================================================================================ 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) - JANUARY 11, 2002 MARKET AMERICA INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) NORTH CAROLINA 000-23250 56-1784094 (State or other jurisdiction (Commission File Number) (I.R.S. Employer of incorporation) Identification No.) 1302 PLEASANT RIDGE ROAD, GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA 27409 (Address of principal executive offices, including zip code) REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE - (336) 605-0040 ================================================================================ ITEM 5. OTHER EVENTS On January 11, 2002, Market America Inc. ( "Market America") issued a press release announcing that it had accepted a previously announced proposal to take the company private at a price of $8.00 per share. The proposal is from a management group led by President and Chief Executive Officer, James H. Ridinger. The transaction is subject to the approval of a majority of the shares held by Market America's unaffiliated shareholders. Mr. Ridinger holds approximately 77% of Market America's common stock. The Board of Directors of Market America authorized the preparation of merger agreement and proxy materials for a special meeting of shareholders anticipated to be scheduled for June, 2002 following clearance of such proxy materials by the Securities and Exchange Commission. ITEM 7. EXHIBITS (c) The following are furnished as exhibits to this report: 99.1 Press Release, dated January 11, 2002, issued by Market America Inc. 2 SIGNATURE 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 thereunto duly authorized. Dated: January 14, 2002 MARKET AMERICA, INC. By: /s/ James H. Ridinger ----------------------- Name: James H. Ridinger Title: Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibit Description - ------- ----------- 99.1 Press Release, dated January 11, 2002, issued by Market America, Inc.