EX-14.1 2 d656477dex141.htm EX-14.1 EX-14.1

Exhibit 14.1

Party City Holdings Inc.

(PCHI)

Code of Business Conduct

 

LOGO


 

LOGO

Dear Employees,

We believe that our reputation for integrity is among our most important assets. Our customers – those who purchase our products – rely upon the Company’s good name. Each of us has a role in preserving that reputation, and for that reason, it is essential that each of us observe the highest standards of personal and professional conduct. Broadly stated, this means obeying the law and adhering to high ethical standards. Each of us must be conscious that the misdeeds of even one person could discredit the entire Company and damage our business.

In order to assure that we all understand what we should expect of each other, we have prepared a Code of Business Conduct, outlining the standards by which every employee should conduct himself or herself and identifying misconduct that will not be tolerated. You should understand that this Code will be enforced vigorously, and violations may lead to significant disciplinary action, including dismissal.

You may have questions about this Code – what it means, or how you should handle a particular situation. To help you live up to the Code, we have designated an Ethics Committee (defined on page 17 of the Code) which you are encouraged to contact on a confidential basis if you wish.

If you see, suspect, or experience unethical, illegal, or unsafe activity or violations of Company policy, don’t ignore it — let us know. Discuss it with a manager or supervisor, or contact The Network, an independent reporting service, where you have the option of remaining anonymous, although providing your identity may assist in addressing your questions or concerns.

The Network Ethics and Compliance Helpline and web reporting sites are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

 

Wholesale units/offices:    (800) 405 -8943    www.tnwinc.com/reportline/amscan
International units/offices:       www.tnwinc.com/reportline/amscan
Retail stores/corporate office:    (888) 270 -5937    www.reportlineweb.com/partycity

Each of you should familiarize yourself with the Code, use your common sense and best judgment and seek additional guidance when you need it. With your help, we can assure that the Company’s long record of success will continue on for years to come.

 

Gerald Rittenberg      James Harrison
Chief Executive Officer      President

80 Grasslands Road, Elmsford, New York 10523

 

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Party City Holdings Inc.

Code of Business Conduct

Adopted as of August 2009

Readopted as of February 12, 2014

 

I. INTRODUCTION

This Code of Business Conduct (“Code”) has been adopted by Party City Holdings Inc. (the “Company”) to assure that the Company and its subsidiaries adhere to ethical standards and obey all applicable laws and that its employees, officers, directors and agents clearly understand what is required of them in that regard. The Code is also intended to qualify as a “code of ethics” within the meaning of Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules promulgated there under. To further the Company’s fundamental principles of honesty and loyalty, our Code strives to deter wrongdoing and promote the following objectives:

 

    honest and ethical conduct and the avoidance of conflicts of interest;

 

    full, fair, accurate, timely and transparent disclosure in reports and documents that the Company files with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and other government agencies;

 

    compliance with the applicable laws and governmental rules and regulations;

 

    prompt internal reporting of Code violations or practices that are questionable under the Code; and

 

    accountability for compliance with the Code.

The provisions of this Code apply to all directors, officers and employees of the Company and each of its U.S. and non-U.S. subsidiaries and business under the Company’s control, including but not limited to: Party City Holdings Inc., Amscan Inc., Am-Source, LLC, Trisar, Inc. (d/b/a Ampro and Ya Otta Pinata), Anagram International, Inc. and affiliated companies (“Anagram”), Party City Corporation, Amscan Distributors (Canada), Ltd., Party City Canada Inc., Amscan Holdings Limited, Streamers Limited and affiliated companies (“Streamers”), Amscan Party Goods Pty. Limited., Amscan de Mexico, S.A. de C.V., Amscan Asia International Limited, C. Riethmuller GmbH and affiliated companies (“Riethmuller”), Everts International Ltd and affiliated companies (“Everts”), Christy’s By Design Limited and affiliated companies (the “Christy’s Group”), Amscan Partyartikel GmbH and Party Delights Ltd. The term “employees”, as used in this Code, includes all of our full and part time employees and officers and, when they are acting on behalf of the Company, directors of the Company.

 

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This Code supersedes all other policies, procedures, instructions, practices, rules or written or verbal representations, but only to the extent that they are inconsistent with this Code. The policies stated herein are not all of the policies applicable to our employees nor are they a comprehensive or complete explanation of all laws which apply to us and our employees. We are committed to reviewing and updating our policies and procedures on a regular basis. Therefore, this Code may be modified or supplemented in the future. In addition, we may from time to time adopt more detailed policies and procedures with regard to certain areas covered by this Code and other matters not mentioned in it.

As described below, the Company’s Ethics Committee is responsible for the overall implementation and administration of the Code. Each supervisor or department manager is responsible for seeing that all employees under his or her supervision are familiar with the Code and are applying it consistently in all of their business dealings on behalf of the Company. No employee has the authority to violate any of the Code’s provisions or to direct or authorize others to do so.

 

II. GENERAL STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

This Code helps ensure our compliance with legal requirements and our standards of business conduct. All of our employees are expected to read and understand this Code, to uphold its standards in their day-to-day business activities, to comply with all applicable policies and procedures, and to ensure that all agents and contractors are aware of, understand and adhere to these standards in their dealings with or on behalf of the Company.

The Company expects all employees to exercise good judgment to ensure the safety and welfare of employees and to maintain a cooperative, efficient, positive, harmonious and productive work environment and business organization. These standards apply while working on our premises, at offsite locations where our business is being conducted, at Company-sponsored business and social events, or at any other place where you are a representative of the Company. Employees who engage in misconduct or whose performance is unsatisfactory may be subject to disciplinary or corrective action, up to and including termination, as described in Section XVIII below.

 

III. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS

All Company employees must comply with all applicable laws, regulations, rules and regulatory orders applicable to the Company’s business operations and the performance of their duties. You must acquire appropriate knowledge of the requirements relating to your duties sufficient to enable you to recognize potential dangers and to know when to seek advice from your supervisor. In certain cases, it will be appropriate for you to seek advice on specific Company policies and procedures from your immediate supervisor, the department manager of the Company’s facility at which you are employed, Human Resources or a member of the Ethics Committee. Violations of laws, regulations, rules and orders may subject you to individual criminal or civil liability, as well as to discipline by the Company. Such violations may also subject the Company to civil or criminal liability or the loss of business.

 

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IV. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

A. General Standards

Each of us has a responsibility to the Company and to each other. Although this duty does not prevent us from engaging in personal transactions and investments, it does demand that we avoid situations where a conflict of interest might occur or appear to occur. The Company is subject to scrutiny from various individuals and organizations. For these reasons, we should always strive to avoid even the appearance of impropriety.

Actual or potential conflicts of interest can arise out of a wide range of events and circumstances. We have identified the following as a non-exclusive list of situations that raise conflict of interest concerns:

 

    Employees may not give or receive, directly or indirectly, gifts or contributions of more than nominal value, or any other form of compensation to or from suppliers, customers or others doing business or seeking to do business with the Company. Employees may not provide meals, entertainment, or other courtesies in connection with Company business in a manner which is not appropriate to the business relationship. The purpose of business entertainment and gifts in a commercial setting is to create goodwill and sound working relationships, not to gain unfair advantage with suppliers and customers. Please discuss with your immediate supervisor or department manager any gifts or proposed gifts that you are not certain are appropriate.

 

    Except as specifically provided in other Company policies (such as those relating to employee purchases of Company products) or as may be specifically approved in advance by a member of the Ethics Committee, no employee or member of his or her immediate family may benefit personally from any purchase by or sale to the Company or its subsidiaries of goods or services, or derive personal gain from transactions involving the Company or its subsidiaries.

 

    Without the prior approval of the Ethics Committee, employees may not have any material direct or indirect interest in any enterprise doing business with or competing with the Company or its subsidiaries. Ownership or interests, valued at not more than $25,000, in publicly traded securities shall not constitute a violation of this prohibition.

 

    The Company may not provide or guarantee loans to any Company directors or executive officers that would be prohibited by federal law.

 

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    Officers of the Company and its subsidiaries may not serve as officers, directors, employees, partners, or consultants of or receive salary, fees, dividends or other income (except dividends and interest from publicly traded securities or other similar investments) from any for-profit enterprise, other than the Company or its subsidiaries, unless that relationship has been fully disclosed to and approved by the Ethics Committee or, in the case of a member of the Ethics Committee, by the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

    The Code does not prohibit Company employees other than officers from maintaining other employment. However, such other employment must not interfere with your work for the Company, and the Company must always be considered your primary employer unless you are a temporary employee. Further, the other activities must not constitute a conflict of interest with, breach a fiduciary duty to, or be otherwise harmful to, the Company.

 

    Employees are prohibited from giving, offering or accepting anything that can be construed as a bribe, kickback or an illegal or unethical payment. Any employee who has received an offer of such illegal or unethical payment must report the offer promptly to their immediate supervisor, the department manager of the Company’s facility at which they are employed, Human Resources, a member of the Ethics Committee or the Ethics Helpline.

 

    While the Company does not seek to interfere with the off-duty and personal conduct of its employees, certain types of off-duty conduct may interfere with the Company’s legitimate business interests. For this reason, employees are expected to conduct their personal affairs in a manner that does not adversely affect the Company’s integrity, reputation or credibility.

The above list describes only a number of potential situations where an actual or potential conflict of interest might occur or appear to occur. If you have any questions or concerns that a particular situation may involve a conflict between your personal interests, or those of a fellow employee, and the Company, you should contact your immediate supervisor, the department manager of the Company’s facility at which you are employed, Human Resources, a member of the Ethics Committee or the Ethics Helpline.

B. Corporate Opportunities

Employees, officers and directors may not exploit for their own personal gain opportunities that are discovered through the use of Company property, information or position unless the opportunity is disclosed fully in writing to the Ethics Committee and the Ethics Committee consents in writing to such exploitation or, in the case of a member of the Ethics Committee or an executive officer, to the Company’s Board of Directors and the Board of Directors declines to pursue such opportunity.

 

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V. PROTECTION AND PROPER USE OF COMPANY PROPERTY AND ASSETS

A. General Standards

All employees should endeavor to protect the Company’s assets and ensure their efficient use. Theft, carelessness and waste have a direct impact on the Company’s profitability. Any suspected incident of fraud or theft should be immediately reported for investigation. Company equipment should not be used for non-Company business, though incidental personal use may be permitted. The obligation of employees to protect the Company’s assets includes its proprietary information. See Section VI below.

B. Computer and Information Systems

For business purposes, officers and some employees are provided telephones and computer workstations and software, including network access to computing systems such as the Internet and e-mail, to improve personal productivity and to manage proprietary information efficiently in a secure and reliable manner. You must obtain the permission from the Information Technology Services Department to install any software on any Company computer or connect any personal laptop to the Company network. As with other equipment and assets of the Company, we are each responsible for the appropriate use of these assets. Except for limited personal use of the Company’s telephones and computer/e-mail, such equipment should be used only for business purposes. Unless in a country where monitoring is strictly prohibited by law, Company equipment is subject to monitoring by the company and, as such, officers and employees should not expect a right to privacy of their e-mail or documents stored on the computer.

C. Social Media

Amscan respects the rights of employees to write personal blogs and use social networking sites and does not discourage employees from self-publishing or self-expression. However, it is the right and duty of the Company to protect itself and its employees from inappropriate social media use.

As a result, employees of the Company should adhere to the following guidelines:

 

    Unless authorized, social media sites for personal use are prohibited on Company equipment and during an employee’s work hours. In regards to Company equipment and work hours, Amscan reserves the right to use tools to monitor, review and block access to social networking sites.

 

    Employees must refrain from disclosing information of a confidential nature including but not limited to clients, products, financial information, trade secrets, business plans, etc.

 

    Publishing information that creates a harassing or hostile work environment and posting negative comments about the Company or its employees is prohibited.

 

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VI. PROTECTION OF CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION

A. Confidential and Proprietary information

It is the Company’s policy to ensure that all operations, activities and business affairs of the Company and our business partners (i.e., customers and suppliers) are kept confidential to the greatest extent practicable. Confidential information includes all non-public information that might be of use to competitors or that might be harmful to the Company or its customers if disclosed. Confidential and proprietary information about the Company belongs to the Company, must be treated with strictest confidence and is not to be disclosed or discussed with others, except as may reasonably be required in connection with conducting the Company’s business.

Unless otherwise agreed to in writing, confidential and proprietary information includes any and all methods, inventions, improvements or discoveries, whether or not patentable or copyrightable, and any other information of a similar nature disclosed to the directors, officers or employees of the Company or otherwise made known to us as a consequence of or through employment or association with the Company (including information originated by the director, officer or employee). This can include, but is not limited to, information regarding the Company’s business, products, processes, and services. It also can include information relating to research, development, inventions, trade secrets, intellectual property of any type or description, data, business plans, business methods or practices, marketing strategies, engineering designs, contract negotiations and contents of the Company Intranet.

The following are examples of information that is not considered confidential:

 

    information that is in the public domain to the extent such information is readily available;

 

    information that becomes generally known to the public including information that is properly authorized for public release by the Company but not information that is publicly disclosed in breach of an obligation to hold it in confidence; or

 

    information you receive from a party, which is under no legal obligation of confidentiality with the Company with respect to such information.

We have exclusive property rights to all confidential and proprietary information regarding the Company. The unauthorized disclosure of this information could destroy its value to us and give others an unfair advantage over us. You are responsible for safeguarding this information and complying with established security controls and procedures. All documents, records, notebooks, notes, memoranda and similar repositories of data containing information of a secret, proprietary, confidential or generally undisclosed nature relating to the Company or our operations and activities made or compiled by a director, officer or employee or made available to you prior to or

 

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during the term of your association with the Company, including any copies thereof, belong to the Company and must be held by you in trust solely for the benefit of the Company, and must be delivered to the Company by you on the termination of your association with the Company or at any other time upon request.

B. Confidential Information Belonging to Others

You must respect the confidentiality of information, including, but not limited to, trade secrets and other information given in confidence by others, including partners, suppliers, contractors, competitors or customers, just as you must protect our confidential information. However, certain restrictions about the information of others may place an unfair burden on the Company’s future business. For that reason, you should coordinate with our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer or our Chief Financial Officer to ensure appropriate agreements are in place prior to receiving any confidential third-party information. These agreements must reflect a balance between the value of the information received and the logistical and financial costs involved in both maintaining confidentiality of the information and the potential that an obligation of confidentiality could limit the Company’s business opportunities. In addition, any confidential information that you may possess from an outside source, such as a previous employer, must not, so long as such information remains confidential, be disclosed to or used by the Company. Unsolicited confidential information submitted to the Company should be refused, returned to the sender where possible and deleted, if received via Internet e-mail.

 

VII. GOVERNMENT INVESTIGATIONS

It is unlawful and a violation of Company policy and this Code to retaliate against any person for providing truthful information to any law enforcement office relating to the commission of any offense. It is the Company’s policy to cooperate fully with government investigations. A condition of such cooperation, however, is that the Company be represented by its own legal counsel. If you believe that a government investigation or inquiry is imminent, this information should be communicated immediately to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer or our Chief Financial Officer. Appropriate handling of government investigations is very important. Violations of any of the laws regulating the conduct of the Company’s business, including worker and workplace safety, environmental, securities, government procurement, tax and financial laws, can result in both civil and criminal penalties. Criminal penalties may also apply to those individuals within the Company who actually took the actions which violated the law or failed to take actions which resulted in a violation of the law. Therefore, you should never do any of the following:

 

    destroy any Company documents in anticipation of, or after receiving, a request for those documents from any government agency or a court;

 

    alter any Company documents or records in an attempt to defraud or mislead;

 

    lie or make any misleading statements to any governmental investigator; or

 

    attempt to get anyone else to engage in these prohibited activities.

 

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VIII. INSIDER TRADING

Employees who have access to material non-public information are not permitted to use or share that information for securities trading purposes or for any other purpose except the conduct of our business. All non-public information about the Company should be considered confidential information. To use non-public information for personal financial benefit or to “tip” others who might make an investment decision on the basis of this information is not only unethical but also illegal.

 

IX. COMPETITION AND FAIR DEALING

We seek to outperform our competition fairly and honestly. We seek competitive advantages through superior performance, never through unethical or illegal business practices. Stealing proprietary information of others, possessing trade secret information that was obtained without the owner’s consent or inducing such disclosures by past or present employees of other companies is prohibited. You should endeavor to respect the rights of and deal fairly with the Company’s customers, suppliers and competitors and their employees. You should never take unfair advantage of anyone through manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation of material facts or any other intentional unfair-dealing practice.

To maintain the Company’s valuable reputation, compliance with our quality processes is essential. In the context of ethics, quality requires that our products be designed to meet our obligations. All operations must be conducted in accordance with all applicable regulations. Compliance with all laws and regulations of governing or regulatory agencies should be given priority over the opportunity to profit or gain competitive advantage.

 

X. CORPORATE HOSPITALITY

Hospitality toward vendors and those with whom the Company does business is both proper and in good taste so long as it does not go beyond common courtesy and is not of such magnitude as to suggest the compromise of the parties with whom we are dealing. No entertainment shall be provided which would exceed reasonable standards, budgeted amounts or which could be construed to be illegal. All acts of hospitality should be undertaken with the expectation that they will become publicly known. Excessive drinking and “wild” entertainment will not be tolerated by the Company. All entertainment must be in good taste, uphold the high standards of the Company and must not violate any Company policy

 

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XI. WORKPLACE HEALTH, SAFETY AND DIGNITY

A. Working Environment The Company strives to provide each employee with a safe and healthful work environment. Each of us has a responsibility to help maintain a safe and healthy workplace for all employees by following safety and health rules and practices and reporting accidents, injuries and unsafe equipment, practices or conditions. You must treat all of your co-workers with respect and dignity, and you are entitled to the same from them. There are no exceptions to this rule. Violence and threatening behavior will not be permitted under any circumstances.

B. Equal Opportunity

The Company makes its employment decisions without regard to any individual’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental handicap or disability (assuming that such handicap or disability does not prevent the individual from performing the job in question), or any other factor that by law may not be considered.

 

    Every supervisor and department manager of any of our facilities is responsible for assuring that this policy is followed.

 

    If you feel that you have not been treated with the impartiality that this policy requires, you should contact the Human Resources manager at the facility where you are employed or, if the issue is not resolved to your satisfaction, a member of the Ethics Committee or the Ethics Helpline.

C. Harassment

The Company will not tolerate any form of harassment in the workplace. “Harassment” includes any verbal or physical conduct that would offend or make uncomfortable a reasonable person experiencing such conduct or that would interfere with a reasonable person’s job performance. Any such conduct should be promptly reported to a supervisor. One form of harassment is sexual harassment. Sexual harassment will not be tolerated. Sexual harassment includes verbal or physical conduct that has the purpose or effect of interfering with your work performance, or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment. If you feel that you have been harassed, or if you observe such conduct by your co-workers, you should promptly contact your supervisor or, if the issue is not resolved to your satisfaction, the department manager of such facility, Human Resources, a member of the Ethics Committee or the Ethics Helpline.

D. Substance Abuse

A safe working environment cannot be maintained if any employee allows the abuse of alcohol or drugs to interfere with his or her performance. Consequently, you may not use or possess illegal drugs on Company premises. You may not arrive at work in an impaired condition due to the use of drugs (including prescribed medications) or alcohol. You may not use or possess alcohol on Company premises, except in connection with Company sponsored social events or business entertainment.

 

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E. Employee/Associate Handbook

Employees/associates should inquire whether the Business Unit maintains a handbook which contains specific employment guidelines. It is the employee’s responsibility to read and comply with these guidelines.

 

XII. EMPLOYEE PRIVACY

The Company is firmly committed to respecting employee privacy. It is the Company’s policy to acquire and retain only employee personal information that is required for effective operation of the Company or that is required by law in the jurisdictions in which we operate. Access to such information will be restricted internally to those employees with a recognized need to know such information. The Company will comply with all applicable laws regulating the disclosure of personal information about employees.

 

XIII. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE

The Company endeavors to be an environmentally responsible corporate citizen and to operate its facilities in compliance with applicable environmental, health and safety regulations and in a manner that has the highest regard for the safety and well- being of its employees and the general public. Necessary permits, approvals and controls are maintained at all Company facilities.

You are responsible for complying with all applicable environmental laws and regulations and Company policies and for following diligently the proper procedures with respect to the handling and disposal of hazardous materials. The Company insists that its suppliers and contractors also follow appropriate environmental laws and guidelines. If you have questions or concerns relating to the Company’s environmental compliance requirements or activities, you should contact your local safety manager, environmental manager or the department manager of your facility.

 

XIV. POLITICAL ACTIVITIES; LOBBYING

Political activities must be conducted on your own time and using your own resources. The law does not permit the Company to compensate or reimburse you for political contributions which you have made or intend to make. This is a highly regulated and complex area. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your immediate supervisor, the department manager of the Company’s facility at which you are employed, Human Resources, a member of the Ethics Committee or the Ethics Helpline.

 

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No funds or assets of the Company may be used for political contributions without prior approval of a member of the Ethics Committee. These prohibitions cover not only direct contributions, but also indirect assistance or support of candidates or political parties through the purchase of tickets to special dinners or other fundraising events, or the furnishing of any other Company goods or services to political parties or committees.

 

XV. RECORDKEEPING, ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING MATTERS

A. Accurate Business Records

The integrity and completeness of record-keeping is not only the Company’s policy, it is also mandated by law. The Company is required to keep books, records, and accounts that accurately and fairly reflect all transactions and to maintain an effective system of internal controls. The improper alteration, destruction, concealment or falsification of records or documents may result in possible loss of employment or criminal penalties.

Proper recording of all transactions is essential to the Company’s control of its affairs and the accuracy of its financial reporting. To maintain the integrity of the accounting records, all entries in the Company’s books and records must be prepared carefully and honestly and must be supported by adequate documentation to provide a complete, accurate and auditable record. All employees have a responsibility to assure that their work is complete and accurate. Employees must provide accurate and complete information to the Company’s accounting personnel, officers, legal counsel, internal auditors, independent auditors, government investigators or agencies and any other person authorized to receive the information. In addition to these general guidelines, the following rules apply:

 

    No false or misleading entry may be made for any reason, and no employee may assist any other person in making a false or misleading entry. In making any estimates or judgments that may have an effect on the Company’s financial statements (including by way of example estimates of allowances for doubtful accounts and allowances for slow moving or obsolete inventory), employees responsible for such estimates and judgments are charged with investigating the relevant facts and for exercising their best judgment in utmost good faith.

 

    You should promptly identify and bring to the attention of a member of the Company’s accounting staff or the Company’s Chief Financial Officer any inaccuracies you believe are reflected in the Company’s financial books and records (e.g., billing or other errors in customer accounts).

 

    You may not establish for any purpose an unauthorized or undisclosed fund or asset account involving Company funds or assets.

 

    You may not allow transactions with a vendor, agent or customer to be structured or recorded in a way that is not consistent with the Company’s accounting practices, its internal control over financial reporting or with applicable accounting standards.

 

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    You may not approve or make any payment on behalf of the Company or any subsidiary with the intention or understanding that a part or all of such payment is to be used for any purpose other than that described by the documentation supporting the payment.

 

    If you have information or knowledge of any unrecorded fund or asset, or any prohibited act involving financial reporting or disclosure, you must promptly report such matter to a member of the Company’s accounting staff or the Company’s Chief Financial Officer.

 

    Reporting such information that comes to your attention is your affirmative duty, and you will not suffer adverse treatment for making good faith disclosures in accordance with these procedures.

B. Record Retention

Business records and communications frequently and sometimes unexpectedly become public, and we must avoid exaggeration, derogatory remarks, guesswork or inappropriate characterizations of people and companies that can be misunderstood. This applies equally to e-mail, internal memos and formal reports. Records should always be retained or destroyed according to each business unit’s retention policies. In accordance with those policies, in the event of litigation or governmental investigation, please consult with your immediate supervisor, the department manager of the Company’s facility at which you are employed, Human Resources, a member of the Ethics Committee or the Ethics Helpline.

C. Timekeeping; Expense Accounts

The Company requires honest and accurate recording and reporting of information in order to make responsible business decisions. For example, only the true and actual number of hours worked should be reported.

Some employees regularly use business expense accounts, which must be documented and recorded accurately. For additional guidance on this subject, you should contact your immediate supervisor, the department manager of the Company’s facility at which you are employed, Human Resources, a member of the Ethics Committee or the Ethics Helpline.

D. Audits of Financial Statements

No director, officer or employee of the Company may directly or indirectly make or cause to be made a materially false or misleading statement, or omit to state, or cause another person to omit to state, any material fact necessary to make statements made not misleading in connection with the audit of financial statements by independent auditors, the preparation of any required reports whether by independent or internal accountants or any other work which involves or relates to the filing of a document with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

 

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XVI. SPECIAL ETHICS OBLIGATIONS FOR EMPLOYEES WITH FINANCIAL REPORTING RESPONSIBILITIES

It is the Company’s policy that there be full, fair, accurate, complete, objective, timely and understandable disclosure in all reports and documents that the Company files with, or submits to, the SEC, any other government agency or self-regulatory organizations, and in other public communications made by the Company. What is written or said about the Company in the media and investment community directly impacts our reputation, positively or negatively. This standard of integrity applies to reports and documents that are used for internal purposes as well. These financial reporting obligations apply primarily to the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller and any other employee with any responsibility for the preparation and filing of such reports and documents, including drafting, reviewing and signing or certifying the information contained in those reports and documents (each a “Financial Reporting Person”). The Company expects, however, that all employees will take this responsibility very seriously and provide prompt and accurate answers to inquiries related to the Company’s financial reporting and public disclosure obligations.

Because of this special role, each of the Company’s Financial Reporting Persons shall, in the performance of his or her duties for the Company:

 

    act with honesty and integrity, avoiding actual or apparent conflicts of interest in personal and professional relationships;

 

    provide information that is accurate, complete, objective, relevant, timely and understandable to ensure full, fair, accurate, timely, and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that the Company files with, or submits to, government agencies and in other public communications;

 

    comply with rules and regulations of federal, state, provincial and local governments, and other appropriate private and public regulatory agencies;

 

    act in good faith, responsibly, with due care, competence and diligence, without misrepresenting material facts or allowing his or her independent judgment to be undermined;

 

    respect the confidentiality of information acquired in the course of his or her work except when authorized or otherwise reasonably required in connection with carrying out his or her duties or responsibilities; and

 

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    promptly report to a member of the Ethics Committee, the Ethics Helpline or the Chairman of the Board any conduct that the individual believes to be a violation of law or business ethics or of any provision of this Section XVI, including any transaction or relationship that reasonably could be expected to give rise to such a conflict.

In addition, federal law requires that the Company devise and maintain a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that: (1) transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; (2) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; and (3) transactions are recorded as necessary to maintain accountability for assets. It is our policy that documents not be falsified.

Violations of this Section XVI, including failures to report suspected violations by others, will be viewed as a severe disciplinary matter that may result in personnel action, up to and including termination of employment.

 

XVII. ETHICS COMMITTEE; REPORTING PROCEDURES

A. Ethics Committee

The Company has designated the following senior Company personnel as the Ethics Committee, which will be responsible for the Code’s administration throughout the Company.

 

  Jim Harrison    President and Chief Operating Officer    (914) 784-4014
  Gerald C. Rittenberg    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer    (914) 784-4054
  Michael A. Correale    Chief Financial Officer    (914) 784-4050
  Susan Schwartz    Director of Internal Audit    (914) 784-4059

B. Assistance in Interpreting the Code

Even though the Code’s rules may seem simple and clear, you may find yourself uncertain about the Code’s meaning, or how it applies in a specific situation. In trying to determine whether any given action is appropriate, use the following test: Imagine that the words you are using or the action you are taking is going to be fully disclosed in the media with all the details, including your photo. If you are uncomfortable with the idea of this information being made public, perhaps you should think again about your words or your course of action.

If you have questions about the Code or how it might apply to particular circumstances, you should do one of the following:

 

    discuss your question or concern with your immediate supervisor;

 

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    contact the department manager of the facility where you work;

 

    contact the Human Resources department;

 

    contact one of the members of the Ethics Committee; or

 

    contact the Ethics Helpline.

C. Reporting Suspected Violations

Ethical business conduct is critical to our business. As a Company employee, your responsibility is to respect and adhere to these practices. Many of these practices reflect legal or regulatory requirements. Violations of these laws and regulations can create significant liability for you, the Company, its directors, officers and other employees. Part of your job and ethical responsibility is to help enforce this Code. If you suspect that a Company employee, officer or director has violated this Code or broken any law, you should follow the following procedures to report the violation.

In most cases, you should report the violation to your immediate supervisor, the department manager of the facility at which you work or the Human Resources Department.

If you believe reporting the violation to your immediate supervisor would not result in appropriate action, then you may report the suspected violation directly to the department manager of the facility at which you work. If you believe reporting the violation to the department manager would also not result in appropriate action, then you may report the suspected violation directly to Human Resources, a member of the Ethics Committee or the Ethics Helpline.

If you wish, you may report suspected unlawful or unethical activity on an anonymous basis. To report suspected unlawful or unethical activity anonymously, do so in writing and send your report to the Ethics Committee or to a specifically-identified member of the Ethics Committee, to the Company’s headquarters, 80 Grasslands Road, Elmsford, New York 10523 or you may also contact The Network, an independent reporting service, where you have the option of remaining anonymous.

The Network Ethics and Compliance Helpline and web reporting sites are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

 

Wholesale units/offices:    (800) 405 -8943    www.tnwinc.com/reportline/amscan
International units/offices:       www.tnwinc.com/reportline/amscan
Retail stores/corporate office:    (888) 270 -5937    www.reportlineweb.com/partycity

If you choose to submit an anonymous report or make an anonymous call, we will not be able to contact you if we need clarification or additional information. It is important, therefore, that any report of a suspected Code violation that is submitted anonymously provide sufficient detail to permit the Company to conduct an effective investigation.

 

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All reports of suspected unlawful or unethical conduct will be promptly investigated by or under the direction of the Ethics Committee. All employees are expected to cooperate in any internal or external investigations of possible violations. Investigatory reports will be kept confidential to the extent practicable, consistent with the need to conduct an adequate investigation.

Reprisal, threats, retribution or retaliation against any person who has in good faith reported a violation or a suspected violation of law, this Code or other Company policies, or against any person who is assisting in any investigation of such a violation, is strictly prohibited. Anyone who becomes aware of any such improper retaliatory conduct should immediately report such conduct to the Ethics Committee.

 

XVIII. DISCIPLINARY ACTION

The matters covered in this Code are of the utmost importance to the Company, its employees, stockholders and business partners. Compliance with this Code is essential to the Company’s ability to conduct its business in accordance with its stated values. We expect all employees to adhere to these rules in carrying out their duties for the Company.

The Company will take appropriate action against any employee, officer or director whose actions are found to violate these policies or any other policies of the Company. Disciplinary actions may include suspensions and/or immediate termination of employment at the Company’s sole discretion. Where the Company has suffered a loss, it may pursue its remedies against the individuals or entities responsible. Where laws have been violated, the Company will cooperate fully with the appropriate authorities.

 

XIX. PUBLICATION OF THE CODE; AMENDMENTS

The Company may, in its sole discretion, modify or amend the terms of this Code at any time. The current version of the Code will be posted and maintained on the Company’s Intranet if applicable or can be obtained from Human Resources. Because the Code may be revised periodically, please check the Company’s Intranet, if applicable, for the most recent version of the Code.

 

XX. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RECEIPT OF CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT

The Company requires officers, department managers and accounting staff to certify that he or she has received and read the Code and will periodically re-certify their understanding of and adherence to the Code. Employees (other than those specified in the prior sentence) may be required at our discretion to certify, in writing or electronically, their understanding of and adherence to the Code’s requirements.

 

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XXI. CONCLUSION

This Code of Business Conduct contains general guidelines for conducting the business of the Company consistent with the highest standards of business ethics. If you have any questions about these guidelines, please contact your immediate supervisor, the department manager of the facility where you work, Human Resources, a member of the Ethics Committee or the Ethics Helpline. We expect all Company employees, regardless of their level or location, to adhere to these standards. Each employee is separately responsible for his or her actions. Conduct that violates the law or this Code cannot be justified by claiming that it was ordered by a supervisor or someone in higher management. If you engage in conduct prohibited by the law or this Code, you will be deemed to have acted outside the scope of your employment. Such conduct will subject you to disciplinary action, including possible termination of employment.

Note: This Code and the matters contained herein are neither a contract of employment nor a guarantee of continuing Company policy. We reserve the right to amend, supplement or discontinue this Code and the matters addressed herein, at any time.

 

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I have received and read the Company’s Code of Business Conduct. I understand the standards and policies contained in the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and understand that there may be additional policies or laws specific to my job. I further agree to comply with the Company’s Code of Business Conduct.

If I have questions concerning the meaning or application of the Company’s Code of Business Conduct, any Company policies, or the legal and regulatory requirements applicable to my job, I know I can consult my immediate supervisor, department manager of the facility at which I work, Human Resources or any member of the Ethics Committee, knowing that my questions or reports to these sources will be maintained in confidence to the fullest extent practicable.

 

 

     

 

Employee Name       Date
     

 

     

 

Signature       Location

Please sign and return this form promptly to the Human Resources Department.

 

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