Filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)
Registration File No. 333-116527
PROSPECTUS
MACE SECURITY INTERNATIONAL, INC.
UP TO 1,098,000 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
We sold $5,005,050 of our common stock and warrants in a private placement
on May 26, 2004. This prospectus relates to the resale from time to time of up
to 1,098,000 shares of our common stock issued in the private placement by the
Selling Stockholders described in the section entitled "Selling Stockholders" on
page 13 of this prospectus. These shares consist of the following:
- 915,000 shares of common stock; and
- 183,000 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants at
an exercise price of $7.50 per share.
Our common stock is currently traded on The NASDAQ National Market under
the symbol "MACE." The closing price of our common stock on The NASDAQ National
Market on September 23, 2004 was $3.66 per share.
THESE SECURITIES INVOLVE A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK. SEE "RISK FACTORS"
BEGINNING ON PAGE 4 OF THIS PROSPECTUS.
Our principal executive office is located at 1000 Crawford Place, Suite
400, Mt. Laurel, New Jersey 08054, and our telephone number is (856) 778-2300.
Neither the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") nor
any state securities commission has approved or disapproved these securities or
passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to
the contrary is a criminal offense.
This prospectus is dated September 28, 2004
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
----
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS........................................................... 2
THE COMPANY..................................................................... 3
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS............................................................. 4
RISK FACTORS.................................................................... 4
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS...................................................... 12
USE OF PROCEEDS................................................................. 13
SELLING STOCKHOLDERS............................................................ 13
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION............................................................ 14
LEGAL OPINION................................................................... 16
EXPERTS......................................................................... 16
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION............................................. 16
INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE......................................... 16
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
You should read this prospectus and the information and documents
incorporated by reference carefully. Such documents contain important
information you should consider when making your investment decision. See
"Incorporation of Documents by Reference" on page 16. You should rely only on
the information provided in this prospectus or documents incorporated by
reference in this prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with
different information. The Selling Stockholders are offering to sell and seeking
offers to buy shares of our common stock only in jurisdictions in which offers
and sales are permitted. The information contained in this prospectus is
accurate only as of the date of this prospectus, regardless of the time of
delivery of this prospectus or of any sale of our common stock.
2
THE COMPANY
The following is only a summary. We urge you to read this entire
prospectus, including the information incorporated by reference from our other
filings with the SEC.
Mace Security International, Inc. was incorporated in Delaware on
September 1, 1993. We currently conduct our operations through two segments: the
Car and Truck Wash Segment, and the Security Products Segment.
Through our Car and Truck Wash Segment, we own and operate 50 car washes
and five truck washes in the United States. We operate 13 car wash locations in
the region surrounding Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, six car wash locations in and
near Sarasota, Florida, 12 car wash locations in and near Phoenix, Arizona, and
19 car wash locations in Texas. We own five truck washes located in Arizona,
Indiana, Ohio and Texas. Except for nine of the Philadelphia area car washes,
which provide only exterior washing, and one Texas location, which is a
self-serve wash and lube facility, each of our car washes is full service. Our
Car and Truck Wash Segment provided 88.6%, 94.5%, and 99.5%, of our revenues in
fiscal years 2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively.
Our Security Products Segment is comprised of two operating divisions: the
Consumer Products Division and the Electronic Surveillance Products Division.
The Consumer Products Division designs, markets and sells consumer safety
products for use in homes and automobiles, and for personal protection. Our
consumer products include a line of defense sprays, personal alarms, home
security alarms, whistles, door jammers, and window and door lock alarms.
On August 12, 2002, we added the Electronic Surveillance Products Division
to the Security Products Segment when we acquired certain of the assets and
operations of Micro-Tech, Inc., a manufacturer and retailer of electronic
security and surveillance devices. We expanded our electronic surveillance and
security product offerings on September 26, 2003, when we acquired certain
assets and the operations of Vernex, Inc., a manufacturer and retailer of
electronic security monitors. Since the acquisition of Micro-Tech, Inc., we have
expanded our product lines and modified our sales and distribution methods in
the Electronic Surveillance Products Division. Presently, the major product
categories of our Electronic Surveillance Products Division include cameras,
digital video recorders, monitors, and home security devices, such as biometric
keypads. The Electronic Surveillance Products Division designs products for
manufacture on an OEM basis, and distributes the finished products through our
various sales channels, such as dealers, catalogs, and internet sales.
3
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
ACQUISITION OF TWO SECURITY BUSINESSES
On July 13, 2004, we filed a current report on Form 8-K (which was
amended on August 2, 2004), disclosing that we completed the acquisition of two
electronic surveillance security businesses from American Building Control,
Inc. By adding the two businesses, Security and More(TM) and Industrial Vision
Source ("IVS"), we are continuing the process of expanding our Security
Products Segment, and specifically the Electronic Surveillance Products
Division. We paid approximately $5.6 million of cash comprised of approximately
$1.86 million for inventory; $1.37 million for accounts receivable; $100,000
for equipment; $250,000 for current liabilities; and the remainder of $2.54
million allocated to goodwill and other intangible assets. The acquisition also
expands our presence in the southwestern part of the United States and provides
us with new mass merchant opportunities, an active e-commerce web site, a
catalog sales channel and a high end digital and fiber optics camera product
line. The acquisition will be accounted for as a business combination in
accordance with SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations.
STOCK REPURCHASE PLAN
On July 29, 2004, our board of directors authorized a stock repurchase
plan to purchase shares of our common stock up to a maximum value of $3.0
million. Purchases will be made in the open market, if and when management
determines to effect purchases. As of September 23, 2004, we have not purchased
any shares under the plan.
SALE OF FACILITY
On August 3, 2004, we sold an exterior-only car wash facility in New
Jersey. Proceeds from the sale of this facility, which was producing marginal
cash flow, were approximately $645,000; slightly more than the site's net book
value.
REAL ESTATE ACQUISITION
On August 16, 2004, we announced an agreement to purchase a 45,000 square
foot facility as part of our continued growth strategy for our Electronic
Surveillance Products Division. We intend to finance a portion of the purchase
price of approximately $1.65 million with debt secured by a first mortgage in
the acquired property and to fund the remainder with cash from operations. The
transaction closed on August 25, 2004.
RISK FACTORS
Before you decide to invest, you should consider carefully the risks
described below, together with the other information contained or incorporated
by reference in this prospectus. Any or all of these factors or others not
mentioned below could affect our business or our prospects. The risks and
uncertainties we have described below are not the only ones facing our company.
Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we
currently deem immaterial may also affect our business operations.
This section includes or refers to forward-looking statements. You should
refer to the explanation of the qualifications and limitations on
forward-looking statements in the section of this prospectus entitled
"Forward-Looking Statements," which begins on page 12 of this prospectus.
GENERAL RISKS
IF WE DO NOT RAISE ADDITIONAL CAPITAL, WE MAY NEED TO SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCE THE
SCALE OF OUR OPERATIONS AND CURTAIL OUR BUSINESS PLAN.
4
Our business plan involves growing through acquisitions and internal
development, each of which requires significant capital. Our capital
requirements also include working capital for daily operations and significant
capital for equipment purchases. Although we had positive working capital as of
December 31, 2003, we have a history of net losses and in some years we have
ended our fiscal year with a negative working capital balance. To the extent
that we lack cash to meet our further capital needs, we will be required to
raise additional funds through bank borrowings and significant additional equity
and/or debt financings, which may result in significant increases in leverage
and interest expense and/or substantial dilution of our outstanding equity. If
we are unable to raise additional capital, we will need to substantially reduce
the scale of our operations and curtail our business plan.
IF WE ARE NOT ABLE TO MANAGE GROWTH, OUR BUSINESS PLAN MAY NOT BE REALIZED.
Our business objectives include developing our Electronic Surveillance
Products Division, both internally and through acquisitions, and acquiring
additional car washes, if we can do so under advantageous terms. As such, our
business plan is predicated on growth. If we succeed in growing, it will place
significant burdens on our management and on our operational and other
resources. For example, it may be difficult to assimilate the operations and
personnel of an acquired business into our existing business; we must integrate
management information and accounting systems of an acquired business into our
current systems; our management must devote its attention to assimilating the
acquired business, which diverts attention from other business concerns; we may
enter markets in which we have limited prior experience; and we may lose key
employees of an acquired business. We will also need to attract, train,
motivate, retain, and supervise senior managers and other employees. If we fail
to manage these burdens successfully, one or more of the acquisitions could be
unprofitable, the shift of our management's focus could harm our other
businesses, and we may be forced to abandon our business plan, which relies on
growth.
IF WE VIOLATE THE FINANCIAL COVENANTS WITH OUR LENDERS, OUR BORROWINGS MAY BE
ACCELERATED.
Our bank debt borrowings as of June 30, 2004 were $30.0 million
substantially all of which is secured with mortgages against certain of our real
property. Of such borrowings, $5.2 million is classified as current as it is due
in less than 12 months from June 30, 2004. Our business plan is dependent on
refinancing this debt as it becomes due. Our two most significant borrowings are
secured notes payable to General Motors Acceptance Corp. ("GMAC") in the amount
of $11.2 million, $9.7 million of which was classified as non-current debt at
June 30, 2004, and secured notes payable to Bank One, Texas, N.A. ("Bank One")
in the amount of $14.2 million, $10.8 million of which was classified as
non-current debt at June 30, 2004. The GMAC and Bank One agreements contain
affirmative and negative covenants, including the maintenance of certain levels
of tangible net worth, maintenance of certain levels of unencumbered cash and
marketable securities, and the maintenance of certain debt coverage ratios on a
consolidated level. The Bank One agreement is our only debt agreement that
contains an express prohibition on incurring additional debt for borrowed money
without the approval of the lender. None of our other agreements contain such a
prohibition. In addition, 26 car washes, one truck wash and our facility in
Hollywood, Florida are encumbered by mortgages.
At June 30, 2004, we were not in compliance with our consolidated debt
coverage ratio of at least 1.25:1 related to our GMAC notes payable. The
Company's debt coverage ratio related to the GMAC notes payable was 1.0:1 at
June 30, 2004. GMAC granted us a waiver of acceleration related to the
non-compliance with the debt coverage ratio covenant at June 30, 2004 and for
measurement periods through July 1, 2005 and, accordingly, a portion of the GMAC
notes payable were reflected as non-current on our financial statements at June
30, 2004. If we are not able to increase our debt coverage ratio to at least
1.25:1, or we cannot obtain further waivers, the GMAC notes may be reflected as
current and our stock price may decline.
5
The Company has entered into amendments to the Bank One term loan
agreements effective March 31, 2004. The amended debt coverage ratio with Bank
One requires the Company to maintain a ratio of consolidated earnings before
interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization to debt service of 1.03 to
1 at June 30, 2004; and 1.04 to 1 at September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2004.
The Company's debt coverage ratio was 1.0 to 1 at June 30, 2004 and was not in
compliance with this Bank One covenant as amended. The Company received a waiver
of acceleration with respect to this debt coverage ratio from Bank One through
July 1, 2005 and, accordingly, a portion of the Bank One notes payable were
reflected as non-current on our financial statements at June 30, 2004. The Bank
One amendment also requires the maintenance of a minimum total unencumbered cash
and marketable securities balance of $5 million. This cash balance requirement
will be lowered to $1 million upon the Company returning to a debt coverage
ratio of at least 1.10 to 1. If we are unable to satisfy these covenants or
obtain further waivers, the Bank One notes may be reflected as current and our
stock price may decline.
Our ongoing ability to comply with the debt covenants under our credit
arrangements and refinance our debt depends largely on our achievement of
adequate levels of cash flow. Our cash flow has been and could continue to be
adversely affected by weather patterns and economic conditions. If our cash
flows are less than expected or debt service, including interest expense,
increases more than expected, we may fall out of compliance with the Bank One
covenants and need to seek additional waivers or amendments. If we default on
any of the Bank One or GMAC covenants and are not able to obtain further
amendments or waivers of acceleration, Bank One debt totaling $14.2 million and
GMAC debt totaling $11.2 million, including debt recorded as long-term debt at
June 30, 2004, could become due and payable on demand, and Bank One and/or GMAC
could foreclose on the assets pledged in support of the relevant indebtedness.
If our assets (including up to 26 of our car wash facilities and one truck wash)
are foreclosed upon, revenues from our Car and Truck Wash Segment, which
comprised 88.6% of our total revenues in 2003, would be severely impacted and we
could be unable to continue to operate our business. Even if the debt were
accelerated without foreclosure, it would be very difficult for us to continue
to operate our business and we could still go out of business.
WE HAVE REPORTED NET LOSSES IN THE PAST. IF WE CONTINUE TO REPORT NET LOSSES,
THE PRICE OF OUR COMMON STOCK MAY DECLINE, OR WE COULD GO OUT OF BUSINESS.
For the year ended December 31, 2003, we reported a net loss, although our
business as a whole was cash flow positive. The majority of the reported losses
in 2003 related to impairment charges of intangible assets, particularly
goodwill, in accordance with SFAS 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.
Under SFAS 142, which became effective on January 1, 2002, we no longer amortize
goodwill and certain intangible assets determined to have indefinite useful
lives. Additionally, SFAS 142 requires annual fair value based impairment tests
of goodwill and other intangible assets identified with indefinite useful lives.
As a result, we may be forced to record additional impairments in the future,
which would materially reduce our earnings and equity.
IF WE LOSE THE SERVICES OF OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, OUR BUSINESS MAY SUFFER.
If we lose the services of one or more of our executive officers and do
not replace them with experienced personnel, that loss of talent and experience
will make our business plan, which is dependent on active growth and management,
more difficult to implement. The employment agreements of Robert M. Kramer,
Gregory M. Krzemien, and Ronald R. Pirollo expired on March 26, 2003. Mr. Kramer
is the chief operating officer of our car and truck wash segment, and our
general counsel and secretary; Mr. Krzemien is our chief financial officer and
treasurer; and Mr. Pirollo is our chief accounting officer and corporate
controller. Messrs. Kramer and Krzemien are working on a month-to-month at-will
basis, and Mr. Pirollo is working on an at-will basis. Without employment
contracts, we may lose the services of any one or more of Messrs. Kramer,
Krzemien or Pirollo, each of whom has been involved in our management for
several years
6
and would be difficult to replace. In addition, we do not maintain key-man life
insurance policies on our executive officers.
IF OUR INSURANCE IS INADEQUATE, WE COULD FACE SIGNIFICANT LOSSES.
We maintain various insurance coverages for our assets and operations.
These coverages include property coverages including business interruption
protection for each location. We maintain commercial general liability coverage
in the amount of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million in the aggregate with
an umbrella policy which provides coverage up to $25 million. We also maintain
workers' compensation policies in every state in which we operate. Commencing
July 2002, as a result of increasing costs of our insurance program, including
automobile, general liability, and workers' compensation coverage, we are
insured through participation in a captive insurance program with other
unrelated businesses. We maintain excess coverage through occurrence-based
policies. Although our automobile, general liability, and workers' compensation
policies are secured in a number of ways, and we believe such policies to be
adequate, there can be no assurance that our insurance will provide sufficient
coverage in the event a claim is made against us, or that we will be able to
maintain in place such insurance at reasonable prices. Furthermore, our business
involves potentially dangerous chemicals and operations, and, accordingly, we
face exposure to significant liabilities for injury. If our insurance coverage
is exceeded by (or does not cover) a claim, we will have to pay the uncovered
liability directly. In the event that we were required to directly pay a claim,
our income would be significantly reduced, and in the event of a large claim, we
could go out of business.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR SECURITY PRODUCTS SEGMENT
IF WE ARE NOT ABLE TO OPERATE OUR ELECTRONIC SURVEILLANCE PRODUCTS DIVISION
EFFECTIVELY, OUR BUSINESS WILL SUFFER.
We recently expanded our line of security products by adding the
Electronic Surveillance Products Division. We are incurring expenses to develop
this new line of products without having extensively tested the size or possible
profitability of the market for such products. There are numerous risks
associated with the new Electronic Surveillance Products Division that may
prevent us from operating such division profitably, including, among others:
risks associated with unanticipated liabilities of the acquired companies; risks
inherent with our management having limited experience in the electronic
security product market; risks relating to the size and number of competitors in
the electronic security product market, many of whom may be more experienced or
better financed; risks associated with the costs of entering into new markets
and expansion of product lines in existing markets; risks associated with
rapidly evolving technology and having inventory become obsolete; risks
associated with purchasing inventory before having orders for that inventory;
risks attendant to locating and maintaining reliable sources of OEM products and
component supplies in the electronic surveillance industry; risks related to
retaining key employees involved in future technology development and
communications with OEM suppliers; and risks associated with developing and
introducing new products in order to maintain competitiveness in a rapidly
changing marketplace. We also expect that there will be costs related to product
returns and warranties and customer support that we cannot quantify or
accurately estimate until we have more experience in operating the new division.
WE COULD BECOME SUBJECT TO LITIGATION REGARDING INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS,
WHICH COULD SERIOUSLY HARM OUR BUSINESS.
Although we have not been the subject of any such actions, third parties
may in the future assert against us infringement claims or claims that we have
violated a patent or infringed upon a copyright, trademark or other proprietary
right belonging to them. We design most of our security products and contract
with independent suppliers to manufacture those products and deliver them to us.
Certain of these
7
products contain proprietary intellectual property of these independent
suppliers. Third parties may in the future assert claims against our suppliers
that such suppliers have violated a patent or infringed upon a copyright,
trademark or other proprietary right belonging to them. If such infringement by
our suppliers or us were found to exist, a party could seek an injunction
preventing the use of their intellectual property. In addition, if an
infringement by us were found to exist, we may attempt to acquire a license or
right to use such technology or intellectual property. Most of our suppliers
have agreed to indemnify us against any such infringement claim, but any
infringement claim, even if not meritorious and/or covered by an indemnification
obligation, could result in the expenditure of a significant amount of our
financial and managerial resources.
IF OUR ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERS FAIL TO ADEQUATELY SUPPLY OUR PRODUCTS,
OUR SECURITY PRODUCTS SALES MAY SUFFER.
Our products are manufactured on an OEM basis. Reliance upon OEMs, as well
as industry supply conditions, generally involves several risks, including the
possibility of defective products (which can adversely affect our reputation for
reliability), a shortage of components and reduced control over delivery
schedules (which can adversely affect our distribution schedules), and increases
in component costs (which can adversely affect our profitability).
We have some single-sourced manufacturer relationships, either because
alternative sources are not readily or economically available or because the
relationship is advantageous due to performance, quality, support, delivery,
capacity, or price considerations. If these sources are unable or unwilling to
manufacture our products in a timely and reliable manner, we could experience
temporary distribution interruptions, delays, or inefficiencies, adversely
affecting our results of operations. Even where alternative OEMs are available,
qualification of the alternative manufacturers and establishment of reliable
supplies could result in delays and a possible loss of sales, which could affect
operating results adversely.
IF PEOPLE ARE INJURED BY OUR CONSUMER SAFETY PRODUCTS, WE COULD BE HELD LIABLE
AND FACE DAMAGE AWARDS.
We face claims of injury allegedly resulting from our defense sprays,
which we market as "non-lethal." For example, we are aware of allegations that
defense sprays used by law enforcement personnel resulted in deaths of prisoners
and of suspects in custody. In addition to use or misuse by law enforcement
agencies, the general public may pursue legal action against us based on
injuries alleged to have been caused by our products. As the use of defense
sprays by the public increases, we could be subject to additional product
liability claims. As of August 2, 2004, we were subject to one lawsuit alleging
injuries from our products, in which the plaintiff has demanded in excess of
$5,000,000. We have a $25,000 deductible on our insurance policy, meaning that
all such lawsuits, even unsuccessful ones, and ones covered by insurance, cost
the company money. Furthermore, if our insurance coverage is exceeded, we will
have to pay the excess liability directly. Our product liability insurance
provides coverage of up to $26 million per occurrence. Based on the amount
demanded in the case currently against us and our current insurance coverage, we
do not believe that this potential liability is significant. However, if we are
required to directly pay a claim in excess of our coverage, our income will be
significantly reduced, and in the event of a large claim, we could go out of
business.
IF GOVERNMENTAL REGULATIONS CHANGE OR ARE APPLIED DIFFERENTLY, OUR BUSINESS
COULD SUFFER.
The distribution, sale, ownership and use of consumer defense sprays are
legal in some form in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Restrictions
on the manufacture or use of consumer defense sprays may enacted that would
severely restrict the market for our products or increase our costs of doing
business.
Some of our consumer defense spray manufacturing operations currently
incorporate hazardous materials, the use and emission of which are regulated by
various state and federal environmental protection
8
agencies, including the United States Environmental Protection Agency. We
believe that we are in compliance with all current state and local statutes
governing our handling and disposal of these hazardous materials, but if there
are any changes in environmental permit or regulatory requirements, or if we
fail to comply with any environmental requirements, these changes or failures
may expose us to significant liabilities that would have a material adverse
effect on our business and financial condition.
Through our Car and Truck Wash Segment, we face a variety of potential
environmental liabilities, including those arising out of improperly disposing
waste oil or lubricants at our lube centers, improper maintenance of oil
discharge ponds, which exist at two of our truck washes, and leaks from our
underground oil storage tanks. If we improperly dispose of oil or other
hazardous substances, or if our oil discharge ponds or underground tanks leak,
we could be assessed fines by federal or state regulatory authorities and/or be
required to remediate the property. Although each case is different, and there
can be no assurance as to the cost to remediate an environmental problem, if
any, at one of our properties, the costs for remediation and removal of a
leaking discharge pond typically ranges from $200,000 to $150,000, and the costs
for remediation of a leaking underground storage tank typically ranges from
$75,000 to $30,000.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR CAR AND TRUCK WASH SEGMENT
IF CONSUMER DEMAND FOR OUR CAR WASH SERVICE DROPS, OUR BUSINESS WILL SUFFER.
Our revenues are primarily derived from our Car and Truck Wash Segment. As
such, our financial condition and results of operations will depend
substantially on continued consumer demand for car wash services. Our car wash
business depends on consumers choosing to employ professional services to wash
their cars rather than washing their cars themselves or not washing their cars
at all. Also, seasonal trends in some areas affect our car wash business. In
particular, long periods of rain and cloudy weather can adversely affect our car
wash business as people typically do not wash their cars during such periods.
Additionally, extended periods of warm, dry weather may encourage customers to
wash their cars themselves which also can adversely affect our car wash
business. It is also possible that general consumer demand for car wash services
will decrease in the future.
WE FACE SIGNIFICANT COMPETITION AND IF WE CANNOT COMPETE EFFECTIVELY WE MAY LOSE
MONEY AND THE VALUE OF OUR SECURITIES COULD DECLINE.
The car care industry is highly competitive. Competition is based
primarily on location, customer service, available services, and price. We face
competition from both inside and outside the car care industry, including gas
stations, gasoline companies, automotive companies, specialty stores and
convenience stores that offer automated car wash services. Because barriers to
entry into the car care industry are relatively low, competition may be expected
to continually arise from new sources not currently competing with us. In some
cases, our competitors may have greater financial and operating resources than
do we and we may lose customers and revenue to those competitors.
OUR CAR AND TRUCK WASH OPERATIONS FACE GOVERNMENTAL REGULATIONS AND IF WE ARE
UNABLE TO COMPLY WITH THOSE REGULATIONS, OUR BUSINESS MAY SUFFER.
We are governed by federal, state and local laws and regulations,
including environmental regulations, that regulate the operation of our car wash
centers and other car care services businesses. Other car care services, such as
gasoline and lubrication, use a number of oil derivatives and other regulated
hazardous substances. As a result, we are governed by environmental laws and
regulations dealing with, among other things:
i. transportation, storage, presence, use, disposal, and handling of
hazardous materials and wastes;
9
ii. discharge of storm water; and
iii. underground storage tanks.
If uncontrolled hazardous substances were found on our property, including
leased property, or if we were otherwise found to be in violation of applicable
laws and regulations, we could be responsible for clean-up costs, property
damage, fines, or other penalties, any one of which could have a material
adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
IF OUR CAR WASH EQUIPMENT IS NOT MAINTAINED, OUR CAR WASHES WILL NOT BE
OPERABLE.
Many of our car washes have older equipment which requires frequent repair
or replacement. Although we undertake to keep our car washing equipment in
proper operating condition, the operating environment in car washes results in
frequent mechanical problems. If we fail to properly maintain the equipment in a
car wash, that car wash could become inoperable resulting in a loss of revenue.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR STOCK
BY FURTHER INCREASING THE NUMBER OF SHARES OF OUR COMMON STOCK THAT MAY BE SOLD
INTO THE MARKET, THIS OFFERING COULD CAUSE THE MARKET PRICE OF OUR COMMON STOCK
TO DROP SIGNIFICANTLY, EVEN IF OUR BUSINESS IS DOING WELL.
On May 26, 2004, we completed a private placement financing in which we
sold to the Selling Stockholders 915,000 shares of our common stock and warrants
to purchase an aggregate of 183,000 shares of our common stock. We agreed to
register for resale the shares of common stock and the shares issuable upon
exercise of the warrants.
The 1,098,000 shares of our common stock covered by this prospectus
consist of the following:
- 915,000 shares of common stock; and
- 183,000 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the
warrants at an exercise price of $7.50 per share.
The warrants representing 183,000 shares of common stock currently are
"out-of-the-money," although they are exercisable. The remaining 915,000 shares
of common stock covered by this prospectus (i.e., the non-warrant shares)
represent approximately 6.4% of the total number of our shares of common stock
that are currently issued and outstanding. Sales of these shares in the public
market, or the perception that future sales of these shares could occur, could
have the effect of lowering the market price of our common stock below current
levels and make it more difficult for us and our shareholders to sell our equity
securities in the future.
OUR STOCK PRICE HAS BEEN, AND LIKELY WILL CONTINUE TO BE, VOLATILE AND YOUR
INVESTMENT MAY SUFFER A DECLINE IN VALUE.
The market prices for securities of companies quoted on The NASDAQ Stock
Market, including our market price, have in the past been, and are likely to
continue in the future to be, very volatile. That volatility depends upon many
factors, some of which are beyond our control, including:
- announcements regarding the results of expansion or development
efforts by us or our competitors;
- announcements regarding the acquisition of businesses or companies
by us or our
10
competitors;
- technological innovations or new commercial products developed by us
or our competitors;
- changes in our, or our Suppliers', intellectual property portfolio;
- issuance of new or changed securities analysts' reports and/or
recommendations applicable to us;
- additions or departures of our key personnel;
- operating losses by us;
- actual or anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly financial and
operating results and degree of trading liquidity in our common
stock; and
- our ability to maintain our common stock listing on the Nasdaq
National Market.
One or more of these factors could cause a decline in our revenue and
income or in the price of our common stock, thereby reducing the value of an
investment in our Company.
IF WE LOSE OUR LISTING ON THE NASDAQ NATIONAL MARKET, OUR STOCK WILL BECOME
SIGNIFICANTLY LESS LIQUID AND ITS VALUE MAY BE AFFECTED.
Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ National Market with a bid price
of $3.66 at the close of the market on September 23, 2004. Although the recent
closing prices of our stock have been well in excess of $1.00, earlier in 2004
our stock traded at a price as low as $1.78. If the price of our common stock
falls below $1.00 and for 30 consecutive days remains below $1.00, we are
subject to being delisted from the NASDAQ National Market. Upon delisting from
the NASDAQ National Market, our stock would be traded on the NASDAQ SmallCap
Market until we maintain a minimum bid price of $1.00 for 30 consecutive days at
which time we can regain our listing on the NASDAQ National Market. If our stock
fails to maintain a minimum bid price of $1.00 for 30 consecutive days during a
180 day grace period on the NASDAQ SmallCap Market or a 360 day grace period if
compliance with certain core listing standards are demonstrated, we could
receive a delisting notice from the NASDAQ SmallCap Market. Upon delisting from
the NASDAQ SmallCap Market, our stock would be traded over-the-counter, more
commonly known as OTC. OTC transactions involve risks in addition to those
associated with transactions in securities traded on the NASDAQ National Market
or the NASDAQ SmallCap Market (together "NASDAQ-Listed Stocks"). Many OTC stocks
trade less frequently and in smaller volumes than NASDAQ-Listed Stocks.
Accordingly, our stock would be less liquid than it would otherwise be. Also,
the values of these stocks may be more volatile than NASDAQ-Listed Stocks. If
our stock is traded in the OTC market and a market maker sponsors us, we may
have the price of our stock electronically displayed on the OTC Bulletin Board,
or OTCBB. However, if we lack sufficient market maker support for display on the
OTCBB, we must have our price published by the National Quotations Bureau LLP in
a paper publication known as the "Pink Sheets." The marketability of our stock
will be even more limited if our price must be published on the "Pink Sheets."
BECAUSE WE ARE A DELAWARE CORPORATION, IT MAY BE DIFFICULT FOR A THIRD PARTY TO
ACQUIRE US, WHICH COULD AFFECT OUR STOCK PRICE.
We are governed by Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law,
which prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a
"business combination" with an entity who is an "interested stockholder" for a
period of three years, unless approved in a prescribed manner. This provision
11
of Delaware law may affect our ability to merge with, or to engage in other
similar activities with, some other companies. This means that we may be a less
attractive target to a potential acquirer who otherwise may be willing to pay a
premium for our common stock above its market price.
IF WE ISSUE OUR AUTHORIZED PREFERRED STOCK, THE RIGHTS OF THE HOLDERS OF OUR
COMMON STOCK MAY BE AFFECTED AND OTHER ENTITIES MAY BE DISCOURAGED FROM SEEKING
TO ACQUIRE CONTROL OF OUR COMPANY.
Our certificate of incorporation authorizes the issuance of up to 10
million shares of "blank check" preferred stock that could be designated and
issued by our board of directors to increase the number of outstanding shares
and thwart a takeover attempt. No shares of preferred stock are currently
outstanding. It is not possible to state the precise effect of preferred stock
upon the rights of the holders of our common stock until the board of directors
determines the respective preferences, limitations, and relative rights of the
holders of one or more series or classes of the preferred stock. However, such
effect might include: (i) reduction of the amount otherwise available for
payment of dividends on common stock, to the extent dividends are payable on any
issued shares of preferred stock, and restrictions on dividends on common stock
if dividends on the preferred stock are in arrears, (ii) dilution of the voting
power of the common stock to the extent that the preferred stock has voting
rights, and (iii) the holders of common stock not being entitled to share in our
assets upon liquidation until satisfaction of any liquidation preference granted
to the holders of our preferred stock.
The "blank check" preferred stock may be viewed as having the effect of
discouraging an unsolicited attempt by another entity to acquire control of us
and may therefore have an anti-takeover effect. Issuances of authorized
preferred stock can be implemented, and have been implemented by some companies
in recent years, with voting or conversion privileges intended to make an
acquisition of a company more difficult or costly. Such an issuance, or the
perceived threat of such an issuance, could discourage or limit the
stockholders' participation in certain types of transactions that might be
proposed (such as a tender offer), whether or not such transactions were favored
by the majority of the stockholders, and could enhance the ability of officers
and directors to retain their positions.
OUR POLICY OF NOT PAYING CASH DIVIDENDS ON OUR COMMON STOCK COULD NEGATIVELY
AFFECT THE PRICE OF OUR COMMON STOCK.
We have not paid in the past, and do not expect to pay in the foreseeable
future, cash dividends on our common stock. We expect to reinvest in our
business any cash otherwise available for dividends. Our decision not to pay
cash dividends may negatively affect the price of our common stock.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein contain
forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities
Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These
statements relate to future events or our future financial performance and can
be identified by terminology such as "may," "will," "should," "expects,"
"anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "potential" or "continue" or
the negative of such terms or other comparable terminology. These statements are
only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other
factors, including the risks outlined under "Risk Factors" that may cause our,
or our industries', actual results, levels of activity, performance or
achievements to vary from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking
statements. Before deciding to purchase our common stock you should carefully
consider the risks described in the "Risk Factors" section, in addition to the
other information set forth in this prospectus and the documents incorporated by
reference herein.
Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking
statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of
activity, performance or achievements. Moreover,
12
neither we nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and
completeness of such statements. We do not intend to update any of the
forward-looking statements after the date of this prospectus to conform such
statements to actual results except as required by law.
USE OF PROCEEDS
We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the shares of common
stock by the Selling Stockholders. We could receive up to $1,372,500 in proceeds
from the cash exercise of the warrants by the Selling Stockholders, which
proceeds would be used for general corporate purposes.
SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
This prospectus relates to 915,000 shares of our currently outstanding
common stock and 183,000 shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of
common stock purchase warrants. The shares have been registered with the SEC for
offer and sale, from time to time, by or for the account of the stockholders
named below (the "Selling Stockholders").
The table below provides the following information:
- the names of the Selling Stockholders as of the date of this
prospectus;
- the number of common shares that each such holder may offer and sell
from time to time under this prospectus; and
- the number of common shares beneficially owned by each such holder
as of the date of this prospectus and as of the completion of the
offering to which this prospectus relates, in each case as
determined in accordance with applicable rules promulgated by the
SEC.
The information presented in this table assumes that the Selling
Stockholders will sell all of the shares offered under this prospectus. However,
because the Selling Stockholders may sell all, some, or none of their shares
under this prospectus, or in another permitted manner, no assurances can be
given as to the actual number of shares that will be sold by the Selling
Stockholders or that will be held by the Selling Stockholders after completion
of the offering to which this prospectus relates.
This table is prepared based upon information supplied to us by the listed
Selling Stockholders. However, since the date on which the information in this
table is presented, the Selling Stockholders listed in this table may have sold
or transferred, in transactions exempt from registration requirements of the
Securities Act, some or all of their shares or may have acquired additional
shares. The shares covered by this prospectus may be offered from time to time
by the Selling Stockholders named below or by their pledgees, donees,
transferees, or other successors in interest. Information concerning the Selling
Stockholders may change from time to time and changed information will be
presented in a supplement to this prospectus if and when necessary or required.
NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY
SHARES NUMBER OF OWNED IF ALL
BENEFICIALLY OUTSTANDING NUMBER OF REGISTERED SHARES
OWNED BEFORE SHARES WARRANT SHARES ARE SOLD
SELLING STOCKHOLDERS REGISTRATION(1) REGISTERED REGISTERED NUMBER PERCENT
-------------------- --------------- ---------- ---------- ------ -------
Langley Partners, L.P. 1,098,000(1) 915,000 183,000 0 0
----------------
(1) Includes warrants to purchase 183,000 shares of common stock.
13
According to information supplied to us by the foregoing entities, none of
the Selling Stockholders listed above is a broker-dealer and each such Selling
Stockholder that is an affiliate of a broker-dealer purchased the common shares
covered by this prospectus in the ordinary course of business and, at the time
of such purchase, did not have any agreements or understandings, directly or
indirectly, with any person to distribute those shares.
To our knowledge, none of the Selling Stockholders nor any of their
affiliates, officers, directors, or principal equity holders has held any
position or office or has had any material relationship with us within the past
three years.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The Selling Stockholders and any of their pledgees, assignees and
successors-in-interest may, from time to time, sell any or all of the shares
covered by this prospectus. If any such pledgees, assignees and
successors-in-interest wish to sell shares under this prospectus, we will file a
supplement or amendment to identify those sellers. The Selling Stockholders will
act independently of us in making decisions with respect to the timing, manner
and size of each sale.
The Selling Stockholders may sell shares of common stock directly to
purchasers from time to time. Alternatively, they may from time to time offer
the common stock to or through underwriters, broker - dealers or agents, who may
receive compensation in the form of underwriting discounts, concessions or
commissions from the Selling Stockholder or the purchasers of such common stock
for whom they may act as agents.
Such sales may be made on any stock exchange, quotation system (including
the NASDAQ National Market), market or trading facility on which the shares are
traded or in private transactions. These sales may be at fixed or negotiated
prices. The Selling Stockholders may use any one or more of the following
methods when selling shares:
- ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the
broker-dealer solicits purchasers;
- block trades in which the broker-dealer will attempt to sell the
shares as agent but may position and resell a portion of the block
as principal to facilitate the transaction;
- purchases by a broker-dealer as principal and resale by the
broker-dealer for its account;
- an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of the
applicable exchange or quotation system (including the NASDAQ
National Market);
- privately negotiated transactions;
- settlement of short sales entered into after the date of this
prospectus;
- broker-dealers may agree with the Selling Stockholders to sell a
specified number of such shares at a stipulated price per share;
- a combination of any such methods of sale;
- through the writing or settlement of options or other hedging
transactions, whether through an options exchange or otherwise; or
14
- any other method permitted pursuant to applicable law.
The Selling Stockholders may also sell shares under Rule 144 under the
Securities Act, if available, rather than under this prospectus.
Broker-dealers engaged by the Selling Stockholders may arrange for other
brokers-dealers to participate in sales. Broker-dealers may receive commissions
or discounts from the Selling Stockholders (or, if any broker-dealer acts as
agent for the purchaser of shares, from the purchaser) in amounts to be
negotiated. Each Selling Stockholder does not expect these commissions and
discounts relating to its sales of shares to exceed what is customary in the
types of transactions involved.
In connection with the sale of our common stock or interests therein, the
Selling Stockholders may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers or
other financial institutions, which may in turn engage in short sales of the
common stock in the course of hedging the positions they assume. The Selling
Stockholders may also sell shares of our common stock short and deliver these
securities to close out their short positions, or loan or pledge the common
stock to broker-dealers that in turn may sell these securities. The Selling
Stockholders may also enter into option or other transactions with
broker-dealers or other financial institutions or the creation of one or more
derivative securities which require the delivery to such broker-dealer or other
financial institution of shares offered by this prospectus, which shares such
broker-dealer or other financial institution may resell pursuant to this
prospectus (as supplemented or amended to reflect such transaction).
The Selling Stockholders and any broker-dealers or agents that are
involved in selling the shares may be deemed to be "underwriters" within the
meaning of the Securities Act in connection with such sales. In such event, any
commissions received by such broker-dealers or agents and any profit on the
resale of the shares purchased by them may be deemed to be underwriting
commissions or discounts under the Securities Act. Each Selling Stockholder has
informed us that it does not have any agreement or understanding, directly or
indirectly, with any person to distribute the common stock. There is no
underwriter or coordinating broker acting in connection with the proposed sale
of our common stock by the Selling Stockholders. Because Selling Stockholders
may be deemed to be "underwriters" within the meaning of the Securities Act,
they will be subject to the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities
Act.
We are required to pay certain fees and expenses incurred by us incident
to the registration of the shares. We have agreed to indemnify the Selling
Stockholders against certain losses, claims, damages and liabilities, including
liabilities under the Securities Act.
We have agreed to keep this prospectus effective until the earlier of the
date on which (i) the shares may be resold by the Selling Stockholders without
registration and without regard to any volume limitations by reason of Rule
144(k) under the Securities Act or any other rule of similar effect or (ii) all
of the shares have been sold pursuant to the prospectus or Rule 144 under the
Securities Act or any other rule of similar effect. The shares will be sold only
through registered or licensed brokers or dealers if required under applicable
state securities laws. In addition, in certain states, the shares may not be
sold unless they have been registered or qualified for sale in the applicable
state or an exemption from the registration or qualification requirement is
available and is complied with.
Under applicable rules and regulations under the Exchange Act, any person
engaged in the distribution of the shares may not simultaneously engage in
market making activities with respect to our common stock for a period of two
business days prior to the commencement of the distribution. In addition, the
Selling Stockholders will be subject to applicable provisions of the Exchange
Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, including Regulation M, which may
limit the timing of purchases and sales of shares of our common stock by the
Selling Stockholders or any other person. We will make copies of this prospectus
available to the Selling Stockholders and have informed them of the need to
deliver a copy of this prospectus to each purchaser at or prior to the time of
the sale.
15
LEGAL OPINION
Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has issued an
opinion for us on the validity of the shares being offered by this prospectus.
EXPERTS
Our consolidated financial statements incorporated in this prospectus by
reference to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 15, 2004, as amended
on Form 10-K/A filed on April 28, 2004 and as further amended on Form 10-K/A
filed on September 24, 2004, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 have
been so incorporated in reliance on the report of Grant Thornton LLP,
independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said
firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We are a public company and file annual, quarterly and special reports,
proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. You may read and copy any document we file at the SEC's Public
Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. You can
request copies of these documents by writing to the SEC and paying a fee for the
copying cost. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for more information about
the operation of the public reference room. Our SEC filings are also available
to the public at the SEC's web site at http://www.sec.gov. In addition, our
stock is listed for trading on The Nasdaq National Market. You can read and copy
reports and other information concerning us at the offices of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. located at 1735 K Street, Washington,
D.C. 20006.
We filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a registration
statement on Form S-3 under the Securities Act which registered the shares
covered by this prospectus for resale by the Selling Stockholders. This
prospectus is a part of the registration statement. This prospectus does not
contain all of the information shown in the registration statement because we
have omitted some portions of the prospectus as permitted by the Securities and
Exchange Commission's rules and regulations. Statements contained in this
prospectus as to any contract or other documents' contents are not necessarily
complete. In each instance, if the contract or document is filed as an exhibit
to the registration statement, the affected statement is qualified, in all
respects, by reference to the applicable exhibit to the registration statement.
For further information about us and our shares, we refer you to the
registration statement and the exhibits and schedules that you may obtain from
the Securities and Exchange Commission at its principal office in Washington,
D.C. after you pay the Securities and Exchange Commission's prescribed fees.
INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The Securities and Exchange Commission allows us to "incorporate by
reference" the information we file with them, which means that we can disclose
important information to you by referring you to these documents. The
information we have incorporated by reference is an important part of this
prospectus, and information that we file later with the Securities and Exchange
Commission will update and supersede automatically this information. We
incorporate by reference the following documents, which we have filed already
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and any future filings we make with
the Securities and Exchange Commission under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d)
of the Exchange Act until the Selling Stockholders sell all of the shares
covered by this prospectus:
1. Our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003,
filed on March 15, 2004, as amended on April 28, 2004, and as further amended on
September 24, 2004 (SEC File No. 000-22810).
16
2. Our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004,
filed on August 12, 2004 (SEC File No. 000-22810).
3. Our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004,
filed on May 5, 2004 (SEC File No. 000-22810).
4. Our following current reports on Form 8-K:
(a) Form 8-K dated May 5, 2004 (SEC File No. 000-22810);
(b) Form 8-K dated May 28, 2004 (SEC File No. 000-22810);
(c) Form 8-K dated July 13, 2004 (SEC File No. 000-22810);
(d) Form 8-K/A dated August 2, 2004 (SEC File No. 000-22810);
and
(e) Form 8-K dated August 12, 2004 (SEC File No. 000-22810).
5. The description of our common stock contained in the registration
statement on Form 8-A (File No. 0-22810) filed by us to register such securities
under the Exchange Act, including all amendments and reports filed to update
such description.
You should rely only on the information we include or incorporate by
reference in this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement. We have
not authorized anyone to provide you with information different from that
contained in this prospectus. The information contained in this prospectus or
the applicable prospectus supplement is accurate only as of the date on the
front of those documents, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus
or the applicable prospectus supplement or of any sale of our securities.
Any statement contained in this prospectus or in a document incorporated
or deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus is deemed to be
modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that any of
the following modifies or supersedes a statement in this prospectus or
incorporated by reference in this prospectus:
- in the case of a statement in a previously filed document
incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus,
a statement contained in this prospectus;
- a statement contained in any accompanying prospectus supplement
relating to a specific offering of shares; or
- a statement contained in any other subsequently filed document that
is also incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in this
prospectus.
Any modified or superseded statement will not be deemed to constitute a
part of this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement, except as
modified or superseded. Except as provided by the above mentioned exceptions,
all information appearing in this prospectus and each accompanying prospectus
supplement is qualified in its entirety by the information appearing in the
documents incorporated by reference.
We will provide without charge to each person to whom a copy of this
prospectus is delivered, after their written or oral request, a copy of any or
all of the documents incorporated in this prospectus by
17
reference, other than exhibits to the documents, unless the exhibits are
incorporated specifically by reference in the documents. Requests for copies
should be directed to:
Louis D. Paolino, Jr.
Chief Executive Officer
Mace Security International, Inc.
1000 Crawford Place, Suite 400
Mt. Laurel, New Jersey 08054
(856) 778-2300
18