-----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, T3wBZ+8jwtevbSXHMrU3r1PKqR8RLQqw1jBU027iouK41keo/G4yZbhFoTnjUl+e sJts6oXkv03evlwba2sn9A== 0001193125-08-049888.txt : 20080307 0001193125-08-049888.hdr.sgml : 20080307 20080307132852 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001193125-08-049888 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 8-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 3 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20080229 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: 20080307 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20080307 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: MOVIE GALLERY INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000925178 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: SERVICES-VIDEO TAPE RENTAL [7841] IRS NUMBER: 631120122 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 0106 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-24548 FILM NUMBER: 08673547 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 900 WEST MAIN STREET CITY: DOTHAN STATE: AL ZIP: 36301 BUSINESS PHONE: 3346772108 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 900 WEST MAIN STREET CITY: DOTHAN STATE: AL ZIP: 36301 8-K 1 d8k.htm FORM 8-K Form 8-K

 

 

UNITED STATES

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): February 29, 2008

 

 

Movie Gallery, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   0-24548   63-1120122

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

  (Commission File Number)  

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

900 West Main Street, Dothan, Alabama 36301

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (334) 677-2108

N/A

(Former name or former address, 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):

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

 


Section 5.02 Departure of Directors or Principal Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Principal Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers

On February 29, 2008, Movie Gallery, Inc. (“Movie Gallery” or the “Company”) and certain of its affiliates (the “Debtors”) received approval (the “Order”) from the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Richmond Division (the “Bankruptcy Court”) of the Motion of the Debtors for an Order Approving the Debtors’ Key Employee Incentive Plan, dated February 15, 2008 (the “Motion”). A copy of the Motion and Order are filed herewith as Exhibits 99.1 and 99.2, respectively, and are incorporated herein by reference.

The Order approves the Key Employee Incentive Plan, which has two components: the management incentive plan (which provides a bonus computed as a percentage of earnings to be paid to salaried full-time, non-temporary employees in corporate cost centers who satisfy certain criteria if the Company achieves certain earnings targets) and the supplemental incentive plan (which provides a bonus computed as a percentage of earnings to be paid to certain salaried and hourly, non-temporary employees in positions of Vice President and below who satisfy certain criteria and achieve certain stated objectives under the supplemental incentive plan).

Under the Management Incentive Plan, executive officers may earn a bonus if the Company achieves more than 87.5% of the “Target EBITDA” (as defined below), which bonus amount is calculated by multiplying (a) 60% of the Executive Officer’s regular base salary during a semi-annual bonus period (including approved time off) by (b) a factor of 1.5 if the Company achieves at least 112.5% of the Target EBITDA, 1.0 if the Company achieves 100% of the Target EBITDA and 0 if the Company does not achieve more than 87.5% of Target EBITDA. If the Company’s results are between 112.5% and 100% of Target EBITDA, the “factor” included in the calculation is based on a straight-line amortization of the amount of 1.5 to 1.0 based on the level of relative percentage that the results were less than 112.5% of Target EBITDA but exceeded 100% of Target EBITDA. If the Company’s results are between 100% and 87.5% of Target EBITDA, the “factor” included in the calculation is based on a straight-line amortization of the amount of 1.0 to 0 based on the level of relative percentage that the results were less than 100% of Target EBITDA but were greater than 87.5% of Target EBITDA. “Target EBITDA” is defined as EBITDA calculated in the Company’s 2008 forecast prepared as of December 17, 2007 based on the methodology that is used for calculating Consolidated Additional EBITDA in the DIP Credit Agreement, as amended. If the Company achieves Target EBITDA, the semi-annual payments to Executive Officers that qualify to receive a bonus under the Management Incentive Plan are expected to be as set forth below.

 

   

Joe T. Malugen, President and Chief Executive Officer, $300,000

 

   

Jeffrey S. Stubbs, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, $157,500

 

   

S. Page Todd, Executive Vice President, Secretary, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, $120,000

 

   

Mark S. Loyd, Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer, $105,000

 

   

Thomas D. Johnson, Jr., Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, $97,500

 

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Additional information about the Debtors’ chapter 11 cases pending in the Bankruptcy Court, including access to court documents, including the Motion and Order, and other general information about the chapter 11 cases, is available online at http://www.kccllc.net/moviegallery.

Forward-Looking Statements

This current report on Form 8-K, as well as other statements made by Movie Gallery may contain forward-looking statements within the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that reflect, when made, the Company’s current views with respect to current events and financial performance. Such forward-looking statements are and will be, as the case may be, subject to many risks, uncertainties and factors relating to the Company’s operations and business environment, which may cause the actual results of the Company to be materially different from any future results, express or implied, by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following: (i) the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern; (ii) the ability of the Company to operate subject to the terms of the debtor in possession financing; (iii) the Company’s ability to obtain court approval with respect to motions in the chapter 11 proceeding prosecuted by it from time to time; (iv) the ability of the Company to develop, prosecute, confirm and consummate one or more plans of reorganization with respect to the chapter 11 cases including a plan consistent with the terms set forth in the restructuring term sheet; (v) risks associated with a termination of the agreement and financing availability; (vi) risks associated with third parties seeking and obtaining court approval to terminate or shorten the exclusivity period for the Company to propose and confirm one or more plans of reorganization, for the appointment of a chapter 11 trustee or to convert the cases to chapter 7 cases; (vii) the ability of the Company to obtain and maintain normal terms with vendors and service providers; (viii) the Company’s ability to maintain contracts and leases that are critical to its operations; (ix) the potential adverse impact of the chapter 11 cases on the Company’s liquidity or results of operations; (x) the ability of the Company to execute its business plans and strategy, including the operational restructuring initially announced in 2007, and to do so in a timely fashion; (xi) the ability of the Company to attract, motivate and/or retain key executives and associates; (xii) general economic or business conditions affecting the video and game rental and sale industry (which is dependent on consumer spending), either nationally or regionally, being less favorable than expected; and (xiii) increased competition in the video and game rental and sale industry. Other risk factors are listed from time to time in the Company’s United States Securities and Exchange Commission reports, including but not limited to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006. Movie Gallery disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events and/or otherwise.

Similarly, these and other factors, including the terms of any plan of reorganization ultimately confirmed, can affect the value of the Company’s various prepetition liabilities, common stock and/or other equity securities. Additionally, no assurance can be given as to what values, if any, will be ascribed in the bankruptcy proceedings to each of these constituencies. A plan or plans of reorganization could result in holders of Movie Gallery’s common stock or other equity interests and claims relating to prepetition liabilities receiving no distribution on account of their interest and cancellation of their interests and their claims and cancellation of their claims. Under certain conditions specified in the Bankruptcy Code, a plan of reorganization may be confirmed notwithstanding its rejection by an impaired class of creditors or equity holders and notwithstanding the fact that certain creditors or equity holders do not receive or retain property on account of their claims or equity interests under the plan. In light of the foregoing, the Company considers the value of the common stock and claims to be highly speculative and cautions equity holders that the stock and creditors that the claims may ultimately be determined to have no value. Accordingly, the Company urges that appropriate caution be exercised with respect to existing and future investments in Movie Gallery’s common stock or other equity interest or any claims relating to pre-petition liabilities. The proposed plan of reorganization currently provides that all of Movie Gallery’s common stock and other equity interests will be cancelled for no consideration.

 

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Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits

 

Exhibit No.

 

Description

99.1   Motion of the Debtors for an Order Approving the Debtors’ Key Employee Incentive Plan
99.2   Order Approving the Debtors’ Key Employee Incentive Plan

 

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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.

 

    MOVIE GALLERY, INC.
Date: March 7, 2008    
  BY:  

/s/ Thomas D. Johnson Jr.

    Thomas D. Johnson, Jr.
    Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

 

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EX-99.1 2 dex991.htm MOTION OF THE DEBTORS Motion of the Debtors

Exhibit 99.1

 

Richard M. Cieri (NY 4207122)    Michael A. Condyles (VA 27807)
KIRKLAND & ELLIS LLP    Peter J. Barrett (VA 46179)
Citigroup Center    Ronald A. Page, Jr. (VA 71343)
153 East 53rd Street    KUTAK ROCK LLP
New York, New York 10022-4611    Bank of America Center
Telephone: (212) 446-4800    1111 East Main Street, Suite 800
   Richmond, Virginia 23219-3500
and    Telephone: (804) 644-1700
Anup Sathy, P.C. (IL 6230191)   
Marc J. Carmel (IL 6272032)   
KIRKLAND & ELLIS LLP   
200 East Randolph Drive   
Chicago, Illinois 60601-6636   
Telephone: (312) 861-2000   
Co-Counsel to the Debtors   

IN THE UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT

FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF VIRGINIA

RICHMOND DIVISION

 

In re:   )    Case No. 07-33849    
  )    Jointly Administered    
MOVIE GALLERY, INC., et al.,1   )    Chapter 11    
  )    Hon. Douglas O. Tice, Jr.    
Debtors.   )       
    )       

MOTION OF THE DEBTORS FOR AN ORDER

APPROVING THE DEBTORS’ KEY EMPLOYEE INCENTIVE PLAN

 

The above-captioned debtors (collectively, the “Debtors”) hereby move the Court, pursuant to this motion (the “Motion”), for the entry of an order, substantially in the form of Exhibit A, approving the Debtors’ Key Employee Incentive Plan (the “KEIP”). In support of this Motion, the Debtors respectfully state as follows:

 

1 The Debtors in these proceedings are: Movie Gallery, Inc.; Hollywood Entertainment Corporation; M.G. Digital, LLC; M.G.A. Realty I, LLC; MG Automation LLC; and Movie Gallery US, LLC.


Jurisdiction

1. The Court has jurisdiction over this matter pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 157 and 1334. This matter is a core proceeding within the meaning of 28 U.S.C. § 157(b)(2).

2. Venue is proper pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1408 and 1409.

3. The statutory bases for the relief requested herein are sections 363(b) and 503(c) of the Bankruptcy Code, 11 U.S.C. §§ 101-1532 (the “Bankruptcy Code”).

Background

4. On October 16, 2007 (the “Commencement Date”), each of the Debtors filed a petition with the Court under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code (collectively, the “Chapter 11 Cases”). The Debtors are operating their businesses and managing their property as debtors in possession pursuant to sections 1107(a) and 1108 of the Bankruptcy Code. No request for the appointment of a trustee or examiner has been made in these Chapter 11 Cases. On October 18, 2007, the Court entered an order jointly administering the Debtors’ Chapter 11 Cases pursuant to Rule 1015(b) of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure (the “Bankruptcy Rules”). On October 18, 2007, the United States trustee appointed an official committee of unsecured creditors pursuant to section 1102 of the Bankruptcy Code (the “Committee”).

5. The Debtors are the second largest North American home entertainment specialty retailer. They currently operate more than 3,000 retail stores located throughout all 50 states. They rent and sell DVDs, videocassettes and video games through three distinct brands—Movie Gallery, Hollywood Video and Game Crazy.

6. In 2006, the aggregate annual revenues of the Debtors and their non-Debtor affiliates, including rental revenue and product sales, exceeded $2.5 billion. Of this amount, approximately

 

2


56% was attributed to DVD rentals, 15% to the sale of previously-rented DVDs, VHS cassettes and video games, 13% to the sale of new and used gaming products, 7% to game rentals, 4% to the sale of concessions and other miscellaneous products, 3% to the sale of movie-related products and merchandise and 2% to VHS cassette rentals. As of December 2, 2007, the Debtors and their non-Debtor affiliates employed approximately 38,400 employees, including approximately 6,800 full-time employees and 31,600 part-time employees.

7. Several factors led to the filing of these Chapter 11 Cases. First, the video rental industry is highly competitive. The Debtors face direct competition from competitors such as Blockbuster and Netflix and indirect competition from pay-per-view, cable television and big-box retailers who sell DVDs at increasingly lower prices. Furthermore, recent box office receipts of rental releases have declined over the previous year, contributing to an industry-wide decline in demand for video rentals. Finally, as the Debtors’ financial performance deteriorated, they experienced contracting trade terms, which had a negative impact on the Debtors’ liquidity, which, in turn, contributed to the Debtors’ inability to comply with certain financial covenants under their credit agreements.

8. The Debtors’ successful emergence from chapter 11 protection and the Debtors’ future is dependent on their ability to meet challenging short-term and long-term performance goals. There is no doubt that the Debtors’ management and executives are an extremely important factor in meeting and exceeding these goals.

9. Furthermore, the commencement of the Debtors’ Chapter 11 Cases has exacerbated normal employee attrition due to heightened employee concerns regarding possible job loss and has led to increased employee responsibilities, requiring longer hours and imposing additional burdens.

 

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Thus, at a time when the Debtors most need the continued efforts and loyalty of their employees, the Debtors must take proactive steps to ensure that incentives are in place to allow their employees to remain loyal, despite potential prospects with competitors or other employers and perceived uncertainty regarding future employment opportunities with the Debtors.

10. Therefore, the Debtors, with input from their advisors (including their human resources consultant) and their constituents in these Chapter 11 Cases, have evaluated their existing compensation structure and historical compensation plans to create a fair, objective and incentive-based compensation structure for their employees that aligns employee interests with those of the Debtors’ stakeholders to encourage maximum effort and performance during this difficult restructuring process.

11. The KEIP has two components: 2

 

  a. Management Incentive Plan. The Management Incentive Plan provides a potential bonus computed—in a similar manner to the Debtors’ historical bonus plan—based on a percentage of each participant’s salary, to be awarded if the Debtors achieve certain EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) levels and computed and awarded on a quarterly or semi-annual basis depending upon the participant’s position (the “Management Incentive Plan”).

 

  b. Supplemental Incentive Plan. The Supplemental Incentive Plan provides a bonus computed as a percentage of earnings to be awarded to eligible participants as soon as practicable after June 30, 2008, if such participants have satisfied the tailored objectives established in accordance with the plan (the “Supplemental Incentive Plan”).

 

2 The description herein is solely for the benefit of the Court and parties in interest. If there are any inconsistencies between the description of the terms herein and the KEIP, the KEIP shall control. The KEIP will be shared with the Core Group (as defined in the Notice, Case Management and Administrative Procedures established by the Order Establishing Certain Notice, Case Management and Administrative Procedures [Docket No. 88] entered on October 17, 2007) and is available to other parties in interest upon reasonable request of the Debtors’ undersigned counsel.

 

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A. Management Incentive Plan

12. The Management Incentive Plan is designed to incentivize eligible employees to help the Debtors maximize EBITDA. Payouts under the Management Incentive Plan are predicated upon the Debtors’ achievement of specific EBITDA targets incorporated in the Debtors’ 2008 forecast, which was prepared as of December 17, 2007 and distributed to key creditor constituents at that time.3

 

  a. Performance Periods: For participants at the Senior Vice President level and above, the Management Incentive Plan is a semi-annual plan with a bonus period that commences on January 7, 2008 and ends on July 6, 2008, which is based on the Debtors’ fiscal calendar. For participants at the Vice President level and below, the Management Incentive Plan is a quarterly plan with the first bonus period commencing on January 7, 2008 and ending on April 6, 2008 and the second bonus period commencing on April 7, 2008 and ending on July 6, 2008.

 

  b. Measure: Bonus payments are calculated by multiplying (i) the participant’s Actual Earnings4 for the bonus period, by (ii) the applicable bonus percentage based on each participant’s title, which ranges from 60% (Executive Vice Presidents and above) to 8.5% (supervisors), by (iii) the adjustment based on the level of EBITDA achieved, which ranges from 150% for 112.5% of “Target EBITDA” to 0% (for Senior Vice President level participants and above) and 50% (for Vice President level participants and below) for 87.5% of “Target EBITDA,” with a straight-line amortization between these percentages for EBITDA achievements between these ranges.

If the Debtors do not achieve at least 87.5% of Target EBITDA, no bonus will be paid.

 

  c. Participant Pool: All salaried full-time, non-temporary employees in corporate cost centers are eligible for the Management Incentive Plan.

 

3 The Management Incentive Plan calculates four separate “Target EBITDAs” to be used for participants based on the responsibilities of the participants. There is a Target EBITDA calculation for Movie Gallery, Inc. for employees who have responsibilities for the combined enterprise and separate Target EBITDAs for each of the Hollywood Video, Game Crazy and Movie Gallery divisions for employees whose work is directly for one of those three divisions.
4 “Actual Earnings” under the KEIP is basically a participant’s regular base salary.

 

5


  d. Cost: The semi-annual cost for the Management Incentive Plan is approximately $3.2 million if the Debtors meet the Target EBITDA amounts, which is estimated to include approximately 400 employees.

 

B. Supplemental Incentive Plan

13. The Supplemental Incentive Plan is designed to incentivize eligible employees to meet tailored performance goals and ensure that the Debtors meet their overall restructuring goals. The Supplemental Incentive Plan is a broad-based bonus plan that includes full-time employees at the Vice President level and below who are in positions that are important to the Debtors’ ongoing business, including support center and distribution center personnel and District Managers and above in field operations. Given the roles of such individuals, the Debtors believe the Supplemental Incentive Plan does not include any insiders, as that term is used in section 503(c) of the Bankruptcy Code. Eligible employees will be offered a Supplemental Incentive Plan bonus of up to 20% of such employee’s Actual Earnings during the Bonus Period.

 

  a. Performance Periods: The bonus period for the Supplemental Incentive Plan is from January 7, 2008 to June 30, 2008.

 

  b. Measure: Eligible employees will be offered a Supplemental Incentive Plan bonus of up to 20% of such employee’s Actual Earnings during the bonus period, and the maximum bonus to any individual employee will not exceed $20,000. Once employees have been identified to receive a Supplemental Incentive Plan award, appropriate performance objectives relating to the reorganization or other critical business initiatives will be formulated. Incentive payouts will depend on each participant’s successful achievement of the stated objectives.

 

  c.

Participant Pool: The Supplemental Incentive Plan participants will include key salaried and hourly, non-temporary employees in positions of Vice President and below that are critical to the Debtors’ ongoing business in the support centers, distribution centers and field management. The Supplemental Incentive Plan will be considered for employees who meet one or more of the following criteria: (i) fulfill unique and/or critical job duties, including specialized technical skills; (ii) provide leadership skills within one or multiple departments; (iii) the voluntary separation of the employees

 

6


 

would put the organization and its significant initiatives at risk; (iv) replacing the employees would require the use of external agencies with associated fees; and (v) are at significant risk of being hired away from the Debtors.

 

  d. Cost: The Supplemental Incentive Plan payments are capped at $1.5 million, which is estimated to include approximately 400 employees.

Relief Requested

14. For the reasons stated herein, the Debtors respectfully request that the Court approve the KEIP.

Basis for Relief

 

A. Applicable Legal Standard

15. Section 503(c)(3) of the Bankruptcy Code provides, in relevant part, that “there shall be neither allowed nor paid—other transfers or obligations that are outside the ordinary course of business and not justified by the facts and circumstances of the case.…”

16. Courts have generally used a form of the “business judgment” standard to determine whether incentive programs and the payments thereunder meet the section 503(c)(3) “facts and circumstances” standard. See, e.g., In re Dana Corp., 358 B.R. 567, 576-77 (Bankr. S.D.N.Y. 2006) (acknowledging that courts review a key employee incentive program by considering the standards of the sound business judgment test); In re Silicon Graphics, Inc., Case No. 06-10977 (Bankr. S.D.N.Y. July 27, 2006) (approving employee incentive plan under section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code); In re Nobex Corp., Case No. 05-20050 (Bankr. D. Del. May 15, 2006 and Dec. 21, 2005) (order approving the management incentive plan at issue was entered Jan. 20, 2006) (ruling that “[section] is the catch-all and the standard … for any transfers or obligations made outside the ordinary course of business … that are justified by the facts and circumstances of the case … I find it quite frankly nothing more than a reiteration of the standard under 363 … the business judgment of the debtor …”); In re Delta Air Lines, Inc., Case No. 05-17923 (Bankr. S.D.N.Y. Feb. 3, 2006) (approving retention plan under section 363(b) of the Bankruptcy Code).

 

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17. Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code provides, in relevant part, that “[t]he [debtor], after notice and a hearing, may use, sell, or lease, other than in the ordinary course of business, property of the estate.” 11 U.S.C. § 363(b)(1). Under this section, a court may authorize a debtor to use property of the estate when such use has a “sound business purpose” and when the use of the property is proposed in good faith. See In re W.A. Mallory Co., 214 B.R. 834, 836 (Bankr. E.D. Va. 1997); In re WBQ P’ship, 189 B.R. 97, 102 (Bankr. E.D. Va. 1995).

18. Courts generally require a debtor to demonstrate that a valid business purpose exists for the use of estate property in a manner that is not in the ordinary course of business. See In re Lionel Corp., 722 F.2d 1063, 1070-71 (2d Cir. 1983). Once the debtor has articulated a valid business justification, a presumption arises that the debtor’s decision was made on an informed basis, in good faith and in the honest belief the action was in the best interest of the company. See In re Integrated Res., Inc., 147 B.R. 650, 656 (Bankr. S.D.N.Y. 1992). Furthermore, once “the debtor articulates a reasonable basis for its business decisions (as distinct from a decision made arbitrarily or capriciously), courts will generally not entertain objections to the debtor’s conduct.” In re Johns-Manville Corp., 60 B.R. 612, 616 (Bankr. S.D.N.Y. 1986). The business judgment rule has vitality in chapter 11 cases and shields a debtor’s management from judicial second-guessing. See Integrated Res., 147 B.R. at 656; Johns-Manville, 60 B.R. at 615-16 (“[T]he Code favors the continued operation of a business by a debtor and a presumption of reasonableness attaches to a debtor’s management decisions.”). Thus, if a debtor’s actions satisfy the business judgment rule, then the transaction in question should be approved under section 363(b)(1).

 

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B. KEIP Has a Sound Business Purpose

19. The Debtors have a “sound business purpose” for, and have properly exercised their business judgment in developing, the KEIP. In so doing, they have satisfied the standards of section 363(b) and have, likewise, satisfied the “facts and circumstances” test set forth in section 503(c)(3).

20. The KEIP is a comprehensive incentive program with a single overarching goal: incentivize employees to maximize the value of the Debtors’ estates for the benefit of creditors and parties in interest. The awards are generally based on the Debtors’ progress in achieving this articulated goal. Without focused effort by participants to achieve the specified EBITDA goals of the Management Incentive Plan, the Debtors may be unable to achieve their goals and participants will not be rewarded. Additionally, the Debtors’ restructuring is dependant upon the achievement of the objectives to be included in the Supplemental Incentive Plan.

21. Moreover, the EBITDA goals set forth in the KEIP are important to the Debtors’ successful and expeditious completion of these Chapter 11 Cases. The Debtors recognize that achieving these financial performance goals will enhance the value of their estates and thereby maximize creditor recoveries in a variety of ways. Participation in the KEIP is based upon certain employees’ expected role in the Debtors’ continuing restructuring efforts, their general influence over the Debtors’ meeting their overall restructuring objections and their potential to aid the Debtors’ achievement of EBITDA levels upon which the Debtors’ reorganization is based.

22. The KEIP award pool, expected to aggregate approximately $4.7 million for the first half of 2008, is more than reasonable in view of the benefits the Debtors’ estates will receive if the Debtors meet their financial performance goals and expeditiously exit chapter 11. Indeed, the Debtors estimate that they will benefit more from exiting chapter 11 even one month early than the entire cost of the KEIP.

 

9


C. KEIP Is Consistent with the Debtors’ Business Plan

23. During December 2007, the Debtors distributed to all of their key creditor constituencies a forecast of their budget for fiscal year 2008. That forecast projected accrued amounts for bonuses of up to $6 million for the year. The aggregate payments under the KEIP are expected to be less than this amount—approximately $4.7 million—if the Debtors achieve the Target EBITDAs and all of the payments under the Supplemental Incentive Plan are earned and paid.5 Even if these goals are achieved, the total payments under the KEIP could also be substantially less than the $4.7 million total if the KEIP participants are not all employed at the time of the KEIP payments. Additionally, while the KEIP payments could exceed $4.7 million, that would only occur if the Debtors’ EBITDA exceeded the Target EBITDAs. This would be an indication that the Debtors are performing better than their business plan, which is a result that would benefit all creditors and parties in interest.

 

D. KEIP Is Consistent with Previously Approved Key Employee Incentive Programs

24. The Management Incentive Plan is consistent with key employee incentive programs that have been approved by courts in cases affected by the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 (“BAPCPA”). See, e.g., In re Dura Auto. Sys., Inc., Case No. 06-11202 (Bankr. D. Del. June 1, 2007) (approving management incentive plan payments based on EBITDA targets); In re Dana Corp., Case No. 06-10354 (Bankr. S.D.N.Y. Dec. 18, 2006) (approving

 

5 If the KEIP is extended throughout the entire 2008 fiscal year and the EBITDA targets are met, the total cost of the KEIP could be approximately $7.9 million, assuming all KEIP participants remain with the Debtors and the Supplemental Incentive Plan bonuses are all paid. Therefore, the KEIP is consistent with amounts projected in the 2008 forecast.

 

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management incentive plan payments based on EBITDAR targets); In re Nellson Nutraceutical, Inc., Case No. 06-10072 (Bankr. D. Del. July 18, 2006) (approving management incentive plan payments based on EBITDA targets); In re Musicland Holding Corp., Case No. 06-10064 (Bankr. S.D.N.Y. Feb. 1, 2006) (same).

25. Additionally, courts have approved programs that are similar to the Management Incentive Plan post-BAPCPA. See, e.g., In re Riverstone Networks, Inc., Case No. 06-10110 (Bankr. D. Del. Apr. 3, 2006) (approving program with awards based upon individual achievement of certain criteria); In re Pliant Corp., Case No. 06-10001 (Bankr. D. Del. Mar. 14, 2006) (same); see also In re Werner Holding Co. (DE), Inc., Case No. 06-10578 (Bankr. D. Del. Aug. 22, 2006) (approving program based on both individual performance goals and company achieving certain performance levels).

Conclusion

26. The Debtors’ management and executives have spent the time shortly before the Commencement Date and the months since then concentrating on preparing the Debtors to exit bankruptcy after a significant financial and operational restructuring. During this time, they have maintained focus while the restructuring has increased their responsibilities and the industry has undergone significant turmoil. Through all of this, the Debtors have significantly decreased their operational costs as a result of these efforts. At the same time, these individuals have negotiated a consensual plan of reorganization with all of the Debtors’ key constituents. To ensure that the labor of these individuals achieves the ultimate goal, approval of the KEIP is essential.

27. As such, the Debtors respectfully submit that they have satisfied the requirements of sections 363(b) and 503(c) of the Bankruptcy Code and have established that there is a “sound business purpose” for the KEIP. The Debtors respectfully request that the Court approve the KEIP as being fair and reasonable and in the best interests of their estates and parties in interest.

 

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Notice

28. Notice of this Motion has been given to the Core Group and the 2002 List as required by the Case Management Procedures.6 In light of the nature of the relief requested, the Debtors respectfully submit that no further notice is required.

No Prior Request

29. No prior motion for the relief requested herein has been made to this or any other court.

 

6

Capitalized terms used in this paragraph 28 but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Notice, Case Management and Administrative Procedures established by the Order Establishing Certain Notice, Case Management and Administrative Procedures [Docket No. 88] entered on October 17, 2007.

 

12


WHEREFORE, for the reasons set forth herein, the Debtors respectfully request that the Court enter an order, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, (a) approving the Debtors’ KEIP and (b) granting such other and further relief as is just and proper.

 

Richmond, Virginia   

/s/ Marc J. Carmel

Dated: February 15, 2008    Richard M. Cieri (NY 4207122)
   KIRKLAND & ELLIS LLP
   Citigroup Center
   153 East 53rd Street
   New York, New York 10022-4611
   Telephone: (212) 446-4800
   Facsimile: (212) 446-4900
   and
   Anup Sathy, P.C. (IL 6230191)
   Marc J. Carmel (IL 6272032)
   KIRKLAND & ELLIS LLP
   200 East Randolph Drive
   Chicago, Illinois 60601-6636
   Telephone: (312) 861-2000
   Facsimile: (312) 861-2200
   and
   Michael A. Condyles (VA 27807)
   Peter J. Barrett (VA 46179)
   Ronald A. Page, Jr. (VA 71343)
   KUTAK ROCK LLP
   Bank of America Center
   1111 East Main Street, Suite 800
   Richmond, Virginia 23219-3500
   Telephone: (804) 644-1700
   Facsimile: (804) 783-6192
   Co-Counsel to the Debtors

 

13


EXHIBIT A


Richard M. Cieri (NY 4207122)    Michael A. Condyles (VA 27807)
KIRKLAND & ELLIS LLP    Peter J. Barrett (VA 46179)
Citigroup Center    Ronald A. Page, Jr. (VA 71343)
153 East 53rd Street    KUTAK ROCK LLP
New York, New York 10022-4611    Bank of America Center
Telephone: (212) 446-4800    1111 East Main Street, Suite 800
   Richmond, Virginia 23219-3500
and    Telephone: (804) 644-1700
Anup Sathy, P.C. (IL 6230191)   
Marc J. Carmel (IL 6272032)   
KIRKLAND & ELLIS LLP   
200 East Randolph Drive   
Chicago, Illinois 60601-6636   
Telephone: (312) 861-2000   

Co-Counsel to the Debtors

IN THE UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT

FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF VIRGINIA

RICHMOND DIVISION

 

In re:   )    Case No. 07-33849      
  )    Jointly Administered      
MOVIE GALLERY, INC., et al.,1   )    Chapter 11      
  )    Hon. Douglas O. Tice, Jr.      
Debtors.   )         
    )         

ORDER APPROVING THE DEBTORS’ KEY EMPLOYEE INCENTIVE PLAN

 

Upon the motion (the “Motion”)2 of the above-captioned debtors (collectively, the “Debtors”) for the entry of an order (the “Order”) approving the Debtors’ Key Employee Incentive Plan (“KEIP”); it appearing that the relief requested in the Motion is in the best interests of the Debtors’ estates, their creditors and other parties in interest; the Court having jurisdiction to consider the Motion and the relief requested therein pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 157 and 1334; consideration of the Motion and the relief requested therein being a core proceeding pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 157(b);

 

1 The Debtors in these proceedings are: Movie Gallery, Inc.; Hollywood Entertainment Corporation; M.G. Digital, LLC; M.G.A. Realty I, LLC; MG Automation LLC; and Movie Gallery US, LLC.
2 Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Motion.


venue being proper before the Court pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1408 and 1409; proper notice of the Motion having been provided to all necessary and appropriate parties, including pursuant to the Order Establishing Certain Notice, Case Management and Administrative Procedures [Docket No. 88] entered by the Court on October 17, 2007, and no further notice being necessary; and after due deliberation and sufficient cause appearing therefor, it is hereby ORDERED, ADJUDGED and DECREED that

1. The Motion is granted in its entirety.

2. The Debtors’ KEIP is approved and the payments made in contemplation thereof constitute transfers and obligations permitted by sections 363(b) and 503(c)(3) of the Bankruptcy Code.

3. The Debtors are authorized to make payments under the KEIP without further notice.

4. Every payment and distribution obligation of the Debtors under the KEIP shall be treated as an administrative expense pursuant to section 503(b)(1)(A) of the Bankruptcy Code.

5. The Debtors are authorized to take all actions necessary to effectuate the relief granted pursuant to this Order in accordance with the Motion.

6. The terms and conditions of this Order shall be immediately effective and enforceable upon its entry.

7. The Court retains jurisdiction with respect to all matters arising from or related to the implementation of this Order.

 

 

United States Bankruptcy Judge

 

2


We ask for this:

/s/

Richard M. Cieri (NY 4207122)
KIRKLAND & ELLIS LLP
Citigroup Center
153 East 53rd Street
New York, New York 10022-4611
Telephone: (212) 446-4800
Facsimile: (212) 446-4900
and
Anup Sathy, P.C. (IL 6230191)
Marc J. Carmel (IL 6272032)
KIRKLAND & ELLIS LLP
200 East Randolph Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60601-6636
Telephone: (312) 861-2000
Facsimile: (312) 861-2200
and
Michael A. Condyles (VA 27807)
Peter J. Barrett (VA 46179)
Ronald A. Page, Jr. (VA 71343)
KUTAK ROCK LLP
Bank of America Center
1111 East Main Street, Suite 800
Richmond, Virginia 23219-3500
Telephone: (804) 644-1700
Facsimile: (804) 783-6192
Co-Counsel to the Debtors

 

3


Richard M. Cieri (NY 4207122)    Michael A. Condyles (VA 27807)
KIRKLAND & ELLIS LLP    Peter J. Barrett (VA 46179)
Citigroup Center    Ronald A. Page, Jr. (VA 71343)
153 East 53rd Street    KUTAK ROCK LLP
New York, New York 10022-4611    Bank of America Center
Telephone: (212) 446-4800    1111 East Main Street, Suite 800
   Richmond, Virginia 23219-3500
and    Telephone: (804) 644-1700
Anup Sathy, P.C. (IL 6230191)   
Marc J. Carmel (IL 6272032)   
KIRKLAND & ELLIS LLP   
200 East Randolph Drive   
Chicago, Illinois 60601-6636   
Telephone: (312) 861-2000   
Co-Counsel to the Debtors   

IN THE UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT

FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF VIRGINIA

RICHMOND DIVISION

 

In re:   )    Case No. 07-33849      
  )    Jointly Administered      
MOVIE GALLERY, INC., et al.,1   )    Chapter 11      
  )    Hon. Douglas O. Tice, Jr.      
Debtors.   )         
    )         

NOTICE OF MOTION OF THE DEBTORS FOR AN ORDER APPROVING THE

DEBTORS’ KEY EMPLOYEE INCENTIVE PLAN AND NOTICE OF HEARING UPON

OBJECTION

 

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT the above-captioned debtors (collectively, the “Debtors”) have filed with the Court the Motion of the Debtors for an Order Approving the Debtors’ Key Employee Incentive Plan (the “Motion”).

 

1 The Debtors in these proceedings are: Movie Gallery, Inc.; Hollywood Entertainment Corporation; M.G. Digital, LLC; M.G.A. Realty I, LLC; MG Automation LLC; and Movie Gallery US, LLC.


PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE THAT your rights may be affected. You should read these papers carefully and discuss them with your attorney, if you have one in these bankruptcy cases. (If you do not have an attorney, you may wish to consult one.)

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE THAT in connection with the Debtors’ chapter 11 cases, an Order Establishing Certain Notice, Case Management and Administrative Procedures [Docket No. 88] (the “Case Management Order”) was entered by the Court on October 17, 2007, which, among other things, prescribes the manner in which objections must be filed and served and when hearings will be conducted. A copy of the Case Management Order may be obtained at no charge at www.kccllc.net/moviegallery or for a fee via PACER at www.vaeb.uscourts.gov/.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE THAT if you do not timely file and serve a written objection to the relief requested in the Motion, the Court may deem any opposition waived, treat the Motion as conceded and enter an order granting the relief requested in the Motion without further notice or a hearing.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE THAT in accordance with the Case Management Order, if you wish to oppose the Motion, on or before 5:00 p.m. prevailing Eastern Time on February 22, 2008, or such shorter time as the Court may hereafter order and of which you may receive subsequent notice (the “Objection Deadline”), you must file with the Court, at the address shown below, a written objection pursuant to Local Bankruptcy Rule 9013-1 and the Case Management Order:

 

   Clerk of the Court   
   United States Bankruptcy Court   
   1100 East Main Street, Room 301   
   Richmond, Virginia 23219   

 

2


PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE THAT in accordance with the Case Management Order, you must also serve a copy of your written objection on the Core Group, the 2002 List and the Affected Entities, as such terms are defined in Exhibit 1 to the Case Management Order so that the documents are received on or before the Objection Deadline.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE THAT no hearing is requested in this matter. If an objection is filed, however, the matter will be scheduled for the next applicable Omnibus Hearing, as such term is defined in Exhibit 1 of the Case Management Order, which hearing will be conducted on February 26, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. prevailing Eastern Time, in the United States Bankruptcy Court, 1100 East Main Street, Room 335, Richmond, Virginia 23219.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE THAT you should consult the Case Management Order before filing any written objection to the Motion.

 

3


Richmond, Virginia  

/s/ Marc J. Carmel

Dated: February 15, 2008   Richard M. Cieri (NY 4207122)
  KIRKLAND & ELLIS LLP
  Citigroup Center
  153 East 53rd Street
  New York, New York 10022-4611
  Telephone: (212) 446-4800
  Facsimile: (212) 446-4900
  and
  Anup Sathy, P.C. (IL 6230191)
  Marc J. Carmel (IL 6272032)
  KIRKLAND & ELLIS LLP
  200 East Randolph Drive
  Chicago, Illinois 60601-6636
  Telephone: (312) 861-2000
  Facsimile: (312) 861-2200
  and
  Michael A. Condyles (VA 27807)
  Peter J. Barrett (VA 46179)
  Ronald A. Page, Jr. (VA 71343)
  KUTAK ROCK LLP
  Bank of America Center
  1111 East Main Street, Suite 800
  Richmond, Virginia 23219-3500
  Telephone: (804) 644-1700
  Facsimile: (804) 783-6192
  Co-Counsel to the Debtors

 

4

EX-99.2 3 dex992.htm ORDER APPROVING THE DEBTORS' KEY EMPLOYEE INCENTIVE PLAN Order Approving the Debtors' Key Employee Incentive Plan

Exhibit 99.2

 

Richard M. Cieri (NY 4207122)    Michael A. Condyles (VA 27807)
KIRKLAND & ELLIS LLP    Peter J. Barrett (VA 46179)
Citigroup Center    Ronald A. Page, Jr. (VA 71343)
153 East 53rd Street    KUTAK ROCK LLP
New York, New York 10022-4611    Bank of America Center
Telephone: (212) 446-4800    1111 East Main Street, Suite 800
   Richmond, Virginia 23219-3500
and    Telephone: (804) 644-1700
Anup Sathy, P.C. (IL 6230191)   
Marc J. Carmel (IL 6272032)   
KIRKLAND & ELLIS LLP   
200 East Randolph Drive   
Chicago, Illinois 60601-6636   
Telephone: (312) 861-2000   
Co-Counsel to the Debtors   

IN THE UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT

FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF VIRGINIA

RICHMOND DIVISION

 

In re:   )    Case No. 07-33849      
  )    Jointly Administered      
MOVIE GALLERY, INC., et al.,1   )    Chapter 11      
  )    Hon. Douglas O. Tice, Jr.      
Debtors.   )         
    )         

ORDER APPROVING THE DEBTORS’ KEY EMPLOYEE INCENTIVE PLAN

 

Upon the motion (the “Motion”)2 of the above-captioned debtors (collectively, the “Debtors”) for the entry of an order (the “Order”) approving the Debtors’ Key Employee Incentive Plan (“KEIP”); it appearing that the relief requested in the Motion is in the best interests of the Debtors’ estates, their creditors and other parties in interest; the Court having jurisdiction to consider the Motion and the relief requested therein pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 157 and 1334; consideration of the Motion and the relief requested therein being a core proceeding pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 157(b);

 

1 The Debtors in these proceedings are: Movie Gallery, Inc.; Hollywood Entertainment Corporation; M.G. Digital, LLC; M.G.A. Realty I, LLC; MG Automation LLC; and Movie Gallery US, LLC.
2 Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Motion.


venue being proper before the Court pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1408 and 1409; proper notice of the Motion having been provided to all necessary and appropriate parties, including pursuant to the Order Establishing Certain Notice, Case Management and Administrative Procedures [Docket No. 88] entered by the Court on October 17, 2007, and no further notice being necessary; and after due deliberation and sufficient cause appearing therefor, it is hereby ORDERED, ADJUDGED and DECREED that

1. The Motion is granted in its entirety.

2. The Debtors’ KEIP is approved and the payments made in contemplation thereof constitute transfers and obligations permitted by sections 363(b) and 503(c)(3) of the Bankruptcy Code.

3. The Debtors are authorized to make payments under the KEIP without further notice.

4. Every payment and distribution obligation of the Debtors under the KEIP shall be treated as an administrative expense pursuant to section 503(b)(1)(A) of the Bankruptcy Code.

5. The Debtors are authorized to take all actions necessary to effectuate the relief granted pursuant to this Order in accordance with the Motion.

6. The terms and conditions of this Order shall be immediately effective and enforceable upon its entry.

7. The Court retains jurisdiction with respect to all matters arising from or related to the implementation of this Order.

 

Date: Feb 29 2008  

/s/ Douglas O. Tice Jr.

  United States Bankruptcy Judge

Entered on docket: February 29 2008

 

 

2


We ask for this:

/s/ Peter J. Barrett

Richard M. Cieri (NY 4207122)
KIRKLAND & ELLIS LLP
Citigroup Center
153 East 53rd Street
New York, New York 10022-4611
Telephone: (212) 446-4800
Facsimile: (212) 446-4900
and
Anup Sathy, P.C. (IL 6230191)
Marc J. Carmel (IL 6272032)
KIRKLAND & ELLIS LLP
200 East Randolph Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60601-6636
Telephone: (312) 861-2000
Facsimile: (312) 861-2200
and
Michael A. Condyles (VA 27807)
Peter J. Barrett (VA 46179)
Ronald A. Page, Jr. (VA 71343)
KUTAK ROCK LLP
Bank of America Center
1111 East Main Street, Suite 800
Richmond, Virginia 23219-3500
Telephone: (804) 644-1700
Facsimile: (804) 783-6192
Co-Counsel to the Debtors

 

3


LOCAL RULE 9022-1(C)(2) CERTIFICATION

The undersigned hereby certifies that the foregoing proposed Order has been served upon all necessary parties, which necessary parties consist of the creditors and parties in interest constituting the Core Group and the 2002 List, as such terms are defined in that certain Order Establishing Certain Notice, Case Management and Administrative procedures [Docket No. 88] entered by the Court on October 17, 2007. On February 15, 2008, service of the proposed Order was effected on the aforementioned parties by electronic mail, overnight mail and/or first class mail, postage prepaid (only if electronic mail or overnight mail was unavailable) [Docket No. 1466].

 

/s/ Peter J. Barrett

 

4

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