UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
AMENDMENT NO. 1
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
<Table>
[X] Preliminary Proxy Statement
[ ] Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e) (2))
[ ] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to ss. 240.14a-11(c) or ss. 240.14a-12
</Table>
THE WESTWOOD GROUP, INC.
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(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
N/A
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Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] No fee required.
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transactions applies:
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(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
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(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
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(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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(5) Total fee paid:
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule
0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number,
or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount Previously Paid:
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(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
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(3) Filing Party:
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(4) Date Filed:
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[THE WESTWOOD GROUP, INC. LETTERHEAD]
Dear Stockholder:
You are invited to attend a special meeting of stockholders of The Westwood
Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation, to be held on __________, 2003, at 10:00
a.m. local time, at 190 V.F.W. Parkway, Revere, Massachusetts.
At this meeting you will be asked to consider and vote upon a proposal to
amend the Westwood Group's Certificate of Incorporation, pursuant to which each
share of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, issued immediately prior to the
effectiveness of the proposed amendment will be reclassified into one-fifteen
hundredth of one fully paid and non-assessable share of Common Stock, par value
$.01 per share, so that every 1,500 shares of Common Stock issued immediately
prior to the effectiveness of the amendment will be combined together to form
one full share of Common Stock, par value $.01. At the effective time of the
proposed amendment, each share of Class B Common Stock, par value $.01 per
share, authorized immediately prior to the effectiveness of this amendment will
be reclassified into one-fifteen hundredth of one fully paid and non-assessable
share of Class B Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, so that every 1,500
shares of Class B Common Stock authorized immediately prior to the effectiveness
of this amendment will be combined together to form one full share of Class B
Common Stock, par value $.01. The Westwood Group will make a cash payment of
$4.00 per share to record holders of fewer than 1,500 shares of either Common
Stock or Class B Common Stock immediately prior to the effectiveness of this
amendment. Certificates for fractional shares of Common Stock and Class B Common
Stock will be issued by reason of this amendment to holders of greater than
1,500 shares of either Common Stock or Class B Common Stock immediately prior to
the effectiveness of this amendment.
If effected, the reverse stock split will enable the Westwood Group to
change from public company status, subject to the reporting requirements of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as administered by the Securities
and Exchange Commission, to private company status. As a private company, the
Westwood Group will not be subject to these reporting requirements.
IF YOU ARE A BENEFICIAL OWNER OF FEWER THAN 1,500 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
WHO IS NOT THE RECORD HOLDER OF THOSE SHARES, AND YOU WANT TO HAVE YOUR SHARES
EXCHANGED FOR CASH IN THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT, YOU SHOULD INSTRUCT YOUR BROKER
OR NOMINEE TO TRANSFER YOUR SHARES INTO A RECORD ACCOUNT IN YOUR NAME. NOMINEES
AND BROKERS MAY HAVE REQUIRED PROCEDURES. THEREFORE, SUCH HOLDERS SHOULD CONTACT
THEIR NOMINEES AND BROKERS TO DETERMINE HOW TO EFFECT THE TRANSFER IN A TIMELY
MANNER PRIOR TO THE DATE OF THE SPECIAL MEETING.
The proposed amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation is attached as
Exhibit A to the accompanying proxy statement. The reverse stock split will
become effective upon the filing of the Amendment to the Certificate of
Incorporation with the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware
subsequent to stockholder approval. Each share of Common Stock authorized
immediately prior to the effectiveness of the reverse stock split will be
reclassified into one-fifteen hundredth of one fully paid and non-assessable
share of Common Stock so that every 1,500 shares of Common Stock authorized
immediately prior to the effectiveness of the reverse stock split will be
combined together to form one full share of Common Stock. Each share of Class B
Common Stock authorized immediately prior to the effectiveness of the reverse
stock split will be reclassified into one-fifteen hundredth of one fully paid
and non-assessable share of Class B Common Stock so that every 1,500 shares of
Class B Common Stock authorized immediately prior to the effectiveness of the
reverse stock split will be combined together to form one full share of Class B
Common Stock. The Westwood Group will make a cash payment of $4.00 per share to
record holders prior to the reverse stock split of fewer than 1,500 shares of
either Common Stock or Class B Common Stock. Certificates for any resulting
fractional shares of Common Stock or Class B Common Stock will be issued
following the reverse stock split to holders of greater than 1,500 shares of
either Common Stock or Class B Common Stock immediately prior to the
effectiveness of this amendment.
Assuming the completion of the reverse stock split and termination of the
Westwood Group's public company status, the Westwood Group intends to promptly
initiate a tender offer for up to an aggregate of 30,000 shares of its Common
Stock and up to an aggregate of 10,500 shares of its Class B Common Stock at a
per share price equal to $4.00. The purpose of the tender offer is to provide
holders of Common Stock and Class B Common Stock (other than officers and
directors of the Westwood Group) who do not receive a cash payment pursuant to
the reverse stock split an opportunity to tender one share in exchange for a
purchase price equal to the product of (i) 1,500 times (ii) the $4.00 per share
cash payment payable in connection with the reverse stock split.
Alouette Capital, Inc., an independent financial advisor engaged by the
Westwood Group in connection with the proposed reverse stock split, has rendered
an opinion that the $4.00 cash payment to be made to stockholders who are being
cashed out pursuant to the reverse stock split is fair from a financial point of
view. You are urged to read the opinion of Alouette Capital, which is attached
to the accompanying proxy statement as Exhibit B. You are also urged to read
carefully the accompanying proxy statement in its entirety, including the
section entitled "Special Factors" for important information concerning the
proposed reverse stock split.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS FULLY REVIEWED AND CONSIDERED THE TERMS AND
CONDITIONS OF THE PROPOSED REVERSE STOCK SPLIT AND HAS UNANIMOUSLY DETERMINED
THAT THE PROPOSED REVERSE STOCK SPLIT, TAKEN AS A WHOLE, IS FAIR TO, AND IN THE
BEST INTERESTS OF, THE WESTWOOD GROUP AND ITS STOCKHOLDERS.
Attendance in person or by proxy of holders of a majority of shares of
capital stock of the Westwood Group issued and outstanding and entitled to vote
will constitute a quorum. The approval of the holders of a majority of the
outstanding shares entitled to vote at the meeting is necessary to approve the
reverse stock split. Holders of Common Stock will be entitled to one vote for
each share of Common Stock. Holders of Class B Common Stock will be entitled to
ten votes for each share of Class B Common Stock. The officers and directors of
the Westwood Group own approximately 74% of the issued and outstanding shares
entitled to vote. The officers and directors of the Westwood Group own
approximately 35% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock and approximately
88% of the outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock entitled to vote at the
special meeting. Each of the officers and directors has indicated that he will
vote his shares in favor of the proposed reverse stock split. If these shares
are voted as indicated, the reverse stock split will be approved.
Provided that the reverse stock split is approved, a letter of transmittal
will be mailed to all holders of Common Stock or Class B Common Stock of the
Westwood Group for use in surrendering their stock certificates. Please do not
send in your stock certificates until you receive your letter of transmittal.
Sincerely,
Richard P. Dalton
President
NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THIS TRANSACTION, PASSED UPON THE
MERITS OR FAIRNESS OF THE TRANSACTION OR PASSED UPON THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF
THE DISCLOSURE IN THIS DOCUMENT. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
THE WESTWOOD GROUP, INC.
190 V.F.W. PARKWAY
REVERE, MASSACHUSETTS 02151
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ________________, 2003
A special meeting of the stockholders of THE WESTWOOD GROUP, INC., will be
held at 190 V.F.W. Parkway, Revere, Massachusetts 02151, on ________________,
2003, at 10:00 a.m., local time, for the following purposes:
1. To consider and vote upon a proposal to amend the Westwood Group's
Certificate of Incorporation, pursuant to which each share of Common Stock,
par value $.01 per share, issued immediately prior to the effectiveness of
the proposed amendment will be reclassified into one-fifteen hundredth of
one fully paid and non-assessable share of Common Stock, par value $.01 per
share, so that every 1,500 shares of Common Stock issued immediately prior
to the effectiveness of this amendment will be combined together to form
one full share of Common Stock, par value $.01. At the effective time of
the proposed amendment, each share of Class B Common Stock, par value $.01
per share, authorized immediately prior to the effectiveness of this
amendment will be reclassified into one-fifteen hundredth of one fully paid
and non-assessable share of Class B Common Stock, par value $.01 per share,
so that every 1,500 shares of Class B Common Stock authorized immediately
prior to the effectiveness of this amendment will be combined together to
form one full share of Class B Common Stock, par value $.01. The Westwood
Group will make a cash payment of $4.00 per share to record holders of
fewer than 1,500 shares of either Common Stock or Class B Common Stock
immediately prior to the effectiveness of this amendment. Certificates for
fractional shares of Common Stock and Class B Common Stock will be issued
by reason of this amendment to holders of greater than 1,500 shares of
either Common Stock or Class B Common Stock immediately prior to the
effectiveness of this amendment.
2. To transact such other business pertaining or related to the
foregoing as may properly come before the special meeting.
The reverse stock split will become effective upon the filing of an
amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation with the Office of the Secretary
of State of the State of Delaware subsequent to stockholder approval. Each share
of Common Stock authorized immediately prior to the effectiveness of the reverse
stock split will be reclassified into one-fifteen hundredth of one fully paid
and non-assessable share of Common Stock so that every 1,500 shares of Common
Stock authorized immediately prior to the effectiveness of the reverse stock
split will be combined together to form one full share of Common Stock. Each
share of Class B Common Stock authorized immediately prior to the effectiveness
of the reverse stock split will be reclassified into one-fifteen hundredth of
one fully paid and non-assessable share of Class B Common Stock so that every
1,500 shares of Class B Common Stock authorized immediately prior to the
effectiveness of the reverse stock split will be combined together to form one
full share of Class B Common Stock. The Westwood Group will make a cash payment
of $4.00 per share to the record holders prior to the reverse stock split of
fewer than 1,500 shares of either Common Stock or Class B Common Stock.
Certificates for any resulting fractional shares of Common Stock or Class B
Common Stock will be issued following the reverse stock split to holders of
greater than 1,500 shares of either Common Stock or Class B Common Stock
immediately prior to the effectiveness of this amendment.
Information relating to the above matters is set forth in the attached
proxy statement. You are entitled to vote at the special meeting, or any
adjournments of the meeting if you owned shares of Common Stock or Class B
Common Stock at the close of business on ________________, 2003. A list of the
stockholders entitled to vote will be available for your review at the meeting
and, for the ten days
before the meeting during normal business hours, at The Westwood Group, Inc.,
190 V.F.W. Parkway, Revere, Massachusetts 02151.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
RICHARD P. DALTON
President
Revere, Massachusetts
________________, 2003
PLEASE READ THE ATTACHED PROXY STATEMENT AND THEN PROMPTLY COMPLETE, EXECUTE AND
RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD. IF YOU ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING, YOU MAY
REVOKE THE PROXY AND VOTE IN PERSON IF YOU SO DESIRE.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<Table>
Summary Term Sheet.......................................... ii
Information Regarding the Special Meeting of Stockholders... 3
Voting; Record Date....................................... 3
Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation to Effect the
Reverse Stock Split.................................... 3
Quorum and Vote Required.................................. 3
Appraisal Rights.......................................... 4
Proxies................................................... 4
Exchange of Certificates for Cash Payment or Shares....... 4
Special Factors............................................. 5
Reasons for and Purpose of the Reverse Stock Split........ 5
Alternatives Considered................................... 9
Background of the Proposed Reverse Stock Split............ 10
The Effects of the Reverse Stock Split.................... 12
Potential Detriments of the Reverse Stock Split to
Stockholders; Accretion in Ownership and Control of
Certain Stockholders................................... 13
Effect of the Proposed Reverse Stock Split on Option
Holders................................................ 13
Financial Effect of the Reverse Stock Split............... 13
Pro Forma Financial Information........................... 14
Recommendation of the Board of Directors; Fairness of the
Reverse Stock Split.................................... 19
Fairness Opinion of Alouette Capital...................... 22
Conduct of the Westwood Group's Business after the Reverse
Stock Split............................................ 27
Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences................... 28
Financing of the Reverse Stock Split...................... 29
Costs of the Reverse Stock Split.......................... 29
The Company................................................. 30
Selected Historical Financial Data........................ 31
Price Range of Common Stock; Dividends; Trading Volume.... 31
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
Management............................................. 32
Other Information Concerning the Company and Affiliates... 34
Independent Certified Public Accountants.................. 34
Other Matters............................................. 35
Proposals of Shareholders................................. 35
Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference........... 35
Available Information..................................... 36
</Table>
<Table>
Exhibit A Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation
of the
Westwood Group, Inc......................................... A-1
Exhibit B Opinion of Alouette Capital, Inc. dated September 17,
2002........................................................ B-1
Exhibit C Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year Ended
December 31, 2001........................................... C-1
Exhibit D Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A for the Quarter Ended
September 30, 2002.......................................... D-1
</Table>
i
SUMMARY TERM SHEET
The following is a summary of the material terms of the proposed amendment
to the Certificate of Incorporation, the proposed reverse stock split and the
other transactions contemplated in connection with the reverse stock split.
The proxy statement contains a more detailed description of the terms of
the proposed amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation and the reverse stock
split. We encourage you to read the entire proxy statement and the documents we
that have attached as exhibits carefully before voting.
- Our Board of Directors has authorized a 1,500-for-1 reverse stock split
of our Common Stock, par value $.01 per share and 1,500-for-1 reverse
stock split of our Class B Common Stock, par value $.01 per share. The
Board recommends that all stockholders approve the proposal by voting for
an amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation. See also the
information under the captions "Reasons for and Purpose of the Reverse
Stock Split" and "Recommendation of the Board of Directors; Fairness of
Reverse Stock Split Proposal" in this proxy statement. The approval of a
majority of the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock and Class B
Common Stock, voting together as a single class, entitled to vote at the
meeting is necessary to approve the reverse stock split. See also the
information under the caption "Quorum and Vote Required" in this proxy
statement. The reverse stock split will not become effective until the
amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation is filed with the Delaware
Secretary of State's office following its approval at the special meeting
of stockholders.
- The Westwood Group, Charles F. Sarkis, Paul DiMare and Richard P. Dalton
are the filing parties of a Rule 13e-3 Transaction Statement on Schedule
13E-3, in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended. Each of Messrs. Sarkis, DiMare and Dalton is a stockholder and a
director of the Westwood Group. In addition, Mr. Sarkis is Chairman, and
Mr. Dalton is President of the Westwood Group. Each filing party has
determined that the proposed reverse stock split is substantively and
procedurally fair to and in the best interest of the Westwood Group's
stockholders, including unaffiliated stockholders being redeemed pursuant
to the reverse stock-split, and recommends that each stockholder vote in
favor of the reverse stock split. See also the information under
"Recommendation of the Board of Directors; Fairness of the Reverse Stock
Split Proposal."
- Our Board of Directors and executive officers currently own approximately
35% of our outstanding Common Stock and approximately 88% of our
outstanding Class B Common Stock. Each share of Class B Common Stock
entitles its owner to ten votes on each matter submitted to the
stockholders. See also the information under the caption "Quorum and Vote
Required" in this proxy statement.
- Each member of the Board of Directors and each executive officer has
indicated that he intends to vote in favor of the reverse stock split.
The shares of stock held by the directors and executive officers
represent approximately 86% of the voting power of the Westwood Group and
if voted as indicated assure the approval of the reverse stock split. See
also the information under the caption "Quorum and Vote Required" in this
proxy statement.
- Assuming the reverse stock split becomes effective, you will receive one
new share of Common Stock for each 1,500 shares of Common Stock that you
may own at that time and one new share of Class B Common Stock for each
1,500 shares of Class B Common Stock that you may own at that time. You
may receive fractional shares as a result of the reverse stock split if
you own greater than 1,500 shares of either Common Stock or Class B
Common Stock immediately prior to the reverse stock split becoming
effective. See also the information under the caption "Exchange of
Certificates for Cash Payment or Shares" in this proxy statement.
- For those of you who are record holders at the effective time of the
reverse stock split and who hold less than either 1,500 shares of Common
Stock or Class B Common Stock, you will receive a cash payment of $4.00
per share for those shares which would otherwise be converted into a
ii
fraction of a share of the new stock. See also the information under the
caption statement "Exchange of Certificates for Cash Payment or Shares"
in this proxy statement.
- The reverse stock split is not expected to effect our current business
plan or operations. See also the information under the caption "Conduct
of the Westwood Group's Business after the Reverse Stock Split" in this
proxy statement.
- Our board of directors and officers will own approximately 46% of the
Common Stock and 88% of the Class B Common Stock after the reverse stock
split. After the reverse stock split, the directors and executive
officers will hold approximately 87% of the voting power of the Westwood
Group. See also the information under the caption "Conduct of the
Westwood Group's Business After the Reverse Stock Split" and the caption
"Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management" in this
proxy statement.
- If the reverse stock split is approved, we will be eligible to cease
filing periodic reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission and
we intend to cease public registration of our Common Stock. See also the
information under the captions "Reasons for and Purpose of the Reverse
Stock Split" and "Recommendation of the Board of Directors; Fairness of
Reverse Stock Split Proposal" in this proxy statement.
- The Board of Directors retained the services of Alouette Capital, Inc. to
provide an opinion as to the fairness from a financial point of view of
the consideration to be paid to the record holders of the Westwood
Group's Common Stock or Class B Common Stock being cashed out pursuant to
the reverse stock split. See also the information under the caption
"Fairness Opinion of Alouette Capital" in this proxy statement.
- The highest trading price for a share of the Westwood Group's Common
Stock in 2002 prior to the initial public filings made in connection with
the proposed reverse stock split was $1.25 per share on September 12,
2002. See the information under the caption "Reasons for and Purpose of
the Reverse Stock Split" in this proxy statement.
- For those record holders that receive a cash payment in the reverse stock
split and cease to hold, either directly or indirectly, any shares, you
will need to recognize a gain or loss for federal income tax purposes for
the difference between the amount of cash received and the aggregate tax
basis in your shares of Common Stock or Class B Common Stock. For those
record holders that receive Common Stock, Class B Common Stock or both
incident to the reverse stock split, but no cash, you will not recognize
any gain or loss for federal income tax purposes. See also the
information under the caption "Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences"
in this proxy statement. You are urged to consult with your own tax
advisor regarding the tax consequences of the reverse stock split in
light of your own particular circumstances.
- There are no appraisal rights for any stockholder who dissents from
approval of the reverse stock split under either the Westwood Group's
governance documents or under Delaware General Corporation law. See also
the information under the caption "Appraisal Rights" in this proxy
statement.
- Stockholders may either vote in person at the special meeting or by using
the attached proxy card. If voting by proxy, a stockholder should specify
his or her choice with regard to the proposed reverse stock split on the
enclosed proxy card. All properly executed proxies delivered to the
Westwood Group in time will be voted at the special meeting. A
stockholder may revoke his or her proxy at any time before it is voted at
the special meeting by giving written notice to the President of the
Westwood Group. Any executed, but unmarked, proxies will be voted for the
reverse stock split. See also the information under the caption "Proxies"
in this proxy statement.
- If the proposed reverse stock split is consummated, the Westwood Group
intends promptly to initiate a tender offer for shares of its Common
Stock and shares of its Class B Common Stock in order to provide
remaining recordholders (other than officers and directors of the
Westwood
iii
Group) who do not receive a cash payment in connection with the reverse
stock split an opportunity to tender one share in exchange for a cash
payment equal to $6,000. See also the information under the caption
"Conduct of the Westwood Group's Business After the Reverse Stock Split"
in this proxy statement.
- The Westwood Group has the financial resources under its current credit
facility with Boston Federal Savings Bank to complete the proposed
reverse stock split and the subsequent tender offer. See the information
under the caption "Financing the Reverse Stock Split" in this proxy
statement.
iv
THE WESTWOOD GROUP, INC.
PRELIMINARY PROXY STATEMENT
________________, 2003
This proxy statement is furnished to the stockholders of THE WESTWOOD
GROUP, INC., in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of
Directors of the Westwood Group to be voted at the special meeting of
stockholders and at any adjournments of the meeting. The special meeting will be
held at 190 V.F.W. Parkway, Revere, Massachusetts 02151 on ________________,
2003, at 10:00 a.m. local time.
The approximate date on which this proxy statement and form of proxy card
are first being sent or given to stockholders is ________________, 2003.
At this meeting you will be asked to consider and vote upon a proposal to
amend The Westwood Group's Certificate of Incorporation, pursuant to which each
share of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, issued immediately prior to the
effectiveness of the proposed amendment will be reclassified into one-fifteen
hundredth of one fully paid and non-assessable share of Common Stock so that
every fifteen hundred shares of Common Stock issued immediately prior to the
effectiveness of this amendment will be combined together to form one full share
of Common Stock. At the effective time of the proposed amendment, each share of
Class B Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, authorized immediately prior to
the effectiveness of this amendment will be reclassified into one-fifteen
hundredth of one fully paid and non-assessable share of Class B Common Stock, so
that every 1,500 shares of Class B Common Stock authorized immediately prior to
the effectiveness of this amendment will be combined together to form one full
share of Class B Common Stock. The Westwood Group will make a cash payment of
$4.00 per share to record holders of fewer than 1,500 shares of either Common
Stock or Class B Common Stock immediately prior to the effectiveness of this
amendment. Certificates for fractional shares of Common Stock and Class B Common
Stock will be issued by reason of this amendment to holders of greater than
1,500 shares of either Common Stock or Class B Common Stock immediately prior to
the effectiveness of this amendment.
If effected, the reverse stock split will enable the Westwood Group to
change from public company status, subject to the reporting requirements of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as administered by the Securities
and Exchange Commission, to private company status. As a private company, the
Westwood Group will not be subject to these reporting requirements.
The net effect of the reverse stock split on the record holders of Common
Stock and Class B Common Stock will be as follows:
<Table>
<Caption>
RECORD HOLDER AS OF EFFECTIVE DATE NET EFFECT AFTER REVERSE STOCK SPLIT
- ---------------------------------- ------------------------------------
Record holders holding 1,500 or more Shares of Common Stock or Class B Common Stock will be
shares of Common Stock or Class B Common converted on a 1 for 1,500 basis, including fractional
Stock immediately prior to the reverse shares. With respect to stockholders of record of a
stock split number of shares greater than 1,500 shares immediately
prior to the reverse stock split, you will receive
fractional shares.
Record holders holding fewer than 1,500 Shares of Common Stock or Class B Common Stock will be
shares of Common Stock or Class B Common cashed out at a price of $4.00 per share. Holders of
Stock immediately prior to the reverse these shares will not have any continuing equity
stock split interest in the Westwood Group.
</Table>
IF YOU ARE A BENEFICIAL OWNER OF FEWER THAN 1,500 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
WHO IS NOT THE RECORD HOLDER OF THOSE SHARES, AND YOU WANT TO HAVE YOUR SHARES
EXCHANGED FOR CASH IN THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT, YOU SHOULD INSTRUCT YOUR BROKER
OR NOMINEE TO TRANSFER YOUR SHARES INTO A RECORD ACCOUNT IN YOUR NAME. NOMINEES
AND BROKERS MAY HAVE REQUIRED PROCEDURES. THEREFORE, SUCH HOLDERS SHOULD CONTACT
THEIR NOMINEES AND
1
BROKERS TO DETERMINE HOW TO EFFECT THE TRANSFER IN A TIMELY MANNER PRIOR TO THE
DATE OF THE SPECIAL MEETING.
The proposed amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation is attached as
Exhibit A to this proxy statement. The reverse stock split will become
effective, assuming stockholder approval, upon the filing of the proposed
amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation with the Office of the Secretary
of State of the State of Delaware.
Assuming the completion of the reverse stock split and termination of the
Westwood Group's public company status, the Westwood Group intends to initiate a
tender offer for up to an aggregate of 30,000 shares of its Common Stock and up
to an aggregate of 10,500 shares of its Class B Common Stock in order to provide
remaining record holders of Common Stock and Class B Common Stock (other than
officers and directors of the Westwood Group) who do not receive a cash payment
pursuant to the reverse stock split an opportunity to tender one share in
exchange for a per share purchase price equal to the product of (i) 1,500 times
(ii) the $4.00 per share cash payment payable in connection with the reverse
stock split.
Our Board of Directors and each of Charles F. Sarkis, Paul DiMare and
Richard P. Dalton, individually, have determined that adoption of the proposed
reverse stock split is fair to and in the best interest of the Westwood Group's
stockholders, including unaffiliated stockholders whose stock is being redeemed
pursuant to the reverse stock split, and recommends that you approve the reverse
stock split. In arriving at its recommendation with respect to the reverse stock
split, the Board of Directors considered a number of factors described in the
proxy statement, including, among other things, the fairness opinion of Alouette
Capital, the Board of Directors' independent financial advisor. The full text of
Alouette Capital's opinion, which describes, among other things, the opinion
expressed, procedures followed, matters considered and limitations on review
undertaken in connection with the opinion, is attached as Exhibit B to this
proxy statement. Stockholders are urged to read Alouette Capital's opinion in
its entirety.
RESERVATION OF RIGHTS
Although the Board of Directors requests stockholder approval of the
proposed reverse stock split, the Board reserves the right to decide, in its
discretion, to withdraw the proposed reverse stock split from the agenda of the
special stockholders' meeting prior to any stockholder vote thereon or to
abandon the proposed reverse stock split even if the proposal is approved.
Although the Board of Directors presently believes that the proposed reverse
stock split is in the best interests of the Westwood Group and its stockholders,
including unaffiliated stockholders whose stock is being redeemed, and thus has
recommended a vote for the proposed amendment to the Certificate of
Incorporation, the Board nonetheless believes that it is prudent to recognize
that, between the date of this proxy statement and the date of the special
stockholders' meeting, factual circumstances could possibly change such that it
might not be appropriate or desirable to effect the reverse stock split at that
time. If the Board decides to withdraw the proposed reverse stock split, the
Board will notify the stockholders of such decision promptly by mail.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This proxy statement contains forward-looking statements. The words
"believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "project," and similar
expressions identify forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date
of this proxy statement. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to
risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Future
events and actual results could differ materially than those made in,
contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking statements. For these
reasons, do not place undo reliance on any forward-looking statements included
in this proxy statement.
2
INFORMATION REGARDING THE SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
VOTING; RECORD DATE
The securities that can be voted at the special meeting consist of shares
of Common Stock of the Westwood Group, $.01 par value, and shares of Class B
Common Stock of the Westwood Group, $.01 par value. Each share of Common Stock
entitles its owner to one vote on each matter submitted to the stockholders.
Each share of Class B Common Stock entitles its owner to ten votes on each
matter submitted to the stockholders. The holders of the Common Stock and Class
B Common Stock will vote together as a single class. The record date for
determining the holders of Common Stock and Class B Common Stock who are
entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the special meeting is __________,
2003. On the record date, 351,210 shares of Common Stock and 912,015 shares of
Class B Common Stock were outstanding and eligible to be voted at the special
meeting.
AMENDMENT OF CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION TO EFFECT THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT
Our Board of Directors has unanimously determined that it is advisable to
amend the Westwood Group's Certificate of Incorporation to effect a 1,500-for-1
reverse stock split of the Common Stock and a 1,500-for-1 reverse stock split of
the Class B Common Stock, and to provide for the cash payment of $4.00 per share
to the record holders of less than 1,500 shares of either Common Stock or Class
B Common Stock. The Board has proposed the amendment and the reverse stock split
to the stockholders for approval at the special meeting. The Certificate of
Incorporation provides that if the Westwood Group combines its outstanding
shares of Common Stock or Class B Common Stock, as it is doing in the reverse
stock split, the outstanding shares of each of the Common Stock and Class B
Common Stock will be proportionally combined in the same manner and on the same
basis.
QUORUM AND VOTE REQUIRED
A majority of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Westwood Group
will constitute a quorum for the special meeting. For the purposes of
determining whether a quorum is present, the shares of Class B Common Stock are
counted the same as the Common Stock despite the fact that the Class B Common
Stock has ten votes per share. In counting the shares to determine whether a
quorum exists at the special meeting, the number of all shares voting "for,"
"against," or "withheld" and abstentions (including instructions to withhold
authority to vote) will be used. Proxies marked as abstentions or broker
non-votes will be treated as shares present for purposes of determining whether
a quorum is present.
The affirmative vote of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of
Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, voting together as a single class,
entitled to vote at the meeting, is required to approve the proposed reverse
stock split. It is anticipated that approximately 122,900 voting shares of
Common Stock owned or controlled on the record date by directors and executive
officers of the Westwood Group, constituting approximately 35% of the
outstanding Common Stock, will be voted in favor of the proposal. It is
anticipated that approximately 804,616 voting shares of Class B Common Stock,
owned or controlled on the record date by directors and executive officers of
the Westwood Group, constituting approximately 88% of the outstanding Class B
Common Stock will be voted in favor of the proposal. If the directors and
executive officers of the Westwood Group vote all of their shares of Common
Stock and Class B Common Stock over which they have voting authority, which
represents approximately 86% of the voting power of the Westwood Group, to
approve the proposed reverse stock split, the requisite vote of the holders of
the outstanding shares entitled to vote for adoption of the reverse stock split
will have been obtained regardless of the vote of any other stockholder.
The reverse stock split does not require the approval of a majority of the
unaffiliated stockholders or of the majority of the stockholders who will
receive payment of $4.00 per share as a result of holding less than 1,500
shares. Our Board believes the reverse stock split should and will be favored by
non-affiliates and by those record holders receiving cash in lieu of fractional
shares. Because the Westwood Group has not historically attained a high level of
participation among its unaffiliated holders at meetings for which
3
their proxies have been solicited, the Westwood Group does not expect to attain
a high level of participation at the special meeting. The Board does not believe
that it makes sense to require a majority vote of unaffiliated holders in order
for the reverse stock split to be consummated because the likelihood of
significant participation at the special meeting by unaffiliated stockholders is
so low. Further, the Board anticipates, based on previous attendance by
unaffiliated stockholders at annual meetings either in person or by proxy, that
the vote of unaffiliated holders who do decide to participate may not be of
sufficient size to be meaningful. The Board acknowledges, however, that
unaffiliated stockholders may have less incentive to vote on matters in which a
vote of the majority of the unaffiliated stockholders is not required to approve
an action, and, therefore, that the Company's prior experience as to the
likelihood of participation by unaffiliated stockholders may not be a reliable
indicator of the extent to which unaffiliated stockholders would participate if
such separate approval was required. Finally, a majority vote of the
unaffiliated holders is not otherwise required by applicable law. Therefore, the
Board has decided not to condition the approval of the reverse stock split on
approval by unaffiliated holders.
APPRAISAL RIGHTS
No appraisal rights are available under either the Delaware General
Corporation Law or the Certificate of Incorporation of the Westwood Group to any
stockholder who dissents from the proposal to approve the reverse stock split.
PROXIES
Stockholders should specify their choice with regard to the proposal on the
enclosed proxy card. All properly executed proxies delivered by stockholders to
the Westwood Group in time to be voted at the special meeting and not revoked
will be voted at the special meeting in accordance with directions given. IN THE
ABSENCE OF INSTRUCTION, THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY A SIGNED AND DATED PROXY CARD
WILL BE VOTED "FOR" THE PROPOSAL LISTED ON THE PROXY CARD AND DESCRIBED IN THIS
PROXY STATEMENT. Proxies voted as abstentions will not be counted as votes cast.
In addition, shares held in street name which have been designated by brokers on
proxy cards as not voted will not be counted as votes cast. Such abstentions and
broker non-votes have no effect on the vote, but they have the practical effect
of reducing the number of affirmative votes required to approve the proposed
amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation by reducing the total number of
shares entitled to vote thereon. For any other matters that properly come before
the special meeting, the persons named as proxies will vote upon these matters
according to their judgement.
Any stockholder delivering a proxy has the power to revoke it any time
before it is voted by giving written notice to the President of the Westwood
Group at 190 V.F.W. Parkway, Revere, Massachusetts 02151, by executing and
delivering to the President a proxy card bearing a later date or by voting in
person at the special meeting. The presence of a stockholder at the special
meeting will not automatically revoke that stockholder's proxy.
In addition to soliciting proxies through the mail, the Westwood Group may
solicit proxies through its directors, officers and employees in person and/or
by telephone. Brokerage firms, nominees, custodians and fiduciaries also may be
requested to forward proxy material to the beneficial owners of shares held of
record by them. All expenses incurred in connection with the solicitation of
proxies will be borne by the Westwood Group.
EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES FOR CASH PAYMENT OR SHARES
Assuming the approval of the stockholders of the proposed reverse stock
split, the Westwood Group will file an amendment to its Certificate of
Incorporation, in the form of Exhibit A attached to this proxy statement, with
the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. The reverse stock
split will become effective on the date of that filing. EquiServe Trust Company,
N.A. has been appointed exchange agent to carry out the exchange of certificates
for new Common Stock and new Class B Common Stock and/or cash.
4
As soon as practicable after the effective date of the reverse stock split,
the stockholders will be notified and asked to surrender their certificates
representing shares of Common Stock or Class B Common Stock to the exchange
agent. Those record holders beneficially owning 1,500 shares or more of Common
Stock or Class B Common Stock will receive in exchange certificates representing
shares of new Common Stock or Class B Common Stock on the basis of one share of
new Common Stock for each 1,500 shares of Common Stock held prior to the reverse
stock split and one share of new Class B Common Stock for each 1,500 shares of
Class B Common Stock held prior to the reverse stock split, and in cases where a
record holder does not beneficially own a number of shares evenly divisible by
1,500, the record holder will receive fractional shares of new Common Stock
and/or new Class B Common Stock following the reverse stock split. Record
holders owning fewer than 1,500 shares on the effective date of the reverse
stock split will receive in exchange a cash payment in the amount of $4.00 per
share.
If the reverse stock split is effected, any stockholder beneficially owning
fewer than 1,500 shares of the currently outstanding Common Stock or Class B
Common Stock will cease to have any rights with respect to the Common Stock or
Class B Common Stock of the Westwood Group, except to be paid in cash, as
described in this proxy statement. No interest will be paid or accrued on the
cash payable to record holders after the reverse stock split is effected.
If and when the reverse stock split is effected, each certificate
representing shares of Common Stock and Class B Common Stock that was
outstanding prior to the reverse stock split and that was held by a stockholder
of record of 1,500 or more shares immediately prior to the reverse stock split,
until surrendered and exchanged for a new certificate, will be deemed for all
corporate purposes to evidence ownership of such number of shares as is set
forth on the face of the certificate divided by 1,500. Each fractional share of
new Common Stock and new Class B Common Stock will be entitled to a
corresponding vote on matters submitted to a vote of stockholders after the
reverse stock split is effected.
No service charges will be payable by stockholders in connection with the
exchange of certificates or the payment of cash, all expenses of which will be
borne by the Westwood Group.
Nominees (such as a bank or broker) may have required procedures, and a
stockholder holding Common Stock in street name should contact his or her
nominee to determine how the reverse stock split will affect them. If you are a
beneficial owner of fewer than 1,500 shares of Common Stock, and you want to
have your shares exchanged for cash, you should instruct your nominee to
transfer your shares into a record account in your name in a timely manner so
that you will be considered a holder of record immediately prior to the
effective date of the reverse stock split.
In the event that any certificate representing shares of Common Stock or
Class Common B Stock is not presented for cash upon request by the Company, the
cash payment will be administered in accordance with the relevant state
abandoned property laws. Until the cash payments have been delivered to the
public official pursuant to the abandoned property laws, such payments will be
paid to the holder thereof or his or her designee, without interest, at such
time as the payment has been properly presented for exchange.
SPECIAL FACTORS
REASONS FOR AND PURPOSE OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT
Our Board of Directors holds the view that the Westwood Group and its
stockholders currently derive no material benefit from continued registration
under the 1934 Act. The Westwood Group has maintained its registered status in
the past in order to provide a trading market for its stockholders.
Unfortunately, the Westwood Group's stockholders have not made use of that
trading market as evidenced by the fact that, to the Westwood Group's knowledge,
twenty-four total public trades were made in its Common Stock between 1999 and
2001. To our knowledge, there have been public trades of Common Stock on
thirteen days made to date during the 2002 calendar year prior to the initial
public filings made in connection with the proposed reverse stock split, with
the highest per share trading price of $1.25 per share. During the
5
period of 1999 to immediately prior to the initial public filings made in
connection with the reverse stock split, the highest trade of Common Stock was
at a price of $3.50, which occurred in February of that year. The Board believes
that it is highly speculative whether the Common Stock would ever achieve
significant market value given the lack of a trading market. During this same
period, the Westwood Group was involved in only one private transaction
involving its Common Stock at a price of $3.00 per share. See, "Alternatives
Considered."
The Westwood Group is also not in a position to use its status as a public
company to raise capital through sales of securities in a public offering in the
future or to acquire other business entities using its stock as the
consideration for any acquisition as a result of its limited trading market.
Moreover, the Westwood Group is not in a position to offer options to purchase
its capital stock as an incentive to prospective employees as a result of this
limited trading market.
The Westwood Group's status as a public company has not only failed to
materially benefit its stockholders, but also, in the Board's view, places a
financial burden on the Westwood Group. As a public company, the Westwood Group
incurs direct costs associated with compliance with the Commission's filing and
reporting requirements imposed on public companies. To comply with the public
company requirements, the Westwood Group incurs approximately $185,000 annually
in related expenses as follows:
<Table>
Independent Auditors........................................ $ 50,000
SEC Counsel................................................. 90,000
Financial Printing.......................................... 25,000
Transfer Agent.............................................. 15,000
Miscellaneous Costs......................................... 5,000
--------
TOTAL..................................................... $185,000
========
</Table>
The Westwood Group also incurs substantial indirect costs as a result of,
among other things, the executive time expended to prepare and review these
filings which the Westwood Group estimates to be approximately 250 hours per
year. Since the Westwood Group has relatively few executive personnel, these
indirect costs can be substantial and although there will be no direct monetary
savings if the reverse stock split is effected, the time currently devoted to
the public process could be devoted to other purposes such as sales, marketing
and/or operational projects to further promote the Westwood Group's business.
The estimates set forth above are only estimates. The actual savings that
the Westwood Group may realize may be higher or lower than the estimates set
forth above. In light of the current size and resources of the Westwood Group,
the Board does not believe that such costs are justified; and therefore, the
Board believes that it is in the best interests of the Westwood Group and its
stockholders to eliminate the administrative and financing burden associated
with being a public company.
In addition to such fees and expenses, the recent enactment of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 will result in the Westwood Group incurring
additional expenses in order to comply with the various requirements thereunder.
This new legislation requires the Westwood Group to increase the number of
members its board of directors to ensure that it has independent directors
necessary to establish the independent audit committee. It would be difficult
for the Westwood Group to attract independent directors without obtaining
director and officer liability insurance, which would be a significant
additional expense. The overall executive time expended on the preparation and
review of its public filings will likely significantly increase in order for the
chief executive and chief financial officers of the Westwood Group to certify
the financial statements in each of its public filings as required under the new
law.
In certain respects, moreover, registration under the 1934 Act, has
resulted in the Westwood Group being at a competitive disadvantage with respect
to its privately-held competitors as well as possibly assist opponents of
greyhound racing. In the Board's view, the Westwood Group's competitors and
opponents of greyhound racing generally have in the past used such information
that the Westwood Group files under the 1934 Act to the detriment of the
Westwood Group because such publicly available information can be readily
analyzed by its competitors and opponents of greyhound racing rendering the
Westwood Group at a
6
competitive disadvantage in the marketplace and open to attack by its opponents
at a level not experienced by privately held racetracks. Conversely, the
Westwood Group does not have access to similar information with respect to
rivals nor can it protect information about its business if it is mandated by
federal securities laws to release such information on an annual or quarterly
basis.
The Westwood Group also has faced a number of obstacles over the course of
the last several years which have adversely impacted overall stockholder value.
Specifically, the Westwood Group continues to be negatively impacted by a strong
Massachusetts state lottery, two Indian Casinos in Connecticut and slot machines
at the Lincoln, Rhode Island greyhound track. The casinos and Rhode Island track
are in close proximity to the Massachusetts border and therefore rely upon their
ability to attract Massachusetts patrons. In addition, cruise ships offering
casino gambling sailing from the cities of Lynn and Gloucester, Massachusetts
also attract patrons away from the Wonderland racetrack. The Westwood Group is
at a competitive disadvantage when compared with other New England greyhound
racetracks in that it can offer only a very limited amount of simulcasting from
thoroughbred racetracks.
In August 2000, animal rights activists were able to obtain the necessary
number of signatures in order to place a binding initiative petition to ban all
wagering on greyhound racing within Massachusetts effective June 1, 2001 on the
November 2000 Massachusetts ballot. If the initiative had passed, it would have
prohibited both live and simulcast wagering at the Westwood Group's Wonderland
racetrack facility, thus, in all likelihood, shutting down its principal
business. The campaign to defeat the ballot initiative was conducted jointly
with the dogtrack in Raynham, Massachusetts through a Ballot Question Committee
established in accordance with the campaign finance laws of Massachusetts of
substantial expense to the Company. Richard P. Dalton, the Westwood Group's
President and Chief Executive Officer, served as the chairman of the committee.
This initiative was narrowly defeated in the November 7, 2000 election. Despite
the defeat of the initiative and the fact that under Massachusetts law, this
ballot initiative cannot be placed on the state-wide ballot again until 2006,
the animal rights activists remain active in their attempts to cause the
Wonderland racetrack to be permanently closed which may result in additional
expense and likely would negatively impact the financial results of the Company.
Moreover, the advertising campaign directed at banning greyhound racing
continues to negatively affect the image of greyhound racing.
During 2001, the Westwood Group and the owners of other area racetracks
worked to enact legislation which would permit the Westwood Group and the other
greyhound track to continue to provide simulcast broadcasting of thoroughbred
racing on a more frequent basis, as well as providing for a decrease in the
pari-mutuel taxes paid to the Commonwealth and that the funds available from the
pari-mutuel tax decrease be made available for increases in purses and the
Greyhound Capital Improvement and Promotional Trust Funds as well as the
establishment of a Greyhound Adoption Fund and the implementation of an
off-track betting system. On November 17, 2001, the "Act Providing for
Improvements to the Horse and Greyhound Racing Industry in the Commonwealth and
the Regulation Thereof" was signed into law by the acting Governor of
Massachusetts. Under this new statute, the Westwood Group and the other area
racetracks are permitted to continue to provide simulcast broadcasting of
thoroughbred racing to their patrons until December 2005. This legislation also
provides that the Westwood Group is to pay premiums for the right to simulcast
interstate thoroughbred and harness racing ranging from 3% to 7% for the benefit
of the purse accounts at the Commonwealth's two commercial horse racetracks. In
addition, to the extension and expansion of simulcast broadcasting, this statute
provides for a "purse pool," which will be funded by taxes, fees and assessments
with a minimum of $400,000 being credited to the purse accounts of each
racetrack with any remaining portion being apportioned among the racetracks
pursuant to a formula to be devised by the State Racing Commission. All
unclaimed simulcast wagers collected at each racetrack are to be deposited with
the Massachusetts State Racing Commission for payment to the purse account of
the individual racetracks responsible for such unclaimed wagers. The Westwood
Group also received a one-time grant of $300,035 from the Commonwealth for the
purpose of funding capital improvements and repairs to its facility and
equipment. Finally, the new statute authorizes account wagering at each of the
individual racetracks and establishes a nine member special commission (although
such commission has yet to be established) to study the
7
feasibility of an off-track betting program in Massachusetts. Despite the
enactment of this legislation, management does not believe that this new
legislation has materially benefited the Westwood Group's overall racing
operations since November 2001.
Management has worked diligently over the past decade in attempting to
convince the Governors and the Massachusetts state legislature of the need to
allow the Commonwealth's commercial racetracks to offer their patrons expanded
gaming opportunities. While various legislation has been introduced, including
for the upcoming legislative session, the Massachusetts state legislature took
no action on gaming in the years 2000, 2001 and 2002. On October 3, 2002, the
Governor of Massachusetts issued an executive order establishing an exploratory
commission to study the potential expansion of legalized gaming in
Massachusetts. This commission has held public hearings in four locations
throughout the Commonwealth and is scheduled to report its findings to the
Governor by no later than December 31, 2002.
Management is unable to predict what, if any, impact the report or this
commission will have on the overall prospects for the enactment of gaming
legislation in Massachusetts. There is no assurance that the release of a report
by this commission will prompt or thwart the introduction or enactment of such
legislation. This is not the first time a commission of this type has been
formed. Over the past decade, when similar commissions have proposed the
introduction of gaming legislation, numerous bills have been introduced, but
legislation has never been enacted despite being supported of by the then
Governor of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and certain state legislators. The
report to be presented by this commission will be non-binding, is not expected
to contain specific proposals, and there is no assurance that the newly elected
Governor of Massachusetts or the state legislature will adopt the findings of
this commission, whatever those findings may be. Moreover, if the newly elected
governor of Massachusetts and/or the state legislature wishes to introduce
gaming legislation in 2003, the process to enact gaming legislation could take a
number of months, and it is impossible to predict the nature of any such
legislation and whether the Westwood Group would in fact benefit from such
legislation if ultimately enacted. For example, while the State of New York
enacted gaming legislation in 2001 which provided for slot machines at certain
New York horse tracks, none of these tracks have elected to introduce slot
machines because of the high New York State gaming tax. Accordingly, the
Westwood Group and Messrs. Sarkis, Dalton and DiMare believe that for the
reasons previously discussed, that it is prudent to proceed with the proposed
reverse stock split at this time while funds are available to consummate the
reverse stock split.
Faced with these obstacles, the Board of Directors determined that it would
be in the stockholders' best interest to authorize a reverse stock split. The
purpose of the reverse stock split is to terminate the equity interests in the
Westwood Group of approximately 400 record holders of Common Stock and two
record holders of Class B Common Stock that own fewer than 1,500 shares of
Common Stock or Class B Common Stock, at a price determined to be fair by the
Board of Directors in order to relieve the Westwood Group of the administrative
burden and cost and competitive disadvantages associated with filing reports and
otherwise complying with the requirements of registration under the federal
securities laws by deregistering its Common Stock, and to permit small
stockholders to receive a fair price for their shares without having to pay
brokerage commissions. Moreover, the Board has determined that the proposed
reverse stock split provides smaller stockholders with an expeditious and
beneficial mechanism for liquidating their equity interest, particularly in
light of the lack of liquidity available to holders of Westwood Group Common
Stock at any trading price.
The Westwood Group presently has approximately 429 stockholders of record,
of which approximately 319 own 100 shares or less. In the aggregate, the shares
held by these small holders comprise less than 1% of the outstanding capital
stock. The administrative burden and cost to the Westwood Group of maintaining
records in respect of these numerous small accounts and the associated cost of
printing and mailing information to them is, in the Board's view, excessive
given the Westwood Group's size. These expenditures result in no material
benefit to the Westwood Group. The reverse stock split will enable the Westwood
Group to eliminate much of this cost.
If the reverse stock split is consummated, stockholders owning fewer than
1,500 shares of Common Stock or Class B Common Stock will no longer have any
equity interest in the Westwood Group and will
8
not participate in any future earnings of the Westwood Group or any increases in
the value of the Westwood Group's assets or operations. Thus, only management,
directors and remaining stockholders of the Westwood Group will benefit from any
future increase in the Westwood Group's earnings. The stockholders that will
continue to have a common equity interest in the Westwood Group after the
reverse stock split will own a security, the liquidity of which will be
restricted. The share price offered by the Westwood Group to record holders of
less than 1,500 shares of Common Stock or Class B Common Stock was not
determined in arms length negotiations or on the basis of over the counter
trading of the Common Stock and therefore does not necessarily reflect an actual
market value of the Common Stock. See "Recommendation of the Board of Directors;
Fairness of the Reverse Stock Split" and "Fairness Opinion."
The reverse stock split will (i) cause the Westwood Group to redeem shares
held by approximately 400 holders of record of Common Stock, (ii) not eliminate
record holders who hold 1,500 or more shares of Common Stock and Class B Common
Stock, (iii) reduce the number of shares, on a pro-rata basis, held by the
holders of record who hold 1,500 or more shares of Common Stock and Class B
Common Stock, and (iv) change the percent of Common Stock held by the remaining
stockholders to 100%.
Assuming the completion of the reverse stock split and termination of the
Westwood Group's public company status, the Westwood Group intends to initiate a
tender offer in order to provide holders of Common Stock and Class B Common
Stock (other than officers and directors of the Westwood Group) who do not
receive a cash payment pursuant to the reverse stock split an opportunity to
tender one share for a purchase price equal to the product of (i) 1,500 times
(ii) the $4.00 per share cash payment payable in connection with the reverse
stock split.
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
In making the determination to proceed with the reverse stock split, the
Board considered a number of other alternatives to take the company private. As
discussed below, however, these other alternatives were ultimately rejected
because the Board believed that the reverse stock split would be the simplest
and most cost effective approach in which to achieve the purposes described
above.
One alternative that was considered was an issuer tender offer to
repurchase shares of outstanding Common Stock. This alternative was dismissed
because its results would be too unpredictable. Due to its voluntary nature, the
Board could not be certain a sufficient number of stockholders would participate
in a tender offer to reduce the holders of Common Stock to fewer than 300.
A merger and/or sale of the Company was also determined not to be a viable
option due to the greater cost (as compared with a reverse stock split) of
acquiring all of the Westwood Group's outstanding stock (other than stock held
by officers and directors) which would be cost prohibitive in light of its
current financial condition. In addition, the Westwood Group had not been
approached by a suitable merger candidate nor did the Board believe that the
value of the consideration that a potential acquirer would likely offer to the
Westwood Group stockholders would reflect an appropriate return of their
investment. Over the past three years, the Westwood Group had received some
preliminary inquiries from third parties to purchase its real property, but
these inquiries and discussions never resulted in substantive negotiations with
a third party and/or entity into any type of purchase and sale agreement. In
December 1999, an entity controlled by a stockholder then beneficially holding
more than 5% of the Company's Common Stock made an unsolicited, non-binding
offer to purchase the property located at 190 VFW Parkway, Revere, Massachusetts
for an aggregate purchase price of $10,000,000, which was subsequently increased
orally to $12,000,000. The offeror did not actively pursue the acquisition
proposal with the Westwood Group beyond his initial inquiry. On August 16, 2000,
the Westwood Group entered into a settlement agreement and mutual release with
this offeror regarding his equity ownership. Pursuant to this arrangement, the
offeror agreed to cancel certain stock options in the Company held by him, sell
certain of his shares of common stock in the Company to a third party for $3.00
per share and release the Company and Charles Sarkis from certain alleged claims
in consideration for $140,755 and the payment of his legal expenses.
9
BACKGROUND OF THE PROPOSED REVERSE STOCK SPLIT
In November 2000, the Board of Directors directed management to begin a
preliminary examination of the full range of strategic alternatives available to
the Westwood Group in an effort to maximize stockholder value, including the
advantages and disadvantages of no longer being a public company, particularly
in light of the lack of a meaningful trading market for its Common Stock.
Management, with the assistance of company counsel, developed an outline of
various strategic alternatives available to the Westwood Group as well as the
steps necessary to be taken to implement each such alternative, which would be
discussed with the entire Board of Directors.
On January 11, 2001, the Board of Directors met to review the financial
outlook of the Westwood Group and to begin preliminary discussions of possible
strategic alternatives. At this meeting, the Board of Directors discussed
possible strategic alternatives available to the Westwood Group. The Westwood
Group's counsel discussed the fiduciary obligations that the Board members had
to be mindful of in considering the number of strategic alternatives. The Board
then discussed the need to engage an investment banker to advise the Board of
Directors on pursuing and analyzing strategic alternatives as well as eventually
providing a fairness opinion with respect to the price per share payable to its
record stockholders. Mr. Dalton stated that he had had conversations with
investment banking firms to determine, among other factors, how much experience
each investment banking firm had with valuing businesses of comparable size and
nature to the Westwood Group and the approximate cost and timetable to advise
and, if necessary, deliver a fairness opinion to, the Board of Directors. Based
upon these discussions, Mr. Dalton recommended that the Board retain Alouette
Capital, Inc. Alouette Capital and its principals have worked closely in the
past with the members of the Westwood Group's Board of Directors on matters
relating to the Westwood Group as well as advising the Westwood Group's
Chairman, Charles Sarkis, with respect to matters relating to his other
companies. In addition, Alouette Capital is experienced in matters relating to
the valuation of securities and has extensive knowledge of the operations of the
Westwood Group. The Board of Directors authorized the management of the Westwood
Group to engage Alouette Capital to serve as the Westwood Group's financial
advisor to advise the Board of Directors of strategic alternatives and, if
requested, to provide the Board of Directors with a fairness opinion. The terms
of Alouette Capital's engagement were finalized in an engagement letter, dated
as of January 11, 2001.
In addition, at this meeting, the Board of Directors authorized management
to engage an independent third party appraiser to conduct an appraisal of the
Westwood Group's real estate as an initial step to assist the Board of Directors
in determining the valuation of the Westwood Group.
On February 13, 2001, the Board of Directors convened again to explore
various strategic alternatives. At this meeting, management orally reported that
the Westwood Group's real property located at 190 V.F.W. Parkway, Revere,
Massachusetts was appraised by RM Bradley & Co., Inc. at $11,500,000.
Management had engaged RM Bradley & Co., Inc., an independent third-party
valuation and consulting services company located in Boston, Massachusetts, on
January 24, 2001, in order to appraise the Westwood Group's real estate. RM
Bradley & Co. is in the business of providing commercial and residential
brokerage, property management, valuation and consulting services to a number of
local and national clients. The Westwood Group had engaged RM Bradley & Co. in
the past in connection with its prior credit facility, was familiar with its
work, and believed that its familiarity with the real property made this a cost
effective engagement. For its work, the Westwood Group agreed to pay RM Bradley
& Co. a fee of $7,000.
This appraisal valued the real property as vacant land, not taking into
account the costs of demolition for the racetrack, grandstand, facilities and
buildings located on the site, in determining the market value of the property.
The property was also valued using a sales comparison methodology, in which the
appraiser compared the site to similar properties that had been recently sold or
were for sale in the proximate geographical area for the period of February 1999
to September 2000. In addition, the appraiser examined regional demographics and
economic factors in Revere, Massachusetts and surrounding cities and towns in
calculating the valuation of the property. This appraisal was prepared in
accordance with the
10
Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, as adopted by the
Appraisal Foundation, and the professional standards and ethical rules of the
Appraisal Institute.
Based on the various methodologies, described above, RM Bradley & Co.
appraised the real property at $11,500,000, which was based on approximately
27.3 acres of usable land valued at $420,000 per acre.
The Board of Directors discussed the fact that the Westwood Group was under
a financial burden as a result of being a public corporation, and that the SEC
required disclosure of financial and other matters placed the Westwood Group at
a disadvantage with respect to its privately-owned competitors. Consequently,
the Board determined that it was prudent to consider taking the company private.
Mr. Sarkis presented three potential methods to take the Westwood Group private,
namely a cash-out merger, the commencement of a tender offer, or a reverse stock
split. The Board unanimously concluded, based on consultation with counsel and
Alouette Capital, that of the three alternatives, the reverse stock split was
the most prudent approach because there were no assurances that a tender offer
would result in the participation of the necessary number of stockholders to
enable the Westwood Group to go private. Moreover, the Board believed that it
was not feasible for the Westwood Group to successfully affect a merger due to
the greater cost (as compared with the contemplated reverse stock split) of
acquiring all of the Westwood Group's outstanding stock (other than stock held
by the Board of Directors), which would be cost prohibitive in light of the
Company's financial condition. In light of the foregoing, the Board tentatively
concluded that a reverse stock split was the most feasible and cost-effective
method because its outcome was more certain and it believed it had sufficient
financial resources to consummate such transaction. See "Reasons For and Purpose
of the Reverse Stock Split" and "Alternatives Considered."
At a meeting held on May 2, 2001, the Board of Directors further discussed
implementing a reverse stock split combining shares of outstanding Common Stock
and Class B Common Stock at a ratio of 1,500 to 1 as a means of going private,
subject to receipt by the Westwood Group of a written opinion by Alouette
Capital with respect to the fairness of the price to be paid per share to the
record holders from a financial point of view. The Board determined based on the
number of stockholders holding a nominal number of shares that the reverse stock
split ratio of 1,500 for 1 was the appropriate ratio to ensure the reduction in
the number of record holders to fewer than 300 persons. The Board determined
that the Westwood Group did not have the financial resources to provide complete
liquidity to the stockholders holding more than 1,500 shares immediately prior
to the reverse stock split. However, in order to provide these remaining
stockholders with some economic benefit, the Board proposed that upon the
completion of the reverse stock split, the Westwood Group would conduct a tender
offer to provide the remaining holders of Common Stock and Class B Common Stock
(other than officers and directors) with an opportunity to receive a cash
payment equal to that amount a stockholder holding 1,500 shares would receive in
connection with the reverse stock split in exchange for one resulting share of
either Common Stock or Class B Common Stock.
Subsequent to the May 11th meeting, the Board of Directors postponed any
further action relating to a potential going private transaction in order to
allow management to focus its time and energy to lobby and work with the
Massachusetts state legislature to ensure the extension of the legislation
permitting the simulcast broadcasting of thoroughbred races at the Company's
Wonderland racetrack. The Board believed that it was prudent to wait to proceed
with the going private transaction until final passage of this legislation
because proceeding with a going private transaction concurrently with its
efforts to lobby for the passage of the legislation might hamper the
effectiveness of such lobbying efforts. The simulcast legislation was enacted on
November 17, 2001. See "Reasons for Purpose of the Reverse Stock Split."
Subsequent to the passage of the new simulcast legislation, the Board of
Directors determined that it was in the stockholders' best interest to focus on
its operations in light of this new legislation rather than proceeding with a
going private transaction in the hope that this legislation would possibly
enhance the overall value of the company. In addition, during the first half of
2002, management spent considerable time on negotiating the refinancing of its
credit facility. These negotiations resulted in the consummation of a new
$6,500,000 credit facility with Boston Federal Savings Bank in September of
2002. One of the several objectives of the refinancing was to cause funds to be
available to undertake a repurchase of
11
Common Stock should the Board of Directors decide to do so. See "Financing of
the Reverse Stock Split."
In the course of the first ten months after the passage of the new
simulcast legislation, management did not observe a significant financial impact
on its overall racing operation and, consequently, in the Board's opinion, this
statute had little to no positive impact on shareholder value. Accordingly, in
September of 2002, the Board of Directors determined that it continued to be in
the best interest of its stockholders to proceed with the going private
transaction. In addition, the Westwood Group was in a better financial position
to move forward with a going private transaction at this time because under the
terms of its new credit facility funds were specifically available to repurchase
shares of its capital stock in such a transaction.
On September 17, 2002, the Board of Directors again met to discuss
proceeding with the proposed reverse stock split. The Board again discussed how
the burdens and expenses of being a public company greatly outweighed any
positive aspects, and that the Westwood Group should not continue to be a public
company. The members of the Board also agreed that there was no indication from
the Massachusetts state legislature that gaming legislation would be passed
anytime in the near future. Consequently, it was determined that it was in the
best interest of all stockholders to proceed with the reverse stock split. At
this meeting, Alouette Capital discussed the various means of determining a per
share price for the Westwood Group to repurchase its stock in connection with
the reverse stock split. Alouette Capital discussed various methodologies
available to the Board to use in order to value the Westwood Group for purposes
of placing a value on its stock in connection with a going-private transaction
such as (i) applying multiples of publicly traded companies having certain
similar historical and financial operating characteristics to the Westwood
Group's financial results, (ii) evaluating its assets and liabilities on a
liquidation basis or (iii) using a discounted cash flow analysis. The Board was
also presented with an appraisal conducted by RM Bradley & Co., Inc. for the
company's real property that was performed in connection with refinancing of its
mortgaged debt. This appraisal, which was done at the request of Boston Federal
Savings Bank, appraised the real property at $13,650,000, which was based on
approximately 26.8 acres of usable land valued at $510,000 per acre. This
appraisal resulted in an increased valuation of the site of $2,150,000 from the
appraisal performed in 2001 using the same methodology it had used in connection
with the prior appraisal. The Westwood Group paid RM Bradley & Co. a fee of
$6,500 for its services in connection with this new appraisal. After much
discussion about the current state of the Company and based upon the recent
appraisal and the advice from Alouette Capital, the Board unanimously approved
the 1,500-for-1 reverse stock split with a per share purchase price equal to
$4.00. The Board determined, in part on its reliance on the Alouette Capital's
fairness opinion, that the $4.00 per share price was fair to its stockholders,
including shares held by unaffiliated stockholders whose stock is being redeemed
pursuant to the reverse stock split, from a financial point of view. The Board
also unanimously approved that once a reverse stock split was completed, it
would then conduct a tender offer in order to provide the remaining holders of
Common Stock and Class B Common Stock (other than officers and directors) with
an opportunity to receive a cash payment for one share of either Common Stock or
Class B Common Stock. The Board directed management to proceed to seek
stockholder approval of the reverse stock split.
THE EFFECTS OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT
The reverse stock split will reduce the number of record stockholders from
approximately 429 to approximately 29. Termination of registration of the Common
Stock under the 1934 Act would substantially reduce the information required to
be furnished by the Westwood Group to its stockholders and to the Commission and
would make provisions of the 1934 Act, such as the short-swing profit recovery
provisions of Section 16(b) of the 1934 Act in connection with stockholders
meetings and the related requirement of an annual report to stockholders, no
longer applicable. Accordingly, for a total expenditure by the Westwood Group of
up to approximately $611,000, the Westwood Group will eliminate the estimated
cost and expense of being a public company of approximately $185,000 on an
annual basis
12
at annual expense levels, which are anticipated to increase in the future. The
Westwood Group intends to apply for termination as soon as practicable following
completion of the reverse stock split.
The effect of the reverse stock split on a Company's stockholder will
depend on the number of shares that such stockholder owns. For a stockholder
holding 1,500 or more shares of either Common Stock or Class B Common Stock, all
shares of their stock will be converted into one or more shares of Common Stock
or Class B Common Stock, as the case may be, on a 1,500 for one basis with
fractional shares resulting for any number of shares that are not divisible by
1,500. Such remaining stockholders will be able to participate in the proposed
tender offer to take place provided the proposed reverse stock split is
consummated. For stockholders holding less than 1,500 shares of either Common
Stock or Class B Common Stock, all shares of either Common Stock or Class B
Common Stock, as the case may be, will be exchanged for a cash payment. No
affiliated stockholders of the Westwood Group holds less than 1,500 shares of
Common Stock or Class B Common Stock. Stockholders holding stock in their
"street name" through a nominee, such as a bank or broker, should contact their
nominee to determine how the reverse stock split will affect them because
nominees may have certain required procedures that a stockholder must follow.
POTENTIAL DETRIMENTS OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT TO STOCKHOLDERS; ACCRETION IN
OWNERSHIP AND CONTROL OF CERTAIN STOCKHOLDERS
The stockholders owning fewer than 1,500 shares of either Common Stock or
Class B Common Stock immediately prior to the effective time of the reverse
stock split will, after the reverse stock split takes place, no longer have any
equity interest in the Westwood Group and therefore will not participate in its
future potential earnings or growth. It is expected that all but 30 stockholders
will be cashed out in the reverse stock split. It will not be possible for
cashed out stockholders to re-acquire an equity interest in the Westwood Group
unless they purchase an interest from the remaining stockholders.
The reverse stock split will require stockholders who own less than 1,500
shares of either Common Stock or Class B Common Stock to involuntarily surrender
their shares for cash. These stockholders will not have the ability to continue
to hold their shares until they determine to sell their shares at a price of
their choosing. The ownership interest of the smaller stockholders will be
terminated as a result of the reverse stock split, but the Board concluded that
the completion of the reverse stock split will be an overall benefit to these
stockholders because of the illiquidity issues discussed above.
Potential detriments to the Westwood Group stockholders who remain as
stockholders if the reverse stock split is effected includes decreased access to
information and decreased liquidity. If the reverse stock split is effected, the
Westwood Group intends to terminate the registration of its Common Stock under
the 1934 Act. As a result of the termination, the Westwood Group will no longer
be subject to the periodic reporting requirements and the proxy rules of the
1934 Act. Assuming the completion of the reverse stock split and termination of
the Westwood Group's public company status, the Westwood Group intends to
initiate a tender offer as previously described.
EFFECT OF THE PROPOSED REVERSE STOCK SPLIT ON OPTION HOLDERS
The number of shares underlying each outstanding stock option will be
decreased by a factor of 1,500, and the exercise price of each outstanding stock
option will be increased by a factor of 1,500 as a result of the reverse stock
split.
FINANCIAL EFFECT OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT
The reverse stock split and the use of up to approximately $611,000 of cash
to complete the reverse stock split, which includes legal costs and other
expenses related to the transaction, are not expected to have any material
effect on the Westwood Group's capitalization, liquidity, results of operations
or cash flow. The payments to record holders of fewer than 1,500 shares of
Common Stock or Class B Common Stock will be made from funds designated under
the Westwood Group's credit facility with Boston Federal Savings Bank for this
purpose, with any remaining portion to be paid out of working capital.
13
PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The following pro forma financial information presents the effect on the
Westwood Group's historical financial position of the reverse stock split and
the cash payment of $336,100 to record holders of less than 1,500 shares
attributable to the reverse stock split. The unaudited condensed pro forma
consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2002 reflects the transaction as
if it occurred on the balance sheet date. The unaudited condensed pro forma
consolidated statements of income/operations for the year ended December 31,
2001 and the nine months ended September 30, 2002 reflect the transaction as if
it occurred at the beginning of each of the periods presented.
The unaudited condensed pro forma consolidated balance sheet is not
necessarily indicative of what the Westwood Group's financial position would
have been if the reverse stock split had been effected on the date indicated, or
will be in the future. The information shown on the unaudited condensed pro
forma consolidated statements of income/operations is not necessarily indicative
of the results of operations.
14
THE WESTWOOD GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED PRO FORMA
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
SEPTEMBER 30, 2002
<Table>
<Caption>
PRO FORMA
HISTORICAL ADJUSTMENTS PRO FORMA
----------- ----------- -----------
ASSETS
CURRENT: $(336,100)(a)
Cash and cash equivalents............................ $ 183,182 500,000(c) $ 72,182
(274,900)(f)
Restricted cash...................................... 568,264 568,264
Escrowed Cash........................................ 347,654 347,654
Prepaid expenses and other current assets............ 230,650 230,650
Notes receivable from officers -- current............ 550,440 550,440
----------- --------- -----------
Total current assets............................ 1,880,190 (111,000) 1,769,190
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET.......................... 4,879,169 4,879,169
NOTES RECEIVABLE FROM OFFICERS -- LONG-TERM.......... 628,846 628,846
OTHER ASSETS, net of amortization of $8,303.......... 320,025 8,303(d) 328,328
----------- --------- -----------
Total assets.................................... $ 7,708,230 $(102,697) $ 7,605,533
=========== ========= ===========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIENCY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Note payable......................................... $ 82,896 $ 82,896
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities............. 1,218,517 (274,900)(f) 1,145,617
202,000(g)
Other liabilities.................................... 318,525 318,525
Outstanding pari-mutuel tickets...................... 585,567 585,567
Current maturities of long-term debt................. 89,159 8,000(c) 97,159
----------- --------- -----------
Total current liabilities....................... 2,294,664 (64,900) 2,229,764
LONG-TERM DEBT, less current maturities.............. 5,310,841 492,000(c) 5,802,841
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES.......................... 722,574 722,574
----------- --------- -----------
Total liabilities............................... 8,328,079 427,100 8,755,179
----------- --------- -----------
STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIENCY:
Common stock, $.01 par value; authorized 3,000,000
shares; 1,944,409 and 1,296 shares issued....... 19,444 (19,431)(a) 13
Class B common stock, $.01 par value, authorized
1,000,000 shares; 912,615 and 608 shares
issued.......................................... 9,126 (9,120)(a) 6
Additional paid-in capital........................... 13,379,275 28,551(a) 13,407,826
Accumulated deficit.................................. (5,808,061) 8,303 (6,001,758)
(202,000)(g)
Other comprehensive loss............................. (254,851) (254,851)
Treasury stock, at cost 1,593,799 and 1,118.......... (7,964,782) (336,100)(a) (8,300,882)
----------- --------- -----------
Total stockholders' deficiency.................. (619,849) (529,797) (1,149,646)
----------- --------- -----------
Total liabilities and stockholders'
deficiency.................................... $ 7,708,230 $(102,697) $ 7,605,533
=========== ========= ===========
</Table>
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed pro forma consolidated
financial statements.
15
THE WESTWOOD GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED PRO FORMA
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2001
<Table>
<Caption>
PRO FORMA
HISTORICAL ADJUSTMENTS PRO FORMA
----------- ----------- -----------
OPERATING REVENUES:
Pari-mutuel commissions............................. $13,496,411 $ $13,496,411
Admissions.......................................... 1,490,150 1,490,150
Other............................................... 1,996,224 1,996,224
----------- ----------- -----------
Total operating revenues............................ 16,982,785 16,982,785
----------- ----------- -----------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Wages, taxes and benefits......................... 6,394,118 6,394,118
Purses............................................ 3,807,916 3,807,916
Cost of food and beverage......................... 437,421 437,421
Administrative and operating...................... 5,208,220 (185,000)(b) 5,023,220
Depreciation and amortization..................... 535,633 535,633
----------- ----------- -----------
Total operating expenses............................ 16,383,308 (185,000) 16,198,308
----------- ----------- -----------
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS................... 599,477 185,000 784,477
----------- ----------- -----------
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Interest expense, net............................. (514,632) (40,000)(e) (554,632)
Other expense, net................................ (20,459) (20,459)
Change in accounting estimates.................... 1,058,007 1,058,007
----------- ----------- -----------
Total other income, net........................... 522,916 (40,000) 482,916
----------- ----------- -----------
Income from continuing operations before income
taxes.......................................... 1,122,393 145,000 1,267,393
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES.......................... 46,386 46,386
----------- ----------- -----------
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS................... $ 1,076,007 $ 145,000 $ 1,221,007
=========== =========== ===========
BASIC AND DILUTED PER SHARE DATA:
Income from continuing operations................. $ 0.85 $ 1,553.44
Shares used in computing income per share......... 1,263,225 (1,262,439) 786
=========== =========== ===========
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES.................. 2.69 2.91
=========== ===========
</Table>
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed pro forma consolidated
financial statements.
16
THE WESTWOOD GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED PRO FORMA
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2002
<Table>
<Caption>
PRO FORMA
HISTORICAL ADJUSTMENTS PRO FORMA
----------- ----------- -----------
OPERATING REVENUES:
Pari-mutuel commissions............................. $ 9,783,166 $ $ 9,783,166
Admissions.......................................... 137,219 137,219
Other............................................... 2,134,513 2,134,513
----------- ----------- -----------
Total operating revenues............................ 12,054,898 12,054,898
----------- ----------- -----------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Wages, taxes and benefits......................... 4,638,296 4,638,296
Purses............................................ 2,648,312 2,648,312
Cost of food and beverage......................... 390,786 390,786
Administrative and operating...................... 3,747,601 (131,000)(b) 3,616,601
Depreciation and amortization..................... 467,038 467,038
----------- ----------- -----------
Total operating expenses............................ 11,892,033 (131,000) 11,761,033
----------- ----------- -----------
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS.............................. 162,865 131,000 293,865
----------- ----------- -----------
OTHER EXPENSE:
Interest expense, net............................. (304,438) (30,000)(e) (334,438)
Other expense, net................................ (44,363) (44,363)
----------- ----------- -----------
Total other expense, net....................... (348,801) (30,000) (378,801)
----------- ----------- -----------
Loss before provision for income taxes.............. (185,936) 101,000 (84,936)
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES.......................... 28,480 28,480
----------- ----------- -----------
NET LOSS............................................ $ (214,416) $ 101,000 $ (113,416)
=========== =========== ===========
BASIC AND DILUTED PER SHARE DATA:
Net loss.......................................... $ (0.17) $ (144.30)
Shares used in computing loss per share........... 1,263,225 (1,262,439) 786
=========== =========== ===========
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES.................. 0.53 0.79
=========== ===========
</Table>
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed pro forma consolidated
financial statements.
17
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying unaudited condensed pro forma consolidated financial
statements (the "pro forma financial statements") and related notes are
unaudited. In the opinion of management, the pro forma financial statements
include all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the Westwood
Group's financial position and results of operations for the periods presented.
These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited
financial statements and accompanying notes included in the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001 as filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission and attached as Exhibit C to this proxy
statement.
In accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission, unaudited financial statements may omit or condense certain
information and disclosures normally required for a complete set of financial
statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
However, the Westwood Group believes that the notes to the financial statements
contain disclosures adequate to make the information presented not misleading.
The pro forma financial statements are prepared in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles which require management to make
estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and
expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual
results could differ from these estimates.
The unaudited pro forma financial information is presented for illustrative
purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the future financial position
or future results of operations of the Westwood Group.
2. PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS
The following pro forma adjustments have been made to the historical
financial statements of the Westwood Group based upon assumptions made by
management for the purpose of preparing the unaudited Pro Forma Statements of
Income/Operations and the Pro Forma Balance Sheet.
a) To record the effects of the reverse stock split and payment for
the purchase of 84,025 shares at $4.00 per share. The 84,000 shares being
acquired does not include up to an aggregate of 30,000 shares of Common
Stock and 10,500 shares of Class B Common Stock which may be purchased in a
tender offer. In addition, subsequent to the reverse stock split, earnings
per share will be retroactively restated for all periods presented to
reflect the stock split as if it occurred at the beginning of the earliest
period presented.
b) To record the cost savings resulting from not being a public
company. These savings include the following items:
<Table>
<Caption>
NINE MONTHS
YEAR ENDED ENDED
DECEMBER 31, SEPTEMBER 30,
2001 2002
------------ -------------
Audit costs associated with Form 10-K procedures and
reporting; $ 20,000 $ --
Costs associated with review of Forms 10-Q; 30,000 27,000
Legal costs associated with being an SEC Reporting
Company; 90,000 68,000
Printing costs associated with filing of Forms 10-K and
10-Q; 25,000 20,000
Transfer Agent costs; and 15,000 12,000
Miscellaneous 5,000 4,000
-------- --------
Total $185,000 $131,000
======== ========
</Table>
18
These costs as listed above are directly related to the cost of being a
public company. Recurring costs consist of the cost of an audit of approximately
$50,000 and legal fees of approximately $50,000 per year which are considered to
be normal costs for services to a non-public company. These costs are included
in the historical statement of operations for the periods presented.
c) To record borrowings under the Westwood Group's credit facility to
finance the transaction. The credit facility provides for borrowings up to
$6.5 million, which includes $500,000 to be used for the going private
transaction. The borrowings bear interest at 6.5% and are payable in 34
monthly installments of $36,461 with a final payment of $5,131,586 on
September 1, 2005.
d) To reverse amortization of deferred debt expense.
e) To record interest on borrowings used to finance the transaction
and amortize deferred debt expense. Deferred debt expenses will be
amortized on a straight line basis over the thirty-four month life of the
loan.
f) To record payment of the costs of the going private transaction.
g) To accrue the unrecorded costs of the going private transaction.
3. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
The historical results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2001
present income from continuing operations, and accordingly do not reflect a gain
of $351,000 from the discontinued harness racing subsidiary.
The unaudited pro forma financial statements should be read in conjunction
with the historical financial statements and accompanying footnotes of the
Westwood Group, which are incorporated by reference into this proxy statement.
See "Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference." The pro forma changes
indicated above are in accordance with paragraph 12 of Accounting Principles
Board Opinion No. 6.
RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS; FAIRNESS OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT
The Westwood Group and Messrs. Sarkis, DiMare and Dalton, the filing
parties of the Schedule 13E-3, individually and collectively, believe that the
reverse stock split is fair to the Westwood Group stockholders, including
unaffiliated stockholders being redeemed pursuant to the reverse stock split.
All references to considerations and conclusions by the Board as to the fairness
and to factors considered by the Board apply to Messrs. Sarkis, DiMare and
Dalton individually as well. The Board also believes that the process by which
the transaction is to be approved is fair. The Board recommends that the
stockholders vote for approval and adoption of the amendment and the payment of
cash to record holders of fewer than 1,500 shares of Common Stock or Class B
Common Stock as described above. Each member of the Board and each officer of
the Westwood Group who owns shares of Common Stock or Class B Common Stock has
advised the Westwood Group that he intends to vote his shares in favor of the
reverse stock split.
The Board of Directors unanimously approved the reverse stock split and
recommends the reverse stock split to the Westwood Group's stockholders for
approval. In determining the cash consideration to be paid to record holders of
fewer than 1,500 shares of Common Stock or Class B Common Stock, the Board of
Directors reviewed and considered: (1) the lack of a trading market for the
Westwood Group's shares; (2) the valuation advice and fairness opinion of
Alouette Capital; (3) the current market price of the Common Stock and the lack
of liquidity thereof; (4) historical market prices of the Common Stock over the
last two years; (5) the purchase prices paid in the most recent public
transactions in the Common Stock; (6) the lack of dividends declared or paid on
the Common Stock and the restriction on payment of dividends in light of the
Class B Common Stock; (7) the opportunity presented by the reverse stock split
for the record holders owning fewer than 1,500 shares of Common Stock and/or
Class B Common Stock to liquidate their holdings without incurring brokerage
costs, particularly given the relatively illiquid market
19
of the Common Stock; (8) the future cost savings that will inure to the benefit
of the Westwood Group and its continuing stockholders as a result of the
Westwood Group deregistering its Common Stock under the 1934 Act; (9) the
competitive disadvantage the Westwood Group suffers from being required to
disclose information that its competitors do not disclose in that, to its
knowledge, most of the Westwood Group's competitors are privately held; and (10)
appraisal reports prepared by RM Bradley & Co., Inc., dated as of January 21,
2001 and July 25, 2002, respectively. The Board of Directors did not assign any
specific weight to these factors, however in their considerations individual
members of the Board of Directors may have given differing weights to different
factors. Each member of the Board of Directors considered each of the positive
and negative factors listed above and discussed in more detail below in reaching
the determination that the proposed reverse stock split is fair to the Westwood
Group stockholders, including unaffiliated stockholders whose stock is being
redeemed pursuant to the reverse stock split.
Fairness Opinion.
Once the Board determined that taking the Westwood Group private was in the
best interests of the Westwood Group stockholders, including unaffiliated
stockholders whose stock is being redeemed pursuant to the reverse stock split,
the Board engaged Alouette Capital to perform various financial analyses as
discussed is greater detail below under the caption, "Fairness Opinion of
Alouette Capital." Alouette Capital used three methods to evaluate the per share
price of the Westwood Group's equity: (i) capitalization of free cash flow of
the Westwood Group, which resulted in an implied per share valuation of $3.30
per share; (ii) the earnings and multiple comparisons to a group of selected
publicly traded companies which resulted in a range of $1.77 to $3.46 per share;
and (iii) evaluation of the assets and liabilities of the Westwood Group on a
liquidated basis, which resulted in a per share valuation of $3.10 to $3.99. The
Board adopted these analyses as their own and came to the conclusion that $4.00
per share is fair to the stockholders, including unaffiliated stockholders whose
stock is being redeemed pursuant to the reverse stock split.
Lack of liquidity and historical trading prices.
The Board of Directors reviewed the Company's historical market price of
the shares of stock as traded on the Pink Sheets. Based on this information, the
Board took into consideration that during the five year period between September
1997 and August 2002, the Westwood Group's Common Stock traded on only
thirty-three days, with the highest trading price taking place in February 1999
at a price of $3.50 per share. During 2002, the Westwood Group's Common Stock
traded on only thirteen days prior to the initial public filings made in
connection with the proposed reverse stock split, with the highest trading price
at $1.25 per share. Therefore, the stockholders who hold less than 1,500 shares
of Common Stock or Class B Common Stock immediately prior to the reverse stock
split are receiving a significant premium for the shares pursuant to the reverse
stock split as well as providing liquidity to these stockholders without
incurring brokerage costs. Moreover, stockholders may elect to remain
stockholders of the Westwood Group by acquiring sufficient shares so that they
hold at least 1,500 shares of either Common Stock or Class B Common Stock in
their account immediately prior to the reverse stock split, which allows them to
control the decision as to whether to remain stockholders after the reverse
stock split is effected or to receive cash consideration offered in connection
with the reverse stock split.
In addition, the Board considered factors that went against determining
that the proposed reverse stock split is fair to the stockholders. First, of
all, after the reverse stock split is completed, it is anticipated that there
will be no public market for the Company's Common Stock, and therefore,
stockholders will not be able to liquidate their shares on the public market.
However, because there have only been thirteen days with trades during 2002
prior to the initial public filings made in connection with the reverse stock
split, the current public market is already illiquid. Therefore, the increased
illiquidity of Westwood Group stock will have little impact on the stockholders
who will retain their shares upon the completion of the proposed reverse stock
split.
20
Lack of Dividends.
The Westwood Group has not declared or paid dividends on the Common Stock
during 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, or 1998, and the Board of Directors does not
anticipate declaring a dividend in the near future. In addition, the Westwood
Group has not paid a cash dividend on its Class B Common Stock to date, and the
Board does not anticipate declaring such a dividend in the near future.
Therefore, the Board determined that there has been no benefit to the
stockholders from a dividend standpoint, and any stockholders holding less than
1,500 shares of either Common Stock or Class B Common Stock will not likely be
relinquishing future dividends.
Future Cost Savings.
The Westwood Group currently spends approximately $185,000 annually to
comply with public company requirements, as well as other substantial indirect
costs, such as the executive time expended to prepare and review filings. There
are 319 stockholders who hold less than 100 shares of stock of the Westwood
Group, which comprises less than 1% of the outstanding capital stock. The
administrative burden and cost to the Westwood Group to remain a public company,
which is described in greater detail under the caption, "Reasons for the Reverse
Stock Split," provides no material benefit to the Company. The future cost
savings of being a private company will benefit the remaining stockholders.
Post-Reverse Stock Split Tender Offer.
Each of the members of the Board of Directors considered the reverse stock
split to be fair to unaffiliated stockholders who hold greater than 1,500 shares
of either Common Stock or Class B Common Stock because the Board intends to
commence a tender offer for one full share of Common Stock and one full share of
Class B Common Stock after the reverse stock split takes place. The Westwood
Group does not have the funds necessary to complete a tender offer of all of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, and therefore, this
was one of the factors in determining to effect a reverse stock split as a means
of going private. By allowing the stockholders who will retain shares after the
reverse stock split to tender one share of either Common Stock or Class B Common
Stock, the tender offer allows those stockholders, if they chose, to receive
cash for their shares and provide such stockholders with some liquidity.
Procedural Fairness to Unaffiliated Stockholders.
Each of the members of the Board of Directors also determined that the
reverse stock split is procedurally fair to the unaffiliated stockholders. The
Board determined that it was not prudent to obtain approval of a majority of the
unaffiliated stockholders for the reasons discussed under the caption, "Quorum
and Vote Required," and the Board did not retain an unaffiliated representative
to act on behalf of the unaffiliated stockholders. Retaining an unaffiliated
representative would be an added expense of the reverse stock split transaction
and would not be necessary because a vote of the unaffiliated stockholders is
not required. In addition, the Board of Directors did not appoint a special
committee of the Board given the current composition of the Board. While none of
the directors is independent, all three directors unanimously agreed that the
reverse stock split is in the best interests of the Westwood Group and its
stockholders. Despite the fact that certain procedural safeguards were not
employed by the Board, the Board determined that the reverse stock split is
procedurally fair to the unaffiliated stockholders because of the safeguards
that it did put into place, namely, requiring unanimous board approval, the use
of an independent financial advisor, Alouette Capital, to provide an opinion as
to the fairness of the $4.00 per share price to be paid to unaffiliated
stockholders whose stock is being redeemed pursuant to the reverse stock split,
and by engaging an independent real estate appraiser, RM Bradley & Co., to
conduct two separate appraisals of its real property. See "Fairness Opinion of
Alouette Capital" and "Background of the Proposed Reverse Stock Split." In
addition, unaffiliated stockholders are in a position to control whether or not
they remain stockholders after the reverse stock split by acquiring sufficient
shares so that they hold at least 1,500 shares immediately prior to the reverse
stock split.
21
FAIRNESS OPINION OF ALOUETTE CAPITAL
Pursuant to an engagement letter, dated as of January 11, 2001, the Board
engaged Alouette Capital to act as its independent financial advisor in
connection with the consideration by the Westwood Group of various strategic and
financial alternatives available to it to maximize stockholder value. Alouette
Capital is a Boston-based investment bank whose corporate finance activities are
focused on small to middle-market companies and it regularly engages in the
valuation of businesses and their securities. Alouette Capital provides a broad
range of financial advisory services to its clients, ranging from merger and
acquisition services, private placements, restructuring engagements, and other
advisory services. After interviewing other investment banking firms, the Board
selected Alouette Capital as its independent financial advisor on the basis of
its experience and expertise in transactions of this nature, its reputation and
experience in the investment community, and its historical investment banking
relationship with the Westwood Group and Charles F. Sarkis. The Board gave
considerable thought to the issue of conflicts of interest in making its
decision to engage Alouette Capital as its financial advisor. In making its
determination to engage Alouette Capital as its financial advisor in connection
with the proposed reverse stock split, the Board considered the potential
conflict of interest in selecting a financial advisor which had received
substantial fees in the past in connection with providing services to Mr. Sarkis
and his companies. However, the Board concluded that despite the potential
conflict, based upon Alouette Capital's extensive knowledge of the Westwood
Group and its operations, the increased costs that would likely be required in
engaging another financial advisor without such knowledge and the Board's
judgment that Alouette Capital's independence had not been compromised, it was
nonetheless appropriate to engage Alouette Capital.
Alouette Capital has previously provided services to the Westwood Group. In
September of 1999, Alouette Capital provided a fairness opinion to the Westwood
Group in connection with the sale by the Westwood Group of common stock of the
Back Bay Restaurant Group, Inc. to Charles F. Sarkis and a repurchase of common
stock by the Back Bay Restaurant Group, Inc. In connection with those services,
Alouette Capital received $100,000. Alouette Capital also provided advisory
services to the Westwood Group in connection with the recent refinancing of its
credit facility for which it received a fee from the Company in the amount of
$133,750. In addition, Alouette Capital advises Charles F. Sarkis with respect
to matters relating to his other companies from time to time. In June 2002,
Alouette Capital provided advisory services to Back Bay Restaurant Group, Inc.
in connection with a recent refinancing of its credit facility for which it
received fees in the amount of $330,000. In October 2002, Alouette Capital
provided valuation services of certain securities of Back Bay Restaurant Group,
Inc. held by Mr. Sarkis for a fee of $10,000.
In connection with the consideration by the Board of the merits of the
reverse stock split, Alouette Capital was asked under the terms of its
engagement letter to perform various financial analyses and deliver to the Board
its fairness opinion of the $4.00 per share price based on such analyses. At the
September 17, 2002 meeting of the Board, Alouette Capital delivered its oral
opinion, and subsequently confirmed in writing as of such date, that the $4.00
per share price to be paid in connection with the reverse stock split is fair
from a financial point of view to the unaffiliated stockholders whose stock is
being redeemed pursuant to the reverse stock split.
THE FULL TEXT OF THE ALOUETTE CAPITAL OPINION, WHICH SETS FORTH THE
ASSUMPTIONS MADE, MATTERS CONSIDERED AND LIMITATIONS OF REVIEW BY ALOUETTE
CAPITAL, IS ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT B AND IS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE
AND SHOULD BE READ CAREFULLY AND IN ITS ENTIRETY IN CONNECTION WITH THIS PROXY
STATEMENT. THE ALOUETTE CAPITAL OPINION IS ADDRESSED TO THE BOARD AND DOES NOT
CONSTITUTE A RECOMMENDATION TO ANY STOCKHOLDER OF THE WESTWOOD GROUP AS TO HOW
SUCH STOCKHOLDER SHOULD VOTE AT THE SPECIAL MEETING.
Under the terms of its engagement letter, the Westwood Group paid Alouette
Capital an advisory fee of $100,000 upon the delivery by Alouette Capital of its
opinion to the Board of Directors. In addition, the
22
engagement letter between the Westwood Group and Alouette Capital provides that
the Westwood Group will reimburse Alouette Capital for certain of its
out-of-pocket expenses and will indemnify Alouette Capital, and its officers,
directors and employees against liabilities arising out of its engagement,
absent bad faith or gross negligence on the part of Alouette Capital.
In arriving at its opinion, Alouette Capital among other things: (1)
reviewed publicly available historical financial and operating data concerning
the Westwood Group including the Annual Reports to Stockholders and Annual
Reports on Form 10-K for the previous five years ended December 31, 2001 and the
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2002 and June
30, 2002; (2) interviewed certain members of senior management of the Westwood
Group to discuss the prospects for the Westwood Group's business; (3) reviewed
certain information of the Westwood Group, including financial projections
relating to the business, earnings, cash flow, assets and prospects of the
Westwood Group prepared by the management of the Westwood Group; (4) reviewed
publicly available financial operating and stock market data of selected
companies having certain financial characteristics similar to those of Westwood,
including growth of revenues, consistency of operating income, operating margins
and levels of debt; (5) reviewed the historical market prices and trading
volumes of the Westwood Group's Common Stock; (6) reviewed the relationship
between the shares' historical market prices and its reported earnings per share
data; (7) reviewed an appraisal commissioned by the Westwood Group from RM
Bradley & Co., Inc., valuing the real property located at 190 V.F.W. Parkway in
Revere, Massachusetts; (8) reviewed an appraisal commissioned by Boston Federal
Savings Bank from RM Bradley & Co., Inc., valuing this same real property in
connection with the September 2002 refinancing of the Westwood Group credit
facility; (9) evaluated the Westwood Group's assets and liabilities on a
liquidated basis; and (10) reviewed and conducted other financial studies,
analyses and investigations as Alouette Capital deemed appropriate.
No limitations were imposed by the Westwood Group or the Board of Directors
on the scope of the Alouette Capital investigation or the procedures to be
followed by Alouette Capital in rendering the Alouette Capital opinion, except
that Alouette Capital was not authorized to solicit, and did not solicit, any
indications of interest from any third party with respect to a purchase of all
or a part of the Westwood Group's business or of its Common Stock and/or Class B
Common Stock. In arriving at its opinion, Alouette Capital assumed and relied
upon the accuracy and completeness of the financial information provided by the
Westwood Group and other information used by Alouette Capital without assuming
any responsibility for independent verification of this information and further
relied upon the assurances of management of the Westwood Group that they were
not aware of any facts that would make the information provided by the Westwood
Group inaccurate or misleading. Representatives of Alouette Capital met with and
had telephonic conversations with the Westwood Group's President, Richard
Dalton, and its controller, Larry Krieg, on a number of occasions during the
period beginning in January 2001 through September 17, 2002. The substance of
these meetings and telephonic conversations consisted of discussions related to
the operating and financial performance of the business, including discussions
regarding the company's quarterly financial results and annual financial
results. The Company provided Alouette Capital with a forecasted statement of
income for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2002, which included forecasted
revenues, EBITDA, EBIT and net income of $16,185,000, $1,418,000, $839,000 and
$367,000, respectively. With respect to the financial projections of the
Westwood Group, Alouette Capital assumed that these projections were prepared in
good faith on a basis reflecting the then best currently available estimates and
judgements of the management of the Westwood Group as to the future financial
performance of the Westwood Group. In arriving at its opinion, Alouette Capital
conducted a limited physical inspection of the properties and facilities of the
Westwood Group. The Alouette Capital opinion was necessarily based upon
economic, financial, market and other conditions as they existed on, and could
be evaluated as of the date of its opinion. In rendering its opinion, Alouette
Capital did not give any material weight to the book value of Westwood's Common
Stock. Based upon the Westwood Group's balance sheet as of June 30, 2002, the
net worth of the Westwood Group was negative and the book value per share would
not represent a positive value. Alouette Capital disclaimed any undertaking or
obligation to advise any person of any change in any fact or matter affecting
its opinion which may come or be brought to its attention after the date of its
opinion.
23
In rendering its opinion, Alouette considered among other things, the
historical market prices and trading volumes for the Common Stock of the
Westwood Group for the preceding five years as reported on the Pink Sheets. Over
the approximate five year period from September 1, 1997 through August 31, 2002,
the Common Stock of the Westwood Group traded on only thirty-three trading days
during the period at prices ranging from a low of $0.50 per share to a high of
$3.50 per share.
Set forth below is a discussion of each of the selected financial analyses
that Alouette Capital presented to the Board at the September 17, 2002 meeting.
Alouette Capital considered three methods to evaluate the fair market value of
the shares. These methods were (i) the capitalization of free cash flow of the
Westwood Group, (ii) the earnings and multiple comparisons to a group of
selected publicly traded companies having certain similar financial
characteristics to those of the Westwood Group, and (iii) an evaluation of the
assets and liabilities of the Westwood Group on a liquidated basis. This
discussion summarizes all of the procedures involving financial analysis
selected and followed by Alouette Capital in rendering this opinion.
Capitalization of Free Cash Flow Analysis. A capitalization of free cash
flow analysis was employed by Alouette Capital to establish an implied per share
valuation for the shares. This analysis separates and ascribes value only to the
cash flow available to service financing activities, including the possible
distribution of dividends to stockholders. Cash that is generated but used to
sustain the business (such as increases in working capital expenditures) creates
no incremental value to the stockholders. The Westwood Group's free cash flow is
then capitalized at the firm's weighted average cost of capital. The weighted
average cost of capital can be described as the average price a company must pay
to attract both debt and equity to properly capitalize the firm's growth. It is
this free cash flow that, when capitalized at an appropriate weighted average
cost of capital, and after subtracting claims by debt holders and others,
represents the economic value of a firm to its stockholders. In determining the
Company's free cash flow, taxes were estimated at 43.5% and subtracted from
forecasted December 31, 2002 EBITDA of $1.418 million. Consideration was given
to deducting both capital expenditure requirements and changes in working
capital but no deductions were taken as it was assumed that all capital
expenditures would be funded out of the reserve fund and there would be no
changes in working capital based on an assumption of no growth in revenues and
the cash operating requirements of the Company. The weighted average cost of
capital used in the calculation was 14.45%. This approach resulted in an implied
per share valuation of $3.30.
Publicly Traded Comparable Group of Companies Analysis. In Alouette
Capital's opinion, there are no public companies which, as a meaningful part of
their business, are in the greyhound racing and/or simulcasting business
utilizing a pari-mutual wagering system. However, due to the lack of trading
history in the Westwood Group's Common Stock, a comparison with a publicly
traded comparable group was desirable. A comparable company analysis was
undertaken by Alouette Capital to establish implied ranges for the per share
valuation for the shares. Alouette Capital analyzed publicly available
historical financial results, including multiples of enterprise value to (i)
revenues, (ii) earnings before interest and taxes ("EBIT"), (iii) earnings
before interest and taxes and depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") and
multiples of the public market value of equity to net earnings. Alouette Capital
examined the financial results and weighted average market multiplies of a group
of sixteen (16) publicly traded companies, which consisted of selected companies
having certain financial operating characteristics similar to those of the
Westwood Group including (a) gross revenues of less than $100,000,000 for the
last twelve months; (b) a growth rate in revenues of not more than 5.0% or less
than -5.0% for (i) the past 12 months or (ii) on a compounded basis for the last
five years; (c) positive EBIT margins (as a percentage of revenues) not in
excess of 10.0% over the past 12 months; and (d) levels of debt not in excess of
5.0 times trailing twelve months EBITDA as of the date of each company's most
recently publicly filed financial statements. The trailing twelve-month revenue
for the Company at June 30, 2002 was $16.562 million versus $17.371 million for
the trailing twelve-months ended June 30, 2001 for an annual growth rate of
- -4.7%. The trailing twelve-month revenue figure at June 30, 1997 was $20.730
million equating to a 5-year compound annual growth rate of -4.4% through the
five-year period ending June 30, 2002. The
24
EBIT margin as a percentage of revenues for the trailing twelve months was 5.0%.
Finally, the total debt at June 30, 2002 was $5.566 million or 3.97 times
trailing twelve-month EBITDA of $1.401 million.
The sixteen companies comprising the comparable group, which shared certain
similar historical financial operating characteristics as those of the Westwood
Group, were: (1) Arrow Magnolia International, Inc., manufacturer and
distributor of specialty chemical products for sanitation and maintaining
equipment; (2) Badger Paper Mills, Inc., producer of paper, paper products and
packaging materials; (3) Blonder Tongue Labs, Inc., designer, manufacturer and
supplier of a comprehensive line of electronics systems and equipment for the
cable television industry; (4) Chicago Rivet & Machine, manufacturer of
automatic rivet setting machines and cold formed rivets, fasteners and screw
machine parts; (5) CPAC, Inc., manufacturer and distributor of prepackaged
chemical formulations, supplies and equipment to the imaging industry, and
cleaning and personal products for industrial and consumer use; (6) Document
Sciences Corp., developer and marketer of a family of document automation
software products and services used in high volume electronic publishing
applications; (7) DSI Toys, Inc., designer and distributor of toys and
children's electronics; (8) Ecology and Environment, broad-based environmental
consulting and testing firm; (9) Hastings Manufacturing, manufacturer of piston
rings for automotive and light truck applications for the replacement market;
(10) Outlook Group Corp., printer, packager and marketing company offering
client services including contract packaging, collateral information management
and distribution, direct marketing components and services, packaging and label
materials and specialty print and related services; (11) Pizza Inn, Inc.,
franchiser and food and supply distributor to a franchise of restaurants
operating under the name of "Pizza Inn"; (12) Rocky Shoes & Boots, Inc.,
manufacturer of men's and women's footwear; (13) Servotronics, Inc.,
manufacturer of advanced technology products consisting of control components
and consumer products, knives and various types of cutlery; (14) SigmaTron
International, independent provider of electronic manufacturing services, which
include circuit board assemblies; (15) Tufco Technologics, Inc., diversified
contract manufacturer and provider of specialty printing services; and (16)
Wellco Enterprises, Inc., manufacturer of military combat boots.
All of the trading multiples of the companies in the comparable group were
based on closing stock prices on September 13, 2002. Because no one company
within the comparable group was in a similar business or industry as that of
Westwood Group, the weighted average multiples of the group as a whole were
considered a more relevant factor of the financial analysis of the comparable
group. Each of the weighted average multiples were calculated using the sum
total of the sixteen company comparable group. As such, each multiple was
weighted only by the values of each the sixteen companies as they contributed to
the sum total of the numerator and denominator established to calculate each
multiple. While individual multiples were calculated for each comparable
company, the range of these individual values was not viewed to be as
significant because no single company within the group was in a business or
industry similar to the Westwood Group. However, the weighted average multiple
of Enterprise Value to revenues, EBIT, EBITDA and of market value of equity to
net earnings for the group of sixteen companies having similar financial
operating characteristics to those of the Westwood Group, taken as a whole, were
considered by Alouette Capital to represent a proxy for a reasonable range of
the implied public trading value for the Westwood Group Common Stock for the
purpose of this analysis.
Enterprise Value was calculated to equal the sum of (i) the market
capitalization of the common equity plus (ii) the face value of any preferred
stock or debt obligations as of the most recent balance sheet date available as
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, less (iii) cash. The
comparable group was found to have weighted average multiples of .37x Enterprise
Value to trailing twelve months revenues, 8.84x Enterprise Value to trailing
twelve months EBIT, 4.79x Enterprise Value to trailing twelve months EBITDA and
12.40x market price to trailing twelve month net earnings ratios. Applying these
multiples to the Westwood Group's projected operating results resulted in an
implied valuation range for the shares of $1.77 to $3.46 per share before any
discount for the lack of liquidity in the Common Stock of the Westwood Group.
As stated above, while individual multiples were calculated for each
comparable company, the range of these multiples was not viewed to be as
significant as the weighted mean as no single company was in a
25
business similar to the Westwood Group. The comparable group was found to have
multiples of enterprise value to revenues ranging from .08x to .76x, enterprise
value to trailing twelve month EBIT ranging from 5.33x to 22.51x, enterprise
value to EBITDA ranging from 2.10x to 7.43x, and market price to the trailing
twelve month net earnings ranging from (23.60)x to 51.93x. As a multiple of
December 31, 2002 forecasted revenues, the comparable range of values for the
Westwood Group Common Stock ranged from a low of -$1.87 to a high of $6.10 per
share. As a multiple of December 31, 2002 forecasted EBIT, the comparable range
of values for the Westwood Group Common Stock ranged from a low of $0.63 to a
high of $10.27 per share. As a multiple of December 31, 2002 forecasted EBITDA,
the comparable range of values for the Westwood Group Common Stock ranged from a
low of -$0.55 to a high of $4.96 per share. As a multiple of December 31, 2002
forecasted earnings, the comparable range of values for the Westwood Group
Common Stock ranged from a low of -$6.86 to a high of $12.63 per share.
None of the public companies utilized in the above analysis for comparative
purposes is, of course, identical or directly comparable to the Westwood Group
since none are in the greyhound racing business utilizing a pari-mutual wagering
system. Accordingly, a complete analysis of the results of the above
calculations cannot be limited to a quantitative review of these results and
involves complex considerations and judgments concerning differences in
financial and operating characteristics of the companies in the comparable group
and other factors that could affect the public trading value of the companies in
the comparable group as well as that of the Westwood Group.
Asset Based Analysis. The asset-based approach to valuation derives a
firm's value through an estimate of value to equity stockholders following a
hypothetical orderly liquidation of the Westwood Group's assets and the
satisfaction of the Westwood Group's obligations to its debtors. This analysis
took into account both the $13,650,000 appraisal of the real property done in
connection with the Company's refinancing in June 2002 as well as the appraisal
conducted in 2001 that appraised the real property at $11,500,000. The values in
the two appraisals did not ascribe any value to the existing improvements on the
land as the highest and best use of the property did not include the utilization
of any of the existing improvements. The asset-based approach utilized the June
30, 2002 balance sheet as its base line. It then adjusted various assets and
liabilities to reflect their fair market value. To arrive at the value of the
equity the fair market value of the liabilities was subtracted from the fair
market value of the assets. Additionally, sales commissions and demolition costs
and taxes were subtracted from the proceeds of the liquidation to determine the
equity value of the net assets. As such, the proceeds from the liquidation of
assets necessary to satisfy the obligations of the Westwood Group would be
$7,925,000 in the event of a sale of the land for $13,650,000 and $7,925,000 in
the event of a sale of the land for $11,500,000, respectively. This approach
resulted in an implied per share valuation range of $3.10 to $3.99.
The preparation of an opinion as to the fairness of the consideration, from
a financial point of view, involves various determinations as to the most
appropriate and relevant methods of financial and comparative analysis and the
application of those methods to the particular circumstances and, therefore, the
opinion is not readily susceptible to summary description. Furthermore, in
arriving at its opinion, Alouette Capital did not attribute any particular
weight to the analyses or factors considered by it, but rather made qualitative
judgments as to the significance and relevancy of each analysis and factor.
Accordingly, Alouette Capital believes that its analyses must be considered as a
whole and that considering any portions of its analyses and of the factors
considered by it, without considering all analyses and factors, could create a
misleading or incomplete view of the process underlying the Alouette Capital
opinion. In its analyses, Alouette Capital made numerous assumptions with
respect to industry performance, general business and economic conditions and
other matters, many of which are beyond the Westwood Group's control. The
principle assumptions which prevailed at the time the analysis was made were
that (i) over the next several years the economy would not improve in a way that
would be positive to the Company's principle business activities, and (ii) that
the greyhound racing and simulcast businesses currently conducted at the
Wonderland Racetrack would not enjoy meaningful growth in revenues or
profitability. Any estimates contained in these analyses are not necessarily
indicative of actual values or predictive of future results or values, which may
be significantly more or less favorable than as set forth therein. Additionally,
analyses relating to the value of business do not purport to be appraisals or to
reflect
26
the prices at which businesses actually may be sold. Accordingly, these analyses
and estimates are inherently subject to substantial uncertainty.
Based on the evidence presented above and the analysis it conducted,
Alouette Capital determined that the proposed $4.00 per share price would be
fair, from a financial point of view, to the holders of the Westwood Group's
Common Stock or Class B Common Stock whose stock is being redeemed pursuant to
the reverse stock split.
CONDUCT OF THE WESTWOOD GROUP'S BUSINESS AFTER THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT
The Westwood Group expects its business and operations to continue as they
are currently being conducted and, except as disclosed below, the reverse stock
split is not anticipated to have any effect upon the conduct of the business. If
the reverse stock split is consummated, all persons beneficially owning fewer
than 1,500 shares of Common Stock or Class B Common Stock at the effective time
of the reverse stock split will no longer have any equity interest in, and will
not be stockholders of, the Westwood Group and therefore will not participate in
its future potential or earnings and growth.
If the reverse stock split is effected, the Westwood Group believes that,
based on the Westwood Group's stockholder records, approximately 29 stockholders
will remain as holders of Common Stock, beneficially owning 100% of the
outstanding Common Stock, and fewer than nine will remain as holders of Class B
Common Stock, beneficially owning 100% of the outstanding Class B Common Stock.
These individuals, who now own approximately 95% of the fully diluted Common
Stock, will own approximately 100% of the fully-diluted Common Stock after the
reverse stock split. See "Security Ownership of certain Beneficial Owners and
Management." If the reverse stock split is effected, members of the Board and
executive officers of the Westwood Group will own approximately 46% of the
Common Stock and 88% of the Class B Common Stock.
The Westwood Group plans, as a result of the reverse stock split, to become
a privately held company. The registration of the Common Stock under the 1934
Act will be terminated. In addition, because the Common Stock will no longer be
publicly held, the Westwood Group will be relieved of the obligation to comply
with the proxy rules of Regulation 14A under Section 14 of the 1934 Act, and its
officers and directors and stockholders owning more than 10% of the Common Stock
will be relieved of the stock ownership reporting requirements and "short swing"
trading restrictions under Section 16 of the 1934 Act. Further, the Westwood
Group will no longer be subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the
1934 Act and will cease filing information with the Commission. Among other
things, the effect of this change will be a savings to the Westwood Group in not
having to comply with the requirements of the 1934 Act.
As stated throughout this proxy statement, the Westwood Group believes that
there are significant advantages in effecting the reverse stock split and "going
private" and the Westwood Group plans to avail itself of any opportunities it
has as a private company, including, but not limited to, making itself a more
viable candidate with respect to a merger or acquisition transaction with any
one of its competitors or entering into some type of joint venture or other
arrangement. Although management does not presently have an interest in any
transaction nor is management currently in negotiations with respect to any
transaction, there is always a possibility that the Westwood Group may enter
into an arrangement in the future and the remaining stockholders of the Westwood
Group may receive payment for their shares in any transaction in excess of
$4.00.
If the reverse stock split is completed and the Westwood Group terminates
its public company status, the Westwood Group will promptly initiate a tender
offer for shares of the Westwood Group's Common Stock and Class B Common Stock.
The tender offer price per share will be at the same $4.00 price per share
received by the stockholders of the Westwood Group in the reverse stock split.
Due to the Westwood Group's limited liquidity, the amount of Common Stock or
Class B Common Stock that any one stockholder would be permitted to tender will
be limited to one share in return for a cash payment equal to the product of (i)
1,500 times (ii) the $4.00 per share cash payment to be made in connection with
the reverse stock split. This ceiling would be the highest payment received by
any one stockholder as
27
a result of the consummation of the reverse stock split. The purpose of the
tender offer is to provide some cash consideration to stockholders of Common
Stock and Class B Common Stock who will not receive a cash payment in connection
with the reverse stock split.
Other than as described in this proxy statement, neither the Westwood Group
nor its management has any current plans or proposals to effect any
extraordinary corporate transaction; such as a merger, reorganization or
liquidation; to sell or transfer any material amount of its assets; to change
its Board of Directors or management; to change materially its indebtedness or
capitalization; or otherwise to effect any material change in its corporate
structure or business.
CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
The following is a discussion of the material anticipated U.S. federal
income tax consequences of the reverse stock split. This information is not
intended as tax advice to any person, and is not a comprehensive description of
all of the tax consequences that may be relevant to holders of the Westwood
Group's Common Stock and Class B Common Stock. For example, it does not address
special rules applicable to certain persons such as stockholders who are subject
to the alternative minimum tax under the provisions of the Internal Revenue
Code; nor does the discussion address any consequences arising under the laws of
any state, locality or foreign jurisdiction.
The following discussion is based upon the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended, and the final and temporary Treasury Regulations promulgated under
it, published administrative positions of the Internal Revenue Service, and
reported judicial decisions, all as now existing and currently applicable, and
any or all of which could be changed, possibly on a retroactive basis, at any
time.
Each stockholder of the Westwood Group holding of record prior to the
reverse stock split only shares of Common Stock or of Class B Common Stock and
who ceases to hold, either directly or indirectly, any such shares of the
Westwood Group after the reverse stock split will recognize gain or loss for
federal income tax purposes measured by the difference, if any, between the cash
received by the stockholder in the reverse stock split and the stockholder's
basis in the shares surrendered in the reverse stock split. This gain or loss
will be capital gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes if the shares
were held as a capital asset and will be long-term if the stockholder's holding
period in the shares is more than one year at the time of the reverse stock
split.
The Board believes that the reverse stock split would be a tax-free
recapitalization to the Westwood Group and to the stockholders who remain
stockholders of the Westwood Group pursuant to Section 368(a)(1)(E) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
Accordingly, each stockholder who receives Common Stock, Class B Common
Stock or both incident to the reverse stock split, but no cash, will not
recognize any gain or loss for federal income tax purposes.
The holding period of the Common or Class B Common shares of the Westwood
Group received by a stockholder incident to the reverse stock split will include
the holding period of the Common or Class B Common, as the case may be, shares
surrendered therefor. In general, the aggregate tax basis of the Common or Class
B Common shares of the Westwood Group received by a stockholder incident to the
reverse stock split will equal the aggregate tax basis of the Common or Class B
Common, as the case may be, shares surrendered therefor.
Each stockholder who is to receive cash in the reverse stock split will be
required to furnish the stockholder's social security number or taxpayer
identification number. Failure to provide this information may result in backup
withholding.
EACH STOCKHOLDER IS URGED TO CONSULT WITH THE STOCKHOLDER'S OWN TAX
ADVISORS REGARDING THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT IN LIGHT OF
THE STOCKHOLDER'S OWN PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES.
28
FINANCING OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT
The Board estimates that the total cost to the Westwood Group of the
reverse stock split for payment of the fractional share interests and the
estimated transactional fees and expenses will be approximately $611,000. The
Westwood Group intends to finance the reverse stock split with $500,000
available under its credit facility with Boston Federal Savings Bank, with any
remaining portion to be paid out of working capital.
The credit facility was entered into on September 3, 2002 by and among
Boston Federal Savings Bank, a financial institution with offices in Burlington,
Massachusetts, Wonderland Greyhound Park, Realty, LLC, a Delaware limited
liability company and a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of the Westwood Group
as borrower and the Westwood Group as guarantor of the loan. The credit facility
is in the amount of $6,500,000, which bears interest at a rate of 6.5% per annum
and is secured by a mortgage on the land at 190 V.F.W. Parkway, Revere,
Massachusetts. The credit facility's maturity date is September 1, 2005. An
initial advance was made at closing for $5,400,000 and all or a portion of the
remaining $1,100,000 of the loan proceeds will be disbursed upon satisfaction of
certain conditions. $500,000 (of the remaining $1,100,000) may be drawn down
only in the event the Westwood Group undertakes to purchase stock from
stockholders pursuant to the reverse stock split and that the remaining $600,000
shall be used for working capital. Under the credit facility, the borrower
agrees to maintain certain debt to equity ratios and to deliver certain
financial information to the lender during the term of the loan. In addition,
the borrower agrees not to further encumber, sell or transfer the property and
to not incur additional indebtedness. Pursuant to the credit facility, borrower
agrees to pay lender an annual fee in the amount of one percent (1%) per annum
of amount of money loaned and a one-time payment of $65,000 as a non-refundable
commitment fee. There are no plans or arrangements to re-finance or repay the
loan at the current time. An aggregate of $162,000 would be required to complete
the intended tender offer (30,000 shares of Common Stock at $4.00 per share and
10,500 shares of Class B Common Stock at $4.00 per share). The Westwood Group
will finance the payment of shares pursuant to the tender offer with general
working capital available under the credit facility with Boston Federal Savings
Bank. The available amount under the Westwood Group's credit facility is
currently $850,000, which reflects disbursements of $250,000 from the working
capital portion of the remaining $1,100,000.
COSTS OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT
The following is an estimate of the costs incurred or expected to be
incurred by the Westwood Group in connection with the reverse stock split. Final
costs of the transaction may be more or less than the estimates shown below. The
Westwood Group will be responsible for paying these costs. Please note that the
following estimate of costs does not include the cost of redeeming shares of
those stockholders holding less than 1,500 shares pursuant to the reverse stock
split.
<Table>
Legal Fees.................................................. $100,000
Transfer and exchange agent fees............................ 15,000
Fees for fairness opinion................................... 100,000
Printing and mailing costs.................................. 25,000
Commission filing fees...................................... 30
Accounting fees............................................. 27,000
Miscellaneous............................................... 7,870
--------
Total....................................................... $274,900
========
</Table>
29
THE COMPANY
The Westwood Group, Inc. was incorporated in Delaware in 1984 as the
successor to racing and restaurant operations which commenced in 1935 and 1968,
respectively. The Westwood Group operates Wonderland Greyhound Park, Inc., a
pari-mutuel greyhound racing facility located in Revere, Massachusetts. Until
July, 1997, the Westwood Group also operated a pari-mutuel harness racing
facility located in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Westwood Group's wholly-owned
subsidiary, Wonderland, owns and operates a greyhound racetrack, located in the
City of Revere, Massachusetts. Revere adjoins the City of Boston. Wonderland
Park is approximately five miles north of downtown Boston and is served directly
by major transportation routes and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation
Authority rail line. The racetrack is approximately two miles from Boston's
Logan International Airport. In addition to the racetrack, the Westwood Group
maintains and operates two full service restaurants, a sports bar and other
concession facilities at the racetrack to serve patrons of Wonderland Park. The
racetrack facility can accommodate 10,000 patrons. The average attendance per
day in 2001 was approximately 871 persons. The total attendance for the 2001
year was approximately 290,000 persons. The complex encompasses a total of
approximately 35 acres, including paved and lighted parking which has capacity
for approximately 2,300 cars.
Wonderland was originally opened in 1935 and has operated continuously from
the same location since that time. Wonderland is authorized to conduct up to 520
live matinee and evening performances during any calendar year. In addition to
conducting 333 live racing performances during 2001, Wonderland provided its
patrons with simulcast wagering from 50 various greyhound, thoroughbred and
harness tracks throughout the country. In addition, Wonderland broadcasts its
simulcast signal to 79 locations throughout the country. Wonderland has
scheduled 313 live racing performances in 2002.
The Westwood Group is continuing its efforts to penetrate new markets into
which it can broadcast its signal and to develop new ways to provide quality
racing entertainment to its on-track patrons. The Westwood Group's annual
revenues are mainly derived from the commissions that it receives from wagers
made by patrons during its racing performances and from admission and concession
charges at these performances. Wagers at Wonderland are placed under the
pari-mutuel wagering system, under which the winning bettors in each race divide
the total amount bet on the race in proportion to the sums they wagered
individually, after deducting certain percentages governed by state law
including amounts which are reserved for The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the
owners of the winning greyhounds, and the racetrack. The pari-mutuel commission
is regulated by the state regulatory commission in the jurisdiction of the
individual racetrack. In addition, the net pari-mutuel commission varies based
upon the type of wager. Finally, the Westwood Group generates commission revenue
from other tracks for all amounts wagered on its product at their facility.
These commissions vary based upon contractual arrangements. The average gross
pari-mutuel commission at Wonderland was approximately 24%, 24%, 24%, and 23% of
each $1.00 wagered on track during 2001, 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively. Out
of this amount approximately 6% is distributed to kennel operators as purses
paid, 5% is paid to The Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the form of pari-mutuel
tax and 0.5% each is deposited into the Capital Improvements Trust Fund and
Promotional Trust Fund.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Racing Commissioners, as
individuals, are the trustees and Wonderland is the beneficiary of the Greyhound
Capital Improvements and Promotional Trust Funds which have been established in
accordance with Massachusetts law and are dedicated to reimbursement of capital
improvements and promotional expenses.
The Westwood Group's principal executive offices are located at 190 V.F.W.
Parkway Revere, Massachusetts 02151, and its telephone number is (781) 284-2600.
30
SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA
The following selected consolidated financial data is presented in addition
to the selected consolidated financial data incorporated by reference to page 7
of the Westwood Group's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 2001 and the information included in the Westwood Group's Form 10-Q for the
nine months ended September 30, 2002.
<Table>
<Caption>
NINE MONTHS
ENDED
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, SEPTEMBER 30,
-------------------------------------------- ---------------
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2001 2002
------ ------ ------- ------- ------ ------ ------
(IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES)
OPERATING DATA
Ratio of earnings to fixed
charges(1).......................... 5.77 1.71 (1.79) (0.27) 2.69 3.00 0.53
Amount of deficiency.................. $ -- $ -- $1,862 $ 756 $ -- $ -- $ --
</Table>
<Table>
<Caption>
AS OF DECEMBER 31, AS OF SEPTEMBER 30,
----------------------------------------------- --------------------
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2001 2002
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ----------
(IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT BOOK VALUE (DEFICIENCY) PER SHARE)
BALANCE SHEET DATA
Working capital
(deficiency).......... $(9,309) $(3,381) $(1,543) $(2,186) $(1,201) $(2,348) $ (414)
Total assets............ $13,581 $13,369 $ 9,413 $ 7,780 $ 6,913 $ 7,076 $ 7,708
Long-term debt.......... $ 997 $ 5,551 $ 4,392 $ 4,096 $ 3,772 $ 3,856 $ 5,311
Stockholders' Equity
(deficiency).......... $(1,551) $ 466 $(1,259) $(1,772) $ (405) $ (859) $ (620)
Book value (deficiency)
per share(2).......... $ (1.22) $ 0.37 $ (1.00) $ (1.40) $ (0.32) $ (0.68) $ (0.49)
Pro forma book value
(deficiency) per
share(3).............. $(1,462.65)
</Table>
- ---------------
(1) For purposes of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, (a)
earnings consist of earnings before income taxes plus fixed charges and (b)
fixed charges consist of interest expense, amortization of deferred
financing costs and one-third of rental expense, which is the portion we
consider representative of the interest factor.
(2) Computation is based on shares outstanding.
(3) Reflects the pro forma adjustments shown on pages 18 and 19.
PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK; DIVIDENDS; TRADING VOLUME
Except for limited or sporadic transactions, there is no established public
trading market for the Common Stock or Class B Common Stock of the Westwood
Group. The Common Stock is traded on the pink sheets. The following table sets
forth for the periods indicated the high and low bid prices both for the period
prior to the initial public filings related to the proposed reverse stock split
on October 25, 2002, and the period after such public filings and prior to the
mailing of this proxy statement to the Westwood Group stockholders.
<Table>
<Caption>
FIRST QUARTER SECOND QUARTER THIRD QUARTER FOURTH QUARTER
------------- -------------- ------------- --------------
(THROUGH DECEMBER 12, 2002)
Fiscal year ended December 31,
2002
High........................... $0.80 $1.10 $1.25 $ 7.00
Low............................ $0.80 $0.80 $0.80 $ 0.51
</Table>
31
<Table>
<Caption>
FIRST QUARTER SECOND QUARTER THIRD QUARTER FOURTH QUARTER
------------- -------------- ------------- --------------
(THROUGH DECEMBER 12, 2002)
Fiscal year ended December 31,
2001
High........................... $0.75 $1.00 No Sales $ 0.85
Low............................ $0.75 $0.75 No Sales $ 0.85
Fiscal year ended December 31,
2000
High........................... $1.00 $1.01 $1.20 $ 1.50
Low............................ $1.00 $1.00 $0.50 $ 0.50
Fiscal year ended December 31,
1999
High........................... $3.50 No Sales $3.00 $1.125
Low............................ $3.50 No Sales $3.00 $1.125
</Table>
The Westwood Group is not aware of any purchases or sales involving its
Common Stock since December 12, 2002.
As of November 1, 2002, the Westwood Group had approximately 429 holders of
record of its Common Stock and 11 holders of record of its Class B Common Stock.
No dividends have been declared by the Westwood Group on its Common Stock
during 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, or 1998. The Westwood Group has not paid a cash
dividend on its Class B Common Stock to date. The Westwood Group does not intend
to pay cash dividends on either Common Stock or Class B Common Stock in the
immediate future.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
(A) SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF COMMON STOCK
The following tables sets forth information, as of December 20, 2002, with
respect to the beneficial ownership of the Westwood Group's Common Stock by each
director, by all directors and officers of the Westwood Group as a group and by
persons known by the Westwood Group to own beneficially more than 5% of the
outstanding Common Stock. Unless otherwise noted, these stockholders have full
voting and investment power with respect to the shares listed as beneficially
owned by them.
<Table>
<Caption>
PERCENT OF PERCENT OF
OUTSTANDING OUTSTANDING
AMOUNT AND NATURE OF PRE-REVERSE POST-REVERSE
NAME AND ADDRESS OF BENEFICIAL OWNER BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP(1) STOCK SPLIT STOCK SPLIT
- ------------------------------------ ----------------------- ----------- ------------
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS:
Richard P. Dalton....................... 52,350(2) 13.38% 16.37%
The Westwood Group, Inc.
190 VFW Parkway
Revere, MA 02151
Paul J. DiMare.......................... 103,300(3) 29.41% 36.93%
P.O. Box 900460
Homestead, FL 33090
Charles F. Sarkis....................... 831,866(4) 70.75% 75.33%
Back Bay Restaurant Group, Inc.
284 Newbury St Boston, MA 02116
All Directors and Officers as a group
(three (3) persons).................. 987,516(5) 81.22% 86.30%
======= ===== =====
Holders of more than 5%, not included
above
Pauline F. Evans........................ 26,122(6) 7.44% 9.34%
Joseph J. O'Donnell..................... 22,669(7) 6.45% 8.10%
A. Paul Sarkis.......................... 49,139(8) 12.29% 14.97%
</Table>
32
- ---------------
(1) As used in this table, "beneficial ownership" means the sole or shared power
to vote, or to direct the voting of, a security, or the sole or shared
investment power with respect to a security (i.e., the power to dispose of
or to direct the disposition of, a security). For purposes of this table a
person is deemed to have "beneficial ownership" of any security that the
person has the right to acquire within 60 days, including by conversion of
the stockholder's shares of Class B Common Stock into shares of Common Stock
or by exercise of options. For purposes of this table, any shares of Common
Stock not outstanding which are subject to such a right, or conversion
privileges, are deemed to be outstanding for the purposes of computing the
percentage of outstanding shares owned by the person or group, but are not
deemed to be outstanding for the purposes of computing the percentage owned
by any other person or group.
(2) Includes presently exercisable options to purchase 40,000 shares.
(3) Includes 92,500 shares held of record by DiMare Homestead, Inc. over which
Mr. DiMare has voting and investment power.
(4) Consists of 804,616 shares issuable upon conversion of the shares of Class B
Common Stock beneficially owned by Mr. Sarkis, 7,250 shares of Common Stock,
as well as presently exercisable options to purchase 20,000 shares. (See
footnote (2) to the table below showing beneficial ownership of Class B
Common Stock.)
(5) Includes presently exercisable options to purchase 60,000 shares and 804,616
shares issuable upon conversion of shares of Class B Common Stock, held by
all directors and officers as a group.
(6) Ms. Evans' address is 3600 Galt Ocean Drive, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33308.
(7) Mr. O'Donnell's address is c/o Boston Concessions Group, Inc., 111 6th
Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02141.
(8) Includes 530 shares held of record, presently exercisable options to
purchase 32,500 shares and 16,109 shares issuable upon conversion of the
shares of Class B Common Stock beneficially owned by Mr. Sarkis. Mr. Sarkis'
address is 599 East Sixth St., Apt. 1, South Boston, MA 02127. Mr. Sarkis is
a former Director and officer of the Westwood Group.
(B) SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF CLASS B COMMON STOCK
The following table sets forth certain information, as of December 20,
2002, with respect to the beneficial ownership of the Westwood Group's Class B
Common Stock by each Director, and named Executive Officer and by all Directors
and officers of the Westwood Group as a group and by persons known by the
Westwood Group to own beneficially more than 5% of the outstanding Class B
Common Stock. Unless otherwise noted, the stockholders have full voting power
and investment power with respect to the shares listed as beneficially owned by
the.
<Table>
<Caption>
SHARES OF CLASS B PERCENT OF PERCENT OF
COMMON STOCK CLASS PRE-REVERSE CLASS POST-REVERSE
NAME AND ADDRESS OF BENEFICIAL OWNER BENEFICIALLY OWNED(1) STOCK SPLIT STOCK SPLIT
- ------------------------------------ --------------------- ------------------ -------------------
Richard P. Dalton................. 0 0.00% 0.00%
The Westwood Group, Inc.
190 VFW Parkway Revere, MA 02151
Paul J. DiMare.................... 0 0.00% 0.00%
P.O. Box 900460
Homestead, FL 33090
Charles F. Sarkis................. 804,616(2) 88.00% 88.23%
Back Bay Restaurant Group, Inc.
284 Newbury St Boston, MA 02116
All Directors and Officers as a
Group (Three Persons)........... 804,616(2) 88.00% 88.23%
======= ===== =====
</Table>
33
- ---------------
(1) As used in this table, "beneficial ownership" means the sole or shared power
to vote, or to direct the voting of, a security, or the sole or shared
investment power with respect to a security (i.e., the power to dispose of,
or to direct the disposition of, a security). In addition, for purposes of
this table a person is deemed to have "beneficial ownership" of any security
that the person has the right to acquire within 60 days.
(2) Includes shares held by Sarkis Management Corporation, which is wholly-owned
by Mr. Sarkis. Mr. Sarkis disclaims beneficial ownership of these shares.
OTHER INFORMATION CONCERNING THE COMPANY AND AFFILIATES
In May 1994, the Westwood Group purchased all restaurant and concession
operations at Wonderland from Back Bay Restaurant Group, Inc. for a sales price
of $770,000. Included in the term note of $970,000 were additional amounts owed
to Back Bay Restaurant Group for costs incurred under a Cross Indemnification
Agreement amounting to $200,000, and interest expense of approximately $58,000
for the years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998. On September 24, 1999, the
Westwood Group entered into a stock repurchase agreement with Back Bay
Restaurant Group, Inc., pursuant to which Back Bay Restaurant Group repurchased
222,933 shares of its common stock from the Westwood Group in exchange for the
cancellation of this promissory note.
Concurrently with entering into the stock purchase agreement with Back Bay
Restaurant Group, the Westwood Group entered into a stock purchase agreement
with Charles F. Sarkis, pursuant to which Mr. Sarkis purchased 450,518 shares of
common stock of Back Bay Restaurant Group, Inc. in return for a promissory note
in the amount of $2,703,108. This note bears interest of 9.5%. $500,927 was paid
on November 4, 1999, $500,000 was paid on December 16, 1999, $351,554 was paid
on January 31, 2000, $338,000 was paid on December 1, 2000, and $350,000 was
paid on August 17, 2001. As of September 30, 2002, the principal balance of this
promissory note is $910,525.
As of December 20, 2002, there are additional loans outstanding to
officers/stockholders in the aggregate amount of $257,752. Notes receivable and
related interest, in the amount of $110,917 is due from Charles Sarkis and
$146,835 is due from Richard P. Dalton. These loans are payable over five years
and bear interest at 8.0% per annum.
In October 1999, the Westwood Group received a letter of credit for working
capital purposes from the Anglo Irish Bank securitized by Mr. Charles Sarkis'
property located on Boylston Street in Boston, Massachusetts. Subsequently, Mr.
Sarkis refinanced the Boylston Street property and loaned the Westwood Group
$500,000, which amount was designated to be used for the 1998 and 1999
outstanding pari-mutual tickets due to The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In
addition, under the terms of the loan agreement between the Westwood Group and
Mr. Sarkis, the Westwood Group offset the first payment due from Mr. Sarkis
under the promissory note issued on September 24, 1999 against this $500,000
loan.
Prior to 1995, the Westwood Group engaged a firm to assist management in
the planning and execution of a financial and operational reorganization of the
Westwood Group. As compensation for its services, the Westwood Group agreed to a
success fee, in addition to the basic fee, to grant options to acquire common
stock totaling 6% of the total of the Westwood Group's capital stock at $3 per
share. The success fee also stipulated that Michael S. Fawcett, a principal of
that firm, who was a director of the Westwood Group at the time would be
required to return options to purchase 25,000 shares of the Westwood Group's
common stock if the success fee option is exercised. The Westwood Group has not
granted the success fee option to date.
INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Representatives of the Westwood Group's independent certified public
accountants, BDO Seidman, LLP, are expected to be present at the special
meeting.
34
OTHER MATTERS
The Board does not know of other matters which are likely to be brought
before the special meeting. However, in the event that any other matters
properly come before the special meeting, the persons named in the enclosed
proxy are expected to vote the shares represented by the proxy on those matters
in accordance with their best judgment.
PROPOSALS OF SHAREHOLDERS
In the event that the reverse stock split is not affected, the Westwood
Group intends to hold its 2003 Annual Meeting of Shareholders in [May] 2003. In
order to be eligible for inclusion in the Westwood Group's proxy materials for
the 2003 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, any shareholder proposal to take action
at that meeting must be received at the Westwood Group's principal executive
offices, 190 V.F.W. Parkway, Revere, Massachusetts, 02151, by [March ], 2003.
Proposals submitted by a shareholder of the Westwood Group for consideration at
the 2003 Annual Meeting of shareholders outside the processes of SEC Rule 14a-8
will not be considered at such meeting unless the Secretary of the Westwood
Group has received written notice of the matter proposed to be presented from
the shareholder on or prior to [January ], 2003. The proxies for the
2003 Annual Meeting may confer discretionary authority on the proxy holders with
respect to any proposal submitted after the dates set forth above.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The following documents filed with the Commission by the Westwood Group,
File No. 000-01590, are incorporated by reference in this proxy statement,
except for any discussion therein of the "safe harbor" protections for
forward-looking statements provided under The Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995: (i) the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2001, and (ii) the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods
ended March 31, 2002 and June 30, 2002 and September 30, 2002 and Form 10Q/A for
the quarter ended September 30, 2002.
The Westwood Group's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2001 and the Westwood Group's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A for
the quarter ended September 30, 2002 are attached to this proxy statement as
Exhibits C and D, respectively.
All documents and reports filed by the Westwood Group with the Commission
under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the 1934 Act after the date of this
proxy statement and prior to the date of the special meeting shall be deemed to
be incorporated by reference in this proxy statement and be a part hereof from
the respective dates of the filing of those documents or reports.
Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded
for purposes of this proxy statement to the extent that a statement contained
herein (or in any other subsequently filed documents which also is deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein) modifies or supersedes the statement. Any
statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified
or superseded, to constitute a part of this proxy statement.
THIS PROXY STATEMENT INCORPORATES DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE WHICH ARE NOT
PRESENTED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT OR DELIVERED WITH THIS PROXY STATEMENT. THESE
DOCUMENTS (OTHER THAN EXHIBITS TO THESE DOCUMENTS, UNLESS THESE EXHIBITS ARE
SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE TO THESE DOCUMENTS) ARE AVAILABLE,
WITHOUT CHARGE, TO ANY PERSON, INCLUDING ANY BENEFICIAL OWNER TO WHOM THIS PROXY
STATEMENT IS DELIVERED, ON WRITTEN OR ORAL REQUESTS OF THAT PERSON AND BY FIRST
CLASS MAIL OR OTHER EQUALLY PROMPT MEANS WITHIN ONE BUSINESS DAY OF RECEIPT OF
THAT REQUEST, TO THE WESTWOOD GROUP, INC., 190 V.F.W. PARKWAY, REVERE, MA 02151
ATTN: RICHARD P. DALTON, PRESIDENT (TELEPHONE: (781) 284-2600). IN ORDER TO
ENSURE DELIVERY OF THE DOCUMENTS PRIOR TO THE SPECIAL MEETING, REQUESTS MUST BE
RECEIVED NO LATER THAN FIVE BUSINESS DAYS PRIOR TO THE SPECIAL MEETING.
35
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Westwood Group is subject to the informational requirements of the 1934
Act and in accordance with the 1934 Act files reports, proxy statements and
other information with the Commission. These reports, proxy statements and other
information can be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities of
the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Judiciary Plaza,
Washington, D.C. 20549. Copies of this material can also be obtained at
prescribed rates by writing to the Public Reference Section of the Commission at
450 Fifth Street, N.W., Judiciary Plaza, Washington, D.C. 20549. In addition,
these reports, proxy statements and other information are available from the
Edgar filings obtained through the Commission Internet Website
(http://ww.sec.gov).
36
EXHIBIT A
CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT
TO THE
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF
THE WESTWOOD GROUP, INC.
A-1
CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT
TO THE
THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF
THE WESTWOOD GROUP, INC.
---------------------
PURSUANT TO SECTION 242 OF THE GENERAL CORPORATION LAW OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE
---------------------
The Westwood Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Corporation"), does
hereby certify as follows:
FIRST: The following language is added to the end of Section A of
Article FOURTH of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Westwood Group,
Inc.:
"At the effective time of this Amendment, each share of Common Stock,
par value $.01 per share, issued immediately prior to the effectiveness
of this amendment will be reclassified into one-fifteen hundredth of one
fully paid and non-assessable share of Common Stock, par value $.01 per
share, so that every fifteen hundred shares of Common Stock issued
immediately prior to the effectiveness of this amendment will be
combined together to form one full share of Common Stock, par value
$.01. At the effective time of this amendment, each share of Class B
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, authorized immediately prior to
the effectiveness of this amendment will be reclassified into
one-fifteen hundredth of one fully paid and non-assessable share of
Class B Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, so that every 1,500
shares of Class B Common Stock authorized immediately prior to the
effectiveness of this amendment will be combined together to form one
full share of Class B Common Stock, par value $.01. The Corporation will
make a cash payment of $4.00 per share to record holders of fewer than
1,500 shares of the Common Stock and Class B Common Stock immediately
prior to the effectiveness of this Amendment. To the extent necessary,
certificates for fractional shares of Common Stock and Class B Common
Stock will be issued by reason of this Amendment."
SECOND: The amendment of the certificate of incorporation herein
certified has been duly adopted in accordance with the provisions of
Section 242 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.
Signed and attested to on , 2003.
THE WESTWOOD GROUP, INC.
By:
------------------------------------
Name: Richard P. Dalton
Title: President
A-2
EXHIBIT B
OPINION OF ALOUETTE CAPITAL, INC.
DATED SEPTEMBER 17, 2002
B-1
ALOUETTE CAPITAL
<Table>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
21 School Street Telephone: (617)523-8666
Boston, MA 02108 Facsimile: (617)523-8699
e-mail: mark.noonan@gte.net
e-mail: johnturner@gtemail.net
</Table>
September 17, 2002
The Westwood Group, Inc.
190 V.F.W. Parkway
Revere, Massachusetts 02151
Members of the Board of Directors:
We understand that The Westwood Group, Inc. ("Westwood" or the "Company")
is contemplating a transaction pursuant to which Westwood's Certificate of
Incorporation will be amended to effect a one for 1,500 reverse stock split of
the Company's Common Stock and Class B Common Stock coupled with a cash payment
of $4.00 per share in lieu of the issuance of any resulting fractional shares
(the "Reverse Stock Split" or the "Transaction").
You have requested that Alouette Capital, Inc. ("Alouette") render an
opinion (the "Opinion"), as investment bankers, as to the fairness from a
financial point of view of the $4.00 per share cash payment to be paid to the
holders of the Company's Common Stock or Class B Common Stock being cashed out
pursuant to the reverse stock split (the "Transaction Consideration").
Alouette, as part of its financial advisory business, is continually
engaged in the valuation of businesses and their securities in connection with
mergers and acquisitions, private placements, negotiated transactions and
valuations for corporate and other purposes. Alouette has, in the past, provided
investment banking services to the Company and to Back Bay Restaurant Group,
Inc. ("BBRG"). Mr. Charles F. Sarkis owns a controlling interest in the common
equity of both of the aforementioned companies.
In connection with the Opinion set forth herein, we have, among other
things:
- reviewed Westwood's Annual Reports on Form 10-K filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission for the five fiscal years ended December 31,
2001, including the audited consolidated financial statements of Westwood
included therein;
- reviewed Westwood's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission for the quarters ended March 31, 2002
and June 30, 2002, including the unaudited consolidated financial
statements of the Company included therein;
- reviewed two appraisals from an independent third party valuing the real
property located at 190 V.F.W. Parkway in Revere, Massachusetts;
- reviewed certain information of Westwood, including financial projections
relating to the business, earnings and prospects of Westwood prepared by
the management of Westwood;
- held discussions with members of senior management of Westwood regarding
the business, operations, financial results and business prospects of
Westwood;
- Reviewed publicly available financial operating and stock market data
concerning certain companies having similar financial characteristics to
those of Westwood including growth trends in revenues and earnings,
earnings margins and levels of debt as a percent of total market
capitalizations;
- performed various valuation analyses, as we deemed appropriate, of
Westwood using generally accepted analytical methodologies, including the
application to the financial results of Westwood of the public trading
multiples of companies having certain similar financial characteristics
which we deemed comparable to the Company;
B-2
- evaluated and assessed the fair market value of Westwood's assets and
liabilities on a liquidated basis;
- reviewed the historical trading prices and volumes of Westwood's Common
Stock; and
- performed such other financial studies and analyses, and made such other
inquiries and investigations as we deemed appropriate.
In rendering the Opinion, at your direction we have assumed and relied upon
the accuracy and completeness of all information supplied or otherwise made
available to us by the Company or obtained by us from other sources, and upon
the assurance of the Company's management that they are not aware of any
information or facts that would make the information provided to us incomplete
or misleading. We have not independently verified such information, or
undertaken an independent appraisal of the assets or liabilities (contingent or
otherwise) of Westwood.
The Opinion is necessarily based upon financial, economic, market and other
conditions as they exist, and the information made available to us, as of the
date hereof. We disclaim any undertakings or obligations to advise any person of
any change in any fact or matter affecting the Opinion, which may come or be
brought to our attention after the date of the Opinion.
The Opinion does not constitute a recommendation as to any action the Board
of Directors of the Company or any stockholder of the Company should take in
connection with the Transaction or any aspect thereof. The Opinion relates
solely to the fairness from a financial point of view as of the date hereof of
the Transaction Consideration. We express no opinion herein as to the structure,
terms, merits or effect of any other aspect of the Transaction.
This letter is for the information of the Board of Directors of the Company
for its use in evaluating the fairness from a financial point of view of the
Transaction Consideration. It may not be used for any other purpose or referred
to without our prior written consent except for necessary filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission by the Company.
Based upon and subject to all of the foregoing, we are of the opinion, as
investment bankers, that, as of the date hereof, the Transaction Consideration
is fair, from a financial point of view, to the holders of the Company's Common
Stock or Class B Common Stock being cashed out pursuant to the reverse stock
split.
Sincerely
ALOUETTE CAPITAL, INC.
/s/ E. MARK NOONAN
--------------------------------------
E. Mark Noonan
Managing Director
EMN:cc
B-3
EXHIBIT C
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2001
C-1
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended Commission file Number 0-1590
December 31, 2001
THE WESTWOOD GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE 190 V.F.W. PARKWAY 04-1983910
(state or other jurisdiction of REVERE, MA 02151 (IRS Employer Identifier
incorporation or organization) (address of principal executive verification No.)
offices including zip code)
781-284-2600
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Title of Class
Common Stock-$.01 par value
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and 2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes /X/ No / /
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of the Form 10-K or any amendment of this
Form 10-K. [X]
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the
registrant, computed by reference to the price at which the stock was sold, or
the average bid and asked prices of such stock, as of a specified date within 60
days prior to the date of filing, was:
TOTAL NO. OF SHARES
PRICING OF COMMON STOCK HELD BY AGGREGATE
VOTING STOCK NON-AFFILIATES MARKET VALUE
------------ -------------------- ------------
$0.85(1) 239,110(2) $179,333
(1) Reflects the price of shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share,
traded on November 26, 2001 and December 28, 2001. The registrant's Common Stock
was removed from quotation through the NASDAQ system on July 29, 1988. There is
no established trading market for either the Company's Common Stock or Class B
Common Stock.
(2) Excludes shares held by Executive Officers and Directors of the registrant,
without admitting that any such Executive Officer or Director is an affiliate of
the registrant.
The number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of common
stock, as of March 29, 2002 was as follows:
Common Stock, $.01 par value: 351,210
Class B Common stock, $.01 par value: 912,015
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
None
THE WESTWOOD GROUP, INC.
CALENDAR YEAR 2001 10-K ANNUAL REPORT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I PAGE
ITEM 1. BUSINESS ......................................................... 3
ITEM 2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY .......................................... 5
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS ................................................ 5
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITIES HOLDERS ............ 6
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS .......................................................... 6
ITEM 6. SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA ............................. 7
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS ............................................ 8
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK ....... 13
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA ...................... 14
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE ............................................. 37
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT .............. 37
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION .......................................... 38
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT .. 41
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS .................. 44
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K 45
SIGNATURES ................................................................ 46
EX-21. SUBSIDIARIES OF THE COMPANY...................................... 47
EX-23.1 CONSENT OF CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS.......................... 48
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
(A) GENERAL
The Westwood Group, Inc. (the "Company" or "Westwood", which term as used
herein includes its wholly-owned subsidiaries) was incorporated in Delaware in
1984 as the successor to racing and restaurant operations which commenced in
1935 and 1968, respectively. The Company operates Wonderland Greyhound Park,
Inc. ("Wonderland" or "Wonderland Park"), a pari-mutuel greyhound racing
facility located in Revere, Massachusetts. Until July, 1997, the Company also
operated a pari-mutuel harness racing facility located in Foxboro,
Massachusetts. (See Item 3, "Legal Proceedings").
(B) BUSINESS SEGMENTS
For the three (3) years ended December 31, 2001, the Company's business was
principally conducted in the pari-mutuel greyhound racing industry.
(C) DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
The Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Wonderland, owns and operates a
greyhound racetrack, located in the City of Revere, Massachusetts. Revere
adjoins the City of Boston. Wonderland Park is approximately five (5) miles
north of downtown Boston and is served directly by major transportation routes
and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority rail line. The racetrack is
approximately two (2) miles from Boston's Logan International Airport.
In addition to the racetrack, the Company maintains and operates two (2)
full service restaurants, a sports bar and other concession facilities at the
racetrack to serve patrons of Wonderland Park. The racetrack facility can
accommodate 10,000 patrons. The average attendance per day in 2001 was
approximately 871 persons. The total attendance for the year was approximately
290,000 persons. The complex encompasses a total of approximately thirty-five
(35) acres, including paved and lighted parking which has capacity for
approximately 2,300 cars.
Wonderland was originally opened in 1935 and has operated continuously from
the same location since that time. Wonderland is authorized to conduct up to 520
live matinee and evening performances. In addition to conducting 333 live racing
performances during 2001, Wonderland provided its patrons with simulcast
wagering from fifty (50) various greyhound, thoroughbred and harness tracks
throughout the country. Wonderland also broadcasts its simulcast signal to
seventy-nine (79) locations throughout the country. The Company is continuing
its efforts to penetrate new markets into which it can broadcast its signal and
to develop new ways to provide quality racing entertainment to its on-track
patrons. See "Government Regulation" below for a discussion of simulcast
legislation.
The Company's annual revenues are mainly derived from the commissions that
it receives from wagers made by patrons during its racing performances and from
admission and concession charges at such performances. Wagers at Wonderland are
placed under the pari-mutuel wagering system, pursuant to which the winning
bettors in each race divide the total amount bet on the race in proportion to
the sums they wagered individually, after deducting certain percentages governed
by state law including amounts which are reserved for The Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, the owners of the winning greyhounds, and the racetrack.
The pari-mutuel commission is regulated by the state regulatory commission
in the jurisdiction of the individual race track. In addition, the net
pari-mutuel commission varies based upon the type of wager. Finally, the Company
generates commission revenue from other tracks for all amounts wagered on its
product at their facilities. These commissions vary based upon contractual
arrangements.
The average gross pari-mutuel commission on live racing at Wonderland was
approximately 24% of each $1.00 wagered on track during 2001, 2000 and 1999. Out
of this amount approximately 6% is distributed to kennel operators as purses
paid, 5% is paid to The Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the form of pari-mutuel
tax and 0.5% each is deposited into the Capital Improvements Trust Fund and
Promotional Trust Fund.
The Commissioners of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Racing
Commission, as individuals, are the trustees and Wonderland is the beneficiary
of the Greyhound Capital Improvements and Promotional Trust Funds which have
been established in accordance with Massachusetts law and are dedicated to
reimbursement of capital improvements and promotional expenses.
During July 1997, the Company's harness racing subsidiary, Foxboro Park,
Inc., was evicted from the Foxboro Raceway. (See Item 3, "Legal Proceedings";
and Notes 3 and 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). As such, its
operating results are reflected as discontinued operations.
In February 1998, the Company executed an Assignment for the Benefit of
Creditors for Foxboro Park, Inc., Foxboro Harness, Inc. and Foxboro
Thoroughbred, Inc. The assignment was executed to provide a mechanism for the
liquidation of its assets and the distribution of proceeds to its creditors.
(D) COMPETITION AND MARKETING
The Company is trying to adapt and survive in a dramatically changing
environment, one in which the Company and the racing industry nationally have
experienced significant declines in on-site attendance and dollars wagered.
The Company continues to be negatively impacted by a strong Massachusetts
state lottery, two (2) Indian Casinos in Connecticut and slot machines at the
Lincoln, Rhode Island, greyhound track. The casinos and track are in close
proximity to the Massachusetts border and therefore rely upon their ability to
attract Massachusetts patrons. Furthermore, Wonderland is at a competitive
disadvantage when compared with other New England greyhound racetracks in that
the simulcast legislation only permits it to offer a very limited amount of
simulcasting from thoroughbred racetracks due to its proximity to the Suffolk
Downs thoroughbred racetrack.
Management has worked diligently over the last several years in attempting
to convince the Governor and the state Legislature of The Commonwealth of
Massachusetts of the need to allow the Commonwealth's commercial racetracks to
offer their patrons expanded gaming opportunities. The Massachusetts state
legislature took no action on gaming in the year 2001 and no gaming legislation
is currently anticipated in 2002. The Company cannot predict whether such
legislation will ever be enacted or enacted on favorable terms.
In August 2000, animal rights activists were able to obtain the necessary
number of signatures in order to place a binding initiative petition to ban all
wagering on greyhound racing within Massachusetts effective June 1, 2001 on the
November 2000 Massachusetts ballot. If the initiative had passed, it would have
prohibited both live and simulcast wagering at The Westwood Group's Wonderland
racetrack facility, thus, in all likelihood, shutting down its principal
business. The campaign to defeat the ballot initiative was conducted jointly
with the dogtrack in Raynham, Massachusetts through a Ballot Question Committee
established in accordance with the campaign finance laws of Massachusetts.
Richard P. Dalton, The Westwood Group's President and Chief Executive Officer,
served as the chairman of the committee. This initiative was narrowly defeated
in the November 7, 2000 election. Despite the defeat of the initiative, the
animal rights activists remain active in their attempts to cause the Wonderland
racetrack to be permanently closed. Moreover, the advertising campaign directed
at banning greyhound racing has negatively affected the image of greyhound
racing.
(E) GOVERNMENT REGULATION
Wonderland operates under an annual license granted after application to,
and public hearings by, the Massachusetts State Racing Commission. Wonderland
received its first license in 1935 and has had its license renewed annually
since that date. The Racing Commission has certain regulatory powers with
respect to the dates and the number of performances granted to its licensees and
various other aspects of racetrack operations. In addition, the Massachusetts
State Racing Commission licenses certain key officials employed by Wonderland.
The failure to receive or retain the annual racing license would have a material
adverse effect on our business.
Alcoholic beverage control regulations require Wonderland to apply to a
state and local authority for a license or permit to sell alcoholic beverages on
the premises. The licenses must be renewed annually and may be revoked or
suspended for cause at any time. Alcoholic beverage control regulations relate
to numerous aspects of the daily operations of the restaurants and bars,
including minimum age of patrons and employees, hours of operation, advertising,
wholesale purchasing, inventory control and handling, and storage and dispensing
of alcoholic beverages. The failure to receive or retain, or a delay in
obtaining, a liquor license could adversely affect the Company's ability to
operate the restaurant facilities. The Company has not encountered any material
problems relating to alcoholic beverage licenses to date.
Various federal and state labor laws govern the Company's relationship with
its employees, including such matters as minimum wage requirements, overtime and
other working conditions. Significant additional government-imposed increases in
minimum wages, paid leaves of absence, mandated health benefits or increased tax
payment requirements in respect to employees who receive gratuities could have a
material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations.
During 2001, the Company and the owners of other area racetracks worked to
enact legislation which would permit the Company and the other greyhound track
to continue to provide simulcast broadcasting of thoroughbred racing on a much
more frequent basis, as well as providing for a decrease in the pari-mutuel
taxes paid to the Commonwealth and that the funds available from the pari-mutuel
tax decrease be made available for increases in purses and the Greyhound Capital
Improvement and Promotional Trust Funds as well as the establishment of a
Greyhound Adoption Fund and the implementation of an off-track betting system.
On November 17, 2001, the "Act Providing for Improvements to the Horse and
Greyhound Racing Industry in the Commonwealth and the Regulation Thereof" was
signed into law by the acting governor of Massachusetts. Under this new statute,
the Company and the other area racetracks are permitted to continue to provide
simulcast broadcasting of thoroughbred racing to their patrons until December
2005. The new legislation also provides that the Company is required to pay
premiums for the right to simulcast out-of-state thoroughbred and harness racing
ranging from 3% to 7% for the benefit of the purse accounts at the
Commonwealth's two (2) commercial horse racetracks. In addition to the extension
and expansion of simulcast broadcasting, this statute provides for a "purse
pool", which will be funded by taxes, fees and assessments with a minimum of
$400,000 being credited to the purse accounts of each racetrack with any
remaining portion being apportioned among the racetracks pursuant to a formula
to be devised by the State Racing Commission. All unclaimed simulcast wagers
collected at each racetrack are to be deposited with the Massachusetts State
Racing Commission for payment to the purse accounts of the individual racetracks
responsible for such unclaimed wagers. During 2001, the Company received a
one-time grant of $300,035 from the Commonwealth for the purpose of funding
capital improvements and repairs to its facility and equipment. Finally, the new
statute authorizes account wagering at each of the individual racetracks and
establishes a nine member special commission to study the feasibility of an
off-track betting program in Massachusetts.
Despite the enactment of this legislation and the potential for increase
in cash flow from such legislation, management does not believe that this new
legislation in its current state will materially benefit the Company's overall
racing operations.
(F) EMPLOYEES
At March 1, 2002, the Company employed approximately 350 persons.
ITEM 2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY
The racetrack facilities, which are located in Revere, Massachusetts,
include a one-quarter mile oval sand track, a physical plant consisting of a
climate controlled grandstand and clubhouse and a two-story administrative
center. The Company's Wonderland Park racing facility is mortgaged to secure the
indebtedness owed under a term loan to the Century Bank and Trust Company. (See
Item 1(C), "Description of Business", Item 7, "Liquidity and Capital Resources"
and Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).
The executive offices are owned by the Company and are located at
Wonderland Greyhound Park in Revere, Massachusetts.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is subject to various legal proceedings that arise in the
ordinary course of its business.
In 1996, litigation ensued between Foxboro Realty Associates, LLC, et al.
and the Company, its subsidiary Foxboro Park, Inc., et al. in Norfolk Superior
Court in Massachusetts, over Foxboro Park's right to occupy Foxboro Raceway. The
Court issued an execution pursuant to which Foxboro Park was evicted from the
racetrack on July 31, 1997. The parties appealed to the Massachusetts Appeals
Court on January 27, 1998.
On July 8, 1998, Foxboro Route 1 Limited Partnership, et al., filed a civil
action in Suffolk Superior Court in Massachusetts against The Westwood Group,
Inc., Wonderland Greyhound Park, Inc., et al., seeking payment for use and
occupancy of Foxboro Raceway, and other damages, from 1992 through July 1997.
On January 30, 2001, the above-mentioned cases were settled without
monetary damages to either party.
In January 2001, the Company lost at arbitration a claim brought against it
by a former totalisator vendor. The judgement amount was $468,000. This amount
has been recorded in "Other income (expense), net" as of the fourth quarter of
2000 and fully accrued in current liabilities. As of December 31, 2001, the
judgement amount, plus accrued interest thereon, totalled $538,000. The
arbitrator's decision was appealed to the United States Federal District Court
in Massachusetts and overturned. The former vendor appealed the District Court
decision to the United States Federal Circuit Court of Appeals, which upheld the
arbitrator's original decision. The case was returned to the United States
Federal District Court where a judgement was entered. The parties have
negotiated a settlement agreement which provides for an aggregate payment in the
amount of $603,534 to be paid by the Company in weekly installments ranging from
$1,374 to $2,000, with the remaining balance due and payable on April 1, 2003.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS
(a) MARKET PRICE
There is no established trading market for the Company's Common Stock or the
Company's Class B Common Stock.
The Company's Common Stock is traded on the pink sheets. The following table
sets forth for the periods indicated the high and low sales prices.
Such quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down
or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.
First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter
------------- -------------- ------------- --------------
Fiscal year ended December 31, 2001: sales price of Common Stock
High $0.75 $1.00 No Sales $0.85
Low $0.75 $0.75 No Sales $0.85
Fiscal year ended December 31, 2000: sales price of Common Stock
High $1.00 $1.01 $1.20 $1.50
Low $1.00 $1.00 $0.50 $0.50
(b) APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF RECORD HOLDERS OF COMMON STOCK AND CLASS B COMMON
STOCK
NUMBER OF
RECORD HOLDERS
AS OF
TITLE OR CLASS MARCH 15, 2002
- -------------- --------------
Common Stock -- par value $.01 433
Class B Common Stock -- par value $.01 11
(c) DIVIDEND HISTORY
No dividends were declared by the Company on its Common Stock during 2001,
2000, or 1999. The Company has not paid a cash dividend on its Class B Common
Stock to date. The Company does not intend to pay cash dividends on either
Common Stock or Class B Common Stock in the immediate future.
ITEM 6. SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA.
The following table summarizes certain financial information derived from
the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company. The Selected Consolidated
Financial Data as of and for the fiscal years ended December 31 2001, 2000,
1999, 1998 and 1997 is derived from the Consolidated Financial Statements, as
audited by BDO Seidman, LLP, the Company's independent accountants. This
information should be read in conjunction with and is qualified by reference to
the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and the notes thereto
included herein and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations," included in the Company's prior years' Form 10-Ks.
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2001 2000 1999 1998 1997
------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA (Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share and Share Amounts)
Operating revenue $ 16,983 $ 17,671 $ 17,545 $ 18,971 $ 21,046
------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses:
Operating expenses 15,848 16,750 16,361 17,506 18,509
Depreciation and amortization 536 523 584 700 529
------------------------------------------------------------------
Total expenses 16,384 17,273 16,945 18,206 19,038
------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from operations 599 398 600 765 2,008
Interest expense, net (515) (461) (499) (398) (387)
Loss on sale of investment -- -- (1,809) -- --
Change in accounting estimate 1,058 -- -- -- --
Other income (expense), net(1) (20) (693) 3 525 1,169
------------------------------------------------------------------
Income (loss) before income taxes 1,122 (756) (1,705) 892 2,790
Provision for income taxes 46 94 91 83 --
------------------------------------------------------------------
Income (loss) from operations before
operations of discontinued harness racing subsidiary 1,076 (850) (1,796) 809 2,790
Loss from discontinued harness
racing subsidiary -- -- -- -- (2,412)
Gain from operations of discontinued harness
racing subsidiary (net of income taxes of $20,400 in 1998) 351 353 -- 1,001 2,581
------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income (loss) $ 1,427 $ (497) $ (1,796) $ 1,810 $ 2,959
==================================================================
Basic per share data:
Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.85 $ (0.67) $ (1.42) $ 0.63 $ 2.22
Income from discontinued operations 0.28 0.28 -- 0.81 0.14
------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income (loss) $ 1.13 $ (0.39) $ (1.42) $ 1.44 $ 2.36
==================================================================
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding 1,263,225 1,263,225 1,263,225 1,261,252 1,255,225
==================================================================
Diluted per share data:
Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.85 $ (0.67) $ (1.42) $ 0.63 $ 2.19
Income from discontinued operations 0.28 0.28 -- 0.78 0.13
------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income (loss) $ 1.13 $ (0.39) $ (1.42) $ 1.41 $ 2.32
==================================================================
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding 1,263,225 1,263,225 1,263,225 1,281,243 1,275,225
==================================================================
AS OF DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------------------------------
2001 2000 1999 1998 1997
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA
Working Capital deficiency $ (1,201) $ (2,186) $ (1,543) $ (3,381) $ (9,309)
Total Assets 6,913 7,780 9,413 13,369 13,581
Long-term debt(2) 3,772 4,096 4,392 5,551 997
Stockholders' equity (deficiency) (405) (1,772) (1,259) 466 (1,551)
(1) The table above reflects the Company's accounting for its former investment
in Back Bay Restaurant Group, Inc. ("BBRG") under the equity method. Other
income (expense), net contains income of approximately $157, $525, and $337
from the Company's investment in BBRG for 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
(2) Long term debt at December 31, 2001, 2000 ,1999, 1998 and 1997 excludes
$324, $295, $273, $351, and $4,373 respectively, of long term debt
reclassified as current obligations. (See Note 2 of Consolidated Financial
Statements).
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
Wonderland currently conducts live racing seven (7) nights per week, April
through September, and six (6) nights per week throughout the rest of the year.
Wonderland also offers simulcast wagering afternoons and evenings throughout the
year. The table below illustrates certain key statistics for Wonderland for each
of the past three (3) years:
2001 2000 1999
----- ---- ----
Performances 333 350 360
Simulcast days 361 363 363
Pari-mutuel handle (millions)
Live-on track $ 20 $ 23 $ 25
Live-simulcast 34 40 42
Guest-simulcast 49 50 48
---- ---- ----
$103 $113 $115
---- ---- ----
Total attendance (thousands) 290 313 348
==== ==== ====
Average per capita on site wagering $238 $233 $210
==== ==== ====
Wonderland has been granted a license to conduct up to 520 racing performances
during 2002.
OPERATING REVENUE
The Company is still experiencing a decline in total attendance and
live-on track handle caused by a variety of factors including a general decline
in the pari-mutuel racing industry, the negative effect of the ballot initiative
on greyhound racing's image, and strong competition for the wagered dollar from
the Massachusetts State Lottery and from the introduction of casino gambling and
slot machines in neighboring states. (See Item 1D, "Competition and Marketing").
2001 VERSUS 2000
Total operating revenue including parimutuel commissions declined by 4% or
approximately $ 700,000 as compared to 2000. Total handle in 2001 was $103
million as compared to $113 million in 2000. Live-on track handle decreased by
$3 million or 13% in 2001 as compared to 2000, while live-simulcast handle
decreased by $6 million or 15%. Guest-simulcast handle decreased by
approximately $1.0 million or 2% in 2001 as compared to 2000.
Wonderland had seventeen (17) fewer live racing performances in 2001 as
compared to 2000, with a 7% decrease in attendance between 2001 and 2000.
Concessions revenue decreased slightly to $1.5 million in 2001 from $1.6
million in 2000. Concessions revenue consists of food, beverage, program sales,
and advertising income.
Other operating revenue remained essentially unchanged compared to 2000.
Revenue for 2001 includes $224,000 deposited into each of the Greyhound
Promotional Trust Fund and the Greyhound Capital Improvements Trust Fund. These
funds are dedicated to reimbursement of promotional expenses and capital
improvements, respectively, incurred by Wonderland. These funds are maintained
through remittance by Wonderland of a percentage of the handle that is retained
by Wonderland after payment to bettors. Reimbursement is periodically approved
by The Commonwealth of Massachusetts to the extent that the trust fund balance
equals or exceeds the reimbursements for which the Company applied.
2000 VERSUS 1999
Total operating revenue and parimutuel commissions remained unchanged as
compared to 1999. Total handle in 2000 was $113 million as compared to $115
million in 1999. Live-on track handle decreased by $2 million or 9% in 2000 as
compared to 1999, while live-simulcast handle decreased by $2 million or 4%.
Guest-simulcast handle increased by approximately $2 million or 3% in 2000 as
compared to 1999.
Commission revenue was negatively impacted by a decline in live-on track
and guest-simulcast handle. Wonderland had ten (10) fewer live racing
performances in 2000 as compared to 1999, with a 10% decrease in attendance
between 2000 and 1999.
Concessions revenue increased slightly to $1.6 million from $1.5 million
in 2000. Concessions revenue consists of food, beverage, program sales, and
advertising income.
Other operating revenue remained essentially unchanged compared to 1999.
Revenue for 2000 includes $246,000 deposited into the Greyhound
Promotional Trust Fund and $244,000 deposited into the Greyhound Capital
Improvements Trust Fund. These funds are dedicated to reimbursement of
promotional expenses and capital improvements, respectively, incurred by
Wonderland. These funds are maintained through remittance by Wonderland of a
percentage of the handle that is retained by Wonderland after payment to
bettors. Reimbursement is periodically approved by the Commonwealth to the
extent that the trust fund balance equals or exceeds the reimbursements applied
for.
OPERATING EXPENSES 2001 VERSUS 2000
Total operating expenses were $16.4 million and $17.3 million in 2001 and
2000, respectively. Purse expense declined by 7% because of the decline in
on-track handle. Purse expense is determined by contractual agreement with the
dog owners and statutory requirements of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts based
upon on-track handle.
During 2001, administrative and operating expenses decreased by
approximately $668,000 compared to the same period in 2000. When deduction is
made for $881,000 of expenditures on the ballot initiative during 2000, baseline
administrative and operating expenses show an increase of $213,000. This
increase is primarily attributable to insurance and utility costs. (See Item
1E, "Government Regulation").
OPERATING EXPENSES 2000 VERSUS 1999
Total operating expenses were $17.3 million and $16.9 million in 2000 and
1999, respectively. Purse expense declined by 4% because of the decline in
on-track handle. Purse expense is determined by contractual agreement with the
dog owners and statutory requirements of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts based
upon on-track handle.
During 2000, administrative and operating expenses increased by
approximately $626,000 compared to the same period in 1999. When deduction is
made for $881,000 of spending on the ballot initiative, baseline administrative
and operating expenses show a decrease of $255,000.
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION
Depreciation and amortization increased in 2001 as compared to 2000 by
approximately $12,000 and decreased by approximately $61,000 in 2000 from 1999.
The Company continues to replace capital items as they become obsolete.
INTEREST EXPENSE
During 2001, interest expense increased by approximately $54,000 as
compared to 2000. The increase was the result of interest accrued on a
litigation settlement with a totalisator vendor whose amount became known at the
end of 2000. During 2000, interest expenses decreased by approximately $38,000
as compared to 1999.
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
During 2001, the Company realized $1,058,007 in income from a change in
accounting estimate related to a long-term liability. In the event that the
Company had not realized this $1,058,007, its income from continuing operations
would have been $18,000 in 2001.
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
The Company's provision for income taxes is less than the statutory federal
tax rate of 34% during 2001, 2000, and 1999 primarily due to the utilization of
available net operating loss carryforwards for which the related deferred tax
asset has been fully reserved. The provision for taxes of $46,000 in 2001,
$94,000 in 2000, and $91,000 in 1999 consists of the Federal alternative minimum
tax and state income taxes.
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Foxboro Park, Inc. ("Foxboro", which term as used herein includes its
wholly-owned subsidiaries) conducted seasonal live harness racing generally two
(2) evenings and two (2) matinees per week, while simulcasting afternoons and
evenings through July 1997. (See Item 3, "Legal Proceedings"; and Notes 3 and 5
of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). In 2001 and 2000, the Company
recognized gains of $351,000 and $353,000 resulting from the reduction of
liabilities related to discontinued operations.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Historically, the Company's primary sources of capital to finance its
businesses have been its cash flow from operations and credit facilities. The
Company's capital needs are primarily for maintenance and enhancement of the
racing facility at Wonderland, and for debt service requirements. The Company's
unrestricted cash and cash equivalents totaled approximately $12,000 at December
31, 2001, compared with approximately $141,000 at December 31, 2000. The Company
generated a cash deficit from operations of approximately $144,000 in 2001 as
compared to a deficit of $593,000 in 2000. Non-cash items included in the
Company's net income in 2001 consists of depreciation and amortization expense
of approximately $536,000, income of $1,058,000 recognized as a result of a
change in accounting estimate stemming from a long-term liability and gain of
$351,000 from the reduction of a liability related to discontinued operations.
Changes in working capital accounts including restricted cash, accounts
payable and other accrued liabilities used approximately $578,000 of cash in
2001. Net cash used in investing activities in 2001 is comprised of additions to
property, plant and equipment of approximately $121,000. Financing activities in
2001 include principal payments of debt of $295,000, and proceeds of notes
receivable from officers of $430,000.
In 2001, management implemented a number of revenue enhancing and cost
reduction programs in order to bring the Company's expense structure in line
with the reduced revenue levels it had been achieving. As a result of the
implementation of these programs, together with revenue which the Company
believes that it will generate from the recently adopted simulcast broadcasting
legislation (see Item 1, "Outlook") and new ancilliary entertainment operations,
the Company expects to fund any capital expenditures in 2002 from internally
generated cash and believes that cash flow from operations in 2002 will be
sufficient to cover its operating obligations. In addition, the Company is
currently attempting to refinance its current credit facility in part to
increase its overall working capital.
RACING SUBSIDIARY
In order to meet the requirements for renewal of racing licenses in 2003,
the Company's racing subsidiary must demonstrate that among other criteria, it
is a financially stable entity, capable of disposing of its obligations on an
annual basis. Although management is optimistic that it will be able to
demonstrate sufficient financial stability in the application for a 2003 racing
license, the Company cannot assure you that the Racing Commission will continue
to grant a license to conduct racing on the schedule presently maintained at
Wonderland.
In the event that the Company is not successful in obtaining a year 2003
racing license, the adverse impact on the Company's financial results and
position would be material.
OUTLOOK
During 2001, the Company and the owners of other area racetracks worked to
enact legislation which would permit the Company and the other greyhound track
to continue to provide simulcast broadcasting of thoroughbred racing on a much
more frequent basis, as well as providing for a decrease in the pari-mutuel
taxes paid to the Commonwealth and that the funds available from the pari-mutuel
tax decrease be made available for increases in purses and the Greyhound Capital
Improvement and Promotional Trust Funds as well as the establishment of a
Greyhound Adoption Fund and the implementation of an off-track betting system.
On November 17, 2001, the "Act Providing for Improvements to the Horse and
Greyhound Racing Industry in the Commonwealth and the Regulation Thereof" was
signed into law by the acting governor of Massachusetts. Under this new statute,
the Company and the other area racetracks are permitted to continue to provide
simulcast broadcasting of thoroughbred racing to their patrons until December
2005. The new legislation also provides that the Company is required to pay
premiums for the right to simulcast out-of-state thoroughbred and harness racing
ranging from 3% to 7% for the benefit of the purse accounts at the
Commonwealth's two (2) commercial horse racetracks. In addition to the extension
and expansion of simulcast broadcasting, this statute provides for a "purse
pool", which will be funded by taxes, fees and assessments with a minimum of
$400,000 being credited to the purse accounts of each racetrack with any
remaining portion being apportioned among the racetracks pursuant to a formula
to be devised by the State Racing Commission. All unclaimed simulcast wagers
collected at each racetrack are to be deposited with the Massachusetts State
Racing Commission for payment to the purse accounts of the individual racetracks
responsible for such unclaimed wagers. During 2001, the Company received a
one-time grant of $300,035 from the Commonwealth for the purpose of funding
capital improvements and repairs to its facility and equipment. Finally, the new
statute authorizes account wagering at each of the individual racetracks and
establishes a nine member special commission to study the feasibility of an
off-track betting program in Massachusetts.
Despite the enactment of this legislation and the potential for increases
in cash flow from such legislation, management does not believe that this new
legislation in its current state will materially benefit the Company's overall
racing operations.
Management has worked diligently over the last several years in attempting
to convince the Governor and the Legislature of The Commonwealth of
Massachusetts of the need to allow the Commonwealth's commercial racetracks to
offer their patrons expanded gaming opportunities. The Massachusetts state
legislature took no action on gaming in the year 2001 and no gaming legislation
is currently anticipated in 2002. The Company cannot predict whether such
legislation will ever be enacted or enacted on favorable terms.
Management continues to examine the full range of strategic alternatives
available in an effort to maximize shareholder value, including the benefits and
disadvantages of remaining a public company, particularly in light of the lack
of a meaningful trading market for its common stock.
IMPACT OF INFLATION AND CHANGING PRICES
Certain of the Company's operating expenses, such as wages and benefits,
equipment repair and replacement, and inventory and marketing costs, increase
with general inflation. In order for the Company to cope with inflation, it
must, to the extent permitted by competition and patron acceptance, pass
increased cost on by periodically increasing prices. The Company is limited in
its ability to offset the effects of inflation by increasing its percentage of
handle because this percentage is governed by statute.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
In accordance with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Release Nos.
33-8040, 34-45149 and FR-60, the Company's Critical Accounting Policies are as
follows:
ESCROWED CASH
Escrowed cash is related to the operations of Wonderland and includes
amounts held by The Commonwealth of Massachusetts in trust funds (for capital
improvements and advertising/promotion). Wonderland funds these costs and
requests reimbursements from the trust funds. Wonderland is reimbursed upon
approval by the Commonwealth.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
The Company's annual revenues are mainly derived from the net commission
that it receives from wagers made by patrons during its live-on track racing
performances, live and guest-simulcast racing performances and from admission
and concession charges at such performances. Inter-track receivables and
payables are dependent on the accuracy of an independent totalistar vendor. This
vendor's system has been independently reviewed and deemed reliable.
USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting periods. Estimates that could impact on the Company's results of
operations include those relating to settlement of liabilities related to
discontinued operations, contractual obligations and other accrued expenses.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") finalized
FASB Statements No. 141, "Business Combinations" ("SFAS No. 141"), and No. 142,
"Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" ("SFAS No. 142"). SFAS No. 141 requires
the use of the purchase method of accounting and prohibits the use of the
pooling-of-interests method accounting for business combinations initiated after
June 30, 2001. SFAS No. 141 also requires that the Company recognize acquired
intangible assets apart from goodwill if they meet certain criteria. SFAS No.
141 applies to all business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001 and for
purchase business combinations completed on or after July 1, 2001. It also
requires, upon adoption of SFAS No. 142, that the Company reclassify the
carrying amounts of intangible assets and goodwill based on the criteria in SFAS
No. 141.
SFAS No. 142 requires, among other things, that companies no longer
amortize goodwill, but instead test goodwill for impairment at least annually.
In addition, SFAS No. 142 requires that companies identify reporting units for
the purposes of assessing potential future impairments of goodwill, reassess the
useful lives of other existing recognized intangible assets, and cease
amortization of intangible assets with an indefinite useful life. An intangible
asset with an indefinite useful life should be tested for impairment in
accordance with the guidance in SFAS No. 142. SFAS No. 142 is required to be
applied in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001 to all goodwill and
other intangible assets recognized at that date, regardless of when those assets
were initially recognized.
The Company does not have any goodwill nor has it acquired other intangible
assets. Accordingly, the Company does not expect adoption of these new standards
to affect its financial statements as they relate to previous transactions.
In October 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets," which addresses financial
accounting and reporting for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets.
This statement supersedes SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of
Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of," and APB Opinion
No. 30, "Reporting the Results of Operations - Reporting the Effects of Disposal
of a Segment of a Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently
Occurring Events and Transactions for the Disposal of a Segment of a Business."
SFAS No. 144 became effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15,
2001. The Company reviews the carrying values of its long-lived and identifiable
intangible assets for possible impairment whenever events or changes in
circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of the assets may not be
recoverable. Any long-lived assets held for disposal are reported at the lower
of their carrying amounts or fair values less costs or fair values less costs to
sell. The Company expects to adopt SFAS 144 in the first quarter of fiscal year
2002 and is currently reviewing the effects of adopting SFAS 144 on its
financial position and results of operations.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements contained throughout this annual report constitute
"forward-looking statements" as that term is defined under the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements
involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause
the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, or industry
results, to be materially different from those contemplated or projected,
forecasted, estimated or budgeted in or expressed or implied by such
forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the following:
general economic and business conditions; industry trends, changes in business
strategy or development plans; availability and quality of management; and
availability, terms and deployment of capital. SPECIAL ATTENTION SHOULD BE PAID
TO SUCH FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, STATEMENTS
RELATING TO (I) THE COMPANY'S ABILITY TO EXECUTE ITS BUSINESS STRATEGY, (II) THE
COMPANY'S ABILITY TO OBTAIN SUFFICIENT RESOURCES TO FINANCE ITS WORKING CAPITAL
AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURE NEEDS AND PROVIDE FOR ITS OBLIGATIONS, AND (III) THE
STATEMENTS CONTAINED IN THIS ITEM.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
The Company has no material exposure to market risk that could affect its
future results of operations and financial condition. Risks and uncertainties,
including those not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial,
may impair our business. The Company does not use derivative products and does
not have any material unhedged monetary assets. (See Item 7, "Liquidity and
Capital Resources").
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PAGE
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANTS 15
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 16-17
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS 18
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN
STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIENCY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) 19
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 20
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 21
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of The Westwood Group, Inc. and
Subsidiaries
Revere, Massachusetts
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The Westwood
Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2001 and 2000 and the related
consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders' deficiency and
comprehensive income (loss) and cash flows for each of the three years in the
period ended December 31, 2001. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance as to whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects the consolidated financial position of The Westwood Group,
Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2001 and 2000, and the consolidated
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 2001, in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America.
BDO SEIDMAN, LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
February 9, 2002
THE WESTWOOD GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31,
2001 2000
------------------------------
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 12,355 $ 141,310
Restricted cash 345,294 355,615
Escrowed cash 180,608 80,041
Accounts receivable 42,825 88,206
Notes receivable from officers, short-
term portion (Note 11) 468,939 431,136
Prepaid expenses and other current
assets 136,730 108,370
------------------------------
Total current assets 1,186,751 1,204,678
------------------------------
Property, plant and equipment (Note 2):
Land 348,066 348,066
Building and building improvements 18,663,406 18,593,939
Machinery and equipment 4,697,751 4,615,432
------------------------------
23,709,223 23,557,437
Less accumulated depreciation and
amortization (18,942,335) (18,443,132)
------------------------------
Net property, plant and equipment 4,766,888 5,114,305
------------------------------
Other assets:
Deferred financing costs, less accumulated
amortization of $121,432 and $85,002
at December 31, 2001 and 2000,
respectively 60,716 97,146
Notes receivable from officers, long-
term portion (Note ll) 847,593 1,315,208
Other assets, net 51,171 48,871
------------------------------
Total other assets 959,480 1,461,225
------------------------------
Total assets $ 6,913,119 $ 7,780,208
==============================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
THE WESTWOOD GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Continued)
DECEMBER 31,
2001 2000
------------------------------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIENCY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities
(Notes 5 and 10) $ 1,452,237 $ 2,108,881
Discontinued Operations (Note 3) -- 351,000
Outstanding parimutuel tickets 611,107 635,355
Currrent maturities of long-term debt (Note 2) 324,525 295,225
------------------------------
Total current liabilities 2,387,869 3,390,461
Long-term debt, less current maturities (Note 2)
3,772,186 4,096,172
Accrued executive bonus, long-term portion 54,352 147,880
Other long-term liabilities (Notes 4 and 8) 1,104,145 1,917,521
------------------------------
Total liabilities 7,318,552 9,552,034
------------------------------
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 5 and 8)
Stockholders' deficiency (Note 6):
Common stock, $.01 par value; authorized
3,000,000 shares; 1,944,409 shares issued 19,444 19,444
Class B Common stock, $.01 par value; authorized
1,000,000 shares; 912,615 shares issued 9,126 9,126
Additional paid-in capital 13,379,275 13,379,275
Accumulated deficit (5,593,645) (7,020,652)
Other comprehensive loss (254,851) (194,237)
Cost of 1,593,199 common and 600 Class B
common shares in treasury (7,964,782) (7,964,782)
------------------------------
Total stockholders' deficiency (405,433) (1,771,826)
------------------------------
Total liabilities and stockholders' deficiency $ 6,913,119 $ 7,780,208
==============================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
THE WESTWOOD GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Years Ended December 31,
2001 2000 1999
---- ---- ----
OPERATING REVENUE:
Pari-mutuel commissions $ 13,496,411 $ 14,215,269 $ 14,202,476
Concessions and other 1,490,150 1,565,250 1,511,922
Other 1,996,224 1,890,289 1,830,984
------------ ------------ ------------
Total operating revenue 16,982,785 17,670,808 17,545,382
------------ ------------ ------------
Operating expenses:
Wages, taxes and benefits 6,394,118 6,302,820 6,344,951
Purses 3,807,916 4,108,685 4,301,987
Cost of food and beverage 437,421 461,648 464,267
Administrative and operating 5,208,220 5,876,152 5,250,234
Depreciation and amortization 535,633 523,545 584,273
------------ ------------ ------------
Total operating expenses 16,383,308 17,272,850 16,945,712
------------ ------------ ------------
Income from operations 599,477 397,958 599,670
------------ ------------ ------------
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net (514,632) (461,078) (499,264)
Loss on sale of investment (Note 9) -- -- (1,809,108)
Other income (expense), net (Note 11) (20,459) (692,740) 2,900
Change in accounting estimate (Note 12) 1,058,007 -- --
------------ ------------ ------------
Total other income (expense) 522,916 (1,153,818) (2,305,472)
------------ ------------ ------------
Income (loss) from operations before
provision for income taxes 1,122,393 (755,860) (1,705,802)
Provision for income taxes (Note 7) 46,386 93,605 90,600
------------ ------------ ------------
Income (loss) from continuing operations 1,076,007 (849,465) (1,796,402)
Gain from discontinued harness racing
subsidiary (Note 3) 351,000 353,420 --
------------ ------------ ------------
Net income (loss) $ 1,427,007 $ (496,045) $ (1,796,402)
============ ============ ============
Basic and diluted per share data:
Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.85 $ (0.67) $ (1.42)
Income from discontinued operations 0.28 0.28 --
------------ ------------ ------------
Net income (loss) $ 1.13 $ (0.39) $ (1.42)
============ ============ ============
Basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding 1,263,225 1,263,225 1,263,225
============ ============ ============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
THE WESTWOOD GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIENCY AND COMPREHENSIVE
INCOME (LOSS)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2001, 2000, AND 1999
Common Class B Additional Accumulated
Stock Common Stock Paid-In Capital Deficit
----- ------------ --------------- -------
Balance December 31, 1998 $ 19,444 $ 9,126 $ 13,379,275 $ (4,728,205)
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net loss -- -- -- (1,796,402)
Pension liability adjustment -- -- -- --
Total comprehensive income (loss) -- -- -- --
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Balance December 31, 1999 19,444 9,126 13,379,275 (6,524,607)
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net loss -- -- -- (496,045)
Pension liability adjustment -- -- -- --
Total comprehensive income (loss) -- -- -- --
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Balance December 31, 2000 19,444 9,126 13,379,275 (7,020,652)
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net income -- -- -- 1,427,007
Pension liability adjustment -- -- -- --
Total comprehensive income (loss) -- -- -- --
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Balance December 31, 2001 $ 19,444 $ 9,126 $ 13,379,275 $ (5,593,645)
============ ============ ============ ============
Total
Other Stockholders'
Comprehensive Treasury Equity
Loss Stock (Deficiency)
------------- -------- ------------
Balance December 31, 1998 $ (249,404) $ (7,964,782) $ 465,454
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net loss -- -- --
Pension liability adjustment 71,514 -- --
Total comprehensive income (loss) -- -- (1,724,888)
------------ ------------ ------------
Balance December 31, 1999 (177,890) (7,964,782) (1,259,434)
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net loss -- -- --
Pension liability adjustment (16,347) -- --
Total comprehensive income (loss) -- -- (512,392)
------------ ------------ ------------
Balance December 31, 2000 (194,237) (7,964,782) (1,771,826)
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net income -- -- --
Pension liability adjustment (60,614) -- --
Total comprehensive income (loss) -- -- 1,366,393
------------ ------------ ------------
Balance December 31, 2001 $ (254,851) $ (7,964,782) $ (405,433)
============ ============ ============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
THE WESTWOOD GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Year Ended December 31,
2001 2000 1999
---- ---- ----
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income (loss) $ 1,427,007 $ (496,045) $(1,796,402)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to
net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Gain from discontinued harness
racing subsidiary (351,000) (353,420) --
Depreciation and amortization 535,633 523,545 584,273
Change in accounting estimate (1,058,007) -- --
Loss on sale of investment in subsidiary -- -- 1,809,108
Minimum pension liability adjustment (60,614) (16,347) 71,514
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash 10,321 286,178 (556,035)
Decrease (increase) in escrowed cash (100,567) 20,469 (16,216)
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable 45,381 (47,334) (76,217)
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other
current assets (28,360) 1,620 58,974
Decrease (increase) in other assets, net (2,300) 9,970 --
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and other
accrued liabilities (687,901) 129,405 (58,444)
Increase (decrease) in outstanding parimutuel
tickets (24,248) (3,105) 16,013
Increase (decrease) in accrued executive bonus
long-term portion (93,528) (287,935) 2,592
Increase (decrease) in other long term liabilities 244,631 (359,718) (436,106)
----------- ----------- -----------
Total adjustments (1,570,559) (96,672) 1,399,456
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash used in operating activities (143,552) (592,717) (396,946)
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Issuance of promissory notes receivable -- -- (2,703,108)
Additions to property, plant and equipment (120,529) (88,027) (128,129)
Proceeds of sale of investment in subsidiary -- -- 2,703,108
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash used in investing activities (120,529) (88,027) (128,129)
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from short-term debt -- 338,000 --
Repayments of short-term debt -- (338,000) --
Principal payments of debt (294,686) (273,080) (267,033)
Decrease in notes receivable, officers 429,812 752,025 946,755
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash provided by financing activities 135,126 478,945 679,722
----------- ----------- -----------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (128,955) (201,799) 154,647
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 141,310 343,109 188,462
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year $ 12,355 $ 141,310 $ 343,109
=========== =========== ===========
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest $ 427,060 $ 458,312 $ 463,396
=========== =========== ===========
Income taxes $ 48,765 $ 230,379 $ 71,626
=========== =========== ===========
Non-cash investing activities:
During 1999 the Company sold an investment in a subsidiary for $4,040,706, of
which $1,337,598 was a cancellation of a note payable and related accrued
interest (See Note 9).
The Company recorded capital lease obligations of $31,257 and $27,831 in 2001
and 2000, respectively.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
THE WESTWOOD GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
The Company operates primarily in one business segment through its
pari-mutuel racing subsidiary. Wonderland Greyhound Park, Inc. ("Wonderland" or
"Wonderland Park") is a pari-mutuel greyhound racing facility located in
Revere, Massachusetts. The Company also operated Foxboro Park, a pari-mutuel
harness racing facility located in Foxboro, Massachusetts through the date of
eviction in July, 1997. The Company's Foxboro harness racing operations were
discontinued during 1997.
The Wonderland facility includes a one-quarter mile sand track, a
physical plant consisting of a climate controlled grandstand and clubhouse and a
two-story administrative center. The Company maintains and operates two full
service restaurants, a sports bar and other concession facilities at the
racetrack. The racetrack facility can accommodate 10,000 patrons. The average
attendance per performance in 2001 was approximately 871 persons. The complex
encompasses a total of approximately 35 acres, including paved and lighted
parking providing capacity for approximately 2,300 cars.
Wonderland provides its patrons with a variety of entertainment options
including live racing and full card simulcast wagering.
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the
Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All material intercompany
transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash investments with maturities of three months or less at the time of
their purchase are classified as cash equivalents.
RESTRICTED CASH
Restricted cash is related to funds dedicated to payment of the
Company's liability for outstanding pari-mutuel tickets. Unclaimed winnings from
pari-mutuel wagering are held by Wonderland until they become payable to the
Commonwealth by the operation of unclaimed property statutes.
ESCROWED CASH
Escrowed cash is related to the operations of Wonderland and includes
amounts held by The Commonwealth of Massachusetts in trust funds (for capital
improvements and advertising/promotion). Wonderland funds these costs and
requests reimbursement from the trust funds. Wonderland is reimbursed upon
approval by the Commonwealth.
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost and are depreciated
using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:
ASSET CLASSIFICATION ESTIMATED USEFUL LIFE
- -------------------- ---------------------
Buildings and improvements 30 Years
Machinery and equipment 5-10 Years
Gains or losses are recognized upon the disposal of property, plant and
equipment, and the related accumulated depreciation and amortization are
adjusted accordingly. Losses are also recognized on buildings and improvements
in the event of a permanent impairment to their value, as determined by
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 121 ("SFAS No. 121") "Accounting
for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed
of" issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board. Maintenance, repairs and
betterments that do not enhance the value of or increase the life of the assets
are charged to operations as incurred.
Depreciation and amortization expense (excluding amortization of
deferred charges) of approximately $500,000, $487,000, and $548,000 was recorded
for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2000, and 1999, respectively.
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
As of December 31, 2001 and 2000, the following methods and assumptions
were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for
which it is practical to estimate. The carrying amount of cash equivalents
approximates the fair value due to their short-term maturity. The fair value of
the Company's long-term debt is estimated based on the quoted market prices for
the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered to the Company for
debt of the same remaining maturities.
CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to credit
risk consist of cash equivalents and accounts receivable. The Company's policy
is to limit the amount of credit exposure to any one financial institution and
place investments with financial institutions evaluated as being creditworthy.
Concentration of credit risk, with respect to accounts receivable, is limited
due to the Company's credit evaluation process. The Company does not require
collateral from its customers. The Company's accounts receivable balance is
comprised principally of amounts due from other race tracks. Historically, the
Company has not incurred any significant credit related losses.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
The Company's annual revenues are mainly derived from the net
commission that it receives from wagers made by patrons during its live-on track
racing performances, live and guest simulcast racing performances and from
admission and concession charges at such performances. Inter-track receivables
and payables are dependent on the accuracy of an independent totalistor vendor.
This vendor's system has been independently reviewed and deemed reliable.
INCOME TAXES
The Company uses the liability method of accounting for income taxes.
Under this method, deferred income taxes are provided based on the estimated
future tax effects of differences between financial statement carrying amounts
and the tax basis of existing assets and liabilities. The Company's policy is to
record a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets unless it is more
likely than not that such assets will be realized in future periods. The Company
considers estimated future taxable income or loss and other available evidence
when assessing the need for its deferred tax asset valuation allowance.
INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE
The Company follows Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128
("SFAS No. 128"), Earnings per Share, issued by the Financial Accounting
Standards Board. Basic net income (loss) per share is computed using the
weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted
net income (loss) per share is computed using the weighted average number of
common shares and potentially dilutive common shares, consisting of stock
options with an exercise price below the average market price of common shares.
In 2001, the Company had net income, however, stock options were excluded from
the computation of diluted shares because their exercise prices were above the
average market price of the common shares. The Company's stock options did not
have a dilutive effect in 2000 or 1999 since the Company
incurred a net loss (See Note 6).
USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
ADVERTISING
The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising expense
was approximately $181,000, $128,000, and $99,000 for the years ended December
31, 2001, 2000, and 1999 respectively.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB")
finalized FASB Statements No. 141, "Business Combinations" ("SFAS No. 141"), and
No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" ("SFAS No. 142"). SFAS No. 141
requires the use of the purchase method of accounting and prohibits the use of
the pooling-of-interests method accounting for business combinations initiated
after June 30, 2001. SFAS No. 141 also requires that the Company recognize
acquired intangible assets apart from goodwill if they meet certain criteria.
SFAS No. 141 applies to all business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001
and for purchase business combinations completed on or after July 1, 2001. It
also requires, upon adoption of SFAS No. 142, that the Company reclassify the
carrying amounts of intangible assets and goodwill based on the criteria in SFAS
No. 141.
SFAS No. 142 requires, among other things, that companies no longer
amortize goodwill, but instead test goodwill for impairment at least annually.
In addition, SFAS No. 142 requires that companies identify reporting units for
the purposes of assessing potential future impairments of goodwill, reassess the
useful lives of other existing recognized intangible assets, and cease
amortization of intangible assets with an indefinite useful life. An intangible
asset with an indefinite useful life should be tested for impairment in
accordance with the guidance in SFAS No. 142. SFAS No. 142 is required to be
applied in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001 to all goodwill and
other intangible assets recognized at that date, regardless of when those assets
were initially recognized.
The Company does not have any goodwill nor has it acquired other intangible
assets. Accordingly, the Company does not expect adoption of these new standards
to affect its financial statements as they relate to previous transactions.
In October 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets," which addresses financial
accounting and reporting for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets.
This statement supersedes SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of
Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of," and APB Opinion
No. 30, "Reporting the Results of Operations - Reporting the Effects of Disposal
of a Segment of a Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently
Occurring Events and Transactions for the Disposal of a Segment of a Business."
SFAS No. 144 became effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15,
2001. The Company reviews the carrying values of its long-lived and identifiable
intangible assets for possible impairment whenever events or changes in
circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of the assets may not be
recoverable. Any long-lived assets held for disposal are reported at the lower
of their carrying amounts or fair values less costs or fair values less costs to
sell. The Company expects to adopt SFSAS No. 144 in the first quarter of fiscal
year 2002 and is currently reviewing the effects of adopting SFSAS No. 144 on
its financial position and results of operations.
2. LONG TERM DEBT
31-Dec-01 31-Dec-00
--------- ---------
9.5% Century Bank and Trust Company ("Century Bank") term loan,
requiring 60 monthly payments of principal and interest of $58,319
beginning August 1, 1998, collateralized by a mortgage and security
interest in all real estate and personal property located at
Wonderland Greyhound Park. $4,096,711 $4,391,397
Less:
Current maturities 324,525 295,225
---------- ----------
Long - term portion $3,772,186 $4,096,172
========== ==========
The final payment on the loan is to be made on July 1, 2003 in the
amount of $3,568,204. The Company is currently negotiating a refinancing of its
loan.
The note agreement contains certain restrictive covenants including the
maintenance of certain financial ratios and debt coverage requirements. The note
is collateralized by a mortgage and security interest in all real estate and
personal property at Wonderland Greyhound Park.
3. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
In 1996, litigation ensued between Foxboro Realty Associates, LLC, et
al. and the Company, its subsidiary Foxboro Park, Inc., et al., over Foxboro's
right to occupy Foxboro Raceway. The Court issued an execution pursuant to which
Foxboro was evicted from the racetrack on July 31, 1997. As a result the Company
discontinued its harness racing operations. In the fourth quarter of 2001 and
2000, the Company recognized a gain of $351,000 and $353,420, respectively,
resulting from the reduction of liabilities related to discontinued operations.
As of December 31, 2001, there are no remaining liabilities related to
discontinued operations.
4. OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
Other long-term liabilities include approximately $469,000 and $417,000
at December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively, of fees owed to a law firm
primarily related to litigation in prior years. Such outstanding amounts are
currently payable at $1,000 per week. Current maturities of $52,000 are
included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities.
Also included in other long-term liabilities at December 31, 2001 is
approximately $274,000 for a settlement of liability to a former vendor. The
outstanding amount is currently payable in weekly installments. Current
maturities related to the vendor settlement of approximately $265,000 are
included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities at December 31, 2001. The
remaining balance consists of deferred compensation and deferred pension payable
of $103,999 and $257,146 for 2001, respectively and $111,908 and $302,560 for
2000, respectively.
5. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
PLEDGES OF ASSETS
A certificate of deposit for $139,000 had been pledged to collateralize
a performance bond for Wonderland, which is required annually by the Racing
Commission for all race tracks. The bond is for $125,000. To meet working
capital needs connected with the "Ballot Initiative" the Company gave, in
November 2000, a second mortgage to Century Bank & Trust Company of Medford,
MA. In return, Century Bank issued a letter of credit securing the Company's
racing bond with the Massachusetts State Racing Commission for the 2001 racing
license. In January 2001 this transaction was completed, enabling the
certificate of deposit that had previously been used to secure the racing bond
to be used for the Company's working capital needs.
RACING LICENSE
In order to meet the requirements for renewal of racing licenses,
Wonderland must demonstrate, on an annual basis, that it is a financially
viable entity, capable of disposing of its obligations on a timely basis. The
racing license has been granted for the 2002 calendar year. Although management
is optimistic that it will be able to demonstrate financial stability in their
applications for a year 2003 racing license, there can be no assurance that the
Racing Commission will continue to grant licenses to conduct racing on the
schedules presently maintained at Wonderland. In the event that the Company is
not successful in obtaining a year 2003 racing license, the adverse impact on
the Company would be material.
LEASE COMMITMENT
Totalisator equipment rent (which is primarily based on the handle per
performance) was approximately $342,000, $292,000, and $403,000 in 2001, 2000,
and 1999, respectively. Future minimum payments are due at amounts calculated as
a percentage of the Company's total handle amounts. The Company is also liable
for numerous operating leases for automobiles and other equipment. The future
minimum lease commitments relating to noncancelable operating leases as of
December 31, 2001 are immaterial.
In 2001 and 2000, the Company entered into capital leases for various
operating equipment items.
As of December 31, 2001, future minimum lease payments under capital
leases were as follows:
Year ended December 31,
- -----------------------
2002 $25,809
2003 21,819
2004 18,176
2005 3,146
-------
Total maximum lease payments 68,950
Amount representing interest @ 9.8% (8,969)
-------
Present value of minimum lease payments $59,981
=======
Current portion of lease payments $20,847
Long-term portion of lease payments 39,134
-------
$59,981
=======
LITIGATION
The Company is subject to various legal proceedings that arise in the
ordinary course of its business.
In 1996 litigation ensued between Foxboro Realty Associates, LLC, et
al. and the Company, its subsidiary Foxboro Park, Inc., et al. in Norfolk
Superior Court in Massachusetts, over Foxboro Park's right to occupy Foxboro
Raceway. The Court issued an execution pursuant to which Foxboro Park was
Evicted from the racetrack on July 31, 1997. The parties appealed to the
Massachusetts Appeals Court on January 27, 1998.
On July 8, 1998, Foxboro Route 1 Limited Partnership, et al., filed a
civil action in Suffolk Superior Court in Massachusetts against The Westwood
Group, Inc., Wonderland Greyhound Park, Inc., et al., seeking payment for use
and occupancy of Foxboro Raceway, and other damages, from 1992 through July
1997.
On January 30, 2001, the above-mentioned cases were settled without
monetary damages to either party.
In January 2001, the Company lost at arbitration a claim brought
against it by a former totalisator vendor. The judgement amount was $468,000.
This amount has been recorded in "Other income (expense), net" as of the fourth
quarter of 2000 and fully accrued in current liabilities. As of December 31,
2001, the judgement amount, plus accrued interest thereon, totalled
approximately $538,000. The arbitrator's decision was appealed to the United
States Federal District Court in Massachusetts and overturned. The former vendor
appealed the District Court decision to the United States Federal Circuit Court
of Appeals, that upheld the arbitrator's original decision. The case was
returned to the United States Federal District Court where a judgement was
entered. The parties have negotiated a settlement agreement which provides for
an aggregate payment in the amount of $603,534 to be paid by the Company in
weekly installments ranging from $1,374 to $2,000, with the remaining balance
due and payable on April 1, 2003.
6. COMMON STOCK, STOCK OPTION AND GRANT PLANS
The Company follows SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation". SFAS No. 123 allows the Company to account for its stock-based
compensation plans based upon either a fair value method or the intrinsic value
method. The Company has elected to follow the intrinsic value method of
accounting for stock-based compensations plans prescribed under Accounting
Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees".
Under SFAS No. 123, the Company is required to disclose the effects of applying
the fair value method on the net income or loss.
In October 1995, the Board of Directors approved and ratified the
granting of non-qualified stock options. These options were granted to the
Directors of the Company to purchase shares of common stock at an option price
equal to the fair market value of the Company's common stock at the date the
options were granted. The stock options vested over five years and have a life
of ten years. The Company's stock options activity is summarized as follows:
Number Exercise
of Shares Price
--------- -----
Balance, December 31, 1998 288,834 $3.00
Terminated (5,000) 3.00
-------
Balance, December 31, 1999 283,834 3.00
Terminated (26,334) 3.00
------- -----
Balance,December 31, 2000 and 2001 257,500 3.00
======= =====
The Company's total stock options outstanding of 257,500 at December
31, 2001 expire as follows: 165,000 in October 2002, 50,000 in October 2005, and
42,500 in November 2007.
The Company has computed the pro forma disclosures required under SFAS
No. 123 for stock options using the Black-Scholes option pricing model
prescribed by SFAS No. 123 for December 31, 2000 and 1999. The stock options
were fully vested as of December 31, 2001.
The assumptions used and the weighted average information for the years
ended December 31, 2000 and 1999 are as follows:
Risk-free interest rates 7.5%
Expected dividend yield 2.5%
Expected lives 10 years
Expected volatility 45%
Weighted average fair value of
options on date of grant $5.18
Weighted-average exercise price $3.00
Weighed-average remaining
contractual life of options
outstanding 9 years
The effect of applying SFAS No. 123 for the years ended December 31,
2000 and 1999, is as follows:
2000 1999
---- ----
Net income (loss) As reported $(496,045) $(1,796,402)
Pro forma $(538,740) $(1,839,097)
Net income (loss) per basic share As reported $ (0.39) $ (1.42)
Pro forma $ (0.43) $ (1.46)
Net income (loss) per diluted share As reported (0.39) $ (1.42)
Pro forma $ (0.43) $ (1.46)
7. INCOME TAXES
The Company's provision for income taxes for the years ended December
31, 2001, and 2000 represents state income taxes. The provision for year ended
1999 represents alternative minimum federal taxes and state taxes.
The Company's effective tax rates differ from amounts computed by
applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income (loss) from continuing
operations before income taxes, as follows:
For the year ended 2001 2000 1999
- ------------------ ---- ---- ----
Statutory federal income tax rate 34.0% (34.0)% (34.0)%
(Increase) decrease in deferred tax -- 34.0 34.0
Valuation allowance
Non-taxable change in estimate (34.0) -- --
State income taxes 4.1 12.3 0.5
Alternative minimum tax -- -- 4.8
Utilization of carry forward losses -- -- --
---- ---- ----
Income tax rate 4.1% 12.3% 5.3%
==== ==== ====
The tax effects of the significant temporary differences which comprise the
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
December 31,
2001 2000
---- ----
DEFERRED TAX ASSETS (in thousands)
Net operating loss carryforwards $ 2,242 $ 2,308
Fixed assets 456 $ 526
Deferred compensation 44 $ 47
Miscellaneous operating reserves 416 $ 184
Deferred pension 1 $ 43
Capitalized expenses 22 $ 20
------- -------
Gross deferred assets 3,181 $ 3,128
Less valuation allowance (3,181) $ (3,128)
------- --------
Net deferred assets $ -- $ --
======= ========
The Company's net operating loss carryforwards begin expiring as of
December 31, 2008. The net operating loss carryforwards, amounting to $5.61
million, expire as follows (in thousands) $1,480 in 2008, $43 in 2010, $437 in
2011, $3,546 in 2012 and $104 in 2013. The Company has fully reserved for all
net deferred tax assets as future realization of these assets is not presently
determinable.
8. PENSION PLANS AND RETIREMENT BENEFITS
The Company contributed $93,033, $44,247, and $80,778 in 2001, 2000,
and 1999, respectively, to three multi-employer pension plans for employees
covered by collective bargaining agreements. These plans are not administered by
the Company and contributions are determined in accordance with the provisions
of negotiated labor contracts. The Company maintains a defined benefit
retirement plan for certain other union employees and one for non-union
employees. The plan provides a benefit of a flat dollar amount, determined by
the collective bargaining agreement with the union. Company contributions to
this plan totaled $104,962, $123,170, and $153,643 in 2001, 2000, and 1999,
respectively. Benefits under the plan are provided by a group annuity contract
purchased from an insurance carrier. The expense for this plan includes
amortization of the cost of providing plan benefits for past service over a
period of approximately 14 years. The Company's funding policy is to contribute
amounts annually to the Plan, subject to the Internal Revenue Service and ERISA
minimum required and maximum allowable funding limitations. The following table
sets forth the plan's funded status at December 31, 2001 and 2000:
2001 2000
---- ----
Actuarial present value of benefit obligation:
Accumulated benefit obligation, including
vested benefits of $1,205,017 and $1,264,282 for
2001 and 2000, respectively. $(1,239,862) $ (1,302,656)
=========== ============
Projected benefit obligation $(1,239,862) $ (1,302,656)
Plan assets at fair value 982,716 1,000,096
Unrecognized losses (254,852) (194,238)
Adjustment for minimum liability 254,852 194,238
----------- ------------
Adjusted accrued pension cost (included in
other long term liabilities $ (257,146) $ (302,560)
=========== ============
Net periodic pension cost included the following components:
For the years ended December 31:
2001 2000 1999
---- ---- ----
Service cost- benefits earned during the period $ -- $ -- $ --
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 85,485 95,619 91,557
Actual return on plan assets 52,952 (8,392) (95,989)
Net gain (loss) during the year, deferred for later
recognition (139,503) (69,024) 37,361
-------- --------- ----------
Net periodic pension cost (benefit) $ (1,066) $ 18,203 $ 32,929
======== ========= ==========
Assumptions used in accounting for the above pension information
included a discount rate of 7.25% for the years ended December 31, 2001 and
2000, and an expected long-term rate of return of 8.5% for all years presented.
The following tables set forth pension obligations and plan assets as
of December 31, 2001 and 2000:
Change in benefit obligation:
2001 2000
---- ----
Benefit obligation as of January 1 $ 1,302,656 $ 1,348,085
Interest cost 85,485 95,619
Actuarial gain (78,889) (56,333)
Benefits paid (69,390) (84,715)
----------- ------------
Benefit obligation as of December 31 $ 1,239,862 $ 1,302,656
=========== ============
Change in plan assets:
Fair value as of January 1 $ 1,000,096 $ 953,249
Actual return on plan assets (52,952) 8,392
Company contribution 104,962 123,170
Benefits paid (69,390) (84,715)
----------- ------------
Fair value as of December 31 $ 982,716 $ 1,000,096
=========== ============
The Company amended the defined benefit plan in connection with the
renewal of a collective bargaining agreement. The amendment provides that as of
January 31, 1998, benefit accruals under the plan will be frozen for those
active employees who accrued benefits under the plan before January 31, 1998.
The amendment further provides that on and after January 31, 1998, employees
hired by Wonderland will no longer be eligible to join the plan. The Company
will make contributions on behalf of these employees at a fixed rate to the
union 401(k) plan based upon hours worked. These contributions commenced in
1998.
During 1997 the Company established separate 401(k) plans for union and nonunion
employees, respectively. The plans are administered by an insurance company. The
Company made contributions on behalf of certain union employees based upon a
fixed rate and performances worked. The total of these contributions was
approximately $71,000, $71,000, and $72,000, for the years ended December 31,
2001, 2000, and 1999, respectively.
The Company also has employment contracts with certain retired
employees which provide for the payment of retirement benefits, the cost of
which has been accrued during their active employment.
Expense for all retirement plans of the Company for the years ended
December 31, 2001, 2000, and 1999 was approximately $269,000, $278,000, and
$279,000, respectively.
9. SALE OF INVESTMENTS
During 1994, the Company and Back Bay Restaurant Group jointly pursued
a series of transactions, the effect of which resulted in the control of Back
Bay Restaurant Group no longer resting with the Company. Accordingly, the
Company began accounting for its investments in Back Bay Restaurant Group under
the equity method.
On December 31, 1998, the Company owned approximately 673,000, or 19%,
of the outstanding shares of Back Bay Restaurant Group.
On September 24, 1999, the Company entered into a Stock Purchase
Agreement with Charles F. Sarkis, pursuant to which Mr. Sarkis purchased 450,518
shares of common stock of Back Bay Restaurant Group.
Immediately prior to consummation of the transactions contemplated by
the Stock Purchase Agreement and the Stock Repurchase Agreement, the Company was
the majority stockholder of Back Bay Restaurant Group, which had gone private in
April, 1999.
The aggregate purchase price of the stock was $2,703,108. In exchange
for the delivery of the shares, Mr. Sarkis delivered a promissory note in the
amount of the purchase price and a stock pledge agreement relating to the
shares. Under the terms of the note, Mr. Sarkis paid the Company $500,927 on
November 4, 1999, $500,000 was paid on December 16, 1999, $351,554 was paid on
January 31, 2000, $338,000 was paid on December 1, 2000, and $350,000 was paid
August 17, 2001. The remaining outstanding principal balance and all accrued
interest is to be paid in two equal installments of principal on December 16,
2002 and December 16, 2003. The balance outstanding under the note was $910,004
at December 31, 2001.
Simultaneously with the execution of the Stock Purchase Agreement, the
Company entered into a Stock Repurchase Agreement with Back Bay Restaurant Group
pursuant to which Back Bay Restaurant Group repurchased 222,933 shares of common
stock of Back Bay Restaurant Group in exchange for the cancellation of a certain
promissory note, dated May 2, 1994, issued by the Company in favor of Back Bay
Restaurant Group in the principal amount of $970,000 and accrued interest
thereon in the amount of $376,598.
The purchase price of the Back Bay Restaurant Group stock in the above
transaction was $6.00 per share. The per share book value of the Company's
investment in Back Bay Restaurant Group immediately prior to these transactions
was $8.92. The Company incurred a non-cash loss of $2.69 per share on these
transactions, for an aggregate non-cash loss of $1,809,000 net of $157,000 of
equity in the earnings of Back Bay Restaurant Group for 1999.
10. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities as of December 31, 2001 and 2000
consisted of the following:
2001 2000
---- ----
Other accrued liabilities $ 619,709 $ 1,057,775
Accounts payable, trade 738,988 907,333
Accrued executive bonus 93,540 143,773
---------- -----------
$1,452,237 $ 2,108,881
========== ===========
11. TRANSACTIONS WITH OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES AND RELATED PARTIES
Prior to 1995, the Company engaged a firm to assist management in the
planning and execution of a financial and operational reorganization of the
Company. As compensation of its services, the Company agreed to a success fee in
certain circumstances, in addition to the basic fee, to grant options to acquire
common stock totaling 6% of the total of the Company's capital stock at $3.00
per share (the "success fee" option). The success fee also stipulated that a
principal of such firm, Michael S. Fawcett, who was at the time a Director of
the Company, would be required to return options to purchase 25,000 shares of
the Company's common stock if the success fee options are granted and
subsequently exercised.
In May 1994, the Company purchased all restaurant and concession operations
at Wonderland from Back Bay Restaurant Group for a sales price of $770,000.
Included in the term note of $970,000 were additional amounts owed to Back Bay
Restaurant Group for costs incurred under a Cross Indemnification Agreement
amounting to $200,000, and interest expense of approximately $58,000 for the
year ended December 31, 1999. This note was cancelled during 1999 in conjunction
with the stock repurchase agreement entered into with Back Bay Restaurant Group.
Upon the sale of Back Bay Restaurant Group common stock to Charles F.
Sarkis, the Company received a promissory note in the amount of $2,703,108. The
note bears interest of 9.5%. $500,927 was paid on November 4, 1999, $500,000 was
paid on December 16, 1999, $351,554 was paid on January 31, 2000, $338,000 was
paid on December 1, 2000, and $350,000 was paid August 17, 2001. The remaining
outstanding principal and accrued interest is payable in two equal annual
installments due on December 16, 2002 through December 16, 2003. The balance
outstanding under the note was $910,004 at December 31, 2001.
In October 1999, the Company received a letter of credit from the Anglo
Irish Bank securitized by Mr. Charles Sarkis' property located on Boylston
Street in Boston, Massachusetts. The letter of credit was established on October
14, 1999 between Mr. Sarkis and the Anglo Irish Bank. The letter of credit
specifically stated that its purpose was to fund the unclaimed winning tickets
of the Wonderland Greyhound Park racetrack, i.e. the "outs" due to the state.
Subsequently, Mr. Sarkis refinanced the Boylston Street property and loaned the
Company $500,000. The Company designated this $500,000, which was wired into the
Company's Anglo Irish Bank account, to be used for the 1998 and 1999 outstanding
pari-mutuel tickets due to the state. The loan agreement between the Company and
Mr. Sarkis provided that the $500,000 due, at the option of the payee, could be
used to offset any amounts due from Mr. Sarkis, pursuant to the Promissory Note
dated September 24, 1999. Accordingly, the Company offset the first payment due
on the $2,703,108 loan due from Mr. Sarkis against the $500,000 loan payable to
him.
At December 31, 2001, there were loans outstanding to officers/
stockholders including interest, of $1,316,532. The loans were restructured in
1999 to be payable over five years and bear interest at 8.0% per annum. Notes
receivable and related interest, in the amount of $178,350 and $910,004 are due
from Charles Sarkis and $228,178 is due from Richard P. Dalton, the Company's
President and Chief Executive Officer. The $228,178 balance due was originally
recorded as a note receivable at December 31, 1998. The accrued bonus due to Mr.
Sarkis of $93,540 at December 31, 2001 will be used to repay the outstanding
notes receivable balance as it becomes due. The current portion of these bonus
amounts are classified in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities at
December 31, 2001.
In August 2000, animal rights activists were able to obtain the necessary
number of signatures in order to place on the November 2000 State ballot a
binding initiative petition to ban all wagering on dog racing within
Massachusetts effective June 1, 2001. The Company expended approximately
$881,000 on the campaign to defeat the ballot initiative through December 31,
2000. The campaign to defeat the ballot initiative was conducted jointly with
the dog track in Raynham, Massachusetts through a Ballot Question Committee
established in accordance with the campaign finance laws of Massachusetts. The
Company's President and Chief Executive Officer, Richard P. Dalton, served as
the chairman of this Ballot Question Committee. These funds were used primarily
for the acquisition of media time and the development and implementation of a
media campaign to promote the industry point of view.
On August 16, 2000, the Company entered into a Settlement Agreement and
Mutual Release with a stockholder of more than 5% of the Company's Common Stock
who agreed to cancel certain stock options in the Company held by him, sell his
shares of common stock in the Company to a third party and release the Company
and Charles Sarkis from certain claims in consideration for $140,755 and the
payment of his legal expenses. This amount has been recorded in "Other income
(expense), net" in the accompanying statement of operations.
12. CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING ESTIMATE
In 2001 Westwood recognized $1,058,000 of non-operating income as the
result of a change in accounting estimate on a prior years long-term liability.
13. SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
The following table sets forth selected quarterly financial data for 2001
and 2000 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
1st 2nd 3rd 4th
---------------------------------------
2001
Revenues $4,116 $4,545 $4,243 $4,079
Operating income 91 42 166 300
Net income (loss) (25) (175) 1,112 515
Basic net income (loss)
per share $(0.02) $(0.14) $ 0.88 $ 0.41
Dilutive net income (loss)
per share $(0.02) $(0.14) $ 0.87 $ 0.40
2000
Revenues $4,239 $4,722 $4,636 $4,074
Operating income (loss) 787 423 (478) (334)
Net income (loss) 576 268 (670) (670)
Basic and dilutive net
income (loss) per share $ 0.46 $ 0.21 $(0.53) $(0.53)
ITEM 9 CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT DIRECTORS
NAME AGE SINCE POSITION
Charles F. Sarkis 62 1978 Chairman of the Board
Richard P. Dalton 54 1978 President, Chief Executive Officer, Director
Paul J. DiMare 59 1987 Director
CHARLES F. SARKIS has served as Chairman of the Board since 1978. He was Chief
Executive Officer of the Company from 1978 to 1992 and President from 1984 to
1992. He has been Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer
of Back Bay Restaurant Group, Inc. (a restaurant holding company), formerly a
wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, for more than six (6) years. He also has
been Chief Executive Officer of Sarkis Management Corporation (restaurant
management) for more than six (6) years.
RICHARD P. DALTON has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company since 1993. He served as Executive Vice President of the Company from
1988 to 1992 and Chief Operating Officer from 1989 until 1992. He was Vice
President from 1984 until 1987; Chief Financial Officer from 1988 to 1989;
Treasurer from 1974 to 1989; Assistant Secretary since 1984; and General Manager
from 1981 to 1983.
PAUL J. DIMARE has been President of DiMare Homestead, Inc. (agricultural
processing and packaging) and DiMare Management Corp. (agricultural management
and marketing) for over six (6) years. He also is a director of First National
Bank of Homestead, Florida.
All of the directors and executive officers are citizens of the United States.
There are no arrangements or understandings between any of the directors or
executive officers of the Company and any other person pursuant to which such
director or executive officer was or will be selected as a director or officer
of the Company. Each of the executive officers of the Company holds office at
the pleasure of the Board of Directors.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE. The following table shows the cash and other
remuneration paid or accrued, in respect of services rendered to the Company and
its wholly-owned subsidiaries for the three (3) years ended December 31, 2001,
to each of the Company's executive officers whose aggregate remuneration
exceeded $100,000.
OTHER RESTRICTED STOCK ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY ANNUAL BONUS COMPENSATION OPTIONS/AWARDS LTIP SARS PAYOUTS COMPENSATION
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charles F. Sarkis
Chairman of the Board 2001 $250,000 - - - - - -
2000 $250,000 - - - - - -
1999 $250,000 - - - - - -
Richard P. Dalton
President and Chief
Executive Officer 2001 $205,000 - - - - - -
2000 $205,000 - - - - - -
1999 $205,000 - - - - - -
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION. During the year
ended December 31, 2001, Messrs. Charles F. Sarkis and Richard P. Dalton served
as executive officers of the Company and as members of the Board of Directors of
the Company which performs the functions of a compensation committee.
REMUNERATION OF DIRECTORS. The Company pays to each nonemployee Director $2,000
per Board meeting attended with an additional fee of $1,000 for each Committee
meeting attended.
COMPENSATION PLAN. The Company has adopted an executive compensation plan. The
compensation plan is designed to provide an environment and opportunity for key
executives to be rewarded for individual achievement as well as for attaining
overall corporate goals. The compensation plan includes provisions for a base
salary, annual incentive and long term incentives. Base salary is determined
annually and is based upon the level and amount of responsibility in the context
of comparable companies. Additional annual incentives are to be distributed to
key executives from a bonus pool. A performance bonus equal to 10% of income
before tax will be allocated to the key executives at the discretion of the
Compensation Committee and Board of Directors. Additionally, a discretionary
bonus of up to 5% of income before income taxes will be available to reward an
employee's individual performance. Based on the Company's cash flow condition,
no bonuses were granted during the 2001 fiscal year. Finally, long term
incentives will consist of stock options granted to key executives at the
discretion of the Compensation Committee and Board of Directors. In addition, a
special transaction bonus is available in the event the Chairman initiates
and/or negotiates an extraordinary transaction to enhance shareholder value,
including a merger, sale, acquisition or joint venture. The transaction bonus is
equal to 2% of the value of any such transaction.
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENTS. During 1997, the Company issued to those certain
executives, Directors and former Directors non-qualfied stock options to
purchase an aggregate of 42,500 shares of the Company's common stock at an
exercise price of $3.00 per share. During 1995, the Company awarded those
certain executives, Directors and former Directors of the Company, non-qualified
stock options to purchase an aggregate of 50,000 shares of the Company's common
stock at an exercise price of $3.00 per share. During 1992, the Company awarded
to those certain executives, Directors and former Directors non-qualified stock
options to purchase an aggregate of 165,000 shares of the Company's common stock
at an exercise price of $3.00 per share. All such options expire ten (10) years
from the date of grant.
AUDIT COMMITTEE. The Board of Directors of the Company performs the functions of
an audit committee.
YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
The table below shows year-end option values the total number of unexercised
options held at December 31, 2001. There are no unexercised in-the-money
options at the fiscal year-end.(1) No options were exercised in the year-ended
December 31, 2001.
Number of Value of
Securities Unexercised
Underlying In-the-money
Unexercised Options
Options at Fiscal Year End (#) At Year End ($) (1)
------------------------------ --------------------------
Name Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable
- ---- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
Charles F. Sarkis 95,000 -- -- --
Richard P. Dalton 40,000 -- -- --
(1) In-the-Money Options are those where the fair market value of the underlying
securities exceeds the exercise price of the option.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
(a) SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF COMMON STOCK
The following table sets forth certain information, as of March 29,
2002, with respect to the beneficial ownership of the Company's Common Stock
by each Director, by all Directors and officers of the Company as a group and by
persons known by the Company to own beneficially more than 5% of the outstanding
Common Stock. (1) Unless otherwise noted, such stockholders have full voting and
investment power with respect to the shares listed as beneficially owned by
them.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF AMOUNT AND NATURE OF BENEFICIAL
BENEFICIAL OWNER OWNERSHIP PERCENT OF CLASS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Directors and Officers:
Richard P. Dalton 52,350(2) 13.38%
The Westwood Group, Inc.
190 VFW Parkway
Revere, MA 02151
Paul J. DiMare 143,300(3) 36.63%
P.O. Box 900460
Homestead, FL 33090
Charles F. Sarkis 906,866(5) 72.50%
The Westwood Group, Inc. ------- -----
190 VFW Parkway
Revere, MA 02151
All Directors and
Officers as a
group (three (3) persons) 1,102,516(6) 82.84%
========= =====
Holders of more than 5%, not included above
DiMare Homestead, Inc. 92,500(7) 27.00%
Michael S. Fawcett 25,600(8) 7.00%
Joseph J. O'Donnell 47,669(9) 12.90%
Pauline F. Evans 26,122(10) 7.60%
Patricia F. Harris 16,350(11) 5.80%
A. Paul Sarkis 48,609(4) 12.40%
(1) As used in this table, "beneficial ownership" means the sole or shared
power to vote, or to direct the voting of, a security, or the sole or
shared investment power with respect to a security (i.e., the power to
dispose of or to direct the disposition of, a security). For purposes of
this table a person is deemed to have "beneficial ownership" of any
security that such person has the right to acquire within sixty (60) days,
including by conversion of such stockholder's shares of Class B Common
Stock into shares of Common Stock or by exercise of options. For purposes
of this table, any shares of Common Stock not outstanding which are subject
to such a right, or conversion privileges, are deemed to be outstanding for
the purposes of computing the percentage of outstanding shares owned by
such person or group, but are not deemed to be outstanding for the purposes
of computing such percentage owned by any other person or group.
(2) Includes presently exercisable options to purchase 40,000 shares.
(3) Includes 92,500 shares held of record by DiMare Homestead, Inc. over which
Mr. DiMare has voting and investment power, and presently exercisable
options and grants to purchase 40,000 shares.
(4) Includes presently exercisable options to purchase 32,500 shares and 16,109
shares issuable upon conversion of the shares of Class B Common Stock
beneficially owned by Mr. Sarkis. Mr. Sarkis' address is 599 East Sixth
St., Apt. 1, South Boston, MA 02127. Mr. Sarkis is a former Director and
officer of the Company.
(5) Consists of 820,725 shares issuable upon conversion of the shares of Class
B Common Stock beneficially owned by Mr. Sarkis, 7,250 shares of Common
Stock, as well as presently exercisable options to purchase 95,000 shares.
(See footnote (2) to the table below showing beneficial ownership of Class
B Common Stock.)
(6) Includes presently exercisable options to purchase 175,000 shares and
804,616 shares issuable upon conversion of shares of Class B Common Stock,
held by all directors and officers as a group.
(7) See Footnote (3).
(8) Includes presently exercisable options to purchase 25,000 shares. Mr.
Fawcett has agreed that under certain circumstances he may forfeit these
options. (See Item 13, "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions").
Mr. Fawcett's address is c/o Dorman & Fawcett, P.O. Box 214, Hamilton,
Massachusetts 01936.
(9) Includes presently exercisable options to purchase 25,000 shares. Mr.
O'Donnell's address is c/o Boston Concessions Group, Inc., 111 6th Street,
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02141.
(10) Ms. Evans' address is 3600 Galt Ocean Drive, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
33308.
(11) Ms. Harris' address is 10190 Collins Avenue, Bal Harbour, Florida 33154.
(b) SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF CLASS B COMMON STOCK
The following table sets forth certain information, as of March 29, 2002,
with respect to the beneficial ownership of the Company's Class B Common Stock
by each Director, and named Executive Officer and by all Directors and officers
of the Company as a group and by persons known by the Company to own
beneficially more than 5% of the outstanding Class B Common Stock. Unless
otherwise noted, such stockholders have full voting power and investment power
with respect to the shares listed as beneficially owned by them.
SHARES OF CLASS B
COMMON STOCK
NAME AND ADDRESS OF BENEFICIAL OWNER BENEFICIALLY OWNED(1) PERCENT OF CLASS
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charles F. Sarkis 820,725(2) 90.00%
Back Bay Restaurant Group, Inc.
284 Newbury St
Boston, MA 02116
Richard P. Dalton 0 0.00%
The Westwood Group, Inc.
190 VFW Parkway
Revere, MA 02151
Paul J. DiMare 0 0.00%
P.O. Box 900460
Homestead, FL 33090
--------------------------------
All Directors and Officers as a Group 820,725(2) 90.00%
(three persons) ======= =====
(1) As used in this table, "beneficial ownership" means the sole or shared power
to vote, or to direct the voting of, a security, or the sole or shared
investment power with respect to a security (i.e., the power to dispose of, or
to direct the disposition of, a security). In addition, for purposes of this
table a person is deemed to have "beneficial ownership" of any security that
such person has the right to acquire within sixty (60) days.
(2) Includes shares held by Sarkis Management Corporation, which is wholly-owned
by Mr. Sarkis, and shares held by one (1) of Mr. Sarkis' adult children who has
granted Mr. Sarkis a proxy to vote her shares. Does not include 80,545 shares
held by Mr. Sarkis' five (5) other adult children; Mr. Sarkis disclaims
beneficial ownership of such shares.
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(a) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT.
Based solely on the review of Forms 3, 4 and 5 and all amendments thereto
furnished to the Company with respect to its most recent fiscal year, it appears
that each Director, officer and 10% beneficial owner of Common Stock of the
Company complied with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Prior to 1995, the Company engaged a firm to assist management in the
planning and execution of a financial and operational reorganization of the
Company. As compensation for its services, the Company agreed to a success fee
under certain circumstances, in addition to the basic fee, to grant options to
acquire common stock totaling 6% of the total of the Company's capital stock at
$3.00 per share (the "success fee" option). The success fee also stipulated that
a principal of such firm, Michael S. Fawcett, who was at the time a Director of
the Company, would be required to return options to purchase 25,000 shares of
the Company's common stock if the success fee options are granted and
subsequently exercised.
In May 1994, the Company purchased all restaurant and concession operations
at Wonderland from Back Bay Restaurant Group for a sales price of $770,000.
Included in the term note of $970,000 were additional amounts owed to Back Bay
Restaurant Group for costs incurred under a Cross Indemnification Agreement
amounting to $200,000, and interest expense of approximately $58,000 for the
year ended December 31, 1999. This note was cancelled during 1999 in conjunction
with the stock repurchase agreement entered into with Back Bay Restaurant Group.
Upon the sale of Back Bay Restaurant Group common stock to Charles F.
Sarkis, the Company received a promissory note in the amount of $2,703,108. The
note bears interest of 9.5%. $500,927 was paid on November 4, 1999, $500,000 was
paid on December 16, 1999, $351,554 was paid on January 31, 2000, $338,000 was
paid on December 1, 2000, and $350,000 was paid August 17, 2001. The remaining
outstanding principal and accrued interest is payable in two (2) equal annual
installments due on December 16, 2002 through December 16, 2003. The balance
outstanding under the note was $910,004 at December 31, 2001.
In October 1999, the Company received a letter of credit from the Anglo
Irish Bank securitized by Mr. Charles Sarkis' property located on Boylston
Street in Boston, Massachusetts. The letter of credit was established on October
14, 1999 between Mr. Sarkis and the Anglo Irish Bank. The letter of credit
specifically stated that its purpose was to fund the unclaimed winning tickets
of the Wonderland Greyhound Park racetrack, i.e. the "outs" due to the state.
Subsequently, Mr. Sarkis refinanced the Boylston Street property and loaned the
Company $500,000. The Company designated this $500,000, which was wired into the
Company's Anglo Irish Bank account, to be used for the 1998 and 1999 outstanding
pari-mutuel tickets due to the state. The loan agreement between the Company and
Mr. Sarkis provided that the $500,000 due, at the option of the payee, could be
used to offset any amounts due from Mr. Sarkis, pursuant to the Promissory Note
dated September 24, 1999. Accordingly, the Company offset the first payment due
on the $2,703,108 loan due from Mr. Sarkis against the $500,000 loan payable to
him.
At December 31, 2001, there were loans outstanding to officers/
stockholders including interest, of $1,316,532. The loans were restructured in
1999 to be payable over five (5) years and bear interest at 8.0% per annum.
Notes receivable and related interest, in the amount of $178,350 and $910,004
are due from Charles Sarkis and $228,178 is due from Richard P. Dalton, the
Company's President and Chief Executive Officer. The $228,178 balance due was
originally recorded as a note receivable at December 31, 1998. The accrued bonus
due to Mr. Sarkis of $93,540 at December 31, 2001 will be used to repay the
outstanding notes receivable balance as it becomes due. The current portion of
these bonus amounts are classified in accounts payable and other accrued
liabilities at December 31, 2001.
In August 2000, animal rights activists were able to obtain the necessary
number of signatures in order to place on the November 2000 State ballot a
binding initiative petition to ban all wagering on dog racing within
Massachusetts effective June 1, 2001. The Company expended approximately
$881,000 on the campaign to defeat the ballot initiative through December 31,
2000. The campaign to defeat the ballot initiative was conducted jointly with
the dog track in Raynham, Massachusetts through a Ballot Question Committee
established in accordance with the campaign finance laws of Massachusetts. The
Company's President and Chief Executive Officer, Richard P. Dalton, served as
the chairman of this Ballot Question Committee. These funds were used primarily
for the acquisition of media time and the development and implementation of a
media campaign to promote the industry point of view.
On August 16, 2000, the Company entered into a Settlement Agreement and
Mutual Release with a stockholder of more than 5% of the Company's Common Stock
who agreed to cancel certain stock options in the Company held by him, sell his
shares of common stock in the Company to a third party and release the Company
and Charles Sarkis from certain claims in consideration for $140,755 and the
payment of his legal expenses. This amount has been recorded in "Other income
(expense), net" in the accompanying statement of operations.
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a)(1) Financial Statements
Included under Item 8 in Part II of this report:
Reports of Independent Accountants
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Deficiency
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(2) Financial Statement Schedules
All financial statement schedules are omitted because they are not
applicable or the required information is shown in the consolidated
financial statements or notes thereto.
(3) Exhibits
3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of the Company.(1)
3.2 Amendment, dated May 15, 1987, to the Certificate of Incorporation of
the Company.(3)
3.21 Amendment, dated November 2, 1995, to the Certificate of Incorporation
of the Company.(7)
3.3 Bylaws of the Company.(1)
4.1 Indenture, dated as of August 15, 1987, between the Company and State
Street Bank and Trust Company, as trustee, relating to the Company's
Subordinated Notes.(2).
4.2 Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 16, 1988, between the Company
and State Street Bank and Trust company, as trustee.(3)
10.1 Totalisator Service Agreement, dated August 30, 1991, in connection with an
exclusive service contract, together with an amendment and extension agreement
dated April 2, 1992.(4)
10.2 Contract dated, November 20, 1992, in connection with services to be
provided to the Company by an entity of which a former Director of the Company
is a principal, together with an amendment by letter agreement, dated February
2, 1993.(4)
10.3 Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Company and United Food and
Commercial Workers' Union, Local 1445 AFL-CIO, CLC, dated June 1, 1993.(5)
10.4 Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Company and Local 25-Teamsters,
effective January 1, 1993.(5)
10.5 Collective Bargaining Agreement between Wonderland Greyhound Park, Inc. and
Local 22 - Laborers' International Union, dated July 1, 1993.(6)
10.6 Collective Bargaining Agreement Extension between RFSC, Inc. and Local 26 -
Hotel and Restaurant Workers, effective January 1, 1994.(6)
10.7 Settlement Agreement between Wonderland Greyhound Park, Inc. and Local 254
Service Employees International Union, dated September 19, 1994, in connection
with a successor collective bargaining agreement.(6)
10.8 Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors and Sharing Agreement (Foxboro
Harness).(8)
10.9 Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors and Sharing Agreement (Foxboro
Thoroughbred).(8)
10.10 Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors and Sharing Agreement (Foxboro
Park).(8)
10.11 Form of Executive Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement.(8)
10.12 Form of Employee Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement.(8)
10.13 Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 24, 1999, between the
Company and Charles Sarkis.(9)
10.14 Stock Repurchase Agreement dated as of September 24, 1999, between the
Company and BBRG.(9)
10.15 Term Loan Agreement between Wonderland Greyhound Park, Inc. and Century
Bank and Trust Company, dated June 30, 1998. (10)
21 Subsidiaries of the Company (filed herewith).
23.1 Consent of Independent Auditors (filed herewith).
- ---------------------
(1) Filed with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for 1984 and
incorporated herein by reference.
(2) Filed with the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-2 No. 33-15344
filed on June 25, 1987 and incorporated herein by reference.(3)
(3) Filed with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for 1987 and
incorporated herein by reference.
(4) Filed with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for 1992 and
incorporated herein by reference.
(5) Filed with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for 1993 and
incorporated herein by reference.
(6) Filed with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for 1994 and
incorporated herein by reference.
(7) Filed with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for 1995 and
incorporated herein by reference.
(8) Filed with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for 1997 and
incorporated herein by reference.
(9) Filed as an exhibit with Form 8-K, as filed by the Company on October 12,
1999 and incorporated herein by reference.
(10) Filed with the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended June 30, 1998 and incorporated herein by reference.
(b) REPORTS ON 8-K.
None
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Sections 13 or 15(d) 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.
THE WESTWOOD GROUP, INC.
/s/ Charles F. Sarkis
--------------------------------------------
Charles F. Sarkis
Chairman of the Board
Date: March 29, 2002
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and
in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Date: April 1, 2002 /s/ Charles F. Sarkis
--------------------------------------------
Charles F. Sarkis
Chairman of the Board
Date: April 1, 2002 /s/ Richard P. Dalton
--------------------------------------------
Richard P. Dalton
President, Chief Executive
Officer and Director
(Principal financial and accounting officer)
Date: April 1, 2002 /s/ Paul J. DiMare
--------------------------------------------
Paul J. DiMare
Director
EXHIBIT D
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q/A
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2002
D-1
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
FORM 10-Q/A
(Mark One)
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended SEPTEMBER 30, 2002
------------------
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
------------------ -------------------
Commission File Number: 0-1590
------
THE WESTWOOD GROUP, INC.
------------------------------------------------------
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE 04-1983910
------------------------------- --------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of (IRS Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)
190 V.F.W. PARKWAY, REVERE, MASSACHUSETTS 02151
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
781-284-2600
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(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
NOT APPLICABLE
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(Former name, former address and former
fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (l) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes [X] No [ ]
As of November 1, 2002, 351,210 shares of the Registrant's common stock,
par value $.01 per share, and 912,015 shares of the Registrant's Class B common
stock, par value $.01 per share, were outstanding.
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Registrant is filing this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A for the
quarterly period ended September 30, 2002 solely for the purposes of (i)
revising the discussion in Part I, Item 2 under "Liquidity and Capital
Resources" to revise the discussion of the Loan Reimbursement and Security
Agreement, dated as of September 3, 2002; (ii) filing the Loan Reimbursement
and Security Agreement as an exhibit hereto; (iii) correcting a clerical error
in Part I, Item 1 of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (iv)
correcting a clerical error in Part I, Item 2. No other changes are being made
by means of this Amendment.
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
THE WESTWOOD GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
September 30, December 31,
2002 2001
-----------------------------------------------
UNAUDITED
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 183,182 $ 12,355
Restricted cash 568,264 345,294
Escrowed Cash 347,654 180,608
Accounts receivable 12,363 42,825
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 218,287 136,730
Notes receivable from officers short - term portion 550,440 468,939
-----------------------------------------------
Total current assets 1,880,190 1,186,751
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PROPERTY PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:
Land 348,066 348,066
Building and building improvements 18,946,257 18,663,406
Machinery and equipment 4,969,705 4,697,751
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24,264,028 23,709,223
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (19,384,859) (18,942,335)
-----------------------------------------------
Net property, plant and equipment 4,879,169 4,766,888
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OTHER ASSETS:
Notes receivable from officers long term portion 628,846 847,593
Deferred financing costs, less accumulated amortization of
$8,303 and $121,432 at September 30, 2002 and December 31, 2001
respectively. 290,634 60,716
Other assets, net 29,391 51,171
-----------------------------------------------
Total other assets 948,871 959,480
-----------------------------------------------
Total assets $7,708,230 $6,913,119
===============================================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of
these consolidated financial statements.
THE WESTWOOD GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
September 30, December 31,
2002 2001
-----------------------------------------------
UNAUDITED
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIENCY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities $ 1,218,517 $ 1,452,237
Outstanding parimutuel tickets 585,567 611,107
Purse liability 318,525 --
Note payable 82,896 --
Current maturities of long-term debt 89,159 324,525
-----------------------------------------------
Total current liabilities 2,294,664 2,387,869
Long term debt less current maturities 5,310,841 3,772,186
Accrued executive bonus long - term portion -- 54,352
Other long - term liabilities 722,574 1,104,145
-----------------------------------------------
Total liabilities 8,328,079 7,318,552
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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Stockholders' deficiency:
Common stock, $.01 par value; authorized
3,000,000 shares, 1,944,409 shares issued 19,444 19,444
Class B Common stock, $.01 par value; authorized
1,000,000 shares; 912,615 shares issued 9,126 9,126
Additional paid-in capital 13,379,275 13,379,275
Accumulated deficit (5,808,061) (5,593,645)
Other comprehensive loss (254,851) (254,851)
Cost of 1,593,199 common and 600 Class B
common shares in treasury (7,964,782) (7,964,782)
-----------------------------------------------
Total stockholders' deficiency (619,849) (405,433)
-----------------------------------------------
Total liabilities and stockholders' deficiency $ 7,708,230 $ 6,913,119
===============================================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of
these consolidated financial statements.
THE WESTWOOD GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the Three Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
(Unaudited) 2002 2001
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating revenues:
Pari-mutuel commissions $3,064,867 $3,395,105
Other 701,715 790,463
Admissions 48,565 57,129
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Total operating revenue 3,815,147 4,242,697
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Operating expenses:
Wages, taxes and benefits 1,581,147 1,624,709
Purses 892,220 941,735
Cost of food and beverage 108,671 158,062
Administrative and operating 1,259,200 1,251,491
Depreciation and amortization 177,745 100,894
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Total operating expenses 4,018,983 4,076,891
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Income (loss) from operations (203,836) 165,806
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Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net (77,230) (92,290)
Settlement of estimated liability -- 1,058,007
Other expense, net (13,019) --
------------------------------------------
Total other income (expense) (90,249) 965,717
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Income (loss) before provision for income taxes (294,085) 1,131,523
Provision for income tax 1,035 19,100
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Net income (loss) $ (295,120) $1,112,423
==========================================
Basic and diluted per share data:
Net income (loss) ($0.23) $0.88
==========================================
Basic and diluted weighted average common
shares outstanding: 1,263,225 1,263,225
==========================================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of
these consolidated financial statements.
THE WESTWOOD GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
(Unaudited) 2002 2001
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating revenues:
Pari-mutuel commissions $ 9,783,166 $10,467,895
Other 2,134,513 2,274,090
Admissions 137,219 161,916
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Total operating revenue 12,054,898 12,903,901
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Operating expenses:
Wages, taxes and benefits 4,638,296 4,868,669
Purses 2,648,312 2,978,350
Cost of food and beverage 390,786 382,160
Administrative and operating 3,747,601 4,018,414
Depreciation and amortization 467,038 357,660
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Total operating expenses 11,892,033 12,605,253
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Income from operations 162,865 298,648
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Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net (304,438) (384,675)
Settlement of estimated liability -- 1,058,007
Other expense, net (44,363) (7,458)
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Total other income (expense) (348,801) 665,874
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Income (loss) before provision for income taxes (185,936) 964,522
Provision for income tax 28,480 52,100
------------------------------------------
Net income (loss) $ (214,416) $ 912,422
==========================================
Basic and diluted per share data:
Net income (loss) ($0.17) $0.72
==========================================
Basic and diluted weighted average common
shares outstanding: 1,263,225 1,263,225
==========================================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of
these consolidated financial statements.
THE WESTWOOD GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
(Unaudited) 2002 2001
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss) ($214,416) $912,422
------------------------------------------
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 467,038 357,660
Change in accounting estimate -- (1,058,007)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash (222,970) 186,479
(Increase) in escrowed cash (167,046) --
Decrease in accounts receivable 30,462 45,179
(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other
current assets 167,131 (131,395)
Decrease (increase) in other assets, net 21,780 (5,081)
Increase in accounts payable and other accrued
liabilities 84,805 43,098
(Decrease) in outstanding parimutuel tickets (25,540) (92,126)
(Decrease) in accrued executive bonus long term portion (54,352) (70,155)
(Decrease) in other long term liabilities (381,571) (221,060)
------------------------------------------
Total adjustments (80,263) (945,408)
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Net cash used in operating activities (294,679) (32,986)
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CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Additions to property, plant and equipment (554,805) (104,345)
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CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Principal payments of debt (406,285) (218,239)
Retirement of debt (3,856,218) --
Proceeds of debt financing 5,400,000 --
(Increase) in deferred financing costs (254,432) --
Decrease in notes receivable, officers 137,246 364,701
------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by financing activities 1,020,311 146,462
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Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 170,827 9,131
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 12,355 141,310
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Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $183,182 $150,441
==========================================
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest $273,076 $322,561
==========================================
Income taxes $26,035 $42,265
==========================================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of
these consolidated financial statements.
THE WESTWOOD GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SEPTEMBER 30, 2002
(Unaudited)
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
INTERIM RESULTS
In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated
financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting only of normal
recurring adjustments, considered necessary for a fair statement of results of
operations for the interim periods presented. The preparation of financial
statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of
assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities on
the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those
estimates. Operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative
of results that may be expected for an entire fiscal year. Accordingly, these
interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements contained in the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001.
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
The accompanying consolidated financial statements as of September 30,
2002 and December 31, 2001 and for the three and nine month periods ended
September 30, 2002 and 2001 include the accounts of the Company and its
wholly-owned subsidiaries. All material inter-company accounts and transactions
have been eliminated in consolidation.
INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE
The Company follows Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS)
No. 128, Earnings per Share, issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board.
Under SFAS No. 128, the basic and diluted net income (loss) per share of common
stock is computed by dividing the net income (loss) by the weighted average
number of common shares outstanding during the period, including potentially
dilutive stock options. Stock options were not considered in 2002 since the
Company had a net loss and their effect would be antidilutive. The Company's
stock options did not have a dilutive effect in 2001 since the option prices per
share were deemed to be equal to or higher than the estimated average per share
market price of the Company's common stock.
The amount of potentially dilutive common shares issuable under the
Company's stock options, if any, are determined based on the treasury stock
method.
2. DEBT
Long-term debt consisted of the following:
September 30, December 31,
2002 2001
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9.5% Century Bank and Trust Company ("Century Bank")
term loan, requiring 60 monthly payments of principal and
interest of $58,319 beginning August 1, 1998, collateralized
by a mortgage and security interest in all real estate and
personal property located at Wonderland Greyhound Park,
refinanced with Boston Federal Savings Bank in September 2002. $4,096,711
6.5% Boston Federal Saving Bank ("Boston Federal Savings
Bank") requiring 34 monthly payments of principal and
interest of $36,461 beginning November 1, 2002
collateralized by a mortgage and security interest in all
real estate and personal property located at Wonderland
Greyhound Park. The final payment on the loan
is to be made September 1, 2005 in the amount of $5,131,586. $5,400,000
Less current maturities 89,159 326,525
-----------------------------
Long - term portion $5,310,841 $3,772,186
=============================
The maximum borrowings under the Boston Federal Savings Bank loan are
$6.5 million which includes $500,000 to be used in the going private transaction
and $600,000 for corporate purposes.
The Loan, Reimbursement, and Security Agreement, dated as of September
3, 2002, by and between Wonderland Greyhound Park Realty, LLC and Boston Federal
Savings Bank, contains certain restrictive covenants including the maintenance
of certain financial ratios and debt coverage requirements. The note is
collateralized by a mortgage and security interest in all real estate and
personal property at Wonderland Greyhound Park.
The proceeds from the new Boston Federal Savings Bank loan were used to
pay off the Century Bank and Trust Company loan.
THE WESTWOOD GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SEPTEMBER 30, 2002
(Unaudited)
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
GENERAL
During 2001, the Company and the owners of other area racetracks worked
to enact legislation which would permit the Company and the other greyhound
track to continue to provide simulcast broadcasting of thoroughbred racing on a
more frequent basis, as well as providing for a decrease in the pari-mutuel
taxes paid to the Commonwealth and that the funds available from the pari-mutuel
tax decrease be made available for increases in purses and the Greyhound Capital
Improvement and Promotional Trust Funds as well as the establishment of a
Greyhound Adoption Fund and the implementation of an off-track betting system.
On November 17, 2001, the "Act Providing for Improvements to the Horse and
Greyhound Racing Industry in the Commonwealth and the Regulation Thereof" was
signed into law by the acting governor of Massachusetts. Under this new statute,
the Company and the other area racetracks are permitted to continue to provide
simulcast broadcasting of thoroughbred racing to their patrons until December
2005. This legislation also provides that the Company is to pay premiums for the
right to simulcast interstate thoroughbred and harness racing ranging from 3% to
7% for the benefit of the purse accounts at the Commonwealth's two commercial
horse racetracks. In addition, to the extension and expansion of simulcast
broadcasting, this statute provides for a "purse pool," which will be funded by
taxes, fees and assessments with a minimum of $400,000 being credited to the
purse accounts of each racetrack with any remaining portion being apportioned
among the racetracks pursuant to a formula to be devised by the State Racing
Commission. All unclaimed simulcast wagers collected at each racetrack are to be
deposited with the Massachusetts State Racing Commission for payment to the
purse account of the individual racetracks responsible for such unclaimed
wagers. The Westwood Group also received a one-time grant of $300,035 during
2002 from the Commonwealth for the purpose of funding capital improvements and
repairs to its facility and equipment. Finally, the new statute authorizes
account wagering at each of the individual racetracks and establishes a nine
member special commission to study the feasibility of an off-track betting
program in Massachusetts. Despite the enactment of this legislation and the
initial potential for an increase in cash flow from such legislation, management
does not believe that this new legislation has materially benefited the
Company's overall racing operations since November 2001.
Management has worked diligently over the past decade in attempting to
convince the Governor and the Massachusetts state legislature of the need to
allow the Commonwealth's commercial recetracks to offer their patrons expanded
gaming opportunities. The Massachusetts state legislature took no action on
gaming in the years 2000 and 2001, and no gaming legislation is anticipated in
2002. On October 3, 2002, the Governor of Massachusetts issued an executive
order establishing a commission to study the potential expansion of legalized
gaming in Massachusetts. This commission is to report its findings to the
Governor by no later than December 31, 2002. The Westwood Group cannot predict
the final recommendations of this commission and/or whether legislation
expanding legalized gaming will ever be enacted or if enacted, will be on
favorable terms.
On October 25, 2002, the Company filed a preliminary proxy statement
and an accompanying Schedule 13E-3 with the Securities and Exchange Commission
in order to effectuate a 1,500 for 1 reverse stock split of its capital stock.
If the proposed reverse stock split is approved by a majority of the Company's
stockholders, then holders of less than 1,500 shares immediately prior to such
meeting will be cashed out at a per share purchase price equal to $4.00, thereby
reducing the number of its stockholders to under 300 and, consequently, allowing
the Company to change its status from a public to a private company and to
relieve the Company of the administrative burden and cost and competitive
disadvantages associated with filing reports and otherwise complying with the
requirements of registration under the federal securities laws and to permit
small stockholders to receive a fair price for their shares without having to
pay brokerage commission.
The reverse stock split will (i) cause the Westwood Group to redeem
shares held by approximately 400 holders of record of Common Stock, (ii) not
eliminate record holders who hold 1,500 or more shares of Common Stock and Class
B Common Stock, (iii) reduce the number of shares, on a pro-rata basis, held by
the holders of record who hold 1,500 or more shares of Common Stock and Class B
Common Stock, and (iv) change the percent of Common Stock held by the remaining
stockholders to 100%.
Assuming the completion of the reverse stock split and change in its
status from a public to a private company, the Company will promptly thereafter
initiate a tender offer for additional shares of its capital stock in order to
provide those stockholders who did not receive a cash payment in connection with
the proposed reverse stock split the opportunity to tender one share in return
for $6,000, which amount reflects the highest payment to be received by any
stockholder as a result of the consummation of the proposed reverse stock split.
3
THE WESTWOOD GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SEPTEMBER 30, 2002
(Unaudited)
Wonderland currently conducts live racing six nights per week.
Wonderland also offers simulcast wagering afternoons and evenings throughout the
year.
The table below illustrates certain key statistics for Wonderland Park, the
Company's greyhound racing operation, for the three months ended September 30,
2002 and 2001.
2002 2001
-------------------------------------
Performances 84 88
Simulcast days 92 92
Pari-mutuel handle (thousands)
Live-on track $4,228 $5,610
Live-simulcast 7,256 8,724
Guest-simulcast 12,237 11,703
-------------------------------------
$23,721 $26,037
-------------------------------------
Total attendance 67,489 76,762
Average per capita on site wagering $244 $226
OPERATING REVENUE
Total operating revenue declined by $428,000 to $3.82 million in the
quarter ended September 30, 2002 as compared to the quarter ended September 30,
2001. Parimutuel commissions declined by 10% from $3.40 million to $3.07 million
during the same period. Total handle in the third quarter of 2002 was
approximately $23.7 million as compared to $26.0 million in 2001, a decline of
9%. Live-on track handle decreased 24.6% or about $1.38 million for the same
period from $5.61 million to $4.23 million in the third quarter of 2002, with an
average daily attendance of approximately 803 persons in the third quarter of
such periods compared to 872 persons in the third quarter of 2001.
Live-simulcast handle decreased by $1.47 million or 16.8% in the third quarter
of 2002 compared to the third quarter of 2001. However, guest-simulcast handle
increased by $534,000 or 4.6% from the 2001 amount. Net admissions revenue
decreased by 15.3%. Most of this decrease is associated with decreased
attendance, and the remainder with increased promotional discounts. Other
operating revenue consists of food and beverage, program sales, lottery, parking
and gift shop sales and was approximately $702,000 for the three months ended
September 30, 2002 decreasing by approximately $88,000 from approximately
$790,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2001. Parimutuel commissions
for the three months ended September 30, 2002 included approximately $38,000
deposited into the Greyhound Capital Improvements Trust Fund, $51,000 into the
Greyhound Adoption Fund, and $50,000 into the Greyhound Promotional Trust Fund.
During same period of 2001 such amounts were $57,000, $0, and $57,000
respectively.
OPERATING EXPENSES
Operating expenses of approximately $4.02 million for the three months
ended September 30, 2002 decreased by approximately $58,000 from approximately
$4.08 million for the three months ended September 30, 2001. The decrease is
mainly the result of the decline in purse expense related to handle decline. A
decline in food and beverage costs of approximately $49,000 is the result of
admission declines during the third quarter.
4
THE WESTWOOD GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SEPTEMBER 30, 2002
(Unaudited)
INTEREST EXPENSE
Interest expense decreased by approximately $15,000 for the three
months ended September 30, 2002 from $92,000 in the three months ended September
30, 2001 to approximately $77,000 in the three months ended September 30, 2002.
This decrease is the result more favorable financing terms and the discharge of
certain liabilities resulting from the loan refinancing transaction.
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION
Depreciation and amortization increased approximately $77,000 to
$178,000 in the three months ended September 30, 2002, from approximately
$101,000 in the comparable period in 2001. The increase was the result of
increased investment in the track facility during this period, writeoff of
deferrred financing fees related to the Century Bank debt and amortization of
new deferred finance costs.
INCOME TAX PROVISION
The Company's provision for income taxes was less than the statutory
federal tax rate of 34% during the first nine months of 2002 and 2001 primarily
due to the net loss in 2002 and the utilization of available net operating loss
carryforwards in 2001. The provision for taxes of $1,035 and $19,100 in the
three months ended September 30, 2002 and 2001, respectively, represents state
taxes.
The table below illustrates certain key statistics for Wonderland Greyhound
Park, the Company's greyhound racing operation, for the nine months ended
September 30, 2002 and 2001.
2002 2001
-------------------------------------
Performances 251 259
Simulcast days 273 272
Pari-mutuel handle (thousands)
Live-on track $12,946 $16,427
Live-simulcast 23,606 26,360
Guest-simulcast 37,548 37,467
-------------------------------------
$74,100 $80,254
-------------------------------------
Total attendance 203,339 224,203
Average per capita on site wagering $248 $240
OPERATING REVENUE
Total operating revenue declined by approximately $849,000 to $12.1
million in the nine months ended September 30, 2002 as compared to $12.9 million
for the nine months ended September 30, 2001. Parimutuel commissions declined by
6.5% from $10.5 million to $9.8 million during the same period. Total handle in
the first nine months of 2002 was approximately $74.1 million as compared to
$80.2 million for such period in 2001, a decline of 8%. Live-on track handle
decreased 21.2% or about $3.5 million from $16.4 million in the first nine
months of 2001 to $12.9 million for such period in 2002, with an average
attendance of approximately 810 persons for such period in 2002 compared to 866
persons for such period in 2001. Live-simulcast handle decreased by $2.8 million
or 10.4% in the first nine months of 2002. Guest-simulcast handle increased by
$81,000 or 0.2% from the first nine months of 2001.
THE WESTWOOD GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SEPTEMBER 30, 2002
(Unaudited)
Net admissions revenue decreased by 15.3%. Other operating revenue
consists of food and beverage, program sales, lottery, parking and gift shop
sales was approximately $2.1 million for the nine months ended September 30,
2002 decreasing by approximately $140,000 or 6% from approximately $2.3 million
for the nine months ended September 30, 2001. Parimutuel commissions for the
nine months ended September 30, 2002 included approximately $106,000 deposited
into the Greyhound Capital Improvements Trust Fund, $94,000 into the Greyhound
Adoption Fund and $151,000 into the Greyhound Promotional Trust Fund. During
same period of 2001 such amounts were $176,000, $0, and $176,000 respectively.
OPERATING EXPENSES
Operating expenses of approximately $11.9 million for the nine months
ended September 30, 2002 decreased by approximately $713,000 from approximately
$12.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2001. The decrease is the
result of cost savings in payroll and operations of approximately $500,000 as
well as decreased purses due to handle declines of approximately $6 million.
INTEREST EXPENSE
Interest expense decreased by approximately $80,000 for the nine months
ended September 30, 2002 from $384,000 in the nine months ended September 30,
2001 to approximately $304,000 in the nine months ended September 30, 2002.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
At September 30, 2002, the Company had a working capital deficit of
approximately $414,000, and a stockholders' deficit of approximately $620,000.
Historically, the Company's primary sources of capital to finance its businesses
have been its cash flow from operations and credit facilities. The Company's
capital needs are primarily for maintenance and enhancement of the racing
facility at Wonderland, and for debt service requirements.
The Company's cash and cash equivalents totaled approximately $183,000
at September 30, 2002, compared with $12,000 at December 31, 2001.
The Company generated a cash deficit from operations of approximately
$295,000 during the first nine months of 2002 as compared to a deficit of
$33,000 during the corresponding period in 2001. Non-cash items included in the
Company's net loss in the first nine months of 2002 consist of depreciation
and amortization expense of $467,000. Changes in working capital accounts
including restricted cash, accounts payable and other accrued liabilities used
approximately $547,000 of cash in the first nine months of 2002.
Net cash used in investing activities in 2002 of approximately $555,000
represents additions to property, plant and equipment.
On September 3, 2002, Wonderland Greyhound Park Realty, LLC, an
indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a Loan
Reimbursement and Security Agreement with Boston Federal Savings Bank, a
financial institution with offices in Burlington, Massachusetts. Pursuant to
the terms of this loan agreement, the Company is the guarantor of the loan. The
credit facility is in the amount of $6,500,000, which bears interest at a rate
of 6.5% per annum and is secured by a mortgage on the land at 190 V.F.W.
Parkway, Revere, Massachusetts. The credit facility's maturity date is
September 1, 2005. An initial advance was made at the closing for $5,400,000,
and as of September 30, 2002, $1,100,000 is available under the terms of the
agreement, of which will be disbursed upon satisfaction of certain conditions.
$500,000 (of the remaining $1,100,000) may be drawn down only in the event that
the Westwood Group undertakes to purchase stock from stockholders pursuant to
the reverse stock split and that the remaining $600,000 shall be used for
working capital. Under the credit facility, the borrower agrees to maintain
certain debt to equity ratios and to deliver certain financial information to
the lender during the term of the loan. In addition, the borrower agrees not to
further encumber, sell or transfer the property and that it will not incur
additional indebtedness. Pursuant to the credit facility, borrower agrees to
pay lender an annual fee in the amount of one percent (1%) per annum of amount
of money loaned and a one-time a non-refundable commitment fee of $65,000.
There are no plans or arrangements to refinance or repay the loan at the current
time.
Financing activities in 2002 generated approximately $1.0 million of
cash in the course of the refinancing of the Company's long term debt.
The Company is currently undertaking a capital improvements program to
improve its track and patron facilities. It is anticipated that these
expenditures will be fully funded by the Capital Improvement Trust fund and a
grant program contained in the racing legislation enacted in November 2001.
The Company received a short-term working capital advance from Charles
F. Sarkis, an officer of the Company, of $300,000 in March 2002. This funding
accrued interest at a rate of 12% and was repaid with a portion of the proceeds
received in connection with the loan transaction with Boston Federal Savings
Bank.
7
THE WESTWOOD GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SEPTEMBER 30, 2002
(Unaudited)
The Company believes that it will generate enough cash from operations
to satisfy its anticipated obligations during 2003.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
In accordance with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Release
Nos. 33-8040, 34-45149 and R-60, the Company's Critical Accounting Policies are
as follows:
USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting periods. Estimates that could impact on the Company's results of
operations include those relating to contractual obligations and other accrued
expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
ESCROWED CASH
Escrowed cash is related to the operations of Wonderland and includes
amounts held by The Commonwealth of Massachusetts in trust funds (for capital
improvements and advertising/promotion). Wonderland funds these costs and
requests reimbursements from the trust funds. Wonderland is reimbursed upon
approval by the Commonwealth.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
The Company's annual revenues are mainly derived from the net
commission that it receives from wagers made by patrons during its live-on track
racing performances, live and guest-simulcast racing performances and from
admission and concession charges at such performances. Inter-track receivables
and payables are dependent on the accuracy of an independent totalistar vendor.
This vendor's system has been independently reviewed and deemed reliable.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements contained throughout this quarterly report
constitute "forward-looking statements" as that term is defined under the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking
statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that
may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, or
industry results, to be materially different from those contemplated or
projected, forecasted, estimated or budgeted in or expressed or implied by such
foward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the following:
general economic and business conditions; industry trends, changes in business
strategy or development plans; availability and quality of management; and
availability, terms and employment of capital. SPECIAL ATTENTION SHOULD BE PAID
TO SUCH FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, STATEMENTS
RELATING TO (I) THE COMPANY'S ABILITY TO EXECUTE ITS BUSINESS STRATEGY, (II) THE
COMPANY'S ABILITY TO OBTAIN SUFFICIENT RESOURCES TO FINANCE ITS WORKING CAPITAL
AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURES NEEDS AND PROVIDE FOR ITS OBLIGATIONS, AND (III) THE
STATEMENTS CONTAINED IN THIS ITEM.
THE WESTWOOD GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SEPTEMBER 30, 2002
(Unaudited)
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The Company has no material exposure to market risk that could affect
its future results of operations and financial condition. Risks and
uncertainties, including those not presently known to us or that we currently
deem immaterial, may impair our business. The Company does not use derivative
products and does not have any material monetary assets. (See Item 2, "Liquidity
and Capital Resources").
The preceding discussion of the financial condition and results of
operations of the Company should be read in conjunction with the interim
consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in Part I,
Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the consolidated financial
statements and notes thereto contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Within the 90 days prior to the date of this Form 10-Q, the Company carried out
an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's
management, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer (its principal
executive officer and principal financial officer), of the effectiveness of the
design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14. Based upon that evaluation, the Company's
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's
disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to
material information relating to the Company (including its consolidated
subsidiaries) required to be included in the Company's periodic SEC filings.
There have been no significant changes in the Company's internal controls or in
other factors, which could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to
the date the Company carried out its evaluation.
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
None.
ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
None
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) Exhibit
- ------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Exhibit
Number Description
- ------------- ---------------------------------------------------
(10.1) Loan Reimbursement and Security Agreement, dated
as of September 3, 2002.
(99.1) Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-
Oxley Act of 2002.
- ------------- ---------------------------------------------------
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
None
7
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirement 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.
THE WESTWOOD GROUP, INC.
Date December 20, 2002 /s/ Richard P. Dalton
-------------------------------------------
Richard P. Dalton President,
Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Richard P. Dalton, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q/A of The Westwood Group
Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary
to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which
such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period
covered by this quarterly report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all
material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash
flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this
quarterly;
4. The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as
defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant
and have:
a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that
material information relating to the registrant, including its
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within
those entities, particularly during the period in which this
quarterly report is being prepared;
b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls
and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date
of this quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"); and
c) presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our
evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;
5. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on
our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit
committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the
equivalent function):
a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal
controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to
record, process, summarize and report financial data and have
identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses
in internal controls; and
b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves Management or other
employees have a significant role in the registrant's internal
controls; and
6. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this
quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in
internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect
internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation,
including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies
and material weaknesses.
Date: December 20, 2002
/s/ Richard P. Dalton
-----------------------------
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer
and Principal Financial Officer)
8
THE WESTWOOD GROUP, INC.
(PRELIMINARY)
PROXY FOR THE SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS ON , 2003. THIS PROXY
IS BEING SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned having received the Notice of Special Meeting of Stockholders
and Proxy Statement of The Westwood Group, Inc. (the "Company"), hereby
appoint(s) Richard P. Dalton proxy for the undersigned to represent the
undersigned at the Special Meeting of Stockholders of the Company to be held at
190 V.F.W. Parkway, Revere, Massachusetts 02151, on , 2003, and at
any adjournment or postponement thereof, and thereat to vote and at in regard to
all matters which may properly come before said meeting (except those matters as
to which authority is hereinafter withheld) upon and in respect of all shares of
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Company and/or all shares of
Class B Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Company upon or in
respect of which the undersigned would possess, if personally present, and
especially (but without limiting the general authorization and power hereby
given) to vote and act as indicated on the reverse.
THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED BY THE
STOCKHOLDER. IF NO INSTRUCTIONS ARE INDICATED, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR
PROPOSAL 1.
The undersigned hereby confer(s) upon said proxy discretionary authority to vote
upon any other matters or proposals not known at the time of solicitation of
this proxy which may properly come before the meeting.
Attendance of the undersigned at said meeting or at any adjournment or
postponement thereof will not be deemed to revoke this proxy unless the
undersigned shall affirmatively indicate thereat his or her intention to vote
said shares in person. If a fiduciary capacity is attributed to the undersigned
hereon, this proxy will be deemed signed by the undersigned in that capacity.
PLEASE VOTE, DATE, SIGN ON REVERSE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED
POSTAGE-PREPAID ENVELOPE.
HAS YOUR ADDRESS CHANGED? DO YOU HAVE ANY COMMENTS?
1. To consider and vote upon a proposal to amend The Westwood Group, Inc.'s For Against Abstain
Certificate of Incorporation, pursuant to which (i) each share of Common [ ] [ ] [ ]
Stock, par value $.01 per share, issued immediately prior to the
effectiveness of the proposed amendment will be reclassified into
one-fifteen hundredth of one fully paid and non-assessable share of
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, so that every shares of
Common Stock issued immediately prior to the effectiveness of this
amendment will be combined together to form one full share of Common
Stock, par value $.01, and (ii) each share of Class B Common Stock, par
value $.01 per share, authorized immediately prior to the effectiveness
of this amendment will be reclassified into one-fifteen hundredth of one
fully paid and non-assessable share of Class B Common Stock, par value
$.01 per share, so that every fifteen hundred shares of Class B Common
Stock authorized immediately prior to the effectiveness of this
amendment will be combined together to form one full share of Class B
Common Stock, par value $.01. The Westwood Group, Inc. will make a cash
payment of $4.00 per share to record holders of fewer than 1,500 shares
of the Common Stock and Class B Common Stock immediately prior to the
effectiveness of this amendment. Certificates for fractional shares of
Common Stock and Class B Common Stock will be issued by reason of this
amendment to holders of greater than 1,500 shares of either Common Stock
or Class B Common Stock immediately prior to the effectiveness of this
amendment.
For Against Abstain
2. To transact such other and further business as may properly come [ ] [ ] [ ]
before the Special Meeting or any adjournments or postponements
thereof.
Please be sure to sign and date this Proxy. Date:______________
Stockholder sign here Co-owner sign here
_________________________ _________________________
Mark the box at right if an address change or comment has been Noted / /
on the reverse side of this card.