-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, VoBTfLhvxaz4/GOSQCBdNnI+um3WIDmHHUWmBGkZaFQizwp6TiFGEMXglp447kBX WQ64J0j5R51R4SAZ10FRcA== 0001341004-06-002536.txt : 20060914 0001341004-06-002536.hdr.sgml : 20060914 20060914171450 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001341004-06-002536 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 8-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 3 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20060908 ITEM INFORMATION: Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement ITEM INFORMATION: Results of Operations and Financial Condition ITEM INFORMATION: Departure of Directors or Principal Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Principal Officers ITEM INFORMATION: Financial Statements and Exhibits FILED AS OF DATE: 20060914 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20060914 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: REFAC OPTICAL GROUP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000082788 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: PATENT OWNERS & LESSORS [6794] IRS NUMBER: 131681234 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 0131 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-12776 FILM NUMBER: 061091515 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: ONE BRIDGE PLAZA STREET 2: SUITE 550 CITY: FORT LEE STATE: NJ ZIP: 07024-7102 BUSINESS PHONE: 2015850600 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: ONE BRIDGE PLAZA STREET 2: SUITE 550 CITY: FORT LEE STATE: NJ ZIP: 07024-7102 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: REFAC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19990813 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: REFAC TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT CORP DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19920703 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: RESOURCES & FACILITIES CORP DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19740509 8-K 1 nyc574830-2.htm

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT

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

 

Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): September 8, 2006

 

Refac Optical Group

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

DELAWARE

001-12776

13-1681234

(State or other jurisdiction of

(Commission

I.R.S. Employer

incorporation or organization)

File Number)

Identification No.)

 

ONE BRIDGE PLAZA, SUITE 550, FORT LEE, NEW JERSEY

07024

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

 

(201) 585-0600

(Registrant’s telephone number,

including area code)

 

None

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year,

if changed since last report)

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

 

o

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

o

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

o

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

o

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

 

 



 

 

Item 1.01

Entry Into a Material Definitive Agreement.

As further described in Item 5.02 hereof, on September 8, 2006, the Board of Directors of Refac Optical Group (the “Company”) appointed Carmen J. Nepa, III to serve as the Company's Chief Accounting Officer and Principal Accounting Officer. Mr. Nepa has served as the Chief Financial Officer of U.S. Vision, Inc. (“USV”), since October 2001 and as USV’s Executive Vice President since October 31, 2002. USV is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, acquired by the Company in March 2006.

The Employment Agreement, dated May 30, 2003, between Mr. Nepa and USV is filed herewith as Exhibit 10.1. Following is a brief summary of the terms of the agreement.

Mr. Nepa's current base annual salary is $237,750. The agreement provides that he may be entitled to receive an annual bonus of up to $50,000, comprised of a discretionary bonus and/or a performance bonus. Mr. Nepa is also entitled to participate in the Company's employee benefit plans and to be reimbursed for his business expenses.

The initial term of the agreement ended on May 30, 2006. The agreement will be automatically renewed for successive one year terms on April 1st of each year unless either party provides written notice of termination no less than 60 days prior to April 1st of such year. The agreement will automatically terminate upon Mr. Nepa's death, and may also be terminated by USV upon his disability or for cause, or by Mr. Nepa for good reason. If the agreement is terminated without cause or Mr. Nepa resigns for good reason, USV must pay his salary for a period of 12 months. Mr. Nepa is also subject to confidentiality, non-competition and non-solicitation requirements under the agreement.

Item 2.02

Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On September 14, 2006, the Company announced its results of operations for its quarter ended July 31, 2006. A copy of the press release of the Company is filed as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated herein by reference.

The information in this Item 2.02 is being furnished and shall not be deemed “filed” for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that Section. Such information shall not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, except as otherwise expressly stated in such filing.

Item 5.02

Departure of Directors or Principal Officers; Election of Directors;

 

Appointment of Principal Officers.

 

On September 8, 2006, the Company's Board of Directors appointed Carmen J. Nepa, III to serve as the Company's Chief Accounting Officer and Principal Accounting Officer.

 

- 2 -

 



 

 

Mr. Nepa, age 40, has served as the Company’s Corporate Controller since May 10, 2006. In addition, he has served as the Chief Financial Officer of USV since he joined USV in October 2001 and as USV’s Executive Vice President since October 31, 2002. USV is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, acquired in March 2006. From December 1987 to October 2001, Mr. Nepa was a Senior Manager with Ernst & Young, LLP, USV's independent registered accounting firm prior to March 2006 and the Company's independent registered accounting firm since May 2006. He is a Certified Public Accountant.

The description of Mr. Nepa's employment agreement with USV in Item 1.01 hereof is incorporated herein by reference. Mr. Nepa beneficially owns 63,369 shares of the Company's common stock, including options to acquire 31,058 shares of common stock.

On September 14, 2006, the Company issued a press release including information on Mr. Nepa's appointment which is filed herewith as Exhibit 99.1 Such exhibit is being furnished and shall not be deemed “filed” for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that Section. Such information shall not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, except as otherwise expressly stated in such filing.

Item 9.01

Financial Statements and Exhibits

 

(c)

Exhibits

See Exhibit Index below.

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

 

REFAC OPTICAL GROUP

 

 

Dated: September 14, 2006

By: /s/ Robert L. Tuchman

 

Name:  Robert L. Tuchman

 

Title:    Senior Vice President and

General Counsel

 

 

 

 

- 3 -

 



 

 

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

 

Exhibit No.

 

Description

 

 

 

10.1

 

Employment Agreement between U.S. Vision, Inc. and Carmen J. Nepa, III, dated

May 30, 2003.

 

 

 

99.1

 

Press release issued by Refac Optical Group on September 14, 2006.

 

 

 

- 4 -

 

 

 

EX-10 2 ex10-1.htm EXHIBIT 10.1

 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This Employment Agreement is dated as of May 30, 2003, by and between U.S. Vision, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and Carmen J. Nepa, III (the "Executive").

RECITALS

WHEREAS, the Executive is currently employed as Chief Financial Officer of the Company pursuant to an employment agreement by and between the Executive and the Company, dated October 22, 2001 (the "Existing Agreement"); and

WHEREAS, in connection with the acquisition of certain shares of common stock of the Company by Palisade Concentrated Equity Partnership, L.P. ("Palisade") pursuant to the terms and conditions of that certain Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 30, 2003 (the "Purchase Agreement") by and among the Company, Palisade and certain other parties thereto, the Company and the Executive desire to enter into this Agreement, which shall supersede and replace the Existing Agreement and govern the terms of the Executive's employment with the Company as of the Effective Date (as defined below).

AGREEMENT

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and conditions contained herein, the parties do hereby mutually agree as follows:

 

1.

Term of Employment.

a.            Effective Date. This Agreement shall become effective as of the Closing, as such term is defined in the Purchase Agreement (the date on which such Closing occurs shall be referred to herein as the "Effective Date").

2.            Position and Responsibilities. The Company hereby agrees to employ the Executive as a member of senior management of the Company. The Executive shall have such responsibilities and authority as may from time to time be assigned to the Executive by the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board of Directors"). Such responsibilities may include the performance by the Executive of certain services from time to time for any of the Company's subsidiaries or other affiliated companies without any additional compensation to the Executive.

3.            Compensation. As compensation for all services to be performed by the Executive under this Agreement, the Company shall compensate the Executive as follows:

a.            Base Salary. The Company shall pay the Executive an annual base salary of $217,750 during the first year of the Executive's Term of Employment and not less than for each year thereafter (the "Base Salary"). The Base Salary shall be paid monthly throughout the Term of Employment. The Board of Directors shall review the

 

 



 

 

Executive's Base Salary periodically to determine whether such amount shall be adjusted upwards in accordance with the duties and responsibilities of the Executive and the Executive's performance thereof.

b.            Bonuses. In addition to the Base Salary, the Executive may be entitled to receive an annual bonus. The date on which any such bonus shall be paid and the amount of such bonus, if any, shall be determined by the Board of Directors. The Company will establish a bonus program in which Executive will be entitled to participate. The maximum potential bonus payable under the program to Executive shall be $50,000 and shall consist of (i) a discretionary bonus in an amount of $25,000 (the "Discretionary Bonus") and (ii) a performance bonus in an amount of $25,000 (the "Performance Bonus") in accordance with the conditions set forth below. Determination of whether and when payment of the Discretionary Bonus will be made shall be in the sole discretion of the Board of Directors. The Executive shall be entitled to receive the Performance Bonus in any year in which the Company achieves at least 105% of its projected EBITDA as established at the beginning of each year (and in any event within 30 days of the date of this agreement) in consultation with management but as determined by the Board of Directors (the "Projected EBITDA"). In the event that 105% of Projected EBITDA is not achieved, then Executive shall not be entitled to receive the Performance Bonus. In the event that Executive is not employed by the Company on the day on which Executive otherwise would have been entitled to receive a Performance Bonus, Executive shall not be entitled to receive any such Performance Bonus, unless otherwise determined by the Board of Directors.

c.            Benefits and Perquisites. The Executive shall continue to be entitled to participate in the employee benefit plans of the Company and the perquisites enjoyed by other officers of Company, as presently in effect or as they may be modified from time to time.

d.            Expenses. Company shall also reimburse the Executive for all expenses properly incurred by Executive in the performance of Executive's duties hereunder in accordance with policies established from time to time by the Board of Directors.

 

4.

Termination.

a.            Death. In the event of Executive's death during the Term of Employment, this Agreement shall terminate immediately.

b.            Disability. If, as a result of the Executive's incapacity due to physical or mental illness, the Executive shall have been absent from his or her duties with the Company on a full-time basis for six months and, within 60 days after written notice of termination is thereafter given by the Company, the Executive shall not have returned to the full-time performance of the Executive's duties, the Company may terminate this Agreement for "Disability."

 

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c.            Cause and Resignation for Good Reason. Company may terminate Executive's employment for Cause (as defined below). For purposes of this Agreement only, Company shall have "Cause" to terminate the Executive's employment hereunder on the basis of any of the following: (i) the Executive shall have been convicted of, or pleads guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony involving theft or moral turpitude, (ii) the Executive shall have engaged in conduct that constitutes gross neglect or willful misconduct (including misappropriation or embezzlement of property of, or fraud with respect to, the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates) with respect to the Executive's employment duties or (iii) the Executive's repeated material breaches of this Agreement after written notice from the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive shall not be deemed to have been terminated for Cause unless and until there shall have been delivered to the Executive a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the Board of Directors at a meeting of the Board of Directors called and held for the purpose (after reasonable notice to the Executive and an opportunity for the Executive, together with the Executive's counsel, to be heard before the Board of Directors), finding that in the good faith opinion of the Board of Directors the Executive was guilty of conduct set forth in the second sentence of this Section 4(c) and specifying the particulars thereof in detail. Executive may resign for Good Reason (as defined below) and thereupon shall be entitled to receive the severance compensation provided for in Section 7. For purposes of this Agreement, Executive's resignation for "Good Reason" shall mean the Executive's resignation is in part the result of: (i) a reduction in the Executive's Base Salary, (ii) a material reduction in the duties or responsibilities of the Executive, or (iii) a requirement that the Executive be required to relocate the Executive's principal place of employment by more than 50 miles from the Executive's principal place of employment as of the Effective Date, or (iv) a material breach of this Agreement by the Company.

d.            Termination without Cause. Company shall have the right to terminate the Executive's employment at any time "Without Cause." In the event of the termination of Executive's employment Without Cause, Executive shall be entitled to receive the severance compensation provided for in Section 7.

5.            Notice of Termination. Any termination by the Company pursuant to Section 4(b), 4(c) or 4(d) shall be communicated by a Notice of Termination (defined below) and delivered in accordance with the provisions of Section 10 hereof. For purposes of this Agreement, a "Notice of Termination" shall mean a written notice which shall indicate those specific termination provisions in this Agreement relied upon and which sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executive's employment under the provision so indicated. For purposes of this Agreement, no such purported termination by the Company shall be effective without such Notice of Termination. Any Notice of Termination delivered by the Executive and stating that the termination is for Good Reason shall be delivered in accordance with Section 10 hereof as soon as reasonably practical after the single or cumulative development of events which forms the basis of such termination has occurred.

6.            Date of Termination. For purposes of this Agreement, the "Date of Termination" shall mean the day the Executive receives a Notice of Termination hereunder from the Company or the day the Company receives a Notice of Termination from the Executive of such resignation if the Executive resigns the Executive's employment with the Company in accordance with Section 4(c).

 

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7.            Severance Compensation upon Termination of Employment. If the Executive's employment shall be terminated by the Company or the Executive for whatever reason, other than as a result of (i) Executive's death, (ii) Executive's Disability, (iii) for Cause, or (iv) Executive's resignation without Good Reason, then the Company shall be obligated to pay to the Executive as severance the Executive's monthly Base Salary on the Date of Termination (without regard to any reductions which may form the basis of a Good Reason to resign) for a period of twelve months from the Date of Termination (each a "Monthly Severance Payment" and collectively, the "Monthly Severance Payments"). The Monthly Severance Payment shall be due and payable on or before the day of the month that Company paid the Executive the Base Salary. If, however, the Company receives written notice from the Executive of the Company's failure to pay a Monthly Severance Payment, Company shall pay to the Executive in a lump sum, in cash, an amount equal to the unpaid balance of the Monthly Severance Payments on or before the fifth day following the date the Company receives such written notice from the Executive. The Executive agrees, as a condition to receipt of any Monthly Severance Payment, that the Executive shall execute a release agreement, releasing any and all claims arising out of the Executive's employment, whether known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, as of the Date of Termination (other than claims for enforcement of this Agreement).

 

8.

Confidentiality, Noncompetition and Non-Solicitation.

 

a.

Confidentiality.

 

 

(i)

"Confidential Information" shall mean non-public information about the Company and its subsidiaries or their affiliates, and their respective clients and customers that is not disclosed by the Company or its subsidiaries for reporting purposes and that was learned by the Executive in the course of his employment with the Company, including, without limitation, any proprietary knowledge, trade secrets, data, formulae, information and client and customer lists and all papers, resumes and records (including computer records) of the documents containing such Confidential Information. Confidential Information does not include information regarding the Executive's own compensation and benefits.

 

(ii)

Executive acknowledges that in his employment with the Company, he will occupy a position of trust and confidence. The Executive shall not, except as may be required to perform his duties hereunder or as required by applicable law, without limitation in time or until such information shall have become public other than by the Executive's unauthorized disclosure, disclose to others or use, whether directly or indirectly, any Confidential Information.

 

(iii)

Executive acknowledges that all Confidential Information is specialized, unique in nature and of great value to the Company and its subsidiaries, and that such Confidential Information gives the Company and its

 

5

 



 

 

subsidiaries a competitive advantage. The Executive agrees to deliver or return to the Company, at the Company's request at any time or upon termination or expiration of his employment or as soon thereafter as possible, all documents, computer tapes and disks, records, lists, data, drawings, prints, notes and written information (and all copies thereof) furnished by or on behalf of or for the benefit of the Company and its subsidiaries or their affiliates or prepared by the Executive during the term of his employment by the Company, but excluding documents relating to the Executive's own compensation and benefits.

b.            Noncompetition. During the Executive's employment with the Company and during the eighteen month period commencing on the Date of Termination, if any, the Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, whether as owner, consultant, employee, partner, venturer, agent, through stock ownership, investment of capital, lending of money or property, rendering of services, or otherwise, compete with the Company or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries in any business in which any of them is engaged while the Executive is employed with Company or any managed vision care, distribution or technology business in the eye care or retail optical industry (such businesses are hereinafter referred to as the "Business"), or assist, become interested in or be connected with any corporation, firm, partnership, joint venture, sole proprietorship or other entity which so competes with the Business.

c.            Non-Solicitation of Customers and Suppliers. During the Executive's employment with the Company and during the two year period commencing on the Date of Termination, the Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, influence or attempt to influence customers or suppliers of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or their affiliates to divert their business to any business, individual, partner, firm, corporation or other entity that is then a direct competitor of the Company or its subsidiaries or their affiliates (each such competitor, a "Competitor of the Company"); provided, however, that if the Executive is employed by customers or suppliers of the Company following his termination of employment and such employment does not violate Section 8(b) hereof, the normal execution of his duties in connection with such employment shall not constitute a violation of this Section 8(c).

d.            Non-Solicitation of Employees. Executive recognizes that he will possess confidential information about other employees of the Company and its subsidiaries or their affiliates relating to their education, experience, skills, abilities, compensation and benefits, and interpersonal relationships with customers of the Company and its subsidiaries or their affiliates. The Executive recognizes that the information he will possess about these other employees is not generally known, is of substantial value to the Company and its subsidiaries in developing their business and in securing and retaining customers, and will be acquired by him because of his business position with the Company and its subsidiaries. The Executive agrees that, during the Executive's employment with the Company and during the two year period commencing on the Date of Termination he will not, directly or indirectly, solicit or recruit any employee of the Company or its subsidiaries or their affiliates for the purpose of being employed by him or by any Competitor of the Company on whose behalf he is acting

 

6

 



 

 

as an agent, representative or employee and that he will not convey any such confidential information or trade secrets about other employees of the Company and its subsidiaries or their affiliates to any other person.

e.            Remedies. In the event of a breach or threatened breach of this Section 8, the Executive agrees that the Company shall be entitled to apply for injunctive relief in a court of appropriate jurisdiction to remedy any such breach or threatened breach, the Executive acknowledging that damages would be inadequate and insufficient.

f.             Survival of Provisions. The obligations contained in this Section 8 shall, to the extent provided in this Section 8, survive the termination or expiration of the Executive's employment with the Company and, as applicable, shall be fully enforceable thereafter in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. If it is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in any state that any restriction in this Section 8 is excessive in duration or scope or is unreasonable or unenforceable under the laws of that state, it is the intention of the parties that such restriction may be modified or amended by the court to render it enforceable to the maximum extent permitted by the law of that state.

9.            No Obligation to Mitigate Damages; No Effect on Other Contractual Rights. The Executive shall not be required to mitigate damages or the amount of any payment provided for under this Agreement by seeking other employment or otherwise, nor shall the amount of any payment provided for under this Agreement be reduced by any compensation earned by the Executive as a result of employment by another employer after the Date of Termination, or otherwise.

10.          Notice. For purposes of this Section 10, "Business Day" shall mean any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or a day on which commercial banks in New York, New York are authorized or required by law or order to remain closed. All notices and other communications to be given or delivered or permitted under or by reason of the provisions of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to be delivered and received by the intended recipient as follows: (a) if personally delivered, on the Business Day (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) of such delivery (as evidenced by the receipt of the personal delivery service); (b) if delivered by overnight courier (with all charges having been prepaid), on the second Business Day of such delivery (as evidenced by the receipt of the overnight courier service of recognized standing); or (c) if delivered by facsimile transmission, on the Business Day of such delivery if sent by 6:00 p.m. in the time zone of the recipient, or if sent after that time, on the next succeeding Business Day (as evidenced by the printed confirmation of delivery generated by the sending Party's telecopier machine). If any notice or other communication cannot be delivered because of a changed address of which no notice was given (in accordance with this Section 10), or the refusal to accept same, the notice shall be deemed received on the Business Day the notice is sent (as evidenced by a sworn affidavit of the sender). All such notices, demands, consents, requests, instructions and other communications will be sent to the following addresses or facsimile numbers as applicable:

 

7

 



 

 

if to the Company, to:

 

U.S. Vision, Inc.

1 Harmon Drive

Glen Oaks Industrial Park

Glendora, NJ 08029

Attention: CEO

 

Telephone No.:

(856) 228-1000

 

Telecopy No.:

(856) 228-5577

with a copy to:

 

Palisade Capital Management L.L.C.

One Bridge Plaza

Suite 695

Fort Lee, NJ 07024

Attention: Eric J. Bertrand

 

Telephone No.:

(201) 585-7733

 

Telecopy No.:

(201) 585-9798

and:

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

Four Times Square

New York, NY 10036

Attention: Nancy A. Lieberman, Esq.

 

Telephone No.:

(212) 735-3000

 

Telecopy No.:

(212) 735-2000

if to the Executive, to:

Mr. Carmen J. Nepa, III

c/o U.S. Vision, Inc.

1 Harmon Drive

Glen Oaks Industrial Park

Glendora, NJ 08029

 

Telephone No.:

(856) 228-1000

 

Telecopy No.:

(856) 228-5577

11.         Miscellaneous. No provisions of this Agreement may be modified, waived or discharged unless such waiver, modification or discharge is agreed to in writing signed by the Executive and Company. No waiver by either party hereto at any time of any breach by the other party hereto of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time. No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, express or implied, with respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by either party which are not set forth expressly in this Agreement. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware.

 

8

 



 

 

12.          Dispute Resolution. The Company and the Executive agree that any dispute arising as to the parties' rights and obligations hereunder, other than with respect to Section 8 hereof, shall be resolved by binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association for resolution of employment disputes then in effect. Each party shall have the right, in addition to any other relief granted by such arbitrator (or by any court with respect to relief granted with respect to Section 8 hereof), to reasonable attorneys' fees based on a determination by the arbitrator (or, with respect to Section 8 hereof, the court) of the extent to which each party has prevailed as to the material issues raised the dispute.

13.          Severability. In the event that any one or more of the provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remainder of the Agreement shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. Moreover, if any restriction, paragraph or provision of this Agreement, including without limitation those restrictions set forth in Section 8 shall be held to be illegal or unenforceable because it is deemed excessively broad as to duration, geographic scope, activity or subject, or for any other reason, then such restriction, paragraph or provision shall be construed by limiting and reducing it so as to be enforceable to the maximum extent allowed by applicable law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.

14.          Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.

15.          Assignments; Successors. This Agreement is personal in its nature and is not assignable by the Executive. In the event of the merger, consolidation, transfer or sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company with or to any other individual or entity or any similar event, this Agreement shall, subject to the provisions hereof, be binding upon and inure to the benefit of such successor and such successor shall discharge and perform all the promises, covenants, duties and obligations of the Company hereunder.

16.          Termination of Prior Agreements. Upon the Effective Date, this Agreement terminates and supersedes any and all prior agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to the Executive's employment and compensation by the Company, including without limitation the Existing Agreement.

17.          Headings; Inconsistency. Section headings in this Agreement are included herein for convenience of reference only and shall not constitute a part of this Agreement for any other purpose. In the event of any inconsistency between the terms of this Agreement and any form, award, plan or policy of the Company, the terms of this Agreement shall control.

 

9

 



 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

U.S. VISION, INC.,
a Delaware corporation


By: /s/ William A. Schwartz Jr.

Name: William A. Schwartz Jr.
Title: CEO

 

EXECUTIVE



/s/ Carmen J. Nepa, III
Carmen J. Nepa, III

 

 

[Employment Agreement – Nepa]

 



 

 

November 22, 2004

 

VIA TELECOPY (856) 232-1848 & EXPRESS MAIL

Carmen Nepa

U.S. Vision, Inc.

1 Harmon Drive

Glendora, NJ 08029

 

 

Re:

Employment Agreement ("Employment Agreement") dated May 30, 2003, between Carmen Nepa and U.S. Vision, Inc. ("USV")

Dear Carmen:

Let this letter serve to confirm that Article 1 b of the Employment Agreement is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows:

b.            Term. This Agreement shall, subject to Sections 4 and 5 hereof, remain in effect until May 30, 2006 and shall be automatically and repeatedly renewed for successive one year terms unless either party provides the other written notice of termination not less than 60 days prior to the April 1 preceding such renewal date, commencing April 1, 2006 (the "Term of Employment").

Except as modified herein, the Employment Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

Kindly indicate your agreement by signing and returning the one copy of this letter whereupon it shall constitute a binding amendment to the Employment Agreement.

Sincerely yours,

 

/s/ Brian M. Lidji

Brian M. Lidji

As the authorized agent of

U.S. Vision, Inc.

 

Agreed:

 

/s/ Carmen Nepa                                  

Carmen Nepa

 

c: U.S. Vision, Board of Directors

 

 

 

 

EX-99 3 ex99-1.txt EXHIBIT 99.1 Exhibit 99.1 REFAC OPTICAL GROUP REPORTS FISCAL SECOND QUARTER RESULTS ____________________________________________________ Company Appoints Principal Accounting Officer Fort Lee, New Jersey (September 14, 2006) - Refac Optical Group (AMEX: REF) today announced results for the fiscal second quarter and six months ended July 31, 2006. The Company reported a net loss for the three months ended July 31, 2006, of $846,000, or $0.05 per diluted share, compared with a net loss of $324,000, or $0.02 per diluted share, for the prior year period. The net loss from continuing operations was $1.06 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, for the second quarter of fiscal 2006, compared with a net loss from continuing operations of $443,000, or $0.03 per diluted share, for the prior year period. To provide a better understanding of core retail optical results and trends, the Company also reported adjusted financial results, which are non-GAAP financial measures. The adjusted operating loss from continuing operations was $773,000 for the second quarter of 2006, compared with $358,000 for the prior year period. The $415,000 increase is primarily the result of an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses due to new store openings, increased advertising to offset decreased vision care sales and higher variable costs partially offset by an increase in gross profit due to higher sales. A reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to results reported in accordance with GAAP is attached to this release. Total revenues for the three months ended July 31, 2006, increased to $44.5 million from $43.2 million for the prior year. This increase was principally attributable to a $1.3 million increase in retail product sales and a $539,000 increase in services offset by a $577,000 decrease in intellectual property licensing-related revenues and other non-recurring income. Commenting on the fiscal second quarter results, J. David Pierson, president and chief executive officer of Refac Optical Group, said, "We are pleased that we were able to increase revenues despite a $1.0 million decline in sales attributable to our managed vision care plans. In an effort to remedy this situation going forward, we reached an agreement in principle during the second quarter with EyeMed Vision Care, a leading managed vision care company, pursuant to which our U.S. Vision subsidiary will become a participating provider in the EyeMed Access and Select plans. We are very excited about this relationship and its considerable potential to drive sales growth and profitability for the Company and to support U.S. Vision's expansion initiatives." -MORE- During the fiscal second quarter, the Company announced that it had completed its previously announced sale of its managed vision business to a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) for $8.9 million subject to certain additional post-closing adjustments. The Company recorded a gain on disposal of $85,000, including income tax expense of approximately $393,000. Six Months Ended July 31, 2006 The Company reported net income for the six months ended July 31, 2006, of $663,000, or $0.04 per diluted share, compared with $3.0 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, for the prior year period. Net income from continuing operations was $85,000, or $0.01 per diluted share, for the first half of fiscal 2006, compared with net income from continuing operations of $2.5 million, or $0.15 per diluted share, for the prior year period. For the six months ended July 31, 2006, adjusted operating income from continuing operations was $1.6 million for the first half of 2006, compared to $1.2 million for the prior year period. The $400,000 improvement is primarily the result of increases in optical related revenues. Total revenues for the six months ended July 31, 2006, increased to $92.3 million from $89.8 million for the prior year. This increase was principally attributable to a $3.9 million increase in retail product sales and a $1.2 million increase in services offset by a $2.6 million decrease in intellectual property licensing-related revenues and other non-recurring income and was achieved despite a $2.7 million decline in sales attributable to its managed vision care plans. Pierson continued, "After a 25 year relationship, JCPenney is not only our most important brand but also represents our most promising expansion opportunity. We are encouraged by JCPenney's recent announcement that it plans to open about 50 new stores per year beginning in 2007, primarily off-mall, and that on a long-term basis it has identified up to 400 opportunities for new stores, relocations or expansions." "We are continuing to develop and improve our new Macy's fashion optical departments and plan on opening two new locations in October. These new optical departments will relocate to higher traffic locations within Macy's and will incorporate a new modern fashion look and feel. We opened our first fashion optical department a year ago and, including these two new additions, we will now have 12 such departments, all of which are operating under the Macy's brand, thereby establishing us a leader in this emerging category." In conclusion, Pierson stated, "We are pleased with the continued progress in integrating our two core businesses, U.S. Vision and OptiCare. While we are hard at work managing costs and introducing operational enhancements, we are also actively seeking acquisitions that will complement our existing business and provide the Company with a more diversified portfolio of retail stores." After the end of the fiscal second quarter, the Company announced an extension in the expiration date for the exercise of the non-transferable payment right granted to qualifying stockholders in connection with its February 28, 2003, merger with a wholly owned subsidiary of Palisade Concentrated Equity Partnership, L.P. The expiration date has been extended for one year from September 30, 2006 to September 30, 2007. -MORE- In addition, on September 8, 2006, the Company's Board of Directors appointed Carmen J. Nepa, III to serve as the Company's chief accounting officer and principal accounting officer. Mr. Nepa, age 40, has served as the Company's corporate controller since May 10, 2006. In addition, he has served as the chief financial officer of U.S. Vision since he joined U.S. Vision in October 2001 and as U.S. Vision's executive vice president since October 31, 2002. From December 1987 to October 2001, Mr. Nepa was a senior manager with Ernst & Young, LLP, U.S. Vision's independent registered accounting firm prior to March 2006 and the Company's independent registered accounting firm since May 2006. He is a Certified Public Accountant. Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures This news release and the attached table include non-GAAP financial measures as defined in the Securities and Exchange Commission's Regulation G. Where noted, financial information is presented on an adjusted basis to exclude the effect of certain items as described herein. By presenting adjusted results, management intends to provide investors with a better understanding of the core results and underlying trends from which to consider past performance and prospects for the future. Users of this financial information should consider the types of events and transactions for which adjustments have been made. The adjusted information should not be considered in isolation or viewed as a substitute for or superior to net income or other data prepared in accordance with GAAP as measures of the Company's operating performance or liquidity. In addition, the adjusted information is not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures provided by other companies. Pursuant to the requirements of Regulation G, a table follows that reconciles non-GAAP financial measures, including those presented in this release, to the most directly comparable GAAP measures. About Refac Optical Group Refac Optical Group, a leader in the retail optical industry and the sixth largest retail optical chain in the United States, operates 533 retail locations in 47 states and Canada, consisting of 510 licensed departments, five freestanding stores, 18 eye health centers and professional optometric practices, two surgery centers, one of which is a laser correction center, and two manufacturing laboratories. Of the 510 licensed departments, 349 are located at JCPenney stores, 63 at Sears, 29 at Macy's and Marshall Field's department stores, 26 at Boscov's department stores, and 30 at The Bay. These licensed departments are full-service retail vision care stores that offer an extensive selection of designer brands and private label prescription eyewear, contact lenses, sunglasses, ready-made readers and accessories. On March 6, 2006, the Company completed its acquisitions of U.S. Vision, Inc. and OptiCare Health Systems, Inc., and on May 10, 2006, the Company's Board of Directors approved a change in the Company's fiscal year-end from December 31 to January 31. The quarter ended April 30, 2006 was the first quarter in which Refac Optical Group, U.S. Vision and OptiCare reported as a combined company. The financial results reported herein include consolidated financial results for all three companies for all periods presented with the quarterly results for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2006, reflecting the prior 2005 fiscal periods for the Company and OptiCare. -MORE- Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes certain statements of the Company that may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and which are made pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements and other information relating to the Company are based upon the beliefs of management and assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events, or performance, as well as underlying assumptions and statements that are other than statements of historical fact. When used in this document, the words "expects," "anticipates," "estimates," "plans," "intends," "projects," "predicts," "believes," "may" or "should," and similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect the current view of the Company's management with respect to future events. Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve those risks and uncertainties detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and the Company undertakes no duty or obligation to update any forward-looking statements in light of new information or future events. -MORE-
REFAC OPTICAL GROUP UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data) For the Three Months For the Six Months Ended July 31, Ended July 31, --------------------- ------------------------ 2006 2005 2006 2005 ---------- --------- ---------- --------- Net revenues: Product sales $ 38,764 $ 37,447 $ 81,182 $ 77,238 Services 5,630 5,091 10,945 9,771 Licensing related activities 50 173 105 1,968 Other 45 499 75 861 ---------- --------- ---------- --------- Total revenues 44,489 43,210 92,307 89,838 Operating expenses: Cost of product sales 12,933 12,246 25,593 24,240 Cost of services 2,179 1,957 4,181 3,703 Selling, general and administrative 28,478 27,135 57,591 54,713 Merger expense 40 249 587 251 Loss on early extinguishment of debt 157 - 301 - Depreciation and amortization 1,663 1,693 3,344 3,310 ---------- --------- ---------- --------- Total operating expenses 45,450 43,280 91,597 86,217 ---------- --------- ---------- --------- Operating income (loss) (961) (70) 710 3,621 Other income (expense): Dividends and interest income 369 260 679 452 Interest expense (464) (592) (945) (1,213) ---------- --------- ---------- --------- Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interest (1,056) (402) 444 2,860 Minority interest expense - 43 245 279 Provision (benefit) for income taxes - (2) 114 34 ---------- --------- ---------- --------- Income (loss) from continuing operations (1,056) (443) 85 2,547 Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes and minority interest 210 119 578 405 ---------- --------- ---------- --------- Net income (loss) $ (846) $ (324) $ 663 $ 2,952 ========== ========= ========== ========= Earnings (loss) per share: Basic: Continuing operations $ (0.06) $ (0.03) $ 0.01 $ 0.15 Discontinued operations 0.01 0.01 0.03 0.03 ---------- --------- ---------- --------- Net income (loss) $ (0.05) $ (0.02) $ 0.04 $ 0.18 ========== ========= ========== ========= Diluted: Continuing operations $ (0.06) $ (0.03) $ 0.01 $ 0.15 Discontinued operations 0.01 0.01 0.03 0.03 ---------- --------- ---------- --------- Net income (loss) $ (0.05) $ (0.02) $ 0.04 $ 0.18 ========== ========= ========== ========= Weighted average shares outstanding: Basic 18,015 16,494 17,770 16,493 Diluted 18,015 16,494 18,096 16,507
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REFAC OPTICAL GROUP UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data) July 31, January 31, 2006 2006 ------------- ------------ ASSETS Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 5,210 $ 10,129 Accounts receivable, net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $304 and $220 at July 31, 2006 and January 31, 2006, respectively 9,553 10,676 Investments being held to maturity 30,286 24,229 Inventories 19,321 20,205 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,348 1,262 Assets held for sale - 2,092 ------------- ------------ Total current assets 65,718 68,593 Property and equipment, net 32,407 34,544 Restricted cash and investments being held to maturity 5,158 4,849 Licensed optical department agreements 17,367 14,856 Goodwill 6,136 4,746 Other intangibles, net 280 300 Assets held for sale, non-current - 5,384 Other assets 798 1,247 ------------- ------------ Total assets $ 127,864 $ 134,519 ============= ============ LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current Liabilities: Accounts payable $ 7,489 $ 8,627 Accrued expenses 6,628 8,958 Accrued salaries and related expenses 1,291 1,783 Customer deposits 3,423 3,358 Deferred revenue 3,240 3,174 Current portion of capital lease obligations 679 724 Current portion of long-term debt 1,506 4,926 Liabilities of business held for sale - 3,991 Other current liabilities 894 940 ------------- ------------ Total current liabilities 25,150 36,481 Capital lease obligations, net of current portion 1,058 1,372 Long-term debt, net of current portion 2,792 3,378 Revolving line of credit 13,809 14,983 Subordinated debt 9,000 10,000 Other long-term liabilities 314 389 Minority interest - 3,943 Temporary equity 4,158 4,849 Stockholders' equity: Common stock, $0.001 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized; 17,848,472 and 16,484,335 shares outstanding at July 31, 2006 and January 31, 2006, respectively 18 16 Additional paid-in capital 97,526 85,002 Treasury stock, at cost; 171,525 and 88,223 shares at July 31, 2006 and January 31, 2006, respectively (1,430) (738) Unearned compensation - (89) Accumulated deficit (24,223) (24,759) Receivable from issuance of common stock (308) (308) ------------- ------------ Total stockholders' equity 71,583 59,124 ------------- ------------ Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 127,864 $ 134,519 ============= ============
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REFAC OPTICAL GROUP UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Amounts in thousands) For the Six Months Ended July 31, --------------------------- 2006 2005 ---------- ---------- Cash flows from operating activities: Net income $ 663 $ 2,952 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 3,401 3,531 Stock-based compensation 219 9 Gain on sale of managed vision business (85) - Loss on disposal of fixed assets 178 17 Minority interest 278 351 Amortization of debt issue costs 221 70 Amortization of discount on securities (574) (416) Other - (71) Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions: Accounts receivable 1,299 272 Inventories 909 (950) Prepaid expenses and other assets (353) 129 Accounts payable and accrued expenses (3,690) (2,968) Deferred revenue and customer deposits 159 870 Assets and liabilities of business held for sale - (42) Other current liabilities (466) (185) ---------- ---------- Net cash provided by operating activities 2,159 3,569 Cash flows from investing activities: Purchase of investments being held to maturity, net (2,177) (353) Payments received on notes receivable 359 102 Expenditures for property and equipment (1,386) (1,824) Investments in acquisitions, net of cash acquired (20) (150) Proceeds from sale of businesses, net of cash sold 6,306 3,451 Purchase of restricted certificates of deposit - (204) ---------- ---------- Net cash provided by investing activities 3,082 1,022 Cash flows from financing activities: Net payments on revolving line of credit (1,502) (5,839) Principal payments on long-term debt and capital leases (2,506) (2,358) Principal payments on subordinated debt (1,000) (171) Purchase of treasury stock (681) - Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock - 4,445 Proceeds from issuance of common stock - 528 Other (29) 142 ---------- ---------- Net cash used in financing activities (5,718) (3,253) ---------- ---------- Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (477) 1,338 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 5,687 4,298 Cash and cash equivalents included in assets held for sale - (933) ---------- ---------- Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 5,210 $ 4,703 ========== ========== Supplemental disclosures: Cash paid for interest $ 946 $ 1,196 ========== ========== Cash paid for income taxes $ 187 $ 76 ========== ========== Non-cash transactions: Property and equipment financed through capital leases and other indebtedness $ 63 $ 352 ========== ========== Issuance of common stock in exchange for minority interest $ 11,804 $ - ========== ==========
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REFAC OPTICAL GROUP RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (Amounts in thousands) (Unaudited) For the Three Months For the Six Months Ended July 31, Ended July 31, -------------------------- ------------------------- 2006 2005 2006 2005 ---------- --------- ---------- ---------- Operating income (loss) - GAAP basis $ (961) $ (70) $ 710 $ 3,621 Adjustments: Merger transaction expenses 40 249 587 251 Loss on early extinguishment of debt 157 - 301 - Non-recurring intellectual property licensing-related revenues - (118) - (1,857) Non-recurring health services settlement revenues, net of expenses (9) (455) (15) (773) Non-recurring related party consulting services - (16) - (60) Asset management search expenses - 52 - 52 ---------- --------- ---------- ---------- Adjusted operating income $ (773) $ (358) $ 1,583 $ 1,234 ========== ========= ========== ==========
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