Form 20-F
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 20-F

 

¨ REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

 

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended March 28, 2009

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

 

¨ SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of event requiring this shell company report             

For the transition period from                     to                     

Commission file number: 001-32635

BIRKS & MAYORS INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Not Applicable

(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

Canada

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

1240 Phillips Square

Montreal Québec

Canada

H3B 3H4

(Address of principal executive offices)

5870 North Hiatus Road

Tamarac, Florida 33321

(Address of U.S. executive office)

Michael Rabinovitch, 954-590-9462 (telephone), 954-590-9298 (facsimile)

5870 North Hiatus Road

Tamarac, Florida 33321

(Name, Telephone, Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

Class A Voting Shares, without nominal or par value   NYSE Amex LLC

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None.

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:

None.

The number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the Annual Report was:

 

3,672,407       Class A Voting Shares, without nominal or par value
7,717,970       Class B Multiple Voting Shares, without nominal or par value
0       Series A Preferred Shares, without nominal or par value, issuable in series

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    ¨  Yes    x  No

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.    ¨  Yes    x  No

Note: Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from their obligations under those Sections.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    x  Yes    ¨  No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    ¨  Yes    ¨  No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer  ¨                Accelerated filer  ¨                Non-accelerated filer  x

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:

 

U.S. GAAP  x    International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board  ¨    Other  ¨

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow:    Item 17  ¨    Item 18  ¨

If this is an Annual Report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    ¨  Yes    x  No

 

 

 


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

              Page

Part I

  
  Item 1.    Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers    2
  Item 2.    Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable    2
  Item 3.    Key Information    2
  Item 4.    Information on the Company    10
  Item 4A.    Unresolved Staff Comments    19
  Item 5.    Operating and Financial Review and Prospects    19
  Item 6.    Directors, Senior Management and Employees    32
  Item 7.    Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions    42
  Item 8.    Financial Information    44
  Item 9.    The Offer and Listing    45
  Item 10.    Additional Information    46
  Item 11.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk    53
  Item 12.    Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities    54

Part II

  
  Item 13.    Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies    54
  Item 14.    Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds    54
  Item 15T.    Controls and Procedures    54
  Item 16A.    Audit Committee Financial Expert    55
  Item 16B.    Code of Ethics    55
  Item 16C.    Principal Accountant Fees and Services    56
  Item 16D.    Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees    56
  Item 16E.    Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers    56
  Item 16F.    Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant    56
  Item 16G.    Corporate Governance    56

Part III

  
  Item 17.    Financial Statements    64
  Item 18.    Financial Statements    64
  Item 19.    Exhibits    57

 

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INTRODUCTION

References

Unless the context otherwise requires, the terms “Birks & Mayors,” “the Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” are used in this Annual Report to refer to Birks & Mayors Inc., a Canadian corporation, and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. In addition, the term “Mayors” refers to Mayor’s Jewelers, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and “the merger” refers to the merger of Mayors with a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, as approved by the stockholders on November 14, 2005. The term “Birks” refers to Henry Birks & Sons Inc., the legal name of Birks & Mayors prior to the merger.

Presentation of Financial and Other Information

The consolidated financial statements of Birks & Mayors contained in this Annual Report are reported in United States (“U.S.”) dollars and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or U.S. GAAP. Unless otherwise indicated, all monetary references herein are denominated in U.S. dollars; references to “dollars” or “$” are to U.S. dollars and references to “Cdn$” or “Canadian dollars” are to Canadian dollars.

Throughout this Annual Report, we refer to our fiscal years ended March 28, 2009, March 29, 2008, and March 31, 2007, as fiscal 2009, fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007, respectively. Our fiscal year ends on the last Saturday in March of each year. The fiscal years ended March 28, 2009 and March 29, 2008 consisted of 52 weeks, reported in four thirteen-week periods. The fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 consisted of 53 weeks with one fourteen-week period and three thirteen-week periods.

Forward-Looking Information

This Annual Report and other written reports and releases and oral statements made from time to time by the Company contain forward-looking statements which can be identified by their use of words like “plans,” “expects,” “believes,” “will,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “projects,” “estimates,” “could,” “would,” “may,” “planned,” “goal,” and other words of similar meaning. All statements that address expectations, possibilities or projections about the future, including, without limitation, statements about our strategies for growth, expansion plans, sources or adequacy of capital, expenditures and financial results are forward-looking statements.

One must carefully consider such statements and understand that many factors could cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements, such as inaccurate assumptions and other risks and uncertainties, some known and some unknown. No forward-looking statement is guaranteed and actual results may vary materially. Such statements are made as of the date provided, and we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect future developments or circumstances.

One should carefully evaluate such statements by referring to the factors described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), especially on Forms 20-F and 6-K. Particular review is to be made of Items 3, 4 and 5 of this Form 20-F where we discuss in more detail various important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from expected or historical results. All written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. Since it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors, the identified items are not a complete statement of all risks or uncertainties.

 

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PART I

 

Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers

Not applicable.

 

Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable

Not applicable.

 

Item 3. Key Information

Selected Financial Data

The following financial data as of March 28, 2009 and March 29, 2008 and for each of the three years ended March 28, 2009, March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, which are included elsewhere in this Annual Report. The following financial data as of March 31, 2007, March 25, 2006 and March 26, 2005 and for each of the two years ended March 25, 2006 and March 26, 2005 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements not included in this Annual Report. The historical results included below and elsewhere in this Annual Report are not necessarily indicative of our future performance.

The data presented below is only a summary and should be read in conjunction with our audited financial statements, including the notes thereto, included elsewhere in this Annual Report. You should also read the following summary data in conjunction with Item 5, “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” included elsewhere in this Annual Report.

Income Statement Data:

 

    Fiscal Year Ended
    March 28, 2009     March 29, 2008     March 31, 2007     March 25, 2006   March 26, 2005
    (In thousands, except per share data)

Net sales

  $ 270,896      $ 314,745      $ 294,282      $ 275,401   $ 240,294

Cost of sales

    155,297        168,270        152,002        145,887     131,030
                                   

Gross profit

    115,599        146,475        142,280        129,514     109,264

Selling, general and administrative expenses

    113,990        128,306        115,457        109,211     94,683

Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets(1)

    13,555        —          —          —       —  

Depreciation and amortization

    6,212        6,876        6,438        5,621     4,749
                                   

Total operating expenses

    133,757        135,182        121,895        114,832     99,432
                                   

Operating (loss) income

    (18,158     11,293        20,385        14,682     9,832

Interest and other financial costs

    9,967        10,655        10,078        8,930     8,665
                                   

(Loss) income before income taxes

    (28,125     638        10,307        5,752     1,167

Income tax expense (benefit)

    32,854        (9,795     (2,816     40     —  
                                   

Net (loss) income attributable to common shareholders

  $ (60,979   $ 10,433      $ 13,123      $ 5,712   $ 1,167
                                   

Net (loss) income per common share

  $ (5.38   $ 0.93      $ 1.17      $ 0.66   $ 0.18

Net (loss) income per common share—diluted

  $ (5.38   $ 0.89      $ 1.11      $ 0.57   $ 0.17

Weighted average common shares outstanding

    11,339        11,263        11,213        8,701     6,316

Weighted average common shares outstanding—diluted

    11,339        11,720        11,788        10,295     9,656

Dividends per share

    —          —          —          —       —  

 

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Balance Sheet Data:

 

     As of
March 28, 2009
   As of
March 29, 2008
   As of
March 31, 2007
   As of
March 25, 2006
   As of
March 26, 2005
     (In thousands)

Working capital

   $ 46,956    $ 36,677    $ 29,971    $ 23,722    $ 35,056

Total assets

   $ 206,131    $ 291,848    $ 252,516    $ 229,489    $ 199,721

Bank indebtedness

   $ 85,777    $ 120,131    $ 109,187    $ 88,107    $ 75,516

Long-term debt (including current portion)

     47,632      27,298      17,902      18,217      31,631

Shareholders’ equity

   $ 34,968    $ 92,872    $ 81,497    $ 67,367    $ 40,198

Common Stock:

              

Value

   $ 60,895    $ 60,813    $ 60,569    $ 60,446    $ 36,364

Shares

     11,390      11,280      11,234      11,208      7,299

Preferred Stock:

              

Value

   $ —      $ —      $ —      $ —      $ 5,050

Shares

     —        —        —        —        1,022

 

(1) Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets includes the impact of an $11.2 million non-cash impairment charge due to management’s determination that goodwill was fully impaired and the recognition of a $2.3 million non-cash impairment charge resulting from the impairment of long-lived assets at certain of our retail locations and our Rhode Island manufacturing facility.
(2) In November 2007, we acquired two Brinkhaus locations for which results of operations are only included in the above table from the acquisition date.

Dividends and Dividend Policy

We have not paid dividends since 1998 and do not currently intend to pay dividends on our Class A voting shares or Class B multiple voting shares in the foreseeable future. Our ability to pay dividends on our Class A voting shares and Class B multiple voting shares are restricted by our credit agreements. See Item 5, “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources.” If dividends were declared by our Board of Directors, shareholders would receive a dividend equal to the per share dividend we would pay to holders of our Class A voting shares or holders of Class B multiple voting shares. Dividends we would pay to U.S. holders would generally be subject to withholding tax. See Item 10, “Additional Information—Taxation.”

 

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RISK FACTORS

Risks Related to the Company

Our business depends, in part, on factors affecting consumer spending that are out of our control.

Our business depends on consumer demand for our products and, consequently, is sensitive to a number of factors that influence consumer spending, including general economic conditions, disposable consumer income, fuel prices, recession and fears of recession, war and fears of war, inclement weather, consumer debt, conditions in the housing market, interest rates, sales tax rates and rate increases, inflation, consumer confidence in future economic conditions and political conditions, and consumer perceptions of personal well-being and security. In particular, an economic downturn leads to decreased discretionary spending, which adversely impacts the luxury retail business. Jewelry purchases are discretionary for consumers and may be particularly and disproportionately affected by adverse trends in the general economy and the equity markets. Adverse changes in factors affecting discretionary consumer spending could reduce consumer demand for our products, thus reducing our sales and harming our business and operating results. A substantial portion of our customers use credit, either from our proprietary credit cards or another consumer credit source, to purchase jewelry. When there is a downturn in the general economy or an increase in interest rates, fewer people may use or be approved for credit which could result in a reduction in net sales and an unfavorable impact on our overall profitability. Our belief that we currently have sufficient liquidity to fund our operations is based on certain assumptions about the state of the economy, the availability of borrowings to fund our operations and our operating performance relative to prior fiscal periods. To the extent that the economy and other conditions affecting our business are worse than we anticipate, we may not achieve our projected level of financial performance and we may determine that we do not have sufficient capital to fund our operations.

We may require additional financing or capital, which may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. Capital raised through the sale or issuance of equity securities may result in dilution to our shareholders. Failure to obtain such additional financing or capital could have an adverse impact on our liquidity and financial condition.

Recently, the general economic and capital market conditions in the United States and other parts of the world have deteriorated significantly and have adversely affected access to and the cost of capital. There is a possibility that our existing cash, cash generated from operations and funds available under our credit agreements could be insufficient to fund our future operations, including capital expenditures, or to repay debt when it becomes due, and as a result, we may need to raise additional funds through public or private equity or debt financing, including funding from governmental sources which may not be possible. The sale of additional equity securities could result in significant dilution to our shareholders, and the securities issued in future financings may have rights, preferences and privileges that are senior to those of our common stock. The incurrence of additional indebtedness would result in increased debt service obligations and could result in operating and financing covenants that may restrict our operations. Financing may be unavailable in amounts or on terms acceptable to us, or at all, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, including our ability to continue as a going concern.

 

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We have significant indebtedness, which could adversely affect our operations, liquidity and financial condition.

We currently have a significant amount of indebtedness and significant debt service obligations in proportion to our assets. Our debt levels fluctuate from time to time based on seasonal working capital needs. The following table sets forth our total indebtedness, total shareholders’ equity, total capitalization and ratio of total indebtedness to total capitalization as of March 28, 2009.

 

Total indebtedness

   $ 133,409,000   

Total shareholders’ equity

     34,968,000   
        

Total capitalization

   $ 168,377,000   
        

Ratio of total indebtedness to total capitalization

     79.2

This high degree of leverage could adversely affect our results of operations, liquidity and financial condition. For example, it could:

 

   

make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to our indebtedness;

 

   

increase our vulnerability to adverse economic and industry conditions;

 

   

require us to dedicate a substantial portion of cash from operations to the payment of debt service, thereby reducing the availability of cash to fund working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes;

 

   

limit our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, general corporate purposes or acquisitions;

 

   

create additional risk to us and our shareholders if we were unable to renew our credit facility under similar terms and conditions;

 

   

place us at a disadvantage compared to our competitors that have a lower degree of leverage; and

 

   

negatively affect the price of our stock.

Significant restrictions on our excess borrowing capacity could result in our inability to fund our cash flow requirements needed to support our day-to-day operations.

Our ability to fund our operations and meet our cash flow requirements in order to fund our operations is dependant upon our ability to maintain positive excess availability under our senior credit facilities. Both our senior secured revolving credit facility lender and our senior secured term loan lender may impose, at any time, discretionary reserves, which would lower the level of borrowing availability under our senior secured revolving credit facility (customary for asset based loans), at their reasonable discretion, to: i) ensure that we maintain adequate liquidity for the operation of our business, ii) cover any deterioration in the amount or value of the collateral and iii) reflect impediments to the lenders to realize upon the collateral. There is no limit to the amount of discretionary reserves that our senior secured revolving credit facility lender may impose at its reasonable discretion, however, our senior secured term loan lender’s ability to impose discretionary reserves at its reasonable discretion is limited to 5% of the senior secured credit facility availability. From February 11, 2009 to February 23, 2009, the senior secured term loan lender imposed a discretionary reserve of $4 million. While our senior secured revolving credit facility lender has not historically imposed such a restriction, it is uncertain whether conditions could change and cause such a reserve to be imposed in the future. In addition, the value of our inventory is periodically assessed by our lenders and based upon these reviews our borrowing capacity could be significantly increased or decreased. Other factors impacting our excess availability include, among others, changes in the U.S. and Canadian dollar exchange rate, which could increase or decrease our borrowing availability. Furthermore, a $15 million and a $ 7.5 million seasonal availability block is imposed by the senior secured revolving credit facility lender and the senior secured term loan lender each year from December 20th to January 20th and from January 21st to February 10th, respectively, and both our senior secured revolving credit

 

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facility and our senior secured term loan are subject to cross default provisions with all other loans, by which if we are in default with any other loan the default will immediately apply to both the senior secured revolving credit facility and the senior secured term loan.

We are exposed to currency exchange risks that could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

While we report financial results in U.S. dollars, a substantial portion of our sales are recorded in Canadian dollars. For our operations located in Canada, non-Canadian currency transactions and assets and liabilities subject us to foreign currency risk. Conversely, for the operations located in the U.S., non-U.S. currency transactions and assets and liabilities subject us to foreign currency risk. Material fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates resulting in a weakening of the Canadian dollar could significantly reduce our borrowing availability under our secured revolving credit facility which is denominated in U.S. dollars and limit our ability to finance our operations. For purposes of financial reporting, our financial statements are reported in U.S. dollars by translating, where necessary, net sales and expenses from Canadian dollars at the average exchange rates prevailing during the period, while assets and liabilities are translated at year-end exchange rates, with the effect of such translation recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. As a result, for purposes of financial reporting, foreign exchange gains or losses recorded in earnings relate to non-Canadian dollar transactions of the operations located in Canada and non-U.S. dollar transactions of the operations located in the U.S. We expect to continue to report our financial results in U.S. dollars in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Consequently, our reported earnings could fluctuate materially as a result of foreign exchange translation gains or losses.

We may not successfully manage our inventory, which could have an adverse effect on our net sales, profitability, cash flow and liquidity.

As a retail business, our results of operations are dependent on our ability to manage our inventory. To properly manage our inventory, we must be able to accurately estimate customer demand and supply requirements and purchase new inventory accordingly. If we fail to sell the inventory we manufacture or purchase, we may be required to write-down our inventory or pay our vendors without new purchases creating additional vendor financing, which would have an adverse impact on our earnings and cash flows. Additionally, a portion of the merchandise we sell is carried on a consignment basis prior to sale or is otherwise financed by vendors, which reduces our required capital investment in inventory. Any significant change in these consignment or vendor financing relationships could have a material adverse effect on our net sales, cash flows and liquidity.

Our credit business may be adversely affected by changes in applicable laws and regulations.

The operation of our credit business subjects us to substantial regulation relating to disclosure and other requirements upon origination, servicing, debt collection and particularly upon the amount of finance charges we can impose. Any adverse change in the regulation of consumer credit could adversely affect our earnings. For example, new laws or regulations could limit the amount of interest or fees we, or our banks, can charge on consumer loan accounts, or restrict our ability to collect on account balances, which could have a material adverse effect on our earnings. Compliance with existing and future laws or regulations could require material expenditures or otherwise adversely affect our business or financial results. Failure to comply with these laws or regulations, even if inadvertent, could result in negative publicity, and fines, either of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Our business could be adversely affected if our relationships with any primary vendors are terminated or if the delivery of their products is delayed or interrupted.

We compete with other jewelry retailers for access to vendors that will provide us with the quality and quantity of merchandise necessary to operate our business, and our merchandising strategy depends upon our ability to maintain good relations with significant vendors. Certain brand name watch manufacturers, including

 

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Rolex, have distribution agreements with our subsidiary Mayors that, among other things, provide for specific sales locations, yearly renewal terms and early termination provisions at the manufacturer’s discretion. In fiscal 2009, merchandise supplied by Rolex and sold through our stores operating under the Mayors and Brinkhaus brands accounted for approximately 24% of our total net sales. Our relationships with primary suppliers, like Rolex, are generally not pursuant to long-term agreements.

We obtain materials and manufactured items from third-party suppliers. Any delay or interruption in our suppliers’ abilities to provide us with necessary materials and components may affect our manufacturing capabilities or may require us to seek alternative supply sources. Any delay or interruption in receiving supplies could impair our ability to supply products to our stores and, accordingly, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. The abrupt loss of any of our third-party suppliers, especially Rolex, or a decline in the quality or quantity of materials supplied by any third-party suppliers could cause significant disruption in our business.

Fluctuations in the availability and prices of our raw materials and finished goods may adversely affect our results of operations.

We offer a large selection of distinctive high quality merchandise, including diamond, gemstone and precious metal jewelry, rings, wedding bands, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, charms, timepieces and gifts. Accordingly, significant changes in the availability or prices of diamonds, gemstones, and precious metals we require for our products could adversely affect our earnings. Further, both the supply and price of diamonds are significantly influenced by a single entity, the Diamond Trading Corporation. We do not maintain long-term inventories or otherwise hedge a material portion of the price of raw materials. A significant increase in the price of these materials could adversely affect our net sales and gross margins.

We are controlled by a single shareholder whose interests may be different from yours

The Goldfish Trust beneficially owns or controls 67.8% of all classes of our outstanding voting shares, which are directly owned by Montrovest B.V. (“Montrovest”), the former parent company of Iniziativa S.A. (“Iniziativa”) and Montrolux S.A. (“Montrolux”). Until May 2007, 63.4% of our outstanding voting shares were directly owned by Iniziativa. As of June 2007, 31.2% was directly owned by Montrolux. The trustee of the Goldfish Trust is Rohan Private Trust Company Limited (the “Trustee”). Dr. Lorenzo Rossi di Montelera, who is the Company’s Chairman of the Board, is a director of the Trustee, and a beneficiary of the Goldfish Trust. Under our amended charter, Montrovest, as holder of the Class B multiple voting shares, has the ability to control most actions requiring shareholder approval, including electing the members of our Board of Directors and the issuance of new equity. Dr. Rossi, in certain circumstances, may be delegated the authority from the Trustee to vote on shares held by Montrovest.

The Trustee and Montrovest may have different interests than you have and may make decisions that do not correspond to your interests. In addition, the fact that we are controlled by one shareholder may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in our management or voting control.

We may not be able to retain key personnel or replace them if they leave.

Our success is largely dependent on the personal efforts of Thomas A. Andruskevich, our President and Chief Executive Officer, and other key members of the senior management team. Although we have entered into employment agreements with Mr. Andruskevich and other key members of our senior management team, the loss of any of their services could cause our business to suffer. Our success is also dependent upon our ability to continue to hire and retain qualified financial, operations, development and other personnel. Competition for qualified personnel in the retail industry is intense, and we may not be able to hire or retain the personnel necessary for our planned operations.

 

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Our business could be adversely affected if we are unable to successfully negotiate favorable lease terms.

As of March 28, 2009, we had 69 leased retail stores, which includes the capital lease of our Canadian headquarters and Montreal flagship store. The leases are generally for a term of five to ten years, with rent being a fixed minimum base plus, for a majority of the stores, a percentage of the store’s sale volume (subject to some adjustments) over a specified threshold. We have generally been successful in negotiating leases for new stores and lease renewals as our current leases near expiration. However, our business, financial condition, and operating results could be adversely affected if we are unable to continue to negotiate favorable lease and renewal terms.

Hurricanes and other severe weather conditions could cause a disruption in our operations, which could have an adverse impact on our results of operations.

Our U.S. operations are located in Georgia and Florida, regions which are susceptible to hurricanes. In the past, hurricanes have forced the closure of some of our stores, resulting in a reduction in net sales during such periods. Future hurricanes could significantly disrupt our U.S. operations and could have a material adverse effect on our overall results of operations. In addition, severe weather such as ice storms, snow storms and blizzards in Canada can cause conditions whereby peak holiday shopping could be materially affected.

Terrorist acts or other catastrophic events could have a material adverse effect on Birks & Mayors.

Terrorist acts, acts of war or hostility, natural disasters or other catastrophic events could have an immediate disproportionate impact on discretionary spending on luxury goods upon which our operations are dependent. For example, in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks carried out on September 11, 2001, tourism and business travel was significantly reduced in all of our markets, which had an adverse impact on our net sales. Similarly, the SARS epidemic in Toronto, Ontario in the spring of 2003 had an adverse impact on net sales in our stores in that region. Similar future events could have a material adverse impact on our business and results of operations.

We may not be able to adequately protect our intellectual property and may be required to engage in costly litigation as a protective measure.

To establish and protect our intellectual property rights, we rely upon a combination of trademark and trade secret laws, together with licenses, exclusivity agreements and other contractual covenants. In particular, the “Birks” and “Mayors” trademarks are of significant value to our retail operations. The measures we take to protect our intellectual property rights may prove inadequate to prevent misappropriation of our intellectual property. Monitoring the unauthorized use of our intellectual property is difficult. Litigation may be necessary to enforce our intellectual property rights or to determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others. Litigation of this type could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources, may result in counterclaims or other claims against us and could significantly harm our results of operations.

Risks Related to Class A Voting Shares

Our share price could be adversely affected if a large number of Class A voting shares are offered for sale or sold.

Future issuances or sales of a substantial number of our Class A voting shares by us, Montrovest, or another significant shareholder in the public market could adversely affect the price of our Class A voting shares, which may impair our ability to raise capital through future issuances of equity securities. As of May 31, 2009, we had approximately 3,672,407 Class A voting shares issued and outstanding. Sales of restricted securities in the public market, or the availability of these Class A voting shares for sale, could adversely affect the market price of Class A voting shares.

 

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As a retail jeweler with a limited public float, the price of our Class A voting shares may fluctuate substantially, which could negatively affect the value of our Class A voting shares and could result in securities class action claims against us.

The price of our Class A voting shares may fluctuate substantially due to, among other things, the following factors: (1) fluctuations in the price of the shares of the small number of public companies in the retail jewelry business; (2) additions or departures of key personnel; (3) announcements of legal proceedings or regulatory matters; and (4) the general volatility in the stock market. The market price of our Class A voting shares could also fluctuate substantially if we fail to meet or exceed expectations for our financial results or if there is a change in financial estimates or securities analysts’ recommendations.

Significant price and value fluctuations have occurred in the past with respect to the securities of retail jewelry and related companies. In addition, because the public float of our Class A voting shares is relatively small, the market price of our Class A voting shares is likely to be volatile. There is limited trading volume in our Class A voting shares, rendering them subject to significant price volatility. In addition, the stock market has experienced volatility that has affected the market prices of equity securities of many companies, and that has often been unrelated to the operating performance of such companies. A number of other factors, many of which are beyond our control, could also cause the market price of our Class A voting shares to fluctuate substantially. In the past, following periods of downward volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, class action litigation has often been pursued against the respective company. If our Class A voting shares were similarly volatile and similar litigation were pursued against us, it could result in substantial costs and a diversion of our management’s attention and resources.

We are governed by the laws of Canada, and, as a result, it may not be possible for shareholders to enforce civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States.

We are governed by the laws of Canada. A substantial portion of our assets are located outside the U.S. and some of our directors and officers are residents outside of the U.S. As a result, it may be difficult for investors to effect service within the U.S. upon us or our directors and officers, or to realize in the U.S. upon judgments of courts of the U.S. predicated upon civil liability of Birks & Mayors and such directors or officers under U.S. federal securities laws. There is doubt as to the enforceability in Canada by a court in original actions, or in actions to enforce judgments of U.S. courts, of the civil liabilities predicated upon U.S. federal securities laws.

We expect to maintain our status as a “foreign private issuer” under the rules and regulations of the SEC and, thus, are exempt from a number of rules under the Exchange Act of 1934 and are permitted to file less information with the SEC than a company incorporated in the U.S.

As a “foreign private issuer” we are exempt from rules under the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“the Exchange Act”) that impose certain disclosure and procedural requirements for proxy solicitations under Section 14 of the Exchange Act. In addition, our officers, directors and principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and “short-swing” profit recovery provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules under the Exchange Act with respect to their purchases and sales of our Class A voting shares. Moreover, we are not required to file periodic reports and financial statements with the SEC as frequently or as promptly as U.S. companies whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act nor are we required to comply with Regulation FD, which restricts the selective disclosure of material information. Accordingly, there may be less publicly available information concerning us than there is for U.S. public companies.

If we were treated as a passive foreign investment company, or a PFIC, some holders of our Class A voting shares would be subject to additional taxation, which could cause the price of our Class A voting shares to decline.

We believe that our Class A voting shares should not be treated as stock of a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and we expect to continue operations in such a manner that we will not be a PFIC. If, however, we

 

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are or become a PFIC, some holders of our Class A voting shares could be subject to additional U.S. federal income taxes on gains recognized with respect to our Class A voting shares and on certain distributions, plus an interest charge on certain taxes treated as having been deferred under the PFIC rules.

Our assessment of our internal control over financial reporting may identify “material weaknesses” in the future and may result in an attestation with an adverse opinion from our independent auditors, which could reduce confidence in our financial statements and negatively affect the price of our securities.

We are subject to reporting obligations under U.S. securities laws. Beginning with our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ending March 29, 2008, Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires us to prepare a management report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Our management may conclude that our internal control over our financial reporting is not effective. Moreover, even if our management concludes that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, beginning with our Annual Report for our fiscal year ending March 28, 2010, our Annual Report must also contain a statement that our independent auditors have issued an attestation report on their assessment of such internal control. Our independent registered public accounting firm may issue an adverse report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting or may issue a report that is qualified if it is not satisfied with our controls or the level at which our controls are documented, designed, operated or reviewed, or if it interprets the relevant requirements differently from us. If at any time in the future, we or our independent auditors are unable to assert that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, market perception of our financial condition and the trading price of our stock may be adversely affected and customer perception of our business may suffer, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our operations.

 

Item 4. Information on the Company

THE COMPANY

Corporate History and Overview

Birks & Mayors is a leading North American luxury jewelry brand which designs, develops, makes and retails fine jewelry, time pieces, sterling silver and gifts. As of May 31, 2009, Birks & Mayors operated 69 luxury jewelry stores, 37 stores under the Birks brand, located in all major cities across Canada, 30 stores under the Mayors brand, located in Florida and Georgia, and two retail locations in Calgary and Vancouver under the Brinkhaus brand. As a luxury jeweler, most of our jewelry products are constructed of 18 karat gold, platinum or sterling silver, with or without precious gemstones, with significant emphasis on quality craftsmanship and distinctive design. For the fiscal year ended March 28, 2009, we had net sales of $270.9 million.

Birks’ predecessor company was founded in Montreal in 1879 and developed over the years into Canada’s premier designer, manufacturer and retailer of fine jewelry, timepieces, sterling and plated silverware and gifts. In addition to being a nationwide retailer with a strong brand identity, we are also highly regarded in Canada as a designer and maker of jewelry and a provider of recognition programs, service awards and business gifts. We believe that operating our stores under the Birks and Mayors brands, distinguishes us from many competitors because of our longstanding reputation and heritage of being trustworthy, offering only the highest standard of quality and craftsmanship and products, our ability to offer distinctively designed, exclusive products, a large selection of distinctive high quality merchandise at many different price points, and by placing a strong emphasis on providing a superior shopping experience to our clients.

From 1950 through 1990, Birks aggressively expanded its retail business and by the early 1990s had approximately 220 stores in Canada and the U.S. After a period of rapid expansion in the 1980s, followed in the early 1990s by a period of declining margins and significant erosion in consumer spending coupled with significantly higher indebtedness resulting from a family buy-out, Birks experienced significant financial losses. These financial difficulties ultimately led to the purchase of Birks by Borgosesia Acquisitions Corporation in

 

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1993, a predecessor company of Regaluxe Investment S.á.r.l., which is referred to in this Annual Report as “Regaluxe.” Effective March 28, 2006, Regaluxe was acquired through a merger with Iniziativa. As of May 31, 2007 and June 4, 2007, respectively, following a reorganization, Iniziativa and Montrolux transferred all of the shares they respectively held in the Company to their parent company, Montrovest. Following the 1993 acquisition of Birks, Birks’ operations were evaluated and a program of returning Birks to its historic core strength as the leading Canadian luxury jeweler was initiated.

In August 2002, Birks invested $15.05 million to acquire approximately 72% of the voting control in Mayors, which was experiencing an unsuccessful expansion beyond its core markets and was incurring significant losses.

Between August 2002 and November 2005 it became apparent to both Mayors and Birks management that it was in the best interests of the shareholders to combine the two companies. Management believed that such combination would create a stronger capital base, improve operating efficiencies, reduce the impact of regional issues, simplify the corporate ownership of Mayors, eliminate management and board of director’s inefficiencies with managing intercompany issues, and possibly increase shareholder liquidity. Upon the consummation of the merger on November 14, 2005, each outstanding share of Mayors common stock not then owned by Birks was converted into 0.08695 Class A voting shares of Birks. As a result of the merger, Mayors common stock ceased trading on the American Stock Exchange (“AMEX”) and Birks & Mayors began trading on the AMEX, which is now known as the NYSE Amex LLC (“NYSE Amex”), under the trading symbol “BMJ.” Since the merger, Birks & Mayors has worked very diligently to fully integrate the Birks business with Mayors and believes the integration process is complete. As a result of the merger, we believe the combined company has a stronger capital base, improved operational efficiencies and diversity and depth of its products and distribution capabilities.

Since the beginning of fiscal 2007, we invested approximately $22.1 million of capital expenditures primarily associated with leasehold improvements, fixturing, and the opening of new stores. We expect to invest an additional $3 million to $4 million of capital expenditures in the fiscal year ending March 27, 2010 of which approximately two-thirds will be in the U.S. and one-third will be in Canada. We expect to finance these expenditures mainly from draws against our senior secured credit facility.

During fiscal 2009, we closed one of our Mayors stores located in Atlanta, Georgia, and in May 2009 we discontinued production at our Rhode Island manufacturing facility in order to reduce operating expenses and operate more efficiently by consolidating more of our production activities into our Montreal facility. During fiscal 2008, we opened two new Mayors stores located in Weston, Florida and Jacksonville, Florida and acquired the assets of Brinkhaus, a privately-owned jewelry company that operated two stores in Western Canada for cash and notes of approximately $13.0 million.

Our sales are divided into two principal product categories: jewelry and timepieces. Jewelry also includes sales of other product offerings we sell such as giftware, as well as repair and custom design services.

The following table compares our sales of each product category for the last three fiscal years (dollars in thousands):

 

     Fiscal Year-Ended  
     March 28, 2009     March 29, 2008     March 31, 2007  

Jewelry and other

   $ 158,109    58.4   $ 187,517    59.6   $ 181,525    61.7

Timepieces

     112,787    41.6     127,228    40.4     112,757    38.3
                                       

Total

   $ 270,896    100.0   $ 314,745    100.0   $ 294,282    100.0
                                       

 

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The following table sets forth our operations in geographic markets in which we operate (dollars in thousands):

 

     Fiscal Year Ended
     March 28, 2009    March 29, 2008    March 31, 2007

Net sales

        

Canada

   $ 131,948    $ 146,557    $ 127,866

U.S.

     138,948      168,188      166,416
                    

Total revenues

   $ 270,896    $ 314,745    $ 294,282
                    

Long-lived assets

        

Canada

   $ 21,701    $ 32,983    $ 30,777

U.S.

     12,345      38,889      11,850
                    

Total long-lived assets

   $ 34,046    $ 71,872    $ 42,627
                    

Birks & Mayors is a Canadian corporation. Our corporate headquarters are located at 1240 Phillips Square, Montreal, Québec, Canada H3B 3H4. Our telephone number is (514) 397-2501. Our website is www.birksandmayors.com.

Products

We offer distinctively designed, exclusive products and a large selection of distinctive high quality merchandise at many different price points. This merchandise includes designer jewelry, diamond, gemstone, and precious metal jewelry, timepieces and giftware. Part of our strategy is to increase our exclusive offering of internally designed and/or produced goods sold to our customers, consisting primarily of bridal, diamond and other fine jewelry, as well as gold and sterling silver jewelry and timepieces, all of which leverage the Birks and Mayors brands’ loyalty in their respective markets and in order to differentiate our products with unique and exclusive designs.

Our Canadian stores, operating under the Birks and Brinkhaus brands, carry a large selection of brand name timepieces, including our own proprietary watch line as well as timepieces made by Baume & Mercier, Cartier, Concord, Ferrari, Gevril, Gucci, Jaeger Le Coultre, Longines, Montblanc, Omega, Rado, Tag Heuer, and Tissot. We also carry an exclusive collection of high quality jewelry and timepieces that we manufacture. We emphasize our own jewelry offerings and particularly our signature designers, Esty and Toni Cavelti, but also include designer jewelry made by Di Modolo, H. Stern, Kwiat, Ladyheart, Marco Bicego, Roberto Coin, and Van Cleef & Arpels, which are exclusive to our stores in Canada. Our two Brinkhaus retail locations also offer Corum, Ebel, Panerai, Patek Phillip, IWC, Omega, and Rolex timepieces. We also offer a variety of high quality giftware, including writing instruments and giftware made by Cartier and Montblanc.

Our U.S. stores, operating under the Mayors brand, carry a large selection of prestigious brand name timepieces, including Baume & Mercier, Breitling, Cartier, Charriol, Ferrari, Gevril, Jaeger Le Coultre, Montblanc, Omega, Patek Philippe, Panerai, Rado, Raymond Weil, Rolex and Tag Heuer. Designer jewelry offerings in our stores operating under the Mayors brand include jewelry made by Aaron Basha, Charriol, Damiani, DiModolo, Kwiat, Lady Heart, Mikimoto, Roberto Coin, Toni Cavelti, Van Cleef & Arpel and a variety of high quality giftware, including writing instruments and giftware made by Cartier and Montblanc. In addition, stores operating under the Mayors brand carry Birks brand timepieces and jewelry products on an exclusive basis in their markets.

We have one primary channel of distribution: the retail division, which accounts for approximately 95% of sales, as well as three other channels of distribution, including our corporate sales, internet and wholesale division, which combined account for approximately 5% of sales.

 

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Product Design, Development, Sourcing and Manufacturing

We established a product development process that supports our strategy to further develop and enhance our product offering in support of the Birks brand development. The centerpiece of this process is our Design Review Committee, which ultimately approves all new product designs and introductions. During fiscal 2009, fiscal 2008, and fiscal 2007, approximately 34%, 29%, and 40%, respectively, of our jewelry product acquired for sale were internally designed, sourced or manufactured. Products which are not designed and internally manufactured are sourced from suppliers worldwide, enabling us to sell an assortment of fine quality merchandise often not available from other jewelers in our markets. Our staff of buyers procure distinctive high quality merchandise directly from manufacturers, diamond cutters, and other suppliers worldwide. Our gemstone acquisition team, product sourcing team and category managers specialize in sourcing merchandise in categories such as diamonds, precious gemstones, pearls, timepieces, gold jewelry, and giftware. Retail and merchandising personnel frequently visit our stores and those of competitors to compare value, selection, and service, as well as to observe client reaction to merchandise selection and determine future needs and trends.

We have manufacturing facilities in Montreal, Vancouver, and Florida that enable us to offer unique, exclusive and high-quality products through an efficient supply chain. Our manufacturing capabilities provide quality control; image enhancement by enabling us to promote our craftsmanship and exclusive design and manufacturing capabilities; improved economics by retaining the margin that would otherwise be paid to a third party provider; and capability to provide customized and/or special design jewelry for customers.

The Montreal facility is the largest in volume of our manufacturing facilities and is involved in all aspects of manufacturing fine jewelry with the exception of the cutting of rough diamonds and other precious stones. Its focus is on manufacturing stone set jewelry. The Florida and Vancouver facilities focus on specific types of stone set jewelry and hand-made one of a kind jewelry pieces. During fiscal 2009, 2008, and 2007, we previously had a Rhode Island factory that was involved in the production of silver and gold jewelry, as well as stone set jewelry, however, production was discontinued at this facility in May 2009 with much of the production transferred to our Montreal facility.

Availability of Products

Although purchases of several critical raw materials, notably platinum, gold, silver, diamonds, pearls and gemstones, are made from a relatively limited number of sources, we believe that there are numerous alternative sources for all raw materials used in the manufacture of our finished jewelry, and that the failure of any principal supplier would not have a material adverse effect on our operations. Any material changes in foreign or domestic laws and policies affecting international trade may have a material adverse effect on the availability of the diamonds, other gemstones, precious metals and non-jewelry products we purchase.

In fiscal 2009, we purchased jewelry, timepieces and giftware for sale in our stores from over 200 suppliers. Many of these suppliers have long-standing relationships with us. We compete with other jewelry retailers for access to vendors that will provide us with the quality and quantity of merchandise necessary to operate our business. Our relationships with primary suppliers, like Rolex, are generally not pursuant to long-term agreements. Although we believe that alternative sources of supply are available, the abrupt loss of any of our key vendors, especially Rolex, or a decline in the quality or quantity of merchandise supplied by our vendors could cause significant disruption in our business. In fiscal 2009, merchandise supplied by Rolex and sold through our stores operating under the Mayors and Brinkhaus brands accounted for approximately 24% of our total net sales. If Rolex terminated its distribution agreement with us, such termination would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. We believe that current relationships with our key vendors are good.

Seasonality

Our sales are highly seasonal, with the third fiscal quarter (which includes the holiday shopping season) historically contributing significantly higher sales than any other quarter during the year. Sales in the first,

 

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second, third and fourth quarters in fiscal 2009 were 27%, 23%, 32% and 18%, respectively. Sales by quarter in fiscal 2008 were 22%, 19%, 39%, and 20%, respectively.

Retail Operations, Merchandising and Marketing

General

We believe we are distinguished from most of our competitors because we offer distinctively designed, exclusive products and a selection of distinctive high quality merchandise at a wide range of price points. We keep the majority of our inventory on display in our stores rather than at our distribution facility. Although each store stocks a representative selection of jewelry, timepieces, giftware and other accessories, certain inventory is tailored to meet local tastes and historical merchandise sales patterns of specific stores.

We believe that our stores’ elegant surroundings and distinctive merchandise displays play an important role in providing an atmosphere that encourages sales. We pay careful attention to detail in the design and layout of each store, particularly lighting, colors, choice of materials and placement of display cases. We also use window displays as a means of attracting walk-in traffic and reinforcing our distinctive image. Our Visual Display department designs and creates window and store merchandise case displays for all of our stores. Window displays are frequently changed to provide variety and to reflect seasonal events such as Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.

Personnel and Training

We place substantial emphasis on the professionalism of our sales force to maintain our position as a leading luxury jeweler. We strive to hire only highly motivated, professional and customer-oriented individuals. All new sales professionals attend an intensive training program where they are trained in technical areas of the jewelry business, specific sales and service techniques and our commitment to client service. Management believes that attentive personal service and knowledgeable sales professionals are key components to our success.

As part of our commitment to continuous, on-the-job training, we have established “Birks University” and “Mayors University,” a formalized system of in-house training with a primary focus on client service, selling skills and product knowledge that involves extensive classroom training, the use of detailed operational manuals, in-store mentorship programs and product knowledge testing. In addition, we conduct in-house training seminars on a periodic basis and administer training modules with audits to (i) enhance the quality and professionalism of all sales professionals, (ii) measure the level of knowledge of each sales professional, and (iii) identify needs for additional training. We also provide all management team members with more extensive training that emphasizes leadership skills, general management skills, “on-the-job” coaching and training instruction techniques.

Advertising and Promotion

One of our key marketing goals is to build on our reputation in our core markets as a leading luxury jewelry brand offering high quality merchandise in an elegant, sophisticated environment. For example, we frequently run advertisements that associate the “Birks” and “Mayors” brands with internationally recognized brand names such as Cartier, Patek Philippe, Rolex, and Van Cleef and Arpels, among others. Advertising and promotions for all stores are developed by our personnel in conjunction with outside creative professionals.

Our advertising reinforces our role as a world class luxury brand that aims to deliver a total shopping experience that is as memorable as our merchandise. Our marketing efforts consist of advertising campaigns on television, billboards, print, catalog mailings, special events, media and public relations, distinctive store design, elegant displays, partnerships with key suppliers and associations with prestige institutions. The key goals of our marketing initiatives are to enhance customer awareness and appreciation of our two retail brands, Birks and Mayors, as well as the Birks product brand, and to increase customer traffic, client acquisition and retention and net sales.

 

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Credit Operations

We have two private label credit cards, one for each of our Birks and Mayors retail brands which are administered by third-party banks. In addition, stores operating under the Mayors brand also have a Mayors private label credit card which we administer.

Our credit programs are intended to complement our overall merchandising and sales strategy by encouraging larger and more frequent sales to a loyal customer base. Sales under the Birks credit card, which are made with less than 20% recourse to us, accounted for approximately 10% of our net sales during fiscal 2009. Sales under the Mayors proprietary credit card and Mayors private label credit card accounted for approximately 14% of our net sales during fiscal 2009. Sales generated under the Mayors private label credit card are made without recourse to us.

Distribution

Our retail locations receive the majority of their merchandise directly from our distribution warehouses located in Tamarac, Florida, Montreal, Québec, and Dorval, Québec. Merchandise is shipped from the distribution warehouse utilizing various air and ground carriers. We also transfer merchandise between retail locations to balance inventory levels and to fulfill client requests, and a very small portion of merchandise is delivered directly to the retail locations from suppliers.

Competition

Our research indicates that the North American retail jewelry industry is approximately a $63.5 billion industry and is highly competitive and fragmented, with a few very large national and international competitors and many medium and small regional and local competitors. The market is also fragmented by price and quality. Although Birks and Mayors are luxury jewelry brands, we compete with companies within and outside of this segment. Our competitors include national and international jewelry chains as well as independent regional and local jewelry retailers. We also compete with other types of retailers such as specialty stores and, to a lesser extent, catalog showrooms, discounters, direct mail suppliers, televised home shopping networks, and Internet sites. Many of these competitors have greater financial resources than we do. We believe that competition in our markets is based primarily on the total brand experience including trust, quality craftsmanship, product design and exclusivity, product selection, service excellence, including after sales service, and, to a certain extent, price. With the consolidation of the retail industry that is occurring, we believe that competition with other general and specialty retailers and discounters will continue to increase. Our success will depend on various factors, including general economic and business conditions affecting consumer spending, the performance of national and international retail operations, the acceptance by consumers of our merchandising and marketing programs, store locations and our ability to properly staff and manage our stores.

Regulation

Our operations are affected by numerous federal, provincial and state laws that impose disclosure and other requirements upon the origination, servicing and enforcement of credit accounts and limitations on the maximum amount of finance charges that may be charged by a credit provider. In addition to our proprietary private label credit cards, credit to our clients is primarily available through third-party credit cards such as American Express®, Visa®, MasterCard® and Discover®, without recourse to us in the case of a client’s failure to pay. Any change in the regulation of credit that would materially limit the availability of credit to our traditional customer base could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

We generally utilize the services of independent customs agents to comply with U.S. and Canadian customs laws in connection with our purchases of gold, diamond and other jewelry merchandise from foreign sources.

 

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Trademarks and Copyrights

The designations Birks and Mayors, and the Birks and Mayors logos, are our principal trademarks and are essential to our ability to maintain our competitive position in the luxury jewelry segment. We maintain a program to protect our trademarks and will institute legal action where necessary to prevent others from either registering or using marks that are considered to create a likelihood of confusion with our trademarks. We are also the owner of the original jewelry designs created by our in-house designers and have entered into agreements with several outside designers pursuant to which these designers have assigned to us the rights to use copyrights of designs and products created for us.

Properties

Our head office is in Montreal, Québec. On December 12, 2000, we sold our head office building for Cdn$14,250,000 to Anglo Canadian Investments, L.P. As a condition of the transaction, we agreed that we would lease, on a net basis, the entire property from the purchaser, acting as landlord. We entered into a lease agreement pursuant to which we lease the office building, including the Montreal flagship store, for a term of 20 years ending December 11, 2020. The current net annual rental rate is Cdn$1,663,750 (approximately $1.3 million U.S. dollars) for the period terminating on December 11, 2009, and increases on a compounded basis by 10% on each third annual anniversary date thereafter (except for the last two years when no increase will take place). The lease is an absolute triple net lease to the landlord, and we are responsible for any and all additional expenses, including, without limitation, taxes and structural expenses. Subject to specific terms and conditions, we have four options to renew and extend the term of the lease for four further terms of five years each, except for the last option which is five years less eleven days, terminating on November 30, 2040. Subject to specific terms and conditions, we also have two options to purchase the premises, which may be exercised no later than six months prior to the end of the fifteenth year of the term of the lease and the end of the twentieth year of the term of the lease, respectively.

Our U.S. operations are managed through a local headquarters located in Tamarac, Florida. We entered into a lease agreement for this location for a term of 15 years terminating on November 30, 2020. The current net annual rental rate is $662,063 for the period ending November 30, 2009. We have two options to renew for 5 years each.

We lease all of our other store locations. We believe that all of our facilities are well maintained and in good condition and are adequate for our current needs. We are actively negotiating the renewal of all leases that expire in the next 12 months.

 

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Following is a listing of all our properties as of March 28, 2009:

 

   

Size

(Square Feet)

  

Expiration of Lease

 

Location

Operating Stores

      

Canada:

      

Bayshore Centre

  2,544    September 2013   Ottawa, ON

Bloor

  15,620    September 2014   Toronto, ON

Brinkhaus

  2,919    October 2010   Calgary, AB

Brinkhaus

  750    February 2014   Vancouver, BC

Carrefour Laval

  3,391    August 2012   Laval, QC

Chinook Shopping Centre

  2,342    March 2015   Calgary, AB

Cornwall Centre

  2,349    April 2010   Regina, SK

Willowdale Fairview Mall

  2,351    August 2013   North York, ON

Fairview Pointe-Claire

  4,210    January 2012   Pointe-Claire, QC

First Canadian Place

  2,243    May 2016   Toronto, ON

Guildford Town Centre

  3,889    August 2009   Surrey, BC

Halifax

  3,316    January 2014   Halifax, NS

Hillside Shopping Centre

  2,639    March 2010   Victoria, BC

Lime Ridge Mall

  2,450    September 2011   Hamilton, ON

Edmonton Manulife Centre(1)

  4,196    November 2009   Edmonton, AB

Montreal Flagship Store

  19,785    December 2020   Montreal, QC

Oakridge Shopping Centre

  2,176    May 2013   Vancouver, BC

Oakville Place

  2,801    March 2010   Oakville, ON

Park Royal

  3,537    September 2012   West Vancouver, BC

Pen Centre(2)

  3,588    April 2010   St. Catherines, ON

Place Ste-Foy

  2,366    June 2017   Ste-Foy, QC

Promenades St-Bruno

  2,346    February 2013   St-Bruno, QC

Rideau Centre

  7,233    April 2014   Ottawa, ON

Richmond Centre

  1,562    April 2012   Richmond, BC

Rockland Centre

  3,019    August 2013   Mount Royal, QC

Saskatoon

  3,486    October 2013   Saskatoon, SK

Scarborough Town Centre(3)

  3,709    May 2009   Scarborough, ON

Sherway Gardens

  4,611    February 2017   Etobicoke, ON

Southcentre Shopping Centre

  3,029    August 2014   Calgary, AB

Southgate Shopping Centre

  2,915    September 2013   Edmonton, AB

Square One

  3,360    April 2012   Mississauga, ON

St-John

  2,038    August 2015   St-John, NB

Toronto Dominion Square

  7,895    October 2011   Calgary, AB

Toronto Eaton Centre

  4,552    April 2012   Toronto, ON

Vancouver(4)

  20,221    January 2010   Vancouver, BC

Victoria

  2,460    December 2010   Victoria, BC

West Edmonton Mall

  3,730    March 2010   Edmonton, AB

Winnipeg

  3,187    February 2023   Winnipeg, MB

Yorkdale

  2,530    April 2015   Toronto, ON

 

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Size

(Square Feet)

  

Expiration of Lease

 

Location

Operating Stores

      

United States:

      

Altamonte Mall

  5,782    January 2011   Altamonte Springs, FL

Aventura Mall

  3,447    January 2017   N. Miami Beach, FL

Bell Tower Shops

  4,578    January 2012   Fort Myers, FL

Town Center at Boca Raton

  5,878    January 2017   Boca Raton, FL

Westfield Brandon

  4,110    June 2015   Brandon, FL

Broward Mall

  2,236    January 2010   Plantation, FL

Buckhead(5)

  10,000    April 2009   Atlanta, GA

Westfield Citrus Park

  3,953    January 2010   Tampa, FL

City Place at West Palm Beach(6)

  3,792    January 2011   West Palm Beach, FL

Coconut Point

  3,522    October 2016   Estero, FL

Dadeland Mall

  5,700    January 2017   Miami, FL

The Falls

  1,643    January 2012   Miami, FL

Florida Mall

  5,070    January 2010   Orlando, FL

The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale

  5,954    July 2016   Ft. Lauderdale, FL

International Plaza

  5,583    January 2012   Tampa, FL

Lenox Square Mall

  2,991    September 2018   Atlanta, GA

Lincoln Road

  4,250    May 2014   Miami Beach, FL

Mall of Georgia

  3,486    January 2012   Buford, GA

Mall at Millenia

  4,532    January 2013   Orlando, FL

Mall at Wellington Green

  4,001    January 2012   Wellington, FL

Miami International Mall

  3,246    January 2016   Miami, FL

North Point Mall

  4,752    January 2012   Alpharetta, GA

PGA Commons

  5,197    April 2014   Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Seminole Towne Center

  3,461    January 2016   Sanford, FL

The Shops at Sunset Place

  2,051    January 2010   South Miami, FL

Two Buckhead Plaza

  4,090    April 2010   Atlanta, GA

Westfield Southgate

  4,605    March 2010   Sarasota, FL

Treasure Coast Square

  2,607    May 2017   Jensen Beach, FL

Village of Merrick Park

  4,894    January 2013   Coral Gables, FL

Weston Commons

  4,000    July 2017   Weston, FL

St-John’s Town Center

  3,458    October 2017   Jacksonville, FL

Other Properties

      

Tamarac Corporate office

  47,851    November 2020   Tamarac, FL

Montreal Corporate office

  58,444    December 2020   Montreal, QC

New York Buying office

  1,950    December 2010   New York, NY

Rhode Island Manufacturing Facility(7)

  19,200    December 2024   Woonsocket, R.I.

Dorval Distribution Center—Montreal

  7,667    March 2011   Dorval, QC

 

(1) This lease was renewed until November 2014.
(2) This lease has been amended to end July 31, 2009.
(3) This lease was renewed until December 2009.
(4) This lease has been extended until January 2015, the terms of which are currently under negotiations.
(5) In April 2009, this store was relocated to Two Buckhead Plaza, a 4,090 square foot temporary space until construction is finalized at our Streets of Buckhead development in Atlanta, GA.
(6) This lease has been amended to end January 2010.
(7) Production at this facility was discontinued in May 2009.

Total annual base rent for these locations for fiscal 2009 was approximately $16 million.

 

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Item 4A. Unresolved Staff Comments

Not applicable.

 

Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report. The following discussion includes certain forward-looking statements. For a discussion of important factors, including the continuing development of our business, actions of regulatory authorities and competitors and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from the results referred to in the forward-looking statements, see Item 3., “Key Information” under the heading “Risk Factors” and the discussion under the heading “Forward-Looking Information” at the beginning of this Annual Report.

Throughout this Annual Report, we refer to our fiscal years ended March 28, 2009, March 29, 2008, and March 31, 2007, as fiscal 2009, fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007, respectively. Our fiscal year ends on the last Saturday in March of each year. Financial reporting periods referred to as fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008 consisted of 52 weeks and were reported in four thirteen-week periods. The financial reporting period referred to as fiscal 2007 consisted of 53 weeks with one fourteen-week period and three thirteen-week periods.

Overview

Birks & Mayors is a leading designer, maker and purveyor of luxury jewelry, timepieces and giftware in the U.S. and Canada. As of March 28, 2009, our retail operation’s total square footage was approximately 281,500. The average square footage of our three Birks flagship stores in Canada was approximately 18,500, while the average square footage for all other Birks brand retail stores in Canada was approximately 3,200, the average square footage of our two Brinkhaus brand locations was 1,800, while the average square footage of our Mayors brand retail stores in the Southeastern U.S. was approximately 4,400.

We operate our business in two geographic areas, Canada and the Southeastern U.S. We have two reportable segments, “Retail” and “Other.” Retail is comprised of all our retail operations in the U.S. and Canada on a combined basis. In Canada, we operate stores under the Birks brand and two stores under the Brinkhaus brand. In the Southeastern U.S., we operate stores under the Mayors brand. Other consists primarily of our corporate sales division which services business customers by providing them unique items for recognition programs, service awards and business gifts. Also included in Other is manufacturing, which manufactures unique products primarily for the retail segment of our business, wholesale and internet sales.

Our net sales are comprised of revenues, net of discounts, in each case, excluding sales tax. Sales are recognized at the point of sale when merchandise is taken or shipped. Sales of consignment merchandise are recognized on a full retail basis at such time that the merchandise is sold. Revenues for gift certificates and store credits are recognized upon redemption. Customers use cash, checks, debit cards, third-party credit cards, proprietary credit cards and house accounts (primarily for corporate sales customers) to make purchases. The level of our sales is impacted by the number of transactions we generate and the size of our average retail sale. For the fiscal years ended March 28, 2009, March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007, our total average retail sale was $1,172, $1,200 and $1,049, respectively, which excludes service and repair transactions.

Our operating costs and expenses are primarily comprised of cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses. Cost of sales includes cost of merchandise, direct inbound freight, direct labor related to repair services, the costs of our design and creative departments, manufacturing costs, inventory shrink, damage and obsolescence, jewelry, watch and giftware boxes, as well as depreciation and amortization of production facilities and production tools, dies and molds and, in addition, product development costs. Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) include, but are not limited to, all non-production payroll and benefits (including non-cash compensation expense), store and head office occupancy costs, overhead, credit card fees,

 

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information systems, professional services, consulting fees, repairs and maintenance, travel and entertainment, insurance, legal, human resource and training expenses. Occupancy, overhead and depreciation are generally less variable relative to net sales than other components of SG&A such as credit card fees and certain elements of payroll, such as commissions. Another significant item in SG&A is marketing expenses which include marketing, public relations and advertising costs (net of amounts received from vendors for cooperative advertising) incurred to increase customer awareness of both the Company’s retail brands and the Birks product brand. Marketing has historically represented a significant portion of our SG&A. As a percentage of sales, marketing expenses represented 3.9%, 4.8%, and 3.9% of sales for fiscal 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively. Additionally, SG&A includes indirect costs such as freight, including inter-store transfers, receiving costs, distribution costs, and warehousing costs. The amount of these indirect costs in SG&A was approximately $3.9 million, $4.6 million and $4.2 million for fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007 respectively. Depreciation includes depreciation and amortization of our stores and head office, including buildings, leasehold improvements, furniture and fixtures, computer hardware and software and automobiles and trucks.

Over the short-term, we may focus our efforts on those strategies and key drivers of our performance that are necessary in the current business climate, which include our ability to:

 

   

maintain flexible and cost effective sources of borrowings to finance our operations and strategies and

 

   

manage expenses and assets efficiently in order to optimize profitability and cash flow.

Over the long-term, we believe that the key drivers of our performance will be our ability to:

 

   

execute our merchandising strategy to increase net sales and maintain and eventually expand gross margin by developing and marketing higher margin exclusive and unique products, and further developing our internal capability to design, develop, manufacture or source products;

 

   

execute our marketing strategy to enhance customer awareness and appreciation of our two retail brands, Birks and Mayors, as well as the Birks product brand, and to maintain and eventually increase customer traffic, client acquisition and retention and net sales through regional and national advertising campaigns on television, billboards, print, catalog mailings, in-store events, community relations, media and public relations, partnerships with key suppliers, such as Mayors’ relationship with Rolex, and associations with prestige institutions;

 

   

provide a superior client experience through consistent outstanding customer service that will ensure customer satisfaction and promote frequent customer visits, customer loyalty, and strong customer relationships; and

 

   

increase our retail stores’ average retail transaction, conversion rate, productivity of our store professionals and four-wall profitability.

Foreign Currency

Because we have operations in the U.S. and Canada, our results are affected by foreign exchange rate changes. Revenue and expenses incurred in Canadian dollars are translated into U.S. dollars for reporting purposes. Changes in the value of the Canadian dollar compared to the U.S. dollar between periods may materially impact our results and may materially affect period over period comparisons. Over the past several years, the value of the Canadian dollar has varied significantly compared to the U.S. dollar which, for reporting purposes, in some instances, has resulted in material fluctuations in our net sales, expenses, and our profits from our Canadian operations.

Acquisition

In November 2007, we acquired the assets of Brinkhaus, a privately-owned jewelry company that operated two stores in Western Canada for cash and notes of approximately $13.0 million.

 

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Comparable Store Sales

We use comparable store sales as a key performance measure for our business. We do not include our non-retail store sales in comparable store calculations. Stores enter the comparable store calculation in their thirteenth full month of operation under our ownership. Stores that have been resized and stores that are relocated are evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine if they are functionally the same store or a new store and then are included or excluded from comparable store sales, accordingly. Comparable store sales is calculated in local currency terms and measures the percentage change in net sales for comparable stores in a period compared to the corresponding period in the previous year. If a comparable store is not open for the entirety of both periods, comparable store sales measures the change in net sales for the portion of time that such store was open in both periods.

The percentage (decrease) increase in comparable stores sales for the periods presented below is as follows:

 

     Fiscal Year Ended  
     March 28, 2009     March 29, 2008     March 31, 2007  

Canada

   (7 )%    0   7

U.S.

   (19 )%    0   2
                  

Total

   (14 )%    0   4
                  

The decrease in comparable store sales during fiscal 2009 primarily reflects the difficulties associated with decreased consumer confidence and spending in an extremely challenging economic environment, especially for luxury jewelry retailers and most apparent through a decrease in store traffic in both our Canadian and U.S. markets and a decline in the average sale transaction in the U.S.

During fiscal 2008, comparable store sales remained flat with sales from the prior year reflecting difficulties associated with operating in a challenging economic environment in the latter half of fiscal 2008 and the resulting decrease in customer traffic in our Canadian and U.S. stores. Additionally, we believe the decrease in store traffic in many of our Canadian markets was partly due to the strengthening of the Canadian dollar, which in turn, resulted in a significant number of Canadians travelling and shopping outside of Canada. The decrease in customer traffic was partially offset by an increase in our average sale transaction both in Canada and the U.S.

The increase in comparable store sales of 4% for fiscal 2007 was primarily the result of the successful execution of our strategy of increasing our average sale made possible also by the continued strength in the Canadian market. In the U.S., the increase in the level of the average sales transaction was partially offset by a downturn in customer traffic patterns during fiscal 2007 compared to the previous fiscal year, which marked the beginning of the impact of the current economic cycle in our U.S. operations. Contributing to the same store sales growth in both countries during fiscal 2007 was our continued success in the execution of our retail, merchandising and marketing strategies, which include increasing the offering of merchandise at higher price points while increasing spending on the targeted use of catalogs, outdoor and print advertising, as well as other marketing programs to promote brand awareness.

Results of Operations

The following is a discussion of factors affecting our results of operations for fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008. This discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report.

 

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Fiscal 2009 Compared to Fiscal 2008

The following table sets forth, for fiscal 2009 and for fiscal 2008, the amounts for certain items in our consolidated statements of operations:

 

     Fiscal Year Ended  
     March 28, 2009     March 29, 2008  
     (In thousands)  

Net sales

   $ 270,896      $ 314,745  

Cost of sales

     155,297        168,270  
                

Gross profit

     115,599        146,475  
                

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     113,990        128,306  

Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets

     13,555        —     

Depreciation and amortization

     6,212        6,876  
                

Total operating expenses

     133,757        135,182  
                

Operating (loss) income

     (18,158     11,293  

Interest and other financial costs

     9,967        10,655  
                

(Loss) income before income taxes

     (28,125     638  

Income tax expense (benefit)

     32,854        (9,795
                

Net (loss) income

   $ (60,979   $ 10,433  
                

Net Sales

 

     Fiscal Year Ended
     March 28, 2009    March 29, 2008
     (In thousands)

Net sales—Retail

   $ 258,026    $ 302,576

Net sales—Other

     12,870      12,169
             

Total Net Sales

   $ 270,896    $ 314,745
             

Net sales for fiscal 2009 were $270.9 million, a decrease of $43.8 million, or 13.9% as compared to fiscal 2008. The decrease in net sales was primarily driven by a 14% decline in comparable store sales and $11.7 million of lower net sales due to the impact of translating the sales of our Canadian operations to U.S. dollars with a weaker Canadian dollar, partially offset by $10.4 million of additional sales generated by two Mayors stores opened during the prior fiscal year and the two Brinkhaus stores acquired in November 2007.

Gross Profit

 

     Fiscal Year Ended
     March 28, 2009     March 29, 2008
     (In thousands)

Gross Profit—Retail

   $ 116,389      $ 145,617

Gross Profit—Other

     (790     858
              

Total Gross Profit

   $ 115,599      $ 146,475
              

Gross Profit. Gross profit was $115.6 million for fiscal 2009 compared to $146.5 million for fiscal 2008. The gross profit margin as a percentage of net sales was 42.7% for fiscal 2009 compared to 46.5% for fiscal 2008. The 380 basis point decline was primarily attributable to our decision in November 2007 to lower the retail prices of certain products sold in Canada to reduce price disparity with the U.S. market and certain sales

 

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initiatives in the U.S. and Canada, which resulted in a lower margin on the sale of selected products. The decrease in Gross Profit – Other reflects reduced production and under utilization of manufacturing resources due to the lower production demand related to slower retail sales.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $114.0 million, or 42.1% of net sales, for fiscal 2009 compared to $128.3 million, or 40.8% of net sales, for fiscal 2008. The $14.3 million decrease in SG&A during fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008, was primarily driven by a $4.0 million reduction in marketing expenses, $6.1 million of lower compensation expenses associated with lower sales commissions due to reduced sales and savings related to the Company’s strategic downsizing initiated in January 2009, $2.3 million of lower general operating expenses resulting from our continued efforts to reduce general corporate overhead costs, as well decreased variable costs associated with a lower net sales volume, and $4.8 million of lower expenses related to foreign currency translation, partially offset by an increase in operating costs due to the opening of two new Mayors stores and acquisition of the two Brinkhaus stores in November 2007.

Impairment of Goodwill and Long-Lived Assets. During fiscal 2009, we recorded an $11.2 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge and $2.3 million of non-cash charges associated with the impairment of long-lived assets at certain of our U.S. retail locations and our manufacturing facility in Rhode Island. No impairment charges were recorded during fiscal 2008. For further discussion, see Note 3 “Significant Accounting Policies” to our consolidated financial statements.

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense during fiscal 2009 was $6.2 million compared to $6.9 million during fiscal 2008. This $0.7 million decrease is primarily attributable to $0.3 million of lower expenses related to the translation of Canadian dollar expenses to U.S. dollars at a lower foreign exchange rate than in the comparable period last year and a reduction in capital spending.

Interest and Other Financial Costs. Interest and other financial costs were $10.0 million for fiscal 2009 compared to $10.7 million for fiscal 2008. This $0.7 million decrease is primarily explained by a $0.6 million reduction in financing costs resulting from lower interest rates during fiscal 2009, as compared to fiscal 2008, and a decrease in expenses associated with the translation of interest costs of our Canadian operations to U.S. dollars at a lower exchange rate than in the prior year due to a weaker Canadian dollar.

Income Tax Expense. Income tax expense was $32.9 million for fiscal 2009, as compared to an income tax benefit of $9.8 million for fiscal 2008. The $32.9 million of income tax expense recorded during fiscal 2009 was due to the recognition of a non-cash valuation allowance against the full value of our net deferred tax assets in the U.S. and Canada resulting from management’s determination that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized in the future. The $9.8 million of income tax benefits recognized during fiscal 2008 is primarily the result of our reduction of a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets related to our U.S. operations.

 

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Fiscal 2008 Compared to Fiscal 2007

The following table sets forth, for fiscal 2008 and for fiscal 2007, the amounts for certain items in our consolidated statements of operations.

 

     Fiscal Year Ended  
     March 29, 2008     March 31, 2007  
     (In thousands)  

Net sales

   $ 314,745     $ 294,282  

Cost of sales

     168,270       152,002  
                

Gross profit

     146,475       142,280  
                

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     128,306       115,457  

Depreciation and amortization

     6,876       6,438  
                

Total operating expenses

     135,182       121,895  
                

Operating income

     11,293       20,385  

Interest and other financial costs

     10,655       10,078  
                

Income before income taxes

     638       10,307  

Income tax benefit

     (9,795     (2,816
                

Net income

   $ 10,433     $ 13,123  
                

Net Sales

 

     Fiscal Year Ended
     March 29, 2008    March 31, 2007
     (In thousands)

Net sales—Retail

   $ 302,576    $ 282,544

Net sales—Other

     12,169      11,738
             

Total Net Sales

   $ 314,745    $ 294,282
             

Net sales were $314.7 million for fiscal 2008 compared to $294.3 million for fiscal 2007. This $20.5 million increase in net sales was primarily driven by $14.9 million of additional sales due to translating sales of our Canadian operations using a stronger Canadian dollar exchange rate, $3.4 million in additional sales generated through the opening of two new stores in the U.S. and $6.4 million in additional sales from two new Brinkhaus stores purchased in November 2007, partially offset by approximately $4.3 million of additional revenues related to the extra week included in fiscal 2007. Comparable store sales were flat with prior year levels.

Gross Profit

 

     Fiscal Year Ended
     March 29, 2008    March 31, 2007
     (In thousands)

Gross Profit—Retail

   $ 145,617    $ 139,918

Gross Profit—Other

     858      2,362
             

Total Gross Profit

   $ 146,475    $ 142,280
             

Gross Profit. Gross profit was $146.5 million for fiscal 2008 compared to $142.3 million for fiscal 2007. The gross profit margin as a percentage of net sales was 46.5% for fiscal 2008 compared to 48.3% for fiscal 2007. Included in the increase of gross profit was $7.7 million of higher gross profit resulting from the impact of translating the net sales and cost of sales of the Canadian operations to U.S. dollars with a relatively stronger

 

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Canadian dollar, partially offset by a decline in the gross profit margin in our retail division primarily related to a higher sales percentage of timepieces which generate a lower margin than jewelry and a decrease in retail prices of certain products offered in our Canadian stores in order to reduce price disparity with the U.S. market. Additionally, the sales attributable to the Brinkhaus stores generate a lower gross profit margin due to the mix of products favoring timepieces.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $128.3 million, or 40.8% of net sales, for fiscal 2008 compared to $115.5 million, or 39.2% of net sales, for fiscal 2007. The $12.8 million increase in SG&A for the year includes approximately $6.2 million of higher expenses resulting from translating Canadian dollar expenses to U.S. dollars with a relatively stronger Canadian dollar, $2.6 million of higher marketing expenses due to our increased investment in advertising and brand development, $1.4 million of additional expenses related to the two recently acquired Brinkhaus stores, $1.3 million of higher expenses related to the opening of two new Mayors stores in Florida, and $1.3 million of higher variable operating costs associated with increased net sales.

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense was $6.9 million for fiscal 2008 compared to $6.4 million for fiscal 2007. This $0.4 million increase includes $0.4 million of additional expense associated with the translation of Canadian expenses into U.S dollars with a relatively higher Canadian dollar. The remaining increase of $0.1 million is primarily related to the opening of two new stores in the U.S. and the acquisition of two Brinkhaus stores in Canada.

Interest and Other Financial Costs. Interest and other financial costs were $10.7 million for fiscal 2008 compared to $10.1 million for fiscal 2007. This $0.6 million increase is the result of higher expenses related to translating Canadian dollar expenses to U.S. dollars at a higher rate than in the prior fiscal period.

Income Tax Benefit. Income tax benefit was $9.8 million for fiscal 2008 compared to $2.8 million for fiscal 2007. The $9.8 million of income tax benefits recognized during fiscal 2008 is primarily the result of our reduction of a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets related to our U.S. operations. The $2.8 million of income tax benefits recognized during fiscal 2007 is primarily the result of our reduction of a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets associated with our Canadian operations.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

During fiscal 2009, we negotiated an amendment and extension of our senior secured revolving credit facility. Our $160 million senior secured revolving credit facility, which was set to expire on January 19, 2009, was amended and extended for a total of $133 million and bears interest at a floating rate of LIBOR plus 2.5% to LIBOR plus 3.0% (based on excess availability thresholds) for up to a $124 million tranche of the facility and in the range of LIBOR plus 4.5% to LIBOR plus 5.0% (based on excess availability thresholds) for a $9 million tranche of the facility. In addition, we obtained a $13 million secured term loan that is subordinated in lien priority to our senior secured revolving credit facility and bears interest at a rate of the greater of 16% per annum or one-month LIBOR based rate plus 12%. These two credit facilities have a three-year term expiring in December 2011 and are primarily used to finance capital expenditures, working capital and provide liquidity to fund our day-to-day operations and for other general corporate purposes. The terms of the senior secured credit facility provide that no financial covenants are required to be met other than maintaining positive excess availability at all times. Our excess borrowing capacity was $9.2 million as of March 28, 2009, and $8.7 million at June 26, 2009.

Our ability to fund our operations and meet our cash flow requirements in order to fund our operations is dependant upon our ability to maintain positive excess availability under our senior credit facilities. Both our senior secured revolving credit facility lender and our senior secured term loan lender may impose, at any time, discretionary reserves, which would lower the level of borrowing availability under our senior secured revolving credit facility (customary for asset based loans), at their reasonable discretion, to: i) ensure that we maintain adequate liquidity for the operation of our business, ii) cover any deterioration in the amount or value of the

 

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collateral and iii) reflect impediments to the lenders to realize upon the collateral. There is no limit to the amount of discretionary reserves that our senior secured revolving credit facility lender may impose at its reasonable discretion, however, our senior secured term loan lender’s ability to impose discretionary reserves at its reasonable discretion is limited to 5% of the senior secured credit facility availability. From February 11, 2009 to February 23, 2009, the senior secured term loan lender imposed a discretionary reserve of $4 million. While our senior secured revolving credit facility lender has not historically imposed such a restriction, it is uncertain whether conditions could change and cause such a reserve to be imposed in the future. In addition, the value of our inventory is periodically assessed by our lenders and based upon these reviews our borrowing capacity could be significantly increased or decreased. Other factors impacting our excess availability include, among others, changes in the U.S. and Canadian dollar exchange rate, which could increase or decrease our borrowing availability. Furthermore, a $15 million and a $ 7.5 million seasonal availability block is imposed by the senior secured revolving credit facility lender and the senior secured term loan lender each year from December 20th to January 20th and from January 21st to February 10th, respectively, and both our senior secured revolving credit facility and our senior secured term loan are subject to cross default provisions with all other loans, by which if the Company is in default with any other loan the default will immediately apply to both the senior secured revolving credit facility and the senior secured term loan.

The amended senior secured credit facility and secured term loan contain limitations on our ability to pay dividends, more specifically, among other limitations, we can pay dividends only at certain excess borrowing capacity thresholds and the aggregate dividend payment for the twelve-month period ended as of any fiscal quarter cannot exceed 33% of the consolidated net income for such twelve-month period. Additionally, we are required to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.30 to 1.00 and a minimum excess availability of $20 million in order to qualify for payment of dividends.

In February 2009, we finalized a secured term loan agreement with Investissement Québec to finance up to Cdn$2.9 million of certain expenses and inventory costs related to our sponsorship as the official supplier of jewelry for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Draw downs related to this agreement bear interest at a rate of prime plus 3.5% per annum (which equated to 6% at March 28, 2009) and are repayable in twenty monthly installments of Cdn$35,000 and forty monthly installments of Cdn$55,000 beginning in April 2009. As of March 28, 2009, we had received Cdn$1.3 million in financing from this loan. The funding of the remaining borrowing capacity of Cdn$1.6 million is expected to be provided in several tranches through March 2010.

In February 2009, we entered into a seven year secured term loan agreement with Investissement Québec in the amount of Cdn$10.0 million, which bears interest at a rate of prime plus 5.5% per annum (which equated to 8% at March 28, 2009). The term loan is repayable in 60 equal monthly repayments beginning in February 2011.

In February 2009 and May 2009, we received $2.0 million and $3.0 million, respectively, in the form of cash advances from our controlling shareholder, Montrovest, to finance our working capital needs and for general corporate purposes. These advances and any interest thereon is subordinated to the indebtedness of our existing senior credit facilities and secured term loans and are convertible into a convertible debenture or Class A voting shares in the event of a private placement or, are repayable upon demand by Montrovest once conditions stipulated in our senior credit facilities permit such a payment. These cash advances will bear interest at an annual rate of 16%, net of any withholding taxes, representing an effective interest rate of approximately 17.6%. If converted into convertible debentures or Class A voting shares, a fee of 7% of the outstanding principle amount of the cash advance shall be paid to Montrovest.

During fiscal 2009, we financed, as capital leases, $2.9 million of asset acquisitions, including leasehold improvements under the terms of a Master Lease Agreement to finance asset purchases and leasehold improvements. As of May 2009, our borrowing capacity under all leasing lines associated with the Master Lease Agreement had expired and we do not expect to finance any additional capital expenditures under the terms of this arrangement.

 

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Borrowings under our senior secured credit facility for the periods indicated in the table below were as follows:

 

     Fiscal Year Ended  
     March 28, 2009     March 29, 2008  
     (In thousands)  

Senior secured credit facility availability

   $ 94,991      $ 139,045   

Borrowing at period end

     85,777        120,131   
                

Excess borrowing capacity at period end

   $ 9,214      $ 18,914   
                

Average outstanding balance during the period

   $ 114,115      $ 121,602   

Weighted average interest rate for period

     4.7     6.1

In addition to the previously mentioned financing arrangements, we had other outstanding loans as of March 28, 2009, which primarily consisted of a $0.5 million term loan from Investissement Québec that bears interest at a rate of prime plus 1.5% per annum, which equated to 4.0% at March 28, 2009, and is repayable until February 2010 in equal monthly capital repayments; $0.1 million loan payable to the Small Business Loan Fund Corporation, bearing interest at 6.0% per annum repayable in monthly installments maturing in April 2010 and a $5.1 million non-interest bearing note payable associated with our acquisition of two Brinkhaus stores in November 2007 which is to be paid in three installment payments of $1.7 million, the first of which was paid in May 2009 and the remaining two installments are scheduled to be paid in April 2010 and April 2011.

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities was $(31,000) during fiscal 2009 as compared to $11.2 million during fiscal 2008. The reduction in net cash provided by operating activities during fiscal 2009 is primarily attributable to a decrease in cash earnings of approximately $15.5 million from fiscal 2008, offset by a decrease in the level of inventory net of corresponding decrease in accounts payable associated with management’s efforts to reduce the level of inventory and increase the productivity of inventory on hand in response to the expected weakness in sales associated with the current economic downturn.

We generated net cash flows from operating activities of $11.2 million in fiscal 2008, as compared to net cash used in operating activities during fiscal 2007 of $10.6 million, respectively. The increase in cash flows generated from operations in fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007, was primarily the result of a higher level of accounts payable and a reduction in the level of inventories, offset by a higher level of accounts receivable. The net use of cash in operating activities in fiscal 2007 was primarily related to the increase in cash used to invest in inventory associated with our internalization strategies resulting in higher levels of inventory including raw material and work-in-process as more products are being made internally, higher inventory related to the opening of a new retail store in Florida during the year and the decision to maintain higher levels of core inventory items in timepieces and bridal jewelry. Also contributing to the use of cash in operations was a decrease in the level of accounts payable as more inventory purchases were made earlier in the fiscal year and their corresponding invoices paid prior to the year end.

During fiscal 2009, net cash used in investing activities was $5.0 million, as compared to $16.5 million during fiscal 2008. This $11.5 million decrease is primarily related to the acquisition of the two Brinkhaus stores and the opening of two new Mayors’ stores during fiscal 2008, as well as a decrease in store renovations and related capital expenditures during fiscal 2009 as a result of the economic slowdown in the U.S. and Canada. In fiscal 2008, we used $16.5 million in investing activities compared to $6.9 million used during fiscal 2007. This $9.6 million increase was primarily due to the acquisition of the net assets of two new Brinkhaus stores located in Western Canada for approximately $7.0 million, and the purchase of leasehold improvements and other fixed assets related to the opening of two new retail stores in Florida for approximately $2.2 million. Net cash used in investing activities was $6.9 million in fiscal 2007 and was primarily related to capital expenditures for store remodeling, new store locations and information technology enhancements.

 

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Net cash provided by financing activities was $4.1 million in fiscal 2009, as compared to $5.3 million during fiscal 2008. The $1.2 million decrease is primarily due to the reduction in the level of capital expenditures in the current year as compared to the prior year. In fiscal 2008, financing activities provided $5.3 million compared to $18.6 million in fiscal 2007. This $13.3 million decrease was primarily due to a reduction in the level of funding under our senior secured credit facility used to finance day-to-day operations resulting from a higher level of cash flows generated from operating activities, partially offset by an increase in obligations under capital leases associated with our Master Lease Agreement.

The following table details capital expenditures in fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007:

 

     Fiscal Year Ended
     March 28, 2009    March 29, 2008    March 31, 2007
     (In thousands)

New stores and renovations

   $ 2,937    $ 5,843    $ 4,516

Electronic equipment and computer hardware

     1,058      1,469      2,853

Furniture and fixtures

     235      1,005      879

Manufacturing equipment

     280      104      220

Other

     153      431      158
                    

Total capital expenditures(1)

   $ 4,663    $ 8,852    $ 8,626
                    

 

(1) Includes capital expenditures financed by capital leases of $1.4 million in fiscal 2009, $4.9 million in fiscal 2008, and $1.0 million in fiscal 2007.

Capital expenditures for the fiscal year ending March 27, 2010 are projected to be between $3 million and $4 million.

Recently, the general economic and capital market conditions in the United States and other parts of the world have deteriorated significantly and have adversely affected access to and the cost of capital. There is a possibility that our existing cash, cash generated from operations and funds available under our credit agreements could be insufficient to fund our future operations, including capital expenditures, or repay debt when it becomes due, and as a result, we may need to raise additional funds through public or private equity or debt financing, including funding from governmental sources which may not be possible. The sale of additional equity securities could result in significant dilution to our shareholders, and the securities issued in future financings may have rights, preferences and privileges that are senior to those of our common stock. The incurrence of indebtedness would result in increased debt service obligations and could result in operating and financing covenants that could restrict our operations. Financing may be unavailable in amounts or on terms acceptable to us, or at all, which may have a material adverse impact on our business, including our ability to continue as a going concern.

Maintenance of sufficient availability of funding through an adequate amount of committed financing is necessary for us to fund our day-to-day operations. Our ability to make scheduled payments of principal, or to pay the interest or additional interest, if any, or to fund planned capital expenditures and store operations will depend on our ability to maintain adequate levels of available borrowing and our future performance, which to a certain extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative and regulatory factors, as well as other events that are beyond our control. We believe that we currently have sufficient liquidity to fund our operations. This belief is based on certain assumptions about the state of the economy, the availability of borrowings to fund our operations and estimates of projected operating performance. To the extent that the economy and other conditions affecting our business are significantly worse than we anticipate, we may not achieve our projected level of financial performance and we may determine that we do not have sufficient capital to fund our operations.

 

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Commitments and Contractual Obligations

The following table discloses aggregate information about our contractual cash obligations as of March 28, 2009 and the periods in which payments are due:

 

     Total    Less Than
1 Year
   1-3 Years    3-5 Years    More than
5 Years

Debt maturities

   $ 114,581    $ 2,258    $ 103,867    $ 3,228    $ 5,228

Operating lease obligations(1)

     88,008      16,304      27,921      20,332      23,451

Capital lease obligations

     19,238      1,641      3,360      2,679      11,558

Fixed rate interest expenses(2)

     13,541      1,635      2,980      2,545      6,381

Employment agreements(3)

     2,574      1,287      1,287      —        —  

Inventory purchase obligations

     1,804      1,400      404      —        —  

Management consulting agreement(4)

     1,100      550      550      —        —  
                                  

Total

   $ 240,846    $ 25,075    $ 140,369    $ 28,784    $ 46,618
                                  

 

(1) The operating lease obligations do not include insurance, taxes and common area maintenance (CAM) charges to which we are obligated. CAM charges were $4,309 in fiscal 2009, $4,361 in fiscal 2008, and $3,999 in fiscal 2007.
(2) The fixed rate interest expenses are associated with the capital lease obligations disclosed above and do not include floating rate interest payable on $108.4 million of floating rate debt.
(3) This amount represents the contractual base salary and benefit obligations payable to our President and Chief Executive Officer for the remainder of the related employment agreement which expires March 31, 2011. The total maximum payout for the remainder of this contract, including bonuses and potential severance payments is approximately $6.1 million.
(4) This obligation represents costs associated with a management consulting agreement entered into with Brinkhaus.
(5) In addition to the above and as of March 28, 2009, the Company had $1.3 million of outstanding letters of credit.

From time-to-time, we guarantee a portion of our private label credit card sales to our credit card vendor. As of March 28, 2009 and March 29, 2008, the amount guaranteed under such arrangements was approximately $2.0 million and $2.6 million, respectively. The bad debt experience under these guarantees has not been material.

Leases

We lease all of our retail locations under operating leases with the exception of our Montreal store which is under a capital lease. Additionally, we have operating leases for certain equipment. During fiscal 2009 and 2008, we financed $2.9 million and $4.9 million of capital leases, respectively, under the terms of our Master Lease Agreement which was used to fund capital asset purchases and leasehold improvements. No additional borrowings will be made under this agreement.

Operating leases for store locations are expensed over the term of the initial lease period. While lease renewal periods are available on most leases, renewal periods are not included in the accounting lease term because we believe there are no punitive terms or circumstances associated with non-renewal that would reasonably assure renewal. The accounting lease term typically includes a fixturing period and the rental payments are expensed on a straight-line basis over the lease term. All reasonably assured rent escalations, rent holidays, and rent concessions are included when considering the straight-line rent to be expensed. Lease incentives are recorded as deferred rent and amortized as reductions to lease expense over the lease term. Contingent rent payments are expensed as incurred, vary by lease and are based on a percentage of revenue above a predetermined sales level. This level is different for each location and includes and excludes various types of sales.

Leasehold improvements are capitalized and typically include fixturing and store renovations. Amortization of leasehold improvements begins on the date the asset was placed in service and extends to the lesser of the economic life of the leasehold improvement and the initial lease term. Our lease of our Montreal headquarters’ land and building is accounted for as a capital lease. We entered into a sale-leaseback transaction on the building which resulted in gross proceeds of $9,474,000 based on the foreign exchange rate on the day of the transaction

 

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(Cdn$14,250,000). The lease is for a 20-year period from the date of inception, December 12, 2000. The lease allows for several additional term extensions of the lease; however, management has only committed for the initial 20-year period. The implicit interest rate of the long-term debt associated with the capital lease is 10.74%.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions about future events and their impact on amounts reported in the financial statements and related notes. Since future events and their impact cannot be determined with certainty, the actual results may differ from those estimates. These estimates and assumptions are evaluated on an on-going basis and are based on historical experience and on various factors that are believed to be reasonable. We have identified certain critical accounting policies as noted below.

Revenue recognition

Sales are recognized at the point of sale when merchandise is taken or shipped. Shipping and handling fees billed to customers are included in net sales. Revenues for gift certificate sales and store credits are recognized upon redemption. Prior to recognition as a sale, gift certificates are recorded as accrued liabilities on the balance sheet. Certificates outstanding for more than 24 months and not subject to unclaimed property laws are recorded as income. Certificates outstanding for more than 24 months and subject to unclaimed property laws are maintained as accrued liabilities until remitted in accordance with local ordinance. Sales of consignment merchandise are recognized at such time as the merchandise is sold and are recorded on a gross basis in accordance with EITF 99-19 because we are the primary obligor of the transaction, have general latitude on setting the price, have discretion as to the suppliers, are involved in the selection of the product and have inventory loss risk. Sales are reported net of returns and sales taxes. We generally give our customers the right to return merchandise purchased by them within 10 to 90 days, depending on the products sold and record a provision at the time of sale for the effect of the estimated returns. Repair sales are recorded at the time the service is rendered.

Allowance for inventory shrink and slow moving inventory

The allowance for inventory shrink is estimated for the period from the last physical inventory date to the end of the reporting period on a store by store basis and at our factories and distribution centers. Such estimates are based on experience and the shrink results from the last physical inventory. The shrink rate from the most recent physical inventory, in combination with historical experience, is the basis for providing a shrink allowance.

We write down inventory for estimated slow moving inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value based on assumptions about future demand and market conditions. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory write-downs may be required.

Allowance for doubtful accounts

We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.

Long-Lived Assets

We periodically review the estimated useful lives of our depreciable assets and changes in useful lives are made on a prospective basis unless factors indicate the carrying amounts of the assets may not be recoverable and an impairment write-down is necessary. We review our long-lived assets for impairment once events or changes

 

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in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” Measurement of an impairment loss for such long-lived assets is based on the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the asset. Long-lived assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. We recorded impairment charges of $2.3 million during fiscal 2009 (see Note 3 to our consolidated financial statements). During fiscal 2008 and 2007, we did not recognize any long-lived asset impairment charges in our consolidated financial statements.

Goodwill

We perform an annual impairment of evaluation of goodwill during the fourth quarter of our fiscal year or when circumstances otherwise indicate an evaluation should be performed. The evaluation, based upon discounted cash flows, requires us to estimate future cash flows, growth rates and economic and market conditions. During fiscal 2009, we recorded impairment charges of $11.2 million (see Note 3 to our consolidated financial statements). During fiscal 2008 and 2007, no impairment charges related to goodwill were recorded.

Income Tax Assets

During fiscal 2009, we recognized a full valuation allowance outstanding deferred tax assets, which have been recognized in our consolidated financial statements based on our estimated ability to realize such assets which is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income and tax planning strategies. Additionally, foreign and domestic tax authorities periodically audit the Company’s income tax returns. These audits often examine and test the factual and legal basis for positions the Company has taken in its tax filings with respect to its tax liabilities, including the timing and amount of deductions and the allocation of income among various tax jurisdictions (“tax filing positions”). The Company’s management believes that its tax filing positions are reasonable and legally supportable. However, in specific cases, various tax authorities may take a contrary position. In evaluating the exposures associated with the Company’s various tax filing positions, management records reserves using a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold for income tax positions taken or expected to be taken in accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of SFAS No. 109.” Earnings could be affected to the extent the Company prevails in matters for which reserves have been established or is required to pay amounts in excess of established reserves. Management judgment is required in determining the valuation allowance recorded against deferred tax assets and the Company records valuation allowances when management determines that it is more-likely-than-not that such deferred tax assets will not be realized in the future. Due to continued and expected future losses, we recorded a $47.8 million valuation allowance against the full value of deferred tax assets as of March 28, 2009 (see Note 10(a) to the consolidated financial statements in this Form 20-F). This valuation allowance could be reduced in the future based on sufficient evidence indicating that it is more likely than not that a portion of our deferred tax assets will be realized.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements included in this Form 20-F.

Inflation

The impact of inflation on our operations has not been significant to date.

 

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Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

The following table sets forth information about our executive officers and directors, and their respective ages and positions as of May 31, 2009:

 

Name

   Age   

Position

Dr. Lorenzo Rossi di Montelera

   68    Chairman of the Board & Director

Thomas A. Andruskevich

   58    President, Chief Executive Officer & Director

Emily Berlin

   62    Director

Shirley A. Dawe

   62    Director

Elizabeth Eveillard

   62    Director

Ann Spector Lieff

   57    Director

Margherita Oberti

   64    Director

Peter R. O’Brien

   63    Director

Filippo Recami

   58    Director

Louis L. Roquet

   66    Director

Joseph A. Keifer III

   57    Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

Daisy Chin-Lor*

   55    Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer

Michael Rabinovitch

   39    Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

Aida Alvarez

   46    Senior Vice President, Merchandising

Albert J. Rahm, II

   55    Senior Vice President, Retail Store Operations

John C. Orrico

   52    Senior Vice President, Supply Chain Officer

Hélène Messier

   49    Senior Vice President, Human Resources

Miranda Melfi

   45    Group Vice President, Legal Affairs & Corporate Secretary

 

* Resigned effective June 26, 2009.

Directors

Dr. Lorenzo Rossi di Montelera, age 68, has served as Chairman of our Board of Directors since 1993, and prior to the merger, Dr. Rossi served on the board of directors of Mayors. Dr. Rossi’s term as a director of Birks & Mayors expires in 2009. He is also on the Board of Directors of Azimut S.p.A. and the Advisory Board of the Global Leadership Institute of New York. Dr. Rossi is also a director and Chairman of Gestofi S.A. and a director of Rohan Private Trust Company Limited who is the trustee of the Goldfish Trust which beneficially owns or controls all of the shares of the Company held by Montrovest. Dr. Rossi is the father-in-law of Mr. Carlo Coda-Nunziante who is our Group Vice President, Strategy & Business Development. Dr. Rossi is also the father of Mr. Niccolò Rossi who, as an employee of Gestofi, S.A., will be providing consulting services to the Company.

Thomas A. Andruskevich, age 58, has been our President and Chief Executive Officer since June 1996 and joined the Board of Directors of Birks in 1999. Mr. Andruskevich’s term as director expires in 2009. Since August 2002, he has been the President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of the board of directors of Mayors. From 1994 to 1996, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of the clothing retailer Mondi of America. From 1989 to 1994, he was Executive Vice President of International Trade & Fragrance of Tiffany & Co., and from 1982 to 1989, Mr. Andruskevich served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Tiffany & Co. He is also a member of the Advisory Board and of the Marketing Committee of Brazilian Emeralds, Inc. and a director of Cole Credit Priority Trust III, Inc.

Emily Berlin, age 62, has been a member of our Board of Directors since November 2005. Ms. Berlin’s term as a director of Birks & Mayors expires in 2009. She was a member of the board of directors of Mayors from October 2002 until November 14, 2005. She has also been a Senior Managing Director of Helm Holdings

 

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International since 2001, which is a member of a diversified privately owned group of companies operating principally in Central and Latin America. From 1974 to 2000, she was a member of the law firm of Shearman & Sterling, becoming a partner in 1981.

Shirley A. Dawe, age 62, has been a member of our Board of Directors since 1999. Ms. Dawe’s term as a director of Birks & Mayors expires in 2009. She is also a Corporate Director and has been President of Shirley Dawe Associates Inc., a Toronto-based management consulting company specializing in the retail sector since 1986. From 1969 to 1985, she held progressively senior executive positions with Hudson’s Bay Company. Her expertise in the retail sector led to her appointment on industry-specific public task forces and to academic and not-for-profit boards of directors. Her wide management and consumer marketing experience brought Ms. Dawe to the boards of directors of numerous public and private companies in Canada and the U.S. She currently serves on the boards of directors of National Bank of Canada and The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.

Elizabeth M. Eveillard, age 62, has been a member of our Board of Directors since November 2005. Ms. Eveillard’s term as a director of Birks & Mayors expires in 2009. She was a member of the board of directors of Mayors from August 2002 until November 14, 2005 and is an independent consultant with over 30 years of experience in the investment banking industry. From 2000 to 2003, she was a consultant and Senior Managing Director, Retailing and Apparel Group, Bear, Stearns & Co., Inc. From 1988 to 2000, she served as Managing Director and Head of the Retailing Group, PaineWebber Incorporated. From 1972 to 1988 she held various positions at Lehman Brothers, including Managing Director in the Merchandising Group. She serves on the boards of Tween Brands, Inc. and Retail Ventures, Inc. and is also a member of their respective compensation and audit committees.

Ann Spector Lieff, age 57, has been a member of our Board of Directors since November 2005. Ms. Lieff’s term as a director of Birks & Mayors expires in 2009. She was a member of the board of directors of Mayors from October 2002 until November 14, 2005 and is the founder of The Lieff Company, established in 1998, which is a Miami-based consulting group specializing in Chief Executive Officer mentoring, leadership development, corporate strategies to assist and expand organizations in the management of their business practices, and advisory services to corporate boards. She was Chief Executive Officer of SPEC’s Music from 1980 until 1998. Ms. Lieff currently serves on the board of directors of Herzfeld Caribbean Basin Fund, and Hastings Entertainment, Inc.

Margherita Oberti, age 64, has been a member of our Board of Directors since 1993. Ms. Oberti’s term as a director of Birks & Mayors expires in 2009. Ms. Oberti was born near Turin, Italy, and resides in West Vancouver, B.C. Before coming to Canada, she studied at the University of Turin, where she obtained a Doctorate in Philosophy, and at the University of Milan, where she did post-doctoral studies in epistemology. After coming to Canada she also obtained a doctorate in classical studies from the University of British Columbia. Mrs. Oberti has been active in charity work, as a director of the Vancouver Foundation of Art Justice and Liberty, in education as a college professor, and in business as a director and officer of several companies, including Eccom Developments Ltd., the development company that built and sold two trend setting residential high rises, Seawalk Place, in West Vancouver, B.C. and Palais Georgia, in Vancouver.

Peter R. O’Brien, age 63, has been a director of Birks & Mayors since 1993. Mr. O’Brien’s term as a director of Birks & Mayors expires in 2009. He is a self-employed corporate and commercial lawyer and a corporate director. He is ‘Director-in-Residence’ at the John Molson School of Business at Concordia University in Montréal, Canada. Mr. O’Brien is a Director and Chairman of the MAB-Mackay Foundation and Director and Honorary Secretary of the Canadian Guild of Crafts and a director of Technoparc Montreal. He was the founding Chairman of the Canadian Irish Studies Foundation, is a past Chairman of the Montréal General Hospital Foundation and past-Chairman of the McGill University Health Centre Foundation.

Filippo Recami, age 58, has been a director of Birks & Mayors since November 1, 1999. His term as a director of Birks & Mayors expires in 2009. Mr. Recami has been a Managing Director of Montrovest B.V., the Company’s majority shareholder, since May 31, 2007. Prior to that and since the beginning of 1999, Mr. Recami

 

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was a Managing Director of Iniziativa S.A. (Luxembourg), then a wholly-owned subsidiary of Montrovest, which transferred its assets to Montrovest in May 2007 .. Mr. Recami is also the Chairman of the Board of Immobiliare Rado Sr.L. He has also been the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Regaluxe Investment S.a.r.l since March 1999. After the merger on March 31, 2006 between Iniziativa and Regaluxe, Mr. Recami was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the company resulting from the merger, namely Iniziativa. He was also on the Mayors board of directors from October 2002 until November 14, 2005. Between 1978 and 1998, Mr. Recami had held senior management positions in several major public European corporations including Fiat S.p.A. (Italy), Sorin Biomedica S.p.A. (Italy), Sorin France S.p.A. (France), SNIA S.p.A. (Italy), and Rhône Poulenc S.A. (France). Mr. Recami holds a Certified Public Accountant title given by the Ministry of Justice of the Italian Government.

Louis L. Roquet, age 66, has been a director of Birks & Mayors since August 8, 2007. Mr. Roquet’s term as a director of Birks & Mayors expires in 2009. Mr. Roquet is President and Chief Operating Officer of Desjardins Venture Capital and is responsible for managing Desjardins’ venture capital funds together with those of Capital Régional and Cooperatif Desjardins, a publicly-traded company established in 2001 with an authorized capitalization of $1.0 billion. Mr. Roquet is also a member of Mouvement Desjardins’ Strategic Management Committee. From 2002 to 2004, Mr. Roquet served as President and General Manager of Société des alcools du Québec (“SAQ”), Québec’s Liquor Board. Prior to 2002, he held the title of President and Chief Executive Officer of Investissement Québec, Secretary General of the City of Montreal and General Manager of Montreal Urban Community. He also serves as a director of numerous non-profit organizations.

Other Executive Officers

Joseph A. Keifer, III, age 57, is our Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer having previously held such position at Mayors. Prior to joining Mayors, Mr. Keifer held the position of Vice President Merchandising for Birks from 1998 to 2002. From 1993 to 1997, Mr. Keifer was the Senior Vice President of Fine Jewelry Merchandise for Montgomery Ward. Prior to that, Mr. Keifer spent 21 years with Zale Corporation during which he held various positions, including Senior Vice President of Company Operations and President of the Bailey Banks & Biddle division.

Daisy Chin-Lor, age 55, was our Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer having held a similar position at Mayors since April 1, 2005. Ms. Chin-Lor has extensive experience in the international luxury goods environment, specifically in the area of high-end cosmetics. From 2002 to 2005, Ms. Chin-Lor was the Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Elizabeth Arden Spas. From 2000 to 2001 she was the Executive Director of Russell Reynolds Associates. Prior to 2000, Ms. Chin-Lor spent two years establishing a market presence for Chanel in Thailand and spent nearly 20 years working for Avon Products. Ms. Chin-Lor resigned from our Company effective June 26, 2009.

Michael Rabinovitch, age 39, became our Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer effective August 1, 2005. Prior to joining Birks & Mayors, Mr. Rabinovitch had been Vice President of Finance of Claire’s Stores, Inc. since 1999. Before joining Claire’s Stores, Inc., Mr. Rabinovitch was Vice President of Accounting & Corporate Controller at an equipment leasing company. Mr. Rabinovitch spent 5 years with Price Waterhouse LLP, most recently as Senior Auditor. Mr. Rabinovitch is a licensed CPA and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Aida Alvarez, age 46, is our Senior Vice President Merchandising and held the position of Vice President Merchandising at Mayors since February 2001. From August 1989 to February 2001, Ms. Alvarez served as General Merchandise Manager, Divisional Merchandise Manager and Head Watch Buyer for Mayors. Prior to joining Mayors in August 1989, Ms. Alvarez worked for Zale Corporation as a Group Store Manager from 1987 to 1989.

John C. Orrico, age 52, is our Senior Vice President and Supply Chain Officer and has been with Birks & Mayors since September 2003. In this role, Mr. Orrico is responsible for Product Development, Gemstone Operations, Manufacturing as well as the Central Watch Division. Before joining Birks & Mayors and Mayors,

 

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Mr. Orrico was Group Vice President, Merchandising Supply Chain Operations at Tiffany & Co. Mr. Orrico spent 14 years at Tiffany & Co. where he developed its manufacturing and supply chain strategies and oversaw its operations.

Albert J. Rahm, II, age 55, became our Senior Vice President, Retail Store Operations on April 30, 2007. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Rahm was the President of C.D. Peacock, a jewelry retail in Chicago from March 2006 until April 2007 and prior to that was Vice President, Retail Store Operations for Mayors since 1991 and for Birks since 2005 until March 2006. Prior to joining Mayors in 1991, Mr. Rahm owned and operated three retail jewelry stores for a fourteen-year period in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Hélène Messier, age 49, became our Senior Vice President, Human Resources on November 9, 2007 and prior thereto was our Vice-President, Human Resources since November 2000 when she joined Birks. Prior to joining Birks, she was Assistant General Manager of the Federation des Producteurs de Lait du Québec from November 1997 to November 2000. From 1982 to 1997, she has held various management positions both in operations and human resources with Bell Canada.

Miranda Melfi, age, 45, has been our Group Vice President, Legal Affairs and Corporate Secretary since April 3, 2006. Prior to joining us, Ms. Melfi was with Cascades Inc., a publicly-traded pulp and paper company for eight years and held the position of Vice President, Legal Affairs, Boxboard Group. From 1994 to 1998, Ms. Melfi was Vice President, Legal Affairs and Corporate Secretary at Stella-Jones Inc., a publicly-traded wood products company, and from 1991 to 1994, practiced corporate, commercial and securities law with Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP.

COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

Director Compensation

During fiscal 2009, each director who was not an employee of the Company received an annual fee of $25,000 for serving on our Board of Directors and $1,500 for each Board meeting attended in person. The chairperson of each of the audit committee, compensation committee and corporate governance committee received an additional annual fee of $10,000, $8,000 and $5,000, respectively. The chairperson of a special independent committee of directors is entitled to receive $10,000 for his or her service and the other members of the committee are each entitled to receive $5,000 for their service on such committee. All directors were reimbursed for reasonable travel expenses incurred in connection with the performance of their duties as directors. Each director who is not an employee of the Company is entitled to receive a grant of 1,000 stock appreciation rights on April 1 of each year. Our Board of Directors waived the grant of 1,000 of stock appreciation rights for this year.

Executive Compensation

We are a “foreign private issuer” under U.S. securities laws and not a reporting issuer under Canadian securities laws and are therefore not required to publicly disclose detailed individual information about executive compensation in our home jurisdiction. However, the executive compensation of our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and three other most highly compensated executive officers are detailed in our Management Proxy Circular as such document is referred to below. Under the Canada Business Corporations Act, being the statute under which we were incorporated, we are only required to provide certain information on aggregate executive compensation. The aggregate compensation paid by us to our nine executive officers in fiscal 2009 was approximately $3,662,000 (annual salary and bonus earned).

The summary compensation table regarding our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and three other most highly compensated executive officers and the option/SAR grants and exercise of options tables in our Management Proxy Circular will be filed on Form 6-K with the SEC in connection with our 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

 

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Birks & Mayors Incentive Plans

Long-Term Incentive Plan

In 2006, Birks & Mayors adopted a Long-Term Incentive Plan to attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial responsibility, to provide additional incentive to employees and consultants and to promote the success of Birks & Mayors business. As of May 31, 2009, there were 31,640 cash-based stock appreciation rights that were granted under the Long-Term Incentive Plan. The stock appreciation rights outstanding under the Long-Term Incentive Plan have a weighted average exercise price of $6.62.

In general, the Long-Term Incentive Plan is administered by Birks & Mayors Board of Directors or a committee designated by the Board of Directors. Any employee or consultant selected by the administrator is eligible for any type of award provided for under the Long-Term Incentive Plan, except that incentive stock options may not be granted to consultants. The selection of the grantees and the nature and size of grants and awards are wholly within the discretion of the administrator. The Long-Term Incentive Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options that qualify under Section 422 of the Code and non-statutory options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and performance unit or share awards, as such terms are defined in the Long-Term Incentive Plan.

The Long-Term Incentive Plan authorizes the issuance of 900,000 Class A voting shares, which consists of authorized but unissued Class A voting shares. In the event of a stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, combination or reclassification or similar transaction or other change in corporate structure affecting Class A voting shares, adjustments will be made to the Long-Term Incentive Plan.

We cannot issue Class A voting shares or awards under the Long-Term Incentive Plan if such issuance, when combined with the Class A voting shares issuable under any of our other equity incentive award plans and all other Class A voting shares issuable under the Long-Term Incentive Plan would exceed 1,304,025 Class A voting shares, unless the issuance of such shares or awards in excess of this limit is approved by the shareholders of the Company. This limit shall not restrict however, the Company to issue awards under the Long-Term Incentive Plan that are payable other than in shares, including cash-settled stock appreciation rights.

In the event of a change in control of Birks & Mayors, the administrator, at its sole discretion, may determine that all outstanding awards will become fully and immediately exercisable and vested. In the event of dissolution or liquidation of Birks & Mayors, the administrator may, at its sole discretion, declare that any stock option or stock appreciation right shall terminate as of a date fixed by the administrator and give the grantee the right to exercise such option or stock option right.

In the event of a merger or asset sale or other change in control, as defined by the Long-Term Incentive Plan, the administrator may, in its sole discretion, take any of the following actions or any other action the administrator deems to be fair to the holders of the awards:

 

   

Provide that all outstanding awards upon the consummation of such a merger or sale shall be assumed by, or an equivalent option or right shall be substituted by, the successor corporation or parent or subsidiary of such successor corporation;

 

   

Prior to the occurrence of the change in control, provide that all outstanding awards to the extent they are exercisable and vested shall be terminated in exchange for a cash payment equal to the change in control price; or

 

   

Prior to the occurrence of the change in control, provide for the grantee to have the right to exercise the award as to all or a portion of the covered stock, including, if so determined by the administrator, in its sole discretion, shares as to which it would not otherwise be exercisable.

 

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Executive Management Long-Term Cash Incentive Plan

In 2007, the Board of Directors approved the Executive Management Long-term Cash Incentive Plan, effective April 1, 2007 (the “LTCIP”). The purpose of the LTCIP is to encourage certain senior executives to reach goals that not only achieve the Company’s short-term performance objectives, but also align the Company’s goals with the creation of long-term shareholder value. The plan consists of the following three components: (i) a target incentive compensation percentage; (ii) a payout percentage of the target compensation determined by the achievement of predetermined performance measures in accordance with a matrix; and (iii) a performance evaluation cycle comprised of three-year intervals with the first cycle being the period of three years ending March 28, 2009 and the second cycle being the period of three years ending March 27, 2010. The average sales growth rate and average return on equity of the Company during this three year period will determine whether and to what extent any payout under this plan will be. The achievement level will then be applied against a targeted compensation amount for each member of senior management covered in the plan. The first two cycles were approved by the Board of Directors. The Company did not meet the targeted performance requirements under the first cycle and does not expect to meet the requirements of the second cycle and no payout is expected to be made. With respect to each subsequent cycle, the goals and the matrix are subject to the approval of the Company’s Board of Directors. To be eligible, an executive officer must be employed through the completion of the cycle and at the date of payment. Payments under this plan will only be made following the approval by the Company’s Board of Directors of the audited financial statements for the last fiscal year of the cycle.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

In 2006, Birks & Mayors adopted an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”), which was approved in February 2006. The ESPP permits eligible employees, which do not include executives of Birks & Mayors Inc., to purchase our Class A voting shares from Birks & Mayors at 85% of their fair market value through regular payroll deductions. A total of 100,000 shares of our Class A voting shares are reserved for issuance under the ESPP. As of May 31, 2009, 99,995 shares have been issued under the ESPP and no additional shares will be issued under this plan.

Birks Employee Stock Option Plan

Effective May 1, 1997, Birks adopted an Employee Stock Option Plan (the “Birks ESOP”) designed to attract and retain the services of selected employees or non-employee directors of Birks or its affiliates who are in a position to make a material contribution to the successful operation of our business. The Birks ESOP was amended as of June 20, 2000. Effective as of November 15, 2005, no awards will be granted under the Birks ESOP. However, the Birks ESOP will remain in effect until the outstanding awards thereunder terminate or expire by their terms. As of May 31, 2009 there were 54,851 Class A voting shares underlying options granted under the Birks ESOP. The options outstanding under the Birks ESOP have a weighted average exercise price of $5.95.

Mayors Equity-Incentive Plans

1991 Stock Option Plan and Long-Term Incentive Plan

The Company has outstanding employee stock options and SARs issued to employees and members of the Board of Directors of Mayors under the 1991 Stock Option Plan (“the 1991 Plan”) and the Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Mayor’s LTIP”) approved by the former Board of Directors of Mayors. Under these plans, the option price was required to equal the market price of the stock on the date of the grant or in the case of an individual who owned 10% or more of the common stock of Mayors, the minimum price was to be set at 110% of the market price at the time of issuance. Options granted under these programs generally became exercisable from six months to three years after the date of grant, provided that the individual was continuously employed by Mayors, or in the case of directors, remained on the Board of Directors. All options generally expired no more than ten years after the date of grant. No further awards will be granted under these plans. However, these plans

 

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will remain effective until the outstanding awards issued under the plans terminate or expire by their terms. As of May 31, 2009, there were 113,034 and 278,527 voting shares underlying awards granted under the Mayor’s LTIP and the 1991 Plan, respectively. The awards outstanding under the Mayor’s LTIP and the 1991 Plan have a weighted average exercise price of $6.21 and $11.81, respectively.

BOARD PRACTICES

Our bylaws state that the Board of Directors will meet immediately following the election of directors at any annual or special meeting of the shareholders and as the directors may from time to time determine. See “Item 10. Additional Information—Articles of Incorporation and By-laws.”

Under our Articles of Incorporation, our directors serve one-year terms although they will continue in office until successors are appointed. None of the members of our board has service agreements providing for benefits upon termination of employment, except for Mr. Andruskevich. See “Item 10 Additional Information—Material Contracts—Employment Agreements.”

During fiscal 2009, our Board of Directors held a total of eight board of directors meetings and twenty-nine committee meetings. During such period, eight of the eleven directors attended 100% of the meetings of the board of directors and three directors attended 88% of the board meetings.

Our Board of Directors is supported by committees, which are working groups that analyze issues and provide recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding their respective areas of focus. The executive officers interact periodically with the committees to address management issues. During fiscal 2009, our Board of Directors was composed of the following four main committees. The Board of Directors may from time to time also create special committees of the Board as needed.

1. Audit Committee. We have a separately-designated standing audit committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act. The audit committee operates under a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors. The audit committee reviews the scope and results of the annual audit of our consolidated financial statements conducted by our independent auditors, the scope of other services provided by our independent auditors, proposed changes in our financial accounting standards and principles, and our policies and procedures with respect to its internal accounting, auditing and financial controls. The audit committee also examines and considers other matters relating to our financial affairs and accounting methods, including selection and retention of our independent auditors. During the 2009 fiscal year, the audit committee held seven meetings and all members of the audit committee attended all of the audit committee meetings during such period. During fiscal 2009, the audit committee was comprised of Alain Benedetti (Chair), Emily Berlin and Ann Spector Lieff, each of whom was financially literate and an independent, non-employee director of Birks & Mayors. Effective May 31, 2009, Alain Benedetti resigned from our board of directors and as a member and chair of our audit committee. On June 3, 2009, our board of directors named Louis Roquet a member and the chair of our audit committee. We have determined that Louis Roquet is financially sophisticated and we waived the requirement for the present time under the audit committee’s charter that at least one member of the audit committee be designated as an “audit committee financial expert” as this term is defined under SEC rules. Neither the SEC nor the NYSE Amex require us to designate an “audit committee financial expert” and we have not determined that any of our current directors would qualify as such.

2. Compensation Committee. We have a standing compensation committee. The compensation committee operates under a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors. The purpose of the compensation committee is to recommend to the Board of Directors executive compensation, including base salaries, bonuses and long-term incentive awards for the Chief Executive Officer and certain other executive officers of Birks & Mayors. Certain decisions regarding compensation of certain other executive officers are reviewed by the compensation committee. During fiscal 2009, the compensation committee held five meetings and all of the members attended

all of the meetings during such period. During fiscal 2009, the compensation committee was comprised of

 

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Shirley Dawe (Chair), Alain Benedetti, Peter O’Brien, and Ann Spector Lieff, each of whom was an independent, non-employee director of Birks & Mayors. Effective May 31, 2009, Alain Benedetti resigned from our board and our compensation committee.

3. Corporate Governance Committee. We have a standing corporate governance committee which has also assumed the functions of a nominating committee in accordance with the SEC rules and NYSE Amex listing requirements on nominating committees. The corporate governance committee is responsible for overseeing all aspects of our corporate governance policies. The corporate governance committee is also responsible for the oversight and review of all related party transactions and for nominating potential nominees to the Board of Directors. Our policy with regard to the consideration of any director candidates recommended by a shareholder is that we will consider such candidates and evaluate such candidates by the same process as candidates identified by the corporate governance committee. During fiscal 2009, the corporate governance committee held six meetings and all members of the corporate governance committee attended all of the committee meetings during such period. Our corporate governance committee is comprised of three directors and operates under a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors. Emily Berlin (Chair), Peter O’Brien, and Louis Roquet, each of whom is an independent, non-employee director of Birks & Mayors, currently constitute the corporate governance committee.

4. Executive Committee. We have a standing executive committee. The executive committee operates under a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors. The purpose of the executive committee is to provide a simplified review and approval process in between Board of Director’s meetings for certain corporate actions. The intent of the executive committee is to facilitate our efficient operation with guidance and direction from the Board of Directors. The goal is to provide a mechanism that can assist in our operations, including but not limited to, the monitoring of the implementation of policies, strategies and programs. In addition, the Executive Committee’s mandate is to assist the Board with respect to the development, continuing assessment and execution of the Company’s strategic plan. The executive committee is comprised of at least three members of the Board of Directors. Vacancies on the committee are filled by majority vote of the Board of Directors at the next meeting of the Board of Directors following the occurrence of the vacancy. The current members of the executive committee are: Filippo Recami (Chair), Thomas A. Andruskevich, Dr. Lorenzo Rossi di Montelera, Elizabeth Eveillard and Margherita Oberti. During fiscal 2009, the executive committee held seven meetings. Four of the five members of the executive committee attended 100% of the executive committee meetings during such period and one member attended 86% of the meetings.

 

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EMPLOYEES

As of March 28, 2009, we employed approximately 935 persons. None of our employees are governed by a collective bargaining agreement with a labor union. We believe our relations with our employees are good and we intend to continue to place an emphasis on recruiting, training, retraining and developing the best people in our industry.

Retail employees include only those employees within our retail selling locations, while administration includes all other activities including corporate office, merchandising, supply chain operations and corporate sales. The table below sets forth headcount by category and geographic location for the periods indicated:

 

     Canada     U.S.     Total  

As of March 28, 2009:*

      

Administration

   211      131      342   

Retail

   332      261      593   
                  

Total

   543   392   935
                  

As of March 29, 2008:

      

Administration

   229      153      382   

Retail

   382      282      664   
                  

Total

   611      435      1,046   
                  

As of March 31, 2007:

      

Administration

   239      167      406   

Retail

   385      264      649   
                  

Total

   624      431      1,055   
                  

 

* On May 1, 2009, we announced a continuation of our strategic staff downsizing initiative which resulted in the elimination of approximately 22 employees in Canada and approximately 44 employees in the U.S., which reductions are not included in the above table as of March 28, 2009.

SHARE OWNERSHIP

The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of our Class A voting shares as of May 31, 2009 by each executive officer and each director:

 

Name of Beneficial Owner

   Number of Class A
Voting Shares

Beneficially Owned
   Percentage of
Beneficially Owned
 

Dr. Lorenzo Rossi di Montelera(1)

   9,346    *   

Thomas A. Andruskevich(2)

   901,039    19.9

Shirley A. Dawe(3)

   870    *   

Margherita Oberti(4)

   5,000    *   

Peter R. O’Brien(5)

   7,529    *   

Filippo Recami(6)

   262,227    6.7

Emily Berlin(7)

   47,821    1.3

Elizabeth Eveillard(8)

   91,296    2.5

Ann Spector Lieff(9)

   8,693    *   

Louis L. Roquet

   —      —     

Joseph A. Keifer, III(10)

   107,102    2.9

Michael Rabinovitch(11)

   21,737    *   

Daisy Chin-Lor(12)

   4,347    *   

John Orrico(13)

   9,347    *   

 

* Less than 1%.

 

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(1) Includes (a) options to purchase 4,346 Class A voting shares which are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days at exercise prices ranging from $3.23 to $8.98 per share and expire over a period from October 1, 2012 to January 1, 2015, and (b) an option for 5,000 Class A voting shares at an exercise price Cdn$7.73 per share and expires on April 23, 2014. Dr. Rossi is a beneficiary of the Goldfish Trust. The Goldfish Trust beneficially owns or controls 7,717,970 Class A voting shares to which Montrovest would be entitled upon conversion of the Class B multiple voting shares held by Montrovest. Dr. Rossi is also a director of Rohan Private Trust Company Limited, the trustee of the Goldfish Trust. In certain circumstances, Dr. Rossi may be delegated the authority from the Trustee of the Goldfish Trust to vote the shares held by Montrovest. Holders of Class B multiple voting shares are entitled to ten votes for each Class B multiple voting share held, whereas holders of Class A voting shares are entitled to one vote per Class A voting share held. Dr. Rossi expressly disclaims beneficial ownership over the shares held by Montrovest.
(2) Includes (a) options to purchase 511,989 Class A voting shares which are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days (including the option which gives him the right to purchase 259,451 Class A voting shares representing 2% of the total issued and outstanding shares of the Company (on a fully diluted basis) if such option were exercised as of May 31, 2009) exercisable at prices ranging from Cdn$6.00 to Cdn$7.00 per share and of which 457,132 options expire either two years after termination of employment for any reason or ten years after retirement and the remaining options expire no later than December 31, 2017, (b) an option to purchase 130,425 Class A voting shares exercisable at a price of $3.23 per share and expires either two years after termination of employment or ten years after retirement, (c) warrants to purchase 131,209 Class A voting shares exercisable at a price of $3.34 and expire on August 20, 2022, (d) 86,950 SARs that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days at an exercise price of $6.21 per share and expire on August 9, 2015, and (e) 40,466 Class A voting shares.
(3) Includes 870 Class A voting shares.
(4) Includes an option to purchase 5,000 Class A voting shares which is currently exercisable at a price of Cdn$7.73 which expires on April 23, 2014.
(5) Includes (a) options to purchase 5,000 Class A voting shares which is currently exercisable at a price of Cdn$7.73 which expires on April 23, 2014, and (b) 2,529 Class A voting shares.
(6) Includes (a) options to purchase 4,346 Class A voting shares exercisable at a price ranging from $3.23 to $8.98 per share and which options expire over a period from October 1, 2012 to January 1, 2015, (b) an option to purchase 126,672 Class A voting shares exercisable at Cdn$6.25 per share which expires on November 2, 2009, and (c) warrants to purchase 131,209 Class A voting shares exercisable at a price of $3.34 which expire on August 20, 2022.
(7) Includes (a) options to purchase 4,346 Class A voting shares exercisable at prices ranging from $3.23 to $8.98, which expire over a period from October 1, 2012 to January 1, 2015, and (b) 43,475 Class A voting shares.
(8) Includes (a) options to purchase 1,738 Class A voting shares exercisable at prices raging from $7.14 to $8.98 which expire over a period from January 1, 2014 to January 1, 2015, (b) 2,608 Class A voting shares held directly, and (c) 86,950 Class A voting shares owned by her husband.
(9) Includes (a) options to purchase 1,738 Class A voting shares exercisable at prices ranging from $7.14 to $8.98, which expire over a period from October 1, 2012 to January 1, 2015, and (b) 6,955 Class A voting shares.
(10) Includes (a) options to purchase 48,875 Class A voting shares which are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of which 43,475 are exercisable at a price of Cdn$3.23 and 5,400 are exercisable at a price of Cdn$7.00 and expire on October 1, 2012 and June 20, 2010, respectively, (b) warrants to purchase 48,110 Class A voting shares exercisable at prices ranging from $3.34 to $6.21 and expire on August 20, 2022 and (c) 10,117 Class A voting shares.
(11) Includes stock appreciation rights to purchase 21,737 Class A voting shares which are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days at an exercise price of $6.21 and expire on August 9, 2015.
(12) Includes stock appreciation rights to purchase 4,347 Class A voting shares which are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days at an exercise price of $6.21 and which expire on August 9, 2015.
(13) Includes options to purchase 9,347 Class A voting shares which are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of which 5,000 are exercisable at a price of $6.21 and 4,347 at a price of $9.09 and expire on November 14, 2015 and October 28, 2013, respectively.

For arrangements involving the issuance or grant of options or shares of the Company to such named executive officers, see above under heading “Executive Compensation” and Item 10. “Additional Information—Material Agreements—Employment Agreements.”

 

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Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions

MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS

The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of our Class A voting shares as of May 31, 2009 by each person or entity who beneficially owns 5% or more of outstanding voting securities, including the Class A voting shares and Class B multiple voting shares. The major shareholders listed with Class B multiple voting shares are entitled to ten votes for each Class B multiple voting share held, whereas holders of Class A voting shares are entitled to one vote per Class A voting share held. Unless otherwise indicated in the table, each of the individuals named below has sole voting and investment power with respect to the voting shares beneficially owned by them. The calculation of the percentage of outstanding shares is based on 3,672,407 Class A voting shares and 7,717,970 Class B multiple voting shares outstanding on May 31, 2009, adjusted where appropriate, for shares of stock beneficially owned but not yet issued.

Beneficial ownership is determined under rules issued by the SEC. Under these rules, beneficial ownership includes any of the Class A voting shares or Class B multiple voting shares as to which the individual or entity has sole or shared voting power or investment power and includes any shares as to which the individual or entity has the right to acquire beneficial ownership within 60 days through the exercise of any warrant, stock option or other right. The inclusion in this Annual Report of such voting shares, however, does not constitute an admission that the named individual is a direct or indirect beneficial owner of such voting shares. The voting shares that a person has the right to acquire within 60 days of May 31, 2009 are deemed outstanding for the purpose of calculating the percentage ownership of such person, but are not deemed outstanding for the purpose of calculating the percentage owned by any other person listed. For information regarding entities or persons that directly or indirectly control us, see “Item 3. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Company.”

 

Name of Beneficial Owner(1)

   Number of Class A
Voting Shares
Beneficially Owned
   Percentage of
Beneficially Owned
 

Goldfish Trust(2)

   7,717,970    67.8

Rohan Private Trust Company Limited(3)

   7,717,970    67.8

Thomas A. Andruskevich(4)

   901,039    19.9

Montrovest BV(5)

   7,717,970    67.8

Prime Investments S.A.(6)

   1,536,047    41.8

Filippo Recami(7)

   262,227    6.7

Lawndale Capital Management, LLC(8)

   270,287    7.4

Andrew E. Shapiro(8)

   270,287    7.4

Diamond A. Partners, LP(8)

   230,367    6.3

 

(1) Unless otherwise noted, each person has sole voting and investment power over the shares listed opposite his or her name.
(2) Includes 7,717,970 Class A voting shares to which Montrovest would be entitled upon conversion of the Class B multiple voting shares held by Montrovest. The shares of Montrovest are beneficially held by the Goldfish Trust. Dr. Rossi who is the Company’s Chairman of the Board of Directors is a director of Rohan Private Trust Company, the trustee of the Goldfish Trust, and a beneficiary of the Goldfish Trust.In certain circumstances, Dr. Rossi may be delegated the authority from the Trustee of the Goldfish Trust to vote the shares held by Montrovest. Goldfish Trust is the beneficial owner of the shares held by Montrovest.
(3) Trustee of the Goldfish Trust. Includes (a) 7,717,970 Class A voting shares to which Montrovest would be entitled upon conversion of the Class B multiple voting shares held by Montrovest.
(4) Includes (a) options and SARs to purchase 729,364 Class A voting shares which are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days (including the option which gives him the right to purchase 259,451 Class A voting shares representing 2% of the total issued and outstanding shares of the Company (on a fully diluted basis) if such option were exercised as of May 31, 2009, (b) warrants to purchase 131,209 Class A voting shares, and (c) 40,466 Class A voting shares.
(5) Comprised of 7,717,970 Class A voting shares to which Montrovest would be entitled upon conversion of the Class B multiple voting shares held by Montrovest.
(6) The Company has been advised that Deutsche Bank International Trust Co. Limited, as Trustee of Pine Trust and The Beech Settlement, exercises voting and investment control over the securities held of record by Prime Investments S.A.
(7) Includes options to purchase 131,018 Class A voting shares which are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days and warrants to purchase 131,209 Class A voting shares which are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days.

 

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(8) The information included in the table is based solely on the Schedule 13G/A filed jointly with the SEC on February 6, 2009 by Andrew E. Shapiro, Diamond A. Partners, LP (“DAP”) and Lawndale Capital Management, LLC (“Lawndale”). Per the Schedule 13G/A, Lawndale is an investment adviser whose clients have the right to receive or the power to direct the receipt of dividends from, or the proceeds from, the sale of the shares. Shapiro is the Manager of Lawndale. Lawndale is the general partner of those clients and DAP. Shapiro, DAP and Lawndale have shared voting power and shared dispositive power over the shares they each beneficially own.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Diamond Supply Agreements

On August 15, 2002, Birks entered into a Diamond Inventory Supply Agreement with Prime Investments S.A. and a series of conditional sale agreements with companies affiliated with Prime Investments S.A. pursuant to which Prime Investments S.A., a related party, is entitled to supply Birks and its subsidiaries or affiliates with at least 45%, on an annualized cost basis, of such company’s aggregate loose diamond requirements, conditional upon the prices remaining competitive relative to market and needs in terms of quality, cut standards and specifications being satisfied. During fiscal 2009, Birks purchased approximately $3.0 million of diamonds and finished goods from Prime Investments S.A. and related parties. Prime Investments S.A. beneficially owns 41.8% of the outstanding Class A voting shares of Birks & Mayors.

Management Consulting Services Agreements

On February 10, 2006, our Board of Directors, approved the Company entering into a Management Consulting Services Agreement with Iniziativa S.A. Under the agreement, Iniziativa S.A. is to provide advisory, management and corporate services to the Company. The initial one-year term of the agreement began on April 1, 2006. The agreement may be renewed for additional one year terms by the Company. Effective January 1, 2007, the terms of the agreement were amended whereby Iniziativa is to provide advisory, management and corporate services under clearly defined project categories and as a result of the increase in value of the services, the payment for services rendered were increased to $262,500 per quarter, plus reimbursement for any out of pocket expenses up to $7,500 per quarter unless prior written consent of the Company is obtained. Additionally, the agreement was renewed for an additional one-year term, ending on March 31, 2008. The agreement was mutually extended until December 2008. Two of the Company’s directors, Filippo Recami and Dr. Lorenzo Rossi di Montelera were affiliated with Iniziativa. Iniziativa was the controlling shareholder of the Company until it transferred the shares it held in the Company to Montrovest, its parent company, on May 31, 2007. On October 29, 2007, Iniziativa assigned the agreement, with the approval of the Company, to Montrovest. Mr. Recami is a Managing Director of Montrovest. Fees paid by us to Montrovest and its predecessor, Iniziativa, during fiscal 2009 and 2008 were approximately $873,000, and $1,127,000, respectively. Our Board of Directors approved our entering into the agreement and amendment with Iniziativa in accordance with our Code of Conduct relating to related party transactions.

On December 17, 2008, we entered into a management subordination agreement with Montrovest and our senior lenders whereby we are permitted to pay Montrovest a success fee in the event that we actually receive net cash proceeds from an equity issuance in an amount greater than $5 million in the aggregate due to efforts of Montrovest to facilitate such equity issuance. Such success fee will be calculated as follows: (i) 7% of the net cash proceeds of such equity issuance in an amount greater than $5 million received by us to be paid upon receipt thereof by us; and (ii) in the event that the net cash proceeds from such equity issuance is an amount greater than $10 million, then in addition to the 7% fee, a monthly management fee of $25,000 continuing through December 30, 2012; provided that such fees shall not exceed in the aggregate $800,000 per year.

Arrangements with Directors

We retain Pheidias Project Management and Oberti Architectural & Urban Design for project management and architectural services. Pheidias Project Management and Oberti Architectural & Urban Design have been

 

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involved in almost all renovations and our new stores since 1993, as well as in the renovation of our executive offices. The principal of Pheidias Project Management and Oberti Architectural & Urban Design is the spouse of Margherita Oberti, one of our directors. In fiscal 2009, Pheidias Project Management and Oberti Architectural & Urban Design as project managers and architects charged us approximately $327,000 for services rendered.

Cash Advance Agreement

In February 2009 and May 2009, we received $2.0 million and $3.0 million, respectively, in the form of cash advances from our controlling shareholder, Montrovest, to finance our working capital needs and for general corporate purposes. These advances and any interest thereon are subordinated to the indebtedness of our existing senior credit facilities and secured term loans and are convertible into a convertible debenture or Class A voting shares in the event of a private placement or, are repayable upon demand by Montrovest subject to the conditions stipulated in our senior credit facilities. These cash advances will bear interest at an annual rate of 16%, net of any withholding taxes, representing an effective interest rate of approximately 17.6%. If converted into convertible debentures or Class A voting shares, a fee of 7% of the outstanding principle amount of the cash advance shall be paid to Montrovest.

Consulting Services Agreement

On June 30, 2009, our Company’s Board of Directors approved our Company entering into a consulting services agreement with Gestofi, S.A. (“Gestofi”). Under the agreement, Gestofi undertakes to assign Mr. Niccolò Rossi as the employee of Gestofi responsible for providing the consulting services related to the development of our Company’s e-commerce, new product development, wholesale business and such other services reasonably requested by our Chief Executive Officer or Chairman (collectively, the “Consulting Services”). The Consulting Services will be provided to our Company for a fee of approximately CDN$13,700 per month less any applicable taxes plus out of pocket expenses. The initial one-year term of the agreement will begin on August 1, 2009 and the agreement may be renewed for additional one year terms. Mr. Niccolò Rossi is the son of Dr. Rossi, the Company’s Chairman and the Chairman of Gestofi. Our Company’s Board of Directors approved our Company’s entering into the agreement in accordance with our Company’s Code of Conduct relating to related party transactions.

 

Item 8. Financial Information

Consolidated Financial Statements

See Item 18. “Financial Statements.”

Dividend Policy

For a discussion of our dividend policy, see Item 3. “Key Information—Dividends and Dividend Policy.”

Legal Proceedings

We are from time to time involved in litigation incident to the conduct of our business. Although such litigation is normally routine and incidental, it is possible that future litigation can result in large monetary awards for compensatory or punitive damages. We believe that no litigation that is currently pending or threatened will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.

Significant Changes

No significant changes have occurred since the date of the annual financial statements included in this Annual Report.

 

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Item 9. The Offer and Listing

TRADING MARKET

Effective November 15, 2005, our Class A voting shares were listed and began to trade on the NYSE Amex under the symbol “BMJ.” The following table sets forth, for all recently completed full financial years since we began trading on the NYSE Amex, the reported high and low sale prices for the Class A voting shares:

 

Birks & Mayors Inc. Highest/Lowest Stock Price

for the Most Recent Full Financial Years

Fiscal year    Highest    Lowest

2009

   $ 4.33    $ 0.20

2008

   $ 8.46    $ 3.97

2007

   $ 9.60    $ 6.05

The following table sets forth, for each of the most recent six months, the reported high and low sale prices for the Class A voting shares:

 

Birks & Mayors Inc. Highest/Lowest Stock Price for the Most Recent Six Months
Month    Highest    Lowest

January 2009

   $ 0.66    $ 0.42

February 2009

   $ 0.46    $ 0.20

March 2009

   $ 0.49    $ 0.20

April 2009

   $ 0.50    $ 0.30

May 2009

   $ 0.55    $ 0.26

June 2009

   $ 0.80    $ 0.46

The following table sets forth, for each quarter in fiscal 2009 and 2008 and any subsequent period, the reported high and low sale prices for the Class A voting shares:

 

Birks & Mayors Inc. Highest/Lowest Stock Price

for Each Quarter in fiscal 2009 and 2008 and Any Subsequent Period

Subsequent Period    Highest    Lowest

Quarter ended June 2009

   $ 0.80    $ 0.26

Fiscal 2009

     

Quarter ended March 2009

   $ 0.66    $ 0.20

Quarter ended December 2008

   $ 1.60    $ 0.30

Quarter ended September 2008

   $ 3.20    $ 1.50

Quarter ended June 2008

   $ 4.33    $ 3.06

Fiscal 2008

     

Quarter ended March 2008

   $ 6.10    $ 3.97

Quarter ended December 2007

   $ 6.75    $ 5.67

Quarter ended September 2007

   $ 7.56    $ 6.49

Quarter ended July 2007

   $ 8.46    $ 7.20

 

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Item 10. Additional Information

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BY-LAWS

Our Articles of Incorporation do not restrict the type of business that we may carry on. A copy of our Articles of Incorporation and our By-laws are contained in exhibits to the F-4 registration statement (File No. 333-126936) that we filed with the SEC on September 29, 2005, and which we incorporate by reference herein (“F-4”). Additionally, certain rights of our shareholders pursuant to our Articles of Incorporation, our By-laws and the Canada Business Corporations Act were set out in the F-4 and we refer you to the headings therein entitled “Description of Birks Capital Stock” and “Comparison of Stockholder Rights.”

MATERIAL CONTRACTS

We have not entered into any material contract other than in the ordinary course of business and other than those described below or in Items 4, 5, 7 and 19 of this Annual Report on Form 20-F.

Employment Agreements

Thomas A. Andruskevich

Thomas A. Andruskevich is employed by Birks & Mayors, as well as by its subsidiary, Mayors. Accordingly, we have two employment agreements with Mr. Andruskevich, one of which is through Mayors. On April 16, 2008, the Company and Mayors, respectively, amended, restated and renewed the terms and conditions of two employment agreements with Mr. Andruskevich effective April 1, 2008 each for a term of three years continuing until March 31, 2011 unless terminated in accordance with the terms of the agreements.

Birks Employment Agreement

Under the employment agreement, Mr. Andruskevich serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Birks & Mayors and receives an annual base salary and an income bonus, which will be adjusted based upon the achievement of certain net income goals by Birks & Mayors in the preceding year set forth in our annual profit plan and strategic plan. Under the agreement, Mr. Andruskevich’s minimum base salary is $662,000 and provides for a performance based opportunity to increase his base salary by $2,000. Additionally, Mr. Andruskevich will receive an annual performance bonus based upon the achievement of specific performance criteria, which are set each year by our compensation committee. Mr. Andruskevich is also entitled to certain benefits such as life insurance, health and dental insurance, financial planning expenses and other reasonable expenses. Under his employment agreements since May 15, 1996, Mr. Andruskevich has received three separate grants of stock options, each of which is confirmed in his current employment agreement as remaining exercisable for 24 months after termination of his employment or ten years after the date of his retirement. In 1996, Mr. Andruskevich was given the option to subscribe for a number of our Class A voting shares which, immediately following their issue, would represent 2% of our issued and outstanding shares of capital stock (on a fully diluted basis). The number of shares will be adjusted to represent 2% of the issued and outstanding Class A voting shares, except that any new stock options or other new securities exercisable for, convertible into or exchangeable into capital stock (or shares issued upon exercise, conversion or exchange thereof), new restricted stock or other new equity granted or issued following November 14, 2005, for a compensatory purpose to employees, officers, or directors shall be disregarded for purposes of calculating 2% of our issued and outstanding shares of our capital stock (on a fully diluted basis). In 1998, the option granted in 1996 was substituted for an option on the same terms except that the exercise price of the options was fixed at Cdn$6.00 per share, considered to be the fair market value of our shares at that time. Also in 1998, Mr. Andruskevich was given a second option to subscribe for a number of Class A voting shares which, immediately following their issue, would represent 2% of our issued and outstanding shares of capital stock as of January 1, 1999, namely, 126,272 out of a total of 6,313,618 shares then issued and outstanding. The exercise

 

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price of these options was fixed at Cdn$6.25 per share, considered to be the fair market value of our shares at that time. In 2001, Mr. Andruskevich was given a third option to subscribe for a number of Class A voting shares which, immediately following their issue, would represent 2% of our issued and outstanding shares of capital stock as of April 1, 2002, namely, 126,266 out of a total of 6,313,300 shares then issued and outstanding. The exercise price of these options was fixed at Cdn$7.00 per share, considered to be the fair market value of our shares at that time. Each of the options Mr. Andruskevich received under these agreements is exercisable for a period of twenty-four months after the termination of his employment. Additionally, each such option is exercisable for a period of 10 years following retirement or two years after termination.

We may terminate Mr. Andruskevich’s employment agreement with just and sufficient cause for such termination. If we desire not to renew the agreement, we must provide Mr. Andruskevich with notice 12 months prior to the end of the term of the agreement which is March 31, 2011. If the Company wishes not to renew the agreement and Mr. Andruskevich is unable to find suitable employment after March 31, 2011, the Company must compensate Mr. Andruskevich for an additional period of up to 12 months by continuing to pay him a base salary, a monthly bonus calculated by taking the average bonus for the three prior fiscal years and dividing by 12, all benefits, plus a lump sum cash payment, if not already paid by Mayors, of $39,000 for disability and life insurance.

In the event that the Company terminates the agreement without cause or Mr. Andruskevich resigns for good reason, Mr. Andruskevich is entitled to the base salary which shall have accrued to the date of such termination, any accrued but unpaid vacation pay, performance bonus earned in connection with each year ending prior to the date of such termination, benefits, as well as a pro-rata portion of the average annual bonus for the three prior fiscal years, plus a lump sum cash payment, if not already paid by Mayors, of $39,000 for disability and life insurance. Additionally, we will pay Mr. Andruskevich his base salary and pro-rata annual bonus for the greater of one year or the unexpired portion of the term in a lump sum and be entitled to benefits and will continue to pay his base salary and the said average annual bonus on a monthly basis for an additional period of up to 12 months should Mr. Andruskevich be unable to find another suitable employment position. In the event Mr. Andruskevich’s employment terminates as a result of his death, for cause, as a result of disability or due to his resignation without good reasons, he will receive his base salary through the date of termination or resignation, as well as a pro rata amount for any cash bonus payable to him.

The agreement prohibits Mr. Andruskevich from competing with us in our business for or on behalf of any entity whose operations are located primarily in Canada, in the States of Florida or Georgia or any state or foreign country in which Birks receives at least 10% of its revenues at such time (i) during his employment, (ii) during the period immediately following a termination of employment during which or in respect to which Mr. Andruskevich continues to receive payments or has received a lump sum payment or (iii) in the event of Mr. Andruskevich’s voluntary departure, during the 12 month period immediately following the date of his departure. During, the non-compete period, Mr. Andruskevich also agrees not to solicit any of our senior executives.

Mayors Employment Agreement

Under the Mayors employment agreement, Mr. Andruskevich serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Mayors, and as President and Chief Executive Officer of Mayors and receives an annual base salary from Mayors of $600,000 and has the opportunity to receive an annual cash bonus based upon the achievement of objective performance criteria, which are set each year by the compensation committee and approved by the Board of Directors. If Mayors wishes not to renew the agreement, it must provide Mr. Andruskevich with notice 12 months prior to the end of the term of the agreement. If Mayors wishes not to renew the agreement and Mr. Andruskevich is unable to find suitable employment after March 31, 2011, Mayors must compensate Mr. Andruskevich for an additional period of up to 12 months by continuing to pay him a base salary, a monthly bonus calculated by taking the average bonus for the three prior fiscal years and dividing by 12, all benefits, plus a lump sum cash payment of $39,000 for disability and life insurance, if not already paid by Birks.

 

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In the event that Mayors terminates the agreement without cause or Mr. Andruskevich resigns for good reasons, Mr. Andruskevich is entitled to the base salary which shall have accrued to the date of such termination, any accrued but unpaid vacation pay, performance bonus earned in connection with each year ending prior to the date of such termination, benefits as well as a pro-rata portion of the average annual bonus for the three prior fiscal years, plus a lump sum cash payment of $39,000 for disability and life insurance. Additionally, Mayors will pay Mr. Andruskevich his base salary and pro-rata annual bonus for the greater of one year or the unexpired portion of the term in a lump sum and be entitled to benefits and we will continue to pay his base salary and the said average annual bonus on a monthly basis for an additional period of up to 12 months should Mr. Andruskevich be unable to find another suitable employment position. If Mr. Andruskevich’s employment is terminated without cause or if he resigns for good reason within the two year period following a change of control, Mr. Andruskevich will receive his annual base salary, annual bonus and financial planning, health, and dental benefits for the greater of two years or the unexpired portion of the term plus one year, and Mr. Andruskevich will also be entitled to certain bonus compensation and a lump sum cash payment of $39,000 for disability and life insurance, as well as a gross-up amount that, on an after-tax basis, equals the excise tax that would be imposed on the foregoing amounts. In the event Mr. Andruskevich’s employment terminates as a result of his death, for cause, as a result of disability or due to his resignation without good reasons, he will receive his base salary though the date of termination or resignation, as well as a pro rata amount for any cash bonus payable to him.

The agreement prohibits Mr. Andruskevich from competing with Mayors in certain markets for or on behalf of any entity whose operations are located primarily in Canada, in the State of Florida or Georgia or any state or foreign country in which Mayors receives at least 10% of its revenues at such time (i) during his employment, (ii) during the period immediately following a termination of employment during which or in respect to which Mr. Andruskevich continues to receive payments or has received a lump sum payment or (iii) in the event of Mr. Andruskevich’s voluntary departure, during the 12 month period immediately following the date of his departure for a period of twelve months after his departure and to solicit our senior or executives.

EXCHANGE CONTROLS

There are currently no laws, decrees, regulations or other legislation in Canada that restricts the export or import of capital or that affects the remittance of dividends, interest or other payments to non-resident holders of our securities other than withholding tax requirements. There is no limitation imposed by Canadian law or by our Articles of Incorporation or our other organizational documents on the right of a non-resident of Canada to hold or vote our Class A voting shares, other than as provided in the North American Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (Canada) and in the Investment Canada Act, as amended by the World Trade Organization Agreement Implementation Act.

The Investment Canada Act requires notification and, in certain cases, advance review and approval by the Government of Canada of the acquisition by a “non-Canadian” of “control of a Canadian business”, all as defined in the Investment Canada Act. Generally, the threshold for review will be higher in monetary terms, and in certain cases an exemption will apply, for an investor ultimately controlled by persons who are nationals of a WTO Member or have the right of permanent residence in relation thereto.

 

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TAXATION

MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF OWNING AND DISPOSING OF

BIRKS CLASS A VOTING SHARES

The following discussion is based on the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the Code), applicable Treasury regulations, administrative rulings and pronouncements and judicial decisions currently in effect, all of which could change. Any change, which may be retroactive, could result in U.S. federal income tax consequences different from those discussed below. The discussion is not binding on the Internal Revenue Service, and there can be no assurance that the Internal Revenue Service will not disagree with or challenge any of the conclusions described below.

Except where specifically noted, the discussion below does not address the effects of any state, local or non-U.S. tax laws (or other tax consequences such as estate or gift tax consequences). The discussion below relates to persons who hold Birks & Mayors Class A voting shares as capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code. The tax treatment of those persons may vary depending upon the holder’s particular situation, and some holders may be subject to special rules not discussed below. Those holders would include, for example:

 

   

banks, insurance companies, trustees and mutual funds;

 

   

tax-exempt organizations;

 

   

financial institutions;

 

   

pass-through entities and investors in pass-through entities;

 

   

traders in securities who elect to apply a mark-to-market method of accounting;

 

   

broker-dealers;

 

   

holders who are not U.S. Holders (as defined below);

 

   

persons whose “functional currency” is not the U.S. dollar;

 

   

holders who are subject to the alternative minimum tax; and

 

   

holders of Birks & Mayors Class A voting shares who own 5% or more of either the total voting power or the total value of the outstanding Class A voting shares of Birks & Mayors.

Holders should consult their own tax advisors concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the ownership of Birks & Mayors Class A voting shares in light of their particular situations, as well as any consequences arising under the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction.

As used in this document, the term “U.S. Holder” means a beneficial holder of Birks & Mayors Class A voting shares that is (1) an individual who is a U.S. citizen or U.S. resident alien, (2) a corporation, or other entity taxable as a corporation, created or organized in or under the laws of the U.S. or any political subdivision of the U.S., (3) an estate which is subject to U.S. federal income tax on its worldwide income regardless of its source or (4) a trust (x) that is subject to primary supervision of a court within the U.S. and the control of one or more U.S. persons as described in section 7701(a)(30) of the Code or (y) that has a valid election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.

If a partnership holds Birks & Mayors Class A voting shares, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Partners of partnerships that hold Birks & Mayors Class A voting shares should consult their tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences to them.

 

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Dividends and Distributions

Subject to the passive foreign investment company (PFIC) rules discussed below, the gross amount of dividends paid to U.S. Holders of our Class A voting shares, including amounts withheld to reflect Canadian withholding taxes, will be treated as dividend income to these U.S. Holders, to the extent paid out of current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. This income will be includable in the gross income of a U.S. Holder on the day actually or constructively received by the U.S. Holder. Dividends generally will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction allowed to corporations upon the receipt of dividends distributed by U.S. corporations.

Subject to certain conditions and limitations, Canadian withholding taxes on dividends may be treated as foreign taxes eligible for credit against a U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability. For purposes of calculating the foreign tax credit, dividends paid on our Class A voting shares will be treated as income from sources outside the U.S. and generally will constitute “passive income.” Special rules apply to certain individuals whose foreign source income during the taxable year consists entirely of “qualified passive income” and whose creditable foreign taxes paid or accrued during the taxable year do not exceed $300 ($600 in the case of a joint return). U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors to determine their eligibility to use foreign tax credits.

To the extent that the amount of any distribution exceeds our current and accumulated earnings and profits for a taxable year, the distribution first will be treated as a tax-free return of capital, causing a reduction in the adjusted basis of our Class A voting shares (thereby increasing the amount of gain, or decreasing the amount of loss, to be recognized by the U.S. Holder on a subsequent disposition of the Class A voting shares), and the balance in excess of adjusted basis will be taxed as capital gain recognized on a sale or exchange.

With respect to certain U.S. Holders who are not corporations, including individuals, certain dividends received before January 1, 2011 from a qualified foreign corporation may be subject to reduced rates of taxation. A “qualified foreign corporation” includes a foreign corporation that is eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States which the U.S. Treasury determines to be satisfactory for these purposes and which includes an exchange of information program. U.S. Treasury guidance indicates that the current income tax treaty between Canada and the U.S. meets these requirements, and we believe we are eligible for the benefits of that treaty. In addition, a foreign corporation is treated as a qualified foreign corporation with respect to dividends received from that corporation on shares that are readily tradable on an established securities market in the U.S. Our Class A voting shares, which are listed on the NYSE Amex, should be considered readily tradable on an established securities market in the U.S. Individuals that do not meet a minimum holding period requirement during which they are not protected from the risk of loss or that elect to treat the dividend income as “investment income” pursuant to Section 163(d)(4) of the Code will not be eligible for the reduced rates of taxation regardless of the trading status of our Class A voting shares. In addition, the rate reduction will not apply to dividends if the recipient of a dividend is obligated to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property. This disallowance applies even if the minimum holding period has been met. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the application of these rules given their particular circumstances. The rules governing the foreign tax credit are complex. Certain U.S. Holders of our Class A voting shares may not be able to claim a foreign tax credit with respect to amounts withheld for Canadian withholding taxes. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the availability of the foreign tax credit under their particular circumstances.

Sale or Exchange of Class A Voting Shares

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, subject to the rules relating to PFICs described below, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize taxable gain or loss on any sale or exchange of our Class A voting shares in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized for our Class A voting shares and the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in such shares. This gain or loss will be capital gain or loss and generally will be treated as U.S. source gain or loss. Long-term capital gains recognized by certain U.S. Holders who are not corporations, including individuals, generally will be subject to a maximum rate of U.S. federal income tax of currently 15%. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

 

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Passive Foreign Investment Company

We believe that our Class A voting shares should not be treated as stock of a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and we expect to continue our operations in such a manner that we will not be a PFIC. In general, a company is considered a PFIC for any taxable year if either (i) at least 75% of its gross income is passive income or (ii) at least 50% of the value of its assets is attributable to assets that produce or are held for the production of passive income. The 50% of value test is based on the average of the value of our assets for each quarter during the taxable year. If we own at least 25% by value of another company’s stock, we will be treated, for purposes of the PFIC rules, as owning our proportionate share of the assets and receiving our proportionate share of income of the other company. Based on the nature of our income, assets and activities, and the manner in which we plan to operate our business in future years, we do not expect that we will be classified as a PFIC for any taxable year.

If, however, we are or become a PFIC, U.S. Holders could be subject to additional U.S. federal income taxes on gain recognized with respect to our Class A voting shares and on certain distributions, plus an interest charge on certain taxes treated as having been deferred by the U.S. Holder under the PFIC rules.

Backup Withholding and Information Reporting

In general, information reporting requirements will apply to dividends in respect of our Class A voting shares or the proceeds received on the sale, exchange, or redemption of our Class A voting shares paid within the United States (and in certain cases, outside of the U.S.) to U.S. Holders other than certain exempt recipients (such as corporations), and a 28% backup withholding tax may apply to these amounts if the U.S. Holder fails to provide an accurate taxpayer identification number, to report dividends required to be shown on its U.S. federal income tax returns or, in certain circumstances, to comply with applicable certification requirements. The amount of any backup withholding from a payment to a U.S. Holder will be allowed as a refund or credit against the U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided that the required information or appropriate claim for refund is furnished to the Internal Revenue Service.

MATERIAL CANADIAN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF OUR CLASS A VOTING SHARES

The following discussion is a summary of the material Canadian federal income tax considerations under the Income Tax Act (Canada) (referred to in this Form 20-F as the Canadian Tax Act) of the ownership of our Class A voting shares, generally applicable to holders of our Class A voting shares who, for purposes of the Canadian Tax Act and at all relevant times are not and are not deemed to be resident in Canada, hold our Class A voting shares as capital property, deal at arm’s length with, and is not and will not be affiliated with Birks & Mayors and who do not use or hold and are not deemed to use Class A voting shares in connection with carrying on business in Canada and for who our Class A voting shares are not “designated insurance property” under the Canadian Tax Act (referred to in this Form 20-F as Non-resident Holders). This discussion does not apply to holders that are: (i) non-resident insurers that carry on business in Canada and elsewhere, or (ii) “authorized foreign banks” as defined in the Canadian Tax Act.

This summary is based upon the current provisions of the Canadian Tax Act, the regulations under the Canadian Tax Act, all specific proposals to amend the Canadian Tax Act and the regulations publicly announced by the Minister of Finance prior to the date of this proxy statement/prospectus and the current published administrative and assessing practices of the Canada Revenue Agency. This summary does not otherwise take into account or anticipate any change in law, whether by legislative, governmental or judicial action, nor does it take into account or consider any provincial, territorial or foreign income tax legislation or considerations.

This summary is of a general nature only and is not intended to be, nor should it be construed to be, legal or tax advice to holders of our Class A voting shares. Accordingly, holders of our Class A voting shares should consult their own tax advisors with respect to their particular circumstances.

 

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Dividends on Our Class A Voting Shares

Dividends paid or credited (or deemed to have been paid or credited) on our Class A voting shares to a Non-resident Holder will be subject to non-resident withholding tax under the Canadian Tax Act of 25% of the gross amount of those dividends (subject to reduction in accordance with an applicable international tax treaty between Canada and the Non-resident Holder’s country of residence). Where the Non-resident Holder is a resident of the U.S. for purposes of the Convention, the rate of this withholding tax is (i) 5% with respect to dividends paid to the beneficial owner of the dividends being a company holding at least 10% of our voting shares and (ii) 15% in all other cases. Under the Convention, dividends paid to certain religious, scientific, literary, educational or charitable organizations and certain pension organizations that are resident in, and generally exempt from taxation by, the U.S., are generally exempt from Canadian non-resident withholding tax. Provided that certain administrative procedures are observed by such an organization, Birks & Mayors would not be required to withhold tax from dividends paid or credited to the organization.

Disposition of Our Class A Voting Shares

A Non-resident Holder will not be subject to tax under the Canadian Tax Act in respect of any capital gain realized by that Non-resident Holder on a disposition of a Class A voting share, unless the Class A voting share constitutes “taxable Canadian property” of the Non-resident Holder for purposes of the Canadian Tax Act and the Non-resident Holder is not entitled to relief under the Convention. Provided that, at the time of disposition, the Class A voting shares are listed on a designated stock exchange (which includes the NYSE Amex), the Class A voting shares will generally not constitute taxable Canadian property to a Non-resident Holder unless, at any time during the 60-month period immediately preceding the disposition of the Class A voting shares, the holder, persons with whom the holder does not deal at arm’s length or the holder together with those persons, owns not less than 25% of the issued shares of any class or any series of shares of our capital stock. A Non-resident Holder who disposes of our Class A voting shares that are taxable Canadian property will be required to fulfill the requirements of Section 116 of the Canadian Tax Act unless such shares are listed on a recognized stock exchange (which includes the NYSE Amex) at the time of the disposition.

Even if our Class A voting shares are taxable Canadian property to a Non-resident Holder, the Convention will generally exempt a Non-resident Holder who is a resident of the U.S. for purposes of the Convention from tax under the Canadian Tax Act on any capital gain arising on the disposition of a Class A voting share unless the value of the Class A voting shares at the time of disposition is derived principally from real property situated in Canada.

 

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DOCUMENTS ON DISPLAY

We will file reports, including Annual Reports on Form 20-F, and other information with the SEC pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC that apply to foreign private issuers. You may read and copy any materials filed with the SEC at the following location of the SEC, Public Reference Room, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room. Filings we make electronically with the SEC are also available to the public on the Internet at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We are exposed to various market risks. Market risk is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in market prices and rates. We have not entered into derivative or other financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

Interest rate risk

Our primary market risk exposure is interest rate risk. Borrowing under the senior secured credit facility and the term loan from Investissement Québec bear interest at floating rates, which are based on LIBOR plus a fixed additional interest rate. As of March 28, 2009, we have not hedged these interest rate risks. As of March 28, 2009, we had approximately $108.4 million of floating-rate debt. Accordingly, our net income will be affected by changes in interest rates. Assuming a 100 basis point increase or decrease in the interest rate under our floating rate debt, our interest expense on an annualized basis would have increased or decreased, respectively, by approximately $1.0 million.

Currency Risk

While we report our financial results in U.S. dollars, a substantial portion of our sales are earned in Canadian dollars. For our operations located in Canada, non-Canadian currency transactions and assets and liabilities subject us to foreign currency risk. Conversely, for the operations located in the U.S., non-U.S. currency transactions and assets and liabilities subject us to foreign currency risk. Material fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates resulting in a weakening of the Canadian dollar could significantly reduce our borrowing availability under our secured credit facility which is denominated in U.S. dollars and limit our ability to finance our operations. For purposes of our financial reporting, our financial statements are reported in U.S. dollars by translating, where necessary, net sales and expenses from Canadian dollars at the average exchange rates prevailing during the period, while assets and liabilities are translated at year-end exchange rates, with the effect of such translation recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. As a result, for purposes of our financial reporting, foreign exchange gains or losses recorded in earnings relate to non-Canadian dollar transactions of the operations located in Canada and non-U.S. dollar transactions of the operations located in the U.S. We expect to continue to report our financial results in U.S. dollars in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Consequently, our reported earnings could fluctuate materially as a result of foreign exchange translation gains or losses. To mitigate the impact of foreign exchange volatility on our earnings, from time to time we may enter into agreements to fix the exchange rate of U.S. dollars to Canadian dollars. For example, we may enter into agreements to fix the exchange rate to protect the principal and interest payments on its Canadian dollar denominated debt and other liabilities. If we do so, we will not benefit from any increase in the value of the Canadian dollar compared to the U.S. dollar when these payments become due. As of March 28, 2009, we had not hedged these foreign exchange rate risks. As of March 28, 2009, we had approximately $4.8 million of net liabilities subject to transaction foreign exchange rate risk related to changes in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and Canadian dollar, which would impact the level of our earnings if there were fluctuations in U.S. and Canadian dollar exchange rate. Assuming a 10 percent strengthening or weakening of the Canadian dollar in relationship to the U.S. dollar, as of March 28, 2009, our earnings would have increased or decreased, respectively, by approximately $0.5 million. This analysis does not consider the impact of fluctuations in U.S and Canadian dollar exchange rates on the translation of Canadian dollar results into U.S. dollars.

 

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Commodity Risk

The nature of our operations results in exposure to fluctuations in commodity prices, specifically platinum, gold and silver. We monitor and, when appropriate, utilize derivative financial instruments and physical delivery contracts to hedge our exposure to risks related to the change in gold price. We are exposed to credit-related losses in the event of non-performance by counter-parties to the financial instruments. In addition, if gold prices decrease below those levels specified in our various hedging agreements, we would lose the value of a decline in the price of gold which could have an equal effect on our cost of sales. However, such gains may not be realized in future periods and our hedging activities may result in losses, which could be material. For accounting purposes, the hedging agreements did not qualify to be treated as accounting hedges and, accordingly, are marked to market at the end of every quarter. No hedging contracts existed as of March 28, 2009.

 

Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities

Not applicable.

PART II

 

Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

Not applicable.

 

Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds

Not applicable.

 

Item 15T. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our chief executive officer and chief financial officer to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined under Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e), as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 20-F. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of March 28, 2009, our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined under Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e), were effective to ensure that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined under Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that: (1) pertain to the maintenance of records

 

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that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets, (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements on a timely basis. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to consolidated financial statements preparation and presentation. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Management’s assessment included an evaluation of the design of our internal control over financial reporting and testing of the operational effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Based on that assessment, our management concluded that as of March 28, 2009, our internal control over financial reporting was effective.

This Annual Report does not include an attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal controls over financial reporting. Our report was not subject to attestation by our independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the SEC that permit us to provide only our report on internal controls over financial reporting in this Annual Report.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There was no change in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this Annual Report that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

 

Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert

Our Board of Directors has designated Louis Roquet, an independent director as determined under the NYSE Amex listing standards and the federal securities laws and rules of the SEC, as a financially sophisticated person who serves on our audit committee. On June 3, 2009, Louis Roquet was appointed a member and the chair of the audit committee following the resignation of Alain Benedetti effective May 31, 2009, as a member of the Board of Directors and audit committee. Alain Benedetti had been designated as an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of this Item 16A. Our Board of Directors has determined to waive for the present time the requirements under the audit committee’s charter that at least one member of the audit committee be designated as an “audit committee financial expert,” as this term is defined under SEC rules. Neither the SEC nor the NYSE Amex requires us to designate an “audit committee financial expert” and the Board of Directors has not determined that any of its current directors would qualify as such. See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Board Practices.”

 

Item 16B. Code of Ethics

We have adopted a code of ethics, within the meaning of this Item 16B of Form 20-F under the Exchange Act. Our code of ethics applies to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Controller. Our code of ethics is available on our website at www.birksandmayors.com. If we amend the provisions of our code of ethics that apply to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and persons performing similar functions, or if we grant any waiver of such provisions, we will disclose such amendment or waiver on our website at the same address.

 

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Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

During fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008, we retained KPMG LLP, our independent auditors, to provide services in the following categories and amounts:

Audit Fees

The aggregate fees and expenses billed by KPMG LLP for professional services rendered for the audit of our annual financial statements was approximately $535,000 in fiscal 2009 and $552,000 in fiscal 2008.

Audit Related Fees

During fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008, KPMG LLP provided audit-related services for a total amount of approximately $6,500 and $20,000, respectively, which primarily consisted of advisory services related to the documentation of internal controls over financial reporting and assistance with various accounting matters.

Tax Fees

During fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008, KPMG LLP provided tax advisory services for a total amount of approximately $30,000 and $81,000, respectively.

All Other Fees

Not applicable.

Pre Approval Policies and Procedures

The audit committee has established a pre-approval policy as described in Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i) of Regulation S-X. The audit committee approves in writing, in advance, any audit or non-audit services provided to Birks & Mayors by the independent accountants that are not specifically disallowed by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. None of the services described in the preceding three sections were approved by the audit committee pursuant to Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i)(C).

 

Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees

Not applicable.

 

Item 16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

We did not, nor did any affiliated purchaser, purchase any of our equity securities during the fiscal year ended March 28, 2009.

 

Item 16F. Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant

Not applicable.

 

Item 16G. Corporate Governance

Our securities are listed on the NYSE Amex. There are no significant ways in which our corporate governance practices differ from those followed by domestic companies under the listing standards of that exchange except for proxy delivery requirements. The NYSE Amex requires the solicitation of proxies and delivery of proxy statements for all shareholder meetings, and requires that these proxies be solicited pursuant to a proxy statement that conforms to the proxy rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. As a foreign private issuer, the Company is exempt from the proxy rules set forth in Sections 14(a), 14(b), 14(c) and 14(f) of the Act. The Company solicits proxies in accordance with applicable rules and regulations in Canada.

 

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PART III

 

Item 19. Exhibits

The following exhibits are part of this Annual Report on Form 20-F.

 

Exhibit Number

  

Description of Document

1.1    Articles of Amalgamation, as amended, of Birks & Mayors Inc., effective as of November 14, 2005. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.2 of the Henry Birks & Sons Inc. Registration Statement on Form F-4 originally filed with the SEC on July 7, 2005 and as subsequently amended on September 8, 2005, September 21, 2005 and September 29, 2005.
1.2    By-laws of Birks & Mayors Inc., as amended, effective as of November 14, 2005. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.4 of the Henry Birks & Sons Inc. Registration Statement on Form F-4 originally filed with the SEC on July 7, 2005 and as subsequently amended on September 8, 2005, September 21, 2005 and September 29, 2005.
2.1    Form of Birks Class A voting share certificate. Incorporated by reference from the Henry Birks & Sons Inc. Registration Statement on Form F-4 originally filed with the SEC on July 7, 2005 and as subsequently amended on September 8, 2005, September 21, 2005 and September 29, 2005.
4.1    Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization, dated as of April 18, 2005, as amended as of July 27, 2005, among Henry Birks & Sons Inc., Mayor’s, Inc. and Birks Merger Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Henry Birks & Sons Inc. Incorporated by reference from the Henry Birks & Sons Inc. Registration Statement on Form F-4 originally filed with the SEC on July 7, 2005 and as subsequently amended on September 8, 2005, September 21, 2005 and September 29, 2005.
4.2    Loan Agreement between Birks and Investissement Québec (formerly Financière du Québec), dated as of February 18, 2003. Incorporated by reference from Birks and Mayors Inc. Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on June 18, 2007.
4.3    Form of Directors and Officers Indemnity Agreement. Incorporated by reference from the Henry Birks & Sons Inc. Registration Statement on Form F-4 originally filed with the SEC on July 7, 2005 and as subsequently amended on September 8, 2005, September 21, 2005 and September 29, 2005.
4.4    Henry Birks & Sons Inc. Employee Stock Option Agreement, dated as of May 1, 1997, amended as of June 20, 2000. Incorporated by reference from the Henry Birks & Sons Inc. Registration Statement on Form F-4 originally filed with the SEC on July 7, 2005 and as subsequently amended on September 8, 2005, September 21, 2005 and September 29, 2005.
4.5    Lease Agreement between Birks and Anglo Canadian Investments SA, dated as of December 12, 2000. Incorporated by reference from the Henry Birks & Sons Inc. Registration Statement on Form F-4 originally filed with the SEC on July 7, 2005 and as subsequently amended on September 8, 2005, September 21, 2005 and September 29, 2005.
4.6    Lease Agreement between Mayors and Westpoint Business Park, Ltd dated September 13, 2004. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Inc.’s Form 20-F filed on July 19, 2006.
4.7    Diamond Supply Agreement between Prime Investments S.A. and Birks, dated as of August 15, 2002. Incorporated by reference from the Henry Birks & Sons Inc. Registration Statement on Form F-4 originally filed with the SEC on July 7, 2005 and as subsequently amended on September 8, 2005, September 21, 2005 and September 29, 2005.

 

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Exhibit Number

  

Description of Document

4.8    Conditional Sale Agreement between Rosy Blue N.V. and Birks, dated as of August 15, 2002. Incorporated by reference from the Henry Birks & Sons Inc. Registration Statement on Form F-4 originally filed with the SEC on July 7, 2005 and as subsequently amended on September 8, 2005, September 21, 2005 and September 29, 2005.
4.9    Conditional Sale Agreement between Rosy Blue Inc. and Birks, dated as of August 15, 2002. Incorporated by reference from the Henry Birks & Sons Inc. Registration Statement on Form F-4 originally filed with the SEC on July 7, 2005 and as subsequently amended on September 8, 2005, September 21, 2005 and September 29, 2005.
 4.10    Conditional Sale Agreement between Rosy Blue Sales Ltd. and Birks, dated as of August 15, 2002. Incorporated by reference from the Henry Birks & Sons Inc. Registration Statement on Form F-4 originally filed with the SEC on July 7, 2005 and as subsequently amended on September 8, 2005, September 21, 2005 and September 29, 2005.
 4.11    Conditional Sale Agreement between Rosy Blue Hong Kong Ltd. and Birks, dated as of August 15, 2002. Incorporated by reference from the Henry Birks & Sons Inc. Registration Statement on Form F-4 originally filed with the SEC on July 7, 2005 and as subsequently amended on September 8, 2005, September 21, 2005 and September 29, 2005.
 4.12    Conditional Sale Agreement between Rosy Blue Finance S.A. and Birks, dated as of August 15, 2002. Incorporated by reference from the Henry Birks & Sons Inc. Registration Statement on Form F-4 originally filed with the SEC on July 7, 2005 and as subsequently amended on September 8, 2005, September 21, 2005 and September 29, 2005.
 4.13    Registration Rights Agreement between Birks and Prime Investments S.A., dated as of February 4, 2005. Incorporated by reference from the Henry Birks & Sons Inc. Registration Statement on Form F-4 originally filed with the SEC on July 7, 2005 and as subsequently amended on September 8, 2005, September 21, 2005 and September 29, 2005.
 4.14    Employment Agreement between Mr. Thomas A. Andruskevich and Mayors effective April 1, 2008. Incorporated by reference from the Birks & Mayors Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on June 30, 2008.
 4.15    Employment Agreement between Mr. Thomas A. Andruskevich and Birks & Mayors on April 1, 2008. Incorporated by reference from the Birks & Mayors Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on June 30, 2008.
 4.16    Employment Agreement between Michael Rabinovitch and Mayors, dated as of August 1, 2005. Incorporated by reference from the Henry Birks & Sons Inc. Registration Statement on Form F-4 originally filed with the SEC on July 7, 2005 and as subsequently amended on September 8, 2005, September 21, 2005 and September 29, 2005.
 4.17    Amended Employment Agreement between Aida Alvarez and Mayors, dated as of July 19, 2002. Incorporated by reference from Mayors Form 10-Q filed December 17, 2002.
 4.18    Form of Senior Management Long-Term Cash Incentive Plan. Incorporated by reference from the Birks & Mayors Inc. Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on June 18, 2007.
 4.19    Employment Agreement between Joseph Keifer III and Mayors, dated October 1, 2002. Incorporated by reference from Mayors Form 10-Q filed on December 17, 2002.
 4.20    Employment Agreement dated September 11, 2003 between John Orrico and Mayors. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Inc.’s Form 20-F filed on July 19, 2006.
 4.21    Employment Agreement dated April 1, 2005, between Daisy Chin Lor and Mayors. Incorporated by reference from Mayors Form 10-K filed on June 24, 2005. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Inc.’s Form 20-F filed on July 19, 2006.

 

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Exhibit Number

  

Description of Document

4.22    Employment Agreement between Miranda Melfi and Birks & Mayors dated February 24, 2006. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Inc.’s Form 20-F filed on July 19, 2006.
4.23    Revolving Credit, Tranche B Loan and Security Agreement by and between Birks & Mayors Inc., the Canadian borrower, Mayor’s Jewelers, Inc., as the United States borrower, Bank of America, N.A., GMAC Commercial Finance LLC and Back Bay Capital Funding LLC, dated as of January 19, 2006 (“Credit Agreement”). Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Inc.’s Form 6-K filed on January 25, 2006.
4.24    First Amendment to the Credit Agreement dated as of November 9, 2006. Incorporated by reference from the Birks & Mayors Inc. Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on June 18, 2007.
4.25    Waiver and Second Amendment to the Credit Agreement dated as of November 9, 2006. Incorporated by reference from the Birks & Mayors Inc. Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on June 18, 2007.
4.26    Third Amendment to the Credit Agreement dated as of December 5, 2006. Incorporated by reference from the Birks & Mayors Inc. Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on June 18, 2007.
4.27    Modification Agreement of the Credit Facility dated as of March 31, 2007. Incorporated by reference from the Birks & Mayors Inc. Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on June 18, 2007.
4.28    Fourth Amendment to the Credit Agreement dated as of June 28, 2007. Incorporated by reference from the Birks & Mayors Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on June 30, 2008.
4.29    Fifth Amendment to the Credit Agreement dated as of September 25, 2007. Incorporated by reference from the Birks & Mayors Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on June 30, 2008.
4.30    Sixth Amendment to the Credit Agreement dated as of October 30, 2007. Incorporated by reference from the Birks & Mayors Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on June 30, 2008.
4.31    Tranche B Note by and between Mayor’s Jewelers, Inc. and Back Bay Capital Funding LLC, dated as of January 19, 2006. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Inc.’s Form 6-K filed on January 25, 2006.
4.32    U.S. Revolving Credit Note by and between Mayor’s Jewelers, Inc. and Bank of America, N.A., dated as of January 19, 2006. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Inc.’s Form 6-K filed on January 25, 2006.
4.33    U.S. Revolving Credit Note by and between Mayor’s Jewelers, Inc. and GMAC Business Credit, LLC, dated as of January 19, 2006. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Inc.’s Form 6-K filed on January 25, 2006.
4.34    U.S. Revolving Credit Note by and between Mayor’s Jewelers, Inc. and Lasalle Retail Finance, a Division of Lasalle Business Credit, LLC, as agent For Lasalle Bank Midwest National Association, dated as of January 19, 2006. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Inc.’s Form 6-K filed on January 25, 2006.
4.35    Canadian Revolving Credit Note by and between Birks & Mayors Inc. and Bank of America, N.A. (acting through its Canadian branch), dated as of January 19, 2006. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Inc.’s Form 6-K filed on January 25, 2006.

 

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Exhibit Number

  

Description of Document

4.36    Canadian Revolving Credit Note by and between Birks & Mayors Inc. and GMAC Commercial Finance Corporation - Canada, dated as of January 19, 2006. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Inc.’s Form 6-K filed on January 25, 2006.
4.37    Canadian Revolving Credit Note by and between Birks & Mayors Inc. and Lasalle Business Credit, a Division of ABN AMRO Bank N.V., Canada Branch, dated as of January 19, 2006. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Inc.’s Form 6-K filed on January 25, 2006.
4.38    Stock Pledge Agreement by and between Birks & Mayors Inc., Mayor’s Jewelers, Inc., Bank of America, N.A. and Bank of America, N.A. (acting through its Canadian branch), dated as of January 19, 2006. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Inc.’s Form 6-K filed on January 25, 2006.
4.39    Trademark Collateral Security And Pledge Agreement by and between Birks & Mayors Inc., and its various subsidiaries, including Mayor’s Jewelers, Inc., Bank of America, N.A. and Bank of America, N.A. (acting through its Canadian branch), dated as of January 19, 2006. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Inc.’s Form 6-K filed on January 25, 2006.
4.40    Intercompany Indemnity, Subrogation and Contribution Agreement by and between Birks & Mayors Inc. and Mayor’s Jewelers, Inc., dated as of January 19, 2006. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Inc.’s Form 6-K filed on January 25, 2006.
4.41    Guaranty by and between certain subsidiaries of Birks & Mayors Inc., dated as of January 19, 2006. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Inc.’s Form 6-K filed on January 25, 2006.
4.42    Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Security Agreement, among Birks & Mayors Inc., Mayor’s Jewelers, Inc., Certain Financial Institutions, as Lenders, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Bank of America, N.A. (acting through its Canada branch), as Canadian Agent, and Banc of America Securities, LLC, as Sole Lead Arranger and Sole Book Manager, dated as of December 17, 2008 (“Credit Facility”). Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Inc.’s Form 6-K filed on December 22, 2008.
4.43    Term Loan and Security Agreement, among Birks & Mayors Inc., Mayor’s Jewelers, Inc., Certain Financial Institutions, as Lenders, and GB Merchant Partners, LLC, as Administrative Agent, dated as of December 17, 2008 (“Term Loan”). Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Inc.’s Form 6-K filed on December 22, 2008.
4.44    Management Consulting Services Agreement between Birks & Mayors Inc. and Iniziativa S.A., dated as of April 1, 2006. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Inc.’s Form 6-K filed on February 15, 2006.
4.45    First Amendment to Management Consulting Services Agreement between Birks & Mayors Inc. and Iniziativa S.A., dated as of December 5, 2006. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Inc.’s Form 6-K filed on December 22, 2006.
4.46    Assignment of the Management Consulting Services Agreement between Birks & Mayors Inc. and Montrovest B.V., dated as of October 29, 2007. Incorporated by reference from the Birks & Mayors Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on June 30, 2008.
4.47    Mayor’s Jewelers, Inc., (f/k/a Jan Bell Marketing, Inc.) 1991 Stock Option Plan. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on April 26, 2006.
4.48    Mayor’s Jewelers, Inc., 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on April 26, 2006.

 

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Exhibit Number

  

Description of Document

4.49    Birks & Mayors Inc. 2006 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Inc.’s Form 20-F filed on July 19, 2006.
4.50    Birks & Mayors Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Inc.’s Form 20-F filed on July 19, 2006.
4.51    Stock Option Agreement dated on or about November 2, 1999 between Birks & Mayors Inc. and Filippo Recami. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Inc.’s Form 20-F filed on July 19, 2006.
4.52    Stock Option Agreement dated on or about April 23, 2004 between Birks & Mayors Inc. and Peter O’Brien. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Inc.’s Form 20-F filed on July 19, 2006.
4.53    Stock Option Agreement dated on or about April 23, 2004 between Birks & Mayors Inc. and Margherita Oberti. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Inc.’s Form 20-F filed on July 19, 2006.
4.54    Stock Option Agreement dated on or about April 23, 2004 between Birks & Mayors Inc. and Lorenzo Rossi di Montelera. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Inc.’s Form 20-F filed on July 19, 2006.
4.55    Warrant Agreement dated November 14, 2005 between Mayor’s Jewelers, Inc. and Carlo Coda-Nunziante. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Inc.’s Form 20-F filed on July 19, 2006.
4.56    Warrant Agreement dated November 14, 2005 between Mayor’s Jewelers, Inc. and Joseph A. Keifer. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Inc.’s Form 20-F filed on July 19, 2006.
4.57    Warrant Agreement dated November 14, 2005 between Mayor’s Jewelers, Inc. and Marco Pasteris. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Inc.’s Form 20-F filed on July 19, 2006.
4.58    Amended and Restated Warrant Agreement dated November 14, 2005 between Mayor’s Jewelers, Inc. and Henry Birks & Sons Inc. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Inc.’s Form 20-F filed on July 19, 2006.
4.59    Amended and Restated Warrant Agreement dated November 14, 2005 between Mayor’s Jewelers, Inc. and Henry Birks & Sons Inc. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Inc.’s Form 20-F filed on July 19, 2006.
4.60    Amended and Restated Warrant Agreement dated November 14, 2005 between Mayor’s Jewelers, Inc. and Henry Birks & Sons Inc. Incorporated by reference from Birks & Mayors Inc.’s Form 20-F filed on July 19, 2006.
4.61    Form of Stock Appreciation Right Agreement. Incorporated by reference from the Birks & Mayors Inc. Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on June 18, 2007.
4.62 *    Loan Agreement between Birks & Mayors Inc. and Investissement Québec, dated January 26, 2009.
4.63 *    Loan Agreement between Birks & Mayors Inc. and Investissement Québec, dated February 20, 2009.
4.64 *    Cash Advance Agreement between Birks & Mayors Inc. and Montrovest B.V., dated February 10, 2009.
4.65 *    Cash Advance Agreement between Birks & Mayors Inc. and Montrovest B.V., dated May 21, 2009.

 

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Exhibit Number

  

Description of Document

4.66 *    First Amendment and Consent to Credit Facility, dated as of January 16, 2009.
4.67 *    Second Amendment to Credit Facility, dated as of April 30, 3009.
4.68 *    First Amendment to Term Loan dated as of April 30, 2009.
  8.1 *    Subsidiaries of Birks & Mayors Inc.
12.1 *    Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a).
12.2 *    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a).
13.1 *    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
13.2 *    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
15.1 *    Consent of KPMG LLP.

 

* Filed herewith.

 

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SIGNATURES

The registrant hereby certifies that this meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this Annual Report on its behalf.

 

    BIRKS & MAYORS INC.

Date: July 6, 2009

   
   

/s/    THOMAS A. ANDRUSKEVICH        

    Thomas A. Andruskevich,
    President and Chief Executive Officer

 

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Item 17. Financial Statements

Not applicable.

 

Item 18. Financial Statements

 

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INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

     Page

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm—KPMG LLP

   F-2

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 28, 2009 and March 29, 2008

   F-3

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Fiscal Years Ended March 28, 2009, March  29, 2008 and March 31, 2007

   F-4

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Fiscal Years Ended March 28, 2009, March  29, 2008 and March 31, 2007

   F-5

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Fiscal Years Ended March 28, 2009, March  29, 2008 and March 31, 2007

   F-6

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   F-7

 

F-1


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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

Birks & Mayors Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Birks & Mayors Inc. and subsidiaries as of March 28, 2009 and March 29, 2008 and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the years ended March 28, 2009, March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform an 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 audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Birks & Mayors Inc. and subsidiaries as of March 28, 2009 and March 29, 2008 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years ended March 28, 2009, March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007 in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

/s/ KPMG LLP*
Chartered Accountants

Montréal, Canada

June 25, 2009

 

* CA Auditor permit no. 13381

 

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BIRKS & MAYORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

     As of  
     March 28, 2009     March 29, 2008  
     (In thousands)  

Assets

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 2,028      $ 3,170   

Accounts receivable

     11,144        11,979   

Inventories

     155,597        181,925   

Deferred income taxes

     —          4,595   

Prepaids and other current assets

     2,246        5,184   
                

Total current assets

     171,015        206,853   

Property and equipment

     30,602        39,575   

Goodwill and other intangible assets

     1,070        13,123   

Deferred income taxes

     —          31,424   

Other assets

     3,444        873   
                

Total non-current assets

     35,116        84,995   
                

Total assets

   $ 206,131      $ 291,848   
                

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

    

Current liabilities:

    

Bank indebtedness

   $ 85,777      $ 120,131   

Accounts payable

     27,942        37,805   

Accrued liabilities

     6,453        9,611   

Current portion of long-term debt

     3,887        2,629   
                

Total current liabilities

     124,059        170,176   

Long-term debt

     43,745        24,669   

Other long-term liabilities

     3,359        4,131   
                

Total long-term liabilities

     47,104        28,800   

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Class A common stock – no par value, unlimited shares authorized, issued and outstanding 3,672,407 and 3,562,165, respectively

     22,282        22,200   

Class B common stock – no par value, unlimited shares authorized, issued and outstanding 7,717,970 and 7,717,970, respectively

     38,613        38,613   

Class C common stock – no par value, 100,000 authorized, none issued

     —          —     

Preferred stock – no par value, 2,034,578 authorized, none issued

     —          —     

Non-voting common shares – no par value, unlimited shares authorized, none issued

     —          —     

Additional paid-in capital

     15,702        15,699   

(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings

     (44,369     16,610   

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     2,740        (250
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     34,968        92,872   
                

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 206,131      $ 291,848   
                

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

On behalf of the Board of Directors:

 

/s/ Thomas A. Andruskevich     /s/ Louis L. Roquet
Thomas A. Andruskevich, Director     Louis L. Roquet, Director

 

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BIRKS & MAYORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

     Fiscal Year Ended  
     March 28, 2009     March 29, 2008     March 31, 2007  
     (In thousands, except per share amounts)  

Net sales

   $ 270,896     $ 314,745     $ 294,282  

Cost of sales

     155,297       168,270       152,002  
                        

Gross profit

     115,599       146,475       142,280  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     113,990       128,306       115,457  

Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets

     13,555       —          —     

Depreciation and amortization

     6,212       6,876       6,438  
                        

Total operating expenses

     133,757       135,182       121,895  
                        

Operating (loss) income

     (18,158     11,293       20,385  

Interest and other financial costs

     9,967       10,655       10,078  
                        

(Loss) income before income taxes

     (28,125     638       10,307  

Income tax expense (benefit)

     32,854        (9,795     (2,816
                        

Net (loss) income

   $ (60,979   $ 10,433      $ 13,123  
                        

Weighted average common shares outstanding

      

Basic

     11,339       11,263       11,213  

Diluted

     11,339       11,720       11,788  

Net (loss) income per share

      

Basic

   $ (5.38   $ 0.93      $ 1.17  

Diluted

   $ (5.38   $ 0.89      $ 1.11  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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BIRKS & MAYORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

 

    Voting common
stock
outstanding
  Voting
common
stock
  Additional
paid-in capital
    Retained
earnings
(deficit)
    Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income

(loss)
    Total  
    (Dollars in thousands)  

Balance at March 25, 2006

  11,207,723   $ 60,446   $ 16,053     $ (8,048   $ (1,084   $ 67,367  

Net Income

  —       —       —          13,123       —          13,123  

Cumulative translation adjustment

  —       —       —          —          183       183  
                 

Total comprehensive income

  —       —       —          —          —          13,306  

SAB 108 adjustment

  —       —       —          1,102        —          1,102   

Issuance of shares under ESPP and exercise of stock options

  26,246     123     —          —          —          123  

Reclass to accrued liabilities of stock options granted to lenders in connection with the adoption of SFAS No. 123R

  —       —       (568     —          —          (568

Compensation expense resulting from SARS granted to Management and Directors

  —       —       167       —          —          167  
                                         

Balance at March 31, 2007

  11,233,969     60,569     15,652       6,177       (901     81,497  

Net Income

  —       —       —          10,433       —          10,433  

Cumulative translation adjustment

  —       —       —          —          651       651  
                 

Total comprehensive income

  —       —       —          —          —          11,084  

Issuance of shares under ESPP and exercise of stock options

  46,166     244     —          —          —          244  

Compensation expense resulting from SARS granted to Management and Directors

  —       —       47       —          —          47  
                                         

Balance at March 29, 2008

  11,280,135     60,813     15,699       16,610       (250     92,872  
                                         

Net loss

  —       —       —          (60,979     —          (60,979

Cumulative translation adjustment

  —       —       —          —          2,990        2,990   
                 

Total comprehensive loss

  —       —       —          —          —          (57,989

Issuance of shares under ESPP and exercise of stock options

  110,242     82     —          —          —          82   

Compensation expense resulting from SARS granted to Management and Directors

  —       —       3        —          —          3   
                                         

Balance at March 28, 2009

  11,390,377   $ 60,895   $ 15,702      $ (44,369   $ 2,740      $ 34,968   
                                         

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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BIRKS & MAYORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

     Fiscal Year Ended  
     March 28, 2009     March 29, 2008     March 31, 2007  
     (In thousands)  

Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities:

      

Net (loss ) income

   $ (60,979   $ 10,433      $ 13,123   

Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash
(used in) provided by operating activities:

      

Deferred income taxes

     32,854        (9,795     (2,916

Depreciation and amortization

     7,054        7,805        7,131   

Amortization of debt costs

     797        309        773   

Non-cash compensation (income) expense

     (29     40        193   

Goodwill impairment

     11,208        —          —     

Impairment of long-lived assets

     2,347        —          —     

Other operating activities, net

     (809     (880     (866

(Increase) decrease in:

      

Accounts receivable

     (532     1,788        (805

Inventories

     11,312        (4,450     (11,069

Other current assets

     2,376        875        (2,009

(Decrease) increase in:

      

Accounts payable

     (6,101     6,929        (10,088

Accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities

     471        (1,871     (4,092
                        

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

     (31     11,183        (10,625
                        

Cash flows (used in) provided by investing activities:

      

Additions to property and equipment

     (4,939     (9,402     (6,963

Other investing activities, net

     (63     (54     100   

Acquisitions

     —          (7,025     —     
                        

Net cash used in investing activities

     (5,002     (16,481     (6,863
                        

Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:

      

(Decrease) increase in bank indebtedness

     (16,311     2,424        32,134   

Repayment of obligations under capital leases

     (2,007     (1,252     (933

Increase in obligations under capital leases

     2,899        4,946        —     

Payment of loan origination fees and costs

     (3,595     (338     (166

Repayment of long-term debt

     (946     (672     (698

Increase in long-term debt

     23,973        —          —     

Other financing activities

     97        209        (35

Repayment of junior secured term loan

     —          —          (11,668
                        

Net cash provided by financing activities

     4,110        5,317        18,634   

Effect of exchange rate on cash

     (219     175        (8
                        

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (1,142     194        1,138   

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

     3,170        2,976        1,838   
                        

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

   $ 2,028      $ 3,170      $ 2,976   
                        

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

      

Interest paid

   $ 9,828      $ 10,846      $ 9,358   

Non-cash transactions:

      

Property and equipment additions acquired through capital leases

   $ —        $ —        $ 996   

Property and equipment additions included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   $ 209      $ 635      $ 1,663   

SAB 108 Adjustment

   $ —        $ —        $ 1,102   

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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BIRKS & MAYORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years ended March 28, 2009, March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007

 

 

Birks & Mayors Inc. (“Birks & Mayors”) or (“Birks”) or (“the Company”) is incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act. The principal business activities of the Company and its subsidiaries are the design, manufacture and retail sale of luxury jewelry, timepieces and giftware. The Company’s consolidated financial statements are prepared using a fiscal year which consists of 52 or 53 weeks and ends on the last Saturday in March of each year. The fiscal years ended March 28, 2009 and March 29, 2008 include fifty-two weeks and fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, includes fifty-three weeks.

 

1. Basis of presentation and future operations:

Basis of presentation

These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Canadian parent company Birks & Mayors and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Mayor’s Jewelers, Inc. (“Mayors”), and are prepared in U.S. dollars and in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. These principles require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported and disclosed in the financial statements and related notes. The most significant estimates include valuation of inventories and accounts receivable, provisions for income taxes, and the recoverability of long-lived assets. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Periodically, the Company reviews all significant estimates and assumptions affecting the financial statements relative to current conditions and records the effect of any necessary adjustments. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include certain reclassifications of prior period amounts in order to conform with current year presentation.

Future operations

These financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. The going concern basis of presentation assumes that the Company will continue its operations for the foreseeable future and be able to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business. The recent banking and financial crisis, surging home foreclosure rates in the U.S. and more specifically, Florida (where the Company derives a significant portion of its revenues), and the global economic recession has created an extremely challenging retail and economic environment in the U.S. and Canada, especially for luxury retailers. These unprecedented conditions have negatively impacted not only the Company’s operating performance, but its availability to sources of financing to fund its operations and its cost of capital. In December of 2008, the Company negotiated an amendment and extension of its senior secured revolving credit facility, which extended its borrowing terms through December 2011, albeit at a higher interest cost and a $27 million decrease in its borrowing line. The Company also obtained additional financing through a $13 million secured term loan that is subordinated in lien priority to its senior secured revolving credit facility.

The Company’s ability to fund its operations and meet its cash flow requirements in order to fund its operations is dependant upon its ability to maintain positive excess availability under its senior credit facilities. Both its senior secured revolving credit facility lender and its senior secured term loan lender may impose, at any time, discretionary reserves, which would lower the level of borrowing availability under our senior secured revolving credit facility (customary for asset based loans), at their reasonable discretion, to: i) ensure that the Company maintains adequate liquidity for the operation of its business, ii) cover any deterioration in the amount or value of the collateral and iii) reflect impediments to the lenders to realize upon the collateral.

 

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BIRKS & MAYORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

Years ended March 28, 2009, March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007

 

 

 

There is no limit to the amount of discretionary reserves that the Company’s senior secured revolving credit facility lender may impose using reasonable discretion, however, the Company’s senior secured term loan lender’s ability to impose discretionary reserves at its reasonable discretion is limited to 5% of the senior secured credit facility availability. From February 11, 2009 to February 23, 2009, the senior secured term loan lender imposed a discretionary reserve of $4 million. While the Company’s senior secured revolving credit facility lender has not historically imposed such a restriction, it is uncertain whether conditions could change and cause such a reserve to be imposed in the future. In addition, the value of the Company’s inventory is periodically assessed by its lenders and based upon these reviews the Company’s borrowing capacity could be significantly increased or decreased. Other factors impacting the Company’s excess availability include, among others, changes in the U.S. and Canadian dollar exchange rate, which could increase or decrease the Company’s borrowing availability. Furthermore, a $15 million and a $ 7.5 million seasonal availability block is imposed by the senior secured revolving credit facility lender and the senior secured term loan lender each year from December 20th to January 20 th and from January 21st to February 10th, respectively, and both the Company’s senior secured revolving credit facility and its senior secured term loan are subject to cross default provisions with all other loans, by which if the Company is in default with any other loan the default will immediately apply to both the senior secured revolving credit facility and the senior secured term loan.

In February 2009, the Company entered into a secured term loan agreement with Investissement Québec to finance up to Cdn$2.9 million of expenses and inventory costs related to its sponsorship of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. In addition, in February 2009, the Company entered into a seven year secured term loan agreement with Investissement Québec in the amount of Cdn$10 million. This secured term loan is being used to fund the working capital needs of the Company and for general corporate purposes. Also in February 2009, the Company received a $2.0 million advance from its controlling shareholder, Montrovest BV, to finance the Company’s liquidity needs.

In addition to obtaining this additional financing, since January 2009, the Company implemented a cost reduction program, whereby it eliminated 150 full-time positions or 15% of its workforce, suspended its traditional management cash bonus program effective the beginning of fiscal 2010, reduced other operating expenses and implemented a salary reduction program which reduces the salary for all employees of the Company. In addition, the Company has taken steps to continue to manage working capital, which involves significant reductions in the amount of inventory it carries. The Company believes that with the additional financing, planned reductions in operating expenses, inventory and capital expenditures, that it will be able to adequately fund its operations and meet its cash flow requirements for the next twelve months. This determination, however, could be impacted by economic, financial, competitive, legislative and regulatory factors, as well as other events that are beyond the Company’s control. If any of the factors or events described previously result in operating performance being significantly lower than currently forecasted or if the Company’s senior lenders impose additional restrictions on its ability to borrow on the Company’s collateral, there could be significant uncertainty about the Company’s ability to continue as a going-concern, and its capacity to realize the carrying value of its assets and repay its existing and future obligations as they generally become due without additional financing which may not be available. These financial statements do not reflect adjustments that would be necessary if the going concern assumptions were not appropriate.

 

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BIRKS & MAYORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

Years ended March 28, 2009, March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007

 

 

 

2. Acquisition:

On November 13, 2007, the Company acquired the net assets of Brinkhaus, a privately-owned jewelry company that operated two stores in Western Canada for cash and notes of approximately $13.0 million. In connection with the transaction, the Company made an initial payment of $7.0 million which was funded through its senior secured credit facility. The remaining purchase price is to be paid in three subsequent installments of $1.7 million, to be paid in June 2009, April 2010 and April 2011. In its Consolidated Financial Statements for the period ended March 29, 2008, the Company recorded $11.9 million of net assets in connection with the acquisition, representing the discounted value of these payments, with the balance of $1.1 million representing imputed interest on the notes. The acquisition has been accounted for as a business combination using the purchase method of accounting, with the results of Brinkhaus operations combined with the Company’s results of operations from the purchase date.

The summary of the purchase price allocation at the acquisition date is as follows (in thousands of dollars):

 

Inventories

   $ 10,344

Property and equipment, net

     462

Trademarks

     77

Goodwill

     985
      

Total assets acquired

   $ 11,868
      

 

3. Significant accounting policies:

 

(a) Revenue recognition:

Sales are recognized at the point of sale when merchandise is taken or shipped to a customer. Shipping and handling fees billed to customers are included in net sales. Revenues for gift certificate sales and store credits are recognized upon redemption. Prior to recognition as a sale, gift certificates are recorded as accrued liabilities on the balance sheet. Certificates outstanding for more than 24 months and not subject to unclaimed property laws are recorded as income. Certificates outstanding for more than 24 months and subject to unclaimed property laws are maintained as accrued liabilities until remitted in accordance with local ordinances. Sales of consignment merchandise are recognized at such time as the merchandise is sold and are recorded on a gross basis because the Company is the primary obligor of the transaction, has general latitude on setting the price, has discretion as to the suppliers, is involved in the selection of the product and has inventory loss risk. Sales are reported net of returns and sales taxes. The Company generally gives its customers the right to return merchandise purchased by them within 10 to 90 days, depending on the product sold and records a provision at the time of sale for the effect of the estimated returns. Revenues for repair services are recognized when the service is delivered to and accepted by the customer.

 

(b) Cost of sales:

Cost of sales includes direct inbound freight, direct labor related to repair services, design and creative, the jewelry studio, inventory shrink, inventory thefts, and boxes (jewelry, watch and giftware). Indirect freight including inter-store transfers, purchasing and receiving costs, distribution costs, warehousing costs and quality control costs are included in selling, general and administrative expenses. Purchase discounts are recorded as a reduction of inventory cost and are recorded to cost of sales as the items are sold. Mark down

 

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BIRKS & MAYORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

Years ended March 28, 2009, March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007

 

 

 

dollars received from vendors are recorded as a reduction of inventory costs to the specific items to which they apply and are recognized in cost of sales once the items are sold. Other vendor allowances, primarily related to the achievement of certain milestones, are infrequent and insignificant and are recognized upon achievement of the specified milestone in cost of sales. Included in cost of sales is depreciation related to manufacturing machinery, equipment and facilities of $842,000, $929,000 and $693,000 for the years ended March 28, 2009, March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007, respectively.

 

(c) Cash and cash equivalents:

The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with original maturities of three months or less and amounts receivable from external credit card issuers to be cash equivalents. Amounts receivable from credit card issuers are included in cash and cash equivalents and are typically converted to cash within 2 to 4 days of the original sales transaction. These amounts totaled $1.2 million at March 28, 2009 and $1.8 million at March 29, 2008.

 

(d) Accounts receivable:

Accounts receivable arise primarily from customers’ use of the Mayors credit card and sales to Birks & Mayors corporate customers. Several installment sales plans are offered to the Mayors credit card holders which vary as to repayment terms and finance charges assessed. Finance charges, when applicable, accrue at rates ranging from 9.9% to 18% per annum. The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.

 

(e) Inventories:

Retail inventories and inventories of raw materials are valued at the lower of average cost or net realizable value. Inventories of work in progress and Company manufactured finished goods are valued at the lower of average cost (which includes material, labor and overhead costs) or net realizable value. The Company records provisions for lower of cost or market, damaged goods, and slow-moving inventory. The cost of inbound freight and duties are included in the carrying value of the inventories.

The allowance for inventory shrink is estimated for the period from the last physical inventory date to the end of the reporting period on a store by store basis and at our factories and distribution centers. Such estimates are based on experience and the shrink results from the last physical inventory. The shrink rate from the most recent physical inventory, in combination with historical experience, is the basis for providing a shrink allowance.

Inventory is written down for estimated slow moving inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value based on assumptions about future demand and market conditions. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory write-downs may be required.

 

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BIRKS & MAYORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

Years ended March 28, 2009, March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007

 

 

 

(f) Property and equipment:

Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Maintenance and repair costs are charged to selling, general and administrative expenses as incurred, while expenditures for major renewals and improvements are capitalized. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:

 

Asset

  

Period

Buildings

   Lesser of term of the lease or the economic life

Leasehold improvements

   Lesser of term of the lease or the economic life

Software and electronic equipment

   3 - 10 years

Molds

   3 - 20 years

Furniture and fixtures

   5 - 8 years

Equipment and vehicles

   3 - 8 years

 

(g) Goodwill and intangible assets:

Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment annually, or more frequently, if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. The Company has selected the Company’s fiscal year-end as the measurement date for the impairment test, which was performed at the end of fiscal 2008 and the goodwill amount was not considered impaired. During the third quarter of fiscal 2009 and due to a combination of factors, including a significant decline in the Company’s stock price and its impact on the Company’s market capitalization as compared to its net book value, as well as the impact of economic downturn on customer demand especially during the holiday season, illiquidity in the overall credit markets and continued forecasted declines in customer demand in the luxury retail market, the Company performed a two-step impairment analysis as required under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” which required the Company to estimate the fair value of its retail reporting unit based upon its projection of revenues, operating costs, and cash flows considering historical and anticipated future results. The valuation employs a combination of present value techniques to measure fair value and considers market factors. The key assumptions used to determine the fair value of our reporting units were: (a) expected cash flow for a period of five years; (b) terminal values based upon terminal growth rate of 3%; and (c) a discount rate of 11% which was based on the Company’s best estimate during the period of the weighted average cost of capital adjusted for risks associated with its retail reporting unit. Based on its analysis, the Company determined that the entire carrying amount of the goodwill recorded on its books was impaired and therefore, the Company recognized an $11.2 million impairment charge during the third quarter of fiscal 2009. Goodwill was $11.9 million at March 29, 2008 all of which was allocated to the Company’s retail segment.

 

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BIRKS & MAYORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

Years ended March 28, 2009, March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007

 

 

 

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended March 28, 2009 and March 29, 2008, are as follows (in thousands):

 

Carrying amount as of March 31, 2007

   $ 27,752   

Acquisition of Brinkhaus

     985   

Foreign currency exchange rate changes

     259   

Adjustment for recognition of deferred tax asset

     (17,060
        

Carrying amount as of March 29, 2008

     11,936   

Non-cash impairment charge

     (11,208

Foreign currency exchange rate changes

     (728
        

Carrying amount as of March 28, 2009

   $ —     
        

During fiscal 2008, the Company recorded a $17.1 million reduction in goodwill which represents unrecognized deferred tax assets acquired in a business combination which were recognized during fiscal 2008 because the Company’s management determined that they were more-likely-than-not to be realized.

Trademarks and tradenames are being amortized using the straight-line method over a period of 15 to 20 years. The Company had $1.4 million of unamortized intangible assets at March 28, 2009 and March 29, 2008. The Company had $0.3 million of accumulated amortization of intangibles at March 28, 2009 and March 29, 2008

 

(h) Deferred financing costs:

The Company amortizes deferred financing costs incurred in connection with its financing agreements using the effective interest method over the related period of the financing. Such deferred costs are included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

(i) Warranty accrual:

The Company generally provides warranties on its jewelry and watches for periods extending up to three years and has a battery replacement policy for its private label watches. The Company accrues a liability based on its historical repair costs for such warranties.

 

(j) Income taxes:

The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. Under SFAS 109, deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of (a) temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial statement reporting purposes and the bases for income tax purposes, and (b) operating losses and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred income tax assets are evaluated and, if realization is not considered to be more-likely-than-not, a valuation allowance is provided (see note 10(a) to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements).

 

(k) Foreign exchange:

Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rates of exchange in effect at the balance sheet date. Other balance sheet items denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rates prevailing at the respective transaction dates. Revenue and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated at average rates prevailing during the year. Gains (losses) on foreign exchange of

 

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BIRKS & MAYORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

Years ended March 28, 2009, March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007

 

 

 

$(788,000), $(248,000) and $28,000 are recorded in cost of goods sold for the years ended March 28, 2009, March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007, respectively.

Birks & Mayors’ Canadian operations’ functional currency is the Canadian dollar while the reporting currency of the Company is the U.S. dollar. The assets and liabilities denominated in Canadian dollars are translated for reporting purposes at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet dates.

Revenue and expense items are translated at average exchange rates prevailing during the periods. The resulting gains and losses are accumulated in other comprehensive income.

 

(l) Long-lived assets:

The Company periodically reviews the estimated useful lives of its depreciable assets and changes in useful lives are made on a prospective basis unless factors indicate the carrying amounts of the assets may not be recoverable and an impairment write-down is necessary. However, the Company will review its long-lived assets for impairment once events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. Measurement of an impairment loss for such long-lived assets would be based on the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the asset. Long-lived assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. During fiscal 2009, the Company evaluated its long-lived assets for potential impairment in accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived Assets”. The evaluation resulted in the determination that the carrying value of long-lived assets, primarily leasehold improvements at certain of the Company’s U.S. retail stores and one if its manufacturing facilities in the U.S. would likely not be recovered through estimated future cash flows, considering assumptions regarding the expected lives of those assets. As a result, the Company recorded impairment charges of $2.3 million to reduce the carrying value of these assets to their estimated fair value.

 

(m) Advertising and marketing costs:

Advertising and marketing costs are generally charged to expense as incurred. However, certain expenses such as those related to catalogs are expensed at the time such catalogs are shipped to recipients. The Company and its vendors participate in cooperative advertising programs in which the vendors reimburse the Company for a portion of certain specific advertising costs which are netted against advertising expense in selling, general and administrative expenses and amounted to $3.6 million, $3.4 million and $3.6 million in the years ended March 28, 2009, March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007, respectively. Advertising and marketing expense, net of vendor cooperative advertising allowances, amounted to $10.5 million, $15.1 million and $11.4 million in the years ended March 28, 2009, March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007, respectively.

 

(n) Pre-opening expenses:

Pre-opening expenses related to the opening of new and relocated stores are expensed in the period incurred.

 

(o) Operating leases:

All material lessor incentive amounts on operating leases are deferred and amortized as a reduction of rent expense over the term of the lease. Rent expense is recorded on a straight-line basis, which takes into effect any rent escalations, rent holidays and fixturing periods. Lease terms are from the inception of the fixturing period until the end of the initial lease term and generally exclude renewal periods, however, renewal periods would be included in instances in which the exercise of the renewal period option would be reasonably assured and failure to exercise such option would result in an economic penalty.

 

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BIRKS & MAYORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

Years ended March 28, 2009, March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007

 

 

 

(p) Earnings per common share:

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the years ended March 28, 2009, March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007:

 

     Fiscal Year Ended
     March 28, 2009     March 29, 2008    March 31, 2007
     (In thousands, except per share data)

Basic (loss) earnings per common share computation:

       

Numerator:

       

Net (loss) income

   $ (60,979   $ 10,433    $ 13,123

Denominator:

       

Weighted-average common shares outstanding

     11,339        11,263      11,213

(Loss) Earnings per common share

   $ (5.38   $ 0.93    $ 1.17

Diluted (loss) earnings per common share computation:

       

Numerator:

       

Net (loss) income

   $ (60,979   $ 10,433    $ 13,123

Denominator:

       

Weighted-average common shares outstanding

     11,339        11,263      11,213

Dilutive effect of stock options, warrants and stock appreciation rights (SARs)

     —          457      575
                     

Weighted-average common shares outstanding—diluted

     11,339        11,720      11,788

Diluted (loss) earnings per common share

   $ (5.38   $ 0.89    $ 1.11

For the year ended March 28, 2009, the effect from the assumed exercise of 1,013,000 shares underlying outstanding stock options, 382,693 shares underlying outstanding warrants, and 113,034 shares underlying outstanding stock appreciation rights were excluded from the computation of net income per diluted share due to their antidilutive effect. For the years ended March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007, 79,000 and 103,000 of stock options, respectively, were not included in the above computation of diluted earnings per common share because such amounts would have had an antidilutive effect.

 

(q) Commodity and currency risk

The Company has exposure to market risk related to gold, silver, platinum and diamond purchases and foreign exchange risk. The Company periodically enters into gold futures contracts to economically hedge a portion of these risks. At March 28, 2009 and March 29, 2008, there were no material contracts outstanding.

 

(r) Recent Accounting Pronouncements:

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” which establishes a framework for measuring fair value of assets and liabilities and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The changes to current practice resulting from the application of SFAS No. 157 relate to the

 

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BIRKS & MAYORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

Years ended March 28, 2009, March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007

 

 

 

definition of fair value, the methods used to measure fair value, and the expanded disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. In February 2008, the FASB deferred the implementation of the provisions of SFAS No. 157 relating to nonfinancial assets and liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually) to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. The Company has evaluated the provisions of SFAS No. 157 and determined that its adoption will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or earnings.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements.” SFAS No. 160 requires a company to clearly identify and present ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the company in the consolidated financial statements within the equity section but separate from the company’s equity. It also requires the amount of consolidated net earnings attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest be clearly identified and presented on the face of the consolidated statement of earnings; changes in ownership interest be accounted for similarly, as equity transactions; and when a subsidiary is deconsolidated, any retained noncontrolling equity investment in the former subsidiary and the gain or loss on the deconsolidation of the subsidiary be measured at fair value. SFAS No. 160 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The Company has evaluated the provisions of SFAS No. 160 and determined that its adoption will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or earnings.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007) “Business Combinations” (“SFAS No. 141R”). SFAS No. 141R states that all business combinations will result in all assets and liabilities of an acquired business being recorded at their acquisition date fair values. Earn-outs and other forms of contingent consideration and certain acquired contingencies will also be recorded at fair value at the acquisition date. SFAS No. 141R also states acquisition costs will generally be expensed as incurred; in-process research and development will be recorded at fair value as an indefinite-lived intangible asset at the acquisition date; changes in deferred tax asset valuation allowances and income tax uncertainties after the acquisition date generally will affect income tax expense; and restructuring costs will be expensed in periods after the acquisition date. This statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 or at the beginning of the Company’s fiscal year ended March 27, 2010. The Company has evaluated the provisions of SFAS No. 141R and determined that its adoption will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or earnings.

 

4. Accounts receivable:

Accounts receivable at March 28, 2009 and March 29, 2008 consist of the following:

 

     As of
     March 28, 2009    March 29, 2008
     (In thousands)

Customer trade receivables

   $ 7,916    $ 8,651

Other receivables

     3,228      3,328
             
   $ 11,144    $ 11,979
             

 

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BIRKS & MAYORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

Years ended March 28, 2009, March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007

 

 

 

Continuity of the allowance for doubtful accounts is as follows (in thousands):

 

Balance March 25, 2006

     996   

Additional provision recorded

     177   

Net write-offs

     (255
        

Balance March 31, 2007

     918   

Additional provision recorded

     444   

Net write-offs

     (171
        

Balance March 29, 2008

   $ 1,191   

Additional provision recorded

     851   

Net write-offs

     (253
        

Balance March 28, 2009

   $ 1,789   
        

Certain sales plans relating to customers use of Mayors credit cards provide for revolving lines of credit and/or installment plans under which the payment terms exceed one year. These receivables, amounting to approximately $3.5 million and $2.7 million at March 28, 2009 and March 29, 2008, respectively, are included in accounts receivable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

5. Inventories:

Inventories are summarized as follows:

 

     As of
     March 28, 2009    March 29, 2008
     (In thousands)

Raw materials

   $ 4,546    $ 6,951

Work in progress

     591      2,861

Retail inventories and manufactured finished goods

     150,460      172,113
             
   $ 155,597    $ 181,925
             

Continuity of the obsolescence reserve for inventory is as follows (in thousands):

 

Balance March 25, 2006

     3,451   

Additional charges

     705   

Deductions

     (1,266
        

Balance March 31, 2007

     2,890   

Additional charges

     1,249   

Deductions

     (1,198
        

Balance March 29, 2008

   $ 2,941   

Additional charges

     1,442   

Deductions

     (1,405
        

Balance March 28, 2009

   $ 2,978   
        

 

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BIRKS & MAYORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

Years ended March 28, 2009, March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007

 

 

 

6. Property and equipment:

The components of property and equipment are as follows:

 

     As of  
     March 28, 2009     March 29, 2008  
     (In thousands)  

Land

   $ 5,545      $ 6,687   

Buildings

     8,563        10,114   

Leasehold improvements

     44,949        49,719   

Equipment and vehicles

     2,407        2,361   

Molds

     4,556        5,339   

Furniture and fixtures

     9,301        10,475   

Software and electronic equipment

     15,483        20,985   
                
     90,804        105,680   

Accumulated depreciation

     (60,202     (66,105
                
   $ 30,602      $ 39,575   
                

Property and equipment, having a cost of $20.2 million and a net book value of $14.2 million at March 28, 2009, and a cost of $20.4 million and a net book value of $15.5 million at March 29, 2008, are under capital leasing arrangements.

 

7. Bank indebtedness:

 

(a) During fiscal 2009, the Company executed an amendment and extension of its senior secured revolving credit facility. The Company’s $160 million senior secured revolving credit facility, which was set to expire on January 19, 2009, was amended and extended for a total of $133 million and bears interest in the range of LIBOR plus 2.5% to LIBOR plus 3.0% (based on excess availability thresholds) for up to a $124 million tranche of the facility and in the range LIBOR plus 4.5% to LIBOR plus 5.0% (based on excess availability thresholds) for a $9 million tranche of the facility. This credit facility has a three-year term expiring in December 2011 and is primarily to be used to finance inventory, capital expenditures, working capital and provide liquidity for other general corporate purposes.

As of March 28, 2009 and March 29, 2008, bank indebtedness consisted solely of the Company’s senior secured revolving capital credit facility which had an outstanding balance of $85.8 million and $120.1 million, respectively. The senior secured revolving credit facility is collateralized by substantially all of the Company’s assets. The Company’s ability to fund its operations and meet its cash flow requirements in order to fund its operations is dependant upon its ability to maintain positive excess availability under its senior credit facilities. Both its senior secured revolving credit facility lender and its senior secured term loan lender may impose, at any time, discretionary reserves (customary for asset based loans), at their reasonable discretion, to: i) ensure that the Company maintains adequate liquidity for the operation of its business, ii) cover any deterioration in the amount or value of the collateral and iii) reflect impediments to the lenders to realize upon the collateral. There is no limit to the amount of discretionary reserves that the Company’s senior secured revolving credit facility lender may impose using reasonable discretion, however, the Company’s senior secured term loan lender’s ability to impose discretionary reserves at its reasonable discretion is limited to 5% of the senior secured credit facility availability. From February 11, 2009 to February 23, 2009, the senior secured term loan lender imposed a discretionary reserve of $4 million.

 

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BIRKS & MAYORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

Years ended March 28, 2009, March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007

 

 

 

While the Company’s senior secured revolving credit facility lender has not historically imposed such a restriction, it is uncertain whether conditions could change and cause such a reserve to be imposed in the future. In addition, the value of the Company’s inventory is periodically assessed by its lenders and based upon these reviews the Company’s borrowing capacity could be significantly increased or decreased. Other factors impacting the Company’s excess availability include, among others, changes in the U.S. and Canadian dollar exchange rate, which could increase or decrease the Company’s borrowing availability. Furthermore, a $15 million and a $ 7.5 million seasonal availability block is imposed by the senior secured revolving credit facility lender and the senior secured term loan lender each year from December 20th to January 20th and from January 21st to February 10th, respectively, and both the Company’s senior secured revolving credit facility and its senior secured term loan are subject to cross default provisions with all other loans, by which if the Company is in default with any other loan the default will immediately apply to both the senior secured revolving credit facility and the senior secured term loan. As of March 28, 2009, a 100 basis strengthening or weakening of the Canadian versus the U.S. dollar would cause an approximate $0.2 million increase or decrease in the amount of excess availability. The Company’s excess borrowing capacity was $9.2 million as of March 28, 2009.

The amended senior secured credit facility also contains limitations on the Company’s ability to pay dividends, more specifically, among other limitations, the Company can pay dividends only at certain excess borrowing capacity thresholds and the aggregate dividend payment for the twelve-month period ended as of any fiscal quarter cannot exceed 33% of the consolidated net income for such twelve-month period. Additionally, the terms of this facility provide that no financial covenants are required to be met.

The information concerning the Company’s senior secured credit facility is as follows:

 

     Fiscal Year Ended  
     March 28, 2009     March 29, 2008  
     (In thousands)  

Maximum borrowing outstanding during the year

   $ 130,206      $ 155,025   

Average outstanding balance during the year

   $ 114,115      $ 121,602   

Weighted average interest rate for the year

     4.7     6.10

Effective interest rate at year-end

     5.1     5.07

As security for the bank indebtedness, the Company has provided some of its lenders the following: (i) general assignment of all accounts receivable, other receivables and trademarks; (ii) general security agreements; (iii) insurance on physical assets in a minimum amount equivalent to the indebtedness, assigned to the lenders; (iv) a mortgage on moveable property (general) under the Civil Code (Québec) of $201,743,000 (CAN$250,000,000); (v) lien on machinery, equipment and molds and dies; and (vi) a pledge of trademark and stock of the Company’s subsidiaries.

 

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BIRKS & MAYORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

Years ended March 28, 2009, March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007

 

 

 

8. Long-term debt:

 

(a) Long-term debt consists of the following:

 

    As of
    March 28, 2009   March 29, 2008
    (In thousands)

Term loan from GB Merchants that is subordinated in lien priority to the Company’s senior secured revolving credit facility and bears interest at an annual rate of the greater of 16% per annum or one-month LIBOR based rate plus 12% with a three-year term expiring in December 2011.

  $ 13,000   $ —  

Obligation under capital lease on land and buildings, pursuant to a sale-leaseback transaction. The term loan is being amortized using an implicit annual interest rate of 10.74% over the term of the lease of 20 years with a balloon payment and is repayable in monthly installments of approximately Cdn$139,000 ($112,000).

    12,069     14,743

Term loan from Investissement Québec, bearing interest at an annual rate of prime plus 5.5%, repayable beginning in February 2011 in 60 equal monthly capital repayments of $134,500 (Cdn$166,700), secured by the assets of the Company.

    8,070     —  

Obligations under capital leases, at annual interest rates between 6% and 10%, secured by leasehold improvements, furniture, and equipment, maturing at various dates from June 2009 to December 2012.

    6,134     5,723

Non-interest bearing notes payable with a 10% imputed interest rate entered into in connection with the acquisition of certain assets of Brinkhaus, repayable in three equal installments $1,372,000 (Cdn$1,700,000, including imputed interest), each to be paid in June 2009, April 2010 and April 2011.

    3,707     4,389

Cash advance provided by the Company’s controlling shareholder bearing interest at an annual rate of 16%.

    2,000     —  

Term loan from Investissement Québec, bearing interest at an annual rate of prime plus 3.5%, repayable beginning in May 2009 in 20 monthly capital repayments of $28,200 (Cdn$35,000) and 40 monthly payments of $44,400 (Cdn$55,000), secured by the assets of the Company and subject to certain financial covenants. An additional $1.3 million (Cdn$1.6 million) of funding is expected to be received in several tranches throughout March 2010 as we incur the related expenses and inventory costs.

    1,070     —  

Obligation under capital lease on land and building, bearing annual interest of 5%, repayable in monthly capital installments of $5,400, maturing in March 2025, secured by the property, second position on other assets of Henry Birks & Sons US Inc. and a guarantee by the Company subordinated to all pre-existing debt and subject to certain financial covenants.

    1,035     1,105

Term loan from Investissement Québec, bearing interest at an annual rate of prime plus 1.5%, repayable to February 2010 in equal monthly capital repayments of $43,300 (Cdn$53,600), secured by the assets of the Company and subject to certain financial covenants.

    472     1,207

Other long-term loans payable

    75     131
           
    47,632     27,298

Current portion of long-term debt

    3,887     2,629
           
  $ 43,745   $ 24,669
           

 

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Table of Contents

BIRKS & MAYORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

Years ended March 28, 2009, March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007

 

 

 

(b) The Company must comply with certain financial covenants associated with a $1.0 million obligation under capital lease reflected in the preceding table. The Company obtained a waiver from its creditor through March 27, 2010 with respect to the current ratio and operating cash flow to total debt ratio covenant required under the terms of this agreement.

 

(c) Future minimum lease payments for capital leases required in the following five years and thereafter are as follows (in thousands):

 

Year ending March:

  

2010

   $ 3,276

2011

     3,168

2012

     3,172

2013

     3,497

2014

     1,727

Thereafter

     17,939
      
     32,779

Less imputed interest

     13,541
      
   $ 19,238
      

 

(d) Principal payments on long-term debt required in the following five years and thereafter, including obligations under capital leases, are as follows (in thousands):

 

Year ending March:

  

2010

   $ 3,887

2011

     16,263

2012

     4,789

2013

     3,794

2014

     2,112

Thereafter

     16,787
      
   $ 47,632
      
(e) As of March 28, 2009, the Company had $1.3 million of outstanding letters of credit which were provided to certain lenders.

 

(f) During fiscal 2009, the Company financed, as capital leases, $2.9 million of asset acquisitions, including leasehold improvements under the terms of a Master Lease Agreement to finance asset purchases and leasehold improvements. As of March 28, 2009, the Company’s borrowing capacity under all leasing lines associated with the Master Lease Agreement had expired and the Company does not expect to finance any additional capital expenditures under the terms of this arrangement.

 

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BIRKS & MAYORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

Years ended March 28, 2009, March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007

 

 

 

9. Benefit plans and stock-based compensation:

 

(a) Stock option plans and arrangements:

 

  (i) The Company can issue stock options and SARs to executive management, key employees and directors under a stock-based compensation plan.

The Company has a Long-Term Incentive Plan under which awards may be made in order to attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial responsibility, to provide additional incentive to employees and to promote the success of the Company. Any employee or consultant selected by the administrator is eligible for any type of award provided for under the Long-Term Incentive Plan, except that incentive stock options may not be granted to consultants. The Long-Term Incentive Plan provides for the grant of units and performance units or share awards. The Long-Term Incentive Plan authorizes the issuance of 900,000 Class A voting shares, which consist of authorized but unissued Class A voting shares. The Company is restricted from issuing Class A voting shares or equity based awards under this program without the approval of the shareholders of the Company if such issuance, when combined with the Class A voting shares issuable under this plan or any of the Company’s other equity incentive award plans exceeds 1,304,025 Class A voting shares. Based on the current number of awards outstanding under all of the Company’s plans, no additional equity incentive awards are currently issuable without shareholder approval. Cash settled awards, however, are permitted. The Company has outstanding employee stock options issued under the Birks Employee Stock Option Plan (the “Birks ESOP”). The Birks ESOP was authorized to issue 237,907 shares or 10% of non-voting common stock. The granting of options, the exercise price and the related vesting period were determined at the discretion of the Board of Directors. The lives of the options issued under the Birks ESOP were not to exceed 10 years with options vesting generally pro-rata over four years. Effective November 15, 2005, no awards are permitted to be granted under the Birks ESOP. However, the Birks ESOP will remain in effect until the outstanding awards issued under the plan terminate or expire by their terms. As of March 28, 2009, March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007, there were 72,281, 136,467, and 162,437 Class A voting shares underlying options granted under the Birks ESOP, respectively.

 

  (ii) The Company has also entered into separate agreements to issue options to purchase Class A voting shares of the Company to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Class A voting shares to a director of the Company. As of March 28, 2009, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer held options to purchase 512,489 Class A voting shares of the Company and a director of the Company held options to purchase 126,672 of Class A voting shares. These options are exercisable at prices ranging from CAN$6.00 to CAN$7.00 per share. The options issued to a director of the Company are exercisable and expire in November 2009. The options issued to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer are exercisable and expire either two years after termination or ten years after retirement. No compensation income or expense was required to be recorded for these options for the years ended March 28, 2009, March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007, respectively.

 

  (iii) As of March 28, 2009, the Company had outstanding 15,000 options granted to members of its Board of Directors to acquire Class A voting shares of the Company for a purchase price of CAN$7.73 exercisable at any time until April 23, 2014. No compensation expense (income) was recorded during the years ended March 28, 2009, March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007, respectively.

 

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BIRKS & MAYORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

Years ended March 28, 2009, March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007

 

 

 

The following is a summary of the activity of Birks’ stock option plans and arrangements (in Canadian dollars):

 

     Options     Weighted average
exercise price
           (CAN dollars)

Outstanding March 25, 2006

   834,804      $ 6.40

Forfeited/cancelled

   (819     7.73
        

Outstanding March 31, 2007

   833,985        6.39

Exercised

   (16,697     6.25

Forfeited/cancelled

   (25,521     6.64
        

Outstanding March 29, 2008

   791,767        6.39

Forfeited/cancelled

   (64,186     6.29
        

Outstanding March 28, 2009

   727,581      $ 6.39
        

A summary of the status of Birks’ stock options at March 28, 2009 is presented below:

 

     Options outstanding    Options exercisable

Exercise price

   Number
outstanding
   Weighted
average
remaining
life (years)
   Weighted
average
exercise
price
   Number
exercisable
   Weighted
average
exercise price
(CAN dollars)                        (CAN dollars)

$ 6.00 – 6.24

   268,090    4.1    $ 6.00    268,090    $ 6.00

$ 6.25 – 6.99

   268,469    2.2      6.25    268,469      6.25

$ 7.00 – 7.72

   154,272    3.5      7.00    154,272      7.00

$ 7.73 – 7.73

   36,750    4.4      7.73    36,750      7.73
                            

$ 6.00 – 7.73

   727,581    3.3    $ 6.39    727,581    $ 6.39
                  
 

Included in the above calculation were 512,489 options to purchase Class A voting shares held by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, of which 457,132 options expire either two years after termination for any reason or ten years after retirement and the remaining 55,357 options expire no later than December 31, 2017. For purposes of the table above, the remaining contractual life was estimated to be the remaining period under his employment agreement, plus two years.

 

  (iv) Under plans approved by the former Board of Directors of Mayors, the Company has outstanding stock options and SARs issued to employees and members of the Company’s Board of Directors. Under these plans, the option price was required to equal the market price of the stock on the date of the grant or in the case of an individual who owned 10% or more of the common stock of Mayors, the minimum price was to be set at 110% of the market price at the time of issuance. Options granted under these programs generally became exercisable from six months to three years after the date of grant, provided that the individual was continuously employed by Mayors, or in the case of directors, remained on the Board of Directors. All options generally expired no more than ten years after the date of grant. No further awards will be granted under these plans. However, these plans will remain effective until the outstanding awards issued under the plans terminate or expire by their terms.

As of March 28, 2009, the Company had outstanding 113,034 SARs previously issued under the Mayors plan to members of senior management at a strike price of $6.21. The grantees’ interests in

 

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BIRKS & MAYORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

Years ended March 28, 2009, March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007

 

 

 

these SARs generally vest ratably over a three year period and expire ten years after grant. The fair value of these awards is calculated at the time of their grant and is recorded as an expense over the vesting period. As of March 28, 2009, the weighted-average remaining contractual life of these awards was 6.4 years and the aggregate intrinsic value was $0. The Company recorded $3,000, $55,000 and $144,000 of compensation expense related to these awards for the fiscal years ended March 28, 2009, March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007, respectively.

The Company has a Long-Term Incentive Plan under which awards can be issued in order to attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial responsibility, to provide additional incentive to employees and consultants and to promote the success of Birks & Mayors business. As of March 28, 2009, there were 31,640 cash-based stock appreciation rights that were granted under the Long-Term Incentive Plan. The stock appreciation rights outstanding under the Long-Term Incentive Plan have a weighted average exercise price of $6.62.

The Company issued new shares to satisfy share-based awards and exercise of stock options. During fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, no cash was used to settle equity instruments granted under share-based payment arrangements and as of March 28, 2009, all of the Company’s stock options were out-of-the-money.

The following is a summary of the activity of Mayors stock option plans. The number of options and exercise price have been adjusted to reflect the conversion rate of .08695 related to Birks & Mayors purchase of the minority shares of Mayors on November 14, 2005:

 

     Options     Weighted average
exercise price

Outstanding March 25, 2006

   370,000      $ 13.96

Forfeited/cancelled

   (32,476     30.03

Exercised

   (13,911     3.27
        

Outstanding March 31, 2007

   323,613        12.81

Forfeited/cancelled

   (27,977     14.13

Exercised

   (5,216     4.47
        

Outstanding March 29, 2008

   290,420        12.84

Forfeited/cancelled

   (4,828     44.70
        

Outstanding March 28, 2009

   285,592      $ 12.30
        

 

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BIRKS & MAYORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

Years ended March 28, 2009, March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007

 

 

 

A summary of the status of the option plans at March 28, 2009 is presented below:

 

          Options outstanding and exercisable

Range of exercise prices

   Number
outstanding
   Weighted average
remaining life (years)
    Weighted average
exercise price

$   2.65 – 3.98

   206,938    3.6   $ 3.17

$   3.99 – 5.99

   434    3.7        4.38

$   6.00 – 9.00

   9,559    5.2        8.14

$   9.01 – 13.52

   9,121    3.6        10.67

$ 13.53 – 20.30

   6,031    2.4        17.56

$ 20.31 – 30.47

   19,599    0.9        28.24

$ 30.48 – 45.72

   28,115    1.8        42.63

$ 45.73 – 68.60

   434    2.3        46.01

$ 68.61 – 155.27

   5,361    3.2        149.46
                 

$   2.65 – 155.27

   285,592    3.3      $ 12.30
         

 

* Included in the above calculation were 130,425 options that were granted to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and expire at the earlier of ten years from the grant date or two years after termination of employment, unless terminated for cause, in which case the options expire on his last day of employment with the Company. For purposes of the information within the table above, a term of ten years from the issuance date is used.

 

(b) As of March 28, 2009, the Company had outstanding warrants exercisable into 382,693 shares of the Company’s stock. These warrants have a weighted average exercise price of $3.42 per share. As of November 1, 2005, these awards were fully-vested and no additional compensation expense will be recognized.

 

(c) In connection with its term loan agreement executed in 2003 with Investissement Québec, the lender is entitled to 99,428 options to purchase Class A voting shares at $3.65 (CAN$4.52) per share which expire the later of one year following the total repayment of the loan or 90 days following receipt of the audited financial statements of the Company for the year in which the entire loan was repaid. At March 28, 2009, each option had a fair value of $0.02. The Company recorded a $126,000 and $330,000 reduction in interest expense associated with these options during fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008, respectively. During fiscal 2007, the Company recorded $255,000 of additional interest expense related to these options. Interest expense associated with these options is recorded in interest and other financial costs in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations. These awards are accounted for as liabilities under SFAS No. 123R and the fair value of these awards was estimated as of March 28, 2009 using the Black-Scholes pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:

 

     Fiscal year
ended
March 28, 2009
 

Dividend yield

   0

Expected volatility

   72.10

Risk-free interest rate

   0.99

Expected terms in years

   2.25   

 

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BIRKS & MAYORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

Years ended March 28, 2009, March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007

 

 

 

(d) Employee stock purchase plan:

The Company has an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) that permits eligible employees, which does not include executives of the Company, to purchase the Company’s Class A voting stock at 85% of the Class A voting shares fair market value through regular payroll deductions. A total of 100,000 shares of the Company’s Class A voting shares are reserved for issuance under the ESPP. As of March 28, 2009, 99,995 Class A voting shares were issued under the ESPP and no additional shares will be issued under this plan.

During fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007, the Company had issued 63,398, 24,253 and 12,344 shares under this plan, respectively.

 

(e) Profit sharing plan:

Mayors has a 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan & Trust (the “Plan”), which permits eligible employees to make contributions to the Plan on a pretax salary reduction basis in accordance with the provisions of Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Mayors historically made cash contributions of 25% of the employee’s pretax contribution, up to 4% of Mayors employee’s compensation, in any calendar year. Effective January 1, 2009, the Company exercised its right to cancel all future matching contributions to the Plan and as such, no additional matching cash payments were made to the Plan during the remainder of fiscal 2009. The employer match amounted to $46,000, $103,000 and $104,000 for the years ended March 28, 2009, March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007, respectively.

 

(f) Executive Management Long-term Cash Incentive Plan

During the year ended March 31, 2007, the Board of Directors approved the Executive Management Long-term Cash Incentive Plan (“LTCIP”), a cash-based performance plan for members of senior management. The intention of this LTCIP is to reward members of senior management based on the performance of the Company over two performance measurement periods which are comprised of three-year cycles, the first of which began with the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 through March 28, 2009 and the second cycle being the period from the beginning of the fiscal year ended March 29, 2008 through March 27, 2010. The average sales growth rate and average Return on Equity of the Company during this three year period will determine whether and to what extent any payout under this plan will be. The achievement level will then be applied against a targeted compensation amount for each member of senior management covered in the plan.

For a member of senior management to be entitled to a payout under the LTCIP, they must be employed through the completion of the cycle and at the date of payment. In addition, the salary that will be used for each executive in determining their payout will be the salary in force on the first day of the eligibility period for the first cycle and the first day of the third year in the measurement period for the second cycle.

The Company did not meet the required targeted performance levels for the period which began March 31, 2007 through March 28, 2009 and as a result, there will be no payout made under the first cycle. The maximum payout for all executives under the second cycle of LTCIP, if certain financial performance levels are met, is estimated to be approximately $2.4 million, however, based on cumulative performance and estimates of future performance, the Company does not believe there will be a payout under the second cycle and accordingly, no liability related to this plan was recorded as of March 28, 2009. In fiscal 2008, the Company recorded $0.8 million of expense in selling, general and administrative expenses associated with this plan. During fiscal 2009, these expenses were reversed due to the Company’s three-year performance not meeting the targeted performance requirements of the plan.

 

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BIRKS & MAYORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

Years ended March 28, 2009, March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007

 

 

 

10. Income taxes:

 

(a) The Company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48 Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (“FIN 48”), an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (“SFAS 109”) at the beginning of fiscal 2008. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. As of March 28, 2009, the Company had no accrued interest related to uncertain tax positions due to available tax loss carry forwards. The tax years 2006 through 2009 remain open to examination by the major taxing jurisdictions to which the Company is subject.

The Company evaluates its deferred tax assets to determine if any adjustments to its valuation allowances are required under the guidance of SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” As a result of the severe economic downturn and its significant impact on customer demand and on the Company’s profitability during the current fiscal year, the Company reevaluated the recoverability of its deferred tax assets. As part of this analysis, the Company reviewed its pre-tax earnings or losses during the current fiscal year and two prior fiscal years in both its Canadian and U.S. operations as well as forecasted usage in future years. This analysis showed the Company incurred a cumulative pre-tax loss associated with its U.S. operations during the current and prior two fiscal years primarily associated with the level of pre-tax losses incurred during the current fiscal year. For the same period, the Canadian operations showed pre-tax income, however, due to the level of pre-tax loss estimated for the current fiscal year in Canada along with the uncertainty of positive financial results in both its U.S. and Canadian operations for the next fiscal year, in light of the current economic slow down and the uncertainty of its length, the Company could not reach the required conclusion that it would be able to more likely than not recognize the recorded value of both its U.S. and Canadian deferred tax assets in the future. Accordingly, the Company recorded a non-cash valuation allowance of $47.8 million against the full value of the Company’s net deferred tax assets, which resulted in an associated non-cash charge to tax expense of $39.0 million during fiscal 2009.

The significant items comprising the Company’s net deferred tax assets at March 28, 2009 and March 29, 2008 are as follows:

 

     Fiscal Year Ended  
     March 28, 2009     March 29, 2008  
     (In thousands)  

Deferred tax assets:

    

Loss and tax credit carry forwards

   $ 36,120      $ 31,862   

Difference between book and tax basis of property and equipment

     5,714        5,544   

Inventory allowances

     1,145        1,235   

Other reserves not currently deductible

     964        877   

Capital lease obligation

     3,272        4,050   

Expenses not currently deductible

     336        647   

Other

     282        447   
                

Net deferred tax asset before valuation allowance

     47,833        44,662   

Valuation allowance

     (47,833     (8,643
                

Net deferred tax asset

   $ —        $ 36,019   
                

The valuation allowance has been recorded to reduce the net deferred tax asset to the amount that the Company believes, after evaluating the currently available evidence, will more-likely-than-not be realized.

 

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BIRKS & MAYORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

Years ended March 28, 2009, March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007

 

 

 

The following table reconciles the unrecognized tax benefits at March 28, 2009 and March 29, 2008:

 

     Fiscal Year Ended
     March 28, 2009     March 29, 2008
     (In thousands)

Unrecognized tax benefits at the beginning of the year

     1,947        1,047

Gross increase – tax position in current period

     300        900

Applied against certain element of deferred tax assets

     (2,247     —  
              

Unrecognized tax benefits at the end of the year

   $ —        $ 1,947
              

All unrecognized tax benefits would affect the effective tax rate if recognized.

The Company’s income tax expense (benefit) consists of the following components:

 

     Fiscal Year Ended  
     March 28, 2009     March 29, 2008     March 31, 2007  
     (In thousands)  

Income tax expense (benefit):

      

Current

   $ 495     $ 1,034     $ 948  

Deferred

     (6,686     (27,889     (5,109

Valuation allowance

     39,045        —          —     

Benefit allocated to reduce goodwill

     —          17,060       1,345   
                        <