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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-K

(Mark One)
( X ) ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001


(     ) TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ________ to ________

Commission file number 0-2604
GENERAL BINDING CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware

36-0887470

(State of Incorporation)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

One GBC Plaza, Northbrook, Illinois

60062

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

(847) 272-3700

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

 

Name of each exchange

Title of each class

on which registered

Common Stock, $0.125 par value

NASDAQ

Class B Common Stock, $0.125 par value

-

Senior Subordinated Notes, due 2008

-

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

As of February 28, 2002, the aggregate market value of the Common Stock (based upon the average bid and asked
prices of these shares on the Over-The-Counter Market - NASDAQ) of the company held by nonaffiliates was
approximately $76,392,149. (Estimated solely for the purpose of completing this cover page.)

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable
date.

 

Outstanding at

Class

February 28, 2002

Common Stock, $0.125 par value

13,405,832

Class B Common Stock, $0.125 par value

2,398,275

Documents Incorporated by Reference

Where Incorporated

Definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held May 21, 2002

Parts III and IV


General Binding Corporation and Subsidiaries
Contents and Cross Reference Sheet
Furnished Pursuant to General Instruction G(4) of Form 10-K
Table of Contents

PART I

   

Page

Item 1.

Business

 

2

Item 2.

Properties

 

5

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

 

6

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

6

PART II

     

Item 5.

Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related 
Stockholder Matters

 


7

Item 6.

Selected Financial Data

 

8

Item 7.

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial 
Condition and Results of Operations

 


8

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

27

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on 
Accounting and Financial Disclosure

 


62

PART III

     

Item 10.

Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

 

62

Item 11.

Executive Compensation

 

62

Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and 
Management

 


62

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

 

62

PART IV

     

Item 14.

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on 
Form 8-K

 


62

Signatures

   

65

Supplemental Information

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts, and Consent
of Independent Public Accountants

 


66

1

Part I.

Item 1. Business

General Development and Description of Business and Segment Information

General Binding Corporation, incorporated in 1947, and its subsidiaries (herein referred to as "GBC" or the "Company"), are engaged in the design, manufacture and distribution of branded office equipment, related supplies and laminating films. GBC is organized into four primary business groups, with each group comprised of similar products and services. The Office Products Group's major products include desktop binding and laminating equipment and supplies, document shredders, visual communications products and desktop accessories. The Films Group's primary products include thermal laminating and pressure-sensitive laminating films, mid-range and commercial high-speed laminators, and large-format digital print laminators. The Document Finishing Group's major products include binding and punching equipment and related supplies, custom binders and folders, and maintenance and repair services. The Europe Group distributes the Office Products and Document Finishing Groups' prod ucts to customers in Europe. The Company's products are either manufactured in one of the GBC's 16 plants located throughout the world or sourced from third parties. GBC products and services are sold through the Company's direct sales force, telemarketing personnel and internet portals; as well as distributors, office product superstores, wholesalers, contract/commercial stationers and other retail dealers.

The following table summarizes the percentage of revenue derived from the sale of office equipment and supplies and service for the last three fiscal years:

      2001     

      2000     

     1999     

Office equipment

42%

47%

45%

Related supplies and service 

58%

53%

55%

Financial information by business group and geographical area is included in Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Competition

GBC's products and services are sold in highly competitive markets. The Company believes that the principal points of competition in its markets are product and service quality, price, design and engineering capabilities, product development, conformity to customer specifications, timeliness and completeness of delivery and quality of post-sale support. Competitive conditions often require GBC to match or better competitors' prices to retain business or market share. The Company believes that it can maintain or and improve its competitive position through continued investment in manufacturing, quality standards, marketing and customer service and support. However, there can be no assurance that GBC will have sufficient resources to continue to make such investments or that it will be successful in maintaining its competitive position. There are no significant barriers to entry into the markets for many of GBC's products and services. 

2

Certain of GBC's current and potential competitors may have greater financial, marketing and research and development resources than GBC.

Dependence on Major Customers

No single customer accounted for more than 10% of GBC's net sales in 2001. GBC does, however, have certain major customers. The loss of, or major reduction in business from, one or more of GBC's major customers could have a material adverse effect on GBC's financial position or results of operations.

Order Backlog and Seasonal Variations

GBC's order backlog is not considered a material factor in the Company's business, nor is the business seasonal in any material respect.

Fluctuations in Raw Material Prices

The primary materials used in the manufacturing of many of GBC's products are polyester and polypropylene substrates, wood and aluminum. These materials are available from a number of suppliers, and GBC is not dependent upon any single supplier for any of these materials. In general, GBC's gross profit is affected from time to time by fluctuations in the prices of these materials because competitive markets for its products make it difficult to pass through raw material price increases to customers. Based on its experience, GBC believes that adequate quantities of the aforementioned materials will be available in adequate supplies in the foreseeable future. However, there can be no assurance that such materials will continue to be available in adequate supply in the future or that shortages in supply will not result in price increases that could have a material adverse effect on GBC's financial position or results of operations.

Dependence on Key Personnel

GBC is dependent on the continued services of certain members of its senior management team. Although GBC believes it could replace key personnel in an orderly fashion should the need arise, the loss of, and inability to attract replacements for, any of such key personnel could have a material adverse effect on GBC's financial position or results of operations.

Dependence on Certain Manufacturing Sources

GBC relies on GMP Co. Ltd. ("GMP"), in which the Company holds an equity interest of approximately 20%, as its sole supplier of many of the laminating machines it distributes. GBC has a long-term supply contract with GMP. However, there can be no assurance that GMP will be able to perform any or all of its contractual obligations to the Company. GMP's equipment manufacturing facility is located in the Republic of Korea, and its ability to fulfill GBC's requirements for laminating machines could be affected by economic, political and governmental conditions in that country and in other parts of Asia. Although GBC believes alternative 

3

suppliers could be found, changing suppliers for the laminating machines manufactured by GMP would require lead times of a duration that could result in a disruption of supply. There can be no assurance that GBC would be able to find an alternative supplier or suppliers on a timely basis or on favorable terms. Any material disruption in GBC's ability to deliver orders for laminating machines on a timely basis could have a material adverse effect on GBC's reputation with customers and its financial position or results of operations.

Risks Associated with International Operations

GBC has significant operations outside the United States. Approximately 33% of GBC's 2001 revenues were from international sales. GBC's international operations may be significantly affected by economic, political and governmental conditions in the countries where GBC has manufacturing facilities or where its products and services are sold. In addition, changes in economic or political conditions in any of the countries in which GBC operates could result in unfavorable exchange rates, new or additional currency or exchange controls, other restrictions being imposed on the operations of GBC or expropriation of the Company's assets. GBC's operations and financial position may also be adversely affected by significant fluctuations in the value of the United States dollar relative to international currencies. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."

Patents and Trademarks

Many of the equipment and supply products manufactured and/or sold by GBC and certain application methods related to such products are covered by United States and foreign patents. Although the patents owned by GBC are highly important to its business, GBC does not consider its business to be significantly dependent on any of those patents.

The Company has registered the GBC, Quartet, Ibico, Pro-Tech, Shredmaster, Sickinger, VeloBind and Bates trademarks in the United States and numerous foreign countries and considers those trademarks material to its business. GBC has also registered numerous other important trademarks related to specific products in the United States and many foreign countries; however, GBC does not consider its business dependent on any of those trademarks.

Environmental Matters

GBC and its operations, both in the U.S. and abroad, are subject to national, state, provincial and/or local laws and regulations that impose limitations and prohibitions on the discharge and emission of, and establish standards for the use, disposal, and management of, certain materials and waste, and impose liability for the costs of investigating and cleaning up, and certain damages resulting from present and past spills, disposals, or other releases of hazardous substances or materials (collectively, "Environmental Laws"). Environmental Laws can be complex and may change often. Capital and operating expenses required to comply with Environmental Laws can be significant, and violations may result in substantial fines and penalties. In addition, Environmental Laws, such as the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act ("CERCLA," also known as "Superfund"), in the 

4

United States impose liability on several grounds for the investigation and cleanup of contaminated soil, ground water, buildings, and for damages to natural resources at a wide range of properties. For example, contamination at properties formerly owned or operated by GBC, as well as at properties the Company currently owns and operates, and properties to which hazardous substances were sent by GBC, may result in liability for the Company under Environmental Laws. As a manufacturer, GBC has an inherent risk of liability under Environmental Laws both with respect to ongoing operations and with respect to contamination that may have occurred in the past on its properties or as a result of its operations. There can be no assurance that the costs of complying with Environmental Laws, any claims concerning noncompliance, or liability with respect to contamination will not in the future have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

Research and Development

Research and development expenditures amounted to approximately $7,769,000 in 2001, $7,496,000 in 2000, and $7,399,000 in 1999. All research has been funded by GBC.

Employees

As of December 31, 2001, GBC employed approximately 4,490 people worldwide. Employee relations are considered to be excellent.

Item 2. Properties

In addition to the manufacturing and distribution locations listed below, GBC operates sales and service offices throughout the world. GBC also owns a 65,000 square foot world headquarters building in Northbrook, Illinois and a 33,000 square foot business group headquarters building in Skokie, Illinois. Management believes that the Company's manufacturing facilities are suitable and adequate for its operations and are maintained in a good state of repair.

5

Major manufacturing and distribution is conducted at the following locations:

   

Approximate Area in
          Thousand Sq. Ft.         

 

Location

 

Manufacturing

Distribution

Ownership

Booneville, Mississippi (3)

Manufacturing/Distribution

770

161

Owned/Leased

Hanover Park, Illinois (1),(2)

Distribution

-

105

Leased

Addison, Illinois (2)

Manufacturing/Distribution

95

27

Owned/Leased

Pleasant Prairie, 
Wisconsin (1),(3)

Manufacturing

100

-


Leased

Pleasant Prairie, 
  Wisconsin (1),(3)

Manufacturing

56

-


Leased

Basingstoke, England (4)

Distribution

-

80

Leased

Buffalo Grove, Illinois (1),(3)

Manufacturing

83

-

Leased

Arcos de Valdevez, 
  Portugal (3) (4)

Manufacturing

68

-


Owned

Lincolnshire, Illinois (1)

Manufacturing

71

-

Leased

Nuevo Laredo, Mexico (1),(3)

Manufacturing

85

-

Leased

Asan, Korea (2)

Manufacturing

33

-

Owned

Kerkrade, Netherlands (2)

Manufacturing/Distribution

39

42

Owned

Hagerstown, Maryland (2)

Manufacturing

33

-

Owned

Amelia, Virginia (1)

Manufacturing

26

-

Owned

Madison, Wisconsin (2)

Manufacturing

36

-

Leased

Tornaco, Italy (2) (4)

Manufacturing/Distribution

59

3

Leased

Vaughn, Canada (3)

Distribution

-

58

Leased

Don Mills, Ontario, Canada (1)

Manufacturing/Distribution

15

25

Leased

Born, Netherlands (4)

Distribution

-

65

Leased

Dublin, Ireland (4)

Manufacturing/Distribution

26

-

Leased

Regents Park, Australia (5)

Distribution

-

43

Leased

Crescent, Singapore (5)

Distribution

-

16

Leased

 

(1) Document Finishing Group, (2) Films Group, (3) Office Products Group, (4) Europe Group, (5) Far East Operations

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

GBC is not a party to any material pending legal proceedings, and neither GBC nor any of its officers or directors are aware of any material contemplated proceeding.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders during the Fourth Quarter of 2001

None.

6

Part II.

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

Principal Market and Price Range

The following table shows the range of closing prices for GBC's Common Stock, $0.125 par value, as quoted on the NASDAQ National Market System for the calendar quarters indicated below:

 

                                                    Share Prices                                                   

 

                         2001                     

                         2000                          

 

    High   

    Low   

    Close   

   High   

   Low   

   Close  

             

First quarter

     $9.81

     $6.50   

     $8.50

    $11.63

     $6.75

    $9.56

Second quarter

     11.25

       7.20   

     10.60

      10.13

       6.63

      6.68   

Third quarter

     14.00

     10.31   

     11.10

        9.50

       7.25

      7.38   

Fourth quarter

     12.91

       7.30   

     12.91

        8.50

       5.25

      6.75   

Approximate Number of Equity Security Holders

 


Title of Class

Number Shareholders of Record
as of February 28, 2002        

   

Common Stock, $0.125 par value

683*

Class B Common Stock, $0.125 par value

1

    *     Per the latest report from the Transfer Agent. Each security dealer holding shares in a street 
           name for one or more individuals is counted as only one shareholder of record.

Dividends Paid

As discussed in Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, GBC amended and restated its Revolving Credit Facility in the fourth quarter of 1999 and again in January 2002. Under the terms of the amended and restated Revolving Credit Facility, GBC is restricted from paying dividends until the maturity date of the facility in 2004.

7

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

(000 omitted except per share and ratio data):

 

     2001    

     2000     

     1999    

     1998     

     1997     

Net Sales (1) 

$  784,257

$  910,799

$ 912,150

$ 933,062

$ 770,001

Net (loss) income

    (19,471)

        2,433

   (56,676)

     23,792

     28,667

Net (loss) income  per Common Share (2)  

         

  Basic

$     (1.24)

$        0.15

$     (3.60)

$       1.51

$      1.82

  Diluted

       (1.24)

          0.15

       (3.60)

         1.50

        1.80

Cash Dividends declared per Common Share  (2)

              - -

               - -

         0.30

         0.45

        0.44

Capital expenditures

     14,897

      19,609 

     22,823

     29,926

    29,619

Current assets

   305,052

    320,625 

   359,033

   398,643

  327,745

Current liabilities

   139,729

    161,300 

   168,727

   157,218

  152,102

Working capital

   165,323

    159,325 

   190,306

   241,425

  175,643

Current ratio

       2.2

        2.0 

       2.1

       2.5

      2.2

Total assets

$ 719,170

$ 761,308

$ 822,492

$ 885,838

$ 692,914

Long-term debt

   410,668

   397,005 

   454,459

   490,591

   324,070

Stockholders' equity

   123,855

   147,679 

   149,611

   203,187

   191,043

  1. GBC adopted EITF 00-10, "Accounting for Shipping and Handling Fees", in 2000 by restating financial statements beginning in 1998. Restating financial statements prior to 1998 was determined to be impractical.
  2. Amounts represent per share amounts for both Common Stock and Class B Common Stock.

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

Overview

GBC is engaged in the design, manufacture and distribution of office equipment, related supplies and laminating films. The Company's operations are organized among four primary business groups: Document Finishing, Films, Office Products, and Europe. The Groups' revenues are primarily derived from:

            Document Finishing            
          
        Products                                                                   Customers/Channels
                  *Binding and punching equipment                             *Direct (approximately 60%)
                  *Binding supplies                                                     *Indirect (approximately 40%)    
                  *Custom and stock binders and folders
                  *Maintenance and repair services            

            Films Group            
          
        Products                                                                   Customers/Channels
                  *Thermal and pressure sensitive-laminating films        *Primarily direct
                  *Mid-range and commercial high-speed laminators        
                  *Large-format digital print laminators        

8

            Office Produts Group            
          
        Products                                                                   Customers/Channels
                  *Visual communication products                               *Indirect
                  *Desktop binding and laminating machines       
                  *Binding and laminating supplies
                  *Desktop accessories and document shredders

             Europe Group            
          
        Products                                                                   Customers/Channels
                  *The Europe Group distributes the Office Products'  *Indirect (approximately 70%)
                    and Document Finishing Groups' products to           *Direct (approximately 30%)
                    Customers in Europe.

The Document Finishing and Films Groups' products and services are primarily sold to the general office markets, commercial reprographic centers, educational and training markets, commercial printers and government agencies. The Office Product Group's products are sold through indirect channels including office products superstores, contract/commercial stationers, wholesalers, mail order, and retail dealers.

Between 1995 and 1998, GBC grew rapidly through a series of acquisitions. While the acquired entities contributed a significant amount of revenue to GBC, they also added infrastructure and financial stress. Further, integration of the acquisitions proved more difficult than management expected. Recognizing these issues, in 1999, the Company began implementation of a multi-phase process with the goal of returning GBC to long-term profitability. The first phase of the program included rationalization of SKU's and facilities, as well as headcount reductions. In 2000, GBC's operating income, EBITDA and debt position improved significantly. While the overall economic environment had a negative impact on the Company's results in 2001, GBC management continued to move forward with Phase II of the profit improvement program. In the fourth quarter of 2001, after a comprehensive six-month operational review, the Company launched its "Operational Excellence Program." Th is program is based upon a continuous improvement process which uses the "80/20 principles" of simplification, segmentation and intense focus. This program will include a continuation of the successful SKU rationalization and supply chain management programs along with further rationalization of facilities and personnel.

Financial Results - 2001 Compared to 2000

Sales

GBC reported 2001 net sales of $784.3 million, a decrease of 13.9% from 2000. The Company's sales have been negatively impacted by weak economic conditions in the United States. Net sales by business segment are summarized below (000 omitted):

9

 

      Year ended December 31,      

 

      2001       

     2000       

Document Finishing Group

$194,943

$208,589

Films Group

  150,797

  167,513

Office Products Group

  292,836

  377,933

Europe Group

  105,437

  110,792

Other

   40,244

    45,972

    Net Sales

$784,257

$910,799

======= =======

Sales for the Document Finishing Group decreased by $13.6 million or 6.5% in 2001 when compared to 2000. Approximately half of the sales decline resulted from lower sales of equipment as customers reduced capital-related spending. The remainder of the decline was in supply items which were affected by the Company's prior decision to reduce the compensation of its sales force for supply sales. The Films Group's sales decreased by $16.7 million or 10% in 2001. The decrease was primarily due to lower sales of commercial laminating films to the Group's North America publishing industry customers, along with weakness in the Group's digital print finishing business. Sales to publishing customers were negatively impacted by continued weak industry demand. The digital print finishing business was affected by lower spending for advertising, trade shows, and media presentations. The weakness experienced in the North American publishing and digital print finishing business was somewhat offset by higher sales i n the Films Group's European commercial films business which increased 14%. The Office Products Group's sales decreased by $85.1 million or 22.5% in 2001 when compared to 2000, primarily due to lower sales of visual communications products (writing boards, bulletin boards, and easels) to commercial customers. The demand for such products often tracks the office furniture market which experienced similar sales declines in 2001. In addition, of the $85.1 million decline, approximately $26 million of the decline was due to the Group's previously-announced decision to exit from the sale of certain retail shredder and writing board products. The Group exited the sale of such products because the products did not meet profitability targets. Net sales in Europe, after considering the impact of currency fluctuations, were roughly flat in 2001 when compared to 2000. The decrease in sales of the Other segment was primarily due to currency fluctuations in the Asia/Pacific countries.

Gross Margins, Costs and Expenses

The Company's overall gross profit margin percentage in 2001 was 44.5% (excluding inventory rationalization and write-down charges), compared to 44.9% in 2000. Despite significantly reduced manufacturing volumes, and with the exception of the Films Group, the gross profit margin percentage in each Group was either flat or up slightly in 2001 compared to 2000. This was achieved through continued implementation of supply-chain and other cost management programs, along with effective scaling of manufacturing to meet demand. Gross profit margins were negatively impacted in the Films Group as a result of market pricing pressures and lower manufacturing volumes.

10

During 2001, GBC recorded inventory rationalization and write-down charges of $8.8 million. These charges relate to the continuation of GBC's product line rationalization and efforts to reduce the number of SKU's offered. Three of the Company's business groups accounted for the majority of the charges: Document Finishing ($3.1 million), Office Products ($1.8 million), and Europe ($3.8 million).

Total selling, service and administrative expenses decreased 10.3% in 2001 compared to 2000. Selling, service and administrative expenses decreased primarily due to lower program costs within the Office Products Group as a result of lower sales volumes. In addition, within the Office Products Group, selling expenses were down during 2001 compared to 2000 as many expenses were either adjusted to reflect the lower level of sales or are directly variable with sales. As a percentage of sales, selling, service and administrative expenses increased 1.6 percentage points to 38.8% in 2001 compared to 2000 due to the lower level of sales.

Restructuring and Other

In connection with the Operational Excellence Program and other activities, GBC recognized restructuring and other expenses in both 2001 and 2000.

Restructuring activities in 2001 resulted in a $5.8 million after-tax charge ($7.3 million pre-tax), or $0.37 per share, for expenses related to: a) the closing of manufacturing, warehouse and administrative facilities in Ashland, Mississippi, Germany, and Mexico; b) the shutdown of operations in Poland; c) facility reductions in Amelia, Virginia and the United Kingdom; and d) workforce reductions in the Company's Asia/Pacific, Europe, Document Finishing, and Films Groups. During 2000, GBC recorded an after-tax restructuring charge of $0.3 million ($0.8 million pre-tax), or $0.02 per share, for expenses related to the restructuring of certain distribution operations in Europe (primarily employee severance costs). See Note 4 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on restructuring charges.

During 2001, GBC incurred other unusual charges of $6.2 million, primarily related to contractual severance payments and other benefits to be paid to GBC's former CEO ($2.4 million), a signing bonus and other transition expenses for GBC's new Chairman and CEO ($1.6 million), and severance costs to be paid to the Company's former CFO and others ($1.1 million). In addition, GBC recorded a $1.1 million non-cash loss on the sale of the assets of its New Zealand operations. In 2000, GBC recorded $3.7 million in expenses related to its supply chain initiatives in the Office Products Group and Corporate strategic consulting services. These items were classified as "Other" in the income statement and are included as a component of operating income presented below.

See note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on restructuring and other charges.

11

Operating Income

Operating income has been impacted by inventory rationalization and write-downs and other charges as follows (000's omitted):

 

Included in Operating Income
   Year Ended December 31,   

 
 

    2001    

    2000     

Document Finishing Group

       $  3,085

       $       -

Films Group

              404

                 - -

Office Products Group

           4,530

         1,960

Europe Group

           4,146

                 - -

Other

           5,580

          1,700

 

       $17,745

       $ 3,660

 

      ======

     ======

Operating income for GBC's business segments is summarized below (000 omitted). This presentation of operating income excludes restructuring, interest expense, and other income and expense.

 

Operating Income

 

Year ended December 31,   

 

      2001     

    2000      

Document Finishing Group

     $18,979

       $26,188

Films Group

       25,455

         34,403

Office Products Group

       13,562

         30,526

Europe Group

        (4,568)

         (3,854)

Other (1)

      (34,331)

       (32,014)

    Operating income 

     $19,097

       $55,249

    

     ======

       ======

                               (1)     "Other" includes shared expenses not allocated to the specific segments, unallocated 
                                        goodwill amortization, corporate expenses, and the results for certain entities not assigned 
                                        to one of the other four segments.

Including the charges discussed above, operating income for 2001 decreased 65% or $36.2 million compared to 2000. The Document Finishing Group experienced a decline in operating income, in both absolute dollars and as a percentage of sales, due to the lower level of sales and the inventory rationalization and write-down charges. Operating income for the Films Group, in both absolute dollars and as a percentage of sales, decreased due to market pricing pressures, higher raw material costs, and lower manufacturing volumes. The Office Products Group experienced a $17.0 million decrease in operating income during 2001 compared to 2000 due to the lower level of sales and inventory charges. Excluding the inventory charges, Europe essentially broke even in 2001 due to substantially lower operating costs resulting from the 1999 and 2000 restructurings. The change in "Other" operating income is primarily due to the higher level of expenses in 2001 (e.g. CEO transition, severance, and New Zealand) as discussed above.

Interest Expense

Interest expense decreased by $8.4 million to $37.2 million in 2001 compared to 2000. The reduction in interest expense resulted from lower average outstanding debt balances of 

12

approximately $50 million combined with lower market interest rates during 2001 and an average lower interest rate spread on the Company's primary revolving credit facility.

Other (Income) Expense

Other income was $1.0 million in 2001 compared to expense of $2.1 million during 2000. The difference primarily relates to lower foreign exchange losses and higher interest income during 2001 compared to 2000.

Income Taxes

GBC's worldwide effective tax rate was a benefit of 19.9% in 2001, compared to an expense rate of 64.0% in 2000. The change in the rate from 2000 to 2001 is due to the jurisdictions in which GBC generated earnings and losses during the current year. The rate was significantly impacted by restructuring and other special charges incurred in 2001 and the relatively low level of pre-tax earnings in 2000. See Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more details.

Net (Loss) Income

GBC reported a net loss of ($19.5) million in 2001 [$(1.24) per diluted share] compared to net income of $2.4 million [$0.15 per diluted share] reported in 2000. Excluding the impact of restructuring and other special charges recorded during 2001 and 2000, earnings per share were $0.03 and $0.25, respectively. The change in net income before other charges is due to reduced operating income resulting from the lower level of sales and gross profit achieved by certain business units which was partially offset by lower interest expense. A reconciliation of basic EPS to EPS before restructuring and other special charges is as follows:

 

           2001      

         2000      

Net (loss) income per share (basic)

    $(1.24)

   $0.15

Inventory rationalization and write-down charges (1)

       0.58

           - -

Restructuring (2)

       0.37

      0.02

Other charges (3)

        0.32

       0.08

Net income per share, before special items

     $0.03

    $0.25

     ====

    ====

Notes:

    1. Represents costs associated with reducing and rationalizing the Company's SKU offerings. Expenses were recorded in cost of sales to reflect the estimated net realizable value of SKUs to be eliminated, along with a reduction to sales for expected product returns.
    2. Restructuring charges are primarily related to facility closures in Ashland, Mississippi, Germany, Mexico, and Poland; and facility reductions in Amelia, Virginia, and the United Kingdom. The charges are primarily related to severance payments and asset write-downs.
    3. For 2001, "Other charges" primarily relate to costs associated with the Company's CEO transition (e.g. severance to the former CEO, signing bonus to the new CEO, etc.) along with severance payments outside of the restructuring programs. For 2000, other charges primarily relate to expenses associated with Corporate strategic consulting and supply-chain management consulting.

13

Financial Results - 2000 Compared to 1999

Sales

GBC reported 2000 net sales of $910.8 million, approximately flat with 1999. Sales in 2000 were significantly impacted by the weak Euro vs. the US dollar, the exiting of manufacturing of visual communications products in the UK, and changes in the fiscal reporting periods during 1999 for certain international subsidiaries (as discussed in Note 1 (a) to the consolidated financial statements). Excluding the impact of the above items, net sales in 2000 increased by approximately 5.0% over 1999. Net sales by business segment are summarized below (000 omitted):

 

     Year ended December 31,      

 

     2000       

     1999       

Document Finishing Group

         $208,589

        $210,145

Films Group

           167,513

          165,014

Office Products Group

           377,933

          349,949

Europe Group

           110,792

          141,090

Other

             45,972

            49,952

    Net Sales

         $910,799

        $912,150

         ======

        ======

Sales for the Document Finishing Group decreased by 0.7% in 2000 when compared to 1999. The decrease was due to lower sales in the domestic binding business as a result of low productivity in the direct sales force related to less-experienced sales personnel hired during the year. These decreases were partially offset by higher service revenues, increased dealer sales and an increase in sales of the Group's Mexican operations of approximately 15%. Sales in Mexico were impacted by the stronger Mexican Peso in 2000; excluding the impact of currency, sales in Mexico would have increased approximately 11.0%. The Films Group's sales increased by $2.5 million or 1.5% in 2000 when compared to 1999.  The sales increases were primarily due to higher volumes of laminating films in both the commercial and digital print finishing businesses. The Office Products Group's sales increased by $28.0 million or 8.0% in 2000 when compared to 1999. Excluding the impact of a higher level of customer returns in 1999, sales increased approximately 5.0%. The level of customer returns experienced during 1999 were above historical levels primarily as a result of changes to retail merchandising displays (Plan-O-Grams) and products during that period. Greater sales of writing boards and other visual communications products to the Group's commercial customers (wholesaler/distributor and contract stationers) was the primary driver behind the increased sales volumes. Net sales in Europe decreased by $30.3 million or 21.5% in 2000 when compared to 1999. Sales were significantly impacted by weaker exchange rates in the European currencies, the change in fiscal reporting in 1999 for certain European subsidiaries, and the dec ision to exit from certain unprofitable visual communications product lines in the United Kingdom. Excluding the impact of the aforementioned events, sales in Europe increased approximately 3.0% compared to the prior year.

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Gross Margins, Costs and Expenses

The gross profit margin percentage in 2000 was 44.9%, a 3.5 percentage point increase compared to the Company's 41.4% gross profit margin percentage in 1999. With the exception of the Films Group, where gross profit margins were essentially flat in 2000 compared to 1999, margins increased in each of the Company's operating groups in 2000. The Document Finishing Group's gross profit margin percentage benefited from a program targeted to increase the price yield on product sales. Implementation of an extensive supply chain initiative improved the margins in the Office Products Group, which also benefited from a lower level of customer returns and manufacturing cost savings. Additionally, the Office Products Group had a favorable mix of higher-margin visual communications products in 2000. In Europe, the decision to exit the manufacturing of visual communications products favorably impacted the Group's gross profit margin.

Selling, service and administrative expenses increased 0.7% in 2000 compared to 1999. Expenses increased in the Document Finishing Group primarily due to the planned build-up and training of the direct sales force. Cost savings initiatives helped decrease expenses in the Films group. Within the Office Products Group, on an absolute dollar basis, spending on customer rebate and allowance programs increased as a result of the higher sales level; spending on such programs also increased slightly as a percentage of sales in 2000. In Europe, selling, service and administrative expenses declined significantly due to the lower level of sales and the weakened European currencies. As a percentage of sales, expenses in Europe declined modestly due to the restructuring efforts initiated beginning in 1999 and continuing into 2000. Corporate administrative expenses increased in 2000 due to higher compensation expenses resulting from the achievement of bonus targets as well as planned higher spending on informatio n systems (including e-commerce) projects.

Inventory Rationalization and Write-down Charges

During 1999, GBC recorded pre-tax charges of $22.1 million for inventory rationalization and write-down provisions. Approximately $16.0 million of these charges related to GBC's worldwide product line and SKU rationalization program, which focused on eliminating overlapping product lines and those with sub-par profitability. The remaining expense of $6.1 million was to write down the inventory of the visual communications business in the United Kingdom to its net realizable value.

Write-down of Intangible and Long-lived Assets

During 1999, GBC recorded a provision of $8.5 million to write down intangible and long-lived assets, representing the write-off of goodwill associated with the Allfax acquisition which was completed in January 1998 along with the write-down of certain capital assets to their net realizable value.

15


Restructuring and Other Expenses

During 2000, GBC recorded a $0.8 million restructuring charge related to the final phase of the restructuring program initiated in 1999. In addition, $3.7 million of other expenses related to supply chain management and strategic consulting projects was recognized.

Operating Income

Operating income for GBC's business segments is summarized below (000 omitted). This presentation of operating income excludes restructuring expenses, interest expense, and other income and expense.

 

Operating Income

 

    Year ended December 31,   

 

     2000       

      1999       

Document Finishing 

       $26,188

       $25,066

Films Group

         34,403

         31,928

Office Products Group

         30,526

         14,649

Europe Group

         (3,854)

      (15,897)

Other (1)

       (32,014)

 (47,781)

     Operating income 

      $55,249 
      ======

$ 7,965 
======

                                    (1)     "Other" includes shared expenses not allocated to the specific segments, 
                                              unallocated goodwill amortization, corporate expenses, and the results for 
                                              certain entities not assigned to one of the other four segments.

Operating income for 2000 increased $47.3 million compared to 1999. This comparison is significantly impacted by the $22.1 million of inventory rationalization and write-down charges recorded in 1999. Excluding the impact of these charges ($3.9 million), operating income in the Document Finishing Group was lower due to the fact that the improvement in gross profit margins was not enough to overcome the increase in selling, general and administrative expenses. Operating income for the Films Group was favorably impacted by higher sales along with lower selling, service and administrative costs. Excluding inventory rationalization and write-down charges, operating income in the Office Products Group increased $10.5 million as a result of the higher sales level and improved gross profit margins which more than offset slightly higher customer program costs along with higher administrative expenses. Costs incurred to exit the visual communications business in the United Kingdom, and inventory rationalization and write-down charges totaled $8.4 million in Europe. Excluding the impact of these charges, Europe's operating loss was reduced by $3.7 million to $3.9 million during 2000. Compared to 1999, the most significant reason for the reduced European loss was the exiting of the visual communications business in the United Kingdom. Excluding $4.0 million of inventory rationalization and write-down charges, the operating loss for the Other category was unfavorably impacted in 2000 by higher expenses related to information systems, compensation programs, and consulting fees as discussed above.

16


Interest Expense

Interest expense in 2000 was approximately flat compared to 1999. Average outstanding borrowings during 2000 were approximately $70.9 million lower than in 1999 as a result of repayments made throughout 2000. Lower interest expense resulting from the lower outstanding balances was offset by higher market interest rates during 2000, as well as higher interest rate spreads during 2000 resulting from the amendment of GBC's primary revolving credit facility in the fourth quarter of 1999.

Other Expense

Other expense was $2.1 million in 2000 compared to income of $0.6 million during 1999. The difference primarily relates to lower interest income during 2000, non-cash losses on the disposal of capital assets, and foreign exchange losses during 2000 compared to foreign exchange gains experienced during 1999.

Income Taxes

GBC's worldwide effective income tax rate was 64.0% in 2000, compared to a benefit of 13.1% in 1999. The high effective tax rate in 2000 was due to an unfavorable mix of earnings and losses among GBC's foreign subsidiaries, and it was also impacted by the level of pretax earnings. The effective rate in 1999 results from the taxing jurisdictions in which the operating losses and special charges were generated, as well as certain operating losses which were not benefited as their realizability was considered to be unlikely. See Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more details.

Net Income (Loss)

Net income, excluding expenses totaling $5.1 million before taxes [or $0.12 per diluted share] for special charges related to restructuring programs, consulting projects and non-cash losses on asset dispositions, was $4.3 million [or $0.25 per diluted share] in 2000. Comparable net income for 1999 was a loss of ($13.0 million) [or $0.83 per diluted share]. Net income after charges was $2.4 million [or $0.15 per diluted share], compared to a loss of ($56.7) million [or $3.60 per diluted share] in 1999.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Management assesses the Company's liquidity in terms of its overall debt capacity and ability to generate cash from operations to fund its operating and investing activities. Significant factors affecting liquidity are cash flows generated from operating activities, capital expenditures, customer financing requirements, adequate bank lines of credit and financial flexibility to attract long-term capital with satisfactory terms. GBC's primary sources of liquidity and capital resources are internally-generated cash flows, borrowings under GBC's revolving credit facilities and short-term borrowings from banks.

17

GBC had access to various U.S. and international credit facilities, including a multicurrency revolving credit facility established on January 13, 1997 (the "Revolving Credit Facility"or "Facility") and initially amended and restated on November 12, 1999 with a group of international institutions which provided for up to $410 million of revolving credit borrowings through its maturity date of January 13, 2002. Outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility totaled $249.5 million at December 31, 2001. Offsetting a portion of these borrowings at December 31, 2001 were cash and short-term investments totaling $59.9 million.

Effective January 11, 2002, GBC further amended and restated the Revolving Credit Facility. The size of the Facility was reduced by $120 million, from $410 million to $290 million, and is comprised of a $90 million multicurrency revolving credit facility and term loans totaling $200 million. The maturity date of approximately $250 million of the Facility was extended until January 13, 2004, and the maturity date on approximately $40 million of the term loans has been extended to July 13, 2004. The Facility also provides for significantly higher interest rates than those payable under the previous facility, a reflection of current bank credit market conditions and the extended maturity. Interest rates on the facility are set at LIBOR plus 7%, except the term loans expiring on July 13, 2004 which carry a rate of LIBOR plus 8%. GBC has entered into interest rate swap agreements to hedge a portion of its LIBOR ("floating rate") interest exposure under the Facility. As of December 31, 2001, approximatel y $110 million of borrowings under the Facility were hedged. The one month LIBOR rate at December 31, 2001 was approximately 1.86%. A significant increase in LIBOR would result in increased interest expense on the unhedged portion of GBC's floating-rate debt.

As a result of the amendment and restatement of the Revolving Credit Facility in January 2002, GBC is subject to certain financial covenants beginning with the first quarter of 2002. Under the most restrictive covenants, GBC must meet certain minimum EBITDA targets, as well as leverage and interest coverage hurdles. In addition, future credit availability will be based on a "Borrowing Base" comprised of certain of its trade receivables and inventory. There will also continue to be restrictions on dividend payments, acquisitions, additional indebtedness, and capital expenditures. Substantially all of the assets of General Binding Corporation and its domestic subsidiaries remain pledged as collateral, as well as a portion of the equity in certain foreign subsidiaries.

The most restrictive covenants under the Revolving Credit Facility require the Company to meet the following targets and ratios:

EBITDA is generally defined in the Facility as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. The Facility also provides for the addback of certain expenses (defined as 80/20 programs) incurred by the Company to execute its Operational Excellence Program. The Facility requires that GBC achieve a minimum cumulative trailing four quarter EBITDA of $70 million as of the end of each quarter ending March 31, 2002 through September 30, 2002, and $75 million as of the end of each quarter thereafter.

18

There are two leverage ratio tests under the Facility. These ratios are computed by dividing the cumulative four quarter trailing EBITDA into the Company's total outstanding borrowings and its senior borrowings.

The Facility requires that GBC's leverage not exceed ratios as of the end of each quarter no higher than:

 

Total Debt

Senior Debt

Q-1 2002

5.50 to 1

3.75 to 1

Q-2 and Q-3 2002

5.50 to 1

3.50 to 1

Q-4 2002

5.00 to 1

3.25 to 1

Q-1 2003

5.00 to 1

3.00 to 1

Q-2 and Q-3 2003

4.75 to 1

2.75 to 1

Thereafter

4.25 to 1

2.50 to 1

Interest Coverage is defined under the Facility as the cumulative trailing four quarter EBITDA divided by interest expense. As of the end of each quarter, GBC must maintain a ratio higher than 1.5 to 1 until the maturity date.

As of December 31, 2001, GBC was in compliance with all covenants under the Revolving Credit Facility.

The Company expects to remain in compliance with the covenants under the Revolving Credit Facility based upon its current financial forecast. The financial forecast assumes that there will be no further significant deterioration of worldwide economic conditions and that certain objectives of the Operational Excellence Program will be achieved. If the economic prospects in the economies in which GBC does business and/or certain goals and objectives of the Operational Excellence Program are not met, it is possible that the Company will fail one or more of its covenants. If GBC was unable to obtain an amendment to the facility or a waiver of any covenant violation(s), the Company's liquidity would be adversely impacted to a significant degree.

The Revolving Credit Facility includes a $90 million multicurrency borrowing Facility that GBC uses to fund its working capital requirements. The Company's borrowing capacity under the Facility is limited by a "Borrowing Base." The "Borrowing Base" is generally computed as 85% of eligible trade receivables and 50% of eligible inventory. Eligible receivables are generally defined as current domestic and Canadian receivables, and eligible inventory is generally defined as inventory owned by GBC's domestic and Canadian operations. At December 31, 2001, GBC's "Borrowing Base" was adequate to support

19

expected future working capital requirements. If, however, there were to be a significant deterioration in the quality of GBC's eligible receivables or inventory there can be no assurance that adequate liquidity would be available under the Revolving Credit Facility.

Cash provided by operating activities was $50.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2001, compared to $75.0 million for 2000. The most significant item impacting cash flows from operations were net income tax refunds of $18.2 million received in 2000, compared to net income tax payments of $1.4 million in 2001.

Net cash used in investing activities was $14.5 million during 2001, as compared to $17.7 million in 2000. A reduction in capital expenditures of $4.7 million from 2000 to 2001 accounted for most of the change.

Major capital projects in 2001 and 2000 included investments in facilities and equipment for a new commercial film plant in South Korea ($2.7 million in 2001 and $3.0 million in 2000), and approximately $4.1 million for implementation of business information systems in 2000, including GBC's e-commerce initiatives. Major projects in 1999 included the implementation of business information systems in Europe and the U.S. of $5.0 million, equipping and setting up three manufacturing facilities in the U.S. of $0.4 million in 1999, facilities to support the integration of GBC's office products business subsequent to the acquisition of Ibico, and tooling of new products.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $12.5 million during 2001, compared to $61.4 million of cash used in financing activities during 2000. In the latter part of 2001, management increased the Company's borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility above normal levels to ensure adequate liquidity while finalizing the amendment of the Revolving Credit Facility. Approximately $52.8 million of borrowings were repaid in January 2002 upon the amendment of the Revolving Credit Facility. Excluding these additional borrowings at December 31, 2001 GBC would have reported a reduction in debt of approximately $40.8 million during 2001. During 2000, GBC made debt repayments of $56.8 million.

GBC has been restricted from paying dividends under the terms of the 1999 amendment and restatement of the Revolving Credit Facility, and therefore no dividends were paid during 2001 and 2000.

Contractual Financial Obligations

GBC's primary contractual cash obligations consist of principle payments on debt obligations and operating lease obligations. The table below summarizes GBC's contractual obligations at December 31, 2001 (in millions):

20

   

                       Payments due by Period                       

   

Less than

1-3

4-5

After 5

Contractual obligations

    Total     

    1 year    

    Years   

    Years   

    Years   

Long-term debt

    $418.5

       $  7.9

     $250.8

      $  2.2

    $157.6

Operating leases

         56.9

          13.2 

          16.0

           9.8

        17.9

Total

    $475.4
    =====

       $ 21.1
       ====

     $266.8
     =====

      $12.0
      ====

    $175.5
    =====

Commercial Financial Commitments

At December 31, 2001, GBC had the following commercial financial commitments:

Approximately $4.1 million of standby letters of credit which primarily support domestic workers compensation claims and import purchases for several of the Company's international subsidiaries;

A standby letter of credit of $0.6 million supporting working capital borrowings for a less-than-50%-owned joint venture in India; and

A guarantee of approximately $1.1 million supporting working capital borrowings for a 50% owned joint venture in Australia.

The terms of the letters of credit expire during 2002.

GBC has also guaranteed the borrowings of certain wholly-owned international subsidiaries at December 31, 2001. Total guarantees were approximately $9.1 million, and outstanding borrowings against the guaranteed facilities were approximately $8.2 million.

Credit Concentration

GBC has several customers within the Office Products Group which, in the normal course of business, make significant purchases from the Company. Trade receivable balances from these customers have ranged from $5-15 million. As a result, at any point in time, GBC may have a significant concentration of its accounts receivable balance among this customer group. To mitigate the credit risk among this group of customers, management closely monitors trends in the office products market, as well as the financial condition and payment trends of these customers.

Market Risk Disclosures</