1 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 8-K/A CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): March 31, 2000 (October 7, 1998) -------------------------------- THE SCOTTS COMPANY ------------------------------------------------------ (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) OHIO 1-11593 31-1414921 - ---------------------------- ---------------- ------------------- (State or other jurisdiction (Commission File (IRS Employer of incorporation) Number) Identification No.) 41 South High Street, Suite 3500, Columbus, Ohio 43215 ------------------------------------------------------ (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code (614) 719-5500 -------------- NOT APPLICABLE -------------------------------------------------------------- (Former name or former address, if changed since last report.) Index to Exhibits is on Page 26.

2 This Current Report on Form 8-K/A of The Scotts Company (the "Registrant") furnishes the financial statements and the pro forma financial information which were omitted from the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Registrant filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") on October 22, 1998 (the "Registrant's October 1998 Form 8-K") in accordance with Items 7(a)(4) and 7(b)(2) of Form 8-K which allow the Registrant a 60-day extension of the time for the filing of such financial statements and pro forma financial information. The financial statements and pro forma financial information relate to the purchase by Scotts France Holdings SARL and Scotts France SARL, wholly-owned indirect subsidiaries of the Registrant, of all of the outstanding shares of Rhone-Poulenc Jardin SAS from Rhone-Poulenc Agro ("RPA"); Scotts Celaflor GmbH & Co. KG, a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of the Registrant, of all of the outstanding shares of Celaflor GmbH from Rhone-Poulenc Agro Europe GmbH ("RPAEG"); "David" Sechsundfunfzigste Beteiligungs und Verwaltungsgesellschaft GmbH (now known as Scotts Holding GmbH), a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of the Registrant, of all of the outstanding shares of Celaflor Handelsgesellschaft m.b.H.; and Scotts Belgium 2 B.V.B.A., a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of the Registrant, from Rhone-Poulenc Agro S.A. ("RPA S.A.") of the home and garden business of RPA S.A. in Belgium and the assets related thereto (collectively, the "RPJ Acquisition"), as described in Item 2 of the Registrant's October 1998 Form 8-K. Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits. - ------------------------------------------------ (a) Financial Statements of Businesses Acquired: -------------------------------------------- Please see Index to Financial Statements and Pro Forma Financial Information at page 5. (b) Pro Forma Financial Information: -------------------------------- Please see Index to Financial Statements and Pro Forma Financial Information at page 5. (c) Exhibits: --------- The following documents were filed as exhibits to the Registrant's October 1998 Form 8-K: Exhibit No. Description ----------- ----------- 2 Master Contract, dated September 30, 1998, by and between Rhone-Poulenc Agro; The Scotts Company; Scotts Celaflor GmbH & Co. K.G.; "David" Sechsundfunfzigste Beteiligungs und Verwaltungsgesellschaft GmbH; Rhone-Poulenc Agro Europe GmbH; Scotts France Holdings S.A.R.L.; Scotts France S.A.R.L.; and Scotts Belgium 2 B.V.B.A. (the "Master Contract") 23 Consent of Independent Accountants 99 Press Release issued October 7, 1998 Schedules to the Master Contract were not filed. A list of the omitted Schedules was attached to the Master Contract briefly identifying their content. The Registrant agreed, and hereby agrees, to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted Schedule to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon its request. 2

3 The following document is being filed as an additional exhibit to this Current Report on Form 8-K/A: Exhibit No. Description ----------- ----------- 23 Consent of Independent Accountants 3

4 SIGNATURES ---------- Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. THE SCOTTS COMPANY Date: June 9, 2000 By: /s/ Christopher L. Nagel ------------------------------------- Christopher L. Nagel Vice President and Principal Accounting Officer 4

5 INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ----------------------------- Page(s) ------- Item 7(a) Financial Statements of Businesses Acquired: - ------------------------------------------------------ Report of Independent Accountants 6 Rhone-Poulenc Jardin Combined Balance Sheets 7 as of December 31, 1997, September 30, 1998 and September 30, 1997 (in thousands of French Francs) Rhone-Poulenc Jardin Combined Statements of 8 of Operations for the year ended December 31, 1997 and the nine months ended September 30, 1998 and September 30, 1997 (in thousands of French Francs) Rhone-Poulenc Jardin Combined Statements of 9 Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 1997 and the nine months ended September 30, 1998 and September 30, 1997 (in thousands of French Francs) Rhone-Poulenc Jardin Combined Statements of 10 Divisional Equity for the year ended December 31, 1997 and the nine months ended September 30, 1998 and September 30, 1997 (in thousands of French Francs) Rhone-Poulenc Jardin Notes to Combined 11-20 Financial Statements Item 7(b) Pro Forma Financial Information: - ------------------------------------------ The Scotts Company Unaudited Pro Forma 21 Combined Financial Information The Scotts Company Unaudited Pro Forma 22 Combined Statement of Operations for the twelve months ended September 30, 1998 (in millions) The Scotts Company Notes to the Unaudited 23 Pro Forma Combined Statement of Operations (in millions) The Scotts Company Unaudited Pro Forma 24 Combined Balance Sheet as of September 30, 1998 (in millions) The Scotts Company Notes to the Unaudited 25 Pro Forma Combined Balance Sheet (in millions) 5

6 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS To the Board of Directors and Shareholders Rhone-Poulenc Jardin We have audited the accompanying combined balance sheet of Rhone-Poulenc Jardin, a business line of Rhone-Poulenc Agro, as of December 31, 1997, and the related combined statements of operations, divisional equity, and cash flows for the year then ended. These historical combined financial statements are derived from the historical financial statements of Rhone-Poulenc Jardin SA, Celaflor GmbH and Celaflor Handelsgesellschaft. Non-operating transactions with Rhone-Poulenc Group Companies have been omitted. These combined financial statements are the responsibility of Rhone-Poulenc Jardin's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these combined financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with United States generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, based on our audit, the combined financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the combined financial position of Rhone-Poulenc Jardin as of December 31, 1997, and the combined results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles. Coopers & Lybrand Audit Lyons, France September 11, 1998 6

7 Item 7(a) Financial Statements of Businesses Acquired ------------------------------------------- RHONE-POULENC JARDIN COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1997, SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 (in thousands of French Francs) September 30, September 30, ASSETS December 31, 1998 1997 1997 (unaudited) (unaudited) ------------ ----------- ----------- Cash 780 1,703 6,156 Cash pool amounts due from affiliates 142,189 191,147 138,304 Marketable securities 525 0 480 Trade accounts receivable, net 201,464 92,186 86,334 Receivable from Rhone-Poulenc Group companies 2,089 2,437 1,986 Inventories, net 179,662 165,555 164,544 Deferred tax asset 8,116 23,808 10,456 Other current assets 38,546 32,688 39,081 --------- -------- -------- Total current assets 573,371 509,524 447,341 Property, plant and equipment, net 26,810 24,642 26,753 Intangible assets, net 471,779 459,659 476,232 Deferred tax assets 21,200 4,667 26,860 Other assets 8,021 7,778 7,235 --------- -------- -------- Total assets 1,101,181 1,006,270 984,421 LIABILITIES AND DIVISIONAL EQUITY Current liabilities 179,379 13,916 55,896 Cash pool amounts due to affiliates 94,808 136,096 168,781 Trade accounts payable 114,595 115,187 75,996 Payable to Rhone-Poulenc Group companies 6,618 11,141 6,417 Other current liabilities 54,985 67,002 35,667 --------- -------- -------- Total current liabilities 450,385 343,342 342,757 Deferred tax liability 48,556 51,601 48,647 Accrued pension liability 51,869 58,183 51,427 Other provisions and long-term liabilities 19,242 19,935 15,861 --------- -------- -------- Total liabilities 570,052 473,061 458,692 Commitments and contingent liabilities Divisional equity 536,186 537,616 529,620 Cumulative foreign translation adjustment (5,057) (4,407) (3,891) --------- -------- -------- Total divisional equity 531,129 533,209 525,729 --------- -------- -------- Total liabilities and divisional equity 1,101,181 1,006,270 984,421 ========= ======== ======== The accompanying notes are an integral part of the combined financial statements. 7

8 RHONE-POULENC JARDIN COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 (in thousands of French Francs) Nine Months ended Nine Months ended Year ended September 30, September 30, December 31, 1998 1997 1997 (unaudited) (unaudited) -------- -------- --------- Net sales 824,357 670,521 633,686 Cost of sales 426,466 352,509 328,979 -------- -------- --------- Gross profit 397,891 318,012 304,707 Selling, general and administrative expenses 292,196 239,124 217,035 Research and development expenses 15,571 13,111 10,600 Amortization of intangibles 13,996 10,487 10,501 Restructuring expenses 2,044 8,977 456 -------- -------- --------- Income from operations 74,084 46,313 66,115 Interest expense, net 4,033 485 3,327 Net foreign currency transaction gains (52) (97) 7 Other expense, net 2,450 2,293 2,005 -------- -------- --------- Income before income taxes 67,653 43,632 60,776 Income taxes 33,386 23,052 22,802 -------- -------- --------- Net income 34,267 20,580 37,974 ======== ======== ========= The accompanying notes are an integral part of the combined financial statements. 8

9 RHONE-POULENC JARDIN COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 (in thousands of French Francs) Nine Months ended Nine Months ended Year ended September 30, September 30, December 31, 1998 1997 1997 (unaudited) (unaudited) -------- --------- --------- CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income 34,267 20,580 37,974 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities Depreciation and amortization 24,804 20,803 18,481 Change in reserve for inventory 514 (503) (3,303) Change in allowance for doubtful accounts (164) 590 121 Changes in long-term provisions 12,371 6,522 8,519 Deferred income taxes 30,312 3,779 20,157 Loss on sales of property, plant and equipment 4 43 4 Increase/decrease in operating assets and liabilities: (Increase) decrease in trade accounts receivable (4,069) 108,688 110,776 (Increase) in receivable from affiliates (1,962) (348) (1,859) Decrease in inventories 17,945 14,610 36,880 (Increase) decrease in other current assets (5,572) 5,858 (6,933) Increase (decrease) in trade accounts payable 17,491 592 (21,108) Increase (decrease) in payable to Rhone-Poulenc Group companies (5,333) 4,523 (5,534) Increase in other current liabilities 19,780 12,017 462 -------- --------- --------- NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES 140,388 197,754 194,637 -------- --------- --------- CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Acquisitions of marketable securities (52) 0 0 Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment (4,048) (3,487) (2,019) Acquisitions of intangible assets (5,109) (2,302) (4,571) Proceeds from sales of marketable securities 0 525 2 Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment 18 84 18 Proceeds from sale of investment in Rhone-Poulenc Group companies 41,407 0 0 Disbursement for loans (3,574) (200) (1,736) Reimbursements of loans 1,730 1,286 1,333 Reimbursement of French value added taxes 570 288 570 -------- --------- --------- NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES 30,942 (3,806) (6,403) -------- --------- --------- CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings 7,042 (165,463) (116,441) Decrease in cash pool amounts due to affiliates (92,144) 41,288 (18,171) Increase in cash pool amounts due from affiliates (52,009) (48,958) (48,124) Dividends paid (24,616) (10,650) 0 Withholding tax paid on dividends (9,049) (8,500) 0 -------- --------- --------- NET CASH (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES (170,776) (192,283) (182,736) -------- --------- --------- Net effect of exchange rate changes on cash (1,013) (742) (581) -------- --------- --------- NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH (459) 923 4,917 Cash, beginning of period 1,239 780 1,239 -------- --------- --------- CASH, END OF PERIOD 780 1,703 6,156 ======== ========= ========= The accompanying notes are an integral part of the combined financial statements. 9

10 RHONE-POULENC JARDIN COMBINED STATEMENTS OF DIVISIONAL EQUITY FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 (in thousands of French Francs) Cumulative Foreign Divisional Translation Equity Adjustment Total ---------- ----------- ----- Year ended December 31, 1997 Balance as of December 31, 1996 535,376 (2,739) 532,637 Net income 34,267 0 34,267 Dividends paid (33,457) 0 (33,457) Change in foreign translation adjustment 0 (2,318) (2,318) ------- ----- ------- Balance as of December 31, 1997 536,186 (5,057) 531,129 Nine months ended September 30, 1998 (unaudited) Net income for nine month period (unaudited) 20,580 0 20,580 Dividends paid (unaudited) (19,150) 0 (19,150) Change in foreign translation adjustment (unaudited) 0 650 650 ------- ----- ------- Balance as of September 30, 1998 (unaudited) 537,616 (4,407) 533,209 ======= ===== ======= The accompanying notes are an integral part of the combined financial statements. 10

11 RHONE-POULENC JARDIN NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (All amounts are in thousands of French Francs unless otherwise noted) 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES BASIS OF COMBINATION The combined financial statements of Rhone-Poulenc Jardin (the "Division") include the "carve-out" financial position, results of operations and cash flows of Rhone-Poulenc Jardin SA, Celaflor GmbH and Celaflor Handelsgesellschaft. These financial statements have been prepared as if the Division had operated as a stand-alone entity for the period presented, and include those assets, liabilities, and revenues and expenses directly attributable to the Division's operations. Non operating transactions with Rhone-Poulenc Group companies, outside the Division, have been omitted. All significant intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation. NATURE OF OPERATIONS The Division is in the lawn and garden care business. The Division's principal markets are in France, Germany and Austria. INVENTORIES Inventories are stated at average cost. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Maintenance costs are charged to operations as incurred. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives, as follows: Buildings 20 years Office furniture and equipment 10 years Machinery and equipment 8 years Upon sale or retirement of property, plant and equipment, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is reflected in the statement of operations. 11

12 INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL Intangible assets are recorded at cost. Amortization is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives as follows: Goodwill 40 years Patents, licenses and trademarks 8 years Software 5 years The Division investigates potential impairments of intangible assets on an exception basis where there is evidence that events or changes in circumstances have made recovery of an asset's carrying value unlikely. An impairment loss is recognized when the sum of the expected future net cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset. DEFERRED INCOME TAXES The Division recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount "more likely than not" to be realized in future tax returns. REVENUE RECOGNITION Revenue from products is recognized when the products are shipped. TRANSLATION OF FOREIGN CURRENCIES The translation of the financial statements has been completed as follows: - - assets and liabilities are translated at year-end exchange rates; - - shareholders' equity is translated at historical exchange rates; - - statement of operations items are translated at average exchange rates for the year; - - translation gains and losses are recorded in a separate component of shareholders' equity. EARNINGS PER SHARE As there is no separate capitalization, nor are there any shares of stock specifically attributable to the Division upon which an earnings per share calculation can be based, earnings per share data is not presented in the accompanying combined financial statements. MANAGEMENT'S USE OF ESTIMATES The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. 12

13 2. CASH POOL DUE FROM OR TO AFFILIATES Rhone-Poulenc Jardin SA and Celaflor GmbH have cash pooling arrangements with the Rhone-Poulenc Group. Debit balances with the Rhone-Poulenc Group are liquid and readily convertible. Detail of the cash pool amount is as follows: September 30, September 30, December 31, 1998 1997 1997 (unaudited) (unaudited) ------------ ------------- ------------- Celaflor GmbH cash pool with Rhone-Poulenc Deutschland GmbH, debit balance 142,189 191,147 138,304 Rhone-Poulenc Jardin SA cash pool with Rhone- Poulenc Agro SA, credit balance (94,808) (136,096) (168,781) ------ -------- ---------- Total cash pool 47,381 55,051 (30,477) ====== ======== ========== Details of the cash pooling agreements are as follows: - - Celaflor GmbH has a cash pooling agreement with Rhone-Poulenc Deutschland GmbH whereby Celaflor GmbH will advance funds to Rhone-Poulenc Deutschland GmbH as necessary up to the amount available at Celaflor GmbH. Interest accrues on the outstanding balance at the average monthly FIBOR rate (3.45% at December 31, 1997, September 30, 1998 and September 30, 1997). - - Rhone-Poulenc Jardin SA has a cash pooling agreement with Rhone-Poulenc Agro SA whereby Rhone-Poulenc Agro SA will advance funds to Rhone-Poulenc Jardin SA as necessary up to the amount available at Rhone-Poulenc Agro SA. Interest accrues on the outstanding balance at the TJJ daily rate + 0.1% (3.475% at December 31, 1997, and September 30, 1998 and 3.29% at September 30, 1997). Interest paid or received for the period is as follows: Nine months ended Nine months ended Year ended September 30, September 30, December 31, 1998 1997 1997 (unaudited) (unaudited) ------------ ------------------ ----------------- Interest received by Celaflor GmbH from Rhone-Poulenc Deutschland GmbH 3,296 3,692 2,259 Interest paid by Rhone-Poulenc Jardin SA to Rhone-Poulenc Agro SA 7,590 3,869 5,738 3. TRADE ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, NET Trade accounts receivable, net consist of the following components: September 30, September 30, December 31, 1998 1997 1997 (unaudited) (unaudited) ------------ ------------- ------------- Trade accounts receivable 210,617 101,929 95,772 Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts (9,153) (9,743) (9,438) ------- ------- ------ Trade accounts receivable, net 201,464 92,186 86,334 ======= ======= ====== 4. INVENTORIES Inventories consist of the following components: September 30, September 30, December 31, 1998 1997 1997 (unaudited) (unaudited) ------------ ------------- ------------- Raw materials 46,488 51,922 51,414 Work in progress 12,821 6,691 5,605 Finished goods 127,505 113,591 110,860 ------- ------- ------- 186,814 172,204 167,879 Less: Provisions (7,152) (6,649) (3,335) ------- ------- ------- Total inventories, net 179,662 165,555 164,544 ======= ======= ======= 13

14 5. OTHER CURRENT ASSETS Other current assets consist of the following components: September 30, September 30, December 31, 1998 1997 1997 (unaudited) (unaudited) ------------ ------------- ------------- Receivable from the state 27,482 25,439 25,799 Prepaid expenses 7,483 2,347 9,535 Other 3,581 4,902 3,747 ------ ------ ------ Total other current assets 38,546 32,688 39,081 ====== ====== ====== 6. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Property, plant and equipment consist of the following: September 30, September 30, December 31, 1998 1997 1997 (unaudited) (unaudited) ------------ ------------- ------------- Land 2,550 2,550 2,550 Buildings 28,420 31,081 28,420 Machinery and equipment 43,377 42,793 40,977 Office furniture and equipment 15,618 16,396 17,653 Construction in progress 1,656 737 92 ------- ------- ------- 91,621 93,557 89,692 Less: Accumulated depreciation (64,811) (68,915) (62,939) ------- ------- ------- Total property, plant and equipment, net 26,810 24,642 26,753 ======= ======= ======= Depreciation expense was FF 7,587 thousand during the year ended December 31, 1997, FF 5,529 thousand during the nine months ended September 30, 1998 and FF 4,438 thousand during the nine months ended September 30, 1997. 14

15 7. INTANGIBLE ASSETS Intangible assets consist of the following: September 30, September 30, December 31, 1998 1997 1997 (unaudited) (unaudited) ------------ ------------- ------------- Rhone-Poulenc Jardin (former SOVILO) goodwill 342,790 342,790 342,790 Celaflor GmbH goodwill 205,510 205,964 206,308 Other goodwills 2,949 2,955 2,959 Software 12,360 13,800 11,864 Patents, licenses and trademarks 11,881 11,892 11,871 -------- -------- ------- 575,490 577,401 575,792 Less: Accumulated amortization (103,711) (117,742) (99,560) -------- -------- ------- Total intangible assets, net 471,779 459,659 476,232 ======== ======== ======= In 1991, Rhone-Poulenc Jardin SA acquired goodwill of FF 342,790 thousand in connection with the purchase of the Sovilo Company. Accumulated amortization was FF 63,000 thousand at December 31, 1997. In 1991, Celaflor GmbH was purchased by Rhone-Poulenc. The corresponding consolidation goodwill amounts to FF 205,510 thousand. Accumulated amortization was FF 34,250 thousand at December 31, 1997, FF 38,007 thousand at September 30, 1998 and FF 33,154 thousand at September 30, 1997. Most of this goodwill amortization is deductible for tax purposes at the German level (useful life of 15 years for tax purposes). 8. CURRENT LIABILITIES Current liabilities consist of the following: September 30, September 30, December 31, 1998 1997 1997 (unaudited) (unaudited) ------------ ------------- ------------- Short term borrowings 12,075 13,916 6,143 Other short term borrowings 167,304 0 49,753 ------- ------ ------ 179,379 13,916 55,896 ======= ====== ====== Short term borrowings consist of bank overdrafts and various lines of credit, with initial maturity of less than three months. Rhone-Poulenc Jardin SA's parent company has an arrangement with its financial institutions which allows the parent company and its subsidiaries to borrow up to FF 150,000 thousand. Rhone-Poulenc Jardin has amounts outstanding under this agreement of FF 11,459 thousand at December 31, 1997; FF 13,916 thousand at September 30, 1998; and FF 6,143 thousand at September 30, 1997. Interest accrues at TMP +0.4%. Celaflor GmbH has line of credit agreements with its financial institutions which allow Celaflor GmbH to borrow up to FF 10,000 thousand. At December 31, 1997 and September 30, 1998 and 1997, there were no borrowings under these agreements. Interest accrues at rates between 5.75% and 7.0%. At December 31, 1997, Celaflor GmbH had a bank overdraft of FF 616 thousand. Other short term borrowings represent the amounts lent by the BNP bank as a consequence of the sale of receivables described in Note 11. 9. OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES Other current liabilities consist of the following: September 30, September 30, December 31, 1998 1997 1997 (unaudited) (unaudited) ------------ ------------- ------------- Accrued salaries and benefits 18,461 25,054 20,229 Amounts payable to state 15,406 27,075 5,806 Restructuring provision 842 7,309 218 Other 20,276 7,564 9,414 ------ ------ ------ Total intangible assets, net 54,985 67,002 35,667 ====== ====== ====== 15

16 10. LEASES The Division leases certain office and research facilities, computer services and vehicles under operating leases. Total rental expense for the year ended December 31, 1997 was approximately FF 3,023 thousand. Total rental expense for the nine months ended September 30, 1998 and September 30, 1997 was approximately FF 1,047 thousand and FF 2,267 thousand, respectively. Future minimum lease payments are as follows: December 31, 1997 ------------ 1998 2,873 1999 501 2000 376 2001 151 2002 - ----- 3,901 ===== 11. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES The Division has a number of commitments and contingencies including operating leases as described in Note 10. In addition, Rhone-Poulenc Jardin SA has, from time to time, sold selected accounts receivable to a bank. The company has not recognized this transaction as a sale because the transaction does not meet all the conditions for surrendering control over the transferred assets. The amount of receivables sold was FF 167,304 thousand and FF 49,753 thousand at December 31, 1997 and September 30, 1997. There were no receivables sold as of September 30, 1998. The sale of receivables is made in compliance with French law No 81-1 dated January 2, 1981 (also called "Loi Dailly"). Rhone-Poulenc Jardin SA has signed a contract with BNP on March 24, 1997, whereby both parties agree that Rhone-Poulenc Jardin SA can sell a selected list of trade receivables to the bank. The bank credits Rhone-Poulenc Jardin SA's bank accounts with the cash corresponding to the amount of receivables sold. Rhone-Poulenc Jardin SA is entitled by the bank to collect the receivables on its behalf and releases the cash collected to the bank on a date specified in the contract. As regards trade receivables that turn out to be doubtful, the bank has a recourse limited to 10% of the total list of receivables sold where the doubtful ones are included in. The Division is also involved in various lawsuits, claims and regulatory proceedings incidental to its business. Celaflor GmbH and Celaflor Handelsgesellschaft are currently involved in litigation related to a defective product. The product is an oil evaporator against insects which is manufactured by the supplier Perrycut Chemie AG. It was discovered in 1997 that the evaporator is corroded by the oil and both the evaporator and the oil cannot be used after corrosion. No harm to the public or damage to the environment has occurred. An examination of the product has been conducted by a testing institute which concluded that the design and manufacture of the product were faulty. The companies are in the process of negotiating with Perrycut Chemie AG in order to have them indemnify the companies for the evaporators held in inventory and for possible costs of products returned by the distributors. As of December 31, 1997, no provision has been recorded by the companies. It is the opinion of the Division's legal counsel and management that the ultimate resolution of the various lawsuits, claims and regulatory proceedings incidental to Rhone-Poulenc Jardin's business, including the specific litigation described above, will not have a material adverse effect on the Division's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. 12. RESTRUCTURING The following is a rollforward table of the Division's restructuring charges: Balance December 31, 1996 Year ended December 31, 1997 9 months ended September 30, 1998 ------------ ---------------------------- --------------------------------- Charge Payment Balance Charge Payment Balance ------ ------- ------- ------ ------- ------- Severance costs 1,100 1,421 (2,221) 300 7,314 (1,814) 5,800 Early retirement 249 623 (330) 542 1,663 (696) 1,509 ----- ----- ------ --- ----- ------ ----- Total 1,349 2,044 (2,551) 842 8,977 (2,510) 7,309 ===== ===== ====== === ===== ====== ===== The provision as of December 31, 1997 is mainly made of the costs for one employee made redundant in France and several early-retired employees in Germany. The restructuring provision recorded in the nine months ended September 30, 1998 is mainly made up of termination costs for 15 salesmen of Rhone-Poulenc Jardin SA (FF 5,800 thousand) who are laid off as part of a reorganization plan of the salesforce. The remaining part of the restructuring provision corresponds to early retirement costs for three sales employees of Celaflor GmbH. 13. INTEREST EXPENSE, NET Nine months ended Nine months ended Year ended September 30, September 30, December 31, 1998 1997 1997 (unaudited) (unaudited) ------------ ----------------- ----------------- Interest income (3,805) (3,999) (2,595) Interest expense 7,838 4,484 5,922 ------ ------ ------ Interest expense, net 4,033 485 3,327 ====== ====== ====== 16

17 14. INCOME TAXES Nine months ended Nine months ended Year ended September 30, September 30, December 31, 1998 1997 1997 (unaudited) (unaudited) ------------ ----------------- ----------------- Current income tax provision 3,074 19,273 2,645 Deferred income tax provision 30,312 3,779 20,157 ------ ------- ------- Total 33,386 23,052 22,802 ====== ======= ======= Deferred income taxes: Deferred income taxes reflect the impact of temporary differences between the amounts of assets and liabilities reported for financial reporting purposes and such amounts measured in accordance with tax laws. The tax effect of temporary differences which give rise to significant deferred tax assets (liabilities) is as follows: December 31, 1997 ------------ Net current deferred tax asset: Net operating loss carry forwards 3,884 Compensate absences 1,774 Provisions not currently deductible for tax purposes 1,688 Other, net 770 ------- Total net current deferred tax asset 8,116 Net long term deferred tax asset: Net operating loss carryforwards 18,290 Pension liability not currently deductible for tax purposes 3,172 Other, net (262) ------- Total net long term deferred tax asset 21,200 Net long term deferred tax liability: Celaflor GmbH goodwill depreciation (52,016) Pension liability not currently deductible for tax purposes 3,460 ------- Total net long term deferred tax liability (48,556) Net operating loss carryforwards of FF 60,420 thousand as of December 31, 1997 are available at Rhone-Poulenc Jardin SA. Realization of these assets is contingent on future taxable earnings. Tax loss carryforwards in the amount of FF 10,497 thousand will expire in 1998 whereas FF 49,923 thousand do not have expiration dates. In accordance with SFAS 109, the Division has evaluated the recoverability of the deferred tax assets and determined there was no need to record a valuation allowance. Management believes that future revenues will provide sufficient future income to realize the deferred tax assets. 17

18 Effective tax rate The difference between the Division's income tax expense and that which would be calculated using the statutory income tax rate of 41.66% on income is as follows: Year ended December 31, 1997 ----------------- Tax at statutory rate 28,191 Effect of tax rate differences 3,867 Goodwill amortization not tax deductible 3,778 Changes in tax rates (1,972) Miscellaneous other (478) ------ Effective tax 33,386 ====== 15. DIVIDENDS In 1997, Celaflor GmbH declared and paid a cash dividend of FF 33,457 thousand to Rhone-Poulenc Agro Holding GmbH. In conjunction with this dividend, there was a withholding tax in the amount of FF 9,033 thousand. In 1998, Celaflor GmbH and Celaflor Handelsgesellschaft declared and paid cash dividends of FF 8,887 and FF 1,763 thousand, respectively, to Rhone-Poulenc Agro Holding GmbH. In conjunction with this dividend, there was a withholding tax in the amount of FF 8,500 thousand. These dividends have been eliminated in the combined financial statements. 16. SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION Interest and income taxes paid are as follows: Nine months ended Nine months ended Year ended September 30, September 30, December 31, 1998 1997 1997 (unaudited) (unaudited) ------------ ----------------- ----------------- Interest paid 7,762 4,475 5,874 Income taxes paid 1,867 1,470 1,775 17. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN The Division has pension plans which cover all of its employees. The plans are defined benefit plans and provide pension benefits for employees at their retirement. The following table sets forth the plans' funded status and amounts recognized in the Division's combined financial statements at December 31, 1997: December 31, 1997 ------------ Actuarial present value of benefit obligations: Vested benefit obligation 34,236 ====== Accumulated benefit obligation 42,989 ====== Projected benefit obligation 52,751 Plan assets at fair value 0 ------ Projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets 52,751 Unrecognized prior service costs (4,434) Unrecognized net gain 3,588 Adjustment required to recognize minimum liability 51 ------ Accrued pension liability 51,956 ====== Net pension cost for the year ended December 31, 1997 included the following components: Service cost 2,521 Interest cost 3,600 Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost 481 Amortization of unrecognized net loss 53 ------ Net periodic pension cost 6,655 ====== 18

19 The projected benefit obligation was determined using an assumed discount rate ranging between 6.25% and 7.50% and an assumed compensation rate ranging between 3.00% and 4.50%. 18. STOCK OPTION PLAN Rhone-Poulenc Jardin directors and key executive were offered stock options in 1994, 1996 and 1998 under the terms of a stock option plan that permits the company to grant options for up to 5% of Rhone-Poulenc Jardin SA's outstanding shares, or 18,000 shares. The arrangement provides that the beneficiaries have a put option to sell the shares back to Rhone-Poulenc Jardin at a price based on the option exercise price and the company's market price at that date of the sale back. The exercise price of each option equals the market price of the company's stock on the date of the grant. The options maximum term is 10 years. Options are vested after a four-year service period. The liability incurred by the company and corresponding to the put option (award settlement in cash) is measured each period based on the update of the stock buy back formula price. The effects of changes in this formula price, due to changes in the company's stock market price, are recognized as compensation cost over the service period. Changes in the amount of the liability due to stock market price changes after the service period are recognized as compensation cost in the period the changes occur. The following table details the options that have been granted and the related compensation cost for the year and cumulative compensation as of December 31, 1997. TOTAL CUMULATIVE EXERCISE CUMULATIVE COMPENSATIONS COMPENSATION NUMBER OF PRICE COMPENSATION AS ACCRUED AS OF EXPENSE FOR OPTIONS GRANTED (IN FF) OF DEC 31, 1997 DEC 31, 1997 THE YEAR --------------- ------- --------------- ------------ ------------ 1994 900 632 404 303 182 1996 950 587 437 182 132 --- --- --- --- Total 1,850 841 485 314 Under the plan terms, if Rhone-Poulenc Jardin's parent company (Rhone-Poulenc Agro SA) disinvests its shares in Rhone-Poulenc Jardin SA, the selling price of the shares held at that date by the directors and key executives will be the highest of the selling price as per the plan or the purchase price paid by the acquirer. Cumulative compensation accrued is less than the total cumulative compensation as of December 31, 1997 because a portion of the total compensation has not yet been earned due to vesting provisions of the options. 19. TRANSACTIONS WITH RHONE-POULENC GROUP COMPANIES The Rhone-Poulenc Jardin Division companies entered into various business transactions with Rhone-Poulenc Group companies mainly comprising of sales and purchases of active ingredients and finished goods. The combined financial statements do not include any expenses allocated by the Parent. However, the combined financial statements do include actual costs incurred by the Parent on behalf of Rhone-Poulenc Jardin SA (mainly salaries of employees). They result in a receivable from Rhone-Poulenc Group companies amounting to FF 2,089 thousand (of which FF 1,157 thousand receivable by Rhone-Poulenc Jardin SA from Rhone-Poulenc Agro Belgium) and a payable to Rhone-Poulenc Group companies amounting to FF 6,618 thousand (of which FF 6,592 thousand payable by Rhone-Poulenc Jardin SA to Rhone-Poulenc Agro SA). As at September 30, 1998, they result in a receivable from Rhone-Poulenc Group companies amounting to FF 2,437 thousand (of which FF 867 thousand receivable by Celaflor GmbH from Rhone-Poulenc Rhodic SA and FF 618 thousand receivable by Rhone-Poulenc Jardin SA from Rhone-Poulenc Agro Belgium) and in a payable to Rhone-Poulenc Group companies amounting to FF 11,141 thousand (of which FF 7,973 thousand payable by Rhone-Poulenc Jardin SA to Rhone-Poulenc Agro SA). As at September 30, 1997, they result in a receivable from Rhone-Poulenc Group companies amounting to FF 1,986 thousand (of which FF 1,110 thousand receivable by Rhone-Poulenc Jardin SA from Rhone-Poulenc Agro SA and FF 541 thousand receivable by Celaflor GmbH from Rhone-Poulenc Agro SA) and in a payable to Rhone-Poulenc Group companies amounting to FF 6,417 thousand (of which FF 6,069 thousand payable by Rhone-Poulenc Jardin SA to Rhone-Poulenc Agro SA). These financial statements do not include a FF 34,755 thousand gain realized in December 1997 by Celaflor GmbH on the sale of the Celaflor Handelsgesellschaft shares. These shares have been sold to a Rhone-Poulenc affiliate, Rhone-Poulenc Agro Holding GmbH. This amount has not been included in the financial statements as the parties to the transaction are under common control. 19

20 20. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS i) LITIGATIONS At December 31, 1997, Celaflor GmbH and Celaflor Handelsgesellschaft were involved in litigation related to a defective product as described in Footnote 11. During 1998, based on more current information, the companies have estimated their maximum liability to be FF 3,100 thousand. In December 1997, the Company received an expert report concluding the supplier, Perrycut Chemie AG, was responsible for the defective product. Celaflor GmbH filed claim for damaged inventory on hand and for possible costs of products returned by their distributors. In January 1998, Perrycut Chemie AG hired another expert who sited unfavorable conclusions against Celaflor GmbH. In February 1998, a third independent expert concluded Perrycut Chemie AG was responsible for the defective product. Finally, in March 1998, a settlement was reached whereby both parties agreed to bear half the costs for damaged and returned products. Based on this, a provision of FF 3,100,000 was recorded in the combined balance sheet in 1998. ii) STOCK OPTION PLAN In March 1997, the company offered 1,300 additional stock options to its directors and key executives at an exercise price of FF 1,214. In spring-summer 1998, the Rhone-Poulenc Jardin's parent company entered into discussions with a potential acquirer. Based on the selling price of the company's stock agreed upon by the two parties, and total options granted in 1994, 1996 and 1998 the total cumulative compensation would amount to FF 2,142 thousand. 20

21 Item 7(b) Pro Forma Financial Information: -------------------------------- THE SCOTTS COMPANY UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION The accompanying unaudited pro forma combined financial information gives effect to the acquisition of Rhone-Poulenc Jardin ("RPJ") by The Scotts Company (the "Company") which occurred on October 7, 1998. RPJ includes the assets and liabilities of Rhone-Poulenc Jardin SA, Celaflor GmbH and Celaflor Handelsgesellschaft. The initial estimated purchase price was approximately $193 million, however subsequent adjustments for reductions in acquired working capital resulted in a final purchase price of approximately $147 million. In consideration for the acquired businesses, the Company issued non-interest bearing notes with a present value of approximately $12.5 million to the seller. The remaining purchase price was paid to the seller from funds borrowed under the Company's revolving credit facility. In connection with the acquisition, the Company entered into a Research and Development Access Rights Agreement with Rhone-Poulenc. In exchange for the rights provided under the agreement, the Company will make four annual payments of 39 million French Francs each beginning on October 1, 1999 (the present value of the payments is approximately $23.2 million). The historical financial statements of RPJ were prepared in French francs and translated to U.S. dollars for inclusion in the unaudited pro forma combined statement of operations and balance sheet. The unaudited pro forma combined statement of operations for the twelve months ended September 30, 1998 gives effect to the acquisition of RPJ as if it had occurred on October 1, 1997. The financial data for RPJ included in the pro forma combined statement of operations is based on the unaudited results for the twelve months ended September 30, 1998. The results of operations for RPJ are not included in the Company's historical results for the year ended September 30, 1998. The unaudited pro forma combined balance sheet as of September 30, 1998 gives effect to the acquisition of RPJ as if it had occurred on that date. The adjustments, which are based on available information and upon certain assumptions which management believes are reasonable, are described in the accompanying notes. The pro forma combined financial information does not purport to represent what the financial position or results of operations of the Company actually would have been had the acquisition of RPJ occurred on the assumed dates or to project the financial position or results of operations of the Company for any future period or date. 21

22 THE SCOTTS COMPANY UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 (in millions) Scotts RPJ (a) Adjustments Pro forma ------ ------- ----------- --------- Sales $1,113.0 $144.3 $1,257.3 Cost of sales 715.0 75.4 790.4 ------- ------ ------ Gross profit 398.0 68.9 466.9 Selling, general and administrative expenses 271.6 55.7 327.3 Amortization of goodwill and other intangibles 12.9 2.3 2.0(b) 18.7 1.5(c) Restructuring and other charges 15.4 1.8 17.2 Other expense 4.0 0.4 4.4 ------- ------ ----- ------ Income from operations 94.1 8.7 (3.5) 99.3 Interest expense 32.2 0.2 11.8(d) 44.2 ------- ------ ------ ------ Income before income taxes 61.9 8.5 (15.3) 55.1 Income taxes 24.9 5.3 (8.0)(e) 22.2 ------- ------ ------ ------ Income before extraordinary item 37.0 3.2 (7.3) 32.9 Preferred stock dividends 9.8 9.8 Income before extraordinary item available to common shareholders $ 27.2 $ 3.2 $ (7.3) $ 23.1 Income before extraordinary item per share: Basic $ 1.24 Diluted $ 1.09 Number of shares used in per share calculation: Basic 18.7 Diluted 30.3 22

23 THE SCOTTS COMPANY NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (in millions) (a) The statement of operations for RPJ has been translated from French francs to U.S. dollars using the average exchange rate for the twelve months ended September 30, 1998 of FF 5.97: USD 1. (b) Reflects increased amortization of goodwill and other intangibles resulting from an allocation of the purchase price of the RPJ business: Purchase price $147.0 Less amounts allocated to tangible assets and liabilities (13.1) ------ Amount allocated to goodwill and other intangibles 133.9 Average useful life (in years) 31.0 ------ 4.3 Less amortization included in historical RPJ financial statements 2.3 ------ $ 2.0 The average useful life of 31.0 years reflects the valuation of the RPJ business assigning a useful life of 40 years to intangibles such as tradenames and goodwill and shorter lives to intangibles such as customer relationships, workforce and supply agreements. (c) Represents amortization of amounts to be paid under the Access Rights Agreement over the minimum term of the agreement (15 years). (d) Represents additional interest expense incurred to finance the RPJ acquisition. Borrowings under the Company's revolving credit facility of $134.5 million bear interest at an average rate of 6.37%. Non-interest bearing notes issued to the seller of $12.5 million and amounts to be paid under the Access Rights Agreement of $23.2 million are assumed to bear interest at 9.1%. (e) Represents estimated provision for income taxes on a pro forma basis using the effective tax rate for the Company on a stand-alone basis for fiscal 1998 of 40.3%. 23

24 THE SCOTTS COMPANY UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED BALANCE SHEET AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 (in millions) Scotts RPJ (a) Adjustments Pro forma ------ ------- ----------- --------- ASSETS Cash $ 10.6 $ 0.3 $ 10.9 Cash pool amounts due from affiliates - 34.1 34.1 Accounts receivable 146.6 16.9 163.5 Inventory 177.7 29.6 207.3 Other current assets 32.3 10.1 42.4 -------- -------- -------- Total current assets 367.2 91.0 458.2 Plant, property and equipment 197.0 4.4 201.4 Goodwill and other intangibles 435.1 82.2 51.7(b) 592.2 23.2(c) Other assets 35.9 2.2 38.1 -------- -------- ----- -------- Total assets 1,035.2 179.8 74.9 1,289.9 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current portion of long-term debt 13.3 - 13.3 Cash pool amounts due to affiliates - 24.3 24.3 Bank overdrafts - 2.5 2.5 Accounts payable 77.8 22.6 100.4 Accrued liabilities 140.8 12.0 152.8 -------- -------- -------- Total current liabilities 231.9 61.4 293.3 Long-term debt 359.2 147.0(d) 529.4 23.2(e) Other long-term liabilities 40.2 23.1 63.3 -------- -------- ----- -------- Total liabilities 631.3 84.5 170.2 886.0 Preferred stock 177.3 177.3 Common shares 0.2 0.2 Capital in excess of par 208.7 208.7 Retained earnings 76.6 76.6 Divisional equity 87.4 (87.4)(d) 0 Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment (3.0) 7.9 (7.9)(d) (3.0) Treasury stock (55.9) (55.9) -------- -------- ----- -------- Total equity 403.9 95.3 (95.3) 403.9 -------- -------- ----- -------- Total liabilities and equity $1,035.2 $ 179.8 74.9 $1,289.9 24

25 THE SCOTTS COMPANY NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED BALANCE SHEET (in millions) (a) The balance sheet for RPJ as of September 30, 1998 has been translated from French francs to U.S. dollars. Assets and liabilities were translated using the exchange rate as of September 30, 1998 of FF 5.60: USD 1. The divisional equity account was translated using an historical exchange rate of FF 6.15: USD 1. (b) Reflects net adjustment to goodwill and other intangibles as a result of the RPJ acquisition as follows: Net amount of purchase price allocated to Goodwill and other intangibles (see note (b) to the pro forma statement of operations) $133.9 Goodwill and other intangibles included in historical RPJ balance sheet 82.2 ------ Pro forma adjustment $ 51.7 (c) Reflects intangible asset for payments to be made under the Access Rights Agreement. (d) Reflects additional borrowings under the Company's revolving credit facility of $134.5 million and notes due to the seller of $12.5 million in consideration for the RPJ acquisition. (e) Reflects present value of amounts to be paid under the Access Rights Agreement. (f) Reflects elimination of historical equity accounts of RPJ. 25

26 INDEX TO EXHIBITS ----------------- EXHIBIT NUMBER DESCRIPTION PAGE NO. -------------- ----------- -------- 2 Master Contract, dated September 30, 1998, by and Incorporated herein by between Rhone-Poulenc Agro; The Scotts Company; reference to the Registrant's Scotts Celaflor GmbH & Co. K.G.; "David" Current Report on Form 8-K Sechsundfunfzigste Beteiligungs und filed on October 22, 1998 (File Verwaltungsgesellschaft GmbH; Rhone-Poulenc Agro No. 1-11593) [Exhibit 2] Europe GmbH; Scotts France Holdings S.A.R.L.; Scotts France S.A.R.L.; and Scotts Belgium 2 B.V.B.A. 23 Consent of Independent Accountants * 99 Press Release issued October 7, 1998 Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 22, 1998 (File No. 1-11593) [Exhibit 99] - ---------------------- Filed herewith. 26

1 Exhibit 23 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements of The Scotts Company on Form S-8 (File Nos. 33-47073, 33-60056, 333-00021, 333-06061, and 333-27561) of our report dated September 11, 1998 on our audit of the combined financial statements of Rhone-Poulenc Jardin as of December 31, 1997 and for the year then ended, which report is incorporated by reference in this Current Report on Form 8-K. Coopers & Lybrand Audit Lyon, France March 31, 2000