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MIDDLEBY Corp - Quarter Report: 2009 April (Form 10-Q)


UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)
x
Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended April 4, 2009

or
¨
Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Commission File No. 1-9973

THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

Delaware
 
36-3352497
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
1400 Toastmaster Drive, Elgin, Illinois
 
60120
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
(Zip Code)

Registrant's Telephone No., including Area Code                                                 (847) 741-3300

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  
Yes x    No  o

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

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

As of May 8, 2009, there were 18,527,037 shares of the registrant's common stock outstanding.

 
 

 

THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

QUARTER ENDED APRIL 4, 2009

INDEX

DESCRIPTION
 
PAGE
     
PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
   
     
Item 1.    Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
   
     
 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 April 4, 2009 and January 3, 2009
 
1
     
 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
 April 4, 2009 and March 29, 2008
 
2
     
 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 April 4, 2009 and March 29, 2008
 
3
     
 NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
4
     
Item 2.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
22
     
Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
31
     
Item 4.    Controls and Procedures
 
34
     
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
   
     
Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
35
     
Item 6.    Exhibits
 
36

 
 

 

PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.   Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts In Thousands, Except Share Data)
(Unaudited)

   
April 4, 2009
   
January 3, 2009
 
ASSETS
           
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 8,849     $ 6,144  
Accounts receivable, net of reserve for doubtful accounts of $7,613 and $6,598
    107,436       85,969  
Inventories, net
    96,596       91,551  
Prepaid expenses and other
    7,621       7,646  
Current deferred taxes
    30,105       18,387  
Total current assets
    250,607       209,697  
                 
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $42,065 and $40,370
    48,792       44,757  
Goodwill
    334,839       266,663  
Other intangibles
    194,753       125,501  
Other assets
    2,989       3,314  
Total assets
  $ 831,980     $ 649,932  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Current liabilities:
               
Current maturities of long-term debt
  $ 5,628     $ 6,377  
Accounts payable
    44,961       32,543  
Accrued expenses
    119,985       102,579  
Total current liabilities
    170,574       141,499  
                 
Long-term debt
    340,461       228,323  
Long-term deferred tax liability
    15,248       33,687  
Other non-current liabilities
    21,984       23,029  
Stockholders' equity:
               
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; nonvoting; 2,000,000 shares authorized; none issued
           
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 47,500,000 shares authorized; 22,603,350 and
21,068,556 shares issued in 2009 and 2008, respectively
    136       120  
Paid-in capital
    154,062       107,305  
Treasury stock at cost; 4,069,913 and 4,074,713 shares in 2009 and 2008, respectively
    (102,000 )     (102,000 )
Retained earnings
    240,298       226,231  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    (8,783 )     (8,262 )
Total stockholders' equity
    283,713       223,394  
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 831,980     $ 649,932  

See accompanying notes

 
1

 

THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
(Unaudited)

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
Apr 4, 2009
   
Mar 29, 2008
 
             
Net sales
  $ 181,546     $ 160,883  
Cost of sales
    112,776       101,981  
Gross profit
    68,770       58,902  
                 
Selling expenses
    16,306       16,245  
General and administrative expenses
    24,373       16,641  
Income from operations
    28,091       26,016  
                 
Net interest expense and deferred financing amortization
    3,146       3,703  
Other expense, net
    284       387  
Earnings before income taxes
    24,661       21,926  
Provision for income taxes
    10,594       8,745  
Net earnings
  $ 14,067     $ 13,181  
                 
Net earnings per share:
               
Basic
  $ 0.80     $ 0.82  
                 
Diluted
  $ 0.77     $ 0.77  
                 
Weighted average number of shares
               
Basic
    17,584       16,055  
Dilutive stock options1
    586       1,115  
Diluted
    18,170       17,170  

 
1
There were no anti-dilutive stock options excluded from common stock equivalents for any period presented.

See accompanying notes

 
2

 

THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In Thousands)
(Unaudited)

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
Apr 4, 2009
   
Mar 29, 2008
 
             
Cash flows from operating activities-
           
Net earnings
  $ 14,067     $ 13,181  
                 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    5,205       3,533  
Deferred taxes
    (269 )     2,512  
Non-cash share-based compensation
    2,725       2,350  
Unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments
    48       204  
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions
               
Accounts receivable, net
    (8,668 )     815  
Inventories, net
    5,562       (1,558 )
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    542       3,767  
Accounts payable
    5,559       5,461  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
    (14,880 )     (17,702 )
                 
Net cash provided by operating activities
    9,891       12,563  
                 
Cash flows from investing activities-
               
Net additions to property and equipment
    (1,870 )     (2,124 )
Acquisition of TurboChef, net of cash acquired
    (116,078 )        
Acquisition of Star
          (188,068 )
                 
Net cash (used in) investing activities
    (117,948 )     (190,192 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities-
               
Net proceeds under revolving credit facilities
    112,250       176,350  
Net payments under foreign bank loan
    (505 )     (245 )
Debt issuance costs
          (162 )
Repurchase of treasury stock
          (373 )
Net proceeds from stock issuances
          37  
                 
Net cash provided by  financing activities
    111,745       175,607  
                 
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents
    (983 )     77  
                 
Changes in cash and cash equivalents-
               
                 
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
    2,705       (1,945 )
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    6,144       7,463  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of quarter
  $ 8,849     $ 5,518  
                 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
               
Interest paid
  $ 2,699     $ 2,359  
Income tax payments
  $ 2,055     $ 245  
                 
Non-cash financing activities:
               
Stock issuance related to the acquisition of TurboChef
  $ 44,048     $  

See accompanying notes

 
3

 

THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

April 4, 2009
(Unaudited)

1)
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

A) 
Basis of Presentation

The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by The Middleby Corporation (the "company"), pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The financial statements are unaudited and certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information not misleading.  These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes contained in the company's 2008 Form 10-K.

In the opinion of management, the financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position of the company as of April 4, 2009 and January 3, 2009, and the results of operations for the three months ended April 4, 2009 and March 29, 2008 and cash flows for the three months ended April 4, 2009 and March 29, 2008.

B)
Non- Cash Share-Based Compensation

The company estimates the fair value of market-based stock awards and stock options at the time of grant and recognizes compensation cost over the vesting period of the awards and options.  Non-cash share-based compensation expense was $2.7 million and $2.4 million for the first quarter of 2009 and 2008, respectively.

 
C)
Income Tax Contingencies

On December 31, 2006, the company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN48”). This interpretation prescribes a comprehensive model for how a company should recognize, measure, present and disclose in its financial statements uncertain tax positions that the company has taken or expects to take on a tax return. FIN 48 states that a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position may be recognized only if it is “more likely than not” that the position is sustainable, based on its technical merits. The tax benefit of a qualifying position is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement with a taxing authority having full knowledge of all relevant information.

 
4

 

As of January 3, 2009, the total amount of liability for unrecognized tax benefits was approximately $10.4 million (of which the entire amount would impact the effective tax rate if recognized) plus approximately $1.4 million of accrued interest and $1.8 million of penalties. As of April 4, 2009, there were no significant changes in the total amount of liability for unrecognized tax benefit. It is reasonably possible that the amounts of unrecognized tax benefits associated with state, federal and foreign tax positions may decrease over the next twelve months due to expiration of a statute or completion of an audit. While a reasonable range of the amount cannot be determined, the company believes such decrease would not be material.

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

United States – federal
 
2007 - 2008
United States – states
 
2002 - 2008
China
 
2002 - 2008
Denmark
 
2006 - 2008
Mexico
 
2005 - 2008
Philippines
 
2006 - 2008
South Korea
 
2005 - 2008
Spain
 
2007 - 2008
Taiwan
 
2007 - 2008
United Kingdom
 
2007 - 2008

D) 
Fair Value Measures

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements”.  This statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosure about fair value measurements.  This statement is effective for interim reporting periods in fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.  The company adopted SFAS No. 157 on December 30, 2007 (first day of fiscal year 2008).

FASB Staff Position No. FAS 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157” delayed the effective date of the application of SFAS No. 157 to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a non-recurring basis.  The adoption of FSP No. 157-2 did not have a material impact on the company’s financial position, results of operations or cashflows.

 
5

 

SFAS No. 157 defines fair value as the price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.  SFAS No. 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value into the following levels:

Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
Level 2 – Inputs, other than quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly.
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs based on our own assumptions.

The company’s financial assets that are measured at fair value are categorized using the fair value hierarchy at April 4, 2009 are as follows (in thousands):

   
Fair Value
Level 1
   
Fair Value
Level 2
   
Fair Value
Level 3
   
Total
 
                         
Financial Assets:
                       
None
                       
                                 
Financial Liabilities:
                               
Interest rate swaps
        $ 5,451           $ 5,451  

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities – Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115.”  This statement permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value.  This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. As the company did not elect the fair value option, the adoption of SFAS No. 159 did not have a material impact on the company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the three months ended April 4, 2009.

2)
Acquisitions and Purchase Accounting

The company operates in a highly fragmented industry and has completed numerous acquisitions over the past several years as a component of its growth strategy.  The company has acquired industry leading brands and technologies to position itself as  a leader in the commercial foodservice equipment and food processing equipment industries.

The company has accounted for all business combinations using the purchase method to record a new cost basis for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed.  The difference between the purchase price and the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed has been recorded as goodwill in the financial statements.  The results of operations are reflected in the consolidated financial statements of the company from the date of acquisition.

 
6

 
 
Star

On December 31, 2007, the company acquired the stock of New Star International Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries (“Star”), a leading manufacturer of commercial cooking equipment for an aggregate purchase price of $188.4 million in cash plus transaction costs.

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

   
Dec. 31, 2007
   
Adjustments
   
Jan 3, 2009
 
Cash
  $ 376     $     $ 376  
Current assets
    27,783       1,176       28,959  
Property, plant and equipment
    8,225             8,225  
Goodwill
    101,365       17,407       118,772  
Other intangibles
    75,150             75,150  
Other assets
    71             71  
Current liabilities
    (10,205 )     (1,836 )     (12,041 )
Deferred tax liabilities
    (8,837 )     (17,026 )     (25,863 )
Other non-current liabilities
    (4.295 )     498       (3,797 )
                         
Total cash paid
  $ 189,633     $ 219     $ 189,852  

The goodwill and $47.0 million of other intangibles associated with the trade name are subject to the non-amortization provisions of SFAS No. 142.  Other intangibles also includes $0.4 million allocated to backlog, $3.8 million allocated to developed technology and $24.0 million allocated to customer relationships which are to be amortized over periods of 1 month, 7 years and 7 years, respectively.  Goodwill and other intangibles of Star are allocated to the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group for segment reporting purposes. These assets are not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

Pro forma Financial Information

The following unaudited pro forma results of operations for the year ended December 29, 2007, assumes the Star acquisition was completed on December 31, 2006.  The pro forma results include adjustments to reflect additional interest expense to fund the acquisition, amortization of intangibles associated with the acquisition, and the effects of adjustments made to the carrying value of certain assets.

   
December 29, 2007
 
       
Net sales
  $ 592,513  
Net earnings
  $ 51,769  
         
Net earnings per share:
       
Basic
  $ 3.30  
Diluted
  $ 3.06  

The pro forma financial information presented above is not necessarily indicative of either the results of operations that would have occurred had the acquisition of Star, been effective on December 31, 2006 or of future operations of the company.  Also, the pro forma financial information does not reflect the costs which the company incurred to integrate Star.

 
7

 

Giga

On April 22, 2008, the company acquired the stock of Giga Grandi Cucine S.r.l. (“Giga”), a leading European manufacturer of ranges, ovens and steam cooking equipment for a purchase price of $9.7 million in cash plus transaction costs.  The company also assumed $5.1 million of debt included as part of the net assets of Giga.  An additional deferred payment of $3.1 million is also due the seller ratably over a three year period. The purchase price is subject to adjustment based upon a working capital provision within the purchase agreement.

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

   
Apr. 22, 2008
   
Adjustments
   
Apr. 4, 2009
 
Cash
  $ 222     $     $ 222  
Current assets
    14,645       (2,159 )     12,486  
Property, plant and equipment
    628             628  
Goodwill
    10,135       269       10,404  
Other intangibles
    3,330       1,912       5,242  
Other assets
    473             473  
Current maturities of long-term debt
    (5,105 )           (5,105 )
Current liabilities
    (8,757 )     (12 )     (8,769 )
Other non-current liabilities
    (5,431 )           (5,431 )
                         
Total cash paid
  $ 10,140     $ 10     $ 10,150  

The goodwill and $3.7 million of other intangibles associated with the trade name are subject to the non-amortization provisions of SFAS No. 142.  Other intangibles also includes $0.2 million allocated to backlog and $1.3 million allocated to customer relationships, which are to be amortized over periods of 3 months and 4 to 10 years, respectively.  Goodwill and other intangibles of Giga are allocated to the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group for segment reporting purposes. These assets are not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

Frifri

On April 23, 2008, the company acquired the assets of FriFri aro SA (“FriFri”), a leading European supplier of frying systems for an aggregate purchase price of $3.4 million plus transaction costs.  The purchase price is subject to adjustment based upon a working capital provision within the purchase agreement.

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

   
Apr. 23, 2008
   
Adjustments
   
Apr 4, 2009
 
Cash
  $ 469     $ 194     $ 663  
Current assets
    4,263       903       5,166  
Property, plant and equipment
    460       (8 )     452  
Goodwill
    1,155       2,285       3,440  
Current liabilities
    (2,828 )     (3,365 )     (6,193 )
                         
Total cash paid
  $ 3,519     $ 9     $ 3,528  

 
8

 

The goodwill is subject to the non-amortization provisions of SFAS No. 142.  Goodwill of Frifri is allocated to the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group for segment reporting purposes. These assets are not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

TurboChef

On January 5 , 2009, the company acquired the stock of TurboChef Technologies, Inc. (“TurboChef”), a leading manufacturer of speed-cook ovens for an aggregate purchase price of $160.3 million including $116.1 million in cash and 1,539,668 shares of Middleby common stock valued at $44.0 million.

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

 
 
Jan 5, 2009
 
Cash
  $ 10,146  
Current assets
    35,428  
Property, plant and equipment
    4,155  
Goodwill
    66,821  
Other intangibles
    72,516  
Deferred tax asset
    18,588  
Current liabilities
    (36,615 )
Other non-current liabilities
    (768 )
         
Total cash paid
  $ 170,271  

The goodwill and $40.0 million of other intangibles associated with the trade name are subject to the non-amortization provisions of SFAS No. 142.  Other intangibles also includes $ 0.5 million allocated to backlog, $7.0 million allocated to developed technology and $25.0 million allocated to customer relationships which are to be amortized over periods of 3 month, 5 years and 7 years, respectively.  Goodwill and other intangibles of TurboChef are allocated to the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group for segment reporting purposes. These assets are not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

Results of Operations

The following unaudited results of operations for the quarter ended April 4, 2009, reflect the operations of TurboChef on a stand-alone basis (in thousands):

   
April 4, 2009
 
       
Net sales
  $ 22,856  
Income from operations
  $ 1,037  
 
 
9

 

Pro forma Financial Information

The following unaudited pro forma results of operations for the quarter ended March 29,2008 assumes the TurboChef acquisition was completed on December 30, 2007.  The pro forma results include adjustments to reflect additional interest expense to fund the acquisition, amortization of intangibles associated with the acquisition, and the effects of adjustments made to the carrying value of certain assets.

   
March 29, 2008
 
   
(in thousands, except
per share data)
 
Net sales
  $ 185,277  
Net earnings
  $ 6,092  
         
Net earnings per share:
       
Basic
  $ 0.35  
Diluted
  $ 0.32  

The pro forma financial information presented above is not necessarily indicative of either the results of operations that would have occurred had the acquisition of TurboChef, been effective on December 30, 2007 or of future operations of the company.  Also, the pro forma financial information does not reflect the costs which the company has incurred or may incur to integrate TurboChef.

3)
Litigation Matters

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

 
10

 

4)
Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141R, “Business Combinations”.  This statement provides companies with principles and requirements on how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree as well as the recognition and measurement of goodwill acquired in a business combination. This statement also requires certain disclosures to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. Acquisition costs associated with the business combination will generally be expensed as incurred. This statement is effective for business combinations occurring in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008.  Early adoption of FASB Statement No. 141R is not permitted.  The company adopted this statement on January 5, 2009, including the acquisition of TurboChef.  Accordingly, the company has applied the principles of SFAS No. 141R in valuing this acquisition.  Middleby shares of common stock which were issued in conjunction with this transaction, were valued using the share price at the time of closing to determine the value of the purchase price.  Additionally, the company incurred approximately $4.6 million in transaction related expenses which were recorded as a deferred acquisition cost reported as an asset on the balance sheet on January 3, 2009.  In accordance with SFAS No. 141R, the company has applied a retrospective application and appropriately reflected the expense incurred in 2008 as a reduction in retained earnings in accordance with FASB Statement No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections,” on reporting a change in accounting principle.

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

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities—an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133.”  This statement amends SFAS No. 133 to require enhanced disclosures about an entity’s derivative and hedging activities.  This Statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early application encouraged.  The company has complied with the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 161.

 
11

 

In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.”  This statement identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles to be used in the preparation of financial statements of nongovernmental entities that are presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States.  This statement directs the hierarchy to the entity, rather than the independent auditors, as the entity is responsible for selecting accounting principles for financial statements that are presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.  This statement is effective 60 days following the SEC’s approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board amendments to remove the hierarchy of generally accepted accounting principles from the auditing standards.  The company does not anticipate that the adoption of SFAS No. 162 will have a material impact on its financial statements.

In December 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position, or FSP, No. 132(R)-1, “Employers’ Disclosures about Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets.” This FSP amends SFAS 132(R), “Employer’s Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits,” to require additional disclosures about assets held in an employer’s defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan. This FSP replaces the requirement to disclose the percentage of the fair value of total plan assets for each major category of plan assets, such as equity securities, debt securities, real estate and all other assets, with the fair value of each major asset category as of each annual reporting date for which a financial statement is presented. It also amends SFAS No. 132(R) to require disclosure of the level within the fair value hierarchy in which each major category of plan assets falls, using the guidance in SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” This FSP is applicable to employers that are subject to the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 132(R) and is generally effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009. The company will comply with the disclosure provisions of this FSP after its effective date.

5) 
Other Comprehensive Income

The company reports changes in equity during a period, except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, in accordance with SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income."

Components of other comprehensive income were as follows (in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
Apr 4, 2009
   
Mar 29, 2008
 
             
Net earnings
  $ 14,067     $ 13,181  
Currency translation adjustment
    (744 )     845  
Unrealized gain/(loss) on interest rate swaps, net of tax
    223       (544 )
                 
Comprehensive income
  $ 13,546     $ 13,482  

Accumulated other comprehensive income is comprised of unrecognized pension benefit costs of $(2.5) million net of taxes of $1.1 million as of April 4, 2009 and January 3, 2009, foreign currency translation adjustments of $3.3 million as of April 4, 2009 and $2.5 million as of January 3, 2009 and an unrealized loss on interest rate swaps of $3.0 million, net of taxes of $2.0 million and $3.2 million, net of taxes of $2.1 million, as of April 4, 2009 and January 3, 2009 respectively.


 
12

 

6)
Inventories

Inventories are composed of material, labor and overhead and are stated at the lower of cost or market.  Costs for inventory at two of the company's manufacturing facilities have been determined using the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method.  These inventories under the LIFO method amounted to $17.2 million at April 4, 2009 and $22.5 million at January 3, 2009 and represented approximately 18% and 25% of the total inventory in each respective period.  Costs for all other inventory have been determined using the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method.  The company estimates reserves for inventory obsolescence and shrinkage based on its judgment of future realization.  Inventories at April 4, 2009 and January 3, 2009 are as follows:
 
   
Apr 4, 2009
   
Jan 3, 2009
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Raw materials and parts
  $ 37,747     $ 36,375  
Work-in-process
    16,002       21,075  
Finished goods
    43,414       34,668  
 
   
97,163
     
92,118
 
LIFO adjustment
    (567 )     (567 )
                 
    $ 96,596     $ 91,551  

7) 
Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses consist of the following:

   
Apr 4, 2009
   
Jan 3, 2009
 
   
(in thousands)
 
             
Accrued payroll and related expenses
  $ 22,056     $ 23,294  
Accrued warranty
    16,422       12,595  
Advance customer deposits
    12,552       4,449  
Accrued customer rebates
    7,453       13,960  
Accrued product liability and workers comp
    8,591       8,577  
Accrued professional services
    5,861       5,283  
Other accrued expenses
    47,050       34,421  
                 
    $ 119,985     $ 102,579  
 
 
13

 

8) 
Warranty Costs

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

A rollforward of the warranty reserve is as follows:

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
April 4, 2009
 
   
(in thousands)
 
       
Beginning balance
  $ 12,595  
Warranty reserve related to acquisitions
    1,739  
Warranty expense
    8,080  
Warranty claims
    (5,992 )
Ending balance
  $ 16,422  

9) 
Financing Arrangements

   
Apr 4, 2009
   
Jan 3, 2009
 
   
(in thousands)
 
             
Senior secured revolving credit line
  $ 338,600     $ 226,350  
Foreign loan
    7,489       8,350  
Total debt
  $ 346,089     $ 234,700  
                 
Less:  Current maturities of long-term debt
    5,628       6,377  
                 
Long-term debt
  $ 340,461     $ 228,323  

During the fourth quarter of 2007 the company entered into a new senior secured credit facility that matures in December 2012.  This agreement was later amended in August 2008 to provide for the acquisition of TurboChef. Terms of the senior credit agreement provide for $497.5 million of availability under a revolving credit line.  As of April 4, 2009, the company had $338.6 million of borrowings outstanding under this facility.  The company also has $5.2 million in outstanding letters of credit, which reduces the borrowing availability under the revolving credit line.  Remaining borrowing availability under this facility, which is also reduced by the company’s foreign borrowings, was $146.2 million at April 4, 2009.

 
14

 

Borrowings under the senior secured credit facility are assessed at an interest rate of 1.0% above LIBOR for long-term borrowings or at the higher of the Prime rate and the Federal Funds Rate.  At April 4, 2009 the average interest rate on the senior debt amounted to 1.55%. The interest rates on borrowings under the senior bank facility may be adjusted quarterly based on the company’s defined indebtedness ratio on a rolling four-quarter basis.  Additionally, a commitment fee based upon the indebtedness ratio is charged on the unused portion of the revolving credit line.  This variable commitment fee amounted to 0.20% as of April 4, 2009.

In August 2006, the company completed its acquisition of Houno A/S in Denmark. This acquisition was funded in part with locally established debt facilities with borrowings in Danish Krone.  On April 4, 2009 these facilities amounted to $3.8 million in US dollars, including $1.8 million outstanding under a revolving credit facility and $2.0 million of a term loan.  The interest rate on the revolving credit facility is assessed at 1.25% above Euro LIBOR, which amounted to 6.5% on April 4, 2009. The term loan matures in 2013 and the interest rate is assessed at 6.14%.

In April 2008, the company completed its acquisition of Giga Grandi Cucine S.r.l in Italy. This acquisition was funded in part with locally established debt facilities with borrowings  denominated in Euro.  On April 4, 2009 these facilities amounted to $3.6 million in US dollars.  The borrowings under these facilities are collateralized by the receivables of the company.  The interest rate on the credit facilities is tied to six-month Euro LIBOR. The facilities mature in April of 2015.
 
The company estimates that the amount of debt recorded in the financial statements as of April 4, 2009 approximates the fair value of debt.

The company believes that its current capital resources, including cash and cash equivalents, cash generated from operations, funds available from its revolving credit facility and access to the credit and capital markets will be sufficient to finance its operations, debt service obligations, capital expenditures, product development and integration expenditures for the foreseeable future.

The company has historically entered into interest rate swap agreements to effectively fix the interest rate on its outstanding debt.  The agreements swap one-month LIBOR for fixed rates. As of April 4, 2009 the company had the following interest rate swaps in effect:

     
Fixed
       
 
Notional
 
Interest
 
Effective
 
Maturity
 
Amount
 
Rate
 
Date
 
Date
                  
$
25,000,000
    3.67 %
9/26/2008
 
9/23/2011
25,000,000
    3.35 %
1/14/2008
 
1/14/2010
$
20,000,000
    2.80 %
9/08/2008
 
9/08/2009
20,000,000
    3.35 %
6/10/2008
 
6/10/2010
15,000,000
    3.13 %
9/08/2008
 
9/07/2010
$
10,000,000
    2.78 %
2/06/2008
 
2/08/2010
10,000,000
    3.03 %
2/06/2008
 
2/07/2011
10,000,000
    3.46 %
9/08/2008
 
9/06/2011
10,000,000
    5.03 %
3/03/2006
 
12/21/2009
10,000,000
    2.92 %
2/01/2008
 
2/01/2010
10,000,000
    3.59 %
6/10/2008
 
6/10/2011
 
 
15

 

The terms of the senior secured credit facility limit the paying of dividends, capital expenditures and leases, and require, among other things, ratios of indebtedness of 3.5 debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) and fixed charge coverage of 1.25 EBITDA to fixed charges. The credit agreement also provides that if a material adverse change in the company’s business operations or conditions occurs, the lender could declare an event of default. Under terms of the agreement a material adverse effect is defined as (a) a material adverse change in, or a material adverse effect upon, the operations, business properties, condition (financial and otherwise) or prospects of the company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole; (b) a material impairment of the ability of the company to perform under the loan agreements and to avoid any event of default; or (c) a material adverse effect upon the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability against the company of any loan document. A material adverse effect is determined on a subjective basis by the company's creditors.  The credit facility is secured by the capital stock of the company’s domestic subsidiaries, 65% of the capital stock of the company’s foreign subsidiaries and substantially all other assets of the company.  At April 4, 2009, the company was in compliance with all covenants pursuant to its borrowing agreements.

10) 
Financial Instruments

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

On January 5, 2009, the company adopted SFAS No. 161 “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133”.  This statement expands the disclosure of financial instruments.

Foreign Exchange: The company has entered into derivative instruments, principally forward contracts to reduce exposures pertaining to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.  As of April 4, 2009, the company had no forward contracts outstanding.

 
16

 

Interest Rate:  The company has entered into interest rate swaps to fix the interest rate applicable to certain of its variable-rate debt. The agreements swap one-month LIBOR for  fixed rates. The company has designated these swaps as cash flow hedges and all changes in fair value of the swaps are recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.  As of April 4, 2009, the fair value of these instruments was a loss of $5.4 million.  The change in fair value of these swap agreements in the first three months of 2009 was a gain of $0.2 million, net of taxes.

A summary of the company’s interest rate swaps is as follows:

       
Three months ended
 
   
Location
 
Apr. 4, 2009
   
Mar. 29, 2008
 
       
(amounts in thousands)
 
                 
Fair value
 
Other liabilities
  $ (5,406 )   $ (1,353 )
Amount of gain/(loss) recognized in other comprehensive income
 
Other comprehensive income
  $ 275     $ (544 )
Gain/(loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (effective portion)
 
Other comprehensive income
  $ -     $ -  
Gain/(loss) recognized in income (ineffective portion)
 
Other expense
  $ 48     $ 204  
 
Interest rate swaps are subject to default risk to the extent the counterparty were unable to satisfy their settlement obligations under the interest rate swap agreements. The company reviews the credit profile of the financial institutions and assesses its creditworthiness prior to entering into the interest rate swap agreement. The interest rate swap agreements typically contain provisions that allow the counterparty to require early settlement in the event that the company becomes insolvent or is unable to maintain, compliance with its covenants under its existing debt agreement.
 
11) 
Segment Information

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

The Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group manufactures cooking equipment for the restaurant and institutional kitchen industry.  This business segment has manufacturing facilities in California, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Denmark, Italy, and the Philippines.  The Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group manufactures conveyor ovens, convection ovens, fryers, ranges, toasters, combi ovens, steamers, broilers, deck ovens, baking ovens, proofers, beverage systems and beverage dispensing equipment, counter-top cooking and warming equipment. This business segment’s principal product lines include Middleby Marshall® and CTX® conveyor oven equipment, Blodgett® convection ovens, conveyor ovens, deck oven equipment, Blodgett Combi® cooking equipment, Blodgett Range® ranges, Nu-Vu® baking ovens and proofers, Pitco Frialator® fryer equipment, Southbend® ranges, convection ovens and heavy-duty cooking equipment, Toastmaster® toasters and counterline cooking and warming equipment, Jade Range® ranges and ovens, Carter-Hoffmann® warming, holding and transporting equipment, Bloomfield® beverage systems and beverage dispensing equipment, Wells® convection ovens, counterline cooking equipment and ventless cooking systems, Star® light duty cooking equipment, Holman® toasting equipment, Lang® ovens and ranges, TurbChef® speed-cook ovens, Houno® combi-ovens and baking ovens, Giga® ranges, ovens and steam equipment, Frifri® frying systems and MagiKitch'n® charbroilers and catering equipment. 

 
17

 

The Food Processing Equipment Group manufactures cooking and packaging equipment for the food processing industry.  This business segment has manufacturing facilities in Georgia and Wisconsin.  Its principal products include Alkar® batch ovens, conveyorized ovens and continuous process ovens, RapidPak® food packaging machinery and MP Equipment® breading, battering, mixing, forming, and slicing equipment.

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

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. The chief decision maker evaluates individual segment performance based on operating income. Management believes that intersegment sales are made at established arms-length transfer prices.

Net Sales Summary
(dollars in thousands)

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
Apr 4, 2009
   
Mar 29, 2008
 
   
Sales
   
Percent
   
Sales
   
Percent
 
                         
Business Divisions:
                       
Commercial Foodservice
  $ 163,529       90.1     $ 134,016       83.3  
Food Processing
    12,865       7.1       19,888       12.4  
International Distribution(1)
    11,997       6.6       15,793       9.8  
                                 
Intercompany sales (2)
    (6,845 )     (3.8 )     (8,814 )     (5.5 )
Total
  $ 181,546       100.0 %   $ 160,883       100.0 %

(1) 
Consists of sales of products manufactured by Middleby and products manufactured by third parties.

(2) 
Represents the elimination of sales from the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group to the International Distribution Division
 
 
18

 

The following table summarizes the results of operations for the company's business segments(1)(in thousands):

   
Commercial
Foodservice
   
Food
Processing
   
International
Distribution
   
Corporate
and Other(2)
   
Eliminations(3)
   
Total
 
Three months ended April 4, 2009
                                   
 Net sales
  $ 163,529     $ 12,865     $ 11,997     $     $ (6,845 )   $ 181,546  
 Operating income
    35,119       1,673       694       (9,650 )     255       28,091  
 Depreciation and amortization expense
    4,663       348       37       157             5,205  
 Net capital expenditures
    1,549       24       59       238             1,870  
                                                 
 Total assets
    710,947       66,724       23,727       36,717       (6,135 )     831,980  
 Long-lived assets
    515,412       43,135       557       22,269             581,373  
                                                 
Three months ended March 29, 2008
                                               
 Net sales
  $ 134,016     $ 19,888     $ 15,793     $     $ (8,814 )   $ 160,883  
 Operating income
    30,547       2,789       1,074       (8,442 )     48       26,016  
 Depreciation and amortization expense
    2,888       416       52       177             3,533  
 Net capital expenditures
    1,899       51       152       22             2,124  
                                                 
 Total assets
    494,937       73,730       29,887       32,286       (10,480 )     620,360  
 Long-lived assets
    354,671       43,294       713       11,911             410,589  

(1)
Non-operating expenses are not allocated to the operating segments.  Non-operating expenses consist of interest expense and deferred financing amortization, foreign exchange gains and losses and other income and expense items outside of income from operations.

(2) 
Includes corporate and other general company assets and operations.

(3) 
Includes elimination of intercompany sales, profit in inventory and intercompany receivables. Intercompany sale transactions are predominantly from the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group to the International Distribution Division.

Long-lived assets by major geographic region are as follows (in thousands):
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
Apr 4, 2009
   
Mar. 29, 2008
 
United States and Canada
  $ 555,190     $ 406,057  
Asia
    278       1,907  
Europe and Middle East
    25,692       2,625  
Latin America
    213        
Total international
    26,183       4,532  
                 
    $ 581,373     $ 410,589  


 
19

 
 
Net sales by major geographic region, including those sales from the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group direct to international customers, were as follows (in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
Apr 4,, 2009
   
Mar. 29, 2008
 
United States and Canada
  $ 158,532     $ 132,953  
Asia
    5,307       7,152  
Europe and Middle East
    13,576       16,371  
Latin America
    4,131       4,407  
                 
Net sales
  $ 181,546     $ 160,883  
                 

12) 
Employee Retirement Plans

(a) 
Pension Plans

The company maintains a non-contributory defined benefit plan for its employees at Smithville, Tennessee facility, which was acquired as part of the Star acquisition. Benefits are determined based upon retirement age and years of service with the company.  This defined benefit plan was frozen on April 1, 2008 and no further benefits accrue to the participants beyond this date.  Plan participants will receive or continue to receive payments for benefits earned on or prior to April 1, 2008 upon reaching retirement age.

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

The company also maintains a retirement benefit agreement with its Chairman. The retirement benefits are based upon a percentage of the Chairman’s final base salary. Additionally, the company maintains a retirement plan for non-employee directors participating on the Board of Directors prior to 2004.  This plan is not available to any new non-employee directors. The plan provides for an annual benefit upon a change in control of the company or retirement from the Board of Directors at age 70, equal to 100% of the director’s last annual retainer, payable for a number of years equal to the director’s years of service up to a maximum of 10 years.

 
20

 

(b) 
401K Savings Plans

The company maintains two separate defined contribution 401K savings plans covering all employees in the United States.  These two plans separately cover the union employees at the Elgin, Illinois facility and all other remaining union and non-union employees in the United States.   The company makes profit sharing contributions to the various plans in accordance with the requirements of the plan.   Profit sharing contributions for the Elgin Union 401K savings plans are made in accordance with the agreement.

13)
Restructuring
 
During the first quarter the company made the decision and took action to close one of its manufacturing facilities and transfer production to another of the Company's manufacturing facility. The company anticipates this initiative will be fully complete by the 2009 third quarter. The company recorded expense in the first quarter for severance and employee benefits associated with this initiative. These costs are summarized as follows (in thousands):
 
Employee-related severance
     
and benefit costs incurred
  $ 2, 279  
Payments
    (10 )
Balance April 4, 2009
  $ 2,269  

14) 
Subsequent Events

On April 26, 2009, the company completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of CookTek LLC (“CookTek”) for $9.0 million.  Further payments are due to the seller under an earnout arrangement to the extent certain financial targets are achieved.  CookTek is a leader in the manufacture of induction cooking and warming systems for the commercial foodservice industry.

On April 30, 2009, the company completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Anetsbergers, Brothers, Inc. (“Anets”) for $3.5 million plus $0.5 million in deferred payments if certain performance criteria are met.  Anets is a leading manufacturer of griddles, fryers and dough rollers for the commercial foodservice industry.

 
21

 

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Informational Notes

This report contains forward-looking statements subject to the safe harbor created by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  The company cautions readers that these projections are based upon future results or events and are highly dependent upon a variety of important factors which could cause such results or events to differ materially from any forward-looking statements which may be deemed to have been made in this report, or which are otherwise made by or on behalf of the company.  Such factors include, but are not limited to, volatility in earnings resulting from goodwill impairment losses which may occur irregularly and in varying amounts; variability in financing costs; quarterly variations in operating results; dependence on key customers; international exposure; foreign exchange and political risks affecting international sales; ability to protect trademarks, copyrights and other intellectual property; changing market conditions; the impact of competitive products and pricing; the timely development and market acceptance of the company’s products; the availability and cost of raw materials; and other risks detailed herein and from time-to-time in the company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including the company’s 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K and Item 1A of this Form 10-Q.
 
The economic outlook for 2009 is extremely uncertain at this time, with substantial turmoil in financial markets and unprecedented government intervention around the world. As a global business, the company’s operating results are impacted by the health of the North American, European, Asian and Latin American economies. While the response by governments and central banks around the world may restore global liquidity, the depth and duration of economic decline and the timing and strength of the recovery are very uncertain.

 
22

 

Net Sales Summary
(dollars in thousands)

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
Apr. 4, 2009
   
Mar. 29, 2008
 
   
Sales
   
Percent
   
Sales
   
Percent
 
                         
Business Divisions:
                       
Commercial Foodservice
  $ 163,529       90.1     $ 134,016       83.3  
Food Processing
    12,865       7.1       19,888       12.4  
International Distribution(1)
    11,997       6.6       15,793       9.8  
                                 
Intercompany sales (2)
    (6,845 )     (3.8 )     (8,814 )     (5.5 )
Total
  $ 181,546       100.0 %   $ 160,883       100.0 %

(1) 
Consists of sales of products manufactured by Middleby and products manufactured by third parties.

(2) 
Represents the elimination of sales from the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group to the International Distribution Division.

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth certain consolidated statements of earnings items as a percentage of net sales for the periods.

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
Apr 4, 2009
   
Mar 29, 2008
 
Net sales
    100.0 %     100.0 %
Cost of sales
    62.1       63.4  
Gross profit
    37.9       36.6  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    22.4       20.4  
Income from operations
    15.5       16.2  
Net interest expense and deferred financing amortization
    1.7       2.3  
Other (income) expense, net
    0.2       0.2  
Earnings before income taxes
    13.6       13.7  
Provision for income taxes
    5.8       5.5  
Net earnings
    7.8 %     8.2 %


 
23

 

Three Months Ended April 4, 2009 Compared to Three Months Ended March 29, 2008

NET SALES. Net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2009 were $181.5 million as compared to $160.9 million in the first quarter of 2008.

Net sales at the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group amounted to $163.5 million in the first quarter of 2009 as compared to $134.0 million in the prior year quarter.

Net sales from the acquisition of TurboChef, which was acquired on January 5, 2009 accounted for an increase of $22.5 million during the first quarter of 2009.  Excluding the impact of acquisitions, net sales of commercial foodservice equipment increased $0.4 million.

Net sales for the Food Processing Equipment Group amounted to $12.9 million in the first quarter of 2009 as compared to $19.9 million in the prior year quarter.  Net sales of food processing equipment continued to be impacted by the adverse economic conditions.

Net sales at the International Distribution Division decreased by $3.8 million to $12.0 million or 24%, reflecting lower sales in Asia, Europe and Latin America.  Sales were affected by adverse economic conditions internationally and reduced store openings by the U.S. chains in the international markets.
                                                    .
GROSS PROFIT. Gross profit increased to $68.8 million in the first quarter of 2009 from $58.9 million in the prior year period, reflecting the impact of higher sales volumes.  The gross margin rate was 37.9 % in the first quarter of 2009 as compared to 36.6% in the prior year quarter.  The net increase in the gross margin rate reflects:

 
·
Improved margins at certain of the newly acquired operating companies which have improved due to acquisition integration initiatives.

 
·
Higher margins associated with new product sales.

 
·
The adverse impact of lower sales volumes.

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. Combined selling, general, and administrative expenses increased from $32.9 million in the first quarter of 2008 to $40.7 million in the first quarter of 2009.  As a percentage of net sales, operating expenses increased from 20.4% in the first quarter of 2008 to 22.4% in the first quarter of 2009. Selling expenses increased from $16.2 million in the first quarter of 2008 to $16.3 million in the first quarter of 2009.  Selling expenses reflect increased costs of $3.6 million associated with the acquired operations of Frifri, Giga and TurboChef partially offset by reduced costs of $2.4 million associated with commission expense due to lower sales and lower rates. General and administrative expenses increased from $16.6 million in the first quarter of 2008 to $24.4 million in the first quarter of 2009.  General and administrative expenses reflect $4.0 million of costs associated with the acquired operations of Frifri, Giga and TurboChef and $2.3 million associated with the closure and consolidation of a manufacturing facility.

 
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NON-OPERATING EXPENSES.  Interest and deferred financing amortization costs decreased to $3.1 million in the first quarter of 2009 as compared to $3.7 million in the first quarter of 2008, due to lower interest rates on increased borrowings resulting from recent acquisitions.  Other expense was $0.3 million in the first quarter of 2009, which primarily consisted of foreign exchange losses, as compared to other expense of $0.4 million in the prior year first quarter.

INCOME TAXES. A tax provision of $10.6 million, at an effective rate of 43%, was recorded during the first quarter of 2009, as compared to a $8.7 million provision at a 40% effective rate in the prior year quarter.

Financial Condition and Liquidity

During the three months ended April 4, 2009, cash and cash equivalents increased by $2.7 million to $8.8 million at April 4, 2009  from $6.1 million at January 3, 2009.  Net borrowings increased from $234.7 million at January 3, 2009 to $346.1 million at April 4, 2009.

OPERATING ACTIVITIES. Net cash provided by operating activities was $9.9 million for the three month period ended April 4, 2009 compared to $12.6 million for the three-month period ended March 29, 2008.

During the three months ended April 4, 2009, working capital levels changed due to normal business fluctuations, including the impact of increased seasonal working capital needs.  The changes in working capital included a $8.7 million increase in accounts receivable, a $5.6 million decrease in inventory, and a $5.6 million increase in accounts payable.  Prepaid and other assets decreased $0.5 million. Accrued expenses and other non-current liabilities also decreased by $15.1 million.

INVESTING ACTIVITIES. During the three months ended April 4, 2009, net cash used in investing activities amounted to $117.9 million.  This includes cash utilized to complete the acquisition of TurboChef of $116.1 million and $1.9 million of capital expenditures associated with additions and upgrades of production equipment.

FINANCING ACTIVITIES.  Net cash flows provided by financing activities were $111.7 million during the three months ended April 4, 2009.  The net increase in debt includes $112.3 million in borrowings under the company’s $497.5 million revolving credit facility utilized to fund the company’s investing activities.

At April 4, 2009, the company was in compliance with all covenants pursuant to its borrowing agreements. Management believes that future cash flows from operating activities and borrowing availability under the revolving credit facility will provide the company with sufficient financial resources to meet its anticipated requirements for working capital, capital expenditures and debt amortization for the foreseeable future.

 
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Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In December 2007, the FAS issued SFAS No. 141R, “Business Combinations”.  This statement provides companies with principles and requirements on how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree as well as the recognition and measurement of goodwill acquired in a business combination. This statement also requires certain disclosures to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. Acquisition costs associated with the business combination will generally be expensed as incurred. This statement is effective for business combinations occurring in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008.  Early adoption of FASB Statement No. 141R is not permitted.  The company adopted this statement on January 5, 2009, including the acquisition of TurboChef.  Accordingly, the company has applied the principles of SFAS No. 141R in valuing this acquisition.  Middleby shares of common stock which were issued in conjunction with this transaction, were valued using the share price at the time of closing to determine the value of the purchase price.  Additionally, the company incurred approximately $4.6 million in transaction related expenses which were recorded as a deferred acquisition cost reported as an asset on the balance sheet on January 3, 2009.  In accordance with SFAS No. 141R, the company has applied a retrospective application and appropriately reflected the expense incurred in 2008 in accordance with FASB Statement No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections,” on reporting a change in accounting principle.

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

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities—an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133.”  This statement amends SFAS No. 133 to require enhanced disclosures about an entity’s derivative and hedging activities.  This Statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early application encouraged.  The company has complied with the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 161.

In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.”  This statement identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles to be used in the preparation of financial statements of nongovernmental entities that are presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States.  This statement directs the hierarchy to the entity, rather than the independent auditors, as the entity is responsible for selecting accounting principles for financial statements that are presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.  This statement is effective 60 days following the SEC’s approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board amendments to remove the hierarchy of generally accepted accounting principles from the auditing standards.  The company does not anticipate that the adoption of SFAS No. 162 will have a material impact on its financial statements.

 
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In December 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position, or FSP, No. 132(R)-1, “Employers’ Disclosures about Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets.” This FSP amends SFAS 132(R), “Employer’s Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits,” to require additional disclosures about assets held in an employer’s defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan. This FSP replaces the requirement to disclose the percentage of the fair value of total plan assets for each major category of plan assets, such as equity securities, debt securities, real estate and all other assets, with the fair value of each major asset category as of each annual reporting date for which a financial statement is presented. It also amends SFAS No. 132(R) to require disclosure of the level within the fair value hierarchy in which each major category of plan assets falls, using the guidance in SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” This FSP is applicable to employers that are subject to the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 132(R) and is generally effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009. The company will comply with the disclosure provisions of this FSP after its effective date.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based upon the company's consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires the company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses as well as related disclosures. On an ongoing basis, the company evaluates its estimates and judgments based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

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

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

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

Long-lived assets: Long-lived assets (including goodwill and other intangibles) are reviewed for impairment annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In assessing the recoverability of the company's long-lived assets, the company considers changes in economic conditions and makes assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows and other factors.  Estimates of future cash flows are judgments based on the company's experience and knowledge of operations.  These estimates can be significantly impacted by many factors including changes in global and local business and economic conditions, operating costs, inflation, competition, and consumer and demographic trends.  If the company's estimates or the underlying assumptions change in the future, the company may be required to record impairment charges.

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

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

 
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Income taxes: The company operates in numerous foreign and domestic taxing jurisdictions where it is subject to various types of tax, including sales tax and income tax.  The company's tax filings are subject to audits and adjustments. Because of the nature of the company’s operations, the nature of the audit items can be complex, and the objectives of the government auditors can result in a tax on the same transaction or income in more than one state or country.  The company initially recognizes the financial statement effects of a tax position when it more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the position will be sustained upon examination.  For tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the company initially and subsequently measures its tax positions as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon effective settlement with the taxing authority.  As part of the company's calculation of the provision for taxes, the company has recorded liabilities on various tax positions that are currently under audit by the taxing authorities.  The liabilities may change in the future upon effective settlement of the tax positions.

Contractual Obligations

The company's contractual cash payment obligations as of April 4, 2009 are set forth below (in thousands):

   
Amounts
                     
Total
 
   
Due Sellers
               
Idle
   
Contractual
 
   
From
   
Long-term
   
Operating
   
Facility
   
Cash
 
   
Acquisitions
   
Debt
   
Leases
   
Leases
   
Obligations
 
                               
Less than 1 year
  $ 1,497     $ 5,628     $ 3,844     $ 384     $ 11,353  
1-3 years
    1,597       406       5,178       861       8,042  
3-5 years
          339,006       1,323       880       341,209  
After 5 years
          1,049             621       1,670  
                                         
    $ 3,094     $ 346,089     $ 10,345     $ 2,746     $ 362,274  

The company has an obligation to make $3.1 million of purchase price payments to the sellers of Giga that were deferred in conjunction with the acquisition.

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

The company has $5.2 million in outstanding letters of credit, which expire on April 4, 2010 to secure potential obligations under insurance programs.

Idle facility leases consists of an obligation for a manufacturing location that was exited in conjunction with the company's manufacturing consolidation efforts.  This lease obligation continues through June 2015.  This facility has been subleased.  The obligation presented above does not reflect any anticipated sublease income from the facilities.

 
29

 

The projected benefit obligation of the company’s defined benefit plans exceeded the plans’ assets by $9.5 million at the end of 2008 as compared to $4.6 million at the end of 2007.  The unfunded benefit obligations were comprised of a $3.4 million under funding of the company’s Smithville plan, which was acquired as part of the Star acquisition, a $1.0 million under funding of the company's union plan and $5.1 million of under funding of the company's director plans.  The company does not expect to contribute to the director plans in 2009.  The company expects to continue to make minimum contributions to the Smithville and Elgin plans as required by ERISA, which are expected to be $0.3 million and $0.1 million, respectively in 2009. 

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

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

 
30

 

Item 3. 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Interest Rate Risk

The company is exposed to market risk related to changes in interest rates.  The following table summarizes the maturity of the company’s debt obligations.

   
Fixed
   
Variable
 
   
Rate
   
Rate
 
Twelve Month Period Ending
 
Debt
   
Debt
 
   
(in thousands)
 
             
April 4, 2009
  $     $ 5,628  
April 4, 2010
          203  
April 4, 2011
          203  
April 4, 2012
          338,803  
April 4, 2013 and thereafter
          1,252  
                 
    $     $ 346,089  

During the fourth quarter of 2007 the company entered into a new senior secured credit facility that matures in December 2012. This agreement was later amended in August 2008 to provide for the acquisition of TurboChef. Terms of the senior credit agreement provide for $497.5 million of availability under a revolving credit line.  As of April 4, 2009, the company had $338.6 million of borrowings outstanding under this facility.  The company also has $5.2 million in outstanding letters of credit, which reduces the borrowing availability under the revolving credit line.  Remaining borrowing availability under this facility, which is also reduced by the company’s foreign borrowings, was $146.2 million at April 4, 2009.

Borrowings under the senior secured credit facility are assessed at an interest rate 1.0% above LIBOR for long-term borrowings or at the higher of the Prime rate and the Federal Funds Rate.  At April 4, 2009 the average interest rate on the senior debt amounted to 1.55%. The interest rates on borrowings under the senior bank facility may be adjusted quarterly based on the company’s defined indebtedness ratio on a rolling four-quarter basis.  Additionally, a commitment fee, based upon the indebtedness ratio is charged on the unused portion of the revolving credit line.  This variable commitment fee amounted to 0.20% as of April 4, 2009.

In August 2006, the company completed its acquisition of Houno A/S in Denmark. This acquisition was funded in part with locally established debt facilities with borrowings in Danish Krone.  On April 4, 2009 these facilities amounted to $3.8 million in US dollars, including $1.8 million outstanding under a revolving credit facility and $2.0 million of a term loan.  The interest rate on the revolving credit facility is assessed at 1.25% above Euro LIBOR, which amounted to 6.5% on April 4, 2009. The term loan matures in 2013 and the interest rate is assessed at 6.14%.

 
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In April 2008, the company completed its acquisition of Giga Grandi Cucine S.r.l in Italy. This acquisition was funded in part with locally established debt facilities with borrowings  denominated in Euro.  On April 4, 2009 these facilities amounted to $3.6 million in US dollars.  The borrowings under these facilities are collateralized by the receivables of the company.  The interest rate on the credit facilities is tied to six-month Euro LIBOR. The facilities mature in April of 2015.
 
The company estimates that the amount of debt recorded in the financial statements as of April 4, 2009 approximates the fair value of debt.
 
The company believes that its current capital resources, including cash and cash equivalents, cash generated from operations, funds available from its revolving credit facility and access to the credit and capital markets will be sufficient to finance its operations, debt service obligations, capital expenditures, product development and integration expenditures for the foreseeable future.

The company has historically entered into interest rate swap agreements to effectively fix the interest rate on its outstanding debt.  The agreements swap one-month LIBOR for fixed rates. As of April 4, 2009 the company had the following interest rate swaps in effect:

     
Fixed
         
 
Notional
 
Interest
   
Effective
 
Maturity
 
Amount
 
Rate
   
Date
 
Date
 
 
             
$
25,000,000
 
3.67
 
9/26/2008
 
9/23/2011
25,000,000
 
3.35
%
 
1/14/2008
 
1/14/2010
$
20,000,000
 
2.80
%
 
9/08/2008
 
9/08/2009
20,000,000
 
3.35
%
 
6/10/2008
 
6/10/2010
15,000,000
 
3.13
%
 
9/08/2008
 
9/07/2010
10,000,000
 
2.78
%
 
2/06/2008
 
2/08/2010
$
10,000,000
 
3.03
%
 
2/06/2008
 
2/07/2011
10,000,000
 
3.46
%
 
9/08/2008
 
9/06/2011
10,000,000
 
5.03
%
 
3/03/2006
 
12/21/2009
10,000,000
 
2.92
%
 
2/01/2008
 
2/01/2010
10,000,000
 
3.59
%
 
6/10/2008
 
6/10/2011

The terms of the senior secured credit facility limit the paying of dividends, capital expenditures and leases, and require, among other things, ratios of indebtedness of 3.5 debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) and fixed charge coverage of 1.25 EBITDA to fixed charges. The credit agreement also provides that if a material adverse change in the company’s business operations or conditions occurs, the lender could declare an event of default. Under terms of the agreement a material adverse effect is defined as (a) a material adverse change in, or a material adverse effect upon, the operations, business properties, condition (financial and otherwise) or prospects of the company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole; (b) a material impairment of the ability of the company to perform under the loan agreements and to avoid any event of default; or (c) a material adverse effect upon the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability against the company of any loan document. A material adverse effect is determined on a subjective basis by the company's creditors.  The credit facility is secured by the capital stock of the company’s domestic subsidiaries, 65% of the capital stock of the company’s foreign subsidiaries and substantially all other assets of the company.  At April 4, 2009, the company was in compliance with all covenants pursuant to its borrowing agreements.

 
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Financing Derivative Instruments

The company has entered into interest rate swaps to fix the interest rate applicable to certain of its variable-rate debt. The agreements swap one-month LIBOR for a fixed rates  The company has designated these swaps as cash flow hedges and all changes in fair value of the swaps are recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.  As of April 4, 2009, the fair value of these instruments was a loss of $5.4 million.  The change in fair value of these swap agreements in the first three months of 2009 was a gain of $0.2 million, net of taxes.

Foreign Exchange Derivative Financial Instruments

The company uses foreign currency forward purchase and sale contracts with terms of less than one year to hedge its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates.  The company’s primary hedging activities are to mitigate its exposure to changes in exchange rates on intercompany and third party trade receivables and payables. The company does not currently enter into derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. In managing its foreign currency exposures, the company identifies and aggregates naturally occurring offsetting positions and then hedges residual balance sheet exposures.  There were no forward contracts outstanding at the end of the quarter.

 
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Item 4.   Controls and Procedures

The company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the company's Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the company's management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

As of April 4, 2009, the company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the company's management, including the company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the company's disclosure controls and procedures. Based on the foregoing, the company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of this period.

During the quarter ended April 4, 2009, there has been no change in the company's internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company's internal control over financial reporting.

 
34

 

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

The company was not required to report the information pursuant to Items 1 through 6 of Part II of Form 10-Q for the three months ended April 4, 2009, except as follows:

Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

   
 
Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
   
 
Average
Price Paid
per Share
   
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced
Plan or
Program
   
Maximum
Number of
Shares that May
Yet be
Purchased
Under the Plan
or Program
 
January 4 to January 31, 2009
                      627,332  
February 1, 2009 to February 28, 2009
                      627,332  
March 1, 2009 to April 4, 2009
                      627,332  
Quarter ended April 4, 2009
                      627,332  

In July 1998, the company's Board of Directors adopted a stock repurchase program that authorized the purchase of common shares in open market purchases.  As of April 4, 2009, 1,172,668 shares had been purchased under the 1998 stock repurchase program.

 
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Item 6.  Exhibits

Exhibits –
 
The following exhibits are filed herewith:
     
Exhibit 31.1 –
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d -14(a) Certification of the Chief Executive Officer as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
Exhibit 31.2 –
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d -14(a) Certification of the Chief Financial Officer as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
Exhibit 32.1 
 
Certification by the Principal Executive Officer of The Middleby Corporation Pursuant to Rule 13A-14(b) under the Exchange Act and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002(18 U.S.C. 1350).
     
Exhibit 32.2 
 
Certification by the Principal Financial Officer of The Middleby Corporation Pursuant to Rule 13A-14(b) under the Exchange Act and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002(18 U.S.C. 1350).

 
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SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

     
THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION
     
(Registrant)
         
Date
May 14, 2009 
 
By:
/s/  Timothy J. FitzGerald
       
Timothy J. FitzGerald
       
Vice President,
       
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
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