served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Dean & Deluca after serving as President of North American Operations for Starbucks Coffee Company.

        Adam Saltzman became a member of the Board of Directors in December 2000. He is a Vice President of North Castle. Prior to joining North Castle, Mr. Saltzman spent four years as an associate with merchant banking firm StoneCreek Capital. Mr. Saltzman currently serves on the Board of Directors of Elizabeth Arden Salon Holdings, Inc. and Healthnotes, corporations in which investment partnerships managed by North Castle have an investment.

        Mark Tricolli became a member of the Board of Directors in 2003. He is a Vice President of J.W. Childs and has been at J.W. Childs since 2000. Previously, he was an associate in the Merchant Banking Division of Goldman Sachs from 1999 to 2000. Mr. Tricolli is also a director of InSight Holdings Corp., a corporation in which an investment partnership managed by J.W. Childs has an investment.

        William E. Watts became a member of the Board of Directors in January 2001. He is an Operating Partner of J.W. Childs and has been at J.W. Childs since 2001. Previously, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of General Nutrition Companies, Inc. from 1991 until 2001. Prior to being named President and Chief Executive Officer in 1991, he held the positions of President and Chief Operating Officer of General Nutrition, Inc., President and Chief Operating Officer of General Nutrition Center, Inc., Senior Vice President of Retailing and Vice President of Retail Operations.

        Edward D. Yun became a member of the Board of Directors in December 2000. He is a Partner of J.W. Childs and has been at J.W. Childs since 1996. Mr. Yun is also a director of InSight Holdings Corp. and Universal Hospital Services, Inc., corporations in which investment partnerships managed by J.W. Childs have an investment.

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Compensation of Directors

        Members of the Board of Directors of Equinox are not compensated; however, all directors are reimbursed for travel and reasonable expenses incurred in performing their duties as directors.

Compensation of Executive Officers

        The following table sets forth the compensation earned by our Chief Executive Officer and each of the three additional most highly compensated executive officers (each, a "Named Executive Officer") during or with respect to the last three fiscal years.

 
   
   
   
  Long-Term Compensation
 
   
  Annual Compensation
Name and Principal Position

   
  Securities
Underlying
Options(#)

  All Other
Compensation
($)(2)

  Year
  Salary($)
  Bonus($)
Harvey Spevak   2003   $ 373,962   $ 288,235     $ 24,000
  President and Chief Executive Officer   2002   $ 350,000   $ 201,250   34,397     24,000
    2001     300,000     125,000       24,000

Scott Rosen(1)

 

2003

 

 

103,846

 

 

25,000

 

100,000

 

 

  Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
                         

Kenneth P. Fleischer

 

2003

 

 

247,200

 

 

96,655

 


 

 

 
  Executive Vice President and Chief   2002     247,200     96,655       24,000
    Financial Officer   2001     240,000     75,000   178,000     24,000

Chris Peluso

 

2003

 

 

238,846

 

 


 

15,000

 

 

  Chief Operating Officer   2002     8,846         35,000      
    2001              

Jeff Grayson

 

2003

 

 

166,154

 

 

19,200

 

5,000

 

 

  Vice President, Chief Technology   2002     91,154     19,200   10,000    
  Officer                          

(1)
Scott Rosen joined the Company in August 2003 as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

(2)
During 2003, each of Messrs. Spevak and Fleischer received a travel and expense allowance of $2,000 per month.

Option Grants During 2003

        The following table sets forth information concerning individual grants of stock options made during 2003 to the Named Executive Officers.

 
   
   
   
   
  Potential Realizable
Value at Assumed
Annual Rates of Stock
Appreciation for
Option Term

 
   
  % of Total
Options
Granted to
Employees
during
2003

   
   
 
  Number of
securities
underlying options
granted(1)

   
   
 
  Exercise
Price
($/share)

  Expiration
Date

 
  5%(2)
  10% (2)
Harvey Spevak                    
Scott Rosen   100,000   54.5 % $ 12.00   9/3/2013   $ 755,000   $ 1,912,000
Kenneth P. Fleischer                  
Chris Peluso   15,000   8.2 % $ 12.00   9/3/2013   $ 113,250   $ 286,800
Jeff Grayson   5,000   2.7 % $ 12.00   9/3/2013   $ 37,750   $ 95,600

(1)
All options were granted under the Equinox Holdings, Inc. 2000 Stock Incentive Plan, which is administered by our Board of Directors. Generally, the options granted under this plan become

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    exercisable upon a change of control or public offering (as each such term is defined in the plan) if our certain holders of our common stock achieve a specified rate of return.

(2)
Potential realizable value is based on the assumed annual growth for each of the grants, shown over their ten-year option term. Actual gains, if any, on stock option exercises are dependent on the future value of the stock.

Fiscal Year-End Option Value Table

        The following table sets forth information for each named executive officer with regard to the aggregate value of options held at December 31, 2003. No options were exercised by such executive officers during the year ended December 31, 2003.

 
  Number of
Securities Underlying
Unexercised Options
at December 31, 2003

   
   
 
  Value of Unexercised
In-the-Money Options
at December 31, 2003($)(1)

Name

  Exercisable
  Unexercisable
  Exercisable
  Unexercisable
Harvey Spevak   95,123   380,397   $ 1,140,525   $ 654,283
Scott Rosen     100,000        
Kenneth P. Fleischer   25,000       299,750    
Chris Peluso            
Jeff Grayson     20,000         17,200

(1)
The fair market value of our common stock used to calculate the value of unexercised in-the-money options at December 31, 2003 is based on the per share price at which we sold shares of our common stock on January 28, 2003.

Employment and Other Agreements with our Named Executive Officers

        Harvey Spevak.    During December 2000, Equinox entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Spevak, whereby he agreed to continue as our Chief Executive Officer and a member of our board of directors. This employment agreement had an initial term of three years and currently renews automatically for successive one-year periods (unless either party gives prior written notice). Pursuant to this employment agreement, Mr. Spevak currently receives an annual base salary of $372,000, and is entitled to an annual bonus based upon the satisfaction of certain performance targets as determined by our board of directors and to participate in benefit and perquisite programs of Equinox to the same extent as other senior executives of Equinox. Also, Mr. Spevak received a commencement grant of options to purchase 380,397 shares of our common stock pursuant to our Stock Incentive Plan.

        If Equinox terminates Mr. Spevak's employment other than for Cause (as defined in the employment agreement), or Mr. Spevak terminates his employment for Good Reason (as defined in the employment agreement), then Equinox will pay Mr. Spevak his full salary through the date of termination, a pro-rata bonus through the date of termination and all other earned but unpaid amounts, if any, to which Mr. Spevak is entitled. Further, Equinox will pay Mr. Spevak an amount equal to Mr. Spevak's base salary for 18 months following the expiration of the term of the employment agreement and will continue to provide Mr. Spevak the welfare benefits provided to him prior to his termination. If Mr. Spevak's employment is terminated by Equinox for Cause or by Mr. Spevak other than for Good Reason, Equinox will pay to Mr. Spevak his full salary through the date of termination in addition to any other amounts owed to Mr. Spevak under any compensation or benefit plan or program of Equinox excluding, in the case of a termination by Mr. Spevak for Cause, any accrued but unpaid incentive bonus. Upon termination of Mr. Spevak's employment for any reason, Mr. Spevak will also be subject to customary 18-month post-termination non-compete, non-solicitation and non-disparagement provisions.

        Scott Rosen.    During September 2003, Equinox entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Rosen, whereby he became our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. This employment agreement has an initial term of three years and will renew automatically for successive

60



one-year periods (unless either party gives prior written notice). Pursuant to this employment agreement, Mr. Rosen currently receives an annual base salary of $300,000, which will be reviewed annually beginning in 2005. Mr. Rosen is entitled to an annual bonus based upon the satisfaction of certain performance targets as determined by our board of directors, subject to a maximum annual bonus of $210,000. For 2003, Mr. Rosen was also paid a pro-rata incentive bonus, and a signing bonus in the amount of $55,000. Mr. Rosen is eligible to participate in benefit and perquisite programs of Equinox to the same extent as other senior executives of Equinox. Also, Mr. Rosen received a commencement grant of options to purchase up to 100,000 shares of our common stock pursuant to our Stock Incentive Plan.

        If Equinox terminates Mr. Rosen's employment other than for Cause (as defined in the employment agreement), or Mr. Rosen shall terminate his employment for Good Reason (as defined in the employment agreement), then Equinox will pay Mr. Rosen his full salary through the date of termination, a pro-rata bonus through the date of termination and all other earned but unpaid amounts, if any, to which Mr. Rosen is entitled. Further, following the expiration of the term of the employment agreement, Equinox will pay Mr. Rosen an amount equal to Mr. Rosen's base salary for six months, plus one additional month for each year Mr. Rosen had been employed with Equinox prior to his termination, subject to a maximum of 15 months total, and will continue to provide Mr. Rosen the welfare benefits provided to him prior to his termination. If Mr. Rosen's employment is terminated by Equinox for Cause or by Mr. Rosen other than for Good Reason, Equinox will pay to Mr. Rosen his full salary through the date of termination in addition to any other amounts owed to Mr. Rosen under any compensation or benefit plan or program of Equinox excluding, in the case of a termination by Mr. Rosen for Cause, any accrued but unpaid incentive bonus. Upon termination of Mr. Rosen's employment for any reason, Mr. Rosen will also be subject to customary nine-month post-termination non-compete, non-solicitation and non-disparagement provisions.

        Chris Peluso.    During November 2002, Equinox entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Peluso, whereby he became our Chief Operating Officer. Pursuant to this employment agreement, Mr. Peluso currently receives an annual base salary of $230,000 and is entitled to an annual bonus based upon the satisfaction of certain performance targets as determined by our board of directors. Also, Mr. Peluso received a commencement grant of options to purchase 85,000 shares of our common stock.

        If Mr. Peluso's employment is terminated by Equinox other than for Cause (as defined in the employment agreement), he will be entitled to receive severance pay equal to five months' base salary if terminated prior to the second anniversary of his employment. Thereafter, the amount of severance pay will increase by one month's base salary at each anniversary of Mr. Peluso's employment. If Mr. Peluso's employment is terminated for any other reason, Mr. Peluso will be entitled to receive any accrued and unpaid base salary. Upon termination of Mr. Peluso's employment for any reason, Mr. Peluso will also be subject to customary 12-month post-termination non-compete, 18-month non-solicitation and 18-month non-disparagement provisions.

        Jeff Grayson.    During April 2002, Equinox entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Grayson, whereby he became our Chief Technology Officer. Pursuant to this employment agreement, Mr. Grayson currently receives an annual base salary of $165,000 and is entitled to an annual bonus based upon the satisfaction of certain performance targets as determined by our board of directors. Also, Mr. Grayson received a commencement grant of options to purchase 10,000 shares of our common stock and a $5,000 bonus.

        If Mr. Grayson's employment is terminated by Equinox other than for Cause (as defined in the employment agreement), he will be entitled to receive severance pay equal to one week's salary for each six months of service to Equinox at the time of his termination. The amount of Mr. Grayson's severance will not exceed more than one-half of his base salary at the time of termination. Upon termination of Mr. Grayson's employment for any reason, Mr. Grayson will also be subject to customary 12-month post-termination non-compete, 18-month non-solicitation and 18-month non-disparagement provisions.

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        Kenneth P. Fleischer.    During March 2003, Equinox entered into a separation agreement with Mr. Fleischer. Pursuant to this agreement, Mr. Fleischer generally received approximately $268,000, plus a pro-rata incentive bonus in respect of Equinox's 2002 fiscal year. This amount was generally payable in installments over a nine-month period and was in consideration for Mr. Fleischer's agreement to provide us with certain transitional services, his agreement to cancel his options, excluding 25,000 options granted to him under our 1998 Stock Incentive Plan, which remain outstanding following his termination, a mutual release of claims and amounts due under Mr. Fleischer's employment agreement. In addition, Mr. Fleischer agreed to continue to be bound by customary non-compete, non-solicitation and non-disparagement provisions for a period of nine months following the completion of his transition assistance.

Compensation Committee Interlocks And Insider Participation

        The Board of Directors established a Compensation Committee to review all compensation arrangements for executive officers of Equinox. The individuals serving on the Compensation Committee during 2002 were Benjamin B. James and William E. Watts, both non-employee directors. North Castle and J.W. Childs receive an annual fee for management and financial consulting services they provide to us and are reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses. Equinox has also agreed to indemnify the members of the boards employed by North Castle and J.W. Childs against certain liabilities incurred under the federal securities laws, other laws regulating our business and certain other claims and liabilities with respect to their services for Equinox. See "Related Party Transactions."

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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

        The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of Equinox common stock as of March 31, 2004, by: (i) each person or entity who owns of record or beneficially more than 5% or more of any class of our voting securities; (ii) each director and each of Named Executive Officer of Equinox; and (iii) all directors and Named Executive Officers of Equinox as a group.

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner(1)

  Number of Shares of
Common Stock
Beneficially Owned(1)

  Percent of Class(1)
 
Equinox Holdings, L.P.(2)
c/o North Castle Partners, L.L.C.
183 East Putnam Avenue
Greenwich, CT 06830
  8,773,075   92.90 %

Executive Officers and Directors

 

 

 

 

 
Charles F. Baird, Jr.(2)      
Glenn A. Hopkins(2)      
Benjamin B. James(2)      
Christopher J. Peluso      
John Richards      
Scott Rosen      
Adam M. Saltzman(2)      
Harvey Spevak(3)   96,406   1.02 %
Mark J. Tricolli(2)      
William E. Watts(2)      
Edward D. Yun(2)      
Jeff Grayson      

Executive Officers and Directors as a Group

 

 

 

 

 
(12 persons)   96,406   1.02 %

(1)
"Beneficial owner" refers to a person who has or shares the power to vote or direct the voting of a security or the power to dispose or direct the disposition of the security or who has the right to acquire beneficial ownership of a security within 60 days. More than one person may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of the same securities. In computing the number of shares beneficially owned by a person and the percentage ownership of that person, shares subject to options and warrants held by that person that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2004 are deemed outstanding. Such shares, however, are not deemed outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person.

(2)
NCP-EH GP, L.L.C. is one of the general partners of Equinox Holdings, L.P. The sole member of NCP-EH GP, L.L.C. is North Castle Partners II, L.P., a private investment fund managed by North Castle Partners LLC. JWC-EH, LLC is the second general partner of Equinox Holdings, L.P. The sole member of JWC-EH, LLC is J.W. Childs Equity Partners II, L.P., a private investment fund managed by J.W. Childs Associates, L.P. By virtue of their status, North Castle and J.W. Childs may be deemed to be beneficial owners of the shares owned by Equinox Holdings, L.P. Mr. Baird and Mr. James are partners of North Castle and Mr. Saltzman is a vice president of North Castle and by virtue of their status may be deemed to share voting and investment power with respect to the shares in which North Castle has direct or indirect beneficial ownership. Mr. Hopkins, Mr. Watts and Mr. Yun are partners of J. W. Childs Associates, L.P. and Mr. Tricolli is a vice president of J.W. Childs Associates, L.P. By virtue of their status, Mr. Hopkins, Mr. Watts, Mr. Yun and Mr. Tricolli may be deemed to share voting and investment power with respect to the shares in which J.W. Childs Associates, L.P. has direct or indirect beneficial ownership. 97,263 of these shares are held indirectly through Equinox Holdings, L.P. by a third party financial institution.

(3)
Consists of (i) 1,283 shares held of record and (ii) 95,123 shares issuable upon exercise of rollover options that have already vested or will vest within 60 days.

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RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

North Castle Partners, L.L.C. and J.W. Childs Associates, L.P.

        Equinox Holdings, L.P. currently holds 91% of the outstanding common stock of Equinox. One of the two general partners of Equinox Holdings, L.P. is NCP-EH GP, L.L.C., whose sole member is North Castle Partners II, L.P., a private investment fund managed by North Castle Partners, L.L.C. ("North Castle"). Charles F. Baird, Jr., a Partner of North Castle, is a Director of Equinox and has served as Chairman since December 2000. Benjamin B. James is a Partner of North Castle and a Director of Equinox. Adam Saltzman is a Vice President of North Castle and a Director of Equinox.

        The second general partner of Equinox Holdings, L.P. is JWC-EH, LLC, whose sole member is J.W. Childs Equity Partners II, L.P. The general partner of J.W. Childs Equity Partners II, L.P. is J.W. Childs Advisors II, L.P. J.W. Childs Equity Partners II, L.P. is a private investment fund managed by J.W. Childs Associates, L.P. ("J.W. Childs"). Glenn A. Hopkins, William E. Watts and Edward D. Yun are Partners of J.W. Childs and Directors of Equinox. Mark J. Tricolli is a Vice President of J.W. Childs and a Director of Equinox.

Consulting Agreement

        Pursuant to a consulting agreement dated as of December 15, 2000, North Castle and J.W. Childs receive from Equinox (1) an annual fee for business, management and financial consulting services provided to Equinox and (2) reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses. Such consulting services include helping Equinox establish and maintain banking, legal and other business relationships, and assisting management in developing and implementing corporate and business strategies for improving our operational, marketing and financial performance. The annual fee was established by means of an arms length negotiation among us and North Castle and J.W. Childs at the time of their intial investment in Equinox during our December 2002 recapitalization, at levels they believed were appropriate to the nature and types of services being performed. The consulting agreement currently provides for an annual fee of $0.8 million, payable semi-annually, which we may increase, but not decrease without the consent of both North Castle and J.W. Childs. However, any increase in the annual fee is subject to applicable limitations under the terms of our existing and future debt. The consulting agreement also provides that Equinox will indemnify North Castle, J.W. Childs, certain affiliates and their respective directors, officers, partners, members, managers, employees, agents and controlling persons against certain liabilities arising under the federal securities laws, other laws regulating our business and certain other claims and liabilities. The consulting agreement also provides that North Castle and J.W. Childs will perform financial advisory, investment banking and similar services with respect to proposals for any acquisition (by merger, asset acquisition or otherwise) by Equinox and its subsidiaries. The fee for such services in connection with future transactions would be an amount equal to 1% of the transaction value for the applicable transaction. North Castle and J.W. Childs will not be paid a fee for this transaction.

Stockholders Agreement

        Equinox is party to a stockholders agreement, dated as of December 15, 2000, as amended, under which the parties thereto have made certain agreements regarding matters further described below, including the voting of their shares and the governance of Equinox.

        Board of Director and Designation Rights.    The stockholders agreement provides that the board of directors of Equinox will consist of ten members, nine individuals nominated by Equinox Holdings, L.P. and, so long as certain stockholders own collectively 5% of the Company's outstanding common stock, Donato Errico, Jr. At any time at which a vacancy is created on the board as a result of the death, disability, retirement, resignation or removal before the expiration of his or her term as director, then the party that nominated such director will have the right to nominate a replacement.

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        Actions of the Board; Affiliate Agreements.    The stockholders agreement provides that actions of the board will require the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the directors present at a duly convened meeting at which a quorum is present or the unanimous written consent of the board. The affirmative vote of at least six directors is required to take certain actions.

        Board Committees.    The stockholders agreement provides for Equinox to have an audit committee and a compensation committee. Each committee will have two directors, consisting of members nominated by Equinox Holdings, L.P.'s nominees.

        Observation and Information Rights.    The stockholders agreement provides that a certain stockholder will have the right to designate a representative to attend meetings of the board of directors and to receive copies of all written materials provided to the board. The representative will not have any right to vote on any matter presented to the board. The representative may be obliged to maintain the confidentiality of information received in connection with the exercise of their respective rights.

        Transfer Restrictions.    Subject to certain exceptions, the stockholder parties to the stockholders agreement may not transfer any shares of Equinox's common stock prior to an initial public offering.

Registration Rights Agreement

        In connection with our recapitalization in 2000, we entered into a registration rights agreement, dated as of December 15, 2000, with Equinox Holdings, L.P., NCP Co-Investment Fund, L.P., certain holders of our common stock put warrants, certain members of management and other Equinox shareholders. Pursuant to the terms of the registration rights agreement, Equinox Holdings, L.P. may, at any time, request that Equinox effect the registration under the Securities Act of all or part of its registrable securities (as defined below). After an initial public offering, holders of 51% or more of the warrants relating to Equinox's common stock may also request that we effect the registration under the Securities Act of all or part of such holder's registrable securities. Upon receipt of such a request, Equinox is required to promptly give written notice of such requested registration to all holders of registrable securities and, thereafter, to use its reasonable best efforts to effect the registration under the Securities Act of all registrable securities which it has been requested to register pursuant to the terms of the registration rights agreement. Equinox will pay all expenses in connection with the first four successfully effected registrations requested by Equinox Holdings, L.P. and up to two successfully effected registrations requested by the warrant holders.

        "Registrable securities" means:

    shares of Equinox common stock issued in connection with the recapitalization to members of management or directors of Equinox for so long as any such shares constitute restricted securities;

    shares of Equinox common stock issuable pursuant to any stock subscription agreement;

    shares of Equinox common stock issued upon exercise of the common stock put warrants; and

    any securities issued or issuable with respect to Equinox common stock referred to above as a result of a conversion, exchange, stock dividend or distribution, stock split or reverse stock split, combination, recapitalization, merger, consolidation or other reorganization thereof.

        The registration rights agreement also provides that, with certain exceptions, the parties thereto will have certain incidental registration rights in the event that the company at any time proposes to register any of its equity securities and the registration form to be used may be used for the registration of securities otherwise registrable under the registration rights agreement.

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        In addition to the provisions set forth above, the registration rights agreement contains other terms and conditions including those customary to agreements of this kind.

Related Party Leases

        Donato Errico, Jr., a former member of our Board of Directors during 2003 and current shareholder, is a partner in partnerships that lease space to us at two locations. The partnerships received approximately $1.0 million for each location pursuant to the leases and related agreements for the fiscal years ending December 31, 2002 and 2003.

Exit Payment

        Under our Amended and Restated Stock Purchase Agreement and Plan of Merger as amended as of December 14, 2000, we must pay our founding stockholders $10 million on the earlier of an initial public offering, a change of control or December 15, 2010. We must pay an additional $5.0 million at the same time if the internal rate of return of our equity sponsors exceeds a specified amount.

Stock Option Plans

        Under the terms of the Equinox Holdings, Inc. 1998 Stock Incentive Plan (the "1998 Plan"), options to purchase 1,000,000 shares of common stock may be granted. The 1998 Plan is closed and there are no further options available for grant. As of March 31, 2004, there were 284,919 outstanding options granted under the 1998 Plan. As of March 31, 2004, 1,085,450 options were authorized under the Equinox Holdings, Inc. 2000 Stock Incentive Plan and options to purchase 961,104 shares of Equinox common stock were outstanding.

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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

        Pursuant to our Certificate of Incorporation, we are authorized to issue 20 million shares of common stock with a par value $0.01 per share (the "Common Stock"), of which 9,443,247 shares were outstanding as of December 31, 2003. We are also authorized to issue 400,000 shares of preferred stock with a par value of $0.01 per share. We redeemed our 130,166 shares of preferred stock and at December 31, 2003 had no preferred shares outstanding. These redeemed shares are authorized and unissued.

        We filed a Certificate of Designation setting forth the rights, preferences and terms of 100,000 shares of our designated Senior Redeemable Preferred Stock. We may not issue the Senior Redeemable Preferred Stock other than under the contingent circumstances described below under "—Common Stock Put Warrants."

        Our Certificate of Incorporation provides that to the fullest extent permitted by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (including, without limitation, Section 102(b)(7)), as amended from time to time, none of our directors shall be personally liable to us or to our stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director.

        The following summary of certain provisions of the capital stock does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation, our By-laws, the Certificate of Designation for the Senior Redeemable Preferred Stock, the instruments governing the common stock put warrants and by the provisions of applicable law.

    Common Stock

        Holders of shares of our Common Stock are entitled to the rights, preferences and privileges, subject to the qualifications, limitations and restrictions, as set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation or otherwise required by law. Subject to the Stockholder's Agreement described under "Related Party Transactions," holders of our Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters to be voted on by the Company's stockholders.

        Dividends may be paid on the Common Stock, as and when declared by our board of directors. Any such dividend may be paid in cash, property, or shares of the Corporation's capital stock, subject to all of the rights of the preferred stock and any applicable provisions of law.

        During 2003 we issued approximately 833,000 shares of Common Stock for approximately $10.0 million. In addition options to purchase 5,000 shares were exercised during 2003 for approximately $51,000.

    Common Stock Put Warrants

        In connection with the issuance of our outstanding subordinated notes, we issued common stock put warrants to purchase, at a purchase price of $0.01 per share, an aggregate of 879,214 shares of our Common Stock (or approximately 8% of the Company on a fully diluted basis as of the date hereof). The common stock put warrants will remain outstanding following repayment of the subordinated notes.

        The common stock put warrants contain anti-dilution and other protective provisions and contain affirmative covenants requiring us to, among other things, furnish specified financial statements, maintain proper books and records and maintain appropriate insurance. The common stock put warrants also contain negative covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability to change our certificate of incorporation and restrict, in a manner similar to the notes offered hereby, our ability to engage in transactions with affiliates.

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        In addition, commencing on December 15, 2006, holders of a majority interest in the common stock put warrants will have a right to require us to use our best efforts to purchase the common stock put warrants at fair market value unless we have previously consummated a qualifying initial public offering of our common stock. Effective on the issue date of the notes offered hereby, the common stock put warrants will provide that if we fail to purchase the warrants within 60 days of such a demand by holders of a majority interest in the common stock put warrants, each warrant holder's right under the common stock put warrants, including the holder's right to purchase shares of Common Stock, will convert automatically and irrevocably without any further action or acknowledgement on the part of the Company or the holder, into Senior Redeemable Preferred Stock equal to the value of that holder's common stock put warrants. The holders' rights relating to our obligation to purchase the common stock put warrants will be subordinated to the prior payment in full in cash of all of our indebtedness (including the notes offered hereby and amounts under our new revolving credit facility) in the event of an insolvency, liquidation, winding-up, bankruptcy or similar event.

        The Senior Redeemable Preferred Stock referred to above, if issued, will rank senior to all our other preferred stock, equity or equity-linked securities (other than the debt portion of convertible debt), whether now in existence or created hereafter ("Junior Securities").

        Dividends on the Senior Redeemable Preferred Stock will accrue daily and be cumulative and compounded quarterly, at a rate of 18% per annum from the date of issuance. The dividend rate will increase by 1% per annum every six months up to a maximum rate per share of 22% per annum. We will have the option to pay the quarterly dividends in cash. All dividends paid with respect to the shares of the Senior Redeemable Preferred Stock will be paid pro rata to the holders.

        Optional Redemption.    We may redeem the Senior Redeemable Preferred Stock, at our option and at any time, for an amount equal to $1,000 multiplied by the number of Senior Redeemable Preferred Stock shares redeemed, together plus all accrued and unpaid dividends thereon to the applicable redemption date. Any such optional redemption shall be on a pro rata basis.

        Mandatory Redemption.    We will be required to redeem the Senior Redeemable Preferred Stock, for a redemption price per share equal to $1,000 plus the amount of all accrued and unpaid dividends thereon through the date of redemption, in cash, upon the earliest to occur of: (a) six months following the stated or accelerated maturity of the notes being offered in this offering, (b) 91 days following a complete refinancing or complete redemption of the notes, (c) an extension in the maturity or an increase in the principal amount of the notes, (d) the closing of our first underwritten offering of Common Stock to the public pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, provided that such offering exceeds $35 million and our Common Stock is listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange or the American Stock Exchange or for quotation on the NASDAQ National Market by us or any subsidiary, (e) 91 days following a "Change of Control" as defined under the notes, and (f) an insolvency event. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all obligations to effect such a mandatory redemption are subject to the prior satisfaction of any similar put or redemption obligations under the notes.

        Liquidation.    In the event of any liquidation or winding-up of the Company, holders of Senior Redeemable Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive, in preference of Junior Securities, an amount equal to the full amount of the Senior Redeemable Preferred Stock outstanding (which will be calculated as the number of preferred stock shares outstanding multiplied by $1,000) plus all accrued and unpaid dividends.

        Certain Rights of Holders.    The Senior Redeemable Preferred Stock will contain affirmative covenants. We will be required to deliver to the holders of the Senior Redeemable Preferred Stock all information publicly filed with the SEC. We will be required to obtain the consent of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Senior Redeemable Preferred Stock to take certain actions,

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including but not limited to the following: (1) declaring and paying dividends and making distributions in respect to our capital stock, other than dividends on Junior Securities paid-in-kind and the making of the Exit Payment described under "Related Party Transactions," (2) amending or changing our organizational documents in a manner adverse to holders of Senior Redeemable Preferred Stock, (3) authorizing or issuing securities ranked senior or equally to the Senior Redeemable Preferred Stock, (4) altering or changing the rights, preferences or privileges of the Senior Redeemable Preferred Stock, (5) repurchasing or redeeming our capital stock (with the exception of certain repurchases of equity of management and employees), (6) increasing the authorized number of shares of Senior Redeemable Preferred Stock, (7) permitting the purchase or redemption of any Junior Securities by any entity directly or indirectly controlled by the Company, (8) entering into certain transactions with affiliates, and (9) taking any other action that could adversely alter or change the preferences, rights, privileges or powers of, or the restrictions provided for the benefit of, the Senior Redeemable Preferred Stock.

        In addition, the consent of each holder of Senior Redeemable Preferred Stock will be required to reduce the stated value per share or the dividend rate or to amend any provisions relating to the time of payment, ranking or mandatory redemption features of the Senior Redeemable Preferred Stock.

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DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN INDEBTEDNESS

        We have no outstanding indebtedness other than the old notes and an aggregate of $2.2 million in capital leases and similar obligations. In addition, we expect to have up to $3.5 million of reimbursement obligations for cash collateralized standby letters of credit under our new revolving credit facility or issued by another financial institution and, subject to conditions described below, approximately $21.5 million of additional commitments under our new revolving credit facility.

New Revolving Credit Facility

        The following summarizes the basic terms of our new revolving credit facility. The closing of the new revolving credit facility was a condition to the closing of the offering of the old notes. Availability of the new revolving credit facility is subject to specified post-closing actions with respect to collateral which we expect to accomplish prior to needing access to the facility and subject to a borrowing base formula.

        Our new revolving credit facility, with Merrill Lynch Capital, a division of Merrill Lynch Business Financial Services Inc., as administrative agent and lead arranger, UBS Loan Finance LLC, as syndication agent, and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as documentation agent, has a maturity of five years, provides for borrowings of up to $25.0 million (with a subfacility for the issuance of letters of credit) expiring on December 16, 2008.

        Prepayments (without permanent reductions to the commitments) under the new revolving credit facility are required in an amount equal to 100% of (a) certain insurance proceeds received by us, (b) the net cash proceeds of issuances of certain equity and debt securities and (c) the net cash proceeds of certain asset sales and dispositions by us, in each case subject to certain exceptions and reinvestment rights.

        Voluntary prepayments and commitment reductions are permitted in whole or in part, subject to minimum prepayment or reduction requirements. Such voluntary prepayments and commitment reductions may be made without premium or penalty other than customary LIBOR breakage costs.

        All of our obligations under the new revolving credit facility are unconditionally guaranteed by each of our existing and subsequently acquired or organized domestic subsidiaries. The new revolving credit facility and the related guarantees will be secured by a first-priority security interest in substantially all of our and our domestic subsidiaries' present and future assets and all present and future assets of each guarantor, including but not limited to (i) a first-priority pledge of all of the outstanding capital stock owned by us and each domestic guarantor and (ii) perfected first-priority security interests in all of our present and future tangible and intangible assets and the present and future tangible and intangible assets of each guarantor, in each case, subject to certain exceptions.

        Loans under the new revolving credit facility, at our option, will bear interest at either the prime rate or a floating rate equal to the reserve adjusted London inter-bank offered rate ("LIBOR"), in each case plus a margin based on leverage. In addition to paying interest on any outstanding principal amount under the new revolving credit facility, we will be required to pay an unused revolving credit facility fee. For each letter of credit we issue, we will be required to pay at a rate per annum equal to the applicable margin for LIBOR loans. The applicable interest rate will increase by 2% during any payment default.

        The credit agreement documentation contains certain customary representations and warranties and contains customary restrictive affirmative, negative and financial covenants including leverage ratios and an interest coverage ratio and capital expenditure and dividend payment restrictions.

        Events of default under the credit agreement include (i) our failure to pay principal or interest when due, (ii) our material breach of any representations or warranty, (iii) covenant defaults, (iv) events of bankruptcy and (v) a change of control. We will pay the senior lenders and agents certain syndication and administration fees, reimburse certain expenses and provide certain indemnities to the senior lenders and the agents, in each case which are customary for credit facilities of this type.

        In the event of default, our loan commitment will terminate and all of the obligations shall become immediately due and payable without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind.

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DESCRIPTION OF NOTES

General

        We issued the old notes, and will issue the new notes, under an indenture (the "Indenture") dated as of December 16, 2003 among Equinox Holdings, Inc., the Guarantors and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee. The terms of the new notes are identical in all material respects to the terms of the old notes, except that the new notes will be registered under the Securities Act, and therefor will not contain restrictions on transfer, will not contain provisions relating to additional interest, will bear a different CUSIP number from the old notes and will not entitle their holders to registration rights. The new notes will otherwise evidence the same debt as the old notes and will be entitled to the benefits of the Indenture.

        The following summary of the Indenture does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the "TIA"), and to all of the provisions of the Indenture (a copy of the form of which may be obtained from us), including the definitions of certain terms therein and those terms made a part of the Indenture by reference to the TIA as in effect on the date of the Indenture. The definitions of most of the capitalized terms used in the following summary are set forth below under "—Certain Definitions." For purposes of this "Description of Notes," references to the "Company" are to Equinox Holdings, Inc. and not to any of its Subsidiaries.

        The Notes will be our unsecured obligations, ranking equal in right of payment to all of our unsubordinated debt. The Notes will be effectively subordinated to all existing and future secured debt of the Company to the extent of the value of the assets securing such debt. As of December 31, 2003, the aggregate principal amount of secured Indebtedness of the Company and its subsidiaries who are Guarantors was $3.3 million, and the Company had an additional $21.5 million of secured borrowings available under the Credit Agreement, subject to conditions on availability.

        We will issue the Notes in fully registered form only, without coupons, in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof. Initially, the Trustee will act as Paying Agent and Registrar for the Notes. The Notes may be presented for registration or transfer and exchange at the offices of the Registrar, which initially will be the Trustee's corporate trust office. We may change any Paying Agent and Registrar without notice to holders of the Notes. We will pay principal (and premium, if any) on the Notes at the Trustee's corporate office in New York, New York. At our option, interest may be paid at the Trustee's corporate trust office or by check mailed to the registered address of Holders.

Principal, Maturity and Interest

        The Notes will be unlimited in aggregate principal amount, with $160 million aggregate principal amount issued on December 16, 2003, and will mature on December 15, 2009. Additional Notes ("Additional Notes") may be issued from time to time under the Indenture in an unlimited amount, subject to the limitations set forth under "—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Incurrence of Additional Indebtedness." The Notes and any such Additional Notes will be treated as a single class for all purposes under the Indenture.

        Interest on the Notes will accrue at the rate per annum set forth on the front cover of this prospectus and will be payable semiannually in cash on each June 15 and December 15 to the persons who are registered Holders at the close of business on the June 1 and December 1 immediately preceding the applicable interest payment date. Interest on the Notes was first payable on June 15, 2004. Interest on the Notes will accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid, from and including the date of issuance.

        The Notes will not be entitled to the benefit of any mandatory sinking fund.

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Redemption

        Optional Redemption.    The Notes will be redeemable, at the Company's option, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, on and after December 15, 2006, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days' notice, at the following redemption prices (expressed as percentages of the principal amount thereof) if redeemed during the twelve-month period commencing on December 15 of the year set forth below, plus, in each case, accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the date of redemption:

Year

  Percentage
 
2006   104.500 %
2007   102.250 %
2008 and thereafter   100.000 %

        Optional Redemption upon Public Equity Offerings.    At any time, or from time to time, on or prior to December 15, 2006, the Company may, at its option, use the net cash proceeds of one or more Equity Offerings (as defined below) to redeem up to 35% of the principal amount of Notes issued under the Indenture at a redemption price equal to 109% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the date of redemption; provided that:

(1)
at least 65% of the principal amount of Notes issued under the Indenture remains outstanding immediately after any such redemption; and

(2)
the Company shall make such redemption not more than 120 days after the consummation of any such Equity Offering.

        As used in the preceding paragraph, "Equity Offering" means an underwritten public offering of Qualified Capital Stock of the Company that generates gross proceeds to the Company of at least $35.0 million.

Selection and Notice of Redemption

        In the event that less than all of the Notes are to be redeemed at any time, selection of such Notes for redemption will be made by the Trustee in compliance with the requirements of the principal national securities exchange, if any, on which such Notes are listed or, if such Notes are not then listed on a national securities exchange, on a pro rata basis, by lot or by such method as the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate; provided, however:

    (1)
    that no Notes of a principal amount of $1,000 or less shall be redeemed in part; and

    (2)
    that if a partial redemption is made with the proceeds of an Equity Offering, selection of the Notes or portions thereof for redemption shall be made by the Trustee only on a pro rata basis or on as nearly a pro rata basis as is practicable (subject to DTC procedures), unless such method is otherwise prohibited.

        Notice of redemption shall be mailed by first-class mail at least 30 but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each Holder of Notes to be redeemed at its registered address. If any Note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption that relates to such Note shall state the portion of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed. A new Note in a principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion thereof will be issued in the name of the Holder thereof upon cancellation of the original Note. On and after the redemption date, interest will cease to accrue on Notes or portions thereof called for redemption as long as the Company has deposited with the Paying Agent funds in satisfaction of the applicable redemption price pursuant to the Indenture.

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Guarantees

        All of the Company's existing subsidiaries as of December 16, 2003 have jointly and severally guaranteed the Company's obligations under the Indenture and the Notes fully and unconditionally on a senior unsecured basis. In the future, any Domestic Restricted Subsidiary of a specified size, and any subsidiary that guarantees Indebtedness of the Company, will guarantee the Company's obligations under the Indenture and the Notes on a senior unsecured basis as described under "—Certain Covenants—Additional Subsidiary Guarantees." The obligations of each Guarantor under its Guarantee will be limited as necessary to prevent the Guarantee from constituting a fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer under applicable law.

        Each Guarantor may consolidate with or merge into or sell all or substantially all of its assets to the Company or another Guarantor that is a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company without limitation, or with other Persons upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Indenture. See "—Certain Covenants—Merger, Consolidation and Sale of Assets." In the event a Guarantor ceases to be a Subsidiary of the Company in a transaction that complies with the provisions set forth in "—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Asset Sales" and the other covenants contained in the Indenture, then the Guarantor's Guarantee will be released.

Change of Control

        Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, each Holder will have the right to require that the Company purchase all or a portion of such Holder's Notes pursuant to the offer described below (the "Change of Control Offer"), at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of purchase; provided that the Company shall not be obligated to make a Change of Control Offer pursuant to this covenant if, no later than the 30th day after the Change of Control, it has mailed an irrevocable notice of redemption for all of the Notes in accordance with the provisions described under "—Redemption—Optional Redemption" and it subsequently has not failed to consummate such redemption. Upon any failure to consummate the redemption for which such notice was given, the Company's obligation to offer to repurchase Notes pursuant to this covenant shall be reinstated.

        Within 30 days following the date upon which the Change of Control occurred, the Company must send, by first class mail, a notice to each Holder, with a copy to the Trustee, which notice shall govern the terms of the Change of Control Offer. Such notice will state, among other things, the purchase date, which must be no earlier than 30 days nor later than 45 days from the date such notice is mailed, other than as may be required by law (the "Change of Control Payment Date"). Holders electing to have a Note purchased pursuant to a Change of Control Offer will be required to surrender the Note, with the form entitled "Option of Holder to Elect Purchase" on the reverse of the Note completed, to the Paying Agent at the address specified in the notice prior to the close of business on the third business day prior to the Change of Control Payment Date.

        The Company will not be required to make a Change of Control Offer upon a Change of Control if a third party makes the Change of Control Offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements set forth in the Indenture applicable to a Change of Control Offer made by the Company and purchases all Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn under such Change of Control Offer.

        If a Change of Control Offer is made, there can be no assurance that the Company will have available funds sufficient to pay the Change of Control purchase price for all the Notes that might be delivered by Holders seeking to accept the Change of Control Offer. The Credit Agreement contains, and any future other agreements relating to other indebtedness to which we become a party may contain, restrictions or prohibitions on the Company's ability to repurchase Notes or may provide that an occurrence of a Change of Control constitutes an event of default under, or otherwise requires

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payments of amounts borrowed under, those agreements. If a Change of Control occurs at a time when the Company is prohibited from repurchasing the Notes, we could seek the consent of our then existing lenders to the repurchase of the Notes or could attempt to refinance the Credit Agreement. If the Company does not obtain such consent or repay the indebtedness, it would remain prohibited from repurchasing the Notes. In that case, failure to repurchase tendered Notes would constitute an Event of Default under the Indenture and may constitute a default under the terms of other indebtedness that we may enter into from time to time. In the event the Company is required to purchase outstanding Notes pursuant to a Change of Control Offer, the Company expects that it would seek third party financing to the extent it does not have available funds to meet our purchase obligations. However, there can be no assurance that the Company would be able to obtain such financing.

        Neither the Board of Directors of the Company nor the Trustee may waive the covenant relating to a Holder's right to redemption upon a Change of Control. Restrictions in the Indenture described herein on the ability of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries to incur additional Indebtedness, to grant liens on its property, to make Restricted Payments and to make Asset Sales may also make more difficult or discourage a takeover of the Company, whether favored or opposed by the management of the Company. Consummation of any such transaction in certain circumstances may require redemption or repurchase of the Notes, and there can be no assurance that the Company or the acquiring party will have sufficient financial resources to effect such redemption or repurchase. Such restrictions and the restrictions on transactions with Affiliates may, in certain circumstances, make more difficult or discourage any leveraged buyout of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries by the management of the Company. While such restrictions cover a wide variety of arrangements that have traditionally been used to effect highly leveraged transactions, the Indenture may not afford the Holders of Notes protection in all circumstances from the adverse aspects of a highly leveraged transaction, reorganization, restructuring, merger or similar transaction.

        The Company will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent such laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of Notes pursuant to a Change of Control Offer. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the "Change of Control" provisions of the Indenture, the Company shall comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached its obligations under the "Change of Control" provisions of the Indenture by virtue thereof.

Certain Covenants

        The Indenture contains, among others, the following covenants:

        Limitation on Incurrence of Additional Indebtedness.    (a) The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, issue, assume, guarantee, acquire, become liable, contingently or otherwise, with respect to, or otherwise become responsible for payment of (collectively "incur") any Indebtedness (other than Permitted Indebtedness); provided, however, that the Company or any Guarantor may incur Indebtedness and any Restricted Subsidiary may incur Acquired Indebtedness, in each case if on the date of the incurrence of such Indebtedness, after giving effect to the incurrence thereof, the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of the Company is greater than 2.00 to 1.00 if such incurrence is before October 1, 2005 or 2.25 to 1.00 if such incurrence is on or after October 1, 2005.

        (b)   Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the Company will not incur any Indebtedness if such Indebtedness is by its express terms subordinate in right of payment to any other Indebtedness of the Company, unless such Indebtedness is also by its express terms made subordinate in right of payment to the Notes to the same extent and in the same manner as such Indebtedness is subordinated to other Indebtedness of the Company; provided that Indebtedness shall not be

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considered subordinate in right of payment solely by reason of being unsecured (or not guaranteed) or being secured (or guaranteed) to a greater or lesser extent.

        Limitation on Restricted Payments.    The Company will not, and will not cause or permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly:

    (1)
    declare or pay any dividend or make any distribution (other than dividends or distributions payable in the Qualified Capital Stock of the Company) on or in respect of shares of the Company's Capital Stock to holders of such Capital Stock;

    (2)
    purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire or retire for value any Capital Stock of the Company or make any Exit Payment;

    (3)
    make any principal payment on, or purchase, defease, redeem, prepay or otherwise acquire or retire for value, prior to:

    (a)
    any scheduled final maturity,

    (b)
    any scheduled or mandatory repayment or

    (c)
    any scheduled sinking fund payment,

      of any Indebtedness of the Company that is by its express terms subordinate in right of payment to the Notes (other than Indebtedness to a Restricted Subsidiary); or

    (4)
    make any Investment (other than Permitted Investments)

(each of the foregoing actions set forth in clauses (1), (2), (3) and (4) (other than any exception thereto) being referred to as a "Restricted Payment"); if at the time of such Restricted Payment or immediately after giving effect thereto:

    (A)
    a Default shall have occurred and be continuing; or

    (B)
    the Company is not able to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness (other than Permitted Indebtedness) in compliance with the covenant described under paragraph (a) of the "—Limitation on Incurrence of Additional Indebtedness" covenant; or

    (C)
    the aggregate amount of Restricted Payments (including such proposed Restricted Payment) made subsequent to the Issue Date (the amount expended for such purposes, if other than in cash, being the fair market value of such property as determined reasonably and in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company) shall exceed the sum of, without duplication:

              (i)    50% of the cumulative Consolidated Net Income (or if cumulative Consolidated Net Income shall be a loss, minus 100% of such loss) of the Company earned subsequent to the end of the most recent fiscal quarter immediately prior to the Issue Date and on or prior to the end of the most recently ended fiscal quarter for which internal financial statements are available as of the date the Restricted Payment occurs (treating such period as a single accounting period), plus

              (ii)   100% of the amount by which Indebtedness or Disqualified Capital Stock of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries incurred after the Issue Date is reduced on the Company's consolidated balance sheet upon the conversion or exchange (other than by a Subsidiary of the Company) of such Indebtedness or Disqualified Capital Stock into Qualified Capital Stock of the Company plus 100% of the aggregate net cash proceeds of any equity contribution received by the Company from a holder of the Company's Capital Stock or received by the Company from any Person (other than a Subsidiary of the Company) from the issuance and sale of Qualified Capital Stock of the Company, in each case subsequent to the Issue Date and on or prior to the date the Restricted Payment occurs (except, in each case, to

75



      the extent such proceeds are used to purchase, redeem, or otherwise retire or acquire Capital Stock or subordinated Indebtedness as set forth in the clause (2)(b) or (3)(b)(x) of the next paragraph), plus

              (iii)  without duplication, an amount equal to the sum of

        (x)
        in the case of the disposition or repayment of any Investment in any Person or the release of a guarantee constituting a Restricted Payment made after the Issue Date, an amount equal to the cash proceeds of such disposition or repayment, less the cost of the disposition of such Investment and net of taxes and, in the case of guarantees, less any amounts paid under such guarantee;

        (y)
        the aggregate amount returned in cash on or with respect to Investments (other than Permitted Investments) made subsequent to the Issue Date, whether through interest payments, principal payments, dividends or other distributions or payments; provided that such amount shall not exceed the amount included as a Restricted Payment under clause (C) above with respect to such Investment; and

        (z)
        so long as the Designation thereof was treated as a Restricted Payment made after the Issue Date, with respect to any Unrestricted Subsidiary that has been redesignated as a Restricted Subsidiary after the Issue Date in accordance with "—Limitation on Designations of Unrestricted Subsidiaries," the fair market value of the Company's interest in such Subsidiary; provided that such amount shall not exceed the amount included as a Restricted Payment under clause (C) above with respect to such Designation and any Investment in such Subsidiary.

        Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions set forth in the immediately preceding paragraph will not prohibit:

    (1)
    the payment of any dividend or redemption payment within 60 days after the date of declaration of such dividend or the mailing of such irrevocable redemption notice if the dividend or redemption payment, as the case may be, would have been permitted on the date of declaration or the date of mailing of such notice;

    (2)
    the purchase, redemption, or other retirement or acquisition of any shares of Capital Stock of the Company, either

    (a)
    solely in exchange for shares of Qualified Capital Stock of the Company or

    (b)
    through the application of net proceeds of a substantially concurrent sale for cash (other than to a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company) of shares of Qualified Capital Stock of the Company;

    (3)
    the purchase, redemption, or other retirement or acquisition of any Indebtedness of the Company that is by its express terms subordinate in right of payment to the Notes either

    (a)
    solely in exchange for shares of Qualified Capital Stock of the Company, or

    (b)
    through the application of net proceeds of a substantially concurrent sale for cash (other than to a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company) of

    (x)
    shares of Qualified Capital Stock of the Company or

    (y)
    Refinancing Indebtedness;

    (4)
    repurchases by the Company of Capital Stock of the Company or options or warrants to purchase Capital Stock of the Company, stock appreciation rights or any similar equity interest in the Company from consultants, directors, officers and employees of the Company

76


      or any of its Subsidiaries or their authorized representatives upon the death, disability, retirement or termination of employment of such consultants, directors, officers or employees in an aggregate amount not to exceed $1.0 million in any calendar year plus the amount of any proceeds received under key-man life insurance policies that are used to make such payments; provided that any amounts not utilized under this clause (4) in any calendar year may be carried forward to the immediately subsequent calendar year only;

    (5)
    so long as no Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the purchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement of Indebtedness of the Company that is by its express terms subordinate in right of payment to the Notes following a Net Proceeds Offer or Change of Control Offer after complying with the covenants set forth under "—Limitation on Asset Sales" and "—Change of Control";

    (6)
    so long as no Default shall have occurred and be continuing, Restricted Payments in an aggregate amount since the Issue Date not to exceed $2.0 million;

    (7)
    any Restricted Payments made as part of the Transactions;

    (8)
    so long as no Default has occurred and is continuing, the declaration and payment of dividends or distributions to holders of any class or series of Disqualified Capital Stock of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries issued or incurred after the Issue Date in accordance with the covenant set forth under "—Limitation on Incurrence of Additional Indebtedness";

    (9)
    the issuance of the Warrant Preferred Stock in exchange for the Warrants following the occurrence of any Warrant Put;

    (10)
    the payment of any dividend on Common Stock of the Company following an underwritten initial public offering of Company Common Stock in an amount not to exceed 6% per annum of the aggregate net proceeds received by the Company from such public offering; and

    (11)
    payments to holders of Capital Stock of the Company in lieu of the issuance of fractional shares of such Capital Stock, in an aggregate amount since the Issue Date not to exceed $50,000, and payments or distributions to stockholders pursuant to appraisal rights required under applicable law in connection with any consolidation, merger or transfer of assets that complies with the covenant described under "—Merger, Consolidation and Sale of Assets."

In determining the aggregate amount of Restricted Payments made subsequent to the Issue Date in accordance with clause (C) of the second preceding paragraph, amounts expended pursuant to clauses (1), (4), (6), (8), (10) and (11) of the immediately preceding paragraph shall be included in such calculation.

        Limitation on Asset Sales.    The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, consummate an Asset Sale unless:

    (1)
    the Company or the applicable Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, receives consideration at the time of such Asset Sale at least equal to the fair market value of the assets sold or otherwise disposed of (as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company); and

    (2)
    at least 75% of the consideration received by the Company or the applicable Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, from such Asset Sale shall be in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents and shall be received at the time of such disposition; provided, however, that the amount of:

    (a)
    any liabilities (as shown on the Company's or such Restricted Subsidiary's most recent balance sheet or the notes thereto) of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (other

77


        than Indebtedness that by its terms is expressly subordinate in right of payment to the Notes) that are assumed by the transferee in such Asset Sale and from which the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary is released or is otherwise no longer liable and

      (b)
      any notes or other obligations received by the Company or by any such Restricted Subsidiary from such transferee that are immediately converted by the Company or by such Restricted Subsidiary into cash or Cash Equivalents (to the extent of the cash or Cash Equivalents received), shall be deemed to be cash for the purposes of this provision.

        Upon the consummation of an Asset Sale, the Company shall apply, or cause the applicable Restricted Subsidiary to apply, an amount equal to the Net Cash Proceeds relating to such Asset Sale within 360 days of receipt thereof either:

    (1)
    to (i) permanently reduce Indebtedness under any Credit Facility (and, in the case of any such Indebtedness under any revolving credit facility, effect a corresponding permanent reduction in the availability under such revolving credit facility), any senior secured Indebtedness, any Capitalized Lease Obligations or other Indebtedness ranking pari passu with the Notes or Guarantees and (ii) in the case of an Asset Sale by a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor, permanently reduce Indebtedness of such Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that if the Company permanently reduces unsecured Indebtedness that ranks pari passu with the Notes pursuant to this covenant, it must make an equal and ratable Net Proceeds Offer to all holders of Notes as provided in the following paragraph,

    (2)
    to make an investment in properties and assets that replace the properties and assets that were the subject of such Asset Sale or in properties and assets that will be used in the Permitted Business, including in each case, without limitation, by way of capital expenditures or the purchase of Capital Stock in a Person engaged in a Permitted Business that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary ("Replacement Assets") or

    (3)
    a combination of prepayment and investment permitted by the foregoing clauses (1) and (2).

        On the 361st day after an Asset Sale or such earlier date, if any, as the Board of Directors of the Company or of such Restricted Subsidiary determines not to apply the Net Cash Proceeds relating to such Asset Sale as set forth in the preceding paragraph (each, a "Net Proceeds Offer Trigger Date"), such aggregate amount of Net Cash Proceeds that have not been applied on or before such Net Proceeds Offer Trigger Date as permitted in the preceding paragraph (each a "Net Proceeds Offer Amount") shall be applied by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary to make an offer to purchase (the "Net Proceeds Offer") on a date not less than 45 nor more than 60 days following the applicable Net Proceeds Offer Trigger Date, the maximum principal amount of Notes and, if the Company so elects, other Indebtedness of the Company and the Guarantors that ranks pari passu in right of payment with the Notes or the Guarantees, as the case may be (to the extent required by the instrument governing such other Indebtedness), that may be purchased out of the Net Proceeds Offer Amount. Any Notes and other Indebtedness to be purchased pursuant to a Net Proceeds Offer shall be purchased pro rata based on the aggregate principal amount of Notes and such other Indebtedness outstanding, and all Notes shall be purchased at an offer price in cash in an amount equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of purchase. To the extent the aggregate principal amount of Notes and other Indebtedness validly tendered and not withdrawn by holders exceeds the Net Proceeds Offer Amount, Notes and other Indebtedness, if any, shall be purchased pro rata based on the aggregate principal amount of tendered Notes and other Indebtedness, if any.

        The Company may defer the Net Proceeds Offer until there is an aggregate unutilized Net Proceeds Offer Amount equal to or in excess of $10.0 million resulting from one or more Asset Sales (at which time, the entire unutilized Net Proceeds Offer Amount, not just the amount in excess of $10.0 million, shall be applied as required pursuant to the preceding paragraph). To the extent the

78



aggregate principal amount of Notes and other Indebtedness tendered pursuant to a Net Proceeds Offer is less than the Net Proceeds Offer Amount, the Company may use such Deficiency in any manner otherwise permitted by the Indenture. Upon completion of the purchase of all Notes and other Indebtedness tendered pursuant to a Net Proceeds Offer, the amount of the Net Proceeds Offer Amount, if any, shall be reset to zero.

        Notwithstanding the four immediately preceding paragraphs, the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries will be permitted to consummate an Asset Sale without complying with such paragraphs to the extent:

    (1)
    at least 75% of the consideration for such Asset Sale constitutes Replacement Assets; and

    (2)
    the Company or the applicable Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, receives consideration at the time of such Asset Sale at least equal to the fair market value of the assets sold or otherwise disposed of (as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company);

provided that any consideration not constituting Replacement Assets received by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with any Asset Sale permitted to be consummated under this paragraph shall constitute Net Cash Proceeds subject to the provisions of the four preceding paragraphs.

        Each Net Proceeds Offer will be mailed to the record Holders as shown on the register of Holders within 30 days following the Net Proceeds Offer Trigger Date, with a copy to the Trustee, and shall comply with the procedures set forth in the Indenture. Upon receiving notice of the Net Proceeds Offer, Holders may elect to tender their Notes in whole or in part in integral multiples of $1,000 in exchange for cash. To the extent Holders properly tender Notes in an amount exceeding the Net Proceeds Offer Amount, Notes of tendering Holders will be purchased on a pro rata basis (based on amounts tendered). A Net Proceeds Offer shall remain open for a period of 20 business days or such longer period as may be required by law.

        The Company shall comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent such laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of Notes pursuant to a Net Proceeds Offer. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the "Asset Sale" provisions of the Indenture, the Company shall comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached its obligations under the "Asset Sale" provisions of the Indenture by virtue thereof.

        Limitation on Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Subsidiaries.    The Company will not, and will not cause or permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create or otherwise cause or permit to exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or restriction on the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary to:

    (1)
    pay dividends or make any other distributions on or in respect of Capital Stock;

    (2)
    make loans or advances or to pay any Indebtedness or other obligation owed to the Company or any other Restricted Subsidiary; or

    (3)
    transfer any of its property or assets to the Company or any other Restricted Subsidiary,

in each case except for such encumbrances or restrictions existing under or by reason of:

      (a)
      applicable law, rule or regulation;

      (b)
      the Indenture, the Notes and the Guarantees;

79


      (c)
      any customary restriction with respect to the subletting, assignment, change of control or transfer of any property or asset that is subject to a lease, license or similar contract, or the assignment, change of control or transfer of any lease, license or other contract;

      (d)
      any transfer of, agreement to transfer, option or right with respect to, or Lien on, any property or assets of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary not otherwise prohibited by the Indenture;

      (e)
      customary provisions restricting dispositions of real property interests set forth in any reciprocal easement agreements of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary;

      (f)
      any agreement governing Purchase Money Indebtedness that imposes encumbrances or restrictions on the property or assets so acquired;

      (g)
      with respect to any Restricted Subsidiary (or any of its property or assets), an agreement entered into for the direct or indirect sale or disposition of all or substantially all the Capital Stock or assets of such Restricted Subsidiary (or the property or assets that are subject to such restriction) pending the closing of such sale or disposition;

      (h)
      (i) any instrument governing Acquired Indebtedness, which encumbrance or restriction was in existence at the time of such acquisition (but not created in contemplation thereof or to provide all or any portion of the funds or credit support utilized to consummate such acquisition) and is not applicable to any Person, or the properties or assets of any Person, other than the Person or the properties or assets of the Person so acquired (including, but not limited to, such Person's direct and indirect Subsidiaries); and (ii) any agreement (x) with respect to a Restricted Subsidiary that was not a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company on the Issue Date, in existence at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary, not incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary, and not applicable to any Person, or the properties or assets of any Person, other than the Person or the properties or assets of the Person that becomes the Restricted Subsidiary (including, but not limited to, such Person's direct and indirect Subsidiaries or (y) with respect to any asset acquired, in existence at the time of such acquisition, not incurred in connection with or in contemplation of such acquisition and not applicable to any assets other than the assets so acquired;

      (i)
      agreements existing on the Issue Date (other than the Credit Agreement) to the extent and in the manner such agreements are in effect on the Issue Date;

      (j)
      any Credit Facility (including the Credit Agreement) or any agreement governing any other Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary permitted to be incurred under the Indenture; provided that, with respect to any agreement governing such other Indebtedness, the provisions relating to such encumbrance or restriction are no less favorable to the Company in any material respect than the provisions contained in the Credit Agreement as in effect on the Issue Date;

      (k)
      restrictions on the transfer of assets subject to any Lien permitted under the Indenture imposed by the holder of such Lien;

      (l)
      restrictions imposed by any agreement to sell assets or Capital Stock permitted under the Indenture to any Person pending the closing of such sale;

      (m)
      customary provisions in joint venture agreements and other similar agreements in each case relating solely to the respective joint venture or similar entity or to the equity interest therein; or

80


      (n)
      any agreement or instrument that extends, renews, refinances or replaces any of the agreements or instruments containing any of the encumbrances or restrictions referred to in clause (b) and (d) through (k) above; provided, however, that the provisions relating to such encumbrance or restriction contained in any such agreement or instrument are no less favorable to the Company in any material respect as determined by the Board of Directors of the Company in its reasonable and good faith judgment than the provisions relating to such encumbrance or restriction contained in agreements referred to in such clause (b) and (d) through (k) above.

        Limitation on Preferred Stock of Restricted Subsidiaries.    The Company will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Guarantors to issue any Preferred Stock (other than to the Company or to a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary) or permit any Person (other than the Company or a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary) to own any Preferred Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor.

        Limitation on Liens.    The Company will not, and will not cause or permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or permit or suffer to exist any Lien (an "Initial Lien") upon any property or assets of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries whether owned on the Issue Date or acquired after the Issue Date, or any proceeds therefrom, unless:

    (1)
    in the case of Liens securing Subordinated Indebtedness, the Notes or the Guarantee of such Guarantor, as the case may be, are secured by a Lien on such property, assets or proceeds that is senior in priority to such Liens for so long as such Subordinated Indebtedness is secured by such Lien; and

    (2)
    in all other cases, the Notes or the Guarantees, as the case may be, are secured on an equal and ratable basis for so long as such Lien is in place, except for

    (a)
    Liens existing as of the Issue Date to the extent and in the manner such Liens are in effect on the Issue Date;

    (b)
    Liens securing Obligations in respect of a principal amount of Indebtedness Incurred under any Credit Facility in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed the amount permitted to be incurred under clause (2) of the definition of "Permitted Indebtedness";

    (c)
    Liens securing the Notes and Guarantees;

    (d)
    Liens on assets of any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company in favor of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary and Liens on the assets of the Company in favor of a Restricted Subsidiary that is a Guarantor;

    (e)
    Liens in favor of the Company or any Guarantor;

    (f)
    Liens securing Refinancing refunding, extension, renewal or replacement (in whole or in part) of any Indebtedness or other Obligation that has been secured by a Lien permitted under the Indenture and that has been incurred in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture; provided, however, that such new Liens are limited to all or part of the same property or assets of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (plus improvements, decisions, proceeds or dividends or distributions in respect thereof) securing the Indebtedness or other obligation so Refinanced, refinanced, extended, renewed or replaced; and

    (g)
    Permitted Liens.

        Any such Lien thereby created in favor of the Notes or any Guarantee will be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged upon (i) the release and discharge of all Initial Liens to which it relates or (ii) any sale, exchange or transfer to any Person not an Affiliate of the Company of the

81



property or assets securing all such Initial Liens or of all of the Capital Stock held by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary in, or all or substantially all the assets of, any Restricted Subsidiary creating all such Initial Liens.

        Merger, Consolidation and Sale of Assets.    The Company will not, in a single transaction or series of related transactions, consolidate or merge with or into any Person, or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of (or cause or permit any Restricted Subsidiary to sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of) all or substantially all of the Company's assets (determined on a consolidated basis for the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries) to any Person unless:

    (1)
    either:

    (a)
    the Company will be the surviving or continuing corporation or

    (b)
    the Person (if other than the Company) formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or the Person which acquires by sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition of properties and assets of the Company and of its Restricted Subsidiaries substantially as an entirety (the "Surviving Entity")

    (x)
    will be a corporation organized and validly existing under the laws of the United States or any State thereof or the District of Columbia and

    (y)
    will expressly assume, by supplemental indenture (in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee), executed and delivered to the Trustee, the due and punctual payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on all of the Notes and the performance of every covenant of the Notes, the Indenture and the Registration Rights Agreement on the part of the Company to be performed or observed;

    (2)
    except in the case of a transaction solely involving the Company and a Guarantor, immediately after giving effect to such transaction and the assumption contemplated by clause (1)(b)(y) above (including giving effect to any Indebtedness and Acquired Indebtedness incurred or anticipated to be incurred in connection with or in respect of such transaction), the Company or such Surviving Entity, as the case may be, shall be able to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness (other than Permitted Indebtedness) in compliance with the covenant described under paragraph (a) of the "—Limitation on Incurrence of Additional Indebtedness" covenant;

    (3)
    immediately before and immediately after giving effect to such transaction and the assumption contemplated by clause (1)(b)(y) above (including, without limitation, giving effect to any Indebtedness and Acquired Indebtedness incurred or anticipated to be incurred and any Lien granted in connection with or in respect of the transaction), no Default shall have occurred or be continuing; and

    (4)
    the Company or the Surviving Entity shall have delivered to the Trustee an officers' certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating to the effect that all conditions precedent in the Indenture relating to such transaction have been satisfied.

        For purposes of the foregoing, the transfer (by lease, assignment, sale or otherwise, in a single transaction or series of transactions) of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of one or more Restricted Subsidiaries the Capital Stock of which constitutes all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the Company, will be deemed to be the transfer of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the Company.

        The Indenture will provide that upon any consolidation, combination or merger or any transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company in accordance with the foregoing, in which the Company is not the continuing corporation, the Surviving Entity shall succeed to, and be substituted

82



for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Company under the Indenture and the Notes with the same effect as if such Surviving Entity had been named as such. Thereafter the predecessor Company shall be relieved of all obligations and covenants under the Indenture, except that the predecessor Company in the case of a lease of all or substantially all of its assets will not be released from the obligation to pay the principal of and interest on the Notes.

        Each Guarantor (other than any Guarantor whose Guarantee is to be released in accordance with the terms of the Guarantee and the Indenture in connection with any transaction complying with the provisions of "—Limitation on Asset Sales") will not, and the Company will not cause or permit any Guarantor to, consolidate with or merge with or into any Person other than the Company or any other Guarantor unless:

    (1)
    the entity formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than the Guarantor) or to which such sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition shall have been made is a corporation, limited liability company or partnership organized and existing under the laws of the United States or any State thereof or the District of Columbia;

    (2)
    such entity assumes by supplemental indenture all of the obligations of the Guarantor on the Guarantee; and

    (3)
    immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

        Any merger or consolidation of a Guarantor with and into the Company (with the Company being the surviving entity) need only comply with clause (4) of the first paragraph of this covenant.

        None of the foregoing shall prohibit any transfer by the Company of the Capital Stock of, or other Investments in, one or more of its Subsidiaries to any Guarantor.

    Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates.

    (1)
    The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, enter into or permit to exist any transaction or series of related transactions (including, without limitation, the purchase, sale, lease or exchange of any property or the rendering of any service) with, or for the benefit of, any of its Affiliates (other than a transaction not directly or indirectly with an Affiliate that has the effect of benefiting all shareholders proportionally) (each, an "Affiliate Transaction"), other than:

    (a)
    Affiliate Transactions permitted under paragraph (2) below; and

    (b)
    Affiliate Transactions on terms that are no less favorable than those that might reasonably have been obtained in a comparable transaction at such time on an arm's-length basis from a Person that is not an Affiliate of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary.

        All Affiliate Transactions (and each series of related Affiliate Transactions which are similar or part of a common plan) involving aggregate payments or other property with a fair market value in excess of $1.0 million will be approved by the Board of Directors of the Company, such approval to be evidenced by a Board Resolution stating that such Board of Directors has determined that such transaction complies with the foregoing provisions. If the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary enters into an Affiliate Transaction (or a series of related Affiliate Transactions related to a common plan) that involves payments or other property with an aggregate fair market value of more than $7.5 million, the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, will, prior to the consummation thereof, obtain an opinion from an Independent Financial Advisor stating that such transaction or series of related transactions are fair to the Company or to the relevant Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, from a financial point of view.

83


    (2)
    The restrictions set forth in paragraph (1) shall not apply to:

    (a)
    reasonable fees and compensation paid to and indemnity provided on behalf of officers, directors, employees or consultants of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary as determined in good faith by the Company's Board of Directors;

    (b)
    transactions exclusively between or among the Company and any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or exclusively between or among such Restricted Subsidiaries; provided that such transactions are not otherwise prohibited by the Indenture;

    (c)
    Restricted Payments and Permitted Investments permitted by the Indenture;

    (d)
    any sale, issuance or grant of any equity interest (other than Disqualified Capital Stock);

    (e)
    transactions arising out of agreements existing on the Issue Date to the extent and in the manner such agreements are in effect on the Issue Date;

    (f)
    the Transactions;

    (g)
    transactions with customers, suppliers or purchasers or sellers of goods or services, in each case in the ordinary course of business and otherwise in compliance with the terms of the Indenture, on customary terms no less favorable than those that might reasonably have been obtained in a comparable transaction at such time on an arm's length basis from a Person that is not an Affiliate of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary; and

    (h)
    management or advisory fees to North Castle Partners and J.W. Childs Associates, L.P. or their respective affiliates in accordance with the terms of the Management Agreement as in effect on the Issue Date, as the same may be modified or amended so long as such modification or amendment does not increase the amount of management or advisory fees to be paid thereunder, plus reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.

        Additional Subsidiary Guarantees.    If (a) any Subsidiary of the Company that is not a Guarantor guarantees or becomes otherwise obligated for any of the Company's Indebtedness (other than solely as a result of a guarantee by the Company of such Subsidiary's primary obligations), or (b) the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries transfers or causes to be transferred, in one transaction or a series of related transactions, any property to any Domestic Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor having total assets (after giving effect to such transfer) with a book value in excess of $500,000, or if the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries shall organize, acquire or otherwise invest in another Domestic Restricted Subsidiary having total assets with a book value in excess of $500,000, then such guarantor, transferee or acquired or other Restricted Subsidiary shall:

    (1)
    execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee pursuant to which such Restricted Subsidiary shall guarantee all of the Company's obligations under the Notes and the Indenture on the terms set forth in the Indenture; and

    (2)
    deliver to the Trustee one or more opinions of counsel to the effect that such supplemental indenture has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by such Restricted Subsidiary and constitutes a legally valid, binding and enforceable obligation of such Restricted Subsidiary.

        Thereafter, such Restricted Subsidiary shall be a Guarantor for all purposes of the Indenture; provided, however, that to the extent that a Restricted Subsidiary is subject to any instrument governing Acquired Indebtedness, as in effect at the time of acquisition thereof, that prohibits such Restricted Subsidiary from issuing a Guarantee, such Restricted Subsidiary shall not be required to execute such a supplemental indenture until it is permitted to issue such Guarantee pursuant to the terms of such Acquired Indebtedness.

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        Reports to Holders.    Whether or not required by the rules and regulations of the Commission, so long as any Notes are outstanding, the Company will furnish by filing with the Commission or (if not filing with the Commission) by sending to the registered holders of Notes with a copy to the Trustee:

    (1)
    all quarterly and annual financial information that would be required to be contained in a filing with the Commission on Forms 10-Q and 10-K if the Company were required to file such Forms, including a "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" that describes the financial condition and results of operations of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries and, with respect to annual financial information only, a report thereon by the Company's certified independent accountants; and

    (2)
    the information that would be required to be included in all current reports that would be required to be filed with the Commission on Form 8-K if the Company were required to file such reports,

in each case within the time periods specified in the Commission's rules and regulations (or, if later, within 180 days after the Issue Date).

        In addition, following the consummation of the exchange offer contemplated by the Registration Rights Agreement, whether or not required by the rules and regulations of the Commission, the Company will file a copy of all such information and reports with the Commission for public availability within the time periods specified in the Commission's rules and regulations (unless the Commission will not accept such a filing) and make such information available to securities analysts and prospective investors upon request. In addition, the Company has agreed that, for so long as any Notes remain outstanding, it will furnish to the Holders and to securities analysts and prospective investors, upon their request, the information required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act.

        Limitation on Designations of Unrestricted Subsidiaries.    The Company may designate any Subsidiary of the Company (other than a Subsidiary of the Company that, following such designation, would own Capital Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary) as an "Unrestricted Subsidiary" under the Indenture (a "Designation") only if:

    (1)
    no Default shall have occurred and be continuing at the time of or after giving effect to such Designation; and

    (2)
    the Company would be permitted under the Indenture to make an Investment at the time of Designation (assuming the effectiveness of such Designation) in an amount (the "Designation Amount") equal to the fair market value of the Investments of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries in such Subsidiary on such date.

        In the event of any such Designation, the Company shall be deemed to have made an Investment constituting a Restricted Payment pursuant to the covenant described under "—Limitation on Restricted Payments" for all purposes of the Indenture in the Designation Amount.

        The Indenture further provides that the Company may revoke any Designation of a Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary (a "Revocation"), whereupon such Subsidiary shall then constitute a Restricted Subsidiary, if:

    (1)
    no Default shall have occurred and be continuing at the time of and after giving effect to such Revocation; and

    (2)
    all Liens and Indebtedness of such Unrestricted Subsidiary outstanding immediately following such Revocation would, if incurred at such time, have been permitted to be incurred for all purposes of the Indenture.

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        All Designations and Revocations must be evidenced by Board Resolutions of the Company certifying compliance with the foregoing provisions.

Events of Default

        The following events are defined in the Indenture as "Events of Default":

    (1)
    the failure to pay interest on any Note when the same becomes due and payable and the default continues for a period of 30 days;

    (2)
    the failure to pay the principal on any Note, when such principal becomes due and payable, at maturity, upon redemption or otherwise (including the failure to make a payment to purchase Notes tendered pursuant to a Change of Control Offer or a Net Proceeds Offer) on the date specified for such payment in the applicable offer to purchase;

    (3)
    a default in the observance or performance of any other covenant or agreement contained in the Indenture which default continues for a period of 30 days after the Company receives written notice specifying the default (and demanding that such default be remedied) from the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% of the outstanding principal amount of the Notes (except in the case of a default with respect to the covenant described under "—Certain Covenants—Merger, Consolidation and Sale of Assets," which will constitute an Event of Default with such notice requirement but without such passage of time requirement);

    (4)
    the failure to pay at final maturity (giving effect to any applicable grace periods and any extensions thereof) the principal amount of any Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, or the acceleration of the final stated maturity of any such Indebtedness (which acceleration is not rescinded, annulled or otherwise cured within 20 days of receipt by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary of notice of any such acceleration) if the aggregate principal amount of such Indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any other such Indebtedness in default for failure to pay principal at final maturity or which has been accelerated (in each case with respect to which the 20-day period described above has passed), aggregates $5.0 million or more at any time;

    (5)
    one or more judgments in an aggregate amount in excess of $5.0 million (to the extent not covered by insurance) shall have been rendered against the Company or any of its Significant Subsidiaries and such judgments remain undischarged, unpaid or unstayed for a period of 60 days after such judgment or judgments become final and nonappealable;

    (6)
    certain events of bankruptcy affecting the Company or any of its Significant Subsidiaries; or

    (7)
    any Guarantee of a Significant Subsidiary ceases to be in full force and effect or any Guarantee of a Significant Subsidiary is declared to be null and void and unenforceable or any Guarantee of a Significant Subsidiary is found to be invalid or any Guarantor that is a Significant Subsidiary denies its liability under its Guarantee (other than by reason of release of a Guarantor in accordance with the terms of the Indenture).

        If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default specified in clause (6) above relating to the Company) shall occur and be continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of outstanding Notes may declare the principal of and accrued interest on all the Notes to be due and payable by notice in writing to the Company and the Trustee specifying the respective Event of Default and that it is a "notice of acceleration" (its "Acceleration Notice"), and the same shall become immediately due and payable. If an Event of Default specified in clause (6) above relating to the Company occurs and is continuing, then all unpaid principal of, and premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest on all of the outstanding Notes shall ipso facto become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any Holder.

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        The Indenture provides that, at any time after a declaration of acceleration with respect to the Notes as described in the preceding paragraph, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes may rescind and cancel such declaration and its consequences:

    (1)
    if the rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree;

    (2)
    if all existing Events of Default have been cured or waived except nonpayment of principal or interest that has become due solely because of the acceleration;

    (3)
    to the extent the payment of such interest is lawful, interest on overdue installments of interest and overdue principal, which has become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration, has been paid;

    (4)
    if the Company has paid the Trustee its reasonable compensation and reimbursed the Trustee for its expenses, disbursements and advances; and

    (5)
    in the event of the cure or waiver of an Event of Default of the type described in clause (6) of the description above of Events of Default, the Trustee shall have received an officers' certificate and an opinion of counsel that such Event of Default has been cured or waived.

No such rescission shall affect any subsequent Default or impair any right consequent thereto.

        The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes may waive any existing Default under the Indenture, and its consequences, except a default in the payment of the principal of or interest on any Notes.

        Holders of the Notes may not enforce the Indenture or the Notes except as provided in the Indenture and under the TIA. Subject to the provisions of the Indenture relating to the duties of the Trustee, the Trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the Indenture at the request, order or direction of any of the Holders, unless such Holders have offered to the Trustee reasonable indemnity. Subject to all provisions of the Indenture and applicable law, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee.

        Under the Indenture, the Company is required to provide an officers' certificate to the Trustee promptly upon any such officer obtaining knowledge of any Default or Event of Default (provided that such officers shall provide such certification at least annually whether or not they know of any Default or Event of Default) that has occurred and, if applicable, describe such Default or Event of Default and the status thereof.

Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

        The Company may, at its option and at any time, elect to have its obligations and the obligations of the Guarantors discharged with respect to the outstanding Notes ("Legal Defeasance"). Such Legal Defeasance means that the Company shall be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire indebtedness represented by the outstanding Notes, except for:

    (1)
    the rights of Holders to receive payments in respect of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes when such payments are due;

    (2)
    the Company's obligations with respect to the Notes concerning

      issuing temporary Notes,

      registration of Notes,

      mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Notes and

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        the maintenance of an office or agency for payments;

    (3)
    the rights, powers, trust, duties and immunities of the Trustee and our obligations in connection therewith; and

    (4)
    the Legal Defeasance provisions of the Indenture.

        In addition, the Company may, at its option and at any time, elect to have the obligations of the Company released with respect to certain covenants that are described in the Indenture ("Covenant Defeasance") and thereafter any omission to comply with such obligations shall not constitute a Default or an Event of Default with respect to the Notes. In the event Covenant Defeasance occurs, certain events (not including non-payment, bankruptcy, receivership, reorganization and insolvency events) described under "Events of Default" will no longer constitute an Event of Default with respect to the Notes.

        In order to exercise either Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance,

    (1)
    the Company must irrevocably deposit with the Trustee, in trust, for the benefit of the Holders cash in U.S. dollars, non-callable U.S. government obligations, or a combination thereof, in such amounts as will be sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants, to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes on the stated date for payment thereof or on the applicable redemption date, as the case may be;

    (2)
    in the case of Legal Defeasance, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an opinion of counsel in the United States reasonably acceptable to the Trustee confirming that

    (a)
    the Company has received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling or

    (b)
    since the date of the Indenture, there has been a change in the applicable federal income tax law,


    in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such opinion of counsel shall confirm that, the Holders will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such Legal Defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such Legal Defeasance had not occurred;

    (3)
    in the case of Covenant Defeasance, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an opinion of counsel in the United States reasonably acceptable to the Trustee confirming that the Holders will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such Covenant Defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such Covenant Defeasance had not occurred;

    (4)
    no Default shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit (other than a Default or an Event of Default resulting from the borrowing of funds to be applied to such deposit and the grant of any Lien securing such borrowings);

    (5)
    such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, the Indenture (other than a Default or an Event of Default resulting from the borrowing of funds to be applied to such deposit and the grant of any Lien securing such borrowings) or any other material agreement or instrument to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is bound;

88


    (6)
    the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an officers' certificate stating that the deposit was not made by the Company with the intent of preferring the Holders over any other creditors of the Company or with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding any other creditors of the Company or others;

    (7)
    the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an officers' certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent provided for or relating to the Legal Defeasance or the Covenant Defeasance have been complied with;

    (8)
    the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that assuming no intervening bankruptcy of the Company between the date of deposit and the 91st day following the date of deposit and that no Holder is an insider of the Company, after the 91st day following the date of deposit, the trust funds will not be subject to the effect of any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally; and

    (9)
    certain other customary conditions precedent are satisfied.

        Notwithstanding the foregoing, the opinion of counsel required by clauses (2)(a) and (3) above need not be delivered if all the Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation:

    (1)
    have become due and payable;

    (2)
    will become due and payable on the maturity date within one year; or

    (3)
    are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by such Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Company.

Satisfaction and Discharge

        The Indenture will be discharged and will cease to be of further effect (except as to surviving rights or registration of transfer or exchange of the Notes, as expressly provided for in the Indenture) as to all Notes then outstanding when:

    (1)
    either

    (a)
    all the Notes theretofore authenticated and delivered (except lost, stolen or destroyed Notes which have been replaced or paid and Notes for whose payment money has theretofore been deposited in trust or segregated and held in trust by the Company and thereafter repaid to the Company or discharged from such trust) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, or

    (b)
    all Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation (x) have become due and payable (y) will become due and payable at their stated maturity within one year or (z) will become due and payable within one year under arrangements reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense of, the Company and, in each case, the Company has irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee funds in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire Indebtedness on the Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, for principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes to the date of deposit together with irrevocable instructions from the Company directing the Trustee to apply such funds to the payment thereof at maturity or redemption, as the case may be;

    (2)
    the Company has paid all other sums payable by the Company under the Indenture; and

    (3)
    the Company has delivered to the Trustee an officers' certificate and an opinion of counsel stating that all conditions precedent under the Indenture relating to the satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture have been complied with.

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Modification of the Indenture

        From time to time, the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee, without the consent of the Holders, may amend the Indenture for certain specified purposes, including curing ambiguities, defects or inconsistencies or so long as such change does not adversely affect the rights of any of the Holders in any material respect. Other modifications and amendments of the Indenture may be made with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes issued under the Indenture, except that, without the consent of each Holder affected thereby, no amendment may:

    (1)
    reduce the amount of Notes whose Holders must consent to an amendment;

    (2)
    reduce the rate of or change the time for payment of interest, including defaulted interest, on any Notes;

    (3)
    reduce the principal of or change the fixed maturity of any Notes, or change the date on which any Notes are subject to redemption or repurchase, or reduce the redemption or repurchase price therefor;

    (4)
    make any Notes payable in money other than that stated in the Notes;

    (5)
    make any change in provisions of the Indenture protecting the right of each Holder to receive payment of principal of and interest on such Note on or after the due date thereof or to bring suit to enforce such payment, or permitting Holders of a majority in principal amount of Notes to waive Defaults or Events of Default;

    (6)
    after an obligation arises to make and consummate a Change of Control Offer in the event of a Change of Control or make and consummate a Net Proceeds Offer with respect to any Asset Sale that has been consummated, amend, change or modify in any material respect the obligation to make such Change of Control Offer or such Net Proceeds Offer, as the case may be, or modify any of the provisions or definitions with respect thereto; or

    (7)
    modify or change any provision of the Indenture or the related definitions so as to make the Notes or any Guarantee expressly subordinate in right of payment to other Indebtedness of the Company or the applicable Guarantee; provided that ranking shall not be affected by the existence or lack thereof of a security interest or by priority with respect to a security interest.

Governing Law

        The Indenture provides that it, and the Notes, will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York but without giving effect to applicable principles of conflicts of law to the extent that such principles are not mandatorily applicable by statute and the application of the law of another jurisdiction would be required thereby.

The Trustee

        The Indenture provides that, except during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Trustee will perform only such duties as are specifically set forth in the Indenture. During the existence of an Event of Default, the Trustee will exercise such rights and powers vested in it by the Indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of his own affairs.

        The Indenture and the provisions of the TIA contain certain limitations on the rights of the Trustee, should it become a creditor of the Company or of a Subsidiary of the Company, to obtain payments of claims in certain cases or to realize on certain property received in respect of any such claim as security or otherwise. Subject to the TIA, the Trustee will be permitted to engage in other transactions; provided that if the Trustee acquires any conflicting interest as described in the TIA, it must eliminate such conflict or resign.

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Certain Definitions

        Set forth below is a summary of certain of the defined terms used in the Indenture. Reference is made to the Indenture for the full definition of all such terms, as well as any other terms used herein for which no definition is provided.

        "Acquired Indebtedness" means Indebtedness of a Person or any of its Subsidiaries existing at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary or at the time it merges or consolidates with the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or assumed in connection with the acquisition of assets from such Person and in each case not incurred by such Person in connection with, or in anticipation or contemplation of, such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary or such acquisition, merger or consolidation.

        "Affiliate" means, with respect to any specified Person, any other Person who directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, such specified Person. The term "control" means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms "controlling" and "controlled" have meanings correlative of the foregoing.

        "Affiliate Transaction" has the meaning set forth under "—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates."

        "Asset Acquisition" means

    (1)
    an Investment by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary in any other Person pursuant to which such Person shall become a Restricted Subsidiary or shall be merged with or into the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary; or

    (2)
    the acquisition by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the assets of any Person (other than a Restricted Subsidiary) which constitute all or substantially all of the assets of such Person or comprise any division or line of business of such Person or any other properties or assets of such Person other than in the ordinary course of business, including, without limitation, the acquisition of an individual health club.

        "Asset Sale" means any direct or indirect sale, issuance, conveyance, transfer, lease (other than operating leases entered into in the ordinary course of business), assignment or other transfer for value by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (including any Sale and Leaseback Transaction) to any Person other than the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of:

    (1)
    any Capital Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary; or

    (2)
    any other property or assets of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary other than in the ordinary course of business;

provided, however, that Asset Sales shall not include

      (a)
      any transaction or series of related transactions for which the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries receive aggregate consideration of less than $1.0 million,

      (b)
      the sale, lease, conveyance, disposition or other transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company as permitted under "—Certain Covenants—Merger, Consolidation and Sale of Assets,"

      (c)
      disposals or replacements of obsolete equipment in the ordinary course of business,

      (d)
      the sale, lease, conveyance, disposition or other transfer by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of assets or property to the Company or one or more Restricted Subsidiaries, and

      (e)
      any Restricted Payment permitted under "—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Restricted Payments," or any Permitted Investment or Permitted Lien.

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        "Board of Directors" means, as to any Person, the board of directors of such Person or any duly authorized committee thereof.

        "Board Resolution" means, with respect to any Person, a copy of a resolution certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of such Person to have been duly adopted by the Board of Directors of such Person and to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification, and delivered to the Trustee.

        "Business Day" means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day in which commercial banking institutions (including, without limitation, the Federal Reserve System) or the corporate trust office of the Trustee are authorized or required by law to close in New York City.

        "Capitalized Lease Obligation" means, as to any Person, the obligations of such Person under a lease that are required to be classified and accounted for as capital lease obligations under GAAP and, for purposes of this definition, the amount of such obligations at any date shall be the capitalized amount of such obligations at such date, determined in accordance with GAAP.

        "Capital Stock" means:

    (1)
    with respect to any Person that is a corporation, any and all shares, interests, participations or other equivalents (however designated and whether or not voting) of corporate stock, including each class of Common Stock and Preferred Stock of such Person;

    (2)
    with respect to any Person that is not a corporation, any and all partnership, membership or other equity interests of such Person; and

    (3)
    any warrants, rights or options to purchase or acquire any of the foregoing, including, without limitation, the Warrants.

        "Cash Equivalents" means:

    (1)
    marketable direct obligations issued by, or unconditionally guaranteed by, the United States Government or issued by any agency thereof and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States (or, with respect to funds generated by operations outside the United States, the United Kingdom or another member of the European Union (as in existence on the Issue Date)), in each case maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof;

    (2)
    marketable direct obligations issued by any state of the United States of America or any political subdivision of any such state or any public instrumentality thereof maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof and, at the time of acquisition, having one of the two highest ratings obtainable from either S&P or Moody's;

    (3)
    commercial paper maturing no more than one year from the date of creation thereof and, at the time of acquisition, having a rating of at least A-1 from S&P or at least P-1 from Moody's;

    (4)
    overnight deposits, and time deposit accounts, certificates of deposit or bankers' acceptances maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof issued by any bank organized under the laws of the United States of America or any state thereof or the District of Columbia (or, with respect to funds generated by operations outside the United States, the United Kingdom or another member of the European Union (as in existence on the Issue Date)) or any U.S. branch of a foreign bank having at the date of acquisition thereof combined capital and surplus of not less than $250.0 million (or the foreign currency equivalent);

    (5)
    repurchase obligations with a term of not more than seven days for underlying securities of the types described in clause (1) above entered into with any bank meeting the qualifications specified in clause (4) above; and

    (6)
    investments in money market funds that invest substantially all their assets in securities of the types described in clauses (1) through (5) above.

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        "Change of Control" means the occurrence of one or more of the following events:

    (1)
    any sale, lease, exchange or other transfer (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company to any Person or group of related Persons for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act (other than any such group existing solely by virtue of the Stockholders Agreement or the Limited Partnership, if the Permitted Holders continue to have the right to designate a majority of the Board of Directors of the Company) (a "Group"), together with any Affiliates thereof (whether or not otherwise in compliance with the provisions of the Indenture), other than to a Permitted Holder;

    (2)
    the approval by the holders of Capital Stock of the Company of any plan or proposal for the liquidation or dissolution of the Company (whether or not otherwise in compliance with the provisions of the Indenture);

    (3)
    any Person or Group, other than a Permitted Holder, shall become the owner, directly or indirectly, beneficially or of record, of shares representing more than 50% of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by the issued and outstanding Capital Stock of the Company; or

    (4)
    the replacement of a majority of the Board of Directors of the Company over a two-year period from the directors who constituted the Board of Directors of the Company at the beginning of such period, and such replacement shall not have been approved by one or more Permitted Holders or by a vote of at least a majority of the Board of Directors of the Company then still in office who either were members of any such Board of Directors at the beginning of such period or whose election as a member of any such Board of Directors was previously so approved.

        "Change of Control Offer" has the meaning set forth under "—Change of Control."

        "Change of Control Payment Date" has the meaning set forth under "—Change of Control."

        "Common Stock" of any Person means any and all shares, interests or other participations in, and other equivalents (however designated and whether voting or non-voting) of, such Person's common stock, whether outstanding on the Issue Date or issued after the Issue Date, and includes, without limitation, all series and classes of such common stock.

        "Consolidated EBITDA" means, for any period, the sum (without duplication) of:

    (1)
    Consolidated Net Income for such period; and

    (2)
    to the extent Consolidated Net Income has been reduced thereby,

    (a)
    all income taxes of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries paid or accrued in accordance with GAAP for such period (other than income taxes attributable to extraordinary or nonrecurring gains or losses or taxes attributable to sales or dispositions outside the ordinary course of business),

    (b)
    Consolidated Interest Expense for such period, and

    (c)
    Consolidated Non-cash Charges for such period less any non-cash items increasing Consolidated Net Income for such period, all as determined on a consolidated basis for the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP.

        "Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio" means the ratio of Consolidated EBITDA during the four full fiscal quarters for which financial statements are available (the "Four Quarter Period") ending on or prior to the date of the transaction giving rise to the need to calculate the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (the "Transaction Date") to Consolidated Fixed Charges for the Four Quarter Period. In addition to and without limitation of the foregoing, for purposes of this definition, "Consolidated EBITDA" and "Consolidated Fixed Charges" shall be calculated after giving effect on a

93



pro forma (including any pro forma expense and cost reductions calculated on a basis consistent with Regulation S-X under the Securities Act) basis for the period of such calculation to:

    (1)
    the incurrence or repayment of any Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (and the application of the proceeds thereof) giving rise to the need to make such calculation and any incurrence or repayment of other Indebtedness (and the application of the proceeds thereof), other than the incurrence or repayment of Indebtedness in the ordinary course of business for working capital purposes pursuant to working capital facilities, occurring during the Four Quarter Period or at any time subsequent to the last day of the Four Quarter Period and on or prior to the Transaction Date, as if such incurrence or repayment, as the case may be (and the application of the proceeds thereof), occurred on the first day of the Four Quarter Period; and

    (2)
    any Asset Sales (without giving effect to the exceptions in clauses (a) and (e) in the definition thereof) or Asset Acquisitions (including, without limitation, any Asset Acquisition giving rise to the need to make such calculation as a result of the Company or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries (including any Person who becomes a Restricted Subsidiary as a result of the Asset Acquisition) incurring, assuming or otherwise being liable for Acquired Indebtedness and also including any Consolidated EBITDA attributable to the assets that are the subject of the Asset Acquisition or Asset Sale (without giving effect to the exceptions in clauses (a) and (e) in the definition thereof) during the Four Quarter Period) occurring during the Four Quarter Period or at any time subsequent to the last day of the Four Quarter Period and on or prior to the Transaction Date, as if such asset sale or Asset Acquisition (including the incurrence, assumption or liability for any such Acquired Indebtedness) occurred on the first day of the Four Quarter Period. If the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries directly or indirectly guarantees Indebtedness of a third Person, the preceding sentence shall give effect to the incurrence of such guaranteed Indebtedness as if the Company or any such Restricted Subsidiary had directly incurred or otherwise assumed such guaranteed Indebtedness, but only to the extent of such guarantee.

        Furthermore, in calculating "Consolidated Fixed Charges" for purposes of determining the denominator (but not the numerator) of this "Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio":

    (1)
    interest on outstanding Indebtedness determined on a fluctuating basis as of the Transaction Date and that will continue to be so determined thereafter shall be deemed to have accrued at a fixed rate per annum equal to the rate of interest on such Indebtedness in effect on the Transaction Date;

    (2)
    if interest on any Indebtedness actually incurred on the Transaction Date may optionally be determined at an interest rate based upon a factor of a prime or similar rate, a eurocurrency interbank offered rate, or other rates, then the interest rate shall be calculated by applying such optional rate as the Company shall designate; and

    (3)
    notwithstanding clause (1) above, interest on Indebtedness determined on a fluctuating basis, to the extent such interest is covered by agreements relating to Interest Swap Obligations, shall be deemed to accrue at the rate per annum resulting after giving effect to the operation of such agreements.

        "Consolidated Fixed Charges" means, with respect to the Company for any period, the sum, without duplication, of:

    (1)
    Consolidated Interest Expense for such period; plus

    (2)
    the product of

    (a)
    the amount of all dividend payments on any series of Preferred Stock of the Company (other than dividends paid or accrued in Qualified Capital Stock) paid, accrued or scheduled to be paid or accrued during such period (without duplication), and

94


      (b)
      a fraction, the numerator of which is one and the denominator of which is one minus the then current effective consolidated federal, state and local income tax rate of such Person, expressed as a decimal.

        "Consolidated Interest Expense" means, for any period, the sum of, without duplication:

    (1)
    the aggregate of the interest expense of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, including without limitation, all such interest expense consisting of

    (a)
    any amortization of debt discount,

    (b)
    the net costs under Interest Swap Obligations,

    (c)
    all capitalized interest, and

    (d)
    the interest portion of any deferred payment obligation; and

    (2)
    the interest component of Capitalized Lease Obligations paid, accrued and/or scheduled to be paid or accrued by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries during such period as determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

        "Consolidated Net Income" means, with respect to the Company, for any period, the aggregate net income (or loss) of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period on a consolidated basis, determined in accordance with GAAP; provided that there shall be excluded therefrom:

    (1)
    after-tax gains or losses from Asset Sales (without regard to the $1.0 million limitation set forth in the definition thereof) or abandonment or reserves relating thereto;

    (2)
    extraordinary or nonrecurring gains or losses;

    (3)
    the net income (but not loss) of any Restricted Subsidiary to the extent that the declaration of dividends or similar distributions by that Restricted Subsidiary of that income is restricted by a contract, operation of law or otherwise;

    (4)
    the net income of any Person, other than the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary, except to the extent of cash dividends or distributions paid to the Company or to a Restricted Subsidiary by such Person;

    (5)
    income or loss attributable to discontinued operations (including, without limitation, operations disposed of during such period whether or not such operations were classified as discontinued);

    (6)
    any non-cash compensation charge arising from any grant of stock, stock options or other equity based awards;

    (7)
    any non-cash income or expense arising from changes in the fair market value of the Warrants;

    (8)
    fees, expenses and charges associated with the Transactions; and

    (9)
    in the case of a successor to the Company by consolidation or merger or as a transferee of the Company's assets, any net income of the successor corporation prior to such consolidation, merger or transfer of assets.

        "Consolidated Non-cash Charges" means, for any period, the aggregate depreciation, amortization and other non-cash expenses of the Company (including, without limitation, charges related to the impairment of long-lived assets and non-cash compensation expense) and its Restricted Subsidiaries reducing Consolidated Net Income of the Company for such period, determined on a consolidated

95



basis in accordance with GAAP (including deferred rent but excluding any other such charge which requires an accrual of or a reserve for cash charges for any future period).

        "Covenant Defeasance" has the meaning set forth under "—Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance."

        "Credit Agreement" means the Credit Agreement dated as of the Issue Date by and among the Company, the lenders from time to time party thereto in their capacities as lenders thereunder and Merrill Lynch Capital, a division of Merrill Lynch Business Financial Services Inc., as agent, together with all agreements, instruments and other documents relating thereto (including, without limitation, any guarantee agreements and security documents), in each case as such agreements, instrument or other document may be amended (including any amendment and restatement thereof), supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, and including any agreement, instrument or other document extending the maturity of, refinancing, replacing, renewing, refunding or otherwise restructuring (including increasing the amount of available borrowings thereunder or adding Subsidiaries of the Company as additional borrowers or guarantors thereunder) all or any portion of the Indebtedness under such agreement or any successor or replacement agreement and whether by the same or any other agent, lender or group of lenders.

        "Credit Facility" means one or more debt facilities (including, without limitation, the Credit Agreement) providing for revolving credit loans, term loans, letters of credit or other Indebtedness, including all agreements, instruments and documents executed and delivered pursuant to or in connection with any of the foregoing (including notes, letters of credit, guarantees, security agreements, mortgages and other collateral documents), in each case as the same may be amended, amended and restated, supplemented, modified, refunded, renewed or extended, refinanced, replaced or otherwise restructured, in whole or in part from time to time (including increasing the amount of available borrowings thereunder or adding Restricted Subsidiaries of the Company as additional borrowers or guarantors thereunder) with respect to all or any portion of the Indebtedness under such agreement or agreements or any successor or replacement agreement or agreements and whether by the same or any other agent, lender or group of lenders and whether provided under any original Credit Facility or one or more other credit agreements, financing agreements or other Credit Facilities or otherwise.

        "Currency Agreement" means any foreign exchange contract, currency swap agreement or other similar agreement or arrangement designed to protect the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary against fluctuations in currency values.

        "Default" means an event or condition the occurrence of which is, or with the lapse of time or the giving of notice or both would be, an Event of Default.

        "Designation" has the meaning set forth under "—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Designations of Unrestricted Subsidiaries."

        "Designation Amount" has the meaning set forth under "—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Designations of Unrestricted Subsidiaries."

        "Disqualified Capital Stock" means that portion of any Capital Stock which, by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable), or upon the happening of any event, matures or is mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or is redeemable at the sole option of the holder thereof on or prior to the final maturity date of the Notes; provided, however, that (i) if such Capital Stock is issued to any employee in the ordinary course of business or to any plan for the benefit of employees of the Company or its Subsidiaries or by any such plan to such employees, such Capital Stock shall not constitute Disqualified Capital Stock solely because it may be required to be repurchased by the Company in order to satisfy applicable statutory or regulatory obligations or as a result of such employee's termination, death or disability, and (ii) such Capital Stock shall not constitute Disqualified Capital Stock solely because it

96



may be required to be repurchased by the Company upon the occurrence of a change in ownership of the Company. "Disqualified Capital Stock" shall not include the Warrants or the Warrant Preferred Stock, as each are in effect on the Issue Date or as the terms thereof have been established as of the Issue Date.

        "Domestic Restricted Subsidiary" means a Restricted Subsidiary incorporated or otherwise organized or existing under the laws of the United States or any state thereof.

        "Equity Offering" has the meaning set forth under "—Redemption—Optional Redemption Upon Public Equity Offerings."

        "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any successor statute or statutes thereto.

        "Exit Payment" means any exit payment or additional exit payment to the founding shareholders provided for in the Stock Purchase Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among certain shareholders of the Company, NCP-EH Recapitalization Corp. and NCP-EH, L.P. dated as of October 16, 2000 (as amended as of December 14, 2000), as amended, modified, supplemented or replaced from time to time.

        "fair market value" means, with respect to any asset or property, the price which could be negotiated in an arm's-length, free market transaction, for cash, between a willing seller and a willing and able buyer, neither of whom is under undue pressure or compulsion to complete the transaction. Fair market value shall be determined by the Board of Directors of the Company acting in good faith and shall be conclusive and evidenced by a Board Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Company.

        "Foreign Restricted Subsidiary" means a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Domestic Restricted Subsidiary.

        "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such other statements by such other entity as may be approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession of the United States, which are in effect as of the Issue Date. All ratios and computations based on GAAP contained in the Indenture shall be computed in conformity with GAAP applied on a consistent basis, except that calculations made for purposes of determining compliance with the terms of the covenants and with other provisions of the Indenture shall be made without giving effect to (i) the deduction or amortization of any premiums, fees and expenses incurred in connection with any financings or any other permitted incurrence of Indebtedness and (ii) depreciation, amortization or other expenses recorded as a result of the application of purchase accounting in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion Nos. 16 and 17 and FASB Nos. 141 and 142.

        "Guarantee" means each guarantee of the Company's obligations under the Indenture and the Notes by the Guarantors.

        "Guarantor" means: (1) each of the Guarantors listed on Schedule A to the Indenture; and (2) each of the Company's Restricted Subsidiaries that in the future executes a supplemental indenture in which such Restricted Subsidiary agrees to be bound by the terms of the Indenture as a Guarantor; provided that any Person constituting a Guarantor as described above shall cease to constitute a Guarantor when its respective Guarantee is released in accordance with the terms of the Indenture.

        "incur" has the meaning set forth under "—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Incurrence of Additional Indebtedness."

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        "Indebtedness" means with respect to any Person, without duplication:

    (1)
    all Obligations of such Person for borrowed money;

    (2)
    all Obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments;

    (3)
    all Capitalized Lease Obligations of such Person;

    (4)
    all Obligations of such Person issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property, all conditional sale obligations and all Obligations under any title retention agreement (but excluding trade accounts payable and other accrued liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business);

    (5)
    all Obligations of such Person for the reimbursement of any obligor on any letter of credit, banker's acceptance or similar credit transaction;

    (6)
    guarantees of such Person and other contingent obligations of such Person in respect of Indebtedness of any other Person of the type referred to in clauses (1) through (5) above and clause (8) below to the extent of the lesser of the maximum amount of such guarantee, or the outstanding amount of such Indebtedness of such other Person;

    (7)
    all Obligations of any other Person of the type referred to in clauses (1) through (6) which are secured by any Lien on any property or asset of the first such Person, the amount of such Obligation being deemed to be the lesser of the fair market value of such property or asset or the amount of the Obligation so secured;

    (8)
    all Obligations of such Person under currency swap agreements and interest swap agreements of such Person; and

    (9)
    all Disqualified Capital Stock issued by such Person and all Preferred Stock issued by Restricted Subsidiaries of such Person with the amount of Indebtedness represented by such Disqualified Capital Stock or Preferred Stock being equal to the greater of its voluntary or involuntary liquidation preference and its maximum fixed repurchase price.

        For purposes hereof, the "maximum fixed repurchase price" of any Disqualified Capital Stock that does not have a fixed repurchase price shall be calculated in accordance with the terms of such Disqualified Capital Stock as if such Disqualified Capital Stock were purchased on any date on which Indebtedness shall be required to be determined pursuant to the Indenture, and if such price is based upon, or measured by, the fair market value of such Disqualified Capital Stock, such fair market value shall be determined reasonably and in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company. The principal amount of Indebtedness of any Person at any date shall be the outstanding balance on such date of all unconditional Obligations as described above, and the maximum liability with respect to principal upon the occurrence of the contingency giving rise to the Obligation, on any contingent Obligations at such date; provided, however, that the amount outstanding at any time of any Indebtedness incurred with original issue discount is the face amount of such Indebtedness less the remaining unamortized portion of the original issue discount of such Indebtedness at such time as determined in conformity with GAAP.

        "Independent Financial Advisor" means an accounting, banking or valuation firm:

    (1)
    that does not, and whose directors, officers and employees or Affiliates do not, have a direct or indirect financial interest in the Company; and

    (2)
    that, in the sole judgment of the Board of Directors of the Company, is qualified to perform the task for which it is to be engaged.

98


A firm shall not be deemed to have a financial interest in the Company merely by virtue of an indirect interest in Capital Stock in the Company unless such interest constitutes Beneficial Ownership (as defined in Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act) of more than a de minimus amount.

        "Initial Purchasers" means Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, UBS Securities LLC and Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC.

        "Interest Swap Obligations" means the obligations of any Person pursuant to any arrangement with any other Person, whereby, directly or indirectly, such Person is entitled to receive from time to time periodic payments calculated by applying either a floating or a fixed rate of interest on a stated notional amount in exchange for periodic payments made by such other Person calculated by applying a fixed or a floating rate of interest on the same notional amount and shall include, without limitation, interest rate swaps, caps, floors, collars and similar agreements.

        "Investment" means, with respect to any Person, any direct or indirect loan or other extension of credit or credit support (including, without limitation, a guarantee of or other direct or indirect liability for Indebtedness) or capital contribution to (by means of any transfer of cash or other property to others or any payment for property or services for the account or use of others), or any purchase or acquisition by such Person of any Capital Stock, bonds, notes, debentures or other securities or evidences of Indebtedness issued by, any other Person. "Investment" shall exclude extensions of trade credit by the Company and by its Restricted Subsidiaries on commercially reasonable terms in accordance with normal trade practices of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, as determined in good faith by the Company. If the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary sells or otherwise disposes of any Common Stock of any direct or indirect Restricted Subsidiary such that, after giving effect to any such sale or disposition, it ceases to be a Subsidiary of the Company, the Company shall be deemed to have made an Investment on the date of any such sale or disposition equal to the fair market value of the Common Stock of such Restricted Subsidiary not sold or disposed of.

        "Issue Date" means December 16, 2003.

        "Landlord Loans" has the meaning set forth under clause (4) of the definition of "Permitted Indebtedness."

        "Legal Defeasance" has the meaning set forth under "—Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance."

        "Lien" means any lien, mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, security interest, charge or encumbrance of any kind (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any lease in the nature thereof and any agreement to give any security interest).

        "Limited Partnership" means Equinox Holdings, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and its related organizational documents and limited partnership agreement, as amended, modified or supplemented and in effect from time to time.

        "Management Agreement" means the Consulting Agreement, dated as of December 15, 2000, among North Castle Partners, J.W. Childs Associates, L.P. and the Company.

        "Moody's" means Moody's Investors Service, Inc.

        "Net Cash Proceeds" means, with respect to any Asset Sale, the proceeds in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents including payments in respect of deferred payment obligations when received in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents (other than the portion of any such deferred payment constituting interest) received by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries from such Asset Sale net of:

    (1)
    reasonable out-of-pocket expenses and fees relating to such Asset Sale (including, without limitation, legal, accounting and investment banking fees and sales commissions);

99


    (2)
    taxes paid or payable after taking into account any reduction in consolidated tax liability due to available tax credits or deductions and any tax sharing arrangements;

    (3)
    repayment of Indebtedness that is secured by the assets sold in the relevant Asset Sale and that is required to be repaid in connection with such Asset Sale; and

    (4)
    appropriate amounts to be provided by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, as a reserve, in accordance with GAAP, against any liabilities associated with such Asset Sale and retained by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, after such Asset Sale, including, without limitation, pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities, liabilities related to environmental matters and liabilities under any indemnification obligations associated with such Asset Sale.

        "Obligations" means all obligations for principal, premium, interest, penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements, damages and other liabilities payable under the documentation governing any Indebtedness.

        "Permitted Business" means the business of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries as existing on the Issue Date or businesses reasonably related thereto.

        "Permitted Holder" means any of North Castle Partners, J.W. Childs Associates, L.P. or their respective Affiliates.

        "Permitted Indebtedness" means, without duplication, each of the following:

    (1)
    Indebtedness represented by the Notes issued in the Offering and the Indenture in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $160.0 million (and the Exchange Notes issued in exchange therefor) and the related Guarantees;

    (2)
    Indebtedness incurred pursuant to the Credit Agreement or any other Credit Facility in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding not to exceed $30.0 million incurred under this clause (2), plus the principal amount of Indebtedness not utilized under clause (4) below not to exceed $5.0 million, less the amount of all required principal payments actually made by the Company in respect of the loans under the Credit Agreement that were incurred under this clause (2) in accordance with the provisions set forth under "—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Asset Sales" (which, in the case of revolving loans, are accompanied by a corresponding permanent commitment reduction);

    (3)
    other Indebtedness (including Capitalized Lease Obligations) of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries outstanding on the Issue Date;

    (4)
    Purchase Money Indebtedness, Indebtedness from lessors of real property incurred in connection with the initial development and construction of a fitness club to be located at such real property ("Landlord Loans") and Capitalized Lease Obligations in an aggregate principal amount for all Indebtedness incurred by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to this clause (4) not to exceed $10.0 million outstanding at any one time, plus the principal amount of Indebtedness not utilized under clause (2) above but not to exceed $5.0 million;

    (5)
    Interest Swap Obligations covering Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; provided, however, that such Interest Swap Obligations are entered into to protect the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries from fluctuations in interest rates on Indebtedness incurred in accordance with the Indenture to the extent the notional principal amount of such Interest Swap Obligation does not exceed, at the time of incurrence thereof, the principal amount of the Indebtedness to which such Interest Swap Obligation relates;

100


    (6)
    Indebtedness under Currency Agreements; provided that in the case of Currency Agreements which relate to Indebtedness, such Currency Agreements do not increase the Indebtedness of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries outstanding other than as a result of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates or by reason of fees, indemnities and compensation payable thereunder;

    (7)
    Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary to the Company or to another Restricted Subsidiary for so long as such Indebtedness is held by the Company, a Restricted Subsidiary or a holder of a Lien permitted under the Indenture, in each case subject to no Lien held by a Person other than the Company, a Restricted Subsidiary or a holder of a Lien permitted under the Indenture; provided that if as of any date any Person other than the Company, a Restricted Subsidiary or a holder of a Lien permitted under the Indenture owns or holds any such Indebtedness or holds a Lien in respect of such Indebtedness, such date shall be deemed the incurrence of Indebtedness not constituting Permitted Indebtedness by the issuer of such Indebtedness pursuant to this clause (7);

    (8)
    Indebtedness of the Company to a Restricted Subsidiary for so long as such Indebtedness is held by a Restricted Subsidiary or a holder of a Lien permitted under the Indenture, in each case subject to no Lien other than a Lien permitted under the Indenture; provided that:

    (a)
    any Indebtedness of the Company to any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor is unsecured and by its express terms subordinated in right of payment, pursuant to a written agreement, to the Company's monetary obligations under the Indenture and the Notes, and

    (b)
    if as of any date any Person other than a Restricted Subsidiary or the holders of a Lien permitted under the Indenture owns or holds any such Indebtedness or any Person holds a Lien in respect of such Indebtedness, such date shall be deemed the incurrence of Indebtedness not constituting Permitted Indebtedness by the Company under this clause (8);

    (9)
    Indebtedness arising from the honoring by a bank or other financial institution of a check, draft or similar instrument inadvertently (except in the case of daylight overdrafts) drawn against insufficient funds in the ordinary course of business; provided, however, that such Indebtedness is extinguished within four Business Days of incurrence;

    (10)
    Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries represented by letters of credit for the account of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, in order to provide security for workers' compensation claims, payment obligations in connection with self-insurance or similar requirements in each case in the ordinary course of business;

    (11)
    Refinancing Indebtedness;

    (12)
    Indebtedness represented by guarantees by the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness otherwise permitted to be incurred under the Indenture; provided that, in the case of a guarantee by a Restricted Subsidiary, such Restricted Subsidiary complies with the covenant described under "—Certain Covenants—Additional Subsidiary Guarantees" to the extent applicable;

    (13)
    Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of bid, payment and performance bonds, bankers' acceptances, workers' compensation claims, surety or appeal bonds, payment obligations in connection with self-insurance or similar obligations, and bank overdrafts (and letters of credit in respect thereof) in the ordinary course of business; and

    (14)
    additional Indebtedness of the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $5.0 million at any one time outstanding (which amount may, but need not, be incurred in whole or in part under the Credit Agreement).

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        For purposes of determining any particular amount of Indebtedness under the "Limitation on Incurrence of Additional Indebtedness" covenant, guarantees, Liens or letter of credit obligations supporting Indebtedness otherwise included in the determination of such particular amount shall not be included. For purposes of determining compliance with the "Limitation on Incurrence of Additional Indebtedness" covenant, in the event that an item of Indebtedness meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of Permitted Indebtedness described in clauses (1) through (14) above or is permitted to be incurred pursuant to the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio provisions of such covenant, the Company shall, in its sole discretion, classify (or later reclassify) such item of Indebtedness in any manner that complies with such covenant. Accrual of interest, accretion or amortization of original issue discount, the payment of interest on any Indebtedness in the form of additional Indebtedness with the same terms, the payment of dividends on Disqualified Capital Stock in the form of additional shares of the same class of Disqualified Capital Stock and change in the amount outstanding due solely to the result of fluctuations in the exchange rates of currencies will not be deemed to be an incurrence of Indebtedness for purposes of the "Limitation on Incurrence of Additional Indebtedness" covenant.

        "Permitted Investments" means:

    (1)
    Investments by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary in any Person that is or will become immediately after such Investment a Restricted Subsidiary or that will merge or consolidate into the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary;

    (2)
    Investments in the Company by any Restricted Subsidiary; provided that any Indebtedness incurred by the Company evidencing such Investment by a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor is unsecured and subordinated, pursuant to a written agreement, to the Company's obligations under the Notes and the Indenture;

    (3)
    Investments in cash and Cash Equivalents;

    (4)
    loans and advances to directors, employees and officers of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business for bona fide business purposes not in excess of $1.0 million at any one time outstanding;

    (5)
    Currency Agreements and Interest Swap Obligations entered into in the ordinary course of the Company's or a Restricted Subsidiary's businesses and otherwise in compliance with the Indenture;

    (6)
    other Investments, including Investments in Unrestricted Subsidiaries, not to exceed $5.0 million at any one time outstanding;

    (7)
    Investments in securities of trade creditors or members received pursuant to any plan of reorganization or similar arrangement upon the bankruptcy or insolvency of such trade creditors or members or in good faith settlement of delinquent obligations of such trade creditors or members;

    (8)
    Investments represented by guarantees that are otherwise permitted under the Indenture;

    (9)
    Investments the payment for which is Qualified Capital Stock of the Company;

    (10)
    Investments made by the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries as a result of consideration received in connection with an Asset Sale (or an asset sale that is not an Asset Sale) made in compliance with the covenant described under "—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Asset Sales;" and

    (11)
    the acquisition by the Company of obligations of one or more officers, directors or employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with such officers', directors' or employees' acquisition of shares of Capital Stock of the Company so long as no cash is paid

102


      by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to such officers, directors or employees in connection with the acquisition of any such obligations.

        "Permitted Liens" means the following types of Liens:

    (1)
    Liens for taxes, assessments or governmental charges or claims either

    (a)
    not delinquent or

    (b)
    contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and as to which the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries shall have set aside on its books such reserves as may be required pursuant to GAAP;

    (2)
    statutory and contractual Liens of landlords and Liens of carriers, warehousemen, mechanics, suppliers, materialmen, repairmen and other Liens imposed by law incurred in the ordinary course of business for sums not yet delinquent or being contested in good faith, if such reserve or other appropriate provision, if any, as shall be required by GAAP shall have been made in respect thereof;

    (3)
    Liens incurred or deposits made in the ordinary course of business in connection with workers' compensation, unemployment insurance and other types of social security, including any Lien securing letters of credit issued in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice in connection therewith, or to secure the performance of tenders, statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, bids, leases, government contracts, performance and return-of-money bonds and other similar obligations (exclusive of obligations for the payment of borrowed money);

    (4)
    judgment Liens not giving rise to an Event of Default;

    (5)
    (a) easements, rights-of-way, building and zoning restrictions and other similar charges or encumbrances in respect of real property not interfering in any material respect with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Company or of any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, (b) mortgages, liens, security interests, restrictions, encumbrances or any other matters of record placed by any developer or landlord on property over which the Company or any Subsidiary has easement rights or on any leased property, and subordination or similar agreements relating thereto, and (c) any condemnation or eminent domain proceedings affecting any real property;

    (6)
    (a) any interest or title of a lessor under any Capitalized Lease Obligation; provided that such Liens do not extend to any property or assets other than the leased property subject to such Capitalized Lease Obligation (including multiple leased properties subject to the same Capitalized Lease Obligation with the same lessor) or (b) Landlord Loans secured by assets (other than by Capital Stock or assets located at a property other than the fitness club to which such Landlord Loan relates);

    (7)
    purchase money Liens to finance property or assets of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary acquired after the Issue Date; provided, however, that

    (a)
    the related Purchase Money Indebtedness shall not exceed the cost of such property or assets and shall not be secured by property or assets of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary other than the property and assets so acquired and

    (b)
    the Lien securing such Indebtedness shall be created within 90 days of such acquisition;

    (8)
    Liens upon specific items of inventory or other goods and proceeds of any Person securing such Person's obligations in respect of bankers' acceptances issued or created for the account

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      of such Person to facilitate the purchase, shipment or storage of such inventory or other goods;

    (9)
    Liens securing reimbursement obligations with respect to commercial letters of credit which encumber documents and other property relating to such letters of credit and products and proceeds thereof;

    (10)
    Liens encumbering deposits made to secure obligations arising from statutory, regulatory, contractual or warranty requirements of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, including rights of offset and set-off;

    (11)
    Liens securing Interest Swap Obligations which Interest Swap Obligations relate to Indebtedness that is otherwise permitted to be secured under the Indenture;

    (12)
    Liens securing Indebtedness under Currency Agreements relating to debt permitted to be secured under the Indenture;

    (13)
    Liens on assets of a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor to secure Indebtedness and other obligations of such Restricted Subsidiary that are otherwise permitted under the Indenture;

    (14)
    leases, subleases, licenses and sublicenses granted to others that do not materially interfere with the ordinary course of business of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries;

    (15)
    banker's Liens, rights of setoff and similar Liens with respect to cash and Cash Equivalents on deposit in one or more bank accounts in the ordinary course of business;

    (16)
    Liens arising from filing Uniform Commercial Code financing statements regarding leases;

    (17)
    Liens in favor of customs and revenue authorities arising as a matter of law to secure payment of custom duties in connection with the importation of goods;

    (18)
    Liens existing on property or assets of a Person at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company (or at the time the Company or a Subsidiary acquires such property or assets); provided, however, that such Liens are not created in connection with, or in contemplation of, such other Person becoming such a Restricted Subsidiary (or such acquisition of such property or assets), and that such Liens are limited to all or part of the same property or assets (plus improvements, accessions, proceeds or dividends or distributions in respect thereof) that secured (or, under the written arrangements under which such Liens arose, could secure) the obligations to which such Liens related;

    (19)
    Liens on Capital Stock or other securities of an Unrestricted Subsidiary that secure Indebtedness or other obligations of such Unrestricted Subsidiary;

    (20)
    any encumbrance or restriction (including, but not limited to, put and call agreements) with respect to Capital Stock of any joint venture or similar arrangement pursuant to any joint venture or similar agreement or securing the obligations of such joint venture or similar arrangement;

    (21)
    Liens (a) arising by operation of law (or by agreement to the same effect) in the ordinary course of business, (b) on property or assets under construction (and related rights) in favor of a contractor or developer or arising from progress or partial payments by a third party relating to such property or assets, (c) on receivables (including related rights), (d) on cash set aside at the time of the incurrence of any Indebtedness or government securities purchased with such cash, in either case to the extent that such cash or government securities prefund the payment of interest on such Indebtedness and are held in an escrow account or similar arrangement to be applied for such purpose, (e) in favor of the Company or any Restricted

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      Subsidiary (other than Liens on property or assets of the Company in favor of any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor) or (f) arising out of conditional sale, title retention, consignment or similar arrangements for the sale of goods entered into in the ordinary course of business; and

    (22)
    additional Liens securing Obligations in respect of an aggregate principal amount of outstanding Indebtedness in a principal amount not to exceed $5.0 million at any one time.

        "Person" means an individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, unincorporated organization, trust or joint venture, or a governmental agency or political subdivision thereof.

        "Preferred Stock" of any Person means any Capital Stock of such Person that has preferential rights to any other Capital Stock of such Person with respect to dividends or redemptions or upon liquidation.

        "Purchase Money Indebtedness" means Indebtedness of the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries incurred for the purpose of financing all or any part of the purchase price, or the cost of installation, construction or improvement, of any property.

        "Qualified Capital Stock" means any Capital Stock that is not Disqualified Capital Stock.

        "Refinance" means, in respect of any security or Indebtedness, to refinance, extend, renew, refund, repay, prepay, redeem, defease or retire, or to issue a security or Indebtedness in exchange or replacement for, such security or Indebtedness in whole or in part. "Refinanced" and "Refinancing" shall have correlative meanings.

        "Refinancing Indebtedness" means any Refinancing by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of Indebtedness incurred in accordance with the covenant described under "—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Incurrence of Additional Indebtedness" (other than pursuant to clause (2), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), (10), (12), (13) or (14) of the definition of Permitted Indebtedness), in each case that does not:

    (1)
    result in an increase in the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness of such Person as of the date of such proposed Refinancing (plus the amount of any fees and premium required to be paid under the terms of the instrument governing such Indebtedness and plus the amount of reasonable expenses incurred by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary in connection with such Refinancing); or

    (2)
    create Indebtedness with a Weighted Average Life to Maturity that is less than the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Indebtedness being Refinanced; or

    (3)
    if the Indebtedness being refinanced is Subordinated Indebtedness, create Indebtedness with a final maturity earlier than the final maturity of the Indebtedness being Refinanced (or, if shorter, the final stated maturity of the Notes); provided that

    (a)
    if such Subordinated Indebtedness being Refinanced is Indebtedness solely of the Company or a Guarantor, then such Refinancing Indebtedness shall be Indebtedness solely of the Company or a Guarantor, and

    (b)
    such Refinancing Indebtedness shall be subordinate to the Notes or such Guarantee at least to the same extent and in the same manner as the Indebtedness being Refinanced.

        "Registration Rights Agreement" means the Registration Rights Agreement dated as of December 16, 2003 among the Company and the Initial Purchasers.

        "Replacement Assets" means assets of a kind used or usable in the business of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries as conducted on the date of the relevant Asset Sale.

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        "Restricted Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary of the Company that has not been designated by the Board of Directors of the Company, by a Board Resolution of the Company delivered to the Trustee, as an Unrestricted Subsidiary pursuant to and in compliance with the covenant described under "—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Designations of Unrestricted Subsidiaries." Any such Designation may be revoked by a Board Resolution of the Company delivered to the Trustee, subject to the provisions of such covenant.

        "Revocation" has the meaning set forth under "—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Designations of Unrestricted Subsidiaries."

        "S&P" means Standard & Poor's Ratings Service.

        "Sale and Leaseback Transaction" means any direct or indirect arrangement with any Person or to which any such Person is a party, providing for the leasing to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of any property, whether owned by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary at the Issue Date or later acquired, which has been or is to be sold or transferred by the Company or by such Restricted Subsidiary to such Person or to any other Person from whom funds have been or are to be advanced by such Person on the security of such Property.

        "Significant Subsidiary" will have the meaning set forth in Rule 1.02(w) of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act.

        "Stockholders Agreement" means the Stockholders Agreement dated as of December 15, 2000 among the Company and the holders of Capital Stock of the Company party thereto, as amended, modified or supplemented and in effect from time to time.

        "Subordinated Indebtedness" means Indebtedness of the Company or any Guarantor that is by its express terms subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or the Guarantee of such Guarantor, as the case may be.

        "Subsidiary", with respect to any Person, means:

      (1)
      any corporation of which the outstanding Capital Stock having at least a majority of the votes entitled to be cast in the election of directors under ordinary circumstances shall at the time be owned, directly or indirectly, by such Person; or

      (2)
      any other Person of which at least a majority of the voting interest under ordinary circumstances is at the time, directly or indirectly, owned by such Person.

        "Surviving Entity" has the meaning set forth under "—Certain Covenants—Merger, Consolidation and Sale of Assets."

        "Transactions" means the following transactions contemplated in connection with the offering of the Notes: (1) the repayment of the outstanding principal amount under the Company's existing credit agreement and the termination of all related commitments; (2) the repayment of the entire outstanding principal amount under the Company's existing senior notes due 2007; (3) the repayment of the entire outstanding principal amount under the Company's existing senior subordinated notes due 2008; (4) the redemption of the Company's preferred stock outstanding on the Issue Date; (5) a payment of $5.0 million that is contractually required to be paid by the Company to its founding stockholders; and (6) the payment of accrued and unpaid interest, redemption premiums, transaction fees and expenses (including amendment fees paid to holders of the Warrants) related to the foregoing.

        "Unrestricted Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary of the Company designated as such pursuant to and in compliance with the covenant described under "—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Designations of Unrestricted Subsidiaries." Any such designation may be revoked by a Board Resolution of the Company delivered to the Trustee, subject to the provisions of such covenant.

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        "Warrants" means those Common Stock Purchase Warrants summarized under "Description of Capital Stock," as amended by an amendment thereto as of November 8, 2003, as in effect on the Issue Date.

        "Warrant Preferred Stock" means the Senior Redeemable Preferred Stock of the Company which may be issued upon exercise of the Warrant Put, as such is in effect or contemplated to be put into effect as of the Issue Date.

        "Warrant Put" means those provisions in Section 9 of the Warrants, as in effect on the Issue Date.

        "Weighted Average Life to Maturity" means, when applied to any Indebtedness at any date, the number of years obtained by dividing:

    (1)
    the then outstanding aggregate principal amount of such Indebtedness into

    (2)
    the sum of the total of the products obtained by multiplying

    (a)
    the amount of each then remaining installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other required payment of principal, including payment at final maturity, in respect thereof, by

    (b)
    the number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth) which will elapse between such date and the making of such payment.

        "Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary" means any Restricted Subsidiary of which all the outstanding voting securities (other than in the case of a foreign Restricted Subsidiary, directors' qualifying shares or an immaterial amount of shares required to be owned by other Persons pursuant to applicable law) are owned by the Company or another Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary.

    Book-Entry, Delivery and Form

        The new notes will be represented by one or more notes in registered, global form ("Global Notes") deposited with the trustee as custodian for the Depository Trust Company, New York, New York ("DTC") and registered in the name of Cede &Co. as nominee of DTC, in each case for credit to the accounts of DTC participants and indirect participants (each described below) including, without limitation, the Euroclear System and Clearstream Banking. All interests in a Global Note may be subject to the procedures and requirements of DTC.

        Except in the limited circumstances set forth below, notes in certificated form will not be issued.

Depository Procedures

        The following description of the operations and procedures of DTC are provided solely as a matter of convenience. These operations and procedures are solely within their control and are subject to changes by them from time to time. We take no responsibility for these operations and procedures and urge you to contact the system or their participants directly to discuss these matters.

        DTC has advised us that DTC is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the laws of the State of New York, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the meaning of the Uniform Commercial Code and a "Clearing Agency" registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC was created to hold securities for its participants and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of transactions in such securities between participants through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of its participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical transfer and delivery of certificates. Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks and trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations. Access to DTC's system is also available to other entities such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies, which we refer to as "indirect participants", that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a participant,

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either directly or indirectly. Persons who are not participants may beneficially own securities held by or on behalf of DTC only through the participants or the indirect participants.

        We expect that pursuant to procedures established by DTC:

    upon the deposit of the Global Notes, DTC will credit, on its internal system, the principal amount of notes of the individual beneficial interests represented by such global securities to the respective accounts of persons who have accounts with such depositary; and

    ownership of beneficial interests in the Global Notes will be shown on, and the transfer of such ownership will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC (with respect to interests of participants) and the records of participants (with respect to interests of persons other than participants).

        So long as DTC, or its nominee, is the registered owner or holder of the notes, DTC or such nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the notes represented by such Global Notes for all purposes under the indenture governing the notes. No beneficial owner of an interest in any of the Global Notes will be able to transfer that interest except in accordance with DTC's procedures, in addition to those provided for under the indenture with respect to the notes.

        Payments of the principal of, premium (if any) and interest (as defined) on the Global Notes will be made to DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner thereof. None of us, the Trustee or any Paying Agent will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in the Global Notes or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interest.

        We expect that DTC or its nominee, upon receipt of any payment of principal, premium (if any) or interest in respect of the Global Notes, will credit participants' accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the principal amount of the Global Notes as shown on the records of DTC or its nominee. We also expect that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in the Global Notes held through such participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practice, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers registered in the names of nominees for such customers. Such payments will be the responsibility of such participants.

        Transfers between participants in DTC will be effected in the ordinary way in accordance with DTC rules and will be settled in clearinghouse funds. If a holder requires physical delivery of a certificated security for any reason, including to sell notes to persons in states which require physical delivery of the notes, or to pledge such securities, such holder must transfer its interest in such Global Note, in accordance with the normal procedures of DTC and with the procedures set forth in the indenture governing the notes.

        DTC has advised us that it will take action permitted to be taken by a holder of notes only at the direction of one or more participants to whose account the DTC interests in such Global Note are credited and only in respect of such portion of the aggregate principal amount of notes as to which such participant or participants has or have given such direction. However, if there is an event of default under the indenture governing the notes, DTC reserves the right to exchange the Global Notes for legended notes in certificated form, which it will distribute to its participants.

        Although DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream Banking have agreed to the foregoing procedures in order to facilitate transfers of interests in the Global Notes among participants of DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream Banking, they are under no obligation to perform such procedures, and such procedures may be discontinued at any time. Neither we nor the Trustee nor any of their respective agents will have any responsibility for the performance by DTC Euroclear or Clearstream Banking or their

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respective participants or indirect participants of their respective obligations under the rules and procedures governing their operations.

        Certificated Securities    

        Under certain limited conditions, a person having a beneficial interest in a Global Note may receive notes in the form of certificated securities in exchange for such beneficial interests. Upon any such issuance, the trustee is required to register such certificated securities in the name of, and cause the same to be delivered to, such person or persons (or the nominee of any thereof). We will issue definitive notes in exchange for the Global Notes if at any time:

    DTC is unwilling or unable to continue as a depositary for the Global Notes and we do not appoint a successor depositary within 90 days, or

    an event of default under the indenture has occurred and is continuing, or

    we, in our sole discretion, notify the trustee in writing that we elects to cause the issuance of notes in the form of certificated securities under the indenture.

        Neither we nor the trustee will be liable for any delay by the global notes holder or DTC in identifying the beneficial owners of notes and we and the trustee may conclusively rely on, and will be protected in relying on, instructions from the global notes holder or DTC for these purposes.

    Registration Rights

        The summary set forth below of certain provisions of the registration rights agreement does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the registration rights agreement, a copy of which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

        Pursuant to the registration rights agreement with the initial purchasers we and the guarantors have agreed to use our reasonable best efforts to file with the SEC a registration statement for this exchange offer and to use our reasonable best efforts to cause it to become effective. The registration statement of which this prospectus is a part constitutes the registration statement to be filed pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement. The Registration Rights Agreement provides that, unless the exchange offer would not be permitted by applicable law or SEC policy, we and the guarantors will use our reasonable best efforts to:

    file the exchange offer registration statement with the SEC on or prior to 60 days after the issue date,

    cause the exchange offer registration statement to be declared effective by the SEC on or prior to 180 days after the issue date, and

    commence the exchange offer and issue, on or prior to 211 days after the issue date, new notes in exchange for all notes tendered prior thereto in the exchange offer.

We agreed to use our reasonable best efforts to file with the SEC a shelf registration statement (the "Shelf Registration Statement") to cover resale of the Transfer Restricted Notes (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement) by the holders thereof if:

    we are not permitted to file the exchange offer registration statement or to consummate the exchange offer because the exchange offer is not permitted by applicable law or SEC policy,

    the exchange offer is not for any other reason consummated within 211 days after the issue date, or

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    any holder of notes notifies us within a specified time period that (a) due to a change in law or policy it is not entitled to participate in the exchange offer, (b) due to a change in law or policy it may not resell the Exchange Notes acquired by it in the exchange offer to the public without delivering a prospectus and the prospectus contained in the exchange offer registration statement is not appropriate or available for such resale by such holder, or (c) it is an Initial Purchaser that is a broker-dealer and owns notes acquired directly from us or an affiliate of ours,

If obligated to file a Shelf Registration Statement, we will use our reasonable best efforts to file prior to 60 days after such filing obligation arises and use our reasonable best efforts to cause the Shelf Registration Statement to be declared effective by the SEC on or prior to 120 days after such obligation arises.

        We will use our reasonable best efforts to keep such Shelf Registration Statement continuously effective, supplemented and amended until the second anniversary of the effective date of the Shelf Registration Statement or such shorter period that will terminate when all the Transfer Restricted Notes covered by the Shelf Registration Statement have been sold pursuant thereto. We will have a right to suspend the effectiveness of the Shelf Registration Statement under certain circumstances, for a limited period.

        If (i) we fail to file any of the registration statements required by the Registration Rights Agreement on or before the date specified for such filing, (ii) any of such registration statements are not declared effective by the SEC on or prior to the date specified for such effectiveness (the "Effectiveness Target Date"), subject to certain limited exceptions, (iii) we fail to consummate the Exchange Offer within 45 days of the Effectiveness Target Date with respect to the Exchange Offer Registration Statement, or (iv) the Shelf Registration Statement or the Exchange Offer Registration Statement is declared effective but thereafter, subject to certain limited exceptions, ceases to be effective or usable in connection with the Exchange Offer or resale of Transfer Restricted Notes, as the case may be, during the periods specified in the Registration Rights Agreement (each such event referred to in clauses (i) through (iv) above, a "Registration Default"), then we will pay additional interest ("Additional Interest") in cash to each holder of Transfer Restricted Notes, with respect to the first 90-day period (or portion thereof) while a Registration Default is continuing immediately following the occurrence of such Registration Default, in an amount equal to 0.25% per annum of the principal amount of the notes. The amount of Additional Interest will increase by an additional 0.25% per annum of the principal amount of the notes for each subsequent 90-day period (or portion thereof) while a Registration Default is continuing until all Registration Defaults have been cured, up to a maximum amount of 1.00% per annum of the principal amount of the notes. Following the cure of a particular Registration Default, the accrual of Additional Interest with respect to such Registration Default will cease and the interest rate will revert to the prior rate.

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MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS

        The following is a summary of the material United States federal income tax consequences of the exchange of old notes for new notes pursuant to the exchange offer and the ownership and disposition of the new notes to the beneficial owners, and the principal U.S. estate tax consequences of the ownership of the notes to the individuals who are non-U.S. holders (as defined below).

        This summary is based on provisions of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), existing and proposed U.S. Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder (the "Treasury Regulations") and administrative and judicial interpretations thereof, all as of the date hereof and all of which are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis.

        This summary applies only to a beneficial owner of an old note that acquired such old note at the initial offering for the original offering price and that acquires a new note pursuant to the exchange offer. This summary assumes that the new notes are held as capital assets. This summary does not address all of the tax consequences that may be relevant to particular holders in light of their personal circumstances, or to certain types of holders (such as banks and other financial institutions, real estate investment trusts, regulated investment companies, insurance companies, entities that are treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes or other pass-through entities, tax-exempt organizations, dealers in securities, persons whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar, or persons who hold the notes as part of a hedge or a straddle with other investments). In addition, this summary does not include any description of the tax laws of any state, local or non-U.S. government that may be applicable to a particular holder.

        HOLDERS OF NOTES ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE PARTICULAR U.S. FEDERAL INCOME AND ESTATE TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF THE EXCHANGE, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF THE NOTES, AS WELL AS THE TAX CONSEQUENCES UNDER STATE, LOCAL, NON-U.S. AND OTHER U.S. FEDERAL TAX LAWS AND THE POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF CHANGES IN TAX LAWS.

    Exchange Offer

        The exchange of an old note for a new note will not constitute a taxable exchange of the old note. As a result, the new notes will have the same issue price as the old notes, and each holder will have the same adjusted tax basis in the new notes as it had in the old notes immediately before the exchange and the holding period of the new notes will include the holding period of the old notes.

    Taxation of U.S. Holders

        As used herein, the term "U.S. holder" means a holder of a note that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes,

        (a)   an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States,

        (b)   a corporation or other entity treated as a corporation created or organized in the United States or under the laws of the United States or any political subdivision thereof,

        (c)   an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax purposes regardless of its source or

        (d)   a trust if

            (1)   a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and at least one U.S. person has authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust, or

            (2)   the trust was in existence on August 20, 1996, and has elected to continue to be treated as a U.S. person.

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        Payment of Interest on the Notes Other than Certain Additional Payments.    In general, interest paid on a note will be taxable to a U.S. holder as ordinary interest income, as received or accrued, in accordance with such holder's method of accounting for federal income tax purposes.

        Certain Additional Payments.    At the time we issued the old notes, there was a possibility that we would have been obliged to pay additional interest if the exchange offer registration statement were not timely filed or declared effective within the applicable time periods, as described above under the heading "Description of Notes—Registration Rights", or we would have been obliged to pay 101% of the principal amount of the notes in case of a redemption described above under the heading "Description of Notes—Change of Control", and that, in each case, the notes would be treated as contingent payment debt instruments. At the time we issued the old notes, we took the position that the likelihood that such additional interest would become payable, or that such redemption would take place was remote or incidental, and therefore the possibility that payments of such additional interest may be made or that such redemption may occur should not cause the notes to be treated as contingent payment debt instruments. Notwithstanding the fact that a small amount of additional interest has become payable, we continue to believe that the payment of such additional interest is incidental and the possibility of such redemption is remote or incidental and that neither the old notes nor the new notes are contingent payment debt instruments. Accordingly, such additional interest should be taxable to a U.S. holder as ordinary interest income, as received or accrued, in accordance with such holder's method of accounting for federal income tax purposes. The Company's position is binding on each U.S. holder for federal income tax purposes, unless such U.S. holder discloses in the proper manner to the IRS that it is taking a different position. Our position is not, however, binding on the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS"), and if the IRS were successfully to maintain that the notes are contingent payment debt instruments, the timing and character of income and gain realized on the notes may be different from the consequences described herein.

        U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors as to the tax considerations relating to debt instruments providing for certain additional payments.

        Sale, Exchange or Retirement of the Notes.    Upon the sale, exchange, redemption, or other taxable disposition of a new note, a U.S. holder will generally recognize taxable gain or loss equal to the difference between the sum of the cash and the fair market value of all other property received on such disposition (except to the extent such cash or property is attributable to accrued interest, which will be taxable as ordinary income to the extent not previously included in income) and such U.S. holder's adjusted tax basis in the note, which should be the U.S. holder's purchase price for the old notes exchanged.

        Gain or loss recognized on the disposition of a note generally will be capital gain or loss, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if, at the time of such disposition, the U.S. holder's holding period for the note is more than one year. A reduced tax rate on long-term capital gain will apply to an individual U.S. holder. The deduction for net capital losses is subject to certain limitations.

        Backup Withholding and Information Reporting.    In general, the Company will report to each U.S. holder and the IRS amounts paid on or with respect to the notes unless such U.S. holder is an exempt recipient (such as a corporation).

        Certain non-corporate U.S. holders of the notes (including all individuals) may be subject to backup withholding. In general, backup withholding with respect to the notes will apply to a non-corporate U.S. holder if the U.S. holder:

    fails to furnish its Taxpayer Identification Number, or TIN (which for an individual is the U.S. holder's Social Security number);

    furnishes an incorrect TIN;

    is notified by the IRS that it has failed to properly report payments of interest and dividends; or

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    under certain circumstances, fails to certify, under penalties of perjury, that it has furnished a correct TIN and has not been notified by the IRS that it is subject to backup withholding due to underreporting of interest or dividends, or otherwise fails to comply with applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules.

        The backup withholding rate is currently 28%.

        The amount of any backup withholding from a payment to a U.S. holder will be allowed as a refund or a credit against such U.S. holder's U.S. federal income tax liability, provided that the required procedures are followed.

    Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders

        The following is a summary of the material U.S. federal income and estate tax considerations relating to the ownership and disposition of the notes by a non-U.S. holder. As used herein, the term "non-U.S. holder" means:

    an individual who is neither a citizen nor a resident of the United States;

    a corporation (or any entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) that is not created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any political subdivision thereof;

    an estate the income of which is not subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or

    a trust unless (1) it is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (2) it has a valid election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury Regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.

        For purposes of the following discussion, interest and gain on the sale, exchange or other disposition of the notes will be considered "U.S. trade or business income" if such income or gain (a) is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States, and (b) in the case of a resident of a country with an income tax treaty between that country and the United States qualifying for the benefits of such treaty, is attributable to a permanent establishment in the United States, in each case of a particular non-U.S. holder.

        U.S. Federal Withholding Tax.    A non-U.S. holder will generally be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax at a 30% rate (or, if certain tax treaties apply, such lower rate as provided therein), in respect of interest income on the notes. Such withholding tax will not apply, however, if each of the following requirements is satisfied:

    the non-U.S. holder provides to the Company or the Company's paying agent its name, address and certain other information on an appropriate IRS form (or substitute form) and certifies, under penalties of perjury, that it is not a U.S. person, or the non-U.S. holder holds its new notes through certain foreign intermediaries or certain foreign partnerships and certain certification requirements are satisfied;

    the non-U.S. holder does not actually or constructively own 10% or more of the Company's voting stock; and

    the non-U.S. holder is not a controlled foreign corporation, within the meaning of the Code, that is actually or constructively related to the Company.

        In general, U.S. federal withholding tax will not apply to any gain or income realized by a non-U.S. holder on the disposition of the notes.

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        U.S. Federal Income Tax.    If the interest is considered U.S. trade or business income with respect to a non-U.S. holder, withholding tax will not apply to interest income on the notes paid to such non-U.S. holder if certain certification requirements are satisfied. Such non-U.S. holder generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax with respect to such income in the same manner as U.S. holders, as described above. Additionally, in such event, non-U.S. holders that are corporations may be subject to a branch profits tax on such income at a rate of 30% (or at a reduced rate under an applicable income tax treaty).

        A non-U.S. holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax in respect of gain or income realized upon the sale, exchange, redemption or other taxable disposition of the notes, unless (a) the gain is U.S. trade or business income, in which case such gain or income will be taxed on a net income basis in the same manner as interest that is U.S. trade or business income with respect to a non-U.S. holder (including the possible application of the branch profits tax) or (b) the holder is an individual who is present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 or more days in the taxable year of the disposition and certain other conditions are met, in which case the non-U.S. holder will be subject to a 30% tax on the excess, if any, of such gain plus all other U.S. source capital gains recognized during the same taxable year over the non-U.S. holder's U.S. source capital losses recognized during such taxable year.

        As described under "—Taxation of U.S. Holders—Certain Additional Payments," the notes provide for the payment of certain additional payments. Non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors as to the tax considerations relating to debt instruments providing for such payments.

        Estate Tax.    Notes held by an individual who at the time of death is a non-U.S. holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal estate tax, provided that (a) the individual does not at the time of death actually or constructively own 10% of more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company entitled to vote and (b) the interest income on the notes is not effectively connected with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business by the individual.

        Recently enacted U.S. federal tax legislation provides for reductions in U.S. federal estate tax through 2009 and the elimination of such estate tax entirely in 2010. Under the legislation, such estate tax would be fully reinstated, as in effect prior to the reductions, in 2011.

        Backup Withholding and Information Reporting.    Generally, the amount of interest on the notes paid to a non-U.S. holder and the amount of any tax withheld from such payments must be reported annually to the IRS and to the non-U.S. holder. Copies of the information returns reporting such interest and withholding also may be made available to the tax authorities in the country in which a non-U.S. holder is a resident under the provisions of an applicable income tax treaty or agreement. Under certain circumstances, information reporting could also apply to payments of principal on the notes.

        Under certain circumstances, information reporting could also apply to payments of principal on the notes and backup withholding at applicable rates of U.S. federal income tax could apply to payments of principal and interest on the notes to a non-U.S. holder if such holder fails to certify under penalties of perjury that it is not a U.S. person or if the Company has actual knowledge or reason to know that the payee is a U.S. person.

        Payments of the proceeds of the sale, exchange, redemption or other taxable disposition of a note to or though a foreign office of a U.S. broker or of a foreign broker with certain specified U.S. connections will be subject to information reporting requirements, but generally not backup withholding, unless the payee is an exempt recipient or such broker has evidence in its records that the payee is not a U.S. person. Payments of the proceeds of the sale, exchange, redemption or other taxable disposition of a note to or through the U.S. office of a broker will be subject to information reporting and backup withholding at applicable rates unless the payee certifies as to his or her status as a non-U.S. person or otherwise establishes an exemption.

        Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules from a payment to a non-U.S. holder will be allowed as a refund or a credit against such non-U.S. holder's U.S. federal income tax liability, provided that the required procedures are followed.

114



PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

        Each broker-dealer that receives new notes for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such new notes. This prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of new notes received in exchange for old notes where such old notes were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities. We agreed that, for a period of 90 days after the expiration date, it will make this prospectus, as amended or supplemented, available to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale. In addition, until                        , 2004, all dealers effecting transactions in the new notes may be required to deliver a prospectus.

        We will not receive any proceeds from any sale of new notes by broker-dealers. New notes received by broker-dealers for their own account pursuant to the exchange offer may be sold from time to time in one or more transactions in the over-the-counter market, in negotiated transactions, through the writing of options on the new notes or a combination of such methods of resale, at market prices prevailing at the time of resale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or negotiated prices. Any such resale may be made directly to purchasers or to or through brokers or dealers who may receive compensation in the form of commissions or concessions from any such broker-dealer or the purchasers of any such new notes. Any broker-dealer that resells Exchange Securities that were received by it for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer and any broker or dealer that participates in a distribution of such new notes may be deemed to be an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act and any profit on any such resale of new notes and any commission or concessions received by any such persons may be deemed to be underwriting compensation under the Securities Act. The Letter of Transmittal states that, by acknowledging that it will deliver and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act.

        For a period of 90 days after the expiration date we will promptly send additional copies of this prospectus and any amendment or supplement to this prospectus to any broker-dealer that requests such documents in the letter of transmittal. We have agreed to pay all expenses incident to the exchange offer other than commissions or concessions of any brokers or dealers and will indemnify certain holders of the notes (including any broker-dealers) against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

        Based on interpretations by the Staff of the Commission as set forth in no-action letters issued to third parties (including Exxon Capital Holdings Corporation (available May 13, 1988), Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated (available June 5, 1991), K-III Communications Corporation (available May 14, 1993) and Shearman & Sterling (available July 2, 1993), we believe that the new notes issued pursuant to the exchange offer may be offered for resale, resold and otherwise transferred by any holder of such new notes, other than any such holder that is a broker-dealer or an "affiliate" of us within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act, without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, provided that:

    such new notes are acquired in the ordinary course of business,

    at the time of the commencement of the exchange offer such holder has no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in a distribution of such new notes, and

    such holder is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, a distribution of such new notes.

        We have not sought, and do not intend to seek, a no-action letter from the Commission with respect to the effects of the exchange offer, and there can be no assurance that the Staff would make a similar determination with respect to the new notes as it has in such no-action letters.

115




LEGAL MATTERS

        The validity of the new notes and the guarantees will be passed upon for the Company by Rosen & Weinhaus, LLP, general counsel to the Company.


EXPERTS

        The consolidated financial statements and schedule of Equinox Holdings, Inc. as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2003, have been included herein and in the registration statement in reliance upon the report of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, appearing elsewhere herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.


WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

        In connection with the exchange offer, we have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, a registration statement on Form S-4 under the Securities Act of 1933 relating to the new notes to be issued in the exchange offer. For a more complete understanding of this exchange offer, you should refer to the registration statement, including its exhibits. Statements contained in this prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other document referred to are not necessarily complete and, in each instance, if the contract or document is filed as an exhibit, we refer you to the copy of the contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, each statement being qualified in all respects by that reference.

        The indenture pursuant to which the notes are issued requires us to distribute to the holders of the notes annual reports containing our financial statements audited by our independent public accountants and quarterly reports containing unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the first three quarters of each fiscal year. Following completion of the exchange offer, we will file annual, quarterly and current reports and other information with the SEC. The public may read and copy any reports or other information that we file with the SEC at the SEC's public reference room, Room 1024 at Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the public reference room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. These documents are also available to the public at the web site maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. You may also obtain a copy of the exchange offer registration statement at no cost by writing or telephoning us at the following address:

Equinox Holdings, Inc.
895 Broadway
3rd Floor
New York, New York 10003
Attention: Chief Financial Officer
Telephone: (212) 677-0181

        IN ORDER TO OBTAIN TIMELY DELIVERY, YOU MUST REQUEST DOCUMENTS FROM US NO LATER THAN            , 2004, WHICH IS FIVE DAYS BEFORE THE EXPIRATION DATE OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER ON             , 2004.


        We have not authorized anyone to give you any information or to make any representations about the transactions we discuss in this prospectus other than those contained in this prospectus. If you are given any information or representation about these matters that is not discussed, you must not rely on that information. This prospectus is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy securities anywhere or to anyone where or to whom we are not permitted to offer to sell securities under applicable law.

116



        In making an investment decision investors must rely on their own examination of the issuer and the terms of the offering, including the merits and risks involved. These securities have not been recommended by any federal or state securities commission or regulatory authority. Furthermore, the foregoing authorities have not confirmed the accuracy or determined the adequacy of this document. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.



Trademarks and Trade Names

        We own or have rights to trademarks or trade names that we use in conjunction with the operation of our business. In addition, our name, logo and website name and address are our service marks or trademarks. Each trademark, trade name or service mark by any other company appearing in this prospectus belongs to its holder. Some of the more important trademarks that we own or have rights to include Equinox and Equinox Fitness Clubs.



Market and Industry Data

        Market data used throughout this prospectus were obtained from internal company surveys, consultants' reports and industry publications. Consultants' reports and industry publications generally state that the information contained therein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but that the accuracy and completeness of such information is not guaranteed. We have not independently verified this market data. Similarly, internal company surveys, while believed by us to be reliable, have not been verified by any independent sources. Unless otherwise indicated, market data used throughout this prospectus refers to the U.S. population, U.S. industries and U.S. market segments only. The market and industry data relating to fitness club membership, used throughout this prospectus, are sourced from industry publications relating to the fitness club industry as a whole. Industry data for 2003 will not be available until late 2004.

        The market and industry data used throughout this prospectus relating to financial performance metrics including revenue per member, revenue from ancillary services, and membership retention rates, are sourced from the same industry publications, but relating to the commercial fitness club sector only.

117



INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 (restated) and 2001 (restated)

 
  Page
Independent Auditor's Report   F-2

Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002 (restated)

 

F-3

Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 (restated) and 2001 (restated)

 

F-4

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Deficit and Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 (restated) and 2001 (restated)

 

F-5

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 (restated) and 2001 (restated)

 

F-6

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

F-7

Unaudited Interim Financial Statements:

 

 

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003 (restated)

 

F-28

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income for each of the three months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002

 

F-29

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003

 

F-30

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Financial Statement

 

F-31

SCHEDULE II

 

 

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

 

F-32

F-1



Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors
Equinox Holdings, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Equinox Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity (deficit) and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits 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. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Equinox Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

As discussed in Note 2 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements, the Company has restated the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2002, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders' deficit and comprehensive income, and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001.

                        KPMG LLP

New York, New York
June 16, 2004

F-2



EQUINOX HOLDINGS, INC.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 
  December 31,
 
 
  2003
  2002
 
 
   
  (restated)

 
Assets              
Current assets:              
  Cash   $ 42,709,057   $ 1,244,913  
  Marketable securities     69,914     57,260  
  Accounts receivable—members, less allowance for doubtful accounts as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 of $112,420 and $89,399, respectively     1,545,565     1,509,622  
  Deferred income taxes     2,526,809     2,360,123  
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets (Note 5)     8,969,749     6,547,363  
   
 
 
     
Total current assets

 

 

55,821,094

 

 

11,719,281

 
 
Property and equipment, net

 

 

114,627,750

 

 

94,302,318

 
  Deferred income taxes     4,374,866      
  Other assets     5,015,120     1,578,753  
  Goodwill, net (Note 3(e))     2,503,054     2,503,054  
  Deferred financing costs, net (Note 9)     6,961,231     3,411,385  
   
 
 
      Total assets   $ 189,303,115   $ 113,514,791  
   
 
 

Liabilities and Stockholders' Deficit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Current liabilities:              
  Accounts payable   $ 1,086,705   $ 926,915  
  Accrued expenses     4,248,311     5,313,094  
  Deferred revenue     24,966,440     19,824,913  
  Current installments of long-term debt     123,375     9,087,134  
  Current installments of capital lease obligations     1,251,799     1,655,583  
  Due to affiliated entities     786,644      
   
 
 
      Total current liabilities     32,463,274     36,807,639  
  Deferred revenue     495,160     393,187  
  Long-term debt, excluding current installments (Note 9)     161,500,647     83,527,573  
  Capital lease obligations, net of current installments     1,123,401     1,429,829  
  Deferred income taxes         1,647,053  
  Deferred rent (Note 16)     16,206,119     11,535,718  
  Common stock put warrants (Note 10)     9,653,768     10,541,775  
  Due to founding stockholders (Note 4)     2,935,192     4,212,153  
   
 
 
      Total long term liabilities     191,914,287     113,287,288  
   
 
 
      Total liabilities     224,377,561     150,094,927  
   
 
 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Stockholders' deficit:              
  10% Cumulative preferred stock; $0.01 par value. Authorized 400,000 shares; 120,872 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2002. None issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2003         1,208,725  
 
Common stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 20,000,000 shares 9,443,247 8,604,913 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively

 

 

94,432

 

 

86,049

 
  Additional paid-in capital     82,920,208     72,842,183  
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

 

14,078

 

 

1,423

 
  Accumulated deficit     (118,103,164 )   (110,718,516 )
   
 
 
      Total stockholders' deficit     (35,074,446 )   (36,580,136 )
   
 
 
      Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit   $ 189,303,115   $ 113,514,791  
   
 
 

F-3



EQUINOX HOLDINGS, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Income

 
  For the years ended December 31,
 
 
  2003
  2002
  2001
 
 
   
  (restated)

  (restated)

 
Membership fees   $ 75,677,255   $ 63,369,094   $ 52,489,482  

Personal training

 

 

24,999,924

 

 

17,709,161

 

 

15,023,607

 

Other revenue

 

 

15,449,506

 

 

14,196,434

 

 

11,907,117

 
   
 
 
 
      Total revenue     116,126,685     95,274,689     79,420,206  

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Compensation and related     48,201,876     37,572,450     31,273,802  
  Rent and occupancy     16,645,996     11,869,691     9,793,216  
  General and administrative     21,280,466     15,975,858     13,378,238  
  Related-party management fees     1,007,063     1,164,031     1,199,455  
  Stock compensation expense     35,000     312,516     1,022,260  
  Depreciation and amortization     9,749,647     6,849,914     5,785,024  
   
 
 
 
     
Total operating expenses

 

 

96,920,048

 

 

73,744,460

 

 

62,451,995

 
   
 
 
 
     
Income from operations

 

 

19,206,637

 

 

21,530,229

 

 

16,968,211

 
   
 
 
 
Other income (expense):                    
  Interest expense     (33,692,518 )   (12,707,900 )   (13,297,540 )
  Interest income     132,139     7,923     148,762  
  Other income (expense)     900,247     (2,869,311 )   1,187,789  
   
 
 
 
      Total other expense     (32,660,132 )   (15,569,288 )   (11,960,989 )
   
 
 
 
      Income before benefit from (provision) for income taxes     (13,453,495 )   5,960,941     5,007,222  
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes     6,188,608     (4,137,258 )   (2,007,507 )
   
 
 
 
      Net income (Loss)   $ (7,264,887 ) $ 1,823,683   $ 2,999,715  
   
 
 
 

F-4


EQUINOX HOLDINGS, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Deficit and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 (restated) and 2001 (restated)

 
  Preferred
shares

  Preferred
stock

  Common
shares

  Common
stock

  Additional
paid-in
capital

  Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income

  Retained
earnings
(accumulated
deficit

  Total
 
Balance, December 31, 2000 (restated)         7,632,284   $ 76,323   $ 71,517,133   $ 37,347   $ (110,968,951 ) $ (39,338,148 )
 
Net income

 


 

 


 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

2,999,715

 

 

2,999,715

 
 
Unrealized loss on available for sale securities

 


 

 


 


 

 


 

 


 

 

(2,750

)

 


 

 

(2,750

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 
 
Comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,996,965

 
 
Issuance of preferred stock to investors for cash

 

100,000

 

 

1,000,000

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

1,000,000

 
 
Accrued dividends on preferred stock

 

9,474

 

 

94,741

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

(94,741

)

 


 
 
Options granted

 


 

 


 


 

 


 

 

1,022,260

 

 


 

 


 

 

1,022,260

 
 
2000 contingent share payment

 


 

 


 

972,629

 

 

9,726

 

 

(9,726

)

 


 

 


 

 


 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Balance, December 31, 2001 (restated)

 

109,474

 

 

1,094,741

 

8,604,913

 

 

86,049

 

 

72,529,667

 

 

34,597

 

 

(108,063,977

)

 

(34,318,923

)
 
Net income

 


 

 


 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

1,823,683

 

 

1,823,683

 
 
Unrealized loss on available for sale securities

 


 

 


 


 

 


 

 


 

 

(33,174

)

 


 

 

(33,174

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 
 
Comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,790,509

 
 
Options granted

 


 

 


 


 

 


 

 

312,516

 

 


 

 


 

 

312,516

 
 
Accrued dividends on preferred stock

 

11,398

 

 

113,984

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

(113,984

)

 


 
 
Payment of escrowed restricted cash to former shareholders

 


 

 


 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

(4,364,238

)

 

(4,364,238

)
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Balance, December 31, 2002 (restated)

 

120,872

 

 

1,208,725

 

8,604,913

 

 

86,049

 

 

72,842,183

 

 

1,423

 

 

(110,718,516

)

 

(36,580,136

)
 
Net loss

 


 

 


 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

(7,264,887

)

 

(7,264,887

)
 
Unrealized gain on available for sale securities

 


 

 


 


 

 


 

 


 

 

12,655

 

 


 

 

12,655

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 
 
Comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(7,252,232

)
 
Issuance of common stock to investors for cash

 


 

 


 

833,334

 

 

8,333

 

 

9,991,675

 

 


 

 


 

 

10,000,008

 
 
Options exercised

 


 

 


 

5,000

 

 

50

 

 

51,350

 

 


 

 


 

 

51,400

 
 
Options granted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

35,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

35,000

 
 
Payment of preferred capital to former shareholders

 

(120,872

)

 

(1,328,486

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,328,486

)
 
Accrued dividends on preferred stock

 

 

 

 

119,761

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(119,761

)

 


 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Balance, December 31, 2003

 


 

$


 

9,443,247

 

$

94,432

 

$

82,920,208

 

$

14,078

 

$

118,103,164

 

$

(35,074,446

)
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

F-5



EQUINOX HOLDINGS, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 
  For the years ended December 31,
 
 
  2003
  2002
  2001
 
 
   
  (restated)

  (restated)

 
Cash flows from operating activities:                    
 
Net (loss) income

 

$

(7,264,887

)

$

1,823,683

 

$

2,999,715

 
  Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:                    
    Depreciation and amortization     9,749,647     6,849,914     5,785,024  
    Allowance for doubtful accounts, net of write-offs     23,021     10,553     (223,125 )
    Interest expense     15,353,319     2,693,291     2,712,072  
    Changes in fair market value of common stock put warrants     (888,007 )   2,848,652     (1,336,404 )
    Write-off of other receivables         169,274      
    Stock compensation expense     35,000     312,516     1,022,260  
    Accretive interest expense related to payable to founding stockholders     3,723,039     676,642     567,946  
    Deferred rent     2,521,330     1,087,871     974,914  
    Deferred income taxes     (6,188,608 )   2,413,257     1,859,906  
   
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
      Accounts receivable—members     (58,964 )   236,901     (668,393 )
      Due (to) from affiliated entities, net     786,644     175,765     397,678  
     
Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

(2,422,386

)

 

(2,989,240

)

 

(2,066,567

)
      Other assets     (3,436,370 )   (584,989 )   (96,382 )
      Accounts payable     159,793     (526,868 )   (744,590 )
      Accrued expenses     (1,064,780 )   347,268     2,832,233  
      Deferred revenue     5,243,498     2,096,070     2,697,512  
   
 
 
 
        Net cash provided by operating activities     16,271,289     17,640,560     16,713,799  
Cash flows from investing activities:                    
  Purchases of property and equipment     (27,009,412 )   (21,376,996 )   (18,590,275 )
   
 
 
 
       
Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

(27,009,412

)

 

(21,376,996

)

 

(18,590,275

)
   
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:                    
 
Payment to repurchase and retire preferred shares pursuant to the Recapitalization

 

 

(1,328,486

)

 


 

 


 
  Distributions to founding shareholder group     (5,000,000 )        
  Proceeds from long-term debt     185,000,000          
  Payment of deferred financing costs     (9,420,943 )        
  Issuance of common stock to existing shareholders for cash     10,051,408          
  Restricted cash         4,424,491     (237,491 )
  Payment of restricted cash to founding shareholder group         (4,364,238 )    
  Repayment of notes payable     (125,898,307 )   (7,053,387 )   (47,546 )
  Repayment of capital lease obligations     (1,626,805 )   (1,540,896 )   (1,546,418 )
  Proceeds from notes payable     425,400     10,799,600     4,500,000  
  Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock             1,000,000  
   
 
 
 
       
Net cash provided by financing activities

 

 

52,202,267

 

 

2,265,570

 

 

3,668,545

 
   
 
 
 
        Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents     41,464,144     (1,470,866 )   1,792,069  
Cash at beginning of period     1,244,913     2,715,779     923,710  
   
 
 
 
Cash at end of period   $ 42,709,057   $ 1,244,913   $ 2,715,779  
   
 
 
 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Cash paid during the period for:                    
    Interest   $ 17,747,619   $ 9,955,982   $ 8,712,237  
    Income taxes   $ 1,292,680   $ 1,718,000   $ 1,442,619  
Supplemental disclosures of noncash investing and financing activities:                    
  Capital lease obligations entered into for equipment   $ 916,593   $ 868,664   $ 1,768,374  
 
Deferred rent capitalized during build-out

 

$

2,282,182

 

$

1,610,491

 

$

735,390

 
  Issuance of warrants pursuant to debt financing (Note 10)   $   $   $ 987,912  

F-6



EQUINOX HOLDINGS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(1) Description, Organization and Development of Business

    (a)
    Description of Business

        Equinox Holdings, Inc. (the Company) is engaged in the operation of full service fitness clubs under the trade name "Equinox Fitness Club" in New York, California, Illinois and Connecticut.

    (b)
    Organization and Development of Business

        The Company was formed on January 1, 1999 and consolidates the following wholly owned subsidiaries: Equinox 76th Street, Inc.; Broadway Equinox, Inc.; Equinox 92nd Street, Inc.; Equinox 85th Street, Inc.; Equinox 63rd Street, Inc.; Equinox White Plains Road, Inc.; Equinox 54th Street, Inc.; Equinox 50th Street, Inc.; Equinox 43rd Street, Inc.; Equinox 44th Street, Inc.; Equinox Wall Street, Inc.; Energy Wear, Inc.; Equinox Greenwich Avenue, Inc.; Equinox Fitness Pasadena, Inc.; Equinox Darien, Inc.; Equinox Lincoln Park, Inc.; Equinox Tribeca, Inc.; Equinox Columbus Centre, Inc.; Equinox West Hollywood, Inc.; Equinox Woodbury, Inc.; Equinox Gold Coast, Inc.; Equinox Tribeca Office, Inc.; Equinox Highland Park, Inc.; Equinox Wellness Center; Westchester Health and Fitness, Inc.; Equinox Management Company, Inc.; and The Equinox Group, Inc.

        During 2001, the Company opened fitness clubs in Greenwich Village (New York City) and in Pasadena, California. Additionally, the Company formed the following companies for which related fitness clubs remained unopened as of December 31, 2002: Equinox Tribeca, Inc. and Equinox Columbus Centre, Inc.

        During 2002, the Company opened fitness clubs in Darien, Connecticut and in Lincoln Park in Chicago, Illinois. Additionally, the Company formed the following companies for which related fitness clubs (and corporate office in the case of Equinox Tribeca Office, Inc.) remained unopened as of December 31, 2002: Equinox West Hollywood, Inc.; Equinox Woodbury, Inc.; Equinox Gold Coast, Inc.; Equinox Tribeca Office, Inc.; and Equinox Highland Park, Inc.

        During 2003, the Company opened fitness clubs in Tribeca (New York City), Woodbury, New York, West Hollywood, California, North Michigan in Chicago, Illinois and the corporate offices co-located with the Tribeca fitness club. The Company also formed the following companies for which related fitness clubs remained unopened as of December 31, 2003: Equinox Roslyn, Inc., Equinox Pine Street, Inc., Equinox Fitness Santa Monica, Inc., and Equinox Mamaroneck, Inc.

(2) Restatement of Previously Issued Financial Statements

        The Company has restated its balance sheet and statement of operations and stockholder's equity as of December 31, 2002 and for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001. The adjustment reduced the amounts of membership fees revenue recognized by $609,722 and $196,525 in 2002 and 2001, respectively. In addition $396,843 of previously recognized personal training revenue was prematurely recognized in 2002 and has been correctly reported in 2003. Revenues from members that were billed monthly were previously recognized when billed. The Company reviewed this practice and determined that it had incorrectly recorded revenue as monthly members were being billed one month in advance. As a result of this finding, the Company determined that it is more appropriate to recognize revenue from its monthly members in the month that they use the facilities. These revisions impacted previously reported deferred revenue, the beginning and ending accumulated deficit, deferred taxes, total revenue, income from operations, income before provision for income taxes and net income in each period. The effect of the adjustments prior to the year ending December 31, 2001 and impact to the Company's accumulated deficit as of January 1, 2001 was $1,558,769.

F-7


        The impacts to the Company's Statements of Operations are as follows:

 
  2002
  2001
 
Total revenues as previously reported   $ 96,281,254   $ 79,616,731  
Adjustment:              
  Membership revenue     (609,722 )   (196,525 )
  Personal training revenue     (396,843 )    
   
 
 
  Total revenues as restated   $ 95,274,689   $ 79,420,206  
   
 
 
               
Income from operations as previously reported   $ 22,536,794   $ 17,164,736  
Adjustment:              
  Membership revenue     (609,722 )   (196,525 )
  Personal training revenue     (396,843 )    
   
 
 
Income from operations, as restated   $ 21,530,229   $ 16,968,211  
   
 
 
               
Income before provision for income taxes, as previously reported   $ 6,967,506   $ 5,203,747  
Adjustment:              
  Membership revenue     (609,722 )   (196,525 )
  Personal training revenue     (396,843 )    
   
 
 
Income before provision for income taxes, as restated   $ 5,960,941   $ 5,007,222  
   
 
 

Provision for income tax, as previously reported

 

$

(4,590,212

)

$

(2,095,943

)
Adjustment:              
  Tax effect of reporting membership and personal training revenues     452,954     88,436  
   
 
 
Provision for income tax, as restated   $ (4,137,258 ) $ (2,007,507 )
   
 
 
               
  Net income, as previously reported   $ 2,377,294   $ 3,107,804  
Adjustment:              
  Membership revenue     (609,722 )   (196,525 )
  Personal training revenue     (396,843 )    
  Income tax adjustment     452,954     88,436  
   
 
 
  Net income, as restated   $ 1,823,683   $ 2,999,715  
   
 
 

F-8


        The impacts to the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows:

 
  2002
  2001
 
  Current portion of deferred revenue, as previously reported   $ 15,787,694   $ 14,798,650  
Adjustment:              
  Membership revenue     3,640,376     3,030,651  
  Personal training revenue     396,843      
   
 
 
  Current portion of deferred revenue, as restated   $ 19,824,913   $ 17,829,301  
   
 
 
               
  Current portion of deferred income taxes, as previously reported   $ 543,373   $ 1,148,802  
Adjustment:              
  Tax effect of reporting membership and personal training revenues     1,816,750     1,363,793  
   
 
 
  Current portion of deferred income taxes, as restated   $ 2,360,123   $ 2,512,595  
   
 
 
               
  Accumulated deficit, as previously reported   $ (108,498,047 ) $ (106,397,119 )
Adjustment:              
  Membership revenue     (3,640,376 )   (3,030,651 )
  Personal training revenue     (396,843 )    
  Current deferred income tax     1,816,750     1,363,793  
   
 
 
  Accumulated deficit, as restated   $ (110,718,516 ) $ (108,063,977 )
   
 
 

        There was no change in the Company's net operating cash flows, net cash used in investing activities or net cash provided from financing activities included in the Company's Statement of Cash Flows in 2002 and 2001. The impacts to the Company's cash flows within the operating activities are as follows:

 
  2002
  2001
 
  Net income previously reported   $ 2,377,294   $ 3,107,804  
Adjustment:              
  Membership revenue     (609,722 )   (196,525 )
  Personal training revenue     (396,843 )    
  Tax effect of reporting membership and other revenues     452,954     88,436  
   
 
 
  Restated net income   $ 1,823,683   $ 2,999,715  
   
 
 
               
  Deferred income taxes, as previously reported   $ 2,866,211   $ 1,948,342  
Adjustment:              
  Tax effect of reporting membership and other revenues     (452,954 )   (88,436 )
   
 
 
  Deferred income taxes, as restated   $ 2,413,257   $ 1,859,906  
   
 
 
               
  Deferred revenue, as previously reported   $ 1,089,505   $ 2,500,987  
Adjustment:              
  Membership revenue     609,722     196,525  
  Personal training revenue     396,843      
   
 
 
  Deferred revenue, as restated   $ 2,096,070   $ 2,697,512  
   
 
 

F-9


(3) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

    (a)
    Principles of Consolidation

        The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned. All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

    (b)
    Cash and Cash Equivalents

        The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

    (c)
    Marketable Investment Securities

        The Company classifies its investments in marketable investment securities, which include only mutual fund investments, as available-for-sale in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities. Such securities are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in equity. Gains and losses on the disposition of securities are recognized in earnings using the specific identification method in the period in which they occur. A decline, which is deemed to be other than temporary, in the market value of any available-for-sale security below cost results in a reduction in the carrying amount to fair value. Such impairment would be charged to earnings and would establish a new cost basis for the security.

    (d)
    Long-Lived Assets

        In accordance with SFAS No. 144, the Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets in question may not be recoverable. The Company reviews its long-lived assets at the individual fitness club level and groups its long-lived assets according to asset class (for machinery and equipment), and by location (for facilities) for purposes of assessing potential impairment. Impairment is measured based upon a comparison of the expected undiscounted future cash flows for each location to the carrying amount of asset groupings. Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 144, the Company accounted for long-lived assets in accordance with SFAS No. 121, Accounting for Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of. There were no impairment charges recorded on long-lived assets.

    (e)
    Goodwill, Net

        The Company accounts for goodwill under SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and other Intangible Assets. Under SFAS No. 142, goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are no longer amortized but are reviewed annually (or more frequently, if impairment indicators arise) for impairment. Separable intangible assets that are not deemed to have indefinite lives are amortized over their useful lives (but with no maximum life).

        The Company adopted this standard effective January 1, 2002 and, accordingly, those intangible assets that continue to be classified as goodwill are not amortized. The Company assessed its intangible assets to identify goodwill separately from other identifiable intangibles during 2002. No adjustment was deemed necessary. In accordance with SFAS No. 142, intangible assets, including purchased goodwill, are evaluated periodically for impairment. Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 142, goodwill was being amortized over 15 years. Amortization of goodwill (which arose from the Company's acquisition of

F-10



Energy Wear in December of 2000) was $178,790 in 2001. Goodwill, net is $2.5 million at December 31, 2003 and 2002.

        An independent valuation firm performed the Company's SFAS 142 evaluation as of the annual impairment testing date of December 31, 2003. The evaluation utilized an income valuation approach and contains reasonable and supportable assumptions and projections and reflect management's best estimate of future cash flows. The valuation firm's capitalization of cash flow valuation used a range of return rates that represented the Company's cost of capital and included an evaluation relative to the value of other relevant companies within the reporting unit's industry. The assumptions utilized by in these evaluations are consistent with those utilized in the Company's annual planning process. If the assumptions and estimates underlying the goodwill impairment evaluation are not achieved, the amount of the impairment could be adversely affected. Future impairment tests will be performed at least annually in conjunction with the Company's annual budgeting and forecasting process, with any impairment classified as an operating expense.

    (f)
    Restricted Cash

        In accordance with a cash escrow agreement (the Escrow Agreement), the Company had restricted $4,424,491 of its cash (including accrued interest) at December 31, 2001 to secure the former shareholder group's indemnification obligations under the Recapitalization agreement (see Note 4). The Escrow Agreement expired on March 15, 2002, and these escrowed funds were remitted to the former shareholders. The Company recorded an additional charge to stockholders' equity to reflect the resolution of this contingent portion of the original share purchase in the Recapitalization. At December 31, 2003, the Company has $3,717,258 in cash collateral located in other assets related to continuing letters of credit issued during 2003.

    (g)
    Derivative Instruments

        The Company accounts for its derivative financial instruments under SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. SFAS No. 133, as amended by SFAS No. 137 and SFAS No. 138, became effective for the Company as of January 1, 2001.

        In May 2001, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement with a counterparty relating to the Company's term loan and revolving loan commitment. The swap agreement converted $15 million from floating rates to a fixed rate of 4.27% per annum. The net payments or receipts from this interest rate swap have been recorded as part of interest expense. The Company recorded a loss of $148,615 for the mark-to-market adjustment of the derivative instrument in the statement of income for 2001. The agreement expired on April 5, 2002 and the Company recorded a gain of $148,615 for the mark to market adjustment in the Statement of Income for 2002. There were no derivative instruments in effect as of December 31, 2002 and 2003.

    (h)
    Property and Equipment

        Property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life except leasehold improvements. For leasehold improvements, amortization is

F-11


calculated on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the estimated useful life or the lease term of the related asset. The estimated useful lives are as follows:

Leasehold improvements   Shorter of term of lease or useful life
Fitness equipment   5 years
Computer equipment and software   5 years
Other equipment   5 years
Office equipment   5 to 7 years
Furniture and fixtures   7 years

        Leased equipment meeting certain criteria is capitalized and the present value of the related lease payments is recorded as a liability. Amortization of capitalized leased assets is computed on the straight-line method over the term of the lease. Interest costs and rents incurred during the construction period of the Company's facilities are capitalized as leasehold improvements.

    (i)
    Accounting for Leases

        The Company has entered into various operating leases for property and equipment. All leases are payable in monthly installments, and rent expense is accounted for on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. The Company capitalizes rent during the build out phase of its facilities.

    (j)
    Comprehensive Income (Loss)

        The Company complies with the provisions of SFAS No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive Income, which requires companies to report all changes in equity during a period, except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Comprehensive income (loss) is the total of net income and all other nonowner changes in equity (other comprehensive income) such as unrealized gains or losses on securities classified as available-for-sale. Comprehensive income (loss) was approximately $(7.3) million, $1.8 million and $3.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

    (k)
    Start-Up Costs

        The Company complies with the provisions of Statement of Position (SOP) 98-5, Reporting on the Costs of Start-Up Activities. SOP 98-5 requires costs of start-up activities and organization costs to be expensed as incurred. Pursuant to this standard, the Company has expensed all start-up costs related to newly formed clubs.

    (l)
    Deferred Financing Costs

        Deferred financing costs which resulted from the Company's procurement of long-term debt pursuant to the Recapitalization, (see note 4(a)) had been amortized as interest expense over the life of the credit agreement. In December 2003, upon the private offering (see note 9(c)) the balance of the Company's deferred financing costs of $4.6 million was expensed. In connection with our 2003 private offering and new senior secured revolving credit facility, approximately $7.0 million in deferred financing costs was capitalized and will be expensed through December 2009. The 2003 expense related to the amortization of the new deferred financing costs for the new senior notes issued in December 2003 was $51,000.

F-12



    (m)
    Revenue and Expense Recognition

        Membership fees—As club memberships are sold, each member is charged an initiation fee as well as membership dues. The initiation fee is due up front and amortized over an estimated membership life of 24 months, commencing with the first month of the new member contract. The initial contract period is twelve months. Membership dues for members who pay annual dues up-front (both new membership sales and membership renewals) are amortized over a 12-month period commencing with the first month of the new member contract or renewal contract, as applicable. Membership dues for members who pay monthly are recognized in the period in which facility access is provided.

        Sales commissions and other direct expenditures paid with regard to deferred membership revenue are amortized over the period in which the related revenue is recognized as income. Deferred costs do not exceed related deferred revenue for the periods presented. Such costs are amortized over the life of the agreement.

        Personal training—Personal training revenues are recognized as services are performed. Personal training sessions purchased in advanced are recorded as deferred revenue and recognized as the services are performed.

        Other revenue—Other revenue includes revenue from services and retail merchandise sales. Other service revenue includes spa and pilates services. Revenues from spa services and pilates are recognized as services are performed. Spa and pilates services purchased in advance are recorded as deferred revenue and recognized as the services are performed. The Company recognizes revenue from retail merchandise sales upon delivery to the customer.

    (n)
    Income Taxes

        The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. Under the asset and liability method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement and tax bases of existing assets and liabilities and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Differences between assets and liabilities for financial statement and tax return purposes are principally related to deferred revenue and depreciable lives of assets.

    (o)
    Fair Value of Financial Instruments

        The Company complies with the provisions of SFAS No. 107, Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments. The carrying value of all financial instruments reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets approximated fair value at December 31, 2003 and 2002.

    (p)
    Stock-Based Compensation

        In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure (SFAS No. 148). SFAS No. 148 provides alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation as

F-13



originally provided by SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. Additionally, SFAS No. 148 amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123 to require prominent disclosure in both annual and interim financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based compensation and the effect of the method used on reported results. The transitional requirements of SFAS No. 148 are effective for all financial statements for fiscal years ending after December 12, 2002. The application of the disclosure portion of this standard has had no impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations. As permitted under SFAS No 123, the Company applies the intrinsic value-based method prescribed by Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees and related interpretations) including FASB Interpretation No. 44, Accounting for Certain Transactions Involving Stock Compensation—an interpretation of APB No. 25, issued in March 2000, in accounting for its stock compensation plans. Under APB No. 25, the Company generally does not recognize compensation expense upon the issuance of its stock options because the exercise price equals the estimated fair market value at grant date.

    (q)
    Concentration of Credit Risk

        The Company's mix of accounts receivable from members is diverse. Approximately 88.7% and 92.6% of the Company's revenues are derived from operations in the Metropolitan New York area for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

    (r)
    Use of Estimates

        The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions relating to 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.

    (s)
    Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

        In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations, which establishes an accounting standard requiring the recording of the fair value of liabilities associated with the retirement of long-lived assets in the period in which they are incurred. The Company adopted SFAS No. 143 on January 1, 2003 and has determined that the adoption of SFAS No. 143 had no material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

        On January 17, 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities" ("FIN 46"). Such Interpretation addresses the consolidation of variable interest entities ("VIEs"), including special purpose entities ("SPEs"), that are not controlled through voting interests or in which the equity investors do not bear the residual economic risks and rewards. The provisions of FIN 46 were effective immediately for transactions entered into by the Company subsequent to January 31, 2003 and became effective for all other transactions as of July 1, 2003. However, in October 2003, the FASB permitted companies to defer the July 1, 2003 effective date to December 31, 2003, in whole or in part. On December 24, 2003, the FASB issued a complete replacement of FIN 46 ("FIN 46R"), which clarified certain complexities of FIN 46 and generally requires adoption no later than December 31, 2003 for entities that were considered SPEs under previous guidance, and no later than March 31, 2004 for all other entities.

F-14



        Management believes that upon adoption of FIN 46 in the second quarter of 2004 the Company would consolidate Eclipse Development Inc. ("Eclipse"). Eclipse, wholly owned by Mr. Paul Boardman, provides an exclusive service to the Company for the site selection, acquisition, design, construction and maintenance services of its clubs. A master service agreement prohibits Eclipse and Mr. Boardman from performing services for anyone that competes with the Company's facilities. Eclipse is thinly capitalized and is highly dependent upon the business provided by the Company. Management believes that the impact on the consolidated balance sheet for 2004 would not be material as a result of this change in accounting principle since the historical payments made to Eclipse have been principally for capital expenditures. Further, the Company believes that the stock compensation costs recorded by the Company would decrease as a result of no longer treating Mr. Boardman and various other Eclipse employees as a non-employees of Equinox Holdings, Inc. Such costs amounted to $35,000, $312,516 and $1,022,260 for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

        Effective July 1, 2003, the company adopted the FASB's consensus on EITF Issue No. 00-21, "Accounting for Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables." This issue addresses how to account for arrangements that may involve the delivery or performance of multiple products, services, and/or rights to use assets. The final consensus of this issue is applicable to agreements entered into in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2003. Adoption of this issue had no material impact on the company's consolidated financial position, consolidated results of operations, or liquidity.

    (t)
    Reclassifications

        Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2001 and 2002 consolidated financial statements to conform to the 2003 presentation.

(4) Recapitalization

    (a)
    Repurchase of Shares and Distribution

        As part of a transaction (the "Recapitalization") that was completed on December 15, 2000 (the "Closing Date"), the Company initially repurchased 10,370,760 shares of its then outstanding common stock from the founding stockholder group (the Founding Stockholders) for aggregate consideration of $99,127,665, retired those shares and its existing stock then held in treasury and paid $17,064,918 in net distributions ($19,448,749 less $2,383,831 owed to the Company by certain Founding Stockholders) to the same group, which does not include distributions made prior to the Recapitalization. The Company then issued new shares to other shareholders (the Incoming Investors) for net aggregate consideration of $66,445,134 to complete the initial Recapitalization transaction. The Company funded the Recapitalization with a combination of financing arrangements (see note 9) and cash from the Incoming Investors.

        During 2001, pursuant to the 2000 contingent share payment, the Company released an additional 972,629 shares of common stock, previously escrowed, to the Founding Stockholders based on the resolution of the contingency associated with operating results for 2000 which were agreed to in 2001, resulting in a net repurchase of 9,398,131 shares of common stock in the Recapitalization for the original aggregate consideration of $99,127,655. The Founding Stockholders subsequently sold 897,811 shares of common stock directly to the Incoming Investors, resulting in final adjusted share ownership of 7,941,024 shares by the Incoming Investors and 663,889 shares by the Founding Shareholders, or approximately 92% and 8%, respectively.

F-15


        As described in note 4(f), pursuant to the Escrow Agreement, the Company had retained restricted cash to secure indemnification obligations of the Founding Stockholders. During 2002, these contingent obligations were met, and the restricted cash in the amount of $4,364,238 was remitted to the Founding Stockholders, with a corresponding charge to equity.

    (b)
    Repurchase of Options

        Pursuant to the Recapitalization, all stock option holders became fully vested. Each such option holder existing at the Closing Date had the option of either: i) rolling over these options into their equivalent in the newly recapitalized company, or ii) cashing out such options at a defined value per option and obtaining options in the recapitalized company equal to a defined value of their pre-existing options. Due to the acceleration of vesting, the entire amount of deferred compensation was charged to expense in 2000.

    (c)
    Costs of Recapitalization

        In connection with the 2000 Recapitalization, the Company recorded one-time charges to its consolidated statements of income of $5,608,142 primarily related to financing expenses, legal and professional fees that could not be capitalized and certain management compensation costs as defined in the Recapitalization agreement. Furthermore, the Company charged $5,969,429 against additional paid-in capital for certain fees directly attributed to the new equity investment.

    (d)
    2004 Contingent Additional Cash Payment

        In accordance with the Recapitalization agreement, if certain earnings thresholds, as defined, were met in 2004, the Company would be obligated to pay additional cash consideration up to $10.0 million to the Founding Stockholders.

    (e)
    Deferred Payment

        In accordance with the Recapitalization agreement a cash payment of $5,000,000 was paid in 2003 to the Founding Stockholders as additional consideration for the repurchase of their shares.

F-16


    (f)
    Exit Payment

        Upon the earlier of a qualified public offering, a change of control, or December 15, 2010, the Company will pay $10,000,000 as additional consideration to the Founding Stockholders provided that the Company has satisfied its obligations under the Debt Financing (defined as the term loan and revolving loan commitment (see note 9(a)) and the Senior Subordinated Notes. The Company must pay an additional $5.0 million at the same time if the internal rate of return of our equity sponsors exceeds a specified amount. In connection with the Recapitalization, the Company has recorded the present value of its obligation to the Founding Shareholders as a long-term liability as it concluded that the satisfaction of its obligations under the Debt Financing represented a de facto subordination and that the obligation to the Founding Stockholders would ultimately be paid. As such, the Company has recorded the present value of the obligation on the accompanying balance sheets and the accretion in value as non-cash interest expense of approximately $471,509, $395,767 and $332,190 in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. The Company used a discount rate of 17% to determine the present value of the liability, as that rate represented the Company's weighted average cost of capital at that time.

    (g)
    Non-Competition Agreements

        In accordance with the 2001 Recapitalization agreement, certain of the Founding Stockholders have agreed to a non-competition period of three years.

(5) Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets

 
  December 31,
 
  2003
  2002
Commissions   $ 1,556,487   $ 1,215,190
Insurance     1,007,095     341,696
Inventory     695,135     506,959
Income taxes     5,004,330     3,684,574
Other     706,702     798,944
   
 
    $ 8,969,749   $ 6,547,363
   
 

(6) Property and Equipment

        Property and equipment, net, consists of:

 
  December 31,
 
 
  2003
  2002
 
Construction-in-progress   $ 2,626,908   $ 1,819,083  
Leasehold improvements     121,765,313     98,184,739  
Fitness equipment     11,395,189     9,388,340  
Furniture and fixtures     4,283,658     4,216,443  
Computer equipment     5,339,691     3,342,819  
Other equipment     3,927,621     2,781,690  
Office equipment     1,101,522     749,047  
   
 
 
      150,439,902     120,482,161  
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization     (35,812,152 )   (26,179,843 )
   
 
 
    $ 114,627,750   $ 94,302,318  
   
 
 

F-17


        Property and equipment includes amounts acquired under capital leases of $2,721,966 and $3,473,932 net of accumulated depreciation of $4,578,485 and $3,144,582 at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Depreciation expense was $9.7 million, $6.8 million and $5.8 million in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Interest costs incurred in the construction of facilities, totaling $561,067, $314,896 and $436,733 for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively, have been capitalized. Rent incurred during the construction period is capitalized as a leasehold improvement.

(7) Accrued Expenses

        Accrued expenses consist of:

 
  December 31,
 
  2003
  2002
Interest expense   $ 719,387   $ 1,689,150
Payroll and related benefits and taxes     924,336     1,941,709
Other     2,604,588     1,682,235
   
 
    $ 4,248,311   $ 5,313,094
   
 

(8) Capital Lease Obligations

        The Company leases fitness equipment under capital leases that expire at various dates through 2008. The leases require monthly payments of principal and interest imputed at interest rates ranging from approximately 5% to 9.5% per annum.

        Future minimum lease payments under capital leases as of December 31, 2003, are as follows:

2004   $ 1,370,916  
2005     661,599  
2006     271,635  
2007     211,238  
2008     41,031  
Thereafter      
   
 
      2,556,419  
Less amount representing interest     (181,219 )
   
 
      2,375,200  
Less current installments     (1,251,799 )
   
 
  Capital lease obligations, less current installments   $ 1,123,401  
   
 

(9) Long-Term Debt

    (a)
    Credit Agreement

        Pursuant to the Recapitalization (see note 4(a)), the Company paid off its then-existing debt and entered into a new credit agreement with several financial institutions, with one bank acting as administrative agent for the others (the Credit Agreement). Borrowings under the Credit Agreement,

F-18


which are in the form of a term loan and revolving loan commitment (i) and (ii) in Note 9(c) below) are collateralized by certain tangible and intangible assets of the Company and are guaranteed by each wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. The Credit Agreement allows for maximum borrowings of $37,000,000 for the term loan and $23,000,000 for the revolving loan commitment. The Credit Agreement calls for maintenance of certain covenants. This Credit agreement was repaid pursuant to the December 2003 private offering.

        In December 2003, the Company entered into a new revolving credit facility with several financial institutions with one bank acting as administrative agent for the others (the Credit Agreement). Borrowings under the Credit Agreement, which are in the form of a term loan and revolving loan commitment are collateralized by certain assets of the Company and are guaranteed by each wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. The Credit Agreement allows for maximum borrowings of $25.0 million reduced by up to $3.5 million of outstanding cash collateralized standby letters of credit under this facility or issued by another institution. The Credit Agreement calls for maintenance of certain financial and operating covenants. The Company is in compliance with its financial and operating covenants and has not borrowed any funds from this credit agreement as of December 31, 2003. The new revolving credit facility expires on December 16, 2008

        The amounts borrowed bear interest, at the Company's option, at either the prime rate plus an applicable margin or if a LIBOR loan then at the sum of the LIBOR plus the applicable LIBOR margin.

        Under the bank credit facilities, the Company has agreed to pay commitment fees equal to the difference between the loan commitment and the average daily balance of the loan outstanding multiplied by the applicable unused line rate, as defined in the credit agreement.

        In April 2004, the Company issued a $1.5 million irrevocable standby letter of credit to a landlord in connection with a new fitness club due to open in late 2004.

    (b)
    Senior Subordinated Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement

        Pursuant to the Recapitalization in 2000 (see note 4(a)), the Company entered into a Senior Subordinated Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement (the Subordinated Note Agreement) with several financial institutions under which borrowings are collateralized by certain tangible and intangible assets of the Company and are guaranteed by each wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. The Subordinated Note Agreement ((iii) below) allowed for maximum borrowings of $50,000,000 (plus additional principal accrued as described in (c) below) and called for maintenance of certain covenants. The Senior Subordinated Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement were repaid pursuant to the 2003 $160.0 million debt.

        In addition, $5,268,473 of direct costs related to these agreements was capitalized as deferred financing costs and had been amortized over the remaining terms of the respective agreements. Amortization charged as non-cash interest expense was approximately $875,000 in 2001 and 2002, respectively, and the balance was expensed during 2003 upon repayment.

        Furthermore, as described in Note 4(f), the Company is obligated to make cash payments of $10,000,000 to $15,000,000 to the Founding Stockholders as additional consideration for the repurchase of their shares as described more fully in Notes 4(e) and 4(f). During 2003, as described in Note 4(e), $5.0 million was paid in 2003.

F-19



        In January 2003 a new lender purchased $25.0 million of Senior Notes, which were to mature in December 2007. The Senior Notes were senior to the Senior Subordinated Notes and subordinated to the Company's other credit facility. Interest on the Senior Notes was payable quarterly in cash at a rate of the greater of prime rate or 10% per annum. In addition, the Senior Notes accrued pay-in-kind interest quarterly at a rate of 3.25% per annum. In addition to amendment fees paid at closing to existing lenders, the Company agreed to increase the interest rate payable under the Credit agreement and to increase the pay-in-kind interest for the Senior Subordinated Notes. The lenders under the Credit Agreement also agreed to modify the repayment terms for the Term Loan, reducing the amount due in 2003 from $9.0 million to $3.25 million and the amount due in 2004 from $10.0 million to $7.0 million, with the remaining principal outstanding due in 2005. The January 2003 Senior Notes were repaid pursuant to the December 2003 private offering (see note 9(c)).

    (c)
    9% Senior Notes

        In December 2003 the Company completed a private offering of $160,000,000 principal amount of 9% Senior Notes due 2009. The net proceeds from the Senior Notes totaled approximately $152.0 million. The transaction fees of approximately $7.0 million were accounted for as deferred financing costs. Interest is payable semi-annually in June and December at the annual rate of 9% and the notes mature on December 15, 2009. Prior to December 15, 2006 we may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes with the net proceeds of one or more public equity offerings at 109% so long as at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes issued remains outstanding. Upon a change of control, holders may require us to repurchase all, or a portion of their notes at 101% of the principal amount plus accrued interest.

        Beginning in December 2006, the notes are redeemable in whole or in part at the option of the Company, at 104.5% in 2006 with annual reductions to 102.25% in 2007 and 100% in 2008 and thereafter, plus accrued and unpaid interest, subject to certain conditions.

        The Company has agreed to use its reasonable best efforts to consummate, within 211 days after the issue date of the notes, an offer to exchange the 9% Senior Notes for registered notes with substantially identical terms to those notes, except that the registered exchange notes will generally be freely transferable in certain circumstances, and to file and cause to become effective a shelf registration statement with respect to the resale of the registered exchange notes. Under certain circumstances if the Company is not in compliance with these obligations, the Company will be required to pay additional interest for the period it is not in compliance. If (i) the Company fails to file any of the registration statements required by the Registration Rights Agreement on or before the date specified for such filing, (ii) any of such registration statements are not declared effective by the SEC on or prior to the date specified for such effectiveness (the "Effectiveness Target Date"), subject to certain limited exceptions, (iii) we fail to consummate the Exchange Offer within 45 days of the Effectiveness Target Date with respect to the Exchange Offer Registration Statement, or (iv) the Shelf Registration Statement or the Exchange Offer Registration Statement is declared effective but thereafter, subject to certain limited exceptions, ceases to be effective or usable in connection with the Exchange Offer or resale of Transfer Restricted Notes, as the case may be, during the periods specified in the Registration Rights Agreement (each such event referred to in clauses (i) through (iv) above, a "Registration Default"), then we will pay additional interest ("Additional Interest") in cash to each holder of Transfer Restricted Notes, with respect to the first 90-day period (or portion thereof) while a Registration Default is continuing immediately following the occurrence of such Registration Default,

F-20



in an amount equal to 0.25% per annum of the principal amount of the notes. The amount of Additional Interest will increase by an additional 0.25% per annum of the principal amount of the notes for each subsequent 90-day period (or portion thereof) while a Registration Default is continuing until all Registration Defaults have been cured, up to a maximum amount of 1.00% per annum of the principal amount of the notes. Following the cure of a particular Registration Default, the accrual of Additional Interest with respect to such Registration Default will cease and the interest rate will revert to the prior rate.

        The note indenture under which the Senior Notes were issued contains certain covenants that, among other things, limit the Company's ability to incur additional indebtedness, issue or sell preferred stock, make certain other restricted payments, make investments, engage in transactions with affiliates, incur liens, engage in asset sales and certain dividend payments. The Company is in compliance with its financial and operating covenants of its financing arrangements as of December 31, 2003.

        The Senior Notes and the bank credit facility, are unsecured and rank equally with our existing and future subordinated obligations and senior in right of payment to all subordinated obligations.

        The proceeds of the private offering were used to:

    repay the entire principal amount of approximately $27.6 million under the prior credit agreement and terminated all related commitments;

    repay the entire outstanding principal amount of $25.3 million under the existing senior notes due 2007, plus accrued and unpaid interest;

    repay the entire principal amount of $52.5 million under the existing senior subordinated notes due 2008, plus accrued and unpaid interest;

    redeem approximately $1.3 million of our preferred stock and;

    pay a contractually required amount of $5.0 million to our founding stockholders.

        Long-term debt consists of the following outstanding amounts:

 
  December 31,
 
 
  2003
  2002
 
Term loan (i)   $   30,000,000  
Revolving loan commitment (ii)       16,845,098  
Senior subordinated notes (iii)       51,391,279  
Notes payable (iv)     1,624,022   1,293,636  
9% Senior Notes due 2009 (v)     160,000,000    
   
 
 
      161,624,022   99,530,013  
Less warrant-related discount, net of accretion       (6,915,306 )
   
 
 
    $ 161,624,022   92,614,707  
   
 
 
    (i)
    As of December 31, 2002, the Company had a term loan with several financial institutions. The Credit Agreement matures on December 15, 2005 and, accordingly, has been classified as long-term in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, net of its current installments. The Company is charged interest at the Eurodollar Rate plus a margin of 3% (an aggregate of 4.4375% as of December 31, 2002). The term loan was repaid as of December 31, 2003.

F-21


    (ii)
    As of December 31, 2002, the Company had a revolving credit agreement with the same financial institutions (see (i) above). The Credit Agreement matures on December 15, 2005 and, accordingly, has been classified as long-term in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company is charged interest at the Eurodollar Rate plus a margin of 3% (an aggregate of 4.5729% as of December 31, 2002). This revolving credit agreement was repaid as of December 31, 2003.

    (iii)
    The Senior Subordinated Notes (the "Notes") accrue cash interest, payable quarterly, at a rate of 12.5% per annum, commencing on April 15, 2001. In addition, the Notes accrue additional principal at an amount of 1.5% per annum, which is added quarterly to the principal amount of the notes, also commencing on April 15, 2001. The Notes and any unpaid accrued interest thereon mature on December 15, 2008, and, accordingly, have been classified as long-term in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. These Notes were repaid as of December 31, 2003.

    (iv)
    Notes payable consist of three notes payable to unrelated parties. They bear interest at imputed rates ranging from 8.5% to 12% per annum and are payable in monthly installments through 2018.

    (v)
    The 9% Senior Notes due 2009 and any unpaid accrued interest thereon mature on December 15, 2009, and, accordingly, have been classified as long-term in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

        Aggregate maturities of long-term debt as of December 31, 2003, are as follows:

Year ending December 31:      
  2004   123,375  
  2005   136,909  
  2006   108,307  
  2007   73,417  
  2008   80,336  
  Thereafter   161,101,678  
   
 
    161,624,022  
  Less:      
    Current installments   (123,375 )
      Long-term debt, net of current installments   161,500,647  
   
 

(10) Common Stock Put Warrants

        Pursuant to the Subordinated Note Agreement, the Company issued, to holders of its senior subordinated notes, warrants to purchase 879,214 shares of its common stock at an exercise price of $0.01 per share. The warrants are, under certain conditions, redeemable in cash at the option of the holder or by surrender of the Company's senior subordinated notes due December 15, 2008 (the "Senior Subordinated Notes"). If the Company does not complete a qualified initial public offering of common stock, as defined, by December 2006, then at such time or any time thereafter, the warrant holders may put 100% of their warrants to the Company, which would have 60 days to redeem the warrants at fair market value. In the event that the Company does not redeem the warrant within 60 days, all of the rights represented by the warrant shall convert automatically into an unsecured junior subordinated obligation. This obligation would be payable at the earlier of (i) the maturity of the Senior Subordinated Notes or (ii) refinancing of senior debt, with interest accruing quarterly at 14%

F-22



per annum, increasing by one percent up to 16% for each quarter that the obligation is not repaid. If the Company does not complete a qualified public offering by December 2007, the Company may call the warrants and repurchase all, but not less than all, of the warrant at fair market value.

        The fair value of these warrants at the date of issuance was $9,029,528, which reduced long-term debt in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. This amount is being accreted as additional interest expense using the effective interest rate over the term of the Senior Subordinated Notes, which mature on December 15, 2008. Accretion charged as non-cash interest was approximately $1.0 million in fiscal 2001 and 2002 and 2003.

        Based on the net-cash settlement requirement, the Company has recorded the warrants as a liability. The fair market value of these warrants is shown as a long-term liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Changes in the fair market value of the warrant are marked to market with the adjustment shown as other income (expense) in the consolidated statement of income as follows: $888,007, ($2,848,652) and $1,187,789, for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 and 2001, respectively.

(11) Preferred Stock

        During 2001, the Company sold 100,000 shares of preferred stock to investors for cash of $1,000,000. The preferred stock is cumulative with dividends payable in kind at a rate of 2.5% per quarter, which accordingly have been recognized periodically and added to preferred stock in the accompanying financial statements. The preferred stock has no conversion features and allows for an optional redemption at face value by the Company at any time. The preferred stock must be redeemed at face value upon an exit event (as defined in the Recapitalization agreement), provided that all payments to the founding stockholders have been satisfied and that such redemption is permitted by appropriate debt agreements. The outstanding preferred stock was redeemed by the Company in December 2003 for approximately $1.3 million.

(12) Common Stock

        In January 2003, the Company completed a financing transaction in which the existing shareholders purchased 833,334 shares of common stock for $10.0 million. In addition options to purchase 5,000 shares of common stock was exercised during 2003.

(13) Income Taxes

        The provision for (benefit from) income taxes is comprised of the following:

 
  Fiscal years ended December 31,
 
  2003
  2002
  2001
Current:              
  Federal   $   1,297,361  
  State and local       426,640   147,601
   
 
 
        1,724,001   147,601
   
 
 
Deferred:              
  Federal     (3,850,594 ) 1,908,281   1,456,823
  State and local     (2,338,014 ) 504,976   403,083
   
 
 
      (6,188,608 ) 2,413,257   1,859,906
   
 
 
        Total   $ (6,188,608 ) 4,137,258   2,007,507
   
 
 

F-23


        The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are as follows:

 
  December 31,
 
  2003
  2002
Deferred tax assets:          
  Accrued compensation   $ 142,093   122,217
  Allowance for bad debts     980,585   845,669
  Deferred rent     641,719   1,025,911
  Deferred revenue     1,336,477   1,395,669
  Net operating losses     7,957,243  
  Other     63,370   41,803
   
 
        Total gross deferred tax assets     11,121,487   3,431,269

Deferred tax liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 
  Depreciation     4,179,076   2,677,463
  Others     40,736   40,736
   
 
        Total gross deferred tax liabilities     4,219,812   2,718,199
   
 
Net deferred tax assets   $ 6,901,675   713,070
   
 

        The Company believes that, based upon its consistent history of profitable operations and existing deferred tax liabilities, it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets generated through December 31, 2003 will be realized. The Company has net operating loss carryforwards totaling $17,682,763.

        Reconciliation of the statutory Federal income tax rate to the Company's effective tax rate is as follows:

 
  Fiscal years ended
December 31,

 
 
  2003
  2002
  2001
 
U.S. Federal statutory rate   (34.0 )% 34.0   % 34.0   %
Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:              
  State and local income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit   (11.5) % 10.3   % 11.2   %
  Permanent differences:              
    Changes in fair market value of common stock put warrants   (2.2 )% 16.2   % (9.5 )%
    Interest expense related to amount due to founding stockholders   1.7   % 3.9   % 4.1   %
      Other     5.0   % .3   %
   
 
 
 
        Effective income tax rate   (46.0 )% 69.4   % 40.1   %
   
 
 
 

(14) Related Party Transactions

        Simultaneous with the Recapitalization (see note 3(a)), the Company entered into a consulting agreement with certain of the Incoming Investors. Under the terms of the consulting agreement, the Company is obligated to pay, in semi-annual installments, an annual fee of $800,000 for consulting services rendered (as defined) and to reimburse certain out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Incoming Investors. This $800,000 annual fee was paid in 2001, 2002 and 2003. The Company was further obligated to pay a fee of $200,000 when the escrowed shares were distributed in 2001 (see note 3(c)). In addition during 2003, the Company paid approximately $207,000 in other related party fees. The consulting agreement expires on the tenth anniversary of the Closing Date or at the direction

F-24



of the board of directors. The costs of this consulting agreement are included within related party management fees and expenses in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

        A member of the Board of Directors is a partner in partnerships that lease space to the Company at two locations. For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003, the partnerships received approximately $1.0 million per annum for each location pursuant to their leases.

(15) Stock Option Plans

        The Company currently maintains two stock option plans: i) the Equinox Holdings Inc. 1998 Stock Option Plan (the 1998 Plan) and ii) the Equinox Holdings, Inc. 2000 Stock Incentive Plan (the 2000 Plan).

    (a)    1998 Plan

        Under the terms of the 1998 Plan, options to purchase 1,000,000 shares of authorized, but not issued common stock may be granted. Options may be granted to key employees, directors, and consultants who provide services to the Company. Requirements for vesting are set forth by the board of directors when the award is granted. As part of the Recapitalization (See Note 4(a)), all options outstanding under this plan, with exercise prices ranging from $0.01 to $0.90 per share, were either exercised, vested in full or cancelled, and any deferred compensation at the date of the Recapitalization was recognized. There were no additional grants under this plan subsequent to the Recapitalization. The 1998 Plan is closed, and there are no further options available for grant. No pro forma disclosures have been provided due to the compensatory nature of the options granted. At December 31, 2003 and 2002, 142,614 of the outstanding options had an exercise price of $0.90 per share. As of December 31, 2003 there are 284,919 outstanding options at a weighted average exercise price of $.46. No options have been granted, exercised or forfeited since December 31, 2000. The 1998 plan terminates on the first to occur of (i) the 10th anniversary of board adoption; (ii) the 10th anniversary of stockholder approval, and (iii) the date the board terminates the plan. Any outstanding options on the termination date will remain outstanding until they have been exercised, terminated or expire by their terms.

    (b)    2000 Plan

        Under the terms of the 2000 Plan, only nonqualified stock options may be granted. Furthermore, the number of options available for grant may not exceed 10% of the fully diluted shares of common stock outstanding as of the Closing Date including any outstanding warrants of the Company issued to the holders of the subordinated notes (see Note 9(b)). Under the provisions of the Plan, options to purchase 1,085,450 shares of authorized, but not issued common stock may be granted to key employees, directors, and consultants who provide services to the Company. Stock options can be granted with an exercise price less than, equal to or greater than the fair market value of the common stock on the date of the grant. Requirements for vesting are set forth by the board of directors when the award is granted. All options granted under the 2000 Plan have a term of ten years.

        As of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively, there were, 961,104, 975,537 and 812,000 stock options outstanding under the 2000 Plan. As of December 31, 2003, the number of shares available to be granted was 124,346. All of these options were granted at an exercise price equivalent to fair market value of the underlying common stock and are held by senior management and outside consultants. All of these outstanding options vest only upon the occurrence of certain events, as defined in the 2000 Plan, including a qualified initial public offering or a change of control. Accordingly, no

F-25



compensation expense has been recorded for options granted to employees, and no pro forma disclosures have been provided due to the contingent nature of the vesting of these options.

        During the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, the Company has granted approximately 5,000, 55,707 and 158,000 stock options, respectively to certain consultants. No pro-forma disclosures have been provided due to the compensatory nature of the options granted, pursuant to which charges of $35,000, $312,516 and $1,022,260 were recorded as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. The following weighted average assumptions were used in the calculation in 2003: stock volatility of 42% (representing the average volatility of comparable publicly traded companies), risk free interest rate of 3.5% and no dividends during the expected term of 10 years. The Company used the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to estimate the grant date fair value of its option grants to the outside consultants. The following weighted average assumptions were used in the calculation in 2002: stock volatility of 37% (representing the average volatility of comparable publicly traded companies), risk-free interest rate of 4% and no dividends during the expected term of 10 years. The following weighted average assumptions were used in the calculation in 2001: stock volatility of 44% (representing the average volatility of comparable publicly traded companies), risk-free interest rate of 5% and no dividends during the expected term of 10 years.

        Stock option activity under the 2000 Plan during the periods indicated is as follows:

 
  Number of shares
  Weighted
average
exercise
price

Balance at December 31, 2000   346,000     10.28
  Granted   466,000     10.28
   
     
Balance at December 31, 2001   812,000     10.28
  Granted   243,537     10.96
  Forfeited   (80,000 )   10.28
   
     
Balance at December 31, 2002   975,537     10.45
  Granted   183,567     12.00
  Exercised   (5,000 )   10.28
  Forfeited   (193,000 )   10.28
   
     
Balance at December 31, 2003   961,104   $ 10.78
   
     

(16) Commitments and Contingencies

    (a)    Leases

        The Company leases space under noncancelable operating leases, which expire at various dates through 2023. The leases contain provisions for scheduled rent increases. The accompanying consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2003 includes deferred rent obligations of $16,206,119, representing accumulated rent expense charged to operations from the inception of certain leases in

F-26


excess of the required lease payments, through December 31, 2003.Minimum future rental obligations under these non-cancelable operating leases at December 31, 2003, are as follows:

2004   $ 14,758,553
2005     16,062,503
2006     15,869,175
2007     16,012,560
2008     16,145,968
Thereafter     176,876,256
   
    $ 255,725,015
   

        Rent expense charged to operations amounted to $16,685,996, $11,869,691 and $9,793,216 for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively. Included in these amounts are $2,496,492, $1,087,871, and $974,914, respectively of rent expense in excess of required lease payments in those periods.

    (b)    Employment Agreement

        The Company has employment agreements with three of its executive officers for terms of up to three years. The employment agreements call for a base salary and certain bonus arrangements. Financial terms under the employment agreements are not material to the Company's consolidated statements of income.

    (c)    Letters of Credit

        As of December 31, 2002, the Company had $2.0 million in standby letters of credit with the same banks described in Note 9 and these were released during 2003. The Company has $3.5 million in continuing letters of credit issued during 2003, in connection with the new $25.0 million letter of credit as described in Note 9.

    (d)    Litigation

        In the normal course of business, the Company is a party to various claims and/or litigation. Management believes that, based on the advice of legal counsel, the settlement of all such claims and/or litigation, considered in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial statements.

    (e)    Benefit Plans

        The Company maintains a defined contribution 401(k) benefit plan for eligible employees. The Company's discretionary matching contributions to this plan were $121,626, $110,002 and $108,163 for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively.

(17) Financial Information for Guarantors of the Company's Debt

        The Company and all of its domestic subsidiaries have unconditionally guaranteed the $160.0 million of 9% Senior Notes (See Note 9(c)). The parent Company has no independent assets or operations, the guarantees are full and unconditional and joint and several, there are no subsidiaries of the parent other than subsidiary guarantors.

F-27



EQUINOX HOLDINGS, INC.
Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets

 
  March 31, 2004
  December 31, 2003
 
Assets              
Current assets:              
  Cash   $ 41,475,921   $ 42,709,057  
  Marketable securities         69,914  
  Accounts receivable—members, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $32,793 and $112,420, respectively     1,441,411     1,545,565  
  Deferred income taxes     3,100,106     2,526,809  
  Due from affiliated entities     337,938      
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets     9,150,409     8,969,749  
   
 
 
   
Total current assets

 

 

55,505,785

 

 

55,821,094

 
Property and equipment, net     122,408,391     114,627,750  
Deferred income taxes     4,374,866     4,374,866  
Other assets     4,903,526     5,015,120  
Goodwill, net     2,503,054     2,503,054  
Deferred financing costs, net     7,249,946     6,961,231  
   
 
 
    Total assets   $ 196,945,568   $ 189,303,115  
   
 
 

Liabilities and Stockholders' Deficit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Current liabilities:              
  Accounts payable   $ 824,933   $ 1,086,705  
  Accrued expenses     10,152,275     4,248,311  
  Due to affiliated entities         786,644  
  Deferred revenue     27,691,386     24,966,440  
  Current installments of long-term debt     126,625     123,375  
  Current installments of capital lease obligations     1,253,108     1,251,799  
   
 
 
    Total current liabilities     40,048,327     32,463,274  

Deferred revenue

 

 

600,848

 

 

495,160

 
Long-term debt, excluding current installments     161,516,363     161,500,647  
Capital lease obligations, net of current installments     919,007     1,123,401  
Deferred rent     17,498,760     16,206,119  
Common stock put warrants     8,941,605     9,653,768  
Due to founding stockholders     3,066,546     2,935,192  
   
 
 
    Total long term liabilities     192,543,129     191,914,287  
   
 
 
    Total liabilities     232,591,456     224,377,561  
   
 
 
Commitments and contingencies              

Stockholders' deficit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Common stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 20,000,000 shares; 9,438,247 and 8,604,913 shares issued and outstanding     94,432     94,432  
  Additional paid-in capital     82,920,208     82,920,208  
  Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)         14,078  
  Accumulated deficit     (118,660,528 )   (118,103,164 )
   
 
 
    Total stockholders' deficit     (35,645,888 )   (35,074,446 )
   
 
 
    Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit   $ 196,945,568   $ 189,303,115  
   
 
 

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements.

F-28



EQUINOX HOLDINGS, INC.
Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income

 
  For the three months ended March 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
 
Revenues:              
  Membership fees   $ 21,715,365   $ 17,004,701  
  Personal training     7,273,221     6,010,620  
  Other revenue     4,519,952     3,681,582  
   
 
 
    Total revenue     33,508,538     26,696,903  
   
 
 
Expenses:              
  Compensation and related expenses     14,462,700     11,429,453  
  Rent and occupancy     4,911,245     4,272,484  
  General and administrative     8,783,707     4,931,219  
  Related-party management fees and expenses     402,118     433,131  
  Depreciation and amortization     2,936,231     2,252,539  
   
 
 
    Total operating expenses     31,496,001     23,318,826  
   
 
 
    Income from operations     2,012,537     3,378,077  
   
 
 
Other income (expense):              
  Interest expense     (3,791,265 )   (3,940,691 )
  Interest income     51,309     35,413  
  Other income (expense)     714,029      
   
 
 
    Total other expense     (3,025,927 )   (3,905,278 )
   
 
 
    Income before provision for income taxes     (1,013,390 )   (527,201 )
Benefit (provision) for income taxes     456,026     237,240  
   
 
 
    Net income   $ (557,364 ) $ (289,961 )
   
 
 

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements.

F-29



EQUINOX HOLDINGS, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow

 
  For the three months
ended March 31,

 
 
  2004
  2003
 
Cash flows from operating activities:              
  Net loss   $ (557,364 ) $ (289,961 )
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:              
      Depreciation and amortization     2,936,231     2,252,539  
      Allowance for doubtful accounts, net of write-offs     (79,628 )   (23,386 )
      Interest expense     351,904     782,833  
      Changes in fair market value of common stock put warrants     (712,163 )    
      Deferred rent     784,974     634,364  
      Accretive interest expense related payable to founding stockholders     131,354      
      Deferred income taxes     (573,297 )   (3,732,319 )
      Changes in operating assets and liabilities:              
      Accounts receivable—members     183,782     119,688  
      Due (to) from affiliated entities, net     (1,124,582 )   1,056,234  
      Prepaid expenses and other current assets     (180,660 )   363,011  
      Other assets     111,597     402,515  
      Accounts payable     (261,775 )   (448,629 )
      Accrued expenses     5,903,961     1,608,225  
      Deferred revenue     2,830,639     3,153,917  
   
 
 
        Net cash provided by operating activities     9,744,973     5,879,031  
   
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:              
Redemption of marketable securities     55,836      
  Purchases of property and equipment     (10,009,348 )   (4,992,676 )
   
 
 
        Net cash used in investing activities     (9,953,512 )   (4,992,676 )
   
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:              
  Proceeds from long-term debt         25,000,000  
  Payment of deferred financing costs     (621,653 )   (2,432,624 )
  Issuance of common stock to existing shareholders for cash         10,000,008  
  Payment of restricted cash to founding shareholder group         188,500  
  Repayment of note payable         (17,278,724 )
  Repayment of capital lease obligations     (402,944 )   (404,223 )
   
 
 
        Net cash (used) provided by financing activities     (1,024,597 )   15,072,937  
   
 
 
        Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents     (1,233,136 )   15,959,292  
Cash at beginning of period     42,709,057     1,244,913  
   
 
 
Cash at end of period   $ 41,475,921     17,204,205  
   
 
 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:              
  Cash paid for:              
    Interest   $ 97,303   $ 2,487,331  
    Income taxes   $ 5,325   $ 1,185,262  
Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:              
    Capital lease obligations entered into for fitness equipment   $ 199,857   $ 434,954  
    Deferred rent capitalized during build-out   $ 145,904   $ 461,996  

F-30



EQUINOX HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

(1)   Basis of Presentation

    Equinox Holdings, Inc. (the 'Company') is engaged in the operation of full service fitness clubs under the trade name 'Equinox Fitness Club' in New York, California, Illinois and Connecticut.

    The accompanying consolidated financial statements are unaudited. In the opinion of the Company's management, these unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments necessary, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, for a fair presentation of such data on a basis consisted with that of the audited data presented herein. The Company uses an annual effective tax rate that is based upon the expected annual income, statutory rates and tax planning opportunities to determine its quarterly provision for income taxes. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned. All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The consolidated results of operations and financial position for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of those to be expected for a full year due, in part, to seasonal fluctuations, which are normal for the Company's business. Further, the Company has made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the reporting of revenue and expenses to prepare these financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

F-31



EQUINOX HOLDINGS, INC.

        Schedule II.—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

 
  Balance at
beginning
of period

  Charges to
costs and
expenses

  Deductions
  Balance
at end of
period

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
(deducted from Accounts Receivable)
                   

fiscal year ended:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
December 31, 2001   $ 323,075   388,863   (611,986 ) $ 99,952
December 31, 2002   $ 99,952   840,204   (850,757 ) $ 89,399
December 31, 2003   $ 89,399   866,757   (843,736 ) $ 112,420

F-32


LOGO

Equinox Holdings, Inc.

Offer to exchange
its 9% Senior Notes Due 2009

                        , 2004


Dealer Prospectus Delivery Obligation

Until                        , 2004, all dealers that effect transactions in these securities, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to the dealers' obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as underwriters and with respect to their unsold allotments or subscriptions.




PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

ITEM 20. INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

    Indemnification of Officers and Directors under Delaware General Corporation Law

        Section 145 of the Delaware Corporation Law, as amended, provides with respect to indemnification of directors and officers as follows:

            "145 INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS; INSURANCE.—(a) A corporation shall have power to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.

            (b)   A corporation shall have power to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.

            (c)   To the extent that a present or former director or officer of a corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in subsections (a) and (b) of this section, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such person shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith.

            (d)   Any indemnification under subsections (a) and (b) of this section (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the corporation only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the present or former director, employee or agent is proper in the circumstances because the person has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in

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    subsections (a) and (b) of this section. Such determination shall be made, with respect to a person who is a director or officer at the time of such determination (1) by a majority vote of the directors who are not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, even though less than a quorum, or (2) by a committee of such directors designated by majority vote of such directors, even though less than a quorum, or (3) if there are no such directors, or if such directors so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, or (4) by the stockholders.

            (e)   Expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred by an officer or director in defending any civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit or proceeding may be paid by the corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such director or officer to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified by the corporation as authorized in this section. Such expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred by former directors and officers and agents may be so paid upon such terms and conditions, if any, as the corporation deems appropriate.

            (f)    The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to the other subsections of this section shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in such person's official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office.

            (g)   A corporation shall have power to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of such person's status as such, whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability under this section.

            (h)   For purposes of this section, references to "the corporation" shall include, in addition to the resulting corporation, any constituent corporation (including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or merger which, if its separate existence had continued, would have had power and authority to indemnify its directors, officers, and employees or agents, so that any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of such constituent corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such constituent corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, shall stand in the same position under this section with respect to the resulting or surviving corporation as such person would have with respect to such constituent corporation if its separate existence had continued.

            (i)    For purposes of this section, references to "other enterprises" shall include employee benefit plans; references to "fines" shall include any excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to any employee benefit plan; and references to "serving at the request of the corporation" shall include any service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such as director, officer, employee or agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and a person who acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner "not opposed to the best interests of the corporation" as referred to in this section.

            (j)    The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, this section shall, unless otherwise provided when authorized or ratified, continue as to a person

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    who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person."

            (k)   The Court of Chancery is hereby vested with exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine all actions for advancement of expenses or indemnification brought under this section or under any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise. The Court of Chancery may summarily determine a corporation's obligation to advance expenses (including attorneys' fees).

    Indemnification of Officers and Directors under New York Corporation Law

        Sections 721to726 of the New York Business Corporation Law, as amended, provides with respect to indemnification of directors and officers as follows:

        "721 NONEXCLUSIVITY OF STATUTORY PROVISIONS FOR INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.

            The indemnification and advancement of expenses granted pursuant to, or provided by, this article shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which a director or officer seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled, whether contained in the certificate of incorporation or the by-laws or, when authorized by such certificate of incorporation or by-laws, (i) a resolution of shareholders, (ii) a resolution of directors, or (iii) an agreement providing for such indemnification, provided that no indemnification may be made to or on behalf of any director or officer if a judgment or other final adjudication adverse to the director or officer establishes that his acts were committed in bad faith or were the result of active and deliberate dishonesty and were material to the cause of action so adjudicated, or that he personally gained in fact a financial profit or other advantage to which he was not legally entitled. Nothing contained in this article shall affect any rights to indemnification to which corporate personnel other than directors and officers may be entitled by contract or otherwise under law.

            722 AUTHORIZATION FOR INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.

            (a)   A corporation may indemnify any person, made, or threatened to be made, a party to an action or proceeding other than one by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor, whether civil or criminal, including an action by or in the right of any other corporation of any type or kind, domestic or foreign, or any partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, which any director or officer of the corporation served in any capacity at the request of the corporation, by reason of the fact that he, his testator or intestate, was a director or officer of the corporation, or served such other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise in any capacity, against judgments, fines, amounts paid in settlement and reasonable expenses, including attorney's fees actually and necessarily incurred as a result of such action or proceeding, or any appeal therein, if such director or officer acted, in good faith, for a purpose which he reasonably believed to be in, or, in the case of service for any other corporation or any partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation and, in criminal actions or proceedings, in addition, had no reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.

            (b)   The termination of any such civil or criminal action or proceeding by judgment, settlement, conviction or upon a plea of nolo contendere, or its equivalent, shall not in itself create a presumption that any such director or officer did not act, in good faith, for a purpose which he reasonably believed to be in, or, in the case of service for any other corporation or any partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation or that he had reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.

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            (c)   A corporation may indemnify any person made, or threatened to be made, a party to an action by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that he, his testator or intestate, is or was a director or officer of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director or officer of any other corporation of any type or kind, domestic or foreign, of any partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, against amounts paid in settlement and reasonable expenses, including attorneys' fees, actually and necessarily incurred by him in connection with the defense or settlement of such action, or in connection with an appeal therein if such director or officer acted, in good faith, for a purpose which he reasonably believed to be in, or, in the case of service for any other corporation or any partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation, except that no indemnification under this paragraph shall be made in respect of (1) a threatened action, or a pending action which is settled or otherwise disposed of, or (2) any claim issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation, unless and only to the extent that the court on which the action was brought, or, if no action was brought, any court of competent jurisdiction, determines upon application that, in view of all the circumstances of the case, the person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such portion of the settlement amount and expenses as the court deems proper.

            (d)   For the purpose of this section, a corporation shall be deemed to have requested a person to serve an employee benefit plan where the performance by such person of his duties to the corporation also imposes duties on, or otherwise involves services by, such person to the plan or participants or beneficiaries of the plan; excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to an employee benefit plan pursuant to applicable law shall be considered fines; and action taken or omitted by a person with respect to an employee benefit plan in the performance of such person's duties for a purpose reasonably believed by such person to be in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries of the plan shall be deemed to be for a purpose which is not opposed to the best interests of the corporation.

            723 PAYMENT OF INDEMNIFICATION OTHER THAN BY COURT AWARD.

            (a)   A person who has been successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of a civil or criminal action or proceeding of the character described in section 722 shall be entitled to indemnification as authorized in such section.

            (b)   Except as provided in paragraph (a), any indemnification under section 722 or otherwise permitted by section 721, unless ordered by a court under section 724 (Indemnification of directors and officers by a court), shall be made by the corporation, only if authorized in the specific case:

              (1)   By the board acting by a quorum consisting of directors who are not parties to such action or proceeding upon a finding that the director or officer has met the standard of conduct set forth in section 722 or established pursuant to section 721, as the case may be, or,

              (2)   If a quorum under subparagraph (1) is not obtainable or, even if obtainable, a quorum of disinterested directors so directs;

                (A)  By the board upon the opinion in writing of independent legal counsel that indemnification is proper in the circumstances because the applicable standard of conduct set forth in such sections has been met by such director or officer, or

                (B)  By the shareholders upon a finding that the director or officer has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in such sections.

            (c)   Expenses incurred in defending a civil or criminal action or proceeding may be paid by the corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action or proceeding upon receipt of an

II-4


    undertaking by or on behalf of such director or officer to repay such amount as, and to the extent, required by paragraph (a) of section 725.

            724 INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS BY A COURT.

            (a)   Notwithstanding the failure of a corporation to provide indemnification, and despite any contrary resolution of the board or of the shareholders in the specific case under section 723 (Payment of indemnification other than by court award), indemnification shall be awarded by a court to the extent authorized under section 722 (Authorization for indemnification of directors and officers), and paragraph (a) of section 723. Application therefore may be made, in every case, either:

              (1)   In the civil action or proceeding in which the expenses were incurred or other amounts were paid, or

              (2)   To the supreme court in a separate proceeding, in which case the application shall set forth the disposition of any previous application made to any court for the same or similar relief and also reasonable cause for the failure to make application for such relief in the action or proceeding in which the expenses were incurred or other amounts were paid.

            (b)   The application shall be made in such manner and form as may be required by the applicable rules of court or, in the absence thereof, by direction of a court to which it is made. Such application shall be upon notice to the corporation. The court may also direct that notice be given at the expense of the corporation to the shareholders and such other persons as it may designate in such manner as it may require.

            (c)   Where indemnification is sought by judicial action, the court may allow a person such reasonable expenses, including attorneys' fees, during the pendency of the litigation as are necessary in connection with his defense therein, if the court shall find that the defendant has by his pleadings or during the course of the litigation raised genuine issues of fact or law.

            725 OTHER PROVISIONS AFFECTING INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.

            (a)   All expenses incurred in defending a civil or criminal action or proceeding which are advanced by the corporation under paragraph (c) of section 723 (Payment of indemnification other than by court award) or allowed by a court under paragraph (c) of section 724 (Indemnification of directors and officers by a court) shall be repaid in case the person receiving such advancement or allowance is ultimately found, under the procedure set forth in this article, not to be entitled to indemnification or, where indemnification is granted, to the extent the expenses so advanced by the corporation or allowed by the court exceed the indemnification to which he is entitled.

            (b)   No indemnification, advancement or allowance shall be made under this article in any circumstance where it appears:

              (1)   That the indemnification would be inconsistent with the law of the jurisdiction of incorporation of a foreign corporation which prohibits or otherwise limits such indemnification;

              (2)   That the indemnification would be inconsistent with a provision of the certificate of incorporation, a by-law, a resolution of the board or of the shareholders, an agreement or other proper corporate action, in effect at the time of the accrual of the alleged cause of action asserted in the threatened or pending action or proceeding in which the expenses were incurred or other amounts were paid, which prohibits or otherwise limits indemnification; or

II-5



              (3)   If there has been a settlement approved by the court, that the indemnification would be inconsistent with any condition with respect to indemnification expressly imposed by the court in approving the settlement.

            (c)   If any expenses or other amounts are paid by way of indemnification, otherwise than by court order or action by the shareholders, the corporation shall, not later than the next annual meeting of shareholders unless such meeting is held within three months from the date of such payment, and in any event, within fifteen months from the date of such payment, mail to its shareholders of record at the time entitled to vote for the election of directors a statement specifying the persons paid, the amounts paid, and the nature and status at the time of such payment of the litigation or threatened litigation.

            (d)   If any action with respect to indemnification of directors and officers is taken by way of amendment of the by-laws, resolution of directors, or by agreement, then the corporation shall, not later than the next annual meeting of shareholders, unless such meeting is held within three months from the date of such action, and, in any event, within fifteen months from the date of such action, mail to its shareholders of record at the time entitled to vote for the election of directors a statement specifying the action taken.

            (e)   Any notification required to be made pursuant to the foregoing paragraph (c) or (d) of this section by any domestic mutual insurer shall be satisfied by compliance with the corresponding provisions of section one thousand two hundred sixteen of the insurance law.

            (f)    The provisions of this article relating to indemnification of directors and officers and insurance therefor shall apply to domestic corporations and foreign corporations doing business in this state, except as provided in section 1320 (Exemption from certain provisions).

            726 INSURANCE FOR INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.

            (a)   Subject to paragraph (b), a corporation shall have power to purchase and maintain insurance:

              (1)   To indemnify the corporation for any obligation which it incurs as a result of the indemnification of directors and officers under the provisions of this article, and

              (2)   To indemnify directors and officers in instances in which they may be indemnified by the corporation under the provisions of this article, and

              (3)   To indemnify directors and officers in instances in which they may not otherwise be indemnified by the corporation under the provisions of this article provided the contract of insurance covering such directors and officers provides, in a manner acceptable to the superintendent of insurance, for a retention amount and for co-insurance.

            (b)   No insurance under paragraph (a) may provide for any payment, other than cost of defense, to or on behalf of any director or officer:

              (1)   if a judgment or other final adjudication adverse to the insured director or officer establishes that his acts of active and deliberate dishonesty were material to the cause of action so adjudicated, or that he personally gained in fact a financial profit or other advantage to which he was not legally entitled, or

              (2)   in relation to any risk the insurance of which is prohibited under the insurance law of this state.

            (c)   Insurance under any or all subparagraphs of paragraph (a) may be included in a single contract or supplement thereto. Retrospective rated contracts are prohibited.

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            (d)   The corporation shall, within the time and to the persons provided in paragraph (c) of section 725 (Other provisions affecting indemnification of directors or officers), mail a statement in respect of any insurance it has purchased or renewed under this section, specifying the insurance carrier, date of the contract, cost of the insurance, corporate positions insured, and a statement explaining all sums, not previously reported in a statement to shareholders, paid under any indemnification insurance contract.

            (e)   This section is the public policy of this state to spread the risk of corporate management, notwithstanding any other general or special law of this state or of any other jurisdiction including the federal government."

    Indemnification of Officers and Directors under California Corporation Law

        Section 317 of the California General Corporation Law, as amended, provides with respect to indemnification of directors and officers as follows:

            "317 INDEMNIFICATION OF CORPORATE AGENTS.

            (a)   For the purposes of this section, "agent" means any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or other agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another foreign or domestic corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, or was a director, officer, employee or agent of a foreign or domestic corporation which was a predecessor corporation of the corporation or of another enterprise at the request of the predecessor corporation; "proceeding" means any threatened, pending or completed action or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative; and "expenses" includes without limitation attorneys' fees and any expenses of establishing a right to indemnification under subdivision (d) or paragraph (4) of subdivision (e).

            (b)   A corporation shall have power to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any proceeding (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor) by reason of the fact that the person is or was an agent of the corporation, against expenses, judgments, fines, settlements, and other amounts actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the proceeding if that person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the corporation and, in the case of a criminal proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe the conduct of the person was unlawful. The termination of any proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which the person reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the corporation or that the person had reasonable cause to believe that the person's conduct was unlawful.

            (c)   A corporation shall have power to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending, or completed action by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that the person is or was an agent of the corporation, against expenses actually and reasonably incurred by that person in connection with the defense or settlement of the action if the person acted in good faith, in a manner the person believed to be in the best interests of the corporation and its shareholders.

            No indemnification shall be made under this subdivision for any of the following:

              (1)   In respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which the person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation in the performance of that person's duty to the corporation and its shareholders, unless and only to the extent that the court in which the proceeding is or was pending shall determine upon application that, in view of all the

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      circumstances of the case, the person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for expenses and then only to the extent that the court shall determine.

              (2)   Of amounts paid in settling or otherwise disposing of a pending action without court approval.

              (3)   Of expenses incurred in defending a pending action which is settled or otherwise disposed of without court approval.

      (d)
      To the extent that an agent of a corporation has been successful on the merits in defense of any proceeding referred to in subdivision (b) or (c) or in defense of any claim, issue, or matter therein, the agent shall be indemnified against expenses actually and reasonably incurred by the agent in connection therewith.

            (e)   Except as provided in subdivision (d), any indemnification under this section shall be made by the corporation only if authorized in the specific case, upon a determination that indemnification of the agent is proper in the circumstances because the agent has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in subdivision (b) or (c), by any of the following:

              (1)   A majority vote of a quorum consisting of directors who are not parties to such proceeding.

              (2)   If such a quorum of directors is not obtainable, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion.

              (3)   Approval of the shareholders (Section 153), with the shares owned by the person to be indemnified not being entitled to vote thereon.

              (4)   The court in which the proceeding is or was pending upon application made by the corporation or the agent or the attorney or other person rendering services in connection with the defense, whether or not the application by the agent, attorney or other person is opposed by the corporation.

            (f)    Expenses incurred in defending any proceeding may be advanced by the corporation prior to the final disposition of the proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the agent to repay that amount if it shall be determined ultimately that the agent is not entitled to be indemnified as authorized in this section. The provisions of subdivision (a) of Section 315 do not apply to advances made pursuant to this subdivision.

            (g)   The indemnification authorized by this section shall not be deemed exclusive of any additional rights to indemnification for breach of duty to the corporation and its shareholders while acting in the capacity of a director or officer of the corporation to the extent the additional rights to indemnification are authorized in an article provision adopted pursuant to paragraph (11) of subdivision (a) of Section 204. The indemnification provided by this section for acts, omissions, or transactions while acting in the capacity of, or while serving as, a director or officer of the corporation but not involving breach of duty to the corporation and its shareholders shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote of shareholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise, to the extent the additional rights to indemnification are authorized in the articles of the corporation. An article provision authorizing indemnification "in excess of that otherwise permitted by Section 317" or "to the fullest extent permissible under California law" or the substantial equivalent thereof shall be construed to be both a provision for additional indemnification for breach of duty to the corporation and its shareholders as referred to in, and with the limitations required by, paragraph (11) of subdivision (a) of Section 204 and a provision for additional indemnification as referred to in the second sentence of this subdivision. The rights to indemnity hereunder shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee, or agent and shall

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    inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, and administrators of the person. Nothing contained in this section shall affect any right to indemnification to which persons other than the directors and officers may be entitled by contract or otherwise.

            (h)   No indemnification or advance shall be made under this section, except as provided in subdivision (d) or paragraph (4) of subdivision (e), in any circumstance where it appears:

              (1)   That it would be inconsistent with a provision of the articles, bylaws, a resolution of the shareholders, or an agreement in effect at the time of the accrual of the alleged cause of action asserted in the proceeding in which the expenses were incurred or other amounts were paid, which prohibits or otherwise limits indemnification.

              (2)   That it would be inconsistent with any condition expressly imposed by a court in approving a settlement.

            (i)    A corporation shall have power to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any agent of the corporation against any liability asserted against or incurred by the agent in that capacity or arising out of the agent's status as such whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify the agent against that liability under this section. The fact that a corporation owns all or a portion of the shares of the company issuing a policy of insurance shall not render this subdivision inapplicable if either of the following conditions are satisfied: (1) if the articles authorize indemnification in excess of that authorized in this section and the insurance provided by this subdivision is limited as indemnification is required to be limited by paragraph (11) of subdivision (a) of Section 204; or (2)(A) the company issuing the insurance policy is organized, licensed, and operated in a manner that complies with the insurance laws and regulations applicable to its jurisdiction of organization, (B) the company issuing the policy provides procedures for processing claims that do not permit that company to be subject to the direct control of the corporation that purchased that policy, and (C) the policy issued provides for some manner of risk sharing between the issuer and purchaser of the policy, on one hand, and some unaffiliated person or persons, on the other, such as by providing for more than one unaffiliated owner of the company issuing the policy or by providing that a portion of the coverage furnished will be obtained from some unaffiliated insurer or reinsurer.

            (j)    This section does not apply to any proceeding against any trustee, investment manager, or other fiduciary of an employee benefit plan in that person's capacity as such, even though the person may also be an agent as defined in subdivision (a) of the employer corporation. A corporation shall have power to indemnify such a trustee, investment manager, or other fiduciary to the extent permitted by subdivision (f) of Section 207."

    Indemnification of Officers and Directors under Connecticut Corporation Law

        Sections 33-770 to 33-779 of the Connecticut Business Corporation Act, as amended, provides with respect to indemnification of directors and officers as follows:

            "33-770 DEFINITIONS.

        As used in sections 33-770 to 33-779, inclusive:

            (1)   "Corporation" includes any domestic or foreign predecessor entity of a corporation in a merger.

            (2)   "Director" or "officer" means an individual who is or was a director or officer, respectively, of a corporation or who, while a director or officer of the corporation, is or was serving at the corporation's request as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee or agent of another domestic or foreign corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other entity. A director or officer is considered to be serving an employee benefit plan at the

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    corporation's request if his duties to the corporation also impose duties on, or otherwise involve services by, him to the plan or to participants in or beneficiaries of the plan. "Director" or "officer" includes, unless the context requires otherwise, the estate or personal representative of a director or officer.

            (3)   "Disinterested director" means a director who at the time of a vote referred to in subsection (c) of section 33-773, or a vote or selection referred to in subsection (b) or (c) of section 33-775, is not (a) a party to the proceeding or (b) an individual having a familial, financial, professional or employment relationship with the director whose indemnification or advance for expenses is the subject of the decision being made, which relationship would, in the circumstances, reasonably be expected to exert an influence on the director's judgment when voting on the decision being made.

            (4)   "Expenses" include counsel fees.

            (5)   "Liability" means the obligation to pay a judgment, settlement, penalty, fine, including an excise tax assessed with respect to an employee benefit plan, or reasonable expenses incurred with respect to a proceeding.

            (6)   "Official capacity" means: (A) When used with respect to a director, the office of director in a corporation; and (B) when used with respect to an individual other than a director, as contemplated in section 33-776, the office in a corporation held by the officer or the employment or agency relationship undertaken by the employee or agent on behalf of the corporation. "Official capacity" does not include service for any other domestic or foreign corporation or any partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other entity.

            (7)   "Party" means an individual who was, is or is threatened to be made a defendant or respondent in a proceeding.

            (8)   "Proceeding" means any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, arbitrative or investigative and whether formal or informal.

            33-771 AUTHORITY TO INDEMNIFY.

            (a)   Except as otherwise provided in this section, a corporation may indemnify an individual who is a party to a proceeding because he is a director against liability incurred in the proceeding if: (1) (A) He conducted himself in good faith; (B) he reasonably believed (i) in the case of conduct in his official capacity, that his conduct was in the best interests of the corporation; and (ii) in all other cases, that his conduct was at least not opposed to the best interests of the corporation; and (C) in the case of any criminal proceeding, he had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful; or (2) he engaged in conduct for which broader indemnification has been made permissible or obligatory under a provision of the certificate of incorporation as authorized by subdivision (5) of subsection (b) of section 33-636.

            (b)   A director's conduct with respect to an employee benefit plan for a purpose he reasonably believed to be in the interests of the participants in and beneficiaries of the plan is conduct that satisfies the requirement of subparagraph (ii) of subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of this section.

            (c)   The termination of a proceeding by judgment, order, settlement or conviction or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent is not, of itself, determinative that the director did not meet the relevant standard of conduct described in this section.

            (d)   Unless ordered by a court under section 33-774, a corporation may not indemnify a director under this section: (1) In connection with a proceeding by or in the right of the corporation except for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the proceeding if it is

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    determined that the director has met the relevant standard of conduct under subsection (a) of this section; or (2) in connection with any proceeding with respect to conduct for which he was adjudged liable on the basis that he received a financial benefit to which he was not entitled, whether or not involving action in his official capacity.

            (e)   Notwithstanding any provision of this section to the contrary, a corporation which was incorporated under the laws of this state, whether under chapter 599 of the general statutes, revised to January 1, 1995, or any other general law or special act, prior to January 1, 1997, shall, except to the extent that the certificate of incorporation expressly provides otherwise, indemnity under sections 33-770 to 33-779, inclusive, except subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of this section, a director to the same extent the corporation is permitted to provide the same to a director pursuant to subdivision (1) of subsection (a) and subsections (b), (c) and (d) of this section as limited by the provisions of section 33-775.

            33-772 MANDATORY INDEMNIFICATION.

        A corporation shall indemnify a director who was wholly successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which he was a party because he was a director of the corporation against reasonable expenses incurred by him in connection with the proceeding.

            33-773 ADVANCE FOR EXPENSES.

            (a)   A corporation may, before final disposition of a proceeding, advance funds to pay for or reimburse the reasonable expenses incurred by a director who is a party to a proceeding because he is a director if he delivers to the corporation: (1) A written affirmation of his good faith belief that he has met the relevant standard of conduct described in section 33-771, or that the proceeding involves conduct for which liability has been limited under a provision of the certificate of incorporation as authorized by subdivision (4) of subsection (b) of section 33-636; and (2) his written undertaking to repay any funds advanced if he is not entitled to mandatory indemnification under section 33-772, and it is ultimately determined under section 33-772 that he has not met the relevant standard of conduct described in section 33-771.

            (b)   The undertaking required by subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of this section must be an unlimited general obligation of the director but need not be secured and may be accepted without reference to the financial ability of the director to make repayment.

            (c)   Authorizations under this section shall be made: (1) By the board of directors: (A) if there are two or more disinterested directors, by a majority vote of all the disinterested directors, a majority of whom shall for such purpose constitute a quorum, or by a majority of the members of a committee of two or more disinterested directors appointed by such a vote; or (B) if there are fewer than two disinterested directors, by the vote necessary for action by the board in accordance with section 33-752, in which authorization directors who do not qualify as disinterested directors may participate; or (2) by the shareholders, provided shares owned by or voted under the control of a director who at the time does not qualify as a disinterested director may not be voted on the authorization.

            33-774 COURT-ORDERED INDEMNIFICATION.

            (a)   A director who is a party to a proceeding because he is a director may apply for indemnification or an advance for expenses to the court conducting the proceeding or to another court of competent jurisdiction. After receipt of an application and after giving any notice it considers necessary, the court shall: (1) Order indemnification if it determines that the director is entitled to mandatory indemnification under section 33-772; (2) order indemnification or advance for expenses if the court determines that the director is entitled to indemnification or advance for expenses pursuant to a provision authorized by subsection (a) of section 33-778; or (3) order

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    indemnification or advance for expenses if the court determines, in view of all the relevant circumstances, that it is fair and reasonable (A) to indemnify the director or (B) to advance expenses to the director, even if he has not met the relevant standard of conduct set forth in subsection (a) of section 33-771, failed to comply with section 33-773, or was adjudged liable in a proceeding referred to in subdivision (1) or (2) of subsection (d) of section 33-771, provided if he was adjudged so liable his indemnification shall be limited to reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the proceeding.

            (B)  If the court determines that the director is entitled to indemnification under subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of this section or to indemnification or advance for expenses under subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of this section, it shall also order the corporation to pay the director's reasonable expenses incurred in connection with obtaining court-ordered indemnification or advance for expenses. If the court determines that the director is entitled to indemnification or advance for expenses under subdivision (3) of subsection (a) of this section, it may also order the corporation to pay the director's reasonable expenses to obtain court-ordered indemnification or advance for expenses.

            33-775 DETERMINATION AND AUTHORIZATION OF INDEMNIFICATION.

            (a)   A corporation may not indemnify a director under section 33-771 unless authorized for a specific proceeding after a determination has been made that indemnification of the director is permissible because he has met the relevant standard of conduct set forth in said section.

            (b)   The determination shall be made:

              (1)   If there are two or more disinterested directors, by the board of directors by a majority vote of all the disinterested directors, a majority of whom shall for such purpose constitute a quorum, or by a majority of the members of a committee of two or more disinterested directors appointed by such a vote;

              (2)   By special legal counsel (A) selected in the manner prescribed in subdivision (1) of this subsection, or (B) if there are fewer than two disinterested directors, selected by the board of directors, in which selection directors who do not qualify as disinterested directors may participate; or

              (3)   By the shareholders, but shares owned by or voted under the control of a director who at the time does not qualify as a disinterested director may not be voted on the determination.

            (c)   Authorization of indemnification shall be made in the same manner as the determination that indemnification is permissible, except that if there are fewer than two disinterested directors, or if the determination is made by special legal counsel, authorization of indemnification shall be made by those entitled under subparagraph (B) of subdivision (2) of subsection (b) of this section to select special legal counsel.

            33-776 INDEMNIFICATION OF AND ADVANCE FOR EXPENSES TO OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS.

            (a)   A corporation may indemnify and advance expenses under sections 33-770 to 33-779, inclusive, to an officer, employee or agent of the corporation who is a party to a proceeding because he is an officer, employee or agent of the corporation (1) to the same extent as a director, and (2) if he is an officer, employee or agent but not a director, to such further extent, consistent with public policy, as may be provided by contract, the certificate of incorporation, the bylaws or a resolution of the board of directors. A corporation may delegate to its general counsel or other specified officer or officers the ability under this subsection to determine that indemnification or advance for expenses to such officer, employee or agent is permissible and the ability to authorize

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    payment of such indemnification or advance for expenses. Nothing in this subdivision shall in any way limit either the ability or the obligation of a corporation to indemnify and advance expenses under other applicable law to any officer, employee or agent who is not a director.

            (b)   The provisions of subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of this section shall apply to an officer, employee or agent who is also a director if the basis on which he is made a party to the proceeding is an act or omission solely as an officer, employee or agent.

            (c)   An officer, employee or agent of a corporation who is not a director is entitled to mandatory indemnification under section 33-772, and may apply to a court under section 33-774, for indemnification or advance for expenses, in each case to the same extent to which a director may be entitled to indemnification or advance for expenses under said sections.

            (d)   A corporation which was incorporated under the laws of this state, whether under chapter 599 of the general statutes, revised to January 1, 1995, or any other general law or special act, prior to January 1, 1997, shall, except to the extent that the certificate of incorporation expressly provides otherwise, indemnify under sections 33-770 to 33-779, inclusive, except subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of section 33-771, each officer, employee or agent of the corporation who is not a director to the same extent as the corporation is permitted to provide the same to a director pursuant to subdivision (1) of subsection (a) and subsections (b), (c) and (d) of section 33-771, as limited by section 33-775, and for this purpose the determination required by section 33-775 may in addition be made by the general counsel of the corporation, or such other or additional officer or officers as the board of directors may specify.

            33-777 INSURANCE.

        A corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of an individual who is1 a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or who, while a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, serves at the corporation's request as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee or agent of another domestic or foreign corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other entity, against liability asserted against or incurred by him in that capacity or arising from his status as a director, officer, employee or agent, whether or not the corporation would have power to indemnify or advance expenses to him against the same liability under sections 33-770 to 33-779, inclusive.

            33-778 VALIDITY AND APPLICABILITY OF INDEMNIFICATION PROVISIONS.

            (a)   A corporation may, by a provision in its certificate of incorporation or bylaws or in a resolution adopted or a contract approved by its board of directors or shareholders, obligate itself in advance of the act or omission giving rise to a proceeding to provide indemnification in accordance with section 33-771 or advance funds to pay for or reimburse expenses in accordance with section 33-773. Any such obligatory provision shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements for authorization referred to in subsection (c) of section 33-773 and subsection (c) of section 33-775, as amended by this act. Any such provision that obligates the corporation to provide indemnification to the fullest extent permitted by law shall be deemed to obligate the corporation to advance funds to pay for or reimburse expenses in accordance with section 33-773 to the fullest extent permitted by law, unless the provision specifically provides otherwise.

            (b)   Any provision pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall not obligate the corporation to indemnify or advance expenses to a director of a predecessor of the corporation, pertaining to conduct with respect to the predecessor, unless otherwise specifically provided. Any provision for indemnification or advance for expenses in the certificate of incorporation, bylaws or resolution of the board of directors or shareholders of a predecessor of the corporation in a merger or in a contract to which the predecessor is a party, existing at the time the merger takes effect, shall be governed by subdivision (3) of subsection (a) of section 33-820.

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            (c)   A corporation may, by a provision in its certificate of incorporation, limit any of the rights to indemnification or advance for expenses created by or pursuant to sections 33-770 to 33-779, inclusive.

            (d)   Sections 33-770 to 33-779, inclusive, do not limit a corporation's power to pay or reimburse expenses incurred by a director in connection with his appearance as a witness in a proceeding at a time when he is not a party.

            33-779 EXCLUSIVITY OF PROVISIONS.

        A corporation may provide indemnification of or advance expenses to a director, officer, employee or agent only as permitted by sections 33-770 to 33-779, inclusive.

    Indemnification of Officers and Directors under Illinois Corporation Law

        Section 8.75 of the Illinois Business Corporation Act of 1983, as amended, provides with respect to indemnification of directors and officers as follows:

            "5/8.75 INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS; INSURANCE.

            (a)   A corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party, or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or who is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding, if such person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation or, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, that the person had reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.

            (b)   A corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party, or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit, if such person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation, provided that no indemnification shall be made with respect to any claim, issue, or matter as to which such person has been adjudged to have been liable to the corporation, unless, and only to the extent that the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability, but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses as the court shall deem proper.

            (c)   To the extent that a present or former director, officer or employee of a corporation has been successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any action, suit or proceeding

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    referred to in subsections (a) and (b), or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such person shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith, if the person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation.

            (d)   Any indemnification under subsections (a) and (b) (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the corporation only as authorized in the specific case, upon a determination that indemnification of the present or former director, officer, employee or agent is proper in the circumstances because he or she has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in subsections (a) or (b). Such determination shall be made with respect to a person who is a director or officer at the time of the determination: (1) by the majority vote of the directors who are not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, even though less than a quorum, (2) by a committee of the directors designated by a majority vote of the directors, even though less than a quorum, (3) if there are no such directors, or if the directors so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, or (4) by the shareholders.

            (e)   Expenses (including attorney's fees) incurred by an officer or director in defending a civil or criminal action, suit or proceeding may be paid by the corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the director or officer to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified by the corporation as authorized in this Section. Such expenses (including attorney's fees) incurred by former directors and officers or other employees and agents may be so paid on such terms and conditions, if any, as the corporation deems appropriate.

            (f)    The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by or granted under the other subsections of this Section shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under any by-law, agreement, vote of shareholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise, both as to action in his or her official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office.

            (g)   A corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or who is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of his or her status as such, whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability under the provisions of this Section.

            (h)   If a corporation indemnifies or advances expenses to a director or officer under subsection (b) of this Section, the corporation shall report the indemnification or advance in writing to the shareholders with or before the notice of the next shareholders meeting.

            (i)    For purposes of this Section, references to "the corporation" shall include, in addition to the surviving corporation, any merging corporation (including any corporation having merged with a merging corporation) absorbed in a merger which, if its separate existence had continued, would have had the power and authority to indemnify its directors, officers, and employees or agents, so that any person who was a director, officer, employee or agent of such merging corporation, or was serving at the request of such merging corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, shall stand in the same position under the provisions of this Section with respect to the surviving corporation as such person would have with respect to such merging corporation if its separate existence had continued.

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            (j)    For purposes of this Section, references to "other enterprises" shall include employee benefit plans; references to "fines" shall include any excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to an employee benefit plan; and references to "serving at the request of the corporation" shall include any service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation which imposes duties on, or involves services by such director, officer, employee, or agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants, or beneficiaries. A person who acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner "not opposed to the best interest of the corporation" as referred to in this Section.

            (k)   The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by or granted under this Section shall, unless otherwise provided when authorized or ratified, continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee, or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, and administrators of that person.

            (l)    The changes to this Section made by this amendatory Act of the 92nd General Assembly apply only to actions commenced on or after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 92nd General Assembly.

        Director and Officer Indemnification and Insurance Provisions in the By-laws of Equinox Holdings, Inc.

        The by-laws of Equinox Holdings, Inc. (the "Corporation") provide that it shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that he or she is or was or has agreed to become a director or officer of the Corporation, or is or was serving or has agreed to serve at the request of the Corporation as a director or officer, of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, or by reason of any action alleged to have been taken or omitted in such capacity, and may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to such an action, suit or proceeding by reason of the fact that he or she is or was or has agreed to become an employee or agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving or has agreed to serve at the request of the Corporation as an employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him or her or on his or her behalf in connection with such action, suit or proceeding and any appeal therefrom, if he or she acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful; except that in the case of an action or suit by or in the right of the Corporation to procure a judgment in its favor (1) such indemnification shall be limited to expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in the defense or settlement of such action or suit, and (2) no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the Corporation unless and only to the extent that the Delaware Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Delaware Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.

        The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.

II-16



        Section 6.07 of the by-laws of Equinox Holdings, Inc. provides that it may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was or has agreed to become a director or officer of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director or officer of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any liability asserted against him or her and incurred by him or her or on his or her behalf in any such capacity, or arising out of his or her status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify him or her against such liability under the provisions of article 6 of the by-laws, provided that such insurance is available on acceptable terms, which determination shall be made by a vote of a majority of the entire Board of Directors.

    Director and Officer Indemnification and Insurance Provisions in the by-laws of other registrants

        The by-laws of all of the registrant subsidiaries of Equinox Holdings, Inc. provide that the respective subsidiary will indemnify its directors and officers to the fullest extent allowed by law.

    Indemnification Provisions in the employment agreements of officers of the registrants

        The employment agreement of certain officers of registrants with Equinox Holdings, Inc. provides that Equinox Holdings, Inc. shall indemnify and hold harmless the officer to the fullest extent permitted by law from and against any and all liabilities, costs, claims and expenses, including all costs and expenses incurred in defense of litigation (including attorneys' fees), arising out of the employment of the officer under the employment agreement, except to the extent that any such liabilities, costs, claims and expenses is found in a final judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted from, arising out of or based upon the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the officer. Costs and expenses incurred by the officer in defense of such litigation (including attorneys' fees) shall be paid by Equinox Holdings, Inc. in advance of the final disposition of such litigation upon receipt by Equinox Holdings, Inc. of (a) a written request for payment, (b) appropriate documentation evidencing the incurrence, amount and nature of the costs and expenses for which payment is being sought, and (c) an undertaking adequate under applicable law made by or on behalf of the officer to repay the amounts so paid if it shall ultimately be determined that executive is not entitled to be indemnified by the Equinox Holdings, Inc. under the employment agreement, including but not limited to as a result of such exception. Equinox Holdings, Inc. and officer will consult in good faith with respect to the conduct of any such litigation, and officer's counsel shall be selected with the consent of Equinox Holdings, Inc. Equinox Holdings, Inc. shall maintain an appropriate level of director's and officer's liability insurance during the employment period and during the restrictive period.

II-17


ITEM 21. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

    (a)
    List of Exhibits.

Exhibit
Number

  Description of Document
*2.1   Amended and Restated Stock Purchase Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 16, 2000, as amended as of December 14, 2000, by and among the holders of shares of Common Stock listed on Annex I to the agreement, Equinox Holdings, Inc., NCP-EH Recapitalization Corp., and NCP-EH, L.P.
*3.1.1   Certificate of Incorporation of Equinox Holdings, Inc., amended.
*3.1.2   Certificate of Incorporation of Equinox-92nd Street Inc.
*3.1.3   Certificate of Incorporation of Equinox-85th Street Inc. (See Schedule I to Exhibit 3.1.2 hereto)
*3.1.4   Certificate of Incorporation of Equinox—76th Street Inc.
*3.1.5   Certificate of Incorporation of Equinox 63rd Street Inc. (See Schedule I to Exhibit 3.1.2 hereto)
*3.1.6   Certificate of Incorporation of Equinox-54th Street, Inc.
*3.1.7   Certificate of Incorporation of Equinox-50th Street, Inc. (See Schedule I to Exhibit 3.1.2 hereto)
*3.1.8   Certificate of Incorporation of Equinox 44th Street Inc. (See Schedule I to Exhibit 3.1.2 hereto)
*3.1.9   Certificate of Incorporation of Equinox-43rd Street Inc. (See Schedule I to Exhibit 3.1.2 hereto)
*3.1.10   Certificate of Incorporation of Equinox Columbus Centre, Inc.
*3.1.11   Certificate of Incorporation of Equinox Greenwich Avenue, Inc. (See Schedule I to Exhibit 3.1.2 hereto)
*3.1.12   Certificate of Incorporation of Broadway Equinox Inc., amended.
*3.1.13   Certificate of Incorporation of Equinox Tribeca, Inc.
*3.1.14   Certificate of Incorporation of Equinox Tribeca Office, Inc.
*3.1.15   Certificate of Incorporation of Equinox Wall Street Inc. (See Schedule I to Exhibit 3.1.2 hereto)
*3.1.16   Certificate of Incorporation of Equinox White Plains Road, Inc.
*3.1.17   Certificate of Incorporation of Equinox Woodbury, Inc.
*3.1.18   Certificate of Incorporation of Equinox Greenvale, Inc.
*3.1.19   Certificate of Incorporation of The Equinox Group, Inc. (See Schedule I to Exhibit 3.1.2 hereto)
*3.1.20   Certificate of Incorporation of Energy Wear Inc.
*3.1.21   Certificate of Incorporation of Equinox Darien, Inc.
*3.1.22   Articles of Incorporation of Equinox Lincoln Park, Inc.
*3.1.23   Articles of Incorporation of Equinox Highland Park, Inc. (See Schedule I to Exhibit 3.1.22 hereto)
*3.1.24   Articles of Incorporation of Equinox Gold Coast, Inc. (See Schedule I to Exhibit 3.1.22 hereto)
*3.1.25   Articles of Incorporation of Equinox West Hollywood, Inc.
*3.1.26   Articles of Incorporation of Equinox Fitness Pasadena, Inc.
     

II-18


*3.1.27   Articles of Incorporation of Equinox Pine Street, Inc.
*3.1.28   Certificate of Incorporation of Equinox Mamaroneck, Inc.
*3.1.29   Articles of Incorporation of Equinox Fitness Santa Monica, Inc.
*3.2.1   Amended and Restated By-laws of Equinox Holdings, Inc.
*3.2.2   By-laws of Equinox-92nd Street Inc.
*3.2.3   By-laws of Equinox-85th Street Inc. (See Schedule I to Exhibit 3.2.2 hereto)
*3.2.4   By-laws of Equinox Fitness Club Inc. (See Schedule I to Exhibit 3.2.2 hereto)
*3.2.5   By-laws of Equinox 63rd Street Inc. (See Schedule I to Exhibit 3.2.2 hereto)
*3.2.6   By-laws of Equinox-54th Street, Inc. (See Schedule I to Exhibit 3.2.2 hereto)
*3.2.7   By-laws of Equinox-50th Street, Inc. (See Schedule I to Exhibit 3.2.2 hereto)
*3.2.8   By-laws of Equinox 44th Street Inc. (See Schedule I to Exhibit 3.2.2 hereto)
*3.2.9   By-laws of Equinox-43rd Street Inc. (See Schedule I to Exhibit 3.2.2 hereto)
*3.2.10   By-laws of Equinox Columbus Centre, Inc.
*3.2.11   By-laws of Equinox Greenwich Avenue, Inc.
*3.2.12   By-laws of Broadway Equinox Inc.
*3.2.13   By-laws of Equinox Tribeca, Inc.
*3.2.14   By-laws of Equinox Tribeca Office, Inc.
*3.2.15   By-laws of Equinox Wall Street Inc. (See Schedule I to Exhibit 3.2.2 hereto)
*3.2.16   By-laws of Equinox White Plains Road, Inc. (See Schedule I to Exhibit 3.2.2 hereto)
*3.2.17   By-laws of Equinox Woodbury, Inc.
*3.2.18   By-laws of Equinox Greenvale, Inc.
*3.2.19   By-laws of The Equinox Group, Inc. (See Schedule I to Exhibit 3.2.2 hereto)
*3.2.20   By-laws of Energy Wear Inc. (See Schedule I to Exhibit 3.2.12 hereto)
*3.2.21   By-laws of Equinox Darien, Inc.
*3.2.22   By-laws of Equinox Lincoln Park, Inc.
*3.2.23   By-laws of Equinox Highland Park, Inc.
*3.2.24   By-laws of Equinox Gold Coast, Inc.
*3.2.25   By-laws of Equinox West Hollywood, Inc.
*3.2.26   By-laws of Equinox Fitness Pasadena, Inc.
*3.2.27   By-laws of Equinox Pine Street, Inc.
*3.2.28   By-laws of Equinox Mamaroneck, Inc.
*3.2.29   By-laws of Equinox Fitness Santa Monica, Inc.
*4.1   Indenture, dated as of December 16, 2003 among Equinox Holdings, Inc., the Guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association with respect to Equinox Holdings, Inc.'s 9% Senior Notes due 2009.
*4.2   Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of December 16, 2003, among Equinox Holdings, Inc., the Guarantors named therein, Merrill Lynch & Co., UBS Securities LLC. and Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC.
*4.3   Form of Exchange Note (Included in Exhibit 4.1 hereto)
*4.5   Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant.
     

II-19


5.1   Opinion of Rosen Weinhaus, LLP.
*10.1   Master Services Agreement, dated February 22, 2001, among Equinox Holdings, Inc., Eclipse Development Corporation, and Paul Boardman.
*10.3   Registration Rights Agreement, dated December 15, 2000, among Equinox Holdings, Inc., Equinox Holdings, L.P., NCP Co-Investment Fund, L.P. and certain holders of common stock put warrants, certain members of management and other Equinox shareholders.
*10.4   Consulting Agreement, dated as of December 15, 2000, among Equinox Holdings, Inc., North Castle Partners, L.L.C., J.W. Childs Associates, L.P. and J.W. Childs Advisors II, L.P.
*10.5   Stockholders Agreement, dated as of December 15, 2000, as amended as of February 21, 2003, among Equinox Holdings, Inc., NCP-EH, L.P., NCP Co-Investment Fund, L.P., each of the stockholders listed on Schedule I to the agreement, each of the rollover optionholders listed on Schedule II to the agreement, Albion Alliance Mezzanine Fund, L.P., Albion Alliance Mezzanine Fund II, L.P., Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Exeter Capital Partners IV, L.P., Exeter Equity Partners, L.P., Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Arrow Investment Partners, and each other person who is, or becomes, a party to the Agreement pursuant to Section 4.14 of the Agreement, North Castle Partners II, L.P. and Friends of North Castle Fund, L.P.
*10.6   Employment Agreement by and between Equinox Holdings, Inc. and Harvey Spevak.
10.7   Employment Agreement by and between Equinox Holdings, Inc., Scott Rosen and the Company.
10.8   Termination Agreement by and between Equinox Holdings, Inc. and Kenneth P. Fleischer.
10.9   Employment Agreement by and between Equinox Holdings, Inc. and Chris Peluso.
10.10   Employment Agreement by and between Equinox Holdings, Inc. and Jeff Grayson.
10.11   Credit Agreement by and among Equinox Holdings, Inc., Merrill Lynch Capital, UBS Securities, Inc., and Wachovia Securities, Inc.
12.1   Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
*21.1   List of Subsidiaries.
23.1   Consent of KPMG LLP.
23.2   Consent of Rosen Weinhaus, LLP (contained in Exhibit 5.1).
*23.3   Consent of Bouchez Kent
*24.1   Powers of Attorney (contained on signature pages).
25.1   Statement of Eligibility of U.S. Bank National Association on Form T-1
99.1   Form of Letter of Transmittal.
*99.2   Form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.
*99.3   Form of Instruction to Registered Holder and/or Book Entry Transfer Participant from Beneficial Owner for Tender of 9% Senior Notes due 2009 for registered 9% Senior Notes due 2009.

*
Previously filed.

II-20


ITEM 22. UNDERTAKINGS

        The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

            (1)   To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

              (a)   To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

              (b)   To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective registration statement;

              (c)   To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement.

            (2)   That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offering therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

            (3)   To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

            (4)   Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been informed that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

            (5)   The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to respond to requests for information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to Items 4, 10(b), 11, or 13 of this form, within one business day of receipt of such request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or other equally prompt means. This includes information contained in documents filed subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement through the date of responding to the request.

            (6)   The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supply by means of a post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and included in the registration statement when it became effective.

II-21



SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in the New York, State of New York, on August 9, 2004.


 

 

EQUINOX HOLDINGS, INC.

 

 

By:

/s/  
HARVEY SPEVAK      
     
    Name: Harvey Spevak
    Title: Director, President and Chief Executive Officer

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature
  Title
  Date

 

 

 

 

 
/s/  HARVEY SPEVAK      
Harvey Spevak
  Director, President and Chief Executive Officer   August 9, 2004

*

Charles F. Baird

 

Director, Chairman

 

August 9, 2004

*

Scott Rosen

 

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (and principal accounting officer)

 

August 9, 2004

*

Glenn Hopkins

 

Director

 

August 9, 2004

*

Benjamin B. James

 

Director

 

August 9, 2004

*

John Richards

 

Director

 

August 9, 2004

*

Adam Saltzman

 

Director

 

August 9, 2004
         

II-22



*

Mark Tricolli

 

Director, Vice President and Secretary

 

August 9, 2004

*

William E. Watts

 

Director

 

August 9, 2004

*

Edward D. Yun

 

Director

 

August 9, 2004

*By:

 

/s/  
HARVEY SPEVAK      
Name: Harvey Spevak
Attorney-In-Fact

 

 

 

 

II-23



SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, each Registrant other than Equinox Holdings, Inc. has duly caused this Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in the New York, State of New York, on August 9, 2004.


 

 

By:

/s/  
HARVEY SPEVAK      
     
    Name: Harvey Spevak
    Title: Director, President and Chief Executive Officer

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature
  Title
  Date

 

 

 

 

 
/s/  HARVEY SPEVAK      
Harvey Spevak
  Director, President and Chief Executive Officer   August 9, 2004

*

Scott Rosen

 

Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer (and principal accounting officer)

 

August 9, 2004

*

Mark Tricolli

 

Secretary

 

August 9, 2004

*

Adam Saltzman

 

Director

 

August 9, 2004

*

Edward D. Yun

 

Director

 

August 9, 2004

*By:

 

/s/  
HARVEY SPEVAK      
Harvey Spevak
Attorney-In-Fact

 

 

 

 

II-24




QuickLinks

OTHER REGISTRANTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUMMARY
Equinox
Summary of the Terms of the Exchange Offer
Summary of the Terms of the New Notes
Risk Factors
Summary Consolidated Financial and Other Data
RISK FACTORS
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
THE EXCHANGE OFFER
USE OF PROCEEDS
CAPITALIZATION
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND OTHER DATA
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
BUSINESS
MANAGEMENT
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN INDEBTEDNESS
DESCRIPTION OF NOTES
MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
LEGAL MATTERS
EXPERTS
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
Trademarks and Trade Names
Market and Industry Data
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 (restated) and 2001 (restated)
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
EQUINOX HOLDINGS, INC. Consolidated Balance Sheets
EQUINOX HOLDINGS, INC. Consolidated Statements of Income
EQUINOX HOLDINGS, INC. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
EQUINOX HOLDINGS, INC. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
EQUINOX HOLDINGS, INC. Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets
EQUINOX HOLDINGS, INC. Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income
EQUINOX HOLDINGS, INC. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
EQUINOX HOLDINGS, INC. Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements
EQUINOX HOLDINGS, INC.
PART II INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
SIGNATURES
SIGNATURES