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EX-32 - EX-32 - Connors Bros. Holdings, L.P.a57663exv32.htm
EX-31.2 - EX-31.2 - Connors Bros. Holdings, L.P.a57663exv31w2.htm
EX-31.1 - EX-31.1 - Connors Bros. Holdings, L.P.a57663exv31w1.htm
Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
     
þ   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended October 2, 2010
     
    OR
 
o   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: 333-166998-03
CONNORS BROS. HOLDINGS, L.P.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Delaware   N/A
     
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
  (IRS Employer
Identification No.)
c/o Centre Partners Management, LLC
30 Rockefeller Plaza, 50th Floor

New York, NY 10020
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
212-332-5800
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
     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 o No þ
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes o No o
     Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).
             
Large accelerated filer o   Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer þ   Smaller Reporting Company o
        (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
 
 

 


 

CONNORS BROS. HOLDINGS, L.P.
INDEX
         
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 EX-31.1
 EX-31.2
 EX-32

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
CONNORS BROS. HOLDINGS, L.P.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands)
                 
    October 2,     December 31,  
    2010     2009  
    (unaudited)          
Assets
               
Current assets:
               
Cash
  $ 1,888     $ 4,491  
Accounts receivable, net
    72,464       63,123  
Inventories
    223,972       233,206  
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    12,614       16,669  
Deferred income taxes
          1,467  
 
           
Total current assets
    310,938       318,956  
 
               
Property, plant and equipment, net
    86,706       90,287  
Other assets
    21,796       21,106  
Goodwill
    71,101       70,052  
Trademarks
    204,996       203,409  
Other intangible assets, net
    94,392       101,883  
Deferred income taxes
    656       636  
 
           
Total assets
  $ 790,585     $ 806,329  
 
           
 
               
Liabilities and partnership equity
               
Current liabilities:
               
Current portion of senior term notes payable
  $ 9,500     $ 9,500  
Current portion of capital leases and other debt
    2,276       4,178  
Accounts payable
    95,473       70,254  
Accrued expenses
    51,106       46,667  
Income taxes payable
    42       285  
Other current liabilities
    6,946       6,682  
 
           
Total current liabilities
    165,343       137,566  
 
               
Senior term notes payable, net of current portion and debt discount
    9,345       32,547  
Revolving credit facilities, net of debt discount
    92,087       134,005  
Capital leases and other debt, net of current portion
          2,277  
Senior secured notes, net of debt discount
    195,952       217,417  
Deferred income taxes
    18,005       13,195  
Accrued pension and other obligations
    4,325       4,356  
 
           
Total liabilities
    485,057       541,363  
 
               
Limited partnership interests
    223,540       222,695  
Retained earnings
    52,011       15,734  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    29,977       26,537  
 
           
Total partnership equity
    305,528       264,966  
 
           
 
               
Total liabilities and partnership equity
  $ 790,585     $ 806,329  
 
           
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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CONNORS BROS. HOLDINGS, L.P.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
                                 
    Three months ended     Nine months ended  
    October 2,     October 3,     October 2,     October 3,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
Revenue
  $ 243,365     $ 246,711     $ 732,225     $ 731,354  
Cost of revenue
    190,997       194,408       570,206       589,793  
 
                       
Gross profit
    52,368       52,303       162,019       141,561  
 
                               
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    26,451       27,411       79,767       80,328  
Restructuring and other transition costs, net
    792             4,472        
 
                       
Operating income
    25,125       24,892       77,780       61,233  
 
                               
Net interest expense
    7,051       11,550       22,378       36,025  
Loss on prepayment of debt
    1,969             2,954        
Other income, net
    (2,900 )     (3,560 )     (2,162 )     (4,977 )
 
                       
Income before income taxes
    19,005       16,902       54,610       30,185  
 
                               
Income taxes
                               
Current
    1,579       1,230       6,701       2,196  
Deferred
    2,521       2,805       6,266       5,008  
 
                       
Total income tax
    4,100       4,035       12,967       7,204  
 
                       
 
                               
Net income
  $ 14,905     $ 12,867     $ 41,643     $ 22,981  
 
                       
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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CONNORS BROS. HOLDINGS, L.P.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
                 
    Nine months ended  
    October 2,     October 3,  
    2010     2009  
Operating activities
               
Net income
  $ 41,643     $ 22,981  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation
    7,473       7,316  
Amortization of intangible assets
    8,889       9,681  
Amortization of debt issuance costs and debt discount
    3,343       3,136  
Equity-based compensation
    845       854  
Debt issuance and discount costs related to prepayment of debt
    1,957        
Non-cash inventory step-up charges
          8,217  
Interest paid-in-kind
          4,475  
Deferred income taxes
    6,266       5,008  
Non-cash gain on remeasurement of debt
    (1,456 )     (4,919 )
Net loss (gain) on disposal of assets
    1,080       (525 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Increase in accounts receivable
    (8,474 )     (7,478 )
Decrease in inventories
    10,792       18,950  
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable
    24,443       (5,241 )
Increase in accrued expenses
    4,038       9,771  
Decrease (increase) in other working capital accounts
    2,857       (10,040 )
Decrease (increase) in long-term assets and liabilities
    87       (2,263 )
 
           
Cash provided by operating activities
    103,783       59,923  
 
               
Investing activities
               
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
    (7,645 )     (9,082 )
Proceeds from the sale of assets
    497       1,623  
Proceeds from government grant
    754        
Investments and acquisitions, net of cash acquired
          (1,317 )
 
           
Cash used in investing activities
    (6,394 )     (8,776 )
 
               
Financing activities
               
Repayment of term loan, subordinated debt, capital leases and other debt
    (52,700 )     (17,248 )
Proceeds from issuance of debt
    2,767       3,397  
Net payments on revolving credit facility
    (42,496 )     (37,350 )
Payment of debt issuance costs
    (2,131 )      
Cash distributions to partners
    (5,366 )     (3,874 )
 
           
Cash used in financing activities
    (99,926 )     (55,075 )
 
               
Effect of foreign currency translation
    (66 )     413  
 
           
 
               
Decrease in cash
    (2,603 )     (3,515 )
 
               
Cash — beginning of period
    4,491       4,695  
 
           
Cash — end of period
  $ 1,888     $ 1,180  
 
           
 
               
Supplemental cash flow information:
               
Income taxes paid
  $ 2,743     $ 7,422  
Interest paid
  $ 15,568     $ 26,304  
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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CONNORS BROS. HOLDINGS, L.P.
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
1. Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
     The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements present the consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows of Connors Bros. Holdings, L.P, a Delaware limited partnership (“CBH”) and Bumble Bee Foods, L.P. (f/k/a Connors Bros., L.P.), a Delaware limited partnership (“BBFLP”) (together with their subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, “We,” “Connors,” or the “Company”).
     CBH was formed by BBFLP on November 30, 2009 in connection with the issuance of the senior secured notes described in Note 6 to the condensed consolidated financial statements. CBH is controlled by its general partner, CB Holdings GP, LLC, and its sole limited partner is BBFLP. BBFLP is also the sole member of CB Holdings GP, LLC, and, as such, holds either directly or indirectly all of the partnership interests of CBH. On December 17, 2009, BBFLP transferred to CBH all of its investments (the “Transfer of Investments”) in a series of holding companies and two operating companies and their respective subsidiaries: Bumble Bee Foods, LLC (“Bumble Bee”) and Connors Bros. Clover Leaf Seafoods Company (“Clover Leaf”). As a result, effective December 17, 2009, we became CBH. For the period from November 23, 2008 (inception) to December 16, 2009, we were BBFLP.
     The Transfer of Investments was accounted for by recording, on the books of CBH, the investments at the same book value as the investments were carried on the books of BBFLP immediately prior to their transfer. In connection with the transfer, CBH recorded the issuance of partnership equity equal to the recorded value of the investments. The preferred partnership units of BBFLP, the general and limited partnership equity of BBFLP, and the accumulated deficit of BBFLP have been, effective with the Transfer of Investments on December 17, 2009, excluded from the consolidated balance sheet of CBH.
     The condensed consolidated interim financial statements reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, normal and recurring in nature and necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim period.
  U.S. Operations
     CBH owns Bumble Bee through its wholly owned subsidiary, Stinson Seafood (2001), Inc. (“Stinson”), a Delaware corporation, which wholly owns Bumble Bee Holdings, Inc., a Georgia corporation (“BBH”). BBH owns all of the membership interests of Bumble Bee. Bumble Bee is a Delaware limited liability company. Bumble Bee (through its subsidiary BB Acquisition (PR), L.P.) also operates a tuna cannery located in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
  Canadian Operations
     CBH owns Clover Leaf through a group of directly held and indirectly held companies domiciled in the U.S., the Netherlands and Canada. The subsidiaries of Clover Leaf include various companies which primarily operate fishing businesses.
  Seasonality
     Due to the seasonal nature of production and demand for product, the interim results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the estimated results of operations for a full fiscal year.
  Reporting Periods
     The Company reports its quarterly results of operations as fiscal quarters of approximately 13 weeks in length. The first and fourth quarters may be up to four days longer or shorter than a 13 week period, while the second and third quarters are always 13 weeks in duration. The quarterly results of operations presented herein represent the 13 weeks ended October 2, 2010 and October 3, 2009, respectively. The year-to-date results of operations presented herein represent the period from January 1, 2010 to October 2, 2010 and January 1, 2009 to October 3, 2009, respectively.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
  Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
     Effective January 1, 2010, we adopted Accounting Standards Update 2009-17 (Topic 810) requiring companies to identify the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity as the enterprise that has both the power to direct the activities of a variable interest entity and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the entity that could potentially be significant to the variable interest entity. Further, companies are required to perform on-going reassessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary and eliminate the use of the quantitative approach previously required for determining the primary beneficiary. Currently, we are not the primary beneficiary of any variable interest entity.

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3. Inventories
     Inventories were as follows (in thousands):
                 
    October 2,     December 31,  
    2010     2009  
Raw materials
  $ 58,930     $ 58,118  
Work in process
    14,297       12,565  
Finished goods
    150,745       162,523  
 
           
Inventories
  $ 223,972     $ 233,206  
 
           
     In the second quarter of 2010, the Company changed its method of estimating the deferred freight cost component of finished goods inventory. This resulted in a reduction to “inventories” of $1.4 million, with a corresponding charge to “cost of revenue” on the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations. In accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, the Company accounted for this change in accounting estimate prospectively beginning on April 4, 2010.
4. Strategic Investments
     The Company held the following strategic investments, included in “other assets” on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets (in thousands):
                 
    October 2,     December 31,  
    2010     2009  
Sea Value
  $ 5,181     $ 5,181  
KWL
    725       794  
Other
    139       183  
 
           
 
  $ 6,045     $ 6,158  
 
           
     We did not estimate fair values of our cost method investments as it was impractical to do so due to the lack of liquid markets for private equity investments.

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5. Comprehensive Income
     Comprehensive income was as follows (in thousands):
                                 
    Three months ended     Nine months ended  
    October 2,     October 3,     October 2,     October 3,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
Net income
  $ 14,905     $ 12,867     $ 41,643     $ 22,981  
Net unrealized foreign currency translation gain
    6,608       11,781       4,961       18,848  
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps
    236       (64 )     280       255  
Gain on interest rate swap contracts realized in net income
    (291 )     (201 )     (886 )     (441 )
Unrealized gain (loss) on forward foreign currency contracts
    561       (675 )     927       (1,161 )
Loss (gain) on forward foreign currency contracts realized in net income
    (95 )     655       (79 )     923  
Unrealized gain (loss) on forward commodity contracts
    2,559       712       (287 )     1,120  
Loss (gain) on forward commodity contracts realized in net income
    (676 )     (96 )     (1,476 )     19  
 
                       
 
                               
Comprehensive income
  $ 23,807     $ 24,979     $ 45,083     $ 42,544  
 
                       

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6. Senior Credit Facilities and Other Debt
     Debt was comprised of the following (in thousands):
                 
    October 2,     December 31,  
    2010     2009  
Senior term loan notes payable, maturing in quarterly installments through November 2013, with interest payable monthly; weighted average variable rate was 5.50% as of October 2, 2010
  $ 19,000     $ 42,750  
 
               
Unamortized debt discount related to the senior term loan notes payable
    (155 )     (703 )
 
               
Long-term revolving credit facilities, maturing November 18, 2013, with interest payable monthly; weighted average variable rate, net of effect of the interest rate swap, was 5.37% as of October 2, 2010
    95,012       137,594  
 
               
Unamortized debt discount related to long-term revolving credit facilities
    (2,925 )     (3,589 )
 
               
Senior secured notes, maturing December 15, 2015, with interest payable semi-annually at 7.75% per annum
    198,000       220,000  
 
               
Unamortized debt discount related to senior secured notes payable
    (2,048 )     (2,583 )
 
               
Capital lease obligations, installment notes, and demand notes; principal and interest payable monthly at interest rates ranging from 2.20% to 13.25%, with final payments due in months ranging from June 2011 to September 2011
    2,276       6,455  
 
           
 
               
Total long-term debt
    309,160       399,924  
 
               
Less amounts due within one year
    11,776       13,678  
 
           
Total long-term debt, net of amounts due within one year
  $ 297,384     $ 386,246  
 
           
Senior Term Loan and Senior Revolving Credit Facilities
     In connection with the November 2008 acquisition of Bumble Bee and Clover Leaf by BBFLP (the “Acquisition”), Bumble Bee and Clover Leaf borrowed $133.0 million under a senior term loan agreement (the “Senior Term Loan”), and entered into a senior revolving credit agreement allowing for aggregate maximum borrowing of $150.0 million and Cdn$75.0 million (the “Revolver”) subject to limitations based on advance rates against qualified assets as stipulated under the agreement. On December 17, 2009, we prepaid $83.5 million of notes issued to certain lenders under the Senior Term Loan, and incurred a 1% prepayment penalty in the amount of $0.8 million. In addition, on December 17, 2009, we borrowed an additional $3.2 million under the Senior Term Loan.
     As of October 2, 2010, Bumble Bee owed $89.8 million and Clover Leaf owed $5.2 million under the Revolver. Under the Senior Term Loan and Revolver agreements, amounts borrowed are secured by substantially all the assets of Bumble Bee and Clover Leaf. The loans and other obligations under the Senior Term Loan and Revolver agreements are guaranteed by CBH and all of its subsidiaries. Each of the U.S. and Canadian borrowers also guarantees the obligations of the other borrower.
     The Senior Term Loan agreement calls for interest to be calculated at a base rate of not less than 3.5% plus a margin of 3.0% or the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus a margin of 4.0%. The Revolver agreement calls for interest to be calculated at rates comprised of certain base rates to the specific borrowings plus a margin ranging from 3.50% to 3.75%. We incur an unused line availability fee on the Revolver of 0.5% per annum of $150.0 million and Cdn$75.0 million, net of outstanding loan balances and letters of credit, payable monthly.
     The Senior Term Loan and Revolver agreements contain financial and other covenants that limit or restrict the Company’s ability to make capital expenditures; incur indebtedness; permit liens on property; enter into transactions with affiliates; make restricted payments or investments; enter into mergers, acquisitions or consolidations; conduct certain asset sales; pay dividends or distributions and enter into other specified transactions and activities. The financial covenants state that the Company must maintain at all times a fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.025:1.00, except when average availability, as defined, under the Revolver is in excess of $35.0 million.

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     We prepaid $10.0 million and $6.6 million of the Senior Term Loan in March and June of 2010, respectively. As of October 2, 2010, future remaining aggregate installment payments due under the Senior Term Loan were as follows (in thousands):
         
2010 (remaining)
  $ 2,375  
2011
    9,500  
2012
    7,125  
 
     
 
  $ 19,000  
 
     
Senior Subordinated Notes
     In connection with the Acquisition, Bumble Bee and Clover Leaf borrowed $135.0 million under a senior subordinated loan agreement (the “Subordinated Loan”). Under the Subordinated Loan agreement, interest was comprised of cash interest of 12.0% plus interest paid-in-kind at 4.25% per annum. On December 17, 2009, we retired all $141.4 million of the notes then outstanding, including interest paid-in-kind of $6.4 million. In connection with the retirement of the notes, we incurred a prepayment penalty of $15.7 million.
7.75% Senior Secured Notes
     On December 17, 2009, we issued $220.0 million in senior secured notes (“Senior Secured Notes”) and used the proceeds, along with the proceeds from a draw on the Revolver, to retire $83.5 million of the Senior Term Loan and all $141.4 million of the notes then outstanding under the Subordinated Loan. The Senior Secured Notes were issued net of original issue discount of $2.6 million, resulting in net proceeds (excluding debt issuance costs) of $217.4 million. The Senior Secured Notes bear interest at a rate of 7.75% per annum, with interest payable semi-annually in cash in arrears on each June 15th and December 15th (beginning on June 15, 2010), and mature on December 15, 2015. We may redeem some or all of the Senior Secured Notes as stipulated in a note indenture (the “Indenture”). The Senior Secured Notes are secured, on a subordinated basis, to the Senior Term Loan and the Revolver, by a third-party lien on substantially all of our assets.
     The Indenture governing the Senior Secured Notes contains covenants that limit or restrict the Company’s ability to incur indebtedness; permit liens on property; enter into transactions with affiliates; make restricted payments or investments; enter into mergers, acquisitions or consolidations; conduct certain asset sales; pay dividends or distributions and enter into other specified transactions and activities.
     The Senior Secured Notes are guaranteed, jointly and severally, by CBH and the other guarantors pursuant to the Indenture. Each of CBH’s subsidiaries (other than the note issuers) is a guarantor of the Senior Secured Notes.
2010 Losses on Prepayment of Debt
     In March 2010, we prepaid $10.0 million of amounts due under the Senior Term Loan in advance of the scheduled installment payment date, and we incurred a loss on prepayment in the amount of $0.6 million arising from accelerated recognition of debt discount, debt issuance costs, as well as a prepayment penalty. In June 2010, we prepaid an additional $6.6 million of amounts due under the Senior Term Loan in advance of the scheduled installment payment date and incurred charges in the amount of $0.4 million, comprised of the acceleration of recognition of debt issuance costs, debt discount, and a pre-payment penalty. The early payment of debt effectively changes the maturity date of amounts due under the Senior Term Loan to September 2012.
     On September 15, 2010, we prepaid 10%, or $22.0 million of the Senior Secured Notes as permitted under the Indenture and incurred charges in the amount of $1.8 million, comprised of the acceleration of recognition of debt issuance costs, debt discount, and a pre-payment penalty.
Letters of Credit
     In order to comply with certain vendor requirements, we had stand-by letters of credit in the amount of $2.6 million as of October 2, 2010.
     As of October 2, 2010, commitments under equipment capital leases and installment notes were as follows (in thousands):
         
2010 (remaining)
  $ 874  
2011
    1,430  
 
     
 
    2,304  
Less interest
    28  
 
     
Capital lease and other debt obligations
  $ 2,276  
 
     

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7. Restructuring and Other Transition Costs
     In April 2010, Bumble Bee closed its Prospect Harbor, Maine sardine canning facility (the “Prospect Harbor Plant”) as a result of reductions in the total allowable catch levels of herring, as set by governmental agencies, for New England waters. We accrued costs to provide severance payments to employees of the Prospect Harbor Plant, adjusted certain assets to fair values, and accrued certain other costs related to managing the plant closure. Bumble Bee had assets held for sale related to the Prospect Harbor Plant totaling $1.6 million included in “other assets” on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet at October 2, 2010.
     In February 2010, we charged $1.3 million to restructuring and other transition costs to terminate a contract with a freight carrier in order to ship product with other carriers on more favorable terms. We paid $1.3 million to settle the contract termination costs in July 2010.
     During the second quarter of 2010, we charged to restructuring and other transition costs certain legal and other expenses totaling $0.6 million related to supporting a possible sale of the operating companies.
     Bumble Bee closed its meat and poultry plant located in Augusta, Georgia (the “Augusta Plant”) in the fourth quarter of 2008. We incurred costs to maintain the property as we sought to complete the closure, liquidate equipment not transferred to other facilities, terminate certain contracts, make severance payments to the former employees and dispose of the real property. The Augusta Plant was donated in June 2010.
     The balances representing the accrued restructuring costs are included in “other current liabilities” on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. The estimated plant closure costs accrued, the subsequent payments charged to settle the estimated accrued charges as well as the adjustments to the accrued charges for changes in estimated costs were as follows (in thousands):
                         
    Plant     Employee        
    closure     severance        
    cost     cost     Total  
Augusta Plant closure:
                       
Accrual as of December 31, 2009
  $ 1,111     $ 94     $ 1,205  
Payments and adjustments
    (1,111 )     (94 )     (1,205 )
 
                 
Accrual as of October 2, 2010
  $     $     $  
 
                 
 
                       
Prospect Harbor Plant closure:
                       
Accrual as of December 31, 2009
  $     $     $  
Costs incurred
    2,027       977       3,004  
Payments and adjustments
    (2,027 )     (977 )     (3,004 )
 
                 
Accrual as of October 2, 2010
  $     $     $  
 
                 
8. Employee Benefit Plans
     We have defined contribution retirement plans and defined benefit pension plans.
Defined contribution retirement plans
     Current benefit costs under the defined contribution retirement plans are charged to expense as they accrue. Expenses associated with these plans were $0.4 million and $1.2 million for the three and nine months ended October 2, 2010, respectively, and $0.3 million and $1.1 million for the three and nine months ended October 3, 2009, respectively.

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Defined benefit pension plans
     The following table represents the components of net periodic defined benefit plan pension cost (in thousands):
                                 
    Three months ended     Nine months ended  
    October 2, 2010     October 3, 2009     October 2, 2010     October 3, 2009  
Service cost
  $ 105     $ 92     $ 349     $ 264  
Interest cost
    484       457       1,745       1,298  
Expected return on plan assets
    (437 )     (395 )     (1,575 )     (1,121 )
Amortization of net actuarial loss
    (6 )     13       (17 )     37  
 
                       
Net periodic pension cost recognized
  $ 146     $ 167     $ 502     $ 478  
 
                       
     We contributed $0.4 million and $0.6 million towards the required minimum funding levels of our defined benefit plans during the three and nine months ended October 2, 2010, respectively. Based on minimum funding requirements, the Company expects to contribute an estimated additional $0.2 million to defined benefit pension plans during the remainder of 2010. We do not expect to make additional voluntary contributions in 2010.
9. Income taxes
     For interim income tax reporting, we estimate our annual effective tax rate which we then apply to year-to-date income. Our effective tax rate was 21.6% and 23.7% for the three and nine months ended October 2, 2010, respectively, and 23.9% for the three and nine months ended October 3, 2009. The effective tax rate for the periods presented results from the blending of income tax provisions in relation to income earned by jurisdiction, primarily in the United States and Canada which apply a differing range of federal, state and provincial income tax rates. Our provision for income taxes is lower than the tax computed at the combined United States federal and state statutory income tax rates primarily due to the recognition of U.S. deferred tax assets for which a valuation allowance was previously established, the exclusion of partnership income not subject to income tax and Canadian corporate income tax rates that are lower than U.S. corporate income tax rates.
     We had net operating losses applicable to U.S. federal and U.S. state income taxes amounting to approximately $60.3 million as of December 31, 2009, which begin to expire in 2024 for federal purposes and 2013 for state purposes. The utilization of our federal and state net operating loss carry-forwards is dependent on the future profitability of the Company. Furthermore, the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) imposes a substantial limitation on the annual utilization of net operating losses in the event of an ownership change of more than 50% during any three year period. The application of IRC Section 382 varies by state jurisdiction and could have a significant impact on the state net operating losses available for deduction.
     Due to uncertainties related to the future deduction of the cumulative federal and state net operating losses, the Company maintains a full valuation allowance against its gross U.S. deferred tax assets.
     We have not recorded any liabilities for uncertain tax positions.

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10. Geographic Information
     We operate in one industry, the processing, distribution and sale of shelf-stable protein products, with primary operations in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. Revenues in the countries wherein customers are located were as follows (in thousands):
                                 
    Three months ended     Nine months ended  
    October 2,     October 3,     October 2,     October 3,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
United States
  $ 192,065     $ 195,468     $ 580,465     $ 584,867  
Canada
    38,440       37,817       113,901       103,157  
Other
    12,860       13,426       37,859       43,330  
 
                       
 
                               
Revenue
  $ 243,365     $ 246,711     $ 732,225     $ 731,354  
 
                       
11. Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Risk Management
     Authoritative guidance requires fair value measurements to be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:
     Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for assets or liabilities;
     Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets which are either directly or indirectly observable; and
     Level 3: Unobservable inputs are used when little or no market data is available.
     We have determined the estimated fair values of our financial instruments based on appropriate valuation methodologies, however considerable judgment is required to develop these estimates. The fair values of financial instruments are not materially different from their carrying values.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
     The carrying values of financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis are classified into the following categories (in thousands):
                         
    Fair value measurements at October 2, 2010 using:  
    Quoted prices in              
    active markets     Significant     Significant  
    for identical     other observable     unobservable  
    assets     inputs     inputs  
    (Level 1)     (Level 2)     (Level 3)  
Assets:
                       
Derivatives designated as effective hedges
  $     $ 3,422     $  
 
                       
Liabilities:
                       
Derivatives designated as effective hedges
  $     $ 1,482     $  
     At October 2, 2010, the carrying value of financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis were all comprised of derivative contracts designated as effective hedges, including interest rate swap contracts, forward foreign exchange contracts and commodities swap contracts. The fair values of these contracts were marked to market value using a discounted cash flow model.
     The carrying values of financial instruments, including accounts receivable, prepaid expenses, other current assets, accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities, approximate fair value due to short-term maturities of those instruments.
     The estimated fair value of certain debt instruments is based upon observable market information. Notes issued under the Senior Term Loan are subject to variable rates of interest and are considered to have fair values that approximate carrying values. The Revolver is subject to variable interest rates that are considered to approximate market rates, and is therefore considered to have a fair value that approximates the carrying value. Our Senior Secured Notes were issued at market rates on December 17, 2009 and are considered to have a fair value that approximates their carrying value as of October 2, 2010.

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  Fair Value Measurements on a Nonrecurring Basis
     Non-financial assets and liabilities are recognized at fair values subsequent to initial recognition when they are deemed to be other than temporarily impaired. There were no material non-financial assets and liabilities deemed to be other than temporarily impaired and measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of October 2, 2010.
  Foreign Currency Risk
     Clover Leaf’s functional currency is the Canadian dollar, however it purchases and sells products in transactions denominated in the U.S. dollar. As a strategy to be competitive in such transactions, in 2009 and 2010, Clover Leaf entered into forward contracts to purchase the U.S. dollar in amounts comparable to and maturing in periods that hedge the purchase of product that will be transacted in the U.S. dollar at the forward purchase rate of exchange.
     Clover Leaf has a series of forward contracts to purchase U.S. dollars, totaling $7.9 million and a de minimis amount as of October 2, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively, as hedges against purchases of certain products denominated in the U.S. dollar. Further, Bumble Bee has entered into a series of forward contracts to purchase the Euro, totaling $6.3 million as of October 2, 2010, as hedges against purchases of certain products denominated in the Euro. Assets totaling $0.9 million and a de minimis amount (representing the fair value of these contracts) are included in “prepaid expenses and other assets” on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of October 2, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. Additionally, liabilities totaling $0.1 million (representing the fair value of these contracts) are included in “other current liabilities” on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets as of October 2, 2010. No such liability existed at December 31, 2009. Realized gains and losses on forward contracts are included in “other expense (income), net” on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
  Commodities Price Risk
     We are exposed to changes in the price of fish, metals and fuel that are components of our product costs. We monitor the pricing of these commodities and seek to make purchases in amounts and at times that allow us to maintain a competitive position in the markets in which we sell our finished products. We have, during 2009 and 2010, entered into purchases of swap contracts that effectively fix the pricing of aluminum can content and fuel oil at levels we expected were lower than planned purchases of such commodities.
     As of October 2, 2010 and December 31, 2009, we had outstanding a series of commodity swap contracts hedging future can and fuel oil purchases totaling $12.2 million and $17.0 million, respectively. Assets representing unrealized gains totaling $2.5 million and $4.3 million are included in “prepaid expenses and other assets” on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets as of October 2, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. Realized gains and losses on swap contracts are included in “cost of revenue” on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.
  Interest Rate Risk
     We are exposed to interest rate risk related to interest payments on our debt instruments. As a strategy to reduce risk of increases in borrowing rates, we may choose to hedge a portion of our outstanding borrowing, as permitted under our borrowing arrangements, so as to effectively fix variable interest rates. As of October 2, 2010 and December 31, 2009, we had outstanding an interest rate swap contract hedging interest payments related to $75.0 million of borrowing under the Revolver. The interest rate swap contract will mature in December of 2011, with 15 months remaining under the contract as of October 2, 2010. Liabilities representing unrealized pre-tax losses totaling $1.4 million and $0.8 million are included in “other current liabilities” on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets as of October 2, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. Realized gains and losses on interest rate swaps are included in “net interest expense” on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.
  Credit risk
     Our financial assets are subject to credit risk. These financial assets include cash held at financial institutions, derivative financial instruments that have positive value, and accounts receivable. The maximum exposure to credit risk is equal to the carrying value of financial assets. We assess the ability of debtors to settle amounts payable to us, taking into account financial position, past experience, credit rating, credit reports and other factors. We set credit limits regularly, and in cases where the credit quality of a customer does not meet our requirements, we require a cash deposit before product is shipped.
     The carrying value of accounts receivable are periodically adjusted to estimated net realizable value through allowances for doubtful accounts, with the amounts of estimated losses recognized as adjustments to selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses. We base our estimate of uncollectible accounts receivable on such factors as the age of accounts, discussion with creditors and initial assessment of ability to make timely payment. When a receivable balance is considered uncollectible, it is written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts. Subsequent recovery of amounts previously written off, if any, are credited to SG&A expenses as collected. The allowances for doubtful accounts were $0.5 million and $0.6 million as of October 2, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively, and are included as an adjustment to “accounts receivable, net” on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

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12. Commitments and Contingencies
     We are a defendant from time to time in lawsuits and disputes arising in the normal course of business. Management believes the ultimate outcome of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
     In 2008, Bumble Bee engaged an environmental consulting firm to investigate a fuel oil leak resulting in contamination of the soil at its Cape May, New Jersey clam packing facility. Our estimate of the cost to remediate the damage related to the oil contamination is approximately $3.6 million. Bumble Bee recorded an estimated cost to remediate the soil contamination in the amount of $1.0 million as of the date of the Acquisition and an additional $2.6 million, with a corresponding increase to goodwill, in the third quarter of 2009 as a result of an updated estimate for a total estimated cost of $3.6 million, which represents our best estimate of cost to remediate the damage. The estimate will be updated upon the completion of further testing of the site and finalization of the remediation plan, and further adjustments to the remediation cost will impact the consolidated statement of operations. The remaining estimated $3.3 million liability is included in “other current liabilities” on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of October 2, 2010. We did not use any discounting convention in the measurement of the liability recorded therein as the timing of the estimated settlement is not fixed or reliably determinable.
     In October 2006, U.S. Customs and Border Control informed Bumble Bee that certain imports of tuna loins were subject to duties at higher rates than claimed by Bumble Bee. Bumble Bee has filed administrative protests locally and a request for additional review at customs headquarters. Counsel has been retained to represent Bumble Bee in its opposition to the assessment of these additional duties. The expected cost to bring the matter to a resolution is not yet determinable given the length of time inherent in the protest process and the complexity of the issues involved.
     Bumble Bee is a party to a consent decree, as amended, with the State of Maine which established, among other requirements, that certain minimum case volumes be produced during each calendar year until the decree expires on December 31, 2010. Bumble Bee achieved the minimum production volume for 2009. In April 2010, Bumble Bee closed its facility in Maine due to significant reductions in the total allowable herring catch. In connection with the closure, the State of Maine waived the production requirement for the remainder of 2010. As such, management considers this matter resolved.
     As of October 2, 2010, commitments under operating leases of premises and equipment for each of the next five years and in the aggregate thereafter were as follows (in thousands):
         
2010 (remaining)
  $ 786  
2011
    2,656  
2012
    2,370  
2013
    2,240  
2014
    1,431  
Thereafter
    3,744  
 
     
 
  $ 13,227  
 
     
     As of October 2, 2010, commitments attributable to royalty contracts were as follows (in thousands):
         
2010 (remaining)
  $ 752  
2011
    850  
2012
    850  
2013
    850  
 
     
 
  $ 3,302  
 
     
13. Related Party Transactions
     Certain executive officers of Connors own investments in a tuna fishing business that is an indirect supplier of fish to Connors.
     In November 2009, Bumble Bee sold its interest in Atlantic Natural Foods, LLC (“ANF”) to its joint venture partner, in which an executive officer of Bumble Bee holds a significant ownership interest, for $800,000, $200,000 of which was paid in cash at the closing and $200,000 of which was paid in May 2010. The remainder of the purchase price consideration was comprised of a note that is payable in installments of $200,000 in each of November 2010 and April 2011. Interest on the note accrues at a rate of 8.5% per annum. The note was subsequently sold to BBFLP for its face amount on December 17, 2009 and is therefore not reflected on the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of October 2, 2010. In addition to the investment in ANF, Bumble Bee held $0.3 million in accounts receivable from ANF, included in “accounts receivable, net” on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2009. In March 2010, ANF paid the remaining $0.3 million of the outstanding receivable.

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     Centre Partners Management LLC (“CPM”), a U.S. private equity investment firm, together with its affiliates, is the majority owner of Connors. We incurred charges for management fees payable to CPM of approximately $0.3 million in each of the nine month periods ended October 2, 2010 and October 3, 2009, respectively.
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
     You should read the following discussion and analysis in conjunction with the condensed consolidated interim financial statements of Connors Bros. Holdings, L.P. and the accompanying notes to those statements appearing elsewhere in this quarterly report. The statements in this discussion regarding industry outlook, our expectations regarding our future performance, liquidity and capital resources and other non-historical statements in this discussion are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of our Registration Statement on Form S-4 initially filed with the Security and Exchange Commission on May 21, 2010, and declared effective by the SEC on August 16, 2010 and the “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” set forth below. Our actual results may differ materially from those contained in or implied by any forward-looking statements.
  Results of Operations
  Quarter Ended October 2, 2010 Compared to the Quarter Ended October 3, 2009
                 
    Quarter Ended  
    October 2,     October 3,  
    2010     2009  
    (in thousands)  
Revenue
  $ 243,365     $ 246,711  
Gross profit
    52,368       52,303  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    26,451       27,411  
Restructuring and other transition costs
    792        
Net interest expense
    7,051       11,550  
Loss on prepayment of debt
    1,969        
Other income, net
    2,900       3,560  
Net income
  $ 14,905     $ 12,867  
     Revenue. Revenue for the third quarter of 2010 decreased $3.3 million, or 1.4%, to $243.4 million as compared to revenue of $246.7 million for the third quarter of 2009. The decrease in revenue was primarily a result of price reductions in both the U.S. and Canadian businesses in response to lower fish costs, which offset increased volumes in the U.S. and the benefit to Canadian revenues, as translated to the U.S. dollar, of the strengthening of the Canadian dollar. Consolidated volumes were essentially flat for the third quarter of 2010 as compared to the third quarter of 2009.
     Gross Profit. Gross profit for the third quarter of 2010 increased $0.1 million, or 0.1%, to $52.4 million as compared to gross profit of $52.3 million for the third quarter of 2009. Lower revenues in the third quarter of 2010 were generally offset by lower product costs. While we incurred increased sardine costs due to a lower-than-expected herring catch in the third quarter of 2010, this was offset by higher salmon costs in the third quarter of 2009. Due to the offsetting gross profit variances and no significant change in volumes in the third quarter of 2010 as compared to the third quarter of 2009, gross profit was essentially the same.
     Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses for the third quarter of 2010 decreased $1.0 million, or 3.5% to $26.5 million as compared to $27.4 million for the third quarter of 2009. SG&A expenses were 10.9% of revenue for the third quarter of 2010 as compared to 11.1% for the third quarter of 2009. The decrease was attributable to lower advertising expenses, primarily related to a radio advertising campaign in the third quarter of 2009 which was not repeated in the third quarter of 2010, lower amortization of intangible assets, lower product liability self-insurance expenses and lower professional and consulting expenses, which were partially offset by increased compensation expenses.

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     Restructuring and Other Transition Costs. Restructuring and other transition costs for the third quarter of 2010 of $0.8 million represented costs related to the closure of our sardine cannery located in Prospect Harbor, Maine and expenses related primarily to legal advisory services related to a possible sale or refinancing of the operating businesses. There were no such comparable costs in the third quarter of 2009.
     Net Interest Expense. Net interest expense totaled $7.1 million for the third quarter of 2010 as compared to $11.6 million for the third quarter of 2009, a decrease of $4.5 million. The decrease was a result of decreased debt levels and lower interest rates on debt following the December 2009 refinancing.
     Loss on Prepayment of Debt. In August 2010, we prepaid certain capital leases and other debt. In September 2010, we prepaid $22.0 million of our 7.75% senior secured notes and incurred charges of $2.0 million. These prepayments took place in advance of the scheduled installments and we incurred a loss on the prepayment comprised of the acceleration of the recognition of deferred debt issuance cost charges and debt discount, as well as prepayment premiums. There were no such comparable costs in the third quarter of 2009.
     Other Income, Net. Other income, net of $2.9 million for the third quarter of 2010 included $2.4 million in foreign currency gains, including a $2.0 million unrealized gain on the remeasurement of debt denominated in U.S. dollars on the books of Clover Leaf, as well as gains on the disposal of certain capital assets and income from joint ventures. Other income, net of $3.6 million for the third quarter of 2009, included $3.1 million of foreign currency gains, including unrealized foreign currency gains related to remeasurement of Clover Leaf’s debt that was denominated in U.S. dollars, as well as gains on the disposal of certain assets.
     Net Income. Net income for the third quarter of 2010 was $14.9 million as compared to $12.9 million for the third quarter of 2009. The increase in net income was primarily a result of reduced interest expense, offset, in part, by losses on the prepayment of debt and lower other income, net.
  Nine Months Ended October 2, 2010 Compared to the Nine Months Ended October 3, 2009
                 
    Nine Months Ended  
    October 2,     October 3,  
    2010     2009  
    (in thousands)  
Revenue
  $ 732,225     $ 731,354  
Gross profit
    162,019       141,561  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    79,767       80,328  
Restructuring and other transition costs
    4,472        
Net interest expense
    22,378       36,025  
Loss on prepayment of debt
    2,954        
Other income, net
    2,162       4,977  
Net income
  $ 41,643     $ 22,981  
     Revenue. Revenue for the first nine months of 2010 increased by $0.9 million or 0.1% to $732.2 million as compared to revenue of $731.4 million for the first nine months of 2009. Revenue increases arising from higher volume and the increase in the value of the Canadian dollar, which resulted in the revenue of Clover Leaf increasing when translated to U.S. dollars, were offset in part by lower pricing. Price reductions in both the U.S. and Canadian businesses were taken in response to lower fish costs. U.S. volumes increased by 3.6% in the first nine months of 2010 as compared to the first nine months of 2009, with albacore tuna, lightmeat tuna and clams generating most of the U.S. volume increase. Canadian domestic volumes also increased, while international volumes declined due to weak economies in international markets.
     Gross Profit. Gross profit for the first nine months of 2010 increased $20.5 million, or 14.5%, to $162.0 million as compared to gross profit of $141.6 million for the first nine months of 2009. Cost of sales for the first nine months of 2009 included $8.2 million in non-cash charges arising from the step-up of inventory costs to fair value in connection with the Acquisition. Gross profit for the first nine months of 2010 as compared to gross profit excluding inventory step-up charges for the first nine months of 2009 increased by $12.2 million, or 8.2%. The increase in gross profit, excluding step-up charges, was a result of improved gross margin performance in both the U.S. and Canadian markets. Gross margins improved as a result of lower can and fish costs, and a strengthening of the Canadian dollar, which was partially offset by lower gross profit from international sales due to weak economic conditions. For the U.S., tuna and sardines were the primary contributors to the improvement in gross profit margin for the first nine months of 2010 as compared to the first nine months of 2009. Canadian gross margins improved in the first nine months of 2010 as compared to the first nine months of 2009, and the gross profit contribution from the Canadian business also improved as a result of the increase in the exchange rate used to translate gross profit from the Canadian dollar to the U.S. dollar.

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     Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. SG&A expenses for the first nine months of 2010 decreased $0.6 million, or 0.7%, to $79.8 million as compared to $80.3 million for the first nine months of 2009. SG&A expenses as a percentage of revenue were 10.9% for the first nine months of 2010 as compared to 11.0% for the first nine months of 2009. SG&A expenses for the first nine months of 2010 were lower as a result of lower advertising costs, lower amortization of intangible assets and decreased workers compensation expenses, offset in part by higher compensation expenses, consulting expenses and the effect of the change in foreign exchange rates on the translation of Canadian SG&A expenses. The increased compensation expense was related primarily to increased bonus accruals as a result of improved performance of the business. Increased consulting expenses were related to a special project that is not expected to be repeated. In addition, the increase in the rate of exchange used to translate SG&A expenses of the Canadian business to the U.S. dollar was offset, in part, by a decrease in consumer marketing expenses in Canada.
     Restructuring and Other Transition Costs. Restructuring and other transition costs for the first nine months of 2010 of $4.5 million represented $2.6 million in costs related to plant closures, $1.3 million in contract termination costs, and $0.6 million in expenses related primarily to legal advisory services related to a possible sale or refinancing of the operating businesses. The plant closure costs were primarily related to the closure of our sardine cannery formerly operated in Prospect Harbor, Maine, including severance costs, property impairment charges and other closure preparation costs. We also reduced the accrual related to the maintenance of the former meats processing plant in Augusta, Georgia as we completed the disposal of that former plant by donating it. Substantially all of the costs related to the closures of the Prospect Harbor, Maine and Augusta, Georgia plants were incurred by the end of the third quarter of 2010, and we expect only minimal final expenses related to these plant closures during the balance of 2010. In February 2010, we incurred $1.3 million in costs to terminate a contract with a freight carrier which had unfavorable terms. No such plant closure or contract termination costs were incurred in the first nine months of 2009. In July 2010, we announced that we had hired an investment banking firm to review strategic alternatives, including the possible sale of the operating companies, and we subsequently incurred $0.6 million in expenses related to legal and contracted administrative services in connection with reviewing those alternatives.
     Net Interest Expense. Net interest expense totaled $22.4 million for the first nine months of 2010 as compared to $36.0 million for the first nine months of 2009, a decrease of $13.6 million. The decrease was a result of decreased debt levels and lower interest rates on debt as a result of the December 2009 refinancing.
     Loss on Prepayment of Debt. We prepaid $10.0 million and $6.6 million of our senior secured notes in March and June of 2010, respectively. In August 2010, we prepaid certain capital leases and other debt. In September 2010, we prepaid $22.0 million of our 7.75% senior secured notes and incurred charges of $3.0 million. These prepayments were done in advance of the installment schedules, and we incurred a loss on the extinguishment comprised of the acceleration of the recognition of deferred debt issuance cost charges and debt discount, as well as prepayment premiums.
     Other Income, Net. Other income, net totaled $2.2 million for the first nine months of 2010 as compared to other income, net, of $5.0 million for the first nine months of 2009. Other income, net for the first nine months of 2010 was primarily comprised of foreign exchange gains on the remeasurement of Clover Leaf’s debt denominated in the U.S. dollar.
     Net Income. Net income for the first nine months of 2010 was $41.6 million as compared to $23.0 million for the first nine months of 2009. The increase in net income was a result of improved gross profit and lower interest expense, offset, in part, by charges related to restructuring and other transition costs, losses on debt prepayments, lower foreign currency gains, and higher income taxes. Income taxes increased as a result of increased pre-tax earnings.
Cash Flows, Liquidity and Capital Resources
     Cash totaled $1.9 million at October 2, 2010. Our cash flows from operations, together with borrowings under our senior revolving credit facility, have historically been sufficient to meet our working capital and substantially all of our capital expenditure requirements. Our primary sources of liquidity will be cash flow from operations and borrowings under our senior revolving credit facility. We will also seek to finance our capital expenditures under capital leases or other debt arrangements that provide liquidity or favorable borrowing terms. Based on our current level of operations, we believe our cash flows from operations and available borrowings under our senior revolving credit facility, augmented by ad hoc borrowing for certain capital projects or insurance premiums, will meet our liquidity needs for the foreseeable future and allow for continued reduction in debt levels or distributions to owners, as permitted under our debt agreements.

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Cash Flows from Operating Activities
     Cash provided by operating activities for the first nine months of 2010 was $103.8 million compared to $59.9 million for the first nine months of 2009, an increase of $43.9 million. The increase in operating cash flows was primarily a result of improved earnings and reductions in working capital levels. For the first nine months of 2010, net income, as adjusted to exclude income and expenses not affecting cash (and exclusive of working capital changes) was $70.0 million, as compared to $56.2 million for the first nine months of 2009. Working capital for the first nine months of 2010, excluding the impact of changes occurring as a result of foreign currency translation, decreased by $33.7 million as compared to a decrease in working capital of $6.0 million for the first nine months of 2009. For the first nine months of 2010, the most significant changes to working capital resulted from increased accounts payable, lower inventories, increased accounts receivable, and increased accrued expenses. Accounts payable increased due to the seasonal timing of purchases and settlements. The decrease in inventories occurred as a result of the timing of sales, production and purchasing activity as well as improved supply chain management. Accounts receivable increased as a result of the timing of sales and cash collections. The increase in accrued expenses was primarily a result of increased trade promotions. For the first nine months of 2009, the net decrease in working capital was primarily a result of sales transaction timing and seasonal changes in inventories and accounts payable, as well as an increase in accrued expenses and a decrease in other liabilities. Management does not expect the decrease in working capital that occurred in the first nine months of 2010 to continue, and working capital levels are expected to modestly increase during the fourth quarter.
Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities
     Cash used in investing activities for the first nine months of 2010 totaled $6.4 million compared to $8.8 million for the first nine months of 2009, a decrease of $2.4 million. Cash used in investing activities for the first nine months of 2010 was comprised of $7.6 million in additions to property, plant and equipment partially offset by $0.5 million in proceeds from the sale of assets and approximately $0.8 million in cash receipts from government grants. Cash used in investing activities for the first nine months of 2009 included $9.1 million in additions to property, plant and equipment, and $1.3 million in additional costs incurred related to the Acquisition partially offset by $1.6 million in proceeds from the sale of assets.
Cash Flows Used in Financing Activities
     Cash used in financing activities for the first nine months of 2010 totaled $99.9 million and included $42.5 million in net payments on the senior revolving credit facility, $52.7 million in payments on other debt obligations (including the pre-payment of $16.6 million of the senior term loan and $22.0 million of the 7.75% senior secured notes), cash distributions to owners for partnership tax obligations of $5.4 million, and payment of $2.1 million in debt issuance costs related to the completion of the registration and exchange of registered for non-registered senior secured notes, all of which were partially offset by proceeds from the issuance of debt of $2.8 million. Cash used in financing activities for the first nine months of 2009 totaled $55.1 million and included $37.4 million in net payments on the senior revolving credit facility, $17.2 million in payments on other debt obligations and cash distributions to owners for partnership tax obligations of $3.9 million, all of which were partially offset by proceeds from the issuance of debt of $3.4 million.

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  Contractual Obligations
     The following is a summary of contractual obligations as of October 2, 2010 and for each of the next five years and thereafter (in thousands):
                                                 
    2010                                
    (remaining)     2011     2012     2013     2014     Thereafter  
     
Term loan
  $ 2,375     $ 9,500     $ 7,125     $     $     $  
Revolving credit facility
                      95,012              
Senior secured notes
                                  198,000  
Minimum royalty payments
    752       850       850       850              
Installment notes
    861       1,408                          
Capital lease obligations
    2       5                          
Operating lease obligations
    786       2,656       2,370       2,240       1,431       3,744  
     
 
  $ 4,776     $ 14,419     $ 10,345     $ 98,102     $ 1,431     $ 201,744  
     
  Pension Funding
     We contributed $0.4 million and $0.6 million towards the required minimum funding levels during the three and nine months ended October 2, 2010, respectively, and expect to contribute an estimated additional $0.2 million to defined benefit pension plans during the remainder of 2010.
  Capital Expenditures
     We anticipate incurring a total of approximately $10.0 million to $12.0 million in capital expenditures in 2010, including the $6.9 million incurred during the first nine months of 2010 (net of government loans). We have secured a government sponsored loan for approximately $3.0 million, which will, including interest accrued, be forgiven by the applicable government agency three years after the borrowing takes place if we maintain current employment levels at the location at which the capital projects will take place.
  Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
     We have no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
  Environmental Matters
     We continue to assess the fuel oil damage to the soils and groundwater in an area of our Cape May, New Jersey facility. See Note 12 to our condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere herein.
  Critical Accounting Policies
     There have been no changes to our critical accounting policies as disclosed in our Registration Statement on Form S-4 initially filed with the SEC on May 21, 2010, and declared effective by the SEC on August 16, 2010, except as discussed in the “Recently Adopted Accounting Standards” section of this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
  Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
     Effective January 1, 2010, we adopted Accounting Standards Update 2009-17 (Topic 810) requiring companies to identify the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity as the enterprise that has both the power to direct the activities of a variable interest entity and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the entity that could potentially be significant to the variable interest entity. Further, companies are required to perform on-going reassessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary and eliminate the use of the quantitative approach previously required for determining the primary beneficiary. Currently, we are not the primary beneficiary of any variable interest entity.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
     This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements are based on our management’s beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to us. The use of any words such as “anticipate,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “may,” “might,” “will,” “project,” “should,” “believe,” “intend,” “continue,” “could,” “plan,” “predict” and negatives of these words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In particular, statements about our expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance contained in this report are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on, but not limited to, management’s assessment of such factors as expected consumer demand, resource supply and competitive environment. These assessments could prove inaccurate.

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     We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections. While we believe these expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections are reasonable, such forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our ability to control. These and other important factors, including those discussed in this report under the heading “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Some of the key factors that could cause actual results to differ from our expectations include:
    fluctuations in commodity prices, including wholesale tuna and energy costs;
 
    the competitive environment in the shelf-stable seafood industry;
 
    continued consolidation of our retail customers or the loss of a significant customer;
 
    the decline in the supply of tuna or biomass of wild fish stocks in the fisheries in which we operate or disruption in our ability to procure such biomass;
 
    reduction in revenue due to declining consumption trends;
 
    certain hazards and liability risks associated with canned food products, including the impact of recalls;
 
    uninsured and underinsured losses;
 
    pension plans that are not fully funded;
 
    our exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and variations in interest rates;
 
    changes in U.S. government trade policy;
 
    our exposure to product liability and product safety-related claims;
 
    changes in the laws, rules, regulations and policies with respect to the production, processing, preparation, distribution, packaging and labeling of food products;
 
    our failure to comply with, or adverse changes to, environmental, health and safety regulations;
 
    the actual or perceived health risks posed by methylmercury in seafood products, including tuna;
 
    employment disputes, deterioration of labor relations and our inability to attract and retain qualified employees;
 
    changes in import and export duties, wage rates and political or economic climates in the countries in which we operate;
 
    failure by a supplier or co-packer to fulfill its obligations to supply us with certain products;
 
    general risks of the food industry;
 
    our breach of any of the covenants or other provisions in our debt agreements;
 
    the success of our marketplace initiatives and acceptance by consumers of our products;
 
    risks related to our substantial indebtedness;
 
    downgrades in our credit ratings;
 
    the loss or dilution of important intellectual property rights;
 
    our inability to improve productivity and control or reduce costs;
 
    departure of members of senior management;
 
    the control of our operation by Centre Partners V L.P.;
 
    impact of severe weather, natural disasters and climate change; and
 
    other risks and uncertainties detailed elsewhere in this report.
Given these risks and uncertainties, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this report are made only as of the date hereof. We do not undertake and specifically decline any obligation to update any such statements or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any such statements to reflect future events or developments.

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Item 3. Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures about Market Risk
     For information regarding the company’s exposure to market risk, see the section entitled “Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures about Market Risk” In our Registration Statement on Form S-4 initially filed with the SEC on May 21, 2010, and declared effective by the SEC on August 16, 2010. Refer to the footnote entitled “Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Risk Management” included in the Item 1 of this report for information regarding our use of derivatives to hedge certain financial risks.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
     Management, together with our CEO and CFO, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined by Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the CEO and CFO concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.   Legal Proceedings
     We are a defendant from time to time in lawsuits and disputes arising in the normal course of business. Management believes the ultimate outcome of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
     In 2008, Bumble Bee engaged an environmental consulting firm to investigate a fuel oil leak resulting in contamination of the soil at its Cape May, New Jersey clam packing facility. Our estimate of the cost to remediate the damage related to the oil contamination ranges from approximately $3.6 million. Bumble Bee recorded an estimated cost to remediate the soil contamination in the amount of $1.0 million as of the date of the Acquisition and an additional $2.6 million, with a corresponding increase to goodwill, in the third quarter of 2009 as a result of an updated estimate for a total estimated cost of $3.6 million, which represents our best estimate of cost to remediate the damage. The estimate will be updated upon the completion of further testing of the site and finalization of the remediation plan, and further adjustments to the remediation cost will impact the consolidated statement of operations. The remaining estimated $3.3 million liability is included in “other current liabilities” on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of October 2, 2010. We did not use any discounting convention in the measurement of the liability recorded therein as the timing of the estimated settlement is not fixed or reliably determinable.
     In October 2006, U.S. Customs and Border Control informed Bumble Bee that certain imports of tuna loins were subject to duties at higher rates than claimed by Bumble Bee. Bumble Bee has filed administrative protests locally and a request for additional review at customs headquarters. Counsel has been retained to represent Bumble Bee in its opposition to the assessment of these additional duties. The expected cost to bring the matter to a resolution is not yet determinable given the length of time inherent in the protest process and the complexity of the issues involved.
     Bumble Bee is a party to a consent decree, as amended, with the State of Maine which established, among other requirements, that certain minimum case volumes be produced during each calendar year until the decree expires on December 31, 2010. Bumble Bee achieved the minimum production volume for 2009. In April 2010, Bumble Bee closed its facility in Maine due to significant reductions in the total allowable herring catch. In connection with the closure, the State of Maine waived the production requirement for the remainder of 2010. As such, management considers this matter resolved.
Item 1A.   Risk Factors
There have been no material changes in the risks and uncertainties described in the Risk Factors in our Registration Statement on Form S-4 initially filled with the SEC on May 21, 2010, and declared effective by the SEC on August 16, 2010.
Item 2.   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
None.
Item 3.   Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4.   (Removed and Reserved)
Item 5.   Other Information
None.
Item 6.   Exhibits
The list of exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K to be filed as part of this report is incorporated by reference to the Index to Exhibits following the signatures herein.

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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
         
  CONNORS BROS. HOLDINGS, L.P.
(Registrant)
 
 
  /s/ Christopher Lischewski    
  Christopher Lischewski   
  President and Chief Executive Officer   
 
Date: October 29, 2010

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS
     
Exhibit No.   Description
31.1*
  Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
   
31.2*
  Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
   
32*
  Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Exchange Act and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
*   Filed herewith.

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