1
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
[ X ] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15 (d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 1998
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission File Number 1-3970
HARSCO CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 23-1483991
(State of incorporation) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
Camp Hill, Pennsylvania 17001-8888
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's Telephone Number (717) 763-7064
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant
was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.
YES X NO
Title of Each Class Outstanding Shares at March 31, 1998
- ------------------- ------------------------------------
Common Stock Par Value $1.25 46,753,711
Preferred Stock Purchase Rights 46,753,711
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HARSCO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
THREE MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31
(In thousands, except per share amounts) 1998 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REVENUES:
Product sales .................................... $ 210,532 $ 208,257
Service sales .................................... 190,490 182,437
Other ............................................ 262 380
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL REVENUES ................................. 401,284 391,074
=======================================================================================
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Cost of products sold ............................ 162,106 159,393
Cost of services sold ............................ 144,153 139,381
Selling, general and administrative expenses ..... 51,552 52,725
Research and development expenses ................ 1,179 1,242
Facilities discontinuance and reorganization costs 245 2,455
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL COSTS AND EXPENSES ....................... 359,235 355,196
=======================================================================================
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE
INTEREST, INCOME TAXES AND MINORITY INTEREST 42,049 35,878
Interest income ...................................... 3,475 1,270
Interest expense ..................................... (3,882) (3,992)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE
INCOME TAXES AND MINORITY INTEREST ......... 41,642 33,156
Provision for income taxes ........................... 15,824 13,592
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE
MINORITY INTEREST .......................... 25,818 19,564
Minority interest in net income ...................... 1,476 1,436
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS .............. 24,342 18,128
Income from discontinued defense business (net of
income taxes of $5,735) ........................ -- 11,970
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME ........................................... $ 24,342 $ 30,098
=======================================================================================
Average shares of common stock outstanding ........... 46,809 49,530
Basic earnings per common share:
Income from continuing operations ................ $ .52 $ .37
Income from discontinued operations .............. -- .24
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BASIC EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE .................. $ .52 $ .61
=======================================================================================
Diluted earnings per common share:
Income from continuing operations ................ $ .52 $ .36
Income from discontinued operations .............. -- .24
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE ................ $ .52 $ .60
=======================================================================================
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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HARSCO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(Unaudited)
MARCH 31 December 31
(In thousands) 1998 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents .............................. $ 179,673 $ 221,565
Investments in debt securities ......................... 1,000 43,867
Receivables ............................................ 277,737 259,565
Inventories:
Finished goods ...................................... 34,790 27,639
Work in process ..................................... 32,064 27,979
Raw material and purchased parts .................... 61,139 60,982
Stores and supplies ................................. 19,795 18,554
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total inventories ................................ 147,788 135,154
Other current assets ................................... 53,322 53,501
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS ................................ 659,520 713,652
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Property, plant and equipment, at cost ..................... 1,217,975 1,202,783
Allowance for depreciation ................................. (704,347) (690,870)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
513,628 511,913
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost in excess of net assets of businesses acquired, net ... 187,559 187,666
Other assets ............................................... 98,222 63,957
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL ASSETS ........................................ $ 1,458,929 $ 1,477,188
=================================================================================================
LIABILITIES
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Notes payable and current maturities ................... $ 24,358 $ 26,477
Accounts payable ....................................... 103,250 120,148
Accrued compensation ................................... 36,908 42,652
Income taxes ........................................... 33,619 30,572
Other current liabilities .............................. 150,483 152,643
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES ........................... 348,618 372,492
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-term debt ............................................. 199,113 198,898
Deferred income taxes ...................................... 38,285 36,594
Other liabilities .......................................... 87,718 87,502
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES ................................... 673,734 695,486
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock and additional paid-in capital ................ 162,874 161,678
Accumulated other comprehensive income (expense) ........... (52,032) (50,974)
Retained earnings .......................................... 1,047,870 1,033,770
Treasury stock ............................................. (373,517) (362,772)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY .......................... 785,195 781,702
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY .......... $ 1,458,929 $ 1,477,188
=================================================================================================
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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HARSCO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
THREE MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31
(In thousands) 1998 1997
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income .............................................................. $ 24,342 $ 30,098
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation ........................................................ 26,265 26,252
Amortization ........................................................ 2,325 2,267
Equity in income of unconsolidated entities ......................... (129) (17,919)
Dividends or distributions from unconsolidated entities ............. -- 9,325
Deferred income taxes ............................................... (87) 1,180
Other, net .......................................................... 1,782 46
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions of businesses:
Accounts receivable ............................................. (17,819) (19,828)
Inventories ..................................................... (11,070) (7,856)
Accounts payable ................................................ (6,183) (6,567)
Other assets and liabilities .................................... (2,480) 61
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES (1) ....................... 16,946 17,059
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment .............................. (32,560) (37,530)
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired ............................ (23,834) --
Maturities of investments available-for-sale ............................ 40,000 --
Investments held-to-maturity, net of purchases .......................... 3,010 250
Other investing activities .............................................. (6,301) 3,422
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET CASH (USED) BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES ............................. (19,685) (33,858)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Short-term borrowings, net .............................................. (2,597) 5,809
Current maturities and long-term debt:
Additions ............................................................. 2,403 15,124
Reductions ............................................................ (7,037) (1,655)
Cash dividends paid on common stock ..................................... (10,295) (9,909)
Common stock issued-options ............................................. 863 2,076
Common stock acquired for treasury ...................................... (20,816) (12,152)
Other financing activities .............................................. (1,341) --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET CASH (USED) BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES ............................. (38,820) (707)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash .................................... (333) (189)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents .................................. (41,892) (17,695)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period ........................... 221,565 45,862
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD ................................. $ 179,673 $ 28,167
============================================================================================================
(1) Cash provided by operating activities for the first quarter of 1998
includes approximately $4 million of income taxes paid related to the
gain on the disposal of the defense business.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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HARSCO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
THREE MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31
(In thousands) 1998 1997
===============================================================================================
Net income ..................................................... $ 24,342 $ 30,098
Other comprehensive income (expense):
Foreign currency translation adjustments ................ (1,086) (9,418)
Unrealized investment gains, net of deferred income taxes 28 --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other comprehensive income (expense) ........................... (1,058) (9,418)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ..................................... $ 23,284 $ 20,680
===============================================================================================
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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HARSCO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Commitments and Contingencies
Discontinued Defense Business - Contingencies
Federal Excise Tax and Other Matters Related to the Five-Ton Truck Contract
In 1995, the Company, the United States Army, and the United States Department
of Justice concluded a settlement of Harsco's previously reported claims against
the Army relating to Federal Excise Tax ("FET") arising under a completed 1986
contract for the sale of five-ton trucks to the Army. On September 27, 1995, the
Army paid the Company $49 million in accordance with the settlement terms. The
Company released the Army from any further liability for those claims, and the
Department of Justice released the Company from a threatened action for damages
and civil penalties based on an investigation conducted by the Department's
Commercial Litigation Branch that had been pending for several years. During the
performance of the five-ton truck contract, the Company recorded an account
receivable of $62.5 million for its claims against the Army relating to Federal
Excise Tax. As a result of accepting the $49 million in settlement, the Company
recorded a non-recurring, pre-tax, non-cash charge of $13.5 million (after-tax
charge of $8.2 million, $.16 per share) in 1995.
The settlement preserves the rights of the parties to assert claims and defenses
under the Internal Revenue Code, and rights of the Army and the Company to claim
certain amounts that may be owed by either party to reconcile possible
underpayments or overpayments on the truck contract as part of the formal
contract close-out process.
The settlement does not resolve the claim by the Internal Revenue Service that,
contrary to the Company's position, certain cargo truck models sold by the
Company should be considered to have gross vehicle weights in excess of the
33,000 pound threshold under the Federal Excise Tax law, are not entitled to an
exemption from the Federal Excise Tax under any other theory, and therefore are
taxable. On December 19, 1996, the District Director of the Internal Revenue
Service issued a 30-day letter and examination report (the "Report") that
proposed an increase in Federal Excise Tax of $33.7 million plus penalties of
$6.9 million and applicable interest currently estimated by the Company to be
$37.9 million, primarily on the grounds that those cargo truck models are
subject to the Federal Excise Tax. This proposed increase in Federal Excise Tax
takes into account offsetting credits of $9.2 million, based on a partial
allowance of the Company's $23.4 million claim that certain truck components are
exempt from the Federal Excise Tax. The Report disallowed in full the Company's
additional claim that it is entitled to the entire $52 million of Federal Excise
Tax (plus applicable interest currently estimated by the Company to be $32.8
million) the Company has paid on the five-ton trucks, on the grounds that such
trucks qualify for the Federal Excise Tax exemption applicable to certain
vehicles specially designed for the primary function of off-highway
transportation. In the event that the Company ultimately receives from the
Internal Revenue Service a refund of tax (including applicable interest) with
respect to which the Company has already received reimbursement from the Army,
the refund would be allocated between the Company and the Army. The Company
plans to vigorously contest the findings of the District
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HARSCO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Director. On March 19, 1997, the Company filed its formal written protest to
these findings with the Internal Revenue Service Office of the Regional Director
of Appeals. Currently the Company is engaged in discussions concerning these
findings with the IRS Appeals Officer assigned to this case. Although there is
risk of an adverse outcome, the Company believes that the cargo trucks are not
taxable. No recognition has been given in the accompanying financial statements
for the Company's claim with the Internal Revenue Service.
The settlement agreement with the Army preserves the Company's right to seek
reimbursement of after-imposed tax from the Army in the event that the cargo
trucks are determined to be taxable, but the agreement limits the reimbursement
to a maximum of $21 million. Additionally, in an earlier contract modification,
the Army accepted responsibility for $3.6 million of the potential tax, bringing
its total potential responsibility up to $24.6 million.
Under the settlement, the Army agreed that if the cargo trucks are determined to
be taxable, the 1993 decision of the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals
(which ruled that the Company is entitled to a price adjustment to the contract
for reimbursement of FET paid on vehicles that were to be delivered after
October 1, 1988) will apply to the question of the Company's right to
reimbursement from the Army for after-imposed taxes on the cargo trucks. In the
Company's view, application of the 1993 decision will favorably resolve the
principal issues regarding any such future claim by the Company. Therefore, the
Company believes that even if the cargo trucks are ultimately held to be
taxable, the Army would be obligated to reimburse the Company for a majority of
the tax, (but not interest or penalty, if any), resulting in a net maximum
liability for the Company of $9.1 million plus penalties of $6.9 million and
applicable interest currently estimated by the Company to be $37.9 million. The
Company believes it is unlikely that resolution of this matter will have a
material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, however, it could
have a material effect on quarterly or annual results of operations.
M9 Armored Combat Earthmover Claim
The Company and its legal counsel are of the opinion that the U.S. Government
did not exercise option three under the M9 Armored Combat Earthmover (ACE)
contract in a timely manner, with the result that the unit prices for options
three, four and five are subject to renegotiation. Claims reflecting the
Company's position were filed with respect to all options purported to be
exercised, totaling in excess of $60 million plus interest. In February 1998,
the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals denied the Company's claims. The
Company intends to appeal the decision to the United States Court of Appeals for
the Federal Circuit. No recognition has been given in the accompanying financial
statements for any recovery on these claims.
Other Defense Business Litigation
In 1992, the U.S. Government filed a counterclaim against the Company in a civil
suit alleging violations of the False Claims Act and breach of a contract to
supply M109A2 Self-Propelled Howitzers. The counterclaim was filed in the United
States Claims Court in response to the Company's claim of approximately $5
million against the Government for costs incurred on this contract relating to
the same issue. In May 1997, the Court issued a decision in the first phase
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HARSCO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
of the case, denying the Company's claim for reimbursement and granting the
Government's counterclaim for breach of contract and penalties under the False
Claims Act. The Court will consider the amount of damages and penalties in the
next phase of the case, and the decision will then be subject to the right of
appeal. The Government has filed a brief seeking penalties and treble damages
totaling $26 million. The Company intends to vigorously oppose this claim. The
Company and its counsel believe that resolution of these claims will not have a
material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, however, it could
have a material effect on quarterly or annual results of operations.
In 1992, the United States Government through its Defense Contract Audit Agency
commenced an audit of certain contracts for sale of tracked vehicles by the
Company to foreign governments, which were financed by the United States
Government through the Defense Security Assistance Agency. The Company
cooperated with the audit and responded to a number of issues raised by the
audit. In September 1994, the Company received a subpoena issued by the
Department of Defense Inspector General seeking various documents relating to
sale contracts between the Company and foreign governments which were funded by
the Defense Security Assistance Agency. The Company is continuing to cooperate
and is responding to Government document requests. Based on discussions with the
agent in charge and the Government auditors, it appears that the investigation
focuses on whether the Company made improper certifications to the Defense
Security Assistance Agency and other government contract accounting matters. The
Government has not asserted any claims at this time and it is too early to know
whether a claim will be asserted or what the nature of any such claim would be,
however, the Company's management and its counsel believe it is unlikely that
this issue will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial
position.
In the fourth quarter of 1997, the Supreme Court of Switzerland upheld an
International Court of Arbitration award to Iran's Ministry of Defense of a net
amount of approximately $1.2 million. This consists of an award of $7.5 million
to Iran, offset by an award of $6.3 million to the Company for damages and legal
costs. The net liability for this award had been previously provided for by the
Company.
Continuing Operations - Contingencies
In June 1994, the shareholder of the Ferrari Group, a Belgium holding company
involved in steel mill services and other activities, filed a legal action in
Belgium against Heckett MultiServ, S.A. and S.E.A.E., subsidiaries of MultiServ
International N.V. (a subsidiary of the Company). The action alleges that these
two subsidiaries breached contracts arising from letters of intent signed in
1992 and 1993 concerning the possible acquisition of the Ferrari Group, claiming
that the subsidiaries were obligated to proceed with the acquisition and failed
to do so. The action seeks damages of 504 million Belgian francs (approximately
U.S. $13.6 million). The Company intends to vigorously defend against the action
and believes that based on conditions contained in the letters of intent and
other defenses it will prevail. The Company and its counsel believe that it is
unlikely that these claims will have a material adverse effect on the Company's
financial position or results of operations.
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HARSCO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Environmental
The Company is involved in a number of environmental remediation investigations
and clean-ups and, along with other companies, has been identified as a
"potentially responsible party" for certain waste disposal sites. While each of
these matters is subject to various uncertainties, it is probable that the
Company will agree to make payments toward funding certain of these activities
and it is possible that some of these matters will be decided unfavorably to the
Company. The Company has evaluated its potential liability, and its financial
exposure is dependent upon such factors as the continuing evolution of
environmental laws and regulatory requirements, the availability and application
of technology, the allocation of cost among potentially responsible parties, the
years of remedial activity required and the remediation methods selected. The
Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997, includes an
accrual of $3.3 million and $3.4 million, respectively, for environmental
matters. The amounts charged to earnings on a pre-tax basis related to
environmental matters totaled $0.1 million and $0.2 million for the three months
of 1998 and 1997, respectively.
The liability for future remediation costs is evaluated on a quarterly basis.
Actual costs to be incurred at identified sites in future periods may vary from
the estimates, given inherent uncertainties in evaluating environmental
exposures. The Company does not expect that any sum it may have to pay in
connection with environmental matters in excess of the amounts recorded or
disclosed above would have a material adverse effect on its financial position
or results of operations.
Other
The Company is subject to various other claims, legal proceedings and
investigations covering a wide range of matters that arose in the ordinary
course of business. In the opinion of management, all such matters are
adequately covered by insurance or by accruals, and if not so covered, are
without merit or are of such kind, or involve such amounts, as would not have a
material adverse effect on the financial position or results of operations of
the Company.
Financial Instruments and Hedging
The Company has subsidiaries principally operating in North America, Latin
America, Europe and Asia-Pacific. These operations are exposed to fluctuations
in related foreign currencies, in the normal course of business. The Company
seeks to reduce exposure to foreign currency fluctuations, primarily the
European currencies, through the use of forward exchange contracts. The Company
does not hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes, and it is the
Company's policy to prohibit the use of derivatives for speculative purposes.
The Company has a Foreign Currency Risk Management Committee that meets
periodically to monitor foreign currency risks.
The Company enters into forward foreign exchange contracts to hedge transactions
of its non-U.S. subsidiaries, for firm commitments to purchase equipment and for
export sales denominated in foreign currencies. These contracts generally are
for 90 to 180 days or less.
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HARSCO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For those contracts that hedge an identifiable transaction, gains or losses are
deferred and accounted for as part of the underlying transactions. The cash
flows from these contracts are classified consistent with the cash flows from
the transaction being hedged. The Company also enters into forward exchange
contracts for intercompany foreign currency commitments. These foreign exchange
contracts do not qualify as hedges, and they are recognized in income based on
their fair market value. As of March 31, 1998, the total of all forward exchange
contracts amounted to $3.1 million with a favorable marked to market fluctuation
of $0.1 million.
Acquisitions
On April 14, 1998, the Company announced that it had completed the acquisition
of Faber Prest Plc for approximately $97 million. Faber Prest is a UK-based
provider of services to worldwide steel producers and integrated logistics
services to the steel industry and other market sectors. For the year ended
September 30, 1997, Faber Prest recorded sales of approximately $137 million.
Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Shares
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31
(Dollars in thousands except per share) 1998 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from continuing operations $ 24,342 $ 18,128
=========== ===========
Average shares of common stock
outstanding used to compute
basic earnings per common
share 46,808,859 49,529,970
Additional common shares to be
issued assuming exercise of
stock options, net of shares
assumed reacquired 428,407 427,480
----------- -----------
Shares used to compute dilutive
effect of stock options 47,237,266 49,957,450
=========== ===========
Basic earnings per common share
from continuing operations $ .52 $ .37
=========== ===========
Diluted earnings per common share
from continuing operations $ .52 $ .36
=========== ===========
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HARSCO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
New Financial Accounting Standard Issued
During the first quarter of 1998, the Company adopted SFAS No. 130, "Reporting
Comprehensive Income". This statement establishes standards for the reporting
and display of comprehensive income and its components. Comprehensive income is
defined to include all changes in equity during a period except those resulting
from investments by owners and distributions to owners. The Consolidated
Statement of Comprehensive Income is included with the financial statements,
Part I, Item I.
In February 1998 the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 132,
"Employers' Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits" (SFAS
132), which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997.
SFAS 132 revises the required disclosures about pension and other postretirement
benefit plans. The Company plans to adopt SFAS 132 in the fourth quarter of
1998.
Opinion of Management
Financial information furnished herein, which is unaudited, reflects in the
opinion of management all adjustments (all of which are of a recurring nature)
that are necessary to present a fair statement of the interim period.
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HARSCO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Net cash provided by operating activities was $16.9 million in the first quarter
of 1998 compared with $17.1 million in 1997. Operating cash flows for 1998
showed considerable strength in comparison to the first quarter of 1997, which
included $9.3 million distribution from the defense business which was sold in
October 1997, and income tax payments made in the first quarter of 1998 of
approximately $4 million related to the gain on the sale of the defense
business.
Capital expenditures for the first quarter of 1998 of $32.6 million were below
last year's $37.5 million due to the timing of capital expenditures. For the
year, capital expenditures are expected to exceed last year's amount. These
investments reflect the Company's continuing program to achieve business growth
and to improve productivity and product quality. The maturity of investments
available for sale provide $40 million of cash from investing activities which
was partially offset by $6.9 million for the acquisition of EFI Corporation and
approximately $17 million reflecting the purchase of approximately 17% of Faber
Prest shares in March. The remaining shares of Faber Prest were acquired in
April to complete the acquisition. Cash used for financing activities included a
net decrease in long-term debt of $4.6 million, a $2.6 million decrease in
short-term debt, and $10.3 million of cash dividends paid on common stock, for
the first quarter 1998.
The Company has maintained a policy of reacquiring its common stock in
unsolicited open market or privately-negotiated transactions at prevailing
market prices for several years. In November 1997, the Board of Directors
authorized the purchase, over a one-year period, of up to 2,000,000 shares of
the Company's common stock. The number of shares purchased under this program
during the three months ended March 31, 1998 was 287,700 shares of common stock
for $11.9 million. Since Board approval in November, 1,226,441 shares of common
stock have been purchased under this plan at an aggregate cost of $50.2 million.
Cash and cash equivalents decreased $41.9 million to $179.7 million at March 31,
1998.
Other matters which could affect cash flows in the future are discussed under
Part 1, item 1 "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements."
Harsco continues to maintain a good financial position, with net working capital
of $310.9 million, a decrease from the $341.2 million at December 31, 1997.
Current assets amounted to $659.5 million, and current liabilities were $348.6
million, resulting in a current ratio of 1.9 to 1, the same as December 31,
1997. With total debt of $223.5 million and equity of $785.2 million at March
31, 1998, the total debt as a percent of capital was 22.2%, compared with 22.4%
at December 31, 1997.
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HARSCO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Cont'd.)
The stock price range during the first quarter was 37 1/2 - 46 1/8. Harsco's
book value per share at March 31, 1998, was $16.79, compared with $16.64 at
December 31, 1997. The Company's annualized return on average equity from
continuing operations for the first quarter of 1998 was 12.4%, compared with
11.6% for the first quarter of 1997. The annualized return on average assets
from continuing operations was 12.5%, compared with 11.8% for the first quarter
of 1997. The annualized return on average capital from continuing operations for
the first quarter was 10.6%, compared with 9.4% for the first quarter of 1997.
The Company has available through a syndicate of banks a $400 million
multi-currency five-year revolving credit facility, extending through July 2001.
This facility serves as back-up to the Company's commercial paper program. As of
March 31, 1998, there were no borrowings outstanding under this facility.
The Company has a U.S. commercial paper borrowing program under which it can
issue up to $300 million of short-term notes in the U.S. commercial paper
market. In addition, the Company has a 3 billion Belgian Franc program,
equivalent to approximately U.S. $79 million. The Belgian program is used to
borrow a variety of Eurocurrencies in order to fund the Company's European
operations more efficiently and in appropriate currencies. The Company limits
the aggregate commercial paper and syndicated credit facility borrowings at any
one time to a maximum $400 million. At March 31, 1998, the Company had $28.3
million of commercial paper debt outstanding under the commercial paper
programs.
The Company's outstanding long-term notes are rated A by Standard & Poor's, A by
Fitch IBCA and A-3 by Moody's. The Company's commercial paper is rated A-1 by
Standard & Poor's, F-1 by Fitch IBCA and P-2 by Moody's. The Company also has on
file, with the Securities and Exchange Commission a Form S-3 shelf registration
for the possible issuance of up to an additional $200 million of new debt
securities, preferred stock or common stock.
As indicated by the above, the Company's financial position and debt capacity
should enable it to meet its current and future requirements. As additional
resources are needed, the Company should be able to obtain funds readily and at
competitive costs.
-13-
14
HARSCO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Cont'd.)
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
FIRST THREE MONTHS OF 1998 COMPARED
WITH FIRST THREE MONTHS OF 1997
First quarter revenues from continuing operations for 1998 were $401.3 million,
3% above last year's comparable period. The increase was due to higher service
sales for scaffolding, shoring and forming equipment, metal reclamation and mill
services, railway maintenance contract services, and the inclusion of medical
waste disposal service sales arising from an acquisition in December, 1997.
Service sales in metal reclamation and mill services increased despite being
adversely affected by the strengthening of the U.S. dollar, particularly against
certain European currencies. In addition, higher product sales were recorded for
railway maintenance of way equipment, process equipment, and the inclusion of an
acquisition in February, 1998. These product sales more than offset lower
product sales for gas control and containment equipment, and grating. Excluding
the adverse effect of the strengthening U.S. dollar, revenues from continuing
operations for the first quarter of 1998 were 5% above the first quarter of
1997.
Costs of products and services sold increased, principally due to higher volume.
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased as a result of continuing
efforts to reduce expenses which more than offset costs arising from the
inclusion of acquired companies.
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interest was
up 26% from 1997 due principally to improved performance. Interest income was up
due to the increased amount of cash available for investment purposes which
resulted from the disposal of the Company's defense business in the fourth
quarter of 1997. On a comparative basis, results for the first quarter of 1997
were unfavorably affected by a $1.4 million provision for an impairment loss
arising from the disposal of the Company's shell and tube business. Higher
earnings from continuing operations in 1998 were due principally to higher
results for scaffolding, shoring and forming equipment, metal reclamation and
mill services and process equipment. These increases were partially offset by
lower results for pipe fittings, railway maintenance of way equipment and
services, and gas control and containment equipment. The effective income tax
rate for continuing operations for 1998 was 38%, versus 41% in 1997. The
reduction in the income tax rate is due principally to lower effective tax rates
on international earnings.
Income from continuing operations of $24.3 million in the first quarter for 1998
was up 34% from 1997. Basic income per common share from continuing operations
was $.52, up 41% from the $.37 recorded in 1997.
Income from discontinued operations, which reflects the after-tax results of the
Company's divested defense business, reported no results in 1998 due to the
disposal of the defense business in the fourth quarter of 1997.
-14-
15
HARSCO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Cont'd.)
Net income of $24.3 million for the first quarter of 1998, was below 1997 as a
result of the inclusion of income from discontinued operations in 1997's first
quarter results. Basic net income per common share was $.52, down from 1997.
Sales of the Metal Reclamation and Mill Services Group, at $151.2 million, were
above 1997's first quarter, despite the strengthening of the U.S. dollar,
principally against certain European currencies. Sales for the Process Industry
Products Group, at $149.4 million, were higher than last year's similar period
due principally to the inclusion of sales arising from two acquisitions and
increased sales for process equipment. Sales for the Infrastructure and
Construction Group, at $100.4 million, which included higher sales for
scaffolding, shoring and forming equipment, as well as railway maintenance of
way equipment and services, were above 1997's first quarter. Sales for grating
were down from last year's comparable period.
Operating profit for the Metal Reclamation and Mill Services Group at $22.4
million exceeded 1997 despite the adverse effects of the strong U.S. dollar.
Operating profit excluding the effect of items relating to facilities
discontinuance and reorganization costs for the Process Industry Products Group
at $14.3 million was below last year's comparable period due primarily to lower
results for pipe fittings and the inclusion of start-up costs associated with
the medical waste disposal service acquisition. After including the effect of
facilities discontinuance and reorganization costs, operating profit of $14.3
million for the Process Industry Products Group was slightly above the amount
recorded in 1997's first quarter which included a $1.4 million provision for an
impairment loss arising from the disposal of the Company's shell and tube
business. Operating profit in 1998 of $9.4 million for the Infrastructure and
Construction Group was almost twice the amount recorded in 1997's first quarter.
The increase primarily reflected significantly improved results for scaffolding
and shoring and forming equipment.
In addition to the Group reporting noted above, the Company views itself as a
diversified industrial services and engineered products company. Total
industrial service sales, which include the Metal Reclamation and Mill Services
Group and Infrastructure and Construction Group service businesses, principally
scaffolding services and railway maintenance of way services, were $190.5
million in 1998 and $182.4 million in 1997, or approximately 48% and 47% of net
sales, respectively. Excluding the adverse effect of the strengthening U.S.
dollar, total industrial service sales were approximately 9% above last year's
comparable period. The total engineered products sales for 1998 were $210.5
million or approximately 52% of net sales, which includes sales from the
Infrastructure and Construction Group and the Process Industry Products Group.
The total engineered products sales for 1997 were $208.3 million or
approximately 53% of net sales.
The operating profit for industrial services for 1998 was $26.6 million compared
with $20.0 million in 1997, or approximately 58% and 51%, respectively, of total
Group operating profit. The operating profit from engineered products for 1998
was $19.4 million compared with $19.1 million in 1997, which included a $1.4
million provision for an impairment loss arising from the disposal of the
Company's shell and tube business. These amounts are approximately 42% and 49%,
respectively, of total Group operating profit.
-15-
16
HARSCO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Cont'd.)
Safe Harbor Statement
The nature of the Company's operations and the many countries in which it
operates subject it to changing economic, competitive, regulatory, and
technological conditions, risks, and uncertainties. In accordance with the "safe
harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the
Company provides the following cautionary remarks regarding important factors
which, among others, could cause future results to differ materially from the
forward-looking statements, expectations and assumptions expressed or implied
herein. These include statements about our management confidence and strategies
for performance; expectations for new and existing products, technologies, and
opportunities; and expectations for market segment and industry growth.
These factors include, but are not limited to: (1) changes in the world-wide
business environment in which the Company operates, including import, licensing
and trade restrictions, currency exchange rates, interest rates, and capital
costs; (2) changes in governmental laws and regulations, including taxes; (3)
market and competitive changes, including market demand and acceptance for new
products, services, and technologies; (4) effects of unstable governments and
business conditions in emerging economies; and (5) other risk factors listed
from time to time in the Company's SEC reports. The Company does not intend to
update this information and disclaims any legal liability to the contrary.
-16-
17
HARSCO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Information on legal proceedings is included under Part I, Item 1., the section
labeled "Commitments and Contingencies."
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
DIVIDEND ACTION:
On March 19, 1998, the Company announced that the Board of Directors declared a
quarterly cash dividend of 22 cents per share, payable May 15, 1998, to
shareholders of record on April 15, 1998.
ITEM 6(a). EXHIBITS
The following exhibits are attached:
a.) Exhibit No. 2 Recommended Cash Offer by Lazard Brothers & Co., Limited
on behalf of Heckett MultiServ Investment Limited, a wholly owned
subsidiary of Harsco Corporation for Faber Prest Plc.
b.) Exhibit No. 12 Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
c.) Exhibit No. 27 Financial Data Schedule
ITEM 6(b). REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
A report on Form 8-K/A was filed January 5, 1998, amending the form 8-K (dated
October 6, 1997 and filed by the Company on October 16, 1997) by providing the
full text of two exhibits with respect to which the Company had previously
sought confidential treatment.
A report on Form 8-K dated March 4, 1998 was filed March 13, 1998 related to the
announced tender offer by the Company for UK-based Faber Prest Plc.
-17-
18
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
HARSCO CORPORATION
---------------------------------
(Registrant)
DATE April 27, 1998 /S/ Leonard A. Campanaro
------------------------------- ------------------------
Leonard A. Campanaro
President and Chief Operating Officer
DATE April 27, 1998 /S/ Salvatore D. Fazzolari
------------------------------- --------------------------
Salvatore D. Fazzolari
Senior Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer
-18-
1
THIS DOCUMENT IS IMPORTANT AND REQUIRES YOUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION.
IF YOU ARE IN ANY DOUBT AS TO THE ACTION YOU SHOULD TAKE, YOU ARE RECOMMENDED TO
SEEK YOUR OWN FINANCIAL ADVICE FROM YOUR STOCKBROKER, BANK MANAGER, SOLICITOR,
ACCOUNTANT OR OTHER INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVISER, DULY AUTHORISED UNDER THE
FINANCIAL SERVICES ACT 1986, IMMEDIATELY.
If you have sold or otherwise transferred all your Faber Prest Shares, please
send this document, the accompanying Form of Acceptance and the reply-paid
envelope at once to the purchaser or transferee, or to the stockbroker, bank or
other agent through or to whom the sale or transfer was effected for delivery to
the purchaser or transferee. HOWEVER, SUCH DOCUMENTS SHOULD NOT BE FORWARDED OR
TRANSMITTED IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, JAPAN OR AUSTRALIA.
Lazard Brothers, which is regulated in the UK by the Securities and Futures
Authority Limited, is acting exclusively for Harsco and Heckett MultiServ and no
one else in connection with the Offer and will not be responsible to anyone
other than Harsco and Heckett MultiServ for providing the protections afforded
to customers of Lazard Brothers nor for providing advice in relation to the
Offer or any other matter referred to herein.
NatWest Markets, which is regulated in the UK by The Securities and Futures
Authority Limited, is acting for Faber Prest in connection with the Offer and no
one else and will not be responsible to anyone other than Faber Prest for
providing the protections afforded to the customers of NatWest Markets, or
advising them on the Offer or any other matter referred to herein.
This document should be read in conjunction with the accompanying Form of
Acceptance.
RECOMMENDED CASH OFFER
BY
LAZARD BROTHERS CO., LIMITED
ON BEHALF OF
HECKETT MULTISERV INVESTMENT LIMITED
A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF
HARSCO CORPORATION
FOR
FABER PREST PLC
A letter of recommendation from the Chairman of Faber Prest appears on pages 3
to 5 of this document.
ACCEPTANCE SHOULD BE DESPATCHED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND, IN ANY EVENT, SO AS TO
BE RECEIVED BY POST OR BY HAND BY THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND PLC, REGISTRAR'S
DEPARTMENT, NEW ISSUES SECTION, PO BOX 859, CONSORT HOUSE, EAST STREET,
BEDMINSTER, BRISTOL BS99 1XZ, OR BY HAND ONLY DURING NORMAL WORKING HOURS BY THE
ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND PLC, REGISTRAR'S DEPARTMENT, NEW ISSUES SECTION, PO BOX
633, 5-10 GREAT TOWER STREET, LONDON EC3R 5ER NOT LATER THAN 3.00 P.M. ON 26
MARCH 1998. THE PROCEDURE FOR ACCEPTANCE OF THE OFFER IS SET OUT ON PAGES 9 TO
12 OF THIS DOCUMENT AND IN THE ACCOMPANYING FORM OF ACCEPTANCE.
The Offer is not being made, directly or indirectly, in or into, or by use of
the mails or any means or instrumentality (including, without limitation,
facsimile transmission, telex or telephone) of interstate or foreign commerce
of, or any facilities of a national securities exchange of, the United States,
nor is it being made in Canada, Japan or Australia and the Offer should not be
accepted by any such use, means, instrumentality or facilities or from within
the United States, Canada, Japan or Australia. Doing so may render invalid any
purported acceptance. Accordingly, neither this document nor the accompanying
Form of Acceptance is being, and must not be, mailed or otherwise distributed or
sent in or into the United States, Canada, Japan or Australia.
The Loan Notes to be issued pursuant to the Offer have not been and will not be
registered under the Securities Act and no steps have been taken to qualify the
Loan Notes for distribution in Japan or any province or territory of Canada and
no prospectus in relation to the Loan Notes has been, or will be, lodged with or
registered by the Australian Securities Commission. Accordingly, unless an
exemption under the Securities Act or relevant securities laws is available, the
Loan Note Alternative is not available in the United States, Canada, Japan or
Australia or to Restricted Overseas Persons and the Loan Notes may not be
directly or indirectly offered, sold or delivered in or into the United States,
Canada, Japan or Australia or to or for the account or benefit of any Restricted
Overseas Persons.
All persons (including nominees, trustees and custodians) who would, or
otherwise intend to, forward this document and the accompanying Form of
Acceptance must not distribute or send them in, into or from the United States,
Canada, Japan or Australia, and doing so may render invalid any related
purported acceptance of the Offer.
2
CONTENTS
Page
LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF FABER PREST 3
LETTER FROM LAZARD BROTHERS 6
1. Introduction 6
2. Irrevocable Undertakings 6
3. The Offer 6
4. The Loan Note Alternative 7
5. Information on Harsco 7
6. Information on Faber Prest 8
7. Background to and Reasons for the Offer 8
8. Management and Employees 9
9. Further Details of the Offer 9
10. Faber Prest Share Option Scheme 9
11. Procedure for Acceptance of the Offer 9
12. Settlement 12
13. United Kingdom Taxation 13
14. Further Information 16
15. Action to be taken 16
APPENDIX I CONDITIONS AND FURTHER TERMS OF THE OFFER 17
APPENDIX II FINANCIAL EFFECTS OF ACCEPTANCE 35
APPENDIX III PARTICULARS OF THE LOAN NOTES 36
APPENDIX IV FURTHER INFORMATION ON HARSCO AND HECKETT MULTISERV 39
APPENDIX V FURTHER INFORMATION ON FABER PREST 74
APPENDIX VI CALCULATIONS AND SOURCES OF INFORMATION 88
APPENDIX VII ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 89
APPENDIX VIII DEFINITIONS 99
2
3
[FABER PREST LOGO]
FABER PREST PLC
HEAD OFFICE:
3 Riverside House
Mill Lane
Newbury
Berkshire
RG14 5RE
Tel: (01635) 582211
Fax: (01635) 551121
Directors
Richard J Prest (Non-executive Chairman)
Roger S D Feaviour (Group Chief Executive)
Anthony W J Swayne (Group Finance Director)
Robert Jordan (Non-executive Director)
J Maxwell Kaye (Non-executive Director)
5 March 1998
To Faber Prest Shareholders and, for information only, to participants in the
Faber Prest Share Option Scheme
Dear Sir or Madam,
RECOMMENDED CASH OFFER FOR FABER PREST
On 6 November 1997, the Board of Faber Prest announced that it was holding
discussions which may or may not lead to an offer being made for Faber Prest.
It was announced on 4 March 1998 that agreement had been reached on the terms of
a recommended cash offer, with a loan note alternative, to be made by Lazard
Brothers on behalf of Heckett MultiServ, a wholly owned subsidiary of Harsco to
acquire Faber Prest. I am now writing to you to explain the reasons for and
benefits of the Offer and why your directors unanimously recommend you to accept
it. Details of the Offer are set out in the letter from Lazard Brothers on pages
6 to 16 of this document.
REASONS FOR AND BENEFITS OF THE OFFER
The steel industry has undergone significant changes over the last five years
resulting in a more competitive environment for steel services companies.
Against this background, Faber Prest has developed a broader geographical
presence outside mature European markets while improving its productivity and
reducing costs. This has contributed to the 28 per cent. increase in operating
profit attributable to overseas businesses in the year ended 30 September 1997.
In the year ended 30 September 1997, group operating profit before exceptional
items increased by 17 per cent.
The directors believe, however, that Faber Prest's current size and capital
structure limits the Company's ability to fund the significant capital
expenditure required to commence new slag utilisation and support services
contracts within the steel industry. In particular, the directors believe that
this is likely to hinder Faber Prest's strategy of expanding overseas and
reducing its dependence on the UK, where Faber Prest continues to be reliant on
the fortunes of the UK steel industry.
Your directors firmly believe that the future prospects of Faber Prest should be
enhanced as part of the enlarged Harsco Group. In particular, they believe that
Faber Prest should be able to grow more rapidly as part of the enlarged Harsco
Group than as an independent company.
Faber Prest's proven management and contracting skills, and its ability to
deliver specialised slag utilisation and steel distribution services, combined
with the significant financial resources of Harsco should result in a business
that is well positioned to grow and compete successfully worldwide.
TERMS OF THE OFFER
The Offer is being made on the following basis:
FOR EACH FABER PREST SHARE 500p IN CASH
FABER PREST PLC IS A GROUP PROVIDING SERVICES TO THE
INDUSTRIAL AND DISTRIBUTION SECTORS
REGISTERED IN ENGLAND AND WALES NO. 36913.
REGISTERED OFFICE: 3 RIVERSIDE HOUSE, MILL LANE, NEWBURY, BERKSHIRE RG14 5RE
3
4
In addition to the consideration payable by Heckett MultiServ, the directors of
Faber Prest will (subject to the Offer becoming or being declared wholly
unconditional) declare an interim dividend of 8.5p (net) per Faber Prest share
payable to holders of Faber Prest Shares on the register at the close of
business on the date falling fourteen days after the date on which the Offer
becomes or is declared wholly unconditional. If the Offer does not become or is
not declared wholly unconditional, the interim dividend will not be paid. The
interim dividend will be deemed a foreign income dividend for UK tax purposes.
Details of the effects of this are set out in the letter from Lazard Brothers on
page 15 of this document.
The Offer of 500p per Faber Prest Share values the entire issued share capital
of Faber Prest at approximately (pound sterling)55.9 million and represents a
premium of 8.1 per cent. to the closing middle market price of 462.5p per Faber
Prest Share (as derived from the Official List) on 3 March 1998, the day prior
to the announcement of the Offer and a premium of approximately 110.5 per cent.
to the closing middle market price of 237.5p per Faber Prest Share on 5 November
1997, the last business day prior to the announcement that Faber Prest was
holding discussions which may or may not lead to an offer.
The Offer is subject to a number of conditions which are set out in Appendix I
of this document.
THE LOAN NOTE ALTERNATIVE
Faber Prest Shareholders, other than certain overseas shareholders, who validly
accept the Offer will be entitled to elect to receive Loan Notes instead of some
or all of the cash consideration to which they would otherwise be entitled under
the Offer on the following basis:
FOR EVERY (POUND STERLING)1 OF CASH CONSIDERATION (POUND STERLING)1 NOMINAL
VALUE OF LOAN NOTES
The Loan Notes, which will be guaranteed, as to principal and interest, by
Harsco, will be issued in multiples of (pound sterling)1 nominal amount and will
bear interest, payable in arrear, in half yearly instalments, at a rate per
annum of 75 basis points below LIBOR (calculated as described in paragraph 2 of
Appendix III). It is not intended to make an application to any stock exchange
for the Loan Notes to be listed.
Cazenove Co. has advised that, based on market conditions on 3 March 1998 (the
last business day prior to the announcement of the Offer), in its opinion, if
the Loan Notes had then been in issue, the value of the Loan Notes would have
been not less than 99p per (pound sterling)1 nominal value.
The Loan Note Alternative is conditional on the Offer becoming or being declared
wholly unconditional and will remain open for acceptances for so long as the
Offer remains open for acceptance.
The decision as to whether to elect to receive cash, the Loan Notes or a
combination of both will depend, inter alia, upon your personal circumstances
and tax position.
Further details of the Loan Note Alternative are set out in the letter from
Lazard Brothers on page 7 and in Appendix III of this document.
SHAREHOLDERS WHO ARE IN ANY DOUBT AS TO THE FORM OF CONSIDERATION WHICH THEY
SHOULD ACCEPT SHOULD SEEK THEIR OWN PERSONAL FINANCIAL ADVICE.
SHARE OPTIONS
While it remains open for acceptance, the Offer will be extended to any Faber
Prest Shares issued or unconditionally allotted as a result of the exercise of
options granted under the Faber Prest Share Option Scheme. If the Offer is
declared or becomes wholly unconditional, Heckett MultiServ intends to offer a
cash cancellation proposal to those Optionholders who have not exercised their
options. Under such proposal, Optionholders will be offered the difference
between the exercise price of the relevant options and the Offer price of 500p
in cash, for each option.
Optionholders will receive the interim dividend only if they exercise their
options and are entered in the register of members of Faber Prest by the close
of business on the date falling fourteen days after the date on which the Offer
becomes or is declared wholly unconditional.
MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
Heckett MultiServ has given assurances to your Board that the rights of all
employees of Faber Prest and its subsidiaries, including pension rights, will be
fully safeguarded.
4
5
TAXATION
Your attention is drawn to section 13 of the letter from Lazard Brothers, headed
"United Kingdom Taxation", on pages 13 to 16 of this document. If you are in any
doubt as to your own tax position, you should consult your independent
professional adviser immediately.
ACTION TO BE TAKEN
Your attention is drawn to pages 9 to 12 of this document which set out the
procedure for acceptance of the Offer.
RECOMMENDATION
YOUR BOARD, WHICH HAS BEEN SO ADVISED BY NATWEST MARKETS, CONSIDERS THE TERMS OF
THE OFFER TO BE FAIR AND REASONABLE. IN PROVIDING ADVICE TO THE BOARD, NATWEST
MARKETS HAS TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THE COMMERCIAL ASSESSMENTS OF THE DIRECTORS OF
FABER PREST.
ACCORDINGLY, YOUR DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMEND YOU TO ACCEPT THE OFFER AS
THEY HAVE IRREVOCABLY UNDERTAKEN TO DO IN RESPECT OF THEIR AGGREGATE HOLDINGS OF
341,284 FABER PREST SHARES, REPRESENTING APPROXIMATELY 3.1 PER CENT.
OF THE ISSUED SHARE CAPITAL OF FABER PREST.
Yours faithfully
/s/Richard Prest
Richard Prest
Chairman
5
6
[LAZARD BROTHERS & CO., LIMITED LETTERHEAD]
5 MARCH 1998
To Faber Prest Shareholders and, for information only, to participants in the
Faber Prest Share Option Scheme
Dear Faber Prest Shareholder,
RECOMMENDED CASH OFFER FOR FABER PREST PLC
1. INTRODUCTION
The boards of directors of Harsco and Faber Prest announced on 4 March 1998 that
they had reached agreement on the terms of a recommended cash offer, to be made
by Lazard Brothers on behalf of Heckett MultiServ, to acquire the whole of the
issued and to be issued share capital of Faber Prest.
The Offer is 500p in cash for each Faber Prest Share, valuing the entire issued
share capital of Faber Prest at approximately (pound sterling)55.9 million.
Assuming the exercise of all outstanding options, the Offer values Faber Prest
at approximately (pound sterling)57.3 million. In addition, Faber Prest
Shareholders will receive an interim dividend of 8.5p (net) per Faber Prest
Share subject to the Offer becoming or being declared wholly unconditional.
Your attention is drawn to the letter from the Chairman of Faber Prest, set out
on pages 3 to 5 of this document, in which it is stated that the directors of
Faber Prest, who have been so advised by NatWest Markets, consider the terms of
the Offer to be fair and reasonable and unanimously recommend Faber Prest
Shareholders to accept the Offer.
Cazenove & Co. is acting as broker to Harsco and Heckett MultiServ.
2. IRREVOCABLE UNDERTAKINGS
Heckett MultiServ has received irrevocable undertakings to accept the Offer from
the directors of Faber Prest in respect of all of their beneficial holdings of
Faber Prest Shares (and any shares issued on the exercise of options), relating
to a total of 341,284 Faber Prest Shares (representing 3.1 per cent. of Faber
Prest's issued share capital). In addition, Heckett MultiServ has received
irrevocable undertakings to accept the Offer from other individuals and certain
institutions relating to a total of 3,011,628 Faber Prest Shares (representing
26.9 per cent. of Faber Prest's issued share capital). Call options have also
been granted to Heckett MultiServ in respect of 1,117,639 Faber Prest Shares
which are the subject of irrevocable undertakings. The call options entitle
Heckett MultiServ to acquire the relevant Faber Prest Shares at a price of 500p
per share and are exercisable for varying periods of time in the event the Offer
lapses or is withdrawn.
3. THE OFFER
Lazard Brothers hereby offers to acquire, on behalf of Heckett MultiServ, on the
terms and conditions set out or referred to in this document and in the
accompanying Form of Acceptance, all of the Faber Prest Shares on the following
basis:
FOR EACH FABER PREST SHARE 500p IN CASH
In addition to the consideration payable by Heckett MultiServ, the directors of
Faber Prest will, subject to the Offer becoming or being declared wholly
unconditional, declare an interim dividend of 8.5p (net) per Faber Prest Share
payable to holders of Faber Prest Shares on the register of members at the close
of business on the date falling fourteen days after the date on which the Offer
becomes or is declared wholly unconditional (the "record date"). Heckett
MultiServ will not be entered in the register of members of Faber Prest in
respect of any Faber Prest Shares which have been assented to the Offer until
after the record date for the interim dividend.
6
7
The Offer values the entire issued share capital of Faber Prest at approximately
(pound sterling)55.9 million and represents a premium of 8.1 per cent. to the
closing middle market price of 462.5p per Faber Prest Share (as obtained from
the Official List) on 3 March 1998, the day prior to the announcement of the
Offer, and a premium of approximately 110.5 per cent. to the closing middle
market price of 237.5p per Faber Prest Share (as obtained from the Official
List) on 5 November 1997, the day prior to that on which Faber Prest announced
it was holding discussions which may or may not lead to an offer being made for
Faber Prest.
The Offer value of 500p per Faber Prest Share represents a multiple of 12.3
times Faber Prest's earnings per share of 40.58p for the 12 months ended 30
September 1997.
Further details of the financial effects of acceptance of the Offer are set out
in Appendix II of this document.
4. THE LOAN NOTE ALTERNATIVE
As an alternative to all or part of the cash consideration available under the
Offer, accepting Faber Prest Shareholders (other than certain overseas
shareholders) will be entitled to elect to receive Loan Notes to be issued by
Heckett MultiServ on the following basis:
FOR EACH (POUND STERLING)1 OF CASH (POUND STERLING)1 NOMINAL OF
OTHERWISE AVAILABLE UNDER THE OFFER LOAN NOTES
The Loan Notes will be issued, credited as fully paid, in amounts and multiples
of (pound sterling)1 nominal amount and will constitute unsecured obligations of
Heckett MultiServ.
The payment of principal and interest in respect of the Loan Notes will be
guaranteed by Harsco. The Loan Notes will bear interest (from the date fourteen
days after the Offer becomes or is declared wholly unconditional), payable in
half yearly instalments in arrear at the rate per annum of 75 basis points below
LIBOR. The first payment of interest will be on 31 October 1998.
Noteholders will have the right to redeem some or all of their Loan Notes for
cash at par on 31 December 1998 or on any interest payment date thereafter.
Unless previously redeemed or purchased, the Loan Notes will be redeemed at par
on 31 October 2008.
The Loan Notes will be transferable, but no application has been made or is
intended to be made for the Loan Notes to be listed or dealt in on any stock
exchange or on any other trading facility.
Cazenove & Co., acting as broker to Harsco and Heckett MultiServ, has advised
that, based on market conditions on 3 March 1998 (the last business day prior to
the announcement of the Offer), in its opinion, if the Loan Notes had then been
in issue, the value of the Loan Notes would have been not less than 99p per
(pound sterling)1 nominal value.
No Loan Notes will be issued unless valid elections for the Loan Note
Alternative will result in the issue of at least (pound sterling)2 million
nominal value of Loan Notes, or such smaller amount as Heckett MultiServ may
decide. If the Loan Notes are not issued in these circumstances, Faber Prest
Shareholders who elect for the Loan Note Alternative will instead receive cash
in accordance with the terms of the Offer. No US person or person within Canada,
Japan or Australia who wishes to accept the Offer may elect to accept the Loan
Note Alternative.
The Loan Note Alternative is conditional on the Offer becoming or being declared
wholly unconditional. The Loan Note Alternative will remain open for as long as
the Offer remains open for acceptance. Further details of the Loan Notes are
contained in Appendix III of this document.
5. INFORMATION ON HARSCO
Harsco is a diversified industrial services and manufacturing company. For the
year ended 31 December 1997 Harsco had sales revenues of US$1,629 million
((pound sterling)985 million), net income from continuing operations of US$100
million ((pound sterling)60 million) and earnings per share of US$2.06 ((pound
sterling)1.25). Net income for 1997 was US$279 million ((pound sterling)169
million) or US$5.72 ((pound sterling)3.46) per share, including the gain on the
sale of, and results of, the discontinued defence business. Total assets as at
31 December 1997 were US$1,477 million ((pound sterling)894 million) with
shareholders' equity of US$782 million ((pound sterling)473 million).
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Harsco's operations today fall into three Operating Groups: Metal Reclamation
and Mill Services; Infrastructure and Construction; and Process Industry
Products. Harsco has over 250 major facilities in 31 countries, including in the
United States where it is based.
The Metal Reclamation and Mill Services Group, which trades as Heckett
MultiServ, provides services, technologies and equipment that enable producers
of steel and non-ferrous metals to lower costs, increase productivity and meet
environmental standards. Services include slag processing; on-site materials
handling, transport and management; metals recovery; and a wide range of
environmental services including recycling materials for re-use in production.
This Operating Group is a leader in services to the steel industry. In 1997
Metal Reclamation and Mill Services accounted for approximately 38 per cent. of
Harsco's sales revenues.
Major products and services of the Infrastructure and Construction Group include
railway maintenance equipment and contract services; bridge decking and
industrial grating; scaffolding, shoring and concrete forming systems and plant
services; and abrasives for industrial surface preparation and granules for
roofing shingles. Infrastructure and Construction accounted for approximately
26 per cent. of Harsco's sales revenues in 1997.
Major products and services of the Process Industry Products Group include
industrial pipe fittings and related products; industrial blenders, mixers and
dryers; boilers; mass transfer equipment; air-cooled heat exchanges; wear
resistant steels; and gas containment and control equipment including cryogenic
containers, high pressure and acetylene cylinders, propane tanks, and brass
valves for industrial commercial and recreational use. Process Industry Products
accounted for approximately 36 per cent. of Harsco's sales revenues in 1997.
Harsco is quoted on the New York, Pacific, Boston and Philadelphia stock
exchanges under the ticker symbol `HSC' and has a current stock market
capitalisation of approximately US$2.0 billion ((pound sterling)1.2 billion).
6. INFORMATION ON FABER PREST
Faber Prest provides a range of specialist on-site and slag utilisation services
to steel producers and integrated logistics services. It operates through two
divisions, SR Industrial Services and FP Steel Distribution.
SR Industrial Services provides slag utilisation, materials movement and
ancillary services to the steel industry. In 1997, SR Industrial Services
accounted for 75 per cent. of Faber Prest's sales revenues, employing an average
of 1,240 employees in ten countries.
FP Steel Distribution provides dedicated contract steel logistics and is engaged
in a number of non-steel truck and haulage activities. In 1997, FP Steel
Distribution accounted for 25 per cent. of Faber Prest's sales revenues,
employing an average of 273 employees, all in the UK.
For the year ended 30 September 1997, Faber Prest reported turnover of (pound
sterling)84.0 million, profit before taxation of (pound sterling)7.3 million and
earnings per share of 40.58 pence. At 30 September 1997, equity shareholders
funds were (pound sterling)29.4 million.
7. BACKGROUND TO AND REASONS FOR THE OFFER
Four years ago, Harsco embarked on the task of transforming itself from a
manufacturing and defence company to one with an increasing focus on long term
industrial services for a wider range of customers. At that time, Harsco
redefined its mission statement to emphasise its commitment to achieving
superior shareholder returns.
Consistent with these aims, the Metal Reclamation and Mill Services Group has
responded to the growing trend towards increased outsourcing of industrial
services by containing and reducing costs and embarking on a programme of
significant capital investment and technological advancement. This programme has
led to the formation of long-term relationships with major steel manufacturers
and to distinct competitive advantages and consequently an expanding mill
services business.
The Board of Harsco believes that the acquisition of Faber Prest represents a
good opportunity to continue this success so as to benefit both its shareholders
and Faber Prest's customers. The expertise
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and enhanced geographical coverage of the combined businesses will significantly
enhance Harsco's position as a leader in services to the steel industry.
8. MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
Heckett MultiServ has given assurances to the directors of Faber Prest that the
rights of all employees of Faber Prest and its subsidiaries, including their
pension rights, will be fully safeguarded.
9. FURTHER DETAILS OF THE OFFER
The Faber Prest Shares will be acquired by Heckett MultiServ fully paid up and
free from all liens, equities, charges, encumbrances and other third party
rights or interests and together with all rights now or hereafter attaching
thereto, including voting rights and the right to receive and retain all
dividends and other distributions (if any) declared, made or paid after 4 March
1998, save for the interim dividend of 8.5p (net) per Faber Prest Share payable
in the event of the Offer becoming or being declared wholly unconditional.
The Offer is being made by Lazard Brothers on behalf of Heckett MultiServ and
complies with the rules and regulations of the London Stock Exchange and with
the Code.
The Offer is final and will not be increased or revised, except that Heckett
MultiServ reserves the right to increase and/or revise it if a competitive
situation (as determined by the Panel) arises or otherwise with the consent of
the Panel.
The Offer is subject to the conditions and further terms set out in Appendix I
of this document.
10. FABER PREST SHARE OPTION SCHEME
The Offer extends to any Faber Prest Shares unconditionally allotted or issued
prior to the date on which the Offer closes (or such earlier date(s) as Heckett
MultiServ may, subject to the Code, determine) as a result of the exercise of
options granted under the Faber Prest Share Option Scheme. If the Offer is
declared or becomes wholly unconditional, Heckett MultiServ intends to offer a
cash cancellation proposal to those Optionholders who have not exercised their
options. Under such proposal, Optionholders will be offered the difference
between the exercise price of the relevant share options and the Offer price of
500p in cash, for each option.
11. PROCEDURE FOR ACCEPTANCE OF THE OFFER
THIS SECTION SHOULD BE READ TOGETHER WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS AND NOTES ON THE FORM
OF ACCEPTANCE.
(a) Completion of Form of Acceptance
You should note that if you hold Faber Prest Shares in both
certificated and uncertificated form (that is, in CREST), you should
complete a separate Form of Acceptance for each holding. In addition,
you should complete a separate Form of Acceptance for Faber Prest
Shares held in uncertificated form, but under different member account
IDs, and for Faber Prest Shares held in certificated form but under
different designations. If you hold Faber Prest Shares in CREST you
should also refer to paragraphs (d) and (e) below. Additional Forms of
Acceptance are available from The Royal Bank of Scotland plc,
Registrar's Department, New Issues Section (Telephone number 0117 937
0672).
(i) TO ACCEPT THE OFFER
To accept the Offer in respect of all or any of your Faber
Prest Shares, you must complete Boxes 1 and 4 and, if
appropriate, Boxes 6 and 7 and, if your Faber Prest Shares are
in CREST, Box 5. In all cases you must sign Box 3 of the
enclosed Form of Acceptance IN THE PRESENCE OF A WITNESS, WHO
SHOULD ALSO SIGN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS PRINTED
THEREON.
(ii) TO ELECT FOR THE LOAN NOTE ALTERNATIVE
To elect for the Loan Note Alternative in respect of some or
all of your Faber Prest Shares in respect of which you accept
the Offer, you must complete the Form of Acceptance as set out
in (i) above and in addition complete Box 2. In all cases you
must sign Box 3 of the enclosed Form of Acceptance IN THE
PRESENCE OF A WITNESS, WHO SHOULD ALSO SIGN IN
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ACCORDANCE WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS PRINTED THEREON. UNLESS AN
EXEMPTION UNDER THE RELEVANT LAWS IS AVAILABLE, THE LOAN NOTE
ALTERNATIVE IS NOT AVAILABLE TO CERTAIN OVERSEAS SHAREHOLDERS
OR PERSONS ACTING FOR THE ACCOUNT OR BENEFIT OR SUCH PERSONS.
IN ADDITION, IF YOU HAVE COMPLETED BOX 6 YOU MAY ONLY RECEIVE
CASH UNDER THE TERMS OF THE OFFER.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS AS TO HOW TO COMPLETE THE FORM OF
ACCEPTANCE, PLEASE TELEPHONE THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND PLC,
REGISTRAR'S DEPARTMENT, NEW ISSUES SECTION (TELEPHONE NUMBER:
0117 937 0672).
(b) Return of Form of Acceptance
TO ACCEPT THE OFFER, THE COMPLETED FORM(S) OF ACCEPTANCE SHOULD BE
RETURNED WHETHER OR NOT YOUR FABER PREST SHARES ARE IN CREST. THE
COMPLETED FORM(S) OF ACCEPTANCE SHOULD BE RETURNED BY POST OR BY HAND
TO THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND PLC, REGISTRAR'S DEPARTMENT, NEW ISSUES
SECTION, PO BOX 859, CONSORT HOUSE, EAST STREET, BEDMINSTER, BRISTOL
BS99 1XZ OR BY HAND ONLY DURING NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS TO THE ROYAL BANK
OF SCOTLAND PLC, REGISTRAR'S DEPARTMENT, NEW ISSUES SECTION, PO BOX
633, 5-10 GREAT TOWER STREET, LONDON EC3R 5ER, TOGETHER (SUBJECT TO
PARAGRAPH (d) BELOW) WITH THE RELEVANT SHARE CERTIFICATE(S) AND/OR
OTHER DOCUMENTS(S) OF TITLE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE BUT IN ANY EVENT SO AS
TO ARRIVE NO LATER THAN 3.00 P.M. ON 26 MARCH 1998. A reply-paid
envelope for use in the UK only is enclosed for your convenience. No
acknowledgement of receipt of documents will be given by or on behalf
of Heckett MultiServ. The instructions printed on Forms of Acceptance
are deemed to form part of the terms of the Offer.
(c) Documents of title
If your Faber Prest Shares are in certificated form, a completed and
signed Form of Acceptance should be accompanied by the relevant share
certificate(s) and/or other document(s) of title. If for any reason the
relevant share certificate(s) and/or the other document(s) of title
is/are lost or not readily available, you should nevertheless complete,
sign and lodge the Form of Acceptance as stated above so as to be
received by The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, Registrar's Department, New
Issues Section, by no later than 3.00 p.m. on 26 March 1998. You should
send, with the completed Form of Acceptance, any share certificate(s)
and/or other document(s) of title which you may have available and a
letter stating that the remaining documents will follow as soon as
possible or that your have lost one or more of your share
certificate(s) and/or documents of title. No acknowledgement of receipt
of documents will be given. If you have lost your share certificate(s)
and/or other document(s) of title, you should contact Faber Prest's
registrars, Northern Registrars (Telephone number: 01484 606664), for a
letter of indemnity for the lost share certificate(s) and/or other
document(s) of title which, when completed in accordance with the
instructions given, should be returned by post to The Royal Bank of
Scotland plc, Registrar's Department, New Issues Section, as above.
(d) Additional procedures for Faber Prest Shares in uncertificated form
(that is, in CREST)
If your Faber Prest Shares are in uncertificated form, you should
insert in Box 5 of the enclosed Form(s) of Acceptance the participant
ID and member account ID under which such Faber Prest Shares are held
by you in CREST and otherwise complete and return the Form(s) of
Acceptance as described above. In addition, you should take (or procure
to be taken) the action set out below to transfer the Faber Prest
Shares in respect of which you wish to accept the Offer to an escrow
balance (that is, a TTE instruction) specifying The Royal Bank of
Scotland plc, Registrar's Department (in its capacity as a CREST
participant under its participant ID referred to below) as the Escrow
Agent, as soon as possible AND IN ANY EVENT SO THAT THE TRANSFER TO
ESCROW SETTLES NO LATER THAN 3.00 P.M. ON 26 MARCH 1998.
IF YOU ARE A CREST SPONSORED MEMBER, YOU SHOULD REFER TO YOUR CREST
SPONSOR BEFORE TAKING ANY ACTION. Your CREST sponsor will be able to
confirm details of your participant ID and the member account ID under
which your Faber Prest Shares are held. In addition, only your CREST
sponsor will be able to sent the TTE instruction to CRESTCo in relation
to your Faber Prest Shares.
You should send (or, if you are a CREST sponsored member, procure that
your CREST sponsor sends) a TTE instruction to CRESTCo which must be
properly authenticated in accordance with
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CRESTCo's specifications and which must contain, in addition to the
other information that is required for a TTE instruction to settle in
CREST, the following details:
(i) the number of Faber Prest Shares to be transferred to an
escrow balance;
(ii) your member account ID. This must be the same member account
ID as that inserted in Box 5 of the Form of Acceptance;
(iii) your participant ID. This must be the same participant ID as
the participant ID that is inserted in Box 5 of the Form of
Acceptance;
(iv) the participant ID of the Escrow Agent which is, for the
purposes of the Offer, 3RA44;
(v) the member account ID of the Escrow Agent which is, for the
purposes of the Offer, FABER;
(vi) the Form of Acceptance reference number. This is the reference
number that appears at the bottom of page one of the Form of
Acceptance. This reference number should be inserted in the
first eight characters of the shared note field on the TTE
instruction. Such insertion will enable The Royal Bank of
Scotland plc, Registrar's Department, New Issues Section to
match the transfer to escrow to your Form of Acceptance. You
should keep a separate record of this reference number for
future reference;
(vii) the intended settlement date. This should be as soon as
possible and in any event no later than 3.00 p.m. on 26 March
1998; and
(viii) the Corporate Action Number for the Offer is allocated by
CRESTCo and can be found by viewing the relevant Corporate
Action details in CREST.
After settlement of the TTE instruction, you will not be able to access
the Faber Prest Shares concerned in CREST for any transaction or
charging purposes. If the Offer becomes or is declared unconditional in
all respects, the Escrow Agent will transfer the Faber Prest Shares
concerned to itself in accordance with paragraph (e) of Part C of
Appendix I to this document.
You are recommended to refer to the CREST manual published by CRESTCo
for further information on the CREST procedures outlined above. For
ease of processing, you are requested, wherever possible, to ensure
that a Form of Acceptance relates to only one transfer to escrow.
If no Form of Acceptance reference number, or an incorrect Form of
Acceptance reference number, is included in the TTE instruction,
Heckett MultiServ may treat any number of Faber Prest Shares
transferred to an escrow balance in favour of the Escrow Agent
specified above from the participant ID and member account ID
identified in the TTE instruction as relating to any Form(s) of
Acceptance which relate(s) to the same member account ID and
participant ID (up to the amount of Faber Prest Shares inserted or
deemed to be inserted on the Form(s) of Acceptance concerned).
YOU SHOULD NOTE THAT CRESTCO DOES NOT MAKE AVAILABLE SPECIAL PROCEDURES
IN CREST FOR ANY PARTICULAR CORPORATE ACTION. NORMAL SYSTEM TIMINGS AND
LIMITATIONS WILL THEREFORE APPLY IN CONNECTION WITH A TTE INSTRUCTION
AND ITS SETTLEMENT. YOU SHOULD THEREFORE ENSURE THAT ALL NECESSARY
ACTION IS TAKEN BY YOU (OR BY YOUR CREST SPONSOR) TO ENABLE A TTE
INSTRUCTION RELATING TO YOUR FABER PREST SHARES TO SETTLE PRIOR TO 3.00
P.M. ON 26 MARCH 1998. IN THIS REGARD, YOU ARE REFERRED IN PARTICULAR
TO THOSE SECTIONS OF THE CREST MANUAL CONCERNING PRACTICAL LIMITATIONS
OF THE CREST SYSTEM AND TIMINGS.
Heckett MultiServ will make an appropriate announcement if any of the
details contained in this paragraph (d) alter for any reason.
(e) Deposits of Faber Prest Shares into, and withdrawals of Faber Prest
Shares from, CREST
Normal CREST procedures (including timings) apply in relation to any
Faber Prest Shares that are, or are to be, converted from
uncertificated to certificated form, or from certificated to
uncertificated form during the course of the Offer (whether any such
conversion arises as a result of a transfer of Faber Prest Shares or
otherwise). Holders of Faber Prest Shares who are proposing
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so to convert any such Faber Prest Shares are recommended to ensure
that the conversion procedures are implemented in sufficient time to
enable the person holding or acquiring the Faber Prest Shares as a
result of the conversion to take all necessary steps in connection with
an acceptance of the Offer (in particular, as regards delivery of share
certificate(s) or other document(s) of title or transfers to an escrow
balance as described above) prior to 3.00 p.m. on 26 March 1998.
(f) Validity of acceptance
Without prejudice to Parts B and C of Appendix I of this document,
Heckett MultiServ and Lazard Brothers reserve the right to treat as
valid in whole or in part any acceptance of the Offer which is not
entirely in order or which is not accompanied by the relevant TTE
instruction or (as applicable) the relevant share certificate(s) and/or
other document(s) of title. In that event, no payment of cash or issue
of Loan Notes under the Offer will be made until after the relevant TTE
instruction has settled or (as applicable) the relevant share
certificate(s) and/or other document(s) of title or indemnities
satisfactory to Heckett MultiServ have been received.
The invalidity of an election for the Loan Note Alternative will not
affect the validity of an otherwise valid Form of Acceptance and will
be deemed to be an acceptance of the Offer for cash.
(g) Overseas shareholders
The attention of Faber Prest Shareholders who are citizens or residents
of jurisdictions outside the UK is drawn to paragraph 6 of Part B and
paragraph (b) of Part C of Appendix I of this document, and to the
relevant provisions of the Form of Acceptance. The availability of the
Offer to persons not resident in the UK may be affected by the laws of
the relevant jurisdictions. Persons not resident in the UK should
inform themselves about and observe any applicable requirements.
The Offer is not being made, directly or indirectly, in or into, the
United States, Canada, Australia or Japan. Accordingly, any accepting
Faber Prest Shareholder who is unable to give the warranties set out in
paragraph (b) of Part C of Appendix I to this document will be deemed
not to have accepted the Offer.
The Loan Notes have not been, and will not be, registered under the
Securities Act or under any of the relevant securities laws of any
state of the United States or any relevant securities laws of Canada,
Japan or Australia. Accordingly, unless an exemption is available under
the Securities Act or any relevant securities laws, the Loan Notes may
not be offered, sold or delivered, directly or indirectly, in or into
the United States, Canada, Japan or Australia.
IF YOU ARE IN ANY DOUBT AS TO THE PROCEDURE FOR ACCEPTANCE, PLEASE
CONTACT THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND PLC, REGISTRAR'S DEPARTMENT, NEW
ISSUES SECTION BY TELEPHONE ON 0117 937 0672. YOU ARE REMINDED THAT, IF
YOU ARE A CREST SPONSORED MEMBER, YOU SHOULD CONTACT YOUR CREST SPONSOR
BEFORE TAKING ANY ACTION.
12. SETTLEMENT
Subject to the Offer becoming or being declared unconditional in all respects
(except as provided in paragraph 6 of Part B of Appendix I in the case of
certain Faber Prest Shareholders who are not resident in the UK), settlement of
the consideration to which any Faber Prest Shareholder is entitled under the
Offer will be effected (i) in the case of acceptances received, complete in all
respects, by the date on which the Offer becomes or is declared unconditional in
all respects, within 14 days of such date, or (ii) in the case of acceptances of
the Offer received, complete in all respects, after the date on which the Offer
becomes or is declared unconditional in all respects but while it remains open
for acceptance, within 14 days of such receipts in the following manner:
(a) Faber Prest Shares in uncertificated form (that is, in CREST)
Where an acceptance relates to Faber Prest Shares in uncertificated
form, settlement of any cash consideration to which the accepting Faber
Prest Shareholder is entitled will be paid by means of CREST by Heckett
MultiServ procuring the creation of an assured payment obligation in
favour of the accepting Faber Prest Shareholder's payment bank in
respect of the cash consideration due, in accordance with the CREST
assured payment arrangements.
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Heckett MultiServ reserves the right to settle all or any part of the
consideration referred to in this paragraph (a), for all or any
accepting Faber Prest Shareholder(s), in the manner referred to in
paragraph (b) below, if, for any reason, it wishes to do so.
(b) Faber Prest Shares in certificated form
Where an acceptance relates to Faber Prest Shares in certificated form,
settlement of any cash due will be despatched by first class post (or
by such other method as the Panel may approve). All such payments will
be made in pounds sterling by cheque drawn on a branch of a UK clearing
bank.
(c) Loan Notes
Whether the Faber Prest Shares are in certificated or uncertificated
form, if a Faber Prest Shareholder validly elects for the Loan Note
Alternative and Loan Notes are issued as described in paragraph 4,
definitive certificates for the Loan Notes will be despatched by first
class post (or by such other method as may be approved by the Panel).
(d) General
If the Offer does not become or is not declared unconditional in all
respects (i) share certificate(s) and/or other document(s) of title
will be returned by post (or such other method as may be approved by
the Panel), within 14 days of the Offer lapsing, to the person or agent
whose name and address (outside the United States, Canada, Australia or
Japan) is set out in Box 7 of the Form of Acceptance or, if none is set
out, to the first named holder at his registered address (outside the
United States, Canada, Australia or Japan) and (ii) the Escrow Agent
will, immediately after the lapsing of the Offer (or within such longer
period, not exceeding 14 days after the Offer lapsing, as the Panel may
approve), give TFE instructions to CRESTCo to transfer all Faber Prest
Shares held in escrow balances and in relation to which it is the
Escrow Agent to the original available balances of the Faber Prest
Shareholders concerned. ALL DOCUMENTS AND REMITTANCES SENT BY, TO OR
FROM FABER PREST SHAREHOLDERS OR THEIR APPOINTED AGENTS WILL BE SENT AT
THEIR OWN RISK.
13. UNITED KINGDOM TAXATION
THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPHS, WHICH ARE INTENDED AS A GENERAL GUIDE ONLY, ARE BASED
ON CURRENT UNITED KINGDOM LEGISLATION AND INLAND REVENUE PRACTICE AND ARE
SUBJECT TO CHANGES THEREIN. THEY SUMMARISE CERTAIN LIMITED ASPECTS OF THE UK
TAXATION TREATMENT OF THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE OFFER AND ELECTION FOR THE LOAN NOTE
ALTERNATIVE, AND THEY RELATE ONLY TO THE POSITION OF CERTAIN CLASSES OF
TAXPAYERS AND ONLY THOSE FABER PREST SHAREHOLDERS WHO HOLD THEIR FABER PREST
SHARES BENEFICIALLY AS AN INVESTMENT (OTHERWISE THAN UNDER A PERSONAL EQUITY
PLAN) AND WHO ARE RESIDENT OR ORDINARILY RESIDENT IN THE UK FOR TAXATION
PURPOSES (EXCEPT INSOFAR AS EXPRESS REFERENCE IS MADE TO THE TREATMENT OF NON-UK
RESIDENTS). IF YOU ARE IN ANY DOUBT AS TO YOUR TAXATION POSITION OR IF YOU ARE
SUBJECT TO TAXATION IN ANY JURISDICTION OTHER THAN THE UK, YOU SHOULD CONSULT AN
APPROPRIATE PROFESSIONAL ADVISER IMMEDIATELY.
(a) UK taxation of chargeable gains
Liability to UK taxation of chargeable gains will depend on the
individual circumstances of Faber Prest Shareholders and on the form of
consideration received.
(i) CASH
Acceptance of the Offer will, if it becomes wholly
unconditional and to the extent that the consideration is
received in cash by the Faber Prest Shareholders, constitute a
disposal or part disposal of his Faber Prest Shares for the
purposes of UK taxation of chargeable gains. Such a disposal
or part disposal may, depending upon the individual
circumstances of the Faber Prest Shareholder, give rise to a
liability to UK taxation on chargeable gains.
(ii) LOAN NOTES
Faber Prest Shareholders who, either alone or together with
persons connected with them, hold more than 5 per cent. of, or
of any class of, shares in or debentures of Faber Prest, are
advised that an application for clearance will be made to the
UK Inland Revenue under section 138 of the Taxation of
Chargeable Gains Act 1992 ("TCGA") in respect of the Loan Note
Alternative. Subject to the granting of this clearance, any
such Faber Prest
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Shareholder will be treated in the same manner as other Faber
Prest Shareholders as described below. Neither the Offer nor
the Loan Note Alternative is conditional on such clearance
being obtained.
Faber Prest Shareholders who, either alone or together with
persons connected with them, hold not more than 5 per cent.
of, or of any class of, shares in or debentures of Faber
Prest, will not be treated as having made a disposal of their
Faber Prest Shares for the purposes of UK taxation on
chargeable gains to the extent that they receive Loan Notes by
way of consideration under the Offer and the following
treatment will apply:
(x) FABER PREST SHAREHOLDERS WITHIN THE CHARGE TO UK
CORPORATION TAX
The Loan Notes will be "qualifying corporate bonds"
within the meaning of section 117 of TCGA.
Accordingly, to the extent that a chargeable gain or
allowable loss would otherwise have accrued to Faber
Prest Shareholders who are within the charge to UK
corporation tax on the transfer of Faber Prest
Shares, such chargeable gain or allowable loss will
be deferred and will be treated as arising only on a
subsequent disposal of the Loan Notes. Indexation
allowance will cease to accrue.
(y) FABER PREST SHAREHOLDERS NOT WITHIN THE CHARGE TO UK
CORPORATION TAX
The Loan Notes will not be "qualifying corporate
bonds" within the meaning of section 117 of TCGA.
Accordingly, the Loan Notes will be treated as the
same asset as the Faber Prest Shares acquired at the
same time and for the same consideration as the Faber
Prest Shares were acquired. Indexation allowance in
respect of the consideration originally given for the
Faber Prest Shares will continue to accrue until a
subsequent disposal or redemption of the Loan Notes.
(b) Taxation on transfer or redemption of the Loan Notes
(i) FABER PREST SHAREHOLDERS WITHIN THE CHARGE TO UK CORPORATION
TAX
For Faber Prest Shareholders within the charge to UK
corporation tax, the Loan Notes will be qualifying corporate
bonds. Accordingly, except to the extent that a chargeable
gain or allowable loss previously deferred in respect of Faber
Prest Shares arises as described in (a)(ii)(x) above, gains
and losses arising on disposal of the Loan Notes will not give
rise to chargeable gains or allowable losses for the purposes
of taxation of chargeable gains. However, such Faber Prest
shareholders will generally be required to bring into account,
for each of their accounting periods, such sums in respect of
the Loan Notes as, in accordance with an authorised accounting
method, fairly represent, for the accounting periods in
question, all their profits, gains or losses (whether or not
of a capital nature) which sums will be brought into charge as
income for UK taxation purposes. The accrued income scheme
contained in Chapter II of Part XVII of ICTA will not be
applicable to such Faber Prest Shareholders.
(ii) FABER PREST SHAREHOLDERS NOT WITHIN THE CHARGE TO UK
CORPORATION TAX
For such Faber Prest Shareholders the Loan Notes will not be
qualifying corporate bonds. A subsequent disposal or
redemption of the Loan Notes may give rise to a liability to
UK taxation on capital gains depending upon individual
circumstances. The accrued income scheme may apply on the
transfer of Loan Notes by such Faber Prest Shareholders.
(c) Taxation of interest on the Loan Notes
(i) WITHHOLDING TAX
Payments of interest on the Loan Notes will be made subject to
the deduction of UK income tax at the lower rate (currently 20
per cent.) unless Heckett MultiServ has been directed by the
Inland Revenue, in respect of a particular holding of Loan
Notes, to make the payment free (or subject to a reduced rate)
of such deduction by virtue of relief under the provisions of
an applicable double taxation treaty. Such a direction will
only be made following an application in the appropriate
manner to the relevant tax authorities by the
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holder of the Loan Notes. Heckett MultiServ will not gross up
payments of interest on the Loan Notes to compensate for any
tax which it is required to deduct at source.
(ii) INDIVIDUAL HOLDERS OF LOAN NOTES
Subject to the above, the gross amount of the interest on the
Loan Notes will form part of the recipient's income for the
purposes of UK income tax, credit being allowed for the tax
withheld. Individuals who are taxable at the lower or basic
rate will have no further tax to pay in respect of the
interest. In certain cases, Loan Note holders may be able to
recover an amount in respect of the tax withheld at source.
As mentioned above on a transfer of Loan Notes by an
individual, a charge to tax on income may arise under the
accrued income scheme in respect of the interest on the Loan
Notes which has accrued since the preceding interest payment.
(iii) CORPORATE HOLDERS OF LOAN NOTES
A holder of Loan Notes within the charge to corporation tax
will generally be charged UK corporation tax in respect of
interest on the Loan Notes relating to the relevant accounting
period broadly in accordance with the holder's authorised
accounting method.
(d) Taxation of Interim Dividend
As the payment of the interim dividend is conditional upon the Offer
becoming or being declared unconditional in all respects, the interim
dividend will be deemed to be a foreign income dividend ("FID") for UK
tax purposes under the provisions of Schedule 7 to the Finance Act
1997.
A FID does not carry a tax credit. Accordingly, Faber Prest
Shareholders who would otherwise be entitled to claim payment from the
Inland Revenue of a tax credit in relation to a dividend (for example
an individual who is not liable to income tax) will not be so entitled
in relation to the interim dividend. In addition, a FID will not
constitute franked investment income in the hands of UK resident
corporate shareholders.
(i) NON-CORPORATE SHAREHOLDERS
A UK resident Faber Prest Shareholder who receives the interim
dividend will be treated as having received income of an
amount which when reduced by an amount equal to income tax at
the lower rate (currently 20 per cent.) is equal to the amount
of the interim dividend. A UK resident individual shareholder
who is liable to income tax at only the lower rate or the
basic rate will have no further tax to pay on the interim
dividend. There will be a further income tax liability where a
UK resident individual recipient is subject to income tax at
the higher rate.
(ii) CORPORATE SHAREHOLDERS
A UK resident corporate Faber Prest Shareholder who receives
the interim dividend can use it to frank its own distributions
which are FIDs.
(e) Faber Prest Share Option Scheme
Special tax provisions may apply to Faber Prest Shareholders who have
acquired or acquire their Faber Prest Shares by exercising options
under the Faber Prest Share Option Scheme including provisions imposing
a charge to income tax when such an option is exercised.
(f) Stamp duty and stamp duty reserve tax ("SDRT")
THESE COMMENTS ARE INTENDED AS A GUIDE TO THE GENERAL POSITION AND DO
NOT RELATE TO PERSONS SUCH AS MARKET MAKERS, BROKERS, DEALERS AND
PERSONS CONNECTED WITH DEPOSITARY ARRANGEMENTS OR CLEARANCE SERVICES,
TO WHOM SPECIAL RULES APPLY.
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(i) ACCEPTANCE OF THE OFFER AND/OR LOAN NOTE ALTERNATIVE
No stamp duty or SDRT will be payable by Faber Prest
Shareholders as a result of accepting the Offer and/or the
Loan Note Alternative.
(ii) LOAN NOTES
No stamp duty or SDRT will be payable on the issue of Loan
Notes. On a transfer of the Loan Notes, stamp duty or SDRT
would be payable at one half of one per cent. on the
consideration payable for, or in certain circumstances on the
market value of, the Loan Notes transferred.
14. FURTHER INFORMATION
Your attention is drawn to the further information contained in the Appendices
to this document.
15. ACTION TO BE TAKEN
TO ACCEPT THE OFFER, THE FORM OF ACCEPTANCE MUST BE COMPLETED AND RETURNED TO
EITHER OF THE ADDRESSES SET OUT IN PARAGRAPH 11(b) ABOVE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
AND, IN ANY EVENT, SO AS TO BE RECEIVED BY THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND PLC,
REGISTRAR'S DEPARTMENT, NEW ISSUES SECTION SO AS TO BE RECEIVED AS SOON AS
POSSIBLE AND IN ANY EVENT NOT LATER THAN 3.00 P.M. ON 26 MARCH 1998.
Yours faithfully,
for and on behalf of
Lazard Brothers & Co., Limited
Michael Baughan
Managing Director
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APPENDIX I
CONDITIONS AND FURTHER TERMS OF THE OFFER
PART A
CONDITIONS OF THE OFFER
The Offer is subject to the following conditions:
(a) valid acceptances being received (and not, where permitted, withdrawn)
by not later than 3.00 p.m. on 26 March 1998 (or such later time(s)
and/or date(s) as Heckett MultiServ may, subject to the Code, decide)
in respect of not less than 90 per cent. (or such lower percentage as
Heckett MultiServ may decide) in nominal value of the Faber Prest
Shares to which the Offer relates, provided that this condition shall
not be satisfied unless Heckett MultiServ and/or any of its
wholly-owned subsidiaries shall have acquired or agreed to acquire,
whether pursuant to the Offer or otherwise, Faber Prest Shares carrying
in aggregate more than 50 per cent. of the voting rights then normally
exercisable at general meetings of Faber Prest. For the purposes of
this condition:
(i) shares which have been unconditionally allotted but not issued
shall be deemed to carry the voting rights they will carry
upon issue;
(ii) the expression "Faber Prest Shares to which the Offer relates"
shall mean (i) Faber Prest Shares issued or allotted on or
before the date the Offer is made; and (ii) Faber Prest Shares
issued or allotted after that date but before the time at
which the Offer closes, or such earlier date, not being
earlier than the date on which the Offer becomes unconditional
as to acceptances or, if later, the first closing date of the
Offer, as Heckett MultiServ may decide but excluding any Faber
Prest Shares which, on the date the Offer is made, are held or
(otherwise than under such a contract as is described in
section 428(5) of the Companies Act 1985) contracted to be
acquired by Heckett MultiServ and/or its associates (within
the meaning of section 430E of the Companies Act 1985);
(b) the Office of Fair Trading in the United Kingdom indicating, in terms
satisfactory to Heckett MultiServ, either that no merger situation
qualifying for investigation arises or, that it is not the intention of
the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to refer the proposed
acquisition of Faber Prest by Heckett MultiServ, or any matter arising
therefrom or related thereto, to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission;
(c) save as fairly disclosed to Harsco or Heckett MultiServ in writing
prior to 4 March 1998, there being no provision of any agreement,
arrangement, licence, permit or other instrument to which any member of
the wider Faber Prest Group is a party or by or to which any such
member of the wider Faber Prest Group or any of its assets may be
bound, entitled or subject, which in consequence of the Offer, or the
proposed acquisition of any shares or other securities in Faber Prest
or because of a change in the control or management of Faber Prest or
otherwise, could or might reasonably be expected to result in (to an
extent which is material in the context of the wider Faber Prest Group
taken as a whole):
(i) any moneys borrowed by, or any other indebtedness (actual or
contingent) of, or grant available to any such member being or
becoming repayable or capable of being declared repayable
immediately or earlier than its stated maturity date or
repayment date or the ability of any such member to borrow
monies or incur any indebtedness being withdrawn or inhibited
or being capable of becoming or being withdrawn or inhibited;
(ii) any such agreement, arrangement, licence, permit or instrument
or the rights, liabilities, obligations or interests of any
member of the wider Faber Prest Group thereunder being
terminated or adversely modified or affected or any obligation
or liability arising or any action being taken or arising
thereunder;
(iii) any assets or interests of any such member being or falling to
be disposed of or charged or any right arising under which any
such asset or interest could be required to be disposed of or
charged;
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(iv) the creation or enforcement of any mortgage, charge or other
security interest over the whole or any part of the business,
property or assets of any such member;
(v) the rights, liabilities, obligations or interests of any
member of the wider Faber Prest Group in, or the business of
any such member with, any person, firm or body (or any
arrangement or arrangements relating to any such interest or
business) being terminated, adversely modified or affected; or
(vi) the value of any member of the wider Faber Prest Group or its
financial or trading position or prospects being prejudiced or
adversely affected; or
(vii) any member of the wider Faber Prest Group ceasing to be able
to carry on business under any name under which it presently
does so;
(viii) the creation of any liability, actual or contingent, by any
such member
and no event having occurred which, under any provision of any
agreement, arrangement, licence, permit or other instrument to which
any member of the wider Faber Prest Group is a party or by or to which
any such member or any of its assets may be bound, entitled or subject,
could result in any of the events or circumstances as are referred to
in sub-paragraphs (i) to (viii) of this paragraph (c);
(d) no government or governmental, quasi-governmental, supranational,
statutory regulatory, environmental or investigative body, court, trade
agency, association, institution or any other body or person whatsoever
in any jurisdiction (each a "Third Party") having decided to take,
institute, implement or threaten any action, proceeding, suit,
investigation, enquiry or reference, or enacted, made or proposed any
statute, regulation, decision or order or having taken any other steps
which would or might reasonably be expected to:
(i) require, prevent or delay the divestiture or alter the terms
envisaged for any proposed divestiture by any member of the
wider Harsco Group or any member of the wider Faber Prest
Group of all or any portion of their respective businesses,
assets or property or impose any limitation on the ability of
any of them to conduct their respective businesses (or any of
them) or to own any of their respective assets or properties
or any part thereof to an extent which is material in the
context of the wider Harsco Group or the wider Faber Prest
Group taken as a whole;
(ii) require, prevent or delay the divestiture by any member of the
wider Harsco Group of any shares or other securities in Faber
Prest;
(iii) impose any limitation on, or result in a delay in, the ability
of any member of the wider Harsco Group directly or indirectly
to acquire or to hold or to exercise effectively any rights of
ownership in respect of shares or loans or securities
convertible into shares or any other securities (or the
equivalent) in any member of the wider Faber Prest Group or
the wider Harsco Group or to exercise management control over
any member of the Faber Prest Group;
(iv) otherwise adversely affect the business, assets, profits or
prospects of any member of the wider Harsco Group or of any
member of the wider Faber Prest Group to an extent which is
material in the context of the wider Harsco Group or the wider
Faber Prest Group taken as a whole;
(v) make the Offer or its implementation or the acquisition or
proposed acquisition of any shares or other securities in, or
control of Faber Prest void, illegal, and/or unenforceable
under the laws of any jurisdiction, or otherwise, directly or
indirectly, restrain, restrict, prohibit, delay or otherwise
interfere with the same, or impose additional conditions or
obligations with respect thereto, or otherwise challenge or
interfere therewith to an extent which is material;
(vi) require any member of the wider Harsco Group or the wider
Faber Prest Group to offer to acquire any shares or other
securities or interest in any member of the wider Faber Prest
Group or the wider Harsco Group owned by any third party; or
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(vii) impose any limitation on the ability of any member of the
wider Faber Prest Group to coordinate its business, or any
part of it, with the businesses of any other members;
(e) all applicable waiting and other time periods during which any such
Third Party could institute, implement or threaten any action,
proceeding, suit, investigation, enquiry or reference or any other step
under the laws of any jurisdiction having expired, lapsed or been
terminated;
(f) all necessary filings or applications having been made in connection
with the Offer and all statutory or regulatory obligations in any
jurisdiction having been complied with in connection with the Offer or
the acquisition by any member of the wider Harsco Group of any shares
or other securities in, or control of, Faber Prest and all
authorisations, orders, recognitions, grants, consents, licences,
confirmations, clearances, permissions and approvals reasonably deemed
necessary or appropriate by Heckett MultiServ for or in respect of the
Offer or the proposed acquisition of any shares or other securities in,
or control of, Faber Prest by any member of the wider Harsco Group
having been obtained in terms and in a form reasonably satisfactory to
Heckett MultiServ from all appropriate Third Parties or persons with
whom any member of the wider Faber Prest Group has entered into
contractual arrangements and all such authorisations, orders,
recognitions, grants, consents, licences, confirmations, clearances,
permissions and approvals together with all authorisations, orders,
recognitions, grants, consents, licences, confirmations, clearances,
permissions and approvals necessary or appropriate to carry on the
business of any member of the wider Faber Prest Group remaining in full
force and effect and there being no notice or intimation of any
intention to revoke or not to renew any of the same at the time at
which the Offer becomes otherwise unconditional and all necessary
statutory or regulatory obligations in any jurisdiction having been
complied with, the failure to comply with which would be material in
the context of the Offer or of the Faber Prest Group taken as a whole;
(g) except as publicly announced by Faber Prest prior to 4 March 1998, no
member of the wider Faber Prest Group having, since 30 September 1997:
(i) save as between Faber Prest and wholly-owned subsidiaries of
Faber Prest or for Faber Prest Shares issued pursuant to the
exercise of options granted under the Faber Prest Share Option
Scheme, issued, authorised or proposed the issue of additional
shares of any class;
(ii) save as between Faber Prest and wholly-owned subsidiaries of
Faber Prest or for the grant of options under the Faber Prest
Share Option Scheme, issued or authorised or proposed the
issue of securities convertible into shares of any class or
rights, warrants or options to subscribe for, or acquire, any
such shares or convertible securities;
(iii) other than to another member of the Faber Prest Group or save
as fairly disclosed in writing to Harsco or Heckett MultiServ
prior to 4 March 1998, recommended, declared, paid or made or
proposed to recommend, declare, pay or make any bonus,
dividend or other distribution, save for the final dividend of
11.5p (net) per Faber Prest Share paid on 30 January 1998 and
subject to the Offer becoming or being declared wholly
unconditional, for the proposed interim dividend of 8.5p (net)
per Faber Prest Share;
(iv) save for intra-Faber Prest Group transactions, merged with any
body corporate or acquired or disposed of or transferred,
mortgaged or charged or created any security interest over any
assets or any right, title or interest in any asset (including
shares and trade investments) or authorised or proposed or
announced any intention to propose any merger, acquisition or
disposal (other than, in any case aforesaid, in the ordinary
course of business);
(v) save for intra-Faber Prest Group transactions made or
authorised or proposed or announced an intention to propose
any change in its loan capital;
(vi) issued, authorised or proposed the issue of any debentures or
(save for intra-Faber Prest Group transactions or in the
ordinary course of business) incurred any indebtedness or
become subject to any contingent liability;
(vii) purchased, redeemed or repaid or announced any proposal to
purchase, redeem or repay any of its own shares or other
securities or reduced or save with respect to the matters
mentioned in sub-paragraph (i) above, made any other change to
any part of its share capital;
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(viii) save as fairly disclosed in writing to Harsco or Heckett
MultiServ prior to 4 March 1998, implemented, or authorised,
proposed or announced its intention to implement, any
reconstruction, amalgamation, scheme, commitment or other
transaction or arrangement otherwise than in the ordinary
course of business or entered into or changed the terms of any
contract with any director or senior executive;
(ix) save as fairly disclosed in writing to Harsco or Heckett
MultiServ prior to 4 March 1998, entered into or varied or
authorised, proposed or announced its intention to enter into
or vary any contract, transaction or commitment (whether in
respect of capital expenditure or otherwise) which is of a
long term, onerous or unusual nature or magnitude or which is
or could be materially restrictive to the businesses of any
member of the wider Faber Prest Group or which involves or
could involve an obligation of such a nature or magnitude or
which is other than in the ordinary course of business and
which is material in the context of the wider Faber Prest
Group taken as a whole;
(x) (other than in respect of a member which is dormant and was
solvent at the relevant time) taken any corporate action or
had any legal proceedings started or threatened against it for
its winding-up, dissolution or reorganisation or for the
appointment of a receiver, administrative receiver,
administrator, trustee or similar officer of all or any of its
assets or revenues or any analogous proceedings in any
jurisdiction or had any such person appointed;
(xi) save as fairly disclosed in writing to Harsco or Heckett
MultiServ prior to 4 March 1998, entered into any contract,
transaction or arrangement which would be restrictive on the
business of any member of the wider Faber Prest Group or the
wider Harsco Group;
(xii) waived or compromised any claim which is material in the
context of the Faber Prest Group taken as a whole; or
(xiii) save as fairly disclosed in writing to Harsco or Heckett
MultiServ prior to 4 March 1998, entered into any contract,
commitment, arrangement or agreement or passed any resolution
or made any offer (which remains open for acceptance) with
respect to or announced any intention to, or to propose to,
effect any of the transactions, matters or events referred to
in this condition;
and, for the purposes of paragraphs (iii),(iv), (v) and (vi) of this
condition, the term "Faber Prest Group" shall mean Faber Prest and its
wholly-owned subsidiaries and paragraphs (ix), (xii) and (xiii) shall
only apply to members of the Faber Prest Group;
(h) since 30 September 1997 and save as disclosed in the Report and
Accounts of Faber Prest for the year then ended:
(i) no material adverse change or deterioration having occurred in
the business, assets, financial or trading position or profits
or prospects of the wider Faber Prest Group taken as a whole;
(ii) no litigation, arbitration, proceedings, prosecution or other
legal proceedings to which any member of the wider Faber Prest
Group is or may become a party (whether as a plaintiff,
defendant or otherwise) and no investigation by any Third
Party against or in respect of any member of the wider Faber
Prest Group having been instituted, threatened or announced by
or against or remaining outstanding in respect of any member
of the wider Faber Prest Group which might reasonably be
expected adversely to affect the wider Faber Prest Group taken
as a whole; and
(iii) no contingent or other liability having arisen or become
apparent to Heckett MultiServ which might adversely affect the
wider Faber Prest Group taken as a whole; and
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(i) Heckett MultiServ not having discovered:
(i) that any financial, business or other information concerning
the wider Faber Prest Group which is material in the context
of the wider Faber Prest Group taken as a whole or in the
context of the Offer and which is contained in the information
publicly disclosed at any time (and not having been corrected
by a subsequent announcement to the London Stock Exchange
prior to 4 March 1998) by or on behalf of any member of the
wider Faber Prest Group, is misleading, contains a
misrepresentation of fact or omits to state a fact necessary
to make that information not misleading;
(ii) that any member of the wider Faber Prest Group is subject to
any liability (contingent or otherwise) which is material in
the context of the wider Faber Prest Group taken as a whole
and which is not disclosed in the annual report and accounts
of Faber Prest for the year ended 30 September 1997 or which
has not been fairly disclosed in writing to Harsco or Heckett
MultiServ prior to 4 March 1998; or
(iii) any information which affects the import of any information
disclosed at any time by or on behalf of any member of the
wider Faber Prest Group, and which is material in the context
of the wider Faber Prest Group taken as a whole.
(j) save as fairly disclosed in writing to Harsco or Heckett MultiServ
prior to 4 March 1998, Heckett MultiServ not having discovered that:
(i) any past or present member of the wider Faber Prest Group has
failed to comply with any and/or all applicable legislation or
regulation of any jurisdiction with regard to the disposal,
spillage, release, discharge, leak or emission of any waste or
hazardous substance or any substance likely to impair the
environment or harm human health or animal health or otherwise
relating to environmental matters, or that there has otherwise
been any such disposal, spillage, release, discharge, leak or
emission (whether or not the same constituted a non-compliance
by any person with any such legislation or regulations, and
wherever the same may have taken place) any of which disposal,
spillage, release, discharge, leak or emission would be
reasonably likely to give rise to any liability (actual or
contingent) on the part of any member of the wider Faber Prest
Group which is material in the context of the wider Faber
Prest Group taken as a whole; or
(ii) there is, or is reasonably likely to be, for that or any other
reason whatsoever, any liability (actual or contingent) which
is material in the context of the wider Faber Prest Group
taken as a whole, of any past or present member of the wider
Faber Prest Group to make good, repair, reinstate or clean up
any property or any controlled waters now or previously owned,
occupied, operated or made use of or controlled by any such
past or present member of the wider Faber Prest group, under
any environmental legislation, regulation, notice, circular or
order of any government, governmental, quasi-governmental,
state or local government, supranational, statutory or other
regulatory body, agency, court, association or any other
person or body in any jurisdiction.
For the purposes of these conditions the "wider Faber Prest Group" means Faber
Prest and its subsidiary undertakings, associated undertakings and any other
undertaking in which Faber Prest and/or such undertakings (aggregating their
interests) have a significant interest and the "wider Harsco Group" means Harsco
and its subsidiary undertakings, associated undertakings and any other
undertaking in which Harsco and/or such undertakings (aggregating their
interests) have a significant interest and for these purposes "subsidiary
undertaking", "associated undertaking" and "undertaking" have the meanings given
by the Companies Act 1985, other than paragraph 20(1)(b) of Schedule 4A to that
Act which shall be excluded for this purpose, and "significant interest" means
an interest in ten per cent. or more of the equity share capital (as defined in
that Act).
Heckett MultiServ reserves the right to waive, in whole or in part, all or any
of the above conditions, except condition (a). If Heckett MultiServ is required
to make an offer for Faber Prest Shares under the provisions of Rule 9 of the
Code, Heckett MultiServ may make such alterations to any of the above conditions
as are necessary to comply with the provisions of that Rule.
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Conditions (b) to (j) (inclusive) must be fulfilled or waived by midnight on the
21st day after the date on which condition (a) is fulfilled (or such later
time(s) and/or date(s) as the Panel may agree). Heckett MultiServ shall be under
no obligation to waive or treat as satisfied any of the conditions (b) to (j)
(inclusive) by a date earlier than the latest date specified above for the
satisfaction thereof, notwithstanding that the other conditions of the Offer may
at such earlier date have been waived or fulfilled and that there are at such
earlier date no circumstances indicating that any of such conditions may not be
capable of fulfilment.
The Offer will lapse if the acquisition of Faber Prest is referred to the
Monopolies and Mergers Commission before 3.00 p.m. on 26 March 1998 or the date
on which the Offer becomes or is declared unconditional as to acceptances,
whichever is the later.
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PART B
FURTHER TERMS OF THE OFFER
The following further terms apply to the Offer. Except where the context
otherwise requires, any reference in Parts B or C of this Appendix I and in the
Form of Acceptance:
(i) to the "Offer" shall include the Loan Note Alternative and any
revision, variation or renewal thereof or extension of the Offer or the
Loan Note Alternative (as the case may be);
(ii) to the "Offer becoming unconditional" shall include references to the
Offer being or being declared unconditional;
(iii) to the "acceptance condition" means the condition set out in paragraph
(a) of Part A of this Appendix I;
(iv) to the "Offer becoming unconditional" means the acceptance condition
being or becoming or being declared satisfied whether or not any other
condition of the Offer remains to be fulfilled and references to the
Offer having become or not becoming unconditional shall be construed
accordingly;
(v) to "acceptances of the Offer" shall include deemed acceptances of the
Offer.
1. ACCEPTANCE PERIOD
(a) The Offer will initially be open for acceptance until 3.00 p.m. on 26
March 1998. Although no revision is envisaged, if the Offer is revised
it will remain open for acceptance for a period of at least 14 days (or
such other period as may be permitted by the Panel) from the date of
despatching written notification of the revision to Faber Prest
Shareholders. Except with the consent of the Panel, no revision of the
Offer may be posted to Faber Prest Shareholders after 20 April 1998 or,
if later, the date falling 14 days prior to the last date on which the
Offer is capable of becoming unconditional.
(b) The Offer, whether revised or not, shall not (except with the consent
of the Panel) be capable of becoming unconditional after midnight on 4
May 1998 (or any earlier time and/or date announced (and not withdrawn)
by Heckett MultiServ as the date beyond which the Offer will not be
extended) nor of being kept open for acceptance after that time and
date, unless it has previously become unconditional, provided that
Heckett MultiServ reserves the right, with the permission of the Panel,
to extend the Offer to (a) later time(s) and/or date(s). Except with
the consent of the Panel, Heckett MultiServ may not, for the purpose of
determining whether the acceptance condition has been satisfied, take
into account acceptances received or purchases of Faber Prest Shares
made after 1.00 p.m. on 4 May 1998 (or any earlier time and/or date
announced (and not withdrawn) by Heckett MultiServ as the date beyond
which the Offer will not be extended) or, if the Offer is so extended,
any such later time and/or date as may be agreed with the Panel. If the
latest time at which the Offer may become unconditional is extended
beyond midnight on 4 May 1998, acceptances received and purchases of
Faber Prest Shares made in respect of which the relevant documents are
received by The Royal Bank of Scotland, Registrar's Department, New
Issues Section after 1.00 p.m. on the relevant date may (except where
the Code otherwise permits) only be taken into account with the
agreement of the Panel.
(c) If the Offer becomes or is declared unconditional, it will remain open
for acceptance for not less than 14 days from the date on which it
would otherwise have expired. If the Offer has become unconditional and
it is stated that the Offer will remain open until further notice, then
not less than 14 days' notice in writing will be given prior to the
closing of the Offer to those Faber Prest Shareholders who have not
accepted the Offer.
(d) If a competitive situation arises after a "no increase" and/or "no
extension" statement has been made in relation to the Offer, Heckett
MultiServ may, if it specifically reserves the right to do so at the
time such statement is made, or otherwise with the consent of the
Panel, withdraw such statement provided that it complies with the
requirements of the Code and in particular that:
(i) it announces such withdrawal within four business days after
the announcement of the competing offer and notifies Faber
Prest Shareholders in writing thereof at the earliest
practicable opportunity or, in the case of Faber Prest
Shareholders with registered
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addresses outside the UK or whom Heckett MultiServ knows to be
nominees, trustees or custodians holding Faber Prest Shares
for such persons, by announcement in the UK; and
(ii) any Faber Prest Shareholders who accepted the Offer after the
date of the "no extension" or "no increase" statement are
given a right of withdrawal in accordance with paragraph 3(c)
below.
Heckett MultiServ may, if it has reserved the right to do so, choose
not to be bound by the terms of a "no increase" or "no extension"
statement if it would otherwise prevent the posting of an increased or
improved Offer which is recommended for acceptance by the board of
directors of Faber Prest, or in other circumstances permitted by the
Panel.
(e) For the purpose of determining at any particular time whether the
acceptance condition has been satisfied, Heckett MultiServ shall be
entitled to take account only of those Faber Prest Shares carrying
voting rights which have been unconditionally allotted or issued before
that time and written notice of the allotment or issue of which,
containing all the relevant details, has been received by The Royal
Bank of Scotland plc, Registrar's Department, New Issues Section from
Faber Prest or its agents at either of the addresses specified in
paragraph 3(a) below. Telex, e-mail or facsimile transmission will not
be sufficient.
2. ANNOUNCEMENTS
(a) By 8.30 a.m. on the business day (the "relevant day") next following
the day on which the Offer is due to expire or becomes or is declared
unconditional or is revised or extended, Heckett MultiServ will make an
appropriate announcement and simultaneously inform the London Stock
Exchange of the position. Such announcement will (unless otherwise
permitted by the Panel) also state (as nearly as practicable) the total
number of Faber Prest Shares and rights over Faber Prest Shares:
(i) for which acceptances of the Offer have been received (showing
the extent, if any, to which such acceptances have been
received from any person deemed to be acting in concert with
Heckett MultiServ);
(ii) acquired or agreed to be acquired by or on behalf of Heckett
MultiServ or any person deemed to be acting in concert with
Heckett MultiServ during the course of the Offer Period; and
(iii) held by or on behalf of Heckett MultiServ or any person deemed
to be acting in concert with Heckett MultiServ prior to the
Offer Period, and
will specify the percentage of share capital represented by each of
these figures. Any decision to extend the time and/or date by which the
acceptance condition has to be fulfilled may be made at any time up to,
and will be announced not later than, 8.30 a.m. on the relevant day (or
such later time and/or date as the Panel may agree) and the
announcement will state the next expiry date (unless the Offer is
unconditional, in which case a statement may instead be made that the
Offer will remain open until further notice). In computing the number
of Faber Prest Shares represented by acceptances and/or purchases,
there may be included or excluded for announcement purposes acceptances
and purchases not in all respects in order or subject to verification
provided that such acceptances or purchases shall not be included
unless they could be counted towards fulfilling the acceptance
condition in accordance with paragraphs 5(e) and (f) below.
(b) In this Appendix I, references to the making of an announcement by or
on behalf of Heckett MultiServ include the release of an announcement
to the press by public relations consultants or by Lazard Brothers and
the delivery by hand or telephone, telex or facsimile or other
electronic transmission of an announcement to the London Stock
Exchange. An announcement made otherwise than to the London Stock
Exchange shall be notified simultaneously to the London Stock Exchange.
3. RIGHTS OF WITHDRAWAL
(a) If Heckett MultiServ, having announced the Offer to be unconditional,
fails to comply by 3.30 p.m. on the relevant day (or such later time
and/or date as the Panel may agree) with any of
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the other relevant requirements specified in paragraph 2(a) above, an
accepting Faber Prest Shareholder may immediately thereafter withdraw
his acceptance of the Offer by written notice signed by such accepting
Faber Prest Shareholder (or his agent duly appointed in writing and
evidence of whose appointment in a form reasonably satisfactory to
Heckett MultiServ is produced with the notice) given by post or by hand
to The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, Registrar's Department, New Issues
Section, PO Box 859, Consort House, East Street, Bedminster, Bristol
BS99 1XZ on behalf of Heckett MultiServ. Subject to paragraph 1(b)
above, this right of withdrawal may be terminated not less than eight
days after the relevant day by Heckett MultiServ confirming, if such be
the case, that the Offer is still unconditional, and complying with the
other requirements specified in paragraph 2(a) above. If any such
confirmation is given, the first period of 14 days referred to in
paragraph 1(c) above will run from the date of such confirmation and
compliance.
(b) If by 3.00 p.m. on 16 April 1998 (or such later time and/or date as the
Panel may agree) the Offer has not become unconditional, an accepting
Faber Prest Shareholder may withdraw his acceptance at any time
thereafter by written notice received by The Royal Bank of Scotland
plc, Registrar's Department, New Issues Section on behalf of Heckett
MultiServ at either of the addresses and in the manner referred to in
paragraph 3(a) above, before the earlier of (i) the time when the Offer
becomes unconditional and (ii) the final time for lodgement of
acceptances of the Offer which can be taken into account in accordance
with paragraph 1(b) above.
(c) If a "no increase" and/or "no extension" statement has been withdrawn
in accordance with paragraph 1(d) above, any Faber Prest Shareholder
who accepts the Offer after such statement is made may withdraw his
acceptance thereafter in the manner referred to in paragraph 3(a) above
not later than the eighth day after the date on which notice of the
withdrawal of such statement is posted to Faber Prest Shareholders.
(d) Except as provided by this paragraph 3, acceptances shall be
irrevocable.
(e) In this paragraph 3, "written notice" (including any letter of
appointment, direction or authority) means notice in writing bearing
the original signature(s) of the relevant accepting Faber Prest
Shareholder(s) or his/their agent(s) duly appointed in writing
(evidence of whose appointment in a form reasonably satisfactory to
Heckett MultiServ is produced with the notice). Telex, e-mail or
facsimile transmission or copies will not be sufficient to constitute
written notice. No notice which is postmarked in, or otherwise appears
to Heckett MultiServ or its agents to have been sent from, the United
States, Canada, Japan or Australia will be treated as valid.
4. REVISED OFFER
(a) Although no such revision of the Offer is envisaged, if the Offer (in
its original or any previously revised form(s)) is revised (either in
its terms and conditions or in the value or nature of the consideration
offered or otherwise) and such revision represents, on the date on
which such revision is announced, (on such basis as Lazard Brothers may
consider appropriate) an improvement (or no diminution) in the value of
the Offer as so revised compared with the consideration or terms
previously offered or in the overall value received and/or retained by
a Faber Prest Shareholder (under the Offer or otherwise), the benefit
of the revised Offer will, subject as provided in paragraphs 4(b), (c)
and 6 below, be made available to Faber Prest Shareholders who have
accepted the Offer in its original or previously revised form(s)
(hereinafter called "Previous Acceptors"). The acceptance by or on
behalf of a Previous Acceptor of the Offer in its original or any
previously revised form(s) shall, subject as provided in paragraphs
4(b), (c) and 6 below, be treated as an acceptance of the Offer as so
revised and shall also constitute the separate appointment of any
director of Heckett MultiServ and/or of Lazard Brothers as his attorney
and/or agent with authority to accept any such revised Offer on behalf
of such Previous Acceptor and, if such revised Offer includes
alternative forms of consideration, to make elections and/or accept
such alternative forms of consideration in such proportions as such
attorney and/or agent in his absolute discretion thinks fit and to
execute on behalf of and in the name of such Previous Acceptor all such
further documents (if any) as may be required to give effect to such
acceptances and/or elections. In making any such election and/or
acceptance, such attorney and/or agent shall take into account the
nature of any previous acceptances made by or on behalf of the Previous
Acceptor and such other facts or matters as he may reasonably consider
relevant.
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(b) The deemed acceptance referred to in paragraph 4(a) above shall not
apply and the authority conferred by paragraph 4(a) above shall not be
exercised by any director of Heckett MultiServ or any director of
Lazard Brothers if, as a result thereof, the Previous Acceptor would
(on such basis as Lazard Brothers may consider appropriate) thereby
receive and/or retain (as appropriate) less in aggregate under the
Offer or otherwise than he would have received in aggregate as a result
of acceptance of the Offer in the form in which it was previously
accepted by him. The authorities conferred by paragraph 4(a) above
shall not be exercised in respect of any election available under the
revised Offer save in accordance with this paragraph.
(c) The deemed acceptance referred to in paragraph 4(a) above shall not
apply and the authority conferred by paragraph 4(a) above shall be
ineffective to the extent that a Previous Acceptor shall lodge with The
Royal Bank of Scotland plc, Registrar's Department, New Issues Section,
within 14 days of the posting of the document pursuant to which the
revision of the Offer is made available to Faber Prest Shareholders, a
Form of Acceptance or some other form issued by or on behalf of Heckett
MultiServ in which he validly elects to receive the consideration
receivable by him under such revised Offer in some other manner.
(d) The authorities conferred by this paragraph 4 and any acceptance of a
revised Offer and any election pursuant thereto shall be irrevocable
unless and until the Previous Acceptor becomes entitled to withdraw his
acceptance under paragraph 3 above and duly does so.
(e) Heckett MultiServ reserves the right to treat an executed Form of
Acceptance relating to the Offer (in its original or any previously
revised form(s)) which is received after the announcement or issue of
the Offer in any revised form as a valid acceptance of the revised
Offer and such acceptance shall constitute an authority in the terms of
paragraph 4(a) above mutatis mutandis on behalf of the relevant Faber
Prest Shareholder.
5. GENERAL
(a) Save with the consent of the Panel, the Offer will lapse unless all the
conditions have been fulfilled or (if capable of waiver) waived or,
where appropriate, have been determined by Heckett MultiServ in its
reasonable opinion to be or remain satisfied by 16 April 1998 or within
21 days after the date on which the Offer becomes unconditional,
whichever is the later, or such later date as Heckett MultiServ may,
with the consent of the Panel, decide. If the Offer lapses for any
reason, the Offer shall cease to be capable of further acceptance and
Heckett MultiServ and Faber Prest Shareholders shall cease to be bound
by prior acceptances.
(b) The expression "Offer Period" when used in this document means, in
relation to the Offer, the period commencing on 6 November 1997 until
whichever of the following dates shall be the latest: (i) 3.00 p.m. on
26 March 1998, (ii) the time and date on which the Offer becomes
unconditional and (iii) the time and date on which the Offer lapses.
(c) Except with the consent of the Panel, settlement of the consideration
to which any Faber Prest Shareholder is entitled under the Offer will
be implemented in full in accordance with the terms of the Offer
without regard to any lien, right of set-off, counterclaim or other
analogous right to which Heckett MultiServ or Lazard Brothers may
otherwise be, or claim to be, entitled as against such Faber Prest
Shareholder and will be posted not later than 14 days after the date on
which the Offer becomes unconditional in all respects or 14 days after
receipt of a valid and complete acceptance, whichever is the later.
(d) The terms, provisions, instructions and authorities contained in or
deemed to be incorporated in the Form of Acceptance constitute part of
the terms of the Offer. Words and expressions defined in this document
will have the same meanings when used in the Form of Acceptance unless
the context otherwise requires.
(e) Notwithstanding the right reserved by Heckett MultiServ to treat a Form
of Acceptance as valid even though not entirely in order or not
accompanied by the relevant share certificate(s) and/or other documents
of title or not accompanied by the relevant TTE instructions, except as
otherwise agreed with the Panel, an acceptance of the Offer will only
be counted towards fulfilling the acceptance condition if the
requirements of Note 4 and, if applicable, Note 6 on Rule 10 of the
Code are satisfied in respect of it.
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(f) Except as otherwise agreed with the Panel, a purchase of Faber Prest
Shares by Heckett MultiServ or persons acting in concert with it or its
nominee(s) will only be counted towards fulfilling the acceptance
condition if the requirements of Note 5 and, if applicable, Note 6 on
Rule 10 of the Code are satisfied in respect of it.
(g) Except with the consent of the Panel, the Offer will not become or be
declared unconditional unless The Royal Bank of Scotland plc,
Registrar's Department, New Issues Section has issued a certificate to
Heckett MultiServ or Lazard Brothers which states the number of Faber
Prest Shares in respect of which acceptances have been received which
comply with paragraph 5(e) above and the number of Faber Prest Shares
otherwise acquired, whether before or during the Offer Period, which
comply with the requirements of paragraph 5(f) above. Copies of such
certificate will be sent to the Panel and to Faber Prest's financial
adviser as soon as possible after it is issued.
(h) The Offer and all acceptances of it and all elections pursuant to it
and the relevant Form of Acceptance and all contracts made pursuant to
the Offer and action taken or made or deemed to be taken or made under
any of the foregoing shall be governed by and construed in accordance
with English law. Execution by or on behalf of a Faber Prest
Shareholder of a Form of Acceptance will constitute his submission, in
relation to all matters arising out of or in connection with the Offer
and the Form of Acceptance, to the jurisdiction of the Courts of
England and his agreement that nothing shall limit the right of Heckett
MultiServ or Lazard Brothers to bring any action, suit or proceeding
arising out of or in connection with the Offer and the Form of
Acceptance in any other manner permitted by law or in any court of
competent jurisdiction.
(i) Any reference in this document and in the Form of Acceptance to 26
March 1998 shall, except in the final paragraph of Part A of this
Appendix I and paragraphs 1(a) and 5(b) of this Part B of Appendix I
and except where the context otherwise requires, be deemed, if the
expiry date of the Offer be extended, to refer to the expiry date of
the Offer as so extended.
(j) Any omission to despatch this document or the Form of Acceptance or any
notice required to be despatched under the terms of the Offer to, or
any failure to receive the same by, any person to whom the Offer is
made, or should be made, shall not invalidate the Offer in any way or
create any implication that the Offer has not been made to any such
person. The Offer extends to any such person and to all Faber Prest
Shareholders to whom this document, the Form of Acceptance and any
related documents may not be despatched or who may not receive such
documents, and such persons may collect copies of those documents from
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, Registrar's Department, New Issues
Section at the address set out in paragraph 3(a) above.
(k) Without prejudice to any other provision in this Part B of Appendix I,
Heckett MultiServ and Lazard Brothers reserve the right to treat
acceptances of the Offer as valid if received by or on behalf of either
of them at any place or places determined by them otherwise than as set
out herein or in the Form of Acceptance.
(l) All powers of attorney, appointments of agents and authorities on the
terms conferred by or referred to in this Appendix I or in the Form of
Acceptance are given by way of security for the performance of the
obligations of the Faber Prest Shareholder concerned and are
irrevocable (in respect of powers of attorney in accordance with
section 4 of the Powers of Attorney Act 1971) except in the
circumstances where the donor of such power of attorney, appointment or
authority is entitled to withdraw his acceptance in accordance with
paragraph 3 above and duly does so.
(m) No acknowledgement of receipt of any Form of Acceptance, transfer by
means of CREST, share certificate(s) and/or other document(s) of title
will be given. All communications, notices, certificates, documents of
title and remittances to be delivered by or sent to or from Faber Prest
Shareholders (or their designated agent(s)) will be delivered by or
sent to or from such Faber Prest Shareholders (or their designated
agent(s)) at their risk.
(n) If the Offer does not become unconditional in all respects:
(i) the Form of Acceptance and any share certificate(s) and/or
other document(s) of title will be returned by post (or by
such other method as may be approved by the Panel) within 14
days of the Offer lapsing, at the risk of the person entitled
thereto, to the person or agent whose name and address outside
the United States, Canada, Japan or Australia is set out in
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the relevant Box on the Form of Acceptance or, if none is set
out, to the first-named holder at his/her registered address
outside the United States, Canada, Japan or Australia. No such
documents will be sent to an address in the United States,
Canada, Japan or Australia.
(ii) The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, Registrar's Department, New
Issues Section will, immediately after the lapsing of the
Offer (or within such longer period as the Panel may permit,
not exceeding 14 days of the lapsing of the Offer), give
instructions to CRESTCo to transfer all Faber Prest Shares
held in escrow balances and in relation to which it is the
escrow agent for the purposes of the Offer to the original
available balances of the Faber Prest Shareholders concerned.
(o) The Offer is made on 5 March 1998 and is capable of acceptance from and
after that time. Copies of this document, the Form of Acceptance and
any related documents are available from The Royal Bank of Scotland
plc, Registrar's Department, New Issues Section at the address[es] set
out in paragraph 3(a) above from that time. The Offer is made by means
of this document and by means of an advertisement inserted in the
Financial Times dated 5 March 1998.
(p) If sufficient acceptances are received, Heckett MultiServ intends to
apply the provisions of Sections 428-430F of the Companies Act 1985 to
acquire compulsorily any outstanding Faber Prest Shares.
(q) Heckett MultiServ and Lazard Brothers reserve the right to notify any
matter (including the making of the Offer) to all or any Faber Prest
Shareholder(s) with (a) registered address(es) outside the UK or whom
Heckett MultiServ or Lazard Brothers know to be nominees for such
persons by announcement or paid advertisement in any daily newspaper
published and circulated in the UK in which case such notice shall be
deemed to have been sufficiently given notwithstanding any failure by
any such shareholders to receive such notice, and all references in
this document to notice in writing (other than in paragraphs 3(a), 3(b)
and 3(c) above) shall be construed accordingly.
(r) Due completion of a Form of Acceptance will constitute an instruction
to Heckett MultiServ, on the Offer becoming unconditional in all
respects, that all mandates and other instructions or notices recorded
in Faber Prest's records immediately prior to the Offer becoming so
unconditional will, unless and until revoked or varied, continue in
full force in relation to any Loan Notes issued to the relevant Faber
Prest Shareholders pursuant to the Offer.
(s) If Heckett MultiServ is required by the Panel to make an offer for
Faber Prest Shares under the provisions of Rule 9 of the Code, Heckett
MultiServ may make such alterations to the conditions of the Offer as
are necessary to comply with the provisions of that Rule.
(t) All references in this Appendix to any statute or statutory provision
shall include a statute or statutory provision which amends,
consolidates or replaces the same (whether before or after the date
hereof).
(u) The Loan Note Alternative will lapse if the Offer lapses or expires. An
election for the Loan Note Alternative may only be made in respect of
Faber Prest Shares for which the Offer is validly accepted.
(v) Due completion of a Form of Acceptance will constitute an instruction
to Heckett MultiServ that, on the Offer becoming unconditional in all
respects, all mandates and other instructions or notices recorded in
Faber Prest's records immediately prior to the Offer becoming so
unconditional will, unless and until revoked or varied continue in full
force in relation to the Loan Notes allotted or issued to the relevant
Faber Prest Shareholders pursuant to the Offer.
(w) In relation to any acceptance of the Offer in respect of a holding of
Faber Prest Shares which are in uncertificated form, Heckett MultiServ
reserves the right to make such alterations, additions or modifications
as may be necessary or desirable to give effect to any purported
acceptance of the Offer, whether in order to comply with the facilities
or requirements of CREST or otherwise, provided such alterations,
additions or modifications are consistent with the requirements of the
Code or are otherwise made with the consent of the Panel.
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6. OVERSEAS SHAREHOLDERS
(a) The making of the Offer (including the provision of the Loan Note
Alternative) in, or to citizens, residents or nationals of
jurisdictions outside the United Kingdom ("overseas shareholders"), may
be affected by the laws of the relevant jurisdiction. Such overseas
shareholders should inform themselves about and observe any applicable
legal requirements. It is the responsibility of any overseas
shareholder wishing to accept the Offer (whether or not he/she elects
for the Loan Note Alternative) to satisfy himself as to the full
observance of the laws and regulatory requirements of the relevant
jurisdiction in connection therewith, including the obtaining of any
governmental, exchange control or other consents which may be required
or the compliance with other necessary formalities and the payment of
any issue, transfer or other taxes or other requisite payments due in
such jurisdiction. Any such Faber Prest Shareholder will be responsible
for any such issue, transfer or other taxes or other requisite payments
by whomsoever payable and Heckett MultiServ shall be fully indemnified
and held harmless by such overseas shareholder for any such issue,
transfer or other taxes as Heckett MultiServ may be required to pay.
(b) In particular, the Offer is not being made, directly or indirectly, in
or into, or by the use of the mails of, or by any means or
instrumentality (including, without limitation, facsimile transmission,
telex and telephone) of interstate or foreign commerce of, or any
facility of a national securities exchange of, the United States,
Canada, Australia or Japan. Furthermore, the Loan Notes have not been
and will not be registered under the Securities Act and no steps have
been taken to qualify the Loan Notes for distribution in Japan or any
province or territory of Canada and no prospectus in relation to the
Loan Notes has been, or will be, lodged with or registered by the
Australian Securities Commission. Accordingly, unless an exemption
under the Securities Act or relevant securities laws is available, the
Loan Note Alternative is not available in the United States, Canada,
Australia or Japan or to Restricted Overseas Persons and the Loan Notes
may not be directly or indirectly offered, sold or delivered in or into
the United States, Canada, Australia or Japan or to or for the account
or benefit of any Restricted Overseas Persons. Heckett MultiServ will
not (unless otherwise determined by Heckett MultiServ in its sole
discretion and save as provided for in paragraph 6(c) below) mail or
deliver, or authorise the mailing or delivery of, this document, the
Form of Acceptance or any related offering document in or into the
United States, Canada, Australia or Japan including to Faber Prest
Shareholders with registered addresses in the United States, Canada,
Australia or Japan or to persons whom Heckett MultiServ knows to be
trustees, nominees or custodians holding Faber Prest Shares for such
persons. Persons receiving such documents (including, without
limitation, trustees, nominees or custodians) should not distribute or
send them in or into the United States, Canada, Australia or Japan or
use such mails or any such means or instrumentality for any purpose
directly or indirectly in connection with the Offer and so doing may
invalidate any purported acceptance. Persons wishing to accept the
Offer and/or to elect for the Loan Note Alternative should not use such
mails or any such means or instrumentality for any purpose directly or
indirectly related to acceptance of the Offer or such election.
Envelopes containing the Form of Acceptance should not be postmarked in
the United States, Canada, Australia or Japan or otherwise despatched
from the United States, Canada, Australia or Japan and all acceptors
must provide addresses outside the United States, Canada, Australia or
Japan for the receipt of the remittance of cash and/or the Loan Notes
or for the return of the Form of Acceptance, certificate(s) for Faber
Prest Shares and/or other document(s) of title. Unless an exemption
under the Securities Act or relevant securities laws is available as
aforesaid, Heckett MultiServ will not issue Loan Notes or authorise the
delivery of any document(s) of title in respect of Loan Notes to (i)
any person who is, or who Heckett MultiServ has reason to believe is, a
Restricted Overseas Person, or (ii) to any person who is unable or
fails to give the warranty set out in paragraph (b) of Part C below or
(iii) to any person with a registered address in the United States,
Canada, Australia or Japan. Any person in Canada who acquires any
securities allotted pursuant to the Loan Note Alternative may be
subject to resale restrictions under applicable securities laws in
Canada.
(c) The provisions of this paragraph 6 and/or any other terms of the Offer
relating to overseas shareholders maybe waived, varied or modified as
regards specific Faber Prest Shareholder(s) or on a general basis by
Heckett MultiServ in its absolute discretion. Subject to this, the
provisions of this paragraph 6 supersede any terms of the Offer
inconsistent therewith. References in this paragraph 6 to a Faber Prest
Shareholder shall include the person or persons executing a Form of
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Acceptance and, in the event of more than one person executing a Form
of Acceptance, the provisions of this paragraph shall apply to them
jointly and to each of them.
7. LOAN NOTE ALTERNATIVE
An election for the Loan Note Alternative may only be made on the Form
of Acceptance and in respect of Faber Prest Shares for which the Offer
is accepted. Heckett MultiServ reserves the right not to offer the Loan
Notes Alternative where valid elections are received for an aggregate
of less than (pound)2 million nominal of Loan Notes, in which case such
elections shall be void and Faber Prest Shareholders will receive cash
consideration in respect of Faber Prest Shares for which the Offer is
accepted. The Loan Notes will be issued in multiples of (pound)1
nominal amount. Particulars of the Loan Notes are contained in Appendix
III. The Loan Note Alternative will remain open for acceptance for as
long as the Offer remains open for acceptance.
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PART C
FORM OF ACCEPTANCE
Each Faber Prest Shareholder by whom, or on whose behalf, a Form of Acceptance
is executed and received by The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, Registrar's
Department, New Issues Section or by or on behalf of Heckett MultiServ or Lazard
Brothers irrevocably undertakes, represents, warrants and agrees to and with
Heckett MultiServ and Lazard Brothers, (so as to bind him, his personal
representatives, heirs, successors and assigns) to the following effect:
(a) that the execution of a Form of Acceptance, whether or not any other
Boxes are completed, shall constitute:
(i) an acceptance of the Offer in respect of the relevant Faber
Prest Shareholder's entire holding of Faber Prest Shares (or
such lesser number as may have been inserted in Box 1 of the
Form of Acceptance), provided that if a number is inserted in
Box 1 which exceeds such shareholder's holding of Faber Prest
Shares, the acceptance will be deemed to have been made in
respect of that shareholder's entire holding of Faber Prest
Shares; and
(ii) an election for the Loan Note Alternative in respect of such
amount of cash as would fall to be paid pursuant to the Offer
in respect of the number of Faber Prest Shares inserted or
deemed to be inserted in Box 2; and
(iii) an undertaking to execute any further documents and give any
further assurances which may be required to enable Heckett
MultiServ to obtain the full benefit of this Part C and/or to
perfect any of the authorities expressed to be given
hereunder,
in each case on and subject to the terms and conditions set out or
referred to in this document and the Form of Acceptance and that,
subject only to the rights of withdrawal set out in paragraph 3 of Part
B of this Appendix I, each such acceptance shall be irrevocable;
(b) that unless "No" has been inserted in Box 6 of the Form of Acceptance,
such Faber Prest Shareholder:
(i) if such Faber Prest Shareholder has made an election for the
Loan Note Alternative and, unless an exemption is available
under the Securities Act or relevant securities laws, is not a
Restricted Overseas Person, does not hold any Faber Prest
Shares in respect of which he has accepted the Offer and
elected for the Loan Note Alternative on behalf of any
Restricted Overseas Person and is not acting on behalf of a
Restricted Overseas Person and that he will not, directly or
indirectly, hold or acquire such Loan Notes to or for the
account or benefit of any Restricted Overseas Person or with a
view to the offer, sale or delivery, directly or indirectly,
of any Loan Notes in or into the United States, Canada,
Australia or Japan or to a Restricted Overseas Person; and
(ii) has not received or sent copies or originals of this document,
the Form of Acceptance or any related documents in, into or
from the United States, Canada, Japan or Australia and has not
otherwise utilised in connection with the Offer, directly or
indirectly, the mails of, or any means or instrumentality
(including, without limitation, the post, facsimile
transmission, telex and telephone) of interstate or foreign
commerce or any facility of a national securities exchange of
the United States, Canada, Japan or Australia; was outside the
United States, Canada, Japan or Australia when the Form of
Acceptance was delivered; and, in respect of the Faber Prest
Shares to which the Form of Acceptance relates, is not an
agent or a fiduciary acting on a non-discretionary basis for a
principal, unless such agent or fiduciary is an authorised
employee of such principal or such principal has given any
instructions with respect to the Offer from outside the United
States, Canada, Japan or Australia;
(c) that the Faber Prest Shares in respect of which the Offer is accepted
or deemed to be accepted are sold free from all liens, equities,
charges, encumbrances and other interests and together with all rights
attaching thereto after 4 March 1998, including voting rights and the
right to all dividends and other distributions declared, made or paid
after 4 March 1998 except that, subject to the Offer becoming or being
declared wholly unconditional, Faber Prest Shareholders on the register
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at the close of business on the date fourteen days after the Offer has
become or is declared wholly unconditional will be entitled to receive
and retain an interim dividend of 8.5p (net) per share;
(d) that the execution of the Form of Acceptance and such receipt will
constitute, subject to the Offer becoming unconditional in all respects
and to the person accepting the Offer not having validly withdrawn his
acceptance, the irrevocable appointment of each of Heckett MultiServ
and Lazard Brothers and their respective directors and agents as such
shareholder's attorney and/or agent (the "attorney"), and an
irrevocable instruction to the attorney with the authority to complete
and execute all or any form(s) of transfer and/or other document(s) at
the discretion of the attorney in relation to the Faber Prest Shares in
respect of which the Offer has been accepted in favour of Heckett
MultiServ or such other person or persons as Heckett MultiServ or its
agents may direct and to deliver such form(s) of transfer and/or other
document(s) at the discretion of the attorney and/or agent together
with the share certificate(s) and/or other document(s) of title
relating to such Faber Prest Shares for registration within six months
of the Offer becoming or being declared unconditional in all respects
and to do all such other acts and things as may in the opinion of the
attorney be necessary or expedient for the purposes of, or in
connection with, the acceptance of the Offer and/or election for the
Loan Note Alternative and to vest in Heckett MultiServ or its
nominee(s) the Faber Prest Shares as aforesaid;
(e) that the execution of the Form of Acceptance and such receipt will
constitute the irrevocable appointment of The Royal Bank of Scotland
plc, Registrar's Department, New Issues Section as such shareholder's
attorney and/or agent and an irrevocable instruction and authority to
the attorney and/or agent (i) subject to the Offer becoming
unconditional in all respects in accordance with its terms and to an
accepting Faber Prest Shareholder not having validly withdrawn his
acceptance, to transfer to itself (or to such other person or persons
as Heckett MultiServ or its agents may direct) by means of CREST all or
any of the Relevant Faber Prest Shares (but not exceeding the number of
Faber Prest Shares in respect of which the Offer is accepted) to (ii),
if the Offer does not become unconditional in all respects, to give
instructions to CRESTCo, immediately after the lapsing of the Offer (or
within such longer period as the Panel may permit, not exceeding 14
days of the lapsing of the Offer), to transfer all Relevant Faber Prest
Shares to the original available balance of the accepting Faber Prest
Shareholder. "Relevant Faber Prest Shares" means Faber Prest Shares in
uncertificated form and in respect of which a transfer or transfers to
escrow has or have been effected pursuant to the procedures described
in paragraph 11(d) of the letter from Lazard Brothers contained in this
document and where the transfer(s) to escrow was or were made in
respect of Faber Prest Shares held under the same member account ID and
participant ID as the member account ID and participant ID relating to
the Form of Acceptance concerned (but irrespective of whether or not
any Form of Acceptance Reference Number, or a Form of Acceptance
Reference Number corresponding to that appearing on the Form of
Acceptance concerned, was included in the TTE instruction concerned);
(f) that the execution of the Form of Acceptance and such receipt will
constitute, subject to the Offer becoming unconditional in all respects
and to an accepting Faber Prest Shareholder not having validly
withdrawn his acceptance, an irrevocable authority and request:
(i) to Faber Prest or its agents to procure the registration of
the transfer of the Faber Prest Shares pursuant to the Offer
and the delivery of the share certificate(s) and/or other
document(s) of title in respect thereof to Heckett MultiServ
or as it may direct;
(ii) subject to the provisions of paragraph 6 of Part B of this
Appendix I, to Heckett MultiServ or its agents to procure that
such shareholder's name is entered on the register of Heckett
MultiServ in respect of the Loan Notes (if any) to which such
Shareholder becomes entitled under the Loan Note Alternative
and to procure the issue of the definitive certificates for
the nominal amount of such Loan Notes;
(iii) if the Faber Prest Shares concerned are in certificated form,
or if either of the provisos to sub-paragraph (iv) of this
paragraph (f) apply to Heckett MultiServ or its agents to
procure the despatch by post (or by such other method as may
be approved by the Panel) of a cheque drawn on a branch of a
UK clearing bank for any cash consideration and/or documents
of title for any Loan Notes, to which an accepting Faber Prest
Shareholder becomes entitled pursuant to his acceptance of the
Offer, at the risk of such Faber Prest Shareholder to the
person whose name and address is set out in Box 4 or, if
applicable,
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Box 7 of the Form of Acceptance or, if none is set out, to the
first-named holder at his registered address (outside the
United States, Canada, Japan and Australia);
(iv) if the Faber Prest Shares concerned are in uncertificated
form, to Heckett MultiServ or its agents:
(A) to procure the creation of an assured payment
obligation in favour of the Faber Prest Shareholder's
payment bank in accordance with the CREST assured
payment arrangements in respect of any cash
consideration to which an accepting Faber Prest
Shareholder becomes entitled pursuant to his
acceptance of the Offer, provided that (a) Heckett
MultiServ may (if, for any reason, it wishes to do
so) determine that all or any part of any such cash
shall be paid by cheque despatched by post and (b) if
the Faber Prest Shareholder concerned is a CREST
member whose registered address is in the United
States, Canada, Japan or Australia, any cash to which
such shareholder is entitled shall be paid by cheque
despatched by post to the address set out in Box 7 of
the Form of Acceptance or, if none is set out, to the
first-named holder at his registered address outside
the United States, Canada, Australia or Japan; and
(B) to procure the despatch by post (or such other method
as may be approved by the Panel) of the documents of
title for any Loan Notes to which such Faber Prest
Shareholder is entitled, provided that subparagraph
(iii) above shall apply to the despatch of any
consideration by post pursuant to this subparagraph
(iv);
(g) that the execution of the relevant Form of Acceptance and such receipt
will constitute the irrevocable appointment of each of Heckett
MultiServ and Lazard Brothers and their respective directors and agents
as such shareholder's attorney and/or agent (the "attorney") within the
terms of paragraph 4 of Part B of this Appendix I and this Part C and
with authority to execute any further documents and give any further
assurances which may be required in connection with the matters
referred to in Parts B and C of this Appendix I and an irrevocable
undertaking to such attorney to execute any such further documents
and/or give any such further assurances as may be required;
(h) that Heckett MultiServ shall be entitled after the Offer becomes or is
declared wholly unconditional, to direct the exercise of any votes and
any or all other rights and privileges (including the right to
requisition the convening of a general or separate class meeting of
Faber Prest) attaching to any Faber Prest Shares in respect of which
the Offer has been accepted and not validly withdrawn, and the
execution of the Form of Acceptance will constitute an authority to
Faber Prest from such shareholder to send any notice, circular, warrant
or other document of communication which may be required to be sent to
him as a member of Faber Prest in respect of such shares (including any
share certificate(s) or other document(s) of title issued as a result
of conversion of such Faber Prest Shares into certificated form) to
Heckett MultiServ at its registered office, and an authority to Heckett
MultiServ or any person nominated by Heckett MultiServ to sign any
consent to short notice of a general or separate class meeting as his
attorney and/or agent and on his behalf and/or to execute a form of
proxy in respect of such Faber Prest Shares appointing any person
nominated by Heckett MultiServ to attend general and separate class
meetings of Faber Prest and to exercise the votes attaching to such
shares on his behalf, where relevant, such votes to be cast so far as
possible to satisfy any outstanding condition of the Offer, and will
also constitute the agreement of such shareholder not to exercise any
such rights without the consent of Heckett MultiServ and the
irrevocable undertaking of such shareholder not to appoint a proxy for
or to attend such general or separate class meeting. This authority
will cease to be valid if the acceptance is withdrawn in accordance
with paragraph 3 of Part B of this Appendix I;
(i) that he will deliver or procure the delivery, to The Royal Bank of
Scotland plc, Registrar's Department, New Issues Section at the
address(es) set out in paragraph 3(a) of Part B of this Appendix I his
share certificate(s) and/or other document(s) of title in respect of
the Faber Prest Shares in respect of which the Offer has been accepted
and not validly withdrawn held by him in certificated form, or an
indemnity acceptable to Heckett MultiServ in lieu thereof, as soon as
possible and in any event within six months of the Offer becoming
unconditional in all respects;
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(j) that he will take (or procure to be taken) the action set out in
paragraph 11(d) of the letter from Lazard Brothers contained in this
document to transfer all Faber Prest Shares in respect of which the
Offer has been accepted held by him in uncertificated form to an escrow
balance as soon as possible and in any event so that the transfer to
escrow settles within 6 months of the Offer becoming unconditional in
all respects;
(k) that if, for any reason, any Faber Prest Shares in respect of which a
transfer to an escrow balance has been effected in accordance with
paragraph 11(d) of the letter from Lazard Brothers contained in this
document are converted to certificated form, he will (without prejudice
to paragraph (h) of this Part C) immediately deliver or procure the
immediate delivery of the share certificate(s) or other document(s) of
title in respect of all such Faber Prest Shares as so converted to The
Royal Bank of Scotland plc, Registrar's Department, New Issues Section
at the address referred to in paragraph 3(a) of Part B of this Appendix
I or of Heckett MultiServ at its registered office or as Heckett
MultiServ or its agents may direct;
(l) that the creation of an assured payment obligation in favour of his
payment bank in accordance with CREST assured payments arrangements as
referred to in paragraph (f)(iv) of this Part C shall, to the extent of
the obligation so created, discharge in full any obligation of Heckett
MultiServ and/or Lazard Brothers to pay to him any cash consideration
in respect of fractional entitlements to which he is entitled pursuant
to the Offer;
(m) that he agrees to ratify each and every act or thing which may be done
or effected by Heckett MultiServ or Lazard Brothers or any of their
respective directors or agents or Faber Prest or its agents, as the
case may be, in the proper exercise of any of its or his powers and/or
authorities hereunder;
(n) that he shall do all such acts and things as shall be necessary or
expedient to vest in Heckett MultiServ or its nominee(s) the Faber
Prest Shares aforesaid and all such acts and things as may be necessary
or expedient to enable The Royal Bank of Scotland plc to perform its
function as Escrow Agent for the purposes of the Offer; and
(o) that if any provision of Part B of this Appendix I or this Part C shall
be unenforceable or invalid or shall not operate so as to afford
Heckett MultiServ or Lazard Brothers or any of their respective
directors the benefit of the authority expressed to be given therein,
he shall with all practicable speed do all such acts and things and
execute all such documents that may be required to enable Heckett
MultiServ and/or Lazard Brothers and/or any of their respective
directors or agents to secure the full benefits of Part B of this
Appendix I and this Part C.
References in this Part C to a Faber Prest Shareholder shall include references
to the person or persons executing a Form of Acceptance and in the event of more
than one person executing a Form of Acceptance the provisions of this Part C
shall apply to them jointly and to each of them.
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APPENDIX II
FINANCIAL EFFECTS OF ACCEPTANCE OF THE OFFER
The following tables, set out for illustrative purposes only, and on the bases
and assumptions set out in the notes below, the financial effects of acceptance
of the Offer on capital value and gross income for an accepting holder of one
Faber Prest Share if the Offer becomes or is declared wholly unconditional.
A. INCREASE IN CAPITAL VALUE UNDER THE TERMS OF THE OFFER
Cash Loan Note
Notes Consideration(p) Alternative (p)
Value of one Faber Prest Share (i) 237.5 237.5
Cash consideration 500.0 -
Loan Notes consideration (ii) - 495.0
Interim dividend (iii) 8.5 8.5
------ ------
Increase in capital value excluding the interim dividend 262.5 257.5
Increase in capital value including the interim dividend 271.0 266.0
This represents an effective increase excluding the
interim dividend of 110.5% 108.4%
This represents an effective increase including the
interim dividend of 114.1% 112.0%
B. INCREASE IN GROSS INCOME UNDER THE TERMS OF THE OFFER
Cash Loan Note
Notes Consideration (p) Alternative (p)
Gross income from re-investment of cash consideration (iv) 31.6 --
Gross income from re-investment of interim dividend 0.5 0.5
Gross income from Loan Notes (v) -- 34.1
Gross dividend income on one Faber Prest Share (vi) 22.5 22.5
------ ------
Increase in income excluding the interim dividend 9.1 11.6
Increase in income including the interim dividend 9.6 12.1
This represents an effective increase excluding the
interim dividend of 40.4% 51.5%
This represents an effective increase including the
interim dividend of 42.8% 53.9%
Notes:
(i) The value of one Faber Prest Share is based on the closing middle
market quotation for a Faber Prest Share on 5 November 1997 (the day
prior to that on which Faber Prest announced it was holding discussions
which may or may not lead to an offer being made for Faber Prest), as
obtained from the Official List.
(ii) The consideration in respect of the Loan Note Alternative is calculated
on the basis that the value of the Loan Notes is not less than 99p per
(pound)1 of nominal value in accordance with the valuation of Cazenove
Co. referred to on page 7 of this document.
(iii) The value of the interim dividend of 8.5p (net) assumes that the
interim dividend is deemed a FID for UK tax purposes as detailed on
page 15 of the letter from Lazard Brothers.
(iv) The gross income from the cash consideration and interim dividend has
been calculated on the assumption that the cash is re-invested so as to
yield 6.3 per cent. per annum, being the Government Securities Index
average gross redemption yield for medium coupon UK gilts of maturities
of up to five years as obtained from the appropriate Bloomberg page on
3 March 1998 (the last business day prior to the announcement of the
Offer).
(v) The gross income on the Loan Notes is calculated using a rate of 7.6
per cent. for 6 month LIBOR as fixed by the British Bankers'
Association at 11.00 am as obtained from the appropriate Bloomberg page
on 3 March 1998 (the last business day prior to the announcement of the
Offer).
(vi) The gross dividend income on one Faber Prest Share is based on the
aggregate of (i) the final dividend of 11.5p (net) in respect of the
year ended 30 September 1997 and the (ii) interim dividend of 6.5p
(net) in respect of the six months ended 31 March 1997 together, in
each case, with an associated tax credit of 20/80ths of the amount
paid.
(vii) Save as stated in note (vi) above, no account has been taken of any
potential liability to taxation.
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APPENDIX III
PARTICULARS OF LOAN NOTES
The Loan Notes will be created by resolutions of the boards of directors of
Harsco and Heckett MultiServ or duly authorised committees thereof and will be
constituted by a loan note instrument (the "Loan Note Instrument") executed as a
deed by Harsco and Heckett MultiServ. The Loan Notes will be unconditionally
guaranteed as to payment of principal and interest by Harsco under a guarantee
contained in the Loan Note Instrument (the "Guarantee"). The issue of the Loan
Notes is conditional on the Offer becoming or being declared unconditional in
all respects. The Loan Note Instrument will contain provisions, inter alia, to
the effect set out below.
1. FORM AND STATUS
The Loan Notes will be issued by Heckett MultiServ in amounts and multiples of
(pound sterling)1 in nominal amount and will constitute unsecured obligations of
Heckett MultiServ. The Loan Note Instrument will not contain any restrictions on
borrowing, disposals or charging of assets by Heckett MultiServ or any member of
the Harsco Group.
2. INTEREST
2.1 Interest on the outstanding Loan Notes will be payable (subject to any
requirement to deduct tax therefrom) on 30 April and 31 October in each
year or, if such a day is not a business day (which shall bear the same
meaning in this Appendix III as in the Loan Note Instrument) on the
next following business day ("interest payment dates"). The first
payment of interest on the Loan Notes will be made on 31 October 1998
in respect of the period from (and including) the day 14 days after the
Offer becomes or is declared wholly unconditional up to (and including)
31 October 1998. The period from (and including) the day 14 days after
the Offer becomes or is declared wholly unconditional up to (and
including) 31 October 1998 and the period from (but excluding) 31
October 1998 or any subsequent interest payment date up to (and
including) the next following interest payment date is herein called an
"interest period".
2.2 The rate of interest per annum payable on the Loan Notes for each
interest period will be the rate calculated by Heckett MultiServ to be
75 basis points below LIBOR, on the first business day of the relevant
interest period.
2.3 If at any time such rate of interest cannot be so established for any
interest period, then the rate of interest on the Loan Notes for such
interest period shall be calculated by reference to such rate as
Heckett MultiServ shall determine on the basis of quotations made for
six month sterling deposits of similar size in such other appropriate
interbank market or markets as Heckett MultiServ may select.
2.4 Each instalment of interest shall be calculated on the basis of a 365
day year and the actual number of days elapsed in the relevant interest
period.
3. REPAYMENT AND REDEMPTION OF NOTES
3.1 A Noteholder shall be entitled to require Heckett MultiServ to repay
the whole (whatever the amount) or any part (being (pound
sterling)1,000 nominal or any multiple thereof) of the principal amount
of his holding of Loan Notes at par, together with accrued interest
thereon (subject to any requirement to deduct tax therefrom) up to (and
including) the date of repayment, on 31 December 1998 and thereafter on
any interest payment date by giving not less than 30 days' prior notice
in writing to Heckett MultiServ's registrars accompanied by
certificate(s) for all the Loan Notes to be repaid and a notice of
redemption (duly completed) in the prescribed form endorsed on the Loan
Notes to be repaid.
3.2 Any Loan Notes not previously so repaid, redeemed or purchased will be
repaid in full at par on 31 October 2008, together with accrued
interest thereon (subject to any requirement to deduct tax therefrom)
up to (and including) the date of payment.
4. CANCELLATION
Any Loan Notes repaid, purchased or redeemed will be cancelled and shall not be
available for re-issue.
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5. RIGHT TO ACQUIRE ADDITIONAL LOAN NOTES
Each Noteholder will have the right to acquire (by subscription at their nominal
value of an amount up to and equal to such Noteholder's holding of Loan Notes,
such amount to be payable in full on subscription) additional loan notes to be
issued by Heckett MultiServ (the "Additional Notes") on terms and conditions
substantially the same as those applicable to the Loan Notes, except as follows:
(a) the rate of interest on the Additional Notes will be one per cent.
below the rate per annum described in paragraph 2.2 above; and
(b) the Additional Notes will not carry any right to acquire any additional
securities.
6. REPAYMENT ON DEFAULT
Each Noteholder shall be entitled to require all of the Loan Notes held by him
to be repaid at par together with accrued interest (subject to any requirement
to deduct any tax therefrom) immediately if:
(a) any principal or interest on any of the Loan Notes held by that
Noteholder shall fail to be paid in full within 30 days after the due
date for payment thereof; or
(b) an order is made or an effective resolution is passed for the winding
up or dissolution of Heckett MultiServ or Harsco (other than for the
purposes of and followed by a reconstruction or an amalgamation or a
members' voluntary winding up in each case on terms previously approved
by Extraordinary Resolution (which shall bear the same meaning in this
Appendix III as in the Loan Note Instrument)); or
(c) an encumbrancer takes possession of, or a trustee, receiver,
administrator or similar officer is appointed or an administration
order is made in respect of, the whole or substantially the whole of
the undertaking of Heckett MultiServ or Harsco and such person has not
been paid out or discharged within 30 days; or
(d) Heckett MultiServ or Harsco makes any arrangement or composition with
its creditors generally or makes an application to a court of competent
jurisdiction for protection from its creditors generally.
7. PURCHASE OF LOAN NOTES
Heckett MultiServ or any other member of the Harsco Group will be entitled at
any time to purchase any Loan Notes by tender (available to all Noteholders
alike), private treaty or otherwise, at any price agreed by the relevant
Noteholder(s).
8. MODIFICATION
The provisions of the Loan Note Instrument and the rights of the Noteholders
will be subject to modification, abrogation or compromise in any respect with
both the sanction of an Extraordinary Resolution of the Noteholders (as defined
in the Loan Note Instrument) and the consent of Heckett MultiServ. Heckett
MultiServ may, with the consent of its financial adviser, amend the provisions
of the Loan Note Instrument without such sanction or consent, if such amendment
is of a formal, minor or technical nature or to correct a manifest error.
9. SUBSTITUTION OR EXCHANGE OF PRINCIPAL DEBTOR
The Loan Notes will contain provisions entitling Heckett MultiServ without the
consent of Noteholders to substitute any other member of the Harsco Group
resident in the UK for tax purposes as the principal debtor under the Loan Note
Instrument and the Loan Notes or to require all or any of the Noteholders to
exchange their Loan Notes for loan notes issued on the same terms mutatis
mutandis by such other members of the Harsco Group. References to Heckett
MultiServ in this summary shall be construed accordingly. The obligations of any
substituted issuer other than Harsco will be unconditionally guaranteed as to
payment of principal and interest by Harsco. Heckett MultiServ's right to
require such an exchange will be exercisable only if the exchange will fall
within section 135 of TCGA and, to the extent relevant, clearance has been
received from the Inland Revenue under section 138 of that Act in respect of the
exchange.
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10. REGISTRATION, TRANSFER AND MARKETABILITY
The Loan Notes will be evidenced by certificates and will be in registered form
and transferable in minimum amounts of (pound sterling)1,000 or multiples
thereof (or the entire holding), provided that transfers will not be registered
during the 21 days immediately preceding an interest payment date or while the
register of Noteholders is closed.
11. NO LISTING
No application has been made nor is intended to be made for the Loan Notes to be
listed or dealt in on any stock exchange or on any other trading facility.
12. RESTRICTIONS ON OWNERSHIP AND TRANSFER
The Loan Notes have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act
and no steps have been taken to qualify the Loan Notes for distribution in Japan
or any province or territory of Canada and no prospectus in relation to the Loan
Notes has been, or will be, lodged with or registered by the Australian
Securities Commission. Accordingly, unless an exemption under the Securities Act
or relevant securities laws is available, the Loan Note Alternative is not
available in the United States, Canada, Japan or Australia or to Restricted
Overseas Persons and the Loan Notes may not be directly or indirectly offered,
sold or delivered in or into the United States, Canada, Japan or Australia or to
or for the account or benefit of any Restricted Overseas Persons.
13. PRESCRIPTION
Noteholders will cease to be entitled to amounts in respect of interest which
remain unclaimed for a period of five years and to amounts due in respect of
principal which remain unclaimed for a period of ten years, in each case from
the date on which the relevant payment first becomes due and such amounts shall
revert to Heckett MultiServ.
14. GUARANTEE
The obligations of Heckett MultiServ under the Loan Note Instrument will be
unconditionally guaranteed as to payment of principal and interest by Harsco.
15. GOVERNING LAW
The Loan Notes and the Loan Note Instrument and the Guarantee by Harsco will be
governed by and construed in accordance with English Law.
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APPENDIX IV
FURTHER INFORMATION ON HARSCO AND HECKETT MULTISERV
1. HECKETT MULTISERV
Heckett MultiServ was incorporated on 26 January 1998 under the name Trushelfco
(No. 2311) Limited, changed its name to Heckett MultiServ Investment Limited on
17 February 1998 and has its registered office at Commonwealth House, 4th Floor,
2 Chalkhill Road, London W6 8DW. Heckett MultiServ is a wholly owned subsidiary
of Harsco and has been established for the purpose of making the Offer. It has
an authorised share capital of (pound sterling)100 and an issued share capital
of (pound sterling)2.
2. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME OF HARSCO CORPORATION
The following consolidated statements of income of Harsco Corporation for the
years ended December 31, 1994; December 31, 1995; and December 31, 1996 have
been extracted from the published consolidated financial statements. These
consolidated financial statements are no longer in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles in the United States because they have not been
restated to reflect as discontinued operations the company's defense business as
a result of the sale of the company's 40% interest in United Defense L.P. (see
section 11):
HARSCO CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME FOR THE YEARS 1996, 1995 AND 1994
(In thousands, except per share) 1996 1995 1994
REVENUES
Net sales $1,557,643 $ 1,495,466 $1,357,715
Equity in income of unconsolidated entities 50,083 57,031 64,120
Gain on sale of investments -- -- 5,966
Other revenues 773 1,520 37,980
---------- ----------- ----------
TOTAL REVENUES 1,608,499 1,554,017 1,465,781
========== =========== ==========
COSTS AND EXPENSES
Cost of sales 1,176,982 1,147,467 1,060,695
Selling, general and administrative expenses 207,502 198,706 199,837
Research and development expenses 5,108 4,876 5,463
Facilities discontinuance and reorganization costs 3,280 22,809 17,143
Other 209 (5,018) 6,158
---------- ----------- ----------
TOTAL COSTS AND EXPENSES 1,393,081 1,368,840 1,289,296
========== =========== ==========
Income before interest, income taxes and minority interest 215,418 185,177 176,485
Interest income 6,949 7,472 6,403
Interest expense (21,483) (28,921) (34,048)
Income before income taxes and minority interest 200,884 163,728 148,840
Provision for income taxes 76,336 63,854 59,536
---------- ----------- ----------
Income before minority interest 124,548 99,874 89,304
Minority interest in net income 5,539 2,497 2,751
---------- ----------- ----------
NET INCOME $ 119,009 $ 97,377 $ 86,553
========== =========== ==========
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE $ 2.39 $ 1.93 $ 1.72
========== =========== ==========
AVERAGE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OUTSTANDING 49,883 50,493 50,230
========== =========== ==========
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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3. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS OF HARSCO CORPORATION
The following consolidated balance sheets of Harsco Corporation as of December
31, 1995 and December 31, 1996 have been extracted from the published
consolidated financial statements as of those dates. These consolidated
financial statements are no longer in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles in the United States because they have not been restated
to reflect as discontinued operations the company's defense business as a result
of the sale of the company's 40% interest in United Defense L.P. (see section
11):
HARSCO CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
(In thousands, except share amounts)
1996 1995
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents $ 45,862 $ 76,669
Accounts receivable, net 268,230 272,858
Inventories 126,018 123,285
Other current assets 68,436 60,954
---------- ----------
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 508,546 533,766
---------- ----------
Property, plant and equipment, net 513,112 459,809
Cost in excess of net assets of businesses acquired, net 195,387 205,801
Investments in debt securities 4,058 21,007
Investments in unconsolidated entities 57,719 45,604
Other assets 45,597 44,675
---------- ----------
$1,324,419 $1,310,662
========== ==========
LIABILITIES
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Short-term borrowings $ 16,856 $ 5,704
Current maturities of long-term debt 9,326 103,043
Accounts payable 111,912 112,736
Accrued compensation 44,501 41,304
Income taxes 9,860 17,671
Dividends payable 9,920 9,520
Other current liabilities 91,652 98,534
---------- ----------
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 294,027 388,512
---------- ----------
Long-term debt 227,385 179,926
Deferred income taxes 34,182 36,061
Insurance liabilities 38,876 37,298
Other liabilities 48,662 42,874
---------- ----------
643,132 684,671
---------- ----------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock, Series A junior
participating cumulative preferred stock --- ---
Common stock, par value $1.25, issued
65,458,202 and 32,537,880 shares,
respectively 81,823 40,672
Additional paid-in capital 69,151 101,183
Cumulative translation adjustments (25,476) (19,852)
Cumulative pension liability adjustments (619) (413)
Retained earnings 794,473 713,774
---------- ----------
919,352 835,364
Treasury stock, at cost (15,855,850
and 7,486,331 shares, respectively) (238,065) (209,373)
---------- ----------
681,287 625,991
---------- ----------
$1,324,419 $1,310,662
========== ==========
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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4. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS OF HARSCO CORPORATION
The following consolidated statements of cash flows of Harsco Corporation for
the years ended December 31, 1994; December 31, 1995; and December 31, 1996 have
been extracted from the published consolidated financial statements. These
consolidated financial statements are no longer in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles in the United States because they have not been
restated to reflect as discontinued operations the company's defense business as
a result of the sale of the company's 40% interest in United Defense L.P. (see
section 11):
HARSCO CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEARS 1996, 1995 AND 1994
(In thousands)
1996 1995 1994
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income $ 119,009 $ 97,377 $ 86,553
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating
activities:
Depreciation 100,137 95,033 90,179
Amortization 9,262 9,830 9,410
Gain on sale of investments --- --- (5,966)
Equity in income of unconsolidated entities (50,083) (57,031) (64,120)
Dividends or distributions from unconsolidated entities 38,474 38,400 71,845
Deferred income taxes (829) (19,018) 273
Write-off of federal excise tax receivable --- 13,455 ---
Other, net 5,429 (1,890) 7,902
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and dispositions of
businesses and formation of a partnership:
Accounts receivable (138) 73,732 (34,263)
Inventories 3,100 (1,583) (7,302)
Accounts payable 4,086 4,955 14,191
Advances on long-term contracts 296 (1,623) (9,636)
Other assets and liabilities (11,541) 7,178 2,329
--------- --------- ---------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES 217,202 258,815 161,395
========= ========= =========
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment (150,294) (113,895) (90,928)
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired (21,062) (4,145) ---
Proceeds from sale of businesses 1,793 3,821 2,444
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 4,890 11,491 8,222
Proceeds from sale of investment held available-for-sale --- --- 7,617
Investments held-to-maturity:Purchases (14,300) (3,067) (15,750)
Maturities 26,561 5,475 24,740
Other investing activities (813) 2,989 (9,495)
--------- --------- ---------
NET CASH (USED) BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES (153,225) (97,331) (73,150)
========= ========= =========
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Short-term borrowings, net 10,911 (13,998) (35,303)
Current maturities and long-term debt:Additions 187,319 27,076 123,445
Reductions (229,914) (95,884) (164,662)
Cash dividends paid on common stock (37,921) (37,397) (35,137)
Common stock issued-options 5,726 5,660 7,241
Common stock acquired for treasury (30,657) (14,130) ---
Other financing activities 1,592 605 1,376
--------- --------- ---------
NET CASH (USED) BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES (92,944) (128,068) (103,040)
========= ========= =========
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH (1,840) (297) (395)
--------- --------- ---------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (30,807) 33,119 (15,190)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 76,669 43,550 58,740
--------- --------- ---------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR $ 45,862 $ 76,669 $ 43,550
========= ========= =========
*PURCHASE OF BUSINESSES, NET OF CASH ACQUIRED
Working capital, other than cash $ (7,625) $ 5,139 $ ---
Property, plant and equipment (12,315) (8,263) ---
Other noncurrent assets and liabilities, net (1,122) (1,021) ---
--------- --------- ---------
NET CASH USED TO ACQUIRE BUSINESSES $ (21,062) $ (4,145) $ ---
========= ========= =========
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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5. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF HARSCO CORPORATION
The following notes to the consolidated financial statements of Harsco
Corporation, which include a summary of significant accounting policies, have
been extracted from the published consolidated financial statements as of
December 31, 1996. These consolidated financial statements are no longer in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States
because they have not been restated to reflect as discontinued operations the
company's defense business as a result of the sale of the company's 40% interest
in United Defense L.P. (see section 11). References to the "the Company" are to
Harsco Corporation:
HARSCO CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Harsco Corporation
and its majority-owned subsidiaries ("Company"). Investments in United Defense,
L.P., a 40% owned partnership and other unconsolidated entities are accounted
for on the equity method. The income of unconsolidated entities is on a pre-tax
basis for United Defense, L.P. as it is a partnership, and net of taxes for all
other unconsolidated entities.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid debt instruments purchased with
a maturity of three months or less.
Investments in Debt and Equity Securities
Effective January 1, 1994, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity
Securities" (SFAS 115). The cumulative effect resulting from the adoption of
SFAS 115 in 1994 was immaterial. Prior to the adoption of SFAS 115, the
Company's investments in marketable equity securities were reported at the lower
of cost or market, and marketable debt securities at amortized cost which
approximated market.
Marketable debt securities are classified as held-to-maturity. Management
determines the appropriate classification of debt securities at the time of
purchase. Debt securities are classified as held-to-maturity when the Company
has the positive intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity. Held-to-
maturity securities are stated at amortized cost. Interest on securities
classified as held-to-maturity is included in interest income.
The Company also had an investment in a marketable equity security that was
classified as available-for-sale at January 1, 1994. The realized gain was
reflected in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income in 1994.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Inventories in the United
States are accounted for using principally the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method.
All other inventories are accounted for using the first-in, first-out (FIFO)
method and average cost.
Depreciation and Amortization
Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost and depreciated over the
estimated useful lives of the assets using principally the straight-line method.
When property is retired from service, generally the cost of the retirement is
charged to the allowance for depreciation to the extent of the accumulated
depreciation and the balance is charged to income.
Cost in excess of net assets of businesses acquired is amortized on a
straight-line basis over periods not to exceed 30 years. The Company's policy is
to record an impairment loss against the net unamortized cost in excess of net
assets of businesses acquired in the period when it is determined that the
carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. An evaluation is made at
each balance sheet date (quarterly) and it is based on such factors as the
occurrence of a significant event, a significant change in the environment in
which the business operates or if the expected future net cash flows
(undiscounted and
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without interest) would become less than the carrying amount of the asset.
Accumulated amortization was $42.7 and $34.5 million at December 31, 1996 and
1995, respectively.
Effective January 1, 1996, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for
Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of" (SFAS 121). SFAS 121 requires that
long-lived assets, including related goodwill, be reviewed for impairment and
written down to fair value whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate
that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The Company evaluates long-lived
assets for impairment by individual business unit. The cumulative effect
resulting from the adoption of SFAS 121 in 1996 was immaterial.
Income Taxes
All U.S. federal and state income taxes and non-U.S. income taxes
are provided currently on the undistributed earnings of international
subsidiaries and unconsolidated affiliated entities, giving recognition to
current tax rates and applicable foreign tax credits.
Environmental Compliance and Remediation
Environmental expenditures that relate to current operations are expensed or
capitalized as appropriate. Expenditures that relate to an existing condition
caused by past operations, and which do not contribute to current or future
revenue generation, are expensed. Liabilities are recorded when environmental
assessments and/or remedial efforts are probable, and the cost can be reasonably
estimated. The timing of these accruals generally coincides with the earlier of
completion of a feasibility study or the Company's commitment to a plan of
action based on the then known facts.
In October 1996, Statement of Position 96-1, "Environmental Remediation
Liabilities" was issued. The statement is effective for years beginning after
December 15, 1996. This statement provides guidance for recognizing, measuring
and disclosing environmental remediation liabilities. The Company does not
expect this statement to have a material effect on its financial position or
results of operations.
Casualty and Property Insurance
The Company is insured for workers' compensation, automobile, general, and
product liability losses through a risk retention program. The Company accrues
for the estimated losses occurring from both asserted and unasserted claims. The
estimate of the liability for unasserted claims arising from unreported
incidents is based on an analysis of historical claims data. The Company has a
wholly-owned captive insurance company for the payment of its claims under this
risk retention program. Annual contributions are made by the Company to the
captive insurance company to provide funding for its retained risk. The Company
self-insures its workers' compensation exposures in the states of Ohio and
Pennsylvania. The Company accrues for their losses in the same fashion as
described above; however, funding is made from operating earnings. The Company
generally insures its property on an all-risk basis through conventional
insurers with a minor deductible applicable to each loss.
Foreign Currency Translation
The financial statements of the Company's subsidiaries outside the United
States, except for those subsidiaries located in highly inflationary economies,
are principally measured using the local currency as the functional currency.
Assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are translated at the rates of
exchange at the balance sheet date. Resulting translation adjustments are
recorded in the cumulative translation adjustment, a separate component of
shareholders' equity. Income and expense items are translated at average monthly
rates of exchange. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions of these
subsidiaries are included in net income. For subsidiaries operating in highly
inflationary economies, gains and losses on foreign currency transactions and
balance sheet translation adjustments are included in net income.
Effective January 1997, the Company's operations in Mexico will be treated as a
highly inflationary economy for the purpose of applying Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 52, "Foreign Currency Translation". This change is due
to the three-year cumulative rate of inflation for Mexico at December 31, 1996
exceeding 100 percent. The functional currency for the Company's operations in
Mexico will change from the peso to the U.S. dollar.
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Financial Instruments and Hedging
The Company has subsidiaries principally operating in North and South America,
Europe and the Pacific region. These operations are exposed to fluctuations in
related foreign currencies, in the normal course of business. The Company seeks
to reduce exposure to foreign currency fluctuations, primarily the European
currencies, through the use of forward exchange contracts. The Company does not
hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes, and it is the
Company's policy to prohibit the use of derivatives for speculative purposes.
The Company has a Foreign Currency Risk Management Committee that meets
periodically to monitor foreign currency risks.
The Company enters into forward foreign exchange contracts to hedge transactions
on its non-U.S. subsidiaries, for firm commitments to purchase equipment and for
export sales denominated in foreign currencies. These contracts generally are
for 90 to 180 days or less. For those contracts that hedge an identifiable
transaction, gains or losses are deferred and accounted for as part of the
underlying transactions. The cash flows from forward exchange contracts
accounted for as hedges of identifiable transactions are classified consistent
with the cash flows from the transaction being hedged. The Company also enters
into forward foreign exchange contracts for intercompany foreign currency
commitments. These foreign exchange contracts do not qualify as hedges for
financial reporting purposes, and any related gain or loss is included in income
on a current basis.
Options for Common Shares
The Company applies the intrinsic value based method prescribed in Accounting
Principles Board Opinion No. 25 (APB 25) to account for options granted to
employees and directors to purchase common shares. No compensation expense is
recognized on the grant date since, at that date, the option price equals the
market price of the underlying common shares. Effective January 1, 1996, the
Company adopted the disclosure-only provisions of Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" (SFAS
123). SFAS 123 requires that companies electing to continue using the intrinsic
value method must make pro forma disclosures of net income and earnings per
share as if the fair-value-based method of accounting had been applied.
Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.
2. COMMON STOCK SPLIT
On November 19, 1996, the Board of Directors declared a two-for-one stock split
on the Company's common stock. One additional share will be issued for each
share of common stock held by shareholders of record as of the close of business
on January 15, 1997. New shares will be distributed on March 14, 1997. Common
stock and additional paid-in capital as of December 31, 1996 have been restated
to reflect this split. Par value will remain unchanged at $1.25. The number of
shares issued at December 31, 1996, after giving effect to the split, was
65,458,202 (32,729,101 shares issued before the split).
The effect of the stock split has been retroactively reflected as of December
31, 1996 in the consolidated balance sheet and statement of changes in
shareholders' equity, but activity for 1996 and prior periods was not restated
in those statements. All references to the number of common shares and per share
amounts elsewhere in the consolidated financial statements and related footnotes
have been restated as appropriate to reflect the effect of the split for all
periods presented.
3. ACQUISITIONS, DIVESTITURES AND FORMATION OF DEFENSE BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP
Acquisitions and Divestitures of Businesses
On April 29, 1996, the Company acquired substantially all the assets of the
Coyne Cylinder business ("Coyne") of Huntsville, Alabama, for $19 million in
cash and the assumption of certain liabilities for a total consideration of
approximately $22.2 million. Coyne had annual sales of approximately $45 million
in 1995. It is the world's leading manufacturer of acetylene, small and
intermediate high pressure and specialty cylinders, and also produces scuba
tanks and cylinder caps.
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On March 6, 1995, the Company acquired substantially all the assets of Fabsco,
Inc. for $3.4 million in cash and the assumption of certain liabilities for a
total consideration of approximately $14.8 million. Fabsco, a privately held
manufacturer of heat exchanger products, had annual sales of approximately
$22 million in 1994.
The acquisitions are accounted for under the purchase method of accounting and
include the results of operations since the dates of acquisition. Proforma
results are not presented for the periods prior to the acquisitions because the
effect would not be material.
Effective April 1, 1996, the Company divested its non-core temporary labor units
in Europe for approximately $2 million. The businesses had annual sales of
approximately $22 million.
During 1996 and 1995, the Company also acquired and divested other smaller
operations.
Formation of Defense Business Partnership
On January 28, 1994, FMC Corporation ("FMC") and the Company announced
completion of a series of agreements ("Agreements") to combine certain assets
and liabilities of FMC's Defense Systems Group ("DSG") and the Company's BMY-
Combat Systems Division ("BMY-CS"). The effective date of the combination was
January 1, 1994. The combined company, United Defense, L.P., operates as a
limited partnership ("Partnership"). FMC as the Managing General Partner has a
60 percent equity interest, and Harsco Defense Holding, Inc., a wholly owned
subsidiary of the Company, as the Limited Partner has a 40 percent equity
interest. The Company contributed to the Partnership net assets of $29.6
million, which included $5.2 million in cash. The net assets were contributed on
the historical basis of accounting and no gain was recognized on the
transaction.
The Partnership has an Advisory Committee comprised of ten individuals, six
appointed by FMC and four appointed by the Company which considers and discusses
Partnership issues. FMC as the managing general partner exercises management
control over the Partnership subject to the Company's right to consent to
certain actions delineated in the Partnership Agreement. Additionally, the
Partnership Agreement contains certain exit rights for both Partners any time
more than 25 months after the formation of the Partnership including the right
of the Company to sell its interest to the Partnership (payable by a promissory
note from the Partnership) based upon a calculation of 95% of appraised value,
and the right of FMC or the Partnership to buy the Company's interest (payable
in cash) based upon a calculation of 110% of appraised value. Appraised value is
substantially the fully distributed public equity trading value of the
Partnership as determined by three investment banking firms in accordance with
certain contractual stipulations, multiplied by the Company's percentage
interest in the Partnership. The Partnership Agreement provides for certain
special capital account allocations and cash distributions, but otherwise
allocates and distributes income in proportion to the partners' percentage
ownership. Under the Participation Agreement between FMC and the Company, each
Partner generally is financially accountable to the Partnership for
environmental conditions occurring prior to formation of the Partnership at
facilities or properties previously operated or used in their respective
businesses, to the extent that costs incurred are not recovered from third
parties or not covered by environmental accruals contributed by the parties at
formation. The Company retained the rights and any liabilities associated with
certain pending major claims between the Company and the U.S. Government, and
the Company and the government of Iran. See Note 10, "Commitments and
Contingencies" for additional disclosure on these claims.
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4. INVESTMENTS IN DEBT SECURITIES
The debt securities held-to-maturity at December 31, 1996 and 1995 consist of:
(In thousands)
1996
AMORTIZED UNREALIZED FAIR
COST GAINS LOSSES VALUE
---- ----- ------ -----
Corporate debt securities $ 23,468 $ 63 $14 $23,517
Government debt securities non-U.S. 9,770 45 7 9,808
-------- ---- --- -------
$ 33,238 $108 $21 $33,325
======== ==== === =======
(In thousands)
1995
Amortized Unrealized Fair
Cost Gains Losses Value
---- ----- ------ -----
Corporate debt securities $ 28,753 $219 $58 $28,914
Government debt securities non-U.S. 17,250 161 39 17,372
-------- ---- --- -------
$ 46,003 $380 $97 $46,286
======== ==== === =======
The amortized cost and fair market value of fixed income debt securities at
December 31, 1996 and 1995, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected
maturities will differ from contractual maturities, because the borrowers may
have the right to call or prepay obligations.
(In thousands)
1996 1995
AMORTIZED FAIR Amortized Fair
COST VALUE Cost Value
Held to maturity
Due in one year or less $29,180 $29,224 $24,996 $24,954
Due after one year through five years 4,058 4,101 21,007 21,332
------- ------- ------- -------
$33,238 $33,325 $46,003 $46,286
======= ======= ======= =======
Investments held to maturity due in one year or less are included in Other
current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
5. INVENTORIES AND ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
Inventories consist of:
(In thousands) 1996 1995
Finished goods $ 24,743 $ 25,996
Work in process 25,843 24,640
Raw materials and purchased parts 57,581 54,151
Stores and supplies 17,851 18,498
-------- --------
$126,018 $123,285
======== ========
Valued at lower of cost or market:
LIFO basis $ 90,445 $ 89,239
FIFO basis 24,663 23,860
Average cost basis 10,910 10,186
-------- --------
$126,018 $123,285
======== ========
Inventories valued on the LIFO basis at December 31, 1996 and 1995 were
approximately $37.1 million and $37.9 million, respectively, less than the
amounts of such inventories valued at current costs.
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As a result of reducing certain inventory quantities valued on the LIFO basis,
profits from liquidation of inventories were recorded, which increased net
income (in millions) by $0.6, $0.5 and $0.3 in 1996, 1995 and 1994,
respectively.
Accounts receivable are net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $8.5
million and $8.3 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
6. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment consists of:
(In thousands) 1996 1995
Land and improvements $ 26,479 $ 25,351
Buildings and improvements 129,930 121,651
Machinery and equipment 981,384 896,139
Uncompleted construction 49,659 37,126
---------- ----------
1,187,452 1,080,267
Less accumulated depreciation 674,340 620,458
---------- ----------
$ 513,112 $ 459,809
---------- ----------
The estimated useful lives of different types of assets are:
Land improvements 10 years
Buildings and improvements 10 to 50 years
Certain plant, buildings and installations
(Principally Metal Reclamation and Mill Services Group) 5 to 15 years
Machinery and equipment 3 to 20 years
7. INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED ENTITIES
The Company has a 40% interest in United Defense, L. P. which principally
manufactures ground combat vehicles for the U.S. and international governments.
The Company's other investments are in the Metal Reclamation and Mill Services
Group. The following table presents summarized financial information on a
combined 100% basis of the companies accounted for by the equity method:
(In thousands) 1996 1995 1994
Current assets $ 461,204 $ 378,430 $ 321,596
Noncurrent assets 194,358 202,701 187,896
Current liabilities 411,003 364,385 315,983
Noncurrent liabilities 57,247 52,801 56,485
Net sales 1,042,821 1,003,562 1,129,528
Costs and expenses 973,247 892,733 983,955
Net income 99,958 110,250 134,441
---------- ----------- -----------
The Company's share of income of all unconsolidated entities was (in millions)
$50.1, $57.0 and $64.1 for 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
8. DEBT AND CREDIT AGREEMENTS
In July 1996, the Company amended and increased to $400 million, from $300
million, its October 1993 Five-Year Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit
Facility ("credit facility") with a syndicate of 18 banks led by Chase Manhattan
Bank. The five-year facility, as amended, extends maturity to July 2001,
provides for greater financial flexibility and reflects favorable syndicated
credit pricing. Borrowings under this agreement are available in U.S. dollars or
Eurocurrencies and it serves as back-up to the Company's U.S. commercial paper
program. Interest rates are either a negotiated rate, a rate based upon
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the U.S. federal funds interbank market, prime rate, or a rate based upon the
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus a margin. The Company pays a facility
fee based upon the full amount of the facility that varies based upon its credit
ratings. The agreement currently provides for a facility fee of 0.08% per annum.
At December 31, 1996 and 1995, there were no borrowings outstanding under these
facilities.
The Company also has a commercial paper borrowing program under which it can
issue up to $300 million, an increase from $150 million, of short-term notes in
the U.S. commercial paper market. This commercial paper program is supported by
the credit facility. In addition, the Company in September 1996 initiated a
Belgian commercial paper program. The 3 billion Belgian franc program is
equivalent to approximately US $100 million. The Belgian program will be used to
borrow a variety of Eurocurrencies in order to fund the Company's European
operations more efficiently and in appropriate currencies. The Company limits
the aggregate commercial paper and credit facility borrowings at any one time to
a maximum of $400 million. Interest rates are based upon market conditions, but
are generally lower than comparable borrowings under the committed bank credit
facility. At December 31, 1996, $36.6 million of commercial paper was
outstanding. At December 31, 1995, the Company had no commercial paper
outstanding. Commercial paper is classified as long-term debt at December 31,
1996, because the Company has the ability and intent to refinance it on a
long-term basis through existing long-term credit facilities.
Short-term debt, including overdraft facilities, amounted to $16.9 million and
$5.7 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The weighted average
interest rate for short-term borrowings at December 31, 1996 and 1995 was 6.9%
and 7.3%, respectively.
Long-term debt consists of the following:
(In thousands) 1996 1995
8.75% Notes due May 15, 1996 $ --- $ 89,500
6.0% Notes due September 15, 2003 150,000 150,000
Commercial Paper Borrowings with interest up to 3.6% 36,614 ---
Industrial Development Bonds, payable in varying amounts
from 2001 to 2005 with interest up to 7.0% 11,400 11,400
Project financing and other, payable in varying amounts
to 2001 with interest up to 17.2% 38,697 32,069
--------- --------
236,711 282,969
Less current maturities 9,326 103,043
--------- --------
$ 227,385 $179,926
========= ========
The five-year facility and certain notes payable agreements contain covenants
restricting, among other things, the amount of debt that can be issued as
defined. At December 31, 1996, the Company was in compliance with these
covenants.
The maturities of long-term debt for the four years following December 31, 1997,
are:
(In thousands)
1998 $6,421 2000 $ 1,142
1999 $2,308 2001 $62,345
Cash payments for interest on all debt were (in millions) $20.3, $28.8 and $33.5
in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
The Company has on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, a Form S-3
shelf registration for the possible issuance of up to an additional $200 million
of new debt securities, preferred stock or common stock.
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9. LEASES
The Company leases certain property and equipment under noncancelable operating
leases. Rental expense under all operating leases was (in millions) $13.7, $12.2
and $10.9 in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
Future minimum lease payments under operating leases with noncancelable terms
are:
(In thousands) 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 After 2001
Minimum Lease Payments $ 11,515 $ 8,085 $ 4,930 $ 4,080 $ 3,686 $ 14,584
======== ======= ======= ======= ======= ========
10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Federal Excise Tax and Other Matters Related to the Five-ton Truck Contract
In the third quarter of 1995, the Company, the United States Army, and the
United States Department of Justice concluded a settlement of the Company's
previously reported claims against the Army relating to Federal Excise Tax
("FET") arising under a completed 1986 contract for the sale of five-ton trucks
to the Army. On September 27, 1995, the Army paid the Company $49 million in
accordance with the settlement terms. The Company released the Army from any
further liability for those claims, and the Department of Justice released the
Company from a threatened action for damages and civil penalties based on an
investigation conducted by the Department's Commercial Litigation Branch that
had been pending for several years. During the performance of the five-ton truck
contract, the Company recorded an account receivable of $62.5 million for its
claims against the Army relating to Federal Excise Tax. As a result of accepting
the $49 million in settlement, the Company recorded a non-recurring, pre-tax,
non-cash charge of $13.5 million (after-tax charge of $8.2 million, $.16 per
share), in the third quarter of 1995.
The settlement preserves the rights of the parties to assert claims and defenses
under the Internal Revenue Code, and rights of the Army and the Company to claim
certain amounts that may be owed by either party to reconcile possible
underpayments or overpayments on the truck contract as part of the formal
contract close-out process.
The settlement does not resolve the claim by the Internal Revenue Service that,
contrary to the Company's position, certain cargo truck models sold by the
Company should be considered to have gross vehicle weights in excess of the
33,000 pound threshold under the Federal Excise Tax law, are not entitled to an
exemption from the Federal Excise Tax under any other theory, and therefore are
taxable. On December 19, 1996, the District Director of the Internal Revenue
Service issued a 30-day letter and examination report (the "Report") that
proposed an increase in Federal Excise Tax of $33.7 million plus penalties of
$6.9 million and applicable interest currently estimated by the Company to be
$27.8 million, primarily on the grounds that those cargo truck models are
subject to the Federal Excise Tax. This proposed increase in Federal Excise Tax
takes into account offsetting credits of $9.2 million, based on a partial
allowance of the Company's $23.4 million claim that certain truck components are
exempt from the Federal Excise Tax. The Report disallowed in full the Company's
additional claim that it is entitled to the entire $52 million of Federal Excise
Tax (plus applicable interest currently estimated by the Company to be $25.8
million) the Company has paid on the five-ton trucks, on the grounds that such
trucks qualify for the Federal Excise Tax exemption applicable to certain
vehicles specially designed for the primary function of off-highway
transportation. In the event that the Company ultimately receives from the
Internal Revenue Service a refund of tax (including applicable interest) with
respect to which the Company has already received reimbursement from the Army,
the refund would be allocated between the Company and the Army. The Company
plans to vigorously contest the findings of the District Director and is
protesting these findings to the Internal Revenue Service Office of the Regional
Director of Appeals. Although there is risk of an adverse outcome, the Company
believes that the cargo trucks are not taxable. No recognition has been given in
the accompanying financial statements for the Company's claim or the dispute
with the Internal Revenue Service.
The settlement agreement with the Army preserves the Company's right to seek
reimbursement of after-imposed tax from the Army in the event that the cargo
trucks are determined to be taxable, but the agreement limits the reimbursement
to a maximum of $21 million. Additionally, in an earlier contract modification,
the Army accepted responsibility for $3.6 million of the potential tax, bringing
its total potential responsibility up to $24.6 million.
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Under the settlement, the Army agreed that if the cargo trucks are determined to
be taxable, the 1993 decision of the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals
(which ruled that the Company is entitled to a price adjustment to the contract
for reimbursement of FET paid on vehicles that were to be delivered after
October 1, 1988) will apply to the question of the Company's right to
reimbursement from the Army for after-imposed taxes on the cargo trucks. In the
Company's view, application of the 1993 decision will favorably resolve the
principal issues regarding any such future claim by the Company. Therefore, the
Company believes that even if the cargo trucks are ultimately held to be
taxable, the Army would be obligated to reimburse the Company for a majority of
the tax, (but not interest or penalty, if any), resulting in a net maximum
liability for the Company of $9.1 million plus penalties of $6.9 million and
applicable interest currently estimated by the Company to be $27.8 million. The
Company believes it is unlikely that resolution of this matter will have a
material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, however, it could
have a material effect on quarterly or annual results of operations.
In August 1994, the Company and the Government signed a modification to the
five-ton truck contract resolving all outstanding contractual matters concerning
that agreement with certain limited exceptions including FET related matters.
The contract modification included resolution of the Company's claims described
in earlier Company filings for contract changes, inadequate technical data
package, and delays and disruptions. The modification provided for an increase
of $12.5 million in the contract price. This price increase yielded net revenue
to the Company of approximately $12 million after related excise tax and other
associated costs. The Company recognized such amount as Other revenues in the
Consolidated Statements of Income in the third quarter of 1994.
M9 Armored Combat Earthmover Claim
The Company and its legal counsel are of the opinion that the U.S. Government
did not exercise option three under the M9 Armored Combat Earthmover (ACE)
contract in a timely manner, with the result that the unit prices for options
three, four and five are subject to renegotiation. Claims reflecting the
Company's position have been filed with respect to all options purported to be
exercised, totaling in excess of $60 million plus interest. No recognition has
been given in the accompanying financial statements for any recovery on these
claims. In July 1995, the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals denied the
motions for summary judgment which had been filed by both the Company and the
Government. The Company is continuing to pursue its claim before the Armed
Services Board of Contract Appeals.
In addition, in 1994 the Company negotiated a settlement with the U.S.
Government of a smaller outstanding claim concerning this contract which
provided for payment of $3.8 million by the U.S. Government to Harsco. The
Company recognized such amount as Other revenues in the Consolidated Statements
of Income in the first quarter of 1994.
Government-furnished Equipment Overcharge Claim
The Company filed a claim in the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals
asserting that the United States Government has overcharged the Company in the
sale of government-furnished equipment on various contracts, all of which have
been completed. In December 1994, the Government and the Company agreed to a
settlement of the Company's claim on those contracts and several other disputed
contracts not included in the litigation. Under the terms of the settlement, the
Government agreed to pay the Company approximately $20.4 million. This amount
was included in Other revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Each
party released the other from all liability relating to the completed contracts,
including the Government's previous claim from the Company of approximately $2.2
million. Payment was received in the first quarter of 1995.
Other Litigation
In 1992, the U.S. Government filed a counterclaim against the Company in a civil
suit alleging violations of the False Claims Act and breach of a contract to
supply M109A2 Self-Propelled Howitzers. The counterclaim was filed in the United
States Claims Court in response to the Company's claim of approximately $5
million against the Government for costs incurred on this contract relating to
the same issue. In October 1995, Government counsel informed the Company's
counsel that at trial it would claim breach of contract damages of $4.8 million
plus damages and civil penalties under the False Claims Act totaling $6.8
million. This is a reduction from the previously asserted Government claim of
$7.3 million in damages, trebled plus False Claims Act penalties. The trial
commenced in July 1996 and a decision is expected in 1997. The Company and its
counsel believe it is unlikely that resolution of these claims will
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have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, however, it
could have a material effect on quarterly or annual results of operations.
Iran's Ministry of Defense initiated arbitration procedures against the Company
in 1991 under the rules of the International Chamber of Commerce for damages
allegedly resulting from breach of various contracts executed by the Company and
the Ministry of Defense between 1970 and 1978. The contracts were terminated in
1978 and 1979 during the period of civil unrest in Iran that preceded the
Iranian revolution. Iran asserted a claim under one contract for repayment of a
$7.5 million advance payment it made to the Company, plus interest at 12%
through June 27, 1991 in the amount of $25.3 million. Iran also asserted a claim
for damages under other contracts for $76.3 million. The Company asserted
various defenses and also filed counterclaims against Iran for damages in excess
of $7.5 million which it sustained as a result of Iran's breach of contract,
plus interest. At an arbitration hearing held in January 1996, Iran reduced the
$76.3 million portion of its claim to approximately $34.4 million. The
International Court of Arbitration took the case under advisement and in
September 1996, awarded Iran a net amount of approximately $1.2 million. This
represents an award of $7.5 million to Iran for the advance payment, offset by
an award of $6.3 million to the Company for damages and legal costs and the
denial of all pre-award interest claims for both parties. The Company and Iran
have each filed appeals in the Supreme Court of Switzerland. The Company's
management and its counsel believe it is unlikely that resolution of these
claims will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position
or results of operations.
In 1992, the United States Government through its Defense Contract Audit Agency
commenced an audit of certain contracts for sale of tracked vehicles by the
Company to foreign governments, which were financed by the United States
Government through the Defense Security Assistance Agency. The Company
cooperated with the audit and responded to a number of issues raised by the
audit. In September 1994, the Company received a subpoena issued by the
Department of Defense Inspector General seeking various documents relating to
sale contracts between the Company and foreign governments which were funded by
the Defense Security Assistance Agency. The Company is continuing to cooperate
and is responding to the subpoena. Based on discussions with the agent in charge
and the Government auditors, it appears that the investigation focuses on
whether the Company made improper certifications to the Defense Security
Assistance Agency and other government contract accounting matters. The
Government has not asserted any claims at this time and it is too early to know
whether a claim will be asserted or what the nature of any such claim would be,
however, the Company's management and its counsel believe it is unlikely that
this issue will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial
position.
In June 1994, the shareholder of the Ferrari Group, a Belgium holding company
involved in steel mill services and other activities, filed a legal action in
Belgium against Heckett MultiServ, S.A. and S.E.A.E., subsidiaries of MultiServ
International N.V. (a subsidiary of the Company). The action alleges that these
two subsidiaries breached contracts arising from letters of intent signed in
1992 and 1993 concerning the possible acquisition of the Ferrari Group, claiming
that the subsidiaries were obligated to proceed with the acquisition and failed
to do so. The action seeks damages of 504 million Belgian francs (approximately
U.S. $16 million). The Company intends to vigorously defend against the action
and believes that based on conditions contained in the letters of intent and
other defenses it will prevail. The Company and its counsel believe that it is
unlikely that these claims will have a material adverse effect on the Company's
financial position or results of operations.
In August 1994, the Company filed a legal action in the United States District
Court for the Southern District of New York against certain former shareholders
of MultiServ International, N.V. seeking recovery of damages arising from
misrepresentations which the Company claims were made to it in connection with
its purchase of the MultiServ International, N.V. stock on August 31, 1993. The
Complaint seeks damages in an amount to be determined. On April 4, 1995, the
Court dismissed various elements of the Company's claims and allowed the Company
to amend its complaint with respect to other elements. At the Company's request,
the Court dismissed the remaining claims which then allowed the Company to file
an appeal in the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. The
Company settled its claims with certain defendants, and continued to pursue its
appeal with respect to claims against the other defendants. In August 1996, the
Court of Appeals affirmed the lower court decision dismissing the Company's
complaint. The Company is considering various options for further pursuit of its
claim if current efforts to settle the dispute fail.
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Environmental
The Company is involved in a number of environmental remediation investigations
and clean-ups and, along with other companies, has been identified as a
"potentially responsible party" for certain waste disposal sites. While each of
these matters is subject to various uncertainties, it is probable that the
Company will agree to make payments toward funding certain of these activities
and it is possible that some of these matters will be decided unfavorably to the
Company. The Company has evaluated its potential liability, and its financial
exposure is dependent upon such factors as the continuing evolution of
environmental laws and regulatory requirements, the availability and application
of technology, the allocation of cost among potentially responsible parties, the
years of remedial activity required and the remediation methods selected. The
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 1996 and 1995, include an accrual of
$3.9 million and $5.3 million, respectively, for environmental matters. The
amounts charged to earnings on a pre-tax basis related to environmental matters
totaled $1.2 million for each of the three years ended 1996, 1995, and 1994.
The liability for future remediation costs is evaluated on a quarterly basis.
Actual costs to be incurred at identified sites in future periods may vary from
the estimates, given inherent uncertainties in evaluating environmental
exposures. Subject to the imprecision in estimating future environmental costs,
the Company does not expect that any sum it may have to pay in connection with
environmental matters in excess of the amounts recorded or disclosed above would
have a material adverse effect on its financial position or results of
operations.
Other
The Company is subject to various other claims, legal proceedings and
investigations covering a wide range of matters that arose in the ordinary
course of business. In the opinion of management, all such matters are
adequately covered by insurance or by accruals, and if not so covered, are
without merit or are of such kind, or involve such amounts, as would not have a
material adverse effect on the financial position or results of operations of
the Company.
11. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Pension Benefits
The Company has pension and profit sharing retirement plans, most of which are
noncontributory, covering substantially all its employees. The benefits for
salaried employees generally are based on years of service and the employee's
level of compensation during specified periods of employment. Plans covering
hourly employees generally provide benefits of stated amounts for each year of
service. The multi-employer plans which the Company participates in provide
benefits to certain unionized employees. The Company's funding policy for
qualified plans is consistent with statutory regulations and customarily equals
the amount deducted for income tax purposes. The Company's policy is to amortize
prior service costs over the average future service period of active plan
participants.
Pension expense consists of the following components:
(In thousands) 1996 1995 1994
Defined benefit plans:
Service cost $ 9,690 $ 9,232 $ 10,604
Interest cost 15,165 13,958 14,160
Actual return on plan assets (29,911) (35,944) (7,885)
Net amortization and deferral 5,724 14,921 (12,909)
-------- -------- --------
668 2,167 3,970
-------- -------- --------
Multi-employer plans 3,789 3,610 3,285
-------- -------- --------
Defined contribution plans 5,910 4,530 3,965
-------- -------- --------
Pension expense $ 10,367 $ 10,307 $ 11,220
======== ======== ========
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The financial status of the pension plans and amounts recognized in the
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 1996 and 1995 are:
Assets Exceed Accumulated Benefits
Accumulated Benefits Exceed Assets
(In thousands) 1996 1995 1996 1995
Actuarial present value of benefit obligations:
Vested $ 143,517 $ 139,766 $ 18,322 $ 15,359
Non-vested 6,116 9,853 1,308 664
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Accumulated benefit obligation 149,633 149,619 19,630 16,023
Effect of increase in compensation 32,947 32,605 3,051 2,907
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Projected benefit obligation 182,580 182,224 22,681 18,930
Plan assets at fair value 282,536 254,447 9,662 10,172
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Plan assets in excess of (less than) projected
benefit obligation 99,956 72,223 (13,019) (8,758)
Unrecognized prior service cost 11,183 10,534 2,590 2,186
Unrecognized net (gain) loss (59,490) (33,581) 2,101 1,142
Unrecognized net asset (23,529) (23,709) 70 117
Minimum liability adjustment -- -- (3,146) (2,299)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Prepaid pension asset (liability) $ 28,120 $ 25,467 $ (11,404) $ (7,612)
========= ========= ========= =========
Plan assets include equity and fixed-income securities. At December 31, 1996 and
1995, 732,640 shares of the Company's common stock with a fair market value of
$25.1 million and $21.3 million, respectively, are included in plan assets.
Dividends paid on such stock amounted to $0.6 million and $0.5 million in 1996
and in 1995, respectively.
The actuarial assumptions used for the defined benefit pension plans, including
international plans, are:
1996 1995 1994
Weighted average assumed discount rates 7.8% 7.5% 7.9%
Weighted average expected long-term rates of return on plan
assets 9.3% 9.0% 8.6%
Rates of compensation increase 5.2% 4.8% 5.3%
=== === ===
The change in the assumed discount rate had the effect of decreasing the
projected benefit obligation by $9.7 million in 1996. In 1995, the changes in
the assumed discount and compensation rates had the effect of increasing the
projected benefit obligation by $4.6 million. In 1994, the increase in the
assumed discount rate had the effect of decreasing the projected benefit
obligation by $13.6 million.
POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS
The Company has postretirement life insurance benefits for a majority of
employees, and postretirement health care benefits for a limited number of
employees mainly under plans related to acquired companies. The cost of life
insurance and health care benefits are accrued for current and future retirees
and are recognized as determined under the projected unit credit actuarial
method. Under this method, the Company's obligation for postretirement benefits
is to be fully accrued by the date employees attain full eligibility for such
benefits. The Company's postretirement health care and life insurance plans are
unfunded.
The postretirement benefit expense (health care and life insurance) are (in
millions) $0.2, $0.2, and $0.5 for 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. The
components of these expenses are not shown separately as they are not material.
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The 1996 and 1995 postretirement benefit liability recorded in the Consolidated
Balance Sheets consists of:
1996 1995
HEALTH LIFE Health Life
(In thousands) CARE INSURANCE TOTAL Care Insurance Total
Current retirees $2,550 $2,584 $5,134 $2,947 $2,452 $5,399
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Future retirees 415 849 1,264 271 942 1,213
Accumulated benefit obligation 2,965 3,433 6,398 3,218 3,394 6,612
Unrecognized gain 888 1,276 2,164 1,100 1,219 2,319
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Accumulated postretirement
benefit liability $3,853 $4,709 $8,562 $ 4,318 $4,613 $8,931
====== ====== ====== ======= ====== ======
The actuarial assumptions used for postretirement benefit plans are:
(Dollars in thousands) 1996 1995 1994
Assumed discount rate 7.5% 7.0% 7.5%
Health care cost trend rate 9.1% 9.5% 12.4%
Decreasing to ultimate rate 5.5% 5.5% 6.0%
Effect of one percent increase in health care cost trend rate:
On cost components $ 29 $ 32 $ 25
On accumulated benefit obligation $ 223 $ 241 $ 287
======= ======= =======
It is anticipated that the health care cost trend rate will decrease from 9.1%
in 1997 to 5.5% in the year 2005.
SAVINGS PLAN
The Company has a savings plan designed to comply with the requirements of the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA") and Section 401(k) of
the Internal Revenue Code. The plan covers substantially all U.S. employees with
the exception of any such employees represented by a collective bargaining
agreement, unless the agreement expressly provides otherwise. Employee
contributions are generally determined as a percentage of covered employee's
compensation. The expense for contributions to the plan by the Company were (in
millions) $3.8, $3.6 and $2.8 for 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
EXECUTIVE INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN
At the Company's 1995 Annual Meeting, the Shareholders approved the 1995
Executive Incentive Compensation Plan which replaced the annual and long-term
incentive plans and the 1986 stock option plan. The new Plan became effective
January 1, 1995. Under the Plan, the Management Development and Compensation
Committee awards 60% of the value of any earned performance to be paid to
participants in the form of cash and 40% in the form of restricted shares of the
Company's common stock. Awards are made in March of the following year.
Effective in 1996, the Board of Directors approved a change to the terms and
conditions of the annual incentive awards under the Plan. The amendment provides
that upon the request of the participant, the Committee may make the incentive
award payable all in cash, subject to a 25% reduction in the total amount of the
award. The Company accrues amounts based on performance reflecting the value of
cash and common stock which is anticipated to be earned for the current year.
Compensation expense relating to these awards was $5.5 million and $5.2 million
in 1996 and 1995, respectively. Compensation expense under the old plan was $3.7
million for 1994. A total of 4,000,000 shares of the Company's common stock are
reserved and available for issuance to participants for annual incentive and
stock option awards.
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12. INCOME TAXES
Income before taxes and minority interest in the Consolidated Statements of
Income consists of:
(In thousands) 1996 1995 1994
Income before income taxes:
United States $ 130,424 $ 105,296 $ 129,225
International 70,460 58,432 19,615
--------- --------- ---------
$ 200,884 $ 163,728 $ 148,840
========= ========= =========
Provision for income taxes:
Currently payable:
Federal $ 40,014 $ 46,837 $ 37,193
State 7,919 9,303 6,697
International 25,581 25,368 12,271
--------- --------- ---------
73,514 81,508 56,161
Deferred federal and state 2,321 (18,941) 3,503
Deferred international 501 1,287 (128)
--------- --------- ---------
$ 76,336 $ 63,854 $ 59,536
========= ========= =========
Cash payments for income taxes were (in millions) $85.4, $75.5 and $49.2, for
1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
The following is a reconciliation of the normal expected statutory U.S. federal
income tax rate to the effective rate as a percentage of Income before provision
for income taxes and minority interest as reported in the Consolidated
Statements of Income:
1996 1995 1994
U.S. federal income tax rate 35.0% 35.0% 35.0%
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit 2.6 2.8 3.2
Export sales corporation benefit (.5) (.5) (1.1)
International losses for which no tax benefit was recorded .7 1.9 2.4
Difference in effective tax rates on international earnings and remittances (1.8) (1.3) (1.4)
Nondeductible acquisition costs 1.4 1.7 2.0
Other, net .6 (.6) (.1)
------ ------ ------
Effective income tax rate 38.0% 39.0% 40.0%
====== ====== ======
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The tax effects of the primary temporary differences giving rise to the
Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities for the years ended December 31,
1996 and 1995 are:
(In thousands) 1996 1995
Deferred income taxes ASSET LIABILITY Asset Liability
Depreciation $ -- $40,997 $ -- $37,625
Expense accruals 34,799 -- 30,890 --
Inventories 3,598 -- 3,175 --
Provision for receivables 2,238 -- 1,960 --
Postretirement benefits 3,453 -- 3,444 --
Deferred revenue -- 4,985 -- 4,206
Unrelieved foreign tax losses 12,854 -- 14,800 --
Pensions -- 8,478 -- 7,735
Investment in United Defense, L.P. 553 -- -- 325
Other -- 61 -- 5,174
-------- ------- -------- -------
57,495 54,521 54,269 55,065
Valuation allowance (9,471) -- (9,403) --
-------- ------- -------- -------
Total deferred income taxes $ 48,024 $54,521 $ 44,866 $55,065
======== ======= ======== =======
At December 31, 1996 and 1995, Other current assets included deferred income tax
benefits of $22.2 million and $18.4 million, respectively.
At December 31, 1996, certain of the Company's non-U.S. subsidiaries had total
available net operating loss carryforwards ("NOLs") of approximately $31.4
million of which approximately $8.1 million will expire by 2000, $0.5 million
will expire by 2001, $4.5 million will expire by 2004 and the balance may be
carried forward indefinitely. Included in the total are $15.1 million of
preacquisition NOLs.
During 1996 and 1995, $3.7 million and $8.5 million, respectively, of
preacquisition NOLs were utilized by the Company, resulting in tax benefits of
$1.4 million and $2.9 million, respectively.
The valuation allowance of $9.5 million and $9.4 million at December 31, 1996
and 1995, respectively relates principally to cumulative unrelieved foreign tax
losses which are uncertain as to realizability. To the extent that the
preacquisition NOLs, are utilized in the future and the associated valuation
allowance reduced, the tax benefit will be allocated to reduce the cost in
excess of net assets of businesses acquired.
The change in the valuation allowances for 1996, 1995 and 1994 results primarily
from the utilization of foreign tax loss carryforwards and the release of
valuation allowances in certain international jurisdictions based on the
Company's reevaluation of the realizability of future benefits resulting from
tax planning strategies. The release of valuation allowances in certain
jurisdictions was allocated to reduce the cost in excess of net assets of
businesses acquired by $4.7 million and $3.4 million in 1995 and 1994,
respectively. There was no reduction in 1996.
13. CAPITAL STOCK
The authorized capital stock consists of 70,000,000 shares of common stock and
4,000,000 shares of preferred stock, both having a par value of $1.25 per share.
The preferred stock is issuable in series with terms as fixed by the Board of
Directors. No preferred stock has been issued other than the preferred stock
rights for a Series A Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock
distributed by the Company in September 1987 for each outstanding share of
common stock. The rights may be exercised, under certain conditions, to purchase
1/100th share of a new Series A Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock
at a purchase price of $200. This new preferred stock has a par value of $1.25
per share and a liquidation price of $150 per share with 400,000 shares
authorized and none issued. The rights are not exercisable or transferable apart
from the common stock, until ten days after a public announcement that a person
or group has acquired 20% or more, or intends to commence a tender offer for 25%
or more of the Company's common stock. The rights, which expire on September 28,
1997, do not have voting power, and may be redeemed by the Company at a price of
$.05 per right at any time until the 10th business day following public
announcement that a person or group has accumulated 20% or more of the Company's
outstanding shares. Prior to the stock split discussed in Note 2, one right was
associated with each share of common stock. Upon the distribution of the shares
related to the two-
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for-one stock split on March 14, 1997, these rights will be adjusted in
accordance with the terms of the Rights Agreement such that each share of common
stock now has one-half of a right associated with it.
In January 1997, the Board of Directors authorized the purchase, over a one-year
period, of up to 2,000,000 shares of the Company's common stock on a post-split
basis.
Common Stock Summary
Shares Treasury Shares
Balances Issued Shares Outstanding
December 31, 1993 32,114,499 7,146,698 24,967,801
December 31, 1994 32,343,553 7,161,303 25,182,250
December 31, 1995 32,537,880 7,486,331 25,051,549
December 31, 1996* 65,458,202 15,855,850 49,602,352
---------- ---------- ----------
*Includes the effect of a two-for-one stock split.
14. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
Effective January 1, 1996, the Company adopted the disclosure-only provisions of
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation" (SFAS 123). Accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized
for the stock option plans. Had compensation cost for the Company's stock option
plan been determined based on the fair value at the grant date for awards in
accordance with the provisions of SFAS 123, the Company's net income and net
income per common share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts
indicated below:
In thousands, except per share 1996 1995
Net income -- as reported $ 119,009 $ 97,377
Net income -- pro forma 117,622 96,108
Net income per common share -- as reported 2.39 1.93
Net income per common share -- pro forma 2.36 1.90
----------- -----------
The fair value of the options granted during 1996 and 1995 is estimated on the
date of grant using the binomial option pricing model. The major assumptions
used and the estimated fair value are listed as follows:
Expected Risk Free Rate of
Expected Stock Interest Dividend
Term Volatility Rate Dividend Increase Fair Value
1996
Incentive Stock Options 4 years 16.0% 5.14% $ 0.76 5% $ 4.545
Nonqualified Stock Options 4 years 16.0% 6.30% $ 0.76 5% $ 6.340
1995
Incentive Stock Options 4 years 16.0% 7.69% $ 0.74 5% $ 3.740
Nonqualified Stock Options 4 years 16.0% 7.07% $ 0.74 5% $ 4.005
------- ----- ----- ------- -- -------
The Company has granted stock options to officers and directors for the purchase
of its common stock under two shareholder approved plans.
The shareholders approved, at the 1995 Annual Meeting, the 1995 Executive
Incentive Compensation Plan and the 1995 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan. The
1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan authorizes the issuance of up to
4,000,000 shares of the Company's common stock for use in paying incentive
compensation awards in the form of restricted stock and stock options. The 1995
Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan authorizes the issuance of up to 300,000
shares of the Company's common stock for stock option awards. Options are
granted at fair market value at date of grant and become exercisable commencing
one year later. The options expire ten years from the date of grant. The award
of shares and options under the 1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan
commenced in 1996; while the awards of options under the 1995 Non-Employee
Directors' Stock Plan commenced in May 1995. Upon approval of these two plans in
1995, the Company terminated the use of the 1986 stock option plan for granting
of stock option awards. At December 31, 1996, there were 3,654,084 and
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268,000 shares available for granting restricted stock and stock options under
the 1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan and the 1995 Non-Employee
Directors' Stock Plan, respectively.
Restricted stock awards entitle the participant to full dividend, paid in shares
of restricted stock, and voting rights. Restricted stock awards generally vest
over a three year period. Unvested shares are restricted as to disposition and
subject to forfeiture under certain circumstances.
At December 31, 1996, options to purchase 1,202,026 shares were exercisable.
Changes during 1996 and 1995 in options outstanding were:
Weighted
Shares Under Average
Option Option Price Range per Share Exercise Price
Outstanding, January 1, 1995 1,347,280 $ 11.72 to $ 21.625 $ 18.247
Granted 362,000 21.6875 to 23.8125 21.793
Exercised (388,654) 11.72 to 21.625 17.134
Terminated and expired (35,708) 13.78 to 21.6875 20.435
--------- -------- ----- -------- --------
Outstanding, December 31, 1995 1,284,918 11.72 to 23.8125 19.522
Granted 311,150 29.47 to 34.6875 29.705
Exercised (382,442) 12.44 to 29.47 18.954
Terminated and expired (11,600) 29.47 29.470
--------- -------- ----- -------- --------
OUTSTANDING, DECEMBER 31, 1996 1,202,026 $ 11.72 TO $34.6875 $ 22.243
========= ======== ==== ======== ========
The following table summarizes information concerning currently outstanding and
exercisable options.
Options Outstanding Options Exercisable
Remaining
Range of Number Contractual Life Weighted Average Number Weighted Average
Exercisable Prices Outstanding In Years Exercise Price Exercisable Exercise Price
$11.72 -- $17.625 202,778 3.8 $14.210 202,778 $14.210
20.69 -- 34.6875 999,248 7.8 23.873 708,698 21.475
--------- -------
1,202,026 911,476
========= =======
During 1996 and 1995, the Company had non-cash transactions related to stock
option exercises of $1.5 million and $1.7 million, respectively, whereby old
shares are exchanged for new shares.
The following table summarizes the restricted stock activity:
1996
Restricted shares awarded 60,660
Restricted shares forfeited 294
Weighted average market value of stock on grant date $32.6875
--------
During 1996 and 1995, the Company recorded $2.1 million and $2.0 million,
respectively, in compensation expense related to restricted stock.
15. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISK
As collateral for performance and to ceding insurers, the Company is
contingently liable under standby letters of credit and bonds in the amount of
$47.3 million and $49.2 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
These standby letters of credit and bonds are generally in force from one to
three years for which the Company pays fees to various banks and insurance
companies that generally range from 0.2 to 1.0 percent per annum of their face
value. If the Company were required to obtain replacement standby letters of
credit and bonds as of December 31, 1996 for those currently outstanding,
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it is the Company's opinion that the replacement costs for such standby letters
of credit and bonds would not vary significantly from the present fee structure.
At December 31, 1996 and 1995, the Company had $10.9 million and $7.8 million,
respectively, of forward foreign currency exchange contracts outstanding. These
contracts are part of a worldwide program to minimize foreign currency exchange
operating income and balance sheet exposure. The unsecured contracts generally
mature within 12 months and are principally with major financial institutions.
The Company is exposed to credit loss in the event of non-performance by the
other parties to the contracts. The Company evaluates the creditworthiness of
the counterparties' financial condition and does not expect default by the
counterparties.
FOREIGN EXCHANGE RISK MANAGEMENT
The Company has operations in 30 countries including the United States. It has
translational and transactional foreign currency exposures at these operations.
The Company's primary foreign currency exposures are in France, Belgium, United
Kingdom, Brazil, South Africa and Mexico.
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are generally used to hedge
commitments, such as foreign currency debt, the purchase of equipment, and
foreign currency cash flows for certain export sales transactions.
The following table summarizes by major currency the contractual amounts of the
Company's forward exchange contracts in U.S. dollars as of December 31, 1996.
The "Sell" amounts represent the U.S. dollar equivalent of commitments to sell
foreign currencies, and the "Buy" amounts represent the U.S. dollar equivalent
of commitments to purchase foreign currencies.
$ U.S. Recognized Unrealized
(In thousands) Type Equivalent Maturity Gain (Loss) Gain (Loss)
Forward exchange contracts:
British pounds Buy $ 2,934 Various in 1997 $ 172 $ ---
French francs Buy 2,239 1-30-97 (2) ---
German marks Buy 1,186 Various to 1998 125 ---
Italian lire Sell 164 1-10-97 --- (2)
Spanish pesetas Buy 1,452 Various in 1997 --- ---
South African rand Sell 2,904 Various in 1997 --- 191
-------- ----- -----
$ 10,879 $ 295 $ 189
======== ===== =====
At December 31, 1996, the Company had entered into forward exchange contracts in
British pounds, French francs and German marks which were used to hedge certain
future payments between the Company and its various subsidiaries. These forward
contracts do not qualify as hedges for financial reporting purposes. At December
31, 1996, the Company had recorded net gains of $0.3 million on these contracts.
The Company also had forward exchange contracts in Italian lire, Spanish pesetas
and South African rand which were used to hedge equipment purchases. Since these
contracts hedge identifiable foreign currency firm commitments the gain of $0.2
million was deferred. The counterparties of these agreements are major financial
institutions, therefore, management believes the risk of incurring losses
related to these contracts is remote.
The table below summarizes by major currency the contractual amounts of the
Company's forward exchange contracts in U.S. dollars as of December 31, 1995.
$ U.S. Recognized Unrealized
(In thousands) Type Equivalent Maturity Gain (Loss) Gain (Loss)
Forward exchange contracts:
Australian dollars Sell $ 3,916 Various in 1996 $ --- $ 12
German marks Buy 2,606 Various to 1998 --- 468
Italian lire Buy 1,253 Various in 1996 --- 147
British pounds Buy 71 1-15-96 --- (2)
------- ----- -----
$ 7,846 $ --- $ 625
======= ===== =====
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At December 31, 1995, the Company had forward exchange contracts in Italian lire
and German marks which were used to hedge product cost transactions and
contracts in British pounds and Australian dollars to hedge certain sales and
payments between the Company and its Australian subsidiaries, respectively.
Since these contracts hedge identified foreign currency firm commitments, the
net gain of $0.6 million was deferred. The counterparties of these agreements
are major financial institutions; therefore, management believes the risk of
incurring losses related to these contracts is remote.
CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK
Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of
credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, investments and
accounts receivable. The Company places its cash and cash equivalents with high
quality financial institutions and, by policy, limits the amount of credit
exposure to any one institution. For investments, the Company purchases
investment grade debt securities and limits the amount of credit exposure to any
one government or commercial issuer. Concentrations of credit risk with respect
to accounts receivable are limited, due to the large number of customers in the
Company's customer base and their dispersion across many different industries
and geographies. The Company generally does not require collateral or other
security to support customer receivables.
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The following notes summarize the major methods and assumptions used in
estimating the fair values of financial instruments:
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
The carrying amount approximates fair value due to the relatively short
period to maturity of these instruments.
INVESTMENTS
The fair values of investments are estimated based on quoted market
prices for those or similar investments.
LONG-TERM DEBT
The fair value of the Company's long-term debt is estimated based on
the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the
current rates offered to the Company for debt of the same remaining
maturities.
FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS
The fair value of foreign currency exchange contracts are estimated by obtaining
quotes from brokers.
The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company's financial
instruments as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 are:
1996 1995
(IN THOUSANDS) CARRYING FAIR Carrying Fair
AMOUNT VALUE Amount Value
Cash and cash equivalents $ 45,862 $ 45,862 $ 76,669 $ 76,669
Investments in debt securities 33,238 33,325 46,003 46,286
Long-term debt 236,711 230,037 282,969 282,943
Foreign currency exchange contracts 10,879 11,520 7,846 7,349
-------- -------- -------- --------
16. FACILITIES DISCONTINUANCE AND REORGANIZATION COSTS
In 1996, the Company recorded a net charge of $3.3 million on the Consolidated
Statements of Income. This was primarily due to exit costs for the ceased school
bus business and discontinuance of certain facilities for Metal Reclamation and
Mill Services and Infrastructure and Construction Groups.
In 1995, the Company recorded a net charge of $22.8 million on the Consolidated
Statements of Income. This was primarily due to a third quarter non-cash charge
of $13.5 million relating to the settlement of the Federal Excise Tax
reimbursement on the completed five-ton truck contract. This
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charge resulted from off setting the $49 million payment received against the
$62.5 million receivable recorded during the performance of the contract. The
Company recognized for the school bus business a $2.1 million provision for
asset impairment relating to the remaining fixed assets and $3 million in
termination and other exit costs. The Company ceased all bus operations in June
1995. Additionally, the Company recorded net charges of $2.8 million in 1995
related to the discontinuance of certain international facilities for the Metal
Reclamation and Mill Services Group. These charges were for the discontinuance
of certain product lines.
In 1994, the Company recorded a net charge of $17.1 million on the Consolidated
Statements of Income primarily for the asset impairment of the school bus
business assets, costs associated with the military truck contract close-out and
the discontinuance and rationalization of administrative facilities at several
international metal reclamation and mill services locations. In November 1994,
the Board of Directors authorized the Company to exit from the school bus
business. In the fourth quarter of 1994, the Company recognized an asset
impairment charge of $8 million for the write-down of the bus business assets to
their estimated net realizable value. During the second and third quarters of
1994, the Company recognized a total charge of $5.7 million relating to the
discontinuance and rationalization of administrative facilities in the Metal
Reclamation and Mill Services Group. This charge was principally composed of
termination and lease costs. The Company also recognized a $4.7 million charge
in the third quarter for costs associated with closing out the military truck
contract.
17. INFORMATION BY INDUSTRY GROUP AND GEOGRAPHIC AREA
The Company is a diversified industrial services and manufacturing company. Its
operations are classified among three Operating Groups: Metal Reclamation and
Mill Services, Infrastructure and Construction, and Process Industry Products.
The Company has over 175 major facilities in 30 countries, including the United
States. The Company also holds a 40% ownership in United Defense, L.P., a $1.0
billion joint venture with FMC Corporation, which principally manufactures
ground combat vehicles for the U.S. and international governments. The major
products and services included in each Industry Group and other information
follows:
METAL RECLAMATION AND MILL SERVICES. This Group provides metal reclamation and
mill services primarily for the global steel industry in 29 countries. Steel
mill services include slag processing, marketing and disposal; slab management
systems; materials handling and scrap management programs; in-plant
transportation; and a variety of environmental services. Similar services are
also provided to non-ferrous metallurgical industries. Newer markets include
such non-ferrous metal industries as aluminum, nickel and copper.
INFRASTRUCTURE AND CONSTRUCTION. Major products and services include railway
maintenance of way equipment and services; bridge decking and industrial
grating; scaffolding, shoring and concrete forming products along with their
erection and dismantling; granules for asphalt roofing shingles; and slag
abrasives for industrial surface preparation.
Products and services are provided to private and government-owned railroads
worldwide; urban mass transit operators; public utilities; industrial plants;
the oil, chemical, petrochemical and process industries; bridge repair
companies; commercial and industrial construction firms; infrastructure repair
and maintenance markets; and the residential roofing industry.
PROCESS INDUSTRY PRODUCTS. Major products are industrial pipe fittings; process
equipment, including industrial blenders, dryers and mixers; heat transfer
equipment; boilers; air-cooled heat exchangers; wear resistant steels; valves,
regulators and gauges, including scuba and life support equipment; and gas
containment cylinders and tanks, including cryogenic equipment.
Major customers include various industrial markets; hardware, plumbing and
petrochemical sectors; chemical, food processing and pharmaceutical industries;
institutional building and retrofit markets; natural gas and process industries;
propane, compressed gas, life support, scuba and refrigerant gas industries; gas
equipment companies, welding distributors; medical laboratories; beverage
carbonation users; and the animal husbandry industry.
OTHER INFORMATION. The operations of the Company in any one country, except the
United States, do not account for more than 10% of sales and no single customer
or group under common control represented 10% or more of the Company's sales,
during 1996, 1995 and 1994.
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Identifiable assets are those assets used in each Operating Group. Corporate
assets primarily include cash, investments, prepaid pension costs and U.S.
deferred taxes. There are no significant intergroup sales.
INDUSTRY GROUP INFORMATION
NET SALES TO UNAFFILIATED CUSTOMERS OPERATING PROFIT
INDUSTRY GROUP ----------------------------------- ----------------------------------
(In millions) 1996 1995 1994 1996 1995 1994
Metal Reclamation and Mill Services(1) $ 607.7 $ 604.2 $ 523.4 $ 85.2 $ 80.0 $ 43.5
Infrastructure and Construction(2) 408.8 399.7 391.5 42.8 36.3 11.3
Process Industry Products 541.1 491.6 442.8 55.8 46.0 42.0
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
1,557.6 1,495.5 1,357.7 183.8 162.3 96.8
Facilities discontinuance and
reorganization costs(3) -- -- -- (2.4) (20.7) (17.4)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Industry group totals $1,557.6 $1,495.5 $1,357.7 181.4 141.6 79.4
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Equity in income of unconsolidated
entities 50.1 57.0 64.1
Gain on sale of investments -- -- 6.0
Claim settlements -- -- 36.2
Interest expense (21.5) (28.9) (34.0)
General corporate expenses(4) (9.1) (6.0) (2.9)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Income before taxes and minority interest $ 200.9 $ 163.7 $ 148.8
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
IDENTIFIABLE ASSETS DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
----------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
(In millions) 1996 1995 1994 1996 1995 1994 1996 1995 1994
Metal Reclamation
and Mill Services $ 698.3 $ 687.8 $ 658.9 $ 76.6 $ 73.7 $ 70.5 $ 108.9 $ 73.0 $ 61.6
Infrastructure and
Construction 230.5 228.7 278.7 21.0 20.4 19.2 28.3 27.2 18.1
Process Industry
Products 229.3 211.9 186.4 10.6 9.5 8.7 12.4 13.4 10.9
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
1,158.1 1,128.4 1,124.0 108.2 103.6 98.4 149.6 113.6 90.6
Corporate 108.6 136.7 158.3 1.2 1.3 1.2 .7 .3 .3
Investments in
unconsolidated
entities 57.7 45.6 32.3
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total $1,324.4 $1,310.7 $1,314.6 $ 109.4 $ 104.9 $ 99.6 $ 150.3 $ 113.9 $ 90.9
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
GEOGRAPHIC AREA INFORMATION
GEOGRAPHIC AREA NET SALES OPERATING PROFIT IDENTIFIABLE ASSETS
---------------------------------- -------------------------------- ----------------------------------
(In millions) 1996 1995 1994 1996 1995 1994 1996 1995 1994
United States $ 974.0 $ 916.9 $ 863.3 $ 106.7 $ 81.7 $ 57.1 $ 508.8 $ 462.8 $ 543.9
Europe 332.4 365.8 308.9 24.4 27.3 4.9 415.4 438.9 392.9
All Other 251.2 212.8 185.5 50.3 32.6 17.4 233.9 226.7 187.2
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total $1,557.6 $1,495.5 $1,357.7 $ 181.4 $ 141.6 $ 79.4 $1,158.1 $1,128.4 $1,124.0
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
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EXPORT SALES
(In millions) 1996 1995 1994
North America (Excluding USA) $ 52.2 $ 49.9 $ 60.1
Asia 21.1 21.6 22.3
All Others 24.5 19.2 12.7
------- ------- -------
Total $ 97.8 $ 90.7 $ 95.1
======= ======= =======
(1) For the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994, the Group
realized foreign currency losses of (in millions) $1.1, $2.3, and $8.1,
respectively. These currency losses include $3.4 million and $7 million
in 1995 and 1994, respectively, related to the devaluation of the
Mexican peso.
(2) Under the Infrastructure and Construction Group, the Company ceased all
bus operations in June, 1995. For 1995, the school bus operation had
$15.7 million in sales and an operating loss of $6.2 million.
(3) The year ended December 31, 1995 includes a non-cash charge of $13.5
million relating to the settlement of the Federal Excise Tax
reimbursement on the completed five-ton truck contract, a $2.1 million
provision for asset impairment relating to the remaining fixed assets
of the school bus business, and $3 million in termination and other
exit costs for the school bus business related to the Infrastructure
and Construction Group. The year 1995 also includes $2.8 million
relating to the discontinuance of certain international facilities
related to the Metal Reclamation and Mill Services Group, and in 1996
this amounted to $1 million. The year ended December 31, 1994, includes
$5.7 million for discontinuance and rationalization of administrative
facilities and termination costs related to the Metal Reclamation and
Mill Services Group, and, under the Infrastructure and Construction
Group, a provision of $4.7 million relating to the net realizable value
of the investment in the five-ton truck business and future anticipated
costs associated with contract close-out and related issues and a
provision for asset impairment of the school bus business of $8
million.
(4) General corporate expenses for the year 1995 include a $5.8 million
foreign currency translation exchange gain. For the 1996 and 1994
comparable periods, foreign currency translation exchange losses were
immaterial.
6. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS ON INCOME
The following condensed consolidated statements of income of Harsco Corporation
for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and September 30, 1997 have been
extracted from the published unaudited consolidated financial statements
September 30, 1997. In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
in the United States, the equity in income of United Defense L.P. has been
reflected as discontinued operations (see section 11):
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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30
------------------------------
(In thousands, except per share amounts) 1997 1996
REVENUES:
Product sales $ 638,711 $ 582,540
Service sales 585,251 567,655
----------- -----------
NET SALES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES 1,223,962 1,150,195
Other 1,217 1,135
----------- -----------
TOTAL REVENUES 1,225,179 1,151,330
=========== ===========
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Cost of products sold 487,446 444,916
Cost of services sold 441,347 427,346
Selling, general and administrative expenses 159,647 153,421
Research and development expenses 3,695 3,505
Facilities discontinuance and reorganization costs 3,233 1,711
Other (820) (447)
----------- -----------
TOTAL COSTS AND EXPENSES 1,094,548 1,030,452
=========== ===========
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INTEREST,
INCOME TAXES, AND MINORITY INTEREST 130,631 120,878
Interest income 3,521 5,275
Interest expense (12,661) (16,881)
----------- -----------
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES
AND MINORITY INTEREST 121,491 109,272
Provision for income taxes 46,167 44,798
----------- -----------
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE MINORITY INTEREST 75,324 64,474
Minority interest in net income 4,701 3,909
----------- -----------
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 70,623 60,565
Discontinued operations:
Equity in income of United Defense, L.P. (net of income taxes of $3,523
and $2,329 for the three month periods, respectively, and $13,389 and
$12,439 for the nine month periods, respectively) 29,117 28,914
----------- -----------
NET INCOME $ 99,740 $ 89,479
=========== ===========
Average shares of common stock outstanding 49,113 49,989
Earnings per common share:
Income from continuing operations $ 1.44 $ 1.21
Income from discontinued operations .59 .58
----------- -----------
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE $ 2.03 $ 1.79
=========== ===========
CASH DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE $ .60 $ .57
=========== ===========
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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7. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS OF HARSCO CORPORATION
The following condensed consolidated balance sheets of Harsco Corporation as of
December 31, 1996 and September 30, 1997 have been extracted from the published
unaudited consolidated financial statements as of those dates. In accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, the balance
sheet as of December 31, 1996 has been restated to reflect the net assets of the
discontinued defense business (see section 11):
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands) SEPTEMBER 30 December 31
1997 1996
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 30,560 $ 45,862
Receivables 283,678 268,230
Inventories:
Finished goods 32,449 24,743
Work in process 31,400 25,843
Raw material and purchased parts 58,555 57,581
Stores and supplies 19,835 17,851
----------- -----------
Total inventories 142,239 126,018
Other current assets 57,082 68,436
----------- -----------
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 513,559 508,546
=========== ===========
Property, plant and equipment, at cost 1,210,973 1,187,452
Allowance for depreciation (698,282) (674,340)
----------- -----------
512,691 513,112
----------- -----------
Cost in excess of net assets of businesses acquired, net 181,834 195,387
Net assets of discontinued operations 47,739 54,376
Other assets 51,182 52,998
----------- -----------
TOTAL ASSETS $ 1,307,005 $ 1,324,419
=========== ===========
LIABILITIES
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Notes payable and current maturities $ 32,524 $ 26,182
Accounts payable 102,906 111,912
Accrued compensation 44,786 44,501
Other current liabilities 111,228 111,432
----------- -----------
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 291,444 294,027
=========== ===========
Long-term debt 223,768 227,385
Deferred income taxes 33,720 34,182
Other liabilities 87,085 87,538
----------- -----------
TOTAL LIABILITIES 636,017 643,132
=========== ===========
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock and additional paid-in capital 160,349 150,974
Cumulative adjustments for translation and pension liability (44,239) (26,095)
Retained earnings 864,994 794,473
Treasury stock (310,116) (238,065)
----------- -----------
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 670,988 681,287
=========== ===========
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 1,307,005 $ 1,324,419
=========== ===========
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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8. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
The following condensed consolidated statements of cash flows of Harsco
Corporation for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and September 30, 1997
have been extracted from the published unaudited consolidated financial
statements:
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
Nine Months Ended
September
(In thousands) 1997 1996
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income $ 99,740 $ 89,479
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
Depreciation 79,813 74,720
Amortization 6,842 6,975
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities (43,258) (41,906)
Dividends or distributions from unconsolidated entities 49,142 27,363
Deferred income taxes 1,180 2,612
Other, net 3,557 2,200
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and
dispositions of businesses:
Accounts receivable (24,875) (13,600)
Inventories (19,187) (5,140)
Accounts payable (1,265) (4,776)
Other assets and liabilities (1,059) (13,146)
--------- ---------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES 150,630 124,781
========= =========
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment (105,742) (105,465)
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired -- (21,030)
Investments held-to-maturity, net of purchases 16,379 6,685
Proceeds from sale of businesses 1,236 1,793
Other investing activities 5,631 3,510
--------- ---------
NET CASH (USED) BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES (82,496) (114,507)
========= =========
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Short-term borrowings, net 12,836 12,977
Current maturities and long-term debt:
Additions 56,430 185,900
Reductions (56,760) (175,695)
Cash dividends paid on common stock (29,504) (28,520)
Common stock issued-options 5,228 4,581
Common stock acquired for treasury (69,109) (29,973)
Other financing activities (1,275) 500
--------- ---------
NET CASH (USED) BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES (82,154) (30,230)
========= =========
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash (1,282) (1,534)
--------- ---------
Net (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (15,302) (21,490)
--------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 45,862 76,669
========= =========
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD $ 30,560 $ 55,179
========= =========
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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9. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF HARSCO CORPORATION
The following notes to the consolidated financial statements of Harsco
Corporation have been extracted from the published unaudited condensed
consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 1997:
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Commitments and Contingencies:
Federal Excise Tax and Other Matters Related to the Five-ton Truck Contract
In the third quarter of 1995, the Company, the United States Army, and the
United States Department of Justice concluded a settlement of Harsco's
previously reported claims against the Army relating to Federal Excise Tax
("FET") arising under a completed 1986 contract for the sale of five-ton trucks
to the Army. On September 27, 1995, the Army paid the Company $49 million in
accordance with the settlement terms. The Company released the Army from any
further liability for those claims, and the Department of Justice released the
Company from a threatened action for damages and civil penalties based on an
investigation conducted by the Department's Commercial Litigation Branch that
had been pending for several years. During the performance of the five-ton truck
contract, the Company recorded an account receivable of $62.5 million for its
claims against the Army relating to Federal Excise Tax. As a result of accepting
the $49 million in settlement, the Company recorded a non-recurring, pre-tax,
non-cash charge of $13.5 million (after-tax charge of $8.2 million, $.16 per
share), in the third quarter of 1995.
The settlement preserves the rights of the parties to assert claims and defenses
under the Internal Revenue Code, and rights of the Army and the Company to claim
certain amounts that may be owed by either party to reconcile possible
underpayments or overpayments on the truck contract as part of the formal
contract close-out process.
The settlement does not resolve the claim by the Internal Revenue Service that,
contrary to the Company's position, certain cargo truck models sold by the
Company should be considered to have gross vehicle weights in excess of the
33,000 pound threshold under the Federal Excise Tax law, are not entitled to an
exemption from the Federal Excise Tax under any other theory, and therefore are
taxable. On December 19, 1996, the District Director of the Internal Revenue
Service issued a 30-day letter and examination report (the "Report") that
proposed an increase in Federal Excise Tax of $33.7 million plus penalties of
$6.9 million and applicable interest currently estimated by the Company to be
$33.7 million, primarily on the grounds that those cargo truck models are
subject to the Federal Excise Tax. This proposed increase in Federal Excise Tax
takes into account offsetting credits of $9.2 million, based on a partial
allowance of the Company's $23.4 million claim that certain truck components are
exempt from the Federal Excise Tax. The Report disallowed in full the Company's
additional claim that it is entitled to the entire $52 million of Federal Excise
Tax (plus applicable interest currently estimated by the Company to be $29.9
million) the Company has paid on the five-ton trucks, on the grounds that such
trucks qualify for the Federal Excise Tax exemption applicable to certain
vehicles specially designed for the primary function of off-highway
transportation. In the event that the Company ultimately receives from the
Internal Revenue Service a refund of tax (including applicable interest) with
respect to which the Company has already received reimbursement from the Army,
the refund would be allocated between the Company and the Army. The Company
plans to vigorously contest the findings of the District Director. On March 19,
1997, the Company filed its formal written protest to these findings with the
Internal Revenue Service Office of the Regional Director of Appeals. Although
there is risk of an adverse outcome, the Company believes that the cargo trucks
are not taxable. No recognition has been given in the accompanying financial
statements for the Company's claim or the dispute with the Internal Revenue
Service.
The settlement agreement with the Army preserves the Company's right to seek
reimbursement of after-imposed tax from the Army in the event that the cargo
trucks are determined to be taxable, but the agreement limits the reimbursement
to a maximum of $21 million. Additionally, in an earlier contract modification,
the Army accepted responsibility for $3.6 million of the potential tax, bringing
its total potential responsibility up to $24.6 million.
Under the settlement, the Army agreed that if the cargo trucks are determined to
be taxable, the 1993 decision of the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals
(which ruled that the Company is entitled to a price adjustment to the contract
for reimbursement of FET paid on vehicles that were to be delivered after
October 1, 1988) will apply to the question of the Company's right to
reimbursement from the
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Army for after-imposed taxes on the cargo trucks. In the Company's view,
application of the 1993 decision will favorably resolve the principal issues
regarding any such future claim by the Company. Therefore, the Company believes
that even if the cargo trucks are ultimately held to be taxable, the Army would
be obligated to reimburse the Company for a majority of the tax, (but not
interest or penalty, if any), resulting in a net maximum liability for the
Company of $9.1 million plus penalties of $6.9 million and applicable interest
currently estimated by the Company to be $33.7 million. The Company believes it
is unlikely that resolution of this matter will have a material adverse effect
on the Company's financial position, however, it could have a material effect on
quarterly or annual results of operations.
M9 Armored Combat Earthmover Claim
The Company and its legal counsel are of the opinion that the U.S. Government
did not exercise option three under the M9 Armored Combat Earthmover (ACE)
contract in a timely manner, with the result that the unit prices for options
three, four and five are subject to renegotiation. Claims reflecting the
Company's position have been filed with respect to all options purported to be
exercised, totaling in excess of $60 million plus interest. No recognition has
been given in the accompanying financial statements for any recovery on these
claims. In July 1995, the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals denied the
motions for summary judgment which had been filed by both the Company and the
Government. The Company is continuing to pursue its claim before the Armed
Services Board of Contract Appeals.
Other Litigation
In 1992, the U.S. Government filed a counterclaim against the Company in a civil
suit alleging violations of the False Claims Act and breach of a contract to
supply M109A2 Self-Propelled Howitzers. The counterclaim was filed in the United
States Claims Court in response to the Company's claim of approximately $5
million against the Government for costs incurred on this contract relating to
the same issue. In May 1997, the Court issued a decision in the first phase of
the case, denying the Company's claim for reimbursement and granting the
Government's counterclaim for breach of contract and penalties under the False
Claims Act. The Court will consider the amount of damages and penalties in the
next phase of the case, and the decision will then be subject to the right of
appeal. The Government has filed a brief seeking penalties and treble damages
totaling $26 million. The Company intends to vigorously oppose this claim. The
Company and its counsel believe that resolution of these claims will not have a
material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, however, it could
have a material effect on quarterly or annual results of operations.
Iran's Ministry of Defense initiated arbitration procedures against the Company
in 1991 under the rules of the International Chamber of Commerce for damages
allegedly resulting from breach of various contracts executed by the Company and
the Ministry of Defense between 1970 and 1978. The contracts were terminated in
1978 and 1979 during the period of civil unrest in Iran that preceded the
Iranian revolution. Iran asserted a claim under one contract for repayment of a
$7.5 million advance payment it made to the Company, plus interest at 12%
through June 27, 1991 in the amount of $25.3 million. Iran also asserted a claim
for damages under other contracts for $76.3 million. The Company asserted
various defenses and also filed counterclaims against Iran for damages in excess
of $7.5 million which it sustained as a result of Iran's breach of contract,
plus interest. At an arbitration hearing held in January 1996, Iran reduced the
$76.3 million portion of its claim to approximately $34.4 million. The
International Court of Arbitration took the case under advisement and in
September 1996, awarded Iran a net amount of approximately $1.2 million. This
represents an award of $7.5 million to Iran for the advance payment, offset by
an award of $6.3 million to the Company for damages and legal costs and the
denial of all pre-award interest claims for both parties. The Company and Iran
have each filed appeals in the Supreme Court of Switzerland. The Company's
management and its counsel believe it is unlikely that resolution of these
claims will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position
or results of operations.
In 1992, the United States Government through its Defense Contract Audit Agency
commenced an audit of certain contracts for sale of tracked vehicles by the
Company to foreign governments, which were financed by the United States
Government through the Defense Security Assistance Agency. The Company
cooperated with the audit and responded to a number of issues raised by the
audit. In September 1994, the Company received a subpoena issued by the
Department of Defense Inspector General seeking various documents relating to
sale contracts between the Company and foreign governments which were funded by
the Defense Security Assistance Agency. The Company is continuing
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to cooperate and is responding to the subpoena. Based on discussions with the
agent in charge and the Government auditors, it appears that the investigation
focuses on whether the Company made improper certifications to the Defense
Security Assistance Agency and other government contract accounting matters. The
Government has not asserted any claims at this time and it is too early to know
whether a claim will be asserted or what the nature of any such claim would be,
however, the Company's management and its counsel believe it is unlikely that
this issue will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial
position.
In June 1994, the shareholder of the Ferrari Group, a Belgium holding company
involved in steel mill services and other activities, filed a legal action in
Belgium against Heckett MultiServ, S.A. and S.E.A.E., subsidiaries of MultiServ
International N.V. (a subsidiary of the Company). The action alleges that these
two subsidiaries breached contracts arising from letters of intent signed in
1992 and 1993 concerning the possible acquisition of the Ferrari Group, claiming
that the subsidiaries were obligated to proceed with the acquisition and failed
to do so. The action seeks damages of 504 million Belgian francs (approximately
U.S. $14 million). The Company intends to vigorously defend against the action
and believes that based on conditions contained in the letters of intent and
other defenses it will prevail. The Company and its counsel believe that it is
unlikely that these claims will have a material adverse effect on the Company's
financial position or results of operations.
Environmental
The Company is involved in a number of environmental remediation investigations
and clean-ups and, along with other companies, has been identified as a
"potentially responsible party" for certain waste disposal sites. While each of
these matters is subject to various uncertainties, it is probable that the
Company will agree to make payments toward funding certain of these activities
and it is possible that some of these matters will be decided unfavorably to the
Company. The Company has evaluated its potential liability, and its financial
exposure is dependent upon such factors as the continuing evolution of
environmental laws and regulatory requirements, the availability and application
of technology, the allocation of cost among potentially responsible parties, the
years of remedial activity required and the remediation methods selected. The
Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996, include
an accrual of $3.4 million and $3.9 million respectively for environmental
matters. The amounts charged to earnings on a pre-tax basis related to
environmental matters totaled $0.4 million and $0.2 million for the nine months
of 1997 and 1996, respectively.
The liability for future remediation costs is evaluated on a quarterly basis.
Actual costs to be incurred at identified sites in future periods may vary from
the estimates, given inherent uncertainties in evaluating environmental
exposures. Subject to the imprecision in estimating future environmental costs,
the Company does not expect that any sum it may have to pay in connection with
environmental matters in excess of the amounts recorded or disclosed above would
have a material adverse effect on its financial position or results of
operations.
Other
The Company is subject to various other claims, legal proceedings and
investigations covering a wide range of matters that arose in the ordinary
course of business. In the opinion of management, all such matters are
adequately covered by insurance or by accruals, and if not so covered, are
without merit or are of such kind, or involve such amounts, as would not have a
material adverse effect on the financial position or results of operations of
the Company.
Financial Instruments and Hedging
The Company has subsidiaries principally operating in North America and Latin
America, Europe and Asia-Pacific. These operations are exposed to fluctuations
in related foreign currencies, in the normal course of business. The Company
seeks to reduce exposure to foreign currency fluctuations, primarily the
European currencies, through the use of forward exchange contracts. The Company
does not hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes, and it is the
Company's policy to prohibit the use of derivatives for speculative purposes.
The Company has a Foreign Currency Risk Management Committee that meets
periodically to monitor foreign currency risks.
The Company enters into forward foreign exchange contracts to hedge transactions
on its non-U.S. subsidiaries, for firm commitments to purchase equipment and for
export sales denominated in foreign currencies. These contracts generally are
for 90 to 180 days or less. For those contracts that hedge an
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identifiable transaction, gains or losses are deferred and accounted for as part
of the underlying transactions. The cash flows from forward exchange contracts
accounted for as hedges of identifiable transactions are classified consistent
with the cash flows from the transaction being hedged. The Company also enters
into forward foreign exchange contracts for intercompany foreign currency
commitments. These foreign exchange contracts do not qualify as hedges for
financial reporting purposes, and any related gain or loss is included in income
on a current basis. As of September 30, 1997, the total of all forward exchange
contracts amounted to $5.6 million with a favorable marked to market fluctuation
of $0.1 million.
Foreign Currency Translation:
Effective January 1, 1998, the Company's operations in Brazil will no longer be
accounted for as a highly inflationary economy in accordance with Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 52, "Foreign Currency Translation." Brazil is
no longer considered a highly inflationary economy because the three-year
cumulative rate of inflation is below 100%. As a result of this change, the
Company will measure the financial statements of its Brazilian entity using the
Brazilian real as the entity's functional currency.
Discontinued Operations:
On August 25, 1997, Harsco and FMC Corporation signed an agreement to sell
United Defense, L.P. to The Carlyle Group for $850 million, and the sale was
completed on October 6, 1997. Prior to the sale, FMC had been the managing
general partner and 60% owner of United Defense, L.P., while Harsco owned the
balance of 40% as the limited partner. United Defense supplies ground combat and
naval weapons systems for the U.S. and military customers around the world.
United Defense had 1996 sales of $1 billion.
On the Consolidated Statements of Income, "Equity in income of United Defense,
L.P." includes equity income through August 1997 (the measurement date) from
Harsco's 40% limited partnership interest in United Defense, L.P. The sale
resulted in pre-tax cash proceeds to Harsco of approximately $340 million and is
expected to result in an estimated after tax gain on the sale in the fourth
quarter of approximately $150 million or $3.05 per share after taking into
account certain retained liabilities and estimated post closing net worth
adjustments.
New Financial Accounting Standards Issued
In March 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 128,
"Earnings per Share" (SFAS 128) which is effective for periods ending after
December 15, 1997. The overall objective of SFAS 128 is to simplify the
calculation of earnings per share (EPS) and achieve comparability with
International Accounting Standards. The Company will be required to adopt SFAS
128 in the fourth quarter of 1997, but does not expect that the adoption will
have a material effect on earnings per share.
Opinion of Management:
Financial information furnished herein, which is unaudited, reflects in the
opinion of management all adjustments (all of which are of a recurring nature)
that are necessary to present a fair statement of the interim period.
10. PRELIMINARY EARNINGS ANNOUNCEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
The following text and consolidated statements of income have been extracted
from the published unaudited preliminary earnings announcement of Harsco
Corporation for the year ended December 31, 1997:
For the year 1997, income from continuing operations of $100.4 million and
earnings per share of $2.06 increased by 20 percent and 23 percent,
respectively, from 1996. Net income for 1997 was a record $278.8 million, or
$5.72 per share, which includes the gain and results of the discontinued defense
business. Sales for the year were $1.63 billion vs. $1.56 billion in 1996, an
increase of 4.5 percent, as the effect of the strong U.S. dollar diminished the
increase from more than 7 percent in local currency terms.
Commenting on the performance, Harsco Chairman and Chief Executive Officer,
Derek C. Hathaway said, "We are pleased that our results have again met our
internal goals and forecasts, as well as the consensus estimates of the broader
financial community."
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"We fully expect to meet our 1998 objectives through the ongoing growth of our
repositioned core businesses. The continued strength of the U.S. dollar and,
while minimal for Harsco, the current economic uncertainties of the Asian
markets do not undermine our confidence."
Harsco Corporation is a diversified, global provider of industrial services and
engineered products. Harsco's nine divisions employ more than 14,600 people at
over 250 locations in 31 countries.
The nature of Harsco's operations and the many countries in which it operates
subject it to changing economic, competitive, regulatory, and technological
conditions, risks, and uncertainties. In accordance with the "safe harbor"
provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Harsco
provides the following cautionary remarks regarding important factors which,
among others, could cause future results to differ materially from the
forward-looking statements, expectations and assumptions expressed or implied
herein.
These factors include, but are not limited to: (1) changes in the worldwide
business environment in which the Company operates, including import, licensing,
and trade restrictions, currency exchange rates, interest rates, and capital
costs; (2) changes in governmental laws and regulations, including taxes; (3)
market and competitive changes, including market demand and acceptance for new
products, services, and technologies; (4) effects of unstable governments and
business conditions in emerging economies; and (5) other risk factors listed
from time to time in the Company's SEC reports. The Company does not intend to
update this information and disclaims any legal liability to the contrary.
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HARSCO CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
Twelve Months Ended
December 31
(In thousands, except per share amounts) 1997 1996
REVENUES:
Product sales $ 845,072 $ 796,161
Service sales 782,406 761,482
Other 1,643 1,495
----------- -----------
TOTAL REVENUES 1,629,121 1,559,138
=========== ===========
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Cost of products sold 645,044 604,144
Cost of services sold 584,290 573,047
Selling, general and administrative expenses 211,231 207,502
Research and development expenses 6,090 5,108
Facilities discontinuance and reorganization costs 2,578 3,280
----------- -----------
TOTAL COSTS AND EXPENSES 1,449,233 1,393,081
=========== ===========
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INTEREST, INCOME TAXES
AND MINORITY INTEREST 179,888 166,057
Interest income 8,464 6,949
Interest expense (16,741) (21,483)
----------- -----------
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND
MINORITY INTEREST 171,611 151,523
Provision for income taxes 65,213 62,081
----------- -----------
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE MINORITY INTEREST 106,398 89,442
Minority interest in net income 5,998 5,539
----------- -----------
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 100,400 83,903
Discontinued Operations:
Equity in income of defense business, net of income taxes 28,424 35,106
Gain on disposal of defense business, net of income taxes 150,008 --
----------- -----------
NET INCOME $ 278,832 $ 119,009
=========== ===========
Average shares of common stock outstanding 48,754 49,895
Earnings per common share:
Income from continuing operations $ 2.06 $ 1.68
Income from discontinued operations .58 .71
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations 3.08 --
----------- -----------
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE $ 5.72 $ 2.39
=========== ===========
Earnings per common share -- assuming dilution:
Income from continuing operations $ 2.04 $ 1.67
Income from discontinued operations .58 .70
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations 3.05 --
----------- -----------
DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE $ 5.67 $ 2.37
=========== ===========
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11. MATERIAL CHANGES
On August 25, 1997, Harsco Corporation and FMC Corporation signed an agreement
to sell United Defense L.P. for $850 million, and the sale was completed on
October 6, 1997. Prior to the sale, FMC had been the managing general partner
and 60% owner of United Defense L.P., while Harsco Corporation owned the balance
of 40% as the limited partner. United Defense supplies ground combat and naval
weapons systems for the U.S. and military customers around the world.
The sale resulted in pre-tax cash proceeds to Harsco Corporation of
approximately $344 million and resulted in an after-tax gain on the sale of $150
million or $3.08 per share after taking into account certain retained
liabilities from the partnership and estimated post closing net worth
adjustments, as well as pre-partnership formation contingencies and other
defense business contingencies.
The published unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as of
September 30, 1997 contained in sections 6-9 of this Appendix, and the unaudited
consolidated statements of income extracted from the published unaudited
preliminary earnings announcement for the year ended December 31, 1997 contained
in section 10 of this appendix reflect Harsco Corporation's 40% interest in
United Defense L.P. as a discontinued operation in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles in the United States. The published consolidated
financial statements as of December 31, 1996 and for each of the three years
then ended contained in sections 2-5 of this appendix are no longer in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States
because they have not been restated to reflect as discontinued operations Harsco
Corporation's defense business.
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APPENDIX V
FURTHER INFORMATION ON FABER PREST
NATURE OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The financial information contained in this Appendix V does not constitute
statutory accounts within the meaning of section 240 of the Companies Act 1985
(as amended) (the "Act") but has been extracted from the full consolidated
accounts of Faber Prest for the three years ended 30 September 1997. Copies of
these accounts have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies in England and
Wales. Grant Thornton has made reports under what is now section 235 of the Act
in respect of each such set of statutory consolidated accounts for the three
years ended 30 September 1997 and each such report was an unqualified report and
did not contain a statement under section 237(2) or (3) of the Act.
1. PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNTS FOR THE THREE YEARS ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER, 1997
1997 1996 1995
(pound (pound (pound
Notes sterling) sterling) sterling)
'000 '000 '000
Turnover 6.1
Continuing operations 84,002 80,055 80,381
Discontinued operations --- 5,636 18,472
-------- -------- --------
84,002 85,691 98,853
Cost of sales 6.2 (66,534) (67,769) (78,490)
-------- -------- --------
Gross profit 17,468 17,922 20,363
Net operating expenses 6.2 & 6.4 (10,139) (13,050) (12,505)
-------- -------- --------
7,329 4,872 7,858
Shares of profits of associated undertakings
Continuing operations 938 784 600
-------- -------- --------
Operating profit
Continuing operations 8,267 5,656 8,387
Discontinued operations --- --- 71
Exceptional items 6.4
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations --- (820) ---
Attributable goodwill --- (720) ---
-------- -------- --------
Profit on ordinary activities before interest 8,267 4,116 8,458
Net interest payable 6.5 (989) (570) (264)
-------- -------- --------
Profit on ordinary activities before taxation 6.3 7,278 3,546 8,194
Tax on profit on ordinary activities 6.6 (2,352) (1,512) (3,044)
-------- -------- --------
Profit on ordinary activities after taxation 4,926 2,034 5,150
Equity minority interests (391) (488) (499)
-------- -------- --------
Profit for the financial year 4,535 1,546 4,651
Dividends 6.7 2,012 1,903 1,884
-------- -------- --------
Retained profit/(loss) for the year 6.17 2,523 (357) 2,767
======== ======== ========
Earnings per ordinary share 6.8 40.58p 13.88p 42.06p
Normalised earnings per ordinary share 6.8 40.58p 34.00p 42.06p
======== ======== ========
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2. BALANCE SHEETS FOR THE THREE YEARS ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 1997
1997 1996 1995
Notes (pound (pound (pound
sterling) sterling) sterling)
'000 '000 '000
Fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets 6.9 38,653 36,317 31,405
Investments 6.10 3,210 2,684 2,185
------- ------ ------
41,863 39,001 33,590
Current assets
Stocks 6.11 998 1,385 3,344
Debtors:
- -- amounts falling due within one year 6.12 17,498 18,043 15,180
- -- amounts falling due after one year 6.12 3,348 2,990 2,392
Cash at bank and in hand 2,315 2,469 5,102
------- ------ ------
24,159 24,887 26,018
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Borrowings 6.13 1,323 1,384 1,597
Other creditors 6.14 19,725 19,740 19,062
------- ------ ------
21,048 21,124 20,659
------- ------ ------
Net current assets 3,111 3,763 5,359
------- ------ ------
Total assets less current liabilities 44,974 42,764 38,949
Creditors: amounts falling due after one year 6.15 (10,281) (9,273) (5,200)
Provision for liabilities and charges 6.16 (3,103) (2,525) (2,157)
Accruals and deferred income (195) (210) (216)
------- ------ ------
31,395 30,756 31,376
======= ====== ======
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital 2,794 2,794 2,772
Share premium account 8,652 8,652 8,524
Revaluation reserve 959 979 1,091
Other reserves 8 11 11
Profit and loss account 17,014 16,229 16,305
------- ------ ------
Shareholders' funds 6.17 29,427 28,665 28,703
Equity minority interests 1,968 2,091 2,673
------- ------ ------
31,395 30,756 31,376
======= ====== ======
3. STATEMENTS OF TOTAL RECOGNISED GAINS AND LOSSES FOR THE THREE YEARS ENDED 30
SEPTEMBER 1997
1997 1996 1995
(pound (pound (pound
sterling) sterling) sterling)
Notes '000 '000 '000
Profit for the financial year 4,535 1,546 4,651
Currency translation differences on
foreign current net investments 6.17 (890) (50) 33
Net tax charge on exchange gains arising
on foreign currency borrowings used to
hedge against currency translation
differences on foreign currency net
investments (141) --- ---
----- ----- -----
Total recognised gains and losses for the year 3,504 1,496 4,684
===== ===== =====
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4. CASHFLOW STATEMENTS FOR THE THREE YEARS ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 1997
1997 1996 1995
(pound (pound (pound
sterling) sterling) sterling)
Notes '000 '000 '000
Net cash inflow from operating activities 6.18 12,321 9,926 12,172
Returns on investments and servicing of finance
Interest received 106 125 146
Interest paid (969) (591) (345)
Interest paid on finance leases (126) (107) (61)
Dividends paid to equity minority interests (413) (523) (310)
-------- -------- --------
Net cash outflow from returns on investments and
servicing of finance (1,402) (1,096) (570)
Taxation (686) (2,294) (1,470)
Capital expenditure and financial investment
Purchase of tangible fixed assets (9,620) (11,647) (12,815)
Sale of tangible fixed assets 1,086 1,568 2,243
Grants received --- --- 15
-------- -------- --------
(8,534) (10,079) (10,557)
Acquisitions
Purchase of businesses (693) (1,091) (1,936)
Purchase of investments in other entities (445) --- ---
-------- -------- --------
(1,138) (1,091) (1,936)
Equity dividends paid (1,955) (1,894) (1,769)
-------- -------- --------
Net cash outflow before financing (1,394) (6,528) (4,130)
Financing
Capital element of finance lease rentals (204) (391) (312)
Debt due within one year:
- -- repayment of loans (54) (324) (54)
Debt due after one year:
- -- advances of loans 2,002 4,124 4,464
- -- repayment of loans (446) --- ---
-------- -------- --------
1,298 3,409 4,098
Issue of share capital --- 150 89
-------- -------- --------
Net cash inflow from financing 1,298 3,559 4,187
-------- -------- --------
(Decrease)/increase in cash in the year (96) (2,969) 57
======== ======== ========
5. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The financial information has been prepared under the historical cost
convention, as modified by the revaluation of freehold property and certain
other assets, and in accordance with applicable accounting standards.
A summary of the more important accounting policies, which have been applied
consistently, is set out below:
Basis of consolidation
The consolidated profit and loss account and balance sheet include the financial
statements of the Company, its subsidiary undertakings and other dormant
subsidiary undertakings. The results of the subsidiary undertakings sold or
acquired are included in the consolidated profit and loss account up to, or
from, the date control passes. Intra-group sales and profits are eliminated
fully on consolidation.
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Associated undertakings
Undertakings other than subsidiary undertakings, in which the Faber Prest Group
has an investment representing at least 20 percent of the voting rights and over
which it exerts significant influence are treated as associated undertakings.
The Faber Prest Group's share of profits and other recognised gains and losses
of the associated undertakings are included in the consolidated profit and loss
account and statement of total recognised gains and losses. Where audited
financial statements are not co-terminous with those of the Faber Prest Group,
the share of profits of the associated undertakings have been arrived at from
the last audited financial statements available and management accounts to the
Faber Prest Group's balance sheet date. The Faber Prest Group balance sheet
includes the investment in associated undertakings at the Faber Prest Group's
share of net assets. It is Faber Prest Group policy to write off any premium
paid directly against reserves on acquisition.
Goodwill
The goodwill arising on the acquisition of subsidiary undertakings and
associated undertakings represents the excess of the fair value of consideration
given over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired and is written
off immediately against reserves.
Investment properties
In accordance with SSAP 19 certain of the Faber Prest Group's properties are
held for long-term investment and are included in the balance sheet at their
open market values. The surplus or deficit on annual revaluation of such
properties is transferred to the revaluation reserve. Depreciation is not
provided in respect of freehold investment properties.
This policy represents a departure from accounting principles, which require
depreciation to be provided on all fixed assets. The directors of Faber Prest
consider that this policy is necessary in order that the financial information
may give a true and fair view, because current values and changes in current
values are of prime importance rather than the calculations of systematic annual
depreciation. Depreciation is only one of many factors reflected in the annual
valuation and the amount which might otherwise have been shown cannot be
separately identified or quantified.
Depreciation
Depreciation is calculated to write off the cost or valuation of tangible fixed
assets less their estimated residual values on a straight line basis over the
expected useful lives of the assets concerned. The annual rates of depreciation
used for this purpose are:
Freehold buildings 2% -- 10%
Long leasehold property 2% -- 10%
Short leasehold property Life of the lease
Plant and machinery 3% -- 50%
Motor Vehicles 20% -- 50%
Freehold land and investment properties are not depreciated.
Finance and operating leases
Costs in respect of operating leases are charged on a straight line basis over
the lease term. Leasing agreements which transfer to the Faber Prest Group
substantially all the benefits and risks of ownership of an asset are
capitalised. The liabilities to the leasing companies are shown as obligations
due under finance leases within creditors. Depreciation on these leased assets
is charged to the profit and loss account on the same basis as owned assets. The
lease rentals are treated as consisting of capital and interest elements. The
capital element is applied to reduce the outstanding obligations and the
interest element is charged against profit in proportion to the reducing capital
element outstanding.
Research and development
Research and development expenditure is charged to profits in the period in
which it is incurred.
Stocks
Stocks and work in progress are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable
value.
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Government and other grants
Grants are treated as deferred income and credited to the profit and loss
account over the useful lives of the assets to which they relate. Grants of a
revenue nature are credited to the profit and loss account in the same period as
the related expenditure.
Deferred taxation
Provision is made for deferred taxation, using the liability method, on all
material timing differences to the extent that it is probable that a liability
or asset will crystallise. Advance corporation tax arising in respect of
dividends paid and proposed is deducted from the total provision for deferred
taxation unless it is thought that it will not be recovered in the foreseeable
future.
Foreign currencies
Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into
sterling rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date and the results are
translated at the average rate of exchange for the year. Exchange differences
arising from the retranslation of the opening net investment in overseas
subsidiary and associated undertakings and from the translation of the results
of those companies at average rate are taken to reserves and reported in the
statement of total recognised gains and losses. Where exchange differences
result from the translation of foreign currency borrowings raised to match
foreign equity investments, they are taken to reserves and offset against the
differences arising from the translation of those investments. All other foreign
exchange differences are taken as part of the profit on ordinary activities
before taxation in the year in which they arise.
Turnover
Turnover, which excludes value added tax and sales between Faber Prest Group
companies, represents the total invoiced sales of the Faber Prest Group.
Pension costs
Pension costs charged against profits are based on the projected unit method and
actuarial assumptions designed to provide the anticipated pension costs over the
employees' working lives, in a way that seeks to ensure that the regular pension
cost represents a substantially level percentage of the current and expected
future pensionable payroll. Variations from regular costs are spread over the
remaining employees' working lives.
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6. NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL INFORMATION
6.1 Analysis of turnover
1997 1996 1995
(pound (pound (pound
sterling) sterling) sterling)
'000 '000 '000
---------- ---------- ----------
By sector
Industrial Services 63,291 59,965 57,671
Transport 20,711 20,090 22,710
Discontinued -- 5,636 18,472
---------- ---------- ----------
84,002 85,691 98,853
========== ========== ==========
By origin
United Kingdom 64,788 69,136 85,488
Rest of Europe 3,756 4,950 4,215
Australasia and Asia 10,076 10,067 8,321
USA 3,869 414 --
Rest of the World 1,513 1,124 829
---------- ---------- ----------
84,002 85,691 98,853
========== ========== ==========
By destination
United Kingdom 64,788 68,969 85,083
Rest of Europe 3,756 5,001 4,610
Australasia and Asia 10,076 10,067 8,321
USA 3,869 414 --
Rest of the World 1,513 1,240 839
---------- ---------- ----------
84,002 85,691 98,853
========== ========== ==========
6.2 Analysis of cost of sales and net operating expenses
Excep-
Contin- tional Discon- Contin- Discon-
Total uing items tinued Total uing tinued Total
1997 1996 1996 1996 1996 1995 1995 1995
(pound (pound (pound (pound (pound (pound (pound (pound
sterling) sterling) sterling) sterling) sterling) sterling) sterling) sterling)
'000 '000 '000 '000 '000 '000 '000 '000
66,534 62,831 --- 4,938 67,769 62,124 16,366 78,490
========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Cost of sales 822 832 -- 73 905 996 180 1,176
Distribution costs
Administrative
expenses 9,317 10,092 1,428 625 12,145 9,474 1,855 11,329
--------- ---------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------
Net operating
expenses 10,139 10,924 1,428 698 13,050 10,470 2,035 12,505
========= ========== ========= ========= ========= ========= ========== =========
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6.3 Analysis of profit on ordinary activities before taxation
1997 1996 1995
(pound (pound (pound
sterling) sterling) sterling)
'000 '000 '000
---------- ---------- ----------
By sector
Industrial Services
- -- Group 6,134 3,735 6,285
- -- Associated undertakings 938 784 600
---------- ---------- ----------
7,072 4,519 6,885
Transport 1,195 1,137 1,502
Discontinued -- (1,540) 71
---------- ---------- ----------
Profit before interest 8,267 4,116 8,458
Net interest payable (989) (570) (264)
---------- ---------- ----------
7,278 3,546 8,194
========== ========== ==========
By origin
United Kingdom 5,138 1,670 6,161
Rest of Europe 373 647 913
Australasia and Asia 2,154 1,989 1,349
USA 349 (422) --
Rest of the World 253 232 35
---------- ---------- ----------
Profit before interest 8,267 4,116 8,458
Net interest payable (989) (570) (264)
---------- ---------- ----------
7,278 3,546 8,194
========== ========== ==========
Profit on ordinary activities before taxation is stated after
charging/(crediting):
1997 1996 1995
(pound (pound (pound
sterling) sterling) sterling)
'000 '000 '000
Depreciation charge for the year:
- -- Tangible fixed assets 5,740 5,451 4,725
- -- Tangible fixed assets held under finance leases 200 163 94
Arising on disposal of fixed assets (193) (335) (560)
Research and development expenditure (net of grants
received) 21 8 6
Auditors' remuneration -- audit services 113 117 99
-- non audit services 50 31 2
Rentals on operating leases:
- -- Plant and machinery 1,842 1,723 915
- -- Other 343 378 611
Rent receivable (345) (398) (362)
Grants (15) (6) (6)
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6.4 Exceptional items
1997 1996 1995
(pound (pound (pound
sterling) sterling) sterling)
'000 '000 '000
---------- ---------- ----------
Continuing operations
Costs in respect of out of court settlement of a claim relating
to an alleged dust nuisance -- 1,428 --
========== ========== ==========
Discontinued operations
Loss on disposal and termination of the Car Retailing
division -- 820 --
Attributable goodwill -- 720 --
---------- ---------- ----------
-- 1,540 --
========== ========== ==========
The purchased goodwill of (pound sterling)720,000 was written off to reserves at
the time of acquisition of the individual businesses.
The attributable tax recoverable in respect of the above is:
1997 1996 1995
(pound (pound (pound
sterling) sterling) sterling)
'000 '000 '000
---------- ---------- ----------
Settlement of claim --- 471 ---
Loss on termination of business --- 257 ---
---------- ---------- ----------
--- 728 ---
========== ========== ==========
6.5 Net interest payable
1997 1996 1996
(pound (pound (pound
sterling) sterling) sterling)
'000 '000 '000
---------- ---------- ----------
On bank loans and overdrafts and other loans 969 588 349
On finance leases 126 107 61
---------- ---------- ----------
1,095 695 410
Interest receivable (106) (125) (146)
---------- ---------- ----------
989 570 264
========== ========== ==========
6.6 Taxation on profit on ordinary activities
The charge based on the profits for the year comprises:
UK corporation tax at 32% (1996/1995: 33%)
1997 1996 1995
(pound (pound (pound
sterling) sterling) sterling)
'000 '000 '000
--------- --------- ---------
- -- Current 1,276 715 1,832
- -- Deferred 223 162 175
Overseas taxation 549 590 790
Adjustment in respect of prior years:
- -- UK (19) (308) 2
- -- Overseas (22) 28 --
- -- Deferred 27 45 15
--------- --------- ---------
2,034 1,232 2,814
Share of taxation of associated undertakings 318 280 230
--------- --------- ---------
2,352 1,512 3,044
========= ========= =========
81
82
6.7 Dividends
1997 1996 1995
(pound sterling)'000 (pound sterling)'000 (pound sterling)'000
---------- ---------- ----------
Interim paid of 6.5p per share (1996/1995: 6p) 726 674 664
Final proposed of 11.5p per share (1996/1995: 11p) 1,286 1,229 1,220
---------- ---------- ----------
2,012 1,903 1,884
========== ========== ==========
6.8 Earnings per share
The calculation of earnings per share is based on the profit on ordinary
activities after taxation and minority interests of (pound sterling)4,535,000
(1996: (pound sterling)1,546,000, 1995: (pound sterling)4,651,000) divided by
11,175,342 (1996: 11,135,937, 1995: 11,057,976) shares being the weighted
average number of shares in issue during the year.
Normalised earnings per share is also shown as it excludes one-off exceptional
items. The calculation of normalised earnings per share is based on the
following profit figures:
1997 1996 1995
(pound sterling)'000 (pound sterling)'000 (pound sterling)'000
---------- ---------- ----------
Profit for the year 4,535 1,546 4,651
Adjusted for:
- -- Exceptional items -- 2,968 --
- -- Taxation thereon -- (728) --
----- ----- -----
Adjusted profit for the year 4,535 3,786 4,651
===== ===== =====
6.9 Tangible assets
Long (and)
short Plant,
Freehold leasehold machinery Total Total Total
property property (and) vehicles 1997 1996 1995
(pound (pound (pound (pound (pound (pound
sterling)'000 sterling)'000 sterling)'000 sterling)'000 sterling)'000 sterling)'000
---------- ---------- ------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Cost or valuation
At 1 October '96 8,361 4,421 54,749 67,531 60,488 49,479
Additions 109 171 9,823 10,103 11,765 13,185
Reclassification 36 (36) -- -- -- --
Revaluation -- -- -- -- (215) --
Business acquisition -- -- 282 282 -- 1,853
Disposals -- (50) (3,736) (3,786) (4,683) (4,657)
Currency translation (4) (39) (2,140) (2,183) 176 628
---------- ---------- ------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
AT 30 SEPTEMBER '97 8,502 4,467 58,978 71,947 67,531 60,488
========== ========== ============= ========== ========== ==========
Depreciation
At 1 October '96 904 1,511 28,799 31,214 29,083 26,225
Charged in the year 251 249 5,440 5,940 5,614 4,819
Reclassification 7 (7) -- -- -- --
Revaluation -- -- -- -- (215) --
Business acquisition -- -- -- -- -- 679
Disposals -- (50) (2,843) (2,893) (3,450) (2,974)
Currency translation -- (24) (943) (967) 182 334
---------- ---------- ------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
AT 30 SEPTEMBER '97 1,162 1,679 30,453 33,294 31,214 29,083
========== ========== ============= ========== ========== ==========
Net book value
---------- ---------- ------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
AT 30 SEPTEMBER '97 7,340 2,788 28,525 38,653 36,317 31,405
========== ========== ============= ========== ========== ==========
82
83
The net book value of freehold property includes an amount of (pound
sterling)1,349,000 as at 30 September 1997 (1996: (pound Sterling)1,349,000) in
respect of investment property.
All fixed assets are stated at cost with the exception of property and certain
assets held in Portugal, which comprise:
Investment Short Plant,
(and) freehold leasehold machinery
property property (and) vehicles
(pound Sterling)'000 (pound Sterling)'000 (pound Sterling)'000
Cost 4,229 2,337 57,806
1988 valuation 2,924 -- --
1992 valuation -- 63 1,172
1997 valuation 1,349 -- --
-------------- ---------- --------------
8,502 2,400 58,978
============== ========== ==============
6.10 Investments
Associated
undertakings
(pound Sterling)'000
At 1 October 1995 2,185
Share of retained profits 504
Dividends received (119)
Exchange differences 114
----------
At 30 September 1996 2,684
Additions 678
Share of retained profits 620
Dividends received (76)
Goodwill (319)
Exchange differences (377)
----------
At 30 SEPTEMBER 1997 3,210
==========
6.11 Stocks
1997 1996 1995
(pound Sterling)'000 (pound Sterling)'000 (pound Sterling)'000
Work in progress 2 17 7
Raw materials and engineering parts 428 271 246
Goods for resale 568 1,097 3,091
---------- ---------- ----------
998 1,385 3,344
========== ========== ==========
6.12 Debtors
1997 1996 1995
(pound Sterling)'000 (pound Sterling)'000 (pound Sterling)'000
AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Trade debtors 14,220 13,401 12,117
Amounts owed by associated undertakings 194 233 300
Prepayments 1,516 1,544 1,781
Other debtors 1,568 2,865 982
---------- ---------- ----------
17,498 18,043 15,180
========== ========== ==========
AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER ONE YEAR
Pension fund prepayment 3,348 2,990 2,392
========== ========== ==========
83
84
6.13 Borrowings
1997 1996 1995
(pound sterling) (pound sterling) (pound sterling)
'000 '000 '000
AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Bank loans -- -- 66
Bank overdraft 281 308 44
Loan notes 787 841 841
Other loans (secured) -- -- 258
Obligations due under finance leases 255 235 388
---------- ---------- ----------
1,323 1,384 1,597
========== ========== ==========
AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE TO TWO YEARS
Bank loans 1,268 1,897 833
Other loans 535 603 --
Obligations due under finance leases 247 127 214
---------- ---------- ----------
2,050 2,627 1,047
========== ========== ==========
AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN TWO TO FIVE YEARS
Bank loans 7,771 6,250 3,716
Obligations due under finance leases 222 100 180
---------- ---------- ----------
7,993 6,350 3,896
========== ========== ==========
Total borrowings 11,366 10,361 6,540
Cash 2,315 2,469 5,102
---------- ---------- ----------
Net debt 9,051 7,892 1,438
========== ========== ==========
The other loans were secured by charges on the stocks of subsidiary
undertakings.
Interest on the loan notes is payable at 1 per cent. over the base rate of
National Westminster Bank Plc. The loan notes mature on 31 October 2004, but can
be repaid earlier if the holders give six months notice of the required
repayment.
Bank loans bear interest at variable market rates.
The bank loans of (pound Sterling)1,268,000 are secured by a floating debenture
over the assets of a subsidiary undertaking.
6.14 Other creditors
1997 1996 1995
(pound Sterling)'000 (pound Sterling)'000 (pound Sterling)'000
AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Trade creditors 6,449 7,072 6,556
Social security and other taxes 2,027 1,920 2,187
UK corporation tax 2,292 1,876 2,588
Advance corporation tax 450 474 471
Dividends payable 1,286 1,229 1,220
Other creditors 4,142 4,269 3,741
Accruals 3,079 2,900 2,299
---------- ---------- ----------
19,725 19,740 19,062
========== ========== ==========
84
85
6.15 Creditors
1997 1996 1995
(pound (pound (pound
sterling) sterling) sterling)
'000 '000 '000
AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER ONE YEAR
Bank loans 9,039 8,147 4,549
Other loans 535 603 --
Obligations due under finance leases 469 227 394
Other creditors 238 296 257
---------- ---------- ----------
10,281 9,273 5,200
========== ========== ==========
6.16 Provision for liabilities and charges
Deferred Other
taxation provisions Total
(pound (pound (pound
sterling) sterling) sterling)
'000 '000 '000
At 1 October 1995 2,157 -- 2,157
Profit and loss account 207 -- 207
Other movements 161 -- 161
---------- ---------- ----------
At 30 September 1996 2,525 -- 2,525
Profit and loss account 250 -- 250
Other movements 95 233 328
---------- ---------- ----------
AT 30 SEPTEMBER 1997 2,870 233 3,103
========== ========== ==========
Deferred taxation provided in the financial statements, and the amount
unprovided of the total potential liability, are as follows:
Amount provided Amount unprovided
1997 1996 1995 1997 1996 1995
(pound (pound (pound (pound (pound (pound
sterling) sterling) sterling) sterling) sterling) sterling)
'000 '000 '000 '000 '000 '000
Accelerated capital allowances 1,944 1,802 1,820 84 218 234
Other timing differences 926 723 508 -- -- --
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
2,870 2,525 2,328 84 218 234
Recoverable advance corporation tax -- -- (171) -- -- --
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
2,870 2,525 2,157 84 218 234
========== ========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
85
86
6.17 Reconciliation of movements in shareholders' funds
1997 1996 1995
(pound (pound (pound
sterling)'000 sterling)'000 sterling)'000
Profit for the financial year 4,535 1,546 4,651
Dividends (2,012) (1,903) (1,884)
---------- ---------- ----------
2,523 (357) 2,767
Issue of shares -- 150 604
Other recognised gains and losses (1,031) (50) 33
Acquired goodwill written off during the year (730) (501) (2,453)
Goodwill transferred to the profit and loss account in respect
of disposal of business -- 720 --
---------- ---------- ----------
Net increase/(decrease) in shareholders' funds 762 (38) 951
Opening shareholders' funds 28,665 28,703 27,752
---------- ---------- ----------
Closing shareholders' funds 29,427 28,665 28,703
========== ========== ==========
6.18 Reconciliation of operating profit to net cash inflow from operating
activities
1997 1996 1995
(pound (pound (pound
sterling)'000 sterling)'000 sterling)'000
Operating profit 8,267 5,656 8,458
Associated undertakings (938) (784) (600)
Dividends received from associated undertakings 76 119 118
Depreciation 5,940 5,614 4,819
Arising on sale of tangible fixed assets (193) (335) (560)
Grants (15) (6) (6)
Decrease in stocks 380 1,955 358
Increase in debtors (551) (2,805) (729)
(Decrease)/increase in creditors (645) 1,332 314
---------- ---------- ----------
Net cash inflow from operating activities 12,321 10,746 12,172
Net cash outflow from disposal and termination of business -- (820) --
---------- ---------- ----------
12,321 9,926 12,172
========== ========== ==========
6.19 Capital commitments
1997 1996 1995
(pound (pound (pound
sterling)'000 sterling)'000 sterling)'000
Capital expenditure
Contracted but not provided for 4,915 459 2,391
========== ========== ==========
6.20 Contingent liabilities
The announcement by BHP that it will cease steelmaking at the Newcastle
Steelworks in Australia by the end of 1999 has several implications in relation
to the future operations of an associated undertaking, including:
Redundancy payments
The associated undertaking has a contingent liability in relation to
redundancy payments which it may ultimately be liable to pay. The
associated undertaking did not have a quantifiable liability in
relation to redundancies at 30 June 1997 and no information is
currently available which changes that position.
86
87
Commercial settlement claims
The associated undertaking has a contingent asset in relation to a
potential commercial settlement of a damages claim against BHP. This
claim arises from BHP's premature termination of the Steelmaking
Services Contract of a subsidiary of the associated undertaking. A
receivable has not been recognised at 30 June 1997 or since that date.
Valuation of assets
The effective life, to the associated undertaking, of the associated
undertaking's property, plant and equipment will be reduced as a result
of BHP ceasing steelmaking at the Newcastle Steelworks in 1999. The
potential commercial settlement referred to above is expected to
include a compensation component in relation to the reduced effective
lives of the assets. The associated undertaking is not yet able to
determine the net financial impact of the reduced effective lives and
the amount of the commercial settlement relating thereto.
Faber Prest and certain of its wholly-owned UK subsidiaries have given joint and
several guarantees to secure all borrowings from National Westminster Bank Plc.
At 30 September 1997, Faber Prest had a joint and several liability of (pound
sterling)1,197,000 (1996: (pound sterling)8,315,000, 1995: (pound
sterling)5,345,000) under these arrangements.
Faber Prest has given a guarantee to ANZ Bank Limited as security for a loan of
A$4,800,000 (1996: A$4,800,000, 1995: A$4,800,000) from ANZ Bank Limited to
Steelstone Holdings (Pty) Limited in Australia.
Faber Prest has other contingent liabilities in respect of guarantees given in
the normal course of trade on behalf of subsidiary undertakings.
A contingent liability exists in respect of unprovided deferred taxation,
details of which are given in note 6.16.
87
88
APPENDIX VI
CALCULATIONS AND SOURCES OF INFORMATION
1. GENERAL
Unless otherwise stated, (i) financial information relating to Harsco has been
extracted from the audited Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 1996 or
the unaudited quarterly report filed on Form 10-Q for the 3 months ended 30
September 1997 or the unaudited financial statements for the year ended 31
December 1997 as published in Harsco's preliminary results announcement dated 29
January 1998 and (ii) financial information relating to Faber Prest has been
extracted from the audited Annual Report and Accounts for the financial years
ended 30 September 1996 and 30 September 1997.
2. EXCHANGE RATES
Except for those amounts contained in Appendix IV of this document, amounts
denominated in US dollars have, for the purposes of this document, been
converted into pounds sterling at an exchange rate of US$1.65 to (pound
sterling)1, being the mid-closing exchange rate as obtained from the appropriate
Bloomberg page on 3 March 1998 (the business day prior to the announcement of
the Offer).
3. SHARE PRICES
The market price of a Faber Prest Share is based on the closing middle market
price of 462.5p for a Faber Prest Share as obtained from the Official List on 3
March 1998 (the business day prior to the announcement of the Offer). The price
of a Faber Prest Share on 5 November 1997 is based on the closing middle market
price of 237.5p for a Faber Prest Share obtained from the Official List on 5
November 1997 (the day prior to that on which Faber Prest announced it was
holding discussions which may or may not lead to an offer being made for the
whole of the issued share capital of Faber Prest).
4. VALUE OF THE OFFER
References to the value of the Offer for the whole of the issued share capital
of Faber Prest assume the number of Faber Prest Shares currently in issue to be
11,176,376. References to the value of the Offer assuming the exercise of all
outstanding options are based upon the 11,176,376 Faber Prest Shares currently
in issue as referred to above, and the 278,024 Faber Prest Shares which are
currently the subject of options granted under the Faber Prest Share Option
Schemes.
5. EARNINGS PER SHARE
The calculation relating to earnings per share for Faber Prest of 40.58 pence
relates to the year ended 30 September 1997 is based on earnings of (pound
sterling)4,535,000 and a weighted average number of shares in issue during the
year of 11,175,342.
88
89
APPENDIX VII
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
1. RESPONSIBILITY
(a) The directors of Harsco and the directors of Heckett MultiServ, whose
names are set out in paragraphs 2(a) and (b) below, accept
responsibility for the information contained in this document save for
the information relating to Faber Prest, the directors of Faber Prest
and their immediate families and related trusts. To the best of the
knowledge and belief of the directors of Harsco and the directors of
Heckett MultiServ (who have taken all reasonable care to ensure that
such is the case), such information is in accordance with the facts and
does not omit anything likely to affect the import of such information.
(b) The directors of Faber Prest, whose names are set out in paragraph 2(c)
below, accept responsibility for the information contained in this
document relating to Faber Prest, the directors of Faber Prest and
their immediate families and related trusts. To the best of the
knowledge and belief of the directors of Faber Prest (who have taken
all reasonable care to ensure that such is the case), such information
is in accordance with the facts and does not omit anything likely to
affect the import of such information.
2. DIRECTORS
(a) The directors of Harsco are as follows:
Derek C. Hathaway
Leonard A. Campanaro
Robert C. Wilburn
James I. Scheiner
Robert F. Nation
Nick H. Prater
Carolyn F. Scanlan
James E. Marley
Robert L. Kirk
Andrew J. Sordoni III
(b) The directors of Heckett MultiServ are as follows:
Derek C. Hathaway
Leonard A. Campanaro
Salvatore D. Fazzolari
Geoffrey D. H. Butler
(c) The directors of Faber Prest are as follows:
Richard J. Prest
Roger S. D. Feaviour
Anthony W. J. Swayne
Robert Jordan
J. Maxwell Kaye
3. Market Quotations
The following table shows the closing middle market prices for Faber Prest
Shares, as derived from the Official List, on the first dealing day of each of
the six months immediately prior to the date of this document, on 5 November
1997 (the day prior to the commencement of the Offer Period) and on 4 March
1998 (the latest practicable date prior to the publication of this document):
89
90
Date Faber Prest
Share price in
pence
1 October 1997 227.5
3 November 1997 222.5
5 November 1997 237.5
1 December 1997 342.5
2 January 1998 385.0
2 February 1998 355.0
2 March 1998 462.5
3 March 1998 462.5
4 March 1998 494.0
4. Irrevocable Undertakings
Irrevocable undertakings to accept the Offer have been received in respect of
the following Faber Prest Shares:
Faber Prest
Name Shares
Institutions
Aberforth Smaller Companies Trust plc 180,400
Aberforth Split Level Trust plc 87,500
Aberforth UK Small Companies Fund 182,100
Jupiter Asset Management (Jupiter Ecology Fund) 200,000
Jupiter Asset Management (Jupiter International Green Investment Trust) 152,962
Clugston Group Limited 200,000
Finsbury Smaller Companies Trust 111,764
---------
1,114,726
Directors
Richard J. Prest 252,898
Anthony W.J. Swayne 57,000
Roger S.D. Feaviour 22,500
Robert Jordan 5,625
J. Maxwell Kaye 3,261
---------
341,284
Directors' Close Families
P.A. Peet, A.W.J. Swayne, S.M. Rocksborough Smith 44,219
A.W.J. Swayne (a/c Holly), E.M. Swayne 11,055
A.W.J. Swayne (a/c Jack), E.M. Swayne 11,055
E.M. Swayne 64,001
A.W.J. Swayne (a/c JMP1986), M.T. Prest 61,989
M.T. Prest (a/c ECP1986), A.W.J. Swayne 61,989
A.W.J. Swayne (a/c ECP1970), M.T. Prest 82,653
A.W.J. Swayne, J.M. Prest 82,653
G.I. Prest (a/c GIPDT), R.J. Prest, G.J. Prest 26,165
R.J. Prest (a/c ECP), G.I. Prest, G.J. Prest 35,000
90
91
Faber Prest
Directors' Close Families Shares
R.J. Prest (a/c GJP), G.I. Prest, G.J. Prest 35,000
R.J. Prest (a/c HKP), G.I. Prest, G.J. Prest 35,000
R.J. Prest (a/c RJPDT), G.I. Prest, G.J. Prest 26,165
R.J. Prest (a/c OLB), J.M. Brinkley 8,923
R.J. Prest (a/c ACB), J.M. Brinkley 8,923
R.J. Prest (a/c REB), J.M. Brinkley 8,922
G.I. Prest 150,835
R.J. Prest, J.M. Brinkley 8,922
J.M. Prest, R.J. Prest, J.M. Brinkley 20,591
S.A. Rocksborough Smith 7,500
S.M. Rocksborough Smith 34,500
J.M. Swayne 106,100
S.A. Rocksborough Smith (a/c Mark), S.M. Rocksborough Smith 11,055
E.W.J. Peet 11,050
C.N.H. Cain 107,456
G.B. Nicholson 141,979
P.A. Nicholson 30,000
P.M. Peet 1,000
P.A. Peet 39,900
G.J. Prest 3,750
H.E. Prest 177,175
K. Prest 59,275
B.C. Prest 30,000
T.W. Prest 34,568
C.L. Prest 12,450
J.M. Prest 50,000
J.M. Brinkley 15,000
M.T. Prest 240,084
---------
1,896,902
=========
Total 3,352,912
Call options have been granted by Aberforth UK Small Companies Fund, Aberforth
Smaller Companies Trust plc, Aberforth Split Level Trust plc, Jupiter Asset
Management (Jupiter Ecology Fund and Jupiter International Green Investment
Trust), Clugston Group Limited, Finsbury Smaller Companies Trust and Mr. R.J.
Prest in respect of a total of 1,117,639 Faber Prest Shares at a price of 500p
per Faber Prest Share. The call options are exercisable if the Offer lapses or
is withdrawn and are exercisable for varying periods of time.
91
92
5. Disclosure of interests and dealings
For the purposes of this Appendix VII:
"disclosure period" means the period commencing on 6 November 1996 (the date
twelve months prior to the commencement of the Offer Period) and ending on
4 March 1998 (the latest practicable date prior to the publication of this
document);
(a) Interests and dealings in Faber Prest Shares
(i) As at the close of business on 4 March 1998 (being the latest
practicable date prior to the publication of this document),
the interests of the directors of Faber Prest and their
immediate families and connected persons in Faber Prest Shares
(all of which are beneficial unless otherwise stated), which
have been notified to Faber Prest pursuant to sections 324 and
328 of the Act or which were required to be entered in the
register of directors' interests maintained under section 325
of the Act, were as follows:
Nature of Interest
----------------------------
Total Number of
Director of Faber Prest Faber Prest Shares (Beneficial) (Non-beneficial)
Richard J. Prest 678,231 508,542 169,689
Anthony W. J. Swayne 477,394 143,641 333,753
Roger S. D. Feaviour 22,500 22,500 --
Robert Jordan 5,625 5,625 --
J. Maxwell Kaye 3,261 3,261 --
(ii) In addition, the directors of Faber Prest have been granted
the following options over Faber Prest Shares under the Faber
Prest Share Option Scheme:
Exercise price Number of Faber
Holder Date of grant per share (p) Exercise period Prest Shares
R. S. D. Feaviour 7/9/90 135 Sep 1999--Sep 2000 13,448
23/6/92 290 Jun 1998--Jun 2002 13,448
22/12/93 382 Dec 1996--Dec 2003 31,035
15/12/94 544 Dec 1997--Dec 2004 31,000
19/12/95 541 Dec 1998--Dec 2005 13,000
A. W. J. Swayne 29/9/89 153 Sep 1992--Sep 1999 16,552
22/12/93 382 Dec 1996--Dec 2003 10,344
15/12/94 544 Dec 1997--Dec 2004 28,000
(iii) As at the close of business on 4 March 1998 (being the latest
practicable date prior to the publication of this document),
the holdings of Faber Prest Shares owned or controlled by
persons listed in paragraph 4 (other than those persons who
are also directors of Faber Prest and their immediate families
and connected persons (whose holdings are disclosed in
paragraph 5(a)(i) above)) were the same as the numbers of
Faber Prest Shares so irrevocably committed with the exception
of the holdings of the persons listed below:
Total Number of
Name Faber Prest Shares
Aberforth Smaller Companies Trust plc 445,500
Aberforth Split Level Trust plc 216,100
Aberforth UK Small Companies Fund 449,900
Clugston Group Limited 680,103
Finsbury Smaller Companies Trust 250,000
H. E. Prest 185,958
K. Prest 66,060
M. T. Prest 243,859
92
93
(iv) The following dealings for value in Faber Prest Shares
(including the exercise of options under the Faber Prest Share
Option Scheme) by directors of Faber Prest or their immediate
families or related trusts have taken place during the
disclosure period:
Number of
Faber Prest
Name Date Nature of Transaction Shares Price (p)
J. M. Kaye 27/11/96 Purchase 1,250 305
A. W. J. Swayne 3/12/96 Purchase (by J. Swayne) 30 310
(v) The following dealings for value in Faber Prest Shares by
persons listed in paragraph 4 (other than those previously
disclosed in paragraph 5(a)(iv) above) have taken place during
the disclosure period:
Nature of No. of Faber
Name Date Transaction Prest Shares Price(p)
Jupiter Ecology Fund 20/11/97 Purchase 50,000 323
Jupiter Ecology Fund 14/10/97 Purchase 70,000 220
Jupiter Ecology Fund and Jupiter 10/2/97 Purchase 130,000 325
International Green Investment Trust
Jupiter Ecology Fund and Jupiter 7/2/97 Purchase 100,000 325
International Green Investment Trust
Jupiter Ecology Fund and Jupiter 25/2/97 Purchase 2,962 324
International Green Investment Trust
Clugston Group Limited 26/11/96 Purchase 50,000 295
Clugston Group Limited 26/11/96 Purchase 5,000 295
Clugston Group Limited 28/11/96 Purchase 5,000 305
Clugston Group Limited 10/1/97 Purchase 25,000 334
Clugston Group Limited 13/1/97 Purchase 35,000 330
Clugston Group Limited 19/2/97 Purchase 50,000 325
Clugston Group Limited 2/4/97 Purchase 20,000 295
Clugston Group Limited 20/6/97 Purchase 20,000 267
Clugston Group Limited 13/8/97 Purchase 25,000 247
M. T. Prest (Tudor Nominees Limited 3/9/97 Purchase 1,275 235
a/c Gen)
H. E. Prest 31/1/97 Sale 2,177 327
H. E. Prest 8/4/97 Sale 2,725 281
H. E. Prest (Quilpep a/c A) 31/1/97 Purchase 2,010 338
H. E. Prest (Quilpep a/c A) 8/4/97 Purchase 2,100 282
K. Prest 31/1/97 Sale 2,177 327
K. Prest 8/4/97 Sale 2,725 281
K. Prest (Quilpep a/c A) 31/1/97 Purchase 1,955 328
K. Prest (Quilpep a/c A) 8/4/97 Purchase 2,090 282
(b) Interests and dealings in Harsco or Heckett MultiServ shares
Neither Faber Prest, nor any of the directors of Faber Prest, nor any
member of their immediate families or related trusts owns, controls or
(in the case of the directors or immediate families) is directly or
indirectly interested in, nor has any arrangement in relation to any
Harsco or Heckett MultiServ shares or in any securities convertible
into, rights to subscribe for, or options (including traded options) in
respect of, or derivatives referenced to, such shares, nor, has any
such person dealt for value therein during the disclosure period.
6. GENERAL
As at 4 March 1998 (the latest practicable date prior to the publication of this
document):
(i) Save for the shares respectively set against their names in paragraph 4
above, none of the persons listed in paragraph 4 above owns or controls
any Faber Prest Shares or any securities convertible into, or rights to
subscribe for, or options (including traded options) in respect of, or
derivatives referenced to, Faber Prest Shares ("relevant Faber Prest
securities") nor, save as disclosed in
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paragraph 5 has any person listed in paragraph 4 dealt for value
therein during the disclosure period.
(ii) None of the directors of Harsco or Heckett MultiServ nor any member of
their immediate families or related trusts owns, controls or is
directly or indirectly interested in any relevant Faber Prest
securities nor has any such person dealt for value therein during the
disclosure period.
(iii) Save as disclosed in paragraph 5 above, as at 4 March 1998 (being the
latest practicable date prior to the publication of this document),
none of the directors of Faber Prest nor any member of their immediate
families or related trusts owns, controls or is directly or indirectly
interested in any relevant Faber Prest securities nor has any such
person dealt for value therein during the disclosure period.
(iv) Save as disclosed in this paragraph, neither:
(a) Harsco; nor
(b) any person acting in concert with Harsco; nor
(c) any subsidiary of Faber Prest, nor any pension fund of any
member of the Faber Prest Group nor any bank or financial or
other professional adviser of Faber Prest (including
stockbrokers but excluding exempt fund managers and
market-makers), including any person controlling, controlled
by or under the same control as any such bank or financial or
other professional adviser
owns or controls any relevant Faber Prest securities, nor has any such
person as is mentioned in sub-paragraph (iv) (a) or (b) above dealt for
value therein during the disclosure period nor has any such person as
is mentioned in sub-paragraph (iv)(c) above, nor any person whose
investments are managed on a discretionary basis by a fund manager
(other than an exempt fund manager) which is controlled by, controls or
is under the same control as Faber Prest dealt for value therein
between 6~November 1997 and 4 March 1998 (the latest practicable date
prior to the publication of this document).
(v) Save as disclosed in this document, neither Harsco nor any person
acting in concert with Harsco nor Faber Prest nor any associate of
Faber Prest has any arrangement with any person in relation to relevant
Faber Prest securities.
For the purposes of this paragraph 6:
"arrangement" includes any indemnity or option arrangement and any agreement or
understanding, formal or informal, of whatever nature relating to relevant Faber
Prest securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealings;
"associate" means:
(1) subsidiaries and associated companies of Harsco or Faber Prest, and
companies of which any such subsidiaries or associated companies are
associated companies;
(2) banks, financial and other professional advisers (including
stockbrokers) to Harsco or Faber Prest or a company covered in (1)
above, including persons controlling, controlled by or under the same
control as, such banks, or financial or other professional advisers;
(3) the directors of Harsco or Faber Prest or any company covered in (1)
above (together, in each case, with their close relatives and related
trusts); and
(4) the pension funds of Harsco, Faber Prest or any company covered in (1)
above; and
a "bank" does not apply to a bank whose sole relationship with Faber
Prest is the provision of normal commercial banking services or such
activities in connection with the Offer as handling acceptances and
other registration work.
Ownership or control of 20 per cent. or more of the equity share
capital of a company is regarded as the test of associated company
status and "control" means a holding, or aggregate holdings, of
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shares carrying 30 per cent. or more of the voting rights attributable
to the share capital of the company which are currently exercisable at
a general meeting, irrespective of whether the holding or holdings give
de facto control.
7. MATERIAL CONTRACTS
The following contracts have been entered into by members of the Harsco
Group otherwise than in the ordinary course of business since 6
November 1995 (the date two years prior to the commencement of the
Offer Period) and are or may be material:
(i) a purchase agreement dated 25 August 1997 and made between FMC
Corporation, Harsco, Harsco UDLP Corporation and Iron Horse
Acquisition Corp., pursuant to which Harsco disposed of its 40
per cent. interest in United Defense, L.P., a joint venture
with FMC Corporation (which principally manufactures ground
combat vehicles for military use), in which FMC Corporation
owned 60 per cent. as managing partner and Harsco held the
remaining 40 per cent. as a limited partner. The total
consideration paid for Harsco's 40 per cent. stake was
approximately US$340 million and the disposal was completed on
6 October 1997; and
(ii) a rights agreement (the "Rights Agreement") dated 28 September
1997 between Harsco and ChaseMellon Shareholder Services,
L.L.C. (the "Rights Agent") whereby the Rights Agent was
appointed to act as agent in connection with the adoption by
Harsco on 24 June 1997 of a revised Shareholder Rights Plan to
replace Harsco's 1987 Rights Plan which expired on 28
September 1997. The Rights Plan is designed to protect Harsco
shareholders against abusive and unfair takeover tactics.
Pursuant to the revised Shareholder Rights Plan, the board of
Harsco declared a dividend, to stockholders on the record on
28 September 1997, of one Right (as defined in the Rights
Agreement) for each share of common stock, which under certain
circumstances entitles the holder to purchase 1/100th of a
share of Harsco Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred
Stock at an exercise price of US$150. The Rights only become
exercisable if a person or group acquires or a group is formed
which holds 15 per cent. or more of Harsco's shares or a
person or group makes an offer to acquire 20 per cent. or more
of the shares. The Rights expire on 27 September 2007 and a
description of the Rights is set out in the Rights Agreement.
Save as disclosed above, no members of either the Harsco Group or the
Faber Prest Group have entered into any contracts otherwise than in the
ordinary course of business since 6 November 1995 (the date two years
prior to the commencement of the Offer Period) that are or may be
material.
8. DIRECTORS' SERVICE CONTRACTS AND TERMINATION ARRANGEMENTS
(i) Service Contracts
(a) Mr. Prest has a service contract with Faber Prest dated 29 May
1996 under which his employment as non-executive Chairman
continues until terminated by Mr. Prest attaining the age of
sixty, or by either Faber Prest giving not less than two
years' notice, or Mr. Prest giving not less than six months'
notice. His current annual basic salary is (pound sterling)
50,430 (increased from (pound sterling)49,200 on 1 October
1997) plus directors' fees of (pound sterling)15,234
(increased from (pound sterling)14,862 on 1 October 1997) and
is subject to an annual review. In addition, Mr. Prest is
entitled to certain benefits and to expenses up to a maximum
of (pound sterling)20,000 reasonably incurred for the
provision of an office and associated office equipment in
connection with services to Faber Prest. For the year to 30
September 1998, the amount to be allowed for these office
expenses is (pound sterling)21,012 (increased from (pound
sterling)20,500 on 1 October 1997 in line with his rise in
salary).
(b) Mr. Feaviour has a service contract with Faber Prest dated 19
September 1990, which was followed by a supplemental service
contract dated 26 October 1992. Under these contracts his
employment as Chief Executive of Faber Prest continues until
terminated by either Faber Prest giving not less than two
years' notice, or by Mr. Feaviour giving not less than six
months' notice. His current annual basic salary, which
includes an annual payment in lieu of pension contributions is
(pound sterling)242,982 (increased from (pound
sterling)237,057 on 1 October 1997) and is subject to an
annual review. Currently the enhancement in lieu of pension
contributions is
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equivalent to 45 per cent. of his salary. Mr. Feaviour is a
participant in the Group Executive Directors Bonus Scheme
1997/1998, under which the calculation of bonuses is based on
a combination of earnings per share growth, achievement of a
targeted profit before taxation and achievement of specified
non-financial objectives. Under the Scheme, the maximum bonus
payable to Mr. Feaviour is 30 per cent. of his basic salary.
(c) Mr. Swayne has a service contract with Faber Prest dated 19
September 1990 under which his employment as Finance Director
continues until terminated by either Faber Prest giving not
less than two years' notice, or by Mr. Swayne giving not less
than six months' notice. His current annual basic salary is
(pound sterling)124,236 (increased from (pound
sterling)121,206 on 1 October 1997) and is subject to an
annual review. Mr. Swayne is a participant in the Group
Executive Directors Bonus Scheme 1997/1998, under which the
calculation of bonuses is based on a combination of earnings
per share growth, achievement of a targeted profit before
taxation and achievement of specified non-financial
objectives. Under the Scheme the maximum bonus payable to Mr.
Swayne is 30 per cent. of his basic salary.
(d) Mr. Jordan's current letter of appointment as a non-executive
director expires on 30 September 1999, when the option is open
for a further term to be entered into. His current annual fee
is (pound sterling)15,234 (increased from (pound
sterling)14,862 on 1 October 1997) and is reviewed on 30
September each year.
(e) Mr. Kaye's current letter of appointment as a non-executive
director expires on 30 September 1998, when the option is open
for a further term to be entered into. His current annual fee
is (pound sterling)15,234 (increased from (pound
sterling)14,862 on 1 October 1997) and is reviewed on 30
September each year.
(f) Save as disclosed above, there are no existing or proposed
service contracts or letters of appointment between any
director and Faber Prest or any of its subsidiaries which have
more than twelve months to run and no such contract or letter
of appointment has been entered into or amended within six
months of the date of this document.
(ii) Termination arrangements
(a) The remuneration committee of Faber Prest agreed in November
1994 to grant options to Messrs. Feaviour and Swayne
equivalent to four times and three times their basic salaries
respectively, as increased by that same committee. These
options were to be granted in three instalments: 50 per cent.
in December 1994, 25 per cent. in December 1995 and 25 per
cent. in December 1996. The options to be granted in December
1996 have not yet been granted, however, Faber Prest has been
advised that it has a contractual liability in respect of such
ungranted options to Messrs. Feaviour and Swayne. In view of
this, Heckett MultiServ has agreed that upon the Offer
becoming unconditional in all respects, it will pay to Mr.
Feaviour a cash sum of (pound sterling)61,786.29 and to Mr.
Swayne a cash sum of (pound sterling) 29,875.64 as
compensation for the options yet to be granted. These sums
have been calculated on the basis of the number of options
which are still to be granted to Messrs Feaviour and Swayne
respectively at a grant price of 316.5p (being the closing
price of a Faber Prest Share on 16 December 1996) and an
exercise price of 500p based on the price per Faber Prest
Share under the Offer.
(b) Mr. Feaviour will cease to be a director of Faber Prest sixty
days after the Offer is declared or has become wholly
unconditional. He will receive as compensation for the
premature termination of his service contract a gross payment
of (pound sterling)440,000. For a separate payment of (pound
sterling)30,000, Mr. Feaviour has also agreed restrictions on
his future activities for a period of 12 months from the date
he ceases to be a director.
Mr. Swayne will cease to be a director of Faber Prest on 30
September 1998. He will receive as compensation for the
premature termination of his service contract a gross payment
of (pound sterling)325,000. For a separate payment of (pound
sterling)30,000, Mr. Swayne has also agreed restrictions on
his future activities for a period of 12 months from the date
he ceases to be a director.
Mr. Prest's service contract will continue after the Offer is
declared unconditional in all respects. The terms may be
renegotiated in due course but there is as yet no arrangement
or agreement to this effect.
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Mr. Jordan will cease to be a non-executive director of Faber
Prest when the Offer is declared unconditional in all
respects. He will receive a payment of (pound
sterling)24,120.50 for the premature termination of his
appointment, calculated by reference to its unexpired term.
Mr. Kaye will cease to be a non-executive director of Faber
Prest when the Offer is declared unconditional in all
respects. He will receive a payment of (pound
sterling)8,886.50 for the premature termination of his
appointment, calculated by reference to its unexpired term.
9. MATERIAL CHANGES
(a) Save as disclosed elsewhere in this document, there have been no
material changes in the financial or trading position of Harsco since
31 December 1996 (the date to which the last audited accounts of Harsco
were prepared).
(b) There have been no material changes in the financial or trading
position of Faber Prest since 30 September 1997 (the date to which the
last audited accounts of Faber Prest were prepared).
10. INFORMATION ON HECKETT MULTISERV
Heckett MultiServ, a newly-formed subsidiary, has been formed to implement the
Offer. To date, Heckett MultiServ has engaged in no activities other than those
incidental to its organisation and making the Offer. Heckett MultiServ is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Harsco Corporation and is incorporated in England and
Wales under registered number 3499148 having its registered office at
Commonwealth House, 4th Floor, 2 Chalkhill Road, London W6 8DW.
11. OTHER INFORMATION
(a) Lazard Brothers is satisfied that financial resources are available to
Heckett MultiServ sufficient to satisfy full acceptance of the Offer.
Full acceptance of the Offer, assuming no elections for the Loan Note
Alternative, would involve the payment of approximately (pound
sterling)57.3 million in cash by Heckett MultiServ, assuming the
exercise of all options outstanding under the Faber Prest Share Option
Scheme.
(b) The Offer will be financed from existing cash resources of Harsco
and/or from existing bank facilities of Harsco. Neither the payment of
interest on, nor repayment of, nor security for any liability
(contingent or otherwise) of Harsco will depend to any significant
extent on the business of Faber Prest.
(c) Save as disclosed elsewhere in this document, no proposal exists in
connection with the Offer that any payment be made or given by Harsco
or Heckett MultiServ to any person as compensation for loss of office
or as consideration for, or in connection with, his retirement from
office.
(d) Save as disclosed elsewhere in this document, no agreement, arrangement
or understanding (including any compensation arrangement) exists
between Heckett MultiServ or any party acting in concert with Harsco or
Heckett MultiServ for the purposes of the Offer and any of the
directors, recent directors, shareholders or recent shareholders of
Faber Prest having any connection with or dependence upon the Offer.
(e) No agreement, arrangement or understanding exists whereby the
beneficial ownership of any Faber Prest Shares acquired in pursuance of
the Offer will be transferred to any other person, save that Heckett
MultiServ reserves the right to transfer any Faber Prest Shares so
acquired to any other member of the Harsco Group.
(f) Lazard Brothers has given and not withdrawn its written consent to the
issue of this document with the inclusion of the references to its name
in the form and context in which they appear.
(g) Cazenove & Co. has given and not withdrawn its written consent to the
issue of this document with the inclusion of the references to its
valuation of the Loan Notes and its name in the form and context in
which they appear.
(h) NatWest Markets has given and not withdrawn its written consent to the
issue of this document with the inclusion of the references to its name
in the form and context in which they appear.
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(i) The registered office of Faber Prest is 3 Riverside House, Mill Lane,
Newbury, Berkshire RG14 5RE.
(j) The registered office of Harsco is 350 Poplar Church Road, P.O. Box
8888, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, 17001-8888, U.S.A.
12. DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION
Copies of the following documents will be available for inspection at the
offices of Slaughter and May, 35 Basinghall Street, London EC2V 5DB during usual
business hours on any weekday (weekends and public holidays excepted) while the
Offer remains open for acceptance:
(a) the restated certificate of incorporation and by-laws of Harsco;
(b) the memorandum and articles of association of Heckett MultiServ;
(c) the memorandum and articles of association of Faber Prest;
(d) the published audited and consolidated accounts of Harsco for the last
two fiscal years ended 31 December 1995 and 31 December 1996;
(e) the published audited consolidated accounts of Faber Prest for the last
two financial years ended 30 September 1996 and 30 September 1997;
(f) the written consents referred to in paragraphs 11(f), (g) and (h)
above;
(g) the material contracts referred to in paragraph 7 above;
(h) copies of the irrevocable undertakings to accept the Offer (including,
where relevant, the call options) given by the persons referred to in
paragraph 4 above;
(i) the directors' service contracts referred to in paragraph 8 above;
(j) a draft Loan Note Instrument (subject to modification);
(k) the letter of valuation of the Loan Notes by Cazenove & Co. dated 3
March 1998; and
(l) this document and the Form of Acceptance.
5 MARCH 1998
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APPENDIX VIII
DEFINITIONS
The following definitions apply throughout this document unless the context
requires otherwise:
"ACT" the UK Companies Act 1985 (as amended)
"CODE" the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers
"CREST" the relevant system (as defined in the CREST
Regulations) in respect of which CRESTCo is the
Operator (as defined in the CREST Regulations)
"CRESTCo" CRESTCo Limited
"CREST MANUAL" the CREST manual referred to in the arrangements
entered into by CRESTCo
"CREST MEMBER" a person who has been admitted by CRESTCo as a
system-member (as defined in the CREST
Regulations)
"CREST PARTICIPANT" a person who is, in relation to CREST, a system-
participant (as defined in the CREST
Regulations)
"CREST SPONSOR" a CREST participant admitted to CREST as a CREST
sponsor
"CREST SPONSORED MEMBER" a CREST member admitted to CREST as a sponsored
member
"CREST REGULATIONS" the Uncertificated Securities Regulations 1995
"ESCROW AGENT" The Royal Bank of Scotland plc in its capacity
as a CREST participant under ID 3RA44
"FABER PREST" Faber Prest Plc
"FABER PREST GROUP" Faber Prest, its subsidiaries and subsidiary
undertakings
"FABER PREST SHAREHOLDER" a holder of Faber Prest Shares
"FABER PREST SHARES" the existing unconditionally allotted or issued
and fully paid ordinary shares of 25p each in
the capital of Faber Prest and any further such
shares which are unconditionally allotted or
issued and fully paid up on or before the date
on which the Offer closes (or such earlier
date(s) as Heckett MultiServ may, subject to the
Code, determine) as a result of the exercise of
any options or otherwise
"FABER PREST SHARE OPTION the Faber Prest Group Employee Share Option
SCHEME" Scheme
"FORM OF ACCEPTANCE" the form of acceptance, authority and election
relating to the Offer accompanying this document
"HARSCO" Harsco Corporation
"HARSCO GROUP" Harsco, its subsidiaries and subsidiary
undertakings
"HECKETT MULTISERV" Heckett MultiServ Investment Limited, a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Harsco
"ICTA" Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988
"LAZARD BROTHERS" Lazard Brothers Co., Limited, financial adviser
to Harsco and Heckett MultiServ
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100
"LIBOR" London Inter-bank Offered Rate expressed as a
rate per annum for six month sterling deposits
of (pound sterling)1 million commencing on the
first business day of the relevant interest
period which appears on the Telerate Page 3750
at or about 11.00 a.m. (London time) on such
date
"LOAN NOTE ALTERNATIVE" the alternative whereby eligible Faber Prest
Shareholders who validly accept the Offer may
elect to receive Loan Notes in lieu of all or
part of the cash consideration under the Offer
"LOAN NOTES" the variable rate unsecured guaranteed loan
notes of Heckett MultiServ to be issued pursuant
to the Loan Note Alternative
"LONDON STOCK EXCHANGE" the London Stock Exchange Limited
"MEMBER ACCOUNT ID" the identification code or number attached to
any member account in CREST
"NATWEST MARKETS" NatWest Markets Corporate Advisory Limited,
financial adviser to Faber Prest
"NOTEHOLDER" a holder of the Loan Notes
"OFFER" the recommended offer by Lazard Brothers, on
behalf of Heckett MultiServ, to acquire the
Faber Prest Shares and including, where the
context so permits, the Loan Note Alternative
and where the context so requires any subsequent
revision, variation, extension or renewal of
such offer
"OFFER PERIOD" has the meaning given to it in Part B of
Appendix I of this document
"OFFICIAL LIST" the Daily Official List of the London Stock
Exchange
"OPTIONHOLDERS" holders of options granted under the Faber Prest
Share Option Scheme
"PANEL" The Panel on Takeovers and Mergers
"PARTICIPANT ID" the identification code or membership number
used in CREST to identify a particular CREST
member or other CREST participant
"RECEIVING AGENT" The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, Registrar's
Department, New Issues Section in its capacity
as receiving agent for Heckett MultiServ for the
purposes of the Offer
"RESTRICTED OVERSEAS PERSON" either a person (including an individual,
partnership, unincorporated syndicate, limited
liability company, unincorporated organisation,
trust, trustee, executor, administrator or other
legal representative) in, or resident in, Japan,
Australia, Canada or the United States or a US
person
"SECURITIES ACT" the United States Securities Act of 1933, as
amended
"TCGA" the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992
"TFE INSTRUCTION" a transfer from escrow instruction (as defined
in the CREST manual issued by CRESTCo.)
"TTE INSTRUCTION" a transfer to escrow instruction (as defined in
the CREST manual issued by CRESTCo.)
"UK" or "UNITED KINGDOM" the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern
Ireland
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101
"UNCERTIFICATED" or "IN a Faber Prest Share which is for the time being
UNCERTIFICATED FORM" recorded on the register of members of Faber
Prest as being held in uncertificated form in
CREST and title to which, by virtue of the
Regulations, may be transferred by means of
CREST
"US", "U.S.A." or the United States of America, its territories
"UNITED STATES" and possessions, any state of the United States
and the District of Columbia and all other areas
subject to its jurisdiction
"US GAAP" US generally accepted accounting practice or
principles
"US PERSON" a US person as defined in Regulation S under the
Securities Act
For the purposes of this document, "subsidiary" and "subsidiary undertaking"
have the respective meanings given by the Act.
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1
Exhibit 12
HARSCO CORPORATION
Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges
(In Thousands of Dollars)
THREE MONTHS
ENDED YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
----------------------------------------------------------------------
3/31/98 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
--------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ----------- -----------
Consolidated Earnings:
Pre-tax income from continuing
operations $ 40,166 $ 165,613 $ 145,984 $ 107,073 $ 84,197 $ 70,116
Add fixed charges computed below 5,792 24,263 26,181 33,121 37,982 23,879
Net adjustments for equity companies (122) (694) (181) (466) (134) (363)
Net adjustments for capitalized
interest -- -- -- -- (274) (172)
-------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------
Consolidated Earnings Available for
Fixed Charges $ 45,836 $ 189,182 $ 171,984 $ 139,728 $ 121,771 $ 93,460
======== ========= ========= ========= ========= ========
Consolidated Fixed Charges:
Interest expense per financial
statements (1) $ 3,882 $ 16,741 $ 21,483 $ 28,921 $ 34,048 $ 19,974
Interest expense capitalized 32 128 131 134 338 332
Portion of rentals (1/3) representing
an interest factor 1,878 7,394 4,567 4,066 3,596 3,573
Interest expense for equity companies
whose debt is guaranteed (2) -- -- -- -- -- --
-------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------
Consolidated Fixed Charges $ 5,792 $ 24,263 $ 26,181 $ 33,121 $ 37,982 $ 23,879
======== ========= ========= ========= ========= ========
Consolidated Ratio of Earnings to
Fixed Charges 7.91 7.80 6.57 4.22 3.21 3.91
======== ========= ========= ========= ========= ========
(1) Includes amortization of debt discount and expense.
(2) No fixed charges were associated with debt of less than fifty percent
owned companies guaranteed by the Company during the five year period
1993 through 1997, and the three months ended March 31, 1998.
5
1,000
3-MOS
DEC-31-1998
MAR-31-1998
179,673
1,000
284,463
(6,726)
147,788
659,520
1,217,975
(704,347)
1,458,929
348,618
199,113
0
0
82,362
702,833
1,458,929
401,022
401,284
306,259
359,235
0
143
3,882
41,642
15,824
24,342
0
0
0
24,342
.52
.52
