AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON JANUARY 10, 2002 REGISTRATION NO. 333-65998 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 ------------------------ AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO FORM S-1 REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ------------------------ ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC.* (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) DELAWARE 5511 58-2241119 (State or other jurisdiction (Primary Standard (I.R.S. Employer of incorporation or Industrial Identification No.) organization) Classification Code Number)
3 LANDMARK SQUARE SUITE 500 STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT 06901 (203) 356-4400 (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices) ------------------------------ KENNETH B. GILMAN CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC. 3 LANDMARK SQUARE SUITE 500 STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT 06901 (203) 356-4400 (Name and address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service) COPIES TO:ROBERT ROSENMAN, ESQ. ANDREW D. SOUSSLOFF, ESQ. CRAVATH, SWAINE & MOORE SULLIVAN & CROMWELL WORLDWIDE PLAZA 125 BROAD STREET 825 EIGHTH AVENUE NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10004 NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10019 (212) 558-4000 (212) 474-1000 FAX: (212) 558-3588 FAX: (212) 474-3700
APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement. If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box. / / If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. / / If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. / / If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. / / If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434, please check the following box. / / ------------------------------ THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SECTION 8(A), MAY DETERMINE. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * Immediately prior to the offering pursuant to this registration statement, all the membership interests in Asbury Automotive Group L.L.C. will be contributed to Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. Thus, Asbury Automotive Group L.L.C. will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Asbury Automotive Group, Inc.The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. These securities may not be sold until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell nor does it seek an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. SUBJECT TO COMPLETION. DATED JANUARY 10, 2002. [ ] Shares [LOGO] ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC. Common Stock ------------------ This is an initial public offering of shares of common stock of Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. Asbury is offering [ ] of the shares to be sold in the offering. The selling stockholders identified in this prospectus are offering an additional [ ] shares. Asbury will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of the shares being sold by the selling stockholders. Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for the common stock. It is currently estimated that the initial public offering price per share will be between $[ ] and $[ ]. Asbury has applied to list the common stock on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "ABG." SEE "RISK FACTORS" ON PAGE 6 TO READ ABOUT FACTORS YOU SHOULD CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING SHARES OF THE COMMON STOCK. ------------------------ NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE. ------------------------ To the extent that the underwriters sell more than [ ] shares of common stock, the underwriters have the option to purchase up to an additional [ ] shares from Asbury at the initial public offering price less the underwriting discount. ------------------------ The underwriters expect to deliver the shares against payment in New York, New York on [ ], 2002. GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO. MERRILL LYNCH & CO. SALOMON SMITH BARNEY ---------------- Prospectus dated , 2002.
PER SHARE TOTAL --------- -------- Initial public offering price............................... $ $ Underwriting discount....................................... $ $ Proceeds, before expenses, to Asbury........................ $ $ Proceeds, before expenses, to the selling stockholders...... $ $ [MAP OF THE U.S. WITH ASBURY STORES] [PHOTOS OF CERTAIN ASBURY STORES] [LOGOS OF PLATFORMS] No manufacturer or distributor has been involved, directly or indirectly, in the preparation of this prospectus or in the offering being made hereby. No manufacturer or distributor has been authorized to make any statements or representations in connection with the offering, and no manufacturer or distributor has any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of this prospectus or for the offering. PROSPECTUS SUMMARY THE FOLLOWING IS A SUMMARY OF SOME OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS. IT MAY NOT CONTAIN ALL THE INFORMATION THAT IS IMPORTANT TO YOU. TO UNDERSTAND THIS OFFERING FULLY, YOU SHOULD READ CAREFULLY THE ENTIRE PROSPECTUS, INCLUDING THE RISK FACTORS BEGINNING ON PAGE 6 AND THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. IN THIS PROSPECTUS THE TERMS "ASBURY," "WE," "US" AND "OUR" REFER TO ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC., UNLESS THE CONTEXT OTHERWISE REQUIRES, AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES AND THEIR RESPECTIVE PREDECESSORS IN INTEREST. THIS PROSPECTUS ASSUMES THAT, IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO THIS OFFERING ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP L.L.C. WILL HAVE BEEN CONVERTED FROM A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY INTO A CORPORATION NAMED ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC. THROUGH THE CONTRIBUTION OF ALL OF THE MEMBERSHIP INTERESTS IN ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP L.L.C. TO ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC. AS A RESULT OF THIS CONVERSION, ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP L.L.C. WILL BECOME A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC. PER SHARE DATA INCLUDED IN THIS PROSPECTUS ASSUME THAT MEMBERSHIP INTERESTS IN THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY OUTSTANDING IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO THE CONVERSION WILL BE EXCHANGED FOR SHARES OF COMMON STOCK IN THE NEW CORPORATION ON THE BASIS OF [ ] SHARES OF COMMON STOCK FOR EACH [ ]% OF MEMBERSHIP INTEREST. THIS PROSPECTUS INCLUDES STATISTICAL DATA REGARDING THE AUTOMOTIVE RETAILING INDUSTRY. UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED, SUCH DATA IS TAKEN OR DERIVED FROM INFORMATION PUBLISHED BY: - THE INDUSTRY ANALYSIS DIVISION OF THE NATIONAL AUTOMOBILE DEALERS ASSOCIATION, ALSO KNOWN AS "NADA," NADA DATA 2000. - AUTOMOTIVE NEWS 2001 MARKET DATA BOOK. - AUTOMOTIVE NEWS DATA CENTER. - CNW MARKETING/RESEARCH. - SALES & MARKETING MANAGEMENT 2000 SURVEY OF BUYING POWER AND MEDIA MARKETS. BUSINESS OUR COMPANY We are one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States, currently operating 127 franchises at 89 dealership locations. We offer our customers an extensive range of automotive products and services, including new and used vehicle sales and related financing and insurance, vehicle maintenance and repair services, replacement parts and service contracts. Our retail network is organized into nine regional dealership groups, which we refer to as "platforms," located in 17 market areas that we believe represent attractive opportunities. Our franchises include a diverse portfolio of 36 American, European and Asian brands, and a majority of our dealerships are either luxury franchises or mid-line import brands. We have grown rapidly in recent years, primarily through acquisition, with annual sales of $3.0 billion in 1999 and $4.0 billion in 2000, which represented a 34% increase in annual sales from 1999. For the nine months ended September 30, 2001, we had sales of $3.2 billion compared to sales for the first nine months of 2000 of $3.1 billion, which represented a 3.1% increase in sales. We sold a total of 154,422 new and used retail units in 2000, which represented a 32% increase over the 116,790 retail units sold in 1999. For the nine months ended September 30, 2001, we sold a total of 117,682 new and used retail units, as compared to 118,884 retail units sold during the first nine months of 2000. We compete in a large and highly fragmented industry comprised of approximately 22,000 franchised dealerships. The U.S. automotive retailing industry is estimated to have annual sales of approximately $1 trillion, with the 100 largest dealer groups generating less than 10% of total sales revenue. 1 OUR STRENGTHS We believe our strengths are as follows: - EXPERIENCED AND INCENTIVIZED MANAGEMENT. The former platform owners of seven of our nine platforms, each with greater than 24 years of experience in the automotive retailing industry, continue to manage their respective platforms. Our platforms' senior management teams will collectively own approximately [ ]% of our outstanding common stock after this offering. - ADVANTAGEOUS BRAND MIX. We believe our current brand mix includes a higher proportion of luxury and mid-line import franchises to total franchises than most public automotive retailers, accounting for 63% of new retail vehicle revenue in the year 2000 and 65% of new retail vehicle revenue for the first nine months of 2001. Luxury and mid-line imports generate above average gross margins on new vehicles and have greater customer loyalty and repeat purchases than mid-line domestic and value automobiles. - REGIONAL CONCENTRATION AND STRONG BRANDING OF OUR PLATFORMS. Each of our platforms is comprised of between seven and 22 franchises and generated average 2000 pro forma revenues of approximately $500 million. Regional concentration and strong brand recognition allow our platforms to realize significant economies of scale. - DIVERSIFIED REVENUE STREAMS/VARIABLE COST STRUCTURE. Used vehicle sales and parts, service and collision repair generate higher profit margins than new vehicle sales and tend to fluctuate less with economic cycles. In addition, our incentive-based compensation structure helps us to manage expenses in an economic downturn. OUR STRATEGY Our objective is to be the most profitable automotive retailer in select markets in the United States. To achieve this objective, we intend to follow the outlined strategy: - CONTINUED GROWTH THROUGH TARGETED ACQUISITIONS. We will seek to establish platforms in new markets through acquisitions of large, profitable and well-managed dealership groups. We will also pursue additional dealerships within our established markets to complement our platforms. - FOCUS ON HIGHER MARGIN PRODUCTS AND SERVICES. We will continue to focus our efforts on products and services that generate higher profit margins than new vehicle sales, such as used vehicle retail sales, finance and insurance, parts, service and collision repair, from which we currently derive approximately two-thirds of our total gross profit. - DECENTRALIZED DEALERSHIP OPERATIONS. We believe that decentralized dealership operations on a platform basis, complemented by centralized technology and financial controls, enable us to provide timely market-specific responses to sales, services, marketing and inventory requirements. RISKS RELATING TO OUR BUSINESS AND TO THIS OFFERING As part of your evaluation of us, you should take into account the risks we face in our business and not solely our competitive strengths and business strategies. Our operations may be affected by prevailing economic conditions. Moreover, our future performance depends on our ability to integrate and derive expected benefits from future acquisitions and our substantial indebtedness and limited financial resources may hinder our ability to fully implement our acquisition strategy. In addition, our business is subject to risks related to our dependence on vehicle manufacturers and key personnel, as well as risks associated with the automotive industry in general. You should also be aware that there are various risks involved in investing in our common stock, including risks relating to, among other things, future sales of a substantial amount of our common stock, dilution 2 to our investors, potential volatility of our future stock price, continuing voting control by existing stockholders and government regulation. For more information about these and other risks, see "Risk Factors" beginning on page 6. You should carefully consider these risk factors together with all of the other information included in this prospectus. ------------------------ Our principal executive offices are located at 3 Landmark Square, Suite 500, Stamford, Connecticut 06901. Our telephone number is (203) 356-4400. Our World Wide Web site address is HTTP://WWW.ASBURYAUTO.COM. Information contained on our website or that can be accessed through our website is not incorporated by reference in this prospectus. You should not consider information contained on our website or that can be accessed through our website to be part of this prospectus. 3 THE OFFERING Common stock offered by us............. shares(1) Common stock offered by selling stockholders......................... shares Total common stock offered............. shares(1) Common stock outstanding after this offering............................. shares(2) Use of Proceeds........................ We intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of the common stock offered by us for repayment of outstanding indebtedness and general corporate purposes, including working capital and possible acquisitions. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares by the selling stockholders. Proposed NYSE Symbol................... ABG Risk Factors........................... See "Risk Factors" beginning on page 6 of this prospectus for a discussion of factors that you should carefully consider before deciding to invest in shares of our common stock.
- ------------------------------ (1) Does not include shares of common stock that may be sold by us if the underwriters choose to exercise their over-allotment option. (2) Does not include (a) options issued under our 1999 Option Plan for [ ]% of the limited liability company interests in us converted to [ ] shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $[ ] per share and (b) [ ] shares of common stock reserved for issuance under our 2002 Stock Option Plan, under which options to purchase [ ] shares of common stock will be issued on the date of this prospectus at the offering price set forth on the cover page. 4SUMMARY HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA The summary below presents our consolidated financial information and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. The pro forma as adjusted columns reflect: (a) our recently completed and probable acquisitions and divestitures; (b) our change in tax status and the method of valuing certain of our inventories that will occur simultaneously with our becoming a corporation; (c) the conversion of certain executives' carried interests (that is, interests in an increase in our value) into options for our common stock; and (d) this offering of our common stock and our use of a portion of the proceeds to us to pay down debt.
NINE MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, SEPTEMBER 30, -------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- 2000 2001 ------------------------- ------------------------- PRO FORMA PRO FORMA 1998 1999 ACTUAL AS ADJUSTED 2000 ACTUAL AS ADJUSTED --------- ---------- ---------- ------------ ---------- ---------- ------------ ($ IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) INCOME STATEMENT DATA: Revenues: New vehicles.................. $ 687,850 $1,820,393 $2,439,729 $2,755,318 $1,883,952 $1,879,042 $1,962,432 Used vehicles................. 221,828 787,029 1,064,102 1,211,597 825,316 865,711 906,010 Parts, service and collision repair...................... 156,037 341,506 434,478 479,147 322,734 365,472 378,923 Finance and insurance, net.... 19,149 63,206 89,481 95,694 67,638 79,070 80,135 --------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Total revenues.................. 1,084,864 3,012,134 4,027,790 4,541,756 3,099,640 3,189,295 3,327,500 Gross profit.................... 155,449 441,168 597,539 664,045 455,930 496,141 512,275 Income from operations.......... 21,810 81,564 121,885 143,205 102,198 94,868 101,179 Income before minority interest and extraordinary loss........ 18,118 37,420 38,667 52,823 40,307 34,953 41,373 Net income...................... 3,081 16,148 28,927 32,698 30,548 32,691 25,999 Income (loss) per common share-- basic......................... n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a OTHER DATA: Gross profit margin............. 14.3% 14.6% 14.8% 14.6% 14.7% 15.6% 15.4% Operating income margin......... 2.0% 2.7% 3.0% 3.2% 3.3% 3.0% 3.0% New vehicle retail units sold... 27,734 71,604 96,614 106,661 73,665 71,482 74,209 Used vehicle retail units sold.......................... 15,205 45,186 57,808 65,372 45,219 46,200 48,357 5
AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 ----------------------------- PRO FORMA ACTUAL AS ADJUSTED ------------- ------------- ($ IN THOUSANDS) BALANCE SHEET DATA: Inventories................................................. $ 467,062 $ 478,663 Total current assets........................................ 704,154 740,924 Property and equipment, net................................. 248,522 245,261 Goodwill, net............................................... 385,585 394,533 Total assets................................................ 1,401,084 1,439,537 Floor plan notes payable.................................... 423,634 425,111 Total current liabilities, including current portion of long-term debt............................................ 547,066 548,990 Total long-term debt, including current portion............. 516,184 466,696 Total equity................................................ 335,989 407,691 RISK FACTORS You should carefully consider the following risks and other information in this prospectus before deciding to invest in shares of our common stock. If any of the following risks and uncertainties actually occur, our business' financial condition or operating results may be materially and adversely affected. In this event, the trading price of our common stock may decline and you may lose part or all of your investment. RISKS RELATED TO OUR DEPENDENCE ON VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS IF WE FAIL TO OBTAIN RENEWALS OF ONE OR MORE OF OUR FRANCHISE AGREEMENTS FROM VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS ON FAVORABLE TERMS, OR IF ONE OR MORE OF OUR FRANCHISE AGREEMENTS ARE TERMINATED, OUR OPERATIONS MAY BE SIGNIFICANTLY COMPROMISED. Each of our dealerships operates under the terms of a franchise agreement with the manufacturer (or manufacturer-authorized distributor) of each vehicle brand it carries. Our dealerships may obtain new vehicles from manufacturers, sell new vehicles and display vehicle manufacturers' trademarks only to the extent permitted under franchise agreements. As a result of our dependence on these franchise rights, manufacturers exercise a great deal of control over our day-to-day operations and the terms of our franchise agreements implicate key aspects of our operations, acquisition strategy and capital spending. Each of our franchise agreements provides the manufacturer with the right to terminate the agreement or refuse to renew it after the expiration of the term of the agreement under specified circumstances. We cannot assure you we will be able to renew any of our existing franchise agreements or that we will be able to obtain renewals on favorable terms. Specifically, many of our franchise agreements provide that the manufacturer may terminate the agreement or direct us to divest the subject dealerships, if the dealership undergoes a change of control. Provisions such as these may provide manufacturers with superior bargaining positions in the event that they seek to terminate our franchise agreements or renegotiate the agreements on terms that are disadvantageous to us. Some of our franchise agreements also provide the manufacturer with the right to purchase from us any franchise we seek to sell. Our results of operations may be materially and adversely affected to the extent that our franchise rights become compromised or our operations restricted due to the terms of our franchise agreements. MANUFACTURERS' STOCK OWNERSHIP RESTRICTIONS LIMIT OUR ABILITY TO ISSUE ADDITIONAL EQUITY, WHICH MAY HAMPER OUR ABILITY TO MEET OUR FINANCING NEEDS. Some of our automobile franchise agreements prohibit transfers of any ownership interests of a dealership or, in some cases, its parent. The most prohibitive restriction, which has been imposed by various manufacturers, provides that, under certain circumstances, we may lose a franchise if a person or entity acquires an ownership interest in us above a specified level (ranging from 20% to 50% depending on the particular manufacturer's restrictions) without the approval of the applicable manufacturer. This trigger level can fall to as low as 5% if another vehicle manufacturer is the entity acquiring the ownership interest. Violations by our stockholders or prospective stockholders (including vehicle manufacturers) of these ownership restrictions are generally outside of our control and may result in the termination or non-renewal of one or more franchises, which may have a material adverse effect on us. We cannot assure you that manufacturers will grant the approvals required for such acquisitions. Moreover, if we are unable to obtain the requisite approval in a timely manner we may not be able to issue additional equity in the time necessary to take advantage of a market opportunity dependent on ready financing or an equity issuance. These restrictions may also prevent or deter prospective acquirers from acquiring control of us and, therefore, may adversely impact the value of our common stock. 6 MANUFACTURERS' RESTRICTIONS ON ACQUISITIONS MAY LIMIT OUR FUTURE GROWTH. We are required to obtain the consent of the applicable manufacturer before we can acquire any additional dealership franchises. We cannot assure you that manufacturers will consent to future acquisitions which may deter us from being able to take advantage of a market opportunity. Obtaining manufacturer consent for acquisitions may also take a significant amount of time which may negatively affect our ability to acquire an attractive target. In addition, under an applicable franchise agreement or under state law, a manufacturer may have a right of first refusal to acquire a dealership that we seek to acquire. Many vehicle manufacturers place limits on the total number of franchises that any group of affiliated dealerships may obtain. A manufacturer may place generic limits on the number of franchises or share of total franchises or vehicle sales maintained by an affiliated dealership group on a national, regional or local basis. Manufacturers may also tailor these types of restrictions to particular dealership groups. Our current franchise mix has caused us to reach the present franchise ceiling, set by agreement or corporate policy, with Acura, and we are close to our franchise ceiling with Toyota and Jaguar. We may have difficulty, or it may be impossible, for us to obtain additional franchises from manufacturers once we reach their franchise ceilings. As a condition to granting their consent to our acquisitions, a number of manufacturers may impose additional restrictions on us. Manufacturers' restrictions typically prohibit: - material changes in our company or extraordinary corporate transactions such as a merger, sale of a substantial amount of assets or any change in our board of directors or management that may have a material adverse effect on the manufacturer's image or reputation or may be materially incompatible with the manufacturer's interests; - the removal of a dealership general manager without the consent of the manufacturer; and - the use of dealership facilities to sell or service new vehicles of other manufacturers. MANUFACTURERS MAY DIRECT US TO APPLY OUR RESOURCES TO CAPITAL PROJECTS AND RESTRUCTURINGS THAT WE MAY NOT OTHERWISE HAVE CHOSEN TO DO. Manufacturers may direct us to implement costly capital improvements to dealerships as a condition for renewing our franchise agreements with them. Manufacturers also typically require that their franchises meet specific standards of appearance. These factors, either alone or in combination, could cause us to divert our financial resources to capital projects from uses that management believes may be of higher long-term value to us, such as acquisitions. OUR DEALERS DEPEND UPON VEHICLE SALES AND, THEREFORE, THEIR SUCCESS DEPENDS IN LARGE PART UPON THE DEMANDS FOR THE PARTICULAR VEHICLE LINES THEY CARRY. The success of our dealerships depends in large part on the overall success of the vehicle lines they carry. New vehicle sales generate the majority of our gross revenue and lead to sales of higher-margin products and services such as finance and insurance products and repair and maintenance services. Although we have sought to limit our dependence on any one vehicle brand, we have focused our new vehicle sales operations in mid-line import and luxury brands. Further, in 2000, Honda, Ford, Toyota and Nissan accounted for 17%, 13%, 10% and 8% of our revenues from new vehicle sales, respectively. No other franchise accounted for more than 5% of our total new vehicle retail sales revenue in 2000. If one or more vehicle lines that separately or collectively account for a significant percentage of our new vehicle sales suffer from decreasing consumer demand, our new vehicle sales and related revenues may be materially reduced. 7 IF WE FAIL TO OBTAIN A DESIRABLE MIX OF POPULAR NEW VEHICLES FROM MANUFACTURERS, OUR PROFITABILITY WILL BE NEGATIVELY IMPACTED. We depend on manufacturers to provide us with a desirable mix of popular new vehicles. Typically, popular vehicles produce the highest profit margins but tend to be the most difficult to obtain from manufacturers. Manufacturers generally allocate their vehicles among their franchised dealerships based on the sales history of each dealership. If our dealerships experience prolonged sales slumps, those manufacturers will cut back their allotments of popular vehicles to our dealerships and new vehicle sales and profits may decline. IF AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURERS DISCONTINUE INCENTIVE PROGRAMS, OUR SALES VOLUME AND/OR PROFIT MARGIN ON EACH SALE MAY BE MATERIALLY AND ADVERSELY AFFECTED. Our dealerships depend on manufacturers for certain sales incentives, warranties and other programs that are intended to promote and support new vehicle sales. Manufacturers often make many changes to their incentive programs during each year. Some key incentive programs include: - customer rebates on new vehicles; - dealer incentives on new vehicles; - special financing or leasing terms; - warranties on new and used vehicles; and - sponsorship of used vehicle sales by authorized new vehicle dealers. A reduction or discontinuation of key manufacturers' incentive programs may reduce our new vehicle sales volume resulting in decreased vehicle sales and related revenues. ADVERSE CONDITIONS AFFECTING ONE OR MORE MANUFACTURERS MAY NEGATIVELY IMPACT OUR PROFITABILITY. The success of each of our dealerships depends to a great extent on vehicle manufacturers': - financial condition; - marketing efforts; - vehicle design; - production capabilities; - reputation; - management; and - labor relations. Adverse conditions affecting these and other important aspects of manufacturers' operations and public relations may adversely affect our ability to market their automobiles to the public and, as a result, significantly and detrimentally affect our profitability. OUR FAILURE TO MEET A MANUFACTURER'S CONSUMER SATISFACTION AND FINANCIAL AND SALES PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR ABILITY TO ACQUIRE NEW DEALERSHIPS AND OUR PROFITABILITY. Many manufacturers attempt to measure customers' satisfaction with their purchase and warranty service experiences through rating systems which are generally known as consumer satisfaction indexes, or CSI, which augment manufacturers' monitoring of dealerships' financial and sales performance. Manufacturers may use these performance indicators as a factor in evaluating applications for additional acquisitions. The components of these performance indicators have been 8 modified by various manufacturers from time to time in the past, and we cannot assure you that these components will not be further modified or replaced by different systems in the future. Some of our dealerships have had difficulty from time to time meeting these standards. We cannot assure you that we will be able to comply with these standards in the future. A manufacturer may refuse to consent to our acquisition of one of its franchises if it determines our dealerships do not comply with its performance standards. This may impede our ability to execute our acquisition strategy. In addition, we receive payments from the manufacturers based, in part, on CSI scores, and future payments may be materially reduced or eliminated if our CSI scores decline. IF STATE DEALER LAWS ARE REPEALED OR WEAKENED, OUR DEALERSHIPS WILL BE MORE SUSCEPTIBLE TO TERMINATION, NON-RENEWAL OR RE-NEGOTIATION OF THEIR FRANCHISE AGREEMENTS. State dealer laws generally provide that a manufacturer may not terminate or refuse to renew a franchise agreement unless it has first provided the dealer with written notice setting forth good cause and stating the grounds for termination or nonrenewal. Some state dealer laws allow dealers to file protests or petitions or attempt to comply with the manufacturer's criteria within the notice period to avoid the termination or nonrenewal. Though unsuccessful to date, manufacturers' lobbying efforts may lead to the repeal or revision of state dealer laws. If dealer laws are repealed in the states in which we operate, manufacturers may be able to terminate our franchises without providing advance notice, an opportunity to cure or a showing of good cause. Without the protection of state dealer laws, it may also be more difficult for our dealers to renew their franchise agreements upon expiration. RISKS RELATED TO OUR ACQUISITION STRATEGY IF WE ARE UNABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY INTEGRATE ACQUISITIONS, WE WILL BE UNABLE TO REALIZE DESIRED RESULTS FROM OUR GROWTH THROUGH ACQUISITION STRATEGY AND ACQUIRED OPERATIONS WILL DRAIN RESOURCES FROM COMPARATIVELY PROFITABLE OPERATIONS. The automobile retailing industry is considered a mature industry in which minimal growth is expected in industry unit sales. Accordingly, our future growth depends in large part on our ability to acquire additional dealerships, manage expansion, control costs in our operations and consolidate acquired dealerships into our organization. In pursuing our strategy of acquiring other dealerships, we face risks commonly encountered with growth through acquisitions. These risks include, but are not limited to: - incurring significantly higher capital expenditures and operating expenses; - failing to integrate the operations and personnel of the acquired dealerships; - entering new markets with which we are unfamiliar; - incurring undiscovered liabilities at acquired dealerships; - disrupting our ongoing business; - diverting our management resources; - failing to maintain uniform standards controls and policies; - impairing relationships with employees, manufacturers and customers as a result of changes in management; - causing increased expenses for accounting and computer systems; - failing to obtain manufacturers' consents to acquisitions of additional franchises; and - incorrectly valuing acquired entities. 9 We may not adequately anticipate all the demands that our growth will impose on our personnel, procedures and structures, including our financial and reporting control systems, data processing systems and management structure. Moreover, our failure to retain qualified management personnel at any acquired dealership may increase the risk associated with integrating the acquired dealership. If we cannot adequately anticipate and respond to these demands, we may fail to realize acquisition synergies and our resources will be focused on incorporating new operations into our structure rather than on areas that may be more profitable. WE MAY BE UNABLE TO CAPITALIZE ON ACQUISITION OPPORTUNITIES BECAUSE OUR FINANCIAL RESOURCES ARE LIMITED. We intend to finance our acquisitions by issuing shares of common stock as full or partial consideration for acquired dealerships. The extent to which we will be able or willing to issue common stock for acquisitions will depend on the market value of the common stock from time to time and the willingness of potential acquisition candidates to accept common stock as part of the consideration for the sale of their businesses. Since we may focus on large platform acquisitions, it is possible that we will issue a significant number of additional shares of common stock in connection with such acquisitions in the near future. The additional shares of common stock may be as much as, or more than, the number of outstanding shares of common stock available immediately after the offering. Moreover, manufacturer consent is required before we can acquire additional dealerships and, in some cases, to issue additional equity. See "Risk Factors--Manufacturers' restrictions on acquisitions may limit our future growth," and "Risk Factors--Manufacturers' stock ownership restrictions limit our ability to issue additional equity, which may hamper our ability to meet our financing needs." We may be required to use available cash or other sources of debt or equity financing. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain additional financing by issuing stock or debt securities, and using cash to complete acquisitions may substantially limit our operating or financial flexibility. If we are unable to obtain financing on acceptable terms, we may be required to reduce the scope of our presently anticipated expansion, which may materially and adversely affect our growth strategy. We are dependent to a significant extent on our ability to finance our inventory. Automotive retail inventory financing involves borrowing significant sums of money in the form of "floor plan" financing. Floor plan financing is how a dealership finances its purchase of new vehicles from a manufacturer. The dealership borrows money to buy a particular vehicle from the manufacturer and pays off the loan when it sells that particular vehicle, paying interest during the interim period. We must obtain new floor plan financing or obtain consents to assume such financing in connection with our acquisition of dealerships. Our pledging of substantially all our inventory and other assets to obtain this financing may impede our ability to borrow from other sources. OUR SUBSTANTIAL INDEBTEDNESS MAY LIMIT OUR ABILITY TO OBTAIN FINANCING FOR ACQUISITIONS AND WILL REQUIRE THAT A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF OUR CASH FLOW BE USED FOR DEBT SERVICE. We have substantial indebtedness and, as a result, significant debt service obligations. As of September 30, 2001, we had approximately $949.8 million of total indebtedness outstanding. Of this amount, $423.6 million represents floor plan financing. Our total indebtedness outstanding (excluding floor plan financing) is equal to approximately 61% of our total capitalization plus short-term debt. As of September 30, 2001, after giving pro forma effect to this offering and the application of the net proceeds to us, our total indebtedness would have been approximately $901.8 million ($476.7 million, excluding floor plan financing, representing approximately 54% of total capitalization plus short-term debt). We may incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future. We will have substantial debt service obligations, consisting of cash payments of principal and interest, for the foreseeable future. 10 The terms of our borrowing facilities also place restrictions on our ability to engage in specific corporate transactions. In particular, the facilities prohibit us from paying dividends, undergoing a change of control and disposing of significant assets or subsidiaries. The degree of our financial leverage and, as a result, significant debt service obligations, may have a significant impact on our financial results and operations, including: - limiting our ability to obtain additional financing to fund our growth strategy, working capital requirements, capital expenditures, acquisitions, debt service requirements or other general corporate requirements; - limiting our ability to use operating cash flow in other areas of our business because we must dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow to fund debt service obligations; and - increasing our vulnerability to adverse economic and industry conditions that may negatively impact our cash flow available for debt service. THE COMPETITION WITH OTHER DEALER GROUPS TO ACQUIRE AUTOMOTIVE DEALERSHIPS IS INTENSE, AND WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO FULLY IMPLEMENT OUR GROWTH THROUGH ACQUISITION STRATEGY IF ATTRACTIVE TARGETS ARE ACQUIRED BY COMPETING GROUPS OR PRICED OUT OF OUR REACH DUE TO COMPETITIVE PRESSURES. We believe that the U.S. automotive retailing market is fragmented and offers many potential acquisition candidates that meet our targeting criteria. However, we compete with several other national dealer groups, some of which may have greater financial and other resources, and competition with existing dealer groups and dealer groups formed in the future for attractive acquisition targets may result in fewer acquisition opportunities and increased acquisition costs. We will have to forego acquisition opportunities to the extent that we cannot negotiate acquisitions on acceptable terms. RISKS RELATED TO COMPETITION THE LOSS OF KEY PERSONNEL AND LIMITED MANAGEMENT AND PERSONNEL RESOURCES MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR OPERATIONS AND GROWTH. Our success depends to a significant degree upon the continued contributions of our management team, particularly our senior management, and service and sales personnel. Additionally, manufacturer franchise agreements may require the prior approval of the applicable manufacturer before any change is made in dealership general managers. We do not have employment agreements with most of our dealership managers and other key dealership personnel. Consequently, the loss of the services of one or more of these key employees may materially impair the efficiency and productivity of our operations. In addition, we may need to hire additional managers as we expand. The market for qualified employees in the industry and in the regions in which we operate, particularly for general managers and sales and service personnel, is highly competitive and may subject us to increased labor costs during periods of low unemployment. The loss of the services of key employees or the inability to attract additional qualified managers may adversely affect the ability of our dealerships to conduct their operations in accordance with the standards set by our headquarters management. SUBSTANTIAL COMPETITION IN AUTOMOBILE SALES AND SERVICES MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR PROFITABILITY. The automotive retailing and servicing industry is highly competitive with respect to price, service, location and selection. Our competition includes: - franchised automobile dealerships in our markets that sell the same or similar new and used vehicles that we offer; - other national or regional affiliated groups of franchised dealerships; 11 - privately negotiated sales of used vehicles; - service center chain stores; and - independent service and repair shops. We do not have any cost advantage in purchasing new vehicles from manufacturers. We typically rely on advertising, merchandising, sales expertise, service reputation and dealership location to sell new and used vehicles. Our franchise agreements do not grant us the exclusive right to sell a manufacturer's product within a given geographic area. Our revenues or profitability may be materially and adversely affected if competing dealerships expand their market share or are awarded additional franchises by manufacturers that supply our dealerships. RISKS RELATED TO THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY OUR BUSINESS WILL BE HARMED IF OVERALL CONSUMER DEMAND SUFFERS FROM A SEVERE OR SUSTAINED DOWNTURN. Our business is heavily dependent on consumer demand and preferences. Our revenues will be materially and adversely affected if there is a severe or sustained downturn in overall levels of consumer spending. Retail vehicle sales are cyclical and historically have experienced periodic downturns characterized by oversupply and weak demand. These cycles are often dependent on general economic conditions and consumer confidence, as well as the level of discretionary personal income and credit availability. The current economic outlook appears uncertain and consumer demand may decline in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in the U.S. on September 11, 2001. Future recessions may have a material adverse effect on our retail business, particularly sales of new and used automobiles. Our sales of trucks and bulk sales of vehicles to corporate customers are also cyclical and dependent on overall levels of economic activity. In addition, severe or sustained increases in gasoline prices may lead to a reduction in automobile purchases or a shift in buying patterns from luxury/SUV models (which typically provide high profit margins to retailers) to smaller, more economical vehicles (which typically have lower margins). OUR BUSINESS MAY BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY UNFAVORABLE CONDITIONS IN OUR LOCAL MARKETS, EVEN IF THOSE CONDITIONS ARE NOT PROMINENT NATIONALLY. Our performance is also subject to local economic, competitive and other conditions prevailing in our platforms' particular geographic areas. Our dealerships currently are located primarily in the Atlanta, Austin, Chapel Hill, Dallas-Fort Worth, Greensboro, Houston, Jackson, Jacksonville, Little Rock, Orlando, Raleigh, Richmond, Portland, St. Louis and Tampa markets. Although we intend to pursue acquisitions outside of these markets, our current operations are based in these areas. As a consequence, our results of operations depend substantially on general economic conditions and consumer spending levels in the Southeast and Texas, and to a lesser extent in the Northwest and Midwest. THE SEASONALITY OF THE AUTOMOBILE RETAIL BUSINESS MAGNIFIES THE IMPORTANCE OF OUR SECOND AND THIRD QUARTER RESULTS. The automobile industry is subject to seasonal variations in revenues. Demand for automobiles is generally lower during the first and fourth quarters of each year. Accordingly, we expect our revenues and operating results generally to be lower in our first and fourth quarters than in our second and third quarters. Therefore, if conditions surface during the second or third quarters that retard automotive sales, such as high fuel costs, depressed economic conditions or similar adverse conditions, our sales revenues for the year will be disproportionately adversely affected. 12 OUR BUSINESS MAY BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY IMPORT PRODUCT RESTRICTIONS AND FOREIGN TRADE RISKS THAT MAY IMPAIR OUR ABILITY TO SELL FOREIGN VEHICLES PROFITABLY. A significant portion of our new vehicle business will involve the sale of vehicles, parts or vehicles composed of parts that are manufactured outside the United States. As a result, our operations will be subject to customary risks of importing merchandise, including fluctuations in the relative values of currencies, import duties, exchange controls, trade restrictions, work stoppages and general political and socio-economic conditions in foreign countries. The United States or the countries from which our products are imported may, from time to time, impose new quotas, duties, tariffs or other restrictions, or adjust presently prevailing quotas, duties or tariffs, which may affect our operations and our ability to purchase imported vehicles and/or parts at reasonable prices. OUR CAPITAL COSTS AND RESULT OF OPERATIONS MAY BE MATERIALLY AND ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY A RISING INTEREST RATE ENVIRONMENT. We finance our purchases of new and, to a lesser extent, used vehicle inventory under a floor plan borrowing arrangement under which we are charged interest at floating rates. We obtain capital for acquisitions and for some working capital purposes under a similar arrangement. As a result, our debt service expenses may rise with increases in interest rates. Rising interest rates may also have the effect of depressing demand in the interest rate sensitive aspects of our business, particularly new and used vehicle sales, because many of our customers finance their vehicle purchases. As a result, rising interest rates may have the effect of simultaneously increasing our costs and reducing our revenues. GENERAL RISKS RELATED TO INVESTING IN OUR STOCK WE WILL BE CONTROLLED BY RIPPLEWOOD HOLDINGS L.L.C., WHICH MAY HAVE INTERESTS DIFFERENT FROM YOUR INTERESTS. After the completion of the offering, Asbury Automotive Holdings L.L.C., a controlled affiliate of Ripplewood Holdings L.L.C., will own [ ]% of our common stock, and certain platform principals, consisting of the former owners of our platforms and members of their management teams, will collectively own [ ]% of our common stock, assuming no exercise of the underwriters' over-allotment option. We do not know Asbury Automotive Holdings' future plans as to its holdings of our common stock and cannot give you any assurances that its actions will not negatively affect our common stock in the future. For example, Asbury Automotive Holdings has from time to time had discussions with competitors regarding potential business combinations. Pursuant to stockholders agreement among us, Asbury Automotive Holdings and the platform principals, the platform principals are required to vote their shares in accordance with Asbury Automotive Holdings' instructions with respect to: - persons nominated by Asbury Automotive Holdings to our board of directors (and persons nominated against Asbury Automotive Holdings' nominees); and - any matter to be voted on by the holders of our common stock, whether or not the matter was initiated by Asbury Automotive Holdings. CONCENTRATION OF VOTING POWER AND ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS OF OUR CHARTER, BYLAWS, DELAWARE LAW AND OUR FRANCHISE AGREEMENTS MAY REDUCE THE LIKELIHOOD OF ANY POTENTIAL CHANGE OF CONTROL. When this offering is completed, Ripplewood, through its control of Asbury Automotive Holdings, will control [ ]% of our common stock. Further, under the stockholders agreement, Ripplewood will have the power to cause the platform principals (who, together with Ripplewood will collectively hold [ ]% of our common stock after this offering is completed, assuming no 13 exercise of the underwriters' over-allotment option) to vote in favor of Ripplewood's nominees to our board of directors. Provisions of our charter and bylaws may have the effect of discouraging, delaying or preventing a change in control of us or unsolicited acquisition proposals that a stockholder might consider favorable. These include provisions: - providing that no more than one-third of the members of our board of directors stand for re-election by the stockholders at each annual meeting; - permitting the removal of a director from office only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the voting power of all common stock outstanding; - vesting the board of directors with sole power to set the number of directors; - allowing a special meeting of the shareholders to be called only by the chairman of our board of directors, either on his or her own initiative or at the request of stockholders collectively holding at least 50% of the common stock outstanding; - prohibiting stockholder action by written consent; - requiring the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the voting power of all common stock outstanding to effect certain amendments to our charter or by-laws; and - requiring formal advance notice for nominations for election to our board of directors or for proposing matters that can be acted upon at stockholders' meetings. In addition, Delaware law makes it difficult for stockholders who have recently acquired a large interest in a corporation to cause the merger or acquisition of the corporation against the directors' wishes. Furthermore, our board of directors has the authority to issue shares of preferred stock in one or more series and to fix the rights and preferences of the shares of any such series without stockholder approval. Any series of preferred stock is likely to be senior to the common stock with respect to dividends, liquidation rights and, possibly, voting rights. Our board's ability to issue preferred stock may also have the effect of discouraging unsolicited acquisition proposals, thus adversely affecting the market price of the common stock. Finally, restrictions imposed by some of our dealer agreements may impede or prevent any potential takeover bid. Under the terms of the options granted under our 2002 option plan, many option grants will fully vest and become immediately exercisable upon a change in control of us, which, together with severance arrangements and other change of control provisions contained in several of our employment agreements with our executives, may further deter a potential acquisition bid. GOVERNMENTAL REGULATIONS AND ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION COMPLIANCE COSTS MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR PROFITABILITY. We are subject to a wide range of federal, state and local laws and regulations, such as local licensing requirements, consumer protection laws and environmental requirements governing, among other things, discharges into the air and water, above ground and underground storage of petroleum substances and chemicals, handling and disposal of wastes and remediation of contamination arising from spills and releases. If we or our properties violate these laws and regulations, we may be subject to civil and criminal penalties, or a cease and desist order may be issued against our operations that are not in compliance. Our future acquisitions may also be subject to governmental regulation, including antitrust reviews. We believe that all of our platforms, the first of which we acquired in 1996, comply in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations relating to our business, but future laws and regulations may be more stringent and require us to incur significant additional costs. 14 SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE, INCLUDING SHARES OWNED BY ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE HOLDINGS, MAY CAUSE THE MARKET PRICE OF OUR COMMON STOCK TO DROP SIGNIFICANTLY, EVEN IF OUR BUSINESS IS DOING WELL. The potential for sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market after this offering may adversely affect the market price of the common stock. After this offering is concluded, we will have [ ] shares of common stock outstanding ([ ] shares if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full), including [ ] shares owned by Asbury Automotive Holdings. Of these shares, the [ ] shares of common stock offered hereby ([ ] shares if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full) will be freely tradable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act, except for shares held by persons deemed to be "affiliates" of us (including Asbury Automotive Holdings) or acting as "underwriters," as those terms are defined in the Securities Act and related rules. The remaining [ ] shares of common stock outstanding, including the shares owned by Asbury Automotive Holdings, will be "restricted securities" within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act and will be eligible for resale subject to the volume, manner of sale, holding period and other limitations of Rule 144. In addition to outstanding shares eligible for sale, [ ] shares of our common stock are issuable under currently outstanding stock options granted to certain executive officers and employees. An additional [ ] shares of common stock are reserved for issuance to employees under our 2002 Stock Option Plan, and options for [ ] shares of common stock will be granted pursuant to that plan at the time of the offering. See "Shares Eligible for Future Sale." IF WE ARE UNABLE TO RETAIN KEY MANAGEMENT OR OTHER PERSONNEL, WE MAY BE UNABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY DEVELOP OUR BUSINESS. We depend on our executive officers as well as other key personnel. Not all our key personnel are bound by employment agreements, and those with employment agreements are bound only for a limited period of time. If we are unable to retain our key personnel, we may be unable to successfully develop and implement our business plans. Further, we do not maintain "key man" life insurance policies on any of our executive officers or key personnel. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This prospectus contains forward-looking statements that are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the industry in which we operate, management's beliefs and assumptions made by management. Such statements include, in particular, statements about our plans, strategies and prospects under the headings "Prospectus Summary," "Risk Factors," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," "Business," "Shares Eligible for Future Sale" and "Underwriting." Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions which are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. Except as required under the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, we do not have any intention or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements after we distribute this prospectus, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. 15 USE OF PROCEEDS We estimate that our proceeds from the sale of [ ] shares of common stock in this offering (at an assumed offering price of $[ ] per share), after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, will be approximately $[ ] million ($[ ] million if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full). We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of [ ] shares of common stock by the selling stockholders. Pursuant to the terms of our $550 million acquisition credit facility, we are required to apply 80% of the net proceeds to us from this offering to repay debt incurred under the facility. Since the formation of the credit facility in January 2001, we have utilized $330.6 million to repay certain existing term notes and pay certain fees and expenses in connection with closing the facility and we have subsequently drawn a total of $52.7 million to principally finance the acquisition of seven dealerships. The credit facility terminates in January 2004 with a provision for an indefinite series of one year extensions at our request if approved by the lenders, and has a variable interest rate (6.2% as of January 1, 2002). After reduction of our debt under the credit facility, we will have the ability to borrow additional funds from the credit facility in accordance with its terms. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Credit Facilities". We will use the remaining net proceeds to us for working capital, future platform or dealership acquisitions and general corporate purposes. DIVIDEND POLICY We intend to retain all our earnings to finance the growth and development of our business, including future acquisitions. Our acquisition financing credit facility prohibits us from declaring or paying cash dividends or other distributions to our stockholders. We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. Any future change in our dividend policy will be made at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on the then applicable contractual restrictions on us contained in our financing credit facilities and other agreements, our results of operations, earnings, capital requirements and other factors considered relevant by our board of directors. DILUTION Our pro forma net tangible book value as of September 30, 2001, was $[ ] per share of common stock. Pro forma net tangible book value per share represents our pro forma tangible net worth (pro forma tangible assets less pro forma total liabilities), divided by the total number of shares of our common stock outstanding. Dilution in net tangible book value per share represents the difference between the amount per share paid by purchasers of shares of common stock in this offering and the net tangible book value per share of common stock immediately after the completion of this offering. After giving effect to the sale by us of [ ] shares of common stock at an assumed initial public offering price of $[ ] per share, and after deducting the underwriting discounts and estimated offering expenses payable by us, our pro forma net tangible book value as of September 30, 2001, as adjusted would have been approximately $[ ], or $[ ] per share of common stock. This represents an immediate increase in pro forma net tangible book value of $[ ] per share to existing stockholders and immediate dilution of $[ ] per share to new investors purchasing common stock in this offering. If all outstanding stock options were exercised, pro forma tangible net book value would be further diluted by $[ ] per share to $[ ] per share. 16 The following table illustrates the pro forma per share dilution: Assumed initial public offering price per share............. $ -- Pro forma net tangible book value per share before giving effect to the offering and the related expenses........... $ -- Increase in pro forma net tangible book value per share attributable to new investors............................. $ -- Pro forma net tangible book value per share after giving effect to the offering.................................... $ -- Dilution per share to new investors......................... $ --
The following table sets forth on a pro forma basis, as of September 30, 2001, the following: - the number of shares of common stock purchased from us, the total consideration paid to us and the average price per share paid to us by existing stockholders; and - the number of shares to be purchased and the total consideration to be paid by new investors purchasing shares of common stock from us in this offering (before deducting estimated underwriting discounts and offering expenses).The table assumes (1) the exercise of options for [ ] shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of [ ] per share granted under our 1999 Stock Option Plan and (2) [ ] shares of common stock reserved for issuance under our 2002 Stock Option Plan, under which options for [ ] shares of common stock will be issued on the date hereof at the offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus. The preceding table assumes that the underwriters will not exercise their over-allotment option. If the underwriters' over-allotment is exercised in full, the pro forma net tangible book value as of September 30, 2001, as adjusted would have been $[ ] million or $[ ] per share, which would result in dilution to the new investors of $[ ] per share, and the number of shares held by the new investors would increase to [ ] or [ ]% of the total number of shares to be outstanding after this offering, and the number of shares held by the existing stockholders would be [ ] shares, or [ ]% of the total number of shares to be outstanding after this offering. 17
SHARES PURCHASED TOTAL CONSIDERATION ------------------- ------------------- AVERAGE PRICE NUMBER PERCENT AMOUNT PERCENT PER SHARE -------- -------- -------- -------- ------------- Existing stockholders.................... % $ % $ New investors............................ ------ ------ ------- ------ ------- TOTAL.................................. $ 100.0% $ 100.0% $ ====== ====== ======= ====== ======= CAPITALIZATION The following table sets forth, as of September 30, 2001: (a) our historical capitalization as a limited liability company; (b) our pro forma capitalization which gives effect to our completed and currently probable acquisitions after September 30, 2001; (c) our pro forma as adjusted capitalization which gives effect to our conversion to a corporation and our issuance and sale of [ ] shares of common stock offered hereby (at an assumed initial public offering price of $[ ] per share, the midpoint of the range of the initial public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, and after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated expenses of the offering); and (d) the application of the net proceeds of this offering as described under the heading "Use of Proceeds." - ------------------------------ (1) Does not include floor plan notes payable of $423,634, $425,111 and $425,111, respectively, relating to inventory financing. (2) Does not include (a) options issued under our 1999 Option Plan for [ ]% of the limited liability company interests in us converted to [ ] shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $[ ] per share and (b) [ ] shares of common stock reserved for issuance under our 2002 Stock Option Plan, under which options for [ ] shares of common stock will be issued on the date hereof at the offering price set forth on the cover page hereof. 18
AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 ------------------------------------- PRO FORMA AS HISTORICAL PRO FORMA ADJUSTED ---------- --------- ------------ ($ IN THOUSANDS) Short-term debt (including current portion of long-term debt)(1)..................................... $ 25,815 $ 25,815 $ 25,815 ======== ======== ======== Long-term debt........................................... 500,369 502,881 450,881 Equity Contributed capital.................................... 308,245 308,245 -- Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share, [ ] shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding... -- -- -- Common stock, par value $.01 per share, [ ] shares authorized; [ ] shares issued and outstanding, pro forma; [ ] shares issued and outstanding, pro forma as adjusted(2)................................. -- -- [ ] Additional paid-in capital............................. -- -- 403,474 Retained earnings...................................... 27,744 31,478 4,217 -------- -------- -------- Total equity......................................... 335,989 339,723 407,691 -------- -------- -------- Total capitalization..................................... $836,358 $842,604 $858,572 ======== ======== ======== SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA The following table sets forth our historical selected consolidated data for the periods indicated. The data from the years ended December 31, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000 are derived from our audited financial statements, some of which are included elsewhere in this prospectus. The financial statements for the years ended 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000 were audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants. The data for the nine months ended September 30, 2000, and 2001 are derived from unaudited financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus, which in management's opinion, include all adjustments, consisting of only normally recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation. We consider the Nalley (Atlanta) platform, our first platform, which we acquired on February 20, 1997, to be our predecessor. The results of the Nalley franchise for the period between January 1, 1996, to February 20, 1997, are set forth in footnote 1 and were audited by Dixon Odom P.L.L.C. The historical selected financial information may not be indicative of our future performance. The information should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, our consolidated financial statements, the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. 19
NINE MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, SEPTEMBER 30, ------------------------------------------------ ----------------------- 1997(1) 1998 1999 2000 2000 2001 INCOME STATEMENT DATA: --------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ($ IN THOUSANDS) Revenues: New vehicles............. $298,967 $687,850 $1,820,393 $2,439,729 $1,883,952 $1,879,042 Used vehicles............ 91,933 221,828 787,029 1,064,102 825,316 865,711 Parts, service and collision repair....... 69,425 156,037 341,506 434,478 322,734 365,472 Finance and insurance, net.................... 4,304 19,149 63,206 89,481 67,638 79,070 -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Total revenues............. 464,629 1,084,864 3,012,134 4,027,790 3,099,640 3,189,295 Cost of sales(2)........... 411,739 929,415 2,570,966 3,430,251 2,643,710 2,693,154 -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Gross profit............... 52,890 155,449 441,168 597,539 455,930 496,141 Depreciation and amortization............. 1,118 6,303 16,161 24,249 17,407 22,720 Selling, general and administrative expenses................. 45,432 127,336 343,443 451,405 336,325 378,553 -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Income from operations..... 6,340 21,810 81,564 121,885 102,198 94,868 -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Floor plan interest expense.................. (4,160) (7,730) (22,982) (36,968) (26,966) (24,248) Other interest expense..... (698) (7,104) (24,703) (42,009) (29,840) (34,049) Interest income............ 27 1,108 3,021 5,846 3,654 2,235 Equity investment losses, net...................... -- -- (616) (6,066) (6,066) (1,073) Gain (loss) on sale of assets................... 54 9,307 2,365 (1,533) (197) (9) Other income, net.......... 760 727 550 1,023 602 1,413 -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Total other expense, net... (4,017) (3,692) (42,365) (79,707) (58,813) (55,731) -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Income before income taxes, minority interest and extraordinary loss....... 2,323 18,118 39,199 42,178 43,385 39,137 Income taxes(3)............ -- -- 1,779 3,511 3,078 4,184 Minority interest in subsidiary earnings(4)... 801 14,303 20,520 9,740 9,759 829 -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Income before extraordinary loss..................... 1,522 3,815 16,900 28,927 30,548 34,124 Extraordinary loss on early extinguishment of debt... -- (734) (752) -- -- (1,433) -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net income............. $1,522 $3,081 $16,148 $28,927 $30,548 $32,691 ======== ========== ========== ========== ========== ========== - ------------------------------ (1) Selected financial data for the Nalley platform predecessor, exclusive of the results from October 1, 1996, of a single Nalley Jeep dealership we acquired on September 30, 1996, is as follows:
AS OF AS OF DECEMBER 31, SEPTEMBER 30, ---------------------------------------------------------- -------------- 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 -------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------- -------------- ($ IN THOUSANDS) BALANCE SHEET DATA: Inventories(2)............... $6,428 $73,303 $255,878 $434,234 $554,141 $ 467,062 Total current assets......... 11,285 108,494 391,151 616,060 776,943 704,154 Property and equipment, net.. 436 29,907 125,410 141,786 215,149 248,522 Goodwill..................... 3,830 17,151 138,697 226,321 364,164 385,585 Total assets................. 17,988 162,835 709,457 1,034,606 1,404,200 1,401,084 Floor plan notes payable..... 7,263 66,305 232,297 385,263 499,332 423,634 Total current liabilities.... 8,972 85,503 323,061 497,376 625,574 547,066 Total long-term debt, including current portion.................... 1,568 22,798 223,523 307,648 455,374 516,184 Total equity................. 7,448 36,957 127,380 198,113 321,882 335,989 (2) When we converted from a limited liability company to a corporation, we changed our method of valuation of certain of our inventories from "last-in, first-out," or LIFO, to specific identification and "first-in, first-out," or FIFO. The historical inventory valuation data in this table does not reflect this change in inventory valuation method. (3) Prior to this offering, we consisted primarily of a group of limited liability companies and partnerships (with Asbury Automotive Group L.L.C. as the parent) which were treated as one partnership for tax purposes. Under this structure, such limited liability companies and partnerships were not subject to income taxes, but instead, our owners were taxed on their respective distributive shares of Asbury Automotive Group L.L.C.'s taxable income. Therefore, no provision for federal or state income taxes has been included in the historical financial statements of the limited liability companies and partnerships. Immediately prior to the offering, we changed our tax status to corporation status and now provide for income taxes in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." (4) On April 30, 2000, the then parent company and the minority owners of our subsidiaries reached an agreement whereby their respective equity interests were transferred into escrow and subsequently into Asbury Automotive Oregon L.L.C. in exchange for equity interests in Asbury Automotive Oregon, which we refer to as the "minority member transaction." Following the minority member transaction, the then parent company changed its name to Asbury Automotive Holdings L.L.C. and Asbury Automotive Oregon L.L.C. changed its name to Asbury Automotive Group L.L.C. Substantially all minority interests were eliminated effective April 30, 2000, in connection with the minority member transaction. 20
PERIOD FROM YEAR ENDED JANUARY 1, 1997 DECEMBER 31, 1996 FEBRUARY 20, 1997 ------------------- ------------------ Total revenues................................. $343,331 $43,263 Income from operations......................... 572 87 Total assets................................... 63,405 N/A Long-term debt................................. 1,954 N/A UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION The following unaudited pro forma financial balance sheet gives effect to the following transactions and events as if they had occurred on September 30, 2001: (a) our insignificant acquisitions of (acquisition date in parenthesis) Crest Pontiac, Inc. (October 21, 2001) (d/b/a Kelly Pontiac) and Tom Wimberly Auto World (November 5, 2001). Note, the aforementioned acquired entities were non c-corporations acquired through asset acquisitions; (b) the probable acquisition of the remaining 49% interest of Deland Automotive Group that we had not previously acquired; (c) the probable divestitures of Crown Pontiac/GMC/Isuzu and Thomason Subaru; (d) the change in valuation of certain inventories from "last-in, first-out" or LIFO to specific identification and "first-in, first-out" or FIFO, upon conversion to a corporation; (e) the change in our tax status resulting from our conversion to a corporation; (f) the conversion of certain executives' carried interest into options for our common stock; (g) the offering, including the use of a portion of the proceeds to us (assuming the net proceeds to us of $65 million) to reduce debt outstanding as required by our credit facility and (h) the transfer of our ownership interest in CarsDirect.com to our membership interest holders prior to this offering. The following unaudited pro forma income statements for the year ended December 31, 2000 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 give effect to the transactions and events listed above as well as the following transactions as if they occurred on January 1, 2000 (as the below mentioned transactions all took place prior to September 30, 2001 their impact is already reflected in our historical balance sheet as of September 30, 2001 and their impact on our results of operations is reflected in our historical income statements for the periods subsequent to the acquisition dates mentioned below): (a) our significant acquisition of Hutchinson Automotive Group (two franchises acquired on April 14, 2000 and one franchise on July 1, 2000); (b) the Minority Member Transaction on April 30, 2000 as described in Note 3 of our consolidated financial statements; (c) our insignificant acquisitions (acquisition date in parenthesis) of Audi of North America (May 18, 2001), Roswell Infiniti, Inc. (May 18, 2001), Dealer Profit Systems, Inc. (July 2, 2001), Key Cars, Inc. (July 2, 2001) (d/b/a Metro Imports), Brandon Ford, Inc. (July 2, 2001) (d/b/a Gray-Daniels Ford), and Gage Motor Car Company L.L.C. (September 18, 2001) (d/b/a Pegasus Motor Car Company). The information, other than the individually insignificant acquisitions, is based upon our historical financial statements and the historical financial statements of the Hutchinson Automotive Group and should be read in conjunction with (a) our historical financial statements, (b) the historical financial statements of Hutchinson Automotive Group, (c) the related notes to such financial statements and (d) other information contained elsewhere in this prospectus. The unaudited pro forma financial information is not necessarily indicative of what our actual financial position or results of operations would have been had all of the previously mentioned acquisitions and this offering occurred on the dates previously mentioned, nor does it give effect to: (a) any pending transactions other than those previously mentioned above or this offering; (b) our results of operations since September 30, 2001; or (c) the results of final valuations of all assets and liabilities of the acquisitions mentioned above due to pre-acquisition contingencies. We may revise the allocation of the purchase price of these acquisitions when additional information becomes available in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 16. Accordingly, the pro forma financial information is not intended to be indicative of the financial position or results of operations as of today's date, as of the offering or any period ending at the offering, or as of or for any other future date or period. 21 UNAUDITED PRO FORMA BALANCE SHEET AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 ($ IN THOUSANDS) 22
ACQUISITIONS PROBABLE PROBABLE HISTORICAL CONSUMMATED PRO FORMA ACQUISITIONS DIVESITIURES ASBURY AFTER ADJUST- AFTER PRO FORMA AFTER AUTOMOTIVE 9/30/01(1) MENTS(2) 9/30/01(1) ADJUSTMENTS(2) 9/30/01(3) ---------- ------------ ----------- ------------ -------------- ------------ ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and equivalents............. $ 53,344 $ -- $ 2,275 $ -- $ -- $ -- Contracts-in-transit............. 80,796 -- -- -- -- -- Accounts receivable, net......... 83,614 284 -- -- -- (738) Inventory........................ 467,062 7,442 -- -- -- (4,035) Prepaid and other current assets......................... 19,338 10 -- -- -- -- ---------- ------- ------- ------- ------ ------- Total current assets........... 704,154 7,736 2,275 -- -- (4,773) PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net........ 248,522 260 -- -- -- (3,521) GOODWILL, net...................... 385,585 -- 5,392 -- 4,931 (1,375) OTHER ASSETS....................... 62,823 -- -- (2,755) -- -- ---------- ------- ------- ------- ------ ------- Total assets................... $1,401,084 $ 7,996 $ 7,667 $(2,755) $4,931 $(9,669) ========== ======= ======= ======= ====== ======= LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS'/SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES: Floor plan notes payable......... $ 423,634 $ 5,950 $ -- $ -- $ -- $(4,473) Current maturities of long-term debt........................... 15,815 -- -- -- -- -- Short-term debt.................. 10,000 -- -- -- -- -- Accounts payable................. 37,563 127 -- -- -- -- Accrued liabilities.............. 60,054 870 -- (550) -- -- ---------- ------- ------- ------- ------ ------- Total current liabilities...... 547,066 6,947 -- (550) -- (4,473) LONG-TERM DEBT..................... 500,369 -- 8,716 -- 2,726 -- OTHER LIABILITIES.................. 17,660 -- -- -- -- -- ---------- ------- ------- ------- ------ ------- MEMBERS'/SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Contributed capital................ 308,245 -- -- -- -- -- Common stock of par value $.01 shares authorized [ ] issued and outstanding [ ]......................... -- -- -- -- -- -- Additional paid-in capital......... -- 1,049 (1,049) (2,205) 2,205 (5,196) Retained earnings.................. 27,744 -- -- -- -- -- ---------- ------- ------- ------- ------ ------- Total members'/shareholders' equity........................... 335,989 1,049 (1,049) (2,205) 2,205 (5,196) ---------- ------- ------- ------- ------ ------- Total liabilities and members'/shareholders' equity.... $1,401,084 $ 7,996 $ 7,667 $(2,755) $4,931 $(9,669) ========== ======= ======= ======= ====== ======= PRO FORMA PRO FORMA PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS(4) SUB-TOTAL ADJUSTMENTS AS ADJUSTED -------------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and equivalents............. $ -- $ 55,619 $ 13,000 (5) $ 68,619 Contracts-in-transit............. -- 80,796 -- 80,796 Accounts receivable, net......... -- 83,160 -- 83,160 Inventory........................ -- 470,469 8,194 (6) 478,663 Prepaid and other current assets......................... -- 19,348 10,338 (7) 29,686 ------ ---------- --------- ---------- Total current assets........... -- 709,392 31,532 740,924 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net........ -- 245,261 -- 245,261 GOODWILL, net...................... -- 394,533 -- 394,533 OTHER ASSETS....................... -- 60,068 (1,249)(8) 58,819 ------ ---------- --------- ---------- Total assets................... $ -- $1,409,254 $ 30,283 $1,439,537 ====== ========== ========= ========== LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS'/SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES: Floor plan notes payable......... $ -- 425,111 $ -- 425,111 Current maturities of long-term debt........................... -- 15,815 -- 15,815 Short-term debt.................. -- 10,000 -- 10,000 Accounts payable................. -- 37,690 -- 37,690 Accrued liabilities.............. -- 60,374 -- 60,374 ------ ---------- --------- ---------- Total current liabilities...... -- 548,990 -- 548,990 LONG-TERM DEBT..................... (8,930) 502,881 (52,000)(5) 450,881 OTHER LIABILITIES.................. -- 17,660 14,315 (7) 31,975 ------ ---------- --------- ---------- MEMBERS'/SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Contributed capital................ -- 308,245 (308,245)(10) -- Common stock of par value $.01 shares authorized [ ] issued and outstanding [ ]......................... -- -- -- -- Additional paid-in capital......... 5,196 -- -- 65,000 (3) 31,478 (9) 308,245 (10) (1,249)(8) 403,474 Retained earnings.................. 3,734 31,478 (31,478)(9) (3,977)(7) 8,194(6) 4,217 ------ ---------- --------- ---------- Total members'/shareholders' equity........................... 8,930 339,723 67,968 407,691 ------ ---------- --------- ---------- Total liabilities and members'/shareholders' equity.... $ -- $1,409,254 $ 30,283 $1,439,537 ====== ========== ========= ========== UNAUDITED PRO FORMA STATEMENT OF INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000 ($ IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) 23
ACQUISITIONS ACQUISITIONS CONSUM- CONSUM- MINORITY HUTCHINSON MATED PRO FORMA MATED HISTORICAL MEMBER AUTOMOTIVE PRO FORMA BEFORE ADJUST- AFTER ASBURY TRANSACTION(11) GROUP(12) ADJUSTMENTS(13) 9/30/01(14) MENTS(13) 9/30/01(14) ---------- --------------- ----------- --------------- ------------ ----------- ------------ REVENUES: New vehicle........... $2,439,729 $ -- $ 58,061 $ -- $253,264 $ -- $ 50,979 Used vehicle.......... 1,064,102 -- 35,903 -- 110,728 -- 17,433 Parts, service and collision repair.... 434,478 -- 8,285 -- 33,807 -- 11,006 Finance and insurance, net................. 89,481 -- 1,713 -- 5,339 -- 945 ---------- ------- -------- ------- -------- ------- -------- Total revenues...... 4,027,790 -- 103,962 -- 403,138 -- 80,363 COST OF SALES........... 3,430,251 -- 89,362 -- 353,854 -- 70,790 ---------- ------- -------- ------- -------- ------- -------- Gross profit........ 597,539 -- 14,600 -- 49,284 -- 9,573 OPERATING EXPENSES: Selling, general administrative...... 451,405 -- 10,705 -- 33,250 -- 7,592 Depreciation and amor- tization............ 24,249 -- 260 687 536 1,300 171 ---------- ------- -------- ------- -------- ------- -------- Income from operations........ 121,885 -- 3,635 (687) 15,498 (1,300) 1,810 ---------- ------- -------- ------- -------- ------- -------- OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE): Floor plan interest expense............. (36,968) -- (635) -- (4,311) -- (1,033) Other interest expense............. (42,009) -- -- (1,233) (177) (6,288) -- Interest income....... 5,846 -- -- -- -- -- -- Equity investment losses, net......... (6,066) -- -- -- -- -- -- Gain (loss) on sale of assets.............. (1,533) -- -- -- 5 -- 3 Other income.......... 1,023 -- 58 -- 280 -- -- ---------- ------- -------- ------- -------- ------- -------- Total other income (expense), net.... (79,707) -- (577) (1,233) (4,203) (6,288) (1,030) ---------- ------- -------- ------- -------- ------- -------- Net income before income taxes and minority interest.......... 42,178 -- 3,058 (1,920) 11,295 (7,588) 780 INCOME TAXES EXPENSES... 3,511 -- -- -- -- -- -- MINORITY INTEREST....... 9,740 (9,020) -- -- -- -- -- ---------- ------- -------- ------- -------- ------- -------- Net income.......... 28,927 9,020 3,058 (1,920) 11,295 (7,588) 780 PRO FORMA INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT)..... 10,394 -- 1,223 (768) 4,518 (3,035) 312 ---------- ------- -------- ------- -------- ------- -------- Pro forma net income.. $ 18,533 $ 9,020 $ 1,835 $(1,152) $ 6,777 $(4,553) $ 468 ========== ======= ======== ======= ======== ======= ======== Earnings per common share Basic........................................................................................................................... Diluted......................................................................................................................... Weighted average shares outstanding (000's) Basic........................................................................................................................... Diluted......................................................................................................................... PROBABLE PRO FORMA ACQUISITIONS PRO FORMA ADJUST- AFTER ADJUST- PRO FORMA PRO FORMA MENTS(13) 9/30/01(14) MENTS(13) DIVESTITURES(15) ADJUSTMENTS(16) PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS ----------- ------------ ----------- ---------------- --------------- ---------- ----------- REVENUES: New vehicle........... $ -- $ -- $ -- $(46,715) $ -- $2,755,318 $ -- Used vehicle.......... -- -- -- (16,569) -- 1,211,597 -- Parts, service and collision repair.... -- -- -- (8,429) -- 479,147 -- Finance and insurance, net................. -- -- -- (1,784) -- 95,694 -- ------- -------- ------- -------- ------ ---------- ------- Total revenues...... -- -- -- (73,497) -- 4,541,756 -- COST OF SALES........... -- -- -- (64,449) -- 3,879,808 (2,097)(6) ------- -------- ------- -------- ------ ---------- ------- Gross profit........ -- -- -- (9,048) -- 661,948 2,097 OPERATING EXPENSES: Selling, general administrative...... -- -- -- (9,434) 493,518 [](17 ) Depreciation and amor- tization............ 148 -- 123 (152) -- 27,322 -- ------- -------- ------- -------- ------ ---------- ------- Income from operations........ (148) -- (123) 538 -- 141,108 2,097 ------- -------- ------- -------- ------ ---------- ------- OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE): Floor plan interest expense............. -- -- -- 899 -- (42,048) -- Other interest expense............. (844) -- (273) 361 786 (49,677) 5,252 (5) Interest income....... -- -- -- -- -- 5,846 -- Equity investment losses, net......... -- -- -- -- -- (6,066) -- Gain (loss) on sale of assets.............. -- -- -- -- -- (1,525) -- Other income.......... -- -- -- (14) -- 1,347 -- ------- -------- ------- -------- ------ ---------- ------- Total other income (expense), net.... (844) -- (273) 1,246 786 (92,123) 5,252 ------- -------- ------- -------- ------ ---------- ------- Net income before income taxes and minority interest.......... (992) -- (396) 1,784 786 48,985 7,349 INCOME TAXES EXPENSES... -- -- -- -- -- 3,511 -- MINORITY INTEREST....... -- (720) -- -- -- -- -- ------- -------- ------- -------- ------ ---------- ------- Net income.......... (992) 720 (396) 1,784 786 45,474 7,349 PRO FORMA INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT)..... (397) -- (158) 713 314 13,116 7,009 ------- -------- ------- -------- ------ ---------- ------- Pro forma net income.. $ (595) $ 720 $ (238) $ 1,071 $ 472 $ 32,358 $ 340 ======= ======== ======= ======== ====== ========== ======= Earnings per common shar Basic................. Diluted............... Weighted average shares Basic................. Diluted............... PRO FORMA AS ADJUSTED ----------- REVENUES: New vehicle........... $2,755,318 Used vehicle.......... 1,211,597 Parts, service and collision repair.... 479,147 Finance and insurance, net................. 95,694 ---------- Total revenues...... 4,541,756 COST OF SALES........... 3,877,711 ---------- Gross profit........ 664,045 OPERATING EXPENSES: Selling, general administrative...... 493,518 Depreciation and amor- tization............ 27,322 ---------- Income from operations........ 143,205 ---------- OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE): Floor plan interest expense............. (42,048) Other interest expense............. (44,425) Interest income....... 5,846 Equity investment losses, net......... (6,066) Gain (loss) on sale of assets.............. (1,525) Other income.......... 1,347 ---------- Total other income (expense), net.... (86,871) ---------- Net income before income taxes and minority interest.......... 56,334 INCOME TAXES EXPENSES... 3,511 MINORITY INTEREST....... -- ---------- Net income.......... 52,823 PRO FORMA INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT)..... 20,125 ---------- Pro forma net income.. $ 32,698 ========== Earnings per common shar Basic................. $ [](22) ========== Diluted............... $ [](22) ========== Weighted average shares Basic................. [](22) ========== Diluted............... [](22) ========== UNAUDITED PRO FORMA STATEMENT OF INCOME FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 ($ IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) 24
ACQUISITIONS ACQUISITIONS ACQUISITIONS HISTORICAL CONSUMMATED CONSUMMATED PROBABLE ASBURY BEFORE PRO FORMA AFTER PRO FORMA AFTER AUTOMOTIVE 9/30/01(18) ADJUSTMENTS(19) 9/30/01(18) ADJUSTMENTS(19) 9/30/01(18) ---------- ------------ --------------- ------------- --------------- ------------ REVENUES: New vehicle..................... $1,879,042 $ 75,431 $ -- $34,818 $ -- $ -- Used vehicle.................... 865,711 37,449 -- 13,943 -- -- Parts, service and collision repair........................ 365,472 11,601 -- 8,428 -- -- Finance and insurance, net...... 79,070 1,429 -- 511 -- -- ---------- -------- ------- ------- ------- ----- Total revenues................ 3,189,295 125,910 -- 57,700 -- -- COST OF SALES..................... 2,693,154 111,544 -- 50,943 -- -- ---------- -------- ------- ------- ------- ----- Gross Profit.................. 496,141 14,366 -- 6,757 -- -- OPERATING EXPENSES: Selling, general and administrative................ 378,553 9,522 -- 5,572 -- -- Depreciation and amortization... 22,720 182 426 68 101 -- ---------- -------- ------- ------- ------- ----- Income from operations........ 94,868 4,662 (426) 1,117 (101) -- ---------- -------- ------- ------- ------- ----- OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE): Floor plan interest expense..... (24,248) (1,348) -- (532) -- -- Other interest expense.......... (34,049) (18) (2,151) (18) (666) -- Interest income................. 2,235 -- -- -- -- -- Equity investment losses, net... (1,073) -- -- -- -- -- Gain (loss) on sale of assets... (9) 2 -- -- -- Other income, net............... 1,413 69 -- (18) -- -- ---------- -------- ------- ------- ------- ----- Total other income (expense)................... (55,731) (1,295) (2,151) (568) (666) -- ---------- -------- ------- ------- ------- ----- Net income before income taxes and minority interest and extraordinary loss.......... 39,137 3,367 (2,577) 549 (767) -- INCOME TAX EXPENSE................ 4,184 -- -- -- -- -- MINORITY INTEREST IN SUBSIDIARY EARNINGS........................ 829 -- -- -- -- (829) EXTRAORDINARY LOSS................ (1,433) -- -- -- -- -- ---------- -------- ------- ------- ------- ----- Net income.................... 32,691 3,367 (2,577) 549 (767) 829 PRO FORMA INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT)....................... 12,191 1,347 (1,031) 220 (307) -- ---------- -------- ------- ------- ------- ----- Pro forma net income.............. $ 20,500 $ 2,020 $(1,546) $ 329 $ (460) $ 829 ========== ======== ======= ======= ======= ===== Earnings per common share Basic......................................................................................................................... Diluted....................................................................................................................... Weighted average shares outstanding (000's) Basic......................................................................................................................... Diluted....................................................................................................................... DIVESITITURES PROBABLE PRO FORMA AFTER PRO FORMA PRO FORMA PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS(19) 9/30/01(15) ADJUSTMENTS(20) PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS AS ADJUSTED --------------- ------------- --------------- ---------- ----------- ----------- REVENUES: New vehicle..................... $ -- $(26,859) $ -- $1,962,432 $ -- $1,962,432 Used vehicle.................... -- (11,093) -- 906,010 -- 906,010 Parts, service and collision repair........................ -- (6,578) -- 378,923 -- 378,923 Finance and insurance, net...... -- (875) -- 80,135 -- 80,135 ----- -------- ---- ---------- ------- ---------- Total revenues................ -- (45,405) -- 3,327,500 -- 3,327,500 COST OF SALES..................... -- (39,247) -- 2,816,394 (1,169)(6) 2,815,225 ----- -------- ---- ---------- ------- ---------- Gross Profit.................. -- (6,158) -- 511,106 1,169 512,275 OPERATING EXPENSES: Selling, general and administrative................ -- (6,018) -- 387,629 [](17) 387,629 Depreciation and amortization... 92 (122) -- 23,467 -- 23,467 ----- -------- ---- ---------- ------- ---------- Income from operations........ (92) (18) -- 100,010 1,169 101,179 ----- -------- ---- ---------- ------- ---------- OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE): Floor plan interest expense..... -- 423 -- (25,705) -- (25,705) Other interest expense.......... (209) 17 589 (36,505) 3,978 (5) (32,527) Interest income................. -- -- -- 2,235 -- 2,235 Equity investment losses, net... -- -- -- (1,073) -- (1,073) Gain (loss) on sale of assets... -- -- -- (7) (7) Other income, net............... -- (9) -- 1,455 -- 1,455 ----- -------- ---- ---------- ------- ---------- Total other income (expense)................... (209) 431 589 (59,600) 3,978 (55,622) ----- -------- ---- ---------- ------- ---------- Net income before income taxes and minority interest and extraordinary loss.......... (301) 413 589 40,410 5,147 45,557 INCOME TAX EXPENSE................ -- -- -- 4,184 -- 4,184 MINORITY INTEREST IN SUBSIDIARY EARNINGS........................ -- -- -- -- -- -- EXTRAORDINARY LOSS................ -- -- -- (1,433) 1,433 (21) -- ----- -------- ---- ---------- ------- ---------- Net income.................... (301) 413 589 34,793 6,580 41,373 PRO FORMA INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT)....................... (120) 165 236 12,701 2,673 15,374 ----- -------- ---- ---------- ------- ---------- Pro forma net income.............. $(181) $ 248 $353 $ 22,092 $ 3,907 $ 25,999 ===== ======== ==== ========== ======= ========== Earnings per common share Basic........................... $ [](22) ========== Diluted......................... $ [](22) ========== Weighted average shares outstanding (000's) Basic........................... [](22) ========== Diluted......................... [](22) ========== NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION ($ IN THOUSANDS) (1) Reflects the impact (historical results) of all acquisitions either consummated after September 30, 2001, or currently probable as if the transactions were consummated as of September 30, 2001. (2) Reflects the fair value and other acquisition related adjustments to the acquisitions consummated after September 30, 2001 or currently probable. Amounts for certain of the acquisitions are subject to final purchase price adjustments for items such as tangible net worth and seller's representations regarding the adequacy of certain reserves. In addition, the allocation of amounts to acquired intangibles is subject to final valuation. The total purchase price for the acquisitions consummated after September 30, 2001 was $6,441 in cash. The anticipated purchase price for acquisitions currently probable is $2,726 in cash. The initial allocation of the total purchase price of the above mentioned individually insignificant acquisitions is as follows: (3) Reflects the impact (historical results) of our probable divestitures as if the transactions were consummated as of September 30, 2001. (4) Reflects the proceeds received by us from the probable divestitures and related gain (as an adjustment to members' equity). We assume the proceeds ($8,930) will be used to reduce a portion of our borrowings as contractually required under the acquisition financing credit facility. (5) Reflects the proceeds received by us from this offering (net of estimated underwriting discounts, fees and expenses of $10,000). We assumed a portion of our estimated net proceeds are to be used to reduce a portion of our borrowings as contractually required under our acquisition financing credit facility. The credit facility has a variable LIBOR based rate of interest. The reduction to interest expense was calculated using the weighted average interest rate on the Company's credit facilities for the respective periods (10.1% for 2000 and 10.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2001, respectively, multiplied by the anticipated $52,000 repayment for the year ended December 31, 2000 and then by 0.75 for the nine months ended September 30, 2001, (reflecting nine elapsed months in a 12 month year). (6) Reflects adjustment to change Asbury's method of valuation of certain of its inventories from the "last-in, first-out" or LIFO method to the specific identification and "first-in, first-out" or FIFO methods upon changing from a limited liability company to a corporation. Asbury believes that the change to the specific identification and FIFO methods results in a better matching of revenue and expense and most clearly reflects periodic income. Additionally, the specific identification and FIFO methods are most widely used by Asbury's major publicly held competitors. (7) Reflects an adjustment to change our tax status to corporation status and, accordingly provides for income taxes in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." Prior to the transfer of all interests in Asbury's predecessor limited liability company to a corporation prior to this offering, we consisted 25
ACQUISITIONS PROBABLE CONSUMMATED ACQUISITIONS ------------ ------------ Working Capital.................................. $ 789 $ 550 Property and Equipment........................... 260 -- Goodwill......................................... 5,392 4,931 Minority deficits classified as other assets..... -- (2,755) ------ ------- Total purchase price............................. $6,441 $ 2,726 ====== ======= primarily of a group of limited liability companies and partnerships (with us as the parent), which were treated as one partnership for tax purposes. Under this structure, the limited liability companies and partnerships were not themselves subject to income taxes, but instead our members were taxed on their respective distributive shares of our taxable income. Deferred income tax provisions result from temporary differences in the recognition of income and expenses for financial reporting purposes and for tax purposes. The tax effects of these temporary differences representing deferred tax assets (liabilities) result principally from the following: Reserves and accruals not deductible until paid............. $ 11,278 Goodwill amortization....................................... (10,924) Depreciation................................................ (7,499) Capital loss carry-over..................................... 2,463 Other....................................................... 705 -------- $ (3,977) ========
The net deferred tax assets (liabilities) are comprised of the following:Deferred tax assets Current................................................... $ 11,278 Long-term................................................. 4,108 Deferred tax liabilities Current................................................... (940) Long-term................................................. (18,423) -------- Net deferred tax liability.................................. $ (3,977) ========
(8) Reflects the transfer of our cost basis investment in CarsDirect.com to our membership interest holders prior to this offering. (9) Reflects an adjustment to reclassify members' retained earnings to additional paid-in capital due to the conversion from a limited liability company to a corporation. (Note: once we have determined the offering price and the number of outstanding shares we will make an additional adjustment out of additional paid-in capital to common stock.) (10) Reflects an adjustment to reclassify members' contributed capital to additional paid-in capital due to the conversion from a limited liability company to a corporation. (11) Reflects the impact of the Minority Member Transaction as if the transaction was consummated on January 1, 2000. (12) Reflects the impact (historical results) of the acquisition of the Hutchinson Automotive Group on April 14, 2000, and related real estate as if the transaction was consummated on January 1, 2000. Hutchinson Automotive Group was acquired for an aggregate purchase price of $90,242 including the issuance of a $7,500 equity interest in Asbury to certain sellers. (13) Reflects adjustments to the historical financial statements of the Hutchinson Automotive Group, Asbury's 2000 and 2001 individually insignificant acquisitions and for the Minority Member Transaction (April 30, 2000) as if the transactions were consummated on January 1, 2000, for (a) goodwill amortization using the straight-line method and a 40 year useful life, (b) interest expense based on the acquisition financing and the weighted average interest rate on Asbury's credit facilities for 2000 (10.1%), (c) tax expense based on a 40% effective tax rate, (d) additional depreciation expense for long-lived assets acquired which was not included in the historical results of the acquired companies using the straight-line method and a useful life of 2635 years and (e) amortization expense for other intangible assets using the straight-line method and the useful life of three years. (14) Reflects the impact (historical results) of the 2000 and 2001 individually insignificant acquisitions consummated before September 30, 2001, consummated after September 30, 2001 or currently probable, as if the transactions were consummated on January 1, 2000. (15) Reflects the impact (historical results) of our probable divestitures as if the transactions were consummated on January 1, 2000. (16) Reflects an adjustment to impact the repayment of outstanding borrowings from the proceeds of our probable divestitures as contractually required under our acquisition credit facility. The credit facility has a variable LIBOR based rate of interest. The reduction to interest expense was calculated using the blended weighted average interest rate of our credit facility and the mortgage debt related to the divested dealerships being repaid for the year ended December 31, 2000 (8.8%) multiplied by the proceeds received ($8,930). (17) Reflects a non-recurring compensation charge of $[ ]. This compensation charge results from the payment of stock to certain of our senior executives at the date of the offering. Under their employment agreements, they will receive stock when we convert to a corporation equal to a percentage of the excess of the equity value of the Company at the date of the offering over the value of this equity at the dates of the original contributions by the members, plus an 8% compounded annual rate of return. Once this stock payment is made at the date of the offering, we will have no further obligation to make additional payments to these executives under this compensation arrangement. (See "Management--Employment Agreements" for further explanation.) (18) Reflects the impact (historical results) of the 2001 individually insignificant acquisitions, as if the transactions were consummated on January 1, 2000. (19) Reflects adjustments to the historical financial statements of the 2001 individually insignificant acquisitions as if the transactions were consummated on January 1, 2000 for (a) goodwill amortization using the straight-line method and a 40 year useful life, (b) interest expense based on the acquisition financing and the weighted average interest rate on Asbury's credit facility for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 (10.2% including the amortization of related deferred finance fees), (c) tax expense based on a 40% effective tax rate, (d) additional depreciation expense for long-lived assets acquired which was not included in the historical results of the acquired companies using the straight-line method and a useful life of 35 years and (e) amortization expense for other intangible assets using the straight-line method and a useful life of three years. (20) Reflects an adjustment to impact the repayment of outstanding borrowings from the proceeds of our probable divestitures as contractually required under our acquisition credit facility. The credit facility has a variable LIBOR based rate of interest. The reduction to interest expense was calculated using the blended weighted average interest rate of our credit facility and the mortgage debt related to the divested dealerships being repaid for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 (8.8%) multiplied by the proceeds received ($8,930) multiplied by 0.75 (reflecting nine elapsed months in a 12 month year). (21) Reflects the elimination of extraordinary loss. (22) Earnings per share: Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average common shares and common share equivalents outstanding during the period. 27 The basic and diluted earnings per share and number of common share and common share equivalents were as follows: 28
FOR THE YEAR ENDED FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, SEPTEMBER 30, 2000 2001 ------------------ ------------------------- EARNINGS PER SHARE: Basic.............................. Diluted............................ Common shares and common share equivalents (in thousands): Weighted average shares outstanding.................... ------- ------- Basic shares..................... Shares issuable with respect to additional common share equivalents (stock options).... Shares issuable with respect to carried interest............... Shares issuable with respect to CEO options.................... ------- ------- Diluted equivalent shares........ ------- ------- MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS THIS MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS CONTAINS FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS THAT INVOLVE RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES. OUR ACTUAL RESULTS MAY DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE DISCUSSED IN THE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AS A RESULT OF VARIOUS FACTORS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THOSE DESCRIBED UNDER "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 6, AND INCLUDED IN OTHER PORTIONS OF THIS PROSPECTUS. OVERVIEW We are a national automotive retailer, currently operating 127 franchises at 89 dealership locations in nine states and 17 markets in the U.S. We also operate 24 collision repair centers that serve our markets. Our revenues are derived from selling new and used cars, light trucks and replacement parts, providing vehicle maintenance, warranty, paint and repair services and arrangement of vehicle finance, insurance and service contracts for our automotive customers and the sale of heavy trucks. Since inception, we have grown through the acquisition of nine large platforms and additional tuck-in acquisitions. All acquisitions were accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. As a result, the operations of the acquired dealerships are included in the consolidated statements of income commencing on the date acquired. Prior to the completion of this offering, we consisted primarily of a group of limited liability companies and partnerships (with us as the parent), which were treated as one partnership for tax purposes. Under this structure, our owners were taxed on their respective distributive shares of taxable income; however, neither we nor our limited liability company and partnership subsidiaries were subject to income tax. The balance of our subsidiaries were "C" corporations under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and, accordingly, provided for income taxes in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." Under the provisions of our limited liability company agreement, we had periodically distributed cash to each owner equal to 50% of the owner's respective distributive share of taxable income to cover the owner's tax liabilities. Immediately prior to the completion of this offering, we will change our tax status to corporation status and will provide for federal and state income taxes for the entire company going forward. As a result of this change in our tax status, Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. will succeed to the historic tax basis of the assets held by Asbury Automotive Group L.L.C. (except as increased to reflect any gain recognized by our owners). Our gross profit tends to vary with our revenue mix, that is the mix of revenues we derive from new vehicle sales, used vehicles sales, parts, service and collision repair and finance and insurance revenues. Our gross profit on the sale of products and services generally varies significantly across product lines, with vehicle sales generally resulting in lower gross profits and parts, service and collision repair and finance and insurance revenues resulting in the higher gross profits. As a result, when our vehicle sales increase or decrease at a rate greater than our other revenue sources, our gross margin responds inversely. Selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") consist primarily of fixed and incentive-based compensation for sales, administrative, finance and general management personnel, rent, advertising, insurance and utilities. A significant portion of our selling expenses are variable (such as sales commissions), and a significant portion of our general and administrative expenses are subject to our control (such as advertising expenses), allowing our cost structure to adapt in response to trends in our business. Sales of motor vehicles (particularly new vehicles) have historically fluctuated with general macroeconomic conditions such as general business cycles, consumer confidence, availability of consumer credit, fuel prices and interest rates. Although these factors may impact our business, we 29 believe that any future negative trends due to the above factors may be mitigated by the performance of our parts, service and collision repair operations, our variable cost structure, regional diversity and advantageous franchise mix. Our operations are subject to modest seasonal variations that are somewhat offset by our regional diversity. We typically generate more revenue and operating income in the second and third quarters than in the first and fourth quarters. Seasonality is based upon, among other things, weather conditions, manufacturer incentive programs, model changeovers and consumer buying patterns. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001, COMPARED TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2000 REVENUES--Our revenues for the first nine months of 2001 increased $89.7 million or 2.9% over the first nine months of 2000. The increase was primarily due to $263.0 million of revenues from acquisitions, partially offset by a decrease in same store revenues, of $173.3 million or 5.7%. Same store revenue increases at three of our platforms (Texas--up 8.0%, St. Louis--up 7.2% and Jacksonville--up 5.4%) were offset by significant same store decreases at (a) our Oregon platform (down $111.0 million) primarily due to changes in our business practices and restrictions in our sales policies, declining Ford sales related to the Firestone tire recall and the effect on employment and consumer spending in the Pacific Northwest from the technology downturn, (b) our Arkansas platform (down $55.1 million) due to declining demand in the local market, increased competition and issues with Ford related to the Firestone recall and (c) the Atlanta platform's heavy truck business (down $27.7 million) due to a cyclical downturn resulting from macroeconomic factors such as higher interest rates and fuel prices. Same store revenues from vehicle sales were off 6.9% primarily due to the conditions noted above in Oregon, Arkansas and Atlanta. Overall, sales were impacted by declining demand in the automotive industry as the average seasonally adjusted annual rate of new vehicles sold in the U.S. declined from 17.7 million units in the first nine months of 2000 to 16.7 million units for the comparable period in 2001. Despite this national decline, our Texas platform continued its strong performance with a $25.1 million or 8.4% increase in same store vehicle sales over the prior year first nine months. In addition, our St. Louis and Jacksonville platforms posted 6.1% and 5.6% increases, respectively. Finance and insurance revenues per vehicle retailed were $672 for the nine months ended September 30, 2001, an 18% increase over the nine months ended September 30, 2000. Parts, service and collision repair revenues on a same store basis were up 5.2% in the first nine months of 2001 over the first nine months of 2000 due to a continued emphasis on those products. Eight of the nine platforms in our organization generated an increase in parts, service and collision repair in the first nine months of 2001 over the same period last year. GROSS PROFIT--Gross profit for the first nine months of 2001 increased $40.2 million or 8.8% over the first nine months of 2000. The increase was primarily due to $40.9 million of gross profit from acquisitions, offset by a decrease in same store gross profit of $0.7 million or 0.2%. Overall, gross profit as a percentage of revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 was 15.6% as compared to 14.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2000. This increase is primarily attributable to a shift in product mix to higher margin parts, service and collision repair services and finance and insurance. OPERATING EXPENSES--Selling, general and administrative expenses, or SG&A, for the first nine months of 2001 increased $42.2 million or 12.6% over the first nine months of 2000. The increase was primarily due to $29.5 million of SG&A from acquisitions and an increase in same store SG&A of $12.7 million or 3.9%. Same store SG&A in the first nine months of 2001 included special charges related to equity compensation and severances of $4.2 million and rebranding and other 30 expenses related to personnel and other changes in the business practices of our Portland platform of $1.8 million. SG&A as a percentage of revenues increased to 11.9% of revenues in the first nine months of 2001, from 10.9% in the first nine months of 2000. Contributing to this increase were the aforementioned special charges in 2001, increased variable compensation related to higher gross profit, higher advertising and insurance costs, and expense control initiatives in Oregon lagging behind revenue declines. The increase in depreciation and amortization is principally attributable to acquisitions. OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)--Floor plan interest expense decreased to $24.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 from $27.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2000, primarily due to a decline in interest rates in 2001, offset by the incremental impact of acquisitions and our decision to finance a greater percentage of our vehicles. Other interest expense increased by $4.2 million over the first nine months of 2000 principally due to increased borrowings used to fund acquisitions, partially offset by a decline in interest rates. Equity investment losses in the nine months ended September 30, 2001, represent our share of losses in an automotive finance company while losses in the nine months ended September 30, 2000, primarily reflect our share of losses in our investment in Greenlight.com, which was fully written off as of December 31, 2000. Interest income was $1.4 million lower for the nine months ended September 30, 2001, as compared to the same period last year due to lower interest rates and a decrease in average available cash. YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000, COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999 REVENUES--Our revenues for the year ended December 31, 2000, increased $1.02 billion or 33.7% over the year ended December 31, 1999. The increase was primarily due to $898.1 million related to tuck-in acquisitions made subsequent to January 1, 1999, an $84.5 million net increase in revenues generated by the acquisition of our Arkansas platform (which we acquired in February 1999) and an increase in revenues at dealerships owned prior to January 1, 1999 (same store), of $33.1 million or 1.4%. Same store revenues from vehicle sales increased $21.1 million, or 1.0%, as strong year-over-year increases at five of our platforms were offset by declines in our Oregon platform (down $86.9 million), primarily due to changes in our business practices and restrictions in our sales policies, declining demand in the local markets, declining Ford sales related to the Firestone tire recall and reduced sales in Atlanta's heavy truck franchises (down $11.6 million). Finance and insurance revenues per vehicle sold were $579 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2000, a 7.0% increase over the twelve months ended December 31, 1999. Parts, service and collision repair revenues on a same store basis were up 4.3% in fiscal 2000 versus fiscal 1999 principally due to a focus on this higher margin product line. Six of our seven platforms posted year-over-year revenue increases in this area. GROSS PROFIT--Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2000, increased $156.4 million or 35.4% over the year ended December 31, 1999. The increase was primarily due to $120.1 million related to tuck-in acquisitions made subsequent to January 1, 1999, a $12.7 million net increase in gross profit generated by the acquisition of our Arkansas platform and an increase in gross profit at dealerships owned prior to January 1, 1999 (same store) of $23.6 million or 6.7%. Gross profit as a percentage of revenues for the year ended December 31, 2000, was 14.8% as compared to 14.6% for the year ended December 31, 1999. This increase was primarily attributable to increased finance and insurance revenues per vehicle sold, improved margins on new vehicles due to a shift away from lower margin fleet sales and increased margins on used vehicles due to reduced losses on wholesale dispositions. OPERATING EXPENSES--SG&A expenses for the year ended December 31, 2000, increased $108.0 million or 31.4% over the year ended December 31, 1999. The increase was primarily due to $90.6 million of SG&A expenses related to tuck-in acquisitions made subsequent to January 1, 31 1999, a $9.3 million net increase in SG&A expenses generated by the acquisition of our Arkansas platform and an increase in SG&A expenses at dealerships owned prior to January 1, 1999 (same store), of $8.1 million or 3.0%. SG&A expenses as a percentage of revenues decreased to 11.2% in 2000 from 11.4% in 1999 principally due to containment of variable and fixed compensation costs. Advertising costs increased $12.6 million primarily due to a significant number of acquisitions completed after January 1, 1999. Depreciation and amortization increased $8.1 million to $24.2 million principally due to a significant number of acquisitions completed after January 1, 1999. OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)--Floor plan interest expense increased to $37.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2000, from $23.0 million for the year ended December 31, 1999, primarily due to acquisitions completed after January 1, 1999, higher interest rates throughout 2000 as compared to 1999, and a greater number of vehicles in inventory. Other interest expense increased by $17.3 million over the prior year principally due to increased borrowings used to fund acquisitions completed after January 1, 1999, and to a lesser extent, higher interest rates. Equity investment losses for the years ended December 31, 2000, and December 31, 1999, primarily reflect our share of losses in our investment in Greenlight.com of $6.9 million and $0.8 million, respectively. Interest income was $2.8 million higher for the year ended December 31, 2000, due to higher interest rates and an increase in average available cash. YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999, COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 REVENUES--Our revenues for the year ended December 31, 1999, increased $1.93 billion or 177.7% over the year ended December 31, 1998. The increase was primarily due to $1.87 billion of revenue from six platform acquisitions made subsequent to January 1, 1998, along with an increase in revenues at platforms owned prior to January 1, 1998 (Atlanta and St. Louis) (same store), of $53.6 million or 7.8%. Same store revenues from vehicle sales increased $44.4 million or 7.7% in 1999 as compared to 1998 due to a strong year-over-year increase at our St. Louis platform. Parts, service and collision repair center revenues on a same store basis increased 8.5% in fiscal 2000 from fiscal 1999 as the Atlanta and St. Louis platforms both posted significant year-over-year increases in these services. GROSS PROFIT--Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 1999, increased $285.7 million or 183.8% over the year ended December 31, 1998. The increase was primarily due to $279.1 million of gross profit from six platform acquisitions made subsequent to January 1, 1998, along with an increase in gross profit at platforms owned prior to January 1, 1998 (Atlanta and St. Louis) (same store), of $6.6 million or 6.9%. Total gross profit as a percentage of revenues for the year ended December 31, 1999, was 14.6% as compared to 14.3% for the year ended December 31, 1998. This increase is primarily attributable to a slight shift in product mix to finance and insurance revenue. OPERATING EXPENSES--SG&A expenses for the year ended December 31, 1999, increased $216.1 million or 169.7% over the year ended December 31, 1998. The increase was primarily due to $206.0 million of SG&A expenses from six platform acquisitions made subsequent to January 1, 1998, along with an increase in SG&A expenses at platforms owned prior to January 1, 1998 (Atlanta and St. Louis) (same store), of $10.1 million or 13.2%. SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales declined to 11.4% during the year ended 1999 from 11.7% during the year ended 1998 mostly due to containment of fixed operating expenses. Depreciation and amortization increased $9.9 million to $16.2 million principally due to a significant number of acquisitions completed after January 1, 1998. OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)--Floor plan interest expense increased $15.3 million for the year ended December 31, 1999, from $7.7 million for the year ended December 31, 1998, primarily due to acquisitions completed after January 1, 1998. Other interest expense increased by $17.6 million over the prior year principally due to increased borrowings used to fund acquisitions completed 32 after January 1, 1998. Interest income was $1.9 million higher for the year ended December 31, 1999 due to an increase in average available cash. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES We require cash to fund working capital needs, finance acquisitions of new dealerships and fund capital expenditures. These requirements are met principally from cash flow from operations, borrowings under our credit facilities and floor plan financing below, mortgage notes and issuances of equity interests. As of September 30, 2001, we had cash and cash equivalents of $53.3 million. CREDIT FACILITIES On January 17, 2001, we entered into a 3 year committed financing agreement (the "Committed Credit Facility") with Ford Motor Credit Company, General Motors Acceptance Corporation and Chrysler Financial Company, L.L.C. with total availability of $550 million. The Committed Credit Facility is used for working capital and acquisition financing. At the date of closing, the Company utilized $330.6 million of the Committed Credit Facility to repay certain existing term notes and pay certain fees and expenses of the closing. All borrowings under the Committed Credit Facility bear interest at variable rates based on LIBOR plus a specified percentage depending on our attainment of certain leverage ratios and the outstanding balance under this facility. This credit facility contains covenants that, among other things, place restrictions on our ability to incur additional debt, encumber our property and other assets, repay other debt, dispose of assets, invest capital and permit our subsidiaries to issue equity securities. This credit facility also imposes minimum requirements which the terms of transactions to acquire prospective targets must meet before we can borrow funds to finance the transactions. The terms of our credit facility require us on an ongoing basis to meet certain financial ratios, including a current ratio, as defined in our credit facility of at least 1.2 to 1, a fixed charge coverage ratio, as defined in our credit facility, of no less than 1.2 to 1, and a leverage ratio, as defined in our credit facility, no greater than 4.4 to 1. A breach of these covenants or any other of the covenants in the facility would be cause for acceleration of repayment and termination of the facility by the lenders. This credit facility also contains provisions for default upon, among other things, a change of control, a material adverse change and the non-payment of obligations. As of the date of this prospectus, we were in compliance with all of the covenants. Our subsidiaries have guaranteed, and any future subsidiaries will be required to guarantee, our obligations under this credit facility. Substantially all of our assets not subject to security interests granted to floor plan lenders are subject to security interests to lenders under the floor plan financing and acquisition credit facilities. We pay annually in arrears a commitment fee for the credit facility of 0.35% of the undrawn amount available to us. The acquisition credit facility provides for an indefinite series of one-year extensions at our request if approved by the lenders and the floor plan financing credit facility has an indefinite duration. Conversely, we can terminate the acquisition financing credit facility by repaying all of the outstanding balances under the acquisition line plus a termination fee. The fee, currently equal to 3% of the amount outstanding under the acquisition credit facility, declines one percentage point on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the facility. As of September 30, 2001, $175.4 million remained available to us for additional borrowings under the acquisition financing facility. In addition, we have $10 million available through other revolving credit facilities, which are secured by certain notes receivable for finance contracts. The borrowings are repayable on the lenders' demand and accrue interest at variable rates. These facilities are subject to certain financial and other covenants. As of September 30, 2001, we had $10.0 million outstanding under these facilities. 33 FLOOR PLAN FINANCING We finance substantially all of our new vehicle inventory and a portion of our used vehicle inventory under the floor plan financing credit facility. We are required to make monthly interest payments on the amount financed, but are not required to repay the principal prior to the sale of the vehicle. These floor plan arrangements grant a security interest in the financed vehicles as well as the related sales proceeds. Amounts financed under the floor plan financing bear interest at variable rates, which are typically tied to LIBOR or a prime rate. As of September 30, 2001, we had $423.6 million outstanding under all of our floor plan financing agreements. Also on January 17, 2001, and in connection with the Committed Credit Facility, the Company obtained uncommitted floor plan financing lines of credit for new vehicles (the "New Floor Plan Lines"). The Company refinanced substantially all of its existing floor plan debt under the New Floor Plan Lines. The New Floor Plan Lines bear interest at variable rates based on LIBOR or prime and are provided by Ford Motor Credit Company, Chrysler Financial Company L.L.C. and General Motors Acceptance Corporation, with total availability of $750 million. CASH FLOW Cash flow from operations totaled $73.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2001, as net income plus non-cash items of $61.4 million, along with a reduction in inventories of $122.4 million, more than offset a reduction in floor plan notes payable of $102.6 million due to our decision to finance a greater percentage of our vehicles. Net cash flow used in investing activities was $80.8 million, principally related to acquisitions of $41.0 million, capital expenditures of $38.8 million, a net increase in finance contracts of $3.2 million and a strategic investment in CarsDirect.com of $1.2 million. Net cash flow from financing activities was $13.5 million, as a net increase in borrowings of $34.6 million (principally to fund acquisitions), was partially offset by $21.1 million used to pay member distributions. In addition, new borrowings under the acquisition line of $330.6 million were used to repay existing debt and finance certain fees and expenses of the closing of the credit facilities. Cash flow from operations was $63.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2000, an increase of $16.1 million over the prior year. This was primarily due to an increase in net income plus non-cash items of $18.4 million and an increase in floor plan notes payable of $38.2 million which more than offset an increase in inventories of $22.9 million due to our decision to finance a greater percentage of vehicles and an increase in contracts-in-transit of $19.6. Cash flow was used in investing activities to fund acquisitions of $183.8 million and capital expenditures $36.1 million, offset by the proceeds from the sale of certain dealerships of $6.1 million. Cash flow from financing was comprised of $159.4 million of proceeds from new borrowings and $20.7 million of member contributions, principally to fund acquisitions, offset by repayment of existing debt of $14.6 million and member distributions of $13.4 million. CAPITAL EXPENDITURES Capital spending for the nine months ended September 30, 2001, and for the year ended December 31, 2000, was $38.8 million and $36.1 million, respectively. Capital spending other than from acquisitions is estimated to be approximately $55 million for the year ended December 31, 2001, primarily related to an increase in manufacturer-required spending to upgrade existing dealership facilities. 34
Ford Motor Credit Company................................... $330 million Chrysler Financial Company L.L.C............................ $315 million General Motors Acceptance Corporation....................... $105 million ------------ Total Floor Plan Lines.................................... $750 million ============ Subsequent to September 30, 2001, we acquired two dealerships (operating six franchises) for consideration in the form of cash equal to $8.8 million. The cash paid for the acquisitions was funded through the proceeds of borrowings on our acquisition financing credit facility. Our future growth is dependent on our ability to acquire additional dealerships and successfully operate existing dealerships. We believe that cash flow generated from operations, working capital availability under the acquisition line, availability under our floor plan arrangements as well as mortgage financings, will be sufficient to fund debt service, working capital requirements and capital spending. Future acquisitions will be funded from cash flow from operations, capital available under our acquisition financing credit facility and through the public or private issuance of equity or debt securities. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS In June 1998, SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," was issued. SFAS No. 133 establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts (collectively referred to as derivatives) and for hedging activities. It requires that an entity recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities and measure those instruments at fair value. If certain conditions are met, a derivative instrument may be specifically designated as (a) a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or an unrecognized firm commitment, (b) a hedge of the exposure to variable cash flows of a forecasted transaction or (c) a hedge of the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation, an unrecognized firm commitment, an available-for-sale security or a foreign currency-denominated forecasted transaction. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative (gains or losses) depends on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation. SFAS No. 137 amended the effective date to all fiscal quarters of fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2000. SFAS No. 138 issued in June 2000, addressed a limited number of issues that were causing implementation difficulties for numerous entities applying SFAS No. 133. We have determined that the adoption of SFAS No. 133 did not have a material impact on our results of operations, financial position, liquidity or cash flows. In December 1999, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101, "Revenue Recognition". SAB 101 was effective for years beginning after December 31, 1999, and provides clarification related to recognizing revenue in certain circumstances. The adoption of SAB 101 did not have a material impact on Asbury's revenue recognition policies. On June 30, 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) finalized and issued Statements of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, "Business Combinations" ("SFAS 141") and No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" ("SFAS 142"). SFAS 141 requires all business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001, to be accounted for using the purchase method, eliminating the pooling of interests method. SFAS 142, when effective, eliminates amortization of the goodwill component of an acquisition price over the estimated useful life of the acquisition. However, goodwill will be subject to at least an annual assessment for impairment by applying a fair-value based test. Additionally, acquired intangible assets should be separately recognized if the benefit of the intangible is obtained through contractual or other legal rights, or if the intangible asset can be sold, transferred, licensed, rented or exchanged, regardless of the acquirer's intent to do so. Intangible assets with definitive lives will need to be amortized over their useful lives. The provisions of SFAS 142 apply immediately to all acquisitions completed after June 30, 2001. Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives existing at June 30, 2001, will continue to be amortized until December 31, 2001. Effective January 1, 2002, such amortization will cease, as companies are required to adopt the new rules on such date. By the end of the first quarter of calendar year 2002, companies must begin to perform an impairment analysis of intangible assets. Furthermore, companies must complete the first step of the goodwill transition impairment test by 35 June 30, 2002. Any impairment noted must be recorded at the date of effectiveness restating first quarter results, if necessary. Impairment charges, if any, that result from the application of the above tests would be recorded as the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle in the first quarter of the year ending December 31, 2002. Asbury will not be able to determine the ultimate impact of SFAS 142 on its consolidated financial statements until such time as it applies their provisions. In August 2001, the FASB issued Statement No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets." This statement supersedes FASB Statement No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of," and the accounting and reporting provisions of APB Opinion No. 30, "Reporting the Results of Operations-- Reporting the Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently Occurring Events and Transactions," and establishes accounting standards for the impairment and disposal of long-lived assets and criteria for determining when a long-lived asset is held for sale. The statement removes the requirement to allocate goodwill to long-lived assets to be tested for impairment, requires that the depreciable life of a long-lived asset to be abandoned be revised in accordance with APB Opinion No. 20, "Accounting Changes," provides that one accounting model be used for long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale, whether previously held and used or newly acquired and broadens the presentation of discontinued operations to include more disposal transactions. FASB 144 will be effective for financial statements beginning December 15, 2001, with earlier application encouraged. The Company is currently evaluating the impact on its financial statements of adopting this statement. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK INTEREST RATE RISK--We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates on substantially all outstanding indebtedness. Outstanding balances under the acquisition line bear interest at a variable rate based on a margin over the benchmark LIBOR rate. Given amounts outstanding at September 30, 2001, a 1% change in interest rate would result in a change of approximately $2.1 million to our annual non-floor plan interest expense after giving effect to the interest rate swaps discussed below. Similarly, amounts outstanding under floor plan financing arrangements (including the floor plan line) bear interest at variable rates based on a margin over LIBOR or prime. Based on floor plan amounts outstanding at September 30, 2001, a 1% change in interest rates would result in a $4.2 million change to annual floor plan interest expense. INTEREST RATE SWAPS--During November 2001, we entered into three interest rate swap arrangements with a financial institution in order to reduce our exposure to variable interest rates. Each swap arrangement has a notional principal amount of $100 million and matures in November 2003. The swaps require us to pay fixed rates with a weighted average of approximately 2.93% and receive in return amounts calculated at one-month LIBOR. During 1998, we caused a subsidiary to enter into swap arrangements with a bank in an aggregate initial notional principal amount of $31 million in order to fix a portion of our interest expense and reduce our exposure to floating interest rates. These swaps required the subsidiary to pay fixed rates ranging from 4.7% to 5.2% on the notional principal amounts, and receive in return payments calculated at LIBOR. In December 2000, we terminated our swap arrangements resulting in a gain of $0.4 million which was recognized in the quarter ended March 31, 2001, in connection with our refinancing of certain existing debt utilizing our credit facilities. Management continually monitors interest rates and trends in rates and will from time to time reevaluate the advisability of entering into derivative transactions to hedge our interest rate risk and may consider restructuring our debt from floating to fixed rate. FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE RISK--All our business is conducted in the U.S. where all of our revenues and expenses are transacted in U.S. dollars. As a result, our operations are not subject to foreign exchange risk. 36 BUSINESS COMPANY We are one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States. We offer our customers an extensive range of automotive products and services, in addition to new and used vehicle sales. We have grown rapidly in recent years, primarily through acquisition, with annual sales of $3.0 billion in 1999, $4.0 billion in 2000 and $3.2 billion during the first nine months of 2001. Our retail network is organized into nine regional dealership groups, or "platforms," which are groups of dealerships operating under a distinct brand. Our platforms are located in markets or clusters of markets that we believe represent attractive opportunities, generally due to the presence of relatively few dealerships and high rates of population and income growth. The following is a detailed breakdown of our platforms: - ------------------------------ (a) Minority owned and operated by us. See "Related Transactions" for a description of our ownership interest in this franchise. (b) Pending divestitures. (c) This platform market has two of these franchises. 37
DATE OF INITIAL PLATFORM-REGIONAL BRANDS ACQUISITION PLATFORM MARKETS FRANCHISES - ------------------------ --------------- ---------------- ---------- Atlanta Nalley Automotive Group September 1996 Atlanta Acura, Audi, Chevrolet, Dodge, Hino, Honda, Infiniti, Isuzu Truck, Jaguar, Jeep, Lexus(c), Navistar, Peterbilt St. Louis Plaza Motor Company December 1997 St. Louis Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Infiniti, Land Rover(a), Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche Texas David McDavid Automotive Group April 1998 Dallas/Fort Worth Acura, Buick, GMC, Honda, Lincoln, Mercury, Pontiac, Suzuki Houston Honda, Kia, Nissan Austin Acura Tampa Courtesy Dealership Group September 1998 Tampa Chrysler, GMC, Hyundai, Infiniti, Isuzu, Jeep, Kia, Lincoln, Mazda(c), Mercedes-Benz, Mercury, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Pontiac, Toyota Jacksonville Coggin Automotive Company October 1998 Jacksonville Chevrolet, GMC(c), Honda(c), Kia, Mazda, Nissan(c), Pontiac(c), Toyota Orlando Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, Ford, Honda(c), Lincoln, Mercury, Pontiac Fort Pierce BMW, Honda, Mercedes-Benz Oregon Thomason Auto Group December 1998 Portland Ford(c), Honda, Hyundai(c), Nissan, Subaru(b), Toyota North Carolina Crown Automotive Company December 1998 Greensboro Acura, Audi, BMW, Dodge, GMC, Honda, Kia, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Pontiac, Volvo Chapel Hill/Raleigh GMC(b), Honda, Isuzu(b), Pontiac(b), Volvo Fayetteville Ford Richmond, VA Acura, BMW(c), Porsche Arkansas North Point (previously known as February 1999 Little Rock BMW, Ford, Lincoln(c), Mazda, McLarty Companies) Mercury(c), Nissan, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo Texarkana, TX Chrysler, Dodge, Ford Mississippi Gray-Daniels April 2000 Jackson Chrysler, Daewoo, Ford, Hyundai, Isuzu, Jeep, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury, Mitsubishi, Nissan(c), Suzuki, Toyota Each platform originally operated as an independent business before being acquired and integrated into our operations, and each continues to enjoy high local brand name recognition and regional concentration. COMPANY HISTORY We were formed in 1995 by management and Ripplewood Holdings L.L.C. In 1997, an investment fund affiliated with Freeman Spogli & Co. Inc. acquired a significant interest in us. The group identified an opportunity to aggregate a number of the nation's top retail automotive dealers into one cohesive organization. We acquired eight of our platforms between 1997 and 1999, and combined them on February 1, 2000. In the combination, dealers holding ownership interests in their respective platforms transferred their interests to the Oregon platform in exchange for ownership interests in the Oregon platform. Dealers who held interests in the Oregon platform did not exchange their interests, but had their holdings adjusted to reflect their overall ownership interest in the consolidated company. The Oregon platform then changed its name to Asbury Automotive Group L.L.C. and became the parent company to our platforms and other companies. Since the consolidation of the eight platforms as of February 1, 2000, a ninth platform, the Mississippi platform, was formed on July 2, 2001, following our acquisition of five franchises in the Jackson market, which we added to five franchises that we previously acquired in this market. OUR STRENGTHS We believe our competitive strengths are as follows: EXPERIENCED AND INCENTIVIZED MANAGEMENT - RETAIL AND AUTOMOTIVE MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE. We have a management team with extensive experience and expertise in the retail and automotive sectors. Kenneth B. Gilman, our president and chief executive officer, served for 25 years at the Limited, Inc. where his most recent assignment was CEO of Lane Bryant, a retailer of women's clothing and a subsidiary of the Limited, Inc. From 1993 to 2001, Mr. Gilman served as vice chairman and chief administrative officer of the Limited, Inc. with responsibility for, among other things, finance, information technology, supply chain management and production. Thomas R. Gibson, our co-founder and chairman of the board spent most of his 28-year automotive career working with automobile retail dealers throughout the U.S., including serving as president and chief operating officer of Subaru of America. Thomas F. Gilman, our vice president and chief financial officer, served for 25 years at DaimlerChrysler where his knowledge of the dealer network allowed him to play a key role assisting DaimlerChrysler dealerships during the recession in the automotive industry in the early 1990s. See "Management." In addition, the former platform owners of seven of our nine platforms, each with greater than 24 years of experience in the automotive retailing industry, continue to manage their respective platforms. - INCENTIVIZATION AT EVERY LEVEL. We tie compensation to performance by relying upon an incentive-based pay system at both the platform and dealership levels. At the platform level all our senior management are compensated on an incentive-based pay system while 71% of the senior management at our nine platforms have a stake in our performance based upon their ownership of approximately 40% of our total equity, and will continue to own [ ]% after giving effect to this offering. We also create incentives at the dealership level. Each dealership is managed as a separate profit center by a trained and experienced general manager who has primary responsibility for decisions relating to inventory, advertising, pricing and personnel. We compensate our general managers based on dealership profitability, and the compensation of department managers is similarly based upon departmental profitability. Approximately 80% of compensation earned by our dealerships' general managers and sales forces in 2000 and the first nine months of 2001 was earned through commissions and performance-based bonuses. 38 ADVANTAGEOUS BRAND MIX We classify our primary franchise sales lines into luxury, mid-line import, mid-line domestic and value. We believe that our current brand mix includes a higher proportion of luxury and mid-line imports franchises to total franchises than most other public automotive retailers. Luxury and mid-line imports together accounted for approximately 63% of our 2000 new retail vehicle revenues and 65% of our new retail vehicle revenue in the first nine months of 2001, and comprise over half of our total franchises. Luxury and mid-line imports generate above average gross margins on sales, and have greater customer loyalty and repeat purchases than mid-line domestic and value automobiles. We also believe that luxury vehicle sales are less susceptible to economic cycles. The following is a list of franchises currently owned and franchises expected to be acquired through pending acquisitions: - ------------------------------ (a) Minority owned and operated by us. See "Related Party Transactions" for a description of our ownership interest in this franchise. 39
% OF TOTAL % OF 2000 PENDING CURRENT AND NEW VEHICLE CLASS/FRANCHISE CURRENT DIVESTITURES PENDING FRANCHISES REVENUE RETAIL - --------------- -------- ------------ ------------------- --------------- LUXURY Acura.............................. 5 Audi............................... 3 BMW................................ 6 Cadillac........................... 1 Infiniti........................... 3 Jaguar............................. 1 Land Rover(a)...................... 1 Lexus.............................. 3 Lincoln............................ 6 Mercedes-Benz...................... 3 Porsche............................ 2 Volvo.............................. 3 --- --- TOTAL LUXURY................... 37 29% 25% MID-LINE IMPORT Honda.............................. 11 Mazda.............................. 5 Mitsubishi......................... 3 Nissan............................. 9 Subaru............................. 1 (1) Toyota............................. 5 Volkswagen......................... 1 --- --- TOTAL MID-LINE IMPORT.......... 35 (1) 27% 38% MID-LINE DOMESTIC Buick.............................. 2 Chevrolet.......................... 3 Chrysler........................... 3 Dodge.............................. 3 Ford............................... 7 GMC................................ 7 (1) Jeep............................... 3 Mercury............................ 6 Pontiac............................ 7 (1) --- --- TOTAL MID-LINE DOMESTIC........ 41 (2) 31% 28% VALUE Daewoo............................. 1 Hyundai............................ 4 Isuzu.............................. 3 (1) Kia................................ 4 Suzuki............................. 2 --- --- TOTAL VALUE.................... 14 (1) 10% 4% HEAVY TRUCKS Hino............................... 1 Isuzu.............................. 1 Navistar........................... 1 Peterbilt.......................... 1 --- TOTAL HEAVY TRUCKS............. 4 3% 5% --- --- ---- ---- TOTAL.............................. 131 (4) 100% 100% === === ==== ==== REGIONAL CONCENTRATION AND STRONG BRANDING OF OUR PLATFORMS - REGIONAL CONCENTRATION. Each of our platforms, which is comprised of between seven and 22 franchises, sold an average of over 19,000 cars and generated average pro forma annual revenues of approximately $500 million in 2000, and each sold an average of over 13,500 cars on a pro forma basis and generated average pro forma revenues of approximately $370 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2001. Our regional concentration and strong brand recognition allow our platforms to realize significant regional economies of scale. - BRANDING. Each of our platforms maintains a strong regional brand. We believe that our cultivation of strong regional brands can be beneficial because: - platforms enjoy strong local brand recognition from their long presence and regional advertising; - consumers may prefer to interact with a locally recognized brand; - placing our franchises in one region under a single brand allows us to generate significant advertising savings; and - our platforms can retain customers even as they purchase and service different automobile brands. DIVERSIFIED REVENUE STREAMS/VARIABLE COST STRUCTURE Our operations provide a diversified revenue base that we believe mitigates the impact of slower new car sales volumes. Used car sales and parts, service and collision repair, which represented 37% of our total 2000 revenue and 39% of our revenue for the first nine months of 2001, generate higher profit margins than new car sales and tend to fluctuate less with economic cycles. In addition, our variable cost structure helps us manage expenses in an economic downturn, as a large part of our operating expenses consist of incentive-based compensation, vehicle carrying costs and advertising. - NEW VEHICLES. Our franchises include a diverse portfolio of 37 American, European and Asian brands. We believe that our diverse brand, product and price mix enables us to reduce our exposure to specific product supply shortages and changing customer preferences. New vehicle sales were approximately 61% of our total revenues and 32% of total gross profit in 2000, and approximately 59% of our total revenues and 31% of total gross profit in the first nine months of 2001. - USED VEHICLES. We sell used vehicles at virtually all our franchised dealerships. Retail sales of used vehicles has become an increasingly significant source of profit for us, making up approximately 26% of our total revenues and 16% of total gross profit in 2000, and approximately 27% of our total revenues and 15% of total gross profit in the first nine months of 2001. We obtain used vehicles through customer trade-ins, auctions restricted to new vehicle dealers (offering off-lease, rental and fleet vehicles) and "open" auctions which offer repossessed vehicles and vehicles sold by other dealers. We sell our used vehicles to retail customers when possible. We dispose of used vehicles that are not purchased by retail customers through sales to other dealers and at auction. - FINANCE AND INSURANCE. We arranged customer financing on over 70% of the vehicles we sold in 2000 and in the first nine months of 2001. These transactions result in commissions being paid to us by the indirect lenders, including manufacturer-captive finance arms. In addition to the finance commissions, each of these transactions creates other highly 40 profitable sales opportunities, including extended service contracts and various insurance-related products for the consumer. Our size and sales volume motivate vendors to provide these products to us at substantially reduced fees compared to industry norms which result in competitive advantages as well as acquisition synergies. Furthermore, many of the insurance products we sell result in additional underwriting profits and investment income yields based on portfolio performances. Profits from finance and insurance generated approximately 2% of our total revenues and 15% of our total gross profit in 2000, and approximately 3% of our total revenues and 16% of total gross profit in the first nine months of 2001. - PARTS, SERVICE AND COLLISION REPAIR. We sell parts and provide maintenance and repair service at all our franchised dealerships. In addition, we have 24 free-standing collision repair centers in close proximity to dealerships in substantially all our platforms. Our dealerships and collision repair centers collectively operate approximately 1,600 service bays. Revenues from parts, service and collision repair centers were approximately 11% of our total revenues and 37% of our total gross profit in 2000, and approximately 11% of our total revenues and 38% of total gross profit in the first nine months of 2001. OUR STRATEGY Our objective is to be the most profitable automotive retailer in select markets in the United States. To achieve this objective, we intend to grow through targeted acquisitions, expand our higher margin businesses, emphasize decentralized dealership operations and enhance our customer relationship management. CONTINUED GROWTH THROUGH TARGETED ACQUISITIONS We intend to continue to grow through acquisitions. We will seek to establish platforms in new markets through acquisitions of large, profitable and well-managed dealership groups. In addition, we will pursue tuck-in acquisitions to complement the related platform by increasing brand diversity, market coverage and services. - PLATFORM ACQUISITIONS. We will seek to establish platforms in new geographic markets through acquisitions of large, profitable and well-managed dealership groups in metropolitan and high-growth suburban markets in which we are not currently present. We will target those platforms with superior operational and financial management personnel. We believe that the retention of existing high quality management who understand the local market will enable acquired platforms to continue to operate efficiently, while allowing us to source future acquisitions more effectively and expand our operations without having to employ and train untested new personnel. Moreover, we believe we are well-positioned to pursue larger, established acquisition candidates as a result of the reputation of the original owners of our nine platforms as leaders in the automotive retailing industry. - TUCK-IN ACQUISITIONS. One of our goals is to become the market leader in every region in which we operate a platform. We plan to acquire additional dealerships in each of the markets in which we operate, including acquisitions that increase the brands, products and services offered in that market. Since 1995 we have made 18 tuck-in acquisitions (representing 44 franchises) to add additional strength and brand diversity to our platforms. We believe that these acquisitions in the past and in the future will facilitate our regional operating efficiencies and cost savings in areas such as advertising and facility and personnel utilization. - FOCUS ON ACQUISITIONS PROVIDING GEOGRAPHIC AND BRAND DIVERSITY. By focusing on geographic and brand diversity, we seek to manage economic risk and drive growth and profitability. By having a presence in all major brands and by avoiding concentration with one 41 manufacturer, we are well positioned to reduce our exposure to specific product supply shortages and changing customer preferences. At the same time, we will seek to continue to increase the proportion of our dealerships that are in markets with favorable demographic characteristics or that are franchises of fast-growing, high margin brands. In particular, we will focus on luxury dealerships (such as BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz) and mid-line import dealerships (such as Honda, Toyota and Nissan). On an ongoing basis we will continue to evaluate the performance of our dealerships to determine if the sale of a particular dealership is advisable. FOCUS ON HIGHER MARGIN PRODUCTS AND SERVICES While new vehicle sales are critical to drawing customers to our dealerships, used vehicle retail sales, parts, service and collision repair and finance and insurance provide significantly higher gross profit margins. We currently derive approximately two-thirds of our total gross profit from these areas. In addition, we have discipline-specific executives at both the corporate and platform level who focus on both increasing the penetration of current services and expanding the breadth of our offerings to customers. While each of our platforms operates independently in a manner consistent with its specific market's characteristics, each platform will pursue an integrated strategy to grow these higher margin businesses to enhance profitability and stimulate internal growth. - FINANCE AND INSURANCE. We intend to continue to bolster our finance and insurance revenues by offering a broad range of conventional finance and lease alternatives to fund the purchase of new and used vehicles. In addition to financing vehicle sales, we intend to expand our already broad offering of customer products like credit insurance, extended service contracts, maintenance programs and a host of other niche products to meet all of our customer needs on a "one stop" shopping basis. Furthermore, based on size and scale, we believe we will be able to continue negotiating with lending institutions and product providers to increase commissions on each of the products and services we sell. Moreover, continued in-depth sales training efforts and innovative computer technologies will serve as important tools in enhancing our finance and insurance profitability. - PARTS, SERVICE AND COLLISION REPAIR. Each of our platforms offers parts and performs vehicle service work and substantially all of our platforms operate collision repair centers, all of which provide an important source of recurring higher gross profit margins. Currently, gross profit generated from these businesses absorbs approximately 60% of our total operating expenses, excluding salespersons' compensation. Expanding this absorption rate through focused marketing and customer relationship management represents a major opportunity for growth. DECENTRALIZED DEALERSHIP OPERATIONS We believe that decentralized dealership operations on a platform basis empower our retail network to provide market-specific responses to sales, service, marketing and inventory requirements. These operations are complemented by centralized technology and financial controls, as well as sharing of best practices and market intelligence throughout the organization. While our administrative headquarters is located in Stamford, Connecticut, the day-to-day responsibility for the dealerships rests with each regional management team. Each of our platforms has a management structure that is intended to promote and reward entrepreneurial spirit and the achievement of team goals. 42 The chart below depicts our typical platform management structure: AVERAGE EXPERIENCE OF PLATFORM MANAGEMENT [FLOW CHART OF PLATFORM MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE] Each of our dealerships is managed by a general manager who has authority over day-to-day operations. The general manager of each dealership is supported by a management team consisting, in most circumstances, of a new vehicle sales manager, a used vehicle sales manager, a finance and insurance manager and parts and service managers. Our dealerships are operated as distinct profit centers in which the general managers are given significant autonomy. The general managers are responsible for the operations, personnel and financial performance of their dealerships. We employ professional management practices in all aspects of our operations, including information technology and employee training. A peer review process is also in place in which the platform managers address best practices, operational challenges and successes, and formulate goals for other platforms. Platforms utilize computer-based management information systems to monitor each dealership's sales, profitability and inventory on a daily basis. We believe the application of professional management practices provides us with a competitive advantage over many dealerships. In addition, platform management teams' thorough understanding of the local market enables them to effectively run day-to-day operations, recruit new employees and gauge acquisition opportunities in their market area. CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT We are implementing a CRM initiative to increase customer loyalty and satisfaction and reduce marketing costs by redirecting expenditures from mass media to targeted communications. We expect to create a differentiated customer experience, allowing us to capture a greater percentage of our targeted households' automotive spending. Our CRM initiative includes the engagement of 43 McKinsey & Company, a leading management consulting firm, to help develop the program and pilot it in Jacksonville. We are also investing in a CRM software solution to provide the necessary technological tools. We believe CRM will be particularly effective in the automotive industry given high customer (household) lifetime value, coupled with the industry's historic focus on short-term transactions as opposed to long-term customer retention. In addition to driving incremental new and used purchases over a multi-year period for a given household, we can benefit from incremental finance and insurance purchases and greater service expenditures, particularly post warranty. We also know that profitability varies dramatically by customer segment, as it does in most retail sectors; thus, we expect to benefit from initiatives that successfully target high value segments. SALES AND MARKETING NEW VEHICLE SALES. Our new vehicle retail sales include new vehicle retail lease transactions and other similar agreements, which are arranged by our individual dealerships. New vehicle leases generally have short terms, which cause customers to return to a dealership more frequently than in the case of financed purchases. In addition, leases provide us with a steady source of late-model, off-lease vehicles for our used vehicle inventory. Generally, leased vehicles remain under factory warranty for the term of the lease, allowing dealerships to provide repair service to the lessee throughout the lease term. Historically, less than 2% of our new vehicle sales revenue is derived from fleet sales, which are generally conducted on a commission basis. We design our dealership service to meet the needs of our customers and establish relationships that will result in both repeat business and additional business through customer referrals. Our dealerships employ varying sales techniques to address changes in consumer preference. We incentivize our dealership managers to employ more efficient selling approaches, engage in extensive follow-up to develop long-term relationships with customers and extensively train sales staffs to be able to meet customer needs. We continually evaluate innovative ways to improve the buying experience for our customers and believe that our ability to share best practices across our dealerships gives us an advantage over other dealerships. We acquire substantially all our new vehicle inventory from manufacturers. Manufacturers allocate limited inventory among their franchised dealers based primarily on sales volume and input from dealers. We finance our inventory purchases through revolving credit arrangements known in the industry as floor plan facilities. USED VEHICLE SALES. Used vehicle sales typically generate higher gross margins than new vehicle sales. We intend to grow our used vehicle sales by maintaining a high quality inventory, providing competitive prices and extended service contracts and continuing to enhance our marketing initiatives. Profits from sales of used vehicles are dependent primarily on the ability of our dealerships to obtain a high quality supply of used vehicles and effectively manage inventory. New vehicle operations provide our used vehicle operations with a large supply of high quality trade-ins and off-lease vehicles, which we believe are the best sources of attractive used vehicle inventory. We supplement our used inventory with vehicles purchased at auctions. Used vehicles are generally offered at our dealerships for 45 to 60 days on average, after which, if they have not been sold to a retail buyer, they are either sold to an outside dealer or offered at auction. During 2000 and for the first nine months of 2001, approximately 77% and 78% respectively, of used vehicles sales were made to retail buyers. We may transfer used vehicles among dealerships to provide balanced inventories of used vehicles at each of our dealerships. We believe that acquisitions of additional dealerships will expand the internal market for transfer of used 44 vehicles among our dealerships and, therefore, increase the ability of each dealership to offer a balanced mix of used vehicles. We developed integrated computer inventory systems allowing us to coordinate vehicle transfers among our dealerships, primarily on a regional basis. Several steps have been taken towards building client confidence in our used vehicle inventory, one of which includes participation in the manufacturers' certification processes which are available only to new vehicle franchises. This process makes certain used vehicles eligible for new vehicle benefits such as new vehicle finance rates and extended manufacturer warranties. In addition, each dealership offers extended warranties on our used car sales. FINANCE AND INSURANCE. We arranged customer financing on over 70% of the vehicles we sold in 2000 and during the first nine months of 2001, approximately 99% of which was non-recourse to us. These transactions generate commission revenue from indirect lenders, including manufacturer captive finance arms. In addition to finance commissions, each of these transactions creates other opportunities for more profitable sales, such as extended service contracts and various insurance-related products for the consumer. Our size and volume capabilities motivate vendors to provide these products at substantially reduced fees compared to the industry average which result in competitive advantages as well as acquisition synergies. Furthermore, many of the insurance products we sell result in additional underwriting profits and investment income yields based on portfolio performances. PARTS, SERVICE AND COLLISION REPAIR. Historically, the automotive repair industry has been highly fragmented. However, we believe that the increased use of advanced technology in vehicles has made it difficult for independent repair shops to achieve the expertise required to perform major or technical repairs. Additionally, manufacturers permit warranty work to be performed only at franchised dealerships. As a result, unlike independent service stations or independent and superstore used car dealerships with service operations, our franchised dealerships are qualified to perform work covered by manufacturer warranties on increasingly technologically complex motor vehicles. Our profitability in parts and service can be attributed to our comprehensive management system, including the use of variable rate pricing structures, cultivation of strong client relationships through an emphasis on preventive maintenance and the efficient management of parts inventory. We use variable rate structures designed to reflect the difficulty and sophistication of different types of repairs to compensate employees working in parts and service. The percentage mark-ups on parts are also variably priced based on market conditions for different parts. One of our major goals is to retain each vehicle purchaser as a long-term customer of our parts and service department. Currently, only 30% of customers return to our dealerships for other services after the vehicle warranty expires. Significant opportunity for growth exists in the auxiliary services part of our business. Each dealership has systems in place to track customer maintenance records and notify owners of vehicles purchased at the dealerships when their vehicles are due for periodic services. Service and repair activities are an integral part of our overall approach to customer service. ADVERTISING. Our largest advertising medium is local newspapers, followed by radio, television, direct mail and the yellow pages. The retail automotive industry has traditionally used locally produced, largely unprofessional materials, often developed under the direction of each dealership's general manager. Each of our platforms has created common marketing materials for their dealerships using professional advertising agencies. Our corporate chief marketing officer helps oversee and share creative materials and general marketing best practices across platforms. Our total company marketing expense was $42.2 million in 2000 and $33.3 million for the first nine months of 2001 which translates into an average of $273 and $283, respectively, per retail vehicle 45 sold. In addition, manufacturers' direct advertising spending in support of their brands provides approximately 60% of the total amount spent on new car advertising in the U.S. COMMITMENT TO CUSTOMER SERVICE. We are focused on providing a high level of customer service to meet the needs of an increasingly sophisticated and demanding automotive consumer. We strive to cultivate lasting relationships with our customers, which we believe enhances the opportunity for significant repeat and referral business. For example, our platforms regard service and repair operations as an integral part of the overall approach to customer service, providing an opportunity to foster ongoing relationships with customers and deepen loyalty. INTERNET AND E-COMMERCE. We believe that the growth of the Internet and e-commerce represents a new opportunity to build our platforms' brands and expand the geographic borders of their markets. We are applying e-commerce to our strategy of executing professionally developed best practices under the supervision of discipline-specific central management throughout our autonomous platforms. We believe that our e-commerce strategy constitutes a coherent, cost-effective and sustainable approach that allows us to leverage the projected growth of the Internet. At the corporate level, information technology-e-commerce executives set the parameters of our overall e-commerce strategy. Our strategy mandates that each platform establish a website that incorporates a professional design to reinforce the platform's unique brand and advanced functionalities to ensure that the website can hold the attention of customers and perform the informational and interactive functions for which the Internet is uniquely suited. Manufacturer website links provide our platforms with key sources of referrals. Our commitment to e-commerce flows through to the platform level. Each platform maintains an e-commerce department, staffed with dedicated personnel, to promote the platform's brand over the World Wide Web and capitalize on Internet-originated sales leads. Many platforms use the Internet to communicate with customers both prior to vehicle purchase and after purchase to coordinate and market maintenance and repair services. Finally, each platform utilizes the Internet as an integral part of its overall branding and advertising efforts by ensuring that its website is aggressively promoted and periodically upgraded. MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM. We consolidate financial, accounting and operational data received from our dealers nationwide through an exclusive private communication network. The data from the dealers is gathered and processed through their individual dealer management system. All our dealers use software from ADP, Inc., Reynolds & Reynolds, Co. or UCS, Inc. as their dealer management system. Our systems strategy allows for our platforms to choose the dealer management system that best fits their daily operational needs. We aggregate the information from the three disparate systems at our corporate headquarters to create one single view of the business using the Hyperion financial systems. Our information technology allows us to quickly integrate and aggregate the information from a new acquisition. By creating a connection over our private network between the dealer management system and corporate Hyperion financial systems, corporate management can quickly view the financial, accounting and operational data of the newly acquired dealer. In that way, we can efficiently integrate the acquired dealer into our operational strategy. COMPETITION In new vehicle sales, our platforms compete primarily with other franchised dealerships in their regions. We do not have any cost advantage in purchasing new vehicles from the manufacturers. Instead, we rely on advertising and merchandising, sales expertise, service reputation and location of our dealerships to sell new vehicles. In recent years, automobile dealers have also faced 46 increased competition in the sale or lease of new vehicles from independent leasing companies, on-line purchasing services and warehouse clubs. Our used vehicle operations compete with other franchised dealers, independent used car dealers, automobile rental agencies and private parties for supply and resale of used vehicles. See "Risk Factors--Substantial competition in automobile sales may adversely affect our profitability." In our vehicle financing business, we compete with direct consumer lending institutions such as local banks, savings and loans and credit unions, including through the Internet. Our ability to offer manufacturer-subsidized financing terms as part of an incentive-based sales strategy can place us at a competitive advantage relative to independent financing companies. We also compete in this area based on: - interest rates; and - convenience of "one stop shopping," which we offer by arranging vehicle financing at the point of purchase. We seek to reduce our cost of funds, and as a result, the interest rates we charge, through leveraging our volume of business to obtain discounted terms. We compete against other franchised dealers to perform warranty repairs and against other automobile dealers, franchised and independent service centers for non-warranty repair and routine maintenance business. We compete with other automobile dealers, service stores and auto parts retailers in our parts operations. We believe that the principal competitive factors in parts and service sales are the use of factory-approved replacement parts, price, the familiarity with a manufacturer's brands and models and the quality of customer service. A number of regional and national chains offer selected parts and services at prices that may be lower than our prices. FACILITIES We have 127 franchises situated in 89 dealership locations throughout nine states. We lease 55 of these locations and own the remainder. We have 5 locations in Mississippi and 2 locations in North Carolina where we lease the land but own the building facilities. The locations are included in the leased column of the table below. In addition, we operate 24 collision repair centers. - ------------------------ (a) One of our dealerships in Atlanta that owns a new vehicle facility operates a separate used vehicle facility that is leased. (b) One of our dealerships in Atlanta that leases a new vehicle facility operates a separate used vehicle facility that is owned. We lease our corporate headquarters, which is located at 3 Landmark Square, Suite 500 in Stamford, Connecticut. 47
COLLISION REPAIR DEALERSHIPS CENTERS ------------------- ------------------- OWNED LEASED OWNED LEASED -------- -------- -------- -------- Arkansas................................... 1 5 1 1 Atlanta.................................... 3(a) 8(b) 2 2 Jacksonville............................... 14 3 5 1 Mississippi................................ 1 7 0 1 North Carolina............................. 10 4 1 0 Oregon..................................... 0 7 0 2 St. Louis.................................. 5 0 1 0 Tampa...................................... 0 12 0 2 Texas...................................... 0 9 0 5 -- -- -- -- Total...................................... 34 55 10 14 == == == == FRANCHISE AGREEMENTS Each of our dealerships operates pursuant to franchise agreements between the applicable manufacturer and the dealership. The typical automotive franchise agreement specifies the locations at which the dealer has the right and obligation to sell the manufacturer's automobiles and related parts and products and to perform certain approved services. The franchise agreement grants the dealer the non-exclusive right to use and display the manufacturer's trademarks, service marks and designs in the form and manner approved by the manufacturer. The allocation of new vehicles among dealerships is subject to the discretion of the manufacturer, which generally does not guarantee a dealership exclusivity within a given territory. A franchise agreement may impose requirements on the dealer concerning such matters as the showrooms, the facilities and equipment for servicing vehicles, the maintenance of inventories of vehicles and parts, the maintenance of minimum net working capital, the achievement of certain minimum customer service and satisfaction standards and the training of personnel. Compliance with these requirements is closely monitored by the manufacturer. In addition, many manufacturers require each dealership to submit monthly and annual financial statements. We are subject to additional provisions contained in supplemental agreements, framework agreements or franchise addenda, which we collectively refer to as "franchise framework agreements." Many of our dealerships are also subject to these agreements. Franchise framework agreements impose requirements similar to those discussed above, as well as limitations on changes in our ownership or management and limitations on the number of a particular manufacturer's franchises we may own. In addition, we are party to an agreement with General Motors Corporation under which we have divested ourselves of and agreed not to acquire Saturn franchises. PROVISIONS FOR TERMINATION OR NON-RENEWAL OF FRANCHISE AGREEMENTS. Certain franchise agreements expire after a specified period of time, ranging from one to five years, and we expect to renew expiring agreements for franchises we wish to continue in the ordinary course of business. Typical franchise agreements provide for termination or non-renewal by the manufacturer under certain circumstances, including insolvency or bankruptcy of the dealership, failure to adequately operate the dealership, failure to maintain any license, permit or authorization required for the conduct of business, or material breach of other provisions of the franchise agreement. Some of our franchise agreements and franchise framework agreements provide that the manufacturer may acquire our dealerships or terminate the franchise agreement if a person or entity acquires an equity interest above a specified level (ranging from 20% to 50% depending on the particular manufacturer's restriction) in us without the approval of the applicable manufacturer. This trigger can fall to as low as 5% if the entity acquiring the equity interest in us is another automobile manufacturer or a felon whose conviction stems from fraudulent sales practices or violations of state or federal consumer protection laws. Some manufacturers also restrict changes in the membership of our board of directors. Although our franchise agreements may not be renewed or may be terminated prior to the conclusion of their terms, manufacturers have rarely chosen to take such action. Further, as discussed below, state dealer laws substantially limit the ability of manufacturers to terminate or fail to renew franchise agreements. See "Risk Factors--If we fail to obtain renewals of one or more of our franchise agreements from vehicle manufacturers on favorable terms, or if one or more of our franchise agreements are terminated, our operations could be significantly compromised." MANUFACTURERS' LIMITATIONS ON ACQUISITIONS. We are required to obtain the consent of the applicable manufacturer before we can acquire any additional dealership franchises. Six of our manufacturers impose limits on the number of dealerships we are permitted to own at the metropolitan, regional and national levels. These limits vary according to the agreements we have with each of the manufacturers but are generally based on fixed numerical limits or on a fixed 48 percentage of the aggregate sales of the manufacturer. We currently own the maximum number of dealerships allowed under our franchise agreement with Acura and have only one more dealership available for Jaguar. We are also approaching the ownership limits allocated under our framework franchise agreement with Toyota. Unless we renegotiate these franchise agreements or receive the consent of the manufacturers, we may be prevented from making further acquisitions upon reaching the limits provided for in these framework franchise agreements. STATE DEALER LAWS. We operate in states that have state dealer laws limiting manufacturers' ability to terminate dealer franchise agreements. We are basing the following discussion of state dealer laws on our understanding of these laws and therefore, the description may not be accurate. State dealer laws generally provide that it is a violation for manufacturers to terminate or refuse to renew franchise agreements unless they provide written notice to the dealers setting forth good cause and stating the grounds for termination or nonrenewal. State dealer laws typically require 60 to 90 days advance notice to dealers prior to termination or nonrenewal of a franchise agreement. Some state dealer laws allow dealers to file protests or petitions within the notice period and allow dealers an opportunity to comply with the manufacturers' criteria. These statutes also provide that manufacturers are prohibited from unreasonably withholding approval for a proposed change in ownership of the dealership. Acceptable grounds for disapproval include material reasons relating to the character, financial ability or business experience of the proposed transferee. See "Risk Factors--If state dealer laws are repealed or weakened, our dealerships will be more susceptible to termination, non-renewal or re-negotiation of their franchise agreements." GOVERNMENTAL REGULATIONS A number of federal, state and local regulations affect our marketing, selling, financing and servicing of automobiles. The nine platforms also are subject to state laws and regulations relating to business corporations generally. Under various state laws, each of our dealerships must obtain a license in order to establish, operate or relocate a dealership or provide certain automotive repair services. These laws also regulate conduct of our businesses, including advertising and sales practices. Other states into which we may expand our operations in the future are likely to have similar requirements. Our financing activities with our customers are subject to federal truth-in-lending, consumer leasing and equal credit opportunity regulations as well as state and local motor vehicle finance laws, installment finance laws, insurance laws, usury laws and other installment sales laws. Some states regulate finance fees that may be paid as a result of vehicle sales. Penalties for violation of any of these laws or regulations may include revocation of necessary licenses, assessment of criminal and civil fines and penalties, and in certain instances, create a private cause of action for individuals. We believe that we comply substantially with all laws and regulations affecting our business and do not have any material liabilities under such laws and regulations and that compliance with all such laws and regulations will not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position, and we do not anticipate that such compliance will have a material effect on us in the future. See "Risk Factors--Governmental regulations and environmental regulation compliance costs may adversely affect our profitability." ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS We are subject to a wide range of environmental laws and regulations, including those governing discharges into the air and water, the storage of petroleum substances and chemicals, the handling and disposal of wastes and the remediation of contamination. As with automobile dealerships generally, and service and parts and collision repair center operations in particular, our business involves the generation, use, handling and disposal of hazardous or toxic substances and 49 wastes. Operations involving the management of wastes are subject to requirements of the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and comparable state statutes. Pursuant to these laws, federal and state environmental agencies have established approved methods for handling, storage, treatment, transportation and disposal of regulated substances and wastes with which we must comply. Our business also involves the use of above ground and underground storage tanks. Under applicable laws and regulations, we are responsible for the proper use, maintenance and abandonment of our regulated storage tanks and for remediation of subsurface soils and groundwater impacted by releases from existing or abandoned storage tanks. In addition to these regulated tanks, we own, operate, or have otherwise closed in place other underground and above ground devices or containers (such as automotive lifts and service pits) that may not be classified as regulated tanks, but which could or may have released stored materials into the environment, thereby potentially obligating us to clean up any soils or groundwater resulting from such releases. We are also subject to laws and regulations governing remediation of contamination at or from our facilities or to which we send hazardous or toxic substances or wastes for treatment, recycling or disposal. The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, or CERCLA, also known as the "Superfund" law, imposes liability, without regard to fault or the legality of the original conduct, on those that are considered to have contributed to the release of a "hazardous substance." Responsible parties include the owner or operator of the site or sites where the release occurred and companies that disposed or arranged for the disposal of the hazardous substances released at such sites. These responsible parties may be subject to joint and several liability for the costs of cleaning up the hazardous substances that have been released into the environment and for damages to natural resources. It is not uncommon for neighboring landowners and other third parties to file claims for personal injury and property damage allegedly caused by the release of hazardous substances. Further, the Federal Clean Water Act and comparable state statutes prohibit discharges of pollutants into regulated waters without the necessary permits, require containment of potential discharges of oil or hazardous substances and require preparation of spill contingency plans. We believe that we are in material compliance with those wastewater discharge requirements as well as requirements for the containment of potential discharges and spill contingency planning. Environmental laws and regulations are very complex and it has become difficult for businesses that routinely handle hazardous and non-hazardous wastes to achieve and maintain full compliance with all applicable environmental laws. From time to time we experience incidents and encounter conditions that will not be in compliance with environmental laws and regulations. However, none of our dealerships have been subject to any material environmental liabilities in the past and we do not anticipate that any material environmental liabilities will be incurred in the future. Nevertheless, environmental laws and regulations and their interpretation and enforcement are changed frequently and we believe that the trend of more expansive and stricter environmental legislation and regulations is likely to continue. Hence, there can be no assurance that compliance with environmental laws or regulations or the future discovery of unknown environmental conditions will not require additional expenditures by us, or that such expenditures would not be material. See "Risk Factors--Governmental regulations and environmental regulation compliance costs may adversely affect our profitability." EMPLOYEES As of September 30, 2001, we employed approximately 7,380 people, of whom approximately 615 were employed in managerial positions, approximately 2,015 were employed in non-managerial sales positions, approximately 3,850 were employed in non-managerial parts and service positions, approximately 690 were employed in administrative support positions and approximately 210 were employed in non-managerial finance and insurance positions. We intend, upon completion of the 50 offering, to provide certain executive officers and managers with options to purchase common stock and believe this equity incentive will be attractive to our existing and prospective employees. See "Management--2002 Stock Option Plan". We believe our relationship with our employees is favorable. None of our employees are represented by a labor union. Because of our dependence on vehicle manufacturers, however, we may be affected by labor strikes, work slowdowns and walkouts at vehicle manufacturers' production facilities. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND INSURANCE From time to time, we and our nine platforms are named in claims involving the manufacture of automobiles, contractual disputes and other matters arising in the ordinary course of our business. Currently, no legal proceedings are pending against us or the nine platforms that, in management's opinion, could be expected to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. Because of their vehicle inventory and nature of business, automobile retail dealerships generally require significant levels of insurance covering a broad variety of risks. Our insurance program includes two umbrella policies with a total per occurrence and aggregate limit of $100 million. We also have insurance on our real property, comprehensive coverage for our vehicle inventory, garage liability and general liability insurance, employee dishonesty insurance and errors and omissions insurance in connection with our vehicle sales and financing activities. INDUSTRY OVERVIEW Automotive retailing, with 2000 industry sales of approximately $1 trillion, is the largest consumer retail market in the U.S., representing approximately 9% of gross domestic product according to figures provided by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Since 1996, retail new vehicle unit sales have grown at a 3.5% compound annual rate. Over the same period, retail used vehicle units have grown at a 0.7% compound annual rate. Retail sales of new vehicles, which are conducted exclusively through new vehicle dealers, were approximately $386 billion in 2000. In addition, used vehicle sales in 2000 were estimated at $367 billion, with approximately $306 billion in sales by franchised and independent dealers and the balance in privately negotiated transactions. Of the approximately 17.4 million new vehicles sold in the United States in 2000, approximately 28.3% were manufactured by General Motors Corporation, 24.1% by Ford Motor Company, 15.7% by DaimlerChrysler Corporation, 9.3% by Toyota Motor Corp., 6.7% by Honda Motor Co., Ltd., 4.3% by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and 11.6% by other manufacturers. Sales of newer used vehicles have increased over the past five years, primarily as a result of the greater availability of newer used vehicles due to the increased popularity of short-term leases. Approximately 44 million used vehicles were sold in 2000. Franchised dealers accounted for 16.2 million, or 37%, of all used vehicle units sold. Independent lots accounted for 31% with the balance accounted for in privately negotiated transactions. INDUSTRY CONSOLIDATION. Franchised dealerships were originally established by automobile manufacturers for the distribution of new vehicles. In return for granting dealers exclusive distribution rights within specified territories, manufacturers exerted significant influence over their dealers by limiting the transferability of ownership in dealerships, designating the dealership's location, and managing the supply and composition of the dealership's inventory. These arrangements resulted in the proliferation of small, single-owner operations that, at their peak in the late 1940's, totaled almost 50,000. As a result of competitive, economic and political pressures during the 1970's and 1980's, significant changes and consolidation occurred in the automotive retail industry. One of the most significant changes was the increased penetration by foreign 51 manufacturers and the resulting loss of market share by domestic manufacturers, which forced many dealerships to close or sell to better capitalized dealership groups. According to industry data, the number of franchised dealerships has declined from approximately 27,900 in 1980 to approximately 22,000 in 2000. Although significant consolidation has taken place since the automotive retailing industry's inception, the industry today remains highly fragmented, with the largest 100 dealer groups generating less than 10% of total sales revenues and controlling less than 8% of all franchised dealerships. We believe that further consolidation is likely due to increased capital requirements of dealerships, the limited number of viable alternative exit strategies for dealership owners and the desire of certain manufacturers to strengthen their brand identity by consolidating their franchised dealerships. We also believe that an opportunity exists for dealership groups with significant equity capital and experience in identifying, acquiring and professionally managing dealerships, to acquire additional dealerships for cash, stock, debt or a combination thereof. Publicly-owned dealer groups, such as ours, are able to offer prospective sellers tax-advantaged transactions through the use of publicly traded stock which may, in certain circumstances, make them more attractive to prospective sellers. INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITIES. In addition to new and used vehicles, dealerships offer a wide range of other products and services, including repair and warranty work, replacement parts, extended warranty coverage, financing and insurance. In 2000, the average dealership's revenue consisted of 60% new vehicle sales, 29% used vehicle sales and 11% parts and services. Sales of newer used vehicles by franchised dealers have increased over the past five years, primarily as a result of the substantial increase in new vehicle prices and the greater availability of newer used vehicles due to the increased popularity of short-term leases. Franchised dealers retailed 16.2 million used vehicles in 2000, amounting to only 37% of all used vehicles sold in the U.S. Independent used vehicle dealers and private transactions accounted for the rest of the 43.9 million used vehicles sold in 2000. 52 MANAGEMENT EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS Set forth below are the names of our executive officers and directors, together with their ages and positions. Set forth below is a brief description of our directors' and executive officers' business experience. KENNETH B. GILMAN has served as our president and chief executive officer since December 2001. He joined us following a 25-year career with the Limited Inc. where his most recent assignment was CEO of Lane Bryant. From 1993 to 2001, Mr. Gilman served as vice chairman and chief administrative officer of The Limited, Inc. with responsibility for finance, information technology, supply chain management, production, real estate, legal and internal audit. From 1987 to 1993, he was executive vice president and chief financial officer. He joined the company's executive committee in 1987 and was elected to the board of directors in 1990. Mr. Gilman began his career at The Limited as assistant controller in 1976. His career progression at the company encompassed a variety of assignments and promotions including vice president--treasurer and senior vice president--corporate controller. During his time at The Limited, the company grew from a single division of $69 million in sales to more than ten divisions with over $10 billion in sales. He holds a bachelor's degree from Pace University and he is a Certified Public Accountant. THOMAS R. GIBSON has served as our interim chief executive officer since October 2001, following the death of Brian E. Kendrick, until the hiring of Kenneth B. Gilman in December 2001. He is one of our founders and served as our chairman from 1995 to October 2001. Mr. Gibson has over 30 years experience in the automotive retailing industry. Prior to joining us, he served as president and chief operating officer of Subaru of America. Mr. Gibson was part of Lee Iacocca's management team at Chrysler from 1980 to 1982, where he served as director of marketing operations and general manager of import operations. He began his career in 1967 with the Ford Motor Company and held key marketing and field management positions in both the Lincoln-Mercury and Ford divisions. Mr. Gibson serves on the board of directors of IKON Office Solutions, including its Audit, Executive and Strategies committees. Mr. Gibson is a graduate of DePauw University and holds a master's in business administration from Harvard University. THOMAS F. GILMAN has served as our vice president and chief financial officer since April 2001. From 1973 to 2000, Mr. Gilman worked for Chrysler/Daimler Chrysler Corporation. At Chrysler, Mr. Gilman began his finance career in manufacturing operations at the divisional and plant levels, including 3 years at Chrysler de Mexico. Mr. Gilman's experiences at Chrysler included participation of the Chrysler Loan Guarantee efforts, the acquisition by Chrysler of American Motors (Jeep) and the 53
NAME AGE POSITION - ---- -------------------- -------- Kenneth B. Gilman........... 55 President and Chief Executive Officer Thomas R. Gibson............ 59 Chairman of the Board Thomas F. Gilman............ 50 Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Thomas G. McCollum.......... 46 Vice President--Finance and Insurance Phillip R. Johnson.......... 53 Vice President--Human Resources Allen T. Levenson........... 38 Vice President--Marketing and Customer Experience Robert D. Frank............. 53 Vice President--Manufacturer Business Development Timothy C. Collins.......... 45 Director C.V. "Jim" Nalley........... 59 Director John M. Roth................ 43 Director Ian K. Snow................. 32 Director creation of the 1990 Billion Dollar Cost Reduction Program. From 1990 to 1994, Mr. Gilman was responsible for Chrysler Corporation's credit operations, extending financial assistance to automotive retail dealers and distributors worldwide. In late 1994 to mid-1995, Mr. Gilman was Director of Finance for Chrysler's Asia-Pacific region. In 1995, Mr. Gilman led the finance organization at Chrysler Financial Company, L.L.C. where he became chief financial officer of the captive finance company. In 1998, Mr. Gilman was selected as a member of the Daimler-Benz/Chrysler Corporation Merger Integration Team and appointed as a member of the Financial Services Committee of DaimlerChrysler Services, AG, positions he held until June, 2000. In July of 2000, Mr. Gilman founded CEO Solutions, LLC, an independent consulting practice, and served as President and CEO until April 2001. Mr. Gilman graduated from Villanova University with a bachelor's degree in finance. Thomas Gilman and Kenneth Gilman are not related. THOMAS G. MCCOLLUM has been our vice president of finance and insurance since April 2001. Mr. McCollum has over 25 years of experience in finance and insurance. From 1982 to 2001, Mr. McCollum served as executive vice president for Aon's Resource Group (formally Pat Ryan & Associates). He joined Aon in 1982 where he employed innovative, customer focused finance and insurance programs to improve same store results. Mr. McCollum holds a bachelor's degree in business from Sam Houston University. PHILLIP R. JOHNSON has been our vice president of human resources since June 2000. Mr. Johnson has held top human resources positions in large national and regional retail companies for the past 22 years. He operated his own Human Resources consulting practice from 1998 to 2000. From 1994 to 1998 he served as senior vice president of human resources at Entex Information Services, a national personal computer systems integrator. Mr. Johnson served as executive vice president of human resources at Macy's East from 1993 to 1994, and as senior vice president of human resources at Saks Fifth Avenue from 1991 to 1993. He has also held senior human resources positions at Marshall Fields and Gimbels. Mr. Johnson holds a bachelor's degree and master's in business administration from the University of Florida. ALLEN T. LEVENSON has served as our vice president of customer experience and chief marketing officer since March 2001. From 1999 to 2001, Mr. Levenson co-founded and served as president and chief executive officer of a business-to-consumer e-commerce company, Gazelle.com. From 1998 to 1999, he served as Vice President of Marketing for United Rentals, a market leader and consolidator in the equipment rental industry. From 1996 to 1998, he served as vice president of sales and marketing for Petroleum Heat & Power Inc., and he also served as Vice President of Marketing for The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company from 1993 to 1996. Mr. Levenson began his career in 1985 with two leading strategy consulting firms, McKinsey & Company and Bain & Company. He received his undergraduate degree from Tufts University and a master's in business administration from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. ROBERT D. FRANK has served as our vice president of Manufacturer Business Development since October 2001. From 1997 to 2001, he served as president and chief executive officer for Mercedes and Chrysler Venezuela operations and as vice president/general manager for Asia Pacific Operations where he was responsible for all Chrysler Asian operations. From 1993 to 1997, Mr. Frank served as chief operating officer of the Larry Miller Group with responsibility for all automotive, sports and entertainment businesses. From 1968 to 1992, he held various roles at Chrysler Corporation including zone manager, sales executive and vice president of marketing for Canada operations. Mr. Frank holds a bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Missouri. TIMOTHY C. COLLINS has served as a member of our board of directors since 1996 and has been a member of our compensation committee since 1996. Mr. Collins founded Ripplewood Holdings L.L.C. in 1995 and currently serves as its Chief Executive Officer. In addition, he is co-head of RHJ Industrial Partners, an affiliate of Ripplewood Holdings L.L.C.. From 1991 to 1995, Mr. Collins managed the New York office of Onex Corporation, a leveraged buy-out group 54 headquartered in Canada. Previously, Mr. Collins was a vice president at Lazard Freres & Company and held various positions at Booz, Allen & Hamilton and Cummins Engine Company. He also currently serves on the board of directors of Ripplewood Holdings L.L.C., Advance Stores Company, Incorporated, The Strong Schafer Value Fund, Shinsei Bank, Ltd. (formerly The Long-Term Credit Bank of Japan, Limited), Western Multiplex Corporation, Kraton Polymers L.L.C. and various other privately held Ripplewood portfolio companies. Mr. Collins received a master's in business administration from Yale University's School of Organization and Management and a bachelor's degree in philosophy from DePauw University. IAN K. SNOW has served as a member of our board of directors since 1996, and a member of our compensation committee since 1996. He joined Ripplewood Holdings L.L.C. in 1995, and he is currently a managing director. Prior to joining Ripplewood in 1995, Mr. Snow was a financial analyst in the Media Group at Salomon Brothers Inc, where he focused on strategic advisory and capital raising assignments for clients in the media industry. He also currently serves on the board of directors of Kraton Polymers L.L.C., a privately held Ripplewood portfolio company. Mr. Snow received a bachelor's degree in history from Georgetown University. JOHN M. ROTH has been a member of our board of directors since our board was established in 1996 and a member of our compensation committee since 1996. Mr. Roth joined Freeman Spogli and Co. Inc. in 1988, and became a general partner in 1993. Mr. Roth was a member of Kidder, Peabody & Company, Inc.'s mergers and acquisitions group from 1984 to 1988. He is also a member of the board of directors of Advance Stores Company, Incorporated, AFC Enterprises, Inc., Galyan's Trading Company, Inc. and a number of privately held corporations. Mr. Roth holds a bachelor's degree and master's in business administration from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. CLARENCE V. "JIM" NALLEY has served as a director since 2000. He has been the president and chief executive officer of our Atlanta platform since its acquisition in 1996. Mr. Nalley has over 30 years of automotive retailing experience. His platform consisted of nine franchises when he joined us. He has also been the director of Russell Corp., an apparel company, since 1990 and served as director of First Union Corp., a banking corporation, from 1980-1987. He formerly served as the President of the Metro Atlanta Chevrolet Dealers Association and as Chairman of the PACCAR National Distributors Council. Mr. Nalley holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Our board of directors currently consists of Messrs. Timothy C. Collins, Thomas R. Gibson, C.V. Nalley, John M. Roth, and Ian K. Snow, and a sixth director to be elected by the board of directors prior to this offering. No later than 90 days after this offering, we will satisfy the requirements for independent directors contained in the rules governing companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange through the appointment by our board of directors of three additional independent directors. The appointment of these independent directors will not be subject to a vote by shareholders (including investors who purchase shares in this offering). TERMS. The board of directors is divided into three classes. The first class of directors consists of Thomas R. Gibson and two independent directors to be elected after this offering, each of whom will serve for a term of one year. The second class of directors consists of John M. Roth, Ian K. Snow and one independent director to be elected after this offering, each of whom will serve for a term of two years. The third class of directors consists of Timothy C. Collins, C.V. "Jim" Nalley and a third director to be elected by the board of directors prior to this offering, each of whom will serve for a term of three years. After these directors have served their initial terms, each director will be nominated to serve for a term of three years. Directors will hold office until the annual meeting of stockholders in the year in which the term of their class expires and until their successors have been duly elected and qualified. Executive officers are appointed by, and serve at the discretion of, 55 the board of directors. Under a stockholders agreement entered into by holders of a majority of our outstanding common stock, stockholders who are parties to the agreement are required to vote their shares with respect to nominations to our board of directors in accordance with the terms of the agreement. See "Description of Capital Stock--Stockholders Agreement". COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AUDIT COMMITTEE. We have an audit committee consisting of Messrs. Ian K. Snow and John M. Roth. The audit committee has responsibility for, among other things: - recommending to the board of directors the selection of our independent auditors, - reviewing and approving the scope of the independent auditors' audit activity and extent of non-audit services, - reviewing with management and the independent accountants the adequacy of our basic accounting systems and the effectiveness of our internal audit plan and activities, - reviewing with management and the independent accountants our financial statements and exercising general oversight of our financial reporting process and - reviewing litigation and other legal matters that may affect our financial condition and monitoring compliance with our business ethics and other policies. The current members of our audit committee will be replaced by the three independent directors we will appoint within 90 days after this offering. COMPENSATION COMMITTEE. The compensation committee consists of Messrs. Timothy C. Collins, Ian K. Snow and John M. Roth. This committee has general supervisory power over, and the power to grant awards under, the 1999 option plan and the 2002 stock option plan. The compensation committee has responsibility for, among other things, reviewing the recommendations of the chief executive officer as to the appropriate compensation of our principal executive officers and certain other key personnel, periodically examining the general compensation structure and supervising our welfare, pension and compensation plans. DIRECTORS' COMPENSATION Directors who are full-time employees of ours or our affiliates, including Asbury Automotive Holdings L.L.C., and its two principals, Ripplewood Holdings L.L.C. and Freeman Spogli, will not receive a retainer or fees for service on our board of directors or on committees of our board. We expect to compensate each member of our board of directors who is not a full-time employee of ours or our affiliates with an annual retainer of $25,000. In addition to their annual compensation, each director will receive $1,000 for each meeting of the board or committee ($750 for meetings conducted by telephone), plus expenses, and the committee chair will receive $1,500. We will pay this compensation in the form of a combination of cash and our common stock. 56 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION, EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS The following table sets forth certain summary information concerning the estimated compensation provided by us in 2001 to our executive management team. SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE - ------------------------------ (1) Became President and Chief Executive Officer on December 3, 2001, and the amount shown represents compensation earned from that date until the end of 2001. (2) Mr. Kendrick served as our President and Chief Executive Officer from November 1999 until his death on October 4, 2001. (3) $14,787 represents a tax gross-up of income. (4) $15,590 represents a tax gross-up of income. (5) $24,403 represents payments for automobile use. (6) $62,027 represents a tax gross-up of income (7) $9,620 represents a tax gross-up of income. EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS Several of our executive officers are entitled to compensation under the terms of employment agreements with us and under the terms of our Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement, dated February 1, 2000, which we refer to in this section of the prospectus as our "L.L.C. agreement". Both our L.L.C. agreement and the employment agreements with our current executive officers described below are included as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, and the following summary of these agreements is qualified in its entirety by reference to these exhibits. KENNETH B. GILMAN. Mr. Gilman has an employment agreement with us to serve as a member of our board of directors, chief executive officer and president until December 31, 2004. During the term of his agreement, Mr. Gilman will receive an annual salary of $750,000 and will be eligible to earn an annual bonus of up to his annual salary if we achieve performance targets set by the board of directors and an additional bonus of up to his annual salary if we exceed those targets by an amount determined by the board of directors. We have granted Mr. Gilman an option to purchase up to 2.5% of our membership interests, which vests ratably over a three-year period. This option will be converted into an option to acquire up to 2.5% of the stock of the corporation into which we will be converted in connection with this offering. If Mr. Gilman is employed by us two years from the date of this offering, he will be granted an additional option to purchase from us up to the lesser of .5% of our then-outstanding common stock or $5 million worth of our then-outstanding common stock. The options expire five years after their grant date but will expire sooner if Mr. Gilman's employment terminates before that date. 57
COMMON ANNUAL COMPENSATION STOCK --------------------- UNDERLYING OTHER ANNUAL NAME AND POSITION SALARY BONUS OPTIONS COMPENSATION - ----------------- --------- --------- --------------- ------------ Kenneth B. Gilman, President and Chief Executive Officer(1)........................ $ 43,269 $ [] $ Brian E. Kendrick, President and Chief Executive Officer(2)........................ 750,000 750,000 [] 46,893(3) Thomas F. Gilman, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer........................... 313,846 40,592(4) Thomas R. Gibson, Chairman of the Board....... 313,461 [] 73,227(5) Thomas G. McCollum, Vice President--Finance and Insurance............................... 207,692 142,464(6) Phillip R. Johnson, Vice President--Human Resources................................... 260,192 [] 9,620(7) If we have a change in control, we will pay Mr. Gilman 299% of the average annual base salary and bonus paid to Mr. Gilman over the previous five full calendar years (or the term of his employment, if shorter). In addition, Mr. Gilman's options will continue to vest after termination as long as he complies with his non-competition and non-solicitation obligations under the contract. If we do not renew Mr. Gilman's employment at the end of the term, we will pay him an amount equal to his annual base salary and the bonus he earned in the previous year. If we terminate Mr. Gilman's employment without cause or if he leaves with good reason at any time, we will pay him an amount equal to the present value of two year's annual salary and an additional amount equal to the bonus Mr. Gilman earned in the previous year. During the term of Mr. Gilman's employment and for two years after the termination of his contract (one year if we do not renew his contract), he is subject to non-competition and non-solicitation provisions. THOMAS F. GILMAN. Mr. Gilman entered into a severance agreement with us, dated May 15, 2001, providing for one year of base salary, bonus and benefits continuation if he is terminated. He will not be entitled to severance in the event of termination due to death, disability, retirement, voluntary resignation or cause. Mr. Gilman may trigger severance payments if his office is relocated by more than 50 miles, his base salary is reduced or his duties are diminished. Mr. Gilman is restricted by non-solicitation and not-compete restrictions for one year following termination. Mr. Gilman also has the option to invest up to $500,000 to purchase our membership interests. This option will be converted into an option to purchase shares of our common stock once we are converted into a corporation in connection with the IPO. Matching this investment will be options in the amount of $500,000 to acquire additional shares, which shall vest over a three year period. THOMAS R. GIBSON. Mr. Gibson has an employment agreement with us to serve as chairman of our board of directors for a term that we intend to extend one year beyond the time of the completion of this offering. During the term of his agreement, Mr. Gibson will receive an annual salary as follows: (i) for the period January 1, 2001, through March 16, 2001, a prorated salary based upon the rate of $525,000 per year and (ii) for the period beginning March 17, 2001, to the termination of his employment with us, a prorated salary based upon the rate of $250,000 per year. In April 2001, we paid Mr. Gibson $2,250,000 in cash in exchange for his carried interest. Mr. Gibson was issued the carried interest under our L.L.C. agreement. If we terminate Mr. Gibson's employment without cause or if he leaves for good reason, we will pay him his base salary for the balance of his employment term under the contract. During the term of Mr. Gibson's employment and for one year after the termination of his contract, he is subject to a non-compete provisions. During the term of Mr. Gibson's employment and for three years after the termination of his contract, he is subject to a non-solicitation provision. THOMAS G. MCCOLLUM. Mr. McCollum entered into a severance agreement with us, dated April 16, 2001, providing for one year of base salary, bonus and benefits continuation if he is terminated. He will not be entitled to severance in the event of termination due to death, disability, retirement, voluntary resignation or cause. Mr. McCollum may trigger severance payments if his office is relocated by more than 50 miles, his base salary is reduced or his duties are diminished. Mr. McCollum is restricted by non-solicitation and not-compete restrictions for one year following termination. Mr. McCollum also has the option to invest up to $300,000 to purchase our membership interests. This option will be converted into an option to purchase shares of our common stock once we are converted into a corporation in connection with the IPO. Matching this investment will be options in the amount of $300,000 to acquire additional shares, which shall vest over a three year period. PHILLIP R. JOHNSON. Mr. Johnson entered into a severance agreement with us, dated April 3, 2001, providing for one year of base salary, bonus and benefits continuation if he is terminated. He will not be entitled to severance in the event of termination due to death, disability, retirement, 58 voluntary resignation or cause. Mr. Johnson may trigger severance payments if his office is relocated by more than 50 miles, his base salary is reduced or his duties are diminished. Mr. Johnson is restricted by non-solicitation and non-compete restrictions for one year following termination. 1999 OPTION PLAN In January 1999, we adopted a non-qualified option plan under which we issued options granting the right to purchase limited liability company interests in us. Under our 1999 option plan, we granted options to certain of our directors, officers, employees and consultants for terms and at exercise prices and vesting schedules set by the compensation committee of our board of directors. We issued options for the purchase of a total of [ ]% of the limited liability company interests in us under our 1999 option plan, which will equate to a total of [ ]% of our outstanding common stock immediately after this offering ([ ]% if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full). The options granted under our 1999 plan that have not vested prior to a change in control of us will vest and become exercisable upon a change of control. We are no longer issuing options under our 1999 option plan. The following table provides certain information regarding options granted to executive officers during 2001 under our 1999 option plan: OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR - ------------------------------ (1) Amounts represent hypothetical values that could be achieved for the respective options if exercised at the end of the option term. These values are based on assumed rates of stock price appreciation of 5% and 10% compounded annually from the date the respective options were granted to their expiration date based on the market price of the underlying securities on the date of the grant. These assumptions are not intended to forecast future appreciation of our stock price. The potential realizable value computation does not take into account federal or state income tax consequences of option exercises or sales of appreciated stock. The options vest annually with respect to 33.33% of the shares covered by the options. 2002 STOCK OPTION PLAN In connection with this offering, we intend to grant certain senior employees a grant of options under our 2002 stock option plan to purchase a total of [ ] shares of our common stock. A primary purpose of our 2002 stock option plan is to attract and retain exceptional officers and other key employees. The following is a description of the material terms of the 2002 stock option plan. You should, however, refer to the exhibits that are a part of the registration statement, of which this prospectus forms a part, for a copy of the stock option plan. See "Where You Can Find More Information". TYPE OF AWARDS. The 2002 stock option plan provides for grants of nonqualified stock options. SHARES SUBJECT TO THE STOCK OPTION PLAN; OTHER LIMITATIONS ON AWARDS. Subject to potential adjustment by the compensation committee of our board of directors as described below, we may issue options to purchase a maximum of [ ] shares of our common stock under our 2002 stock option plan. The plan limits option grants to individual participants to options to 59
PERCENT OF POTENTIAL REALIZABLE VALUE AT NUMBER OF TOTAL ASSUMED ANNUAL RATES OF SECURITIES OPTIONS EXERCISE OR STOCK PRICE APPRECIATION FOR UNDERLYING GRANTED TO BASE OPTION TERM(1) OPTIONS EMPLOYEES IN PRICE EXPIRATION ----------------------------- NAME GRANTED FISCAL YEAR ($/SH) DATE 10% ($) 5% ($) - ---- ----------- ------------- ----------- ---------- ------------- ------------- Kenneth B. Gilman........... Thomas F. Gilman............ Thomas G. McCollum.......... purchase a maximum of [ ] shares in any single fiscal year. Shares underlying options may be issued from our authorized but unissued common stock or satisfied with common stock held in our treasury. If any option is forfeited, expires or is otherwise terminated or canceled, other than by reason of exercise or vesting, then the shares covered by that option will again become available under the 2002 stock option plan. Our compensation committee has the authority to adjust the terms and conditions of, and the criteria included in, any outstanding options in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits intended to be made available under the plan as a result of any unusual or nonrecurring events (including any dividend or other distribution, whether in the form of cash, shares of our common stock, other securities or other property, recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, repurchase, exchange of shares of our common stock or our other securities or other similar corporate transaction or event) affecting us, our affiliates, our financial statements or the financial statements of any of our affiliates, or any changes in applicable laws, regulations or accounting principles. In such events, the compensation committee may provide for a cash payment to the option holder in return for the cancelation of the option in an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of our shares of common stock over the aggregate exercise price of the option. ELIGIBILITY. Awards may be made to any officer or other key employee of us or any of our subsidiaries, including any prospective officer or key employee, selected by the compensation committee. ADMINISTRATION. The compensation committee administers the 2002 stock option plan. The compensation committee has the authority to construe, interpret and implement the 2002 stock option plan, and prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the plan. The determination of the compensation committee on all matters relating to the 2002 stock option plan or any award agreement is final and binding. STOCK OPTIONS. The compensation committee may grant to our senior employees nonqualified stock options to purchase shares of common stock from us (at the price set forth in the award agreement), subject to such terms and conditions as the compensation committee may determine. No grantee of an option will have any of the rights of one of our stockholders with respect to shares subject to their award until the issuance of the shares. Except as the compensation committee may otherwise establish in an option agreement at the time of grant, the exercise price of each option granted under the 2002 stock option plan prior to the initial public offering of shares of our common stock will be the initial public offering price per share of our common stock and the exercise price of each option granted under the plan after the initial public offering will be equal to the fair market value of a share of our common stock on the date of grant. Except as the compensation committee may otherwise establish in an option agreement, options that are granted under the 2002 stock option effective as of the initial public offering of shares of our common stock will become vested and exercisable with respect to 41.67% of the shares subject to those options on each of the first two anniversaries of the date of grant and with respect to 16.66% of the shares subject to those options on the third anniversary of the date of grant. Except as the compensation committee may otherwise establish in an option agreement, options granted after this offering will become vested and exercisable with respect to one-third of the shares subject to those options on each of the first three anniversaries of the date of grant. Except as the compensation committee may otherwise establish in an option agreement, options granted under the 2002 stock option plan will expire without any payment upon the earlier of the tenth anniversary of the option's date of grant and the date the optionee ceases to be employed by us or one of our subsidiaries. 60 CHANGE OF CONTROL. In the event of a change in control of us, options that are outstanding and unexercisable or unvested at the time of the change of control will vest and become exercisable immediately prior to the change of control. NONASSIGNABILITY. Except to the extent otherwise provided in the option agreement, no option granted to any person under the 2002 stock option plan is assignable or transferable other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and all options are exercisable during the life of the grantee only by the grantee or the grantee's legal representative. AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION. The 2002 stock option plan is scheduled to terminate December 31, 2012. Our board of directors may at any time amend, alter, suspend, discontinue or terminate the 2002 stock option plan and, unless otherwise expressly provided in an option agreement, the compensation committee may waive any conditions under, or amend the terms of, any outstanding option. However, stockholder approval of any of those actions must be obtained if such approval is necessary to comply with any tax or regulatory requirement applicable to the 2002 stock option plan. In addition, if such an action would impair the rights of any option holder with respect to options granted prior to the action, then the action will not be effective without the consent of the affected option holder. EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN The following is a description of the material terms of our employee stock purchase plan, pursuant to which shares of our common stock will be made available, beginning in 2002, for purchase by our eligible employees. GENERAL. The purpose of the plan is to promote our success and enhance our value by providing our eligible employees with the opportunity to purchase our common stock, in order to increase employee interest in our success and encourage them to remain in our employ. The plan is intended to qualify as an employee stock purchase plan under section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code. The plan authorizes the purchase of up to [ ] shares of our common stock by eligible employees. However, the number of shares available for purchase under the plan will be adjusted proportionately to account for stock dividends, stock splits, reclassifications and other changes affecting such shares. The shares available for purchase under the plan may, in the discretion of our board of directors, be authorized but unissued shares of common stock, shares purchased on the open market or shares from any other proper source. ADMINISTRATION. The plan will be administered by our board of directors or a committee appointed by the board of directors. Subject to the terms of the plan, the administrator has authority to interpret the plan, make, amend and rescind all rules and regulations for the operation of the plan, take any other actions and make all other determinations necessary or desirable to administer and operate the plan. ELIGIBILITY TO PARTICIPATE. All our employees are eligible to participate in the plan, subject to such further eligibility requirements as may be specified by the administrator consistent with section 423 of the Code. However, any employee that owns, directly or indirectly, 5% or more of the total combined voting power or value of our stock (or would exceed this ownership limit after the option grant became effective) is not eligible. PURCHASES OF COMMON STOCK UNDER THE PLAN. Eligible employees receive options to purchase our common stock pursuant to the plan. Commencing in 2002, the options are to be granted to each eligible employee on the first day of each calendar year in which the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading, or any other date specified by the administrator. Options remain outstanding for a period determined by the administrator not to exceed 27 months. Unless the administrator determines otherwise, consecutive option periods of equal duration will be established. 61 An individual must be employed as an eligible employee by us on the first trading day of an option period in order to be granted an option for that option period. In the case of an individual who first becomes an eligible employee after the first trading day of an option period, the administrator may designate a subsequent day within the option period upon which the employee will be granted an option that will have a duration equal to the balance of that option period. Each option provides the employee the right to purchase, on the last day of the option period or on one or more trading days within the option period designated by the administrator, up to a maximum number of shares of common stock specified by the administrator. However, no employee may purchase in one calendar year shares of common stock having an aggregate fair market value in excess of $25,000. The purchase price for each share of common stock under an option will be determined by the administrator, in its discretion, prior to the beginning of the applicable option period. However, the purchase price will never be less than 85% of the fair market value of the common stock on the first day of the option period or the day of purchase, whichever is lower, and will never be less than the par value of the common stock. All eligible employees granted options under the plan for an option period will have the same rights and privileges with respect to such options. To facilitate payment of the purchase price of options, the administrator, in its discretion, may permit eligible employees to authorize payroll deductions to be made on each payday during an option period, in addition to contributions of cash or cash-equivalents to us, up to a maximum amount determined by the administrator. We will maintain bookkeeping accounts for all employees who authorize payroll deduction or make cash contributions. Interest will not be paid on any employee accounts, unless the administrator determines otherwise. The administrator will establish rules and procedures regarding elections to authorize payroll deductions, changes in such elections, timing and manner of cash contributions, and withdrawals from employee accounts. Amounts credited to employee accounts on the last trading day of an option period or on one or more trading days within the option period designated by the administrator will be applied to the payment of the purchase price of outstanding options. Options will be exercised on the close of business on the last trading day of an option period or on one or more trading days within the option period designated by the administrator, however, options of any participant who terminates employment for any reason before such date, or who is no longer an eligible employee on such date, will terminate unexercised. Options will be exercised only to the extent the purchase price is paid with respect to whole shares of common stock. Any balance remaining in an employee's account at the end of an option period will be carried forward automatically for the next option period. If an employee is not an eligible employee with respect to the next option period, any remaining balance will be promptly refunded without interest. AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION. The board of directors may amend the plan at any time for any reason, except that (1) if the approval of any such amendment by our stockholders is required by section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code, such amendment will not be effected without such approval and (2) no amendment may be made that would cause the plan to fail to comply with section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code unless expressly so provided by the board of directors. The board of directors, in its sole discretion, may terminate the plan at any time and for any reason. In the event the plan is terminated, all outstanding options shall immediately terminate and all amounts in an eligible employee's account under the plan shall be promptly refunded without interest. 62 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Certain of our directors, beneficial owners and their affiliates, have engaged in transaction with us. Transactions with one of our directors, Mr. C.V. Nalley, one of our former directors, Mr. David McDavid, Sr. and one of our principal shareholders, Mr. Luther Coggin, are described below. We believe these transactions involve terms comparable to, or more favorable to us than, terms that would be obtained from an unaffiliated third party. We lease the following properties used by the Texas platform for dealership lots and offices from Mr. McDavid, his immediate family members and his affiliates: - properties leased from Mr. McDavid with an aggregate monthly rental fee of $189,000; - properties leased from David McDavid Family Properties, a partnership in which Mr. McDavid and his immediate family have a 100% ownership interest, for aggregate monthly rental fees of $90,000; - property leased from BroMac Inc., an S-corporation in which Mr. McDavid and his immediate family have a 100% ownership interest, for a monthly rental fee of $1,500; - properties leased from Sterling Real Estate Partnership, a partnership in which Mr. McDavid and his immediate family have a 100% ownership interest, for aggregate monthly rental fees of $70,000; - property leased from Texas Coastal Properties, a partnership in which Mr. McDavid and his immediate family have a 100% ownership interest, for a monthly rental fee of $4,000; - property leased from McCreek Partners L.L.C., a limited liability corporation which is wholly owned by McCreek, Ltd., a partnership in which Mr. McDavid and his immediate family hold a 100% ownership interest, for a monthly rental fee of $4,900; and - property leased from D.Q. Automobiles Inc., a corporation in which Mr. McDavid has a 100% ownership interest, for a monthly rental fee of $14,700. - approximately ten acres of land in Frisco, Texas, leased from Mr. McDavid for a monthly rental fee of $60,000 per month from April 20, 2001, through October 31, 2001, and, beginning November 1, 2001, for a monthly rental fee of $80,000 plus 1% of the incurred construction costs of the new dealership facility until the construction is completed at which time the monthly rent will be increased to $90,000 a month plus 1% of the incurred construction costs. Once construction is completed, rent will increase to approximately $150,000 per month. We have entered into an agreement to purchase approximately four acres of land in Plano, Texas for the construction of a new body shop. Purchase price will be the appraised value of $1,700,000. In the near future, we expect to enter into agreements to purchase or lease certain additional properties from Mr. McDavid or his affiliates for use by the Texas platform with the following general business terms: - purchase approximately two acres of land adjacent to our Honda dealership facility in Houston, Texas for $2,000,000. The existing Honda facility will become the new home for our Nissan dealership, and we will construct an additional facility on these two acres for Nissan dealership expansion. The purchase price for the land is approximately $800,000 more than the appraised value. This difference in the purchase price is accounted for in part by competition with General Motors (Saturn) to purchase the property and in part by 63 Mr. McDavid's agreement, contingent upon our purchase of this property, to lease us three acres adjacent to our Nissan dealership in Houston, Texas. - lease approximately three acres of land adjacent to our current Nissan dealership in Houston, Texas for four years, rent-free. The land will be used in the operations of our Honda dealership. We estimate fair market rent over the four-year term (i.e., our savings to offset the above-market purchase price above) to be $150,000. We lease property used by the Atlanta platform for dealership lots and offices from Mr. Nalley, his immediate family and his affiliates: - properties owned by C.V. Nalley for an aggregate monthly rental fee of $50,500; - properties owned by Chevrolet Metro Realty, Inc., a corporation in which Mr. Nalley has a 100% ownership interest, for aggregate monthly rental fees of $45,900; - property owned by Heavy Duty Trucks Realty, Inc., a corporation in which Mr. Nalley has a 100% ownership interest, for a monthly rental fee of $36,000; - property owned by Union City Honda Auto Realty, Inc., a corporation in which Mr. Nalley has a 100% ownership interest, for a monthly rental fee of $45,000; and - property owned by Marietta Lexus Auto Realty, Inc., a corporation in which Mr. Nalley has a 100% ownership interest, for a monthly rental fee of $45,100. We lease property used by the Jacksonville platform for dealership lots and offices from Coggin Management Company, a corporation in which Mr. Coggin has a 100% ownership interest, for a monthly rental fee of $10,500. OTHER RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Loomis Advertising, a corporation in which Mr. McDavid and his immediate family hold a 21% ownership interest, has entered into various agreements to provide advertising services to the Texas platform for an aggregate value of $1,628,697 since January 1, 1998. Loomis Advertising also began providing advertising services to the Jacksonville platform in April 2000, for a monthly fee of $52,000 and production costs of $512,822 to date. Mr. Nalley leased his private aircraft to us during part of 2000, and currently charges us for employees who use the aircraft to fly on business trips. The total amount paid to Mr. Nalley since January 1, 1998, for use of the aircraft is $804,600. Currently, we own a 10% interest in a Land Rover franchise operated under the St. Louis platform, Asbury Automotive Holdings L.L.C. owns a 40% interest in this franchise and John R. Capps owns the remaining 50% interest. We have entered into a binding assignment and assumption agreement whereby Mr. Capps has agreed to sell his 50% interest to us. This agreement is held in escrow at the Bank of New York pending manufacturer consent to the transaction. The Jacksonville platform engages in management duties including co-signing checks and reviewing accounting records for a Holiday Inn Hotel owned by Mr. Coggin for a monthly fee of $1,500. On April 19, 2001, we redeemed Mr. Gibson's carried interest for a purchase price of $2,250,000. Our 2.7% ownership interest in CarsDirect.com was transferred to the holders of our membership interests prior to this offering on a pro-rata basis. 64 Mr. Nalley entered into an employment agreement with the Atlanta platform to serve as its president and chief executive officer from March 1, 2000, to March 1, 2005. The agreement provides for an annual base salary of $500,000 and an annual bonus based upon the performance of the Atlanta platform of up to $1,000,000. If Mr. Nalley's employment is terminated for reasons other than voluntary resignation, cause, death or disability, the Atlanta platform will pay him his base salary for the balance of the employment term and a pro-rata portion of his annual bonus. Mr. Coggin entered into an employment agreement with the Jacksonville platform to serve as its president and chief executive officer from October 30, 1998, to October 30, 2003. The agreement provides for an annual base salary of $250,000, adjusted in accordance with a cost of living index, and an annual bonus based upon the performance of the Jacksonville platform of up to $250,000. If Mr. Coggin's employment is terminated for reasons other than voluntary resignation, cause, death or disability, the Jacksonville platform will pay him his base salary for the balance of the employment term and a pro-rata portion of his annual bonus. Mr. McDavid entered into an employment agreement with the Texas platform to serve as its president and chief executive officer from May 1, 1998, to May 1, 2003. The agreement provides for an annual base salary of $500,000. Mr. McDavid also receives an annual discretionary bonus in an amount determined by our board. If Mr. McDavid's employment is terminated for reasons other than voluntary resignation, cause, death or disability, the Texas platform will pay him his base salary for the balance of the employment term. 65 DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK AUTHORIZED CAPITAL Our authorized capital stock consists of [ ] shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share, and [ ] shares of preferred stock, par value $.01 per share. After giving effect to the offering, we will have outstanding [ ] shares of common stock and no shares of preferred stock. Upon completion of the offering, we will have outstanding [ ] shares of common stock ([ ] shares if the underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full) and no shares of preferred stock. COMMON STOCK Subject to the rights of any then outstanding shares of preferred stock, the holders of the common stock are entitled to such dividends as may be declared in the discretion of our board of directors out of funds legally available therefor. Holders of common stock are entitled to share ratably in our net assets upon liquidation after payment or provision for all liabilities and any preferential liquidation rights of any preferred stock then outstanding. The holders of common stock have no preemptive rights to purchase shares of our stock. Shares of our common stock are not subject to any redemption provisions and are not convertible into any other of our securities. All outstanding shares of common stock are, and the shares of common stock to be issued pursuant to the offering will be upon payment therefor, fully paid and non-assessable. PREFERRED STOCK Preferred stock may be issued from time to time by the board of directors in one or more series. Subject to the provisions of our charter and limitations prescribed by law, the board of directors is expressly authorized to adopt resolutions to issue the shares, to fix the number of shares and to change the number of shares constituting any series and to provide for or change the voting powers, designations, preferences and relative participating, optional or other special rights, qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, including dividend rights (including whether dividends are cumulative), dividend rates, terms of redemption (including sinking fund provisions), redemption prices, conversion rights and liquidation preferences of the shares constituting any series of the preferred stock, in each case without any further action or vote by the stockholders. One of the effects of undesignated preferred stock may be to enable the board of directors to render more difficult or to discourage an attempt to obtain control of us by means of a tender offer, proxy contest, merger or otherwise, and thereby to protect the continuity of our management. The issuance of shares of the preferred stock pursuant to the board of directors' authority described above may adversely affect the rights of the holders of common stock. For example, preferred stock issued by us may rank prior to the common stock as to dividend rights, liquidation preference or both, may have full or limited voting rights and may be convertible into shares of common stock. Accordingly, the issuance of shares of preferred stock may discourage bids for the common stock or may otherwise adversely affect the market price of the common stock. CERTAIN ANTI-TAKEOVER AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF THE CHARTER AND BYLAWS LIMITATIONS ON REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS Stockholders may remove a director only for cause upon the affirmative vote of holders of at least 80% of the voting power of the outstanding shares of common stock. In general, the board of directors, and not our stockholders, will have the right to appoint persons to fill vacancies on our board of directors. 66 OUR STOCKHOLDERS MAY NOT ACT BY WRITTEN CONSENT Our corporate charter provides that any action required or permitted to be taken by our stockholders must be taken at a duly called annual or special stockholders' meeting. Special meetings of the stockholders may be called only by the chairman of our board of directors, either on his or her own initiative or at the request of stockholders collectively holding at least 50% of the outstanding common stock. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS UNDER DELAWARE LAW We are a Delaware corporation and are subject to section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. In general, section 203 prevents an "interested stockholder" (defined generally as a person owning 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock) from engaging in a merger, acquisition or other "business combination" (as defined in section 203) with us for three years following the date that person becomes an interested stockholder unless: - before that person became an interested stockholder, our board of directors approved the transaction in which the interested stockholder became an interested stockholder or approved the business combination; - upon completion of the transaction that resulted in the interested stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owns at least 85% of the voting stock outstanding at the time the transaction commenced (excluding stock held by our directors who are also officers and by employee stock plans that do not provide employees with the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer); or - following the transaction in which that person became an interested stockholder, the business combination is approved by our board of directors and authorized at a meeting of stockholders by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock not owned by the interested stockholder. Under section 203, these restrictions also do not apply to specified types of business combinations proposed by an interested stockholder if: - the proposal follows the announcement or notification of one of certain extraordinary transactions involving us and a person who was not an interested stockholder during the previous three years or who became an interested stockholder with the approval of a majority of our directors; and - the extraordinary transaction is approved or not opposed by a majority of the directors who were directors before any person became an interested stockholder in the previous three years or who were recommended for election or elected to succeed such directors by a majority of such directors then in office. STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT We entered into a stockholders agreement with Asbury Automotive Holdings L.L.C. and certain platform principals, consisting of the former owners of our platforms and members of their management teams. After the completion of this offering, Asbury Automotive Holdings will own [ ]% of our common stock ([ ]% if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full), and the platform principals will collectively own [ ]% of our common stock. Under the stockholders agreement, the platform principals are required to vote their shares in accordance with Asbury Automotive Holdings' instructions with respect to: - persons nominated by Asbury Automotive Holdings to our board of directors (and persons nominated against Asbury Automotive Holdings' nominees); and 67 - any matter to be voted on by the holders of our common stock, whether or not the matter was initiated by Asbury Automotive Holdings. The platform principals have the right to cause Asbury Automotive Holdings to vote for at least one platform principal nominee to the board of directors if the total number of directors (excluding directors that are our employees) on the board of directors is six or less and at least two platform principal nominees if such number of directors is more than six. The stockholders agreement will terminate on the first to occur of: - the fifth anniversary of the date of this offering; - two years after the first date on which Asbury Automotive Holdings' share of the ownership of our outstanding common stock falls below 20%; and - the first date on which Asbury Automotive Holdings' share of the ownership of our outstanding common stock falls below 5%. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS--INDEMNIFICATION Delaware law authorizes corporations to limit or eliminate the personal liability of officers and directors to corporations and their stockholders for monetary damages for breach of officers' and directors' fiduciary duties of care. The duty of care requires that, when acting on behalf of the corporation, officers and directors must exercise an informed business judgment based on all material information reasonably available to them. Absent the limitations authorized by Delaware law, officers and directors are accountable to corporations and their stockholders for monetary damages for conduct constituting gross negligence in the exercise of their duty of care. Delaware law enables corporations to limit available relief to equitable remedies such as injunction or rescission. The charter limits the liability of our officers and directors to us or our stockholders to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. Specifically, our officers and directors will not be personally liable for monetary damages for breach of an officer's or director's fiduciary duty in such capacity, except for liability (i) for any breach of the officer's or director's duty of loyalty to us or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) for unlawful payments of dividends or unlawful stock repurchases or redemptions as provided in section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or (iv) for any transaction from which the officer and director derived an improper personal benefit. TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR The transfer agent and registrar of the common stock is EquiServe Trust Company, N.A. 68 PRINCIPAL AND SELLING STOCKHOLDERS The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of [ ], 2002, as adjusted to reflect the sale of shares in this offering by us and by the selling stockholders, Luther Coggin and Royce Reynolds (without giving effect to the underwriters' over-allotment option), by our directors, executive officers and directors and officers as a group and each person known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of our outstanding voting securities. - ------------------------ (1) Unless otherwise indicated, each beneficial owner listed above has represented that he, she or it possesses sole voting and sole investment power with respect to the shares beneficially owned by such person, entity or group and includes all options currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of [ ], 2002. The percentages of beneficial ownership as to each person, entity or group assume the exercise or conversion of all options held by such person, entity or group. 69
SHARES BENEFICIALLY SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BEFORE OWNED AFTER THE OFFERING(1) THE OFFERING(1) ------------------- ------------------- NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER NUMBER % SHARES OFFERED NUMBER % - ------------------------ -------- -------- -------------- -------- -------- PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS Ripplewood Holdings L.L.C.(2)........ One Rockefeller Plaza 32 Floor New York, NY 10020 Freeman Spogli(3).................... Luther Coggin(4)(5).................. CURRENT DIRECTORS Timothy C. Collins(6)(7)............. Ian K. Snow(6)(7).................... John M. Roth(8)(9)................... C.V. Nalley(4)....................... Thomas R. Gibson(4).................. NAMED OFFICERS WHO ARE NOT DIRECTORS Kenneth B. Gilman(4)(10)............. Thomas F. Gilman(4).................. Thomas R. Gibson(4)(11).............. Phillip R. Johnson(4)................ Thomas G. McCollum(4)(12)............ All directors and executive officers of Asbury as a group (12 persons)........................... OTHER SELLING STOCKHOLDERS Royce Reynolds(4)(5)................. (2) Represents shares owned by Asbury Automotive Holdings L.L.C. Ripplewood Holdings L.L.C. is the owner of 51% of the membership interests of Asbury Automotive Holdings and is deemed to be a member of a group that owns the shares of Asbury Automotive Holdings. (3) Represents shares owned by Asbury Automotive Holdings L.L.C. FS Equity Partners III, L.P., FS Equity Partners International L.P. and FS Equity Partners IV, L.P., investment funds affiliated with Freeman Spogli, are the owners of 49% of the membership interests of Asbury Automotive Holdings and are deemed to be members of a group that own the shares of Asbury Automotive Holdings. The business address of Freeman Spogli & Co., FS Equity Partners III, FSEquity Partners IV is 11100 Santa Monica Boulevard, Suite 1900, Los Angeles, California 90025. The business address of FS Equity Partners International L.P. is c/o Paget-Brown & Company, Ltd., West Winds Building, Third Floor, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, British West Indies. (4) Address c/o our principal executive offices at 3 Landmark Square, Suite 500, Stamford, CT 06901. (5) Mr. Coggin is chief executive officer of the Jacksonville platform and Mr. Reynolds is president and chief executive officer of the North Carolina platform. (6) Does not include [ ] shares of common stock held of record by Asbury Automotive Holdings L.L.C. an entity in which Ripplewood Holdings L.L.C. holds a 51% ownership interest. Mr. Collins and Mr. Snow are directors and executive officers of Ripplewood Holdings. Both Mr. Collins and Mr. Snow expressly disclaim beneficial ownership of any shares held by Ripplewood Holdings L.L.C. except to the extent of their pecuniary interests in them. (7) Address c/o Ripplewood Holdings L.L.C. at One Rockefeller Plaza, 32nd Floor, New York, NY 10020. (8) Does not include [ ] shares of common stock held of record by Asbury Automotive Holdings L.L.C., an entity in which investment funds affiliated with Freeman Spogli, as described in footnote three, hold approximately a 49% ownership interest. Mr. Roth is a director, member, partner or executive officer of the general partners of each of these investment funds. Mr. Roth expressly disclaims beneficial ownership of any shares held by such investment funds except to the extent of his pecuniary interest in them. (9) Address c/o Freeman Spogli & Co. Inc. at 11100 Santa Monica Boulevard, Suite 1900, Los Angeles, CA 90025. (10) Includes [ ] shares issuable upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days of [ ], 2002. (11) Includes [ ] shares issuable upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days of [ ], 2002. (12) Includes [ ] shares issuable upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days of [ ], 2002. 70 SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE Prior to this offering, there has been no market for our common stock. We cannot predict the effect, if any, that market sales of shares of our common stock or the availability of shares or our common stock for sale will have on the market price of our common stock prevailing from time to time. Nevertheless, sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market could adversely affect the market price of our common stock and impair our future ability to raise capital through the sale of our equity securities. Upon completion of this offering, we will have [ ] shares of common stock outstanding, assuming no exercise of the underwriters' over-allotment option, and [ ] shares if the underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full. We have reserved [ ] shares of common stock for issuance upon exercise of options granted or to be granted under our 1999 Option Plan, 2002 Stock Option Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Plan, of which [ ] options are currently outstanding and up to [ ] additional options are expected to be granted simultaneously with this offering. All of the [ ] shares sold in this offering ([ ]shares if the underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full) will be freely tradable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act unless the shares are purchased by our "affiliates", as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act. None of the remaining [ ] outstanding shares of our common stock have been registered under the Securities Act, which means that they are "restricted securities" under the Securities Act, and may be resold publicly only upon registration under the Securities Act or in compliance with an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, including the exemption provided by Rule 144 under the Securities Act. We summarize Rule 144, as it relates to sales of our shares, below. RULE 144 Under Rule 144, [ ] shares of common stock will be tradable 90 days after the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, subject to the restrictions described below. Sales of some of these shares will be subject to the restrictions included in lock-up agreements between certain of our stockholders and the underwriters, as described under "Lock-Up Agreements" below. In general, under Rule 144, beginning 90 days after the date on which the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part becomes effective, a person who has owned shares of our common stock for at least one year would be entitled to sell within any three month period a number of shares that does not exceed the greater of: - 1% of the number of shares of our common stock then outstanding, which will equal approximately [ ] shares immediately after the completion of this offering ([ ] shares if the underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full); or - the average weekly trading volume of the common stock on the New York Stock Exchange during the four calendar weeks preceding the filing of a notice on Form 144 providing notification of the sale. Sales under Rule 144 are also governed by manner of sale requirements and may only be made if current public information about us is available. REGISTRATION RIGHTS Under a stockholders agreement between us and certain of our stockholders entered into simultaneously with or prior to this offering, we have granted Asbury Automotive Holdings L.L.C. and certain other of our stockholders the right to require us to register sales of their shares of our common stock under the Securities Act. These stockholders collectively, own [ ] shares of our common stock as of the date of this offering, representing [ ]% of our total common shares outstanding ([ ]% if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full). Under the stockholders agreement, at any time following the completion of this offering, Asbury Automotive 71 Holdings or stockholders holding among them a majority of the total number of shares held by the stockholders, other than Asbury Automotive Holdings, that are parties to the stockholders agreement, may demand that we file a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission registering the sale of all or part of their stockholdings within 45 days, subject to our ability to defer a registration demand for 15 to 45 days under specified circumstances. Our obligation to register offerings is subject to the following volume restrictions: - Any proposed offering must be for at least 1% of the total number of our shares of common stock then outstanding; - In the case of the first registration demand, we are not required to register the sale of more than 50% of the total holdings of any stockholder, other than Asbury Automotive Holdings; and - In the case of the first registration demand of the stockholders, other than Asbury Automotive Holdings, we are not required to register for sale a number of shares greater than 20% of the total holdings of the stockholders who are parties to the stockholders agreement. Under the stockholders agreement, Asbury Automotive Holdings has been granted five registration demands, and the remaining stockholders have been granted, collectively, two registration demands. We are not required to register the sale of any shares during the period that such shares are subject to a lock-up agreement. In addition, other than in the case of a request made by Asbury Automotive Holdings, we are not required to register more than one sale of shares during any one year period in response to a registration demand. We have also granted Asbury Automotive Holdings and the other stockholders who are parties to the stockholders agreement "piggy-back" registration rights, meaning that we have agreed to notify the parties to the stockholders agreement in the event that we undertake to register a sale of our shares (whether in response to a registration demand or otherwise) and will permit those stockholders who request to join in the registered offering. All registration rights granted under the stockholders agreement are subject to the right of the managing underwriter of the registered offering to reduce the number of shares included in the registration statement if the underwriter determines that the success of the offering would be materially adversely affected by the size of the registered offering. In general, we are responsible for paying the expenses of registration (other than underwriting discounts and commissions on the sale of shares), including the fees and expenses of counsel to the selling stockholders. LOCK-UP ARRANGEMENTS As of the date of this offering, holders of a significant number of shares of our common stock are subject to lock-up obligations with respect to their stockholdings. LOCK-UP AGREEMENTS WITH THE UNDERWRITERS. The following groups of persons, who collectively hold [ ] shares of our common stock, have entered into lock-up agreements with the underwriters: - Asbury Automotive Holdings L.L.C.; - our officers and directors; and - certain platform principals, consisting of those of our platform chief executive officers, chief operating financial officers and dealership general managers who received equity in us in connection with our acquisition of the related platforms. The lock-up agreements provide that these persons will not offer, sell, contract to sell, grant any option to purchase, hedge or otherwise dispose of shares of our common stock or any securities that are convertible into or exercisable for our common stock for a period of 180 days after the date of this prospectus without the prior written consent of Goldman, Sachs & Co. Goldman, Sachs & 72 Co. has advised us that it has no present intention to release any of the shares subject to the lock-up agreements prior to the expiration of the applicable lock-up period. LOCK-UP ARRANGEMENTS WITH ASBURY. The platform principals described above have entered into lock-up provisions with us that provide that they will not offer, sell, contract to sell, grant any option to purchase, hedge or otherwise dispose of shares of our common stock or any securities that are convertible into or exchangeable for our common stock for a period of two years after the date of this prospectus without our prior written consent. Our decision to consent to sales that would otherwise be prohibited under the terms of the lock-up agreements will be made on a case by case basis in consideration of numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the needs of the Company, market conditions at the time, the effect that such sales might have on the market for our securities and the effect that such sales might have on our ability to satisfy our financing goals. SHARES HELD BY RIPPLEWOOD HOLDINGS L.L.C. After completion of the offering, Ripplewood Holdings L.L.C. will continue to own [ ]% of our outstanding common stock ([ ]% if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full) through Asbury Automotive Holdings L.L.C., a controlled affiliate of Ripplewood. Ripplewood's ownership of our stock could negatively affect our stock price: - Due to the perception of "market overhang", that is that large blocks of shares are readily available for sale, or - In the event that Ripplewood disposed of all or a substantial portion of this common stock at any one-time or from time to time. In addition, if Ripplewood continues to retain a substantial portion of our common shares, the liquidity of our common stock could be adversely affected. We do not know Ripplewood's future plans as to its holdings of our common stock, and Ripplewood is not under any obligation to inform us of its intentions as to our common stock. We can not give you any assurances that Ripplewood's actions will not negatively affect the price or liquidity of our common stock in the future. See "Risk Factors--We will be controlled by Ripplewood Holdings L.L.C., which may have interests different from your interests." 73 UNDERWRITING Asbury, the selling stockholders and the underwriters for the offering named below have entered into an underwriting agreement with respect to the shares being offered. Goldman, Sachs & Co., Merrill, Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Salomon Smith Barney Inc. are the representatives of the underwriters. Subject to conditions set forth in the underwriting agreement, each underwriter has severally agreed to purchase the number of shares indicated in the following table. If the underwriters sell more shares than the total number set forth in the table above, the underwriters have an option to buy up to an additional [ ] shares from Asbury. They may exercise that option for 30 days. If any shares are purchased pursuant to this option, the underwriters will severally purchase shares in approximately the same proportion as set forth in the table above. The following table shows the per share and total underwriting discounts and commissions Asbury will pay to the underwriters. The amounts are shown, in the case of Asbury, assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriters' option to purchase additional shares.
UNDERWRITERS NUMBER OF SHARES - ------------ ---------------- Goldman, Sachs & Co........................................ Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated........................................... Salomon Smith Barney Inc................................... ----------- Total.................................................. =========== Shares sold by the underwriters to the public will initially be offered at the initial public offering price set forth on the cover of this prospectus. Any shares sold by the underwriters to securities dealers may be sold at a discount of up to $[ ] per share from the initial public offering price. Any such securities dealers may resell any shares purchased from the underwriters to certain other brokers or dealers at a discount of up to $[ ] per share from the initial public offering price. If all the shares are not sold at the initial offering price, the representatives may change the offering price and the other selling terms. Except with the prior consent of Goldman, Sachs & Co., Asbury, its directors and executive officers, Asbury Automotive Holdings L.L.C. and certain of Asbury's platform principals consisting of those of its platform chief executive officers, chief operating financial officers and dealership general managers who received equity in Asbury in connection with its acquisition of the related platform have agreed with the underwriters not to dispose of or hedge any of their common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of common stock during the period from the date of this prospectus continuing through the date 180 days after the date of this prospectus, subject to an exception that permits Asbury to issue a number of shares equal to 10% of the total number of common shares outstanding immediately after this offering in connection with acquisitions, provided that the recipients of those shares agree to be bound by the lock-up provisions for the duration of the 180 days. In addition, these agreements do not apply to any grants under existing employee benefit plans. See "Shares Eligible for Future Sale" for a discussion of transfer restrictions. Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for the shares. The initial public offering price will be negotiated among Asbury and the representatives. Among the factors to be considered 74
PAID BY THE SELLING PAID BY ASBURY STOCKHOLDERS --------------------------- ----------------------- NO EXERCISE FULL EXERCISE ----------- ------------- Per Share................................... $ $ $ Total....................................... $ $ $ in determining the initial public offering price of the shares, in addition to prevailing market conditions, will be Asbury's historical performance, estimates of Asbury's business potential and earnings prospects of Asbury, an assessment of Asbury's management and the consideration of the above factors in relation to market valuation of companies in related businesses. Asbury's common stock will be listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "ABG". In order to meet one of the requirements for listing the common stock on the New York Stock Exchange, the underwriters have undertaken to sell lots of 100 or more shares to a minimum of 2,000 beneficial holders. In connection with the offering, the underwriters may purchase and sell shares of common stock in the open market. These transactions may include short sales, stabilizing transactions and purchases to cover positions created by short sales. Short sales involve the sale by the underwriters of a greater number of shares than they are required to purchase in the offering. "Covered" short sales are sales made in an amount not greater than the underwriters' option to purchase additional shares from Asbury or the selling stockholder in the offering. The underwriters may close out any covered short position by either exercising their option to purchase additional shares or purchasing shares in the open market. In determining the source of shares to close out the covered short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase shares through the overallotment option. "Naked" short sales are any sales in excess of such option. The underwriters must close out any naked short position by purchasing shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of the common stock in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering. Stabilizing transactions consist of various bids for or purchases of common stock made by the underwriters in the open market prior to the completion of the offering. The underwriters also may impose a penalty bid. This occurs when a particular underwriter repays to the underwriters a portion of the underwriting discount received by it because the representatives have repurchased shares sold by or for the account of the underwriter in stabilizing or short covering transactions. Purchases to cover a short position and stabilizing transactions may have the effect of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the common stock, and together with the imposition of the penalty bid, may stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of the common stock. As a result, the price of the common stock may be higher than the price that otherwise might exist in the open market. If these activities are commenced, they may be discontinued by the underwriters at any time. These transactions may be effected on the New York Stock Exchange, in the over-the-counter market or otherwise. A prospectus in electronic format may be made available on the websites maintained by one or more of the representatives and may also be made available on websites maintained by other underwriters participating in the offering. The representatives may agree to allocate a number of shares to underwriters for sale to their online brokerage account holders. Internet distributions will be allocated by the representatives to underwriters that may make Internet distributions on the same basis as other allocations. The underwriters do not expect sales to discretionary accounts to exceed five percent of the total number of shares offered. Asbury estimates that its share of the total expenses of the offering, excluding underwriting discounts and commissions, will be approximately $[ ], $[ ] of which is attributable to the estimated expenses of the selling stockholders which Asbury has agreed to satisfy. Asbury and the selling stockholders have agreed to indemnify the underwriters identified in the table above against specific liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. 75 VALIDITY OF SHARES The validity of the shares of our common stock offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Cravath, Swaine & Moore, New York, New York, and for the underwriters by Sullivan & Cromwell, New York, New York. EXPERTS Our financial statements included in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement to the extent and for the periods indicated in their report have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP and Dixon Odom, P.L.L.C., each of which are independent public accountants, as indicated in their respective reports with respect thereto, and are included in the prospectus in reliance upon the authority of these firms as experts in giving these reports. WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act with respect to this offering of our common stock. This prospectus does not contain all the information contained in the registration statement and the exhibits and schedules to the registration statement. For further information with respect to us and our common stock, we refer you to the registration statement and the exhibits and schedules filed as part of the registration statement. Statements contained in this prospectus as to the contents of the 1999 Option Plan, form of 2002 Stock Option Plan, form of Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Employment Agreement of Thomas R. Gibson, Severance Pay Agreement of Phillip R. Johnson, Severance Pay Agreement of Thomas F. Gilman, Severance Pay Agreement of Thomas G. McCollum, Employment Agreement of Kenneth B. Gilman, Credit Agreement, dated as of January 17, 2001, between Asbury Automotive Group L.L.C. and Ford Motor Credit Company, Chrysler Financial Company, L.L.C., and General Motors Acceptance Corporation, and the form of Stockholders Agreement between Asbury Automotive Holdings and Stockholders named therein are qualified in all respects by reference to the actual text of the exhibit. You may read and copy any document we file at the SEC's public reference room in Washington, D.C. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room. The SEC maintains a web site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC at HTTP://WWW.SEC.GOV. Upon completion of this offering, we will become subject to the information and periodic reporting requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act and will file periodic reports and other information, including proxy statements, with the SEC. These periodic reports and other information will be available for inspection and copying at the SEC's public reference room and the web site of the SEC referred to above 76 INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS F-1
PAGE ----------------- Asbury Automotive Group L.L.C Report of Independent Public Accountants.................. F-4 Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1999 and 2000 and September 30, 2001 (unaudited)................. F-5 Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2000 (unaudited) and 2001 (unaudited)............................................. F-6 Consolidated Statements of Members' Equity for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 (unaudited)............. F-7 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2000 (unaudited) and 2001 (unaudited)............................................. F-8 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements................ F-9-F-26 Business Acquired by Asbury Automotive Group L.L.C. (Hutchinson Automotive Group) Report of Independent Public Accountants.................. F-27 Combined Balance Sheet as of December 31, 1999............ F-28 Combined Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1999 and for the period from January 1, 2000 through June 30, 2000................... F-29 Combined Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1999 and for the period from January 1, 2000 through June 30, 2000.............. F-30 Combined Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1999 and for the period from January 1, through June 30, 2000........................ F-31 Notes to Combined Financial Statements.................... F-32-F-37 Business Acquired by Asbury Automotive Oregon L.L.C. (Thomason Auto Group) Report of Independent Public Accountants.................. F-38 Combined Statements of Income for the year ended December 31, 1998 and for the period from January 1, 1999 through December 9, 1999........................... F-39 Combined Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the year ended December 31, 1998 and for the period from January 1, 1999 through December 9, 1999................ F-40 Combined Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1998 and for the period from January 1, 1999 through December 9, 1999........................... F-41 Notes to Combined Financial Statements.................... F-42-F-47 F-2
PAGE ----------------- Business Acquired by Asbury Automotive Arkansas L.L.C. (McLarty Combined Entities) Report of Independent Public Accountants.................. F-48 Combined Statements of Income for the year ended December 31, 1998 and for the period from January 1, 1999 through November 17, 1999.......................... F-49 Combined Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 1998 and for the period from January 1, 1999 through November 17, 1999............... F-50 Combined Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1998 and for the period from January 1, 1999 through November 17, 1999.......................... F-51 Notes to Combined Financial Statements.................... F-52-F-56 Business Acquired by Asbury Automotive North Carolina L.L.C. (Crown Automotive Group) Report of Independent Public Accountants.................. F-57 Combined Statements of Income for the year ended December 31, 1998 and for the period from January 1, 1999 through April 6, 1999.............................. F-58 Combined Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 1998 and for the period from January 1, 1999 through April 6, 1999................... F-59 Combined Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1998 and for the period from January 1, 1999 through April 6, 1999.............................. F-60 Notes to Combined Financial Statements.................... F-61-F-65 Coggin Automotive Corp. and Affiliates Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants........ F-66 Combined Statement of Income for period from January 1, 1998 through October 31, 1998........................... F-67 Combined Statement of Shareholders' Equity for period from January 1, 1998 through October 31, 1999................ F-68 Combined Statement of Cash Flows for the period from January 1, 1998 through October 31, 1998................ F-69 Notes to Combined Financial Statements.................... F-70-F-73 J.I.W. Enterprises, Inc. Report of Independent Public Accountants.................. F-74 Combined Statement of Income for the period from January 1, 1998 through September 17, 1998.............. F-75 Combined Statement of Shareholders' Equity for the period from January 1, 1998 through September 17, 1999......... F-76 F-3
PAGE ----------------- Combined Statement of Cash Flows for the period from January 1, 1998 through September 17, 1998.............. F-77 Notes to Combined Financial Statements.................... F-78-F-80 David McDavid Auto Group Report of Independent Public Accountants.................. F-81 Combined Statement of Income for the period from January 1, 1998 through April 30, 1998.................. F-82 Combined Statement of Shareholders' Equity for the period from January 1, 1998 through April 30, 1999............. F-83 Combined Statement of Cash Flows for the period from January 1, 1998 through April 30, 1998.................. F-84 Notes to Combined Financial Statements.................... F-85-F-88 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS To Asbury Automotive Group L.L.C.: We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Asbury Automotive Group L.L.C. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2000 and 1999, and the related consolidated statements of income, members' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2000. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Asbury Automotive Group L.L.C. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2000 and 1999, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2000, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP Stamford, Connecticut March 23, 2001 (except with respect to matters discussed in Note 17, as to which the date is November 5, 2001) F-4 ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP L.L.C. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (IN THOUSANDS) See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. F-5
DECEMBER 31, ----------------------- SEPTEMBER 30, 1999 2000 2001 ---------- ---------- ------------- (UNAUDITED) ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and cash equivalents........................... $44,822 $47,241 $53,344 Contracts-in-transit................................ 52,620 76,554 80,796 Current portion of restricted marketable securities........................................ 1,245 1,304 1,410 Accounts receivable (net of allowance of $2,284, $2,396 and $2,254)................................ 65,455 76,168 83,614 Inventories......................................... 434,234 554,141 467,062 Prepaid and other current assets.................... 17,684 21,535 17,928 ---------- ---------- ---------- Total current assets.............................. 616,060 776,943 704,154 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net........................... 141,786 215,149 248,522 GOODWILL, net......................................... 226,321 364,164 385,585 RESTRICTED MARKETABLE SECURITIES...................... 9,280 7,798 6,467 OTHER ASSETS.......................................... 41,159 40,146 56,356 ---------- ---------- ---------- Total assets...................................... $1,034,606 $1,404,200 $1,401,084 ========== ========== ========== LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS' EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES: Floor plan notes payable............................ $385,263 $499,332 $423,634 Short-term debt..................................... 16,612 16,290 10,000 Current maturities of long-term debt................ 10,841 19,495 15,815 Accounts payable.................................... 29,733 36,823 37,563 Accrued liabilities................................. 54,927 53,634 60,054 ---------- ---------- ---------- Total current liabilities......................... 497,376 625,574 547,066 LONG-TERM DEBT........................................ 296,807 435,879 500,369 OTHER LIABILITIES..................................... 9,227 20,865 17,660 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES MINORITY INTEREST..................................... 33,083 -- -- MEMBERS' EQUITY: Contributed capital................................... 195,039 303,245 302,032 Retained earnings..................................... 3,074 18,637 33,957 ---------- ---------- ---------- Total members' equity................................. 198,113 321,882 335,989 ---------- ---------- ---------- Total liabilities and members' equity................. $1,034,606 $1,404,200 $1,401,084 ========== ========== ========== ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP L.L.C. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (IN THOUSANDS) See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. F-6
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, SEPTEMBER 30, ------------------------------------ ----------------------------- 1998 1999 2000 2000 2001 ---------- ---------- ---------- ------------- ------------- (UNAUDITED) REVENUES: New vehicle..................... $687,850 $1,820,393 $2,439,729 $1,883,952 $1,879,042 Used vehicle.................... 221,828 787,029 1,064,102 825,316 865,711 Parts, service and collision repair........................ 156,037 341,506 434,478 322,734 365,472 Finance and insurance, net...... 19,149 63,206 89,481 67,638 79,070 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Total revenues................ 1,084,864 3,012,134 4,027,790 3,099,640 3,189,295 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- COST OF SALES: New vehicle..................... 635,798 1,678,256 2,246,903 1,736,720 1,727,138 Used vehicle.................... 201,068 719,638 970,752 749,664 789,374 Parts, service and collision repair........................ 92,549 173,072 212,596 157,326 176,642 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Total cost of sales........... 929,415 2,570,966 3,430,251 2,643,710 2,693,154 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- GROSS PROFIT...................... 155,449 441,168 597,539 455,930 496,141 OPERATING EXPENSES: Selling, general and administrative................ 127,336 343,443 451,405 336,325 378,553 Depreciation and amortization... 6,303 16,161 24,249 17,407 22,720 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Income from operations........ 21,810 81,564 121,885 102,198 94,868 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE): Floor plan interest expense..... (7,730) (22,982) (36,968) (26,966) (24,248) Other interest expense.......... (7,104) (24,703) (42,009) (29,840) (34,049) Interest income................. 1,108 3,021 5,846 3,654 2,235 Equity investment losses, net... -- (616) (6,066) (6,066) (1,073) Gain (loss) on sale of assets... 9,307 2,365 (1,533) (197) (9) Other income.................... 727 550 1,023 602 1,413 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Total other expense, net...... (3,692) (42,365) (79,707) (58,813) (55,731) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Income before income taxes, minority interest and extraordinary loss............ 18,118 39,199 42,178 43,385 39,137 INCOME TAX EXPENSE................ -- 1,779 3,511 3,078 4,184 MINORITY INTEREST IN SUBSIDIARY EARNINGS........................ 14,303 20,520 9,740 9,759 829 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Income before extraordinary loss.......................... 3,815 16,900 28,927 30,548 34,124 EXTRAORDINARY LOSS ON EARLY EXTINGUISHMENT OF DEBT.......... (734) (752) -- -- (1,433) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net income.................... $3,081 $16,148 $28,927 $30,548 $32,691 ========== ========== ========== ========== ========== PRO FORMA TAX ADJUSTMENT (net of effect on minority interest).... 10,394 12,191 ---------- ---------- Tax affected pro forma net income...................... $18,533 $20,500 ========== ========== PRO FORMA EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE: Basic......................... $[ ] $[ ] ========== ========== Diluted....................... $[ ] $[ ] ========== ========== Weighted average shares outstanding: Basic......................... [ ] [ ] Diluted....................... [ ] [ ] ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP L.L.C. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF MEMBERS' EQUITY (IN THOUSANDS) See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. F-7
RETAINED CONTRIBUTED EARNINGS CAPITAL (DEFICIT) TOTAL ----------- --------- --------- BALANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1997............................ $36,552 $405 $36,957 Contributions............................................ 120,387 -- 120,387 Distributions............................................ -- (6,686) (6,686) Net income............................................... -- 3,081 3,081 Issuance of interests to minority members of subsidiaries before predecessor cost adjustment..................... 57,495 -- 57,495 Predecessor cost adjustment.............................. (90,705) -- (90,705) Effect of minority members' share of subsidiary income, net of distributions................................... 6,851 -- 6,851 -------- -------- -------- BALANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1998............................ 130,580 (3,200) 127,380 Contributions............................................ 38,100 -- 38,100 Distributions............................................ -- (9,874) (9,874) Net income............................................... -- 16,148 16,148 Reclassification of minority member deficits............. 26,359 -- 26,359 -------- -------- -------- BALANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1999............................ 195,039 3,074 198,113 Contributions............................................ 20,650 -- 20,650 Contribution of equity interest by minority members...... 87,556 -- 87,556 Distributions............................................ -- (13,364) (13,364) Net income............................................... -- 28,927 28,927 -------- -------- -------- BALANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2000............................ 303,245 18,637 321,882 Contributions (unaudited)................................ 5,000 -- 5,000 Distributions (unaudited)................................ -- (17,371) (17,371) Members' equity repurchased (unaudited).................. (3,713) (3,713) (3,713) Members' equity surrendered in purchase price settlement (unaudited)............................................ (2,500) (2,500) (2,500) Net income (unaudited)................................... 32,691 32,691 32,691 -------- -------- -------- BALANCE AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 (unaudited)............... $302,032 $33,957 $335,989 ======== ======== ======== ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP L.L.C. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (IN THOUSANDS) See Note 3 for supplemental non-cash investing activities. See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. F-8
FOR THE NINE FOR THE YEARS ENDED MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, SEPTEMBER 30, --------------------------------- ---------------------- 1998 1999 2000 2000 2001 --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------- (UNAUDITED) CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income................................................ $3,081 $16,148 $28,927 $30,548 $32,691 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities-- Depreciation and amortization......................... 6,303 16,161 24,249 17,407 22,721 (Gain) loss on sale of assets......................... (9,307) (2,365) 1,533 197 9 Minority interest in subsidiary earnings.............. 14,303 20,520 9,740 9,759 829 Extraordinary loss on early extinguishment of debt.... 734 752 -- 1,433 1,433 Loss on equity investments, net....................... -- 616 6,066 6,066 1,073 Other non-cash charges................................ 1,155 753 505 341 2,654 Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions and divestiture of assets-- Contracts-in-transit.................................. (2,785) (2,260) (19,632) (11,069) (4,242) Accounts receivable, net.............................. (17,174) 5,007 2,367 (135) (4,952) Inventories........................................... (30,561) (50,611) (22,911) 53,205 122,408 Floor plan notes payable.............................. 31,190 36,402 38,200 (47,475) (102,607) Accounts payable and accrued liabilities.............. 6,024 (1,032) (8,335) (3,186) 5,165 Other................................................. 3,743 6,785 2,303 (5,489) (3,724) --------- --------- --------- -------- --------- Net cash provided by operating activities............. 6,706 46,876 63,012 51,602 73,458 --------- --------- --------- -------- --------- CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Capital expenditures...................................... (11,356) (22,327) (36,062) (25,988) (38,751) Proceeds from the sale of assets.......................... 38,350 15,803 6,054 5,928 2,073 Acquisitions (net of cash and cash equivalents acquired of $6,091, $13,154, $12,776 and $12,776 in 1998, 1999, 2000 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2000, respectively)........................................... (287,400) (106,443) (183,840) (183,840) (40,991) Equity investments........................................ -- (7,500) -- -- (1,200) Proceeds from restricted marketable securities............ -- 1,253 1,423 1,225 1,225 Purchases of restricted marketable securities............. (11,778) -- -- -- -- Net receipt (issuance) of finance contracts............... 990 (6,250) (480) (742) (3,183) Other investing activities................................ (135) (183) -- -- -- --------- --------- --------- -------- --------- Net cash used in investing activities................. (271,329) (125,647) (212,905) (203,417) (80,827) --------- --------- --------- -------- --------- CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Distributions to members.................................. (6,686) (9,874) (13,364) (12,167) (17,371) Repurchase of members' equity............................. -- -- -- -- (3,713) Contributions from members................................ 120,387 38,100 20,650 20,650 -- Repayments of debt........................................ (32,344) (34,565) (14,597) (12,924) (339,908) Proceeds from borrowings.................................. 201,062 112,930 159,411 157,624 386,994 Payment of debt issuance costs............................ -- -- -- -- (12,530) Net of cash contributions from (distributions to) minority members of subsidiaries................................. (2,247) (8,622) 212 212 -- --------- --------- --------- -------- --------- Net cash provided by financing activities............. 280,172 97,969 152,312 153,395 13,472 --------- --------- --------- -------- --------- Net increase in cash and cash equivalents............. 15,549 19,198 2,419 1,580 6,103 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period.............. 10,075 25,624 44,822 44,822 47,241 --------- --------- --------- -------- --------- CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period.................... $25,624 $44,822 $47,241 $46,402 $53,344 ========= ========= ========= ======== ========= SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: Cash paid for-- Interest................................................ $12,911 $42,758 $77,322 $56,062 $56,659 ========= ========= ========= ======== ========= Income taxes............................................ $2,761 $1,364 $3,302 $2,237 $3,250 ========= ========= ========= ======== ========= ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP L.L.C. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND 2000 (INFORMATION AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND 2000 IS UNAUDITED) (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS Asbury Automotive Group L.L.C. ("Asbury" or the "Company") is a national automotive retailer, operating 91 new and used car dealerships (including 131 franchises) and 24 collision repair centers in 12 metropolitan areas of the Southeastern, Midwestern, Southwestern and Northwestern United States as of September 30, 2001. Asbury sells new and used vehicles, light trucks and replacement parts, provides vehicle maintenance, warranty, paint and repair services and arranges vehicle finance, insurance and service contracts for its automotive customers. Asbury offers, collectively, 33 domestic and foreign brands of new vehicles. In addition, one dealership sells four brands of commercial motor trucks. The Company was formed in June 1996 and is controlled by Ripplewood Holdings, L.L.C. 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES BASIS OF PRESENTATION The financial statements reflect the consolidated accounts of Asbury and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. The equity method of accounting is used for investments in which the Company has significant influence. Generally, this represents common stock ownership or partnership equity of at least 20% but not more than 50%. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. REVENUE RECOGNITION Revenue from the sale of new and used vehicles is recognized upon delivery, passage of title, signing of the sales contract and approval of financing. Revenue from the sale of parts and services is recognized upon delivery of parts to the customer or when vehicle service work is performed. Sales discounts and service coupons are accounted for as a reduction to the sales price at the point of sale. Manufacturer incentives and rebates, including holdbacks, are not recognized until earned in accordance with the respective manufacturers incentive programs. The Company receives commissions from the sale of credit life and disability insurance and vehicle service contracts to customers. In addition, the Company arranges financing for customers through various institutions and receives commissions equal to the difference between the loan rates charged to customers over predetermined financing rates set by the financing institution. The Company may be charged back ("chargebacks") for financing fees, insurance or vehicle service contract commissions in the event of early termination of the contracts by customers. The revenues from financing fees and commissions are recorded at the time of the sale of the vehicles and a reserve for future chargebacks is established based on historical operating results and the termination provisions of the applicable contracts. Finance, insurance and vehicle service contract revenues, net of estimated chargebacks, are included in finance and insurance revenue in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments that have an original maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase. F-9 ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP L.L.C. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND 2000 (INFORMATION AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND 2000 IS UNAUDITED) (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) CONTRACTS-IN-TRANSIT Contracts-in-transit represent receivables from finance companies for the portion of the vehicle purchase price financed by customers through sources arranged by the Company. INVENTORIES Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. The Company uses the "last-in, first-out" method ("LIFO") to account for approximately 65%, 64%, and 56% of its inventories, the specific identification method to account for 31%, 33% and 39% of its inventories, and the "first-in, first-out" method ("FIFO") to account for 4%, 3% and 5% of its inventories at December 31, 1999 and 2000 and September 30, 2001, respectively. If the FIFO method had been used to determine cost for inventories valued using the LIFO method, net income would have been increased (decreased) by $(221), $2,139 and $2,097 for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000 and $1,575 and $1,169 for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2000 and 2001, respectively. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT Property and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. Leasehold improvements are capitalized and amortized over the lesser of the life of the lease or the useful life of the related asset. The range of estimated useful lives is as follows (in years)-- Buildings and leasehold improvements........................ 5-35 Machinery and equipment..................................... 3-10 Furniture and fixtures...................................... 3-10 Company vehicles............................................ 3-5
Expenditures for major additions or improvements, which extend the useful lives of assets, are capitalized. Minor replacements, maintenance and repairs, which do not improve or extend the lives of such assets, are charged to operations as incurred. GOODWILL AND LONG-LIVED ASSETS Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and other intangible assets acquired at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is amortized on a straight-line basis over 40 years. Amortization expense charged to operations totaled $1,523, $4,960 and $8,330, for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000, respectively, and $5,611 and $7,517 for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2000 and 2001, respectively. Accumulated amortization totaled $6,770, $15,041 and $22,552 as of December 31, 1999 and 2000, and September 30, 2001, respectively. Other intangible assets, included in other assets on the accompanying balance sheet, relate mostly to value assigned to manufacturer franchise rights, non-compete agreements and favorable lease rights and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the life of the agreements ranging from 3-15 years. The value associated with the manufacturer franchise rights is deemed to have indefinite life based on the provisions and/or characteristics of the manufacturer franchise agreements. F-10ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP L.L.C. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND 2000 (INFORMATION AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND 2000 IS UNAUDITED) (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) IMPAIRMENT OF GOODWILL AND LONG-LIVED ASSETS The recoverability of the Company's long-lived assets, including related goodwill, other intangibles, and enterprise level goodwill is assessed by comparing the carrying amounts of such assets to the estimated undiscounted cash flows relating to those assets. The Company would conclude that an asset was impaired if the sum of such expected future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the related asset. If the Company was to determine that an asset was impaired, the impairment loss would be the amount by which the carrying amount of the related asset exceeds its fair value. Events that would trigger an impairment assessment of long-lived assets or goodwill include but are not limited to: a significant decrease in the market value of an asset or the Company, a significant change in the Company's business or in the extent or manner in which an asset is used, a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate that could affect the value of the Company or an asset or, a history of operating on cash flow losses or a forecast that demonstrates losses of the Company or an asset. The Company does not believe its long-lived assets are impaired at September 30, 2001. EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION The Company accounts for equity-based compensation issued to employees in accordance with Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees." The Company, as permitted by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 123, "Accounting for Stock--Based Compensation," has chosen to account for equity options at their intrinsic value. Accordingly, no compensation expense has been recorded for its option plan. TAX STATUS The Company consists primarily of limited liability companies and partnerships (with the Company as the parent), which are treated as one partnership for tax purposes. Under this structure, such companies and partnerships are not subject to income taxes but instead the members of the Company are taxed on their respective distributive shares of the Company's taxable income. Therefore, no provision for federal or state income taxes has been included in the financial statements for the limited liability companies and partnerships. The Company has nine subsidiaries which for income tax purposes are C corporations under the provisions of the U. S. Internal Revenue Code and, accordingly, follow the liability method of accounting for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." Under this method, deferred income taxes are recorded based upon differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that are assumed to be in effect when the underlying assets are realized and liabilities are settled. A valuation allowance reduces deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. ADVERTISING The Company expenses production and other costs of advertising as incurred net of earned manufacturer credits and other discounts. Advertising expense totaled $9,367, $29,622 and $42,233 for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000 net of earned manufacturer credits of $3,037, $7,305 and $10,698 respectively, and $5,504 and $6,078 and for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2000 and 2001 net of earned manufacturer credits of $7,893 and $7,349 F-11 ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP L.L.C. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND 2000 (INFORMATION AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND 2000 IS UNAUDITED) (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) respectively, and is included in selling, general and administrative expense in the accompanying statements of income. For the years ended December 31, 1999 and 2000, approximately $4,000 and $5,200 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2000 and 2001, approximately $3,554 and $2,889, respectively, was paid to two separate entities in which two members of the Company had substantial interests. USE OF ESTIMATES Preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented. Actual results could differ from those estimates. STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS The net change in floor plan financing of inventories, which is a customary financing technique in the industry, is reflected as an operating activity in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS The Company's financial instruments consist primarily of restricted marketable securities, floor plan notes payable and long-term debt. The carrying amounts of its financial instruments approximate their fair values at December 31, 1999 and 2000 and September 30, 2001 due to their relatively short duration and variable interest rates. CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk, consist principally of cash deposits. The Company maintains cash balances in financial institutions with strong credit ratings. At times, amounts invested with financial institutions may be in excess of FDIC insurance limits. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to contracts-in-transit and accounts receivable are limited primarily to automakers and financial institutions. Credit risk arising from receivables from commercial customers is minimal due to the large number of customers comprising the Company's customer base. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME The Company follows the provisions of SFAS No. 130 "Reporting Comprehensive Income." Based on the definitions contained therein, the Company has no components of other comprehensive income for the periods presented. SEGMENT REPORTING The Company follows the provisions of SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information." Based upon definitions contained in SFAS No. 131, the Company has determined that it operates in one segment and has no international operations. F-12 ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP L.L.C. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND 2000 (INFORMATION AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND 2000 IS UNAUDITED) (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS In June 1998, SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," was issued. SFAS No. 133 establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts (collectively referred to as derivatives), and for hedging activities. It requires that an entity recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities and measure those instruments at fair value. If certain conditions are met, a derivative may be specifically designated as (a) a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or an unrecognized firm commitment, (b) a hedge of the exposure to variable cash flows of a forecasted transaction or (c) a hedge of the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation, an unrecognized firm commitment, an available-for-sale security or a foreign currency-denominated forecasted transaction. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative (gains or losses) depends on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation. SFAS No. 137 amended the effective date to all fiscal quarters of fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2000. SFAS No. 138, issued in June 2000, addressed a limited number of issues that were causing implementation difficulties for numerous entities applying SFAS No. 133. The Company has determined that the adoption of SFAS No.133 did not have a material impact on its results of operations, financial position, liquidity or cash flows. In December 1999, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") No. 101, "Revenue Recognition." SAB No.101 was effective for years beginning after December 31, 1999, and provides clarification related to recognizing revenue in certain circumstances. Adoption of SAB No.101 did not have a material impact on the Company's revenue recognition policies. On June 30, 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") finalized and issued Statements of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, "Business Combinations" ("SFAS 141") and No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" ("SFAS 142"). SFAS 141 requires all business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001 to be accounted for using the purchase method, eliminating the pooling of interests method. SFAS 142, upon effectiveness, eliminates goodwill amortization over its estimated useful life. However, goodwill will be subject to at least an annual assessment for impairment by applying a fair-value based test. Additionally, acquired intangible assets should be separately recognized if the benefit of the intangible asset is obtained through contractual or other legal rights, or if the intangible asset can be sold, transferred, licensed, rented, or exchanged, regardless of the acquirer's intent to do so. Intangible assets with definitive lives will need to be amortized over their useful lives. The provisions of SFAS 142 apply immediately to all acquisitions completed at June 30, 2001. Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives existing at June 30, 2001 will continue to be amortized until December 31, 2001. Effective January 1, 2002 such amortization will cease, as companies are required to adopt the new rules on such date. By the end of the first quarter of calendar year 2002, companies must begin to perform an impairment analysis of intangible assets. Furthermore, companies must complete the first step of the goodwill transition impairment test by June 30, 2002. Any impairment noted must be recorded at the date of effectiveness restating first quarter results, if necessary. Impairment charges, if any, that result from the application of the F-13 ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP L.L.C. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND 2000 (INFORMATION AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND 2000 IS UNAUDITED) (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) above tests would be recorded as the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle in the first quarter of the year ending December 31, 2002. The Company will not be able to determine the ultimate impact of SFAS 141 and SFAS 142 on its consolidated financial statements until such time as it applies their provisions. In August 2001, SFAS 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets" was issued. SFAS 144 supercedes SFAS 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of" and Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) No. 30, "Reporting the Results of Operations--Reporting the Effects of the Disposal of a Segment Business and Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently Occurring Events and Transactions." SFAS 144 establishes a single accounting model for assets to be disposed of by sale whether previously held and used or newly acquired. SFAS No. 144 retains the provisions of APB No. 30 for presentation of discontinued operations in the income statement, but broadens the presentation to include a component of an entity. SFAS 144 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001, and the interim periods within. The Company is currently evaluating the impact on its financial statements of adopting this statement. INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The accompanying unaudited financial statements for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2000 and 2001 have been prepared on substantially the same basis as the audited financial statements, and include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, which management believes are necessary for a fair presentation of the financial information set forth therein. 3. ACQUISITIONS OVERVIEW The Company has consummated eight major platform acquisitions ("platforms"), which were effected through its subsidiaries in which the sellers received, in addition to cash consideration, an interest in the platform subsidiary established to effect the related acquisition. Minority ownership interests related to such transactions ranged from 20% to 49%. Such acquisitions were accounted for using the purchase method of accounting; however, as also discussed below, certain of these acquisitions were effected through leveraged buyout transactions. A leverage buy-out is a transaction where in excess of 50% of the purchase price has been financed. According to EITF 88-16 transactions meeting the criteria of a leveraged buy-out where the previous control group receives a greater than 20% interest in the acquired company, the net assets associated with the previous control group should be stated at historical cost. In such cases, the historical book value (carryover basis) was used to measure the portion of assets acquired and liabilities assumed attributed to such minority members of the subsidiaries. In connection with the Minority Member Transaction, as discussed below, the minority interests in the subsidiaries were acquired using the purchase method of accounting. As such, on April 30, 2000 the impact of carryover basis accounting associated with the interests transferred into Asbury Automotive Oregon L.L.C., ("Asbury Oregon"), have been eliminated. The Company has consummated additional acquisitions through its subsidiaries and certain of these acquisitions resulted in the issuance of minority interests. F-14 ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP L.L.C. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND 2000 (INFORMATION AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND 2000 IS UNAUDITED) (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) The operations of the acquired dealerships are included in the consolidated statements of income commencing on the date acquired. MINORITY MEMBER TRANSACTION On April 30, 2000, Asbury, the then parent company, and the minority members of Asbury's subsidiaries reached an agreement whereby their respective equity interests were transferred into escrow pending the approval of the vehicle manufacturers. On August 30, 2000 the vehicle manufacturers approved the transaction and the respective equity interests were released from escrow and were transferred into Asbury Oregon in exchange for equity interests in Asbury Oregon (the "Minority Member Transaction"). The exchange of the minority members' interests was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting whereby the values of the related minority interests transferred into Asbury Oregon were recorded at their estimated fair values, approximately $93,710. The accompanying consolidated balance sheets include the allocations of the purchase price to tangible and intangible net assets transferred. This allocation resulted in recording approximately $23,679 of goodwill. Following the Minority Member Transaction, the then parent company, Asbury, changed its name to Asbury Automotive Holdings L.L.C. ("Asbury Holdings") and Asbury Oregon changed its name to Asbury Automotive Group L.L.C. Subsequent to the Minority Member Transaction, Asbury Holdings owns approximately 59% of the member interest of the Company with the remaining member interest being held by the former minority members of the Company's subsidiaries. 1998 During 1998, the Company acquired five platforms (consisting of 37 dealerships) and an equity interest in an individual dealership for an aggregate purchase price of $294,077, including the proceeds from $193,900 in borrowings ($20,700 of which was retained in the businesses) and the issuance of minority interests to certain of the previous controlling shareholders. The accompanying financial statements include the results of operations of acquisitions acquired in 1998 from the date of acquisition. The following unaudited pro forma financial data reflects the 1998 acquisitions as if they occurred on January 1, 1998 (unaudited). Revenues.................................................... $2,462,717 Income before income taxes and minority interest............ 23,059
1999 During 1999, the Company acquired one platform (consisting of 6 dealerships), and 9 other dealerships as well as the remaining interest of a dealership partially purchased in 1998 for an aggregate purchase price of $119,597, including the proceeds from $73,784 in borrowings and the issuance of minority interests to certain of the previous controlling shareholders. The accompanying financial statements include the results of operations of acquisitions acquired in 1998 and 1999 subsequent to the date of the respective acquisitions. The following F-15ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP L.L.C. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND 2000 (INFORMATION AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND 2000 IS UNAUDITED) (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) unaudited pro forma financial data reflects the 1998 and 1999 acquisitions as if they occurred on January 1, 1998 and 1999, respectively. 2000 During 2000, the Company acquired 18 dealerships for an aggregate purchase price of $197,648, including the proceeds from $140,820 in borrowings and the issuance of member equity interests to certain of the previous controlling shareholders. The accompanying financial statements include the results of operations of acquisitions acquired in 1999 and 2000 subsequent to the date of the respective acquisitions. The following unaudited pro forma financial data reflects the 1999 and 2000 acquisitions and the effect of the Minority Member Transaction as if they occurred on January 1, 1999 and 2000, respectively.
1998 1999 ---------- ---------- (UNAUDITED) Revenues........................................... $3,180,092 $3,455,256 Income before income taxes and minority interest... 23,122 44,208 The unaudited pro forma selected financial data does not purport to represent what the Company's results of operations would have actually been had the transactions in fact occurred as of an earlier date or project the results for any future period. Pro forma adjustments included in the amounts above relate primarily to: (a) pro forma amortization expense; (b) adjustments to compensation expense and management fees to the post acquisition contracted amounts and; (c) increases in interest expense resulting from the net cash borrowings used to complete the related acquisitions. The foregoing acquisitions were all accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. Except as discussed below, the historical book values of the assets and liabilities were recorded at their fair value as of the acquisition dates. Certain of these acquisitions were affected through leveraged buyout transactions. Prior to the Minority Member Transaction, the accompanying consolidated financial statements reflected the use of carryover basis (i.e., the historical values of the acquired company prior to the acquisition) in order to measure the portion of assets acquired and liabilities assumed attributed to certain minority members of the subsidiaries. In certain of these transactions, just prior to the leveraged buyout of the related controlling interest, the net book value attributable to the minority interests was increased to reflect its fair value. This amount along with the historical carrying amount of the net assets acquired was the basis for determining the amount of carryover basis used to record the leveraged buyout of the acquisition. F-16
1999 2000 ---------- ---------- (UNAUDITED) Revenues........................................... $4,274,277 $4,293,554 Income before income taxes and minority interest... 52,287 44,810 ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP L.L.C. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND 2000 (INFORMATION AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND 2000 IS UNAUDITED) (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) The following table summarizes the Company's acquisitions: The allocation of purchase price to assets acquired and liabilities assumed has been based on preliminary estimates of fair value and may be revised as additional information concerning valuation of such assets and liabilities becomes available. As a result of the Minority Member Transaction, $82,783 of predecessor cost adjustment has been eliminated as part of the purchase accounting applied. MINORITY INTERESTS The use of carryover basis accounting for those acquisitions effected through leveraged buyout transactions combined with the impact of distributing to the sellers a portion of the borrowings used to consummate such acquisitions resulted in minority shareholder deficits in those subsidiaries. In 1998, such deficits were recorded as a reduction of members' equity. In 1999, the Company determined that the minority portion of those shareholder deficits were realizable. Accordingly, these amounts were reclassified to, and offset against, other minority interest amounts. All minority interests were eliminated as a result of the Minority Member Transaction. 4. INVESTMENTS IN PARTIALLY OWNED EQUITY AFFILIATES In the fourth quarter of 1999, the Company made a $7,500 investment in Greenlight.com ("Greenlight"), a startup Internet company engaged in the retail sale of new vehicles. The investment was accounted for under the equity method whereby the Company recorded pre-tax losses of $764 and $6,938 in 1999 and 2000, respectively, related to its investment in and expenses paid on the behalf of Greenlight. As of December 31, 2000, the Company's investment was fully written-off through equity investment losses. In 2001, the Company invested an additional $1,200 into Greenlight. Following the Company's additional investment, Greenlight was merged into CarsDirect.com ("CarsDirect") a company also engaged in the retail sale of new vehicles over the Internet. The Company's investment in CarsDirect totaled approximately 3% of CarsDirect's total equity after the merger. The Company accounts for its investment in CarsDirect using the cost method. 5. DIVESTITURES During 1998, the Company completed the sale of certain dealership assets for net cash proceeds of $38,135. The $9,307 gain on the sale of such assets, reflected in the accompanying consolidated statements of income, is attributed to the use of carryover basis in valuing the minority F-17
ACQUISITIONS CONSUMMATED IN: --------------------------------- 1998 1999 2000 --------- --------- --------- Cash paid for businesses acquired........................... $294,077 $119,597 $197,648 Notes payable issued (included in purchase price)........... 10,188 -- -- Issuance of minority equity interest, including $57,495 reflected as contributed capital in 1998.................. 75,540 27,190 13,050 Less: Predecessor cost adjustment........................... (90,705) (18,828) (9,582) Goodwill.................................................... (125,933) (87,754) (129,557) -------- -------- -------- Estimated fair value of net tangible and other intangible assets acquired........................................... $163,167 $40,205 $71,559 ======== ======== ======== ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP L.L.C. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND 2000 (INFORMATION AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND 2000 IS UNAUDITED) (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) interest in the related assets. In addition, the Company sold $215 of fixed assets for book value in 1998. During 1999, the Company completed the sale of certain real estate assets for net cash proceeds of $13,016. The difference of $3,459 between the recorded book value as of the date of the sale and the net cash proceeds is attributed to the use of carryover basis in valuing the minority interest in the related assets. Of that difference, $1,067 relates to the sale of an asset back to one of the Company's minority members within the purchase price allocation period and was therefore accounted for as an adjustment to the related purchase price. In addition, the Company sold other fixed assets for cash proceeds of $2,787, recognizing a $27 loss. During 2000, the Company sold three dealerships and certain fixed assets for net cash proceeds of $6,054 and recorded a net loss on sale of these assets of $1,533. The loss was comprised of $1,650 of losses from the sale of dealerships which was offset by $117 of gains from the sale of fixed assets. The above mentioned gains in both 1998 and 1999, which resulted from the use of carryover basis to value the minority interest in the related assets, are also reflected in minority interest in subsidiary income on the respective consolidated statements of income. 6. INVENTORIES AND RELATED FLOOR PLAN NOTES PAYABLE Inventories consist of the following: The inventory balance is reduced by manufacturers' purchase discounts; such reduction is not reflected in related floor plan liability. Floor plan notes payable reflect amounts payable for purchases of specific vehicle inventories and are due to various floor plan lenders bearing interest at variable rates based on LIBOR or prime. For the years ended December 31, 1999 and 2000 and the nine months ended September 30, 2001, the weighted average interest rates on floor plan notes payable outstanding was 8.3%, 8.7% and 7.0%, respectively. Floor plan arrangements permit borrowings based upon new and used vehicle inventory levels. Vehicle payments on notes are due when the related vehicles are sold. The notes are collateralized by substantially all vehicle inventories of the respective subsidiary and are subject to certain financial and other covenants. F-18
DECEMBER 31, SEPTEMBER --------------------- 30, 1999 2000 2001 --------- --------- ----------- (UNAUDITED) New vehicles....................................... $340,857 $444,688 $348,388 Used vehicles...................................... 65,849 74,529 83,015 Parts and accessories.............................. 29,974 38,281 40,185 LIFO reserve....................................... (2,446) (3,357) (4,526) -------- -------- -------- Total inventories................................ $434,234 $554,141 $467,062 ======== ======== ======== ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP L.L.C. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND 2000 (INFORMATION AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND 2000 IS UNAUDITED) (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) 7. NOTES RECEIVABLE--FINANCE CONTRACTS Notes receivable for finance contracts, included in prepaid and other current assets and other assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, have initial terms ranging from 12 to 54 months bearing interest at rates ranging from 11.0% to 29.9% and are collateralized by the related vehicles. Notes receivable--finance contracts consists of the following: Contractual maturities of gross notes receivable--finance contracts at December 31, 2000 are as follows:
DECEMBER 31, ------------------- SEPTEMBER 30, 1999 2000 2001 -------- -------- ------------- (UNAUDITED) Gross contract amounts due......................... $35,381 $35,108 $36,108 Less--Allowance for credit losses.................. (5,745) (4,760) (3,988) ------- ------- ------- 29,636 30,348 32,120 Current maturities, net............................ (11,512) (15,235) (9,961) ------- ------- ------- Notes receivable, net of current portion........... $18,124 $15,113 $22,159 ======= ======= ======= 2001........................................................ $16,407 2002........................................................ 10,547 2003........................................................ 5,265 2004........................................................ 2,889 ------- $35,108 =======
8. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET Property and equipment, net consist of the following:9. SHORT-TERM DEBT One of the Company's subsidiaries has $25,000 available through certain revolving credit facilities, of which $16,612, $13,667 and $10,000 was outstanding at December 31, 1999 and 2000 and September 30, 2001, respectively. The credit facilities are secured by the notes receivable of F-19
DECEMBER 31, --------------------- SEPTEMBER 30, 1999 2000 2001 --------- --------- ------------- (UNAUDITED) Land............................................. $38,886 $60,031 $65,082 Buildings and leasehold improvements............. 72,709 121,809 150,656 Machinery and equipment.......................... 18,639 27,966 30,997 Furniture and fixtures........................... 15,428 19,641 22,960 Company vehicles................................. 13,134 16,158 21,887 -------- -------- -------- Total.......................................... 158,796 245,605 291,582 Less--Accumulated depreciation................... (17,010) (30,456) (43,060) -------- -------- -------- Property and equipment, net.................... $141,786 $215,149 $248,522 ======== ======== ======== ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP L.L.C. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) (CONTINUED) DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND 2000 (INFORMATION AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND 2000 IS UNAUDITED) (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) the respective subsidiary. Such amounts are payable on demand, and accrue interest at variable rates (the weighted average interest rates were 8.3% and 10.0% for the years ended December 31, 1999 and 2000, and 8.5% for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2001). In addition, another one of the Company's subsidiaries had $2,623 outstanding on a revolving credit facility as of December 31, 2000, representing the full amount available under the facility. Such amount was repaid in January 2001. The credit facilities mentioned above are subject to certain financial and other covenants. 10. LONG-TERM DEBT Long-term debt consists of the following at: F-20
DECEMBER 31, SEPTEMBER 30, --------------------- ------------- 1999 2000 2001 --------- --------- ------------- (UNAUDITED) Term notes payable to banks (including the Acquisition Line of the Credit Facility, both as defined below) bearing interest at fixed and variable rates (the weighted average interest rates were 8.9% and 10.1% for the years-ended December 31, 1999 and 2000 and 10.2% for the nine-month period ending September 30, 2001), maturing at various dates from 2002 to 2007, secured by the assets of the related subsidiary companies.............................. $217,624 $318,582 $374,553 Mortgage notes payable to banks bearing interest at fixed and variable rates (the weighted average interest rates were 8.6% and 9.3% for years-ended December 31, 1999 and 2000 and 8.1% for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2001), maturing at various dates from 2001 to 2007. These obligations are secured by property, plant and equipment of the related subsidiary companies which had an approximate net book value of $136,400 at December 31, 2000.................................................. 68,727 114,646 119,337 Non-interest bearing note payable to former shareholders of one of the Company's subsidiaries, net of unamortized discount of $2,226, $1,886, and $1,113 as of December 31, 1999 and 2000 and September 30, 2001, respectively, determined at an effective interest rate of 6.4%, payable in semiannual installments of approximately $913, due January 2006, secured by marketable securities............ 9,676 8,453 7,138 Notes payable to financing institutions secured by rental/loaner vehicles bearing interest at variable rates (the weighted average interest rates were 8.4% and 8.7% for the years-ended December 31, 1999 and 2000 and 7.7% for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2001), maturing at various dates from 2001 to 2004............... 6,132 7,269 9,436 Capital lease obligations................................... 3,220 4,058 2,780 Other notes payable......................................... 2,269 2,366 2,940 -------- -------- -------- 307,648 455,374 516,184 Less--current portion....................................... (10,841) (19,495) (15,815) -------- -------- -------- Long-term portion........................................... $296,807 $435,879 $500,369 ======== ======== ======== ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP L.L.C. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND 2000 (INFORMATION AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND 2000 IS UNAUDITED) (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) The aggregate maturities of long-term debt at December 31, 2000, are as follows: 2001........................................................ $ 19,495 2002........................................................ 35,703 2003........................................................ 57,465 2004........................................................ 102,558 2005........................................................ 116,025 Thereafter.................................................. 124,128 -------- $455,374 ========
Prior to the January 17, 2001 Credit Facility (as noted below), the Company had variable rate notes, primarily based on LIBOR which were subject to normal lending terms and contained covenants which limited the Company's ability to incur additional debt and transfer cash outside the related subsidiary (such restrictions include transferring funds upstream to the Company). In addition, the various debt agreements required the related subsidiary to maintain certain financial ratios. On January 17, 2001, the Company entered into a three year committed financing agreement (the "Committed Credit Facility") with Ford Motor Credit Company, General Motors Acceptance Corporation and Chrysler Financial Company, L.L.C. with total availability of $550 million. The Committed Credit Facility is used for working capital and acquisition financing. At the date of closing, the Company utilized $330,599 of the Committed Credit Facility to repay certain existing term notes and pay certain fees and expenses of the closing. All borrowings under the Committed Credit Facility bear interest at variable rates based on LIBOR plus a specified percentage depending on our attainment of certain leverage ratios and the outstanding balance under this Facility. Also on January 17, 2001, and in connection with the Committed Credit Facility, the Company obtained uncommitted floor plan financing lines of credit for new vehicles (the "New Floor Plan Lines"). The Company refinanced substantially all of its existing floor plan debt under the New Floor Plan Lines. The New Floor Plan Lines bear interest at variable rates based on LIBOR or prime and are provided by:Ford Motor Credit Company............................. $330 million Chrysler Financial Company L.L.C...................... $315 million General Motors Acceptance Corporation................. $105 million ------------ Total floor plan lines.............................. $750 million ============
Each of the above three lenders also provides, in its reasonable discretion, uncommitted floor plan financing for used vehicles. Such used vehicle financing is provided up to a fixed percentage of the value of each financed used vehicle. At December 31, 1999 and 2000 and September 30, 2001, the Company held investments in restricted marketable securities (U.S. Treasury Strips), which serve as collateral for a non-interest-bearing note payable due to former shareholders of one of the Company's subsidiaries. These marketable securities are classified as held to maturity and accordingly stated at cost which F-21ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP L.L.C. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND 2000 (INFORMATION AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND 2000 IS UNAUDITED) (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) approximates fair market value and mature in 2006. The principal on the non-interest-bearing note is repaid from the proceeds of the maturity of such securities. During 1998, the Company entered into swap agreements with a bank in an aggregate initial notional principal amount of $31,000 in order to fix a portion of its interest expense and reduce its exposure to floating interest rates. These swaps required the subsidiary to pay fixed rates ranging from 4.7% to 5.2% and receive LIBOR. In December 2000, the Company terminated its swap agreement resulting in a gain of $375 which was deferred and recorded to income in the first quarter of 2001 when the related debt was extinguished. Deferred financing fees aggregated approximately $2,215, $1,711 and $9,876 as of December 31, 1999, December 31, 2000 and September 30, 2001, net of accumulated amortization of $564, $1,068 and $2,654, respectively, and are included in other assets. 11. INCOME TAXES For those subsidiaries subject to income tax, provisions have been made for deferred taxes based on differences between financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using currently enacted tax rates and regulations. Deferred taxes include $2,414, $325 and $325 included in current assets, and $4,073, $4,091 and $4,378 included in non-current liabilities, primarily related to investments in partnerships as of December 31, 1999 and 2000 and September 30, 2001, respectively. The pro forma provision for income taxes reflects the income tax expense that would have been reported if the Company had been a C corporation. The components of unaudited pro forma income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2000 and the nine months ended September 30, 2001 are as follows: F-22
DECEMBER 31, 2000 SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 ----------------- ------------------- Pro forma income taxes: Current-- Federal...................................... $15,211 $13,345 State........................................ 2,173 1,906 Less: minority portion....................... (4,263) -- ------- ------- Total current.............................. 13,121 15,251 Deferred: Federal...................................... 908 983 State........................................ 130 141 Less: minority portion....................... (254) -- ------- ------- Total deferred............................. 784 1,124 ------- ------- Total pro forma income taxes..................... $13,905 $16,375 ======= ======= ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP L.L.C. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND 2000 (INFORMATION AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND 2000 IS UNAUDITED) (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) The following tabulation reconciles the expected corporate federal income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2000 and the six months ended September 30, 2001 to the Company's unaudited pro forma income tax expense as of these dates: 12. RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS In connection with its acquisitions, the Company paid $6,170 and $1,000 during 1998 and 1999, respectively, to certain of its members for transaction related services. In addition to the advertising expenses (Note 2) and operating leases (Note 13), the Company paid $180, $180 and $105 for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000, and $90 and $333 for the nine months ended September 30, 2000 and 2001, to an entity owned by one of its members for the use of a plane. Such amounts are included in selling, general and administrative expense on the accompanying consolidated income statements. In January 2001 the Company sold $378 of inventory to one of its members. 13. OPERATING LEASES The Company leases various facilities and equipment under long-term operating lease agreements, including leases with its members or entities controlled by the Company's members. In instances where we have entered leases in which the rent escalates over time we have straight-lined the rent expense over the life of the lease. Rent expense amounted to $7,820, $16,943 and $22,616 for the three years ended December 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000, and $16,862 and $18,723 for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2000 and 2001, respectively. Of these amounts, $5,805, $10,405, $14,103, $10,105 and $9,979, respectively, were paid to entities controlled by its members. Future minimum payments under long-term, non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2000, are as follows:
DECEMBER 31, 2000 SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 ----------------- ------------------- Expected pro forma income tax expense............ 35.0% 35.0% State income tax, net of federal tax effect...... 5.0 5.0 Non-deductible goodwill and other intangibles.... 2.9 2.5 Other, net....................................... 0.8 0.9 ---- ---- 43.7% 43.4% ==== ==== F-23
RELATED THIRD PARTIES PARTIES TOTAL ------------ ---------- --------- 2001................................... $ 13,124 $ 9,684 $ 22,808 2002................................... 13,082 9,293 22,375 2003................................... 12,813 9,110 21,923 2004................................... 11,865 8,348 20,213 2005................................... 11,195 7,869 19,064 Thereafter............................. 49,316 33,524 82,840 -------- ------- -------- Total.............................. $111,395 $77,828 $189,223 ======== ======= ======== ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP L.L.C. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND 2000 (INFORMATION AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND 2000 IS UNAUDITED) (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) 14. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Substantially all of the Company's facilities are subject to federal, state and local provisions regarding the discharge of materials into the environment. Compliance with these provisions has not had, nor does the Company expect such compliance to have, any material effect upon the capital expenditures, net earnings, financial condition, liquidity or competitive position of the Company. Management believes that its current practices and procedures for the control and disposition of such materials comply with applicable federal, state and local requirements. The Company is involved in legal proceedings and claims, which arise in the ordinary course of its business and with respect to certain of these claims, the sellers have indemnified the Company. In the opinion of management of the Company, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to these actions will not materially affect the financial condition, liquidity or the results of operations of the Company. The dealerships operated by the Company hold franchise agreements with a number of vehicle manufacturers. In accordance with the individual franchise agreements, each dealership is subject to certain rights and restrictions typical of the industry. The ability of the manufacturers to influence the operations of the dealerships or the loss of a franchise agreement could have a negative impact on the Company's operating results. The Company has guaranteed two loans made by a bank to two management employees of the Company's subsidiaries which total $2,000. At December 31, 1999 and 2000, and September 30, 2001, a subsidiary of the Company guaranteed $500, $1,100, and $2,959, respectively, in consumer installment loans. These loans were issued by finance companies pursuant to vehicle sales by the Company. Under the guaranty, upon repossession of the vehicle collateralizing the loan by the finance company, the Company is liable for all or a part of the underlying loan balance. Accrued liabilities include management's estimate of future losses related to this guaranty. 15. EQUITY BASED ARRANGEMENTS In 1999, the Company adopted an equity option plan for certain management employees (the "Option Plan") that provides for the grant of equity interests not to exceed $2,000. The grants are stated at a dollar amount based on the Company's entity value. The Option Plan also requires that the exercise price of the grant be equal to the fair market value (as defined) of the grant on the grant date. Equity interests in the Company purchased by employees pursuant to the Option Plan are callable by the Company under certain circumstances at their fair value (as defined) and vest F-24 ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP L.L.C. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND 2000 (INFORMATION AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND 2000 IS UNAUDITED) (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) over a period of three years. The following tables summarize information about option activity and amounts: As of December 31, 2000, the weighted average remaining contractual life was 9.07 years. The number of options exercisable as of December 31, 2000, was .001%. Had the fair value method of accounting been applied to the Company's stock option plan, the pro forma impact on the Company's net income would have been as follows for the years ended December 31, 1999 and 2000:
MEMBERSHIP INTEREST PERCENTAGE ---------- Options outstanding December 31, 1998....................... -- Granted................................................. .029% Options outstanding December 31, 1999....................... .029 Granted................................................... .004 Cancelled................................................. (.029) ----- Options outstanding December 31, 2000....................... .004% ===== The fair value of options granted, which is amortized to expense over the option vesting period in determining the pro forma impact, is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:
1999 2000 -------- -------- Net income as reported................................... $16,148 $28,927 Pro forma net income..................................... 16,086 28,752 In the first quarter of 2001, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the Option Plan to grant an additional $800 of equity interests. The Company has an arrangement whereby, under certain circumstances, certain senior executives will participate in the increase in the value of the Company. The executives would be eligible to receive a portion of the remaining distributable cash generated from a sale or liquidation of the Company or a Board declared distribution in excess of the capital contributed to the Company plus a compounded 8% rate of return. No circumstances have occurred which would cause such participation nor does the Company presently believe any remaining distributable cash is available for such executives and, accordingly, no compensation expense has been recorded for the three years ended 1998, 1999 or 2000 or for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2001. F-25
1999 2000 -------- -------- Expected life of option................................... 5 years 5 years Risk-free interest rate................................... 6.14% 6.47% Expected volatility....................................... 55% 55% Expected dividend yield................................... 0% 0% ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP L.L.C. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND 2000 (INFORMATION AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND 2000 IS UNAUDITED) (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) 16. RETIREMENT PLANS The Company and several of the subsidiaries have existing 401(k) salary deferral/savings plans for the benefit of substantially all such employees. Employees electing to participate in the plans may contribute up to 15% of their annual compensation limited to the maximum amount that can be deducted for income tax purposes each year. Vesting varies at each respective subsidiary. Certain subsidiaries match a portion of the employee's contributions dependent upon reaching certain operating goals. Expenses related to subsidiary matching totaled $506, $873 and $1,920 for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000, respectively, and aggregated approximately $877 and $1,925 for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2000 and 2001, respectively. In 2001, the Company consolidated substantially all of its existing 401(k) salary deferral/savings plans into one plan. 17. SUBSEQUENT EVENT Subsequent to December 31, 2000, the Company acquired 6 dealerships and certain real estate assets for an aggregate purchase price of $46,028 in cash and the issuance of a $5,000 equity interest to one of the sellers. The acquisitions were funded through the proceeds from borrowings under the Company's credit facility. The following table details the preliminary allocation of purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on the Company's estimates of fair value and may be revised as additional information becomes available. F-26
Working capital............................................. $ 5,571 Property and equipment...................................... 6,454 Franchise rights............................................ 5,000 Goodwill.................................................... 34,712 Other assets................................................ 154 Other liabilities........................................... (863) ------- Total purchase price........................................ $51,028 ======= REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS To Asbury Automotive Group L.L.C.: We have audited the accompanying combined balance sheet of the Business Acquired by Asbury Automotive Group L.L.C. (Hutchinson Automotive Group) as of December 31, 1999, and the related combined statements of income, shareholders' equity and cash flows for the period from January 1, 2000 through June 30, 2000, and for the two years in the period ended December 31, 1999. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Business Acquired by Asbury Automotive Group L.L.C. as of December 31, 1999, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the period from January 1, 2000, through June 30, 2000 and for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 1999, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP Stamford, Connecticut June 15, 2001 F-27 BUSINESS ACQUIRED BY ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP L.L.C. (HUTCHINSON AUTOMOTIVE GROUP) COMBINED BALANCE SHEET (IN THOUSANDS) See Notes to Combined Financial Statements. F-28
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1999 ------------ ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and cash equivalents................................. $ 7,603 Contracts-in-transit...................................... 3,770 Accounts receivable....................................... 3,852 Inventories............................................... 28,120 Prepaid and other current assets.......................... 595 ------- Total current assets.................................. 43,940 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net................................. 14,945 GOODWILL, net............................................... 4,010 OTHER ASSETS................................................ 10 ------- Total assets.......................................... $62,905 ======= LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES: Floor plan notes payable.................................. $22,675 Current maturities of long-term debt...................... 75 Accounts payable.......................................... 1,505 Accrued liabilities....................................... 3,673 ------- Total current liabilities............................. 27,928 OTHER LIABILITIES........................................... 318 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY: Common stock and additional paid-in-capital............... 24,601 Retained earnings......................................... 10,058 ------- Total shareholders' equity............................ 34,659 ------- Total liabilities and shareholders' equity............ $62,905 ======= BUSINESS ACQUIRED BY ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP L.L.C. (HUTCHINSON AUTOMOTIVE GROUP) COMBINED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (IN THOUSANDS) See Notes to Combined Financial Statements. F-29
FOR THE YEARS ENDED FOR THE PERIOD DECEMBER 31, JANUARY 1, 2000 --------------------- THROUGH 1998 1999 JUNE 30, 2000 --------- --------- --------------- REVENUE: New vehicles.......................................... $162,411 $197,556 $58,061 Used vehicles......................................... 90,455 112,109 35,903 Parts, service and collision repair................... 22,457 25,744 8,285 Finance and insurance, net............................ 5,165 7,123 1,713 -------- -------- ------- Total revenue..................................... 280,488 342,532 103,962 COST OF SALES: New vehicles.......................................... 146,335 179,016 52,784 Used vehicles......................................... 81,352 100,648 31,875 Parts, service and collision repair................... 13,078 14,486 4,703 -------- -------- ------- Total cost of sales............................... 240,765 294,150 89,362 -------- -------- ------- GROSS PROFIT............................................ 39,723 48,382 14,600 OPERATING EXPENSES: Selling, general and administrative................... 27,895 31,696 10,705 Depreciation and amortization......................... 888 1,018 260 -------- -------- ------- Income from operations............................ 10,940 15,668 3,635 -------- -------- ------- OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE): Floor plan interest expense........................... (1,622) (1,675) (635) Other income, net..................................... 336 225 58 -------- -------- ------- Total other expense, net.......................... (1,286) (1,450) (577) -------- -------- ------- Net income........................................ $9,654 $14,218 $3,058 ======== ======== ======= BUSINESS ACQUIRED BY ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP L.L.C. (HUTCHINSON AUTOMOTIVE GROUP) COMBINED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (IN THOUSANDS) See Notes to Combined Financial Statements. F-30
COMMON STOCK RETAINED AND ADDITIONAL EARNINGS PAID-IN-CAPITAL (DEFICIT) TOTAL --------------- --------- -------- BALANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1997.......................... $13,251 $6,877 $20,128 Contributions.......................................... 11,350 -- 11,350 Distributions.......................................... -- (6,894) (6,894) Net income............................................. -- 9,654 9,654 ------- -------- -------- BALANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1998.......................... 24,601 9,637 34,238 Distributions.......................................... -- (13,797) (13,797) Net income............................................. -- 14,218 14,218 ------- -------- -------- BALANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1999.......................... 24,601 10,058 34,659 Distributions.......................................... -- (36,068) (36,068) Net income............................................. -- 3,058 3,058 ------- -------- -------- BALANCE AS OF JUNE 30, 2000.............................. $24,601 $(22,952) $1,649 ======= ======== ======== BUSINESS ACQUIRED BY ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP L.L.C. (HUTCHINSON AUTOMOTIVE GROUP) COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (IN THOUSANDS) See Notes to Combined Financial Statements. F-31
FOR THE YEARS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, JANUARY 1, 2000 --------------------- THROUGH JUNE 30, 1998 1999 2000 --------- --------- ---------------- CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income........................................... $ 9,654 $ 14,218 $ 3,058 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities-- Depreciation and amortization.................... 888 1,018 260 Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions and divestiture of assets-- Contracts-in-transit............................. (1,243) (188) 1,386 Accounts receivable.............................. (241) (711) 376 Inventories...................................... 251 (1,727) 1,444 Floor plan notes payable......................... (3,002) 6,941 220 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities......... 1,251 463 (357) Other............................................ 55 (158) (424) -------- -------- -------- Net cash provided by operating activities.... 7,613 19,856 5,963 -------- -------- -------- CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Capital expenditures................................. (307) (949) (48) Proceeds from the sale of assets..................... 16 7 3 Cash and cash equivalents associated with the sale to Asbury............................................. -- -- (1,930) Acquisitions......................................... (11,350) -- -- -------- -------- -------- Net cash used in investing activities........ (11,641) (942) (1,975) -------- -------- -------- CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Distributions........................................ (6,894) (13,797) (11,225) Contributions........................................ 11,350 -- -- Repayments of debt................................... (134) (676) -- Proceeds from borrowings............................. 500 -- -- -------- -------- -------- Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities................................. 4,822 (14,473) (11,225) -------- -------- -------- Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents................................ 794 4,441 (7,237) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period......... 2,368 3,162 7,603 -------- -------- -------- CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period............... $ 3,162 $ 7,603 $ 366 ======== ======== ======== SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: Cash paid for interest............................... $ 1,593 $ 1,665 $ 605 ======== ======== ======== Non-cash distributions (net assets of the business sold to Asbury on April 14, 2000).................. $ -- $ -- $ 24,843 ======== ======== ======== BUSINESS ACQUIRED BY ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP L.L.C. (HUTCHINSON AUTOMOTIVE GROUP) NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS Asbury Automotive Jacksonville L.P. ("Asbury Jacksonville") acquired the operations of Buddy Hutchinson Cars, Inc. ("Toyota") and Buddy Hutchinson Chevrolet, Inc. ("Chevrolet") on April 14, 2000 and the operations of Buddy Hutchinson Imports, Inc. ("Imports") on July 1, 2000 for $57,266 including the issuance of a $5,000 equity interest in Asbury Jacksonville to the majority shareholder of the selling entities. Asbury Automotive Arkansas L.L.C. ("Asbury Arkansas") acquired the operations of Regency Toyota Inc. ("Regency"), Mark Escude Nissan, Inc. ("Nissan"), Mark Escude Nissan North, Inc. ("Nissan North"), Mark Escude Motors, Inc. ("Mitsubishi") and Mark Escude Daewoo, Inc. ("Daewoo") on April 14, 2000 for $32,976 including the issuance of a $2,500 equity interest in Asbury Arkansas to the dealer operator of those entities. The companies mentioned above will from hereafter be referred to as the "Company" or "Hutchinson Automotive Group." Asbury Jacksonville and Asbury Arkansas are subsidiaries of Asbury Automotive Group L.L.C. ("Asbury"). The Company is engaged in the sale of new and used vehicles, light trucks and replacement parts, provides vehicle maintenance, warranty, paint and repair services and arranges vehicle finance, insurance and service contracts for its automotive customers. 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES BASIS OF PRESENTATION The financial statements reflect the combined accounts of Toyota, Regency, Nissan, Nissan North and Mitsubishi for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1999, and for the period from January 1, 2000 through April 13, 2000, the accounts of Chevrolet for the period from April 6, 1998 through December 31, 1998, the year ended December 31, 1999, and for the period from January 1, 2000 through April 13, 2000, the accounts of Daewoo for the period from August 1, 1999 through December 31, 1999, and for the period from January 1, 2000 through April 13, 2000, and the accounts of Imports for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1999, and for the period from January 1, 2000 through June 30, 2000. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated during the period of common ownership. REVENUE RECOGNITION Revenue from the sale of new and used vehicles is recognized upon delivery, passage of title and signing of the sales contract. Revenue from the sale of parts and services is recognized upon delivery of parts to the customer or when vehicle service work is performed. The Company receives commissions from the sale of credit life and disability insurance and vehicle service contracts to customers. In addition, the Company arranges financing for customers through various institutions and receives commissions equal to the difference between the loan rates charged to customers over predetermined financing rates set by the financing institution. The Company may be charged back ("chargebacks") for financing fees, insurance or vehicle service contract commissions in the event of early termination of the contracts by customers. The revenue from financing fees and commissions is recorded at the time of the sale of the vehicles and a reserve for future chargebacks is established based on historical operating results and the termination provisions of the applicable contracts. Finance, insurance and vehicle service contract revenue, net of estimated chargebacks, is included in finance and insurance revenue in the accompanying combined statements of income. F-32 BUSINESS ACQUIRED BY ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP L.L.C. (HUTCHINSON AUTOMOTIVE GROUP) NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments that have an original maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase. CONTRACTS-IN-TRANSIT Contracts-in-transit represent receivables from finance companies for the portion of the vehicle purchase price financed by customers through sources arranged by the Company. INVENTORIES Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. The Company uses the "last-in, first-out" method ("LIFO") to account for the new vehicle inventories of all its dealerships except for the Daewoo and the parts inventories of Regency and Nissan South, the specific identification method to account for the used vehicle inventories of all its dealerships, and the "first-in, first-out" method ("FIFO") to account for the new vehicle inventory of Daewoo and the parts inventories of all its dealerships, except for Regency and Nissan South. Had the FIFO method been used to determine the cost of inventories valued using the LIFO method, net income would have increased (decreased) by ($131), ($62) and $299 for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1999 and for the period from January 1, 2000 through June 30, 2000, respectively. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT Property and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. Leasehold improvements are capitalized and amortized over the lesser of the life of the lease or the useful life of the related asset. The range of estimated useful lives is as follows (in years)-- Buildings and leasehold improvements........................ 5-35 Machinery and equipment..................................... 5-7 Furniture and fixtures...................................... 5-7 Company vehicles............................................ 3-5
Expenditures for major additions or improvements, which extend the useful lives of assets, are capitalized. Minor replacements, maintenance and repairs, which do not improve or extend the lives of such assets, are charged to operations as incurred. GOODWILL Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired at date of acquisition. Goodwill is amortized on a straight-line basis over 40 years. Amortization expense charged to operations totaled $83, $106 and $53 for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1999, and for the period from January 1, 2000 through June 30, 2000, respectively. Accumulated amortization totaled $240 as of December 31, 1999. IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS The recoverability of the Company's long-lived assets, including goodwill and other intangibles, is assessed by comparing the carrying amounts of such assets to the estimated undiscounted cash flows relating to those assets. The Company does not believe its long-lived assets are impaired at December 31, 1999. F-33BUSINESS ACQUIRED BY ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP L.L.C. (HUTCHINSON AUTOMOTIVE GROUP) NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) TAX STATUS The Company's shareholders have elected to be taxed as S corporations as defined by the Internal Revenue Code. The shareholders of the Company are taxed on their share of the Company's taxable income. Therefore, no provision for federal or state income taxes has been included in the financial statements. ADVERTISING The Company expenses production and other costs of advertising as incurred. Advertising expense for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1999, and for the period from January 1, 2000 through June 30, 2000, totaled $5,405, $5,499 and $1,668, respectively. USE OF ESTIMATES Preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented. Actual results could differ from those estimates. STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS The net change in floor plan financing of inventories, which is a customary financing technique in the industry, is reflected as an operating activity in the accompanying combined statements of cash flows. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS The Company's financial instruments consist primarily of floor plan notes payable and long-term debt. The carrying amounts of its financial instruments approximate their fair values at December 31, 1999 due to their relatively short duration and variable interest rates. CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk, consist principally of cash deposits. The Company maintains cash balances in financial institutions with strong credit ratings. At times, amounts invested with financial institutions may be in excess of FDIC insurance limits. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to contracts-in-transit and accounts receivable are limited primarily to automakers and financial institutions. Credit risk arising from receivables from commercial customers is minimal due to the large number of customers comprising the Company's customer base. SEGMENT REPORTING The Company follows the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information". Based upon definitions contained in SFAS No. 131, the Company has determined that it operates in one segment and has no international operations. F-34 BUSINESS ACQUIRED BY ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP L.L.C. (HUTCHINSON AUTOMOTIVE GROUP) NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS In June 1998, SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," was issued. SFAS No. 133 establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts (collectively referred to as derivatives), and for hedging activities. It requires that an entity recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities and measure those instruments at fair value. If certain conditions are met, a derivative may be specifically designated as (a) a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or an unrecognized firm commitment, (b) a hedge of the exposure to variable cash flows of a forecasted transaction or (c) a hedge of the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation, an unrecognized firm commitment, an available-for-sale security or a foreign currency-denominated forecasted transaction. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative (gains or losses) depends on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation. SFAS No. 137 amended the effective date to all fiscal quarters of fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2000. SFAS No. 138, issued in June 2000, addressed a limited number of issues that were causing implementation difficulties for numerous entities applying SFAS No. 133. The Company has determined that the adoption of SFAS No.133 will not have a material impact on its results of operations, financial position, liquidity or cash flows. In December 1999, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") No. 101, "Revenue Recognition". SAB No. 101 was effective for years beginning after December 31, 1999, and provides clarification related to recognizing revenue in certain circumstances. Adoption of SAB No. 101 did not have a material impact on the Company's revenue recognition policies. 3. ACQUISITIONS On April 6, 1998, the Company acquired Chevrolet's operations and the related land and building for $11,100 in cash and the assumption of floor plan liability. The allocation of purchase price, including $5,100 allocated to the real estate, resulted in $3,750 of goodwill. SUPPLEMENTAL PRO FORMA INFORMATION The accompanying financial statements include the results of operations of Chevrolet, acquired in 1998 subsequent to the date of the acquisition. The following unaudited pro forma financial data reflects the 1998 acquisition as if it occurred on January 1, 1998. The unaudited pro forma selected financial data does not purport to represent what the Company's results of operations would have actually been had the transaction in fact occurred as of an earlier date or project the results for any future period. Revenues.................................................... $291,551 Net income.................................................. 9,877
Pro forma adjustments included in the amounts above relate primarily to: (a) pro forma goodwill amortization expense amortized over an estimated useful life of 40 years; and (b) adjustments to compensation expense and management fees to the post acquisition contracted amounts. F-35BUSINESS ACQUIRED BY ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP L.L.C. (HUTCHINSON AUTOMOTIVE GROUP) NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) 4. INVENTORIES AND RELATED FLOOR PLAN NOTES PAYABLE Inventories consist of the following as of December 31, 1999: New vehicles................................................ $23,839 Used vehicles............................................... 5,428 Parts and accessories....................................... 1,487 LIFO reserve................................................ (2,634) ------- Total inventories........................................... $28,120 =======
The inventory balance is reduced by manufacturer's purchase discounts, such reduction is not reflected in related floor plan liability. Floor plan notes payable reflect amounts payable for purchases of specific vehicle inventories and are due to various floor plan lenders bearing interest at variable rates based on prime. During 1999, the weighted average interest on floor plan notes payable outstanding was 8.25%. Floor plan arrangements permit borrowings based upon new and used vehicle inventory levels. Vehicle payments on notes are due when the related vehicles are sold. The notes are collateralized by substantially all vehicle inventories of the Company and are subject to certain financial and other covenants. 5. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET Property and equipment, net consist of the following at December 31, 1999:Land........................................................ $3,127 Buildings and leasehold improvements........................ 12,625 Machinery and equipment..................................... 1,263 Furniture and fixtures...................................... 1,917 Company vehicles............................................ 172 ------- Total..................................................... 19,104 Less--Accumulated depreciation.............................. (4,159) ------- Property and equipment, net........................... $14,945 =======
6. LONG-TERM DEBT Long-term debt consists of the following as of December 31, 1999:Mortgage note payable to a bank bearing interest based on prime (the weighted average interest rate was 7.80% for the year ended December 31, 1999) maturing August 13, 2000. The note is secured by the real estate property of Nissan North which had an approximate et book value of $927 at December 31, 1999................................. $75 Less--current portion....................................... (75) --- Long-term portion........................................... $-- ===
7. RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS At December 31, 1998, the Company had a note payable to the majority shareholder for $500 which was included in accrued liabilities. Such amount was repaid in 1999. F-36BUSINESS ACQUIRED BY ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP L.L.C. (HUTCHINSON AUTOMOTIVE GROUP) NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) 8. OPERATING LEASES The Company leases various facilities and equipment under long-term operating lease agreements. Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1999 and for the period from January 1, 2000 through June 30, 2000, totaled to $184, $174 and $57, respectively. Future minimum payments under long-term, non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 1999, are as follows: 2000........................................................ $94 2001........................................................ 82 2002........................................................ 81 2003........................................................ 77 2004........................................................ 77 Thereafter.................................................. 1,045 ------ Total..................................................... $1,456 ======
9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Substantially all of the Company's facilities are subject to federal, state and local provisions regarding the discharge of materials into the environment. Compliance with these provisions has not had, nor does the Company expect such compliance to have, any material effect upon the capital expenditures, net earnings, financial condition, liquidity or competitive position of the Company. Management believes that its current practices and procedures for the control and disposition of such materials comply with applicable federal, state and local requirements. The Company is involved in legal proceedings and claims, which arise in the ordinary course of its business and with respect to certain of these claims, the Company has indemnified Asbury. In the opinion of management of the Company, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to these actions will not materially affect the financial position or the results of operations of the Company. 10. RETIREMENT PLAN The Company maintains a 401(k) salary deferral/savings plan for the benefit of all of its employees over the age of 21 who have completed one year of service. Employees electing to participate in the plan may contribute a percentage of annual compensation limited to the maximum amount that can be deducted for income tax purposes each year. Participants vest in their employer matching contributions over a seven-year period. The Company matches 25% of the first 4% of the employee's salary contributed. Expenses related to Company matching totaled $53, $56 and $17 for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1999, and for the period from January 1, 2000 through June 30, 2000, respectively. F-37REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS To Asbury Automotive Group L.L.C.: We have audited the accompanying combined statements of income, shareholders' equity and cash flows of the Business Acquired by Asbury Automotive Oregon L.L.C. (Thomason Auto Group) for the period from January 1, 1999, through December 9, 1999 and for the year ended December 31, 1998. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatements. 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 financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations and cash flows of the Business Acquired by Asbury Automotive Oregon L.L.C. for the period from January 1, 1999 through December 9, 1999 and for the year ended December 31, 1998, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP New York, New York April 26, 2001 F-38 BUSINESS ACQUIRED BY ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE OREGON L.L.C. (THOMASON AUTO GROUP) COMBINED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (IN THOUSANDS) See Notes to Combined Financial Statements. F-39
FOR THE PERIOD FROM FOR THE YEAR ENDED JANUARY 1, 1999 DECEMBER 31, THROUGH 1998 DECEMBER 9, 1999 ------------------ ------------------- REVENUES: New vehicles........................................... $303,520 $86,120 Used vehicles.......................................... 159,242 60,084 Parts, service and collision repair.................... 26,507 8,610 Finance and insurance, net............................. 15,715 4,142 -------- -------- Total revenues....................................... 504,984 158,956 COST OF SALES: New vehicles........................................... 285,140 80,892 Used vehicles.......................................... 135,369 54,930 Parts, service and collision repair.................... 16,787 4,362 -------- -------- Total cost of sales.................................. 437,296 140,184 -------- -------- GROSS PROFIT............................................. 67,688 18,772 OPERATING EXPENSES: Selling, general and administrative.................... 60,266 15,471 Depreciation and amortization.......................... 1,097 371 -------- -------- Income from operations............................... 6,325 2,930 -------- -------- OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE): Floor plan interest expense............................ (5,271) (800) Other interest expense................................. (494) (83) Loss on sale of assets................................. -- (25) Other income, net...................................... 39 204 -------- -------- Total other expense, net............................. (5,726) (704) -------- -------- Income before income taxes........................... 599 2,226 INCOME TAX EXPENSE....................................... 267 -- -------- -------- Net income........................................... $332 $2,226 ======== ======== BUSINESS ACQUIRED BY ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE OREGON L.L.C. (THOMASON AUTO GROUP) COMBINED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (IN THOUSANDS) See Notes to Combined Financial Statements. F-40
COMMON STOCK RETAINED AND ADDITIONAL EARNINGS PAID-IN CAPITAL (DEFICIT) TOTAL --------------- --------- -------- BALANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1997........................ $1,767 $5,020 $6,787 Distributions........................................ -- (10,260) (10,260) Net Income........................................... -- 332 332 ------ -------- -------- BALANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1998........................ 1,767 (4,908) (3,141) Contributions........................................ -- 1,375 1,375 Net income........................................... -- 2,226 2,226 ------ -------- -------- BALANCE AS OF DECEMBER 9, 1999......................... $1,767 ($1,307) $460 ====== ======== ======== BUSINESS ACQUIRED BY ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE OREGON L.L.C. (THOMASON AUTO GROUP) COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (IN THOUSANDS) See Notes to Combined Financial Statements. F-41
FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, FOR THE YEAR 1999 THROUGH ENDED DECEMBER 9, DECEMBER 31, 1998 1999 ----------------- --------------- CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income................................................ $332 $2,226 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities-- Depreciation and amortization......................... 1,097 371 Loss on sale of assets................................ -- 25 Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from divestiture of assets-- Contracts-in-transit.................................. 1,080 60 Accounts receivable, net.............................. 1,501 192 Due from related parties.............................. (3,570) -- Inventories........................................... (2,038) 3,022 Floor plan notes payable.............................. 1,305 754 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities.............. 7,769 (3,339) Other................................................. (335) (505) ------- ------- Net cash provided by operating activities............. 7,141 2,806 ------- ------- CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Capital expenditures...................................... (3,234) (158) Proceeds from the sale of assets.......................... 1,404 -- Net issuance of finance contracts......................... (398) -- ------- ------- Net cash used in investing activities................. (2,228) (158) ------- ------- CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Distributions to shareholders............................. (1,626) -- Contributions............................................. -- 1,375 Repayments of debt........................................ (1,580) (291) Proceeds from borrowings.................................. 537 -- ------- ------- Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities... (2,669) 1,084 ------- ------- Net increase in cash and cash equivalents............. 2,244 3,732 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period.............. 153 2,397 ------- ------- CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period.................... $2,397 $6,129 ======= ======= SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: Cash paid for-- Interest.................................................. $5,781 $883 ======= ======= Income taxes.............................................. $197 $ -- ======= ======= Non-cash distributions (net assets of the business sold to Asbury on December 4, 1998)............................... $8,634 $ -- ======= ======= BUSINESS ACQUIRED BY ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE OREGON L.L.C. (THOMASON AUTO GROUP) NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS Asbury Automotive Oregon L.L.C. ("Asbury") acquired its dealership operations through the December 4, 1998 acquisition of Thomason Auto Group, Inc. ("TAG"), Dee Thomason Ford, Inc. ("Ford"), Thomason Imports, Inc. ("Imports"), Thomason Nissan ("Nissan"), Thomason Auto Credit Northwest, Inc. ("TACN") and Thomason on Canyon, L.L.C. ("Canyon") and the December 10, 1999, acquisition of Thomason Toyota, Inc. ("Toyota"). The combined accounts of the companies mentioned above will from hereafter be referred to collectively as the "Company" or "Thomason Auto Group". On December 4, 1998, the operations of TAG, Ford, Imports, Nissan, TACN and Canyon were acquired by Asbury for $49,075 in cash and the issuance of a minority interest to the majority shareholder the Company. On December 10, 1999, Asbury acquired the operations of Toyota for $18,875 in cash and the issuance of a minority interest to the same shareholder. The purchase agreements dated December 4, 1998, and December 10, 1999, between the shareholders of the Company and Asbury included an adjustment to the purchase price based on the tangible net worth of the respective assets of the Company on the related closing dates as well as indemnities for certain pre-closing contingencies which included certain employment practices. On April 26, 2001, the shareholders of the Company agreed to pay Asbury $2,800 in cash and forfeited a portion of their interest in Asbury valued at $2,500 as final settlement of the purchase agreement. The accompanying combined statement of income for the year ended December 31, 1998, includes $1,500 of selling, general and administrative expense related to certain selling practices. Such amount was paid in 1999. The majority shareholder of the Company contributed $1,375 in 1999 to cover such costs. The Company is engaged in the sale of new and used vehicles, light trucks and replacement parts, provides vehicle maintenance, warranty, paint and repair services and arranges vehicle finance, insurance and service contracts for its automotive customers. 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES BASIS OF PRESENTATION The accompanying financial statements include the results of TAG, Ford, Imports, Nissan, TACN and Canyon for the period from January 1, 1998 through December 3, 1998, and the results of Toyota for the year ended December 31, 1998 and for the period from January 1, 1999 through December 9, 1999. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated during the period of common ownership. REVENUE RECOGNITION Revenue from the sale of new and used vehicles is recognized upon delivery, passage of title and signing of the sales contract. Revenue from the sale of parts and services is recognized upon delivery of parts to the customer or when vehicle service work is performed. The Company receives commissions from the sale of credit life and disability insurance and vehicle service contracts to customers. In addition, the Company arranges financing for customers F-42 BUSINESS ACQUIRED BY ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE OREGON L.L.C. (THOMASON AUTO GROUP) NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) through various institutions and receives commissions equal to the difference between the loan rates charged to customers over predetermined financing rates set by the financing institution. The Company may be charged back ("chargebacks") for financing fees, insurance or vehicle service contract commissions in the event of early termination of the contracts by customers. The revenue from financing fees and commissions is recorded at the time of the sale of the vehicles and a reserve for future chargebacks is established based on historical operating results and the termination provisions of the applicable contracts. Finance, insurance and vehicle service contract revenue, net of estimated chargebacks, is included in finance and insurance revenue in the accompanying combined statements of income. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments that have an original maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase. CONTRACTS-IN-TRANSIT Contracts-in-transit represent receivables from finance companies for the portion of the vehicle purchase price financed by customers through sources arranged by the Company. INVENTORIES Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. The Company uses the "last-in, first-out" method ("LIFO") to account for all new vehicle inventories, the specific identification method to account for used vehicle inventories, and the "first-in, first-out" method ("FIFO") to account for parts inventories. Had the FIFO method been used to cost inventories valued using the LIFO method, net income would have increased by $452 and $66 for the year ended December 31, 1998 and for the period from January 1, 1999 through December 9, 1999, respectively. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT Property and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. Leasehold improvements are capitalized and amortized over the lesser of the life of the lease or the useful life of the related asset. Expenditures for major additions or improvements, which extend the useful lives of assets, are capitalized. Minor replacements, maintenance and repairs, which do not improve or extend the lives of such assets, are charged to operations as incurred. TAX STATUS The shareholders of the Company's subsidiaries, with the exception of TACN, have elected to be treated as S corporations. The shareholders of the S corporations are taxed on their share of those companies' taxable income. Therefore, no provision for federal or state income taxes has been included in the financial statements for the S corporations. TACN is a C corporation under the provisions of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code and, accordingly, follows the liability method of accounting for income taxes in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." Under this method, deferred income taxes are recorded based upon differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax F-43 BUSINESS ACQUIRED BY ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE OREGON L.L.C. (THOMASON AUTO GROUP) NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) rates and laws that will be in effect when the underlying assets are realized and liabilities are settled. A valuation allowance reduces deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. ADVERTISING The Company expenses production and other costs of advertising as incurred. Advertising expense for the year ended December 31, 1998 and for the period from January 1, 1999 through December 9, 1999, totaled $5,304 and $2,483, respectively, of which $3,155 and $989, respectively, was paid to an entity in which the majority shareholder had a substantial interest. USE OF ESTIMATES Preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented. Actual results could differ from those estimates. STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS The net change in floor plan financing of inventories, which is a customary financing technique in the industry, is reflected as an operating activity in the accompanying combined statements of cash flows. CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk, consist principally of cash deposits. The Company maintains cash balances in financial institutions with strong credit ratings. At times, amounts invested with financial institutions may be in excess of FDIC insurance limits. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to contracts-in-transit and accounts receivable are limited primarily to automakers and financial institutions. Credit risk arising from receivables from commercial customers is minimal due to the large number of customers comprising the Company's customer base. SEGMENT REPORTING The Company follows the provisions of SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information". Based upon definitions contained in SFAS No. 131, the Company has determined that it operates in one segment and has no international operations. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS In June 1998, SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," was issued. SFAS No. 133 establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts (collectively referred to as derivatives), and for hedging activities. It requires that an entity recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities and measure those instruments at fair value. If certain conditions are met, a derivative may be specifically designated as (a) a hedge of the exposure to F-44 BUSINESS ACQUIRED BY ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE OREGON L.L.C. (THOMASON AUTO GROUP) NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) changes in the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or an unrecognized firm commitment, (b) a hedge of the exposure to variable cash flows of a forecasted transaction or (c) a hedge of the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation, an unrecognized firm commitment, an available-for-sale security or a foreign currency-denominated forecasted transaction. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative (gains or losses) depends on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation. SFAS No. 137 amended the effective date to all fiscal quarters of fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2000. SFAS No. 138, issued in June 2000, addressed a limited number of issues that were causing implementation difficulties for numerous entities applying SFAS No. 133. The Company has determined that the adoption of SFAS No.133 will not have a material impact on its results of operations, financial position, liquidity or cash flows. In December 1999, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") No. 101, "Revenue Recognition". SAB No. 101 was effective for years beginning after December 31, 1999, and provides clarification related to recognizing revenue in certain circumstances. Adoption of SAB No. 101 did not have a material impact on the Company's revenue recognition policies. 3. INTEREST EXPENSE Floor plan notes payable reflect amounts payable for purchases of specific vehicle inventories and are due to various floor plan lenders bearing interest at variable rates based on prime. For the year ended December 31, 1998, the weighted average interest rate on floor plan notes payable outstanding was 6.87%. Floor plan arrangements permit borrowings based upon new and used vehicle inventory levels. Vehicle payments on notes are due when the related vehicles are sold. The notes are collateralized by substantially all vehicle inventories of the Company and are subject to certain financial and other covenants. The Company's notes payable are due to financing institutions and are secured by rental vehicles bearing interest at variable rates (the weighted average interest rate was 8.5% for the year ended December 31, 1998) and mature at various dates all in 1999. 4. OPERATING LEASES The Company leases various facilities and equipment under long-term operating lease agreements, including leases with its majority shareholder or entities controlled by its majority shareholder. Rent expense for the year ended December 31, 1998, and for the period from January 1, 1999 through December 9, 1999, totaled $2,683 and $1,078, respectively. Of these amounts, $1,506 and $887, respectively, were paid to entities controlled by its shareholders. F-45 BUSINESS ACQUIRED BY ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE OREGON L.L.C. (THOMASON AUTO GROUP) NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) Future minimum payments under long-term, non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 1998, are as follows: 5. INCOME TAXES A schedule of TACN's provision for income tax purposes for the period from January 1, 1998 though December 3, 1998 is as follows:
RELATED THIRD PARTIES PARTIES TOTAL -------- -------- -------- 1999............................................ $876 $186 $1,062 2000............................................ 840 187 1,027 2001............................................ 840 160 1,000 2002............................................ 840 146 986 2003............................................ 840 113 953 Thereafter...................................... 15,540 445 15,985 ------- ------ ------- Total......................................... $19,776 $1,237 $21,013 ======= ====== ======= Current: Federal................................................... $196 State..................................................... 41 ---- 237 Deferred: Federal................................................... 25 State..................................................... 5 ---- 30 Total................................................... $267 ====
Deferred income tax provision results from temporary differences in the recognition of income and expense for financial statement reporting and tax purposes. These temporary differences relate to different revenue recognition policies for financial statement reporting as compared to tax reporting and are not material. A reconciliation of the TACN's actual provision for income taxes with the provision computed at federal statutory rates for the period from January 1, 1998 through December 3, 1998, is as follows:Statutory rate.............................................. 34.0% State income taxes.......................................... 6.6 Other....................................................... 0.9 ---- Effective income tax rate................................... 41.5% ====
6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Substantially all of the Company's facilities are subject to federal, state and local provisions regarding the discharge of materials into the environment. Compliance with these provisions has not had, nor does the Company expect such compliance to have, any material effect upon the capital expenditures, net earnings, financial condition, liquidity or competitive position of the F-46BUSINESS ACQUIRED BY ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE OREGON L.L.C. (THOMASON AUTO GROUP) NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) Company. Management believes that its current practices and procedures for the control and disposition of such materials comply with applicable federal, state and local requirements. The Company is involved in legal proceedings and claims, which arise in the ordinary course of its business and with respect to certain of these claims, the Company has indemnified Asbury. In the opinion of management of the Company, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to these actions will not materially affect the financial position or the results of operations of the Company. Prior to the sale of the business, the Company was in the practice of guaranteeing consumer installment loans on a limited recourse basis. Substantially all of these loans were issued to one finance company pursuant to vehicle sales by the Company. Under the guarantee, upon repossession of the vehicle collateralizing the loans by the finance company, the Company was liable for all or part of the loan balance. As of December 31, 1998, $27,250 of these loans were guaranteed collectively by Asbury and the Company, $5,700 of which was guaranteed by the Company with the remainder guaranteed by Asbury. The accompanying combined financial statements include a provision for repossession losses of $6,359 and $619 and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses, for the year ended December 31, 1998, and the period from January 1, 1999 through December 9, 1999, respectively. In December 1999, prior to the sale of Toyota to Asbury, the Company and Asbury collectively agreed to transfer all remaining recourse liability back to the finance company initially issuing the paper. The transaction resulted in a $223 gain in the period from January 1, 1999, through December 9, 1999. 7. RETIREMENT PLANS The Company maintains a 401(k) salary deferral/savings plan for the benefit of all its employees upon reaching one year of service with the Company. Employees electing to participate in the plan may contribute up to 15% of their annual compensation limited to the maximum amount that can be deducted for income tax purposes each year. Participants vest upon the completion of seven years of service. The Company matches a portion of the employee's contributions dependent upon reaching certain operating goals. Expenses related to Company matching totaled $101 and $25 for the year ended December 31, 1998, and for the period from January 1, 1999 through December 9, 1999, respectively. 8. RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS The Company had $829 and $15,162 of vehicle sales to Asbury and $408 and $5,516 of vehicle purchases from Asbury for the period from December 4, 1999 through December 31, 1998, and the period from January 1, 1999 through December 9, 1999, respectively. The Company paid management fees of $596 during the period from January 1, 1999 through December 9, 1999, to Asbury. F-47 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS To Asbury Automotive Group L.L.C.: We have audited the accompanying combined statements of income, shareholders' equity and cash flows of the Business Acquired by Asbury Automotive Arkansas L.L.C. referred to as "the McLarty Combined Entities" (see Note 1) for the period from January 1, 1999 through November 17, 1999, and for the year ended December 31, 1998. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations and cash flows of the McLarty Combined Entities for the period from January 1, 1999 through November 17, 1999, and for the year ended December 31, 1998 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP Little Rock, Arkansas July 18, 2001 F-48 BUSINESS ACQUIRED BY ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE ARKANSAS L.L.C. (MCLARTY COMBINED ENTITIES) COMBINED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (IN THOUSANDS) See Notes to Combined Financial Statements. F-49
FOR THE FOR THE YEAR ENDED PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 1999 DECEMBER 31, THROUGH NOVEMBER 17, 1998 1999 ------------ --------------------------- REVENUE: New vehicle.......................................... $218,017 $78,076 Used vehicle......................................... 101,614 32,368 Parts, service and collision repair.................. 28,514 6,663 Finance and insurance, net........................... 5,687 1,968 -------- -------- Total revenue.................................... 353,832 119,075 -------- -------- COST OF SALES: New vehicle.......................................... 205,873 71,924 Used vehicle......................................... 91,226 30,028 Parts, service and collision repair.................. 17,026 3,739 -------- -------- Total cost of sales.............................. 314,125 105,691 -------- -------- GROSS PROFIT........................................... 39,707 13,384 OPERATING EXPENSES: Selling, general and administrative.................. 29,493 10,072 Depreciation and amortization........................ 530 110 -------- -------- Income from operations........................... 9,684 3,202 -------- -------- OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE): Floor plan interest expense.......................... (2,630) (1,030) Other interest expense............................... (1,629) (13) Other income, net.................................... 791 152 -------- -------- Total other expense.............................. (3,468) (891) -------- -------- NET INCOME............................................. $6,216 $2,311 ======== ======== BUSINESS ACQUIRED BY ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE ARKANSAS L.L.C. (MCLARTY COMBINED ENTITIES) COMBINED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (IN THOUSANDS) See Notes to Combined Financial Statements. F-50
COMMON STOCK AND ADDITIONAL RETAINED PAID-IN CAPITAL EARNINGS TOTAL --------------- -------- -------- BALANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1997............................ $4,477 $3,750 $8,227 Net income............................................... -- 6,216 6,216 Distributions............................................ -- (6,293) (6,293) ------ ------- ------- BALANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1998............................ 4,477 3,673 8,150 Net income............................................... -- 2,311 2,311 Distributions............................................ -- (2,224) (2,224) Contributions............................................ 1,989 -- 1,989 ------ ------- ------- BALANCE AS OF NOVEMBER 17, 1999............................ $6,466 $3,760 $10,226 ====== ======= ======= BUSINESS ACQUIRED BY ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE ARKANSAS L.L.C. (MCLARTY COMBINED ENTITIES) COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (IN THOUSANDS) See Notes to Combined Financial Statements. F-51
FOR THE FOR THE PERIOD FROM YEAR ENDED JANUARY 1, 1999 DECEMBER 31, THROUGH NOVEMBER 17, 1998 1999 ------------ -------------------- CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income............................................... $6,216 $2,311 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities- Depreciation and amortization........................ 530 110 Gain on sale of assets............................... -- (63) Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions and divestiture of assets- Contracts-in-transit............................. 737 (1,104) Accounts receivable, net......................... 635 (734) Inventories...................................... (6,495) 3,723 Prepaid expenses and other current assets........ (70) (8) Other assets..................................... 7 308 Floor plan notes payable......................... 4,323 14,099 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities......... (1,018) 1,156 Other long-term liabilities...................... (136) (237) ------- -------- Net cash provided by operating activities...... 4,729 19,561 CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Capital expenditures..................................... (817) (266) Proceeds from the sale of assets......................... 40 80 Cash and cash equivalents contributed to Asbury Arkansas under Exchange Agreement............................... -- (2,120) Other.................................................... (32) 588 ------- -------- Net cash used in investing activities.......... (809) (1,718) CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Distributions............................................ (6,603) (2,224) Contributions............................................ -- 1,989 Repayment of debt........................................ (480) (1,174) Proceeds from debt....................................... 241 -- Net advances from (repayments to) related parties........ 3,022 (17,791) ------- -------- Net cash used in financing activities.......... (3,820) (19,200) ------- -------- Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents...... 100 (1,357) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period............. 1,257 1,357 ------- -------- CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period................... $1,357 $ -- ======= ======== SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: Cash paid for interest................................... $4,270 $1,008 ======= ======== BUSINESS ACQUIRED BY ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE ARKANSAS L.L.C. (MCLARTY COMBINED ENTITIES) NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION The McLarty Combined Entities (the "Company") represents the combined dealership operations of North Point Ford, Inc., North Point Mazda, Inc., Premier Autoplaza, Inc., Hope Auto Company, McLarty Auto Mall, Inc. (collectively referred to as the "First Dealerships"), and Prestige, Inc. ("Prestige"). On February 23, 1999, pursuant to an exchange agreement (the "Exchange Agreement") among Asbury Arkansas L.L.C. ("Asbury Arkansas"), the Company and Asbury Automotive Group, L.L.C. ("AAG"), the operations of the First Dealerships were transferred to Asbury Arkansas in exchange for cash and a 49% interest in Asbury Arkansas. Concurrently, AAG contributed $13,995 in cash in exchange for a 51% interest in Asbury Arkansas. On November 18, 1999, the operations of Prestige were transferred to Asbury Arkansas in consummation of the Exchange Agreement. The accompanying 1999 combined statements of income, shareholders' equity and cash flows reflect the activities of the First Dealerships from January 1, 1999 through February 22, 1999, which represents the date of closing of the exchange transactions involving the First Dealerships, and the activities of Prestige from January 1, 1999 through November 17, 1999. The Company operates six automobile dealerships in the central and southwestern regions of the State of Arkansas. The dealerships are engaged in the sale of new and used motor vehicles and related products and services, including vehicle service and parts, finance and insurance products and other after-market products. The business combination described above was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting on the financial statements of Asbury Arkansas. The accompanying financial statements do not include the effect of any adjustments resulting from the ultimate allocation of the purchase price by Asbury Arkansas. 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES PRINCIPLES OF COMBINATION The financial statements for each of these entities are presented on a combined basis as they have substantially common ownership. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in combination. REVENUE RECOGNITION Revenue from the sale of new and used vehicles is recognized upon delivery, passage of title and signing of the sales contract. Revenue from the sale of parts and services is recognized upon delivery of parts to the customer or when vehicle service work is performed. The Company receives commissions from the sale of credit life and disability insurance and vehicle service contracts to customers. In addition, the Company arranges financing for customers through various institutions and receives commissions equal to the difference between the loan rates charged to customers over predetermined financing rates set by the financing institution. The Company may be charged back ("chargebacks") for financing fees, insurance or vehicle service contract commissions in the event of early termination of the contracts by customers. The revenue from financing fees and commissions is recorded at the time of the sale of the vehicles and a reserve for future chargebacks is established based on historical operating results and the F-52 BUSINESS ACQUIRED BY ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE ARKANSAS L.L.C. (MCLARTY COMBINED ENTITIES) NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) termination provisions of the applicable contracts. Finance, insurance and vehicle service contract revenue, net of estimated chargebacks, is included in finance and insurance revenue in the accompanying combined statements of income. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments that have an original maturity of three months or less at date of purchase. CONTRACTS-IN-TRANSIT Contracts-in-transit represent receivables from finance companies for the portion of the vehicle purchase price financed by customers through sources arranged by the Company. INVENTORIES The majority of the Company's inventories are accounted for using the "first-in, first-out" method ("FIFO") and are valued using the lower of cost or market. The Company's parts inventories are stated at replacement cost in accordance with industry practice. The Company valued certain inventories using the "last-in, first-out" method ("LIFO"). Approximately 18.6% of the Company's inventories were valued at LIFO at December 31, 1998. If the FIFO method had been used to determine the cost of inventories, net income would have been lower by $149 for the year ended December 31, 1998 and greater by $56 for the period from January 1, 1999 through November 17, 1999. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are provided utilizing the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. GOODWILL Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the face value of the net tangible and other intangible assets acquired at the date of acquisition net of accumulated amortization. Goodwill is amortized on a straight-line basis over 40 years. FINANCE RECEIVABLES AND ADVANCES The Company has an arrangement with a finance company, whereby the finance company extends credit to certain of the Company's customers in connection with vehicle sales. Under the arrangement, the Company originates installment contracts, which are assigned to the finance company without recourse, along with security interests in the related vehicles. The finance company advances the Company a portion of the payments due under the contracts, groups the contracts into pools and services the contracts. The finance company retains a servicing fee equal to 20% of contractual payments due on a pool-by-pool basis. In the event of customer default, the Company has no obligation to repay any advanced amounts or other fees to the finance company. TAX STATUS The entities comprising the Company are Subchapter S Corporations, as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and thus the taxable income or losses of the Company are included in the F-53 BUSINESS ACQUIRED BY ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE ARKANSAS L.L.C. (MCLARTY COMBINED ENTITIES) NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) individual tax returns of the stockholders for federal and state income tax purposes. Therefore, no provisions for taxes have been included in the accompanying combined financial statements. ADVERTISING The Company expenses production and other costs of advertising as incurred or when such advertising initially takes place. The Company's combined statements of income include advertising expense of $3,711 and $1,444 for the year ended December 31, 1998 and the period from January 1, 1999 through November 17, 1999, respectively. USE OF ESTIMATES Preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented. Actual results could differ from those estimates. STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS The net change in floor plan financing of inventories, which is a customary financing technique in the industry, is reflected as an operating activity in the statements of cash flows. CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk, consist principally of cash deposits. The Company maintains cash balances in financial institutions with strong credit ratings. At times, amounts invested with financial institutions may be in excess of FDIC insurance limits. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to contracts-in-transit and accounts receivable are limited primarily to automakers and financial institutions. Credit risk arising from receivables from commercial customers is minimal due to the large number of customers comprising the Company's customer base. SEGMENT REPORTING The Company follows the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information". Based upon definitions contained in SFAS No. 131, the Company has determined that it operates in one segment and has no international operations. MAJOR SUPPLIERS AND DEALERSHIP AGREEMENTS The Company enters into agreements with the automakers that supply new vehicles and parts to its dealerships. The Company's overall sales could be impacted by the automakers' ability or unwillingness to supply the dealerships with a supply of new vehicles. Dealership agreements generally limit location of dealerships and retain automaker approval rights over changes in dealership management and ownership. Each automaker is entitled to terminate the dealership agreement if the dealership is in material breach of its terms. F-54 BUSINESS ACQUIRED BY ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE ARKANSAS L.L.C. (MCLARTY COMBINED ENTITIES) NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS In June 1998, SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," was issued. SFAS No. 133 establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts (collectively referred to as derivatives), and for hedging activities. It requires that an entity recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities and measure those instruments at fair value. If certain conditions are met, a derivative may be specifically designated as (a) a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or an unrecognized firm commitment, (b) a hedge of the exposure to variable cash flows of a forecasted transaction or (c) a hedge of the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation, an unrecognized firm commitment, an available-for-sale security or a foreign currency-denominated forecasted transaction. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative (gains or losses) depends on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation. SFAS No. 137 amended the effective date of SFAS No. 133 to all fiscal quarters of fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2000. SFAS No. 138, issued in June 2000, addressed a limited number of issues that were causing implementation difficulties for numerous entities applying SFAS No. 133. The Company has determined that the adoption of SFAS No. 133 will not have a material impact on its results of operations, financial position, liquidity or cash flows. 3. INTEREST EXPENSE Floor plan notes payable reflect amounts payable for purchase of specific vehicle inventories and are due to various floor plan lenders bearing interest at variable rates based on prime. The interest rates related to floor plan notes payable ranged from 7.75% to 8.75%. Floor plan arrangements permit borrowings based upon new and used vehicle inventory levels. Vehicle payments on notes are due when the related vehicles are sold. The notes are collateralized by substantially all vehicle inventories of the Company and are subject to certain financial and other covenants. Long-term debt consists of various notes payable to banks and corporations, bearing interest at both fixed and variable rates and secured by certain of the Company's assets. Interest rates ranged from 7.75% to 8.75%. 4. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES The Company leases various facilities and equipment under non-cancelable operating lease agreements, including leases with related parties. Rent expense for each of the periods presented in the accompanying combined statements of income is shown below: Substantially all of the Company's facilities are subject to federal, state and local provisions regarding the discharge of materials into the environment. Compliance with these provisions has not had, nor does the Company expect such compliance to have, any material effect upon the F-55
FOR THE PERIOD FROM FOR THE YEAR ENDED JANUARY 1, 1999 THROUGH DECEMBER 31,1998 NOVEMBER 17, 1999 ------------------ ----------------------- Related parties...................... $1,302 $529 Third parties........................ 678 127 ------ ---- Total............................ $1,980 $656 ====== ==== BUSINESS ACQUIRED BY ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE ARKANSAS L.L.C. (MCLARTY COMBINED ENTITIES) NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) capital expenditures, net earnings, financial condition, liquidity or competitive position of the Company. Management believes that its current practices and procedures for the control and disposition of such materials comply with applicable federal, state and local requirements. The Company is involved in legal proceedings and claims, which arise in the ordinary course of its business. In the opinion of management of the Company, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to these actions will not materially affect the financial position or the results of operations of the Company. 5. RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS The Company had amounts payable to related parties that consisted primarily of advances made to the Company by certain shareholders and officers. These balances accrued interest at rates corresponding to interest rates charged by certain floor plan institutions (8.75% at December 31, 1998). During 1998, the Company paid interest on amounts owed to these stockholders and officers totaling $1,521. The Company paid management fees to an entity that is owned by certain Company shareholders totaling approximately $310 during the year ended December 31, 1998 and approximately $52 during the period from January 1, 1999 through November 17, 1999. The entities included in the Company had various levels of ownership interest in the Sunlight Mesa Insurance Company ("Mesa"), which aggregate to 100%. Mesa operates as a reinsurer of credit life, accident and health insurance and has no direct policies in force. As Mesa's results of operations and financial position were not material, they have not been combined into the accompanying financial statements. Instead, the Company has recorded their interest in Mesa using the cost method of accounting for investments. Commission income recorded by the Company on insurance contracts related to policies reinsured with Mesa was approximately $260 during 1998. The Company's investment in Mesa was not contributed to Asbury Arkansas as a part of the business combination discussed in Note 1. 6. RETIREMENT PLANS The Company maintains 401(k) plans (the "Plans") at each of the dealerships, which cover substantially all employees. The Company makes matching contributions to the Plans of up to 2% of participating employees' salaries. The Company's combined statements of income include contributions of $81 and $16 for the year ended December 31, 1998 and the period from January 1, 1999 through November 17, 1999, respectively. F-56 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS To Asbury Automotive Group L.L.C.: We have audited the accompanying combined statements of income, shareholders' equity and cash flows of the Business Acquired by Asbury Automotive North Carolina L.L.C. (Crown Automotive Group) for the period from January 1, 1999 through April 6, 1999, and for the year ended December 31, 1998. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations and cash flows of the Business Acquired by Asbury Automotive North Carolina L.L.C. for the period from January 1, 1999 through April 6, 1999, and for the year ended December 31, 1998, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP New York, New York July 18, 2001 F-57 BUSINESS ACQUIRED BY ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE NORTH CAROLINA L.L.C. (CROWN AUTOMOTIVE GROUP) COMBINED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (IN THOUSANDS) See Notes to Combined Financial Statements. F-58
FOR THE FOR THE PERIOD FROM YEAR ENDED JANUARY 1, 1999 DECEMBER 31, THROUGH APRIL 6, 1998 1999 ------------ ------------------- REVENUE: New vehicle............................................... $170,808 $14,424 Used vehicle.............................................. 129,447 13,148 Parts, service and collision repair....................... 44,614 4,815 Finance and insurance, net................................ 9,626 555 -------- ------- Total revenue......................................... 354,495 32,942 -------- ------- COST OF SALES: New vehicle............................................... 157,675 13,413 Used vehicle.............................................. 125,053 12,341 Parts, service and collision repair....................... 22,536 2,556 -------- ------- Total cost of sales................................... 305,264 28,310 -------- ------- GROSS PROFIT................................................ 49,231 4,632 OPERATING EXPENSES: Selling, general and administrative....................... 42,010 3,579 Depreciation and amortization............................. 374 18 -------- ------- Income from operations................................ 6,847 1,035 -------- ------- OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE): Floor plan interest expense............................... (1,848) (93) Other interest expense.................................... -- (48) Other income, net......................................... 871 687 -------- ------- Net income............................................ $5,870 $1,581 ======== ======= BUSINESS ACQUIRED BY ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE NORTH CAROLINA L.L.C. (CROWN AUTOMOTIVE GROUP) COMBINED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (IN THOUSANDS) See Notes to Combined Financial Statements. F-59
COMMON STOCK RETAINED AND ADDITIONAL EARNINGS PAID-IN CAPITAL (DEFICIT) TOTAL --------------- --------- -------- BALANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1997.......................... $10,573 $6,460 $17,033 Contributions.......................................... 489 -- 489 Distributions.......................................... (7,638) (13,043) (20,681) Net income............................................. -- 5,870 5,870 ------- -------- -------- BALANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1998.......................... 3,424 (713) 2,711 ------- -------- -------- Distributions.......................................... -- (340) (340) Net income............................................. -- 1,581 1,581 ------- -------- -------- BALANCE AS OF APRIL 6, 1999.............................. $3,424 $528 $3,952 ======= ======== ======== BUSINESS ACQUIRED BY ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE NORTH CAROLINA L.L.C. (CROWN AUTOMOTIVE GROUP) COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (IN THOUSANDS) See Notes to Combined Financial Statements. F-60
FOR THE FOR THE PERIOD FROM YEAR ENDED JANUARY 1, 1999 DECEMBER 31, THROUGH APRIL 6, 1998 1999 ------------ ------------------- CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income................................................ $5,870 $1,581 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities-- Depreciation and amortization......................... 374 18 Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions and divestiture of assets-- Contracts-in-transit.................................. (2,533) (580) Accounts receivable, net.............................. (493) (1,450) Inventories........................................... (665) (743) Prepaid and other..................................... (759) 3 Floor plan notes payable.............................. 1,722 (428) Accounts payable and accrued liabilities.............. 2,910 2,074 -------- ------- Net cash provided by operating activities......... 6,426 475 -------- ------- CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Capital expenditures...................................... (1,240) (15) Net issuance of notes receivable.......................... 5,338 -- -------- ------- Net cash used in investing activities............. 4,098 (15) -------- ------- CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Contributions............................................. 489 -- Repayments of notes payable............................... (5,071) -- Distributions............................................. (12,008) (340) -------- ------- Net cash used in financing activities............. (16,590) (340) -------- ------- Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents..................................... (6,066) 120 -------- ------- CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period.............. 6,066 -- -------- ------- CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period.................... $ -- $ 120 ======== ======= SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: Cash paid for interest.................................... $1,847 $76 ======== ======= Non-cash distributions (net assets of the business sold to Asbury on December 11, 1998)............................ $8,673 $ -- ======== ======= BUSINESS ACQUIRED BY ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE NORTH CAROLINA L.L.C. (CROWN AUTOMOTIVE GROUP) NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION Asbury Automotive North Carolina L.L.C. ("Asbury") acquired its dealership operations through the December 11, 1998, acquisition of the non-Honda/Acura operations of CAC Automotive, Inc. ("CAC"), CAR Automotive, Inc. ("CAR"), CFC Finance, Inc. ("CFC"), and CAM Automotive, Inc. ("CAM") and the April 7, 1999, acquisition of the Honda/Acura dealerships of the above-mentioned entities. The combined accounts of the entities mentioned above will from hereafter be referred to collectively as "the Company" or "Crown Automotive Group." These combined statements do not include the real estate entities in which the Company conducts its dealership operations. As a result, rent expense is included in the accompanying combined statements of income as discussed in Note 3. On December 11, 1998, the non-Honda/Acura operations of CAC, CAR, CFC, CAM and the real estate assets of Asbury North Carolina Real Estate Holdings L.L.C. were acquired by Asbury for $80,828 in cash and the issuance of a 49% equity interest to certain of the former shareholders of the Company. On April 7, 1999, the Honda/Acura dealerships operations were acquired by Asbury for $10,073 in cash and the issuance of a 49% equity interest to the same shareholders. The Company is engaged in the sale of new and used vehicles, light trucks and replacement parts, provides vehicle maintenance, warranty, paint and repair services and arranges vehicle finance, insurance and service contracts for its automotive customers located in Greensboro, Chapel Hill and Raleigh, North Carolina, and Richmond, Virginia. 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES BASIS OF PRESENTATION The accompanying combined financial statements reflect the combined accounts of the non-Honda/Acura operations of CAC, CAR, CFC and CAM for the period from January 1, 1998 through December 10, 1998 and the combined accounts of the Honda/Acura operations for the year ended December 31, 1998 and for the period from January 1, 1999 through April 6, 1999. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated during the period of common ownership. REVENUE RECOGNITION Revenue from the sale of new and used vehicles is recognized upon delivery, passage of title and signing of the sales contract. Revenue from the sale of parts and services is recognized upon delivery of parts to the customer or when vehicle service work is performed. The Company receives commissions from the sale of credit life and disability insurance and vehicle service contracts to customers. In addition, the Company arranges financing for customers through various institutions and receives commissions equal to the difference between the loan rates charged to customers over predetermined financing rates set by the financing institution. The Company may be charged back ("chargebacks") for financing fees, insurance or vehicle service contract commissions in the event of early termination of the contracts by customers. The revenue from financing fees and commissions is recorded at the time of the sale of the vehicles and a reserve for future chargebacks is established based on historical operating results and the F-61 BUSINESS ACQUIRED BY ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE NORTH CAROLINA L.L.C. (CROWN AUTOMOTIVE GROUP) NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) termination provisions of the applicable contracts. Finance, insurance and vehicle service contract revenue, net of estimated chargebacks, is included in finance and insurance revenue in the accompanying combined statements of income. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments that have an original maturity of three months or less at date of purchase. CONTRACTS-IN-TRANSIT Contracts-in-transit represent receivables from finance companies for the portion of the vehicle purchase price financed by customers through sources arranged by the Company. INVENTORIES New and used vehicle inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market utilizing the "last-in, first-out" (LIFO) method. Parts inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market utilizing the "first-in, first-out" (FIFO) method. If the FIFO method had been used to determine cost for inventories valued using the LIFO method, net income would have increased by $2,153 and $10 for the year ended December 31, 1998 and for the period from January 1, 1999 through April 6, 1999 respectively. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are provided for utilizing the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset. TAX STATUS The Company's shareholders have elected to be taxed as S corporations as defined by the Internal Revenue Code. The shareholders of the Company are taxed on their share of the Company's taxable income. Therefore, no provision for federal or state income taxes has been included in the financial statements. ADVERTISING The Company expenses production and other costs of advertising as incurred or when such advertising initially takes place. Advertising costs aggregated approximately $2,467 and $250 for the year ended December 31, 1998, and for the period from January 1, 1999, through April 6, 1999, respectively. USE OF ESTIMATES Preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented. Actual results could differ from those estimates. F-62 BUSINESS ACQUIRED BY ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE NORTH CAROLINA L.L.C. (CROWN AUTOMOTIVE GROUP) NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS The net change in floor plan financing of inventories, which is a customary financing technique in the industry, is reflected as an operating activity in the accompanying combined statements of cash flows. CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk, consist principally of cash deposits. The Company maintains cash balances in financial institutions with strong credit ratings. At times, amounts invested with financial institutions may be in excess of FDIC insurance limits. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to contracts-in-transit and accounts receivable are limited primarily to automakers and financial institutions. Credit risk arising from receivables from commercial customers is minimal due to the large number of customers comprising the Company's customer base. SEGMENT REPORTING The Company follows the provisions of Statements of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information". Based upon definitions contained in SFAS No. 131, the Company has determined that it operates in one segment and has no international operations. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS In June 1998, SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," was issued. SFAS No. 133 establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts (collectively referred to as derivatives), and for hedging activities. It requires that an entity recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities and measure those instruments at fair value. If certain conditions are met, a derivative may be specifically designated as (a) a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or an unrecognized firm commitment, (b) a hedge of the exposure to variable cash flows of a forecasted transaction or (c) a hedge of the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation, an unrecognized firm commitment, an available-for-sale security or a foreign currency-denominated forecasted transaction. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative (gains or losses) depends on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation. SFAS No. 137 amended the effective date to all fiscal quarters of fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2000. SFAS No. 138, issued in June 2000, addressed a limited number of issues that were causing implementation difficulties for numerous entities applying SFAS No. 133. The Company has determined that the adoption of SFAS No. 133 will not have a material impact on its results of operations, financial position, liquidity or cash flows. In December 1999, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") No. 101, "Revenue Recognition." SAB No.101 was effective for years beginning after December 31, 1999, and provides clarification related to recognizing revenue in certain circumstances. Adoption of SAB No.101 did not have a material impact on the Company's revenue recognition policies. F-63 BUSINESS ACQUIRED BY ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE NORTH CAROLINA L.L.C. (CROWN AUTOMOTIVE GROUP) NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) 3. RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS Asbury acquired the real estate used in the dealership operations of the entities included in these financial statements in the December 10, 1998 acquisition. Prior to the acquisition, the real estate was owned by the majority shareholder of the Company or owned through entities in which the majority shareholder of the Company held a controlling interest. Rent expense included in the accompanying statements of income paid to those real estate entities totaled $4,750 and $497 for the year ended December 31, 1998 and for the period from January 1, 1999 through April 6, 1999, respectively. The related real estate had a fair market value of $56,200 at the date of acquisition by Asbury. 4. OPERATING LEASES The Company held various lease agreements for land expiring through 2005. In addition to the related party real estate leases mentioned above, the Company is party to various equipment operating leases with remaining terms in excess of one year. Expense related to these leases approximated $455 and $45 for the year ended December 31, 1998 and for the period from January 1, 1999 through April 6, 1999, respectively. The leases, which contain rental escalation clauses based on the consumer price index, require the following minimum payments as of December 31, 1998: 5. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Substantially all of the Company's facilities are subject to federal, state and local provisions regarding the discharge of materials into the environment. Compliance with these provisions has not had, nor does the Company expect such compliance to have, any material effect upon the capital expenditures, net earnings, financial condition, liquidity or competitive position of the Company. Management believes that its current practices and procedures for the control and disposition of such materials comply with applicable federal, state and local requirements. The Company is involved in legal proceedings and claims, which arise in the ordinary course of its business and with respect to certain of these claims, the Company has indemnified Asbury. In the opinion of management of the Company, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to these actions will not materially affect the financial condition, liquidity or the results of operations of the Company. Included in other income, net is $683 of income from the settlement of a class action lawsuit with a certain vehicle manufacturer. F-64
RELATED PARTY THIRD PARTIES ------------- ------------- 1999............................................... $3,827 $110 2000............................................... 3,903 110 2001............................................... 3,982 110 2002............................................... 4,061 110 2003............................................... 4,143 110 Thereafter......................................... 8,535 64 ------- ---- $28,451 $614 ======= ==== BUSINESS ACQUIRED BY ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE NORTH CAROLINA L.L.C. (CROWN AUTOMOTIVE GROUP) NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) 6. RETIREMENT PLAN The Company participates in a retirement program administered by the National Automobile Dealers and Associates Retirement Plan (the "Plan"). The Plan is a multi-employer defined contribution 401(k) plan. Each regular full-time employee who is at least 21 years of age, but not over 56, and who has been continuously employed by the Company for one year or more is eligible to participate in the Plan. The Plan requires that the Company match the employees' voluntary contributions to the extent of 2% of the compensation of participants. Contributions to the Plan made by the Company amounted to approximately $115 and $26 for the year ended December 31, 1998, and for the period from January 1, 1999 through April 6, 1999, respectively. F-65 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS To Coggin Automotive Corp and Affiliates: We have audited the accompanying combined statements of income, shareholders' equity and cash flows of Coggin Automotive Corp and Affiliates for the period from January 1, 1998 through October 30, 1998. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations of Coggin Automotive Corp and Affiliates, and their cash flows for the period from January 1, 1998 through October 30, 1998 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP Jacksonville, Florida January 29, 1999 F-66 COGGIN AUTOMOTIVE CORP AND AFFILIATES COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME (IN THOUSANDS) See Notes to Combined Financial Statements. F-67
FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 1998 THROUGH OCTOBER 30, 1998 ---------------- REVENUE: New vehicle............................................... $115,542 Used vehicle.............................................. 67,299 Parts, services and collision repair...................... 22,725 Finance and insurance, net................................ 5,803 -------- Total revenue........................................... 211,369 -------- COST OF SALES: New vehicle............................................... 104,632 Used vehicle.............................................. 60,164 Parts, services and collision repair...................... 10,347 -------- Total cost of sales..................................... 175,143 -------- GROSS PROFIT................................................ 36,226 OPERATING EXPENSES: Selling, general and administrative....................... 26,577 Depreciation and amortization............................. 1,035 -------- Income from operations.................................. 8,614 OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE): Floor plan interest expense............................... (1,289) Interest expense.......................................... (686) Interest income........................................... 252 Gain on sale of assets.................................... 1,909 Other..................................................... 513 -------- INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES.................... 9,313 PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES.................................. 1,686 -------- NET INCOME.................................................. $7,627 ======== COGGIN AUTOMOTIVE CORP AND AFFILIATES COMBINED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (IN THOUSANDS) See Notes to Combined Financial Statements. F-68
COMMON STOCK AND ADDITIONAL RETAINED PAID-IN CAPITAL EARNINGS TOTAL --------------- -------- -------- BALANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1997........................... $14,397 $5,308 $19,705 Net income.............................................. -- 7,627 7,627 Distributions........................................... (24,172) (253) (24,425) Contributions........................................... 10,287 -- 10,287 -------- ------- -------- BALANCE AS OF OCTOBER 30, 1998............................ $512 $12,682 $13,194 ======== ======= ======== COGGIN AUTOMOTIVE CORP AND AFFILIATES COMBINED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (IN THOUSANDS) See Notes to Combined Financial Statements. F-69
FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 1998 THROUGH OCTOBER 30, 1998 ------------------- CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income................................................ $7,627 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization........................... 1,035 Gain on sale of assets.................................. (1,909) Other noncash........................................... 556 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Contracts-in-transit.................................. (286) Accounts receivable................................... 740 Inventories........................................... (910) Floor plan notes payable.............................. 6,314 Accounts payable and accrued expenses................. 3,284 Other................................................. (425) -------- Net cash provided by operating activities......... 16,026 -------- CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Capital expenditures...................................... (3,037) Net proceeds from sale of assets.......................... 100 Sale of notes receivable--finance contracts............... 2,238 Net issuance of finance contracts......................... 1,152 -------- Net cash provided by investing activities......... 453 -------- CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Principal payments on notes payable....................... (6,495) Partner contributions..................................... 10,287 Partner distributions..................................... (22,060) -------- Net cash used in financing activities............. (18,268) -------- Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents......... (1,789) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period.............. 8,391 -------- CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period.................... $ 6,602 ======== SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: Cash paid for: Interest.................................................. $2,000 ======== Income taxes.............................................. $90 ======== Distribution of notes receivable............................ $2,365 ======== COGGIN AUTOMOTIVE CORP AND AFFILIATES NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION The combined financial statements of Coggin Automotive Corp and Affiliates (the "Company") include the accounts of the following limited partnerships: CP-GMC Motors, Ltd., CH Motors, Ltd., CN Motors, Ltd., CFP Motors, Ltd., Avenue Motors, Ltd., d.b.a. Coggin Nissan of the Avenues and C&O Properties, Ltd. The combined financial statements also include CA Funding 1, Ltd., CLC Inc., Coggin Management Company, Inc., Bayway Financial Services, Inc., ANL Associates, Inc., CA Funding 2, Ltd., CA Funding, Inc., CF Motor Corp., and COPROP Corporation. The combined financial statements of the Company also include investments in Landcom Co., Ltd.; Coggin Andrews Partnership, d.b.a. Coggin Andrews Honda; and CA Motors, Ltd., d.b.a. Coggin Acura. These investments are accounted for under the equity method, as the Company did not own a controlling partnership interest in these entities. The combined financial statements of the Company include 100% of C&O Properties, Ltd., which was owned 37% by the majority stockholder of the Company. This 37% was not treated as a minority interest as the Company had effective control of C&O Properties, Ltd. The Company is engaged in the sale and servicing of new automobiles and the retailing and wholesaling of replacement parts and used vehicles. The Company operates from locations in North, Central and South Florida. On October 31, 1998, Asbury Automotive Jacksonville, L.P. ("Asbury Jacksonville"), a 51% owned subsidiary of Asbury Automotive Group L.L.C. ("AAG"), purchased substantially all of the operating assets and assumed certain liabilities of the Company. The total purchase price was approximately $40,761. Asbury Jacksonville issued a 49% equity interest in Asbury Jacksonville to the former shareholders of the Company (the "Minority Members"). In addition, Asbury Jacksonville granted the Minority Members a put option. This option gives the Minority Members the right to require Asbury Jacksonville to purchase all of the minority interest of the largest minority shareholder upon termination of employment or at any time requested by this shareholder after the third anniversary of the acquisition date and all the minority interest of the other Minority Members upon termination of employment and the passage of three years from the acquisition date. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in combination. 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES REVENUE RECOGNITION Revenue from the sale of new and used vehicles is recognized upon delivery, passage of title and signing of the sales contract. Revenue from the sale of parts and services is recognized upon delivery of parts to the customer or when vehicle service work is performed. The Company receives commissions from the sale of credit life and disability insurance and vehicle service contracts to customers. In addition, the Company arranges financing for customers through various institutions and receives commissions equal to the difference between the loan rates charged to customers over predetermined financing rates set by the financing institution. The Company may be charged back ("chargebacks") for financing fees, insurance or vehicle service contract commissions in the event of early termination of the contracts by customers. The revenue from financing fees and commissions is recorded at the time of the sale of the vehicles and a reserve for future chargebacks is established based on historical operating results and the termination provisions of the applicable contracts. Finance, insurance and vehicle service contract revenue, net of estimated chargebacks, is included in finance and insurance revenue in the accompanying combined statements of income. F-70 COGGIN AUTOMOTIVE CORP AND AFFILIATES NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments that have an original maturity of three months or less at date of purchase. CONTRACTS-IN-TRANSIT Contracts-in-transit represent receivables from finance companies for the portion of the vehicle purchase price financed by customers through sources arranged by the Company. INVENTORIES Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. The cost of new vehicles is determined on a "last-in, first-out" ("LIFO") method. The cost of used vehicles is determined using the specific identification method. The cost of parts, accessories, and other inventories is determined on a "first-in, first-out" ("FIFO") method. The effect of utilizing the LIFO method had an immaterial effect on the accompanying combined statement of income for the period from January 1, 1998 through October 30, 1998. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT Property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are calculated using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of the related assets. TAX STATUS Except as discussed in Note 4, the Company's shareholders have elected to be taxed as partnerships and S corporations as defined by the Internal Revenue Code. The shareholders of the Company are taxed on their share of the Company's taxable income. Therefore, no provision or federal or state income taxes has been included in the financial statements for the partnerships and S corporations. ADVERTISING The Company expenses production and other costs of advertising as incurred or when such advertising initially takes place. Advertising costs totaled $3,056 for the period from January 1, 1998 through October 30, 1998. USE OF ESTIMATES Preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented. Actual results could differ from those estimates. STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS The net change in floor plan financing of inventories, which is a customary financing technique in the industry, is reflected as an operating activity in the statement of cash flows. CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk, consist principally of cash deposits. The Company maintains cash balances in financial institutions with strong credit ratings. At times, amounts invested with financial institutions may be in excess of FDIC insurance limits. F-71 COGGIN AUTOMOTIVE CORP AND AFFILIATES NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) Concentrations of credit risk with respect to contracts-in-transit and accounts receivable are limited primarily to automakers and financial institutions. Credit risk arising from receivables from commercial customers is minimal due to the large number of customers comprising the Company's customer base. Bayway Financial Services, L.P. extends credit to its customers based on an evaluation of the customer's financial condition and credit history. SEGMENT REPORTING The Company follows the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information". Based upon definitions contained in SFAS No. 131, the Company has determined that it operates in one segment and has no international operations. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS In June 1998, SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," was issued. SFAS No. 133 establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts (collectively referred to as derivatives), and for hedging activities. It requires that an entity recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities and measure those instruments at fair value. If certain conditions are met, a derivative may be specifically designated as (a) a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or an unrecognized firm commitment, (b) a hedge of the exposure to variable cash flows of a forecasted transaction or (c) a hedge of the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation, an unrecognized firm commitment, an available-for-sale security or a foreign currency-denominated forecasted transaction. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative (gains or losses) depends on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation. The Company has determined that the adoption of SFAS No. 133 will not have a material impact on its results of operations, financial condition, liquidity or cash flows. 3. SALE OF ASSETS On July 1, 1998, the Company sold its 1% general and 49% limited partnership interest in Coggin Acura for a promissory note of approximately $2,365. The Company recognized a gain of approximately $1,909, which was included in the accompanying combined statement of income for the period from January 1, 1998 through October 30, 1998. 4. INCOME TAXES Corporations that elect S corporation status after December 31, 1986 may be subject to a corporate-level tax on the net unrealized built-in gain at the date of conversion that is realized during the ten-year period after conversion. Prior to December 31, 1997, the Company recorded a liability for the tax effect of the excess of the fair value of the investments in partnerships, primarily hotel investments, over the aggregate adjusted tax bases in the amount of $1,413. The Company is currently under audit by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") for the period from June 1, 1992 through December 31, 1993. As the result of a reorganization that occurred in June 1993, the assets of various C corporations were transferred to limited partnerships. Shortly thereafter, the C corporations were liquidated into their common parent corporation, and the parent corporation elected S corporation status. The IRS has asserted that the S corporation election triggered recapture of the LIFO reserve related to the inventory transferred to the limited partnerships. In connection with the acquisition by Asbury Jacksonville as of October 30, 1998, the Company recorded a tax liability of approximately $1,686 for the net recognized built-in gain, pursuant to Section 1374 of the Internal Revenue Code. F-72 COGGIN AUTOMOTIVE CORP AND AFFILIATES NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) 5. OPERATING LEASES The Company leases certain land, facilities, and computer equipment under operating leases with various expiration dates through 2008. Rental expense under such agreements totaled $175 for the period from January 1, 1998 through October 30, 1998. Minimum future lease payments under these operating leases are as follows: 1998........................................................ $214 1999........................................................ 214 2000........................................................ 214 2001........................................................ 208 2002........................................................ 217 Thereafter.................................................. 768 ------ $1,835 ======
6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Substantially all of the Company's facilities are subject to federal, state and local provisions regarding the discharge of materials into the environment. Compliance with these provisions has not had, nor does the Company expect such compliance to have, any material effect upon the capital expenditures, net earnings, financial condition, liquidity or competitive position of the Company. Management believes that its current practices and procedures for the control and disposition of such materials comply with applicable federal, state and local requirements. The Company is involved in legal proceedings and claims, which arise in the ordinary course of its business. In the opinion of management of the Company, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to these actions will not materially affect the financial condition, liquidity or the results of operations of the Company. The dealerships operated by the Company hold franchise agreements with a number of automotive manufacturers. In accordance with the individual franchise agreements, each dealership is subject to certain rights and restrictions typical of the industry. The ability of the manufacturers to influence the operations of the dealerships or the loss of a franchise agreement could have a negative impact on the Company's operating results. As discussed in Note 1, Asbury Jacksonville granted the selling shareholders of the Company a put option that gives them the right to require Asbury Jacksonville to purchase their minority interests upon certain circumstances. Asbury Jacksonville signed a letter of intent to acquire the remaining 50% interest for approximately $7,000 in a dealership which is 50%-owned by AAG and the shareholders of the Company. 7. RETIREMENT PLAN The Company participates in a salary deferral 401(k) plan (the "Plan"), which is administered by the National Automobile Dealers Association. All full-time employees of the Company who are more than 21 years of age and have more than one year of service are eligible to participate in the Plan. The Company matches employee contributions up to 2% of an employee's annual compensation, with the matching portion vesting over a period of seven years. The Company's expense under the Plan totaled $207 for the period from January 1, 1998 through October 30, 1998. F-73REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS To J.I.W. Enterprises, Inc.: We have audited the accompanying combined statements of income, shareholders' equity and cash flows of J.I.W. Enterprises, Inc. for the period from January 1, 1998 through September 17, 1998. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations and cash flows of J.I.W. Enterprises, Inc. for the period from January 1, 1998 through September 17, 1998 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP Roseland, New Jersey April 14, 1999 F-74 J.I.W. ENTERPRISES, INC. COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME (IN THOUSANDS) See Notes to Combined Financial Statements. F-75
FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 1998 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 17, 1998 ------------------- REVENUE: New vehicle............................................... $107,655 Used vehicle.............................................. 48,334 Parts, service and collision repair....................... 25,202 Finance and insurance, net................................ 2,978 -------- Total revenue........................................... 184,169 -------- COST OF SALES: New vehicle............................................... 100,296 Used vehicle.............................................. 43,986 Parts, service and collision repair....................... 15,771 -------- Total cost of sales..................................... 160,053 -------- GROSS PROFIT................................................ 24,116 OPERATING EXPENSES: Selling, general and administrative....................... 18,384 Depreciation and amortization............................. 402 -------- Income from operations.................................. 5,330 OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES): Floor plan interest expense............................... (1,352) Interest income........................................... 46 -------- Net income.............................................. $4,024 ======== J.I.W. ENTERPRISES, INC. COMBINED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (IN THOUSANDS) See Notes to Combined Financial Statements. F-76
COMMON STOCK AND ADDITIONAL RETAINED PAID-IN EARNINGS TOTAL CAPITAL (DEFICIT) EQUITY ---------- --------- -------- BALANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1997............................. $5,722 $371 $6,093 Distributions............................................. -- (4,597) (4,597) Net income................................................ -- 4,024 4,024 ------ ------ ------ BALANCE AS OF SEPTEMBER 17, 1998............................ $5,722 $(202) $5,520 ====== ====== ====== J.I.W. ENTERPRISES, INC. COMBINED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (IN THOUSANDS) See Notes to Combined Financial Statements. F-77
FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 1998 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 17, 1998 --------------------- CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income................................................ $4,024 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities--............................... Depreciation and amortization........................... 402 Change in operating assets and liabilities-- Contracts-in-transit.................................. (884) Accounts receivable, net.............................. (1,994) Inventories........................................... 4,238 Prepaid expenses...................................... (193) Other assets.......................................... 204 Floor plan notes payable.............................. (2,635) Accounts payable and accrued expenses................. 973 ------- Net cash provided by operating activities......... 4,135 ------- CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Capital expenditures...................................... (333) ------- Net cash used in investing activities............. (333) ------- CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Distributions............................................. (4,597) Net advances from minority partner........................ 795 ------- Net cash used in financing activities............. (3,802) ------- Net increase in cash and cash equivalents......... -- CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period.............. 15 ------- CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period.................... $15 ======= SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: Cash paid for interest.................................... $1,357 ======= J.J.W. ENTERPRISES, INC. NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION The financial statements reflect the combined operations of J.I.W. Enterprises, Inc., Courtesy Toyota of Brandon, Inc., Gulf Auto Holdings, Inc. and Courtesy Imports of Tampa, Inc. (collectively the "Company"). The Company is engaged in the sale and servicing of new automobiles and the retailing and wholesaling of replacement parts and used vehicles. The Company operates from two locations in the greater Tampa, Florida metropolitan area. The Company's dealership operations were sold to Asbury Automotive Tampa L.P. ("Asbury Tampa") on September 18, 1998 for $37,257, including transaction costs, and the issuance of a 49% interest in Asbury Tampa to the shareholders of the Company. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in combination. 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES REVENUE RECOGNITION Revenue from the sale of new and used vehicles is recognized upon delivery, passage of title and signing of the sales contract. Revenue from the sale of parts and services is recognized upon delivery of parts to the customer or when vehicle service work is performed. The Company receives commissions from the sale of credit life and disability insurance and vehicle service contracts to customers. In addition, the Company arranges financing for customers through various institutions and receives commissions equal to the difference between the loan rates charged to customers over predetermined financing rates set by the financing institution. The Company may be charged back ("chargebacks") for financing fees, insurance or vehicle service contract commissions in the event of early termination of the contracts by customers. The revenue from financing fees and commissions is recorded at the time of the sale of the vehicles and a reserve for future chargebacks is established based on historical operating results and the termination provisions of the applicable contracts. Finance, insurance and vehicle service contract revenue, net of estimated chargebacks, is included in finance and insurance revenue in the accompanying combined statement of income. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments that have an original maturity of three months or less at date of purchase. CONTRACTS-IN-TRANSIT Contracts-in-transit represent receivables from finance companies for the portion of the vehicle purchase price financed by customers through sources arranged by the Company. INVENTORIES Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market utilizing the "last-in, first-out" (LIFO) method. If the "first-in, first-out" (FIFO) method had been used to determine the cost of inventories valued using the LIFO method, net income would have been increased by approximately $82 for the period from January 1, 1998 through September 17, 1998. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are provided for utilizing the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset. F-78 J.J.W. ENTERPRISES, INC. NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) TAX STATUS The Company's shareholders have elected to be taxed as S corporations as defined by the Internal Revenue Code. The shareholders of the Company are taxed on their share of the Company's taxable income. Therefore, no provision for federal or state income taxes has been included in the financial statements. ADVERTISING The Company expenses the costs of advertising as incurred or when such advertising initially takes place. Advertising costs aggregated approximately $2,158 for the period from January 1, 1998 through September 17, 1998. USE OF ESTIMATES Preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period presented. Actual results could differ from those estimates. STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS The net change in floor plan financing of inventories, which is a customary financing technique in the industry, is reflected as an operating activity in the accompanying combined statement of cash flows. CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk, consist principally of cash deposits. The Company maintains cash balances in financial institutions with strong credit ratings. At times, amounts invested with financial institutions may be in excess of FDIC insurance limits. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to contracts-in-transit and accounts receivable are limited primarily to automakers and financial institutions. Credit risk arising from receivables from commercial customers is minimal due to the large number of customers comprising the Company's customer base. However, they are concentrated in the Company's market area in west central Florida. SEGMENT REPORTING The Company follows the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information". Based upon definitions contained in SFAS No. 131, the Company has determined that it operates in one segment and has no international operations. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS In June 1998, SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," was issued. SFAS No. 133 establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts (collectively referred to as derivatives), and for hedging activities. It requires that an entity recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities and measure those instruments at fair value. If certain conditions are met, a derivative may be specifically designated as (a) a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or an unrecognized firm commitment, F-79 J.J.W. ENTERPRISES, INC. NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) (b) a hedge of the exposure to variable cash flows of a forecasted transaction or (c) a hedge of the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation, an unrecognized firm commitment, an available-for-sale security or a foreign currency-denominated forecasted transaction. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative (gains or losses) depends on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation. The Company has determined that the adoption of SFAS No. 133 will not have a material impact on its results of operations, financial condition, liquidity or cash flows. 3. INTEREST EXPENSE Floor plan notes payable reflect amounts payable for purchase of specific vehicle inventories and are due to various floor plan lenders bearing interest at variable rates based on prime. In 1998, the interest rates related to floor plan notes payable were based on the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus 130 basis points. Floor plan arrangements permit borrowings based upon new and used vehicle inventory levels. Vehicle payments on notes are due when the related vehicles are sold. The notes are collateralized by substantially all vehicle inventories of the Company and are subject to certain financial and other covenants. 4. OPERATING LEASES The Company leases certain land and buildings from its majority shareholder. Rental expense under these leases for the period from January 1, 1998 through September 17, 1998 was $1,156. Annual minimal non-cancelable lease payments under these leases amount to $1,510 through September 16, 2008. 5. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Substantially all of the Company's facilities are subject to federal, state and local provisions regarding the discharge of materials into the environment. Compliance with these provisions has not had, nor does the Company expect such compliance to have, any material effect upon the capital expenditures, net earnings, financial condition, liquidity or competitive position of the Company. Management believes that its current practices and procedures for the control and disposition of such materials comply with applicable federal, state and local requirements. The Company is involved in legal proceedings and claims, which arise in the ordinary course of its business and with respect to certain of these claims, the Company has indemnified Asbury. In the opinion of management of the Company, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to these actions will not materially affect the financial position, liquidity or the results of operations of the Company. 6. RETIREMENT PLAN The Company maintains a 401(k) plan covering substantially all of its employees. Individuals, eighteen years of age and older, are eligible to participate in the plan upon attaining one year of service with the Company. The Company matches a portion of the employee's contributions dependent on reaching specified operating goals. Expenses related to the Company's matching contribution were $27 for the period from January 1, 1998 through September 17, 1998. F-80 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS To David McDavid Auto Group: We have audited the accompanying combined statements of income, shareholders' equity and cash flows of David McDavid Auto Group for the period from January 1, 1998 through April 30, 1998. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations and cash flows of David McDavid Auto Group for the period from January 1, 1998 through April 30, 1998 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP Roseland, New Jersey March 19, 1999 F-81 DAVID MCDAVID AUTO GROUP COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME (IN THOUSANDS) See Notes to Combined Financial Statements. F-82
FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 1998 THROUGH APRIL 30, 1998 ------------------- REVENUE: New vehicle............................................... $78,558 Used vehicle.............................................. 21,577 Parts, service and collision repair....................... 18,951 Finance and insurance, net................................ 3,750 -------- Total revenue........................................... 122,836 -------- COST OF SALES: New vehicle............................................... 74,616 Used vehicle.............................................. 19,837 Parts, service and collision repair....................... 11,292 -------- Total cost of sales..................................... 105,745 -------- GROSS PROFIT................................................ 17,091 OPERATING EXPENSES: Selling, general and administrative....................... 14,253 Depreciation and amortization............................. 257 -------- Income from operations.................................. 2,581 OTHER EXPENSE: Floor plan interest expense............................... (1,286) Other interest expense.................................... (107) -------- Net income.............................................. $1,188 ======== DAVID MCDAVID AUTO GROUP COMBINED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (IN THOUSANDS) See Notes to Combined Financial Statements. F-83
COMMON STOCK AND ADDITIONAL PAID-IN RETAINED CAPITAL EARNINGS TOTAL EQUITY ------------------ -------- ------------ BALANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1997........................ $2,040 $12,355 $14,395 Distributions........................................ -- (1,560) (1,560) Net income........................................... -- 1,188 1,188 ------ ------- ------- BALANCE AS OF APRIL 30, 1998........................... $2,040 $11,983 $14,023 ====== ======= ======= DAVID MCDAVID AUTO GROUP COMBINED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (IN THOUSANDS) See Notes to Combined Financial Statements. F-84
FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 1998 THROUGH APRIL 30, 1998 --------------- CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income................................................ $1,188 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities- Depreciation and amortization........................... 257 Changes in operating assets and liabilities- Contracts-in-transit.................................... 1,077 Accounts receivable..................................... (898) Inventories............................................. (708) Prepaid expense and other assets........................ (441) Floor plan payable...................................... (1,998) Accounts payable and accrued liabilities................ (1,177) ------- Net cash used in operating activities................. (2,700) ------- CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Capital expenditures...................................... (45) ------- Net cash used in investing activities................. (45) ------- CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Payments on capital lease obligation...................... (46) Repayment of long-term borrowings......................... (315) Proceeds from long-term debt.............................. 10,552 Distributions............................................. (1,560) ------- Net cash provided by financing activities............. 8,631 ------- Net increase in cash and cash equivalents............. 5,886 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period.............. 4,699 ------- CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period.................... $10,585 ======= SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION-- Cash paid for interest.................................... $1,027 ======= DAVID MCDAVID AUTO GROUP NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION The financial statements reflect the combined operations of the following entities: David McDavid Pontiac, Inc., David McDavid Luxury Imports, Inc., David McDavid Nissan, Inc., D.Q. Automobiles, Inc., Autovest, Inc., Texas Auto Outfitters, Inc., David McDavid Wireless Communications, Inc., McAdvertising, Inc., and Papa Grande Mgmt. Co., (collectively the "Company"). The Company is engaged in the sale and servicing of new automobiles and the retailing and wholesaling of replacement parts and used vehicles throughout the Dallas, Houston and Austin, Texas metropolitan areas. The Company was sold to Asbury Automotive Texas L.L.C. ("Asbury Texas") on April 30, 1998 for $90,331 (including transaction costs) and the issuance of a 25.8% interest in Asbury Texas to the shareholders of the Company. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in combination. 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES REVENUE RECOGNITION Revenue from the sale of new and used vehicles is recognized upon delivery, passage of title and signing of the sales contract. Revenue from the sale of parts and services is recognized upon delivery of parts to the customer or when vehicle service work is performed. The Company receives commissions from the sale of credit life and disability insurance and vehicle service contracts to customers. In addition, the Company arranges financing for customers through various institutions and receives commissions equal to the difference between the loan rates charged to customers over predetermined financing rates set by the financing institution. The Company may be charged back ("chargebacks") for financing fees, insurance or vehicle service contract commissions in the event of early termination of the contracts by customers. The revenue from financing fees and commissions is recorded at the time of the sale of the vehicles and a reserve for future chargebacks is established based on historical operating results and the termination provisions of the applicable contracts. Finance, insurance and vehicle service contract revenue, net of estimated chargebacks, is included in finance and insurance revenue in the accompanying combined statement of income. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments that have an original maturity of three months or less at date of purchase. CONTRACTS-IN-TRANSIT Contracts-in-transit represent receivables from finance companies for the portion of the vehicle purchase price financed by customers through sources arranged by the Company. INVENTORIES Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market utilizing the "first-in, first-out" (FIFO) method. F-85 DAVID MCDAVID AUTO GROUP NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is provided for utilizing the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset. TAX STATUS Except for Autovest, Inc., the Company's shareholders have elected to be taxed as S corporations as defined by the Internal Revenue Code. The shareholders of the Company are taxed on their share of the Company's taxable income. Therefore, no provision for federal or state income taxes has been included in the financial statements. Autovest, Inc. is a C corporation; federal income taxes related to this entity are not material to the combined results of operations. ADVERTISING The Company expenses the costs of advertising as incurred or when such advertising initially takes place. Advertising costs totaled $1,097 for the period from January 1, 1998 through April 30, 1998. USE OF ESTIMATES The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS The net change in floor plan financing of inventories, which is a customary financing technique in the industry, is reflected as an operating activity in the accompanying combined statement of cash flows. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS The Company's financial instruments consist primarily of floor plan notes payable and long-term debt. The carrying amounts of its financial instruments approximate their fair values due to their relatively short duration and variable interest rates. CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk, consist principally of cash deposits. The Company maintains cash balances in financial institutions with strong credit ratings. At times, amounts invested with financial institutions may be in excess of FDIC insurance limits. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to contracts-in-transit and accounts receivable are limited primarily to automakers and financial institutions. Credit risk arising from receivables from commercial customers is minimal due to the large number of customers comprising the Company's customer base. F-86 DAVID MCDAVID AUTO GROUP NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) SEGMENT REPORTING The Company follows the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information". Based upon definitions contained in SFAS No. 131, the Company has determined that it operates in one segment and has no international operations. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS In June 1998, SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," was issued. SFAS No. 133 establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts (collectively referred to as derivatives), and for hedging activities. It requires that an entity recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities and measure those instruments at fair value. If certain conditions are met, a derivative may be specifically designated as (a) a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or an unrecognized firm commitment, (b) a hedge of the exposure to variable cash flows of a forecasted transaction or (c) a hedge of the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation, an unrecognized firm commitment, an available-for-sale security or a foreign currency-denominated forecasted transaction. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative (gains or losses) depends on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation. The Company has determined that the adoption of SFAS No. 133 will not have a material impact on its results of operations, financial condition, liquidity or cash flows. 3. INTEREST EXPENSE Floor plan notes payable reflect amounts payable for purchase of specific vehicle inventories and are due to various floor plan lenders bearing interest at variable rates based on prime. In 1998, the interest rates related to floor plan notes payable were based on the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus 2.25%. Floor plan arrangements permit borrowings based upon new and used vehicle inventory levels. Vehicle payments on notes are due when the related vehicles are sold. The notes are collateralized by substantially all vehicle inventories of the Company and are subject to certain financial and other covenants. Long-term debt outstanding during 1998 consists of various notes payable to banks and corporations, bearing interest at both fixed and variable rates and secured by certain of the Company's assets. Interest rates were based on LIBOR plus 2.50% or the prime rate, ranging from 7.5% to 10.0%. 4. RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS The Company leases certain land and buildings from its majority shareholder. Annual minimum non-cancelable lease payments under these leases amount to approximately $4,808 through May 1, 2013. Rent expense for the period from January 1, 1998 through April 30, 1998 was $1,608. From January 1, 1998 through April 30, 1998, approximately $645 of commission income was derived from the sale of credit life and disability insurance policies and warranty contracts from insurance companies which are owned by the majority shareholder. In addition, from January 1, 1998 through April 30, 1998, commission income of approximately $520 was derived from a finance company in which the Company has a small ownership interest. Included in finance and insurance, net is approximately $378 of investment earnings from such finance company. F-87 DAVID MCDAVID AUTO GROUP NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) 5. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Substantially all of the Company's facilities are subject to federal, state and local provisions regarding the discharge of materials into the environment. Compliance with these provisions has not had, nor does the Company expect such compliance to have, any material effect upon the capital expenditures, net earnings, financial condition, liquidity or competitive position of the Company. Management believes that its current practices and procedures for the control and disposition of such materials comply with applicable federal, state and local requirements. The Company has guaranteed 30% of loans made by a bank in an aggregate amount of $2 million, the proceeds of which were used by two management employees who had no ownership interest in the Company to acquire a 3.6% interest in Asbury Texas. The Company has been named in a class action lawsuit alleging that more than 600 automobile dealerships, including the Company, have improperly charged consumers a vehicle inventory tax in addition to the purchase price of the vehicle. The Texas Automotive Dealers Association has assumed defense of the case. There is no allegation as to the amount of damages and no determination has been made as to the potential liability. In the opinion of management, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to these actions will not materially affect the financial position, liquidity or results of operations of the Company. The Company is involved in legal proceedings and claims, which arise in the ordinary course of its business and with respect to certain of these claims the Company has indemnified Asbury Texas. In the opinion of management of the Company, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to these actions will not materially affect the financial position, liquidity or the results of operations of the Company. F-88 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No dealer, salesperson or other person is authorized to give any information or to represent anything not contained in this prospectus. You must not rely on any unauthorized information or representations. This prospectus is an offer to sell only the shares offered hereby, but only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so. ------------------------ TABLE OF CONTENTS ------------------------ Through and including [ ], 2001 (the 25th day after the date of this prospectus) all dealers effecting transactions in these securities, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to a dealer's obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as an underwriter and with respect to an unsold allotment or subscription. [ ] Shares ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC. Common Stock ------------------ [LOGO] ------------------------ GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO. MERRILL LYNCH & CO. SALOMON SMITH BARNEY INC. Representatives of the Underwriters - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PAGE -------- Prospectus Summary................... 1 The Offering......................... 4 Summary Historical And Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Data........ 5 Risk Factors......................... 6 Forward-Looking Statements........... 15 Use Of Proceeds...................... 16 Dividend Policy...................... 16 Dilution............................. 16 Capitalization....................... 18 Selected Consolidated Financial Data............................... 19 Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information........................ 21 Management's Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations...................... 29 Business............................. 37 Management........................... 53 Related Party Transactions........... 63 Description Of Capital Stock......... 65 Principal And Selling Stockholders... 68 Shares Eligible For Future Sale...... 70 Underwriting......................... 73 Validity Of Shares................... 75 Experts.............................. 75 Where You Can Find More Information.. 75 Index to Financial Statements........ F-1 PART II INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS ITEM 13. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION. The following table sets forth the expenses (other than underwriting compensation expected to be incurred) in connection with this offering. All such amounts (except the SEC registration fee and the NASD filing fee) are estimated. SEC registration fee........................................ $ 37,500 NYSE listing fee............................................ 125,000 NASD filing fee............................................. 15,500 Blue Sky fees and expenses.................................. 15,000 Printing and engraving costs................................ 100,000 Legal fees and expenses..................................... 500,000 Accounting fees and expenses................................ 1,000,000 Transfer Agent and Registrar fees and expenses.............. 25,000 Miscellaneous............................................... 32,000 ---------- Total....................................................... $1,850,000 ==========
ITEM 14. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS. Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware provides that we may indemnify our directors and officers as well as other employees and individuals against expenses, including attorneys' fees, judgments, finds and amounts paid in settlement in connection with various actions, suits or proceedings, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative other than an action by or in the right of the corporation, a derivative action if they acted in good faith and in a manner they reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, if they had no reasonable cause to believe their conduct was unlawful. A similar standard is applicable in the case of derivative actions, except that we may only extend indemnification to expenses, including attorneys' fees, incurred in connection with the defense or settlement of such actions, and the statute requires that we obtain court approval before we may satisfy any such indemnification where the person seeking indemnification has been found liable to the corporation. The statute provides that it is not exclusive of other indemnification that may be granted by a corporation's by-laws, disinterested director vote, stockholder vote, agreement or otherwise. Our certificate of incorporation provides that each person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is involved in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that such person, or a person of whom such person is the legal representative, is or was a director or officer of us or is or was serving at our request as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including service with respect to employee benefit plans, whether or not the basis of such proceeding is the alleged action of such person in an official capacity as a director, officer, employee or agent or in any other capacity while serving as a director, officer, employee or agent, will be indemnified and held harmless by us to the fullest extent authorized by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, as the same exists or II-1may hereafter be amended against all expense, liability and loss reasonably incurred or suffered by such person in connection therewith (including attorneys' fees, judgments, fines, amounts paid or to be paid in settlement and excise taxes or penalties). Our certificate of incorporation also provides that we will pay the expenses incurred in defending any such proceeding in advance of its final disposition, subject to the provisions of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. Such rights are not exclusive of any other right which any person may have or thereafter acquire under any statute, provision of the certificate, by-law agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise. No repeal or modification of such provision will in any way diminish or adversely affect the rights of any director, officer, employee or agent of us thereunder in respect of any occurrence or matter arising prior to any such repeal or modification. Our certificate of incorporation also specifically authorizes us to maintain insurance and to grant similar indemnification rights to our employees or agents. The General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware permits a corporation to provide in its certificate of incorporation that a director of the corporation shall not be personally liable to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability for: - any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders; - acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law; - payments of unlawful dividends or unlawful stock repurchases or redemptions; or - any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. Our certificate of incorporation provides that none of our directors will be personally liable to us or our stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except, if required by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware as amended from time to time, for liability: - for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to us or our stockholders; - for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law; - under Section 174 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, which concerns unlawful payments of dividends, stock purchases or redemptions; or - for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. Neither the amendment nor repeal of such provision will eliminate or reduce the effect of such provision in respect of any matter occurring, or any cause of action, suit or claim that, but for such provision, would accrue or arise prior to such amendment or repeal. Reference is made to Article X of the Articles of Incorporation of Asbury concerning indemnification and limitation of liability of directors, officers, employees and agents. At present there is no pending litigation or proceeding involving a director or officer of Asbury as to which indemnification is being sought nor is Asbury aware of any threatened litigation that may result in claims for indemnification by Asbury by any officer or director. Asbury has also purchased and maintains insurance policies covering the directors and officers identified in the prospectus which forms a part of this registration statement with respect to certain liabilities, including liabilities arising under the Securities Act or otherwise. Section Eight of the Underwriting Agreement, to be filed as Exhibit 1.1, provides that the Underwriters named therein will indemnify us and hold us harmless and each of our directors, officers or controlling persons from and against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the II-2 Securities Act. Section Eight of the Underwriting Agreement also provides that such Underwriters will contribute to certain liabilities of such persons under the Securities Act. ITEM 15. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES. The following sets forth information, as of the date hereof, regarding all sales of unregistered securities of the Registrant during the past three years. All such shares were issued in reliance upon an exemption or exemptions from registration under the Securities Act by reason of Section 4(2) of the Securities Act or Rule 701 promulgated under Section 3(b) of the Securities Act, as transactions by an issuer not involving a public offering or transactions pursuant to compensatory benefit plans and contracts relating to compensation as provided under Rule 701. In connection with the transactions for which an exemption is claimed pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act, the securities were sold to a limited number of persons, such persons were provided access to all relevant information regarding the Registrant and represented to the Registrant that they were either "sophisticated" investors or were represented by persons with knowledge and experience in financial and business matters who were capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the prospective investment, and such persons represented to the Registrant that the shares were purchased for investment purposes only and with no view toward distribution. In connection with the issuances of securities for which an exemption is claimed pursuant to Rule 701, the securities have been offered and issued by the Registrant to executive officers and employees and consultants for compensating purposes pursuant to written plans or arrangements. From January 1, 1999, to December 3, 2001, we issued to 28 of our employees, pursuant to our 1999 Option Plan, options to purchase membership interests which represent the right to purchase an aggregate of [ ] shares of our common stock, based upon the presently expected exchange ratio of shares for membership interests. The following table sets forth the date of each issuance, the number of optionee's granted options on that date and the number of shares eligible to be purchased based on the foregoing assumptions: On February 1, 2000, in connection with his employment agreement, we issued a carried interest to Brian E. Kendrick of up to 1.15%. A carried interest provides the holder with a contractual right to receive a percentage of our earnings, either in cash or in our common stock, after such time as a preferred return of approximately $424 million is achieved and distributed to those holding II-3
DATE OF ISSUANCE NUMBER OF OPTIONEES NUMBER OF SHARES - ------------------------------------------------ ------------------- ---------------- January 1, 1999................................. 1 April 1, 1999................................... 1 April 26, 1999.................................. 1 August 2, 1999.................................. 1 September 27, 1999.............................. 1 November 1, 1999................................ 1 December 1, 1999................................ 1 April 1, 2000................................... 1 April 3, 2000................................... 2 May 22, 2000.................................... 1 June 5, 2000.................................... 1 June 12, 2000................................... 2 November 27, 2000............................... 1 January 8, 2001................................. 1 March 26, 2001.................................. 1 May 25, 2001.................................... 1 July 11, 2001................................... 9 December 3, 2001................................ 1 ownership interests, as directed by the board of directors. Prior to this offering no distributions had been made to Mr. Kendrick. On February 1, 2000, in connection with a reorganization, which we refer to as the "Minority Membership Transaction", Asbury Automotive Oregon L.L.C. issued membership interests to Asbury Automotive Holdings L.L.C. and platform dealers and managers in exchange for their respective membership or partnership interests in their platform groups. Those already holding membership interests in Asbury Automotive Oregon retained those interests. To determine the number of Asbury Automotive Oregon membership interests that each party would be entitled to in the Minority Membership Transaction, the platforms were valued using the market multiple approach. Concurrently with the Minority Membership Transaction, Asbury Automotive Oregon changed its name to Asbury Automotive Group L.L.C. and the former Asbury Automotive Group L.L.C. changed its name to Asbury Automotive Holdings L.L.C. On September 1, 2000, Asbury Automotive Arkansas L.L.C. issued membership interests to Mark Escude Nissan, Inc. equal to .6581% of all membership interests then outstanding in connection with the acquisition of Mark Escude Nissan, Inc., Mark Escude Nissan North, Inc., Mark Escude Motors, Inc., Mark Escude Daewoo, Inc. and Regency Toyota, Inc. On September 1, 2000, Asbury Automotive Jacksonville, L.P. issued membership interests to Buddy Hutchinson Chevrolet, Inc. equal to 1.3161% of all membership interests then outstanding in connection with the acquisition of Buddy Hutchinson Cars, Inc., Buddy Hutchinson Imports, Inc., Buddy Hutchinson Chevrolet, Inc., MFH Realty, Inc., B&N Realty, Inc., MFH Improvements, Inc., BH of Jacksonville, Inc., Hutchinson Realty, Inc. and Hutchinson Corporation. On September 1, 2000, Asbury Automotive North Carolina L.L.C. issued membership interests to Childs & Associates Inc. equal to .4935% of all membership interests then outstanding in connection with the acquisition of Purvis Brothers Ford. On September 1, 2000, in connection with a capital contribution of $75,000, Jeff King received membership interests equal to .0197% of all membership interests then outstanding. On April 30, 2001, we issued a carried interest to Thomas F. Gilman of .40%. Prior to this offering no distributions have been made to Mr. Gilman. ITEM 16. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES. (a) Exhibits II-4
EXHIBIT NUMBER DESCRIPTION ------- ----------- 1.1 Form of Underwriting Agreement* 3.1 Form of Certificate of Incorporation of Asbury Automotive Group, Inc.* 3.3 Form of By-laws of Asbury Automotive Group, Inc.* 5.1 Form of Opinion of Cravath, Swaine & Moore* 10.1 1999 Option Plan* 10.2 Form of 2002 Stock Option Plan 10.3 Form of Employee Stock Purchase Plan* 10.4 Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Asbury Automotive Group L.L.C.* 10.5 Employment Agreement of Thomas R. Gibson* 10.6 Employment Agreement of Kenneth B. Gilman 10.7 Intentionally omitted - ------------------------ * Previously filed. ** To be filed by amendment. + Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to certain portions of this document and has been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. (b) Financial Statement Schedules The financial statement schedules are omitted because they are inapplicable or the requested information is shown in the consolidated financial statements of Asbury Automotive Group or related notes thereto. II-5
EXHIBIT NUMBER DESCRIPTION ------- ----------- 10.8 Severance Pay Agreement of Phillip R. Johnson* 10.10 Credit Agreement, dated as of January 17, 2001, between Asbury Automotive Group L.L.C. and Ford Motor Credit Company, Chrysler Financial Company, L.L.C., and General Motors Acceptance Corporation.+* 10.11 Form of Stockholders Agreement between Asbury Automotive Holdings and Stockholders named therein* 10.12 Chrysler Dodge Dealer Agreement* 10.13 Ford Dealer Agreement* 10.14 General Motors Dealer Agreement* 10.15 Honda Dealer Agreement* 10.16 Mercedes Dealer Agreement* 10.17 Nissan Dealer Agreement* 10.18 Toyota Dealer Agreement* 10.19 Employment Agreement of C.V. Nalley* 10.20 Employment Agreement of David McDavid, Sr.* 10.21 Employment Agreement of Luther Coggin* 10.22 Severance Pay Agreement of Thomas F. Gilman 10.23 Severance Pay Agreement of Thomas G. McCollum 10.24 Severance Pay Agreement of Allen T. Levenson 10.25 Severance Pay Agreement of Robert D. Frank 21.1 List of subsidiaries of the registrant* 23.1 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP 23.2 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP 23.3 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP 23.4 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP 23.5 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP 23.6 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP 23.7 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP 23.8 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP 23.9 Consent of Dixon Odom, P.L.L.C. 23.10 Consent of Cravath, Swaine & Moore (contained in Exhibit 5) 24.1 Power of Attorney ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes as follows: (1) The undersigned will provide to the Underwriters at the closing specified in the Underwriting Agreement certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required by the underwriters to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser. (2) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance on Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective. (3) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the provisions described in Item 14 or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. II-6 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New York, the State of New York, on the 10th day of January, 2002. ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP L.L.C.** By: /s/ KENNETH B. GILMAN_____________ Name: Kenneth B. Gilman Title: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated. II-7
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE --------- ----- ---- * Chairman and Chief Executive January 10, 2002 ------------------------------------------- Officer Kenneth B. Gilman * Vice President and Chief January 10, 2002 ------------------------------------------- Financial Officer Thomas F. Gilman * Controller January 10, 2002 ------------------------------------------- Michael C. Paul * Director January 10, 2002 ------------------------------------------- Timothy C. Collins * Director January 10, 2002 ------------------------------------------- Ian K. Snow * Director January 10, 2002 ------------------------------------------- John M. Roth - ------------------------ ** Asbury Automotive Group L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company, which on or prior to the effective date of this registration statement will be converted into a Delaware corporation, named Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. through the contribution by its members of all of their ownership interests in the limited liability company to Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. Thus, Asbury Automotive Group L.L.C. will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. II-8
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE --------- ----- ---- * Director January 10, 2002 ------------------------------------------- C.V. Nalley * By: /s/ KENNETH B. GILMAN ------------------------------------------- Kenneth B. Gilman Attorney-in-Fact for each of the persons indicated
EXHIBIT 10.2 FORM OF 2002 STOCK OPTION PLAN ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC. Section 1. PURPOSE. The purposes of this Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. 2001 Stock Option Plan are to promote the interests of Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. and its shareholders by (i) attracting and retaining exceptional officers and other key employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries and (ii) enabling such individuals to participate in the long-term growth and financial success of the Company. Section 2. DEFINITIONS. As used in the Plan, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below: "Affiliate" shall mean (i) any entity that, directly or indirectly, is controlled by, controls or is under common control with, the Company and (ii) any entity in which the Company has a significant equity interest, in either case as determined by the Committee. "Award Agreement" shall mean any written agreement, contract, or other instrument or document evidencing any Option, which may, but need not, be executed or acknowledged by a Participant. "Board" shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company. "Change of Control" shall mean an event or series of events, not including any events occurring prior to or in connection with an initial public offering of Shares (including the occurrence of such initial public offering), by which: (A) during any period of 24 consecutive calendar months, individuals: (i) who were directors of the Company on the first day of such period, or (ii) whose election or nomination for election to the Board was recommended or approved by at least a majority of the directors then still in office who were directors of the Company on the first day of such period, or whose election or nomination for election was so approved, shall cease to constitute a majority of the Board; (B) the Company consolidates with or merges into another corporation or conveys, transfer or leases all or substantially all of its property to any Person, or any corporation consolidates with or merges into the Company, in either event pursuant to a transaction in which the outstanding Shares are reclassified or changed into or exchanged for cash, securities or other assets, and the holders of Shares 2 immediately prior to such transaction do not, as a result of such transaction, own, directly or indirectly, more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the Shares or the capital stock of its successor entity in such transaction; or (C) any "person" (as such term is defined in Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act (or any successor section thereto)), corporation or other entity (other than (i) the Company, (ii) any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company, (iii) any company owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of Shares or (iv) any entity or individual affiliated with Ripplewood Holdings L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company, or its affiliates), becomes the "beneficial owner" (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act (or any successor rule thereto)), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 30% or more of the combined voting power of the Company's then-outstanding securities. "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time. "Committee" shall mean the compensation committee of the Board, or such other committee of the Board as may be designated by the Board to administer the Plan. "Company" shall mean Asbury Automotive Group, Inc., together with any successor thereto. "Exchange Act" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. "Fair Market Value" shall mean, (A) with respect to any property other than Shares, the fair market value of such property determined by such methods or procedures as shall be established from time to time by the Committee and (B) with respect to the Shares, as of any date, (i) the mean between the high and low sales prices of the Shares as reported on the composite tape for securities traded on the New York Stock Exchange for such date (or if not then trading on the New York Stock Exchange, the mean between the high and low sales price of the Shares on the stock exchange or over-the-counter market on which the Shares are principally trading on such date), or, if there were no sales on such date, on the closest preceding date on which there were sales of Shares or (ii) in the event there shall be no public market for the Shares on such date, the fair market value of the Shares as determined in good faith by the Committee. "Option" shall mean a right to purchase Shares from the Company that is granted under Section 6 of the Plan. "Participant" shall mean any officer or other key employee of the Company or its Subsidiaries eligible for an Option under Section 5 of the Plan and selected by the Committee to receive an Option under the Plan. 3 "Person" shall mean any individual, corporation, partnership, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, government or political subdivision thereof or other entity. "Plan" shall mean this Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. 2001 Stock Option Plan. "Rule 16b-3" shall mean Rule 16b-3 as promulgated and interpreted by the SEC under the Exchange Act, or any successor rule or regulation thereto as in effect from time to time. "SEC" shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission or any successor thereto and shall include the staff thereof. "Shares" shall mean the common shares of the Company, $0.01 par value, or such other securities of the Company (i) into which such common shares shall be changed by reason of a recapitalization, merger, consolidation, split-up, combination, exchange of shares or other similar transaction or (ii) as may be determined by the Committee pursuant to Section 4(b). "Subsidiary" shall mean (i) any entity that, directly or indirectly, is controlled by the Company and (ii) any entity in which the Company has a significant equity interest, in either case as determined by the Committee. "Substitute Options" shall have the meaning specified in Section 4(c). Section 3. ADMINISTRATION. (a) The Plan shall be administered by the Committee. Subject to the terms of the Plan and applicable law, and in addition to other express powers and authorizations conferred on the Committee by the Plan, the Committee shall have full power and authority to: (i) designate Participants; (ii) determine the number of Shares to be covered by, or with respect to which payments, rights, or other matters are to be calculated in connection with, Options; (iii) determine the terms and conditions of any Option; (iv) determine whether, to what extent, and under what circumstances Options may be settled or exercised in cash, Shares, other securities, other Options or other property, or canceled, forfeited, or suspended and the method or methods by which options may be settled, exercised, canceled, forfeited, or suspended; (v) determine whether, to what extent, and under what circumstances cash, Shares, other securities, other Options, other property, and other amounts payable with respect to an Option shall be deferred either automatically or at the election of the holder thereof or of the Committee; (vi) interpret, administer, reconcile any inconsistency, correct any default and/or supply any omission in the Plan and any instrument or agreement relating to, or Option made under, the Plan; (vii) establish, amend, suspend, or waive such rules and regulations and appoint such agents as it shall deem appropriate for the proper administration of the Plan; and (viii) make any other determination and take any other action that the Committee deems necessary or desirable for the administration of the Plan. (b) Unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan, all designations, determinations, interpretations, and other decisions under or with respect to the Plan or any Option shall be within the sole discretion of the Committee, may be made at any time 4 and shall be final, conclusive, and binding upon all Persons, including the Company, any Affiliate, any Participant, any holder or beneficiary of any Option, and any shareholder. (c) No member of the Committee shall be liable for any action or determination made in good faith with respect to the Plan or any Option hereunder. Section 4. SHARES AVAILABLE FOR OPTIONS. (a) SHARES AVAILABLE. Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 4(b), the aggregate number of Shares with respect to which Options may be granted under the Plan shall be[o]; and the maximum number of Shares with respect to which Options may be granted to any Participant in any fiscal year shall be [o]. If, after the effective date of the Plan, any Shares covered by an Option granted under the Plan, or to which such an Option relates, are forfeited, or if an Option has expired, terminated or been canceled for any reason whatsoever (other than by reason of exercise or vesting), then the Shares covered by such Option shall again be, or shall become, Shares with respect to which Options may be granted hereunder. (b) ADJUSTMENTS. In the event that the Committee determines that any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Shares, other securities, or other property), recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, repurchase, or exchange of Shares or other securities of the Company, issuance of warrants or other rights to purchase Shares or other securities of the Company, or other similar corporate transaction or event affects the Shares such that an adjustment is determined by the Committee in its discretion to be appropriate or desirable in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan, then the Committee shall, in such manner as it may deem equitable or desirable, adjust any or all of (i) the number of Shares or other securities of the Company (or number and kind of other securities or property) with respect to which Options may be granted; (ii) the number of Shares or other securities of the Company (or number and kind of other securities or property) subject to outstanding Options and (iii) the exercise price with respect to any Option or, if deemed appropriate or desirable, make provision for a cash payment to the holder of an outstanding Option in consideration for the cancellation of such Option in an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of the Shares subject to the Options over the aggregate exercise price of such Option. (c) SUBSTITUTE OPTIONS. Options may, in the discretion of the Committee, be granted under the Plan in assumption of, or in substitution for, outstanding awards previously granted by the Company or its Affiliates or a company acquired by the Company or with which the Company combines ("Substitute Options"). The number of Shares underlying any Substitute Options shall be counted against the aggregate number of Shares available for Options under the Plan. (d) SOURCES OF SHARES DELIVERABLE UNDER OPTIONS. Any Shares delivered pursuant to an Option may consist, in whole or in part, of authorized and unissued Shares or of treasury Shares. Section 5. ELIGIBILITY. Any officer or other key employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (including any prospective officer or key employee) shall be eligible to be designated a Participant. 5 Section 6. STOCK OPTIONS. (a) GRANT. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall have sole and complete authority to determine the Participants to whom Options shall be granted, the number of Shares to be covered by each Option, and the conditions and limitations applicable to the exercise of the Option. (b) EXERCISE PRICE. Except as otherwise established by the Committee at the time an Option is granted and set forth in the applicable Award Agreement, the exercise price of each share covered by an Option shall be the Fair Market Value of such Share (determined as of the date the option is granted); PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the exercise price of each Share covered by an Option which is granted effective as of the Company's initial public offering of Shares shall be the initial public offering price per share. (c) EXERCISE. Each Option shall be vested and exercisable at such times and subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee may, in its sole discretion, specify in the applicable Award Agreement or thereafter. Except as otherwise specified by the Committee in the Award Agreement, half of the Options which are granted to a Participant effective as of the Company's initial public offering of Shares shall become vested and exercisable with respect to 50% of the Shares subject to such Options on each of the first two anniversaries of the date of grant; the other half of the Options which are granted to a Participant as of such date, and all Options which are granted thereafter, shall become vested and exercisable with respect to one-third of the Shares subject to such Options on each of the first three anniversaries of the date of grant. The Committee may impose such conditions with respect to the exercise of Options, including without limitation, any relating to the application of federal or state securities laws, as it may deem necessary or advisable. (d) PAYMENT. (i) No Shares shall be delivered pursuant to any exercise of an Option until payment in full of the aggregate exercise price therefor is received by the Company. Such payment may be made in cash, or its equivalent, or (x) by exchanging Shares owned by the optionee (which are not the subject of any pledge or other security interest and which have been owned by such optionee for at least 6 months), or (y) if there shall be a public market for the Shares at such time, subject to such rules as may be established by the Committee, through delivery of irrevocable instructions to a broker to sell the Shares otherwise deliverable upon the exercise of the Option and to deliver promptly to the Company an amount equal to the aggregate exercise price, or by a combination of the foregoing; PROVIDED that the combined value of all cash and cash equivalents and the Fair Market Value of any such Shares so tendered to the Company as of the date of such tender is at least equal to such aggregate exercise price. (ii) Wherever in this Plan or any Award Agreement a Participant is permitted to pay the exercise price of an Option or taxes relating to the exercise of an Option by delivering Shares, the Participant may, subject to procedures satisfactory to the Committee, satisfy such delivery requirement by presenting proof of beneficial ownership of such Shares, in which case the Company shall treat the Option as exercised without further payment and shall withhold such number of Shares from the Shares acquired by the exercise of the Option. 6 (e) EXPIRATION. Each Option shall expire immediately, without any payment, upon the earlier of (i) the tenth anniversary of the date the Option is granted, or (ii) the date the Participant who is holding the Option ceases to be employed by the Company or one of its subsidiaries (except as otherwise specified in the applicable Award Agreement). Section 7. AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION. (a) AMENDMENTS TO THE PLAN. The Board may amend, alter, suspend, discontinue, or terminate the Plan or any portion thereof at any time; PROVIDED that no such amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuation or termination shall be made without shareholder approval if such approval is necessary to comply with any tax or regulatory requirement applicable to the Plan; and PROVIDED FURTHER that any such amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuance or termination that would impair the rights of any Participant or any holder or beneficiary of any Option theretofore granted shall not to that extent be effective without the consent of the affected Participant, holder or beneficiary. (b) AMENDMENTS TO OPTIONS. The Committee may waive any conditions or rights under, amend any terms of, or alter, suspend, discontinue, cancel or terminate, any Option theretofore granted, prospectively or retroactively; provided that any such waiver, amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuance, cancellation or termination that would impair the rights of any Participant or any holder or beneficiary of any Option theretofore granted shall not to that extent be effective without the consent of the affected Participant, holder or beneficiary. (c) ADJUSTMENT OF OPTIONS UPON THE OCCURRENCE OF CERTAIN UNUSUAL OR NONRECURRING EVENTS. The Committee is hereby authorized to make adjustments in the terms and conditions of, and the criteria included in, Options in recognition of unusual or nonrecurring events (including, without limitation, the events described in Section 4(b) hereof) affecting the Company, any Affiliate, or the financial statements of the Company or any Affiliate, or of changes in applicable laws, regulations, or accounting principles, whenever the Committee determines that such adjustments are appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan. Section 8. CHANGE OF CONTROL. In the event of a Change of Control after the date of the adoption of this Plan, any outstanding Options then held by Participants, which are unexercisable or otherwise unvested, shall automatically be deemed exercisable or otherwise vested, as the case may be, as of immediately prior to such Change of Control. Section 9. GENERAL PROVISIONS. (a) NONTRANSFERABILITY. Except as otherwise specified in the applicable Award Agreement, each Option shall be exercisable only by the Participant during the Participant's lifetime, or, if permissible under applicable law, by the Participant's legal guardian or representative, and no Option may be assigned, alienated, pledged, attached, sold or otherwise transferred or encumbered by a Participant otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution and any such purported assignment, alienation, pledge, attachment, sale, transfer or encumbrance shall be void and unenforceable against the Company or any Affiliate; provided that the designation of a beneficiary shall not constitute an assignment, alienation, pledge, attachment, sale, transfer or encumbrance. 7 (b) NO RIGHTS TO OPTIONS. No Participant or other Person shall have any claim to be granted any Option, and there is no obligation for uniformity of treatment of Participants, or holders or beneficiaries of Options. The terms and conditions of Options and the Committee's determinations and interpretations with respect thereto need not be the same with respect to each Participant (whether or not such Participants are similarly situated). (c) SHARE CERTIFICATES. All certificates for Shares or other securities of the Company or any Affiliate delivered under the Plan pursuant to any Option or the exercise thereof shall be subject to such stop transfer orders and other restrictions as the Committee may deem advisable under the Plan or the rules, regulations, and other requirements of the SEC, any stock exchange upon which such Shares or other securities are then listed, and any applicable Federal or state laws, and the Committee may cause a legend or legends to be put on any such certificates to make appropriate reference to such restrictions. (d) WITHHOLDING. (i) A Participant may be required to pay to the Company or any Affiliate and the Company or any Affiliate shall have the right and is hereby authorized to withhold from any Option, from any payment due or transfer made under any Option or under the Plan or from any compensation or other amount owing to a Participant the amount (in cash, Shares, other securities, other Option or other property) of any applicable withholding taxes in respect of an Option, its exercise, or any payment or transfer under an Option or under the Plan and to take such other action as may be necessary in the opinion of the Company to satisfy all obligations for the payment of such taxes. (ii) Without limiting the generality of clause (i) above, a Participant may satisfy, in whole or in part, the foregoing withholding liability by delivery of Shares owned by the Participant (which are not subject to any pledge or other security interest and which have been owned by the Participant for at least 6 months) with a Fair Market Value equal to such withholding liability or by having the Company withhold from the number of Shares otherwise issuable pursuant to the exercise of the option a number of Shares with a Fair Market Value equal to such withholding liability. (e) AWARD AGREEMENTS. Each Option hereunder shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement, which shall be delivered to the Participant and shall specify the terms and conditions of the Option and any rules applicable thereto, including but not limited to the effect on such Option of the death, disability or termination of employment or service of a Participant, and the effect, if any, of such other events as may be determined by the Committee. (f) NO LIMIT ON OTHER COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS. Nothing contained in the Plan shall prevent the Company or any Affiliate from adopting or continuing in effect other compensation arrangements, which may, but need not, provide for the grant of options (subject to shareholder approval if such approval is required), and such arrangements may be either generally applicable or applicable only in specific cases. 8 (g) NO RIGHT TO EMPLOYMENT. The grant of an Option shall not be construed as giving a Participant the right to be retained in the employ of, or in any consulting relationship to, the Company or any Affiliate. Further, the Company or an Affiliate may at any time dismiss a Participant from employment or discontinue any consulting relationship, free from any liability or any claim under the Plan, unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan or in any Award Agreement. (h) NO RIGHTS AS SHAREHOLDER. Subject to the provisions of the applicable Option, no Participant or holder or beneficiary of any Option shall have any rights as a shareholder with respect to any Shares to be distributed under the Plan until he or she has become the holder of such Shares. (i) GOVERNING LAW. The validity, construction, and effect of the Plan and any rules and regulations relating to the Plan and any Award Agreement shall be determined in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to the conflict of laws provisions thereof. (j) SEVERABILITY. If any provision of the Plan or any Option is or becomes or is deemed to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction or as to any Person or option, or would disqualify the Plan or any Option under any law deemed applicable by the Committee, such provision shall be construed or deemed amended to conform the applicable laws, or if it cannot be construed or deemed amended without, in the determination of the Committee, materially altering the intent of the Plan or the Option, such provision shall be stricken as to such jurisdiction, Person or Option and the remainder of the Plan and any such Option shall remain in full force and effect. (k) OTHER LAWS. The Committee may refuse to issue or transfer any Shares or other consideration under an Option if, acting in its sole discretion, it determines that the issuance or transfer of such Shares or such other consideration might violate any applicable law or regulation or entitle the Company to recover the same under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, and any payment tendered to the Company by a Participant, other holder or beneficiary in connection with the exercise of such Option shall be promptly refunded to the relevant Participant, holder or beneficiary. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, no Option granted hereunder shall be construed as an offer to sell securities of the Company, and no such offer shall be outstanding, unless and until the Committee in its sole discretion has determined that any such offer, if made, would be in compliance with all applicable requirements of the U.S. federal and any other applicable securities laws. (l) NO TRUST OR FUND CREATED. Neither the Plan nor any Option shall create or be construed to create a trust or separate fund of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between the Company or any Affiliate and a Participant or any other Person. To the extent that any Person acquires a right to receive payments from the Company or any Affiliate pursuant to an Option, such right shall be no greater than the right of any unsecured general creditor of the Company or any Affiliate. (m) NO FRACTIONAL SHARES. No fractional Shares shall be issued or delivered pursuant to the Plan or any Option, and the Committee shall determine whether cash, other securities, or other property shall be paid or transferred in lieu of any fractional Shares or whether such fractional Shares or any rights thereto shall be canceled, terminated, or otherwise eliminated. 9 (n) HEADINGS. Headings are given to the Sections and subsections of the Plan solely as a convenience to facilitate reference. Such headings shall not be deemed in any way material or relevant to the construction or interpretation of the Plan or any provision thereof. Section 10. TERM OF THE PLAN. (a) EFFECTIVE DATE. The Plan shall be effective as of the date of its approval by the Board. (b) EXPIRATION DATE. No Option shall be granted under the Plan after December 31, 2011. Unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan or in an applicable Award Agreement, any Option granted hereunder may, and the authority of the Board or the Committee to amend, alter, adjust, suspend, discontinue, or terminate any such Option or to waive any conditions or rights under any such Option shall, nevertheless continue thereafter.
Exhibit 10.6 This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is made and entered into as of December 3, 2001, between Asbury Automotive Group L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company (the "Company"), and Kenneth Gilman, an individual resident of the State of Ohio (the "Executive"). WHEREAS the Company wishes to employ Executive, and Executive wishes to accept such employment, on the following terms and conditions, effective as of December 3, 2001. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereby agree as follows: SECTION 1. EMPLOYMENT. The Company hereby employs Executive and Executive accepts employment by the Company, on the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement. SECTION 2. TERM. The employment of Executive pursuant hereto shall commence on the date hereof (the "Commencement Date") and shall remain in effect until December 31, 2004, unless terminated pursuant to Section 15. The period of time between the Commencement Date and the termination of this Agreement pursuant to its terms is herein referred to as the "Term". The "Term" shall also include any Renewal Term (as defined in Section 12(c)). SECTION 3. DUTIES AND EXTENT OF SERVICE. (a) During the Term, Executive shall serve as a member of the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board of Directors") and as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and, in addition, in such other executive capacity or capacities for the Company, as may be commensurate with Executive's seniority and experience and as determined by the Board of Directors. (b) Executive shall report directly and exclusively to the Board of Directors, and no other executive officer shall be appointed with authority over the business operations of the Company superior to that of Executive. No other officer, except for the Company's Chief Financial Officer, shall report directly to the Board of Directors. During the Term, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to ensure that Executive is elected and re-elected as a director of the Company. (c) The Executive shall perform such services and duties for the Company as are customarily performed by an executive in Executive's position at a business such as the Company's business and as the Board of Directors may assign or delegate to him from time to time. Executive shall devote his full business knowledge, skill, time and best efforts exclusively to the performance of his duties for the Company and the promotion of its 2 interests; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that Executive shall be entitled to (i) engage in civic and charitable activities, (ii) manage passive personal investments, and (iii) with the consent of the Board of Directors (which shall not be unreasonably withheld), serve on the board of directors of corporations not in competition with the Company and (iv) comply with his continuing obligations under his Separation Agreement with The Limited, Inc. dated August 27, 2001 (the "Limited Agreement"); PROVIDED FURTHER that none of the foregoing activities shall, individually or in the aggregate, interfere with Executive's ability to devote the requisite time and effort to the performance of his duties and responsibilities under this Agreement. Executive's duties hereunder shall be performed at the Company's Stamford, Connecticut headquarters or at such other place or places as the interests, needs, businesses or opportunities of the Company shall require, provided that such location is not more than one hour driving distance from Columbus Circle, Manhattan, New York. SECTION 4. BASE SALARY. During the Term, Executive shall be paid a base salary (the "Base Salary") at a rate of $750,000 per annum, payable in arrears in equal monthly installments. The Board of Directors shall annually review Executive's Base Salary and may increase (but not decrease) such Base Salary in its sole discretion. SECTION 5. INCENTIVE COMPENSATION. During the Term, Executive shall be entitled to earn an annual bonus, on a calendar year basis commencing with the year 2002, ("TARGET BONUS") of up to one times his Base Salary if the Company achieves specified objectives (the "TARGETS") established by the Board of Directors no later than January 31 of each such year after consultation with the Executive. Such Targets shall be substantially similar to those Targets established for purposes of computing annual bonuses for other senior officers of the Company. If the Company's performance exceeds the Targets, Executive shall be entitled to receive an additional annual bonus of up to one times his Base Salary (the "ADDITIONAL BONUS"). The Board of Directors shall, after consultation with the Executive, prescribe a schedule setting forth the percentage of the Additional Bonus Executive shall earn based on the performance of the Company in excess of the Targets. On or about December 15 of each year, the Company shall pay Executive 80% of the Target Bonus and Additional Bonus that the Board of Directors determines in good faith is likely to be earned by Executive with respect to that year (the "Tentative Bonus"). The Board of Directors shall determine the actual Target Bonus and Additional Bonus earned by Executive with respect to the year described in the preceding sentence no later than 30 days after delivery to the Board of Directors of audited financial statements for the Company for the relevant calendar year (the "Actual Bonus"). If the Tentative Bonus paid to Executive is less than the Actual Bonus, the Company shall promptly pay Executive the difference. If the Tentative Bonus paid to Executive is more than the Actual Bonus, the Company shall recover the amount of the overpayments from other payments due Executive, including, without limitation, Executive's Base Salary. SECTION 6. FRINGE BENEFITS. (a) During the Term, Executive shall be entitled to participate, to the extent eligible, in such medical, dental, disability, life insurance, deferred compensation and other benefit plans (such as pension and profit sharing plans) as the Company shall maintain for the benefit of senior executives generally, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in such plans. The Company shall either waive any waiting period applicable to Executive under its medical plan or reimburse Executive for Executive's 3 cost to continue medical coverage with Executive's prior employer during such waiting period. Until June 30, 2002, the Company shall provide Executive private round trip air transportation once per week from the New York City metropolitan area to Columbus, Ohio. During the Term, the Company will either obtain or reimburse Executive the costs associated with obtaining $2,500,000 in term life insurance protection on Executive's life. (b) The Company shall reimburse Executive for the reasonable and customary broker's fee incurred in connection with obtaining an apartment in New York City (the "Temporary Apartment") and for the rent of such Temporary Apartment (not to exceed $7,500 per month) for the lesser of one year from the date hereof or the period reasonably required by Executive to acquire a permanent residence in the New York City metropolitan area (the "Permanent Residence"). The Company shall reimburse Executive for (i) the reasonable costs incurred in connection with relocating a portion of his belongings to the Temporary Apartment and for relocating the remainder of his belongings to the Permanent Residence and (ii) for the reasonable and customary broker's commission (not to exceed 6%) incurred in connection with the sale of Executive's primary residence in Ohio. (c) The Company shall gross up Executive for any income taxes imposed on (i) the provision of round trip airfare described in Section 6(a) and (ii) the benefits provided by the Company pursuant to Section 6(b). SECTION 7. EXPENSES; VACATION. Upon the receipt from Executive of expense vouchers and other documentation reasonably requested by the Company, the Company shall reimburse Executive promptly in accordance with the Company's policies and procedures for all reasonable expenses incurred by Executive in connection with Executive's duties and responsibilities hereunder. During the Term, the Company shall also reimburse Executive up to $1,500 per month to lease an automobile. Executive shall be entitled to four weeks paid vacation per year. SECTION 8. EQUITY INVESTMENT. On or before January 31, 2002, Executive may elect to make an investment (the "Equity Investment") of up to $4,000,000 in the Company. On the date on which such investment is made, Executive will receive membership interests (the "Membership Interest") representing his ownership interest in the Company and will enter into the Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of the Company, dated as of February 1, 2000, as amended from time to time (the "LLC Agreement") in accordance with the terms of Section 4.06 of the LLC Agreement. The Membership Interest shall be subject to all terms of the LLC Agreement other than Section 4.04. The Board of Directors will determine Executive's percentage of the total membership interests in the Company on the date that the Equity Investment is made by dividing (a) the amount of the Equity Investment by (b) the sum of $529,000,000 and the amount of the Equity Investment. Pursuant to Section 8.05 of the LLC Agreement, the Executive is granting an irrevocable proxy, which shall be deemed coupled with an interest, to the Company to vote his Membership Interest. SECTION 9. OPTIONS. (a) As of the date hereof, the Company grants Executive an option (the "LLC Options") to purchase the Applicable Amount of Membership Interests (as defined below) at the Applicable Strike Price (as defined below). The 4 Applicable Amount of Membership Interests means 2.5% of the amount of Membership Interests outstanding as of the date hereof and the Applicable Strike Price means $13,225,000. The LLC Options shall (i) have a five year term and (ii) vest ratably on each of the first three anniversaries of the date hereof and shall vest entirely immediately prior to a Change in Control. Vested LLC Options shall not be exercisable until the earliest of (A) the time immediately prior to a Change in Control, (B) termination of the Executive's employment by the Company without Good Cause, (C) termination of the Executive's employment by the Executive for Good Reason, (D) termination of Executive's employment due to death or Total Disability or (E) the second anniversary of the date hereof. The unexercised portion of the LLC Options shall immediately terminate and be of no further force or effect upon the earliest of (I) the termination of Executive's employment by the Company for Good Cause, (II) termination of the Executive's employment by Executive without Good Reason, (III) the date of an initial public offering involving the Company (the "IPO") or (IV) a Change in Control. In the event of the termination of Executive's employment for any reason other than one described in clause (I) or (II) of the preceding sentence, the vested portion of the LLC Options shall terminate on the later of the expiration of the Put Right (as defined in Section 14(b)) or the purchase of the vested LLC Options pursuant to Section 14(d) if the call right described in Section 14(a) or the Put Right has been exercised. The unvested portion of the LLC Options shall immediately terminate upon the termination of Executive's employment for any reason. Prior to exercise, the LLC Options shall be subject to Section 7.03 of the LLC Agreement. In addition, in the event the Company determines that the exercise of an LLC Option could cause any adverse tax effect to the Company or its members, Executive and the Company shall negotiate in good faith to amend this Agreement to restructure the LLC Options and related Membership Interests so as to mitigate such tax effect to the extent possible while keeping Executive in substantially the same economic position. As a condition to receiving Membership Interests upon exercise of all or a part of the LLC Options, Executive shall enter into the LLC Agreement with respect to such Membership Interests. Except as provided herein, the LLC Options shall be otherwise subject to the terms of a customary stock option plan of a private company (b) If Executive is employed by the Company on the date of the IPO, (i) Executive shall receive options (the "Initial Grant Options") to purchase the Applicable Number of Shares (as defined below) of common stock ("Common Stock") of the corporation into which the Company was converted for the purpose of consummating such IPO and (ii) Executive shall have the right to allocate (subject to the approval of the Board of Directors) to other members of senior management of the Company options ("Management Options") to purchase up to an additional 2.5% of the shares of Common Stock that are outstanding immediately before consummation of the IPO. The Applicable Number of Shares means the product of (A) 2.5% of the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately before consummation of the IPO and (B) a fraction the numerator of which is the Applicable Amount of Membership Interests still subject to the LLC Options at the time such LLC Options were canceled in connection with the IPO or a prior Change in Control, as applicable, and the denominator of which is the Applicable Amount of Membership Interests originally subject to the LLC Options. The strike price of the Initial Grant Options and Management Options shall be determined by the Board of Directors by dividing (i) the sum of (A) $529,000,000 and (B) the amount of any additional equity invested in the Company (including the Equity Investment and due to the exercise of any LLC Options) from the date 5 hereof to the date immediately before the IPO, by (ii) the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately before the consummation of the IPO. (c) If Executive is employed by the Company on the second anniversary of the IPO, Executive shall receive additional options (the "Additional Options") to purchase the number of shares of Common Stock equal to the lesser of (i) 0.5% of the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding on such date or (ii) $5,000,000 divided by the Fair Market Value (defined below) of a share of Common Stock on such date. The strike price of the Additional Options shall be the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock. For purposes of this Section 9(b), "Fair Market Value" of a share of Common Stock means the average daily trading price of a share of Common Stock for the six month period commencing three months prior to the date of grant of the Additional Options and ending three months after such date of grant. (d) The Initial Grant Options, Management Options and Additional Options (i) shall each have a five year term and shall vest and become exercisable ratably on each of the first three annual anniversaries of (A) the date hereof in the case of the Initial Grant Options, (B) the later of the date hereof or the date the applicable optionee is first employed by the Company in the case of the Management Options or (C) the date of grant in the case of the Additional Options, and (ii) shall, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, be otherwise subject to the terms of a customary stock option plan of a public company. To the extent Executive cannot sell the Common Stock delivered pursuant to the exercise of the Options under federal securities laws without an effective registration statement, Company shall grant Executive the right to require the Company (at the Company's expense) to register such shares under applicable federal securities laws (the "Registration Right"). Executive may exercise the Registration Right once beginning on the second anniversary of the IPO. The terms and conditions of the Registration Right shall be customary for the private equity industry; PROVIDED THAT the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause such registration to be effective within 90 days of Executive's exercise of the Registration Right; and PROVIDED FURTHER Executive may not exercise the Registration Right at any time underwriters to the Company believe such exercise would adversely affect any offering of securities issued by the Company. SECTION 10. NONCOMPETE AND NONSOLICITATION. During the Term and for two years thereafter (one year in the case of a termination described in Section 12(b)), Executive shall not directly or indirectly (other than as an employee of or consultant to the Company): (a) accept employment with, or render services to, any Competing Business (defined below) or solicit business on behalf of any Competing Business from any customers or clients of the Company or its affiliates. (b) solicit, recruit or hire any employee of the Company (or any person who was an employee of the Company during the 12 month period preceding Executive's date of termination) or encourage any such employee to terminate employment with the Company. 6 For purposes of this Agreement, "Competing Business" means any corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship or other entity that engages in activities or businesses within the United States that are substantially in competition with the Company or any of its controlled affiliates. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the Company hereby agrees that the foregoing covenant shall not be deemed breached as a result of the passive ownership by Executive of: (i) less than an aggregate of 5% of any class of stock of a Competing Business; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that such stock is listed on a national securities exchange or is quoted on the National Market System of NASDAQ; or (ii) less than an aggregate of 10% in value of any instrument of indebtedness of a Competing Business; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that, for a period of two years from the date hereof, Executive shall not engage in any activities described in Section 10(a) or (b) even if otherwise permitted hereby, except to the extent Executive engages in such activities as of the date hereof. If a judicial determination is made that any of the provisions of this Section 10 constitutes an unreasonable or otherwise unenforceable restriction against Executive, the provisions of this Section 10 shall be rendered void only to the extent that such judicial determination finds such provisions to be unreasonable or otherwise unenforceable. Moreover, notwithstanding the fact that any provision of this Section 10 is determined not to be specifically enforceable, the Company shall nevertheless be entitled to recover monetary damages as a result of Executive's breach of such provision. Executive agrees that the provisions of this Section 10 are reasonable and properly required for the adequate protection of the business and the goodwill of the Company. SECTION 11. NONDISCLOSURE. The parties hereto agree that during the course of his employment by the Company, Executive will have access to, and will gain knowledge with respect to, the Company's Confidential Information (defined below). The parties acknowledge that unauthorized disclosure or misuse of such Confidential Information would cause irreparable damage to the Company. Accordingly, Executive agrees to the nondisclosure covenants in this Section 11. Executive represents that his experience and capabilities are such that the provisions of Section 10 and this Section 11 will not prevent him from earning his livelihood. Executive agrees that he shall not (except as may be required by law), without the prior written consent of the Company during his employment with the Company under this Agreement, and any extension or renewal hereof, and thereafter for so long as it remains Confidential Information, use or disclose, or knowingly permit any unauthorized person to use, disclose or gain access to, any Confidential Information; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that Executive may disclose Confidential Information to a person to whom disclosure is reasonably necessary or appropriate in connection with the performance by Executive of his duties under this Agreement. Upon termination of this Agreement for any reason, Executive shall return to the Company the original and all copies of all documents and correspondence in his possession relating to the business of the Company or any affiliate, including but not limited to all Confidential Information, and shall not be entitled to any lien or right of retention in respect thereof. 7 For purposes of this Agreement, "Confidential Information" shall mean all business information (whether or not in written form) which relates to the Company, any of its affiliates or their respective businesses or products or services and which is not known to the public generally, including but not limited to technical information or reports; trade secrets; unwritten knowledge and "know-how"; operating instructions; training manuals; customer lists; customer buying records and habits; product sales records and documents, and product development, marketing and sales strategies; market surveys; marketing plans; profitability analyses; product cost; long-range plans; information relating to pricing, competitive strategies and new product development; information relating to any forms of compensation and other personnel-related information; contracts; and supplier lists. SECTION 12. SEVERANCE. (a) If Executive's employment is terminated for any reason, in addition to the other applicable benefits set forth in this Section 12, Executive shall be entitled to receive his Base Salary through the date of his termination and any Target Bonus or Additional Bonus earned in a previous year that has not yet been paid (the "Accrued Obligations"). If Executive's employment is terminated (i) by the Company for Good Cause, (ii) by Executive without Good Reason, or (iii) due to Executive's death or Total Disability (defined below), Executive shall not be entitled to any additional severance or termination pay. (b) (i) In addition to the Accrued Obligations, if Executive's employment hereunder is terminated pursuant to Section 15 (i) by Executive for "Good Reason" or (ii) by the Company for any reason other than for (A) "Good Cause" or (B) the occurrence of the death or Total Disability of Executive, the Company shall pay to Executive (after execution and delivery by Executive of a Termination Release (defined below) as severance pay: (A) a lump sum cash payment in the amount of 200% of the present value, as of the date of such termination, of his current Base Salary, said present value to be determined in good faith by the Board of Directors based on an assumption that such amount would be paid over a 24 month period, using the Prime Rate reported by JP Morgan Chase Manhattan Bank as of the close of business on the date of such termination; and (B) an amount equal to the total bonus, if any, actually earned by Executive pursuant to Section 5 for the year preceding the year in which such termination occurred, provided that if termination occurs on or before December 31, 2002, the amount payable under this paragraph (B) shall be $750,000. (ii) Payment of such severance pay will be made in a lump sum within 30 days of such termination. (c) If Executive has indicated his desire to renew this Agreement and the Company fails to deliver notice within two (2) months prior to the expiration of the Term (or two (2) months prior to the expiration of any Renewal Term) of its intention to renew this Agreement for an additional year (a "Renewal Term"), (i) Executive's employment shall terminate at the end of the original Term (or the Renewal Term if this Agreement has 8 previously been renewed) and (ii) the Company shall pay to Executive (in addition to the Accrued Obligations) within 30 days of such termination (after execution and delivery by Executive of a Termination Release as defined above) as severance pay a lump sum cash payment in the amount of 100% of Executive's current Base Salary, plus an amount equal to the total bonus, if any, earned by Executive pursuant to Section 5 for the year preceding the year in which the Term expires. (d) For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meaning set forth below: (i) "Good Cause" shall mean a finding by the Board of Directors, after notice and an opportunity for Executive to be heard with counsel, that any of the following has occurred: (A) Executive is convicted of, pleads guilty to, confesses to, or enters a plea of nolo contendere to, any felony or any crime that involves moral turpitude or any act of fraud, misappropriation or embezzlement; (B) Executive has wilfully engaged in a fraudulent act to the damage or prejudice of the Company or any affiliate; (C) any act or omission by Executive involving malfeasance or gross negligence in the performance of Executive's duties to the Company that (x) results in damage or prejudice to the Company or any affiliate or (y) is not corrected by Executive within 30 days after written notice from the Company of such act or omission; (D) Executive otherwise wilfully fails to comply in any material respect with the terms of this Agreement or deviates in any material respect from any reasonable written policies or reasonable directives of the Board of Directors and, within 30 days after written notice from the Company of such failure or deviation, Executive has not corrected such failure; or (E) the representation provided by Executive in Section 21(b) is not true and accurate in all material respects. (ii) "Good Reason" shall mean a termination of employment by Executive within 40 days following: (A) any material breach by the Company of its obligations under this Agreement; (B) Executive's removal from the Board of Directors or the failure to elect, or re-elect, Executive as a member of the Board of Directors, except in connection with the termination of Executive's employment for Good Cause; 9 (C) any substantial diminution in Executive's duties or responsibilities set forth herein, except in connection with the termination of Executive's employment for Good Cause; (D) Executive no longer reports directly to the Board of Directors, except in connection with the termination of Executive's employment for Good Cause; or (E) the existence of a direct reporting relationship between the Board of Directors and any employee of the Company other than Executive or the Company's Chief Financial Officer; (F) provided that (A) Executive shall have given the Company written notice of the circumstances constituting Good Reason and the Company shall have failed to cure such circumstances within 30 days (five (5) business days in the event of wilful failure to make a Base Salary payment), and (B) Executive shall not have directly caused the occurrence constituting "Good Reason" through the exercise of his authority as an officer of the Company. (iii) "Total Disability" means the failure of Executive to perform his normal required services hereunder for a period of three consecutive months during the Term by reason of Executive's mental or physical disability, as determined by an independent physician selected by the Company who is reasonably satisfactory to Executive. (iv) "Termination Release" means an irrevocable agreement releasing any and all claims against the Company, its affiliates and their directors and employees, other than claims for indemnification under Article XI of the Company's Third Amended and Restated Operating Agreement or similar provisions hereafter adopted that do not reduce the Executive's level of protection). SECTION 13. CHANGE IN CONTROL. (a) In the event of a Change in Control, (i) all unvested Options held by Executive shall immediately vest and remain exercisable through the date specified in the applicable option agreement and (ii) the provisions of Section 12(b)-(c) shall terminate and, in lieu of any current or future obligations under Section 12, the Company shall pay Executive a lump sum cash payment in the amount of 299% of the average annual cash compensation actually paid to Executive by the Company pursuant to Sections 4 and 5 over the shorter of (A) Executive's period of employment with the Company or (B) the five full calendar years preceding Executive's termination of employment. If Executive has not been employed by the Company for five full calendar years, any cash compensation paid to Executive for the 2001 calendar year pursuant to Section 4 shall be annualized to determine the average annual cash compensation actually paid to Executive. If Executive's employment hereunder is terminated pursuant to Section 12(b) during the three-month period preceding a Change in Control, Executive shall be entitled to the benefits described in this Section 13(a) less any benefits provided to Executive under Section 12(b). 10 (b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if the accelerated vesting of the Options in connection with a Change in Control causes Executive to be subject to any excise tax (the "Excise Tax") imposed pursuant to Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, then (i) the vesting of such Options shall not be accelerated to the extent necessary to avoid imposition of such Excise Tax and (ii) the Options shall continue to vest in accordance with their terms; PROVIDED THAT (A) if Executive's employment is terminated by the Company (or its successor) for Good Cause after the Change in Control, the vested Options shall immediately terminate and (B) if Executive's employment is terminated after the Change in Control for any other reason, the unvested Options shall continue to vest so long as Executive complies with the terms of Sections 10 and 11. (c) In the event a Change in Control is consummated for cash or other property other than the securities of the acquiring company (or its parent), the Company and Executive shall cooperate in good faith to structure a payout of any unvested Options over the time period such Options would have vested under Section 13(b), above. (d) "Change in Control" means (I) Ripplewood Holdings, L.L.C. and Freeman Spogli & Co. Incorporated (or their affiliates) (the "Major Investors") cease to have the right and power to designate the directors constituting a majority of the Board of Directors, (II) any person or "group" (within the meaning of Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as in effect on the date hereof), other than the Major Investors or any group including either of the Major Investors, shall have acquired directly or indirectly a greater beneficial ownership of the membership interests of the Company than that beneficially owned by the Major Investors or (III) the Company disposes of all or substantially all its assets to any entity other than an entity with respect to which (A) the Major Investors have the right and power to designate a majority of the board of directors thereof (or similar body if the entity is not a corporation) or (B) the Major Investors beneficially own (directly or indirectly) a greater percentage of the voting securities of such entity that is owned by any other person or group (as defined in (II), above). SECTION 14. OPTIONS TO PURCHASE AND SELL THE LLC INTERESTS. (a) If, prior to the IPO, Executive's employment is terminated for any reason, the Company shall have an option to purchase from Executive all or any portion of Executive's Membership Interest and/or vested LLC Options at a purchase price equal to the Fair Market Value, determined in accordance with Section 14(d) as of the date of such termination. The Company shall, within 90 days of such date of termination, give notice in writing to Executive of its election to exercise or not to exercise such option, which notice shall set forth the portion, if any, of Executive's Membership Interest or vested LLC Options that the Company elects to purchase. The Company may assign its rights under this Section 14 to any person. (b) If the Company has failed to exercise its option to purchase the Executive's Membership Interest or vested LLC Options pursuant to Section 14(a) or has exercised such option with respect to less than all of Executive's Membership Interest or vested LLC Options, Executive shall have the right to sell to the Company (the "Put Right") all, but not less than all, of Executive's Membership Interest and vested LLC Options, at a purchase price equal to the Fair Market Value, determined in accordance with Section 13(d) 11 as of the date of such termination. Executive shall within 15 days after the expiration of the Company's option give notice in writing to the Company of his election to exercise or not to exercise the Put Right. (d) The purchase of Executive's Membership Interest and/or vested LLC Options or any portion thereof shall take place at the principal office of Ripplewood Holdings, L.L.C., currently located at One Rockefeller Plaza, New York, New York, on the date specified by the Company (not later than the later of the twentieth business day following the receipt by Executive or the Company, as the case may be, of the required notice from the Company or Executive, as the case may be, and the satisfaction of any legal requirements to the purchase of Executive's Membership Interest or vested LLC Options). The consideration for the purchase of Executive's Membership Interest or vested LLC Options or any portion thereof shall be paid by delivery to Executive of a certified or bank check made payable to Executive or by wire transfer of immediately available funds to a bank account designated by Executive, against delivery of certificates or other instruments representing any portion of Executive's Membership Interest or vested LLC Options so purchased, appropriately endorsed by Executive, free and clear of all security interests, liens, claims, encumbrances, charges, options, restrictions on transfer, proxies and voting and other agreements of whatever nature. (e) For purposes of this Agreement, "Fair Market Value" shall be the fair market value of Executive's Membership Interest as of the applicable date specified in this Section 14 as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors (without any minority in interest discount or discount for transfer restrictions on Executive's Membership Interest). In making a determination of such Fair Market Value, the Board of Directors shall give due consideration to such factors as it deems appropriate, including, without limitation, the earnings and certain other financial and operating information of the Company and its affiliates in recent periods, potential value of the Company and its affiliates as a whole, the future prospects of the Company and its affiliates and of the industries in which they compete, the history and management of the Company and its affiliates, the general condition of the securities markets and the fair market value of securities of privately owned companies engaged in businesses similar to those of the Company and its affiliates, if any. The Fair Market Value of vested LLC Options shall be equal to the Fair Market Value of the underlying Membership Interests (as determined above) minus the applicable exercise price. The Fair Market Value as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors shall be binding and conclusive upon Executive. The Board of Directors shall deliver to Executive a written statement of assumptions and calculations used to determine Fair Market Value hereunder. SECTION 15. TERMINATION; SURVIVAL. This Agreement may be terminated (a) by the Company (i) upon the death or Total Disability (as defined in Section 12) of the Executive, (ii) for Good Cause or (iii) for any other reason upon 30 days notice to the Executive or (b) by the Executive (i) for Good Reason or (ii) for any reason upon 30 days written notice to the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Sections 10, 11, 14 and 17 and, if Executive's employment terminates in a manner giving rise to a payment under Section 12, Section 12 shall survive the termination of this Agreement. 12 SECTION 16. VALIDITY. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect. SECTION 17. RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES. Any disputes arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall be resolved by third party mediation of the dispute and, if such dispute is not resolved within 30 days, by binding arbitration, to be held in New York City, New York, in accordance with the rules and procedures of the American Arbitration Association. Judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator(s) may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. Each party shall bear his or its own costs of the mediation, arbitration or litigation. SECTION 18. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument. SECTION 19. WITHHOLDING. All payments hereunder shall be subject to any required withholding of Federal, state and local taxes pursuant to any applicable law or regulation. SECTION 20. SECTION HEADINGS. The section headings in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only, and they form no part of this Agreement and shall not affect its interpretation. SECTION 21. MISCELLANEOUS. (a) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and shall be binding upon Executive and his executor, administrator, heirs, personal representative and permitted assigns, and the Company and its successors and permitted assigns. Neither this Agreement nor any rights or obligations hereunder may be assigned by one party without the consent of the others, except that this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of any successor or successors of the Company whether by merger, consolidation, sale of assets or otherwise and reference herein to the Company shall be deemed to include any such successor or successors. (b) Executive represents and warrants that (i) he is not subject to any agreement, understanding or limitation that could hinder or impair Executive's ability to perform his duties hereunder and (ii) Executive's entry into, and performance of his obligations under, this Agreement will not interfere or otherwise violate any other agreement to which Executive is a party or is bound, including, without limitation, the Limited Agreement. (c) This Agreement shall be deemed to be made in, and in all respects shall be interpreted, construed and governed by and in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York, without regard to the conflicts of law principles of such State. No provision of this Agreement or any related document shall be construed against or interpreted to the disadvantage of any party hereto by any court or other governmental or judicial authority by reason of such party having or being deemed to have structured or drafted such provision. 13 (d) This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Company and Executive with respect to Executive's employment by the Company and supersedes all prior agreements, if any, whether written or oral, between them, relating to Executive's employment by the Company. This Agreement may not be changed, waived, discharged or terminated orally, but only by an instrument in writing, signed by the party against which enforcement of such change, waiver, discharge or termination is sought. In the event of any conflict between the terms of this Agreement and the terms of the LLC Agreement, this Agreement will control. (e) All notices and other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed given when (a) delivered personally, (b) sent by certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested or delivered by overnight courier (provided that a written acknowledgment of receipt is obtained by the overnight courier) to the party concerned at the address indicated below or to such changed address as such party may subsequently give such notice of: If to the Company: Asbury Automotive Group, L.L.C. c/o Ripplewood Holdings L.L.C. One Rockefeller Plaza, 32nd Floor New York, NY 10020 Attn: Ian Snow If to Executive: 360 Columbia Avenue Columbus, OH 43209 With a copy to: David Rosen, Esq. Herrick, Feinstein LLP 2 Park Avenue New York, NY 10016 14 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written. ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP L.L.C. by /s/ Ian Snow --------------------------------- Name: Ian Snow Title: Director /s/ Kenneth B. Gilman --------------------------------- Kenneth B. Gilman
Exhibit 10.22 [LETTERHEAD OF ASBURY AUTOGROUP] SEVERANCE PAY AGREEMENT FOR KEY EMPLOYEE This agreement is entered into as of May 15, 2001 between Asbury Automotive Group L.L.C. ("Asbury") and Thomas F. Gilman ("Executive"), a key employee of Asbury, in order to provide for an agreed-upon compensation in the event that the Executive's employment is terminated as defined in this agreement. 1. SEVERANCE PAY ARRANGEMENT If a Termination (as defined below) of Executive's employment occurs at any time during Executive's employment, Asbury will pay Executive 12 months of Executive's base salary as of the date of Termination as Severance Pay. Payment (subject to required withholding) will be made by Asbury to Executive monthly on the regular payroll dates of Asbury starting with the date of Termination. If Executive participates in a bonus compensation plan at the date of Termination, Severance Pay will also include a portion of the target bonus for the year of Termination in an amount equal to the target bonus multiplied by the percentage of such year that has expired through the date of Termination. In addition, Executive shall be entitled for 12 months following the date of Termination to continue to participate at the same level of coverage and Executive contribution in any health and dental insurance plans, as may be amended from time to time, in which Executive was participating immediately prior to the date of Termination. Such participation will terminate 30 days after Executive has obtained other employment under which Executive is covered by equal benefits. The Executive agrees to notify Asbury promptly upon obtaining such other employment. 2. DEFINITION OF TERMINATION TRIGGERING SEVERANCE PAY A "Termination" triggering the Severance Pay set forth above in Section 1 is defined as (1) termination of Executive's employment by Asbury for any reason, except death, disability, retirement, voluntary resignation or "cause", or (2) termination by Executive because of mandatory relocation of Executive's current principal place of business to a location more than 50 miles away, or (3) Asbury's reduction of Executive's base salary, or (4) any material diminution of Executive's duties or job title, except in a termination for "cause", death, disability, retirement or voluntary resignation. The definition of "cause" is: (1) Executive's gross negligence or gross misconduct in carrying out Executive's duties resulting in either case in material harm to Asbury; or (2) Executive being convicted of a felony; or (3) Executive's breach of Sections 3, 4 or 5 below. 3. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION NONDISCLOSURE PROVISION During and after employment with Asbury, Executive agrees not to disclose to any person (other to an employee or director of Asbury or any affiliate and except as may be required by law) and not to use to compete with Asbury or any affiliate any confidential or proprietary information, knowledge or data that is not in the public domain that was obtained by Executive while employed by Asbury with respect to Asbury or any affiliate or with respect to any products, improvements, customers, methods of distribution, sales, prices, profits, costs, contracts, suppliers, business prospects, business methods, techniques, research, trade secrets or know-how of Asbury or any affiliate (collectively, "Confidential Information"). In the event that Executive's employment ends for any reason, Executive will deliver to Asbury all documents and data of any nature pertaining to Executive's work with Asbury and will not take any documents or data or any reproduction, or any documents containing or pertaining to any Confidential Information. Executive agrees that in the event of a breach by Executive of this provision, Asbury shall be entitled to inform all potential or new employers of this provision and obtain injunctive relief and damages which may include recovery of amounts paid to Executive under this agreement. 4. NON-SOLICITATION OF EMPLOYEES Executive agrees that for a period of one year from Executive's last day of employment with Asbury, Executive shall not directly or indirectly solicit for employment or employ any person who, at any time during the preceding 12 months, is or was employed by Asbury or any affiliate or induce or attempt to persuade any employee of Asbury or any affiliate to terminate their employment relationship. Executive agrees that in the event of a breach by Executive of this provision, Asbury shall be entitled to inform all potential or new employers of this provision and obtain injunctive relief and damages which may include recovery of amounts paid to Executive under this agreement. 5. COVENANT NOT TO COMPETE While Executive is employed by Asbury, Executive shall not directly or indirectly engage in, participate in, represent or be connected with in any way, as an officer, director, partner, owner, employee, agent, independent contractor, consultant, proprietor or stockholder (except for the ownership of a less than 5% stock interest in a publicly-traded corporation) or otherwise, any business or activity which competes with the business of Asbury or any affiliate unless expressly consented to in writing by the Chief Executive Officer of Asbury (collectively, "Covenant Not To Compete"). In the event that Executive's employment ends for any reason, the provisions of the Covenant Not To Compete shall remain in effect for one year following the date of Termination except that the prohibition above on "any business or activity which competes with the business of Asbury or any affiliate" shall be limited to Autonation, Sonic, Lithia, United Auto Group and other competitive groups of similar size. Executive shall disclose in writing to Asbury the name, address and type of business conducted by any proposed new employer of Executive if requested in writing by Asbury. Executive agrees that in the event of a breach by Executive of this Covenant Not To Compete, Asbury shall be entitled to inform all potential or new employers of this Covenant and to obtain injunctive relief and damages which may include recovery of amounts paid to Executive under this agreement. GENERAL PROVISIONS A. EMPLOYMENT IS AT WILL The Executive and Asbury acknowledge and agree that Executive is an "at will" employee, which means that either the Executive or Asbury may terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any reason, with or without cause or notice, and that nothing in this agreement shall be construed as an express or implied contract of employment. B. EXECUTION OF RELEASE As a condition to the receipt of the Severance Pay payments and benefits described in section 1 above, Executive agrees to execute a release of all claims arising out of the Executive's employment or its termination including but not limited to any claim of discrimination, harassment or wrongful discharge under local, state or federal law. C. OTHER PROVISIONS This agreement shall be binding upon the heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns of Executive and Asbury, including any successor to Asbury. The headings and captions are provided for reference and convenience only and shall not be considered part of this agreement. If any provision of this agreement shall be held invalid or unenforceable, such holding shall not affect any other provisions, and this agreement shall be construed and enforced as if such provisions had not been included. This agreement supersedes any and all agreements between Asbury and Executive relating to payments upon termination of employment or severance pay and may only be modified in writing signed by Asbury and Executive. This agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Connecticut. AGREED TO AS OF THE DATE FIRST WRITTEN ABOVE: BY EXECUTIVE BY ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP L.L.C. /s/ Thomas F. Gilman /s/ Brian E. Kendrick -------------------------- -------------------------- PRINT NAME: PRINT NAME AND TITLE: Thomas F. Gilman Brian E. Kendrick President & Chief Executive Officer
Exhibit 10.23 [LETTERHEAD OF ASBURY AUTOGROUP] SEVERANCE PAY AGREEMENT FOR KEY EMPLOYEE This agreement is entered into as of April 16, 2001 between Asbury Automotive Group L.L.C. ("Asbury") and Thomas McCollum ("Executive"), a key employee of Asbury, in order to provide for an agreed-upon compensation in the event that the Executive's employment is terminated as defined in this agreement. 1. SEVERANCE PAY ARRANGEMENT If a Termination (as defined below) of Executive's employment occurs at any time during Executive's employment, Asbury will pay Executive 12 months of Executive's base salary as of the date of Termination as Severance Pay. Payment (subject to required withholding) will be made by Asbury to Executive monthly on the regular payroll dates of Asbury starting with the date of Termination. If Executive participates in a bonus compensation plan at the date of Termination, Severance Pay will also include a portion of the target bonus for the year of Termination in an amount equal to the target bonus multiplied by the percentage of such year that has expired through the date of Termination. In addition, Executive shall be entitled for 12 months following the date of Termination to continue to participate at the same level of coverage and Executive contribution in any health and dental insurance plans, as may be amended from time to time, in which Executive was participating immediately prior to the date of Termination. Such participation will terminate 30 days after Executive has obtained other employment under which Executive is covered by equal benefits. The Executive agrees to notify Asbury promptly upon obtaining such other employment. 2. DEFINITION OF TERMINATION TRIGGERING SEVERANCE PAY A "Termination" triggering the Severance Pay set forth above in Section 1 is defined as (1) termination of Executive's employment by Asbury for any reason, except death, disability, retirement, voluntary resignation or "cause", or (2) termination by Executive because of mandatory relocation of Executive's current principal place of business to a location more than 50 miles away, or (3) Asbury's reduction of Executive's base salary, or (4) any material diminution of Executive's duties or job title, except in a termination for "cause", death, disability, retirement or voluntary resignation. The definition of "cause" is: (1) Executive's gross negligence or gross misconduct in carrying out Executive's duties resulting in either case in material harm to Asbury; or (2) Executive being convicted of a felony; or (3) Executive's breach of Sections 3, 4 or 5 below. 3. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION NONDISCLOSURE PROVISION During and after employment with Asbury, Executive agrees not to disclose to any person (other to an employee or director of Asbury or any affiliate and except as may be required by law) and not to use to compete with Asbury or any affiliate any confidential or proprietary information, knowledge or data that is not in the public domain that was obtained by Executive while employed by Asbury with respect to Asbury or any affiliate or with respect to any products, improvements, customers, methods of distribution, sales, prices, profits, costs, contracts, suppliers, business prospects, business methods, techniques, research, trade secrets or know-how of Asbury or any affiliate (collectively, "Confidential Information"). In the event that Executive's employment ends for any reason, Executive will deliver to Asbury all documents and data of any nature pertaining to Executive's work with Asbury and will not take any documents or data or any reproduction, or any documents containing or pertaining to any Confidential Information. Executive agrees that in the event of a breach by Executive of this provision, Asbury shall be entitled to inform all potential or new employers of this provision and obtain injunctive relief and damages which may include recovery of amounts paid to Executive under this agreement, 4. NON-SOLICITATION OF EMPLOYEES Executive agrees that for a period of one year from Executive's last day of employment with Asbury, Executive shall not directly or indirectly solicit for employment or employ any person who, at any time during the preceding 12 months, is or was employed by Asbury or any affiliate or induce or attempt to persuade any employee of Asbury or any affiliate to terminate their employment relationship. Executive agrees that in the event of a breach by Executive of this provision, Asbury shall be entitled to inform all potential or new employers of this provision and obtain injunctive relief and damages which may include recovery of amounts paid to Executive under this agreement. 5. COVENANT NOT TO COMPETE While Executive is employed by Asbury, Executive shall not directly or indirectly engage in, participate in, represent or be connected with in any way, as an officer, director, partner, owner, employee, agent, independent contractor, consultant, proprietor or stockholder (except for the ownership of a less than 5% stock interest in a publicly-traded corporation) or otherwise, any business or activity which competes with the business of Asbury or any affiliate unless expressly consented to in writing by the Chief Executive Officer of Asbury (collectively, "Covenant Not To Compete"). In the event that Executive's employment ends for any reason, the provisions of the Covenant Not To Compete shall remain in effect for one year following the date of Termination except that the prohibition above on "any business or activity which competes with the business of Asbury or any affiliate" shall be limited to Autonation, Sonic, Lithia, United Auto Group and other competitive groups of similar size. Executive shall disclose in writing to Asbury the name, address and type of business conducted by any proposed new employer of Executive if requested in writing by Asbury. Executive agrees that in the event of a breach by Executive of this Covenant Not To Compete, Asbury shall be entitled to inform all potential or new employers of this Covenant and to obtain injunctive relief and damages which may include recovery of amounts paid to Executive under this agreement. GENERAL PROVISIONS A. EMPLOYMENT IS AT WILL The Executive and Asbury acknowledge and agree that Executive is an "at will" employee, which means that either the Executive or Asbury may terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any reason, with or without cause or notice, and that nothing in this agreement shall be construed as an express or implied contract of employment. B. Execution of Release As a condition to the receipt of the Severance Pay payments and benefits described in section 1 above, Executive agrees to execute a release of all claims arising out of the Executive's employment or its termination including but not limited to any claim of discrimination, harassment or wrongful discharge under local, state or federal law. C. OTHER PROVISIONS This agreement shall be binding upon the heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns of Executive and Asbury, including any successor to Asbury. The headings and captions are provided for reference and convenience only and shall not be considered part of this agreement. If any provision of this agreement shall be held invalid or unenforceable, such holding shall not affect any other provisions, and this agreement shall be construed and enforced as if such provisions had not been included. This agreement supersedes any and all agreements between Asbury and Executive relating to payments upon termination of employment or severance pay and may only be modified in writing signed by Asbury and Executive. This agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Connecticut. AGREED TO AS OF THE DATE FIRST WRITTEN ABOVE: BY EXECUTIVE BY ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP L.L.C. /s/ Thomas McCollum /s/ Brian E. Kendrick -------------------------- -------------------------- PRINT NAME: PRINT NAME AND TITLE: Thomas McCollum Brian E. Kendrick President & Chief Executive Officer
Exhibit 10.24 [LETTERHEAD OF ASBURY AUTOGROUP] SEVERANCE PAY AGREEMENT FOR KEY EMPLOYEE This agreement is entered into as of April 3, 2001 between Asbury Automotive Group L.L.C. ("Asbury") and Allen T. Levenson ("Executive"), a key employee of Asbury, in order to provide for an agreed-upon compensation in the event that the Executive's employment is terminated as defined in this agreement. 1. SEVERANCE PAY ARRANGEMENT If a Termination (as defined below) of Executive's employment occurs at any time during Executive's employment, Asbury will pay Executive 12 months of Executive's base salary as of the date of Termination as Severance Pay. Payment (subject to required withholding) will be made by Asbury to Executive monthly on the regular payroll dates of Asbury starting with the date of Termination. If Executive participates in a bonus compensation plan at the date of Termination, Severance Pay will also include a portion of the target bonus for the year of Termination in an amount equal to the target bonus multiplied by the percentage of such year that has expired through the date of Termination. In addition, Executive shall be entitled for 12 months following the date of Termination to continue to participate at the same level of coverage and Executive contribution in any health and dental insurance plans, as may be amended from time to time, in which Executive was participating immediately prior to the date of Termination. Such participation will terminate 30 days after Executive has obtained other employment under which Executive is covered by equal benefits. The Executive agrees to notify Asbury promptly upon obtaining such other employment. 2. DEFINITION OF TERMINATION TRIGGERING SEVERANCE PAY A "Termination" triggering the Severance Pay set forth above in Section 1 is defined as (1) termination of Executive's employment by Asbury for any reason, except death, disability, retirement, voluntary resignation or "cause", or (2) termination by Executive because of mandatory relocation of Executive's current principal place of business to a location more than 50 miles away, or (3) Asbury's reduction of Executive's base salary, or (4) any material diminution of Executive's duties or job title, except in a termination for "cause", death, disability, retirement or voluntary resignation. The definition of "cause" is: (1) Executive's gross negligence or gross misconduct in carrying out Executive's duties resulting in either case in material harm to Asbury; or (2) Executive being convicted of a felony; or (3) Executive's breach of Sections 3, 4 or 5 below. 3. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION NONDISCLOSURE PROVISION During and after employment with Asbury, Executive agrees not to disclose to any person (other to an employee or director of Asbury or any affiliate and except as may be required by law) and not to use to compete with Asbury or any affiliate any confidential or proprietary information, knowledge or data that is not in the public domain that was obtained by Executive while employed by Asbury with respect to Asbury or any affiliate or with respect to any products, improvements, customers, methods of distribution, sales, prices, profits, costs, contracts, suppliers, business prospects, business methods, techniques, research, trade secrets or know-how of Asbury or any affiliate (collectively, "Confidential Information"), In the event that Executive's employment ends for any reason, Executive will deliver to Asbury all documents and data of any nature pertaining to Executive's work with Asbury and will not take any documents or data or any reproduction, or any documents containing or pertaining to any Confidential Information. Executive agrees that in the event of a breach by Executive of this provision, Asbury shall be entitled to inform all potential or new employers of this provision and obtain injunctive relief and damages which may include recovery of amounts paid to Executive under this agreement. 4. NON-SOLICITATION OF EMPLOYEES Executive agrees that for a period of one year from Executive's last day of employment with Asbury, Executive shall not directly or indirectly solicit for employment or employ any person who, at any time during the preceding 12 months, is or was employed by Asbury or any affiliate or induce or attempt to persuade any employee of Asbury or any affiliate to terminate their employment relationship. Executive agrees that in the event of a breach by Executive of this provision, Asbury shall be entitled to inform all potential or new employers of this provision and obtain injunctive relief and damages which may include recovery of amounts paid to Executive under this agreement. 5. COVENANT NOT TO COMPETE While Executive is employed by Asbury, Executive shall not directly or indirectly engage in, participate in, represent or be connected with in any way, as an officer, director, partner, owner, employee, agent, independent contractor, consultant, proprietor or stockholder (except for the ownership of a less than 5% stock interest in a publicly-traded corporation) or otherwise, any business or activity which competes with the business of Asbury or any affiliate unless expressly consented to in writing by the Chief Executive Officer of Asbury (collectively, "Covenant Not To Compete"). In the event that Executive's employment ends for any reason, the provisions of the Covenant Not To Compete shall remain in effect for one year following the date of Termination except that the prohibition above on "any business or activity which competes with the business of Asbury or any affiliate" shall be limited to Autonation, Sonic, Lithia, United Auto Croup and other competitive groups of similar size. Executive shall disclose in writing to Asbury the name, address and type of business conducted by any proposed new employer of Executive if requested in writing by Asbury. Executive agrees that in the event of a breach by Executive of this Covenant Not To Compete, Asbury shall be entitled to inform all potential or new employers of this Covenant and to obtain injunctive relief and damages which may include recovery of amounts paid to Executive under this agreement. GENERAL PROVISIONS A. EMPLOYMENT IS AT WILL The Executive and Asbury acknowledge and agree that Executive is an "at will" employee, which means that either the Executive or Asbury may terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any reason, with or without cause or notice, and that nothing in this agreement shall be construed as an express or implied contract of employment. B. Execution of Release As a condition to the receipt of the Severance Pay payments and benefits described in section 1 above, Executive agrees to execute a release of all claims arising out of the Executive's employment or its termination including but not limited to any claim of discrimination, harassment or wrongful discharge under local, state or federal law. C. OTHER PROVISIONS This agreement shall be binding upon the heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns of Executive and Asbury, including any successor to Asbury. The headings and captions are provided for reference and convenience only and shall not be considered part of this agreement. If any provision of this agreement shall be held invalid or unenforceable, such holding shall not affect any other provisions, and this agreement shall be construed and enforced as if such provisions had not been included. This agreement supersedes any and all agreements between Asbury and Executive relating to payments upon termination of employment or severance pay and may only be modified in writing signed by Asbury and Executive. This agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Connecticut. AGREED TO AS OF THE DATE FIRST WRITTEN ABOVE: BY EXECUTIVE BY ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP L.L.C. /s/ Allen T. Levenson /s/ Brian E. Kendrick ------------------------- ----------------------------- PRINT NAME: PRINT NAME AND TITLE: Allen T. Levenson Brian E. Kendrick President & Chief Executive Officer
Exhibit 10.25 [LETTERHEAD FOR ASBURY AUTOGROUP] SEVERANCE PAY AGREEMENT FOR KEY EMPLOYEE This agreement is entered into as of October 1, 2001 between Asbury Automotive Group L.L.C. ("Asbury") and Robert D. Frank ("Executive"), a key employee of Asbury, in order to provide for an agreed-upon compensation in the event that the Executive's employment is terminated as defined in this agreement. 1. SEVERANCE PAY ARRANGEMENT If a Termination (as defined below) of Executive's employment occurs at any time during Executive's employment, Asbury will pay Executive 12 months of Executive's base salary as of the date of Termination as Severance Pay. Payment (subject to required withholding) will be made by Asbury to Executive monthly on the regular payroll dates of Asbury starting with the date of Termination. If Executive participates in a bonus compensation plan at the date of Termination. Severance Pay will also include a portion of the target bonus for the year of Termination in an amount equal to the target bonus multiplied by the percentage of such year that has expired through the date of Termination. In addition, Executive shall be entitled for 12 months following the date of Termination to continue to participate at the same level of coverage and Executive contribution in any health, dental, disability and life insurance plans, as may be amended froth time to time, in which Executive was participating immediately prior to the date of Termination. Such participation will terminate 30 days after Executive has obtained other employment under which Executive is covered by equal benefits. The Executive agrees to notify Asbury promptly upon obtaining such other employment. 2. DEFINITION OF TERMINATION TRIGGERING SEVERANCE PAY A "Termination" triggering the Severance Pay set forth above in Section 1 is defined as (1) termination of Executive's employment by Asbury for any reason, except death, disability, retirement, voluntary resignation or "cause", or (2) termination by Executive because of mandatory relocation of Executive's current principal place of business to a location more than 50 miles away, or (3) Asbury's reduction of Executive's base salary, or (4) any material diminution of Executive's duties or job title, except in a termination for "cause", death, disability, retirement or voluntary resignation. The definition of "cause" is: (1) Executive's gross negligence or gross misconduct in carrying out Executive's duties resulting in either case in material harm to Asbury; or (2) Executive being convicted of a felony; or (3) Executive's breach of Sections 3, 4 or 5 below. 3. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION NONDISCLOSURE PROVISION During and after employment with Asbury, Executive agrees not to disclose to any person (other to an employee or director of Asbury or any affiliate and except as may be required by law) and not to use to compete with Asbury or any affiliate any confidential or proprietary information, knowledge or data that is not in the public domain that was obtained by Executive while employed by Asbury with respect to Asbury or any affiliate or with respect to any products, improvements, customers, methods of distribution, sales, prices, profits, costs, contracts, suppliers, business prospects, business methods, techniques, research, trade secrets or know-how of Asbury or any affiliate (collectively, "Confidential Information"). In the event that Executive's employment ends for any reason, Executive will deliver to Asbury all documents and data of any nature pertaining to Executive's work with Asbury and will not take any documents or data or any reproduction, or any documents containing or pertaining to any Confidential Information. Executive agrees that in the event of a breach by Executive of this provision, Asbury shall be entitled to inform all potential or new employers of this provision and obtain injunctive relief and damages which may include recovery of amounts paid to Executive under this agreement. 4. NON-SOLICITATION OF EMPLOYEES Executive agrees that for a period of one year from Executive's last day of employment with Asbury, Executive shall not directly or indirectly solicit for employment or employ any person who, at any time during the preceding 12 months, is or was employed by Asbury or any affiliate or induce or attempt to persuade any employee of Asbury or any affiliate to terminate their employment relationship. Executive agrees that in the event of a breach by Executive of this provision, Asbury shall be entitled to inform all potential or new employers of this provision and obtain injunctive relief and damages which may include recovery of amounts paid to Executive under this agreement. 5. COVENANT NOT TO COMPETE While Executive is employed by Asbury, Executive shall not directly or indirectly engage in, participate in, represent or be connected with in any way, as an officer, director, partner, owner, employee, agent, independent contractor, consultant, proprietor or stockholder (except for the ownership of a less than 5% stock interest in a publicly-traded corporation) or otherwise, any business or activity which competes with the business of Asbury or any affiliate unless expressly consented to in writing by the Chief Executive Officer of Asbury (collectively, "Covenant Not To Compete"). In the event that Executive's employment ends for any reason, the provisions of the Covenant Not To Compete shall remain in effect for one year following the date of Termination except that the prohibition above on "any business or activity which competes with the business of Asbury or any affiliate" shall be limited to Autonation, Sonic, Lithia, United Auto Group and other competitive groups of similar size. Executive shall disclose in writing to Asbury the name, address and type of business conducted by any proposed new employer of Executive if requested in writing by Asbury. Executive agrees that in the event of a breach by Executive of this Covenant Not To Compete, Asbury shall be entitled to inform all potential or new employers of this Covenant and to obtain injunctive relief and damages which may include recovery of amounts paid to Executive under this agreement. GENERAL PROVISIONS A. EMPLOYMENT IS AT WILL The Executive and Asbury acknowledge and agree that Executive is an "at will" employee, which means that either the Executive or Asbury may terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any reason, with or without cause or notice, and that nothing in this agreement shall be construed as an express or implied contract of employment. B. EXECUTION OF RELEASE As a condition to the receipt of the Severance Pay payments and benefits described in section 1 above, Executive agrees to execute a release of all claims arising out of the Executive's employment or its termination including but not limited to any claim of discrimination, harassment or wrongful discharge under local, state or federal law. C. OTHER PROVISIONS This agreement shall be binding upon the heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns of Executive and Asbury, including any successor to Asbury. The headings and captions are provided for reference and convenience only and shall not be considered part of this agreement. If any provision of this agreement shall be held invalid or unenforceable, such holding shall not affect any other provisions, and this agreement shall be construed and enforced as if such provisions had not been included. This agreement supersedes any and all agreements between Asbury and Executive relating to payments upon termination of employment or severance pay and may only be modified in writing signed by Asbury and Executive. This agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Connecticut. AGREED TO AS OF THE DATE FIRST WRITTEN ABOVE: BY EXECUTIVE BY ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP L.L.C. /s/ Robert D. Frank /s/ Phillip R. Johnson -------------------------- --------------------------- PRINT NAME: PRINT NAME AND TITLE: Robert D. Frank Phillip R. Johnson -------------------------- --------------------------- Vice President -- Human Resources
Exhibit 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our report, dated March 23, 2001 (except with respect to matters discussed in Note 17, as to which the date is July 2, 2001) on the consolidated balance sheets of Asbury Automotive Group L.L.C. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2000 and 1999, and the related consolidated statements of income, members' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2000, (and to all references to our Firm) included in or made a part of this registration statement. /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP Stamford, Connecticut January 7, 2002
Exhibit 23.2 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our report, dated June 15, 2001 on the combined balance sheet of the Business Acquired by Asbury Automotive Group L.L.C. (Hutchinson Automotive Group) as of December 31, 1999, and the related combined statements of income, shareholders' equity and cash flows for the period from January 1, 2000, through June 30, 2000, and for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 1999, (and to all references to our Firm) included in or made a part of this registration statement. /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP Stamford, Connecticut January 7, 2002
Exhibit 23.3 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our report, dated April 26, 2001 on the combined statements of income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows of the Business Acquired by Asbury Automotive Oregon L.L.C. (Thomason Auto Group) for the period from January 1, 1999 through December 9, 1999, and for the year ended December 31, 1998, (and to all references to our Firm) included in or made a part of this registration statement. /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP New York, New York January 7, 2002
Exhibit 23.4 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our report, dated July 18, 2001 on the combined statements of income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows of the Business Acquired by Asbury Automotive Arkansas L.L.C. referred to as "the McClarty Combined Entities" for the period from January 1, 1999 through November 17, 1999, and for the year ended December 31, 1998, (and to all references to our Firm) included in or made a part of this registration statement. /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP Little Rock, Arkansas January 7, 2002
Exhibit 23.5 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our report, dated July 18, 2001 on the combined statements of income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows of the Business Acquired by Asbury Automotive North Carolina L.L.C. (Crown Automotive Group) for the period from January 1,1999 through April 6, 1999, and for the year ended December 31, 1998, (and to all references to our Firm) included in or made a part of this registration statement. /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP New York, New York January 7, 2002
Exhibit 23.6 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our report, dated January 29, 1999 on the combined statements of income, shareholders' equity and cash flows of Coggin Automotive Corp and Affiliates for the period from January 1, 1998 through October 30, 1998, (and to all references to our Firm) included in or made a part of this registration statement. /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP Jacksonville, Florida January 7, 2002
Exhibit 23.7 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our report, dated April 14, 1999 on the combined statements of income, shareholders' equity and cash flows of J.I.W. Enterprises, Inc. for the period from January 1, 1998 through September 17, 1998, (and to all references to our Firm) included in or made a part of this registration statement. /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP Roseland, New Jersey January 7, 2002
Exhibit 23.8 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our report, dated March 19, 1999 on the combined statements of income, shareholders' equity and cash flows of David McDavid Auto Group for the period from January 1, 1998 through April 30, 1998, (and to all references to our Firm) included in or made a part of this registration statement. /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP Roseland, New Jersey January 7, 2002
EXHIBIT 23.9 CONSENT OF DIXON ODOM, P.L.L.C. CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS We hereby consent to the use in this Registration Statement (No. 333-65998) on Form S-1 of our report dated January 23, 1998, except for Note M, as to which the date is August 10, 2001, relating to the combined financial statements of Nalley Chevrolet, Inc. and affiliated entities, and to the reference to our Firm under the captions "Selected Consolidated Financial Data" and "Experts". /s/ Dixon Odom, P.L.L.C. Atlanta, Georgia January 7, 2002
Exhibit 24.1 Power of Attorney KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned directors and officers of Asbury Automotive Group, L.L.C. (the "Company"), constitutes and appoints Kenneth B. Gilman and Thomas F. Gilman, as his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each acting alone, with full powers of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign a Registration Statement on Form S-1 (the "Registration Statement") to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), of common stock, and any or all amendments to such Registration Statement, including post-effective amendments, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the SEC and other appropriate governmental agencies, and grants unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intent and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, and hereby ratifies and confirms all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, each acting alone, or his or her substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. This Power of Attorney may be executed in any number of counterparts (whether facsimile or original), each of which shall be deemed an original with respect to any party whose signature appears thereon, and all of which shall together constitute one and the same instrument. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have duly signed this Power of Attorney this 21st day of December, 2001. /s/ Kenneth B. Gilman - --------------------------- Kenneth B. Gilman President and Chief Executive Officer /s/ Thomas F. Gilman - --------------------------- Thomas F. Gilman Vice President and Chief Financial Officer /s/ Thomas R. Gibson - --------------------------- Thomas R. Gibson Chairman and Director /s/ Michael C. Paul - --------------------------- Michael C. Paul Controller /s/ Timothy C. Collins - --------------------------- Timothy C. Collins Director /s/ Ian K. Snow - --------------------------- Ian K. Snow Director /s/ John M. Roth - --------------------------- John M. Roth Director /s/ C.V. Jim Nalley - --------------------------- C.V. Jim Nalley Director