-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, Jo1xXXH9yltEtj80LFJ+KaL3UBu0gFLM+wLBSs63HESqS652u49Zs660i3QuD4XN 6VAUGrpRP7palkrdO6t1rw== 0001047469-03-011040.txt : 20030331 0001047469-03-011040.hdr.sgml : 20030331 20030331081235 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001047469-03-011040 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 6 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20021231 FILED AS OF DATE: 20030331 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: NORTECH SYSTEMS INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000722313 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS, NEC [3679] IRS NUMBER: 411681094 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MN FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-13257 FILM NUMBER: 03627111 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 641 EAST LAKE ST STREET 2: SUITE 234 CITY: WAYZATA STATE: MN ZIP: 55391 BUSINESS PHONE: 6124734102 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: DIGIGRAPHIC SYSTEMS CORP DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19881113 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: DSC NORTECH INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19901217 10-K 1 a2107078z10-k.htm 10-K
QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549

FORM 10-K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002

NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED

Commission file number 0-13257

State of Incorporation: Minnesota

IRS Employer Identification No. 41-16810894

Executive Offices: 1120 Wayzata Blvd E., Suite 201, Wayzata, MN 55391

Telephone number: (952) 345-2277

        Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

        Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

        Common Stock, Par Value $.01 Per Share

        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 of 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 an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act) Yes o No ý.

        The aggregate market value of voting stock held by nonaffiliates of the registrant, based on the closing price of $7.25 per share, was $11,714,456 on March 14, 2003.

        Shares of common stock outstanding at March 1, 2003: 2,473,650

        (The remainder of this page was intentionally left blank.)




DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

        The following documents are incorporated by reference to the parts indicated of the Annual Report on Form 10-K:

Parts of Annual Report on Form 10-K   Documents Incorporated by Reference

Part III

 

 
 
Item 10
11
12
13

 

Reference is made to the Registrant's proxy statements to be used in connection with the 2002 Annual Shareholders' Meeting and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than April 30, 2003.

Part IV

 

 
 
Item 15(b)

 

Reference is made to form 8-K filed on May 14, 2002 and form 8-K filed on January 8, 2003

        (The remainder of this page was intentionally left blank)

2




NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10K
TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
   
  PAGE
PART I        

Item 1.

 

Business

 

4-7

Item 2.

 

Properties

 

7-8

Item 3.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

8

Item 4.

 

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

8

PART II

 

 

 

 

Item 5.

 

Market Price of Stock and Related Matters

 

8

Item 6.

 

Selected Financial Data

 

9

Item 7.

 

Management's Discussion and Analysis

 

9-13

Item 7a

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

 

13-14

Item 8.

 

Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplemental Data

 

15-38

Item 9.

 

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

 

39

PART III

 

 

 

 

Item 10.

 

Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

 

39

Item 11.

 

Executive Compensation

 

39

Item 12.

 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

 

39

Item 13.

 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

 

39

Item 14.

 

Controls and Procedures

 

39

PART IV

 

 

 

 

Item 15.

 

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K

 

40-41

 

 

Signatures and Certifications

 

42-44

 

 

Index to Exhibits

 

48

3


NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED
FORM 10-K
For the Year Ended December 31, 2002

PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

Description of Business

        Nortech Systems Incorporated and Subsidiary (the "Company") is a Minnesota corporation organized in December 1990. Prior to December 1990, the Company operated as DSC Nortech, Inc., which filed a petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code during 1990. The business and assets of DSC Nortech, Inc. were transferred to Nortech Systems Incorporated during 1990.

        The Company files annual reports, quarterly reports, proxy statements, and other documents with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act). The public may read and copy any materials that the company files with the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 340 Fifth Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Also, the SEC maintains an Internet website that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers, including the Company, that file electronically with the SEC. The pubic can obtain any documents that the Company files with the SEC at http:\\www.sec.gov.

        The corporation also makes available free of charge through its Internet website (http:\\nortechsys.com) the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Press Releases, and Current Reports on Form 8-K.

        GENERAL

        The Company's headquarters are in Wayzata, Minnesota, a suburb of Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Company maintains various manufacturing facilities in Minnesota including Bemidji, Fairmont, Baxter, and Merrifield as well as Augusta, Wisconsin, and a newly acquired operation in Monterrey, Mexico. The Company manufactures wire harnesses, cables, electronic sub-assemblies and components, and printed circuit board assemblies. The Company provides a full "turnkey" contract manufacturing service to its customers. A majority of revenue is derived from products that are built to the customer's design specifications.

        The Company believes it provides a high degree of manufacturing sophistication. This includes the use of statistical process control to insure product quality, state-of-the-art materials management techniques, allowing just-in-time (JIT) delivery of products, and the systems necessary to effectively manage the business. This level of sophistication enables the Company to attract major original equipment manufacturers (OEM).

        The strategy of the Company has been to expand and diversify its customer base. The Company has added several new customers from various industries, some of which produce medical products, super computers, mid-size and micro computer business systems, products in the automotive and defense industries and industrial products. The Company's strategy is to develop a customer base spanning several industry segments to avoid the effects of fluctuations within a given industry. Some of the Company's major customers are G.E. Medical Systems, Raytheon, SPX Corporation, Kodak, Thermo King, Polaris, Cubic, Icon Systems, Allen-Bradley, Semitool, Silicon Graphics and United Defense.

        The Company believes that contract manufacturing will continue to grow and expand in the United States and overseas because contract manufacturing provides OEMs with a quality product at a price well below that available in the OEM's own facility. This is due primarily to the specialization available

4



through the contract manufacturer with significantly lower overhead costs and ability to solve logistical problems with offshore manufacturing.

        ACQUISITIONS

        In June 2002, the Company acquired 100 percent of the outstanding common shares of Manufacturing Assembly Solutions of Monterrey, Inc. (MAS), a Mexican corporation, located in Monterrey, Mexico. The results of operations since this acquisition have been included in the consolidated financial statements. The primary reason for the acquisition was to enhance the Company's manufacturing capabilities in a low cost country. See consolidated financial statements Note 10 for more detail on this acquisition.

        In November 1996, the Company acquired the inventory and fixed assets of Zercom Corporation, a subsidiary of Communication Systems, Inc. (CSI). The Company has continued the business formerly conducted by CSI, which involves contract manufacturing of electronic sub-assemblies and components.

        In August 1995, the Company acquired all the assets of the Aerospace Division of Communication Cable, Inc. (CCI). The Company has continued the business formerly conducted by CCI, which involves the manufacturing of custom designed, high-technology electronic cable assemblies for various applications.

        BUSINESS SEGMENTS

        At December 31, 1998, the Company had reported segment information of its three identifiable segments; Contract Manufacturing, Display Products and Medical Management. However, on June 30, 1999, the Company formally adopted a plan to dispose of two of the segments, including Display Products and Medical Management. At December 31, 2002, Display Products and Medical Management segments have been sold. The Company's continuing operations fall within the Contract Manufacturing segment.

        BUSINESS STRATEGY

        The Company believes the electronic manufacturing sub-contracting business is emerging from a small job shop oriented business into a dynamic, high technology electronics industry. The Company operates mainly in the wire harness and cable assemblies, and printed circuit board assemblies markets, and intends to expand from this market segment into complete electromechanical assemblies. Many companies no longer perform this type of work on a captive, in-house basis, as they are finding that independent subcontractors can more cost effectively perform this specialized work.

        In accordance with the Company's total commitment to quality, a quality system based on the ISO 9000 standards has been adopted and implemented company-wide. Certification to the ISO standard began in 1995 at the Bemidji, MN facility, and has continued to the point at which all five domestic facilities have now been certified to the latest version of the ISO 9001 standard. The newest facility (Manufacturing Assembly Solutions of Monterrey, Inc. in Mexico) is currently undergoing the implementation phase and is scheduled for certification in June of 2003. The Company believes these certifications benefit its current customer base as well as attract new business opportunities.

        The Company will continue its commitment to quality, cost effectiveness and responsiveness to customer requirements. To achieve these objectives, the Company has adopted lean manufacturing supply chain management techniques at its facilities. The Company is committed to continuous improvement in order to provide world-class complete manufacturing services to its customers. The Company will also continue its efforts to diversify its customer base and expand into other segments of the electronic manufacturing subcontract business.

5



        MARKETING

        The Company concentrates its marketing activities in the medical, industrial, automotive and military manufacturing industries. The emphasis continues to be on mature companies, which require a contract manufacturer with a high degree of manufacturing and quality sophistication, including statistical process control (SPC), statistical quality control (SQC), International Standards Organization (ISO) and Aerospace Systems 9100 (AS). The Company has initiated efforts to expand its markets beyond the Upper Midwest area. New market opportunities are being pursued in Mexico, Asia and Europe, as well as increased participation in industry publications and selected trade shows. The Company markets its products and services through internal sales people and manufacturers' representatives. The Company's marketing strategy emphasizes the sophistication of its manufacturing services. The basic systems, procedures, and disciplines normally associated with a mature corporate environment are in place. The Company's employees are well trained in SPC and SQC.

        SOURCES AND AVAILABILITY OF MATERIALS

        The Company is not dependent on any one supplier for materials for products sold to customers. Components utilized in the assembly of wire harnesses, cable assemblies and printed circuit assemblies are purchased directly from the component manufacturers or from their distributors. On occasion some components may be placed on a stringent allocation basis; however, due to the excess manufacturing capacity currently available at most component manufacturers, the Company does not anticipate any major material purchasing or availability problems occurring in the foreseeable future.

        PATENTS AND LICENSES

        The Company is not presently dependent on a proprietary product requiring licensing, patent, copyright or trademark protection. There are no revenues derived from a service-related business for which patents, licenses, copyrights and trademark protection are necessary for successful operations.

        COMPETITION

        The contract manufacturing industry is characterized by competition among a variety of sources, including small closely held companies, larger full-service manufacturers, company-owned facilities and foreign manufacturers. The Company does not believe that the small closely held operations pose significant competitive threat, as they generally do not appear to have the manufacturing capabilities required by target customers of the Company. The Company believes that foreign manufacturers do provide a substantial competitive threat as shown by the commoditization of PC/printer cable and "bargain basement" prices. Many OEM's have moved their manufacturing to foreign soil, and in doing so have minimized freight costs to ship to their foreign locations. Technical support from foreign competition has improved greatly along with their ability to be more responsive to engineering and schedule changes. The willingness of foreign manufacturers to "stock" finished product at warehouse locations in the United States is another competitive advantage. To mitigate foreign competition, the Company maintains a contractual agreement that allows its products to be manufactured in China. The Company also acquired a Mexican manufacturing facility in 2002, thereby making itself competitive with other foreign low cost providers.

        The Company will pursue acquisitions, mergers, or joint ventures of manufacturing companies in low cost countries to retain and grow its customer/revenue base and support its strategic vision to be a competitive world class Electronic Manufacturing Services provider.

        BACKLOG

        Historically, the Company's backlog has been running 60 to 90 days. However, because of the increased emphasis on just-in-time manufacturing (JIT), many of the Company's major customers are taking advantage of the Company's ability to service them adequately under the JIT concept.

6



Additionally, because of the Company's quality history with customers, many products now go directly from the Company's shipping dock to the customer's production line.

        The Company's 90-day order backlog was approximately $10.8 million on December 31, 2001 and approximately $10.4 million on December 31, 2002. The Company expects this backlog will be realized as revenue during first quarter 2003.

        MAJOR CUSTOMERS

        The Company sells its products to companies in the computer, medical, governmental and various other industries. Historically, the Company has not experienced significant losses on customer receivable collections in any particular industry or geographic area.

        One customer, G.E. Medical, accounted for 31% and 24% of sales for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively. This reflects Nortech Systems, Inc. position as a key supplier to G.E. Medical.

        RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

        The Company expended no dollars in 2002, 2001 or 2000, on Company-sponsored research and development. The Company has no proprietary research and development activities on an annual basis other than making improvements to its existing internal processes. However, the Company does perform research and development on a contract basis as requested by customers for development of conceptual engineering and design activities prior to manufacturing the products.

        ENVIRONMENTAL LAW COMPLIANCE

        Management believes that its manufacturing facilities are currently operating under compliance with local, state, and federal environmental laws. The Company has made, and plans to continue making, necessary expenditures for compliance with applicable laws. Any environmental-oriented equipment is capitalized and depreciated over a seven-year period. The annualized depreciation expense for this type of environmental equipment on a Company-wide basis is insignificant.

        EMPLOYEES

        The Company has 499 full-time, 100 part-time and 79 temporary employees as of December 31, 2002. Manufacturing personnel, including direct and indirect support functions, comprise 503 employees, while general administrative employees total 175.


ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

        ADMINISTRATION

        The Company's Corporate Headquarters consist of approximately 3,648 square feet located in Wayzata, Minnesota, a western suburb of Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Corporate Headquarters has a lease with a five-year term that expires in July 31, 2005.

        MANUFACTURING FACILITIES

        The Company owns its Bemidji, Minnesota facility consisting of eight acres of land and 60,000 square feet of office and manufacturing space.

        The Company has a capital lease on 20,000 square feet of manufacturing and office space in Augusta, Wisconsin, which the Company has an option to purchase in December 2003.

        The Company owns three buildings, which contain together approximately 46,900 square feet, located in Fairmont, Minnesota. The buildings contain the manufacturing activities of Aerospace Systems operation, including custom designed, high technology electronic cable assemblies.

7



        The Company owns another 45,800 square feet building in Merrifield, Minnesota. This facility is used for the building of surface-mount printed circuit board assemblies and electro-mechanical assemblies.

        The Company leases a building in Aitkin, Minnesota, which provides 10,750 square feet, that was used for video cable assembly and storage. The lease is scheduled to expire December 1, 2005 at which time the Company has an option to purchase the associated land and building.

        The Company leases a 7,500 square foot building in Baxter, Minnesota for electronic board repair for medical equipment. The lease is scheduled to expire on June 30, 2006.

        The Company leases a 15,000 square foot building in Monterrey, Mexico for office and manufacturing space resulting from the newly acquired subsidiary, Manufacturing and Assembly Solutions of Monterrey, Mexico. The lease expires in June of 2004.

        The Company believes that each of these locations is adequate and that space is available if needed in the foreseeable future for their manufacturing needs. The Company's facilities are highly suitable for the purposes for which they were designed.


ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

        The Company has litigation pending, arising from the conduct of its business, none of which are expected to have any material effect on the Company's financial position.


ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

        None.


PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET PRICE OF STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

        As of March 9, 2003, there were approximately 879 shareholders of record. The Company's stock is listed on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System ("NASDAQ") Small Cap Market under the symbol "NSYS". The Company intends to invest its profits into the growth of the Company and, therefore, does not plan to pay out dividends to shareholders. Stock price comparisons follow.

        Stock price comparisons (NASDAQ):

Quarter Ended

  Low
  High
March 31, 2002   $ 6.240   $ 11.000
June 30, 2002   $ 8.100   $ 12.020
September 30, 2002   $ 7.000   $ 11.000
December 31, 2002   $ 6.250   $ 7.500

March 31, 2001

 

$

6.280

 

$

9.060
June 30, 2001   $ 7.030   $ 8.360
September 30, 2001   $ 4.000   $ 7.300
December 31, 2001   $ 4.000   $ 6.650

8



ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

        The following selected historical financial data set forth below have been derived from, and are qualified by reference to the audited Consolidated Financial Statements of Nortech Systems Incorporated and Subsidiary as of December 31, 2002 and 2001 and for each of the three years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000. The audited consolidated financial statements of Nortech Systems Incorporated and Subsidiary referred to above is included elsewhere herein. The selected historical financial data set forth below as of December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998 and for each of the years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998 have been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of Nortech Systems Incorporated and Subsidiary not included herein. The selected financial data set forth below should be read in conjunction with, and are qualified by reference to, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes thereto of Nortech Systems Incorporated and Subsidiary included elsewhere herein.

 
  Years ended December 31:
 
  2002
  2001
  2000
  1999
  1998*
Net Sales   $ 60,655,579   $ 58,460,589   $ 54,775,279   $ 38,498,459   $ 35,356,813
Net Income From Continuing Operations     2,403,112     2,102,863     2,043,573     1,070,799     826,009
Basic Earnings From Continuing Operations Per Share of Common Stock     1.00     0.89     0.86     0.46     0.35
At December 31:                              
Total Assets     29,602,400     29,507,538     28,652,949     23,603,716     24,175,707
Total Long-Term Debt     8,580,944     9,791,722     7,665,536     10,246,911     11,146,537

*
Certain amounts have been restated to reflect the results of continuing operations.

        For additional financial data (2002 and 2001 by quarter information), see Note 13 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.


ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

        FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements generally will be accompanied by words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "intend," "possible," "potential," "predict," "project," or other similar words that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes. Although Nortech Systems, Incorporated. believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they are based upon a number of assumptions concerning future conditions, any or all of which may ultimately prove to be inaccurate. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements include, without limitation:

    Volatility in the marketplace which may affect market supply and demand of the Company's products;

    Increased competition;

    Changes in the reliability and efficiency of the Company's operating facilities or those of third parties;

9


    Risks related to availability of labor;

    General economic, financial and business conditions that could effect the Company's financial condition and results of operations.

        The factors identified above are believed to be important factors (but not necessarily all of the important factors) that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement made by the Company. Unpredictable or unknown factors not discussed herein could also have material adverse effects on forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements included in this Form 10-K are expressly qualified in their entirety by the forgoing cautionary statements. The Company undertakes no obligations to update publicly any forward-looking statement (or its associated cautionary language) whether as a result of new information or future events.

        CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

        As stated in our significant accounting policies in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions. The Company believes its most critical accounting estimates relate to inventory reserves, long-lived and intangible asset impairment, deferred tax balances, and self-insured health claim reserves.

        Inventory Reserves:

        Inventory reserves are maintained for the estimated value of the inventory that may have a lower value than stated or in excess of production needs. These values are estimates and may differ from actual results. The Company has an evaluation process that is used to assess the value of the inventory that is slow moving, excess or obsolete. This process is reviewed on a quarterly basis.

        Long-Lived and Intangible Asset Impairment:

        The Company evaluates long-lived assets and intangible assets with definite lives for impairment, as well as the related amortization periods, to determine whether adjustments to these amounts or useful lives are required based on current events and circumstances. The evaluation is based on the Company's projection of the undiscounted future operating cash flows of the underlying assets. To the extent such projections indicate that future undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to recover the carrying amounts of related assets, a charge is recorded to reduce the carrying amount to equal estimated fair value.

        The test for impairment requires the Company to make several estimates about fair value, most of which are based on projected future cash flows. The estimates associated with the asset impairment tests are considered critical due to the judgments required in determining fair value amounts, including projected future cash flows. Changes in these estimates may result in the recognition of an impairment loss.

        Income taxes:

        Management's estimate of the tax rates utilized in the calculation of the deferred tax balances is based on historical taxable income and expected future taxable income and corresponding rates. Further, management's consideration of a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is based upon estimates of taxable income in future periods. These are estimates and may differ from actual results.

        Self-Insured Health Claim Reserves:

        Management estimates its reserve for employee health claims based on health claims incurred, historical lag times and an analysis of claims activity during the period, while taking into consideration insurance limits and coverage.

10



        Based on a critical assessment of its accounting policies and the underlying judgements and uncertainties affecting the application of those policies, management believes that the Company's consolidated financial statements provide a meaningful and fair perspective of the Company. This is not to suggest that other general risk factors, such as changes in worldwide economic conditions, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, changes in materials costs, performance of acquired businesses and others, could not adversely impact the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows in future periods.

        No matters have come to Management's attention since December 31, 2002 that would cause the estimates included in the consolidated financial statements to be significantly misstated.

        OPERATING RESULTS

        Revenues:

        For the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001, the Company had sales of $60.7 million and $58.5 million, respectively. The increase of $2.2 million or 3.8%, resulted primarily from internal growth of our current customer base. The major increases were in the medical and defense industries. The Company's emphasis is to continually seek mature companies that require a contract manufacturer with a high degree of manufacturing and quality sophistication. For the year ended December 31, 2000 the Company had sales of $54.8 million. The approximate 6.8% increase in sales in 2001 was attributable primarily to internal growth of our current customer base. The Company expects revenue growth to continue at a moderate rate for the year 2003.

        Gross Profit:

        For the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, the Company had gross profit of $10.5 million, $10.4 million, and $10.3 million, respectively. Gross profits as a percentage of gross sales were 17.3%, 17.9%, and 18.7% for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. As revenues grow, the Company continues to strive to hold down cost levels by improving productivity and reducing material costs in order to help offset the request for price reductions from customers. The price competitive nature of the business requires the use of service, quality and timely delivery to help attract customers.

        Selling:

        Selling expenses were $2.5 million, $2.8 million, and $2.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. The decrease in selling expenses from 2001 to 2002 reflects a larger portion of revenues being derived from non-commissioned sales. The majority of the increase from 2000 to 2001 reflected the costs related to additional internal sales force and commissioned sales on revenue growth.

        General and Administrative:

        For the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, general and administrative expenses were $3.8 million, $3.4 million and $4.0 million, respectively. The increase in expenses from 2001 to 2002 reflects increased employee benefits and incentives for employees. The reduction in expenses from 2000 to 2001 reflected the use of cost cutting methods and a reduction in administrative staff.

        Interest Income:

        Interest income for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 was $0.005 million, $0.018 million and $0.028 million, respectively. The interest income was realized as a result of various highly liquid interest bearing accounts readily convertible to of cash.

11



        Miscellaneous Income:

        Miscellaneous income was $0.017 million, $0.003 million and $0.016 million for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. The miscellaneous income resulted primarily from charges for miscellaneous services that vary by year.

        Interest Expense:

        Interest expense was $0.43 million, $0.78 million, and $1.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. The Company has maintained consistent levels of debt by reinvesting the profits in the growth of the Company. However, average annual prime lending rates have continually decreased from 2000 resulting in lower interest expense in 2002 and 2001.

        Income Taxes

        Income tax expense was $1.4 million, $1.4 million, and $1.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.

        The Company utilized operating loss carryforwards of $1.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2000 to offset federal taxable income. The Company also utilized $.001million of an expiring investment tax credit to offset federal tax and forfeited an additional $.039 million of credits due to expiration in 2000. As of December 31, 2002, the Company had no net operating loss or tax credit carr forwards.

        Net Income:

        The Company's net income from operations in 2002 was $2.4 million or $1.00 per basic common share, or $0.95 per diluted common share. The Company's net income from operations in 2001 was $2.1 million or $0.89 per basic common share, or $0.86 per diluted common share. The Company's net income from operations in 2000 was $2.0 million or $0.86 per basic common share, or $0.83 per diluted common share. The Company believes that the effect of inflation on past operations has not been significant and anticipates that inflation will not have a significant impact on future operations. The Company believes it is noteworthy that our net income growth significantly outpaced our sales growth, we attribute this to cost reduction efforts and lean manufacturing activities.

        Accounting Pronouncements:

        In 2002, the Company adopted the following new Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statements of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) accounting pronouncements:

        SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets", which replaces the requirement to amortize intangible assets with indefinite lives and goodwill with a requirement for a transitional impairment test. Statement 142 requires an evaluation of intangible assets and their useful lives. The transitional impairment test was performed effective as of January 1, 2002

        SFAS 144, "Accounting for the Impairment of Disposal of Long-Lived Assets", which addresses financial accounting and reporting for the impairment or disposals of long-lived assets. While Statement 144 supersedes FASB Statement No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of", it retains many of the fundamental provisions of that Statement. Statement 144 also supersedes the accounting and reporting provisions of APB Opinion No. 30, "Reporting the Results of Operations—Reporting the Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently Occurring Events and Transactions", for the disposal of a segment of a business. However, it retains the requirement in Opinion No. 30 to report separately discontinued operations and extends the reporting to a component of an entity that either has been disposed of (by sale, abandonment, or in distributions to owners) or is classified as held for sale.

12



        SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure" amends the FASB Statement No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation", to provide alternative methods for a voluntary change to the fair value method of accounting for stock-based compensation. In addition, this Statement amends the disclosure requirements of Statement No. 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements. Certain of the disclosures are required for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002 and are included in the notes to these consolidated financial statements.

        FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY

        As of December 31, 2002, the Company's cash and cash equivalent balances totaled $448,751. The capital resources existing at December 31, 2002 were derived from operations during the year ended December 31, 2002.

        On December 31, 2002, the Company had working capital of approximately $14.4 million. During year 2002, the Company generated approximately $2.9 million of cash flow from operating activities. This improvement in cash was primarily attributable to operations profit. The Company's Investing and Financing activities decreased cash by $2.6 million reflecting the reinvesting of cash into the operation for equipment and the expansion of operations into Mexico.

        The Company currently has a line of credit arrangement ($6.0 million) in place with Wells Fargo Bank for general working capital needs, and no material unused sources of liquidity other than the cash, accounts receivables, inventory and other current assets.

        The Company's liquidity and capital resources are strong, and the Company believes that its future financial requirements can be met with funds generated from the operating activities and its operating line of credit.

        Set forth below is information about the Company's long-term contractual obligations and other commercial commitments outstanding as of December 31, 2002. It brings together data for easy reference from the consolidated balance sheet and from individual notes to the consolidated financial statements. This information is important in understanding the financial position of the Company.

 
  Payments Due by Period
 
  Less than 1 Yr
  1 - 3 Yrs
  4 - 5 Yrs
Line of Credit   $ 0   $ 4,422,855   $ 0
Long-Term Debt     1,442,378     1,390,037     2,768,052
Capital Lease Obligations     199,801     0     0
Operating Leases     449,478     447,833     19,800
   
 
 
Total Contractual Obligations   $ 2,091,657   $ 6,260,725   $ 2,787,852
   
 
 


ITEM 7a. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

        Market risk is the potential change in an instrument's value caused, for example, by fluctuations in interest and currency exchange rates. The Company's primary market risk exposures are interest rate and unfavorable movements in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the Mexican peso. Monitoring and managing these risks is a continual process carried out by senior management. Market risk is managed based on an ongoing assessment of trends in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and economic developments, giving consideration to possible effects on both total return and reported earnings. The Company's financial advisors, both internal and external, provide ongoing advice regarding trends that affect management's assessment.

13



        Exchange Rate Sensitivity:

        In 2002, the Company launched operations in Mexico. Accordingly, exposure exists to potentially adverse movements in foreign currency rates. The Company does not use foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge the risk of change in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company's consolidated financial statements are denominated in U.S. dollars and accordingly, changes in the exchange rates between Company subsidiary's local currency and the U.S. dollar will affect the translation of such subsidiary's financial results into U.S. dollars for the purposes of reporting the consolidated financial results. The Company does not hedge these matters because cash flows from international operations are generally re-invested locally. It is estimated that a 10% change in foreign exchange rates would have an immaterial impact on reported net earnings.

        Interest Rate Sensitivity:

        The effective interest rate on the Company's credit facilities are influenced by the actions of the Federal Reserve in establishing from time to time the Federal Funds Interest Rate which is the rate banks borrow from the Federal Reserve Bank. During 2002 and 2001, the Federal Reserve implemented a number of reductions in the Federal Funds Interest Rate in an effort to stimulate the U.S. economy. As a result the effective interest rate that the Company paid on its borrowings under the facilities declined leading to a corresponding reduction in interest expense. To the extent that the Federal Reserve increases the Federal Funds Interest Rate in the future, the effective interest rate on the Company's facilities will increase. The Company's interest expense will increase accordingly if borrowing levels remain constant. Based on the balance outstanding under our interest-bearing Facilities at year-end, a percentage point change in the effective interest rate would have changed interest expense by $90,231.

(The remainder of this page was intentionally left blank)

14




ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

 
  PAGE
Reports of Independent Auditors'    
  KPMG LLP   16
  Larson, Allen, Weishair & Co., LLP   17

Consolidated Financial Statements:

 

 
  Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2002 and 2001   18
 
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000

 

19
 
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000

 

20
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000

 

21
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

22-38

(The remainder of this page was intentionally left blank.)

15




INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

Board of Directors and Shareholders
Nortech Systems Incorporated:

        We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Nortech Systems Incorporated and subsidiary as of December 31, 2002, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2002. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit.

        We conducted our audit 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 consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall consolidated financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        In our opinion, the 2002 consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Nortech Systems Incorporated and subsidiary as of December 31, 2002, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2002, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/  KPMG LLP      

Minneapolis, Minnesota
March 10, 2003

16


INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

Board of Directors
Nortech Systems Incorporated and Subsidiary
Bemidji, Minnesota

        We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Nortech Systems Incorporated and Subsidiary as of December 31, 2001, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000. These consolidated 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 audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall consolidated financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Nortech Systems Incorporated and Subsidiary as of December 31, 2001, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

LARSON, ALLEN, WEISHAIR, & CO., LLP

St. Cloud, Minnesota
February 13, 2002

17




NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

DECEMBER 31, 2002 AND 2001

 
  2002
  2001
 
ASSETS              
CURRENT ASSETS              
  Cash and Cash Equivalents   $ 448,751   $ 181,730  
  Accounts Receivable, Less Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts     7,616,093     9,110,730  
  Inventories     12,320,317     12,451,479  
  Prepaid Expenses     369,252     306,428  
  Income Taxes Receivable     483,971      
  Deferred Tax Assets     959,000     1,492,000  
   
 
 
    Total Current Assets     22,197,384     23,542,367  
   
 
 
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT              
  Land     151,800     151,800  
  Building and Leasehold Improvements     4,671,905     4,399,166  
  Manufacturing Equipment     5,466,567     4,878,954  
  Office and Other Equipment     2,743,707     2,434,429  
   
 
 
    Total Property and Equipment     13,033,979     11,864,349  
  Accumulated Depreciation     (7,084,565 )   (5,999,451 )
   
 
 
    Net Property and Equipment     5,949,414     5,864,898  
   
 
 
OTHER ASSETS              
  Deposits     11,012      
  Non-Compete, Net of Accumulated Amortization     1,335,584      
  Goodwill     76,006     83,478  
  Deferred Tax Assets     33,000      
  Other Assets from Discontinued Operations         16,795  
   
 
 
    Total Other Assets     1,455,602     100,273  
   
 
 
      Total Assets   $ 29,602,400   $ 29,507,538  
   
 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY              
CURRENT LIABILITIES              
  Current Maturities of Notes and Capital Lease Payable   $ 1,642,179   $ 501,681  
  Checks Written in Excess of Cash     300,000      
  Accounts Payable     3,298,474     4,866,442  
  Accrued Payroll and Commissions     2,119,566     2,171,124  
  Accrued Income Taxes         538,706  
  Accrued Health and Dental Claims     277,864     391,413  
  Other Accrued Liabilities     243,243     454,173  
  Net Current Liabilities from Discontinued Operations     50,000     159,484  
   
 
 
    Total Current Liabilities     7,931,326     9,083,023  
   
 
 
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES              
  Notes and Capital Lease Payable (Net of Current Maturities)     8,580,944     9,791,722  
  Deferred Tax Liabilities         61,000  
   
 
 
    Total Long-Term Liabilities     8,580,944     9,852,722  
   
 
 
      Total Liabilities     16,512,270     18,935,745  
   
 
 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES              

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Preferred Stock, $1 Par Value; 1,000,000 Shares Authorized; 250,000 Shares Issued and Outstanding     250,000     250,000  
  Common Stock $.01 Par Value; 9,000,000 Shares Authorized; 2,473,650 and 2,361,192 Shares Issued and 2,441,946 and 2,361,192 Shares Outstanding at December 31, 2002 and 2001, Respectively     24,419     23,612  
  Additional Paid-In Capital     12,873,657     12,179,399  
  Accumulated Deficit     (57,946 )   (1,881,218 )
   
 
 
    Total Shareholders' Equity     13,090,130     10,571,793  
   
 
 
      Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity   $ 29,602,400   $ 29,507,538  
   
 
 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

18



NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002, 2001, AND 2000

 
  2002
  2001
  2000
 
NET SALES   $ 60,655,579   $ 58,460,589   $ 54,775,279  
COST OF GOODS SOLD     (50,136,043 )   (48,014,244 )   (44,507,489 )
   
 
 
 
GROSS PROFIT     10,519,536     10,446,345     10,267,790  
   
 
 
 
OPERATING EXPENSES                    
  Selling Expenses     2,466,460     2,847,727     2,186,930  
  General and Administrative Expenses     3,835,885     3,367,062     4,005,127  
   
 
 
 
    Total Operating Expenses     6,302,345     6,214,789     6,192,057  
   
 
 
 
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS     4,217,191     4,231,556     4,075,733  
   
 
 
 
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)                    
  Interest Income     5,231     17,921     28,197  
  Miscellaneous Income (Expense)     (17,660 )   2,581     16,175  
  Interest Expense     (431,650 )   (776,195 )   (997,532 )
   
 
 
 
    Total Other Expense     (444,079 )   (755,693 )   (953,160 )
   
 
 
 
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES     3,773,112     3,475,863     3,122,573  
INCOME TAX EXPENSE     (1,370,000 )   (1,373,000 )   (1,079,000 )
   
 
 
 
NET INCOME   $ 2,403,112   $ 2,102,863   $ 2,043,573  
   
 
 
 
EARNINGS PER SHARE:                    
  Basic   $ 1.00   $ 0.89   $ 0.86  
   
 
 
 
  Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding Used for Basic Earnings Per Share     2,410,890     2,361,192     2,357,457  
   
 
 
 
  Diluted   $ 0.95   $ 0.86   $ 0.83  
   
 
 
 
  Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding Plus Dilutive Common Stock Options     2,517,482     2,457,088     2,449,528  
   
 
 
 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

19



NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002, 2001 AND 2000

 
  Preferred
Stock

  Common
Stock

  Additional
Paid-In
Capital

  Accumulated
Deficit

  Total
Shareholders'
Equity

 
BALANCE DECEMBER 31, 1999   $ 250,000   $ 23,519   $ 12,132,615   $ (6,027,654 ) $ 6,378,480  
  2000 Net Income                 2,043,573     2,043,573  
  Issuance of Stock         92     25,421         25,513  
   
 
 
 
 
 
BALANCE DECEMBER 31, 2000     250,000     23,611     12,158,036     (3,984,081 )   8,447,566  
  2001 Net Income                 2,102,863     2,102,863  
  Issuance of Stock         1     21,363         21,364  
   
 
 
 
 
 
BALANCE DECEMBER 31, 2001     250,000     23,612     12,179,399     (1,881,218 )   10,571,793  
  2002 Net Income                 2,403,112     2,403,112  
  Issuance of Stock         1,592     694,258         695,850  
  Repurchase of Stock         (785 )       (579,840 )   (580,625 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
BALANCE DECEMBER 31, 2002   $ 250,000   $ 24,419   $ 12,873,657   $ (57,946 ) $ 13,090,130  
   
 
 
 
 
 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

20



NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002, 2001, AND 2000

 
  2002
  2001
  2000
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES                    
  Net Income   $ 2,403,112   $ 2,102,863   $ 2,043,573  
  Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities:                    
    Debt Refinance Charges     58,000          
    Depreciation and Amortization     1,380,499     1,181,754     1,069,332  
    Deferred Taxes     439,000     22,000     808,000  
    Gain on Disposal of Assets     (942 )       (1,081 )
  Changes in Current Operating Items:                    
    Accounts Receivable     1,573,155     (529,939 )   (3,153,350 )
    Inventories     175,775     (856,344 )   (2,869,718 )
    Prepaid Expenses     (62,824 )   (258,966 )   54,694  
    Accounts Payable     (1,567,968 )   (877,394 )   1,641,855  
    Accrued Payroll and Commissions     (77,863 )   502,376     797,973  
    Accrued Income Taxes and Income Tax Receivable     (1,022,677 )   356,376     182,330  
    Accrued Health and Dental Claims     (113,547 )   (31,230 )   227,983  
    Other Accrued Liabilities     (303,621 )   (561,626 )   53,449  
   
 
 
 
      Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities     2,880,099     1,049,870     855,040  
   
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES                    
  Proceeds from Sale of Discontinued Operations     2,000         250,000  
  Proceeds from Sale of Assets     400         206,691  
  Acquisition of Equipment & Leasehold Improvements     (1,081,440 )   (711,968 )   (949,814 )
  Acquisition of Subsidiary     (650,000 )        
   
 
 
 
      Net Cash Used by Investing Activities     (1,729,040 )   (711,968 )   (493,123 )
   
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES                    
  Checks Written in Excess of Cash     300,000          
  Net Change in Line of Credit     (606,843 )   (395,302 )   775,000  
  Debt Refinance Charges     (58,000 )        
  Proceeds from Notes Payable     4,879,017     234,000     825,000  
  Payments on Notes and Capital Lease Payable     (5,513,437 )   (544,232 )   (1,912,932 )
  Issuance of Stock     695,850     21,364     25,513  
  Repurchase of Stock     (580,625 )        
   
 
 
 
      Net Cash Used by Financing Activities     (884,038 )   (684,170 )   (287,419 )
   
 
 
 
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS     267,021     (346,268 )   74,498  
Cash and Cash Equivalents—Beginning of Year     181,730     527,998     453,500  
   
 
 
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—END OF YEAR   $ 448,751   $ 181,730   $ 527,998  
   
 
 
 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

21



NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2002, 2001, AND 2000

NOTE 1 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Business Description

        Nortech Systems Incorporated (together with its wholly owned subsidiary, the "Company") manufactures wire harnesses, cables and electromechanical assemblies, printed circuit boards and higher-level assemblies for a wide range of commercial and defense industries. The Company provides a full "turn-key" contract manufacturing service to its customers. All products are built to the customer's design specifications. Products are sold to customers both domestically and internationally. The Company also provides repair service on circuit boards used in machines in the medical industry.

        The Company's manufacturing facilities are located in Bemidji, Fairmont, Merrifield and Baxter, Minnesota as well as Augusta, Wisconsin. In July 2002, the Company acquired a business in Monterrey, Mexico, as described in Note 10.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

        For purposes of reporting cash flows, the Company considers cash equivalents to be short-term, highly liquid interest-bearing accounts readily convertible to cash. The carrying amount approximates fair value.

Use of Estimates

        The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Estimates also affect the reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Principles of Consolidation

        The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Manufacturing Assembly Solutions of Monterrey, Inc. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Accounts Receivable

        Products are sold on an unsecured basis. Payment is required between 30 and 45 days after receipt of the invoice. Finance charges are not charged to past due receivables. Company provides an allowance for uncollectible accounts under the allowance method. The allowance for uncollectible accounts was $488,451 and $318,557 at December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

Inventories

        Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market (based on the lower of replacement cost or net realizable value). Costs include material, labor, and overhead required

22



in the warehousing and production of the Company's products. Inventory is shown net of reserve for excess and obsolete inventory as follows:

 
  2002
  2001
 
Raw Materials   $ 9,481,193   $ 10,430,426  
Work in Process     1,859,000     1,676,730  
Finished Goods     2,172,379     1,698,373  
Reserves     (1,192,255 )   (1,354,050 )
   
 
 
  Total   $ 12,320,317   $ 12,451,479  
   
 
 

Property and Equipment and Depreciation

        Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Additions, improvements and major renewals are capitalized, while maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are expensed as incurred. When assets are retired or disposed of, the assets and related accumulated depreciation is removed from the accounts and the resulting gain or loss is reflected in operations. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated use life or the remaining lease term. All other property and equipment are depreciated by the straight-line method of depreciation over their estimated useful lives.

Buildings and Leasehold Improvements   3-39 Years
Manufacturing Equipment   5-15 Years
Office and Other Equipment   5-7 Years

        Depreciation expense was $1,182,227, $1,165,482 and $1,053,060, for the three years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

        The Company accounts for goodwill and other intangible assets in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Board No. ("SFAS") 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," which requires that goodwill and certain indefinite-lived assets no longer be amortized but evaluated annually for impairment. Other intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, which range from four to seven years.

        The Company evaluates long-lived assets and intangible assets with definite lives for impairment, as well as the related amortization periods, to determine whether adjustments to these amounts or useful lives are required based on current events and circumstances. The evaluation is based on the Company's projection of the undiscounted future operating cash flows of the underlying assets. To the extent such projections indicate that future undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to recover the carrying amounts of related assets, a charge is recorded to reduce the carrying amount to equal estimated fair value.

        Goodwill is tested for impairment annually, or if an event occurs or circumstances change that may reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its book value. The impairment test is conducted at

23



the reporting unit level by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying value. Fair value is primarily determined by computing the future discounted cash flows expected to be generated by the reporting unit. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, goodwill may be impaired. If this occurs, the fair value of the reporting unit is then allocated to its assets and liabilities in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation in order to determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill. This implied fair value is then compared with the carrying amount of the reporting unit goodwill, and if it is less, the Company would then recognize an impairment loss.

Preferred Stock

        Preferred stock issued is non-cumulative and nonconvertible. The holders of the preferred stock are entitled to a non-cumulative dividend of 12% when and as declared. In liquidation, holders of preferred stock have preference to the extent of $1.00 per share plus dividends accrued but unpaid. No preferred stock dividends were declared or paid during the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000.

Revenue Recognition

        Revenue from product sales is recognized upon shipment to customer, title passing and all obligations of the Company have been satisfied. Provisions for discounts to customers, returns and other adjustments are provided for in the same period the related sales are recorded. Revenues from repair services are recognized upon shipment of related equipment to customer.

Estimated Warranty Claims

        The sales of the Company's products include warranties that provide for repairs or replacement of defective products. The warranty periods range from one to two years, depending on the product, in the period following the sale. A warranty reserve is estimated by management based on actual historical warranty claims coupled with an analysis of unfulfilled claims at the balance sheet date. Estimated warranty liabilities of approximately $40,000 and $51,000 are included in Other Accrued Liabilities at December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

        A tabular reconciliation of the changes in the Company's product warranty liability for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000 is as follows:

 
  Balance at
Beginning of Year

  Warranty
Provisions

  Warranty
Claims

  Balance at End of
Year

2002   $ 51,000   8,886   19,886   $ 40,000
2001   $ 41,450   22,000   12,450   $ 51,000
2000   $ 41,450   8,000   8,000   $ 41,450

Shipping and Handling Costs

        The Company's shipping and handling costs charged to its customers are included in net sales, while the corresponding shipping expenses are included in cost of goods sold for all periods presented.

24



Advertising

        Advertising costs are charged to operations as incurred. Total amounts charged to expense for each of the three years ended December 31, 2002 were $118,017, $131,199, and $94,860, respectively.

Income Taxes

        The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized annually for differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future based on enacted tax laws and rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

        The carrying amounts for all financial instruments approximate fair values. The carrying amounts for cash, receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments. The carrying value of long-term debt materially approximates fair value based on current rates at which the Company could borrow funds with similar remaining maturities.

Stock Based Compensation

        The Company accounts for stock-based compensation arrangements in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Option ("APB") No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and complies with the disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation". Under APB No. 25, compensation cost is determined based on the difference, if any, on the grant date between the fair value of the Company's stock and the amount an employee must pay to acquire the stock. Compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period.

        The fair value of each option grant issued is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The following assumptions were made in estimating fair value:

 
  2002
  2001
  2000
 
Expected Lives (Years)   10   2   10  
Dividend Yield   0.00 % 0.00 % 0.00 %
Expected Volatility   68.00 % 57.00 % 99.00 %
Risk-Free Interest Rate   4.00 % 3.25 % 6.48 - 6.68 %

        The Company has adopted the disclosure-only provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation." Accordingly, no compensation costs were charged to operations for the years ending December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000. Had

25



compensation cost for the Company's stock option plan been determined pursuant to SFAS No. 123, net earnings and earnings per share would have been as follows:

 
  2002
  2001
  2000
 
Net income, as reported   $ 2,403,112   $ 2,102,863   $ 2,043,573  
Deduct: Total stock-based compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects     (68,529 )   (78,804 )   (91,496 )
   
 
 
 
Proforma net income   $ 2,334,583   $ 2,024,059   $ 1,952,077  
   
 
 
 
Earnings per share:                    
  Basic—as reported   $ 1.00   $ 0.89   $ 0.86  
   
 
 
 
  Basic—pro forma   $ 0.97   $ 0.86   $ 0.83  
   
 
 
 
  Diluted—as reported   $ 0.95   $ 0.86   $ 0.83  
   
 
 
 
  Diluted—pro forma   $ 0.93   $ 0.84   $ 0.81  
   
 
 
 

Net Income Per Common Share

        Basic net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and potential common shares from the assumed exercise of stock options outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method.

Cash Flow Information

        The Company paid income taxes of $1,998,677, $994,624, and $80,880 for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. The Company paid interest expenses of $514,031, $713,352 and $996,663 for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.

        During 2002, the Company incurred a note payable in the amount of $1,200,000 as part of the purchase price for certain assets of another corporation, as described in Note 10.

        During 2000, the trade of the Augusta, Wisconsin building, forgiveness of debt, and establishment of the capital lease payable resulted in a non-cash transaction of $204,879.

Segment Reporting Information

        The Company's results from operations for the years ending December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, consist entirely of a single segment known as Contract Manufacturing. Foreign revenues represent 1%, 2%, and 2% of consolidated revenues for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.

26



        Long-lived assets by country are as follows:

 
  United States
  Mexico
  Total
2002                  
  Net Property and Equipment   $ 5,645,086   $ 304,328   $ 5,949,414
  Other Assets     1,444,590     11,012     1,455,602
2001                  
  Net Property and Equipment   $ 5,864,898   $   $ 5,864,898
  Other Assets     100,273         100,273

Foreign Currency Translation

        Local currency is considered the functional currency for the operation outside the United States. Assets and liabilities are translated at year-end exchange rates. Income and expense items are translated at average rates of exchange prevailing during the year. Cumulative translation adjustments, if significant, are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders' equity.

Discontinued Operations

        On June 30, 1999, the Company adopted a formal plan to sell two of their operating segments, Display Products and Medical Management. During 2002, certain assets of the Medical Management segment were sold for $2,000 to a private party. During 2000, the fixed assets and inventory of the Display Products segment were sold for $250,000 to Computron Display Systems. Results of operations for these segments for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, where applicable, have been recorded against the reserves established to absorb future disposal losses. Estimated reserves for disposal losses recorded at the time of discontinuing these operations have been sufficient to absorb all activity to date.

New Accounting Standards Adopted

        In 2002, the Company adopted the following new Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statements of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) accounting pronouncements:

        SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets", which replaces the requirement to amortize intangible assets with indefinite lives and goodwill with a requirement for a transitional impairment test. Statement 142 requires an evaluation of intangible assets and their useful lives. The transitional impairment test was performed effective as of January 1, 2002.

        SFAS 144, "Accounting for the Impairment of Disposal of Long-Lived Assets", which addresses financial accounting and reporting for the impairment or disposals of long-lived assets. While Statement 144 supersedes FASB Statement No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of", it retains many of the fundamental provisions of that Statement. Statement 144 also supersedes the accounting and reporting provisions of APB Opinion No. 30, "Reporting the Results of Operations—Reporting the Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently Occurring Events and Transactions", for the

27



disposal of a segment of a business. However, it retains the requirement in Opinion No. 30 to report separately discontinued operations and extends the reporting to a component of an entity that either has been disposed of (by sale, abandonment, or in distributions to owners) or is classified as held for sale.

        SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure" amends the FASB Statement No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation", to provide alternative methods for a voluntary change to the fair value method of accounting for stock-based compensation. In addition, this Statement amends the disclosure requirements of Statement No. 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements. Certain of the disclosures are required for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002 and are included in the notes to these consolidated financial statements.

New Accounting Pronouncements

        In June 2002, the FASB issued SFAS 146, "Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities," which addresses financial accounting and reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities. This statement supersedes EITF Issue No. 94-3, "Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity". The Company is required to adopt SFAS 146 on January 1, 2003. This Statement will be applied prospectively to exit or disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002.

        In November 2002, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 45 "Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness to Others, an Interpretation of FASB Statements No. 5, 57 and 107 and a Rescission of FASB Interpretation No. 34". This Interpretation elaborates on the disclosures to be made by a guarantor in its interim and annual financial statements about its obligations under guarantees issued. The Interpretation also clarifies that a guarantor is required to recognize, at inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligations undertaken. The initial recognition and measurement provision of the Interpretation are applicable to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002 and are not expected to have a material effect on the Company's financial statements. The disclosure requirements are effective for financial statements of interim and annual periods ending after December 15, 2002.

Reclassifications

        Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2001 and 2000 financial statements to conform to the 2002 presentation. Such reclassifications had no impact on net income or shareholders' equity.

NOTE 2 MAJOR CUSTOMERS AND CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK

        Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and trade accounts receivable. With regard to cash, the Company maintains its excess cash balances in checking and money market accounts at three high-credit quality financial institutions. These balances exceed the federally insured limit by $283,253 and $132,419 at December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively. The Company has not experienced any losses in any of the short-term investment instruments it has used for excess cash balances. The Company does not require

28



collateral on its receivables. Historically, the Company has not suffered significant losses with respect to trade accounts receivable.

        One customer accounted for 23% and 17% of accounts receivable at December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively, and approximately 31%, 24% and 13% of sales for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000, respectively.

NOTE 3 ACCRUED HEALTH AND DENTAL CLAIMS

        The Company has self-insured its employee health and dental plans. It has contracted with two separate administrative service companies to supervise and administer the programs and act as representatives. The Company's health plan insures for excessive or unexpected claims and is liable for claims not to exceed $70,000 per individual per plan year and an estimated aggregate amount of $2,982,746 for the current plan year. The Company's dental plan pays claims based on actual amounts incurred. Estimated unpaid claims for incurred health and dental services of approximately $277,684 and $391,413 are included in Accrued Health and Dental Claims at December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

29



NOTE 4 LONG-TERM DEBT

        The Company refinanced its lines of credit and $5,031,410 of notes payable with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A on January 31, 2002. The refinanced debt was structured using three instruments including a $1,750,000 equipment note, a $2,500,000 real estate note and a $6,000,000 revolving line of credit. The credit agreement includes a provision that commits the Company to pay a minimum of $150,000 of interest annually.

        A summary of all debt balances at December 31, 2002 and 2001 is as follows:

Description

  2002
  2001
 
Revolving Line of Credit—Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A., Borrowing Limit of $6,000,000; Interest at Prime Rate of Wells Fargo; Due June 2004; Secured by Substantially All Assets   $ 4,422,855   $  
Notes Payable—Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A., Interest at Prime Rate of Wells Fargo; Monthly Payments of $43,056, Including Principal and Interest; Due February 2007; Secured by Substantially All Assets     3,819,444      
Revolving Lines of Credit—Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A., Borrowing Limit of $6,000,000; Interest at Highest Prime Rate in "Money Rate" Table in Wall Street Journal; Refinanced January 2002         5,029,698  
Promissory Notes Payable—Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A., Interest at Highest Prime Rate in "Money Rate" Table in Wall Street Journal; Refinanced January 2002         1,400,000  
Notes Payable—Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A., Interest at 4.75%, Refinanced January 2002         787,569  
Note Payable—Communications Systems, Inc., Interest at Prime as Established by U.S. Bank Minneapolis, Refinanced January 2002         2,765,390  
Promissory Note—SAE Assembly, LLC, (**See Discussion Below Describing Payment Terms); Secured by Shares of Nortech Common Stock     1,200,000      
Notes Payable—Other, Interest Ranging From 6.5% to 8.5%; Monthly Installment Payments Through March 2007; Secured by Substantially All Assets   $ 581,023   $ 87,043  
Capitalized Lease Payable—City of Augusta, Wisconsin, Monthly Installment Payments through December 2003: See Footnote 5 for Additional Capital Lease Disclosures     199,801     223,703  
   
 
 
  Total Notes and Capital Lease Payable   $ 10,223,123   $ 10,293,403  
  Current Maturities of Notes and Capital Lease Payable     (1,642,179 )   (501,681 )
   
 
 
  Notes and Capital Lease Payable—Net of Current Maturities   $ 8,580,944   $ 9,791,722  
   
 
 

30


        The weighted-average interest rate on the Company's lines of credit was 4.67% and 6.92% for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

        **Repayment of SAE Assembly, LLC (SAE) debt will be made through semi-annual installments ending June 2004. Each installment on the note will be satisfied with the issue of 31,704 shares of Nortech stock. Should the average market price of the stock fail to reach or exceed $7.00 during a four-week period of time during each semi-annual period, the Company shall at the buyers discretion repurchase such shares within 30 days at a price of $7.00. The 31,704 shares required under the first installment were transferred to SAE on December 27, 2002, but were not considered outstanding at December 31, 2002 for purposes of calculating earnings per share as the four-week period of time had not expired. Subsequent to December 31, 2002, the market price of the Company's stock met the $7.00 four-week requirement, at which time the shares issued to SAE became outstanding.

        All Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. debt agreements contain certain covenants, which, among other things, will require the Company to adhere to regular reporting requirements, maintain certain financial ratios, and limit the amount of annual capital expenditures. There were no covenant violations at or for the year ended December 31, 2002.

        Maturity requirements are as follows:

Years Ending December 31,

  Amount
2003   $ 1,642,179
2004     5,266,955
2005     545,937
2006     547,897
2007     2,220,155
   
    $ 10,223,123
   

NOTE 5 CAPITAL LEASE

        The Company entered into a capital lease to occupy a manufacturing facility in Augusta, Wisconsin and will take ownership upon maturity of lease in 2003. Depreciation on the building under capital lease is included in depreciation expense. The Company's land and building held under the capital lease on the balance sheet consist of the following:

 
  2002
  2001
 
Land   $ 10,000   $ 10,000  
Building     368,912     368,912  
Less: Accumulated Depreciation     (28,388 )   (18,919 )
   
 
 
  Total   $ 350,524   $ 359,993  
   
 
 

31


        Minimum future lease obligations on the long-term capital lease in effect at December 31, 2002 are as follows:

Total Minimum Lease Payments in 2003   $ 217,000  
Less: Amount Representing Interest     (17,199 )
   
 
Capitalized Lease Obligation   $ 199,801  
   
 

NOTE 6 OPERATING LEASES

        The Company has entered into various operating leases for production and office equipment, office space and buildings. The Company has the option to purchase various pieces of equipment upon lease expiration at fair market value. The Company also has the option to purchase the Aitkin, MN manufacturing plant, currently under an operating lease, upon expiration of lease. The Company has the option to renew the lease for the Baxter, MN facility for an additional five years upon expiration of the initial lease term in July 2006.

        During 2002, the Company assumed a three year lease for the newly acquired manufacturing facility in Monterrey, Mexico. The lease matures during 2004 and allows the Company the option of two three-year renewals. Also in 2002, the Company entered into an agreement to sublease office space in its Wayzata, MN location. The sublease agreement expires September 2005.

        Rent expense, which includes amounts for other short term leases, for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000, was $799,571, $661,475, and $619,065, respectively. Sublease income was $750 for the year ended December 31, 2002. The future minimum lease payments are as follows:

Years Ending December 31,

  Lease
Commitment

  Sublease
Income

  Net
2003   $ 449,478   $ 3,000   $ 446,478
2004     310,581     3,000     307,581
2005     137,252     2,250     135,002
2006     19,800         19,800
   
 
 
Total   $ 917,111   $ 8,250   $ 908,861
   
 
 

32


NOTE 7 INCOME TAXES

        The provision for income taxes for each of the three years ended December 31, 2002, consists of the following:

 
  2002
  2001
  2000
Current Taxes—Federal   $ 763,000   $ 1,116,000   $ 154,000
Current Taxes—State     151,000     235,000     117,000
Current Taxes—Foreign     17,000        
Deferred Taxes—Federal     374,000     40,000     743,000
Deferred Taxes—State     65,000     (18,000 )   65,000
   
 
 
  Total Expense   $ 1,370,000   $ 1,373,000   $ 1,079,000
   
 
 

        The statutory rate reconciliation for each of the three years ended December 31, 2002 is as follows:

 
  2002
  2001
  2000
 
Statutory Tax Provision   $ 1,283,000   $ 1,182,000   $ 1,062,000  
State Income Taxes, Net of Federal Benefit     153,000     143,000     128,000  
Federal Tax on Foreign Income     (16,000 )        
General Business Credits     (82,000 )   (18,000 )   (22,000 )
Change in Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance             (165,000 )
Foreign Taxes     17,000          
Other     15,000     66,000     76,000  
   
 
 
 
  Income Tax Expense   $ 1,370,000   $ 1,373,000   $ 1,079,000  
   
 
 
 

        Deferred tax assets (liabilities) at December 31, 2002 and 2001, consist of the following:

 
  2002
  2001
 
Unrealized Loss on Discontinued Operations   $ 19,000   $ 117,000  
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts     187,000     126,000  
Inventory Reserves     365,000     644,000  
Accrued Vacation     243,000     219,000  
Accrued Warranty     15,000     19,000  
Health Insurance Reserve     106,000     149,000  
Accrued Bonuses     7,000     190,000  
Other Reserves     17,000     28,000  
   
 
 
  Current Deferred Tax Assets   $ 959,000   $ 1,492,000  
   
 
 
Amortization     58,000      
Property and Equipment     (25,000 )   (61,000 )
   
 
 
  Non-Current Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities)   $ 33,000   $ (61,000 )
   
 
 

        The Company utilized operating loss carryforwards of $1,468,100 for the year ended December 31, 2000 to offset federal taxable income. The Company also utilized $1,400 of an expiring investment tax

33



credit to offset federal tax and forfeited an additional $38,700 of credits due to expiration in 2000. As of December 31, 2002, the Company had no net operating loss or tax credit carryforwards.

        The Company has determined that it is more likely than not that its deferred tax assets will be realized, principally through carrybacks to prior tax years and taxable income in future tax years. As a result, management has determined that estimating a valuation allowance on the Company's deferred tax assets is not necessary.

NOTE 8 401(K) RETIREMENT PLAN

        The Company has a 401(k) profit sharing plan (the "Plan") for its employees. The Plan is a defined contribution plan covering all employees of the Company except for employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement and non-resident aliens earning non-U.S. source income. Employees are eligible to participate in the Plan after completing six months of service and attaining the age of 21. Employees are allowed to contribute up to 15% of their wages to the Plan. The Company matches 25% of the employees' contribution, however, effective January 1, 2001, employer contributions are limited to 6% of covered compensation. The Company made contributions of $117,509, $100,448, and $63,105 during the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000, respectively.

NOTE 9 GAINSHARING INCENTIVE AND STOCK OPTION PLANS

Employee Gainsharing

        During 1993, the Company adopted an employee gainsharing plan (the "Plan"). The purpose of the Plan is to provide a bonus for increased output, improved quality and productivity and reduced costs. The Company has authorized 50,000 shares to be available under this Plan. In accordance with the terms of the Plan, employees can acquire newly issued shares of common stock for 90% of the current market value. During 2002, 12,355 gainsharing shares were issued in connection with this plan. Through December 31, 2002, 21,388 shares have been issued under this Plan.

Stock Options

        In 1992, the Company approved the adoption of a fixed stock based compensation plan. The purpose of the Plan is to promote the interests of the Company and its shareholders by providing officers, directors and other key employees with additional incentive and the opportunity, through stock ownership, to increase their proprietary interest in the Company and their personal interest in its continued success.

        The total number of shares of common stock that may be granted under the plan is 350,000, of which 41,500 shares remain available at December 31, 2002. The plan provides that shares granted come from the Company's authorized but unissued common stock. The price of the options granted under the plan will not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the shares on the date of grant. Options are generally exercisable after one or more years and expire no later than 10 years from the

34



date of grant. The following table summarizes information about fixed-price stock options outstanding at December 31, 2002:

Exercise Prices

  Outstanding
12/31/2002

  Exercisable
12/31/2002

  Remaining
Contractual Life

3.125   34,000   19,600   5.10 Years
3.625   6,000   6,000   1.07 Years
4.000   8,000   3,200   7.42 Years
5.000   60,000   60,000   4.14 Years
5.250   35,000   35,000   2.92 Years
5.500   4,000   4,000   5.42 Years
7.110   4,000   2,000   9.82 Years
   
 
   
    151,000   129,800    
   
 
   

        Following is a summary of the fixed stock option plan transactions during 2002, 2001 and 2000.

 
  2002
  2001
  2000
 
  Shares
  Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price

  Shares
  Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price

  Shares
  Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price

Options Outstanding, Beginning of Year     297,500   $ 4.39     297,500   $ 4.39     255,500   $ 4.55
Options Exercised     (146,900 )   4.28             (6,000 )   2.38
Options Forfeited     (3,600 )   3.13     (6,000 )   3.13        
Options Granted     4,000     7.11     6,000     3.13     48,000     3.27
   
       
       
     
Options Outstanding, End of Year     151,000   $ 4.60     297,500   $ 4.39     297,500   $ 4.39
   
       
       
     
Option Price Range of Exercised Shares   $ 1.625 - 5.25         $         $ 1.75 - 5.50      
Weighted Average Fair Value of Options Granted During the Year   $ 5.49         $ 3.40         $ 3.21      

NOTE 10 ACQUISITION OF SUBSIDIARY

        On June 27, 2002, the Company acquired 100 percent of the outstanding common shares of Manufacturing Assembly Solutions of Monterrey, Inc. (MAS), a Mexican corporation, located in Monterrey, Mexico. The results of operations since June 27, 2002, have been included in the consolidated financial statements. The main reason for this acquisition was to enhance the Company's manufacturing capabilities in a low cost country. The aggregate purchase price was $1,850,000, including $650,000 paid in cash in July 2002 and a $1,200,000 promissory note (see Note 4) to SAE Assembly, LLC.

35



        The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of the acquisition:

Current Assets   $ 152,148
Net Property and Equipment     186,761
Other Assets     11,012
Intangible Assets     1,526,384
   
  Total Assets Acquired   $ 1,876,305
   
Current Liabilities Assumed   $ 26,305
   
  Net Assets Acquired   $ 1,850,000
   

        Intangible assets acquired consist principally of non-compete agreements, which will be amortized on a straight-line basis over the four year term of the agreements. The Company has recorded related amortization expense of $190,800 for the year ended December 31, 2002. The Company will record amortization expenses of $381,596, $381,596, $381,596 and $190,796 for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively.

NOTE 11 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Litigation

        The Company is subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the amount of any ultimate liability with respect to these actions will not materially affect the Company's consolidated financial statements or results of operations.

Executive Life Insurance Plan

        During 2002, the Company set up an Executive Bonus Life Insurance Plan (the "Plan") for its key employees ("participants"). Pursuant to the Plan, the Company will pay a bonus to participants equal to 10% of the participants' base annual salary, as well as an additional bonus to cover federal and state taxes incurred by the participants. The participants are required to purchase life insurance and retain ownership of the life insurance policy once it is purchased. The Plan provides a five-year graded vesting schedule in which the participants vest in their bonus at a rate of 20% each year. Should a participant terminate employment prior to the fifth year of vesting, that participant must reimburse the Company for any unvested amounts. Charges to income under the Plan were $135,759 for the year ended December 31, 2002.

Change of Control Agreements

        During 2002, the Company entered into Change of Control Agreements (the "Agreement(s)") with certain key executives ("the Executive(s)"). The Agreements provide an inducement for each Executive to remain as an employee of the Company in the event of any proposed or anticipated change of control in the organization, including facilitating an orderly transition, and to provide economic security for the Executive after a change in control has occurred.

36



        In the event of an involuntarily termination, each Executive would receive their base salary, annual bonus at time of termination, and continued participation in health, disability and life insurance plans for a period of three years. Each Executive would also receive professional outplacement services up to $10,000. Each Agreement remains in full force until the Executive terminates employment or the Company terminates the employment of the Executive.

NOTE 12 EARNINGS PER SHARE

        The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and the denominators of the basic and diluted per common share computations.

 
  2002
  2001
  2000
Basic Earnings Per Common Share                  
Net Income   $ 2,403,112   $ 2,102,863   $ 2,043,573
   
 
 
Weighted average common share outstanding     2,410,890     2,361,192     2,357,457
   
 
 
Basic earnings per common share *   $ 1.00   $ 0.89   $ 0.86
   
 
 
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share                  
Net Income   $ 2,403,112   $ 2,102,863   $ 2,043,573
   
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding     2,410,890     2,361,192     2,357,457
Stock options     106,592     95,896     92,071
   
 
 
Weighted average common shares for diluted earnings per common share     2,517,482     2,457,088     2,449,528
   
 
 
Diluted earnings per common share   $ 0.95   $ 0.86   $ 0.83
   
 
 

*
For 2002, 2001 and 2000, there were 0, 25 and 41,816 shares, respectively, excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because to do so would be antidilutive.

37


NOTE 13 SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 
  Quarter Ending
3/31/2002

  Quarter Ending
6/30/2002

  Quarter Ending
9/30/2002

  Quarter Ending
12/31/2002

Net Sales   $ 15,362,896   $ 15,243,680   $ 14,670,449   $ 15,378,553
Gross Profit     2,779,465     2,911,302     2,521,031     2,307,737
Net Income     618,919     534,269     559,034     690,890

Basic Earnings per Share of Common Stock

 

 

0.26

 

 

0.22

 

 

0.23

 

 

0.29
Diluted Earnings per Share of Common Stock     0.25     0.21     0.22     0.27
 
  Quarter Ending
3/31/2001

  Quarter Ending
6/30/2001

  Quarter Ending
9/30/2001

  Quarter Ending
12/31/2001

Net Sales   $ 14,845,304   $ 12,622,055   $ 13,706,447   $ 17,286,783
Gross Profit     2,693,272     1,999,326     2,326,341     3,427,406
Net Income     494,106     302,040     361,249     945,468

Basic Earnings per Share of Common Stock

 

 

0.21

 

 

0.13

 

 

0.15

 

 

0.40
Diluted Earnings per Share of Common Stock     0.20     0.12     0.15     0.39

38



ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

        Nortech Systems Incorporated filed a Form 8-K on January 8, 2003. This Form 8-K informed the public of a change in the Company's auditors to KPMG LLP from Larson, Allen, Weishair & Co., LLP. Information contained in this filing are incorporated herein by reference.


PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

        Information regarding the directors and executive officers of the Registrant will be included in the Registrant's 2002 proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than April 30, 2003 and said portions of the proxy statement are incorporated herein by reference.


ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

        Information regarding executive compensation of the Registrant will be included in the Registrant's 2002 proxy statements to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than April 30, 2003 and said portions of the proxy statement are incorporated herein by reference.


ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

        Information regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management of the Registrant will be included in the Registrant's 2002 proxy statements to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than April 30, 2003 and said portions of the proxy statements are incorporated herein by reference.

        Information regarding executive compensation plans as of the end of the last fiscal year, on two categories of equity compensation plans (including individual compensation arrangements): that is, plans that have been approved by security holders and plans that have not been approved by security holders, will be included in the Registrant's 2002 proxy statements to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than April 30, 2003 and said portions of the proxy statements are incorporated herein by reference.


ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

        None.


ITEM 14. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

A.
Within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including the company's Chief Executive Office and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to the Exchange Act Rule 13a-14. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to the Company (including its consolidated subsidiary) required to be included in the Company's periodic SEC filings.

B.
There have been no significant changes in the Company's internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date the Company carried out this evaluation.

39



PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

        (a)1. Consolidated Financial Statements—consolidated financial statements and related Notes are included in Part II, Item 8, and are identified in the Index on Page 15.

        (a)2. Consolidated Financial Schedule—The following consolidated financial statement schedule supporting the consolidated financial statements and the Accountants' report thereon, is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K:

 
  PAGE
Independent Auditors' Reports on Supplementary Information    
 
KPMG LLP

 

45
  Larson, Allen Weishair & Co., LLP   46

Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000

 

 
 
II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

 

47

        All other schedules are omitted since they are not applicable, not required, or the required information is included in the financial statements or notes thereto.

(b)
Reports on Form 8-K

    The Company filed a Form 8-K on May 14, 2002. This Form 8-K described the election of Michael J. Degen to the office of interim President and Chief Executive Officer to succeed the late President and Chief Executive Officer, Quentin E. Finkelson.

    The Company filed a Form 8-K on January 8, 2003. This Form 8-K announced the appointment of KPMG LLP as its independent auditors, succeeding Larson, Allen, Weishair & Co., LLP. Exhibit Index:

        The following exhibits are incorporated by reference to exhibits accompanying the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002.

    10.1
    Stock purchase agreement for all outstanding shares of capital stock of Manufacturing Assembly Solutions of Monterrey Inc. dated June 27, 2002.

    10.2
    Change of Control Agreement entered into on October 1, 2002 by and between the Company and the Officers and Vice Presidents referred to collectively as the Corporation and the Executive.

    10.3
    Resolution Authorizing Executive Bonus Life Insurance Plan for certain key Employees of the Company effective on October 23, 2002.

    23.1
    Letter of Consent from KPMG LLP in reference to the S-8 Forms filed June 21, 1994 and June 30, 1993.

    23.2
    Letter of Consent from Larson, Allen Weishair & Co., LLP in reference to the S-8 Forms filed June 21, 1994 and June 30, 1993.

    99.1
    Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

    99.2
    Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

40


        The following exhibit is incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001.

    10.4
    Letter of Undertaking, Promissory Notes for Real Estate, Equipment and Revolving Line of Credit between Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota National Association (formerly Norwest Bank Minnesota South, N.A), and the Company.

        The following exhibit is incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000.

    10.5
    Lease Agreement for Augusta building at 750 Industrial Park Drive, and Sales Agreement for Augusta building at 350 Industrial Park Drive, both in Augusta, Wisconsin.

        The following exhibit is incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999.

    10.1
    Master lease agreement for equipment between Amplicon Financial and the Company.

        The following exhibit is incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998.

    10.1
    Master lease agreement for equipment between Amplicon Financial and the Company.

        The following exhibits are incorporated by reference to exhibits 10.1 and 10.6, respectively, to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997.

    10.1
    Master lease agreement for equipment between Norwest Leasing Company and the Company.

    10.6
    Security Agreement covering Notes in Exhibits 10.1.

        The following exhibit is incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.6 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995.

    10.6
    Asset Purchase Agreement for the purchase of Aerospace Division of Communication Cable, Inc. dated August 23, 1995.

        The following exhibit is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1990.

    3.1
    Articles of Incorporation dated October 30, 1990.

        The following exhibit is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1984:

    3.2
    Bylaws

41



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.

NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED

March 29, 2003   By:   /s/  GARRY M. ANDERLY      
Garry M. Anderly
Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer

March 29, 2003

 

By:

 

/s/  
MICHAEL J. DEGEN      
Michael J. Degen
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated have signed this report.

March 29, 2003   /s/  MICHAEL J. DEGEN      
Michael J. Degen
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

March 29, 2003

 

/s/  
MYRON KUNIN      
Myron Kunin, Chairman and Director

March 29, 2003

 

/s/  
RICHARD W. PERKINS      
Richard W. Perkins, Director

March 29, 2003

 

/s/  
C. TRENT RILEY      
C. Trent Riley, Director

March 29, 2003

 

/s/  
KEN LARSON      
Ken Larson, Director

42



Sarbanes-Oxley Section 302 Certification

I, Michael J. Degen, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Nortech Systems, Inc. and Subsidiary;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;

4.
The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

a)
designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiary, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;

b)
evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report (the "Evaluation Date"); and

c)
presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

5.
The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee or registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

a)
all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

b)
any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and

6.
The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this annual report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

Date: March 29, 2003   /s/  MICHAEL J. DEGEN      
Michael J. Degen
President and Chief Executive Officer

43


Sarbanes-Oxley Section 302 Certification

I, Garry M. Anderly, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Nortech Systems, Inc. and Subsidiary;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;

4.
The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

a)
designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiary, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;

b)
evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report (the "Evaluation Date"); and

c)
presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

5.
The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee or registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

a)
all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

b)
any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and

6.
The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this annual report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

Date: March 29, 2003   /s/  GARRY M. ANDERLY      
Garry M. Anderly
Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer

44


Board of Directors and Shareholders
Nortech Systems Incorporated:

        Under date of March 10, 2003, we reported on the consolidated balance sheet of Nortech Systems Incorporated and subsidiary as of December 31, 2002, and related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity and cash flows for the year then ended, which are included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K. In connection with our audit of the aforementioned consolidated financial statements, we also audited the 2002 financial statement schedule as listed in the accompanying index. This financial statement schedule is the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on this financial statement schedule based on our audit.

        In our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the 2002 basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

/s/  KPMG LLP      

Minneapolis, Minnesota
March 10, 2003

45



INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT ON
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

Board of Directors
Nortech Systems Incorporated and Subsidiary
Bemidji, Minnesota

        Our report on the basic consolidated financial statements of Nortech Systems Incorporated and Subsidiary for 2001 and 2000 precedes the consolidated financial statements. The audits were made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole. The schedule on the following page is presented for purposes of complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and is not part of the basic consolidated financial statements. This schedule has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audits of the basic consolidated financial statements and, in our opinion, fairly states in all material respects the financial data required to be set forth therein in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.

LARSON, ALLEN, WEISHAIR & CO., LLP

St. Cloud, Minnesota
February 13, 2002

46




NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY

SCHEDULE II

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002, 2001, AND 2000

 
   
  Column C
   
   
 
  Column B
  Column D
  Column E
Column A
  Additions
Charged
to Costs
And Expenses

  Balance at
Beginning
of Period

  Add (Deduct)
  Balance at
End of
Period

Classification
Year Ended December 31, 2002:                    
  Allowance for Doubtful Accounts   $ 318,557   231,500   (61,606 ) $ 488,451
  Inventory Obsolescence Reserve   $ 1,354,050   732,670   (894,465 ) $ 1,192,255

Year Ended December 31, 2001:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Allowance for Doubtful Accounts   $ 187,294   131,263     $ 318,557
  Inventory Obsolescence Reserve   $ 1,007,280   346,770     $ 1,354,050

Year Ended December 31, 2000:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Allowance for Doubtful Accounts   $ 102,030   85,264     $ 187,294
  Inventory Obsolescence Reserve   $ 765,008   611,693   (369,421 ) $ 1,007,280
  Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance   $ 165,000     (165,000 ) $

47



INDEX TO EXHIBITS

DESCRIPTIONS OF EXHIBITS

10.1   Stock purchase agreement for all outstanding shares of capital stock of Manufacturing Assembly Solutions of Monterrey Inc. dated June 27, 2002
23.1   Letter of Consent from KPMG LLP in reference to the S-8 Forms filed June 21, 1994 and June 30, 1993
23.2   Letter of Consent from Larson, Allen,Weishair & Co., LLP in reference to the S-8 Forms filed June 21, 1994 and June 30, 1993
99.1   Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
99.2   Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

48




QuickLinks

NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10K TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
PART II
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS DECEMBER 31, 2002 AND 2001
NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002, 2001, AND 2000
NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002, 2001 AND 2000
NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002, 2001, AND 2000
NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2002, 2001, AND 2000
PART III
PART IV
SIGNATURES
Sarbanes-Oxley Section 302 Certification
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT ON SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARY SCHEDULE II FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002, 2001, AND 2000
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
EX-10.1 3 a2107078zex-10_1.htm EXHIBIT 10.1

Exhibit 10.1

 

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

 

This Stock Purchase Agreement (“Agreement”) is made as of June 27, 2002, by Nortech Systems Incorporated, a Minnesota corporation (“Buyer”), and SAE Circuits Colorado, Inc., a Colorado corporation, Thomas J. Hansing, Barbara E. Aune and Stephen W. Cecil, Jr., (hereinafter collectively and jointly and severally referred to as “Seller”).

 

RECITALS

 

Seller desires to sell, and Buyer desires to purchase, all of the issued and outstanding shares (the “Shares”) of capital stock of Manufacturing Assembly Solutions of Monterrey, Inc., a Mexican corporation (the “Company”), for the consideration and on the terms set forth in this Agreement.

 

AGREEMENT

 

The parties, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:

 

1.             DEFINITIONS

 

For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings specified or referred to in this Section 1:

 

“Applicable Contract”any Contract (a) under which the Company has or may acquire any rights, (b) under which the Company has or may become subject to any obligation or liability, or (c) by which the Company or any of the assets owned or used by it is or may become bound.

 

“Balance Sheet”—as defined in Section 3.4.

 

“Best Efforts”the efforts that a prudent Person desirous of achieving a result would use in similar circumstances to ensure that such result is achieved as expeditiously as possible; provided, however, that an obligation to use Best Efforts under this Agreement does not require the Person subject to that obligation to take actions that would result in a materially adverse change in the benefits to such Person of this Agreement and the Contemplated Transactions.

 

“Breach”a “Breach” of a representation, warranty, covenant, obligation, or other provision of this Agreement or any instrument delivered pursuant to this Agreement will be deemed to have occurred if there is or has been (a) any inaccuracy in or breach of, or any failure to perform or comply with, such representation, warranty, covenant, obligation, or other provision, or (b) any claim (by any Person) or other occurrence or circumstance that is or was inconsistent with such representation, warranty, covenant, obligation, or other provision, and the term “Breach” means any such inaccuracy, breach, failure, claim, occurrence, or circumstance.

 

“Business Daymeans any day on which banks are open for business in Santa Clara, California.

 



 

“Buyer”as defined in the first paragraph of this Agreement.

 

 “Closing”as defined in Section 2.3.

 

“Closing Date”the date and time as of which the Closing actually takes place.

 

“Company”as defined in the Recitals of this Agreement.

 

“Consent”any approval, consent, ratification, waiver, or other authorization (including any Governmental Authorization).

 

“Contemplated Transactions”all of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including:

 

(a)           the sale of the Shares by Seller to Buyer;

 

(b)                               the execution, delivery, and performance of the Non-Competition Agreement and the Escrow Agreement;

 

(c)                                the performance by Buyer and Seller of their respective covenants and obligations under this Agreement; and

 

(d)                               Buyer’s acquisition and ownership of the Shares and exercise of control over the Company.

 

“Contract”any agreement, contract, obligation, promise, or undertaking (whether written or oral and whether express or implied) that is legally binding..

 

“Damages”as defined in Section 10.2.

 

“Dollars(s)all dollar figures in this Agreement are United States dollars.

 

“Encumbrance”any charge, claim, community property interest, condition, equitable interest, lien, option, pledge, security interest, right of first refusal, or restriction of any kind, including any restriction on use, voting, transfer, receipt of income, or exercise of any other attribute of ownership.

 

“Environment”soil, land surface or subsurface strata, surface waters (including navigable waters, ocean waters, streams, ponds, drainage basins, and wetlands), groundwaters, drinking water supply, stream sediments, ambient air (including indoor air), plant and animal life, and any other environmental medium or natural resource.

 

“Environmental, Health, and Safety Liabilities”any cost, damages, expense, liability, obligation, or other responsibility arising from or under Environmental Law or Occupational Safety and Health Law.

 

2



 

“Environmental Law”any Legal Requirement that requires or relates to:

 

(a)                                advising appropriate authorities, employees, and the public of intended or actual releases of pollutants or hazardous substances or materials, violations of discharge limits, or other prohibitions that could have significant impact on the Environment;

 

(b)                               preventing or reducing to acceptable levels the release of pollutants or hazardous substances or materials into the Environment;

 

(c)                                reducing the quantities, preventing the release, or minimizing the hazardous characteristics of wastes that are generated;

 

(d)                               assuring that products are designed, formulated, packaged, and used so that they do not present unreasonable risks to human health or the Environment when used or disposed of;

 

(e)                                protecting resources, species, or ecological amenities;

 

(f)                                  reducing to acceptable levels the risks inherent in the transportation of hazardous substances, pollutants, oil, or other potentially harmful substances;

 

(g)                               cleaning up pollutants that have been released, preventing the threat of release, or paying the costs of such clean up or prevention; or

 

(h)                               making responsible parties pay private parties, or groups of them, for damages done to their health or the Environment, or permitting self-appointed representatives of the public interest to recover for injuries done to public assets.

 

 

“Facilities”any real property, leaseholds, or other interests currently or formerly owned or operated by the Company and any buildings, plants, structures, or equipment currently or formerly owned or operated by the Company.

 

“GAAP”generally accepted United States accounting principles, applied on a basis consistent with the basis on which the Balance Sheet and the other financial statements referred to in Section 3.4 were prepared.

 

“Governmental Authorization”any approval, consent, license, permit, waiver, or other authorization issued, granted, given, or otherwise made available by or under the authority of any Governmental Body or pursuant to any Legal Requirement.

 

“Governmental Body”any:

 

(a)           nation, state, county, city, town, village, district, or other jurisdiction of any nature;

 

(b)           federal, state, local, municipal, foreign, or other government;

 

3



 

(c)                                governmental or quasi-governmental authority of any nature (including any governmental agency, branch, department, official, or entity and any court or other tribunal);

 

(d)           multi-national organization or body; or

 

(e)                                body exercising, or entitled to exercise, any administrative, executive, judicial, legislative, police, regulatory, or taxing authority or power of any nature.

 

“Hazardous Activity”the distribution, generation, handling, importing, management, manufacturing, processing, production, refinement, Release, storage, transfer, transportation, treatment, or use (including any withdrawal or other use of groundwater) of Hazardous Materials in, on, under, about, or from the Facilities or any part thereof into the Environment, and any other act, business, operation, or thing that increases the danger, or risk of danger, or poses an unreasonable risk of harm to persons or property on or off the Facilities, or that may affect the value of the Facilities or the Company.

 

“Hazardous Materials”any waste or other substance that is listed, defined, designated, or classified as, or otherwise determined to be, hazardous, radioactive, or toxic or a pollutant or a contaminant under or pursuant to any Environmental Law, including any admixture or solution thereof, and specifically including petroleum and all derivatives thereof or synthetic substitutes therefor and asbestos or asbestos-containing materials.

 

“Intellectual Property Assets”—as defined in Section 3.22.

 

“Knowledge”an individual will be deemed to have “Knowledge” of a particular fact or other matter if:

 

(a)           such individual is actually aware of such fact or other matter; or

 

(b)                               a prudent individual could be expected to discover or otherwise become aware of such fact or other matter in the course of conducting a reasonably comprehensive investigation concerning the existence of such fact or other matter.

 

A Person (other than an individual) will be deemed to have “Knowledge” of a particular fact or other matter if any individual who is serving, or who has at any time served, as a director, officer, partner, executor, or trustee of such Person (or in any similar capacity) has, or at any time had, Knowledge of such fact or other matter.

 

“Legal Requirement”any federal, state, local, municipal, foreign, international, multinational, or other administrative order, constitution, law, ordinance, principle of common law, regulation, statute, or treaty.

 

“Non-Competition Agreement”as defined in Section 2.4(a)(ii).

 

4



 

“Occupational Safety and Health Law”any Legal Requirement designed to provide safe and healthful working conditions and to reduce occupational safety and health hazards, and any program, whether governmental or private (including those promulgated or sponsored by industry associations and insurance companies), designed to provide safe and healthful working conditions.

 

“Order”any award, decision, injunction, judgment, order, ruling, subpoena, or verdict entered, issued, made, or rendered by any court, administrative agency, or other Governmental Body or by any arbitrator.

 

“Ordinary Course of Business”an action taken by a Person will be deemed to have been taken in the “Ordinary Course of Business” only if:

 

(a)                                such action is consistent with the past practices of such Person and is taken in the ordinary course of the normal day-to-day operations of such Person;

 

(b)                               such action is not required to be authorized by the board of directors of such Person (or by any Person or group of Persons exercising similar authority) [and is not required to be specifically authorized by the parent company (if any) of such Person]; and

 

(c)                                such action is similar in nature and magnitude to actions customarily taken, without any authorization by the board of directors (or by any Person or group of Persons exercising similar authority), in the ordinary course of the normal day-to-day operations of other Persons that are in the same line of business as such Person.

 

“Organizational Documents”(a) the articles or certificate of incorporation and the bylaws of the Company; (b) the minute book and stock transfer records of the Company; and (c) any amendment to any of the foregoing.

 

“Person”any individual, corporation (including any non-profit corporation), general or limited partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, estate, trust, association, organization, labor union, or other entity or Governmental Body.

 

“Proceeding”any action, arbitration, audit, hearing, investigation, litigation, or suit (whether civil, criminal, administrative, investigative, or informal) commenced, brought, conducted, or heard by or before, or otherwise involving, any Governmental Body or arbitrator.

 

“Related Person”with respect to a particular individual:

 

(a)                                each other member of such individual’s Family;

 

(b)                               any Person that is directly or indirectly controlled by such individual or one or more members of such individual’s Family;

 

(c)                                any Person in which such individual or members of such individual’s Family hold

 

5



 

(individually or in the aggregate) a Material Interest; and

 

(d)                               any Person with respect to which such individual or one or more members of such individual’s Family serves as a director, officer, partner, executor, or trustee (or in a similar capacity).

 

With respect to a specified Person other than an individual:

 

(a)                                any Person that directly or indirectly controls, is directly or indirectly controlled by, or is directly or indirectly under common control with such specified Person;

 

(b)                               any Person that holds a Material Interest in such specified Person;

 

(c)                                each Person that serves as a director, officer, partner, executor, or trustee of such specified Person (or in a similar capacity);

 

(d)                               any Person in which such specified Person holds a Material Interest;

 

(e)                                any Person with respect to which such specified Person serves as a general partner or a trustee (or in a similar capacity); and

 

(f)                                  any Related Person of any individual described in clause (b) or (c).

 

For purposes of this definition, (a) the “Family” of an individual includes (i) the individual, (ii) the individual’s spouse, (iii) any other natural person who is related to the individual or the individual’s spouse within the second degree, and (iv) any other natural person who resides with such individual, and (b) “Material Interest” means direct or indirect beneficial ownership (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) of voting securities or other voting interests representing at least 1% of the outstanding voting power of a Person or equity securities or other equity interests representing at least 1% of the outstanding equity securities or equity interests in a Person.

 

“Release”any spilling, leaking, emitting, discharging, depositing, escaping, leaching, dumping, or other releasing into the Environment, whether intentional or unintentional.

 

“Representative”with respect to a particular Person, any director, officer, employee, agent, consultant, advisor, or other representative of such Person, including legal counsel, accountants, and financial advisors.

 

“Securities Act”the Securities Act of 1933 or any successor law, and regulations and rules issued pursuant to that Act or any successor law.

 

“Seller”as defined in the first paragraph of this Agreement.

 

“Shares”as defined in the Recitals of this Agreement.

 

6



 

“Subsidiary”with respect to any Person (the “Owner”), any corporation or other Person of which securities or other interests having the power to elect a majority of that corporation’s or other Person’s board of directors or similar governing body, or otherwise having the power to direct the business and policies of that corporation or other Person (other than securities or other interests having such power only upon the happening of a contingency that has not occurred) are held by the Owner or one or more of its Subsidiaries; when used without reference to a particular Person, “Subsidiary” means a Subsidiary of the Company.

 

“Tax Return”any return (including any information return), report, statement, schedule, notice, form, or other document or information filed with or submitted to, or required to be filed with or submitted to, any Governmental Body in connection with the determination, assessment,  collection, or payment of any Tax or in connection with the administration, implementation, or enforcement of or compliance with any Legal Requirement relating to any Tax.

 

“Threat of Release”a substantial likelihood of a Release that may require action in order to prevent or mitigate damage to the Environment that may result from such Release.

 

“Threatened”a claim, Proceeding, dispute, action, or other matter will be deemed to have been “Threatened” if any demand or statement has been made (orally or in writing) or any notice has been given (orally or in writing), or if any other event has occurred or any other circumstances exist, that would lead a prudent Person to conclude that such a claim, Proceeding, dispute, action, or other matter is likely to be asserted, commenced, taken, or otherwise pursued in the future.

 

2.        SALE AND TRANSFER OF SHARES; CLOSING

 

2.1.          SHARES

 

Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, at the Closing, Seller will sell and transfer the Shares to Buyer, and Buyer will purchase the Shares from Seller.

 

2.2.          PURCHASE PRICE

 

The purchase price (the “Purchase Price”) for the Shares will be (i) $650,000 in cash and (ii) $1,200,000 payable according to the terms of the Promissory Note attached hereto as Exhibit 2.2 (the “Promissory Note”).

 

2.3.          CLOSING

 

For all purposes, under this Agreement, the “Closing” or “Closing Date” shall be June 27, 2002.

 

2.4.          CLOSING OBLIGATIONS

 

At the Closing:

 

7



 

(a)       Seller will deliver to Buyer:

 

(i)            certificates representing the Shares, duly endorsed (or accompanied by duly executed stock powers) for transfer to Buyer;

 

(ii)           non-competition agreement in the form of Exhibit 2.4(a)(ii), executed by Seller (the “Non-Competition Agreement”);

 

(iii)          originals or copies of all of the Organizational Documents; and

 

(iv)          a Certificate of Good Standing for the Company issued by the appropriate governing body in Mexico.

 

(b)       Buyer will deliver to Seller:

 

(i)                                     $650,000 by wire transfer to accounts specified by Seller;

 

(ii)                                  the Promissory Note; payable to Seller or Seller’s assignee and

 

(iii)                             126,815 Nortech Shares, to be delivered to Seller or Seller’s assignee, as hereinafter set forth in paragraphs 2.5 and 2.6 below.

 

2.5.      STOCK DELIVERY / NOTE PAYMENT SCHEDULE

 

Buyer will deliver the Nortech shares to Seller as follows:

 

(i)                                     25% of the shares (31,704 shares) or or before December 27, 2002;

 

(ii)                                  25% of the shares (31,704  shares) or or before June 27, 2003;

 

(iii)                               25% of the shares (31,704  shares) or or before December 27, 2003;

 

(iv)                              25% of the shares (31,703 shares) or or before June 27, 2004.

 

2.6.      PRICE GUARANTEE

 

Buyer hereby guarantees (the “Price Guarantee”) that the Nortech Shares held by Seller as security for payment of the Promissory Note will reach a price per share of at least $7.00 based on the average closing price of the Nortech Shares for a four-week period during each of the four six-month periods commencing on the date such Shares are transferred to Seller.  If the price per share reaches or exceeds the $7.00 guaranteed price for such four-week period during any such six-month period, the Price Guarantee shall be deemed to have been fulfilled for such six-month period and shall thereupon become null and void for such six-month period.  If the price should fail to reach or exceed the $7.00 guaranteed price for such four-week period during any such six-month period, Buyer shall, within thirty days after the end of such six-

 

8



 

month period, repurchase such shares at the $7.00 guaranteed price.  All proceeds received by Seller from the sale of the Nortech Shares and all amounts paid by Buyer to repurchase Nortech Shares shall be credited against amounts owing under the Promissory Note.

 

3.        REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER

 

Seller jointly and severally represents and warrants to Buyer as follows:

 

3.1.      ORGANIZATION AND GOOD STANDING

 

The Company is a corporation duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation, with full corporate power and authority to conduct its business as it is now being conducted, to own or use the properties and assets that it purports to own or use, and to perform all its obligations under Applicable Contracts. The Company is duly qualified to do business as a corporation and is in good standing under the laws of each state or other jurisdiction in which either the ownership or use of the properties owned or used by it, or the nature of the activities conducted by it, requires such qualification.

 

3.2.      AUTHORITY; NO CONFLICT

 

(a)       This Agreement constitutes the legal, valid, and binding obligation of Seller, enforceable against Seller in accordance with its terms. Upon the execution and delivery by Seller of this Agreement, the Escrow Agreement and the Non-Competition Agreement (collectively, the “Seller’s Closing Documents”), the Seller’s Closing Documents will constitute the legal, valid, and binding obligations of Seller, enforceable against Seller in accordance with their respective terms. Seller has the absolute and unrestricted right, power, authority, and capacity to execute and deliver the Seller’s Closing Documents and to perform its obligations under the Seller’s Closing Documents.

 

(b)       Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the consummation or performance of any of the Contemplated Transactions will, directly or indirectly (with or without notice or lapse of time):

 

(i)            contravene, conflict with, or result in a violation of (A) any provision of the Organizational Documents of the Company, or (B) any resolution adopted by the board of directors or the stockholders of the Company;

 

(ii)           contravene, conflict with, or result in a violation of, or give any Governmental Body or other Person the right to challenge any of the Contemplated Transactions or to exercise any remedy or obtain any relief under, any Legal Requirement or any Order to which the Company or either Seller, or any of the assets owned or used by the Company, may be subject;

 

(iii)          contravene, conflict with, or result in a violation of any of the

 

9



 

terms or requirements of, or give any Governmental Body the right to revoke, withdraw, suspend, cancel, terminate, or modify, any Governmental Authorization that is held by the Company or that otherwise relates to the business of, or any of the assets owned or used by, the Company;

 

(iv)          cause Buyer or the Company to become subject to, or to become liable for the payment of, any income Tax;

 

(v)           to the best of Seller’s knowledge cause any of the assets owned by the Company to be reassessed or revalued by any taxing authority or other Governmental Body;

 

(vi)          contravene, conflict with, or result in a violation or breach of any provision of, or give any Person the right to declare a default or exercise any remedy under, or to accelerate the maturity or performance of, or to cancel, terminate, or modify, any Applicable Contract; or

 

(vii)         result in the imposition or creation of any Encumbrance upon or with respect to any of the assets owned or used by the Company, except as otherwise set forth herein.

 

Neither the Seller nor the Company is or will be required to give any notice to or obtain any Consent from any Person in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the consummation or performance of any of the Contemplated Transactions, except for the consents set forth in Sections 5.1 and 7.3 herein.

 

3.3.      CAPITALIZATION

 

The authorized equity securities of the Company consist of 3,000 shares of common stock, par value 1.00 peso per share, of which 3,000 shares are issued and outstanding and constitute the Shares. Seller is and will be on the Closing Date the record and beneficial owners and holder of the Shares, free and clear of all Encumbrances.  With the exception of the Shares (which are owned by Seller), all of the outstanding equity securities and other securities of the Company are owned of record and beneficially by the Company, free and clear of all Encumbrances. No legend or other reference to any purported Encumbrance appears upon any certificate representing equity securities of the Company. All of the outstanding equity securities of the Company have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable. There are no Contracts relating to the issuance, sale, or transfer of any equity securities or other securities of the Company. None of the outstanding equity securities or other securities of the Company was issued in violation of the Securities Act or any other Legal Requirement.  The Company does not own, or have any Contract to acquire, any equity securities or other securities of any Person (other than the Company) or any direct or indirect equity or ownership interest in any other business.

 

10



 

3.4.          FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 Seller has delivered to Buyer: unaudited balance sheets of the Company and the related unaudited statements of income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flow for the year 2001 (the “Financial Statements”).  The Financial Statements fairly present the financial condition and the results of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flow of the Company as at the respective dates of and for the periods referred to in such Financial Statements, all in accordance with GAAP, and reflect the consistent application of such accounting principles throughout the periods involved. No financial statements of any Person other than the Company are required by GAAP to be included in the Financial Statements of the Company.  The shareholders’ equity of the Company as of the date of Closing shall be 10% less than the shareholders’ equity as reflected on the latest Financial Statements (in both cases, after eliminating the amount payable by the Company to Seller).

 

3.5.          BOOKS AND RECORDS

 

The books of account, minute books, stock record books, and other records of the Company, all of which have been made available to Buyer, are complete and correct and have been maintained in accordance with sound business practices, including the maintenance of an adequate system of internal controls. The minute books of the Company contain accurate and complete records of all meetings held of, and corporate action taken by, the stockholders, the Board of Directors, and committees of the Board of Directors of the Company, and no official meeting of any such stockholders, Board of Directors, or committee has been held for which minutes have not been prepared and are not contained in such minute books. At the Closing, all of those books and records will be in the possession of the Company.  Seller shall be provided periodic access to the books and records of the company upon reasonable request after closing to fulfill Seller’s tax, accounting and other reporting needs.

 

3.6.          TITLE TO PROPERTIES; ENCUMBRANCES

 

The Company owns (with good and marketable title in the case of real property, subject only to the matters permitted by the following sentence) all the properties and assets (whether real, personal, or mixed and whether tangible or intangible) that they purport to own, including all of the properties and assets reflected in the Financial Statements (except for assets held under capitalized leases disclosed or sold since the date of the latest Financial Statements, in the Ordinary Course of Business), and all of the properties and assets purchased or otherwise acquired by the Company since the date of the latest Financial Statements (except for personal property acquired and sold since the date of the latest Financial Statements in the Ordinary Course of Business and consistent with past practice).  All material properties and assets reflected in the Financial Statements are free and clear of all Encumbrances and are not, in the case of real property, subject to any rights of way, building use restrictions, exceptions, variances, reservations, or limitations of any nature except, with respect to all such properties and assets, (a) mortgages or security interests shown on the Financial Statements as securing specified liabilities or obligations, with respect to which no default (or event that, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default) exists, (b) mortgages or security interests incurred in connection with the purchase of property or assets after the date of the Financial

 

11



 

Statements (such mortgages and security interests being limited to the property or assets so acquired), with respect to which no default (or event that, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default) exists, and (c) liens for current taxes not yet due.

 

3.7.          CONDITION AND SUFFICIENCY OF ASSETS

 

To the best of Seller’s knowledge, information and belief, the property and equipment of the Company are in good operating condition and repair, and are adequate for the uses to which they are being put, and none of such property or equipment is in need of maintenance or repairs except for ordinary, routine maintenance and repairs that are not material in nature or cost. The property and equipment of the Company are sufficient for the continued conduct of the Company’s existing business after the Closing in substantially the same manner as conducted prior to the Closing.  The assets as of the Closing Date shall be at least equal to the assets set forth on the Balance Sheet, less normal customary depreciation from the date of the Balance Sheet until the Closing Date.

 

3.8.                              ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

 

All accounts receivable of the Company that are reflected on the Financial Statements (collectively, the “Accounts Receivable”) represent or will represent valid obligations arising from sales actually made or services actually performed in the Ordinary Course of Business.  Unless paid prior to the Closing Date, the Accounts Receivable are or will be as of the Closing Date current and collectible net of the respective reserves shown on the Financial Statements or on the accounting records of the Company as of the Closing Date (which reserves are adequate and calculated consistent with past practice and, in the case of the reserve as of the Closing Date, will not represent a greater percentage of the Accounts Receivable as of the Closing Date than the reserve reflected in the Financial Statements represented of the Accounts Receivable reflected therein and will not represent a material adverse change in the composition of such Accounts Receivable in terms of aging). There is no contest, claim, or right of set-off, other than returns in the Ordinary Course of Business, under any Contract with any obligor of an Accounts Receivable relating to the amount or validity of such Accounts Receivable.

 

3.9.          INVENTORY

 

All inventory of the Company consists of a quality and quantity usable and salable in the Ordinary Course of Business, except for obsolete items and items of below-standard quality, all of which have been written off or written down to net realizable value in the Financial Statements or on the accounting records of the Company as of the Closing Date, as the case may be. All inventories not written off have been priced at the lower of cost or market on a first in, first out basis.

 

3.10.        NO UNDISCLOSED LIABILITIES

 

The Company has no material liabilities or obligations of any nature (whether known or unknown and whether absolute, accrued, contingent, or otherwise) except for liabilities or

 

12



 

obligations set forth or reflected or reserved against in the Financial Statements and current liabilities incurred in the Ordinary Course of Business since the date thereof.

 

3.11.     TAXES

 

The Company has filed or caused to be filed all Tax Returns that are or were required to be filed, pursuant to applicable Legal Requirements. Seller has delivered to Buyer copies of all such Tax Returns filed since the inception of the company. The Company has paid, or made provision for the payment of, all Taxes that have or may have become due pursuant to those Tax Returns or otherwise, or pursuant to any assessment received by Seller or the Company.

 

3.12.     NO MATERIAL ADVERSE CHANGE

 

To the best of Seller’s knowledge, information and belief, since the date of the latest Financial Statements there has not been any material adverse change in the business, operations, properties, prospects, assets, or condition of the Company, and no event has occurred or circumstance exists that may result in such a material adverse change.

 

3.13.     EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

 

(a)       As used in this Section 3.13, the following terms have the meanings set forth below.

 

“Company Plan” means all plans of which the Company is or was a sponsor, or to which the Company otherwise contributes or has contributed, or in which the Company otherwise participates or has participated.

 

“Other Benefit Obligations” means all obligations, arrangements, or customary practices, whether or not legally enforceable, to provide benefits, other than salary, as compensation for services rendered, to present or former directors, employees, or agents, other than obligations, arrangements, and practices that are Plans.

 

(d)       Except as set forth in Exhibit 3.13, to the best of Seller’s knowledge, information and belief:

 

(i)            The Company has performed all of its obligations under all Company Plans. The Company has made appropriate entries in its financial records and statements for all obligations and liabilities under such Plans and Obligations that have accrued but are not due.

 

(ii)           The Company, with respect to all Company Plans, is, and each Company Plan is, in full compliance with all applicable Laws.

 

(iii)          Each Company Plan can be terminated within thirty days, without payment of any additional contribution or amount and without the vesting or

 

13



 

acceleration of any benefits promised by such Plan.

 

(iv)          Since January 1, 1999, there has been no establishment or amendment of any Company Plan.

 

(v)           No event has occurred or circumstance exists that could result in a material increase in premium costs of Company Plans that are insured, or a material increase in benefit costs of such Plans and Obligations that are self-insured.

 

(vi)          Other than claims for benefits submitted by participants or beneficiaries, no claim against, or legal proceeding involving, any Company Plan is pending or, to Seller’s Knowledge, is Threatened.

 

(vii)         No accumulated funding deficiency, whether or not waived, exists with respect to any Company Plan; no event has occurred or circumstance exists that may result in an accumulated funding deficiency as of the last day of the current plan year of any such Plan.

 

 

3.14.     COMPLIANCE WITH LEGAL REQUIREMENTS; GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORIZATIONS

 

Except as set forth in Exhibit 3.14, to the best of Seller’s knowledge, information and belief:

 

(i) the Company is, and at all times since January 1, 1999 has been, in full compliance with each Legal Requirement that is or was applicable to it or to the conduct or operation of its business or the ownership or use of any of its assets;

 

(ii) no event has occurred or circumstance exists that (with or without notice or lapse of time) (A) may constitute or result in a violation by the Company of, or a failure on the part of the Company to comply with, any Legal Requirement, or (B) may give rise to any obligation on the part of the Company to undertake, or to bear all or any portion of the cost of, any remedial action of any nature; and

 

(iii) the Company has not received, at any time since January 1, 1999, any notice or other communication (whether oral or written) from any Governmental Body or any other Person regarding (A) any actual, alleged, possible, or potential violation of, or failure to comply with, any Legal Requirement, or (B) any actual, alleged, possible, or potential obligation on the part of the Company to undertake, or to bear all or any portion of the cost of, any remedial action of any nature.

 

14



 

3.15.     LEGAL PROCEEDINGS; ORDERS

 

(a)       Except as set forth in Exhibit 3.15, there is no pending Proceeding:

 

(i)            that has been commenced by or against the Company or that otherwise relates to or may affect the business of, or any of the assets owned or used by, the Company; or

 

(ii)           that challenges, or that may have the effect of preventing, delaying, making illegal, or otherwise interfering with, any of the Contemplated Transactions.

 

To the Knowledge of Seller and the Company, (1) no such Proceeding has been Threatened, and (2) no event has occurred or circumstance exists that may give rise to or serve as a basis for the commencement of any such Proceeding. Seller has delivered to Buyer copies of all pleadings, correspondence, and other documents relating to each Proceeding listed in Exhibit 3.15.  The Proceedings listed in Exhibit 3.15 will not have a material adverse effect on the business, operations, assets, condition, or prospects of the Company.

 

(b)       Except as set forth in Exhibit 3.15:

 

(i)            there is no Order to which the Company, or any of the assets owned or used by the Company, is subject;

 

(ii)           neither Seller is subject to any Order that relates to the business of, or any of the assets owned or used by, the Company; and

 

(iii)          no officer, director, agent, or employee of the Company is subject to any Order that prohibits such officer, director, agent, or employee from engaging in or continuing any conduct, activity, or practice relating to the business of the Company.

 

(c)       Except as set forth in Exhibit 3.15:

 

(i)            the Company is, and at all times since January 1, 1999 has been, in full compliance with all of the terms and requirements of each Order to which it, or any of the assets owned or used by it, is or has been subject;

 

(ii)           no event has occurred or circumstance exists that may constitute or result in (with or without notice or lapse of time) a violation of or failure to comply with any term or requirement of any Order to which the Company, or any of the assets owned or used by the Company, is subject; and

 

(iii)          the Company has not received, at any time since January 1, 1999, any notice or other communication (whether oral or written) from any Governmental Body or any other Person regarding any actual, alleged, possible, or

 

15



 

potential violation of, or failure to comply with, any term or requirement of any Order to which the Company, or any of the assets owned or used by the Company, is or has been subject.

 

3.16.     ABSENCE OF CERTAIN CHANGES AND EVENTS

 

Except as set forth in Exhibit 3.16, to the best of Seller’s knowledge, information and belief, since the date of the latest Financial Statements, the Company has conducted its business only in the Ordinary Course of Business and there has not been any:

 

(a)           change in the Company’s authorized or issued capital stock; grant of any stock option or right to purchase shares of capital stock of the Company; issuance of any security convertible into such capital stock; grant of any registration rights; purchase, redemption, retirement, or other acquisition by the Company of any shares of any such capital stock; or declaration or payment of any dividend or other distribution or payment in respect of shares of capital stock;

 

(b)           amendment to the Organizational Documents of the Company;

 

(c)           payment or increase by the Company of any bonuses, salaries, or other compensation to any stockholder, director, officer, or (except in the Ordinary Course of Business) employee or entry into any employment, severance, or similar Contract with any director, officer, or employee;

 

(d)           adoption of, or increase in the payments to or benefits under, any profit sharing, bonus, deferred compensation, savings, insurance, pension, retirement, or other employee benefit plan for or with any employees of the Company;

 

(e)           damage to or destruction or loss of any asset or property of the Company, whether or not covered by insurance, materially and adversely affecting the properties, assets, business, financial condition, or prospects of the Company;

 

(f)            entry into, termination of, or receipt of notice of termination of (i) any license, distributorship, dealer,  credit, or similar agreement, or (ii) any Contract or transaction involving a total remaining commitment by or to the Company of at least $5,000;

 

(g)           sale (other than sales of inventory in the Ordinary Course of Business), lease, or other disposition of any asset or property of the Company or mortgage, pledge, or imposition of any lien or other encumbrance on any material asset or property of the Company, including the sale, lease, or other disposition of any of the Intellectual Property Assets;

 

(h)           material change in the accounting methods used by the Company; or

 

(i)            agreement, whether oral or written, by the Company to do any of the foregoing.

 

16



 

3.17.     CONTRACTS; NO DEFAULTS

 

(a)       Exhibit 3.17 contains a complete and accurate list, and Seller has delivered to Buyer true and complete copies, of:

 

(i) each Applicable Contract that involves performance of services or delivery of goods or materials by the Company of an amount or value in excess of $5,000;

 

(ii) each Applicable Contract that involves performance of services or delivery of goods or materials to the Company of an amount or value in excess of $5,000;

 

(iii)  each Applicable Contract that was not entered into in the Ordinary Course of Business and that involves expenditures or receipts of the Company in excess of $5,000;

 

(iv)  each lease, rental or occupancy agreement, license, installment and conditional sale agreement, and other Applicable Contract affecting the ownership of, leasing of, title to, use of, or any leasehold or other interest in, any real or personal property (except personal property leases and installment and conditional sales agreements having a value per item or aggregate payments of less than $5,000 and with terms of less than one year);

 

(v)           each licensing agreement or other Applicable Contract with respect to trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual property, including agreements with current or former employees, consultants, or contractors regarding the appropriation or the non-disclosure of any of the Intellectual Property Assets;

 

(vi)          each collective bargaining agreement and other Applicable Contract to or with any labor union or other employee representative of a group of employees;

 

(vii)         each joint venture, partnership, and other Applicable Contract (however named) involving a sharing of profits, losses, costs, or liabilities by the Company with any other Person;

 

(viii)        each Applicable Contract containing covenants that in any way purport to restrict the business activity of the Company or limit the freedom of the Company to engage in any line of business or to compete with any Person;

 

(ix)           each Applicable Contract providing for payments to or by any Person based on sales, purchases, or profits, other than direct payments for goods;

 

(x)            each power of attorney that is currently effective and outstanding;

 

17



 

(xi)      each Applicable Contract entered into other than in the Ordinary Course of Business that contains or provides for an express undertaking by the Company to be responsible for consequential damages;

 

(xii)      each Applicable Contract for capital expenditures in excess of $10,000.00;

 

(xiii)     each written warranty, guaranty, and or other similar undertaking with respect to contractual performance extended by the Company other than in the Ordinary Course of Business; and

 

(xiv)     each amendment, supplement, and modification (whether oral or written) in respect of any of the foregoing.

 

3.18.     INSURANCE

 

(a)           Seller has delivered to Buyer:

 

(i)       true and complete copies of all policies of insurance to which the Company is a party or under which the Company, or any director of the Company, is or has been covered at any time within the two (2) years preceding the date of this Agreement;

 

(ii)       true and complete copies of all pending applications for policies of insurance; and

 

(iii)      any statement by the auditor of the Company’s financial statements with regard to the adequacy of such entity’s coverage or of the reserves for claims.

 

(b)       Except as set forth on Exhibit 3.18(b), to the best of Seller’s knowledge, information and belief:

 

(i)       All policies to which the Company is a party or that provide coverage to either Seller, the Company, or any director or officer of the Company:

 

(A)  are valid, outstanding, and enforceable;

 

(B)  are issued by an insurer that is financially sound and reputable;

 

(C) are sufficient for compliance with all Legal Requirements and Contracts to which Company is a party or by which any of them is bound;

 

18



 

(D) will continue in full force and effect following the consummation of the Contemplated Transactions; and

 

(E) do not provide for any retrospective premium adjustment or other experienced-based liability on the part of the Company.

 

(ii)       Seller or the Company has not received (A) any refusal of coverage or any notice that a defense will be afforded with reservation of rights, or (B) any notice of cancellation or any other indication that any insurance policy is no longer in full force or effect or will not be renewed or that the issuer of any policy is not willing or able to perform its obligations thereunder.

 

(iii)      The Company has paid all premiums due, and has otherwise performed all of its respective obligations, under each policy to which the Company is a party or that provides coverage to the Company or any director thereof.

 

(iv)      The Company has given notice to the insurer of all claims that may be insured thereby.

 

3.19.     ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

 

Except as set forth in Exhibit 3.19:

 

(a)       The Company is, and at all times has been, in full compliance with, and has not been and is not in violation of or liable under, any Environmental Law.

 

(b)       There are no pending or, to the Knowledge of Seller and the Company, Threatened claims, Encumbrances, or other restrictions of any nature, resulting from any Environmental, Health, and Safety Liabilities or arising under or pursuant to any Environmental Law, with respect to or affecting any of the Facilities or any other properties and assets in which Seller or the Company has or had an interest.

 

3.20.     EMPLOYEES

 

(a)       Exhibit 3.20(a) contains a complete and accurate list of the following information for each home office employee or director of the Company, including each employee on leave of absence or layoff status: name; job title; current compensation paid or payable and any change in compensation since January 1, 2002. All of the employees referred to in Exhibit 3.20(a) are parties to a written employment contract with the Company.

 

(b)       Except as set forth in Exhibit 3.20(b), no employee or director of the Company is a party to, or is otherwise bound by, any agreement or arrangement, including any confidentiality, non-competition, or proprietary rights agreement, between such employee or director and any

 

19



 

other Person (“Proprietary Rights Agreement”) that in any way adversely affects or will affect (i) the performance of his duties as an employee or director of the Company, or (ii) the ability of any Company to conduct its business, including any Proprietary Rights Agreement with Seller or the Company by any such employee or director.  To Seller’s Knowledge, no director, officer, or other key employee of the Company intends to terminate his employment with such Company.

 

(c)           Exhibit 3.20(c) contains a complete and accurate list of the following information for each retired employee or director of the Company, or their dependents, receiving benefits or scheduled to receive benefits in the future: name, retiree medical insurance coverage, retiree life insurance coverage, and other benefits.

 

3.21.     LABOR RELATIONS; COMPLIANCE

 

It is understood between the parties that all of the non-management employees of the company are members of a local white union and that all such employees have written employment contracts with the company.  With the exception of such contracts, since January 1, 1999, the Company has not been or is not a party to any collective bargaining or other labor Contract. Since January 1, 1999, there has not been, there is not presently pending or existing, and there is not Threatened, (a) any strike, slowdown, picketing, work stoppage, or employee grievance process, (b) any Proceeding against or affecting the Company relating to the alleged violation of any Legal Requirement pertaining to labor relations or employment matters, including any charge or complaint filed by an employee or union with the National Labor Relations Board, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or any comparable Governmental Body, organizational activity, or other labor or employment dispute against or affecting the Company or its premises, or (c) any application for certification of a collective bargaining agent. To the best of Seller’s knowledge, information and belief no event has occurred or circumstance exists that could provide the basis for any work stoppage or other labor dispute. There is no lockout of any employees by the Company, and no such action is contemplated by the Company. To the best of Seller’s knowledge, information and belief the Company has complied in all respects with all Legal Requirements relating to employment, equal employment opportunity, nondiscrimination, immigration, wages, hours, benefits, collective bargaining, the payment of social security and similar taxes, occupational safety and health, and plant closing. The Company is not liable for the payment of any compensation, damages, taxes, fines, penalties, or other amounts, however designated, for failure to comply with any of the foregoing Legal Requirements.

 

3.22.     INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

 

(a)                                                                                  Intellectual Property Assets  - The term “Intellectual Property Assets” includes:

 

(i)                                   the names Manufacturing Assembly Solutions of Monterey, and MAS of Monterey, all fictional business names, trading names, registered and unregistered trademarks, service marks, and applications (collectively, “Marks”);

 

20



 

(ii)                                all copyrights in both published works and unpublished works (collectively, “Copyrights”);

 

(iii)                               all know-how, trade secrets, confidential information, customer lists, software, technical information data, process technology, plans, drawings, and blue prints (collectively, “Trade Secrets”); owned, used, or licensed by the Company as licensee or licensor; and (iv) all rights in internet web sites and internet domain names presently used by the Company.

 

(b)       Agreements — Exhibit 3.22(b) contains a complete and accurate list and summary description, including any royalties paid or received by the Company, of all Contracts relating to the Intellectual Property Assets to which the Company is a party or by which the Company is bound.  There are no outstanding and, to Seller’s Knowledge, no Threatened disputes or disagreements with respect to any such agreement.

 

(c)       Know-How Necessary for the Business

 

(i)            The Intellectual Property Assets are all those necessary for the operation of the Company’s businesses as they are currently conducted. The Company is the owner of all right, title, and interest in and to each of the Intellectual Property Assets, free and clear of all liens, security interests, charges, encumbrances, equities, and other adverse claims, and has the right to use without payment to a third party all of the Intellectual Property Assets.

 

(d)       Trademarks

 

(i)            Exhibit 3.22(d) contains a complete and accurate list and summary description of all Marks. The Company is the owner of all right, title, and interest in and to each of the Marks, free and clear of all liens, security interests, charges, encumbrances, equities, and other adverse claims.

 

(ii)           All Marks are currently in compliance with all formal Legal Requirements (including the timely post registration filing of affidavits of use and incontestability and renewal applications), are valid and enforceable, and are not subject to any maintenance fees or taxes or actions falling due within ninety days after the Closing Date.

 

(iii)          No Mark has been or is now involved in any opposition, invalidation, or cancellation and, to Seller’s Knowledge, no such action is Threatened with the respect to any of the Marks.

 

(iv)          To Seller’s Knowledge, there is no potentially interfering trademark or trademark application of any third party.

 

(v)           No Mark is infringed or, to Seller’s Knowledge, has been challenged or threatened in any way.  None of the Marks used by the Company infringes or is alleged to

 

21



 

infringe any trade name, trademark, or service mark of any third party.

 

(e)       Copyrights

 

(i)            Exhibit 3.22(e) contains a complete and accurate list and summary description of all Copyrights.  The Company is the owner of all right, title, and interest in and to each of the Copyrights, free and clear of all liens, security interests, charges, encumbrances, equities, and other adverse claims.

 

(ii)           All the Copyrights have been registered and are currently in compliance with formal legal requirements, are valid and enforceable, and are not subject to any maintenance fees or taxes or actions falling due within ninety days after the date of Closing.

 

(iii)          No Copyright is infringed or, to Seller’s Knowledge, has been challenged or threatened in any way.  None of the subject matter of any of the Copyrights infringes or is alleged to infringe any copyright of any third party or is a derivative work based on the work of a third party.

 

(iv)          All works encompassed by the Copyrights have been marked with the proper copyright notice.

 

(f)       Trade Secrets

 

(i)            With respect to each Trade Secret, the documentation relating to such Trade Secret is current, accurate, and sufficient in detail and content to identify and explain it and to allow its full and proper use without reliance on the knowledge or memory of any individual.

 

(ii)           Seller and the Company have taken all reasonable precautions to protect the secrecy, confidentiality, and value of their Trade Secrets.

 

(iii)          The Company has good title and an absolute (but not necessarily exclusive) right to use the Trade Secrets.  The Trade Secrets are not part of the public knowledge or literature, and, to Seller’s Knowledge, have not been used, divulged, or appropriated either for the benefit of any Person (other than the Company) or to the detriment of the Company.  No Trade Secret is subject to any adverse claim or has been challenged or threatened in any way.

 

3.23.     DISCLOSURE

 

(a)       No representation or warranty of Seller in this Agreement omits to state a material fact necessary to make the statements herein or therein, in light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading.

 

22



 

(b)           No notice given pursuant to Section 5.6 will contain any untrue statement or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein or in this Agreement, in light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading.

 

(c)           There is no fact known to Seller that has specific application to Seller or the Company and that materially adversely affects the assets, business, prospects, financial condition, or results of operations of the Company that has not been set forth in this Agreement.

 

(d)           All parties acknowledge their respective understanding that Seller’s representations hereunder are based upon Seller’s good faith reliance upon the statements and representations of Thomas Hansing relating to the organization of the company and the company’s business operations.

 

3.24.        BROKERS OR FINDERS

 

Seller and its agents have incurred no obligation or liability, contingent or otherwise, for brokerage or finders’ fees or agents’ commissions or other similar payment in connection with this Agreement.

 

4.        REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER

 

Buyer represents and warrants to Seller as follows:

 

4.1.      ORGANIZATION AND GOOD STANDING

 

Buyer is a corporation duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the State of Minnesota.

 

4.2.      AUTHORITY; NO CONFLICT

 

(a)       This Agreement constitutes the legal, valid, and binding obligation of Buyer, enforceable against Buyer in accordance with its terms. Upon the execution and delivery by Buyer of this Agreement, the Escrow Agreement and the Non-Competition Agreement (collectively, the “Buyer’s Closing Documents”), the Buyer’s Closing Documents will constitute the legal, valid, and binding obligations of Buyer, enforceable against Buyer in accordance with their respective terms. Buyer has the absolute and unrestricted right, power, and authority to execute and deliver the Buyer’s Closing Documents and to perform its obligations under the Buyer’s Closing Documents.

 

(b)       Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the consummation or performance of any of the Contemplated Transactions will give any Person the right to prevent, delay, or otherwise interfere with any of the Contemplated Transactions pursuant to:

 

(i)            any provision of Buyer’s Organizational Documents;

 

23



 

(ii)           any resolution adopted by the board of directors or the stockholders of Buyer;

 

(iii)          any Legal Requirement or Order to which Buyer may be subject; or

 

(iv)          any Contract to which Buyer is a party or by which Buyer may be bound.

 

Buyer is not and will not be required to obtain any Consent from any Person in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the consummation or performance of any of the Contemplated Transactions.

 

4.3.      CERTAIN PROCEEDINGS

 

There is no pending Proceeding that has been commenced against Buyer and that challenges, or may have the effect of preventing, delaying, making illegal, or otherwise interfering with, any of the Contemplated Transactions. To Buyer’s Knowledge, no such Proceeding has been Threatened.

 

4.4.      BROKERS OR FINDERS

 

Buyer and its officers and agents have incurred no obligation or liability, contingent or otherwise, for brokerage or finders’ fees or agents’ commissions or other similar payment in connection with this Agreement and will indemnify and hold Seller harmless from any such payment alleged to be due by or through Buyer as a result of the action of Buyer or its officers or agents.

 

5.        COVENANTS OF SELLER PRIOR TO CLOSING DATE

 

5.1.      LANDLORDS’ CONSENTS

 

Seller shall obtain (where required by the terms of such lease) the written consents (“Consents”) from the landlords to assignments of the leases (for each location set forth on Exhibit 5.1) with no increase in rent, but with such modifications as Buyer, in its sole discretion, may deem necessary.  Seller shall pay all fees or other compensation required by any of the landlords, as consideration for consenting to a lease assignment.  This covenant shall continue after Closing to the extent not completed prior to Closing.

 

5.2.      ACCESS AND INVESTIGATION

 

Between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date, Seller will, and will cause the Company and its Representatives to, (a) afford Buyer and its Representatives and prospective lenders and their Representatives (collectively, “Buyer’s Advisors”) full and free access to the Company’s personnel, properties, contracts, books and records, and other documents and data, (b) furnish Buyer and Buyer’s Advisors with copies of all such contracts, books and records, and other existing documents and data as Buyer may reasonably request, and (c) furnish Buyer and

 

24



 

Buyer’s Advisors with such additional financial, operating, and other data and information as Buyer may reasonably request.

 

5.3.          OPERATION OF THE BUSINESS OF THE COMPANY

 

Between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date, Seller will, and will cause the Company to:

 

(a)           conduct the business of the Company only in the Ordinary Course of Business;

 

(b)           use its Best Efforts to preserve intact the current business organization of the Company, keep available the services of the current officers, employees, and agents of the Company, and maintain the relations and good will with suppliers, customers, landlords, creditors, employees, agents, and others having business relationships with the Company;

 

(c)           confer with Buyer concerning operational matters of a material nature; and

 

(d)           otherwise report periodically to Buyer concerning the status of the business, operations, and finances of the Company.

 

5.4.          NEGATIVE COVENANT

 

Except as otherwise expressly permitted by this Agreement, between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date, Seller will not, and will cause the Company not to, without the prior consent of Buyer, take any affirmative action, or fail to take any reasonable action within their or its control, as a result of which any of the changes or events listed in Section 3.15 is likely to occur.

 

5.5.          REQUIRED APPROVALS

 

As promptly as practicable after the date of this Agreement, Seller will, and will cause the Company to, make all filings required by Legal Requirements to be made by them in order to consummate the Contemplated Transactions. Between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date, Seller will, and will cause the Company to, (a) cooperate with Buyer with respect to all filings that Buyer elects to make or is required by Legal Requirements to make in connection with the Contemplated Transactions.

 

5.6.          NOTIFICATION

 

Between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date, Seller will promptly notify Buyer in writing if Seller or the Company becomes aware of any fact or condition that causes or constitutes a Breach of any of Seller’s representations and warranties as of the date of this Agreement, or if Seller or the Company becomes aware of the occurrence after the date of this Agreement of any fact or condition that would (except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement) cause or constitute a Breach of any such representation or warranty had such

 

25



 

representation or warranty been made as of the time of occurrence or discovery of such fact or condition.  During the same period, Seller will promptly notify Buyer of the occurrence of any Breach of any covenant of Seller in this Section 5 or of the occurrence of any event that may make the satisfaction of the conditions in Section 7 impossible or unlikely.

 

5.7.          NO NEGOTIATION

 

Until such time, if any, as this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 9, Seller will not, and will cause the Company and each of its Representatives not to, directly or indirectly solicit, initiate, or encourage any inquiries or proposals from, discuss or negotiate with, provide any non-public information to, or consider the merits of any unsolicited inquiries or proposals from, any Person (other than Buyer) relating to any transaction involving the sale of the business or assets (other than in the Ordinary Course of Business) of the Company, or any of the capital stock of the Company, or any merger, consolidation, business combination, or similar transaction involving the Company.

 

5.8.          BEST EFFORTS

 

Between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date, Seller will use its Best Efforts to cause the conditions in Sections 7 and 8 to be satisfied.

 

5.9           INTERCOMPANY OBLIGATIONS

 

Seller shall cause to be eliminated, prior to Closing, all obligations of the Company to the Seller or to any Related Person.

 

6.        COVENANTS OF BUYER PRIOR TO CLOSING DATE

 

Between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date, Buyer will use its Best Efforts to cause the conditions in Sections 7 and 8 to be satisfied.

 

7.        CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO BUYER’S OBLIGATION TO CLOSE

 

Buyer’s obligation to purchase the Shares and to take the other actions required to be taken by Buyer at the Closing is subject to the satisfaction, at or prior to the Closing, of each of the following conditions (any of which may be waived by Buyer, in whole or in part):

 

7.1.          ACCURACY OF REPRESENTATIONS

 

All of Seller’s representations and warranties in this Agreement (considered collectively), and each of these representations and warranties (considered individually), must have been accurate in all material respects as of the date of this Agreement, and must be accurate in all material respects as of the Closing Date as if made on the Closing Date.

 

26



 

7.2.          SELLER’S PERFORMANCE

 

(a)           All of the covenants and obligations that Seller is required to perform or to comply with pursuant to this Agreement at or prior to the Closing (considered collectively), and each of these covenants and obligations (considered individually), must have been duly performed and complied with in all material respects.

 

(b)           Each document required to be delivered pursuant to Section 2.4 must have been delivered, and each of the other covenants and obligations must have been performed and complied with in all respects.

 

(c)           In the event that Buyer believes Seller has failed to materially perform or comply with any of its obligations hereunder, Buyer shall provide written notice of such material nonperformance or noncompliance to Seller.  Seller shall have a period of thirty (30) days following receipt of such written notice to cure any legitimate nonperformance or noncompliance.  In the event that Seller is unable to cure the nonperformance or noncompliance within the thirty (30) day cure period, then at Buyuer’s option this contract shall terminate and both parties shall be freed from their respective obligations hereunder, absent other agreement of the parties.

 

7.3           CONSENTS

 

Each of the Consents identified in Section 5.1 of this Agreement must have been obtained and delivered to Buyer.

 

7.4.          NO PROCEEDINGS

 

Since the date of this Agreement, there must not have been commenced or Threatened against Buyer, or against any Person affiliated with Buyer, any Proceeding (a) involving any challenge to, or seeking damages or other relief in connection with, any of the Contemplated Transactions, or (b) that may have the effect of preventing, delaying, making illegal, or otherwise interfering with any of the Contemplated Transactions.

 

7.5.          NO CLAIM REGARDING STOCK OWNERSHIP OR SALE PROCEEDS

 

There must not have been made or Threatened by any Person any claim asserting that such Person (a) is the holder or the beneficial owner of, or has the right to acquire or to obtain beneficial ownership of, any stock of, or any other voting, equity, or ownership interest in, the Company, or (b) is entitled to all or any portion of the Purchase Price payable for the Shares.

 

7.6.          NO PROHIBITION

 

Neither the consummation nor the performance of any of the Contemplated Transactions will, directly or indirectly (with or without notice or lapse of time), materially contravene, or conflict with, or result in a material violation of, or cause Buyer or any Person affiliated with Buyer to suffer any material adverse consequence under, (a) any applicable Legal Requirement or Order,

 

27



 

or (b) any Legal Requirement or Order that has been published, introduced, or otherwise proposed by or before any Governmental Body.

 

8.        CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO SELLER’S OBLIGATION TO CLOSE

 

Seller’s obligation to sell the Shares and to take the other actions required to be taken by Seller at the Closing is subject to the satisfaction, at or prior to the Closing, of each of the following conditions (any of which may be waived by Seller, in whole or in part):

 

8.1.          ACCURACY OF REPRESENTATIONS

 

All of Buyer’s representations and warranties in this Agreement (considered collectively), and each of these representations and warranties (considered individually), must have been accurate in all material respects as of the date of this Agreement and must be accurate in all material respects as of the Closing Date as if made on the Closing Date.

 

8.2.          BUYER’S PERFORMANCE

 

(a)           All of the covenants and obligations that Buyer is required to perform or to comply with pursuant to this Agreement at or prior to the Closing (considered collectively), and each of these covenants and obligations (considered individually), must have been performed and complied with in all material respects.

 

(b)           Buyer must have delivered each of the documents required to be delivered by Buyer pursuant to Section 2.4 and must have made the cash payments and delivered the Nortech Shares required to be made and delivered by Buyer pursuant to Sections 2.4.

 

(c)           In the event that Seller believes Buyer has failed to materially perform or comply with any of its obligations hereunder, Seller shall provide written notice of such material nonperformance or noncompliance to Buyer.  Buyer shall have a period of thirty (30) days following receipt of such written notice to cure any legitimate nonperformance or noncompliance.  In the event that Buyer is unable to cure the nonperformance or noncompliance within the thirty (30) day cure period, then at Seller’s option this contract shall terminate and both parties shall be freed from their respective obligations hereunder, absent other agreement of the parties.

 

9.        TERMINATION

 

9.1.          TERMINATION EVENTS

 

This Agreement may, by notice given prior to or at the Closing, be terminated:

 

(a)           by either Buyer or Seller if a material Breach of any provision of this Agreement has been committed by the other party and such Breach has not been waived;

 

28



 

(b)           (i) by Buyer if any of the conditions in Section 7 has not been satisfied as of the Closing Date or if satisfaction of such a condition is or becomes impossible (other than through the failure of Buyer to comply with its obligations under this Agreement) and Buyer has not waived such condition on or before the Closing Date; or (ii) by Seller, if any of the conditions in Section 8 has not been satisfied of the Closing Date or if satisfaction of such a condition is or becomes impossible (other than through the failure of Seller to comply with its obligations under this Agreement) and Seller has not waived such condition on or before the Closing Date;

 

(c)           by mutual consent of Buyer and Seller; or

 

(d)           by either Buyer or Seller if the Closing has not occurred (other than through the failure of any party seeking to terminate this Agreement to comply fully with its obligations under this Agreement) on or before August 31, 2002, or such later date as the parties may agree upon.

 

9.2.          EFFECT OF TERMINATION

 

Each party’s right of termination under Section 9.1 is in addition to any other rights it may have under this Agreement or otherwise, and the exercise of a right of termination will not be an election of remedies. If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 9.1, all further obligations of the parties under this Agreement will terminate, except that the obligations in Section 11.1 will survive; provided, however, that if this Agreement is terminated by a party because of the Breach of the Agreement by the other party or because one or more of the conditions to the terminating party’s obligations under this Agreement is not satisfied as a result of the other party’s failure to comply with its obligations under this Agreement, the terminating party’s right to pursue all legal remedies will survive such termination unimpaired.

 

10.       INDEMNIFICATION; REMEDIES

 

10.1.        SURVIVAL; RIGHT TO INDEMNIFICATION NOT AFFECTED BY KNOWLEDGE

 

All representations, warranties, covenants, and obligations in this Agreement, or any other document delivered pursuant to this Agreement will survive the Closing.

 

10.2.        INDEMNIFICATION AND PAYMENT OF DAMAGES BY SELLER

 

Seller will indemnify and hold harmless Buyer, the Company, and their respective Representatives, stockholders, controlling persons, and affiliates (collectively, the “Indemnified Persons”) for, and will pay to the Indemnified Persons the amount of, any loss, liability, claim, damage (including incidental and consequential damages), expense (including costs of investigation and defense and reasonable attorneys’ fees) or diminution of value, whether or not involving a third-party claim (collectively, “Damages”), arising, directly or indirectly, from or in connection with:

 

29



 

(a)           any Breach of any representation or warranty made by Seller in this Agreement, or any other document delivered by Seller pursuant to this Agreement;

 

(b)           any Breach of any representation or warranty made by Seller in this Agreement as if such representation or warranty were made on and as of the Closing Date;

 

(c)           any Breach by Seller of any covenant or obligation of Seller in this Agreement;

 

(d)           any claim by any Person for brokerage or finder’s fees or commissions or similar payments based upon any agreement or understanding alleged to have been made by any such Person with either Seller or the Company (or any Person acting on their behalf) in connection with any of the Contemplated Transactions.

 

The remedies provided in this Section 10.2 will not be exclusive of or limit any other remedies that may be available to Buyer.

 

10.3.        INDEMNIFICATION AND PAYMENT OF DAMAGES BY BUYER

 

Buyer will indemnify and hold harmless Seller, and will pay to Seller the amount of any loss, liability, claim, damages (including incidental and consequential damages) or expense (including the costs of investigation and defense and reasonable attorney’s fees) arising, directly or indirectly, from or in connection with (a) any Breach of any representation or warranty made by Buyer in this Agreement, (b) any Breach by Buyer of any covenant or obligation of Buyer in this Agreement, or (c) any claim by any Person for brokerage or finder’s fees or commissions or similar payments based upon any agreement or understanding alleged to have been made by such Person with Buyer (or any Person acting on its behalf) in connection with any of the Contemplated Transactions.

 

10.4.        RIGHT OF SET-OFF

 

Upon notice to Seller specifying in reasonable detail the basis for such set-off, Buyer may set off any amount to which it may be entitled under this Section 10 against amounts otherwise payable under this Agreement.  Neither the exercise of nor the failure to exercise such right of set-off will constitute an election of remedies or limit Buyer in any manner in the enforcement of any other remedies that may be available to it.

 

10.5.        PROCEDURE FOR INDEMNIFICATION—THIRD PARTY CLAIMS

 

(a)           Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under Section 10.2 or 10.3 of notice of the commencement of any Proceeding against it, such indemnified party will, if a claim is to be made against an indemnifying party under such Section, give notice to the indemnifying party of the commencement of such claim, but the failure to notify the indemnifying party will not relieve the indemnifying party of any liability that it may have to any indemnified party, except to the extent that the indemnifying party demonstrates that the defense of such action is

 

30



 

prejudiced by the indemnifying party’s failure to give such notice.

 

(b)           If any Proceeding referred to in Section 10.5(a) is brought against an indemnified party and it gives notice to the indemnifying party of the commencement of such Proceeding, the indemnifying party will, unless the claim involves Taxes, be entitled to participate in such Proceeding and, to the extent that it wishes (unless (i) the indemnifying party is also a party to such Proceeding and the indemnified party determines in good faith that joint representation would be inappropriate, or (ii) the indemnifying party fails to provide reasonable assurance to the indemnified party of its financial capacity to defend such Proceeding and provide indemnification with respect to such Proceeding), to assume the defense of such Proceeding with counsel satisfactory to the indemnified party and, after notice from the indemnifying party to the indemnified party of its election to assume the defense of such Proceeding, the indemnifying party will not, as long as it diligently conducts such defense, be liable to the indemnified party under this Section 10 for any fees of other counsel or any other expenses with respect to the defense of such Proceeding, in each case subsequently incurred by the indemnified party in connection with the defense of such Proceeding, other than reasonable costs of investigation. If the indemnifying party assumes the defense of a Proceeding, (i) it will be conclusively established for purposes of this Agreement that the claims made in that Proceeding are within the scope of and subject to indemnification; (ii) no compromise or settlement of such claims may be effected by the indemnifying party without the indemnified party’s consent unless (A) there is no finding or admission of any violation of Legal Requirements or any violation of the rights of any Person and no effect on any other claims that may be made against the indemnified party, and (B) the sole relief provided is monetary damages that are paid in full by the indemnifying party; and (iii) the indemnified party will have no liability with respect to any compromise or settlement of such claims effected without its consent. If notice is given to an indemnifying party of the commencement of any Proceeding and the indemnifying party does not, within ten days after the indemnified party’s notice is given, give notice to the indemnified party of its election to assume the defense of such Proceeding, the indemnifying party will be bound by any determination made in such Proceeding or any compromise or settlement effected by the indemnified party.

 

(c)           Notwithstanding the foregoing, if an indemnified party determines in good faith that there is a reasonable probability that a Proceeding may adversely affect it or its affiliates other than as a result of monetary damages for which it would be entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, the indemnified party may, by notice to the indemnifying party, assume the exclusive right to defend, compromise, or settle such Proceeding, but the indemnifying party will not be bound by any determination of a Proceeding so defended or any compromise or settlement effected without its consent (which may not be unreasonably withheld).

 

(d)           Seller hereby consents to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any court in which a Proceeding is brought against any Indemnified Person for purposes of any claim that an Indemnified Person may have under this Agreement with respect to such Proceeding or the matters alleged therein, and agree that process may be served on Seller with respect to such a claim anywhere in the world.

 

31



 

10.6.        PROCEDURE FOR INDEMNIFICATION—OTHER CLAIMS

 

A claim for indemnification for any matter not involving a third-party claim may be asserted by notice to the party from whom indemnification is sought.

 

11.       GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

11.1.        REGISTRATION OF NORTECH SHARES

 

The Nortech Shares to be delivered to the Seller have not been registered under the Securities Act. The Nortech Shares may not be transferred or resold without either registration under the Securities Act or an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act.  Within 60 days after the Closing Date, Buyer shall cause to be filed a registration statement at its expense under the Securities Act covering the Nortech Shares and shall use its Best Efforts to cause such shares to be registered and available for public distribution by the holders thereof, without restriction, within 120 days after the closing date.  Nortech shall keep the registration effective for a period of 36 months after the Effective Date.

 

11.2                           PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Any public announcement or similar publicity with respect to this Agreement or the Contemplated Transactions will be issued, if at all, at such time and in such manner as Buyer determines.  Unless consented to by Buyer in advance or required by Legal Requirements, prior to the Closing, Seller shall, and shall cause the Company to, keep this Agreement strictly confidential and may not make any disclosure of this Agreement to any Person.  Seller and Buyer will consult with each other concerning the means by which the Company employees, customers, and suppliers and others having dealings with the Company will be informed of the Contemplated Transactions, and Buyer will have the right to be present for any such communication.

 

11.3.        EXPENSES

 

Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, each party to this Agreement will bear its respective expenses incurred in connection with the preparation, execution, and performance of this Agreement and the Contemplated Transactions, including all fees and expenses of agents, representatives, counsel, and accountants.

 

11.4.        NOTICES

 

All notices, consents, waivers, and other communications under this Agreement must be in writing and will be deemed to have been duly given when (a) delivered by hand (with written confirmation of receipt), (b) sent by telecopier (with written confirmation of receipt), provided that a copy is mailed by registered mail, return receipt requested, or (c) when received by the addressee, if sent by a nationally recognized overnight delivery service (receipt requested), in each case to the appropriate addresses and telecopier numbers set forth below (or to such other addresses and telecopier numbers as a party may designate by notice to the other parties):

 

32



 

Seller:

 

SAE Circuits Colorado, Inc.

4820 N. 63rd Street, Suite 100

Boulder, CO  80301

 

Attention:   Erv Hammen

Facsimile No.: (303) 530-7454

 

with copies to:

 

Brian J. Holst

Shively & Holst, LLP

515 Kimbark Street, Suite 107

P.O. Box 298

Longmont, CO  80501

Facsimile No.: (303) 772-2822

 

and

 

Thomas Hansing

906 East 132nd Drive

Thornton, CO  80241

 

Buyer:

 

Nortech Systems Incorporated

1120 Wayzata Boulevard East, Suite 201

Wayzata, MN  55391

Attention:  President

Facsimile No.: (952) 449-0442

 

with a copy to:

 

Bert M. Gross

7201 Metro Boulevard

Minneapolis, MN  55439

Facsimile No.: (952) 947-7200

 

11.5.     JURISDICTION; SERVICE OF PROCESS

 

Any action or proceeding seeking to enforce any provision of, or based on any right arising out of, this Agreement may be brought against any of the parties in the courts of the State of Minnesota, County of Hennepin, and each of the parties consents to the jurisdiction of such courts (and of the appropriate appellate courts) in any such action or proceeding and waives any

 

33



 

objection to venue laid therein. Process in any action or proceeding referred to in the preceding sentence may be served on any party anywhere in the world.

 

11.6.        FURTHER ASSURANCES

 

The parties agree (a) to furnish upon request to each other such further information, (b) to execute and deliver to each other such other documents, and (c) to do such other acts and things, all as the other party may reasonably request for the purpose of carrying out the intent of this Agreement and the documents referred to in this Agreement.

 

11.7.        ARBITRATION. All disputes between the parties relating to this Agreement or the transaction contemplated thereby or negotiations leading up to execution of this Agreement shall be resolved by arbitration in Minneapolis, Minnesota, pursuant to the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect.  The arbitrators shall have the power to award costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, as they deem appropriate.  This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Minnesota.

 

11.8.        WAIVER

 

The rights and remedies of the parties to this Agreement are cumulative and not alternative. Neither the failure nor any delay by any party in exercising any right, power, or privilege under this Agreement or the documents referred to in this Agreement will operate as a waiver of such right, power, or privilege, and no single or partial exercise of any such right, power, or privilege will preclude any other or further exercise of such right, power, or privilege or the exercise of any other right, power, or privilege. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, (a) no claim or right arising out of this Agreement or the documents referred to in this Agreement can be discharged by one party, in whole or in part, by a waiver or renunciation of the claim or right unless in writing signed by the other party; (b) no waiver that may be given by a party will be applicable except in the specific instance for which it is given; and (c) no notice to or demand on one party will be deemed to be a waiver of any obligation of such party or of the right of the party giving such notice or demand to take further action without notice or demand as provided in this Agreement or the documents referred to in this Agreement.

 

11.9.        ENTIRE AGREEMENT AND MODIFICATION

 

This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements between the parties with respect to its subject matter and constitutes (along with the documents referred to in this Agreement) a complete and exclusive statement of the terms of the agreement between the parties with respect to its subject matter. This Agreement may not be amended except by a written agreement executed by the party to be charged with the amendment.

 

11.10.      ASSIGNMENTS, SUCCESSORS, AND NO THIRD-PARTY RIGHTS

 

Neither party may assign any of its rights under this Agreement without the prior consent of the other parties, except that Buyer may assign any of its rights under this Agreement to any

 

34



 

Subsidiary of Buyer. Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement will apply to, be binding in all respects upon, and inure to the benefit of the successors and permitted assigns of the parties. Nothing expressed or referred to in this Agreement will be construed to give any Person other than the parties to this Agreement any legal or equitable right, remedy, or claim under or with respect to this Agreement or any provision of this Agreement. This Agreement and all of its provisions and conditions are for the sole and exclusive benefit of the parties to this Agreement and their successors and assigns.

 

11.11.      SEVERABILITY

 

If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, the other provisions of this Agreement will remain in full force and effect. Any provision of this Agreement held invalid or unenforceable only in part or degree will remain in full force and effect to the extent not held invalid or unenforceable.

 

11.12.      SECTION HEADINGS, CONSTRUCTION

 

The headings of Sections in this Agreement are provided for convenience only and will not affect its construction or interpretation. All references to “Section” or “Sections” refer to the corresponding Section or Sections of this Agreement. All words used in this Agreement will be construed to be of such gender or number as the circumstances require. Unless otherwise expressly provided, the word “including” does not limit the preceding words or terms.

 

11.13.      TIME OF ESSENCE

 

With regard to all dates and time periods set forth or referred to in this Agreement, time is of the essence.

 

11.14.      GOVERNING LAW

 

This Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of Minnesota without regard to conflicts of laws principles.

 

11.15.      COUNTERPARTS

 

This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which will be deemed to be an original copy of this Agreement and all of which, when taken together, will be deemed to constitute one and the same agreement.

 

35



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed and delivered this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

Buyer:

 

Seller:

 

 

 

NORTECH SYSTEMS INCORPORATED

 

SAE CIRCUITS COLORADO, INC.

 

 

 

By:

  Michaels J. Degen

 

By:

  Ervin Hammer

Michael J. Degen,

 

                                      , President

President

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Thomas J. Hansing

 

 

Thomas J. Hansing

 

 

 

 

 

  Barbara J. Aune

 

 

Barbara E. Aune

 

 

 

 

 

  Stephen W. Cecil, Jr

 

 

Stephen W. Cecil, Jr.

 

36



EX-23.1 4 a2107078zex-23_1.htm EX 23.1
QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document


EXHIBIT 23.1

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

The Board of Directors
Nortech Systems Incorporated:

        We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements (No. 33-80906) on Form S-8 of our reports dated March 10, 2003, with respect to the consolidated balance sheet of Nortech Systems, Inc. and subsidiary as of December 31, 2002, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity and cash flows for the year then ended and the related financial statement schedule, which reports appear in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Nortech Systems, Inc. and subsidiaries.

/S/ KPMG LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
March 31, 2003






QuickLinks

EX-23.2 5 a2107078zex-23_2.htm EX 23.2
QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document


EXHIBIT 23.2

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

        We consent to the incorporation by reference, in the Registration Statements of Nortech Systems Incorporated on Forms S-8 registered on June 21, 1994 (33-80906) and June 30, 1993 (33-80906), of our report dated February 13, 2002, included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002.


 

 

LARSON, ALLEN, WEISHAIR & CO., LLP
St. Cloud, Minnesota
March 28, 2003
   



QuickLinks

EX-99.1 6 a2107078zex-99_1.htm EXHIBIT 99.1

EXHIBIT 99.1

 

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

 

In connection with the Annual Report of Nortech Systems Incorporated (the “Company”) on Form 10- K for the period ended December 31, 2002 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Michael J. Degen, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:

 

(1)               The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

(2)               The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

 

/s/ Michael J. Degen

 

Michael J. Degen

Chief Executive Officer March 29, 2003

Nortech Systems Incorporated

 



EX-99.2 7 a2107078zex-99_2.htm EXHIBT 99.2

EXHIBIT 99.2

 

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

 

In connection with the Annual Report of Nortech Systems Incorporated (the “Company”) on Form 10- K for the period ended December 31, 2002 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Garry M. Anderly, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:

 

(1)               The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

(2)               The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

 

/s/ Garry M. Anderly

 

Garry M. Anderly

Chief Financial Officer March 29, 2003

Nortech Systems Incorporated

 



-----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----