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AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON FEBRUARY 6, 1998
REGISTRATION NO. 333-
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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FORM S-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
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TAPISTRON INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
GEORGIA 3552 58-1684918
(State or other jurisdiction (Primary Standard Industrial (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization) Classification Code Number) Identification Number)
6203 Alabama Highway
Ringgold, Georgia 30736
(706) 965-9300
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)
J. DARWIN POE, PRESIDENT, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND DIRECTOR
6203 ALABAMA HIGHWAY
RINGGOLD, GEORGIA 30736
(706) 965-9300
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone
number, including area code, of agent for service)
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Copy to:
EDWARD H. BROWN, ESQ.
Schreeder, Wheeler & Flint, L.L.P.
1600 Candler Building
127 Peachtree Street, N.E.
Atlanta, Georgia 30303-1845
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Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:
From time to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement
as determined by market conditions.
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If any of the securities on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or
continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check
the following box: [X]
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, please check the
following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the
earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ]
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule
462(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box and list the
Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering. [ ]
If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule
434 of the Securities Act of 1933, please check the following box. [ ]
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
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TITLE OF EACH CLASS AMOUNT AMOUNT OF
OF SECURITIES TO BE PRICE OFFERING REGISTRATION
TO BE REGISTERED REGISTERED PER SHARE(1) PRICE (1) FEE
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Common Stock, 16,666,666 shares $5/32 $2,604,166.56 $768.23
$0.0004 par value
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(1) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee
pursuant to Rule 457(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
based on the average of the high and low trading prices of the Common
Stock on the Over The Counter Bulletin Board system on February 3,
1998.
THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE
OR DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT
SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ACTING
PURSUANT TO SECTION 8(A), MAY DETERMINE.
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TAPISTRON INTERNATIONAL, INC.
CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET
PURSUANT TO RULE 404(A) AND ITEM 501(B) OF REGULATION S-K
ITEM NUMBER AND HEADING IN
FORM S-1 REGISTRATION STATEMENT PROSPECTUS CAPTION
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1. Forepart of the Registration Statement and Outside Facing Page; Cross-Reference
Sheet; Front Cover Page of Prospectus Outside Front Cover Page of Prospectus
2. Inside Front and Outside Back Cover Pages Inside Front and Outside Back Cover
of Prospectus Pages of Prospectus
3. Summary Information, Risk Factors and Ratio of Summary; Risk Factors
Earnings to Fixed Charges
4. Use of Proceeds Summary; Use of Proceeds; Consolidated
Capitalization; Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations
5. Determination of Offering Price Outside Front Cover Page; Plan of
Distribution
6. Dilution Not Applicable
7. Selling Security Holders Principal Stockholders; Registering
Stockholders
8. Plan of Distribution Outside Front Cover Page; Plan of
Distribution
9. Description of Securities to be Registered Summary; Description of Capital Stock
10. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel Experts; Legal Matters
11. Information with Respect to the Registrant Outside and Inside Front Cover Pages of
Prospectus; Summary; Risk Factors; Use of
Proceeds; Common Stock Price Range; Dividend
Policy; Capitalization; Selected Historical
Financial Information of the Company;
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of
Operations; Business; Management; Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions;
Principal Stockholders; Registering
Stockholders; Description of Capital Stock;
Certain Provisions of Georgia Law and of the
Company's Charter and Bylaws; Shares
Eligible for Future Sale; Plan of
Distribution; Legal Matters; Experts;
Available Information; Index to Financial
Statements
12. Disclosure of Commission Position on Not applicable
Indemnification for Securities Act Liabilities
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INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY
OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES
EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES
IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR
TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED FEBRUARY 3, 1998
16,666,666 SHARES
[LOGO OF TAPISTRON INTERNATIONAL, INC.]
TAPISTRON INTERNATIONAL, INC.
COMMON STOCK
The shares of Common Stock, par value $0.0004 per share ("Common
Stock"), of Tapistron International, Inc., a Georgia corporation (the "Company"
or "Tapistron"), which may be offered hereby (the "Registered Offering") are
held by certain stockholders of the Company (the "Registering Stockholders").
See "Registering Stockholders." The Company will not receive any of the proceeds
from the sale of any shares offered hereby. The Registering Stockholders
received such shares of Common Stock in a private placement transaction (see
"Recent Developments") and the Company has agreed to file and maintain a shelf
registration statement relating to such shares in order to permit the
Registering Stockholders to resell such shares from time-to-time in public
transactions. In connection with this transaction, the Company will bear
expenses estimated at $______.
The Common Stock is listed on the Over The Counter Bulletin Board (the
"OTCBB") system under the symbol "TAPI." On February 3, 1998, the last
reported sales price for the Company's Common Stock was $5/32 per share. See
"Common Stock Price Range."
SEE "RISK FACTORS" COMMENCING ON PAGE 8 OF THIS PROSPECTUS FOR A
DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN FACTORS THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE
PURCHASERS OF THE COMMON STOCK OFFERED HEREBY.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS
THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED
UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
Any distribution of the shares covered by this Prospectus may be
effected from time to time in one or more transactions (which may involve block
transactions) on the OTCBB system, in negotiated transactions or in a
combination of such methods of sale, at fixed prices, at prices related to the
prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices. The Registering Stockholders
will effect any such transactions with or through one or more broker-dealers
which may act as agent or principal, and if required by the
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Company, through block trades or offerings through underwriters. Any such
broker-dealer may receive compensation in the form of underwriting discounts,
concessions or commissions from the Registering Stockholders and/or the
purchaser of the shares for whom it may act as agent or to whom it may sell as
principals or both. With respect to any shares sold by a Registering
Stockholder, the Registering Stockholder and/or any broker-dealer effecting the
sales may be deemed to be an "underwriter" within the meaning of Section 2(11)
of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and any
commissions received by the broker-dealer and any profit on the resale of shares
as principal may be deemed to be underwriting discounts or commissions under the
Securities Act. Additionally, the Registering Stockholders may pledge or make
gifts of their shares and such shares may also be sold by the pledgees or
transferees. See "Plan of Distribution."
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The date of this Prospectus is February ___, 1998
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IN CONNECTION WITH THE REGISTERED OFFERING, UNDERWRITERS MAY EFFECT
TRANSACTIONS WHICH STABILIZE OR MAINTAIN THE MARKET PRICE OF THE COMMON STOCK AT
A LEVEL ABOVE THAT WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE PREVAIL IN THE OPEN MARKET. SUCH
TRANSACTIONS MAY BE EFFECTED ON THE OTCBB SYSTEM, ON THE OPEN MARKET OR
OTHERWISE. SUCH STABILIZING, IF COMMENCED, MAY BE DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME.
SUMMARY
The following summary is qualified in its entirety by, and should be
read in conjunction with, the more detailed information and financial data,
including the financial statements and notes thereto, included elsewhere in this
Prospectus. Unless the context otherwise indicates, the "Company" means
Tapistron International, Inc. and includes its corporate and partnership
predecessors and wholly-owned subsidiaries and affiliates. This Prospectus
contains forward-looking statements which involve risks and uncertainties. The
Company's actual results may differ significantly from the results discussed in
the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference
include, but are not limited to, those discussed in "Risk Factors."
The Company's principal executive offices are located at 6203 Alabama
Highway, Ringgold, Georgia 30736, and its telephone number is (706) 965-9300.
THE COMPANY
Tapistron was organized for the purpose of developing or acquiring
proprietary technologies in the textile industry and commercializing such
technologies on a global basis. The Company was incorporated under the laws of
the State of Georgia on February 7, 1986, under the name of Textile Corporation
of America. On July 19, 1986, the Company exchanged shares of common stock for
all of the outstanding stock of Fabrication Center, Inc. ("FCI") in a
transaction accounted for as a pooling of interests. On July 16, 1991, the name
was changed from Textile Corporation of America to Tapistron International, Inc.
All references to the Company include Fabrication Center, Inc., its wholly owned
subsidiary.
The Company's initial technology has been the development of a
Computerized Yarn Placement ("CYP") machine, for producing tufted carpets and
rugs in highly versatile patterns, colors and textures. The Company believes
that the potential market for its technologically advanced tufting machine lies
with manufacturers that wish to meet the growing demand for patterned products
witnessed in the commercial and residential floor covering markets. Virtually
all existing tufting machines, which produce piled products by inserting tufts
of yarn into a primary backing, are limited in their ability to produce a broad
range of patterned, multi-colored and multi-textured products. Most existing
weaving looms, which create the primary backing in the weaving process, require
an extremely time-consuming and labor intensive process to effect pattern and
color changes. The Company's CYP machine requires only minutes to change
pattern, color, texture and density combinations. Because of its compatibility
with commercially available pattern entry systems, such as those used by many
major textile manufacturers, virtually any hand-drawn, painted, photographed or
scanned image can be reproduced on the finished tufted product. The CYP machine
is not in the same market as, and will not compete with, low end solid color
plain cut pile carpet producing equipment, but is designed to provide an
alternative to current methods of producing patterned products.
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RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
The Company filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of
Title 11 of the United States Code (the "Code") on June 21, 1996 (the "Petition
Date") and operated its business as a debtor-in-possession under the
jurisdiction of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of
Georgia, Atlanta Division (the "Court"). On August 18, 1997, the Court confirmed
a reorganization plan. As part of the Company's reorganization, the Company sold
16,666,666 shares of its $.0004 par value common stock for $0.15 per share
pursuant to a private placement memorandum dated March 17, 1997 (the "1997
Private Placement") which shares are being sold hereunder. The Company also
issued 7,592,650 shares of its common stock, in the aggregate, to certain
creditors as part of the reorganization.
THE REGISTERED OFFERING
Common Stock offered by the Registering Stockholders..................... 16,666,666 shares
Common Stock to be outstanding after the Registered Offering............. 34,785,611 shares(1)
Use of Proceeds.......................................................... The Company will not receive any
proceeds from the sale of
Common Stock by the
Registering Stockholders
in the Registered
Offering. See "Use of
Proceeds."
Over the counter symbol.................................................. "TAPI"
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(1) Does not include 1,350,000 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance
upon exercise of options to be granted pursuant to the Company's 1992
Stock Option Plan (as defined). See "MANAGEMENT--Executive
Compensation."
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SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED HISTORICAL
FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE COMPANY
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The selected consolidated financial data for, and as of the end of,
each of the years in the three-year period ended July 31, 1997 are derived from
the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been audited by
Dudley, Hopton-Jones, Sims & Freeman PLLP, independent certified public
accountants. The selected consolidated financial data for, and as of the end of,
each of the years in the two-year period ended July 31, 1994 are derived from
the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements not included in this Prospectus.
The selected consolidated financial data for the three-months ended October 31,
1997 and 1996 are derived from the unaudited consolidated financial statements
of the Company which, in the opinion of the Company, reflect all adjustments
necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the unaudited periods.
Operating results for the three-month period ending October 31, 1997 are not
necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for the fiscal year
ending July 31, 1998. The historical consolidated financial results for the
Company are not comparable from year to year because of the reorganization costs
and loss on disposal of assets during 1997, 1996 and 1995. The selected
financial data should be read in conjunction with the Company's Consolidated
Financial Statements and the Notes thereto, and with Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations also set forth
elsewhere herein.
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED HISTORICAL
FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE COMPANY
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
Years Ended July 31, Three Months Ended October 31,
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1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1997 1996
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
STATEMENT OF
OPERATIONS DATA:
Sales $ 3,626,092 $ 1,305,499 $ 2,565,544 $ 4,315,060 $ 6,823,721 $ 1,249,830 $ 1,561,874
Cost of sales 2,477,302 1,146,717 1,757,793 2,850,422 3,607,182 833,544 1,107,393
Operating expenses:
Administrative 1,998,245 3,473,581 3,656,532 3,730,194 2,927,558 647,420 340,913
Research and development 10,384 23,473 2,405,438 3,529,906 549,660 -- --
Net income (loss) 316,375 (4,478,096) (6,053,175) (5,840,945) 24,961 (201,409) 78,052
Net income (loss) per share .03 (.49) (.69) (.76) -- (.01) .01
Extraordinary item -- .04 -- -- -- -- --
Shares used in computing
per share amounts 10,526,295 10,012,390 8,761,117 7,726,018 7,756,556 22,137,394 10,012,390
As of July 31,
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1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital
(deficiency) $ 758,111 $ 1,084,487 $ (907,020) $ 2,649,245 $ 8,570,445 2,466,798 1,378,587
Total Assets 5,267,780 4,016,538 9,655,907 10,982,246 14,733,746 5,935,075 4,326,966
Long-term debt 744 5,060 14,001 1,291,320 50,433 744 4,752
Accumulated deficit (21,918,100) (22,234,475) (17,756,379) (11,703,107) (5,862,162) (22,119,508) (22,156,423)
Stockholders' equity 972,449 656,074 4,839,170 7,653,669 13,332,499 3,271,039 734,126
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RISK FACTORS
In addition to the other information contained in this Prospectus, the
following risk factors should be carefully considered in evaluating the Company
and its business before purchasing any of the shares of Common Stock offered
hereby. The Company cautions the reader that this list of risk factors may not
be exhaustive.
The Company desires to take advantage of the "safe harbor" provisions
of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Certain statements in
this Prospectus that are not historical fact constitute "forward-looking
statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995. Discussions containing such forward-looking statements may be found in
the material set forth under "Summary," "Use of Proceeds," "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and
"Business," as well as within the Prospectus generally. In addition, when used
in the Prospectus the words "believes," "anticipates," "expects" and similar
expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements
are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ
materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of
the risk factors set forth below and the matters set forth in the Prospectus
generally. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release the result
of any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect
any future events or circumstances.
An investment in the Shares of common stock of the Company offered
hereby involves a substantial degree of risk, and a decision to invest in the
Company through the purchase of its common stock should be made only after a
careful consideration of the risk factors set forth herein. In particular, but
without limitation, persons considering an investment in the Company's Shares
should consider the following:
DEPENDENCE UPON MARKET ACCEPTANCE OF COMPANY PRODUCTS. To date, the
Company has sold 25 CYP machines. The Company's ability to market its CYP
machines successfully will depend upon the willingness of potential customers to
incur substantial purchase costs. Most of the Company's potential customers
already have tufting and/or some form of patterned textile manufacturing
capabilities and may be reluctant to replace or significantly modify their
existing systems. In addition, there can be no assurance that any new products
or technologies developed or acquired by the Company will be accepted by the
textile industry. The Company currently has limited marketing capabilities and
will need to hire additional sales and marketing personnel. There can be no
assurance that any sales and marketing efforts undertaken by the Company will be
successful. See "Business - Sales, Marketing and Servicing."
ESTABLISHMENT OF MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS; RISKS RELATING TO GROWTH AND
EXPANSION. There can be no assurance that the Company's efforts to expand its
manufacturing capabilities will not exceed estimated costs or take longer than
expected or that other unanticipated problems will not arise which will
materially adversely affect the Company's business and prospects. There can be
no assurance that sufficient funds for such purpose will be available to the
Company on acceptable terms. The inability to meet any increased demand for CYP
machines on a timely basis could adversely affect the Company's reputation and
prospects. The Company has also allocated a portion of the proceeds of this
offering to expand sales, marketing and servicing activities. To the extent
these sales and marketing activities are successful in generating sales, the
Company's success will be contingent on its ability to expand its manufacturing
capacity and to provide training, maintenance and other support services for its
customers. Rapid growth may significantly strain the Company's management,
operational and technical resources. Further, many of the expenses arising from
the Company activities to increase sales and support growth will have a negative
impact on operating results. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Business - Manufacturing -
Sales, Marketing and Servicing."
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NEED FOR ADDITIONAL FINANCING. Despite the proceeds from the 1997
Private Placement, the Company recently needed additional short-term financing
to enable it to fund its operations for the next 6 months. Following this 6
month period, the Company intends to use cash flow from operations to meet its
working capital needs. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will
have sufficient revenues after 6 months from the consummation of this offering
and additional short-term financing to fund its operating requirements. In such
event, the Company would seek additional financing through bank borrowings, debt
or equity financings or otherwise. There can be no assurance that any such
sources will be available to the Company on acceptable terms, if at all. If
adequate funds are not available from operations or other sources, the Company's
business will be materially adversely affected. If additional funds are raised
by issuing equity securities, further dilution to the then existing stockholders
will result. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations."
DEPENDENCE ON SUPPLIERS. The Company is dependent on various suppliers
for the components of the CYP machines. Although the Company believes that there
are a number of alternative sources for most of these components, certain
components are obtained from a single supplier or a limited number of suppliers.
The loss of any significant supplier, in the absence of a timely and
satisfactory alternative arrangement, could materially adversely affect the
Company. In addition, the Company does not have long-term or volume purchase
agreements with its suppliers, and therefore there can be no assurance that
materials and components needed by the Company will be available in sufficient
quantities, if at all, or that the Company will not be adversely affected by
delays in delivery or in inability to obtain products from suppliers. See
"Business - Suppliers."
COMPETITION. The textile manufacturing equipment industry is intensely
competitive. Among the Company's competitors are two major worldwide suppliers
of weaving looms as well as other national and regional firms engaged in the
design, development and marketing of equipment for producing pattered, fiber
floor coverings. Substantially all of such entities have greater financial,
manufacturing, research and development, marketing, service and support, and
other resources than the Company. There can be no assurance the Company will be
able to compete successfully in the industry in the future, that the Company
will be able to make technological advances necessary to maintain its
competitive position, or that its new products will receive market acceptance.
See "Business - Competition."
POSSIBLE TECHNOLOGICAL OBSOLESCENCE. Although the Company knows of no
developments by others which would increase the likelihood of its CYP machine
technology being rendered technologically obsolete, the Company's CYP machines
may be rendered obsolete by future developments in the textile industry. There
can be no assurance that the Company can achieve similar technological advances.
The failure to achieve these advances could have a material adverse effect on
the Company's business, financial condition and results of operation. See
"Business - Development and Acquisitions."
DEPENDENCE ON PATENTS AND PROPRIETARY RIGHTS. The Company has three
United States patents and 10 foreign patents and has filed additional patent
applications for the United States and 16 foreign countries, all generally
covering the Company's CYP machine technology. The Company believes patents and
proprietary rights have been and will continue to be important in enabling the
Company to compete. However, there is no assurance that the Company's patents
will not be challenged or circumvented or will provide the Company with any
competitive advantages or that any pending patent applications will be issued.
Failure to obtain patents in certain foreign countries may materially adversely
affect the Company's ability to compete effectively in certain international
markets. The Company is undertaking to have its proprietary software
copyrighted. There can be no assurance that any copyright obtained will not be
circumvented or challenged. The Company also relies on trade secrets that it
seeks to protect, in part, through confidentiality agreements with employees and
other parties. There can be no assurance that these agreements will not be
breached, that the Company would have adequate remedies for any breach
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or that the Company's trade secrets will not otherwise become known to or
independently developed by competitors. The Company may be involved from time to
time in litigation to determine the enforceability, scope and validity of
proprietary rights. Any such litigation could result in substantial cost to the
Company and diversion of effort by the Company's management and technical
personnel. See "Business - Patents and Proprietary Rights."
RISK OF FOREIGN SALES. The Company's strategy includes marketing its
products in foreign countries. Although to date the Company has had only limited
sales and has incurred losses from operations, it is expected that a significant
portion of the Company's future sales will be made to entities located in
foreign countries. Accordingly, the Company's business is subject to many of the
risks of international operations, including tariff restrictions, foreign
currency fluctuations and currency control regulations.
See "Business - Sales, Marketing and Servicing."
DEPENDENCE UPON KEY PERSONNEL. The Company is substantially dependent
upon the services of its President and Chief Executive Officer, J. Darwin Poe,
and its Vice President of International Sales/Services, Kim Amos. The loss of
the services of any one of these individuals could have a material adverse
effect on the Company, its operations and its business prospects. The Company's
success is also dependent upon its ability to attract and maintain qualified
development, acquisition, marketing, management, administrative and sales
personnel for which there is keen competition among the Company's competitors.
In addition, the cost of retaining such key personnel could escalate over time.
There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in attracting
and/or retaining such personnel.
ANTI-TAKEOVER DEVICES. The Company has implemented certain measures
which may serve to prevent hostile takeovers. The Company's Articles of
Incorporation authorizes the issuance of "blank check" preferred stock and
accordingly, the Board of Directors will be empowered, without stockholder
approval, to issue preferred stock with dividend, liquidation, conversion,
voting or other rights which could adversely affect the voting power or other
rights of the holders of Common Stock. In addition, the Board of Directors is
divided into three classes which serve for staggered three-year terms. The
existence of a staggered board, as well as the issuance of preferred stock,
could discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of the Company and could
make it less likely that stockholders would receive a premium for their shares
as a result of any such attempt.
NO ASSURANCE OF PUBLIC MARKET FOR SECURITIES. Prior to this offering
there has been no public market for the Securities. Although the Securities are
quoted on the OTCBB system, there can be no assurance that the Company will be
able to maintain such quotation or that a significant public market will develop
or be sustained.
CHAPTER 11 BANKRUPTCY. The Company filed a Voluntary Petition for a
Chapter 11 Bankruptcy on June 21, 1996. The original Plan of Reorganization of
Tapistron International, Inc. was filed with the Court on November 21, 1996 (the
"Plan"). An Amended and Restated Plan of Reorganization of Tapistron
International, Inc. was filed with the Bankruptcy Court on March 14, 1997 (the
"Amended Plan") and confirmed on August 18, 1997. The Amended Plan, as confirmed
by the Bankruptcy Court, is included herein as Exhibit 2.1.
TRADING MARKET FOR THE COMPANY'S STOCK. There is a limited public
trading market for Shares of the Company's stock. The Company's common stock and
certain redeemable warrants were originally listed on NASDAQ. The Company
consented to the delisting of its warrants from the NASDAQ effective August 20,
1996 due to the lack of any significant trading activity in the warrants and
because there were no market makers for the warrants as required by NASDAQ
rules. NASDAQ subsequently deleted the
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Company from the NASDAQ Stock Market effective August 29, 1996. The Company's
common stock continues to be traded as on the OTCBB system as a bulletin board
stock.
DIVIDEND POLICY. The Company has not paid any dividends on its common
stock in the preceding five years. The Company currently intends to retain
future earnings to finance its operations. Any payment of future dividends will
be at the discretion of the Company's Board of Directors. The Company does not
anticipate paying any dividends in the foreseeable future. The ability to pay
dividends may be limited under the Georgia Business Corporation Code. Further,
the Company may be subject to restrictions under the covenants of debt
instruments or other agreements to which the Company is or may become bound,
restricting its ability to pay dividends.
LIQUIDITY. As a result of significant operation losses and costs
incurred to restructure operations, the Company has limited cash resources
available to maintain its existing operations. In addition, sales, customer
deposits for machinery orders and existing cash reserves will fund short-term
liquidity needs of the Company. There is no assurance these sources will provide
the necessary liquidity to permit operations.
BUSINESS OF THE COMPANY FOLLOWING REORGANIZATION. The Company operates
and plans to operate in highly competitive markets, competing with other
companies having considerably greater financial, technical and marketing
resources. The carpet industry is undergoing, and is expected to continue to
undergo, rapid and significant technological change. The Company expects
competition to intensify as technical advances in the field are made and become
more widely known. There can be no assurance that developments by its
competitors will not render the Company's products or technology obsolete or
non-competitive.
The Company's ability to compete with other companies will depend in
part on maintaining the proprietary nature of its technologies. Since the
Company relies in part upon unpatented proprietary and trade secret technology,
no assurance can be given that other will not independently develop
substantially equivalent technology or otherwise gain access to the Company's
trade secrets or proprietary information. The Company also has been granted
certain patents and has applied for foreign registration of patents relating to
its technology and products. There can be no assurance that the patents for
which the Company has applied will be issued or that any issued patents will
provide adequate protection for the Company's products and processes or be of
commercial benefit to the Company. In the absence of such patented protection,
the Company may be vulnerable to competitors imitating its development and
manufacturing techniques and processes. Moreover, since the Company's machines
are marketed internationally, there is the risk its technology could be
exploited in a country where effective patent protection is unavailable or has
not been obtained.
The Company's capital requirements and expenditures will vary as a
result of the progress and success of its product development efforts. The
expansion of its marketing efforts and the timing of the increase, if any, of
its product sales revenues. Funding to date has been provided primarily through
private credit facilities in addition to the proceeds of the Company's initial
public offering. If the Company needs to raise additional capital, no assurance
can be given that funding will be available on favorable terms, if at all. The
Company has had limited success in obtaining customer deposits to fund the
substantial start-up costs for manufacture of CYP machines, and there can be no
assurance that funding from customer deposits will continue.
An inherent risk of the Company's business is exposure to product
liability claims brought by users of its products or others. While the Company
will continue to attempt to take appropriate precautions, there can be no
assurance that it will avoid significant product liability exposures. The
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Company currently has limited liability insurance. There can be no assurance
that it will be able to retain its existing coverage or that such coverage will
be adequate or cost-justified.
The Company's current and future products for sale in the international
trade are subject to potential tariffs and import/export restrictions. In
addition, from time to time, governmental authorities review the need for
additional laws and regulations for international trade that could, if adopted,
apply to the business of the Company. The Company is unable to predict whether
any such new regulations will be adopted or whether, if adopted, such
regulations will adversely affect its business. (See the Amended and Restated
Plan of Reorganization included herein as Appendix B).
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE. Future sales of substantial amounts of
Common Stock, or the potential for such sales, could adversely affect prevailing
market prices. The shares of Common Stock issued in the 1997 Private Placement
are subject to the limitations of Rule 144 of the Securities Act ("Rule 144").
The holders of the shares issued in the 1997 Private Placement have been granted
certain registration rights pursuant to which the Company has agreed to file the
shelf registration statement of which this Prospectus is a part with the
Commission for the purpose of registering the sale of such shares of Common
Stock. Sales of substantial amounts of the Company's Common Stock pursuant to
this Prospectus could adversely affect prevailing market prices.
As of the date of this Prospectus, there were 1,350,000 shares of
Common Stock reserved for issuance upon exercise of options to be granted to
executive officers, other key employees, independent directors and independent
contractors of the Company under the 1992 Stock Option Plan.
USE OF PROCEEDS
The Company will not receive any of the proceeds of the sale of Common
Stock by the Registering Stockholders. In connection with the filing of the
shelf registration of which this Prospectus is a part, the Company will bear the
estimated expenses set forth on the cover of this Prospectus.
COMMON STOCK PRICE RANGE
On June 24, 1992, the Securities and Exchange Commission declared
effective the Company's Registration Statement with respect to an initial public
offering of 2,250,000 shares of Common Stock and 2,637,500 Redeemable Warrants
(including 337,500 Redeemable Warrants exercised under the Underwriter's over
allotment option). The Company consented to the de-listing of its warrants from
the NASDAQ Stock Market effective as of August 20, 1996 due to the lack of any
significant trading activity in the warrants and because there were no market
makers for the warrants as required by NASDAQ rules. NASDAQ deleted the Company
from the NASDAQ Stock Market effective August 29, 1996, as a result of the
Company's non-compliance with the quantitative maintenance criteria for
continued listing on the NASDAQ Stock Market. The Company's stock will continue
to be traded as an OTCBB stock. The Common Stock and the Redeemable Warrants
were listed on NASDAQ under the symbols TAPI and TAPIW, respectively.
The following tables set forth, for the periods indicated, the high and
low bid prices for the Company's Common Stock and Redeemable Warrants as
reported by the NASDAQ system (or the OTCBB system, as the case may be). Prices
represent actual transactions, but do not reflect adjustments for retail
markups, markdowns or commissions.
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13
HIGH LOW
---- ---
Common Stock
1995: First Quarter (August 1, 1994 - October 31, 1994) $4 1/2 $2 13/32
Second Quarter (November 1, 1994 - January 31, 1995) 3 7/8 2 1/4
Third Quarter (February 1, 1995 - April 30, 1995) 3 1/4 1 7/16
Fourth Quarter (May 1, 1995 - July 31, 1995) 2 1/8 5/8
1996: First Quarter (August 1, 1995 - October 31, 1995) 1 3/8 13/16
Second Quarter (November 1, 1995 - January 31, 1996) 1 1/16 1/4
Third Quarter (February 1, 1996 - April 30, 1996) 25/32 3/8
Fourth Quarter (May 1, 1996 - July 31, 1996) 5/8 1/4
1997: First Quarter (August 1, 1996 - October 31, 1996)* 9/32 1/100
Second Quarter (November 1, 1996 - January 31, 1997)* 3/8 1/100
Third Quarter (February 1, 1997 - April 30, 1997)* 5/8 1/8
Fourth Quarter (May 1, 1997 - July 31, 1997)* 3/8 1/8
1998: First Quarter (August 1, 1997 - October 31, 1997)* 5/8 9/32
Second Quarter (November 1, 1997 - January 31, 1998)* 13/32 7/32
Redeemable Warrants
1995: First Quarter (August 1, 1994 - October 31, 1994) 11/16 3/8
Second Quarter (November 1, 1994 - January 31, 1995) 1/2 1/4
Third Quarter (February 1, 1995 - April 30, 1995) 3/8 3/32
Fourth Quarter (May 1, 1995 - July 31, 1995) 1/4 3/32
1996: First Quarter (August 1, 1995 - October 31, 1995) 3/16 3/16
Second Quarter (November 1, 1995 - January 31, 1996) 3/16 3/16
Third Quarter (February 1, 1996 - April 30, 1996) 3/16 3/16
Fourth Quarter (May 1, 1996 - July 31, 1996) 3/16 3/16
1997: First Quarter (August 1, 1996 - October 31, 1996)* N/A N/A
Second Quarter (November 1, 1996 - January 31, 1997)* N/A N/A
Third Quarter (February 1, 1997 - April 30, 1997)* N/A N/A
Fourth Quarter (May 1, 1997 - July 31, 1997)* 1/100 1/100
1998: First Quarter (August 1, 1997 - October 31, 1997)*
Second Quarter (November 1, 1997 - January 31, 1998)* 1/8 4/100
5/64 3/100
* The high and low bid prices for the Company's Common Stock and
Redeemable Warrants as reported by the OTCBB system.
At December 31, 1997, there were approximately 500 shareholders of
record, and as of that date, the Company estimates there were approximately
1,500 beneficial owners holding stock in nominee or "street" name. The Company
has not paid any cash dividends and does not anticipate paying any cash
dividends in the foreseeable future.
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DIVIDEND POLICY
The Company has never declared or paid any cash dividends on its
capital stock. Any payment of future dividends will be at the discretion of the
Board of Directors of the Company and will depend upon, among other things, the
Company's earnings, financial condition, capital requirements, level of
indebtedness, contractual restrictions in respect of the payment of dividends
and other factors that the Company's Board of Directors deems relevant.
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth the unaudited historical capitalization of the
Company as of October 31, 1997. The shares of common stock which may be
offered in connection with the Registered Offering are held by certain
shareholders of the Company. The Company will not receive any of the proceeds
from the sale of any shares offered hereby. The Registering Stockholders
received such shares of common stock in a private placement transaction.
Therefore, the capitalization of the Company will not be affected by the
Registered Offering.
October 31, 1997
----------------
Historical
----------
LIABILITIES SUBJECT TO SETTLEMENT UNDER
REORGANIZATION PROCEEDINGS $ 1,915,041
------------
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock - $.001 par value - 2,000,000 shares
authorized; no shares issued and outstanding --
Common stock - $.0004 par value - 100,000,000
shares authorized; 27,248,479 issued 10,899
Additional paid-in capital 25,392,441
Accumulated deficit (22,119,509)
Treasury stock - 55,518 shares outstanding, at cost ( 12,792)
------------
Total stockholders' equity 3,271,039
------------
TOTAL CAPITALIZATION $ 5,186,080
============
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SELECTED CONSOLIDATED HISTORICAL
FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE COMPANY
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The selected consolidated financial data for, and as of the end of,
each of the years in the three-year period ended July 31, 1997 are derived from
the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been audited by
Dudley, Hopton-Jones, Sims & Freeman PLLP, independent certified public
accountants. The selected consolidated financial data for, and as of the end of,
each of the years in the two-year period ended July 31, 1994 are derived from
the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements not included in this Prospectus.
The selected consolidated financial data for the three-months ended October 31,
1997 and 1996 are derived from the unaudited consolidated financial statements
of the Company which, in the opinion of the Company, reflect all adjustments
necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the unaudited periods.
Operating results for the three-month period ending October 31, 1997 are not
necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for the fiscal year
ending July 31, 1998. The historical consolidated financial results for the
Company are not comparable from year to year because of the reorganization costs
and loss on disposal of assets during 1997, 1996 and 1995. The selected
financial data should be read in conjunction with the Company's Consolidated
Financial Statements and the Notes thereto, and with Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations also set forth
elsewhere herein.
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED HISTORICAL
FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE COMPANY
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
Years Ended July 31, Three Months Ended October 31,
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------
1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1997 1996
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
STATEMENT OF
OPERATIONS DATA:
Sales $ 3,626,092 $ 1,305,499 $ 2,565,544 $ 4,315,060 $ 6,823,721 $ 1,249,830 $ 1,561,874
Cost of sales 2,477,302 1,146,717 1,757,793 2,850,422 3,607,182 833,544 1,107,393
Operating expenses:
Administrative 1,998,245 3,473,581 3,656,532 3,730,194 2,927,558 647,420 340,913
Research and
development 10,384 23,473 2,405,438 3,529,906 549,660 -- --
Net income (loss) 316,375 (4,478,096) (6,053,175) (5,840,945) 24,961 (201,409) 78,052
Net income (loss)
per share .03 (.49) (.69) (.76) -- (.01) .01
Extraordinary item -- .04 -- -- -- -- --
Shares used in
computing per
share amounts 10,526,295 10,012,390 8,761,117 7,726,018 7,756,556 22,137,394 10,012,390
As of July 31,
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital
(deficiency) $ 758,111 $ 1,084,487 $ (907,020) $ 2,649,245 $ 8,570,445 2,466,798 1,378,587
Total Assets 5,267,780 4,016,538 9,655,907 10,982,246 14,733,746 5,935,075 4,326,966
Long-term debt 744 5,060 14,001 1,291,320 50,433 744 4,752
Accumulated deficit (21,918,100) (22,234,475) (17,756,379) (11,703,107) (5,862,162) (22,119,508) (22,156,423)
Stockholders' equity 972,449 656,074 4,839,170 7,653,669 13,332,499 3,271,039 734,126
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SELECTED CONSOLIDATED HISTORICAL
FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE COMPANY
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
Years Ended July 31, Three Months Ended October 31,
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------
1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1997 1996
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
STATEMENT OF
OPERATIONS DATA:
Sales $ 3,626,092 $ 1,305,499 $ 2,565,544 $ 4,315,060 $ 6,823,721 $ 1,249,830 $ 1,561,874
Cost of sales 2,477,302 1,146,717 1,757,793 2,850,422 3,607,182 833,544 1,107,393
Operating expenses:
Administrative 1,998,245 3,473,581 3,656,532 3,730,194 2,927,558 647,420 340,913
Research and
development 10,384 23,473 2,405,438 3,529,906 549,660 -- --
Net income (loss) 316,375 (4,478,096) (6,053,175) (5,840,945) 24,961 (201,409) 78,052
Net income (loss)
per share .03 (.49) (.69) (.76) -- (.01) .01
Extraordinary item -- .04 -- -- -- -- --
Shares used in
computing per
share amounts 10,526,295 10,012,390 8,761,117 7,726,018 7,756,556 22,137,394 10,012,390
As of July 31,
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital
(deficiency) $ 758,111 $ 1,084,487 $ (907,020) $ 2,649,245 $ 8,570,445 2,466,798 1,378,587
Total Assets 5,267,780 4,016,538 9,655,907 10,982,246 14,733,746 5,935,075 4,326,966
Long-term debt 744 5,060 14,001 1,291,320 50,433 744 4,752
Accumulated deficit (21,918,100) (22,234,475) (17,756,379) (11,703,107) (5,862,162) (22,119,508) (22,156,423)
Stockholders' equity 972,449 656,074 4,839,170 7,653,669 13,332,499 3,271,039 734,126
17
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion contains certain forward-looking statements.
Actual results could differ materially. See "Risk Factors."
OVERVIEW
The Company manufactures and sells machines for producing tufted carpets
and rugs in patterns, colors and textures. The Company's market line, sold both
domestically and in international markets, generally includes two basic products
based upon size. The Company derives its revenue from three principal sources:
machine sales; replacement parts; and maintenance and service fees. Principal
recurring expenses include administrative expenses and research and development
costs.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Years Ended July 31, 1997 and July 31, 1996
Revenues for the year ended July 31, 1997 ("Fiscal 1997") were $3,626,092
as compared to revenues of $1,305,499 for the year ended July 31, 1996 ("Fiscal
1996"). The increase in revenues is primarily due to the increase in the number
of machines sold for the year. Management believes the increase in machines sold
is a result of an increased interest in the patterned carpet industry, improved
operating efficiencies and continuing enhancements in machine technology.
Cost of sales for July 31, 1997 were $2,477,302 as compared to $1,146,717
for July 31, 1996. The increase in cost of sales is due to increased machine
revenues. The cost of sales as a percentage of sales decreased to approximately
68% in Fiscal 1997 from 88% in Fiscal 1996. This decrease is the direct result
of the increase in the number of machines sold.
Operating expenses consist of administrative expenses and research and
development expenses. Administrative expenses decreased from $3,473,581 in
Fiscal 1996 to $1,998,245 in Fiscal 1997, a decrease of approximately 42%. This
decrease reflects the allowances related to obsolete inventory and bad debt
expense recognized in Fiscal 1996. The remainder of the decrease relates to a
reduction of legal and other professional fees totaling $499,000. Management
anticipates operating expenses to increase in the future as they expand the
international marketing plan. Furthermore, the Company expects to spend more on
research and development to provide customers with the most current technologies
available.
Legal, accounting, and other professional fees in connection with
reorganization proceedings totaled $793,631. Interest expense decreased to
$30,269 in Fiscal 1997 from $314,611 in Fiscal 1996. The decrease was a result
of being able to operate under court protection which allowed no interest to
accrue on prior debt.
Years Ended July 31, 1996 and July 31, 1995
Revenues for the year ended July 31, 1996 ("Fiscal 1996") were $1,305,499
as compared to revenues of $2,565,544 for the year ended July 31, 1995
("Fiscal 1995") resulting from the sale of one CYP machines in Fiscal 1996 as
compared to two CYP machines in Fiscal 1995. The decrease was primarily due to
the fact that potential customers delayed placing orders due to the perception
that the Company did not have sufficient cash to support operations and
technical support of the CYP machines. Cost of sales decreased to $1,146,717 in
Fiscal 1996 from $1,757,793 in Fiscal 1995 as a result of the decrease in the
16
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number of machines sold. Cost of sales as a percentage of sales increased to
approximately 88% in Fiscal 1996 from 68% in Fiscal 1995. This increase is the
result of CYP machines being sold at a lower margin in order to generate cash.
Operating expenses consist of administrative expenses and research and
development expenses. Administrative expenses decreased to $3,473,581 in Fiscal
1996 from $3,656,532 in Fiscal 1995, a decrease of approximately 5%.
Material changes in administrative expense include a decrease in salary
expense of $447,798 due to a reduction in the work force. Consulting expense
decreased $307,371 due to a contract cancellation by the Company. Other
professional fees increased $333,077 due to expense of Chapter 11 filing. Also
included in the administrative expenses is a $500,000 allowance for
noncollectible long-term receivable related to machine sales. Also included in
the administrative expenses of Fiscal 1996 and 1995 is a $547,441 and $474, 215
allowance for obsolete raw materials inventory which resulted primarily from
enhancements to the existing CYP machine technology as well as the
discontinuation of the new model CYP machine. The Company has implemented
several cost control measures designed to maintain administrative expenses at an
acceptable level. The cost control measures include a reduction in the work
force and cross training of employees. Expenses such as telephone expense,
health insurance and building maintenance will be reduced due to overall
down-sizing and changing to a scaled down version of the former contracts.
Research and development expenses decreased to $23,473 in Fiscal 1996
from $2,405,438 in Fiscal 1995, a 99% decrease. This decrease reflects the
Company's substantially decreased development activities relating to the new
model of the CYP machine, the enhancement of the existing CYP machine and the
discontinuation of the dye processes.
Interest expense increased to $314,611 in Fiscal 1996 from $248,594 in
Fiscal 1995, a 27% increase. This increase is the result of the Company securing
additional short-term financing during Fiscal 1996 which totaled approximately
$1,351,000. Interest income decreased to $26,292 in Fiscal 1996 from $42,529 in
Fiscal 1995.
Loss on disposal of assets increased to $1,022,505 in Fiscal 1996 from
$592,891 in Fiscal 1995, a 72% increase. This increase is the result of sale of
the main production facility building and another facility at a different
location.
The results of the forgiveness of debt by two creditors, one for
accounting services and the other for research and development consulting,
totaling $420,150 equals the reported extraordinary item. Reorganization items
totaling $249,150 are entirely comprised of attorneys' fees paid to two law
firms.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
As of July 31, 1997, the Company had working capital of $758,111, a
$326,376 decrease from July 31, 1996. This decrease is primarily a result of the
Company's reduction in inventory. As of July 31, 1997, the Company had total
cash of $27,946, up from $17,149 at July 31, 1996. Cash provided by operations
was $446,248 in 1997 compared to cash used in operations of $1,001,970 and
$3,608,283 in 1996 and 1995, respectively. Investing activities used $26,756 in
cash during 1997, compared to cash provided of $2,173,085 in 1996, and cash
consumed of $564,755 in 1995. The proceeds from the sale-leaseback of the
Company's main facility provided $1,900,000 of investing proceeds in 1996. The
Company used $408,695 for financing activities in 1997 compared to $1,253,392 in
1996. Cash provided by financing in 1995 was $3,559,751. Financing activities
for 1997 included $1,008,665 of principal
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payments on debt and $599,970 proceeds from issuance of debt. Financing
activities for 1996 included $2,372,678 of principal payments on debt subject to
settlement under a plan of reorganization; and $1,210,495 proceeds from issuance
of debt.
At July 31, 1997, the Company had $22.8 million of net operating losses
available to offset future taxable income for federal and state income tax
purposes. The loss carryforwards expire in various years through 2010.
Realization of deferred tax assets associated with the net operating loss
carryforwards and reversals of the temporary differences is dependent upon
generating sufficient taxable income prior to expiration of the NOL
carryforwards. Even though the Company has incurred tax losses for seven of the
past nine fiscal years, management believes that it is more likely than not it
will generate taxable income sufficient to realize a portion of the tax benefit
associated with future deductible temporary differences and NOL carryforwards
prior to their expiration. This belief is based upon, among other factors,
changes in operations that have occurred during the last two years.
Specifically, cost savings by bringing research and development in house and by
better usage of just-in-time inventory control. The Company has assessed the
trends regarding patterned carpet and with consideration of its current
marketing strategies, anticipates a continued improvement in operating results.
Management believes that a valuation allowance is appropriate given the current
estimates of future taxable income. If the Company is unable to generate
sufficient taxable income in the future through operating results, an increase
in the valuation allowance will be required through a charge to expense.
However, if the Company achieves sufficient profitability to utilize a greater
portion of the deferred tax asset, the valuation allowance will be reduced
through a credit to income.
On June 21, 1996, the Company filed a voluntary petition for protection
under Chapter 11 of the Federal bankruptcy code. The Company was allowed to
continue to operate under the supervision of the bankruptcy court and was given
a limited amount of time free from creditors' collection efforts in order to
restructure its finances. The Company's Amended Plan was filed on March 14, 1997
in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court Northern District, Atlanta Division. On March 28,
1997, the Company filed the Debtors Amended and Restated Disclosure Statement.
As a subsequent event, the Company's Amended Plan provided that the
Company would do a private placement for $2,500,000. As of August 6, 1997, the
private placement was completed. As a result, the bankruptcy court confirmed the
Amended Plan on August 18, 1997, the Amended Plan became effective as of August
29, 1997.
Quarters Ended October 31, 1997 and October 31, 1996
Revenues for the three months ended October 31, 1997 ("Quarter 1997")
were $1,249,830 as compared to revenues of $1,561,874 for the three months ended
October 31, 1996 ("Quarter 1996"). The decrease in revenues is due to the
cyclical nature of the business.
Cost of sales for the three months ended October 31, 1997 were $833,544
as compared to $1,107,393 for October 31, 1996. Cost of sales as a percentage of
sales decreased to 66.7% for Quarter 1997 from 70.9% for Quarter 1996. The
decrease in cost of sales is a result of the Company's continuing efforts to
reduce and contain costs in the manufacture of CYP machines.
Operating expenses consist of administrative expenses and research and
development expenses. Administrative expenses increased from $340,913 in Quarter
1996 to $647,420 in Quarter 1997, an 89.9% increase. This increase reflects the
Company expanding its sales and marketing efforts, as well as an increase in
research and development expenses for the CYP machine.
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Interest expense decreased to $0 in Quarter 1997 from $35,518 in Quarter
1996. Interest income increased to $29,725 for the Quarter 1997 from $2 for the
Quarter 1996 as the Company invested the proceeds of the 1997 Private Placement.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
As of October 31, 1997, the Company had working capital of $2,466,798, an
increase of $1,708,687. This increase is primarily a result of the $2,500,000
proceeds the Company received from the 1997 Private Placement. As of October 31,
1997, the Company had total cash of $543,858, up from $27,946 at July 31, 1997
and $537,589 at October 31, 1996. Cash used in operations was $1,962,920 in
Quarter 1997, compared to cash provided by operation of $423,490 in Quarter
1996. The Company reduced its liabilities subject to the Amended Plan by
$605,516, in addition to administrative claims of $279,299. Cash used in
investing activities during Quarter 1997 was $21,168, compared to $2,033 in
Quarter 1996. Cash provided by financing in Quarter 1997 was $2,500,000,
compared to $98,983 in Quarter 1996. Financing activities cash for Quarter 1997
came from the 1997 Private Placement.
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS)
No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets", at July 31, 1997.
This Statement establishes accounting standards for the impairment of long-lived
assets, certain identifiable intangibles, and goodwill related to those assets
to be held and used and for long-lived assets and certain identifiable
intangibles to be disposed of. This Statement requires that long-lived assets
and certain identifiable intangibles to be held and used by an entity be
reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate
that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The adoption of
this accounting standard had no effect on the Company's financial statements.
At July 31, 1997, the Company adopted SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation". This Statement establishes financial accounting and
reporting standards for stock-based employee compensation plans. Those plans
include all arrangements by which employees receive shares of stock or other
equity instruments of the employer or the employer incurs liabilities to
employees in amounts based on the price of the employer's stock. Examples are
stock purchase plans, stock options, restricted stock, and stock appreciation
rights. This Statement also applies to transactions in which an entity issues
its equity instruments to acquire goods or services from non-employees. Those
transactions must be accounted for based on the fair value of the consideration
received or the fair value of the equity instruments issued, whichever is more
reliably measurable. The adoption of this accounting standard had no effect on
the Company's financial statements.
In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued
SFAS No. 128, "Earnings Per Share", which establishes standards for computing
and presenting earnings per share. This Statement simplifies the standards for
computing earnings per share previously found in APB Opinion No. 15. The
adoption of this Statement is required in fiscal year ending July 31, 1998. The
Company anticipates that the impact of adoption will be immaterial.
In June 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive
Income". This Statement establishes standards for reporting and display of
comprehensive income and its components in a full set of general-purpose
financial statements. The adoption of this Statement is required in fiscal year
ending July 31, 1998. The Company anticipates that the impact of adoption will
be immaterial.
IMPACT OF INFLATION
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21
Management does not believe that inflation has a material impact on the
Company's results of operations. Management believes that it is able to reflect
inflationary cost increases in its prices to customers.
BUSINESS
GENERAL
The Company was organized for the purpose of developing or acquiring
proprietary technologies in the textile industry and commercializing such
technologies on a global basis. The Company was incorporated under the laws of
the State of Georgia on February 7, 1986, under the name of Textile Corporation
of America. On July 19, 1986, the Company exchanged shares of common stock for
all of the outstanding stock of Fabrication Center, Inc. ("FCI") in a
transaction accounted for as a pooling of interests. On July 17, 1991, the name
was changed from Textile Corporation of America to Tapistron International, Inc.
On June 2, 1992, the Company amended its Articles of Incorporation (the
"Restated and Amended Articles"). All references to the Company include
Fabrication Center, Inc., its wholly owned subsidiary.
The Company's initial technology has been the development of a
Computerized Yarn Placement ("CYP") machine, for producing tufted carpets and
rugs in highly versatile patterns, colors and textures. The Company believes
that the potential market for its technologically advanced tufting machine lies
with manufacturers that wish to meet the growing demand for patterned products
witnessed in the commercial and residential floor covering markets. Virtually
all existing tufting machines, which produce piled products by inserting tufts
of yarn into a primary backing, are limited in their ability to produce a broad
range of patterned, multi-colored and multi-textured products. Most existing
weaving looms, which create the primary backing in the weaving process, require
an extremely time-consuming and labor intensive process to effect pattern and
color changes. The Company's CYP machine requires only minutes to change
pattern, color, texture and density combinations. Because of its compatibility
with commercially available pattern entry systems, such as those used by many
major textile manufacturers, virtually any hand-drawn, painted, photographed or
scanned image can be reproduced on the finished tufted product. The CYP machine
is not in the same market as, and will not compete with, low end solid color
plain cut pile carpet producing equipment, but is designed to provide an
alternative to current methods of producing patterned products.
The Company filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of
Title 11 of the Code on June 21, 1996 under the jurisdiction of the Court for
the Northern District of Georgia. The Company's Amended Plan was confirmed by
the Court on August 18, 1997. Under the terms of the Amended Plan, Classes 1
through 5 and 8 received payment in full. Class 6 had its Claim satisfied by
issuance of Debtor's common stock. Class 7, unsecured creditors, were paid in
full, unless they voluntarily agreed to accept a lesser sum, through a
combination of stock and cash in satisfaction of their Allowed Claims or to the
extent that they receive payment as a Convenience Claim on the Distribution
Date. The Debtor's shareholders retained their interests subject to dilution for
the Debtor's common stock to be issued pursuant to the Plan. Debtor's option
holders had their options cancelled. As part of the Company's negotiations with
its creditors under the Amended Plan, the Company sold 16,666,666 shares of its
$.0004 par value common stock for $0.15 per share and issued 7,592,650 shares
of its common stock, in the aggregate, to certain creditors. All claim
objections filed by the debtors have been resolved. Therefore, the Amended Plan
has been substantially consummated.
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INDUSTRY
The textile industry is one of the major industrial classifications in
the United States economy. Total annual dollars spent in 1995, based on D.O.C.
office of Textiles and Apparel, was over $86 billion. Many of the individual
segments within the textile industry are themselves considered separate
industries. The existing technologies of the Company focus on the carpet
industry.
Carpet Industry
The domestic carpet industry as we know it today, is a major subset of
the textile industry and dates back to the development of the tufting machine in
the 1950's. While there are a variety of techniques for the production of carpet
and other fabric floor coverings, the dominant means of production today is
machine tufting. Tufting is a process whereby tufts of yarn are inserted into a
sheet of fabric called a primary backing. The tufts, which are closely spaced to
form the pile, are inserted into the backing by vertical, reciprocating needles
similar to those of a conventional sewing machine. Modern tufting machines
consist of one or more rows or "bars" of hundreds of threaded needles across the
width of the machine which insert the tufts as the primary backing is fed
through the machine beneath the needle-bars. The yarn is fed to the needles from
cones of yarn arranged in racks known as a creel. The advantage of machine
tufting is that it produces relatively low-cost, durable carpet in large
production runs when compared with hand tufted and hand and machine woven
products. However, because of mechanical and other limitations associated with
existing tufting technology machinery, tufting offers limited versatility in
pattern style.
During recent years, carpet manufacturers in the United States have
experienced a substantial increase in demand for patterned carpets, particularly
in the commercial carpet market. During 1988, 23% of the carpet styles being
produced in the United States for the commercial market (comprised of broadloom
and modular products) incorporated some sort of pattern. Currently this figure
has risen to approximately 36%. The residential carpet market has also witnessed
an increased demand for patterned styles. Furthermore, industry statistics
reveal that the demand for patterned carpets and rugs are significant in Europe,
the Pacific Rim and other countries throughout the world.
There are currently three principal methods of manufacturing patterned,
machine-made, pile-faced floor coverings. The first method is the traditional
weaving process utilizing either of two basic types of looms: the Axminster,
which traces its origins back to the 1800s, or the Wilton, the dominant weaving
machine used in the United Kingdom and Europe which was first introduced in the
early 1800s. A second method involves printing or dyeing finished carpeting
using either a jet spray technique or flat bed screening. The third method
involves modifications to conventional tufting machinery to produce carpets with
high/low pile and/or geometric patterns. These include (i) single or double
shifting needle bars, which are mechanically controlled devices for producing
geometrics and small pattern repeats, (ii) scroll patterning attachments which
create pattern through high/low pile configurations by varying the speed at
which yarn is fed into each needle and (iii) individual controlled needles
(ICN), a method of creating pattern by "over-tufting" - implanting extra yarn
into a plain, previously tufted carpet. An enhanced version of the ICN
technology, the Colortec, is probably the CYP machine's closest competitor. The
range of patterns capable of being produced by such modifications to
conventional tufting machines is restricted, however, because of mechanical
limitations associated with these technologies. Although the CYP machine is not
in the same market as, and will not compete with, solid color carpet producing
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equipment, the Company believes its CYP machine offers numerous advantages over
existing methods of producing patterned, machine-made, pile-faced floor
coverings in terms of time and cost efficiencies, versatility of pattern, color
and texture and ease of changing design parameters without the disadvantages
associated with conventional methods. Such disadvantages include the limited
pattern flexibility of existing tufting machines and the limited textures or
density characteristics associated with weaving looms, and the large creel loads
of yarn required to make a given pattern.
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
The CYP Machine
The CYP machine is a patented process designed for the manufacture of
patterned tufted floor coverings with greater flexibility than conventional
tufting machines currently on the market. The CYP machine incorporates an
innovative technology for computerized yarn placement, whereby up to six colors
and/or types of yarn per needle are electro-mechanically selected, placed into
position within the machine's unique needle configuration and then injected into
a primary backing as directed by a computer utilizing the Company's proprietary
software. While the CYP machine needle-bar is stationary from side to side, the
primary backing can be shifted laterally as it is fed through the machine,
enabling the machine to produce products with more tufts per square inch
(resulting in greater density) than any other mechanical method currently
available.
The Company believes its CYP machine technology will enable carpet
manufacturers to meet the growing demand for patterned floor coverings by
offering them a means of producing high quality tufted carpeting in patterns.
The Company's proprietary technology provides designers and stylists with almost
complete versatility in styling and construction of tufted fabrics. The CYP
machine, used in conjunction with commercially available pattern entry systems,
enables the user to reproduce almost any scanned image or hand-drawn or painted
pattern and allows the creation of fabrics incorporating yarns with different
textures, luster levels and wear (i.e. gauge and pile) characteristics. In
effect, the designer or stylist has control of both aesthetics and quality in
the creation of the product, particularly in the critical areas of pattern,
color and texture.
A primary advantage of the CYP machine over conventional machine tufting
and weaving methods is the minimal amount of time required to change pattern,
color, texture and construction combinations. Whereas several hours to several
days are required to set up conventional machines to create certain construction
combinations, affecting a construction change with a CYP machine requires only
the touching of a computer screen - approximately a thirty second operation. The
touch screen system controls all of the machine's parameters with the exception
of pile height, which is adjusted manually. Set-up of a CYP machine can be
accomplished in less time than it takes competitive machines to set up. This
characteristic of the CYP machine allows manufacturers to economically undertake
short production runs in order to meet customer needs and specifications. It
also offers a means of supplying salespeople with a wide variety of sample
products to meet the particular interests of potential customers within a matter
of days.
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Patterns in the CYP machine products can be created by using a variety of
yarn systems, including pre-dyed/solution-dyed BCF (bulked continuous filament)
or spun yarn, rather than injecting color onto an already tufted piece of
carpet.
The CYP machine also offers greater textural capabilities than other
existing carpet manufacturing methods. On a CYP machine, different types of yarn
can be placed in a variety of patterns according to the designer's preference.
The resulting carpet contains a textural design which is not easily obtainable
by other methods.
The CYP machine is compatible with a commercially available computerized
pattern entry system. A typical pattern entry system enables a designer to
create designs or patterns efficiently on a computer screen and quickly modify
or rearrange colors or other aspects of the design or pattern. Such pattern
entry systems are widely used in the carpet industry.
MANUFACTURING
CYP Machines
The Company's facilities are located in Ringgold, Georgia. The Company
manufactures two sizes of the CYP machine at its manufacturing facility
completed in July 1993. The manufacturing facility is capable of supporting
manufacturing requirements for the foreseeable future.
SUPPLIERS
The Company purchases the frames for its existing CYP machine from local
tool and die manufacturers which fabricate the frames in accordance with Company
specifications. The Company purchases the motors and other various mechanical
components of the existing CYP machine as custom-made or stock components from
unaffiliated outside suppliers. The Company believes that alternative sources or
substitutes of most of the components for both CYP machines can be developed, if
necessary. To date, the Company has not experienced any delays in delivery of
components. The Company does not expect to maintain large inventories and will
generally order required components as it receives customer orders. Accordingly,
any delay or difficulties in developing such alternatives or substitutes could
result in shipment delays, which would adversely affect the Company's
operations.
SALES, MARKETING AND SERVICING
The CYP Machine
The Company intends to market its CYP machines initially to textile
industry concerns engaged in the manufacture of commercial carpeting and
residential floor coverings. Customers may choose to
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purchase an entire CYP machine system from the Company or only certain
components thereof, obtaining the remaining components (such as the creel, the
compressor, or the pattern entry system) from alternate suppliers. The purchase
price of the CYP machine systems varies based on the configuration chosen.
The Company's ability to market CYP machines successfully will depend
upon the willingness of potential customers to incur substantial cost and expend
the time and effort involved in the development of these products, particularly
because many of such customers may be reluctant to replace or significantly
modify their existing manufacturing methods. The Company offers a limited
warranty on the CYP machine system and provides training, maintenance and
support to customers following the installation of the CYP machine system.
To date, the Company's marketing efforts have been focused primarily
overseas. However, the Company is currently expanding its efforts in the
domestic market, increasingly providing a greater concentration of resources on
the United States. Marketing efforts in the United States are conducted by the
Company's internal marketing personnel. In the international arena, the
Company's marketing personnel are assisted by independent agents throughout the
world who represent Tapistron in their respective countries.
DEVELOPMENT AND ACQUISITIONS
Research and development activities are being conducted by the Company's
in-house engineering staff to provide continual enhancements to the CYP
technology. It is anticipated that these in-house efforts will result in
major improvements during the next few years. Although well underway, it is
premature to discuss the objectives or completion dates.
COMPETITION
The CYP Machine
The Company competes with entities engaged in the design, development and
marketing of equipment for the three existing methods of manufacturing
machine-made, patterned fiber floor coverings. In the area of traditional
weaving, the Company's product competes with Axminster and Wilton type looms,
the dominant manufacturers of which are Crabtree Ltd. of the United Kingdom and
Michel Van De Wiele of Belgium, respectively. In addition, there are other
smaller national and regional firms which manufacture weaving looms. CYP
machines also face competition from jet spray dyeing techniques such as the
Millitron process utilized by Milliken & Company and screen printing
apparatuses. CYP machines also compete with technologies which enhance the
traditional pattern tufting processes, such as shifting needle bars, scroll
patterning attachments, individual controlled needles, and the Colortec machine,
developed and marketed by the major U. S. tufting machine manufacturers,
including Card-Monroe Corporation, Cobble Tufting Machine Company, Inc. and
Tuftco Corporation. All entities with which the Company competes have
substantially greater financial, manufacturing and other resources than the
Company.
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The Company will compete on the basis of pattern, color, texture and
density flexibility afforded by the CYP machine technology. The CYP machine
offers manufacturers a means of economically producing high quality, machine
tufted floor coverings in patterns and colors which to date have been
unavailable or too costly to produce in tufted carpet. The Company believes that
its CYP machines will compete favorably with existing manufacturing methods on
the basis of cost efficiencies for labor, materials and space, rather than
price. CYP machines offer the advantages of (i) smaller creel means reduced
changeover and space requirements; (ii) simple set-up and manipulation of
pattern, color, texture and construction at the machine; (iii) short production
runs and customized strikeoffs can be done more economically than with other
methods; and (iv) more flexibility for the designer. In addition, because of the
minimal time required to change pattern, texture, density and color, the CYP
machines allow for the production of short-run, custom orders to meet customer
specifications.
Competition to Date
In 1992, the Company faced the inherent difficulties of the introduction
of a new product that was competing with traditional technology in an
established industry. Not only did the machine need to be proven to the carpet
industry, but the product from the machine had to be proven in the marketplace.
Initial sales to established companies were promising; however, the year after
its introduction onto the market, when sales should be building, a premature
announcement was made of a revolutionary second generation CYP Machine with
improved production speed - R&D which was eventually discontinued. This
information dramatically decreased the interest of potential buyers in the
current machine and created a substantial obstacle to sales initiatives. The
result of fewer machine sales at such an early period in the machine's history
meant a reduced chance for the machine to be proven as a production machine to
carpet manufacturers, and less CYP product from the machine in the market to
create an interest in the machine and a niche for itself.
Although all of the earlier mentioned technologies compete with the CYP
Machine in the general area of patterned carpet, all are limited by either
pattern capability or by gauge. CYP product is unique. The closest competitor is
another advanced patterned tufting machine, the Colortec machine, which has the
advantages of being based on accepted technology already in the industry and
being manufactured by an established tufting machine manufacturer. Even so, it
also had a much slower start than anticipated. Against even this close
competitor though, the CYP Machine with its variable gauge has an advantage. The
overall flexibility of the CYP Machine makes it ideal for the creation of unique
and distinction products which expand the options of the carpet manufacturer.
PATENTS AND PROPRIETARY RIGHTS
The CYP Machine
The Company has seven United States patents and 10 foreign patents and
anticipates filing additional patent applications, all generally covering the
technology incorporated in the Company's CYP product. The Company believes its
patents and proprietary rights have been and will continue to be important in
enabling the Company to compete with respect to the CYP technology. Failure to
obtain patents in certain foreign countries may materially adversely affect the
Company's ability to compete effectively in certain
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international markets. The Company also relies on trade secrets that it seeks to
protect, in part, through confidentiality agreements with employees and other
parties.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION REGARDING FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC OPERATIONS AND EXPORT
SALES
During its last three fiscal years, the Company has generated substantial
revenue from foreign sales. Revenue from foreign sales to unaffiliated customers
totalled $2,584,903 in Fiscal 1997, compared to $105,177 in Fiscal 1996 and
$905,616 in Fiscal 1995. The Company has no identifiable assets specifically
attributable to foreign sales during the periods presented. The Company intends
to expand its marketing efforts to generate additional export sales in future
years. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations - Results of Operations."
EMPLOYEES
As of October 31, 1997, the Company had 27 full-time employees and 1
part-time employee. The Company considers its relations with its employees to be
satisfactory.
INSURANCE
The Company carries comprehensive liability, fire, storm, earthquake and
business interruption insurance, with policy specifications, insured limits and
deductibles customarily carried for similar companies which the Company believes
are adequate.
DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTIES
The Company maintains its headquarters in Ringgold, Georgia, where it
leases an aggregate of approximately 50,000 square feet under a lease expiring
in May 2001. The lease presently requires monthly rental payments of $26,250.00
through May 1998, $27,562.50 through May 1999, $28,940.63 through May 2000, and
$30,387.66 through the lease termination date. General and administrative,
manufacturing, marketing, product development and customer support and service
operations are located in this space. The Company believes its facilities are in
good condition and adequate for present needs.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of
Title 11 of the Code on June 21, 1996 and operated its business as a
debtor-in-possession under the jurisdiction of the Court. On August 18, 1997 the
Court confirmed the Amended Plan. As part of the Company's negotiations, the
Company sold 16,666,666 shares of its $.0004 par value common stock for $0.15
per share which shares are being sold hereunder. The Company also issued
7,592,650 shares of its common stock, in the aggregate, to certain creditors as
part of the Amended Plan.
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With the exception of the foregoing, the Company is not currently subject
to litigation and claims respecting employment, tort, contract, construction and
commissions, disputes, among others. In the judgment of management, claims
against the Company are likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company
or its business.
MANAGEMENT
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table sets forth certain information, as of the date of
this Prospectus, concerning each person who is a director or executive officer
of the Company.
Name Age Position with the Company
- ---- --- -------------------------
Kim Amos 40 Vice President of International
Sales/Services and Director
Gary L. Coulter 51 Corporate Secretary and Director
Floyd S. Koegler, Jr. 54 Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer
J. Darwin Poe 52 President, Chief Executive Officer
and Vice Chairman of the Board of
Directors
Reg Burnett 63 Chairman of the Board of Directors
Rodney C. Hardeman, Jr. 51 Director
KIM AMOS has been a Director since February 1996. Since July 1990 Mr.
Amos has been employed by the Company, serving in various capacities within
engineering and operations. He is currently Vice President of International
Sales and Services. Mr. Amos was employed by SWI - Cobble Division, a leading
manufacturer of tufting machinery and peripheral tufting equipment.
GARY L. COULTER, has been a Director since April 1996. He presently
serves as Corporate Secretary. He is also Chairman of the Board and CEO of
Spintek Gaming Technologies, Inc., a publicly-held reporting company, and a
partner of Coulter & Davenport, a law firm. Mr. Coulter's experience includes:
President, COO and Director of Private Biological Corporation, a developer of
biological products and treatments for cancer, from 1994 to 1996; CEO of Omega
International, Inc., developer of natural products for the treatment of AIDS,
from 1992 to 1994; and President, COO and Director of Woodruff Investment Co., a
developer, manager and financier of real estate investments, from 1986 to 1996.
Mr. Coulter received his undergraduate degree from Emory University, his J.D.
degree from the University of Georgia School of Law, and his L.L.M. in Taxation
from New York University School of Law.
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FLOYD S. KOEGLER, JR. has served as a Vice President and CFO of Tapistron
since September 1996. He is a certified public accountant with an MBA from
Brenau University in Gainesville, Georgia. He has an extensive background in
corporate finance, which includes auditing and financial information analysis
for Aladdin Mills from 1994 until joining Tapistron. From 1990 to 1994, Mr.
Koegler held controller positions at a Crown America/Texture-Tex, Inc. and
Citizens Federal Savings and Loan. In addition, he served as CFO of the fiber
spinning operations of Integrated Products, Inc. In Rome, Georgia and he was a
cost analyst for dyes and chemicals for American Emulsions and Coronet
Industries.
J. DARWIN POE came to Tapistron in July 1995 and became President of the
Company in February 1996. Mr. Poe, has served on Tapistron's Board of
Directors since July 1995, has spent his entire professional career in the
U.S. textile industry. From 1993 to 1995, he served as Technical Director of
Prince Street Technologies, and from 1985 to 1993, he was an Account Executive
at Amoco Fabrics and Fibers Company. Mr. Poe also served as COO of Desoto
Falls, Inc. Of Dalton, Georgia, and has held various management positions with
other industry leaders such as the Bibb Company and West Point Pepperell. Mr.
Poe is a graduate of Auburn University with a degree in Textile Engineering
and an MBA from Brenau University in Gainesville, Georgia.
REG BURNETT has served as a Director since January 1998. He is the
founder RBI International Carpet Consultants which was originated in 1967, and
continues to operate as the President and Senior Consultant. Mr. Burnett was
educated at Bradford Textile College, now a division of Leeds University. He is
recognized throughout the world as one of the most knowledgeable individuals in
the carpet industry. Mr. Burnett has lectured on all aspects of carpet fibers,
carpet yarn spinning, and the carpet industry in general at North Carolina State
University; Auburn University; Kidder Minster College, England; Intercarpet in
Austria; TIFCON in Blackpool, England; The Japanese Carpet Institute; The
Australian Carpet Institute; in China and at many other carpet conventions and
technical conferences throughout the world.
RODNEY C. HARDEMAN, JR. has served as a Director since January 1998.
From 1982 to present, Mr. Hardeman has been the President of Roga
International - Division of EX-IM Marketing International, Inc. He received
his degree in Business from Shorter College, Rome, Georgia. Since 1991, he
has served as a member the Board for Shorter College and is also a board
member for Admiral Travel Inc., Atlanta, Georgia. Since 1994 Mr. Hardeman has
served as a partner for the Chattanooga firm of Manner Technologies, L.L.C.
and Vice President of Redux and Again, Inc., Rome, Georgia. Mr. Hardeman
specializes in International Sales and Marketing.
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors has established an audit committee (the "Audit
Committee"), which consists of Messrs. Coulter and Hardeman. The Audit
Committee makes recommendations concerning the engagement of independent
public accountants, reviews with the independent public accountants the plans
and results of the audit engagement, approves professional services provided by
the independent public accountants, reviews the independence of the independent
public accountants, considers the range of audit and non-audit fees and reviews
the adequacy of the Company's internal accounting controls. The Board of
Directors has also established a compensation committee (the "Compensation
Committee"), which
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consists of Messrs. Burnett, Coulter and Hardeman, to determine compensation for
the Company's senior executive officers and determine awards under the Company's
1992 Stock Option Plan.
The Board of Directors of the Company does not have a nominating
committee.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
The Company does not pay its directors any fee for attending meetings of
the Board of Directors or any committee thereof (including telephonic meetings)
for their service as directors. Directors are reimbursed for expenses of
attending each meeting of the Board of Directors. Officers of the Company who
are directors have not been paid any director fees but have been reimbursed for
expenses of attending meetings of the Board of Directors.
Directors may receive remuneration in the future.
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS INSURANCE
The Company has purchased a directors and officers liability insurance
policy with coverage typical for a public company. The directors and officers
liability insurance policy insures (i) the officers and directors of the Company
from any claim arising out of an alleged wrongful act by such person while
acting as officers and directors of the Company, (ii) the Company to the extent
it has indemnified the officers and directors for such loss and (iii) the
Company for losses incurred in connection with claims made against the Company
for covered wrongful acts.
INDEMNIFICATION
The Charter provides for the indemnification of the Company's officers
and directors against certain liabilities to the fullest extent permitted under
applicable law. The Charter also provides that the directors and officers of the
Company be exculpated from monetary damages to the fullest extent permitted
under applicable law. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under
the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers or persons
controlling the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, the Company has
been informed it is the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission that
indemnification of directors and officers for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act is against public policy and therefore unenforceable.
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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Cash Compensation
The following table shows the aggregate cash compensation paid during the
fiscal year ended July 31, 1997 to the Company's Chief Executive Officer. No
other executive officers of the Company received cash compensation in excess of
$100,000 in fiscal 1997. No stock options were granted or exercised by any
employees in fiscal 1997.
Summary Compensation Table
--------------------------
Long Term
Annual Compensation Compensation Potential
------------------- ------------
Fiscal Other Annual Securities Underlying Realizable
Name and Position Year Salary ($) Bonus ($) Compensation ($) Options/SAR (#) Value
- ----------------- ------ ---------- --------- ---------------- ---------------- -------
J. Darwin Poe, 1997 $ 101,238 -0- -0- - 0 - N/A
President, Chief 1996 $ 58,077 -0- -0- - 0 - N/A (1)
Executive Officer 1995 $ 1,923(2) -0- -0- - 0 - N/A
and Vice Chairman
of the Board of Directors
- ---------------------
(1) Mr. Poe was granted options to acquire 150,000 shares of common stock
during fiscal year 1996 but has agreed that the options will be
cancelled pursuant to the Company's Amended Plan confirmed by the Court
August 18, 1997 pursuant to Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy
Code.
(2) Mr. Poe joined the Company in July 1995.
The Board's executive compensation policies are designed to provide
competitive levels of compensation that integrate pay with the Company's annual
and long-term performance goals, reward above-average corporate performance,
recognize individual initiative and achievements, and enable the Company to
attract and retain qualified executives. Target levels of overall executive
compensation are intended to be consistent with those of others in the Company's
industry, but are increasingly being weighted toward corporate performance in
accordance with the Company's long-term strategic plan.
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The Company's executive officer compensation program is comprised of base
salary, cash incentive bonus compensation, long-term incentive compensation in
the form of stock options, and various benefits, including medical plans
generally available to all employees of the Company.
Base Salary. Base salary levels for the Company's executive officers
together with option grants and benefits are intended to be competitively set
relative to companies of comparable size and stage of development within the
high-technology industries in the Company's geographic area. In determining base
salaries the Compensation committee also takes into account individual
experience and performance as well as specific issues relating to the Company.
Incentive Bonus Compensation. The Board of Directors may periodically
award bonuses to executives in order to provide a direct financial incentive, in
the form of a cash bonus, to executives to achieve individual and Company
objectives. The amount of the bonus is determined based upon the Board's
evaluation of each executive's performance and in accordance with employment
agreements with certain executives. No cash bonuses were awarded during the year
ended July 31, 1997.
Stock Option Program. The 1992 Stock Option Plan is the Company's
long-term incentive plan for executive officers, directors and other selected
employees. The objective of the program is to retain and motivate executives to
improve long-term stock performance. Stock options are generally granted at the
prevailing market value and will only have value if the Company's stock
increases. Generally, grants vest in equal amounts over three years for
non-executives, with executives' grants generally vesting over a shorter period
of time. No options were granted during the fiscal year ended July 31, 1997, and
no options are currently outstanding under this plan.
Directors' Compensation. Directors receive no cash compensation for
serving on the Board. However, non-employee directors are eligible to
participate in the Company's 1992 Stock Option Plan. No grants of options were
made to any directors during fiscal year ended July 31, 1997.
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Performance Graph
The following graph compares the percentage change in the Company's
cumulative total shareholder return with returns based on the Nasdaq Stock
Market (U.S. companies) Index and a peer group index, consisting of companies
reporting under the Standard Industrial Classification Code 355 (Special
Industry Machinery, Except Metalworking Machinery).
COMPARISON OF FIVE YEAR-CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURNS
PERFORMANCE GRAPH FOR
TAPISTRON INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Prepared by the Center for Research in Security Prices
Produced on 11/4/97 including data to 07/31/97
CRSP Total Return Index for: 07/31/92 07/30/93 07/29/94 07/31/95 07/31/96 07/31/97
- --------------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Tapistron International, Inc 100.0 124.4 48.9 24.4 3.3 3.3
Nasdaq Stock Market (US Companies) 100.0 121.6 125.1 175.7 191.4 282.5
NASDAQ Stocks (SIC 3550-3559 US Companies) 100.0 242.2 313.9 733.4 382.3 1041.8
Special Industry Machinery, Except Metalworking Machinery
Notes:
A. The lines represent monthly index levels derived from compounded daily
returns that include all dividends.
B. The Indexes are reweighted daily, using the market capitalization on the
previous trading day.
C. If the monthly interval, based on the fiscal year-end, is not a trading
day, the preceding trading day is used.
D. The index level for all series was set to $100.0 on 07/31/92.
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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
During the three years ended July 31, 1996, the Company borrowed various
amounts from a principal shareholder and former director of the Company and his
family members, who are also shareholders. The shareholder was a director during
the year ended July 31, 1996. As of July 31, 1997, the Company was indebted to
this shareholder in the amount of $613,894.
During the year ended July 31, 1996, the Company expensed $219,000 in
consulting, legal, and administrative fees owed to a principal shareholder. The
Company was also indebted to this shareholder's law firm for $174,000 for legal
fees in association with the reorganization.
During the year ended July 31, 1994, the Company contracted with an
engineering consulting firm, whose Chief Executive Officer and President was
also a director of the Company, to develop a new model of the CYP machine.
During the years ended July 31, 1994, 1995, and 1996, the Company incurred
approximately $2,733,000, $2,643,000 and $0, respectively, in fees to this firm.
During the year ended July 31, 1996, consulting fees of $50,000 were paid
to a capital company whose chairman is a former director of the Company. Also
during the year ended July 31, 1996, $50,000 was borrowed from this capital
company.
During the year ended July 31, 1996, the Company borrowed approximately
$16,000 from an officer of the Company. The amount was also paid back to the
officer during the year.
During the year ended July 31, 1996, 200,000 shares of the Company's
common stock were issued to two former directors in consideration for services
rendered to the Company.
During the year ended July 31, 1997, there were no related party
transactions.
All transactions involving related parties must be approved by a majority
of the disinterested members of the Company's Board of Directors. The Company
has, and expects to have, transactions in the ordinary course of its business
with directors and officers of the Company and their affiliates, including
members of their families or corporations, partnerships or other organizations
in which such officers or directors have a controlling interest, on
substantially the same terms (including price, or interest rates and collateral)
as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with unrelated
parties.
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PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to all
persons, or group of persons known by the Company (i) to own beneficially more
than five percent of the Common Stock of the Company, and (ii) as to the
beneficial ownership thereof of the directors and executive officers of the
Company, individually and as a group, all as at November 25, 1997:
Name and Address Shares Percentage
of Beneficial Owner (a) Beneficially Owned Ownership
----------------------- ------------------ ---------
Tristram Colket, Jr. (b).............................. 3,333,333 9.6%
J. Darwin Poe (c)..................................... 1,681,439 4.8%
Gary L. Coulter(d).................................... 1,577,887 4.5%
Reg Burnett .......................................... 1,333,500 3.8%
Kim Amos (e).......................................... 20,586 0.1%
Floyd S. Koegler, Jr. ................................ -0- 0.0%
Rodney C. Hardeman, Jr. .............................. -0- 0.0%
All Directors and Executive Officers
as a group (six persons)
(c)(d)(e)*............................................ 4,613,412 13.3%
- --------------------------
(a) Addresses are shown only for the beneficial owners of at least five
percent of the class of security shown. Except as otherwise noted, all
of the shares and options reflected in this table are owned with sole
investment and voting power.
(b) The address of the stockholder is 500 Chester Field Parkway, #170,
Melvern, Pennsylvania 19508.
(c) Includes 500,000 shares held as trustee for the benefit of certain
Company employees.
(d) Includes 500,000 shares held as trustee for the benefit of certain
Company employees.
(e) Mr. Amos directly owns 3,286 shares and his spouse owns 17,300 shares.
- ---------------------------
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REGISTERING STOCKHOLDERS
All shares indicated below have been registered pursuant to the Company's
previously announced obligations under registration rights agreements entered
into in connection with the sale of the shares. An aggregate of 16,666,666
shares of Common Stock may be offered by the Registering Stockholders from
time-to-time. The following table sets forth, as of the date of this Prospectus,
the name of each Registering Stockholder, and for each, the number of shares of
Common Stock which may be offered for sale and, unless otherwise indicated, the
number of shares to be owned beneficially after the Registered Offering (assumes
all shares available for offer will be sold). Applicable percentage ownership is
based on 18,118,945 shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the
offering and 34,785,611 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of the date of
this Prospectus.
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP NUMBER OF BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP
AFTER THE SHARES PRIOR TO
REGISTERED OFFERING REGISTERED REGISTERED OFFERING
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHAREHOLDER NAME Shares % SHARES %
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ABW Trading, NFC, Ltd. 866,487 2.5 866,487 0 0
Asahi Trading Co., Ltd 1,080,000 3.1 1,080,000 0 0
Robert C. Allphin, Jr 34,000 * 34,000 0 0
Mercer Barrows 100,000 * 100,000 0 0
Robert L. Bast 100,000 * 100,000 0 0
Bay Export Services 100,000 * 100,000 0 0
Scott L. Blackett 167,000 * 167,000 0 0
David E. Blake 148,600 * 143,000 5,600 *
Charles L. Bolling 100,000 * 100,000 0 0
G.D. Booth 95,000 * 95,000 0 0
John W. Boyd, MD 84,169 * 66,667 17,502 *
John Michael & Charlene Branch 500 * 500 0 0
G.W. Brooks 10,000 * 10,000 0 0
Piet M. Brouwer 100,000 * 100,000 0 0
Leo M. Brown 66,667 * 66,667 0 0
Reg Burnett (a) 1,333,500 3.8 1,333,500 0 0
Hugh R. Caldwell, Jr 14,468 * 10,000 4,468 *
Izabelle Carlson 50,000 * 50,000 0 0
Zoe Carlson 50,000 * 50,000 0 0
Houston H. Carr 3,000 * 3,000 0 0
Leon H. Chandler, Jr 167,000 * 167,000 0 0
Tristram Colket, Jr 3,333,333 9.6 3,333,333 0 0
Malcolm C. Davenport, Jr 170,200 * 100,000 70,200 *
Malcolm C. Davenport, V 348,217 1.0 166,667 181,550 *
Arthur DeMoss Foundation, Inc. 1,666,667 4.8 1,666,667 0 0
T.G. DeMoss 12,000 * 12,000 0 0
Foreman H. Dowling 20,000 * 20,000 0 0
Gene C. Duff 7,000 * 7,000 0 0
Fallen Angels Fund, L.P. 666,667 1.9 666,667 0 0
Thomas F. & Martha B. Forkner
Revocable Trust 333,333 * 333,333 0 0
Fred T. Franzia 200,000 * 200,000 0 0
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BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP NUMBER OF BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP
AFTER THE SHARES PRIOR TO
REGISTERED OFFERING REGISTERED REGISTERED OFFERING
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHAREHOLDER NAME SHARES % SHARES %
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maxwell Freeman 200,000 * 200,000 0 0
Larry & Tina Frey 40,000 * 40,000 0 0
Norbert Friedman 33,333 * 33,333 0 0
A. Downing Gray & Co. Pension Trust 100,000 * 100,000 0 0
William F. Harrity 200,000 * 200,000 0 0
William F. Harrity, IRA 200,000 * 200,000 0 0
Virginia W. Harrity 30,000 * 30,000 0 0
Richard L. Haydon 167,000 * 167,000 0 0
Robert & Tamara Jo Huggins JTWROS 20,000 * 20,000 0 0
George S. Hundt 100,000 * 100,000 0 0
Robert H. Jaffe 140,000 * 100,000 40,000 *
Edward A. Jarvis 400 * 400 0 0
Horace C. Jones 100,000 * 100,000 0 0
Judy Karabin 1,500 * 1,500 0 0
Kenmar Investment Partners, G.P 166,666 * 166,666 0 0
Jean Kline 74,500 * 74,500 0 0
Robert Klinger 100,000 * 100,000 0 0
Glodine Klinger 50,000 * 50,000 0 0
Thierry Kobes 50,000 * 50,000 0 0
Robert A. & Susan LaCroce, JTWROS 200,000 * 200,000 0 0
Daniel J. Leonard 100,000 * 100,000 0 0
Peter S. Manown 60,000 * 60,000 0 0
Gerard K. Mazza 11,000 * 11,000 0 0
Dwayne McClendon 500,000 1.4 500,000 0 0
Charles H. McCain 30,000 * 30,000 0 0
McGowan Properties, Inc. PS Plan 40,334 * 33,333 7,001 *
Mercer Investments 333,333 * 333,333 0 0
Gerald Morrison 150,667 * 150,667 0 0
Adrian C. Mosley 39,173 * 39,173 0 0
Joel V. O'Neal, Jr 66,000 * 66,000 0 0
Claude A. Parker, II 10,000 * 10,000 0 0
The Patriot Group 300,000 * 300,000 0 0
Darwin Poe (a) (c) 1,681,439 4.8 181,439 0 0
Grace L. Poe (b) 173,333 * 173,333 0 0
Arlice E. Rains 100,000 * 100,000 0 0
RJR Development, Inc. Pension Plans 100,000 * 100,000 0 0
F.S. & Elaine Robinson 160,000 * 160,000 0 0
Mark R. & Fenis S. Robinson 23,000 * 23,000 0 0
Eric Rubenstein IRA 66,667 * 66,667 0 0
Marvin Schaffer 133,333 * 133,333 0 0
Patrick Schmit 30,000 * 30,000 0 0
Bruce A. Shear 40,000 * 40,000 0 0
Charles G. Smith 200,000 * 200,000 0 0
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BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP NUMBER OF BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP
AFTER THE SHARES PRIOR TO
REGISTERED OFFERING REGISTERED REGISTERED OFFERING
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHAREHOLDER NAME Shares % SHARES %
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Freeman Smith 20,000 * 20,000 0 0
Lawrence A. Smith 66,667 * 66,667 0 0
E. Newbold Smith 100,000 * 100,000 0 0
Todd R. Smith 66,666 * 66,666 0 0
Charles A. & Margrit L. Snyder JTWROS 100,000 * 100,000 0 0
Mary Anne Spencer 13,335 * 13,335 0 0
Springle Properties, Inc. 10,000 * 10,000 0 0
L. Hudon & Ruby M. Tatum JTWROS 16,500 * 16,500 0 0
David L. Thurman 25,840 * 25,000 840 *
Dr. Simon W. Trenchuck 30,000 * 30,000 0 0
Stephen W. Turner IRA 10,000 * 10,000 0 0
Fred G. Welch 2,000 * 2,000 0 0
Millicent Witkin 33,333 * 33,333 0 0
David Wong 100,000 * 100,000 0 0
Stephen A. Young 150,000 * 150,000 0 0
--------- --- --------- ------ ------
* less than 1.00% of total
(a) Such person is a director or executive officer of the Company. See
"Management - Directors and Executive Officers" and "Principal
Stockholders".
(b) The mother of J. Darwin Poe, a director and executive officer of the
Company, not residing in the same home.
(c) Includes 500,000 shares held as trustee for the benefit of certain
Company employees.
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of (i) 100,000,000
shares of Common Stock, par value $0.0004 per share, 34,785,611 shares of which
are outstanding as of the date of this Prospectus and (ii) 2,000,000 shares of
Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share, none of which will be outstanding
after the Registered Offering. The following summary description of the capital
stock of the Company is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Charter
and Bylaws of the Company, copies of which are filed as exhibits to the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part. See "Additional
Information."
COMMON STOCK
The holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share on all
matters voted on by stockholders, including elections of directors, and, except
as otherwise required by law or provided in any resolution adopted by the Board
of Directors with respect to any series of Preferred Stock establishing the
designation, powers, preferences and relative, participating, option or other
special rights and powers of such series of Preferred Stock, the holders of
shares of Common Stock exclusively possess all voting power. The Articles do not
provide for cumulative voting in the election of directors. Subject to any
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preferential rights of any outstanding series of Preferred Stock, the holders of
Common Stock are entitled to such distributions as may be declared from time to
time by the Board of Directors from funds available therefor, and upon
liquidation are entitled to receive pro rata all assets of the Company available
for distribution to such holders. All shares of Common Stock issued in the
Offering will be fully paid and nonassessable and the holders thereof will not
have preemptive rights.
PREFERRED STOCK
Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time, in one or more classes,
as authorized by the Board of Directors. Prior to issuance of shares of each
class, the Board of Directors is required by the Georgia Business Corporation
Code (the "GBCC") and the Company's Articles to fix for each such class, the
terms, preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions,
limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications and terms or
conditions of redemption, as are permitted by Georgia law. The Board of
Directors could authorize the issuance of Preferred Stock with terms and
conditions which could have the effect of discouraging a takeover or other
transaction which holders of some, or a majority, of the Company's outstanding
shares might believe to be in their best interests or in which holders of some,
or a majority, of shares might receive a premium for their shares over the
market price of such shares.
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
The Company has appointed Continental Stock Transfer and Trust Company as
its transfer agent and registrar.
CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF GEORGIA LAW
AND OF THE COMPANY'S CHARTER AND BYLAWS
The following paragraphs summarize certain provisions of Georgia law and
the Company's Charter and Bylaws. The summary does not purport to be complete
and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the Company's
Charter and Bylaws, copies of which are exhibits to the Registration Statement
of which this Prospectus is a part, as described in "Additional Information,"
and to Georgia law.
CLASSIFICATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Company's Articles provides that the number of directors of the
Company shall be established by the Bylaws but shall not be less than the
minimum number required by the GBCC, which in the case of the Company is three.
The Bylaws currently provide that the Board of Directors will consist of not
fewer than 6 nor more than 9 members. Any vacancy on the Board of Directors will
be filled, at any regular meeting or at any special meeting called for that
purpose, by a majority of the remaining directors, except that a vacancy
resulting from an increase in the number of directors will be filled by a
majority
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of the entire board of directors. The Articles provide for a staggered Board of
Directors consisting of three classes as nearly equal in size as practicable.
One class will hold office initially for a term expiring at the annual meeting
of stockholders to be held in 1998, another class will hold office initially for
a term expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 1999 and
another class will hold office initially for a term expiring at the annual
meeting of stockholders to be held in 2000. As the term of each class expires,
directors in that class will be elected for a term of three years and until
their successors are duly elected and qualify. The Company believes that
classification of the Board of Directors will help to assure the continuity and
stability of the Company's business strategies and policies as determined by the
Board of Directors.
The classified director provision could have the effect of making the
removal of incumbent directors more time-consuming and difficult, which could
discourage a third party from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to
obtain control of the Company, even though such an attempt might be beneficial
to the Company and its stockholders. At least two annual meetings of
stockholders, instead of one, will generally be required to effect a change in a
majority of the Board of Directors. Thus, the classified board provision could
increase the likelihood that incumbent directors will retain their positions.
Holders of shares of Common Stock will have no right to cumulative voting for
the elections of directors. Consequently, at each annual meeting of
stockholders, the holders of a majority of outstanding shares of Common Stock
will be able to elect all of the successors of the class of directors whose term
expires at that meeting.
REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS
The Charter provides that a director may be removed with or without cause
by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast
in the election of directors, and by the vote required to elect a director, the
stockholders may fill a vacancy on the Board of Directors resulting from
removal. This provision, when coupled with the provision in the Bylaws
authorizing the Board of Directors to fill vacant directorships, could preclude
stockholders from removing incumbent directors except upon a substantial
affirmative vote and filling the vacancies created by such removal with their
own nominees.
ANTI-TAKEOVER EFFECTS OF PROVISIONS OF ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS
The Company's Restated and Amended Articles and Bylaws provide for a six
member Board of Directors to be elected to staggered one, two and three year
terms and, thereafter, for successive three year terms. In addition, directors
may only be removed from office for cause upon a vote of 70% of the Common Stock
outstanding. The Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws also provide that they may
not be amended in certain respects except pursuant to the vote of 70% of the
Common Stock outstanding. These provisions of the Articles of Incorporation and
Bylaws could discourage potential acquisition proposals and could delay or
prevent a change in control of the Company.
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GEORGIA ANTI-TAKEOVER STATUTES
The Georgia Business Combination Code restricts certain business
combinations with "interested shareholders" and contains fair price requirements
applicable to certain mergers with certain "interested shareholders" that are
summarized below. The restrictions imposed by these statutes will not apply to a
corporation unless it elects to be governed by these statutes. The Company has
elected to be covered by such restrictions.
The Georgia business combination statute regulates business combinations
such as mergers, consolidations, share exchanges and asset purchases where the
acquired business has at least 100 shareholders residing in Georgia and has its
principal office in Georgia, and where the acquiror became an "interested
shareholder" of the corporation, unless either (i) the transaction resulting in
such acquiror becoming an "interested shareholder" or the business combination
received the approval of the corporation's board of directors prior to the date
on which the acquiror became an "interested shareholder," or (ii) the acquiror
became the owner of at least 90% of the outstanding voting stock of the
corporation (excluding shares held by directors, officers and affiliates of the
corporation and shares held by certain other persons) in the same transaction in
which the acquiror became an "interested shareholder." For purposes of this
statute, an "interested shareholder" generally is any person who directly or
indirectly, alone or in concert with others, beneficially owns or controls 10%
or more of the voting power of the outstanding voting shares of the corporation.
The statute prohibits business combinations with an unapproved "interested
shareholder" for a period of five years after the date on which such person
became an "interested shareholder." The statute restricting business
combinations is broad in its scope and is designed to inhibit unfriendly
acquisitions.
The Georgia fair price statute prohibits certain business combinations
between a Georgia business corporation and an "interested shareholder" unless
(i) certain "fair price" criteria are satisfied, (ii) the business combination
is unanimously approved by the continuing directors, (iii) the business
combination is recommended by at least two-thirds of the continuing directors
and approved by a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of voting
shares, other than voting shares beneficially owned by the "interested
shareholder," or (iv) the interested shareholder has been such for at least
three years and has not increased his ownership position in such three-year
period by more than one percent in any twelve-month period. The fair price
statute is designed to inhibit unfriendly acquisitions that do not satisfy the
specified "fair price" requirements.
AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANY'S CHARTER AND BYLAWS
The Company's Articles, including its provisions on classification of the
Board of Directors and removal of directors, may be amended only by the
affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the capital stock
entitled to vote. The Company's Bylaws may be amended by the affirmative vote of
holders of at least 66 2/3% of the capital stock entitled to vote on the matter.
Subject to the right of stockholders to adopt, alter and repeal the Bylaws, the
Board of Directors is authorized to adopt, alter or repeal the Bylaws.
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ADVANCE NOTICE OF DIRECTOR NOMINATIONS AND NEW BUSINESS
The Bylaws of the Company provide that (i) with respect to an annual
meeting of stockholders, nominations of persons for election to the Board of
Directors and the proposal of business to be considered by stockholders may be
made only (a) pursuant to the Company's notice of the meeting, (b) by the Board
of Directors, or (c) by a stockholder who is entitled to vote at the meeting and
has complied with the advance notice procedures set forth in the Bylaws, and
(ii) with respect to special meetings of stockholders, only the business
specified in the Company's notice of meeting may be brought before the meeting
of stockholders, or provided that the Board of Directors has determined that
directors shall be elected at such meeting, nominations of persons for election
to the Board of Directors may be brought by a stockholder who is entitled to
vote at the meeting and has complied with the advance notice provisions set
forth in the Bylaws.
STOCKHOLDER MEETINGS AND ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT
In order for stockholders to call special meetings, the Bylaws require
the written request of holders of shares entitled to cast not less than 25% of
all votes entitled to be cast at such meeting. Such provisions do not, however,
affect the ability of stockholders to submit a proposal to the vote of all
stockholders of the Company in accordance with the Bylaws, which provide for the
additional notice requirements for stockholder nominations and proposals at the
annual meetings of stockholders as described above. The Bylaws provide that any
action required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of stockholders may be
taken without a meeting by unanimous written consent, if such consent sets forth
such action and is signed by each stockholder entitled to vote on the matter and
a written waiver of any right to dissent is signed by each stockholders entitled
to notice of the meeting but not entitled to vote at it.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION
The Company's Articles limits the liability of the Company's directors
and officers to the Company and its stockholders to the fullest extent permitted
from time to time by Georgia law. Georgia law presently permits the liability of
directors and officers to a corporation or its stockholders for money damages to
be limited, except (i) to the extent that it is proved that the director or
officer actually received an improper benefit or profit, or (ii) if a judgment
or other final adjudication is entered in a preceding based on a finding that
the director's or officers' action, or failure to act, was the result of active
and deliberate dishonesty and was material to the cause of action adjudicated in
the proceeding. This provision does not limit the ability of the Company or its
stockholders to obtain other relief, such as an injunction or rescission.
The Company's Articles and Bylaws require the Company to indemnify its
directors, officers and certain other parties to the fullest extent permitted
from time to time by Georgia law. The GBCC presently permits a corporation to
indemnify its directors, officers and certain other parties against judgments,
penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses actually incurred by them
in connection with any proceeding to which they may be made a party by reason of
their service to the corporation, unless it is established that (i) the act or
omission of the indemnified party was material to the matter giving rise to the
proceeding, and (1) was committed in bad faith or (2) was the result of active
and deliberate dishonest;
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or (ii) the indemnified party actually received an improper personal benefit in
money, property or services; or (iii) in the case of any criminal proceeding,
the indemnified party had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission
was unlawful. Indemnification may be made against judgments, penalties, fines,
settlements and reasonable expenses actually incurred by the director or officer
in connection with the proceeding; provided, however, that if the proceeding is
one by or in the right of the corporation, indemnification may not be made with
respect to any proceeding in which the director or officer has been adjudged to
be liable to the corporation. In addition, a director or officer may not be
indemnified with respect to any proceeding charging improper personal benefit to
the director or officer in which the director or officer was adjudged to be
liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received. The
termination of any proceeding by conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere
or its equivalent, or an entry of any order of probation prior to judgment,
creates a rebuttable presumption that the director or officer did not meet the
requisite standard of conduct required for indemnification to be permitted. The
Company has directors and officers insurance which became effective.
DISSOLUTION OF THE COMPANY
The dissolution of the Company must be approved by the affirmative vote
of holders of not less than a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast
on the matter.
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
The Company has outstanding 34,785,611 shares of Common Stock. Of these
shares, 11,686,889 are freely tradable in the public market without restriction
or further registration under the Securities Act.
All 16,666,666 shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to the 1997 Private
Placement are "restricted securities" as that term is defined under Rule 144 and
may be sold only pursuant to registration under the Securities Act or pursuant
to an exemption therefrom, such as that provided by Rule 144. In general, under
Rule 144 as currently in effect, if one year has elapsed since the later of the
date of acquisition of shares of Common Stock from the Company or the date of
acquisition of shares of Common Stock from any "affiliate" of the Company, as
that term is defined under the Securities Act, the acquiror or subsequent holder
is entitled to sell within any three-month period a number of shares of Common
Stock that do not exceed the greater of 1% of the then-outstanding shares of
Common Stock or the average weekly trading volume of shares of Common Stock on
all exchanges and reported through the automated quotation system of a
registered securities association during the four calendar weeks preceding the
date on which notice of the sale is filed with the Commission. Sales under Rule
144 are also subject to certain restrictions on the manner of sales, notice
requirements and the availability of current public information about the
Company. If two years have elapsed since the date of acquisition of shares of
Common Stock from the Company or from any "affiliate" of the Company, and the
acquiror or subsequent holder thereof is deemed not to have been an affiliate of
the company at any time during the 90 days preceding a sale, such person would
be entitled to sell such shares of Common Stock in the public market under Rule
144(i) without regard to the volume limitations, manner of sale provisions,
public information requirements or notice requirements.
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Pursuant to a Registration Rights Agreement between the Company and
certain of the Registering Stockholders (the "Registration Rights Agreement")
the Company has agreed to file and use its best efforts to have the shelf
registration of which this Prospectus is a part be declared and remain effective
for a period of two years with respect to the shares of Common Stock issued upon
consummation of the 1997 Private Placement that continue to be "restricted
securities" (the "Registrable Shares"). The Company will bear the expenses
incident to the registration requirements of the Registrable Shares, except that
such expenses shall not include any underwriting discounts or commissions or
transfer taxes relating to such shares.
Under the Registration Rights Agreement, the holders of the Registrable
Shares will also be entitled to include within any registration statement under
the Securities Act filed by the Company with respect to any underwritten public
offering of Common Stock (either of its own account or the account of other
security holders) at any time within two years following the issue date, which
occurred on November 12, 1997 and November 24, 1997, the Registrable Shares held
by such holders, subject to certain conditions and restrictions. The existence
of the Registration Rights Agreement may adversely affect the terms upon which
the Company can obtain additional equity financing in the future.
The Company may require that the Registrable Shares be sold in block
trades through underwriters or broker-dealers or that the Registrable Shares be
underwritten by investment banking firms selected by the Company.
There had been no public market for the Common Stock and the effect, if
any, that future market sales of Common Stock or the availability of such Common
Stock for sale will have on the market price of the Common Stock prevailing from
time to time cannot be predicted. Nevertheless, sales of substantial amounts of
Common Stock in the public market (or the perception that such sales could
occur) might adversely affect market prices for the Common Stock.
Additionally, there are no outstanding stock options to purchase Common
Stock which have been granted to executive officers, other key employees,
Independent Directors and consultants of the Company under the 1992 Stock Option
Plan.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The Company is registering the shares of Common Stock offered hereby
pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement. Any distribution of the shares
covered by this Prospectus may be effected from time to time in one or more
transactions (which may involve block transactions) on the OTCBB system, in
negotiated transactions or in a combination of such methods of sale, at fixed
prices, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to
the prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices. The Registering
Stockholders will effect any such transactions with or through one or more
broker-dealers which may act as agent or principal, and if required by the
Company, through block trades or offerings through underwriters. Any such
broker-dealer may receive compensation in the form of underwriting discounts,
concessions or commissions from the Registering Stockholders and/or the
purchaser of the shares for whom it may act as agent or to whom it may sell as
principals or both. With respect to any shares sold by a Registering
Stockholder, the Registering Stockholder and/or any broker-dealer effecting
43
45
the sales may be deemed to be an "underwriter" within the meaning of Section
2(11) of the Securities Act, and any commissions received by the broker-dealer
and any profit on the resale of shares as principal may be deemed to be
underwriting discounts or commissions under the Securities Act. Additionally,
the Registering Stockholders may pledge or make gifts of their shares and the
shares may also be sold by the pledgee or transferees.
In order to comply with the securities laws of certain states, if
applicable, the Common Stock may be sold in such jurisdictions only through
registered or licensed brokers or dealers. In addition, in certain states the
Common Stock may not be sold unless it has been registered or qualified for sale
or an exemption from registration or qualification requirements is available and
is complied with.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the Common Stock offered hereby and other legal matters
will be passed upon for the Company by Schreeder, Wheeler & Flint, LLP 1600
Candler Building, 127 Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30303.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements as of July 31, 1997 and 1996 and
for each of the three years in the period ended July 31, 1997 included in this
Prospectus and the related financial statement schedule included elsewhere in
the Registration Statement have been audited by Dudley, Jones-Hopton, Sims &
Freeman, PLLP, independent auditors, as stated in their reports appearing herein
and elsewhere in the Registration Statement and have been so included in
reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in
accounting and auditing.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") a Registration Statement on Form S-1 (together with all
amendments, exhibits and schedules thereto, the "Registration Statement") under
the Securities Act with respect to the Common Stock offered hereby. This
Prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the Registration
Statement. For further information with respect to the Company and the Common
Stock offered hereby, reference is hereby made to such Registration Statement
and the exhibits and schedules thereto. Statements contained in this Prospectus
as to the contents of any contract or other document are not necessarily
complete and in each instance, reference is made to the copy of such contract or
document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, each such statement
being qualified in all respects by such reference. The Company is also subject
to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act, and in accordance
therewith files reports and other information with the Commission. Copies of the
Registration Statement and reports, proxy statements and other information
concerning the Company may be obtained from the Commission's principal office at
450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the following regional
offices of the Commission: Seven World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048
and 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661. Copies of such
materials may be obtained from the public
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46
reference section of the Commission at its Washington address upon payment of
the fees prescribed by the Commission or may be examined without charge at the
offices of the Commission. Electronic filings made through the Electronic Data
Gathering Analysis and Retrieval System are publicly available through the
Commission's website (http://www.sec.gov).
The Company intends to furnish its stockholders with annual reports
containing combined financial statements audited by an independent public
accounting firm and quarterly reports for the first three quarters of each
fiscal year containing unaudited combined financial information.
45
47
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
[TO BE INSERTED]
48
Report of Independent Auditors
Board of Directors and Stockholders
Tapistron International, Inc.
Ringgold, Georgia
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Tapistron
International, Inc. and subsidiary as of July 31, 1997 and 1996, and the
related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity and cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended July 31, 1997. These
consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated
financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are
free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of
Tapistron International, Inc. and subsidiary as of July 31, 1997 and 1996, and
the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three
years in the period ended July 31, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
DUDLEY, HOPTON-JONES, SIMS & FREEMAN PLLP
Birmingham, Alabama
September 26, 1997
F-1
49
TAPISTRON INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Debtor-in-Possession)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
July 31, 1997 and 1996
ASSETS
1997 1996
---- ----
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents $ 27,946 $ 17,149
Receivables, net of allowance of
$39,905 as of July 31, 1997
and 1996, respectively 720,740 119,872
Note receivable 350,000 600,000
Inventory 1,231,002 2,082,495
Prepayments 102,453 20,707
Deferred income taxes 100,000 --
---------- ----------
Total current assets 2,532,141 2,840,223
---------- ----------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET 564,324 877,269
---------- ----------
OTHER ASSETS
Long-term receivables, net allowance
of $500,000 as of July 31, 1997 and
1996, respectively -- --
Patents and patent license 263,068 286,160
Deferred income taxes 1,900,000 --
Other 8,247 12,886
---------- ----------
Total other assets 2,171,315 299,046
---------- ----------
TOTAL $5,267,780 $4,016,538
========== ==========
The accompanying notes are an integral
part of these financial statements.
F-2
50
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
1997 1996
---- ----
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Short-term debt $ - $ 1,028,687
Current portion of long-term debt 4,315 4,729
Accounts payable 178,068 33,970
Accrued expenses 655,621 408,350
Customer deposits 936,026 280,000
------------ ------------
Total current liabilities 1,774,030 1,755,736
------------ ------------
LIABILITIES SUBJECT TO SETTLEMENT UNDER
REORGANIZATION PROCEEDINGS 2,520,557 1,599,668
------------ ------------
LONG-TERM DEBT 744 5,060
------------ ------------
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock - $.001 par value -
2,000,000 shares authorized;
no shares issued and outstanding -- --
Common stock - $.0004 par value -
100,000,000 shares authorized;
and 10,581,813 shares issued 4,233 4,233
Additional paid-in-capital 22,899,108 22,899,108
Accumulated deficit (21,918,100) (22,234,475)
Treasury stock - 55,518 shares
outstanding as of July 31, 1997
and 1996, at cost (12,792) (12,792)
------------ ------------
Total stockholders' equity 972,449 656,074
------------ ------------
TOTAL $ 5,267,780 $ 4,016,538
============ ============
F-4
51
TAPISTRON INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Debtor-in-Possession)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the Years Ended July 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995
1997 1996 1995
---- ---- -----
SALES $ 3,626,092 $ 1,305,499 $ 2,565,544
COST OF SALES 2,477,302 1,146,717 1,757,793
------------ ------------ ------------
Gross profit 1,148,790 158,782 807,751
------------ ------------ ------------
OPERATING EXPENSES
Administrative expenses 1,998,245 3,473,581 3,656,532
Research and development 10,384 23,473 2,405,438
------------ ------------ ------------
2,008,629 3,497,054 6,061,970
------------ ------------ ------------
OPERATING LOSS (859,839) (3,338,272) (5,254,219)
------------ ------------ ------------
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest expense (30,269) (314,611) (248,594)
Interest income 114 26,292 42,529
Loss on disposal of assets -- (1,022,505) (592,891)
------------ ------------ ------------
Other income (expense) (30,155) (1,310,824) (798,956)
------------ ------------ ------------
Loss before reorganization
items, income tax benefit
and extraordinary item (889,994) (4,649,096) (6,053,175)
REORGANIZATION ITEMS (793,631) (249,150) --
------------ ------------ ------------
Loss before income tax benefit
and extraordinary item (1,683,625) (4,898,246) (6,053,175)
INCOME TAX BENEFIT (2,000,000) -- --
------------ ------------ ------------
Income (loss) before
extraordinary tem 316,375 (4,898,246) (6,053,175)
EXTRAORDINARY ITEM
Gain from extinguishment of debt -- 420,150 --
------------ ------------ ------------
NET INCOME (LOSS) $ 316,375 $ (4,478,096) $ (6,053,175)
============ ============ ============
EARNINGS PER SHARE
Income (loss) before
extraordinary item $ 0.03 $ (0.49) $ (0.69)
Extraordinary item -- 0.04 --
Net income (loss) $ 0.03 $ (0.45) (0.69)
------------ ------------ ------------
Weighted average number of
shares outstanding $ 10,526,295 $ 10,012,390 $ 8,761,117
============ ============ ============
The accompanying notes are an integral
part of these financial statements.
F-4
52
TAPISTRON INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Debtor-in-Possession)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
For the Years Ended July 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995
Common Stock
------------------- Paid-in Accumulated Treasury
Shares Amount Capital Deficit Stock Total
------ ------ ------- ------- ----- -----
BALANCE - 8-1-94 7,737,013 $ 3,095 $ 19,366,473 $(11,703,107) $(12,792) $ 7,653,669
Issuance of new shares 1,944,800 778 3,237,995 -- -- 3,238,773
Other R/E transaction -- -- -- (97) -- (97)
Net loss -- -- -- (6,053,175) -- (6,053,175)
---------- ------- ------------ ------------ -------- ------------
BALANCE - 7-31-95 9,681,813 3,873 22,604,468 (17,756,379) (12,792) 4,839,170
Issuance of new shares 900,000 360 294,640 -- -- 295,000
Net loss -- -- -- (4,478,096) -- (4,478,096)
---------- ------- ------------ ------------ -------- ------------
BALANCE - 7-31-96 10,581,813 4,233 22,899,108 (22,234,475) (12,792) 656,074
Issuance of new shares -- -- -- -- -- --
Net income -- -- -- 316,375 -- 316,375
---------- ------- ------------ ------------ -------- ------------
BALANCE - 7-31-97 10,581,813 $ 4,233 $ 22,899,108 $(21,918,100) $(12,792) $ 972,449
========== ======= ============ ============ ======== ============
The accompanying notes are an integral
part of these financial statements.
F-5
53
TAPISTRON INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Debtor-in-Possession)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Years Ended July 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995
1997 1996 1995
---- ---- ----
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income (loss) $ 316,375 $(4,478,096) $(6,053,175)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net
cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 207,934 414,992 484,315
Loss on sales of property, plant and equipment -- 1,022,504 592,891
Issuance of stock in lieu of compensation -- 145,000 --
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Decrease (increase) in receivables (350,868) 328,097 (369,731)
Decrease (increase) in prepayments (81,746) 76,439 93,782
Decrease in inventory 1,014,763 1,009,497 453,448
Decrease in long-term receivables -- 500,000 --
Decrease in other assets 1,644 170,933 --
Decrease in noncompete agreements -- 11,545 23,091
(Increase) in notes receivable -- (150,000) --
(Increase) in deferred income taxes (2,000,000) -- --
Increase in accounts payable and
accrued expenses 391,369 123,060 982,096
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and
accrued expenses, which are subject to
settlement under a plan of reorganization 290,751 (170,941) --
Increase (decrease) in customer deposits 656,026 (5,000) 185,000
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating
activities 446,248 (1,001,970) (3,608,283)
----------- ----------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment -- 2,187,500 201,250
Capital expenditures and retirements (15,407) -- (560,805)
Payment for patents (11,349) (14,415) (67,575)
Investment in other assets -- -- (137,625)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash provided by (used in) investing
activities (26,756) 2,173,085 (564,755)
----------- ----------- -----------
The accompanying notes are an integral
part of these financial statements.
F-6
54
TAPISTRON INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Debtor-in-Possession)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - CONTINUED
For the Years Ended July 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995
1997 1996 1995
---- ---- ----
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from issuance of debt 599,970 1,210,495 1,320,000
Principal payments of debt (1,008,665) (381,809) (998,926)
Proceeds from issuance of debt which is subject to
settlement under a plan of reorganization -- 140,600 --
Principal payments of debt which is subject to
settlement under a plan of reorganization -- (2,372,678) --
Proceeds from issuance of common stock -- 150,000 3,238,677
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing
activities (408,695) (1,253,392) 3,559,751
----------- ----------- -----------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH
EQUIVALENTS 10,797 (82,277) (613,287)
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year 17,149 99,426 712,713
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash and cash equivalents - end of year $ 27,946 $ 17,149 $ 99,426
=========== =========== ===========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW
INFORMATION
Cash paid for interest $ 19,569 $ 34,532 $ 252,471
=========== =========== ===========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NONCASH
INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Equipment reclassified to inventory $ 163,270 $ 290,817 $ --
The accompanying notes are an integral
part of these financial statements.
F-7
55
TAPISTRON INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Debtor-in-Possession)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 - REORGANIZATION AND LEGAL MATTERS
Tapistron International, Inc. (the "Company") filed a voluntary petition for
relief under Chapter 11 of title 11 of the United States Code (the "Code") on
June 21, 1996 (the "petition date"). The Company is currently operating its
business as a debtor-in-possession under the jurisdiction of the United States
Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Georgia (the "Court"). The
Company's liabilities as of the petition date are generally subject to
settlement in a plan of reorganization, which must be voted on by certain of
its creditors and confirmed by the Court. Until a reorganization plan has been
confirmed, the Company is prevented from making payments on pre-petition debt
unless permitted by the Code or approved by the Court. Certain contracts and
leases existing at the petition date have been rejected or assumed with the
approval of the Court. The Company continues to review all other unexpired
pre-petition executory contracts and leases to determine whether they should be
assumed or rejected. Parties affected by the rejection of contracts and leases
may file claims against the Company.
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company
will continue as a going concern, which contemplates continuity of operations
and the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal
course of business. The chapter 11 filing, the Company's leveraged financial
structure, and recurring net losses raise a question about the Company's
ability to continue as a going concern. A plan of reorganization may materially
change the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements (which do
not give effect to adjustments to the carrying values of assets and liabilities
which may be necessary as a consequence of a plan of reorganization). The
continuation of the Company's business as a going concern is contingent upon,
among other things, the ability to (1) formulate a plan of reorganization that
will be confirmed by the court, (2) achieve satisfactory levels of future
profitable operations, (3) maintain adequate financing, and (4) provide
sufficient cash from operations to meet future obligations.
The Company is anticipating increased sales, as marketing efforts are increased
and as customers regain confidence in the financial stability of the Company.
The Company has been focused on establishing and improving customer
relationships, and ongoing research and development projects are building on
current proven CYP technology at a steady pace.
Immediate emphasis will be placed on actively promoting the CYP machine in the
domestic market, which will be handled by the Company's internal sales and
marketing department. The primary markets outside the U.S. are in the Pacific
Rim and Europe, and foreign sales efforts will be maintained by outside
representatives.
Due to a number of domestic CYP machine installations over the past three years,
CYP product has been able to find some market areas for which it is well suited,
the primary one being commercial/hospitality broadloom. This market, along with
the rug market and residential broadloom, will be prime applications for the CYP
machine. The CYP machine is not in the same market with low-end solid color
carpet tufting machines, and our focus will continue to be on the manufacturers
of high-end carpet, which is a value-added product market. So, as there has been
an increasing trend toward product differentiation in the carpet industry, the
future is continually looking brighter for this machine and for patterned
tufting in general.
The Company filed a plan of reorganization on March 14, 1997, which was amended
on July 18, 1997. (See Note 16 - Subsequent events).
F-8
56
TAPISTRON INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Debtor-in-Possession)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The significant accounting policies and practices followed by Tapistron
International, Inc. (the "Company") and its subsidiary are as follows:
Description of Business
The Company is in the business of developing or acquiring proprietary
technologies in the textile industry. To date, the Company's efforts have been
focused on the continued development, production and marketing of the
computerized yarn placement (CYP) machine and the exploration of a second
technology involving the dyeing of textile materials.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and
its wholly-owned subsidiary, Fabrication Center, Inc. ("FCI"). All significant
intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with a
maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company maintains
at various financial institutions cash and cash equivalent accounts which may
exceed federally insured amounts at times.
Inventory
Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the
first-in, first-out (FIFO) method.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost. Expenditures for repairs and
maintenance are charged to expense as incurred and additions and improvements
that significantly extend the lives of assets are capitalized. Upon sale or
other retirement of depreciable property, the cost and accumulated depreciation
are removed from the related accounts and any gain or loss is reflected in
operations. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the
estimated useful lives of the depreciable assets.
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets are stated at their unamortized cost and are amortized on the
straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. The estimated useful
lives of the Company's noncompete agreements range from 2 to 9 years and the
estimated useful lives of the Company's patents and licenses range from 7 to 17
years.
Earnings (Net Loss) Per Share
Earnings (net loss) per share is computed using the weighted average number of
shares of common stock outstanding.
Revenue Recognition
Sales and related cost of sales are recognized primarily at the time of shipment
of the product. Sales and cost of sales may be recognized when the product is
complete and ready for shipment if the customer requests the Company to hold the
product and there are no uncertainties as to the consummation of the sale. Upon
recognition of sales, a reserve for estimated warranty and other related
expenses is established. The reserve is periodically evaluated as to its
adequacy for the anticipated expenses to be incurred during the limited warranty
period.
F-9
57
TAPISTRON INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Debtor-in-Possession)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - CONTINUED
Income Taxes
Income taxes are computed based on the provisions of Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes" (SFAS 109). Deferred
tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax effects
attributed to temporary differences between the book and tax bases of assets and
liabilities and for carryforward items. The measurement of current and deferred
tax assets and liabilities is based on enacted tax law. Deferred tax assets are
reduced, if necessary, by a valuation allowance for the amount of tax benefits
that may not be realized.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the 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 the
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at 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.
Certain Significant Estimates
At July 31, 1997, the Company had significant deferred tax assets related to
operating losses available for carryforward. These deferred tax assets have been
recorded under the guidelines of SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, on
the premise that future taxable income will more likely than not be adequate to
realize future tax benefits of the available net operating loss carryforwards.
Under tax regulations, realization of tax benefits per period will be limited
and full realization will depend on future taxable income over a number of
years.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made in the previously reported financial
statements to make prior year amounts comparable to those of the current year.
Such reclassifications had no effect on previously reported net loss or
shareholders' equity.
Disclosures About Fair Values of Financial Instruments
In the year ended July 31, 1996, the Company adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 107, Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial
Instruments (SFAS 107), which requires companies to disclose fair value
information about certain financial instruments. SFAS 107 defines fair value as
the quoted market prices for those instruments that are actively traded in
financial markets. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair
values are estimated using present value or other valuation techniques. The fair
value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on available market
information and judgments about the financial instrument, such as estimates of
timing and amount of expected future cash flows. Such estimates do not reflect
any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the
Company's entire holdings of a particular financial instrument, nor do they
consider the tax impact of the realization of unrealized gains or losses.
In many cases, the fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to
independent markets, nor can the disclosed value be realized in immediate
settlement of the instrument.
SFAS 107 excludes certain financial instruments, particularly trade accounts
receivable and payable, from its disclosure requirements.
The fair values of cash and cash equivalents approximate their carrying amounts
as reflected in the balance sheet due to their short-term availability or
maturity.
F-10
58
TAPISTRON INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Debtor-in-Possession)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - CONTINUED
Disclosures About Fair Values of Financial Instruments - Continued
The fair values of notes receivable approximate their carrying amounts as
reflected in the balance sheet due to interest rates that are similar to current
rates.
The fair values of notes payable also approximate their carrying amounts as
reflected in the balance sheet due to interest rates that are similar to current
rates.
NOTE 3 - ORGANIZATION
The Company was incorporated on February 7, 1986, under the laws of the State of
Georgia under the name Textile Corporation of America. The Company was formed to
acquire FCI and to develop or acquire proprietary technologies in the textile
industry. On July 29, 1986, the Company exchanged 2,800,426 shares of common
stock for all of the outstanding stock of FCI having a net book value of
$342,608 in a transaction accounted for as a pooling of interests. FCI was
organized on August 19, 1981, under the laws of the State of Georgia and
commenced operations on August 1, 1983. FCI was formed for the purpose of
engaging in the research, development, production and marketing of a CYP machine
for the manufacturing of rugs and carpets. On July 16, 1991, the directors
changed the name of the Company to Tapistron International, Inc. Reference
herein to the "Company" includes Tapistron International, Inc. and FCI. The
Company was a development stage enterprise until January 1992 when the Company
realized revenues from the sale of its first CYP machine.
NOTE 4 - INVENTORY
Inventory consists of the following components:
1997 1996
---- ----
Raw materials $ 437,215 $ 1,413,531
Work in process 793,788 1,636,530
Finished goods -- 11,090
------------- -------------
1,231,003 3,061,151
Allowance for obsolete inventory -- (978,656)
------------- -------------
$ 1,231,003 $ 2,082,495
============= =============
The Company recognized a loss related to obsolete inventory of $-0- for the year
ended July 31, 1997 and $504,441 for the year ended July 31, 1996.
F-11
59
TAPISTRON INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Debtor-in-Possession)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 5 - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment consists of the following major classifications:
1997 1996
------------------------------------ --------------------------------------
Accumulated Accumulated
Cost Depreciation Cost Depreciation
---- ------------ ---- ------------
Office furniture, fixtures and
equipment $ 501,435 $ 382,696 $ 501,435 $ 306,490
Machinery and equipment 826,956 383,060 1,167,365 490,114
Vehicles 16,914 15,224 16,914 11,841
------------- ----------- ------------- -------------
$ 1,345,305 $ 780,980 $ 1,685,714 $ 808,445
============= =========== ============= =============
Depreciation expense totaled $462,534 for 1995, $390,125 for 1996 and $171,642
for 1997.
NOTE 6 - ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES
Accounts payable and accrued expenses consist of the following:
1997 1996
---- ----
Trade accounts payable $ 178,069 $ 33,970
Reserve for product warranties 10,000 10,000
Other 645,621 398,350
------------- ------------
$ 833,690 $ 442,320
============= ============
NOTE 7 - LIABILITIES SUBJECT TO SETTLEMENT UNDER REORGANIZATION PROCEEDINGS
If it is probable that the collateral value related to pre-petition secured
liabilities exceeds the amount of the obligation, such liabilities are included
in short-term debt.
The remainder of the pre-petition liabilities (including situations where it
cannot be determined whether the collateral value exceeds the amount of the
obligation)are:
June 21, 1996
-------------
Accounts payable $ 1,742,982
Unsecured term notes 777,575
-------------
Total liabilities subject to settlement under reorganization proceedings $ 2,520,557
=============
A plan of reorganization may materially change the amount and terms of these
pre-petition liabilities.
The portions of debt contractually due within one year following each respective
balance sheet date are not classified in current liabilities because such
amounts will be settled under a plan of reorganization.
F-12
60
TAPISTRON INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Debtor-in-Possession)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 8 - LEASES
In June, 1996, the Company completed the refinancing of its main facility under
a sale/leaseback arrangement. The facility was sold for $1.9 million, $1.86
million of which was used to pay off the existing mortgage. The Company then
entered into an operating lease for a term of five years. The lease requires
minimum annual rental payments of $302,500 in 1997, $317,625 in 1998, $333,506
in 1999, $350,182 in 2000, and $303,877 in 2001. The Company has the option to
purchase the property at any time during the lease term.
The Company also leases office space, warehouse space, and equipment under
short-term operating leases. Rental expense under all operating leases totaled
$50,941 for 1995, $52,442 for 1996 and $244,143 for 1997.
NOTE 9 - DEBT
Long-term debt consists of the following:
1997 1996
---- ----
9.3% Promissory note, maturing in January 2002, payable $1,200
annually, unsecured and subject to settlement under a plan of
reorganization $ -- $ 4,869
5.8% Promissory note, maturing September 9, 1998, payable $375
monthly including interest, collateralized by equipment 5,060 9,788
--------- ----------
5,060 14,657
Less: Current portion 4,316 4,729
Current portion subject to settlement under a plan of reorganization -- 748
--------- ----------
$ 744 $ 9,180
========= ==========
Aggregate maturities of long-term debt for the five years subsequent to July 31,
1997, are as follows:
July 31, 1998 $ 4,316
July 31, 1999 744
July 31, 2000 -
July 31, 2001 -
July 31, 2002 -
Thereafter -
As of July 31, 1996 short-term debt consists of a line of credit agreement
bearing interest at 10% and various promissory notes bearing interest at rates
varying from 6% to 13%. A significant portion of the short-term debt is
collateralized by CYP machines.
Interest expense on debt totaled $248,594 for 1995, $314,611 for 1996 and
$30,269 for 1997.
F-13
61
TAPISTRON INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Debtor-in-Possession)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 10 - STOCK OPTIONS
In April 1992, the Company adopted the 1992 qualified employee stock option plan
(the "1992 Plan") which provided for the granting of options to employees for
the purchase of up to 350,000 shares of common stock of the Company at a price
not less than fair market value on the date the options are granted. The
shareholders of the Company subsequently approved an increase in the number of
shares available for issuance under the 1992 Plan to 1,350,000 shares.
Previously, the Company had a qualified employee stock option plan (the "1989
Plan") which provided for the granting of options to employees for the purchase
of approximately 210,000 shares of which options for approximately 192,500 have
been granted. The 1989 Plan was terminated with the adoption of the 1992 Plan.
In addition, the Company has, at various times, granted options outside of the
Plan to employees and non-employees.
The following table summarized option activity:
Number of Option Price
Shares Per Share
--------- -----------
Outstanding as of July 31, 1991 554,062 $2.14 - $3.57
Granted 545,528 $5.00 - $6.75
Exercised (86,470) $3.57
Expired (17,512) $3.57
---------
Outstanding as of July 31, 1992 995,608 $3.57 - $6.75
Exercised (209,605) $3.57
Expired (3,500) $5.00
---------
Outstanding as of July 31, 1993 782,503 $2.14 - $3.57
Granted 1,513,000 $2.75 - $7.125
Exercised (25,000) $3.57
Expired (248,000) $6.75 - $7.125
---------
Outstanding as of July 31, 1994 2,022,503 $2.75 - $7.125
Granted 111,000 $1.875 - $2.625
Exercised -- --
Expired (141,500) $2.750 - $7.125
---------
Outstanding as of July 31, 1995 1,992,003 $1.875 - $7.125
Granted 600,000 $.50 - $.87
Exercised -- --
Expired -- --
---------
Outstanding as of July 31, 1996 2,592,003 $.50 - $7.125
Granted -- --
Exercised -- --
Expired -- --
Outstanding as of July 31, 1997 2,592,003 $.50 - $7.125
---------
Exercisable 2,592,003
---------
Options outstanding as of July 31, 1991, for the purchase of 86 049 shares of
the Company's common stock were exercised during April 1992 by the surrender of
28,502 shares of the Company's common stock.
Options outstanding as of July 31, 1992, for the purchase of 209,605 shares of
the Company's common stock were exercised by and the subscription notes
receivable were paid by the surrender of 95,649 shares of the Company's common
stock.
F-14
62
TAPISTRON INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Debtor-in-Possession)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 10 - STOCK OPTIONS - CONTINUED
In connection with the initial public offering on June 23, 1992, the Company
issued representative's options to purchase up to an aggregate of 225,000 shares
of the Company's common stock and 225,000 warrants at an initial purchase price
of $11.138 per share of the Company's common stock and $.165 per non-redeemable
warrant. These options are exercisable from June 24, 1993 through September 3,
2003. The non-redeemable warrants issuable upon exercise of the representative's
options are not subject to redemption by the Company. The options also contain
provisions providing for adjustment of the exercise price upon occurrence of
certain events, including the issuance of shares of common stock or other
securities convertible into or exercisable for shares of common stock at a price
per share less than the exercise price or the market price, recapitalization,
reclassification, stock dividend, stock split, stock combination or similar
transactions. The representative's options have not been included in the above
table. (See Note 16 - Subsequent Events.)
NOTE 11 - WARRANTS
During the year ended July 31, 1992, the Company issued redeemable warrants to
purchase 2,587,500 shares of common stock of the Company at a purchase price of
$8.10 per share, exercisable from June 24, 1993 through June 23, 1997. During
the year ended July 31, 1992, the Company issued warrants to purchase 45,049
shares of common stock of the Company at $3.93 per share and 34,727 shares at
$5.50 per share expiring at various dates through December 1994. During the year
ended July 31, 1994, warrants for the purchase of 18,550 shares of the Company's
common stock at a purchase price of $3.93 were exercised and warrants for the
purchase of 26,499 shares of the Company's common stock at a purchase price of
$3.93 expired. During the year ended July 31, 1995, warrants for the purchase of
50,000 shares at an exercise price of $1.00 were issued, warrants for the
purchase of 34,727 shares at an exercise price of $5.50 expired, and no warrants
were exercised during the year. Warrants for the purchase of 2,637,500 shares of
the Company's common stock remain outstanding as of July 31,1996 and 1997. (See
Note 16 - Subsequent Events.)
NOTE 12 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
During the three years ended July 31, 1996, the Company borrowed various amounts
from a principal shareholder and former director of the Company and his family
members, who are also shareholders. The shareholder was a director during the
year ended July 31, 1996. As of July 31, 1997, the Company was indebted to this
shareholder in the amount of $614,000 through a line-of-credit agreement bearing
interest at 10%.
During the year ended July 31, 1996, the Company expensed $219,000 in consulting
legal, and administrative fees owed to a principal shareholder. The Company was
also indebted to this shareholder's law firm for $174,000 for legal fees in
association with the reorganization.
During the year ended July 31, 1994, the Company contracted with an engineering
consulting firm, whose Chief Executive Officer and President was also a director
of the Company, to develop a new model of the CYP machine. During the years
ended July 31, 1994, 1995, and 1996 the Company incurred approximately
$2,733,000, $2,643,000, and $0, respectively, in fees to this firm.
During the year ended July 31, 1996, consulting fees of $50,000 were paid to a
capital Company whose Chairman is a former director of the Company. Also during
the year ended July 31, 1996, $50,000 was borrowed from this capital Company.
F-15
63
TAPISTRON INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Debtor-in-Possession)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 12 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - CONTINUED
During the year ended July 31, 1996, the Company borrowed approximately $16,000
from an officer of the Company. The amount was also paid back to the officer
during the year.
During the year ended July 31, 1996, 200,000 shares of the Company's common
stock were issued to two former directors in consideration for services rendered
to the Company.
During the year ended July 31, 1997, no related party transactions occurred.
NOTE 13 - DOMESTIC AND EXPORT SALES
The following table summarizes the sales of the Company:
1997 1996 1995
----- ----- ----
North America $ 1,041,189 $ 1,200,322 $ 1,659,928
Asia 56,739 24,822 32,432
Pacific Rim 1,783,241 58,854 38,226
Europe 744,923 21,501 834,958
------------- ------------- -------------
Total sales $ 3,626,092 $ 1,305,499 $ 2,565,544
============= ============= =============
NOTE 14 - MAJOR CUSTOMERS
Substantially all sales were made to two customers during the year ended July
31, 1995, two customers during the year ended July 31, 1996 and four customers
during the year ended July 31, 1997.
NOTE 15 - INCOME TAXES
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences
between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting
purposes and the tax bases of those assets and liabilities. Significant
components of the Company's deferred tax liabilities and assets are as follows:
1997 1996
----- ----
Deferred tax assets
Accounts receivable $ 16,000 $ 16,000
Inventory -- 96,000
Accrued expenses and reserves 12,683 14,000
Net operating loss carryforward 8,642,000 8,006,000
Valuation allowance (6,670,683) (8,132,000)
----------- -----------
Net deferred tax assets $ 2,000,000 $ --
=========== ===========
As of July 31, 1997, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards of
approximately $22,869,000 available to offset future taxable income which will
expire in various years through 2011.
F-16
64
TAPISTRON INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Debtor-in-Possession)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 15 - INCOME TAXES - CONTINUED
Realization of deferred tax assets associated with the net operating loss
carryforwards and reversals of the temporary differences is dependent upon
generating sufficient taxable income prior to expiration of the NOL
carryforwards. Even though the Company has incurred tax losses for seven of the
past nine fiscal years, management believes that it is more likely than not, it
will generate taxable income sufficient to realize a portion of the tax benefit
associated with future deductible temporary differences and NOL carryforwards
prior to their expiration. This belief is based upon, among other factors,
changes in operations that have occurred during the last two years.
Specifically, cost savings by bringing Research and Development in house and by
better usage of just-in-time inventory control. The Company has assessed the
trends regarding patterned carpet and with consideration of its current
marketing strategies, anticipates a continued improvement in operating results.
Management believes that a valuation allowance is appropriate given the current
estimates of future taxable income. If the Company is unable to generate
sufficient taxable income in the future through operating results, increases in
the valuation allowance will be required through a charge to expense. However,
if the Company achieves sufficient profitability to utilize a greater portion of
the deferred tax asset, the valuation allowance will be reduced through a credit
to income.
NOTE 16 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
The Company's plan of reorganization was confirmed by the United States
Bankruptcy Court on August 18, 1997. As provided for in the plan of
reorganization, the Company has received the $2,500,000 proceeds from the
Regulation D offering. $500,000 of the proceeds will be applied to satisfy the
Class 7 claims (as indicated in the plan of reorganization) and the remaining
proceeds will be applied to provide operating capital for the continuation of
the Company's business. Upon confirmation of the plan of reorganization, all
outstanding stock options are cancelled; all redeemable warrants are modified to
reduce the exercise price to $1.00 and the exercise period is extended to August
31, 2000. As provided by the plan or reorganization, all Class 8 claims
(convenience class) have been paid in full.
NOTE 17 - ASSETS SUBJECT TO LIENS
The Company has pledged two of its CYP machines as collateral on two customer
deposits. These machines are currently included in work-in-process inventory.
The machines pledged and the related deposit balances are as follows:
Collateral's Work-In
Collateral Process Book Value Deposit Book Balance
Description as of July 31, 1997 as of July 31, 1997
------------ --------------------- --------------------
4.4 Meter CYP machine $445,000 $200,000
4.4 Meter CYP machine 445,000 200,000
The Company has pledged one of its notes receivable as collateral on a note
payable. This pledge was subsequently assigned as collateral on an accrued
expense. The note pledged and other related accrued expense balances are as
follows:
Collateral Collateral's Book Value Accrued Expense Balance
Description as of July 31, 1997 as of July 31, 1997
----------- ----------------------- -----------------------
Note receivable $300,000 $125,263
F-17
65
TAPISTRON INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Debtor-in-Possession)
SCHEDULE I
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Additions
Balance at Charged to Balance
Beginning Cost and at End
of Year Expenses Deductions of Year
--------- ---------- ---------- -------
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
-------------------------------
Year ended July 31, 1997 $ 39,905 $ -- $ -- $ 39,905
---------- ---------- ------------ ---------
Allowance for Obsolete Inventory
--------------------------------
Year ended July 31, 1997 $ 978,656 $ -- $ 978,656 $ --
---------- ---------- ------------ ---------
Allowance for Uncollectible Long-
---------------------------------
Term Receivables
----------------
Year ended July 31, 1997 $ 500,000 $ -- $ -- $ 500,000
---------- ---------- ------------ ---------
F-18
66
TAPISTRON INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Debtor-in-Possession)
CONSOLIDATED PRO FORMA BALANCE SHEET
(UNAUDITED)
July 31, 1997
ASSETS
Pro Forma
Historical Adjustments Pro Forma
Balance Sheet (See Note A) Balance Sheet
-------------- ------------- -------------
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents $ 27,946 $ 2,500,000 (a) $
(500,000)(f) 2,027,946
Receivables, net of allowance of $39,905 720,740 720,740
Notes receivable 350,000 350,000
Inventory 1,231,002 1,231,002
Prepayments 102,453 102,453
Deferred income taxes 100,000 100,000
-------------- -------------
Total current assets 2,532,141 4,532,141
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET 564,324 564,324
OTHER ASSETS -- --
Long-term receivables, net of allowance
of $500,000 263,068 263,068
Patents and patent license 8,247 8,247
Other 1,900,000 1,900,000
Deferred income taxes -------------- -------------
2,171,315 2,171,315
-------------- -------------
Total other assets
TOTAL $ 5,267,780 $ 7,267,780
============== =============
See Note to Consolidated Pro Forma Balance Sheet.
F-19
67
TAPISTRON INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Debtor-in-Possession)
CONSOLIDATED PRO FORMA BALANCE SHEET
(UNAUDITED)
July 31, 1997
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Pro Forma
Historical Adjustments Pro Forma
Balance Sheet (See Note A) Balance Sheet
------------- ------------ -------------
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Current portion of long-term debt $ 4,315 $ $ 4,315
Accounts payable 178,068 178,068
Accrued expenses 655,621 (225,000) (c)
(150,000) (d) 280,621
Customer deposits 936,026 936,026
----------- --------------
Total current liabilities 1,774,030 1,399,030
LIABILITIES SUBJECT TO SETTLEMENT
UNDER REORGANIZATION PROCEEDINGS 2,520,557 (613,894) (b)
(150,000) (e)
(500,000) (f) 1,256,663
LONG-TERM DEBT 744 744
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock - $.001 par value - 2,000,000
shares authorized; no shares issued and
outstanding -- --
Common stock - $.0004 par value - 100,000,000
shares authorized; 10,581,813 issued; pro
forma issued 34,841,108 4,233 6,6667 (a)
1,637 (b)
600 (c)
400 (d)
400 (e) 13,937
Additional paid-in capital 22,899,108 2,493,333 (a)
612,257 (b)
224,400 (c)
149,600 (d)
149,600 (e) 26,528,298
Accumulated deficit (21,918,100) (21,918,100)
Treasury stock - 55,518 shares outstanding,
at cost (12,792) (12,792)
----------- --------------
Total stockholders' equity 972,449 4,611,343
----------- --------------
TOTAL $ 5,267,780 $ 7,267,780
=========== ==============
See Note to Consolidated Pro Forma Balance Sheet
F-20
68
TAPISTRON INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Debtor-in-Possession)
NOTE TO CONSOLIDATED PRO FORMA BALANCE SHEET
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE A - Plan of Reorganization Adjustments
The Company's plan of reorganization was confirmed by the United States
Bankruptcy Court on August 18, 1997.
The plan of reorganization requires the Company to issue 24,259,295 shares of
common stock which will dilute current equity interests.
The following adjustments when applied to the historical balance sheet of the
Company will give the effect of the plan of reorganization.
(a) To record issuance of 16,666,667 shares of Tapistron's common stock at
$.15 per share.
(b) To record settlement of class 6 claims, including discharge of $613,894
in return for the issuance of Tapistron's common stock at the rate of 1
share for every $.15 of allowed claim (4,092,628 sh.).
(c) To record settlement of allowed class 4 claims, including discharge of a
$225,000 administrative claim in return for the issuance of 1,500,000
shares of Tapistron's common stock.
(d) To record settlement of allowed administrative claim of Ameristar
Insurance Services, Inc., including discharge of $150,000 in return for
the issuance of 1,000,000 shares of Tapistron's common stock.
(e) To record issuance of 1,000,000 shares of Tapistron's common stock in
partial payment of allowed class 7 claims, at the rate of $.15 per
share.
(f) To record initial cash payment of allowed class 7 claims, including
prorata distribution of cash in the amount of $500,000.
F-21
69
No dealer, salesperson or any other person has been authorized to give
any information or to make any representations other than those contained in
this Prospectus, and, if given or made, such information or representations must
not be relied upon as having been authorized by the Company or by any of the
Underwriters. This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a
solicitation of an offer to buy any security other than the registered
securities to which this Prospectus relates or any offer to any person in any
jurisdiction where such an offer would be unlawful. Neither the delivery of this
Prospectus nor any sale made hereunder shall, under any circumstances, create
any implication that the information herein is correct as of any time subsequent
to the date hereof.
70
---------------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
---------------------------------
Page
----
Summary............................................................................................................ 5
The Company........................................................................................................ 5
Recent Developments................................................................................................ 6
The Registered Offering............................................................................................ 6
Summary Consolidated Historical Financial Information of the Company............................................... 7
Risk Factors....................................................................................................... 8
Use of Proceeds.................................................................................................... 12
Common Stock Price Range........................................................................................... 12
Dividend Policy.................................................................................................... 14
Capitalization..................................................................................................... 14
Selected Consolidated Historical Financial Information of the Company.............................................. 15
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.............................. 16
Business........................................................................................................... 20
Management......................................................................................................... 27
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions..................................................................... 33
Principal Stockholders............................................................................................. 34
Registering Stockholders........................................................................................... 35
Description of Capital Stock....................................................................................... 37
Certain Provisions of Georgia Law and of the Company's Charter and Bylaws.......................................... 38
Shares Eligible for Future Sale.................................................................................... 42
Plan of Distribution............................................................................................... 43
Legal Matters...................................................................................................... 44
Experts............................................................................................................ 44
Available Information.............................................................................................. 44
Index to Financial Statements...................................................................................... F-1
71
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 13. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION
The following table sets forth the estimated costs and expenses, other
than underwriting discounts and commissions, in connection with the sale and
distribution of the shares of Common Stock being registered hereby.
Commission Registration Fee....................... $ 2,500
Accounting fees and expenses...................... $ *
Blue Sky fees and expenses........................ $ 7,500
Legal fees and expenses........................... $40,000
Printing and engraving expenses................... $ 5,000
Transfer Agent fees............................... $ 2,000
Miscellaneous and other expenses.................. $ 1,000
-------
TOTAL........................................... $ *
=======
- ------------
* To be filed by amendment.
ITEM 14. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
The Company is a Georgia corporation. Sections 856 and 857 of the
Georgia Business Corporation Code empowers the Company to indemnify, subject to
the standards set forth therein, any person who is a party in any action in
connection with any action, suit or proceeding brought or threatened by reason
of the fact that the person was a director, officer, employee or agent of such
company, or is or was serving as such with respect to another entity at the
request of such company. The Georgia Business Corporation Code also provides
that the Company may purchase insurance on behalf of any such director, officer,
employee or agent.
The Company's Articles and Bylaws provide in effect for the
indemnification by the Company of each director and officer of the Company to
the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.
72
ITEM 15. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES
In connection with the Amended Plan confirmed on August 18, 1997,
former creditors of the Company converted their interests into an aggregate of
7,592,650 shares of the Company's common stock, $.0004 par value. Such sales
were made pursuant to ss. 1145 of the United States Bankruptcy Code.
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a) Exhibits
Unless otherwise indicated, all exhibits have been previously filed.
2.1 First Amended and Restated Plan of Reorganization +
2.2 First Amendment to First Amended and Restated Plan of
Reorganization +
2.3 Order Confirming Debtor's First Amended and Restated Plan of
Reorganization +
3.1 Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant, as amended*
3.2 By-Laws of the Registrant*
3.3 Amendment to Articles of Incorporation*
4.1 Registration Rights Agreement +
4.3 Specimen Common Stock Certificate*
5.1 Opinion of Counsel regarding Legality +
10.1 1992 Stock Option Plan*
10.2 1989 Stock Option Plan*
10.3 Lease for Registrant's Facility*
10.4 Option Agreement to Purchase Technology between the Registrant
and Ful-Dye, Inc.*
10.5 Form of Consulting Agreement with the Representative*
10.6 First Exclusive License Agreement with Ful-Dye, Inc.*
10.8 Exclusive License Agreement with Ful-Dye, Inc.*
10.10 Exclusive Sales Representative Agreement with Asahi* Trading
Co., Ltd.*
13.1 Form 10-Q +
21.1 List of Subsidiaries +
23.1 Consent of Independent Certified Accountants +
23.2 Consent of Legal Counsel +
27 Financial Data Schedule (for SEC use only) ++
73
- --------------------
* Incorporated by reference to the exhibit with the same number filed in
connection with the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, File
Number 33-47759, declared effective by the Securities and Exchange
Commission on June 24, 1992.
** Incorporated by reference to the exhibit with the same number filed in
connection with the Company's Form 10-K filed for the year ended July
31, 1992.
*** Incorporated by reference to the exhibit with the same number filed in
connection with the Company's Form 10-K filed for the year ended July
31, 1993.
**** Incorporated by reference to the exhibit with the same number filed in
connection with the Company's Form 10-K filed for the year ended July
31, 1994.
+ Filed herewith
++ To be filed by amendment
(b) Report on Form 8-K - The Registrant did not file a Form 8-K report
during the last quarter of the period covered by this report.
(c) Exhibits. See (a)3. above.
(d) Financial Statement Schedules. The response to this portion of Item
14, is submitted under Item 14.(a) 1. and 2. above.
- ---------
(b) Financial Statement Schedules
None. Schedules are omitted because of the absence of the conditions
under which they are required or because the information required by such
omitted schedules is set forth in the financial statements or the notes thereto.
74
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS
(a) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling
persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise,
the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and
Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed
in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or
proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in
the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will
be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
(b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made,
a post-effective amendment to this registration statement;
(i) To include any prospectus required by Section
10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events
arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most
recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the
registration statement;
(iii) To include any material information with respect to
the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement
or any material change to such information in the registration statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be
a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
any of the securities being registered which remain unsold as of the termination
of the offering.
(c) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:
(1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act
of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of
this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A
75
and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule
424(b) (1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part
of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.
(2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities
Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus
shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities
offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be
deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
Tapistron International, Inc. has duly caused this Registration Statement to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City
of Atlanta, State of Georgia, on February 6, 1998.
TAPISTRON INTERNATIONAL, INC.
By: /s/ J. Darwin Poe
--------------------------------------------
Name: J. Darwin Poe
Title: President, Chief Executive Officer
and Vice Chairman of the Board of
Directors
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints J.
Darwin Poe and Floyd S. Koegler, Jr. and each of them, with full power to act
without the other, such person's true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents,
with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name,
place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign this Registration Statement,
and any and all amendments thereto (including pre- and post-effective
amendments) or any registration statement for the same offering that is to be
effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended, and to file the same, with exhibits and schedules thereto, and other
documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power
and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing necessary or
desirable to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and
purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all
that said attorneys-in- fact and agents, or any of them, or their or his
substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
[SIGNATURES CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE]
76
Signature Title Date
- --------- ----- ----
/s/ J. Darwin Poe President, Chief Executive Officer February 4, 1998
- ------------------------------ and Vice Chairman of the --------------------
J. DARWIN POE Board of Directors
/s/ Kim Amos Director February 4, 1998
- ------------------------------ --------------------
KIM AMOS
/s/ Gary L. Coulter Director and Secretary February 4, 1998
- ------------------------------ --------------------
GARY L. COULTER
/s/ Floyd S. Koegler, Jr. Chief Financial Officer February 4, 1998
- ------------------------------ --------------------
FLOYD S. KOEGLER, JR.
Chairman of the
/s/ Reg Burnett Board of Directors February 4, 1998
- ------------------------------ --------------------
REG BURNETT
/s/ Rodney C. Hardeman, Jr. Director February 4, 1998
- ------------------------------ --------------------
RODNEY C. HARDEMAN, JR.
77
EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION PAGE
- ------ ----------- ----
2.1 First Amended and Restated Plan of Reorganization +
2.2 First Amendment to First Amended and Restated Plan of Reorganization +
2.3 Order Confirming Debtor's First Amended and Restated Plan of
Reorganization +
3.1 Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant, as amended*
3.2 By-Laws of the Registrant*
3.3 Amendment to Articles of Incorporation*
4.1 Registration Rights Agreement +
4.3 Specimen Common Stock Certificate*
5.1 Opinion of Counsel regarding Legality +
10.1 1992 Stock Option Plan*
10.2 1989 Stock Option Plan*
10.3 Lease for Registrant's Facility*
10.4 Option Agreement to Purchase Technology between the Registrant and
Ful-Dye, Inc.*
10.5 Form of Consulting Agreement with the Representative*
10.6 First Exclusive License Agreement with Ful-Dye, Inc.*
10.8 Exclusive License Agreement with Ful-Dye, Inc.*
10.10 Exclusive Sales Representative Agreement with Asahi Trading Co., Ltd.*
13.1 Form 10-Q +
21.1 List of Subsidiaries +
23.1 Consent of Independent Certified Accountants +
23.2 Consent of Legal Counsel +
27 Financial Data Schedule (for SEC use only) ++
- -----------------
* Incorporated by reference to the exhibit with the same number filed in
connection with the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, File
Number 33-47759, declared effective by the Securities and Exchange
Commission on June 24, 1992.
** Incorporated by reference to the exhibit with the same number filed in
connection with the Company's Form 10-K filed for the year ended July
31, 1992.
78
*** Incorporated by reference to the exhibit with the same number filed in
connection with the Company's Form 10-K filed for the year ended July
31, 1993.
**** Incorporated by reference to the exhibit with the same number filed in
connection with the Company's Form 10-K filed for the year ended July
31, 1994.
+ File herewith
++ To be filed by amendment