- Planet Antares Scam
Transcription
- Planet Antares Scam
DISCLOSURE REQUIRED BY CALIFORNIA LAW The State of California has not reviewed and does not approve, recommend, endorse, or sponsor any seller-assisted marketing plan. The information contained in this disclosure has not been verified by the state. If you have any questions about this purchase, see an attorney or other financial advisor before you sign a contract or agreement. B-501 WA REG. NO. 70009029 SC S.S. REG. NO. 504 FL AIN BO 1995067 Page 1 California Disclosure RD 2/16/10, PD 3/10 SELLER-ASSISTED MARKETING PLAN DISCLOSURE STATEMENT AND INFORMATION SHEET 1. IDENTIFYING INFORMATION AS TO SELLER. The name of the seller of this seller-assisted marketing plan is Planet Antares, Inc. ("Seller"), whose principal business address is 5700 Buckingham Parkway, Suite 200, Culver City, California 90230. Seller was formerly known as Antares Corporation. Purco Corporation, an affiliate of Seller, will act as Seller's purchasing agent for the placement of the purchase order for vending machines on behalf of the purchaser under this plan ("Purchaser"). 2. BUSINESS EXPERIENCE OF SELLER'S SOLE DIRECTOR AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS. The sole Director and executive officers who have responsibility for the Seller's business activities are: Dana Bashor Director, President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary Since its formation on April 3,1987, Mr. Bashor has been the President and Chief Executive Officer of Seller. From August, 1986 to December, 2004, Mr. Bashor was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Orion Products Corp. He is the sole shareholder of Seller. 3. BUSINESS EXPERIENCE OF SELLER Seller is a California Corporation, incorporated on April 3, 1987. Seller began marketing seller-assisted marketing plans on April 3,1995. Seller began marketing the seller-assisted marketing plan offered herein on April 3, 1995 and has not offered any other seller-assisted marketing plan. Seller also conducts business under the name "Wealth Builders." Page 2 California Disclosure RD 2/16/10, PD 3/10 4. LITIGATION HISTORY. Neither the Seller, any of the persons listed in paragraphs 1 or 2 above, nor any other company managed by a person listed in paragraphs 1 or 2 above: A) Has at any time ever been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor or pleaded nolo contendere to a felony or misdemeanor charge involving an alleged violation of Title 2.7 of the California Civil Code, fraud, embezzlement, fraudulent conversion, misappropriation of property or restraint of trade or (B) has at any time ever been held liable in a civil action resulting in a final judgment or consented to the entry of a stipulated judgment in a civil action, alleging a violation of Title 2.7 of the California Civil Code, fraud, embezzlement, fraudulent conversion or misappropriation of property or the use of untrue or misleading representations in an attempt to sell or dispose of real or personal property or the use of unfair, unlawful or deceptive business practices, or is subject to any currently effective injunction or restrictive order, including, but not limited to, a "cease and desist" order, an "assurance of discontinuance", or other comparable agreement or order, relating to business activity as the result of an action brought by a public agency or department, including but not limited to an action affecting any vocational license except for: (i) A Consent Judgment and Order, without any court findings of wrongdoing or admission of wrongdoing, entered into for settlement purposes between the Federal Trade Commission, Orion Products Corp., Mr. Bashor and Seller on July 19, 1996 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California (Case No. C-96-2586); (ii) A Consent Order, without any findings of wrongdoing or admission of wrongdoing entered into for settlement purposes between the Maryland Securities Commissioner and Seller on July 15, 2002 (Case No. 2002-0340); and (iii) A Consent Order, without any findings of wrongdoing or admission of wrongdoing, entered into for settlement purposes between the Maryland Securities Commissioner and Seller on December 5,2003 (Case No. 2002-0761). Furthermore, none of the persons listed in paragraphs 1 or 2 above has, at any time during the previous seven fiscal years, been the subject of an order for relief in bankruptcy, been reorganized due to insolvency, or been a principal, director, officer, trustee or partner of any other person that has so filed or was so reorganized, during or within one year after the period that such person held such position with such other person. 5. DESCRIPTION OF SELLER-ASSISTED MARKETING PLAN. Purchaser will purchase machines through an order placed by Seller with Purco Corporation, a company under common ownership and management with Seller. Purco Corporation will then place a purchase order for the machines with an unaffiliated manufacturing company. Purchaser will have no obligation to make any payments to Purco Corporation or the unaffiliated manufacturing company. Seller also will provide the following services for a Purchaser of a seller-assisted marketing plan: A) Provide to Purchaser a start-up kit, which contains service records, operating procedures manual and other data; B) Provide to Purchaser full color presentation brochures, promotional pictures and business mail pamphlets and corresponding materials; Page 3 California Disclosure RD 2/16/10, PD 3/10 refreshments. C) Provide to Purchaser a selection of suppliers of wholesale refreshments; and D) If requested, provide Purchaser market and promotional information on 6. INITIAL FUNDS REQUIRED TO BE PAID BY A PURCHASER. Attached hereto is a price list which describes the various plans available to the Purchaser. For limited periods of time, Seller may offer the plans at a reduced price. The purchase of any plan will require a fee not to exceed twenty percent (20%) of the purchase price (e.g., not to exceed $4,000 on a $20,000 purchase) to be paid upon signing the Purchase Contract. The balance (e.g. balance of 80% of the purchase price if the fee is 20% of the purchase price) of the purchase price is to be forwarded by wire or cashier's check to the custody account, such funds to be released only after evidence of receipt of equipment. Of the total payment, the amount to be paid to the representative who induces the sale of this plan averages seven percent (7%). Seller also may compensate individuals acting as references because of the time and inconvenience involved in taking calls from prospective purchasers. Specific purchase prices are set forth in the price list attached hereto. The down payment is refundable only if Purchaser complies with the cancellation procedures described in the attached Purchase Contract. Depending upon local law, a Purchaser may be required to pay a sales or use tax with respect to the purchase of a plan. 7. RECURRING FUNDS REQUIRED TO BE PAID BY A PURCHASER. There are no royalties, commissions, advertising fees or other continuing expenses to be paid by Purchaser to Seller. 8. AFFILIATED PERSONS THE PURCHASER IS REQUIRED OR ADVISED TO DO BUSINESS WITH BY THE SELLER. Seller does not directly or indirectly require or advise the Purchaser to do business with any person. A Purchaser is free to purchase from any source the products to be vended in his/her machines or any services related thereto. Seller has no arrangements with any supplier and does not require Purchaser to do business with anyone other than as stated above. 9. OBLIGATIONS TO PURCHASE. Except for the equipment to be purchased from Seller and the services to be provided by Seller, Seller does not require Purchaser to purchase, lease or rent any real estate, services, supplies, products, inventories, signs, fixtures or equipment relating to the establishment or operation of the seller-assisted marketing plan business. 10. REVENUES RECEIVED BY THE SELLER IN CONSIDERATION OF PURCHASE BY A PURCHASER. Seller does not require Purchaser to purchase any goods or services (other than the equipment described in the Purchase Contract) from any supplier. Seller does not receive any revenue or other consideration from such suppliers. Page 4 California Disclosure RD 2/16/10, PD 3/10 11. FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS. Seller does not offer financing for the first purchase of equipment. If a Purchaser has timely made all prior payments and a purchaser's credit is approved by Seller, Seller will offer a Purchaser the right to purchase additional machines after the placement of the Purchaser's initial order at the same purchase price provided for in the Purchase Contract, with a fifty percent (50%) down payment and the balance to be paid in twenty-four monthly installments without interest. If a Purchaser elects to place additional equipment orders under the financing program described above, the Purchaser must sign a promissory note for the balance and a security agreement so that Seller will retain a security interest in the equipment. If a Purchaser does not make a payment on time, Seller can demand all overdue payments and repossess the equipment. Seller can also recover its costs of collection, including court costs and attorney's fees. 12. RESTRICTIONS OF SALES. No conditions are placed on Purchaser's ability to offer goods or services or to the geographic areas in which goods or services will be provided by Purchaser. Seller is not offering and Purchaser will not acquire any exclusive location list or any exclusive rights to sell, distribute or market any of the vending machines in a particular or specific geographic or marketing area. Seller has sold and Seller may continue to sell the same or similar vending machines and mailing lists of possible locations to other purchasers, which purchasers may have located or will locate his/her vending machines in the same geographic areas as Purchaser intends to locate his/her vending machines. The number of location lists, if any, to be furnished for any specific geographic area will be determined solely by Seller. Seller has its prospective Purchasers undergo an interview and evaluation process, which is primarily a self-elimination process, the purpose of which is to encourage a prospective Purchaser to consider whether he/she is suitable for the business. During the process, the prospective Purchaser is requested to consider issues such as his/her ability to accept responsibility, to follow procedures and to self promote his/her business and to recognize the hard work and commitment required to make the business successful. If, during this process, a prospective Purchaser is discouraged or if his/her commitment is weakened, then he/she should not become a Purchaser. Seller's objective in this interview and evaluation process is to encourage the prospective Purchaser to fully consider his/her personal goals and commitment to this business prior to entering into the Purchase Contract. Additionally, this process is intended to give Purchasers a greater sense of pride in their business, and result in them being less likely to be disappointed or to disappoint Seller as their business is developed. 13. PERSONAL PARTICIPATION REQUIRED OF THE PURCHASER IN THE OPERATION OF THE SELLER-ASSISTED MARKETING PLAN. Although Seller recommends that each Purchaser personally participate in the direct operation of the business being established pursuant to the seller-assisted marketing plan, Purchaser is not required to participate personally in the direct operation of the business. 14.TERMINATION. CANCELLATION, AND RENEWAL OF THE SELLER-ASSISTED MARKETING PLAN. Except for the manufacturer's warranties with respect to the equipment purchased by Purchaser and the right of Purchaser to purchase additional machines pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Contract, the Purchase Contract shall terminate one year from the date entered into by Purchaser and Seller. The rights of a Purchaser to cancel the Purchase Contract are described in the attached Purchase Contract. Page 5 California Disclosure RD 2/16/10, PD 3/10 Except as may be required by applicable law, the Purchase Contract may not be renewed or extended by any party. Except as set forth below, no restrictions are placed on Purchaser's ability to transfer an interest in the seller-assisted marketing plan. The manufacturer's warranties with respect to the equipment purchased by Purchaser are not transferable or assignable. 15. SITE SELECTION. Seller does not represent or warrant that it will obtain locations or outlets for Purchaser. 16. LINES OF EQUIPMENT. Seller may from time to time market the sellerassisted marketing plan offered herein with the same, similar or different lines of equipment, such as, snack vending machines, refreshment vending machines, combination snack and refreshment vending machines, coffee refreshment vending machines, and/or vending machines with different operating systems or dispensing mechanisms. Buyers of these different lines of vending machines may be in competition with the line of equipment offered herein, and buyers have located or will locate his/her vending machines in the same geographic area as Purchaser intends to locate his/her vending machines. 17. TRAINING PROGRAMS. Seller does not conduct an initial training program, but does provide Purchaser with the information described in paragraph 5 above. Such information is provided to Purchaser without additional charge. 18. PUBLIC FIGURE INVOLVEMENT IN THE SELLER-ASSISTED MARKETING PLANS. No public figure is used in connection with the management or operation of Seller or with a recommendation to purchase a seller-assisted marketing plan. 19. of Seller. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. Attached hereto are recent financial statements 20. NO REPRESENTATIONS REGARDING RANGE OF SALES OR EARNINGS. Seller makes no statement concerning the sales or earnings or range of sales or earnings that may be achieved by Purchaser through this seller-assisted marketing plan. 21. PURCHASE CONTRACT. Attached hereto is a copy of the Purchase Contract to be entered into between Purchaser and Seller. Page 6 California Disclosure RD 2/16/10, PD 3/10 H] Winningham fSl Becker jl & Company, LLP INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT 21031 Ventura Blvd. Suite 1000 Woodland Hills, CA 91364-222? To the Board of Directors Planet Antares, Inc. Culver City, California Tel (818) 598-6525 Fax (818) 598-6535 www.wbac.com We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Planet Antares, Inc. (a California S corporation) as of December 31, 2009 and 2008. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Planet Antares, Inc. as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. IViarui IU, ^uiu PLANET ANTARES, INC. BALANCE SHEETS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND 2008 » ASSETS 2008 2009 Current assets Cash and cash equivalents Certificates of deposit - restricted Accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $5,000 in 2009 and 2008) Loan and interest receivable - affiliate Inventory Employee advances and other receivables Prepaid expenses $ Total current assets Property and equipment Equipment Computers Furniture and fixtures Vehicles Leasehold improvements $ Property and equipment, net Other assets Intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $119,910 in 2009 and $78,798 in 2008 Security deposits Deferred income taxes Total other assets $ 1,218,498 229,001 165,241 92,171 631,222 15,023 64,248 1,138,832 215,351 93,467 702,156 3,169,428 2,623,714 403,515 207,101 33,314 320,549 402,710 403,515 207,101 33,314 462,711 385,274 — 1,367,189 (1,303,189) Total property and equipment Less accumulated depreciation and amortization Total assets 992,581 235,351 1,491,915 (1,313,192) 64,000 178,723 496,770 48,626 10,774 537,882 48,626 14,069 556,170 600,577 3,789,598 $ 3,403,014 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY Current liabilities Accounts payable Income taxes payable Accrued liabilities 933,581 15,100 1,185,997 728,647 16,671 969,457 2,134,678 1,714,775 Unearned revenue 490,681 530,108 Shareholder's equity Common stock, no par value, 10,000 shares authorized, 1,000 shares issued and outstanding Additional paid-in capital Retained earnings 752,300 410,939 1,000 1,000 752,300 404,831 1,164,239 1,158,131 Total current liabilities Total shareholder's equity Total liabilities and shareholder's equity $ 3,789,598 SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS $ 3,403,014 PLANET ANTARES, INC. NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND 2008 NOTE 1: DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Planet Antares, Inc. (the Company) was incorporated in April 1987. The Company's principal business activity is the development of comprehensive seller assisted marketing plans and vending equipment sales to refreshment vending machine operators throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. The Company's sole shareholder is also the sole shareholder of Purco Corporation (Purco). As described in Note 3, Purco is the purchasing agent for the Company. Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires the use of management's estimates. Due to their prospective nature, actual results could differ from these estimates. Cash and cash equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with initial maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company places its temporary cash investments with a high quality financial institution located in Southern California. Concentration of credit risk Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash deposits. Accounts are guaranteed by the FDIC up to $250,000. At times such investments may be in excess of the Federal Deposit insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance limit. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts. The Company periodically reviews the financial condition of financial institutions in which it maintains cash balances. Certificates of deposit - restricted The Company maintains certificates of deposit in various states that require a deposit as a condition for the Company to conduct business in that state. These certificates of deposit are all under the FDIC insured limits and mature at various times throughout 2010. Certificates of deposit - restricted are not considered part of cash and cash equivalents. Inventory Inventory consists entirely of vending equipment held for sale and is stated at the lower of cost or market, using the average cost method. Property and equipment Property and equipment is recorded at cost. The Company reviews the recoverability of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. This assessment is performed based on the estimated future cash flows discounted and with interest charges. If the estimated cash flows were less than the carrying value, a write down would be recorded to reduce the related asset to its estimated fair value. As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, management believes that there are no impairment losses, and none have been recorded. Intangible assets The intangible assets include costs to change the name of the Company from Antares Corporation to Planet Antares, Inc. PLANET ANTARES, INC. NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND 2008 NOTE 1: (CONTINUED) Unearned revenue The Company requires a deposit at the time a contract is signed. The deposits are recorded as unearned revenue until the shipment of the vending equipment and marketing plan are provided to the customer or the customer defaults on their contractual obligations. Unearned revenue is classified as a non-current liability as it makes no demands on working capital. NOTE 2: COMMITMENTS The Company leases its office facility in Culver City, California under a non-cancelable operating lease, expiring December 31, 2011. Total minimum future rental payments under non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2009 are summarized as follows: Year ended December 31 Amount 2010 2011 Total minimum future rental payments 533,952 549.960 $ 1.083.912 Total minimum future rental payments have not been reduced by $835,932 of sublease rentals to be received in the future under noncancelable subleases. NOTE 3: RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS During 2009 and 2008, the Company had the following related party transactions: With Purco Corporation: Purchasing agreement The Company has an arrangement with Purco under which Purco arranges for the purchase of vending equipment by the Company's customers. As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company owed Purco commissions of $37,404 and $18,753 respectively. Receivable Purco owed $1,995 to the Company as of December 31, 2008. With Planet Antares - UK (the Affiliate) During 2009, the Company provided a $1,000,000 credit line to Planet Antares - UK. The Affiliate operates in the United Kingdom and is wholly owned by the Company's shareholder. During the year, $754,770 was loaned to the Affiliate. As of December 31, 2009, the Affiliate owed $631,222 to the Company, including $6,225 of accrued interest. The Company is accruing interest monthly with an interest rate of one and one-half percent above the federal prime lending rate (3.25% as of December 31, 2009). NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND 2008 NOTE 1: DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Planet Antares, Inc. (the Company) was incorporated in April 1987. The Company's principal business activity is the development of comprehensive seller assisted marketing plans and vending equipment sales to refreshment vending machine operators throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. The Company's sole shareholder is also the sole shareholder of Purco Corporation (Purco). As described in Note 3, Purco is the purchasing agent for the Company. Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires the use of management's estimates. Due to their prospective nature, actual results could differ from these estimates. Cash and cash equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with initial maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company places its temporary cash investments with a high quality financial institution located in Southern California. Concentration of credit risk Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash deposits. Accounts are guaranteed by the FDIC up to $250,000. At times such investments may be in excess of the Federal Deposit insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance limit. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts. The Company periodically reviews the financial condition of financial institutions in which it maintains cash balances. Certificates of deposit - restricted *\ The Company maintains certificates of deposit in various states that require a deposit as a condition for the Company to conduct business in that state. These certificates of deposit are all under the FDIC insured limits and mature at various times throughout 2010. Certificates of deposit - restricted are not considered part of cash and cash equivalents. Inventory Inventory consists entirely of vending equipment held for sale and is stated at the lower of cost or market, using the average cost method. Property and equipment Property and equipment is recorded at cost. The Company reviews the recoverability of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. This assessment is performed based on the estimated future cash flows discounted and with interest charges. If the estimated cash flows were less than the carrying value, a write down would be recorded to reduce the related asset to its estimated fair value. As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, management believes that there are no impairment losses, and none have been recorded. Intangible assets The intangible assets include costs to change the name of the Company from Antares Corporation to Planet Antares, Inc. PLANET ANTARES, INC. NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND 2008 NOTE 4: POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS Certain Company key employees are entitled to severance pay if they are terminated without cause. Management has determined that it is impracticable to estimate the amount of compensation for severance pay and accordingly, no liability has been recorded in the accompanying financial statements. NOTE 5: MANUFACTURER'S AGREEMENT The Company uses independent manufacturers to produce vending equipment and various dollar change machines. The manufacturers build and store the machines, and ship the machines directly to the Company's customers at the Company's direction or that of Purco. Each machine is covered by the manufacturers' warranties. Management believes the Company is not dependent on any of the manufacturers to produce these machines and could continue business with another manufacturer, if necessary. Beginning in 2008, the Company began selling a new line of vending equipment manufactured by different suppliers. Therefore, the Company terminated its agreement with its previous manufacturers. The Company purchased equipment and parts from the prior independent manufacturers in order to ensure adequate support and service to existing customers. Management believes the inventory purchased will adequately provide for the needs of existing customers. Management does not believe there will be any effect on the Company's continuing operations as they have contracted with other independent manufacturers to produce their new line of vending equipment. NOTE 6: RECLASSIFICATIONS Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year's financial statements to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on previously reported retained earnings. NOTE 7: SUBSEQUENT EVENTS Subsequent events were evaluated to determine if events that occurred should be reported or disclosed in the financial statements as of December 31, 2009. Events were evaluated through March 10, 2010, the date the financial statements were issued. ACKNOWLEDGMENT The undersigned hereby acknowledges that they (i) are receiving a complete copy of the Purchase Contract and the California Disclosure Statement and Information Sheet and (ii) had previously received a complete copy of the same documents at the presentation attended . (Must be at least 2 days prior to contract signing) SELLER DATE PURCHASER DATE PURCHASER DATE Page 7 California Disclosure RD 2/16/10, PD 3/10