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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-K

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

For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2002

Commission File Number 1-11893


GUESS?, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)
  95-3679695
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)

1444 South Alameda Street
Los Angeles, California 90021
(213) 765-3100

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code)

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


Title of Each Class

 

Name of Each Exchange
on Which Registered
common stock, par value $0.01 per share   New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

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

        Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ý

        Indicate by check mark whether registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ý No o

        As of the close of business on March 18, 2003 the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $29,435,529.

        As of the close of business on March 18, 2003, the registrant had 43,104,039 shares of common stock outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

        Portions of the proxy statement for the registrant's 2003 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III herein.





TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I

Item
  Description

  Page
1   Business   1
2   Properties   12
3   Legal Proceedings   13
4   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders   14

PART II
5   Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters   15
6   Selected Financial Data   15
7   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations   16
7A   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks   28
8   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data   28
9   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure   28

PART III
10   Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant   29
11   Executive Compensation   29
12   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management   29
13   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions   29
14   Controls and Procedures   29

PART IV
15   Exhibits, Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K   30


PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

Important Factors Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

        Throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K we make "forward-looking" statements, which are not historical facts, but are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may also be in the Company's other reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, in its press releases and in other documents. In addition, from time to time, the Company, through its management, may make oral forward-looking statements. These statements relate to analyses and other information based on forecasts of future results and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. These statements also relate to our future prospects and proposed new products, services, developments or business strategies. These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as "anticipate", "believe", "could", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "may", "plan", "predict", "project", "will", "continue", and other similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions.

        Although we believe that the expectations reflected in any of our forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ materially from those projected or assumed. Certain statements in this Form 10-K, including those relating to the Company's expected results of operations, the accuracy of data relating to, and anticipated levels of, future inventory and gross margins, anticipated cash requirements and sources, cost containment efforts, estimated charges, plans regarding store openings and closings, e-commerce and business seasonality, are forward-looking statements. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in these statements. We do not intend, and undertake no obligation, to update our forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances.

        For additional information regarding forward-looking statements, refer to "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" container herein.

General

        Unless the context indicates otherwise, when we refer to "we," "us" or the "Company" in this Form 10-K, we are referring to Guess?, Inc. ("GUESS?") and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

        We design, market, distribute and license one of the world's leading lifestyle collections of casual apparel and accessories for men, women and children that reflect the American lifestyle and European fashion sensibilities. Our apparel is marketed under numerous trademarks including GUESS, GUESS?, GUESS U.S.A., GUESS Jeans, GUESS? and Triangle Design, Question Mark and Triangle Design, BRAND G, a stylized G, GUESS Kids, Baby GUESS and GUESS Collection. The lines include full collections of denim and cotton clothing, including jeans, pants, overalls, skirts, dresses, shorts, blouses, shirts, jackets and knitwear. We also selectively grant licenses to manufacture and distribute a broad range of products that complement our apparel lines, including eyewear, watches, handbags, footwear, kids' and infants' apparel and other fashion accessories.

        Our products are sold through three primary distribution channels: in our own stores, to a network of wholesale accounts and through the Internet. GUESS? branded products, some of which are produced under license, are also sold internationally through a series of licensees and distributors. Our core customer is a style-conscious consumer between the ages of 15 and 30. These consumers are part of a highly desirable demographic group that we believe is growing rapidly and has significant disposable income. We also appeal to customers outside this group through specialty product lines that include GUESS Collection, a more sophisticated fashion line targeted to women, and GUESS Kids, targeted to boys and girls ages 6 to 12.

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        We were founded in 1981 and currently operate as a Delaware corporation.

Business Segments

        Our business consists of three reportable business segments: retail operations, wholesale operations and licensing operations. Financial information about each segment for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 are included under Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained herein.

        In 2002, 65.9% of our net revenue was generated from retail operations, 27.4% from wholesale operations and 6.7% from licensing operations. Our total net revenue in 2002 was $583.1 million and net losses were $11.3 million.

Business Strengths

        We believe we have several business strengths which are necessary for the execution of our strategies. These business strengths include:

        Brand Equity.    We believe that our name is one of the most familiar in fashion and is one of our most valuable assets. We believe the enduring strength of the GUESS? brand name and image is due mainly to our consistent emphasis on innovative and distinctive product designs that stand for exceptional styling and quality. Our industry is highly competitive and subject to rapidly changing consumer preferences and tastes. The success of our brand depends on our ability to anticipate the fashion preferences of our customers. We have a team of designers who, under the direction of Maurice Marciano, our Co-Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer, seeks to identify global fashion trends and interpret them for the style-conscious consumer while retaining the distinctive GUESS? image. Through our award-winning advertising, under the creative leadership and vision of Paul Marciano, our Co-Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer, we have achieved worldwide recognition of the GUESS? brand name. By retaining control over advertising and marketing activities from our headquarters in Los Angeles, we maintain the integrity, consistency and direction of the GUESS? brand image worldwide, while realizing substantial cost savings when compared to the use of outside advertising agencies.

        We have developed the "GUESS? signature image" and "GUESS? lifestyle concept," through the use of our strong and distinctive images, merchandising display themes, logos, and trademarks which are registered in approximately 169 countries.

        Advertising and Marketing.    We control all of our worldwide advertising, marketing activities and promotional materials from our headquarters in Los Angeles. GUESS Jeans, GUESS U.S.A. and Guess?, Inc. images have been showcased in dozens of major publications and in outdoor and broadcast media throughout the United States and worldwide. Our advertising campaigns promote the GUESS? image with our award winning advertising and a consistent emphasis on innovative and distinctive designs.

        We communicate this message through the use of our signature black and white print advertisements, as well as color print advertisements, designed by our in-house Advertising Department. Led by Paul Marciano, this team has won numerous awards and contributed to making the GUESS? brand one of the most recognizable fashion brands. We have maintained a high degree of consistency in our advertisements, by using similar themes and images. We require our licensees and distributors to invest a percentage of their net sales of licensed products and net purchases of GUESS? products, respectively, in Company-approved advertising, promotion and marketing.

        Retail Distribution.    At December 31, 2002, we operated a total of 249 stores in the United States and Canada, consisting of 171 full-price retail stores, 11 kids stores and 67 factory outlet stores, and a retail store in Florence, Italy that is an integral part of our European design activities. Our retail network creates an upscale and inviting shopping environment and enhances our image. Distribution through our retail

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stores allows us to influence the merchandising and presentation of our products, build brand equity and test market new product design concepts. Our retail stores carry a full assortment of men's and women's merchandise, including most of the GUESS? licensed products. Our kids stores offer product for boys, girls and infants ages 3 months to 12 years. These stores are smaller than the adult stores and are child-friendly including special visual presentation and fixtures. Our factory outlet stores are primarily located in outlet malls generally operating outside the shopping radius of our wholesale customers and our own retail stores.

        Licensee Stores.    Our international licensees and distributors also operate 222 GUESS? stores in 37 countries at December 31, 2002. These stores carry apparel and accessories that are similar to those sold in the United States, including some that are tailored for local fashion sensibilities. We work closely with international licensees and distributors to ensure that their store designs and merchandise programs protect the reputation of the GUESS? trademarks. Our international licenses and distribution agreements also allow for the sale of GUESS? brand products in better department stores and upscale specialty retail stores.

        Wholesale Distribution.    We have both domestic and international wholesale distribution channels. Domestic wholesale customers consist primarily of better department stores and select specialty retailers and upscale boutiques, which have the image and merchandising expertise that we require for the effective presentation of our products. Leading domestic wholesale customers include Federated Department Stores, Inc., The May Department Stores Company, Dillard's, Inc. and Marshall Field's (a division of Target Corporation). At December 31, 2002, our products were sold directly to consumers from approximately 900 doors in the United States. These locations include approximately 595 shop-in-shops, an exclusive selling area within a department store that offers a wide array of our products and incorporates GUESS? signage and fixture designs. These shop-in-shops allow us to reinforce our GUESS? brand image with our customers. Many department stores have more than one shop-in-shop, with each one featuring women's or men's apparel. Through our foreign subsidiaries and our network of international distributors, our products are also found in major cities throughout Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, North America and South America.

        Licensing Operations.    The desirability of the GUESS? brand name among consumers has allowed us to selectively expand our product offerings and global markets through trademark licensing arrangements, with minimal capital investment or on-going operating expenses. We carefully select our trademark licensees and approve in advance all product design, advertising and packaging materials of all licensed products in order to maintain a consistent GUESS? image. We currently have 21 domestic and international licenses that include watches, eyewear, footwear, handbags, leather apparel, jewelry and related accessories. We have granted licenses for the manufacture and sale of GUESS? branded products in markets which include Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, North America and South America.

Business Growth Strategies

        We regularly evaluate and implement initiatives that we believe will build brand equity, grow our business and enhance profitability. Our key growth strategies are as follows:

        Leveraging the GUESS? Brand.    We believe the GUESS? brand is an integral part of our business, a significant strategic asset and a primary source of sustainable competitive advantage. It communicates a distinctive image that is fun, fashionable and sexy. Brand loyalty, name awareness, perceived quality, strong brand images, public relations, publicity, promotional events and trademarks all contribute to brand integrity. Our design teams visit the world's premier fashion locations in order to identify important style trends and to discover new fabrics. We will continue this practice while promoting our innovative designs through stylish advertising campaigns that advance the GUESS? image. Our marketing programs are

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designed to convey a uniform style image for the brand and are aimed at increasing the desire of the target group to join our GUESS? customer group.

        Acquisition Strategy.    We evaluate strategic acquisitions and alliances that support and contribute to our overall growth approach. In September 2001, we completed the acquisition of the remaining 40% of the outstanding shares of Guess? Canada Corporation not already owned by the Company. We paid nominal consideration in exchange for the remaining shares of Guess? Canada Corporation and made an additional investment during the second quarter of 2001 of $3.0 million in the Canadian business to fund its ongoing operations. We further integrated the Canadian business with our U.S. business during 2002. Guess? Canada Corporation has a solid wholesale and retail presence in Canada that will help us continue to expand operations.

        Retail Store Strategy and Expansion Plans.    Our retail growth strategy is to increase retail sales and profitability by expanding our network of retail stores and improving the performance of existing stores. During 2002, we opened a total of 24 new stores consisting of 21 new full-price retail stores and three factory outlet stores and closed two under-performing stores in the United States and Canada.

        Our retail locations build brand awareness and contribute to market penetration and growth of the brand in concert with our wholesale operations. In 2002, we increased our retail square footage by 9.1% to 1,277,000 square feet in the United States and Canada. For 2003, we plan to further increase our square footage and remodel a few existing locations. We continue to be very selective with new store locations and expect to open approximately 15 to 20 new stores in 2003.

        In 2002, total sales at our stores open for at least one year (also called "comparable store sales") decreased by 4.1% from 2001. Comparable store sales for our full priced retail stores decreased 2.5% from 2001, and comparable store sales at our factory outlet stores decreased by 7.8% from 2001. We believe the decline in total comparable store sales is attributable to lower customer traffic due to the soft retail environment, lower sales of basic items, significant decline in the men's business and increased competitive and promotional activities as a result of the conditions in the retail industry. To aid in offsetting these trends, we are committed to continuing several ongoing initiatives, including leadership in new product development, a more fashion-focused product mix, improvements in merchandising and visual presentation, the remodeling of select stores to promote a consistent brand message, and the development of a motivated team of sales professionals to service our customers and provide a favorable shopping experience.

        The look and feel of GUESS? retail and factory outlet stores play an important role in building our brand equity. To enhance the quality of our presentation, we remodeled 9 stores during 2002 and plan to remodel approximately 5 to 12 stores during 2003.

        Continue to Develop Licensee Portfolio and Expand International Business.    A primary objective of our Company is to maintain the quality and reputation of the GUESS? brand. In order to accomplish this goal, we will continue to strategically reposition our licensing portfolio by constantly monitoring and evaluating the performance of our licensees worldwide and their strength and capabilities to appropriately represent our brand. As part of this process, we will consider bringing in-house apparel licenses, where appropriate, or license lines which we produce as we did with our kids business in 2001. If we determine that licensees are performing inadequately, we will, from time to time, discontinue the existing relationship and seek out a stronger replacement licensee.

        Our girls' and boys' apparel lines are prominently featured in our new GUESS Kids stores and in girls' and boys' shop-in-shops. During 2002, we decided to license our existing children's business, then produced in-house, to the licensee of our Baby GUESS line. This new license became effective for 2002 operations. We will continue to examine opportunities to expand our licensee portfolio through strategically developing new licensees that can expand our brand penetration and are consistent with the GUESS? image.

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        We believe there are significant growth opportunities in international markets. We are working closely with our international licensees and distributors to develop these opportunities and expand the availability of the GUESS? brand throughout the world.

        Improved Product Sourcing.    Over the past several years, we have refocused our product sourcing strategies to increase efficiencies, reduce costs and improve quality. We currently purchase approximately 80% of our finished products from international vendors. This is a significant change from years ago when we purchased the majority of our goods from domestic sources. We have increased our utilization of lower-cost, offshore "packaged purchases" in which we supply the product design and fabric selection, and the vendor manufactures and delivers the finished product. We have strategically aligned ourselves with sourcing vendors worldwide, who will take full responsibility for delivering quality, finished products in a timely manner. By continuing to use these packaged programs, we believe we can improve product gross margins, reduce carrying costs of raw materials and improve the timing of our deliveries and product quality. We also retain a close relationship with a number of domestic vendors located primarily in Los Angeles as it is important to react to last minute trends as well as to respond to rush reorders.

        Logistics.    In 2000, we opened an automated distribution center in Louisville, Kentucky, to replace our distribution center in Los Angeles. This 500,000 square-foot facility is near United Parcel Service's national transit hub and has contributed to the reduction of our shipping time to our stores and wholesale accounts that are east of the Mississippi River. Operating expenses relating to the Kentucky distribution center continued to decrease in 2002 from 2001 and 2000. Depending on processing volumes and productivity improvements, we expect that we will continue to reduce operating cost per unit by reducing handling costs in the new facility and will provide better service to our customers by faster shipping and reduced response times.

        E-Commerce.    We are pursuing both business-to-consumer and outside partnership agreements. Our Website, www.guess.com, a virtual storefront that promotes the GUESS? brand, became fully operational in April 1999. Designed as a customer shopping center, the site showcases GUESS? products in an easy-to-navigate format, allowing customers to see and purchase our collections of casual apparel and accessories. This virtual store has become a successful additional retail distribution channel, it has improved customer service and is a fun and entertaining alternative-shopping environment. The site also provides fashion information, provides a mechanism for customer feedback, promotes customer loyalty and enhances our brand identity through interactive content. In 2002 and 2001, the site generated net sales comparable with the top retail GUESS? stores in the chain. In 2001, the Company added a Guess Kids, Baby Guess and Guess Outlet site to create a complete product offering for our customers.

        In November 2002, GUESS.com partnered with Amazon.com giving the GUESS? Brand wider online exposure. Amazon.com recently expanded its selection to include the clothing and accessories of many major apparel brands. GUESS? was one of the first brands launched in the Amazon.com apparel site. Customers can now enjoy a one-stop shopping experience while being exposed to the latest GUESS? products and campaign images.

GUESS? Products

        We derive net revenue from four primary sources: the sale of GUESS? men's, women's, girls' and boys' apparel, the sale of our licensees' products through our network of retail and factory outlet stores primarily in the United States, the sale of GUESS? men's, women's, girls' and boys' apparel worldwide to wholesale customers and distributors, and royalties from worldwide licensing activities.

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        The following table sets forth our net revenue from our channels of distribution:

 
  Year Ended December 31,
 
 
  2002
  2001
  2000
 
 
  (dollars in thousands)

 
Net revenue:                                
Retail operations   $ 384,456   65.9 % $ 380,576   56.2 % $ 392,539   50.4 %
Wholesale operations     159,625   27.4     260,124   38.4     348,873   44.8  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Net revenue from product sales     544,081   93.3     640,700   94.6     741,412   95.2  
Licensing operations     39,058   6.7     36,920   5.4     37,805   4.8  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Total net revenue   $ 583,139   100.0 % $ 677,620   100.0 % $ 779,217   100.0 %
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

        Products.    Our product line is organized into four primary categories: men's, women's, girls' and boys' apparel. Beginning 2001 the product assortment was refocused with a narrower and deeper buying strategy using fewer stock keeping units ("SKUs") to give our customers more depth of popular styles. To take advantage of contemporary trends, we complement our core basic styles with more fashion-oriented items. Within our basic denim assortment, we have added new denim fabrics and washes. In addition, we have also added "immediates" to our merchandise assortment; these are fashion forward styles that complement our current product line and are produced on an expedited basis. Our girls' and boys' lines that were produced in-house from 1998 through 2001 were licensed beginning in 2002.

        Our line of women's apparel also includes the GUESS Collection product line, a full collection of better women's apparel incorporating a sophisticated, high fashion combination of colors and styles. These products currently are sold primarily through our retail stores and the Internet. This contemporary line is designed to complement our denim line.

        Licensed Products.    The high level of desirability of the GUESS? brand among consumers has allowed us to selectively expand our product offerings and distribution channels worldwide through trademark licensing arrangements. We currently have 21 trademark licenses. Worldwide sales of licensed products (as reported to us by our licensees) were approximately $535 million in 2002. Our net royalties from these sales, including fees from new licensees, were $39.0 million in 2002. Approximately 60.9% of our net royalties were derived from our top 5 licensees in 2002.

Design

        Under the direction of Maurice Marciano, GUESS? apparel is designed by an in-house staff of three design teams (men's, women's, and GUESS Collection) located in Los Angeles, California. GUESS? design teams travel throughout the world in order to monitor fashion trends and discover new fabrics. Fabric shows in Europe, Asia and the United States provide additional opportunities to discover and sample new fabrics. These fabrics, together with the trends observed by our designers, serve as the primary source of inspiration for our lines and collections. We also maintain a fashion library consisting of antique and contemporary garments as another source of creative concepts. In addition, our design teams regularly meet with members of the sales, merchandising and retail operations to further refine our products to meet the particular needs of our markets.

Domestic Retail Operations

        At December 31, 2002, our domestic retail operations consisted of 138 full-price retail, 11 kids and 60 factory outlet stores which sell GUESS?-labeled products in the United States and which we own and operate directly.

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        Retail Stores.    Our full price domestic retail stores occupy approximately 766,300 square feet and range in size from approximately 2,000 to 13,500 square feet. Our retail stores carry a full assortment of men's and women's GUESS? merchandise, including most of our licensed products as well as GUESS Collection, our premier line that is almost exclusively available in our stores. Our domestic GUESS kids' stores occupy approximately 31,400 square feet and carry our girls' and boys' lines which was supplied by one of our licensees beginning with the Spring 2002 line, as well as infant's clothing, which is supplied by the same licensee. In 2002, our domestic full-price retail stores decreased 3.4% in comparable store sales from 2001. Sales per square foot for our domestic retail stores open at the beginning of 2001 decreased from $374 in 2001 to $344 in 2002.

        Factory Outlet Stores.    Our domestic factory outlet stores occupy approximately 330,500 square feet and range in size from approximately 1,800 to 10,700 square feet. They are primarily located in outlet malls generally operating outside the shopping radius of our wholesale customers and our retail stores. These stores sell selected styles of GUESS? apparel and licensed products at a discount to value-conscious customers. We also use the factory outlet stores to liquidate excess inventory and thereby protect the GUESS? image. During 2002, we opened three new factory stores and closed two under-performing stores. In 2002, comparable store sales in our domestic factory outlet stores decreased 7.9% from 2001. Sales per square foot for our domestic factory outlet stores open at the beginning of 2001 decreased from $334 in 2001 to $312 in 2002.

Domestic Wholesale Customers

        Our domestic wholesale customers consist primarily of better department stores and select specialty retailers and upscale boutiques, which have the image and merchandising expertise that we require for the effective presentation of our products. Leading domestic wholesale customers include Federated Department Stores, Inc., The May Department Stores Company, Dillard's, Inc. and Marshall Field's (a division of Target Corporation). During 2002, our products were sold directly to consumers from approximately 900 doors in the United States.

        A major element of our merchandising strategy is our focus on trend right products supported by key fashion basics. For the women's line, we are capitalizing on feminine looks and stretch denim, with an emphasis to grow the non-denim and basics categories. The men's line is more updated with natural rugged fabrics and fashion denim with new washes.

        We have sales representatives in our showrooms in New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago and Atlanta. They coordinate with customers to determine the inventory level and product mix that should be carried in each store to maximize retail sell-throughs and enhance the customers' profit margins. The inventory level and product mix are then used as the basis for developing sales projections and product needs for each wholesale customer and for scheduling production. Additionally, we use merchandise coordinators who work with the stores to ensure that our products are displayed appropriately.

        A few of our domestic wholesale customers, including some under common ownership, have accounted for significant portions of our net revenue. During 2002, Bloomingdale's, Macy's and other affiliated stores owned by Federated Department Stores, Inc. were our largest domestic wholesale customers and together accounted for approximately 8.9% of our net revenue.

International Business

        We derive net revenue and earnings outside the United States from two principal sources: sales of GUESS? brand apparel directly to six foreign distributors who distribute it to better department stores, upscale specialty retail stores and GUESS?-licensed retail stores operated by our international distributors, and royalties from licensees who manufacture and distribute GUESS? branded products outside the United States. We sell products through distributors and licensees throughout Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, North America and South America.

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        At December 31, 2002, 222 GUESS? retail and outlet stores were owned and operated internationally by licensees and distributors. Our retail store license agreements generally provide detailed guidelines for store fixtures and merchandising programs. The appearance, merchandising and service standards of these stores are closely monitored to ensure that our image and brand integrity are maintained. We have been advised by our distributors and licensees that in 2003 they plan to open approximately 25 new retail stores and to remodel approximately 21 existing locations. We also own and operate a flagship GUESS? retail store in Florence, Italy.

License Agreements and Terms

        Our trademark license agreements customarily provide for a three- to five-year initial term with a possible option to renew prior to expiration for an additional multi-year period. In addition to licensing trademarks for products which complement our apparel products, we have granted trademark licenses for the manufacture and sale of GUESS? branded products similar to ours, including men's and women's denim and knitwear, in markets such as Europe, Japan, Philippines, Mexico, South Africa and South Korea. Licenses granted to certain licensees that have produced high-quality products and have demonstrated solid operating performance, such as GUESS? Handbags and GUESS? Eyewear, have been renewed and in some cases expanded to include new products or markets. In other cases, products that were formerly licensed, such as our women's knits line, is now being produced in-house. The typical license agreement requires that the licensee pay us the greater of a royalty based on a percentage of the licensee's net sales of licensed products or a guaranteed annual minimum royalty that typically increases over the term of the license agreement. Generally, licensees are required to spend a percentage of the net sales of licensed products for advertising and promotion of the licensed products and in many cases we place the ads on behalf of the licensee and are reimbursed. In addition, to protect and increase the value of our trademarks, our license agreements include strict quality control and manufacturing standards.

        To protect the GUESS? trademark and brand, our Licensing Department meets regularly with licensees to ensure consistency with our overall merchandising and design strategies and to monitor quality control. The Licensing Department approves in advance all GUESS? licensed products, advertising, promotional and packaging materials.

Advertising and Marketing

        Our advertising, public relations and marketing strategy is designed to promote a consistent high impact image which endures regardless of changing consumer trends. Since our inception, Paul Marciano has had principal responsibility for the GUESS? brand image and creative vision. All worldwide advertising and promotional material is controlled through our Advertising Department based in Los Angeles. GUESS Jeans, GUESS U.S.A. and GUESS?, Inc. images have been showcased in dozens of major publications and outdoor and broadcast media throughout the United States and the world.

        Our advertising strategy promotes the GUESS? image and products, with an emphasis on brand image. Our signature black and white print advertisements, as well as color print advertisements, have garnered prestigious awards, including Clio, Belding and Mobius awards for creativity and excellence. These awards, which we have received on numerous occasions in our history, are generally given based on the judgment of prominent members of the advertising industry. We have maintained a high degree of consistency in our advertisements, using similar themes and images. We require our licensees and distributors to invest a percentage of their net sales of licensed products and net purchases of GUESS? products in approved advertising, promotion and marketing.

        Our Advertising Department is responsible for all worldwide advertising, which includes approval of all advertising strategies and media placements from our licensees and distributors. We use a variety of media which emphasizes print and outdoor advertising. We have focused advertisement placement in national and international contemporary fashion/beauty and lifestyle magazines including Vanity Fair,

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Marie Claire, Elle, W and Vogue. By retaining control over our advertising programs, we are able to maintain the integrity of the GUESS? brand image while realizing substantial cost savings compared to outside agencies.

        We further strengthen communications with customers through our Website (www.guess.com). This global medium enables us to provide timely information in an entertaining fashion to consumers about our history, GUESS? products and store locations and allows us to receive and respond directly to customer feedback.

Sourcing and Product Development

        We source products through numerous suppliers, many of whom have established long-term relationships with us. We seek to achieve the most efficient means for timely delivery of our high quality products. Our fabric specialists work with fabric mills in the United States, Mexico, Europe and Asia to develop woven and knitted fabrics that enhance the products' comfort, design and appearance. For a substantial portion of our apparel products, production planning takes place generally four to five months prior to the corresponding selling season. Delivery of certain basic products is accomplished through our Quick Response EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) replenishment system which ensures shipment of such products generally within 48 hours of receipt of customer orders.

        We do not own any production equipment other than cutting machinery. To remain competitive, in recent years we have increasingly been sourcing our finished products globally. During 2002, we sourced approximately 80% of our finished products from third-party suppliers located outside the United States. Most of these finished products are acquired as package purchases where we supply the design and fabric selection and the vendor supplies the finished product. Although we have long-term relationships with many of our vendors, we do not have long-term written agreements with them. Our production and sourcing staff in Los Angeles oversees aspects of apparel manufacturing, quality control and production, and researches and develops new sources of supply.

Sources and Availability of Raw Materials

        Our products use a variety of raw materials, principally consisting of woven denim, woven cotton and knitted fabrics and yarns. Historically, we have had to make commitments for a significant portion of our fabric well in advance of sales. During the last few years we have been able to reduce our raw materials inventory by increasing the use of packaged purchases.

Quality Control

        Our quality control program is designed to ensure that products meet our high quality standards. We monitor the quality of our fabrics prior to the production of garments and inspect prototypes of each product before production runs commence. We also perform random in-line quality control checks during and after production before the garments leave the contractor. Final random inspections occur when the garments are received in our distribution centers. We believe that our policy of inspecting our products at our distribution centers and at the vendors' facilities is important to maintain the quality, consistency and reputation of our products.

Distribution Center

        We utilize distribution centers at strategically located sites. Until 1999, distribution of our products in the United States was centralized in our facility in Los Angeles, California, which we operate and lease from a related party. In January 2000, we opened an automated distribution center in Louisville, Kentucky, to replace the distribution center in Los Angeles. This facility was fully operational in the second quarter of 2000. Our distribution center in Montreal, Canada handles distribution of our products in Canada. We also

9



own ten percent of a licensee that operates a distribution center in Florence, Italy and services Europe. Additionally, we utilize a contract warehouse in Hong Kong that services the Pacific Rim.

        At our distribution center in Kentucky, we use fully integrated and automated distribution systems. The bar code scanning of merchandise, picking tickets and distribution cartons, together with radio frequency communications, provide timely, controlled, accurate and instantaneous updates to the distribution information systems. We continue to monitor our distribution center integration as our business grows and the center matures.

Competition

        The apparel industry is highly competitive and fragmented, and is subject to rapidly changing consumer demands and preferences. We believe that our success depends in large part upon our ability to anticipate, gauge and respond to changing consumer demands and fashion trends in a timely manner and upon the continued appeal to consumers of the GUESS? brand image. We compete with numerous apparel manufacturers and distributors and several well-known designers that have recently entered or re-entered the designer denim market. Our retail and factory outlet stores face competition from other retailers, including some of our major wholesale customers. Our licensed apparel and accessories also compete with a substantial number of designer and non-designer lines and various other well-known brands. Many of our competitors, including The Gap, Abercrombie & Fitch, DKNY, Polo Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger, among others, have greater financial resources than we do. Although the level and nature of competition differ among our product categories, we believe that we compete on the basis of our brand image, quality of design, workmanship and product assortment.

Information Systems

        We believe that high levels of automation and technology are essential to maintain our competitive position and support our strategic objectives and we continue to invest in computer hardware, system applications and networks. Our computer information systems consist of a full range of financial, distribution, merchandising, in-store, supply chain and other systems.

Trademarks

        We own numerous trademarks, including GUESS, GUESS?, GUESS U.S.A., GUESS Jeans, GUESS? and Triangle Design, Question Mark and Triangle Design, BRAND G, and a stylized G, GUESS Kids, Baby GUESS, GUESS Collection. At December 31, 2002, we had approximately 2,100 U.S. and internationally registered trademarks or trademark applications pending with the trademark offices of the United States and in approximately 170 countries around the world. From time to time, we adopt new trademarks in connection with the marketing of new product lines. We consider our trademarks to have significant value in the marketing of our products and act aggressively to register and protect our trademarks worldwide.

        Like many well-known brands, our trademarks are subject to infringement. We have staff devoted to the monitoring and aggressive protection of our trademarks worldwide.

Wholesale Backlog

        We maintain a model stock program in our basic denim products which allows us generally to replenish a customer's inventory within 48 hours. We typically receive orders for our fashion apparel 90 to 120 days prior to the time the products are delivered to stores. At March 15, 2003, we had unfilled wholesale orders, consisting primarily of orders for fashion apparel, of approximately $46.4 million, compared to $65.0 million for such orders at March 17, 2002. The backlog of wholesale orders at any given time is affected by various factors, including seasonality and the scheduling of manufacturing and shipment

10



of products. Accordingly, a comparison of backlogs of wholesale orders from period to period is not necessarily meaningful and may not be indicative of eventual actual shipments.

Employees

        We strongly believe that our employees ("associates") are our most valuable resources. At December 31, 2002, there were approximately 4,900 associates, including corporate personnel employed by GUESS in the United States and Canada. Associates include approximately 1,100 in our wholesale and corporate operations and 3,800 in our retail operations.

        We are not a party to any labor agreements and none of our associates is represented by a labor union. We consider our relationship with our associates to be good. In addition, we were among the first in the apparel industry to implement a program to monitor the compliance of subcontractors with Federal minimum wage and overtime pay requirements.

Environmental Matters

        We are subject to federal, state and local laws, regulations and ordinances that govern activities or operations that may have adverse environmental effects (such as emissions to air, discharges to water, and the generation, handling, storage and disposal of solid and hazardous wastes). We are also subject to laws, regulations and ordinances that impose liability for the costs of clean up or other remediation of contaminated property, including damages from spills, disposals or other releases of hazardous substances or wastes, in certain circumstances without regard to fault. Certain of our operations routinely involve the handling of chemicals and wastes, some of which are or may become regulated as hazardous substances. We have not incurred, and do not expect to incur, any significant expenditures or liabilities for environmental matters. As a result, we believe that our environmental obligations will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

Financial Information About Geographic Areas

        See Note 14 to the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion regarding our domestic and foreign operations.

Website Access to Our Periodic SEC Reports

        Our Internet website can be found at www.guess.com. We make available free of charge on our website our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished to the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a) or 159(d) of the Exchange Act, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically filed them with, or furnish them to, the SEC. We may from time to time provide important disclosures to our investors by posting them in the investor relations section of our website, as allowed by SEC rules.

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ITEM 2. Properties

        Certain information concerning our principal facilities, all of which are leased at December 31, 2002, is set forth below:

Location

  Use
  Approximate
Area in
Square Feet

1444 South Alameda Street
Los Angeles, California
  Principal executive and administrative offices, design facilities, sales offices, distribution and warehouse facilities, production control, and sourcing   442,000

1610 Freeport Drive
Louisville, Kentucky

 

Distribution and warehousing facility

 

500,000

144 S. Beverly Drive
Beverly Hills, California

 

Administrative offices

 

5,600

1385 Broadway
New York, New York

 

Administrative offices, public relations, and showrooms

 

36,000

Atlanta, Georgia

 

Showroom

 

1,000

Dallas, Texas

 

Showroom

 

6,500

Chicago, Illinois

 

Showroom

 

2,100

Los Angeles, California

 

Showroom

 

4,400

Montreal, Canada

 

Administrative offices and warehouse facilities

 

93,000

Kowloon, Hong Kong

 

Distribution and licensing coordination control

 

5,200

Florence, Italy

 

Administrative office and retail store

 

4,100

        Our corporate, wholesale and retail headquarters and certain production and warehousing facilities are located in Los Angeles, California and in Beverly Hills, California consisting of six buildings totaling approximately 447,600 square feet. All of these properties are leased by us, and certain of these facilities are leased from limited partnerships in which the sole partners are trusts controlled by and for the benefit of Maurice Marciano, Paul Marciano and Armand Marciano and their families (the "Principal Stockholders") pursuant to leases that expire in February 2006 and July 2008. The total lease payments to these limited partnerships are $269,000 per month with aggregate minimum lease commitments to these partnerships at December 31, 2002 totaling approximately $14.0 million. See "Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions."

        Through early 2000, distribution of our products in the United States was centralized in our Los Angeles, California facility. In 2000, we leased an automated distribution center in Louisville, Kentucky, to replace the distribution center in Los Angeles. We also own ten-percent of a licensee that leases and operates a distribution center in Florence, Italy and services Europe. Additionally, we utilize a contract warehouse in Hong Kong that services the Pacific Rim.

        We lease our showrooms, advertising, licensing, sales and merchandising offices, remote distribution and warehousing facility and retail and factory outlet store locations under non-cancelable operating lease agreements expiring on various dates through March 2016. These facilities are located principally in the United States, with aggregate minimum lease commitments, at December 31, 2002, totaling approximately $330.8 million.

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        The current terms of our store leases, excluding renewal options, expire as follows:

Years Lease Terms Expire

  Number of Stores
2003-2005   93
2006-2007   62
2008-2010   46
2011-2013   47
Thereafter   1

        We believe our existing facilities are well maintained, in good operating condition and are adequate to support our present level of operations. See Notes 10 and 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding current lease obligations.


ITEM 3. Legal Proceedings

        On approximately January 15, 1999, UNITE filed an unfair labor practice charge against us, alleging that attorney Dennis Hershewe violated Section 8(a)(1) of the National Labor Relations Act ("the Act") by questioning our employee Maria Perez about her union activities at the deposition he conducted in her workers' compensation case. Mr. Hershewe represents Fireman's Fund Insurance Company, our workers' compensation insurance carrier. GUESS? investigated the charge and responded to it on March 10, 1999. The NLRB issued a complaint on part of the charge on October 14, 1999, and we filed an answer on October 21, 1999. On July 6, 2000, the complaint was dismissed in its entirety. The NLRB appealed the decision and both sides submitted briefs in September of 2000. We are awaiting a decision on the appeal.

        On June 9, 1999, we commenced a lawsuit in the Los Angeles County Superior Court against Kyle Kirkland, Kirkland Messina LLC, and CKM Securities (collectively "Kirkland") for tortious interference, unfair competition, fraud and related claims. This action arises out of alleged misrepresentations and omissions of material fact made by Kirkland in connection with the operations and financial performance of Pour Le Bebe, Inc., a former licensee ("PLB"). Following Kirkland's efforts to compel arbitration of this matter, on March 29, 2000, the California Court of Appeal determined that the action will proceed in court. After unsuccessfully requesting reconsideration before the appellate court, Kirkland sought review before the California Supreme Court. Kirkland's petition for review to the California Supreme Court was denied on July 12, 2000. In September 2002, the parties agreed to a settlement and the suit was dismissed.

        On March 28, 2000 a complaint was filed against us in San Diego County Superior Court entitled Snodgrass v. Guess?, Inc. and GUESS? Retail, Inc. The complaint alleged that certain current and former store management employees were incorrectly classified as exempt from overtime laws. The Company, without admitting or acknowledging any wrongdoing, tentatively settled the matter on September 28, 2001. The court granted final approval to the settlement on May 10, 2002. The Company does not expect any changes to its ongoing cost structure as a result of this settlement.

        On May 4, 2000, a complaint was filed against the Company and Mr. Paul Marciano in the Los Angeles Superior Court—Michel Benasra v. Paul Marciano and Guess?, Inc. The complaint grows out of the arbitration between the Company and PLB, wherein the Company was awarded $7.7 million. The plaintiff, the President of PLB, alleges that defendants made defamatory statements about him during the arbitration. Plaintiff seeks general damages of $50,000,000 and unspecified punitive damages. We moved to compel arbitration of this matter, or alternatively, to strike the action under the state's anti-SLAPP (Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation) statute. The motion to compel arbitration was denied and that ruling was affirmed on appeal. On May 15, 2002, our motion to strike the case was granted.

        On January 30, 2001, Guess?, Inc., Maurice Marciano, Armand Marciano, Paul Marciano, and Brian Fleming were named as defendants in a securities class action entitled David Osher v. Guess?, Inc., et al., filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. Seven additional class actions have been filed in the Central District, naming the same defendants: Robert M. Nuckols v.

13



Guess?, Inc. et al., Brett Dreyfuss v. Guess?, Inc. et al., both filed February 1, 2001; Jerry Sloan v. Guess?, Inc., et al., filed February 6, 2001; Jerry Byrd v. Guess?, Inc., et al; filed February 13, 2001; Patrick and Kristine Liska v. Guess?, Inc., et al, filed February 14, 2001; Darrin Wegman v. Guess?, Inc., et al., filed February 22, 2001; and Rosie Gindie v. Guess?, Inc., et al., filed February 22, 2001. All eight complaints purport to state claims under Section 10(b) and 20(a) and Rule 10b-5 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and allege that defendants made materially false and misleading statements relating to the Company's inventory and financial condition during the class period. In Osher, Nuckols, Byrd, Wegman and Sloan, the class period is February 14, 2000 through January 26, 2001; in Dreyfuss, Liska and Gindie the class period is February 14, 2000 through November 9, 2000. On April 25, 2001, the court entered an order consolidating all of the eight class actions, captioned In re Guess, Inc. Securities Litigation. The lead plaintiff for the class is the Policeman and Fireman's Retirement System of the City of Detroit. On July 9, 2001, the plaintiff filed a consolidated amended class action complaint. Our motion to dismiss was granted, with leave to amend, on November 29, 2001. On March 14, 2002, the court issued orders dismissing all eight class action cases without prejudice.

        On March 15, 2001, a complaint was filed by Susan Goldman, derivatively on behalf of nominal defendant Guess?, Inc. against Bryan Isaacs, Alice Kane, Robert Davis, Armand Marciano, Paul Marciano, Maurice Marciano, Howard Socol and Guess?, Inc. in the Court of Chancery for the State of Delaware. The complaint alleges misappropriation of corporate information, insider trading and other purported breaches of fiduciary duty by the Company and its Board of Directors. On February 12, 2002, the court granted plaintiff's motion to dismiss this action without prejudice.

        On May 7, 2001, a complaint was filed by Suzanne Bell, derivatively on behalf of nominal defendant Guess?, Inc. against Maurice Marciano, Paul Marciano, Armand Marciano, Alice Kane, Robert Davis, Howard Socol, Bryan Isaacs and Brian Fleming, in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. The complaint alleges corporate mismanagement, insider trading and other purported breaches of fiduciary duty by the Company and its Board of Directors. On July 5, 2001, the court stayed the action pursuant to stipulation of the parties pending the outcome of the Goldman derivative action. As a result of the dismissal of the Goldman derivative action on February 12, 2002, the stay expired. The parties subsequently stipulated to a dismissal which was approved by the court on March 28, 2002.

        Most major corporations, particularly those operating retail businesses, become involved from time to time in a variety of employment-related claims and other matters incidental to their business in addition to those described above. In the opinion of our management, the resolution of any of these pending incidental matters is not expected to have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition; however, we cannot predict the outcome of these matters.


ITEM 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

        No matters were submitted to a vote during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2002.

14




PART II

ITEM 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

        Since August 8, 1996, the Company's common stock has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol 'GES.' The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices of the Company's Common Stock, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape:

 
  High
  Low
Year ended December 31, 2002            
First Quarter 2002   $ 9.35   $ 7.30
Second Quarter 2002     8.25     6.25
Third Quarter 2002     7.31     4.29
Fourth Quarter 2002     5.45     3.30

Year ended December 31, 2001

 

 

 

 

 

 
First Quarter 2001   $ 8.00   $ 4.81
Second Quarter 2001     8.62     4.96
Third Quarter 2001     8.75     5.90
Fourth Quarter 2001     8.60     5.30

        On March 18, 2003, the closing sales price per share of the Company's common stock, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape, was $3.68. On March 18, 2003, there were 230 holders of record of the Company's common stock.

Dividend Policy

        We intend to use our cash flow from operations in 2003 principally to finance the expansion and remodel of our retail stores, shop-in-shop programs, systems, infrastructure and operations. Any future determination as to the payment of dividends will be at the discretion of the Company's Board of Directors and will depend upon our results of operations, financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors deemed relevant by the Board of Directors. The agreement governing our revolving credit facility restricts the payment of dividends by the Company.

        Since our initial public offering on August 8, 1996, we have not declared any dividends on our common stock.


ITEM 6. Selected Financial Data

        The selected financial data set forth below have been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company and the related notes thereto. The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and the related Notes

15



contained herein and with "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."

 
  Year Ended December 31,
 
  2002
  2001
  2000
  1999
  1998
 
  (in thousands, except per share data)

Statement of earnings data:                              
  Net revenue   $ 583,139   $ 677,620   $ 779,217   $ 599,650   $ 471,931
  Earnings (loss) from operations     (8,526 )   23,829     42,468     93,776     57,046
  Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes     (7,701 )   23,347     43,349     96,485     56,183
  Income taxes (benefit)     (5,550 )   4,500     13,100     35,200     18,180
  Net earnings (loss)     (11,282 )   6,242     16,493     51,900     25,111

Earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Basic   $ (0.26 ) $ 0.14   $ 0.38   $ 1.21   $ 0.59
  Diluted   $ (0.26 ) $ 0.14   $ 0.38   $ 1.20   $ 0.59
Weighted number of shares outstanding—basic     43,392     43,656     43,464     43,005     42,904
Weighted number of shares outstanding—diluted     43,392     43,958     43,819     43,366     42,919
 
  December 31,

 

 

2002


 

2001


 

2000


 

1999


 

1998

 
  (in thousands)

Balance sheet data:                              
Working capital(1)   $ 21,426   $ 95,263   $ 96,289   $ 97,944   $ 101,310
Total assets     349,532     362,463     419,683     369,036     263,772
Notes payable and long-term debt     1,480     80,119     103,781     83,363     99,000
Net stockholders' equity     166,280     177,924     175,156     167,355     100,409

(1)
Working capital at December 31, 2002, reflects the $79.6 million of 91/2% Senior Subordinated Notes due August 2003, as current debt. The Company is currently in the process of refinancing this debt.


ITEM 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

General

        We derive our net revenue from the sale of GUESS? men's, women's, boys' and girls' apparel and our licensees' products through our network of retail and factory outlet stores primarily in the United States, from the sale of GUESS? men's, women's, boys' and girls' apparel worldwide to wholesale customers and distributors, from net royalties from worldwide licensing activities, from the sale of GUESS? apparel through the retail and wholesale channels of our now 100% owned Canadian subsidiary, GUESS? Canada Corporation ("Guess Canada"), and from the sale of GUESS? men's, women's, boys' and girls' apparel and our licensee products through our on-line store at www.guess.com.

        The business segments of the Company are wholesale, retail and licensing operations. Management evaluates segment performance based primarily on revenue and earnings from operations.

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Results of Operations

        The following table sets forth actual operating results for the 2002, 2001 and 2000 fiscal years as a percentage of net revenue:

 
  Year Ended December 31,
 
 
  2002
  2001
  2000
 
Product sales   93.3 % 94.6 % 95.2 %
Net royalties   6.7   5.4   4.8  
   
 
 
 
  Total net revenue   100.0   100.0   100.0  
Cost of product sales   65.8   66.1   63.6  
   
 
 
 
Gross profit   34.2   33.9   36.4  
Selling, general and administrative expenses   34.8   29.7   30.0  
Litigation settlement   (0.7 )    
Gain on disposition of property and equipment     (0.1 )  
Recovery related to distribution facility relocation       (0.2 )
Restructuring, impairment and severance charges   1.6   0.8   1.1  
   
 
 
 
  Earnings (loss) from operations   (1.5 ) 3.5   5.5  
Interest, net   1.6   1.9   1.8  
Other, net   (0.1 ) 0.1   (0.1 )
   
 
 
 
  Earnings (loss) before income taxes   (3.0 ) 1.5   3.8  
Income taxes (benefit)   (1.0 ) 0.6   1.7  
   
 
 
 
  Net earnings (loss)   (2.0 )% 0.9 % 2.1 %
   
 
 
 

Year ended December 31, 2002 Compared to Year ended December 31, 2001.

        Net revenue.    Net revenue decreased $94.5 million or 13.9% to $583.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, from $677.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2001. The decrease was primarily attributable to the decline of wholesale revenues.

        Net revenue from retail operations increased $3.9 million, or 1.0%, to $384.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, from $380.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2001. A comparable stores sales decline of 4.1% for the year, or approximately $15.3 million, was more than offset by sales at new stores. The highly promotional conditions and an overall difficult retail environment negatively impacted sales for 2002.

        Net revenue from wholesale operations decreased $100.5 million or 38.6% to $159.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, from $260.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2001. Net revenue from domestic and international wholesale operations decreased, for the year ended December 31, 2002, by $96.7 million to $107.3 million and by $3.8 million to $52.3 million, respectively. Wholesales revenue in 2001 included $27.6 million of kids business, which was licensed out beginning in the first quarter of 2002. $24.9 million of this amount was sold to domestic wholesale customers and $2.7 million of this amount was sold to international wholesale customers. Excluding the kids business for the prior year results, wholesale revenue declined by $72.9 million or 31.4%. The decrease in the current year domestic wholesale net revenue is attributable to continued cautious purchasing by department store buyers in response to lower consumer spending and higher allowances, together with a decrease in the number of locations in which our product is sold and the promotional environment at retailers. International wholesale net revenue decreased primarily as a result of decreased sales in Asia partially offset by improved sales in Europe for the 2002 fiscal year.

17



        Net royalties from licensing operations increased by $2.1 million, or 5.7%, to $39.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, from $36.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2001. The increase in net royalties is primarily due to the licensing of our kids line in 2002, which resulted in $1.6 million of additional royalties, and royalty adjustments from licensee audits.

        Gross profit.    Gross profit decreased $30.5 million or 13.3% to $199.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, from $229.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2001. The decrease in gross profit resulted from lower revenues and the Company's decision to clear more inventory through the wholesale off-price channels and factory stores, higher level of markdown allowances to department store customers and increased retail occupancy costs.

        Gross margin (gross profit as a percentage of total net revenue) improved slightly to 34.2% for the year ended December 31, 2002, from 33.9% for the year ended December 31, 2001. Gross margin from product sales decreased to 29.5% for the year ended December 31, 2002, from 30.1% for the year ended December 31, 2001.

        Gross margin in our retail operations in 2002 was positively impacted by better sourcing partially offset by promotional markdowns and higher occupancy costs due to the lower sales productivity of new and existing stores. However, gross margins in the wholesale domestic operations were adversely impacted by higher markdown allowances to the Company's department store customers and sales to off-price channels at prices below cost. Partially offsetting the decrease in margin from product sales was the increase in royalty revenue as a percentage of total revenue, which has no associated cost of sales. Royalty revenue as a percentage of total net revenue increased from 5.4% in 2001 to 6.7% in 2002.

        Selling, general and administrative expenses.    Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses increased $1.4 million, or 0.7%, to $202.9 million, or 34.8% of net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2002, from $201.5 million, or 29.7% of net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2001.

        The increase of SG&A expenses in 2002 compared to 2001 was the result of higher retail store selling expense related to 24 new stores and higher advertising costs, partially offset by continuous cost containment initiatives that were implemented beginning in late 2000 and continued throughout 2002, in both the retail and wholesale businesses.

        Litigation settlement.    During 2002, the Company received approximately $4.3 million in a litigation settlement.

        Restructuring, impairment and severance charges.    During the year ended December 31, 2002, the Company recorded restructuring, impairment and severance charges of $9.2 million ($6.2 million after tax or $0.14 per diluted share). Included in this charge, the Company recorded $1.5 million in additional costs for rent paid, estimated rent to be paid and lease exit costs related to excess leased facilities and under performing stores which will be abandoned or closed in 2003. In addition, $6.9 million of the charges represented the write-down of the value of certain impaired assets, including fixed assets related to unprofitable stores. The remaining $0.8 million of the charge was related to severance costs for the termination of 59 employees, which was part of the Company's continuing efforts to reduce costs, improve productivity, streamline its corporate structure and consolidate operations. Approximately $0.4 million of the severance remained unpaid and accrued on the balance sheet at year end. The Company expects the remaining severance costs to be paid during 2003.

        Earnings from operations.    Earnings from operations decreased $32.3 million, or 135.7%, to a loss of $8.5 million in 2002 from earnings of $23.8 million, or 3.5% of net revenue in 2001. Excluding the restructuring, impairment and severance charges of $9.2 million and $5.5 million, in 2002 and 2001, respectively, and the litigation settlement of $4.3 million in 2002, the loss from operations would have been $3.6 million in 2002 and earnings from operations would have been $29.3 million in 2001. Earnings from operations decreased in the retail segment to $3.1 million in 2002 from $4.1 million in 2001 primarily due

18



to a 4.1% decline in comparable store sales and the costs of operating 24 new stores for 2002. Excluding the restructuring, impairment and severance charges of $7.5 million and $3.4 million, in 2002 and 2001, respectively, included in the retail segment, earnings from operations would have been $10.6 million in 2002 compared with earnings from operations of $7.5 million in 2001. The wholesale segment reported a loss of $44.9 million in 2002 as compared to a loss of $11.2 million in 2001. The increase in the operating loss for the wholesale segment is principally attributable to a 38.6% decrease in sales and lower margins due to increased promotional activity and losses on sales through the off-price channel. Excluding the restructuring, impairment and severance charges of $1.7 million and the litigation settlement of $4.3 million included in the wholesale segment, the loss from operations would have been $47.5 million. Earnings from operations for the licensing operating segment increased to $33.3 million in 2002, from $30.9 million in 2001.

        Interest expense, net.    Interest expense, net, decreased $3.5 million or 27.8% to $9.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, from $12.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2001. This decrease is attributable to a lower outstanding average debt, resulting from a lower inventory position, successful cost containment measures and slightly lower capital expenditures during 2002. For the year ended December 31, 2002, the average debt balance was $85.4 million, with an average effective interest rate of 9.2%. For the year ended December 31, 2001, the average debt balance was $114.8 million, with an average effective interest rate of 8.6%.

        Income taxes.    The income tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2002, was $5.5 million, or a 33.0% effective tax rate. The income tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2001, was $4.5 million, or a 41.9% effective tax rate.

        Net earnings (loss).    Net earnings decreased by $17.5 million to a loss of $11.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, from earnings of $6.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2001.

Year ended December 31, 2001 Compared to Year ended December 31, 2000.

        Net revenue.    Net revenue decreased $101.6 million or 13.0% to $677.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2001, from $779.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2000. The decrease was primarily attributable to the decline of wholesale revenues.

        Net revenue from retail operations decreased $11.9 million, or 3.0%, to $380.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2001, from $392.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2000. A comparable stores sales decline of 13.2% for the year, or approximately $49.0 million, was offset to a large extent by sales at new stores. Sales for 2001 were negatively impacted by the highly promotional conditions and an overall difficult retail environment. In addition, a decline in customer traffic in the wake of the events of September 11, 2001, had a negative impact on sales in the early part of the fourth quarter; however, we did see an improvement in sales in the December period.

        Net revenue from wholesale operations decreased $88.8 million or 25.4% to $260.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2001, from $348.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2000. Net revenue from domestic and international wholesale operations decreased, for the year ended December 31, 2001, by $85.9 million to $204.0 million and by $2.9 million to $56.1 million, respectively. Our domestic wholesale net revenue decreased as department store buyers took a very conservative approach to inventory levels in response to a difficult retail market, compounded by the events of September 11, 2001. International wholesale operations net revenue decreased primarily as a result of decreased sales in Asia for the 2001 fiscal year.

        Net royalties from licensing operations decreased slightly by $0.9 million, or 2.3%, to $36.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2001, from $37.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2000. The decline in net royalties was primarily due to the weakened global economic environment, particularly in the U.S., Europe, Japan and South Korea.

19



        Gross profit.    Gross profit decreased $53.8 million or 19.0% to $229.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2001, from $283.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2000. The decrease in gross profit resulted from lower revenues and the Company's decision to clear more inventory through the wholesale off-price channels and factory stores coupled with increased retail occupancy costs.

        Gross margin (gross profit as a percentage of total net revenue) decreased to 33.9% for the year ended December 31, 2001, from 36.4% for the year ended December 31, 2000. Gross margin from product sales decreased to 30.1% for the year ended December 31, 2001, from 33.2% for the year ended December 31, 2000.

        The decrease in gross margin from product sales was impacted by both our retail and wholesale operations. Gross margin in our retail operations in fiscal year 2001 was negatively impacted by increased promotional markdowns to reduce excess inventory and higher occupancy costs due to the lower sales productivity of new and existing stores. Gross margins in the wholesale domestic operations were adversely impacted by lower shipments to our wholesale customers and sales to off-price channels at prices below cost. Partially offsetting the decrease in margin from product sales was the increase in royalty revenue as a percentage of total revenue, which has no associated cost of sales. Royalty revenue as a percentage of total net revenue increased from 4.8% in 2000 to 5.4% in 2001.

        Selling, general and administrative expenses.    Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses decreased $33.6 million, or 14.4%, to $200.5 million, or 29.6% of net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2001, from $234.1 million, or 30.0% of net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2000.

        The reduction of SG&A expenses in 2001 compared to 2000 is the result of continuous cost containment initiatives that were implemented beginning in late 2000 and continuing throughout 2001, in both the retail and wholesale businesses, which were partially offset by the costs of operating 18 new stores opened during 2001. The year ended December 31, 2000, included start-up and other non-recurring pre-tax costs of $5.3 million relating to the relocation of the distribution operation to Kentucky as well as a one-time pre-tax charge of $1.3 million to revise the vacation pay policies to enhance employee benefits. Excluding these costs, SG&A expenses were $227.5 million, or 29.2% of net revenue in 2000.

        Restructuring, impairment and severance charges.    During the year ended December 31, 2001, the Company recorded restructuring, impairment and severance charges of $5.5 million ($3.2 million after tax or $0.07 per diluted share). Based on the current real estate market following the events of September 11, 2001, the Company recorded $2.2 million in additional costs for rent paid, estimated rent to be paid and lease exit costs related to idle leased facilities identified as part of the restructuring charge recorded during the fourth quarter 2000. In addition, $1.3 million of the charges represented the write-down of the value of certain impaired assets, including fixed assets related to unprofitable stores. The remaining $2.0 million of the charge was related to severance costs for the termination of 211 employees which was part of the Company's continuing efforts to reduce costs, improve productivity, streamline its corporate structure and consolidate operations. Approximately $0.6 million of the severance remains unpaid and accrued on the balance sheet. The Company expects the remaining severance costs to be paid during 2002.

        Earnings from operations.    Earnings from operations decreased $18.7 million, or 44.0%, to $23.8 million, or 3.5% of net revenue in 2001 from $42.5 million, or 5.5% of net revenue in 2000. Excluding the restructuring, impairment and severance charges of $5.5 million, earnings from operations would have been $29.3 million. Earnings from operations increased in the retail segment to $4.1 million in 2001 from $3.4 million in 2000 primarily due to improvements in Canada's retail business. Excluding the restructuring, impairment and severance charges of $3.6 million included in the retail segment, earnings from operations would have been $7.6 million. The wholesale segment reported a loss of $11.2 million in 2001 as compared to earnings from operations of $8.3 million in 2000. The decline in operating income for the wholesale segment is principally attributable to a 25.4% decrease in sales and lower margins due to increased promotional activity and losses on sales through the off-price channel. Excluding the

20



restructuring, impairment and severance charges of $1.9 million included in the wholesale segment, the loss from operations would have been $9.3 million. Earnings from operations for the licensing operating segment increased slightly to $30.9 million in 2001, from $30.8 million in 2000.

        Interest expense, net.    Interest expense, net, decreased $1.2 million or 8.7% to $12.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2001, from $13.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2000. This decrease is attributable to a slightly lower average borrowing rate and lower outstanding average debt, resulting from a lower inventory position, successful cost containment measures and lower capital expenditures during 2001. For the year ended December 31, 2001, the average debt balance was $114.8 million, with an average effective interest rate of 8.6%. For the year ended December 31, 2000, the average debt balance was $131.6 million, with an average effective interest rate of 9.0%.

        Income taxes.    The income tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2001, was $4.5 million, or a 41.9% effective tax rate. The income tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2000, was $13.1 million, or a 44.3% effective tax rate. The effective tax rate for 2000 was negatively impacted by a foreign subsidiary loss and potential income tax liabilities as a result of federal and certain state income tax audits.

        Net earnings.    Net earnings decreased by $10.3 million, or 62.4%, to $6.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2001, from $16.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2000.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

        On September 27, 2002, the Company entered into a new credit facility led by Wachovia Securities, Inc., as Arranger and Administrative Agent ("Credit Facility"), which replaces a previous credit agreement. The term of the Credit Facility is for a period of four years and provides for a maximum line of credit of $85 million, including an amount made available to the Company's Canadian subsidiaries under a separate credit agreement (currently $15 million). The Credit Facility includes a $47.5 million sub-limit for letters of credits. Borrowings available under the Credit Facility are subject to a borrowing base and outstanding borrowings are secured by inventory, accounts receivable and substantially all other personal property of the borrowers. For borrowings under the Credit Facility, the Company may elect an interest rate based on either the Prime Rate or a Eurodollar rate plus a margin, which fluctuates depending on availability under the Credit Facility and the Company's financial performance as measured by a cash flow test. This margin ranges from 0 to 75 basis points for Prime Rate loans and from 175 to 250 basis points for Eurodollar rate loans. Monthly commitment fees under the Credit Facility are 37.5 basis points per annum times the difference between $60 million and the amount of outstanding loans and letters of credit. The Credit Facility requires the Company to maintain a minimum tangible net worth if excess availability under the Credit Facility is less than $20 million. At December 31, 2002, the Company had $1.5 million in outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility, $7.2 million in outstanding standby letters of credit, $16.6 million in outstanding documentary letters of credit, and approximately $38.4 million available for future borrowings. As of December 31, 2002, the Company was in compliance with all of its covenants under the Credit Facility.

        During the second quarter of the pending fiscal year, Guess? Royalty Finance LLC (the "Issuer"), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, intends to issue in a private placement approximately $75 million of asset-backed notes (the "Secured Notes") secured by rights and interests in specific license agreements of specified Guess? trademarks and monies payable or becoming payable in respect of royalties thereunder. The Secured Notes will be secured by the royalties generated under such specified license agreements (and any replacement license agreements or additional license agreements specified later), and will have the benefit of a guarantee (the "Guarantee") issued by Guess? IP Holder L.P. ("IP Holder"), another indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. The Guarantee will be secured by the relevant license agreements and all trademarks and intellectual property subject to such license agreements (and the related goodwill), as well as by payments by the Company under a non-exclusive

21



license back to the Company by IP Holder of those same trademarks. Before the issuance of the Secured Notes, all of the most valuable trademarks and intellectual property of the Company, as well as the relevant licenses, will have been contributed by the Company and its subsidiary Guess Licensing Inc. to IP Holder, and IP Holder will have conveyed the rights to receive royalties under and to enforce these licenses to the Issuer. Hence, such assets will not be generally available to satisfy claims of other creditors of the Company or of Guess Licensing. Various payment and non-payment defaults specified in agreements relating to the transfers of such assets and issuance of the Secured Notes may result in the holders of the Secured Notes (or the related trustee on their behalf) having remedies that include (i) licensing such trademarks to new or additional licensees on different terms and marketing the resulting goods in distribution channels not currently utilized by the Company or its licensees, in order to generate increased short term cash flows available to make payments on the Secured Notes, and (ii) foreclosing on and selling to third parties the licenses, trademarks, and goodwill to satisfy payments on the Secured Notes. Moreover, monies paid on license agreements to IP Holder, including by the Company on the license back to the Company, will not be distributable as dividends by IP Holder to the Company after the occurrence and during the continuance of most such events of default.

        Certain protections against default or the precipitous exercise of such remedies to the detriment of the interests of the Company are set forth in the agreements relating to the transfers of such assets and issuance of the Secured Notes, including provisions that (i) allow IP Holder to prepay the Secured Notes in full at any time, (ii) create significant cure periods for many events of default, and (iii) prevent the termination of the license back to the Company (other than for sustained non-payment of the royalties due thereunder to IP Holder) and that forbid the exercise of such remedies in violation of the provisions of other third party license agreements. Notwithstanding these protections, the issuance of the Secured Notes, conveyance of such assets and issuance of the Guarantee will result in the Company losing some flexibility in its management of such assets and do create the possibility that the Company will lose, or lose control of, such assets if the Secured Notes are not paid timely and in full.

        The notes are anticipated to have a 9-year term with a fixed interest rate and with quarterly interest and principal payments. The notes are expected to be subject to an interest reserve account of the greater of (1) $1.75 million, and (2) (a) from the period of issuance until the first payment date, the product of the interest rate and the outstanding principal amount divided by 2, and (b) thereafter the product of the interest rate and the outstanding principal amount. The net proceeds are intended to be used to repay a portion of the 91/2% Senior Subordinated Notes due August 2003.

        The Company has discussed alternative financing with its senior lender under its Credit Facility and another lender, and should the transaction discussed above not be completed, the Company expects to refinance the 91/2% Senior Subordinated Notes due August 2003 through borrowing availability under its Credit Facility, other financing alternatives it is currently evaluating and cash flow from operations. There can be no assurances that, in the event the securitization transaction noted above is not completed on a timely basis, these alternative financings will be available or at attractive terms.

        According to the terms of the Credit Facility, the Company had committed to refinance or extend the maturity of its existing subordinated debt by February 28, 2003. The Company intends to use the proceeds of the above transaction to refinance a portion of the subordinated debt due in August 2003; however, the process of marketing and completing the transaction has taken longer than originally expected due to the technical nature of the transaction, and as a result, the Company was not able to close the transaction by the February 28, 2003 deadline. Consequently, the Company and its lenders amended the Credit Facility effective February 25, 2003, to extend the deadline to April 30, 2003.

        During the fiscal year 2002, the Company relied on trade credit and internally generated funds to finance its operations and expansion. Net cash provided by operating activities was $29.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 compared to $71.8 million of cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2001. The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities was primarily

22



attributable to lower earnings and inventory declining at a significantly lower rate than compared to 2001, partially offset by a corresponding lower rate of decline in the accounts payable balance. At December 31, 2002, the Company had working capital of $21.4 million compared to $95.3 million at December 31, 2001. Working capital at December 31, 2002 includes the impact of reflecting the 91/2% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2003 as current debt.

        Capital expenditures totaled $22.7 million and $22.9 million, net of lease incentives granted of $6.7 million and $0.7 million for 2002 and 2001, respectively. The Company's capital expenditures planned for 2003 are approximately $18 million, primarily for retail store expansion, including our expansion in Canada, store remodelings, investments in information systems and enhancements and other infrastructure.

        The Company anticipates that it will be able to satisfy its ongoing cash requirements during the next twelve months for working capital, capital expenditures, interest and principal payments on its debt, primarily with borrowings under the Credit Facility, the proposed private placement transaction discussed above and cash flow from operations.

        In January 2002, the Company established a qualified employee stock purchase plan ("ESPP"), the terms of which allow for qualified employees to participate in the purchase of designated shares of the Company's common stock at a price equal to 85% of the lower of the closing price at the beginning or end of each quarterly stock purchase period. On January 23, 2002, the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a Registration Statement on Form S-8 registering 2,000,000 shares of common stock for the ESPP. During 2002, 66,771 shares of the Company's common stock were issued pursuant to the ESPP at an average price of $4.86 per share for a total of $0.3 million.

        In May 2001, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase shares of its own stock in an amount of up to $15 million from time to time in open market transactions. During 2002, the Company purchased 606,000 shares at an aggregate cost of $3.2 million, or an average of $5.21 per share. Since the inception of the share repurchase program in May 2001, the Company has purchased 1,137,000 shares at an aggregated cost of $7.1 million, or an average of $6.26 per share.

Application of Critical Accounting Policies

        The consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of the assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Management bases its estimates and judgments on its historical experience and other relevant factors, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Management evaluates its estimates and judgments on an ongoing basis including those related to the valuation of inventories, accounts receivable allowances, the useful life of assets for depreciation, restructuring expense and accruals, evaluation of impairment, recoverability of deferred taxes and evaluation of net recoverable amounts and accruals for the sublet of certain lease obligations. The Company believes that of its significant accounting policies the following involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity.

Accounts Receivable:

        In the normal course of business, the Company grants credit directly to certain wholesale customers, after a credit analysis based on financial and other criteria. Accounts receivable are recorded net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses that result from the inability of its wholesale customers to make their required payments. The Company bases its allowances through analysis of the aging of accounts receivable at the date of the

23



financial statements, assessments of historical collections trends and an evaluation of the impact of current economic conditions.

        Costs associated with customer markdowns are recorded as a reduction to net sales, and are included in the allowance for doubtful accounts. These costs result from seasonal negotiations with the Company's wholesale customers, as well as historic trends and the evaluation of the impact of current economic conditions.

Inventories:

        Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out and weighted average method) or market. The Company continually evaluates its inventories by assessing slow moving current product as well as prior seasons' inventory. Market value of non-current inventory is estimated based on historical sales trends for this category of inventory of the Company's individual product lines, the impact of market trends, an evaluation of economic conditions and the value of current orders relating to the future sales of this type of inventory.

Valuation of goodwill, intangible and other long-lived assets:

        The Company periodically assesses the impairment of its long-lived assets (i.e., goodwill, and property and equipment) which requires the Company to make assumptions and judgments regarding the carrying value of these assets. The assets are considered to be impaired if the Company determines that the carrying value may not be recoverable based upon its assessment of the asset's ability to continue to generate income from operations and positive cash flow in future periods or significant changes in its strategic business objectives and utilization of the assets. If the assets are assessed to be recoverable, they are amortized over the periods benefited. If the assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment recognized is the amount by which the carrying value of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. As a result of the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 142 "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" on January 1, 2002, the Company did not record approximately $1.2 million of goodwill amortization during fiscal 2002, while a comparable amount was recorded in the fiscal 2001 period.

Litigation reserves:

        Estimated amounts for claims that are probable and can be reasonably estimated are recorded as liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The likelihood of a material change in these estimated reserves would be dependent on new claims as they may arise and the favorable or unfavorable outcome of the particular litigation. Both the amount and range of loss on the remaining pending litigation is uncertain. As such, the Company is unable to make a reasonable estimate of the liability that could result from unfavorable outcomes in litigation. As additional information becomes available, the Company will assess the potential liability related to pending litigation and revise estimates. Such revisions in estimates of the potential liability could materially impact the results of operations and financial position.

Seasonality

        Our business is impacted by general seasonal trends characteristic of the apparel and retail industries. Our retail operations are generally stronger in the third and fourth quarters, while our wholesale operations generally experience stronger performance in the first and third quarters. As the timing of the shipment of products may vary from year to year, the result for any particular quarter may not be indicative of results for the full year. We have not had significant overhead and other costs generally associated with large seasonal variations.

24



Inflation

        We do not believe the relatively moderate rates of inflation experienced in the United States over the last three years have had a significant effect on our net revenue or profitability. Although higher rates of inflation have been experienced in a number of foreign countries in which our products are manufactured, we do not believe they have had a material adverse effect on our net revenue or profitability.

Impact of Recent Accounting Pronouncements

        On July 30, 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 146 ("SFAS 146"), "Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities." SFAS 146 nullifies EITF Issue No. 94-3, "Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring)." It requires that a liability be recognized for those costs only when the liability is incurred, that is, when it meets the definition of a liability in the FASB's conceptual framework. SFAS No. 146 also establishes fair value as the objective for initial measurement of liabilities related to exit or disposal activities. SFAS 146 is effective for exit or disposal activities that are initiated after December 31, 2002. The Company does not expect that the adoption of SFAS 146 will have a material impact on its financial position or results from operations.

        In January 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46 ("FIN 46"), "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities." This interpretation clarifies the application of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51 ("ARB 51"), "Consolidated Financial Statements", and requires companies to evaluate variable interest entities for specific characteristics to determine whether additional consolidation and disclosure requirements apply. This interpretation is immediately applicable for variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003, and applies to fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2003 for variable interest entities acquired prior to February 1, 2003. This interpretation also requires extensive disclosures, including disclosures that are applicable to December 31, 2002 financial statements. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this interpretation will have any impact on its financial position or results of operations because the Company has no variable interest entities.

        In November 2002, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 45 ("FIN 45"), "Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others". This interpretation clarifies the requirements of a guarantor in accounting for and disclosing certain guarantees issued and outstanding. This interpretation is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002. The adoption of this interpretation did not have any impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations in 2002.

        On December 31, 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure." SFAS No. 148 amends FASB Statement No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. Furthermore, this Statement amends the disclosure requirements of Statement 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and the effect of the method used on reported results. Certain of the disclosure modifications are required for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002. We have included the required disclosures in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Important Factors Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

        Throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K "forward-looking" statements have been made, which are not historical facts, but are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may also be in the Company's other reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, in its press releases and in other documents. In addition,

25



from time to time, the Company, through its management, may make oral forward-looking statements. These statements relate to analyses and other information based on forecasts of future results and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. These statements also relate to our future prospects and proposed new products, services, developments or business strategies. These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as "anticipate", "believe", "could", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "may", "plan", "predict", "project", "will", "continue", and other similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions.

        Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in any of the forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ materially from those projected or assumed. Certain statements in this Form 10-K, including those relating to the Company's expected results of operations, the accuracy of data relating to, and anticipated levels of, future inventory and gross margins, anticipated cash requirements and sources, cost containment efforts, estimated charges, plans regarding store openings and closings, e-commerce and business seasonality, are forward-looking statements. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in these statements. The Company does not intend, and undertakes no obligation, to update the forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances.

        Specific risks and uncertainties of which you should be aware include, but are not limited to, the following:

26


27



ITEM 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks

        The Company receives United States dollars ("USD") for substantially all product sales and licensing revenue. Inventory purchases from offshore contract manufacturers are primarily denominated in USD; however, purchase prices for products may be impacted by fluctuations in the exchange rate between the USD and the local currencies of the contract manufacturers, which may have the effect of increasing the cost of goods in the future. In addition, royalties received from international licensees are subject to foreign currency translation fluctuations as a result of the net sales of the licensee being denominated in local currency and royalties being paid to the Company in USD. During the last three fiscal years, exchange rate fluctuations have not had a material impact on inventory costs.

        The Company may enter into derivative financial instruments, including forward exchange contracts, to manage exchange risk on foreign currency transactions. These financial instruments can be used to protect the Company from the risk that the eventual net cash inflows from the foreign currency transactions will be adversely affected by changes in exchange rates. Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments are either recognized periodically through the income statement or through stockholders' equity as a component of comprehensive income or loss. The classification depends on whether the derivative financial instrument qualifies for hedge accounting, and if so, whether it qualifies as a fair value hedge or cash flow hedge. Generally, changes in fair values of derivatives designated as fair value hedges are matched in the income statement against the respective gain or loss relating to the hedged items. Changes in fair values of derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges, to the extent they are effective as hedges, are recorded in other comprehensive income or loss net of deferred taxes. Changes in fair values of derivatives not qualifying as hedges are currently reported in income. The implementation of this standard did not have a significant impact on the financial statements.

Forward Exchange
Contracts

  U.S. Dollar
Equivalent

  Maturity Date
  Fair Value in U.S. $
at December 31, 2002

Canadian dollars   $ 1,000,000   December 16, 2002 to January 16, 2003   $ 998,092
Canadian dollars     1,000,000   January 2, 2003 to January 31, 2003     1,009,222
Canadian dollars     1,000,000   February 3, 2003 to February 28, 2003     995,357
Canadian dollars     1,000,000   March 3, 2003 to March 31, 2003     994,976

        Based upon the rates at December 31, 2002, the cost to buy the equivalent U.S. dollars discussed above was approximately $4.0 million Canadian currency.

        At December 31, 2002, 98.2% of the Company's indebtedness contained a fixed interest rate of 9.5%. Substantially all of the Company's remaining indebtedness, including borrowings under its $85 million credit facility, is at variable rates of interest. Accordingly, changes in interest rates would impact the Company's results of operations in future periods. A 100 point basis change in the interest rate is not expected to significantly impact the Company's operating results.


ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

        The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data listed in Item 14 of Part IV of this report.


ITEM 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

        None.

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PART III

ITEM 10. Directors and Executive Officers

        The information required by this item can be found under the caption "Directors and Executive Officers" of the Company's Proxy Statement (the "Proxy Statement") to be distributed on or about April 11, 2003, for the 2002 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 12, 2003. Such information is incorporated herein by reference.


ITEM 11. Executive Compensation and Other Information

        The information in the Proxy Statement set forth under the caption "Executive Compensation" is incorporated herein by reference.


ITEM 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

        The information set forth under the caption "Security Ownership and Certain Beneficial Owners and Management" in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.


ITEM 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

        The information set forth under the caption "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions" in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.


ITEM 14. Controls and Procedures

        Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including Maurice Marciano and Paul Marciano as Co-Chief Executive Officers, Carlos Alberini as President and Chief Operating Officer and Frederick G. Silny as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, the Company has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the disclosure controls and procedures within 90 days of the filing date of this annual report, and, based on the evaluation, Maurice Marciano, Paul Marciano, Carlos Alberini and Frederick G. Silny have concluded that these controls and procedures are effective. There were no significant changes in the Company's internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of the evaluation.

        The Company's controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that are filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that are filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company's management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

29



PART IV

ITEM 15. Exhibits, Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule, and Reports on Form 8-K

(a)
Documents Filed with Report

(1)
Consolidated Financial Statements
(b)
Reports on Form 8-K

30


Guess?, Inc.
Form 10-K

Items 8, and 14(a) and 14(d)
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedule

1    Independent Auditors' Report   F-2

2    Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2002 and 2001

 

F-3
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000

 

F-4
 
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Years Ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000

 

F-5
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000

 

F-6
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

F-7

3    Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

 

F-29

F-1



INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Guess?, Inc.:

        We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Guess?, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2002 and 2001 as listed in the accompanying index. In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited the financial statement schedule, as listed in the accompanying index. These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.

        We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall consolidated financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Guess?, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2002 and 2001 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2002 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

    KPMG LLP
Los Angeles, California
February 24, 2003
   

F-2



GUESS?, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2002 and 2001

 
  2002
  2001
 
 
  (in thousands, except share data)

 
ASSETS              
Current assets:              
  Cash and cash equivalents   $ 31,753   $ 31,870  
  Receivables, net     35,437     40,500  
  Inventories, net     95,683     96,105  
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets     11,278     10,141  
  Deferred tax assets     14,836     10,420  
   
 
 
  Total current assets     188,987     189,036  
Property and equipment, at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization     128,097     145,385  
Other assets, at cost, net of accumulated amortization     32,448     28,042  
   
 
 
    $ 349,532   $ 362,463  
   
 
 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Current liabilities:              
  Current installments of notes payable and long-term debt   $ 80,138   $ 7,609  
  Accounts payable     44,460     47,933  
  Accrued expenses     42,963     38,231  
   
 
 
  Total current liabilities     167,561     93,773  
Notes payable and long-term debt, excluding current installments     1,480     80,119  
Other liabilities     14,211     10,647  
   
 
 
      183,252     184,539  
   
 
 
Commitments and contingencies              

Stockholders' equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Preferred stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 10,000,000 shares; no shares issued and outstanding          
  Common stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 150,000,000 shares; issued 64,203,462 and 63,954,881 shares at 2002 and 2001, outstanding 43,076,767 and 43,392,989 shares at 2002 and 2001, respectively     150     147  
  Paid-in capital     170,111     168,100  
  Deferred compensation     (729 )   (320 )
  Retained earnings     155,896     167,178  
  Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (1,565 )   (2,447 )
  Treasury stock, 21,126,695 and 20,561,892 shares repurchased at 2002 and 2001, respectively     (157,583 )   (154,734 )
   
 
 
  Net stockholders' equity     166,280     177,924  
   
 
 
    $ 349,532   $ 362,463  
   
 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

F-3



GUESS?, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000

 
  2002
  2001
  2000
 
 
  (in thousands, except per share data)

 
Net revenue:                    
  Product sales   $ 544,081   $ 640,700   $ 741,412  
  Net royalties     39,058     36,920     37,805  
   
 
 
 
      583,139     677,620     779,217  
Cost of product sales     383,806     447,825     495,604  
   
 
 
 
Gross profit     199,333     229,795     283,613  
Selling, general and administrative expenses     202,930     201,527     234,067  
Gain on disposition of property and equipment         (1,063 )    
Litigation settlement     (4,250 )        
Recovery related to distribution facility relocation             (1,545 )
Restructuring, impairment and severance charges     9,179     5,502     8,623  
   
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) from operations     (8,526 )   23,829     42,468  
Other expense (income):                    
  Interest, net     9,131     12,605     13,756  
  Other, net     (825 )   482     (881 )
   
 
 
 
      8,306     13,087     12,875  
   
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) before income taxes (benefit)     (16,832 )   10,742     29,593  
Income taxes (benefit)     (5,550 )   4,500     13,100  
   
 
 
 
Net earnings (loss)   $ (11,282 ) $ 6,242   $ 16,493  
   
 
 
 

Earnings (loss) per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Basic   $ (0.26 ) $ 0.14   $ 0.38  
  Diluted   $ (0.26 ) $ 0.14   $ 0.38  
Weighted number of shares outstanding                    
  Basic     43,392     43,656     43,464  
  Diluted     43,392     43,958     43,819  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

F-4


GUESS?, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000

 
  Compre-
hensive
Income

  Common
Stock

  Paid-in
Capital

  Deferred
Compensation

  Retained
Earnings

  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

  Treasury
Stock

  Total
 
 
  (in thousands)

 
Balance at December 31, 1999         $ 141   $ 163,300       $ 144,443   $ 10,247   $ (150,776 ) $ 167,355  
Comprehensive income:                                                  
  Net earnings   $ 16,493                 16,493             16,493  
  Foreign currency translation adjustment     38                     38         38  
  Unrealized loss on investments, net of tax effect     (12,318 )                   (12,318 )       (12,318 )
   
                                           
  Total comprehensive income   $ 4,213                                            
   
                                           
Issuance of common stock under stock option plan, net of tax effect           3     3,585                     3,588  
Deferred compensation           2     948     (950 )                
         
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2000           146     167,833     (950 )   160,936     (2,033 )   (150,776 )   175,156  
Comprehensive income:                                                  
  Net earnings   $ 6,242                 6,242             6,242  
  Foreign currency translation adjustment     (803 )                   (803 )       (803 )
  Unrealized gain on investments, net of tax effect     389                     389         389  
   
                                           
  Total comprehensive income   $ 5,828                                            
   
                                           
Issuance of common stock under stock option plan, net of tax effect           1     211                     212  
Deferred compensation               56     630                 686  
Purchase of treasury stock                               (3,958 )   (3,958 )
         
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2001           147     168,100     (320 )   167,178     (2,447 )   (154,734 )   177,924  
Comprehensive income (loss):                                                  
Net loss   $ (11,282 )               (11,282 )           (11,282 )
  Foreign currency translation adjustment     1,011                     1,011         1,011  
  Unrealized loss on investments, net of tax effect     (129 )                   (129 )       (129 )
   
                                           
  Total comprehensive loss   $ (10,400 )                                          
   
                                           
Issuance of common stock under stock compensation plans, net of tax effect           2     619                     621  
Issuance of stock under ESPP           1     16                 309     326  
Deferred compensation               1,376     (409 )               967  
Purchase of treasury stock                               (3,158 )   (3,158 )
         
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2002         $ 150   $ 170,111   $ (729 ) $ 155,896   $ (1,565 ) $ (157,583 ) $ 166,280  
         
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

F-5



GUESS?, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000

 
  2002
  2001
  2000
 
 
  (in thousands)

 
Cash flows from operating activities:                    
  Net earnings (loss)   $ (11,282 ) $ 6,242   $ 16,493  
  Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:                    
  Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment     37,727     39,751     33,311  
  Amortization of other assets     252     1,271     881  
  Deferred income taxes     (8,867 )   1,480     (6,729 )
  Loss on disposition of property and equipment     8,152     797     3,340  
  Other items, net     362     211     1,039  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                    
  Accounts receivable     5,063     (6,117 )   5,290  
  Inventories     422     48,115     (37,596 )
  Prepaid expenses and other assets     (370 )   9,868     (4,307 )
  Accounts payable     (3,473 )   (36,110 )   22,308  
  Accrued expenses     1,603     6,272     (3,858 )
   
 
 
 
  Net cash provided by operating activities     29,589     71,780     30,172  
   
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:                    
  Purchases of property and equipment, net of lease incentives     (22,692 )   (22,866 )   (79,134 )
  Proceeds from the disposition of property and equipment     1,494     3,096     3,133  
  Net proceeds from the sale of short-term investments             350  
  Net proceeds from the sale of long-term investments     75     55      
  Acquisition of license     (1,347 )   (500 )   (82 )
   
 
 
 
  Net cash used in investing activities     (22,470 )   (20,215 )   (75,733 )
   
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:                    
  Proceeds from notes payable and long-term debt     48,919     150,160     204,661  
  Repayment of notes payable and long-term debt     (55,029 )   (180,014 )   (177,916 )
  Issuance of common stock     1,914     898     3,588  
  Purchase of treasury stock     (3,158 )   (3,958 )    
   
 
 
 
  Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities     (7,354 )   (32,914 )   30,333  
Effect of exchange rates on cash     118     (113 )   (79 )
   
 
 
 
Net (decrease) increase in cash     (117 )   18,538     (15,307 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year     31,870     13,332     28,639  
   
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year   $ 31,753   $ 31,870   $ 13,332  
   
 
 
 
Supplemental disclosures                    
  Cash paid (received) during the year for:                    
    Interest   $ 9,221   $ 12,647   $ 11,951  
    Income taxes     1,186     (6,796 )   24,604  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

F-6



GUESS?, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Practices

        Guess?, Inc. (the "Company" or "Guess") designs, markets, distributes and licenses leading lifestyle collections of casual apparel and accessories for men, women and children that reflect the American lifestyle and European fashions sensibilities. The Company designs are sold in Guess' owned stores, to a network of wholesale accounts that includes primarily better department stores, selected specialty retailers and upscale boutiques and through the Internet. Guess branded products, some of which are produced under license, are also sold internationally through a series of licensees and distributors.

Principles of Consolidation

        The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Guess?, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries as follows: GUESS? Retail, Inc., GUESS? Licensing, Inc., Guess.com, Inc., Guess Europe, B.V., a Netherlands corporation ("GEBV"), and GUESS? Canada Corporation ("Guess Canada," formerly named Strandel Inc.), a Canadian corporation. GEBV holds three wholly-owned subsidiaries: Ranche, Limited, a Hong Kong corporation ("Ranche"), Guess Asia, a Hong Kong corporation, and Guess Italia, S.r.l., an Italian corporation ("Guess Italia"). In 2000, Guess held a 60% interest in Guess Canada and acquired the remaining 40% in 2001. The Company recorded 100% of the results of GUESS? Canada in both 2002 and 2001. Accordingly, all references herein to "Guess?, Inc." include the consolidated results of the Company and its subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated during the consolidation process.

Use of Estimates

        The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Significant areas requiring the use of management estimates relate to the valuation of inventories, accounts receivable allowances, the useful life of assets for depreciation, restructuring expense and accruals, evaluation of impairment, recoverability of deferred taxes and evaluation of net recoverable amounts and accruals for the sublet of certain lease obligations. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Investment Securities

        The Company accounts for its investment securities in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities" ("SFAS 115"). SFAS 115 requires investments to be classified into one of three categories based on management's intent: held-to-maturity securities, available-for-sale securities and trading securities. Held-to-maturity securities are recorded at amortized cost. Available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported as a separate component of stockholders' equity. Trading securities are recorded at market value with unrealized gains and losses reported in operations. The Company accounts for its short-term investment securities as available-for-sale.

Earnings (Loss) per Share

        Basic earnings (loss) per share represents net earnings (loss) divided by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share represents net

F-7



earnings divided by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding, inclusive of the dilutive impact of common stock equivalents such as stock options.

        The reconciliation of basic to diluted weighted average shares is as follows (in thousands):

 
  2002
  2001
  2000
Weighted average shares used in basic computations   43,392   43,656   43,464
Dilutive stock options     302   355
   
 
 
  Weighted average shares used in diluted computation   43,392   43,958   43,819
   
 
 

        The diluted loss per share for fiscal year 2002 was computed using the basic weighted-average number of shares outstanding and excluded 2,842,766 shares, as their effect would be antidilutive when applied to losses. Options to purchase 1,043,251, and 550,000 shares of common stock at prices ranging from $7.00 to $27.31, and $17.64 to $27.31 were outstanding during 2001 and 2000, respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the options exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the shares of common stock and therefore such options would be antidilutive.

Concentration of Credit Risk

        The Company's financial instruments that are exposed to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of accounts receivable. The Company maintains cash with various major financial institutions and performs evaluations of the relative credit standing of these financial institutions in order to limit the amount of credit exposure with any institution. The Company extends credit to corporate customers based upon an evaluation of the customer's financial condition and credit history and generally requires no collateral. The Company's customers are principally located throughout North America, and their ability to pay amounts due to the Company may be dependent on the prevailing economic conditions of their geographic region. However, such credit risk is considered limited due to the Company's large customer base. Management performs regular evaluations concerning the ability of its customers to satisfy their obligations and records a provision for doubtful accounts based on these evaluations. The Company's credit losses for the periods presented are insignificant and have not significantly exceeded management's estimates. A few of the Company's domestic wholesale customers, including some under common ownership, have accounted for significant portions of its net revenue. Bloomingdale's, Macy's and other affiliated stores owned by Federated Department Stores, Inc. together accounted for approximately 8.9%, 11.3%, and 11.8% of the Company's net revenue in 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.

Inventories

        Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out and weighted average method) or market. The Company continually evaluates its inventories by assessing slow moving current product as well as prior seasons' inventory. Market value of non-current inventory is estimated based on historical sales trends for this category of inventory of the Company's individual product lines, the impact of market trends, an evaluation of economic conditions and the value of current orders relating to the future sales of this type of inventory.

F-8



Revenue Recognition

        The Company recognizes retail operations revenue at the point of sale, and wholesale operations revenue from the sale of merchandise as title passes to the customer upon shipment to the customer. Royalty income is based upon a percentage, as defined in the underlying agreement, of the licensees' actual net sales or minimum net sales, whichever is greater. The Company accrues for estimated sales returns and other allowances in the period in which the related revenue is recognized.

Depreciation and Amortization

        Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment are provided using the straight-line method over the following useful lives:

Building and building improvements   10 to 31 years
Land improvements   5 years
Machinery and equipment   5 years
Corporate aircraft   10 years
Corporate vehicles   5 years
Shop fixtures   5 years

        Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the estimated useful life of the asset or the term of the lease. Construction in progress is not depreciated until the related asset is completed and placed in service.

        Effective January 1, 2002, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," which results in no further amortization of goodwill. Goodwill, which represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired, was amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected periods to be benefited, generally 10 to 15 years. For the years ended December 31, 2001, and December 31, 2000, goodwill amortization totaled $1.2 million and $0.9 million, respectively.

Foreign Currency Translation

        In accordance with SFAS No. 52, "Foreign Currency Translation," assets and liabilities of the Company's foreign operations are translated from foreign currencies into U.S. dollars at year-end rates, while income and expenses are translated at the weighted-average exchange rates for the year. The related translation adjustments are reflected as a foreign currency translation adjustment in other comprehensive income (loss) as a separate component of stockholders' equity.

Foreign Currency Contracts

        The Company may enter into forward foreign exchange contracts in the ordinary course of business to mitigate the risk associated with foreign exchange rate fluctuations related to Canadian purchases of U.S. goods. Derivative financial instruments are not used for speculative purposes. At December 31, 2002, the Company had forward exchange contracts to purchase $4.0 million U.S. dollars for approximately $6.3 million Canadian dollars.

F-9



        In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," unrealized gains and losses on outstanding foreign currency exchange contracts, used to mitigate currency risk on future revenues and purchases, are recorded in the financial statements at fair value and are included in earnings as a component of other income or expense and were not significant for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001.

Income Taxes

        The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to be applied to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

        Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net earnings, unrealized gains or losses on investments and foreign currency translation adjustments and is presented in the consolidated statements of stockholders' equity and comprehensive income (loss).

Business Segment Reporting

        The Company reports information about business segments and related disclosures about products and services, geographic areas and major customers. The business segments of the Company are wholesale, retail and licensing operations. Information regarding these segments is summarized in Note 14.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

        The carrying amount of the Company's financial instruments, which principally include cash, trade receivables, accounts payable and accrued expenses, approximates fair value due to the relatively short maturity of such instruments. Investments are recorded at fair value.

        The fair value of the Company's debt instruments are based on the amount of future cash flows associated with each instrument discounted using the Company's borrowing rate. At December 31, 2002 and 2001, the carrying value of all financial instruments was not materially different from fair value, as the fixed rate debt approximates rates currently available to the Company.

Long-Lived Assets

        The Company reports long-lived assets, including intangibles, at amortized cost. Long-lived assets and intangibles, including goodwill, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If this assessment indicates that the assets will not be recoverable, as determined by the non-discounted cash flow generated by the asset, the carrying value of the Company's long-lived assets would be reduced to its estimated fair market value.

        Effective on January 1, 2002, goodwill and other intangible assets were accounted for under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." Goodwill and

F-10



intangible assets not subject to amortization are tested annually for impairment and are tested for impairment more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the asset's fair value. Other long-lived assets were accounted for under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets." As a result of the adoption of this standard, the Company did not record goodwill amortization during fiscal 2002, while $1.2 million was recorded in the fiscal 2001 period. Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 144, the Company accounted for long-lived assets in accordance with SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of."

Advertising Costs

        The Company expenses the cost of advertising as incurred. Advertising expenses charged to operations for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 were $21.6 million, $17.5 million, and $29.7 million, respectively.

Reclassifications

        Certain reclassifications have been made to prior years' consolidated financial statements to conform to classifications used in the current year. These reclassifications had no impact on previously reported results.

Employee Stock Options

        The Company has stock-based employee compensation plans, which are described more fully in Note 15. The company accounts for those plans under the recognition and measurement principles of APB Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and related Interpretations. No stock-based employee compensation cost for stock options is reflected in net income, as all options granted under those plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. The Company records compensation expense related to its restricted stock award plan in which the market price of the underlying stock at grant is recorded as unearned compensation and amortized to expense over the vesting period. The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of FASB Statement No. 123, "Accounting

F-11



for Stock-Based Compensation," to stock-based employee compensation (in thousands, except per share data):

 
  Year ended December 31,
 
 
  2002
  2001
  2000
 
Net earnings (loss), as reported   $ (11,282 ) $ 6,242   $ 16,493  
Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net income, net of related tax effects     649     397      
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects     (2,917 )   (2,379 )   (2,214 )
   
 
 
 
Pro forma net earnings (loss)   $ (13,550 ) $ 4,260   $ 14,279  

Earnings (loss) per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
Basic—as reported

 

$

(0.26

)

$

0.14

 

$

0.38

 
 
Basic—pro forma

 

$

(0.31

)

$

0.10

 

$

0.33

 
 
Diluted—as reported

 

$

(0.26

)

$

0.14

 

$

0.38

 
 
Diluted—pro forma

 

$

(0.31

)

$

0.10

 

$

0.33

 

(2) New Accounting Standards

        The Company adopted Statement of Accounting Standards No. 141 ("SFAS 141"), "Business Combinations," and Statement of Accounting Standards No. 142 ("SFAS 142"), "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" on January 1, 2002. SFAS 141 requires that the purchase method be used for all business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001. SFAS 142 requires that goodwill no longer be amortized to earnings, but instead be reviewed for impairment.

        On July 30, 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 146 ("SFAS 146"), "Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities." SFAS 146 nullifies EITF Issue No. 94-3, "Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring)." It requires that a liability be recognized for those costs only when the liability is incurred, that is, when it meets the definition of a liability in the FASB's conceptual framework. SFAS No. 146 also establishes fair value as the objective for initial measurement of liabilities related to exit or disposal activities. SFAS 146 is effective for exit or disposal activities that are initiated after December 31, 2002. The Company does not expect that the adoption of SFAS 146 will have a material impact on its financial position or results from operations.

        In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued FASB Interpretation No. 46 ("FIN 46"), "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities". This interpretation and clarifies the application of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51 ("ARB 51"), "Consolidated Financial Statements", and requires companies to evaluate variable interest entities for specific characteristics to determine whether additional consolidation and disclosure requirements apply. This interpretation is immediately applicable for variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003, and applies to fiscal periods

F-12



beginning after June 15, 2003 for variable interest entities acquired prior to February 1, 2003. This interpretation also requires extensive disclosures, including disclosures that are applicable to December 31, 2002 financial statements. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this interpretation will have any material impact on its financial position or results of operations because the Company has no variable interest entities.

        In November 2002, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 45 ("FIN 45"), "Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others". This interpretation clarifies the requirements of a guarantor in accounting for and disclosing certain guarantees issued and outstanding. This interpretation is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002. The adoption of this interpretation did not have any material impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

        On December 31, 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure." SFAS No. 148 amends FASB Statement No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. Furthermore, this Statement amends the disclosure requirements of Statement 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and the effect of the method used on reported results. Certain of the disclosure modifications are required for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002. The Company has included the required disclosures in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

(3) Investments

        At December 31, 2002 and 2001, short-term investments included in other current assets consist of $1.0 million and $1.2 million, respectively, of marketable securities available for sale.

        Long-term investments consist of certain marketable equity securities aggregating $0.2 million at both December 31, 2002 and 2001, and are included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Unrealized losses related to marketable equity securities at December 31, 2002 and 2001 amounted to $0.2 million and $1.5 million, respectively, net of deferred tax assets of $0.1 million and $1.0 million, respectively, and are included as a component of stockholders' equity. During 2000, the Company recorded an impairment charge related to a certain long-term marketable equity security. See Note 17.

(4) Accounts Receivable

        Accounts receivable consists of trade receivables, less reserves aggregating $8,350,000 and $10,220,000, and royalty receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,013,000 and $1,298,000 at December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

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(5) Inventories

        Inventories are summarized as follows (in thousands):

 
  2002
  2001
Raw materials   $ 7,026   $ 6,784
Work in process     1,049     2,189
Finished goods—retail     53,974     50,153
Finished goods—wholesale     33,634     36,979
   
 
    $ 95,683   $ 96,105
   
 

        At December 31, 2002 and 2001, write-downs of inventories to the lower of cost or market totaled $7.9 million and $9.8 million, respectively.

        During 2001, the Company decided to license its existing children's business, previously produced in-house, to its licensee for its Baby Guess product line. The agreement was finalized in the second quarter of 2001 and was effective for 2002 operations. The Company recorded an inventory write-down charge of approximately $0.6 million which was included in cost of sales in the first quarter of 2001. The charge relates to lower of cost or market adjustments for inventories expected to be sold below cost as a result of the decision.

(6) Property and Equipment

        Property and equipment is summarized as follows (in thousands):

 
  2002
  2001
Land and land improvements   $ 3,237   $ 3,232
Building and building improvements     3,520     3,520
Leasehold improvements     119,208     108,264
Machinery and equipment     156,392     143,230
Corporate aircraft     6,601     6,601
Shop fixtures     38,250     41,410
Construction in progress     4,956     2,621
   
 
      332,164     308,878
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization     204,067     163,493
   
 
    $ 128,097   $ 145,385
   
 

        Construction in progress at December 31, 2002 and 2001 represents the costs associated with the construction of buildings and improvements used in the Company's operations and other capitalizable expenses in progress. During the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 interest costs capitalized in construction in progress amounted to $156,000, $300,000, and $400,000, respectively.

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(7) Other Assets

        Other assets is summarized as follows (in thousands):

 
  2002
  2001
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization   $ 12,006   $ 10,817
Deferred tax assets     13,152     8,701
Artwork     3,510     3,712
Other     3,780     4,812
   
 
    $ 32,448   $ 28,042
   
 

(8) Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt

        Notes payable and long-term debt are summarized as follows (in thousands):

 
  2002
  2001
91/2% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2003 with interest payable semi-annually in February and August   $ 79,562   $ 79,562
$85 million revolving credit facility     1,468    
Revolving bank loan bearing interest at 1.75% above the Canadian prime rate plus an amount equal to 0.5% per month of the average outstanding balance, payable on demand, payable monthly commencing January 1, 2001, repaid during 2002         2,185
Advances under an unsecured demand line of credit of $17,347 with advances thereon bearing interest at the Canadian prime rate plus 1%         5,747
Other obligations, maturing in varying amounts through 2004     588     234
   
 
      81,618     87,728
Less current installments     80,138     7,609
   
 
Long-term debt, excluding current installments   $ 1,480   $ 80,119
   
 

        On September 27, 2002, the Company entered into a new credit facility led by Wachovia Securities, Inc., as Arranger and Administrative Agent ("Credit Facility"), which replaces a previous credit agreement. The term of the Credit Facility is for a period of four years and provides for a maximum line of credit of $85 million, including an amount made available to the Company's Canadian subsidiaries under a separate credit agreement (currently $15 million). The Credit Facility includes a $47.5 million sub-limit for letters of credits. Borrowings available under the Credit Facility are subject to a borrowing base and outstanding borrowings are secured by inventory, accounts receivable and substantially all other personal property of the borrowers. For borrowings under the Credit Facility, the Company may elect an interest rate based on either the Prime Rate or a Eurodollar rate plus a margin, which fluctuates depending on availability under the Credit Facility and the Company's financial performance as measured by a cash flow test. This margin ranges from 0 to 75 basis points for Prime Rate loans and from 175 to 250 basis points for Eurodollar rate loans. Commitment fees for unused borrowings up to $60 million under the Credit Facility are 37.5 basis points per annum. The Credit Facility requires the Company to maintain a minimum tangible

F-15



net worth if excess availability under the Credit Facility is less than $20 million. At December 31, 2002, the Company had $1.5 million in outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility, $7.2 million in outstanding standby letters of credit, $16.6 million in outstanding documentary letters of credit, and approximately $38.4 million available for future borrowings. As of December 31, 2002, the Company was in compliance with all of its covenants under the Credit Facility.

        According to the terms of the Credit Facility agreement, the Company had committed to refinance or extend the maturity of its existing subordinated debt by February 28, 2003. The Company was not able to close the transaction by the February 28, 2003 deadline. Consequently, the Company and its lenders amended the Credit Facility effective February 25, 2003, to extend the deadline to April 30, 2003.

        Maturities of long-term debt at December 31, 2002 are as follows (in thousands):

2003   $ 80,138
2004     12
2005    
2006     1,468
2007 and thereafter    
   
    $ 81,618
   

(9) Income Taxes

        Income taxes are summarized as follows (in thousands):

 
  Year ended December 31,
 
 
  2002
  2001
  2000
 
Federal:                    
  Current   $ (2,492 ) $ 3,697   $ 17,276  
  Deferred     (4,475 )   877     (5,602 )
State:                    
  Current     (93 )   1,295     3,594  
  Deferred     (926 )   (41 )   (1,127 )
Foreign:                    
  Current     2,436     (1,328 )   (1,041 )
   
 
 
 
    $ (5,550 ) $ 4,500   $ 13,100  
   
 
 
 

F-16


        Actual income taxes differ from expected income taxes obtained by applying the statutory Federal income tax rate to earnings before income taxes as follows (in thousands):

 
  Year ended December 31,
 
  2002
  2001
  2000
Computed "expected" tax expense (benefit)   $ (5,891 ) $ 3,760   $ 10,357
State taxes (benefit), net of Federal effect     (662 )   815     2,210
Foreign taxes (benefit)     259     (128 )   239
Other     744     53     294
   
 
 
    $ (5,550 ) $ 4,500   $ 13,100
   
 
 

        Total income taxes were allocated as follows (in thousands):

 
  Year ended December 31,
 
 
  2002
  2001
  2000
 
Operations   $ (5,550 ) $ 4,500   $ 13,100  
Stockholders' equity     (159 )   562     (10,769 )
   
 
 
 
Total income taxes   $ (5,709 ) $ 5,062   $ 2,331  
   
 
 
 

        The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of current and non-current deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2002 and 2001 are presented below (in thousands):

 
  2002
  2001
 
Deferred tax assets:              
  Property and equipment basis difference   $ 9,104   $ 3,099  
  Bad debt and other reserves     3,011     3,040  
  Deferred lease incentives     3,760     2,637  
  Uniform capitalization adjustment     1,975     2,027  
  Rent expense     1,782     2,019  
  Inventory valuation     1,154     1,683  
  Retail store closure reserves     722     1,305  
  Unrealized loss on investments     960     860  
  Other     5,078     3,918  
   
 
 
  Total deferred assets     27,546     20,588  
Deferred Tax Liabilities     (2,927 )   (1,466 )
NOL Carryback     2,118      
Foreign Tax Credits Carryback     1,252      
   
 
 
Net deferred tax assets   $ 27,989   $ 19,122  
   
 
 

        Included above at December 31, 2002 and 2001 are $14.8 million and $10.4 million for current deferred tax assets, respectively, and $13.1 million and $8.7 million in non-current deferred tax assets included in other assets at December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively. At December 31, 2002, the

F-17



Company's US operation had a net operating loss carryback of $6.1 million and foreign tax credits carryback of $1.3 million which will be carried back to reduce the taxable income in 1997 and tax liability in 1999. At December 31, 2002 the Company's Canadian operation has net operating loss carryforwards of $7 million which are available to reduce future taxable Canadian income through 2008.

        Based on the historical earnings of the Company, management believes it is more likely than not that the results of operations will generate sufficient taxable earnings to realize the net deferred tax assets.

(10) Related Party Transactions

        The Company is engaged in various transactions with entities affiliated with trusts for the respective benefit of Maurice, Paul and Armand Marciano, who are executives of the Company, and certain of their children (the "Marciano Trusts").

License Agreements and Licensee Transactions

        On September 28, 1990, the Company entered into a license agreement with Charles David of California ("Charles David"). Charles David is controlled by the father-in-law of Maurice Marciano. The Marciano Trusts and Nathalie Marciano (the spouse of Maurice Marciano) together own 50% of Charles David, and the remaining 50% is owned by the father-in-law of Maurice Marciano. The license agreement grants Charles David the rights to manufacture worldwide and distribute worldwide (except Japan and certain European countries) for men, women and some children, leather and rubber footwear which bear the Guess trademark. The license also includes related shoe care products and accessories. In 2002, the license agreement was renewed for six years and includes athletic footwear. There are no other rights and obligations between the Company and Charles David.

        Gross royalties earned by the Company under such license agreement for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 were $2.0 million, $2.0 million, and $2.1 million, respectively. Additionally, the Company purchased $5.7 million, $5.0 million, and $8.7 million of products from Charles David for resale in the Company's retail stores during the same periods.

        In May 1997, the Company sold substantially all of the assets and liabilities of Guess? Italia to Maco Apparel, S.p.a. ("Maco"). The effect of the net asset disposal was immaterial to the Company's results of operations. In connection with this sale, the Company also purchased a 10% ownership interest in Maco and entered into an approximate 10-year license agreement with Maco granting it the right to manufacture and distribute certain men's and women's jeanswear apparel, which bear the Guess trademark, in certain parts of Europe. In addition to royalty fees, the Company also received $14.1 million over a four-year period in consideration of the grant of the license rights for men's and women's jeanswear apparel. During each of 2001 and 2000 the Company recorded $2.8 million in revenue in connection with the grant of such license rights, which was paid in full at the end of 2001. Additionally, the Company recorded $4.7 million, $2.8 million and $3.0 million in royalty fees related to product sales by Maco in 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. The royalty fees for Maco for fiscal year 2002 included $1.0 million royalty adjustment from a licensee audit.

        In September 2001, the Company completed the acquisition of the remaining 40% of the outstanding shares of Guess? Canada Corporation not already owned by the Company. The Company paid a nominal consideration in exchange for the remaining shares of Guess? Canada Corporation and made an additional investment during the second quarter of 2001 of $3.0 million in the Canadian business to fund its ongoing

F-18



operations. Prior to the minority interest acquisition, the Company included 100% of the results of operations of Guess? Canada Corporation in its financial statements, therefore, this transaction did not have a material impact on the Company's financial statements. The Company recorded the amount representing 40% of the assets and liabilities at their respective fair values. No significant goodwill was generated from this transaction. In August 1999, the Company increased its ownership of Guess? Canada Corporation to 60% from 40%. As part of that transaction, the Company paid $2.0 million and provided long-term debt financing of up to $13.4 million to Guess? Canada Corporation to expand its Canadian retail operations of which $13.0 million was outstanding as of December 31, 2002. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase and the results of Guess? Canada Corporation were included in the Company's consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired amounted to $1.1 million and was allocated to goodwill and was amortized through 2001.

Leases

        The Company leases manufacturing, warehouse and administrative facilities from partnerships affiliated with the Marciano Trusts and certain of its affiliates. There are three leases in effect at December 31, 2002, which expire in February 2006 and July 2008. The total lease payments to these limited partnerships are currently $0.3 million per month. Aggregate lease payments under leases in effect for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 were $2.9 million, $3.0 million, and $2.8 million, respectively. See lease commitments to related parties at Note 11.

(11) Commitments and Contingencies

Leases

        The Company leases its showrooms and retail store locations under operating lease agreements expiring on various dates through March 2016. Some of these leases require the Company to make periodic payments for property taxes and common area operating expenses. Certain leases include rent abatements and scheduled rent escalations, for which the effects are being amortized and recorded over the lease term. The Company also leases some of its equipment under operating lease agreements expiring at various dates through 2007.

        Future minimum rental payments under non-cancelable operating leases at December 31, 2002 are as follows:

        Year ending December 31, (in thousands):

 
  Non-
Related
Parties

  Related
Parties

  Total
2003   $ 51,286   $ 2,925   $ 54,211
2004     49,901     2,612     52,513
2005     43,868     2,508     46,376
2006     40,576     2,343     42,919
2007     33,086     2,310     35,396
Thereafter     98,026     1,341     99,367
   
 
 
    $ 316,743   $ 14,039   $ 330,782
   
 
 

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        Rental expense for all operating leases during the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000 aggregated $53.1 million, $49.6 million, and $40.4 million, respectively.

Incentive Bonuses

        Certain officers and key employees of the Company are entitled to incentive bonuses, primarily based on the Company's profits.

Litigation

        On approximately January 15, 1999, UNITE filed an unfair labor practice charge against us, alleging that attorney Dennis Hershewe violated Section 8(a)(1) of the National Labor Relations Act ("the Act") by questioning our employee Maria Perez about her union activities at the deposition he conducted in her workers' compensation case. Mr. Hershewe represents Fireman's Fund Insurance Company, our workers' compensation insurance carrier. GUESS? investigated the charge and responded to it on March 10, 1999. The NLRB issued a complaint on part of the charge on October 14, 1999, and we filed an answer on October 21, 1999. On July 6, 2000, the complaint was dismissed in its entirety. The NLRB appealed the decision and both sides submitted briefs in September of 2000. We are awaiting a decision on the appeal.

        On June 9, 1999, we commenced a lawsuit in the Los Angeles County Superior Court against Kyle Kirkland, Kirkland Messina LLC, and CKM Securities (collectively "Kirkland") for tortious interference, unfair competition, fraud and related claims. This action arises out of alleged misrepresentations and omissions of material fact made by Kirkland in connection with the operations and financial performance of Pour Le Bebe, Inc., a former licensee ("PLB"). Following Kirkland's efforts to compel arbitration of this matter, on March 29, 2000, the California Court of Appeal determined that the action will proceed in court. After unsuccessfully requesting reconsideration before the appellate court, Kirkland sought review before the California Supreme Court. Kirkland's petition for review to the California Supreme Court was denied on July 12, 2000. In September 2002, the parties agreed to a settlement and the suit was dismissed.

        On March 28, 2000 a complaint was filed against us in San Diego County Superior Court entitled Snodgrass v. Guess?, Inc. and GUESS? Retail, Inc. The complaint alleged that certain current and former store management employees were incorrectly classified as exempt from overtime laws. The Company, without admitting or acknowledging any wrongdoing, tentatively settled the matter on September 28, 2001. The court granted final approval to the settlement on May 10, 2002. The Company does not expect any changes to its ongoing cost structure as a result of this settlement.

        On May 4, 2000, a complaint was filed against the Company and Mr. Paul Marciano in the Los Angeles Superior Court—Michel Benasra v. Paul Marciano and Guess?, Inc. The complaint grows out of the arbitration between the Company and PLB, wherein the Company was awarded $7.7 million. The plaintiff, the President of PLB, alleges that defendants made defamatory statements about him during the arbitration. Plaintiff seeks general damages of $50,000,000 and unspecified punitive damages. We moved to compel arbitration of this matter, or alternatively, to strike the action under the state's anti-SLAPP (Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation) statute. The motion to compel arbitration was denied and that ruling was affirmed on appeal. On May 15, 2002, our motion to strike the case was granted.

        On January 30, 2001, Guess?, Inc., Maurice Marciano, Armand Marciano, Paul Marciano, and Brian Fleming were named as defendants in a securities class action entitled David Osher v. Guess?, Inc., et al., filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. Seven additional class

F-20



actions have been filed in the Central District, naming the same defendants: Robert M. Nuckols v. Guess?, Inc. et al., Brett Dreyfuss v. Guess?, Inc. et al., both filed February 1, 2001; Jerry Sloan v. Guess?, Inc., et al., filed February 6, 2001; Jerry Byrd v. Guess?, Inc., et al; filed February 13, 2001; Patrick and Kristine Liska v. Guess?, Inc., et al, filed February 14, 2001; Darrin Wegman v. Guess?, Inc., et al., filed February 22, 2001; and Rosie Gindie v. Guess?, Inc., et al., filed February 22, 2001. All eight complaints purport to state claims under Section 10(b) and 20(a) and Rule 10b-5 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and allege that defendants made materially false and misleading statements relating to the Company's inventory and financial condition during the class period. In Osher, Nuckols, Byrd, Wegman and Sloan, the class period is February 14, 2000 through January 26, 2001; in Dreyfuss, Liska and Gindie the class period is February 14, 2000 through November 9, 2000. On April 25, 2001, the court entered an order consolidating all of the eight class actions, captioned In re Guess, Inc. Securities Litigation. The lead plaintiff for the class is the Policeman and Fireman's Retirement System of the City of Detroit. On July 9, 2001, the plaintiff filed a consolidated amended class action complaint. Our motion to dismiss was granted, with leave to amend, on November 29, 2001. On March 14, 2002, the court issued orders dismissing all eight class action cases without prejudice.

        On March 15, 2001, a complaint was filed by Susan Goldman, derivatively on behalf of nominal defendant Guess?, Inc. against Bryan Isaacs, Alice Kane, Robert Davis, Armand Marciano, Paul Marciano, Maurice Marciano, Howard Socol and Guess?, Inc. in the Court of Chancery for the State of Delaware. The complaint alleges misappropriation of corporate information, insider trading and other purported breaches of fiduciary duty by the Company and its Board of Directors. On February 12, 2002, the court granted plaintiff's motion to dismiss this action without prejudice.

        On May 7, 2001, a complaint was filed by Suzanne Bell, derivatively on behalf of nominal defendant Guess?, Inc. against Maurice Marciano, Paul Marciano, Armand Marciano, Alice Kane, Robert Davis, Howard Socol, Bryan Isaacs and Brian Fleming, in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. The complaint alleges corporate mismanagement, insider trading and other purported breaches of fiduciary duty by the Company and its Board of Directors. On July 5, 2001, the court stayed the action pursuant to stipulation of the parties pending the outcome of the Goldman derivative action. As a result of the dismissal of the Goldman derivative action on February 12, 2002, the stay expired. The parties subsequently stipulated to a dismissal which was approved by the court on March 28, 2002.

        Most major corporations, particularly those operating retail businesses, become involved from time to time in a variety of employment-related claims and other matters incidental to their business in addition to those described above. In the opinion of our management, the resolution of any of these pending incidental matters is not expected to have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition; however, we cannot predict the outcome of these matters.

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(12) Savings Plan

        The Company established the Guess?, Inc. Savings Plan (the "Savings Plan") under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Under the Savings Plan, employees ("associates") may contribute up to 15% of their compensation per year subject to the elective limits as defined by IRS guidelines and the Company may make matching contributions in amounts not to exceed 1.5% of the associates' annual compensation. Investment selections consist of cash and mutual funds and do not include any Company common stock. The Company's contributions to the Savings Plan for the year ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 amounted to $0.3 million, $0.4 million, and $0.4 million, respectively.

        In January 2002, the Company established a qualified employee stock purchase plan ("ESPP"), the terms of which allow for qualified employees (as defined) to participate in the purchase of designated shares of the Company's common stock at a price equal to 85% of the lower of the closing price at the beginning or end of each quarterly stock purchase period. The ESPP is a straight purchase plan and is not subject to any holding period, however all Company employees are subject to the terms of the Company's securities trading policy which generally prohibits the purchase or sale of any Company securities during the two weeks before the end of each fiscal quarter through the public announcement by the Company of its earnings for that period. On January 23, 2002, the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission Form S-8 registering 2,000,000 shares of common stock for the ESPP.

        During the fiscal year 2002, 66,771 shares of the Company's common stock were issued pursuant to the ESPP at an average price of $4.86 per share for a total of $0.3 million.

(13) Quarterly Information (unaudited)

        The following is a summary of the unaudited quarterly financial information for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001 (in thousands, except per share data):

Year ended December 31, 2002

  First
Quarter

  Second
Quarter

  Third
Quarter

  Fourth
Quarter

 
Net revenue   $ 138,179   $ 119,789   $ 157,798   $ 167,373  
Gross profit     45,116     40,408     56,759     57,050  
Net earnings (loss)     (3,601 )   (6,432 )   3,374     (4,623 )
Earnings (loss) per share:                          
  Basic   $ (0.08 ) $ (0.15 ) $ 0.08   $ (0.11 )
  Diluted   $ (0.08 ) $ (0.15 ) $ 0.08   $ (0.11 )
Year ended December 31, 2001

  First
Quarter

  Second
Quarter

  Third
Quarter

  Fourth
Quarter

Net revenue   $ 170,116   $ 151,719   $ 172,409   $ 183,376
Gross profit     58,704     51,716     59,059     60,316
Net earnings     2,084     1,464     1,328     1,366
Earnings per share:                        
  Basic   $ 0.05   $ 0.03   $ 0.03   $ 0.03
  Diluted   $ 0.05   $ 0.03   $ 0.03   $ 0.03

        During the first quarter ended March 30, 2002, the Company recorded $0.7 million in additional costs for estimated rent to be paid and lease exit costs related to idle leased facilities identified as part of the

F-22



restructuring charge recorded during the fourth quarter of 2000. These properties were sublet in the second quarter of 2002.

        During the first quarter and second quarter of 2001, the Company recorded severance charges of $0.4 million and $0.1 million, respectively, related to severance payments for 122 employees to streamline the corporate structure, consolidate operations and reduce the workforce. The Company also recorded $1.0 million of gain on disposition of an excess facility in the first quarter of 2001.

        During the third quarter ended September 28, 2002, the Company received approximately $4.0 million as part of a litigation settlement.

        During the third quarter ended September 29, 2001, the Company recorded restructuring, impairment and severance charges of $4.4 million. Based on the real estate market conditions following the events of September 11, 2001, the Company recorded $2.2 million in additional costs for rent paid, estimated rent to be paid and lease exit costs related to idle leased facilities identified as part of the restructuring charge recorded during the fourth quarter 2000. In addition, $1.3 million of the charges represented the write-down of the value of certain impaired assets, including fixed assets related to unprofitable stores. The remaining $0.9 million of the charge was related to severance costs for the reduction in the Company's workforce.

        During the fourth quarter of 2002, the Company recorded restructuring, impairment and severance charges of $8.5 million. The charge included $0.8 million estimated additional lease exit costs related to excess leased facilities and under performing stores which will be abandoned or closed in 2003, and $6.9 million of the charges represented the write-down of the value of certain impaired assets. The remaining $0.8 million of the charge was related to severance costs for the termination of 59 employees, which was part of the Company's continuing efforts to reduce costs, improve productivity, streamline its corporate structure and consolidate operations. In addition, the Company received another $0.3 million as part of a litigation settlement.

        During the fourth quarter of 2001, the Company recorded a restructuring charge of $0.6 million related to severance charge of an employee.

(14) Segment Information

        In accordance with the requirements of SFAS 131, "Disclosures about Segments of and Enterprise and Related Information," the Company's reportable business segments and respective accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 1. Management evaluates segment performance based primarily on revenue and earnings from operations. Interest income and expense is evaluated on a consolidated basis and not allocated to the Company's business segments.

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        Segment information is summarized as follows for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 (in thousands):

 
  Year ended December 31,
 
  2002
  2001
  2000
Net revenue:                  
  Retail operations   $ 384,456   $ 380,576   $ 392,539
  Wholesale operations     159,625     260,124     348,873
  Licensing operations     39,058     36,920     37,805
   
 
 
    $ 583,139   $ 677,620   $ 779,217
   
 
 
Earnings (loss) from operations:                  
  Retail operations   $ 3,120   $ 4,134   $ 3,372
  Wholesale operations     (44,944 )   (11,234 )   8,289
  Licensing operations     33,298     30,929     30,807
   
 
 
    $ (8,526 ) $ 23,829   $ 42,468
   
 
 
Capital expenditures:                  
  Retail operations   $ 12,968   $ 16,389   $ 57,336
  Wholesale operations     9,724     6,221     21,798
  Licensing operations         256    
   
 
 
    $ 22,692   $ 22,866   $ 79,134
   
 
 
 
  December 31,
   
 
  2002
  2001
   
Total assets                
  Retail operations   $ 157,270   $ 160,132    
  Wholesale operations     183,444     193,090    
  Licensing operations     8,818     9,241    
   
 
   
    $ 349,532   $ 362,463    
   
 
   

F-24


        The table below presents information related to geographic areas in which the Company operated during 2002, 2001 and 2000 (in thousands):

 
  Year ended December 31,
 
  2002
  2001
  2000
Net revenue:                  
  United States   $ 477,700   $ 572,629   $ 680,341
  Canada     52,709     56,340     47,339
  Europe     30,251     22,902     18,764
  Asia     17,166     17,181     23,303
  South America     2,986     5,761     6,403
  Mexico     1,896     1,852     1,895
  Other     431     955     1,172
   
 
 
    $ 583,139   $ 677,620   $ 779,217
   
 
 

(15) Stock Option Plan and Non-Vested Stock

        On July 30, 1996, the Board of Directors adopted the Guess?, Inc. 1996 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan pursuant to which the Board of Directors may grant stock and stock options to non-employee directors. This plan authorizes grants of options to purchase up to 500,000 authorized but unissued shares of common stock. At December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000, there were 280,526, 189,257, and 147,611 options issued under this plan, respectively. Stock options are granted with an exercise price equal to the stock's fair market value at the date of grant. Annual option grants to outside directors are at 85% of fair market value. Stock granted under the Plan is done so without restriction. Stock options have ten-year terms and vest and become fully exercisable in increments of one-fourth of the shares granted on each anniversary from the date of grant.

        On July 30, 1996, the Board of Directors adopted the Guess?, Inc. 1996 Equity Incentive Plan (the "Plan") pursuant to which the Board of Directors may grant stock options to officers, key employees and consultants. The Plan authorizes grants of options to purchase up to 4,500,000 authorized but unissued shares of common stock. Stock options are granted with an exercise price equal to the stock's fair market value at the date of grant. Stock options have ten-year terms (five years in the case of an incentive stock option granted to a ten-percent stockholder) and vest and become fully exercisable after varying time periods from the date of grant based on length of service or specified performance goals.

        At December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, there were 1,421,577, 1,699,441, and 1,883,056 additional shares available for grant under the plan, respectively. Using the Black Scholes option pricing model, the weighted-average per share fair value of stock options granted during 2002, 2001 and 2000 was $4.54, $3.57, and $10.09, respectively. The fair value for these options was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions for 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively: risk-free interest rates of 3.82%, 4.56%, and 5.35%; volatility factors of the expected market price of the Company's common stock of 64%, 60%, and 80%; no expected dividend yield; and a weighted-average expected life of the option of four years.

        The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options, which have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models

F-25



require the input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected stock price volatility. Because options under the Company's stock option plan have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in management's opinion, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of the options under the Company's stock option plan.

        The Company applies APB Opinion No. 25 in accounting for its Plan and, accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for its stock options in the accompanying consolidated financial statements, because the exercise price of the Company's employee stock options equals the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant. The Company granted 198,250, 10,000 and 205,680 shares during 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively, of common stock to key employees, which vest through August 2005. Upon granting of the stock, unearned compensation equivalent to the market value of the stock at the date of issuance was charged to stockholders' equity. This is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period and is recognized as compensation expense.

        Stock option activity under all of the Company's stock plans during the period indicated is as follows:

 
  Number of
Shares

  Weighted-Average
Exercise Price

 
Balance at December 31, 1999   1,363,513   $ 7.64  
  Granted   1,194,450     13.77  
  Exercised/Issued   (250,976 )   (6.69 )
  Forfeited   (519,789 )   (12.96 )
   
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2000   1,787,198   $ 10.68  
  Granted   588,048     6.36  
  Exercised/Issued   (123,982 )   (4.09 )
  Forfeited   (414,433 )   (17.03 )
   
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2001   1,836,831   $ 8.47  
  Granted   451,100     6.80  
  Exercised/Issued   (52,125 )   (4.90 )
  Forfeited   (371,486 )   (12.35 )
   
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2002   1,864,320   $ 8.37  
   
 
 

F-26


        The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2002.

 
  Options Outstanding
   
  Options Exercisable
Range of Exercise Price

  Number
Outstanding
December 31, 2002

  Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual Life

  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

  Number
Exercisable at
December 31, 2002

  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

$3.94 to $4.96   772,525   7.85 years   $ 4.53   345,525   $ 4.34
$5.00 to $6.45   307,164   8.70 years     6.14   82,168     6.11
$7.00 to $7.75   414,000   8.74 years     7.37   50,800     7.20
$9.38 to $18.31   211,231   5.48 years     13.56   172,770     12.72
$21.06 to $27.31   159,400   7.10 years     26.96   100,802     26.89
   
 
 
 
 
    1,864,320   7.85 years   $ 8.37   752,065   $ 9.67
   
 
 
 
 

        At December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, the number of options exercisable for each year was 752,065, 594,939, and 484,696, respectively. The weighted-average exercise price of those options was $9.67, $11.11, and $11.62, respectively.

(16) Share Repurchase Program

        In May 2001, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase shares of its own stock in an amount of up to $15 million from time to time in open market transactions. During the fiscal year of 2002, the Company purchased 606,000 shares at an aggregate cost of $3.2 million, or an average of $5.21 per share. Since the inception of the share repurchase program in May 2001, the Company has purchased 1,137,000 shares at an aggregated cost of $7.1 million, or an average of $6.26 per share.

(17) Restructuring, Impairment and Severance Charges

        During the year ended December 31, 2002, the Company recorded restructuring, impairment and severance charges of $9.2 million ($6.2 million after tax or $0.14 per diluted share). The Company recorded $1.5 million in additional costs for rent paid, estimated rent to be paid and lease exit costs related to excess leased facilities and under performing stores which will be abandoned or closed in 2003. In addition, $6.9 million of the charges represented the write-down of the value of certain impaired assets. The remaining $0.8 million of the charge was related to severance costs for the termination of 59 employees, which was part of the Company's continuing efforts to reduce costs, improve productivity, streamline its corporate structure and consolidate operations. Approximately $0.4 million of the severance remains unpaid and accrued on the balance sheet. The Company expects the remaining severance costs to be paid during 2003.

        During the year ended December 31, 2001, the Company recorded restructuring, impairment and severance charges of $5.5 million ($3.2 million after tax or $0.07 per diluted share). Based on the real estate market conditions following the events of September 11, 2001, the Company recorded $2.2 million in additional costs for rent paid, estimated rent to be paid and lease exit costs related to idle leased facilities identified as part of the restructuring charge recorded during the fourth quarter 2000. In addition, $1.3 million of the charges represented the write-down of the value of certain impaired assets, including

F-27



fixed assets related to unprofitable stores. The remaining $2.0 million of the charge was related to severance costs for the termination of 211 employees, which was part of the Company's continuing efforts to reduce costs. Approximately $0.6 million of the severance remains unpaid and accrued on the balance sheet.

        In accordance with the requirements of EITF 94-3, "Liability for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring)," during 1999, the Company recorded a $3.2 million charge for future severance costs related to the relocation of its distribution operations from Los Angeles, California to Louisville, Kentucky. The Company originally expected to terminate 460 employees. As a result of attrition, relocating and redeploying 228 employees, the Company recorded a $1.5 million recovery during 2000.

        During the year ended December 31, 2000, the Company recorded restructuring and impairment charges of $8.6 million. Of these charges, $2.4 million (impairment) and $6.2 million (restructuring and impairment) were recorded to the wholesale and retail segments, respectively. These charges consisted of the following:

        In connection with its ongoing review of its portfolio of marketable equity securities, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge against earnings from operations of $2.4 million to write down the cost basis of a certain marketable equity security investment in an internet company as the decline was determined to be other than temporary.

        Additionally, in accordance with SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of" an impairment charge of $1.7 million was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2000 to write down the net book value of property and equipment related to certain stores. These assets became impaired as the Company's new kid's line had some unprofitable stores that performed below expectations. Estimated future cash flows related to these stores indicated that an impairment of the full value had occurred.

        In December 2000, Company management approved a plan to close certain under-performing stores in 2001 and cease construction on certain stores that the Company has decided not to open. Included in the Company's operating results for the year ended December 31, 2000, are restructuring charges of $4.6 million consisting of lease exit costs, rent paid and to be paid on idle locations and construction costs of stores abandoned during construction. This included $0.8 million of asset impairments for under-performing stores that the Company closed in 2001. Estimated future cash flows related to these stores indicated that an impairment of the full value had occurred. As of December 31, 2000, a liability recorded in accordance with the requirements of EITF 94-3, "Liability for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring)" of which $1.7 million remained, consisting primarily of estimated rent to be paid on idle leased facilities and lease exit costs.

F-28



        The following table shows the Company's activity associated with restructuring accruals for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000:

 
  January 1,
2000

  Restructuring
Charges

  Payments
  December 31,
2000

Long-term lease obligations   $   $ 4,552   $ 2,865   $ 1,687
Severance   $ 3,200   $ (1,545 ) $ 1,655   $
 
  January 1, 2001
  Restructuring
Charges

  Payments
  December 31,
2001

Long-term lease obligations   $ 1,687   $ 2,185   $ 1,396   $ 2,476
Severance   $   $ 1,971   $ 1,355   $ 616
 
  January 1, 2002
  Restructuring
Charges

  Payments
  December 31,
2002

Long-term lease obligations   $ 2,476   $ 1,521   $ 2,382   $ 1,615
Severance   $ 616   $ 799   $ 1,013   $ 402

F-29



SCHEDULE II
GUESS?, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Years ended December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000
(in thousands)

 
  Balance at
beginning
of period

  Charged to
costs and
expenses

  Deductions
and
write-offs

  Balance at
end
of period

Description                        
As of December 31, 2002                        
  Accounts receivable   $ 10,220   $ 13,482   $ (15,355 ) $ 8,347
  Royalties     1,298     20     (305 )   1,013
As of December 31, 2001                        
  Accounts receivable   $ 15,811   $ 12,600   $ (18,191 ) $ 10,220
  Royalties     841     457         1,298
As of December 31, 2000                        
  Accounts receivable   $ 8,863   $ 28,811   $ (21,863 ) $ 15,811
  Royalties     1,258     903     (1,320 )   841

F-29



SIGNATURES AND CERTIFICATIONS

        Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Los Angeles, State of California, on March 27, 2003.

    GUESS?, INC.

 

 

 

 

 
    By:    
        /s/  MAURICE MARCIANO      
Maurice Marciano
Co-Chairman of the Board,
Co-Chief Executive Officer and Director

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature
  Title
  Date

 

 

 

 

 
/s/  MAURICE MARCIANO      
Maurice Marciano
  Co-Chairman of the Board,
Co-Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
  March 27, 2003

/s/  
PAUL MARCIANO      
Paul Marciano

 

Co-Chairman of the Board,
Co-Chief Executive Officer and Director

 

March 27, 2003

/s/  
CARLOS ALBERINI      
Carlos Alberini

 

President, Chief Operating Officer and Director

 

March 27, 2003

/s/  
FREDERICK G. SILNY      
Frederick G. Silny

 

Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and
Chief Accounting Officer)

 

March 27, 2003

/s/  
ANTHONY CHIDONI      
Anthony Chidoni

 

Director

 

March 27, 2003

/s/  
ALICE KANE      
Alice Kane

 

Director

 

March 27, 2003

/s/  
HOWARD SOCOL      
Howard Socol

 

Director

 

March 27, 2003

/s/  
HOWARD WEITZMAN      
Howard Weitzman

 

Director

 

March 27, 2003

I, Maurice Marciano, Co-Chief Executive Officer and Director, certify that:


Date: March 27, 2003   By:   /s/  MAURICE MARCIANO      
Maurice Marciano
Co-Chief Executive Officer and Director

I, Paul Marciano, Co-Chief Executive Officer and Director, certify that:


Date: March 27, 2003   By:   /s/  PAUL MARCIANO      
Paul Marciano
Co-Chief Executive Officer and Director

I, Carlos Alberini, President, Chief Operating Officer and Director, certify that:


Date: March 27, 2003   By:   /s/  CARLOS ALBERINI      
Carlos Alberini
President, Chief Operating Officer and Director

I, Frederick G. Silny, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, certify that:


Date: March 27, 2003   By:   /s/  FREDERICK G. SILNY      
Frederick G. Silny
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)


Exhibit Index

Exhibit
Number

  Description
3.1.   Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant.(1)
3.2.   Bylaws of the Registrant.(6)
4.1.   Indenture, dated August 23, 1993 between the Registrant and First Trust National Association, as Trustee.(8)
4.2.   First Supplemental Indenture, dated August 23, 1993, between the Registrant and First Trust National Association, as Trustee.(8)
4.3.   Specimen stock certificate.(1)
10.1.   Amended and Restated Stockholders' Agreement.(2)
10.22.   1996 Equity Incentive Plan.(1)
10.23.   1996 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan.(1)
10.24.   Annual Incentive Plan.(1)
10.25.   Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Maurice Marciano.(2)
10.26.   Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Paul Marciano.(2)
10.27.   Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Armand Marciano.(2)
10.28.   Registration Rights Agreement among the Registrant and certain stockholders of the Registrant.(2)
10.29.   Indemnification Agreement among the Registrant and certain stockholders of the Registrant.(2)
10.30.   Indemnification Agreements between the Registrant and certain executives and directors.(2)
10.31.   First Amendment to Amended and Restated Shareholders' Agreement.(3)
10.33.   Amended and Restated 1996 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan, as amended through March 3, 1997.(4)
10.36.   Amendment No. 1 to The Guess?, Inc. Amended and Restated 1996 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan.(5)
10.40.   Lease Agreement between Guess?, Inc. and Robert Pattillo Properties, Inc.
10.41.   Subscription Agreement between Freemark Entertainment Corporation and Guess?, Inc.
10.42.   Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Carlos Alberini.
10.45.   Employment Agreement dated November 11, 2001 between Registrant and Frederick G. Silny.(9)
10.46.   Lease Agreement between Guess?, Inc. and MAP Properties, Ltd.(9)
10.47.   2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.(7)
*10.48.   Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement by and among Congress Financial Corporation (Western) as Lender and Wachovia Securities, Inc., as the Arranger and Administrative Agent and Guess?, Inc., Guess? Retail, Inc. and Guess.com, Inc., as borrowers, dated as of December 20, 2002.
*10.49.   First Amendment to Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement dated as of February 25, 2003, by and among Congress Financial Corporation (Western) as Lender and Wachovia Securities, Inc., as the Arranger and Administrative Agent and Guess?, Inc., Guess? Retail, Inc. and Guess.com, Inc., as borrowers.

*10.50.   Canadian Loan and Security Agreement by and among Congress Financial Corporation (Canada), as Lender, Wachovia Securities, Inc., as Global Arranger and Guess? Canada Corporation and Guess? Canada Retail Inc., as borrowers, dated as of December 20, 2002.
*10.51.   Employment Agreement dated August 16, 2002 between Registrant and Nancy Shachtman.
10.52.   Letter agreement dated February 10, 2003 between Guess?, Inc. and the Armand Marciano Trust.(10)
18.0.   Letter regarding change in accounting principles.(5)
*21.1.   List of Subsidiaries.
*23.1.   Independent Accountants' Consent.
*99.1.   Certification of Co-Chief Executive Officer and Director pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
*99.2.   Certification of Co-Chief Executive Officer and Director pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
*99.3.   Certification of President, Chief Operating Officer and Director pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
*99.4.   Certification of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

*
Filed herewith

(b)
Financial Statement Schedule: Description Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

(1)
Incorporated by reference from the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-4419) filed by the Company on June 24, 1996, as amended.

(2)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996.

(3)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 30, 1997.

(4)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997.

(5)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 28, 1998.

(6)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 29, 2001.

(7)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-81274) filed by the Company on January 23, 2002.

(8)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 33-69236) originally filed by the Company on September 22, 1993.

(9)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001.

(10)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to the Schedule 13D filed by Maurice Marciano, Paul Marciano, Armand Marciano, and Gary W. Hampar on March 24, 2003 with respect to Guess?, Inc.



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TABLE OF CONTENTS PART I
PART I
PART II
PART III
PART IV
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
GUESS?, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS December 31, 2002 and 2001
GUESS?, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS Years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000
GUESS?, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000
GUESS?, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SCHEDULE II GUESS?, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS Years ended December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000 (in thousands)
SIGNATURES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Exhibit Index

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Exhibit 10.48

AMENDED AND RESTATED LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

by and among

CONGRESS FINANCIAL CORPORATION (WESTERN)

as Lender

and

WACHOVIA SECURITIES, INC.

as the Arranger and Administrative Agent

and

GUESS ?, INC.,

GUESS ? RETAIL, INC.

and

GUESS.COM, INC.

as Borrowers

Dated: December 20, 2002



TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
   
   
  Page
SECTION 1.       DEFINITIONS   1
SECTION 2.       CREDIT FACILITIES   20
    2.1   Loans   20
    2.2   Letter of Credit Accommodations   20
SECTION 3.       INTEREST AND FEES   24
    3.1   Interest   24
    3.2   Closing Fee   25
    3.3   Servicing Fee   25
    3.4   Unused Line Fee   25
    3.5   Changes in Laws and Increased Costs of Loans   25
SECTION 4.       CONDITIONS PRECEDENT   26
    4.1   Conditions Precedent to Initial Loans and Letter of Credit Accommodations   26
    4.2   Conditions Precedent to All Loans and Letter of Credit Accommodations   28
SECTION 5.       GRANT AND PERFECTION OF SECURITY INTEREST   28
    5.1   Grant of Security Interest   28
    5.2   Perfection of Security Interests   29
SECTION 6.       COLLECTION AND ADMINISTRATION   33
    6.1   Borrowers' Loan Account   33
    6.2   Statements   33
    6.3   Collection of Accounts   34
    6.4   Payments   35
    6.5   Authorization to Make Loans   36
    6.6   Use of Proceeds   36
SECTION 7.       COLLATERAL REPORTING AND COLLATERAL COVENANTS   36
    7.1   Collateral Reporting   36
    7.2   Accounts Covenants   37
    7.3   Inventory Covenants   38
    7.4   Equipment Covenants   38
    7.5   Power of Attorney   39
    7.6   Right to Cure   39
    7.7   Access to Premises   40
SECTION 8.       REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES   40
    8.1   Corporate Existence; Power and Authority   40
    8.2   Name; State of Organization; Chief Executive Office; Collateral Locations   40
    8.3   Financial Statements; No Material Adverse Change   41
    8.4   Priority of Liens; Title to Properties   41
    8.5   Tax Returns   41
    8.6   Litigation   41
    8.7   Compliance with Other Agreements and Applicable Laws   41
    8.8   Environmental Compliance   41
    8.9   Employee Benefits   42
    8.10   Intellectual Property   42
    8.11   Subsidiaries; Affiliates; Capitalization; Solvency   43
    8.12   Labor Disputes   44
    8.13   Restrictions on Subsidiaries   44
    8.14   Material Contracts   44
    8.15   Payable Practices   44
    8.16   Accuracy and Completeness of Information   44
    8.17   Survival of Warranties; Cumulative   44
SECTION 9.       AFFIRMATIVE AND NEGATIVE COVENANTS   44
    9.1   Maintenance of Existence   44
    9.2   New Collateral Locations   45

i


    9.3   Compliance with Laws, Regulations, Etc   45
    9.4   Payment of Taxes and Claims   46
    9.5   Insurance   46
    9.6   Financial Statements and Other Information   47
    9.7   Sale of Assets, Consolidation, Merger, Dissolution, Etc   48
    9.8   Encumbrances   49
    9.9   Indebtedness   50
    9.10   Loans, Investments, Etc   52
    9.11   Dividends and Redemptions   54
    9.12   Further Restriction on Loans, Investments, Dividends and Redemptions   54
    9.13   Transactions with Affiliates   54
    9.14   Compliance with ERISA   55
    9.15   End of Fiscal Years, Fiscal Quarters   55
    9.16   Change in Business   55
    9.17   Limitation of Restrictions Affecting Subsidiaries   55
    9.18   Net Worth   55
    9.19   License Agreements   56
    9.20   Costs and Expenses   56
    9.21   Further Assurances   57
SECTION 10.       EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES   57
    10.1   Events of Default   57
    10.2   Remedies   59
SECTION 11.       JURY TRIAL WAIVER; OTHER WAIVERS AND CONSENTS; GOVERNING
    LAW
  62
    11.1   Governing Law; Choice of Forum; Service of Process; Jury Trial Waiver   62
    11.2   Waiver of Notices   63
    11.3   Amendments and Waivers   63
    11.4   Waiver of Counterclaims   63
    11.5   Indemnification   63
SECTION 12.       TERM OF AGREEMENT; MISCELLANEOUS   64
    12.1   Term   64
    12.2   Interpretive Provisions   65
    12.3   Notices   66
    12.4   Partial Invalidity   66
    12.5   Successors   66
    12.6   Entire Agreement   67
    12.7   Counterparts, Etc   67
    12.8   Confidentiality   67
SECTION 13.       JOINT AND SEVERAL LIABILITY AND SURETYSHIP WAIVERS   67
    13.1   Independent Obligations; Subrogation   67
    13.2   Authority to Modify Obligations and Security   68
    13.3   Waiver of Defenses   68
    13.4   Exercise of Lender's Rights   68
    13.5   Additional Waivers   69
    13.6   Additional Indebtedness   69
    13.7   Subordination   69
    13.8   Revival   70
    13.9   Understanding of Waivers   70

ii


INDEX TO
EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES

  Exhibit A     Information Certificate
  Exhibit B     Compliance Certificate
  Schedule 4.1     Permitted Locations, etc.
  Schedule 5.2(b)     Chattel Paper and Instruments
  Schedule 5.2(f)     Letters of Credit, etc.
  Schedule 5.2(g)     Commercial Tort Claims
  Schedule 8.4     Liens
  Schedule 8.8     Environmental Disclosures
  Schedule 8.10     Intellectual Property
  Schedule 8.12     Labor Relations
  Schedule 8.14     Material Contracts
  Schedule 9.9     Indebtedness
  Schedule 9.10     Loans and Advances

AMENDED AND RESTATED LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

        This Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement dated December 20, 2002 is entered into by and among CONGRESS FINANCIAL CORPORATION (WESTERN), a California corporation ("Lender"), WACHOVIA SECURITIES, INC., a Delaware corporation (as the "Arranger and Administrative Agent"), and GUESS ?, INC., a Delaware corporation, GUESS? RETAIL, INC., a Delaware corporation, and GUESS.COM, INC., a Delaware corporation, jointly and severally as co-Borrowers (each a "Borrower" and collectively, the "Borrowers").

W I T N E S S E T H:

        WHEREAS, Borrowers, Lender and Arranger and Administrative Agent have previously entered into that certain Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of September 27, 2002 (the "Original Loan Agreement"), pursuant to which Lender has provided certain loans and other financial accommodations to Borrowers; and

        WHEREAS, the parties hereto have agreed to amend and restate in their entirety the agreements contained in the Original Loan Agreement as amongst themselves; and

        WHEREAS, Guess ?, Inc. owns all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of the other Borrowers; and

        WHEREAS, Borrowers operate as an integrated business unit with common product lines and the financial success of each of them is dependent upon the financial success of each other; and

        WHEREAS, Guess ?, Inc. receives essentially all of the payments made on account of the income of all of the Borrowers, and pays all of the expenses of the Borrowers; and

        WHEREAS, all of the administrative and accounting functions of all of the Borrowers are consolidated and performed at their chief executive office; and

        WHEREAS, it would be impractical and uneconomical for Borrowers to change their operations and their administrative and accounting functions so as to act as separate and distinct enterprises; and

        WHEREAS, Borrowers have requested that Lender enter into certain financing arrangements with Borrowers as an integrated business unit pursuant to which Lender may make loans and provide other financial accommodations to Borrowers as an integrated business unit; and

        WHEREAS, Lender is willing to make such loans and provide such financial accommodations on the terms and conditions set forth herein;

        NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual conditions and agreements set forth herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

SECTION 1.    DEFINITIONS    

        For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the respective meanings given to them below:

        1.1    "Accounts"  shall mean all present and future rights of Borrowers to payment of a monetary obligation, whether or not earned by performance, which is not evidenced by chattel paper or an instrument, (a) for property that has been or is to be sold, leased, assigned, or otherwise disposed of, (b) for services rendered or to be rendered, (c) for a secondary obligation incurred or to be incurred, or (d) arising out of the use of a credit, charge or debit card along with all information contained on or for use with such card.

        1.2    "Adjusted Eurodollar Rate"  shall mean, with respect to each Interest Period for any Eurodollar Rate Loan, the rate per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next one-sixteenth (1/16) of one percent (1%)) determined by dividing (a) the Eurodollar Rate for such Interest Period by (b) a percentage equal to: (i) one (1) minus (ii) the Reserve Percentage. For purposes hereof, "Reserve



Percentage" shall mean the reserve percentage, expressed as a decimal, prescribed by any United States or foreign banking authority for determining the reserve requirement which is or would be applicable to deposits of United States dollars in a non-United States or an international banking office of Reference Bank used to fund a Eurodollar Rate Loan or any Eurodollar Rate Loan made with the proceeds of such deposit, whether or not the Reference Bank actually holds or has made any such deposits or loans. The Adjusted Eurodollar Rate shall be adjusted on and as of the effective day of any change in the Reserve Percentage.

        1.3    "Adjusted Tangible Net Worth"  shall mean as to any Person, at any time, in accordance with GAAP (except as otherwise specifically set forth below), on a consolidated basis for such Person and its Subsidiaries (if any), the amount equal to the difference between: (a) the aggregate net book value of all assets of such Person and its Subsidiaries (excluding the value of patents, trademarks, tradenames, copyrights, licenses, goodwill, prepaid assets and other intangible assets), calculating the book value of inventory for this purpose on a first-in-first-out basis, after deducting from such book values all appropriate reserves in accordance with GAAP (including all reserves for doubtful receivables, obsolescence, depreciation and amortization) and (b) the aggregate amount of the Indebtedness and other liabilities of such Person and its Subsidiaries (including tax and other proper accruals).

        1.4    "Affiliate"  shall mean, with respect to a specified Person, any other Person which directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with such Person, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, includes (a) any Person which beneficially owns or holds five percent (5%) or more of any class of Voting Stock of such Person or other equity interests in such Person, (b) any Person of which such Person beneficially owns or holds five percent (5%) or more of any class of Voting Stock or in which such Person beneficially owns or holds five percent (5%) or more of the equity interests and (c) any director or executive officer of such Person. For purposes of this definition, the term "control" (including, with correlative meanings, the terms "controlled by" and "under common control with"), as used with respect to any Person, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of Voting Stock, by agreement or otherwise.

        1.5    "Availability Compliance Period"  shall mean the period of time beginning upon an Availability Triggering Event or a Compliance Triggering Event, as applicable from time to time under this Agreement, and continuing through the Availability Compliance Reinstatement Date.

        1.6    "Availability Compliance Reinstatement Date"  shall mean the 180thconsecutive day on which U.S. Excess Availability or Compliance Excess Availability, as applicable from time to time under this Agreement, is equal to at least Twenty Million Dollars ($20,000,000) and the Canadian Compliance Excess Availability is equal to at least the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000).

        1.7    "Availability Compliance Report"  shall mean a compliance report delivered by Borrowers to Lender on a monthly basis during the Availability Compliance Period, in form and substance satisfactory to Lender.

        1.8    "Availability Triggering Event"  shall mean the occurrence of any event or events or the existence of any circumstance or circumstances that cause the aggregate of U.S. Excess Availability and Canadian Compliance Excess Availability to be less than the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of Twenty Million Dollars ($20,000,000).

        1.9    "Average Excess Availability"  shall mean the sum of the U.S. Average Excess Availability and the Canadian Average Excess Availability.

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        1.10    "Blocked Accounts"  shall have the meaning set forth in Section 0 hereof.

        1.11    "Borrowing Base"  shall mean, at any time, the amount equal to: (a) eighty-five percent (85%) of the Net Amount of Eligible Accounts, plus (b) the lowest of: (i) the sum of (A) sixty-five percent (65%) (or seventy-two percent (72%) for the period from August 1 to October 31 of each year) of the Value of Eligible Inventory consisting of finished goods plus (B) fifty percent (50%) (or forty percent (40%) for the period commencing on the date hereof and continuing until the first anniversary thereof) of the Value of Eligible Inventory consisting of raw materials for such finished goods, up to a maximum amount of Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) or (ii) eighty-five percent (85%) of the Net Recovery Value expressed as a percentage of cost of the Value of Eligible Inventory as reflected on the most recent appraisal of the Inventory received and accepted by Lender prior to the date of the calculation, or (iii) the Inventory Sublimit minus the Canadian Inventory Sublimit, less (c) the Gift Certificate and Store Credit Reserve, less (d) any Reserves. For purposes of calculating the Borrowing Base, the amount of Eligible Inventory located in Canada shall not exceed 10% of all the Eligible Inventory. For purposes only of applying the sublimit on Loans based on Eligible Inventory set forth in clause (b)(iii) above, Lender may treat the then undrawn amounts of outstanding Letter of Credit Accommodations for the purpose of purchasing Eligible Inventory as Loans to the extent Lender is in effect basing the issuance of the Letter of Credit Accommodations on the Value of the Eligible Inventory being purchased with such Letter of Credit Accommodations.

        1.12    "Business Day"  shall mean any day other than a Saturday, Sunday, or other day on which commercial banks are authorized or required to close under the laws of the State of California or the State of North Carolina, and a day on which the Reference Bank and Lender are open for the transaction of business, except that if a determination of a Business Day shall relate to any Eurodollar Rate Loans, the term Business Day shall also exclude any day on which banks are closed for dealings in dollar deposits in the London interbank market or other applicable Eurodollar Rate market.

        1.13    "Canadian Agreement"  shall mean that certain Canadian Loan and Security Agreement to be entered into by and among Canadian Lender, Arranger (as defined therein) and Canadian Borrowers, in form and substance satisfactory to Lender, which may be amended from time to time.

        1.14    "Canadian Average Excess Availability"  shall mean an amount equal to the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of the aggregate of the average daily amount, as determined by Canadian Lender, for each fiscal quarter, of: (a) the aggregate of the Canadian Borrowing Base and the credit balances in the Blocked Accounts subject to Deposit Account Control Agreements on the date of calculation, minus (b) the amount of all then outstanding and unpaid Canadian Obligations; provided, however, that such definition may be amended from time to time pursuant to the correlating calculation of "Average Excess Availability" as defined in the Canadian Agreement.

        1.15    "Canadian Borrowers"  shall mean Guess? Canada Corporation and Guess? Canada Retail Inc.

        1.16    "Canadian Borrowing Base"  shall mean the "Borrowing Base" as defined in the Canadian Agreement.

        1.17    "Canadian Cash Equivalents"  shall mean the "Cash Equivalents" as defined in the Canadian Agreement.

        1.18    "Canadian Compliance Excess Availability"  shall mean the amount, as determined by Canadian Lender, as of any time, calculated in U.S. Dollar Equivalent, equal to: (a) the Canadian Borrowing Base, minus (b) the amount of all then outstanding and unpaid Canadian Obligations; provided, however, that such definition may be amended from time to time pursuant to the correlating calculation of "Compliance Excess Availability" as defined in the Canadian Agreement.

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        1.19    "Canadian Domestic Subsidiary"  shall mean a Subsidiary of a Canadian Borrower that is organized or incorporated under the laws of Canada, or any state or province thereof.

        1.20    "Canadian Facility"  shall mean the revolving line of credit made available to the Canadian Borrowers pursuant to the Canadian Agreement, which shall not permit overadvances in excess of the Canadian Permitted Overadvance, as such facility may be amended or replaced from time to time.

        1.21    "Canadian Guarantee"  shall mean the guarantee by the Borrowers dated as of the date hereof, of any amounts borrowed by the Canadian Borrowers under the Canadian Facility; provided that (i) such guarantee is made on terms and conditions satisfactory to the Lender and (ii) the rights of the Canadian Lenders under the Canadian Facility with respect to such guarantee rank in priority to the rights of Lender under this Agreement on terms and conditions satisfactory to Lender pursuant to an intercreditor agreement between the Lender and the Canadian Lender.

        1.22    "Canadian Inventory Sublimit"  shall mean the U. S. Dollar equivalent of the maximum amount that may be borrowed by the Canadian Borrowers under the Canadian Facility against Inventory of the Canadian Borrowers, without regard to limitations imposed by any borrowing base formulas.

        1.23    "Canadian Lender"  shall mean Congress Financial Corporation (Canada), an Ontario corporation.

        1.24    "Canadian Maximum Credit"  shall mean the U.S. Dollar equivalent of the maximum amount that may be borrowed by the Canadian Borrowers under the Canadian Facility without regard to limitations imposed by any borrowing base formulas or borrowing sublimits. The Canadian Maximum Credit shall be the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000); provided that the Canadian Borrowers will be permitted upon thirty (30) days prior written notice to Lender to increase or decrease the Canadian Maximum Credit one time per year beginning on October 1, 2003, effective on October 1 of each year and only in increments of the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000); provided further that the aggregate effect of all such elections may not increase the Canadian Maximum Credit above the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000) or decrease it below the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000).

        1.25    "Canadian Net Amount of Eligible Accounts"  shall mean the "Net Amount of Eligible Accounts" as defined in the Canadian Agreement.

        1.26    "Canadian Obligations"  shall mean the "Obligations" as defined in the Canadian Agreement.

        1.27    "Canadian Permitted Overadvance"  shall mean the maximum amount which may be borrowed by the Canadian Borrowers under the Canadian Facility in excess of the amount otherwise permitted to be borrowed based on the Canadian Borrowing Base (calculated without reference to the amount of any Canadian Permitted Overadvance), provided that the amount of such Canadian Permitted Overadvance may be changed only one time per calendar quarter on the first Business Day following the end of each quarter, only in increments of the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) up to a maximum of the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000), and only upon three (3) Business Days' prior written notice to Lender and subject to Lender being satisfied at the time that such change is to take effect that there is sufficient U.S. Excess Availability to permit the establishment of the corresponding Canadian Permitted Overadvance.

        1.28    "Canadian Permitted Overadvance Reserve"  shall mean a Reserve equal to the amount of the Canadian Permitted Overadvance.

        1.29    "Capital Leases"  shall mean, as applied to any Person, any lease of (or any agreement conveying the right to use) any property (whether real, personal or mixed) by such Person as lessee which in accordance with GAAP, is required to be reflected as a liability on the balance sheet of such Person.

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        1.30    "Capital Stock"  shall mean, with respect to any Person, any and all shares, interests, participations or other equivalents (however designated) of such Person's capital stock, partnership interests or limited liability company interests at any time outstanding, and any and all rights, warrants or options exchangeable for or convertible into such capital stock or other interests (but excluding any debt security that is exchangeable for or convertible into such capital stock).

        1.31    "Cash Equivalents"  shall mean, at any time, (a) any evidence of Indebtedness with a maturity date of ninety (90) days or less issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the United States of America of any agency or instrumentality thereof; provided, that the full faith and credit of the United States of America is pledged in support thereof; (b) certificates of deposit or bankers' acceptances with a maturity of ninety (90) days or less of any financial institution that is a member of the Federal Reserve System having combined capital and surplus and undivided profits of not less than Two Hundred Fifty Million Dollars ($250,000,000); (c) commercial paper (including variable rate demand notes) with a maturity of ninety (90) days or less issued by a corporation (except an Affiliate of any Borrower) organized under the laws of any State of the United States of America or the District of Columbia and rated at least A-1 by Standard & Poor's Ratings Service, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. or at least P-1 by Moody's Investors Service, Inc.; (d) repurchase obligations with a term of not more than thirty (30) days for underlying securities of the types described in clause (a) above entered into with any financial institution having combined capital and surplus and undivided profits of not less than Two Hundred Fifty Million Dollars ($250,000,000); (e) repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements relating to marketable direct obligations issued or unconditionally guaranteed by the United States of America or issued by any governmental agency thereof and backed by the full faith and credit to the United States of America, in each case maturing within ninety (90) days or less from the date of acquisition; provided, that the terms of such agreements comply with the guidelines set forth in the Federal Financial Agreements of Depository Institutions with Securities Dealers and Others, as adopted by the Comptroller of the Currency on October 31, 1985; and (f) investments in money market funds and mutual funds which invest substantially all of their assets in securities of the types described in clauses (a) through (e) above.

        1.32    "Central Collection Deposit Account"  shall mean any deposit account established by any Borrower that is used by Borrowers to receive deposits from local retail store deposit accounts or from sales of Inventory or other proceeds of Collateral arising from transactions other than sales at local retail stores.

        1.33    "Change of Control"  shall mean (a) the transfer (in one transaction or a series of transactions) of all or substantially all of the assets of any Borrower to any Person or group (as such term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act); (b) the liquidation or dissolution of any Borrower or the adoption of a plan by the stockholders of such Borrower relating to the dissolution or liquidation of such Borrower; (c) with respect to Parent, the acquisition by any Person or group (as such term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), except for one or more Permitted Holders, of beneficial ownership, directly or indirectly, of fifty percent (50%) or more of the voting power of the total outstanding Voting Stock or the Board of Directors and with respect to the other Borrowers, the acquisition by any Person other than Parent of any outstanding Voting Stock of any such Borrower; (d) with respect to Parent, during any period of two (2) consecutive years, individuals who at the beginning of such period constituted the Board of Directors (together with any new directors who have been appointed by any Permitted Holder, or whose nomination for election by the stockholders of Parent, as the case may be, was approved by a vote of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (662/3%) of the directors then still in office who were either directors at the beginning of such period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved) cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the Board of Directors then still in office, or in the case of the other Borrowers any director shall be elected or appointed to the Board of Directors by any Person other than Parent; or (e) the failure of the Permitted Holders to hold at least fifty one percent (51%) of the voting power of

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the total outstanding Voting Stock of Parent, other than as a result of a public offering of such Voting Stock, at which time the Permitted Holders shall hold at least thirty percent (30%) of the voting power of the total outstanding Voting Stock of Parent, and the failure of Parent to own one hundred percent (100%) of the voting power of the total outstanding Voting Stock of the other Borrowers.

        1.34    "Code"  shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as the same now exists or may from time to time hereafter be amended, modified, recodified or supplemented, together with all rules, regulations and interpretations thereunder or related thereto.

        1.35    "Collateral"  shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5 hereof.

        1.36    "Collateral Access Agreement"  shall mean an agreement in writing, in form and substance satisfactory to Lender, from any lessor of premises to any Borrower, or any other person to whom any Collateral (including Inventory, Equipment, bills of lading or other documents of title) is consigned or who has custody, control or possession of any such Collateral or is otherwise the owner or operator of any premises on which any of such Collateral is located, pursuant to which such lessor, consignee or other person, inter alia, acknowledges the first priority security interest of Lender in such Collateral, agrees to waive any and all claims such lessor, consignee or other person may, at any time, have against such Collateral, whether for processing, storage or otherwise, and agrees to permit Lender access to, and the right to remain on, the premises of such lessor, consignee or other person so as to exercise Lender's rights and remedies and otherwise deal with such Collateral and, in the case of any consignee or other person who at any time has custody, control or possession of any Collateral, acknowledges that it holds and will hold possession of the Collateral for the benefit of Lender and agrees to follow all instructions of Lender with respect thereto.

        1.37    "Compliance Excess Availability"  shall mean the sum of the U.S. Compliance Excess Availability and the Canadian Compliance Excess Availability.

        1.38    "Compliance Triggering Event"  shall mean the occurrence of any event or events or the existence of any circumstance or circumstances that cause the U.S. Compliance Excess Availability to be less than Twenty Million Dollars ($20,000,000).

        1.39    "Credit Facilities"  shall mean, collectively, the loan facility contemplated herein and the Canadian Facility.

        1.40    "Credit Parties"  shall mean the Borrowers and the Canadian Borrowers collectively, and "Credit Party" shall mean any one of such Credit Parties.

        1.41    "Default"  shall mean an act, condition or event which with notice or passage of time or both would constitute an Event of Default.

        1.42    "Deposit Account Control Agreement"  shall mean an agreement in writing, in form and substance satisfactory to Lender, by and among Lender, any Borrower and any bank at which any deposit account of such Borrower is at any time maintained which provides that such bank will comply with instructions originated by Lender directing disposition of the funds in the deposit account without further consent by such Borrower and such other terms and conditions as Lender may require, including as to any such agreement with respect to any Blocked Account, providing that all items received or deposited in the Blocked Accounts are the property of Lender, that the bank has no lien upon, or right to setoff against, the Blocked Accounts, the items received for deposit therein, or the funds from time to time on deposit therein and that the bank will wire, or otherwise transfer, in immediately available funds, on a daily basis to the Lender Payment Account all funds received or deposited into the Blocked Accounts, as provided in Sections 6.3 and 6.4.

        1.43    "Dilution"  means, as of any date of determination, a percentage, based upon the experience of the immediately prior 180 days, that is the result of dividing the Dollar (or Dollar equivalent) amount of (a) bad debt write-downs, discounts, advertising allowances, credits, or other dilutive items

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with respect to the Accounts during such period, by (b) Borrowers' gross billings with respect to Accounts during such period.

        1.44    "Dilution Reserve"  means, as of any date of determination, a Reserve sufficient to reduce the advance rate against Eligible Accounts by one percentage point for each percentage point or fraction thereof by which Dilution is in excess of six percent (6%).

        1.45    "Discount Reserve"  shall mean a Reserve equal to the discount reserve taken by Borrowers on their financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP of discounts on sales of Inventory allowed by Borrowers as reported by Borrowers in the financial statements delivered under Section 9.6.

        1.46    "Dollars"  or "$" means United States dollars.

        1.47    "Domestic Subsidiary"  shall mean a Subsidiary that is organized or incorporated under the laws of the United States of America, any state thereof or the District of Columbia.

        1.48    "EBITDA"  shall mean, with respect to any fiscal period, Parent's and its Subsidiaries' consolidated net earnings (or loss), minus extraordinary gains, plus interest expense, income taxes, and depreciation and amortization, plus non-cash extraordinary losses for such period, as determined in accordance with GAAP.

        1.49    "Eligible Accounts"  shall mean Accounts created by Borrowers which are and continue to be acceptable to Lender based on the criteria set forth below. In general, Accounts shall be Eligible Accounts if:

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The criteria for Eligible Accounts set forth above may only be changed and any new criteria for Eligible Accounts may only be established by Lender in good faith based on either: (i) an event, condition or other circumstance arising after the date hereof, or (ii) an event, condition or other circumstance existing on the date hereof to the extent Lender has no written notice thereof from Borrowers prior to the date hereof, in either case under clause (i) or (ii) which adversely affects or could reasonably be expected to adversely affect the Accounts in the good faith determination of Lender. Any Accounts which are not Eligible Accounts shall nevertheless be part of the Collateral.

        1.50    "Eligible Inventory"  shall mean Inventory consisting of finished goods held for resale in the ordinary course of the business of Borrowers and raw materials for such finished goods, in each case which are acceptable to Lender based on the criteria set forth below. In general, Eligible Inventory shall not include:

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The criteria for Eligible Inventory set forth above may only be changed and any new criteria for Eligible Inventory may only be established by Lender in good faith based on either: (i) an event, condition or other circumstance arising after the date hereof, or (ii) an event, condition or other circumstance existing on the date hereof to the extent Lender has no written notice thereof from Borrowers prior to the date hereof, in either case under clause (i) or (ii) which adversely affects or could reasonably be expected to adversely affect the Inventory in the good faith determination of Lender. Any Inventory which is not Eligible Inventory shall nevertheless be part of the Collateral.

        1.51    "Environmental Laws"  shall mean all foreign, Federal, State and local laws (including common law), legislation, rules, codes, licenses, permits (including any conditions imposed therein), authorizations, judicial or administrative decisions, injunctions or agreements between any Borrower and any Governmental Authority, (a) relating to pollution and the protection, preservation or restoration of the environment (including air, water vapor, surface water, ground water, drinking water, drinking water supply, surface land, subsurface land, plant and animal life or any other natural resource), or to human health or safety, (b) relating to the exposure to, or the use, storage, recycling, treatment, generation, manufacture, processing, distribution, transportation, handling, labeling, production, release or disposal, or threatened release, of Hazardous Materials, or (c) relating to all laws with regard to recordkeeping, notification, disclosure and reporting requirements respecting Hazardous Materials. The term "Environmental Laws" includes (i) the Federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, the Federal Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972, the Federal Clean Water

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Act, the Federal Clean Air Act, the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (including the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments thereto), the Federal Solid Waste Disposal and the Federal Toxic Substances Control Act, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, and the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974, (ii) applicable state counterparts to such laws, and (iii) any common law or equitable doctrine that may impose liability or obligations for injuries or damages due to, or threatened as a result of, the presence of or exposure to any Hazardous Materials.

        1.52    "Equipment"  shall mean all of Borrowers' now owned and hereafter acquired equipment, wherever located, including machinery, data processing and computer equipment and computer hardware and software, whether owned or licensed, and including embedded software, vehicles, tools, furniture, fixtures, all attachments, accessions and property now or hereafter affixed thereto or used in connection therewith, and substitutions and replacements thereof, wherever located.

        1.53    "ERISA"  shall mean the United States Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, together with all final regulations thereunder.

        1.54    "ERISA Affiliate"  shall mean any person required to be aggregated with any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries under Sections 414(b), 414(c), 414(m) or 414(o) of the Code.

        1.55    "ERISA Event"  shall mean (a) any "reportable event", as defined in Section 4043 of ERISA or the regulations issued thereunder, with respect to a Plan (excluding those for which the provision for 30-day notice to the PBGC has been waived by regulation); (b) the adoption of any amendment to a Plan that would require the provision of security pursuant to Section 401(a)(29) of the Code or Section 307 of ERISA; (c) the existence with respect to any Plan of an "accumulated funding deficiency" (as defined in Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA), whether or not waived; (d) the filing pursuant to Section 412 of the Code or Section 303(d) of ERISA of an application for a waiver of the minimum funding standard with respect to any Plan; (e) the occurrence of a "prohibited transaction" with respect to which any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is a "disqualified person" (within the meaning of Section 4975 of the Code) or with respect to which any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries could otherwise be liable; (f) a complete or partial withdrawal by any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from a Multiemployer Plan or a cessation of operations which is treated as such a withdrawal or notification that a Multiemployer Plan is in reorganization; (g) the filing of a notice of intent to terminate, the treatment of a Plan amendment as a termination under Section 4041 or 4041A of ERISA, or the commencement of proceedings by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation to terminate a Plan; (h) an event or condition which might reasonably be expected to constitute grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any Plan; (i) the imposition of any liability under Title IV of ERISA, other than the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation premiums due but not delinquent under Section 4007 of ERISA, upon any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate; and (j) any other event or condition with respect to a Plan including any Plan subject to Title IV of ERISA maintained, or contributed to, by any ERISA Affiliate that could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

        1.56    "Eurodollar Rate"  shall mean with respect to the Interest Period for a Eurodollar Rate Loan, the interest rate per annum equal to the arithmetic average of the rates of interest per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next one-sixteenth (1/16) of one percent (1%)) at which Reference Bank is offered deposits of United States dollars in the London interbank market (or other Eurodollar Rate market selected by Borrowers and approved by Lender) on or about 9:00 a.m. (New York time) two (2) Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period in amounts substantially equal to the principal amount of the Eurodollar Rate Loans requested by and available to Borrowers in accordance with this Agreement, with a maturity of comparable duration to the Interest Period selected by Borrowers.

        1.57    "Eurodollar Rate Loans"  shall mean any Loans or portion thereof on which interest is payable based on the Adjusted Eurodollar Rate in accordance with the terms hereof.

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        1.58    "Event of Default"  shall mean the occurrence or existence of any event or condition described in Section 0 hereof.

        1.59    "Exchange Act"  shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, together with all rules, regulations and interpretations thereunder or related thereto.

        1.60    "Exchange Rate"  shall mean (a) except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b) hereof, the prevailing spot rate of exchange of Reference Bank or, if such rate is not available from Reference Bank such other bank as Lender may reasonably select for the purpose of conversion of one currency to another, at or around 11:00 a.m. New York time, on the date on which any such conversion of currency is to be made under this Agreement; and (b) with respect to any calculation being done by the Borrowers or Canadian Borrowers in respect of the Canadian Borrowing Base, the prevailing spot "buy" rate of exchange of Bank of Montreal or if such rate is not available from Bank of Montreal such other bank as Lender may reasonably select for the purpose of conversion of one currency to another, at or around 11:00 a.m. New York time, on the date on which any such conversion of currency is to be made under this Agreement.

        1.61    "Federal Funds Rate"  means, for any day, the rate per annum equal to the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers on such day, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank on the Business Day next succeeding such day; provided that (a) if such day is not a Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be such rate on such transactions on the next preceding Business Day as so published on the next succeeding Business Day, and (b) if no such rate is so published on such next succeeding Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be the average rate (rounded upward, if necessary, to a whole multiple of 1/100 of 1%) charged to Lender on such day.

        1.62    "Financing Agreements"  shall mean, collectively, this Agreement and all notes, guaranties, security agreements and other agreements, documents and instruments now or at any time hereafter executed and/or delivered by Borrowers or any Obligor in connection with this Agreement.

        1.63    "GAAP"  shall mean generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America as in effect from time to time as set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board which are applicable to the circumstances as of the date of determination consistently applied, except that, for purposes of Section 0 hereof, GAAP shall be determined on the basis of such principles in effect on the date hereof and consistent with those used in the preparation of the most recent audited financial statements delivered to Lender prior to the date hereof.

        1.64    "Gift Certificate and Store Credit Reserve"  shall mean, as of any date of determination, a Reserve equal to the amount of fifty percent (50%) of all (i) accrued and outstanding gift certificates issued by Borrowers in the ordinary course of business and (ii) the aggregate amount of outstanding store credits given by Borrowers to their customers in the ordinary course of business.

        1.65    "Governmental Authority"  shall mean any nation or government, any state, province, or other political subdivision thereof, any central bank (or similar monetary or regulatory authority) thereof, any entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to government, and any corporation or other entity owned or controlled, through stock or capital ownership or otherwise, by any of the foregoing.

        1.66    "Guess Licensing"  shall mean Guess Licensing, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Parent.

        1.67    "Hazardous Materials"  shall mean any hazardous, toxic or dangerous substances, materials and wastes, including hydrocarbons (including naturally occurring or man-made petroleum and

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hydrocarbons), flammable explosives, asbestos, urea formaldehyde insulation, radioactive materials, biological substances, polychlorinated biphenyls, pesticides, herbicides and any other kind and/or type of pollutants or contaminants (including materials which include hazardous constituents), sewage, sludge, industrial slag, solvents and/or any other similar substances, materials, or wastes and including any other substances, materials or wastes that are or become regulated under any Environmental Law (including any that are or become classified as hazardous or toxic under any Environmental Law).

        1.68    "Indebtedness"  shall mean, with respect to any Person, any liability, whether or not contingent, (a) in respect of borrowed money (whether or not the recourse of the lender is to the whole of the assets of such Person or only to a portion thereof) or evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments; (b) representing the balance deferred and unpaid of the purchase price of any property or services (except any such balance that constitutes an account payable to a trade creditor (whether or not an Affiliate) created, incurred, assumed or guaranteed by such Person in the ordinary course of business of such Person in connection with obtaining goods, materials or services that is not overdue by more than ninety (90) days, unless the trade payable is being contested in good faith); (c) all obligations as lessee under leases which have been, or should be, in accordance with GAAP recorded as Capital Leases; (d) any contractual obligation, contingent or otherwise, of such Person to pay or be liable for the payment of any indebtedness described in this definition of another Person, including, without limitation, any such indebtedness, directly or indirectly guaranteed, or any agreement to purchase, repurchase, or otherwise acquire such indebtedness, obligation or liability or any security therefor, or to provide funds for the payment or discharge thereof, or to maintain solvency, assets, level of income, or other financial condition; (e) all obligations with respect to redeemable stock and redemption or repurchase obligations under any Capital Stock or other equity securities issued by such Person; (f) all reimbursement obligations and other liabilities of such Person with respect to surety bonds (whether bid, performance or otherwise), letters of credit, banker's acceptances, drafts or similar documents or instruments issued for such Person's account; (g) all indebtedness of such Person in respect of indebtedness of another Person for borrowed money or indebtedness of another Person otherwise described in this definition which is secured by any consensual lien, security interest, collateral assignment, conditional sale, mortgage, deed of trust, or other encumbrance on any asset of such Person, whether or not such obligations, liabilities or indebtedness are assumed by or are a personal liability of such Person, all as of such time; (h) all obligations, liabilities and indebtedness of such Person (market to market) arising under swap agreements, cap agreements and collar agreements and other agreements or arrangements designed to protect such Person against fluctuations in interest rates or currency or commodity values; and (i) all obligations owed by such Person under License Agreements with respect to non-refundable, advance or minimum guaranty royalty payments.

        1.69    "Information Certificate"  shall mean the Information Certificate of Borrowers constituting Exhibit A hereto containing material information with respect to Borrowers, their business and assets provided by or on behalf of Borrowers to Lender in connection with the preparation of this Agreement and the other Financing Agreements and the financing arrangements provided for herein.

        1.70    "Intellectual Property"  shall mean Borrowers' now owned and hereafter arising or acquired: patents, patent rights, patent applications, copyrights, works which are the subject matter of copyrights, copyright registrations, trademarks, trade names, trade styles, trademark and service mark applications, and licenses and rights to use any of the foregoing; all extensions, renewals, reissues, divisions, continuations, and continuations-in-part of any of the foregoing; all rights to sue for past, present and future infringement of any of the foregoing; inventions, trade secrets, formulae, processes, compounds, drawings, designs, blueprints, surveys, reports, manuals, and operating standards; goodwill (including any goodwill associated with any trademark or the license of any trademark); customer and other lists in whatever form maintained; and trade secret rights, copyright rights, rights in works of authorship, domain names and domain name registrations; software and contract rights relating to software, in whatever form created or maintained.

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        1.71    "Interest Period"  shall mean for any Eurodollar Rate Loan, a period of approximately one (1), two (2), or three (3) months duration as Borrowers may elect, the exact duration to be determined in accordance with the customary practice in the applicable Eurodollar Rate market; provided, that Borrowers may not elect an Interest Period which will end after the last day of the then-current term of this Agreement.

        1.72    "Interest Rate"  shall mean, as to Prime Rate Loans, a rate equal to the Prime Rate plus the Prime Rate Margin shown below as in effect from time to time, and, as to Eurodollar Rate Loans, a rate equal to the Adjusted Eurodollar Rate (based on the Eurodollar Rate applicable for the Interest Period selected by Borrowers as in effect three (3) Business Days after the date of receipt by Lender of the request of Borrowers for such Eurodollar Rate Loans in accordance with the terms hereof, whether such rate is higher or lower than any rate previously quoted to Borrowers) plus the Eurodollar Rate Margin shown below as in effect from time to time:

 
  Trailing Four Quarters EBITDA
   
  Average Excess Availability
for the immediately preceding
Fiscal Quarter

  Margin over
Prime Rate

  Margin over
Adjusted
Eurodollar Rate

 
  Greater than or equal to the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of $70,000,000     Greater than or equal to the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of $40,000,000   0.00 % 1.75 %


 

Greater than or equal to the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of $55,000,000 but less than the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of $70,000,000

 


 

Greater than or equal to the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of $30,000,000 but less than the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of $40,000,000

 

0.25

%

2.00

%


 

Greater than or equal to the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of $40,000,000 but less than the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of $55,000,000

 


 

Greater than or equal to the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of $20,000,000 but less than the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of $30,000,000

 

0.50

%

2.25

%


 

Greater than or equal to the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of $25,000,000 but less than the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of $40,000,000

 


 

Less than the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of $20,000,000

 

0.75

%

2.50

%

If the Trailing Four Quarters EBITDA is less than the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of Twenty Five Million Dollars ($25,000,000), the Interest Rate shall be calculated using the margins based on Average Excess Availability set forth above. If Trailing Four Quarters EBITDA is the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of Twenty Five Million Dollars ($25,000,000) or more, the Interest Rate shall be calculated using the lower of the margins applicable based on Trailing Four Quarters EBITDA or Average Excess Availability. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the initial interest rate shall be the Prime Rate plus one-half percent (0.50%) per annum with respect to Prime Rate Loans and the Adjusted Eurodollar Rate plus two and one-fourth percent (2.25%) per annum with respect to Eurodollar Rate Loans, and such rates shall be in effect until financial statements for the Parent for the period ending December 31, 2002 are delivered; thereafter, the Interest Rate will be adjusted quarterly based on the margins set forth above, such adjustments to take effect concurrently with any corresponding adjustments to the Interest Rate under the Canadian Agreement on the first day of the month following the timely delivery of financial statements to Lender under this Agreement together with such daily reports of cash and Cash Equivalents of Borrowers that are on deposit in a securities or deposit account subject to a control agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to Lender, less the book overdrafts of Borrowers, for such fiscal quarter as requested by Lender and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Lender. If financial statements are not timely delivered, the Interest Rate shall be set using the highest margins

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shown above and shall remain at that rate until the delivery of financial statements that permit the setting of the Interest Rate in accordance with the table above.

        1.73    "Inventory"  shall mean all of Borrowers' now owned and hereafter existing or acquired goods, wherever located, which (a) are leased by any Borrower as lessor; (b) are held by any Borrower for sale or lease or to be furnished under a contract of service or in transit; (c) are furnished by any Borrower under a contract of service; or (d) consist of raw materials, work in process, finished goods or materials used or consumed in Borrowers' business.

        1.74    "Inventory Sublimit"  shall mean an amount equal to the lesser of (y) Sixty-Five Million Dollars ($65,000,000), or (z) an amount equal to seventy-six percent (76%) of the Maximum Credit.

        1.75    "Investment Property Control Agreement"  shall mean an agreement in writing, in form and substance satisfactory to Lender, by and among Lender, any Borrower and any securities intermediary, commodity intermediary or other person who has custody, control or possession of any investment property of such Borrower acknowledging that such securities intermediary, commodity intermediary or other person has custody, control or possession of such investment property on behalf of Lender, that it will comply with entitlement orders originated by Lender with respect to such investment property, or other instructions of Lender, or (as the case may be) apply any value distributed on account of any commodity contract as directed by Lender, in each case, without the further consent of such Borrower and including such other terms and conditions as Lender may require.

        1.76    "Lender Payment Account"  shall mean account no. 5000000030321 of Lender at First Union National Bank located at Charlotte, North Carolina, with an ABA no. 053000219 or such other account of Lender as Lender may from time to time designate to Borrowers as the Lender Payment Account for purposes of this Agreement.

        1.77    "Letter of Credit Accommodations"  shall mean, collectively, the letters of credit, merchandise purchase or other guaranties which are from time to time either (a) issued or opened by Lender for the account of any Borrower or (b) with respect to which Lender has agreed to indemnify the issuer or guaranteed to the issuer the performance by any Borrower of its obligations to such issuer; sometimes being referred to herein individually as a "Letter of Credit Accommodation".

        1.78    "License Agreements"  shall have the meaning set forth in Section 0 hereof.

        1.79    "Loans"  shall mean the loans now or hereafter made by Lender to or for the benefit of Borrowers on a revolving basis (involving advances, repayments and readvances) as set forth in Section 0 hereof.

        1.80    "Material Adverse Change"  shall mean (a) a material adverse change in the business, prospects, operations, results of operations, assets, liabilities or condition (financial or otherwise) of Borrowers taken as a whole, (b) a material impairment of Borrowers' ability to perform their obligations under the Financing Agreements or of Lender's ability to enforce the Obligations or realize upon the Collateral, or (c) a material impairment of the enforceability or priority of Lender's liens or security interests with respect to the Collateral as a result of an action or failure to act on the part of a Borrower.

        1.81    "Material Contract"  shall mean (a) any contract or other agreement (other than the Financing Agreements or agreements relating solely to the purchase by any Borrower of Inventory in the ordinary course of such Borrower's business), written or oral, of any Borrower or Borrowers involving monetary liability of or to any Person in an amount in excess of Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000) in any fiscal year and (b) any other contract or other agreement (other than the Financing Agreements), whether written or oral, to which any Borrower is a party as to which the breach, nonperformance, cancellation or failure to renew by any party thereto would have a material adverse effect on the business, assets, condition (financial or otherwise) or results of operations or

15



prospects of Borrowers or the validity or enforceability of this Agreement, any of the other Financing Agreements, or any of the rights and remedies of Lender hereunder or thereunder.

        1.82    "Maximum Credit"  shall mean at any time the amount of Eighty-Five Million Dollars ($85,000,000) (subject to Borrowers' right to reduce such amount under Section 12.1(d)) minus the Canadian Maximum Credit.

        1.83    "Multiemployer Plan"  shall mean a "multi-employer plan" as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA which is or was at any time during the current year or the immediately preceding six (6) years contributed to by any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate.

        1.84    "Net Amount of Eligible Accounts"  shall mean the gross amount of Eligible Accounts less returns, claims, credits and allowances of any nature at any time issued, owing, granted, outstanding, available or claimed with respect thereto.

        1.85    "Net Recovery Value"  shall mean the net cash Value derived from the sale and disposition of the Eligible Inventory after deduction of all liquidation costs and other fees and expenses associated therewith.

        1.86    "Obligations"  shall mean any and all Loans, the Letter of Credit Accommodations and all other obligations, liabilities and indebtedness of every kind, nature and description owing by Borrowers to Lender and/or its affiliates, including principal, interest, charges, fees, costs and expenses, however evidenced, whether as principal, surety, endorser, guarantor or otherwise, whether arising under this Agreement or otherwise, whether now existing or hereafter arising, whether arising before, during or after the initial or any renewal term of this Agreement or after the commencement of any case with respect to any Borrower under the United States Bankruptcy Code or any similar statute (including the payment of interest and other amounts which would accrue and become due but for the commencement of such case, whether or not such amounts are allowed or allowable in whole or in part in such case), whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, joint or several, due or not due, primary or secondary, liquidated or unliquidated, secured or unsecured, and however acquired by Lender.

        1.87    "Obligor"  shall mean any guarantor, endorser, acceptor, surety or other person liable on or with respect to the Obligations or who is the owner of any property which is security for the Obligations, other than Borrowers.

        1.88    "Original Loan Agreement"  shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals.

        1.89    "Parent"  shall mean Guess ?, Inc.

        1.90    "Permitted Holders"  shall mean collectively Maurice Marciano, Paul Marciano and Armand Marciano, the members of their families, their respective estates, spouses, heirs, ancestors, lineal descendants, spouses of lineal descendants, legatees and legal representatives of any of the foregoing and any trust of which one or more of the foregoing are the trustors, the trustees and/or the beneficiaries.

        1.91    "Person"  or "person" shall mean any individual, sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation (including any corporation which elects subchapter S status under the Code), limited liability company, limited liability partnership, business trust, unincorporated association, joint stock corporation, trust, joint venture or other entity or any government or any agency or instrumentality or political subdivision thereof.

        1.92    "Plan"  means an employee benefit plan (as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA) which any Borrower sponsors, maintains, or to which it makes, is making, or is obligated to make contributions, or in the case of a Multiemployer Plan has made contributions at any time during the immediately preceding six (6) plan years.

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        1.93    "Prime Rate"  shall mean the rate from time to time publicly announced by the Reference Bank as its prime rate, whether or not such announced rate is the best rate available at such bank.

        1.94    "Prime Rate Loans"  shall mean any Loans or portion thereof on which interest is payable based on the Prime Rate in accordance with the terms thereof.

        1.95    "Receivables"  shall mean all of the following now owned or hereafter arising or acquired property of Borrowers: (a) all Accounts; (b) all interest, fees, late charges, penalties, collection fees and other amounts due or to become due or otherwise payable in connection with any Account; and (c) all payment intangibles of any Borrower and other contract rights, chattel paper, instruments, notes, and other forms of obligations owing to any Borrower, whether from the sale and lease of goods or other property, licensing of any property (including Intellectual Property or other general intangibles), rendition of services or from loans or advances by any Borrower or to or for the benefit of any third person (including loans or advances to any Affiliates or Subsidiaries of any Borrower) or otherwise associated with any Accounts, Inventory or general intangibles of any Borrower (including, without limitation, choses in action, causes of action, tax refunds, tax refund claims, any funds which may become payable to any Borrower in connection with the termination of any Plan or other employee benefit plan and any other amounts payable to any Borrower from any Plan or other employee benefit plan, rights and claims against carriers and shippers, rights to indemnification, business interruption insurance and proceeds thereof, casualty or any similar types of insurance and any proceeds thereof and proceeds of insurance covering the lives of employees on which any Borrower is a beneficiary).

        1.96    "Records"  shall mean all of Borrowers' present and future books of account of every kind or nature, purchase and sale agreements, invoices, ledger cards, bills of lading and other shipping evidence, statements, correspondence, memoranda, credit files and other data relating to the Collateral or any account debtor, together with the tapes, disks, diskettes and other data and software storage media and devices, file cabinets or containers in or on which the foregoing are stored (including any rights of Borrowers with respect to the foregoing maintained with or by any other person).

        1.97    "Reference Bank"  shall mean Wachovia Bank, National Association, its successor or such other bank as Lender may from time to time designate.

        1.98    "Renewal Date"  shall the meaning set forth in Section 0 hereof.

        1.99    "Reserves"  shall mean as of any date of determination, such amounts as Lender may from time to time establish and revise in good faith reducing the amount of Loans and Letter of Credit Accommodations which would otherwise be available to Borrowers under the lending formula(s) provided for herein: (a) to reflect events, conditions, contingencies or risks which, as determined by Lender in good faith, adversely affect, or would have a reasonable likelihood of adversely affecting, either (i) the Collateral or any other property which is security for the Obligations or its value, (ii) the assets, business or prospects of Borrowers or any Obligor or (iii) the security interests and other rights of Lender in the Collateral (including the enforceability, perfection and priority thereof) or (b) to reflect Lender's good faith belief that any collateral report or financial information furnished by or on behalf of Borrowers or any Obligor to Lender is or may have been incomplete, inaccurate or misleading in any material respect or (c) to reflect outstanding Letter of Credit Accommodations as provided in Section 0 hereof or (d) in respect of any state of facts which Lender determines in good faith constitutes a Default or an Event of Default. To the extent Lender may revise the lending formulas used to determine the Borrowing Base or establish new criteria or revise existing criteria for Eligible Accounts or Eligible Inventory so as to address any circumstances, condition, event or contingency in a manner satisfactory to Lender, Lender shall not establish a Reserve for the same purpose. The amount of any Reserve established by Lender shall have a reasonable relationship to the event, condition or other matter which is the basis for such reserve as determined by Lender in good faith. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Reserves shall include the Dilution Reserve, the

17



Shrinkage Reserve, the Discount Reserve and the Canadian Permitted Overadvance Reserve and may at Lender's discretion include a reserve for sales tax liability.

        1.100    "Securitization"  shall mean the series of related transactions by which (i) Parent and Guess Licensing may transfer to a SPE all or any part of the Securitization Assets, (ii) the SPE will transfer and/or pledge all or certain of such Securitization Assets to another Subsidiary (which may be a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust or other legal entity) which will be wholly-owned by the SPE that will issue securities or debt instruments evidencing interests in or secured by such assets and/or the proceeds thereof, (iii) all accounts and other Securitization Assets of the SPE and the proceeds thereof are segregated from and not commingled with the Accounts, the other items of Collateral and the proceeds thereof.

        1.101    "Securitization Assets"  shall mean (i) all or any part of the Intellectual Property that includes and is related to the registered and unregistered trademarks and tradenames currently utilized in the business operations of Parent and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates, including those that are licensed to third parties in and outside of the United States by Parent and Guess Licensing, (ii) all of their respective rights under all or specific licenses granted by Parent and Guess Licensing and (iii) all proceeds from the exploitation thereof or arising with respect thereto, including without limitation all amounts payable by licensees under such licenses and all proceeds of the enforcement of rights with respect to such Intellectual Property.

        1.102    "Securitization Closing Date"  shall mean the closing date of a Securitization.

        1.103    "Securitization Documents"  shall mean the organizational documents of a SPE and any documents entered into by any Borrower, Parent, any direct or indirect Subsidiary or Affiliate of Parent or of a Borrower and/or a SPE in connection with a Securitization.

        1.104    "SPE"  shall mean a direct or indirect Subsidiary of Parent, which may be a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust or other legal entity, formed solely for the purposes of effectuating a Securitization.

        1.105    "Shrinkage Reserve"  shall mean a Reserve for reductions in Inventory equal to the shrinkage reserve taken by Borrowers on their financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP.

        1.106    "Solvent"  shall mean, at any time with respect to any Person, that at such time such Person (a) is able to pay its debts as they mature and has (and has a reasonable basis to believe it will continue to have) sufficient capital (and not unreasonably small capital) to carry on its business consistent with its practices as of the date hereof, and (b) the assets and properties of such Person at a fair valuation (and including as assets for this purpose at a fair valuation all rights of subrogation, contribution or indemnification arising pursuant to any guaranties given by such Person) are greater than the Indebtedness of such Person, and including subordinated and contingent liabilities computed at the amount which, such person has a reasonable basis to believe, represents an amount which can reasonably be expected to become an actual or matured liability (and including as to contingent liabilities arising pursuant to any guaranty the face amount of such liability as reduced to reflect the probability of it becoming a matured liability).

        1.107    "Subordinated Notes"  shall mean the 9.50% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2003 and 9.50% Series B Senior Subordinated Notes due 2003 of Parent issued pursuant to an Indenture dated August 23, 1993 with First Trust National Association as Trustee.

        1.108    "Subsidiary"  or "subsidiary" shall mean, with respect to any Person, any corporation, limited liability company, limited liability partnership or other limited or general partnership, trust, association or other business entity of which an aggregate of at least a majority of the outstanding Capital Stock or other interests entitled to vote in the election of the board of directors of such corporation (irrespective of whether, at the time, Capital Stock of any other class or classes of such

18



corporation shall have or might have voting power by reason of the happening of any contingency), managers, trustees or other controlling persons, or an equivalent controlling interest therein, of such Person is, at the time, directly or indirectly, owned by such Person and/or one or more subsidiaries of such Person.

        1.109    "Trailing Four Quarters EBITDA"  shall mean, with respect to any fiscal period, the sum of Parent's and its Subsidiaries' consolidated EBITDA for each of the four (4) fiscal quarters ending at the end of the fiscal period for which the calculation is made.

        1.110    "UCC"  shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in the State of California, and any successor statute, as in effect from time to time (except that terms used herein which are defined in the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in the State of California on the date hereof shall continue to have the same meaning notwithstanding any replacement or amendment of such statute except as Lender may otherwise determine.

        1.111    "U.S. Average Excess Availability"  shall mean the average daily amount, as determined by Lender, for the immediately preceding fiscal quarter, equal to: (a) the Borrowing Base, plus (b) Borrowers' unrestricted cash and/or Cash Equivalents that are on deposit in a securities or deposit account subject to a control agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to Lender, minus (c) the book overdraft of Borrowers, minus (d) the amount of all then outstanding and unpaid Obligations.

        1.112    "U.S. Compliance Excess Availability"  shall mean the amount, as determined by Lender, as of any time, equal to: (a) the Borrowing Base, plus (b) the lesser of (i) Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) and (ii) the result of (A) Borrowers' unrestricted cash and/or Cash Equivalents that are on deposit in a securities or deposit account subject to a control agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to Lender, minus (B) the book overdraft of Borrowers, minus (C) the amount of all then outstanding and unpaid Obligations.

        1.113    "U.S. Dollar Equivalent"  shall mean at any time (a) as to any amount denominated in U.S. Dollars, the amount thereof at such time, and (b) as to any amount denominated in any other currency, the equivalent amount in U.S. Dollars calculated by Lender in good faith at such time using the Exchange Rate in effect on the Business Day of determination.

        1.114    "U.S. Excess Availability"  shall mean the amount, as determined by Lender, calculated at any time, equal to: (a) the Borrowing Base, plus (b) Borrowers' unrestricted cash and/or Cash Equivalents that are on deposit in a securities or deposit account subject to a control agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to Lender, minus (c) the book overdraft of Borrowers, minus (d) the sum of: (i) the amount of all then outstanding and unpaid Obligations, plus (ii) the aggregate amount of all then outstanding and unpaid trade payables and other obligations of Borrowers which are more than sixty (60) days past due as of the last day of the immediately preceding fiscal month, and plus (iii) the amount of checks issued by Borrowers to pay trade payables and other obligations which are more than sixty (60) days past due as of such time, but not yet sent (but without duplication of clause (b)(ii)), as of the last day of the immediately preceding fiscal month.

        1.115    "Value"  shall mean, as determined by Lender in good faith, with respect to Inventory, the lower of (a) cost computed on a first-in-first-out basis in accordance with GAAP or (b) market value provided, that, for purposes of the calculation of the Borrowing Base, (i) the Value of the Inventory shall not include: (A) the portion of the value of Inventory equal to the profit earned by any Affiliate on the sale thereof to any Borrower (known as "intercompany profit") or (B) write-ups or write-downs in value with respect to currency exchange rates and (ii) notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the cost of the Inventory shall be computed in the same manner and consistent with the most recent appraisal of the Inventory received and accepted by Lender prior to the date hereof, if any.

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        1.116    "Voting Stock"  shall mean with respect to any Person, (a) one (1) or more classes of Capital Stock of such Person having general voting power to elect at least a majority of the board of directors, managers or trustees of such Person, irrespective of whether at the time Capital Stock of any other class or classes have or might have voting power by reason of the happening of any contingency, and (b) any Capital Stock of such Person convertible or exchangeable without restriction at the option of the holder thereof into Capital Stock of such Person described in clause (a) of this definition.

SECTION 2.    CREDIT FACILITIES    

        2.1    Loans.    

        2.2    Letter of Credit Accommodations.    

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  Trailing Four Quarters EBITDA
   
  Average Excess Availability for the immediately
preceding Fiscal Quarter

  L/C Fee
 
  Greater than or equal to the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of $70,000,000     Greater than or equal to the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of $40,000,000   1.50 %


 

Greater than or equal to the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of $55,000,000 but less than the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of $70,000,000

 


 

Greater than or equal to the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of $30,000,000 but less than the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of $40,000,000

 

1.75

%


 

Greater than or equal to the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of $40,000,000 but less than the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of $55,000,000

 


 

Greater than or equal to the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of $20,000,000 but less than the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of $30,000,000

 

1.75

%


 

Greater than or equal to the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of $25,000,000 but less than the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of $40,000,000

 


 

Less than the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of $20,000,000

 

2.00

 

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22


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SECTION 3.    INTEREST AND FEES    

        3.1    Interest.    

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        3.2    Closing Fee.    Borrowers shall pay to Lender as a closing fee the amount of Five Hundred Thirty-Seven Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($537,500), which shall be fully earned as of the date hereof and one-half of which shall be payable on the date hereof and the remaining one-half shall be payable on the first anniversary of the date hereof. This amount is intended to include any closing fee that would otherwise be due in connection with the Canadian Facility.

        3.3    Servicing Fee.    Borrowers shall pay to Lender monthly a servicing fee in an amount equal to Seven Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($7,500) in respect of Lender's services for each month (or part thereof) while this Agreement remains in effect and for so long thereafter as any of the Obligations are outstanding, which fee shall be fully earned as of and payable in advance on the date hereof and on the first day of each month hereafter. This amount is intended to include any servicing fee that would otherwise be due in connection with the Canadian Facility.

        3.4    Unused Line Fee.    Borrowers shall pay to Lender monthly an unused line fee at a rate equal to three-eighths percent (0.375%) per annum calculated upon the amount by which Sixty Million Dollars ($60,000,000) exceeds the average daily principal balance of the outstanding Loans and Letter of Credit Accommodations during the immediately preceding month (or part thereof) while this Agreement is in effect and for so long thereafter as any of the Obligations are outstanding, which fee shall be payable on the first day of each month in arrears.

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        3.5    Changes in Laws and Increased Costs of Loans.    

SECTION 4.    CONDITIONS PRECEDENT    

        4.1    Conditions Precedent to Initial Loans and Letter of Credit Accommodations.    Each of the following is a condition precedent to Lender making the initial Loans and providing the initial Letter of Credit Accommodations hereunder, which have been satisfied:

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        4.2    Conditions Precedent to All Loans and Letter of Credit Accommodations.    Each of the following is an additional condition precedent to Lender making Loans and/or providing Letter of Credit Accommodations to Borrowers, including the initial Loans and Letter of Credit Accommodations and any future Loans and Letter of Credit Accommodations:

        4.3    Conditions Subsequent.    The following conditions subsequent must be performed within the time frames specified. The failure of these conditions, or any of them, shall constitute an Event of Default under this Agreement.

SECTION 5.    GRANT AND PERFECTION OF SECURITY INTEREST    

        5.1    Grant of Security Interest.    To secure payment and performance of all Obligations, each Borrower hereby grants to Lender a continuing security interest in, a lien upon, and a right of set off

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against, and hereby assigns to Lender as security, all personal property and trade fixtures and interests in property and fixtures of such Borrower, whether now owned or hereafter acquired or existing, and wherever located (together with all other collateral security for the Obligations at any time granted to or held or acquired by Lender, collectively, the "Collateral"), including:

        5.2    Perfection of Security Interests.    

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30


31


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        5.3    Release of Security Interest in Connection with Securitization.    On any Securitization Closing Date and, so long as no Availability Triggering Event and/or an Event of Default has occurred, is continuing or would result therefrom and an Availability Compliance Period (related to an Availability Triggering Event) is not in effect, Parent shall deliver an officer's certificate to Lender stating that such Securitization will close in accordance with the terms of the Securitization Documents where upon the security interest of Lender in the Securitization Assets will be released. Upon the receipt of such officer's certificate, the security interest of Lender in the Securitization Assets associated with such Securitization shall be released without further action by any party, including Lender or any assignee or participant, and Lender, as requested by, and at the expense of, Parent, shall without the necessity of obtaining consent from any assignee or any participant, execute any documents or instruments necessary, in the reasonable judgment of Parent, to evidence such release; provided, in each case, that (i) Lender has received an irrevocable license, in form and substance satisfactory to Lender, from the SPE to use the Intellectual Property included in the Securitization Assets to dispose of or otherwise exercise its rights with respect to any Inventory, (ii) Borrowers have received an irrevocable license, in form and substance satisfactory to Lender, from the SPE to use the Intellectual Property included in the Securitization Assets to conduct their business, (iii) Lender has received from Borrowers a sublicense, in form and substance satisfactory to Lender, extending Borrowers' licensed rights in the Intellectual Property included in the Securitization Assets to Lender, and (iv) receipt by Lender of an opinion of counsel to Borrowers to the effect that the Securitization Documents do not violate, breach or result in a Default under the Financing Agreements, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Lender.

SECTION 6.    COLLECTION AND ADMINISTRATION    

        6.1    Borrowers' Loan Account.    Lender shall maintain one or more loan account(s) on its books in which shall be recorded (a) all Loans, Letter of Credit Accommodations and other Obligations and the Collateral, (b) all payments made by or on behalf of Borrowers and (c) all other appropriate debits and credits as provided in this Agreement, including fees, charges, costs, expenses and interest. All entries in the loan account(s) shall be made in accordance with Lender's customary practices as in effect from time to time.

        6.2    Statements.    Lender shall render to Borrowers each month a statement setting forth the balance in the Borrowers' loan account(s) maintained by Lender for Borrowers pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, including principal, interest, fees, costs and expenses. Each such statement shall be subject to subsequent adjustment by Lender but shall, absent manifest errors or omissions, be considered correct and deemed accepted by Borrowers and conclusively binding upon Borrowers as an account stated except to the extent that Lender receives a written notice from Borrowers of any specific exceptions of Borrowers thereto within thirty (30) days after the date such statement has been mailed by Lender. Until such time as Lender shall have rendered to Borrowers a written statement as provided above, the balance in Borrowers' loan account(s) shall be presumptive evidence of the amounts due and owing to Lender by Borrowers.

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        6.3    Collection of Accounts.    

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        6.4    Payments.    

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        6.5    Authorization to Make Loans.    Lender is authorized to make the Loans and provide the Letter of Credit Accommodations based upon telephonic or other instructions received from anyone purporting to be an officer of any Borrower or other authorized person or, at the discretion of Lender, if such Loans are necessary to satisfy any Obligations. All requests for Loans or Letter of Credit Accommodations hereunder shall specify the date on which the requested advance is to be made or Letter of Credit Accommodations established (which day shall be a Business Day) and the amount of the requested Loan. Requests received after 11:00 a.m. Los Angeles time on any day shall be deemed to have been made as of the opening of business on the immediately following Business Day. All Loans and Letter of Credit Accommodations under this Agreement shall be conclusively presumed to have been made to, and at the request of and for the benefit of, Borrowers when deposited to the credit of any Borrower or otherwise disbursed or established in accordance with the instructions of Borrowers or in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

        6.6    Use of Proceeds.    Borrowers shall use the initial proceeds of the Loans provided by Lender to Borrowers hereunder only for: (a) payments to each of the persons listed in the disbursement direction letter furnished by Borrowers to Lender on or about the date hereof and (b) costs, expenses and fees in connection with the preparation, negotiation, execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Financing Agreements. All other Loans made or Letter of Credit Accommodations provided by Lender to Borrowers pursuant to the provisions hereof shall be used by Borrowers only for general operating, working capital and other proper corporate purposes of Borrowers not otherwise prohibited by the terms hereof. None of the proceeds will be used, directly or indirectly, for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any margin security or for the purposes of reducing or retiring any indebtedness which was originally incurred to purchase or carry any margin security or for any other purpose which might cause any of the Loans to be considered a "purpose credit" within the meaning of Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, as amended.

SECTION 7.    COLLATERAL REPORTING AND COLLATERAL COVENANTS    

        7.1    Collateral Reporting.    

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        7.2    Accounts Covenants.    

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        7.3    Inventory Covenants.    With respect to the Inventory: (a) Borrowers shall at all times maintain inventory records reasonably satisfactory to Lender, keeping correct and accurate records itemizing and describing the kind, type, quality and quantity of Inventory, Borrowers' cost therefor and daily withdrawals therefrom and additions thereto; (b) Borrowers shall conduct a physical count of the Inventory at least once each year, but at any time or times as Lender may request on or after an Event of Default, and promptly following such physical inventory shall supply Lender with a report in the form and with such specificity as may be reasonably satisfactory to Lender concerning such physical count; (c) Borrowers shall not remove any Inventory from the locations set forth or permitted herein, without the prior written consent of Lender, except for sales of Inventory in the ordinary course of Borrowers' business and except to move Inventory directly from one location set forth or permitted herein to another such location and except for Inventory shipped from the manufacturer thereof to any Borrower which is in transit to the locations set forth or permitted herein; (d) upon Lender's request, Borrowers shall, at their expense, no more than once in any twelve (12) month period in which no Availability Triggering Event occurs or twice in any twelve (12) month period during which an Availability Triggering Event occurs or an Availability Compliance Period (related to an Availability Triggering Event) exists, but at any time or times as Lender may request on or after an Event of Default, deliver or cause to be delivered to Lender written appraisals as to the Inventory in form, scope and methodology acceptable to Lender and by an appraiser acceptable to Lender, addressed to Lender and upon which Lender is expressly permitted to rely; (e) Borrowers shall produce, use, store and maintain the Inventory with all reasonable care and caution and in accordance with applicable standards of any insurance and in conformity with applicable laws (including the requirements of the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended and all rules, regulations and orders related thereto); (f) none of the Inventory or other Collateral constitutes farm products or the proceeds thereof; (g) Borrowers assume all responsibility and liability arising from or relating to the production, use, sale or other disposition of the Inventory; (h) Borrowers shall not sell Inventory to any customer on approval, or any other basis which entitles the customer to return or may obligate any Borrower to repurchase such Inventory; (i) Borrowers shall keep the Inventory in good and marketable condition; and (j) Borrowers shall not, without prior written notice to Lender or the specific identification of such Inventory with respect thereto provided by Borrowers to Lender pursuant to Section 7.1(a) hereof, acquire or accept any Inventory on consignment or approval.

        7.4    Equipment Covenants.    With respect to the Equipment: (a) Borrowers shall keep the Equipment in good order, repair, running and marketable condition (ordinary wear and tear excepted); (b) Borrowers shall use the Equipment with all reasonable care and caution and in accordance with applicable standards of any insurance and in conformity with all applicable laws; (c) the Equipment is and shall be used in Borrowers' business and not for personal, family, household or farming use; (d) Borrowers shall not remove any Equipment from the locations set forth or permitted herein, except (i) to the extent necessary to have any Equipment repaired or maintained in the ordinary course of the business of Borrowers, (ii) to move Equipment directly from one location set forth or permitted herein to another such location, (iii) motor vehicles used by or for the benefit of Borrowers in the ordinary course of business; and (iv) to move Equipment between Borrowers' store locations in the United States and Canada or to "shop-in-shop" locations operated by Borrowers' customers in the United States and Canada, (e) the Equipment is now and shall remain personal property and Borrowers shall

38



not permit any of the Equipment to be or become a part of or affixed to real property; and (f) Borrowers assume all responsibility and liability arising from the use of the Equipment.

        7.5    Power of Attorney.    Borrowers hereby irrevocably designate and appoint Lender (and all persons designated by Lender) as each Borrower's true and lawful attorney-in-fact, and authorizes Lender, in such Borrower's or Lender's name, to: (a) at any time an Event of Default exists or has occurred and is continuing (i) demand payment on Receivables or other Collateral, (ii) enforce payment of Receivables by legal proceedings or otherwise, (iii) exercise all of Borrowers' rights and remedies to collect any Receivable or other Collateral, (iv) sell or assign any Receivable upon such terms, for such amount and at such time or times as the Lender deems advisable, (v) settle, adjust, compromise, extend or renew an Account, (vi) discharge and release any Receivable, (vii) prepare, file and sign any Borrower's name on any proof of claim in bankruptcy or other similar document against an account debtor or other obligor in respect of any Receivables or other Collateral, (viii) notify the post office authorities to change the address for delivery of remittances from account debtors or other obligors in respect of Receivables or other proceeds of Collateral to an address designated by Lender, and open and dispose of all mail addressed to any Borrower and handle and store all mail relating to the Collateral, (ix) do all acts and things which are necessary, in Lender's determination, to fulfill Borrowers' obligations under this Agreement and the other Financing Agreements, (x) endorse any Borrower's name upon any warehouse or other receipts, or bills of lading and other negotiable or non-negotiable documents or other chattel paper, document, instrument, invoice and similar document or agreement relating to any Inventory or Equipment or any goods pertaining thereto or any other Collateral, and (xi) clear Inventory the purchase of which was financed with Letter of Credit Accommodations through U.S. Customs or foreign export control authorities in any Borrower's name, Lender's name or the name of Lender's designee, and to sign and deliver to customs officials powers of attorney in any Borrower's name for such purpose, and to complete in any Borrower's or Lender's name, any order, sale or transaction, obtain the necessary documents in connection therewith and collect the proceeds thereof, (b) at any time an Event of Default exists or has occurred and is continuing or during an Availability Compliance Period (related to an Availability Triggering Event), (i) take control in any manner of any item of payment in respect of Receivables or constituting Collateral or otherwise received in or for deposit in the Blocked Accounts or otherwise received by Lender, (ii) have access to any lockbox or postal box into which remittances from account debtors or other obligors in respect of Receivables or other proceeds of Collateral are sent or received, (iii) endorse any Borrower's name upon any items of payment in respect of Receivables or constituting Collateral or otherwise received by Lender and deposit the same in Lender's account for application to the Obligations, and (iv) endorse any Borrower's name upon any chattel paper, instrument, invoice, or similar document or agreement relating to any Receivable, and (c) at any time to sign any Borrower's name on any verification of Receivables and notices thereof to account debtors or any secondary obligors or other obligors in respect thereof. Borrowers hereby release Lender and its officers, employees and designees from any liabilities arising from any act or acts under this power of attorney and in furtherance thereof, whether of omission or commission, except as a result of Lender's own gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined pursuant to a final non-appealable order of a court of competent jurisdiction.

        7.6    Right to Cure.    Lender may, at its option, (a) upon notice to Borrowers, cure any default by Borrowers under any material agreement with a third party that affects the Collateral, its value or the ability of Lender to collect, sell or otherwise dispose of the Collateral or the rights and remedies of Lender therein or the ability of Borrowers to perform its obligations hereunder or under the other Financing Agreements, (b) pay or bond on appeal any judgment entered against any Borrower, (c) discharge taxes, liens, security interests or other encumbrances at any time levied on or existing with respect to the Collateral and (d) pay any amount, incur any expense or perform any act which, in Lender's judgment, is necessary or appropriate to preserve, protect, insure or maintain the Collateral and the rights of Lender with respect thereto. Lender may add any amounts so expended to the

39



Obligations and charge Borrowers' account therefor, such amounts to be repayable by Borrowers on demand. Lender shall be under no obligation to effect such cure, payment or bonding and shall not, by doing so, be deemed to have assumed any obligation or liability of Borrowers. Any payment made or other action taken by Lender under this Section shall be without prejudice to any right to assert an Event of Default hereunder and to proceed accordingly.

        7.7    Access to Premises.    From time to time as requested by Lender, at the cost and expense of Borrowers, (a) Lender or its designee shall have complete access to all of Borrowers' premises during normal business hours and after notice to Borrowers, or at any time and without notice to Borrowers if an Event of Default exists or has occurred and is continuing, for the purposes of inspecting, verifying and auditing the Collateral and all of Borrowers' books and records, including the Records, and (b) Borrowers shall promptly furnish to Lender such copies of such books and records or extracts therefrom as Lender may request, and (c) Lender or its designee may use during normal business hours such of Borrowers' personnel, equipment, supplies and premises as may be reasonably necessary for the foregoing and if an Event of Default exists or has occurred and is continuing for the collection of Receivables and realization of other Collateral.

SECTION 8.    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES    

        Borrowers hereby represents and warrants to Lender the following (which shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement), the truth and accuracy of which are a continuing condition of the making of Loans and providing Letter of Credit Accommodations by Lender to Borrowers:

        8.1    Corporate Existence; Power and Authority.    Each Borrower is a corporation duly organized and in good standing under the laws of its state of incorporation and is duly qualified as a foreign corporation and in good standing in all states or other jurisdictions where the nature and extent of the business transacted by it or the ownership of assets makes such qualification necessary, except for those jurisdictions in which the failure to so qualify would not have a material adverse effect on Borrowers' financial condition, results of operation or business or the rights of Lender in or to any of the Collateral. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, the other Financing Agreements and the transactions contemplated hereunder and thereunder (a) are all within each Borrower's corporate powers, (b) have been duly authorized, (c) are not in contravention of law or the terms of any Borrower's certificate of incorporation, by-laws, or other organizational documentation, or any indenture, agreement or undertaking to which any Borrower is a party or by which any Borrower or its property are bound and (d) will not result in the creation or imposition of, or require or give rise to any obligation to grant, any lien, security interest, charge or other encumbrance upon any property of any Borrower. This Agreement and the other Financing Agreements constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of Borrowers enforceable in accordance with their respective terms.

        8.2    Name; State of Organization; Chief Executive Office; Collateral Locations.    

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        8.3    Financial Statements; No Material Adverse Change.    All financial statements relating to Borrowers which have been or may hereafter be delivered by Borrowers to Lender have been prepared in accordance with GAAP (except as to any interim financial statements, to the extent such statements are subject to normal year-end adjustments and do not include any notes) and fairly present the financial condition and the results of operation of Borrowers as at the dates and for the periods set forth therein. Except as disclosed in any interim financial statements furnished by Borrowers to Lender prior to the date of this Agreement, there has been no Material Adverse Change since the date of the most recent audited financial statements furnished by Borrowers to Lender prior to the date of this Agreement.

        8.4    Priority of Liens; Title to Properties.    The security interests and liens granted to Lender under this Agreement and the other Financing Agreements constitute valid and perfected first priority liens and security interests in and upon the Collateral subject only to the liens indicated on Schedule 8.4 hereto and the other liens permitted under Section 9.8 hereof. Each Borrower has good, valid and merchantable title to all of its other properties and assets subject to no liens, mortgages, pledges, security interests, encumbrances or charges of any kind, except those granted to Lender and such others as are specifically listed on Schedule 8.4 hereto or permitted under Section 9.8 hereof.

        8.5    Tax Returns.    Borrowers have filed, or caused to be filed, in a timely manner all tax returns, reports and declarations which are required to be filed by them or any of them. All information in such tax returns, reports and declarations is complete and accurate in all material respects. Borrowers have paid or caused to be paid all taxes due and payable or claimed due and payable in any assessment received by any of them, except taxes the validity of which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently pursued and available to Borrowers and with respect to which adequate reserves have been set aside on their books. Adequate provision has been made for the payment of all accrued and unpaid Federal, State, county, local, foreign and other taxes whether or not yet due and payable and whether or not disputed.

        8.6    Litigation.    Except as set forth in the Information Certificate, there is no present investigation by any Governmental Authority pending, or to the best of Borrowers' knowledge threatened, against or affecting any Borrower, its assets or business and there is no action, suit, proceeding or claim by any Person pending, or to the best of Borrowers' knowledge threatened, against any Borrower or its assets or goodwill, or against or affecting any transactions contemplated by this Agreement, which if adversely determined against any Borrower would result in any Material Adverse Change.

        8.7    Compliance with Other Agreements and Applicable Laws.    No Borrower is, in any material respect, in default under, or in violation of any of the terms of, any agreement, contract, instrument, lease or other commitment to which it is a party or by which it or any of its assets are bound and each Borrower is in compliance in all material respects with all applicable provisions of laws, rules, regulations, licenses, permits, approvals and orders of any foreign, Federal, State or local Governmental Authority.

        8.8    Environmental Compliance.    

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        8.9    Employee Benefits.    

        8.10    Intellectual Property.    Each Borrower owns or licenses or otherwise has the right to use all Intellectual Property necessary for the operation of its business as presently conducted or proposed to

42


be conducted. As of the date hereof, Borrowers do not have any Intellectual Property registered, or subject to pending applications, in the United States Patent and Trademark Office or any similar office or agency in the United States, any State thereof, any political subdivision thereof or in any other country, other than those described in the Information Certificate hereto and have not granted any licenses with respect thereto other than as set forth in the Information Certificate. No event has occurred which permits or would permit after notice or passage of time or both, the revocation, suspension or termination of such rights. To the best of Borrowers' knowledge, no slogan or other advertising device, product, process, method, substance or other Intellectual Property or goods bearing or using any Intellectual Property presently contemplated to be sold by or employed by any Borrower infringes any patent, trademark, servicemark, tradename, copyright, license or other Intellectual Property owned by any other Person presently and no claim or litigation is pending or threatened against or affecting any Borrower contesting its right to sell or use any such Intellectual Property. The Information Certificate sets forth all of the agreements or other arrangements of Borrowers pursuant to which any Borrower has a license or other right to use any trademarks, logos, designs, representations or other Intellectual Property owned by another person as in effect on the date hereof and the dates of the expiration of such agreements or other arrangements of Borrowers as in effect on the date hereof (collectively, together with such agreements or other arrangements as may be entered into by Borrowers after the date hereof, collectively, the "License Agreements" and individually, a "License Agreement"). No trademark, servicemark or other Intellectual Property at any time used by any Borrower which is owned by another person, or owned by any Borrower subject to any security interest, lien, collateral assignment, pledge or other encumbrance in favor of any person other than Lender, is affixed to any Eligible Inventory, except pursuant to a Securitization as permitted in this Agreement.

        8.11    Subsidiaries; Affiliates; Capitalization; Solvency.    

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        8.12    Labor Disputes.    

        8.13    Restrictions on Subsidiaries.    Except for restrictions contained in this Agreement, the Securitization Documents or any other agreement with respect to Indebtedness of Borrowers permitted hereunder as in effect on the date hereof, there are no contractual or consensual restrictions on any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries which prohibit or otherwise restrict (a) the transfer of cash or other assets (i) between such Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries or (ii) between any Subsidiaries of such Borrower or (b) the ability of such Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to incur Indebtedness or grant security interests to Lender in the Collateral.

        8.14    Material Contracts.    Schedule 8.14 hereto sets forth all Material Contracts to which any Borrower is a party or is bound as of the date hereof. Borrowers have delivered true, correct and complete copies of such Material Contracts to Lender on or before the date hereof. No Borrower is in breach of or in default under any Material Contract and no Borrower has received any notice of the intention of any other party thereto to terminate any Material Contract.

        8.15    Payable Practices.    No Borrower has made any material change in the historical accounts payable practices from those in effect immediately prior to the date hereof.

        8.16    Accuracy and Completeness of Information.    All information furnished by or on behalf of Borrowers in writing to Lender in connection with this Agreement or any of the other Financing Agreements or any transaction contemplated hereby or thereby, including all information on the Information Certificate, is true and correct in all material respects on the date as of which such information is dated or certified and does not omit any material fact necessary in order to make such information not misleading. No event or circumstance has occurred which has had or could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the business, assets or prospects of Borrowers, which has not been fully and accurately disclosed to Lender in writing.

        8.17    Survival of Warranties; Cumulative.    All representations and warranties contained in this Agreement or any of the other Financing Agreements shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and shall be deemed to have been made again to Lender on the date of each additional borrowing or other credit accommodation hereunder and shall be conclusively presumed to have been relied on by Lender regardless of any investigation made or information possessed by Lender. The representations and warranties set forth herein shall be cumulative and in addition to any other representations or warranties which Borrowers shall now or hereafter give, or cause to be given, to Lender.

SECTION 9.    AFFIRMATIVE AND NEGATIVE COVENANTS    

        9.1    Maintenance of Existence.    

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        9.2    New Collateral Locations.    

        9.3    Compliance with Laws, Regulations, Etc.    

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        9.4    Payment of Taxes and Claims.    Borrowers shall, and shall cause any Subsidiary to, duly pay and discharge all taxes, assessments, contributions and governmental charges upon or against it or its properties or assets, except for taxes the validity of which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently pursued and available to Borrowers or such Subsidiary, as the case may be, and with respect to which adequate reserves have been set aside on its books. Borrowers shall be liable for any tax or penalties imposed on Lender as a result of the financing arrangements provided for herein and Borrowers agree to indemnify and hold Lender harmless with respect to the foregoing, and to repay to Lender on demand the amount thereof, and until paid by Borrowers such amount shall be added and deemed part of the Loans, provided, that nothing contained herein shall be construed to require Borrowers to pay any income or franchise taxes attributable to the income of Lender from any amounts charged or paid hereunder to Lender. The foregoing indemnity shall survive the payment of the Obligations and the termination or non-renewal of this Agreement.

        9.5    Insurance.    Borrowers shall, and shall cause any Subsidiary to, at all times, maintain with financially sound and reputable insurers insurance with respect to the Collateral against loss or damage

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and all other insurance of the kinds and in the amounts customarily insured against or carried by corporations of established reputation engaged in the same or similar businesses and similarly situated. Said policies of insurance shall be satisfactory to Lender as to form, amount and insurer. Borrowers shall furnish certificates, policies or endorsements to Lender as Lender shall require as proof of such insurance, and, if Borrowers fail to do so, Lender is authorized, but not required, to obtain such insurance at the expense of Borrowers. All policies shall provide for at least thirty (30) days (ten (10) days for nonpayment of premium) prior written notice to Lender of any cancellation or reduction of coverage and that Lender may act as attorney for any Borrower at any time an Event of Default exists or has occurred and is continuing, in obtaining, adjusting, settling, amending and canceling such insurance. Borrowers shall cause Lender to be named as a loss payee and an additional insured (but without any liability for any premiums) under such insurance policies and Borrowers shall obtain non-contributory lender's loss payable endorsements to all insurance policies in form and substance satisfactory to Lender. Such lender's loss payable endorsements shall specify that the proceeds of such insurance shall be payable to Lender and the named insured as their interests may appear and further specify that Lender shall be paid regardless of any act or omission by any Borrower or any of its Affiliates. At its option, Lender may apply any insurance proceeds received by Lender at any time to the cost of repairs or replacement of Collateral and/or to payment of the Obligations, whether or not then due, in any order and in such manner as Lender may determine or hold such proceeds as cash collateral for the Obligations.

        9.6    Financial Statements and Other Information.    

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        9.7    Sale of Assets, Consolidation, Merger, Dissolution, Etc.    No Borrower shall, and no Borrower shall permit any Domestic Subsidiary to (and Lender does not authorize any Borrower to), directly or indirectly,

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        9.8    Encumbrances.    No Borrower shall, and no Borrower shall permit any Domestic Subsidiary to, create, incur, assume, suffer or permit to exist any security interest, mortgage, pledge, lien, charge or other encumbrance of any nature whatsoever on any of its assets or properties, including the Collateral, except: (a) the security interests and liens of Lender and the security interests and liens granted pursuant to the Canadian Guarantee; (b) liens securing the payment of taxes, either not yet overdue or the validity of which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently pursued and available to Borrowers or such Subsidiary, as the case may be, and with respect to which adequate reserves have been set aside on its books; (c) non-consensual statutory liens (other than liens securing the payment of taxes) arising in the ordinary course of such Borrower's or such Subsidiary's business to the extent: (i) such liens secure Indebtedness or other obligations of such Borrower which is not overdue or (ii) such liens secure Indebtedness relating to claims or liabilities which are fully insured and being defended at the sole cost and expense and at the sole risk of the insurer or being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently pursued and available to such Borrower or such Subsidiary, in each case prior to the commencement of foreclosure or other similar proceedings and with respect to which adequate reserves have been set aside on its books; (d) zoning restrictions, easements, licenses, covenants and other restrictions affecting the use of real property which do not interfere in any material respect with the use of such real property or ordinary conduct of the business of such Borrower or such Subsidiary as presently conducted thereon; (e) purchase money security interests in Equipment (including Capital Leases) to secure Indebtedness permitted under Section 9.9(b) hereof; (f) mortgages on real property, (g) the security interests and liens set forth on

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Schedule 8.4 hereto, (h) pledges or deposits in connection with workers' compensation, unemployment insurance and other social security legislation, (i) any interest or title of a licensee or licensor under any license entered into by a Borrower in the ordinary course of business, (j) liens on property acquired after the date hereof (including liens on property of a Subsidiary acquired after the date hereof) securing Indebtedness permitted under Section 9.9 but only if such lien was not created in contemplation of such acquisition and is limited in scope to the property so acquired, (k) deposits to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts (other than for borrowed money), leases, customer, appeal and performance bonds and other like obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business and (1) security interests and liens on assets of a SPE in connection with a Securitization.

        9.9    Indebtedness.    No Borrower shall, and no Borrower shall permit any Domestic Subsidiary to, incur, create, assume, become or be liable in any manner with respect to, suffer or permit to exist, any Indebtedness or guarantee, assume, endorse, or otherwise become responsible for (directly or indirectly) the performance, dividends or other obligations of any Person, except:

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        9.10    Loans, Investments, Etc.    No Borrower shall, and no Borrower shall permit any Domestic Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, make, or suffer or permit to exist, any loans or advances of money or property to any person, or any investment in (by capital contribution, dividend or otherwise), or purchase or repurchase the Capital Stock or Indebtedness or all or a substantial part of the assets or property of any person, or form or acquire any Subsidiaries, or agree to do any of the foregoing, except:

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        9.11    Dividends and Redemptions.    Parent shall not, directly or indirectly, declare or pay any dividends on account of any shares of class of any of its Capital Stock now or hereafter outstanding, or set aside or otherwise deposit or invest any sums for such purpose, or redeem, retire, defease, purchase or otherwise acquire any shares of any class of Capital Stock (or set aside or otherwise deposit or invest any sums for such purpose) for any consideration or apply or set apart any sum, or make any other distribution (by reduction of capital or otherwise) in respect of any such shares or agree to do any of the foregoing, except in accordance with Section 9.12 or except in any case in the form of shares of Capital Stock consisting of common stock.

        9.12    Further Restriction on Loans, Investments, Dividends and Redemptions.    Borrowers may (i) make the investments referred to in Section 9.10(f)(iii)(2) and 9.10(g)(v)(3), (ii) redeem the Subordinated Notes under Section 9.10(l)(ii), (iii) make the loans to suppliers or licensees referred to in Section 9.10(m), or (iv) take any action with respect to Capital Stock referred to in Section 9.11 only to the extent that (A) the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of the amount expended in connection with or set aside for all such purposes shall not, when taken together with the amounts expended in connection with or set aside for all such purposes by the other Credit Parties, exceed in the aggregate the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of Thirty-Five Million Dollars ($35,000,000) plus twenty-five percent (25%) of the amount of net profits after tax reported on the consolidated financial statements of Parent prepared in accordance with GAAP for each fiscal year during the term of this Agreement, (B) U.S. Excess Availability is at least Twenty Million Dollars ($20,000,000) and Canadian Compliance Excess Availability is at least the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) immediately after each such action and for each of the immediately preceding thirty (30) consecutive days, and (C) no Default or Availability Compliance Period (related to an Availability Triggering Event) exists and no Default or Availability Triggering Event would be caused by the proposed action.

        9.13    Transactions with Affiliates.    No Borrower shall, directly or indirectly, (a) purchase, acquire or lease any property from, or sell, transfer or lease any property to, any officer, director, agent or other person affiliated with any Borrower (other than another Borrower or a Subsidiary of a Borrower), except in the ordinary course of and pursuant to the reasonable requirements of Borrowers' business and upon fair and reasonable terms no less favorable to such Borrower than such Borrower would obtain in a comparable arm's length transaction with an unaffiliated person, except transactions relating to Shareholders Agreement to which Parent is a party or (b) make any payments of management, consulting or other fees for management or similar services, or of any Indebtedness owing to any officer, employee, shareholder, director or other Affiliate of any Borrower except any Borrower may (i) pay reasonable compensation to officers, employees and directors for services rendered to such Borrower in the ordinary course of business; (ii) pay expenses or make loans and advances to officers, employees and directors for bona fide business purposes, including but not limited to indemnification permitted under such Borrower's Bylaws, relocation, stock option exercises, travel or otherwise consistent with past practice; and (iii) satisfy obligations of such Borrower under transactions described in the notes to the consolidated financial statements of Parent for the year ended December 31, 2001, and continuations, renewals or extensions thereof in an amount not exceeding one hundred fifty percent (150%) in the aggregate of the original amount of such obligations without Lender's prior written consent which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

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        9.14    Compliance with ERISA.    Borrowers shall and shall cause each of Borrowers' ERISA Affiliates to: (a) maintain each Plan (other than a Multiemployer Plan) in compliance in all material respects with the applicable provisions of ERISA, the Code and other Federal and State law; (b) cause each Plan which is qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code to maintain such qualification; (c) not terminate any of such Plans so as to incur any material liability to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation; (d) not allow or suffer to exist any prohibited transaction involving any of such Plans or any trust created thereunder which would subject any Borrower or such ERISA Affiliate to a material tax or penalty or other material liability on prohibited transactions imposed under Section 4975 of the Code or ERISA; (e) make all required contributions to any Plan which it is obligated to pay under Section 302 of ERISA, Section 412 of the Code or the terms of such Plan; (f) not allow or suffer to exist any accumulated funding deficiency, whether or not waived, with respect to any such Plan; or (g) not allow or suffer to exist any occurrence of a reportable event or any other event or condition which presents a material risk of termination by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation of any such Plan that is a single employer plan, which termination could result in any material liability to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.

        9.15    End of Fiscal Years, Fiscal Quarters.    Parent shall, for financial reporting purposes, cause its, and each of its Subsidiaries' (a) fiscal years to end on December 31 or the Saturday or Sunday closest to December 31 of each year and (b) fiscal quarters to end on the Saturday closest to each calendar quarter end.

        9.16    Change in Business.    Borrowers shall not engage in any business other than the business of Borrowers on the date hereof and any business reasonably related, ancillary or complimentary to the business in which Borrowers are engaged on the date hereof.

        9.17    Limitation of Restrictions Affecting Subsidiaries.    Borrowers shall not, directly or indirectly, create or otherwise cause or suffer to exist any encumbrance or restriction which prohibits or limits the ability of any Domestic Subsidiary of any Borrower to (a) pay dividends or make other distributions or pay any Indebtedness owed to any Borrower or any Subsidiary of any Borrower; (b) make loans or advances to any Borrower or any Subsidiary of any Borrower, (c) transfer any of its properties or assets to any Borrower or any Subsidiary of any Borrower; or (d) create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any lien upon any of its property, assets or revenues, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, other than encumbrances and restrictions arising under (i) applicable law, (ii) this Agreement, (iii) customary provisions restricting subletting or assignment of any lease governing a leasehold interest of any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, (iv) customary restrictions on dispositions of real property interests found in reciprocal easement agreements of any Borrower or its Subsidiary, (v) any agreement relating to permitted Indebtedness incurred by a Subsidiary of any Borrower prior to the date on which such Subsidiary was acquired by such Borrower and outstanding on such acquisition date, (vi) any Securitization Documents and (vii) the extension or continuation of contractual obligations in existence on the date hereof; provided, that any such encumbrances or restrictions contained in such extension or continuation are no less favorable to Lender than those encumbrances and restrictions under or pursuant to the contractual obligations so extended or continued.

        9.18    Net Worth.    Borrowers, together with Parent and Parent's consolidated Subsidiaries, shall, at all times through and including June 30, 2004, maintain Adjusted Tangible Net Worth of not less than the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of One Hundred Million Dollars ($100,000,000) and shall, at all times after June 30, 2004 maintain Net Worth of not less than the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of One Hundred Ten Million Dollars ($110,000,000). Compliance with the requirements of this section will be tested for each fiscal quarter upon delivery of the financial statements as of the end of such fiscal quarter; provided that such compliance will not be tested except during any Availability Compliance Period (related to an Availability Triggering Event).

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        9.19    License Agreements.    

        9.20    Costs and Expenses.    Borrowers shall pay to Lender on demand all the actual costs and reasonable expenses, filing fees and taxes paid or payable in connection with the preparation, negotiation, execution, delivery, recording, administration, collection, liquidation, enforcement and defense of the Obligations, Lender's rights in the Collateral, this Agreement, the other Financing Agreements and all other documents related hereto or thereto, including any amendments, supplements or consents which may hereafter be contemplated (whether or not executed) or entered into in respect hereof and thereof, including: (a) all the actual costs and expenses of filing or recording (including Uniform Commercial Code financing statement filing taxes and fees, documentary taxes, intangibles taxes and mortgage recording taxes and fees, if applicable); (b) all the actual costs and expenses and fees for insurance premiums, environmental audits, surveys, assessments, engineering reports and

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inspections, appraisal fees and search fees, actual costs and expenses of remitting loan proceeds, collecting checks and other items of payment, and establishing and maintaining the Blocked Accounts, together with Lender's customary charges and fees with respect thereto; (c) charges, fees or expenses charged by any bank or issuer in connection with the Letter of Credit Accommodations; (d) actual costs and reasonable expenses of preserving and protecting the Collateral; (e) actual costs and reasonable expenses paid or incurred in connection with obtaining payment of the Obligations, enforcing the security interests and liens of Lender, selling or otherwise realizing upon the Collateral, and otherwise enforcing the provisions of this Agreement and the other Financing Agreements or defending any claims made or threatened against Lender arising out of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby (including preparations for and consultations concerning any such matters); (f) all out-of-pocket expenses and costs heretofore and from time to time hereafter incurred by Lender during the course of periodic field examinations of the Collateral and Borrowers' operations, plus a per diem charge at the rate of Eight Hundred Dollars ($800) per person per day for Lender's examiners in the field and office, provided that Borrowers shall be required to pay for only two (2) such field audits in any twelve (12) month period unless an Event of Default or an Availability Triggering Event occurs; (g) all actual costs and expenses in connection with background investigations of the principals of Borrowers; and (h) the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel (including legal assistants) to Lender in connection with the preparation of this Agreement and the other Financing Agreements or any of the foregoing. The amount of any deposit given by Borrowers to Lender in connection with this Agreement remaining after payment of all fees, costs and expenses incurred by Lender in connection with any audit or field examination of Borrowers and their Subsidiaries and Affiliates or the preparation and negotiation of the Financing Documents shall be applied against the amounts owing under this Section 9.20.

        9.21    Further Assurances.    At the request of Lender at any time and from time to time, Borrowers shall, at their expense, duly execute and deliver, or cause to be duly executed and delivered, such further agreements, documents and instruments, and do or cause to be done such further acts as may be necessary or proper to evidence, perfect, maintain and enforce the security interests and the priority thereof in the Collateral and to otherwise effectuate the provisions or purposes of this Agreement or any of the other Financing Agreements. Lender may at any time and from time to time request a certificate from an officer of any Borrower representing that all conditions precedent to the making of Loans and providing Letter of Credit Accommodations contained herein are satisfied. In the event of such request by Lender, Lender may, at its option, cease to make any further Loans or provide any further Letter of Credit Accommodations until Lender has received such certificate and, in addition, Lender has determined that such conditions are satisfied.

SECTION 10.    EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES    

        10.1    Events of Default.    The occurrence or existence of any one or more of the following events are referred to herein individually as an "Event of Default", and collectively as "Events of Default":

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        10.2    Remedies.    

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SECTION 11.    JURY TRIAL WAIVER; OTHER WAIVERS AND CONSENTS; GOVERNING LAW    

        11.1    Governing Law; Choice of Forum; Service of Process; Jury Trial Waiver.    

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        11.2    Waiver of Notices.    Borrowers hereby expressly waive demand, presentment, protest and notice of protest and notice of dishonor with respect to any and all instruments and chattel paper, included in or evidencing any of the Obligations or the Collateral, and any and all other demands and notices of any kind or nature whatsoever with respect to the Obligations, the Collateral and this Agreement, except such as are expressly provided for herein. No notice to or demand on Borrowers which Lender may elect to give shall entitle Borrowers to any other or further notice or demand in the same, similar or other circumstances.

        11.3    Amendments and Waivers.    Neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof shall be amended, modified, waived or discharged orally or by course of conduct, but only by a written agreement signed by an authorized officer of Lender, and as to amendments, as also signed by an authorized officers of Borrowers. Lender shall not, by any act, delay, omission or otherwise be deemed to have expressly or impliedly waived any of its rights, powers and/or remedies unless such waiver shall be in writing and signed by an authorized officer of Lender. Any such waiver shall be enforceable only to the extent specifically set forth therein. A waiver by Lender of any right, power and/or remedy on any one occasion shall not be construed as a bar to or waiver of any such right, power and/or remedy which Lender would otherwise have on any future occasion, whether similar in kind or otherwise.

        11.4    Waiver of Counterclaims.    Borrowers waive all rights to interpose any claims, deductions, setoffs or counterclaims of any nature (other than compulsory counterclaims) in any action or proceeding with respect to this Agreement, the Obligations, the Collateral or any matter arising therefrom or relating hereto or thereto.

        11.5    Indemnification.    Borrowers shall indemnify and hold Lender, and its directors, agents, employees and counsel, harmless from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, costs or expenses imposed on, incurred by or asserted against any of them in connection with any litigation, investigation, claim or proceeding commenced or threatened related to the negotiation, preparation, execution, delivery, enforcement, performance or administration of this Agreement, any other Financing Agreements, or any undertaking or proceeding related to any of the transactions contemplated hereby or any act, omission, event or transaction related or attendant thereto, including amounts paid in settlement, court costs, and the fees and expenses of counsel except for losses, claims, damages, liabilities, costs and expenses arising from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of any such indemnified party as determined pursuant to a final, non-appealable order of a court of competent jurisdiction. To the extent that the undertaking to indemnify, pay and hold harmless set forth in this Section may be unenforceable because it violates any law or public policy, Borrowers shall pay the maximum portion which it is permitted to pay under applicable law to Lender in satisfaction of indemnified matters under this Section. The foregoing indemnity shall survive the payment of the Obligations and the termination of this Agreement.

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SECTION 12.    TERM OF AGREEMENT; MISCELLANEOUS    

        12.1    Term.    

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  Amount
   
  Period
(i)     one percent (1.00%) of the Maximum Credit     From the date hereof to and including September 26, 2003
(ii)     one-fourth percent (0.25%) of the Maximum Credit     From the date hereof to and including September 26, 2005

        12.2    Interpretive Provisions.    

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        12.3    Notices.    All notices, requests and demands hereunder shall be in writing and deemed to have been given or made: if delivered in person, immediately upon delivery; if by telex, telegram or facsimile transmission, immediately upon sending and upon confirmation of receipt; if by nationally recognized overnight courier service with instructions to deliver the next Business Day, one (1) Business Day after sending; and if by certified mail, return receipt requested, five (5) days after mailing. All notices, requests and demands upon the parties are to be given to the addresses designated on the signature page hereto or to such other address as any party may designate by notice in accordance with this Section.

        12.4    Partial Invalidity.    If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not invalidate this Agreement as a whole, but this Agreement shall be construed as though it did not contain the particular provision held to be invalid or unenforceable and the rights and obligations of the parties shall be construed and enforced only to such extent as shall be permitted by applicable law.

        12.5    Successors.    This Agreement, the other Financing Agreements and any other document referred to herein or therein shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Lender, Borrowers and their respective successors and assigns, except that Borrowers may not assign their rights under this Agreement, the other Financing Agreements and any other document referred to herein or therein without the prior written consent of Lender. Lender may, after notice to Borrowers, assign its rights and delegate its obligations under this Agreement and the other Financing Agreements and further may assign, or sell participations in, all or any part of the Loans, the Letter of Credit Accommodations or any other interest herein to another financial institution or other person, in which event, the assignee or participant shall have, to the extent of such assignment or participation, the same

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rights and benefits as it would have if it were the Lender hereunder, except as otherwise provided by the terms of such assignment or participation; provided, however, that if such financial institution is not domiciled in the United States or such financial institution and its Affiliates have assets of less than One Billion Dollars ($1,000,000,000) on a consolidated basis, Lender shall obtain a Borrower's prior written consent.

        12.6    Entire Agreement.    This Agreement, the other Financing Agreements, any supplements hereto or thereto, and any instruments or documents delivered or to be delivered in connection herewith or therewith represents the entire agreement and understanding concerning the subject matter hereof and thereof between the parties hereto, and supersede all other prior agreements, understandings, negotiations and discussions, representations, warranties, commitments, proposals, offers and contracts concerning the subject matter hereof, whether oral or written. In the event of any inconsistency between the terms of this Agreement and any schedule or exhibit hereto, the terms of this Agreement shall govern.

        12.7    Counterparts, Etc.    This Agreement or any of the other Financing Agreements may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Delivery of an executed counterpart of this Agreement or any of the other Financing Agreements by telefacsimile shall have the same force and effect as the delivery of an original executed counterpart of this Agreement or any of such other Financing Agreements. Any party delivering an executed counterpart of any such agreement by telefacsimile shall also deliver an original executed counterpart, but the failure to do so shall not affect the validity, enforceability or binding effect of such agreement.

        12.8    Confidentiality.    

SECTION 13.    JOINT AND SEVERAL LIABILITY AND SURETYSHIP WAIVERS    

        13.1    Independent Obligations; Subrogation.    The Obligations of each Borrower hereunder are joint and several. To the maximum extent permitted by law, each Borrower hereby waives any claim, right or

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remedy which either may now have or hereafter acquire against any other Borrower that arises hereunder including, without limitation, any claim, remedy or right of subrogation, reimbursement, exoneration, contribution, indemnification, or participation in any claim, right or remedy of Lender against any Borrower or any Collateral which Lender now has or hereafter acquires, whether or not such claim, right or remedy arises in equity, under contract, by statute, under common law or otherwise until the Obligations are fully paid and finally discharged. In addition, each Borrower hereby waives any right to proceed against the other Borrowers, now or hereafter, for contribution, indemnity, reimbursement, and any other suretyship rights and claims, whether direct or indirect, liquidated or contingent, whether arising under express or implied contract or by operation of law, which any Borrower may now have or hereafter have as against the other Borrowers with respect to the Obligations until the Obligations are fully paid and finally discharged. Each Borrower also hereby waives any rights of recourse to or with respect to any asset of the other Borrowers until the Obligations are fully paid and finally discharged.

        13.2    Authority to Modify Obligations and Security.    Each Borrower authorizes Lender, without notice or demand and without affecting any Borrower's liability hereunder, from time to time, whether before or after any notice of termination hereof or before or after any default in respect of the Obligations, to: (a) renew, extend, accelerate, or otherwise change the time for payment of, or otherwise change any other term or condition of, any document or agreement evidencing or relating to any Obligations as such Obligations relate to the other Borrowers, including, without limitation, to increase or decrease the rate of interest thereon; (b) accept, substitute, waive, defease, increase, release, exchange or otherwise alter any Collateral, in whole or in part, securing the other Borrowers' Obligations; (c) apply any and all such Collateral and direct the order or manner of sale thereof as Lender, in its sole discretion, may determine; (d) deal with the other Borrowers as Lender may elect; (e) in Lender's sole discretion, settle, release on terms satisfactory to Lender, or by operation of law or otherwise, compound, compromise, collect or otherwise liquidate any of the other Borrowers' Obligations and/or any of the Collateral in any manner, and bid and purchase any of the collateral at any sale thereof; (f) apply any and all payments or recoveries from the other Borrowers as Lender, in its sole discretion may determine, whether or not such indebtedness relates to the Obligations; all whether such Obligations are secured or unsecured or guaranteed or not guaranteed by others; and (g) apply any sums realized from Collateral furnished by the other Borrowers upon any of its indebtedness or obligations to Lender as it in its sole discretion may determine, whether or not such indebtedness relates to the Obligations; all without in any way diminishing, releasing or discharging the liability of any Borrower hereunder.

        13.3    Waiver of Defenses.    Upon an Event of Default by any Borrower in respect of any Obligations, and except as required in Section 726 of the California Code of Civil Procedure, Lender may, at its option and without additional notice to any Borrower, proceed directly against any Borrower to collect and recover the full amount of the liability hereunder, or any portion thereof, and each Borrower waives any right to require Lender to: (a) proceed against the other Borrowers or any other person whomsoever; (b) proceed against or exhaust any Collateral given to or held by Lender in connection with the Obligations; (c) give notice of the terms, time and place of any public or private sale of any of the Collateral except as otherwise provided herein; or (d) pursue any other remedy in Lender's power whatsoever. A separate action or actions may be brought and prosecuted against any Borrower whether or not action is brought against the other Borrowers and whether the other Borrowers be joined in any such action or actions; and each Borrower agrees that any payment of any Obligations or other act which shall toll any statute of limitations applicable thereto shall similarly operate to toll such statute of limitations applicable to the liability hereunder.

        13.4    Exercise of Lender's Rights.    Each Borrower hereby authorizes and empowers Lender in its sole discretion, without any notice or demand to such Borrower whatsoever and without affecting the

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liability of such Borrower hereunder, to exercise any right or remedy which Lender may have available to it against the other Borrowers.

        13.5    Additional Waivers.    Each Borrower waives any defense arising by reason of any disability or other defense of the other Borrowers or by reason of the cessation from any cause whatsoever of the liability of the other Borrowers or by reason of any act or omission of Lender or others which directly or indirectly results in or aids the discharge or release of the other Borrowers or any Obligations or any Collateral by operation of law or otherwise. The Obligations shall be enforceable against each Borrower without regard to the validity, regularity or enforceability of any of the Obligations with respect to any of the other Borrowers or any of the documents related thereto or any collateral security documents securing any of the Obligations. No exercise by Lender of, and no omission of Lender to exercise, any power or authority recognized herein and no impairment or suspension of any right or remedy of Lender against any Borrower or any Collateral shall in any way suspend, discharge, release, exonerate or otherwise affect any of the Obligations or any Collateral furnished by the Borrowers or give to the Borrowers any right of recourse against Lender. Each Borrower specifically agrees that the failure of Lender (a) to perfect any lien on or security interest in any property heretofore or hereafter given any Borrower to secure payment of the Obligations, or to record or file any document relating thereto or (b) to file or enforce a claim against the estate (either in administration, bankruptcy or other proceeding) of any Borrower, shall not in any manner whatsoever terminate, diminish, exonerate or otherwise affect the liability of any Borrower hereunder.

        13.6    Additional Indebtedness.    Additional Obligations may be created from time to time at the request of any Borrower and without further authorization from or notice to any other Borrowers even though the borrowing Borrowers' financial condition may deteriorate since the date hereof. Each Borrower waives the right, if any, to require Lender to disclose to such Borrower any information it may now have or hereafter acquire concerning the other Borrowers' character, credit, Collateral, financial condition or other matters. Each Borrower has established adequate means to obtain from the other Borrowers on a continuing basis financial and other information pertaining to such Borrower's business and affairs, and assumes the responsibility for being and keeping informed of the financial and other conditions of the other Borrowers and of all circumstances bearing upon the risk of nonpayment of the Obligations which diligent inquiry would reveal. Lender need not inquire into the powers of any Borrower or the authority of any of its officers, directors, partners or agents acting or purporting to act in its behalf, and any obligations created in reliance upon the purported exercise of such power or authority is hereby guaranteed. All obligations of each Borrower to Lender heretofore, now or hereafter created shall be deemed to have been granted at each Borrower's special insistence and request and in consideration of and in reliance upon this Agreement.

        13.7    Subordination.    Except as otherwise provided in this Section 13.7, any indebtedness of any Borrower now or hereafter owing to any other Borrowers is hereby subordinated to the Obligations, whether heretofore, now or hereafter created, and whether before or after notice of termination hereof, and, following the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, no Borrower shall, without the prior consent of Lender, pay in whole or in part any of such indebtedness nor will any such Borrower accept any payment of or on account of any such indebtedness at any time while such Borrower remains liable hereunder. At the request of Lender, after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, each Borrower shall pay to Lender all or any part of such subordinated indebtedness and any amount so paid to Lender at its request shall be applied to payment of the Obligations. Each payment on the indebtedness of any Borrower to the other Borrowers received in violation of any of the provisions hereof shall be deemed to have been received by any other Borrowers as trustee for Lender and shall be paid over to Lender immediately on account of the Obligations, but without otherwise affecting in any manner any such Borrower's liability under any of the provisions of this Agreement. Each Borrower agrees to file all claims against the other Borrowers in any bankruptcy or other proceeding in which the filing of claims is required by law in

69



respect of any indebtedness of the other Borrowers to such Borrower, and Lender shall be entitled to all of any such Borrower's rights thereunder. If for any reason any such Borrower fails to file such claim at least thirty (30) days prior to the last date on which such claim should be filed, Lender, as such Borrower's attorney-in-fact, is hereby authorized to do so in Borrowers' name or, in Lender's discretion, to assign such claim to, and cause a proof of claim to be filed in the name of, Lender's nominee. In all such cases, whether in administration, bankruptcy or otherwise, the person or persons authorized to pay such claim shall pay to Lender the full amount payable on the claim in the proceeding, and to the full extent necessary for that purpose any such Borrower hereby assigns to Lender all such Borrower's rights to any payments or distributions to which such Borrower otherwise would be entitled. If the amount so paid is greater than any such Borrower's liability hereunder, Lender will pay the excess amount to the party entitled thereto.

        13.8    Revival.    If any payments of money or transfers of property made to Lender by any Borrower should for any reason subsequently be declared to be, or in Lender's counsel's good faith opinion be determined to be, fraudulent (within the meaning of any state or federal law relating to fraudulent conveyances), preferential or otherwise voidable or recoverable in whole or in part for any reason (hereinafter collectively called "voidable transfers") under the Bankruptcy Code or any other federal or state law and Lender is required to repay or restore, or in Lender's counsel's opinion may be so liable to repay or restore, any such voidable transfer, or the amount or any portion thereof, then as to any such voidable transfer or the amount repaid or restored and all reasonable costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) of Lender related thereto, such Borrower's liability hereunder shall automatically be revived, reinstated and restored and shall exist as though such voidable transfer had never been made to Lender.

        13.9    Understanding of Waivers.    Each Borrower warrants and agrees that the waivers set forth in this Section 13 are made with full knowledge of their significance and consequences. If any of such waivers are determined to be contrary to any applicable law or public policy, such waivers shall be effective only to the maximum extent permitted by law.

70


        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Lender, the Arranger and Administrative Agent and Borrowers have caused these presents to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.

LENDER   BORROWERS

CONGRESS FINANCIAL CORPORATION (WESTERN)

 

GUESS ?, INC.

By:

 

 

By:

 
 
   
Name: Vicky Balmot
Title: Executive Vice President
  Name:     
      Title:  
       

Address For Notices:

 

Address for Notices:

251 South Lake Avenue, Suite 900
Pasadena, California 91101
Attn: Portfolio Manager
Telephone: (626) 304-4900
Facsimile:(626) 304-4949

 

1444 South Alameda Street
Los Angeles, California 90021
Attn: Ralph W. Flick
Telephone: (213) 765-3210
Facsimile: (213) 765- 0911

 

 

 

1444 South Alameda Street
Los Angeles, California 90021
Attn: Frederick G. Silny
Telephone: (213) 765-3504
Facsimile: (213) 765-5927

THE ARRANGER AND ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

 

 

 

WACHOVIA SECURITIES, INC.

 

GUESS? RETAIL, INC.

By:

 

 

By:

 
 
   
Name: A. Forrest Steele, Jr.
Title: Managing Director
  Name:     
    Title:  
       

Address For Notices:

 

Address for Notices:

301 South College Street
Charlotte, North Carolina 28270-0658
Attn: A. Forrest Steel, Jr.
Telephone: (704) 374-2611
Facsimile: (704) 374-4881

 

1444 South Alameda Street
Los Angeles, California 90021
Attn: Ralph W. Flick
Telephone: (213) 765-3210
Facsimile: (213) 765-0911

71



 

 

 

1444 South Alameda Street
Los Angeles, California 90021
Attn: Frederick G. Silny
Telephone: (213) 765-3504
Facsimile: (213) 765-5927

 

 

 

GUESS.COM, INC.

 

 

 

By:

 
       
      Name:  
       
      Title:  
       

 

 

 

Address for Notices:

 

 

 

1444 South Alameda Street
Los Angeles, California 90021
Attn: Ralph W. Flick
Telephone: (213) 765-3210
Facsimile: (213) 765-0911

 

 

 

1444 South Alameda Street
Los Angeles, California 90021
Attn: Frederick G. Silny
Telephone: (213) 765-3504
Facsimile: (213) 765-5927

72


EXHIBIT A

Information Certificate

        See Attached.


EXHIBIT B

Form of Compliance Certificate

[COMPANY LETTERHEAD]

COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
                        , 200      

        Pursuant to the terms of the Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement dated as of December 20, 2002 by and among CONGRESS FINANCIAL CORPORATION (WESTERN), a California corporation ("Lender"), WACHOVIA SECURITIES, INC. (as the "Arranger and Administrative Agent"), and GUESS ?, INC., GUESS? RETAIL, INC., a Delaware corporation, and GUESS.COM, INC. (as amended from time to time, the "Loan Agreement"; all terms used herein without definition shall have the meanings given in the Loan Agreement), except as explained in detail in this Compliance Certificate, the Borrowers are in compliance with the terms and conditions of the Loan Agreement including, but not limited to, the Sections scheduled below:

        For the financial statement dated                         .

Section 9.18

  Net Worth

 
(Attached additional schedule as necessary)

 
Total Assets   $                       
Goodwill                           
Capitalized Financing Costs                           
Other Intangibles                           
Total Intangibles     (                     )
Subordinated Debt                           
Calculated TNW   $                       
Minimum Amount   $                       

Exceptions:    [None]

 

 

 

 
       
    GUESS ?, INC.
       
    By:  
     
    Title:  
     
       
       
    GUESS? RETAIL, INC.
       
    By:  
     
    Title:  
     
       
       
    GUESS.COM, INC.
       
    By:  
     
    Title:  
     

SCHEDULE 4.1

Collateral Access Agreements; Lien Searches

Section 4.1(e)
(Collateral Access Agreements with owners and lessors of leased premises of Borrowers and by warehouses at which Collateral is located.)

        Landlord Agreement with 2010 15th Street Ltd. (1444 S. Alameda Street, LA, CA)

        Landlord Agreement with 1444 Partners, Ltd. (1444 S. Alameda Street, LA, CA)

        Landlord Waiver with Riverport Park I, Inc. (10610 Freeport Dr., Louisville, KY)

Section 4.1(g)
(Deposit Control Agreements by and among Lender, Borrowers and each bank where any Borrower has the Central Collection Deposit Accounts.)

Bank

  Acct Number
Bank of America   Illinois Lockbox #96621 - Guess ?, Inc. Acct linked to above lockbox#71887-01156 - Guess ?, Inc.
    Chicago Lockbox #12317 - Guess ?, Inc.
    West Coast Lockbox #53658 - Guess ?, Inc.
    Depository Retail Acct #12576-00302 - Guess ?, Inc.
    Concentration Acct #12574-00303 - Guess ?, Inc.
    Deposit Account for Store #35, 89 and 132 - 1235880202

Bank of the West

 

Concentration Acct #751004052 - Guess ?, Inc.

Section 4.1(i)
(Lien search jurisdictions other than jurisdiction of headquarter or incorporation)

        For all Borrowers except Dot Com (Kentucky only):


SCHEDULE 5.2(b)

Chattel Paper

None.


SCHEDULE 5.2(f)

Letters of Credit, etc.


Letter of Credit, etc.

Issuer

  Expiration
  Amount
 
Focus Europe   2/28/2003   761,600   Euro
TMC   12/31/2002   350,000   US

SCHEDULE 5.2(g)

Commercial Tort Claims

None.


SCHEDULE 8.4

Liens

Insurance Policies:

Effective Dates
  Coverage Type
  Ins. Carrier
  Policy Number
  Loan Number
  Total Premiums
  Amount Financed
  Balance Remaining
01/31/02-03   Foreign   St. Paul   GB06100077   04-010-535149-8   $ 643,844.30   $ 573,679.89   $ 129,722.12
05/01/02-03   WC   Crum and Foster   4060322154   04-010-566866-6     428,006.00     385,205.40     217,810.90
06/01/02-03   PROP   Affiliated FM Inc Co   TE020   04-010-535149-8     981,889.00     882,201.10     598,127.40
08/31/02-03   D&O   Natl Union Fire Inc   5696742   TDB     980,000.00     784,000.00     709,639.12
                   
 
 
                TOTALS   $ 3,033,739.30   $ 2,625,086.39   $ 1,655,299.54
                   
 
 

Guess ?, Inc.

JURISDICTION
  FILING NUMBER
  FILING DATE
  SECURED PARTY
  COLLATERAL
California Secretary of State   9530660916   10/30/95 Continuation filed 5/18/00   Yale/Chase Materials Handling, Inc.   Specific Equipment: forklift

California Secretary of State

 

0006760346

 

3/3/00

 

Canon Financial Services, Inc.

 

Specific Equipment: colorpass

California Secretary of State

 

0102360631

 

1/16/01

 

Canon Financial Services, Inc.

 

Specific Equipment: printer

California Secretary of State

 

0102360647

 

1/16/01

 

Canon Financial Services, Inc.

 

Specific Equipment: Graphics

California Secretary of State

 

9806960346

 

3/6/98

 

Canon Financial Services, Inc.

 

Specific Equipment: various copiers and fax machines

California Secretary of State

 

9818160473

 

6/26/98

 

Yale/Chase Materials Handling, Inc.

 

Specific Equipment: forklift

California Secretary of State

 

0030860836

 

10/24/00

 

Crown Credit Company

 

Specific Equipment: forklift

California Secretary of State

 

0006360964

 

3/1/00

 

Yale/Chase Materials Handling, Inc.

 

Specific Equipment: forklift

California Secretary of State

 

0006360965

 

3/1/00

 

Yale/Chase Materials Handling, Inc.

 

Specific Equipment: forklift

California Secretary of State

 

9819060540

 

7/6/98

 

Yale/Chase Materials Handling, Inc.

 

Specific Equipment: forklift

California Secretary of State

 

9728761067

 

10/10/97

 

Sensormatic Electronics Corp.

 

Leased Equipment

California Secretary of State

 

0101061071

 

1/5/01

 

Cisco Systems Capital Corporation

 

Leased Equipment


Delaware Secretary of State

 

10006432

 

12/28/00

 

Cisco Systems Capital Corporation

 

Leased Equipment

Delaware Secretary of State

 

20598049

 

2/12/02

 

Canon Financial Services, Inc.

 

Specific Equipment: Graphics/Colorpass

Delaware Secretary of State

 

22012841

 

7/31/02

 

De Lage Landen Financial Services, Inc.

 

Specific Equipment

Delaware Secretary of State

 

22012866

 

7/31/02

 

De Lage Landen Financial Services, Inc.

 

Specific Equipment

Delaware Secretary of State

 

22229171

 

8/29/02

 

Canon Financial Services, Inc.

 

Specific Equipment: various copiers and fax machines

Indiana Secretary of State

 

200100008505910

 

11/01/01

 

American Equipment Leasing, a division of EAB Leasing Corp.

 

Leased Equipment

Indiana Secretary of State

 

2179062

 

3/17/98

 

AEL Leasing Co. Inc. dba American Equipment Leasing

 

Leased Equipment

Indiana Secretary of State

 

2182389

 

4/2/98

 

Cascade Leasing Company

 

Specific Equipment

Texas Secretary of Staet

 

9900244766

 

8/29/00

 

Canon Financial Services, Inc.

 

Specific Equipment: Copier

        Deposit against operating agreement with NetJets


SCHEDULE 8.8

Environmental Compliance

None.


SCHEDULE 8.12

Labor Relations

None.


SCHEDULE 8.14

Material Contracts

1.
The Indenture, dated as of August 23, 1993, between the Company and the First National Trust Association.

2.
Intercompany loan to Guess? Canada, Inc. (see Schedule 9.9)

SCHEDULE 9.9

Indebtedness

Indebtedness

Description

  Holder
  Amount
Senior Subordinate Notes   US Bank Trust   $ 79,562,000.00

Insurance Premiums

 

 

 

 

 
  Breakdown by Ins Carrier:          
    St. Paul LN# 04-010-535149-8   Imperial Finance   $ 129,722.12
    Crum & Foster LN# 04-010-566866-6   Imperial Finance     217,810.90
    Affiliated FM Ins. Co LN# 04-010-535149-8   Imperial Finance     598,127.40
    Natl Union Fire Ins LN# TBD   Imperial Finance     709,639.12
       
        $ 1,655,299.54
Standby Letter of Credit          

LC No. T-991977—Y2K Apparel S.A. (exp. 10/26/02)

 

Chase Manhattan Bank

 

$

500,000.00
LC No. T-883704—Italia (exp. 10/28/02)   Chase Manhattan Bank     1,000,000.00
LC No. T-214404—U S Fire Insurance (exp. 10/26/02)   Chase Manhattan Bank     783,000.00
LC No. T-897507—GMC Strandel (exp. 10/25/02)   Chase Manhattan Bank     2,000,000.00
LC No. T-883697—Fireman Fund Insurance   Chase Manhattan Bank     1,000,000.00
       
        $ 5,283,000.00

        Operating Agreement with NetJets


SCHEDULE 9.10

Loans and Advances

Loans And Investments

Description

  Amount
Intercompany    
  Guess? Canada—Long term debt financing to Guess? Canada Corp   13,400,000.00
    Terms: Interest—US prime rate as published in the latest edition of the Wall Street Journal    
      Repayment—Monthly installments due and payable on the 15th day of each month    

Investments In Licensees

 

 
  Maco (10% Ownership)   103,514.00
  FJ Benjamine Holdings LTD (300,000 Shares)   65,957.00
 
Note: Employee loans not inculded in this schedule

 

 



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Exhibit 10.48
AMENDED AND RESTATED LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT by and among CONGRESS FINANCIAL CORPORATION (WESTERN) as Lender and WACHOVIA SECURITIES, INC. as the Arranger and Administrative Agent and GUESS ?, INC., GUESS ? RETAIL, INC. and GUESS.COM, INC. as Borrowers Dated: December 20, 2002
Letter of Credit, etc.

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EXHIBIT 10.49


FIRST AMENDMENT
TO AMENDED AND RESTATED LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

        This First Amendment To Amended and Restated Loan And Security Agreement (the "First Amendment") dated as of February 25, 2003, is entered into by and among CONGRESS FINANCIAL CORPORATION (WESTERN), a California corporation ("Lender"), WACHOVIA SECURITIES, INC., a Delaware corporation, as the arranger and administrative agent, and GUESS ?, INC., a Delaware corporation, GUESS? RETAIL, INC., a Delaware corporation, and GUESS.COM, INC., a Delaware corporation, jointly and severally as co-borrowers (each a "Borrower" and collectively, the "Borrowers"), with reference to the following facts:

RECITALS

        A.    Lender is extending various secured financial accommodations to Borrowers upon the terms of that certain Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement dated as of December 20, 2002 (the "Loan Agreement").

        C.    Borrowers and Lender desire to amend the Loan Agreement upon the terms and conditions set forth herein.

AMENDMENT

        NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged by each party hereto, Borrowers and Lender hereby agree as follows:

        1.    Conditions Subsequent.    Section 4.3(c) of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended and restated in entirety as follows:

        2.    Conditions to Effectiveness.    The effectiveness of this First Amendment is subject to the receipt by Lender or the completion by Borrowers of the following:

        3.    Representations and Warranties.    Each Borrower reaffirms that the representations and warranties made to Lender in the Loan Agreement and other Financing Agreements are true and correct in all material respects as of the date of this First Amendment as though made as of such date and after giving effect to this First Amendment. In addition, each Borrower makes the following representations and warranties to Lender, which shall survive the execution of this First Amendment.

1


        4.    Continuing Effect of Financing Agreements.    To the extent of any inconsistencies between the terms of this First Amendment and the Loan Agreement, this First Amendment shall govern. In all other respects, the Loan Agreement and other Financing Agreements shall remain in full force and effect and are hereby ratified and confirmed.

        5.    References.    Upon the effectiveness of this First Amendment, each reference in any Financing Agreements to "the Agreement", "hereunder," "herein," "hereof," or of like import referring to the Loan Agreement shall mean and be a reference to the Loan Agreement as amended hereby.

        6.    Governing Laws.    This First Amendment, upon becoming effective, shall be deemed to be a contract made under, governed by, and subject to, and shall be construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of California.

        [signature pages to follow]

2


        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound hereby, have executed this Amendment as of the date first set forth above, to become effective in the manner set forth above.


"Borrowers"

 

"Lender"

GUESS ?, INC.

 

CONGRESS FINANCIAL CORPORATION (WESTERN)

By:

 

 

By:

 
 
   
Name:     Name:  
 
   
Title:     Title:  
 
   

GUESS? RETAIL, INC.

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 
 
     
Name:        
 
     
Title:        
 
     

GUESS.COM, INC.

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 
 
     
Name:        
 
     
Title:        
 
     

3




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EXHIBIT 10.49
FIRST AMENDMENT TO AMENDED AND RESTATED LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

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Exhibit 10.50

CANADIAN LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

by and among

CONGRESS FINANCIAL CORPORATION (CANADA)

as Lender

and

GUESS? CANADA CORPORATION

and

GUESS? CANADA RETAIL INC.

as Borrowers

with

WACHOVIA SECURITIES, INC.

acting as Global Arranger

Dated: December 20, 2002



TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
   
   
Page
SECTION 1       DEFINITIONS 1
SECTION 2       CREDIT FACILITIES 21
    2.1   Loans 21
    2.2   Letter of Credit Accommodations 21
SECTION 3       INTEREST AND FEES 25
    3.1   Interest 25
    3.2   Intentionally Deleted 27
    3.3   Intentionally Deleted 27
    3.4   Intentionally Deleted 27
    3.5   Changes in Laws and Increased Costs of Loans 27
SECTION 4       CONDITIONS PRECEDENT 27
    4.1   Conditions Precedent to Initial Loans and Letter of Credit Accommodations 27
    4.2   Conditions Precedent to All Loans and Letter of Credit Accommodations 29
    4.3   Conditions Subsequent 30
SECTION 5       GRANT AND PERFECTION OF SECURITY INTEREST 30
    5.1   Grant of Security Interest 30
    5.2   Perfection of Security Interests 31
    5.3   Release of Security Interest in Connection with Securitization 35
SECTION 6       COLLECTION AND ADMINISTRATION 35
    6.1   Borrowers' Loan Account 35
    6.2   Statements 35
    6.3   Collection of Accounts 36
    6.4   Payments 37
    6.5   Authorization to Make Loans 38
    6.6   Use of Proceeds 38
SECTION 7       COLLATERAL REPORTING AND COLLATERAL COVENANTS 38
    7.1   Collateral Reporting 38
    7.2   Accounts Covenants 39
    7.3   Inventory Covenants 40
    7.4   Equipment Covenants 41
    7.5   Power of Attorney 41
    7.6   Right to Cure 42
    7.7   Access to Premises 42
SECTION 8       REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES 43
    8.1   Corporate Existence; Power and Authority 43
    8.2   Name; State of Organization; Chief Executive Office; Collateral Locations 43
    8.3   Financial Statements; No Material Adverse Change 43
    8.4   Priority of Liens; Title to Properties 44
    8.5   Tax Returns 44
    8.6   Litigation 44
    8.7   Compliance with Other Agreements and Applicable Laws 44
    8.8   Environmental Compliance 44
    8.9   Employee Benefits 45
    8.10   Intellectual Property 45
    8.11   Subsidiaries; Affiliates; Capitalization; Solvency 46
    8.12   Labor Disputes 46
    8.13   Restrictions on Subsidiaries 47
    8.14   Material Contracts 47
    8.15   Payable Practices 47
    8.16   Accuracy and Completeness of Information 47
    8.17   Securitizations 47
    8.18   Survival of Warranties; Cumulative 47
SECTION 9       AFFIRMATIVE AND NEGATIVE COVENANTS 48
    9.1   Maintenance of Existence 48
    9.2   New Collateral Locations 48

    9.3   Compliance with Laws, Regulations, Etc. 48
    9.4   Payment of Taxes and Claims 49
    9.5   Insurance 49
    9.6   Financial Statements and Other Information 50
    9.7   Sale of Assets, Consolidation, Merger, Dissolution, Etc. 51
    9.8   Encumbrances 52
    9.9   Indebtedness 53
    9.10   Loans, Investments, Etc. 55
    9.11   Dividends and Redemptions 57
    9.12   Further Restriction on Loans, Investments, Dividends and Redemptions 57
    9.13   Transactions with Affiliates 57
    9.14   Compliance Concerning Canadian Pension Plans 58
    9.15   End of Fiscal Years, Fiscal Quarters 58
    9.16   Change in Business 58
    9.17   Limitation of Restrictions Affecting Subsidiaries 58
    9.18   Net Worth 59
    9.19   License Agreements 59
    9.20   Costs and Expenses 60
    9.21   Further Assurances 60
    9.22   Applications under Insolvency Statutes 61
SECTION 10       EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES 61
    10.1   Events of Default 61
    10.2   Remedies 63
SECTION 11       JURY TRIAL WAIVER; OTHER WAIVERS AND CONSENTS; GOVERNING LAW 66
    11.1   Governing Law; Choice of Forum; Service of Process; Jury Trial Waiver 66
    11.2   Waiver of Notices 68
    11.3   Amendments and Waivers 68
    11.4   Waiver of Counterclaims 68
    11.5   Indemnification 68
    11.6   Currency Indemnity 68
SECTION 12       TERM OF AGREEMENT; MISCELLANEOUS 69
    12.1   Term 69
    12.2   Interpretive Provisions 70
    12.3   Notices 71
    12.4   Partial Invalidity 71
    12.5   Successors 72
    12.6   Entire Agreement 72
    12.7   Counterparts, Etc. 72
    12.8   Confidentiality 72
    12.9   Choice of Language 73
SECTION 13       JOINT AND SEVERAL LIABILITY AND SURETYSHIP WAIVERS 73
    13.1   Independent Obligations; Subrogation 73
    13.2   Authority to Modify Obligations and Security 73
    13.3   Waiver of Defenses 74
    13.4   Exercise of Lender's Rights 74
    13.5   Additional Waivers 74
    13.6   Additional Indebtedness 75
    13.7   Subordination 75
    13.8   Revival 75
    13.9   Understanding of Waivers 76

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INDEX TO
EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES

Exhibit A   Information Certificates
Schedule 4.1   Permitted Locations, etc.
Schedule 5.2(b)   Chattel Paper and Instruments
Schedule 5.2(f)   Letters of Credit, etc.
Schedule 5.2(g)   Commercial Tort Claims
Schedule 8.4   Liens
Schedule 8.8   Environmental Disclosures
Schedule 8.12   Labor Relations
Schedule 8.14   Material Contracts
Schedule 9.9   Indebtedness
Schedule 9.10   Loans and Advances

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CANADIAN LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

        This Canadian Loan and Security Agreement dated December 20, 2002 is entered into by and among CONGRESS FINANCIAL CORPORATION (CANADA), an Ontario corporation ("Lender") and GUESS? CANADA CORPORATION, a Canadian corporation and GUESS? CANADA RETAIL INC., a Canadian corporation, jointly and severally as co-borrowers (each a "Borrower" and collectively, the "Borrowers").

W I T N E S S E T H:

        WHEREAS, Guess ?, Inc. owns, directly or indirectly, all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of the Borrowers and U.S. Borrowers (as defined below); and

        WHEREAS U.S. Lender (as defined below) has previously entered into certain financing arrangements with Guess ? Inc. and the other U.S. Borrowers (as defined below) pursuant to the U.S. Agreement; and

        WHEREAS, Borrowers have requested that Lender enter into certain financing arrangements in Canada with Borrowers as an integrated business unit pursuant to which Lender may make loans and provide other financial accommodations to Borrowers as an integrated business unit; and

        WHEREAS, Lender is willing to make such loans and provide such financial accommodations on the terms and conditions set forth herein;

        NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual conditions and agreements set forth herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

SECTION 1    DEFINITIONS    

        For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the respective meanings given to them below:

        1.1    "Accounts"  shall mean all present and future rights of Borrowers to payment of a monetary obligation, whether or not earned by performance, which is not evidenced by chattel paper or an instrument, (a) for property that has been or is to be sold, leased, assigned, or otherwise disposed of, (b) for services rendered or to be rendered, (c) for a secondary obligation incurred or to be incurred, or (d) arising out of the use of a credit, charge or debit card along with all information contained on or for use with such card.

        1.2    "Adjusted Eurodollar Rate"  shall mean, with respect to each Interest Period for any Eurodollar Rate Loan, the rate per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next one-sixteenth (1/16) of one percent (1%)) determined by dividing (a) the Eurodollar Rate for such Interest Period by (b) a percentage equal to: (i) one (1) minus (ii) the Reserve Percentage. For purposes hereof, "Reserve Percentage" shall mean the reserve percentage, expressed as a decimal, prescribed by any United States or foreign banking authority for determining the reserve requirement which is or would be applicable to deposits of United States dollars in a non-United States or an international banking office of Reference Bank used to fund a Eurodollar Rate Loan or any Eurodollar Rate Loan made with the proceeds of such deposit, whether or not the Reference Bank actually holds or has made any such deposits or loans. The Adjusted Eurodollar Rate shall be adjusted on and as of the effective day of any change in the Reserve Percentage.

        1.3    "Adjusted Tangible Net Worth"  shall mean as to any Person, at any time, in accordance with GAAP (except as otherwise specifically set forth below), on a consolidated basis for such Person and its Subsidiaries (if any), the amount equal to the difference between: (a) the aggregate net book value of all assets of such Person and its Subsidiaries (excluding the value of patents, trademarks, tradenames, copyrights, licenses, goodwill, prepaid assets and other intangible assets), calculating the book value of inventory for this purpose on a first-in-first-out basis, after deducting from such book values all appropriate reserves in accordance with GAAP (including all reserves for doubtful receivables,



obsolescence, depreciation and amortization) and (b) the aggregate amount of the Indebtedness and other liabilities of such Person and its Subsidiaries (including tax and other proper accruals).

        1.4    "Affiliate"  shall mean, with respect to a specified Person, any other Person which directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with such Person, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, includes (a) any Person which beneficially owns or holds five percent (5%) or more of any class of Voting Stock of such Person or other equity interests in such Person, (b) any Person of which such Person beneficially owns or holds five percent (5%) or more of any class of Voting Stock or in which such Person beneficially owns or holds five percent (5%) or more of the equity interests and (c) any director or executive officer of such Person. For purposes of this definition, the term "control" (including, with correlative meanings, the terms "controlled by" and "under common control with"), as used with respect to any Person, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of Voting Stock, by agreement or otherwise.

        1.5    "Availability Compliance Period"    shall mean the period of time beginning upon an Availability Triggering Event or a Compliance Triggering Event, as applicable from time to time under this Agreement, and continuing through the Availability Compliance Reinstatement Date.

        1.6    "Availability Compliance Reinstatement Date"  shall mean the 180thconsecutive day on which the corresponding calculation of U.S. Excess Availability or Compliance Excess Availability is equal to at least the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of Twenty Million Dollars ($20,000,000) and the Canadian Compliance Excess Availability is equal to at least the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000).

        1.7    "Availability Compliance Report"  shall mean a compliance report delivered by Borrowers to Lender on a monthly basis during the Availability Compliance Period, in form and substance satisfactory to Lender.

        1.8    "Availability Triggering Event"  shall mean the occurrence of any event or events or the existence of any circumstance or circumstances that cause (a) the aggregate of U.S. Excess Availability and Canadian Compliance Excess Availability to be less than the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of Twenty Million Dollars ($20,000,000) or (b) Canadian Compliance Excess Availability to be less than the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000).

        1.9    "Average Excess Availability"  shall mean the sum of the U.S. Average Excess Availability and the Canadian Average Excess Availability.

        1.10    "Blocked Accounts"  shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.3 hereof.

        1.11    "Borrowing Base"  shall mean, at any time, the amount equal to the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of: (a) eighty-five percent (85%) of the Net Amount of Eligible Accounts, plus (b) the lowest of: (i) sixty-five percent (65%) (or seventy-two percent (72%) for the period from August 1 to October 31 of each year) of the Value of Eligible Inventory consisting of finished goods or (ii) eighty-five percent (85%) of the Net Recovery Value expressed as a percentage of cost of the Value of Eligible Inventory as reflected on the most recent appraisal of the Inventory received and accepted by Lender prior to the date of the calculation, or (iii) the Inventory Sublimit, plus (c) the Canadian Permitted Overadvance, less (d) the Gift Certificate and Store Credit Reserve, less (e) any Reserves. For purposes only of applying the sublimit on Loans based on Eligible Inventory set forth in clause (b)(iii) above, Lender may treat the then undrawn amounts of outstanding Letter of Credit Accommodations for the purpose of purchasing Eligible Inventory as Loans to the extent Lender is in effect basing the issuance of the Letter of Credit Accommodations on the Value of the Eligible Inventory being purchased with such Letter of Credit Accommodations.

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        1.12    "Business Day"  shall mean any day (i) other than a Saturday or Sunday or other day on which commercial banks are authorized or required to close under the laws of the State of New York, the State of North Carolina, the State of California, the Province of Ontario or the Province of Quebec, and (ii) on which Lender's offices and the Bank of Montreal are open for the transaction of business and (b) a day on which the Reference Bank and Lender are open for the transaction of business, except that if a determination of a Business Day shall relate to any Eurodollar Rate Loans, the term Business Day shall also exclude any day on which banks are closed for dealings in dollar deposits in the London interbank market or other applicable Eurodollar Rate market.

        1.13    "Canadian Average Excess Availability"  shall mean an amount equal to the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of the aggregate of the average daily amount, as determined by Lender, for each fiscal quarter of: (a) the aggregate of the Borrowing Base and the credit balance in each Blocked Account subject to a Deposit Account Control Agreement on the date of calculation, minus (b) the amount of all then outstanding and unpaid Obligations.

        1.14    "Canadian Compliance Excess Availability"  shall mean the amount, as determined by Lender, as of any time, equal to the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of: (a) the Borrowing Base, minus (b) the amount of all then outstanding and unpaid Obligations.

        1.15    "Canadian Dollar Equivalent"  shall mean at any time (a) as to any amount denominated in Canadian Dollars, the amount thereof and (b) as to any amount denominated in U.S. Dollars or any other currency, the equivalent amount in Canadian Dollars calculated by Lender at such time using the then applicable Exchange Rate in effect on the Business Day of determination.

        1.16    "Canadian Dollar Loans"  shall mean any Loans or portion thereof which are denominated in Canadian Dollars.

        1.17    "Canadian Dollars"  and "C$" shall each mean the lawful currency of Canada.

        1.18    "Canadian Excess Availability"  shall mean the amount, as determined by Lender, calculated at any time, equal to the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of: (a) the Borrowing Base, plus (b) Borrowers' unrestricted cash and/or Cash Equivalents that are on deposit in a securities or deposit account subject to a control agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to Lender, minus (c) the book overdraft of Borrowers, minus (d) the sum of: (i) the amount of all then outstanding and unpaid Obligations, plus (ii) the aggregate amount of all then outstanding and unpaid trade payables and other obligations of Borrowers, which are more than sixty (60) days past due as of the last day of the immediately preceding fiscal month, and plus (iii) the amount of cheques issued by Borrowers to pay trade payables and other obligations which are more than sixty (60) days past due as of such time, but not yet sent (but without duplication of clause (d)(ii)), as of the last day of the immediately preceding fiscal month.

        1.19    "Canadian Facility"  shall mean the revolving line of credit made available to the Borrowers pursuant to this Agreement which shall not permit overadvances in excess of the Canadian Permitted Overadvance, as such facility may be amended or replaced from time to time.

        1.20    "Canadian Guarantee"  shall mean the guarantee by the U.S. Borrowers dated as of the date hereof, of any amounts borrowed by the Borrowers under the Canadian Facility; provided that the rights of the Lender under the Canadian Facility with respect to such guarantee rank in priority to the rights of U.S. Lender under the U.S. Agreement on terms and conditions satisfactory to Lender pursuant to an intercreditor agreement between the U.S. Lender and the Lender.

        1.21    "Canadian Pension Plan"  shall mean any plan, program or arrangement (other than the Canada/Quebec Pension Plan) that is a pension plan for the purposes of any applicable pension benefits legislation or any tax laws of Canada or a Province thereof, whether or not registered under any such laws, which is maintained or contributed to by, or to which there is or may be an obligation to contribute by, any Borrower in respect of any Person's employment in Canada with such Borrower.

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        1.22    "Canadian Permitted Overadvance"  shall mean the maximum amount which may be borrowed by the Borrowers under the Canadian Facility in excess of the amount otherwise permitted to be borrowed based on the Borrowing Base (calculated without reference to the amount of any Canadian Permitted Overadvance), up to a maximum of Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000), provided that the maximum amount of such Canadian Permitted Overadvance may be changed only one time per calendar quarter on the first Business Day following the end of each quarter, only in increments of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000), and only upon three (3) Business Days' prior written notice to Lender and U.S. Lender and subject to U.S. Lender being satisfied at the time that such change is to take effect that there is sufficient U.S. Excess Availability to permit the establishment of the corresponding Canadian Permitted Overadvance Reserve (as defined in the U.S. Agreement).

        1.23    "Canadian Prime Rate"  shall mean, at any time, the greater of (i) the rate from time to time publicly announced by Bank of Montreal as its prime rate in effect for determining interest rates on Canadian Dollar denominated commercial loans in Canada, whether or not such announced rate is the best rate available at such bank and (ii) the CDOR Rate at such time plus one (1%) percent per annum.

        1.24    "Canadian Prime Rate Loans"  shall mean any Canadian Dollar Loans or portion thereof on which interest is payable based on the Canadian Prime Rate in accordance with the terms hereof.

        1.25    "Canadian Security Laws"  shall mean the Civil Code of Quebec as in effect in the Province of Quebec, the Personal Property Security Act as in effect in the Province of Ontario or any other Canadian Federal or Provincial statute pertaining to the granting, perfecting, priority or ranking of security interests, liens, hypothecs on personal property, and any successor statutes, together with any regulations thereunder, in each case as in effect from time to time. References to sections of the relevant statute shall be construed to also refer to any successor sections.

        1.26    "Capital Leases"  shall mean, as applied to any Person, any lease of (or any agreement conveying the right to use) any property (whether real, personal or mixed) by such Person as lessee which in accordance with GAAP, is required to be reflected as a liability on the balance sheet of such Person.

        1.27    "Capital Stock"  shall mean, with respect to any Person, any and all shares, interests, participations or other equivalents (however designated) of such Person's capital stock, partnership interests or limited liability company interests at any time outstanding, and any and all rights, warrants or options exchangeable for or convertible into such capital stock or other interests (but excluding any debt security that is exchangeable for or convertible into such capital stock).

        1.28    "Cash Equivalents"  shall mean, at any time, (a) any evidence of Indebtedness with a maturity date of ninety (90) days or less issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the United States of America, Canada or any agency or instrumentality thereof; provided, that the full faith and credit of the United States of America or Canada, as applicable, is pledged in support thereof; (b) certificates of deposit or bankers' acceptances with a maturity of ninety (90) days or less of any financial institution that is a member of the Federal Reserve System or a Schedule I Bank under the Bank Act (Canada) having combined capital and surplus and undivided profits of not less than the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of Two Hundred Fifty Million Dollars ($250,000,000); (c) commercial paper (including variable rate demand notes) with a maturity of ninety (90) days or less issued by a corporation (except an Affiliate of any Borrower) organized under the laws of any State of the United States of America or the District of Columbia or organized under the law of any Province of Canada or the federal laws applicable therein and rated at least A-1 by Standard & Poor's Ratings Service, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. or at least P-1 by Moody's Investors Service, Inc.; (d) repurchase obligations with a term of not more than thirty (30) days for underlying securities of the types described in clause (a) above entered into with any financial institution having combined capital and surplus and undivided profits of not less than the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of Two Hundred Fifty

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Million Dollars ($250,000,000); (e) repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements relating to marketable direct obligations issued or unconditionally guaranteed by the United States of America, Canada or issued by any governmental agency thereof and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States of America or Canada, as applicable, in each case maturing within ninety (90) days or less from the date of acquisition; provided, that the terms of such agreements comply with the guidelines set forth in the Federal Financial Agreements of Depository Institutions with Securities Dealers and Others, as adopted by the Comptroller of the Currency on October 31, 1985; and (f) investments in money market funds and mutual funds which invest substantially all of their assets in securities of the types described in clauses (a) through (e) above.

        1.29    "CDOR Rate"  shall mean, on any day, the annual rate of interest which is the rate based on an average 30 day rate applicable to Canadian Dollar bankers' acceptances appearing on the "Reuters Screen CDOR Page" (as defined in the International Swap Dealer Association, Inc. definitions, as modified and amended from time to time) as of 10:00 a.m. Toronto, Ontario time on such day; provided that if such rate does not appear on the Reuters Screen CDOR Page as contemplated, then the CDOR Rate on any day shall be the 30 day rate applicable in Canadian Dollar bankers' acceptances quoted by the Bank of Montreal as of 10:00 a.m. Toronto, Ontario time on such day.

        1.30    "Central Collection Deposit Account"  shall mean any deposit account established by either Borrower that is used by such Borrower to receive deposits from local retail store deposit accounts or from sales of Inventory or other proceeds of Collateral arising from transactions other than sales at local retail stores.

        1.31    "Change of Control"  shall mean (a) the transfer (in one transaction or a series of transactions) of all or substantially all of the assets of either Borrower to any Person or group (as such term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act); (b) the liquidation or dissolution of either Borrower or the adoption of a plan by the stockholders of such Borrower relating to the dissolution or liquidation of such Borrower; (c) with respect to Parent, the acquisition by any Person or group (as such term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), except for one or more Permitted Holders, of beneficial ownership, directly or indirectly, of fifty percent (50%) or more of the voting power of the total outstanding Voting Stock or the Board of Directors and with respect to either Borrower, the acquisition by any Person other than Parent or a wholly-owned, direct or indirect, Subsidiary of Parent of any outstanding Voting Stock of any such Borrower; (d) with respect to Parent, during any period of two (2) consecutive years, individuals who at the beginning of such period constituted the Board of Directors (together with any new directors who have been appointed by any Permitted Holder, or whose nomination for election by the stockholders of Parent, as the case may be, was approved by a vote of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (662/3%) of the directors then still in office who were either directors at the beginning of such period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved) cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the Board of Directors then still in office, or in the case of either Borrower any director shall be elected or appointed to the Board of Directors by any Person other than Parent or a wholly-owned, direct or indirect, Subsidiary of Parent; or (e) the failure of the Permitted Holders to hold at least fifty one percent (51%) of the voting power of the total outstanding Voting Stock of Parent, other than as a result of a public offering of such Voting Stock, at which time the Permitted Holders shall hold at least thirty percent (30%) of the voting power of the total outstanding Voting Stock of Parent, and the failure of Parent to own, directly or indirectly, one hundred percent (100%) of the voting power of the total outstanding Voting Stock of either Borrower; or (f) a "Change of Control" as defined in the U.S. Agreement occurs with respect to any of the U.S. Borrowers.

        1.32    "Code"  shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as the same now exists or may from time to time hereafter be amended, modified, recodified or supplemented, together with all rules, regulations and interpretations thereunder or related thereto.

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        1.33    "Collateral"  shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5 hereof.

        1.34    "Collateral Access Agreement"  shall mean an agreement in writing, in form and substance satisfactory to Lender, from any lessor of premises to either Borrower, or any other person to whom any Collateral (including Inventory, Equipment, bills of lading or other documents of title) is consigned or who has custody, control or possession of any such Collateral or is otherwise the owner or operator of any premises on which any of such Collateral is located, pursuant to which such lessor, consignee or other person, inter alia, acknowledges the first priority security interest of Lender in such Collateral, agrees to waive any and all claims such lessor, consignee or other person may, at any time, have against such Collateral, whether for processing, storage or otherwise, and agrees to permit Lender access to, and the right to remain on, the premises of such lessor, consignee or other person so as to exercise Lender's rights and remedies and otherwise deal with such Collateral and, in the case of any consignee or other person who at any time has custody, control or possession of any Collateral, acknowledges that it holds and will hold possession of the Collateral for the benefit of Lender and agrees to follow all instructions of Lender with respect thereto.

        1.35    "Compliance Excess Availability"  shall mean the sum of U.S. Compliance Excess Availability and Canadian Compliance Excess Availability.

        1.36    "Compliance Triggering Event"  shall mean the occurrence of any event or events or the existence of any circumstance or circumstances that cause (a) the U.S. Compliance Excess Availability to be less than Twenty Million Dollars ($20,000,000) or (b) the Canadian Compliance Excess Availability to be less than the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000).

        1.37    "Credit Facilities"  shall mean, collectively, the U.S. Facility and the Canadian Facility.

        1.38    "Credit Parties"  means the U.S. Borrowers and the Borrowers collectively, and "Credit Party" means any one of such Credit Parties.

        1.39    "Deed of Hypothec"  means, collectively, (a) the Deed of Hypothec executed or to be executed by Guess? Canada Corporation, pursuant to which it hypothecates its Collateral and other therein described property in favour of Lender pursuant to the provisions of the Civil Code of Quebec, and (b) the Deed of Hypothec executed or to be executed by Guess? Canada Retail, Inc., pursuant to which it hypothecates its Collateral and other therein described property in favour of Lender pursuant to the provisions of the Civil Code of Quebec.

        1.40    "Default"  shall mean an act, condition or event which with notice or passage of time or both would constitute an Event of Default.

        1.41    "Deposit Account Control Agreement"  shall mean an agreement in writing, in form and substance satisfactory to Lender, by and among Lender, either Borrower and any bank at which any deposit account of such Borrower is at any time maintained which provides that such bank will comply with instructions originated by Lender directing disposition of the funds in the deposit account without further consent by such Borrower and such other terms and conditions as Lender may require, including as to any such agreement with respect to any Blocked Account, providing that all items received or deposited in the Blocked Accounts are the property of Lender, that the bank has no lien upon, hypothec over, or right to setoff against, the Blocked Accounts, the items received for deposit therein, or the funds from time to time on deposit therein and that the bank will wire, or otherwise transfer, in immediately available funds, on a daily basis to the Lender Payment Account all funds received or deposited into the Blocked Accounts, as provided in Sections 6.3 and 6.4.

        1.42    "Dilution"  means, as of any date of determination, a percentage, based upon the experience of the immediately prior 180 days, that is the result of dividing the Dollar (or Dollar equivalent) amount of (a) bad debt write-downs, discounts, advertising allowances, credits, or other dilutive items

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with respect to the Accounts during such period, by (b) Borrowers' gross billings with respect to Accounts during such period.

        1.43    "Dilution Reserve"  means, as of any date of determination, a Reserve sufficient to reduce the advance rate against Eligible Accounts by one percentage point for each percentage point or fraction thereof by which Dilution is in excess of six percent (6%).

        1.44    "Discount Reserve"  shall mean a Reserve equal to the discount reserve taken by Borrowers on their financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP of discounts on sales of Inventory allowed by Borrowers as reported by Borrowers in the financial statements delivered under Section 9.6.

        1.45    "Dollars"  or "$" means United States dollars.

        1.46    "Domestic Subsidiary"  shall mean a Subsidiary of a Borrower that is organized or incorporated under the laws of Canada or any province or territory thereof.

        1.47    "EBITDA"  shall mean, with respect to any fiscal period, Parent's and its Subsidiaries' consolidated net earnings (or loss), minus extraordinary gains, plus interest expense, income taxes, and depreciation and amortization, plus non-cash extraordinary losses for such period, as determined in accordance with GAAP.

        1.48    "Eligible Accounts"  shall mean Accounts created by Borrowers which are and continue to be acceptable to Lender based on the criteria set forth below. In general, Accounts shall be Eligible Accounts if:

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credit has been delivered to Lender or Lender's agent and Borrowers have complied with the terms of Section 5.2(f) hereof with respect to the assignment of the proceeds of such letter of credit to Lender or naming Lender as transferee beneficiary thereunder, as Lender may specify, or (ii) such Account is subject to credit insurance payable to Lender issued by an insurer and on terms and in an amount acceptable to Lender, or (iii) such Account is otherwise acceptable in all respects to Lender (subject to such lending formula with respect thereto as Lender may determine);

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The criteria for Eligible Accounts set forth above may only be changed and any new criteria for Eligible Accounts may only be established by Lender in good faith based on either: (i) an event, condition or other circumstance arising after the date hereof, or (ii) an event, condition or other circumstance existing on the date hereof to the extent Lender has no written notice thereof from Borrowers prior to the date hereof, in either case under clause (i) or (ii) which adversely affects or could reasonably be expected to adversely affect the Accounts in the good faith determination of Lender. Any Accounts which are not Eligible Accounts shall nevertheless be part of the Collateral.

        1.49    "Eligible Inventory"  shall mean Inventory consisting of finished goods held for resale in the ordinary course of the business of Borrowers which is acceptable to Lender based on the criteria set forth below. In general, Eligible Inventory shall not include:

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The criteria for Eligible Inventory set forth above may only be changed and any new criteria for Eligible Inventory may only be established by Lender in good faith based on either: (i) an event, condition or other circumstance arising after the date hereof, or (ii) an event, condition or other circumstance existing on the date hereof to the extent Lender has no written notice thereof from Borrowers prior to the date hereof, in either case under clause (i) or (ii) which adversely affects or could reasonably be expected to adversely affect the Inventory in the good faith determination of Lender. Any Inventory which is not Eligible Inventory shall nevertheless be part of the Collateral.

        1.50    "Environmental Laws"  shall mean all foreign, Federal, Provincial and local laws (including common law), legislation, rules, codes, licenses, permits (including any conditions imposed therein),

10



authorizations, judicial or administrative decisions, injunctions or agreements between any Borrower and any Governmental Authority, (a) relating to pollution and the protection, preservation or restoration of the environment (including air, water vapor, surface water, ground water, drinking water, drinking water supply, surface land, subsurface land, plant and animal life or any other natural resource), or to human health or safety, (b) relating to the exposure to, or the use, storage, recycling, treatment, generation, manufacture, processing, distribution, transportation, handling, labeling, production, release or disposal, or threatened release, of Hazardous Materials, or (c) relating to all laws with regard to recordkeeping, notification, disclosure and reporting requirements respecting Hazardous Materials. The term "Environmental Laws" includes (i) the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, the Environmental Assessment Act (Ontario), and the Environmental Protection Act (Ontario) and any similar or equivalent legislation in the Province of Quebec or any other province in which either or both of the Borrowers operates or carries on business, (ii) applicable provincial or territorial counterparts to such laws, and (iii) any common law or equitable doctrine that may impose liability or obligations for injuries or damages due to, or threatened as a result of, the presence of or exposure to any Hazardous Materials.

        1.51    "Equipment"  shall mean all of Borrowers' now owned and hereafter acquired equipment, wherever located, including machinery, data processing and computer equipment and computer hardware and software, whether owned or licensed, and including embedded software, vehicles, tools, furniture, fixtures, all attachments, accessions and property now or hereafter affixed thereto or used in connection therewith, and substitutions and replacements thereof, wherever located.

        1.52    "Eurodollar Rate"  shall mean with respect to the Interest Period for a Eurodollar Rate Loan, the interest rate per annum equal to the arithmetic average of the rates of interest per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next one-sixteenth (1/16) of one percent (1%)) at which Reference Bank is offered deposits of United States dollars in the London interbank market (or other Eurodollar Rate market selected by Borrowers and approved by Lender) on or about 9:00 a.m. (New York time) two (2) Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period in amounts substantially equal to the principal amount of the Eurodollar Rate Loans requested by and available to Borrowers in accordance with this Agreement, with a maturity of comparable duration to the Interest Period selected by Borrowers.

        1.53    "Eurodollar Rate Loans"  shall mean any Loans or portion thereof on which interest is payable based on the Adjusted Eurodollar Rate in accordance with the terms hereof.

        1.54    "Event of Default"  shall mean the occurrence or existence of any event or condition described in Section 10.1 hereof.

        1.55    "Excess Availability"  shall mean the sum of the U.S. Excess Availability and the Canadian Excess Availability.

        1.56    "Exchange Act"  shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, together with all rules, regulations and interpretations thereunder or related thereto.

        1.57    "Exchange Rate"  shall mean (a) except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b) hereof, the prevailing spot rate of exchange of Reference Bank or, if such rate is not available from Reference Bank such other bank as Lender may reasonably select for the purpose of conversion of one currency to another, at or around 11:00 a.m. New York time, on the date on which any such conversion of currency is to be made under this Agreement; and (b) with respect to any calculation being done by the Borrowers in respect of the Borrowing Base, the prevailing spot "buy" rate of exchange of Bank of Montreal or, if such rate is not available from Bank of Montreal such other bank as Lender may reasonably select for the purpose of conversion of one currency to another, at or around 11:00 a.m. New York time, on the date on which any such conversion of currency is to be made under this Agreement.

11



        1.58    "Federal Funds Rate"    means, for any day, the rate per annum equal to the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers on such day, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank on the Business Day next succeeding such day; provided that (a) if such day is not a Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be such rate on such transactions on the next preceding Business Day as so published on the next succeeding Business Day, and (b) if no such rate is so published on such next succeeding Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be the average rate (rounded upward, if necessary, to a whole multiple of 1/100 of 1%) charged to Lender on such day.

        1.59    "Financing Agreements"  shall mean, collectively, this Agreement and all notes, guaranties, security agreements, hypothecs, mortgages, deeds of trust, deeds to secure debts, deposit account control agreements, intercreditor agreements and all other agreements, documents and instruments now or at any time hereafter executed and/or delivered by Borrowers or any Obligor in connection with this Agreement.

        1.60    "GAAP"  shall mean: (a) in respect of the U.S. Borrowers, generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America as in effect from time to time as set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board which are applicable to the circumstances as of the date of determination consistently applied, except that, for purposes of Section 9.18 hereof, GAAP shall be determined on the basis of such principles in effect on the date hereof and consistent with those used in the preparation of the most recent audited financial statements delivered to Lender prior to the date hereof; and (b) in respect of the Borrowers, generally accepted accounting principles in Canada as in effect from time to time as set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the relevant Canadian public and private accounting boards and institutes that are applicable to the circumstances as of the date of determination consistently applied.

        1.61    "Gift Certificate and Store Credit Reserve"  shall mean, as of any date of determination, a Reserve equal to the amount of fifty percent (50%) of all (i) accrued and outstanding gift certificates issued by Borrowers in the ordinary course of business and (ii) the aggregate amount of outstanding store credits given by Borrowers to their customers in the ordinary course of business.

        1.62    "Governmental Authority"  shall mean any nation or government, any state, province, or other political subdivision thereof, any central bank (or similar monetary or regulatory authority) thereof, any entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to government, and any corporation or other entity owned or controlled, through stock or capital ownership or otherwise, by any of the foregoing.

        1.63    "Guess Licensing"  shall mean Guess Licensing, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Parent.

        1.64    "Hazardous Materials"  shall mean any hazardous, toxic or dangerous substances, materials and wastes, including hydrocarbons (including naturally occurring or man-made petroleum and hydrocarbons), flammable explosives, asbestos, urea formaldehyde insulation, radioactive materials, biological substances, polychlorinated biphenyls, pesticides, herbicides and any other kind and/or type of pollutants or contaminants (including materials which include hazardous constituents), sewage, sludge, industrial slag, solvents and/or any other similar substances, materials, or wastes and including any other substances, materials or wastes that are or become regulated under any Environmental Law (including any that are or become classified as hazardous or toxic under any Environmental Law).

        1.65    "Indebtedness"  shall mean, with respect to any Person, any liability, whether or not contingent, (a) in respect of borrowed money (whether or not the recourse of the lender is to the whole of the assets of such Person or only to a portion thereof) or evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments; (b) representing the balance deferred and unpaid of the purchase

12



price of any property or services (except any such balance that constitutes an account payable to a trade creditor (whether or not an Affiliate) created, incurred, assumed or guaranteed by such Person in the ordinary course of business of such Person in connection with obtaining goods, materials or services that is not overdue by more than ninety (90) days, unless the trade payable is being contested in good faith); (c) all obligations as lessee under leases which have been, or should be, in accordance with GAAP recorded as Capital Leases; (d) any contractual obligation, contingent or otherwise, of such Person to pay or be liable for the payment of any indebtedness described in this definition of another Person, including, without limitation, any such indebtedness, directly or indirectly guaranteed, or any agreement to purchase, repurchase, or otherwise acquire such indebtedness, obligation or liability or any security therefor, or to provide funds for the payment or discharge thereof, or to maintain solvency, assets, level of income, or other financial condition; (e) all obligations with respect to redeemable stock and redemption or repurchase obligations under any Capital Stock or other equity securities issued by such Person; (f) all reimbursement obligations and other liabilities of such Person with respect to surety bonds (whether bid, performance or otherwise), letters of credit, banker's acceptances, drafts or similar documents or instruments issued for such Person's account; (g) all indebtedness of such Person in respect of indebtedness of another Person for borrowed money or indebtedness of another Person otherwise described in this definition which is secured by any consensual lien, security interest, collateral assignment, conditional sale, mortgage, deed of trust, or other encumbrance on any asset of such Person, whether or not such obligations, liabilities or indebtedness are assumed by or are a personal liability of such Person, all as of such time; (h) all obligations, liabilities and indebtedness of such Person (market to market) arising under swap agreements, cap agreements and collar agreements and other agreements or arrangements designed to protect such Person against fluctuations in interest rates or currency or commodity values; and (i) all obligations owed by such Person under License Agreements with respect to non-refundable, advance or minimum guaranty royalty payments.

        1.66    "Information Certificate"  shall mean the Information Certificates of Borrowers constituting Exhibit A hereto containing material information with respect to Borrowers, their business and assets provided by or on behalf of Borrowers to Lender in connection with the preparation of this Agreement and the other Financing Agreements and the financing arrangements provided for herein.

        1.67    "Intellectual Property"  shall mean Borrowers' now owned and hereafter arising or acquired: patents, patent rights, patent applications, copyrights, works which are the subject matter of copyrights, copyright registrations, trademarks, trade names, trade styles, trademark and service mark applications, and licenses and rights to use any of the foregoing; all extensions, renewals, reissues, divisions, continuations, and continuations-in-part of any of the foregoing; all rights to sue for past, present and future infringement of any of the foregoing; inventions, trade secrets, formulae, processes, compounds, drawings, designs, blueprints, surveys, reports, manuals, and operating standards; goodwill (including any goodwill associated with any trademark or the license of any trademark); customer and other lists in whatever form maintained; and trade secret rights, copyright rights, rights in works of authorship, domain names and domain name registrations; software and contract rights relating to software, in whatever form created or maintained.

        1.68    "Interest Period"  shall mean for any Eurodollar Rate Loan, a period of approximately one (1), two (2), or three (3) months duration as Borrowers may elect, the exact duration to be determined in accordance with the customary practice in the applicable Eurodollar Rate market; provided, that Borrowers may not elect an Interest Period which will end after the last day of the then-current term of this Agreement.

        1.69    "Interest Rate"  shall mean, as to U.S. Prime Rate Loans, a rate equal to the U.S. Prime Rate plus the Prime Rate Margin shown below as in effect from time to time, as to Canadian Prime Rate Loans, a rate equal to the Canadian Prime Rate plus the Prime Rate Margin shown below as in effect from time to time, and, as to Eurodollar Rate Loans, a rate equal to the Adjusted Eurodollar Rate (based on the Eurodollar Rate applicable for the Interest Period selected by Borrowers as in

13



effect three (3) Business Days after the date of receipt by Lender of the request of Borrowers for such Eurodollar Rate Loans in accordance with the terms hereof, whether such rate is higher or lower than any rate previously quoted to Borrowers) plus the Eurodollar Rate Margin shown below as in effect from time to time:

 
  Trailing Four Quarters EBITDA
   
  Average Excess Availability
for the immediately preceding
Fiscal Quarter

  Margin over
Prime Rate

  Margin over
Adjusted
Eurodollar Rate

 
  Greater than or equal to $70,000,000     Greater than or equal to $40,000,000   0.00 % 1.75 %


 

Greater than or equal to $55,000,000 but less than $70,000,000

 


 

Greater than or equal to $30,000,000 but less than $40,000,000

 

0.25

%

2.00

%


 

Greater than or equal to $40,000,000 but less than $55,000,000

 


 

Greater than or equal to $20,000,000 but less than $30,000,000

 

0.50

%

2.25

%


 

Greater than or equal to $25,000,000 but less than $40,000,000

 


 

Less than $20,000,000

 

0.75

%

2.50

%

If Trailing Four Quarters EBITDA is less than Twenty Five Million Dollars ($25,000,000), the Interest Rate shall be calculated using the margins based on Average Excess Availability set forth above. If Trailing Four Quarters EBITDA is Twenty Five Million Dollars ($25,000,000) or more, the Interest Rate shall be calculated using the lower of the margins applicable based on Trailing Four Quarters EBITDA or Average Excess Availability. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the initial interest rate shall be the applicable Prime Rate plus one-half percent (0.50%) per annum with respect to Prime Rate Loans and the Adjusted Eurodollar Rate plus two and one-fourth percent (2.25%) per annum with respect to Eurodollar Rate Loans, and such rates shall be in effect until financial statements for the Parent for the period ending December 31, 2002 are delivered; thereafter, the Interest Rate will be adjusted quarterly based on the margins set forth above, such adjustments to take effect concurrently with any corresponding adjustments to the Interest Rate under the U.S. Agreement on the first day of the month following the timely delivery of financial statements to Lender under this Agreement. If financial statements are not timely delivered, the Interest Rate shall be set using the highest margins shown above and shall remain at that rate until the delivery of financial statements that permit the setting of the Interest Rate in accordance with the table above.

        1.70    "Inventory"  shall mean all of Borrowers' now owned and hereafter existing or acquired goods, wherever located, which (a) are leased by any Borrower as lessor; (b) are held by any Borrower for sale or lease or to be furnished under a contract of service or in transit; (c) are furnished by any Borrower under a contract of service; or (d) consist of raw materials, work in process, finished goods or materials used or consumed in Borrowers' business.

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        1.71    "Inventory Sublimit"  shall mean an amount equal to the lesser of (y) Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000), increased or decreased by the amount of any Maximum Credit Adjustment in effect at such time, or (z) an amount equal to seventy-six percent (76%) of the Maximum Credit.

        1.72    "Investment Property Control Agreement"  shall mean an agreement in writing, in form and substance satisfactory to Lender, by and among Lender, either Borrower and any securities intermediary, commodity intermediary or other person who has custody, control or possession of any investment property of such Borrower acknowledging that such securities intermediary, commodity intermediary or other person has custody, control or possession of such investment property on behalf of Lender, that it will comply with entitlement orders originated by Lender with respect to such investment property, or other instructions of Lender, or (as the case may be) apply any value distributed on account of any commodity contract as directed by Lender, in each case, without the further consent of such Borrower and including such other terms and conditions as Lender may require.

        1.73    "Lender Payment Account"  shall mean U.S. Dollar account no. 00002-4635-886 of Lender at Bank of Montreal for U.S. Dollars and Canadian Dollar account no. 00002-1258-246 of Lender at Bank of Montreal for Canadian Dollars or such other account of Lender as Lender may from time to time designate to Borrowers or Parent as the Lender Payment Account for purposes of this Agreement and the other Financing Agreements.

        1.74    "Letter of Credit Accommodations"  shall mean, collectively, the letters of credit, merchandise purchase or other guaranties which are from time to time either (a) issued or opened by Lender for the account of any Borrower or (b) with respect to which Lender has agreed to indemnify the issuer or guaranteed to the issuer the performance by any Borrower of its obligations to such issuer; sometimes being referred to herein individually as a "Letter of Credit Accommodation".

        1.75    "License Agreements"  shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.10 hereof.

        1.76    "Loans"  shall mean the loans now or hereafter made by Lender to or for the benefit of Borrowers on a revolving basis (involving advances, repayments and readvances) as set forth in Section 2.1 hereof.

        1.77    "Material Adverse Change"  shall mean (a) a material adverse change in the business, prospects, operations, results of operations, assets, liabilities or condition (financial or otherwise) of Borrowers taken as a whole, (b) a material impairment of Borrowers' ability to perform their obligations under the Financing Agreements or of Lender's ability to enforce the Obligations or realize upon the Collateral, or (c) a material impairment of the enforceability or priority of Lender's liens or security interests with respect to the Collateral as a result of an action or failure to act on the part of a Borrower.

        1.78    "Material Contract"  shall mean (a) any contract or other agreement (other than the Financing Agreements or agreements relating solely to the purchase by any Borrower of Inventory in the ordinary course of such Borrower's business), written or oral, of any Borrower or Borrowers involving monetary liability of or to any Person in an amount in excess of the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of Three Million Dollars ($3,000,000) in any fiscal year and (b) any other contract or other agreement (other than the Financing Agreements), whether written or oral, to which any Borrower is a party as to which the breach, non-performance, cancellation or failure to renew by any party thereto would have a material adverse effect on the business, assets, condition (financial or otherwise) or results of operations or prospects of Borrowers or the validity or enforceability of this Agreement, any of the other Financing Agreements, or any of the rights and remedies of Lender hereunder or thereunder.

        1.79    "Maximum Credit"  shall mean Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000), plus or minus the amount of any Maximum Credit Adjustment in effect at such time.

15


        1.80    "Maximum Credit Adjustment"  shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(d).

        1.81    "Movable Hypothec"  means, collectively, (a) the movable hypothecs granted by Guess? Canada Corporation, a Canadian corporation, under the Deed of Hypothec executed or to be executed by it in favour of the Lender, and (b) the movable hypothecs granted by Guess? Canada Retail, Inc. under the Deed of Hypothec executed or to be executed by it in favour of the Lender.

        1.82    "Net Amount of Eligible Accounts"  shall mean the gross amount of Eligible Accounts less returns, claims, credits and allowances of any nature at any time issued, owing, granted, outstanding, available or claimed with respect thereto.

        1.83    "Net Recovery Value"  shall mean the net cash Value derived from the sale and disposition of the Eligible Inventory after deduction of all liquidation costs and other fees and expenses associated therewith.

        1.84    "Obligations"  shall mean any and all Loans, the Letter of Credit Accommodations and all other obligations, liabilities and indebtedness of every kind, nature and description owing by Borrowers to Lender and/or its affiliates, including principal, interest, charges, fees, costs and expenses, however evidenced, whether as principal, surety, endorser, guarantor or otherwise, whether arising under this Agreement or otherwise, whether now existing or hereafter arising, whether arising before, during or after the initial or any renewal term of this Agreement or after the commencement of any case with respect to any Borrower under the United States Bankruptcy Code, the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada), the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (Canada) or any similar statute (including the payment of interest and other amounts which would accrue and become due but for the commencement of such case, whether or not such amounts are allowed or allowable in whole or in part in such case), whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, joint or several, due or not due, primary or secondary, liquidated or unliquidated, secured or unsecured, and however acquired by Lender.

        1.85    "Obligor"  shall mean each U.S. Borrower and any other guarantor, endorser, acceptor, surety or other person liable on or with respect to the Obligations or who is the owner of any property which is security for the Obligations, other than Borrowers.

        1.86    "Parent"  shall mean Guess ?, Inc.

        1.87    "Permitted Amalgamation"  shall mean the amalgamation of Guess? Canada Corporation and Guess? Canada Retail Inc. subject to satisfaction of the following conditions: (a) Borrower shall have given Lender at least 20 days' notice of the proposed amalgamation; (b) Lender shall have received such Financing Agreements, confirmations, legal opinions and other documentation as it may reasonably require in connection with such proposed amalgamation.

        1.88    "Permitted Holders"  shall mean collectively Maurice Marciano, Paul Marciano and Armand Marciano, the members of their families, their respective estates, spouses, heirs, ancestors, lineal descendants, spouses of lineal descendants, legatees and legal representatives of any of the foregoing and any trust of which one or more of the foregoing are the trustors, the trustees and/or the beneficiaries.

        1.89    "Person"  or "person" shall mean any individual, sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation (including any corporation which elects subchapter S status under the Code), limited liability company, limited liability partnership, business trust, unincorporated association, joint stock corporation, trust, joint venture or other entity or any government or any agency or instrumentality or political subdivision thereof.

        1.90    "Prime Rate"  shall mean, the Canadian Prime Rate with respect to Canadian Prime Rate Loans, and the U.S. Prime Rate with respect to U.S. Prime Rate Loans.

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        1.91    "Prime Rate Loans"  shall mean U.S. Prime Rate Loans and Canadian Prime Rate Loans.

        1.92    "Priority Payables"  shall mean, as to either Borrower at any time, (a) the full amount of the liabilities of such Borrower at such time which (i) have a trust imposed to provide for payment or a security interest, pledge, lien, hypothec or charge ranking or capable of ranking senior to or pari passu with security interests, liens or charges securing the Obligations on any of the Accounts or Inventory of such Borrower under Federal, Provincial, State, county, district, municipal, or local law or (ii) have a right imposed to provide for payment ranking or capable of ranking senior to or pari passu with the Obligations under local or national law, regulation or directive, including, but not limited to, claims for unremitted and/or accelerated rents, taxes, wages, withholding taxes, VAT and other amounts payable to an insolvency administrator, employee withholdings or deductions and vacation pay, workers' compensation obligations, government royalties or pension fund obligations in each case to the extent such trust, or security interest, lien or charge has been or may be imposed.

        1.93    "Receivables"  shall mean all of the following now owned or hereafter arising or acquired property of Borrowers: (a) all Accounts; (b) all interest, fees, late charges, penalties, collection fees and other amounts due or to become due or otherwise payable in connection with any Account; and (c) all payment intangibles of any Borrower and other contract rights, chattel paper, instruments, notes, and other forms of obligations owing to any Borrower, whether from the sale and lease of goods or other property, licensing of any property (including Intellectual Property or other general intangibles), rendition of services or from loans or advances by any Borrower or to or for the benefit of any third person (including loans or advances to any Affiliates or Subsidiaries of any Borrower) or otherwise associated with any Accounts, Inventory or general intangibles of any Borrower (including, without limitation, choses in action, causes of action, tax refunds, tax refund claims, any funds which may become payable to any Borrower in connection with the termination of any Canadian Pension Plan or other employee benefit plan and any other amounts payable to any Borrower from any Canadian Pension Plan or other employee benefit plan, rights and claims against carriers and shippers, rights to indemnification, business interruption insurance and proceeds thereof, casualty or any similar types of insurance and any proceeds thereof and proceeds of insurance covering the lives of employees on which any Borrower is a beneficiary).

        1.94    "Records"  shall mean all of Borrowers' present and future books of account of every kind or nature, purchase and sale agreements, invoices, ledger cards, bills of lading and other shipping evidence, statements, correspondence, memoranda, credit files and other data relating to the Collateral or any account debtor, together with the tapes, disks, diskettes and other data and software storage media and devices, file cabinets or containers in or on which the foregoing are stored (including any rights of Borrowers with respect to the foregoing maintained with or by any other person).

        1.95    "Reference Bank"  shall mean Wachovia Bank, National Association, its successor or such other bank as U.S. Lender may from time to time designate.

        1.96    "Renewal Date"  shall the meaning set forth in Section 12.1 hereof.

        1.97    "Reserves"  shall mean as of any date of determination, such amounts as Lender may from time to time establish and revise in good faith reducing the amount of Loans and Letter of Credit Accommodations which would otherwise be available to Borrowers under the lending formula(s) provided for herein: (a) to reflect events, conditions, contingencies or risks which, as determined by Lender in good faith, adversely affect, or would have a reasonable likelihood of adversely affecting, either (i) the Collateral or any other property which is security for the Obligations or its value, (ii) the assets, business or prospects of Borrowers or any Obligor or (iii) the security interests and other rights of Lender in the Collateral (including the enforceability, perfection and priority thereof) or (b) to reflect Lender's good faith belief that any collateral report or financial information furnished by or on behalf of Borrowers or any Obligor to Lender is or may have been incomplete, inaccurate or misleading in any material respect or (c) to reflect outstanding Letter of Credit Accommodations as provided in Section 2.2 hereof or (d) in respect of any state of facts which Lender determines in good faith constitutes a Default or an Event of Default, or (e) to reflect the amounts of the Priority Payables

17


or (f) to reflect Lender's good faith estimate of the amount necessary to reflect changes in applicable currency exchange rates or currency exchange markets. To the extent Lender may revise the lending formulas used to determine the Borrowing Base or establish new criteria or revise existing criteria for Eligible Accounts or Eligible Inventory so as to address any circumstances, condition, event or contingency in a manner satisfactory to Lender, Lender shall not establish a Reserve for the same purpose. The amount of any Reserve established by Lender shall have a reasonable relationship to the event, condition or other matter which is the basis for such reserve as determined by Lender in good faith. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Reserves shall include the Dilution Reserve, the Shrinkage Reserve and the Discount Reserve and may at Lender's discretion include a reserve for sales tax liability.

        1.98    "Securitization"  shall mean the series of related transactions by which (i) Parent and Guess Licensing may transfer to a SPE all or any part of the Securitization Assets, (ii) the SPE will transfer and/or pledge all or certain of such Securitization Assets to another Subsidiary (which may be a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust or other legal entity) which will be wholly-owned by the SPE that will issue securities or debt instruments evidencing interests in or secured by such assets and/or the proceeds thereof, (iii) all accounts and other Securitization Assets of the SPE and the proceeds thereof are segregated from and not commingled with the Accounts, the other items of Collateral and the proceeds thereof.

        1.99    "Securitization Assets"  shall mean (i) all or any part of the Intellectual Property that includes and is related to the registered and unregistered trademarks and tradenames currently utilized in the business operations of Parent and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates, including those that are licensed to third parties in and outside of the United States by Parent and Guess Licensing, (ii) all of their respective rights under all or specific licenses granted by Parent and Guess Licensing and (iii) all proceeds from the exploitation thereof or arising with respect thereto, including without limitation all amounts payable by licensees under such licenses and all proceeds of the enforcement of rights with respect to such Intellectual Property.

        1.100    "Securitization Closing Date"  shall mean the closing date of a Securitization.

        1.101    "Securitization Documents"  shall mean the organizational documents of a SPE and any documents entered into by either Borrower, any U.S. Borrower, Parent, any direct or indirect Subsidiary or Affiliate of Parent or of a Borrower, and/or a SPE in connection with a Securitization.

        1.102    "SPE"  shall mean a direct or indirect Subsidiary of Parent, which may be a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust or other legal entity, formed solely for the purposes of effectuating a Securitization.

        1.103    "Shrinkage Reserve"  shall mean a Reserve for reductions in Inventory equal to the shrinkage reserve taken by Borrowers on their financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP.

        1.104    "Solvent"  shall mean, at any time with respect to any Person, that at such time such Person (a) is able to pay its debts as they mature and has (and has a reasonable basis to believe it will continue to have) sufficient capital (and not unreasonably small capital) to carry on its business consistent with its practices as of the date hereof, and (b) the assets and properties of such Person at a fair valuation (and including as assets for this purpose at a fair valuation all rights of subrogation, contribution or indemnification arising pursuant to any guaranties given by such Person) are greater than the Indebtedness of such Person, and including subordinated and contingent liabilities computed at the amount which, such person has a reasonable basis to believe, represents an amount which can reasonably be expected to become an actual or matured liability (and including as to contingent liabilities arising pursuant to any guaranty the face amount of such liability as reduced to reflect the probability of it becoming a matured liability).

        1.105    "Subordinated Notes"  shall mean the 9.50% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2003 and 9.50% Series B Senior Subordinated Notes due 2003 of Parent issued pursuant to an Indenture dated August 23, 1993 with First Trust National Association as Trustee.

18


        1.106    "Subsidiary"  or "subsidiary" shall mean, with respect to any Person, any corporation, limited liability company, limited liability partnership or other limited or general partnership, trust, association or other business entity of which an aggregate of at least a majority of the outstanding Capital Stock or other interests entitled to vote in the election of the board of directors of such corporation (irrespective of whether, at the time, Capital Stock of any other class or classes of such corporation shall have or might have voting power by reason of the happening of any contingency), managers, trustees or other controlling persons, or an equivalent controlling interest therein, of such Person is, at the time, directly or indirectly, owned by such Person and/or one or more subsidiaries of such Person.

        1.107    "Trailing Four Quarters EBITDA"  shall mean, with respect to any fiscal period, the sum of Parent's and its Subsidiaries' consolidated EBITDA for each of the four (4) fiscal quarters ending at the end of the fiscal period for which the calculation is made.

        1.108    "UCC"  shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in the State of California, and any successor statute, as in effect from time to time (except that terms used herein which are defined in the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in the State of California on the date hereof shall continue to have the same meaning notwithstanding any replacement or amendment of such statute except as Lender may otherwise determine.

        1.109    "U.S. Agreement"  shall mean the loan and security agreement dated September 27, 2002 by and among Wachovia Securities, Inc., Parent and certain of its Subsidiaries, as borrowers, and the U.S. Lender, as lender.

        1.110    "U.S. Average Excess Availability"  shall mean the average daily amount, as determined by U.S. Lender, for the immediately preceding fiscal quarter, equal to: (a) the U.S. Borrowing Base, plus (b) U.S. Borrowers' unrestricted cash and/or Cash Equivalents that are on deposit in a securities or deposit account subject to a control agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to U.S. Lender, minus (c) the book overdraft of U.S. Borrowers, minus (d) the amount of all then outstanding and unpaid U.S. Obligations, provided, however, that such definition may be amended from time to time pursuant to the corresponding calculation of "U.S. Average Excess Availability" as defined in the U.S. Agreement.

        1.111    "U.S. Borrowers"  shall mean the borrowers under the U.S. Agreement.

        1.112    "U.S. Borrowing Base"  shall mean the "Borrowing Base" as defined in the U.S. Agreement.

        1.113    "U.S. Compliance Excess Availability"  shall mean the amount, as determined by U.S. Lender, as of any time, equal to: (a) the U.S. Borrowing Base, plus (b) the lesser of (i) Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) and (ii) the result of (A) U.S. Borrowers' unrestricted cash and/or Cash Equivalents that are on deposit in a securities or deposit account subject to a control agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to U.S. Lender, minus (B) the book overdraft of U.S. Borrowers, minus (C) the amount of all then outstanding and unpaid U.S. Obligations, provided, however, that such definition may be amended from time to time pursuant to the corresponding calculation of "U.S. Compliance Excess Availability" as defined in the U.S. Agreement.

        1.114    "U.S. Dollar Equivalent"  shall mean at any time (a) as to any amount denominated in U.S. Dollars, the amount thereof at such time, and (b) as to any amount denominated in any other currency, the equivalent amount in U.S. Dollars calculated by Lender, or Borrower, as applicable, in good faith at such time using the Exchange Rate in effect on the Business Day of determination.

        1.115    "U.S. Dollar Loans"  shall mean any Loans or portion thereof which are denominated in U.S. Dollars.

        1.116    "U.S. Domestic Subsidiary"  shall mean a Subsidiary of a U.S. Borrower that is organized or incorporated under the laws of the United States of America, any state thereof or the District of Columbia.

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        1.117    "U.S. Excess Availability"  shall mean the amount, as determined by U.S. Lender, calculated at any time, equal to: (a) the U.S. Borrowing Base, plus (b) U.S. Borrowers' unrestricted cash and/or Cash Equivalents that are on deposit in a securities or deposit account subject to a control agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to U.S. Lender, minus (c) the book overdraft of U.S. Borrowers, minus (d) the sum of: (i) the amount of all then outstanding and unpaid U.S. Obligations, plus (ii) the aggregate amount of all then outstanding and unpaid trade payables and other obligations of U.S. Borrowers which are more than sixty (60) days past due as of the last day of the immediately preceding fiscal month, and plus (iii) the amount of cheques issued by U.S. Borrowers to pay trade payables and other obligations which are more than sixty (60) days past due as of such time, but not yet sent (but without duplication of clause (b)(ii)), as of the last day of the immediately preceding fiscal month, provided, however, that such definition may be amended from time to time pursuant to the corresponding calculation of "U.S. Excess Availability" as defined in the U.S. Agreement.

        1.118    "U.S. Facility"  shall mean the revolving line of credit made available to or for the benefit of U.S. Borrowers pursuant to the U.S. Agreement, as such facility may be amended or replaced from time to time.

        1.119    "U.S. Lender"  means Congress Financial Corporation (Western), the lender under the U.S. Agreement.

        1.120    "U.S. Net Amount of Eligible Accounts"  means the "Net Amount of Eligible Accounts" as defined in the U.S. Agreement.

        1.121    "U.S. Obligations"  shall mean the "Obligations" as defined in the U.S. Agreement.

        1.122    "U.S. Prime Rate"  shall mean the rate from time to time publicly announced by Reference Bank, or its successors, as its prime rate, whether or not such announced rate is the best available rate at such bank.

        1.123    "U.S. Prime Rate Loans"  shall mean any U.S. Dollar Loans or portion thereof on which interest is payable based on the U.S. Prime Rate in accordance with the terms hereof.

        1.124    "U.S. Maximum Credit"  shall mean at any time the amount of Eighty-Five Million Dollars ($85,000,000) (subject to U.S. Borrowers' right to reduce such amount under Section 12.1(d) of the U.S. Agreement) minus the Maximum Credit.

        1.125    "Value"  shall mean, as determined by Lender in good faith, with respect to Inventory, the lower of the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of (a) cost computed on a first-in-first-out basis in accordance with GAAP or (b) market value provided, that, for purposes of the calculation of the Borrowing Base, (i) the Value of the Inventory shall not include: (A) the portion of the value of Inventory equal to the profit earned by any Affiliate on the sale thereof to any Borrower (known as "intercompany profit") or (B) write-ups or write-downs in value with respect to currency exchange rates and (ii) notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the cost of the Inventory shall be computed in the same manner and consistent with the most recent appraisal of the Inventory received and accepted by Lender prior to the date hereof, if any.

        1.126    "Voting Stock"  shall mean with respect to any Person, (a) one (1) or more classes of Capital Stock of such Person having general voting power to elect at least a majority of the board of directors, managers or trustees of such Person, irrespective of whether at the time Capital Stock of any other class or classes have or might have voting power by reason of the happening of any contingency, and (b) any Capital Stock of such Person convertible or exchangeable without restriction at the option of the holder thereof into Capital Stock of such Person described in clause (a) of this definition.

SECTION 2    CREDIT FACILITIES    

        2.1    Loans.    

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        2.2    Letter of Credit Accommodations.    

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Trailing Four Quarters EBITDA
  Average Excess Availability for the immediately
preceding fiscal quarter

  L/C Fee
 
  Greater than or equal to $70,000,000     Greater than or equal to $40,000,000   1.50 %


 

Greater than or equal to $55,000,000 but less than $70,000,000

 


 

Greater than or equal to $30,000,000 but less than $40,000,000

 

1.75

%


 

Greater than or equal to $40,000,000 but less than $55,000,000

 


 

Greater than or equal to $20,000,000 but less than $30,000,000

 

1.75

%


 

Greater than or equal to $25,000,000 but less than $40,000,000

 


 

Less than $20,000,000

 

2.00

 

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23


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SECTION 3    INTEREST AND FEES    

        3.1    Interest.    

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        3.2    Intentionally Deleted.    

        3.3    Intentionally Deleted.    

        3.4    Intentionally Deleted.    

        3.5    Changes in Laws and Increased Costs of Loans.    

SECTION 4    CONDITIONS PRECEDENT    

        4.1    Conditions Precedent to Initial Loans and Letter of Credit Accommodations.    

        Each of the following is a condition precedent to Lender making the initial Loans and providing the initial Letter of Credit Accommodations hereunder:

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        4.2    Conditions Precedent to All Loans and Letter of Credit Accommodations.    

        Each of the following is an additional condition precedent to Lender making Loans and/or providing Letter of Credit Accommodations to Borrowers, including the initial Loans and Letter of Credit Accommodations and any future Loans and Letter of Credit Accommodations:

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        4.3    Conditions Subsequent.    

        The following conditions subsequent must be performed within the time frames specified. The failure of these conditions, or any of them, shall constitute an Event of Default under this Agreement.

SECTION 5    GRANT AND PERFECTION OF SECURITY INTEREST    

        5.1    Grant of Security Interest.    

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        5.2    Perfection of Security Interests.    

31


32


33


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        5.3    Release of Security Interest in Connection with Securitization.    

        On any Securitization Closing Date and, so long as no Availability Triggering Event and/or an Event of Default has occurred, is continuing or would result therefrom and an Availability Compliance Period (related to an Availability Triggering Event) is not in effect, Parent shall deliver an officer's certificate to Lender stating that such Securitization will close in accordance with the terms of the Securitization Documents where upon the security interest of Lender in the Securitization Assets will be released. Upon the receipt of such officer's certificate, the security interest of Lender in the Securitization Assets associated with such Securitization shall be released without further action by any party, including Lender or any assignee or participant, and Lender, as requested by, and at the expense of, Parent, shall without the necessity of obtaining consent from any assignee or any participant, execute any documents or instruments necessary, in the reasonable judgment of Parent, to evidence such release; provided, in each case, that (i) Lender has received an irrevocable license, in form and substance satisfactory to Lender, from the SPE to use the Intellectual Property included in the Securitization Assets to dispose of or otherwise exercise its rights with respect to any Inventory, (ii) Borrowers have received an irrevocable license, in form and substance satisfactory to Lender, from the SPE to use the Intellectual Property included in the Securitization Assets to conduct their business, (iii) Lender has received from Borrowers a sublicense, in form and substance satisfactory to Lender, extending Borrowers' licensed rights in the Intellectual Property included in the Securitization Assets to Lender, and (iv) receipt by Lender of an opinion of counsel to Borrowers to the effect that the Securitization Documents do not violate, breach or result in a Default under the Financing Agreements, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Lender.

SECTION 6    COLLECTION AND ADMINISTRATION    

        6.1    Borrowers' Loan Account.    

        Lender shall maintain one or more loan account(s) on its books in which shall be recorded (a) all Loans, Letter of Credit Accommodations and other Obligations and the Collateral, (b) all payments made by or on behalf of Borrowers and (c) all other appropriate debits and credits as provided in this Agreement, including fees, charges, costs, expenses and interest. All entries in the loan account(s) shall be made in accordance with Lender's customary practices as in effect from time to time.

        6.2    Statements.    

        Lender shall render to Borrowers each month a statement setting forth the balance in the Borrowers' loan account(s) maintained by Lender for Borrowers pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, including principal, interest, fees, costs and expenses. Each such statement shall be subject to subsequent adjustment by Lender but shall, absent manifest errors or omissions, be considered correct and deemed accepted by Borrowers and conclusively binding upon Borrowers as an account stated except to the extent that Lender receives a written notice from Borrowers of any specific exceptions of Borrowers thereto within thirty (30) days after the date such statement has been mailed by Lender. Until such time as Lender shall have rendered to Borrowers a written statement as

35



provided above, the balance in Borrowers' loan account(s) shall be presumptive evidence of the amounts due and owing to Lender by Borrowers.

        6.3    Collection of Accounts.    

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        6.4    Payments.    

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        6.5    Authorization to Make Loans.    

        6.6    Use of Proceeds.    

        Borrowers shall use the initial proceeds of the Loans provided by Lender to Borrowers hereunder only for: (a) payments to each of the persons listed in the disbursement direction letter furnished by Borrowers to Lender on or about the date hereof and (b) costs, expenses and fees in connection with the preparation, negotiation, execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Financing Agreements. All other Loans made or Letter of Credit Accommodations provided by Lender to Borrowers pursuant to the provisions hereof shall be used by Borrowers only for general operating, working capital and other proper corporate purposes of Borrowers not otherwise prohibited by the terms hereof. None of the proceeds will be used, directly or indirectly, for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any margin security or for the purposes of reducing or retiring any indebtedness which was originally incurred to purchase or carry any margin security or for any other purpose which might cause any of the Loans to be considered a "purpose credit" within the meaning of Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, as amended.

SECTION 7    COLLATERAL REPORTING AND COLLATERAL COVENANTS    

        7.1    Collateral Reporting.    

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        7.2    Accounts Covenants.    

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        7.3    Inventory Covenants.    

        With respect to the Inventory: (a) Borrowers shall at all times maintain inventory records reasonably satisfactory to Lender, keeping correct and accurate records itemizing and describing the kind, type, quality and quantity of Inventory, Borrowers' cost therefor and daily withdrawals therefrom and additions thereto; (b) Borrowers shall conduct a physical count of the Inventory at least once each year, but at any time or times as Lender may request on or after an Event of Default, and promptly following such physical inventory shall supply Lender with a report in the form and with such specificity as may be reasonably satisfactory to Lender concerning such physical count; (c) Borrowers shall not remove any Inventory from the locations set forth or permitted herein, without the prior written consent of Lender, except for sales of Inventory in the ordinary course of Borrowers' business and except to move Inventory directly from one location set forth or permitted herein to another such location and except for Inventory shipped from the manufacturer thereof to any Borrower which is in transit to the locations set forth or permitted herein; (d) upon Lender's request, Borrowers shall, at their expense, no more than once in any twelve (12) month period in which no Availability Triggering Event occurs or twice in any twelve (12) month period during which an Availability Triggering Event occurs or an Availability Compliance Period (related to an Availability Triggering Event or Compliance Triggering Event) exists, but at any time or times as Lender may request on or after an Event of Default, deliver or cause to be delivered to Lender written appraisals as to the Inventory in form, scope and methodology acceptable to Lender and by an appraiser acceptable to Lender, addressed to Lender and upon which Lender is expressly permitted to rely; (e) Borrowers shall produce, use, store and maintain the Inventory with all reasonable care and caution and in accordance with applicable standards of any insurance and in conformity with applicable laws (including the requirements of the

40



Federal Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended and all rules, regulations and orders related thereto, or any similar legislation applicable in Canada or any province or territory thereof); (f) none of the Inventory or other Collateral constitutes farm products or the proceeds thereof; (g) Borrowers assume all responsibility and liability arising from or relating to the production, use, sale or other disposition of the Inventory; (h) Borrowers shall not sell Inventory to any customer on approval, or any other basis which entitles the customer to return or may obligate any Borrower to repurchase such Inventory; (i) Borrowers shall keep the Inventory in good and marketable condition; and (j) Borrowers shall not, without prior written notice to Lender or the specific identification of such Inventory with respect thereto provided by Borrowers to Lender pursuant to Section 7.1(a) hereof, acquire or accept any Inventory on consignment or approval.

        7.4    Equipment Covenants.    

        With respect to the Equipment: (a) Borrowers shall keep the Equipment in good order, repair, running and marketable condition (ordinary wear and tear excepted); (b) Borrowers shall use the Equipment with all reasonable care and caution and in accordance with applicable standards of any insurance and in conformity with all applicable laws; (c) the Equipment is and shall be used in Borrowers' business and not for personal, family, household or farming use; (d) Borrowers shall not remove any Equipment from the locations set forth or permitted herein, except (i) to the extent necessary to have any Equipment repaired or maintained in the ordinary course of the business of Borrowers, (ii) to move Equipment directly from one location set forth or permitted herein to another such location, (iii) motor vehicles used by or for the benefit of Borrowers in the ordinary course of business; and (iv) to move Equipment between Borrowers' store locations in the United States and Canada or to "shop-in-shop" locations operated by Borrowers' customers in the United States and Canada, (e) the Equipment is now and shall remain personal property and Borrowers shall not permit any of the Equipment to be or become a part of or affixed to real property; and (f) Borrowers assume all responsibility and liability arising from the use of the Equipment.

        7.5    Power of Attorney.    

        Borrowers hereby irrevocably designate and appoint Lender (and all persons designated by Lender) as each Borrower's true and lawful attorney-in-fact, and authorizes Lender, in such Borrower's or Lender's name, to: (a) at any time an Event of Default exists or has occurred and is continuing (i) demand payment on Receivables or other Collateral, (ii) enforce payment of Receivables by legal proceedings or otherwise, (iii) exercise all of Borrowers' rights and remedies to collect any Receivable or other Collateral, (iv) sell or assign any Receivable upon such terms, for such amount and at such time or times as the Lender deems advisable, (v) settle, adjust, compromise, extend or renew an Account, (vi) discharge and release any Receivable, (vii) prepare, file and sign any Borrower's name on any proof of claim in bankruptcy or other similar document against an account debtor or other obligor in respect of any Receivables or other Collateral, (viii) notify the post office authorities to change the address for delivery of remittances from account debtors or other obligors in respect of Receivables or other proceeds of Collateral to an address designated by Lender, and open and dispose of all mail addressed to any Borrower and handle and store all mail relating to the Collateral, (ix) do all acts and things which are necessary, in Lender's determination, to fulfill Borrowers' obligations under this Agreement and the other Financing Agreements, (x) endorse any Borrower's name upon any warehouse or other receipts, or bills of lading and other negotiable or non-negotiable documents or other chattel paper, document, instrument, invoice and similar document or agreement relating to any Inventory or Equipment or any goods pertaining thereto or any other Collateral, and (xi) clear Inventory the purchase of which was financed with Letter of Credit Accommodations through U.S. Customs or foreign export control authorities in any Borrower's name, Lender's name or the name of Lender's designee, and to sign and deliver to customs officials powers of attorney in any Borrower's name for such purpose, and to complete in any Borrower's or Lender's name, any order, sale or transaction, obtain the necessary documents in connection therewith and collect the proceeds thereof,

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(b) at any time an Event of Default exists or has occurred and is continuing or during an Availability Compliance Period (related to an Availability Triggering Event or Compliance Triggering Event), (i) take control in any manner of any item of payment in respect of Receivables or constituting Collateral or otherwise received in or for deposit in the Blocked Accounts or otherwise received by Lender, (ii) have access to any lockbox or postal box into which remittances from account debtors or other obligors in respect of Receivables or other proceeds of Collateral are sent or received, (iii) endorse any Borrower's name upon any items of payment in respect of Receivables or constituting Collateral or otherwise received by Lender and deposit the same in Lender's account for application to the Obligations, and (iv) endorse any Borrower's name upon any chattel paper, instrument, invoice, or similar document or agreement relating to any Receivable, and (c) at any time to sign any Borrower's name on any verification of Receivables and notices thereof to account debtors or any secondary obligors or other obligors in respect thereof. Borrowers hereby release Lender and its officers, employees and designees from any liabilities arising from any act or acts under this power of attorney and in furtherance thereof, whether of omission or commission, except as a result of Lender's own gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined pursuant to a final non-appealable order of a court of competent jurisdiction.

        7.6    Right to Cure.    

        Lender may, at its option, (a) upon notice to Borrowers, cure any default by Borrowers under any material agreement with a third party that affects the Collateral, its value or the ability of Lender to collect, sell or otherwise dispose of the Collateral or the rights and remedies of Lender therein or the ability of Borrowers to perform its obligations hereunder or under the other Financing Agreements, (b) pay or bond on appeal any judgment entered against any Borrower, (c) discharge taxes, liens, security interests or other encumbrances at any time levied on or existing with respect to the Collateral and (d) pay any amount, incur any expense or perform any act which, in Lender's judgment, is necessary or appropriate to preserve, protect, insure or maintain the Collateral and the rights of Lender with respect thereto. Lender may add any amounts so expended to the Obligations and charge Borrowers' account therefor, such amounts to be repayable by Borrowers on demand. Lender shall be under no obligation to effect such cure, payment or bonding and shall not, by doing so, be deemed to have assumed any obligation or liability of Borrowers. Any payment made or other action taken by Lender under this Section shall be without prejudice to any right to assert an Event of Default hereunder and to proceed accordingly.

        7.7    Access to Premises.    

        From time to time as requested by Lender, at the cost and expense of Borrowers, (a) Lender or its designee shall have complete access to all of Borrowers' premises during normal business hours and after notice to Borrowers, or at any time and without notice to Borrowers if an Event of Default exists or has occurred and is continuing, for the purposes of inspecting, verifying and auditing the Collateral and all of Borrowers' books and records, including the Records, and (b) Borrowers shall promptly furnish to Lender such copies of such books and records or extracts therefrom as Lender may request, and (c) Lender or its designee may use during normal business hours such of Borrowers' personnel, equipment, supplies and premises as may be reasonably necessary for the foregoing and if an Event of Default exists or has occurred and is continuing for the collection of Receivables and realization of other Collateral.

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SECTION 8    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES    

        Borrowers hereby represents and warrants to Lender the following (which shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement), the truth and accuracy of which are a continuing condition of the making of Loans and providing Letter of Credit Accommodations by Lender to Borrowers:

        8.1    Corporate Existence; Power and Authority.    

        Each Borrower is a corporation duly organized and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation and is duly qualified as a foreign or extra-provincial corporation and in good standing in all states, provinces or other jurisdictions where the nature and extent of the business transacted by it or the ownership of assets makes such qualification necessary, except for those jurisdictions in which the failure to so qualify would not have a material adverse effect on Borrowers' financial condition, results of operation or business or the rights of Lender in or to any of the Collateral. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, the other Financing Agreements and the transactions contemplated hereunder and thereunder (a) are all within each Borrower's corporate powers, (b) have been duly authorized, (c) are not in contravention of law or the terms of any Borrower's certificate of incorporation, by-laws, or other organizational documentation, or any indenture, agreement or undertaking to which any Borrower is a party or by which any Borrower or its property are bound and (d) will not result in the creation or imposition of, or require or give rise to any obligation to grant, any lien, security interest, charge or other encumbrance upon any property of any Borrower. This Agreement and the other Financing Agreements constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of Borrowers enforceable in accordance with their respective terms.

        8.2    Name; State of Organization; Chief Executive Office; Collateral Locations.    

        8.3    Financial Statements; No Material Adverse Change.    

        All financial statements relating to Borrowers which have been or may hereafter be delivered by Borrowers to Lender have been prepared in accordance with GAAP (except as to any interim financial statements, to the extent such statements are subject to normal year-end adjustments and do not include any notes) and fairly present the financial condition and the results of operation of Borrowers as at the dates and for the periods set forth therein. Except as disclosed in any interim financial statements furnished by Borrowers to Lender prior to the date of this Agreement, there has been no

43



Material Adverse Change since the date of the most recent audited financial statements furnished by Borrowers to Lender prior to the date of this Agreement.

        8.4    Priority of Liens; Title to Properties.    

        The security interests, hypothecs and liens granted to Lender under this Agreement and the other Financing Agreements constitute valid and perfected first priority liens and security interests and first ranking hypothecs in and upon the Collateral subject only to the liens indicated on Schedule 8.4 hereto and the other liens permitted under Section 9.8 hereof. Each Borrower has good, valid and merchantable title to all of its other properties and assets subject to no liens, mortgages, pledges, security interests, encumbrances or charges of any kind, except those granted to Lender and such others as are specifically listed on Schedule 8.4 hereto or permitted under Section 9.8 hereof.

        8.5    Tax Returns.    

        Borrowers have filed, or caused to be filed, in a timely manner all tax returns, reports and declarations which are required to be filed by them or any of them. All information in such tax returns, reports and declarations is complete and accurate in all material respects. Borrowers have paid or caused to be paid all taxes due and payable or claimed due and payable in any assessment received by any of them, except taxes the validity of which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently pursued and available to Borrowers and with respect to which adequate reserves have been set aside on their books. Adequate provision has been made for the payment of all accrued and unpaid Federal, State, Provincial, county, local, foreign and other taxes whether or not yet due and payable and whether or not disputed.

        8.6    Litigation.    

        Except as set forth in the Information Certificate, there is no present investigation by any Governmental Authority pending, or to the best of Borrowers' knowledge threatened, against or affecting any Borrower, its assets or business and there is no action, suit, proceeding or claim by any Person pending, or to the best of Borrowers' knowledge threatened, against any Borrower or its assets or goodwill, or against or affecting any transactions contemplated by this Agreement, which if adversely determined against any Borrower would result in any Material Adverse Change.

        8.7    Compliance with Other Agreements and Applicable Laws.    

        No Borrower is, in any material respect, in default under, or in violation of any of the terms of, any agreement, contract, instrument, lease or other commitment to which it is a party or by which it or any of its assets are bound and each Borrower is in compliance in all material respects with all applicable provisions of laws, rules, regulations, licenses, permits, approvals and orders of any foreign, Federal, State, Provincial or local Governmental Authority.

        8.8    Environmental Compliance.    

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        8.9    Employee Benefits.    

        8.10    Intellectual Property.    

        Each Borrower owns or licenses or otherwise has the right to use all Intellectual Property necessary for the operation of its business as presently conducted or proposed to be conducted. As of the date hereof, Borrowers do not have any Intellectual Property registered, or subject to pending applications, in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, Canadian Intellectual Property Office or any similar office or agency in the United States, Canada any State or Province thereof, any political

45



subdivision thereof or in any other country. No event has occurred which permits or would permit after notice or passage of time or both, the revocation, suspension or termination of such rights. To the best of Borrowers' knowledge, no slogan or other advertising device, product, process, method, substance or other Intellectual Property or goods bearing or using any Intellectual Property presently contemplated to be sold by or employed by any Borrower infringes any patent, trademark, servicemark, tradename, copyright, license or other Intellectual Property owned by any other Person presently and no claim or litigation is pending or threatened against or affecting any Borrower contesting its right to sell or use any such Intellectual Property. The Information Certificate sets forth all of the agreements or other arrangements of Borrowers pursuant to which any Borrower has a license or other right to use any trademarks, logos, designs, representations or other Intellectual Property owned by another person as in effect on the date hereof and the dates of the expiration of such agreements or other arrangements of Borrowers as in effect on the date hereof (collectively, together with such agreements or other arrangements as may be entered into by Borrowers after the date hereof, collectively, the "License Agreements" and individually, a "License Agreement"). No trademark, servicemark or other Intellectual Property at any time used by any Borrower which is owned by another person, or owned by any Borrower subject to any security interest, lien, collateral assignment, pledge or other encumbrance in favor of any person other than Lender, is affixed to any Eligible Inventory, except pursuant to a Securitization as permitted in this Agreement.

        8.11    Subsidiaries; Affiliates; Capitalization; Solvency.    

        8.12    Labor Disputes.    

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        8.13    Restrictions on Subsidiaries.    

        Except for restrictions contained in this Agreement, the Securitization Documents or any other agreement with respect to Indebtedness of Borrowers permitted hereunder as in effect on the date hereof, there are no contractual or consensual restrictions on any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries which prohibit or otherwise restrict (a) the transfer of cash or other assets (i) between such Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries or (ii) between any Subsidiaries of such Borrower or (b) the ability of such Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to incur Indebtedness or grant security interests to Lender in the Collateral.

        8.14    Material Contracts.    

        Schedule 8.14 hereto sets forth all Material Contracts to which any Borrower is a party or is bound as of the date hereof. Borrowers have delivered true, correct and complete copies of such Material Contracts to Lender on or before the date hereof. No Borrower is in breach of or in default under any Material Contract and no Borrower has received any notice of the intention of any other party thereto to terminate any Material Contract.

        8.15    Payable Practices.    

        No Borrower has made any material change in the historical accounts payable practices from those in effect immediately prior to the date hereof.

        8.16    Accuracy and Completeness of Information.    

        All information furnished by or on behalf of Borrowers in writing to Lender in connection with this Agreement or any of the other Financing Agreements or any transaction contemplated hereby or thereby, including all information on the Information Certificate, is true and correct in all material respects on the date as of which such information is dated or certified and does not omit any material fact necessary in order to make such information not misleading. No event or circumstance has occurred which has had or could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the business, assets or prospects of Borrowers, which has not been fully and accurately disclosed to Lender in writing.

        8.17    Securitizations.    

        None of the property or assets of either Borrower, including any and all Intellectual Property (a) constitutes Securitization Assets, or (b) are the subject matter of any Securitization.

        8.18    Survival of Warranties; Cumulative.    

        All representations and warranties contained in this Agreement or any of the other Financing Agreements shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and shall be deemed to have been made again to Lender on the date of each additional borrowing or other credit accommodation hereunder and shall be conclusively presumed to have been relied on by Lender regardless of any investigation made or information possessed by Lender. The representations and warranties set forth herein shall be cumulative and in addition to any other representations or warranties which Borrowers shall now or hereafter give, or cause to be given, to Lender.

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SECTION 9    AFFIRMATIVE AND NEGATIVE COVENANTS    

        9.1    Maintenance of Existence.    

        9.2    New Collateral Locations.    

        9.3    Compliance with Laws, Regulations, Etc.    

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        9.4    Payment of Taxes and Claims.    

        Borrowers shall, and shall cause any Subsidiary to, duly pay and discharge all taxes, assessments, contributions and governmental charges upon or against it or its properties or assets, except for taxes the validity of which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently pursued and available to Borrowers or such Subsidiary, as the case may be, and with respect to which adequate reserves have been set aside on its books. Borrowers shall be liable for any tax or penalties imposed on Lender as a result of the financing arrangements provided for herein and Borrowers agree to indemnify and hold Lender harmless with respect to the foregoing, and to repay to Lender on demand the amount thereof, and until paid by Borrowers such amount shall be added and deemed part of the Loans, provided, that nothing contained herein shall be construed to require Borrowers to pay any income or franchise taxes attributable to the income of Lender from any amounts charged or paid hereunder to Lender. The foregoing indemnity shall survive the payment of the Obligations and the termination or non-renewal of this Agreement.

        9.5    Insurance.    

        Borrowers shall, and shall cause any Subsidiary to, at all times, maintain with financially sound and reputable insurers insurance with respect to the Collateral against loss or damage and all other

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insurance of the kinds and in the amounts customarily insured against or carried by corporations of established reputation engaged in the same or similar businesses and similarly situated. Said policies of insurance shall be satisfactory to Lender as to form, amount and insurer. Borrowers shall furnish certificates, policies or endorsements to Lender as Lender shall require as proof of such insurance, and, if Borrowers fail to do so, Lender is authorized, but not required, to obtain such insurance at the expense of Borrowers. All policies shall provide for at least thirty (30) days (ten (10) days for nonpayment of premium) prior written notice to Lender of any cancellation or reduction of coverage and that Lender may act as attorney for any Borrower at any time an Event of Default exists or has occurred and is continuing, in obtaining, adjusting, settling, amending and cancelling such insurance. Borrowers shall cause Lender to be named as a loss payee and an additional insured (but without any liability for any premiums) under such insurance policies and Borrowers shall obtain non-contributory lender's loss payable endorsements to all insurance policies in form and substance satisfactory to Lender. Such lender's loss payable endorsements shall specify that the proceeds of such insurance shall be payable to Lender and the named insured as their interests may appear and further specify that Lender shall be paid regardless of any act or omission by any Borrower or any of its Affiliates. At its option, Lender may apply any insurance proceeds received by Lender at any time to the cost of repairs or replacement of Collateral and/or to payment of the Obligations, whether or not then due, in any order and in such manner as Lender may determine or hold such proceeds as cash collateral for the Obligations.

        9.6    Financial Statements and Other Information.    

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        9.7    Sale of Assets, Consolidation, Merger, Dissolution, Etc.    

        No Borrower shall, and no Borrower shall permit any Domestic Subsidiary to (and Lender does not authorize any Borrower to), directly or indirectly,

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        9.8    Encumbrances.    

        No Borrower shall, and no Borrower shall permit any Domestic Subsidiary to, create, incur, assume, suffer or permit to exist any security interest, hypothec, mortgage, pledge, lien, charge or other encumbrance of any nature whatsoever on any of its assets or properties, including the Collateral, except: (a) the security interests, hypothecs and liens of Lender; (b) liens securing the payment of taxes, either not yet overdue or the validity of which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently pursued and available to Borrowers or such Subsidiary, as the case may be, and with respect to which adequate reserves have been set aside on its books; (c) non-consensual statutory liens (other than liens securing the payment of taxes) arising in the ordinary course of such Borrower's or such Subsidiary's business to the extent: (i) such liens secure Indebtedness or other obligations of such Borrower which is not overdue or (ii) such liens secure Indebtedness relating to claims or liabilities which are fully insured and being defended at the sole cost and expense and at the sole risk of the insurer or being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently pursued and available to such Borrowers or such Subsidiary, in each case prior to the commencement of foreclosure or other similar proceedings and with respect to which adequate reserves have been set aside on its books; (d) zoning restrictions, easements, licenses, covenants and other restrictions affecting the use of real property which do not interfere in any material respect with the use of such real property or ordinary conduct of the business of such Borrower or such Subsidiary as presently conducted thereon; (e) purchase money security interests in Equipment (including Capital Leases) to secure Indebtedness permitted under Section 9.9(b) hereof; (f) mortgages on real property, (g) the security interests, hypothecs and liens set forth on Schedule 8.4 hereto, (h) pledges or deposits in connection with

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workers' compensation, unemployment insurance and other social security legislation, (i) any interest or title of a licensee or licensor under any license entered into by a Borrower in the ordinary course of business, (j) liens or hypothecs on property acquired after the date hereof (including liens on property of a Subsidiary acquired after the date hereof) securing Indebtedness permitted under Section 9.9 but only if such lien was not created in contemplation of such acquisition and is limited in scope to the property so acquired, (k) deposits to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts (other than for borrowed money), leases, customer, appeal and performance bonds and other like obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business; (l) security interests, liens and hypothecs of Guess ?, Inc. in existence on the date hereof but only to the extent that such liens have subordinated in a manner satisfactory to the Lender in all respects to the security interests, hypothecs and liens granted by Borrowers to Lender; and (m) the security interests, hypothecs and liens in favour of GMAC Commercial Credit Corporation—Canada, such security interests, hypothecs and liens to be discharged forthwith after the initial Loan is made hereunder.

        9.9    Indebtedness.    

        No Borrower shall, and no Borrower shall permit any Domestic Subsidiary to, incur, create, assume, become or be liable in any manner with respect to, suffer or permit to exist, any Indebtedness or guarantee, assume, endorse, or otherwise become responsible for (directly or indirectly) the performance, dividends or other obligations of any Person, except:

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        9.10    Loans, Investments, Etc.    

        No Borrower shall, and no Borrower shall permit any Domestic Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, make, or suffer or permit to exist, any loans or advances of money or property to any person, or any investment in (by capital contribution, dividend or otherwise), or purchase or repurchase the Capital Stock or Indebtedness or all or a substantial part of the assets or property of any person, or form or acquire any Subsidiaries, or agree to do any of the foregoing, except:

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        9.11    Dividends and Redemptions.    

        Borrowers shall not, directly or indirectly, declare or pay any dividends on account of any shares of class of any of its Capital Stock now or hereafter outstanding, or set aside or otherwise deposit or invest any sums for such purpose, or redeem, retire, defease, purchase or otherwise acquire any shares of any class of Capital Stock (or set aside or otherwise deposit or invest any sums for such purpose) for any consideration or apply or set apart any sum, or make any other distribution (by reduction of capital or otherwise) in respect of any such shares or agree to do any of the foregoing, except in accordance with Section 9.12 or except in any case in the form of shares of Capital Stock consisting of common stock.

        9.12    Further Restriction on Loans, Investments, Dividends and Redemptions.    

        Borrowers may (i) make the investments referred to in Section 9.10(f)(iii)(2) and 9.10(g)(v)(3), (ii) make the loans to suppliers or licensees referred to in Section 9.10(m), or (iii) take any action with respect to Capital Stock referred to in Section 9.11 only to the extent that (A) the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of the amount expended in connection with or set aside for all such purposes shall not, when taken together with the amounts expended in connection with or set aside for all such purposes by the other Credit Parties, exceed in the aggregate the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of Thirty-five Million Dollars ($35,000,000) plus twenty-five percent (25%) of the amount of net profits after tax reported on the consolidated financial statements of Parent prepared in accordance with GAAP for each fiscal year during the term of this Agreement, (B) (y) U.S. Excess Availability shall be not less than Twenty Million Dollars ($20,000,000) immediately after each such action and Canadian Compliance Excess Availability shall not be less than One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) and for each of the immediately preceding thirty (30) consecutive days and (z) U.S. Excess Availability shall have been not less than Twenty Million Dollars ($20,000,000) and Canadian Compliance Excess Availability shall not be less than One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) and (C) no Default or Availability Compliance Period (related to an Availability Triggering Event) exists and no Default or Availability Triggering Event would be caused by the proposed action.

        9.13    Transactions with Affiliates.    

        No Borrower shall, directly or indirectly, (a) purchase, acquire or lease any property from, or sell, transfer or lease any property to, any officer, director, agent or other person affiliated with any Borrower (other than another Borrower or a Subsidiary of a Borrower), except in the ordinary course of and pursuant to the reasonable requirements of Borrowers' business and upon fair and reasonable terms no less favorable to such Borrower than such Borrower would obtain in a comparable arm's

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length transaction with an unaffiliated person, except transactions relating to Shareholders Agreement to which Parent is a party or (b) make any payments of management, consulting or other fees for management or similar services, or of any Indebtedness owing to any officer, employee, shareholder, director or other Affiliate of any Borrower except any Borrower may (i) pay reasonable compensation to officers, employees and directors for services rendered to such Borrower in the ordinary course of business; (ii) pay expenses or make loans and advances to officers, employees and directors for bona fide business purposes, including but not limited to indemnification permitted under such Borrower's Bylaws, relocation, stock option exercises, travel or otherwise consistent with past practice; and (iii) satisfy obligations of such Borrower under transactions described in the notes to the consolidated financial statements of Parent for the year ended December 31, 2001, and continuations, renewals or extensions thereof in an amount not exceeding one hundred fifty percent (150%) in the aggregate of the original amount of such obligations without Lender's prior written consent which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

        9.14    Compliance Concerning Canadian Pension Plans.    

        Borrowers shall cause the Canadian Pension Plan to be administered in accordance with the requirements of the applicable pension plan texts, funding agreements, the Income Tax Act (Canada) and applicable provincial pension benefits legislation. Upon Lender's request, Borrowers shall use their best efforts to deliver to Lender an undertaking of the funding agent for the Canadian Pension Plan stating that the funding agent will notify Lender within seven (7) days of the failure of any Borrower to make any required contribution to the Canadian Pension Plan. Borrowers shall not accept payment of any amount from the Canadian Pension Plan (other than amounts on account of expenses reasonably incurred in connection with the operations of such Canadian Pension Plan) without the prior written consent of Lender. Without the prior written consent of Lender, Borrowers shall not terminate, or cause to be terminated, the Canadian Pension Plan, if such plan would have a solvency deficiency on termination. Borrowers shall promptly provide Lender with any documentation relating to the Canadian Pension Plan as Lender may reasonably request. Borrowers shall notify Lender within thirty (30) days of (i) a material increase in the liabilities of the Canadian Pension Plan, (ii) the establishment of a new registered pension plan, or (iii) commencing payment of contributions to the Canadian Pension Plan to which any Borrower had not previously been contributing.

        9.15    End of Fiscal Years, Fiscal Quarters.    

        Borrowers shall, for financial reporting purposes, cause its, and each of its Subsidiaries' (a) fiscal years to end on December 31 or the Saturday or Sunday closest to December 31 of each year and (b) fiscal quarters to end on the Saturday closest to each calendar quarter end.

        9.16    Change in Business.    

        Borrowers shall not engage in any business other than the business of Borrowers on the date hereof and any business reasonably related, ancillary or complimentary to the business in which Borrowers are engaged on the date hereof.

        9.17    Limitation of Restrictions Affecting Subsidiaries.    

        Borrowers shall not, directly or indirectly, create or otherwise cause or suffer to exist any encumbrance or restriction which prohibits or limits the ability of any Domestic Subsidiary of any Borrower to (a) pay dividends or make other distributions or pay any Indebtedness owed to any Borrower or any Subsidiary of any Borrower; (b) make loans or advances to any Borrower or any Subsidiary of any Borrower, (c) transfer any of its properties or assets to any Borrower or any Subsidiary of any Borrower; or (d) create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any lien upon any of its property, assets or revenues, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, other than encumbrances and restrictions arising under (i) applicable law, (ii) this Agreement, (iii) customary provisions restricting subletting or assignment of any lease governing a leasehold interest of any Borrower or any of its

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Subsidiaries, (iv) customary restrictions on dispositions of real property interests found in reciprocal easement agreements of any Borrower or its Subsidiary, (v) any agreement relating to permitted Indebtedness incurred by a Subsidiary of any Borrower prior to the date on which such Subsidiary was acquired by such Borrower and outstanding on such acquisition date, (vi) any Securitization Documents and (vii) the extension or continuation of contractual obligations in existence on the date hereof; provided, that any such encumbrances or restrictions contained in such extension or continuation are no less favorable to Lender than those encumbrances and restrictions under or pursuant to the contractual obligations so extended or continued.

        9.18    Net Worth.    

        The Borrowers, together with the Parent and Parent's other consolidated Subsidiaries shall, at all times through and including June 30, 2004, maintain Adjusted Tangible Net Worth of not less than the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of One Hundred Million Dollars ($100,000,000) and shall, at all times after June 30, 2004 maintain Net Worth of not less than the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of One Hundred Ten Million Dollars ($110,000,000). Compliance with the requirements of this section will be tested for each fiscal quarter upon delivery of the financial statements as of the end of such fiscal quarter; provided that such compliance will not be tested except during any Availability Compliance Period (related to an Availability Triggering Event).

        9.19    License Agreements.    

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        9.20    Costs and Expenses.    

        Borrowers shall pay to Lender on demand all the actual costs and reasonable expenses, filing fees and taxes paid or payable in connection with the preparation, negotiation, execution, delivery, recording, administration, collection, liquidation, enforcement and defense of the Obligations, Lender's rights in the Collateral, this Agreement, the other Financing Agreements and all other documents related hereto or thereto, including any amendments, supplements or consents which may hereafter be contemplated (whether or not executed) or entered into in respect hereof and thereof, including: (a) all the actual costs and expenses of filing or recording (including Uniform Commercial Code or PPSA financing statement filing taxes and fees, documentary taxes, intangibles taxes and mortgage recording taxes and fees, if applicable); (b) all the actual costs and expenses and fees for insurance premiums, environmental audits, surveys, assessments, engineering reports and inspections, appraisal fees and search fees, actual costs and expenses of remitting loan proceeds, collecting checks and other items of payment, and establishing and maintaining the Blocked Accounts, together with Lender's customary charges and fees with respect thereto; (c) charges, fees or expenses charged by any bank or issuer in connection with the Letter of Credit Accommodations; (d) actual costs and reasonable expenses of preserving and protecting the Collateral; (e) actual costs and reasonable expenses paid or incurred in connection with obtaining payment of the Obligations, enforcing the security interests and liens of Lender, selling or otherwise realizing upon the Collateral, and otherwise enforcing the provisions of this Agreement and the other Financing Agreements or defending any claims made or threatened against Lender arising out of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby (including preparations for and consultations concerning any such matters); (f) all out-of-pocket expenses and costs heretofore and from time to time hereafter incurred by Lender during the course of periodic field examinations of the Collateral and Borrowers' operations, plus a per diem charge at the rate of the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of Eight Hundred Dollars ($800) per person per day for Lender's examiners in the field and office, provided that Borrowers shall be required to pay for only two (2) such field audits in any twelve (12) month period unless an Event of Default or an Availability Triggering Event occurs; (g) all actual costs and expenses in connection with background investigations of the principals of Borrowers; and (h) the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel (including legal assistants) to Lender in connection with the preparation of this Agreement and the other Financing Agreements or any of the foregoing. The amount of any deposit given by Borrowers to Lender in connection with this Agreement remaining after payment of all fees, costs and expenses incurred by Lender in connection with any audit or field examination of Borrowers and their Subsidiaries and Affiliates or the preparation and negotiation of the Financing Documents shall be applied against the amounts owing under this Section 9.20.

        9.21    Further Assurances.    

        At the request of Lender at any time and from time to time, Borrowers shall, at their expense, duly execute and deliver, or cause to be duly executed and delivered, such further agreements, documents and instruments, and do or cause to be done such further acts as may be necessary or proper to evidence, perfect, maintain and enforce the security interests and the priority thereof in the Collateral and to otherwise effectuate the provisions or purposes of this Agreement or any of the other

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Financing Agreements. Lender may at any time and from time to time request a certificate from an officer of any Borrower representing that all conditions precedent to the making of Loans and providing Letter of Credit Accommodations contained herein are satisfied. In the event of such request by Lender, Lender may, at its option, cease to make any further Loans or provide any further Letter of Credit Accommodations until Lender has received such certificate and, in addition, Lender has determined that such conditions are satisfied.

        9.22    Applications under Insolvency Statutes.    

        Each Borrower acknowledges that its business and financial relationships with Lender is unique from its relationship with any other of its creditors, and agrees that it shall not file any plan of arrangement under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (Canada) or make any proposal under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada) which provides for, or would permit directly or indirectly, Lender to be classified with any other creditor for purposes of such plan or proposal or otherwise.

SECTION 10 EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES

        10.1    Events of Default.    

        The occurrence or existence of any one or more of the following events are referred to herein individually as an "Event of Default", and collectively as "Events of Default":

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        10.2    Remedies.    

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SECTION 11    JURY TRIAL WAIVER; OTHER WAIVERS AND CONSENTS; GOVERNING LAW    

        11.1    Governing Law; Choice of Forum; Service of Process; Jury Trial Waiver.    

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        11.2    Waiver of Notices.    

        Borrowers hereby expressly waive demand, presentment, protest and notice of protest and notice of dishonor with respect to any and all instruments and chattel paper, included in or evidencing any of the Obligations or the Collateral, and any and all other demands and notices of any kind or nature whatsoever with respect to the Obligations, the Collateral and this Agreement, except such as are expressly provided for herein. No notice to or demand on Borrowers which Lender may elect to give shall entitle Borrowers to any other or further notice or demand in the same, similar or other circumstances.

        11.3    Amendments and Waivers.    

        Neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof shall be amended, modified, waived or discharged orally or by course of conduct, but only by a written agreement signed by an authorized officer of Lender, and as to amendments, as also signed by an authorized officers of Borrowers. Lender shall not, by any act, delay, omission or otherwise be deemed to have expressly or impliedly waived any of its rights, powers and/or remedies unless such waiver shall be in writing and signed by an authorized officer of Lender. Any such waiver shall be enforceable only to the extent specifically set forth therein. A waiver by Lender of any right, power and/or remedy on any one occasion shall not be construed as a bar to or waiver of any such right, power and/or remedy which Lender would otherwise have on any future occasion, whether similar in kind or otherwise.

        11.4    Waiver of Counterclaims.    

        Borrowers waive all rights to interpose any claims, deductions, setoffs or counterclaims of any nature (other than compulsory counterclaims) in any action or proceeding with respect to this Agreement, the Obligations, the Collateral or any matter arising therefrom or relating hereto or thereto.

        11.5    Indemnification.    

        Borrowers shall indemnify and hold Lender, and its directors, agents, employees and counsel, harmless from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, costs or expenses imposed on, incurred by or asserted against any of them in connection with any litigation, investigation, claim or proceeding commenced or threatened related to the negotiation, preparation, execution, delivery, enforcement, performance or administration of this Agreement, any other Financing Agreements, or any undertaking or proceeding related to any of the transactions contemplated hereby or any act, omission, event or transaction related or attendant thereto, including amounts paid in settlement, court costs, and the fees and expenses of counsel except for losses, claims, damages, liabilities, costs and expenses arising from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of any such indemnified party as determined pursuant to a final, non-appealable order of a court of competent jurisdiction. To the extent that the undertaking to indemnify, pay and hold harmless set forth in this Section may be unenforceable because it violates any law or public policy, Borrowers shall pay the maximum portion which it is permitted to pay under applicable law to Lender in satisfaction of indemnified matters under this Section. The foregoing indemnity shall survive the payment of the Obligations and the termination of this Agreement.

        11.6    Currency Indemnity.    

        If, for the purposes of obtaining judgment in any court in any jurisdiction with respect to this Agreement or any of the other Financing Agreements, it becomes necessary to convert into the currency of such jurisdiction (the "Judgment Currency") any amount due under this Agreement or under any of the other Financing Agreements in any currency other than the Judgment Currency (the

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"Currency Due"), then conversion shall be made at the rate of exchange prevailing on the Business Day before the day on which judgment is given. For this purpose, "rate of exchange" means the rate at which Lender is able, on the relevant date, to purchase the Currency Due with the Judgment Currency in accordance with its normal practice. In the event that there is a change in the rate of exchange prevailing between the Business Day before the day on which the judgment is given and the date of receipt by Lender of the amount due, Borrowers will, on the date of receipt by Lender, pay such additional amounts, if any, or be entitled to receive reimbursement of such amount, if any, as may be necessary to ensure that the amount received by Lender on such date is the amount in the Judgment Currency which when converted at the rate of exchange prevailing on the date of receipt by Lender is the amount then due under this Agreement or such other of the Financing Agreements in the Currency Due. If the amount of the Currency Due which Lender is able to purchase is less than the amount of the Currency Due originally due to it, Borrowers shall indemnify and save Lender and Lenders harmless from and against loss or damage arising as a result of such deficiency. The indemnity contained herein shall constitute an obligation separate and independent from the other obligations contained in this Agreement and the other Financing Agreements, shall give rise to a separate and independent cause of action, shall apply irrespective of any indulgence granted by Lender from time to time and shall continue in full force and effect notwithstanding any judgment or order for a liquidated sum in respect of an amount due under this Agreement or any of the other Financing Agreements or under any judgment or order.

SECTION 12    TERM OF AGREEMENT; MISCELLANEOUS    

        12.1    Term.    

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  Amount

  Period


(i)

 

one percent (1.00%) of the Maximum Credit

 

From the date hereof to and including September 26, 2003

(ii)

 

one-fourth percent (0.25%) of the Maximum Credit

 

From September 27, 2003 to and including September 26, 2005

        12.2    Interpretive Provisions.    

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        12.3    Notices.    

        All notices, requests and demands hereunder shall be in writing and deemed to have been given or made: if delivered in person, immediately upon delivery; if by telex, telegram or facsimile transmission, immediately upon sending and upon confirmation of receipt; if by nationally recognized overnight courier service with instructions to deliver the next Business Day, one (1) Business Day after sending; and if by certified mail, return receipt requested, five (5) days after mailing. All notices, requests and demands upon the parties are to be given to the addresses designated on the signature page hereto or to such other address as any party may designate by notice in accordance with this Section.

        12.4    Partial Invalidity.    

        If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not invalidate this Agreement as a whole, but this Agreement shall be construed

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as though it did not contain the particular provision held to be invalid or unenforceable and the rights and obligations of the parties shall be construed and enforced only to such extent as shall be permitted by applicable law.

        12.5    Successors.    

        This Agreement, the other Financing Agreements and any other document referred to herein or therein shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Lender, Borrowers and their respective successors and assigns, except that Borrowers may not assign their rights under this Agreement, the other Financing Agreements and any other document referred to herein or therein without the prior written consent of Lender. Lender may, after notice to Borrowers, assign its rights and delegate its obligations under this Agreement and the other Financing Agreements and further may assign, or sell participations in, all or any part of the Loans, the Letter of Credit Accommodations or any other interest herein to another financial institution or other person, in which event, the assignee or participant shall have, to the extent of such assignment or participation, the same rights and benefits as it would have if it were the Lender hereunder, except as otherwise provided by the terms of such assignment or participation; provided, however, that if such financial institution is not domiciled in Canada or such financial institution and its Affiliates have assets of less than the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of One Billion Dollars ($1,000,000,000) on a consolidated basis, Lender shall obtain a Borrower's prior written consent.

        12.6    Entire Agreement.    

        This Agreement, the other Financing Agreements, any supplements hereto or thereto, and any instruments or documents delivered or to be delivered in connection herewith or therewith represents the entire agreement and understanding concerning the subject matter hereof and thereof between the parties hereto, and supersede all other prior agreements, understandings, negotiations and discussions, representations, warranties, commitments, proposals, offers and contracts concerning the subject matter hereof, whether oral or written. In the event of any inconsistency between the terms of this Agreement and any schedule or exhibit hereto, the terms of this Agreement shall govern.

        12.7    Counterparts, Etc.    

        This Agreement or any of the other Financing Agreements may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Delivery of an executed counterpart of this Agreement or any of the other Financing Agreements by telefacsimile shall have the same force and effect as the delivery of an original executed counterpart of this Agreement or any of such other Financing Agreements. Any party delivering an executed counterpart of any such agreement by telefacsimile shall also deliver an original executed counterpart, but the failure to do so shall not affect the validity, enforceability or binding effect of such agreement.

        12.8    Confidentiality.    

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        12.9    Choice of Language.    

        The parties hereto confirm that they have requested that this Agreement and all documents related hereto be drafted in English. Les parties aux presentes ont exige que cette convention ainsi que tout document connexe soient rediges en anglais.

SECTION 13    JOINT AND SEVERAL LIABILITY AND SURETYSHIP WAIVERS    

        13.1    Independent Obligations; Subrogation.    

        The Obligations of each Borrower hereunder are joint and several. To the maximum extent permitted by law, each Borrower hereby waives any claim, right or remedy which either may now have or hereafter acquire against any other Borrower that arises hereunder including, without limitation, any claim, remedy or right of subrogation, reimbursement, exoneration, contribution, indemnification, or participation in any claim, right or remedy of Lender against any Borrower or any Collateral which Lender now has or hereafter acquires, whether or not such claim, right or remedy arises in equity, under contract, by statute, under common law or otherwise until the Obligations are fully paid and finally discharged. In addition, each Borrower hereby waives any right to proceed against the other Borrowers, now or hereafter, for contribution, indemnity, reimbursement, and any other suretyship rights and claims, whether direct or indirect, liquidated or contingent, whether arising under express or implied contract or by operation of law, which any Borrower may now have or hereafter have as against the other Borrowers with respect to the Obligations until the Obligations are fully paid and finally discharged. Each Borrower also hereby waives any rights of recourse to or with respect to any asset of the other Borrowers until the Obligations are fully paid and finally discharged.

        13.2    Authority to Modify Obligations and Security.    

        Each Borrower authorizes Lender, without notice or demand and without affecting any Borrower's liability hereunder, from time to time, whether before or after any notice of termination hereof or before or after any default in respect of the Obligations, to: (a) renew, extend, accelerate, or otherwise change the time for payment of, or otherwise change any other term or condition of, any document or agreement evidencing or relating to any Obligations as such Obligations relate to the other Borrowers, including, without limitation, to increase or decrease the rate of interest thereon; (b) accept, substitute, waive, defease, increase, release, exchange or otherwise alter any Collateral, in whole or in part, securing the other Borrowers' Obligations; (c) apply any and all such Collateral and direct the order or manner of sale thereof as Lender, in its sole discretion, may determine; (d) deal with the other Borrowers as Lender may elect; (e) in Lender's sole discretion, settle, release on terms satisfactory to Lender, or by operation of law or otherwise, compound, compromise, collect or otherwise liquidate any of the other Borrowers' Obligations and/or any of the Collateral in any manner, and bid and purchase any of the collateral at any sale thereof; (f) apply any and all payments or recoveries from the other Borrowers as Lender, in its sole discretion may determine, whether or not such indebtedness relates to

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the Obligations; all whether such Obligations are secured or unsecured or guaranteed or not guaranteed by others; and (g) apply any sums realized from Collateral furnished by the other Borrowers upon any of its indebtedness or obligations to Lender as it in its sole discretion may determine, whether or not such indebtedness relates to the Obligations; all without in any way diminishing, releasing or discharging the liability of any Borrower hereunder.

        13.3    Waiver of Defenses.    

        Upon an Event of Default by any Borrower in respect of any Obligations, Lender may, at its option and without additional notice to any Borrower, proceed directly against any Borrower to collect and recover the full amount of the liability hereunder, or any portion thereof, and each Borrower waives any right to require Lender to: (a) proceed against the other Borrowers or any other person whomsoever; (b) proceed against or exhaust any Collateral given to or held by Lender in connection with the Obligations; (c) give notice of the terms, time and place of any public or private sale of any of the Collateral except as otherwise provided herein; or (d) pursue any other remedy in Lender's power whatsoever. A separate action or actions may be brought and prosecuted against any Borrower whether or not action is brought against the other Borrowers and whether the other Borrowers be joined in any such action or actions; and each Borrower agrees that any payment of any Obligations or other act which shall toll any statute of limitations applicable thereto shall similarly operate to toll such statute of limitations applicable to the liability hereunder.

        13.4    Exercise of Lender's Rights.    

        Each Borrower hereby authorizes and empowers Lender in its sole discretion, without any notice or demand to such Borrower whatsoever and without affecting the liability of such Borrower hereunder, to exercise any right or remedy which Lender may have available to it against the other Borrowers.

        13.5    Additional Waivers.    

        Each Borrower waives any defense arising by reason of any disability or other defense of the other Borrowers or by reason of the cessation from any cause whatsoever of the liability of the other Borrowers or by reason of any act or omission of Lender or others which directly or indirectly results in or aids the discharge or release of the other Borrowers or any Obligations or any Collateral by operation of law or otherwise. The Obligations shall be enforceable against each Borrower without regard to the validity, regularity or enforceability of any of the Obligations with respect to any of the other Borrowers or any of the documents related thereto or any collateral security documents securing any of the Obligations. No exercise by Lender of, and no omission of Lender to exercise, any power or authority recognized herein and no impairment or suspension of any right or remedy of Lender against any Borrower or any Collateral shall in any way suspend, discharge, release, exonerate or otherwise affect any of the Obligations or any Collateral furnished by the Borrowers or give to the Borrowers any right of recourse against Lender. Each Borrower specifically agrees that the failure of Lender (a) to perfect any lien on or security interest in any property heretofore or hereafter given any Borrower to secure payment of the Obligations, or to record or file any document relating thereto or (b) to file or enforce a claim against the estate (either in administration, bankruptcy or other proceeding) of any Borrower, shall not in any manner whatsoever terminate, diminish, exonerate or otherwise affect the liability of any Borrower hereunder.

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        13.6    Additional Indebtedness.    

        Additional Obligations may be created from time to time at the request of any Borrower and without further authorization from or notice to any other Borrowers even though the borrowing Borrowers' financial condition may deteriorate since the date hereof. Each Borrower waives the right, if any, to require Lender to disclose to such Borrower any information it may now have or hereafter acquire concerning the other Borrowers' character, credit, Collateral, financial condition or other matters. Each Borrower has established adequate means to obtain from the other Borrowers on a continuing basis financial and other information pertaining to such Borrower's business and affairs, and assumes the responsibility for being and keeping informed of the financial and other conditions of the other Borrowers and of all circumstances bearing upon the risk of nonpayment of the Obligations which diligent inquiry would reveal. Lender need not inquire into the powers of any Borrower or the authority of any of its officers, directors, partners or agents acting or purporting to act in its behalf, and any obligations created in reliance upon the purported exercise of such power or authority is hereby guaranteed. All obligations of each Borrower to Lender heretofore, now or hereafter created shall be deemed to have been granted at each Borrower's special insistence and request and in consideration of and in reliance upon this Agreement.

        13.7    Subordination.    

        Except as otherwise provided in this Section 13.7, any indebtedness of either Borrower now or hereafter owing to the other Borrower is hereby subordinated to the Obligations, whether heretofore, now or hereafter created, and whether before or after notice of termination hereof, and, following the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, no Borrower shall, without the prior consent of Lender, pay in whole or in part any of such indebtedness nor will any such Borrower accept any payment of or on account of any such indebtedness at any time while such Borrower remains liable hereunder. At the request of Lender, after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, each Borrower shall pay to Lender all or any part of such subordinated indebtedness and any amount so paid to Lender at its request shall be applied to payment of the Obligations. Each payment on the indebtedness of any Borrower to the other Borrowers received in violation of any of the provisions hereof shall be deemed to have been received by any other Borrowers as trustee for Lender and shall be paid over to Lender immediately on account of the Obligations, but without otherwise affecting in any manner any such Borrower's liability under any of the provisions of this Agreement. Each Borrower agrees to file all claims against the other Borrowers in any bankruptcy or other proceeding in which the filing of claims is required by law in respect of any indebtedness of the other Borrowers to such Borrower, and Lender shall be entitled to all of any such Borrower's rights thereunder. If for any reason any such Borrower fails to file such claim at least thirty (30) days prior to the last date on which such claim should be filed, Lender, as such Borrower's attorney-in-fact, is hereby authorized to do so in Borrowers' name or, in Lender's discretion, to assign such claim to, and cause a proof of claim to be filed in the name of, Lender's nominee. In all such cases, whether in administration, bankruptcy or otherwise, the person or persons authorized to pay such claim shall pay to Lender the full amount payable on the claim in the proceeding, and to the full extent necessary for that purpose any such Borrower hereby assigns to Lender all such Borrower's rights to any payments or distributions to which such Borrower otherwise would be entitled. If the amount so paid is greater than any such Borrower's liability hereunder, Lender will pay the excess amount to the party entitled thereto.

        13.8    Revival.    

        If any payments of money or transfers of property made to Lender by any Borrower should for any reason subsequently be declared to be, or in Lender's counsel's good faith opinion be determined to be, fraudulent (within the meaning of any state or federal law relating to fraudulent conveyances), preferential or otherwise voidable or recoverable in whole or in part for any reason (hereinafter

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collectively called "voidable transfers") under the Bankruptcy Code or any other applicable foreign, federal, state or provincial law and Lender is required to repay or restore, or in Lender's counsel's opinion may be so liable to repay or restore, any such voidable transfer, or the amount or any portion thereof, then as to any such voidable transfer or the amount repaid or restored and all reasonable costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) of Lender related thereto, such Borrower's liability hereunder shall automatically be revived, reinstated and restored and shall exist as though such voidable transfer had never been made to Lender.

        13.9    Understanding of Waivers.    

        Each Borrower warrants and agrees that the waivers set forth in this Section 13 are made with full knowledge of their significance and consequences. If any of such waivers are determined to be contrary to any applicable law or public policy, such waivers shall be effective only to the maximum extent permitted by law.

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        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Lender, Arranger and Borrowers have caused these presents to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.

LENDER   BORROWERS

CONGRESS FINANCIAL CORPORATION (CANADA)

 

GUESS? CANADA CORPORATION

By:

 

 

 

By:

 

 
   
     
Name:       Name:    
   
     
Title:       Title:    
   
     
Address for Notice:   Address for Notice:

141 Adelaide Street W.
Suite 1500
Toronto, Ontario
M5H 3L9
Attn: Mr. H. Rosenfeld
Telephone: (416) 364-8177
Facsimile:(416) 364-3990

 

7077 Park Avenue
Suite 503
Montreal, Quebec
H3N 1X7
Attn: Chief Financial Officer, marked "Urgent"
Telephone: (514) 270-6666
Facsimile: (514) 270-8028

With a copy to:

 

 

 

 

CONGRESS FINANCIAL CORPORATION (WESTERN)

 

GUESS? CANADA RETAIL INC.

251 South Lake Avenue, Suite 900

 

By:

 

 
Pasadena, California 91101      
Attn: Portfolio Manager   Name:    
Telephone: (626) 304-4900      
Facsimile: (626) 304-4949   Title:    
           

 

 

 

 

Address for Notice:

 

 

 

 

7077 Park Avenue
Suite 503
Montreal, Quebec
H3N 1X7
Attn: Chief Financial Officer, marked "Urgent"
Telephone: (514) 270-6666
Facsimile: (514) 270-8028

 

 

 

 

With a copy in the case of each Borrower to:

 

 

 

 

Guess ?, Inc.
1444 South Alameda Street
Los Angeles,
California 90021
Attn: Frederick G. Silny
Telephone: (213) 765-3504
Facsimile: (213) 765-5927

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EXHIBIT A

Information Certificates


SCHEDULE 4.1

Permitted Locations

Please see Information Certificates

Central Collection Deposit Accounts

Please see Information Certificates

Customs Brokers

Please see Information Certificates


SCHEDULE 5.2(b)

Chattel Paper and Instruments

Nil


SCHEDULE 5.2(f)

Letters of Credit, etc.

Nil


SCHEDULE 5.2(g)

Commercial Tort Claims

Nil


SCHEDULE 8.4

Liens

Name of Creditor

  Register of Personal and Movable Real
Rights (Quebec)/ Registration No.


Place Jean Talon Enr.

 

02-0029310-0014

Place Jean Talon Enr.

 

99-0080931-0004

Ivanhoe Ste-Foy Inc.

 

01-0057739-0006

SCHEDULE 8.8

Environmental Disclosures

Nil


SCHEDULE 8.12

Labor Relations

Nil


SCHEDULE 8.14

Material Contracts

Nil


SCHEDULE 9.9

Indebtedness

        Loan from the landlord of the store located at 1229A Ste-Catherine Street West, Montreal, Quebec, H3G 1P3 repayable over the term of the lease. The current indebtedness under this loan is approximately CDN$22,000.


SCHEDULE 9.10

Loans and Advances

Nil




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Exhibit 10.50
CANADIAN LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT by and among CONGRESS FINANCIAL CORPORATION (CANADA) as Lender and GUESS? CANADA CORPORATION and GUESS? CANADA RETAIL INC. as Borrowers with WACHOVIA SECURITIES, INC. acting as Global Arranger Dated: December 20, 2002

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Exhibit 10.51

August 16, 2002

Nancy Cohen Shachtman
10800 Via Verona
Los Angeles, CA 90077

Dear Nancy:

        I am very pleased to extend to you an offer of employment at GUESS? Inc. as President, Wholesale Sales. Your start date will be determined upon mutual agreement at a later date. As you very well know, this is a very exciting area of the Company that offers many opportunities, and we feel you can grow the business significantly and bring strong leadership to the team.

        The terms of your offer are as follows:

        1.    Base salary of $400,000 per year, with exempt status, paid in accordance with the Company's normal payroll practices.

        2.    You will be eligible to participate in GUESS?, Inc.'s Executive Bonus Plan, which currently bases awards primarily on Company financial objectives. Bonus eligibility for 2003 is up to 120% of base salary (see attached schedule for details).

        3.    Medical, dental, life, disability, and vacation benefits commensurate with your position at GUESS?, Inc. You will be eligible to participate in the GUESS?, Inc. 401k Savings Plan You will be provided with a summary and details of these benefits plans.

        4.    The Compensation Committee has approved a grant of non-qualified options to purchase 100,000 shares of the common stock of GUESS?, Inc. with an exercise price equal to the NYSE closing price on the grant date(your first date of employment). Such stock options will vest over a four-year period as follows: one-fourth of your options will vest on each anniversary of the date of grant until fully vested.

        5.    Subject to your signing of a restricted stock agreement with standard terms and conditions for restricted stock awards as determined by the GUESS? Inc.'s Compensation Committee, you will be granted 40,000 shares of restricted stock on your first date of employment. Among other conditions, you may be required to pay the par value of your restricted stock on the date of grant. Your restricted stock will vest over a three year period(1stAnniversary = 25%, 2nd Anniversary = 25%, 3rd Anniversary = 50%).

        6.    Car allowance of up to $8,000 per year.

        In accordance with government regulation, all new employees must present eligibility to work. On your first day of employment, please bring in documents to establish both identification and employment eligibility from the attached list of acceptable documents (Form I-9). If you are unable to present these documents, you will not be able to commence employment.

        Please indicate your acceptance of this offer by signing at the end of this letter and returning it to me in the envelope provided. The other copy is yours to keep.


        We look forward to your joining us at GUESS?, Inc., and a prosperous future together. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Carlos Alberini
GUESS? Inc., COO and President

AGREED & ACCEPTED



Nancy Cohen Shachtman

 

Date



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Exhibit 10.51

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Exhibit 21.1

Guess?, Inc.
List of Subsidiaries

Investment In

  Location
  Owned By
  Percent of Ownership

Guess? Retail, Inc.

 

United States

 

Guess?, Inc.

 

100%

Guess? Licensing, Inc.

 

United States

 

Guess?, Inc.

 

100%

Guess.com, Inc.

 

United States

 

Guess?, Inc.

 

100%

Guess? Canada Corporation

 

Canada

 

Guess?, Inc.

 

100%

Guess? Europe, B.V.

 

Netherlands

 

Guess?, Inc.

 

100%

Guess Italia, S.r.l.

 

Italy

 

Guess? Europe, B.V.

 

100%



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Exhibit 21.1

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Exhibit 23.1

Independent Accountants' Consent

        We consent to incorporation by reference in the registration statements (No. 333-10069 and 333-81274) of our report dated February 24, 2003, relating to the consolidated balance sheets of Guess?, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity and comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2002, and the related financial statement schedule, which report appears in the December 31, 2002 annual report on Form 10-K of Guess?, Inc.

Los Angeles, California
March 26, 2003




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Exhibit 23.1

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Exhibit 99.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906
OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

        I, Maurice Marciano, Co-Chief Executive Officer and Director of Guess?, Inc. (the "Company"), do hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:


Date: March 27, 2003    
    /s/  MAURICE MARCIANO      
Maurice Marciano
Co-Chief Executive Officer and Director



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Exhibit 99.1

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Exhibit 99.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906
OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

        I, Paul Marciano, Co-Chief Executive Officer and Director of Guess?, Inc. (the "Company"), do hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:


Date: March 27, 2003    
    /s/  PAUL MARCIANO      
Paul Marciano
Co-Chief Executive Officer and Director



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Exhibit 99.2

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Exhibit 99.3

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906
OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

        I, Carlos Alberini, President, Chief Operating Officer and Director of Guess?, Inc. (the "Company"), do hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:


Date: March 27, 2003    
    /s/  CARLOS ALBERINI      
Carlos Alberini
President, Chief Operating Officer and Director



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Exhibit 99.3

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Exhibit 99.4

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906
OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

        I, Frederick G. Silny, Senior Vice President and Chief Finanical Officer of Guess?, Inc. (the "Company"), do hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:


Date: March 27, 2003    
    /s/  FREDERICK G. SILNY      
Frederick G. Silny
Senior Vice President and
Chief Finanical Officer



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Exhibit 99.4