UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 20-F
[_] REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
OR
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007
OR
[_] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ____________ to ______________
OR
[_] SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of event requiring this shell company report ________
COMMISSION FILE NO. 000-29256
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter
and translation of Registrant's name into English)
ISRAEL
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
4 NAHAL HARIF ST., NORTHERN INDUSTRIAL ZONE, YAVNE, 81106, ISRAEL
(Address of principal executive offices)
Ety Sabach
Chief Financial Officer
4 Nahal Harif St. Norther Industrial Zone,
Yavne 81106, Israel
Tel: 972-8-932-1000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of
Registrant's Contact Person)
SECURITIES REGISTERED OR TO BE REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OF THE ACT:
ORDINARY SHARES, NIS 0.10 PAR VALUE PER SHARE
(TITLE OF CLASS)
SECURITIES REGISTERED OR TO BE REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(G) OF THE ACT:
NONE
SECURITIES FOR WHICH THERE IS A REPORTING OBLIGATION PURSUANT
TO SECTION 15(D) OF THE ACT:
NONE
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer's classes
of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the Annual
Report:
The registrant had 10,267,893 outstanding ordinary shares, NIS 0.10 nominal
value per share as of December 31, 2007.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer,
as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes [_] No [X]
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if
the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act 1934.
Yes [_] No [X]
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 [X] No [_]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer,
an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of "accelerated
filer and large accelerated filer" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check
one):
Large Accelerated filer [_] Accelerated filer [_] Non-accelerated filer [X]
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to
prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
U.S. GAAP [_]
International Financing Reporting Standards as issued by the International
Accounting Standards Board [_]
Other [X]
If "Other" has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate
by check mark which financial statement item the Registrant has elected to
follow:
Item 17 [_] Item 18 [X]
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant
is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes [_] No [X]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
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PRESENTATION OF INFORMATION 1
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT WITH RESPECT TO FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 1
PART I 2
ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISORS 2
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIME TABLE 2
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION 2
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY 11
ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS 27
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS 28
ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES 41
ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 50
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION 54
ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING 58
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 59
ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT
MARKET RISK 74
ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES 75
PART II 76
ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES 76
ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS
AND USE OF PROCEEDS 76
ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 76
ITEM 15T. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 76
ITEM 16. [RESERVED] 77
ITEM 16A. - AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT 77
ITEM 16B. - CODE OF ETHICS 77
ITEM 16C. - PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES 77
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
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ITEM 16D. - EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT
COMMITTEES 78
ITEM 16E. - PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE COMPANY AND
AFFILIATED PURCHASERS 78
PART III 79
ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 79
ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 79
ITEM 19. EXHIBITS 80
 |
PRESENTATION OF INFORMATION
In this Annual Report, references to the "Company", "we" and "us" refer to G.
Willi-Food International Ltd. and its consolidated subsidiaries.
The Company presents its consolidated financial statements in New Israeli
Shekels, the currency of the State of Israel. Unless otherwise specified or the
context otherwise requires, references to "$", "US$", "Dollars", "USD" and "U.S.
Dollars" are to the United States Dollars and references to "NIS" are to New
Israeli Shekels.
Solely for the convenience of the reader, this Annual Report contains
translations of certain NIS amounts into U.S. Dollars at specified rates. These
translations should not be construed as representations that the translated
amounts actually represent such dollar or NIS amounts, as the case may be, or
could be converted into U.S. Dollars or NIS as the case may be, at the rates
indicated or at any other rate. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, the
translations of NIS into U.S. Dollars have been made at the rate of NIS 3.846 =
$ 1.00, the representative exchange rate on December 31, 2007.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT WITH RESPECT TO FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain of the statements contained in this Annual Report that are not
historical facts, including, without limitation, certain statements made in the
sections hereof entitled "Information on the Company," "Dividends," "Operating
and Financial Review and Prospects," and "Quantitative and Qualitative
Disclosures about Market Risk" are statements of future expectations and other
forward-looking statements that are based on management's current views and
assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could
cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those
expressed or implied in such statements. Actual results, performance or events
may differ materially from those in such statements due to, without limitation:
o changes affecting currency exchange rates, including the NIS/U.S. Dollar
exchange rate,
o payment default by any of our major clients,
o the loss of one of more of our key personnel,
o changes in laws and regulations, including those relating to the food
distribution industry, and inability to meet and maintain regulatory
qualifications and approvals for our products,
o termination of arrangements with our suppliers, in particular Arla Foods
amba,
o loss of one or more of our principal clients,
o increasing levels of competition in Israel and other markets in which we do
business,
o changes in political, economic and military conditions in Israel,
including, in particular, economic conditions in the Company's core
markets,
o Increases in milk, corn, wheat, rice and other product prices,
o our inability to accurately predict consumption of our products,
o product liability claims,
o our inability to continue to meet the NASDAQ listing requirements ,and
o we may not successfully integrate our prior acquisitions.
The Company is under no obligation to publicly update or revise any
forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or for any
other reason. See Item 3: "Key Information-Risk Factors" and Item 5: "Operating
and Financial Review and Prospects - Results of Operations".
Page 1
PART I
ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISORS
Not applicable.
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIME TABLE
Not applicable.
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION
A. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following selected consolidated financial data should be read together
with Item 5: "Operating and Financial Review and Prospects" and our audited
consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this
annual report. The selected consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31,
2007 and 2006 and the selected consolidated statements of operations data for
each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included
elsewhere in this Form 20-F, which have been prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles in Israel ("Israeli GAAP"). Israeli
GAAP, as applicable to the financial statements are, different in certain
insignificant aspects from generally accepted accounting principles in the
United States ("U.S. GAAP"). Reference is made to Notes 2 and 14 of the Notes of
the Company's consolidated financial statements for a description of the
significant differences between Israeli GAAP and U.S. GAAP.
The selected consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2007 and
2006 and the selected consolidated statements of operations data for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 have been
audited by Brightman Almagor & Co., an independent registered public
accounting firm, and a Member Firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu. Their report
appears in Item 18 in this Form 20-F. The selected consolidated balance sheet
data as of December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 and the selected consolidated
statements of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003
have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements which are
not included in this Form 20-F. Historical financial results may not be
indicative of our future performance and interim results may not be reflective
of the results for the fiscal year.
The Company maintains its accounts and presents its financial statements in
New Israeli Shekels, by reported amounts which, until December 31, 2003, were
adjusted to the Israeli Consumer Price Index ("CPI") and, based on accounting
standard No. 12 ("Cessation of Financial Statement Adjustment") which went into
effect on January 1, 2004, the Company ceased to adjust its financial statements
based on the changes in the general purchasing power of the Israeli currency
commencing January 1, 2004. As such, starting in 2004 the Company's financial
statements are prepared in "reported amounts". The data included in the
financial statements relating to dates and periods up to, and including,
December 31, 2003, are stated in adjusted amounts.
The reported and/or adjusted amounts of non-monetary items reflect their
cost in terms of reported amounts or the cost adjusted to the changes in the CPI
up to December 2003 and do not necessarily reflect their market value or value
to the business. The method for determining reported amounts in the 2007 annual
financial statements and in the 2006 annual financial statements for the balance
sheet and the statement of operations is included in the consolidated financial
statements (see Note 2 of the Notes of the Company's consolidated financial
statements).
Page 2
RECENT EXCHANGE RATES OF NIS TO ONE U.S. DOLLAR
The table shows the high and low exchange rate of NIS per one U.S. Dollars for
the last six months:
HIGH LOW
-------- --------
January 2008 3.861 3.625
February 2008 3.655 3.578
March 2008 3.656 3.377
April 2008 3.640 3.425
May 2008 3.461 3.233
June 2008 (through June 25, 2008) 3.426 3.260
The representative exchange rate for NIS on December 31, 2007 was NIS 3.846
= $1.00, and the representative exchange rate for NIS on June 25, 2008 was NIS
3.388= $1.00.
The average exchange rate of NIS 4.108 = USD 1.00 was for the year ended
December 31, 2007, NIS 4.457 for the year ended December 31, 2006, 4.489 for the
year ended December 31, 2005, 4.482 for the year ended December 31, 2004 and
4.548 for the year ended December 31, 2003.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
(NIS)
2007 2006 2005 2004 2003
---------------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- --------------------
NIS USD NIS USD NIS USD NIS USD NIS USD
---------- ---------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Sales 249,693 64,923 191,460 49,782 166,282 43,235 170,982 44,457 137,385 35,722
Cost of Sales 198,827 51,697 143,581 37,333 128,215 33,337 130,292 33,877 110,160 28,643
Gross Profit 50,866 13,226 47,879 12,449 38,067 9,898 40,690 10,580 27,225 7,079
Sales and Marketing 24,404 6,345 21,100 5,486 15,771 4,101 15,632 4,064 11,662 3,032
General and Administrative 18,963 4,931 14,151 3,680 13,544 3,521 9,134 2,375 8,335 2,167
Impairment of goodwill 3,054 794 - - - - - - - -
Total Operating Expenses 46,421 12,070 35,251 9,166 29,315 7,622 24,766 6,439 19,997 5,199
Operating Income 4,445 1,156 12,628 3,283 8,752 2,276 15,924 4,141 7,228 1,880
Financial Income
(Expenses), Net 1,856 482 4,925 1,281 2,501 650 1,121 291 4,336 1,127
Other Income, Net 470 122 18,248 4,745 35 9 34 8 101 26
Pre Tax Income 6,771 1,760 35,801 9,309 11,288 2,935 17,079 4,440 11,665 3,033
Income Taxes 2,517 654 5,379 1,399 3,567 927 5,886 1,530 2,889 751
Income after taxes on
income 4,254 1,106 30,422 7,910 7,721 2,008 11,193 2,910 8,776 2,282
Minority interest 2,287 595 1,807 470 - - - - - -
Net Income 1,967 511 28,615 7,440 7,721 2,008 11,193 2,910 8,776 2,282
Earnings per Share Basic 0.19 0.05 3.17 0.82 0.90 0.23 1.30 0.34 1.03 0.27
Shares Used in Computing
Earnings per Share 10,267,893 10,267,893 9,028,223 9,028,223 8,615,000 8,615,000 8,600,000 8,600,000 8,555,000 8,555,000
Dividend declared per share - - - - 0.55 0.14 - - - -
Page 3
BALANCE SHEET DATA
(IN THOUSANDS)
(NIS)
2007 2006 2005 2004 2003
---------------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- --------------------
NIS USD NIS USD NIS USD NIS USD NIS USD
---------- ---------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Working capital 143,189 37,231 144,323 37,525 85,419 22,210 95,986 24,957 83,861 21,805
Total assets 239,616 62,302 219,971 57,195 137,274 35,693 129,861 33,765 109,619 28,502
Short-term bank debt 5,978 1,554 - - - - 2,489 647 45 12
Shareholders' equity 173,292 45,057 171,739 44,654 101,867 26,486 98,900 25,715 87,150 22,660
B. CAPITALIZATION AND INDEBTEDNESS
Not applicable.
C. REASONS FOR THE OFFER AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Not applicable.
D. RISK FACTORS
OUR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS MAY BE IMPACTED BY MONETARY RISK. OUR PORTFOLIO OF
MARKETABLE SECURITIES IS SUBJECT TO VARIOUS MARKET RISKS.
We are exposed to fluctuations in the rate of the United States Dollar and
Euro versus the NIS. Most of our income is in NIS, whereas most of our purchases
are in United States Dollars and in Euros. In addition, a significant portion of
our short term bank borrowings, when needed, are in United States Dollars and/or
in Euros. A significant depreciation in the NIS vis-a-vis the United States
Dollar and/or Euro could have a material adverse effect on our results of
operations and financial condition.
We strive to minimize market risks arising from exchange rate fluctuations
and the cost of imported goods, especially by opening wide documentary credits
for suppliers abroad, holding foreign currency reserves and initiating forward
transactions and foreign currency options.
As a method of investing cash reserves, we hold from time to time a
portfolio of marketable securities traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange as well
as other stock exchanges and certain bonds traded abroad. This portfolio of
marketable securities is subject to various market risks resulting from
fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currency, exchange rates, price
fluctuations and other market risks in Israel and abroad. We do not utilize
derivative securities for trading purposes, enter into swap arrangements or
otherwise hedge our currency in a manner that we believe could expose us to
significant market risk.
Page 4
Our financial instruments consist mainly of cash and cash equivalents,
current accounts receivable, short-term borrowings, accounts payable and
accruals. In view of their nature, the fair value of the financial instruments,
included in working capital, is usually identical or close to their book value.
OUR BUSINESS MAY BE MATERIALLY AFFECTED IF ANY OF OUR MAJOR CLIENTS DEFAULTS ON
ITS PAYMENT TO US.
Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of
credit risk consist principally of trade receivables. Despite our large number
of clients (over 1,100 in Israel and about 900 abroad), a major and significant
part of our sales is made to a limited number of customers (mainly the organized
market). Our two largest customers accounted for 21% of our sales in 2007. We
generally do not require and do not receive collateral from those customers,
although we do require and receive collateral from most of the remainder of our
clients in Israel to ensure security of collecting payments. We maintain an
allowance for doubtful debts based upon factors surrounding the credit risk of
specific customers, historical trends and other information which our management
believes adequately covers all anticipated losses in respect of trade
receivables. There can be no assurance that this allowance will be adequate. In
the event that any of our major clients defaults on its payment obligations to
us, such as Club Market in 2005, we will not possess sufficient security to
collect the entire debt.
WE ARE DEPENDENT ON OUR KEY PERSONNEL. THE LOSS OF ANY OF OUR KEY PERSONNEL
COULD HAVE A MATERIAL EFFECT ON OUR BUSINESS.
We depend on a small number of technical staff, managers and directors,
including managing services provided to us by Zwi Williger and Joseph Williger,
through management companies that they control, each of whom holds senior
management positions with us. The loss of one or more of them could have a
material adverse effect on our business and operations.
WE ARE SUBJECT TO REGULATIONS AND OTHER POLICIES OF THE ISRAELI GOVERNMENT AND
OF OTHER COUNTRIES INTO WHICH WE IMPORT AND EXPORT. IF WE ARE UNABLE TO OBTAIN
AND MAINTAIN REGULATORY QUALIFICATIONS OR APPROVALS FOR OUR PRODUCTS, OUR
BUSINESS MAY BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED.
REGULATORY, LICENSING AND QUOTAS: The import, export, storage, marketing,
distribution and labeling of food products are subject to extensive regulation
and licensing by various Israeli government and municipal agencies, principally
the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Ministry of
Agriculture and the Ministry of Finance. To the extent that we have imported and
exported, or will import and export, food products outside of Israel, we may be
subject to quotas and other import and export laws and regulations which may
limit our ability to sell certain of our food products into these countries. We
are required to maintain our distribution processes in conformity with all
applicable laws and regulations. In the event that such laws and regulations
change, or we fail to comply with such laws and regulations, we may be prevented
from trading within Israel or another part of the world.
TARIFFS: The Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Trade and Industry of
the State of Israel may increase the levels of tariffs on importing goods. This
would have a direct impact on us and our financial performance by increasing our
costs which we may not be able to pass on to our customers.
KOSHER LICENSES: Under kosher regulations, we are required to ascertain
that the foodstuffs which we offer for sale bear kosher certification approved
by certain authorities such as the Chief Rabbinate of Israel. There is a risk
that the relevant authorities in Israel or other areas of the world responsible
for issuing kosher licenses may change the criteria for obtaining such licenses.
In such circumstances, we may be prohibited from obtaining kosher licenses for
various products that we sell into the various kosher markets. Failure to comply
with such applicable laws and regulations in relation to kosher licenses could
subject us to civil sanctions, including fines, injunctions, recalls or
seizures, as well as potential criminal sanctions, any of which could have a
material adverse effect on us and our financial performance.
Page 5
WE ARE DEPENDENT ON ARLA FOODS AMBA, OR ARLA, AND WE ALSO WORK WITH A LIMITED
NUMBER OF OTHER KEY SUPPLIERS. IF THESE SUPPLIERS RAISE PRICES OR TERMINATE
THEIR ENGAGEMENT WITH US, OUR OPERATING RESULTS COULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED.
We are dependent on Arla, which supplies a high percentage of our dairy
and dairy substitute products, although we are not dependent on any single
supplier in respect of a majority of our products. Terminating the engagement
with any supplier, in particular Arla, or a material change in the engagement
terms for purchasing products from those suppliers may have an adverse affect on
our results of operations. We have a distribution agreement with Arla pursuant
to which we serve as Arla's sole agent and distributor in Israel of certain
products for a five-year period beginning in March 2005. In July, 2007, the
agreement was amended and the exclusivity period was extended to ten years from
March, 2005. See "Item 4. Information on the Company - B. Business Overview -
Suppliers". If these suppliers raise their prices, our operating results may be
adversely affected. See "Increases in milk, corn, rice and other product prices
have, and may continue to have, a material adverse effect on our profitability."
We believe that there are alternative suppliers for purchasing our products;
however, we cannot assure that the products of the alternative suppliers will
become immediately available and that the terms of purchase will be similar to
the current ones.
WE DEPEND ON A SMALL NUMBER OF PRINCIPAL CLIENTS WHO HAVE IN THE PAST BOUGHT OUR
PRODUCTS IN LARGE VOLUMES. WE CANNOT ASSURE THAT THESE CLIENTS OR ANY OTHER
CLIENT WILL CONTINUE TO BUY OUR PRODUCTS IN THE SAME VOLUMES, ON THE SAME TERMS
OR AT ALL.
Despite our wide dispersion of clients, we have two major clients, both
supermarket chains, who accounted for approximately 16% and 5% respectively of
our revenue during 2007. We do not have long term purchase contracts with our
clients, and our sales arrangements with our clients do not have minimum
purchase requirements. We cannot assure that our major clients will continue to
buy our products at all or in the same volumes or on the same terms as they have
in the past. Their failure to do so may significantly reduce our sales. Losing
one or more of them may adversely affect our business results. In addition, we
cannot assure that we will be able to attract new customers.
WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY COMPETE WITH LARGER COMPETITORS WHO HAVE
GREATER OPERATIONS, FINANCIAL, MARKETING, HUMAN AND OTHER RESOURCES THAN WE
HAVE.
The food distribution business in Israel is highly competitive. We face
competition from existing competitors in respect of imported as well as locally
manufactured food products. Local producers are not subject to the financial
risks of importing food products or to governmental policies regarding taxation
of imported food products to which we are subject. We believe that we may also
face competition from potential newcomers to the food business as well as from
existing importers and/or manufacturers not currently involved in the same lines
of products as us. In addition, in the event we further expand our activity in
the international food markets, we will face also competition from manufacturers
and/or distributors from the locations in which we expand our activity. Certain
of our current and potential competitors are substantially more established,
benefit from substantially greater market recognition and have greater
financial, marketing, human and other resources than us. If any of our
competitors materially reduces prices, we may be required to reduce our prices
in order to remain competitive. Such reductions, if effected, could have a
material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
ECONOMIC CONDITIONS IN ISRAEL AFFECT OUR FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE.
A major part of our sales are made in Israel, and consequently our
financial performance is dependent to a significant extent on the economy of
Israel. A deterioration of the economic situation in Israel may erode the real
wages and lower the buying power of our potential customers. This in turn may
adversely affect our activities and business results.
Page 6
WE MAY BE AFFECTED BY POLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND MILITARY CONDITIONS IN ISRAEL AND
THE MIDDLE EAST.
Political, economic and military conditions in Israel have a direct
influence on us because our operations are located there. Any major hostilities
involving Israel or the interruption or curtailment of trade between Israel and
its present trading partners could materially and adversely affect our
operations. Several Arab countries still restrict business with Israeli
companies and these restrictions may have an adverse impact on our operating
results, financial condition or the expansion of our business. We could be
adversely affected by restrictive laws or policies directed towards Israel and
Israeli businesses. The establishment in 2006 of a government in the Palestinian
Authority by representatives of the Hamas militant group has created additional
unrest and uncertainty in the area. During the summer of 2006, Israel was
engaged in an armed conflict with Hezbollah, a Lebanese Islamic Shiite militia
group, which disrupted most daily civilian activity in northern Israel. These
events have at times caused considerable damage to the Israeli economy. As a
result of the political and military situation, Israel's economy has at times
suffered considerably. Ongoing or revived hostilities related to Israel may have
a material adverse effect on our business and on our share price.
Generally, all male adult citizens and permanent residents of Israel under
the age of 45 are, unless exempt, obligated to perform up to 36 days of military
reserve duty annually. Additionally, all Israeli residents of this age are
subject to being called to active duty at any time under emergency
circumstances. Many of our officers and employees are currently obligated to
perform annual reserve duty. Although we have operated effectively under these
requirements since we began operations, management cannot assess the full impact
of these requirements on our workforce or business if political and military
conditions should change, and management cannot predict the effect on us of any
expansion or reduction of these obligations.
INCREASES IN MILK, WHEAT, CORN AND RICE AND OTHER PRODUCT PRICES HAVE, AND MAY
CONTINUE TO HAVE, A MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ON OUR PROFITABILITY
In 2007, a number of our suppliers increased their product prices to us due
to increases in milk, wheat, corn and rice prices. This reduced our
profitability during 2007. The cost for milk, wheat, corn and rice and other
products is subject to cyclical and other market factors and may fluctuate
significantly. As a result, our cost in securing these products is subject to
substantial increases and decreases over which we have no control. We cannot
assure that we will be able to pass on to customers the increased costs
associated with the procurement of these products. Moreover, there has in the
past been, and there may in the future be, a time lag between the incurrence of
such increased costs and the transfer of such increases to customers. To the
extent that increases in the prices of our products cannot be passed on to
customers or there is a delay in passing on the increased costs to customers, we
are likely to experience an increase in our costs which may materially reduce
our margin of profitability.
OUR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS MAY BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED IF WE DO NOT ACCURATELY
PREDICT THE RATE OF CONSUMPTION OF OUR PRODUCTS.
We hold inventory of basic foodstuffs (such as preserved food, oils and
rice) and other food products, and we accumulate inventories of these products
based on our prediction of the consumption of these products. If actual
consumption does not meet the prediction, and the shelf life of such products
expire or we cannot otherwise sell such products, this may materially and
adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. On the other
hand, to the extent we do not have adequate inventory of these critical products
(due, for example, to an emergency situation), we will not be able to meet the
needs of our customers and our revenues may be adversely affected.
Page 7
WE MAY BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY ANY INTERRUPTION TO OUR STORAGE FACILITY.
We store most of our products in a single location, save for products being
distributed to customers. Any interruption to this storage facility whether by
power failure, flooding or other event would have a material impact on our
ability to trade in the ordinary course.
OUR INSURANCE COVERAGE MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT TO COVER OUR LOSSES IN THE EVENT
OUR PRODUCTS ARE SUBJECT TO PRODUCT LIABILITY CLAIMS OR OUR PRODUCTS ARE SUBJECT
TO RECALL. IN SUCH EVENT, IT WOULD HAVE A MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ON US.
Our products may become the subject of product liability claims, and there
can be no assurance that our property insurance coverage limits will be adequate
or that all such claims will be covered by insurance. A product recall or a
product liability claim, even one without merit or for which we have substantial
coverage, could result in significant expenses, including legal defense costs,
thereby increasing our expenses, lowering our earnings and, depending on
revenues, potentially resulting in additional losses. A successful product
liability claim or other judgment against us in excess of our insurance coverage
could have a material adverse effect on us and our reputation.
OUR OPERATING RESULTS MAY BE SUBJECT TO VARIATIONS FROM QUARTER TO QUARTER.
Our operating results may be subject to variations from quarter to quarter
depending on, among other things, the timing of sales campaigns and special
events initiated by both us and our customers, the major Jewish holidays (such
as the Jewish New Year and Passover), our ability to manage future inventory
levels in line with business opportunities and anticipated customers' demand,
competitive developments in the market, changes in the rates of inflation in
Israel and fluctuations in NIS/Dollar exchange rates. There can be no assurance
that our sales or net income (if any) in any particular quarter will not be
lower than the preceding and/or comparable quarter or that its sales or net
income (if any) in a particular quarter will be indicative of our results of
operations for the entire year. The trading prices of our ordinary shares may
fluctuate significantly in response to variations in our operating results.
IF WE ARE UNABLE TO PROTECT OUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS, OUR COMPETITIVE
POSITION COULD BE COMPROMISED.
We market certain products under the trademarks "Willi-Food", "Pizza Top",
"Gold Food", "Donna Rozza", "Manchow", "Bloose", "Krisponim", "Bubles" and "Gold
Frost". Although we have registered trademarks for these brands, we cannot
assure that the degree of protection these and other trademarks offer will be
sufficient to protect our rights in these marks.
INITIATION AND ENFORCEMENT OF LEGAL ACTION IN ISRAEL.
We are organized under the laws of the State of Israel. Most of our
executive officers and Directors and some of the experts named in this annual
report are nonresidents of the United States, and a substantial portion of the
Company's assets and the assets of these persons are located outside the United
States. Therefore, it may be difficult to enforce a judgment obtained in the
United States against us or any of those persons. It may also be difficult to
enforce civil liabilities under United States federal securities laws in actions
initiated in Israel.
IF OUR ORDINARY SHARES ARE DE-LISTED FROM NASDAQ, THE LIQUIDITY AND PRICE OF OUR
ORDINARY SHARES AND OUR ABILITY TO ISSUE ADDITIONAL SECURITIES MAY BE
SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED.
We may in the future fail to comply with the NASDAQ Capital Market
regulations and listing requirements as to minimum net income, minimum number of
shareholders and public float and other requirements, and as a result NASDAQ may
initiate procedures to de-list our ordinary shares from the NASDAQ Capital
Market. Any such de-listing may severely complicate trading of our shares by our
shareholders, or prevent them from re-selling their shares at/or above the price
they paid. Furthermore, our relatively low trading volumes may make it difficult
for shareholders to trade shares or initiate any other transactions. De-listing
may also make it more difficult for us to issue additional securities or secure
additional financing.
Page 8
In July 2003 and in November 2004, we received letters from the NASDAQ
Stock Market informing us that we had failed to meet a continued listing
requirement, that we have 500,000 publicly held shares, and that our ordinary
shares were therefore subject to de-listing from the NASDAQ Capital Market,
unless a proper plan for complying with the requirement was presented. Following
the receipt of the November 2004 letter, Willi Food Investments Ltd. and Mr.
Joseph Williger sold 75,000 of our shares to the public and at the same time we
distributed a one to one stock dividend to our shareholders. As a result of
these actions, we then complied with the abovementioned listing requirements and
the threat of de-listing was removed.
ONE SHAREHOLDER OWNS A LARGE PERCENTAGE OF OUR SHARES.
As of the date of this Annual Report, Willi-Food Investments Ltd., which we
refer to as WILLI-FOOD owned approximately 66.17% of our ordinary shares As a
result, Willi-Food and its controlling shareholder, Mr. Arieh Bar Lev (Arcadi
Gaydamak), have the ability to control our activities, management and policies,
including matters requiring shareholder approval, such as the election of
directors
Our Articles of Association do not provide for cumulative voting rights
with respect to the election of directors and every resolution of the company in
the general meeting of shareholders is deemed duly passed if passed by a simple
majority of the shareholders present and voting unless another majority is
required by the Israeli Companies Law, or Companies Law, or by our Articles of
Association.
WE ARE CONTROLLED BY AND HAVE BUSINESS RELATIONS WITH WILLI-FOOD AND ITS
MANAGEMENT.
Willi-Food, our controlling shareholder, is a holding company whose main
asset is the ordinary shares it owns in our company. Willi-Food currently does
not directly conduct any material business.
Willi-Food, Mr. Zwi Williger, an 10.33% shareholder of Willi-Food, the
Chairman of our Board of Directors and our Chief Operating Officer and a
director and Chief Executive Officer in Willi-Food, and Mr. Joseph Williger, a
director and our Chief Executive Officer and the chairman of the Board of
Willi-Food, have been and continue in certain cases to be party to certain
agreements and arrangements relating to our operations. Such transactions
include service and employment arrangements between each of Messrs. Joseph and
Zwi Williger together with us, and a service agreement we have with Willi-Food.
All such transactions include consideration.
In addition, certain of our key personnel also serve in management
positions in Willi-Food. By serving in dual capacities, these persons may
experience conflicts of interest involving the two companies. Israeli law
imposes procedures, including, for certain material transactions, a requirement
of shareholder approval, as a precondition to entering into interested party
transactions. These procedures may apply to transactions between Willi-Food and
us. However, we cannot assure that we will be able to avoid the possible
detrimental effects of any such conflicts of interest by complying with the
procedures mandated by Israeli law.
OUR INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS MAY BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS.
We purchase food products from over 110 suppliers located around the world.
Therefore, we are subject to certain risks that are inherent in an international
business. These include:
Page 9
o varying regulatory restrictions on sales of our products to certain
markets and unexpected changes in regulatory requirements;
o tariffs, customs, duties, quotas and other trade barriers;
o difficulties in managing foreign operations and foreign distribution
partners;
o longer payment cycles and problems in collecting accounts receivable;
o fluctuations in currency exchange rates;
o political risks;
o foreign exchange controls which may restrict or prohibit repatriation
of funds;
o export and import restrictions or prohibitions, and delays from
customs brokers or government agencies;
o seasonal reductions in business activity in certain parts of the
world; and
o potentially adverse tax consequences.
Depending on the countries involved, any or all of the foregoing factors
could materially harm our business, financial condition and results of
operations.
THE PRICE OF OUR ORDINARY SHARES MAY BE VOLATILE.
The market price of our ordinary shares has fluctuated significantly and
may be affected by our operating results, changes in our business, changes in
the products we market and distribute, and general market and economic
conditions which are beyond our control. In addition, the stock markets in
general have, from time to time, experienced significant price and volume
fluctuations that are unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance
of individual companies. These fluctuations have affected stock prices of many
companies without regard to their specific operating performance. The price of
our ordinary shares may fluctuate significantly in the future.
WE MAY NOT SUCCESSFULLY INTEGRATE OUR RECENT ACQUISITIONS.
In light of our recent acquisitions of WF Kosher Food Distributors LTD.,
Baron, Shamir Salads (2006) Ltd. and Kirkeby, our success will depend in part on
our ability to manage the combined operations of these companies, to integrate
the operations and personnel of these companies together with our other
subsidiaries into a single organizational structure, and to replace those
subsidiary managers who have left or may in the future leave our employ. There
can be no assurance that we will be able to effectively integrate the operations
of our subsidiaries and our acquired businesses into a single organizational
structure. Integration of these operations could also place additional pressures
on our management as well as on our key personnel. The failure to successfully
manage this integration could have an adverse material effect on us.
Page 10
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
A. HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMPANY
G. Willi-Food International Ltd. was incorporated in Israel in January 1994
under the name G. Willi-Food Ltd. and commenced operations in February 1994. It
changed its name to G. Willi-Food International Ltd. in June 1996.
In May 1997, the Company completed an initial offering to the public in the
United States (hereinafter the "Initial Public Offering") of 1,397,500 units,
each unit consisting of one ordinary share and one redeemable ordinary share
purchase warrant.
In May 2001, the Company acquired all the shares of Gold Frost Ltd., which
we refer to herein as Gold Frost, for NIS 336 thousand (USD 87 thousand). Gold
Frost, which was registered in 1977 in Israel, is engaged in designing,
developing and distributing frozen and chilled food products.
In December 2004, the Company declared a stock dividend of 1 ordinary share
for each outstanding ordinary share (an aggregate of 4,307,500 ordinary shares).
All shares and per share amounts set forth in this Annual Report have been
retroactively restated to reflect the aforementioned share dividend for all
periods presented.
On November 21, 2005, the Company declared its first cash dividend of NIS
0.55 (USD 0.14) per share, or an aggregate of NIS 4.75 million (USD 1.24
million), which was paid to shareholders on January 25, 2006.
On March 9, 2006, the Company's subsidiary, Gold Frost, completed an
initial issuance to the public on the London AIM market which yielded gross
proceeds of NIS 36.5 million (USD 9.5 million). Following this issuance, as of
May 30, 2006, the Company held approximately 75.7% of Gold Frost's share
capital. See "Item 10. Additional Information - 10C. Material Contracts". During
November 2007- January 2008 the Company purchased on the AIM market
approximately 14.3% of Gold Frost's share capital up to holdings of 90% of Gold
Frost's share capital.
On October 5, 2006 the Company closed $10.0 million private placement of
shares of its ordinary shares and warrants to institutional investors. The
Company issued a total of 1,652,893 ordinary shares at a purchase price of $6.05
per share, and the Company also issued warrants to purchase 561,982 additional
shares at an exercise price of $8.00 per share. After deducting closing costs
and fees, the Company received net proceeds of approximately $9.6 million. See
"Item 10. Additional Information - 10C. Material Contracts".
On January 19, 2007, the Company established a fully-owned subsidiary in
the US, WF Kosher Food Distributors LTD. ("WF") in order to acquire the
operations and assets of Laish Israeli Food Products Ltd. ("Laish"), a U.S.
importer and distributor of kosher food products for approximately $3.5 million
in cash. The sources for the purchase price were a bank loan in the amount of
$1.5 million taken by WF and cash on hand from the Company. WF currently
distributes kosher products such as canned foods and candies to groceries,
independent supermarkets and supermarket chains in the Tri-State area (New York,
New Jersey and Connecticut). See "Item 10. Additional Information - 10C.
Material Contracts".
Page 11
On February, 2007, the Company formed a joint global kosher trade and
export company ("Baron") with the Baron family (an unrelated third party),
kosher food exporters located in Israel. The Company holds a 50.1% interest in
Baron, and the Baron family holds the remaining interest. Under the terms of the
agreement, in consideration for the 50.1% interest in Baron, the Company was to
pay up to $2 million in owner's loans, as needed. Of this amount, an amount
equal to two times net profit before tax during the first four full consecutive
quarters (after closing) will be converted into equity, up to a maximum amount
of $1 million. The loan will be repaid prior to any dividend distribution. As of
December 31, 2007, the Company paid Baron the amount of $1 million. Under the
terms of the agreement, all of the current food export operations of the Baron
family are to be executed under the new entity, and Baron will be engaged in the
food export activities performed until now by the Baron Family, which involved
the export of kosher products from more than 100 suppliers, predominantly from
Israel, to the U.S., Canada, England, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Australia,
South Africa, Mexico, Argentina and Chile. Product categories currently exported
include candies, preserves, cakes and cookies, snacks, cereals, frozen pastries
and ice creams, baby food and general grocery items. See "Item 10. Additional
Information - 10C. Material Contracts".
In April 2007, the Company completed construction of a new logistics center
situated in Yavne, Israel. Storage and distribution operations were transitioned
to the new facility at that time. The new logistics center replaced the
Company's previous logistics center, located nearby, as well as the Company's
use of numerous external warehouse facilities. The new logistics center was
established in an effort to reduce the Company's operating costs, increase its
logistical efficiency and to optimize its overall operational activity. For more
information, see "Item 4D. Property, Plants and Equipment."
In January 2008, Willi Food purchased 51% of the interests of Shamir Salads
(2006) Ltd. ("Shamir"), an Israeli manufacturer and distributor of pre-packaged
chilled kosher Mediterranean dips and spreads in Israel and abroad. See "Item
10. Additional Information - 10C. Material Contracts".
In February 2008, the Company's subsidiary Gold Frost purchased a majority
interest from the owners of a dairy distributor in Denmark Kirkeby International
Foods A/S ("Kirkeby"). Gold Frost currently holds a 51% interest in Kirkeby, and
the former owners of Kirkeby hold the remaining interest. Kirkeby has a U.S.
dairy import license, and the Company recently executed its first purchase order
to the US in the first quarter of fiscal 2008. See "Item 10. Additional
Information - 10C. Material Contracts".
On May 20, 2008, a Special General Meeting of Gold Frost approved the
cancellation of its ordinary share listing to the AIM Market of the London Stock
Exchange. The cancellation of Gold Frost's AIM admission took place on May 27,
2008. The Company has expressed interest in possibly buying the remainder of
Gold Frost shares (10%) that it does not already own.
The Company's principal executive offices are situated at 4 Nahal Harif
St., Northern Industrial Zone, Yavne, 81106 Israel. The Company's telephone
number is 972-8-9321000, its fax number is 972-8-9321001, its e-mail address for
communications is willi@willi-food.co.il and its Web site is
www.willi-food.co.il.
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
Our capital expenditures were $2.9 million, $6.0 million and $3.9 million
for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The 2007
expenditures were primarily made in Israel for our new logistic center. See
"Item 4D. Property, Plants and Equipment" for a description of the logistic
center.
There are no currently material capital expenditure or divestures in
progress.
Page 12
B. BUSINESS OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
The Company is an Israeli-based company engaged, directly and through
subsidiaries, in the design, import, export, marketing and distribution in
Israel and around the world of a wide variety of over 600 food products. The
Company sells products in Israel with widespread demand in the Israeli
marketplace, as well as products which cater to more select groups. The Company
distributes certain of its products on an exclusive basis. Some products are
currently also sold in insubstantial volumes in the areas administered by the
Palestinian Authority. The Company also sells its products outside Israel to a
variety of customers around the world (U.S., Canada, England, Belgium, France,
Switzerland, Australia, South America, Mexico, Argentina and Chile), mainly by
its two new subsidiaries Baron and WF. The Company purchases food products from
over 220 suppliers located in Israel and around the world, including from the
Far East (China, India, the Philippines and Thailand), Eastern Europe (Hungary,
Poland and Bulgaria), South America (Argentina, Ecuador and Costa Rica), the
United States, Western and Northern Europe (The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany,
Sweden, Denmark and France) and Southern Europe (Spain, Portugal, Italy, Turkey,
Greece and Cyprus).
The products imported by the Company are marketed and sold to over 2,000
customers in Israel and around the world, including supermarket chains,
wholesalers and institutional consumers. The Company markets most of the
products under the brand name "Willi-Food" and some of the chilled and frozen
products under the brand name "Gold Frost". Certain products are marketed under
brand names of the manufacturers or under other brand names.
In addition to its acquisition of the operations and assets of Laish,
Baron, Shamir and Kirkeby, as described in "- A. History and Development of the
Company ", the Company continues to re-evaluate its strategic position and
consider other business opportunities, including acquisitions by and mergers of
the Company. As part of this re-evaluation, the Company is also considering
forming strategic alliances with or entering into different lines of business.
The Company's principal shareholder, Willi-Food, as of June 25, 2008, held
approximately 66.17% of the Company's outstanding share capital. The primary
assets of Willi Food are the Company's ordinary shares. See "Item 7. Major
Shareholders and Related Party Transactions". Willi Food's securities are traded
on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange.
BUSINESS STRATEGY
The Company's business strategy is:
o to promote the "Willi-Food" brand name and to increase market
penetration of products that are currently sold by the Company
through, among other things, marketing efforts and advertising
campaigns;
o to expand its current food product lines and diversify into additional
product lines, as well as to respond to market demand; and
o to expand the Company's activity in the international food markets,
mainly in the U.S. and Europe.
Utilizing management's expertise in identifying market demand and
preferences, as well as its sourcing abilities, the Company intends:
o to continue to locate, develop and distribute additional food
products, some of which may be new to Israeli consumers;
o to increase its inventory levels from time to time both to achieve
economies of scale on its purchases from suppliers and to more fully
meet its customers' demands;
Page 13
o to further expand the international food markets, mainly in the U.S.
and Europe, by purchasing additional food distribution companies
and/or increasing cooperation with local existing distributors and/or
exporting products directly to the customer; and
o to penetrate new markets within the Middle East through the
establishment of business relationships and cooperation with
representatives in such markets subject to a positive political
climate.
The Company has developed certain trade relationships locally, as well as
in areas administered by the Palestinian Authority, although current sales
volumes to the Palestinian administered areas are low.
In addition, the Company has:
o promoted the value of the "Willi-Food" brand and introduced additional
food products to the Israeli marketplace under the brand name
"Willi-Food";
o initiated sales in the U.S. and Europe; and
o entered into arrangements with recognized manufacturers to market
their products under their respective brand names, in addition to
brand names under which the Company currently markets its products.
In furtherance of its business strategy, in January 2008, the Company
acquired a 51% interest in Shamir, an Israeli manufacturer and distributor of
pre-packaged chilled kosher Mediterranean dips and spreads in Israel and abroad.
In addition, in February 2008, Gold Frost purchased a 51% interest in Kirkeby,
which has a U.S. dairy import license. See " - A. History and Development of the
Company".
PRODUCTS
The Company imports, exports, markets and distributes two kinds of line
products: preserved products and non-preserved products.
PRESERVED PRODUCTS
The Company imports, exports, markets and distributes a broad variety of
over 200 preserved food products, most of which enjoy a long shelf life (mostly
between two to four years). Sales of preserved products accounted for
approximately 37% of the Company's sales in 2007. These products are sold
principally in tin cans and glass jars in a variety of sizes and are intended
for use by the individual consumer as well as by the institutional consumer food
markets.
The Company aims at broadening the variety of the preserved products it
distributes. Due to commercial considerations, the Company occasionally stops
importing certain preserved products.
The principal products in the preserved product line are as follows:
CANNED VEGETABLES AND PICKLES: including okra, mushrooms (whole and sliced)
and terfess, artichoke (hearts and bottoms), beans, asparagus, capers, corn
kernels, baby corn, palm hearts, bamboo shoots, vine leaves (including vine
leaves stuffed with rice), sour pickles, mixed pickled vegetables, pickled
peppers, an assortment of black and green olives, sun dried tomatoes and edamame
soybeans. These products are primarily imported from China, Spain, Greece,
Thailand, South America, Turkey, France, India, Poland, Morocco and The
Netherlands.
Page 14
CANNED FISH: including tuna (in oil or in water), sardines, anchovies,
smoked and pressed cod liver, herring, fish paste and salmon. These products are
primarily imported from the Philippines, Thailand, Portugal, Canada, Spain,
Greece and Sweden.
CANNED FRUIT: including pineapple (sliced or pieces), peaches, apricot,
pears, cherries, mangos, lychees and fruit cocktail. These products are
primarily imported from the Philippines, Thailand, Greece and Europe.
NON-PRESERVED PRODUCTS
The Company imports, exports, markets and distributes a broad variety of
over 400 non-preserved food products, most of which enjoy a relatively long
shelf life (mostly between ten months and two years). Sales of non-preserved
products accounted for approximately 63% of the Company's sales in 2007. These
products are sold in a variety of sizes and types of receptacles, such as glass
jars, plastic and glass bottles and containers and sealed plastic vacuum
packages, and are intended for use by the individual consumer as well as by the
institutional consumer food markets.
The Company aims at broadening the variety of the non-preserved products it
distributes. Due to commercial considerations, the Company occasionally stops
importing certain non-preserved products.
The principal products in the non-preserved product line are as follows:
EDIBLE OILS: including olive oil, sunflower oil, soybean oil, corn oil and
rapeseed oil. These products are primarily imported from Belgium, Argentina,
Turkey, Italy and Spain.
DAIRY AND DAIRY SUBSTITUTE PRODUCTS: including hard and semi-hard cheeses
(parmesan, edam, kashkaval and emmental), molded cheeses (brie, camembert and
danablu) feta, Bulgarian cheese, butter, butter spreads, margarine, melted
cheese, cheese alternatives, condensed milk and others. These products are
primarily imported from Greece, Denmark, Bulgaria, Italy, The Netherlands and
the United States.
DRIED FRUIT, NUTS AND BEANS: including figs, apricots, prunes, papaya,
pineapple, sunflower seeds, walnuts, pine nuts, cashew nuts and peanuts. These
products are primarily imported from Greece, Turkey, India, China, Thailand and
the United States.
OTHER PRODUCTS: including, among others, instant noodle soups, coffee
creamers, Lemon juice, halva, Turkish delight, cookies, vinegar, sweet pastry
and crackers, sauces, corn flour, pastes, rice, rice sticks, pasta, spaghetti
and noodles, breakfast cereals, corn flakes, instant coffee, rusks, coconut
milk, and ouzo. These products are primarily imported from the Netherlands,
Germany, Romania, Italy, Greece, Belgium, the United States, Scandinavia, China,
Thailand, Turkey, India, South America, including Argentina.
Some of the preserved and non-preserved products listed above as sold by
the Company are imported by Gold Frost. The Company imported some of these
products prior to 2001, but this was done on a small-scale basis aimed at
testing the demand for such products and their profitability. After the purchase
of Gold Frost, the import of these products was expanded by Gold Frost.
The products (preserved and non-preserved) that generated the largest sales
volume for the year ended December 31, 2007 were canned vegetables (22% of
sales), dairy and dairy substitute products (19% of sales), canned fish (12% of
sales) and edible oils (10% of sales).
The products (preserved and non-preserved) that generated the largest sales
volume for the year ended December 31, 2006 were canned vegetables (22% of
sales), dairy and dairy substitute products (23% of sales), canned fish (17% of
sales) and edible oils (14% of sales).
Page 15
The products (preserved and non-preserved) that generated the largest sales
volume for the year ended December 31, 2005 were canned vegetables (21% of
sales), dairy and dairy substitute products (20% of sales), canned fish (19% of
sales) and edible oils (11% of sales).
Most of the products that the Company imports and markets are approved as
Kosher by, and/or under the supervision of, various supervisory institutions
including the Chief Rabbinate of Israel, Chug Chatam Sofer, certain Jewish
organizations administering Kashrut procedures and certifications (such as the
Union of the Orthodox Jewish Congregation of America (UO), Badatz Igud Harabanim
Manchester, OK, Circle K and Triangle K) and rabbis of local Jewish
congregations abroad. See "Government Regulation".
The Company's products are packaged by various manufacturers and suppliers
abroad and labeled with Hebrew, English and, in certain cases, Arabic and
Russian labels, in accordance with the Company's instructions and requirements
and in accordance with applicable law. See "Government Regulation".
SUPPLIERS
The Company is not a manufacturer of preserved food products or
non-preserved food products and therefore purchases final products only. The
Company purchases preserved food products from over 50 suppliers worldwide,
including suppliers located in Israel, in the Far East (China, India, the
Philippines and Thailand), in Eastern Europe (Poland), in South America (Ecuador
and Costa Rica), in Canada and Western, Northern and Southern Europe (Sweden,
Greece, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, France and Turkey). The Company
purchases non preserved food products from over 170 suppliers, including
suppliers located in Israel, in the Far East (China, India, the Philippines and
Thailand), in Eastern Europe (Bulgaria and Latvia), in South America
(Argentina), in the United States and in Western, Northern and Southern Europe
(Sweden, Denmark, Greece, The Netherlands, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Belgium,
Germany, France, Turkey and Cyprus).
In addition, the Company actively maintains contact with approximately 150
suppliers worldwide through which it assesses on an on-going basis world market
trends, fluctuations in prices and terms internationally available and other
issues relevant to its business. The Company's management and personnel visit
food trade fairs worldwide on a regular basis and endeavor to create new
business relationships with potential suppliers on an ongoing basis.
The following table represents the percentage of purchases of preserved
products by the Company from suppliers who accounted for more than 10% of the
total purchases in the years 2007, 2006 and 2005:
------------------------- ------------- ------------- -----------
SUPPLIER 2007 2006 2005
------------------------- ------------- ------------- -----------
Supplier A * 12% ---
------------------------- ------------- ------------- -----------
Supplier B * --- 16%
------------------------- ------------- ------------- -----------
* less than 10%
The following table represents the percentage of purchases of non-preserved
products by the Company from suppliers who accounted for more than 10% of the
total purchases in the years 2007, 2006 and 2005:
------------------------- ------------- ------------- -----------
SUPPLIER 2007 2006 2005
------------------------- ------------- ------------- -----------
Arla 13% 20% 15%
------------------------- ------------- ------------- -----------
Page 16
The Company is not dependent on any given supplier for the supply of a majority
of its products. We purchase most of our products from several suppliers. We are
dependent on one source of supply - Arla from Denmark - in respect of a large
part of our dairy and dairy substitute products. A distribution agreement
between the Company and Arla grants the Company exclusive and non-transferable
right to market and distribute cheese and butter products manufactured by Arla
and its affiliated companies in Israel. The exclusivity for the Company is
subject to the purchase by the Company of certain minimum quotas of products.
The agreement was signed in March 2005 for a period of 5 years. In July 2007,
the agreement was extended for a period of 10 years from March 2005 and is
renewable automatically for a further period of five years, unless notice of
termination is provided by either party. Arla has the right to terminate the
agreement on three months notice in certain circumstances, including in the case
of the death or permanent incapacity of Zwi Williger or his ceasing to be
involved in the Company's business or if the Company fails to satisfy its
minimum purchase requirements under the agreement.
Although the Company is not dependent on any one supplier with respect to
most of its products, termination of the Company's business relationships with
certain suppliers and/or a material adverse change in the terms at which the
Company purchases such products from such suppliers could have a material
adverse effect on the Company's financial results. There can be no assurance
that alternative sources for such products, if required, will be readily
available nor can we assure the terms of purchase of such products from such
alternative sources.
The Company does not generally enter into written agency or other
agreements with its suppliers. However, the Company has written agreements with
one foreign supplier of preserved products and eleven foreign suppliers of
non-preserved products that confirm the exclusive appointment of the Company as
the sole agent and/or distributor of such suppliers either with respect to a
specific product or with respect to a line of products, within the State of
Israel. These exclusivity rights have generally been granted for a period of
12-24 months and are automatically extendable unless terminated by either party
upon notice, and in certain cases are conditioned upon the Company's compliance
with certain minimum purchase requirements. The supplier of the preserved
products from which the Company received such letter of confirmation accounted
for less than 1% of the Company's purchases in 2007 and 2006 and approximately
1% of the Company's purchases in 2005. The suppliers of the non-preserved
products from which the Company received such letters of confirmation accounted
for 21% of the Company's purchases in 2007, 30% of the Company's purchases in
2006 and 21% of the Company's purchases in 2005. In a few instances, the Company
did not fulfill its commitment to the minimum purchase requirements, but since
the onset of its activities no supplier has terminated its agreement with the
Company due to the Company's failure to comply with the minimum purchase
requirements. The Company's purchases are not motivated by a desire to meet
minimum purchase requirements, and the considerations in purchasing products
from these suppliers are identical to those for purchasing from other suppliers.
Certain of the preserved products imported by the Company are seasonal
agricultural products, such as artichokes, cherries, mushrooms and peaches. In
order to assure itself a continued supply of these seasonal items, the Company
generally makes arrangements with the producers of such products at the
beginning of the season for the terms of purchase of such items for the upcoming
year.
A substantial portion of the Company's purchases from suppliers is made in
USD (such as purchases from the Far East, the United States, South America and
certain European countries) with the remaining purchases usually made in Euros
and other foreign currencies (e.g., Swedish Kronas). Supply is generally made to
the Company against letters of credit for a period of up to 90 days. See Item 5:
"Operating And Financial Review and Prospects - B. Liquidity and Capital
Resources - Impact of Inflation and Devaluation on Results of Operations,
Liabilities and Assets".
Page 17
The average volume of the Company's credit balance with its suppliers
amounted in 2007 to NIS 31.0 million (USD 8.1 million) consisting of 58 days of
suppliers credit on average, in 2006 to NIS 18.5 million (USD 4.8 million)
consisting of 46 days of suppliers credit on average, and in 2005 to NIS 17.8
million (USD 4.6 million) consisting of 52 days of suppliers credit on average.
CUSTOMERS
The Company's products (preserved and non-preserved) are marketed and sold
to over 2,000 customers throughout Israel (including customers in the areas
administered by the Palestinian Authority) and outside of Israel, mainly by the
Company's two new subsidiaries, Baron and WF.
Customers of the Company typically purchase both preserved and
non-preserved products from the Company. The number of clients who purchase
products from only one of these categories is not material.
The Company's customers generally fall within one of the following two
groups:
o large retail supermarket chains in the organized market, and
o private supermarket chains, mini-markets, wholesalers, manufactures,
institutional customers and the customers in the Palestinian Authority
("private sector").
The first major group includes the largest Israeli supermarket chains in
the organized market in Israel, including: (i) Supersol Ltd. (including the
chains: Supersol Deal, Supersol Big, Supersol Sheli, Supersol, Zol Po, Elef and
Katif and also includes, from 2006, Club Market Marketing Chains Ltd. ); (ii)
Blue Square Israel Ltd. (which also includes the SuperCenter, MegaCenter and
Shefa Shuk); and (iii) Co-Op Jerusalem (Co-Op Jerusalem, Mister Zol and Pashut
Zol). The Company contracts with the supermarket chains in the organized market
through the buyers in the head office of the supermarket chain, and then the
Company receives orders from the logistic center or directly from their stores.
Merchandise is then delivered directly to each branch or to the supermarket's
chain distribution center.
The second major group includes private supermarket chains, mini-markets,
wholesalers, food manufacturers, institutional consumers, such as catering
halls, hotels, hospitals and food service companies and food producers, and
customers in the Palestinian Authority.
The Company's sales, by customer group, for the years ended December 31,
2007, 2006, 2005, 2004 and 2003 are as follows:
PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL SALES
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
CUSTOMER GROUPS 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003
--------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Supermarket Chains in the organized market 24% 35% 41% 41% 42%
Private Supermarket Chains, mini-markets,
wholesalers, manufacturers, institutional
consumers and the customers in the Palestinian 76% 65% 59% 59% 58%
Authority 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
Page 18
For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, sales to each of the
Company's largest customers (all of which are supermarket chains in the
organized market) generated in excess of 10% of the Company's sales, and
together aggregated approximately 16% of the Company's sales during 2007 and 26%
in 2006 and 31% in 2005. The largest customer accounted for 16% of the Company's
sales in 2007, compared with 26% of the Company's sales in 2006, and 19% of the
Company's sales in 2005. The second largest customer accounted for 12% of the
Company's sales in 2005 (in 2007 and 2006 only one customer generated in excess
of 10% of the Company's sales).
The loss of any of these major customers would have a material adverse
effect on the Company's financial condition and results of operations. The
Company is seeking to expand its operations in other areas so as to reduce its
dependence on any single significant customer.
The Company has agreed to pay the large supermarket retail chains in the
organized market incentives calculated as a fixed percentage of the annual sales
to such customer. Other incentives include penetration discounts for sales of
new Company products, limited discounts for opening of new branches that sell
Company products and payments for participation in Company's product
advertisements. The above mentioned incentives vary among customers and are
usually awarded as part of a written annual framework agreement.
These incentives typically range from 5% to 7.5% of the annual sales of the
Company to such customers and are generally paid at the beginning of each year
with respect to the previous year's sales. These arrangements also generally
include specific exclusions, such as direct or joint importing of products that
are not considered for purposes of such incentives. Certain of these commitments
are not evidenced in written agreements. For the years ended December 31, 2007,
2006 and 2005, the Company paid and/or is obligated to pay approximately NIS
3,774 thousand (USD 981 thousand), NIS 3,370 thousand (USD 876 thousand) and NIS
3,080 thousand (USD 801 thousand), respectively, in respect of such incentives.
Our engagement with private sector customers is not subject to any
exclusivity provisions or framework agreement, and they have no specific term.
Prior to any engagement with a potential customer, the Company examines the
financial stability of the potential customer and determines the extent of the
credit and period for which credit would be granted. Most of the customers are
required to deposit securities as collateral (personal and/or bank guarantees as
well as post-dated checks). Some of the customers of this sector (mainly private
supermarket chains and wholesalers) are also awarded incentives based on the
increase in volume of sales to such customers in excess of a certain agreed
amount, or incentives calculated as a fixed percentage of the annual sales to
such customer. The extent of such incentives varies between 0.5%-4% of the
increase in volume of sales to such customers in excess of a certain agreed
amount or of the annual sales turnover of each relevant customer (depending on
the agreement with each customer).
The average aggregate debit balance of the Company's customers with the
Company amounted in 2007 to NIS 67.6 million (USD 17.6 million) and the average
time period within which our accounts receivable were paid was 95 days, in 2006
average aggregate debit balance of the Company's customers with the Company NIS
50.3 million (USD 13.1 million) and the average time period within which our
accounts receivable were paid was 92 days, and in 2005 the average customer
debit balance was NIS 41.6 million (USD 10.8 million) and the average time
period within which our accounts receivable were paid was 93 days.
In the event that a client does not respect its financial commitments, the
Company may elect to foreclose on the collateral or the promissory note given by
customers in the private sector. In 2005-2007, no significant use of this means
was implemented.
The Company strives to minimize its credit risks by constantly reviewing
the credit it extends to customers versus the security it receives. As a result,
the Company has ceased selling products to certain customers and considerably
reduced sales to other customers, and may continue to do so.
Page 19
In July 13, 2005, Club Market Marketing Chains Ltd., one of the three
largest food chains in Israel, owner of 114 stores and a major customer of the
Company, encountered major financial difficulties, announcing that it could not
pay its debts to its creditors. The District Court of Tel Aviv accepted Club
Market's petition for a stay of procedures against it and appointed receivers
for Club Market. On August 28, 2005, the court allowed the sale of Club Market
to Supersol, subject to several conditions. As of September 1, 2005, Club
Market's activities were substantially transferred to Supersol. This merger of
two of the three largest food chains in Israel strengthened Supersol's buying
power with local food suppliers (such as the Company) and the dependency of
local food suppliers on Supersol has grown.
The Company submitted a claim of debt with the receivers with respect to
Club Market's debt to the Company, amounting to NIS 6.5 million (USD 1.7
million), including VAT (NIS 5.5 million net of VAT (USD 1.4 million), as of
July 13, 2005. As of the date of this Annual Report, the Company has received
approximately NIS 2.1 million (USD 0.55 million). In view of this claim and the
ratification of the creditors' arrangement by the court on December 12, 2005,
the Company is expected to receive a proportional share of its claim of debt.
The Club Market receivers established the rate of payment to be approximately
51% of the total debts. The receivers have approved the Company's claim of debt
in the amount of NIS 5.6 million (USD 1.46 million), including the NIS 2.1
million (USD 0.55 million) already received by the Company. There is no
assurance as to the portion of the debt owed by Club Market that will actually
be paid to the Company.
The Company's bad debt expenses for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006
and 2005 amounted to NIS 2,303 thousand (USD 599 thousand) mainly due to
allowance for bad debts in WF, NIS 91 thousand (USD 24 thousand) and NIS 3,826
thousand (USD 995 thousand), which includes Club Market's bad debt,
respectively.
DISTRIBUTION, MARKETING AND SALES
The Company principally distributes and markets its products on its own.
The Company markets its products via internal sales agents, apart from sales of
certain products to clients situated in Beer Sheva and elsewhere in the south of
Israel, where it distributes products through an external distributor, with whom
the Company does not have an exclusivity agreement. The sales of this
distributor are not significant.
The Company generally has no written agreements with its customers, nor are
its arrangements with its customers on an exclusive or binding basis. The
Company generally extends its customers approximately 60-90 days credit
beginning at the end of the month in which the sale took place. The supermarket
chains in the organized market generally effect payment by wire transfers or
cash payments on the due date, while other customers are generally required to
provide post-dated promissory notes at least one month prior to the date of the
expected payment. The Company generally does not require the supermarket chains
in the organized market to provide any kind of security for payments; however,
other customers may be required to provide security, including personal
guarantees.
Sales in Israel and in the U.S. are made by the placement of customers'
orders (except for part of the dairy and dairy substitute products), which are
directed to the Company's regional office and placed by the sales personnel or
directly by the customers. Orders are delivered by the Company's transport
network (including 12 refrigeration trucks, 12 regular trucks and four combined
trucks) and by independent transporters. In certain cases, the Company
transports products directly from port to customers, utilizing the services of
independent transporters. In some instances, the Company transfers the
merchandise to the logistic centers of the supermarket chains, and the
supermarket chains themselves are responsible for the distribution of the
merchandise to their chain stores for a commission charged to the Company.
Page 20
The sale of part of the dairy and dairy substitute products is performed by
"van sale" sales agents using small terminals. The sales agents supply these
products immediately from the stock of products in the refrigeration trucks in
which they travel.
Some of the marketing and distribution to institutional clients in the
private sector (such as hotels, police, prisons, the Ministry of Defense and
"Kibbutz" collective settlements) is done by winning tenders or direct
distribution or by wholesalers.
The Company generally holds an inventory of products which the Company
believes to be sufficient to meet market requirements for a period of up to 70
days. Occasionally, the Company may take advantage of low priced merchandise and
purchase larger amounts than usual of a product with long shelf life. In those
cases, the inventory quantities may be even higher than 70 days. Products
ordered by customers in full container loads are generally forwarded directly to
the customers' facilities without being stored in the Company's facilities. The
Company does not regularly maintain significant backlog of orders from
customers; orders received by customers are generally filled within one week.
The Company's inventory as of December 31, 2007 amounted to NIS 29.2
million (USD 7.6 million) compared with NIS 19.1 million (USD 5.0 million) as of
December 31, 2006 and NIS 30.8 million (USD 8.0 million) as of December 31,
2005.
The Company also participates in various sales campaigns within the
supermarket chains that are intended to stimulate sales volume. Among such
campaigns are food festivals initiated by the supermarket chains and certain
importers, including the Company, in which the import and marketing of products
from a specific country or region are celebrated and promoted. Since 2003, the
Company has participated in various festivals for certain products imported from
Italy, The Netherlands, Turkey and Greece, including the Ethnic Festival and the
Mediterranean Festival. Such festivals typically involve increased display space
as well as enhanced promotional activities, both with respect to the festival
itself and the products. Such activities are sponsored by the supermarkets in
collaboration with the importers participating in the festival. Within the
framework of these festivals, the Company imports a wide variety of products
which include pastries, vegetables, jams, cheese, fish, and dairy products, as
well as certain articles typical to the culture and/or cuisine of each specific
festival.
The Company maintains close contact with its consumer markets in an effort
to be attentive to market needs, market trends, demand for certain products and
their value to the market. The Company also regularly gathers information on new
products manufactured worldwide, including by attending food exhibitions and
maintaining close relations with manufacturers and suppliers worldwide.
The Company is responsible for the products it markets in Israel under the
Israeli Law of Defective Products, 1980, and it has also purchased an insurance
policy for product liability.
SEASONALITY
Each year as the Passover and Rosh Hashana festivals approach, the Company
usually increases its inventories in order to provide a fast response to the
market's demand. Usually there is an increase in the Company's sales prior to
the Rosh Hashanah holiday (celebrated in September-October) and the Pesach
(Passover) holiday (celebrated in March-April). Despite the impact of the
holiday season on the Company's activities, the Company's quarterly sales are
not materially affected as result of these holiday seasons.
COMPETITION
The food distribution business in Israel is highly competitive with respect
to imported, as well as locally manufactured, food products. The Company
believes that it presently faces direct competition from both local
manufacturers, as well as from a number of importers of food products. The food
market in Israel is very price sensitive.
Page 21
For each of the categories of products distributed by the Company, there
exists competition by dozens of local manufacturers as well as from other
importers. The barriers to entry in the food market are low, and new potential
competitors are constantly joining the market. The Company believes that it may
also face competition from potential new-comers to the food business, as well as
from existing importers and/or manufacturers currently not involved in the same
lines of products as the Company.
For example, certain of the products imported by the Company such as canned
fish, corn, edible oils, certain pickles, olives, pasta, cereal, sweet pastry
and crackers and certain dairy products are also produced by local manufacturers
in Israel. Local producers are not subject to the financial risks of importing
food products or to governmental policies regarding taxation of imported food
products to which the Company is subject.
To the Company's knowledge, several of its competitors (Shemen, Tet-Bet and
Solbar with respect to edible oils, Fodor (Starkist and Yona), Posidon and
Williger of the Neto Group, Filtuna and Shastowits with respect to fish
products, Pri HaGalil-Vita, Yachin-Zan laKol, Williger of the Neto Group, Alaska
and Johnson with respect to canned vegetable and canned fruits products, Osem,
Barila, Pri HaGalil-Vita, Williger of the Neto Group and Tomer with respect to
pasta products, Tnuva, Tara, Strauss, Siman, Machlvot Gad and Meshek Zuriel with
respect to dairy and dairy substitute products, for example) are substantially
more established, have greater market recognition and have greater financial,
marketing, human and other resources than those of the Company. If any of the
Company's major competitors materially reduces prices, the Company would
experience significantly more competitive pressure and a decrease in
profitability. The Company cannot predict whether it could successfully compete
with these pressures and, if it were unable to do so, the Company's business
would suffer.
The Company's management does not have precise information regarding the
extent of the import of food products to Israel. However, it believes it is one
of the leading companies in Israel in its line of products.
The Company endeavors to compete by following the availability of products,
their prices, offers for performing transactions and business opportunities
while diversifying sources of supply as well as following the selling prices of
competing products and setting product prices according to changing market
prices.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
The Company markets certain products under the trademark "Willi-Food,"
which was approved for registration in Israel in May 1997 for certain uses
relating to the food industry. In 2001, the trademark's validity was extended
for an additional fourteen years (until 2015). The Company also markets certain
products under the trademark "Gold-Frost," which was registered in Israel in
February 2002.
The Company also markets cheeses and cheese substitute for pizza under the
trademark "Pizza Top" which was registered in Israel in September 2002. On
February 16, 2006, the Company entered into an agreement with Gold Frost under
which the Company assigned to Gold Frost all its rights, title and interest in
and to the trademark "Pizza Top".
The Company also markets certain products under the trademark "Gold Food,"
which was registered in Israel in November 2002 for different uses in the food
industry.
The Company also markets cheeses and cheese substitute under the trademark
"Bloose," which was registered in Israel in October 2007, markets breakfast
cereals under the trademark "Bubles," which was registered in Israel in December
2006, markets snacks under the trademark "Krisponim," which was registered in
Israel in January 2007, and markets edamame soybeans under the trademark
"Manchow," which was registered in Israel in June 2007.
Page 22
The Company also markets pasta and sauces under the trademark "Donna
Rozza," which was registered in Israel in August 2005 for different uses in the
food industry. Other products marketed by the Company under their original brand
name are "Completa", "Raskas", "Puck", "Nobeleza Gaucha", "Hazer Baba", "Arla"
and "Lurpak". The Company imports several products for the Supersol chain under
the brand name "Supersol".
There can be no assurances as to the degree of protection registration of
the Company's trademarks will afford. In 2007, the Company applied for six new
trademarks compared with three new trademarks in 2006. There is no certainty
that these trademarks will be registered as the Company requested.
The Company also owns three trademarks which are not currently used. The
Company's investment in registering these trademarks was insignificant.
EMPLOYEES
As of December 31, 2007, the Company, including its subsidiaries, employed
a total of 135 persons (107 employees are located in Israel and 28 employees are
located in the US), 18 of whom were in management, 22 of whom were in accounting
and importing positions, 37 of whom were involved in the Company's sales and
marketing departments, and 58 of whom were employed in logistics networks
(warehousing and transportation). This compares with 96 employees as of December
31, 2006, 10 of whom were in management, 14 of whom were in accounting and
importing positions, 32 of whom were involved in the Company's sales and
marketing departments, and 40 of whom were employed in logistics networks
(warehousing and transportation). As of December 31, 2005, the Company,
including its subsidiaries, employed a total of 80 employees six of whom were in
management, 11 of whom were in accounting and importing positions, 28 of whom
were involved in the Company's sales and marketing departments, 35 of whom were
employed in logistics networks (warehousing and transportation).
As of December 31, 2007, 24 additional employees (stewards and sales
people) were engaged on an hourly basis. On December 31, 2006, the number was 22
and on December 31, 2005, the number was 28. Other employees were supplied by
temporary manpower companies.
During the past two years, there has been an increase in the number of
employees in all of the departments due to the expansion of the Group with the
addition of two new subsidiaries, WF and Baron, and due to increase in sales and
due to the Company's anticipation for further revenue growth and customer
diversification.
Most of the Company's employees are party to written employment contracts.
Regarding the Company's management services agreements with companies controlled
by Messrs. Joseph and Zwi Williger, see "Item 6. Directors, Senior Management
and Employees- Compensation".
The Company believes that its working relations with its employees are
satisfactory. Israeli labor laws are applicable to most of the Company's
employees, as are certain provisions of the collective bargaining agreements
between the Histadrut (General Federation of Labor in Israel) and the
Coordination Bureau of Economic Organizations (including the Industrialists
Association), by order of the Israeli Ministry of Labor. These provisions
principally concern the length of the work day, minimum daily wages for
professional workers, paid annual sick leave, discrimination, insurance for
work-related accidents, social security, procedures for dismissing employees,
determination of severance pay and other conditions of employment.
Page 23
In addition, Israeli employers, including the Company, are required to
provide certain escalations in wages in relation to the increase in the Israeli
consumer Price Index ("CPI"). The specific formula for such escalation varies
according to agreements between the Government of Israel, the Manufacturers'
Association and the Histadrut.
A general practice in Israel followed by the Company, although not legally
required, is the contribution of funds on behalf of its senior employees to a
fund known as "Manager's Insurance". This fund provides a combination of savings
plan, insurance and severance pay benefits to participating employees, giving
these employees a lump sum payment upon retirement and securing their right to
receive severance pay, if legally entitled, upon termination of employment. The
employee contributes an amount equal to 5% to 7% of his wages, and the Company
contributes an additional 13.3% to 15.8%. In addition, Israeli law generally
requires severance pay upon the retirement or death of an employee or
termination of employment without due cause. Furthermore, Israeli employees and
employers are required to pay predetermined sums to the National Insurance
Institute (which is similar, to some extent, to the United States Social
Security Administration). The payments thereto amount to 7.64% to 17.68% of
wages; the employee's share being 3.5 to 12% (depending on the marginal level of
wages) and the employer's share being 4.14% to 5.68%.
On February 16, 2006, the Company entered an agreement ("Transfer
Agreement") with Gold Frost, pursuant to which 16 of the Company's employees
became employees of Gold Frost as of January 1, 2006. The Transfer Agreement
specifies that the employees' rights (including pension funds and insurance
policies, tenure, etc.) will be fully maintained by Gold Frost despite the
change in the employer's identity. It was further agreed that the Company would
pay to Gold Frost the sum of NIS 47,972 (USD 12,473) which covers the Company's
obligations for unused vacation time and convalescence pay owing to those
employees who were transferred. See "Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related
Party Transactions - 10B. Related Party Transactions - Transfer Agreement".
The abovementioned transfer was implemented in order to allow Gold Frost to
market its products on its own accord.
GOVERNMENT REGULATION
The import, export, storage, distribution, marketing and labeling of food
products is subject to extensive regulation and licensing by various Israeli
government and municipal agencies, principally the Ministry of Health, the
Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Trade and Industry. We are required to
maintain our distribution processes, as well as the products imported by us, in
conformity with all applicable laws and regulations. Failure to comply with
these applicable laws and regulations could subject us to civil sanctions,
including fines, injunctions, recalls or seizures, as well as potential criminal
sanctions, any of which could have a material adverse effect on us. We believe
that we comply in all material respects with the above-mentioned requirements.
To the extent that the Company has imported, or will import, food products
outside of Israel, we may be subject to quotas and other import laws and
regulations which may limit our ability to sell certain of our food products
into these countries.
In 1978, the Israeli government issued the free import decree, which
exempts the import of most food products from the requirement to acquire a
license. However, preliminary permits from the Ministry of Health or the
Ministry of Agriculture are still required. These preliminary permits are
granted based on laboratory analysis reports and other data.
Customs duties and charges are levied on a portion of the Company's
products. Israeli government policy in favor of exposing the local market to
certain imported products has directly impacted the Company's operations since
September 1991, when certain customs duties levied by category, formerly levied
on products, including those imported by the Company, were canceled.
Page 24
The Company is required to obtain import licenses for the import of certain
food products from the Ministry of Trade and Industry of the State of Israel.
The Company has obtained the necessary import licenses for the products imported
by it as required by the import authorities. The Company has also obtained the
necessary authorization required by the Ministry of Health (Food Authority) for
the import of all of its food products to Israel. The Company's products are
packaged by various manufacturers and suppliers abroad and labeled in Hebrew,
English and, in certain cases, Arabic and Russian, according to the Company's
instructions and the requirements of the Israeli authorities. Since the
beginning of the Company's activities, the Company has been found to have
mislabeled packages four times, as a result of which the Company was required to
pay an immaterial amount of fines.
Most of the products which the Company imports and markets are approved as
Kosher by and/or under the supervision of various supervisory institutions
including, the Chief Rabbinate of Israel, Chug Chatam Sofer, certain Jewish
organizations administering Kashrut procedures and certifications (such as the
Union of the Orthodox Jewish Congregation of America (UO), Badatz Igud Harabanim
Manchester, OK, Circle K, Triangle K, etc.) and rabbis of local Jewish
congregations abroad. Such procedures include, in certain cases, personal
supervision by a Kashrut supervisor sent by such institutions to the
manufacturing facilities from which the Company purchases products, who is
present at the plant during the processing of the product. Under Israeli law,
the Company is required to ascertain that the kosher foodstuffs which it offers
for sale bear kosher certification approved by certain authorities, such as the
Chief Rabbinate of Israel, and also bear the name of the individual authorized
to certify such product. Not all products marketed by the Company have been so
certified, although they do bear certain kosher certification from other
certification bodies. The expenses for obtaining the Kashrut approval are
relatively low.
C. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
The Company's principal shareholder, Willi Food, as of June 25, 2008, held
approximately 66.17% of the Company's outstanding share capital. The primary
assets of Willi Food are the Company's ordinary shares. Willi Food was
established on November 27, 1992 and its securities have been traded on the Tel
Aviv Stock Exchange since January 1993.
The Company, as of June 25, 2008, had six active subsidiaries:
JURISDICTION OF COMPANY'S OWNERSHIP
SUBSIDIARY ORGANIZATION INTEREST
---------- ------------ --------
Gold Frost Israel 90%
Baron Israel 50.1%
W.F.D. Israel 100%
WF U.S.A. 100%
Kirkeby Denmark 45.9% indirectly owned
through Gold Frost's 51.0%
holding
Shamir Israel 51.0%
The offices of Gold Frost, Baron and W.F.D, are located in Yavne, Israel,
at the offices of the Company.
The offices of WF are located in Brookline, New York.
The Offices of Kirkeby are located in Svendborg, Denmark.
The offices of Shamir are located in Barkan, Israel.
Page 25
GOLD FROST
In May 2001, the Company acquired all the shares of Gold Frost for NIS 336
thousand (USD 87 thousand). Gold Frost, which was registered in 1977 in Israel,
is engaged in designing, developing and distributing frozen and chilled food
products. The Company purchased Gold Frost in order to take advantage of Gold
Frost's know-how in importing frozen and chilled products as well as of its well
known brand name in the Israeli market. Gold Frost distributes over 130
products, usually packed for private consumers (in cans, jars, containers and
plastic sealed and vacuumed packages), but also for institutional consumers and
labeled in Hebrew, English, and in certain cases, Arabic and Russian. Gold Frost
markets certain products under the trademarks "Gold Frost" and "Willi Food"
which are registered in Israel. Gold Frost is working towards broadening the
variety of products that it develops and distributes. The mission of Gold Frost
is to develop low fat, low cholesterol dairy chilled and frozen products aimed
at the kosher and health conscious consumer market.
On March 9, 2006, Gold Frost completed an initial issuance to the public on
the London AIM market which yielded gross proceeds of NIS 36.5 million (USD 9.5
million). As of June 25, 2008, the Company held approximately 90.0% of Gold
Frost's share capital.
On February 28, 2006, a relationship agreement between Gold Frost, the
Company and others was signed, defining the relationship between the two
companies. See "Item 10. "Additional Information - 10C. Material Contracts".
BARON
On February 2007, the Company formed a joint global kosher trade and export
company ("Baron") with the Baron family (an unrelated third party), kosher food
exporters located in Israel. The Company holds a 50.1% interest, and the Baron
family holds the remaining interest. Under the terms of the agreement, all of
the current food export operations of the Baron family are to be executed under
the new entity.
For more information see "Item 4. Information on the Company - 4A. History
and Development of the Company" and "Item 10. Additional Information - 10C.
Material Contracts."
WF
On January 19, 2007, the Company established a wholly-owned subsidiary in
the US, WF Kosher Food Distributors LTD. ("WF") in order to acquire the
operations and assets of Laish, a U.S. importer and distributor of kosher food
products for approximately $3.5 million in cash. The sources for the purchase
price were a bank loan in the amount of $1.5 million taken by WF and cash on
hand from the Company.
During the fourth quarter of 2007, as a result of year end procedures,
including annual impairment tests for goodwill and other intangible assets
conducted by the Company, the Company recorded a charge for impairment of
goodwill relating to the operation of WF in the amount of approximately NIS 3
million (USD 0.78 million), a charge for an unrecoverable accounts receivables
adjustment in the amount of NIS 2.2 million (USD 0.57 million), and a charge for
expired and unsalable inventory in the amount of NIS 3.2 million (USD 0.83
million). For more information see "Item 4. Information on the Company - 4A.
History and Development of the Company" and "Item 10. Additional Information -
10C. Material Contracts."
W.F.D.
Since November 1995, the Company incorporated a wholly-owned subsidiary,
W.F.D. The Company occasionally imports certain products through this
subsidiary, which then sells these products to the Company. W.F.D. has no
assets, facilities or obligations, other than those amounts owed to suppliers
overseas with respect to products purchased from them. W.F.D. had no sales for
each of the last five years.
Page 26
As for the subsidiaries that was purchased on 2008 - Shamir and Kirkeby,
See "Item 10. Additional Information - 10C. Material Contracts".
D. PROPERTY, PLANTS AND EQUIPMENT
The Company's principal executive offices are situated at a new logistic
center in the northern industrial zone of Yavne, at 4 Nahal Harif St., Israel,
35 km south of Tel-Aviv, which the Company purchased its land from Titanic Food
Ltd. ("Titanic"), a private Israeli company controlled by Messrs. Joseph
Williger, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and a director, and Zwi
Williger, the Company's Chief Operating Officer and Chairman of the Board, in
the same price it was purchased by them, in August 2005, and built on this land
the new logistic center. The new logistic center is 8,600 square meters
(approximately 77,400 square feet) and is located on a plot of 19,000 square
meters (approximately 171,000 square feet). This transaction was approved by the
Company's Board of Directors, Audit Committee of the Board of Directors and
shareholders. The new logistic center replaced the Company's previous logistic
center, located nearby, which the Company leased from Titanic for monthly rental
fees (excluding VAT) which amounted in the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006
and 2005 to NIS 1,037 thousand (USD 270 thousand), NIS 1,939 thousand (USD 504
thousand) and NIS 1,918 thousand (USD 499 thousand), respectively. The new
logistic center was established in order to save the Company the expense of
using storage services in free warehouses, as described below, and in order to
improve the Company's operation. The new logistic center was financed mainly by
the money that was raised in the private placement in October 2006.
The new logistic center became operational during the second quarter of
2007.
Since January 22, 2008, the Company has been operating the Yavne facility
under a municipal business license as required under Israeli law. The license
has been granted permanently.
Before the transition to the new logistic center, the Company also utilized
free warehouses services, mainly in the area of the Ashdod seaport. The Company
was charged only for storage per container (I.E., there is no charge for rental
while the Company does not use the free warehouse services). The expenses of
these services for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 were NIS 541
thousand (USD 141 thousand), NIS 1,294 thousand (USD 336 thousand) and NIS 1,361
thousand (USD 354 thousand), respectively. Since the transition to the new
logistic center, the Company's expenses on usage of free warehouses services has
been immaterial.
As of December 31, 2007, the Company owned 12 refrigeration trucks (each
with capacity of 2.5 to 6.5 tons), 12 regular trucks (each with capacity of 10
to 15 tons) and four combined trucks (each with capacity of 5.5 to 8.6 tons).
Pursuant to the Transfer Agreement with Gold Frost, 11 of the abovementioned
trucks and a private car were sold as of January 1, 2006 from the Company to
Gold Frost. See Item 7. "Major Shareholders and Related party transactions -
10B. Related Party Transactions - Transfer Agreement". The abovementioned
transfer was implemented in order to allow Gold Frost to market its products on
its own accord.
The total investment in the new logistics center until December 31, 2007
amounted to NIS 42,031 thousand (USD 10,928 thousand).
ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Not applicable.
Page 27
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
OVERVIEW
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with
the consolidated financial statements of the Company and the related Notes
thereto which appear in this Annual Report. The consolidated financial
statements have been prepared in accordance with Israeli GAAP, which differs in
certain insignificant respects from U.S. GAAP. Reference is made to Notes 2 and
14 of Notes to the consolidated financial statements for a description of the
significant differences between Israeli GAAP and U.S. GAAP. Unless otherwise
indicated, financial information for the Company included herein is presented on
a consolidated basis under Israeli GAAP.
The Company is engaged in the design, import, export, marketing and
distribution of a broad range of food products purchased from over 220 suppliers
worldwide and marketed in Israel and internationally, and to a much lesser
extent, the areas administered by the Palestinian Authority. The Company's
products are sold in Israel to over 1,100 customers, including supermarket
chains in the organized market, private supermarket chains, mini-markets,
wholesalers, manufacturers and institutional consumers. The Company's products
are also sold internationally, mainly by the Company's two new subsidiaries, WF
and Baron, to over 900 customers. The Company was incorporated in Israel in
January 1994 and commenced operations in February 1994.
During 2007, the Company, together with the global dairy industry, has been
affected by increases in primary supply prices and shortages stemming from a
series of factors, including weather related problems and reduced milk
production at the same time that consumption and demand has increased in growing
emerging markets. Moreover, the Company was directly impacted by the cessation
of butter and cheese export subsidies in the EU, which led our primary supplier,
Arla Foods to increase prices on its exports to us by approximately 50%-80%
(depends on the product). The increase in the supply prices was the main reason
for the increase in our cost of sales as a percentage of total sales from
approximately 75% in 2006 to approximately 79.6% in 2007, and to a decrease in
our gross profit as a percentage of sales in from 25.0% in 2006 to 20.4% in
2007. In an effort to reduce our operating costs and increase our logistical
efficiency, we are now operating from a new logistics center which was
constructed in order to replace the numerous external warehouse facilities that
we used and in order to optimize our overall operational activity. We believe
the new facility will enable us to take fuller advantage of the sales channels
available to us. The new facility will also allow us to consider adding new
sources of products in Israel to provide further products to meet consumer
demand. In order to overcome this price increase, we are looking to reduce our
expenses while increasing the price of our goods to our customers.
We also intend to continue to seek to grow our market share in Israel
through the introduction of additional innovative niche products to give the
customer more choice, healthier and/or less expensive products and, where
permitted, by expanding our relationships with our suppliers. We also intend to
increase expenditures on marketing and sales activities to increase the market
penetration of the products that we currently sell in Israel.
We also intend to expand our business outside of Israel, and in particular,
in the U.S. and Europe, beyond our expansion in the U.S. during 2007. In order
to do so, we acquired, on January, 2008, 51% of Shamir, an Israeli manufacturer
and distributor of pre-packaged chilled kosher Mediterranean dips and spreads in
Israel and abroad. In addition, on February 2008, Gold Frost purchased 51% of a
dairy distributor in Denmark which owns a US dairy import license. For
convenience purposes, the financial data for the years ended December 31, 2007,
2006, 2005, 2004, and 2003 has been translated into U.S. Dollars using the
representative exchange rate. This rate as of December 31, 2007 was NIS 3.846 =
USD 1.00.
Page 28
The Company is not involved in any off balance sheet transactions or
long-term contractual obligations.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Management's discussion and analysis is based upon the consolidated
financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting
principles generally accepted in Israel and adapted to the generally accepted
accounting principles accepted in the United States. The use of these generally
accepted accounting principles requires the management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting accounting periods presented. These estimates include, among other
things, assessing the collectibility of accounts receivable and the use of
recoverability of inventory. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
The markets of the Company's products are characterized by intense competition
and a rapid turnover of products and frequent new introductions of products, all
of which may impact future ability to value the Company's assets.
The following critical accounting policies may affect significant judgments
and estimates used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.
1. Revenue Recognition - revenue from product sales is recognized upon the
shipment to the consumers, when the title and risk of loss have been
transferred to the consumer, price and terms are agreed and when no
significant vendor obligations exist and collection of the resulting
receivable is reasonably assured. Incentive to certain customers - the
Company is obligated to pay incentives to certain customers in relation to
the volume of sales. The incentive is calculated as a percentage of the
annual sales to the customer or as a percentage of the increase in volume
of sales to such customers in excess of a certain agreed amount. The
Company presents revenue net of such incentives. The Company grants to
certain customers the right to return the products. A provision for
customers' return is recorded for the estimated future products return,
based on the Company's experience. This policy is significant because the
revenue is a key component of the Company's operations, as well as the fact
that the revenue recognition determines the timing of certain expenses.
Revenue results are difficult to predict and any shortfall in revenue or
delay in recognizing revenue could cause the operating results to vary from
quarter to quarter and may result in operating losses.
2. Inventories - as of January 1, 2007, the Company implements Accounting
Standard No. 26 - "Inventory" ("the Standard"), which outlines the
accounting treatment for inventory. According to the Standard, inventory
should be stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. According
to the standard the cost includes all purchase costs, as well as any other
costs incurred in reaching the inventory's present stage. Net realizable
value represents the selling price estimation during ordinary course of
business, net of the estimation of the costs needed to the selling
accomplishment. Cost is determined by average weighted cost used
consistently for all types of inventory of similar nature and uses.
Inventory's values and quantities review cause the Company to write down
the difference between the cost and the estimated market value upon
assumption about future demand and market conditions. If the inventory is
determined to be undervalued, the Company may have to recognize additional
operating income at the time of sale. Any significant unanticipated change
in demand or expiration of product life could have a significant impact on
the value of the inventory.
Up to December 31, 2006, inventories were stated at the lower of cost or
market value.
Page 29
3. In January 2006, the Company adopted Accounting Standard No. 20 (Revised)
"Accounting Treatment of Goodwill and Other Intangibles upon the
Acquisition of an Investee", which applies to financial statements covering
periods beginning on January 1, 2006 ("the Effective Date"). According to
the standard, the excess of acquisition cost of an investment in an
investee over the share of the company holding the fair value of the
investee's identifiable assets, including intangibles, net of the fair
value of identifiable liabilities (after tax allocation) at acquisition,
constitutes goodwill. Recognition of an intangible asset independently of
goodwill should take place only if the intangible asset is identifiable
based on the criteria outlined in the standard. Goodwill will not be
amortized but will rather be examined once a year or more frequently should
signs indicate goodwill impairment. Moreover, should a negative goodwill be
created upon acquisition it would be recognized as a gain and immediately
allocated to operations and not amortized. The standard distinguishes
between intangible assets which have defined useful lives and those that do
not, stating that the former should be amortized while the latter should
not while rather examined whether any signs indicate impairment.
We determine fair value using a discounted cash flow analysis. This type of
analysis requires us to make assumptions and estimates regarding industry
economic factors and the profitability of future business strategies. It is
our policy to conduct impairment testing based on our current business
strategy in light of present industry and economic conditions, as well as
future expectations. In assessing the recoverability of our goodwill, we
may be required to make assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows
and other factors to determine the fair value of the respective assets.
This process is subjective and requires judgment at many points throughout
the analysis. If our estimates or their related assumptions change in
subsequent periods or if actual cash flows are below our estimates, we may
be required to record impairment charges for these assets not previously
recorded.
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
U.S. GAAP:
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, "Fair Value Measurements"
(SFAS No. 157). The purpose of SFAS No. 157 is to define fair value,
establish a framework for measuring fair value, and enhance disclosures
about fair value measurements. The measurement and disclosure requirements
are effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year
2008. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 157 to have a
material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, "The Fair Value Option for
Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities" (SFAS No. 159). SFAS No. 159
permits companies to choose to measure certain financial instruments and
certain other items at fair value. The standard requires that unrealized
gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected
be reported in earnings.
A business entity will report unrealized gains and losses on items for
which the fair value option has been elected in earnings (or another
performance indicator if the business entity does not report earnings) at
each subsequent reporting date. The fair value option: (a) may be applied
instrument by instrument, with a few exceptions, such as investments
otherwise accounted for by the equity method; (b) is irrevocable (unless a
new election date occurs); and (c) is applied only to entire instruments
and not to portions of instruments. SFAS No. 159 is effective as of the
beginning of an entity's first fiscal year that begins after November 15,
2007, although earlier adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect
the adoption of SFAS No. 159 to have a material impact on its consolidated
financial statements.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(Revised 2007) "Business
Combinations" ("SFAS 141(R)") and SFAS No 160, "Non-controlling Interests
in Consolidated Financial Statement" ("SFAS 160"). SFAS 141(R) requires the
acquiring entity in a business combination to record all assets acquired
and liabilities assumed at their respective acquisition-date fair values
and changes other practices under FAS 141, some of which could have a
material impact on how we account for business combinations. SFAS 141(R)
also requires additional disclosure of information surrounding a business
combination, such that users of the entity's financial statements can fully
understand the nature and financial impact of the business combination.
SFAS 160 requires entities to report non-controlling (minority) interests
in subsidiaries as equity in the consolidated financial statements. We are
required to adopt SFAS 141(R) and SFAS 160 simultaneously in our fiscal
year beginning after December 15, 2008. The provisions of SFAS 141(R) will
only impact the Company if it is a party to a business combination after
the pronouncement has been adopted. The Company is currently evaluating the
effects, if any, that SFAS 160 may have on its financial statements.
Page 30
ISRAELI GAAP:
Accounting Standard No. 29 "Adoption of International Financial Reporting
Standards"
In July 2006, the Israeli Accounting Standards Board published Accounting
Standard No. 29 - "Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards"
- IFRS ("the Standard").
According to the Standard, an entity subject to the Israeli Securities Law
and authoritative Regulations thereunder (including dual listed companies),
excluding foreign corporations , that do not prepare their financial
statements in accordance with Israeli GAAP, as defined by this Law will be
required to prepare financial statements in accordance with the IFRS and
related interpretations published by the International Accounting Standards
Board, for the reporting periods commencing January 1, 2008, including
interim periods.
An entity adopting IFRS as of January 1, 2008 and electing to report
comparative figures in accordance with the IFRS for only 2007, will be
required to prepare opening balance-sheet amounts as of January 1, 2007
based on the IFRS.
Reporting in accordance with the IFRS will be carried out based on the
provisions of IFRS No. 1, "First-time Adoption of IFRS Standards", which
establishes guidance on implementing and transitioning from financial
reporting based on domestic national accounting standards to reporting in
accordance with IFRS. IFRS No. 1 supersedes the transitional provisions
established in other IFRSs (including those established in former domestic
national accounting standards), stating that all IFRSs should be adopted
retroactively for the opening balance-sheet amounts. Nevertheless, IFRS No.
1 grants exemptions on certain issues by allowing the alternative of not
applying the retroactive application in respect thereof.
The Standard allows for earlier application in a manner by which applicable
entities may convert their financial statements published subsequent to
July 31, 2006 to the IFRS. Management has decided to adopt the IFRS
commencing January 1, 2008.
Since the requirements of the standard do not apply to the Company, this
financial statements do not include opening balance-sheet amounts as of
January 1, 2007 based on the IFRS.
Page 31
A. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth for the periods indicated, the correlation
(in percentages) between items from the Company's statements of operations to
its total sales for such periods:
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31,
2007 2006 2005
---------- ---------- ----------
Sales 100% 100% 100%
Cost of Sales 79.63% 74.99% 77.11%
Gross Profit 20.37% 25.01% 22.89%
Sales and Marketing Expenses 9.77% 11.02% 9.48%
General and Administrative Expenses 7.60% 7.39% 8.14%
Impairment of Goodwill 1.22% - -
Operating Income 1.78% 6.60% 5.27%
Financial Income, Net 0.74% 2.57% 1.50%
Other Income 0.19% 9.53% 0.02%
Pre Tax Income 2.71% 18.70% 6.79%
Income Taxes 1.01% 2.81% 2.14%
Income after taxes on Income 1.70% 15.89% 4.65%
Minority Interest 0.92% 0.94% -
Net Income 0.78% 14.95% 4.65%
---------- ---------- ----------
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007 COMPARED WITH YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006
SALES. Sales for the year ended December 31, 2007 increased by
approximately NIS 58,233 thousand (USD 15,141 thousand), or 30.42%, to
approximately NIS 249,693 thousand (USD 64,923 thousand) from NIS 191,460
thousand (USD 49,782 thousand) for the year ended December 31, 2006. This
increase in sales was driven primarily by sales of our subsidiaries, Baron and
WF, as well as growth in the Company's organic business in the home market of
Israel.
COST OF SALES. Cost of sales for the year ended December 31, 2007 increased
to approximately NIS 198,827 thousand (USD 51,697 thousand), or 79.63% of sales,
from approximately NIS 143,581 thousand (USD 37,333 thousand), or 74.99% of
sales, for the year ended December 31, 2006. This increase in cost of sales was
mainly due to a steep rise in raw food prices and to a lesser extent, an
impairment charge in the amount of NIS 3.2 million (USD 0.8 million) for expired
and unsaleable WF inventory, most of which was acquired as part of the WF
acquisition.
GROSS PROFIT. The results of sales and cost of sales, as mentioned above,
created a gross profit of approximately NIS 50,866 thousand (USD 13,226
thousand), equal to 20.37% of the sales in the year ended December 31, 2007,
reflecting an increase of 6.2% as compared to a gross profit of approximately
NIS 47,879 thousand (USD 12,449 thousand), equal to 25.01% of the sales in the
year ended December 31, 2006.
SALES AND MARKETING EXPENSES. Sales and marketing expenses for the year
ended December 31, 2007 increased to approximately NIS 24,404 thousand (USD
6,345 thousand), or 9.77% of sales, from approximately NIS 21,100 thousand (USD
5,486 thousand), or 11.02% of sales, for the year ended December 31, 2006. This
increase in sales and marketing expenses was mainly due to the sales and
marketing expenses of the Company's two new subsidiaries, WF and Baron.
Page 32
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. General and administrative expenses
for the year ended December 31, 2007 increased to approximately NIS 18,963
thousand (USD 4,931 thousand), or 7.59% of sales, from approximately NIS 14,151
thousand (USD 3,679 thousand), or 7.39% of sales, for the year ended December
31, 2006. This increase of general and administrative expenses was mainly due to
doubtful debts expense in the amount of NIS 2,303 thousand (USD 599 thousand)
for the year ended December 31, 2007, attributable to an impairment charge in
the amount of NIS 2,174 thousand (USD 565 thousand) regarding an unrecoverable
accounts receivables adjustment relating to WF, and due to the general and
administrative expenses incurred by the Company's two new subsidiaries. This
increase was partly offset by a one time management bonus paid in 2006 in the
amount of NIS 1,804 thousand (USD 469 thousand) attributed to an unrealized
capital gain resulting from the commencement of the trading of shares of the
Company's majority-owned subsidiary, Gold Frost Ltd., on London's AIM market on
March 9, 2006.
IMPAIRMENT OF GOODWILL. Impairment of Goodwill expense for the year ended
December 31, 2007, was NIS 3,054 thousand (USD 794 thousand) due to goodwill
relating to WF.
OPERATING INCOME. Operating income for the year ended December 31, 2007
decreased by approximately NIS 8,183 thousand (USD 2,128 thousand), or by 64.8%,
to approximately NIS 4,445 thousand (USD 1,156 thousand), or 1.78% of sales,
from approximately NIS 12,628 thousand (USD 3,283 thousand), or 6.60% of sales,
for the year ended December 31, 2006.
FINANCING INCOME, NET. Financing income, net, for the year ended December
31, 2007 was approximately NIS 1,856 thousand (USD 482 thousand) compared with
approximately NIS 4,925 thousand (USD 1,281 thousand) for the year ended
December 31, 2006. The decrease in financial income was due to losses from
marketable securities of NIS 56 thousand (USD 14 thousand) in the year ended
December 31, 2007 as compared to a gain from marketable securities of NIS 1,316
thousand (USD 342 thousand) in the year ended December 31, 2006, a decrease in
the interest income on short term deposits of NIS 611 thousand (USD 159
thousand) and an increase in interest expense, rate exchanges and bank fees in
the amount of NIS 654 thousand (USD 170 thousand).
OTHER INCOME. Other income for the year ended December 31, 2007 amounted to
NIS 470 thousand (USD 122 thousand) as compared to other income of NIS 18,248
thousand (USD 4,745 thousand) for the year ended December 31, 2006. Other income
for the year ended December 31, 2006, was due to an unrealized capital gain in
the amount of NIS 18,040 thousand (USD 4,691 thousand) resulting from the
commencement of the trading of shares of the Company's majority-owned
subsidiary, Gold Frost Ltd., on London's AIM market on March 9, 2006.
PRE-TAX INCOME. Income before taxes for the year ended December 31, 2007
decreased by approximately NIS 29,030 thousand (USD 7,548 thousand), or by 81%,
to approximately NIS 6,771 thousand (USD 1,760 thousand) from NIS 35,801
thousand (USD 9,309 thousand) for the year ended December 31, 2006.
TAXES ON INCOME. Taxes on income for the year ended December 31, 2007
decreased to approximately NIS 2,517 thousand (USD 654 thousand) from
approximately NIS 5,379 thousand (USD 1,399 thousand) in the year ended December
31, 2006. The decrease in taxes on income in 2007 in compare to 2006 was
attributable to the decrease in income before taxes.
INCOME AFTER TAXES ON INCOME. Income after taxes on income for the year
ended December 31, 2007 decreased by approximately NIS 26,168 thousand (USD
6,804 thousand), or 86%, to approximately NIS 4,254 thousand (USD 1,106
thousand), or 1.70% of sales, from approximately NIS 30,422 thousand (USD 7,910
thousand), equal to 15.89% of sales for the year ended December 31, 2006.
Page 33
MINORITY INTEREST. Minority interest for the year ended December 31, 2007
increased by approximately NIS 480 thousand (USD 125 thousand) to 2,287 thousand
(USD 595 thousand) from approximately NIS 1,807 thousand (USD 470 thousand) for
the year ended December 31, 2006. Minority interest for the year ended December
31, 2007 includes the minority of Gold Frost and of Baron, our new 50.1%
subsidiary.
NET INCOME. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2007 decreased by
approximately NIS 26,648 thousand (USD 6,929 thousand), or 93%, to approximately
NIS 1,967 thousand (USD 511 thousand), or 0.79% of sales, from approximately NIS
28,615 thousand (USD 7,440 thousand), equal to 14.95% of sales for the year
ended December 31, 2006.
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006 COMPARED WITH YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005
SALES. Sales for the year ended December 31, 2006 increased by
approximately NIS 25,178 thousand (USD 6,547 thousand), or 15.14%, to
approximately NIS 191,460 thousand (USD 49,782 thousand) from NIS 166,282
thousand (USD 43,235 thousand) for the year ended December 31, 2005. This
increase in sales was mainly due to the increase in the private sector and the
subsidiary sales of the dairy chilled products.
COST OF SALES. Cost of sales for the year ended December 31, 2006 increased
to approximately NIS 143,581 thousand (USD 37,333 thousand), or 74.99% of sales,
from approximately NIS 128,215 thousand (USD 33,337 thousand), or 77.11% of
sales, for the year ended December 31, 2005. This increase in cost of sales
reflected our increased sales in 2006 as compared to 2005. As a percentage of
sales, our cost of sales slightly decreased due to higher margins in the private
sector and higher margins on the chilled dairy products.
GROSS PROFIT. The results of sales and cost of sales, as mentioned above,
created a gross profit of approximately NIS 47,879 thousand (USD 12,449
thousand), equal to 25.01 % of the sales in the year ended December 31, 2006,
reflecting an increase of 25.78% as compared to a gross profit of approximately
NIS 38,067 thousand (USD 9,898 thousand), equal to 22.89% of the sales in the
year ended December 31, 2005.
SALES AND MARKETING EXPENSES. Sales and marketing expenses for the year
ended December 31, 2006 increased to approximately NIS 21,100 thousand (USD
5,486 thousand), or 11.02% of sales, from approximately NIS 15,771 thousand (USD
4,101 thousand), or 9.48% of sales, for the year ended December 31, 2005. This
increase in sales and marketing expenses was mainly attributable to increase in
advertising and sales promotion expenses in the amount of NIS 2,549 thousand
(USD 663 thousand) due to a massive advertising campaign held by the Company and
by its subsidiary during 2006. The second factor was the increase in payroll
expenses in the amount of NIS 1,364 thousand (USD 355 thousand). The payroll
increase was due to the employment of an average of nine additional employees
(recruitment of sales agents and logistics network employees) in 2006 (a 14%
increase as compared to 2005), In addition, some payroll expenses are revenues
based commissions, so when the revenues increase the payroll increases as well.
The last factor is related to the increase in transportation and maintenance
costs in the amount of NIS 1,324 thousand (USD 344 thousand), which was
attributed to the increase in sales.
Page 34
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. General and administrative expenses
for the year ended December 31, 2006 increased to approximately NIS 14,151
thousand (USD 3,679 thousand), or 7.39% of sales, from approximately NIS 13,544
thousand (USD 3,522 thousand), or 8.15% of sales, for the year ended December
31, 2005. This increase of general and administrative expenses was mainly due to
an increase in the payroll and accompanying expenses in the amount of NIS 3,125
thousand (USD 813 thousand), This increase primarily resulted from a one time
management bonus in the amount of NIS 1,804 thousand (USD 469 thousand)
attributed to an unrealized capital gain resulting from the commencement of the
trading of shares of the Company's majority-owned subsidiary, Gold Frost Ltd.,
on London's AIM market on March 9, 2006 and due to the employment of an average
of seven additional employees in 2006 (a 41% increase as compared to 2005). This
increase was offset by a decline of NIS 3,735 thousand (USD 971 thousand) in
doubtful debt mainly due to Club Market bad debt that was included in the
general and Administrative Expenses of 2005 in the amount of NIS 3,500 thousand
(USD 910 thousand).
OPERATING INCOME. Operating income for the year ended December 31, 2006
increased by approximately NIS 3,876 thousand (USD 1,008 thousand), or by 44%,
to approximately NIS 12,628 thousand (USD 3,283 thousand), or 6.60% of sales,
from approximately NIS 8,752 thousand (USD 2,276 thousand), or 5.26% of sales,
for the year ended December 31, 2005.
FINANCING INCOME, NET. Financing income, net, for the year ended December
31, 2006 was approximately NIS 4,925 thousand (USD 1,281 thousand) compared with
approximately NIS 2,501 thousand (USD 650 thousand) for the year ended December
31, 2005. The increase in financial income was due to an increase in the profit
from marketable securities of NIS 561 thousand (USD 146 thousand), an increase
in the interest income on short term deposits of NIS 1,576 thousand (USD 410
thousand) offset by a loss from future transactions of NIS 248 thousand (USD 64
thousand) compared to a gain from future transactions of NIS 184 thousand (USD
48 thousand) in the year ended December 31, 2005, and an increase, compared to
2005, in bank commissions, and a difference in exchange rates and interest on
short term credit of NIS 130 thousand (USD 34 thousand).
OTHER INCOME. Other income for the year ended December 31, 2006 increased
by approximately NIS 18,213 thousand (USD 4,736 thousand) to approximately NIS
18,248 thousand (USD 4,745 thousand) from NIS 35 thousand (USD 9 thousand) for
the year ended December 31, 2005. This increase in other income was due to an
unrealized capital gain in the amount of NIS 18,040 thousand (USD 4,691
thousand) resulting from the commencement of the trading of shares of the
Company's majority-owned subsidiary, Gold Frost Ltd., on London's AIM market on
March 9, 2006.
PRE-TAX INCOME. Income before taxes for the year ended December 31, 2006
increased by approximately NIS 24,513 thousand (USD 6,374 thousand), or by 217%,
to approximately NIS 35,801 thousand (USD 9,309 thousand) from NIS 11,288
thousand (USD 2,935 thousand) for the year ended December 31, 2005.
TAXES ON INCOME. Taxes on income for the year ended December 31, 2006
increased to approximately NIS 5,379 thousand (USD 1,399 thousand) from
approximately NIS 3,567 thousand (USD 927 thousand) in the year ended December
31, 2005. The increase in taxes on income in 2006 in compare to 2005 was
attributable to the increase in Income before taxes.
INCOME AFTER TAXES ON INCOME. Income after taxes on income for the year
ended December 31, 2006 increased by approximately NIS 22,701 thousand (USD
5,902 thousand), or 294%, to approximately NIS 30,422 thousand (USD 7,910
thousand), or 15.89% of sales, from approximately NIS 7,721 thousand (USD 2,008
thousand), equal to 4.64 % of sales for the year ended December 31, 2005.
MINORITY INTEREST. Minority interest for the year ended December 31, 2006
in the amount of NIS 1,807 thousand (USD 470 thousand) is a result of the
flotation of shares of the Company's majority-owned subsidiary, Gold Frost Ltd.,
on London's AIM market on March 9, 2006.
NET INCOME. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2006 increased by
approximately NIS 20,894 thousand (USD 5,433 thousand), or 271%, to
approximately NIS 28,615 thousand (USD 7,440 thousand), or 14.95% of sales, from
approximately NIS 7,721 thousand (USD 2,008 thousand), equal to 4.64 % of sales
for the year ended December 31, 2005.
Page 35
B. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Since its inception, the Company's operations have been funded mainly
through equity and cash flows from operating activities, as well as by
short-term indebtedness provided by Israeli banks and loans from Willi Food, its
controlling shareholder. The Company's bank indebtedness is secured by certain
liens on its share capital, goodwill and certain other assets.
For the year ended December 31, 2007, cash and cash equivalents decreased
from approximately NIS 91.4 million (USD 23.8 million) at December 31, 2006 to
approximately NIS 61.6 million (USD 16.0 million) at December 31, 2007. For the
year ended December 31, 2006, cash and cash equivalents increased from
approximately NIS 30.4 million (USD 7.9 million) at December 31, 2005 to
approximately NIS 91.4 million (USD 23.8 million) at December 31, 2006
During the year ended December 31, 2007, marketable securities increased to
NIS 31.3 million (USD 8.1 million) from NIS 13.9 million (USD 3.6 million). For
the year ended December 31, 2006, marketable securities increased to
approximately NIS 13.9 million (USD 3.6 million) at December 31, 2006, from
approximately NIS 3.2 million (USD 0.8 million) at December 31, 2005.
For the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company generated a positive
cash flow from operating activities of approximately NIS 7.9 million (USD 2.1
million) as compared to a positive cash flow from operating activities of
approximately NIS 23.9 million (USD 6.2 million) for the year ended December 31,
2006. The decrease was primarily as a result of an increase in inventory of
approximately NIS 2.6 million (USD 0.7 million) for the year ended December 31,
2007, as compared to a decrease in inventory of approximately NIS 11.7 million
(USD 3.0 million) for the year ended December 31, 2006.
For the year ended December 31, 2006, the Company generated a positive cash
flow from operating activities of approximately NIS 23.9 million (USD 6.2
million), primarily as a result of a decrease in inventory of approximately NIS
11.7 million (USD 3.0 million), a decrease in receivables and other current
assets of approximately NIS 3.1 million (USD 0.8 million) and an increase in
payables and other current liabilities of approximately NIS 1.9 million (USD 0.5
million). Our receivables and other current assets decreased primarily due to
the decrease in advances to suppliers. Our payables and other current
liabilities increased primarily due to an increase in related parties mainly due
to the management bonus mentioned above in "Results of operations - general and
administrative expenses".
During the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company utilized cash flow of
NIS 44.3 million (USD 11.5 million) for investing activities, mainly for a
purchase of subsidiary and purchase of additional shares of Gold Frost in the
total amount of NIS 15.6 million (USD 4.1 million), for the purchase of
marketable securities, net, in the amount of NIS 17.4 million (USD 4.5 million),
and for additions to fixed assets of NIS 11.3 million (USD 2.9 million),
consisting mostly of the investments in the Company's new logistics center.
During the year ended December 31, 2006, the Company utilized cash flow of
NIS 31.9 million (USD 8.3 million) for investing activities, mainly for
additions to fixed assets of NIS 23.0 million (USD 6.0 million), consisting
mainly of the investments in the Company's new logistics center and from the
purchase of marketable securities, net, of NIS 9.4 million (USD 2.4 million).
During the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company generated cash flow
from financing activities of NIS 6.8 million (USD 1.8 million) due to short term
bank borrowings. During the year ended December 31, 2006, the Company generated
cash flow from financing activities of NIS 68.9 million (USD 17.9 million)
mainly due to the proceeds from the private placement of the Company in the
amount of NIS 41.3 million (USD 10.7 million) and due to the proceeds from the
public listing of Gold Frost shares in the amount of NIS 32.4 million (USD 8.4
million).
Page 36
The Company's cash requirements, net, during the years ended December 31,
2007, 2006 and 2005 were met primarily through its working capital. As of
December 31, 2007, the Company had working capital of approximately NIS 143.2
million (USD 37.2 million) compared with NIS 144.3 million (USD 37.5 million) as
of December 31, 2006, and working capital of approximately NIS 85.4 million (USD
22.2 million) as of December 31, 2005. The Company believes that its working
capital is sufficient for the Company's present requirements.
The Company's trade receivables balance in December 31, 2007 was NIS 63.7
million (USD 16.6 million) as compared to the trade receivables balance in
December 31, 2006 in the amount of NIS 48.2 million (USD 12.5 million). In
December 31, 2005 trade receivables balance was NIS 48.4 million (USD 12.6
million). The average time period within which our accounts receivable were paid
was 95 days for 2007, compared with 92 days for 2006 and 93 days for 2005.
IMPACT OF INFLATION AND DEVALUATION ON RESULTS OF OPERATIONS, LIABILITIES AND
ASSETS
The rate of inflation in Israel during the last six years has been
significantly reduced as compared to previous years. The rate of devaluation of
the U.S. dollar, which was high until 2005, has reversed course and the
representative rate of the U.S. Dollar reached NIS 3.846 on December 31, 2007,
compared with NIS 4.225 on December 31, 2006, 4.603 on December 31, 2005, NIS
4.308 on December 31, 2004, and 4.379 on December 31, 2003. The representative
rate of the U.S. Dollar on June 25, 2008 was NIS 3.388.
The annual rates of inflation in Israel during the years ended December 31,
2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 were approximately 6.5%, (1.9%), 1.6%,
2.4% (0.1%) and 3.4%, respectively, while during such periods the devaluation of
the NIS against the U.S. Dollar was approximately 7.3%, (7.6%), (1.6%), 6.8%
(8.2%) and (9.0%), respectively. During each of the years ended December 31,
2003, 2004, 2006 and 2007, the rate of inflation in Israel exceeded the rate of
devaluation of the NIS against the U.S. Dollar, while during each of the years
ended December 31, 2002 and 2005 the rate of devaluation of the NIS against the
U.S. Dollar exceeded the rate of inflation in Israel.
The representative rate on December 31, 2007 was NIS 3.846 per USD 1.00,
equal to a revaluation of 9.0% from the representative rate on December 31,
2006, which was NIS 4.225 per USD 1.00. The representative rate on December 31,
2006 was NIS 4.225 per USD 1.00, equal to a revaluation of 8.2% from the
representative rate on December 31, 2005, which was NIS 4.603 per USD 1.00. The
representative rate on December 31, 2005 was NIS 4.603 per USD 1.00, equal to a
devaluation of 6.8% from the representative rate on December 31, 2004, which was
NIS 4.308 per USD 1.00. The representative rate on December 31, 2004 was NIS
4.308 per USD 1.00, equal to a revaluation of 1.6% from the representative rate
at December 31, 2003, which was 4.379 per USD 1.00.
A revaluation of the NIS in relation to the U.S. Dollar will have the
effect of increasing the U.S. Dollar value of any assets of the Company which
consist of NIS or receivables payable in NIS. Such a revaluation would also have
the effect of increasing the U.S. Dollar amount of any liabilities of the
Company which are payable in NIS (unless such payables are linked to the
Dollar). Conversely, any decrease in the value of the NIS in relation to the
U.S. Dollar will have the effect of decreasing the U.S. Dollar value of any
linked NIS assets of the Company and the U.S. Dollar amount of any linked NIS
liabilities of the Company.
The dollar cost of the Company's operations in Israel is influenced by the
extent to which any increase in the rate of inflation in Israel over the rate of
inflation in the United States is offset by the devaluation of the NIS in
relation to the U.S. Dollar.
Page 37
The Company's assets are not linked to the Israeli CPI or the U.S. Dollar.
However, some of the Company's liabilities are linked to the Israeli CPI and
various foreign currencies. Consequently, inflation in Israel and currency
fluctuations will have a negative effect on the value to the Company of payments
the Company receives in NIS and on the Company's liabilities linked to foreign
currencies.
GUARANTEES AND PLEDGES
Principally in connection with letters of credit issued to the Company, the
Company has issued a debenture to each of Bank Leumi Le'Israel, Bank Mizrahi
Ltd. and Bank Hapoalim Ltd., pursuant to which the Company has pledged all of
its assets (including its outstanding share capital and goodwill of the Company)
in favor of such banks to secure its obligations or those obligations incurred
by the Company jointly with third parties, including obligations with respect to
letters of credit with the Company's suppliers. Bank Leumi Le'Israel, Bank
Mizrahi Tefahot Ltd. and Bank Hapoalim Ltd. have agreed among them that the
pledges subject to such debentures shall rank PARI PASSU. The outstanding amount
of such letters of credit as of December 31, 2007 was approximately NIS 33,286
thousand (USD 8,655 thousand).
The Company also guarantees, without limitation as to amount and for an
unlimited period of time, the obligations of its wholly-owned subsidiary,
W.F.D., to the Bank Mizrahi Tefahot Ltd. As of December 31, 2007, W.F.D. had no
obligations to Bank Mizrahi Tefahot Ltd.
The Company also guarantees, without limitation as to amount and for an
unlimited period of time, the obligations of its subsidiary, Gold Frost, both to
Bank Leumi Le'Israel Ltd. and to the United Mizrahi Bank Ltd. As of December 31,
2007, Gold Frost had no obligations to such banks.
C. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, PATENTS AND LICENSES
Not applicable.
D. TREND INFORMATION
In prior years, there has been an increase in the number of small private
supermarket stores that have opened in Israel, which has resulted in greater
price competition in the stores and in our business. The increased price
competition resulted in an increase in our cost of sales as a percentage of
total sales. In order to keep our gross margin at its high levels we had to
change our product mix and introduce new products with high margins. By doing so
we were able to increase our gross profit in 2006. In 2007, the global market
experienced steep price increases in agricultural commodities and cost pressures
due to weather-related problems, reduced milk production, cessation of EU dairy
export subsidies at the same time that consumption and demand increased in
growing emerging markets. These factors have negatively impacted the Company
near term sales and gross margins. Due to these factors, our gross margins
decreased from 25.01% in 2006 to 20.37% in 2007.
The Company is operating from a new logistic center starting from the
second quarter of 2007 with the aim of increasing the efficiency of its logistic
process and reducing its operating expenses. The Company will also work towards
increasing its sales to customers outside of Israel.
In July 2005, Club Market Marketing Chains Ltd., one of the three largest
food chains in Israel, owner of 114 stores and a major customer of the Company,
encountered major financial difficulties, announcing that it could not pay its
debts to its creditors. On August 28, 2005, the court allowed the sale of Club
Market to Supersol, subject to several conditions. Among the conditions imposed
was prohibiting the conditioning of the purchase from a supplier on that
supplier's purchase terms with their chains, prohibiting interfering with the
commercial terms awarded to other chains and prohibiting sales by Supersol at
less than cost. As of September 1, 2005, Club Market's activities were
substantially transferred to Supersol. This merger of two of the three largest
food chains in Israel strengthened Supersol's buying power with local food
suppliers (such as the Company) and the dependency of local food suppliers on
Supersol has grown.
Page 38
The Company's management is evaluating the financial stability of its
customers by entering into agreements with companies for providing business
data, examining bank accounts, investigations, and following negative
publications regarding those customers or other signs indicating financial
difficulties.
In the U.S., despite the declining Jewish population (due to intermarriage
and lower birth rates), a published report from 2005 concluded that global
demand for kosher products is growing because of demand for kosher products is
not limited to just the Jewish population. Kosher food now commands attention
from a new crop of consumers and not just those who follow traditional Jewish
dietary laws. In a survey referred to in this report, more than 55% of
respondents who buy kosher foods felt that kosher products are safer and
healthier than non-kosher items. As increasing number of mainstream consumers
are becoming concerned about the integrity of the food they eat for ethical or
health reasons, and we believe this will provide a growth opportunity for the
kosher market, in which our subsidiary, WF, is currently operating. The clearer
labeling practices entailed in kosher food mean that consumers who are
vegetarian, food sensitive or allergic to certain ingredients can more easily
monitor their diets. According to this published report, the increased interest
in food ingredients will continue to contribute significantly to the growth of
the kosher food industry in the U.S. The report cites that one in 25 Americans
suffer from a true food allergy, but that a larger percentage of the population
is sensitive or intolerant of specific ingredients. In addition to the increase
in health-conscious consumers, other ethnic or religious groups contribute to
the increase in the kosher food market since the dietary restrictions for
certain other religious groups are met by kosher food.
E. OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
Not applicable
F. TABULAR DISCLOSURE OF CONTRACTURAL OBLIGATIONS
The following table of the Company's material contractual obligations as of
December 31, 2007 summarizes the aggregate effect that these obligations are
expected to have on our cash flows in the periods indicated:
2007
Payments due by period
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Contractual Less than More than
Obligations Total 1 year 2-3 years 4-5 years 5 years
-------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
(in thousands)
Open purchase orders NIS 33,286 NIS 33,286
(USD 8,655) (USD 8,655) -- -- --
Total NIS 33,286 NIS 33,286
(USD 8,655) (USD 8,655) -- -- --
G. SAFE HARBOR
This annual report contains certain forward-looking statements (as such
term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). When
used in this report, the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect,"
"intend" and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company or the
management of the Company, identify forward-looking statements. Such statements
reflect the current views of the Company with respect to future events, based on
certain assumptions and information currently available to management, all of
which are subject to certain risks and uncertainties including, among others
Page 39
o changes affecting currency exchange rates, including the NIS/U.S.
Dollar exchange rate;
o payment default by any of our major clients;
o the loss of one of more of our key personnel;
o changes in laws and regulations, including those relating to the food
distribution industry, and inability to meet and maintain regulatory
qualifications and approvals for our products;
o termination of arrangements with our suppliers, in particular Arla
Foods amba;
o loss of one or more of our principal clients;
o increasing levels of competition in Israel and other markets in which
we do business;
o changes in economic conditions in Israel, including in particular
economic conditions in our core markets;
o our inability to accurately predict consumption of our products;
o product liability claims;
o our inability to continue to meet the Nasdaq listing requirements;
o we may not successfully integrate our prior acquisitions; and
o increases in milk, corn, wheat, rice and other product prices.
Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should
underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results of operations may vary
materially from those described herein as anticipated, believed, estimated,
expected or intended.
Page 40
ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
A. DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT
The directors, executive officers and key employees of the Company as of
the date of this Annual Report are as follows:
NAME AGE POSITION WITH THE COMPANY
Joseph Williger 51 Chief Executive Officer and Director
Zwi Williger 53 Chief Operating Officer and Chairman of the Board
Rachel Bar-Ilan (1) 50 Director
Ariel Herzfeld (1) 53 External Director
Etti Cohen (1) 39 External Director
Gil Hochboim 38 Vice President
Ety Sabach 35 Chief Financial Officer
(1) Members of the Company's Audit Committee.
The Directors are elected at the annual general meeting of shareholders and
hold office until the next annual general meeting of shareholders and until
their successors have been elected. Officers serve at the discretion of the
Board, subject to the terms of any agreement between officers and the Company.
The business experience of each of the Directors, executive officers and
key employees of the Company is set forth below:
JOSEPH WILLIGER has served as the Chief Executive Officer (or general
manager) and a Director of the Company since its inception in January 1994. He
has also served as a Chairman of the Company's subsidiaries, W.F.D. and Gold
Frost, since November 1996 and April 2001, respectively. Mr. Williger has also
served as a director and as chairman of the Board of Willi Food, the controlling
shareholder of the Company, since December 1992 and June 1994, respectively. Mr.
Williger has served as Director of Titanic, a company he owns together with Mr.
Zwi Williger, since April 1990. Mr. Williger received his academic education in
economics from Bar-Ilan University in Israel and in Business Management from
Nortrige University in Los Angeles. Mr. Williger is the brother of Zwi Williger,
Chief Operating Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company.
ZWI WILLIGER has served as the Chief Operating Officer and Chairman of the
Company since January 1997, and from inception of the Company to January 1997 as
a Director and Manager of Marketing Development of the Company. Mr. Williger has
also served as a director of the Company's subsidiaries, W.F.D. and Gold Frost,
since November 1996 and April 2001, respectively. Mr. Williger has also served
as a director of Willi Food since December 1992. Mr. Williger served as Director
of Titanic since April 1990. Mr. Williger attended Fresno University in
California. Zwi Williger is the brother of Joseph Williger, Chief Executive
Officer and a director of the Company.
Page 41
RACHEL BAR-ILAN has served as Director of the Company since May 2001. Since
2005, she has been the general manager of ORTHOBAR Company, a privately owned
company established in 2002, which provides medical services and orthopedic
equipment to hospitals, institutes, emergency medical care center and private
clinics and patients. From 1999 to 2004, Ms. Bar-Ilan managed the marketing and
application of medical laboratory instrumentation in medical laboratories of
Medtechnica Ltd., a company publicly traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. From
1994 to 1999, Ms. Bar-Ilan worked for Agentec Ltd., where she has been in charge
of the marketing and application of medical instrumentation in the chemical
field. Ms. Bar-Ilan received her degree in Medical Science (M.Sc.) from the
Technion - Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa, Israel.
ARIEL HERZFELD has served as an external director since August 30, 2006.
Mr. Herzfeld is a senior partner in the Israeli CPA firm, M. Herzfeld & Co.
and in Herzfeld-Cohen Management Services where he served in auditing,
consulting and managing services, including in information-systems projects to a
wide variety of private and public organizations. Director (included in the
audit committee) in Crystal Consumer Products Ltd a prominent Israeli importer
of appliances that is traded in the Tel-Aviv Stock Exchange. Mr. Herzfeld was
the managing partner in charge of the audit-force nominated by the Israeli
Parliamentary Investigation Commission for locating & restoring of property
for Holocaust victims in Bank Hapoalim Ltd (Israel biggest bank). Mr. Herzfeld
earned his BA degree from the University of Denver in Colorado in 1978 and his
MBA, majoring in Information Systems Analysis, from the Ono Academic College, in
2005. Mr. Herzfeld is a Certified Public Accountant (Isr.) and Certified Systems
Analyst (Isr.).
ETTI COHEN has served as an external director since December 2007. Mrs.
Cohen is an attorney at law in Israel. Mrs. Cohen has served as the Deputy
Manager of Analyst Underwriting & Issue Ltd. since 2007. Prior to that, Mrs.
Cohen served as the VP Marketing & Merchandising of Office Depot. From 2006
Ms. Cohen also served as a Marketing Manager of Partner communication Ltd. Mrs.
Cohen was responsible for the Marketing and Tariff Strategy. Mrs. Cohen has an
LL.B from the College of Management, Rishon Lezion, Israel, and a B.A. in
political science from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel.
GIL HOCHBOIM returned to the Company as Vice President in June 2007, with
responsibility for mergers and acquisitions and general operations. Mr. Hochboim
served as Chief Financial Officer of the Company between August 2000 and October
2006. Between March 1998 and August 2000, he served as deputy manager of
Ha'menia Goods Transport Corp. Ltd., and between April 1995 and February 1998,
Gil served as Deputy Comptroller of Dan Hotels Corp. Ltd. Mr. Hochboim is a
certified public accountant (Israel). He received his BA in Accounting and
Business Management from the College of Management, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
ETY SABACH has served as Chief Financial Officer since May 29, 2008. Ms.
Sabach has extensive experience in the food retail market. Prior to joining the
Company she was the Chief Financial Officer of Burger Ranch, one of the largest
fast food chains in Israel, where she began working in May 2002. Between January
1998 and April 2002, Ety served as a Senior Manager at PriceWaterhouseCoopers
Israel. Ety is a certified public accountant (Israel), and she received her BA
in Accounting and Business Management and MBA in Business Management from the
College of Management, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
TERMINATION OF OFFICE
SHAY BAZAK served as our director until November 2007. CHEN SHLEIN served
as our Chief Financial Officer until June 2007, and YARON LEVY served as our
Chief Financial Officer until May 2008.
B. COMPENSATION
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
The aggregate compensation paid by the Company to its directors and
officers as a group for the fiscal year 2007 was approximately NIS 2.6 million
(USD 0.68 million), excluding bonuses in an aggregate amount of approximately
NIS 0.76 million (USD 0.20 million) paid to Messrs. Joseph and Zwi Williger.
These amounts include all contingent or deferred compensation payable to
directors or officers during 2007. These amounts also include payments to
non-executive directors in the aggregate amount of approximately NIS 228
thousand (USD 59 thousand) during 2007.
Page 42
The foregoing does not include amounts expended by the Company for motor
vehicles made available to its officers, expenses (including business travel,
professional and business association dues and expenses) reimbursed to officers
and other benefits commonly reimbursed and paid for by companies in Israel. The
Company provides motor vehicles to key employees and certain officers, at the
Company's expense.
See also "Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions -
Related Party Transactions".
MANAGEMENT SERVICE AGREEMENTS
As of June 1, 1998, the Company entered into management services agreements
with companies controlled by each of Messrs. Joseph and Zwi Williger,
respectively (collectively, the "Williger Management Companies"), pursuant to
which Messrs. Joseph and Zwi Williger are to provide management services on
behalf of the Williger Management Companies to the Company (the "Management
Services Agreements").
The Management Services Agreements were for a period of four years
commencing on June 1, 1998 (the "Management Services Period"), were
automatically renewed on June 1, 2002 for two years and were automatically
renewed for an additional period of two years in June 1, 2004. Under these
agreements, the Company has the ability to terminate the Management Services
Agreements only upon six months notice prior to the end of the Management
Services Period or any extension thereof as the case may be. In the event the
Company terminates any of the Management Services Agreements prior to the
expiration of the Management Services Period or any extension thereof, for any
reason whatsoever, it would have been obligated to pay all amounts due under the
respective Management Services Agreements through the expiration of the
Management Services Period or any extension thereof, as the case may be.
Each of the Management Services Agreements provides for monthly service
fees equal to USD 24,500 (excluding VAT) and an annual bonus at a rate of 3% of
the Company's pre-tax consolidated annual profits, if such profits are equal to
or less than NIS 3.0 million (approximately USD 0.7 million), or at a rate of 5%
if such profits exceed such level. In the year ended December 31, 2005, the
Company paid an aggregate amount of NIS 3.9 million (approximately USD 0.85
million) pursuant to the Management Services Agreements. The Management Services
Agreements further provide that benefits in general, including the social
benefits of Messrs. Joseph or Zwi Williger, and income tax payments, national
insurance payments and other payments due by employees in respect of their
employment, are to be paid for at the sole expense of the Williger Management
Companies. The Williger Management Companies have undertaken to indemnify the
Company with respect to any claims against the Company with respect to
employer/employee relations. In addition, each of the Management Services
Agreements includes non-competition provisions for the duration of the
Management Services Period as well as confidentiality provisions.
On July 2005, the Management Services Agreements was amended as follows:
(1) The term of the Management Services Agreements were extended indefinitely,
subject to clauses (2), (5) and (6) below.
(2) Each of the parties to the Management Services Agreements may terminate the
agreement at any time, and for any reason, by prior written notice, which
will be delivered to the other party as follows:
Page 43
o The Company may terminate the agreement at any time, and for any
reason, by prior written notice of at least 18 months.
o Each Williger Management Company may terminate its agreement at any
time, by prior written notice of at least 180 days.
(3) The Company may waive receiving actual management services from the
Williger Management Company during the prior notice period, but this will
not eliminate its obligation to continue paying the Williger Management
Company the management fees owed to the Williger Management Company until
the termination of the prior notice period.
(4) If a Williger Management Company terminates the Management Services
Agreement, the Williger Management Company will be entitled to receive the
management fees for a period of six (6) months, which shall begin after the
prior notice period, whether or not it provides the Company with any
management services during such six-month period.
(5) In the event the Williger Management Company provides the management
services to the Company without the presence of Messrs. Zwi Williger or
Joseph Williger, as the case may be, and/or in the case of the death and/or
permanent disability of Messrs. Zwi Williger or Joseph Williger, the
Company will be entitled to terminate the Management Services Agreement
immediately.
(6) Both Messrs. Zwi Williger and Joseph Williger have agreed with the Company
that if a liquidation order or receivership order is issued against a
Williger Management Company which prevents the Williger Management Company
from continuing to provide the management services according to the
Management Services Agreement, they will immediately commence working for
the Company in return for pay and social benefits costing the Company the
same amount as the monthly management fees that the Company paid the
Williger Management Company to that date, or alternatively, at their sole
discretion, shall begin providing the Company with management services via
another company owned and controlled by them under the conditions of the
Management Services Agreement.
(7) In addition, the Management Services Agreements contain provisions
regarding the Company providing vehicles for the use of Messrs. Zwi
Williger and Joseph Williger, and regarding full reimbursement of expenses
incurred by Messrs. Zwi Williger and Joseph Williger while providing the
management services to the Company, including reasonable lodging and travel
expenses in Israel and abroad, phone expenses in their home and mobile
phone expenses, including calls abroad related to providing the management
services to the Company, subject to providing receipts.
The amendments were approved unanimously by the Audit Committee and the
Board of Directors on May 4, 2005, and Messrs. Zwi Williger and Joseph Williger
did not participate in the meetings of the Audit Committee and the Board of
Directors. These amendments were approved by the Company's shareholders on July
20, 2005.
On February 15, 2006, in light of the decision of the Israeli Securities
Authorities to limit the duration of the aforesaid Management Services
Agreements to a period of five (5) years, the Board of Directors of the Company
decided to limit the duration of the Management Services Agreements to a period
of five (5) years each, both ending five years after the date of their approval
by the General Meeting of Shareholders (I.E. July 19, 2010).
On March 16, 2008, the Management Services Agreements with Messrs. Zwi
Williger and Joseph Williger were amended as follows:
(a) The current monthly services fees according to the Management Services
Agreements will cease to be linked to the US Dollar and will be translated
to NIS 102,900 (excluding VAT) linked to changes in the Israeli consumer
price index.
Page 44
(b)The terms of the Management Services Agreements are to be extended
indefinitely, subject to clause (c) below; provided however that in the
event the Williger Management Company provides the management services to
the Company without the presence of Messrs. Zwi Williger or Joseph
Williger, as the case may be, and/or in the case of the death and/or
permanent disability of Messrs. Zwi Williger or Joseph Williger, the
Company will be entitled to terminate the Management Services Agreement
immediately.
(c) Each of the parties to the Management Services Agreements may terminate
the agreement at any time, and for any reason, by prior written notice
which will be delivered to the other party as follows:
o The Company may terminate the agreement at any time, and for any
reason, by prior written notice of at least 36 months.
o The Williger Management Company may terminate the agreement at any
time, by prior written notice of at least 180 days.
(d) If a Williger Management Company is to terminate the Management
Services Agreement, the Williger Management Company would be entitled to
receive the management fees for a period of twelve (12) months, which would
begin after the prior notice period, whether or not it provides the Company
with any management services during such twelve-month period.
In addition, the Management Services Agreements contain provisions
entitling each of Messrs. Zwi Williger and Joseph Williger to 30 vacation days
per year, during which days the applicable Williger Management Company will not
provide management services to the Company. Unused vacation days may be
accumulated and paid for in lieu of taking such days as vacation.
The amendments were approved unanimously by the Audit Committee and the
Board of Directors on January 2, 2008, and Messrs. Zwi Williger and Joseph
Williger did not participate in the meetings of the Audit Committee and the
Board of Directors. These amendments were approved by the Company's shareholders
on March 13, 2008.
Under the Transfer Agreement described in "Item 7. Major Shareholders and
Related Party Transactions - B. Related Party Transactions", 50% of the
Company's rights and obligations stipulated in the management agreement with Mr.
Zwi Williger were transferred to Gold Frost and 20% of the Company's rights and
obligations stipulated in the management agreement with Mr. Joseph Williger were
transferred to Gold Frost.
In June 2007, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Gil
Hochboim, pursuant to which Mr. Hochboim agreed to serve as the Vice President
of the Company. The agreement provides for a monthly salary and benefits
customarily provided by the Company to its senior employees, including bonuses
and the use of a vehicle.
In May 2008, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Ms. Ety
Sabach, pursuant to which Ms. Sabach agreed to serve as the Chief Financial
Officer of the Company. The agreement provides for a monthly salary and benefits
customarily provided by the Company to its senior employees, including bonuses
and the use of a vehicle.
C. BOARD PRACTICES
TERMS OF OFFICE
Directors are elected by the shareholders at the annual general meeting of
the shareholders, except in certain cases where Directors (who are not External
Directors) are appointed by the Board of Directors, and their appointment is
later ratified at the first meeting of the shareholders thereafter. Except for
External Directors (as discussed below), Directors serve until the next annual
general meeting of the shareholders.
Page 45
ALTERNATE DIRECTORS
The Articles of Association of the Company provide that any director may,
by written notice to the Company, appoint another person to serve as an
alternate director. Under the Israeli Companies Law, the directors of the
Company cannot appoint an incumbent director or an incumbent alternate director
as an alternate director. The term of appointment of an alternate director may
be for a specified period, or until notice is given of the termination of the
specified period or of the appointment. A Director on a Board Committee may
appoint anyone to be his Alternate subject to the potential alternate not being
a member of such committee, and if the appointing Director is an External
Director then the alternate must be an External Director having suitable
financial and accountancy expertise or professional qualifications, as those of
the appointing director. Except for the foregoing regarding a committee of the
Board of Directors, an External Director cannot appoint an alternate director.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
NASDAQ REQUIREMENTS
The Company's Ordinary Shares are listed for quotation on the Nasdaq
Capital Market, and the Company is subject to the rules of the Nasdaq Capital
Market applicable to listed companies. Under the current Nasdaq rules, a listed
company is required to have an audit committee consisting of at least three
independent directors, all of whom are financially literate and one of whom has
accounting or related financial management expertise. Rachel Bar-Ilan, Etti
Cohen and Ariel Herzfeld qualify as independent directors under the current
Nasdaq requirement and are members of the Audit Committee. The role of the audit
committee for Nasdaq purposes includes assisting the Board of Directors in
fulfilling its responsibility for oversight of the quality and integrity of the
Company's accounting, auditing and reporting practices.
COMPANIES LAW REQUIREMENTS
Under the Israeli Companies Law, the board of directors of public company
must appoint an audit committee, comprised of at least three directors including
all of the external directors, but excluding a:
o chairman of the board of directors;
o controlling shareholder or his relative; and
o any director employed by or who provides services to the company on a
regular basis.
The responsibilities of the audit committee under the Israeli Companies Law
include identifying irregularities in the management of the company's business
and approving related party transactions as required by law.
INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
The Company is a "Controlled Company" within the meaning of the Nasdaq
rules since more than 50% of its voting power is held by Willi Food. As a
Controlled Company, the Company is exempt from certain Nasdaq independence
requirements, such as the requirement that a majority of the Board of Directors
be independent and the rules relating to independence of directors approving
nominations and executive compensation.
Page 46
EXTERNAL DIRECTORS UNDER THE ISRAELI COMPANIES LAW
The Israeli Companies Law requires that the Company have at least two
external directors on its Board of Directors. The election of an external
director under the Israeli Companies Law must be approved by a general meeting
of shareholders provided that either: (a) the majority of shares voted at the
meeting, including at least one third of the shares of non-controlling
shareholders voted at the meeting, vote in favor of such arrangement (not
including abstentions) or (b) the total number of shares voted against such
arrangement does not exceed one percent of the aggregate voting rights in the
company.
A "Controlling Shareholder" is defined in the Israeli Companies Law as a
shareholder with the ability to control the actions of the company, whether by
majority ownership or otherwise, and for the purpose of transactions with
related parties, it may include a shareholder who holds at least 25% of the
voting rights in the Company, provided that there is no other Shareholder who
holds more than 50% of the voting rights in the Company.
The Israeli Companies Law further requires that at least one external
director have financial and accounting expertise, and that the other external
director(s) have professional competence, as determined by the company's board
of directors. Under recently enacted regulations, a director having financial
and accounting expertise is a person who, due to his or her education,
experience and talents is highly skilled in respect of, and understands,
business-accounting matters and financial reports in a manner that enables him
or her to understand in depth the company's financial statements and to
stimulate discussion regarding the manner in which the financial data is
presented. Under the regulations, a director having professional competence is a
person who has an academic degree in either economics, business administration,
accounting, law or public administration or an academic degree in an area
relevant to the company's business, or has at least five years experience in a
senior position in the business management of a corporation with a substantial
scope of business, in a senior position in the public service or a senior
position in the field of the company's business.
An External Director is appointed for a period of three consecutive years
and may be re-appointed for one additional three-year period only. Under the
Company's Articles of Association, any committee of the board of directors to
which the board of directors has delegated its powers in whole or in part, must
include at least one External Director. Under the Israeli Companies Law, the
Audit Committee must include all the External Directors.
The External Directors of the Company are Mrs. Etti Cohen, who was
appointed as an External Director in December 2007, and Mr. Ariel Herzfeld, who
was appointed as an External Director in August 2006.
FIDUCIARY DUTIES OF AN OFFICER
The Israeli Companies Law governs the duty of care and duty of loyalty
which an Officer has to the company. An "Officer" is defined in the Israeli
Companies Law as a director, general manager, chief executive officer, executive
vice president, vice president, any other person assuming the responsibilities
of any of the foregoing positions without regard to such person's title and
other managers directly subordinate to the general manager.
The duty of loyalty and to act in good faith, requires the Officer to avoid
any conflict of interest between the Officer's position in the company and
personal affairs, and proscribes any competition with the company or the
exploitation of any business opportunity of the company in order to receive
personal advantages for him or herself or others. This duty also requires him or
her to reveal to the company any information or documents relating to the
company's affairs that the Officer has received due to his or her position as an
Officer. The duty of care requires an Officer to act in a way that a reasonable
Officer would act in the same position and under the same circumstances. This
includes the duty to utilize reasonable means to obtain information regarding
the advisability of a given action submitted for his or her approval or
performed by virtue of his or her position and all other relevant information.
Page 47
The Directors of the Company are entitled to obtain all information
relating to such company's management and assets and to receive assistance, in
special cases, from outside experts at the expense of the company. The law
imposes an obligation on the directors of the company to act to convene a
meeting of a company's board of directors upon becoming aware of matters that
suggest infringements of law, neglect of good business practice or conduct by an
Officer, which may result in a breach of duty of such Officer.
INTERNAL AUDITOR
Under the Israeli Companies Law, Israeli companies whose securities are
publicly traded are also required to appoint an internal auditor, in accordance
with the proposal of the audit committee. The role of the internal controller is
to examine, INTER ALIA, whether the Company's actions comply with the law,
integrity and orderly business procedures. Mr. Joshua Freund, CPA (Isr), has
been the internal auditor of the Company since November 1997.
INDEMNIFICATION
In accordance with the Israeli Companies Law and the Company's Articles of
Association, the Company has undertaken to indemnify and insure its directors
and senior officers, against certain liabilities which they may incur in
connection with the performance of their duties. Under the terms of such
indemnification provisions, the Company may, to the extent permitted by law,
indemnify an Officer for legal expenses incurred by him in connection with such
indemnification.
In 2005, the Company restated its Articles of Association in order to
conform the Company's Articles of Association to the revised provisions of the
Israeli Companies Law. On May 4, 2005, the Board of Directors and Audit
Committee of the Company also approved an exemption in advance to any Director
or Officer from any liability to the Company attributed to damage or loss caused
by breach of the Director's or Officer's duty of care owed to the Company,
except for such breach of duty of care in distribution (as such term is defined
in the Israeli Companies Law).
Also, the Board of Directors, the Audit Committee and the shareholders
approved an irrevocable indemnification of the Officers by the Company with
respect to any liability or expense paid for by the Officer or that the Officer
may be obligated to pay.
APPROVAL OF RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS UNDER THE ISRAELI COMPANIES LAW
The Israeli Companies Law requires that an Office Holder promptly disclose
any direct or indirect personal interest that he or his affiliates may have, and
all related material information known to him, in connection with any existing
or proposed transaction by the company. If the Office Holder complies with such
disclosure requirements, the company may approve the transaction in accordance
with the provisions of its articles of association and the Companies Law. Under
the Companies Law, if the Office Holder has a personal interest in the
transaction, the approval must confirm that the transaction is not adverse to
the company's interest.
In most circumstances, the Israeli Companies Law restricts Office Holders
who have a personal interest in a matter which is considered at a meeting of the
board or the audit committee from being present at such meeting, participating
in the discussions or voting on any such matter.
Page 48
Generally, under the Israeli Companies Law the compensation of an Officer
who is a director, or the compensation of an Officer who holds a controlling
interest in the company, requires the approval of the audit committee, the Board
of Directors and the general meeting of the shareholders of the company. The
Israeli Companies Law also requires that a transaction between the company and
its Officer and also a transaction between the company and another person in
which an Officer has a personal interest, requires the approval of the Board of
Directors if such transactions are not extraordinary transactions, although, as
permitted by law and subject to any relevant stock exchange rule. If such
transactions are extraordinary transactions (that is, a transaction other than
in the ordinary course of business, otherwise than on market terms, or is likely
to have a material impact on the company's profitability, assets or
liabilities), in addition to audit committee approval, the transaction also must
be approved by the Board of Directors, and, in certain circumstances, the
shareholders of the Company at a general meeting. Under the Israeli Companies
Law, an extraordinary transaction between a public company and a person having
control of the company or an extraordinary transaction between a public company
and another person, in which a controlling member has a personal interest, must
be approved by the audit committee, the Board of Directors and a meeting of the
shareholders, provided that either: (a) the majority of shares voted at the
meeting, including at least one third of the shares voted by shareholders who do
not have a personal interest in the matter and who are present at the meeting,
are voted in favor of such arrangement (abstentions shall not be included in the
total of the votes) or (b) the total number of shares of the shareholders
referred to in clause (a) voting against such arrangement does not exceed one
percent of the aggregate voting rights of the company.
Under the Israeli Companies Law, a private placement to a shareholder
becoming a Controlling Shareholder, or a private placement to a principal
shareholder (a holder of 5% or more of a company's issued share capital or
voting rights) or due to which a shareholder will become a principal shareholder
of at least 20% of the voting rights in the Company before such placement, is
also subject to the approval of the Audit Committee, the Board of Directors and
a meeting of the shareholders, as specified above. Directors with respect to
whom the foregoing matters are brought for Board of Directors or Audit Committee
approval are not entitled to be present during discussions of, nor to
participate in the vote for approval of, such matters at Board and/or Audit
Committee meetings, unless a majority of Audit Committee or Board members, as
the case may be, have a personal interest in such matter or the matter involves
non-extraordinary transactions between the company and either a Director or a
third party in which a Director has a personal interest. The Israeli Companies
Law further provides that in the event that a majority of board members have a
personal interest in such a matter, it also requires shareholder approval.
D. EMPLOYEES
For information regarding the Company's employees see "Item 4".
"Information on the Company - B. Business Overview - Employees".
E. SHARE OWNERSHIP
For information regarding the share ownership of Directors and officers of
the Company see "Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions".
OPTIONS
As of June 25, 2008, there were 561,982 outstanding options (warrants) to
purchase ordinary shares of the Company, currently exercisable at a price of
$8.00 per share.
EMPLOYEE SHARE OPTION PLAN
In May 1997, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted an employee
share option plan ("the 1997 Plan"), pursuant to which the Company granted
options to purchase 180,000 ordinary shares to employees, officers, Directors
and consultants of the Company and the subsidiary (including 160,000 options to
related parties).
Page 49
Of the above, options to purchase 130,000 ordinary shares were granted to
Mr. Joseph Williger and Mr. Zwi Williger at an exercise price equal to the
nominal value per share of NIS 0.10. The options were exercisable as to 20%
every six-month anniversary from the date of grant, on a cumulative basis,
during a period of five years. These options were exercised in January 2000.
Options to purchase 35,000 ordinary shares were held by the Company's
officers and Directors (as a group) and options to purchase 15,000 ordinary
shares were held by other employees. The options, granted as of the effective
date of the Company's initial public offering under the Company's 1997 Share
Option Plan, are generally exercisable during a five-year period commencing on
the 24th month anniversary from the date of grant, at an exercise price equal to
the initial public offering price per share - USD 4.10 per share, which was
equal to the fair market value of the shares on the date of the grant. On April
2004, Zwi Williger and Joseph Williger exercised 15,000 options each at an
exercise price of USD 4.1 per share. The 1997 Plan was terminated on May 2004,
and the remaining 20,000 options expired unexercised.
ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
A. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS
The following table sets forth, as of June 25, 2008, the number of Ordinary
Shares beneficially owned by (i) each shareholder known to the Company to own
more than 5% of the Ordinary Shares and
NUMBER OF
ORDINARY SHARES PERCENTAGE OF
NAME AND ADDRESS BENEFICIALLY OWNED ORDINARY SHARES
---------------- ------------------ ---------------
Willi Food (1) 6,794,372 66.17%
(1) Willi Food's securities are traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. The
principal executive offices of Willi Food are located at 4 Nahal Harif St.,
Northern Industrial Zone, Yavne, 81106 Israel. As of June, 25, 2008, Mr.
Arieh Bar Lev (Arcadi Gaydamak) owns 44.34% of the shares of Willi Food.
Under Israeli law, Mr. Gaydamak is deemed to be the controlling shareholder
of Willi Food and has the ability to control the Company's management and
policies, including matters requiring shareholders approval such as
election of directors.
In August 2007, the Company announced the sale by Zwi and Joseph Williger of 42%
of the outstanding shares of Willi Food to Mr. Arieh Bar Lev (Arcadi Gaydamak).
All of the shareholders of the Company (including Willi Food) have the same
number of votes for each ordinary share held. Accordingly, the major
shareholders of the Company, Willi Food, do not have voting rights that are
different from those of the Company's other shareholders. The Company believes
that 3,306,521 Ordinary Shares (approximately 33.83% of its outstanding Ordinary
Shares) are held by persons who are not officers, directors or the owners of 10%
of the Company's outstanding Ordinary Shares. As of June 25, 2008, there were 22
holders of Ordinary Shares of record registered with a United States mailing
address, including banks, brokers and nominees. These holders of record,
including a part of the Company's shares held by Willi Food through brokers,
represented approximately 66.9% of the total outstanding Ordinary Shares.
Because these holders of record include banks, brokers and nominees, the
beneficial owners of these Ordinary Shares may include persons who reside
outside the United States.
Page 50
B. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS; MANAGEMENT SERVICE AGREEMENTS.
In April 1997, the Company entered into employment agreements with each of
Mr. Zwi Williger and Mr. Joseph Williger (related parties), pursuant to which
Mr. Zwi Williger agrees to serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief
Operating Officer of the Company and Mr. Joseph Williger agrees to serve as a
director and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Pursuant to the agreements,
each of the above-mentioned related parties agreed to devote the substantial
portion of his time to his work in the Company.
The employment agreements were for a period of four years commencing April
1997, and were automatically renewed in April 2001 for an additional two years
and were automatically renewable for additional terms of two years each unless
either party notified the other, six months prior to the expiration of the
employment period of its/his intention not to renew the agreement. If the
Company terminated the agreements prior to the expiration of the employment
period, it would have been required to pay to each of the above-mentioned
related parties all amounts due to it under the agreements through the end of
the employment period.
The employment agreements provided for a monthly remuneration, in NIS,
equal to USD 17,500 to each of the above-mentioned related parties and an annual
bonus for the 1997 fiscal year and thereafter of 3% of the Company's
consolidated pre-tax annual profits (if such profits are equal to or less than
NIS 3 million, approximately USD 0.8 million), or 5% (if such profits exceed
this level) (hereafter: the "annual bonus"). The agreements also provided for
managers' insurance, paid annual vacation, paid annual sick leave, social
security, study fund, the use of a motor vehicle and reimbursement of expenses.
In addition, the agreements include confidentiality undertakings and
non-competition provisions.
In June 1998, the Company entered into management service agreements with
the above-mentioned related parties through Williger Management Companies. The
management service agreements replaced the employment agreements entered into in
April 1997. The management service agreements were for a period of four years
commencing June 1998, were renewed in June 2002 for two years and were
automatically renewed in June 2004 for an additional period of two years. The
management fees are USD 24,500 a month (excluding VAT) paid to each of the
Williger Management Companies. In addition, according to the management service
agreements, each of the Williger Management Companies is entitled to an annual
bonus as provided in the employment agreements for the year 1998 and thereafter,
as described above. These agreements include a non-compete provision for the
term of the agreement as well as a confidentiality provision that applies during
the term of the agreement and thereafter.
On May 4, 2005, the Audit Committee and the Board of the Company, resolved
to amend the provisions of the two above-mentioned agreements. The amendments
were approved by the shareholders of the Company at the General Meeting of
Shareholders that convened on July 20, 2005. Please refer to "Item 6. Directors,
Senior Management and Employees - B. Compensation - Management Service
Agreements" for more details regarding the amendments.
Under the Transfer Agreement described below, 50% of the Company's rights
and obligations stipulated in the management agreement with Mr. Zwi Williger
were transferred to Gold Frost and 20% of the Company's rights and obligations
stipulated in the management agreement with Mr. Joseph Williger were transferred
to Gold Frost.
On January 2, 2008 the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors
unanimously approved the amendment of the Management Services Agreements with
Messrs. Zwi Williger and Joseph Williger. The amendments were approved by the
shareholders of the Company at the Special General Meeting of Shareholders that
convened on March 13, 2008. Please refer to "Item 6. Directors, Senior
Management and Employees - B. Compensation - Management Service Agreements" for
more details regarding the amendments.
Page 51
LEASE
Up to the second quarter of 2007, the Company's principal executive offices
were situated at a leased facility in the northern industrial zone of Yavne, at
3 Nahal Snir St., Israel, 35 km south of Tel-Aviv. These premises served as the
Company's logistic center for warehousing and distribution of food products as
well. The Yavne facility was leased by the Company from Titanic, a private
Israeli company controlled by Messrs. Joseph Williger and Zwi Williger. See
"Item 4. Information on the Company - D. Property, Plants and Equipment" for a
description of the terms of this lease.
In the second quarter of 2007, the Company began to operate from the new
logistic center. The new logistic center, comprised of 8,600 square meters
(approximately 77,400 square feet), is located on a plot of 19,000 square meters
(approximately 171,000 square feet), which was acquired in August 2005, from
Titanic. This transaction was approved by the Company's Board of Directors,
Audit Committee and shareholders. The new logistic center is situated in the
northern industrial zone of Yavne, near the previous logistic center. See "Item
4. Information on the Company - D. Property, Plants and Equipment" for more
information.
SERVICES TO WILLI FOOD
The Company has been providing certain services to Willi Food on an
on-going basis since the Company's commencement of operations, including office
space and certain management, financial and administrative services. On April 1,
1997, the Company entered into a service agreement with Willi Food, which become
effective as of May 19, 1997, the effective date of the Company's initial public
offering. Pursuant to this agreement, Willi Food is entitled to manage its
operations from the Company's executive offices in Yavne, including use of
office facilities.
The Company also agreed to provide Willi Food with accounting and
secretarial services. In consideration for the use of the Company's facilities
and such other services, Willi Food agreed to pay the Company a monthly fee
equal to NIS 5,480 (USD 1,425) plus VAT. This fee is payable quarterly and is
linked to the Israeli CPI. The agreement is for an unlimited term, and is
mutually terminable upon three months prior notice. The Company believes that
the fees for these services and the terms of such agreement are no less
favorable to it than could be obtained from an unaffiliated third party.
As of April 1, 1997, the Company and Willi Food entered into an agreement
pertaining to the allocation of corporate opportunities which may arise from
time to time. The agreement provides that Willi Food will make available and
provide a right of first refusal to the Company with regard to any corporate
opportunity offered to Willi Food, which relates to the food business.
On March 31, 2003, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized Willi
Food to participate in the import license lottery of the Israeli Ministry of
Industry and Trade, provided that Willi Food agreed that if it wins an import
license it will: (i) coordinate with the Company the items of merchandise to be
imported using the import license; and (ii) in consideration for the transfer of
the merchandise that is imported using the import license, the Company will sell
the merchandise, retaining 20% of the selling proceeds for itself and
transferring the balance, if any, to Willi Food. The Board of Directors of the
Company determined that this arrangement is not an extraordinary transaction. In
2007, the amount retained by the Company pursuant to this arrangement was NIS
314 thousand (USD 82 thousand).
Page 52
TRANSFER AGREEMENT
Pursuant to the provisions of a Transfer Agreement, dated February 16,
2006, and effective as of January 1, 2006, the Company and Gold Frost agree to
cancel their earlier agreement dated May 2001 (and amended in January 2002)
under which the Company was to store and market the food products imported by
Gold Frost through the Company for a commission of 20% (which changed from 15%
since 2002) of the total monthly sales of Gold Frost's products, which were sold
by the Company within that month. Because Gold Frost desired to store, market,
sell and distribute its products on its own commencing January 1, 2006, the
Company agreed to transfer to Gold Frost employees, equipment and various rights
that would allow Gold Frost to store, market, sell and distribute its products
on its own. The Company continues to provide certain services to Gold Frost,
such as collection of payments from customers and others. Effective January 1,
2006, the following were transferred from the Company to Gold Frost:
EMPLOYEES: Sixteen employees ceased to be employees of the Company and
became employees of Gold Frost. All the employees agreed to such transfer
provided that all their rights due to their employment period with the Company
passed to Gold Frost. The Company paid to Gold Frost the amount of NIS 47,927
(USD 12,462) in respect of sums due to the employees for unused vacation days
and accumulated recuperation pay. Because the Company had not made all the
required payments to the managers' insurance of certain employees, the Company
agreed to pay any missing amounts to Gold Frost if and when relevant when the
employer-employee relationship between Gold Frost and the employees terminates.
EQUIPMENT: The Company sold to Gold Frost the ownership in certain trucks
and other machines.
STORAGE: The parties agreed that the existing lease agreement between the
Company and Menrav Tashtiot Ltd. ("Menrav") in respect of storage facilities
that are used to store Gold Frost products would continue until its expiration
in April 2006. Until such expiration, the amounts payable by the Company to
Menrav with respect to these storage facilities were reimbursed by Gold Frost.
After expiration of the agreement, the parties would act towards the renewal of
the agreement and the assignment of all the rights and obligation of the
Company's rights under the agreement to Gold Frost.
LOGISTIC CENTER: The parties agreed to enter into a lease agreement
pursuant to which Gold Frost would lease certain cooling chambers located in the
logistic center to be established by the Company.
SALES ACTIVITIES: The sale personnel of Gold Frost would be responsible for
the sales activities in respect of the Gold Frost products. However, since until
the date of the agreement such sales activities were performed by the Company
and in order to allow Gold Frost to benefit from the Company's experience and
reputation among customers, sales of Gold Frost's products in Israel will be
made through the Company. Gold Frost's products would be sold to the Company and
then sold to customers of Gold Frost. The Company would be responsible for
billing and collecting payments from customers, and will then transfer all
collected payments to Gold Frost. Although the Company would, in fact, purchase
the products from Gold Frost, all risks connected with the collect of payments
from customers would be borne by Gold Frost.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES: The Company agreed to provide certain services to Gold
Frost including, among others, professional services (such as legal services,
accountants and directors insurance), communication, office maintenance (such as
courier services, electricity and others) and other. In consideration for such
services, Gold Frost would pay the Company a certain amount based on a pro-rata
amount of the management and general expenses of the Company as they appear in
the audited financial statements of the Company.
THE DIRECTORS: The Company assigned to Gold Frost 50% of its rights and
obligations under its agreement with the management agreement of Mr. Zwi
Williger and 20% of its rights and obligations under the management agreement of
Mr. Joseph Williger. Consequently, the management company of Mr. Zwi Williger
would provide to Gold Frost 50% of its management services that were previously
provided to the Company, and the management company of Mr. Joseph Williger would
provide to Gold Frost 20% of its management services that were previously
provided to the Company. The parties further agreed that Gold Frost would pay
the management company the annual bonus from its pre-tax annual profits, and the
Company would pay the management company its annual bonus after deducting the
annual bonus paid by Gold Frost.
Page 53
TERM AND TERMINATION: The agreement is terminable at any time by Gold Frost
by a six-month prior written notice and by the Company by a twelve-month prior
written notice.
LEASE AGREEMENT FOR LOGISTICS CENTER
The Company and Gold Frost are parties to a lease agreement with respect to
the Company's new logistic center, located in Yavne, Israel. The Company agreed
to lease to Gold Frost cooling chambers of 1,445 square meters located in the
aforementioned logistic center for a period of 24 years and 11 months. The lease
period may be shortened by a six-month prior notice from Gold Frost or by a
twelve-month prior notice from the Company. Gold Frost is to pay the Company
rental fees in the amount of USD 18,084 + VAT per month, payable on the first
day of each quarter in respect of the coming three months, and Gold Frost will
also pay all taxes usually imposed on lessees and expenses such as electricity,
water, gas, insurance and others related to its use of the cooling chambers.
C. INTERESTS OF EXPERTS AND COUNSEL
Not applicable.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
A. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The financial statements required by this item are found at the end of this
report, beginning on page F-1.
DIVIDEND POLICY
On November 21, 2005, the Board of Director of the Company declared a cash
dividend of NIS 0.55 (USD 0.14) per share (or an aggregate of NIS 4,754 thousand
(USD 1,236 thousand)) payable to its shareholders of record as of January 11,
2006. The cash dividend was paid on January 25, 2006. Apart from the
abovementioned, the Company has never declared or paid cash dividends on its
ordinary shares. The Company may declare cash dividends in the future, depending
on its financial and operational condition and on its expansion strategy.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
1. Five (5) lawsuits and motions to certify as class actions have been filed
against the Company in the Tel-Aviv Jaffa District Court, all based on
claims regarding reductions in the contents of Company products. The
plaintiffs' claims in all of the motions allege that the consumers who
purchased the products were misled since the contents of the packages were
reduced without notifying the public and without proportionally reducing
the prices of the products.
o In the first claim filed in December 2006, which pertains to canned
packages of tuna, the plaintiff claims that the contents of the cans
(I.E., the net weight) were reduced without notifying the consumer
public and without proportionately reducing the prices of the
products. The plaintiff is seeking total restitution of NIS 23,496,000
(at a minimum).
Page 54
o Motion that was filed in December 2006 also pertains to canned
packages of tuna. The plaintiff claims that the contents of the
packages (i.e., the drained weight) were reduced without notifying the
consumer public and without proportionately reducing the prices of the
products. The plaintiff is seeking total restitution of NIS 4,480,000
(at a minimum).
o Motion that was filed in February 2007 also pertains to canned
packages of tuna. The plaintiff claims that the contents of the
packages (i.e., the drained weight) were reduced without notifying the
consumer public and without proportionately reducing the prices of the
products. The plaintiff is seeking total restitution of NIS 3,920,000
(at a minimum).
During June 2008, the sides have reached a settlement agreement, that was
approved by Tel-Aviv Jaffa District Court, relating the above three
lawsuits concerning the canned tuna. According to the settlement agreement
the company has to distribute 480,000 units of canned tuna that weight 8
grams more then the current weight, at the same price of the regular weight
canned tuna. In addition, the Company will pay the plaintiffs and their
representative's the total sum of NIS 50 thousand (USD 13 thousand).
o The motion filed in December 2006 pertains to canned packages sold
under the name "Willifood Artichoke Bottoms", "Willifood Stuffed Vine
Leaves" and "Willifood Pickled Hot Peppers". The plaintiff claims that
the contents of the packages were reduced without notifying the
consumer public and without proportionately reducing the prices of the
products. The plaintiff is seeking total restitution of NIS 7,744,800
(at a minimum).
o The motion filed in December 2006 pertains to canned packages sold
under the name "Willifood Whole Lychees in Syrup", "Willifood Apricot
Halves in Light Syrup", "Willifood Whole Young Corn" and "Willifood
Hearts of Palm". The plaintiff claims that contents of the packages
were reduced without notifying the consumer public and without
proportionately reducing the prices of the products. The plaintiff is
seeking total restitution of NIS 6,195,000 (at a minimum).
Both the above lawsuits were canceled during 2007-2008.
2. A lawsuit was filed in December 2001 against 29 importers/producers of food
products, including the Company, for an amount totaling NIS 500 million
(USD 130 million). Concurrently, the plaintiffs filed a request for an
exemption from the court fee. Following the court's rejection of the
plaintiffs' request for the noted fee exemption and their failure to pay
such fee, the court dismissed the case.
In January 2004 the abovementioned plaintiffs filed a new lawsuit against
the 29 noted importers/producers for NIS 1 billion (USD 260 million).
Again, a request was made concurrently for an exemption from the court fee.
This request was rejected by the registrar of the court, and the action was
dismissed without prejudice in November 2006.
The plaintiffs then filed an appeal with the District Court of the
registrar's November 2006 decision; however, before the appeal was decided
by the court, the plaintiffs filed a request with the court to cancel the
appeal due to the plaintiffs' intention to file the appeal with the Israeli
Supreme Court. The plaintiffs then filed an appeal with the Supreme Court,
and requested an exemption from the court fee for the appeal and from the
requisite security deposit. The request for exemption of court fee was
granted by the Supreme Court on July 3, 2007, but the plaintiffs were
required to pay a deposit of NIS 20,000 as security for the legal expenses
of the respondents, which sum was deposited with the Supreme Court on March
9, 2008. Although the proceedings are still at a preliminary stage, the
Company's management and legal counsel believe that the plaintiffs'
likelihood of success in the proceedings is low.
Page 55
3. In or about October 2005, Vitarroz Corp. commenced an action in the
Superior Court of the State of New Jersey, against Willi USA Holdings, Inc.
(a subsidiary of the Company), the Company and Zwi Williger (collectively,
the "Defendants") due to a dispute concerning a press release announcing
the termination of the proposed acquisition of the Vitarroz business by the
Company.
On November 2005, the Company removed the matter from the Superior Court of
New Jersey to the United States District Court for the District of New
Jersey. The complaint was subsequently amended and, as amended, alleged,
inter alia, breach of contract, defamation, breach of covenants of good
faith and fair dealing, fraudulent inducement and tortious interference
with contractual relations and prospective economic advantage. Defendants
did not respond to the complaint as an agreement was reached to arbitrate
all disputes between the parties and certain third parties.
Not only did the parties agree to submit the claims which are the subject
of the amended complaint to binding arbitration but they agreed to submit
to arbitration (i) claims that defendants have against plaintiff and
related third parties, and (ii) claims which the Company asserted against
Vitarroz in an action that was then pending in Israel regarding the alleged
breach of an agreement executed by the Company and Vitarroz, pursuant to
which Vitarroz was to supply food products to the Company.
Although there was no discovery taken in the then pending Court matters,
Vitarroz claimed in correspondence to the District Court that it sustained,
inter alia, damage: to its financial reputation; that suppliers refused to
extend favorable credit and delivery terms; that there were lost profits of
approximately $500,000; and that its sale to IDT realized a sales price of
approximately $3 million less than what was expected; and that there are
additional damages resulting from defendants' actions which are claimed to
exceed $3.5 million. During the course of discovery, Vitarrozz submitted
the reports of its financial expert claiming damages in excess of $6.6
million. The Company has submitted the report of its financial expert
claiming damages in excess of $10 million. The arbitration hearings took
place at the end of April and beginning of May 2008. The Company believes
that Vitarroz's allegations are without merit, and the Company intends to
continue to vigorously defend against such claims.
4. On February 21, 2007, a lawsuit was filed by Cukierman & Co. Investment
House Ltd. in the Tel Aviv-Jaffa Magistrates Court in the amount of NIS
273,852, claiming non payment of fees for professional services rendered. A
statement of defense has not yet been filed. Given the early stage of these
proceedings, the Company is unable at this point to assess the risks
involved
5. In September 2007, Thurgeman Construction Co. Ltd. ("Thurgeman") filed a
claim against the Company in the District Court of Tel Aviv the amount of
NIS 4,449,340 (plus VAT) regarding a dispute in connection with the
construction of the Company's logistics center in Yavne (the "Project")
pursuant to a contract between the parties, dated as of September 9, 2005.
Under the terms of the contract, Thurgeman was to serve as the operating
contractor for the construction of the frame and the surrounding portions
for the construction of the Project.
During the course of construction on the Project, the parties raised
several claims against each other in connection with the progress of
construction on the Project. The Company claimed that Thurgeman grossly
violated the terms of the contract by continuous delays in the completion
of the Project, and by performing the construction work in a negligent and
unprofessional manner and with inferior quality. Thurgeman counterclaimed
that it performed the construction work according to the terms of the
contract and that any delays in the work were not caused through any fault
of Thurgeman. Furthermore, Thurgeman claimed that the Company withheld
certain payments to which Thurgeman was entitled for additional work on the
Project, causing Thurgeman damages.
Page 56
At the end of November 2007, the Company filed a statement of defense,
which included a counterclaim against Thurgeman and its executive, Dotan
Thurgeman, which contained among other things, a claim of defamation, a
claim for damages caused by the delay in delivery of the completed Project,
and damages caused by Thurgeman's poor and careless work on the Project.
The sum of the damages claimed by the Company in the counterclaim was
approximately NIS 5 million. In February 2008, Thurgeman filed a response
to the counter claim. As of the date of this Annual Report, a date for the
hearing has yet to be set.
At the current preliminary stage of the dispute, the Company's management
and legal counsel cannot assess the chances of the parties.
6. On June 18, 2006, the Company filed a claim against Filiz and Ash-Bar in
the amount of NIS 4,473,878 for breach of contract. The complaint was
served on filiz and Ash-Bar through Ash-Bar's chief executive officer.
Filiz then filed a request to cancel the complaint, claiming that Ash-Bar
is not authorized to accept service of process on its behalf. The request
was denied by the court's registrar.
On November 4, 2007, Filiz filed an appeal of the registrar's decision and
requested an extension for filing its defense to the complaint pending a
decision on the appeal. A hearing took place on March 2008. After the
hearing Filiz informed the court that it withdraws its appeal. On May 13,
2008 Filiz filed its plea.
The Company's legal counsel believes that there is a substantial chance
that the service of process will be accepted by the court, and
notwithstanding the fact that the proceedings are still at a preliminary
stage, the Company's legal counsel believes that the complaint is based on
sound legal arguments, and that there is a reasonable possibility that a
not insignificant portion of the arguments will be sustained by the court.
Other than as stated above, there are no pending or, to the Company's
knowledge, threatened legal proceedings, the outcome of which, in the Company's
view, would have a material adverse affect on the Company's consolidated
financial position.
For information concerning taxes to which stockholders in the United States
may be subject, see "Item 10.Additional Information- Taxes".
B. SIGNIFICANT CHANGES
We are not aware of any significant changes bearing upon our financial
condition since the date of the audited consolidated financial statements
included in this annual report.
Page 57
ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING
A. OFFER AND LISTING DETAILS
Our ordinary shares have been traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market since May
19, 1997. On March 15, 2006, the ticker symbol of our ordinary shares was
changed from "WILCF" to "WILC". The warrants that were issued as part of our
initial public offering in May 1997 expired in May 2000.
The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the closing
representative high and low bid quotations of our ordinary shares as reported by
Nasdaq and adjusted according to the split by bonus share which took place on
December 2004. The bid quotations are expressed in United States Dollars and are
not adjusted for retail mark-up, mark-down or commissions and do not necessarily
represent actual transactions.
CALENDAR PERIOD ORDINARY SHARES
--------------------- --------------------------
HIGH LOW
---------- ----------
2008
Second Quarter (through June 25, 2008) 5.93 4.55
First Quarter 6.95 5.32
2007 8.9 5.2
First Quarter 8.05 5.2
Second Quarter 8.64 7.2
Third Quarter 8.9 5.35
Fourth Quarter 7.19 5.39
2006 8.83 3.22
First Quarter 5.47 3.22
Second Quarter 8.83 5.30
Third Quarter 7.61 6.02
Fourth Quarter 6.55 5.1
2005 8.47 3.00
2004 4.24 1.73
2003 1.79 0.62
June 2008 (through June 25, 2008) 5.90 4.55
May 2008 5.90 5.40
April 2008 5.93 5.50
March 2008 6.71 5.61
February 2008 6.95 5.32
January 2008 6.64 5.52
December 2007 6.65 5.57
Page 58
B. PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
Not applicable.
C. MARKETS
In May 1997, our ordinary shares began trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market
under the symbol "WILCF". On March 15, 2005, the Company's NASDAQ ticker symbol
was changed to "WILC".
D. SELLING SHAREHOLDERS
Not applicable.
E. DILUTION
Not applicable.
F. EXPENSES ON THE ISSUE
Not applicable.
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A. SHARE CAPITAL
Not applicable.
B. MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
PURPOSES AND OBJECTS OF THE COMPANY
We are a public company registered under the Israeli Companies Law as G.
Willi-Food International Ltd., registration number 52-004320-9.
Pursuant to Article 6 of our articles of association, we were formed for
the purpose of importing, exporting and marketing products and other
commodities. Our Board of Directors is empowered to embark on or withdraw from
any business in which we deal. Under our articles of association, our Board of
Directors is entitled to donate reasonable amounts to worthy causes, even if
such donation is not within the framework of our business considerations.
THE POWERS OF DIRECTORS
The powers of a Director to vote on a proposal, arrangement or contract in
which such Director is materially interested is limited by the relevant
provisions of the Israeli Companies Law. In addition, the power of the Directors
to vote compensation to themselves or any members of their body requires the
approval of the Audit Committee and the shareholders at a general meeting, in
addition to the approval of the Board of Directors. Compensation and
indemnification of expenses of External Directors must be in accordance with the
applicable provisions of the Israeli Companies Law.
Page 59
The Israeli Companies Law and our Articles of Association require that a
Director or Office Holder promptly disclose, either at a board meeting or by way
of a general notice, any personal interest that he or she may have and all
related material information know to him or her in connection with any existing
or proposed transaction by the Company. In addition, if the transaction is an
extraordinary transaction (as defined in the Israeli Companies Law), the member
of the Board of Directors or Office Holder, must also disclose any personal
interest held by his or her spouse, siblings, parents, grandparents,
descendants, spouse's descendants and the spouses of any of the foregoing.
Once the Director or Office Holder complies with the above disclosure
requirements, the Company may approve the transaction in accordance with the
provisions of the Articles of Association. If the transaction is with a third
party in which the member of the Board of Directors or Office Holder has a
potential interest, the approval must confirm that the transaction is not
adverse to the Company's interest. Furthermore, if the transaction is an
extraordinary transaction, then, in addition to any approval stipulated by the
Articles of Association, it also must be approved by the Audit Committee and
then by the Board of Directors, and, under certain circumstances, by a meeting
of the shareholders of the Company. See "Item 6. Directors, Senior Management
and Employees - 6C. Board Practices - Approval of Related Party Transactions
under the Israeli Companies Law".
Directors with respect to whom the foregoing matters are brought for Board
of Directors or Audit Committee approval are not entitled to be present during
discussions of, nor to participate in the vote for approval of, such matters at
Board and/or Audit Committee meetings, unless a majority of Audit Committee or
Board members, as the case may be, have a personal interest in such matter or
the matter involves non-extraordinary transactions between the company and
either a Director or a third party in which a Director has a personal interest.
The Israeli Companies Law further provides that in the event that a majority of
board members have a personal interest in such a matter, shareholder approval is
also required.
The Articles of Association provide that the Board of Directors, subject to
the Israeli Companies Law, may, at its discretion from time to time in
accordance with the needs of the Company, make decisions to borrow and/or obtain
credit facilities in any amount and to secure the repayment thereof either by
mortgage, charge or other security on the Company's undertakings or on its
property, in whole or in part (both existing and future) including the share
capital of the company which is, at the time, uncalled.
Subject to applicable provisions of the Israeli Companies Law regarding
matters that the Board of Directors may not delegate to a committee, or matters
for which a committee may only make recommendation to the Board of Directors,
the Board of Directors may delegate its powers to committees consisting of at
least three (3) Directors, including at least one External Director. A
resolution passed or an action taken by a directors' committee has the same
validity as a resolution passed or an action taken by the Board of Directors,
unless otherwise specifically expressed in the resolution of the Board of
Directors that established said committee.
RIGHTS ATTACHED TO SHARES
The Company is authorized to issue 49,893,520 Ordinary Shares, par value
NIS 0.1 and 106,480 Preferred Shares, par value NIS 0.1, each ranking pari
passu. The Company may alter the share capital of the Company in accordance with
the provisions of the Israeli Companies Law and the Articles of Association. The
rights attached to the Company's Shares are as follows:
Page 60
DIVIDEND RIGHTS
Holders of Ordinary Shares are entitled to participate pari passu with all
other shareholders of the Company's Ordinary Shares in any distribution of a
dividend, whether in cash, assets, or in any other legal form, declared, as well
as the right to participate pari passu with all other holders of our Ordinary
Shares in the distribution of bonus shares resolved by the Company. The Articles
of Association note that a shareholder shall not be entitled to receive a
dividend or bonus shares as above, and shall not be entitled to exercise any
right as a shareholder unless he has paid in full all notices of call delivered
to him, together with linkage differences, interest and expenses owed, as
applicable, on calls which have not been paid by him on time.
VOTING RIGHTS
Holders of Ordinary Shares of the Company have the right to receive notices
of general meetings of the Company, to be present, and to participate and vote
therein. Each holder of Ordinary Shares in the Company has the right to one vote
per share in the general meetings of the Company on all matters submitted to a
vote of shareholders. A shareholder may vote in person, via proxy, or by means
of a written form ("voting instrument") described in the Articles of
Association. Any resolution of the Company in a general meeting shall be deemed
duly passed if passed by a simple majority of registered shareholders present
and voting, unless a different majority is required by the Israeli Companies Law
or the Articles of Association.
Under the Articles of Association, the Directors are elected annually by
the registered shareholders at the annual meeting. Directors hold office until
the conclusion of the next annual meeting or until their earlier removal or
resignation. In addition, at least two (2) External Directors who comply with
the qualifications described in the Israeli Companies Law must serve on the
Board of Directors. External Directors are appointed by a majority vote at a
general meeting, provided that: (i) the majority vote includes at least
one-third of the total number of the voted of the non-controlling shareholders
voting at the meeting, with abstentions not taken into consideration in
calculating the total number of the non-controlling shareholders, and (ii) the
total number of non-controlling shareholders voting against the resolution
appointing an External Director is not more than 1% of the overall voting rights
in the Company. External Directors are appointed for a term of three (3) years
and their office may be extended by a resolution of the general meeting for an
additional three (3) years. An External Director may be removed from office only
in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Israeli Companies Law.
If no Directors are elected at an annual meeting, then the persons who
served as Directors immediately prior to the annual meeting will continue to
serve as directors unless otherwise determined by the annual meeting or by the
Board of Directors. A Director who has ceased to serve in office is eligible for
reelection. The Board of Directors has the power to appoint additional Directors
to fill a vacancy, so long as the number of directors will not exceed a number
of Directors approved at a general meeting. Any Director so appointed will hold
office until the conclusion of the next annual meeting unless he is removed or
resigns earlier.
RIGHTS IN THE COMPANY'S PROFITS
The shareholders of the Company have the right to share in the Company's
profits distributed as a dividend and any other permitted distribution. See
"Dividend Rights" above.
RIGHTS IN THE EVENT OF LIQUIDATION
Holders of Ordinary Shares are entitled to receive any return of capital,
pari passu, with all other ordinary shareholders, upon the dissolution of the
Company. Holders of Ordinary Shares are also entitled to participate, pari
passu, with all other Ordinary Shareholders in the distribution of the surplus
of the Company's assets available for distribution in the event of dissolution
of the Company which remain after the Company has paid the holders of Ordinary
Shares all amounts payable as return of capital.
Page 61
LIABILITY TO FURTHER CAPITAL CALLS BY THE COMPANY
If the terms of allotment of any shares of the Company do not specify a
particular date for the payment of all of the consideration which is to be paid
therefore, or any part thereof, our board of directors may, from time to time,
as it deems fit, make calls on the shareholders in respect of the amounts not
yet paid for their shares, whether on account of the par value of the shares or
on the account of the premium, and each shareholder shall be obligated to pay
the Company the amount so demanded from him not later than the date of payment
set forth in the notice containing the call. Shareholders shall be given prior
notice of at least fourteen (14) days in respect of any call. In the event that
amounts set forth in the call have not been paid in whole or in part as of the
date of payment set forth in the call, the shareholders shall be obligated to
pay linkage differences or interest (or both) on the outstanding amounts, as
determined by the Board of Directors.
CHANGING RIGHTS ATTACHED TO SHARES
Under the Articles of Association, the Company may, by resolution of a
general meeting, vary the rights attached to any class of shares on the
Company's stamp or its printed name (unless otherwise determined in the terms of
issue of the shares of such class), after obtaining the written consent of the
holders of the majority of the issued shares of said class or with the approval
of a resolution duly passed at a class meeting of the holders of such class of
shares.
ANNUAL AND EXTRAORDINARY MEETINGS
The Board of Directors must convene an annual meeting at least once every
calendar year, within fifteen months of the preceding general meeting, at a
place prescribed by the board so long as it is in the State of Israel. Per the
Articles of Association and subject to the provisions of the Israeli Companies
Law, notices to shareholders regarding the convocation of a general meeting are
to be published in two daily Hebrew language newspapers circulated in Israel.
Notice need not be served to our shareholders on an individual basis.
The Board of Directors will convene a special, extraordinary meeting upon
receipt of a written request from either (i) two directors or 25% of the total
number of directors; (ii) one or more shareholders holding at least 5% of the
issued share capital and at least 1% of the shareholders' voting power; or (iii)
one or more shareholders holding no less than 5% of our issued voting shares. If
the Board is required to convene an extraordinary meeting, it shall convene it
at a time which is at least 21 days, but not longer than 35 days after the date
of the notice of convening such meeting. In the event that the board of
directors does not convene an extraordinary meeting within the timeframe set
forth above, those that submitted the request for such meeting, or part of them
representing more than one-half of the voting rights of all of them, may convene
the extraordinary meeting themselves, provided that such meeting is held within
three months of the time when the extraordinary meeting was requested.
LIMITATIONS ON THE RIGHTS TO OWN SECURITIES
The Articles of Association do not place limitations on the rights to own
securities. Under the Articles no limitations apply to the transfer of shares in
the Company and the number of shareholders is unlimited.
CHANGES IN THE COMPANY'S CAPITAL
Changes in the capital of the Company are subject to the approval by
ordinary majority of the shareholders at a general meeting, Shareholders may
resolve to increase the authorized share capital; consolidate our share capital
and divide it into shares of greater value than existing shares; divide existing
shares into shares of lesser value; cancel any authorized share capital which
has not yet been allotted (provided there is no undertaking to allot such share
capital); or reduce the capital by way of a distribution if such distribution
has been approved by a court, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the
Israeli Companies Law. If the shareholders resolve to increase the share
capital, the new shares will be subject to the same provisions applicable to the
shares of the original capital.
Page 62
Neither the Memorandum of Association nor Articles of Association of the
Company nor the laws of the State of Israel restrict in any way the ownership or
voting of ordinary shares by non-residents of Israel, except with respect to
citizens of countries which are in a state of war with Israel.
C. MATERIAL CONTRACTS
Set forth below are summaries of our material contracts. Because these are
summaries, they are qualified by reference to the actual agreements, which are
attached as exhibits to this Annual Report.
RELATIONSHIP AGREEMENT. The Company, Gold Frost, Willi Food, Zwi Williger
and Joseph Williger are party to a Relationship Agreement, dated February 28,
2006, pursuant to which the Company, as a controlling shareholder, and its
controlling shareholders have given certain undertakings to Gold Frost. Under
the agreement, the Company undertook to Gold Frost to exercise all voting rights
and powers of control available to it in relation to Gold Frost in order that:
(i) Gold Frost is capable of carrying on its business independently of the
Company;
(ii) all transactions, agreements or arrangements entered into between Gold
Frost, the Company and its "associates" (as defined in the agreement) will be
made at arm's length and on a normal commercial basis, or as otherwise approved
in accordance with Israeli law;
(iii) no variations will be made to Gold Frost's articles of association
which would be contrary to the maintenance of Gold Frost's ability to carry on
its business independently of the Company;
(iv) each proposed related party transaction between any of the Company,
the "Controlling Parties" (which consist of Willi Food, Zwi Williger and Joseph
Williger) or any of their associates, on the one hand, and Gold Frost or any
subsidiary thereof, on the other hand, will be considered on behalf of Gold
Frost by its Board of Directors as a whole (or by committee of the Board that
has at least one non-executive director present throughout) and the Company nor
any of its associates will seek to influence the consideration of such matter by
the Board (or the committee) in such a way as to further the interests which are
or are potentially in conflict with the interests of Gold Frost or any
subsidiary thereof;
(v) in the event that a conflict of interest or potential conflict of
interest exists or is likely to arise between any of the Company, the
Controlling Parties or any of their associates, on the one hand, and Gold Frost
or any subsidiary thereof, on the other hand, disclosure of such conflict shall
be made to the board of Gold Frost and any decision by the board of Gold Frost
shall be taken by the board but excluding any director who is the Company, any
Controlling Party or any of their associates or appointed by the Company or any
Controlling Party,
(vi) the independence of the board of Gold Frost is maintained so as to
enable independent decisions as to the enforcement of the agreement to be taken
independently of the Company, any of the Controlling Parties or any of their
associates, and
(vii) the provisions of the agreement will be observed. The Company had
also undertaken to Gold Frost not to undertake any activity, which would
conflict with Gold Frost and would render Gold Frost incapable of carrying on
its business independently.
The agreement will terminate if the Company ceases to hold 30% or less of
the share capital of Gold Frost.
PRIVATE PLACEMENT ON OCTOBER 2006. On October 5, 2006, we completed a
private placement of our ordinary shares pursuant to a Securities Purchase
Agreement entered into between us and certain accredited investors on September
20, 2006. Pursuant to the terms of this purchase agreement, these investors
purchased from us an aggregate of 1,652,893 ordinary shares at a price of $6.05
per share and warrants to purchase 495,866 ordinary shares with an exercise
price of $8.00 per share.
Page 63
The warrants can be exercised at any time and from time to time from their
issuance date and through the 3rd anniversary of the issuance date. Following
the one-year anniversary of the issuance date, if the average trading price of
our ordinary shares for any 20 trading day period is equal or greater than
$16.00, we may elect, subject to certain restrictions, to require the exercise
of up to all of the then unexercised portion of the warrants. The exercise price
and the number of shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants are subject to
customary adjustments in the event of stock dividend, splits or fundamental
transactions. The warrants have a cashless exercise provision that allows the
holder to receive a reduced number of ordinary shares without paying the
exercise price in cash. Such option is only available, however, following the
first anniversary of the issuance date and only at a time when the registration
statement of which this prospectus is a part is not effective or this prospectus
is not available to the selling shareholders for the resale of the ordinary
shares issuable upon the exercise of the warrants. In connection with the
private placement, we also granted to the placement agent warrants to purchase
66,166 ordinary shares, with same terms and exercise price.
We issued these ordinary shares and warrants to purchase our ordinary
shares in reliance on an exemption from registration pursuant to Regulation D
promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act.
In connection with the private placement, we granted the investors registration
rights, pursuant to which we are obligated to file a registration statement on
Form F-3 for the resale of the shares sold in the transaction and the shares
issue able upon exercise of the warrants. We have filed a registration statement
with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the resale of these shares, and
this registration statement was declared effective in the fourth quarter of
2006.
ACQUISITION OF LAISH ISRAELI FOOD PRODUCTS, LTD. In January 19, 2007, the
Company established a fully-owned subsidiary in the U.S.,WF, in order to acquire
the operations and assets (including inventory, account receivables, and account
payables) of Laish, a U.S. importer and distributor of kosher food products for
approximately $3.5 million in cash. The sources for the purchase price were a
bank loan in the amount of $1.5 million taken by WF and cash on hand from the
Company. WF currently distributes kosher products such as canned foods and
candies to groceries, independent supermarkets and supermarket chains in the
Tri-State area (New York, New Jersey and Connecticut).
AGREEMENT WITH BARON FAMILY TO FORM GLOBAL KOSHER TRADE AND EXPORT COMPANY.
On February 13, 2007, the Company signed an agreement with the Baron family (an
unrelated third party), kosher food exporters located in Israel, to form a joint
global kosher trade and export company - Baron. The Company holds a 50.1%
interest in Baron, and the Baron family holds the remaining interest. Under the
terms of the agreement, all of the current food export operations of the Baron
family will be executed under the new entity.
The new entity is to be managed by Lior Baron, as CEO, and Yaakov Baron, as
Chairman. The board is to consist of four members - the CEO, Chairman, Zwi
Williger and Joseph Williger. The parties agreed that in the event of a dispute
regarding ordinary course business matters the representatives of Willi-Food on
the board will have three votes, rather than two. In consideration for the 50.1%
interest, the Company will pay up to $2 million in trade financing, as needed.
Of this amount, an amount equal to two times net profit before tax during the
first four full consecutive quarters (after closing) will be converted into
equity, up to a maximum amount of $1 million.
Under the agreement, the Baron will be engaged in the food export
activities performed until now by the Baron Family, which involved the export of
kosher products from more than 100 suppliers, predominantly from Israel, to the
U.S., Canada, England, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Australia, South Africa,
Mexico, Argentina and Chile. Product categories currently exported include
candies, preserves, cakes and cookies, snacks, cereals, frozen pastries and ice
creams, baby food and general grocery items. Under the agreement, the Baron will
be engaged in the food export activities performed until now by the Baron
Family, which involved the export of kosher products from more than 100
suppliers, predominantly from Israel, to the U.S., Canada, England, Belgium,
France, Switzerland, Australia, South Africa, Mexico, Argentina and Chile.
Product categories currently exported include candies, preserves, cakes and
cookies, snacks, cereals, frozen pastries and ice creams, baby food and general
grocery items.
Page 64
AGREEMENT WITH the owners of a manufacturer and global distributor of
kosher dairy products TO FORM A NEW COMPANY. In October 2007, the Company's
subsidiary, Gold Frost, signed a binding letter with the owners of a
manufacturer and global distributor of kosher dairy products ("Distributor"),
who are based in Denmark, to form a new joint company ("Kirkeby"). In the first
quarter of 2008, Gold Frost held a 51% interest in Kirkeby, and the owners of
the distributor held the remaining interest. A significant aspect of this
transaction is the fact that Kirkeby has a US dairy import license.
As part of the transaction, the Distributor transferred to Kirkeby $200
thousand as well as 35 customers from 15 countries worldwide, including a US
import license. Kirkeby was granted the exclusive right to use the distributor's
trademarked brand name in sales and marketing of kosher products. The
Distributor retained the right to use its trademarked brand name for non-kosher
dairy products. It is intended that ultimately Kirkeby will seek to broaden its
penetration into the kosher European and North American markets. In
consideration for the 51% interest in Kirkeby, Gold Frost paid at the closing
$400 thousand to the Distributor. In addition, Gold Frost will pay Kirkeby,
after the publication of Kirkeby's 2008 audited financial statements, a capital
equivalent of three times Kirkeby' net profit after taxes for its first four
quarters of operation, not to exceed $150 thousand, multiplied by 51%.
ACQUISITION OF SHAMIR SALADS (2006) LTD. In November 2007, Willi Food
announced its intention to purchase 51% of the interest of Shamir, an Israeli
manufacturer and distributor of pre-packaged chilled kosher Mediterranean dips
and spreads in Israel and abroad. The acquisition subsequently closed in the
first quarter of fiscal 2008.
According to the agreement, the Company will pay to the former owners of
Shamir an amount equal to 2.55 times Shamir's net profit after all applicable
taxes, as determined in accordance with Shamir's audited financial statements
for the year 2008. The consideration would be payable by the Company within 14
days following the publication of the audited financial results of Shamir for
2008. At the closing of the agreement, the Company paid a non-refundable advance
payment of NIS 5 million (USD 1.3 million) to Shamir and to the former owners
and also granted to the former owners a loan in the amount NIS 1.5 million (USD
0.39 million). The loan bears interest of Israeli prime + 3.5% per year and is
payable within 14 days following the publication of the audited financial
results of Shamir for 2008.
For information with respect to the Company's other material contracts, see
"Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions - B. Related Party
Transactions."
D. EXCHANGE CONTROLS
There are currently no Israeli currency control restrictions on payments of
dividends or other distributions with respect to our ordinary shares or the
proceeds from the sale of our ordinary shares, except for the obligation of
Israeli residents to file reports with the Bank of Israel regarding certain
transactions. However, legislation remains in effect, pursuant to which currency
controls can be imposed by administrative action at any time and from time to
time.
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E. TAXATION
The following is a summary of the material current tax laws of the State of
Israel as they relate to the Company and its shareholders. This section also
contains a discussion of some Israeli tax consequences to persons who hold or
who will acquire our ordinary shares. This summary does not purport to be a
complete analysis of all potential Israeli tax law consequences that may be
relevant to a particular investor in light of his or her personal investment
circumstances or to some types of investors subject to special treatment under
Israeli law. Examples of this kind of investor include tax-exempt entities,
banks, certain financial companies, broker-dealers, investors that own, directly
or indirectly, 10% or more of our outstanding voting rights, or foreign
companies, if Israeli residents hold 25% or more of their shares or have the
right to 25% or more of their income or profit, all of whom are subject to
special tax regimes not covered in this discussion.
The discussion is based on legislation yet to be subject to judicial or
administrative interpretation, and there can be no assurance that the views
expressed herein will accord with any such interpretation in the future. This
discussion is not intended and should not be construed as legal or professional
tax advice and does not cover all possible tax considerations.
Potential investors are urged to consult their own tax advisors as to the
Israeli or other tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of
the Shares including, in particular, the effect of any foreign, state or local
taxes.
ISRAELI TAX REFORMS
On July 24, 2002, the Israeli Parliament enacted income tax reform
legislation (the "2003 Tax Reform"). The Tax Reform introduced fundamental and
comprehensive changes to Israeli tax laws. Most of the legislative changes took
effect on January 1, 2003. The 2003 Tax Reform introduced, inter alia, a
transition from a primarily territorial-based tax system to a personal-based
system of taxation with respect to Israeli residents, resulted in significant
amendment of the international taxation provisions, and in new provisions
concerning the taxation of capital markets including the abolishment of formerly
"exempt investment routes" (e.g., capital gain derived by individuals from the
sale of securities traded on the Tel-Aviv Stock Exchange).
In addition, the Israeli Parliament approved on July 25, 2005 income tax
reform legislation (the "2006 Tax Reform") pursuant to the recommendations of a
committee appointed by the Israeli Minister of Finance, which incorporated
additional fundamental changes to Israeli tax law. The 2006 Tax Reform includes,
INTER ALIA, a gradual reduction of income tax rates for both individuals and
corporations through 2010. The 2006 Tax Reform also outlines a path towards
uniformity in the taxation of interest, dividend and capital gains derived from
securities, which in some cases may result in the increasing of the applicable
tax rate. Most of the amendments under the 2006 Tax Reform are effective as of
January 1, 2006, subject to certain exceptions. Transition rules apply in
certain circumstances.
IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT VARIOUS ISSUES RELATED TO THE 2003 TAX REFORM AND
2006 TAX REFORM REMAIN UNCLEAR IN VIEW OF THE LEGISLATIVE LANGUAGE UTILIZED. THE
ANALYSIS BELOW IS THEREFORE BASED ON OUR CURRENT UNDERSTANDING OF THIS
LEGISLATION.
CORPORATE TAX STRUCTURE
GENERAL
In accordance with the 2006 Tax Reform, the corporate tax rate applicable
in 2007 was 29%. This rate was reduced to 27% in 2008 and had been scheduled to
be reduced to 26% in 2009 and 25% in 2010 and beyond.
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Dividend distributed by an Israeli resident corporation to another Israeli
resident corporation is, generally, exempt from Israeli corporate tax.
CORPORATE TAXATION UNDER INFLATIONARY CONDITIONS
The Income Tax Law (Inflationary Adjustments), 1985 (the Inflationary
Adjustments Law) is designed to neutralize the erosion of capital investments in
businesses and to prevent tax benefits resulting from the deduction of
inflationary financial expenses. The Inflationary Adjustments Law applies a
supplementary set of inflationary adjustments to the normal taxable profit
computed according to regular historic cost principles. Generally, the
Inflationary Adjustments Law provides tax deductions and adjustments to
depreciation deductions and tax loss carry forwards to mitigate the effects
resulting from an inflationary economy. The Inflationary Adjustments Law is
highly complex and its main features can be described as follows:
o Where a company's equity, as calculated under the Inflationary
Adjustments Law, exceeds the depreciated cost of fixed assets, as
calculated under the Inflationary Adjustments Law, a deduction from
taxable income is permitted equal to the excess multiplied by the
applicable annual rate of inflation. The maximum deduction permitted
in any single tax year is 70% of taxable income, with the unused
portion permitted to be carried forward linked to the Israeli consumer
price index (CPI).
o Where a company's depreciated cost of fixed assets exceeds its equity,
then the excess multiplied by the applicable annual rate of inflation
is added to taxable income. Note that the cost of fixed assets is also
calculated under the Inflationary Adjustments Law.
o Subject to specified limitations, depreciation deductions on fixed
assets and losses carried forward are adjusted for inflation based on
the increase in the CPI.
Under the Inflationary Adjustments Law, results for tax purposes are
measured in real terms in accordance with the changes in the CPI. Since a
portion of our expenses accrues in dollars, the discrepancy between the change
in the CPI and the change in the currency exchange rate of the NIS to the
dollar, each year and cumulatively, may result in a significant difference
between taxable income and the income denominated in NIS reflected in our
financial statements.
The Income tax Law (Inflationary Adjustment Law), 1985 has been abolished
from the tax year 2008 subject to transitional provisions.
TAXATION OF THE COMPANY SHAREHOLDERS
DIVIDENDS
ISRAELI RESIDENT
o INDIVIDUAL - The distribution of dividend by an Israeli resident
company to an Israeli resident individual will generally be subject to
income tax at a rate of 20%. However, a 25% tax rate will apply if the
dividend recipient is a "Significant Shareholder" (i.e., a person who
holds, directly or indirectly, alone or together with other, 10% or
more of one of the Israeli resident company's means of control at the
time of distribution or at any time during the preceding 12 months
period).
o CORPORATION - Dividend distributed by an Israeli resident corporation
to another Israeli resident corporation will be generally exempt from
income tax provided the income from which such dividend is distributed
was derived or accrued within Israel.
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NON ISRAELI RESIDENT
Under the Israeli income tax ordinance non-Israeli resident (either
individual or corporation) is generally subject to an Israeli income tax on
the receipt of dividends at the rate of 20% (25% if the dividends recipient
is a "Significant Shareholder" (as defined above), those rates are subject
to a reduced tax rate under an applicable double tax treaty. Thus, under
the Double Tax Treaty concluded between the State of Israel and U.S. the
following rates will apply in respect of dividend distributed by an Israeli
resident company to a U.S. resident:
o If the U.S. resident is a corporation which holds at the taxable year
which precede the date of payment of the dividend and during the whole
of its prior taxable year (if any), at least 10% of the outstanding
shares of the voting stock of the Israeli resident paying corporation
and not more then 25% of the gross income of the Israeli resident
paying corporation for such prior taxable year (if any) consists of
certain type of interest or dividends - the tax rate is 12.5%.
o If both the conditions mentioned in section (i) above are met and the
dividend is paid from an Israeli resident company's income which was
entitled to a reduced tax rate applicable to an "approved enterprise"
under the Israeli Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments of
1959- the tax rate is 15%.
o In all other cases, the tax rate is 25%.
The aforementioned rates under the Israel U.S. Double Tax Treaty will not apply
if the dividend income was derived through a permanent establishment of the U.S.
resident in Israel.
WITHHOLDING TAX AT SOURCE FROM DIVIDEND DISTRIBUTED BY THE COMPANY
An Israeli resident company whose shares are listed in a stock exchange is
obligated to withhold tax, upon the distribution of a dividend, from the amount
distributed, at the following rates:
o Israeli resident corporation - 0%.
o Israeli resident individual - 20%.
o Non-Israeli resident - 20% subject to a reduced tax rate under an
applicable double tax treaty.
CAPITAL GAIN TAX
GENERAL
Capital gain tax is imposed on the disposal of capital assets by an Israeli
resident and on the disposal of such assets by a non- Israel resident if those
assets are either (i) located in Israel; (ii) they are shares or a right to a
share in an Israeli resident corporation (iii) they represent a directly or
indirectly rights to assets located in Israel. The Israeli Tax Ordinance
distinguishes between "Real Gain" and the "Inflationary Surplus". Real Gain is
the excess of the total capital gain over Inflationary Surplus computed
generally on the basis of the increase in the Israeli CPI between the date of
purchase and the date of disposal.
Inflationary Surplus, that accrued until December 31, 1993, is subject to a
tax rate of 10% while Inflationary Surplus that accrued after this date is
exempt from any tax.
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CAPITAL GAIN TAX APPLICABLE TO ISRAELI RESIDENT SHAREHOLDERS
The Capital gain accrued at the sale of an asset purchased on or after January
1, 2003 will be taxed as follows:
o Individual - The real capital gain will be subject to tax at the rate
of 20%. If the shareholder is a Significant Shareholder" (see
aforementioned). A capital gain derived by an individual claiming
deduction of financing expenses in respect of such gain will be taxed
at the rate of 25%.
o Corporation - The real capital gain derived by corporation will be
generally subject to tax at the rate of 25%. However, the real capital
gain derived from sale of securities, as defined in Section 6 of the
Inflationary Adjustment Law, by a corporation, which was subject upon
31.12.2005 to the provisions of Section 6 of the Inflationary
Adjustment Law, will be taxed at the corporate tax rate (29% in 2007,
27% in 2008).
The Capital gain accrued at the sale of an asset purchased prior to January
1, 2003 will be subject to tax at a blended rate. The marginal tax rate for
individuals (up to 48% in 2007, 47% in 2008) and the regular corporate tax rate
for corporations (29% in 2007, 27% in 2008) will be applied to the gain amount
which bears the same ratio to the total gain realized as the ratio which the
holding period commencing at the acquisition date and terminating on January 1,
2003 bears to the total holding period. The remainder of the gain realized will
be subject to capital gains tax at the rates applicable to an asset purchased
after January 1, 2003 (see aforementioned).
CAPITAL GAIN TAX APPLICABLE TO NON-ISRAELI RESIDENT SHAREHOLDERS
Capital gain from the sale of the Shares by a non-Israeli shareholder are
exempt under the Israeli income tax ordinance from Israeli taxation provided the
following cumulative conditions are met: (i) the Shares were purchased upon or
after the registration of the Shares at the stock exchange (ii) the seller
doesn't have a permanent establishment in Israel to which the derived capital
gain is attributed (iii) if the seller is a corporation, less than 25% of its
means of control are held by Israeli resident shareholders. In addition, the
sale of the Shares may be exempt from Israeli capital gain tax under an
applicable tax treaty. Thus, the U.S.-Israel Double Tax Treaty exempts U.S.
resident from Israeli capital gain tax in connection with such sale, provided
(i) the U.S. resident owned, directly or indirectly, less than 10% of an Israeli
resident company's voting power at any time within the 12 - month period
preceding such sale; and (ii) the seller, being an individual, is present in
Israel for a period or periods of less than 183 days at the taxable year; and
(iii) the capital gain from the sale was not derived through a permanent
establishment of the U.S. resident in Israel.
Generally, within 30 days of a transaction a detailed return, including a
computation of the tax due, should be submitted to the Israeli Tax Authority,
and an advanced payment amounting to the tax liability arising from the capital
gain is payable. At the sale of traded securities, the aforementioned detailed
return may not be submitted and the advanced payment should not be paid if all
tax due was withheld at source according to applicable provisions of the Israeli
income tax ordinance and regulations promulgated thereunder.
Capital gain also reportable on the annual income tax return.
TAXATION OF INVESTORS ENGAGED IN A BUSINESS OF TRADING SECURITIES
Individual and corporate shareholder dealing in securities in Israel are
taxed at the tax rates applicable to business income (in 2007 - 29% tax rate for
a corporation and a marginal tax rate of up to 48% for individual. in 2008 - 27%
tax rate for a corporation and a marginal tax rate of up to 47% for individual).
If the shareholder is a non-Israeli resident then such taxation is subject to
the provisions of any applicable double tax treaty.
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WITHHOLDING AT SOURCE FROM CAPITAL GAINS UPON THE SALE OF TRADED SECURITIES
Either the seller, the Israeli stockbrokers and the financial institution
through which the sold securities are held are obliged, subject to the above
mentioned exemptions, to withhold tax upon the sale of securities from the real
capital gain at the rate of 25% in respect of corporation and 20% in respect of
an individual.
U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
Subject to the limitations described herein, the following discussion
describes the material U.S. federal income tax consequences to a U.S. holder of
the purchase, ownership and disposition of our ordinary shares where the U.S.
holder will own our ordinary shares as capital assets. A U.S. holder is a holder
of our ordinary shares who is:
o An individual citizen or resident of the United States for U.S. federal
income tax purposes;
o a corporation or partnership (or other entity taxable as a corporation or
partnership for U.S. federal tax purposes) created or organized in the
United States or under the laws of the United States or any political
subdivision thereof;
o an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax
regardless of its source; or
o a trust (i) if, in general, a court within the United States is able to
exercise primary supervision over its administration and one or more U.S.
persons have the authority to control all of its substantial decisions, or
(ii) that has in effect a valid election under applicable U.S. Treasury
regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.
Material aspects of U.S. federal income tax relevant to a holder of our
ordinary shares that is not a U.S. holder (a "non-U.S. holders") are also
discussed below. This discussion considers only U.S. Holders that will own our
ordinary shares as capital assets and is not a comprehensive description of all
of the tax considerations that may be relevant to each person's decision to
purchase our ordinary shares.
This discussion is based on current provisions of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), current and proposed Treasury regulations
promulgated thereunder, and administrative and judicial decisions as of the date
hereof, all of which are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis.
This discussion does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation
that may be relevant to any particular U.S. holder in light of such holder's
individual circumstances. In particular, this discussion does not address the
potential application of the alternative minimum tax or the U.S. federal income
tax consequences to U.S. holders that are subject to special treatment,
including U.S. holders that:
o are broker-dealers or insurance companies;
o have elected mark-to-market accounting;
o are tax-exempt organizations or retirement plans;
o are financial institutions or financial services entities;
o hold their shares as part of a straddle, hedge or conversion transaction
with other investments;
o acquired their shares upon the exercise of employee stock options or
otherwise as compensation;
o are, or hold their shares through, partnerships or other pass-through
entities;
o own directly, indirectly or by attribution at least 10% of our voting
power; or
o have a functional currency that is not the dollar.
In addition, this discussion does not address any aspect of state, local or
non-U.S. tax laws or the possible application of United States federal gift or
estate tax.
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TAXATION OF DIVIDENDS PAID ON ORDINARY SHARES
Subject to the discussion below under "Tax Consequences if we were a
Passive Foreign Investment Company," a U.S. holder will be required to include
in gross income as ordinary dividend income the amount of any distribution paid
on our ordinary shares, including any Israeli taxes withheld from the amount
paid, to the extent the distribution is paid out of our current or accumulated
earnings and profits, as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Distributions in excess of such earnings and profits will be applied against and
will reduce the U.S. holder's basis in our ordinary shares and, to the extent in
excess of such basis, will be treated as gain from the sale or exchange of our
ordinary shares. The dividend portion of such distribution generally will not
qualify for the dividends received deduction otherwise available to
corporations.
Dividends that are received by U.S. holders that are individuals, estates
or trusts will be taxed at the rate applicable to long-term capital gains (a
maximum rate of 15%), provided that such dividends meet the requirements of
"qualified dividend income." Dividends that fail to meet such requirements, and
dividends received by corporate U.S. holders, are taxed at ordinary income
rates. No dividend received by a U.S. holder will be a qualified dividend (1) if
the U.S. holder held the ordinary share with respect to which the dividend was
paid for less than 61 days during the 121-day period beginning on the date that
is 60 days before the ex-dividend date with respect to such dividend, excluding
for this purpose, under the rules of Code section 246(c), any period during
which the U.S. holder has an option to sell, is under a contractual obligation
to sell, has made and not closed a short sale of, is the grantor of a
deep-in-the-money or otherwise nonqualified option to buy, or has otherwise
diminished its risk of loss by holding other positions with respect to, such
ordinary share (or substantially identical securities); or (2) to the extent
that the U.S. holder is under an obligation (pursuant to a short sale or
otherwise) to make related payments with respect to positions in property
substantially similar or related to the ordinary share with respect to which the
dividend is paid. If we were to be a "passive foreign investment company" (as
such term is defined in the Code) for any year, dividends paid on our ordinary
shares in such year or in the following year would not be qualified dividends.
In addition, a non-corporate U.S. holder will be able to take a qualified
dividend into account in determining its deductible investment interest (which
is generally limited to its net investment income) only if it elects to do; in
such case the dividend will be taxed at ordinary income rates.
Distributions of current or accumulated earnings and profits paid in
foreign currency to a U.S. holder (including any Israeli taxes withheld
therefrom) will be includible in the income of a U.S. holder in a dollar amount
calculated by reference to the exchange rate on the date of the distribution. A
U.S. holder that receives a foreign currency distribution and converts the
foreign currency into dollars after the date of distribution will have foreign
exchange gain or loss based on any appreciation or depreciation in the value of
the foreign currency against the dollar, which will generally be U.S. source
ordinary income or loss.
U.S. holders will have the option of claiming the amount of any Israeli
income taxes withheld at source either as a deduction from gross income or as a
dollar-for-dollar credit against their U.S. federal income tax liability.
Individuals who do not claim itemized deductions, but instead utilize the
standard deduction, may not claim a deduction for the amount of the Israeli
income taxes withheld, but the amount may be claimed as a credit against the
individual's U.S. federal income tax liability. The amount of foreign income
taxes that may be claimed as a credit in any year is subject to complex
limitations and restrictions, which must be determined on an individual basis by
each shareholder. These limitations include rules that limit foreign tax credits
allowable for specific classes of income to the U.S. federal income taxes
otherwise payable on each such class of income. The total amount of allowable
foreign tax credits in any year cannot exceed the pre-credit U.S. tax liability
for the year attributable to foreign source taxable income.
A U.S. holder will be denied a foreign tax credit with respect to Israeli
income tax withheld from dividends received on the ordinary shares:
o if the U.S. holder has not held the ordinary shares for at least 16 days of
the 31-day period beginning on the date which is 15 days before the
ex-dividend date with respect to such dividend; or
Page 71
o to the extent the U.S. holder is under an obligation to make related
payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related
property.
Any days during which a U.S. holder has substantially diminished its risk
of loss on the ordinary shares are not counted toward meeting the 16-day holding
period. Distributions of current or accumulated earnings and profits will be
foreign source passive income for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes.
TAXATION OF THE DISPOSITION OF ORDINARY SHARES
Subject to the discussion below under "Tax Consequences if we were a
Passive Foreign Investment Company," upon the sale, exchange or other
disposition of our ordinary shares, a U.S. holder will recognize capital gain or
loss in an amount equal to the difference between the U.S. holder's basis in the
ordinary shares, which is usually the cost to the U.S. holder of the shares, and
the amount realized on the disposition. A disposition of shares will be
considered to occur on the trade date, regardless of the holder's method of
accounting. Capital gain from the sale, exchange or other disposition of our
ordinary shares held more than one year will be long-term capital gain, and may,
in the case of individual U.S. holders, be subject to a reduced rate of
taxation. Gain or loss recognized by a U.S. holder on a sale, exchange or other
disposition of ordinary shares will be treated as U.S. source income for U.S.
foreign tax credit purposes. The deductibility of a capital loss recognized on
the sale, exchange or other disposition of ordinary shares is subject to
limitations.
A U.S. holder that uses the cash method of accounting calculates the dollar
value of the proceeds received on the sale as of the date that the sale settles.
However, a U.S. holder that uses the accrual method of accounting is required to
calculate the value of the proceeds of the sale as of the trade date and may
therefore realize foreign currency gain or loss. A U.S. holder may avoid
realizing foreign currency gain or loss if he or she has elected to use the
settlement date to determine its proceeds of sale for purposes of calculating
the foreign currency gain or loss. In addition, a U.S. holder that receives
foreign currency upon disposition of ordinary shares and converts the foreign
currency into dollars after the settlement date or trade date (whichever date
the U.S. holder is required to use to calculate the value of the proceeds of
sale) will have foreign exchange gain or loss based on any appreciation or
depreciation in the value of the foreign currency against the dollar, which will
generally be U.S. source ordinary income or loss.
TAX CONSEQUENCES IF WE WERE A PASSIVE FOREIGN INVESTMENT COMPANY
If we were a Passive Foreign Investment Company ("PFIC"), each U.S. holder
would (unless it timely made an election to be taxed currently as a "qualified
electing fund ("QEF")) be taxable on gain recognized from the disposition of
ordinary shares (including gain deemed recognized if the ordinary shares are
used as security for a loan) and upon receipt of certain distributions with
respect to ordinary shares as if such income had been recognized ratably over
the U.S. holder's holding period for the ordinary shares. Tax would be computed
at the highest ordinary income tax rate in effect for each other period to which
income is allocated, and an interest charge on the tax as so computed would also
apply. Additionally, U.S. holders who acquire our ordinary shares from decedents
(other than nonresident aliens) dying before 2010 would be denied the
normally-available step-up in basis for such shares to fair market value at the
date of death and, instead, would have a tax basis in such shares equal to the
decedent's basis, if lower.
Generally, we would be a passive foreign investment company, or a "PFIC",
for a taxable year if (taking into account certain "look-through" rules with
respect to the income and assets of our subsidiaries) either 75% or more of our
gross income for such taxable year is passive income or the average percentage
(by value) of our passive assets during such taxable year is at least 50
percent. We believe that because we are and intend to remain an operating
business for the foreseeable future, it is very unlikely that we will be deemed
a PFIC.
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TAX CONSEQUENCES FOR NON-U.S. HOLDERS OF ORDINARY SHARES
Except as described in "Information Reporting and Back-up Withholding"
below, a non-U.S. holder of ordinary shares will not be subject to U.S. federal
income or withholding tax on the payment of dividends on, and the proceeds from
the disposition of, our ordinary shares, unless:
o the item is effectively connected with the conduct by the non-U.S. holder
of a trade or business in the United States and, in the case of a resident
of a country which has a treaty with the United States, the item is
attributable to a permanent establishment, or in the case of an individual,
a fixed place of business, in the United States;
o the non-U.S. holder is an individual who holds the ordinary shares as a
capital asset and is present in the United States for 183 days or more in
the taxable year of the disposition and does not qualify for an exemption;
or
o the non-U.S. holder is subject to tax under the provisions of U.S. tax law
applicable to U.S. expatriates.
INFORMATION REPORTING AND BACK-UP WITHHOLDING
U.S. holders generally are subject to information reporting requirements
with respect to dividends paid in the United States on, or proceeds from the
disposition of, our ordinary shares. In addition, a U.S. holder may be subject,
under certain circumstances, to backup withholding at a rate of up to 28% with
respect to dividends paid on, or proceeds from the disposition of, our ordinary
shares unless the U.S. holder provides proof of an applicable exemption or
correct taxpayer identification number and otherwise complies with applicable
requirements of the backup withholding rules. A holder of our ordinary shares
who provides an incorrect taxpayer identification number may be subject to
penalties imposed by the IRS. Amounts withheld under the backup withholding
rules are not an additional tax and may be refunded or credited against the
holder's federal income tax liability, provided the required information is
furnished to the IRS.
Non-U.S. holders generally are not subject to information reporting or
back-up withholding with respect to dividends paid on, or proceeds from the
disposition of, our ordinary shares, provided that the non-U.S. holder provides
a taxpayer identification number, certifies to its foreign status, or
establishes another exemption to the information reporting or back-up
withholding requirements.
F. DIVIDENDS AND PAYING AGENTS
Not applicable.
G. STATEMENTS BY EXPERTS
Not applicable.
H. DOCUMENTS ON DISPLAY
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, applicable to foreign private issuers and
fulfills the obligation with respect to such requirements by filing reports with
the Securities and Exchange Commission. You may read and copy any document we
file with the Securities and Exchange Commission without charge at the
Securities and Exchange Commission's public reference room at 450 Fifth Street,
N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Copies of such material may be obtained by mail
from the Public Reference Branch of the Securities and Exchange Commission at
such address, at prescribed rates. Please call the Securities and Exchange
Commission at l-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference
room.
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As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from the rules under the
Exchange Act prescribing the furnishing and content of proxy statements, and our
officers, Directors and principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and
"short-swing" profit recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange
Act. In addition, we are not required under the Exchange Act to file periodic
reports and financial statements with the Securities and Exchange Commission as
frequently or as promptly as United States companies whose securities are
registered under the Exchange Act.
I. SUBSIDIARY INFORMATION
Not applicable.
ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
EXCHANGE RATE RISK: The Company regularly assesses currency rate risks to
minimize any adverse effects on the Company's business as a result of currency
fluctuations.
The Company's foreign currency exposure gives rise to market risk
associated with exchange rate movements of the NIS, the Company functional and
reporting currency, against the USD and Euros. Most of the Company's purchases
are denominated in USD and Euros, whereas its income and other expenses are
denominated mostly in NIS. Consequently, devaluation of the NIS against the
other currencies may cause a negative impact on the Company profit margins.
The Company strives to minimize market risks arising from exchange rates
and the cost of imported goods, especially by opening wide documentary credits
for suppliers abroad and holding foreign currency surpluses, initiates forward
transactions and foreign currency options.
CREDIT RISK: Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to
concentrations of credit risk consist principally of trade receivables. Despite
the Company's large number of clients (over 1,000 in Israel), a major and
significant part of its sales are made to only a limited number of customers
(mainly in the organized market). The Company generally does not require and
does not receive collateral from those major customers. However, it does require
and receive collateral from most of the remainder of its clients to insure
security of collecting payments. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful
debts, based upon factors surrounding the credit risk of specific customers,
historical trends and other information which management believes adequately
covers all anticipated losses in respect of trade receivables. There can be no
assurance that this allowance will be adequate. In the event that any of the
Company's major clients defaults on its payment obligations to us (such as Club
Market - see "Item 4. Information on the Company - B. Business Overview -
Customers"), the Company will not possess sufficient collateral to collect the
entire debt. The Company strives to minimize the credit risks by constantly
reviewing the credit it extends to customers versus the collateral it receives.
As a result, the Company has ceased selling products to certain customers and
considerably reduced sales to other customers, and may continue to do so in the
future.
INTEREST RATE RISK: The Company Invest part of its cash reserves in
instruments that bear fixed interest rate. The company as part of its investing
policy invests part of its cash reserves in bonds and convertible debentures
that bears fixed interest rate as a result the company is espoused to changes in
interest rates.
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The table below details the sensitive analysis in respect to exposure
relating to investment in instruments with fix interest rate:
Gain (loss) from interest change Fair value Gain (loss) from interest change
------------------------ -------- -----------------------
Change in Interest as
% of interest rate (10)% (5)% 5% 10%
Increase\decrease in
financial Income (80) (40) 9,749 40 80
ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
Not applicable.
Page 75
PART II
ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES
Not applicable.
ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF
PROCEEDS
Not applicable.
ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Not applicable.
ITEM 15T. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
(a) DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Our Chief Executive Officer, or CEO, and Chief Financial Officer, or CFO,
are responsible for establishing and maintaining our disclosure controls and
procedures (as defined in Rules13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). These controls and procedures were designed
to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file
or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded,
processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the
rules and forms of the SEC. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without
limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required
to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is accumulated and communicated to our
management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers,
or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate, to allow timely
decisions regarding required disclosure. We evaluated these disclosure controls
and procedures under the supervision of our CEO and CFO as of December 31, 2007.
Based on this evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that our disclosure controls
and procedures were effective to meet these objectives.
(b) MANAGEMENT'S ANNUAL REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL
REPORTING.
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate
internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and
15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Our internal
control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable
assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation
of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles. Our internal control over financial reporting
includes those policies and procedures that:
o pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail,
accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our
assets;
o provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as
necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts
and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations
of our management and directors; and
Page 76
o provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection
of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that
could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Our management recognizes that there are inherent limitations in the
effectiveness of any system of internal control over financial reporting,
including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or override of
internal control. Accordingly, even effective internal control over financial
reporting can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial
statement preparation and presentation, and may not prevent or detect all
misstatements. In addition, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to
future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate
because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the
policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Our management (with the participation of the CEO and CFO) assessed the
effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December
31, 2007. In conducting its assessment of internal control over financial
reporting, management based its evaluation on the framework in "Internal Control
- Integrated Framework" issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of
the Tread way Commission. Our management has concluded, based on its assessment,
that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December
31, 2007 based on these criteria.
This Annual Report does not include an attestation report of our registered
public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting.
Management's report was not subject to attestation by our registered public
accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange
Commission that permit us to provide only management's report in this Annual
Report.
(c) CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING. There were no
changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred
during the year ended December 31, 2007 that have materially affected, or are
reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial
reporting.
ITEM 16. [RESERVED]
ITEM 16A. - AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
The Company's Board of Directors has determined that Ariel Herzfeld is the
"audit committee financial expert" for the Company, as such term is defined in
Item 16A of Form 20-F. Mr. Herzfeld serves on the Company's Audit Committee of
the Board of Directors. All the members of the Audit Committee are "independent
directors" as defined in the Nasdaq listing standards applicable to us.
ITEM 16B. - CODE OF ETHICS
On June 23, 2004, the Company's Board of Directors adopted a Code of Ethics
for the Company that applies to all directors, officers and other employees of
the Company. A copy of the Code of Ethics is available for review on the
Company's website at www.willi-food.co.il.
ITEM 16C. - PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The following table presents the aggregate fees for professional services and
other services rendered by Brightman Almagor & Co. in Israel, a member of firm
of Deloitte Touche Tomhatsu to the Company in 2007 and 2006.
NIS 2007 NIS 2006 USD 2007 USD 2006
------- ------- ------- -------
Audit Fees (1) 240,000 240,000 62,000 62,000
SOX Fees (2) 154,000 -- 40,000 --
Tax Fees (3) 10,000 -- 3,000 --
TOTAL 404,000 240,000 105,000 62,000
(1) Audit Fees consist of fees billed for the annual audit services
engagement and other audit services, which are those services that only the
external auditor can reasonably provide, and include the group audit; statutory
audits; comfort letters and consents; attest services; and assistance with and
review of documents filed with the SEC.
(2) SOX Fees include fees billed for services for Sarbanes Oxley ("SOX")
readiness and compliance including risk assessment and project plan, and process
documentation accordingly to the SOX requirements including gap analysis and
remediation plan.
(3) Tax Fees include fees billed for tax compliance services, including the
preparation of original and amended tax returns and claims for refund; tax
consultations, such as assistance and representation in connection with tax
audits, tax advice related to mergers and acquisitions, transfer pricing, and
requests for rulings or technical advice from taxing authority.
The non audit fees Brightman Almagor & Co. charged the Company in 2007
(including tax fees and SOX fees as mentioned above) were approved before by the
Audit Committee of the Company.
Page 77
ITEM 16D. - EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES
Not applicable.
ITEM 16E. - PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE COMPANY AND AFFILIATED
PURCHASERS
Below is a list of purchases of the Company's ordinary shares by affiliated
purchasers during calendar year 2007 and from January 1, 2008 to June 25, 2008.
There were no purchases by the Company of the Company's ordinary shares during
such periods.
TOTAL NUMBER
OF SHARES MAXIMUM NUMBER
PURCHASED AS OF SHARES
PART OF THAT MAY YET
TOTAL NUMBER AVERAGE PUBLICLY BE PURCHASED
OF SHARES PRICE PAID ANNOUNCED PLANS UNDER PLANS
PERIOD PURCHASED PER SHARE OR PROGRAMS OR PROGRAMS
------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
WILLI FOOD
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
December 10, 2007 -
December 18, 2007 15,260 5.922 N/A N/A
------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
January 4, 2008 -
January 28, 2008 412,800 5.274 N/A N/A
------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Mr. Arieh Bar Lev (Arcadi Gaydamak)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
May 28, 2008 167,000 6.80 N/A N/A
------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Page 78
PART III
ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
We have responded to Item 18 in lieu of this Item.
ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The financial statements required by this item are found at the end of this
annual report, beginning on page F-1.
Page 79
ITEM 19. EXHIBITS
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
+1.1 Memorandum of Association of the Company, as amended (1)
1.2 Articles of Association of the Company, as amended (4)
2.1 Specimen of Certificate for ordinary shares (2)
4.1 Share Option Plan (2)
+4.2 Management Agreement between the Company and Yossi Willi
Management Investments Ltd., dated June 1, 1998 (3)
+4.3 Amendment to the Management Agreement between the Company and
Yossi Willi Management Investments Ltd., dated August 1, 2005 (4)
+4.4 Management Agreement between the Company and Zwi W. & Co.
Ltd., dated June 1, 1998 (3)
+4.5 Amendment to the Management Agreement between the Company and Zwi
W. & Co., Ltd., dated August 1, 2005 (4)
+4.6 Lease of Company's premises with Titanic Food Ltd., dated
November 23, 1998 (3)
+4.7 Services Agreement between the Company and Willi Food, dated
April 1, 1997 (3)
+4.8 Transfer Agreement between the Company and Gold Frost dated
February 16, 2006 (4)
+4.9 Lease agreement for Logistics Center between the Company and Gold
Frost dated February 16, 2006 (4)
4.10 Relationship Agreement between the Company, Gold Frost, Willi
Food, Zwi Williger and Joseph Williger dated February 28, 2006
(4)
4.11 Placing Agreement between the Company, Gold Frost, certain
officers of Gold Frost and Corporate Synergy dated March 2, 2006
(4)
4.12 Lock In Agreement, between the Company, Gold Frost, Corporate
Synergy and certain officers of Gold Frost dated March 2, 2006
(4)
4.13 Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 25, 2006,
among the Company and the investors identified on the signature
pages thereto. (5)
4.14 Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of October 25, 2006,
among the Company and the investors signatory thereto. (5)
4.15 Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 19, 2007, by and
among the Company, WF Kosher Food Distributors, Ltd., Laish
Israeli Food Products Ltd. and Arie Steiner.(6)
+4.16 Agreement, dated February 11, 2007, between the Company and Mr.
Ya'acov Baron, Ms. Hedva Baron, Mr. Li'or Baron, Ms. Gozlan Or'na
and Ms. Michal Baron Sha'hak. (6)
+4.17 Agreement, dated January 2, 2008, between the Company and Mr.
Jacob Ginsberg, Mr. Amiram Guy and Shamir Salads 2006 Ltd. *
4.18 Share Purchase Agreement, dated February 13, 2008, between Gold
Frost and Kirkeby Cheese Export A/S. *
Page 80
4.19 Shareholders Agreement, dated February 13, 2008, between Gold
Frost and Kirkeby Cheese Export A/S. *
4.20 Co-operation Agreement, dated January 1, 2008, between Kirkeby
Cheese Export A/S, Haarby Mejeri/Kirkeby Dairy ApS and Kirkeby
International Foods A/S. *
8 Subsidiaries of the Company (4)
8.1 Subsidiaries of the Company *
12.1 Certification of CEO of the Company pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a),
as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002*
12.2 Certification of CFO of the Company pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a),
as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002*
13.1 Certification of CEO of the Company pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b),
as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002*
13.2 Certification of CFO of the Company pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b),
as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002*
---------------
+ English translations from Hebrew original.
(1) Incorporated by Reference to the Registrant's Annual Report on
Form 20-F for the Fiscal year ended December 31, 1997.
(2) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement
on Form F-1, File No. 333-6314.
(3) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form
20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001.
(4) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form
20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005.
(5) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement
on Form F-3, File No. 333-138200.
(6) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form
20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.
* Filed Herewith
Page 81
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2007
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
CONTENTS
PAGE
--------------
REPORT OF REGISTERED ACCOUNTING FIRM F - 2
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
Balance sheets F - 3
Statements of operations F - 4
Statements of shareholders' equity F - 5
Statements of cash flows F - 6 - F - 8
Notes to the financial statements F - 9 - F - 36
 |
Brightman Almagor 1 Azrieli Center Tel Aviv 67021 P.O.B. 16593, Tel Aviv 61164 Israel Tel: +972 (3) 608 5555 Fax: +972 (3) 609 4022 info@deloitte.co.il www.deloitte.com |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND
SHAREHOLDERS OF G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of G. WILLI-FOOD
INTERNATIONAL LTD. ("the Company") and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2007
and 2006 and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders'
equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December
31, 2007. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to
have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over
financial reporting. An audit includes consideration of internal control over
financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are
appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an
opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial
reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provide a reasonable
basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of
the Company and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 and the
consolidated results of their operations and their consolidated cash flows for
each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007, in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles in Israel.
Brightman Almagor & Co.
Certified Public Accountants
A member firm of Deloitte Touche Tomhatsu
Tel-Aviv, Israel
March 31, 2008
F - 2
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------------------
NOTE 2 0 0 7 2 0 0 6 2 0 0 7 (*)
-------- -------- -------- --------
NIS US DOLLARS
------------------------ --------
(IN THOUSANDS)
---------------------------------------
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents 61,649 91,398 16,029
Marketable securities 31,267 13,945 8,130
Trade accounts receivable 63,728 48,163 16,570
Receivables and other current assets 3 4,630 4,499 1,204
Inventories 29,166 19,101 7,583
-------- -------- --------
Total current assets 190,440 177,106 49,516
-------- -------- --------
FIXED ASSETS 4
Cost 55,310 49,213 14,381
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization 8,355 6,442 2,172
-------- -------- --------
46,955 42,771 12,209
-------- -------- --------
OTHER ASSETS, NET 5 2,221 94 577
======== ======== ========
239,616 219,971 62,302
======== ======== ========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Short term bank credit 5,978 - 1,554
Trade accounts payable 33,961 20,137 8,830
Due to related parties 3,945 5,677 1,026
Payables and other current liabilities 6 3,367 6,969 875
-------- -------- --------
Total current liabilities 47,251 32,783 12,285
-------- -------- --------
Accrued severance pay, net 7 460 347 120
-------- -------- --------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES 8
WARRANTS TO ISSUE SHARES OF SUBSIDIARY - 348 -
-------- -------- --------
MINORITY INTEREST 18,613 14,754 4,840
-------- -------- --------
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 9
Share capital:
Ordinary shares NIS 0.10 par value
(authorized - 50,000,000 shares
and outstanding - 10,267,893 shares at December
31, 2007; 10,267,893 shares at December 31, 2006) 1,113 1,113 289
Foreign currency translation adjustment (414) - (107)
Additional paid-in capital 61,350 61,350 15,951
Retained earnings 111,243 109,276 28,924
-------- -------- --------
173,292 171,739 45,057
======== ======== ========
239,616 219,971 62,302
======== ======== ========
(*) Convenience translation into U.S. dollars.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F - 3
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 2 0 0 7 2 0 0 6 2 0 0 5 2 0 0 7 (*)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
NIS US DOLLARS
-------------------------------------------- ----------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT FOR SHARE DATA)
-------------------------------------------------------------
Sales 12A 249,693 191,460 166,282 64,923
Cost of sales 12B 198,827 143,581 128,215 51,697
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
GROSS PROFIT 50,866 47,879 38,067 13,226
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Operating expenses:
Sales and marketing 12C 24,404 21,100 15,771 6,345
General and administrative 12D 18,963 14,151 13,544 4,931
Impairment of goodwill 3,054 - - 794
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total operating expenses 46,421 35,251 29,315 12,070
========== ========== ========== ==========
OPERATING INCOME 4,445 12,628 8,752 1,156
Financing income, net 12E 1,856 4,925 2,501 482
Other income, net 470 18,248 35 122
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 6,771 35,801 11,288 1,760
Income taxes 10 2,517 5,379 3,567 654
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Income after taxes on income 4,254 30,422 7,721 1,106
Minority interest 2,287 1,807 - 595
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
NET INCOME 1,967 28,615 7,721 511
========== ========== ========== ==========
EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)
Basic 0.19 3.17 0.9 0.05
========== ========== ========== ==========
Diluted 0.19 3.12 0.9 0.05
========== ========== ========== ==========
Shares used in computation
of basic and diluted EPS 10,267,893 9,028,223 8,615,000 10,267,893
========== ========== ========== ==========
(*) Convenience translation into U.S. dollars.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F - 4
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
NUMBER FOREIGN
OF CURRENCY TOTAL
ORDINARY SHARE ADDITIONAL TRANSLATION RETAINED SHAREHOLDERS'
SHARES CAPITAL PAID-IN CAPITAL ADJUSTMENT EARNINGS EQUITY
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
NIS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE - JANUARY 1, 2005 8,615,000 948 20,258 - 77,694 98,900
Declared dividend - - - - (4,754) (4,754)
Net income for the year - - - - 7,721 7,721
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
BALANCE - DECEMBER 31, 2005 8,615,000 948 20,258 - 80,661 101,867
Private placement 1,652,893 165 41,092 - - 41,257
Net income for the year - - - - 28,615 28,615
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
BALANCE - DECEMBER 31, 2006 10,267,893 1,113 61,350 - 109,276 171,739
Foreign currency translation
adjustment - - - (414) - (414)
Net income for the year - - - - 1,967 1,967
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
BALANCE - DECEMBER 31, 2007 10,267,893 1,113 61,350 (414) 111,243 173,292
========== ========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F - 5
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------------------
2 0 0 7 2 0 0 6 2 0 0 5 2 0 0 7 (*)
------- ------- ------- -------
NIS US DOLLARS
------------------------------------- -------
(IN THOUSANDS)
----------------------------------------------------
CASH FLOWS - OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income 1,967 28,615 7,721 511
ADJUSTMENTS TO RECONCILE NET INCOME TO NET
CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Minority interest 2,287 1,807 - 595
Depreciation and amortization 5,440 1,207 1,252 1,414
Deferred income taxes (433) 322 34 (112)
Loss (gain) from sale of fixed assets (16) 50 (35) (4)
Unrealized loss (gain) on marketable securities 56 (1,316) (755) 14
Accrued severance pay, net 113 48 114 29
Gain on share issuance by subsidiary - (18,040) - -
CHANGES IN ASSETS AND LIABILITIES:
Decrease (Increase) in:
Trade accounts receivable (11,867) 233 (7,509) (3,085)
Receivables and other current assets 305 3,137 (6,523) 79
Inventory (2,628) 11,697 (3,659) (683)
Increase (decrease) in:
Trade accounts payable 18,271 (4,712) 872 4,750
Payables and other current liabilities (5,205) 1,941 1,195 (1,353)
Decrease in value of warrants to issue shares
of subsidiary (348) (1,067) - (90)
------- ------- ------- -------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING
ACTIVITIES 7,942 23,922 (7,293) 2,065
------- ------- ------- -------
(*) Convenience translation into U.S. dollars.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F - 6
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Continued)
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------------------
2 0 0 7 2 0 0 6 2 0 0 5 2 0 0 7 (*)
------- ------- ------- -------
NIS NIS NIS US DOLLARS
------- ------- ------- -------
(IN THOUSANDS)
----------------------------------------------------
CASH FLOWS - INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Long term deposit (131) - - (34)
Purchase of additional shares in subsidiary (182) - - (47)
Acquisition of subsidiary in a business combination (b) (15,400) - - (4,004)
Proceeds from realization (purchase) of marketable
securities, net (17,378) (9,400) (780) (4,519)
Additions to fixed assets (11,259) (22,971) (14,889) (2,927)
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets 16 511 51 4
------- ------- ------- -------
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES (44,334) (31,860) (15,618) (11,527)
------- ------- ------- -------
CASH FLOWS - FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from public listing of subsidiary - 32,402 - -
Cash dividend - (4,754) - -
Short-term bank borrowings, net 6,781 - (2,489) 1,763
Proceeds from private placement - 41,257 - -
------- ------- ------- -------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES 6,781 68,905 (2,489) 1,763
------- ------- ------- -------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
in subsidiary (138) - - (36)
======= ======= ======= =======
Net change in cash and cash equivalents (29,749) 60,967 (25,400) (7,735)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 91,398 30,431 55,831 23,764
------- ------- ------- -------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 61,649 91,398 30,431 16,029
======= ======= ======= =======
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF
CASH FLOW INFORMATION
CASH PAID DURING THE PERIOD FOR:
Interest - - 9 -
======= ======= ======= =======
Taxes 763 4,168 2,596 198
======= ======= ======= =======
(*) Convenience translation into U.S. dollars.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F - 7
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Continued)
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------------------
2 0 0 7 2 0 0 6 2 0 0 5 2 0 0 7 (*)
------- ------- ------- -------
NIS NIS NIS US DOLLARS
------- ------- ------- -------
(IN THOUSANDS)
-------------------------------------------
(B) ACQUISITION OF SUBSIDIARY IN A BUSINESS COMBINATION
Working capital (excluding cash and cash equivalents) 11,978 - - 3,114
Fixed assets, net 208 - - 54
Other assets, net 3,214 - - 836
------- ------- ------- -------
15,400 - - 4,004
======= ======= ======= =======
(C) SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Acquisition of fixed assets on credit - 6,219 - -
======= ======= ======= =======
(*) Convenience translation into U.S. dollars.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F - 8
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 - GENERAL
G. Willi-Food International Ltd. ("the Company") was incorporated in Israel
in January 1994 and is engaged in the import, export, marketing and
distribution of food products.
The Company is a subsidiary of Willi-Food Investments Ltd. ("the parent
company"). The shares of the parent company are registered for trade on the
Tel-Aviv Stock Exchange.
ACQUISITION OF SUBSIDIARIES:
A. In January 19, 2007, the Company established a fully-owned subsidiary
in the US, WF Kosher Food Distributors LTD. ("WF") in order to acquire
the operations and assets (including inventory, account receivables,
and account payables) of Laish Israeli Food Products Ltd., a U.S.
importer and distributor of kosher food products for approximately NIS
15.4 million ($4 million) in cash. The sources for the purchase price
are a bank loan in the amount of NIS 6.6 million ($1.7 million) taken
by WF and cash on hand from the company. As a result of the
acquisition, the Company recorded goodwill in the amount of
approximately NIS 3.1 million.
In a routine check conducted in WF, it was discovered that certain
receivables might not be recoverable. As a result the Company
concluded that an allowance for those accounts, in the amount of NIS
2.2 million ($0.57 million) is required. In addition, it was
discovered that an inventory, in the amount of NIS 3.2 million ($0.83
million), may not be realizable and was written off.
The Company also checked for impairment of the goodwill assigned to WF
in the acquisition and determined that it has to be written off in its
entirety. The amount of goodwill written off was NIS 3.1 million
($0.81 million).
B. On February 13, 2007, the company signed an agreement with the Baron
family (an unrelated third party), kosher food exporters located in
Israel, to form a joint global kosher trade and export company ("Joint
Company"). The Company will hold a 50.1% interest, and the Baron
family will hold the remaining interest. In consideration for the
50.1% interest, the Company will pay up to $2 million in owner's
loans, as needed. Of this amount, an amount equal to two times net
profit before tax during the first four full consecutive quarters
(after closing) will be converted into equity, up to a maximum amount
of $1 million. The loan will be repaid prior to any dividend
distribution. As of December 31, 2007, the Company paid the Joint
Company the amount of $1 million. Under the terms of the agreement,
all of the current food export operations of the Baron family will be
executed under the new entity. Under the terms of the agreement, the
Joint Company will be engaged in the food export activities performed
until now by the Baron Family, which involved the export of kosher
products from more than 100 suppliers, predominantly from Israel, to
the U.S., Canada, England, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Australia,
South Africa, Mexico, Argentina and Chile. Product categories
currently exported include candies, preserves, cakes and cookies,
snacks, cereals, frozen pastries and ice creams, baby food and general
grocery items.
F - 9
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 2 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
A. ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity
with accounting principles generally accepted in Israel. As applicable
to these financial statements, these accounting principles are
substantially identical to U.S. GAAP, except as indicated in Note 14.
B. USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets
and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at
the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of
revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results
could differ from those estimates.
C. CESSATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT ADJUSTMENT AND CHANGE TO REPORTING IN
REPORTED AMOUNTS - STANDARD NO. 12
(1) DEFINITIONS
Adjusted Amount - historical nominal amount adjusted for changes
in the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar as of December 31, 2003,
in accordance with Opinion No. 36 of the Institute of Certified
Public Accountants in Israel.
Reported Amount - Adjusted Amount plus amounts in nominal terms
added subsequent to December 31, 2003, and less amounts
subtracted after that date.
(2) GENERAL
On January 1, 2004, Accounting Standard No. 12 of the Israel
Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") ("Standard 12") came into
force and effect. In accordance with the provisions of Standard
12, adjustment of financial statements to the inflation shall
cease commencing January 1, 2004, with adjusted amounts of
non-monetary items which were included in the balance sheet as of
December 31, 2003, used as basis for the nominal financial
reporting as and from January 1, 2004. Amounts presented in the
financial statements for all periods were, therefore, included in
values to be hereinafter referred to as - "Reported amounts".
The Company maintains its accounting records on a current basis
in nominal NIS. Nominal amounts were adjusted to their respective
reported amounts herein, based on the principles detailed in
section 2 below, in accordance with the provisions of Standard
12.
The term "cost" in the financial statements indicates cost in
reported amounts, unless otherwise stated.
(3) PRINCIPLES OF ADJUSTMENT APPLICABLE FOR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS IN
REPORTING AMOUNTS
a. BALANCE SHEET ITEMS
Non-monetary items (items whose balances reflect historical
value at acquisition or upon establishment) are presented at
their Adjusted Amounts as of December 31, 2003 plus
additions and dispositions occurring subsequent to such
date.
Monetary items (items whose balance sheet amount reflects
their current value or realization value at the balance
sheet date) are presented at their nominal value as of the
balance sheet date.
Investments in Subsidiaries are presented based on the
financial statements of these companies prepared in
accordance with the guidance of Standard No. 12.
F - 10
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 2 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONT.)
C. CESSATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT ADJUSTMENT AND CHANGE TO REPORTING IN
REPORTED AMOUNTS - STANDARD NO. 12 (CONT.)
(3) PRINCIPLES OF ADJUSTMENT APPLICABLE FOR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS IN
REPORTING AMOUNTS (CONT.)
b. STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS ITEMS
Income and expenses reflecting transactions, and financial
income and expenses, are presented at their nominal value.
Income and expenses deriving from non-monetary items (mainly
depreciation, amortization and changes in inventory) were
presented in a manner corresponding to the presentation of
the related non-monetary balance sheet item, as illustrated
above.
The Company's share in the results of Subsidiaries is
determined based on the financial statements of these
companies prepared in accordance with the guidance of
Standard No. 12.
c. PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
The consolidated financial statements include consolidation
of the financial statements of all Subsidiaries. Material
inter-company balances and transactions of and between
Subsidiaries have been fully eliminated.
The unallocated excess cost due to investment in an investee
deriving from the difference between the fair value of the
investee's identifiable assets (including intangible assets)
over the fair value of its identifiable liabilities (after
deferred taxes) at the acquisition date is goodwill which is
being disclosed under other asset.
D. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash and cash equivalents include bank deposits, available for
immediate withdrawal, as well as unrestricted short-term deposits with
maturities of less than three months from the date of deposit.
E. ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS
The allowance for doubtful accounts is computed on the specific
identification basis for accounts whose collectibility, on
management's estimation, is uncertain.
Financial statements in reported amounts.
F. EXCHANGE RATES AND LINKAGE BASIS
(1) Balances in foreign currency or linked thereto are included in
the financial statements based on the representative exchange
rates, as published by the Bank of Israel, that were prevailing
at the balance sheet date.
F - 11
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 2 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONT.)
F. EXCHANGE RATES AND LINKAGE BASIS (CONT,)
(2) Following are the changes in the representative exchange rate of
the U.S. dollar vis-a-vis the NIS and in the Israeli CPI:
REPRESENTATIVE
EXCHANGE RATE
------------
OF THE DOLLAR CPI
------------ "IN RESPECT OF"
(NIS PER $1) (IN POINTS)
------------ -----------
AS OF:
December 31, 2007 3.846 191.15
December 31, 2006 4.225 184.87
December 31, 2005 4.603 185.05
% %
------------ -----------
INCREASE (DECREASE)
DURING THE YEAR ENDED:
December 31, 2007 (9.0) 3.4
December 31, 2006 (8.2) -
December 31, 2005 6.8 2.4
(3) Exchange-rate differences are charged to operations as incurred.
CPI-linked balances are stated using the specific index to which the
balances are linked.
G. CONVENIENCE TRANSLATION
The adjusted financial statements as of December 31, 2007 and for the
year then ended have been translated into United States dollars using
the representative exchange rate at December 31, 2007 as published by
the Bank of Israel (US$ 1.00 = NIS 3.846). The translation was made
solely for the convenience of readers in the United States.
It should not be construed that the translated dollar figures actually
represent, or could be converted into, US dollars.
H. MARKETABLE SECURITIES
Marketable securities are classified as "trading" and are stated at
fair market value.
I. INVENTORIES
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value.
Cost is determined for raw materials, auxiliary materials and finished
products on the basis of weighted moving average cost per unit method.
Net realizable value represents the estimated selling price for
inventories less all estimated costs of completion and costs necessary
to make the sale.
F - 12
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 2 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONT.)
J. FIXED ASSETS
Fixed assets are stated at cost, with depreciation computed by the
straight-line method over the assets' estimated useful lives, as
follows:
YEARS
-----
Mechanical equipment 10
Buildings 25
Motor vehicles 5
Office furniture and equipment 6.7-16
Computers and peripheral equipment 3-5
Leasehold improvements are amortized by the straight-line method over
the shorter of the term of the lease, or the estimated useful life of
the improvements.
The Company assesses the recoverability of the carrying amount of its
fixed assets, when circumstances exist, based on expected undiscounted
cash flows. If an asset's carrying amount is not expected to be
recoverable, the Company recognizes an impairment loss based upon the
difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of such
assets.
K. DEFERRED INCOME TAXES
The Company records deferred income taxes in accordance with Standard
No. 19 "INCOME TAXES" of the Israeli Accounting Standards Board, to
reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the
carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting
purposes and for tax purposes. Deferred taxes are computed based on
the tax rates anticipated (under applicable law as of the balance
sheet date) to be in effect when the deferred taxes are expected to be
paid or realized.
Deferred tax liabilities and assets are classified as current or
noncurrent based on the classification of the related asset or
liability for financial reporting, or according to the expected
reversal dates of the specific temporary differences, if not related
to an asset or liability for financial reporting. Deferred tax
liabilities are recognized for temporary differences that will result
in taxable amounts in future years. Deferred tax assets are
recognized, if it is probable that such assets would be realized, for
temporary differences, which will result in deductible amounts in
future years and for carryforwards. An allowance against such deferred
tax asset is recognized if it is probable that some portion or all of
the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
L. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES ASSETS
In January 2006, the company adopted Accounting Standard No. 20
(Revised) "Accounting Treatment of Goodwill and Other Intangibles upon
the Acquisition of an Investee", which applies to financial statements
covering periods beginning on January 1, 2006 ("the Effective Date".)
According to the standard, the excess of acquisition cost of an
investment in an investee over the share of the company holding the
fair value of the investee's identifiable assets, including
intangibles, net of the fair value of identifiable liabilities (after
tax allocation) at acquisition, constitutes goodwill. Recognition of
an intangible asset independently of goodwill should take place only
if the intangible asset is identifiable based on the criteria outlined
in the standard.
F - 13
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 2 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONT.)
L. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES ASSETS (CONT.)
Goodwill will not be amortized but will rather be examined once a year
or more frequently should signs indicate goodwill impairment.
Moreover, should a negative goodwill be created upon acquisition it
would be recognized as a gain and immediately allocated to operations
and not amortized. The standard distinguishes between intangible
assets which have defined useful lives and those that do not, stating
that the former should be amortized while the latter should not while
rather examined whether any signs indicate impairment.
Comparative figures covering periods before the effective date should
not be restated and starting on the Effective Date, the goodwill
presented in the 2005 annual financial statements will no longer be
amortized, with the Company periodically examining the goodwill's net
book value, as noted above.
For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill is allocated to each
of the Group's cash-generating units expected to benefit from the
synergies of the combination. Cash-generating units to which goodwill
has been allocated are tested for impairment annually, or more
frequently when there is an indication that the unit may be impaired.
If the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit is less than the
carrying amount of the unit, the impairment loss is allocated first to
reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the unit and
then to the other assets of the unit pro-rata on the basis of the
carrying amount of each asset in the unit. An impairment loss
recognised for goodwill is not reversed in a subsequent period.
On disposal of a subsidiary or a jointly controlled entity, the
attributable amount of goodwill is included in the determination of
the profit or loss on disposal.
In January 2007 the company adopted Accounting Standard No. 30
"Intangibles assets".
Intangible assets which have defined useful lives are depreciated by
the estimated economic lives, as follows:
YEARS
-----------------
Suppliers list 7
Backlog fully depreciated
M. REVENUE RECOGNITION
The Company recognizes revenue upon the shipment of its products to
the customer provided that persuasive evidence of an arrangement
exists, title has transferred, the price is fixed, collection of
resulting receivables is probable and there are no remaining
significant obligations.
The Company grants to certain customers a right to return the
products, with the corresponding provision recorded for the estimated
future product returns, based on the Company's experience.
F - 14
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 2 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONT.)
N. CUSTOMER INCENTIVES
The Company is obligated to pay incentives to certain customers based
on the volume of sales. The incentive is computed as a percentage of
the annual volume or as a percentage of the increase in volume of
sales to such customers in excess of a certain agreed amount, and is
generally paid at the beginning of each year in respect of the
previous year. The Company presents its revenues as net of such
incentives, calculated based on the volume of sales.
O. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
In January 2006, the company adopted Accounting Standard No. 24
"Share-Based Compensation" (the "Standard"), for the recognition in
the financial statements of share-based payments for employees and
directors. Costs associated with grants of shares and options to
employees and directors are expensed over the vesting period of each
grant. Said costs are determined based on the fair value of the grants
at each grant date.
As for the periods before the adoption of the Standard, the Company
accounted for employee and director stock-based compensation in
accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25,
"Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" ("APB 25") and
authoritative interpretations thereof. Accordingly, the Company
accounted for share options granted to employees and directors based
on the intrinsic value of the options on the measurement date.
See Note 14C for pro forma disclosures required by SFAS 123.
P. EARNINGS PER SHARE
In January 2006, the company adopted Accounting Standard No. 21,
"Earnings Per Share" (the "Standard").
With the initial adoption of the Standard, Opinion No. 55 of the
Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel - Earnings per
share was cancelled.
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing profit or loss
attributable to ordinary equity holders of the entity (the numerator)
by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding (the
denominator) during the reported period. Diluted earnings per share is
calculated by adjusting profit or loss attributable to ordinary equity
holders of the entity, and the weighted average number of shares
outstanding, for the effects of all dilutive potential ordinary
shares.
Q. TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND ITS CONTROLLING SHAREHOLDER
In January 2007, the Company adopted Accounting Standard No. 23, "The
Accounting Treatment of Transactions between an Entity and its
Controlling Shareholder" (Standard 23). Standard 23 replaces the
Securities Regulations (Financial Statement Presentation of
Transactions between a Company and its Controlling Shareholder) - 1996
and provides that assets and liabilities included in a transaction
between the entity and its controlling shareholder shall be measured
on the date of the transaction at fair value and that the difference
between the fair value and the consideration from the transaction
shall be included in shareholders' equity including related income
taxes.
F - 15
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 2 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONT.)
R. RECLASSIFICATION
Certain prior years amounts have been reclassified in conformity with
current year's financial statements presentation.
S. IMPACT OF RECENTLY-ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
ISRAELI GAAP:
ACCOUNTING STANDARD NO. 29 "ADOPTION OF INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL
REPORTING STANDARDS"
In July 2006, the Israeli Accounting Standards Board published
Accounting Standard No. 29 - "Adoption of International Financial
Reporting Standards" - IFRS ("the Standard").
According to the Standard, an entity subject to the Israeli
Securities Law and authoritative Regulations thereunder
(including dual listed companies), excluding foreign corporations,
that do not prepare their financial statements in accordance
with Israeli GAAP, as defined by this Law will be required to
prepare financial statements in accordance with the IFRS and
related interpretations published by the International Accounting
Standards Board, for the reporting periods commencing January 1,
2008, including interim periods.
An entity adopting IFRS as of January 1, 2008 and electing to
report comparative figures in accordance with the IFRS for only
2007, will be required to prepare opening balance-sheet amounts
as of January 1, 2007 based on the IFRS.
Reporting in accordance with the IFRS will be carried out based
on the provisions of IFRS No. 1, "First-time Adoption of IFRS
Standards", which establishes guidance on implementing and
transitioning from financial reporting based on domestic national
accounting standards to reporting in accordance with IFRS. IFRS
No. 1 supersedes the transitional provisions established in other
IFRSs (including those established in former domestic national
accounting standards), stating that all IFRSs should be adopted
retroactively for the opening balance-sheet amounts.
Nevertheless, IFRS No. 1 grants exemptions on certain issues by
allowing the alternative of not applying the retroactive
application in respect thereof.
The Standard allows for earlier application in a manner by which
applicable entities may convert their financial statements
published subsequent to July 31, 2006 to the IFRS. Management has
decided to adopt the IFRS commencing January 1, 2008.
Since the requirements of the standard do not apply on the
Company this financial statements do not include opening
balance-sheet amounts as of January 1, 2007 based on the IFRS.
F - 16
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 2 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONT.)
S. IMPACT OF RECENTLY-ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS (CONT.)
US GAAP:
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, "Fair Value
Measurements" (SFAS No. 157). The purpose of SFAS No. 157 is to
define fair value, establish a framework for measuring fair
value, and enhance disclosures about fair value measurements. The
measurement and disclosure requirements are effective for the
Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2008. The
Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 157 to have a
material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, "The Fair Value
Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities" (SFAS No.
159). SFAS No. 159 permits companies to choose to measure certain
financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The
standard requires that unrealized gains and losses on items for
which the fair value option has been elected be reported in
earnings.
A business entity will report unrealized gains and losses on
items for which the fair value option has been elected in
earnings (or another performance indicator if the business entity
does not report earnings) at each subsequent reporting date. The
fair value option: (a) may be applied instrument by instrument,
with a few exceptions, such as investments otherwise accounted
for by the equity method; (b) is irrevocable (unless a new
election date occurs); and (c) is applied only to entire
instruments and not to portions of instruments. SFAS No. 159 is
effective as of the beginning of an entity's first fiscal year
that begins after November 15, 2007, although earlier adoption is
permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS No.
159 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial
statements.
In June 2007, the FASB ratified Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
Issue No. 07-3, "Accounting for Nonrefundable Advance Payments
for Goods or Services to Be Used in Future Research and
Development Activities" (EITF 07-3). EITF 07-3 requires
non-refundable advance payments for goods and services to be used
in future research and development activities to be recorded as
an asset and the payments to be expensed when the research and
development activities are performed. EITF 07-3 applies
prospectively for new contractual arrangements entered into
beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2008. We currently
recognize these non-refundable advanced payments as an expense
upon payment. The adoption of EITF 07-3 is not expected to have a
significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial
statements.
F - 17
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 2 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONT.)
S. IMPACT OF RECENTLY-ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS (CONT.)
US GAAP: (CONT.)
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(Revised 2007)
"Business Combinations" ("SFAS 141(R)") and SFAS No 160,
"Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statement"
("SFAS 160"). SFAS 141(R) requires the acquiring entity in a
business combination to record all assets acquired and
liabilities assumed at their respective acquisition-date fair
values and changes other practices under FAS 141, some of which
could have a material impact on how we account for business
combinations. SFAS 141(R) also requires additional disclosure of
information surrounding a business combination, such that users
of the entity's financial statements can fully understand the
nature and financial impact of the business combination. SFAS 160
requires entities to report non-controlling (minority) interests
in subsidiaries as equity in the consolidated financial
statements. We are required to adopt SFAS 141(R) and SFAS 160
simultaneously in our fiscal year beginning after December 15,
2008. The provisions of SFAS 141(R) will only impact the Company
if it is a party to a business combination after the
pronouncement has been adopted. The Company is currently
evaluating the effects, if any, that SFAS 160 may have on its
financial statements.
F - 18
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 3 - RECEIVABLES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS
COMPRISED AS FOLLOWS:
DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------------
2 0 0 7 2 0 0 6 2 0 0 7 (*)
----- ----- -----
NIS NIS US DOLLARS
----- ----- -----
(IN THOUSANDS)
-----------------------------
Tax authorities 908 1,556 236
Advances to suppliers 2,224 2,416 578
Value-added tax 554 133 144
Deferred income 41 - 11
Deferred income taxes 256 - 67
Prepaid expenses and others 647 394 168
----- ----- -----
4,630 4,499 1,204
===== ===== =====
(*) Convenience translation into U.S. dollars.
NOTE 4 - FIXED ASSETS
COMPRISED AS FOLLOWS:
DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------
2 0 0 7 2 0 0 6 2 0 0 7 (*)
------ ------ ------
NIS NIS US DOLLARS
------ ------ ------
(IN THOUSANDS)
--------------------------------
Cost:
Land and building 42,031 (**)38,583 10,928
Motor vehicles 8,567 6,784 2,228
Mechanical equipment 653 (**) 398 170
Computers and peripheral equipment 2,771 2,349 720
Office furniture and equipment 1,288 788 335
Leasehold improvements - 311 -
------ ---------- ------
55,310 49,213 14,381
====== ========== ======
Accumulated depreciation and amortization:
Building 844 - 219
Motor vehicles 5,046 4,104 1,312
Mechanical equipment 64 - 16
Computers and peripheral equipment 1,722 1,403 448
Office furniture and equipment 679 628 177
Leasehold improvements - 307 -
------ ---------- ------
8,355 6,442 2,172
====== ========== ======
(*) Convenience translation into U.S. dollars.
(**) reclassified
NOTE 5 - OTHER ASSETS, NET
COMPRISED AS FOLLOWS:
DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------------
2 0 0 7 2 0 0 6 2 0 0 7 (*)
----- ----- -----
NIS NIS US DOLLARS
----- ----- -----
(IN THOUSANDS)
-----------------------------
Goodwill 1,795 - 467
Deferred tax 115 94 30
Suppliers list 103 - 26
Long term deposit 208 - 54
----- ----- -----
2,221 94 577
===== ===== =====
(*) Convenience translstion into U.S. dollars
F - 19
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 6 - PAYABLES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES
COMPRISED AS FOLLOWS:
DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------
2 0 0 7 2 0 0 6 2 0 0 7 (*)
----- ----- -----
NIS US DOLLARS
---------------- -----
(IN THOUSANDS)
----------------------------
Allowance for taxes 133 289 35
Tax authorities 174 3,825 45
Accrued expenses 1,099 947 285
Payroll-related amounts 1,208 1,131 314
Customer advances 188 655 49
Other 565 122 147
----- ----- -----
3,367 6,969 875
===== ===== =====
(*) Convenience translation into U.S. dollars.
NOTE 7 - ACCRUED SEVERANCE PAY, NET
The Company's obligation for severance pay is calculated in accordance with
the Israeli Severance Pay Law, 1963, and is based on the most recent
monthly salary and the length of employment in the Company. The obligation
is partially funded through insurance policies not under the Company's
custody, and the unfunded balance is accrued as a liability on the balance
sheet.
Severance pay expenses for 2007, 2006 and 2005 were NIS 664 thousand ($173
thousand), NIS 449 thousand and NIS 411 thousand, respectively.
The total value of the insurance policies at December 31, 2007 and 2006 and
2005 was NIS 1,098 thousand ($285 thousand), NIS 810 thousand and NIS 665
thousand, respectively.
The Company has no liability for pension expenses to its employees.
NOTE 8 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
A. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND GUARANTEES
The Company is contingently liable in respect of documentary letters
of credit from banks and suppliers' credit guaranteed by banks for the
import of food products totaling, at December 31, 2007, NIS 33,286
thousand ($8,655 thousand).
B. CREDIT RISK
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to credit
risk consist principally of trade receivables. A major portion of the
Company's sales was to a limited number of customers (see Note 12A).
The Company, which generally does not require security from those
customers, maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts, based upon
factors regarding the credit risk of specific customers, historical
trends and other information, which management believes adequately
covers all anticipated losses in respect of trade receivables.
F - 20
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 8 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (CONT.)
C. SUPPLY OF PRODUCTS
As of December 31, 2007, the Company was dependent on one supplier in
respect of some of its products. Purchases of products from this
supplier were approximately 13% and 20% of all the Company's purchases
of products for 2007 and 2006, respectively. The Company had a
contract with the supplier, according to which the Company is the
latter's exclusive agent and distributor in Israel in connection with
certain products for a five-year period starting March 2005. In July
2007 the agreement has been amended and the exclusivity period has
been extended to 10 years. Termination of the Company's business
relationships with this supplier and/or a material adverse change in
the terms at which it purchases products from him may have a material
adverse effect on the Company's financial results. There can be no
assurance that alternative source of supply, if required, will be
readily available nor can there be any assurance as to purchase terms.
D. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The financial instruments of the Company consist mainly of cash and
cash equivalents, marketable securities, current accounts receivable,
short-term borrowings, accounts payable and accruals.
In view of their nature, the fair value of the financial instruments,
included in working capital, is usually identical or close to their
book value.
E. LEASE COMMITMENTS
The lease for the previous logistics center ended in April 2007.
Total rent expenses for 2007, 2006 and 2005 were NIS 1,037 thousand
($270 thousand), NIS 1,939 thousand and NIS 1,918 thousand,
respectively.
In August 2005 the Company acquired from a related party a plot of
land totaling 19,000 sq. m. for establishing a logistics center of
8,600 sq. m. The transaction has been ratified by the Company's Audit
Committee and Board of Directors on May 25, 2005 and by the
shareholders' General Meeting on July 20, 2005.
In April 2007 the company removed its warehouse and offices to the new
logistic center.
F. CLAIMS
1. A lawsuit was filed in December 2001 against 29
importers/producers of food products, including the Company, for
an amount totaling NIS 500 million (USD 130 million).
Concurrently, the plaintiffs filed a request for an exemption
from the court fee. Following the court's rejection of the
plaintiffs' request for the noted fee exemption and their failure
to pay such fee, the court dismissed the case.In January 2004 the
abovementioned plaintiffs filed a new lawsuit against the 29
noted importers/producers for NIS 1 billion (USD 260 million).
Again, a request was made concurrently for an exemption from the
court fee. This request was rejected by the registrar of the
court, and the action was dismissed without prejudice in November
2006.
The plaintiffs then filed an appeal with the District Court of
the registrar's November 2006 decision; however, before the
appeal was decided by the court, the plaintiffs filed a request
with the court to cancel the appeal due to the plaintiffs'
intention to file the appeal with the Israeli Supreme Court. The
plaintiffs then filed an appeal with the Supreme Court, and
requested an exemption from the court fee for the appeal and from
the requisite security deposit. The request for exemption of
court fee was granted by the Supreme Court on July 3, 2007, but
the plaintiffs were required to pay a deposit of NIS 20,000 as
security for the legal expenses of the respondents, which sum was
deposited with the Supreme Court on March 9, 2008. Although the
proceedings are still at a preliminary stage, the Company's
management and legal counsel believe that the plaintiffs'
likelihood of success in the proceedings is low.
F - 21
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 8 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (CONT.)
2. In or about October, 2005, Vitarroz Corp. commenced an action in
the Superior Court of the State of New Jersey, against Willi USA
Holdings, Inc. (a subsidiary of the Company), the Company and Zwi
Williger (collectively, the "Defendants") due to a dispute
concerning a press release announcing the termination of the
proposed acquisition of the Vitarroz business by the Company On
November 2005, the Company removed the matter from the Superior
Court of New Jersey to the United States District Court for the
District of New Jersey. The complaint was subsequently amended
and, as amended, alleged, inter alia, breach of contract,
defamation, breach of covenants of good faith and fair dealing,
fraudulent inducement and tortious interference with contractual
relations and prospective economic advantage. Defendants did not
respond to the complaint as an agreement was reached to arbitrate
all disputes between the parties and certain third parties. Not
only did the parties agree to submit the claims which are the
subject of the amended complaint to binding arbitration but they
agreed to submit to arbitration (i) claims that defendants have
against plaintiff and related third parties, and (ii) claims
which the Company asserted against Vitarroz in an action that was
then pending in Israel regarding the alleged breach of an
agreement executed by the Company and Vitarroz, pursuant to which
Vitarroz was to supply food products to the Company. Although
there was no discovery taken in the then pending Court matters,
Vitarroz claimed in correspondence to the District Court that it
sustained, inter alia, damage: to its financial reputation; that
suppliers refused to extend favorable credit and delivery terms;
that there were lost profits of approximately $500,000; and that
its sale to IDT realized a sales price of approximately $3
million less than what was expected; and that there are
additional damages resulting from defendants' actions which are
claimed to exceed $3.5 million. The discovery process in the
arbitration proceedings has commenced and is ongoing. During the
course of discovery, Vitarrozz submitted the reports of its
financial expert claiming damages in excess of $6.6 million. The
Company has submitted the report of its financial expert claiming
damages in excess of $10 million. Limited discovery remains to be
completed before the attributing hearing which is scheduled to
take place at the end of April. Defendants believe that
Vitarroz's allegations are without merit, and they intend to
vigorously defend against such claims.
F - 22
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 8 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (CONT.)
F. CLAIMS (CONT.)
3. Five lawsuits and motions to certify as class actions against
Willi-Food were filed in the Tel-Aviv Jaffa District Court, all
based on claims regarding reductions in the contents of
Willi-Food products. The Plaintiffs' claims in all of the motions
are similar: The consumers who purchased the products were
misled, since the contents of the packages were reduced without
notifying the consumer public and without reducing the prices of
the products in direct proportion. One of the lawsuits in the
amount of NIS 6.2 million was cancelled during 2007. The total
amount of the remaining class actions is approximately NIS 39.6
in millions.
At this point, given the preliminary stage of all the
abovementioned legal proceedings, the Company can not determine
the outcome of such law suite.
4. On February 21, 2007, a lawsuit was filed by Cukierman & Co.
Investment House Ltd. in the Tel Aviv-Jaffa Magistrates Court in
the amount of NIS 273,852, claiming non payment of fees for
professional services rendered. A statement of defense has not
yet been filed. Given the early stage of these proceedings, the
Company is unable at this point to assess the risks involved.
5. In September 2007, Thurgeman Construction Co. Ltd. ("Thurgeman")
filed a claim against the Company in the District Court of Tel
Aviv the amount of NIS 4,449,340 (plus VAT) regarding a dispute
in connection with the construction of the Company's logistics
center in Yavne (the "Project") pursuant to a contract between
the parties, dated as of September 9, 2005. Under the terms of
the contract, Thurgeman was to serve as the operating contractor
for the construction of the frame and the surrounding portions
for the construction of the Project.
During the course of construction on the Project, the parties
raised several claims against each other in connection with the
progress of construction on the Project. The Company claimed that
Thurgeman grossly violated the terms of the contract by
continuous delays in the completion of the Project, and by
performing the construction work in a negligent and
unprofessional manner and with inferior quality. Thurgeman
counterclaimed that it performed the construction work according
to the terms of the contract and that any delays in the work were
not caused through any fault of Thurgeman. Furthermore, Thurgeman
claimed that the Company withheld certain payments to which
Thurgeman was entitled for additional work on the Project,
causing Thurgeman damages.
At the end of November 2007, the Company filed a statement of
defense, which included a counterclaim against Thurgeman and its
executive, Dotan Thurgeman, which contained among other things, a
claim of defamation, a claim for damages caused by the delay in
delivery of the completed Project, and damages caused by
Thurgeman's poor and careless work on the Project. The sum of the
damages claimed by the Company in the counterclaim was NIS 5
million. In February 2008, Thurgeman filed a response to the
counter claim. As of the date of this Annual Report, a date for
the hearing has yet to be set.
At the current preliminary stage of the dispute, the Company's
management and legal counsel cannot assess the chances of the
parties.
F - 23
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 8 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (CONT.)
F. CLAIMS (CONT.)
6. On June 18, 2006, the Company filed a claim against Filiz and
Ash-Bar in the amount of NIS 4,473,878 for breach of contract.
The complaint was served on filiz and Ash-Bar through Ash-Bar's
chief executive officer. Filiz then filed a request to cancel the
complaint, claiming that Ash-Bar is not authorized to accept
service of process on its behalf. The request was denied by the
court's registrar.
On November 4, 2007, Filiz filed an appeal of the registrar's
decision and requested an extension for filing its defense to the
complaint pending a decision on the appeal. A hearing has been
set for April 24, 2008.
The Company's legal counsel believes that there is a substantial
chance that the service of process will be accepted by the court,
and notwithstanding the fact that the proceedings are still at a
preliminary stage, the Company's legal counsel believes that the
complaint is based on sound legal arguments, and that there is a
reasonable possibility that a not insignificant portion of the
arguments will be sustained by the court.
G. LIENS
The Company has registered fixed and floating liens in favor of banks
on its assets and insurance rights and a fixed lien, unlimited in
amount, on its share capital and goodwill.
H. RELATED PARTIES
1. As of June 1, 1998, the Company entered into certain management
services agreements with certain companies controlled by each of
Messrs. Joseph and Zvi Williger, respectively (collectively, the
"Williger Management Companies"), pursuant to which Messrs.
Joseph and Zvi Williger are to provide management services on
behalf of the Williger Management Companies to the Company (the
"Management Services Agreements").
The Management Services Agreements were for a period of four
years commencing on June 1, 1998 (the "Management Services
Period"), were automatically renewed on June 1, 2002 for two
years and were automatically renewed for an additional period of
two years in June 2004.
F - 24
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 8 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (CONT.)
H. RELATED PARTIES (CONT.)
1. (Cont.)
As of June 1, 1998, the Company entered into certain management
services agreements with certain companies controlled by each of
Messrs. Joseph and Zvi Williger, respectively (collectively, the
"Williger Management Companies"), pursuant to which Messrs.
Joseph and Zvi Williger are to provide management services on
behalf of the Williger Management Companies to the Company (the
"Management Services Agreements").
The Management Services Agreements were for a period of four
years commencing on June 1, 1998 (the "Management Services
Period"), were automatically renewed on June 1, 2002 for two
years and were automatically renewed for an additional period of
two years in June 2004.
Each of the Management Services Agreements provides for monthly
services fees equal to $24,500 (excluding VAT) and an annual
bonus at a rate of 3% of the Company's consolidated pre-tax
annual profits, if such profits are equal to or less than NIS 3.0
million (approximately USD 0.8 million), or at a rate of 5% if
such profits exceed such level.
On May 4, 2005 the Company's Audit Committee and Board of
Directors decided to amend the terms of the abovementioned
agreements, mainly extending the management services period for
an unlimited period, with an option to terminate them by the
Company's advance notice of 18 months and the management
companies' advanced notice of 180 days. The General Meeting of
the Company's shareholders ratified these amendments on July 20,
2005.
On February 15, 2006 the Company's board of directors resolved,
in light of the expressed position of the Israeli Securities
Authority, to set those agreements for a five-year period
following ratification by the Company's shareholders General
Meeting, i.e., until July 19, 2010.
For amendments of the abovementioned agreement after the balance
sheet date, see Note 15.
2. On April 1, 1997, the Company entered into an agreement to
provide the Parent Company administrative services pursuant to
which the Company may provide office facilities leased by the
parent company for a monthly fee of NIS 5,480 to be adjusted
annually for changes in the Israeli CPI.
3. Lease agreement with related parties - see E above.
I. As to purchase of new subsidiaries, see Note 15.
F - 25
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 9 SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
A. The Company's shares are traded on the NASDAQ.
B. STOCK OPTIONS PLAN
In May 1997, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted an employee
share option plan ("the 1997 Plan"), pursuant to which the Company may
grant options to purchase 180,000 ordinary shares to employees,
officers, Directors and consultants of the Company and the subsidiary.
Under the May 1997 plan, 160,000 options were granted to related
parties
The 1997 Plan was terminated on May 2004, and the remaining 20,000
options expired unexercised.
On January 4, 2005 the Parent Company's audit committee and Board of
Directors adopted a Stock Incentive Plan. The Parent Company was
authorized to grant up to 138,000 options to 9 of the Group's
employees (93,000 of the options to the Company's employees). The
issuance of the options was ratified by the Parent Company's Board of
Directors and the audit committee on February 27, 2005.
The options granted vest in three equal annual installments commencing
January 2006 and will expire in 2.5, 3.5 and 4.5 years, respectively.
The purchase price per share payable upon exercise of an option is NIS
14 (USD 3.6) per share, linked to the changes in the Consumer Price
Index, and subject to adjustments.
A summary of the status of the Company's stock option plans as of
December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 and changes during the years then
ended, is presented below:
DECEMBER 31, 2007 DECEMBER 31, 2006 DECEMBER 31, 2005
----------------- ------------------ ------------------
WEIGHTED WEIGHTED WEIGHTED
AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGE
EXERCISE EXERCISE EXERCISE
SHARES PRICE SHARES PRICE SHARES PRICE
------- ----- ------- ----- ------- -----
NIS NIS NIS
----- ----- -----
Options outstanding at
beginning of year 42,000 13.55 63,000 14.05 - -
Granted during the year - - - - 93,000 14
Exercised during the year (11,000) 13.1 (21,000) 13.76 - -
Forfeited during the year - - - - (30,000) -
------- ----- ------- ----- ------- -----
Outstanding at end of year 31,000 13.43 42,000 13.55 63,000 14.05
======= ===== ======= ===== ======= =====
Weighted average fair value
of options granted during
the year 4.09 3.39 2.53
======= ======= =======
C. In February, 2005, the Company's authorized share capital was
increased by 40,000,000 shares of NIS 0.1 par value, from 10,000,000
to 50,000,000 shares.
D. On November 21, 2005, the Company declared a cash dividend of $ 0.14
per share payable to its shareholder of record as of January 11, 2006.
The cash dividend was paid on January 25, 2006.
E. On October 5, 2006, the Company closed a $10.0 million private
placement with U.S. institutional investors, and issued 1,652,893
shares.
F. As to new stock option plan See Note 15.
F - 26
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 10 -INCOME TAXES
TAXATION UNDER VARIOUS LAWS
The Company is assessed under the provisions of the Income Tax Law
(Inflationary Adjustments), 1985, pursuant to which the results for tax
purposes are measured in real terms in accordance with changes in the
Israeli CPI.
On February 26, 2008 the Income Tax (Inflationary Adjustments) Law
(Amendment no. 20) (Limitation for period of application), 2008 (the
"Amendment") passed in a third calling in the Knesset. According to the
amendment, the application of the Inflationary Law will cease in the tax
year of 2007, and beginning in 2008 the instructions of the law will no
longer apply, except for transaction period instructions which have the
purpose of preventing distortions in the calculations of taxes.
In accordance with the Amendment, beginning in the year 2008, no
calculations for inflationary adjustments of revenues for tax purposes will
be made. In addition, there will be no adjustments to the Israeli CPI for
fixed assets' depreciations and carryforward tax losses for the period
beginning January 1, 2008.
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES:
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------
2 0 0 7 2 0 0 6 2 0 0 5 2 0 0 7 (*)
------ ------ ------ ------
NIS US DOLLARS
---------------------------- ------
(IN THOUSANDS)
----------------------------------------
Current taxes 3,288 5,057 3,533 854
Deferred income taxes (433) 322 34 (112)
Previous year taxes (338) - - (88)
------ ------ ------ ------
2,517 5,379 3,567 654
====== ====== ====== ======
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES
DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------
2 0 0 7 2 0 0 6 2 0 0 7 (*)
---- ---- ----
NIS US DOLLARS
------------------- ----
(IN THOUSANDS)
----------------------------------
Included in other assets:
Accrued severance pay 115 94 30
Included in current assets (liabilities):
Marketable securities (88) (409) (22)
Accrued vacation pay 67 42 17
Allowance for doubtful accounts 104 59 27
Employee stock options 8 19 2
Unrealized gain from inter company
transactions 32 - 8
---- ---- ----
238 (195) 62
==== ==== ====
(*) Convenience translation into U.S. dollars.
F - 27
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 10 - INCOME TAXES (CONT.)
RECONCILIATION
The following is a reconciliation of the income taxes assuming that all
income is taxed at the ordinary statutory corporate tax rate in Israel and
the actual taxes on income, in the statement of operations:
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------------------------------
2 0 0 7 2 0 0 6 2 0 0 5 2 0 0 7 (*)
------- ------- ------- -------
NIS US DOLLARS
--------------------------------------- -------
(IN THOUSANDS)
-------------------------------------------------------
Income before taxes on income 6,771 35,801 11,288 1,760
Statutory tax rates 29% 31% 34% 29%
------- ------- ------- -------
Provision computed by ordinary rates 1,964 11,098 3,838 510
------- ------- ------- -------
Increase (decrease) in provision due to: - - - -
Deferred tax in respect of losses for
which valuation allowance was provided 2,364 - - 615
Tax exempt income (182) (18) (31) (47)
Non-deductible expenses 130 121 61 33
Previous year taxes (338) - - (88)
Tax benefits for which deferred taxes
were not recorded - (5,592) - -
Effect of decrease in tax rate
on deferred taxes assets (13) 14 17 (3)
Differences in the definition
of Capital and non-monetary items for
tax purposes and financial reporting
purposes (1,227) (216) (255) (319)
Other (181) (28) (63) (47)
------- ------- ------- -------
553 (5,719) (271) 144
======= ======= ======= =======
2,517 5,379 3,567 654
======= ======= ======= =======
(*) Convenience translation into U.S. dollars.
TAX ASSESSMENTS
The Company has not yet been assessed for income tax purposes since its
inception.
F - 28
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 11 - TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES
A. BALANCES WITH RELATED PARTIES
DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------------------
2 0 0 7 2 0 0 6 2 0 0 7 (*)
------- ------- -----------
NIS US DOLLARS
-------------------- -----------
(IN THOUSANDS)
-----------------------------------
Due to officers (shareholders in
the parent company) 844 3,707 219
Parent company 3,101 1,970 806
(*) Convenience translation into U.S. dollars.
B. TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------------------------------------
2 0 0 7 2 0 0 6 2 0 0 5 2 0 0 7 (*)
------- ------- ------- -----------
NIS US DOLLARS
---------------------------------- -----------
(IN THOUSANDS)
-----------------------------------------------------
Management fees 3,166 6,606 3,894 823
Rent expenses 1,037 1,939 1,918 270
Participation in expenses (67) (67) (64) (17)
For other transactions with related parties, see Note 8.
(*) Convenience translation into U.S. dollars.
NOTE 12 - SELECTED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS DATA
A. Percentage of revenues from customers constituting 10% or more of
revenue
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------
2 0 0 7 2 0 0 6 2 0 0 5
------- ------- -------
%
--------------------------
Customer A 16 26 19
Customer B - - 12
B. COST OF SALES
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------------------------------
2 0 0 7 2 0 0 6 2 0 0 5 2 0 0 7 (*)
-------- -------- -------- --------
NIS US DOLLARS
--------------------------------------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS)
-------------------------------------------------------
Purchases 190,779 125,546 125,131 49,605
Decrease (increase) in inventory (1) (2,043) 11,697 (3,659) (531)
Transportation and rent 7,761 4,974 5,046 2,018
Other 2,330 1,364 1,697 605
-------- -------- -------- --------
198,827 143,581 128,215 51,697
======== ======== ======== ========
(1) See also Note 1.
(*) Convenience translation into U.S. dollars.
F - 29
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 12 - SELECTED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS DATA (CONT.)
C. SALES AND MARKETING
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------------------------
2 0 0 7 2 0 0 6 2 0 0 5 2 0 0 7 (*)
----- ----- ----- -----
NIS US DOLLARS
-----------------------------------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
-----------------------------------------
Including shipping and handling 3,968 3,817 2,857 1,032
===== ===== ===== =====
(*) Convenience translation into U.S. dollars.
D. BAD DEBT
In July 2005, Club Market Marketing Chains Ltd., one of the three
largest food chains in Israel, encountered major financial
difficulties, announcing that it could not pay its debts to its
creditors. The District Court of Tel Aviv accepted Club Market's
petition for a stay of procedures against it and appointed receivers
for Club Market. On August 28, 2005 the court allowed the Club Market
court-appointed receivers to sell Club Market to Supersol, one of the
largest food chain in Israel, subject to several conditions. The court
also ratified the creditors' arrangement presented by the receivers.
As of September 1, 2005 Club Market's activities had been
substantially transferred to Supersol.
The Company submitted a claim of debt with the receivers with respect
to Club Market's debt to the Company, which was NIS 6.5 million (USD
1.7 million), (NIS 5.5 million net of VAT (USD 1.4 million)), as of
July 13, 2005. In view of this claim and the ratification of the
creditors' arrangement by the court on December 12, 2005, the Company
is expected to receive a proportionate share of its claim of debt. The
Club Market receivers estimate the rate of payment to be approximately
51% of the total debts, although this is subject to the examination by
the receivers and their approval of the Company's claim of debt. There
is no assurance as to the portion of the debt owed by ClubMarket that
will actually be paid to the Company. During 2005, the Company wrote
off NIS 3.5 million (USD 0.9 million) as a bad debt due to the
abovementioned Club Market debt.
As of December 31, 2007 a total amount of approximately NIS 2.1
million was paid on account of Club Market debt.
The following is a summary of the allowance for doubtful accounts
related to accounts receivable for the years ended December 31:
BALANCE AT BALANCE AT
BEGINNING END
OF PERIOD PROVISION OF PERIOD
--------- --------- ---------
NIS
----------------------------------------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
----------------------------------------------
2005 260 66 326
2006 326 91 417
2007 417 2,265 2,682
F - 30
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 12 - SELECTED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS DATA (CONT.)
E. FINANCING INCOME, NET
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
------------------------------------------------
2 0 0 7 2 0 0 6 2 0 0 5 2 0 0 7 (*)
------ ------ ------ ------
NIS US DOLLARS
---------------------------------- ------
(IN THOUSANDS)
------------------------------------------------
Financing expenses:
Loss from marketable securities (56) - - (14)
Rate exchanges, interest
expenses and bank fees (925) (271) (141) (241)
Others (28) (169) - (7)
Realized loss on derivative financial
instruments (102) (248) - (27)
------ ------ ------ ------
(1,111) (688) (141) (289)
------ ------ ------ ------
Financing income:
Interest income 2,619 3,230 1,654 681
Realized gains on derivative financial
instruments - - 184 -
Gain from marketable securities - 1,316 755 -
Decrease in warrants to issue shares of
subsidiary 348 1,067 - 90
Others - - 49 -
------ ------ ------ ------
2,967 5,613 2,642 771
====== ====== ====== ======
Financing income, net 1,856 4,925 2,501 482
====== ====== ====== ======
(*) Convenience translation into U.S. dollars.
F - 31
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 13 - REPORTING AND GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS
A. INFORMATION ABOUT REPORTED SEGMENT INCOME OR LOSS AND ASSETS:
The Company is engaged in the import, export, marketing and
distributing of preserved products and non-preserved products which
constitute the basis for its reporting segments.
NON-PRESERVED PRESERVED
PRODUCTS PRODUCTS TOTAL
------- ------- -------
(IN NIS THOUSANDS)
-----------------------------------
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007
SALES 157,986 91,707 249,693
======= ======= =======
Gross profit 33,216 17,650 50,866
Selling & marketing expenses 14,669 9,735 24,404
------- ------- -------
Income per segment 18,547 7,915 26,462
General & administrative expenses 18,963
Impairment of goodwill 3,054
-------
Consolidated operating income 4,445
Financing income, net 1,856
Other income, net 470
Income taxes 2,517
Minority interest 2,287
-------
Net income 1,967
=======
Inventory 18,007 11,159 29,166
Assets not allocated to segments 210,450
-------
Total consolidated assets 239,616
=======
NON-PRESERVED PRESERVED
PRODUCTS PRODUCTS TOTAL
------- ------ -------
(IN NIS THOUSANDS)
----------------------------------
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006
SALES 108,150 83,310 191,460
======= ====== =======
Gross profit 31,295 16,584 47,879
Selling & marketing expenses 12,073 9,027 21,100
------- ------ -------
Income per segment 19,222 7,557 26,779
General & administrative expenses 14,151
-------
Consolidated operating income 12,628
Financing income, net 4,925
Other income, net 18,248
Income taxes 5,379
Minority interest 1,807
-------
Net income 28,615
=======
Inventory 11,680 7,421 19,101
Assets not allocated to segments 200,870
-------
Total consolidated assets 219,971
=======
F - 32
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 13 - REPORTING AND GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS (CONT.)
A. INFORMATION ABOUT REPORTED SEGMENT INCOME OR LOSS AND ASSETS (CONT.)
NON-PRESERVED PRESERVED
PRODUCTS PRODUCTS TOTAL
------ ------ -------
(IN NIS THOUSANDS)
---------------------------------
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005
SALES 92,784 73,498 166,282
====== ====== =======
Gross profit 24,051 14,016 38,067
Selling & marketing expenses 9,933 5,838 15,771
------ ------ -------
Income per segment 14,118 8,178 22,296
General & administrative expenses 13,544
-------
Consolidated operating income 8,752
Financing income, net 2,501
Other income, net 35
Income taxes 3,567
-------
Net income 7,721
=======
Inventory 16,456 14,342 30,798
Assets not allocated to segments 106,476
-------
Total consolidated assets 137,274
=======
B. GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
1) The Company's revenues by geographic areas (based on location of
customers) are as follows:
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------------------
2007 2006 2005
------- ------- -------
(IN NIS THOUSANDS)
-----------------------------------
Israel 199,064 189,623 165,901
North-America 41,989 1,133 236
Other 8,640 704 145
------- ------- -------
249,693 191,460 166,282
======= ======= =======
2) The Company's Long-Lived assets by geographic areas (based on the
location of the assets) are as follows:
DECEMBER 31,
-------------------
2007 2006
------ ------
(IN NIS THOUSANDS)
-------------------
Israel 48,599 42,865
North-America 577 -
------ ------
49,176 42,865
====== ======
F - 33
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 14 - DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ISRAELI AND U.S. GAAP
A. In accordance with Israeli GAAP, the Company's financial statements
are denominated through December 31, 2003 in adjusted amounts and as
of January 1, 2004 in "reported amounts" (also see Note 2). Such
accounting principle is considered a more meaningful presentation than
financial reporting based on nominal historical cost. Accordingly, the
Company is not required to eliminate the effect of historic price
level changes in a reconciliation to U.S. GAAP.
B. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, SFAS No. 115, changes in trading
securities should be presented in the statement of cash flows as part
of the operating activities. The following table provides a
reconciliation of the Statements of Cash flows for 2007, 2006 and 2005
in accordance with U.S. GAAP:
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------------------
2 0 0 7 2 0 0 6 2 0 0 5 2 0 0 7 (*)
------- ------- ------- -------
NIS US DOLLARS
------------------------------------- -------
(IN THOUSANDS)
----------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating
activities before adjustment 7,942 23,922 (7,293) 2,065
Adjustment (17,378) (9,400) (780) (4,519)
------- ------- ------- -------
Net cash provided by (used in)
operating activities after adjustment (9,436) 14,522 (8,073) (2,454)
======= ======= ======= =======
Net cash used in investing
activities before adjustment (44,334) (31,860) (15,618) (11,527)
Adjustment 17,378 9,400 780 4,519
------- ------- ------- -------
Net cash used in investing
activities after adjustment (26,956) (22,460) (14,838) (7,008)
======= ======= ======= =======
C. Had compensation cost for the Company's option plans been determined
on the basis of the fair value at the grant dates in accordance with
the provisions of SFAS No. 123 "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation," as amended by SFAS No. 148, the Company's pro forma net
loss and pro forma basic and diluted net loss per share for year 2005
would have been as follows:
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005
--------------------
NIS US DOLLARS (*)
------ ------
(IN THOUSANDS)
--------------------
Net Income for the year, as reported 7,721 2,008
Deduct: stock-based compensation determined under APB 25 - -
Add: stock-based compensation determined under SFAS 123 (82) (21)
------ ------
Pro forma net income 7,639 1,987
====== ======
Net Income per share - basic and diluted:
As reported 0.9 0.2
Pro forma 0.9 0.2
The following assumptions were used for the year 2005: dividend yield
of 0.00%; risk-free interest rate of 2.5%; an expected life of 1.75 -
3.75 years; a volatility rate of 48%.
(*) Convenience translation into U.S. dollars.
F - 34
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 14 - DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ISRAELI AND U.S. GAAP (CONT.)
D. In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, "Accounting
for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement
No. 109" (FIN 48). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in
income taxes by prescribing the recognition threshold a tax position
is required to meet before being recognized in the financial
statements. It also provides guidance on derecognition,
classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods,
disclosure, and transition. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 2006 and was adopted by the Company in
2007.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized
tax Benefit is as follows:
YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 2007
-------
NIS
-------
(IN THOUSANDS)
-------
Beginning balance, upon adoption as of January 1, 2007 229
Additions:
Tax positions for current year 410
-------
Ending balance, as of December 31, 2007 639
=======
Total Interest and penalties relating to unrecognized tax benefit for
the year were not material.
In accordance to the company policy interest expenses related to tax
authorities are classified in financial expenses and penalties related
to tax authorities are classified in general and administration
expenses.
F - 35
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 15 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
A. In October 2007, the Company's subsidiary Gold Frost Ltd. subsidiary
signed a binding letter of intent to purchase a majority interest from
the owners of a dairy distributor in Denmark (the "Distributor"). In
the first quarter of 2008, Gold Frost held a 51% interest in the
Distributor, and the former owners of the Distributor holds the
remaining interest.
B. In November 2007, Willi Food announced its intention to purchase
Shamir Salads, an Israeli manufacturer and distributor of pre-packaged
chilled kosher Mediterranean dips and spreads in Israel and abroad.
The acquisition subsequently closed in the first quarter of 2008.
C. On January 2, 2008 the Parent Company's audit committee and Board of
Directors adopted a Stock Incentive Plan ("The second plan"). The
Parent Company was authorized to grant up to 100,000 options to 10 of
the Group's employees. The plan is subject to the approval of the TASE
and the approval of the Israeli tax-authorities. The options granted
vest in three equal annual installments commencing January 2008 and
will expire in 2.5, 3.5 and 4.5 years, respectively. The purchase
price per share payable upon exercise of an option is NIS 19 ($4.94)
per share, linked to the changes in the Consumer Price Index, and
subject to adjustments.
D. On January 2, 2008 the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors
unanimously approved the amendment of the Management Services
Agreements with Messrs. Zwi Williger and Joseph Williger. In
accordance to the new Management Services Agreements the terms were
amended as follows:
(a) The current monthly services fees according to the Management
Services Agreements will cease to be linked to the US Dollar and will
be translated to NIS 102,900 (excluding VAT) linked to changes in the
Israeli consumer price index.
(b) The terms of the Management Services Agreements are to be extended
indefinitely, subject to clause (c) below; provided however that in
the event the Williger Management Company provides the management
services to the Company without the presence of Messrs. Zwi Williger
or Joseph Williger, as the case may be, and/or in the case of the
death and/or permanent disability of Messrs. Zwi Williger or Joseph
Williger, the Company will be entitled to terminate the Management
Services Agreement immediately.
(c) Each of the parties to the Management Services Agreements may
terminate the agreement at any time, and for any reason, by prior
written notice which will be delivered to the other party as follows:
The Company may terminate the agreement at any time, and for any
reason, by prior written notice of at least 36 months.
The Williger Management Company may terminate the agreement at any
time, by prior written notice of at least 180 days.
(d) If a Williger Management Company is to terminate the Management
Services Agreement, the Williger Management Company would be entitled
to receive the management fees for a period of twelve (12) months,
which would begin after the prior notice period, whether or not it
provides the Company with any management services during such
twelve-month period.
In addition, the Management Services Agreements contain provisions
entitling each of Messrs. Zwi Williger and Joseph Williger to 30
vacation days per year, during which days the applicable Williger
Management Company will not provide management services to the
Company. Unused vacation days may be accumulated and paid for in lieu
of taking such days as vacation.
F - 36
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, the registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for
filing on Form 20-F and has duly caused this Annual Report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
By: /s/ Joseph Williger
-----------------------
Joseph Williger
Chief Executive Officer
Date: June 30, 2008
EXHIBITS
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
+1.1 Memorandum of Association of the Company, as amended (1)
1.2 Articles of Association of the Company, as amended (4)
2.1 Specimen of Certificate for ordinary shares (2)
4.1 Share Option Plan (2)
+4.2 Management Agreement between the Company and Yossi Willi
Management Investments Ltd., dated June 1, 1998 (3)
+4.3 Amendment to the Management Agreement between the Company and
Yossi Willi Management Investments Ltd., dated August 1, 2005 (4)
+4.4 Management Agreement between the Company and Zwi W. & Co.
Ltd., dated June 1, 1998 (3)
+4.5 Amendment to the Management Agreement between the Company and Zwi
W. & Co., Ltd., dated August 1, 2005 (4)
+4.6 Lease of Company's premises with Titanic Food Ltd., dated
November 23, 1998 (3)
+4.7 Services Agreement between the Company and Willi Food, dated
April 1, 1997 (3)
+4.8 Transfer Agreement between the Company and Gold Frost dated
February 16, 2006 (4)
+4.9 Lease agreement for Logistics Center between the Company and Gold
Frost dated February 16, 2006 (4)
4.10 Relationship Agreement between the Company, Gold Frost, Willi
Food, Zwi Williger and Joseph Williger dated February 28, 2006
(4)
4.11 Placing Agreement between the Company, Gold Frost, certain
officers of Gold Frost and Corporate Synergy dated March 2, 2006
(4)
4.12 Lock In Agreement, between the Company, Gold Frost, Corporate
Synergy and certain officers of Gold Frost dated March 2, 2006
(4)
4.13 Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 25, 2006,
among the Company and the investors identified on the signature
pages thereto. (5)
4.14 Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of October 25, 2006,
among the Company and the investors signatory thereto. (5)
4.15 Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 19, 2007, by and
among the Company, WF Kosher Food Distributors, Ltd., Laish
Israeli Food Products Ltd. and Arie Steiner.(6)
+4.16 Agreement, dated February 11, 2007, between the Company and Mr.
Ya'acov Baron, Ms. Hedva Baron, Mr. Li'or Baron, Ms. Gozlan Or'na
and Ms. Michal Baron Sha'hak. (6)
+4.17 Agreement, dated January 2, 2008, between the Company and Mr.
Jacob Ginsberg, Mr. Amiram Guy and Shamir Salads 2006 Ltd.. *
4.18 Share Purchase Agreement, dated February 13, 2008, between Gold
Frost and Kirkeby Cheese Export A/S. *
4.19 Shareholders Agreement, dated February 13, 2008, between Gold
Frost and Kirkeby Cheese Export A/S. *
4.20 Co-operation Agreement, dated January 1, 2008, between Kirkeby
Cheese Export A/S, Haarby Mejeri/Kirkeby Dairy ApS and Kirkeby
International Foods A/S. *
8 Subsidiaries of the Company (4)
8.1 Subsidiaries of the Company *
12.1 Certification of CEO of the Company pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a),
as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002*
12.2 Certification of CFO of the Company pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a),
as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002*
13.1 Certification of CEO of the Company pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b),
as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002*
13.2 Certification of CFO of the Company pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b),
as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002*
---------------
+ English translations from Hebrew original.
(1) Incorporated by Reference to the Registrant's Annual Report on
Form 20-F for the Fiscal year ended December 31, 1997.
(2) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement
on Form F-1, File No. 333-6314.
(3) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form
20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001.
(4) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form
20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005.
(5) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement
on Form F-3, File No. 333-138200.
(6) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form
20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.
* Filed Herewith