UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-K/A
Amendment No. 1
 
x Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 29, 2007
 
or
 
o Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
Commission File No. 1-9973
THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware
36-3352497
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) 
(IRS Employer Identification Number)
 
1400 Toastmaster Drive, Elgin, Illinois
  
60120
(Address of principal executive offices)
  
(Zip Code)
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 847-741-3300
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
Title of each class
  
Name of each exchange on which registered
     
Common stock, par value $0.005 per share
  
The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes ý No o
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes o No ý

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “accelerated filer, large accelerated filer and smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ý Accelerated filer o Non-accelerated filer o Smaller reporting company o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No ý

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by nonaffiliates of the Registrant as of June 30, 2007 was approximately $914,534,501.

The number of shares outstanding of the Registrant’s class of common stock, as of February 22, 2008, was 16,875,475 shares.
 
Documents Incorporated by Reference
 
Part III of Form 10-K incorporates by reference the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A in connection with the 2008 annual meeting of stockholders.
 
 
Explanatory Note

This Amendment No. 1 to the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2007 is being filed to reflect the restatement of the company’s consolidated balance sheets as of December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006. As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, subsequent to the issuance of the company’s consolidated financials statements for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2007, the company determined that purchase accounting methodology had been misapplied relative to the calculation of deferred tax assets and liabilities in conjunction with certain of the company’s acquisitions. This restatement has no impact on the company’s consolidated statements of earnings, cash flows or changes in stockholders’ equity.


For the convenience of the reader, this Form 10-K/A sets forth the originally filed Form 10-K in its entirety. However, the only changes in this Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A to the original Form 10-K filed on February 27, 2008 are those caused by the restatement. This Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A continues to speak as of the date of our original Form 10-K and we have not updated the disclosures to speak as of a later date or to reflect subsequent results, events or developments. Information not affected by the restatement is unchanged and reflects the disclosures made at the time of the filing of the original Form 10-K. Accordingly, this Form 10-K/A should be read in conjunction with our SEC filings made subsequent to the February 27, 2008 filing of the original Form 10-K. The following items have been amended as a result of the restatement and are included in this Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A:

• Part II—Item 6—Selected Consolidated Financial Data

• Part II—Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

• Part II—Item 8—Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

• Part II—Item 9a—Controls and Procedures

• Part IV—Item 15—Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

Pursuant to the rules of the SEC, Item 15 of Part IV has been amended to contain the currently dated consent of our independent registered public accounting firm and the currently dated certifications from our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as required by Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The consent of our independent registered public accounting firm and the certifications of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer are attached to this Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A as Exhibits 23.1, 31.1, 31.2, 32.1 and 32.2 respectively.
 
 
 THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
DECEMBER 29, 2007
FORM 10-K/A ANNUAL REPORT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 

   
PART I 
  
Page
         
Item 1.
  
Business
  
1
         
Item 1A.
  
Risk Factors
  
13
         
Item 1B.
  
Unresolved Staff Comments
  
24
         
Item 2.
  
Properties
  
24
         
Item 3.
  
Legal Proceedings
  
25
         
Item 4.
  
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
  
25
         
 
PART II
    
         
Item 5.
  
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity,
    
   
Related Stockholder Matters and
   
   
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
  
26
         
Item 6.
  
Selected Financial Data
  
28
         
Item 7.
  
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial
    
   
Condition and Results of Operations
  
29
         
Item 7A.
  
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about
   
 
  
Market Risk
  
42
         
Item 8.
  
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
  
45
         
Item 9.
  
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
  
 
   
Accounting and Financial Disclosure
  
92
         
Item 9A.
  
Controls and Procedures
  
92
         
Item 9B.
  
Other Information
  
94
         
   
PART III
    
         
Item 10.
  
Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
  
95
         
Item 11.
  
Executive Compensation
  
95
         
Item 12.
  
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
  
 
   
and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
  
95
         
Item 13.
  
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
  
95
         
Item 14.
  
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
  
95
         
   
PART IV
  
 
         
Item 15.
  
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedule
  
96
 
 
PART I

Item 1. Business


General

The Middleby Corporation (“Middleby” or the “company”), through its operating subsidiary Middleby Marshall Inc. (“Middleby Marshall”) and its subsidiaries, is a leader in the design, manufacture, marketing, distribution, and service of a broad line of (i) cooking and warming equipment used in all types of commercial restaurants and institutional kitchens and (ii) food preparation, cooking, and packaging equipment for food processing operations.

Founded in 1888 as a manufacturer of baking ovens, Middleby Marshall Oven Company was acquired in 1983 by TMC Industries Ltd., a publicly traded company that changed its name in 1985 to The Middleby Corporation. The company has established itself as a leading provider of (i) commercial restaurant equipment and (ii) food processing equipment as a result of its acquisition of industry leading brands and through the introduction of innovative products within both of these segments.

Over the past three years the company has completed eight acquisitions in the commercial foodservice equipment and food processing equipment industries.  These acquisitions have added twelve brands to the Middleby portfolio and positioned the company as a leading supplier of equipment in both industries.

In January 2005, the company acquired the net assets of Nu-Vu Foodservice Systems for $11.4 million in cash, including post-closing purchase price adjustments. This acquisition allowed Middleby to become a leading manufacturer of baking ovens and proofers.  Ovens manufactured by Nu-Vu Foodservice Systems are supplied to some of the leading sandwich chains.

In December 2005, the company acquired the stock of Alkar Holdings Inc. for $29.7 million in cash, including post-closing purchase price adjustments.  Alkar Holdings Inc. provides batch ovens, belt ovens, and conveyorized cooking systems under the Alkar brand name and food packaging and food safety equipment under the Rapidpak brand name.  This acquisition allowed the company to enter the food processing industry through the acquisition of two industry leading brands.

In August 2006, the company acquired the stock of Houno A/S (“Houno”) for $8.8 million in cash and assumed debt, including post-closing purchase price adjustments. Houno, located in Denmark, is a leading manufacturer of combination steam ovens in Europe.  The Houno oven is recognized for its unique design, advanced programmable controls, and low utilization of energy and water.  This acquisition allowed Middleby to further penetrate the fast growing combination steam oven market with leading technology.
 
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In April 2007, the company acquired the assets of Jade Products Company (“Jade”) for $7.8 million in cash.  Jade is a leading manufacturer of premium commercial and residential ranges and ovens used by many of the top chefs and upscale restaurant chains. Jade is also known for its ability to provide unique customized cooking suites designed to suit the needs of the most demanding restaurant operators.  This acquisition allowed Middleby to expand its product offerings in the commercial foodservice segment with a leading industry brand.  

In June 2007, the company acquired the assets Carter-Hoffmann for $16.2 million in cash.  Carter-Hoffmann is a leading brand and supplier of heated cabinets and food holding equipment for the commercial restaurant industry.  This acquisition was complimentary to Middleby’s existing cooking products and allowed the company to provide a more complete offering on the “hot-side” of the kitchen.  

In July 2007, the company acquired the assets of MP Equipment (“MP Equipment”) for $15.3 million in cash and $2.0 million in deferred payments due to the sellers.  A contingent payment of $1.0 million is also payable if the business reaches certain defined profitability targets.  MP Equipment further strengthened Middleby’s position in the food processing equipment industry by adding a portfolio of complimentary products to the Alkar and Rapidpak brands.  The products of MP Equipment include breading machines, battering machines, mixers, forming equipment, and slicing machines.  These products are used by numerous suppliers of food product to the major restaurant chains.  

In August 2007, the company acquired the assets of Wells Bloomfield for $28.9 million in cash.  Wells is a leading brand of cooking and warming equipment for the commercial restaurant industry, complimenting Middleby’s other products in this category.  Wells also offers a unique ventless hood system, which is increasing in demand as more and more food operations are opening in unconventional locations where it is difficult to install ventilation systems, such as shopping malls, airports and stadiums.  Bloomfield is a leading provider of coffee brewers, tea brewers and beverage dispensing equipment.  The addition of Bloomfield to Middleby’s portfolio of brands allows Middleby to benefit in the fast growing beverage segment as the company’s restaurant chain customers increase their offerings of coffee and specialty drinks.  

In December 2007, subsequent to the company’s fiscal 2007 year end, the company acquired New Star International Holdings, Inc. for $188.4 million in cash.  This acquisition added three leading brands to Middleby’s portfolio of brands in the commercial restaurant industry, including Star, a leader in light duty cooking and concession equipment, Holman, a leader in conveyor and pop-up toasters, and Lang, a leading oven and range line.  The transaction positions Middleby as a leading supplier to convenience chains and fast casual restaurant chains.
 
The company's annual reports on Form 10-K, including this Form 10-K/A, as well as the company's quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to such reports are available, free of charge, on the company's internet website, www.middleby.com. These reports are available as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
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Business Divisions and Products

The company conducts its business through three principal business divisions: the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group; the Food Processing Equipment Group; and the International Distribution Division. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on the company's business divisions.

Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group

The Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group has a broad portfolio of leading brands and cooking and warming equipment which enable it to serve virtually any cooking or warming application within a commercial restaurant or institutional kitchen. This cooking and warming equipment is used across all types of foodservice operations, including quick-service restaurants, full-service restaurants, convenience stores, retail outlets, hotels and other institutions. The company offers a broad line of cooking equipment marketed under a portfolio of fifteen brands, including, Blodgett®, Blodgett Combi®, Blodgett Range®, Bloomfield®, CTX®, Carter-Hoffmann®, Houno®, Jade®, MagiKitch'n®, Middleby Marshall®, NuVu®, Pitco®, Southbend®, Toastmaster®, and Wells®. These products are manufactured at the company's U.S. facilities in California, Illinois, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, and Vermont. The company also has international manufacturing facilities located in China, Denmark and the Philippines.

The products offered by this group include ranges, convection ovens, conveyor ovens, baking ovens, proofers, broilers, fryers, combi-ovens, charbroilers, steam equipment, pop-up and conveyor toasters, steam cooking equipment, food warming equipment, griddles, ventless cooking systems, coffee brewers, tea brewers, and beverage dispensing equipment.

This group is represented by the following product brands:

·  
Blodgett®, known for its durability and craftsmanship, is the leading brand of convection and combi-ovens. In demand since the late 1800's, the Blodgett oven has stood the test of time and set the industry standard.

·  
Pitco Frialator® offers a broad line of gas and electric equipment combining reliability with efficiency in simple-to-operate professional frying equipment. Since 1918, Pitco fryers have captured a major market share by offering simple, reliable equipment for cooking menu items such as french fries, onion rings, chicken, donuts, and seafood.

·  
For over 100 years, Southbend® has produced a broad array of heavy-duty, gas-fired equipment, including ranges, convection ovens, broilers, and steam cooking equipment. Southbend has dedicated significant resources to developing and introducing innovative product features resulting in a premier cooking line.

·  
For more than 60 years, MagiKitch’n® has focused on manufacturing charbroiling products that deliver quality construction, high performance and flexible operation.
 
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·  
For more than 30 years, Houno® has manufactured quality combi-ovens and baking ovens. Houno ovens are recognized for their superior design, energy and water saving features and reliability.

·  
Conveyor oven equipment products are marketed under the Middleby Marshall®, Blodgett® and CTX® brands. Conveyor oven equipment allows for simplification of the food preparation process, which in turn provides for labor savings opportunities and a greater consistency of the final product. Conveyor oven customers include many of the leading pizza restaurant chains and sandwich chains.

·  
Toastmaster® manufactures light and medium-duty electric equipment, including pop-up and conveyor toasters, hot food servers, foodwarmers and griddles to commercial restaurants and institutional kitchens.

·  
Carter-Hoffmann® has been a leading provider of heated cabinets, rethermalizing equipment, and food serving equipment for over 60 years. Carter-Hoffmann is known for providing innovative and energy saving equipment that allow a foodservice operation to save on food costs by holding food in its heated cabinets and holding stations for an extended period of time, while maintaining the quality of the product.

·  
Jade® designs and manufactures premium and customized cooking suites which can be found in the restaurants of many leading chefs. Jade is renowned for its offering of specialty cooking equipment and its ability to customize products to meet the specialized requests of a restaurant operator.

·  
Wells® is a leader in countertop and drop in warmers. It is also one of only a few companies to offer ventless cooking systems. Its patented technology allows a food service operator to utilize cooking equipment in locations where external ventilation may not be possible, such as shopping malls, airports, and sports arenas.

·  
Bloomfield® is one of the leading brands providing coffee brewers, tea brewers, and beverage dispensing equipment. Bloomfield has a reputation of durability and dependability.
 
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Food Processing Equipment Group

The Food Processing Equipment Group provides a broad array of innovative products designed for the food processing industry. These products include:

·  
Food preparation equipment, such as breading, battering, mixing, forming and slicing machines, marketed under the MP Equipment® brand.

·  
Cooking equipment, including batch ovens, belt ovens and conveyorized cooking systems marketed under the Alkar® brand.

·  
Packaging and food safety equipment marketed under the Rapidpak® brand.

Customers include large international food processing companies throughout the world. The company is recognized as a market leader in the manufacturing of equipment for producing pre-cooked meat products such as hot dogs, dinner sausages, poultry and lunchmeats. Through its broad line of products, the company is able to deliver a wide array of cooking solutions to service a variety of food processing requirements demanded by its customers. The Food Processing Equipment Group has manufacturing facilities in Georgia and Wisconsin.

International Distribution Division

The company has identified the international markets as an area of growth. Middleby’s International Distribution Division provides integrated export management and distribution services, enabling the company to offer equipment to be delivered and supported virtually anywhere in the world. The company believes that its global network provides it with a competitive advantage that positions the company as a preferred foodservice equipment supplier to major restaurant chains expanding globally. The company offers customers a complete package of kitchen equipment, delivered and installed in over 100 countries. For a local country distributor or dealer, the division provides centralized sourcing of a broad line of equipment with complete export management services, including export documentation, freight forwarding, equipment warehousing and consolidation, installation, warranty service and parts support. The International Distribution Division has regional export management companies in Asia, Europe and Latin America complemented by sales and distribution offices located in China, India, Lebanon, Mexico, the Philippines, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan and the United Kingdom.
 
5
 
The Customers and Market

Commercial Foodservice Equipment Industry

The company's end-user customers include: (i) fast food or quick-service restaurants, (ii) full-service restaurants, including casual-theme restaurants, (iii) retail outlets, such as convenience stores, supermarkets and department stores and (iv) public and private institutions, such as hotels, resorts, schools, hospitals, long-term care facilities, correctional facilities, stadiums, airports, corporate cafeterias, military facilities and government agencies. The company's domestic sales are primarily through independent dealers and distributors and are marketed by the company's sales personnel and network of independent manufacturers' representatives. Many of the dealers in the U.S. belong to buying groups that negotiate sales terms with the company. Certain large multi-national restaurant and hotel chain customers have purchasing organizations that manage product procurement for their systems. Included in these customers are several large restaurant chains, which account for a meaningful portion of the company's business. The company’s international sales are through a combined network of independent and company-owned distributors. The company maintains sales and distribution offices in China, India, Lebanon, Mexico, the Philippines, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan and the United Kingdom.

During the past several decades, growth in the U.S. foodservice industry has been driven primarily by population growth, economic growth and demographic changes, including the emergence of families with multiple wage-earners and growth in the number of higher-income households. These factors have led to a demand for convenience and speed in food preparation and consumption. As a result, U.S. foodservice sales grew for the sixteenth consecutive year to approximately $534 billion in 2007 as reported by The National Restaurant Association. Sales in 2008 are projected to increase to $558 billion, an increase of 4.4% over 2007, according to The National Restaurant Association. The quick-service restaurant segment within the foodservice industry has been the fastest growing segment since the mid '80's. Total quick-service sales amounted to $150 billion in 2007 and are projected to increase 4.4% to $157 billion in 2008, as reported by The National Restaurant Association. The full-service restaurants represent the largest portion of the foodservice industry and represented $179 billion in sales in 2007 and are projected to increase 4.3% to $187 billion in 2008, as reported by The National Restaurant Association. This segment has seen increased chain concepts and penetration in recent years driven by the aging of the baby boom generation.

Over the past several decades, the foodservice equipment industry has enjoyed steady growth in the United States due to the development of new quick-service and casual-theme restaurant chain concepts, the expansion into nontraditional locations by quick-service restaurants and store equipment modernization. In the international markets, foodservice equipment manufacturers have been experiencing stronger growth than the U.S. market due to rapidly expanding international economies and increased opportunity for expansion by U.S. chains into developing regions.
 
6
 
The company believes that the worldwide commercial foodservice equipment market has sales in excess of $20 billion. The cooking and warming equipment segment of this market is estimated by management to exceed $1.5 billion in North America and $3.0 billion worldwide. The company believes that continuing growth in demand for foodservice equipment will result from the development of new restaurant concepts in the U.S. and the expansion of U.S. chains into international markets, the replacement and upgrade of existing equipment and new equipment requirements resulting from menu changes.

Food Processing Equipment Industry

The company's customers include a diversified base of leading food processors. A large portion of the company's revenues have been generated from producers of pre-cooked meat products such as hot dogs, dinner sausages, poultry, and lunchmeats, however, the company believes that it can leverage its expertise and product development capabilities in thermal processing to organically grow into new end markets.

Food processing has quickly become a highly competitive landscape dominated by a few large conglomerates that possess a variety of food brands. The consolidation of food processing plants associated with industry consolidation drives a need for more flexible and efficient equipment that is capable of processing large volumes in quicker cycle times. In recent years, food processors have had to conform to the demands of “big-box” retailers, including, most importantly, greater product consistency and exact package weights. Food processors are beginning to realize that their old equipment is no longer capable of efficiently producing adequate uniformity in the large product volumes required, and they are turning to equipment manufacturers that offer product consistency, innovative packaging designs and other solutions. To protect their own brands and reputations, big-box retailers are also dictating food safety standards that are actually stricter than government regulations.

A number of factors, including rising raw material prices, labor and health care costs, are driving food processors to focus on ways to improve their generally thin profitability margins. In order to increase the profitability and efficiency in processing plants, food processors pay increasingly more attention to the ergonomics of their machinery and the flexibility in the functionality of the equipment. Meat processors are continuously looking for ways to make their plants safer and reduce labor-intensive activities. Food processors have begun to recognize the value of new technology as an important vehicle to drive productivity and profitability in their plants. Due to pressure from big-box retailers, food processors are expected to continue to demand new and innovative equipment that addresses food safety, food quality, automation, and flexibility.

Improving living standards in developing countries is spurring increased worldwide demand for pre-cooked and convenience food products. As industrializing countries create more jobs, consumers in these countries will have the means to buy pre-cooked food products. In industrialized regions, such as Western Europe and the U.S., consumers are demanding more pre-cooked and convenience food products, such as deli tray variety packs, frozen food products and ready-to-eat varieties of ethnic foods.
 
7
 
The global food processing equipment industry is highly fragmented, large and growing. The company estimates demand for food equipment is approximately $3 billion in the U.S and $20 billion worldwide. The company’s product offerings are estimated to compete in a subsegment of total industry, and the relevant market size for its products are estimated by management to exceed $0.5 billion in the U.S. and $1.5 billion worldwide.


Backlog

The company's backlog of orders was $60,175,000 at December 29, 2007, all of which is expected to be filled during 2008. The acquired Jade, Carter-Hoffmann, Wells Bloomfield and MP Equipment businesses accounted for $17,479,000 of the backlog. The company's backlog was $47,017,000 at December 30, 2006. The backlog is not necessarily indicative of the level of business expected for the year, as there is generally a short time between order receipt and shipment for the majority of the company’s products.


Marketing and Distribution

Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group

Middleby's products and services are marketed in the U.S. and in over 100 countries through a combination of the company's sales personnel and international marketing divisions and subsidiaries, together with an extensive network of independent dealers, distributors, consultants, sales representatives and agents. The company's relationships with major restaurant chains are primarily handled through an integrated effort of top-level executive and sales management at the corporate and business division levels to best serve each customer's needs.

In the United States, the company distributes its products to independent end-users primarily through a network of non-exclusive dealers nationwide, who are supported by manufacturers' marketing representatives. Sales are made direct to certain large restaurant chains that have established their own procurement and distribution organization for their franchise system.

International sales are primarily made through the International Distribution Division network to independent local country stocking and servicing distributors and dealers and, at times, directly to major chains, hotels and other large end-users.

Food Processing Equipment Group

The company maintains a direct sales force to market the Alkar, Rapidpak and MP Equipment brands and maintains direct relationships with each of its customers. The company also involves division management in the relationships with large global accounts. In North America, the company employs regional sales managers, each with responsibility for a group of customers and a particular region. Internationally, the company maintains global sales managers supported by a network of independent sales representatives.
 
8
 
The company’s sale process is highly consultative due to the highly technical nature of the equipment. During a typical sales process, a salesperson makes several visits to the customer’s facility to conceptually discuss the production requirements, footprint and configuration of the proposed equipment. The company employs a technically proficient sales force, many of whom have previous technical experience with the company as well as education backgrounds in food science.


Services and Product Warranty

The company is an industry leader in equipment installation programs and after-sales support and service. The company provides warranty on its products typically for a one year period and in certain instances greater periods. The emphasis on global service increases the likelihood of repeat business and enhances Middleby's image as a partner and provider of quality products and services.

Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group

The company's domestic service network consists of over 100 authorized service parts distributors and 3,000 independent certified technicians who have been formally trained and certified by the company through its factory training school and on-site installation training programs. Technicians work through service parts distributors, which are required to provide around-the-clock service via a toll-free paging number. The company provides substantial technical support to the technicians in the field through factory-based technical service engineers. The company has stringent parts stocking requirements for these agencies, leading to a high first-call completion rate for service and warranty repairs.

It is critical to major foodservice chains that equipment providers be capable of supporting equipment on a worldwide basis. The company's international service network covers over 100 countries with more than 1,000 service technicians trained in the installation and service of the company's products and supported by internationally-based service managers along with the factory-based technical service engineers. As with its domestic service network, the company maintains stringent parts stocking requirements for its international distributors.

Food Processing Equipment Group

The company maintains a technical service group of employees that oversees and performs installation and startup of equipment, and completes warranty and repair work. This technical service group provides services for customers both domestically and internationally. Service technicians are trained regularly on new equipment to ensure the customer receives a high level of customer service. From time to time the company utilizes trained third party technicians supervised by company employees to supplement company employees on large projects.
 
9
 
Competition

The commercial foodservice and food processing equipment industries are highly competitive and fragmented. Within a given product line the company may compete with a variety of companies, including companies that manufacture a broad line of products and those that specialize in a particular product category. Competition is based upon many factors, including brand recognition, product features, reliability, quality, price, delivery lead times, serviceability and after-sale service. The company believes that its ability to compete depends on strong brand equity, exceptional product performance, short lead-times and timely delivery, competitive pricing, and superior customer service support. In the international markets, the company competes with U.S. manufacturers and numerous global and local competitors.

The company believes that it is one of the largest multiple-line manufacturers of food production equipment in the U.S. and worldwide, although some of its competitors are units of operations that are larger than the company and possess greater financial and personnel resources. Among the company's major competitors to the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group are Enodis plc; Vulcan-Hart and Hobart Corporation, subsidiaries of Illinois Tool Works Inc.; Zanussi, a subsidiary of Electrolux AB; Groen, a subsidiary of Dover Corporation; Rational AG, and the Ali Group. Major competitors to the Food Processing Equipment Group include Convenience Food Systems, FMC Technologies, Multivac, Marel, Formax, and Heat and Control.


Manufacturing and Quality Control

The company manufactures product in ten domestic and three international production facilities. In Elgin, Illinois, the company manufactures conveyor ovens. In Burlington, Vermont the company manufactures its combi-oven, convection oven and deck oven product lines. In Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, the company manufactures ranges, steamers, combi-ovens, convection ovens and broiling equipment. In Bow, New Hampshire, the company manufactures fryers, charbroilers and catering equipment products. In Menominee, Michigan the company manufactures baking ovens, proofers and counterline equipment. In Lodi, Wisconsin the company manufactures cooking systems and packaging equipment that serves customers in the food processing industry. In Brea, California, the company manufactures cooking ranges. In Mundelein, Illinois, the company manufactures warming equipment and heated food cabinets. In Buford, Georgia, the company manufactures breading, battering, mixing, forming, and slicing equipment. In Verdi, Nevada, the company manufactures warming systems, fryers, convection ovens, counterline cooking equipment and ventless cooking systems. In Shanghai, China, the company manufactures frying systems. In Randers, Denmark, the company manufactures combi-ovens and baking ovens. In Laguna, the Philippines, the company manufactures fryers, counterline equipment and component parts for the U.S. manufacturing facilities.
 
10
 
Metal fabrication, finishing, sub-assembly and assembly operations are conducted at each manufacturing facility. Equipment installed at individual manufacturing facilities includes numerically controlled turret presses and machine centers, shears, press brakes, welding equipment, polishing equipment, CAD/CAM systems and product testing and quality assurance measurement devices. The company's CAD/CAM systems enable virtual electronic prototypes to be created, reviewed and refined before the first physical prototype is built.

Detailed manufacturing drawings are quickly and accurately derived from the model and passed electronically to manufacturing for programming and optimal parts nesting on various numerically controlled punching cells. The company believes that this integrated product development and manufacturing process is critical to assuring product performance, customer service and competitive pricing.

The company has established comprehensive programs to ensure the quality of products, to analyze potential product failures and to certify vendors for continuous improvement. Products manufactured by the company are tested prior to shipment to ensure compliance with company standards.


Sources of Supply

The company purchases its raw materials and component parts from a number of suppliers. The majority of the company’s material purchases are standard commodity-type materials, such as stainless steel, electrical components and hardware. These materials and parts generally are available in adequate quantities from numerous suppliers. Some component parts are obtained from sole sources of supply. In such instances, management believes it can substitute other suppliers as required. The majority of fabrication is done internally through the use of automated equipment. Certain equipment and accessories are manufactured by other suppliers for sale by the company. The company believes it enjoys good relationships with its suppliers and considers the present sources of supply to be adequate for its present and anticipated future requirements.


Research and Development

The company believes its future success will depend in part on its ability to develop new products and to improve existing products. Much of the company's research and development efforts are directed to the development and improvement of products designed to reduce cooking time, increase cooking capacity or throughput, reduce energy consumption, minimize labor costs, improve product yield, and improve safety, while maintaining consistency and quality of cooking production and food preparation. The company has identified these issues as key concerns for most of its customers. The company often identifies product improvement opportunities by working closely with customers on specific applications. Most research and development activities are performed by the company's technical service and engineering staff located at each manufacturing location. On occasion, the company will contract outside engineering firms to assist with the development of certain technical concepts and applications. See Note 5(n) to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on the company's research and development activities.
 
11
 
Licenses, Patents, and Trademarks

The company owns numerous trademarks and trade names; among them, Alkarâ, Blodgettâ, Blodgett Combiâ, Blodgett Rangeâ, Bloomfieldâ, CTXâ, Carter-Hoffmannâ, Hounoâ, Jadeâ, MP Equipmentâ, MagiKitch’nâ, Middleby -Marshallâ, Nu-Vuâ, Pitco Frialatorâ, RapidPakâ, Southbendâ, Toastmasterâ and Wellsâ are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and in various foreign countries.

The company holds a broad portfolio of patents covering technology and applications related to various products, equipment and systems. Management believes the expiration of any one of these patents would not have a material adverse effect on the overall operations or profitability of the company.

Employees

As of December 29, 2007, the company employed 1,681 persons. Of this amount, 662 were management, administrative, sales, engineering and supervisory personnel; 716 were hourly production non-union workers; and 303 were hourly production union members. Included in these totals were 316 individuals employed outside of the United States, of which 211 were management, sales, administrative and engineering personnel, 50 were hourly production non-union workers and 55 were hourly production workers, who participate in an employee cooperative. At its Lodi, Wisconsin facility, the company has a contract with the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Ironworkers that expires on February 1, 2010. At its Elgin, Illinois facility, the company has a union contract with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters that expires on April 30, 2012. At its Verdi, Nevada facility, the company has a union contract with the Sheet Metal Workers International Association that expires on August 7, 2010. The company also has a union workforce at its manufacturing facility in the Philippines, under a contract that extends through June 2011. Management believes that the relationships between employees, union and management are good.


Seasonality
 
The company’s revenues historically have been stronger in the second and third quarters due to increased purchases from customers involved with the catering business and institutional customers, particularly schools, during the summer months.
 
12
 
Item 1A. Risk Factors

An investment in shares of the company's common stock involves risks. The company believes the risks and uncertainties described below and in "Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" are the material risks it faces. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to the company or that it currently deems immaterial may impair its business operations. If any of the following risks actually occurs, the company's business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected, and the trading price of the company's common stock could decline.

The company's level of indebtedness could adversely affect its business, results of operations and growth strategy.

The company now has and may continue to have a significant amount of debt. At December 29, 2007, the company had $96.2 million of borrowings and $5.1 million in letters of credit outstanding. On December 31, 2007, subsequent to the fiscal 2007 year end, the company further increased it indebtedness by $188.4 million to fund the acquisition of New Star International Holdings, Inc. To the extent the company requires capital resources, there can be no assurance that such funds will be available on favorable terms, or at all. The unavailability of funds could have a material adverse effect on the company's financial condition, results of operations and ability to expand the company's operations.

The company's level of indebtedness could adversely affect it in a number of ways, including the following:

 
•
the company may be unable to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes;

 
•
a significant portion of the company's cash flow from operations must be dedicated to debt service, which reduces the amount of cash the company has available for other purposes;

 
•
the company may be more vulnerable to a downturn in the company business or economic and industry conditions;

 
•
the company may be disadvantaged as compared to its competitors, such as in the ability to adjust to changing market conditions, as a result of the significant amount of debt the company owes; and

 
•
the company may be restricted in its ability to make strategic acquisitions and to pursue business opportunities.
 
13
 
The company's current credit agreement limits its ability to conduct business, which could negatively affect the company's ability to finance future capital needs and engage in other business activities.

The covenants in the company's existing credit agreement contain a number of significant limitations on its ability to, among other things:

·  
pay dividends;

·  
incur additional indebtedness;

·  
create liens on the company's assets;

·  
engage in new lines of business;

·  
make investments;

·  
make capital expenditures and enter into leases; and

·  
acquire or dispose of assets.

These restrictive covenants, among others, could negatively affect the company's ability to finance its future capital needs, engage in other business activities or withstand a future downturn in the company's business or the economy.

Under the company's current credit agreement, the company is required to maintain certain specified financial ratios and meet financial tests, including certain ratios of leverage and fixed charge coverage. The company's ability to comply with these requirements may be affected by matters beyond its control, and, as a result, the company cannot assure you that it will be able to meet these ratios and tests. A breach of any of these covenants would prevent the company from being able to draw under the company revolver and would result in a default under the company's credit agreement. In the event of a default under the company's current credit agreement, the lenders could terminate their commitments and declare all amounts borrowed, together with accrued interest and other fees, to be due and payable. Borrowings under other debt instruments that contain cross-acceleration or cross-default provisions may also be accelerated and become due and payable. The company may be unable to pay these debts in these circumstances.
 
14
 
Competition in the foodservice equipment industry is intense and could impact the company results of operations and cash flows.

The company operates in a highly competitive industry. In the company's business, competition is based on product features and design, brand recognition, reliability, durability, technology, energy efficiency, breadth of product offerings, price, customer relationships, delivery lead times, serviceability and after-sale service. The company has a number of competitors in each product line that it offers. Many of the company's competitors are substantially larger and enjoy substantially greater financial, marketing, technological and personnel resources. These factors may enable them to develop similar or superior products, to provide lower cost products and to carry out their business strategies more quickly and efficiently than the company can. In addition, some competitors focus on particular product lines or geographical regions or emphasize their local manufacturing presence or local market knowledge. Some competitors have different pricing structures and may be able to deliver their products at lower prices. Although the company believes that the performance and price characteristics of its products will provide competitive solutions for the company customers' needs, there can be no assurance that the company's customers will continue to choose its products over products offered by the company competitors.

Further, the market for the company's products is characterized by changing technology and evolving industry standards. The company's ability to compete in the past has depended in part on the company's ability to develop innovative new products and bring them to market more quickly than the company's competitors. The company's ability to compete successfully will depend, in large part, on its ability to enhance and improve its existing products, to continue to bring innovative products to market in a timely fashion, to adapt the company's products to the needs and standards of the company customers and potential customers and to continue to improve operating efficiencies and lower manufacturing costs. Moreover, competitors may develop technologies or products that render the company's products obsolete or less marketable. If the company's products, markets and services are not competitive, the company's business, financial condition and operating results will be materially harmed.

The company is subject to risks associated with developing products and technologies, which could delay product introductions and result in significant expenditures.

The company continually seeks to refine and improve upon the performance, utility and physical attributes of its existing products and to develop new products. As a result, the company's business is subject to risks associated with new product and technological development, including unanticipated technical or other problems. The occurrence of any of these risks could cause a substantial change in the design, delay in the development, or abandonment of new technologies and products. Consequently, there can be no assurance that the company will develop new technologies superior to the company's current technologies or successfully bring new products to market.
 
15
 
Additionally, there can be no assurance that new technologies or products, if developed, will meet the company's current price or performance objectives, be developed on a timely basis or prove to be as effective as products based on other technologies. The inability to successfully complete the development of a product, or a determination by the company, for financial, technical or other reasons, not to complete development of a product, particularly in instances in which the company has made significant expenditures, could have a material adverse effect on the company's financial condition and operating results.

The company's revenues and profits will be adversely affected if it is unable to expand its product offerings, retain its current customers, or attract new customers.

The success of the company's business depends, in part, on its ability to maintain and expand the company's product offerings and the company's customer base. The company's success also depends on its ability to offer competitive prices and services in a price sensitive business. Many of the company's larger restaurant chain customers have multiple sources of supply for their equipment purchases and periodically approve new competitive equipment as an alternative to the company's products for use within their restaurants. The company cannot assure you that it will be able to continue to expand the company product lines, or that it will be able to retain the company's current customers or attract new customers. The company also cannot assure you that it will not lose customers to low-cost competitors with comparable or superior products and services. If the company fails to expand its product offerings, or lose a substantial number of the company's current customers or substantial business from current customers, or are unable to attract new customers, the company's business, financial condition and results of operations will be adversely affected.

The company has depended, and will continue to depend, on key customers for a material portion of its revenues. As a result, changes in the purchasing patterns of such key customers could adversely impact the company's operating results.

Many of the company's key customers are large restaurant chains. The number of new store openings by these chains can vary from quarter to quarter depending on internal growth plans, construction, seasonality and other factors. If these chains were to conclude that the market for their type of restaurant has become saturated, they could open fewer restaurants. In addition, during an economic downturn, key customers could both open fewer restaurants and defer purchases of new equipment for existing restaurants. Either of these conditions could have a material adverse effect on the company's financial condition and results of operations.
 
16
 
Price changes in some materials and sources of supply could affect the company's profitability.

The company uses large amounts of stainless steel, aluminized steel and other commodities in the manufacture of its products. The price of steel has increased significantly over the past several years. The significant increase in the price of steel or any other commodity that the company is not able to pass on to its customers would adversely affect the company's operating results. In addition, an interruption in or the cessation of an important supply by any third party and the company's inability to make alternative arrangements in a timely manner, or at all, could have a material adverse effect on the company's business, financial condition and operating results.

The company's acquisition, investment and alliance strategy involves risks. If the company is unable to effectively manage these risks, its business will be materially harmed.

To achieve the company's strategic objectives, it may in the future seek to acquire or invest in other companies, businesses or technologies. Acquisitions entail numerous risks, including the following:

•
difficulties in the assimilation of acquired businesses or technologies;

•
diversion of management's attention from other business concerns;

•
potential assumption of unknown material liabilities;

•
failure to achieve financial or operating objectives; and

•
loss of customers or key employees.

The company may not be able to successfully integrate any operations, personnel, services or products that it has acquired or may acquire in the future.

The company may seek to expand or enhance some of its operations by forming joint ventures or alliances with various strategic partners throughout the world. Entering into joint ventures and alliances also entails risks, including difficulties in developing and expanding the businesses of newly formed joint ventures, exercising influence over the activities of joint ventures in which the company does not have a controlling interest and potential conflicts with the company's joint venture or alliance partners.
 
17
 
Expansion of the company's operations internationally involves special challenges that it may not be able to meet. The company's failure to meet these challenges could adversely affect its business, financial condition and operating results.

The company plans to continue to expand its operations internationally. The company faces certain risks inherent in doing business in international markets. These risks include:

 
•
becoming subject to extensive regulations and oversight, tariffs and other trade barriers;

•
reduced protection for intellectual property rights;

•
difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations; and

•
potentially adverse tax consequences.

In addition, the company will be required to comply with the laws and regulations of foreign governmental and regulatory authorities of each country in which the company conducts business.

The company cannot assure you that it will be able to succeed in marketing the company products and services in international markets. The company may also experience difficulty in managing the company's international operations because of, among other things, competitive conditions overseas, management of foreign exchange risk, established domestic markets, language and cultural differences and economic or political instability. Any of these factors could have a material adverse effect on the success of the company's international operations and, consequently, on the company's business, financial condition and operating results.

The company may not be able to adequately protect its intellectual property rights, and this inability may materially harm its business.

The company relies primarily on trade secret, copyright, service mark, trademark and patent law and contractual protections to protect the company proprietary technology and other proprietary rights. The company has filed numerous patent applications covering the company technology. Notwithstanding the precautions the company takes to protect the company intellectual property rights, it is possible that third parties may copy or otherwise obtain and use the company's proprietary technology without authorization or may otherwise infringe on the company's rights. In some cases, including a number of the company's most important products, there may be no effective legal recourse against duplication by competitors. In the future, the company may have to rely on litigation to enforce its intellectual property rights, protect its trade secrets, determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others or defend against claims of infringement or invalidity. Any such litigation, whether successful or unsuccessful, could result in substantial costs to the company and diversions of the company's resources, either of which could adversely affect the company's business.
 
18
 
Any infringement by the company on patent rights of others could result in litigation and adversely affect its ability to continue to provide, or could increase the cost of providing the company's products and services.

Patents of third parties may have an important bearing on the company's ability to offer some of its products and services. The company's competitors, as well as other companies and individuals, may obtain, and may be expected to obtain in the future, patents related to the types of products and service the company offers or plan to offer. The company cannot assure you that it is or will be aware of all patents containing claims that may pose a risk of infringement by the company's products and services. In addition, some patent applications in the United States are confidential until a patent is issued and, therefore, the company cannot evaluate the extent to which its products and services may be covered or asserted to be covered by claims contained in pending patent applications. In general, if one or more of the company's products or services were to infringe patents held by others, the company may be required to stop developing or marketing the products or services, to obtain licenses from the holders of the patents to develop and market the services, or to redesign the products or services in such a way as to avoid infringing on the patent claims. The company cannot assess the extent to which it may be required in the future to obtain licenses with respect to patents held by others, whether such licenses would be available or, if available, whether it would be able to obtain such licenses on commercially reasonable terms. If the company were unable to obtain such licenses, it also may not be able to redesign the company's products or services to avoid infringement, which could materially adversely affect the company's business, financial condition and operating results.

The company may be the subject of product liability claims or product recalls, and it may be unable to obtain or maintain insurance adequate to cover potential liabilities.

Product liability is a significant commercial risk to the company. The company's business exposes it to potential liability risks that arise from the manufacture, marketing and sale of the company's products. In addition to direct expenditures for damages, settlement and defense costs, there is a possibility of adverse publicity as a result of product liability claims. Some plaintiffs in some jurisdictions have received substantial damage awards against companies based upon claims for injuries allegedly caused by the use of their products. In addition, it may be necessary for the company to recall products that do not meet approved specifications, which could result in adverse publicity as well as costs connected to the recall and loss of revenue.

The company cannot be certain that a product liability claim or series of claims brought against it would not have an adverse effect on the company's business, financial condition or results of operations. If any claim is brought against the company, regardless of the success or failure of the claim, the company cannot assure you that it will be able to obtain or maintain product liability insurance in the future on acceptable terms or with adequate coverage against potential liabilities or the cost of a recall.
 
19
 
An increase in warranty expenses could adversely affect the company's financial performance. 

The company offers purchasers of its products warranties covering workmanship and materials typically for one year and, in certain circumstances, for periods of up to ten years, during which period the company or an authorized service representative will make repairs and replace parts that have become defective in the course of normal use. The company estimates and records its future warranty costs based upon past experience. These warranty expenses may increase in the future and may exceed the company's warranty reserves, which, in turn, could adversely affect the company's financial performance.

The company is subject to currency fluctuations and other risks from its operations outside the United States.

The company has manufacturing operations located in Asia and Europe and distribution operations in Asia, Europe and Latin America. The company's operations are subject to the impact of economic downturns, political instability and foreign trade restrictions, which may adversely affect the company's business, financial condition and operating results. The company anticipates that international sales will continue to account for a significant portion of consolidated net sales in the foreseeable future. Some sales by the company's foreign operations are in local currency, and an increase in the relative value of the U.S. dollar against such currencies would lead to a reduction in consolidated sales and earnings. Additionally, foreign currency exposures are not fully hedged, and there can be no assurances that the company's future results of operations will not be adversely affected by currency fluctuations.

The company is subject to potential liability under environmental laws.

The company's operations are regulated under a number of federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations that govern, among other things, the discharge of hazardous materials into the air and water as well as the handling, storage and disposal of these materials. Compliance with these environmental laws and regulations is a significant consideration for the company because it uses hazardous materials in the company manufacturing processes. In addition, because the company is a generator of hazardous wastes, even if it fully complies with applicable environmental laws, it may be subject to financial exposure for costs associated with an investigation and remediation of sites at which it has arranged for the disposal of hazardous wastes if these sites become contaminated. In the event of a violation of environmental laws, the company could be held liable for damages and for the costs of remedial actions. Environmental laws could also become more stringent over time, imposing greater compliance costs and increasing risks and penalties associated with any violation, which could negatively affect the company's operating results.
 
20

The company's financial performance is subject to significant fluctuations.

The company's financial performance is subject to quarterly and annual fluctuations due to a number of factors, including:

•
the lengthy, unpredictable sales cycle for commercial foodservice equipment;

•
the gain or loss of significant customers;

•
unexpected delays in new product introductions;

 
•
the level of market acceptance of new or enhanced versions of the company's products;

•
unexpected changes in the levels of the company's operating expenses;

•
competitive product offerings and pricing actions; and

•
general economic conditions.

Each of these factors could result in a material and adverse change in the company's business, financial condition and results of operations.

The company may be unable to manage its growth.

The company has recently experienced rapid growth in business. Continued growth could place a strain on the company's management, operations and financial resources. There also will be additional demands on the company's sales, marketing and information systems and on the company's administrative infrastructure as it develops and offers additional products and enters new markets. The company cannot be certain that the company's operating and financial control systems, administrative infrastructure, outsourced and internal production capacity, facilities and personnel will be adequate to support the company's future operations or to effectively adapt to future growth. If the company cannot manage the company's growth effectively, the company's business may be harmed.
 
21

The company's business could suffer in the event of a work stoppage by its unionized labor force.

Because the company has a significant number of workers whose employment is subject to collective bargaining agreements and labor union representation, the company is vulnerable to possible organized work stoppages and similar actions. Unionized employees accounted for approximately 18% of the company's workforce as of December 29, 2007. At the company's Lodi, Wisconsin facility it has a union contract with the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers that extends through January 2010. At the company's Elgin, Illinois facility, it has a union contract with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters that extends through April 2012. At the company’s Verdi, Nevada facility, it has a union contract with Sheet Metal Workers International Association that extends through August 2010. The company also has a union workforce at its manufacturing facility in the Philippines under a contract that extends through June 2011. Any future strikes, employee slowdowns or similar actions by one or more unions, in connection with labor contract negotiations or otherwise, could have a material adverse effect on the company's ability to operate the company's business.

The company depends significantly on its key personnel.

The company depends significantly on certain of the company's executive officers and certain other key personnel, many of whom could be difficult to replace. While the company has employment agreements with certain key executives, the company cannot be certain that it will succeed in retaining this personnel or their services under existing agreements. The incapacity, inability or unwillingness of certain of these people to perform their services may have a material adverse effect on the company. There is intense competition for qualified personnel within the company's industry, and the company cannot assure you that it will be able to continue to attract, motivate and retain personnel with the skills and experience needed to successfully manage the company business and operations.

The impact of future transactions on the company's common stock is uncertain.

The company periodically reviews potential transactions related to products or product rights and businesses complementary to the company's business. Such transactions could include mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, alliances or licensing agreements. In the future, the company may choose to enter into such transactions at any time. The impact of transactions on the market price of a company's stock is often uncertain, but it may cause substantial fluctuations to the market price. Consequently, any announcement of any such transaction could have a material adverse effect upon the market price of the company's common stock. Moreover, depending upon the nature of any transaction, the company may experience a charge to earnings, which could be material and could possibly have an adverse impact upon the market price of the company's common stock.
 
22

Future sales or issuances of equity or convertible securities could depress the market price of the company's common stock and be dilutive and affect the company's ability to raise funds through equity issuances.

If the company's stockholders sell substantial amounts of the company's common stock or the company issues substantial additional amounts of the company's equity securities, or there is a belief that such sales or issuances could occur, the market price of the company's common stock could fall. These factors could also make it more difficult for the company to raise funds through future offerings of equity securities.

The market price of the company's common stock may be subject to significant volatility.

The market price of the company's common stock may be highly volatile because of a number of factors, including the following:

•
actual or anticipated fluctuations in the company's operating results;

 
•
changes in expectations as to the company's future financial performance, including financial estimates by securities analysts and investors;

 
•
the operating performance and stock price of other companies in the company's industry;

 
•
announcements by the company or the company's competitors of new products or significant contracts, acquisitions, joint ventures or capital commitments;

•
changes in interest rates;

•
additions or departures of key personnel; and

•
future sales or issuances of the company's common stock.

In addition, the stock markets from time to time experience price and volume fluctuations that may be unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of particular companies. These broad fluctuations may adversely affect the trading price of the company's common stock, regardless of the company's operating performance.
 
23
 
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

Not applicable.


Item 2. Properties

The company's principal executive offices are located in Elgin, Illinois. The company operates ten manufacturing facilities in the U.S., one manufacturing facility in China, one manufacturing facility in the Philippines and one manufacturing facility in Denmark.

The principal properties of the company utilized to conduct business operations are listed below:

 
Location
 
Principal
Function
 
Square
Footage
  
Owned/
Leased
 
Lease
Expiration
       
 
        
Brea, CA
  
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
  
120,700
  
Leased
  
June 2010
       
 
        
Buford, GA
  
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
  
47,350
  
Leased
  
May 2009
December 2014
       
 
 
      
Elgin, IL
  
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
  
207,000
  
Owned
  
N/A
       
 
        
Mundelein, IL
  
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
  
55,000
33,000
 
Owned
Leased
  
N/A
Monthly
       
 
        
Menominee, MI
  
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
  
46,000
  
Owned
  
N/A
       
 
        
Verdi, NV
  
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
  
42,300
89,000
  
Owned
Leased
  
N/A
June 2012
       
 
        
Bow, NH
  
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
  
102,000
34,000
 
Owned
Leased
  
N/A
March 2010
       
 
        
Fuquay-Varina, NC
  
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
  
131,000
  
Owned
  
N/A
       
 
        
Burlington, VT
  
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
  
140,000
  
Owned
  
N/A
       
 
        
Lodi, WI
  
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
  
112,000
  
Owned
  
N/A
       
 
        
Shanghai, China
  
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
  
37,500
  
Leased
  
July 2009
       
 
        
Randers, Denmark
  
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
  
50,095
  
Owned
  
N/A
       
 
        
Laguna, the Philippines
  
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
  
54,000
  
Owned
  
N/A
 
At various other locations the company leases small amounts of office space for administrative and sales functions, and in certain instances limited short-term inventory storage. These locations are in China, Mexico, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan and the United Kingdom.
 
24
 
Management believes that these facilities are adequate for the operation of the company's business as presently conducted.
 
The company also has a leased manufacturing facility in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, which was exited as part of the company's manufacturing consolidation efforts. This lease extends through June 2015. This facility is currently subleased.


Item 3. Legal Proceedings

The company is routinely involved in litigation incidental to its business, including product liability claims, which are partially covered by insurance or in certain cases by indemnification provisions under purchase agreements for recently acquired companies. Such routine claims are vigorously contested and management does not believe that the outcome of any such pending litigation will have a material adverse effect upon the financial condition, results of operations or cash flows of the company.


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

No matters were submitted to a vote of the security holders in the fourth quarter of the year ended December 29, 2007.
 
25
 
PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Principal Market

The company's Common Stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol "MIDD". The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low closing sale prices per share of Common Stock, as reported by the Nasdaq Global Market.
 
   
Closing Share Price(1)
  
   
High
 
Low
  
Fiscal 2007
        
First quarter 
    
66.58
    
50.95
  
Second quarter 
    
71.37
    
57.40
  
Third quarter 
    
74.99
    
58.69
  
Fourth quarter 
    
77.20
    
59.41
  
 
Fiscal 2006
              
First quarter 
    
48.90
    
40.50
  
Second quarter 
    
47.13
    
39.92
  
Third quarter 
    
44.15
    
36.80
  
Fourth quarter 
    
52.70
    
37.58
  
(1) Closing share prices for periods prior to June 15, 2007 adjusted for stock split (see below for further information).
 
Shareholders
 
The company estimates there were approximately 33,707 record holders of the company's common stock as of February 22, 2008.

Dividends

The company does not currently pay cash dividends on its common stock. Any future payment of cash dividends on the company’s common stock will be at the discretion of the company’s Board of Directors and will depend upon the company’s results of operations, earnings, capital requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors deemed relevant by the Board of Directors. The company’s Board of Directors currently intends to retain any future earnings to support its operations and to finance the growth and development of the company’s business and does not intend to declare or pay cash dividends on its common stock for the foreseeable future. In addition, the company’s revolving credit facility limits its ability to declare or pay dividends on its common stock.
 
26
 
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities


 
Total Number of Shares Purchased
  
 
 
 
Average Price Paid per Share
  
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plan or Program
  
Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plan or Program
  
September 30, 2007 to October 27, 2007
    
--
    
--
    
--
    
847,001
  
October 28, 2007 to November 24, 2007
    
--
    
--
    
--
    
847,001
  
November 25, 2007 to December 29, 2007
    
--
    
--
    
--
    
847,001
  
Quarter ended December 29, 2007
    
--
    
--
    
--
    
847,001
  

In July 1998, the company's Board of Directors adopted a stock repurchase program and subsequently authorized the purchase of up to 1,800,000 common shares in open market purchases. As of December 29, 2007, 952,999 shares had been purchased under the 1998 stock repurchase program.

In May 2007, the company’s Board of Directors approved a two-for-one stock split of the company’s common stock in the form of a stock dividend. The stock split was paid to shareholders of record as of June 1, 2007. The company’s stock began trading on a stock-adjusted basis on June 18, 2007. The stock split effectively doubled the number of shares outstanding at June 15, 2007. All references in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto to net earnings per share and the number of shares have been adjusted to reflect this stock split. See Note 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further detail.
 
At December 29, 2007, the company had a total of 3,855,044 shares in treasury amounting to $89.6 million.
 
27
 
PART II

Item 6. Selected Financial Data


(amounts in thousands, except per share data)
Fiscal Year Ended(1)(2)

 
     
2007
    
2006
    
2005
    
2004
    
2003
  
Income Statement Data:
                                
Net sales 
  
$
500,472
  
$
403,131
  
$
316,668
  
$
271,115
  
$
242,200
  
Cost of sales 
    
308,107
    
246,254
    
195,015
    
168,487
    
156,347
  
                                 
Gross profit 
    
192,365
    
156,877
    
121,653
    
102,628
    
85,853
  
Selling and distribution expenses 
    
50,769
    
40,371
    
33,772
    
30,496
    
29,609
  
General and administrative expenses 
    
48,663
    
39,605
    
29,909
    
23,113
    
21,228
  
Stock repurchase transaction expenses 
    
--
    
--
    
--
    
12,647
    
--
  
Lease reserve adjustments 
    
--
    
--
    
--
    
(1,887
)
  
--
  
                                 
Income from operations 
    
92,933
    
76,901
    
57,972
    
38,259
    
35,016
  
Interest expense and deferred financing amortization, net 
    
5,855
    
6,932
    
6,437
    
3,004
    
5,891
  
Debt extinguishment expenses 
    
481
    
--
    
--
    
1,154
    
--
  
Loss (gain) on financing derivatives 
    
314
    
--
    
--
    
(265
)
  
(62
)
Other (income) expense, net 
    
(1,696
)
  
161
    
137
    
522
    
366
  
                                 
Earnings before income taxes
    
87,979
    
69,808
    
51,398
    
33,844
    
28,821
  
Provision for income taxes 
    
35,365
    
27,431
    
19,220
    
10,256
    
10,123
  
Net earnings
  
$
52,614
  
$
42,377
  
$
32,178
  
$
23,588
  
$
18,698
  
                                 
Net earnings per share:
                                
Basic 
  
$
3.35
  
$
2.77
  
$
2.14
  
$
1.28
  
$
1.03
  
Diluted 
  
$
3.11
  
$
2.57
  
$
1.99
  
$
1.19
  
$
1.00
  
                                 
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
                          
Basic 
    
15,694
    
15,286
    
15,028
    
18,400
    
18,130
  
Diluted 
    
16,938
    
16,518
    
16,186
    
19,862
    
18,784
  
                                 
Cash dividends declared
per common share
  
$
--
  
$
--
  
$
--
  
$
0.20
  
$
0.13
  
                                 
Balance Sheet Data:
                                
Working capital(3) 
  
$
61,573
  
$
11,512
  
$
7,590
  
$
10,923
  
$
3,490
  
Total assets(3) 
    
413,647
    
288,323
    
267,219
    
209,675
    
194,620
  
Total debt 
    
96,197
    
82,802
    
121,595
    
123,723
    
56,500
  
Stockholders' equity 
    
182,912
    
100,573
    
48,500
    
7,215
    
62,090
  

(1)
The company's fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to December 31.
(2)
The prior years’ net earnings per share, the number of shares and cash dividends declared have been adjusted to reflect the company’s stock split that occurred on June 15, 2007. See Note 4 to The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further detail.
(3)
The company’s 2007 and 2006 amounts have been restated. See Note 2 to The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further detail.
 
28
 
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations


Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This report contains "forward-looking statements" subject to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the company's actual results, performance or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. The following are some of the important factors that could cause the company's actual results, performance or outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements:

·  
volatility in earnings resulting from goodwill impairment losses, which may occur irregularly and in varying amounts;

·  
variability in financing costs;

·  
quarterly variations in operating results;

·  
dependence on key customers;

·  
risks associated with the company's foreign operations, including market acceptance and demand for the company's products and the company's ability to manage the risk associated with the exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations;

·  
the company's ability to protect its trademarks, copyrights and other intellectual property;

·  
changing market conditions;

·  
the impact of competitive products and pricing;

·  
the timely development and market acceptance of the company's products; and

·  
the availability and cost of raw materials.

The company cautions readers to carefully consider the statements set forth in the section entitled "Item 1A Risk Factors" of this filing and discussion of risks included in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings.
 
29
 
NET SALES SUMMARY
(dollars in thousands)

Fiscal Year Ended(1) 
  
   
2007
  
2006
  
2005
  
   
Sales
  
Percent
  
Sales
  
Percent
  
Sales
  
Percent
  
                           
Business Divisions:
                          
                           
Commercial Foodservice
    
403,735
    
80.7
    
324,206
    
80.4
    
294,067
    
92.9
  
                                       
Food Processing 
    
70,467
    
14.1
    
55,153
    
13.7
    
2,837
    
0.9
  
                                       
International Distribution
Division (2) 
    
62,476
    
12.5
    
56,496
    
14.0
    
53,989
    
17.0
  
                                       
Intercompany sales (3)
    
(36,206
)
  
(7.3
)
  
(32,724
)
  
(8.1
)
  
(34,225
)
  
(10.8
)
Total
  
$
500,472
    
100.0
%
$
403,131
    
100.0
%
$
316,668
    
100.0
%
   
(1)
The company's fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to December 31.

(2)
Consists of sales of products manufactured by Middleby and products manufactured by third parties.

(3)
Represents the elimination of sales from the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group to the International Distribution Division.

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth certain items in the consolidated statements of earnings as a percentage of net sales for the periods presented:
 
   
Fiscal Year Ended(1)
  
   
2007
  
2006
  
2005
  
               
Net sales 
    
100.0
%
  
100.0
%
  
100.0
%
Cost of sales 
    
61.6
   
61.1
   
61.6
  
Gross profit 
    
38.4
    
38.9
    
38.4
  
Selling, general and administrative expenses 
    
19.8
   
19.8
   
20.1
 
Income from operations 
    
18.6
    
19.1
    
18.3
  
Interest expense and deferred financing amortization, net
    
1.2
   
1.7
   
2.0
 
Debt extinguishment expenses 
    
0.1
    
--
    
--
  
Loss on financing derivatives 
    
--
    
--
    
--
  
Other (income) expense, net 
    
(0.3
)
  
--
    
--
  
Earnings before income taxes 
    
17.6
    
17.4
    
16.3
  
Provision for income taxes 
    
7.1
   
6.9
   
6.1
 
Net earnings
    
10.5
%
  
10.5
%
  
10.2
%
 
(1)
The company's fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to December 31.
 
30
 
Fiscal Year Ended December 29, 2007 as Compared to December 30, 2006

Net sales. Net sales in fiscal 2007 increased by $97.3 million or 24.1% to $500.5 million as compared to $403.1 million in fiscal 2006. The net sales increase included $74.4 million or 18.5% attributable to acquisition growth, resulting from the August 2006 acquisition of Houno and the 2007 acquisitions of Jade Range, Carter-Hoffmann, MP Equipment and Wells Bloomfield.  Excluding acquisitions, net sales increased $23.0 million or 5.7% from the prior year, as a result of growth in restaurant chain business and increased sales of new products.

Net sales of the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group increased by $79.5 million or 24.5% to $403.7 million in 2007 as compared to $324.2 million in fiscal 2006.

Net sales from the acquisitions of Houno, Jade, Carter-Hoffmann and Wells Bloomfield which were acquired on August 31, 2006, April 1, 2007, June 29, 2007 and August 3, 2007, respectively, accounted for an increase of $58.2 million during the fiscal year 2007.

Net sales of conveyor ovens were $4.6 million lower than the prior year due to a work stoppage that occurred at the Elgin, Illinois production facility that began on May 17, 2007 after the unionized workforce failed to ratify a final contract proposal of an expired collective bargaining agreement.  On July 30, 2007, the company announced it had entered into a new collective bargaining agreement with its Elgin, Illinois unionized workforce bringing an end to the work stoppage.

Excluding the impact of acquisitions and the sales of conveyor ovens impacted by the work stoppage, net sales of commercial foodservice equipment increased $28.1 million or 10.9% driven by increased sales of combi-ovens, convection ovens, and ranges, reflecting the impact of new product introductions and price increases.

Net sales for the Food Processing Equipment Group were $70.5 million as compared to $55.2 million in fiscal 2006.  Net sales of MP Equipment, which was acquired on July 2, 2007, accounted for an increase of $16.2 million. Excluding the impact of acquisitions, net sales of food processing equipment decreased $0.9 million or 1.6% due to acquisition integration initiatives put in place to eliminate low margin and unprofitable sales.

Net sales for the International Distribution Division increased $6.0 million or 10.6% to $62.5 million, as compared to $56.5 million in the prior year.  The net sales increase reflects a $3.7 million increase in Europe, a $1.7 million increase in Asia and a $0.6 million increase in Latin America resulting from expansion of the U.S. chains and increased business with local restaurant chains in the region. 

The company records an elimination of its sales from the Commercial Foodservice Group to the International Distribution Division. This sales elimination increased by $3.5 million to $36.2 million reflecting the increase in purchases of equipment by the International Distribution Division from the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group due to increased sales volumes.
 
31
 
Gross profit. Gross profit increased by $35.5 million to $192.4 million in fiscal 2007 from $156.9 million in 2006, reflecting the impact of higher sales volumes. The gross margin rate decreased from 38.9% in 2006 to 38.4% in 2007. The net decrease in the gross margin rate reflects:

·  
Lower margins at the newly acquired Jade, Carter-Hoffmann, MP Equipment and Wells Bloomfield operations which are in the process of being integrated within the company.
 
·  
Lower margins at the Elgin, Illinois manufacturing facility which was adversely impacted by the work stoppage.
 
·  
The adverse impact of steel costs which have risen from the prior year.
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses. Combined selling, general, and administrative expenses increased by $19.4 million to $99.4 million in 2007 from $80.0 million in 2006.  As a percentage of net sales, operating expenses amounted to 19.8% in 2007 and 2006.

Selling expenses increased $10.4 million to $50.8 million from $40.4 million, reflecting an increase of $8.0 million associated with the newly acquired Houno, Jade, Carter-Hoffmann, MP Equipment and Wells Bloomfield operations and $1.6 million of higher commission costs associated with increased sales volumes.

General and administrative expenses increased $9.1 million to $48.7 million from $39.6 million, reflecting an increase of $5.4 million associated with the newly acquired Houno, Jade, Carter-Hoffmann, MP Equipment and Wells Bloomfield operations. General and administrative expenses also includes $3.4 million in increased expense associated with non-cash share-based compensation recorded in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 123R on January 1, 2006. 
 
Income from operations. Income from operations increased $16.0 million to $92.9 million in fiscal 2007 from $76.9 million in fiscal 2006. The increase in operating income resulted from the increase in net sales and gross profit. Operating income as a percentage of net sales declined from 19.1% in 2006 to 18.6% in 2007. The reduction in operating income percentage reflects lower profitability of the newly acquired business operations, which are anticipated to increase as these operations are integrated within the company.
 
32
 
Non-operating expenses. Non-operating expenses decreased $2.1 million to $5.0 million in 2007 from $7.1 million in 2006. Net interest expense decreased $1.0 million from $6.9 million in 2006 to $5.9 million in 2007 as a result of lower average debt balances. Additionally, in conjunction with the company’s refinancing of its senior debt facility, the company recorded $0.5 million of expense to write-off unamortized deferred financing costs associated with the prior credit facility. During the fourth quarter the company also recorded $0.3 million of losses on interest rate swap derivatives as these contracts were closed in connection with the refinancing of the credit facility. No such expense was recorded in 2006. The company recorded $1.7 million of other income in 2007, which included foreign exchange gains of $1.2 million that resulted from the weakening of the U.S. Dollar against currencies at most of the company’s foreign operations.

Income taxes. A tax provision of $35.4 million, at an effective rate of 40.2%, was recorded for 2007 as compared to $27.4 million at a 39.3% effective rate in 2006.  The increase in the effective tax rate reflects increased reserves recorded in conjunction with the adoption of Financial Interpretation No. 48, which was adopted during 2007.
 

Fiscal Year Ended December 30, 2006 as Compared to December 31, 2005

Net sales. Net sales in fiscal 2006 increased by $86.5 million or 27.3% to $403.1 million as compared to $316.7 million in fiscal 2005. A net sales increase of $56.4 million or 17.8% was attributable to acquisition growth, including the December 2005 acquisition of Alkar and the August 2006 acquisition of Houno A/S.  Excluding acquisitions, net sales increased $30.1 million or 9.5% from the prior year, as a result of growth in restaurant chain business and increased sales of new products.

Net sales of the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group increased by $30.1 million or 10.2% to $324.2 million in 2006 as compared to $294.1 million in fiscal 2005.  Net sales from the acquisition of Houno on August 31, 2006 accounted for $4.1 of the increase from the prior year.  Excluding the Houno acquisition, net sales of the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group increased $26.0 million or 8.8%, resulting from new product introductions including $8.8 million of increased conveyor oven sales over the prior year resulting from the newly introduced WOW conveyor oven.  Net sales also rose due to increased purchases from international and regional restaurant chain customers resulting from new store openings and increased replacement business.

Net sales for the Food Processing Equipment Group were $55.2 million as compared to $2.8 million in fiscal 2005.  The prior year revenues reflect sales for a four week period subsequent to the acquisition of Alkar, which was acquired in December 2005.

Net sales for the International Distribution Division increased $2.5 million or 4.6% to $56.5 million, as compared to $54.0 million in the prior year.  The net sales increase reflects a $3.4 million increase in Latin America resulting from expansion of the U.S. chains and increased business with local restaurant chains in the region.  This increase was offset in part by a $0.5 million sales decline in Asia and a $0.4 million decline in Europe. The prior year sales in Asia and Europe benefited from product rollouts with certain restaurant chain customers which did not recur in 2006.
 
33
 
Intercompany sales eliminations represent sales of product amongst the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group operations and from the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group operations to the International Distribution Division. The sales elimination decreased by $1.5 million to $32.7 million reflecting the decrease in purchases of equipment by the International Distribution Division from the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group.

Gross profit. Gross profit increased by $35.2 million to $156.9 million in fiscal 2006 from $121.7 million in 2005, reflecting the impact of higher sales volumes. The gross margin rate also increased to 38.9% in 2006 as compared to 38.4% in 2005. The net increase in the gross margin rate reflects:

·  
Increased sales volumes that benefited manufacturing efficiencies and provided for greater leverage of fixed manufacturing costs.

·  
Higher margins associated with new product sales.

·  
Improved margins at Nu-Vu, which was acquired in January 2005. The margin improvement at this operation reflects the benefits of successful integration efforts.
.
·  
The adverse impact of lower margins at the newly acquired Alkar operations.

·  
The adverse impact increased steel and other material costs.

Selling, general and administrative expenses. Combined selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $16.3 million to $80.0 million in 2006 from $63.7 million in 2005.  As a percentage of net sales, operating expenses amounted to 19.8% in 2006, as compared to 20.1% in 2005 reflecting greater leverage on higher sales volumes.

Selling expenses increased $6.6 million to $40.4 million from $33.8 million, reflecting an increase of $4.5 million associated with the newly acquired Alkar and Houno operations and $2.1 million of higher commission costs associated with the increased sales volumes.

General and administrative expenses increased $9.7 million to $39.6 million in 2006 from $29.9 million, reflecting an increase of $4.3 million associated with the newly acquired Alkar and Houno operations. General and administrative expenses also included $1.1 million of stock option compensation expensed as a result of the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 123R on January 1, 2006.  Increased general and administrative expense also reflected increased incentive compensation expense resulting from improved financial performance of the company, increased legal and professional fees associated with acquisition related initiatives and other increased costs associated with general increases in business scope and volumes.  
 
Income from operations. Income from operations increased $18.9 million to $76.9 million in fiscal 2006 from $58.0 million in fiscal 2005. The increase in operating income resulted from the increase in net sales and gross profit.
 
34
 
Non-operating expenses. Non-operating expenses increased $0.5 million to $7.1 million in 2006 from $6.6 million in 2005, and are comprised primarily of interest expense. Interest and deferred financing amortization costs increased $0.5 million in 2006 as compared to 2005, due to higher interest rates, which more than offset the benefit of lower average debt balances.

Income taxes. A tax provision of $27.4 million, at an effective rate of 39.3%, was recorded for 2006 as compared to $19.2 million at a 37.4% effective rate in 2005.  The 2005 provision reflected a favorable adjustment to tax reserves associated with closed tax periods, which amounted to $1.3 million.


Financial Condition and Liquidity 

Total cash and cash equivalents increased by $4.0 million to $7.5 million at December 29, 2007 from $3.5 million at December 30, 2006. Net borrowings increased to $96.2 million at December 29, 2007 from $82.8 million at December 30, 2006.

Operating activities. Net cash provided by operating activities after changes in assets and liabilities amounted to $59.5 million as compared to $50.1 million in the prior year. 

Adjustments to reconcile 2007 net earnings to operating cash flows included $6.4 million of depreciation and amortization, $7.8 million of non-cash stock compensation expense, $4.6 million of deferred tax expense and $0.5 million of debt extinguishment expense.

During 2007, working capital levels increased due to an increase in sales volumes. The changes in working capital included a $9.0 million increase in accounts receivable, a $1.2 million increase in inventories and a $1.2 million increase in accounts payable.  Prepaid and other assets increased $15.6 million due to an increase in the prepaid tax balance. Accrued expenses and other liabilities increased by $12.2 million as a result of increased accruals for operating liabilities associated with higher business volumes, including accruals associated with customer rebate programs, commission programs, insurance liabilities and incentive compensation.

Investing activities. During 2007, net cash used for investing activities amounted to $71.7 million. This included $0.2 million paid in connection with the acquisition of Houno, $7.8 million paid in connection with the acquisition of Jade, $16.2 million paid in connection with the acquisition of Carter-Hoffmann, $15.3 million paid in connection with the acquisition of MP Equipment, $28.9 million paid in connection with the acquisition of Wells Bloomfield and $3.3 million of additions and upgrades of production equipment, manufacturing facilities and training equipment.
 
35
 
Financing activities. Net cash flows from financing activities amounted to $16.0 million in 2007.  On December 28, 2007, the company fully repaid borrowings under its previous senior credit facility.  Repayments on this facility, including the final payoff, amounted to $77.6 million and included repayments of $30.1 million of revolver borrowings and $47.5 million of a term loan.  The company funded the repayment with proceeds from its new senior revolving credit facility that was established on December 28, 2007.  The newly established credit facility provides for $450.0 million of borrowing availability and expires on December 28, 2012. The company incurred $1.3 million of debt issuance costs associated with the establishment of this new facility.  The company had borrowings of $91.4 million under this facility at year end. 

The company also made $1.0 million of repayments on its foreign bank loans. As of December 28, 2008, total foreign bank loans amounted to $4.8 million.  

Financing activities also included $4.5 million in proceeds in connection with the exercise and issuance of employee stock options.

On December 31, 2007, subsequent to the fiscal 2007 year-end, the company entered into a transaction to acquire the net assets of New Star Holdings International, Inc. for $188.4 million in cash.  This acquisition was funded through borrowings under the company’s newly established $450 million senior revolving credit facility.

At December 29, 2007, the company was in compliance with all covenants pursuant to its borrowing agreements. Management believes that future cash flows from operating activities and borrowing availability under the revolving credit facility will provide the company with sufficient financial resources to meet its anticipated requirements for working capital, capital expenditures and debt amortization for the foreseeable future.


Contractual Obligations

The company's contractual cash payment obligations are set forth below (dollars in thousands):
 
                   
Total
  
           
Idle
 
Deferred
  
Contractual
 
   
Long-term
  
Operating
 
Facility
  
Acquisition
  
Cash
 
   
Debt
  
Leases
  
Lease
  
Payments
  
Obligations
  
                       
Less than 1 year
  
$
2,683
  
$
2,790
  
$
342
  
$
--
  
$
5,815
  
1-3 years
    
449
    
3,735
    
773
    
2,000
    
6,957
  
4-5 years
    
91,799
    
1,105
    
866
    
--
    
93,770
  
After 5 years
    
1,266
    
58
    
1,143
    
--
    
2,467
  
                                 
   
$
96,197
  
$
7,688
  
$
3,124
  
$
2,000
  
$
109,009
  
 
Idle facility lease consists of an obligation for a manufacturing location that was exited in conjunction with the company's manufacturing consolidation efforts. This lease obligation continues through June 2015. This facility has been subleased. The obligation presented above does not reflect any anticipated sublease income from the facilities.
 
36
 
As indicated in Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements, the company’s projected benefit obligation under its defined benefit plans exceeded the plans’ assets by $4.6 million at the end of 2007 as compared to $3.5 million at the end of 2006.  The unfunded benefit obligations were comprised of a $0.6 million underfunding of the company's union plan and $4.0 million underfunding of the company's director plans.  The company does not expect to contribute to the director plans in 2008.  The company made minimum contributions required by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) of $0.1 million in 2007 and $0.2 million in 2006 to the company's union plan.  The company expects to continue to make minimum contributions to the union plan as required by ERISA, which are expected to be $0.1 million in 2008. 

The company places purchase orders with its suppliers in the ordinary course of business. These purchase orders are generally to fulfill short-term manufacturing requirements of less than 90 days and most are cancelable with a restocking penalty. The company has no long-term purchase contracts or minimum purchase obligations with any supplier.

The company has contractual obligations under its various debt agreements to make interest payments. These amounts are subject to the level of borrowings in future periods and the interest rate for the applicable periods, and therefore the amounts of these payments is not determinable.

The company has an obligation to make $2.0 million of purchase price payments to the sellers of MP Equipment that were deferred in conjunction with the acquisition.

The company has no activities, obligations or exposures associated with off-balance sheet arrangements.


Related Party Transactions

From December 31, 2006 through the date hereof, there were no transactions between the company, its directors and executive officers that are required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404 of Regulation S-K, promulgated under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.


Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based upon the company's consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires the company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses as well as related disclosures. On an ongoing basis, the company evaluates its estimates and judgments based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
 
37
 
Revenue Recognition. The company recognizes revenue on the sale of its products when risk of loss has passed to the customer, which occurs at the time of shipment, and collectibility is reasonably assured. The sale prices of the products sold are fixed and determinable at the time of shipment. Sales are reported net of sales returns, sales incentives and cash discounts based on prior experience and other quantitative and qualitative factors.

At the food processing equipment group, the company enters into long-term sales contracts for certain products. Revenue under these long-term sales contracts is recognized using the percentage of completion method prescribed by Statement of Position No. 81-1 due to the length of time to fully manufacture and assemble the equipment. The company measures revenue recognized based on the ratio of actual labor hours incurred in relation to the total estimated labor hours to be incurred related to the contract. Because estimated labor hours to complete a project are based upon forecasts using the best available information, the actual hours may differ from original estimates. The percentage of completion method of accounting for these contracts most accurately reflects the status of these uncompleted contracts in the company's financial statements and most accurately measures the matching of revenues with expenses. At the time a loss on a contract becomes known, the amount of the estimated loss is recognized in the consolidated financial statements.

Property and equipment. Property and equipment are depreciated or amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives based on management's estimates of the period over which the assets will be utilized to benefit the operations of the company. The useful lives are estimated based on historical experience with similar assets, taking into account anticipated technological or other changes.  The company periodically reviews these lives relative to physical factors, economic factors and industry trends. If there are changes in the planned use of property and equipment or if technological changes were to occur more rapidly than anticipated, the useful lives assigned to these assets may need to be shortened, resulting in the recognition of increased depreciation and amortization expense in future periods.

Long-lived assets. Long-lived assets (including goodwill and other intangibles) are reviewed for impairment annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In assessing the recoverability of the company's long-lived assets, the company considers changes in economic conditions and makes assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows and other factors.  Estimates of future cash flows are judgments based on the company's experience and knowledge of operations.  These estimates can be significantly impacted by many factors including changes in global and local business and economic conditions, operating costs, inflation, competition, and consumer and demographic trends.  If the company's estimates or the underlying assumptions change in the future, the company may be required to record impairment charges.
 
38
 
Warranty. In the normal course of business the company issues product warranties for specific product lines and provides for the estimated future warranty cost in the period in which the sale is recorded.  The estimate of warranty cost is based on contract terms and historical warranty loss experience that is periodically adjusted for recent actual experience. Because warranty estimates are forecasts that are based on the best available information, claims costs may differ from amounts provided. Adjustments to initial obligations for warranties are made as changes in the obligations become reasonably estimable.

Litigation. From time to time, the company is subject to proceedings, lawsuits and other claims related to products, suppliers, employees, customers and competitors. The company maintains insurance to partially cover product liability, workers compensation, property and casualty, and general liability matters.  The company is required to assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes to these matters as well as potential ranges of probable losses.  A determination of the amount of accrual required, if any, for these contingencies is made after assessment of each matter and the related insurance coverage.  The reserve requirements may change in the future due to new developments or changes in approach such as a change in settlement strategy in dealing with these matters.  The company does not believe that any pending litigation will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.

Income taxes. The company operates in numerous foreign and domestic taxing jurisdictions where it is subject to various types of tax, including sales tax and income tax.  The company's tax filings are subject to audits and adjustments. Because of the nature of the company’s operations, the nature of the audit items can be complex, and the objectives of the government auditors can result in a tax on the same transaction or income in more than one state or country.  As part of the company's calculation of the provision for taxes, the company establishes reserves for the amount that it expects to incur as a result of audits. The reserves may change in the future due to new developments related to the various tax matters.


New Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standard Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements”. This statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This statement does not require any new fair value measurements. This statement is effective for interim reporting periods in fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. In November 2007, the FASB updated FASB Statement No. 157. The FASB reaffirmed that the statement is effective as originally scheduled in the accounting for the financial assets and liabilities of financial institutions. However, the FASB issued a one year deferral for the implementation of FASB Statement No. 157 for other nonfinancial assets and liabilities. The company does not anticipate the adoption of SFAS No. 157 will have a material impact on the financial statements and will apply this guidance prospectively.
 
39
 
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans - an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)”.   This statement improves financial reporting by requiring an employer to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan as an asset or liability in its statement of financial position and to recognize changes in that funded status in the year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income of a business entity.  This statement also improves financial reporting by requiring an employer to measure the funded status of a plan as of the date of its year-end statement of financial position, with limited exceptions.  Employers with publicly traded equity securities are required to initially recognize the funded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan and to provide the required disclosures as of the end of the fiscal year ending after December 15, 2006.   The company adopted the recognition provision of the overfunded or underfunded status of its defined benefit postretirement plan, but has not yet adopted the measurement date provision of SFAS No. 158.  This provision will be effective for the fiscal year ending January 3, 2009.
 
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities - Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115.” This statement permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The company will apply this guidance prospectively. The company is continuing its process of determining what impact the application of this guidance will have on the company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141R, “Business Combinations”. This statement provides companies with principles and requirements on how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree as well as the recognition and measurement of goodwill acquired in a business combination. This statement also requires certain disclosures to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. Acquisition costs associated with the business combination will generally be expensed as incurred. This statement is effective for business combinations occurring in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. Early adoption of FASB Statement No. 141R is not permitted. The company is evaluating the impact the application of this guidance will have on the company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements - an amendment of ARB No. 51”. This statement amends ARB 51 to establish accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest (minority interest) in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. Upon its adoption, effective as of the beginning of the company’s 2009 fiscal year, noncontrolling interests will be classified as equity in the company’s financial statements and income and comprehensive income attributed to the noncontrolling interest will be included in the company’s income and comprehensive income. The provisions of this standard must be applied retrospectively upon adoption. The company does not anticipate the adoption of SFAS No. 160 will have a material impact on its financial statements.
 
40
 
Certain Risk Factors That May Affect Future Results

An investment in shares of the company's common stock involves risks. The company believes the risks and uncertainties described in "Item 1A Risk Factors" and in "Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" are the material risks it faces. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to the company or that it currently deems immaterial may impair its business operations. If any of the risks identified in "Item 1A. Risk Factors" actually occurs, the company's business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected, and the trading price of the company's common stock could decline.
 
41

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

Interest Rate Risk

The company is exposed to market risk related to changes in interest rates. The following table summarizes the maturity of the company's debt obligations:
 
     
Fixed Rate Debt
    
Variable Rate Debt
  
     
(dollars in thousands)
  
2008
  
$
--
  
$
2,683
  
2009
    
--
    
224
  
2010
    
--
    
224
  
2011
    
--
    
225
  
2012 and thereafter
    
--
    
92,841
 
 
  
$
--
  
$
96,197
  
 
During the fourth quarter of 2007 the company entered into a new senior secured credit facility. Terms of the senior credit agreement provide for $450.0 million of availability under a revolving credit line. As of December 29, 2007, the company had $91.4 million of borrowings outstanding under this facility. The company also has $5.1 million in outstanding letters of credit, which reduces the borrowing availability under the revolving credit line.

Borrowings under the senior secured credit facility are assessed at an interest rate at 1.25% above LIBOR for long-term borrowings or at the higher of the Prime rate and the Federal Funds Rate. At December 29, 2007 the average interest rate on the senior debt amounted to 7.25%. The interest rates on borrowings under the senior bank facility may be adjusted quarterly based on the company’s defined indebtedness ratio on a rolling four-quarter basis. Additionally, a commitment fee, based upon the indebtedness ratio is charged on the unused portion of the revolving credit line. This variable commitment fee amounted to 0.25% as of December 29, 2007.

In August 2006, the company completed its acquisition of Houno A/S in Denmark. This acquisition was funded in part with locally established debt facilities with borrowings in Danish Krone.  On December 29, 2007 these facilities amounted to $4.8 million in US dollars, including $2.6 million outstanding under a revolving credit facility and $2.2 million of a term loan.  The interest rate on the revolving credit facility is assessed at 1.25% above Euro LIBOR, which amounted to 5.90% on December 29, 2007. The term loan matures in 2013 and the interest rate is assessed at 5.62%.  
 
42
 
The company has historically entered into interest rate swap agreements to effectively fix the interest rate on its outstanding debt. In February 2003, the company entered into an interest rate swap agreement for a notional amount of $10.0 million. This agreement swapped one-month LIBOR for a fixed rate of 2.36% and was in effect through December 2005. In January 2005, the company entered into an interest rate swap agreement for a notional amount of $70.0 million. This agreement swapped one-month LIBOR for a fixed rate of 3.78%. The notional amount was amortized consistent with the repayment schedule of the company's previous term loan maturing in November 2009. In conjunction with the company’s new financing agreement, this swap was cancelled during the fourth quarter of 2007. In January 2006, the company entered into an interest rate swap agreement for a notional amount of $10.0 million maturing on December 21, 2009. This agreement swaps one-month LIBOR for a fixed rate of 5.03%. In August 2006, in conjunction with the Houno acquisition, the company assumed an interest rate swap with a notional amount of $0.9 million Euro maturing on December 31, 2018. This agreement swaps one-month Euro LIBOR for a fixed rate of 4.84%. This agreement was cancelled in January 2007.

In connection with the increased borrowings associated with the New Star International Holdings acquisition, the company entered into a series of interest rate agreements to swap one-month LIBOR for fixed rate debt.  The following table summarizes the terms of the interest rate swap agreements entered into subsequent to the company’s 2007 fiscal year end:

   
Fixed
          
Notional
  
Interest
  
Effective
  
Maturity
  
Amount
  
Rate
  
Date
  
Date
  
               
 $     10,000,000
   
2.520
%
  
2/13/2008
    
2/19/2009
  
 $     20,000,000
   
2.635
%
  
2/6/2008
    
2/6/2009
  
 $     25,000,000
   
3.350
%
  
1/14/2008
    
1/14/2010
  
 $     10,000,000
   
2.920
%
  
2/1/2008
    
2/1/2010
  
 $     10,000,000
   
2.785
%
  
2/6/2008
    
2/6/2010
  
 $     10,000,000
   
3.033
%
  
2/6/2008
    
2/6/2011
  
 $     10,000,000
   
2.820
%
  
2/1/2008
    
2/1/2009
  


The terms of the senior secured credit facility limit the paying of dividends, capital expenditures and leases, and require, among other things, certain ratios of indebtedness and fixed charge coverage. The credit agreement also provides that if a material adverse change in the company’s business operations or conditions occurs, the lender could declare an event of default. Under terms of the agreement a material adverse effect is defined as (a) a material adverse change in, or a material adverse effect upon, the operations, business properties, condition (financial and otherwise) or prospects of the company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole; (b) a material impairment of the ability of the company to perform under the loan agreements and to avoid any event of default; or (c) a material adverse effect upon the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability against the company of any loan document. A material adverse effect is determined on a subjective basis by the company's creditors. At December 29, 2007, the company was in compliance with all covenants pursuant to its borrowing agreements.
 
43
 
Foreign Exchange Derivative Financial Instruments

The company uses derivative financial instruments, principally foreign currency forward purchase and sale contracts with terms of less than one year, to hedge its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The company’s primary hedging activities are to mitigate its exposure to changes in exchange rates on intercompany and third party trade receivables and payables. The company does not currently enter into derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. In managing its foreign currency exposures, the company identifies and aggregates naturally occurring offsetting positions and then hedges residual balance sheet exposures.

The company accounts for its derivative financial instruments in accordance with SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities", which was adopted in the first quarter of 2001. In accordance with SFAS No.133, as amended, these instruments are recognized on the balance sheet as either an asset or a liability measured at fair value. Changes in the market value and the related foreign exchange gains and losses are recorded in the statement of earnings.
 
44
 
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
 

   
Page
     
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
  
46
     
Consolidated Balance Sheets (as restated)
  
48
Consolidated Statements of Earnings
  
49
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
 
50
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
  
51
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
  
52
     
The following consolidated financial statement schedule is included in response to Item 15
    
     
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves
  
91
 
All other schedules for which provision is made to applicable regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instruction or are inapplicable and, therefore, have been omitted.
 
45
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
The Middleby Corporation

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The Middleby Corporation and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, changes in stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 29, 2007. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 8. We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 29, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits.

As described in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, management excluded from its assessment, the internal control over financial reporting at Jade, Carter-Hoffman, MP Equipment, and Wells Bloomfield, which were acquired on April 1, 2007, June 29, 2007, July 2, 2007, and August 3, 2007, respectively. These acquisitions constitute 37.0% and 22.3% of net and total assets, respectively, 13.3% of revenues, and 14.3% of net income of the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the year ended December 29, 2007. Accordingly, our audit did not include the internal control over financial reporting at Jade, Carter-Hoffman, MP Equipment, and Wells Bloomfield.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principals used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
 
46
 
A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company's board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial opinion of The Middleby Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 29, 2007, in conformity with accounting principals generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein. Also, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 29, 2007, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

As described in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements, on January 1, 2006, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement (“FASB”) No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment.

As described in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements, on December 31, 2006, the Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes.

As described in Note 2, the accompanying balance sheets as of December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006 have been restated.

 
Chicago, IL
February 26, 2008 (August 6, 2008 as to the effects of the restatement discussed in Note 2)
 
47
 
THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 29, 2007 AND DECEMBER 30, 2006
(amounts in thousands, except share data)
 
ASSETS
  
2007
  
2006
  
Current assets:
   (as restated)   (as restated)  
Cash and cash equivalents 
  
$
7,463
  
$
3,534
  
Accounts receivable, net 
    
73,090
    
51,580
  
Inventories, net 
    
66,438
    
47,292
  
Prepaid expenses and other 
    
10,341
    
3,289
  
Prepaid taxes 
    
17,986
    
1,129
  
Current deferred taxes 
    
11,095
    
10,851
  
Total current assets
    
186,413
    
117,675
  
Property, plant and equipment, net 
    
36,774
    
28,534
  
Goodwill 
    
134,800
    
104,559
  
Other intangibles 
    
52,581
    
35,306
  
Other assets 
    
3,079
    
2,249
  
Total assets
  
$
413,647
  
$
288,323
  
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
              
Current liabilities:
              
Current maturities of long-term debt 
  
$
2,683
  
$
16,838
  
Accounts payable 
    
26,576
    
19,689
  
Accrued expenses 
    
95,581
    
69,636
  
Total current liabilities
    
124,840
    
106,163
  
Long-term debt 
    
93,514
    
65,964
  
Long-term deferred tax liability 
    
2,568
    
9,168
  
Other non-current liabilities 
    
9,813
    
6,455
  
Stockholders' equity:
              
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; none issued 
    
--
    
--
  
Common stock, $0.005 par value, 20,732,836 and 19,760,490
shares issued in 2007 and 2006, respectively 
    
120
    
117
  
Paid-in capital 
    
104,782
   
73,743
 
Treasury stock at cost; 3,855,044
shares in 2007 and 2006, respectively 
    
(89,641
 )  
(89,641)
)
Retained earnings 
    
166,896
    
115,917
  
Accumulated other comprehensive income 
    
755
    
437
  
Total stockholders' equity 
    
182,912
    
100,573
  
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity 
   $ 413,647  
$
288,323
  

 
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
48
 
THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 29, 2007, DECEMBER 30, 2006
AND DECEMBER 31, 2005
(amounts in thousands, except per share data)

   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
 
 
            
Net sales 
  
$
500,472
  
$
403,131
  
$
316,668
  
Cost of sales 
    
308,107
    
246,254
    
195,015
  
Gross profit 
    
192,365
    
156,877
    
121,653
  
Selling and distribution expenses 
    
50,769
    
40,371
    
33,772
  
General and administrative expenses 
    
48,663
    
39,605
    
29,909
  
Income from operations 
    
92,933
    
76,901
    
57,972
  
Interest expense and deferred financing amortization, net 
    
5,855
    
6,932
    
6,437
  
Write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs 
    
481
    
--
    
--
  
Loss on financing derivatives 
    
314
    
--
    
--
  
Other (income) expense, net 
    
(1,696
)
  
161
    
137
  
Earnings before income taxes 
    
87,979
    
69,808
    
51,398
  
Provision for income taxes 
    
35,365
    
27,431
    
19,220
  
Net earnings
  
$
52,614
  
$
42,377
  
$
32,178
  
                     
Net earnings per share:
                    
Basic 
  
$
3.35
  
$
2.77
  
$
2.14
  
Diluted 
  
$
3.11
  
$
2.57
  
$
1.99
  
                     
Weighted average number of shares
                    
Basic
    
15,694
    
15,286
    
15,028
  
Dilutive common stock equivalents
    
1,244
    
1,232
    
1,158
  
Diluted
    
16,938
    
16,518
    
16,186
  
 
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
49

THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 29, 2007, DECEMBER 30, 2006
AND DECEMBER 31, 2005
(amounts in thousands)

                   
Accumulated
      
                   
Other
  
Total
  
   
Common
  
Paid-in
  
Treasury
  
Retained
  
Comprehensive
  
Stockholders'
  
   
Stock
  
Capital
  
Stock
  
Earnings
  
Income
  
Equity
  
Balance, January 1, 2005
  
$
114
  
$
55,746
  
$
(89,650
)
$
41,362
  
$
(357
)
$
7,215
  
Comprehensive income:
                                      
Net earnings
    
-
    
-
    
-
    
32,178
    
-
    
32,178
  
Currency translation adjustments
    
-
    
-
    
-
    
-
    
(687
)
  
(687
)
Change in unrecognized pension benefit
costs, net of tax of $(169)
    
-
    
-
    
-
    
-
    
(255
)
  
(255
)
Unrealized gain on interest rate
swap, net of tax of $522
    
-
    
-
    
-
    
-
    
705
    
705
  
Net comprehensive income
    
-
    
-
    
-
    
32,178
    
(237
)
  
31,941
  
Exercise of stock options
    
-
    
977
    
-
    
-
    
-
    
977
  
Restricted stock issuance
    
3
    
(3
)
  
-
    
-
    
-
    
-
  
Stock compensation
    
-
    
3,310
    
-
    
-
    
-
    
3,310
  
Tax benefit on stock compensation
    
-
    
5,057
    
-
    
-
    
-
    
5,057
  
Balance, December 31, 2005
  
$
117
  
$
65,087
  
$
(89,650
)
$
73,540
  
$
(594
)
$
48,500
  
Comprehensive income:
                                      
Net earnings
    
-
    
-
    
-
    
42,377
    
-
    
42,377
  
Currency translation adjustments
    
-
    
-
    
-
    
-
    
945
    
945
  
Change in unrecognized pension benefit
costs, net of tax of $145
    
-
    
-
    
-
    
-
    
218
    
218
  
Unrealized gain on interest rate
swap, net of tax of $(88)
    
-
    
-
    
-
    
-
    
(132
)
  
(132
)
Net comprehensive income
    
-
    
-
    
-
    
42,377
    
1,031
    
43,408
  
Exercise of stock options
    
-
    
789
    
-
    
-
    
-
    
789
  
Issuance of treasury stock
    
-
    
-
    
9
    
-
    
-
    
9
  
Stock compensation
    
-
    
4,584
    
-
    
-
    
-
    
4,584
  
Tax benefit on stock compensation
    
-
    
3,283
    
-
    
-
    
-
    
3,283
  
Balance, December 30, 2006
  
$
117
  
$
73,743
  
$
(89,641
)
$
115,917
  
$
437
  
$
100,573
  
Comprehensive income:
                                      
Net earnings
    
-
    
-
    
-
    
52,614
    
-
    
52,614
  
Currency translation adjustments
    
-
    
-
    
-
    
-
    
822
    
822
  
Change in unrecognized pension benefit
costs, net of tax of $72
    
-
    
-
    
-
    
-
    
108
    
108
  
Unrealized gain on interest rate
swap, net of tax of $(408)
    
-
    
-
    
-
    
-
    
(612
)
  
(612
)
Net comprehensive income
    
-
    
-
    
-
    
52,614
    
318
    
52,932
  
Exercise of stock options
    
3
    
4,545
    
-
    
-
    
-
    
4,548
  
Stock compensation
    
-
    
7,787
    
-
    
-
    
-
    
7,787
  
Tax benefit on stock compensation
    
-
    
18,707
    
-
    
-
    
-
    
18,707
  
Cumulative effect related the adoption of FIN48
    
-
    
-
    
-
    
(1,635
)
  
-
    
(1,635
)
Balance, December 29, 2007
  
$
120
  
$
104,782
  
$
(89,641
)
$
166,896
  
$
755
  
$
182,912
  

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
50
 
THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 29, 2007, DECEMBER 30, 2006
AND DECEMBER 31, 2005
(amounts in thousands)
 
   
2007
  
2006
  
2005
  
Cash flows from operating activities--
              
Net earnings 
  
$
52,614
  
$
42,377
  
$
32,178
  
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities--
                    
Depreciation and amortization
    
6,360
    
4,861
    
3,554
  
Non-cash share-based compensation
    
7,787
    
4,584
    
3,310
  
Deferred taxes
    
4,582
    
677
    
807
  
Write-off of umamortized deferred financing costs
    
481
    
--
    
--
  
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions
                    
Accounts receivable, net
    
(9,004
)
  
(11,366
)
  
(3,608
)
Inventories, net
    
(1,150
)
  
(4,030
)
  
(1,323
)
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    
(15,581
)
  
3,582
    
7,222
  
Accounts payable
    
1,193
    
1,062
    
536
  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
    
12,211
    
8,322
    
(417
)
Net cash provided by operating activities 
    
59,493
    
50,069
    
42,259
  
Cash flows from investing activities--
                    
Additions to property and equipment 
    
(3,311
)
  
(2,267
)
  
(1,376
)
Acquisition of Nu-Vu 
    
--
    
--
    
(11,450
)
Acquisition of Alkar 
    
--
    
(1,500
)
  
(28,195
)
Acquisition of Houno 
    
(179
)
  
(4,939
)
  
--
  
Acquisition of Jade 
    
(7,779
)
  
--
    
--
  
Acquisition of Carter-Hoffmann 
    
(16,242
)
  
--
    
--
  
Acquisition of MP Equipment 
    
(15,269
)
  
--
    
--
  
Acquisition of Wells Bloomfield 
    
(28,906
)
  
--
    
--
  
Net cash (used in) investing activities 
    
(71,686
)
  
(8,706
)
  
(41,021
)
Cash flows from financing activities--
                    
Net (repayments) proceeds under previous revolving credit facilities 
    
(30,100
)
  
(26,150
)
  
4,985
  
Net (repayments) under previous senior secured bank notes 
    
(47,500
)
  
(12,500
)
  
(10,000
)
Proceeds under current revolving credit facilities 
    
91,351
    
--
    
--
  
Net (repayments) proceeds under foreign bank loan 
    
(970
)
  
(1,936
)
  
3,200
  
Repayments under note agreement 
    
--
    
(2,145
)
  
(313
)
Debt issuance costs 
    
(1,333
)
  
--
    
--
  
Issuance of treasury stock 
    
--
    
9
    
--
  
Net proceeds from stock issuances 
    
4,548
    
789
    
977
  
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 
    
15,996
    
(41,933
)
  
(1,151
)
                     
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents 
    
124
    
153
    
(51
)
                     
Cash acquired in acquisitions 
    
2
    
43
    
69
  
                     
Changes in cash and cash equivalents--
                    
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 
    
3,929
    
(374
)
  
105
  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 
    
3,534
    
3,908
    
3,803
  
                     
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 
  
$
7,463
  
$
3,534
  
$
3,908
  
 

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
51
 
THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 29, 2007, DECEMBER 30, 2006
AND DECEMBER 31, 2005


(1)  NATURE OF OPERATIONS

The Middleby Corporation (the "company") is engaged in the design, manufacture and sale of commercial foodservice and food processing equipment. The company manufactures and assembles this equipment at ten factories in the United States, one factory in China, one factory in Denmark and one factory in the Philippines. The company operates in three business segments: 1) the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group, 2) the Food Processing Equipment Group and 3) the International Distribution Division.

The Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group manufactures a broad line of cooking, heating and warming equipment including ranges, convection ovens, conveyor ovens, baking ovens, proofers, broilers, fryers, combi-ovens, charbroilers, steam equipment, pop-up and conveyor toasters, hot food servers, food warming equipment, griddles, ventless cooking systems, coffee brewers, tea brewers, and beverage dispensing equipment. End-user customers include: (i) fast food or quick-service restaurants, (ii) full-service restaurants, including casual-theme restaurants, (iii) retail outlets, such as convenience stores, supermarkets and department stores and (iv) public and private institutions, such as hotels, resorts, schools, hospitals, long-term care facilities, correctional facilities, stadiums, airports, corporate cafeterias, military facilities and government agencies. Included in these customers are several large multi-national restaurant chains, which account for a meaningful portion of the company's business, although no single customer accounts for more than 10% of net sales. The company's domestic sales are primarily through independent dealers and distributors and are marketed by the company's sales personnel and network of independent manufacturers' representatives.
 
The Food Processing Equipment Group manufactures food preparation, cooking, packaging and food safety equipment. Customers include food processing companies. Included in these companies are several large international food processing companies, which account for a significant portion of the revenues of this business segment, although none of which is greater than 10% of net sales. The sales of the business are made through its direct sales force.

The International Distribution Division provides sales, technical service and distribution services for the commercial foodservice industry. This division sells and supports the products manufactured by the company's commercial foodservice equipment business. This business operates through a combined network of independent and company-owned distributors. The company maintains regional sales offices in Asia, Europe and Latin America complemented by sales and distribution offices in China, India, Lebanon, Mexico, the Philippines, Russia, Spain, South Korea, Sweden, Taiwan and the United Kingdom.
 
52
 
The company purchases raw materials and component parts, the majority of which are standard commodity type materials, from a number of suppliers. Although certain component parts are procured from a sole source, the company can purchase such parts from alternate vendors.
 
The company has numerous licenses and patents to manufacture, use and sell its products and equipment. Management believes the loss of any one of these licenses or patents would not have a material adverse effect on the financial and operating results of the company.


(2)  RESTATEMENT OF PREVIOUSLY ISSUED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Subsequent to the issuance of its consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2007, the company determined that purchase accounting methodology had been improperly applied as it related to the calculation of deferred tax assets and liabilities for certain acquisitions, including Nu-Vu Foodservice Systems, Jade Products Company, Carter-Hoffman, MP Equipment, and Wells Bloomfield. Specifically, in each of these acquisitions, the company allocated a portion of the purchase price to deferred tax assets to reflect the expected tax benefit to be realized from the future amortization of goodwill deductible for tax purposes.

Upon further review of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 109, “ Accounting for Income Taxes”, the company determined that the recording of a deferred tax asset was not permitted for those portions of goodwill. Accordingly, the company has restated the accompanying 2007 and 2006 consolidated balance sheets to correct the deferred tax and goodwill balances previously reported in the 2007 and 2006 financial statements as filed in the original Form 10-K. These misstatements impact the December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006 balance sheets and have no impact on the statements of earnings, cash flows, or changes in shareholders’ equity for the fiscal years ended December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006.

The quantitative impact of the misstatement on the December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006 balance sheets is summarized below (dollar amounts in thousands).
 
     
2007 
    
2006 
  
     
As
Reported
    
As
Restated 
    
As
Reported 
    
As
Restated 
  
Current deferred taxes
 
$
16,643
  
$
11,095
  
$
10,851
  
$
10,851
  
Total current assets
  
$
191,961
  
$
186,413
  
$
117,675
  
$
117,675
  
Goodwill
  
$
109,814
  
$
134,800
  
$
101,258
  
$
104,559
  
Other intangibles
  
$
52,522
  
$
52,581
  
$
35,306
  
$
35,306
  
Deferred tax assets
  
$
16,929
  
$
--
  
$
--
  
$
--
  
Total assets
  
$
411,079
  
$
413,647
  
$
285,022
  
$
288,323
  
                           
Long-term deferred tax liability
  
$
--
  
$
2,568
  
$
5,867
  
$
9,168
  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  
$
411,079
  
$
413,647
  
$
285,022
  
$
288,323
  
 
53
 
(3)  PURCHASE ACCOUNTING

Nu-Vu

On January 7, 2005, Middleby Marshall Holdings, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company, completed its acquisition of the assets of Nu-Vu Foodservice Systems ("Nu-Vu"), a leading manufacturer of baking ovens, from Win-Holt Equipment Corporation ("Win-Holt") for $12.0 million in cash. In September 2005, the company reached final settlement with Win-Holt on post-closing adjustments pertaining to the acquisition of Nu-Vu. As a result, the final purchase price was reduced by $550,000.

The company has accounted for this business combination using the purchase method to record a new cost basis for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The difference between the purchase price and the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed has been recorded as goodwill in the financial statements.

The final allocation of cash paid for the Nu-Vu acquisition is summarized as follows (in thousands):
 
   
Jan. 7, 2005
  
Adjustments
  
Dec. 31, 2005
  
Current assets
  
$
2,556
  
$
242
  
$
2,798
  
Property, plant and equipment
   
1,178
    
--
    
1,178
  
Goodwill
    
8,203
    
(84
)
  
8,119
  
Other intangibles
    
2,188
    
(875
)
  
1,313
  
Current liabilities
    
(2,125
)
  
167
    
(1,958
)
Total cash paid
  
$
12,000
  
$
(550
)
$
11,450
  
 
The goodwill and other intangible assets associated with the Nu-Vu acquisition, which are comprised of the tradename, are subject to the non-amortization provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," and are allocable to the company's Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group for purposes of segment reporting (see footnote 12 for further discussion). Goodwill and other intangible assets associated with this transaction are deductible for income taxes.

Alkar

On December 7, 2005 the company acquired the stock of Alkar Holdings, Inc. ("Alkar") for $26.7 million in cash. Cash paid at closing amounted to $28.2 million and included $1.5 million of estimated working capital adjustments determined at closing. In April 2006, the company reached final settlement of post-close adjustments, which resulted in an additional payment of $1.5 million.
 
The company has accounted for this business combination using the purchase method to record a new cost basis for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The difference between the purchase price and the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed has been recorded as goodwill in the financial statements.
 
54
 
The final allocation of cash paid for the Alkar acquisition is summarized as follows (in thousands):

   
Dec. 7, 2005
 
Adjustments
 
Dec. 30, 2006
 
Current assets
  
$
17,160
  
$
(1,545
)
$
15,615
  
Property, plant and equipment
    
3,032
    
(160
)
  
2,872
  
Goodwill
    
19,177
    
1,015
    
20,192
  
Other intangibles
    
7,960
    
--
    
7,960
  
Current liabilities
    
(16,003
)
  
1,509
    
(14,494
)
Long-term deferred tax liability
    
(3,131
)
  
681
    
(2,450
)
Total cash paid
  
$
28,195
  
$
1,500
  
$
29,695
  
 
 
The goodwill and $5.0 million of trademarks included in other intangibles are subject to the nonamortization provisions of SFAS No. 142 from the date of acquisition. Other intangibles also includes $2.1 million allocated to customer relationships, $0.6 million allocated to backlog, and $0.3 million allocated to developed technology which are amortized over periods of 10 years, 7 months, and 14 years respectively. Goodwill and other intangibles of Alkar are allocated to the Food Processing Equipment Group for segment reporting purposes. These assets are not deductible for tax purposes.

Houno

On August 31, 2006, the company acquired the stock of Houno A/S (“Houno”) located in Denmark for $4.9 million in cash plus transaction expenses. The company also assumed $3.7 million of debt included as part of the net assets of Houno.

The company has accounted for this business combination using the purchase method to record a new cost basis for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The difference between the purchase price and the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed has been recorded as goodwill in the financial statements.

The final allocation of cash paid for the Houno acquisition is summarized as follows (in thousands):


   
Aug. 31, 2006
  
Adjustments
  
Sep. 29, 2007
  
Current assets
  
$
4,325
  
$
(287
)
$
4,038
  
Property, plant and equipment
    
4,371
    
--
    
4,371
  
Goodwill
    
1,287
    
799
    
2,086
  
Other intangibles
    
1,139
    
(199
)
  
940
  
Other assets
    
92
    
--
    
92
  
Current liabilities
    
(3,061
)
  
(134
)
  
(3,195
)
Long-term debt
    
(2,858
)
  
--
    
(2,858
)
Long-term deferred tax liability
    
(356
)
  
--
    
(356
)
                     
Total cash paid   $ 4,939   $ 179   $ 5,118  
  
55
 
The goodwill is subject to the nonamortization provisions of SFAS No. 142 from the date of acquisition. Other intangibles also includes $0.1 million allocated to backlog and $0.8 million allocated to developed technology which are amortized over periods of 1 month and 5 years, respectively. Goodwill and other intangibles of Houno are allocated to the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group for segment reporting purposes. These assets are not deductible for tax purposes.

Jade

On April 1, 2007, the company completed its acquisition of the assets and operations of Jade Products Company (“Jade”), a leading manufacturer of commercial and residential cooking equipment from Maytag Corporation ("Maytag") for an aggregate purchase price of $7.4 million in cash plus transaction expenses. The purchase price is subject to adjustment based upon a working capital provision within the purchase agreement.

The company has accounted for this business combination using the purchase method to record a new cost basis for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The difference between the purchase price and the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed has been recorded as goodwill in the financial statements. The allocation of the purchase price to the assets, liabilities and intangible assets is under review and is subject to change based upon finalization of the valuation of the assets and liabilities acquired.

The preliminary allocation of cash paid for the Jade acquisition is summarized as follows (in thousands):

   
Apr. 1, 2007
  
Adjustments
  
Dec. 29, 2007
  
Current assets
  
$
6,727
  
$
(2,604
)
$
4,123
  
Property, plant and equipment
    
2,029
    
--
    
2,029
  
Goodwill
    
250
    
3,269
    
3,519
  
Other intangibles
    
1,590
    
--
    
1,590
  
Current liabilities
    
(3,205
)
  
(277
)
  
(3,482
)
                     
Total cash paid
  
$
7,391
  
$
388
  
$
7,779
  
 
The goodwill and other intangibles of $1.4 million associated with the trade name, are subject to the non-amortization provisions of SFAS No. 142 from the date of acquisition. Other intangibles of $0.2 million allocated to customer relationships are to be amortized over a periods of 10 years. Goodwill and other intangibles of Jade are allocated to the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group for segment reporting purposes. These assets are expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
 
56
 
Carter-Hoffmann

On June 29, 2007, the company completed its acquisition of the assets and operations of Carter-Hoffmann (“Carter-Hoffmann”), a leading manufacturer of commercial cooking and warming equipment, from Carrier Commercial Refrigeration Inc., a subsidiary of Carrier Corporation, which is a unit of United Technologies Corporation, for an aggregate purchase price of $15.9 million in cash plus transaction expenses.

The company has accounted for this business combination using the purchase method to record a new cost basis for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The difference between the purchase price and the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed has been recorded as goodwill in the financial statements. The allocation of the purchase price to the assets, liabilities and intangible assets is under review and is subject to change based upon finalization of the valuation of the assets and liabilities acquired.

The preliminary allocation of cash paid for the Carter-Hoffmann acquisition is summarized as follows (in thousands):

   
Jun. 29, 2007
  
Adjustments
  
Dec. 29, 2007
  
Current assets
  
$
7,912
  
$
(2,026
)
$
5,886
  
Property, plant and equipment
    
2,264
    
--
    
2,264
  
Goodwill
    
9,452
    
(1,429
)
  
8,023
  
Other intangibles
    
--
    
3,910
    
3,910
  
Current liabilities
    
(3,646
)
  
(141
)
  
(3,787
)
Other non-current liabilities
    
(54
)
  
--
    
(54
)
                     
Total cash paid
  
$
15,928
  
$
314
  
$
16,242
  
 
The goodwill and $2.3 million of other intangibles associated with the trade name are subject to the non-amortization provisions of SFAS No. 142. Other intangibles also includes $1.6 million allocated to customer relationships are to be amortized over a period of 4 years. Goodwill and other intangibles of Carter-Hoffmann are allocated to the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group for segment reporting purposes. These assets are expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
 
57

MP Equipment

On July 2, 2007, the company completed its acquisition of the assets and operations of MP Equipment (“MP Equipment”), a leading manufacturer of food processing equipment for a purchase price of $15.0 million in cash plus transaction expenses. An additional deferred payment of $2.0 million is also due to the seller at the earlier of three years or upon the achievement of reaching certain profit targets. An additional contingent payment of $1.0 million is also payable if the business reaches certain target profits.

The company has accounted for this business combination using the purchase method to record a new cost basis for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The difference between the purchase price and the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed has been recorded as goodwill in the financial statements. The allocation of the purchase price to the assets, liabilities and intangible assets is under review and is subject to change based upon finalization of the valuation of the assets and liabilities acquired.

The preliminary allocation of cash paid for the MP Equipment acquisition is summarized as follows (in thousands):
 
   
Jul. 2, 2007
 
Adjustments
  
Dec. 29, 2007
  
Current assets
  
$
5,315
  
$
--
  
$
5,315
  
Property, plant and equipment
    
297
    
--
    
297
  
Goodwill
    
9,290
    
846
    
10,136
  
Other intangibles
    
6,420
    
(770
)
  
5,650
  
Other assets
    
16
    
--
    
16
  
Current liabilities
    
(4,018
)
  
--
    
(4,018
)
Other non-current liabilities
    
(2,127
)
  
--
    
(2,127
)
                     
Total cash paid
  
$
15,193
  
$
76
  
$
15,269
  
 
The goodwill and $3.3 million of other intangibles associated with the trade name are subject to the non-amortization provisions of SFAS No. 142. Other intangibles also includes $0.3 million allocated to backlog, $0.3 million allocated to developed technology and $1.8 million allocated to customer relationships which are to be amortized over periods of 6 months, 5 years and 5 years, respectively. Goodwill and other intangibles of MP Equipment are allocated to the Food Processing Equipment Group for segment reporting purposes. These assets are expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
 
58

Wells Bloomfield

On August 3, 2007, the company completed its acquisition of the assets and operations of Wells Bloomfield (“Wells Bloomfield”), a leading manufacturer of commercial cooking and beverage equipment from Carrier Commercial Refrigeration Inc., a subsidiary of Carrier Corporation, which is a unit of United Technologies Corporation, for an aggregate purchase price of $28.4 million in cash plus transaction expenses.

The company has accounted for this business combination using the purchase method to record a new cost basis for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The difference between the purchase price and the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed has been recorded as goodwill in the financial statements. The allocation of the purchase price to the assets, liabilities and intangible assets is under review and is subject to change based upon finalization of the valuation of the assets and liabilities acquired.

The preliminary allocation of cash paid for the Wells Bloomfield acquisition is summarized as follows (in thousands):

   
Aug. 3, 2007
 
Adjustments
  
Dec. 29, 2007
  
Cash
  
$
2
  
$
--
  
$
2
  
Current assets
    
15,133
   
(303
)
  
14,830
  
Property, plant and equipment
    
3,961
    
(5
)
  
3,956
  
Goodwill
    
5,835
    
1,854
    
7,689
  
Other intangibles
    
8,130
    
(200
)
  
7,930
  
Other assets
    
21
    
--
    
21
  
Current liabilities
    
(4,277
)
  
(1,245
)
  
(5,522
)
                     
Total cash paid
  
$
28,805
  
$
101
  
$
28,906
  

The goodwill and $5.5 million of other intangibles associated with the trade name are subject to the non-amortization provisions of SFAS No. 142. Other intangibles of $2.4 million allocated to customer relationships are to be amortized over a period of 4 years. Goodwill and other intangibles of Wells Bloomfield are allocated to the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group for segment reporting purposes. These assets are expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
 
59
 
(4)
STOCK SPLIT

On May 3, 2007, the company’s Board of Directors authorized a two-for-one split of the company’s common stock in the form of a stock dividend. The stock dividend was paid on June 15, 2007 to company shareholders of record as of June 1, 2007. The company’s common stock began trading on a split-adjusted basis on June 18, 2007. All references in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes thereto related to net earnings per share and the number of shares has been adjusted to reflect this stock split.


(5)
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

(a)
Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The company's consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires the company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses as well as related disclosures. On an ongoing basis, the company evaluates its estimates and judgments based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

The company's fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest December 31. Fiscal years 2007, 2006 and 2005 ended on December 29, 2007, December 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively, and each included 52 weeks.

(b)
Cash and Cash Equivalents

The company considers all short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less when acquired to be cash equivalents. The company’s policy is to invest its excess cash in interest-bearing deposits with major banks that are subject to minimal credit and market risk.

(c)
Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable, as shown in the consolidated balance sheets, are net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $5,818,000 and $5,101,000 at December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, respectively.
 
60
 
(d)
Inventories

Inventories are composed of material, labor and overhead and are stated at the lower of cost or market. Costs for inventories at two of the company's manufacturing facilities have been determined using the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method. These inventories under the LIFO method amounted to $16.4 million in 2007 and $16.9 million in 2006 and represented approximately 25% and 36% of the total inventory in each respective year. Costs for all other inventory have been determined using the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method. The company estimates reserves for inventory obsolescence and shrinkage based on its judgment of future realization. Inventories at December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006 are as follows:
 
     
2007
    
2006
  
     
(dollars in thousands)
  
Raw materials and parts
  
$
25,047
  
$
15,795
  
Work in process
    
11,033
    
6,642
  
Finished goods
    
30,669
   
25,127
 
     
66,749
    
47,564
  
LIFO reserve
    
(311
)
  
(272
)
 
  
$
66,438
  
$
47,292
  


(e)
Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost as follows:

   
2007
  
2006
  
     (dollars in thousands)  
Land 
  
$
6,180
  
$
5,055
  
Building and improvements 
    
29,050
    
25,194
  
Furniture and fixtures 
    
11,163
    
9,662
  
Machinery and equipment 
    
31,495
    
25,629
  
     
77,888
    
65,540
  
Less accumulated depreciation 
    
(41,114
)
  
(37,006
)
   
$
36,774
  
$
28,534
  


Property and equipment are depreciated or amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives based on management's estimates of the period over which the assets will be utilized to benefit the operations of the company. The useful lives are estimated based on historical experience with similar assets, taking into account anticipated technological or other changes.  The company periodically reviews these lives relative to physical factors, economic factors and industry trends. If there are changes in the planned use of property and equipment or if technological changes were to occur more rapidly than anticipated, the useful lives assigned to these assets may need to be shortened, resulting in the recognition of increased depreciation and amortization expense in future periods.
 
61
 
Following is a summary of the estimated useful lives:

Description
Life
Building and improvements 
20 to 40 years
Furniture and fixtures 
3 to 7 years
Machinery and equipment 
3 to 10 years

Depreciation expense is provided for using the straight-line method and amounted to $4,174,000, $3,419,000 and $3,235,000 in fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Expenditures which significantly extend useful lives are capitalized. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Asset impairments are recorded whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the recorded value of an asset is less than the sum of its expected future undiscounted cash flows.

(f)
Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Goodwill and other intangibles are reviewed for impairment annually or whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. For long-lived assets held for use, an impairment loss is recognized when the estimated undiscounted cash flows produced by an asset are less than the asset's carrying value. Estimates of future cash flows are judgments based on the company's experience and knowledge of operations.  These estimates can be significantly impacted by many factors including changes in global and local business and economic conditions, operating costs, inflation, competition, and consumer and demographic trends.  If the company's estimates or the underlying assumptions change in the future, the company may be required to record impairment charges.

Goodwill is allocated to the business segments as follows (in thousands):
 
 
 
Commercial
 
Food
 
International
 
 
 
 
 
Foodservice
 
Processing
 
Distribution
 
 Total
  
                   
Balance as of January 1, 2006
  
$
82,881
  
$
19,177
  
$
--
  
$
102,058
  
                           
Goodwill acquired during the year
    
1,485
    
1,016
    
--
    
2,501
  
Impairment losses
    
--
    
--
    
--
    
--
  
                           
Balance as of December 30, 2006
  
$
84,366
  
$
20,193
  
$
--
  
$
104,559
  
                           
Goodwill acquired during the year
    
20,047
    
10,135
    
--
    
30,182
  
Impairment losses
    
--
    
--
    
--
    
--
  
Exchange effect
    
59
    
--
    
--
    
59
  
                           
Balance as of December 29, 2007
  
$
104,472
  
$
30,328
  
$
--
  
$
134,800
  
 
62
 
Intangible assets consist of the following (in thousands):
 
   
 December 29, 2007
  
 December 30, 2006
  
   
 
 
Gross
          
Gross
      
   
Estimated
  
Carrying
 
Accumulated
  
Estimated
  
Carrying
 
Accumulated
  
Amortized intangible assets:
  
Life
 
 Amount  
 
Amortization
 
 Life
 
Amortization
 
Amount
  
Customer lists
    
2 to 10 yrs
  
$
8,440
  
$
(1,408
)
  
2 to 10 yrs
 
$
2,447
 
$
(277 
) 
Backlog
    
4 to 7 mos
    
1,100
    
(1,100
)
  
4 to 7 mos
    927  
(927 
)
Developed technology
    
2 to 7 yrs
    
830
    
(404
)
  
7 yrs
    
492
    
(62
)
   
 
  
$
10,370
 
$
(2,912
) 
 
 
$
3,866
 
 $
(1,266
 )
                                       
Unamortized intangible assets:
                                      
Trademarks and tradenames
        
$
45,123
        
 
  
$
32,706 
        
         
$
45,123
        
 
  
$
32,706 
        


The aggregate intangible amortization expense was $1.9 million and $1.2 million in 2007 and 2006, respectively. The estimated future amortization expense of intangible assets is as follows (in thousands):
 

2008
  
$
1,686
  
2009
    
1,686
  
2010
    
1,686
  
2011
    
1,237
  
2012
    
473
  
Thereafter
    
690
  
   
$
7,458
  

(g)
Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses consist of the following at December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, respectively:
   
2007
  
2006
  
 
(dollars in thousands)
  
           
Accrued payroll and related expenses
  
$
21,448
  
$
16,564
  
Accrued customer rebates
    
16,326
   
13,119
  
Accrued warranty
    
12,276
    
11,292
  
Accrued product liability and workers comp
    
6,978
    
4,361
  
Advanced customer deposits
    
7,971
    
3,615
  
Other accrued expenses
    
30,582
    
20,685
  
               
   
$
95,581
  
$
69,636
  
 
63
 
(h)
Litigation Matters

From time to time, the company is subject to proceedings, lawsuits and other claims related to products, suppliers, employees, customers and competitors. The company maintains insurance to partially cover product liability, workers compensation, property and casualty, and general liability matters.  The company is required to assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes to these matters as well as potential ranges of probable losses.  A determination of the amount of accrual required, if any, for these contingencies is made after assessment of each matter and the related insurance coverage.  The required accrual may change in the future due to new developments or changes in approach such as a change in settlement strategy in dealing with these matters.  The company does not believe that any such matter will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows of the company.

(i)
Other Comprehensive Income

The following table summarizes the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as reported in the consolidated balance sheets:
 
   
2007
  
2006
  
 
(dollars in thousands)
  
           
Unrecognized pension benefit costs, net of tax
  
$
(934
)
$
(1,042
)
Unrealized gain on interest rate swap, net of tax
    
--
    
612
 
Currency translation adjustments
    
1,689
    
867
  
               
   
$
755
  
$
437
  
 
(j)
Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Due to their short-term nature, the carrying value of the company's cash and cash equivalents and receivables approximate fair value. The value of long-term debt, which is disclosed in Note 6, approximates fair value. The company's derivative instruments are based on market prices when available or are derived from financial valuation methodologies.

(k)
Foreign Currency

Foreign currency transactions are accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 52 “Foreign Currency Translation.” The income statements of the company’s foreign operations are translated at the monthly average rates. Assets and liabilities of the company’s foreign operations are translated at exchange rates at the balance sheet date. These translation adjustments are not included in determining net income for the period but are disclosed and accumulated in a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Exchange gains and losses on foreign currency transactions are included in determining net income for the period in which they occur. These transactions amounted to a gain of $1.2 million in fiscal 2007 and a loss of $0.2 million and $0.1 million in fiscal 2006 and 2005, respectively.
 
64
 
(l)
Revenue Recognition

The company recognizes revenue on the sale of its products when risk of loss has passed to the customer, which occurs at the time of shipment, and collectibility is reasonably assured. The sale prices of the products sold are fixed and determinable at the time of shipment. Sales are reported net of sales returns, sales incentives and cash discounts based on prior experience and other quantitative and qualitative factors.

At the Food Processing Equipment Group, the company enters into long-term sales contracts for certain products. Revenue under these long-term sales contracts is recognized using the percentage of completion method prescribed by Statement of Position No. 81-1 due to the length of time to fully manufacture and assemble the equipment. The company measures revenue recognized based on the ratio of actual labor hours incurred in relation to the total estimated labor hours to be incurred related to the contract. Because estimated labor hours to complete a project are based upon forecasts using the best available information, the actual hours may differ from original estimates. The percentage of completion method of accounting for these contracts most accurately reflects the status of these uncompleted contracts in the company's financial statements and most accurately measures the matching of revenues with expenses. At the time a loss on a contract becomes known, the amount of the estimated loss is recognized in the consolidated financial statements.

(m)
Warranty Costs

In the normal course of business the company issues product warranties for specific product lines and provides for the estimated future warranty cost in the period in which the sale is recorded.  The estimate of warranty cost is based on contract terms and historical warranty loss experience that is periodically adjusted for recent actual experience. Because warranty estimates are forecasts that are based on the best available information, claims costs may differ from amounts provided. Adjustments to initial obligations for warranties are made as changes in the obligations become reasonably estimable.
 
65
 
A rollforward of the warranty reserve is as follows:

 
  
2007
  
2006
  
 
(dollars in thousands)
  
           
Beginning balance
  
$
11,292
  
$
11,286
  
Warranty reserve related to acquisitions
   
1,710
    
--
  
Warranty expense
    
10,169
    
9,258
  
Warranty claims
    
(10,895
)
  
(9,252
)
Ending balance
  
$
12,276
  
$
11,292
  
 

(n)
Research and Development Costs

Research and development costs, included in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of earnings, are charged to expense when incurred. These costs were $5,835,000, $4,575,000 and $2,767,000 in fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

(o)
Share-Based Compensation

On January 1, 2006, the company adopted SFAS No. 123R, which requires, among other changes, that the cost resulting from all share-based payment transactions be recognized as compensation cost over the vesting period based on the fair value of the instrument on the date of grant. SFAS No. 123R revises SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (“SFAS No. 123”), which previously allowed pro forma disclosure of certain share-based compensation expense. Further, SFAS No. 123R supercedes Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” which previously allowed the intrinsic value method of accounting for stock options.
 
The company adopted SFAS No. 123R as of January 1, 2006, using the modified prospective transition method. In accordance with the modified prospective transition method, the company’s consolidated financial statements for the prior periods have not been restated to reflect, and do not include, the impact of SFAS No. 123R. Share-based compensation expense of $7.8 million, $4.6 million and $3.3 million, respectively, was recognized for fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005. This included $0.6 million and $1.1 million, respectively, for fiscal 2007 and 2006 associated with stock options and $7.2 million, $3.5 million and $3.3 million, respectively, for fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005 associated with stock grants.
 
66

Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R, there was no share-based compensation expense recorded for stock options recognized in the statement of income during fiscal 2005.  Share-based compensation expense recorded for stock options in 2007 and 2006, respectively, as a result of the adoption of SFAS No. 123R was $0.6 million and $1.1 million, respectively, or $0.4 and $0.8 million, respectively, net of tax. The additional expense resulted in a reduction of $0.02 and $0.05, respectively to diluted earnings per share in fiscal year 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R, the company had recorded share-based compensation expense related to stock grants as required by APB Opinion No. 25. In accordance with APB No. 25, the company established the value of a stock grant based upon the market value of the stock at the time of issuance.  Under APB No.25 the value of the stock grant is amortized and recorded as compensation expense over the applicable vesting period. The company issued stock grants with a fair value of $23.9 million in 2007 and $12.8 million in 2005. There were no stock grants issued in 2006.

As of December 29, 2007, there was $26.9 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based stock option and stock grant compensation arrangements, of which $8.8 million, $8.3 million and $4.1 million is expected to be recognized in 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively.

The following table illustrates the pro forma effect on net income and earnings per share if the company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123R and recognized share-based compensation expense associated with stock options during 2005 (dollars in thousands except per share data).
 
   
 2005
  
       
Net income - as reported
  
$
32,178
  
Less: Stock-based employee
        
compensation expense, net of taxes
    
683
  
         
Net income - pro forma
  
$
31,495
  
         
Earnings per share - as reported:
        
Basic
  
$
2.14
  
Diluted
    
1.99
  
         
Earnings per share - pro forma:
        
Basic
  
$
2.10
  
Diluted
    
1.95
  
 
67
 
The fair value of stock options and restricted share awards have been estimated using Black-Scholes and binomial option-pricing models, based on the average market price at the grant date and the weighted average assumptions specific to those option and share awards. Stock option and restricted share award valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions. As the company’s options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded share and options, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in the opinion of management, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of its options.  Expected volatility assumptions are based on historical volatility of the company’s stock.  Expected life assumptions are based on the “simplified” method as described in SEC SAB No. 107, which is the midpoint between the vesting date and the end of the contractual term.  The risk-free interest rate was selected based upon yields of U.S. Treasury issues with a term equal to the expected life of the option being valued.  The company issued 514,000 restricted share awards in 2007 and 7,000 stock options in 2006. The weighted average assumptions utilized for stock option and restricted share grants during the periods presented are as follows:


   
2007
  
2006
  
Share based award assumptions (weighted average):
          
Volatility
    
37.5
%
  
40.0
%
Expected life (years)
    
3.3
    
4.6
  
Risk-free interest rate
    
4.5
%
  
5.0
%
Dividend yield
    
0.0
%
  
0.0
%
               
Fair value
  
$
46.38
  
$
36.10
  

(p)
Earnings Per Share
 
In accordance with SFAS No. 128 “Earnings Per Share”, “basic earnings per share” is calculated based upon the weighted average number of common shares actually outstanding, and “diluted earnings per share” is calculated based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, warrants and other dilutive securities.

The company’s potentially dilutive securities consist of shares issuable on exercise of outstanding options and vesting of restricted stock grants computed using the treasury method and amounted to 1,244,000, 1,232,000 and 1,158,000 for fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

68
 
(q)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Cash paid for interest was $6.0 million, $6.1 million and $6.0 million in fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Cash payments totaling $35.8 million, $11.4 million and $16.3 million were made for income taxes during fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

(r)
New Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standard Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements”. This statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This statement does not require any new fair value measurements. This statement is effective for interim reporting periods in fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. In November 2007, the FASB updated FASB Statement No. 157. The FASB reaffirmed that the statement is effective as originally scheduled in the accounting for the financial assets and liabilities of financial institutions. However, the FASB issued a one year deferral for the implementation of FASB Statement No. 157 for other nonfinancial assets and liabilities. The company does not anticipate the adoption of SFAS No. 157 will have a material impact on the financial statements and will apply this guidance prospectively.
 
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans - an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)”.   This statement improves financial reporting by requiring an employer to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan as an asset or liability in its statement of financial position and to recognize changes in that funded status in the year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income of a business entity.  This statement also improves financial reporting by requiring an employer to measure the funded status of a plan as of the date of its year-end statement of financial position, with limited exceptions.  Employers with publicly traded equity securities are required to initially recognize the funded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan and to provide the required disclosures as of the end of the fiscal year ending after December 15, 2006.   The company adopted the recognition provision of the overfunded or underfunded status of its defined benefit postretirement plan, but has not yet adopted the measurement date provision of SFAS No. 158.  This provision will be effective for the fiscal year ending January 3, 2009.
 
69
 
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities - Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115. This statement permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The company will apply this guidance prospectively. The company is continuing its process of determining what impact the application of this guidance will have on the company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141R, “Business Combinations”. This statement provides companies with principles and requirements on how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree as well as the recognition and measurement of goodwill acquired in a business combination. This statement also requires certain disclosures to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. Acquisition costs associated with the business combination will generally be expensed as incurred. This statement is effective for business combinations occurring in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. Early adoption of FASB Statement No. 141R is not permitted. The company is evaluating the impact the application of this guidance will have on the company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements - an amendment of ARB No. 51”. This statement amends ARB 51 to establish accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest (minority interest) in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. Upon its adoption, effective as of the beginning of the company’s 2009 fiscal year, noncontrolling interests will be classified as equity in the company’s financial statements and income and comprehensive income attributed to the noncontrolling interest will be included in the company’s income and comprehensive income. The provisions of this standard must be applied retrospectively upon adoption. The company does not anticipate that the adoption of SFAS No. 160 will have a material impact on its financial statements.
 
70
 
(6)  FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS

The following is a summary of long-term debt at December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006:

   
2007
  
2006
  
   
(dollars in thousands)
  
           
Senior secured revolving credit line
  
$
91,350
  
$
30,100
  
Senior secured bank term loans
    
--
    
47,500
  
Foreign loans
    
4,847
    
5,202
  
               
Total debt
  
$
96,197
  
$
82,802
  
               
Less current maturities of
              
long-term debt
  
$
2,683
    
16,838
  
               
Long-term debt
  
$
93,514
  
$
65,964
  
 
During the fourth quarter of 2007 the company entered into a new senior secured credit facility. Terms of the senior credit agreement provide for $450.0 million of availability under a revolving credit line. As of December 29, 2007, the company had $91.4 million of borrowings outstanding under this facility. The company also has $5.1 million in outstanding letters of credit, which reduces the borrowing availability under the revolving credit line.

Borrowings under the senior secured credit facility are assessed at an interest rate at 1.25% above LIBOR for long-term borrowings or at the higher of the Prime rate and the Federal Funds Rate. At December 29, 2007 the average interest rate on the senior debt amounted to 7.25%. The interest rates on borrowings under the senior bank facility may be adjusted quarterly based on the company’s defined indebtedness ratio on a rolling four-quarter basis. Additionally, a commitment fee, based upon the indebtedness ratio is charged on the unused portion of the revolving credit line. This variable commitment fee amounted to 0.25% as of December 29, 2007.

In August 2006, the company completed its acquisition of Houno A/S in Denmark. This acquisition was funded in part with locally established debt facilities with borrowings in Danish Krone.  On December 29, 2007 these facilities amounted to $4.8 million in US dollars, including $2.6 million outstanding under a revolving credit facility and $2.2 million of a term loan.  The interest rate on the revolving credit facility is assessed at 1.25% above Euro LIBOR, which amounted to 5.90% on December 29, 2007. The term loan matures in 2013 and the interest rate is assessed at 5.62%.  

In December 2005, the company entered into a $3.2 million U.S. dollar secured term loan at its subsidiary in Spain. As of December 29, 2007, the company had fully repaid the borrowings under this loan.
 
71
 
The company has historically entered into interest rate swap agreements to effectively fix the interest rate on its outstanding debt. In February 2003, the company entered into an interest rate swap agreement for a notional amount of $10.0 million. This agreement swapped one-month LIBOR for a fixed rate of 2.36% and was in effect through December 2005. In January 2005, the company entered into an interest rate swap agreement for a notional amount of $70.0 million. This agreement swapped one-month LIBOR for a fixed rate of 3.78%. The notional amount was amortized consistent with the repayment schedule of the company's previous term loan maturing November 2009. In conjunction with the company’s new financing agreement this swap was cancelled. In January 2006, the company entered into an interest rate swap agreement for a notional amount of $10.0 million maturing on December 21, 2009. This agreement swaps one-month LIBOR for a fixed rate of 5.03%. In August 2006, in conjunction with the Houno acquisition, the company assumed an interest rate swap with a notional amount of $0.9 million Euro maturing on December 31, 2018. This agreement was cancelled in January 2007. 

The terms of the senior secured credit facility limit the paying of dividends, capital expenditures and leases, and require, among other things, certain ratios of indebtedness and fixed charge coverage. The credit agreement also provides that if a material adverse change in the company’s business operations or conditions occurs, the lender could declare an event of default. Under terms of the agreement a material adverse effect is defined as (a) a material adverse change in, or a material adverse effect upon, the operations, business properties, condition (financial and otherwise) or prospects of the company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole; (b) a material impairment of the ability of the company to perform under the loan agreements and to avoid any event of default; or (c) a material adverse effect upon the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability against the company of any loan document. A material adverse effect is determined on a subjective basis by the company's creditors. The credit facility is secured by the capital stock of the company’s domestic subsidiaries, 65% of the capital stock of the company’s foreign subsidiaries and substantially all other assets of the company. At December 29, 2007, the company was in compliance with all covenants pursuant to its borrowing agreements.

The aggregate amount of debt payable during each of the next five years is as follows:
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
  
2008
  
$
2,683
  
2009
    
224
  
2010
    
224
  
2011
    
225
  
2012 and thereafter
    
92,841
  
         
   
$
96,197
  
 
72
 
As of December 30, 2006, the company had $77.6 million outstanding under its senior secured credit facility, including $30.1 million of borrowings under the revolving credit line and $47.5 million of a term loan. The company also had $5.2 million in outstanding letters of credit at December 30, 2006. At December 30, 2006 the average interest rate on the senior debt amounted to 6.49%.

As of December 30, 2006, the company had $1.4 million outstanding in an U.S. Dollar secured term loan at its subsidiary in Spain. At December 30, 2006, the average interest rate was 5.82%.

As of December 30, 2006, the company had $3.8 million in U.S. dollars outstanding in a debt facility with borrowings in Danish Krone, including a $2.1 million term loan, $0.9 million under revolving credit facilities and a $0.8 million mortgage note.


(7)  COMMON AND PREFERRED STOCK

 
(a)
Shares Authorized and Issued

At December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006 the company had 47,500,000 and 40,000,000, respectively, shares of common stock and 2,000,000 shares of Non-voting Preferred Stock authorized. At December 29, 2007, there were 16,877,792 common stock shares outstanding.

 
 (b)
Treasury Stock

In July 1998, the company's Board of Directors adopted a stock repurchase program and during 1998 authorized the purchase of up to 1,800,000 common shares in open market purchases. As of December 29, 2007, 952,999 shares had been purchased under the 1998 stock repurchase program and 847,001 remain authorized for repurchase.
 
At December 29, 2007, the company had a total of 3,855,044 shares in treasury amounting to $89.6 million.
 
73
 
 
(c)
Share-Based Awards

The company maintains a 1998 Stock Incentive Plan (the "1998 Plan"), as amended on December 15, 2003, under which the company's Board of Directors issues stock options and stock grants to key employees. A maximum amount of 3,500,000 shares can be issued under the 1998 Plan.  Stock options issued under the plan provide key employees with rights to purchase shares of common stock at specified exercise prices. Options may be exercised upon certain vesting requirements being met, but expire to the extent unexercised within a maximum of ten years from the date of grant. Stock grants issued to employees are transferable upon certain vesting requirements being met.

As of December 29, 2007, a total of 3,451,320 share based awards have been issued under the 1998 Plan.  This includes 989,000 stock grants, of which 707,000 remain unvested and 2,462,320 stock options, of which 1,583,712 have been exercised and 851,608 remain outstanding.  

In addition to shares under the 1998 Stock Incentive Plan, certain directors of the company have outstanding stock options. As of December 29, 2007, there were 6,000 shares outstanding, all of which are vested.

The company also maintains a 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (the "2007 Plan"), as created on May 7, 2007, under which the company's Board of Directors issues stock options and stock grants to key employees. A maximum amount of 200,000 shares can be issued under the 2007 Plan.  Stock options issued under the plan provide key employees with rights to purchase shares of common stock at specified exercise prices. Options may be exercised upon certain vesting requirements being met, but expire to the extent unexercised within a maximum of ten years from the date of grant. Stock grants issued to employees are transferable upon certain vesting requirements being met.

As of December 29, 2007, a total of 197,000 share based awards have been issued under the 2007 Plan.  This includes 197,000 stock grants, all of which remain outstanding and unvested.  

The company issues share-based awards from shares that have been authorized as new share issuances. The company does not anticipate it will be required to repurchase any additional shares of common stock in 2008 to satisfy obligations under its share-based award programs.
 
74
 
A summary of stock option activity under the 1998 Stock Incentive Plan is presented below:
 
Stock Option Activity
  
Shares
  
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
  
           
Outstanding at
          
January 1, 2005:
    
1,396,400
  
$
6.78
  
               
Granted
    
200,000
    
--
  
 
              
Exercised
    
(98,350
)
$
4.89
  
               
Forfeited
    
(26,000
)
$
5.11
  
               
Outstanding at
              
December 31, 2005:
    
1,472,050
  
$
9.63
  
               
Granted
    
--
    
--
  
               
Exercised
    
(105,096
)
$
7.17
  
               
Forfeited
    
--
    
--
  
               
Outstanding at
              
December 30, 2006:
    
1,366,954
  
$
9.80
  
               
Granted
    
--
    
--
  
               
Exercised
    
(488,346
)
$
9.31
  
               
Forfeited
    
(27,000
)
  
--
  
               
Outstanding at
              
December 29, 2007:
    
851,608
  
$
9.58
  
               
Aggregate intrinsic
             
value (dollars in thousands)
  
$
57,151
        
               
Exercisable at
              
December 29, 2007:
    
765,753
  
$
8.30
  
               
Aggregate intrinsic
             
value (dollars in thousands)
  
$
52,370
        
 
75
 
A summary of the stock option activity under the Directors Plan is presented below:
 
     
Weighted Average
  
Stock Option Activity
  
Shares
  
Exercise Price
  
           
Outstanding at
          
January 1, 2005:
    
112,000
  
$
4.08
  
               
Granted
    
--
    
--
  
 
              
Exercised
    
(100,000
)
$
3.93
  
               
Forfeited
    
--
    
--
  
               
Outstanding at
              
December 31, 2005:
    
12,000
  
$
5.26
  
               
Granted
    
7,000
  
$
44.22
  
               
Exercised
    
(6,000
)
$
5.26
  
               
Forfeited
    
--
    
--
  
               
Outstanding at
              
December 30, 2006:
    
13,000
  
$
26.24
  
               
Granted
    
--
    
--
  
               
Exercised
    
--
    
--
  
               
Forfeited
    
(7,000
)
  
--
  
               
Outstanding at
              
December 29, 2007:
    
6,000
  
$
5.26
  
               
Aggregate intrinsic
             
value (dollars in thousands)
  
$
429
        
               
Exercisable at
              
December 29, 2007:
    
6,000
  
$
5.26
  
               
Aggregate intrinsic
             
value (dollars in thousands)
  
$
429
        
 
There were no nonvested shares under the Directors Plan as of December 29, 2007.
 
76
 
The following summarizes the options outstanding and exercisable under the stock plans by exercise price, at December 29, 2007:
 

 
 
 
 
Weighted
 
 
Weighted
 
 
 
 
 
Average
 
 
Average
 
Exercise
 
Options
 
Remaining
 
Options
 
Remaining
 
Price
 
Outstanding
 
Life
 
Exercisable
 
Life
  
                   
Employee plan
                  
                   
                   
$ 2.95
    
231,000
    
4.16
    
231,000
    
4.16
  
$ 5.26
    
117,400
    
5.18
    
93,920
    
5.18
  
$ 9.24
    
378,458
    
5.82
    
378,458
    
5.82
  
$26.97
    
124,750
    
7.17
    
62,375
    
7.17
  
                           
     
851,608
    
5.52
    
765,753
    
5.42
  
                           
Director plan                          

$ 5.26
    
6,000
    
0.18
    
6,000
    
0.18
  
 
 
A summary of the company’s nonvested share grant activity under the 1998 and 2007 Stock Incentive Plans and related information, for fiscal year ended December 29, 2007 is as follows:
 

   
 
 
Weighted Average
 
 
 
 
 
Grant-Date
 
 
 
Shares
 
Fair Value
  
           
Nonvested Shares
          
           
Nonvested shares at December 31, 2005
    
560,000
  
$
25.37
  
               
Granted
    
--
    
--
  
Vested
    
(140,000
)
$
24.50
  
Forfeited
    
--
    
--
  
               
Nonvested shares at December 30, 2006
    
420,000
  
$
25.65
  
               
Granted
    
516,000
  
$
46.55
  
Vested
    
--
    
--
  
Forfeited
    
(32,000
)
$
41.86
  
               
Nonvested shares at December 29, 2007
    
904,000
  
$
30.19
  
 
77
 
Additional information related to the share based compensation is as follows:
 
 
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
  
               
Intrinsic value of options exercised
  
$
28,595
  
$
4,010
  
$
4,762
  
Cash received from exercise
    
4,548
    
789
    
977
  
Tax benefit from option exercises
    
10,340
    
514
    
878
  
 

(8)  INCOME TAXES

Earnings before taxes is summarized as follows:
 
 
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
  
 
(dollars in thousands)
  
               
Domestic
  
$
81,371
  
$
65,156
  
$
45,603
  
Foreign
    
6,608
    
4,652
    
5,795
  
Total
  
$
87,979
  
$
69,808
  
$
51,398
  
 
The provision for income taxes is summarized as follows:
 

 
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
  
 
(dollars in thousands)
  
               
Federal
  
$
27,452
  
$
21,189
  
$
14,470
  
State and local
    
5,758
    
4,582
    
3,663
  
Foreign
    
2,155
    
1,660
    
1,087
  
Total
  
$
35,365
  
$
27,431
  
$
19,220
  
                     
Current
  
$
30,783
  
$
26,754
  
$
18,413
  
Deferred
    
4,582
    
677
    
807
  
Total
  
$
35,365
  
$
27,431
  
$
19,220
  
 
 
Reconciliation of the differences between income taxes computed at the federal statutory rate to the effective rate are as follows:
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
  
U.S. federal statutory tax rate
    
35.0
%
  
35.0
%
  
35.0
%
                     
Permanent book vs. tax
                    
differences
    
(1.1
)
  
(0.9
)
  
(1.3
)
State taxes, net of federal
                    
benefit
    
4.3
    
4.4
    
4.9
  
U.S. taxes on foreign earnings and
                   
foreign tax rate differentials
    
0.9
    
0.7
    
1.8
  
Reserve adjustments and other
    
1.1
    
0.1
    
(3.0
)
Consolidated effective tax
    
40.2
%
  
39.3
%
  
37.4
%
 
78
 
At December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, the company had recorded the following deferred tax assets and liabilities, which were comprised of the following:
 
   
2007
  
2006
  
   
(dollars in thousands)
  
Deferred tax assets:
          
           
Compensation reserves
  
$
10,521
  
$
5,613
  
Warranty reserves
    
3,870
    
4,354
  
Inventory reserves 
    
1,293
    
2,659
  
Receivable related reserves 
    
1,279
    
2,084
  
Product liability and workers comp reserves 
    
2,382
    
697
  
Accrued retirement benefits 
    
1,463
    
1,290
  
Accrued plant closure
    
948
    
1,200
  
Unicap 
    
562
    
369
  
Depreciation 
    
141
    
--
  
Other 
    
2,271
    
1,178
  
Gross deferred tax assets 
    
24,730
    
19,444
  
Valuation allowance 
    
--
    
--
  
Deferred tax assets
  
$
24,730
  
$
19,444
  
               
Deferred tax liabilities: 
              
Intangible assets 
  
$
(13,442
)
$
(13,041
)
Depreciation 
    
--
    
(2,941
)
Foreign tax earnings repatriation 
    
(2,388
)
  
(1,208
)
Interest rate swap 
    
--
    
(408
)
LIFO reserves 
    
(373
)
  
(163
)
Deferred tax liabilities
  
$
(16,203
)
$
(17,761
)

Although the company believes its tax returns are correct, the final determination of tax examinations may be different that what was reported on the tax returns. In the opinion of management, adequate tax provisions have been made for the years subject to examination. The company is currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service for the year ended December 31, 2005. The completion date of this examination has not been determined as of December 29, 2007.

On December 31, 2006, the company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”). This interpretation prescribes a comprehensive model for how a company should recognize, measure, present and disclose in its financial statements uncertain tax positions that the company has taken or expects to take on a tax return. FIN 48 states that a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position may be recognized only if it is “more likely than not” that the position is sustainable, based on its technical merits. The tax benefit of a qualifying position is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement with a taxing authority having full knowledge of all relevant information. A tax benefit from an uncertain position was previously recognized if it was probable of being sustained.
 
79
 
The following table indicates the effect of the application of FIN 48 on individual line items in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of the adoption date (dollars in thousands).
 
   
Before
      
After
  
   
FIN 48
  
Adjustment
  
FIN 48
 
               
Accrued liabilities
  
$
69,636
  
$
(5,395
)
$
64,241
  
Other non-current liabilities
  
$
6,455
  
$
7,030
  
$
13,485
  
Retained earnings
  
$
115,917
  
$
(1,635
)
$
114,282
  
 

As of the adoption date, the total amount of liability for unrecognized tax benefits related to federal, state and foreign taxes was approximately $5.7 million (of which the entire amount would impact the effective tax rate if recognized) plus approximately $0.5 million of accrued interest and $0.8 million of penalties. As of December 29, 2007, the corresponding balance of liability for unrecognized tax benefits was approximately $7.7 million plus approximately $1.0 million of accrued interest and $1.3 million of penalties. The company recognizes interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense, which is consistent with reporting in prior periods.

The following table summarizes the activity related to the unrecognized tax benefits during fiscal 2007 (dollars in thousands):
 

Balance at December 30, 2006
  
$
5,732
  
Increases to current year tax positions
    
3,235
  
Expiration of the statue of limitations for the
       
assessment of taxes
    
(1,301
)
Balance at December 29, 2007                            
  $ 7,666  
 

The company does not anticipate that total unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change due to any settlement of audits and the expiration of statute of limitations prior to January 3, 2009.

The company operates in multiple taxing jurisdictions; both within the United States and outside of the United States, and faces audits from various tax authorities. The Company remains subject to examination until the statute of limitations expires for the respective tax jurisdiction. Within specific countries, the company and its operating subsidiaries may be subject to audit by various tax authorities and may be subject to different statute of limitations expiration dates. A summary of the tax years that remain subject to examination in the company’s major tax jurisdictions are:

United States - federal
2005 - 2007
United States - states
2001 - 2007
China
2006 - 2007
Denmark
2006 - 2007
Mexico
2006 - 2007
Philippines
2004 - 2007
South Korea
2004 - 2007
Spain
2005 - 2007
Taiwan
2005 - 2007
United Kingdom
2006 - 2007
 
80
 
 (9)  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

In June 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”. SFAS No. 133, as amended, establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments. The statement requires an entity to recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities and measure those instruments at fair value. Derivatives that do not qualify as a hedge must be adjusted to fair value in earnings. If the derivative does qualify as a hedge under SFAS No. 133, changes in the fair value will either be offset against the change in fair value of the hedged assets, liabilities or firm commitments or recognized in other accumulated comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. The ineffective portion of a hedge’s change in fair value will be immediately recognized in earnings. 

(a)
Foreign exchange

  The company periodically enters into derivative instruments, principally forward contracts to reduce exposures pertaining to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. There were no forward contracts outstanding as of December 29, 2007.

(b)
Interest rate

In January 2005, the company entered into an interest rate swap agreement with a notional amount of $70.0 million. The agreement swapped one month LIBOR for a fixed rate of 3.78%. The notional amount of the swap amortized consistent with the repayment schedule of the company's senior term loan maturing in November 2009. The interest rate swap had been designated as a hedge, and in accordance with SFAS No. 133 the changes in the fair value are recorded as a component of accumulated comprehensive income. In conjunction with the company’s new financing agreement entered into on December 28, 2007, this interest rate swap was cancelled. The realized loss related to this agreement was less than $0.1 million and has been recorded in earnings in fiscal 2007.

In January 2006, the company entered into an interest rate swap agreement for a notional amount of $10.0 million maturing on December 21, 2009. This agreement swaps one-month LIBOR for a fixed rate of 5.03%. This interest rate swap has not been designated as a hedge, and in accordance with SFAS No. 133 the changes in the fair value are recorded in earnings. The net loss recorded on this swap amounted to $0.2 million in 2007 and has been recorded in net earnings.

In August 2006, in conjunction with the Houno acquisition, the company assumed an interest rate swap with a notional amount of $1.2 million maturing on December 31, 2018. The agreement swaps one-month Euro LIBOR for a fixed rate of 4.84%. The interest rate swap has not been designated as an effective hedge and therefore changes in the fair value were reflected in earnings. This interest rate swap was cancelled during the year.
 
81
 
(10)  LEASE COMMITMENTS

The company leases warehouse space, office facilities and equipment under operating leases, which expire in fiscal 2008 and thereafter. The company also has a lease obligation for a manufacturing facility that was exited in conjunction with manufacturing consolidation efforts in 2001. Future payment obligations under these leases are as follows:
 
   
 
 
Idle
 
 
 
 
 
Operating
 
Facility
 
Total Lease
 
 
 
Leases
 
Leases
 
Commitments
  
 
(dollars in thousands)
  
2008
  
$
2,790
  
$
342
  
$
3,132
  
2009
    
2,297
    
350
    
2,647
  
2010.
    
1,438
    
423
    
1,861
  
2011
    
850
    
430
    
1,280
  
2012 and thereafter
    
313
    
1,579
    
1,892
  
                     
 
  
$
  7,688  
$
3,124
  
$
10,812
  
 
Rental expense pertaining to the operating leases was $1.7 million, $0.9 million, and $0.8 million in fiscal 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively.

The idle lease obligations relate to a manufacturing facility in Quakertown, Pennsylvania that was exited in 2001.  Obligations under that lease extend through June 2015.  The company has established reserves of $2.4 million to cover the costs of obligations under this lease, net of anticipated sublease income.  Management believes the remaining reserve balance is adequate to cover costs associated with the lease obligation.  However, the forecast of sublease income could differ from actual amounts, which are subject to the occupancy by a subtenant and a negotiated sublease rental rate.  If the company's estimates or underlying assumptions change in the future, the company would be required to adjust the reserve amount accordingly.
 
82
 
(11)  SEGMENT INFORMATION

The company operates in three reportable operating segments defined by management reporting structure and operating activities.

The Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group manufactures cooking equipment for restaurants and institutional kitchens. This business division has manufacturing facilities in California, Illinois, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Vermont, China, Denmark and the Philippines. Principal product lines of this group include conveyor ovens, ranges, steamers, convection ovens, combi-ovens, broilers and steam cooking equipment, baking and proofing ovens, griddles, charbroilers, catering equipment, fryers, toasters, hot food servers, foodwarming equipment, griddles and coffee and beverage dispensing equipment. These products are sold and marketed under the brand names: Blodgett, Blodgett Combi, Blodgett Range, Bloomfield, CTX, Carter-Hoffmann, Houno, Jade, MagiCater, MagiKitch’n, Middleby Marshall, Nu-Vu, Pitco, Southbend, Toastmaster, and Wells.

The Food Processing Equipment Group manufactures preparation, cooking, packaging and food safety equipment for the food processing industry. This business division has manufacturing operations in Georgia and Wisconsin. Its principal products include batch ovens, belt ovens and conveyorized cooking systems sold under the Alkar brand name, packaging and food safety equipment sold under the RapidPak brand name and breading, battering, mixing, slicing and forming equipment sold under the MP Equipment brand name.

The International Distribution Division provides integrated design, export management, distribution and installation services through its operations in China, India, Lebanon, Mexico, the Philippines, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. The division sells the company’s product lines and certain non-competing complementary product lines throughout the world. For a local country distributor or dealer, the company is able to provide a centralized source of foodservice equipment with complete export management and product support services.

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. The chief decision maker evaluates individual segment performance based on operating income. Management believes that intersegment sales are made at established arms length transfer prices.
 
83
 
The following table summarizes the results of operations for the company’s business segments1 (dollars in thousands):
 
 
 
Commercial
 
Food
 
International
 
Corporate
 
 
 
 
 
Foodservice
 
Processing
 
Distribution
 
and Other(2) 
 
Eliminations(3) 
 
Total
 
2007
 
 
 
  
 
 
              
Net sales
  
$
403,735
  
$
70,467
  
$
62,476
  
$
--
  
$
(36,206
)
$
500,472
  
Operating income
    
95,822
    
15,324
    
4,645
    
(23,853
)
  
995
    
92,933
  
Depreciation expense
    
3,379
    
511
    
156
    
128
    
--
    
4,174
  
Net capital expenditures
    
2,906
    
92
    
234
    
79
    
--
    
3,311
  
Total assets
    
279,751
    
79,928
    
29,914
    
32,567
    
(8,513
)
  
413,647
  
Long-lived assets(4)
    
168,422
    
46,405
    
660
    
11,747
    
--
    
227,234
  
 
                                      
2006
                                      
Net sales
  
$
324,206
  
$
55,153
  
$
56,496
  
$
--
  
$
(32,724
)
$
403,131
  
Operating income
    
85,267
    
8,396
    
3,160
    
(18,771
)
  
(1,151
)
  
76,901
  
Depreciation expense
    
2,749
    
508
    
110
    
52
    
--
    
3,419
  
Net capital expenditures
    
1,421
    
447
    
83
    
316
    
--
    
2,267
  
Total assets
    
214,590
    
45,445
    
27,764
    
7,650
    
(7,126
)
  
288,323
  
Long-lived assets(4)
    
133,242
    
27,791
    
500
    
9,115
    
--
    
170,648
  
                                       
2005
                                      
Net sales
  
$
294,067
  
$
2,837
  
$
53,989
  
$
--
  
$
(34,225
)
$
316,668
  
Operating income
    
69,710
    
134
    
3,460
    
(15,367
)
  
35
    
57,972
  
Depreciation expense
    
2,992
    
49
    
178
    
16
    
--
    
3,235
  
Net capital expenditures
    
1,006
    
--
    
275
    
95
    
--
    
1,376
  
Total assets
    
195,508
    
43,410
    
25,869
    
8,338
    
(5,906
)
  
267,219
  
Long-lived assets(4)
    
133,259
    
26,922
    
400
    
5,003
    
--
    
165,584
  
  
(1)
Non-operating expenses are not allocated to the operating segments. Non-operating expenses consist of interest expense and deferred financing amortization, foreign exchange gains and losses and other income and expense items outside of income from operations.
(2)
Includes corporate and other general company assets and operations.
(3)
Includes elimination of intercompany sales, profit in inventory, and intercompany receivables. Intercompany sale transactions are predominantly from the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group to the International Distribution Division.
(4)
Long-lived assets of the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group includes assets located in the Philippines which amounted to $1,929, $2,002 and $2,095 in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively and assets located in Denmark which amounted to $2,013 and $1,307 in 2007 and 2006.

Net sales by each major geographic region are as follows:
 
     
2007
    
2006
    
2005
  
     
(dollars in thousands)
  
                     
United States and Canada
  
$
399,151
  
$
326,023
  
$
256,790
  
                     
Asia
    
30,561
    
25,779
    
23,399
  
Europe and Middle East
    
53,646
    
34,831
    
26,568
  
Latin America
    
17,114
    
16,498
    
9,911
  
Total international
    
101,321
    
77,108
    
59,878
  
                     
    $
500,472
   $
403,131
   $
316,668
  
 
84
 
(12)  EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS

(a)
Pension Plans

The company maintains a non-contributory defined benefit plan for its union employees at the Elgin, Illinois facility. Benefits are determined based upon retirement age and years of service with the company. This defined benefit plan was frozen on April 30, 2002 and no further benefits accrue to the participants beyond this date. Plan participants will receive or continue to receive payments for benefits earned on or prior to April 30, 2002 upon reaching retirement age. The employees participating in the defined benefit plan were enrolled in a newly established 401K savings plan on July 1, 2002, further described below.

The company also maintains a retirement benefit agreement with its Chairman. The retirement benefits are based upon a percentage of the Chairman’s final base salary. Additionally, the company maintains a retirement plan for non-employee directors participating on the Board of Directors prior to 2004. This plan is not available to any new non-employee directors. The plan provides for an annual benefit upon a change in control of the company or retirement from the Board of Directors at age 70, equal to 100% of the director’s last annual retainer, payable for a number of years equal to the director’s years of service up to a maximum of 10 years.
 
85
 
A summary of the plans’ benefit obligations, funded status, and net balance sheet position is as follows:
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
  
   
2007
  
2007
  
 2006
  
 2006
  
   
Union
  
Director
  
 Union
  
 Director
  
   
Plan
  
Plans
  
 Plan
  
 Plans
  
Change in Benefit Obligation:
                    
Benefit obligation - beginning of year
  
$
4,662
  
$
2,822
  
$
4,695
  
$
1,447
  
                           
Service cost
    
--
    
954
    
--
    
1,222
  
Interest on benefit obligations
    
259
    
199
    
256
    
153
  
Return on assets
    
(214
)
  
--
    
(202
)
  
--
  
Net amortization and deferral
    
148
    
--
    
180
    
--
  
Net pension expense
    
193
    
1,153
    
234
    
1,375
  
Net benefit payments
    
(195
)
  
--
    
(211
)
  
--
  
Actuarial (gain) loss
    
(33
)
  
--
    
(56
)
  
--
  
Benefit obligation - end of year
  
$
4,627
  
$
3,975
  
$
4,662
  
$
2,822
  
Change in Plan Assets:
                          
Plan assets at fair value - beginning of
year
  
$
3,999
  
$
--
  
$
3,738
  
$
--
  
Company contributions
    
61
    
--
    
165
    
--
  
Investment gain
    
148
    
--
    
307
    
--
  
Benefit payments and plan expenses
    
(195
)
  
--
    
(211
)
  
--
  
Plan assets at fair value - end of year
  
$
4,013
  
$
--
  
$
3,999
  
$
--
  
Funded Status:
                          
                           
Unfunded benefit obligation
  
$
(614
)
$
(3,975
)
$
(663
)
$
(2,822
)
                           
Pre-tax components in accumulated
other comprehensive income:
                
Net actuarial loss
  
$
1,555
  
$
--
  
$
1,736
  
$
--
  
Net prior service cost
    
--
    
--
    
--
    
--
  
Net transaction (asset) obligations
    
--
    
--
    
--
    
--
  
Total amount recognized
  
$
1,555
  
$
--
  
$
1,736
  
$
--
  
                           
Salary growth rate
    
n/a
    
8.70
%
  
n/a
    
7.50
%
Assumed discount rate
    
5.75
%
  
5.75
%
  
5.75
%
  
5.75
%
Expected return on assets
    
5.50
%
  
n/a
    
5.50
%
  
n/a
  
 
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158. One provision of SFAS No. 158 requires full recognition of the funded status of defined benefit and post-retirement plans. Adoption of this provision did not impact earnings. The company utilizes a November 30 measurement date for the calculation of the union plan obligation, which would not materially differ from measurement at the fiscal year end.
 
86
 
The following table indicates the pre-tax incremental effect of the application of SFAS No. 158 on individual line items in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 30, 2006, for the company’s plans (dollars in thousands).
 

 
 
Before
 
 
 
After
 
 
 
SFAS No. 158
 
Adjustment
 
SFAS No. 158
  
Pension Plans:
              
Prepaid benefit cost
  
$
(1,073
)
$
(1,073
)
$
--
  
Accrued benefit liability
    
(1,736
)
  
1,073
    
(633
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    
1,736
    
--
    
1,736
 

The company has engaged a non-affiliated third party professional investment advisor to assist the company develop its investment policy and establish asset allocations. The company's overall investment objective is to provide a return, that along with company contributions, is expected to meet future benefit payments. Investment policy is established in consideration of anticipated future timing of benefit payments under the plans. The anticipated duration of the investment and the potential for investment losses during that period are carefully weighed against the potential for appreciation when making investment decisions. The company routinely monitors the performance of investments made under the plans and reviews investment policy in consideration of changes made to the plans or expected changes in the timing of future benefit payments.

The assets of the union plan were invested in the following classes of securities (none of which were securities of the company):

   
2007
 
2006
 
 
 
Union
 
Union
 
 
 
Plan
 
Plan
  
           
Equity
    
27
%
  
26
%
Fixed income
    
16
    
36
  
Money market
    
57
    
38
  
     
100
%
  
100
%

The expected return on assets is developed in consideration of the anticipated duration of investment period for assets held by the plan, the allocation of assets in the plan, and the historical returns for plan assets.

Estimated future benefit payments under the plans are as follows (dollars in thousands):

   
Union
Plan
 
Director
Plans
  
2008
  
$
312
  
$
40
  
2009
    
314
    
40
  
2010
    
313
    
40
  
2011
    
303
    
40
  
2012
    
316
    
131
  
2013 thru 2017
    
1,622
    
4,142
  

Contributions to the directors' plan are based upon actual retirement benefits for directors as they retire. Contributions under the union plan are funded in accordance with provisions of The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Expected contributions to be made in 2008 are $0.1 million.
 
87
 
(b)
401K Savings Plans

As of December 29, 2007 the company maintained two separate defined contribution 401K savings plans covering all employees in the United States. These two plans separately cover the union employees at the Elgin, Illinois facility and all other remaining union and non-union employees in the United States.

In conjunction with the freeze on future benefits under the defined benefit plan for union employees at the Elgin, Illinois facility, the company established a 401K savings plan for this group of employees. The company makes contributions to this plan in accordance with its agreement with the union. These contributions amounted to $61,000 for 2007, $206,000 for 2006 and $219,600 for 2005. There were no other profit sharing contributions to the 401K savings plans for 2007, 2006 and 2005.
 
88
 
(13)  QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED)
 
 
 
 1st 
 
 2nd 
 
 3rd 
 
 4th 
 
 Total Year
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
  
2007
                      
Net sales
  
$
105,695
  
$
113,248
  
$
135,996
  
$
145,533
  
$
500,472
  
Gross profit
    
41,105
    
44,886
    
51,396
    
54,978
    
192,365
  
Income from operations
    
18,806
    
21,202
    
25,424
    
27,501
    
92,933
  
Net earnings
  
$
10,720
  
$
12,582
  
$
14,056
  
$
15,256
  
$
52,614
  
                                 
Basic earnings per share (1)(2)
  
$
0.69
  
$
0.80
  
$
0.89
  
$
0.96
  
$
3.35
  
                                 
Diluted earnings per share (1)(2)
  
$
0.64
  
$
0.75
  
$
0.83
  
$
0.89
  
$
3.11
  
 
2006
                      
Net sales
  
$
96,749
  
$
104,849
  
$
103,239
  
$
98,294
  
$
403,131
  
Gross profit
    
35,524
    
41,727
    
40,575
    
39,051
    
156,877
  
Income from operations
    
15,148
    
20,279
    
21,021
    
20,453
    
76,901
  
Net earnings
  
$
8,051
  
$
11,090
  
$
12,177
  
$
11,059
  
$
42,377
  
                                 
Basic earnings per share (1)(2)
  
$
0.53
  
$
0.73
  
$
0.80
  
$
0.72
  
$
2.77
  
                                 
Diluted earnings per share (1)(2)
  
$
0.49
  
$
0.67
  
$
0.74
  
$
0.67
  
$
2.57
  
 
(1)
Sum of quarters may not equal the total for the year due to changes in the number of shares outstanding during the year.

(2)
Earnings per share have been adjusted to reflect the company’s stock split on June 15, 2007.
 
89
 
(14)  SUBSEQUENT EVENT

On December 31, 2007, subsequent to the company’s fiscal 2007 year end, the company completed its acquisition of New Star International Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries for $188.4 million in cash.  The transaction was funded from borrowings under the company’s new debt facility that was entered into on December 28, 2007.  The acquisition had no impact on the company’s 2007 financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In connection with the increased borrowings associated with the New Star International Holdings acquisition, the company entered into a series of interest rate agreements to swap one-month LIBOR for fixed rate debt.  The following table summarizes the terms of the interest rate swap agreements entered into subsequent to the company’s 2007 fiscal year end:

   
Fixed
        
Notional
  
Interest
  
Effective
  
Maturity
Amount
  
Rate
  
Date
  
Date
             
 $     10,000,000
 
2.520%
  
2/13/2008
  
2/19/2009
 $     20,000,000
 
2.635%
  
2/6/2008
  
2/6/2009
 $     25,000,000
 
3.350%
  
1/14/2008
  
1/14/2010
 $     10,000,000
 
2.920%
  
2/1/2008
  
2/1/2010
 $     10,000,000
 
2.785%
  
2/6/2008
  
2/6/2010
 $     10,000,000
 
3.033%
  
2/6/2008
  
2/6/2011
 $     10,000,000
 
2.820%
  
2/1/2008
  
2/1/2009
 
90

THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES
FISCAL YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 29, 2007, DECEMBER 30, 2006
AND DECEMBER 31, 2005
 

   
Balance
 
Additions
 
Write-Offs
 
 
 
Balance
 
 
 
Beginning
 
Charged
 
During the
 
 
 
At End
 
 
 
Of Period
 
Expense
 
the Period
 
Acquisition
 
Of Period
  
                       
Allowance for
                      
doubtful accounts; deducted from
                      
accounts receivable on the
                      
balance sheets-
                      
                       
                       
2007
  
$
5,101,000
  
$
1,092,000
  
$
(2,433,000
)
$
2,058,000
  
$
5,818,000
  
                                 
2006
  
$
3,081,000
  
$
1,733,000
  
$
(722,000
)
$
1,009,000
  
$
5,101,000
  
                                 
2005
  
$
3,382,000
  
$
503,000
  
$
(1,125,000
)
$
321,000
  
$
3,081,000
  
 
91
 
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
 Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls Procedure

The company maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)) as of the end of the period covered by this report) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the company's Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the company's management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

As of December 29, 2007, the company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the company's management, including the company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the company's disclosure controls and procedures. Based on the foregoing, the company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of this period.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

During the quarter ended December 29, 2007, there have been no changes in the company's internal controls over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the company's internal control over financial reporting.
 
92
 
Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting a defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d -15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:

(i)
pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets.

(ii)
provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and

(iii)
provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Our assessment of the internal control structure excluded Jade, Carter-Hoffman, MP Equipment, and Wells Bloomfield, which were acquired on April 1, 2007, June 29, 2007, July 2, 2007, and August 3, 2007, respectively. These acquisitions constitute 37.0% and 22.3% of net and total assets, respectively, 13.3% of revenues, and 14.3% of net income of the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the year ended December 29, 2007. These acquisitions are included in the consolidated financial statements of the company as of and for the year ended December 29, 2007. Under guidelines established by the Securities Exchange Commission, companies are allowed to exclude acquisitions from their assessment of internal control over financial reporting during the first year of an acquisition while integrating the acquired company.

Based on our evaluation under the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 29, 2007.


The Middleby Corporation
February 26, 2008
 
93
 
Item 9B. Other Information

None.
 
94
 
PART III

Pursuant to General Instruction G (3), of Form 10-K, the information called for by Part III (Item 10 (Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant), Item 11 (Executive Compensation), Item 12 (Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters), Item 13 (Certain Relationships and Related Transactions) and Item 14 (Principal Accountant Fees and Services), is incorporated herein by reference from the registrant’s definitive proxy statement filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Form 10-K.
 
95
 
PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
 
(a) 1.
Financial statements.
 
The financial statements listed on Page 48 are filed as part of this Form 10-K.
 
3.
Exhibits.
 
 
2.1
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated August 30, 2001, between The Middleby Corporation and Maytag Corporation, incorporated by reference to the company's Form 10-Q Exhibit 2.1, for the fiscal period ended September 29, 2001, filed on November 13, 2001.
 
 
2.2
Amendment No. 1 to Stock Purchase Agreement, dated December 21, 2001, between The Middleby Corporation and Maytag Corporation, incorporated by reference to the company's Form 8-K Exhibit 2.2 dated December 21, 2001, filed on January 7, 2002.

 
2.3
Amendment No. 2 to Stock Purchase Agreement, dated December 23, 2002 between The Middleby Corporation and Maytag Corporation, incorporated by reference to the company's Form 8-K Exhibit 2.1 dated December 23, 2002, filed on January 7, 2003.

 
2.4
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of November 18, 2007, by and among Middleby Marshall, Inc., New Cardinal Acquisition Sub Inc., New Star International Holdings, Inc. and Weston Presidio Capital IV, L.P., incorporated by reference to the company’s Form 8-K, Exhibit 2.1, dated November, 18, 2007, filed on November 23, 2007.
     
 
3.1
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of The Middleby Corporation (effective as of May 13, 2005), incorporated by reference to the company's Form 8-K, Exhibit 3.1, dated April 29, 2005, filed on May 17, 2005.
 
96
 
 
3.2
Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of The Middleby Corporation (effective as of December 31, 2007), incorporated by reference to the company's Form 8-K, Exhibit 3.1, dated December 31, 2007, filed on January 4, 2008.
 
 
3.3
Certificate of Amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of The Middleby Corporation (effective as of May 3, 2007), incorporated by reference to the company’s Form 8-K, Exhibit 3.1, dated May 3, 2007, filed on May 3, 2007.
 
 
4.1
Certificate of Designations dated October 30, 1987, and specimen stock certificate relating to the company  Preferred Stock, incorporated by reference from the company’s Form 10-K, Exhibit (4), for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1988, filed on March 15, 1989.
 
 
10.1
Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, as of December 28 2007, among The Middleby Corporation, Middleby Marshall, Inc., Various Financial Institutions, Wells Fargo Bank, Inc., Wells Fargo Bank N.A., as syndication agent, Royal Bank of Canada, RBS Citizens, N.A., as Co-Documentation Agents, Fifth Third Bank and National City Bank as Co-Agents and Bank of America N.A., as Administrative Agent, Issuing Lender and Swing Line Lender, incorporated by reference to the company's Form 8-K Exhibit 10.1, dated December 28, 2007, filed on January 4, 2008.
 
 
10.2 *
Amended 1998 Stock Incentive Plan, dated December 15, 2003, incorporated by reference to the company’s Form 10-K, Exhibit 10.21, for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2004, filed on April 2, 2004.

 
10.3 *
Employment Agreement of Selim A. Bassoul dated December 23, 2004, incorporated by reference to the company's Form 8-K Exhibit 10.1, dated December 23, 2004, filed on December 28, 2004.
 
97

 
10.4 *
Amended and Restated Management Incentive Compensation Plan, incorporated by reference to the company's Form 8-K Exhibit 10.1, dated February 25, 2005, filed on March 3, 2005.

 
10.5 *
Employment Agreement by and between The Middleby Corporation and Timothy J. FitzGerald, incorporated by reference to the company's Form 8-K Exhibit 10.1, dated March 7, 2005, filed on March 8, 2005.

 
10.6 *
Form of The Middleby Corporation 1998 Stock Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Agreement, incorporated by reference to the company's Form 8-K Exhibit 10.2, dated March 7, 2005, filed on March 8, 2005.

 
10. 7 *
Form of The Middleby Corporation 1998 Stock Incentive Plan Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement, incorporated by reference to the company's Form 8-K Exhibit 10.1, dated April 29, 2005, filed on May 5, 2005.

 
10.8 *
Form of Confidentiality and Non-Competition Agreement, incorporated by reference to the company's Form 8-K Exhibit 10.2, dated April 29, 2005, filed on May 5, 2005.

 
10.9 *
The Middleby Corporation Amended and Restated Management Incentive Compensation Plan, effective as of January 1, 2005, incorporated by reference to the company's Form 8-K Exhibit 10.1, dated April 29, 2005, filed on May 17, 2005.

 
10.10 *
Amendment to The Middleby Corporation 1998 Stock Incentive Plan, effective as of January 1, 2005, incorporated by reference to the company's Form 8-K Exhibit 10.2, dated April 29, 2005, filed on May 17, 2005.

 
10.11 *
Revised Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for The Middleby Corporation 1998 Stock Incentive Plan, , incorporated by reference to the company’s Form 8-K, Exhibit 10.1, dated March 8, 2007, filed on March 14, 2007.
 
98
 
 
10.12 *
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for The Middleby Corporation 2007 Stock Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to the company’s Form 8-K, Exhibit 10.2, dated May 3, 2007, filed on May 7, 2007.
 
 
21
 List of subsidiaries;
 
 
23.1
Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
 
 
31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended.

 
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended.

 
32.1
Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
32.2
 Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
*
Designates management contract or compensation plan.

(c)
See the financial statement schedule included under Item 8.
 
99
 
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on the 6th day of August 2008.
 
 
     
 THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION
 
 		  
 		  
 
  By:   /s/ Timothy J. FitzGerald
 
Timothy J. FitzGerald
 
Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated on August 6, 2008.
 
Signatures
  
Title
     
PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER
    
     
/s/ Selim A. Bassoul
  
Chairman of the Board, President,
Selim A. Bassoul
 
Chief Executive Officer and Director
     
     
PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL AND
    
ACCOUNTING OFFICER
    
     
/s/ Timothy J. FitzGerald
  
Vice President, Chief Financial
Timothy J. FitzGerald
  
Officer
     
DIRECTORS
    
     
/s/ Robert Lamb
  
Director
Robert Lamb
    
     
/s/ John R. Miller, III
  
Director
John R. Miller, III
    
     
/s/ Gordon O'Brien
  
Director
Gordon O'Brien
    
     
/s/ Philip G. Putnam
  
Director
Philip G. Putnam
    
     
/s/ Sabin C. Streeter
  
Director
Sabin C. Streeter
    
     
/s/ Robert L. Yohe
  
Director
Robert L. Yohe    
 
100