Sale of Manufacturing Operations

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2015

Sale of Manufacturing Operations (Details) [Abstract]

Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block]

(9) Sale of Manufacturing Operations

On August 30, 2015, the Company completed the sale of its manufacturing operations to Cartamundi Group ("Cartamundi") for approximately $54,400, approximately $18,600 of which was received on the date of sale with the remainder to be paid in 5 annual installments. Under the terms of the purchase and sale agreement, Cartamundi acquired the inventory and property, plant and equipment related to manufacturing operations in East Longmeadow, MA and the common stock of the Company's manufacturing subsidiary in Waterford, Ireland.  Inclusive of this transaction and other related costs, the Company recognized a gain of $6,832 on the sale recorded in other (income) expense, net in the consolidated statements of operations. These operations were a component of the Company's Global Operations segment.

In connection with this transaction, the Company also entered into a manufacturing services agreement under which Cartamundi will provide manufacturing services over a 5-year term.  In connection with this agreement, the Company has agreed to minimum purchase commitments from Cartamundi over the term of the agreement. The Company and Cartamundi are also party to a warehousing agreement under which the Company leases designated warehouse space at the East Longmeadow, MA location, as well as a transition services agreement related to certain administrative functions each party is providing each other during a defined transition period.  In connection with this transaction, the Company froze the benefits of one of its funded defined benefit pension plans covering union employees.  In connection with these actions, the Company recognized a net curtailment benefit of $3,061 related to net prior service credits in the related defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans. This benefit is recorded in selling, distribution and administration expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company has retained the frozen defined benefit pension plans related to its' former employees of its East Longmeadow, MA and Waterford, Ireland businesses.