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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
---------------------
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [NO FEE REQUIRED]
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 1997
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [NO FEE REQUIRED]
For the transition period from ________________ to ________________
Commission file number: 0-10909
CORNICHE GROUP INCORPORATED
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 22-2343568
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
Wayne Interchange Plaza I
145 Route 46 West, Wayne, NJ 07470
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (201) 785-3338
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, $.10 par value
(title of class)
Indicate by check mark whether 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
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to
such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No
----- -----
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to
Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained,
to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K.
[Cover page 1 of 2]
[Page 1 of 44 pages]
[No Exhibits Filed Herewith]
$1,281,550 as of May 15, 1997
(Aggregate market value of the voting stock
held by non-affiliates of registrant)
2,412,330 shares, $.10 par value, as of May 15, 1997
(Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's
classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date)
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Annual Reports on Forms 10-K of Registrant for the
years ended March 31, 1996, March 25, 1995 and September 30, 1994
Proxy Statement of Registrant --
September 28, 1995 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
[Cover Page 2 of 2 pages]
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
History
Registrant was incorporated in Delaware on September 18, 1980 under the
name Fidelity Medical Services, Inc. On July 28, 1983 Registrant changed its
name to Fidelity Medical, Inc. From its inception through March 1995
Registrant was engaged in the development, design, assembly, marketing and
sale of medical imaging products through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Fidelity
Medical, Inc., a New Jersey corporation ("FMI"). On March 2, 1995 Registrant
acquired Corniche Distribution Ltd. ("CDL"), a United Kingdom ("UK")
corporation established in 1992. At such time, CDL was a holding company for
two operating subsidiaries, Chessbourne International Ltd. ("Chessbourne"), a
distributor/supplier of stationery products and office furniture, and The
Stationery Company Limited ("TSCL"), a stationery retailer. The acquisition
of CDL resulted in the former shareholders of CDL, Brian J. Baylis and Susan
A.M. Crisp, owning a majority of the outstanding common shares of Registrant
after the acquisition and was treated as a recapitalization of CDL with CDL
being treated as the acquirer. Accordingly, Registrant changed its fiscal
year to the last Saturday in March of each year in order to conform to the
fiscal years of its UK operating subsidiaries and, unless otherwise indicated,
the financial information and data thereafter contained in Registrant's
financial reports related to the operations of CDL alone for periods prior to
March 2, 1995. At the time of the CDL acquisition, CDL owned 51% of the
common stock of Chessbourne, the other 49% being owned by an unrelated entity,
Ronatree Limited ("Ronatree"), a property investment company. In connection
with the CDL acquisition, Registrant acquired the 49% interest of Ronatree in
Chessbourne by issuing to Ronatree 25,000 shares of its common stock. At such
time and in furtherance of the CDL acquisition, Registrant also issued 215,150
shares of its common stock to Chester Holdings, Ltd ("Chester"), a Colorado
corporation, in order to induce Chester to agree to terminate a pre-existing
agreement giving Chester the right to acquire CDL and to further induce
Chester to forgive approximately $71,000 of net indebtedness owing to Chester
by CDL and its subsidiaries.
Effective March 25, 1995, Registrant sold its wholly-owned medical
imaging products subsidiary, FMI, to Chester in exchange for the 215,150
shares of Registrant's common stock previously issued to Chester in connection
with Registrant's acquisition of CDL and Chester's Promissory Note and Option
Agreement dated as of March 25, 1995 (the "Note and Option Agreement"). The
Note and Option Agreement contained an 8% promissory note from Chester to
Registrant in the principal amount of $200,000 due October 1, 1995 (the
"Note"). It also included an option, in favor of Registrant, to apply the
unpaid principal balance and accrued interest due on the Note to the purchase
of shares of FMI, Chester or any other parent company to which Chester may
have transferred the FMI stock, at the fair market value of such shares.
Registrant's medical imaging products business had been generating significant
losses for a number of years resulting in the decision to dispose of the
medical imaging products business and to focus Registrant's business
operations on the development and expansion of its stationery operations. The
Note was not paid by Chester on its due date. However, during the period May
1996 through July 1996 Chester paid Registrant $125,000 of the principal sum
due Registrant under the Note. All accrued interest due under the Note and
the remaining principal balance of $75,000 has not been paid as of the date
hereof. Registrant does not anticipate any further cash recoveries against
the Note. Registrant does expect however, to exercise the option applicable
to the unpaid balance on the Note to purchase voting shares of Medical Laser
Technologies, Inc., the corporate parent of FMI, although no assurance can be
given that this will prove to be the case.
Following the sale of FMI, Registrant's business operations consisted of
the retail stationery operations and brand marketing and stationery wholesale
operations of TSCL and Chessbourne respectively. These operations were funded
in large part from loans made by the Bank of Scotland, Registrant's primary
lender, to each of CDL, TSCL and Chessbourne over a period of several years.
In accordance with customary UK practice, the Bank of Scotland, when making
such loans obtained security for these loans by means of
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mortgages over fixed assets ("Fixed Assets") and debentures over pools of
assets which by their nature will change from time to time ("Floating
Changes"). Such security interests in the assets of each of CDL, TSCL and
Chessbourne were reflected in documents known as Fixed and Floating Charges.
The Bank of Scotland executed Fixed and Floating Charges with CDL, TSCL and
Chessbourne on April 7, 1995, November 16, 1993 and March 27, 1987,
respectively. The Fixed and Floating Charges contained powers for the Bank of
Scotland to appoint an administrative receiver for the assets covered by the
security interests. Registrant experienced large operating losses and net
cash outflows from operating activities during fiscal 1996 resulting in severe
liquidity problems. Registrant was unable to secure badly needed interim
financing either in the form of additional loans or the conversion of bank
debt to equity. Consequently, the Bank of Scotland had Chessbourne and TSCL
placed into receivership in the UK on February 7, 1996 and had CDL placed into
receivership in the UK on February 28, 1996. Since such time, Registrant has
been inactive.
Receivership Proceedings
As the result of Registrant's inability to overcome its liquidity
problems and reverse the trend of recurring and significant operating losses,
the Bank of Scotland, Registrant's primary banker and secured lender in the
UK, appointed receivers to Chessbourne and TSCL on February 7, 1996 and to CDL
on February 28, 1996. The receiverships resulted in the discontinuation of
all of Registrant's business operations.
At the time of the appointment of an administrative receiver to each of
CDL, Chessbourne, and TSCL, each of these companies was insolvent. The
liabilities of these companies to the Bank of Scotland, secured by the
respective Fixed and Floating Charges, far outweighed the value of the assets
in each of the three companies. The administrative receiver, in each of these
instances, collected and realized upon the secured assets to repay the Bank of
Scotland. Given that the liabilities exceed the assets, all of the assets of
CDL, TSCL and Chessbourne were paid to the Bank of Scotland by the receiver.
The appointment of receivers in the UK effectively suspended the power of
Registrant, CDL, TSCL and Chessbourne and their respective officers and
directors to deal with the assets which were subject to the respective Fixed
and Floating Charges. Since, in the present instance, all of the assets of
CDL, TSCL and Chessbourne were subject to a Fixed and Floating Charge, the
respective companies are unable to operate as the result of the receiverships
and the officers and directors thereof have no control over such entities.
Further, Registrant, as the direct or indirect shareholder of each of these
three companies, has no further control over them during the entire period of
the receivership and Registrant has been advised that it will never regain
control, since, upon the termination of the respective receiverships, the
companies will be left with material liabilities and no assets. Given the
foregoing, Registrant has been further advised that at the conclusion of the
receiverships, each of CDL, Chessbourne and TSCL will be liquidated and their
existence terminated. Additionally, it has become effectively impossible for
each of CDL, Chessbourne and TSCL to be audited for the year ended March 31,
1996 and subsequent periods given that the respective receivers have
possession and control over the books, records and documents of each of the
corporations and will not make them available to Registrant or any auditor
retained on its behalf. Consequently, Registrant has treated each of CDL,
Chessbourne and TSCL as no longer being subsidiaries of Registrant for periods
subsequent to December 31, 1995.
Under UK law, Registrant is not liable for the liabilities of CDL, TSCL
and Chessbourne absent a guarantee or other enforceable promise by Registrant
to pay such liabilities. Registrant gave no such guarantee or promise and as
such has no liability for the payment thereof. Similarly, the appointment of
an administrative receiver in respect of the assets of CDL, TSCL and
Chessbourne has no effect on the assets of Registrant. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the receivers for CDL made certain claims against Registrant for
sums allegedly owed to CDL by Registrant in connection with a contested share
issue. To resolve such dispute, a Compromise Agreement dated March 4, 1996
between Registrant, CDL and the receivers for CDL was entered into which had
the effect of releasing Registrant from any and all liability to CDL upon
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performance by Registrant of its obligations under that agreement. In
connection therewith Registrant issued a promissory note to the Bank of
Scotland, the secured creditor of CDL, in the principal amount of 50,000
pounds sterling (£50,000). On January 30, 1997, Registrant paid off the
Note in full, including all interest accrued thereon through the date of
payment and executed a Mutual Release with the Bank of Scotland. (See Item 1.
Business - General - Payment on Promissory Note to Bank of Scotland.)
In connection with the receiverships, Brian J. Baylis and Susan A.M.
Crisp, Registrant's then chief executive officer and chief financial officer,
who collectively owned approximately 45% of Registrant's outstanding common
stock entered into pledge agreements (the "Pledge Agreements") whereby they
pledged their common shares of Registrant to the Bank of Scotland as
collateral against the shortfall which was to be realized by the Bank of
Scotland in the receivership proceedings. Pursuant to Pledge Agreements dated
February 19, 1996 and February 21, 1996 Brian J. Baylis and Susan A.M. Crisp
pledged 877,800 shares and 219,450 shares, respectively, of Registrant's
common stock to the Bank of Scotland. The shares were pledged to
collateralize the February 19, 1996 personal guarantees of Brian J. Baylis and
Susan A.M. Crisp to the Bank of Scotland with respect to certain liabilities
of CDL, TSCL and Chessbourne to the Bank of Scotland. 1,042,250 of the
pledged shares were subsequently sold by the Bank of Scotland to twelve
unrelated persons. (See Item 1. Business - General - Transfer of Pledged
Shares).
Reverse Stock Split
On October 1, 1995, Registrant effected a one for ten reverse split of
its common stock. In connection therewith Registrant increased the par value
of such common stock from $.01 to $.10 per share. Registrant had 24,083,075
shares of common stock issued and outstanding prior to reverse stock split and
approximately 2,408,307 shares of common stock issued and outstanding
following the effectiveness of the reverse stock split. Additionally,
Registrant had 3,806,128 shares of common stock reserved for issuance prior to
the reverse split and approximately 380,613 shares of common stock reserved
for issuance following the effectiveness of the reverse stock split. In
connection with the reverse split, Registrant did not issue fractional shares
choosing instead to pay shareholders otherwise entitled to a fractional share
the cash value thereof. Except where specifically noted, all references in
this Form 10-K to Registrant's common shares give effect, and in some cases
retroactive effect, to Registrant's October 1, 1995 one for ten reverse split.
The purpose of effecting the reverse split was twofold. First and
foremost, it was done in an effort to avoid having Registrant's common stock
delisted from the NASDAQ Small Cap Market by reason of not maintaining a
minimum share bid price of $3 per share. Despite the effectuation of the
reverse split, however, Registrant's common stock was delisted from the Small
Cap Market on October 11, 1995 due to Registrant's failure to maintain a
minimum share bid price of $3 per share and failure to maintain a required
minimum level of capital and surplus. The secondary reason for the reverse
split was to significantly reduce the number of Registrant's common shares issue
d and outstanding and the number of common shares reserved for issuance
thereby granting the Registrant the flexibility of engaging in future equity
financings or acquisitions utilizing Registrant's common stock without having
to amend its Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized
common shares.
Increase In Authorized Number of Preferred Shares
Effective September 28, 1995, Registrant amended its certificate of
Incorporation to, among other things, increase the number of shares of its
authorized preferred stock, $.001 par value per shares, from 1,000,000 to
5,000,000. At the time of such amendment, Registrant had 946,069 shares of
its Series A $.07 Convertible Preferred Stock issued and outstanding leaving
few additional shares of preferred stock available for issuance. The increase
was deemed necessary and desirable by Registrant to permit Registrant the
flexibility of engaging in future equity financings or acquisitions utilizing
preferred stock.
5
General
Transfer of Pledged Securities
Effective January 30, 1997 Registrant entered into a Stock Purchase
Agreement with the Bank of Scotland and twelve unrelated persons whereby
1,042,250 of the 1,097,250 shares of Registrant's common stock pledged to the
Bank of Scotland by Brian J. Baylis and Susan A.M. Crisp to secure certain
debts of Registrant to the Bank of Scotland (See Item I. Business - History -
Receivership Proceedings) were sold by the Bank of Scotland, following a
default in the obligation secured by the pledge, to such twelve persons, at a
price of $.12 per share or $125,070 on an aggregated basis.
Resignation of Director
In September 1996, Mathew P. Pazaryna, a director of Registrant since
1993, was deemed to have resigned his position as such. (See Item 10.
Directors and Executive Officers of Registrant).
Payment on Promissory Note to Bank of Scotland
On January 30, 1997 Registrant paid the Bank of Scotland $89,374.49 in
full satisfaction of all principal and interest due under Registrant's
February 1996 promissory note to the Bank of Scotland in the principal amount
of fifty thousand pounds sterling (£50,000). The note had been issued
to settle a disputed claim with the receivers for CDL. (See Item 1. Business
- - History - Receivership Proceedings). In consideration thereof, the parties
executed a Mutual Release dated as of January 30, 1997 whereby the Bank of
Scotland released Registrant and James Fyfe, Registrant's sole officer and
director, from all liabilities, accounts, courses of action, sums of money,
reckonings, contracts, controversies, agreements, damages, judgments,
executions, claims, demands, debts, obligations, promises, covenants, actions
and undertakings which against Registrant or Fyfe the Bank of Scotland ever
had, had at the time of the release, or could thereafter have by reason of any
matter up to and through the date of the release and Registrant and Fyfe
released the Bank of Scotland in similar fashion.
Consulting Agreement
On September 23, 1996 Registrant entered into a six month consulting
agreement with Albermarle Investments & Consulting S.A. ("Albermarle"), a
financial consulting firm. The consulting agreement, which ran from October
1, 1996 through March 31, 1997, required Albermarle to provide Registrant with
advisory and investment banking services which included, among other things,
(i) reviewing and reorganizing Registrant's stock structure to facilitate a
viable future financing strategy for Registrant; (ii) assisting Registrant to
secure interim financing to settle outstanding liabilities; (iii) assisting
Registrant in completing outstanding regulatory filings; (iv) analyzing and
evaluating potential public and private financing options; and (v) identifying
and evaluating acquisitions.
The consulting agreement provided for Registrant to pay Albermarle a fee
of $10,000 per month or an aggregate of $60,000. Due to its financial
situation, Registrant was not able to make any payments due to Albermarle
pursuant to the consulting agreement as they became due. Registrant has
subsequently paid Albermarle in full from part of the proceeds raised by it in
its securities offering which commenced on May 15, 1997. (See Item 1.
Business - General - Subsequent Events.)
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Securities Offerings
During the fiscal year ended March 31, 1997 Registrant conducted two
private securities offerings pursuant to Rule 506 of Regulation D of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, one of which was completed on April 30,
1997. The purpose of each of such offerings was, in part, to provide
Registrant with the ability to settle and pay off certain of its outstanding
liabilities thereby making it a desirable acquisition candidate. The first of
such offerings commenced in July 1996 and was completed in December 1996 upon
the sale of 4 units resulting in $100,000 in gross proceeds to Registrant.
This offering, of up to $300,000 in units, was conducted on a "best-efforts"
basis through Robert M. Cohen & Co., Inc., a New York based broker dealer
("RMCC") and was offered and sold in the form of $25,000 units. Each unit
consisted of one $25,000 face amount, 90 day, 8% convertible promissory note
and one redeemable common stock purchase warrant to purchase 60,000 shares of
Registrant's common stock at a price of $.50 per share during a period of
three years from issuance. All of the notes issued in such offering were
subsequently paid in full and all of the warrants issued in such offering were
subsequently redeemed by the Registrant at a price of $.075 per underlying
share from proceeds raised in the second of such offerings. The second
offering commenced in January 1997 and was completed on April 30, 1997 upon
the sale of 17 units resulting in $425,000 in gross proceeds to Registrant.
Similar to the previous offering, it was conducted on a "best-efforts" basis
through RMCC and consisted of $25,000 units, each consisting of one $25,000
face amount, 90 day, 8% convertible promissory note and one redeemable common
stock purchase warrant to purchase 60,000 shares of Registrant's common stock
at a price of $.50 per share during a period of three years from issuance.
All of the notes issued in such offering were subsequently paid in full and
all of the warrants issued in such offering were subsequently redeemed by
Registrant at a price of $.075 per underlying share from proceeds raised in
Registrant's securities offering which commenced on May 15, 1997. (See Item
1. Business - General - Subsequent Events.) In connection with each of the
offerings, Registrant paid RMCC a sales commission equal to 10% of the
subscription price for each unit sold.
Other Matters
Registrant currently has no employees and pays no salaries, wages, or
similar compensation. James Fyfe is Registrant's sole executive officer and
director.
Subsequent Events
Securities Offerings
On May 15, 1997 Registrant commenced a private securities offering
pursuant to Rule 506 of Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended. The offering consists of up to 400 units, each unit consisting of
10,000 shares of Registrant's common stock being offered at a price of $5,000
per unit. RMCC is the placement agent for such offering and is entitled to
receive a sales commission equal to 10% of the offering price for each unit
sold. The first 50 units were offered on a "best efforts, all-or-none"
basis. The remaining 350 units are being offered on a "best efforts" basis.
As of June 25, 1997, 183 units have been sold resulting in gross proceeds to
Registrant of $915,000. The proceeds raised in such offering have been used
as working capital and to pay off the promissory notes and redeem the common
stock purchase warrants issued in Registrant's private securities offering
which was completed on April 30, 1997. Any additional proceeds raised in such
offering are intended to be utilized for working capital and to enable
Registrant to attempt to effect the acquisition of an operating business
entity.
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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Registrant currently utilizes approximately 200 square feet of office
space, rent free, at the offices of its former subsidiary, FMI, as its
corporate office. These accommodations are made available under an informal
arrangement with FMI and are terminable at will by FMI.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Registrant filed a complaint in the Superior Court of New Jersey against
its former chief executive officer, Efriam Landa on May 4, 1995 alleging
breach of fiduciary duty. Mr. Landa answered the complaint on October 16,
1995 and asserted counterclaims. On December 5, 1996 (the "Release Date"),
Registrant and Landa entered into a Release Agreement dismissing the action
and releasing one another from any claims or rights each may have had against
the other based on circumstances created or arising before the Release Date.
On April 14, 1994, a former officer and director of Registrant, Rone H.
Lewis, filed suit against Registrant in Superior Court, Law Division, Morris
County (MRS-L-781-94), seeking damages for Registrant's alleged failure to
timely permit him to sell certain shares of Registrant's restricted common
stock. The complaint asserted consequential damages of approximately
$100,000. In December 1994, Registrant agreed to settle this claim for
$32,000. An initial settlement payment of $15,000 was made in January 1995,
and Registrant issued a two year 8% promissory note to Mr. Lewis dated January
12, 1995 with respect to the $17,000 principal balance. The note provided for
24 equal payments of $768.87 each. Registrant made the first 8 monthly
payments required under the note during the period February 1995 through
September 1995 leaving due a balance of 16 payments in the aggregate amount of
$12,301.92. Due to its financial problems, however, Registrant was thereafter
unable to make any further payments to Mr. Lewis on the note. In March 1997
Registrant and Mr. Lewis entered into a settlement agreement whereby Mr. Lewis
agreed to accept $5,000 in full satisfaction of all remaining sums due to him
under the note including accrued interest, payment of which was made to Mr.
Lewis in April 1997.
No other material legal proceedings are pending to which Registrant or
any of its property is subject, nor to the knowledge of Registrant are any
such legal proceedings threatened.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
Registrant submitted no matters to a vote of its security holders during
the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended March 31, 1997.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
From April 4, 1994 until October 11, 1995 Registrant's common stock was
traded on NASDAQ's SmallCap Market under the symbol "FMSI". On October 11,
1995 Registrant's common stock was deleted from that system by reason of
Registrant's failure to meet required NASDAQ Small Cap Market listing
standards relating to minimum bid price per share and minimum capital and
surplus. Prior thereto, Registrant's common stock had been trading on
NASDAQ's National Market System. Since October 11, 1995 Registrant's common
stock has been listed for trading on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol
"CGII". The following table sets forth the range of high and low bid prices
of Registrant's common stock for periods since April 4, 1994. The quotations
represent prices between dealers in securities, do not include retail mark-
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ups, mark-downs, or commissions and do not necessarily represent actual
transactions. The quarters referred to are based on Registrant's fiscal year
which for fiscal year 1995 ended on the last Saturday in March (March 25,
1995) and which for fiscal years thereafter, 1996 and beyond, ended on March
31.
Bid Prices
High Low
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Fiscal 1995(1)
First Quarter $8.40 $3.10
Second Quarter 5.00 3.80
Third Quarter 4.70 2.50
Fourth Quarter 5.00 2.50
Fiscal 1996(1)
First Quarter $7.19 $3.12
Second Quarter 5.00 2.66
Third Quarter 4.00 .25
Fourth Quarter .50 .1875
Fiscal 1997(1)
First Quarter $ .25 $ .1875
Second Quarter .375 .1875
Third Quarter .30 .1250
Fourth Quarter .375 .1875
Fiscal 1998(1)
First Quarter* $ 1.00 $ .3125
(1) All prices shown give effect, and in some cases retroactive effect, to
Registrant's 1 for 10 reverse stock split which was effected on October 1,
1995.
*Through June 26, 1997
At June 26, 1997, there were approximately 1,169 record holders of
Registrant's common stock. Holders of common stock are entitled to dividends
when, as, and if declared by the Board of Directors out of funds legally
available therefor. Registrant has not paid any cash dividends on its common
stock and, for the foreseeable future, intends to retain earnings, if any, to
finance the operations, development, and expansion of its business. Future
dividend policy is subject to the discretion of Registrant's Board of
Directors.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The selected statements of operations and balance sheet data set forth
below are derived from the financial statements of Registrant, which were
examined by Simontacchi & Co., independent certified public accountants, for
the years ended March 31, 1997 and March 31, 1996 and by Mahoney Cohen &
Company, PC, independent certified public accountants, for each of the three
years in the period ended March 25, 1995. Mahoney Cohen & Company, PC did not
audit Registrant's UK subsidiaries, the financial statements of which were
audited by another auditor whose report was furnished to Mahoney Cohen &
Company, PC. The
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information set forth below should be read in conjunction with the audited
financial statements of Registrant and related notes appearing elsewhere in
this Report (See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplemental Data).
FISCAL YEAR ENDING
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March 31 March 31, March 25, March 27, March 31,
1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
Statement of Operations:
Net Sales $-0- $-0- $21,048,151 $7,585,360 $336,779
Cost of Sales -0- -0- 15,531,102 5,121,884 20,381
Gross Profit -0- -0- 5,517,049 2,463,476 316,398
Operating (Loss) Income (251,583) (257,073) (2,821,339) 207,300 16,436
Net (Loss) Income (332,604) (323,510) (3,394,652) 1,804 496
Net (Loss) Income per
Common Share: (.14) (.14) (2.05) -0- -0-
Weighted Average Number
of Shares Outstanding 2,412,278 2,300,829 1,656,903 1,669,784 1,670,232
Dividends per Common Share -0- -0- -0- -0- -0-
March 31, 1997 March 31, 1996 March 25, 1995
Balance Sheet Data:
Working Capital (Deficiency) $(652,456) $(320,240) $(1,863,138)
Total Assets 14,914 136,201 9,822,570
Current Liabilities 666,623 455,306 9,122,665
(Accumulated Deficit) Retained Earnings (2,449,389) (2,116,785) (3,827,879)
Stockholders' Equity (Deficiency) (651,709) (319,105) (2,879,165)
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Registrant has not engaged in any activities nor generated any operating
revenues since February 1996 when its then operating subsidiaries were placed
into receivership in the UK.
The receiverships resulted in the loss of all of Registrant's operations
and operating assets and eliminated most liabilities. Accordingly the
operating activities of the UK subsidiaries were classified as a discontinued
operation and the excess of the UK subsidiary's cumulative losses over
Registrant's investment was included in the income statement for the year
ended March 31, 1996. In addition, the UK subsidiaries were removed from the
balance sheet for periods subsequent to December 30, 1995.
During the period March 1996 through the date hereof Registrant's primary
activities have been to engage in three private securities offerings, one of
which is still ongoing, and to settle and pay off certain of its outstanding
liabilities thereby making it a more desirable acquisition candidate.
Registrant recorded losses in the year ended March 31, 1997 of $251,583,
before interest expense and preferred stock dividend accrual ($257,073 in
1996). Such losses arose from general and administrative expenses which
principally comprise professional fees, travel expenses and general office
costs. Compared to the year ended March 31, 1996 such costs were $5,490 lower
with year on year reductions in the areas of insurance costs, legal fees and
general corporate costs offset by consultancy costs of $60,000.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
During the year ended March 31, 1997 Registrant relied on the net
proceeds of the two securities offerings described in Item 1 of this report
and cash received against a note receivable and other sundry receipts to meet
its cash needs.
On May 15, 1997 Registrant commenced a new private securities offering
(see "Business - Subsequent Events" in Item 1 of this report). The proceeds
raised in such offering have been used as working capital and to pay off the
promissory notes and redeem the common stock purchase warrants issued in
Registrant's private securities offering which was completed on April 30,
1997. Additional proceeds raised in such offering are intended to be utilized
for working capital and to enable Registrant to attempt to effect the
acquisition of an operating business entity. Registrant does not expect to
generate any operating revenues until, at the earliest, the consummation of an
acquisition. No assurance can be given however, that Registrant will
successfully consummate a business acquisition or that if consummated, that
Registrant will derive any material revenues or profits therefrom.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
The financial statements of Registrant, itemized in the subtopic,
"Financial Statements" under Item 14 hereof, are set forth below. The audit
report of Coopers & Lybrand dated August 3, 1995 included with the financial
statements and previously filed in connection with Registrant's Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the year ended March 25, 1995 has not been re-signed by
Coopers & Lybrand for reasons relating to the institution of receivership
proceedings against Registrant's former operating subsidiaries. The audit
report of Mahoney Cohen & Company, PC dated July 25, 1995 included with the
financial statements and previously filed in connection with Registrant's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 25, 1995 has not been
re-signed by Mahoney Cohen & Company, PC due to such reports reliance on the
audit of Registrant's former operating subsidiaries performed by Coopers &
Lybrand and Coopers & Lybrand's not re-signing their audit report. For a more
detailed discussion of the foregoing, reference is made to Registrant's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 1996, as amended on Form
10-K/A.
11
SIMONTACCHI & COMPANY, LLP
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS 9 LAW DRIVE
FAIRFIELD, NEW JERSEY 07004
TEL: (201) 575-5040
FAX: (201) 575-5044
To The Stockholders and
Board of Directors
Corniche Group Incorporated
Wayne, New Jersey
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Corniche Group Incorporated
as of March 31, 1997 and 1996 and the related statements of operations,
stockholders' deficiency, and cash flows for the years then ended. Our audits
also included the financial statement schedule for the years ended March 31,
1997 and 1996. These financial statements and the financial statement
schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audit. We did not audit the financial statements and the financial
statement schedule of Corniche Distribution Limited and Subsidiaries, a former
consolidated subsidiary, as of March 31, 1996 and for the year then ended.
These statements and schedules were not audited as the corporations were in
receivership in the United Kingdom (see Note 2 of the Financial statements),
and the records are unavailable for audit. The financial statements of
Corniche Group Incorporated and Subsidiary at March 25, 1995 and for the year
then ended were audited by other auditors whose report, dated July 25, 1995,
was unqualified.
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audit the financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Corniche
Group Incorporated as of March 31, 1997 and 1996, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related
financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic
financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material
respects, the information set forth therein.
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the
Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 2 to the
financial statements, the Company has suffered recurring losses from
operations in the past, and had no sales during the years ended March 31, 1997
and 1996 and its total liabilities exceed its total assets. This raises
substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.
Management's plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 2.
The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from
the outcome of this uncertainty.
/s/ SIMONTACCHI & COMPANY, LLP
Fairfield, New Jersey
June 20, 1997
MEMBER, AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
12
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
To the Stockholders and
Board of Directors
Fidelity Medical, Inc. and Subsidiary
Wayne, New Jersey
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Fidelity
Medical, Inc. and Subsidiary as of March 25, 1995, and the related
consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' deficiency, and cash
flows for the year then ended. These financial statements and the financial
statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statement financial
statements schedule based on our audit. We did not audit the financial
statements and the financial statement schedule of Corniche Distribution
Limited and Subsidiaries, a consolidated subsidiary, as of March 25, 1995 and
for the year then ended, which statements reflect total assets and results of
operations constituting 99.8% and 81.8%, respectively, of the related
consolidated totals. Those statements and schedule were audited by another
auditor whose report has been furnished to us, and our opinion, insofar as it
relates to the amounts included for Corniche Distribution Limited and
Subsidiaries for the year ended March 25, 1995 is based solely on the report
of the' other auditor.
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audit and the report of the other
auditor provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audit and the report of the other auditor,
the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all
material respects, the consolidated financial position of Fidelity Medical,
Inc. and Subsidiary as of March 25, 1995, and the results of their operations
and their cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared
assuming, that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in
Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements. the Company has suffered
recurring losses from operations and its total liabilities exceed its total
assets. This raises substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue
as a going concern. Management's plans in regard to these matters are also
described Note 2. The consolidated financial statement do not include any
adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
New York, New York /s/ Mahoney Cohen & Company PC
July 25, 1995
13
REPORT OF THE AUDITORS TO THE DIRECTORS OF
CORNICHE DISTRIBUTION LIMITED
We have audited the attached consolidated balance sheet of Corniche
Distribution Limited and subsidiaries ("the Company") as at March 25, 1995 and
the related consolidated statements of operations, cashflows and changes in
stockholders' equity for the period then ended, included in the Company's
consolidation package which we have initialled for the purposes of
identification. Our audit also included the financial statement schedule
listed on item 14(a) for the periods ended March 25, 1995, March 27, 1994 and
March 31, 1993.
RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF DIRECTORS AND AUDITORS
The company's directors are responsible for the preparation of the
consolidation package. It is our responsibility to express an opinion on the
consolidation package based on our audit and to report our opinion to you.
BASIS OF OPINION
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we
plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
consolidation package is free of material misstatement. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the consolidation package. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by the directors, as well as
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
FUNDAMENTAL UNCERTAINTIES
In forming our opinion we have considered the adequacy of the disclosures made
in the consolidation package concerning the Company's dependence on the
renewal of banking facilities on or shortly after July 31, 1995 and on
substantially meeting the Company's forecasts or, if not achieved, its
dependence on gaining additional funding. In addition the financial
statements include £2, 131,770 due from the ultimate parent company,
Fidelity Medical, Inc, ("FMI") in settlement of unpaid calls on shares issued
as at the end of this year. The receipt of these monies is dependent upon the
outcome of a planned equity placing by FMI. The consolidation package has
been prepared on a going concern basis and the validity of this depends on
successful outcomes of the above matters. The consolidation package does not
include any adjustments that would be required if the above matters are not
successfully achieved. Details of the circumstances relating to these
fundamental uncertainties are described in the consolidation package.
14
OPINION
Subject to any adjustments that might be, required as a result of the
fundamental uncertainties described above, in our opinion the consolidation
package, which has been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies
stated therein and in conformity with USGAAP, contains financial information
suitable for inclusion in the consolidated financial statements of FMI as of
March 25, 1995 and for the period from March 28, 1994 to March 25, 1995 except
that the consolidation package does not include adjustments required to
reflect the reverse acquisition of FMI by the Company.
/s/ Coopers & Lybrand
Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors
London
August 3, 1995
15
CORNICHE GROUP INCORPORATED
BALANCE SHEETS
ASSETS
------
March 31, March 31,
1997 1996
---------- -----------
Current Assets:
Cash $ 13,167 $ 66
Notes Receivable 0 125,000
Other Receivables 1,000 10,000
----------- ----------
Total Current Assets 14,167 135,066
Other Assets:
Property and Equipment, net 747 1,135
----------- ---------
Total Assets $ 14,914 $136,201
========= =========
See Accompany Notes
16
CORNICHE GROUP INCORPORATED
BALANCE SHEETS
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' (DEFICIENCY) EQUITY
--------------------------------------------------
March 31, March 31,
1997 1996
---------- ---------
Current Liabilities:
Notes Payable $ 400,000 $ 5,000
Note Payable on Debt Compromise 0 77,630
Trade Accounts Payable 4,929 183,123
Dividends Payable - Preferred Stock 148,397 84,749
Accrued Liabilities 113,297 104,804
--------- ---------
Total Current Liabilities 666,623 455,306
--------- ---------
Stockholders' (Deficiency) Equity:
Preferred stock, 5,000,000 shares authorized
Series A $0.07 convertible preferred stock
and issued 1,000,000 shares, and outstanding
909,267 shares March 31, 1997 and March 31,
1996. 909,267 909,267
Common Stock, $0. 10 par value, authorized -
30,000,000 shares, issued 2,630,378 (March 31,
1997 and 1996) 263,037 263,037
Additional Paid-In Capital 830,086 830,086
(Accumulated Deficit) Retained Earnings (2,449,389) (2,116,785)
------------ ------------
(446,999) (114,395)
Treasury Stock - at cost, 218, 100 shares. (204,710) (204,710)
----------- ---------
Total Stockholders' (Deficiency) Equity (651,709) (319,105)
----------- ---------
Total Liabilities and Stockholders'
(Deficiency) Equity $ 14,914 $ 136,201
========== ==========
See Accompanying Notes
17
CORNICHE GROUP INCORPORATED
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
March 31, March 31, March 25,
1997 1996 1995
--------- --------- ---------
Net Sales $ 0 $ 0 $21,048,151
Cost of Sales 0 0 15,531,102
----------- --------- ------------
Gross Profit 0 0 5,517,049
Selling, General and Administrative
Expenses 251,583 257,073 8,338,388
------------ --------- ------------
Operating Loss (251,583) (257,073) (2,821,339)
(Loss) on Sale of Assets 0 (3,042) (22,221)
Interest (Net) (17,373) (600) (538,646)
------------- --------- -----------
(Loss) Income before Income Tax (268,956) (260,715) (3,382,206)
Income Tax Benefit (Expense) 0 0 9,508
----------- --------- ----------------
Net (Loss) Income from Continuing Operations (268,956) (260,715) (3,372,698)
Preferred Stock Dividend (63,648) (62,795) (21,954)
----------- --------- -------------
Net (Loss) Income After Preferred Dividends (332,604) (323,510) (3,394,652)
Loss from Discontinued Operations 0 (3,432,032) 0
Excess of UK Subsidiary Cumulative Losses
over Investment 0 5,466,636 0
----------- ----------- -------------
Net Income (Loss) $ (332,604) $1,711,094 $(3,394,652)
=========== ========== ============
Profit / (Loss) per share of Common Stock
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations (0.14) (0.14) (2.05)
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations 0.00 0.88 0.00
------------- -------- -------------
Net Income (Loss) per share $ (0.14) $ 0.74 $ (2.05)
============== ======== ==============
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares
Outstanding 2,412,278 2,300,289 1,656,903
=========== ========= ==============
See Accompanying Notes
18
CORNICE GROUP INCORPORATED
STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' (DEFICIENCY) EQUITY
Common Stock
-------------------
Additional Cumulative
Preferred Number of Paid-In Accumulated Translation Treasury
Stock Shares Amount Capital Deficit adjustment Stock Total
Balance - March 27, 1994 $ 0 572,981 $ 57,208 $126,077 $ 2,291 $ 61 $(183,196) $ 2,441
Issuance of Preferred Stock 1,000,000 - - - - - - 1,000,000
Conversion of Preferred Stock (53,931) 10,371 1,037 52,894 - - - -
Preferred Stock Dividends - - - - (21,954) - - (21,954)
Purchase of Treasury Stock - - - - - - (21,514)(21,514)
Issuance of Common Stock - 1,337,400 133,740 99,000 - - - 232,740
Conversion of Note, net - 150,000 15,000 235,000 - - - 250,000
Issuance of Common Stock - 50,000 5,000 (95,000) - - - 100,000
Costs Related of Sale of Common Stock - - - (50,000) - - - (50,000)
Recapitalization Adjustment - - - (557,971) (435,518) - - (993,489)
Net Loss - - - - (3,372,698) - - (3,372,698)
Cumulative Translation Adjustment - - - - - (4,691) (4,691)
----------- ---------- --------- --------- ------------ ---------- -------- -----------
Balance - March 25, 1995 946,069 2,119,857 211,985 - (3,827,879) (4,630) (204,710) (2,879,165)
Conversion of Preferred Stock (36,802) 7,077 708 36,094 - - - -
Adjustment to Common Stock - (156) (16) 16 - - - -
Issuance of Common Stock - 478,600 47,860 909,340 - - - 957,200
Costs Related to Sale of Common Stock - - - (162,864) - - - (162,864)
Issuance of Common Stock - 25,000 2,500 47,500 - - - 50,000
Preferred Stock Dividends - - - - (62,795) - - (62,795)
Elimination of UK Subsidiaries - - - - 2,034,604 4,630 - 2,036,234
Net Loss - - - - (260,715) - - (260,715)
---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ------------ -------- -------- ----------
Balance - March 31, 1996 $909,267 2,630,378 263,037 $830,086 $(2,116,785) $ - $(204,710) $(319,105)
Net Loss - - - - (332,604) - - (332,604)
----------- ----------- ---------- ---------- ------------ --------- -------- -----------
Balance - March 31, 1997 $909,267 $2,630,378 $263,037 $830,086 $(2,449,389) $ 0 $(204,710) $ (651,709)
========= =========== ========== ========== =========== ========= ========== ===========
See Accompanying Notes
19
CORNICHE GROUP INCORPORATED
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
March 31, March 31, March 25,
1997 1996 1995
-------------- ------------ ------------
Cash Flows from Operation Activities:
Net Loss from Continuing Operations $(268,956) $(260,715) $(3,372,698)
Adjustments to reconcile Net Loss from Continuing
Operations to Net Cash used in Operating
Activities:
Depreciation 388 1,749 346,668
Amortization of Goodwill - - 97,651
Amortization of Trademarks - - 1,248
Amortization of Development Costs - - 18,524
Amortization of Deferred Credit - - (4,223)
Loss on Sale of Property and Equipment - 3,042 22,220
Allowance for Bad Debts - - 349,231
Changes in Assets and Liabilities Net of Effects
from Acquisitions:
Decrease (Increase) in Accounts Receivable - - (217,151)
Decrease in Notes Receivable 125,000 75,000 -
Decrease in Inventory - - 561,291
Decrease (Increase) in Prepaid Expenses and
Other Receivables 9,000 8,422 (59,268)
(Decrease) Increase in Notes Payable - (11,292) -
(Decrease) Increase in Trade Accounts Payable (178,194) 127,757 286,501
Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Liabilities 8,493 (451,070) 893,946
Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Credit - - (23,138)
Increase in Taxes Payable - - 259,217
------------ --------- -------------
Net Cash used in Operating Activities (304,269) (507,107) (839,981)
Net Cash used in Discontinued Operations - (331,337) -
-------------- ---------- --------------
Net Cash used in Operating Activities (304,269) (838,444) (839,981)
--------------- ---------- --------------
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Payments to Acquired Fixed Assets - (8,926) (439,169)
Proceeds from Sale of Equipment - 3,000 54,607
-------------- ---------- --------------
Net Cash used in Investing Activities - (5,926) (384,562)
-------------- ---------- --------------
Balance Carried Forward $(304,269) $(844,370) $(1,224,543)
============= =========== ===============
20
CORNICHE GROUP INCORPORATED
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
March 31, March 31, March 25,
1997 1996 1995
------------ --------- -------------
Balance Brought Forward $(304,269) $(844,370) $(1,224,543)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Net Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock
for Cash - 794,336 50,000
Net Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock
for Services - 50,000 -
Net Borrowings under Line of Credit Agreement - - 1,018,536
Principal Payments under Capital Lease
Obligations - - (106,369)
Payment of Notes Payable (77,630) - -
Additional Borrowings 395,000 - -
------------ ----------- -----------
Net Cash Provided by Financing 317,370 844,336 962,167
------------ ----------- -----------
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash - - (7,725)
------------ ----------- -----------
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash 13,101 (34) (270,101)
Cash at Beginning of Period 66 100 9,940
Cash received from FMI - - 368,599
------------ ------------ ----------
Cash at End of Period $ 13,167 $ 66 $ 108,438
============ ============ ==========
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow
Information
Cash Paid during the Year for:
Interest $ 17,373 $ 600 $ 538,646
Income Taxes $ - $ - $ -
See Accompany Notes
21
CORNICHE GROUP INCORPORATED
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (CONCLUDED)
Supplemental Schedule of Non-Cash Investing
and Financing Activities
During the year ended March 31, 1997 the Company accrued preferred stock
dividends of $63,648 and (1996 - $62,795).
During the year ended March 31, 1996 holders of 36,802 shares of preferred
stock converted such shares into 7,077 shares of CGI's common stock. In March
1995, holders of 53,931 shares of preferred stock converted such shares into
10,371 shares of CGI's common stock (Note 7).
On March 2, 1995 CGI issued 1,097,250 shares of its common stock for 100% of
the issued and outstanding common stock of Corniche (Note 2). Additionally,
it issued 25,000 shares to the 49% shareholder of Chessbourne (Note 7) and
215,150 shares to Chester Holdings, Ltd.
On March 25, 1995, Chester Holdings, Ltd. returned the 215,150 shares to CGI
in exchange for the medical imaging subsidiary of CGI (Note 3).
In March 1995, holders of a promissory note in the amount of $300,000
converted such note into common stock of CGI (Note 7) .
In connection with the reverse acquisition on March 2, 1995, cash of $368,599
was received.
See Accompanying Notes
22
CORNICHE GROUP INCORPORATED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 THE COMPANY
Corniche Group Incorporated, formerly Fidelity Medical, Inc. (hereinafter
referred to as the "Company" or "CGI") as result of a reverse acquisition with
Corniche Distribution Limited and its Subsidiaries ("Corniche") (see "Reverse
Acquisition" below), was engage in the retail sale and wholesale distribution
of stationery products and related office products, including office
furniture, in the United Kingdom. The operating subsidiaries of Corniche were
Chessbourne International Limited ("Chessbourne") and The Stationery Company
Limited ("TSCL").
Corniche experienced large operating losses and net cash outflows from
operating activities in fiscal 1995 and 1996 resulting in a significant
reduction in working capital during that period. The Company was unsuccessful
in its efforts to raise interim financing to resolve its liquidity problems.
Additionally, the Company was not able to convert a significant portion of its
bank debt to equity. As a result, receivers were appointed to Corniche's
subsidiaries Chessbourne and TSCL on February 7, 1996 by their primary bankers
and secured lender, Bank of Scotland. Corniche Distribution Limited was
placed in receivership on February 28, 1996 (See Note 2).
NOTE 2 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICY
Reverse Acquisition
On March 2, 1995, the stockholders of Corniche exchanged all of their common
stock for 1,097,250 shares of CGI. Since the former stockholders' of Corniche
owned a majority of the outstanding stock of CGI after the acquisition, such
purchase transaction was accounted for as a reverse acquisition. The acquired
company (Corniche) was deemed to have acquired the acquiring company (CGI).
Accordingly, CGI changed its fiscal year to the last Saturday in March of each
year in order to conform to the fiscal year of its operating subsidiary.
Historical stockholders' equity of Corniche has been retroactively restated to
give effect to the recapitalization. The historical financial statements
prior to March 2, 1995 are those of Corniche. Further, on March 2, 1995, CGI
acquired a 49% interest in the outstanding shares of Chessboume.
23
CORNICHE GROUP INCORPORATED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 2 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont'd)
UK Receivership Proceeding
Significant losses were incurred during the forty weeks to December 30, 1995,
and in the fiscal year ended March 25, 1995, resulting in a working capital
and a stockholders deficiency as of December 30, 1995 and March 25, 1995.
Management of Corniche had taken several steps to reduce the amount of cash
used by operations, including relocation of its corporate facilities and
reduce staffing levels and other operating expenses. However, a receivership
proceeding involving the operating subsidiaries of the Company was commenced
on February 7, 1996 and the UK holding company, Corniche Distribution Limited,
was placed in receivership on February 28, 1996. The receiverships resulted
in the loss of all of the Company's operations and operating assets and
eliminated most liabilities. Accordingly, the operating activities of the UK
subsidiaries have been classified as a discontinued operation and the excess
of the UK subsidiary's cumulative losses over the Company's investment was
included in the income statement for the year ended March 31, 1996.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the
Company will continue as a going concern. The Company's ability to continue
as a going concern may depend on its ability to obtain outside financing
sufficient to support it pending identification and completion of a suitable
acquisition or acquisitions and its ability to obtain financing and consummate
such acquisition or acquisitions. There can be no assurance given that the
Company will obtain such short-term or long-term outside financing or complete
the acquisition of new business operations.
Effective October 1, 1995, the Company declared a one-for-ten reverse stock
split and all numbers of shares and share values stated herein reflect such
reverse split unless otherwise noted.
24
CORNICHE GROUP INCORPORATED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 2 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont'd)
Property and Equipment
Machinery and equipment, furniture and fixtures and motor vehicles are
depreciated by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the
assets, which range principally from five to ten years.
Income Taxes
Effective October 1993, the Company adopted SFAS 109, "Accounting for Income
Taxes", which recognizes (a) the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the
current year and, (b) deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax
consequences of events that have been recognized in an enterprise's financial
statement or tax returns.
Income tax expense/benefit is calculated on a separate company basis between
CGI and Corniche.
New Accounting Standards
Effective fiscal 1996, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 107, "Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments", and
Statement of Position 94-6, "Disclosure of Certain Significant Risks and
Uncertainties".
Per Share Information
Per share information has been computed based on the weighted average number
of shares and dilutive common stock equivalents outstanding during each
respective period. Common stock equivalents were excluded from the loss per
common share computation in fiscal 1995 as the effect of their inclusion would
be anti-dilutive. Retroactive effect has been given to the recapitalization
discussed in Note 2.
25
CORNICHE GROUP INCORPORATED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 3 NOTES RECEIVABLE
Notes Receivable comprise a 180-day promissory note in the principal amount of
$200,000 due from Chester Holdings, Ltd. ("Chester") as part consideration for
the Company's former medical imaging subsidiary sold to Chester on March 25,
1995. The note was due on October 1, 1995 and includes an option to apply any
unpaid balance of such note to purchase voting securities of Chester's
operating subsidiary, or any new parent company of such operating subsidiary,
at the fair market value of such securities. As of March 31, 1996 Chester was
in default on the note and no principal or interest had been received.
Through July 1996 the company received payments of principal in the aggregate
sum of $125,000. The Company is in negotiation regarding the exercising of
its option to apply the unpaid balance of the Note to purchase voting shares
of Medical Laser Technologies, Inc., the corporate parent of the operating
subsidiary. However, no agreement has yet been reached and accordingly, a
provision against recovery of the balance of $75,000 was made at March 31,
1996. No interest has been accrued.
NOTE 4 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and Equipment consists of the following:
March 31, March 31,
1997 1996
---------- ---------
Furniture and Fixtures $1,426 $1,426
Less: Accumulated Depreciation 679 291
--------- --------
$ 747 $1,135
========= ========
26
CORNICHE GROUP INCORPORATED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 5 NOTES PAYABLE
The Company was in default on a Note Payable dated January 12, 1995 in the
principle sum of $17,000. In March 1997 the Company entered into a settlement
agreement with the note holder pursuant to which the note holder accepted
$5,000 in full satisfaction of all remaining sums due including accrued
interest.
During the period July 1996 through December 1996, the Company engaged in a
private offering of securities pursuant to Rule 506 of Regulation D of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The offering of up to $300,000 was
conducted on a "best efforts" basis through Robert M. Cohen & Co., Inc.
("RMCC"), a New York based broker-dealer and was offered and sold in the form
of $25,000 units. Each unit consisted of one $25,000 face amount 90-day, 8%
promissory note and one redeemable common stock purchase warrant to purchase
60,000 shares of the Company's common stock at a price of $.50 per share
during a period of three years from issuance. The offering was terminated in
December 1996 upon the sale of 4 units resulting in $100,000 in gross
proceeds. In connection with such offering, RMCC was paid sales commissions
equal to 10% of the aggregate purchase price of the units sold resulting in
aggregate sales commissions of $10,000.
During the period January 1997 through April 30, 1997, the Company engaged in
a private offering of securities pursuant to Rule 506 of Regulation D of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The offering consists of up to 19 units
being sold at an offering price of $25,000 per unit. Each unit consists of
one $25,000 face amount 90-day, 8% promissory note and one redeemable common
stock purchase warrant to purchase 60,000 shares of the Company's common stock
at a price of $.50 per share during a period of three years from issuance.
The offering of up to $475,000 was conducted on a "best efforts" basis through
RMCC. In connection with such offering, RMCC is being paid sales commissions
equal to 10% of the purchase price for each unit sold or $2,500 per unit.
RMCC sold 17 units.
27
CORNICHE GROUP INCORPORATED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 6 NOTE PAYABLE ON DEBT COMPROMISE
Notes Payable on debt compromise as of March 31, 1996 comprised a 180-day
promissory note in the principal amount of 50,000 pounds sterling
(approximately $77,630) in favor of the Bank of Scotland, primary banker to
Corniche. The note was issued to settle certain claims involving Corniche and
the Company following the receivership proceeding involving the Company's UK
Subsidiary.
On January 30, 1997 the Company paid the Bank of Scotland $89,374.49 in full
satisfaction of all principal and interest due under a promissory Note dated
February 1996 to the Bank of Scotland in the principal amount of fifty
thousand pounds sterling (see Note 6). In consideration thereof, the parties
executed a mutual Release dated as of January 30, 1997 whereby the Bank of
Scotland released the Company and James J. Fyfe, the Company's sole officer
and director, from all liabilities, accounts, courses of action, sums of
money, reckonings, contracts, controversies, agreements, damages, judgements,
executions, claims, demands, debts, obligations, promises, covenants, actions
and undertakings which against the Company or Fyfe the Bank of Scotland ever
had, at the time of the release or could thereafter have by reason of any
matter up to and through the date of the release and the Company and Fyfe
released the Bank of Scotland in similar fashion.
NOTE 7 STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Effective October 1, 1995 the Company declared a one-for-ten reverse stock
split and all numbers of shares and share values stated herein reflect such
reverse split unless otherwise noted.
In connection with the settlement of the securities class action litigation
(see Note 8), the Company issued 1,000,000 shares of 7% cumulative convertible
preferred stock with an aggregate value of $1,000,000. The preferred stock
has a liquidation value of $1 per share, is non-voting and convertible into
common stock of the Company at a price of $5.20 per share. Preferred
stockholders are entitled to receive a cash dividend of 7% paid
semi-annually. The preferred shares are callable by the Company at any time
after the first anniversary of issuance, at prices ranging from 101% to 105%
of face value. In addition, if the closing price of the Company's common
stock exceeds $13.80 per share for a period of 20 consecutive trading days,
the preferred shares are callable by the Company at a price equal to 1% of
face value. In March 1995, the holders of 53,931 shares of preferred stock
exercised their rights to convert and, accordingly, 10,371 shares of common
stock were issued. During the year ended March 31, 1996, holders of 36,802
shares of preferred stock converted such shares into 7,077 shares of CGI's
common stock.
28
CORNICHE GROUP INCORPORATED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 7 STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Cont'd)
In March 1995, the Company issued a total of 1,312,400 shares of common stock
to acquire all of the issued and outstanding stock of Corniche. Brian J.
Baylis was issued 877,800 shares of common stock and Susan A.M. Crisp was
issued 219,450 shares of common stock in exchange for their holdings
representing 100 % of the issued common stock of Corniche, and the balance of
215,150 shares were issued to Chester in connection with the acquisition. In
addition, the Company issued 25,000 shares of the Company's common stock to
Ronatree in exchange for the remaining 49% of the common shares of Chessboume.
Simultaneous with the Company's acquisition of Corniche on March 2, 1995, NWCM
Limited ("NWCM"), a Hong Kong investment banker, agreed on a staggered basis,
to raise up to $5,000,000 of new equity capital on a "best efforts" basis.
This offer was limited to experienced, sophisticated investors who are
"non-U.S. persons" under Regulation S of the United States Securities Act of
1933. An initial tranche of 600,000 shares was offered at a price of $2.00
per share. Pursuant to the transaction, the Company paid NWCM a fee of
$50,000. In addition, NWCM was paid a sales commission of 10% and a
non-accountable expense allowance equal to 2% of the total dollars raised, a
total of $162,864. The offering was closed on September 8, 1995 and the
Company raised a total of $957,200 gross, $794,336 net of sales commission and
expense allowance in the year ended March 31, 1996 and $100,000 March 25,
1995. The Company has agreed to indemnify NWCM for certain liabilities
arising from the transaction.
During the year ended March 31, 1996, the Company issued 25,000 shares of
common stock to Trisec Holdings, Ltd. for consulting services in connection
with the "Reverse Acquisition" (see Note 2) of Corniche on March 2, 1995.
On March 13, 1995, the Company converted a promissory note in the amount of
$300,000 payable on November 10, 1995, which had been entered into pursuant to
a bridge finance agreement in December 1994, into 150,000 shares of the common
stock of the Company. In connection with the conversion, the Company paid
NWCM a fee of $36,000.
Effective January 30, 1997, the Company entered into a Stock purchase
Agreement with the Bank of Scotland and twelve unrelated persons whereby
1,042,250 of the 1,097,250 shares of the Company's common stock pledged to the
bank of Scotland by Brian J. Baylis and Susan A.M. Crisp to secure certain
debts of Corniche Distribution Limited and subsidiaries to the Bank of
Scotland were sold by he bank of Scotland following a default in the
obligation secured by the pledge to such twelve persons for an aggregate
consideration of $125,070.
29
CORNICHE GROUP INCORPORATED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 7 STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Cont'd)
The Company has issued common stock purchase warrants from time to time to
investors in private placements, certain vendors, underwriters, and directors
and officers of the Company.
A total of 1,050,175 shares of common stock are reserved for issuance upon
exercise of warrants as of March 31, 1997. Warrants issued and outstanding
are summarized as follows:
Shares
Issuable on Exercise Expiration
Exercise Price Date
-------------- ------------- ------------
February 1991 48,867 $36.00 1/98
September 1993 9,375 $46.40 4/99
March 1995 91,933 $3.20 - $8.10 1/99 - 11/03
January - March 1997 900,000 $ 0.50 1/00 - 3/00
The warrants issued in 1997 were issued in connection with the Company's
securities offering and were repurchased subsequent to March 31, 1997 at a
cost of $67,500.
In March 1995, as a result of the sale by the Company of its medical imaging
subsidiary, stock options held by certain directors, officers and employees
under the Company's 1986 Stock Option Plan were converted to warrants on
substantially the same terms as the previously held stock options, except
these warrants are immediately vested.
Stock Option Plans
CGI has two stock option plans. The 1986 Stock Option Plan provides for the
grant of options to purchase shares of the Company's common stock to
employees. The 1992 Stock Option Plan provides for the grant of options to
directors.
The 1986 Stock Option Plan allows for the grant of incentive stock options
(ISO), non-qualified stock options (NQSO) and stock appreciation rights
(SAR). The maximum number of shares of the Company's common stock that may be
granted, as amended in April 1993, is 140,000 shares. The terms of the plan
provide that options are exercisable for a period of up to ten years from the
date of grant or a period of five years with respect to incentive stock
options if the holder owns more that 10% of the Company's outstanding common
stock. The exercise price and grantees of options are established by the
Stock Option Committee. The exercise price of ISO's must be at least 100% of
the fair market value of the common stock at the time of grant.
30
CORNICHE GROUP INCORPORATED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 7 STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Cont'd)
For holders of more than 10% of the Company's outstanding common stock, the
exercise price must be at least 110% of fair market value. The exercise price
of NQSO's must be not less than 80% of the fair market value of the common
stock at the time of grant. An option is exercisable not earlier than six
months from the date of grant.
In April 1992, the Company adopted the 1992 Stock Option Plan to provide for
the granting of options to directors. According to the terms of this plan,
each director is granted options to purchase 1,500 shares each year. The
maximum amount of the Company's common stock that may be granted under this
plan is 20,000 shares. Options are exercisable at the fair market value of
the common stock on the date of grant and have five year terms.
Information with respect to options under the 1986 and 1992 Stock Option Plans
is summarized as follows:
March 31, March 31, March 25, Sept. 30,
1997 1996 1995 1994
-------- -------- --------- ---------
Outstanding,
Beginning of Year 7,500 28,980 131,367 82,900
Granted 3,000 9,000 15,896 69,117
Converted 0 0 (91,933) 0
Expired (9,000) (30,480) (26,350) (20,650)
Exercised 0 0 0 0
--------- ---------- --------- ----------
Outstanding,
End of Year 1,500 7,500 28,980 131,367
The Company reclassified 18,000 options shown as expired in its 1994 financial
statements to be outstanding as of March 25, 1995.
Outstanding options expire 90 days after termination of holder's status as
employee or director.
At March 31, 1997, there were 1,500 exercisable outstanding options and
158,500 shares available for grant. The exercise price of outstanding options
was $0.40625.
On May 1, 1997, 1,500 options were granted at an exercise price of $.3125 per
share.
31
CORNICHE GROUP INCORPORATED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 8 COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND OTHER
Legal Proceedings
During fiscal 1994, the Company disclosed irregularities in its revenue
recognition practices which led to the restatement of the Company's financial
statements for fiscal years ended September 30, 1989, 1990, and 1991, and the
first quarter of fiscal 1992. As a result, nine class action securities
complaints (the "lawsuits") were filed against the Company and certain other
persons which were settled in January 1994. Pursuant to the settlement, the
Company paid $2,560,000 in cash in 1995 and issued $1,000,000 in 7% cumulative
convertible preferred stock. The preferred stock is convertible into common
stock at a price of $5.20 per share, and will be callable for five years. The
preferred stock has been included in stockholders' equity at March 31, 1996
and at March 25, 1995. Stockholders who purchased CGI's shares between
January 3, 1989 and May 7, 1992 have been included within the plaintiff class
for purposes of the settlement.
CGI and certain of its former officers and directors were involved in a
shareholders' derivative action filed in Delaware Chancery Court. The causes
of action asserted included breach of fiduciary duty, breach of duty of care
and trust of the Company's shareholders, gross negligence and mismanagement,
as well as common law conspiracy and aiding and abetting. The Court granted
the Company's motion to dismiss by Opinion and Order dated May 2, 1995. The
Company instituted its own action in State Court in New Jersey against its
former chief executive officer, Efriam Landa. The complaint was filed on May
4, 1995. Mr. Landa answered on October 16, 1995 and asserted counterclaims
seeking (a) reimbursement of defense costs in the derivative action and
related investigations by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and
the United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey and (b) damages for
breach of his employment contract. This matter was settled by exchange of
mutual releases on December 5, 1996.
In the opinion of management, there are no other lawsuits or claims pending
against the Company.
32
CORNICHE GROUP INCORPORATED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 9 INCOME TAXES
Income Tax Expense (benefit) represents United Kingdom corporation tax
(benefit) for the years ended March 25, 1995. There were no significant
differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and
liabilities that were expected to give rise to taxable income in the future in
view of the Company's substantial tax losses available for carryforward.
Earnings (loss) before income taxes and preferred stock dividend is
attributable to the following sources:
Years Ended In
================================
1997 1996 1995
---- ---- ----
United Kingdom $0 $0 $(2,786,689)
United States (268,956) (260,715) (595,517)
------------ ----------- -------------
$(268,956) $(260,715) $(3,382,206)
========= ========= ==========
In the United States the Tax Reform Act of 1986 enacted a complex set of rules
limiting the utilization of net operating loss carryforwards to offset future
taxable income following a corporate ownership change. The Company's ability
to utilize its NOL carryforwards is limited following a change in ownership in
excess of fifty percentage points. The Company has fully reserved the balance
of tax benefits of its operating losses because the likelihood of realization
of the tax benefits cannot be determined.
The Company was delinquent in the filing of Federal and State Income Tax
returns for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1994, short period ended March
25, 1995 and the fiscal year ended March 31, 1996. These returns have been
filed in June 1997.
33
CORNICHE GROUP INCORPORATED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 10 SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Equity Offerings
On May 15, 1997, the company commenced a private securities offering pursuant
to Rule 506 of Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The
offering of up to 400 units, each unit consisting of 10,000 shares of common
stock being offered at a price of $5,000 per unit. RMCC is the placement
agent for such offering and is entitled to receive a sales commission equal to
10% of the offering price for each unit sold. The first 50 units are being
offered on a "best efforts, all or none" basis. The remaining 350 units are
being offered on a "best efforts" basis. As of the date hereof, 162 units
have been sold resulting in gross proceeds to the Company of $810,000. The
proceeds of such offering are intended to be utilized to enable the Company to
attempt to effect the acquisition of an operating business entity, for working
capital and to pay off the promissory notes and to redeem the common stock
purchase warrants issued in the Company's private securities offering which
was completed on April 30, 1997.
34
CORNICHE GROUP INCORPORATED
SCHEDULE II
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED MARCH 31,1997, MARCH 25,1996 AND MARCH 27,1995
COL. A COL B. COL. C COL. D COL. E
ADDITIONS
Balance at Beginning Charges to Costs Acquisitions Deductions Balance at
Description of Period and expenses of Subsidiaries Describe End of Period
Allowance for Doubtful
Account 1995 131,692 349,231 0 135,815 (1) 345,108
1996 345,108 0 0 345,108 (3) 0
1997 0 0 0 0 0
Reserve against
Notes Receivable
in Default 1995 0 0 0 0 0
1996 0 75,000 0 0 75,000
1997 75,000 0 0 0 75,000
Inventory
Reserve 1995 86,589 9,758 0 56,123 (2) 40,224
1996 40,224 0 0 40,224 (3) 0
1997 0 0 0 0 0
(1) Elimination of reserve on bad debt write-off.
(2) Release of provision no longer required.
(3) Elimination of UK subsidiary following receivership proceeding.
35
ITEM 9. DISAGREEMENTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
On April 5, 1995, Registrant terminated its relationship with the
accounting firm of Ernst & Young, LLP ("Ernst & Young") as Registrant's
independent auditors responsible for the audit of Registrant's financial
statements. This action was recommended by Registrant's Audit Committee and
approved by its Board of Directors. The decision to terminate Ernst & Young
as Registrant's principal independent auditors was made because another
accounting firm, Coopers & Lybrand LLP ("Coopers"), had been the auditor for
Registrant's then recently-acquired subsidiary, CDL, for some time.
In connection with the audits of Registrant's financial statements for
the fiscal year ended September 30, 1994, and in the subsequent interim
period, there were no disagreements with Ernst & Young on any matters of
accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or
auditing scope and procedures which, if not resolved to the satisfaction of
Ernst & Young, would have caused Ernst & Young to make reference to such
matter in their report. Ernst & Young's report on Registrant's financial
statements for its fiscal year ended September 30, 1994 expressed an
unqualified opinion on those financial statements based on their audit but
included an explanatory paragraph noting a "substantial doubt about
Registrant's ability to continue as a going concern" based upon the several
matters summarized in such report.
During the period April 1995 through on or about July 6, 1995 Registrant
negotiated with Coopers regarding the preparation of Registrant's audited
financial statements for the year ended March 25, 1995. Coopers subsequently
declined to act as Registrant's independent auditors even though Coopers' U.K.
office continued to act as auditor for Registrant's subsidiary, CDL, and
provided audited financial statements for CDL for the year ended March 25,
1995. Coopers decision not to act as Registrant's auditors was not based on
any disagreements with Registrant on any matters of accounting principles or
practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope and procedures
which, if not resolved to Coopers satisfaction, would have caused Coopers to
make reference to such matters in their reports. Coopers never offered
Registrant a formal reason for declining to act as Registrant's auditors
although Registrant was led to believe that Coopers' U.S. offices did not want
to act for a company with a recent experience of significant losses coupled
with prior shareholder litigation.
On July 20, 1995, Registrant appointed Mahoney Cohen & Company, PC
("Mahoney Cohen") as Registrant's independent auditors responsible for the
audit of Registrant's financial statements. This action was recommended by
Registrant's Audit Committee and approved by its Board of Directors.
Registrant had not consulted Mahoney Cohen regarding any accounting or
financial reporting issues prior to that firm being retained by Registrant.
In connection with its audit of Registrant's financial statements for the
fiscal year ended March 25, 1995, and in the subsequent interim period through
on or about April 17, 1997 when the relationship was formally terminated and
it resigned as Registrant's independent auditors, there were no disagreements
between Mahoney Cohen and Registrant on any matters of accounting principles
or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope and procedures
which, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Mahoney Cohen, would have caused
Mahoney Cohen to make reference to such matters in their report. Mahoney
Cohen's report on Registrant's financial statements for the fiscal year ended
March 25, 1995 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements
based upon their audit but included a paragraph noting a "substantial doubt
about Registrant's ability to continue as a going concern" based upon the
several matters summarized in such report.
In February 1997 Registrant appointed Simontacchi & Co., P.A.
("Simontacchi") as Registrant's independent auditors responsible for the audit
of Registrant's financial statements. This action was approved by
Registrant's board of directors. Registrant had not consulted Simontacchi
regarding any accounting or financial reporting issues prior to that firm
being retained by Registrant.
36
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF REGISTRANT
Directors
The following sets forth, as at March 31, 1997, the directors of
Registrant, their respective ages, the year in which each was first elected or
appointed a director, and any other office in Registrant held by each
director. Each director holds office until the next annual meeting of
shareholders and until their successors have been elected and qualified.
Other Offices Director
Name Held Age Since
---- ------------- --- --------
James J. Fyfe Vice President, Chief 42 1995
Operating Officer
In September 1996, Mathew P. Pazaryna ceased all his activities relating
to his engagement as a director of Registrant. Efforts to contact him proved
unsuccessful and consequently, his association with Registrant was
terminated. Although no written resignation was provided to Registrant by Mr.
Pazaryna, Registrant, based upon the actions of Mr. Pazaryna, treated Mr.
Pazaryna as having resigned effective September 1996. Mr. Pazaryna's
resignation was not the result of any disagreements with Registrant on any
matter relating to Registrant's operations, policies or practices.
Executive Officers
The following sets forth the executive officers of Registrant, their
respective ages, the year in which each was first appointed an executive
officer of Registrant and all positions and offices in Registrant held by each
such person as at March 31, 1997.
Office Held
Name Offices Held Age Since
---- ------------ --- -----------
James J. Fyfe Vice President 42 May 1995
Family Relationships
No family relationship exists between any director, executive officer of
Registrant or any person contemplated to become such.
Business Experience
The following summarizes the occupation and business experience during at
least the five years preceding March 31, 1997 of each person who served as a
director and/or executive officer of Registrant at March 31, 1997.
JAMES J. FYFE has been a director, vice president and the chief operating
officer of Registrant since May 1995. From January 1991 to May 1995, he was
an independent business consultant. Prior to January
37
1991 he was chairman and chief executive officer of the Lewis Group, a UK
based chain of department stores and specialty retail outlets.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Compensation of Officers
Registrant has not paid salary, wages or other compensation to any of its
executive officers since February 1996 when Registrant's then operating
subsidiaries were placed into receivership in the United Kingdom and all
business operations ceased.
Compensation of Directors
Directors who are not full-time members of management receive $300 per
Board of Directors meeting attended, in addition to reimbursement of travel
expenses. Directors are also compensated for special assignments from time to
time. No special assignment compensation was paid during the fiscal year
ended March 31, 1997.
All directors receive options to purchase 1,500 shares of Registrant's
common stock each May under Registrant's 1992 Stock Option Plan for Directors.
Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act
Any person who is an officer, director, or the beneficial owner, directly
or indirectly, of more than 10% of the outstanding common stock of Registrant
is required under Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the "Exchange Act") to file certain reports with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "Commission") disclosing his or her holdings or
transactions in any securities of Registrant. For purposes of this
discussion, all such persons required to file such reports will be referred to
as "Reporting Persons". Every Reporting Person must file an initial statement
of his or her beneficial ownership of Registrant's securities on the
Commission's Form 3 within ten days after he or she becomes a Reporting
Person. Thereafter (with certain limited exceptions), all changes in his or
her beneficial ownership of Registrant's securities must be reported on the
Commission's Form 4 on or before the 10th day after the end of the month in
which such change occurred. Certain changes in beneficial ownership are
exempt from the Form 4 reporting requirements, but are required to be reported
on a Form 5 within 45 days of the end of the fiscal year in which such changes
occurred. The Registrant knows of no person who was a Reporting Person during
the fiscal year ended March 31, 1997, who has failed to file any reports
required to be filed during such period on Forms 3 and 4 with respect to his
holdings or transactions in Registrant's securities other than Brian J.
Baylis and Susan A.M. Crisp who were required to file reports on Form 4 in
connection with the reduction of their respective ownership interests in
Registrant resulting from the sale of shares pledged by them following a
default in the obligation secured by the pledge as discussed in Item 1.
Business - General - Transfer of Pledge Shares. Mr. Baylis and Ms. Crisp,
each of whom resides in the UK, were not fully aware of their obligations to
file a Form 4 following the sales of the pledged shares but have been recently
notified regarding such obligations. The Registrant expects each of them to
file a Form 4 with respect to such transaction within the next thirty days.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
As of June 20, 1997 there were no persons known to Registrant to be the
beneficial owners of more than 5% of Registrant's common stock, $.10 par
value.
38
Security Ownership of Management
The following table sets forth information concerning the beneficial
ownership of Registrant's common stock, as of June 20, 1997, by (i) each person
who was a director or a nominee to become a director, (ii) Registrant's
executive officers, and (iii) all persons who were directors and officers of
Registrant, as a group, and the percentage of Registrant's issued and
outstanding stock represented by such beneficial ownership.
Name and Address Amount and Nature of
of Beneficial Owner Beneficial Ownership Percent of Class
------------------ --------------------- -----------------
James J. Fyfe -0- (1) -0-
145 Route 46 West
Wayne, NJ 07470
All directors and officers -0- (1) -0-
as a group (1 person)
(1) Does not include 3,000 shares of common stock which may be issued to
Mr. Fyfe upon the exercise of 3,000 stock options issued to Mr. Fyfe in
connection with his services as a director of Registrant. These options were
issued in connection with Registrant's 1992 Stock Option Plan. 1,500 of such
options are not exercisable until May 1998. The 1,500 currently exercisable
options are exercisable at an exercise price of $.4065 per share. The 1,500
options which become exercisable in May 1998 are exercisable at a price of
$.3125 per share.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Transactions With Management and Others
During the fiscal year ended March 31, 1997 and all subsequent periods
there have been no material transactions between Registrant and any member of
management or any principal shareholder of Registrant.
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
Financial Statements
The financial statements filed as a part of this report are as follows:
Report of independent accountants
Balance Sheets - March 31, 1997 and March 31, 1996
Statements of Operations - Years ended March 31, 1997,
March 31, 1996 and March 25, 1995
Statement of Changes in Stockholders' (Deficiency)/Equity -
Years ended March 31, 1997, March 31, 1996 and March 25, 1995
39
Statements of Cash Flows - Years ended March 31, 1997,
March 31, 1996 and March 25, 1995
Notes to financial statements
Financial Statement Schedules
The financial statement schedule filed as a part of this report is as
follows:
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the years ended March 31, 1997,
March 31, 1996 and March 25, 1995.
Other financial statement schedules have been omitted for the reason that
they are not required or are not applicable, or the required information is
shown in the financial statements or notes thereto.
Exhibits
The exhibits filed as a part of this report are as follows:
Exhibit No. as filed
with registration statement
or report specified below
3 (a) Certificate of Incorporation filed September 18, 1980 (1) 3
(b) Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation filed
September 29, 1980 (1) 3
(c) Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation filed
July 28, 1983 (2) 3(b)
(d) Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation filed
February 10, 1984 (2) 3(d)
(e) Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation filed
March 31, 1986 (3) 3(e)
(f) Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation filed
March 23, 1987 (4) 3(g)
(g) Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation filed
June 12, 1990 (5) 3.8
(h) Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation filed
September 27, 1991 (6) 3.9
(i) Certificate of Designation filed November 12, 1984 (7) 3.8
(j) Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation filed
September 28, 1995 (12) 3(j)
(k) By-laws of the Registrant, as amended on
December 22, 1983 (2) 3(c)
(l) By-laws of the Registrant, as amended on
December 5, 1985 (3) 3(f)
(m) By-laws of the Registrant, as amended on
April 25, 1991 (6) 3.10
4 (a) Form of Underwriter's Warrant (6) 4.9.1
(b) Form of Promissory Note - 1996 Offering (12) 4(b)
40
(c) Form of Promissory Note - 1997 Offering (12) 4(c)
(d) Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant - 1996 Offering (12) 4(d)
(e) Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant - 1997 Offering (12) 4(e)
10 (a) Form of Financial Advisory Agreement between
Registrant and Commonwealth Associates (6) 10.13
(b) Underwriting Agreement among Registrant,
Commonwealth Associates and Selling Stockholders,
dated November 15, 1991 (8) 10.14
(c) 1986 Stock Option Plan, as amended (7) 10.6
(d) 1992 Stock Option Plan (9) B
(e) Novation Agreement relating to a Share Sale and Purchase
Agreement dated April 24, 1994 among Brian John
Baylis, Susan Ann Meadows Crisp and Fidelity
Medical, Inc. dated March 2, 1995 (10) 2(a)
(f) Supplemental Agreement relating to a Share Sale and
Purchase Agreement dated April 24, 1994 among
Brian John Baylis, Susan Ann Meadows Crisp and
Fidelity Medical, Inc. dated March 2, 1995 (10) 2(b)
(g) Agreement for sale and purchase of the entire issued
share capital of Corniche Distribution Limited among
Brian John Baylis, Susan Ann Meadows Crisp and
Fidelity Medical, Inc. dated March 2, 1995 (10) 2(c)
(h) Letter of Agreement between Fidelity Medical, Inc. and
NWCM Limited dated as of March 6, 1995 (10) 2(d)
(i) Supplemental Agreement with respect to Options
dated March 2, 1995 (10) 9(b)
(j) Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of March 25, 1995
by and between Fidelity Medical, Inc. and Chester
Holdings, Ltd (11) 2(a)
(k) Promissory Note and Option Agreement dated as of
March 25, 1995 from Chester Holdings, Ltd. to
Fidelity Medical, Inc. (11) 2(b)
(l) Form of Warrant of Fidelity Medical, Inc. to be issued
to employees of Fidelity Medical, Inc., a New Jersey
corporation, in replacement of stock options (11) 2(c)
(m) Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of January 30, 1997
by and among Registrant, the Bank of Scotland and 12 Buyers (12) 10(m)
(n) Mutual Release dated as of January 30, 1997 by and among
Registrant, James Fyfe and the Bank of Scotland (12) 10(n)
16 (a) Letter of Mahoney Cohen & Company, CPA, PC
regarding their concurrence with the statements made
by Registrant concerning their resignation as Registrant's
principal accountant (13) 16(a)
99 (a) Opinion Letter of Smithsons Solicitors dated March 7, 1997
regarding the status of Registrant's former subsidiaries
as the result of the February 1996 receivership proceedings (12) 99(a)
99 (b) Letter of James J. Fyfe Regarding Unavailability of Re-signed
Audit Reports from Coopers & Lybrand LLP (12) 99(b)
41
99 (c) Letter of Mahoney Cohen Rashba & Pokart, CPA, PC Regarding Their
Inability to Re-Sign Their July 25, 1995 Audit Report (12) 99(c)
Notes:
(1)Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit, numbered
as indicated above, to the registration statement of Registrant on Form S-18,
File No. 2-69627, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(2)Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit, numbered
as indicated above, to the registration statement of Registrant on Form S-2,
File No. 2-88712, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(3)Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit, numbered
as indicated above, to the registration statement of Registrant on Form S-2,
File No. 33-4458, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(4)Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit, numbered
as indicated above, to the annual report of Registrant on Form 10-K for the
year ended September 30, 1987, which exhibit is incorporated herein by
reference.
(5)Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit, numbered
as indicated above, to the registration statement of Registrant on Form S-3,
File No. 33-42287, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(6)Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit, numbered
as indicated above, to the registration statement of Registrant on Form S-1,
File No. 33-42154, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(7)Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit, numbered
as indicated above, to the annual report of Registrant on Form 10-K for the
year ended September 30, 1994, which exhibit is incorporated herein by
reference.
(8)Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit, numbered
as indicated above, to the annual report of Registrant on Form 10-K for the
year ended September 30, 1991, which exhibit is incorporated herein by
reference.
(9)Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit, numbered
as indicated above, to the proxy statement of Registrant dated March 30, 1992,
which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(10)Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit, numbered
as indicated above, to the current report of Registrant on Form 8-K, dated
March 2, 1995, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(11)Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit, numbered
as indicated above, to the current report of Registrant on Form 8-K, dated
April 5, 1995, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
42
(12)Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit, numbered
as indicated above, to the annual report of Registrant on Form 10-K for the
year ended March 31, 1996, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(13)Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit, numbered
as indicated above, to the annual report of Registrant on Form 10-K/A for the
year ended March 31, 1996, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
Reports on Form 8-K
No reports on Form 8-K have been filed by Registrant during the last
quarter of the period covered by this report.
43
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
CORNICHE GROUP INCORPORATED
By /s/ James J. Fyfe
JAMES J. FYFE, Vice President
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf
of Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
Signatures Title Date
Principal Executive Officer:
/s/ James J. Fyfe Vice President June 26, 1997
JAMES J. FYFE
Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer:
/s/ James J. Fyfe Vice President June 26, 1997
JAMES J. FYFE
A Majority of the board of directors:
/s/ James J. Fyfe June 26, 1997
JAMES J. FYFE
44