UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2003
[ ] TRANSACTION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ______________ to ________________
Commission file number - 0-2642
TRIDENT ROWAN GROUP, INC
-------------------------
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Maryland 52-0466460
------------------------------------- ------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
299 Park Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, New York 10171
-----------------------------------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices - Zip code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (212) 644-4441
Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last
report.
Indicate by checkmark 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 No X
------ ----
APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY
PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PRECEDING FIVE YEARS:
Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports
required to be filed by Section 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a
court.
Yes No X
------ ----
APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS: Indicate the number of shares outstanding
of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable
date.
Common stock, par value $.01 per share, 4,064,900 shares outstanding as of March
31, 2004.
TRIDENT ROWAN GROUP, INC.
INDEX
Page
Part I Financial Information................................................3
Item 1 Financial Statements.................................................3
Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2003 - Assets...............3
Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2003 -
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity.................................4
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the
three months to March 31, 2003.......................................5
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity...........6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows................................7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements...........................8
Item 2 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations.................................12
Item 3 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk..........13
Item 4 Controls and Procedures.............................................13
PART II-- OTHER INFORMATION.................................................13
Item 1 Legal Proceedings...................................................13
Item 2 Changes in Securities, Use Of Proceeds and Issuer
Purchases of Equity Securities......................................15
Item 3 Defaults Upon Senior Securities.....................................15
Item 4 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Securities Holders...............15
Item 5 Other Information...................................................15
Item 6 Exhibits and Reports On Form 8-K....................................15
Signatures..................................................................16
2
Part I Financial Information
Item 1 Financial Statements
TRIDENT ROWAN GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
March 31, 2003 and December 2002
Mar.31 Mar.31 Dec. 31
2003 2003 2002
US$'000 (euro)'000 (euro)'000
ASSETS
Cash.............................................. $ 2,966 (euro) 2,722 (euro) 3,256
Receivables ...................................... 304 279 0
Prepaid expenses ................................. 37 34 59
------ ------ ------
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS ............................. 3,307 3,035 3,315
------ ------ ------
Property, plant and equipment .................... 7 7 14
At cost ........................................ 17 16 29
Less allowances for depreciation ............... (10) (9) (15)
Other receivables ................................ 310 284 289
------ ------ ------
TOTAL ASSETS ..................................... $ 3,624 (euro) 3,326 (euro) 3,618
====== ====== ======
Note: The balance sheet as at December 31, 2002 has been derived from the
audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the
information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles.
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
3
TRIDENT ROWAN GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
March 31, 2003 and December 2002
Mar. 30 Mar. 30 Dec. 31
2003 2003 2002
US$'000 (euro)'000 (euro)'000
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable ............................................ $ 377 (euro) 346 (euro) 486
Accrued expenses and other payables ......................... 883 810 525
------- ------- -------
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES ................................... 1,260 1,156 1,011
------- ------- -------
Provision for claims ........................................ 479 440 440
Minority interests .......................................... 80 74 76
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY ........................................ 1,805 1,656 2,091
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share:
Authorised 50,000,000 shares;
4,064,900 shares outstanding; ............................ 60 55 55
Additional paid-in capital .................................. 60,063 55,114 55,114
Treasury stock, at cost ..................................... (26,968) (24,746) (24,746)
Cumulative translation adjustment ........................... (1,532) (1,406) (1,219)
Accumulated deficit ......................................... (29,818) (27,361) (27,113)
------- ------- -------
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY ........................ $ 3,624 (euro) 3,326 (euro) 3,618
======= ======= =======
Note: The balance sheet as at December 31, 2002 has been derived from the
audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the
information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles.
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
4
TRIDENT ROWAN GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements
3 Months ended March 31, 2003 and 2002
Mar.31 Mar.31 Mar.31
2003 2003 2002
US $'000 Euro Euro
Selling, general and administrative expenses .............. (208) (194) (372)
---------- ---------- ----------
Operating loss ............................................ (208) (194) (372)
Interest expense .......................................... 0 0 (10)
Interest income ........................................... 14 13 2
Other (expense)/income, net ............................... (74) (69) 1,044
---------- ---------- ----------
Profit/(loss) before income taxes and minority interests .. (268) (250) 664
Income taxes .............................................. 0 0 (100)
Minority interests ........................................ 2 2 (6)
---------- ---------- ----------
Net profit/(loss) ......................................... (266) (248) 558
========== ========== ==========
PROFIT/(LOSS) PER SHARE: .................................. $ (euro) (euro)
BASIC
(0.07) (0.06) 0.14
---------- ---------- ----------
Weighted average number of common shares
outstanding during the period
No. No. No.
Basic ..................................................... 4,064,900 4,064,900 4,064,900
========== ========== ==========
Diluted ................................................... 4,064,900 4,064,900 4,064,900
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
5
TRIDENT ROWAN GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES
Unaudited Condensed Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity
March 31, 2003
Additional Other TOTAL Comprehensive
Common paid-in Treasury comprehensive Accumulated SHAREHOLDERS' income/
Euro '000 stock capital stock income deficit EQUITY (loss)
-------- ------- --------- ------------- ----------- ------------ ------------
At December 31, 2002 ...............(euro)'000 55 55,114 (24,746) (1,219) (27,113) 2,091
Net Profit (Loss) .................... -- -- -- -- (248) (248) (248)
Translation adjustment ............... -- -- -- (187) -- (187) (187)
Vesting of shares subject
to forfeit ......................... -- -- -- -- -- 0
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
At March 31, 2003 ...................(euro)'000 55 55,114 (24,746) (1,406) (27,361) 1,656 (435)
At March 31, 2003 ................. $'000 60 60,063 (26,968) (1,532) (29,818) 1,805 (474)
======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Accumulated other comprehensive income is represented by differences from the
change in exchange rates from period to period on translation of the financial
statements of non Italian subsidiaries.
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
6
TRIDENT ROWAN GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
March 31, 2003 and 2002
Mar.31 Mar.31 Mar.31
2003 2003 2002
US $'000 (euro)' 000 (euro)' 000
Net income (loss) (266) (248) 558
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash:
Depreciation and amortization 2
Non-cash finance income from discontinued operations --
Minority interests 6
Gain/(Loss) on disposals of subsidiaries -- (1,489)
Write off of investments 1,188
Other operating activities 7
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Write-off of Bion Shares --
Trade and other receivables (299) (274) 40
Prepaid expenses 27 25 47
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and claims 158 145 (144)
Disposal of Investments, net of reserves
------- ------- -------
Net cash(used)/provided by operating activities (380) (352) 215
------- ------- -------
Investing activities:
Net (increase)/decrease in investments
Purchase of minorities in OAM -- --
Purchase of minority interest in Bion, net of cash (9,543)
Proceeds from disposal of subsidiaries, net of cash disposed 6,484
Proceeds from disposal of other assets, net (4)
------- ------- -------
Net cash (used)/provided by investing activities 0 0 (3,063)
------- ------- -------
Increase/(decrease) in cash (380) (352) (2,848)
Exchange movement on opening cash (203) (182) (3,693)
Cash, beginning of period 3,548 3,256 10,714
------- ------- -------
Cash, end of period 2,966 2,722 4,173
======= ======= =======
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
7
TRIDENT ROWAN GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Financial Statements March 31, 2003
NOTE 1 - BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements have been
prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q. Certain information
and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or
omitted. For a summary of the Registrant's accounting principles, and other
footnote information, reference is made to the Registrant's 2002 Annual Report
on Form 10-K. All adjustments necessary for the fair presentation of the results
of operations for the interim periods covered by this report have been included.
All of such adjustments are of a normal and recurring nature. The results of
operations for the three months ended March 31, 2003 are not necessarily
indicative of the operating results for the full year.
The consolidated financial statements were shown in Euro ("(euro)") because all
of the Company's material operating subsidiaries were based in and operated
entirely in Italy. Thereafter, from January 1, 2002, the reporting currency of
the Company was charged to Euro. Pending evaluation of its alternatives,
following the disposal of its operations, the Company invested the major part of
its assets in Euro denominated cash, and then moved these amounts to
US$-denominated bank accounts. The translation of Euro amounts into U.S. dollar
amounts in the financial statements, unless otherwise indicated, is included
solely for the convenience of the readers of the financial statements and has
been calculated at the rate of US$ 1.0898 to (euro)1, the approximate exchange
rate at March 31, 2003. It should not be construed that the assets and
liabilities, expressed in U.S. dollar equivalents, can actually be realized in
or extinguished in U.S. dollars at that or any other rate. All currency amounts
in these financial statements are in Euro unless specifically designated in
other currencies.
When the actual currency of the transaction is denominated in US Dollars, then
the US Dollar amount has been shown in the relevant note and/or table and
indicated as "US Dollar, actual transaction currency".
NOTE 2 - DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Sale of Subsidiaries
Sale of Motorcycle Operations
Centerpoint Corporation ("Centerpoint"; formerly Moto Guzzi Corporation) sold
all its operating subsidiaries to Aprilia S.p.A. ("Aprilia") in 2000. In
connection with the sale, Centerpoint placed (euro) 4,842,000 in escrow to
satisfy potential claims by Aprilia related to any breach of representations and
warranties
Aprilia asserted in 2000 various claims against Centerpoint relating to
Centerpoint's representations and warranties under the Share Purchase Agreement
(the "Alleged Claims"). In 2001, Banca di Intermediazione Mobiliare IMI S.p.A.
("IMI"), the escrow agent under the Escrow Agreement, paid (euro) 3,931,000
from the escrow account to Aprilia in respect of the Alleged Claims. Centerpoint
disputed the Alleged Claims and requested an arbitration.
In October 2003, Centerpoint and OAM entered into a settlement agreement with
Aprilia, with the latter paying (euro) 1,420,000 to Centerpoint, including
(euro)207,000 of legal fees. The right to 65% of the net proceeds of this
settlement is owned by OAM, and the remaining 35% by Centerpoint.
IMI was paid (euro) 5,888,000 in fees and expenses related to the foregoing
sale of the operating subsidiaries of Centerpoint, which amount is being
disputed by Centerpoint.
8
TRIDENT ROWAN GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Financial Statements March 31, 2003
NOTE 2 - DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (continued)
Sale of the Steel Tube Operations
The Company disposed of L.I.T.A. S.p.A. ("LITA) in July 2000. The Company also
provided a bank guarantee for (euro) 516,000 to secure any claims the purchaser
may have for breaches of representations and warranties given by the Company
through December 31, 2004. The bank guarantee is secured by an investment of the
Company held by the bank that issued the guarantee (see Note 5 "Subsequent
Events").
NOTE 3 - OAM AND TRIDENT ROWAN SERVIZI S.p.A. MERGER
OAM, on March 27, 2003, was merged into Trident Rowan Servizi S.p.A. ("Trident
Servizi") effective January 1, 2003. The terms of the merger provides for: (a)
cancellation of the entire share capital of OAM owned by Trident Servizi; (b)
issuance of 73 new Trident Servizi shares for every 1,000 OAM shares to the
residual minority owner of OAM; (c) increase in the share capital of Trident
Servizi from 664,000 to 672,856 shares; and (d) change in the name of Trident
Servizi to OAM S.p.A.
NOTE 4 -BION TRANSACTION
Bion Transaction
Centerpoint, on January 15, 2002, acquired a 35% equity interest in Bion
Environmental Technologies, Inc. ("Bion") consisting of 19,000,000 common
shares. Bion is engaged in waste stream remediation and organic soil and
fertilizer production. Its unrestricted common share was then traded on the
OTC/BB market. The considerations for the foregoing acquisition are cash of
approximately US$8.5 million (actual transaction currency) (substantially all of
Centerpoint's cash), the US $4.2 million (actual transaction currency)
Centerpoint Loan to the Company (including accrued interest), and the assignment
of 65% of Centerpoint's claims with respect to the escrow accounts from the sale
of the subsidiaries of Centerpoint to Aprilia and its claims against IMI.
Simultaneously with the consummation of this transaction, Bion purchased the
57.7% majority interest in Centerpoint from OAM. The total consideration paid by
Bion consisted of (i) US$3.7 million (actual transaction currency) in cash, (ii)
the assignment of the US$4.2 million (actual transaction currency) Centerpoint
Loan to the Company (including accrued interest) and related loan guarantees,
(iii) the assignment of the 65% interest in Centerpoint's claims with respect to
the escrow accounts from the sale of Moto Guzzi to Aprilia and Centerpoint's
claims against IMI, (iv) the issuance of 1,000,000 Bion restricted common shares
to OAM, and (v) the issuance to OAM of a warrant to acquire 1,000,000 Bion
common shares at a price of US$0.90 (actual transaction currency), with
expiration date of January 10, 2007. David Mitchell (a director of Centerpoint)
was the Chairman, President, Board Member and a principal stock and warrant
holder of Bion at the time of the transaction. As a consequence of the sale, the
Company recorded a gain of (euro)1,489 thousand. The Bion shares have been fully
written off in 2002, recording a loss of (euro)841,000.
In April 2003, Bion determined that the anti-dilution provisions in its
agreements with Centerpoint and OAM were preventing it from being able to raise
outside financing. In order to remedy this situation, and in anticipation of
receiving up to US$1,925,000 (actual transaction currency) in new financing, on
April 23, 2003, Bion entered into an agreement with Centerpoint providing, among
other things, that Centerpoint cancel all antidilution and penalty provisions in
existing agreements betwen Bion and Centerpoint. On May 23, 2003, OAM and Bion
entered into an agreement providing among other things: (i) that OAM waive the
anti-dilution
9
TRIDENT ROWAN GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Financial Statements March 31, 2003
NOTE 4 -BION TRANSACTION - continued
provisions contained in its original agreement with Bion, (ii) for clarification
of certain reimbursements required to be made by Bion under the original
agreement relating to certain claims being handled by OAM on behalf of
Centerpoint and OAM, and (iii) the payment by Bion to OAM of $80,000 (actual
transaction currency) plus $10,000 (actual transaction currency) in legal
expenses. The payment received by OAM, amounting to (euro) 74,000 was included
in "Other/Income (Expense)
NOTE 5 -SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Settlement of Wilson/Travelers Litigation
- ----------------------------------------- The Company sued Travelers Casualty
and Surety Company ("Travelers"), its insurer, when Travelers disclaimed
coverage and defense of a personal injury litigation ("Wilson Litigation"). The
dispute was settled in December 2003 with Travelers paying the Company
$1,450,000 (actual transaction currency) ((euro)1,285,000). This amount was paid
in December 2003 and recorded in "other income" also in 2003.
Aprilia Claims under the Share Purchase Agreement; Payment by IMI; Request for
Arbitration; Settlement.
Aprilia asserted in 2000 various claims against Centerpoint relating to
Centerpoint's representations and warranties under the Share Purchase Agreement
(the "Alleged Claims"). In 2001, Banca di Intermediazione Mobiliare IMI S.p.a.
("IMI"), the escrow agent under the Escrow Agreement, paid (euro) 3,931,000
from the escrow account (see Note 2) to Aprilia in respect of the Alleged
Claims. Centerpoint disputed the Alleged Claims and requested an arbitration.
Centerpoint and OAM, in October 2003, entered into a settlement agreement with
Aprilia, with the latter paying (euro) 1,420,000 to Centerpoint, including
(euro) 206,000 of legal fees. OAM recorded in "other income" an equivalent to
65% of the net proceeds of this settlement . The remaining 35% of the proceeds
was owed to Centerpoint (no longer a related party of the Company as of December
31, 2003).
The residual balance of approximately (euro) 600,000 remaining in the escrow
account relates to eventual claims regarding taxes and social security
contributions and such balance, if any, after eventual successful claims by
Aprilia, will be released in September 2007. OAM is entitled to 65% of amounts
eventually released; this claim (a contingent asset) is not recorded in the
consolidated balance sheet.
Bion transaction
- ----------------
In January 2004 Bion closed its New York office, and all remaining employees and
consultants are working from their homes. Bion needs additional funds to
continue its operations which it has severely limited. There can be no assurance
that Bion will be able to obtain such additional funds. On January 14, 2004,
Bion filed a Certification and Notice of Termination of Registration with the
SEC, and as a result is no longer a publicly held Company.
In January 2004 Centerpoint distributed all Bion shares owned by it pro-rata to
the holders of it's Common Stock. As a result, the Company received an
additional 44,240 Bion shares, which are considered to be of no value.
Release of LITA S.p.A. Guarantee
- --------------------------------
On March 31, 2004 the purchasers of LITA S.p.A. agreed to release the Company
from any other further obligations under its escrow pertaining to potential tax
liabilities, which had been due to expire on December 31, 2004. For this
release, the Company paid (euro) 30,000 in 2004 and will record a gain of
(euro)486,000.
Comtech Deal
- ------------
Following a non-binding letter of intend dated December 30, 2003 between the
Company and Comtech Group, Inc., a Cayman Islands corporation, in May 2004, the
Company and Comtech entered into an agreement in principle pursuant to which,
Comtech may transfer all of its equity to the Company and the Company, in turn,
may issue to Comtech's shareholders 42,000,000 shares of the Company's stock.
Following the transaction, Comtech's shareholders may control approximately
91.2% of the Company's common stock (87.5% including options and warrants
outstanding). Comtech is in the business of distributing electronic components,
providing value added design services and developing and manufacturing
electronic components for the telecommunications and electronic market and has a
majority of its operating subsidiaries located in China.
10
TRIDENT ROWAN GROUP, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Financial Statements March 31, 2003
NOTE 6 - LITIGATION PENDING
Dispute with IMI concerning its fees
- ------------------------------------
In relation to the sale of the subsidiaries of Centerpoint (a former subsidiary
of the Company) to Aprilia S.p.A, IMI was paid (euro) 5,888,000 in fees and
expenses it claimed under its engagement letter with the Company and OAM. The
Company disputed the calculation of IMI's fees and has brought a suit in Italy
seeking reimbursement of (euro) 4,527,000 (approximately US$ 4.25 million
(actual transaction currency)). The judge handling the lawsuit has heard the
case several times in 2002 and 2003. As of March 31, 2004, the lawsuit is still
pending; however, the Company is in discussion with IMI for an eventual
out-of-court settlement.
CDS S.r.l.
- ----------
In 1999 CDS S.r.l. ("CDS") caused a leasing company to purchase from OAM real
estate in via Baronia, Rome and entered into a leasing arrangement with the
leasing company. Subsequently, on October 9, 1999, CDS brought a claim against
OAM in the Rome Civil Court alleging that the commercial designation of the
property in 1998 was not properly disclosed and consequently its lease payments
were excessive and sought reimbursement of the lease payments that it considered
excessive from OAM in an aggregate amount of approximately (euro)800,000.
The proceedings have continued intermittently over the years. On March 25, 2004,
the Court requested that the parties present their conclusions in order for it
to render a final verdict, presumably within 80 days. It is management's opinion
that the risk of a negative judgement is low and the potential liability remote.
11
Item 2 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations
Portions of the discussion and analysis below contain certain "forward looking"
statements which involve risks and uncertainties. The Company's actual results
may differ significantly from the results discussed in the forward looking
statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not
limited to, lack of adequate capital to continue operations, changes in currency
exchange rates, other factors discussed in the report as well as factors
discussed in other filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Although the Company believes that the assumptions underlying the forward
looking statements contained herein are reasonable, any of the assumptions could
prove inaccurate, and therefore, there can be no assurance that the forward
looking statements included herein will prove to be accurate.
Three months ended March 31, 2003 compared to three months ended March 31, 2002
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Selling, general and administrative expenses of (euro) 194,000 were 47.9%
lower than the same period of last year.
Other costs include rent and office expenses for the Company's offices in Milan,
Italy, tax, accounting and compliance costs in the U.S. and Italy, public
company costs in the U.S., Directors and Officers ("D&O") insurance costs and
certain statutory costs in Italy.
In 2003, other income and (expense), net, includes (euro)74 thousand of income
from a fee from the release of Bion anti-dilution provision and the difference
of (euro)143,000 is chiefly due to exchange losses whereas other income and
expense, (net) of (euro)1,044,000 in 2002 includes the gain on the sale of
Centerpoint of (euro)1,489,000 and the cost of the write off of 140,000
Centerpoint shares and all Bion shares.
Interest expense in the 3 months to 31 March 2003 was (euro)0 compared to
(euro)10,000 in 2002. Interest income in 2003 amounted to (euro) 13,000 whereas
this was (euro)2,000 in 2002.
As a result of the above items, in the quarter ended March 31, 2003 a loss
before taxes and minority interests of (euro)250,000 was recorded The Company
recorded a net loss of (euro) 248,000 in the three months to March 31, 2003
compared to a net gain of (euro) 558,000 in the corresponding period of 2002.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Significant cash activities in the three months ended March 31, 2003
There were no significant cash activities in the three months ended March 31,
2003.
Future liquidity needs
As of March 31, 2004, the Company has approximately (euro) 4.1 million (US$ 5.0
million at exchange rates prevailing in March 31, 2004) in cash and marketable
securities. Management believes such amounts to be sufficient to fund the
Company's activities which principally reflect litigation which the Company has
commenced against IMI (see Note 6) and to fund corporate costs related to the
winding down of the Company's corporate structure in Italy, which is redundant
following the disposal of its Italian operations. In addition, the Company
continues to incur ongoing corporate overhead costs that include executive
salaries for Mark Hauser and Emanuel Arbib, D & O Insurance, and professional
fees to lawyers, accountants and bankers, principally in connection with the
Company's public filings.
12
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
The fair value of cash approximates its carrying value.
Since, at March 31, 2004, 86% of the Company's cash is held in U.S. Dollars and
the functional currency is Euro, the Company is subject to exchange rate
fluctuations.
Fluctuations in the exchange rates between the and the euro affect the U.S.
dollar equivalents of the Company's reported revenues and earnings. The Company,
which no longer has any operations, believes that its exposure to foreign
currency exchange rate risk is not material and does not currently engage in
hedging activities to reduce its exposure to exchange rate fluctuations.
The Company does not have any derivative financial instruments and believes its
exposure to interest rate risk and other relevant market risks is not material.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
The Company maintains a system of internal controls and procedures designed to
provide reasonable assurance as to the reliability of its published financial
statements and other disclosures included in this report. Based on its
evaluation, as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q, its Co-Chief Executive Officers have concluded that its disclosure
controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-14(c) and 15d-14(c) under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) are effective. There have been no
significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could
significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation.
PART II -- OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
The Company and its subsidiaries are or were involved in the following
litigation:
Rawlings Litigation - settled in 2002
An action entitled "Rawlings Sporting Goods Co., Inc. v. Trident Rowan
Group, Inc. et al.," was filed in the United States District Court for the
Northern District of New York by Rawlings Sporting Goods Co ("Rawlings"), the
owner of property located in Salisbury, New York, in August 1998. The action
seeks to hold the Company liable for costs that Rawlings allegedly incurred in
response to the release or threatened release of allegedly hazardous substances
on land allegedly owned by the Company between 1948 and 1970, and used by a
third party. The compliant was amended in December 2000 to further allege that
the Company still owns a portion of the allegedly contaminated land.
The Company settled the matter with Rawlings on February 11, 2002. The
Company, in May 2002, transferred to Rawlings 160,000 Centerpoint Class A Common
Stock pursuant to a term of a settlement agreement with the Company and Rawlings
voluntarily dismissing the action and released each other from all claims
relating to the action.
Wilson and Travelers Litigation - settled in 2003
The Company is the subject of an action in the Court of Common Pleas, a
Pennsylvania State Court situated in Philadelphia, entitled "John Wilson et al.
v. Trident Rowan Group, Inc. et al" (the "Wilson Litigation"). The Wilson
Litigation was an action eventually consolidated with a related, companion
action against other parties. The plaintiff (John Wilson) was seeking damages
for serious burn injuries he allegedly sustained in 1996 from working with a
starter unit claimed to have been manufactured in the 1950's by a company once
owned by a predecessor of the Company. The case was settled in 2000 with the
Company and Gould Electronics, Inc. ("Gould"), a co-defendant, each paying 50%
of the US$ 2,050,000 (actual transaction currency) settlement amount, subject to
resolution of certain issues between them.
In March 1999, the Company separately brought suit against Travelers, the
Company's insurer, who disclaimed coverage and defense of the suit, to compel it
to resume coverage of the underlying claim and to assume the costs of defense of
the Wilson Litigation. In May 2001, the United States District Court granted
summary judgment in favor of the Company, holding that Travelers must indemnify
the Company for liability incurred and attorney's fees paid in connection with
the Wilson Litigation, plus interest.
Pursuant to the May 2001 judgment, on June 11, 2001, the Company submitted
to the Court a proposed form of judgment requiring Travelers to (i) pay the
Company US$ 2,050,000 (actual transaction currency) plus interest, attributable
to the sums the Company has and will have to spend in settlement of the Wilson
Litigation, (ii) US$ 764,045 (actual transaction currency) plus interest,
representing costs and attorneys fees incurred in defending the Wilson
Litigation, and (iii) US$ 78,975 (actual transaction currency) plus interest,
representing costs and attorneys fees incurred by the Company in prosecuting its
claims against Travelers.
On June 11, 2001, Travelers filed with the Court a motion for
Reconsideration of Order or in the Alternative For Resolution of Certain
Undecided Issues, seeking reconsideration of the
13
judgment, or in the alternative asking the Court to confirm that Travelers
liability is limited to US$ 1,000,000 (actual transaction currency) and that
Travelers is entitled to charge the Company a reasonable premium for the
liability coverage
In January 2002, the judge in the Company's litigation against Travelers
determined that Travelers was liable to the Company for US$ 1,000,000 (actual
transaction currency), plus the Company's legal fees in connection with the
Wilson Litigation, less a reasonable premium. Travelers subsequently challenged
the reasonableness of the legal fees. In July 2002, the judge ruled that the
fees were reasonable provided certain duplications are eliminated. In September
2002, the Court rendered a judgment in favor of the Company in the amount of US$
1,822,979 (actual transaction currency). Travelers appealed the judgment and the
parties entered into a settlement agreement pursuant to which Travelers paid
US$1,450,000 (actual transaction currency) to the Company in December 2003.
Aprilia Claims under the Share Purchase Agreement; Payment by IMI; Request
for Arbitration; Settlement
Aprilia asserted in 2000 various claims against Centerpoint relating to
Centerpoint's representations and warranties under the Share Purchase Agreement
(the "Alleged Claims") for the sale of the Moto Guzzi operations. In 2001, IMI,
the escrow agent under the Escrow Agreement, paid (euro) 3,931,000 from the
escrow account (see Note 2) to Aprilia in respect of the Alleged
Claims. Centerpoint disputed the Alleged Claims and requested an arbitration.
Centerpoint and Aprilia, in October 2003, entered into agreement to settle the
matter with Aprilia paying (euro) 1,420,000 including (euro) 206,000 of legal
fees. The right to 35% of the net proceeds of this settlement is owned by
Centerpoint (which is no longer a related party of the Company at the time of
the settlement).
Pending
IMI Fees
In connection with the sale of Moto Guzzi to Aprilia, IMI was paid (euro)
5,888,000 in fees and expenses it claimed under its engagement letter with
the Company. The Company disputed the calculation of IMI's fees and on February
7, 2002 brought a suit in the Milan Court in Italy seeking reimbursement of
(euro) 4,527,000 (approximately US$ 5.7 million at 2003 year-end exchange
rates). The judge handling the lawsuit has heard the case several times in 2002
and 2003. As of March 31, 2004, the lawsuit is still pending. However, the
Company is in discussions with IMI for an eventual out-of-court settlement.
CDS S.r.l.
In 1999 CDS S.r.l. ("CDS") caused a leasing company to purchase from OAM
real estate in via Baronia, Rome and entered into a leasing arrangement with the
leasing company. Subsequently, on October 9, 1999, CDS brought a claim against
OAM in the Rome Civil Court alleging that the commercial designation of the
property in 1998 was not properly disclosed and consequently its lease payments
were excessive and sought reimbursement of the lease payments that it considered
excessive from OAM in an aggregate amount of approximately (euro)800,000.
The proceedings have continued intermittently over the years. On March 25,
2004, the Court requested that the parties present their conclusions in order
for it to render a final verdict, presumably within 80 days. It is management's
opinion that the risk of a negative judgment is low and the potential liability
remote.
14
Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds
None.
Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Securities Holders
None.
Item 5. Other Information
None.
Item 6. Exhibit and Reports on Form 8-K
A. Exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K:
31.1. Certification of the Joint Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2 Certification of the Joint Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1 Certification of the Joint Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2 Certification of the Joint Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
B. Reports on Form 8-k
None.
15
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.
TRIDENT ROWAN GROUP, INC.
Dated: May 25, 2004 By: /s/ Mark S. Hauser
--------------------------------
Mark S. Hauser
President / Joint Chief Executive
Officer
Dated: May 25, 2004 By: /s/ Emanuel M. Arbib
----------------------------------
Emanuel M. Arbib,
Joint Chief Executive Officer
16
Appendix A to Item 601(c) of Regulation S-K
(Article 5 of Regulation S-X)
Commercial and Industrial Companies
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
unaudited financial statements dated, March 31, 2003 and is qualified in its
entirety by reference to such financial statements.
Item No. Item Description Amount*
US$
5-01(1) Cash and cash items 2,966,000
5-02(2) Marketable securities 0
5-02(3)(a)(1) Notes and accounts receivable - trade 0
5-02(3)(a)(4) Notes and accounts receivable - 304,000
5-02(4) Allowances for doubtful accounts 0
5-02(6) Inventory 0
5-02(9) Total current assets 3,307,000
5-02(13) Property, plant and equipment 17,000
5-02(14) Accumulated depreciation (10,000)
5-02(18) Total assets 3,624,000
5-02(21) Total current liabilities 1,260,000
5-02(22) Bonds, mortgages and similar debt 0
5-02(28) Preferred stock - mandatory redemption 0
5-02(29) Preferred stock - non-mandatory redemption 0
5-02(31) Common stock 60,000
5-02(32) Other stockholders' equity 1,745,000
5-03(b)(1)(a) Net sales of tangible products 0
5-03(b)(1) Total revenues 0
5-03(b)(2)(a) Cost of tangible goods sold 0
5-03(b)(2) Total costs and expenses 208,000
5-03(b)(3) Other income/(expense) (74,000)
5-03(b)(5) Provision for doubtful accounts and notes 0
5-03(b)(8) Interest and amortization of debt discount 0
5-03(b)(10) Income/(loss) before taxes and other items (268,000)
5-03(b)(11) Income tax expense 0
5-03(b)(14) Income/(loss) continuing operations (268,000)
5-03(b)(15) Discontinued operations 0
5-03(b)(17) Extraordinary items 0
5-03(b)(18) Cumulative effect - changes in accounting principles 0
5-03(b)(19) Net income or loss (266,000)
5-03(b)(20) Earnings per share - primary (0.07)
5-03(b)(20) Earnings per share - fully diluted (0.07)
* Dollar amounts are based on conversion rate of U.S.$1.0899 = (euro)1 which
prevailed on March 31, 2004.
17