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SCHEDULE 14A
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No. ___)
Filed by the Registrant þ
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o
Check the appropriate box:
þ   Preliminary Proxy Statement
o   Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
o   Definitive Proxy Statement
o   Definitive Additional Materials
o   Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12
GENERAL FINANCE CORPORATION
 
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
 
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
o     No fee required.
 
þ   Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
  1)   Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
 
  2)   Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
 
  3)   Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
 
  4)   Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:

$87,400,000
 
  5)   Total fee paid:

$ 9,351.80
 
o     Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
 
o     Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the form or schedule and the date of its filing.
  1)   Amount Previously Paid:
 
  2)   Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
 
  3)   Filing Party:
 
  4)   Date Filed:
 


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GENERAL FINANCE CORPORATION
260 South Los Robles, Suite 217
Pasadena, California 91101
 
 
To the Stockholders of General Finance Corporation:
 
You are cordially invited to attend a special meeting of our stockholders to be held at 10:00 a.m., local time, on [ • ], 2006, at [ • ], at [ • ].
 
At the meeting, you will be asked to consider and vote upon our proposed acquisition of all of the outstanding capital stock of RWA Holdings Pty Limited, an Australian company, or RWA. We refer to RWA and its subsidiaries collectively as “Royal Wolf.” Royal Wolf leases and sells portable storage containers, portable container buildings and freight containers in Australia. Royal Wolf’s management believes Royal Wolf is the market leader in Australia for container-based storage and accommodation products. Royal Wolf operates customer service centers in every state in Australia, is represented in all major business centers in Australia, and is the only container leasing and sales company in Australia with a nationally integrated infrastructure and work force.
 
The aggregate consideration for the acquisition is $87.4 million, which is subject to adjustment relating to the levels of Royal Wolf’s consolidated working capital, net tangible assets and container rental equipment, and outstanding obligations under a certain container lease program as determined as of the closing of the acquisition, as well as the costs and expenses incurred by Royal Wolf in connection with any acquisitions completed prior to the closing. The aggregate consideration will increase by $570,000 if this preliminary proxy statement has not been cleared by the Securities and Exchange Commission by January 17, 2007 and by an additional $570,000 if clearance has not been obtained by February 17, 2007. We refer to the foregoing closing adjustments and possible increases in the aggregate consideration as the “consideration adjustments.”
 
Of the aggregate consideration for the acquisition, we will pay the shareholders of RWA at the closing cash in the amount of $83.6 million, as adjusted by the consideration adjustments, less the net debt of Royal Wolf as of the closing of the acquisition. Net debt for this purposes includes, among other items of indebtedness, obligations under finance leases, dividends and distributions paid by Royal Wolf after the date of the acquisition agreement, any deferred purchase price and future payment obligations under any acquisition agreements, amounts paid by Royal Wolf to eliminate outstanding stock options, and transaction expenses of the RWA shareholders paid by Royal Wolf. The remaining $3.8 million of consideration will consist of $1.5 million of shares of our common stock to be issued at the closing to one of the RWA shareholders and a total of $2.3 million payable in cash in two equal installments on the first and second anniversaries of the closing for a non-compete covenant from the RWA shareholders. Our shares of common stock will be valued for this purpose based upon the average of the closing sale prices of our common stock as reported on the American Stock Exchange during the 20 trading days ending two days prior to the closing of the acquisition.
 
We have paid the shareholders of RWA a deposit of $418,000, and must pay additional deposits of $190,000 on each of November 30, 2006, December 31, 2006 and January 31, 2007 (all deposits would total $988,000) if the closing of the acquisition has not occurred by such dates and we do not terminate the acquisition agreement. If the closing occurs, the deposits will be applied to reduce the cash portion of the consideration payable by us at the closing. If the closing does not occur, the deposits are refundable to us only in certain limited circumstances.
 
Enclosed is a notice of special meeting and proxy statement containing detailed information concerning the acquisition. Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, we urge you to read these materials carefully.
 
Our board of directors has unanimously approved our acquisition of RWA and determined that it is in the best interests of us and our stockholders. Our board of directors unanimously recommends that you vote or give instruction to vote “FOR” approval of the acquisition.
 
Under our certificate of incorporation, we can complete the acquisition only if it is approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of our common stock present and entitled to vote at the special meeting with respect to the acquisition, as well as the holders of a majority of the shares of our common stock that were originally issued in our initial public offering, or IPO, that are voted. Notwithstanding these approvals, our certificate of incorporation provides that we cannot complete the acquisition if the holders of 20% or more of our IPO shares (1,725,000 or more shares) vote against it and demand that their shares be converted into the right to


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receive a pro rata portion of the funds presently held in the trust account established at the time of our IPO. These conversion rights are described in detail in the enclosed proxy statement.
 
Our officers and directors hold shares of our common stock acquired prior to our IPO that represent approximately 17.9% of our outstanding shares. They have agreed to vote these shares with respect to the acquisition as the holders of a majority of our IPO shares that are voted at the special meeting.
 
Your vote is important. Whether you plan to attend the special meeting or not, please sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card as soon as possible in the envelope provided.
 
I look forward to seeing you at the meeting.
 
Sincerely,
 
Ronald F. Valenta
Chief Executive Officer


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GENERAL FINANCE CORPORATION
260 South Los Robles, Suite 217
Pasadena, California 91101

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON [ • ], 2006
 
To the Stockholders of General Finance Corporation:
 
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special meeting of stockholders of General Finance Corporation, a Delaware corporation, will be held at 10:00 a.m., local time, on [ • ], 2006, at [ • ], California, for the following purposes:
 
(1) to consider and vote upon a proposal to approve our acquisition of RWA Holdings Pty Limited, an Australian company, or RWA; and
 
(2) in the event that there are insufficient votes present at the meeting for approval of the RWA acquisition, to consider and act upon a proposal to grant our board of directors discretionary authority to adjourn the special meeting to solicit additional votes for approval of the acquisition.
 
These items of business are described in the attached proxy statement, which we encourage you to read in its entirety before voting. Only holders of record of our common stock at the close of business on [ • ], 2006 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting and any adjournment or postponement of the meeting.
 
All stockholders are cordially invited to attend the meeting in person. However, to ensure your representation at the meeting, you are urged to complete, sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card as soon as possible. Proxy cards that are returned to us in time for the special meeting will be voted by the proxy holders named therein as instructed on the proxy cards. If no instructions are given, they will be voted “FOR” approval of the Royal Wolf acquisition and the other proposal described above. By returning the enclosed proxy card, you also will be granting the proxy holders discretionary authority to consider and act upon such other matters incident to the conduct of the meeting as may be properly presented at the meeting and any adjournment or postponement of the meeting.
 
The holders of shares of our common stock that were originally issued in our initial public offering, or IPO, are entitled to vote against approval of the acquisition and demand that their shares be converted into the right to receive a pro rata portion of the funds held in the trust account established at the time of the IPO. These conversion rights are described in detail in the attached proxy statement.
 
By Order of the Board of Directors
 
Ronald F. Valenta
Chief Executive Officer
 
[ • ], 2006
 
 
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT REGARDLESS OF THE NUMBER OF SHARES YOU OWN. IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT YOUR SHARES ARE VOTED, PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE. IF GIVEN, YOU MAY REVOKE YOUR PROXY BY FOLLOWING THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE PROXY STATEMENT.
 
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” APPROVAL OF EACH OF THE PROPOSALS DESCRIBED IN THE ATTACHED PROXY STATEMENT.
 
 


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GENERAL FINANCE CORPORATION
260 South Los Robles, Suite 217
Pasadena, California 91101
 
PROXY STATEMENT
 
This proxy statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies on behalf of the board of directors of General Finance Corporation for use at the special meeting of our stockholders to be held at 10:00 a.m., local time, on [ • ], 2006, at [ • ], California. The accompanying notice of special meeting describes the purposes of the meeting. The proxies will be used at the meeting and at any postponement or adjournment of the meeting.
 
This proxy statement and accompanying proxy solicitation materials were first mailed on or about [ • ], 2006 to our shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting.


 

 
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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE ACQUISITION
AND THE SPECIAL MEETING
 
The following questions and answers address briefly some commonly asked questions regarding our proposed acquisition of RWA Holdings Pty Limited, or RWA, and the special meeting of our shareholders. These questions and answers may not address all questions that may be important to you as our stockholder. The answers below are qualified by reference to the more detailed information contained elsewhere in this proxy statement.
 
References in this proxy statement to “Royal Wolf” mean RWA and its subsidiaries.
 
References in this proxy statement to “GFN Australasia” mean GFN Australasia Finance Pty Ltd., a newly formed company organized by us under the laws of Australia and wholly owned subsidiary of GFN Australasia Holdings Pty Ltd, which is a newly formed company also organized by us under the laws of Australia and our wholly owned subsidiary. References in this proxy statement to “we,” “us,” “our,” and “ours” mean General Finance Corporation and its subsidiaries.
 
References in this proxy statement to the “sellers” mean Equity Partners Two Pty Limited, Cetro Pty Limited, FOMJ Pty Limited, FOMM Pty Limited, TCWE Pty Limited, the current shareholders of RWA, along with Paul Jeffery, James Warren, Michael Baxter and Peter McCann, who constitute the majority of the directors and executive officers of RWA.
 
The financial terms and provisions of the acquisition agreement are denominated in Australian dollars, as are the historical consolidated financial statements of RWA included in this proxy statement. However, for convenience, the financial terms and provisions of the acquisition agreement, as well as the dollar amounts included in the sections entitled “Consideration of the Acquisition” and “Information About Royal Wolf,” have been converted throughout the text of this proxy statement into U.S. dollars. Unless otherwise indicated, all amounts have been converted based upon the currency exchange rate in effect on September 8, 2006 of 0.7599 U.S. dollar for one Australian dollar. The currency exchange rate in effect as of the closing of the acquisition or at any future date may differ. Because Royal Wolf’s business is presently conducted entirely within Australia, assuming the acquisition is completed, our future consolidated financial results stated in U.S. dollars will fluctuate in accordance with changes in currency exchange rates.
 
The Following Questions and Answers are of Interest to All Shareholders
 
Q. Why am I receiving this proxy statement?
 
A. We have agreed to acquire RWA in a “business combination” within the meaning of our certificate of incorporation. Under our certificate of incorporation, the acquisition must be approved by our stockholders, which is the purpose of the special meeting. This proxy statement contains important information about the acquisition and the special meeting of our stockholders.
 
Q. What vote is required in order to approve the acquisition?
 
A. Under our certificate of incorporation, we can complete the acquisition only if it is approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of our common stock present and entitled to vote with respect to the acquisition, as well as the holders of a majority of the shares of our common stock that were originally issued in our initial public offering, or IPO, that are voted with respect to the acquisition. Notwithstanding these approvals, our certificate of incorporation provides that we cannot complete the acquisition if the holders of 20% or more of our IPO shares (1,725,000 or more shares) vote against it and demand that their shares be converted into a pro rata portion of the net proceeds of our IPO presently held in the trust account established for this purpose at the time of our IPO. These rights of holders of our IPO shares to vote against the acquisition and demand conversion of their shares are referred to in this proxy statement as “conversion rights” and described elsewhere in this proxy statement.
 
Q. Are we being asked to consider any other matter?
 
A. Yes. We are asking our stockholders to grant our board of directors discretionary authority to adjourn the special meeting to solicit additional votes for approval of the acquisition in the event that there are insufficient votes for its approval present at the special meeting.


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Q. What will happen in the proposed acquisition?
 
A. GFN Australasia will acquire from the sellers all of the outstanding shares of RWA, and we will own and carry on Royal Wolf’s existing business and operations following the acquisition.
 
Q. What is the consideration for the Royal Wolf acquisition?
 
A. The aggregate consideration for the acquisition is $87.4 million, subject to certain adjustments relating to the levels of Royal Wolf’s consolidated working capital, net tangible assets and container rental equipment, and outstanding obligations under a certain container lease program as of the closing of the acquisition, as well as the costs and expenses incurred by Royal Wolf in connection with any acquisition completed prior to the closing. The aggregate consideration will increase by $570,000 if this preliminary proxy statement has not been cleared by the Securities and Exchange Commission by January 17, 2007 and by an additional $570,000 if clearance has not been obtained by February 17, 2007. We refer to the foregoing closing adjustments and possible increases in the aggregate consideration as the “consideration adjustments.”
 
Of the aggregate consideration in the acquisition, we will pay the shareholders of RWA at the closing cash in the amount of $83.6 million, as adjusted by the consideration adjustments, less the net debt of Royal Wolf as of the closing of the acquisition. Net debt for these purposes includes, among other items of indebtedness, obligations under finance leases, dividends and distributions paid by Royal Wolf after the date of the acquisition agreement, any deferred purchase price and future payment obligations under any acquisition agreements, amounts paid by Royal Wolf to eliminate outstanding stock options, and transaction expenses of the sellers paid by Royal Wolf. The remaining $3.8 million of consideration will consist of $1.5 million of shares of our common stock to be issued at the closing to one of the sellers and a total of $2.3 million payable in cash in two equal installments on the first and second anniversaries of the closing for a non-compete covenant from the sellers. Our shares of common stock will be valued for this purpose based upon the average of the closing sale prices of our common stock as reported on the American Stock Exchange during the 20 trading days ending two days prior to the closing of the acquisition.
 
Based upon the consideration adjustments and the net debt of Royal Wolf as of June 30,2006, the acquisition consideration as of that date would have consisted of $48.5 million of cash, $35.1 million of the net debt of Royal Wolf, $1.5 million of shares of our common stock and $2.3 million payable for the sellers’ non-compete covenant. The actual consideration adjustments and the net debt of Royal Wolf and breakdown of the aggregate consideration as of the closing will be different.
 
Q. Is any financing necessary to fund the total consideration payable under the acquisition agreement?
 
A. No. We believe that the funds held in the trust account established at the time of our IPO will be sufficient to pay the cash portion of the consideration payable at the closing. We do, however, intend to refinance the existing indebtedness of Royal Wolf and to obtain additional debt and/or equity financing for growth in connection with the acquisition of Royal Wolf and for other purposes consistent with our acquisition strategy. We do not yet have any binding commitments for such additional financing.
 
Q. Is the consideration subject to change?
 
A. Yes. The actual total consideration for the acquisition will depend upon the consideration adjustments. The cash portion of the consideration will also change based upon the consideration adjustments and the net debt of Royal Wolf as of the closing of the acquisition.
 
In addition, the financial terms and provisions of the acquisition agreement are denominated in Australian dollars, which, for convenience, have been converted throughout the text of this proxy statement into U.S. dollars based upon the currency exchange rate in effect on September 8, 2006 of 0.7599 U.S. dollar for one Australian dollar. The currency exchange rate in effect as of the closing of the acquisition may differ.
 
Q. Why are you proposing the acquisition?
 
A. We were organized to effect an acquisition, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition or other similar business combination with an operating business. Although we were not limited to a particular industry, we stated our intention to focus our efforts on the specialty finance industry and in areas where our management has significant expertise. Royal Wolf is a leading specialty finance company in Australia that we believe has a


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strong and deep management team and is well-positioned for significant growth domestically in Australia. We also believe Royal Wolf can serve as a both a rental services platform for expansion throughout the Asia-Pacific region and potentially the core management team for the global container rental/leasing segment of our business. The acquisition of RWA will provide us and our stockholders the opportunity to own and operate Royal Wolf and expand upon its existing business and operations.
 
Q. Are there risks involved in the acquisition?
 
A. Yes. There are risks related to the acquisition, including the following:
 
• Our working capital will be reduced to the extent our stockholders exercise their conversion rights, which would reduce our cash reserves after the acquisition.
 
• Our current directors and executive officers own shares of common stock and have interests in the acquisition that are different from yours, and if the acquisition is not approved, the shares of common stock acquired by them prior to our IPO may become worthless.
 
• The aggregate consideration for the acquisition will increase if the value of the U.S. dollar compared to the Australian dollar decreases before the closing due to currency exchange rate fluctuations.
 
• If we do not complete our acquisition, we may not be successful in identifying another suitable business combination, in which case we may be forced to liquidate. In a liquidation, our stockholders will receive less than $8.00 per share for their shares of our common stock and their warrants to purchase our common stock will become worthless.
 
• The market price of our common stock will depend upon the operations of Royal Wolf and may, as a result, be highly volatile and subject to wide fluctuations.
 
• Our failure to complete the acquisition could negatively impact the market price of our common stock and may make it more difficult for us to attract another acquisition candidate.
 
• The proposed acquisition of Royal Wolf may result in additional Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 costs, issues and control procedures of our combined reporting company.
 
• We may have difficulty establishing adequate management, legal and financial controls over Royal Wolf.
 
Following the acquisition, we will be subject to all of the risks related to ownership of Royal Wolf’s business and operations, including the following:
 
• General or localized economic downturns or weakness may adversely affect Royal Wolf’s customers, which may cause the demand for Royal Wolf’s products and services to decline and therefore harm our future revenues and results of operations.
 
• Royal Wolf faces significant competition. If Royal Wolf is unable to compete successfully, it could lose customers and our future revenues and results of operations could be adversely affected.
 
• Royal Wolf has depended to a large extent on the sales of its containers, which sales may fluctuate significantly in the future.
 
• Royal Wolf’s leasing revenues, which constitute approximately one-quarter of its total revenues, depend upon Royal Wolf’s ability to re-lease containers. The failure of Royal Wolf to effectively and quickly re-lease containers could materially and adversely affect our future results of operations.
 
• Governmental regulations could impose substantial costs or restrictions on Royal Wolf’s operations that could harm our future results of operations.
 
• We may not be able to effectively implement our growth strategy for Royal Wolf by identifying or completing transactions with attractive acquisition candidates, which could impair our growth.
 
• Our failure to retain key Royal Wolf personnel could adversely affect our operations and could impede our ability to execute our business plan and growth strategy.


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• Any failure of Royal Wolf’s management information systems could disrupt our business and result in decreased rental or sale revenues and increased overhead costs.
 
• Significant increases in Royal Wolf’s raw material costs could increase our operating costs and adversely affect our results of operations.
 
• The failure of Royal Wolf’s Chinese manufacturers to sell and deliver products to Royal Wolf in timely fashion may harm our reputation and our financial condition.
 
• Royal Wolf’s growth plan includes a possible expansion into markets outside of Australia, including in the Asia-Pacific, which may not prove successful.
 
• Royal Wolf’s planned growth may strain our management resources, which could disrupt the development of new products and new applications of Royal Wolf’s existing products and Royal Wolf’s customer service centers and other facilities.
 
• We may need additional debt or equity financing to sustain Royal Wolf’s growth, but have no commitments or arrangements to obtain such financing.
 
Q. Does the board of directors of General Finance Corporation recommend voting for the acquisition?
 
A. Yes. After careful consideration of the business and operations of Royal Wolf and the terms and provisions of the acquisition agreement, our board of directors has unanimously approved the acquisition of RWA and determined that it is in the best interests of us and our stockholders. Our board of directors unanimously recommends that our stockholders vote “FOR” approval of the acquisition.
 
Q. Has General Finance Corporation received a valuation or fairness opinion with respect to the acquisition?
 
A. No. Our board of directors has determined that the fair market value of Royal Wolf exceeds 80% of our net assets as was represented in the prospectus relating to our IPO. The terms of the acquisition were determined based upon arm’s-length negotiations between us and the sellers, who had no prior dealings with us or our officers or directors. Some of our officers and directors, including Ronald A. Valenta, our Chief Executive Officer and a director, and John O. Johnson, our Chief Operating Officer, have extensive industry and deal-making experience, and obtaining a valuation or fairness opinion is not required under our certificate of incorporation. Under the circumstances, our board of directors believed that the aggregate consideration for the acquisition appropriately reflected Royal Wolf’s fair market value and that obtaining a valuation or fairness opinion was unnecessary.
 
Q. Do the directors and officers of General Finance Corporation have interests in the acquisition that are different from mine?
 
A. Yes. If the acquisition is not completed and we fail by October 5, 2007 to enter into an agreement in principle or a definitive agreement with respect to another business combination, or having done so we fail to complete the business combination by April 5, 2008, we will be required to liquidate as soon as reasonably practicable. In that event, the shares of our common stock acquired by our officers and directors prior to our IPO for an aggregate purchase price of $250,000 will become worthless, because our officers and directors have waived their rights to receive any liquidation distribution with respect to these shares.
 
Ronald F. Valenta, our Chief Executive Officer and a director, and John O. Johnson, our Chief Operating Officer, hold warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,477,833 shares of our common stock that they acquired for an aggregate purchase price of $1,400,000, which also will become worthless upon our liquidation.
 
Mr. Valenta has made available to us a line of credit under which we may borrow from him from time to time up to $1,750,000 at an annual interest rate equal to 8%. Our borrowings under the line of credit have been and will continue to be used by us to pay operating expenses, including deposits and expenses relating to the acquisition. At September 12, 2006, the outstanding principal amount of borrowings under the line of credit was $700,000, including our initial deposit of $418,000 in connection with the acquisition. We also will obtain any additional deposits from borrowings under the line of credit, and we will continue to borrow funds under the line of credit to pay expenses through the closing of the acquisition. If the acquisition is completed,


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Mr. Valenta will be repaid all outstanding principal and accrued interest under the line of credit. If, on the other hand, the acquisition is not completed and we are required to liquidate as described above, Mr. Valenta will have no recourse against the funds held in the trust account for repayment of any amounts outstanding under the line of credit.
 
At present, we do not compensate our officers or directors for their services other than our new Chief Financial Officer. If the acquisition is completed, we intend to compensate certain of our other officers and adopt a plan of compensation for non-employee directors based upon the advice and recommendations of a compensation committee of our board of directors to be established. There are no present commitments or understandings, however, regarding our future compensation of officers or directors.
 
Q. What is the legal structure of the acquisition?
 
A. The acquisition will be accomplished by GFN Australasia’s purchase from the sellers of all of the outstanding shares of RWA under the acquisition agreement. As a result, RWA will become a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of GFN Australasia, and RWA and its subsidiaries will become our indirect subsidiaries.
 
A copy of the acquisition agreement, which is referred to in Australia as a share sale deed, is attached to this proxy statement as ANNEX A. We encourage you to read the acquisition agreement in its entirety, because it, and not this proxy statement, is the legal contract that governs the acquisition.
 
Q. Are there contractual conditions to completion of the acquisition?
 
A. Yes. The respective obligations of us and sellers to complete the acquisition are subject to the satisfaction or waiver of a number of conditions. These include, among others, the following:
 
• The approval of the acquisition by our stockholders by March 17, 2007.
 
• Receipt of written consents from various third parties to Royal Wolf’s contracts.
 
• No occurrence of events that would have a material adverse effect on Royal Wolf’s assets, liabilities or profitability since June 30, 2006.
 
• Cancellation of all outstanding options to purchase shares in Royal Wolf.
 
Q. Can the acquisition agreement be terminated?
 
A. Yes. The acquisition agreement can be terminated prior to completion of the acquisition in some circumstances, including the following:
 
• By the sellers if we have not obtained Securities and Exchange Commission clearance of this preliminary proxy statement by February 17, 2007 or a vote of our stockholders by March 17, 2007.
 
• By any party after March 17, 2007 if any of the other conditions to the closing of the acquisition has not been satisfied and the terminating party has used reasonable efforts to satisfy the conditions.
 
Q. Could payment of termination fees be required?
 
A. No. There is no termination or breakup fee payable in connection with the termination of the acquisition agreement; however, we have paid the sellers a deposit of $418,000, and must pay additional deposits of $190,000 on each of November 30, 2006, December 31, 2006 and January 31, 2007 (all deposits would total $988,000) if the closing of the acquisition has not occurred by such dates and we do not terminate the acquisition agreement. If the closing occurs, the deposits will be applied to reduce the cash portion of the consideration payable to by us at the closing. If the closing does not occur, the deposits are refundable to us only in certain limited circumstances.
 
Q. Is the acquisition subject to any regulatory requirements?
 
A. Yes. It is subject to review by the Treasurer of the Commonwealth of Australia, which issued its notice of non-objection to the acquisition on September 29, 2006. The acquisition is not subject to any regulatory requirements in the U.S.


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Q. How do the General Finance Corporation insiders intend to vote their shares?
 
A. Our officers and directors hold shares of our common stock acquired prior to our IPO that represent approximately 17.9% of our outstanding shares. They have agreed to vote these shares with respect to the acquisition as the holders of a majority of our IPO shares that are voted at the special meeting.
 
We also are aware that our officers and directors intend to vote any IPO shares they owned as of the record date “FOR” approval of the acquisition.
 
Q. How will the acquisition affect my securities of General Finance Corporation?
 
A. Following the acquisition, you will continue to hold the shares of our common stock that you owned prior to the acquisition, except to the extent that you exercise your conversion rights. The percentage of our outstanding common stock represented by your shares immediately before and after the acquisition will be different, however, to the extent our stockholders exercise their conversion rights and, to a lesser extent, because of the issuance of shares of our common stock as part of the total consideration for the acquisition.
 
If the acquisition is completed, our outstanding warrants will become exercisable on April 5, 2007. Otherwise, the acquisition will have no affect on any of our warrants to purchase common stock that you may own.
 
Q. If I object to the proposed acquisition, do I have appraisal rights?
 
A. No. You have no appraisal rights in connection with the acquisition under applicable Delaware corporation law or otherwise.
 
Q. What will happen to the funds held in the trust account after the acquisition?
 
A. If the acquisition is completed, the trust account established at the time of our IPO will be closed and our stockholders who properly exercise their conversion rights will receive their pro rata portion of the funds held in the trust account; including a pro rata share of the contingent underwriting discount and a pro rata share of any interest earned, net of taxes. Any remaining funds in the trust account, less payment of the contingent underwriting discount payable to the underwriters of our initial IPO, will be released to us. We intend to use a portion of the remaining funds to repay Mr. Valenta for all amounts owing to him under our line of credit and for working capital and general corporate purposes, including possible acquisitions. Following the acquisition, there will be no further restrictions on our use of these funds.
 
Q. Who will manage General Finance Corporation and Royal Wolf after the acquisition?
 
A. After the acquisition, our management and board of directors will continue as before.
 
Royal Wolf also will continue to be managed largely by its existing officers, including Robert Allan, its Chief Executive Officer, Peter McCann, its Chief Financial Officer, and James Warren, its Chief Operating Officer. Each of Messrs. Allan, McCann and Warren is party to an employment agreement which is terminable under certain circumstances upon notice to him. In connection with the acquisition, Ronald F. Valenta and John O. Johnson will be appointed as directors of RWA, and Michael Baxter, a founder and Executive Director of RWA, will become a consultant to Royal Wolf under a 360-day consulting agreement, under which he will agree to provide consulting services relating to the transition of ownership of Royal Wolf.
 
Q. Will our business strategy change as a result of the acquisition of Royal Wolf?
 
A. No. Our management team will continue to execute our business plan and strategy disclosed in our IPO prospectus of identifying, acquiring and consolidating under our holding company additional specialty finance businesses similar to Royal Wolf in either the U.S., Europe or elsewhere in Asia. Ronald F. Valenta, our CEO, has successfully executed a similar strategy as the CEO and later the Chairman of the Board of Mobile Storage Group. Assuming the acquisition of Royal Wolf and the accompanying additional financing transactions are completed substantially as planned, in order to fund our planned global consolidation strategy, we expect to have between approximately $12.5 million and $25.5 million of cash remaining after the acquisition is completed, as well as access to debt/equity markets.


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Q. What happens if the acquisition is not completed?
 
A. If the acquisition is not completed, we will resume our search for another business combination to present to our stockholders for their approval. If we fail by October 5, 2007 to enter into an agreement in principle or a definitive agreement with respect to another business combination, or having done so we fail to complete the business combination by April 5, 2008, we will liquidate as soon as practicable. In any liquidation, the funds held in the trust account will be distributed pro rata to the holders of our IPO shares only. Our officers and directors have waived any right to any liquidation distribution with respect to shares of our common stock acquired by them prior to our IPO. In a liquidation, holders of our outstanding warrants would not receive any value for their warrants.
 
Q. When do you expect the acquisition to be completed?
 
A. We presently expect the acquisition to close on [ • ], 200[ • ], assuming the acquisition is approved at the special meeting on [ • ], 2006.
 
Q. What do I need to do now?
 
A. We urge you to read carefully and consider all of the information contained in this proxy statement, including ANNEX A, to fully understand how the acquisition will affect you as a stockholder of General Finance Corporation. You should then vote as soon as possible in accordance with the instructions provided in this proxy statement and on the enclosed proxy card.
 
Q. How do I vote?
 
A. If you are a holder of record of our common stock, you may vote in person at the special meeting or by submitting a proxy for the special meeting. You may submit your proxy by completing, signing, dating and returning the enclosed proxy card in the accompanying pre-addressed postage paid envelope. If you hold your shares in “street name,” which means your shares are held of record by a broker, bank or other nominee, you must provide the record holder of your shares with instructions on how to vote them.
 
Q. If my shares are held in “street name,” will my broker, bank or nominee automatically vote my shares for me?
 
A. No. Your broker, bank or nominee cannot vote your shares unless you provide voting instructions in accordance with the information and procedures provided to you by your broker, bank or nominee.
 
Q. What will happen if I abstain from voting or fail to vote?
 
A. Your abstention or failure to vote will have the same effect as a vote against approval of the acquisition, but will not be sufficient to exercise your conversion rights.
 
Q. Can I change my vote or revoke my proxy after I have mailed my signed proxy form.
 
A. Yes. To change your vote, you may send a later-dated, signed proxy card to our address set forth in this proxy statement prior to the date of the special meeting or, if you are a record holder, attend the special meeting in person and vote. You also may revoke your proxy by sending a notice of revocation to us prior to the date of the special meeting.
 
Q. What should I do if I receive more than one set of proxy materials?
 
A. You may receive more than one set of proxy materials, including multiple copies of this proxy statement and multiple proxy cards or voting instruction cards. For example, if you hold your shares in more than one brokerage account, you will receive a separate voting instruction card for each brokerage account in which you hold shares. If you are a holder of record and your shares are registered in more than one name, you will receive more than one proxy card. Please complete, sign, date and return each proxy card and voting instruction card that you receive in order to vote all of your shares.


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Q. Who can help answer my questions?
 
A. If you have questions about the acquisition, or if you need additional copies of this proxy statement or the enclosed proxy card, you should contact:
 
             
John O. Johnson
    OR     [Proxy Solicitor]
Chief Operating Officer
         
General Finance Corporation
         
260 South Robles, Suite 217
         
Pasadena, California 91101
         
Telephone: (626) 584-9722
          Telephone: (     ) _ _
 
You may also obtain additional information about us from documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by following the instructions in the section entitled “Where You Can Find More Information.”
 
The Following Questions and Answers are of Interest Primarily to Stockholders Who May be Inclined to and Exercise their Conversion Rights
 
Q. What are my conversion rights?
 
A. If you hold IPO shares, you have the right to vote against the acquisition and demand that, if the acquisition is completed, your IPO shares be converted into a pro rata portion of the funds held in the trust account established at the time of our IPO.
 
Q. How do I exercise my conversion rights?
 
A. If you wish to exercise your conversion rights, you must:
 
• Affirmatively vote against approval of the acquisition; and
 
• Demand that your IPO shares be converted into cash in accordance with the procedures described in this proxy statement.
 
Any action that does not include an affirmative vote against approval of the acquisition will be insufficient to exercise your conversion rights.
 
If you affirmatively vote against approval of the acquisition, you may demand conversion of your shares into a pro rata portion of the funds held in the trust account either by checking the appropriate box on the proxy card or by submitting your request in writing to us at our address listed in this proxy statement. If you:
 
• Return your proxy with directions to vote for approval of the acquisition, but then wish to vote against it and demand conversion of your shares; or
 
• Return your proxy with directions to vote against approval of the acquisition and wish to demand conversion of your shares, but do not check the appropriate box on the proxy card demanding conversion or send a written request to us to demand conversion; or
 
• Return your proxy with directions to vote against approval of the acquisition, but later wish to vote for it;
 
you may request that we send you another proxy card on which you may indicate your intended vote and, if that vote is against approval of the acquisition, demand conversion of your shares by checking the box provided for that purpose on the proxy card. You may request another proxy card by contacting us at the phone number or address listed in this proxy statement. Any corrected or changed proxy card or written demand to convert your shares must be submitted to us prior to the voting on the acquisition at the special meeting.
 
If you comply with the foregoing procedures and, notwithstanding your affirmative vote against the acquisition, it is completed, you will be entitled to receive a pro rata portion of the funds held in the trust account


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established at the time of our IPO, including any earned interest, calculated as of the date two business days prior to the closing of the acquisition. As of June 30, 2006, there was approximately $64.7 million in the trust account after deduction of the contingent underwriting discount and taxes on earned interest, or approximately $7.50 for each IPO share. If you exercise your conversion rights and or acquisition of Royal Wolf is completed, then you will be irrevocably electing to exchange your shares of our common stock for the right to receive cash of not less than approximately $7.50 per IPO share and will no longer own these shares.
 
Q. When will I receive the cash amount?
 
A. If you properly exercise your conversion rights, you will be entitled to receive cash for your shares only if:
 
• The acquisition is completed; and
 
• You continue to hold your shares through the closing of the acquisition and tender your stock certificates to us.
 
The exercise of your conversion rights is irrevocable, and you will have no right to change or correct it after the special meeting.
 
Q. Do I need to send in my stock certificates now?
 
A. No. If you exercise your conversion rights, you should not submit your stock certificates now or at any time prior to the closing of the acquisition. Instead, you must continue to hold your shares through the closing of the acquisition and then tender your stock certificates to us.
 
Q. If I exercise my conversion rights, what will happen to my warrants?
 
A. Nothing. The exercise of your conversion rights will not affect any warrants to purchase our common stock that you may own, which will continue to be outstanding and exercisable following the acquisition and any exercise of your conversion rights.
 
Q. What are the federal income tax consequences of exercising my conversion rights?
 
A. If you properly exercise your conversion rights and the acquisition is completed, you will generally be required to recognize capital gain or loss upon the conversion of your IPO shares if such shares were held as a capital asset on the date of the acquisition. Such gain or loss will be measured by the difference between the amount of cash you receive and your tax basis in your converted IPO shares. The gain or loss will be short-term gain or loss if the acquisition closes as scheduled, but may be long term gain or loss if the closing is postponed.
 
There will be no federal income tax consequences to non-converting stockholders as a result of the acquisition.


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SUMMARY TERM SHEET
 
This summary highlights selected information regarding our proposed acquisition of Royal Wolf that is more fully discussed elsewhere in this proxy statement. This summary may not contain all of the information that is important to you. You should carefully read this entire proxy statement for a more complete understanding of the acquisition. You also should read the acquisition agreement, which is referred to in Australia as a share sale deed, attached as ANNEX A to this proxy statement. The acquisition agreement is the legal contract that governs the acquisition.
 
The Companies
 
General Finance Corporation (page   )
 
We are a special-purpose acquisition company organized as a corporation under the laws of Delaware on October 14, 2005. We were formed to effect an acquisition, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition or other similar business combination with an operating business. In April 2006, we completed our initial public offering of securities, or IPO, from which we derived net proceeds of approximately $65.55 million. Of the net proceeds, $65 million, along with proceeds of $700,000 from the private placement of units to our officers and directors, were placed in a trust account while we sought to identify and complete our initial business combination. Accordingly, such funds, together with the earned interest, are to be released to us in connection with the closing of the acquisition, less amounts payable to the holders of our IPO shares who exercise their conversion rights as described in this proxy statement and less the amount of the contingent underwriting discount payable to the underwriters of our IPO. The maximum contingent underwriting discount is $1,380,000, which is subject to reduction by the amount of $0.16 per share for each IPO share that is converted in connection with the acquisition.
 
The remainder of the net proceeds of our IPO, or approximately $550,000, was used by us to pay offering expenses incurred in connection with our IPO. Since our IPO, we have relied for the payment of our operating expenses upon the proceeds from the sale of $250,000 of our shares to our officers and directors prior to our IPO and borrowings under a $1,750,000 line of credit made available to us by Ronald F. Valenta, our Chief Executive Officer and a director. Other than our IPO and pursuit of a business combination, we have not engaged in any business to date.
 
If we do not enter into an agreement in principle or a definitive agreement with respect to a business combination by October 5, 2007, or having done so we fail to complete the business combination by April 5, 2008, we are required under our certificate of incorporation to take all actions necessary to dissolve and liquidate as soon as reasonably practicable. In any liquidation, the funds held in the trust account will be distributed pro rata to the holders of our IPO shares only. Our officers and directors have waived any right to any liquidation distribution with respect to shares of our common stock acquired by them prior to our IPO. In a liquidation, holders of our outstanding warrants would not receive any value for their warrants.
 
Our common stock, warrants to purchase common stock and units (each unit consisting of one share of common stock and one warrant to purchase one share of common stock at a purchase price of $6 per share) are quoted on the American Stock Exchange under the symbols “GFN,” “GFN.W” and “GFN.U,” respectively.
 
The mailing address of our principal executive office is 260 South Los Robles, Suite 217, Pasadena, California 91101, and our telephone number is (626) 584-9722.
 
GFN Australasia Finance Pty Ltd (page   )
 
GFN Australasia Finance Pty Ltd, or GFN Australasia, is a newly formed company organized by us under the laws of Australia and wholly owned subsidiary of GFN Australasia Holdings Pty Ltd, which is a newly formed company organized by us under the laws of Australia and our wholly owned subsidiary. GFN Australasia and GFN Australasia Holdings Pty Ltd were formed by us for the sole purpose of facilitating our acquisition of RWA, and have not engaged in any business other than in connection with the acquisition.


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References in this proxy statement to “we,” “us,” “our,” and “ours” mean General Finance Corporation and our subsidiaries.
 
GFN Australasia’s mailing address is c/o Robert Barnes, Level 2, 222 Clarence Street, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia 2000, and its telephone number is 001-612-9266-0077.
 
RWA Holdings Pty Limited (page   )
 
RWA Holdings Pty Limited, or RWA, is a company organized under the laws of Australia and a holding company for Royal Wolf Trading Australia Pty Limited, its principal operating subsidiary acquired in December 2003, and its other subsidiaries. RWA engages in no significant business activities apart from its ownership of Royal Wolf Trading Australia Pty Limited and its other subsidiaries. RWA and its subsidiaries are collectively referred to in this proxy statement as “Royal Wolf.” The separate financial statements (and not the acquisition of) Royal Wolf Trading Australia Pty Limited as of and for the year ended December 31, 2003 is included elsewhere in this proxy statement.
 
The mailing address of RWA is Suite 201, Level 2, 22-28 Edgeworth David Avenue, Hornsby, New South Wales, Australia 2077, and its telephone number in Australia is 001-612-9482-3466.
 
Royal Wolf leases and sells portable storage containers, portable container buildings and freight containers in Australia. Royal Wolf’s management believes Royal Wolf is the market leader in Australia for container-based storage and accommodation products. Royal Wolf currently has more than 150 employees and operates 15 customer service centers located in every state in Australia. It is represented in all major business centers in Australia and is the only container leasing and sales company in Australia with a nationally integrated infrastructure and work force.
 
Royal Wolf’s products include:
 
Portable Storage Containers:  Royal Wolf leases and sells portable containers for on-site storage by customers that include retail outlets and manufacturers, government departments, farming and agricultural concerns, building and construction companies, clubs and sporting associations, mine operators and the general public. Royal Wolf’s products include general purpose dry storage containers, refrigerated containers and hazardous goods containers in a range of standard and modified sizes, designs and storage capacities.
 
Portable Container Buildings:  Royal Wolf also leases and sells portable container buildings as site offices and for temporary accommodations. Royal Wolf entered the portable building market in August 2005 with 20-foot and 40-foot portable buildings manufactured from steel container platforms which it markets to a subset of its portable storage container customer base.
 
Freight Containers:  Royal Wolf also leases and sells freight containers specifically designed for transport of products by road and rail. Customers include national moving and storage companies, distribution and logistics companies, freight forwarders, transport companies, rail freight operators and the Australian military. Royal Wolf’s freight container products include curtain-side, refrigerated and bulk cargo containers, together with a range of standard and industry-specific dry freight containers.
 
The Sellers (page   )
 
The shareholders from whom GFN Australasia will acquire the shares of RWA are Equity Partners Two Pty Limited, Cetro Pty Limited, FOMJ Pty Limited, FOMM Pty Limited, TCWE Pty Limited. They, along with Paul Jeffery, James Warren, Michael Baxter and Peter McCann, who constitute the majority of the directors and executive officers of RWA, are collectively referred to in this proxy statement as the “sellers.”
 
Consideration and Funding
 
The aggregate consideration for the acquisition is $87.4 million, which is subject to adjustment relating to the levels of Royal Wolf’s consolidated working capital, net tangible assets and container rental equipment, and outstanding obligations under a certain container lease program as determined as of the closing of the acquisition, as well as the costs and expenses incurred by Royal Wolf in connection with any acquisitions completed prior to the closing. The aggregate consideration will increase by $570,000 if this preliminary proxy statement has not been


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cleared by the Securities and Exchange Commission by January 17, 2007 and by an additional $570,000 if clearance has not been obtained by February 17, 2007. We refer to the foregoing closing adjustments and possible increases in the aggregate consideration as the “consideration adjustments.”
 
Of the aggregate consideration in the acquisition, we will pay the shareholders of RWA at the closing cash in the amount of $83.6 million, as adjusted by the consideration adjustments, less the net debt of Royal Wolf as of the closing of the acquisition. Net debt for this purpose includes, among other items of indebtedness, obligations under finance leases, dividends and distributions paid by Royal Wolf after the date of the acquisition agreement, any deferred purchase price and future payment obligations under any acquisition agreements, amounts paid by Royal Wolf to eliminate outstanding stock options, and transaction expenses of the RWA shareholders paid by Royal Wolf. The remaining $3.8 million of consideration will consist of $1.5 million of shares of our common stock to be issued at the closing to one of the sellers and a total of $2.3 million payable in cash in two equal installments on the first and second anniversaries of the closing for a non-compete covenant from the sellers. Our shares of common stock will be valued for this purpose based upon the average of the closing sale prices of our common stock as reported on the American Stock Exchange during the 20 trading days ending two days prior to the closing of the acquisition.
 
Based upon the consideration adjustments and the net debt of Royal Wolf as of June 30,2006, the acquisition consideration as of that date would have consisted of $48.5 million of cash, $35.1 million of the net debt of Royal Wolf, $1.5 million of shares of our common stock and $2.3 million payable for the sellers’ non-compete covenant. The actual consideration adjustments and the net debt of Royal Wolf and breakdown of the aggregate consideration as of the closing will be different.
 
We have paid the shareholders of RWA a deposit of $418,000, and must pay additional deposits of $190,000 on each of November 30, 2006, December 31, 2006 and January 31, 2007 (all deposits would total $988,000) if the closing of the acquisition has not occurred by such dates and we do not terminate the acquisition agreement. If the closing occurs, the deposits will be applied to reduce the cash portion of the consideration payable by us at the closing. If the closing does not occur, the deposits are refundable to us only in certain limited circumstances.
 
The Acquisition
 
Acquisition Agreement (page   )
 
GFN Australasia will acquire from the sellers all of the outstanding shares of RWA pursuant to an acquisition agreement, which is referred to in Australia as a share sale deed, a copy of which is attached to this proxy statement as ANNEX A.
 
Recommendation of our Board of Directors; Reasons for the Acquisition (page   )
 
After careful consideration of the business and operations of Royal Wolf and the terms and conditions of the acquisition agreement, our board of directors has unanimously approved the acquisition of RWA and determined that it is in the best interests of us and our stockholders.
 
In considering the acquisition, our board of directors, in working with management:
 
  •  Reviewed certain internal financial information relating to the business and financial prospects of Royal Wolf, including estimates and financial forecasts provided by Royal Wolf’s management that were not publicly available;
 
  •  Conducted discussions with members of the senior management of Royal Wolf concerning its business and financial prospects;
 
  •  Reviewed drafts of the acquisition agreement and certain other agreements related thereto; and
 
  •  Conducted financial studies and industry data, analyses, and considered such other information, as they and our management deemed appropriate.


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During the course of reaching its decision to approve the acquisition, our board of directors considered a number of factors and consulted our management and outside legal and due diligence advisors. The factors considered by our board of directors included, among others, the following:
 
  •  Discussions with our management regarding Royal Wolf’s established business, record of growth and potential for future growth, the industry in which it competes, and current industry conditions, all of which led our board of directors to conclude that the acquisition presented an opportunity for us and our stockholders to realize value through the acquisition;
 
  •  The experience of our management, in particular, Mr. Valenta, in building and consolidating similar businesses in the U.S. and Europe;
 
  •  The experience of Royal Wolf’s management, including Robert Allan, Royal Wolf’s Chief Executive Officer, and James Warren, its Chief Operating Officer in building and operating Royal Wolf’s business;
 
  •  Royal Wolf’s ability to execute its business plan using its own financing resources, since some of our stockholders may exercise their conversion rights in connection with the acquisition and thereby reduce the funds in the trust account available to us following the acquisition;
 
  •  Royal Wolf’s financial results, including revenue growth and expanding operating margins;
 
  •  The aggregate consideration for the acquisition represented an approximate run-rate adjusted earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation, or EBITDA, multiple of 8.4x the projected first quarter 2007 closing;
 
  •  The financial presentations of our management to our board of directors that, based upon and subject to the assumptions made, procedures followed, factors considered and limitations upon its review set forth as the date of the presentation, the acquisition consideration for the acquisition satisfied the 80% test represented in the prospectus relating to our IPO as described under “Satisfaction of 80% Test” below;
 
  •  The belief by our board of directors that we had paid the fair market value and the lowest price that the sellers were willing to accept, taking into account the terms resulting from extensive negotiations between the parties; and
 
  •  The terms of the acquisition agreement, including:
 
  •  The inclusion of a “material adverse effect” clause in our favor, which includes any effect that results or is reasonably likely to result in a decline in Royal Wolf’s EBITDA of 15% or more in any twelve-month period; and
 
  •  The inclusion of customary representations and warranties of the sellers and indemnification and escrow provisions in our favor.
 
In the course of its deliberations, our board of directors also considered a variety of risks and other countervailing factors, including:
 
  •  The risks relating to Royal Wolf’s business set out in this proxy statement in the section entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page   ;
 
  •  That Royal Wolf has no current business or operations in the U.S. or outside of Australia;
 
  •  That Royal Wolf only recently began generating operating income;
 
  •  That Royal Wolf’s portable storage sales business is maturing and is not likely to grow at the same rate as its leasing business; and
 
  •  That the deposit provisions of the acquisition agreement may result in our forfeiture of substantial deposits if there are undue delays in completing the acquisition.
 
The foregoing discussion of the factors considered by our board of directors is not intended to be exhaustive, but sets forth the principal factors considered by the board. After evaluating the foregoing factors and consulting with its legal counsel and its other advisers, our board of directors unanimously determined that the acquisition is in the best interests of us and our stockholders and approved the acquisition in light of the various factors described


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above and other factors that our directors present concluded were appropriate. In view of the variety of factors considered by our board of directors in connection with its evaluation of the acquisition and the complexity of these matters, our board of directors did not consider it practical, and did not attempt, to quantify, rank or otherwise assign relative weights to the specific factors it considered in reaching its decision and did not undertake to make any specific determination as to whether any particular factor, or any aspect of any particular factor, was favorable or unfavorable to the ultimate determination of our board of directors. Rather, our board of directors made its recommendation based on the totality of information presented to and the investigation conducted by it. In considering the factors discussed above, individual directors may have given different weights to different factors.
 
Accordingly, our board of directors unanimously recommends that stockholders vote “FOR” approval of the acquisition.
 
Management (page   )
 
After the acquisition, our management and board of directors will continue as before. Our management team will continue to execute our business plan and strategy disclosed in our IPO prospectus of identifying, acquiring and consolidating under our holding company additional specialty finance businesses similar to Royal Wolf in either the U.S., Europe or elsewhere in Asia. Ronald F. Valenta, our CEO, has successfully executed a similar strategy as the Chief Executive Officer and later the Chairman of the Board of Mobile Storage Group.
 
Royal Wolf also will continue to be managed largely by its existing officers, including Robert Allan, its Chief Executive Officer, Peter McCann, its Chief Financial Officer, and James Warren, its Chief Operating Officer. Each of Messrs. Allan, McCann and Warren is a party to an employment agreement which is terminable under certain circumstances upon notice to him. In connection with the acquisition, Ronald F. Valenta and John O. Johnson will be appointed as directors of RWA, and Michael Baxter, a founder and Executive Director of RWA, will become a consultant to us and Royal Wolf under a 360-day consulting agreement, under which he will agree to provide consulting services relating to the transition of ownership of Royal Wolf.
 
Our Inside Stockholders (page   )
 
On the record date, our officers and directors owned an aggregate of 1,875,000 shares of our common stock, or approximately 17.9% of our outstanding shares, that they acquired prior to our IPO. They have agreed to vote these shares with respect to the acquisition as the holders of a majority of our IPO shares that are voted at the special meeting.
 
Date, Time and Place of Special Meeting of Our Stockholders (page   )
 
The special meeting of our stockholders will be held at 10:00 A.M., local time, on [ • ], 2006 at [ • ].
 
Record Date; Voting Power (page   )
 
You will be entitled to vote or direct votes to be cast at the special meeting if you owned shares of our common stock at the close of business on [ • ], 2006, which is the record date for the special meeting. You will have one vote for each share of our common stock you owned at the close of business on the record date. On the record date, there were 10,500,000 shares of our common stock outstanding, of which 8,625,000 shares were IPO shares.
 
Approval of the RWA Shareholders (page   )
 
The shareholders of RWA approved the acquisition by virtue of their execution of the acquisition agreement, and no further action by the RWA shareholders is needed for approval of the acquisition.
 
Quorum and Vote of General Finance Stockholders (page   )
 
A quorum of our stockholders is necessary to hold a valid stockholders meeting. A quorum will be present at the special meeting if a majority of the shares of our common stock outstanding as of the record date are presented in person or by proxy. Abstentions and broker non-votes will count as present for the purposes of establishing a quorum.


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The approval of the acquisition will require the approval of the holders of a majority of the shares of our common stock present and entitled to vote at the meeting with respect to the acquisition, as well as the holders of a majority of our IPO shares voted with respect to the acquisition. Notwithstanding these approvals, the acquisition will not be completed if the holders of 20% or more of our IPO shares (1,725,000 or more shares) exercise their conversion rights.
 
Abstentions and broker non-votes will have the same effect as a vote against approval of the acquisition. Please note, however, that you cannot exercise your conversion rights unless you affirmatively vote against approval of the acquisition.
 
Conversion Rights (page   )
 
Under our certificate of incorporation, stockholders holding IPO shares may vote against approval of the acquisition and demand that we convert such shares into a pro rata share of the funds held in the trust account established at the time of our IPO. Demand may be made by checking the box on the proxy card provided for that purpose and returning the proxy card in accordance with the instructions provided. Demand may also be made in any other writing that clearly states that conversion is demanded and is delivered so that it is received by us at any time prior to the vote at the special meeting with respect to the acquisition. If conversion rights are exercised properly and the acquisition is completed, we will convert each IPO share into a pro rata portion of the funds held in the trust account as of the date two business days prior to completion of the acquisition. We anticipate that this would amount to not less than approximately $7.50 per IPO share based upon the funds in the trust account as of June 30, 2006. The actual amount will vary. An improper exercise of conversion rights may be remedied at any time until the special meeting.
 
If you exercise your conversion rights, then you will be exchanging your shares of our common stock for cash and will no longer own the shares. If you properly exercise your conversion rights, you will be entitled to receive cash for your shares only if you continue to hold these shares through the completion of the acquisition and then tender your stock certificate to us. If the acquisition is not completed, these shares will not be converted into cash.
 
If the acquisition is not completed and we fail by October 5, 2007 to enter into an agreement in principle or a definitive agreement with respect to another business combination, or having done so we fail to complete the business combination by April 5, 2008, we will be forced to liquidate.
 
We cannot complete the acquisition if holders of 20% or more of our IPO shares (1,725,000 or more shares) exercise their conversion rights.
 
Appraisal Rights (page   )
 
Our stockholders do not have appraisal rights in connection with the acquisition.
 
Proxies (page   )
 
Proxies may be solicited by mail, telephone or in person. We have engaged [ • ] to assist us in the solicitation of proxies.
 
If you grant a proxy, you may still vote your shares in person if you revoke your proxy at or before the special meeting.
 
Interests of Our Directors and Officers in the Acquisition (page   )
 
When you consider the recommendation of our board of directors “FOR” approval of the acquisition, you should keep in mind that our officers and directors have interests in the acquisition that are different from, or in addition to, your interests as a stockholder. In particular:
 
  •  If the acquisition is not completed and we fail by October 5, 2007 to enter into an agreement in principle or a definitive agreement with respect to another business combination, or having done so we fail to complete the business combination by April 5, 2008, we will be required to liquidate. In that event, the shares of common stock held by our officers and directors that were acquired prior to the IPO for an aggregate purchase price of


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  $250,000 will be worthless, because our officers and directors have waived all rights to receive any liquidation proceeds with respect to such shares.
 
  •  Ronald F. Valenta, our Chief Executive Officer and a director, and John O. Johnson, our Chief Operating Officer, own warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,477,833 shares of our common stock that they acquired for an aggregate purchase price of $1,400,000, which also will become worthless upon our liquidation.
 
  •  Mr. Valenta has made available to us a line of credit under which we may borrow from him from time to time up to $1,750,000 at an annual interest rate equal to 8%. Our borrowings under the line of credit have been and will continue to be used by us to pay operating expenses, including deposits and expenses relating to the acquisition. At September 12, 2006, the outstanding principal amount of borrowings under the line of credit was $700,000, including borrowings used to fund our initial deposit of $418,000 in connection with the acquisition. We also will obtain any additional deposits from borrowings under the line of credit, and we will continue to borrow funds under the line of credit to pay expenses through the completion of the acquisition. If the acquisition is completed, Mr. Valenta will be repaid all outstanding principal and accrued interest under the line of credit. If, on the other hand, the acquisition or other business combination is not completed and we are required to liquidate as described above, Mr. Valenta will have no recourse against the funds held in the trust account for repayment of any amount owed to him under the line of credit.
 
  •  At present, we do not compensate our officers or directors for their services other than our new Chief Financial Officer. If the acquisition is completed, we intend to compensate certain of our officers and adopt a plan of compensation for non-employee directors based upon the advice and recommendations of a compensation committee of our board of directors to be established.
 
Conditions to the Completion of the Acquisition (page   )
 
The completion of the acquisition is conditioned upon our stockholders approving the acquisition. Notwithstanding their approval, if the holders of 20% or more of our IPO shares exercise their conversion rights, the acquisition cannot be completed.
 
In addition, the completion of the acquisition is conditioned upon the following, among other things:
 
  •  The Securities and Exchange Commission clears this proxy statement no later than February 17, 2007;
 
  •  Our shareholders approve the acquisition no later than March 17, 2007 (and such approval is deemed to include all approvals required under our certificate of incorporation, as discussed elsewhere in this proxy statement);
 
  •  Consents are obtained from the landlords to certain Royal Wolf leases and to other parties to certain Royal Wolf contracts;
 
  •  No event occurs that has a material adverse effect on the assets, liabilities or profitability of Royal Wolf from June 30, 2006 to the closing;
 
  •  All outstanding options to purchase shares in RWA are cancelled and certain outstanding shares of RWA are repurchased by it;
 
  •  The sellers and RWA have terminated a shareholders’ agreement governing the operation of Royal Wolf;
 
  •  Termination of the employment agreement between Royal Wolf and Michael P. Baxter with Mr. Baxter’s waiver of all claims against Royal Wolf as a result of the termination; and
 
  •  The employment agreements between Royal Wolf and Robert Allan, Peter McCann and James Warren are amended to eliminate references to any shareholders agreement and share option plans, and these key employees confirm that Royal Wolf is not in default under such agreements and that they have no claims against Royal Wolf other than as provided in such agreements.
 
With some exceptions, any of the closing conditions may be waived by the party entitled to the benefit of the condition. We may waive one or more of the closing conditions if we deem it advisable to do so.


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Termination, Amendment and Waiver (page   )
 
The acquisition agreement may be terminated as follows:
 
  •  By the sellers if the Securities and Exchange Commission has not cleared this preliminary proxy statement by February 17, 2007; and
 
  •  By any party after March 17, 2007 if any of the other conditions to the closing of the acquisition has not been satisfied and the terminating party had used reasonable efforts to satisfy the conditions.
 
There is no termination or breakup fee payable in connection with the termination of the acquisition agreement; however, we have paid the sellers a deposit of $418,000, and must pay additional deposits of $190,000 on each of November 30, 2006, December 31, 2006 and January 31, 2007 (all deposits would total $988,000) if the closing of the acquisition has not occurred by such dates and we do not terminate the acquisition agreement. If the closing occurs, the deposits will be applied to reduce the cash portion of the consideration payable by us at the closing. If the closing does not occur, the deposits are refundable to us only in certain limited circumstances. The acquisition agreement does not specifically address any other rights of a party in the event of a wrongful refusal or failure of the other party to complete the acquisition. In that event, such party would be entitled to assert its legal rights for breach of contract against the wrongful party.
 
If permitted under applicable law, either we or the sellers may waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties made to us or the sellers contained in the acquisition agreement and waive compliance with any agreements or conditions for the benefit of us or the sellers contained in the acquisition agreement. We cannot assure you that any or all of the conditions will be satisfied or waived. The conditions that the acquisition be approved by our stockholders and that the holders of fewer than 20% of our IPO shares exercise their conversion rights cannot be waived.
 
Listing on AMEX (page   )
 
Following the acquisition, our outstanding common stock, warrants and units will continue to be listed for trading on the American Stock Exchange.
 
Tax Consequences (page   )
 
There will be no tax consequences to our stockholders resulting from the acquisition, except to the extent they exercise their conversion rights.
 
A stockholder who exercises conversion rights will generally be required to recognize capital gain or loss upon the conversion, if such shares were held as a capital asset on the date of the acquisition. This gain or loss will be measured by the difference between the amount of cash received and the stockholder’s tax basis in the converted shares. The gain or loss will be short-term gain or loss if the acquisition closes as scheduled, but may be long term gain or loss if the closing is postponed.
 
Accounting Treatment (page   )
 
The acquisition will be accounted for as a reverse acquisition and equity recapitalization, with us treated as the “acquired” company for financial reporting purposes. The acquisition consideration paid to the sellers will be reflected as a distribution to them, and will result in a reduction in stockholders’ equity.
 
Regulatory Matters (page   )
 
The acquisition is subject to review by the Treasurer of the Commonwealth of Australia, which issued its notice of non-objection on September 29, 2006. The acquisition is not subject to any federal or state regulatory requirement or approval in the U.S.


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Risk Factors (page   )
 
Before you grant your proxy or vote or instruct the vote with respect to the acquisition, you should be aware that the occurrence of the events described in the “Risk Factors” section and elsewhere in this proxy statement could have a material adverse effect on us and Royal Wolf.
 
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
We believe that some of the information in this proxy statement constitutes forward-looking statements within the definition of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, although the safe-harbor provisions of that act do not apply to statements made in this proxy statement. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “continue,” or the negative of such terms or other similar expressions. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations about future events. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions about us and Royal Wolf that may cause the actual future business and financial results of us and Royal Wolf to be materially different from prior results or any results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause or contribute to such a difference include, but are not limited to, those described in the “Risk Factors” section and elsewhere in this proxy statement. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this proxy statement.
 
All forward-looking statements included in this proxy statement are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. Except to the extent required by applicable laws and regulations, we undertake no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this proxy statement or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.


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SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
We are providing the financial information in this section to assist you in your analysis of the financial aspects of the acquisition. The information in this section is only a summary, and should be read in conjunction with the historical financial statements and related notes. The historical results included below and elsewhere in this proxy statement are not indicative of the future performance of us and our consolidated subsidiaries, including Royal Wolf, following the acquisition.
 
General Finance Corporation Selected Historical Information
 
The following table sets forth selected historical financial information derived from our unaudited consolidated financial statements as of and for the period from October 14, 2005 (inception) to June 30, 2006 and from our unaudited financial statements as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2006. The unaudited financial information includes all adjustments, consisting only of normal and recurring adjustments, that we consider necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position and results of operations for the periods presented.
 
Statement of Operations Information:
 
                 
          October 14, 2005
 
    Six Months Ended
    (inception) to
 
    June 30,
    June 30,
 
    2006     2006  
    (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  
    (In thousands except share information)  
 
General and administrative expenses
  $ 64     $ 68  
Operating (loss)
    (64 )     (68 )
Other income:
               
Interest income
    555       555  
Net income
    294       291  
                 
Net income per share:
               
Basic
  $ 0.05     $ 0.06  
Diluted
    0.05       0.06  
                 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
               
Basic
    5,763,812       4,582,212  
Diluted
    6,483,076       5,082,930  
                 
 
Balance Sheet Information:
 
         
    June 30, 2006  
    (Unaudited)  
    (In thousands)  
 
Cash
  $ 77  
Cash equivalents held in trust
    66,392  
Total assets
    66,530  
Deferred underwriting fees
    1,380  
Total liabilities
    1,631  
Common stock subject to possible conversion
    12,941  
Stockholders’ equity
    51,958  


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RWA Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Information
 
The following table sets forth, in Australian dollars, selected historical financial information of RWA derived from RWA’s audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended June 30, 2006, the six months ended June 30, 2005 and the year ended December 31, 2004 contained elsewhere in this proxy statement. The information as of and for the year ended December 31, 2003 was derived from the audited financial statements of Royal Wolf Trading Australia Pty Limited, or RWT, Royal Wolf’s principal operating subsidiary, contained elsewhere in this proxy statement. The information as of and for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001 was derived from the unaudited financial statements of RWT that are not contained in this proxy statement. RWA changed its fiscal year-end to June 30 from December 31 commencing with the six months ended June 30, 2005 and the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006. The audited consolidated financial statements of RWA as of and for the year ended June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2004 and as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2005 were prepared in accordance with Australian accounting standards. International financial reporting standards, or IFRS, form the basis of Australian accounting standards, and are referred to in this proxy statement as Australian equivalents to IFRS, or AIFRS, to distinguish them from Australian generally accepted accounting principles, or AGAAP, which were in effect for periods prior to 2004. AIFRS became effective for accounting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2005. Royal Wolf’s first financial statements prepared in accordance with AIFRS were for the six months ended June 30, 2005, with comparative information for the year ended December 31, 2004 restated accordingly. The other financial statements of RWT referred to above were prepared in accordance with AGAAP. AIFRS and AGAAP are not comparable, and both AIFRS and AGAAP differ in some respects from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or U.S. GAAP, and are not comparable to U.S. GAAP. However, a reconciliation to U.S. GAAP of the consolidated financial results of RWA and the December 31, 2003 financial statements of RWT is set forth in the notes to the respective consolidated financial statements of RWA and the financial statements of RWT included in this proxy statement.
 
The consolidated financial statements of RWA and the financial statements of RWT for the year ended 31 December 2003 have been restated due to a correction of an error in accounting for income taxes as set forth in the notes to the respective consolidated financial statements of RWA and the financial statements of RWT included in this proxy statement.
 
The summarized information below should be read together with the historical financial statements and accompanying notes contained elsewhere in this proxy statement.
 
Consolidated Statement of Operations Information:
 
                                                   
    Year Ended
    Six Months Ended
                           
    June 30,
    June 30,
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2006     2005     2004       2003     2002     2001  
    (Restated)     (Restated)     (Restated)       (Restated)     (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  
    (In thousands of Australian dollars)  
 
                                                 
Sale and modification of containers
  $ 46,097     $ 17,534     $ 35,463       $ 25,973     $ 22,526     $ 16,358  
Hire of containers
    21,290       9,339       16,756         13,089       10,574       9,653  
Total revenues
    67,387       26,873       52,219         39,062       33,100       26,011  
Results from operating activities
    2,656       613       3,517         2,176       2,867       1,701  
Other income (expense), net
    (3,512 )     (856 )     (3,042 )       747       (4,482 )     (2,769 )
Income tax (benefit)
    (525 )     (30 )     (4 )       312       203       (4 )
Net income (loss)
    (331 )     (213 )     479         2,611       (1,412 )     (1,697 )


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Consolidated Balance Sheet Information:
 
                                                   
    June 30     December 31,  
    2006     2005     2004       2003     2002     2001  
    (Restated)     (Restated)     (Restated)       (Restated)     (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  
    (In thousands of Australian dollars)  
 
                                                 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 777     $ 695     $ 3       $ 1,788     $ 788     $ 942  
Trade and other receivables
    10,206       7,876       7,024         5,205       5,339       3,831  
Inventories
    7,498       4,023       2,140         3,880       2,487       1,576  
Total assets
    66,406       47,152       39,390         34,917       24,696       21,171  
Total current liabilities
    22,710       11,807       14,190         12,015       14,296       11,069  
Non-current interest bearing loans and borrowings
    37,194       30,175       20,614         15,438       5,409       7,785  
Equity
    4,829       4,816       4,151         6,388       3,777       2,265  


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SELECTED UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
The following summary unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information is designed to show how our acquisition of RWA might have affected our historical financial statements if the acquisition had been completed at an earlier time. The following summary unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information was prepared based on the historical financial results of us and RWA. The historical results for RWA have been adjusted to conform with U.S. GAAP and converted to U.S. dollars at the average exchange rate during the periods presented in the statements of income and at June 30, 2006 for the balance sheets. The following should be read in connection with “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements” beginning on page [ • ] and the historical financial statements of RWA that are contained elsewhere in this proxy statement.
 
The unaudited pro forma balance sheet data assumes that the acquisition took place on June 30, 2006 and combines RWA’s June 30, 2006 audited consolidated balance sheet data with our unaudited June 30, 2006 balance sheet data. The unaudited pro forma statements of operations data for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and for the twelve months ended December 31, 2005 gives effect to the acquisition as if it had occurred on January 1, 2006 and on January 1, 2005, respectively, and combines the results of operations of us and RWA for the periods indicated.
 
The summary unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information is presented for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of our combined financial condition or results of operations for future periods or the combined financial condition or results of operations that actually would have been realized had we acquired and owned RWA during these periods:
 
                                 
    Pro Forma  
    Six Months Ended
    Year Ended
 
    June 30, 2006     December 31, 2005  
    Assuming No
    Assuming Maximum
    Assuming No
    Assuming Maximum
 
    Conversions(1)     Conversions(2)     Conversions(1)     Conversions(2)  
    (In thousands except per share data)  
 
Statement of Operations Data:
                               
Revenues and other operating income
  $ 25,812     $ 25,812     $ 45,174     $ 45,174  
Net income (loss)
    (633 )     (804 )     (1,953 )     (2,118 )
Net income (loss) per share:
                               
Basic
    (0.06 )     (0.09 )     (0.18 )     (0.24 )
Diluted
    (0.06 )     (0.09 )     (0.18 )     (0.24 )
 
                 
    Pro Forma
 
    June 30, 2006  
    Assuming No
    Assuming Maximum
 
    Conversions(1)     Conversions(2)  
    (In thousands)  
 
Balance Sheet Data:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 25,500     $ 12,559  
Total assets
    75,787       62,846  
Long-term notes payable
    40,156       40,156  
Other liabilities
    3,339       3,339  
Stockholders’ equity
    13,861       920  
 
 
(1) Assumes that none of our stockholders exercises conversion rights.
 
(2) Assumes that 19.99% of our IPO shares, or 1,724,138 shares, are converted into their pro rata share of the funds held in the trust account.


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COMPARATIVE UNAUDITED HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA PER SHARE DATA
 
The following table sets forth unaudited historical and pro forma per share ownership information of us after giving effect to the acquisition, assuming both no conversions and maximum conversions by our stockholders. You should read this information in conjunction with our selected historical financial information. The unaudited pro forma per share information is derived from, and should be read in conjunction with, the “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements” and related notes beginning on page 40.
 
The unaudited pro forma condensed earnings per share information below does not purport to represent the earnings per share that would have been achieved had we acquired and owned RWA during the periods presented, nor earnings per share for any future date or period. The unaudited pro forma book value per share information below does not purport to represent what our value would have been had we acquired and owned RWA.
 
                 
          (October 14, 2005
 
    Six Months Ended
    (inception) to
 
    June 30, 2006     June 30, 2006  
 
Historical:
               
Basic income per share
  $ 0.05     $ 0.06  
Diluted income per share
    0.05       0.06  
 
                 
    Six Months Ended
    Year Ended
 
    June 30, 2006     December 31, 2005  
 
Pro Forma Consolidated:
               
Basic income per share assuming no conversions(1)
  $ (0.06 )   $ (0.18 )
Diluted income per share assuming no conversions(2)
    (0.06 )     (0.18 )
Basic income per share assuming maximum conversions
    (0.09 )     (0.24 )
Diluted income per share assuming maximum conversions
    (0.09 )     (0.24 )
Shares Used to Compute Basic Per Share Data:
               
Assuming no conversions(1)
    10,682,763       10,692,163  
Assuming maximum conversions(2)
    8,958,625       8,968,025  
Shares Used to Compute Diluted Per Share Data:
               
Assuming no conversions(1)
    10,682,763       10,692,163  
Assuming maximum conversions(2)
    8,958,625       8,968,025  
 
                 
    June 30, 2006        
 
Historical Book Value of Stockholders’ Equity Per Share
  $ 4.95          
Pro Forma Book Value of Stockholders’ Equity Per Share:
               
Assuming no conversions(1)
  $ 1.30          
Assuming maximum conversions(2)
  $ 0.10          
 
 
(1) Assumes that none of our stockholders exercises conversion rights.
 
(2) Assumes that 19.99% of our IPO shares, or 1,724,138 shares, are converted into their pro rata share of the funds held in the trust account.


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PRICE RANGE OF SECURITIES AND DIVIDENDS
 
Our units, common stock and warrants are listed on the American Stock Exchange under the symbols “GFN.U,” “GFN” and “GFN.W,” respectively. The following table sets forth the range of high and low closing bid prices for the units, common stock and warrants for the periods indicated since the units commenced public trading on April 10, 2006, and since the common stock and warrants commenced public trading separately on June 13, 2006:
 
                                                 
    Units     Common Stock     Warrants  
    High     Low     High     Low     High     Low  
 
2006:
                                               
Fourth Quarter (through October 17)
  $ 8.00     $ 7.93     $ 7.35     $ 7.25     $ 0.80     $ 0.68  
Third Quarter
  $ 8.45     $ 7.75     $ 7.36     $ 7.22     $ 0.85     $ 0.63  
Second Quarter
  $ 8.06     $ 7.75     $ 7.35     $ 7.24     $ 0.80     $ 0.63  
 
Holders of our common stock, warrants and units should obtain current market quotations for their securities. The market price of our common stock, warrants and units may vary at any time before the closing of the acquisition.
 
Holders
 
As of [ • ], 2006, the record date for the special meeting, there were [ • ] holders of record of our units, [ • ] holders of record of our common stock and [ • ] holders of record of our warrants. We believe that there are more than [ • ] beneficial holders of each of our units, shares of common stock and warrants.
 
Dividends
 
We have not paid any dividends on our common stock to date and do not intend to pay dividends prior to the completion of a business combination.
 
It is the present intention of our board of directors to retain all earnings, if any, for use in our business operations and, accordingly, our board of directors does not anticipate declaring any dividends in the foreseeable future. The payment of dividends subsequent to a business combination will be within the discretion of our then board of directors and will be contingent upon our revenues and earnings, if any, capital requirements and general financial condition subsequent to completion of a business combination.


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RISK FACTORS
 
You should carefully consider the following risk factors, together with all of the other information included in this proxy statement, before you vote or instruct your vote with respect to the approval of the acquisition.
 
Risks Related to Our Business and Operations Following Our Acquisition of Royal Wolf
 
General or localized economic downturns or weakness may adversely affect Royal Wolf’s customers, in particular those in the mining and moving and storage industries, which may reduce demand for Royal Wolf’s products and services to decline and negatively impact our future revenues and results of operations.
 
A significant portion of Royal Wolf’s revenues is derived from customers who are in industries and businesses that are cyclical in nature and subject to changes in general economic conditions, including the mining and moving and storage industries, which constituted approximately 9% and 6%, respectively, of Royal Wolf’s revenues in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006. Although the variety of Royal Wolf’s products, the breadth of its customer base and its geographic diversity throughout Australia limits its exposure to economic downturns, general economic downturns or localized downturns in markets where its operates could reduce demand for Royal Wolf’s products and negatively impact our future revenues and results of operations.
 
Royal Wolf faces significant competition in the portable buildings industry and regional competition in the portable storage market. If Royal Wolf is unable to compete successfully, it could lose customers and our future revenues could decline.
 
Although Royal Wolf’s competition varies significantly by market, the portable buildings markets in which Royal Wolf competes is dominated by three or four large participants and is highly competitive. In addition, Royal Wolf competes with a number of large to mid-sized regional competitors, as well as many smaller, full and part-time operators in many local regions. If Royal Wolf is unable to compete successfully, it could lose customers and our future revenues could decline.
 
Royal Wolf also faces potentially significant competition from modular industry companies who have portable storage offerings, especially from several national competitors in Australia who have greater financial resources and pricing flexibility than Royal Wolf does. If this potential competition develops, Royal Wolf could lose customers and our future revenues could decline.
 
The modular space industry is highly competitive and almost all of the competitors have portable storage product offerings. The primary modular national competitors with portable storage offerings are less leveraged than Royal Wolf, and have greater financial resources and pricing flexibility than Royal Wolf does. If they focus on portable storage, Royal Wolf could lose customers and our future revenues could decline.
 
Because Royal Wolf has depended to a large extent on the success of its leasing operations, the failure of Royal Wolf to effectively and quickly remarket lease units that are returned could materially and adversely affect our results of operations.
 
Royal Wolf’s average monthly lease fleet utilization has historically exceeded 80%, with the typical lease being for an average period of over twelve months. The high utilization rate and the length of the average lease has provided Royal Wolf with a predictable revenue stream. However, should a significant number of Royal Wolf’s lease units be returned during any short period of time, Royal Wolf would have to re-lease a large supply of units at similar rates in order to maintain historic revenues from these operations. Royal Wolf’s failure to effectively remarket a large influx of units returning from leases could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.


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Royal Wolf operates with a high amount of debt, a substantial portion of which is secured by certain of the company’s assets and subject to variable interest rates.
 
As of June 30, 2006, excluding non-interest bearing trade payables and other similar current liabilities, Royal Wolf had approximately $35.1 million of indebtedness. Royal Wolf’s indebtedness bears interest at rates ranging from 7.3% to 15% per annum. A significant amount of Royal Wolf’s debt bears interest at a variable rate that adjusts periodically. Royal Wolf’s debt obligations require it to dedicate a significant portion of its cash flow from operations to payments on the indebtedness, which could reduce the availability of cash flow for future working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes. In addition, Royal Wolf’s debt load increases its vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions, limits its flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in its business and its industry, and subjects it to certain restrictive covenants that influence its operations and its ability to borrow additional funds. These periodic interest rate adjustments could expose Royal Wolf’s operating results and cash flows to periodic fluctuations. Although Royal Wolf uses interest rate hedging arrangements and swap agreements to limit its exposure to interest rate volatility, no assurance can be given that Royal Wolf will not remain subject to unexpected interest expenses. Failing to comply with its debt service obligations and the debt covenants could result in an event of default which, if not cured or waived, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, since Royal Wolf’s bank loans are secured by a lien on Royal Wolf’s lease assets in the container fleet, a default under Royal Wolf’s bank debt could result in the foreclosure of all of these assets, which would materially and adversely affect Royal Wolf’s operations and ability to continue its current operations.
 
The supply and cost of used ocean-going containers fluctuates, which fluctuation could affect Royal Wolf’s pricing and our ability to grow.
 
Royal Wolf currently purchases, refurbishes and modifies used ocean-going containers in order to replenish and expand its lease fleet. Various freight transportation companies, freight forwarders and commercial and retail storage companies also purchase used ocean-going containers. Many of these other companies have greater financial resources than Royal Wolf does. As a result, if the number of available containers for sale decreases, these competitors may be better able to absorb an increase in the cost of containers. If used ocean-going container prices increase substantially, Royal Wolf may not be able to purchase enough new units to maintain or increase the size of its fleet. These price increases also could increase Royal Wolf’s acquisition costs and operating expenses and adversely affect our results of operations and reduce our earnings. Conversely, an oversupply of used ocean-going containers may cause container prices to fall, which may result in competitors then lowering the lease rates on their storage units. As a result, Royal Wolf may need to lower its lease rates to remain competitive, which would cause our future revenues to decline.
 
Sales of storage units constitute a significant portion of Royal Wolf’s revenues. Failure to continue to sell units at historic rates could adversely affect our ability to grow Royal Wolf’s lease fleet.
 
Sales of storage units constituted approximately 56% and 53% of Royal Wolf total revenues for the twelve months ended June 30, 2006 and June 30, 2005, respectively. Revenues from sales of storage units have been used to fund increases in the size of our lease fleet. As a result, the failure to continue to sell a significant number of units may adversely affect our ability to increase the size of Royal Wolf’s lease fleet or to otherwise take advantage of business and growth opportunities available to it.
 
Governmental regulations could impose substantial costs and restrictions on Royal Wolf’s operations that could harm our future results of operations.
 
Royal Wolf is subject to various Australian federal, state and local environmental, transportation, health and safety laws and regulations in connection with its operations. Any failure to comply with these laws or regulations could result in capital or operating expenditures or the imposition of severe penalties or restrictions on its operations. In addition, these laws and regulations could change in a manner that materially and adversely affects Royal Wolf’s ability to conduct its business. More burdensome regulatory requirements in these or other areas may increase our general and administrative costs. If Royal Wolf is unable to pass these increased costs on to its customers, our future operating results could be negatively impacted.


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Royal Wolf may not be able to facilitate its growth strategy by identifying or completing transactions with attractive acquisition candidates, which could impair the growth and profitability of its business.
 
Since December 2005, Royal Wolf has completed four acquisitions. An important element of our growth strategy for Royal Wolf is to continue to seek additional acquisitions in order to add new customers within existing geographic markets and branch locations, or CSC’s, and to expand Royal Wolf’s operations into new markets. Any future growth through acquisitions will be partially dependent upon the continued availability of suitable acquisition candidates at favorable prices, upon advantageous terms and conditions and upon successful integration of the acquired businesses. However, future acquisitions may not be available at advantageous prices or upon favorable terms and conditions. In addition, acquisitions involve risks that the businesses acquired will not perform in accordance with expectations, that business judgments concerning the value, strengths and weaknesses of businesses acquired will prove incorrect, that the acquired businesses may not be integrated successfully and that the acquisitions may strain Royal Wolf’s management resources. Future acquisitions and any necessary related financings also may involve significant transaction-related expenses. If Royal Wolf is unable to complete additional acquisitions or successfully integrate any businesses that it does acquire, our future growth and operating results would be adversely impacted.
 
Failure to retain key personnel could adversely affect Royal Wolf’s operations and could impede our ability to execute our business plan and growth strategy.
 
After the completion of the acquisition, Royal Wolf will continue to be managed largely by its existing officers, including Robert Allan, its Chief Executive Officer, Peter McCann, its Chief Financial Officer, and James Warren, its Chief Operating Officer. The continued success of Royal Wolf will depend largely on the efforts and abilities of these executive officers and certain other key employees, many of who have over eight years of experience with Royal Wolf. These officers and employees have knowledge and an understanding of Royal Wolf and its industry that cannot be readily duplicated. Each of Messrs. Allan, McCann and Warren has an employment agreement which is terminable under certain circumstances upon notice to him. The loss of any member of Royal Wolf’s senior management team could impair our ability to execute our business plan and growth strategy, cause a loss of customers, reduce revenues and adversely affect employee morale.
 
Any failure of Royal Wolf’s management information systems could disrupt our business and result in decreased rental or sale revenues and increased overhead costs, which could negatively impact our results of operations.
 
Royal Wolf depends on its management information systems to actively manage its lease fleet, control new unit capital spending and provide fleet information, including leasing history, condition and availability of our units. These functions enhance Royal Wolf’s ability to optimize fleet utilization, rentability and redeployment. The failure of Royal Wolf’s management information systems to perform as we anticipate could disrupt its business and could result in, among other things, decreased leases or sales and increased overhead costs, which could negatively impact our results of operations.
 
A write-off of all or a part of our goodwill would hurt our operating results and reduce our stockholders’ equity.
 
As a result of four acquisitions completed by Royal Wolf since December 2005, we will have significant intangible assets related to goodwill, which represents the excess of the total purchase price of the acquisitions over the fair value of the net assets acquired. We are not permitted to amortize goodwill under the U.S. accounting standards and instead are required to review goodwill at least annually for impairment. In the event impairment is identified, a charge to earnings would be recorded. Although it does not affect our cash flow, a write-off in future periods of all or a part of our goodwill would hurt our operating results and stockholders’ equity. We are unable to currently estimate if and when it may become necessary to write-off goodwill or the effect such a write-off may have on our financial results or the market prices of our securities.


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Significant increases in raw material costs could increase our operating costs significantly and harm our stockholders’ equity.
 
Royal Wolf purchases raw materials, including metals, lumber, siding and roofing and other products, to perform periodic refurbishment of its units and to modify containers to its customers’ requirements. During periods of rising prices for raw materials, and in particular when the prices increase rapidly or to levels significantly higher than normal, we may incur significant increases in our operating costs and may not be able to pass price increases through to our customers in a timely manner, which could harm our future results of operations.
 
Failure by Royal Wolf’s Chinese manufacturers to sell and deliver products to Royal Wolf in timely fashion may harm Royal Wolf’s reputation and our financial condition.
 
Royal Wolf currently purchases new container products directly from container manufacturers in China. Although Royal Wolf is not dependent on any one manufacturer and is able to purchase products from a variety of suppliers, the failure of one or more of its suppliers to timely manufacture and deliver containers to Royal Wolf could adversely affect its operations. Royal Wolf does not have any long-term contracts with any supplier. If these suppliers do not timely complete Royal Wolf’s orders, or do not properly manufacture the requested products, our reputation and financial condition could be harmed.
 
Royal Wolf’s growth plan includes a possible expansion of Royal Wolf’s operations into markets outside of Australia, including Asia/Pacific markets. Such international expansion may not prove successful, and may divert significant capital, resources and management’s time and attention and adversely affect Royal Wolf’s on-going operations in Australia.
 
To date, Royal Wolf has conducted all of its business within Australia. However, Royal Wolf has plans to enter international markets, including the Asia/Pacific market, in the future, which will require meaningful amounts of management time and attention. Royal Wolf’s products and its overall marketing approach may not be accepted in other markets to the extent needed to make its international expansion profitable. In addition, the additional demands on its management from these activities may detract from Royal Wolf’s efforts in the Australian market and adversely affect its operating results in its principal market. Any international expansion will expose Royal Wolf to the risks normally associated with conducting international business operations, including unexpected changes in regulatory requirements, changes in foreign legislation, possible foreign currency controls, currency exchange rate fluctuations or devaluations, tariffs, difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations, difficulties in obtaining and managing vendors and distributors, potential negative tax consequences and difficulties collecting accounts receivable.
 
Royal Wolf’s planned growth could strain our management resources, which could disrupt our development of new Royal Wolf customer service centers.
 
Our future performance will depend in large part on our ability to manage Royal Wolf’s planned growth. Royal Wolf’s growth could strain our existing management, human and other resources. To successfully manage this growth, we must continue to add managers and employees and improve Royal Wolf’s operating, financial and other internal procedures and controls. We also must effectively motivate, train and manage Royal Wolf’s employees. If we do not manage Royal Wolf’s growth effectively, some of its new customer service centers and acquisitions may lose money or fail, and we may have to close unprofitable locations. Closing a customer service center would likely result in additional expenses that would adversely affect our future operating results.
 
We may need additional debt or equity to sustain our growth, but we do not have commitments for such funds.
 
We may finance Royal Wolf’s growth through a combination of borrowings, cash flows from operations and equity financing. The ability of Royal Wolf to grow will depend in part on our ability to obtain either additional debt or equity financing to fund the costs of such growth. The availability and terms of any debt and equity financing will vary from time to time, and will be influenced by Royal Wolf’s performance and by external factors, such as the economy generally and developments in the market, that are beyond our control. Also, additional debt financing or


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the sale of additional equity securities may adversely affect the market price of our securities. If we are unable to obtain additional debt or equity financing on acceptable terms, we may have to curtail Royal Wolf’s growth by delaying new customer service center openings or expansion of its lease fleet.
 
Some zoning laws restrict the use of Royal Wolf’s storage units and therefore limit its ability to offer its products in all markets.
 
Most of Royal Wolf’s customers use Royal Wolf’s storage units to store goods on their own properties. Local zoning laws in some of Royal Wolf’s geographic markets prohibit customers from maintaining portable storage units on their properties or require that portable storage units be located out of sight from the street. If local zoning laws in one or more of Royal Wolf’s geographic markets were to ban or restrict portable storage units stored on customers’ sites, Royal Wolf’s business in that market will suffer.
 
Unionization by some or all of Royal Wolf’s employees could cause increases in operating costs.
 
Royal Wolf’s employees are not presently covered by collective bargaining agreements. However, from time to time various unions have attempted to organize some of Royal Wolf’s employees. We are unable to predict the outcome of any continuing or future efforts to organize Royal Wolf’s employees, the terms of any future labor agreements, or the effect, if any, those agreements might have on our operations or financial performance.
 
Risks Related to the Acquisition
 
Our working capital will be reduced to the extent our stockholders exercise their conversion rights. This would reduce our cash reserves after the acquisition.
 
We are not permitted to complete the acquisition if holders of 20% or more of our IPO shares exercise their conversion rights. Based upon the funds held in the trust account as of June 30, 2006, the amount of funds that could be disbursed to our stockholders upon the exercise of their conversion rights is approximately $12.94 million, or approximately 20% of the funds then held in the trust account after deduction of the contingent underwriting discount and taxes on earned interest. To the extent our stockholders exercise their conversion rights, there will be a corresponding reduction in the amount of funds available to us following the acquisition. Depending on the net price paid by our various stockholders for the outstanding IPO shares and other financial considerations, it may be in the best interests of some stockholders to convert their shares or to permit the liquidation of this company. Since we cannot currently predict how many stockholders will exercise their conversion rights, we do not know if the acquisition of RWA will be effected, and if so, what amount of funds will be disbursed to stockholders who exercise their conversion rights.
 
The aggregate consideration we will pay for RWA may increase due to currency exchange rate fluctuations.
 
Based on the currency exchange rate of 0.7599 U.S. dollar for one Australian dollar in effect on September 8, 2006, the aggregate consideration for the acquisition is $87.4 million, subject to the consideration adjustments. Of the aggregate consideration, we will pay at the closing cash in the amount of $83.6 million, as adjusted by the consideration adjustments, less the net debt of Royal Wolf as of the closing date. The foregoing payment is required to be made in Australian dollars. The exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Australian dollar has fluctuated significantly recently. In the event that the value of the Australian dollar appreciates compared to the U.S. dollar prior to the closing of the acquisition, the amount of U.S. dollars that we will have to exchange into Australian dollars at that time could be significantly higher, thereby making the actual amount of aggregate consideration paid by us higher. For example, if the value of the Australian dollar increased relative to the U.S. dollar by one U.S. cent ($0.01), the amount of aggregate consideration will increase by approximately $890,000. (The actual amount of the aggregate consideration paid by us will be lower if the Australian dollar depreciates compared to the U.S. dollar.) We have not entered into any hedge agreements to limit our exposure to currency rate fluctuations, and no assurance can be given that the currency exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Australian dollar will not be less favorable to us at the closing of the acquisition.


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Our directors and officers own shares of common stock and have interests in the acquisition that are different from yours. If the acquisition is not approved, the shares of common stock acquired by them prior to our IPO may become worthless.
 
All of our directors and officers own shares of our common stock purchased by them for an aggregate purchase price of $250,000 prior to our IPO as to which they have waived any right to receive any of the cash proceeds that may be distributed upon our liquidation. If the acquisition is not completed and we fail by October 5, 2007 to enter into an agreement in principle or a definitive agreement with respect to another business combination, or having done so we fail to complete the business combination by April 5, 2008, we will liquidate and such shares held by our officers and directors will become worthless.
 
Ronald F. Valenta, our Chief Executive Officer and a director, and John O. Johnson, our Chief Operating Officer, hold warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,477,833 shares of our common stock that they acquired for an aggregate purchase price of $1,400,000. These warrants also will become worthless if the acquisition is not completed and we fail to enter into an agreement in principle or a definitive agreement with respect to another business combination, or fail to complete another business combination, as described above.
 
Mr. Valenta has made available to us a line of credit under which we may borrow from him from time to time up to $1,750,000 at an annual interest rate equal to 8%. Our borrowings under the line of credit have been and will continue to be used by us to pay operating expenses, including deposits and expenses relating to the acquisition. At September 12, 2006, the outstanding principal amount of borrowings under the line of credit was $700,000, including our initial deposit of $418,000 in connection with the acquisition. We also will obtain any additional deposits from borrowings under the line of credit, and we will continue to borrow funds under the line of credit through the closing of the acquisition. If the acquisition is completed, Mr. Valenta will be repaid all outstanding principal and accrued interest under the line of credit. If, on the other hand, the acquisition is not completed and we are required to liquidate as described above, Mr. Valenta will have no recourse against the funds held in the trust account for repayment of any amounts outstanding under the line of credit.
 
These financial interests of our directors and officers may have influenced their decision to approve our acquisition of Royal Wolf. In considering the recommendations of our board of directors for approval of the acquisition, you should consider these interests.
 
If we do not complete our acquisition of Royal Wolf, we may not be successful in identifying another suitable business combination.
 
If we do not complete the acquisition, we will immediately resume our search for another suitable business combination to present to our stockholders for their approval. We have no commitments or understandings with respect to any other business combination, and there is no assurance that whether or on what terms we may be able to negotiate another business combination. Because of the costs incurred in connection with the proposed acquisition of Royal Wolf and other expenses, the $1,750,000 revolving line of credit that we have been using to fund our operations may be fully utilized, thereby reducing our ability to fund another acquisition. If we fail by October 5, 2007 to enter into an agreement in principle or a definitive agreement with respect to another business combination, or having done so we fail to complete another business combination by April 5, 2008, we will liquidate as soon as practicable.
 
A substantial number of our shares will become eligible for future resale in the public market after the acquisition, which could result in dilution and an adverse effect on the market price of those shares.
 
If the acquisition is completed, our outstanding warrants to purchase 9,208,333 shares of common stock, including warrants issued in connection with the IPO, will become exercisable on April 5, 2007. Moreover, 1,875,000 shares of our common stock purchased by our directors and officers prior to the IPO will be released from escrow one year after the completion of the acquisition and be eligible for resale in the public market, subject to compliance with applicable laws. In addition, as part of the consideration for the acquisition, we will issue [ • ] shares of our common stock to one of the sellers, which shares will be subject to restrictions on transfer for at least one year after the closing. Consequently, at various times after completion of the acquisition, a substantial


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number of additional shares of our common stock will be eligible for resale in the public market. Sales of substantial numbers of such shares in the public market could adversely affect the market prices of our securities.
 
The proposed acquisition of Royal Wolf may result in additional Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 costs, issues and control procedures of our combined reporting company.
 
Royal Wolf is a private Australian company that to date has not been subject to the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and Royal Wolf’s existing internal controls and procedures are not compliant with the Act in general, or Section 404 of the Act in particular. Management of Royal Wolf may not have the expertise or time to properly document, assess, test and remedy the control structure of Royal Wolf, to timely identify any material control weaknesses or to disclose to us any such weaknesses in time to comply with our reporting requirements under the Act. We expect to incur significant costs in implementing additional controls and procedures at Royal Wolf in order to comply with the Act.
 
We may have difficulty establishing adequate management, legal and financial controls over Royal Wolf.
 
The internal financial and accounting staff at Royal Wolf currently does not have the ability to prepare financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Accordingly, we will have to establish U.S. financial reporting concepts and practices at Royal Wolf, as well as implement public company financial control systems. We may have difficulty in hiring, training and retaining a sufficient number of qualified employees with the required expertise. In addition, no assurance can be given that Royal Wolf will be able to prepare and deliver to us the quarterly and annual financial information necessary for us to prepare consolidated financial statements in time to meet the Security and Exchange Commission filing deadlines.
 
THE SPECIAL MEETING
 
General
 
We are furnishing this proxy statement to our stockholders in connection with the solicitation of proxies by our board of directors for use at the special meeting of stockholders and at any adjournment or postponement of the meeting. This proxy statement provides you with the information we believe you should know to be able to vote or instruct your vote at the special meeting.
 
Date, Time and Place
 
The special meeting of stockholders will be held on [ • ], 2006 at 10:00 a.m., local time, at [ • ], [ • ] California.
 
Purpose of the Special Meeting
 
At the special meeting, we are asking stockholders to:
 
  •  Approve our acquisition of RWA; and
 
  •  Grant our board of directors discretionary authority to adjourn the special meeting to solicit additional votes for approval of the acquisition if that there are insufficient votes present at the meeting for its approval.
 
Recommendation of Our Board of Directors
 
Our board of directors:
 
  •  Has unanimously approved the acquisition and determined that it is in the best interests of us and our stockholders; and
 
  •  Unanimously recommends that our common stockholders vote “FOR” approval of the acquisition.


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Record Date; Who is Entitled to Vote
 
We have fixed the close of business on [ • ], 2006, as the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to notice of and to attend and vote at the special meeting. As of the close of business on [ • ], 2006, there were 10,500,000 shares of our common stock outstanding. Each share of our common stock is entitled to one vote with respect to each of the matters to be acted upon at the special meeting.
 
Quorum
 
The presence, in person or by proxy, of a majority of the shares of our common stock outstanding as of the record date constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business.
 
Abstentions and Broker Non-Votes
 
Proxies that are marked “abstain” and proxies relating to “street name” shares that are returned to us but marked by brokers as “not voted” with respect to the acquisition or other proposal will be treated as shares present for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum on all matters. The latter, however, will not be treated as shares entitled to vote any proposal to which authority to vote is withheld by the broker. If you do not give the broker voting instructions, under the rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., your broker may not vote your shares with respect to the acquisition. Since stockholders must affirmatively vote against approval of the acquisition in order to exercise their conversion rights, stockholders who fail to vote, or who abstain from voting, may not exercise their conversion rights. Beneficial holders of shares held in “street name” that are voted against approval of the acquisition may exercise their conversion rights. See the information set forth under “Special Meeting — Conversion Rights” below.
 
Vote of Our Stockholders Required
 
The approval of the acquisition will require the approval of the holders of a majority of the shares of our common stock present and entitled to vote at the meeting with respect to the acquisition, as well as the holders of a majority of our IPO shares voted with respect to the acquisition. Notwithstanding these approvals, our certificate of incorporation provides that we cannot complete the acquisition if the holders of 20% or more of our IPO shares (1,725,000 or more shares) exercise their conversion rights.
 
The approval of the proposal to grant our board of directors discretionary authority to adjourn the special meeting to solicit additional votes for approval of the acquisition in the event that there are insufficient votes for its approval present at the special meeting will require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of our common stock present and entitled to vote at the meeting. Abstentions are deemed entitled to vote on this proposal. Therefore, they will have the same effect as a vote against the proposal. Broker non-votes, however, are not deemed entitled to vote on this proposal and will have no effect on the outcome of the vote on this proposal.
 
Voting Your Shares
 
Each share of our common stock that you own in your name entitles you to one vote. Your proxy card shows the number of shares of our common stock that you own.
 
There are two ways to vote your shares of our common stock at the special meeting:
 
  •  You can vote by completing, dating, signing and returning the enclosed proxy card. If you vote by proxy card, the proxy holders whose names are listed on the proxy card, will vote your shares as you instruct on the proxy card. If you sign and return the proxy card but do not give instructions on how to vote your shares, your shares will be voted as recommended by our board of directors “FOR” the approval of the acquisition and the other proposal described in this proxy statement; and
 
  •  You can attend the special meeting and vote in person. We will give you a ballot when you arrive. However, if your shares are held in the name of your broker, bank or another nominee, you must get a proxy from the broker, bank or other nominee. That is the only way we can be sure that the broker, bank or nominee has not already voted your shares.


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Revoking Your Proxy
 
If you give a proxy, you may revoke it at any time before it is exercised by doing any one of the following:
 
  •  You may send us another proxy card with a later date;
 
  •  You may notify John O. Johnson, our Chief Operating Officer, in writing before the special meeting that you revoke your proxy; or
 
  •  You may attend the special meeting, revoke your proxy and vote in person, as indicated above.
 
Who Can Answer Your Questions About Voting Your Shares
 
If you have any questions about how to vote or direct a vote in respect of your shares of our common stock, you may call John O. Johnson, our Chief Operating Officer, at (626) 795-0040. You also may call [proxy solicitor] at (800) [ • ].
 
Adjournment
 
In the event there are an insufficient number of shares of our common stock present in person or by proxy at the special meeting to approve our acquisition of RWA, our board of directors intends to adjourn the special meeting to a later date provided a majority of the shares present and voting on the motion vote is in favor of such adjournment. The place and date to which the special meeting would be adjourned would be announced at the special meeting. Proxies voted against the approval of the acquisition will not be voted to adjourn the special meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes also will not be voted on this matter. If it is necessary to adjourn the special meeting and the adjournment is for a period of not more than 30 days from the original date of the special meeting, no notice of the time and place of the adjourned meeting need be given to our stockholders, other than by an announcement made at the special meeting.
 
The effect of any such adjournment would be to permit us to solicit additional proxies for approval of the acquisition. Such an adjournment would not invalidate any proxies previously filed as long as the record date remains the same for the subsequent meeting.
 
No Additional Matters May Be Presented at the Special Meeting
 
The special meeting has been called only to consider the approval of our acquisition of Royal Wolf and the related proposal described in this proxy statement. Under our by-laws, other than procedural matters incident to the conduct of the meeting, no other matters may be considered at the special meeting.
 
By signing and returning the enclosed proxy card, you will be deemed to grant the proxy holders discretionary authority to consider and act upon such other matters as may properly presented incident to the conduct of the meeting and any adjournment or postponement of the meeting.
 
Conversion Rights
 
Any stockholder holding shares of our common stock originally issued in our IPO who affirmatively votes “against” approval of our acquisition of RWA may demand that we convert such shares into a pro rata portion of the funds held in the trust account pursuant to Article Sixth of our certificate of incorporation. If demand is made and the acquisition is consummated, we will convert these shares into a pro rata portion of the funds held in the trust account, including earned interest (net of taxes on such interest), as of the date two business days prior to the closing of the acquisition. Stockholders who seek to exercise their conversion rights must affirmatively vote against the acquisition.
 
The last sale price of our common stock on [ • ], 2006, the record date, was $[ • ]. The funds held in the trust account on June 30, 2006 were approximately $7.50 per IPO share after deduction of the contingent underwriting discount and taxes on earned interest. Prior to exercising conversion rights, our stockholders should verify the market price of our common stock, since they may be able to receive greater proceeds from the sale of their common stock in the public market than from exercising their conversion rights.


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If the holders of 20% or more of our IPO shares (1,725,000 or more shares) exercise their conversion rights, we cannot complete the acquisition notwithstanding its approval by our stockholders at the special meeting.
 
If you exercise your conversion rights, then you will be exchanging your shares of our common stock for cash and will no longer own those shares. You will be entitled to receive cash for these shares only if you continue to hold those shares through the completion of the acquisition and then tender your stock certificate to us. If you hold the shares in street name, you will have to coordinate with your broker to have your shares certificated. If the acquisition is not completed, these shares will not be converted into cash.
 
No Appraisal Rights
 
Stockholders of have no appraisal rights in connection with the acquisition under applicable Delaware corporation law or otherwise.
 
Proxy Solicitation Costs
 
We are soliciting proxies on behalf of our board of directors. This solicitation is being made by mail, but also may be made by telephone or in person. We and our directors, officers and employees may also solicit proxies in person, by telephone or by other electronic means. These persons will not be compensated for these solicitation activities.
 
We have engaged [ • ] to assist in the proxy solicitation process. We will pay [ • ] a fee of $[ • ] plus reasonable out-of-pocket charges and a flat fee of $[ • ] per outbound proxy solicitation call. Such costs will be paid initially with borrowings under the line of credit made available to us by Mr. Valenta, which borrowings will be repaid to Mr. Valenta if the acquisition (or other business combination) is completed.
 
We will ask banks, brokers and other institutions, nominees and fiduciaries to forward our proxy materials to their principals and to obtain their authority to execute proxies and voting instructions. We will reimburse them for their reasonable expenses.
 
Voting Agreement
 
As of the record date, Ronald F. Valenta, John O. Johnson, James B. Roszak, Lawrence Glascott, Manuel Marrero, David M. Connell, and Marc Perez, each of whom is our director or executive officer, owned an aggregate of 1,875,000 shares of our common stock, or approximately 17.9% of our outstanding shares. In connection with our IPO, they agreed to vote these shares with respect to our initial business combination as the holders of a majority of the IPO shares that are voted.
 
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT REGARDLESS OF THE NUMBER OF SHARES YOU MAY OWN. WE SINCERELY DESIRE YOUR PRESENCE AT THE SPECIAL MEETING. HOWEVER, SO THAT WE MAY BE SURE THAT YOUR VOTE WILL BE INCLUDED, PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD PROMPTLY. YOU MAY REVOKE YOUR PROXY AT ANY TIME BEFORE IT IS VOTED AT THE SPECIAL MEETING.
 
CONSIDERATION OF THE ACQUISITION
 
The terms of the acquisition and the acquisition agreement were determined based upon arm’s-length negotiations between us and the sellers. The following is a summary of our consideration of the acquisition.
 
Background
 
We are a special-purpose acquisition company organized on October 14, 2005 to effect an acquisition, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition or other similar business combination with an operating business. In April 2006, we completed our initial public offering, or IPO, from which we derived net proceeds of approximately $65.55 million. Of the net proceeds, $65 million, along with proceeds of $700,000 from the private placement of securities to our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer, were placed in a trust account. Such funds, together with the interest earned thereon, will be released to us upon completion of our initial business combination,


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less any amount payable to our stockholders who exercise their conversion rights in connection with the business combination and less the contingent underwriting fee payable to the underwriters of our IPO. If we fail by October 5, 2007 to enter into an agreement in principle or a definitive agreement with respect to a business combination, or having done so we fail to complete the business combination by April 5, 2008, then, in accordance with our certificate of incorporation, we must take all actions necessary to dissolve and liquidate as soon as reasonably practicable.
 
Promptly following our IPO, we contacted or were contacted by several investment bankers, private equity firms, consulting firms, legal and accounting firms, as well as numerous other business contacts. Through these contacts, we identified and reviewed information with respect to more than 20 target companies, including a number that were based outside of the U.S. We provided four of these companies, including three based in Germany, with written indications of interest or verbal indications of value as follows:
 
  •  In May 2006, we commenced discussions with a California provider of modular buildings that had revenue in excess of $6 million in its most recent fiscal year. Although we furnished the company with a written indication of interest, the parties were unable to agree upon the value of the company and discussions terminated in June 2006.
 
  •  In May 2006, we commenced discussions with an investment bank representing three German providers of portable storage containers and offices that led to discussions of value. The three companies had combined revenues in excess of $20 million in the most recent fiscal year. Issues of timing and valuation led to the termination of the negotiations in June 2006.
 
On April 11, 2006, Ronald F. Valenta, our Chief Executive Officer and a director, was contacted by Michael Baxter, a founder and Executive Director of RWA, to understand the nature of our company and our interest in discussing the possibility of acquiring RWA in our initial business combination. Prior to this initial communication, none of our directors or officers had any dealings with any of Royal Wolf’s officers, stockholders, directors or representatives.
 
Following a number of telephone calls, on May 2, 2006, we executed a non-disclosure agreement and began exchanging information with RWA.
 
On May 8 and 9, 2006, Mr. Valenta met in the Sydney, Australia, offices of Equity Partners Management Pty Limited, or Equity Partners, the private equity sponsor and majority shareholder of RWA, with Mr. Baxter, Dr. Richard Peter Gregson, Managing Director of Equity Partners, Mr. Rajeev Dhawan, Executive Director of Equity Partners, Paul Henry Jeffery, Non-Executive Director of RWA and James Warren, Chief Operating Officer of RWA. The representatives discussed their respective companies and the valuation parameters of a potential transaction. Following this meeting, Mr. Valenta advised Mr. Baxter that we were interested in continuing discussions relating to a possible acquisition of RWA
 
On May 11, 2006, we convened a telephonic meeting of our board of directors at which, among other things, management reviewed with our directors the status of our discussions with RWA regarding a possible acquisition of RWA.
 
Over the next several days, Messrs. Baxter and Dhawan and Mr. Peter McCann, Chief Financial Officer of RWA, had several communications with Mr. Valenta regarding our preliminary due diligence requests and a due diligence timetable.
 
On May 15, 2006, we delivered a preliminary non-binding indication of interest to Messrs. Gregson and Dhawan. After several subsequent communications between Messrs. Dhawan and Baxter and Mr. Valenta, on May 23, 2006, we delivered a revised non-binding indication of interest, which was executed on May 26, 2006.
 
On June 26, 2006, we engaged LaRue, Corrigan and McCormick LLP, or LCM, to review the audit work papers of Royal Wolf’s auditors and undertake other specific financial accounting due dililgence procedures.
 
On July 3, 2006, LCM began its due diligence procedures at Equity Partners’ headquarters in Sydney, Australia. On July 7, 2006, we engaged Ernst & Young LLP Australia to perform tax due diligence and advise us with respect to structuring of the possible acquisition.


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On July 10, 2006, we engaged Barnes & Wenden as our Australian legal counsel in connection with the acquisition.
 
On July 11, 2006, Mr. Valenta and John O. Johnson, our Chief Operating Officer, met with senior managers of Royal Wolf at the offices of Equity Partners to review our preliminary due diligence findings and discuss various aspects of a possible acquisition. Over the course of approximately one week, succeeding drafts of a non-binding term sheet were prepared in response to comments and suggestions of the parties and their respective counsel, with management and counsel for both companies engaging in numerous telephonic conferences and negotiating sessions.
 
On July 28, 2006, our board of directors met to discuss the proposed acquisition of RWA. Present at the meeting were all of our directors, as well as Mr. Johnson, Marc Perez, our Controller, and Alan B. Spatz of Troy & Gould Professional Corporation, our corporate counsel. Prior to the meeting, financial, operational and descriptive information about Royal Wolf was sent to each of our directors. Messrs. Valenta and Johnson described Royal Wolf’s business and operations and the structure of the possible acquisition, and led a discussion among the directors and our outside counsel. Following the discussion, our board of directors directed Messrs. Valenta and Johnson to continue pursuing the acquisition as outlined and to keep the board of directors apprised of their progress.
 
Following the July 28, 2006 board meeting, our management and legal advisors continued to negotiate with representatives of RWA. On August 3, 2006, we signed a non-binding term sheet by which RWA granted us an exclusive period extending through August 31, 2006 to perform more in-depth due diligence and to discuss the terms of a definitive acquisition agreement. Several conversations took place over the next several days between us, RWA and our respective legal advisors regarding the outline of a definitive acquisition agreement. On August 8, 2006, while these discussions were underway, we engaged Consulting Earth Scientists, an environmental services firm, to complete environmental site assessments on each of the leased facilities of RWA.
 
From August 14 to August 16, 2006, Mr. Johnson was present in Sydney, Australia, to conduct further due diligence with respect to potential tax and corporate structure with Ernst & Young LLP Australia, to review the legal due diligence with Mr. Barnes of Barnes & Wenden and the environmental due diligence with Consulting Earth Scientists, and to continue to evaluate financial and accounting information of Royal Wolf. During this same three-day period, several negotiations were held between Barnes & Wenden and counsel to the sellers, resulting in the preparation of a draft definitive acquisition agreement.
 
On August 29, 2006, a special meeting of our board of directors was convened at our offices in Pasadena, California, at which our board reviewed the internal valuation analyses of Royal Wolf prepared by our management and discussed the various terms of the draft definitive acquisition agreement. Representatives of the sellers also were present at the beginning of the meeting, and presented Royal Wolf’s 2007 business plan and answered questions posed by our directors prior to the directors’ deliberations regarding approval of the acquisition. After further review and discussion, the acquisition agreement was unanimously approved by our board of directors, subject to modifications to be negotiated to address the directors’ comments on the draft agreement.
 
Additional negotiations regarding adjustments to the definitive acquisition agreement took place in person on August 30, 2006 and telephonically over the several days after that, which discussions resulted in the preparation of the proposed final definitive agreement.
 
On September 1, 2006, a telephonic meeting of our board took place at which the board was updated regarding ongoing developments and approved the final modifications to the terms of the acquisition agreement.
 
The parties signed the acquisition agreement on September 12, 2006. On September 12, 2006, we issued a press release and filed a Current Report on Form 8-K announcing the signing of the acquisition agreement and certain other matters.
 
Our Board of Directors’ Reasons for the Approval of the Acquisition
 
Based upon its evaluation, our board of directors has unanimously approved our acquisition of RWA and determined that it is in the best interests of us and our stockholders.


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In the prospectus relating to our IPO, we stated our intention to focus our pursuit of a business combination on targets in the specialty finance industry and in areas where our management has significant expertise. We believe that the RWA acquisition meets these investment objectives.
 
Our board of directors also considered a wide variety of other factors in connection with its evaluation of the acquisition. In light of the complexity of those factors, our board of directors did not consider it practicable to, nor did it attempt to, quantify or otherwise assign relative weights to the specific factors it considered in reaching its decision. In addition, individual members of our board of directors may have given different weight to different factors.
 
In considering the acquisition, our board of directors gave considerable weight to the following positive factors:
 
Royal Wolf’s established business, strong management team, record of growth and potential for future growth
 
Our board of directors considered it to be important that our initial business combination target have an established business and significant growth potential. Royal Wolf has been in business since 1995, has strong current business operations and is a market leader in the Australian domestic portable storage and container industries. It has achieved significant historical growth, both internally and through acquisitions, and has in place its infrastructure to support additional growth with minimal additional overhead investments. Royal Wolf has been successful in developing new applications for portable containers, and has grown revenues from $30.4 million in fiscal 2003 to $51.4 million in fiscal 2006. Royal Wolf has completed four acquisitions since December 2005, demonstrating its ability to grow through acquisitions. Our board of directors believes that Royal Wolf will be able to continue to grow domestically within Australia, because:
 
  •  Royal Wolf has customer service centers in each state in Australia;
 
  •  Royal Wolf has average monthly lease container utilization rates of between 81% and 91%; and
 
  •  Royal Wolf has over 12,000 active customers in numerous industries.
 
Our board also believes that Royal Wolf can grow by expanding into new geographic markets in the Asia-Pacific, and that our capital resources may be used to facilitate this growth.
 
The experience of our management
 
Our board of directors considered the experience of our management in building and consolidating specialty finance businesses in the U.S. and Europe. Mr. Valenta, in particular, has extensive management experience in the portable storage industry that lends itself to the planned growth of Royal Wolf’s business and operations.
 
The experience of Royal Wolf’s management
 
Another important criteria to our board of directors was that the company have a seasoned management team. Royal Wolf’s management has extensive experience in the container, transportation and portable storage industries. Mr. Robert Allan and Mr. Warren each have more than 30 years of experience managing companies in related industries and more than ten years each as Regional Directors of U.S.-based container leasing companies. Mr. McCann has nearly three years of experience at Royal Wolf, and many of Royal Wolf’s operating managers also have long tenure with Royal Wolf or other companies in the portable storage and container industry. The management team has demonstrated its ability to grow both internally and through acquisition and is capable of managing this industry segment globally for us.
 
Royal Wolf’s ability to execute its business plan after the acquisition using its own financing resources, since part of the cash held in our trust account may be used to pay our stockholders who exercise their conversion rights
 
Our board of directors considered the fact that our stockholders may exercise their conversion rights in connection with the acquisition, and thereby reduce the amount of cash available to us following the acquisition.


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Our board of directors believes that Royal Wolf will be able to fully implement its business plan, even if not all the funds currently in the trust account are available to us after the acquisition.
 
Financial results
 
Our board of directors reviewed Royal Wolf’s historical revenue and profitability. Royal Wolf achieved $51.4 million in revenue for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006. Royal Wolf’s gross profit has improved from $12.8 million to $18.0 million from 2004 to 2006. This margin improvement reflects the operating leverage in Royal Wolf’s business model, which we believe should help drive greater profitability as revenue expands, and a $0.5 million reduction in depreciation due to a revision of the useful lives and residual values of certain fixed assets.
 
Favorable industry dynamics
 
Our board of directors considered positive long-term capital spending trends in Australia, such as the growing demand for portable services in the mining and construction industries. Our board of directors believes that similar trends underway in developing Asia-Pacific markets are favorable to the expansion of Royal Wolf’s business into new geographic markets.
 
Competitive position and acceptance of its services
 
Royal Wolf’s leading market share in Australia, reputation in its industry and among its clients, and its involvement in high-profile projects were considered by our board of directors to be favorable factors in approving the acquisition.
 
Barriers to entry
 
Duplicating Royal Wolf’s nationwide consumer service center network would require a large cadre of experienced industry personnel, which we believe is not readily available to a potential entrant in the Australian portable storage industry and represents a competitive advantage of Royal Wolf.
 
Regulatory environment of the industry
 
Royal Wolf’s business is not subject to burdensome regulatory requirements, and we believe that Royal Wolf has satisfactory compliance procedures in place.
 
Costs associated with effecting the business combination
 
Our board of directors determined that the transactions costs of acquiring RWA would be of the same order of magnitude as would be encountered with other possible business combinations, including business combinations with much smaller companies. A favorable factor was that RWA’s historical financial statements were audited in accordance with practices applicable to Australian private companies by a reputable and experienced accounting firm, and that RWA was able to furnish the financial and other information required for the preparation of this proxy statement in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission requirements.
 
The terms of the acquisition agreement contain customary provisions for transactions of this type.
 
Our board of directors believes that the acquisition agreement contains customary provisions for transactions of this type, including customary representations and warranties and indemnification and escrow provisions in our favor. It was important to our board of directors that the acquisition agreement include these customary provisions to protect us against the risks associated with possible unknown liabilities or similar potential problems at Royal Wolf. The sellers’ willingness to agree to an escrow of a portion of the acquisition consideration to satisfy potential indemnification claims by us was viewed favorably by our board.


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Material Negative Factors Considered by Our Board of Directors
 
Our board of directors believes that each of the above factors supports its determination and recommendation to approve the acquisition. Notwithstanding these positive factors, our board of directors also considered negative factors and potential risks in its deliberations, including the following:
 
  •  The risks relating to Royal Wolf’s business set out in this proxy statement in the section entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page [ • ];
 
  •  Royal Wolf has no current business or operations in the U.S. or outside of Australia.
 
  •  Royal Wolf has fluctuations in its operating income;
 
  •  Royal Wolf’s container sales business is maturing and is not likely to grow at the same rate as its other businesses; and
 
  •  The deposit provisions of the acquisition agreement may result in our forfeiture of substantial deposits if there are undue delays in completing the acquisition.
 
Due Diligence and Valuation
 
Several members of our management or board of directors have extensive experience in due diligence evaluations of acquisition targets and in valuing companies. Ronald A. Valenta, our Chief Executive Officer and a director, has been a board member of ten other companies in a number of industries, and has extensive experience in the portable services industry and as a private investor. John O. Johnson, our Chief Operating Officer, has extensive experience as an investment analyst, investment banker and financial advisor. Other members of the board, including David Connell and James Roszak, are experienced in the investment, securities and capital management industries.
 
In determining to approve the acquisition agreement relating to RWA, our board of directors relied on financial, industry, customer, capital markets (equity valuations), product, business and legal information relating to Royal Wolf compiled by our management and other advisors.
 
In determining that the acquisition is in the best interests of us and our stockholders, in addition to reviewing financial information of RWA and the portable storage and container industry, in general, our board of directors reviewed publicly-available information of companies with business and operations that the board considered to be similar to those of Royal Wolf and publicly-available information related to acquisition or merger transactions similar to the acquisition. None of the companies reviewed were identical to RWA, nor were any of the transactions reviewed identical to the acquisition. In fact, the companies reviewed are all based in the U.S., whereas Royal Wolf is based and operates exclusively in Australia. Our board of directors nonetheless believes that such companies and transactions were relevant in analyzing the acquisition, because they involved companies that operate primarily in the portable storage and container industry and because we are a U.S.-based company. Stockholders should note that analyses of comparable companies and comparable transactions are not purely mathematical, but involve subjective business judgments concerning the differences between those companies and transactions and Royal Wolf and the acquisition.
 
Our board of directors did not rely on any single analysis or upon any one particular set of industry information in evaluating the acquisition, but reviewed the totality of the information presented to it, including, among other items, the valuation analyses done by our management. Further, based on our board of directors’ belief that its members have the skill and experience to properly evaluate the acquisition, our board determined that obtaining a valuation or fairness opinion was unnecessary.
 
Valuation Analyses
 
The following is a summary of the material financial analyses performed by our management in connection with the acquisition. The following summary does not purport to be a complete description of the financial analyses performed by our management, and the order of analyses described below does not necessarily represent the relative importance or weight given to those analyses by our management. Except as otherwise noted, the following


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quantitative information, to the extent that it is based on market data, is based on market data as it existed on or before August 29, 2006 and is not necessarily indicative of current market conditions.
 
In performing its analyses, our management relied on projections for Royal Wolf as provided by its management. No assurance can be made that the projections our management used in its analyses will be achieved. Further, Royal Wolf did not publicly disclose internal management projections of the type provided to our management in connection with our management’s analysis of the acquisition, and the projections utilized were not prepared with intent for public disclosure or prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, the published guidelines of the Securities and Exchange Commission or the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ guidelines for projections or forecasts. These projections were based on numerous variables and assumptions that are inherently uncertain and may be beyond the control of management, including without limitation, factors related to general economic and industry conditions and competitive activity. Actual results could vary significantly from those set forth in the projections used by our management. For all of these reasons, stockholders should not place undue reliance on these projections.
 
Our management used the following valuation methodologies:
 
  •  Discounted cash flow analysis;
 
  •  Comparable companies analysis; and
 
  •  Precedent transactions.
 
Our management also calculated the enterprise value, or EV, of Royal Wolf, as equal to the market value of common equity (as implied by the acquisition consideration we have agreed to pay) plus the book value of Royal Wolf’s total debt, minority interest, preferred stock, capital lease obligations, and equity in affiliates, less the book value of Royal Wolf’s cash and cash equivalents, as of June 30, 2006, as a multiple of the following historical and estimated financial results:
 
  •  Revenue and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA, with EBITDA adjusted to exclude certain non-recurring costs, including transactions costs to be incurred by Royal Wolf in connection with the acquisition, provided by Royal Wolf’s management, for the last twelve-month period, or LTM, ended June 30, 2006; and
 
  •  Royal Wolf management’s revenue and adjusted EBITDA estimates for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007.
 
The resulting implied multiples for Royal Wolf from these analyses were as follows, assuming the $85 million aggregate consideration equals EV:
 
         
    At $85 Million
 
    Aggregate
 
    Consideration  
 
• EV to LTM FY 2006 — Actual revenue
    1.75x  
• EV to FY 2007 — Management projected revenue
    1.25x  
• EV to LTM FY 2006 — Actual adjusted EBITDA     10.90x  
• EV to FY 2007 — Management projected adjusted EBITDA     7.94x  
 
 
“EV” means “enterprise value,” “LTM” means last twelve months, “FY” means fiscal year, and “EBITDA” means earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure that is used because of its wide acceptance as a measure of operating profitability and financial performance before nonoperating expenses (interest and taxes) and non-cash charges (depreciation and amortization).
 
As part of its analysis, our management compared the multiples in the table above with those of other selected comparable public companies and with selected comparable transactions (see “Selected Companies Analysis” and “Selected Transactions Analysis” below”).


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Discounted Cash Flow Analysis.
 
The discounted cash flow analysis determines a net present value of future cash flows of Royal Wolf. This analysis starts with a net cash flow for each year of the projection period (2006 through 2010) equal to Royal Wolf’s EBITDA less cash taxes, capital expenditures and changes in working capital, which we refer to as free cash flows. In addition, a terminal value is computed in 2010 as a multiple of 2010 EBITDA. The annual net cash flow and terminal value are converted into a present value as of June 30, 2006 using an appropriate discount rate. Cash balances are added and debt balances are subtracted as of June 30, 2006 from the present value to arrive at net equity value of RWA.
 
Our management discounted Royal Wolf’s future free cash flows through 2009 as projected by the management of Royal Wolf using discount rates reflecting RWA’s weighted-average cost of capital ranging from 15% to 20% and terminal EBITDA multiples of 7 to 9 times. This resulted in an estimated enterprise value of RWA in the range of $66.7 million to $99.1 million and an average of $82.9 million.
 
Selected Companies Analysis.
 
Our management reviewed and compared financial information of Royal Wolf to corresponding financial information, ratios and public market multiples for the publicly-traded companies that were selected because they have operations that we considered reasonably similar to the operations of Royal Wolf. Our management did not necessarily include all companies or businesses that could be deemed as comparable to Royal Wolf. The companies our management selected for its analyses were:
 
     
• Mobile Mini Inc. 
  Nasdaq NMS — MINI
• Williams-Scotsman
  Nasdaq NMS — WLSC
• McGrath Rentcorp   Nasdaq NMS — MGRC
 
Our management calculated and compared financial information and various financial market multiples and ratios of the selected companies based on historical information it obtained from Securities and Exchange Commission filings and consensus estimates from publicly available sources reporting such data. With respect to Royal Wolf and each of the selected companies, our management calculated:
 
  •  EV as a multiple of actual fiscal year 2006 and management projected 2007 revenue; and
 
  •  EV as a multiple of actual fiscal year 2006 and management projected 2007 EBITDA.
 
Historical LTM financial results utilized by our management for purposes of this analysis were based upon information contained in the applicable company’s most recent publicly available financial statements prior to August 1, 2006. For the selected companies, LTM refers to the last twelve-month period available from the most recently publicly available financial information prior to August 1, 2006.
 
All companies were selected because they served the modular building or container rental/leasing markets. However, all of the companies operate exclusively or primarily in the U.S., and none of the companies selected are identical to Royal Wolf. As a result, any conclusions from this analysis must involve complex considerations and judgments concerning differences in financial and operating characteristics of the companies selected and other factors that would affect the market values of publicly-traded companies.
 
The results of these analyses are summarized in the following tables:
 
                                 
    Mean     Median     Range     Transaction  
 
Selected Companies:
                               
EV to Revenue
                               
LTM(x)
    3.5       2.7       2.6 to 5.3       1.75x  
Estimated 2006(1)
    3.3       2.6       2.5 to 4.6       1.25x  
EV to EBITDA
                               
LTM(x)
    8.9       8.4       6.0 to 12.3       10.90x  
Estimated 2006(1)
    8.2       7.9       6.1 to 10.7       7.94x  


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(1) Because of differences in year end between the public companies with fiscal years ending December 31 and Royal Wolf with a June 30 fiscal year, the “Estimated 2006” data for Royal Wolf will be for the year ended June 30, 2007.
 
Selected Transactions Analysis.
 
Our management also analyzed certain information relating to merger and acquisition transactions involving companies that were selected because they have operations that we considered reasonably similar to the operations of Royal Wolf. Our management did not necessarily include transactions of all companies or businesses that could be deemed as comparable to Royal Wolf. Our management analyzed the following transactions:
 
         
Date
 
Target
 
Acquirer
 
8/04/06
  Pac Van, Inc   Mobile Office Acquisition Corp
8/04/06
  Mobile Storage Group, inc   Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe
3/13/06
  Royal Wolf Portable Storage   Mobile Mini Inc.
3/06/06
  Comark Building Systems   Carlyle Group
1/17/06
  Waco International Limited   Asia Opportunity Fund/JP Morgan
12/01/05
  Bennett’s Trailer Company   New Acton Mobile Industries, LLC
11/28/05
  Skanska Modul AB   3i Group plc
10/17/05
  Baker Tanks, Inc   Lightyear Capital, LLC
10/05/05
  A-One Storage, LLC   Mobile Mini, Inc.
3/04/05
  Mobile Space, Inc.    Williams Scotsman, Inc.
 
Using publicly-available information, our management analyzed, among other things, the multiples of the historical merger and acquisition transactions as a multiple of enterprise value, or EV, to LTM revenue and EBITDA. All data were provided from publicly available sources reporting such data. The table below, excluding transactions where observations were not available, summarizes the mean, median, and range of the set of selected comparable acquisition and merger transactions:
 
         
    Implied
    Transaction Multiple:
    LTM
  LTM
    Revenue(x)   EBITDA(x)
 
Mean
  1.7   8.3
Median
  1.7   8.8
Range
  .8 - 2.8   6.9 - 9.1
 
Although the selected transactions were used for comparison purposes, none of the selected transactions nor the companies involved in them was either identical or directly comparable to the acquisition. Further, all multiples for the selected transactions were based on public information available at the time of each transaction, and do not take into account differing market and other conditions during which the selected transaction occurred. In addition, each transaction involved companies with differing financial and operating characteristics, potential for synergies, and other factors which would necessarily affect the transaction multiples. As a result, any conclusions from this analysis must involve complex considerations and judgments concerning differences in financial and operating characteristics of the companies selected, the timing of the transaction, and other factors that would affect the market values of merger and acquisition transactions.
 
Satisfaction of 80% requirement
 
We represented in the prospectus relating to our IPO that the business acquired by us in our initial business combination would have a fair market value equal to at least 80% of our net assets at the time of the transaction, including the funds held in the trust account. Based on the financial analysis it used generally in evaluating and approving the RWA acquisition, our board of directors determined that the acquisition of RWA meets this requirement.


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The terms of the acquisition were determined based upon arm’s-length negotiations between us and the sellers, who had no prior dealings with us or our officers or directors. Under the circumstances, our board of directors believes that the total consideration for the acquisition appropriately reflects the fair market value of RWA. In light of the financial background and experience of several members of our management and board of directors, our board also believes it is qualified to determine whether the acquisition of RWA meets this requirement. Our board of directors did not seek or obtain an opinion of an outside fairness or valuation advisor as to whether the 80% test has been met.
 
THE ACQUISITION AGREEMENT
 
The following is a summary of selected provisions of the acquisition agreement, which is referred to in Australia as a share sale deed. While we believe this description covers the material terms of the acquisition agreement, it may not contain all of the information that is important to you and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the acquisition agreement attached as ANNEX A to this proxy statement. We urge you to read the acquisition agreement in its entirety.
 
The acquisition agreement contains representations, warranties, covenants and other agreements that we, GFN Australasia and the sellers made to one another. The assertions embodied in those representations, warranties, covenants and other agreements are qualified by information in confidential disclosure schedules that the sellers have delivered in connection with signing the acquisition agreement. The disclosure schedules contain information that modifies, qualifies and creates exceptions to the representations, warranties, covenants and other agreements set forth in the attached acquisition agreement. Accordingly, you should bear in mind that the representations, warranties, covenants and other agreements are modified in important part by the disclosure schedules. We do not believe that the disclosure schedules contain information that the securities laws require us to publicly disclose. Moreover, information concerning the subject matter of the representations, warranties, covenants and other agreements may have changed since the date of the acquisition agreement, which subsequent information may or may not be fully reflected in our public disclosures.
 
Structure of Acquisition
 
The acquisition agreement provides that GFN Australasia Finance Pty Limited will acquire all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of RWA Holdings Pty Limited from the shareholders of RWA.
 
Closing and Effective Time of the Acquisition
 
The closing of the acquisition will take place on the last day of the month in which the conditions to closing have been satisfied or waived, or such other date and time as we and the sellers agree. We expect to close the acquisition on [ • ], 200[ • ], assuming it is approved at the special meeting on [ • ], 200[ • ].
 
Acquisition Consideration; Payment of Consideration
 
The aggregate consideration is $87.4 million, subject to certain adjustments, as follows:
 
  •  Net Tangible Assets.  If the total assets less all intangibles and liabilities of Royal Wolf, excluding the amount required to cash out outstanding options, the bonus to the former chairman and costs and expenses of the acquisition is less than $2,051,730 at the closing, the aggregate consideration will be decreased by the amount of the shortfall;
 
  •  Working Capital.  If the current assets (excluding cash and deposits relating to a specified contract) less the current liabilities (excluding interest bearing debt, other than in relation to assets acquired by Royal Wolf in satisfaction of its obligations under a specified contract, if awarded, finance leases, overdrafts and bank vendor financing) is less than $2,279,700 ($1,647,463 if the closing occurs in December 2006), the aggregate consideration will decrease by the amount of the shortfall;
 
  •  Container Rental Equipment.  If gross amount of container rental equipment at the closing is greater than the specified amount, the purchase price will be increased by the amount of such excess, and if the gross


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  amount of container rental equipment at the closing is less than the specified amount, the purchase price will be decreased by the amount of such deficiency. The specified amount ranges from $34.7 million to $35.7 million. At June 30, 2006, Royal Wolf had gross amount of container rental equipment of $31.5 million.
 
  •  Acquisition Costs.  If Royal Wolf incurs cost and expenses in making any business acquisitions after the date of the acquisition agreement but prior to the consummation of this acquisition, the purchase price will be increased by the amount of such costs and expenses incurred.
 
  •  Container Lease.  If the outstanding balance at the closing owing under a particular container lease program exceeds certain specified amounts, the aggregate consideration will be reduced by the amount of such excess.
 
  •  SEC Clearance of Proxy Statement.  The aggregate consideration will increase by $570,000 if our definitive proxy statement in connection with the acquisition has not been cleared by the Securities and Exchange Commission before January 16, 2007 and by an additional $570,000 if such clearance has not been obtained by February 16, 2007.
 
We have paid the sellers a deposit of $418,000, and must pay additional deposits of $190,000 on each of November 30, 2006, December 31, 2006 and January 31, 2007 (all deposits would total $988,000) if the closing of the acquisition has not occurred by such dates and we do not terminate the acquisition agreement. If the closing occurs, the deposits will be applied to reduce the amounts payable to the sellers at the closing. If the closing does not occur, the deposits are refundable to us only in certain limited circumstances.
 
Of the aggregate consideration in the acquisition, we will pay the sellers at the closing cash in the amount of $83.6 million, modified by the adjustments and less the net debt of Royal Wolf as of the closing date. The remaining $3.8 million of consideration will consist of $1.5 million of shares of our common stock to be issued to one of the sellers and a total of $2.3 million payable in cash in two equal installments on the first and second anniversaries of the closing for a non-compete covenant from the sellers. Our shares of common stock to be issued to the sellers will be valued for this purpose based upon the average of the closing sale prices of our common stock as reported on the American Stock Exchange during the 20 trading days ending two days prior to the closing of the Acquisition.
 
Net debt of Royal Wolf is defined to include the following:
 
  •  The aggregate amount of outstanding indebtedness for borrowed money and finance leases ($29.9 million at June 30, 2006);
 
  •  The aggregate amount owed on the non-convertible notes held by one of the sellers ($5.1 million at June 30, 2006);
 
  •  Amount of outstanding, deferred purchase price, consulting or non-compete or earn-out payment obligations under acquisition agreements;
 
  •  Declared but undistributed dividends or other distributions;
 
  •  The amounts required to cancel outstanding options;
 
  •  Amounts owing in relation to a lease relating to 12 reefers;
 
  •  Costs and expenses incurred by the sellers of negotiating, preparing and executing the acquisition agreement that are paid by Royal Wolf;
 
  •  The outstanding bonus amount agreed to be paid to a former chairman of Royal Wolf; and
 
  •  Any premium paid in relation to insurance obtained to support warranties of the sellers in the acquisition agreement.
 
Net debt does not include the following:
 
  •  Moneys owing to suppliers in the ordinary course of business;
 
  •  Amounts owing under any operating leases;


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  •  Any off-balance sheet debt disclosed by the sellers before the acquisition agreement in relation to the lease for 70 curtainsider containers, and any liabilities associated with that lease; and
 
  •  Any amounts owing by Royal Wolf in relation to any assets acquired in satisfaction of its obligations under specified contract, less any deposits and other amounts received by Royal Wolf in relation to the contract.
 
Warranties
 
The acquisition agreement contains warranties of each of us, GFN Australasia and the sellers relating, among other things, to:
 
  •  Proper corporate organization and similar corporate matters; and
 
  •  The authorization, performance and enforceability of the acquisition agreement.
 
The acquisition agreement also contains representations and warranties of the sellers relating, among other things, to:
 
  •  No conflict or breach of any material contracts;
 
  •  Liquidation, insolvency or defaults of any of the sellers;
 
  •  Ownership of Royal Wolf shares; and
 
  •  No option, right to acquire or encumbrance of or affecting the shares;
 
The acquisition agreement also contains representations and warranties of the sellers relating to Royal Wolf, including:
 
  •  Proper corporate organization and similar corporate matters of RWA and its subsidiaries;
 
  •  No insolvency event;
 
  •  Subsidiaries;
 
  •  Shares; shares in the subsidiaries; no issuance of dividends;
 
  •  Lack of any other subsidiary, partnership, joint venture or unincorporated association, or any other business entity;
 
  •  Title to and ownership of properties and assets, including intellectual property rights;
 
  •  Accuracy, maintenance and possession of records;
 
  •  Financial information;
 
  •  Compliance; required filings;
 
  •  Tax matters;
 
  •  Litigation;
 
  •  Environmental matters;
 
  •  Labor matters;
 
  •  Material contracts;
 
  •  Insurance; and
 
  •  Leased property.
 
Covenants
 
We and the sellers have each agreed to take such actions as are necessary, proper or advisable to consummate the acquisition. The sellers have agreed, to the extent within their respective powers as shareholders of Royal Wolf


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and through their board representation, to continue the management and conduct of business of Royal Wolf and its subsidiaries in the ordinary course prior to the closing and not to take the following actions without our prior written consent or except in accordance with Royal Wolf’s budget:
 
  •  Enter into, terminate or alter any term of any material contract or commitment with a value equal to or greater than $75,990;
 
  •  Incur any material liability of $37,995 or more outside the ordinary course of the business;
 
  •  Dispose of, agree to dispose of, encumber or grant an option over any of its assets outside the ordinary course of the business;
 
  •  Hire or terminate any senior employee or alter the terms of employment of any senior employee whose salary package is valued at $113,985 or more;
 
  •  Allot or issue or agree to allot or issue any share or any security convertible into any share;
 
  •  Declare or pay any dividends or make any other distribution of assets or profits;
 
  •  Alter or agree to alter the constitution; or
 
  •  Pass any special resolution.
 
Conditions to Closing of the Acquisition
 
The closing of the acquisition is subject to a number of conditions, including the following:
 
  •  The Securities and Exchange Commission clears this preliminary proxy statement no later than February 17, 2007;
 
  •  Our shareholders approve the acquisition no later than March 17, 2007 (and such approval is deemed to include all approvals required under our certificate of incorporation, as discussed elsewhere in this proxy statement);
 
  •  Consents are obtained from the landlords to certain Royal Wolf leases and to other parties to certain Royal Wolf contracts;
 
  •  No event occurs that has a material adverse effect on the assets, liabilities or profitability of Royal Wolf from June 30, 2006 to the closing;
 
  •  All outstanding options to purchase shares in RWA are cancelled and the repurchase of certain shares by RWA;
 
  •  The sellers and RWA have terminated a shareholders’ agreement governing the operation of Royal Wolf;
 
  •  Termination of the employment agreement between Royal Wolf and Michael P. Baxter with Mr. Baxter’s waiver of all claims against Royal Wolf as a result of the termination; and
 
  •  The employment agreements between Royal Wolf and Robert Allan, Peter McCann and James Warren are amended to eliminate references to any shareholders agreement and share option plans, and these key employees confirm that Royal Wolf is not in default under such agreements and that they have no claims against Royal Wolf other than as provided in such agreements.
 
With the exceptions of the first two conditions set forth above, any closing condition may be waived by the party entitled to the benefit of the condition. We may waive one or more of the closing conditions in our favor if we deem it advisable to do so.
 
Indemnification
 
Each of the sellers has agreed to indemnify us against claims (as defined) due to breach of the seller’s warranties, subject to certain limitations. The sellers have no liability for a claim unless the amount of the claim is at least $15,198 and until the aggregate of all claims in excess of $15,198 exceeds $284,962, in which event we can


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claim the whole amount, not just the amount in excess of $284,962. The sellers will have no liability for breach of warranty unless the claim arises within 18 months after the date of the acquisition agreement (five years after the date of the acquisition agreement for breach of certain warranties relating to corporate organization, outstanding shares and share capitalization, compliance with legal requirements, tax, and the environment).
 
At the closing, $5.3 million of the cash consideration payable by us to the sellers will be deposited in a separate bank account requiring signatures of us and the sellers for withdrawals. The purpose of this account is to provide a source of funds to pay the sellers’ indemnification obligations. The acquisition agreement provides that 25% of these funds will be released to the sellers 12 months after the closing and the balance will be released to the sellers 18 months from the closing, in each case, subject to any paid or pending indemnity claims by us. In addition, the shares of our common stock issued to one of the sellers is intended to serve a source of repayment for indemnity claims, and will be subject to restrictions on transfer for similar 12-month and 18-month periods. The acquisition agreement provides that these funds and shares can be released prior to such 12-month and 18-month periods if the sellers obtain warranty insurance in such amount and on such other terms as we may approve.
 
Consulting and Employment Agreements
 
In connection with the acquisition, Michael Baxter, the executive director and a founder of Royal Wolf, will enter into a 360-day consulting agreement pursuant to which he will agree to provide consulting services relating to the transition of ownership of Royal Wolf for total fee of $37,995.
 
Robert Allan, James Warren and Peter McCann, the three principal executives of Royal Wolf, will continue to serve in these capacities following the acquisition. Each of Messrs. Allan, Warren and McCann is party to our employment agreement which is terminable under certain circumstances upon notice to him.
 
Termination
 
The sellers may terminate the acquisition agreement if we do not obtain Securities and Exchange Commission clearance of this preliminary proxy statement by February 16, 2007 or a vote of our stockholders by March 17, 2007. Either party may terminate the acquisition agreement if any of the other closing conditions are not satisfied by March 17, 2007, provided that it such party has used reasonable efforts to satisfy its conditions and kept the other party informed of its progress in satisfying its conditions.
 
Fees and Expenses
 
All fees and expenses incurred in connection with the acquisition agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby will be paid by the party incurring such expenses, whether or not the acquisition is consummated. If the acquisition is consummated, however, any transaction fees of the sellers that are paid by Royal Wolf will be included in the calculation of Royal Wolf’s net debt and reduce the cash consideration in the acquisition accordingly.
 
Confidentiality; Access to Information
 
Royal Wolf will afford to us and our financial advisors, accountants, counsel and other representatives prior to the completion of the acquisition reasonable access during normal business hours, upon reasonable notice, to all of its respective properties, books, records and personnel to obtain all information concerning the business, provided that we do so in a manner that does not disrupt the business of Royal Wolf.
 
Non-compete Covenants
 
The sellers have agreed that following the closing, within Australia or New Zealand, they will not:
 
  •  Engage in a business that competes with Royal Wolf for a period of five years after the closing;
 
  •  Solicit, canvass, approach or accept an approach from a person who was at any time during the twelve months ending on the closing a customer of Royal Wolf with a view to obtaining their business that is in competition with the business of Royal Wolf for a period of four years after the closing;


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  •  Interfere with the relationship between Royal Wolf and its customers, employees or suppliers for a period of three years after the closing;
 
  •  Induce or help to induce a Royal Wolf employee to leave their employment for a period of two years after the closing; or
 
  •  Disclose or use to their advantage or to Royal Wolf’s disadvantage, itself or by any of its subsidiaries, agents, or representatives, any of the trade secrets or any confidential information relating to Royal Wolf or its business at any time after the closing.
 
The acquisition agreement provides that the consideration for these covenants is $2.3 million, payable in two equal installments on the first and second annual anniversaries of the closing.
 
Amendment
 
The acquisition agreement may be amended by the parties thereto only by writing signed on behalf of each of the parties.


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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet combines our historical unaudited balance sheet as of June 30, 2006 and the historical audited balance sheet of Royal Wolf as of June 30, 2006, giving effect to the acquisition as if it had occurred on June 30, 2006.
 
The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations combine (i) the historical unaudited statements of operations of us and Royal Wolf for the six months ended June 30, 2006, giving effect to the acquisition as if it had occurred on January 1, 2006, and (ii) the historical unaudited statements of operations of us for the period from October 14, 2005 (date of inception) to December 31, 2005, and Royal Wolf for the twelve months ended December 31, 2005, giving effect to the acquisition as if it had occurred on January 1, 2005. The unaudited statements of operations of Royal Wolf for the twelve months ended December 31, 2005 were derived by combining the results for the six-month period from January 1, 2005 to June 30, 2005 with the period from July 1, 2005 to December 31, 2005 as Royal Wolf’s fiscal year end is June 30. In addition, all unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information presented for Royal Wolf has been adjusted to conform with U.S. GAAP and converted into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rate during the periods in the pro forma income statements and at the exchange rate at June 30, 2006 for the pro forma balance sheets.
 
The historical financial information has been adjusted to give effect to pro forma events that are directly attributable to the acquisition, are factually supportable and, in the case of the pro forma income statements, have a recurring impact.
 
The following information should be read in conjunction with the pro forma condensed combined financial statements:
 
  •  Accompanying notes to the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements;
 
  •  Separate historical financial statements of Royal Wolf for the periods ended June 30, 2005 and 2006 included elsewhere in this proxy statement; and
 
  •  Our separate historical financial statements for the periods ended December 31, 2005 and June 30, 2006, which are not included in this proxy statement but can be obtained as described in the section “Where You Can Find More Information.”
 
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet at June 30, 2006 and unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and the twelve months ended December 31, 2005 have been prepared using two different levels of approval of the acquisition by our stockholders, as follows:
 
  •  Assuming No Conversions:  This presentation assumes none of our stockholders exercises their conversion rights; and
 
  •  Assuming Maximum Conversions:  This presentation assumes that 19.99% of our stockholders exercise their conversion rights.
 
This information to aid you in your analysis of the financial aspects of the acquisition. The unaudited pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of the financial position or results of operations that may have actually occurred had the acquisition taken place on the dates noted, or the future financial position or operating results of the combined company.
 
Our acquisition of Royal Wolf will be accounted for as a reverse acquisition and equity recapitalization, with us as the “acquired” company for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, our assets and liabilities have been presented at their historical cost (which also is the estimated fair value) with no goodwill recorded and no increment in stockholders’ equity. The acquisition consideration paid to the sellers will be reflected as a distribution to the sellers, and results in a reduction in stockholders’ equity.


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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
June 30, 2006
Assuming No Conversions
 
                                 
                Pro Forma
    Pro Forma
 
    GFN     Royal Wolf     Adjustments     Combined  
    (In thousands except share data)  
 
ASSETS
Current assets:
                               
Cash
  $ 77     $ 567     $ 66,392 (a)   $ 25,500  
                      (40,156 )(b)        
                      (1,380 )(b)        
Cash held in trust account
    66,392             (66,392 )(a)      
Other current assets
    57       12,911             12,968  
                                 
Total current assets
    66,526       13,478       (41,536 )     38,468  
Property and equipment, net
          30,387             30,387  
Intangible assets, net
          3,472       2,190 (b)     6,362  
                      700 (b)        
Other assets
    4       566             570  
                                 
Total assets
  $ 66,530     $ 47,903     $ (38,646 )   $ 75,787  
                                 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
                               
Trade accounts payable
  $     $ 9,133     $     $ 9,133  
Accrued expenses
          921       900 (c)     2,521  
                      700 (b)        
Other current liabilities
    1,631       6,526       (1,380 )(b)     6,777  
                                 
Total current liabilities
    1,631       16,580       220       18,431  
                                 
Long term liabilities:
                               
Notes payable
          27,156       13,000 (b)     40,156  
Non-compete payable
                2,190 (b)     2,190  
Other long term liabilities
          1,149             1,149  
                                 
Total long term liabilities
          28,305       15,190       43,495  
                                 
Common stock subject to possible conversion, 1,724,138 shares at conversion value
    12,941             (12,941 )(b)      
                                 
Stockholders’ equity:
                               
Common stock
    1       3,322       (3,322 )(b)     1  
Retained earnings (deficit)
    291       (304 )     (291 )(b)     (304 )
Additional paid-in capital
    51,666             1,460 (b)     14,164  
                      (900 )(c)        
                      12,941 (b)        
                      (51,003 )(b)        
                                 
Total stockholders’ equity
    51,958       3,018       (41,115 )     13,861  
                                 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 66,530     $ 47,903     $ (38,646 )   $ 75,787  
                                 


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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
June 30, 2006
Assuming Maximum Conversions
 
                                 
                Pro Forma
    Pro Forma
 
    GFN     Royal Wolf     Adjustments     Combined  
    (In thousands except share data)  
 
ASSETS
Current assets:
                               
Cash
  $ 77     $ 567     $ 66,392 (a)   $ 12,559  
                      (40,156 )(b)        
                      (1,380 )(b)        
                      (12,941 )(b)        
Cash held in trust account
    66,392             (66,392 )(a)      
Other current assets
    57       12,911             12,968  
                                 
Total current assets
    66,526       13,478       (54,477 )     25,527  
Property and equipment, net
          30,387             30,387  
Intangible assets, net
          3,472       2,190 (b)     6,362  
                      700 (b)        
Other assets
    4       566             570  
                                 
Total assets
  $ 66,530     $ 47,903     $ (51,587 )   $ 62,846  
                                 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
                               
Trade accounts payable
  $     $ 9,133               9,133  
Accrued expenses
          921       900 (c)     2,521  
                      700 (b)        
Other current liabilities
    1,631       6,526       (1,380 )(b)     6,777  
                                 
Total current liabilities
    1,631       16,580       220       18,431  
                                 
Long term liabilities:
                               
Notes payable
          27,156       13,000 (b)     40,156  
Non-compete payable
                2,190 (b)     2,190  
Other long term liabilities
          1,149               1,149  
                                 
Total long term liabilities
          28,305       15,190       43,495  
                                 
Common stock subject to possible conversion, 1,724,138 shares at conversion value
    12,941             (12,941 )(b)      
                                 
Stockholders’ equity:
                               
Common stock
    1       3,322       (3,322 )(b)     1  
Retained earnings (deficit)
    291       (304 )     (291 )(b)     (304 )
Additional paid-in capital
    51,666             1,460 (b)     1,223  
                      (900 )(c)        
                      (51,003 )(b)        
                                 
Total stockholders’ equity
    51,958       3,018       (54,056 )     920  
                                 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 66,530     $ 47,903     $ (51,587 )   $ 62,846  
                                 


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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME
Six Months Ended June 30, 2006
Assuming No Conversions
 
                                 
                Pro Forma
    Pro Forma
 
    GFN     Royal Wolf     Adjustments     Combined  
    (In thousands except share and per share data)  
 
Revenue
  $     $ 25,812     $     $ 25,812  
Cost of sales
          16,305               16,305  
                                 
Gross margin
          9,507             9,507  
Operating expenses
    64       6,384             6,448  
                                 
Operating (loss)/income
    (64 )     3,123             3,059  
                                 
Other expenses/(income):
                               
Interest income
    (555 )           161 (g)     (394 )
Interest expense
          1,571       369 (d)     1,940  
Depreciation and amortization
          1,613       550 (e)     2,227  
                      64 (f)        
Other expenses
          39             39  
                                 
Total other expenses/(income)
    (555 )     3,223       1,144       3,812  
                                 
Income/(loss) before provision for income taxes
    491       (100 )     (1,144 )     (753 )
Provision/(credit) for income taxes
    197       99       (416 )(h)     (120 )
                                 
Net income
  $ 294     $ (199 )   $ (728 )   $ (633 )
                                 
Net income per share:
                               
Basic
                          $ (0.06 )
                                 
Diluted
                          $ (0.06 )
                                 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
                               
Basic
                            10,682,763  
                                 
Diluted
                            10,682,763  
                                 


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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME
Six Months Ended June 30, 2006
Assuming Maximum Conversions
 
                                 
                Pro Forma
    Pro Forma
 
    GFN     Royal Wolf     Adjustments     Combined  
    (In thousands except share and per share data)  
 
Revenue
  $     $ 25,812     $     $ 25,812  
Cost of sales
          16,305               16,305  
                                 
Gross margin
          9,507             9,507  
Operating expenses
    64       6,384             6,448  
                                 
Operating (loss)/income
    (64 )     3,123             3,059  
                                 
Other expenses/(income):
                               
Interest income
    (555 )           429 (g)     (126 )
Interest expense
          1,571       369 (d)     1,940  
Depreciation and amortization
          1,613       550 (e)     2,227  
                      64 (f)        
Other expenses
          39             39  
                                 
Total other expenses/(income)
    (555 )     3,223       1,412       4,080  
                                 
Income/(loss) before provision for income taxes
    491       (100 )     (1,412 )     (1,021 )
Provision/(credit) for income taxes
    197       99       (513 )(h)     (217 )
                                 
Net income
  $ 294     $ (199 )   $ (899 )   $ (804 )
                                 
Net income per share:
                               
Basic
                          $ (0.09 )
                                 
Diluted
                          $ (0.09 )
                                 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
                               
Basic
                            8,958,625  
                                 
Diluted
                            8,958,625  
                                 


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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2005
Assuming No Conversions
 
                                 
                Pro Forma
    Pro Forma
 
    GFN     Royal Wolf     Adjustments     Combined  
    (In thousands except share and per share data)  
 
Revenue
  $     $ 45,174     $     $ 45,174  
Cost of sales
          29,136               29,136  
                                 
Gross margin
          16,038             16,038  
Operating expenses
    4       12,112               12,116  
                                 
Operating (loss)/income
    (4 )     3,926             3,922  
                                 
Other expenses/(income):
                               
Interest income
                (510 )(g)     (510 )
Interest expense
          1,840       1,634 (d)     3,474  
Depreciation and amortization
          2,513       1,174 (e)     3,814  
                      127 (f)        
Other expenses
          (210 )           (210 )
                                 
Total other expenses/(income)
          4,143       2,425       6,568  
                                 
Loss before provision for income taxes
    (4 )     (217 )     (2,425 )     (2,646 )
Provision for income taxes
          189       (882 )(h)     (693 )
                                 
Net (loss)
  $ (4 )   $ (406 )   $ (1,543 )   $ (1,953 )
                                 
Net (loss) per share:
                               
Basic
                          $ (0.18 )
                                 
Diluted
                          $ (0.18 )
                                 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
                               
Basic
                            10,692,163  
                                 
Diluted
                            10,692,163  
                                 


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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2005
Assuming Maximum Conversions
 
                                 
                Pro Forma
    Pro Forma
 
    GFN     Royal Wolf     Adjustments     Combined  
    (In thousands except share and per share data)  
 
Revenue
  $     $ 45,174     $     $ 45,174  
Cost of sales
          29,136               29,136  
                                 
Gross margin
          16,038             16,038  
Operating expenses
    4       12,112               12,116  
                                 
Operating (loss)/income
    (4 )     3,926             3,922  
                                 
Other expenses/(income):
                               
Interest income
                (251 )(g)     (251 )
Interest expense
          1,840       1,634 (d)     3,474  
Depreciation and amortization
          2,513       1,174 (e)     3,814  
                      127 (f)        
Other expenses
          (210 )           (210 )
                                 
Total other expenses/(income)
          4,143       2,684       6,827  
                                 
Loss before provision for income taxes
    (4 )     (217 )     (2,684 )     (2,905 )
Provision for income taxes
          189       (976 )(h)     (787 )
                                 
Net (loss)
  $ (4 )   $ (406 )   $ (1,708 )   $ (2,118 )
                                 
Net (loss) per share:
                               
Basic
                          $ (0.24 )
                                 
Diluted
                          $ (0.24 )
                                 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
                               
Basic
                            8,968,025  
                                 
Diluted
                            8,968,025  
                                 


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NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands)
 
Adjustments included in the column under the heading “Pro Forma Adjustments” include adjustments:
 
(a) To record the reclassification of funds held in trust by Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company;
 
(b) Of $40,156 to reflect the cash payment portion of the acquisition; $1,380 to reflect the payment for deferred underwriters commission; $2,190 to reflect the contractual consideration payable for non-compete agreement that will be entered into with the sellers; $700 to reflect the estimated deferred financing costs; $13,000 to reflect the adjustment for the contemplated financing of a portion of the acquisition consideration ($29,204 in a refinanced revolver and $10,952 in new mezzanine financing); $12,941 (i) assuming no conversions to reflect the increase in equity, and (ii) assuming maximum conversions to reflect the payment in cash to our converting stockholders; $3,322 to reflect the reclassification of Royal Wolf’s common stock to additional paid-in capital; $291 to reflect the elimination of our retained earnings; $1,460 of shares of our common stock that we will issue to one of the sellers; and $51,003 to reflect the offset to capital of the foregoing adjustments under the reverse acquisition application of the equity recapitalization method of accounting;
 
(c) To reflect the estimated direct costs of the acquisition;
 
(d) To adjust interest expense to 8.0% on the amended revolver and 13.0% on the mezzanine financing based upon a contemplated financing;
 
(e) To reflect the amortization over two years of the non-compete intangible asset;
 
(f) To reflect amortization expense over five and one-half years of the estimated deferred financing costs;
 
(g) To adjust interest income based on reduction of cash in trust after acquisition; and
 
(h) To adjust provision for income taxes based on adjustment of interest income, interest expense and amortization expense.


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OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT US
 
Business of General Finance Corporation
 
We were incorporated on October 14, 2005, to effect an acquisition, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition or other similar business combination with an operating business. Prior to executing the acquisition agreement relating to the acquisition of Royal Wolf, our efforts were limited to organizational activities, completion of our IPO and the evaluation of possible business combinations, including the acquisition.
 
Offering Proceeds Held in Trust
 
We completed our IPO in April 2006. The net proceeds of the offering, after payment of underwriting discounts and expenses, were approximately $65.55 million. Of that amount, $65 million was placed in the trust account and invested in government securities. The remaining proceeds, along with proceeds of $700,000 from the private placement of units to our officers and directors, were used by us to pay offering expenses in connection with our IPO. The funds in the trust account will not be released to us until the earlier of the completion of a business combination or our liquidation. The trust account contained approximately $66.4 million as of June 30, 2006. We will pay the cash portion of the acquisition consideration payable at the closing with a portion of the net proceeds of our IPO held in the trust account. Any remaining net proceeds in the trust account, less any amounts payable to our shareholders who exercise their conversion rights and after the payment of a contingent underwriting discount to the underwriters of our IPO, will be released to us for use in our business without further restriction. The maximum contingent underwriting discount is $1,380,000, which is subject to reduction by $0.16 per share for each IPO share that is converted in connection with the acquisition. The released funds will be used by us to repay our outstanding indebtedness to Mr. Valenta under the line of credit agreement and for working capital and general corporate purposes, including possible acquisitions, and there will be no further restrictions on our use of such funds.
 
Liquidation If No Business Combination
 
Our certificate of incorporation provides that we must liquidate as soon as practicable if we do not complete a business combination by October 5, 2007, or by April 5, 2008 if certain extension criteria have been satisfied.
 
In connection with such liquidation, we will distribute pro rata to the holders of our IPO shares the amount in the trust account, including any earned interest (net of taxes on such interest). Our directors and officers who acquired their shares of our common stock prior to our IPO have waived their rights to participate in any liquidation distribution with respect to these shares of common stock. There also will be no distribution from the trust account with respect to our warrants.
 
If we fail by October 5, 2007 to enter into an agreement in principle or a definitive agreement with respect to another business combination, or having done so we fail to complete the business combination by April 5,2008, we will liquidate as soon as practicable pursuant to Section 275 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. Under Section 275, our board of directors must adopt a specific plan of dissolution and liquidation to recommend to our stockholders and our stockholders must approve the plan before we can liquidate. Accordingly, there will be a delay beyond October 5, 2007 or April 5, 2008, as the case may be, in our liquidation and the distribution to our public stockholders of the funds in our trust account as part of any plan of dissolution and liquidation.
 
Based upon the funds held in the trust account as of June 30, 2006, the per-share liquidation price as of that date would have been approximately $7.50, or $0.50 less than the per-unit offering price of $8.00 in our IPO. The proceeds deposited in the trust account could, however, become subject to the claims of our creditors, and there is no assurance that the actual per-share liquidation price will not be less than $7.50 due to such claims.
 
Our stockholders holding IPO shares will be entitled to receive funds from the trust account only in the event of our liquidation or if they exercise their conversion rights in connection with the acquisition or other business combination completed by us. In no other circumstances will a stockholder have any right or interest of any kind to or in the trust account.


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INFORMATION ABOUT ROYAL WOLF
 
Business Overview
 
RWA Holdings Pty Limited, or RWA, is a company organized under the laws of Australia and a holding company for Royal Wolf Trading Australia Pty Limited, its principal subsidiary, and its other subsidiaries. RWA engages in no significant business activities apart from its ownership of Royal Wolf Trading Australia Pty Limited and its other subsidiaries. RWA and its subsidiaries are collectively referred to in this proxy statement as “Royal Wolf.”
 
The mailing address of RWA is Suite 201, Level 2, 22-28 Edgeworth David Avenue, Hornsby, New South Wales, Australia 2077, and its telephone number is 001-612-9482-3466.
 
Royal Wolf leases and sells portable storage containers, portable container buildings and freight containers in Australia. Royal Wolf’s management believes that Royal Wolf is the market leader in Australia for container-based storage and accommodation products. Royal Wolf currently has more than 150 employees and operates 15 customer service centers located in every state in Australia. It is represented in all major business centers in Australia and is the only portable container lease and sales company in Australia with a nationally integrated infrastructure and work force.
 
Royal Wolf’s products include the following.
 
Portable Storage Containers:  Royal Wolf leases and sells portable containers for on-site storage by retail outlets and manufacturers, local councils and government departments, farming and agricultural concerns, building and construction companies, clubs and sporting associations, mine operators and individual customers. Royal Wolf’s portable storage products include general purpose-dry storage containers, refrigerated containers and hazardous goods containers in a range of standard and modified sizes, designs and storage capacities.
 
Portable Container Buildings:  Royal Wolf leases and sells portable container buildings for use as site offices, housing accommodations and for other purposes. Royal Wolf entered the portable building market in August 2005 with 20’and 40’ portable buildings manufactured from steel container platforms, which it markets primarily to mine operators, construction companies and the general public.
 
Freight Containers:  Royal Wolf also leases and sells freight containers specifically designed for transport of products by road and rail. Customers include national moving and storage companies, distribution and logistics companies, domestic freight forwarders, transport companies, rail freight operators and the Australian military. Royal Wolf’s freight container products include curtain-side, refrigerated and bulk cargo containers, together with a range of standard and industry-specific dry freight containers.
 
History
 
Royal Wolf Trading Australia Pty Ltd, RWA’s principal operating subsidiary, was founded in mid-1995 as an Australian subsidiary of Triton Holdings Limited. Triton is headquartered in the U.S. with business activities that include Triton Container International, the world’s largest lessor of marine cargo containers to the international shipping industry.
 
Royal Wolf Trading Australia Pty Ltd’s business initially consisted of selling used shipping containers from third party container depots. With internal Triton financing, it entered the retail container leasing and sales market in 1997 through its acquisition of AA Shipping, a Melbourne-based container leasing and sales business. The acquisition more than doubled the company’s fleet of containers for lease and provided the company with its first retail facility in Australia and a platform from which to grow nationally.
 
In late 2003, the senior management team completed a management buyout of the company with backing from Equity Partners Two Pty Limited, an Australian private equity firm, and local banks.
 
During 2004 and 2005, Royal Wolf made significant investments in its customer service center infrastructure and its personnel in preparation for new product introductions that were made in August 2005, in the acquisition of competing businesses, and in the organic growth of its existing programs.


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Since December 2005, Royal Wolf has completed four acquisitions as follows:
 
  •  In December 2005, Royal Wolf acquired the assets of Cairns-based Cape Containers for a purchase price of $600,000. This purchase resulted in the acquisition of 173 portable storage units and the related customer base;
 
  •  In March 2006, Royal Wolf purchased the remaining shares of Royal Wolf-Hi Tech, a Newcastle-based joint venture, for $800,000, which added a further 676 portable storage units to the Royal Wolf lease fleet;
 
  •  In April 2006, Royal Wolf acquired the assets of Melbourne-based Australian Container Network, or ACN, for $4.3 million. This acquisition added a further 891 units to Royal Wolf’s lease fleet and eliminated the second-largest portable storage supplier in Melbourne (next to Royal Wolf) from the market; and
 
  •  In August 2006, Royal Wolf acquired the assets of Townsville-based Bohle Containers for $200,000. This was a small but strategically important acquisition that added a further 57 units to Royal Wolf’s lease fleet.
 
These acquisitions contributed to the 17,473 total units in Royal Wolf’s lease fleet as of September 30, 2006.
 
Portable Storage Container Market
 
The use of shipping containers, known as “containerization,” is an important element of the logistics revolution that changed cargo handling in the last half of the 20th century. The trailer transport of shipping containers began in North America during the mid-1950s and spread internationally during the late 1960s and early 1970s. It is currently estimated that 90% of the world’s cargo moves by containers stacked on transport ships. The current worldwide container fleet is estimated at 18 million units, the majority of which are standard 20’ and 40’ steel general purpose containers. Container ownership is predominantly divided between shipping lines and international and domestic container leasing companies.
 
The domestic portable storage, freight and accommodation container market slowly emerged with the maturing of the international cargo container business during the mid-1980s. As containers were removed from international service due to retirement or surplus inventory, alternate uses were developed.
 
The retired cargo containers initially were utilized primarily for packaging of one-way shipments, for project work, or for use as cheap storage on farms or construction sites. By the late 1980s, retired containers that were previously sold in an “as-is” condition were being refurbished into secure portable storage containers that were leased or sold to customers.
 
Through the 1990s, new uses for containers were developed that involved converting or customizing a refurbished cargo container for a particular application, such as a workshop or site office. Containers offer a relatively inexpensive and plentiful building template that is durable, cuttable, movable and long lasting. During this period, containerization was also gaining market acceptance in Australia as a means of more securely transporting freight by road and rail, gradually replacing older and less efficient forms of freight transportation such as trucks and rail wagons.
 
Since the mid 1990s, the domestic container industry in Australia has developed into a stable market structure with set competitive models analogous to the marine container business 20 or 25 years ago. Marine containerization displaced less efficient and more expensive specialized equipment. In the same way, portable storage, freight and accommodation containers are increasingly being substituted for more expensive, less flexible, purpose-built space. We believe that there are many more uses for portable storage, freight and accommodation containers still to be developed; part of Royal Wolf’s market opportunity is to develop and service these new applications.
 
Royal Wolf’s management estimates that the portable storage market in Australia currently generates annual revenues of approximately U.S. $150 million, with an estimated 60% derived from sales of portable storage containers. Royal Wolf’s management anticipates that, as the market matures, rental revenue will account for an increasing proportion of the total revenue.


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The portable storage market has experienced steady growth since the mid-1990s. Although there is no official forecast of industry growth rates or the future potential size market for portable storage in Australia, we believe that a number of factors suggest that the market will continue to grow:
 
  •  The level of knowledge among potential customers regarding the availability and benefits of containerized storage in key Australian markets, such as the construction and mining industries, is still low;
 
  •  Suppliers and customers continue to develop further uses for portable containers, thereby broadening the market for portable containers; and
 
  •  As the market leader in Australia, Royal Wolf has consistently achieved organic growth and based, in part, on growth in the market as a whole.
 
Royal Wolf’s competition in this market is regionalized and highly fragmented. In most locations, Royal Wolf competes with one or two large to mid-sized regional competitors, as well as smaller, full and part-time operators. Local competitors are regionally focused, and are usually more capital-constrained. Most are therefore heavily reliant on monthly sales performance, have slowly growing rental fleets and limited ability to transact larger deals.
 
Portable Buildings Market
 
The portable buildings market in Australia is estimated to have generated revenue totalling $760 million in the year ending June 2006, of which approximately $450 million (Source — IBISWorld report — Prefabricated Metal Building Manufacturing in Australia — C2911 30th March 2006) relates to the markets in which Royal Wolf offers a competing product. The portable buildings market consists of the following:
 
  •  Engineering, construction and resources — approximately 50%.
 
  •  Non-residential building construction — approximately 35%.
 
  •  Recreation and holiday market — approximately 15%.
 
Within the engineering, construction and resources market, portable buildings are used for site offices, toilet and shower facilities, and worker housing and temporary accommodation blocks. This market is influenced by trends in public and private sector spending on infrastructure, generally, and, particularly, mine development and road and pipeline construction.
 
Demand from the non-residential buildings market principally stems from the demand for work sheds, site offices, industrial garages and temporary warehousing. Demand can be significantly affected by special projects such as the 2000 Olympic Games and 2006 Commonwealth Games hosted in Australia.
 
The recreation and holiday market is increasingly becoming an important source of demand, particularly for the supply of fitted out cabins to be used as rental accommodations and second homes on purchased blocks of land. Growth in demand has been driven by growth in disposable income and increased leisure time associated with an aging population.
 
We believe that the portable buildings market will grow over the medium term, driven in part by a cyclical expansion in the mining and construction markets. Differentiation and new portable building products such as those provided by Royal Wolf will act as a stimulus for longer-term growth in the market as older style products are replaced.
 
The lease and sale of containerized portable buildings have major advantages over traditional portable buildings in terms of transportability, security and flexibility. We believe that Royal Wolf’s launch of its portable buildings line of products in late 2005 represents a significant new market and growth opportunity for Royal Wolf.
 
In the portable buildings markets, Royal Wolf competes with three or four other large participants who manufacture their own units and most of whom offer units for both lease and sale to customers. The major barrier to entry for new participants is the degree of market penetration necessary to create a wide profile with contractors and clients. Penetrating and competing with the range of products and number of depots and agencies offered by incumbent operators tends to inhibit new entrants. As Royal Wolf already has a national sale and distribution


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network, established supply channels and a strong profile in its target markets, many of the barriers to entry applicable to other new entrants are not applicable to it.
 
Freight Container Market
 
RWA’s management estimates that the freight container market in Australia generates approximately $29 million in aggregate annual lease and sales revenues. The rate of growth in this industry has been slow compared with the portable container storage and portable buildings market demonstrating the relative maturity of the market.
 
Although there is potential for growth in the freight container market as more road and rail carriers recognize the efficiencies of containerization, Royal Wolf’s present strategy is to maintain rather than grow its container fleet investment and dependence upon this sector of its business activities.
 
Leasing versus Sale
 
Royal Wolf’s business model is focused on both the leasing and sale of its products.
 
Monthly lease rates typically range from approximately $64 to $110 (higher for portable buildings and more specialized containers). Average monthly lease fleet utilization has historically ranged from 81% to 91%. Lease contracts range from 30-day short-term leases to long-term leases with a minimum commitment ranging from two-to-five years and average more than twelve months.
 
Royal Wolf has a strong and scaleable lease platform with significant geographical reach and a recognizable brand identity. Royal Wolf’s lease fleet has grown from 8,171 units in June 2003 to approximately 16,000 units in June 2006.
 
Economics of container rental model
 
Royal Wolf estimates that its container lease fleet products have economic lives of up to 30 years. Customers typically request the products by size or intended application, not by age or condition. As a result, standardized products historically have generated comparable lease rates throughout their useful lives.
 
Sales activity
 
Historically, capital constraints have limited the extent to which Royal Wolf has been able to grow its lease fleet, so Royal Wolf has pursued a hybrid model — funding growth in the lease fleet through container sales. Sales not only help fund Royal Wolf’s lease fleet growth, but also provide a vehicle for profitably disposing of surplus or aging lease fleet equipment. Royal Wolf has enjoyed a consistent sale market for its products, with sales averaging 12,000 or more units each year since 2003.
 
Branch network
 
Royal Wolf leases and sells its products from an Australia-wide network of 15 Customer Service Centers, or CSCs, the largest branch network in Australia of any company in the business of selling and leasing portable storage containers. Royal Wolf is represented in all major locations, and is the only container leasing and sales company with a nationally integrated infrastructure and work force. A typical Royal Wolf CSC consists of a leased site of approximately two-to-five acres with a sales office, forklifts and all-weather container repair workshop. CSC office staffing ranges from two to 15 people and consists of a Branch Manager supported by the appropriate level of sales, operations and administrative personnel. Yard and workshop staffing usually ranges between one and 12 people and can consist of welders, spray painters, boilermakers, forklift drivers and production supervisors. CSC inventory holding ranges between 100 and 500 containers at any one time, depending on market size and throughput demand.


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The following illustrates Royal Wolf’S existing CSC locations:
 
MAP
 
Products
 
Royal Wolf is the only container company in Australia with both the national presence and product range capable of servicing all sectors of the domestic rental & sales market. The Company’s key products include:
 
     
Portable storage containers:
  10’, 20’ & 40’ general purpose units
    Mini Cube units
    Dangerous Goods containers
    Refrigerated containers
Portable container buildings:
  Site offices & Cabins
    Workforce accommodation unit
    Luxury accommodation unit
    Ablutions block
Freight Containers:
  Curtain-side containers
    20’ & 40’ Hi-cube containers
    20’ & 40’ two pallet-wide containers
    Side-opening door containers


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Customers
 
Royal Wolf has a broad base of over 12,000 active customers, with no single customer constituting more than 3% of the Company’s annual revenue for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006. Our customer base includes the retail and manufacturing sectors, councils and government departments, the farming and agricultural community, the building and construction industry, clubs and sporting associations, the mining sector and the general public. In order to minimize the effect from a financial downturn in any particular industry sector, the Company spreads its business activities across the largest number of customers and widest number of industry sectors possible.
 
Royal Wolf provides its customers a solutions-orientated approach, with high reliability in equipment quality and supply, with prompt and efficient delivery and pick-up, and with superior service and product knowledge. This is supported by a highly responsive national marketing team, in-house finance, control and engineering expertise, plus nationally linked fleet management and accounting systems. Royal Wolf is the largest and only truly national supplier of container products in Australia, and the only container company with the scale, capacity and geographical spread to service a full range of customers; from small local accounts right through to the largest national corporations.
 
(PIE CHART)
 
Employees
 
As of June 30, 2006, Royal Wolf employed approximately 167 persons on a full-time basis, as follows:
 
  •  Operations — 49;
 
  •  Sales — 36;
 
  •  Production — 35;
 
  •  Management — 20;
 
  •  Finance — 19; and
 
  •  Support — 8.
 
None of Royal Wolf’s employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement. Royal Wolf’s management believes its relationship with its employees is good. Royal Wolf has never experienced any material labor disruption, and its management is not aware of any efforts or plans to organize its employees.
 
Sales and Marketing
 
Royal Wolf’s sales and marketing strategy is designed to reach thousands of potential customers. Communication with potential customers is predominantly generated through a combination of Yellow Pages and print media advertising, phone sales and cold calling, web-site, word of mouth, walk-ins and direct mail.


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The customer hiring or buying process is being driven by customer awareness of the products combined with moderate price shopping. Typical customers may shop two, perhaps three suppliers, but they do not spend much time doing it — the value of the transaction being relatively low to the value of their time. The key is for Royal Wolf to be one of the suppliers that a potential customer calls.
 
Product Procurement
 
Royal Wolf purchases out-of-service marine cargo containers from a wide variety of international shipping lines and container leasing companies, plus new container products directly from container manufacturers in China. Royal Wolf is the largest buyer of both new and used container products for the Australian market.
 
The majority of used containers purchased are standard 20’ and 40’ units which Royal Wolf converts, refurbishes and customizes. Royal Wolf also purchases new containers directly from container manufacturers.
 
Fleet Management
 
Royal Wolf regularly needs to re-locate containers between its CSCs to meet peaks in regional demand and optimize individual CSC inventory levels. Royal Wolf has close relationships with the national road and rail haulage companies that enable it to transport the majority of containers interstate at attractive rates.
 
Royal Wolf’s management information systems are instrumental to our fleet management and targeted marketing efforts. Fleet information is updated daily at branch level which provides management with on-line access to utilization, leasing and sale fleet unit levels and revenues by branch or geographic region.
 
Growth Strategy and Opportunities
 
Royal Wolf’s experienced senior management team has demonstrated consistent execution of its growth strategy and has successfully positioned Royal Wolf to capitalize on further growth opportunities. With average monthly lease fleet utilization exceeding 80%, reliable sales revenues, expanding market opportunity for its growing product range, acquisition and new site development strategies, we believe Royal Wolf is well-positioned to continue its growth while leveraging its existing infrastructure to enhance margins.
 
The principal components of Royal Wolf’s growth strategy include:
 
  •  Lease fleet growth through rate increases, utilization and volume growth;
 
  •  Potential to implement transport services to improve service and access pick up/ drop off benefits;
 
  •  In-market acquisitions;
 
  •  Geographic expansion — Regional and Asia/Pacific;
 
  •  Complementary products;
 
  •  Further penetration of mining industry; and
 
  •  Further penetration of defence industries
 
The container storage and portable building industry is a relative young industry in Australia, the youth of the market presenting significant growth opportunities for Royal Wolf. Although container use for portable storage, domestic freight movement and portable building applications is increasing, there are still considerably more uses for containers still to be developed. Royal Wolf’s market opportunity is to fully develop and service these applications, part of the attraction being that public awareness of these products is still relatively low.
 
Regulatory Matters
 
Royal Wolf must comply with various federal, state and local environmental, transportation, health and safety laws and regulations in connection with its operations. Royal Wolf believes that it is in substantial compliance with these laws and regulations. In addition to compliance costs, Royal Wolf may incur costs related to alleged environmental damage associated with past or current properties owned or leased by it. Royal Wolf believes that its


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liability, if any, for any environmental remediation will not have a material adverse effect on its financial condition. However, we cannot be certain that the discovery of currently unknown matters or conditions, new laws and regulations, or stricter interpretations of existing environmental laws will not have a material adverse effect on Royal Wolf’s business or operations in the future.
 
Trademarks
 
Royal Wolf is a party to a licensing agreement with Triton Holdings Limited for the use of the “Royal Wolf” name and trademark within Australia and Pacific Islands region. Royal Wolf has represented to us that it believes that it is in compliance with the agreement and there are no claims pending against Royal Wolf challenging its right to use the “Royal Wolf” name and trade mark within Royal Wolf’s region of business.
 
Legal Proceedings
 
Currently, Royal Wolf is not involved in any material lawsuits or claims arising out of the normal course of our business. The nature of the Royal Wolf’s business is such that disputes can occasionally arise with vendors including suppliers and subcontractors, and customers over warranties, contract specifications and contract interpretations among other things. Royal Wolf assesses these matters on a case-by-case basis as they arise. Reserves are established, as required, based on its assessment of its exposure. Royal Wolf has insurance policies to cover general liability and workers compensation related claims. In the opinion of Royal Wolf’s management, the ultimate amount of liability not covered by insurance, if any, under pending litigation and claims will not have a material adverse effect on Royal Wolf’s financial position or operating results.


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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF ROYAL WOLF
 
You should read the following discussion and analysis of Royal Wolf’s consolidated financial condition and results of operations together with Royal Wolf’s “Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Information” and consolidated financial statements and notes thereto that appear elsewhere in this proxy statement. This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements.
 
The historical consolidated financial results of Royal Wolf described below are presented in Australian dollars and in a different format from the financial statements in this proxy statement.
 
Royal Wolf
 
In 2005, Royal Wolf changed its financial reporting year-end date from December 31 to June 30. Since the financial results for 2005 would, therefore, represent only the six month period to June 30, 2005, in order to present comparable periods for comparison purposes, the periods compared in the following tables and in the following description of Royal Wolf’s “Results of Operations” are the twelve months ended June 30, 2006, the twelve months ended June 30, 2005, and the twelve months ended June 30, 2004. The results of operations for the twelve months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004 have been derived from Royal Wolf’s condensed consolidated financial statements for the six-months ended June 30, 2005 and for the twelve months ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, and include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results of the periods presented. We believe the following table is a more meaningful and appropriate presentation to compare and analyze the operating results of Royal Wolf and sets forth certain income and expenditure items for the twelve months ended June 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
 
                         
    Twelve Months Ended June 30  
    2006     2005     2004  
    (Restated)              
    (In millions of Australian dollars)  
 
Revenues:
                       
Leasing
  $ 17.5     $ 15.1     $ 12.6  
Sale:
                       
New units
    6.8       0.4        
Rental equipment
    30.8       28.3       26.8  
Other
    12.3       10.7       7.9  
                         
Total revenues
    67.4       54.5       47.3  
Cost of Revenues:
                       
Leasing
    4.5       4.7       5.8  
Sale:
                       
New units
    5.0       0.3        
Rental equipment
    23.2       19.6       16.3  
Other
    11.0       9.1       8.3  
                         
Gross profit
    23.7       20.8       16.9  
                         
Operating Expenses:
                       
Selling, general and administrative
    20.1       15.9       12.2  
Interest (net)
    3.5       2.9       1.7  
Other
    1.0       1.7       1.3  
                         
Profit before tax
    (0.8 )     0.3       1.7  
Income tax (benefit)
    (0.5 )     0.3       0.3  
                         
Profit after tax
  $ (0.3 )   $     $ 1.4  
                         


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The following table sets forth certain income and expenditure items as a percentage of total revenues for the periods indicated:
 
                         
    Twelve Months Ended June 30,  
    2006     2005     2004  
 
Revenues:
                       
Leasing
    25.9 %     27.7 %     26.6 %
Sales:
                       
New Units
    10.1 %     0.7 %     0.0 %
Rental equipment
    45.7 %     52.0 %     56.7 %
Delivery, installation and other
    18.3 %     19.6 %     16.7 %
                         
Total revenues
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
                         
Cost of sales and services:
                       
Leasing
    6.7 %     8.6 %     12.3 %
Sales:
                       
New units
    7.4 %     0.6 %     0.0 %
Rental equipment
    34.4 %     35.9 %     34.5 %
Delivery, installation and other
    16.3 %     16.7 %     17.5 %
                         
Total cost of sales and services
    64.8 %     61.8 %     64.3 %
                         
Gross profit
    35.2 %     38.2 %     35.7 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    29.8 %     29.2 %     25.8 %
Interest (net)
    5.2 %     5.4 %     3.6 %
Other operating expenses
    0.7 %     3.6 %     5.5 %
                         
Total operating expenses
    35.7 %     38.2 %     34.9 %
                         
Income before income taxes
    (0.5 )%     0.2 %     0.8 %
Income tax expense (benefit)
    (0.3 )%     (0.2 )%     0.1 %
                         
Net income
    (0.2 )%     %     0.7 %
                         
 
Results of Operations
 
Twelve Months Ended June 30, 2006 Compared with the Twelve Months Ended June 30, 2005
 
Revenues for the twelve months ended June 30, 2006 were $67 million, a $12.9 million or 23.7% increase from revenues of $54.5 million in the same twelve-month period ended June 30, 2005. The increase resulted from a $2.5 million or 8.8% increase in sales of rental equipment, a $6.4 million increase in sales of new products, and a $2.4 million or 15.9% increase in leasing revenue. Other revenues, which consist primarily of revenues derived from the delivery and installation of Royal Wolf’s products, increased by $1.6 million or 15% from the same period of 2005. The foregoing increases include approximately $2.2 million of additional revenues generated by the assets that Royal Wolf acquired since December 2005.
 
The increases in revenues from sales and leasing are largely due to the continued growth in the industries that Royal Wolf serves, Royal Wolf’s penetration of those markets, and the enhanced capability of Royal Wolf to modify its containers, thereby increasing the potential market and uses of its products. The increase in sales of new products is primarily attributable to the launch of new products in late 2005.
 
The 15.9% increase in leasing revenues for the year ended June 30, 2006 resulted primarily from an increase in the number of products Royal Wolf had available for lease during the year, and to a lesser extent, to the increased utilization of the available products and increased rental rates. During the year ended June 30, 2006, the number of products available for lease increased by approximately 3,800 units, of which approximately 1,700 units were acquired through the four acquisitions of businesses that Royal Wolf completed during the second half of the year. The increased number of products available during the current year is expected to continue to result in higher leasing revenues. Average core fleet utilization also contributed to increased leasing revenues, as the utilization rate for the year ended June 30, 2006 increased by approximately 3% from the same period of the prior year to


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approximately 88%. The average monthly rental rate for the year ended June 30, 2006 was up approximately 3% from the same period of the prior year.
 
Other revenues, including delivery and installation revenues, increased by $1.6 million for the year ended June 30, 2006 from the year ended June 30, 2005. The foregoing increase was primarily the result of significant additional revenues derived from delivery and installation activities, which increases were partially offset by a decrease in revenues from storage, repairs, commission and other non-recurring expenses related to the acquisition of the remaining shares in the Royal Wolf Hi-Tech joint venture company in March 2006 and other operational changes.
 
Gross profit for the year ended June 30, 2006 was $23.7 million, a $2.9 million or 13.9% increase from the same period of 2005 due to the increase in revenues. Gross profit margin as a percentage of sales decreased from 38.2% for the year ended 2005 to 35.2% in 2006 due to overall competitive pricing pressures and lower margins on revenues generated from the sale of the company’s containers. The decrease in gross margins in sales activities was partially offset by an increase in the gross margin percentage in leasing activities. Leasing gross profit for the year increased by $2.6 million while leasing gross profit margin percentage increased by an additional 5.4%. Of the increased leasing gross profit, $0.7 million related to the impact of the reduction in depreciation charge in 2006 due to revision of asset useful lives and residual values of container assets.
 
Selling, general and administrative expense for the year ended June 30, 2006 increased approximately $4.2 million or 26.4% to $20.1 million from $15.9 million for the year ended June 30, 2005. This increase is primarily associated with increased employee-related costs and marketing expenditure directed at the new products. Employee-related expenses increased due to the increased number of employees resulting from both the additional businesses Royal Wolf acquired during the year and from additional employees hired by Royal Wolf as it positioned itself for future growth at various of its CSC depots.
 
Interest expense for the year ended June 30, 2006 increased by $0.6 million or 20.7% to $3.5 million from $2.9 million in the same period of 2005 due primarily to an increase in the amount borrowed during the year ended June 30, 2006 and to an increase in the rate of interest paid by Royal Wolf for some of the outstanding debt. As of June 30, 2006, Royal Wolf had $46.1 million of interest bearing indebtedness outstanding, compared to $38.4 million outstanding as of June 30, 2005. In addition, during the year ended June 2006, Royal Wolf refinanced $10.0 million of indebtedness that bore interest at a rate of 7% per annum with indebtedness that bears interest at an annual rate of 15%.
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2005
 
Revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2005 were $26.9 million, comprising $13.3 in sales of rental equipment, $4.5 million in delivery and installation revenues, new product sales of $0.4 million and leasing revenues of $7.7 million.
 
Other revenue, consisting primarily of revenues from delivery and installation services, as well as revenues from storage, repairs, commission and other miscellaneous items, was $1.0 million.
 
Other revenue from charges to former affiliated international Royal Wolf companies ceased as a result of the management buy-out transaction in December 2003.
 
Gross profit for the six months ended June 30, 2005 was $10.3 million. Gross profit margin percentage from the sales of rental equipment was 28.8% and the gross margin percentage on the company’s leasing activities was 69.1%.
 
Selling, general and administrative expense for the six months ended June 20, 2005 was $8.7 million.
 
Twelve Months Ended June 30, 2005 Compared with the Twelve Months Ended June 30, 2004
 
Revenues for the year ended June 30, 2005 were $54.5 million, a $7.2 million or 15.2% increase from revenues of $47.3 million in the same period of 2004. The increase resulted from a $1.5 million or 5.6% increase in sales of rental equipment, a $0.4 million increase in sales of new equipment, a $2.5 million or 19.8% increase in leasing


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revenue, and a $2.8 million or 35.4% increase in delivery, installation and other miscellaneous revenues from the same period of 2004.
 
The increases in sales of rental equipment and corresponding increase in delivery and installation revenues are largely due to continued growth in the industry Royal Wolf serves and the enhanced capability of Royal Wolf’s container modification business. In addition, in the year ended June 2005, the company introduced new products for sale that were not offered in year ended June 2004.
 
Leasing revenues increased due to an increase of approximately 400 units on rent and to higher utilization rates and rental rates. Average core fleet utilization of leasing products for the year ended June 30, 2005 increased by approximately 0.5% to approximately 85% compared to the same period of the prior year. The average monthly rental rate for the year ended June 30, 2005 was up approximately 6% from the same period of the prior year.
 
Other revenue, which includes revenues primarily from delivery and installation services, as well as revenues from storage, repairs, commission and other miscellaneous items, increased by $2.8 million, or 35.4%, in the year ended June 30, 2005 over the prior year due primarily to increased modification work activities, which are more time and labor intensive. The increase in modification services was partially offset by a reduction of $0.9 million in other revenue from charges to former affiliated international Royal Wolf companies as compared to the twelve months ended June 2004. These revenues ceased as a result of the management buy-out transaction in December 2003.
 
Gross profit for the year ended June 30, 2005 was $20.8 million, a $3.9 million or 23.1% increase from the same period of 2004. Gross profit margin percentage from the sales of rental equipment decreased in 2005 to 30.7% from 39.2% in 2004 due primarily to an exchange rate adjustment variation on the settlement of U.S. denominated debt at the time of the management buyout transaction in December 2003 in the same period of 2004 of $4.3 million. Excluding this adjustment, Royal Wolf would have recorded an increase in gross profit margin percentage to 46.1%. Gross margin as a percentage of sales increased primarily as leasing gross profits for the year increased by $3.6 million and the gross profit margin percentage on the company’s leasing activities increased by 14.9%.
 
Selling, general and administrative expense for the year ended June 30, 2005 increased approximately $3.7 million or 30.3% to $15.9 million from $12.2 million for the year ended June 30, 2004. This increase is primarily associated with increased employee-related costs, expansion of the CSC depot infrastructure, business insurance, travel related and professional fees.
 
Interest expense for the year ended June 30, 2005 increased by $1.2 million or 70.6% to $2.9 million from $1.7 million in the same period of 2004 due primarily to the incremental interest expense incurred on the outstanding $5.4 million 15% B Class Notes.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Cash Flow for Fiscal 2006, 2005 and 2004
 
During 2004, 2005 and 2006, Royal Wolf’s principal sources of funds consisted of cash generated from its operations, borrowings (including core debt and a non-converting note) from Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited, or ANZ, Royal Wolf’s prime bankers, funds received from the issuance of B Class Notes and A Class shares of stock. Royal Wolf also financed a smaller portion of its capital requirements through finance leases and lease-purchase contracts.
 
Cash flow from operating activities of $5.8 million in 2004, $1.9 million in 2005 and $14.0 million in 2006 were largely generated by the rental of units from Royal Wolf’s lease fleet, the associated delivery and installation services from rental and sales activities and other products. The $3.8 million decrease in cash flow from operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2005 was substantially the result of increased purchases of inventories and a decrease in payables. Other factors that contributed to the decrease in net cash provided by operating activities from 2004 to 2005 included increases in selling, general and administrative expense as Royal Wolf made significant investments in CSC infrastructure improvements and headcount growth in preparation for new product introduction and expanded operations.


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Cash flow used in investing activities was $13.1 million in 2004, $13.1 million in 2005 and $26.0 million in 2006. Royal Wolf’s primary capital expenditures during these periods were for the discretionary purchase of new and used container fleet units for the lease fleet and units purchased through acquisitions of assets of complimentary businesses. During the twelve months ended June 30, 2006, funds expended in investing activities included the acquisition of assets of three complementary businesses, consisting of the following: In December 2005, Royal Wolf acquired the assets of Cairns-based Cape Containers for a purchase price of $0.8 million; in March 2006 Royal Wolf purchased the remaining 50% interest in Royal Wolf- Hi Tech, a Newcastle-based joint venture in which it already owned a 50% equity interest, for $1.1 million; and in April 2006, Royal Wolf acquired the assets of Melbourne-based Australian Container Network for $5.7 million. The purchase price of each of the foregoing acquisitions was paid by means of borrowings from ANZ.
 
Other capital expenditures included purchases of additional products for the lease fleet in the amounts of $12.0 million, $7.7 million and $18.1 million in 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively, and capital expenditures of $1.3 million, $1.9 million and $1.1 million in 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively, for branch display/showrooms, equipment, leasehold improvements and management information systems.
 
Net cash provided by financing activities was $5.0 million in 2004, $12.4 million in 2005, and $9.9 million in 2006. Net cash provided by financing activities for the three years consisted of net borrowings under Royal Wolf’s ANZ credit facility, term loans, notes and vendor financing arrangements, which were used to supplement cash flow from operating activities in the funding of capital expenditures, as well as the fleet purchases as described above.
 
Royal Wolf has also funded its liquidity needs through rental agreements and non-recourse loans involving its customers and Royal Wolf’s banks. In August 2004, Royal Wolf entered into two rental agreements with K&S Freighters Pty Limited, or K&S, with a total equipment value of approximately $2.0 million. The rental agreements have a term of five years and three years (with an option to extend for two years) and are funded in the form of an undisclosed principal/agency arrangement with BankWest (Royal Wolf’s bankers in 2004). Under these agreements, K&S pays a monthly rental until the end of the rental agreements, and BankWest bear 100% of the credit risk of the transaction. Royal Wolf has the option to purchase the equipment either upon the expiration of the rental term for $1, or if K&S defaults, for the amount shown as the amortized principal amount outstanding to BankWest. The rental agreement is assignable to Royal Wolf if BankWest’s debt is extinguished in full before the expiration of the lease term. The assignability of the rental agreement is applicable to both K&S transactions, where there is a five-year rental agreement but BankWest’s debt is extinguished in full inside the five-year period. The transactions between Royal Wolf and K&S apply to (i) a 70 curtainsider transaction in which BankWest’s debt is scheduled to be repaid full within 49 months, and (ii) a 12 Reefer transaction, in which BankWest’s debt is scheduled to be paid off in 58 months. At the end of these periods, the rental agreement will be assigned to Royal Wolf to receive full benefit of the remaining rental payments.
 
Royal Wolf has also entered into a $0.9 million non-recourse transaction with Wridgways Australia Limited, or Wridgways, a publicly-listed company in the moving and storage industry that is one of Royal Wolf’s five largest customers. The transaction is essentially a non-recourse loan from ANZ that Royal Wolf used to purchase 300 high cube containers. Royal Wolf then leased those containers to Wridgways using ANZ-specific leasing documentation. There is approximately $76,000 in surplus cash above the monthly P&I non-recourse payment due to RWA over the 60-month term, which is excess cash sweep. The containers are reflected as an asset on Royal Wolf’s balance sheet, subject to depreciation. The loan bears interest at a rate of 8.85%per annum and is amortized over a period of five years. ANZ has a security interest (a mortgage) in the lease agreement between Royal Wolf and Wridgways.
 
Current Financing Arrangements
 
Pursuant to a senior debt facility, dated December 17, 2004, as amended, ANZ has extended the following credit facilities to Royal Wolf:
 
Bank Overdraft.   Royal Wolf has a bank overdraft facility of $0.8m to cover normal working capital needs. Interest on bank overdrafts is charged at the prevailing market rates on the amount outstanding from time to time.


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Receivables Financing Facility:  Royal Wolf has an accounts receivables working capital facility that allows the company, subject to certain terms, to access up to $7.5 million. The facility bears interest at a variable rate equal to base rate plus 1.65% per annum and a monthly fee of $5,000.
 
Secured Bank Loans.   ANZ has agreed to make up to $41.2 million of secured bank loans available to Royal Wolf. The bank loans are payable either in December 2009 or June 2011 with various levels of loan amortization payment obligations. The availability of the secured loans is subject to annual review. The loans bear interest at the banks’ prime rates plus 1.10% - 1.35%, with interest payable quarterly. The bank loans are secured by a first ranking fixed and floating charge over the assets and undertakings of Royal Wolf. Under the terms of the Facility Agreement with ANZ, Royal Wolf is required to ensure compliance with numerous covenants in relation to various financial ratios, including consolidated interest coverage; consolidated reworked adjusted leverage; and consolidated debt service coverage. All of Royal Wolf’s containers are subject to the bank’s liens and are therefore restricted within the shores of Australia.
 
B Class Notes
 
In December 2003, Royal Wolf issued $4.1 million of B Class Notes in connection with the management buyout of the company. The holders of these B Class Notes are entitled to receive cumulative interest of 15% per annum on the issue price of their notes. These notes do not give their holders any voting rights. The B Class Notes are unsecured obligations that mature upon the occurrence of a sale event or as agreed between the B Class Note holders and Royal Wolf. Interest is either paid annually or compounds on a semi-annual basis. Under the senior debt facility agreement with ANZ, any payment of interest to the B Class Note holders must be approved by ANZ. In the event of a liquidation of Royal Wolf, the holders of B Class Notes rank above all shareholders and behind the holder of Royal Wolf’s non-convertible note, and are entitled to the proceeds of liquidation to the extent of the face value of the notes and any accumulated interest.
 
Non-Convertible Note
 
In September 2005, Royal Wolf issued a $10.0 million Non-Convertible Note to ANZ. The note bears interest at a rate of 15% per annum, with interest either paid annually or compounded on an annual basis. In the event of a liquidation of Royal Wolf, ANZ, as the holder of the non-convertible note, ranks above all shareholders and ahead of the holders of B Class Notes, and therefore is entitled to the proceeds of liquidation to the extent of the face value of the notes and any accumulated interest.
 
In the opinion of management of Royal Wolf and our management, Royal Wolf’s cash from operations, current working capital position and its existing credit facilities will be sufficient to meet Royal Wolf’s operating cash requirements for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007. However, GFN Australasia, our Australian subsidiary, may seek to obtain third-party subordinated debt financing in order to (i) refinance Royal Wolf’s existing 15% B Class Notes and Non-Convertible Note, and (ii) provide additional growth capital to Royal Wolf. It is our intention to maintain the existing credit facility with ANZ. We are currently in discussions with ANZ regarding amending certain of the provisions of the existing facility, although no assurance can be give that the terms will be amended. If we are able to obtain subordinated debt financing on the terms that we expect, the subordinated debt would have a minimum five-year term, bear interest of approximately 12% to 13% per annum, and provide the lender with warrants to purchase shares of our common stock. We expect that the covenants in the subordinated debt will be similar to the terms of the ANZ credit facility, that the subordinated debt holders will place limitations on our indebtedness and cash distributions, and that there will be an intercreditor agreement between the holders of the subordinated debt and ANZ. We have not, however, entered into any agreements regarding the subordinated debt, and no assurance can be given that we will be able to obtain third-party financing, that the amount of any third-party financing will be sufficient for the foregoing purposes, or that the terms of any such third-party financing will be similar to the terms described above.
 
Except as described above, Royal Wolf is not a party to any off-balance sheet arrangements and does not engage in trading activities involving non-exchange traded contracts. In addition, Royal Wolf has no financial guarantees, debt or lease agreements or other arrangements that could trigger a requirement for an early payment or that could change the value of Royal Wolf’s assets.


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The following is a summary of Royal Wolf’s contractual obligations as of June 30, 2006:
 
                                         
    Payment Due by Fiscal Year Ending June 30,  
                2008-
    2011-
       
Contractual Obligations
  Total     2007     2010     2013     2014 and Thereafter  
    (In thousands)  
 
Facility leases
  $ 5,629     $ 2,602     $ 2,356     $ 400     $ 271  
Finance leases/arrangements
    2,451       907       1,544              
Bank indebtedness and term loans
    26,127       8,029       18,098              
                                         
Total
  $ 34,207     $ 11,538     $ 21,998     $ 400     $ 271  
                                         
 
Impact of Inflation
 
Royal Wolf believes that inflation has not had a material effect on its business.
 
Seasonality
 
Although demand from certain specific customer segments can be seasonal, Royal Wolf’s operations as a whole are not seasonal to any significant extent. Royal Wolf experiences a reduction in sales volumes to general industry during Australia’s summer holiday break from mid-December to the end of January, followed by February being a short working day month. However, this reduction in sales typically is counterbalanced by the increased lease revenues derived from the relocations industry, which experiences its seasonal peak of personnel relocations during this same summer holiday break.
 
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 
General
 
Royal Wolf’s financial reports for 2006, 2005 and 2004 are general-purpose financial reports, which was prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 and Australian accounting standards adopted by the Australian Accounting Standards Board, or AASB. International Financial Reporting Standards, or IFRSs, form the basis of Australian accounting standards adopted by the AASB, and for the purpose of this report are called Australian equivalents to IFRS, or AIFRS, to distinguish from previous Australian generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of a financial report in conformity with Australian accounting standards requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of making the judgements about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates. These accounting policies have been consistently applied by each entity in the consolidated entity.
 
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission defines “critical accounting policies” as those that require application of management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain and may change in subsequent periods. Royal Wolf’s significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to the Notes to Royal Wolf’s Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended June 30, 2006. Not all of these significant accounting policies require management to make difficult, subjective or complex judgments or estimates. However the following policies are considered to be critical within the Securities and Exchange Commission definition:
 
Revenue — Sale and Modification of Containers
 
Revenue from the sale and modification of containers is recognized in the income statement (net of returns, discounts and allowances) when the significant risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to the buyer and can be measured reliably. Risks and rewards are considered passed to the buyer at the time the goods are delivered to or retrieved by the customer.


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Depreciation
 
Depreciation is charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of each part of an item of property, plant and equipment. The residual value, the useful life and the depreciation method applied to an asset are reassessed at least annually. The estimated useful lives in the current and comparative periods are as follows:
 
         
   
2005
 
2006
 
Property, plant and equipment
       
Plant and equipment
  3 - 10 years   3 - 10 years
Motor vehicles
  3 - 10 years   3 - 10 years
Furniture and fittings
  5 - 10 years   5 - 10 years
Container hire fleet
       
Containers for hire
  10 years (20% residual)   10 - 25 years (20% residual)
Leased containers for hire (used)
  10 years (20% residual)   10 - 25 years (20% residual)
Leased containers for hire (new)
  25 years (20% residual)   10 - 30 years (20-30% residual)
 
Impairment of Goodwill
 
All business combinations are accounted for by applying the purchase method. Goodwill represents the difference between the cost of the acquisition and the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired. Goodwill is stated at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units and is no longer amortized but is tested annually for impairment. For goodwill assets that have an indefinite useful life, the recoverable amount is estimated at each balance sheet date. Royal Wolf assesses whether goodwill and intangibles with indefinite useful lives are impaired, which assessment occurs at least annually. These calculations involve an estimation of the recoverable amount of the cash-generating units to which the goodwill and intangibles with indefinite useful lives are allocated. Intangible assets are tested for impairment where an indicator of impairment arises. In respect of associates, the carrying amount of goodwill is included in the carrying amount of the investment in the associate. Negative goodwill arising on an acquisition is recognized directly in profit or loss.
 
Goodwill acquired has been allocated to one single cash-generating unit, being RWA. Goodwill has been assessed as having an infinite useful life and accordingly is not amortized. This asset is tested for impairment annually using the value in use model. Goodwill arose through the purchase of Royal Wolf Trading Australia Pty Limited from Triton Containers International Limited in 2003, and through the purchases of Royal Wolf Hi-Tech Pty Limited, and the business and assets of Cape Containers Pty Limited and Australian Container Network Pty Limited.
 
Trade and Other Receivables
 
Trade and other receivables are stated as amortized cost less impairment losses. The recoverable amount of the consolidated entity’s receivables carried at amortized cost is calculated as the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the original effective interest rate (i.e., the effective interest rate compounded at initial recognition of these financial assets). Receivables with a short duration are not discounted. Impairment of receivables is not recognized until objective evidence is available that a loss event has occurred. Receivables are individually assessed for impairment.
 
Inventories
 
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business. Expenses of marketing, selling and distribution to customers, as well as costs of completion are estimated and are deducted from the estimated selling price to establish net realizable value.


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Accounting Estimates and Judgments
 
The estimates and judgments that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below.
 
Revision of accounting estimates — Container for hire depreciation
 
The preparation of the financial statements requires the making of estimations and assumptions that affect the recognized amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent liabilities. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of making the judgments about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
 
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.
 
At the beginning of the financial year, Royal Wolf revised upwards the useful life of containers for hire. The financial impact of the revision results in depreciation expense for the year ended June 30, 2006 being $696,023 less than what it would have been if the previous useful life estimate had been applied. The financial impact of the revision in future periods is not disclosed as the effect cannot be reliably estimated at this point in time due to uncertainty over the timing of sale and existing containers and purchase of new containers.
 
Foreign currency risk
 
Royal Wolf faces transactional currency exposures. Such exposure arises from sales or purchases in currencies other than the unit’s measurement currency. The currency giving rise to this risk is primarily U.S. Dollars.
 
Royal Wolf has a bank account denominated in U.S. Dollars, into which customers pay their debts. This is a natural hedge against fluctuations in the exchange rate. The funds are then used to pay suppliers, avoiding the need to convert to Australian dollars.
 
Royal Wolf uses forward currency contracts and options to eliminate the currency exposures on the majority of its transactions denominated in foreign currencies, either by transaction if the amount is significant, or on a general cash flow hedge basis. The forward currency contracts and options are always in the same currency as the hedged item.
 
It is Royal Wolf’s policy to negotiate the terms of the hedge derivatives to match the terms of the hedged item to maximize hedge effectiveness. At June 30, 2006, Royal Wolf had hedged 100% of its foreign currency purchases for which firm commitments existed at the balance sheet date, extending to November 2006.
 
Issued standards not early adopted (AIFRS)
 
The following standards and amendments were available for early adoption but have not been applied by Royal Wolf in the consolidated financial statements:
 
  •  AASB 7 Financial instruments: Disclosure (August 2005) replacing the presentation requirements of financial instruments in AASB 132. AASB 7 is applicable for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2007;
 
  •  AASB 2005-9 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards (September 2005) requires that liabilities arising from the issue of financial guarantee contracts are recognized in the balance sheet. AASB 2005-9 is applicable for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2006;
 
  •  AASB 2005-10 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards (September 2005) makes consequential amendments to AASB 132 Financial Instruments: Disclosures and Presentation, AASB 101 Presentation of Financial Statements, AASB 114 Segment Reporting, AASB 117 Leases, AASB 139 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement, AASB 1 First-time Adoption of Australian Equivalents to International


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  Financial Reporting Standards, arising from the release of AASB 7. AASB 2005-10 is applicable for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2007.
 
Royal Wolf plans to adopt AASB 7, AASB 2005-9 and AASB 2005-10 in the 2007 financial year.
 
The initial application of AASB 7 and AASB 205-10 is not expected to have an impact on the consolidated financial results of Royal Wolf as the standard and the amendment are concerned only with disclosures.
 
The initial application of AASB 2005-9 could have an impact on the consolidated financial results of Royal Wolf as the amendment could result in liabilities being recognized for financial guarantee contracts that have been provided by Royal Wolf. However, the quantification of the impact is not known or reasonably estimable in the current financial year as an exercise to quantify the financial impact has not been undertaken by Royal Wolf to date.
 
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF SECURITIES
 
The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of [ • ], 2006, the record date for the special meeting, by:
 
  •  Each person known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding shares of common stock;
 
  •  Each of our current executive officers and directors; and
 
  •  All of our current executive officers and directors as a group; and
 
Unless otherwise noted, we believe that each beneficial owner named in the table has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares shown, subject to community property laws where applicable. An asterisk (*) denotes beneficial ownership of less than one percent.
 
                 
    Beneficial Ownership
    Number
  Percent
Name
  of Shares   of Class
 
Ronald F. Valenta(1)
    1,410,000       13.4 %
John O. Johnson
    365,250       3.5 %
James B. Roszak
    22,500       (* )
Lawrence Glascott
    22,500       (* )
Manuel Marrero
    22,500       (* )
David M. Connell
    22,500       (* )
Marc Perez
    18,750       (* )
Azimuth Opportunity, Ltd(2)
    525,100       5.0 %
c/o WSmiths Finance
Nemours Chambers
P.O. Box 3170
Road Town, Tortola
British Virgin Islands
               
Fir Tree, Inc.(3)
    898,525       9.6 %
535 Fifth Avenue, 31st Floor
New York, NY 10017
               
All officers and directors as a group (seven persons)
    1,875,000       17.86 %
 
 
(1) Mr. Valenta’s business address is c/o General Finance Corporation, 260 South Los Robles, Suite 217, Pasadena, California 91101.
 
(2) Information is based exclusively on a Schedule 13G filed with the Securities Exchange Commission on August 31, 2006.
 
(3) Fir Tree, Inc. is the investment manager of both Fir Tree Recovery Master Fund, L.P., a Cayman Islands exempted limited partnership, and Sapling, LLC. Fir Tree Recovery may direct the vote and disposition of


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271,894 shares of Common Stock. Sapling may direct the vote and disposition of the 626,631 shares of Common Stock. Information is based exclusively on a Schedule 13G filed with the Securities Exchange Commission on April 11, 2006.
 
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
 
Prior to our IPO, we issued an aggregate of 1,875,000 shares of common stock to our officers and directors as set forth above under “Beneficial Ownership of Securities” at a purchase price of approximately $0.134 per share. These shares are being held in escrow with Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as escrow agent, pursuant to an escrow agreement between us, our officers and directors and the escrow agent. These shares will not be transferable by our officers and directors, except to their spouses, children or trusts established for their benefit, and will only be released from escrow upon the earlier of one year after the completion of our initial business combination or the completion of a transaction after our initial business combination that results in our stockholders having the right to exchange their shares for cash or other securities.
 
We currently have an unsecured limited recourse line of credit agreement with Ronald J. Valenta, our Chief Executive Officer and a director, under which we can borrow up to $1,750,000 from time to time at an annual interest rate of 8%. At September 12, 2006, the outstanding principal amount of borrowings under the line of credit was $700,000. Borrowings under the line of credit will become due and payable upon the first to occur of our initial business combination, an “event of default” (as defined), our liquidation or dissolution, and April 5, 2008, provided, however, that Mr. Valenta will have no recourse against the funds held in the trust account for repayment of any amounts outstanding under the line of credit. Subject to this limitation on recourse to the funds in the trust account, amounts outstanding under the line of credit may be repaid in whole or in pat at any time without penalty or premium. Neither Mr. Valenta nor our other officers or directors has any obligation to provide us any additional financing.
 
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
 
We file reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission as required by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. You may read and copy reports, proxy statements and other information filed by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission at the Securities and Exchange Commission public reference room located at Judiciary Plaza, 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1024, Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the Securities and Exchange Commission at 1-800-732-0330. You may also obtain copies of the materials described above at prescribed rates by writing to the Securities and Exchange Commission, Public Reference Section, 100 F Street N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You also may access information on us at the Securities and Exchange Commission web site containing reports, proxy statements and other information at: http://www.sec.gov.
 
If you would like additional copies of this proxy statement or the proxy card, or if you have questions about the acquisition, you should contact, orally or in writing:
 
         
Mr. John O. Johnson
  OR   [Proxy Solicitor]
Chief Operating Officer
     
General Finance Corporation
     
260 South Los Robles, Suite 217
     
Pasadena, California 91101
     
Telephone: (626) 795-0040
      Telephone: (          ) _ _


67


Table of Contents

 
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
         
    Page
 
RWA HOLDINGS PTY LIMITED
   
As of and for the year ended June 30, 2006, the six months ended June 30, 2005, and the year ended December 31, 2004:
   
  F-2
  F-3
  F-4
  F-5
  F-6
  F-7
ROYAL WOLF TRADING AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED
   
As of and for the year ended December 31, 2003:
   
  F-57
  F-58
  F-59
  F-60
  F-61


F-1


Table of Contents

 
Independent audit report to the members of RWA Holdings Pty Limited
 
The Board of Directors
RWA Holdings Pty Limited
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of RWA Holdings Pty Limited and subsidiaries as of June 30, 2006 and 2005, and December 31, 2004, and the related consolidated income statements, statements of recognized income and expense, and cash flows for the periods then ended. 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 audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in Australia and the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of RWA Holdings Pty Limited and subsidiaries as of June 30, 2006 and 2005, and December 31, 2004, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the periods then ended, in conformity with Australian equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards.
 
Australian equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards vary in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Information relating to the nature and effect of such differences is presented in Note 27 to the consolidated financial statements.
 
As discussed in Note 1(w), the accompanying consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2006 and 2005, and December 31, 2004 and for each of the periods in the two and a half year period ended June 30, 2006 have been restated.
 
/s/ KPMG
 
Sydney, Australia
October 20, 2006


F-2


Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Income statements
For the year ended 30 June 2006
 
                                 
          Restated
    Restated
    Restated
 
          30 June
    30 June
    31 December
 
          2006
    2005
    2004
 
    Note     12 Months     6 Months     12 Months  
          A$’000     A$’000     A$’000  
 
Revenue
                               
Sale and modification of containers
            46,097       17,534       35,463  
Hire of containers
            21,290       9,339       16,756  
                                 
Total revenue
            67,387       26,873       52,219  
                                 
Other income
    3       35       18       31  
Changes in inventories of finished goods and WIP
            (3,475 )     (1,936 )     1,740  
Purchases of finished goods and consumables used
            (40,243 )     (14,687 )     (34,437 )
Employee benefits expense
            (10,157 )     (4,794 )     (7,525 )
Depreciation and amortisation expense
            (4,480 )     (2,041 )     (3,943 )
Other expenses
    4       (6,411 )     (2,820 )     (4,568 )
                                 
Results from operating activities
            2,656       613       3,517  
                                 
Financial income
    6       552       429       118  
Financial expenses
    6       (4,064 )     (1,457 )     (3,252 )
                                 
Net financing costs
            (3,512 )     (1,028 )     (3,134 )
                                 
Share of profit of associate
    11             172       92  
                                 
Profit/(loss) before tax
            (856 )     (243 )     475  
Income tax benefit
    7       525       30       4  
                                 
Profit/(loss) after tax
            (331 )     (213 )     479  
                                 
Attributable to:
                               
Equity holders of the parent
            (331 )     (213 )     479  
                                 
 
The income statements are to be read in conjunction with the notes of the financial statements
set out on pages F-7 to F-56.


F-3


Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Statements of recognised income and expense
For the year ended 30 June 2006
 
                                 
          Restated
    Restated
    Restated
 
          30 June
    30 June
    31 December
 
          2006
    2005
    2004
 
    Note     12 Months     6 Months     12 Months  
          A$’000     A$’000     A$’000  
 
Net income/(loss) recognised directly in equity
                         
Profit/(loss) for the period
            (331 )     (213 )     479  
                                 
Total recognised income and expense for the period
    19       (331 )     (213 )     479  
                                 
Attributable to:
                               
Equity holders of the parent
            (331 )     (213 )     479  
                                 
 
The statements of recognised income and expense are to be read in conjunction with the notes of the financial statements set out on pages F-7 to F-56.


F-4


Table of Contents

 
(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Balance sheets
As at 30 June 2006
 
                                 
          Restated
    Restated
    Restated
 
    Note     30 June 2006     30 June 2005     31 December 2004  
          A$’000     A$’000     A$’000  
 
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
    8       777       695       3  
Trade and other receivables
    9       10,206       7,876       7,024  
Inventories
    10       7,498       4,023       2,140  
                                 
Total current assets
            18,481       12,594       9,167  
                                 
Receivables
    9       775       839       1,194  
Investments accounted for using the equity method
    11             427       255  
Property, plant and equipment
    12       3,599       3,306       1,812  
Container hire fleet
    13       38,491       25,779       22,447  
Intangible assets
    14       5,060       4,207       4,515  
                                 
Total non-current assets
            47,925       34,558       30,223  
                                 
Total assets
            66,406       47,152       39,390  
                                 
 
LIABILITIES
Trade and other payables
    15       12,509       8,228       11,530  
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
    16       8,939       2,778       1,425  
Current tax liability
                        791  
Employee benefits
    17       962       801       444  
Provisions
    18       300              
                                 
Total current liabilities
            22,710       11,807       14,190  
                                 
Non-current liabilities
                               
Interest bearing loans and borrowings
    16       37,194       30,175       20,614  
Deferred tax liabilities
    7       824       119       119  
Employee benefits
    17       567       227       308  
Provisions
    18       282       8       8  
                                 
Total non-current liabilities
            38,867       30,529       21,049  
                                 
Total liabilities
            61,577       42,336       35,239  
                                 
Net assets
            4,829       4,816       4,151  
                                 
Equity
                               
Issued capital
    19       4,550       4,550       3,672  
Retained earnings/(accumulated losses)
    19       (65 )     266       479  
Reserves
    19       344              
                                 
Total equity attributable to equity holders of the parent
            4,829       4,816       4,151  
                                 
 
The balance sheets are to be read in conjunction with the notes of the financial statements
set out on pages F-7 to F-56.


F-5


Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Statements of cash flows
For the year ended 30 June 2006
 
                                 
          Restated
    Restated
    Restated
 
          30 June 2006
    30 June 2005
    31 December 2004
 
    Note     12 Months     6 Months     12 Months  
          A$’000     A$’000     A$’000  
 
Cash flows from operating activities
                               
Cash receipts from customers
            71,375       29,238       56,324  
Cash paid to suppliers and employees
            (54,343 )     (25,334 )     (49,584 )
                                 
Cash generated from operations
            17,032       3,904       6,740  
Interest paid
            (3,041 )     (1,270 )     (1,721 )
Income taxes received/(paid)
                  (759 )     781  
                                 
Net cash from operating activities
    25       13,991       1,875       5,800  
                                 
Cash flows from investing activities
                               
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
            70       24       74  
Interest received
            209       104       118  
Acquisition of subsidiary, net of cash acquired
    24       (6,490 )            
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment
    12       (1,119 )     (1,937 )     (1,254 )
Acquisition of container hire fleet
    13       (18,073 )     (7,725 )     (12,003 )
Acquisition of intangible assets
    14       (496 )     (25 )     (70 )
Payment of deferred purchase consideration
                  (3,500 )      
                                 
Net cash from investing activities
            (25,899 )     (13,059 )     (13,135 )
                                 
Cash flows from financing activities
                               
Payment of finance lease liabilities
            (756 )     (385 )     (1,910 )
Proceeds from borrowings
            24,736       12,987       19,682  
Repayment of borrowings
            (14,116 )     (1,071 )     (12,755 )
Proceeds from calls made on shares
                  878        
                                 
Net cash from financing activities
            9,864       12,409       5,017  
                                 
Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
            (2,044 )     1,225       (2,318 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
            695       (530 )     1,788  
                                 
Cash and cash equivalents at 30 June
    8       (1,349 )     695       (530 )
                                 
 
The statements of cash flows are to be read in conjunction with the notes of the financial statements
set out on pages F-7 to F-56.


F-6


Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
 
1.   Significant accounting policies
 
RWA Holdings Pty Limited (the ‘company’) is a proprietary company domiciled in Australia.
 
The consolidated financial report of the company for the financial year ended 30 June 2006 comprise the company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the ’consolidated entity’) and the consolidated entity’s interest in associates.
 
The financial report was authorised for issue by the directors on 20 October 2006.
 
Change in year end
 
On 20 January 2005 the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) issued a Subsection 340(1) Order granting the company and its controlled entity relief from paragraph 323D(2)(b) of the Act and allowing a ‘transitional’ financial year of six months from 1 January 2005 to 30 June 2005, with each financial year thereafter being twelve months long. Consequently, comparative amounts for the income statement, changes in equity, cash flows and related notes are not entirely comparable.
 
  (a)   Statement of compliance
 
The financial report has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of Australian Accounting Standards (‘AASBs’) adopted by the Australian Accounting Standards Board (‘AASB’). International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRSs’) form the basis of AASBs, and for the purpose of this report are called Australian equivalents to IFRS (‘AIFRS’) to distinguish from previous Australian generally accepted accounting principles (“AGAAP”). The financial reports of the consolidated entity also comply with IFRSs and interpretations adopted by the International Accounting Standards Board.
 
  (b)   Basis of preparation
 
The financial report is presented in Australian dollars.
 
Issued standards not early adopted
 
The following standards and amendments were available for early adoption but have not been applied by the consolidated entity in these financial statements:
 
  •  AASB 7 Financial instruments:  Disclosure (August 2005) replacing the presentation requirements of financial instruments in AASB 132. AASB 7 is applicable for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2007;
 
  •  AASB 2005-9 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards (September 2005) requires that liabilities arising from the issue of financial guarantee contracts are recognised in the balance sheet. AASB 2005-9 is applicable for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2006;
 
  •  AASB 2005-10 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards (September 2005) makes consequential amendments to AASB 132 Financial Instruments: Disclosures and Presentation, AASB 101 Presentation of Financial Statements, AASB 114 Segment Reporting, AASB 117 Leases, AASB 139 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement, AASB 1 First-time Adoption of Australian Equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards, arising from the release of AASB 7. AASB 2005-10 is applicable for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2007.
 
The consolidated entity plans to adopt AASB 7, AASB 2005-9 and AASB 2005-10 in the 2007 financial year.


F-7


Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements — (Continued)

 
The initial application of AASB 7 and AASB 2005-10 is not expected to have an impact on the financial results of the consolidated entity as the standard and the amendment are concerned only with disclosures.
 
The initial application of AASB 2005-9 could have an impact on the financial results of the company and the consolidated entity as the amendment could result in liabilities being recognised for financial guarantee contracts that have been provided by the company and the consolidated entity. However, the quantification of the impact is not known or reasonably estimable in the current financial year as an exercise to quantify the financial impact has not been undertaken by the company and the consolidated entity to date.
 
The financial report is prepared on the historical cost basis except that the following assets and liabilities are stated at their fair value: derivative financial instruments, financial instruments held for trading, and financial instruments classified as available-for-sale.
 
The Company is of a kind referred to in ASIC Class Order 98/100 dated 10 July 1998 (updated by CO 05/641 effective 28 July 2005 and CO 06/51 effective 31 January 2006) and in accordance with that Class Order, amounts in the financial report and Directors’ Report have been rounded off to the nearest thousand dollars, unless otherwise stated.
 
The preparation of a financial report in conformity with Australian Accounting Standards requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of making the judgements about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates. These accounting policies have been consistently applied by each entity in the consolidated entity.
 
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.
 
Judgements made by management in the application of Australian Accounting Standards that have a significant effect on the financial report and estimates with a significant risk of material adjustment in the next year are discussed in note 1(v).
 
The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently to all periods presented in the consolidated financial report. The accounting policies have been applied consistently by all entities in the consolidated entity.
 
  (c)   Basis of consolidation
 
(i) Subsidiaries
 
Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Company. Control exists when the Company has the power, directly or indirectly, to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. In assessing control, potential voting rights that presently are exercisable or convertible are taken into account. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases.
 
(ii) Associates
 
Associates are those entities in which the company has significant influence, but not control, over the financial and operating policies. The consolidated financial statements includes the consolidated entity’s share of the total


F-8


Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements — (Continued)

recognised gains and losses of associates on an equity accounted basis, from the date that significant influence commences until the date that significant influence ceases. When the consolidated entity’s share of losses exceeds its interest in an associate, the consolidated entity’s carrying amount is reduced to nil and recognition of further losses is discontinued except to the extent that the consolidated entity has incurred legal or constructive obligations or made payments on behalf of an associate.
 
The consolidated entity’s investment in its associate is accounted for under the equity method of accounting in the consolidated financial statements. The financial statements of the associate are used by the consolidated entity to apply the equity method of accounting. The reporting dates of the associate and the consolidated entity are identical and both use consistent accounting policies.
 
The investment in the associate is carried in the balance sheet at cost plus post-acquisition changes in the consolidated entity’s share of net assets of the associate, less any impairment in value. The income statement reflects the consolidated entity’s share of the results of operations of the associate. Where there has been a change recognised directly in the associate’s equity, the consolidated entity recognises its share of any changes and discloses this, when applicable in the statement of changes in equity.
 
(iii) Transactions eliminated on consolidation
 
Intragroup balances and any unrealised gains and losses or income and expenses arising from intragroup transactions, are eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements.
 
Unrealised gains arising from transactions with associates and jointly controlled entities are eliminated to the extent of the consolidated entity’s interest in the entity with adjustments made to the ‘Investments accounted for under the equity method’ and ‘Share of profit of associate’ accounts.
 
Unrealised losses are eliminated in the same way as unrealised gains, but only to the extent that there is no evidence of impairment. Gains and losses are recognised as the contributed assets are consumed or sold by the associates and jointly controlled entities or, if not consumed or sold by the associate or jointly controlled entity, when the consolidated entity’s interest in such entities is disposed of.
 
  (d)   Foreign currency transactions
 
Transactions in foreign currencies are translated at the foreign exchange rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the balance sheet date are translated to Australian dollars at the foreign exchange rate ruling at that date. Foreign exchange differences arising on translation are recognised in the income statement. Non-monetary assets and liabilities that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rate at the date of the transaction. Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies that are stated at fair value are translated to Australian dollars at foreign exchange rates ruling at the dates the fair value was determined.
 
  (e)   Derivative financial instruments
 
The consolidated entity may use derivative financial instruments to hedge its exposure to foreign exchange and interest rate risks arising from operating, financing and investing activities. In accordance with its treasury policy, the consolidated entity does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. However, derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are accounted for as trading instruments.
 
Derivative financial instruments are recognised initially at fair value. Subsequent to initial recognition, derivative financial instruments are stated at fair value. The gain or loss on remeasurement to fair value is recognised immediately in profit or loss.


F-9


Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements — (Continued)

 
  (f)   Property, plant and equipment
 
(i) Owned assets
 
Items of property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation (see below) and impairment losses (see accounting policy (l)). The cost of self-constructed assets includes the cost of materials, direct labour, the initial estimate, where relevant, of the costs of dismantling and removing the items and restoring the site on which they are located, and an appropriate proportion of production overheads, where applicable.
 
Where parts of an item of property, plant and equipment have different useful lives, they are accounted for as separate items of property, plant and equipment.
 
(ii) Subsequent costs
 
The consolidated entity recognises in the carrying amount of an item of property, plant and equipment the cost of replacing part of such an item when the cost is incurred if it is probable that the future economic benefits embodied within the item will flow to the consolidated entity and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. All other costs are recognised in the income statement as an expense as incurred.
 
(iii) Leased assets
 
Leases under which the substantially all the risks and benefits incidental to ownership of the leased item are assumed by the consolidated entity are classified as finance leases. Other leases are classified as operating leases.
 
Finance leases
 
A lease asset and a lease liability equal to the present value of the minimum lease payments, or the fair value of the leased item, whichever is the lower, are capitalised and recorded at the inception of the lease. Lease payments are apportioned between the finance charges and reduction of the lease liability so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability. Finance charges are charged directly against income. Capitalised leased assets are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the lease term.
 
Operating leases
 
Payments made under operating leases are expensed on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease, except where an alternative basis is more representative of the pattern of benefits to be derived from the leased property. Where leases have fixed rate increases, these increases are accrued and amortised over the entire lease period, yielding a constant periodic expense for the entire term of the lease.
 
(iv) Depreciation
 
Depreciation is charged to the income statement on a straight line basis over the estimated useful lives of each part of an item of property, plant and equipment.
 
The residual value, the useful life and the depreciation method applied to an asset are reassessed at least annually.


F-10


Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements — (Continued)

The estimated useful lives in the current and comparative periods are as follows:
 
         
   
2004-2005
 
2006
 
Property, plant and equipment
       
Plant and equipment
  3 - 10 years   3 - 10 years
Motor vehicles
  3 - 10 years   3 - 10 years
Furniture and fittings
  5 - 10 years   5 - 10 years
Container hire fleet
       
Containers for hire
  10 years (20% residual)   10 - 25 years (20% residual)
Leased containers for hire (used)
  10 years (20% residual)   10 - 25 years (20% residual)
Leased containers for hire (new)
  25 years (20% residual)   10 - 30 years (20-30% residual)
 
  (g)   Container hire fleet
 
The consolidated entity has a container hire fleet primarily consisting of refurbished, modified and manufactured shipping containers that are held long term and leased to customers under short-term operating lease agreements with varying terms. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the units’ estimated useful life, after the date the unit is put in service, and are depreciated down to their estimated residual values. For depreciation rates, estimated useful lives and residual values, see above. In the opinion of management, estimated residual values do not cause carrying values to exceed net realisable value. The consolidated entity continues to evaluate these depreciation policies as more information becomes available from other comparable sources and its own historical experience.
 
Costs incurred on hire fleet containers subsequent to initial acquisition are capitalised when it is probable that future economic benefits in excess of the originally assessed performance of the asset will flow to the consolidated entity in future years, otherwise, expensed as incurred.
 
Containers in the hire fleet are available for sale, and are transferred to inventory prior to sale. Cost of sales of the hire fleet container is recognised as the depreciated cost at date of disposal.
 
  (h)   Intangible assets
 
(i) Goodwill
 
Business combinations prior to 1 January 2004
 
Goodwill is included on the basis of its deemed cost, which represents the amount recorded under previous GAAP.
 
Business combinations since 1 January 2004
 
All business combinations are accounted for by applying the purchase method. Goodwill represents the difference between the cost of the acquisition and the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired.
 
Goodwill is stated at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units and not amortised but is tested annually for impairment (see accounting policy (l)). In respect of associates, the carrying amount of goodwill is included in the carrying amount of the investment in the associate. Negative goodwill arising on an acquisition is recognised directly in profit or loss.


F-11


Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements — (Continued)

(ii) Other intangible assets
 
Other intangible assets that are acquired by the consolidated entity are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation (see below) and impairment losses (see accounting policy (l)).
 
Expenditure on development activities, whereby research findings are assigned to a plan or design for the production of new or substantially improved products and processes is capitalised if the product or process is technically and commercially feasible and the consolidated entity has sufficient resources to complete the development. The expenditure capitalised includes the cost of materials, direct labour and an appropriate portion of overheads. Other development expenditure is recognised in the income statement as an expense when incurred. Capitalised development expenditure is stated at cost less accumulated amortisation (see below) and impairment losses (see accounting policy l).
 
Expenditure on internally generated goodwill and brands is recognised in the income statement as an expense as incurred.
 
(iii) Subsequent expenditure
 
Subsequent expenditure on capitalised intangible assets is capitalised only when it increases the future economic benefits embodied in the specific asset to which it relates. All other expenditure is expensed as incurred.
 
(iv) Amortisation
 
Amortisation is charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of intangible assets unless such lives are indefinite. Goodwill and intangible assets with an indefinite useful life are systematically tested for impairment at each balance sheet date. Other intangible assets are amortised from the date they are available for use.
 
The estimated useful lives in the current and comparative periods are as follows:
 
     
• Goodwill
  indefinite
• Software
  3 years
• Development assets   5 years or the products expected life cycle, as appropriate
 
(i)  Trade and other receivables
 
Trade and other receivables are stated at amortised cost less impairment losses (see accounting policy (l)).
 
(j)  Inventories
 
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business. Expenses of marketing, selling and distribution to customers, as well as costs of completion are estimated and are deducted from the estimated selling price to establish net realisable value.
 
Costs are assigned to individual items of stock on the basis of specific identification, and include expenditure incurred in acquiring the inventories and bringing them to their existing condition and location.
 
(k)  Cash and cash equivalents
 
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances and short term deposits. Bank overdrafts that are repayable on demand and form an integral part of the consolidated entity’s cash management are included as a component of cash and cash equivalents for the purpose of the statement of cash flows.


F-12


Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements — (Continued)

(l)  Impairment
 
The carrying amounts of the consolidated entity’s assets, other than inventories (see accounting policy (j)) and deferred tax assets (see accounting policy (s)), are reviewed at each balance sheet date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If any such indication exists, the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated (see accounting policy(l(i))).
 
For goodwill, assets that have an indefinite useful life and intangible assets that are not yet available for use, the recoverable amount is estimated at each balance sheet date.
 
An impairment loss is recognised whenever the carrying amount of an asset or its cash generating unit exceeds its recoverable amount. Impairment losses are recognised in the income statement, unless an asset has previously been revalued, in which case the impairment loss is recognised as a reversal to the extent of that previous revaluation with any excess recognised through profit or loss.
 
Impairment losses recognised in respect of cash-generating units are allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to cash-generating units and then, to reduce the carrying amount of the other assets in the unit on a pro rata basis.
 
(i) Calculation of recoverable amount
 
The recoverable amount of the consolidated entity’s receivables carried at amortised cost is calculated as the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the original effective interest rate (i.e. the effective interest rate compounded at initial recognition of these financial assets). Receivables with a short duration are not discounted.
 
Impairment of receivables is not recognised until objective evidence is available that a loss event has occurred. Receivables are individually assessed for impairment.
 
The recoverable amount of the consolidated entity’s other assets is the greater of their fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. For an asset that does not generate largely independent cash inflows, the recoverable amount is determined for the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.
 
(ii) Reversals of impairment
 
Impairment losses, other than in respect of goodwill, are reversed when there is an indication that the impairment loss may no longer exist and there has been a change in the estimate used to determine the recoverable amount.
 
An impairment loss in respect of goodwill is not reversed.
 
An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortisation, if no impairment loss had been recognised.
 
  (m)   Interest bearing borrowings
 
Interest bearing borrowings are recognised initially at fair value less attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, interest-bearing borrowings are stated at amortised cost with any difference between cost and


F-13


Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements — (Continued)

redemption value being recognised in the income statement over the period of the borrowings on an effective interest basis.
 
  (n)   Employee benefits
 
(i) Defined contribution superannuation funds
 
Obligations for contributions to defined contribution superannuation funds are recognised as an expense in the income statement as incurred.
 
(ii) Long-term service benefits
 
The consolidated entity’s net obligation in respect of long-term service benefits, is the amount of future benefit that employees have earned in return for their service in the current and prior periods. The obligation is calculated using expected future increases in wage and salary rates including related on-costs and expected settlement dates, and is discounted using the rates attached to the Commonwealth Government bonds at the balance sheet date which have maturity dates approximating to the terms of the consolidated entity’s obligations.
 
(iii) Wages, salaries and annual leave
 
Liabilities for employee benefits for wages, salaries and annual leave that are expected to be settled within 12 months of the reporting date represent present obligations resulting from employees’ services provided to reporting date, are calculated at undiscounted amounts based on remuneration wage and salary rates that the consolidated entity expects to pay as at reporting date including related on-costs, such as workers compensation insurance and payroll tax.
 
(iv) Share-based payment transactions
 
Certain directors and senior officers have been granted options over the ordinary shares of RWA Holdings Pty Limited. Details of the interests of the directors and top five remunerated officers of the consolidated entity have been disclosed in the Directors’ report.
 
The employee share option plan allows consolidated entity employees to acquire shares of the Company with both the company and employees having the option to settle with a cash equivalent. The fair value of options granted is recognised as an employee expense with a corresponding increase in liabilities. The fair value is initially measured at grant date and spread over the period during which the employees become unconditionally entitled to the options. The liability is remeasured at each balance sheet date and at settlement date.
 
The fair value of the options granted is measured using a binomial option pricing model, taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the options were granted. The amount recognised as an expense is adjusted to reflect the actual number of share options that vest. The volatility of the asset value is based upon the volatility of listed companies with a similar profile to the consolidated entity.
 
  (o)   Provisions
 
A provision is recognised in the balance sheet when the consolidated entity has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. Provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and, where appropriate, the risks specific to the liability.


F-14


Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements — (Continued)

 
  (p)   Trade and other payables
 
Trade and other payables are stated at their amortised cost. Trade payables are non-interest bearing and are normally settled within 60 day terms.
 
  (q)   Revenue
 
Sale and modification of containers
 
Revenue from the sale and modification of containers is recognised in the income statement (net of returns, discounts and allowances) when the significant risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to the buyer and can be measured reliably. Risks and rewards are considered passed to the buyer at the time the goods are delivered to or retrieved by the customer.
 
Hire of containers
 
Revenue from hire of containers is recognised in the period earned.
 
Unearned revenue arises when transport charges for the return retrieval of a hired container or containers is billed in advance, while the actual retrieval has not yet occurred as the container is still on hire. The amount of unearned revenue at balance date was $565,000 (2005: $489,000, 2004: 470,000), and is included in trade and other payables.
 
  (r)   Net financing costs
 
Net financing costs comprise interest payable on borrowings calculated using the effective interest method, interest receivable on funds invested, dividend income, foreign exchange gains and losses, and gains and losses on hedging instruments that are recognised in the income statement (see accounting policy (e)). Borrowing costs are expensed as incurred and included in net financing costs.
 
Interest income is recognised in the income statement as it accrues, using the effective interest method. Dividend income is recognised in the income statement on the date the entity’s right to receive payments is established. The interest expense component of finance lease payments is recognised in the income statement using the effective interest method.
 
  (s)   Income tax
 
Income tax on the profit or loss for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognised in the income statement except to the extent that it relates to items recognised directly in equity, in which case it is recognised in equity.
 
Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.
 
Deferred tax is provided using the balance sheet liability method, providing for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. The following temporary differences are not provided for: initial recognition of goodwill, the initial recognition of assets or liabilities that affect neither accounting nor taxable profit, and differences relating to investments in subsidiaries to the extent that they will probably not reverse in the foreseeable future. The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected manner of realisation or settlement of the carrying amount of assets and liabilities, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.


F-15


Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements — (Continued)

 
A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the asset can be utilised. Deferred tax assets are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realised.
 
Additional income taxes that arise from the distribution of dividends are recognised at the same time as the liability to pay the related dividend.
 
Tax consolidation
 
The Company and its wholly-owned Australian resident entities have formed a tax consolidated group with effect from 24 December 2003 and are therefore taxed as a single entity from that date. The head entity within the tax-consolidated group is RWA Holdings Pty Limited.
 
Current tax expense/income, deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets arising from temporary differences of the members of the tax-consolidated group are recognised in the separate financial statements of the members of the tax-consolidated group using the ’separate taxpayer within group’ approach by reference to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the separate financial statements of each entity and the tax values applying under tax consolidation.
 
Any current tax liabilities (or assets) and deferred tax assets arising from unused tax losses of the subsidiaries is assumed by the head entity in the tax-consolidated group and are recognised as amounts payable (receivable) to (from) other entities in the tax-consolidated group in conjunction with any tax funding arrangement amounts (refer below). Any difference between these amounts is recognised by the Company as an equity contribution or distribution.
 
The Company recognises deferred tax assets arising from unused tax losses of the tax consolidated group to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits of the tax consolidated group will be available against which the asset can be utilised.
 
Any subsequent period adjustments to deferred tax assets arising from unused tax losses as a result of revised assessments of the probability of recoverability is recognised by the head entity only.
 
Nature of tax funding arrangements and tax sharing arrangements
 
The head entity, in conjunction with other members of the tax-consolidated group, has entered into a tax funding arrangement which sets out the funding obligations of members of the tax-consolidated group in respect of tax amounts. The tax funding arrangements require payments to/from the head entity equal to the current tax liability (asset) assumed by the head entity and any tax-loss deferred tax asset assumed by the head entity.
 
The head entity in conjunction with other members of the tax-consolidated group, has also entered into a tax sharing agreement. The tax sharing agreement provides for the determination of the allocation of income tax liabilities between the entities should the head entity default on its tax payment obligations. No amounts have been recognised in the financial statements in respect of this agreement as payment of any amounts under the tax sharing agreement is considered remote.
 
  (t)   Goods and services tax
 
Revenue, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of goods and services tax (GST), except where the amount of GST incurred is not recoverable from the Australian Tax Office (ATO). In these circumstances the GST is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as part of the expense.


F-16


Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements — (Continued)

 
Receivables and payables are stated with the amount of GST included. The net amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the ATO is included as a current asset or liability in the balance sheet.
 
Cash flows are included in the statement of cash flows on a gross basis. The GST components of cash flows arising from investing and financing activities that are recoverable from, or payable to, the ATO are classified as operating cash flows.
 
  (u)   Segment reporting
 
A segment is a distinguishable component of the consolidated entity that is engaged either in providing products or services (business segment), or in providing products or services within a particular economic environment (geographical segment), which is subject to risks and rewards that are different from those of other segments.
 
  (v)   Accounting estimates and judgments
 
Management discussed with the Audit Committee the development, selection and disclosure of the consolidated entity’s critical accounting policies and estimates and the application of these policies and estimates. The estimates and judgments that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below.
 
Revision of accounting estimates — Container for hire depreciation
 
The preparation of the financial report requires the making of estimations and assumptions that affect the recognised amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent liabilities. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of making the judgements about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
 
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.
 
At the beginning of the financial year, the consolidated entity revised upwards the useful life of containers for hire as outlined in note 1(f)(iv). The financial impact of the revision results in depreciation expense for the current year being $696,023 less than what it would have been if the previous useful life estimate had been applied. The financial impact of the revision in future periods is not disclosed as the effect cannot be reliably estimated at this point in time due to uncertainty over the timing of sale of existing containers and purchase of new containers.
 
Key sources of estimation uncertainty
 
Note 1(l) contains information about the assumptions and their risk factors relating to goodwill impairment. In note 20 detailed analysis is given of the foreign exchange exposure of the consolidated entity and risks in relation to foreign exchange movements.
 
Impairment of goodwill and intangibles with indefinite useful lives
 
The consolidated entity assesses whether goodwill and intangibles with indefinite useful lives are impaired at least annually in accordance with the accounting policy in note 14. These calculations involve an estimation of the


F-17


Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements — (Continued)

recoverable amount of the cash-generating units to which the goodwill and intangibles with indefinite useful lives are allocated.
 
  (w)   Correction of prior period errors
 
Where a material prior period error is discovered in a subsequent financial period such errors are corrected retrospectively by restating the comparative amounts for the prior periods presented in which the error occurred. If the error occurred before the earliest prior period presented, the opening balances of assets, liabilities and equity for the earliest prior period presented are restated.
 
In the year ended 30 June 2006 an error was identified in the originally issued financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2006 relating to the treatment of deferred tax assets and liabilities at 30 June 2006 and at the date of acquisition of Royal Wolf Trading Australia Limited on 24 December 2003, and the subsequent recognition of the impact of tax base step up elections under AASB112 Income Taxes on transition to Australian Equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards at 1 January 2004. In addition, a trademark with a fair value of $398,000 subsumed within goodwill under previous GAAP has been reflected in the transition balance sheet at 1 January 2004 along with an associated deferred tax liability of $119,000. Accordingly, the opening balances at transition on 1 January 2004 have been amended and the impact of the adjustments reflected in the restated comparative information for the year ended 31 December 2004 and six months ended 30 June 2005 and restated current year information for the year ended 30 June 2006.
 
The impact of this is to reduce goodwill by $1,003,000, increase trademarks within intangible assets by $398,000 and reduce deferred tax liabilities by $605,000 at 1 January 2004, with no impact on retained earnings.
 
Australian Accounting Standards require any recognition of the benefit of deferred tax not recognised on a business combination entered into before the transition to AIFRS under the transition rules in AASB1 to be deducted from goodwill by means of a write off through the income statement. The goodwill impairment expense for the year ended 30 June 2006 is therefore increased by $907,000 (period ended 30 June 2005: $127,000; year ended 31 December 2004: $547,000). The tax benefit in the year ended 30 June 2006 is reduced by $2,046,000 (period ended 30 June 2005: $29,000; year ended 31 December 2004: tax expense reduced by $519,000).


F-18


Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements — (Continued)

 
The impact on the balance sheet and income statement at and for the periods ended 30 June 2006, 30 June 2005 and 31 December is illustrated below
 
                                 
                      Restated
 
          30 June
          30 June
 
    Note     2006     Restatement     2006  
          A$’000     A$’000     A$’000  
 
Current assets
            18,481             18,481  
                                 
Other non-current assets
            42,865             42,865  
Deferred tax assets
            127       (127 )      
Intangible assets
            7,246       (2,186 )     5,060  
                                 
Total non current assets
            50,238       (2,313 )     47,925  
                                 
Total assets
            68,719       (2,313 )     66,406  
                                 
Total current liabilities
            22,710             22,710  
                                 
Deferred tax liability
                  824       824  
Other non-current liabilities
            38,043             38,043  
                                 
Total non-current liabilities
            38,043       824       38,867  
                                 
Total liabilities
            60,753       824       61,577  
                                 
Net assets
            7,966       (3,137 )     4,829  
                                 
Total equity
            7,966       (3,137 )     4,829  
                                 
 
                                 
                      Restated
 
          30 June
          30 June
 
    Note     2006     Restatement     2006  
          A$’000     A$’000     A$’000  
 
Results from operating activities
            3,563       (907 )     2,656  
Net financing costs
            (3,512 )           (3,512 )
                                 
Profit/(loss) before tax
            51       (907 )     (856 )
Income tax benefit
            2,571       (2,046 )     525  
                                 
Profit/(loss) after tax
            2,622       (2,953 )     (331 )
                                 
 


F-19


Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements — (Continued)

                                 
                      Restated
 
          30 June
          30 June
 
    Note     2005     Restatement     2005  
          A$’000     A$’000     A$’000  
 
Current assets
            12,594             12,594  
                                 
Other non-current assets
            30,351             30,351  
Deferred tax assets
                         
Intangible assets
            5,486       (1,279 )     4,207  
                                 
Total non current assets
            35,837       (1,279 )     34,558  
                                 
Total assets
            48,431       (1,279 )     47,152  
                                 
Total current liabilities
            11,807             11,807  
                                 
Deferred tax liability
            1,214       (1,095 )     119  
Other non-current liabilities
            30,410             30,410  
                                 
Total non-current liabilities
            31,624       (1,095 )     30,529  
                                 
Total liabilities
            43,431       (1,095 )     42,336  
                                 
Net assets
            5,000       (184 )     4,816  
                                 
Total equity
            5,000       (184 )     4,816  
                                 
 
                                 
                      Restated
 
          30 June
          30 June
 
    Note     2005     Restatement     2005  
          A$’000     A$’000     A$’000  
 
Results from operating activities
            740       (127 )     613  
Net financing costs
            (1,028 )           (1,028 )
Share of profit of associate
            172             172  
                                 
Loss before tax
            (116 )     (127 )     (243 )
Income tax benefit
            59       (29 )     30  
                                 
Loss after tax
            (57 )     (156 )     (213 )
                                 
 

F-20


Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements — (Continued)

                                 
                      Restated
 
          31 December
          31 December
 
    Note     2004     Restatement     2004  
          A$’000     A$’000     A$’000  
 
Current assets
            9,167             9,167  
                                 
Other non-current assets
            25,708             25,708  
Deferred tax assets
            625       (625 )      
Intangible assets
            5,667       (1,152 )     4,515  
                                 
Total non current assets
            32,000       (1,777 )     30,223  
                                 
Total assets
            41,167       (1,777 )     39,390  
                                 
Total current liabilities
            14,190             14,190  
                                 
Deferred tax liability
            1,868       (1,749 )     119  
Other non-current liabilities
            20,894       36       20,930  
                                 
Total non-current liabilities
            22,762       (1,713 )     21,049  
                                 
Total liabilities
            36,952       (1,713 )     35,239  
                                 
Net assets
            4,215       (64 )     4,151  
                                 
Total equity
            4,215       (64 )     4,151  
                                 
 
                                 
                      Restated
 
          31 December
          31 December
 
    Note     2004     Restatement     2004  
          A$’000     A$’000     A$’000  
 
Results from operating activities
            4,064       (547 )     3,517  
Net financing costs
            (3,134 )             (3,134 )
Share of profit of associate
            92             92  
                                 
Profit before tax
            1,022       (547 )     475  
Income tax benefit/(expense)
            (515 )     519       4  
                                 
Profit after tax
            507       (28 )     479  
                                 
 
2.   Segment information
 
The consolidated entity operates predominantly in one segment, being the sale and leasing of freight containers and container based storage and accommodation products and within one geographical segment, being Australia.
 
3.   Other income
 
                         
    Restated
    Restated
    Restated
 
    30 June
    30 June
    31 December
 
    2006
    2005
    2004
 
    12 Months     6 Months     12 Months  
    A$’000     A$’000     A$’000  
 
Net gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment
    28       17       28  
Bad debts recovered
    7       1       3  
                         
      35       18       31  
                         

F-21


Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements — (Continued)

 
4.   Expenses
 
                         
    Restated
    Restated
    Restated
 
    30 June
    30 June
    31 December
 
    2006
    2005
    2004
 
    12 Months     6 Months     12 Months  
    A$’000     A$’000     A$’000  
 
Cost of sales
    43,718       16,623       32,697  
                         
Other expenses
                       
Operating lease payments
    1,174       464       793  
Sundry occupancy costs
    143       48       77  
Business promotion expenses
    1,148       329       495  
Travel & accommodation
    859       416       676  
IT & telecommunications
    559       269       662  
Bad & doubtful debts
    234       91       55  
Office supplies
    435       208       321  
Inventory write-down
    146       97       34  
Other
    1,713       898       1,455  
                         
      6,411       2,820       4,568  
                         
 
5.   Auditors’ remuneration
 
                         
    30 June
    30 June
    31 December
 
    2006
    2005
    2004
 
    12 Months     6 Months     12 Months  
    A$’000     A$’000     A$’000  
 
Audit services
                       
Auditors of the Company
                       
KPMG Australia
                       
Audit and review of financial reports
    99       95       73  
                         
Other services
                       
Auditors of the Company
                       
KPMG Australia
                       
Other assurance services
          18        
Taxation services
    20             35  
                         
      20       18       35  
                         


F-22


Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements — (Continued)

6.   Net financing costs
 
                         
    Restated
    Restated
    Restated
 
    30 June
    30 June
    31 December
 
    2006
    2005
    2004
 
    12 Months     6 Months     12 Months  
    A$’000     A$’000     A$’000  
 
Interest income
    209       104       118  
Net gain on remeasurement of interest rate swap at fair value through profit or loss
    293              
Net foreign exchange gain
    50       325        
                         
Financial income
    552       429       118  
                         
Interest expense
    4,034       1,296       2,862  
Net foreign exchange loss
                390  
Net loss on remeasurement of forward exchange contracts at fair value through profit or loss
    30              
Net loss on remeasurement of interest rate swap at fair value through profit or loss
          161        
                         
Financial expenses
    4,064       1,457       3,252  
                         
Net financing costs
    3,512       1,028       3,134  
                         
 
7.   Income tax expense
 
                         
    Restated
    Restated
    Restated
 
    30 June
    30 June
    31 December
 
    2006
    2005
    2004
 
Recognised in the Income Statement
  12 Months     6 Months     12 Months  
    A$’000     A$’000     A$’000  
 
Current tax benefit
                       
Current year
          (30 )     (4 )
Adjustments for prior years
                 
                         
            (30 )     (4 )
                         
Deferred tax expense
                       
Origination and reversal of temporary differences
    382       127       547  
Benefit from utilisation of unrecognised deferred tax assets
    (907 )     (127 )     (547 )
                         
      (525 )            
                         
Total income tax benefit in income statement
    (525 )     (30 )     (4 )
                         
Numerical reconciliation between tax expense and pre-tax net profit
                       
Profit / (loss) before tax
    (856 )     (243 )     479  
Income tax using the domestic corporation tax rate of 30%
    (256 )     (73 )     144  
Increase in income tax expense due to:
                       
Goodwill write off arsing from benefit from deferred tax assets not recognized at date of previous business combinations
    272       38       164  
Non-deductible expenses
    366       132       235  
Decrease in income tax expense due to:
                       
Benefit from utilisation of unrecognised deferred tax asset
    (907 )     (127 )     (547 )
                         
Income tax benefit on pre-tax net profit
    (525 )     (30 )     (4 )
                         


F-23


Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements — (Continued)

Deferred tax assets and liabilities
 
Recognised deferred tax assets and liabilities
 
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are attributable to the following:
 
                                                                         
    Assets     Liabilities     Net  
    Restated
    Restated
    Restated
    Restated
    Restated
    Restated
    Restated
    Restated
    Restated
 
    2006     2005     2004     2006     2005     2004     2006     2005     2004  
    A$’000     A$’000     A$’000     A$’000     A$’000     A$’000     A$’000     A$’000     A$’000  
 
Property, plant and equipment
                        (1,997 )     (572 )     (321 )     (1,997 )     (572 )     (321 )
Interest bearing loans and borrowings
    125       48                               125       48        
Employee benefits
    368       276       214                         368       276       214  
Other items
    65       270       410       (119 )     (119 )     (119 )     (54 )     151       291  
Tax value of loss carry-forwards
    734       885       731                         734       885       731  
Deferred tax valuation allowance
          (907 )     (1,034 )                             (907 )     (1,034 )
                                                                         
Tax assets / (liabilities)
    1,292       572       321       (2,116 )     (691 )     (440 )     (824 )     (119 )     (119 )
                                                                         
 
Unrecognised deferred tax assets
 
Deferred tax assets have not been recognised in respect of the following:
 
                         
    Restated
    Restated
    Restated
 
    30 June
    30 June
    31 December
 
    2006     2005     2004  
    A$’000     A$’000     A$’000  
 
Tax losses
          885       731  
Temporary differences
          22       303  
                         
            907       1,034  
                         
 
Deferred tax assets were not recognised in respect of these tax losses and temporary differences on the basis that it was not probable that the RWA Holdings Pty Limited tax consolidated group would generate sufficient taxable profit for the losses to be utilised and the deferred tax assets would reverse in the same periods as deferred tax liabilities.
 
8.   Cash and cash equivalents
 
                                 
          Restated
    Restated
    Restated
 
          30 June
    30 June
    31 December
 
    Note     2006     2005     2004  
          A$’000     A$’000     A$’000  
 
Bank balances
    20       777       695       3  
                                 
Cash and cash equivalents
            777       695       3  
Bank overdrafts repayable on demand
    16       (2,126 )           (533 )
                                 
Cash and cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows
            (1,349 )     695       (530 )
                                 


F-24


Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements — (Continued)

 
9.   Trade and other receivables
 
                                 
          Restated
    Restated
    Restated
 
          30 June
    30 June
    31 December
 
    Note     2006     2005     2004  
          A$’000     A$’000     A$’000  
 
Current
                               
Trade receivables
            9,298       6,637       6,136  
Less: Impairment losses
            (177 )     (102 )     (85 )
                                 
              9,121       6,535       6,051  
Receivables from related parties
                  74       89  
Lease receivable
    20       335       180       165  
Loan to related entity
                  260        
Fair value derivatives
            132              
Other receivables and prepayments
            618       827       719  
                                 
              10,206       7,876       7,024  
                                 
Non-current
                               
Lease receivable
    20       775       839       934  
Loan to related entity
                        260  
                                 
              775       839       1,194  
                                 
 
The loan to the related entity was non-interest bearing and was repaid on 30 March 2006.
 
10.   Inventories
 
                         
    Restated
    Restated
    Restated
 
    30 June
    30 June
    31 December
 
    2006     2005     2004  
    A$’000     A$’000     A$’000  
 
Finished goods
    6,979       3,740       2,140  
Work in progress
    519       283        
                         
      7,498       4,023       2,140  
                         
 
11.   Investments accounted for using the equity method
 
  (a)   Investments in associates
 
The consolidated entity accounts for investments in associates using the equity method.
 
The consolidated entity had the following investment in associates:
 
     
Name of associate company:
  Royal Wolf Hi-Tech Pty Limited
Principal activities:
  Sale, hire and modification of containers
Reporting date:
  30 June
Ownership interest:
  100% (2005: 50%; 2004: 50%) On 30 March 2006, the remaining 50% in Royal Wolf Hi-Tech Pty Limited was acquired by Royal Wolf Trading Australia Pty Limited — refer to the acquisitions of subsidiaries note 24.


F-25


Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements — (Continued)

 
Royal Wolf Hi-Tech Pty Limited did not have any capital or other commitments contracted but not provided for or payable (including operating lease commitments) at 30 June 2005. Royal Wolf Hi-Tech Pty Limited did not have any contingent liabilities at 30 June 2005, 31 December 2004.
 
                 
    Restated
    Restated
 
    30 June
    31 December
 
    2005     2004  
    A$’000     A$’000  
 
Revenues (100%)
    1,506       1,558  
Profit (100%)
    344       184  
Share of associates net profit recognised
    172       92  
Total assets (100%)
    1,672       1,440  
Total liabilities (100%)
    818       930  
Net assets as reported by associate (100%)
    854       510  
Share of associate’s net assets equity accounted
    427       255  
Results of associates
               
Carrying value of investment in associate at beginning of year
    255       163  
Share of associate profit before income tax
    246       131  
Share of income tax expense
    (74 )     (39 )
                 
Carrying value of investment in associate at end of year
    427       255  
                 
 
12.   Property, plant and equipment
 
                 
          Plant and
 
          Equipment,
 
          Fixtures
 
    Note     and Fittings  
          A$’000  
 
Cost
               
Balance at 1 January 2004 (restated)
            1,151  
Acquisitions
            1,254  
Disposals
            (69 )
                 
Balance at 31 December 2004 (restated)
            2,336  
                 
Balance at 1 January 2005 (restated)
            2,336  
Acquisitions
            1,937  
Disposals
            (35 )
                 
Balance at 30 June 2005 (restated)
            4,238  
                 
Balance at 1 July 2005 (restated)
            4,238  
Acquisitions
            1,119  
Acquisitions through business combinations
    24       326  
Disposals
            (107 )
                 
Balance at 30 June 2006 (restated)
            5,576  
                 
 


F-26


Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements — (Continued)

         
    Plant and
 
    Equipment,
 
    Fixtures and
 
    Fittings  
    A$’000  
 
Depreciation and impairment losses
       
Balance at 1 January 2004 (restated)
     
Depreciation charge for the period
    (557 )
Disposals
    33  
         
Balance at 31 December 2004 (restated)
    (524 )
         
Balance at 1 January 2005 (restated)
    (524 )
Depreciation charge for the period
    (436 )
Disposals
    28  
         
Balance at 30 June 2005 (restated)
    (932 )
         
Balance at 1 July 2005 (restated)
    (932 )
Depreciation charge for the period
    (1,110 )
Disposals
    65  
         
Balance at 30 June 2006 (restated)
    (1,977 )
         
Carrying amounts
       
At 1 January 2004 (restated)
    1,151  
         
At 31 December 2004 (restated)
    1,812  
         
At 1 January 2005 (restated)
    1,812  
         
At 30 June 2005 (restated)
    3,306  
         
At 1 July 2005 (restated)
    3,306  
         
At 30 June 2006 (restated)
    3,599  
         

F-27


Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements — (Continued)

 
13.   Container for hire fleet
 
                 
    Note     A$’000  
 
Cost
               
Balance at 1 January 2004 (restated)
            17,451  
Acquisitions
            12,003  
Transfers to inventory
            (5,448 )
                 
Balance at 31 December 2004 (restated)
            24,006  
                 
Balance at 1 January 2005 (restated)
            24,006  
Acquisitions
            7,725  
Transfers to inventory
            (3,826 )
                 
Balance at 30 June 2005 (restated)
            27,905  
                 
Balance at 1 July 2005 (restated)
            27,905  
Acquisitions
            18,073  
Acquisitions through business combinations
    24       6,829  
Transfers to inventory
            (11,337 )
                 
Balance at 30 June 2006 (restated)
            41,470  
                 
Depreciation and impairment losses
               
Balance at 1 January 2004 (restated)
             
Depreciation charge for the period
            (2,408 )
Transfers to inventory
            849  
                 
Balance at 31 December 2004 (restated)
            (1,559 )
                 
Balance at 1 January 2005 (restated)
            (1,559 )
Depreciation charge for the period
            (1,272 )
Transfers to inventory
            705  
                 
Balance at 30 June 2005 (restated)
            (2,126 )
                 
Balance at 1 July 2005 (restated)
            (2,126 )
Depreciation charge for the period
            (1,978 )
Transfers to inventory
            1,125  
                 
Balance at 30 June 2006 (restated)
            2,979  
                 
Carrying amounts
               
At 1 January 2004 (restated)
            17,451  
                 
At 31 December 2004 (restated)
            22,447  
                 
At 1 January 2005 (restated)
            22,447  
                 
At 30 June 2005 (restated)
            25,779  
                 
At 1 July 2005 (restated)
            25,779  
                 
At 30 June 2006 (restated)
            38,491  
                 


F-28


Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements — (Continued)

 
14.   Intangible assets
 
                                         
    Software     Goodwill     Trademarks     Other     Total  
    A$’000     A$’000     A$’000     A$’000     A$’000  
 
Cost
                                       
Balance at 1 January 2004 (restated)
    944       581       398             1,923  
Acquisitions through business combinations
          3,500                   3,500  
Other acquisitions
    70                         70  
                                         
Balance at 31 December 2004 (restated)
    1,014       4,081       398             5,493  
                                         
Balance at 1 January 2005 (restated)
    1,014       4,081       398             5,493  
Acquisitions
    25                         25  
                                         
Balance at 30 June 2005 (restated)
    1,039       4,081       398             5,518  
                                         
Balance at 1 July 2005 (restated)
    1,039       4,081       398             5,518  
Acquisitions through business combinations
          1,749                   1,749  
Other acquisitions
    133                   363       496  
                                         
Balance at 30 June 2006 (restated)
    1,172       5,830       398       363       7,763  
                                         
Amortisation and impairment losses
                                       
Balance at 1 January 2004 (restated)
                             
Amortisation for the period
    (431 )                       (431 )
Write off on utilisation of unrecognised tax assets arising from business combinations prior to transition to AIFRS
          (547 )                 (547 )
                                         
Balance at 31 December 2004 (restated)
    (431 )     (547 )                 (978 )
                                         
Balance at 1 January 2005 (restated)
    (431 )     (547 )                 (978 )
Amortisation for the period
    (206 )                       (206 )
Write off on utilisation of unrecognised tax assets arising from business combinations prior to transition to AIFRS
          (127 )                 (127 )
                                         
Balance at 30 June 2005 (restated)
    (637 )     (674 )                 (1,311 )
                                         
Balance at 1 July 2005 (restated)
    (637 )     (674 )                 (1,311 )
Amortisation for the period
    (464 )                 (21 )     (485 )
Write off on utilisation of unrecognised tax assets arising from business combinations prior to transition to AIFRS
          (907 )                 (907 )
                                         
Balance at 30 June 2006 (restated)
    (1,101 )     (1,581 )           (21 )     (2,703 )
                                         
 


F-29


Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements — (Continued)

                                         
    Software     Goodwill     Trademarks     Other     Total  
    A$’000     A$’000     A$’000     A$’000     A$’000  
 
Carrying amounts
                                       
At 1 January 2004 (restated)
    944       581       398             1,923  
                                         
At 31 December 2004 (restated)
    583       3,534       398             4,515  
                                         
1 January 2005 (restated)
    583       3,534       398             4,515  
                                         
30 June 2005 (restated)
    402       3,407       398             4,207  
                                         
1 July 2005 (restated)
    402       3,407       398             4,207  
                                         
30 June 2006 (restated)
    71       4,249       398       342       5,060  
                                         
 
Goodwill
 
Goodwill acquired has been allocated to one single cash generating unit, being the consolidated entity. Goodwill is not amortised but tested for impairment annually using the value in use model. Goodwill arose through the purchase of Royal Wolf Trading Australia Pty Limited from Triton Containers International Limited in 2003, and through the purchases of Royal Wolf Hi-Tech Pty Limited, and the business and assets of Cape Containers Pty Limited and Australian Container Network Pty Limited (refer Note 24).
 
The recoverable amount of the RWA Holdings Pty Limited cash-generating unit is based on value in use calculations. Those calculations use cash flow projections based on actual operating results and the 5 year budget. Cash flows for a further 5-year period are extrapolated using a 5% growth rate, which the directors consider appropriate because this is a long-term business. A pre-tax discount rate of 13.7% has been used in discounting the projected cash flows.
 
Software
 
Software assets are capitalised at cost. This intangible asset has been assessed as having a finite useful life, and is amortised using the straight-line method over a period of 3 years (refer accounting policy (h)(iv)).
 
Trademarks
 
Trademarks are capitalised at cost and have been assessed as having an indefinite useful life and are tested for impairment at each period end.
 
Other
 
Other assets are capitalised at cost. This intangible asset has been assessed as having a finite useful life, and is amortised using the straight-line method over a period of 5 years (refer accounting policy (h)(iv)).

F-30


Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements — (Continued)

 
15.   Trade and other payables
 
                                 
          Restated
    Restated
    Restated
 
          30 June
    30 June
    31 December
 
    Note     2006     2005     2004  
          A$’000     A$’000     A$’000  
 
Trade payables
            10,565       5,870       4,023  
Other payables
            1,349       1,708       1,611  
Unearned revenue
            565       489       470  
Deferred consideration for controlled entity
                        3,500  
Fair value derivative
    20       30       161        
Related party — other payable
                        1,926  
                                 
              12,509       8,228       11,530  
                                 
 
16.   Interest bearing loans and borrowings
 
This note provides information about the contractual terms of the consolidated entity’s interest bearing loans and borrowings. For more information about the consolidated entity’s exposure to interest rate and foreign currency risk, refer note 20.
 
                                 
          Restated
    Restated
    Restated
 
          30 June
    30 June
    31 December
 
    Note     2006     2005     2004  
          A$’000     A$’000     A$’000  
 
Current liabilities
                               
Bank overdraft
    8       2,126             533  
Current portion of bank loans
            5,831       1,939        
Other loans
            73       20       343  
Current portion of finance lease liabilities
            909       819       549  
                                 
              8,939       2,778       1,425  
                                 
Non-current liabilities
                               
Bank loan
            18,099       22,364       14,489  
Non-convertible notes
            10,898              
B class notes
            6,654       5,422       4,051  
Finance lease liabilities
            1,543       2,389       2,074  
                                 
              37,194       30,175       20,614  
                                 


F-31


Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements — (Continued)

Financing facilities
 
                         
    Restated
    Restated
    Restated
 
    30 June
    30 June
    31 December
 
    2006     2005     2004  
    A$’000     A$’000     A$’000  
 
Bank overdraft
    1,020       2,000       1,000  
Invoice financing facility
    7,500              
Secured bank loans
    42,962       29,280       30,800  
                         
      51,482       31,280       31,800  
                         
Facilities utilised at reporting date
                       
Bank overdraft
    934             533  
Invoice financing facility
    1,192              
Secured bank loans
    35,349       24,303       14,489  
                         
      37,475       24,303       15,022  
                         
Facilities not utilised at reporting date
                       
Bank overdraft
    86       2,000       467  
Invoice financing facility
    6,308              
Secured bank loans
    7,613       4,977       16,311  
                         
      14,007       6,977       16,778  
                         
 
Financing arrangements
 
Bank overdrafts
 
The bank overdrafts of the consolidated entity are secured by a floating charge over the consolidated entity’s assets. Interest on bank overdrafts is charged at the prevailing market rates.
 
Invoice financing facility
 
The invoice finance facility of the consolidated entity is a facility whereby funds are made available based on a percentage of debtors outstanding net of any disallowed debts. The facility is secured by a floating charge over the debtors ledger. Interest is charged at the bank’s prime rate plus 1.65%.
 
Bank loans
 
Bank loans are denominated in Australian dollars. The bank loans amount in current liabilities comprises the portion of the consolidated entity’s bank loan payable within one year. The non-current bank loans are payable on or before 2010 on an equal instalment basis, and are subject to annual review. The loans bear interest at the Australian bank bill reference rate (“BBSW”) plus 1.10% - 1.35% (2005: 1.10%, 2004: 1.35%), payable monthly. Bank loans are secured by lease assets in the container fleet with a written down value of $18,143,000 (2005: $7,994,000, 2004: Nil) and are due and payable over the next five years. In the event of default, the assets revert to the bank.
 
Finance leases and hire purchase contracts
 
The consolidated entity’s lease liabilities are secured by the leased assets of $526,000 (2005: $601,000, 2004: 638,000). In the event of default, the assets revert to the lessor.


F-32


Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements — (Continued)

 
B class notes
 
Holders of B Class Notes are entitled to receive cumulative interest of 15% per annum on the issue price of their notes. These notes do not give their holders any voting rights at shareholders’ meetings.
 
In the event of winding up of the Company, the holders of B Class Notes rank above all shareholders, but not the holders of non-convertible notes and are entitled to the proceeds of liquidation only to the extent of the face value of the notes and any accumulated interest.
 
Non-convertible notes
 
Holders of Non-convertible notes are entitled to receive cumulative interest of 15% per annum on the issue price of their notes. These notes do not give their holders any voting rights at shareholders’ meetings.
 
In the event of winding up of the Company, the holders of non-convertible notes rank above all shareholders and are entitled to the proceeds of liquidation only to the extent of the face value of the notes and any accumulated interest.
 
Finance lease liabilities
 
Finance lease liabilities of the consolidated entity are payable as follows:
 
                                                                         
    2006
    2005
    2004
 
    Restated     Restated     Restated  
    Minimum
                Minimum
                Minimum
             
    Lease
                Lease
                Lease
             
    Payments     Interest     Principal     Payments     Interest     Principal     Payments     Interest     Principal  
    A$’000     A$’000     A$’000     A$’000     A$’000     A$’000     A$’000     A$’000     A$’000  
 
Less than one year
    1,096       187       909       1,081       262       819       770       221       549  
Between one and five years
    1,640       97       1,543       2,666       277       2,389       2,342       268       2,074  
More than five years
                                                     
                                                                         
      2,736       284       2,452       3,747       539       3,208       3,112       489       2,623  
                                                                         
 
The consolidated entity has finance leases and hire purchase contracts for various motor vehicles, containers and other assets. These leases have no terms of renewal or purchase options nor escalation clauses.
 
Under the terms of the Facility Agreement with Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited the consolidated entity undertakes to ensure compliance with covenants in relation to various financial ratios including consolidated interest cover; consolidated reworked adjusted gearing; and consolidated debt service cover.


F-33


Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements — (Continued)

 
17.   Employee benefits
 
                         
    Restated
    Restated
    Restated
 
    30 June
    30 June
    31 December
 
    2006     2005     2004  
    A$’000     A$’000     A$’000  
 
Current
                       
Liability for annual leave
    775       801       444  
Liability for long service leave
    187              
                         
      962       801       444  
                         
Non Current
                       
Liability for long service leave
    257       119       272  
Cash settled transactions
    310       108       36  
                         
      567       227       308  
                         
Total employee benefits
    1,529       1,028       752  
                         
 
Defined contribution superannuation funds
 
The consolidated entity makes contributions to a defined contribution superannuation fund. The amount recognised as an expense was $789,000 for the financial year ended 30 June 2006 (2005: $321,000 (6 months), 2004: $613,000 (12 months)).
 
Share based payments
 
The consolidated entity has an employee share option plan (ESOP) for the granting of non-transferable options to certain key management personnel and senior employees with more than twelve months’ service at the grant date.
 
Options issued under the ESOP will vest in accordance with time frames specified individually per director or senior executive. No other conditions are precedent to the options vesting.
 
Other relevant terms and conditions applicable to the options granted under the ESOP include
 
  •  the exercise price for the options is nil for most employees, with one employee having options exercisable at $0.50 per share
 
  •  the options expire on the expiry date or the termination date of the employee, whichever is the earlier
 
  •  upon exercise, the nil price and $0.50 options will be settled in the unissued ordinary shares of RWA Holdings Pty Limited
 
  •  the nil price options can be settled in cash at the option of the company or the holder and are only exercisable on an exercising or realisation event (see below)


F-34


Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements — (Continued)

 
The number and weighted average exercise prices of share options is as follows:
 
                                                 
    Weighted
                      Weighted
       
    Average
          Weighted
          Average
       
    Exercise
    Number of
    Average
    Number of
    Exercise
    Number of
 
    Price
    Options
    Exercise Price
    Options
    Price
    Options
 
    12 Months
    12 Months
    6 Months
    6 Months
    12 Months
    12 Months
 
    2006     2006     2005     2005     2004     2004  
 
Outstanding at the beginning of the period
  A$ 0.08       438,582     A$ 0.08       452,982       N/A        
Granted during the period
          17,682                 A$ 0.08       452,982  
Cancelled during the period
          (17,865 )                        
Exercised during the period
  A$ 0.50       (14,400 )   A$ 0.50       (14,400 )            
Expired during the period
                                   
                                                 
Outstanding at the end of the period
  A$ 0.08       423,999     A$ 0.08       438,582     A$ 0.08       452,982  
                                                 
Exercisable at the end of the period
          212,929             126,832             144,697  
 
The outstanding balance at 30 June 2006 is represented by:
 
  •  363,117 options over ordinary shares with an exercise price of nil, exercisable as above until 31 August 2014, or earlier as appropriate
 
  •  43,200 options over ordinary shares with an exercise price of $0.50, exercisable as above until 17 May 2009, or earlier as appropriate
 
  •  17,682 options over ordinary shares with an exercise price of nil, exercisable as above until 19 Aug 2015, or earlier as appropriate
 
The expiry dates for the share options outstanding at 30 June 2006 is between 3 and 9 years (2005: 4 and 9 years).
 
The nil price options if vested can be converted to ordinary shares in the company in the event of the issuance of a prospectus for the public listing of the company (an “exercising event”) or the sale of the company (a “realisation event”). Both the company and the holder have the option of settling the options in cash based on the issue price or market value of shares in the company.
 
During the year ended 30 June 2006, 17,682 options (2005: Nil, 2004: 452,982) were granted over ordinary shares.
 
During year ended 30 June 2006, 14,400 options (2005: 14,400, 2004: Nil) were exercised over ordinary shares already on issue.
 
During year ended 30 June 2006, 17,865 options (2005: Nil, 2004: Nil) were cancelled over ordinary shares.
 
The fair value of the options granted is measured using a binomial option pricing method, taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the options were granted. The amount recognised as an expense is adjusted to reflect the actual number of share options that vest. The volatility of the asset value is based upon the volatility of listed companies with a similar profile to the consolidated entity.


F-35


Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements — (Continued)

Fair value of share options and assumptions:
 
                         
    Key Mgmt
    Key Mgmt
    Key Mgmt
 
    Personnel
    Personnel
    Personnel
 
    30 June
    30 June
    31 December
 
    2006     2005     2004  
 
Fair value at measurement date
  A$ 1.086     A$ 0.695     A$ 0.575  
                         
Share value
  A$ 1.25     A$ 0.77     A$ 0.65  
Weighted average exercise price
  A$ 0.08     A$ 0.08     A$ 0.08  
Expected volatility (based on
                       
volatility of similar but
                       
listed organisations)
    8.50 %     15.19 %     15.19 %
Option life (based on date options are expected to be exercised)
    2.25 yrs       3.25 years       3.75 years  
Risk free rate (based on Australian Government Bonds)
    5.79 %     5.10 %     5.16 %
 
18.   Provisions
 
                         
    Leasehold
             
    Makegood
    Deferred
       
    Costs     Consideration     Total  
    A$’000     A$’000     A$’000  
 
Balance at 1 January 2004 (restated)
                 
Provisions made during the year
    8             8  
                         
Balance at 31 December 2004 (restated)
    8             8  
                         
Balance at 1 January 2005 (restated)
    8             8  
Provisions made during the year
                 
                         
Balance at 30 June 2005 (restated)
    8             8  
                         
Balance at 1 July 2005 (restated)
    8             8  
Provisions made during the year
          574       574  
                         
Balance at 30 June 2006 (restated)
    8       574       582  
                         
Balance at 30 June 2006 (restated)
                       
Current
          300       300  
Non-current
    8       274       282  
                         
      8       574       582  
                         
 
Leasehold makegood costs
 
An obligation exists to restore a leasehold site after a fit-out at the head office location in Hornsby. The basis for accounting is set out in note (o) of the significant accounting policies.
 
The expected cost for the restoration is estimated at $10,000, and is expected to occur in 2009. This amount has been discounted using Australian government bond rates with similar maturities (2006: 5.8%, 2005: 5.2%, 2004: 5.2%).


F-36


Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements — (Continued)

 
Deferred consideration
 
Deferred purchase consideration consists of consideration relating to the purchase of the business and assets of Australian Container Network Pty Limited.
 
For further information on the acquisition of Australian Container Network Pty Limited refer note 24.
 
19.   Capital and reserves
 
Reconciliation of movement in capital and reserves attributable to equity holders of the parent
 
                                 
          Retained
             
          Earnings/
    Asset
       
    Share
    (Accumulated
    Revaluation
    Total
 
    Capital     Losses     Reserve     Equity  
    A$’000     A$’000     A$’000     A$’000  
 
Balance at 1 January 2004 (restated)
    3,672                   3,672  
Total recognised income and expense
          479             479  
                                 
Balance at 31 December 2004 (restated)
    3,672       479             4,151  
                                 
Balance at 1 January 2005 (restated)
    3,672       479             4,151  
Call on issued shares
    878                   878  
Total recognised income and expense
          (213 )           (213 )
                                 
Balance at 30 June 2005 (restated)
    4,550       266             4,816  
                                 
Balance at 1 July 2005 (restated)
    4,550       266             4,816  
Total recognised income and expense
          (331 )           (331 )
Revaluation of assets on acquisition of controlled entity
                344       344  
                                 
Balance at 30 June 2006 (restated)
    4,550       (65 )     344       4,829  
                                 
 
Share capital
 
                         
    Restated
    Restated
    Restated
 
    30 June
    30 June
    31 December
 
    2006     2005     2004  
    A$’000     A$’000     A$’000  
 
2,160,000 Ordinary Shares
    1,080       1,080       1,080  
4,322,590 A Class Shares
    3,470       3,470       2,592  
100 Class C Shares
                 
                         
      4,550       4,550       3,672  
                         
Movement in A Class Shares paid up value
            No. ’000     A$ ’000  
                         
At 1 January 2005
            4,323       2,592  
During 2005, the consolidated entity took up a call of 20.3 cents per share
                  878  
                         
At 30 June 2005
            4,323       3,470  
                         


F-37


Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements — (Continued)

 
Terms and conditions
 
Ordinary Shares
 
Holders of Ordinary Shares rank pari passu with the A Class Shares in the declaration and payment of dividends and are entitled to one vote per share at shareholders’ meetings.
 
In the event of winding up of the Company, ordinary shareholders rank after all other shareholders and creditors and are fully entitled to any proceeds of liquidation.
 
A Class Shares
 
Holders of A Class Shares rank pari passu with Ordinary shares in the declaration and payment of dividends and are entitled to one vote per share at shareholders’ meetings limited to 50% of the votes to be cast by shareholders.
 
In the event of winding up of the Company, A Class shareholders rank above ordinary shareholders and are fully entitled to the greater of any proceeds of liquidation and an amount equal to the issue price of the A Class Shares.
 
C Class Shares
 
Holders of C Class Shares are not entitled to receive any dividends prior to conversion to ordinary shares. The C Class shares shall not entitle the holder to a vote prior to conversion to ordinary shares. The C Class shares shall not entitle the holder to any proceeds on liquidation prior to conversion to ordinary shares.
 
The Company’s C Class shares are not transferable and will convert into ordinary shares in the event that all criteria specified in the shareholders’ agreement are satisfied, subject to the B Class Note holders receiving their return. The number of ordinary shares received on conversion of each C Class share is determined by reference to a profit formula.
 
20.   Financial instruments
 
Exposure to credit, interest rate and currency risks arises in the normal course of the consolidated entity’s business. Derivative financial instruments are used to hedge exposure to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and interest rates.
 
Credit risk
 
The consolidated entity trades only with recognised, creditworthy third parties.
 
It is the consolidated entity’s policy that all customers who wish to trade on credit terms are subject to credit verification procedures.
 
In addition, receivable balances are monitored on an ongoing basis with the result that the consolidated entity’s exposure to bad debts is not significant.
 
For transactions that are not denominated in the measurement currency of the relevant operating unit, the consolidated entity does not offer credit terms without the specific approval of the Head of Credit Control.
 
With respect to credit risk arising from the other financial assets of the consolidated entity, which comprise cash and cash equivalents, available-for-sale financial assets and certain derivative instruments, the consolidated entity’s exposure to credit risk arises from default of the counter party, with a maximum exposure equal to the


F-38


Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements — (Continued)

carrying amount of these instruments. As the counter party for derivative instruments is nearly always a bank, the Board has assessed this as a low risk.
 
There are no significant concentrations of credit risk within the consolidated entity.
 
Interest rate risk
 
The consolidated entity’s exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to its long-term debt obligations.
 
The consolidated entity’s policy is to manage its interest cost using a mix of fixed and variable rate debt.
 
To manage this mix in a cost-efficient manner, the consolidated entity enters into interest rate swaps, in which the consolidated entity agrees to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between fixed and variable interest amounts calculated by reference to an agreed-upon notional principal amount. These swaps are designated to hedge changes in the interest rate of its commercial bill liability. The secured loan and interest rate swap have the same critical terms, including expiry dates. All movements in the fair values of these hedges are taken directly to the income statement.
 
At 30 June 2006, after taking into account the effect of interest rate swaps, 80.2% (2005: 72.7%, 2004: 97.6%) of the consolidated entity’s borrowings are at a fixed rate of interest.
 
Effective interest rates and repricing analysis
 
In respect of income-earning financial assets and interest-bearing financial liabilities, the following table indicates their effective interest rates at the balance sheet date and the periods in which they reprice.
 
                                                         
          Effective
                               
          Interest
                               
          Rate
    < 1
    1-2
    2-5
    >5
       
30 June 2006 (Restated)
  Note     %     Year     Years     Years     Years     Total  
                A$’000     A$’000     A$’000     A$’000     A$’000  
 
Fixed rate
                                                       
Lease receivable
    9       18.1 %     335       380       395             1,110  
Finance lease liabilities
    16       9.0 %     (909 )     (1,104 )     (439 )           (2,452 )
Other loans
    16       4.2 %     (73 )                       (73 )
Non-convertible notes
    16       15.0 %                       (10,898 )     (10,898 )
B class notes
    16       15.0 %                       (6,654 )     (6,654 )
Variable rate
                                                       
Cash and cash equivalents
    8       3.3 %     777                         777  
Bank loans
    16       BBSW + 1.10 %     (4,396 )     (1,665 )     (10,737 )           (16,798 )
Interest rate swap
    9       6.0 %     132                         132  
Bank overdrafts
    16       BBSW + 1.65 %     (2,126 )                       (2,126 )
Commercial bills
    16       6.9 %     (1,367 )     (1,425 )     (4,340 )           (7,132 )
                                                         
                      (7,627 )     (3,814 )     (15,121 )     (17,552 )     (44,114 )
                                                         
 


F-39


Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements — (Continued)

                                                         
          Effective
                               
          Interest
                               
          Rate
    < 1
    1-2
    2-5
    >5
       
30 June 2005 (Restated)
  Note     %     Year     Years     Years     Years     Total  
                A$’000     A$’000     A$’000     A$’000     A$’000  
 
Fixed rate
                                                       
Lease receivable
    9       18.1 %     180       216       623             1,019  
Finance lease liabilities
    16       9.2 %     (819 )     (893 )     (1,496 )           (3,208 )
Other loans
    16       3.8 %     (20 )                       (20 )
B class notes
    16       15.0 %                       (5,422 )     (5,422 )
Variable rate
                                                       
Cash and cash equivalents
    8       3.5 %     695                         695  
Bank loans
    16       BBSW + 1.10 %     (859 )     (869 )     (7,336 )           (9,064 )
Commercial bills
    16       5.7 %     (1,080 )     (3,980 )     (10,179 )           (15,239 )
Interest rate swap
    15       5.9 %     (161 )                       (161 )
                                                         
                      (2,064 )     (5,526 )     (18,388 )     (5,422 )     (31,400 )
                                                         
 
                                                         
          Effective
                               
          Interest
                               
          Rate
    <1
    1-2
    2-5
    >5
       
31 December 2004 (Restated)
  Note     %     Year     Years     Years     Years     Total  
                A$’000     A$’000     A$’000     A$’000     A$’000  
 
Fixed rate
                                                       
Lease receivable
    9       18.1 %     165       197       737             1,099  
Finance lease liabilities
    16       9.2 %     (549 )     (677 )     (1,397 )           (2,623 )
Other loans
    16       3.8 %     (343 )                       (343 )
B class notes
    16       15.0 %                       (4,051 )     (4,051 )
Variable rate
                                                       
Cash and cash equivalent
    8       3.51 %     3                         3  
Bank overdraft
    8       ANZ Ref Rate — 1.0 %     (533 )                       (533 )
Commercial bills
    16       5.7 %           (3,479 )     (11,010 )           (14,489 )
                                                         
                      (1,257 )     (3,959 )     (11,670 )     (4,051 )     (20,937 )
                                                         
 
Foreign currency risk
 
The consolidated entity has transactional currency exposures. Such exposure arises from sales or purchases in currencies other than the unit’s measurement currency. The currency giving rise to this risk is primarily U.S. Dollars.
 
The consolidated entity has a bank account denominated in US Dollars, into which customers pay their debts. This is a natural hedge against fluctuations in the exchange rate. The funds are then used to pay suppliers, avoiding the need to convert to Australian dollars.
 
The consolidated entity uses forward currency contracts and options to eliminate the currency exposures on the majority of its transactions denominated in foreign currencies, either by transaction if the amount is significant, or

F-40


Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements — (Continued)

on a general cash flow hedge basis. The forward currency contracts and options are always in the same currency as the hedged item.
 
It is the consolidated entity’s policy to negotiate the terms of the hedge derivatives to match the terms of the hedged item to maximise hedge effectiveness. At 30 June 2006, the consolidated entity had hedged 100% of its foreign currency purchases for which firm commitments existed at the balance sheet date, extending to November 2006.
 
Forecasted transactions
 
The consolidated entity classifies its forward exchange contracts hedging forecasted transactions as cash flow hedges and states them at fair value. The net fair value of forward exchange contracts used as hedges of forecasted transactions at 30 June 2006 was nil (2005: nil, 2004: nil). The Company does not have any forward exchange contracts hedging forecasted transactions.
 
Recognised assets and liabilities
 
Changes in the fair value of forward exchange contracts that economically hedge monetary assets and liabilities in foreign currencies and for which no hedge accounting is applied are recognised in the income statement. Both the changes in fair value of the forward contracts and the foreign exchange gains and losses relating to the monetary items are recognised as part of ’net financing costs’ (see note 6). The fair value of forward exchange contracts used as economic hedges of monetary assets and liabilities in foreign currencies at 30 June 2006 was $30,493 (2005: nil) for the consolidated entity recognised in fair value derivatives.
 
Sensitivity analysis
 
In managing interest rate and currency risks the consolidated entity aims to reduce the impact of short-term fluctuations on the consolidated entity’s earnings. Over the longer-term, however, permanent changes in foreign exchange and interest rates would have an impact on consolidated earnings.
 
At 30 June 2006, it is estimated that a general increase of one percentage point in interest rates would decrease the consolidated entity’s profit before tax by approximately $93,000 (2005: $12,000, 2004: $5,000). Interest rate swaps have been included in this calculation.
 
It is estimated that a general increase of one percentage point in the value of the AUD against other foreign currencies would have decreased the consolidated entity’s profit before tax by approximately $307,000 for the year ended 30 June 2006 (2005: $122,000, 2004: $113,000), based on the actual transactions incurred in U.S. Dollars. The forward exchange contracts have been included in this calculation.


F-41


Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements — (Continued)

Fair values
 
The fair values together with the carrying amounts shown in the balance sheet are as follows:
 
                                                         
          Carrying
          Carrying
          Carrying
       
          Amount
    Fair Value
    Amount
    Fair Value
    Amount
    Fair Value
 
          Restated
    Restated
    Restated
    Restated
    Restated
    Restated
 
          30 June
    30 June
    30 June
    30 June
    31 December
    31 December
 
    Note     2006     2006     2005     2005     2004     2004  
          A$’000     A$’000     A$’000     A$’000     A$’000     A$’000  
 
Cash and cash equivalents
    8       777       777       695       695       3       3  
Trade and other receivables
    9       9,739       9,739       7,362       7,362       6,770       6,770  
Receivable from related party
    9                   74       74       89       89  
Lease receivable
    9       1,110       1,110       1,019       1,019       1,099       1,099  
Loan to related entity
    9                   260       260       260       260  
Interest rate swap
    9       132       132       (161 )     (161 )            
Bank overdraft
    16       (2,126 )     (2,126 )                 (533 )     (533 )
Trade and other payables
    15       (12,479 )     (12,479 )     (8,067 )     (8,067 )     (11,530 )     (11,530 )
Other loan
    16       (73 )     (73 )     (20 )     (20 )     (343 )     (343 )
Finance lease liabilities
    16       (2,452 )     (2,452 )     (3,208 )     (3,208 )     (2,623 )     (2,623 )
Bank loans
    16       (18,838 )     (18,838 )     (9,064 )     (9,064 )            
Commercial bills
    16       (5,092 )     (5,092 )     (15,239 )     (15,239 )     (14,489 )     (14,489 )
Forward exchange contracts
    15       (30 )     (30 )                        
Non-convertible notes
    16       (10,898 )     (10,898 )                        
B class notes
    16       (6,654 )     (6,654 )     (5,422 )     (5,422 )     (4,051 )     (4,051 )
                                                         
              (46,884 )     (46,884 )     (31,771 )     (31,771 )     (25,348 )     (25,348 )
                                                         
 
Estimation of fair values
 
The following summarises the major methods and assumptions used in estimating the fair values of financial instruments reflected in the table.
 
Derivatives
 
Forward exchange contracts and options are marked to market by discounting the contractual forward price and deducting the current spot rate. For interest rate swaps broker quotes are used. Those quotes are back tested using pricing models or discounted cash flow techniques.
 
Where discounted cash flow techniques are used, estimated future cash flows are based on management’s best estimates and the discount rate is a market related rate for a similar instrument at the balance sheet date. Where other pricing models are used, inputs are based on market related data at the balance sheet date.


F-42


Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements — (Continued)

 
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
 
Fair value is calculated based on discounted expected future principal and interest cash flows.
 
Finance lease liabilities
 
The fair value is estimated as the present value of future cash flows, discounted at interest rates implicit in the relevant lease agreements. These implicit interest rates are in line with current market rates.
 
Trade and other receivables/payables
 
For receivables / payables with a remaining life of less than one year, the notional amount is deemed to reflect the fair value. All other receivables / payables are discounted to determine the fair value.
 
Interest rates used for determining fair value
 
The entity uses the government yield curve as of 30 June 2006 plus an adequate constant credit spread to discount financial instruments. The interest rates used are as follows:
 
             
    30 June
  30 June
  31 December
    2006   2005   2004
 
Derivatives
  6.0%   6.0%   N/A
Loans and borrowings
  4.2% - 15.0%   3.8% - 15.0%   3.8% - 15.0%
Leases
  9.0%   9.2%   9.2%
Receivables
  18.1%   18.1%   18.1%
 
21.   Operating leases
 
Leases as lessee
 
The consolidated entity leases various office equipment and other facilities under operating leases. The leases have an average period of between one and four years, some with an option to renew the lease after that period. None of the leases includes contingent rentals. There are no restrictions placed upon the lessee by entering into these leases.
 
During the financial year ended 30 June 2006, $1,174,000 was recognised as an expense in the income statement in respect of operating leases (2005 (restated): $464,000, 2004 (restated): $793,000)
 
Non-cancellable operating lease rentals are payable as follows:
 
                         
    Restated
    Restated
    Restated
 
    30 June
    30 June
    31 December
 
    2006     2005     2004  
    A$’000     A$’000     A$’000  
 
Less than one year
    2,602       2,323       2,549  
Between one and five years
    2,576       1,725       2,004  
More than five years
    452              
                         
      5,630       4,048       4,553  
                         


F-43


Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements — (Continued)

 
Leases as lessor
 
The consolidated entity leases containers on a daily basis in the ordinary course of business. These leases can vary in length from a minimum hire period of 30 days to up to five years and longer.
 
These non-cancellable operating leases have maturities of between 1 and 2 years. All leases include a clause to enable upward revision of the rental charge.
 
The consolidated entity has no other lessor relationships apart from those relating the rental of containers.
 
The future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable leases are as follows:
 
                         
    30 June
    30 June
    31 December
 
    2006     2005     2004  
    A$’000     A$’000     A$’000  
 
Less than one year
    493       165       52  
Between one and five years
    917       1        
More than five years
                 
                         
      1,410       166       52  
                         
 
During the financial year ended 30 June 2006, $21,290,000 was recognised as income from the hire of containers in the income statement in respect of operating leases (2005: $9,339,000, 2004: $16,756,000).
 
22.   Capital and other commitments
 
There were no other commitments or contingencies of the consolidated entity for capital or otherwise not already disclosed elsewhere in the financial statements.
 
23.   Consolidated entities
 
                                 
          County of
    Ownership Interest  
Subsidiaries
  Note     Incorporation     2006     2004 - 2005  
 
Royal Wolf Trading Australia Pty Limited
            Australia       100 %     100 %
Royal Wolf Hi-Tech Pty Limited
    24       Australia       100 %     50 %
 
RWA Holdings Pty Limited is the ultimate Australian parent entity and ultimate parent entity of the consolidated entity.
 
24.   Acquisitions of subsidiaries
 
During the year the consolidated entity acquired the following businesses:
 
  •  Royal Wolf Hi-Tech Pty Limited
 
  •  Australian Container Network Pty Ltd
 
  •  Cape Containers Pty Limited
 
On 30 March 2006, the consolidated entity acquired the remaining 50% of the shares in Royal Wolf Hi-Tech Pty Limited which it did not already own for $839,000 satisfied in cash. The company sells, hires and modifies containers. In the three months to 30 June 2006 the subsidiary contributed net loss of $26,000 to the consolidated net profit for the year. If the acquisition had occurred on 1 July 2005, consolidated entity revenue would have been $69,563,000 (unaudited) and net profit would have been $2,512,000 (unaudited). The consolidated entity


F-44


Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements — (Continued)

previously acquired the initial 50% shares in Royal Wolf Hi-Tech Pty Limited. Goodwill of $132,000 has been recognised in respect of this initial acquisition.
 
On 16 December 2005, the consolidated entity acquired the business and assets of Cape Containers Pty Limited for $820,000 satisfied in cash. The company sells, and hires shipping containers. In the six months to 30 June 2006 the subsidiary contributed net profit of $92,000 to the consolidated net profit for the year. If the acquisition had occurred on 1 July 2005, consolidated entity revenue would have been $67,962,000 (unaudited) and net profit would have been $2,658,000 (unaudited).
 
On 28 April 2006, the consolidated entity acquired the business and assets of Australian Container Network Pty Ltd for $5.5 million, of which $4.9 million was satisfied in cash. The consolidated entity has recognised a provision for the $0.6 million deferred consideration extending to August 2007. The company sells and hires containers. In the two months to 30 June 2006 the subsidiary contributed net profit of $67,000 to the consolidated net profit for the year. If the acquisition had occurred on 1 July 2005, consolidated entity revenue would have been $71,222,000 (unaudited) and net profit would have been $2,926,000 (unaudited).
 
The acquisitions had the following effect on the consolidated entity’s assets and liabilities.
 
Acquiree’s net assets at the acquisition date
 
                                                                                 
          Royal Wolf Hi-Tech     Australian Container Network     Cape Containers  
                Fair
                Fair
                Fair
       
          Recog-
    Value
          Recog-
    Value
          Recog-
    value
       
          nised
    Adjust-
    Carrying
    nised
    Adjust-
    Carrying
    nised
    Adjust-
    Carrying
 
    Note     Values     ments     Amounts     Values     ments     Amounts     Values     ments     Amounts  
          A$’000     A$’000     A$’000     A$’000     A$’000     A$’000     A$’000     A$’000     A$’000  
 
Property, plant and equipment
            129       31       98       195       23       172       2             2  
Container hire fleet
            1,768       742       1,026       4,416       2,707       1,709       645       169       476  
Inventories
            105       31       74       555       169       386                    
Trade and other receivables
            232             232                                      
Cash and cash equivalents
            100             100                                      
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
            (501 )           (501 )                                    
Deferred tax liability
            (241 )     (241 )           (870 )     (870 )           (51 )     (51 )      
Trade and other payables
            (243 )           (243 )                       (18 )           (18 )
                                                                                 
Net identifiable assets and liabilities
            1,349       563       786       4,296       2,029       2,267       578       118       460  
                                                                                 
Goodwill on acquisitions
    14       298                       1,209                       242                  
Consideration paid, satisfied in cash*
            839                       4,931                       820                  
Deferred consideration accrued
                                  574                                        
Cash (acquired)
            (100 )                                                            
                                                                                 
Net cash outflow
            739                       4,931                       820                  
                                                                                 
 
 
* Includes legal fees amounting to $105,000


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Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements — (Continued)

Goodwill has arisen on the acquisitions because of customer relationships that did not meet the criteria for recognition as an intangible asset at the date of acquisition.
 
25.   Reconciliation of cash flows from operating activities
 
                                 
          Restated
    Restated
    Restated
 
          30 June
    30 June
    31 December
 
          2006
    2005
    2004
 
    Note     12 Months     6 Months     12 Months  
          A$’000     A$’000     A$’000  
 
Cash flows from operating activities
                               
Profit/(loss) for the period
            (331 )     (213 )     479  
Adjustments for:
                               
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment
            (28 )     (17 )     (28 )
Foreign exchange (gain) / loss
            (50 )     (325 )     390  
Unrealised loss on forward exchange contracts
            30              
Unrealised gain on interest rate swap
            (293 )            
Depreciation and amortisation
            4,480       2,041       3,943  
Share of associates net profit
                  (172 )     (92 )
Investment income
            (209 )     (104 )     (118 )
Interest expense
            4,034       1,457       3,252  
Income tax (benefit) / expense
            (525 )     (30 )     (4 )
Cash settled share based payment expenses
            203       72       36  
                                 
Operating profit before changes in working capital and provisions
            7,311       2,709       7,858  
(Increase) / decrease in trade and other receivables
            (2,377 )     (592 )     (1,325 )
(Increase) / decrease in inventories
            6,611       (452 )     3,910  
Increase / (decrease) in trade and other payables
            4,412       1,963       (3,747 )
Increase / (decrease) in provisions and employee benefits
            1,075       276       44  
                                 
              17,032       3,904       6,740  
Interest (paid)/recieved
            (3,041 )     (1,270 )     (1,721 )
Income taxes paid
                  (759 )     781  
                                 
Net cash from operating activities
            13,991       1,875       5,800  
                                 
 
26.   Related parties
 
Transactions with key management personnel
 
No director has entered into a material contract with the Company or the consolidated entity and there were no material contracts involving directors’ interests.
 
In addition to their salaries, the consolidated entity also provides non-cash benefits to key management personnel. Executive directors also participate in the consolidated entity’s share option plan (refer Note 17).


F-46


Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements — (Continued)

Key management personnel compensation
 
The key management personnel compensations included in “employee benefits expense” in the income statements are as follows:
 
                         
    Restated
    Restated
    Restated
 
    30 June
    30 June
    31 December
 
    2006
    2005
    2004
 
    12 Months     6 Months     12 Months  
    A$     A$     A$  
 
Short-term employee benefits
    1,613,765       932,509       1,342,148  
Other long term benefits
                 
Post-employment benefits
    175,040       98,820       148,107  
Termination benefits
                 
Share based payment
    92,675       31,243       17,643  
                         
      1,881,480       1,062,572       1,507,898  
                         
 
Non-key management personnel disclosures
 
Identity of related parties
 
The Consolidated entity has a related party relationship with its associates (see note 11), and with its key management personnel.
 
Associates
 
During the financial year ended 30 June 2005, associates purchased goods from the consolidated entity in the amount of $549,852 and sold goods to the consolidated entity in the amount of $4,576 and at 30 June 2005 associates owed the consolidated entity $334,021. Transactions with associates are priced on an arm’s length basis. During the financial year ended 30 June 2006, the consolidated entity repaid a loan of $260,000 received from one of its associates. No dividends were received from associates in the 2006 or 2005 financial year.
 
Other related parties
 
Key management personnel related parties
 
A number of key management persons of the Company, or their related parties, hold positions in other entities that result in them having control or significant influence over the financial or operating policies of these entities.
 
A number of these entities transacted with the Company or its subsidiaries in the reporting period. The terms and conditions of the transactions with the other related parties were no more favourable than those available, or which might reasonably be expected to be available, on similar transactions to non-key management personnel related entities on an arm’s length basis.
 
The aggregate amounts recognised during the year relating to other related parties were as follows:
 
                                     
Key Management Person
            30 June
    30 June
    31 December
 
Related Party
 
Transaction
  Note     2006     2005     2004  
                          A$  
                    A$        
              A$              
 
RW Logistic Pty Limited
  Sales revenue     (i )           45,191       3,195,014  
RW Logistic Pty Limited
  Inventory purchases     (i )           2,142,536       1,311,593  


F-47


Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements — (Continued)

 
(i) While the Company itself has no interest in RW Logistic Pty Limited, this entity is related through common shareholders and directorships
 
27.   Reconciliation to U.S. GAAP
 
The Group’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Australian equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards (AIFRSs) for the periods ended 30 June 2006, 30 June 2005 and 31 December 2004, which, as applied by the Group, differ in certain material respects from accounting standards generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP). The effects of the application of U.S. GAAP to net profit and shareholders’ equity are set out in the tables below:
 
RECONCILIATION OF NET PROFIT TO U.S. GAAP (IN AU$’000)
 
                                 
          30 June
    30 June
    31 Dec
 
          2006
    2005
    2004
 
    Note     12 Months     6 Months     12 Month  
          A$’000     A$’000     A$’000  
 
Net profit / (loss) after tax as reported in the audited financial statements under AIFRS (restated)
            (331 )     (213 )     479  
Write-off of development costs
    1       (304 )            
Share based payment expense
    3       (47 )     (16 )     (94 )
Step-up on acquisition
    4       19              
                                 
Net loss according to US GAAP before tax impact of adjustments
            (663 )     (229 )     385  
Tax effect on US GAAP adjustment
    2       91              
                                 
Net income/(loss) under US GAAP
            (572 )     (229 )     385  
                                 
 
RECONCILIATION OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY TO U.S. GAAP (IN AU$’000)
 
                                 
          30 June
    30 June
    31 Dec
 
    Note     2006     2005     2004  
          A$’000     A$’000     A$’000  
 
Total equity under AIFRS (restated)
            4,829       4,816       4,151  
Writeoff of development costs
    1       (304 )            
Tax effect on US GAAP adjustment
    2       91              
Share based payments expense
    3       (157 )     (110 )     (94 )
Step-up on acquisition
    4       (325 )            
                                 
Shareholders’ equity under U.S. GAAP
            4,134       4,706       4,057  
                                 


F-48


Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements — (Continued)

RECONCILIATION OF 30 JUNE 2006 INCOME STATEMENT TO U.S. GAAP (IN AU$’000)
 
                                 
          Restated
    U.S. GAAP
       
    Note     AIFRS     Adjustments     U.S. GAAP  
          A$’000     A$’000     A$’000  
 
Revenue
                               
Sale and modification of containers
            46,097             46,097  
Hire of containers
            21,290             21,290  
                                 
Total revenue
            67,387             67,387  
                                 
Other income
            35             35  
Changes in inventories of finished goods and WIP
            (3,475 )           (3,475 )
Purchases of finished goods and consumables used
    4       (40,243 )     9       (40,234 )
Employee benefits expense
    3       (10,157 )     (47 )     (10,204 )
Depreciation and amortisation expense
    4       (4,480 )     912       (3,568 )
Other expenses
    1       (6,411 )     (304 )     (6,715 )
                                 
Results from operating activities
            2,656       570       3,226  
                                 
Financial income
            552             552  
Financial expenses
            (4,064 )           (4,064 )
                                 
Net financing costs
            (3,512 )           (3,512 )
                                 
Loss before tax
            (856 )     570       (286 )
                                 
Income tax benefit/(expense)
    2,4       525       (811 )     (286 )
                                 
Loss after tax
            (331 )     (241 )     (572 )
                                 
Attributable to:
                               
Equity holders of the parent
            (331 )     (241 )     (572 )
                                 


F-49


Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements — (Continued)

RECONCILIATION OF 30 JUNE 2005 INCOME STATEMENT TO U.S. GAAP (IN AU$’000)
 
                                 
          Restated
    U.S. GAAP
       
    Note     AIFRS     Adjustments     U.S. GAAP  
          A$’000     A$’000     A$’000  
 
Revenue
                               
Sale and modification of containers
            17,534             17,534  
Hire of containers
            9,339             9,339  
                                 
Total revenue
            26,873             26,873  
                                 
Other income
            18             18  
Changes in inventories of finished goods and WIP
            (1,936 )           (1,936 )
Purchases of finished goods and consumables used
            (14,687 )           (14,687 )
Employee benefits expense
    3       (4,794 )     (16 )     (4,810 )
Depreciation and amortisation expense
            (2,041 )     127       (1,914 )
Other expenses
            (2,820 )           (2,820 )
                                 
Results from operating activities
            613       111       724  
                                 
Financial income
            429             429  
Financial expenses
            (1,457 )           (1,457 )
                                 
Net financing costs
            (1,028 )           (1,028 )
                                 
Share of profit of associate
            172             172  
                                 
Loss before tax
            (243 )     111       (132 )
Income tax benefit/(expense)
            30       (127 )     (97 )
                                 
Loss after tax
            (213 )     (16 )     (229 )
                                 
Attributable to:
                               
Equity holders of the parent
            (213 )     (16 )     (229 )
                                 


F-50


Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements — (Continued)

RECONCILIATION OF 31 DECEMBER 2004 INCOME STATEMENT TO U.S. GAAP (IN AU$’000)
 
                                 
          Restated
    U.S. GAAP
       
    Note     AIFRS     Adjustments     U.S. GAAP  
          A$’000     A$’000     A$’000  
 
Revenue
                               
Sale and modification of containers
            35,463             35,463  
Hire of containers
            16,756             16,756  
                                 
Total revenue
            52,219             52,219  
                                 
Other income
            31             31  
Changes in inventories of finished goods and WIP
            1,740             1,740  
Purchases of finished goods and consumables used
            (34,437 )           (34,437 )
Employee benefits expense
    3       (7,525 )     (94 )     (7,619 )
Depreciation and amortisation expense
            (3,943 )     547       (3,396 )
Other expenses
            (4,568 )           (4,568 )
                                 
Results from operating activities
            3,517       453       3,970  
                                 
Financial income
            118             118  
Financial expenses
            (3,252 )           (3,252 )
                                 
Net financing costs
            (3,134 )           (3,134 )
                                 
Share of profit of associate
            92             92  
                                 
Profit before tax
            475       453       928  
Income tax benefit
    7       4       (547 )     (543 )
                                 
Profit/(loss) after tax
            479       (94 )     385  
                                 
Attributable to:
                               
Equity holders of the parent
            479       (94 )     385  
                                 


F-51


Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements — (Continued)

RECONCILIATION OF 30 JUNE 2006 BALANCE SHEET TO U.S. GAAP (IN AU$’000)
 
                                 
          Restated
    U.S. GAAP
       
    Note     AIFRS     Adjustments     U.S. GAAP  
          A$’000     A$’000     A$’000  
 
Assets
                               
Cash and cash equivalents
            777             777  
Trade and other receivables
            10,206             10,206  
Inventories
    4       7,498       (20 )     7,478  
                                 
Total current assets
            18,481       (20 )     18,461  
                                 
Receivables
            775             775  
Property, plant and equipment
    4       3,599       (19 )     3,580  
Container hire fleet
    4       38,491       (451 )     38,040  
Intangible assets
    1,6       5,060       (304 )     4,756  
                                 
Total non-current assets
            47,925       (774 )     47,151  
                                 
Total assets
            66,406       (794 )     65,612  
                                 
Liabilities
                               
Trade and other payables
            12,509             12,509  
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
            8,939             8,939  
Employee benefits
            962             962  
Provisions
            300             300  
                                 
Total current liabilities
            22,710             22,710  
                                 
Non-current liabilities
                               
Interest bearing loans and borrowings
            37,194             37,194  
Deferred tax liabilities
    4       824       (256 )     568  
Employee benefits
    3       567       157       724  
Provisions
            282             282  
                                 
Total non-current liabilities
            38,867       (99 )     38,768  
                                 
Total liabilities
            61,577       (99 )     61,478  
                                 
Net assets
            4,829       (695 )     4,134  
                                 
Equity
                               
Issued capital
            4,550               4,550  
Accumulated losses
    1-4,6       (65 )     (351 )     (416 )
Reserves
    4       344       (344 )      
                                 
Total equity attributable to equity holders of the parent
            4,829       (695 )     4,134  
                                 


F-52


Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements — (Continued)

RECONCILIATION OF 30 JUNE 2005 BALANCE SHEET TO U.S. GAAP (IN AU$’000)
 
                                 
          Restated
    U.S. GAAP
       
    Note     AIFRS     Adjustments     U.S. GAAP  
          A$’000     A$’000     A$’000  
 
Assets
                               
Cash and cash equivalents
            695             695  
Trade and other receivables
            7,876             7,876  
Inventories
            4,023             4,023  
                                 
Total current assets
            12,594             12,594  
                                 
Receivables
            839             839  
Investments accounted for using the equity method
            427             427  
Property, plant and equipment
            3,306             3,306  
Container hire fleet
            25,779             25,779  
Intangible assets
    6       4,207             4,207  
                                 
Total non-current assets
            34,558             34,558  
                                 
Total assets
            47,152             47,152  
                                 
Liabilities
                               
Trade and other payables
            8,228             8,228  
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
            2,778             2,778  
Employee benefits
            801             801  
                                 
Total current liabilities
            11,807             11,807  
                                 
Non-current liabilities
                               
Interest bearing loans and borrowings
            30,175             30,175  
Deferred tax liabilities
            119             119  
Employee benefits
    3       227       110       337  
Provisions
            8             8  
                                 
Total non-current liabilities
            30,529       110       30,639  
                                 
Total liabilities
            42,336       110       42,446  
                                 
Net assets
            4,816       (110 )     4,706  
                                 
Equity
                               
Issued capital
            4,550             4,550  
Retained profits
    3,6       266       (110 )     156  
                                 
Total equity attributable to equity holders of the parent
            4,816       (110 )     4,706  
                                 


F-53


Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements — (Continued)

RECONCILIATION OF 31 DECEMBER 2004 BALANCE SHEET TO U.S. GAAP (IN AU$’000)
 
                                 
          Restated
    U.S. GAAP
       
    Note     AIFRS     Adjustments     U.S. GAAP  
          A$’000     A$’000     A$’000  
 
Assets
                               
Cash and cash equivalents
            3             3  
Trade and other receivables
            7,024             7,024  
Inventories
            2,140             2,140  
                                 
Total current assets
            9,167             9,167  
                                 
Receivables
            1,194             1,194  
Investments accounted for using the equity method
            255             255  
Property, plant and equipment
            1,812             1,812  
Container hire fleet
            22,447             22,447  
Intangible assets
    6       4,515             4,515  
                                 
Total non-current assets
            30,223             30,223  
                                 
Total assets
            39,390             39,390  
                                 
                 
Liabilities
                               
Trade and other payables
            11,530             11,530  
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
            1,425             1,425  
Current tax liability
            791             791  
Employee benefits
            444             444  
                                 
Total current liabilities
            14,190             14,190  
                                 
Non-current liabilities
                               
Interest bearing loans and borrowings
            20,614             20,614  
Deferred tax liabilities
            119             119  
Employee benefits
    3       308       94       402  
Provisions
            8             8  
                                 
Total non-current liabilities
            21,049       94       21,143  
                                 
Total liabilities
            35,239       94       35,333  
                                 
Net assets
            4,151       (94 )     4,057  
                                 
Equity
                               
Issued capital
            3,672             3,672  
Retained earnings
    3,6       479       (94 )     385  
                                 
Total equity attributable to equity holders of the parent
            4,151       (94 )     4,057  
                                 


F-54


Table of Contents

(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements — (Continued)

 
1.   Development expenditure
 
Under AIFRS, the group capitalises certain development expenditure as described in more detail in accounting policy note 1(h)(ii) to the consolidated financial statements. U.S. GAAP required such costs to be expensed as incurred.
 
Under U.S. GAAP research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Under AIFRS, certain development costs are capitalised. This increases other expenses presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP by $304,000 in the year ended 30 June 2006, and reduces the intangible assets at 30 June 2006 by the same amount.
 
2.   Tax effect of U.S GAAP adjustments
 
This item represents the tax effect of the adjustments in Note 1 at the Australian corporation tax rate of 30%. This reduces the income tax benefit presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP in the year ended 30 June 2006 by $91,000, and increases deferred tax assets at 30 June 2006 by the same amount.
 
3.   Share based payments expense
 
AIFRSs grant a transitional exemption for the calculation of share based payments expense, in that compensation expense for shares and options that were granted between 1 January 2002 and 31 December 2004 that had vested by 1 January 2005 need not be recognised. The same exemption does not apply under U.S. GAAP, and accordingly an adjustment is required to calculate the fair value of the options that had vested prior to 1 January 2005. This has increased employee benefits expense presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP by $47,000 in the 12 months to 30 June 2006 (6 months to 30 June 2005 $16,000; 12 months to 31 December 2004 $94,000) and increased the employee benefit liability for cash settled share based payments by $157,000 at 30 June 2006 ( 30 June 2005 $110,000; 31 December 2004 $94,000). For further details on the employee share option plan and cash settled transactions, refer note 17. This adjustment has no tax impact.
 
4.   Step acquisition of Royal Wolf Hi-Tech
 
Under AIFRS, in accounting for the step acquisition of a controlling interest in an entity which was formerly treated as an associate and equity accounted, the assets and liabilities acquired are adjusted to fair value at the date control is obtained and the entity is consolidated. This gives rise to an asset revaluation reserve equating to the increase in fair value of net assets held from the original acquisition date to the date control is obtained. Under U.S. GAAP, the accounting for such a step acquisition requires a fair value adjustment for the relevant proportion of the net assets acquired to achieve control (in this case 50%) to be recognised. The resulting adjustment to conform with U.S. GAAP reduces the net assets acquired by $378,000 at 30 March 2006 and reduces the revaluation reserve recorded under AIFRS to nil. At 30 June 2006, net assets are reduced by $325,000, being a reduction in container assets of $451,000, a reduction in plant and equipment of $19,000, a reduction in inventory of $20,000, a reduction in asset revaluation reserve of $344,000 and a reduction in deferred tax liability of $165,000.
 
Net profit for the 12 months ended 30 June 2006 is increased by $19,000, as a result of reduced depreciation of $5,000 a reduction in the taxation charge of $5,000 and reduction in cost of goods sold of $9,000.
 
5.   Reconciliation of cash flows
 
Under AIFRS bank overdrafts are classified as cash and cash equivalents (see Note 8). Under US GAAP bank overdrafts are not classified as cash and cash equivalents for the purposes of statement of cash flows. Movements in bank overdrafts are classified for US GAAP purposes as financing cash flows. For U.S. GAAP purposes, cash balances are $777,000 at 30 June 2006, $695,000 at 30 June 2005, and $3,000 at 31 December 2004. Under


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(LOGO) RWA Holdings Pty Limited Financial Report
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements — (Continued)

U.S. GAAP financing cash flows are an inflow of $11,990,000 for the year ending 30 June 2006, $11,876,000 for the six months ending 30 June 2005 and $5,550,000 for the year ending 31 December 2004. Further, due to the fact that development costs are expensed for U.S. GAAP but capitalised for AIFRS, an adjustment of $304,000 is made to reduce operating cash inflows to $13,687,000 and increase investing cash outflows to $26,203,000 for the year ending 30 June 2006.
 
6.   Utilisation of deferred tax assets not recognised in a prior business combination
 
Under AIFRS, the recognition of a benefit arising from deferred tax assets and losses not recognised at the time of a business combination requires a credit to income tax expense and associated charge to goodwill amortisation. Under USGAAP, the credit recognised is adjusted against goodwill directly.
 
28.   Subsequent events
 
On 12 September 2006 the current shareholders entered into a Share Sale Deed with General Finance Corporation (GFC), a US based company with no substantial operations, for the sale of all of the issued capital of the company. There are certain conditions precedent that need to be satisfied before the transaction can complete. It is anticipated that the transaction will complete during the first quarter of calendar year 2007.
 
The aggregate consideration for the acquisition is USD$87.4 million, which is subject to adjustment relating to the levels of the consolidated entity’s working capital, net tangible assets and container rental equipment, and outstanding obligations under a certain container lease program, as well as the costs and expenses incurred by the consolidated entity in connection with any acquisitions completed prior to the closing. The aggregate consideration will increase by USD$570,000 if the preliminary proxy statement has not been cleared by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) by January 17, 2007 and by an additional USD$570,000 if clearance has not been obtained by February 17, 2007.
 
Of the aggregate consideration, the acquirer will pay the shareholders of the company at the closing cash in the amount of USD$83.6 million, as adjusted by the consideration adjustments, less the net debt of the consolidated entity as of the closing of the acquisition and increased if the proxy statement has not been cleared by the SEC by certain dates. The remaining USD$3.8 million of consideration will consist of USD$1.5 million of shares of common stock in GFC and a total of USD$2.3 million payable in cash in two equal instalments following the closing for a non-compete covenant from the company’s shareholders.


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INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT
 
The Board of Directors
Royal Wolf Trading Australia Pty Limited
 
We have audited the accompanying statement of financial position of Royal Wolf Trading Australia Pty Limited (the Company) as of December 31, 2003, and the related statements of financial performance and cash flows for the year then ended, all expressed in Australian dollars. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
 
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in Australia and the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Royal Wolf Trading Australia Pty Limited as of December 31, 2003, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in Australia to the extent set out in note 1 to the financial statements.
 
Accounting principles generally accepted in Australia vary in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Information relating to the nature and effect of such differences is presented in Note 25 to the financial statements.
 
As discussed in note 24, the accompanying financial statements as at December 31, 2003 and for the year ended December 31, 2003 have been restated.
 
/s/ KPMG
 
Sydney, Australia
October 20, 2006


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ROYAL WOLF TRADING AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED
 
A.B.N. 38 069 244 417
 
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2003
 
                 
          Restated
 
    Note     2003  
          $  
 
Revenues from sale and rental of goods
            39,062,025  
Other revenue
            4,579,061  
                 
Total Revenue
    2       43,641,086  
Purchases of finished goods including movements in inventory
            (14,977,167 )
Employee expenses
            (6,270,525 )
Container repair costs
            (3,742,995 )
Repositioning, transport and storage costs
            (3,170,501 )
Leasing expenses
            (1,722,047 )
Borrowing costs
    3       (2,198,074 )
Depreciation and amortisation expenses
    3       (2,468,571 )
CSC yard costs
            (1,189,385 )
Office rent, supplies and training costs
            (794,518 )
Travel expenses
            (505,581 )
Advertising expenses
            (514,834 )
Communication expenses
            (388,456 )
Professional fees
            (334,671 )
Data processing expenses
            (350,429 )
Other expenses from ordinary activities
            (522,016 )
Correction of fundamental errors
    24       (1,634,440 )
Share of net profits of investment accounted for using the equity method
    11       66,500  
                 
Profit from ordinary activities before related income tax expense
            2,923,376  
Income tax charge relating to ordinary activities
            (1,085,932 )
Correction of income tax related fundamental errors
    24       773,077  
                 
Total income tax expense relating to ordinary activities
    5 (a)     (312,855 )
                 
Net profit
            2,610,521  
                 
 
The statement of financial performance is to be read in conjunction with the notes to the financial statements set out on pages F-61 to F-79.


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ROYAL WOLF TRADING AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED
 
A.B.N. 38 069 244 417
 
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2003
 
                 
          Restated
 
    Note     2003  
          $  
 
Current assets
               
Cash assets
    6       1,788,171  
Receivables
    7       5,204,625  
Inventories
    8       3,879,561  
Other
    9       1,206,013  
                 
Total current assets
            12,078,370  
                 
Non-current assets
               
Property, plant & equipment
    10       19,547,044  
Deferred tax assets
    5 (c)     942,348  
Investments accounted for using the equity method
    11       162,500  
Intangible assets
    12       1,475,517  
Other non current assets
    13       710,849  
                 
Total non-current assets
            22,838,258  
                 
Total assets
            34,916,628  
                 
Current liabilities
               
Payables
    14       9,850,866  
Interest bearing liabilities
    15       788,297  
Current tax liabilities
            793,793  
Provisions
    16       582,051  
                 
Total current liabilities
            12,015,007  
                 
Non-current liabilities
               
Interest bearing liabilities
    15       15,437,785  
Deferred tax liabilities
    5 (b)     942,348  
Provisions
    16       133,522  
                 
Total non-current liabilities
            16,513,655  
                 
Total liabilities
            28,528,662  
                 
Net assets
            6,387,966  
                 
Equity
               
Contributed equity
    17       6,035,409  
Retained earnings
    18       352,557  
                 
Total equity
            6,387,966  
                 
 
The statement of financial position is to be read in conjunction with the notes to the financial statements set out on pages F-61 to F-79.


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ROYAL WOLF TRADING AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED
 
A.B.N. 38 069 244 417
 
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2003
 
                 
          Restated
 
    Note     2003  
          $  
 
Cash flows from operating activities
               
Cash receipts in the course of operations
            38,227,988  
Cash payments in the course of operations
            (25,430,781 )
Interest received
            36,774  
Borrowing costs paid
            (2,198,074 )
                 
Net cash provided by operating activities
    21       10,635,907  
                 
Cash flows from investing activities
               
Proceeds on disposal of non current assets
            87,227  
Payments for property plant and equipment
            (12,482,892 )
                 
Net cash used in investing activities
            (12,395,665 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities
               
Finance lease payments
            (5,330,080 )
Loan and promissory note repayments
            (5,995,202 )
Proceeds from new borrowings
            14,535,753  
Loan establishment costs
            (450,849 )
                 
Net cash provided by financing activities
            2,759,622  
                 
Net increase in cash held
            999,864  
Cash at beginning of year
            788,307  
                 
Cash at end of year
    6       1,788,171  
                 
 
The statement of cash flows is to be read in conjunction with the notes to the financial statements set out on pages F-61 to F-79.


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ROYAL WOLF TRADING AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED
 
A.B.N. 38 069 244 417
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2003
 
ROYAL WOLF TRADING AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED
 
A.B.N. 38 069 244 417
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
1.   Statement of significant accounting policies
 
This financial report is prepared in Australian dollars. The financial report was approved by the directors on October 20, 2006. The significant policies that have been adopted in the preparation of this financial report are:
 
a)  Basis of preparation
 
The financial report is a general purpose financial report, which has been prepared in accordance with Accounting Standards, Urgent Issues Group Consensus Views, other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board and the Corporations Act 2001.
 
It has been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting as defined AASB 1001, Accounting Policies, using on the historical cost convention and except where stated, does not take into account changing money values or fair values of non-current assets. The accounting policies have been consistently applied and, except where there is a change in accounting policy, are consistent with those of the previous year.
 
The financial statements as at 31st December 2003 have been prepared on a going concern basis.
 
b)  Revenue recognition
 
Revenues are recognised at fair value of the consideration received net of the amount of goods and services tax (GST) payable to the taxation authority.
 
Revenue from sale of goods is recognised (net of returns, discounts and allowances) when control of the goods passes to the customer, which is when the customer takes delivery of the goods.
 
Revenue from rental of goods is recognised in the period earned.
 
Unearned revenue arises when transport charges for the return retrieval of a hire container or containers is billed in advance, while the actual retrieval has not yet occurred as the container is still on hire.
 
Interest revenue is recognised as it accrues.
 
c)  Borrowing costs
 
Borrowing costs include interest charges and the amortisation of ancillary costs incurred in connection with arrangement of borrowings. Interest charges are expensed when incurred. Ancillary costs incurred in connection with the arrangement of borrowings are capitalised and amortised over the life of the borrowings.
 
d)  Goods and services tax
 
Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of goods and services tax (GST), except where the amount of GST incurred is not recoverable from the Australian Tax Office (ATO). In these circumstances the GST is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as part of an item of the expense.
 
Receivables and payables are stated with the amount of GST included. The net amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the ATO is included as a current asset or liability in the statement of financial position.
 
Cash flows are included in the statement of cash flows on a gross basis. The GST components of cash flows arising from investing and financing activities, which are recoverable from, or payable to, the ATO are classified as operating cash flows.


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ROYAL WOLF TRADING AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED
 
A.B.N. 38 069 244 417
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

e)  Income tax
 
The company adopts the liability method of tax effect accounting whereby the income tax expense is based on the operating profit adjusted for any permanent differences.
 
Timing differences, which arise due to the different accounting periods in which items of revenue and expense account as either a provision for deferred income tax or as a future income tax benefit at the rate of income tax applicable to the period in which the benefit will be received or the liability will become payable.
 
Future income tax benefits are not brought to account unless realisation of the asset is assured beyond any reasonable doubt. Future income tax benefits in relation to tax losses are not brought to account unless there is virtual certainty of the realisation of the benefit.
 
The amount of benefits brought to account or which may be realised in the future is based on the assumption that no adverse change will occur in income taxation legislation, and the anticipation that the company will derive sufficient future assessable income to enable the benefit to be realised and comply with the conditions of deductibility imposed by the law.
 
f)  Property, plant and equipment
 
Plant and equipment is brought to account at cost, less, where applicable, any accumulated depreciation. The carrying amount of plant and equipment is reviewed annually by the directors to ensure it is not in excess of the recoverable amount for these assets. The recoverable amount is assessed on the basis of the expected net cash flows which will be received from the employment of these assets and subsequent disposal. The expected net cash flows have not been discounted to their present values in determining recoverable amounts. If the carrying amount of a non-current asset exceeds its recoverable amount, the asset is written down to the lower amount. The write down is expensed in the reporting period in which it occurs.
 
The costs incurred for initial restoration performed on containers before becoming operational in the lease stock are capitalised and depreciated over the useful lives of the containers.
 
All property, plant and equipment, excluding freehold land, are depreciated over their useful lives to the company. Assets are depreciated from the date of acquisition. Depreciation rates and methods are reviewed annually for appropriateness. When changes are made, adjustments are reflected prospectively in current and future periods only.
 
The depreciation method and useful lives used for each class of property, plant and equipment are as follows:
 
         
   
Life
 
Method
 
Plant and equipment
  3 - 10 years   straight line
Motor vehicles
  3 - 10 years   straight line
Furniture and fittings
  5 - 10 years   straight line
Containers on hire
  10 years   straight line (20% residual)
Leased containers on hire (used)
  10 years   straight line (20% residual)
Leased containers on hire (new)
  25 years   straight line (20% residual)
 
g)  Inventories
 
Inventories, which consist primarily of containers held for sale, are measured at the lower of cost or net realisable value. Costs are assigned on a first in first out basis and include direct materials, direct labour and an appropriate proportion of variable and fixed overhead expenses.


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ROYAL WOLF TRADING AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED
 
A.B.N. 38 069 244 417
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

h)  Receivables
 
The collectability of debts is assessed at balance date and specific provision is made for any doubtful accounts.
 
i)  Investments
 
Investments accounted for using the equity method are carried at the lower of the equity accounted amount and recoverable amount. The company’s equity accounted share of the Associates’ net profit or loss is recognised in the consolidated statement of financial performance from the date significant influence commences until the date significant influence ceases. Other movements in reserves are recognised directly in consolidated reserves.
 
j)  Employee benefits
 
Provision is made for the company’s liability for employee benefits arising from services rendered by employees to balance date. Employee benefits expected to be settled within one year together with entitlements arising from wages and salaries, long service leave, annual leave and time in lieu which will be settled after one year, have been measured at the amounts expected to be paid when the liability is settled, plus related on-costs. Unvested sick leave entitlements have not been recognised as it is considered that sick leave taken in the future will not be greater than the entitlements that will accrue in the future.
 
Contributions are made by the company to employee superannuation funds and are charged as expenses when incurred.
 
k)  Goodwill
 
Goodwill is initially recorded at the amount by which the purchase price for a business exceeds the fair value attributed to its net assets at the date of acquisition. Purchased goodwill is amortised on a straight line basis over the period of 20 years. The balance is reviewed annually and any balance representing future benefits considered unlikely to be realised is written off. In assessing the recoverable amount, future cash flows are not discounted.
 
l)  Foreign currency transactions and balances
 
Foreign currency transactions during the period are converted to Australian currency at the rates of exchange applicable at the dates of transactions. Amounts receivable and payable in foreign currencies at balance date are converted to the rates of exchange ruling at that date.
 
The gains and losses from conversion of short-term assets and liabilities, whether realised or unrealised, are included in operating profit before income tax as they arise.
 
m)  Leases
 
Leases of fixed assets, where substantially all the risks and benefits incidental to the ownership of the asset, but not the legal ownership, are transferred to the company, are classified as finance leases. Finance leases are capitalised, recording an asset and a liability equal to the present value of the minimum lease payments, including any guaranteed residual values.
 
Leased assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives where it is likely that the entity will obtain ownership of the asset, or over the term of the lease. Lease payments are allocated between the reduction of the lease liability and the lease interest expense for the period.
 
Lease payments for operating leases, where substantially all the risks and benefits remain with the lessor, are charged as expenses in the periods in which they are incurred.


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ROYAL WOLF TRADING AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED
 
A.B.N. 38 069 244 417
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

n)  Revisions of accounting estimates
 
Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised prospectively in current and future periods only.
 
                 
          Restated
 
    Note     2003  
          $  
 
2.  Revenue from ordinary activities
               
Sale of goods revenue from operating activities
            25,972,618  
Rental of goods revenue from operating activities
            13,089,407  
                 
              39,062,025  
                 
Other revenues:
               
From operating activities
               
Interest
            36,774  
From outside operating activities
               
Gross proceeds from sale of non current assets
            87,227  
Net foreign currency gain
            4,455,060  
                 
Total revenues from other activities
            4,579,061  
                 
Total revenue
            43,641,086  
                 
3.  Profit from ordinary activities before income tax expense
               
a) Individually significant revenues / (expenses) included in profit from ordinary activities before income tax expense
               
Net foreign currency gain
            4,455,060  
Correction of fundamental errors
    24       (1,634,440 )
b) Profit from ordinary activities before income tax expense has been arrived at after charging/(crediting) the following items
               
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
            2,361,795  
Amortisation of goodwill
            106,776  
Borrowing Costs
            2,198,074  
Employee leave entitlements
            341,442  
Movement in inventory provision
            148,444  
Movement in provision for doubtful debts
            (67,620 )
Net gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment
            3,180  
Net foreign currency gain
            (4,455,060 )
Correction of fundamental errors
    24       1,634,440  
4.  Auditor’s remuneration
               
Auditors of the company — KPMG:
               
Audit services
            60,000  
Taxation services
            112,616  
Other services
            4,000  
                 
              176,616  
                 


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ROYAL WOLF TRADING AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED
 
A.B.N. 38 069 244 417
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

                 
          Restated
 
    Note     2003  
          $  
 
5.  Taxation
               
a) Income tax expense
               
Prima facie income tax expense calculated at 30% on the profit from ordinary activities
            (877,013 )
Decrease in income tax benefit due to:
               
Amortisation of goodwill
            (32,033 )
Sundry items
            (158,750 )
Prior year under provision
            (18,136 )
                 
Income tax expense relating to ordinary activities before correction of fundamental errors
            (1,085,932 )
                 
Correction of income tax related fundamental errors — current year
    24 (ii)     (138,842 )
— prior year
    24 (i)     48,840  
— prior year
    24 (ii)     863,079  
                 
              773,077  
                 
Total income tax expense relating to ordinary activities
            (312,855 )
                 
b) Deferred tax liabilities
               
Provision for deferred income tax
               
Provision for deferred income tax comprises the estimated expense at the applicable rate of 30% on the following items:
               
Difference in depreciation and amortisation of property, plant and equipment for accounting and income tax purposes
            942,348  
                 
              942,348  
                 
c) Deferred tax assets
               
Future income tax benefit
               
Future income tax benefit comprises the estimated future benefit at the applicable rate of 30% on the following items:
               
Unrealised exchange losses not currently deductible
            36,227  
Provisions and accrued employee entitlements not currently deductible
            449,032  
Withholding tax accrual
            530,405  
Sundry items
            65,526  
Deferred tax assets not recognized
            (138,842 )
                 
              942,348  
                 
6.  Cash assets
               
Cash at bank and on hand
            1,788,171  
                 

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ROYAL WOLF TRADING AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED
 
A.B.N. 38 069 244 417
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

                 
          Restated
 
    Note     2003  
          $  
 
7.  Receivables
               
Current
               
Trade debtors
            5,109,138  
Provision for doubtful trade debtors
            (129,594 )
                 
              4,979,544  
Other debtors
            40,270  
Receivables from related entities
            184,811  
                 
              5,204,625  
                 
8.  Inventories
               
Stock on hand
            3,998,561  
Provision for diminution in value
            (119,000 )
                 
              3,879,561  
                 
9.  Other current assets
               
Prepayments
            424,537  
Income tax receivable
    24       781,476  
                 
              1,206,013  
                 
10.  Property, plant and equipment
               
Plant and equipment
               
At cost
            3,055,315  
Accumulated depreciation
            (1,105,041 )
                 
              1,950,274  
Motor Vehicles
               
At cost
            286,972  
Accumulated depreciation
            (141,920 )
                 
              145,052  
Owned containers on hire
               
At cost
            19,517,682  
Accumulated depreciation
            (3,549,454 )
                 
              15,968,228  
Leased containers on hire
               
At cost
            1,600,307  
Accumulated depreciation
            (116,817 )
                 
              1,483,490  
Total property, plant and equipment
            19,547,044  
                 

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ROYAL WOLF TRADING AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED
 
A.B.N. 38 069 244 417
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

                 
          Restated
 
    Note     2003  
          $  
 
Reconciliations
               
Reconciliations of the carrying amounts for each class of plant and equipment are set out below:
               
Plant and equipment
               
Carrying amount at beginning of year
            893,507  
Additions
            1,588,247  
Disposals
            (57,271 )
Depreciation
            (474,209 )
                 
Carrying amount at end of year
            1,950,274  
                 
Motor vehicles
               
Carrying amount at beginning of year
            131,985  
Additions
            117,649  
Disposals
            (26,776 )
Depreciation
            (77,806 )
                 
Carrying amount at end of year
            145,052  
                 
Owned containers on hire
               
Carrying amount at beginning of year
            3,937,150  
Additions
            7,461,995  
Transfers from leased containers
            7,591,395  
Transfers to inventory
            (2,402,226 )
Depreciation
            (620,086 )
                 
Carrying amount at end of year
            15,968,228  
                 
Leased containers on hire
               
Carrying amount at beginning of year
            7,493,597  
Additions
            3,315,001  
Transfers to owned containers
            (7,591,395 )
Transfers to inventory
            (544,019 )
Depreciation
            (1,189,694 )
                 
Carrying amount at end of year
            1,483,490  
                 
11.  Investments accounted for using the equity method
               
The company has a 50% interest in Royal Wolf Hi-Tech Pty Limited, (the “Associate”) being a company that sells, hires and modifies shipping containers. Royal Wolf Hi-Tech Pty limited has a balance date of 30 June
               
Results of Associate
               
The company’s share of the Associate’s result consists of:
               
Revenue from ordinary activities
            1,056,578  
Expenses from ordinary activities
            (990,078 )
                 
Net profit — accounted for using the equity method
            66,500  

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ROYAL WOLF TRADING AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED
 
A.B.N. 38 069 244 417
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

                 
          Restated
 
    Note     2003  
          $  
 
Movements in carrying amount of investment
               
Carrying amount of investments in Associates at beginning of year
            96,000  
Share of Associates’ net profit
            66,500  
Dividends received from Associate
             
                 
Carrying amount of investments in Associates at end of year
            162,500  
                 
The Associate has no future commitments for capital expenditure
               
12.  Intangible assets
               
Goodwill:
               
At cost
            2,135,528  
Accumulated amortization
            (660,011 )
                 
              1,475,517  
                 
13.  Other non-current assets
               
Loan to related party
            260,000  
Loan establishment costs
               
At cost
            450,849  
Accumulated amortisation
             
                 
              450,849  
                 
              710,849  
                 
14.  Payables
               
Trade creditors
            6,004,574  
Accruals
            3,441,646  
Unearned income
            404,646  
                 
              9,850,866  
                 
15.  Interest bearing liabilities
               
Current
               
Bank loan
            540,000  
Other loan
            113,928  
Lease liability
            134,369  
                 
              788,297  
                 
Non-current
               
Bank loan
            12,040,000  
Other loan — parent entity
            1,955,753  
Lease liability
            1,442,032  
                 
              15,437,785  
                 

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ROYAL WOLF TRADING AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED
 
A.B.N. 38 069 244 417
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

                 
          Restated
 
    Note     2003  
          $  
 
Financing arrangements
               
Facilities available at balance date
               
Finance leases
            4,576,401  
Secured bank loans
            13,500,000  
                 
              18,076,401  
Facilities utilised at reporting date
               
Finance leases
            1,576,401  
Secured bank loans
            12,580,000  
                 
              14,156,401  
Facilities not utilised at reporting date
               
Finance leases
            3,000,000  
Secured bank loans
            920,000  
                 
              3,920,000  
 
Secured bank loans
 
Bank loans are denominated in Australian dollars. The amount in current liabilities comprises the portion of the company’s bank loan payable within one year. The non-current bank loans are payable on or before 2008 in varying instalments with a balloon payment at the end, and are subject to annual review. The loans bear interest at the Bank Bill Swap Bid Rate (“BBSY”) as published daily by Reuters plus a margin of 1.75%, payable monthly. Bank loans are secured by a guarantee from RWA Holdings Pty Limited (the parent entity) and are due and payable over the next five years.
 
Finance leases
 
The company’s lease liabilities are payable over the next five years and are secured by leased assets of $333,384. The lease liabilities bear interest at a weighted average rate of 11.8%. In the event of default, the assets revert to the lessor.
 
Other loan — parent entity
 
The balance payable to the parent entity is an unsecured loan, with no specified repayment terms. Interest is payable at a rate of 15%.
 
Loan covenants
 
Under the terms of the Senior Loan Facility agreement with Bank of Western Australia Limited the company undertakes to ensure compliance with covenants in relation to Financial Ratios; Minimum Gross Fixed Assets; Minimum Consolidated Net Worth; Container Utilisation Ratio and Book Value over the term of the agreement. The loan covenant measurement dates are 31 March, 30 June, 30 September and 31 December in each year, commencing 31 March 2004.

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ROYAL WOLF TRADING AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED
 
A.B.N. 38 069 244 417
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 
16.   Provisions
 
                 
          Restated
 
    Note     2003  
          $  
 
Current
               
Employee entitlements
            582,051  
                 
Non current
               
Employee entitlements
            133,522  
                 
Employee entitlements have been calculated using the following weighted averages
               
Assumed rate of increase in wages and salary rates
            10 %
Settlement term (years)
            5  
 
The company contributes to defined contribution superannuation plans. During the year the company paid $599,341 to defined contribution plans. The employer contributions outstanding at balance date were $602. The total number of employees at balance date is 80.
 
17.   Contributed equity
 
                 
          Restated
 
    Note     2003  
          $  
 
Share capital
               
6,035,409 fully paid ordinary shares
            6,035,409  
                 
 
Ordinary Shares
 
Holders of Ordinary Shares are entitled to one vote per share at shareholders’ meetings.
 
In the event of winding up of the Company, ordinary shareholders rank after all creditors and are fully entitled to any proceeds of liquidation.
 
18.   Retained earnings
 
                 
Accumulated losses at beginning of year
            (2,257,964 )
Net profit before correction of prior year fundamental errors
    24       3,333,042  
Correction of prior year fundamental errors
    24       (722,521 )
                 
Retained earnings at end of year
            352,557  
                 


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ROYAL WOLF TRADING AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED
 
A.B.N. 38 069 244 417
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 
19.   Commitments
 
a)  Finance lease payment and hire purchase commitments
 
                 
Finance lease commitments are payable:
               
Within one year
            313,170  
One year or later and no later than five years
            1,980,487  
                 
              2,293,657  
Less: Future lease finance charges
            (717,256 )
                 
              1,576,401  
Lease liabilities provided for in the financial statements:
               
Current
    15       134,369  
Non-current
    15       1,442,032  
                 
Total lease liability
            1,576,401  
 
b)  Non-cancellable operating lease expense commitments
 
         
Future operating lease commitments not provided for in the financial statements and payable:
       
Within one year
    2,291,952  
One year or later and no later than five years
    695,825  
         
      2,987,777  
         
 
The company leases various office equipment and other facilities under operating leases. The leases have an average period of between one and four years, some with an option to renew the lease after that period. None of the leases includes contingent rentals. There are no restrictions placed upon the lessee by entering into these leases.
 
c)  Non-cancellable operating lease receivable commitments
 
         
Future operating lease rentals receivable:
       
Within one year
    1,221,685  
One year or later and no later than five years
     
         
      1,221,685  
         
 
The company leases containers on a daily basis in the ordinary course of business. These leases can vary in length from a minimum hire period of 30 days to up to five years and longer.
 
All leases include a clause to enable upward revision of the rental charge.
 
The company has no other lessor relationships apart from those relating to the rental of containers.
 
20.   Segment reporting
 
The company operates predominately in a single industry, being the sale and leasing of freight containers and container based storage and accommodation products, and one geographical segment, being Australia.
 


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ROYAL WOLF TRADING AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED
 
A.B.N. 38 069 244 417
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

         
    Restated
 
    2003
 
    $  
 
21.  Notes to the statement of cash flows
       
a) Reconciliation of cash
       
For the purpose of the statement of cash flows, cash includes cash on hand and at bank. Cash as at the end of the financial year is reconciled to the related items in the statement of financial position as follows:
       
Cash on hand and at bank
    1,788,171  
         
b) Reconciliation of net profit from ordinary activities after income tax to net cash provided by operating activities:
       
Net profit
    2,610,521  
Add/(less) non cash items:
       
Net gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment
    (3,180 )
Amortisation
    106,776  
Depreciation
    2,361,795  
Share of Associates’ net profit
    (66,500 )
Unrealised exchange gain
    (120,755 )
         
Net cash provided by operating activities before change in assets and liabilities
    4,888,657  
Changes in assets and liabilities:
       
Decrease in current receivables
    134,818  
Decrease in current inventories
    1,554,400  
Increase in other assets
    (232,631 )
Increase in deferred tax assets
    (229,288 )
Increase in payables
    3,647,993  
Increase in income taxes payable
    793,793  
Decrease in deferred tax liabilities
    (241,432 )
Increase in provisions for employee entitlements
    319,597  
         
Net cash provided by operating activities
    10,635,907  
         
 
22.   Related parties
 
Directors
 
The names of each person holding the position of director of the company during the financial year are as follows:
 
Mr. Gregory Baker
Mr. Michael Baxter
Mr. Robert Carey
Mr. Norman Fricker
Mr. Randolph Gilbert
Mr. Richard Gregson
Mr. Paul Jeffery
Mr. Peter Johnson

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ROYAL WOLF TRADING AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED
 
A.B.N. 38 069 244 417
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Mr. Robert Skinner
Mr. James Warren
 
Apart from the details disclosed in this note, no director has entered into a material contract with the company since the end of the previous financial year and there were no material contracts involving directors’ interests subsiding at year end.
 
Directors’ remuneration
 
The number of directors whose income from the company or any related party falls within the following bands:
 
         
    2003
 
    No.  
 
$       0 - $  9,999
    5  
$ 10,000 - $ 19,999
    1  
$ 70,000 - $ 79,999
    1  
$150,000 - $159,999
    1  
$320,000 - $329,999
    1  
$350,000 - $359,999
    1  
    $  
         
Total income paid or payable to all Directors from the company or any related party
    908,879  
         
 
Directors’ shareholdings
 
The relevant interests of directors and their director related entities in shares of the company at year end are as follows
 
         
    Number Held
 
    2003  
 
Ordinary shares
    Nil  
 
Other transactions with the company
 
From time to time directors of the company or their director-related entities may sell or purchase goods from the company. These purchases are on the same terms and conditions as those entered into by other company employees except that directors may not purchase on credit terms.
 
Interest in Associate
 
During the year, sales of $10,329 were made to the Associate and purchases of $556,674 were made from the Associate. At the end of the period, $184,811 was due and payable by the Associate, and $25 was due and payable to the Associate.
 
Parent entity
 
On 24 December 2003 the entire share capital of the company was acquired by RWA Holdings Pty Limited, a company incorporated in Australia for cash consideration of $5.8 million with payments of up to a further $3.5 million contingent on future events. Details of balances due to the parent entity are shown in note 15.

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ROYAL WOLF TRADING AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED
 
A.B.N. 38 069 244 417
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

23.   Foreign currencies
 
The company may enter into forward foreign exchange contracts, as appropriate, to hedge anticipated foreign currency purchases expected in the next 24 months within Board approved limits. The amount of anticipated future purchases is forecast in light of current conditions in foreign markets, commitments to suppliers and experience. The company held no contracts at balance date.
 
24.   Fundamental errors
 
(i) As a result of an error, adjustments from earlier years in respect of underpayment of withholding tax on lease arrangements of $1,634,440 with a tax effect of a benefit of $48,840 have been recorded during the financial year ended 31 December 2003.
 
(ii) As a result of an error in prior years identified after the approval and filing of the statutory financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2003, a net deferred tax liability of $863,079 was incorrectly included in arriving at the total net deferred tax liability. This has been adjusted in these financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2003. The impact of this adjustment on the restated taxation charge for the year is an increase of $138,842.
 
The restated financial information for the financial year ended 31 December 2003 is presented below as if the fundamental error for tax related adjustments had not been made:
 
         
    2003
 
    $
 
    Restated  
 
Profit from ordinary activities before related income tax expense
    4,557,816  
Total income tax expense relating to ordinary activities before effect of errors
    (1,085,932 )
Correction of fundamental error relating to current year taxation charge (see (ii) above)
    (138,842 )
         
Restated income tax charge relating to ordinary activities
    (1,224,774 )
         
Net profit from ordinary activities after income tax expense attributable to members of the company
    3,333,042  
         
Accumulated losses at beginning of year — as previously reported
    (2,257,964 )
Correction of withholding tax on lease arrangements, net of $48,840 of tax (see (i) above)
    (1,585,600 )
         
Correction of opening deferred tax liability (see (ii) above)
    863,079  
         
Correction of fundamental errors, net of tax
    (722,521 )
         
Restated accumulated losses at beginning of year
    (2,980,485 )
Restated net profit from ordinary activities after income tax expense
    3,333,042  
         
Restated retained earnings at end of year
    352,557  
         
Total equity
    6,387,966  
         
 
25.   Reconciliation to U.S. GAAP
 
These general purpose financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards (AGAAP) to the extent described in note 1 which, as applied by the Company, differ in certain significant


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ROYAL WOLF TRADING AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED
 
A.B.N. 38 069 244 417
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

respects from U.S. GAAP. The effects of the application of U.S. GAAP to net profit and shareholders’ equity are set out in the tables below:
 
RECONCILIATION OF NET PROFIT TO U.S. GAAP (IN AU$)
 
         
    31 December
 
    2003  
    A$  
 
Net profit after tax under AGAAP (restated)
    2,610,521  
Correction of prior period errors (net of tax)
    722,521  
Amortisation of goodwill
    106,776  
Straight lining of leases
    (372 )
         
Net income under U.S. GAAP
    3,439,446  
         
 
RECONCILIATION OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY TO U.S. GAAP (IN AU$)
 
         
    31 December
 
    2003  
    A$  
 
Total equity under AGAAP (restated)
    6,387,966  
Amortisation of goodwill
    213,553  
Goodwill and intangible asset adjustments through impact of push-down accounting
    (829,519 )
Straight lining of leases
    (5,310 )
         
Shareholders’ equity under U.S. GAAP
    5,766,690  
         
 
RECONCILIATION OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY TO U.S. GAAP (IN AU$)
 
         
    31 December
 
    2003  
    A$  
 
Opening shareholders’ equity at 1 January 2003 under U.S. GAAP
    2,327,244  
Net income under U.S. GAAP
    3,439,446  
         
Closing shareholders’ equity at 31 December 2003
    5,766,690  
         


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ROYAL WOLF TRADING AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED
 
A.B.N. 38 069 244 417
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

RECONCILIATION OF INCOME STATEMENT TO U.S. GAAP (IN AU$)
 
                                 
          Restated
    U.S. GAAP
       
    Note     AGAAP     Adjustments     U.S. GAAP  
          A$     A$     A$  
 
Revenues from sale and rental of goods
            39,062,025             39,062,025  
Other revenue
            4,579,061             4,579,061  
                                 
Total Revenue
            43,641,086             43,641,086  
Purchases of finished goods including movements in inventory
            (14,977,167 )           (14,977,167 )
Employee expenses
            (6,270,525 )           (6,270,525 )
Container repair costs
            (3,742,995 )           (3,742,995 )
Repositioning, transport and storage costs
            (3,170,501 )           (3,170,501 )
Leasing expenses
            (1,722,047 )     (372 )     (1,722,419 )
Borrowing costs
            (2,198,074 )           (2,198,074 )
Depreciation and amortisation expenses
            (2,468,571 )     106,776       (2,361,795 )
CSC yard costs
            (1,189,385 )           (1,189,385 )
Office rent, supplies and training costs
            (794,518 )           (794,518 )
Travel expenses
            (505,581 )           (505,581 )
Advertising expenses
            (514,834 )           (514,834 )
Communication expenses
            (388,456 )           (388,456 )
Professional fees
            (334,671 )           (334,671 )
Data processing expenses
            (350,429 )           (350,429 )
Other expenses from ordinary activities
            (522,016 )           (522,016 )
Correction of fundamental errors
            (1,634,440 )     1,634,440        
Share of net profits of investment accounted for using the equity method
            66,500             66,500  
                                 
Profit from ordinary activities before related income tax expense
            2,923,376       1,740,844       4,664,220  
Income tax charge relating to ordinary activities
            (1,085,932 )     (138,842 )     (1,224,774 )
Correction of income tax related fundamental errors
            773,077       (773,077 )      
                                 
Total income tax expense relating to ordinary activities
            (312,855 )     (911,919 )     (1,224,774 )
                                 
Net profit
            2,610,521       828,925       3,439,446  
                                 


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ROYAL WOLF TRADING AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED
 
A.B.N. 38 069 244 417
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 
RECONCILIATION OF BALANCE SHEET TO U.S. GAAP (IN AU$)
 
                         
    Restated
    U.S. GAAP
       
    AGAAP     Adjustments     U.S. GAAP  
    A$     A$     A$  
 
Current assets
                       
Cash assets
    1,788,171             1,788,171  
Receivables
    5,204,625             5,204,625  
Inventories
    3,879,561             3,879,561  
Other
    1,206,013             1,206,013  
                         
Total current assets
    12,078,370             12,078,370  
                         
Non-current assets
                       
Property, plant & equipment
    19,547,044             19,547,044  
Deferred tax assets
    942,348       (942,348 )      
Investments accounted for using the equity method
    162,500             162,500  
Intangible assets
    1,475,517       (496,566 )     978,951  
Other non current assets
    710,849       (185,225 )     525,624  
                         
Total non-current assets
    22,838,258       (1,624,139 )     21,214,119  
                         
Total assets
    34,916,628       (1,624,139 )     33,292,489  
                         
Current liabilities
                       
Payables
    9,850,866       5,310       9,856,176  
Interest bearing liabilities
    788,297             788,297  
Current tax liabilities
    793,793             793,793  
Provisions
    582,051             582,051  
                         
Total current liabilities
    12,015,007       5,310       12,020,317  
                         
Non-current liabilities
                       
Interest bearing liabilities
    15,437,785       (185,225 )     15,252,560  
Deferred tax liabilities
    942,348       (822,948 )     119,400  
Provisions
    133,522             133,522  
                         
Total non-current liabilities
    16,513,655       (1,008,173 )     15,505,482  
                         
Total liabilities
    28,528,662       (1,002,863 )     27,525,799  
                         
Net assets
    6,387,966       (621,276 )     5,766,690  
                         
Equity
                       
Contributed equity
    6,035,409               6,035,409  
Retained profits/(accumulated losses)
    352,557       (621,276 )     (268,719 )
                         
Total equity
    6,387,966       (621,276 )     5,766,690  
                         
 
Amortisation of goodwill
 
Under AGAAP, goodwill is required to be amortised over a period not exceeding 20 years. Under U.S. GAAP (SFAS 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets) however, goodwill amortisation was required to cease for


F-77


Table of Contents

 
ROYAL WOLF TRADING AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED
 
A.B.N. 38 069 244 417
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

financial years commencing on or after 15 December, 2001. The result is a net adjustment of $213,553 to increase goodwill and shareholder’s equity at 31 December 2003. This increases the retained earnings at 1 January 2003 by $106,777, and increases net profit after tax for the 12 months ending 31 December 2003 and retained earnings at 31 December 2003 by a further $106,776. There is no tax impact of this adjustment.
 
Straight lining of leases
 
Under U.S. GAAP, leases with fixed price increases included in the terms and conditions are accrued and expensed evenly across the term of the lease. This is not a requirement of AGAAP. This has increased operating expenses by $372 for the year ending 31 December 2003, and reduced the opening balance of retained earnings by $4,938, in total reducing shareholders equity by $5,310 with no significant impact on tax charge.
 
Correction of errors
 
As further described in Note 24, under AGAAP, fundamental errors were corrected in the current period. U.S. GAAP requires restatement of comparatives for prior year errors with amounts related to periods prior to the earliest period presented reflected as an adjustment to opening retained earnings. The result is an increase in profit before income tax of $1,634,440 and increase in tax charge of $911,919 in the statement of financial performance for the year ended 31 December 2003, increasing opening retained earnings by $722,521.
 
Loan establishment costs
 
Under AGAAP loan establishment costs are shown separately as an asset in the statement of financial position. Under U.S. GAAP, loan establishment costs paid to the lender of $185,225 are deducted from the related non-current interest bearing liability of $12,040,000.
 
Deferred taxes
 
Under AGAAP deferred tax liabilities and assets are shown separately as an asset in the statement of financial position. Under U.S. GAAP deferred tax liabilities and assets are shown net where the amounts relate to the same taxable entity and jurisdiction.
 
Acquisition of the company by RWA Holdings Pty Limited
 
Under U.S. GAAP, purchase accounting adjustments at parent company level are pushed down to the acquired entity where substantially all the ownership changes as a result of a business combination. The purchase price for the company was $5,766,690 with up to a further $3,500,000 being payable dependent on future profit performance of the company.
 
Push down accounting is not required under AGAAP. The application of push down accounting under U.S. GAAP gives rise to the recognition of separable intangible assets of $398,000, and associated deferred tax liability of $119,400, a reduction in deferred tax liabilities of $1,518,817 due to tax base adjustments, a deferred tax valuation allowance of $1,518,817 and goodwill of $580,951 in the company. The original carrying amount of goodwill related to prior acquisitions of $1,689,070 is eliminated as part of the push down adjustments.
 
26.   Events subsequent to balance date
 
On 12 September 2006 the current shareholders of the parent entity, RWA Holdings Pty Limited, entered into a Share Sale Deed with General Finance Corporation (GFC), a US based company with no substantial operations, for the sale of all of the issued capital of the company. There are certain conditions precedent that need to be satisfied


F-78


Table of Contents

 
ROYAL WOLF TRADING AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED
 
A.B.N. 38 069 244 417
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

before the transaction can complete. It is anticipated that the transaction will complete during the first quarter of calendar year 2007.
 
The aggregate consideration for the acquisition is USD$87.4 million, which is subject to adjustment relating to the levels of the company’s working capital, net tangible assets and container rental equipment, and outstanding obligations under a certain container lease program, as well as the costs and expenses incurred by the company in connection with any acquisitions completed prior to the closing. The aggregate consideration will increase by USD$570,000 if the preliminary proxy statement has not been cleared by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) by January 17, 2007 and by an additional USD$570,000 if clearance has not been obtained by February 17, 2007.
 
Of the aggregate consideration, the acquirer will pay the shareholders of the parent entity at the closing cash in the amount of USD$83.6 million, as adjusted by the consideration adjustments, less the net debt of the company as of the closing of the acquisition and increased if the proxy statement has not been cleared by the SEC by certain dates. The remaining USD$3.8 million of consideration will consist of USD$1.5 million of shares of common stock in GFC and a total of USD$2.3 million payable in cash in two equal instalments following the closing for a non-compete covenant from the parent entity’s shareholders.


F-79


Table of Contents

 
Annex A
 
Share sale deed
 
relating to shares in RWA Holdings Pty Limited
 
 
Equity Partners Two Pty Limited (in its capacity as trustee of Equity Partners 2 Trust) (Equity Partners)
Cetro Pty Limited
FOMJ Pty Limited
FOMM Pty Limited
TCWE Pty Limited
(together the Management Vendors)
The persons listed in Schedule 2 (Guarantors)
GFN Australasia Finance Pty Limited (Purchaser)
General Finance Corporation (GFC)
 
 
(LOGO)
AURORA PLACE, 88 PHILLIP STREET, SYDNEY NSW 2000, DX 117 SYDNEY
TEL: +61 2 9921 8888 FAX: +61 2 9921 8123
www.minterellison.com


Table of Contents

Share sale deed
 
         
Details
  A-1
Agreed terms
  A-2
1.     Defined terms & interpretation
  A-2
1.1    Defined terms
  A-2
1.2    Interpretation
  A-8
1.3    Headings
  A-9
2.     Conditions
  A-9
2.1    Conditions
  A-9
2.2    Waiver of Conditions
  A-10
2.3    Conduct of the parties
  A-10
2.4    Failure of Condition and termination
  A-10
2.5    Extent of obligation to Fulfil Conditions
  A-11
2.6    GFC Shareholder Approval
  A-11
3.     Sale and purchase
  A-11
3.1    Agreement to sell and purchase Sale Shares
  A-11
4.     Fair Value and Purchase Price
  A-11
4.1    Fair Value
  A-11
4.2    Amount
  A-11
4.3    Deposit
  A-12
4.4    Adjustments
  A-12
4.5    Cash and scrip components of Purchase Price
  A-13
4.6    Net Debt
  A-14
4.7    Reimbursement for acquisitions
  A-14
4.8    Cleared funds
  A-14
4.9    K & S Lease (Curtainsiders)
  A-15
4.10  Additional Amount
  A-15
5.     Escrow
  A-15
5.1    Management Vendors Escrow
  A-15
5.2    Equity Partners Escrow
  A-16
5.3    Escrow of GFC Consideration Shares
  A-16
5.4    Interest
  A-18
5.5    Warranty insurance
  A-18
6.     Completion
  A-18
6.1    Time and place
  A-18
6.2    Obligations of the Vendors
  A-18
6.3    Obligations of the Purchaser and GFC
  A-19
6.4    Simultaneous actions at Completion
  A-19
6.5    Records
  A-20
6.6    Information and Assistance Following Completion
  A-20
7.     Completion Accounts
  A-20
7.1    Completion Accounts
  A-20
7.2    Basis of preparation
  A-20
7.3    Access to information
  A-20
7.4    Review of Completion Accounts
  A-20


A-i


Table of Contents

         
7.5    Dispute Resolution Procedure
  A-20
7.6    Costs
  A-21
8.     Obligations before Completion
  A-21
8.1    Continuity of business
  A-21
8.2    Access to Business and Records
  A-22
8.3    Purchaser’s obligations
  A-22
8.4    Notice of Change
  A-22
8.5    SEC Proxy Filing
  A-22
9.     Warranties and Indemnities
  A-23
9.1    Warranties by Vendors
  A-23
9.2    Application of the Warranties
  A-23
9.3    Disclosure
  A-24
9.4    Acknowledgments
  A-24
9.5    No reliance
  A-24
9.6    Financial limits on Claims
  A-25
9.7    Time limits on Claims
  A-25
9.8    Maximum aggregate liability for Claims
  A-25
9.9    Duty to mitigate
  A-25
9.10  Rights of the Purchaser
  A-25
9.11  Benefits or credits received by the Company or the Purchaser
  A-26
9.12  Warranty payments
  A-26
9.13  Trade Practices Act
  A-26
9.14  Financial forecasts
  A-26
9.15  Additional limitations
  A-26
9.16  Vendors’ Tax Indemnity
  A-27
9.17  Limits to recovery
  A-27
9.18  Good faith negotiations in relation to disclosure of material items between signing and Completion
  A-27
10.    K&S Lease Indemnity
  A-27
11.    ADF Contract
  A-28
12.    Environmental audit report
  A-28
13.    GFC Undertaking
  A-28
14.    Guarantee
  A-28
14.1  Guarantee and indemnity
  A-28
14.2  Enforcement against guarantors
  A-29
14.3  Continuing Guarantee
  A-29
14.4  Principal Obligations
  A-29
14.5  Obligations Absolute and Unconditional
  A-29
14.6  Winding-up or Bankruptcy of Management Vendor
  A-30
14.7  Indemnity in Respect of Management Vendors’ Obligations
  A-30
14.8  Payment under Indemnity
  A-30
14.9  General Application of Indemnity
  A-30
15.    Restraint
  A-30
15.1  Definitions
  A-30
15.2  Prohibited activities
  A-30


A-ii


Table of Contents

         
15.3  Duration of prohibition
  A-31
15.4  Geographic application of prohibition
  A-31
15.5  Interpretation
  A-31
15.6  Exceptions
  A-31
15.7  Acknowledgments
  A-32
15.8  Payment of Restraint Amount
  A-32
16.    Representations by the Purchaser and GFC
  A-32
16.1  Representations
  A-32
16.2  Application of representations by the Purchaser and GFC
  A-32
17.    Equity Partners limitation of liability
  A-33
17.1  Limited capacity
  A-33
17.2  Limited rights to sue
  A-33
17.3  Exceptions
  A-33
17.4  Limitation on authority
  A-33
18.    GST
  A-33
18.1  Interpretation
  A-33
18.2  GST gross up
  A-33
18.3  Reimbursements
  A-33
18.4  Tax invoice
  A-33
19.    Announcements
  A-34
19.1  Announcements
  A-34
19.2  Equity Partners exception
  A-34
20.    Notices and other communications
  A-34
20.1  Service of notices
  A-34
20.2  Effective on receipt
  A-34
21.    Miscellaneous
  A-35
21.1  Vendors’ Representatives
  A-35
21.2  Alterations
  A-35
21.3  Approvals and consents
  A-35
21.4  Assignment
  A-35
21.5  Costs
  A-35
21.6  Stamp duty and other duties
  A-35
21.7  Survival
  A-35
21.8  Counterparts
  A-35
21.9  No merger
  A-36
21.10 Entire agreement
  A-35
21.11 Further action
  A-36
21.12 Severability
  A-36
21.13 Waiver
  A-36
21.14 Governing law and jurisdiction
  A-36
21.15 Specific performance
  A-36
22.    Trusts
  A-36
Schedule 1 — Shareholdings and Respective Proportions
  A-37
Schedule 2 — Guarantors
  A-38


A-iii


Table of Contents

         
Schedule 3 — Directors and Secretaries to resign and to be appointed
  A-39
Schedule 4 — Title and Capacity Warranties
  A-40
Schedule 5 — Business Warranties
  A-41
Schedule 6 — Leased Premises
  A-48
Schedule 7 — Intellectual Property Rights
  A-49
Schedule 8 — Due Diligence Index
  A-50
Schedule 9 — Accounts
  A-62
Schedule 10 — K&S Lease (Curtainsiders)
  A-63
Schedule 11 — K&S Lease (Reefers)
  A-64
Schedule 12 — Worked examples of Purchase Price adjustments
  A-65
Schedule 13 — Michael Baxter Consultancy Agreement
  A-66
Signing page
  A-67


A-iv


Table of Contents

Details
 
Date
 
Parties
 
     
Name
  Equity Partners Two Pty Limited (as trustee of Equity Partners 2 Trust)
ACN
  093 766 280
Short form name
  Equity Partners
Notice details
  Level 12, 60 Margaret Street Sydney NSW 2000
Facsimile 02 8298 5150
Attention Rajeev Dhawan
     
Name
  FOMM Pty Limited (as trustee of the FOMM Trust)
ACN
  106 818 231
Notice details
  66 Lucinda Avenue, Wahroonga NSW 2076
Facsimile 02 9482 3477
Attention Michael Baxter
     
Name
  FOMJ Pty Limited (as trustee of the FOMJ Trust)
ACN
  106 818 222
Notice details
  10 Sofala Avenue, Riverview NSW 2066
Facsimile 02 9482 3477
Attention James Warren
     
Name
  Cetro Pty Limited (as trustee of the FOMP Trust)
ACN
  002 109 668
Notice details
  Level 2, 57 Grosvenor Street, Neutral Bay NSW 2089
Facsimile 02 9981 7145
Attention Paul Jeffery
     
Name
  TCWE Pty Limited (as trustee of the McCann Family Trust)
ACN
  109 083 105
Notice details
  9 Bunyana Avenue WAHROONGA NSW 2076
Facsimile 02 9482 3477
Attention Peter McCann
together the Management Vendors
   
     
Name
  Each person listed in Schedule 2
Short form name
  Each a Guarantor and collectively, the Guarantors
     
Name
  GFN Australasia Finance Pty Limited
ACN
  121 227 790
Short form name
  Purchaser
Notice details
  C/- General Finance Corporation, 260 So. Los Robles Avenue, Suite #217
Pasadena, California 91101
Facsimile +1 626 795 8090
Attention: Mr Ronald F Valenta
     
Name
  General Finance Corporation
Short form name
  GFC
Notice details
  260 So. Los Robles Avenue, Suite #217 Pasadena, California 91101
Facsimile +1 626 795 8090
Attention: Mr Ronald F Valenta


A-1


Table of Contents

Background
 
A As at the date of this deed, the issued shares in the Company are held by the Vendors as set out in Schedule 1.
 
B The Company owns all the issued shares in Royal Wolf Trading Australia Pty Limited. Royal Wolf Trading Australia Pty Limited owns all the issued shares in Royal Wolf Hi-Tech Pty Limited.
 
C The Purchaser is a wholly owned subsidiary of GFC.
 
D The Vendors have agreed to sell, and the Purchaser has agreed to purchase, the Sale Shares on the terms and conditions set out in this deed.
 
E The fair market value of the Group is equal to the enterprise value of the Group and is equal to the total amount payable by the Purchaser under this agreement which is $115,000,000 (plus, if relevant, the Additional Amount) comprised of the following:
 
(i) the amount of the Net Debt;
 
(ii) the Purchase Price; and
 
(iii) the Restraint Amount referred to in clause 15.1(c).
 
F Each Guarantor owns or controls a Management Vendor. The Purchaser has entered into this deed at the request of the Guarantors and each Guarantor has agreed to guarantee the obligations of the relevant Management Vendor in accordance with this deed.
 
Agreed terms
 
1.   Defined terms & interpretation
 
1.1  Defined terms
 
In this deed:
 
Additional Amount has the meaning in clause 4.10.
 
Accounts means the consolidated balance sheet of the Group as at the Accounts Date and the consolidated profit and loss statement and consolidated statement of cash flows of the Group for the financial year ended on the Accounts Date together with the notes to, and the reports of the directors in respect of, those accounts copies of which are included as Schedule 9.
 
Accounts Date means 30 June 2006.
 
ADF Contract means the Australian Defence Force Urban Operations Training Facility Contract(s) tendered for by the Group but not yet, as at the date of this deed, been awarded.
 
ANZ Facility means:
 
(a) the senior debt facility dated 17 December 2004 between Royal Wolf Trading, Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (“ANZ”) and others as varied in accordance with several Variation Letters from ANZ to the Company, including on 13 June 2006;
 
(b) the Non Convertible Note facility between the Company, Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited and others; and
 
(c) any other moneys owing by the Group to ANZ.
 
Authorisations means any consent, licence, approval, notarisation, registration, permission or authorisation.
 
Associated Person means, in relation to a Vendor, a company controlled by that Vendor and, in relation to a Guarantor, means a company controlled by that Guarantor or that Guarantor’s spouse.


A-2


Table of Contents

B Class Notes means the non-convertible notes issued by the Company to Equity Partners under the terms of the shareholders agreement governing the affairs of the Company.
 
Budget means the budget adopted by the board of the Company in relation to the Business, a copy of which is included in the Data Room.
 
Business means the business of hire, sales and modification of portable storage containers, freight containers, portable container buildings and portable container offices carried on by the Group as at the date of this deed and as at Completion.
 
Business Day means:
 
(a) for receiving a Notice under clause 20, a day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, public holiday or bank holiday in the place where the Notice is received; and
 
(b) for all other purposes, a day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, public holiday or bank holiday in New South Wales.
 
Business Hours means from 9.00am to 5.00pm on a Business Day.
 
Business Warranties means each of the representations and warranties set out in Schedule 5.
 
Cash means the amount of cash together with accrued interest on such cash, of the Group as at close of business on the Completion Date.
 
CFO Shares means:
 
(a) 187,200 ordinary shares; and
 
(b) 8 C Class shares,
 
in the capital of the Company held by Equity Partners as bare trustee pursuant to clause 3.5 of the shareholders agreement governing the affairs of the Company.
 
Claim includes a claim, notice, demand, action, proceeding, litigation, investigation, judgment, damage, loss, cost, expense or liability however arising, whether present, unascertained, immediate, future or contingent, whether based in contract, tort or statute and whether involving a third party or a party to this deed.
 
Company means RWA Holdings Pty Limited ACN 106 913 964.
 
Completion means completion of the sale and purchase of the Sale Shares contemplated by this deed.
 
Completion Accounts means the consolidated balance sheet and profit and loss statement of the Group as at the close of business on the Completion Date to be prepared in accordance with clause 7.1.
 
Completion Date means
 
the last day of the calendar month during which the last of the Conditions is satisfied or waived in accordance with clause 2.2,
 
or such other date as agreed in writing by the Purchaser and the Vendors’ Representatives.
 
Completion Payment means $115,000,000 plus the Additional Amount (if any) less:
 
(a) Estimated Net Debt; less
 
(b) the Deposit, less
 
(c) the Management Escrow Amount; less
 
(d) the Equity Partners Escrow Amount; less
 
(e) $2,000,000 in relation to the GFC Consideration Shares; less
 
(f) the Restraint Amount.


A-3


Table of Contents

Conditions means the conditions set out in clause 2.1.
 
Container Rental Equipment Amount means the gross amount of container rental equipment as shown in the Accounts being $41,470,000 increased by the following net purchases of container equipment (but excluding any container equipment purchased to satisfy the requirements of the ADF Contract or as a result of any Acquisitions):
 
(a) $4,233,000 in the event that Completion occurs on 31 October 2006;
 
(b) $4,944,000 in the event that Completion occurs on 30 November 2006;
 
(c) $5,534,000 in the event that Completion occurs on 31 December 2006;
 
(d) $5,170,000 in the event that Completion occurs on 31 January 2007;
 
(e) $5,154,000 in the event that Completion occurs on 28 February 2007; or
 
(f) $5,409,000 in the event that Completion occurs on 31 March 2007.
 
Corporations Act means the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).
 
Data Room means:
 
(a) the hard copies of the documents contained in Folders 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 18, 22 and 23 as identified in the Due Diligence Index and exhibited hereto;
 
(b) the two CD-ROMs containing copies of the documents contained in Folder 29 as identified in the Due Diligence Index; and
 
(c) the other documents contained on the CD-ROM entitled ‘Data Room’,
 
delivered by the Vendors to the Purchaser containing the information in relation to the Group made available in the data room established at the offices of Equity Partners in Sydney from 2 July 2006 to 5 September 2006.
 
Deal With in the context of dealing with the GFC Consideration Shares means:
 
(a) to sell, transfer (whether voluntarily or otherwise), assign, alienate or otherwise dispose of the shares or any legal or beneficial interest in them; or
 
(b) to grant or create or permit to arise any Encumbrance in or over the shares; or
 
(c) to agree to do any such things or to permit any such things to be done.
 
Deposit means the amount(s) paid by the Purchaser to the Vendors’ Representatives pursuant to clause 4.3.
 
Determination Date means the fifth Business Day after the date on which the Completion Accounts, the amount of Net Debt, the Completion Container Rental Equipment Amount, the Net Tangible Assets Amount, the Working Capital Amount and the K&S Lease Adjustment Amount become final and binding on the Vendors and the Purchaser under this deed.
 
Disclosure Documents means:
 
(a) this deed;
 
(b) the Disclosure Letter;
 
(c) all written material made available in the Data Room as specifically identified in the Due Diligence Index;
 
(d) the Phase 1 environmental audit report commissioned by GFC in relation to the Group.
 
Disclosure Letter means the letter from the Vendors addressed to the Purchaser and dated and delivered to the Purchaser on or before the date of this deed and includes all of its schedules and annexures.
 
Due Diligence Index means the index of due diligence materials attached as Schedule 8.


A-4


Table of Contents

Duty means any stamp duty or similar charge which is imposed by any Government Authority and includes any interest, fine, penalty, charge or other amount which is imposed in relation to such duty.
 
Employees means all of the persons employed by the Group as at Completion.
 
Encumbrance includes mortgage, charge, lien, restriction against transfer, encumbrance, trust and other third party interest, including a finance or operating lease or hire purchase agreement.
 
Equity Partners Escrow Amount means $2 million.
 
Escrow Account means the separate interest bearing bank accounts to be opened in Australia with Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (or such other bank as the parties may agree):
 
(a) in the joint names of Equity Partners and the Purchaser; and
 
(b) in the joint names of the Management Vendors and the Purchaser,
 
referred to in clauses 5.1 and 5.2.
 
Estimated Net Debt means the Vendors’ reasonable estimate of the likely Net Debt at Completion to be given by notice in writing to the Purchaser not more than two Business Days before Completion, as varied in accordance with clause 4.6(b).
 
Funds means the superannuation funds to which the Group makes contributions in relation to its Employees as at the date of this deed.
 
GFC Consideration Shares means the shares of Common Stock of GFC to be allotted to Equity Partners by GFC on Completion having a market value of not less than $2 million as determined by reference to the average closing price of GFC Common Stock traded on the American Stock Exchange (Code: GFN) for 20 consecutive trading days the last of such trading days being the day two Business Days before Completion calculated by reference to the A$:US$ exchange rate as published in the Australian Financial Review on the day before Completion.
 
Government Authority means any government, governmental, semi-governmental, administrative, fiscal or judicial body, department, commission, authority, tribunal, agency or entity and includes any other person authorised by Law to give consents, or impose requirements, in connection with the environment.
 
Group means the Company, Royal Wolf Trading and Royal Wolf Hi-Tech Pty Limited, ACN 079 735 050 and Group Company means any one of them.
 
GST has the meaning it has in the GST Act.
 
GST Act means the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 (Cth).
 
Independent Accountant means a chartered accountant or firm of chartered accountants appointed under clause 7.5.
 
Industrial Instrument means any industrial award, collective agreement or other form of agreement made or taken to exist under an industrial law (including the Workplace Relations Act 1996).
 
Intellectual Property Rights means all rights conferred under statute, common law or equity in relation to:
 
(a) patents, copyright, registered and unregistered designs, trademarks, domain names, business names and confidential information; and
 
(b) any application or right to apply for registration of any of the rights referred to in paragraph (a).
 
K&S Lease (Curtainsiders) means the lease between K&S Freighters Pty Limited and Royal Wolf Trading in relation to the lease by Royal Wolf Trading of 70 curtainsider containers, a copy of which is attached as Schedule 10.
 
K&S Lease (Reefers) means the lease between K&S Freighters Pty Limited and Royal Wolf Trading in relation to the lease by Royal Wolf Trading of 12 reefers, a copy of which is attached as Schedule 11.
 
K&S Lease Adjustment Amount has the meaning in clause 4.9.


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Key Employees means Robert Allan, Peter McCann and James Warren.
 
Law includes any law, regulation, authorisation, ruling, judgment, order or decree of any Government Authority and any statute, regulation, proclamation, ordinance or by-law in Australia or any other jurisdiction.
 
Leased Premises means the premises used or occupied by the Group as set out in Schedule 6.
 
Leases means the leases to which a Group Company is a party in respect of the Leased Premises.
 
Management Escrow Amount means $5 million.
 
Management Vendors Respective Proportions means the respective proportions of the Management Vendors, as between themselves, set out in the seventh column of Schedule 1.
 
Material Adverse Effect means a material adverse effect occurring in respect of the assets, liabilities or profitability of the Group taken as a whole in the period on and from the Accounts Date to Completion, but excluding the effects of changes that are generally applicable to the Australian economy. A matter will not be regarded as a Material Adverse Effect unless it has, or would be reasonably likely to have, an adverse effect on the earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation of the Group of more than 15 per cent in any 12 month period.
 
Net Debt means the amount calculated as follows:
 
B−A
 
where:
 
A = Cash; and
 
  B =  all debt which the Group has at the close of business on the Completion Date including but not limited to:
 
(i) the aggregate amount owed by the Group under the ANZ Facility (including any accrued but unpaid interest) or to any other bank; plus
 
(ii) the aggregate amount (principal and accrued interest) owed by the Group in relation to the B Class Notes; plus
 
(iii) all other interest bearing debt or finance leases of the Group; plus
 
(iv) the amount (if any) of outstanding, deferred purchase price, consulting or non-compete or earn-out payment obligations of the Group under completed acquisition agreements; plus
 
(v) dividends or other distributions declared by the Group but not yet paid; plus
 
(vi) the amounts required to cash out and cancel all of the Options; plus
 
(vii) all amounts owing to ANZ under a finance lease in respect to Wridgways Australia Ltd; plus
 
(viii) all amounts owing in relation to the K&S Lease (Reefers); plus
 
(ix) the costs and expenses of the Vendors which are paid by the Company in accordance with clause 21.5(a);
 
(x) the outstanding bonus amount agreed to be paid by the Company to Norman Fricker (the former chairman of the Group); plus
 
(xi) any premium paid by the Company in relation to the Warranty insurance referred to in clause 5.5,
 
but excluding the following:
 
(i) moneys owing to suppliers in the ordinary course of business;
 
(ii) amounts owing under any operating leases;


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(iii) any debt disclosed by the Vendors to the Purchaser before the date of this deed in relation to the K&S Lease (Curtainsiders) and any liabilities associated with that lease; and
 
(iv) any amounts owing by the Group in relation to any assets acquired in satisfaction of the Group’s obligations under the ADF Contract less any deposits received by the Group in relation to the ADF Contract.
 
Net Tangible Assets Amount means total assets (less all intangibles) less total liabilities of the Group as set out in the Completion Accounts (excluding the amount required to cash out the Options, the costs and expenses of the Vendors which are paid by the Company in accordance with clause 21.5(a), the outstanding bonus amount paid by the Company to Norman Fricker, the consideration payable by the Company to Equity Partners in relation to the buy-back of the CFO Shares and any premium paid by the Company in relation to the insurance policy contemplated in clause 5.5).
 
NTA Amount means $2,700,000.
 
Options means:
 
(a) the options granted to employees of the Group over unissued shares in the Company under the terms of the RWA employee share option plan; and
 
(b) the options granted to Peter McCann over ordinary and Class C shares held on trust by Equity Partners under the terms of the service contract between Peter McCann and Royal Wolf Trading and the shareholders agreement governing the affairs of the Company.
 
Purchase Price has the meaning set out in clause 4.2(a).
 
Records means all documents, books, files, reports, registers, copies of taxation returns, accounts and plans belonging or relating exclusively to or used by any Group Company.
 
Related Management Vendor means, in respect of a Guarantor, the Management Vendor set out opposite the name of the Guarantor in Schedule 2.
 
Respective Proportions means the respective proportions of the Vendors as set out in the sixth column of Schedule 1.
 
Royal Wolf Trading means Royal Wolf Trading Australia Pty Limited ACN 069 244 417.
 
Sale Shares means the shares in the capital of the Company set out opposite the name of each of the Vendors in Schedule 1.
 
SGAA means the Superannuation Guarantee Administration Act 1992 (Cth).
 
Subsidiaries means Royal Wolf Trading and Royal Wolf Hi-Tech Pty Limited.
 
Superannuation Guarantee Charge or SGC means the superannuation guarantee charge imposed by the Superannuation Guarantee Charge Act 1992 and the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992.
 
Tax means all forms of taxes, duties, imposts, charges, withholdings, rates, levies or other governmental impositions of whatever nature and by whatever authority imposed, assessed or charged together with all costs, charges, interest, penalties, fines, expenses and other additional statutory charges, incidental or related to the imposition.
 
Title and Capacity Warranties means each of the representations and warranties set out in Schedule 4.
 
Vendors means, collectively, Equity Partners and the Management Vendors.
 
Vendors’ Representatives means Paul Jeffery or such other person appointed in writing from time to time by the Management Vendors and Rajeev Dhawan or such other person appointed from time to time by Equity Partners.


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Warranties means each of:
 
(a) the Business Warranties;
 
(b) the Title and Capacity Warranties;
 
(c) the indemnity in clause 9.1A;
 
(d) the indemnity in clause 9.16;
 
(e) the indemnity in clause 10; and
 
(f) the warranty given by the Management Vendors in clause 8.5.
 
Working Capital Amount means current assets (excluding cash and deposits relating to ADF Contract) less current liabilities (excluding interest bearing debt (other than in relation to assets acquired by the Group in satisfaction of its obligations under the ADF Contract (if awarded)), finance leases, overdrafts and bank vendor financing).
 
1.2   Interpretation
 
In this deed, except where the context otherwise requires:
 
(a) the singular includes the plural and vice versa, and a gender includes other genders;
 
(b) another grammatical form of a defined word or expression has a corresponding meaning;
 
(c) a reference to a clause, paragraph, schedule or annexure is to a clause or paragraph of, or schedule or annexure to, this deed, and a reference to this deed includes any schedule or annexure;
 
(d) a reference to a document or instrument includes the document or instrument as novated, altered, supplemented or replaced from time to time;
 
(e) a reference to $, A$, $A, dollar or A$ is to Australian currency;
 
(f) a reference to time is to Sydney, Australia time;
 
(g) a reference to a party is to a party to this deed, and a reference to a party to a document includes the party’s executors, administrators, successors and permitted assigns and substitutes;
 
(h) a reference to a person includes a natural person, partnership, body corporate, association, governmental or local authority or agency or other entity;
 
(i) a reference to a statute, ordinance, code or other law includes regulations and other instruments under it and consolidations, amendments, re-enactments or replacements of any of them;
 
(j) a word or expression defined in the Corporations Act has the meaning given to it in the Corporations Act;
 
(k) any agreement, representation, warranty, indemnity or undertaking made or given by the Vendors binds and is given by them severally in their Respective Proportions;
 
(l) the meaning of general words is not limited by specific examples introduced by including, for example or similar expressions;
 
(m) a rule of construction does not apply to the disadvantage of a party because the party was responsible for the preparation of this deed or any part of it;
 
(n) if a day on or by which an obligation must be performed or an event must occur is not a Business Day, the obligation must be performed or the event must occur on or by the next Business Day; and


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(o) a reference to ‘as far as the Vendors/Equity Partners are aware’ or words to that effect means:
 
(i) in relation to Equity Partners, the actual knowledge of Equity Partners after having made due and proper enquiry of the Guarantors; and
 
(ii) in relation to the Management Vendors, the actual knowledge of the Guarantors,
 
but excluding any facts or circumstances in which any such person has constructive knowledge only.
 
1.3  Headings
 
Headings are for ease of reference only and do not affect interpretation.
 
2.   Conditions
 
2.1  Conditions
 
Completion of the sale and purchase of the Sale Shares under this deed is subject to the following conditions precedent being satisfied on or before the Completion Date:
 
(a) the Purchaser providing written evidence to the Vendors’ Representatives that:
 
(i) the requisite proxy statement in relation to the transaction contemplated by this deed has been filed with the United States Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) within 3 Business Days of GFC receiving from KPMG a copy of their signed audit report for the financial statements of the Group for the 12 month periods ended 31 December 2003 and 31 December 2004, the 6 month period ended 30 June 2005 and the 12 month period ended 30 June 2006 which financial statements contain footnote reconciliations from Australian International Financial Reporting Standards to United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles together with KPMG’s consent to the inclusion of such report in the proxy statement, and in any event by not later than 30 September 2006;
 
(ii) the SEC has approved that proxy statement by not later than 17 February 2007; and
 
(iii) the shareholders of GFC have approved the transaction contemplated by this deed in general meeting by not later than 17 March 2007;
 
(b) each of the landlords to the Leases numbered 1, 2, 5, 10, 12, 13, 14 and 16 in Schedule 6 give their written consent to change of control in a form reasonably acceptable to the Purchaser;
 
(c) no event occurring which has a Material Adverse Effect;
 
(d) a notice is issued in writing by, or on behalf of, the Treasurer of the Commonwealth of Australia stating that the Commonwealth Government does not object to the parties entering into and completing this deed by not later than 30 November 2006;
 
(e) Triton Container International Limited (Triton) gives, to the extent required under the relevant agreement, its consent to the change of control of Royal Wolf Trading arising as a result of the transaction contemplated by this deed as required under the container operating leases between Triton and Royal Wolf Trading and Triton confirms there are no present breaches of these agreements;
 
(f) Triton CSA International B.V. gives, to the extent required under the relevant agreement, its consent to the deemed assignment of the trademark licence agreement between Triton CSA International B.V. and Royal Wolf Trading;
 
(g) cancellation of all Options;
 
(h) the Vendors providing written evidence to the Purchaser that:
 
(i) the Vendors and the Company have terminated the shareholders agreement governing the operation of the Company dated 10 December 2003 (as amended);


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(ii) the service contract between the relevant Group Company and Michael Baxter has been terminated; and
 
(iii) Mike Baxter has waived all claims he may have against the relevant Group Company as a result of the termination his service contract;
 
(i) the amendment of the service contracts for each of the Key Employees such that references to any shareholders agreement and any employee share option plan are deleted from those service contracts;
 
(j) all Key Employees entering into a deed with Royal Wolf Trading and the Purchaser pursuant to which they confirm that Royal Wolf Trading is not in default pursuant to their respective service contracts and that they have no claim against Royal Wolf Trading on any account other than for their current entitlements under such service contracts; and
 
(k) the CFO Shares are bought back by the Company under Part 2J.1 of the Corporations Act.
 
2.2  Waiver of Conditions
 
(a) The Conditions in clauses 2.1(a),(b), (c), (e), (f), (g), (h), (i), (j) and (k) are for the benefit of the Purchaser.
 
(b) The Condition in clause 2.1(d) is for the benefit of both the Purchaser and the Vendors.
 
(c) A Condition may only be waived in writing by the party entitled to the benefit of that Condition and will be effective only to the extent specifically set out in that waiver. For the avoidance of doubt, the Purchaser cannot waive, or amend the terms of, the condition in clause 2.1(a).
 
2.3  Conduct of the parties
 
(a) Each party must use all reasonable efforts within its own capacity to ensure that each Condition is fulfilled as soon as reasonably practicable and in any event before 5:00pm on the relevant date specified in clause 2.1, or if no date has been specified:
 
(i) by 5.00pm on 17 February 2007; or
 
(ii) by 5.00pm on 17 March 2007 if the additional deposit is paid in accordance with clause 4.3.
 
(b) The parties must keep each other informed of progress in achieving satisfaction of each of the Conditions and of any circumstances which may result in any Condition not being satisfied in accordance with its terms.
 
(c) The Purchaser agrees to act reasonably and to provide reasonable assistance to the Vendors in obtaining the requisite change of control consents contemplated in clauses 2.1(b), (e) and (f).
 
(d) Without limiting clause 2.3(b), GFC agrees to provide the Vendors on a timely basis or upon written request with written updates of any material developments regarding the preparation, filing and approval of the proxy statements and GFC shareholder approval referred to in clause 2.1(a).
 
(e) The parties must, immediately upon becoming aware that the last of the Conditions has been satisfied or waived (in accordance with clause 2.2), exchange written acknowledgements confirming that fact and confirming the date on which Completion will occur.
 
2.4  Failure of Condition and termination
 
(a) If any of the conditions in clauses 2.1(a)(i), 2.1(a)(ii) or 2.1(d) are not satisfied before 5:00pm on the relevant date specified in those clauses or such later date as the Vendors may agree in their discretion (End Date), then the Vendors have the right (but not the obligation) to immediately terminate this deed by notice in writing to the Purchaser. If the Vendors do not give such notice to the Purchaser within 10 Business Days of the relevant End Date, the Vendors will be deemed to have waived their right to terminate this deed as a result of the relevant condition not being satisfied (but without prejudice to any rights of the Vendors to terminate for any other purpose, which right exists either before or after the relevant End Date).


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(b) If the condition in clause 2.1(a)(iii) or any of the conditions in clauses 2.1(b), (c), (e), (f), (g), (h), (i), (j) and (k) are not satisfied or waived pursuant to clause 2.2(c) on or before 17 March 2007, and if a party has complied with its obligations under clause 2.3, that party may terminate this deed by giving notice in writing to the other parties.
 
(c) If the Condition in clause 2.1(a)(i) is not satisfied by the End Date (as defined in clause 2.4(a)) because the Management Vendors have failed to procure the Company or KPMG to provide information reasonably required by SEC for the purposes of the proxy statement referred to in clause 2.1(a)(i), then provided the Purchaser has complied with its obligations under clause 2.3 in relation to that Condition, the Purchaser may terminate this deed by giving notice in writing to the Vendors.
 
2.5  Extent of obligation to Fulfil Conditions
 
The obligation imposed on a party by clause 2.3(a) does not require the party to waive any Condition.
 
2.6  GFC Shareholder Approval
 
For the purposes of clause 2.1(a)(iii) the shareholders of GFC will be taken to have approved the transaction contemplated by this deed if and only if the following three conditions are met:
 
(a) the transaction is approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of GFC common stock present and entitled to vote at the special meeting with respect to the acquisition;
 
(b) the transaction is approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of GFC common stock issued in GFC’s initial public offering that are voted with respect to the transaction; and
 
(c) the holders of 20% or more of GFC common stock issued in GFC’s initial public offering do not vote against the transaction and exercise their conversion rights under GFC’s certificate of incorporation.
 
3.   Sale and purchase
 
3.1  Agreement to sell and purchase Sale Shares
 
Each Vendor agrees to sell to the Purchaser and the Purchaser agrees to buy from each Vendor those Sale Shares set out opposite the name of that Vendor in Schedule 1:
 
(a) for the amount calculated in respect of that Vendor in accordance with clause 4;
 
(b) free from Encumbrances;
 
(c) with all rights, including dividend and voting rights, attached to them; and
 
(d) subject to this deed.
 
4.   Fair Value and Purchase Price
 
4.1  Fair Value
 
The fair market value of the Group is equal to the enterprise value of the Group and is equal to the total amount payable by the Purchaser under this agreement which is $115,000,000 (plus, if relevant, the Additional Amount) comprised of the following:
 
(a) the amount of the Net Debt;
 
(b) the Purchase Price; and
 
(c) the Restraint Amount referred to in clause 15.1(c).
 
4.2  Amount
 
(a) The Purchase Price for the Sale Shares is:
 
(i) the Completion Payment; plus


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(ii) the Deposit; plus
 
(iii) the Management Escrow Amount; plus
 
(iv) the Equity Partners Escrow Amount; plus
 
(v) $2 million in respect of the GFC Consideration Shares; plus
 
(vi) the Additional Amount; plus
 
(vii) the amount (if any) payable by the Purchaser to the Vendors pursuant to clause 4.6; less
 
(viii) the amount (if any) payable by the Vendors to the Purchaser pursuant to clause 4.9,
 
subject to adjustment under clause 4.4.
 
(b) The Purchase Price must be paid to the Vendors in their Respective Proportions.
 
4.3  Deposit
 
(a) The Purchaser must pay an amount of $550,000 in cash to the Vendors’ Representatives or their nominee as a non-refundable deposit within 1 Business Day of the date of this deed.
 
(b) Subject to clause 4.3(c), the Purchaser must pay the following additional amounts in cash to the Vendors’ Representatives or their nominee as, subject to clause 4.3(e), a non-refundable deposit as follows:
 
(i) if Completion has not occurred by 30 November 2006, $250,000 on that date;
 
(ii) if Completion has not occurred by 31 December 2006, and in addition to the amount paid under clause 4.3(b)(i), $250,000 on 31 December 2006; and
 
(iii) if Completion has not occurred by 31 January 2007, and in addition to the amounts paid under clauses 4.3(b)(i) and (ii), $250,000 on 31 January 2007.
 
(c) If this deed is terminated in accordance with its terms on or after 5.00 pm on 30 November 2006 but before:
 
(i) 5.00pm on 31 December 2006, the Purchaser will not be obliged to pay the additional amount specified in clause 4.3(b)(ii); and
 
(ii) 5.00pm on 31 January 2007, the Purchaser will not be obliged to pay the additional amount specified in clause 4.3(b)(iii).
 
(d) In the event that Completion has not occurred by 31 March 2007, subject to clause 4.3(e), the Deposit shall be paid by the Vendor’s Representatives to the Vendors or the Company (if the Vendors so determine) (in their Respective Proportions) or in such proportion as the Vendors may agree. The Purchaser acknowledges and agrees that, subject to the Vendors complying with clause 2.3, the Purchaser will have no right whatsoever to claim any refund of the amount paid under clause 4.3(a).
 
(e) In the event that Completion has not occurred by 31 March 2007, but the Conditions in clauses 2.1(a) and 2.1(d) were satisfied on the due dates scheduled for the satisfaction of those conditions in clauses 2.1(a) and 2.1(d), then the amounts of the Deposit paid under clause 4.3(b) will be refundable to the Purchaser.
 
4.4  Adjustments
 
(a) If the Net Tangible Assets Amount (as determined by reference to the Completion Accounts) is less than the relevant NTA Amount then on the Determination Date the Vendors (in their Respective Proportions) must pay an amount equal to the shortfall to the Purchaser and the Purchase Price will be decreased accordingly.
 
(b) If the Working Capital Amount (as determined by reference to the Completion Accounts) is:
 
(i) less than $3,000,000 if Completion occurs at any time other than in December 2006; or
 
(ii) $2,168,000 if Completion occurs in December 2006,


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then on the Determination Date the Vendors (in their Respective Proportions) must, subject to clause 4.4(j), pay an amount equal to the shortfall to the Purchaser and the Purchase Price will be decreased accordingly.
 
(c) If the gross amount of container rental equipment at Completion as determined by reference to the Completion Accounts:
 
(i) is greater than the Container Rental Equipment Amount then on the Determination Date the Purchaser must pay an amount equal to the excess to the Vendors (in their Respective Proportions) and the Purchase Price will be increased accordingly; or
 
(ii) is less than the Container Rental Equipment Amount then on the Determination Date the Vendors (in their Respective Proportions) must pay an amount equal to the shortfall to the Purchaser and the Purchase Price will be decreased accordingly.
 
(d) If the Net Debt (as determined by reference to the Completion Accounts) is:
 
(i) less than the Estimated Net Debt then on the Determination Date, the Purchaser must pay an amount equal to the difference to the Vendors in their Respective Proportions and the Purchase Price will be increased accordingly; or
 
(ii) greater than the Estimated Net Debt, then on the Determination Date, the Vendors in their Respective Proportions must pay an amount equal to the difference to the Purchaser and the Purchase Price will be reduced accordingly.
 
(e) The parties agree that any payments to be made pursuant to clauses 4.4(a), (b), (c) and (d) and clauses 4.6 and 4.9 will be netted off so that only one payment of the appropriate net amount will be payable by the relevant party.
 
(f) The Purchaser agrees that it may not reduce or set-off any amounts payable to the Vendors under this clause 4.4 against any Claims made by the Purchaser against the Vendors under this deed.
 
(g) All adjustments required to be paid under this clause 4.4 will be paid in cash and as an adjustment to the cash component of the Purchase Price payable for the Sale Shares.
 
(h) Subject only to paragraph (j) below, the parties acknowledge and agree that each of paragraphs (a) to (d) above operate separately and independently from each of the other of those paragraphs, so that an adjustment may be made in respect of the same subject matter or item under one or more of those paragraphs.
 
(i) For completeness, worked examples of the adjustments contemplated by clauses 4.3 and 4.8 are set out in Schedule 12.
 
(j) The Vendors will be entitled to offset against their obligation to pay the Purchaser in respect of any shortfall in Working Capital under clause 4.4(b) an amount equal to the excess Net Tangible Assets Amount (being the amount by which the Net Tangible Assets Amount exceeds the NTA Amount), up to a maximum set-off amount of $250,000.
 
4.5  Cash and scrip components of Purchase Price
 
(a) The Purchase Price must be paid subject to adjustments under clauses 4.4, 4.6 and 4.9 to the Vendors:
 
(i) subject to clause 4.5(a)(ii), in cash; and
 
(ii) by way of the issue of the GFC Consideration Shares to Equity Partners credited as fully paid, in satisfaction of any amounts payable to Equity Partners by the Purchaser.
 
(b) GFC warrants that as of the date of this deed, GFC has authorized capital stock consisting of 100,000,000 shares of Common Stock and 1,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock and that no shares of Preferred Stock are outstanding.


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(c) Upon issuance, the GFC Consideration Shares will be:
 
(i) duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and free and clear of any restrictions on transfer other than pursuant to this deed, United States securities laws and those imposed by Equity Partners or under laws of jurisdictions other than the United States; and
 
(ii) listed on the American Stock Exchange (or such other United States national securities exchange as the shares of Common Stock are then listed or approved for trading).
 
4.6  Net Debt
 
(a) In the event that the Company has not prior to Completion:
 
(i) paid the issue price and all accrued interest on the B Class Notes to Equity Partners; and
 
(ii) paid the amount required to cash out and cancel the Options,
 
from funds advanced to the Company under the ANZ Facility then, on the Completion Date, the Purchaser must put the Company in funds to enable it to:
 
(iii) redeem the B Class Notes in full by paying the issue price and all accrued interest on the B Class Notes to Equity Partners; and
 
(iv) pay the amount required to cash out and cancel the Options.
 
(b) Two Business Days before the Completion Date, the Vendors must provide to the Purchaser a document setting out the basis on which the Estimated Net Debt has been determined.
 
(c) For the avoidance of doubt, the Purchaser must satisfy its procurement obligations under clause 4.6 through providing funding in whatever combination the Purchaser determines and applying available Cash and through new debt funding to each Group Company arranged by the Purchaser.
 
4.7  Reimbursement for acquisitions
 
(a) Subject to clauses 4.7(b) and (c), if the Group makes any business or share acquisitions after the date of this deed but before Completion (Acquisitions) then, on the Completion Date, the Purchaser will pay to the Vendors (in their Respective Proportions) an amount equal to all costs and expenses incurred by the Group in relation to the Acquisition on a dollar for dollar basis. The aggregate of Acquisitions must not exceed 10% of total assets, 10% of Group income or 10% of total Group equity.
 
(b) The Vendors’ Representatives must notify the Purchaser of the amount required to be paid under clause 4.7(a) and provide the Purchaser with satisfactory documentary evidences of all costs and expenses incurred in relation to the Acquisitions not less than 5 Business Days before Completion.
 
(c) The Vendors must keep the Purchaser informed of and must consult with the Purchaser prior to making any Acquisition and, subject to applicable confidentiality restrictions, must provide the Purchaser with full particulars (including all relevant acquisition agreements and due diligence material) at least 5 Business Days before making any such Acquisition.
 
4.8  Cleared funds
 
All cash payments under this clause 4 must be paid by bank cheque or payable in immediately available funds to a single bank account nominated by the Vendors in full and final satisfaction of the Purchaser’s obligations to make cash payments to the Vendors under this clause 4.


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4.9  K & S Lease (Curtainsiders)
 
If the outstanding balance owing under the K & S Lease (Curtainsiders) at Completion exceeds the relevant amount set out below, the Vendors (in their Respective Proportions) must pay the excess (the K&S Lease Adjustment Amount) to the Purchaser on the Determination Date as a reduction in the Purchase Price:
 
(a) if Completion occurs on 31 October 2006: A$602,000; or
 
(b) if Completion occurs on 30 November 2006: A$579,000; or
 
(c) if Completion occurs on 31 December 2006: A$555,000; or
 
(d) if Completion occurs on 31 January 2007: A$531,000; or
 
(e) if Completion occurs on 28 February 2007: A$507,000; or
 
(f) if Completion occurs on 31 March 2007: A$482,000.
 
4.10  Additional Amount
 
The Purchaser agrees to pay, on Completion and as part of (but not in addition to) the Purchase Price, the following amounts to the Vendors in their Respective Proportions as follows:
 
(a) zero, if the Conditions in clauses 2.1(a)(ii) and (iii) and (d) are satisfied in full before 16 January 2007;
 
(b) $750,000 if the Conditions in clauses 2.1(a)(ii) and (iii) and (d) are either satisfied or, where permitted, waived in accordance with clause 2.2 between 17 January 2007 and 16 February 2007 (both dates inclusive); or
 
(c) $1,500,000 if the Conditions in clauses 2.1(a)(ii) and (iii) and (d) are either satisfied or, where permitted, waived in accordance with clause 2.2 between 17 February 2007 and 17 March 2007 (both dates inclusive).
 
5.   Escrow
 
5.1  Management Vendors Escrow
 
(a) The Management Vendors irrevocably consent to the Purchaser paying or dealing with the Management Escrow Amount in accordance with clause 5.1(b).
 
(b) Subject to clause 5.5, the Management Vendors and the Purchaser agree and must procure that the Management Escrow Amount is paid and released as follows:
 
(i) first, in payment and discharge to the Purchaser of any Claim made by the Purchaser under the Warranties against the Management Vendors (or against the Guarantors under clause 14), which Claim has been agreed, settled or finalised in accordance with clause 9;
 
(ii) on the first anniversary of the Completion Date, the amount (if any) by which $1,250,000 exceeds the amount of any outstanding Claims made by the Purchaser against the Management Vendors under the Warranties or any Claims which have been agreed, settled or finalised will be released to the Management Vendors in the Management Vendors Respective Proportions on that date;
 
(iii) on the date that is 18 months after the Completion Date, the amount remaining in the Escrow Account, together with any accrued interest, that is not subject to any outstanding Claim or Claims made by the Purchaser against the Management Vendors under the Warranties will be released to the Management Vendors in the Management Vendors Respective Proportions on that date; and
 
(iv) if any or all of the Management Escrow Amount remains after the Claim or Claims referred to in clause 5.1(b)(iii) have been agreed, settled or finalised, that amount (together with any interest) will be released to the Management Vendors in the Management Vendors Respective Proportions immediately following such agreement, settlement or finalisation of the relevant Claim.


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(c) The Management Vendors agree that they are not entitled to satisfy their obligations to pay any amounts payable by the Management Vendors to the Purchaser under clause 4.4 out of the Management Escrow Amount.
 
(d) The Purchaser agrees that it must first satisfy the total amount of all Claims made by it against the Management Vendors from the Management Escrow Amount before the Purchaser becomes entitled to recover any other cash in respect of a damages Claim from the Management Vendors.
 
5.2  Equity Partners Escrow
 
(a) Equity Partners irrevocably consents to the Purchaser paying the Equity Partners Escrow Amount in accordance with clause 5.2(b).
 
(b) Subject to clause 5.5, Equity Partners and the Purchaser agree and must procure that the Equity Partners Escrow Amount is paid and released as follows:
 
(i) first, in payment and discharge to the Purchaser of any Claim made by the Purchaser against Equity Partners under the Warranties, which Claim has been agreed, settled or finalised in accordance with clause 9;
 
(ii) on the first anniversary of the Completion Date, the amount (if any) by which $500,000 exceeds the amount of any outstanding Claims made by the Purchaser against Equity Partners under the Warranties or any Claims which have been agreed, settled or finalised will be released to Equity Partners on that date;
 
(iii) on the date that is 18 months after the Completion Date, the amount remaining in the Escrow Account, together with any accrued interest, that is not subject to any outstanding Claim or Claims made by the Purchaser against Equity Partners under the Warranties will be released to Equity Partners on that date; and
 
(iv) if any or all of the Escrow Amount remains after the Claim or Claims referred to in clause 5.2(b)(iii) have been agreed, settled or finalised, that amount (together with any interest) will be released to Equity Partners immediately following such agreement, settlement or finalisation of the relevant Claim.
 
(c) Equity Partners agrees that it is not entitled to satisfy its obligations to pay any amounts payable by Equity Partners to the Purchaser under clause 4.4 out of the Equity Partners Escrow Amount.
 
(d) The Purchaser agrees that it must first satisfy the total amount of all Claims made by it against Equity Partners from the Equity Partners Escrow Amount and/or from the GFC Consideration Shares before the Purchaser becomes entitled to recover any other cash in respect of a damages Claim from Equity Partners.
 
5.3  Escrow of GFC Consideration Shares
 
(a) Subject to clauses 5.3(b) and (c), Equity Partners must not, without the prior written consent of the Purchaser, Deal With:
 
(i) any of the GFC Consideration Shares before the first anniversary of the Completion Date;
 
(ii) between the first anniversary of the Completion Date and the date that is 18 months after the Completion Date, more than the number of GFC Consideration Shares determined according to the formula set out below. For the avoidance of doubt, if the number of GFC Consideration Shares determined according to the formula set out below is zero or negative then Equity Partners will not have the right to Deal With any GFC Consideration Shares between the first anniversary of the Completion Date and the date that is 18 months after the Completion Date:
 
X = A−B
 
Where:
 
X = the number of GFC Consideration Shares able to be Dealt With pursuant to this clause;
 
A = 25% of the total number of GFC Consideration Shares issued pursuant to clause 6.3(b); and


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  B = is the aggregate of the number of GFC Consideration Shares cancelled pursuant to clause 5.3(c) and, if there is an outstanding Claim, the number of GFC Consideration Shares that would be cancelled pursuant to clause 5.3(c) if such Claim had been agreed, settled or finalised.
 
(b) The balance of the GFC Consideration Shares that is not subject to any outstanding Claims made by the Purchaser against Equity Partners under the Warranties will be released from escrow on the later of:
 
(i) the date that is 18 months after the Completion Date; and
 
(ii) the date on which any Claim or Claims referred to in clause 5.2(b)(iii) have been agreed, settled or finalised.
 
(c) The Purchaser may apply the GFC Consideration Shares (by procuring GFC to cancel such number of GFC Consideration Shares (which will be measured by reference to the average trading price of GFC Common Stock traded on the American Stock Exchange on the Business Day before the date on which the relevant GFC Consideration Shares are cancelled) the dollar value of which is equivalent to the dollar value of the Claim for breach of Warranty) to discharge any Claim made by the Purchaser against Equity Partners under the Warranties, which Claim has been agreed, settled or finalised in accordance with clause 9.
 
(d) For the purposes of clause 5.3(c) the dollar value of the GFC Consideration Shares shall be calculated by the closing price per share for sales of GFC Common Stock on the day before the day on which the GFC Consideration Shares are cancelled at such prices as are reported in any nationally recognised publication, which average shall be converted to Australian dollars by reference of the Australian dollar: US dollar exchange rate as published in the Australian Financial Review on that day.
 
(e) Equity Partners warrants and represents to GFC that:
 
(i) it is not in the United States, it is not a US person (as defined in Regulation S under the Securities Act) or resident in the United States or physically located in the United States at the time of acquiring the GFC Consideration Shares, and it is not acting for the account or benefit of any US person;
 
(ii) it acknowledges that the GFC Consideration Shares will not be registered under the Securities Act;
 
(iii) it is acquiring the GFC Consideration Shares outside the United States in an offshore transaction in accordance with Regulation S under the Securities Act;
 
(iv) (subject to this deed) Equity Partners agrees not to Transfer any of the GFC Consideration Shares except pursuant Regulation S under the Securities Act or another exemption from registration under the Securities Act or pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act;
 
(v) it will not engage in any hedging transactions with respect to the GFC Consideration Shares unless such transactions are conducted in compliance with the Securities Act; (vi) it has complied and will comply with the offering restrictions requirements of Regulation S.
 
(f) GFC represents and warrants to the Vendors that neither GFC and nor its affiliates have engaged or will engage in any directed selling efforts (as defined in Regulation S under the Securities Act) with respect to the GFC Consideration Shares and have complied and will comply with the offering restrictions requirements of Regulation S. GFC shall refuse to register any transfer of the GFC Consideration Shares not made in accordance with the provisions of Regulation S under the Securities Act, another exemption from registration under the Securities Act or pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act.
 
(g) The parties acknowledge and agree that the GFC Consideration Shares shall bear the following legend until released pursuant to clause 5.3(b):
 
“THE SHARES EVIDENCED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”) AND MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT PURSUANT TO REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR ANOTHER EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS THEREOF IS AVAILABLE, OR PURSUANT TO REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT . HEDGING


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TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING THESE SHARES MAY NOT BE CONDUCTED UNLESS IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE SECURITIES ACT.
 
THE SHARES EVIDENCED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO SELLING RESTRICTIONS AS SET OUT IN A SHARE SALE DEED RELATING TO RWA HOLDINGS PTY LIMITED MADE BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND OTHERS DATED [     ] SEPTEMBER 2006”
 
References in this clause to the Securities Act means the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and to Transfer means sell, assign, transfer, pledge, grant a security interest in or otherwise dispose of either with or without consideration.
 
5.4  Interest
 
(a) The Management Vendors will be entitled to all interest earned on the Management Escrow Amount.
 
(b) Equity Partners will be entitled to all interest earned on the Equity Partners Escrow Amount.
 
(c) Equity Partners will be entitled to all dividends paid on the GFC Consideration Shares.
 
5.5  Warranty insurance
 
The parties agree that clauses 5.1 to 5.4 (inclusive) and clauses 6.3(a)(iv), 6.3(a)(v) and 14 will cease to apply and be deemed not to form part of this deed to the extent that any warranty insurance is obtained and paid for by the Vendors for the benefit of the Purchaser provided that such insurance is approved by the Purchaser. In the event that the Purchaser confirms such insurance is satisfactory, the relevant amounts in the Escrow Accounts must immediately be released to the Vendors.
 
6.   Completion
 
6.1   Time and place
 
Completion will take place on the Completion Date at the offices of Minter Ellison, Aurora Place, 88 Phillip Street, Sydney, NSW 2000 or such other time and place agreed by the parties in writing.
 
6.2  Obligations of the Vendors
 
At or before Completion, the Vendors must:
 
(a) deliver to the Purchaser duly executed and completed transfers in favour of the Purchaser of the Sale Shares in registrable form, together with the relevant share certificates for cancellation;
 
(b) produce to the Purchaser any power of attorney or other authority under which the transfers of the Sale Shares are executed together with an irrevocable consent and waiver by any person with a right of pre-emption in relation to the Shares;
 
(c) cause the board of directors of the Company to resolve that the transfers of the Sale Shares together with relevant share certificates, be approved and registered (subject only to the payment of stamp duties or other Taxes of a similar nature) and the transaction of any other business of which the Purchaser may give notice prior to the Completion Date;
 
(d) cause the boards of directors of each Group Company to resolve to approve the matters referred to in clauses 6.2(c), (e), (f) and (g);
 
(e) cause the persons named in the fourth and fifth columns of Schedule 3 to be appointed as directors and secretary (as applicable) of the Company and each respective Group Company with effect from Completion (subject to receipt by the Vendors of consents to act from each such person);
 
(f) cause the resignation of the persons named in the second and third columns of Schedule 3 as directors and secretary (as applicable) of each Group Company, with effect from Completion;


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(g) cause the revocation, with effect from Completion, of all authorities relating to bank accounts of each Group Company;
 
(h) deliver to the Purchaser or otherwise make available at the registered office of the Company, all Records (other than those which the Vendors are entitled to retain under clause 6.5). The Vendors must ensure that the register of members of each Group Company is accurate and up to date;
 
(i) deliver to the Purchaser or otherwise make available at the registered office of the Company the common seal (if any) of each Group Company;
 
(j) procure each of the Key Employees to enter into deeds containing the matters referred to in clause 2.1(i);
 
(k) deliver evidence of the release of the equitable mortgage existing over certain of the Sale Shares held by Cetro Pty Limited, FOMJ Pty Limited and FOMM Pty Limited created pursuant to an Equitable Mortgage of Shares between those Vendors, Triton CSA International B.V and others; and
 
(l) do all other things necessary or desirable to transfer the Sale Shares and complete any other transaction contemplated by this deed, including delivering new share certificates with respect to the Sale Shares to the Purchaser, to place the Purchaser in effective control of the Group and the Business.
 
6.3  Obligations of the Purchaser and GFC
 
(a) At Completion, the Purchaser must:
 
(i) pay the Completion Payment, in accordance with clause 4.5;
 
(ii) unless already paid by the Company, pay the amounts required to be paid pursuant to clause 4.5(a) in relation to the B Class Notes and the Options;
 
(iii) deliver a deed in a form reasonably acceptable to the Vendors under which the Purchaser releases all directors and officers of the Group Companies from all liabilities incurred by them in their capacities as officers of the Group other than for gross negligence, wilful misconduct or fraud and pursuant to which all such directors release the Group Companies from any Claim any such directors may have against any Group Company;
 
(iv) pay the Management Escrow Amount into the Escrow Account; and
 
(v) pay the Equity Partners Escrow Amount into the Escrow Account.
 
(b) At Completion, GFC must issue the GFC Consideration Shares to Equity Partners, in accordance with clause 4.5 and subject to clause 5.3. The relevant share certificates for those shares must be delivered to Equity Partners within 5 Business Days after Completion.
 
(c) The Purchaser agrees that it may not reduce or set off against its obligation to pay the Completion Payment any Claims made by the Purchaser against the Vendors under this deed.
 
6.4  Simultaneous actions at Completion
 
In respect of Completion:
 
(a) the obligations of the parties under this deed are interdependent;
 
(b) all actions required to be performed will be taken to have occurred simultaneously on the Completion Date; and
 
(c) the Purchaser need not complete the purchase of any of the Sale Shares unless the purchase of all the Sale Shares is completed simultaneously.


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6.5  Records
 
After Completion, the Vendors may retain copies of any Records necessary for the Vendors to comply with any applicable law (including, without limitation, any applicable Tax law) and to prepare Tax or other returns required of them by law.
 
6.6  Information and Assistance Following Completion
 
(a) For 90 days after Completion, if the Purchaser gives the Vendors (or any of them) notice (“Assistance Notice”) so requesting the Vendors must furnish the Purchaser with such information relating to the Business in the possession and control of that Vendor specified in the Assistance Notice.
 
(b) Michael Baxter agrees to assist the Purchaser (at its cost) with transition issues for a 360 day period following Completion on the terms and conditions contained in the Consultancy Agreement contained in Schedule 13 (Michael Baxter Consultancy Agreement).
 
7.   Completion Accounts
 
7.1  Completion Accounts
 
The Purchaser must as soon as practicable, and in any event no later than 20 Business Days, after the Completion Date procure that the Group prepares and gives the Vendors’ Representatives a profit and loss statement as at the Completion Date together with a balance sheet for the Group as at the close of business on the Completion Date in relation to the period from 1 July 2006 up to the close of business on the Completion Date (both days inclusive).
 
7.2  Basis of preparation
 
The Completion Accounts must be prepared and the amount of the Net Debt, the Container Rental Equipment Amount, the Net Tangible Assets Amount, the Working Capital Amount and the K&S Lease Adjustment Amount, must be calculated on the same basis as the Accounts.
 
7.3  Access to information
 
The Purchaser must ensure that all reasonable information and assistance requested by the Vendors’ Representatives is given to them to review the draft Completion Accounts and must permit the Vendors’ Representatives and the Vendors’ advisers to have reasonable access to, and take extracts from, or make copies of, the Records to review the Completion Accounts.
 
7.4  Review of Completion Accounts
 
If the Vendors’ Representatives do not dispute the Completion Accounts within ten Business Days after the date on which they are given a copy of the draft Completion Accounts (Final Objection Date) those accounts will be taken to be the final Completion Accounts and the amount of the Net Debt, the Completion Container Rental Equipment Amount, the Net Tangible Assets Amount, the Working Capital Amount and the K&S Lease Adjustment Amount in those accounts will be final and binding on the parties. If the Vendors’ Representatives dispute the Completion Accounts before the Final Objection Date, the dispute will be determined in accordance with clause 7.5.
 
7.5  Dispute Resolution Procedure
 
(a) If the Vendors’ Representatives dispute the Completion Accounts, the Vendors’ Representatives must give the Purchaser a notice (Dispute Notice) before the Final Objection Date setting out:
 
(i) reasonable details of each matter in dispute; and
 
(ii) the reasons why each matter is disputed.
 
(b) Within ten Business Days of the Vendors’ Representatives giving the Purchaser a Dispute Notice, the Purchaser must give the Vendors’ Representatives a response in writing on the disputed matters (Response).


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(c) If the dispute has not been resolved within ten Business Days of the Purchaser giving the Response to the Vendors’ Representatives, the dispute must promptly be submitted for determination to the Independent Accountant to determine the matter or matters in dispute.
 
(d) The Independent Accountant must be agreed by the Vendors’ Representatives and the Purchaser. If the Vendors and the Purchaser cannot agree within ten Business Days of the expiry of the period in clause 7.5(c), then the Independent Accountant will be nominated, at the request of either the Vendors or the Purchaser, by the President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants (Sydney Branch).
 
(e) The disputed matters must be referred to the Independent Accountant by written submission which must include the draft Completion Accounts, the Dispute Notice, the Response and an extract of the relevant provisions of this deed. The Independent Accountant must also be instructed to finish its determination no later than ten Business Days after its appointment (or another period agreed in writing by the Vendors’ Representatives and the Purchaser). Each party shall be entitled to make such written submissions as it deems fit.
 
(f) The parties must promptly supply the Independent Accountant with any information, assistance and cooperation requested in writing by the Independent Accountant in connection with its determination. All correspondence between the Independent Accountant and a party must be copied to the other parties.
 
(g) The Independent Accountant must act as an expert and not as an arbitrator and its written determination will be final and binding on the parties in the absence of manifest error and the Completion Accounts will be deemed to be amended accordingly and will be taken to comprise the final Completion Accounts.
 
7.6  Costs
 
The costs of the Independent Accountant (if instructed) will be borne by the Vendors (in their Respective Proportions) as to one-half and the Purchaser as to one-half.
 
8.   Obligations before Completion
 
8.1  Continuity of business
 
The Vendors must, to the extent within their respective powers as shareholders of the Company and through their board representation, procure that, until Completion, each Group Company:
 
(a) manages and conducts its Business as a going concern with all due care and in accordance with normal and prudent practice (having regard to the nature of the Business and the past practice of the Group Company);
 
(b) uses its reasonable efforts to maintain the profitability of the Business; and
 
(c) does not, without the prior consent by notice of the Purchaser (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), either:
 
(i) enter into, terminate or alter any term of any material contract or commitment with a value of $100,000 or more;
 
(ii) other than in the ordinary course of the Business, incur any material liabilities of $50,000 or more;
 
(iii) other than in the ordinary course of its Business, dispose of, agree to dispose of, encumber or grant an option over any of its assets;
 
(iv) hire or terminate the employment of any senior employee or alter the terms of employment (including the terms of superannuation or any other benefit) of any senior employee whose salary package is $150,000 or more;
 
(v) allot or issue or agree to allot or issue any share or any security convertible into any share;
 
(vi) declare or pay any dividend or make any other distribution of its assets or profits;


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(vii) alter or agree to alter its constitution; or
 
(viii) pass any special resolution,
 
except as provided for in the Budget.
 
8.2  Access to Business and Records
 
On and after the condition in clause 2.1(a)(ii) is satisfied, the Vendors must:
 
(a) allow the Purchaser, its employees, agents and representatives reasonable access to the Records, Key Employees and the Group auditors at all reasonable times before Completion (such times to be agreed between the Purchaser and Vendors’ Representatives); and
 
(b) to the extent within their powers as shareholders of the Company and subject to any confidentiality restrictions binding on the Group, supply to the Purchaser or its representative any information or document relating to the Business in its possession or control reasonably requested concerning a Group Company or its Business and assist the Purchaser to gain knowledge concerning the Group Companies, the Businesses and their operation and conduct.
 
8.3  Purchaser’s obligations
 
The Purchaser must ensure that any access under clause 8.2 is exercised and conducted in the presence of a representative of the Vendors in a manner to avoid unreasonable disruption to the conduct of the Business and the activities and operations of each Group Company and the Employees.
 
8.4  Notice of Change
 
Where before Completion an event occurs which has or may have a Material Adverse Effect the Vendors must, immediately upon becoming aware of that event, give notice to the Purchaser describing the event in reasonable detail known to the Vendors.
 
8.5  SEC Proxy Filing
 
(a) The Vendors acknowledge that GFC has a class of securities registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and as such is subject to certain reporting and filing obligations with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). In connection with the transactions contemplated by this deed, these filing and reporting obligations will include filing and obtaining SEC approval of a proxy statement to be sent to the shareholders of GFC and the filing of a Form 8-K upon announcement and upon closing of the transactions (the “SEC Filings”). These documents must include business and financial information regarding the Company, including audited annual and unaudited interim financial statements.
 
(b) The Management Vendors, in the Management Vendor’s Respective Proportions, covenant to GFC that the information provided (or procured to be provided) by the Management Vendors relating to the Group in any preliminary or definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC in connection with the transactions contemplated by this deed and which information is specifically identified in writing by GFC will not contain any statement which, at the time and in the light of the circumstances under which it is made, is false or misleading with respect to any material fact, or which omits to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein not false or misleading.
 
(c) GFC agrees to indemnify the Vendors against any Claim against the Vendors to the extent that:
 
(i) any preliminary or definitive proxy statement or any other document filed with the SEC in connection with the transactions contemplated by this deed contained any statement which, at the time and in the light of the circumstances under which it was made, was false or misleading with respect to any material fact or omitted to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein not false or misleading


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(excluding any statement based on information which is warranted by the Management Vendors under clause 8.5(b); and
 
(ii) the final proxy statement did not comply in all material respects with the provisions of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.
 
(d) GFC will duly dispatch and post the notice of meeting to its stockholders as soon as legally practicable after the proxy statement is approved by SEC and will use its best efforts to cause such meetings to occur no later than 30 days from the date of mailing the notices. GFC’s board of directors will recommend to stockholders the approval of the transactions contemplated by this deed and GFC must include such recommendation in the proxy statement.
 
(e) The Management Vendors agree to provide such business and financial information and financial statements regarding the Group as GFC may reasonably request for the SEC Filings and to respond to SEC comments in connection therewith, and to cause (to the extent they are able to do so) its auditors to provide such signed reports and consents as may be required for such SEC Filings.
 
(f) GFC agrees that it will promptly provide copies to and consult with the Management Vendors in the preparation of any written responses with respect to any comments or requests received from SEC, and the Management Vendors will, prior to filing, have the right to review and comment on the SEC Filings made at or prior to Completion. GFC will not file any SEC Filings with the SEC containing information relating to the Group without the prior written consent of Paul Jeffery as representative of the Management Vendors with respect to the information relating to the Group, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or unreasonably delayed.
 
9.   Warranties and Indemnities
 
9.1  Warranties by Vendors
 
(a) Each Vendor represents and warrants to the Purchaser, in respect of itself and the Sale Shares held by it only, that each of the Title and Capacity Warranties is true and accurate on its terms at the date of this deed and will be true and accurate on the Completion Date.
 
(b) Each Management Vendor severally represents and warrants to the Purchaser that each of the Business Warranties is true and accurate on its terms at the date of this deed and will be true and accurate on the Completion Date.
 
(c) Equity Partners represents and warrants to the Purchaser that each of the Business Warranties is, so far as Equity Partners is aware, true and accurate on its terms at the date of this deed and will be true and accurate on the Completion Date.
 
9.1A  Vendors’ Indemnity
 
The Vendors indemnify and agree to keep indemnified the Purchaser against any Claim against the Purchaser to the extent that the Claim gives rise to a breach of any of the Business Warranties (including, without limitation, any Claim suffered or incurred by the Purchaser by reason of the Shares being worth less than they would have been worth had that breach not occurred).
 
9.2  Application of the Warranties
 
Each of the Warranties:
 
(a) remains in full force and effect after Completion;
 
(b) is separate and independent and is not limited by reference to any other Warranty; and (c) is given as an inducement to the Purchaser to enter into this deed.


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9.3  Disclosure
 
The Warranties are given subject to and qualified by, and the Purchaser is not entitled to claim that any fact, matter or circumstance causes any of the Warranties to be breached if and to the extent, but only to the extent, that the fact, matter or circumstance is fairly disclosed in the Disclosure Documents.
 
This clause does not apply to any disclosure relating to the statutory records of any Group Company (and in particular their Members register).
 
9.4  Acknowledgments
 
The Purchaser acknowledges and agrees with the Vendors that:
 
(a) the Warranties are the only warranties that the Purchaser has relied on in entering into this deed;
 
(b) without limiting clause 9.14, no warranty or representation, expressed or implied, is given in relation to any information or expression of intention or expectation nor any forecast, budget or projection contained or referred to in the Disclosure Documents; and
 
(c) to the extent permitted by law, all other warranties, representations and undertakings (whether express or implied and whether oral or in writing) made or given by any Group Company or their respective employees, customers, agents or representatives are expressly excluded.
 
9.5  No reliance
 
(a) The Purchaser acknowledges, and represents and warrants to the Vendors, that:
 
(i) no representations, warranties, promises, undertakings, statements or conduct:
 
(A) have induced or influenced the Purchaser to enter into, or agree to any terms or conditions of, this deed;
 
(B) have been relied on in any way as being accurate by the Purchaser;
 
(C) have been warranted to the Purchaser as being true; or
 
(D) have been taken into account by the Purchaser as being important to its decision to enter into, or agree to any or all of the terms of, this deed,
 
except, in the case of the Purchaser, those expressly set out in this deed (including in the Warranties);
 
(ii) it has entered into this deed after satisfactory inspection and investigation of the affairs of the Group, including a reasonable review of all the Disclosure Documents; and
 
(iii) it has made, and it relies upon, its own reasonable searches, enquiries and evaluations in respect of the Business (including in connection with any financial analysis or modelling conducted by the Purchaser or any of their representatives or advisers), except to the extent expressly set out in this deed (including in the Warranties).
 
(b) The parties acknowledge that the Vendors are not under any obligation to provide the Purchaser or its advisers with any information (including financial information) on the future performance or prospects of the Group. If the Purchaser has received opinions, estimates, projections, business plans, budget information or forecasts in connection with the Group (including in connection with any financial analysis or modelling conducted by the Purchaser or any of their representatives or advisers), the Purchaser acknowledges and agrees that:
 
(i) there are uncertainties inherent in attempting to make these opinions, estimates, projections, business plans, budgets and forecasts and the Purchaser is familiar with these uncertainties;
 
(ii) the Purchaser is taking full responsibility for making its own evaluation of the adequacy and accuracy of all opinions, estimates, projections, business plans, budgets and forecasts furnished to it; and


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(iii) the Vendors are not liable under any Claim arising out of or relating to any opinions, estimates, projections, business plans, budgets or forecasts in connection with the Group.
 
9.6  Financial limits on Claims
 
The Vendors have no liability for a Claim for a breach of Warranty:
 
(a) unless the amount of the Claim in respect of that breach is $20,000 or more; and
 
(b) until the aggregate of all Claims under all Warranties of $20,000 or more exceeds $375,000, in which event the Purchaser may claim the whole amount, not just the excess over $375,000.
 
9.7  Time limits on Claims
 
(a) Subject to clause 9.7(b), a Vendor will have no liability for breach of any Warranty, unless the Purchaser has given written notice of the Claim (Claim Notice) to that Vendor on or before the date that is 18 months after the date of this deed other than a Claim under 9.7(b) and the Claim has been settled or legal proceedings in a court of competent jurisdiction in respect of the Claim have been commenced by the Purchaser against that Vendor within twelve months of the date of the relevant Claim Notice.
 
(b) A Vendor will have no liability for breach of the Warranties in clauses 1, 3 and 6 of Schedule 5 unless the Purchaser has given written notice of the Claim to that Vendor on or before the date that is five years after the date of this deed.
 
9.8  Maximum aggregate liability for Claims
 
The maximum aggregate liability of each Vendor (including legal costs and expenses incurred in defending a Claim from a third party), as a result of Claims for breach of:
 
(a) the Title and Capacity Warranties given by that Vendor is an amount equal to that Vendor’s Respective Proportion of the Purchase Price; and
 
(b) the Business Warranties is an amount equal to that Vendor’s Respective Proportion of 20 percent of $115,000,000,
 
provided that the aggregate amount which the Purchaser may recover against that Vendor in respect of all Claims under both paragraphs (a) and (b) above and in relation to any other breach of this deed by that Vendor (including, without limitation, clauses 9.1A, 9.16 and 10) is an amount equal to that Vendor’s Respective Proportion of the Purchase Price.
 
9.9  Duty to mitigate
 
(a) The Purchaser acknowledges and agrees that it must itself take, and must procure that the Group Companies take, all reasonable steps to mitigate all and any loss which arises due to a breach by the Vendors of any provision of this deed including any breach of Warranty (which, for the avoidance of doubt, includes the indemnities in clauses 9.1A, 9.16 and 10).
 
(b) Without limiting clause 9.9(a), the Purchaser must take all reasonable steps to resist and defend, in the name of the relevant Group Company, any third party Claims.
 
9.10  Rights of the Purchaser
 
If the Purchaser makes a Claim under any Warranty (which, for the avoidance of doubt, includes a Claim under any of clauses 9.1A, 9.16 and 10):
 
(a) the Purchaser at reasonable and regular intervals must provide the Vendors with written reports concerning the conduct, negotiation, control, defence and/or settlement of the Claim;
 
(b) the Purchaser must afford the Vendors the opportunity to consult with the Purchaser on matters of significance in relation to the conduct, negotiation and settlement of the Claim; and


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(c) the Vendors must render to the Purchaser, at the Purchaser’s reasonable expense, all such assistance as the Purchaser may reasonably require in disputing any Claim.
 
9.11  Benefits or credits received by the Company or the Purchaser
 
If any payment in respect of a Claim under the Warranties is made to the Purchaser by, or on behalf of, a Vendor, and after the payment is made the Purchaser or any Group Company receives or is entitled to any benefit or credit in relation to the subject matter of the Claim (including payment under any insurance policy), then the Purchaser:
 
(a) must immediately notify the Vendor of the likely benefit or credit; and
 
(b) pay to the Vendor an amount equal to the amount (net of expenses and Tax) of the likely benefit or credit received by the Purchaser or Group companies (as the case may be).
 
9.12  Warranty payments
 
Any payment made in respect of a Claim for breach of a Warranty is deemed to be a reduction in the Purchase Price.
 
9.13  Trade Practices Act
 
To the extent permitted by law, the Purchaser agrees not to make, and waives any right it may have to make, any claim against the Vendors under section 52 of the Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth) or the corresponding provision of any State or Territory enactment.
 
9.14  Financial forecasts
 
The parties acknowledge and agree that the Warranties do not apply to any financial forecasts, projections, opinions of future performance or other statements relating to financial prospects of the Group that have been provided by the Vendors or which are contained in the Budget. No warranty is given or representation made that any such financial forecast, projection or opinion will be met or achieved. Any such information that has been provided to the Purchaser was provided for information purposes only.
 
9.15  Additional limitations
 
The liability of the Vendors in respect of any Claim in respect of the Warranties is reduced to the extent that:
 
(a) the subject matter of any Claim is provided for in the Accounts or is taken into account in calculating the amount of the Net Debt, the Completion Container Rental Equipment Amount, the Net Tangible Assets Amount, the Working Capital Amount or the K&S Lease Adjustment Amount;
 
(b) the Claim has arisen as a result of, or in consequence of, any voluntary act, omission, transaction or arrangement of or on behalf of the Purchaser or any Group Company after Completion except in relation to those acts or omissions conducted in the ordinary course of business or required by any law, regulation or contractual arrangement;
 
(c) the Claim is as a result of or in respect of, or where the Claim arises from any increase in the rate of Tax liable to be paid or any imposition of Tax not in effect at the date of this deed;
 
(d) GFC or the Purchaser have actual knowledge of the facts giving rise to the Claim and in circumstances where it would be reasonable for the Purchaser to conclude that there was a breach of Warranty;
 
(e) the Claim occurs or is increased as a result of legislation not in force or in effect at the date of this deed; or
 
(f) the Claim occurs as a result of a change after the date of this deed in any law or interpretation of law.


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9.16  Vendors’ Tax Indemnity
 
The Vendors indemnify and agree to keep indemnified until 5 years after the date of this deed, the Purchaser against:
 
(a) any amounts which either or both a Group Company and the Purchaser may be called upon to pay in respect of any assessment, reassessment, amended assessment, default assessment, penalty, fine or any other obligation in respect of Taxes of the Group Company in respect of any year of income ended 30 June preceding the Completion Date and in respect of the period commencing on 1 July 2006 and ending on the Completion Date which have not been paid prior to the Accounts Date or fully provided for in the Accounts or in the Completion Accounts;
 
(b) any increased liability for Tax payable by the Purchaser (in relation to a Group Company) and/or the Group for any reason in respect of any year of income up to and inclusive of the year of income ended on 30 June immediately preceding the Completion Date from that amount already paid or to be provided for in the Accounts arising out of any act done or omitted to be done by a Group Company on or before the Completion Date; and
 
(c) any Taxes payable by a Group Company during the period from the Accounts Date to the Completion Date arising as a result of the actions of a Group Company during that period which are not in the ordinary and proper course of business and which are not provided for in the Accounts or in the Completion Accounts.
 
9.17  Limits to recovery
 
The Purchaser acknowledges and agrees that it may not recover any amounts from the Vendors in relation to more than one of the following:
 
(a) a breach of any of the Business Warranties; and/or
 
(b) a breach of any of the Title and Capacity Warranties; and/or
 
(c) the indemnity in clause 9.1A; and/or
 
(d) the indemnity in clause 9.16; and/or
 
(e) the indemnity in clause 10,
 
in relation to the same set of facts or circumstances.
 
9.18  Good faith negotiations in relation to disclosure of material items between signing and Completion
 
The parties acknowledge and agree that if a fact, matter or circumstance occurs after the date of this deed but before Completion that constitutes a breach of a Warranty or Warranties, being a fact, matter or circumstance that did not exist at the date of this deed, then while neither the Vendors nor the Purchaser will have any right to terminate this Deed in respect of the relevant breach, the following provisions will operate:
 
(a) the Vendors will be entitled to disclose the relevant fact, matter or thing to the Purchaser;
 
(b) such disclosure will not constitute a disclosure against the Warranties for the purposes of clause 9.3; and
 
(c) the parties agree to negotiate in good faith before Completion with a view to reaching a mutually acceptable resolution (which may possibly involve an appropriate reduction in the Purchase Price) in lieu of the Purchaser making a claim for breach of the Warranties against the Vendors.
 
10.   K&S Lease Indemnity
 
(a) Subject to clause 10(b), for so long as Royal Wolf Trading has obligations under the K&S Lease (Curtainsider), the Vendors (in their Respective Proportions) indemnify the Group for all liabilities suffered or incurred by the Group in relation to an event of default occurring under the K&S Lease (Curtainsider) on or after Completion.


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(b) The indemnity in clause 10(a) only applies on the basis that:
 
(i) the K&S Lease (Curtainsider) is not amended or varied after Completion;
 
(ii) the term of the K&S Lease (Curtainsider) is not extended;
 
(iii) Royal Wolf Trading continues to perform all of its obligations under the K&S Lease (Curtainsider) which are due to be performed on or after Completion;
 
(iv) Royal Wolf Trading does not cause the K&S Lease (Curtainsider) to be breached, either wilfully or negligently, after Completion; and
 
(v) the Purchaser takes, and procures that Royal Wolf Trading takes, all reasonable actions to mitigate any Claim under the K&S Lease (Curtainsider).
 
(c) In the event that the indemnity in this clause 10 is invoked, the parties agree to use their best endeavours to procure that Royal Wolf Trading assigns the benefit of the K&S Lease (Curtainsider) to a nominee of the Vendors.
 
11.   ADF Contract
 
The parties acknowledge that, in the period prior to Completion, the Group may enter into and comply with its obligations under the ADF Contract (if awarded) subject to the Vendors consulting with the Purchaser on negotiations (if any) relating to the ADF Contract.
 
12.   Environmental audit report
 
Without affecting clause 9, the Vendors acknowledge and agree that the Purchaser does not give any warranty or make any representation in relation to the completeness or accuracy of the Phase 1 environmental audit report commissioned by GFC in relation to the Group or the methodology adopted by Consulting Earth Scientists in preparing that report.
 
13.   GFC Undertaking
 
(a) GFC undertakes, subject to all of the Conditions being satisfied or waived in accordance with clause 2.2, to ensure that the Purchaser is provided with sufficient funding to enable it to meet its obligations under this deed (including, without limitation, the obligations in clause 6.3).
 
(b) The Vendors have agreed to enter into this deed with GFC and the Purchaser in reliance on the undertaking in clause 13(a).
 
14.   Guarantee
 
14.1  Guarantee and indemnity
 
Each Guarantor, in respect of its Related Management Vendor only and to the extent of that Related Management Vendor’s Respective Proportion only, unconditionally and irrevocably:
 
(a) guarantees to the Purchaser the due and punctual performance and observance by its Related Management Vendor of all of the obligations contained in or implied under this deed that must be performed and observed by its Related Management Vendor (whether present, future, actual or contingent) (Guaranteed Obligations); and
 
(b) indemnifies the Purchaser against all losses, damages, costs and expenses which the Purchaser may now or in the future suffer or incur consequent on or arising directly or indirectly out of any breach or non-observance by its Related Management Vendor of a Guaranteed Obligation.


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14.2  Enforcement against guarantors
 
The Purchaser must first satisfy the total amount of any Claims made by it against the Guarantor from the proceeds remaining in the Escrow Account (if any) before it becomes entitled to recover any other cash in respect of a damages Claim from a Guarantor.
 
14.3  Continuing Guarantee
 
This Guarantee is a continuing guarantee and indemnity notwithstanding any settlement of account, intervening payment or other matter or thing whatever and is irrevocable until discharged pursuant to the terms of this deed.
 
14.4  Principal Obligations
 
The Guaranteed Obligations
 
(a) are principal obligations and not ancillary or collateral to any other obligation; and
 
(b) may be enforced against the relevant Guarantor without the Purchaser being required to exhaust any remedy it may have against the Vendor or to enforce any guarantee or security interest it may hold with respect to the Guaranteed Obligations.
 
14.5  Obligations Absolute and Unconditional
 
The Guaranteed Obligations are absolute and unconditional and the liability of the relevant Guarantor under this deed extends to and is not affected by anything which, but for this provision, might operate to exonerate it from the Guaranteed Obligations in whole or in part including, without limitation, any one or more of the following (whether occurring with or without the consent of any person):
 
(a) the grant to the Management Vendor, the Guarantor or any other person of any time, waiver or other indulgence or concession or any whole or partial discharge or release of the Management Vendor, the Guarantor or any other person;
 
(b) any transaction or arrangement that may take place between the Purchaser and the Management Vendor, the Guarantor or any other person;
 
(c) the winding up or bankruptcy or death of, or the appointment of an administrator to, the Management Vendor, the Guarantor or any other person;
 
(d) the Guaranteed Obligations being or becoming wholly or partially illegal, void, voidable, unenforceable or disclaimed by a liquidator or trustee in bankruptcy;
 
(e) the failure by the Purchaser to give notice to the Guarantor of any default by the Management Vendor or any other person;
 
(f) any legal limitation, disability, incapacity or other circumstance related to the Management Vendor, the Guarantor or any other person;
 
(g) any laches, acquiescence, delay, acts, omissions or mistake on the part of or suffered by the Purchaser or any other person in relation to this deed;
 
(h) the Purchaser becoming a party to any compromise or scheme or assignment of property by or relating to the Management Vendor or the Guarantor or the acceptance by the Purchaser of any dividend or sum of money under such compromise, scheme or assignment;
 
(i) any judgment or rights which the Purchaser may have or exercise against the Management Vendor, the Guarantor or any other person;
 
(j) if the Management Vendor or the Guarantor is a trustee, any breach of trust or any variation of the terms of the trust or its determination.


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14.6  Winding-up or Bankruptcy of Management Vendor
 
If the Management Vendor is wound up or bankrupted, the Guarantor irrevocably authorises the Purchaser (but without any obligation on the part of the Purchaser) to:
 
(a) prove for all moneys which the Guarantor has paid under this guarantee; and
 
(b) retain and carry to a suspense account and appropriate at the Purchaser’s discretion any dividends and other moneys received in respect of satisfaction of the Guaranteed Obligations,
 
until the Guaranteed Obligations have been irrevocably paid and discharged in full.
 
14.7  Indemnity in Respect of Management Vendors’ Obligations
 
The Guarantor unconditionally indemnifies the Purchaser against any loss which the Purchaser may suffer because the Guaranteed Obligations are unenforceable or disclaimed by a liquidator or trustee in bankruptcy in whole or in part.
 
14.8  Payment under Indemnity
 
The Guarantor shall pay to the Purchaser on demand a sum equal to any loss in respect of which it indemnifies the Purchaser under this clause including any moneys (or any moneys which if recoverable would have formed part of the Guaranteed Obligations) which are not or may not be recoverable.
 
14.9   General Application of Indemnity
 
The indemnities given by the Guarantor under this clause shall apply to any Guaranteed Obligations which are not or may not be recoverable:
 
(a) whether by reason of any legal limitation, disability or incapacity of or affecting the Vendor or any other person;
 
(b) whether the transactions or any of them relating to those moneys were void, illegal, voidable or unenforceable; and
 
(c) whether or not any of the relevant matters or facts were or ought to have been within the knowledge of the Purchaser.
 
15.   Restraint
 
15.1  Definitions
 
In this clause 15:
 
(a) Covenantor means each of Equity Partners and the Management Vendors;
 
(b) engage in means to carry on, participate in, provide finance or services, or otherwise be directly or indirectly involved as a shareholder, unitholder, director, consultant, adviser, contractor, principal, agent, manager, employee, beneficiary, partner, associate, trustee or financier; and
 
(c) Restraint Amount means $3 million payable by the Purchaser to the Covenantors in accordance with clause 15.8.
 
15.2  Prohibited activities
 
In consideration for the payment of the Restraint Amount, the Covenantors must not and must procure that each of its Associated Persons does not do any of the following:
 
(a) engage in a business that competes with the Business;


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(b) solicit, canvass, approach or accept an approach from a person who was at any time during the 12 months ending on the Completion Date a customer of the Group with a view to obtaining their custom in a business that is in competition with the Business; or
 
(c) interfere with the relationship between the Group and its customers, employees or suppliers;
 
(d) induce or help to induce an Employee to leave their employment; or
 
(e) disclose or use to their advantage or to the disadvantage of any Group Company, itself or by any of its Associated Persons any of the trade secrets or any confidential information relating to a Group Company or its Business.
 
15.3  Duration of prohibition
 
The undertakings in clause 15.2 begin on the Completion Date and end:
 
(a) 5 years after the Completion Date;
 
(b) 4 years after the Completion Date;
 
(c) 3 years after the Completion Date;
 
(d) 2 years after the Completion Date;
 
(e) 1 year after the Completion Date,
 
other than the undertaking in clause 15.2(e) which shall not have an end date.
 
15.4  Geographic application of prohibition
 
The undertakings in clause 15.2 apply only if the activity prohibited by clause 15.2 occurs within:
 
(a) Australia and New Zealand;
 
(b) All states and Territories of Australia;
 
(c) All capital cities in Australia and New Zealand.
 
15.5  Interpretation
 
Clauses 15.2, 15.3 and 15.4 have effect together as if they consisted of separate provisions, each being severable from the other. Each separate provision results from combining each undertaking in clause 15.2, with each period in clause 15.3, and combining each of those combinations with each area in clause 15.4. All combinations apply cumulatively. Each combination must be read down to the extent necessary to be valid. If any combination cannot be read down to that extent, it must be severed. If any of those separate provisions is invalid or unenforceable for any reason, the invalidity or unenforceability does not affect the validity or enforceability of any of the other separate provisions or other combinations of the separate provisions of clauses 15.2, 15.3 and 15.4.
 
15.6  Exceptions
 
This clause 15 does not restrict:
 
(a) a Covenantor from performing any employment with the Group;
 
(b) a Covenantor from holding five per cent or less of the shares of a listed company;
 
(c) Equity Partners holding shares in the capital of GFC;
 
(d) a Covenantor recruiting a person in response to a newspaper, web page or other public employment advertisement that is not made with the intention of soliciting the employment of a particular employee of the Group;


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(e) Equity Partners holding an interest in another business which competes with the Business (Competing Business) provided that the Competing Business does not derive more than 10% of its revenue from activities which compete with the Business and provided that Equity Partners disposes of its interest in the Competing Business within 6 months of the Competing Business deriving more than 10% of its revenue from activities which compete with the Business.
 
15.7  Acknowledgments
 
Each Covenantor acknowledges that:
 
(a) all the prohibitions and restrictions in this clause 15 are reasonable in the circumstances and necessary to protect the goodwill of the Business;
 
(b) damages are not an adequate remedy if a Covenantor breaches this clause 15; and
 
(c) the Purchaser may apply for injunctive relief if a Covenantor breaches or threatens to breach this clause 15.
 
15.8  Payment of Restraint Amount
 
The Restraint Amount is payable in cash by the Purchaser to the Vendors without counterclaim or set-off as follows:
 
(a) on the first anniversary of the Completion Date:
 
(i) $750,000 to Equity Partners; and
 
(ii) $750,000 to the Management Vendors;
 
(b) on the second anniversary of the Completion Date:
 
(i) $750,000 to Equity Partners; and
 
(ii) $750,000 to the Management Vendors.
 
16.   Representations by the Purchaser and GFC
 
16.1  Representations
 
Each of the Purchaser and GFC represent and warrant to each of the Vendors that each of the following statements is true and accurate at the date of this deed and will be true and accurate on the Completion Date:
 
(a) they are validly existing under the laws of their place of incorporation or registration;
 
(b) they have the power to enter into and perform their obligations under this deed and to carry out the transactions contemplated by this deed;
 
(c) they have taken all necessary action to authorise their entry into and performance of this deed and to carry out the transactions contemplated by this deed; and
 
(d) their obligations under this deed are valid and binding and enforceable against them in accordance with their terms.
 
16.2  Application of representations by the Purchaser and GFC
 
Each of the representations and warranties made by the Purchaser and GFC under clause 16.1 remains in full force and effect on and after Completion.


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17.   Equity Partners limitation of liability
 
17.1  Limited capacity
 
Subject to clause 17.3, Equity Partners Two Pty Limited (Trustee) enters into this deed solely in its capacity as trustee of the Equity Partners 2 Trust (Trust). A liability arising under or in connection with this deed is limited to, and can be enforced against the Trustee, only to the extent to which it can be satisfied out of the assets of the Trust out of which the Trustee is actually indemnified for the liability. This limitation of the liability of the Trustee applies despite any other provision of this deed (other than clause 17.3) and extends to all liabilities and obligations of the Trustee in any way connected with any representation, warranty, conduct, omission, agreement or transaction related to this deed.
 
17.2  Limited rights to sue
 
Subject to clause 17.3, no party may sue the Trustee in any capacity other than in its capacity in relation to the Trust, including to seek the appointment of a receiver (except in relation to property of the Trust), a liquidator, an administrator, or any similar person to the Trustee or prove in any liquidation, administration or arrangement of or affecting the Trustee (except in relation to property of the Trust).
 
17.3  Exceptions
 
The provisions of clauses 17.1 and 17.2 do not apply to any obligation or liability of the Trustee to the extent that it is not satisfied because there is a reduction in the extent of the Trustee’s indemnification out of the assets of the Trust as a result of the Trustee’s fraud, negligence or breach of trust.
 
17.4  Limitation on authority
 
No attorney, agent, receiver or receiver and manager appointed in accordance with this deed has authority to act on behalf of the Trustee in a way which exposes the Trustee to any personal liability, and no act or omission of any such person will be considered fraud, negligence or breach of trust of the Trustee for the purpose of clause 17.3.
 
18.  GST
 
18.1  Interpretation
 
In this clause 18, a word or expression defined in the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 (Cth) has the meaning given to it in that Act.
 
18.2  GST gross up
 
If a party makes a supply under or in connection with this deed in respect of which GST is payable, the consideration for the supply but for the application of this clause 18.2 (GST exclusive consideration) is increased by an amount equal to the GST exclusive consideration multiplied by the rate of GST prevailing at the time the supply is made.
 
18.3  Reimbursements
 
If a party must reimburse or indemnify another party for a loss, cost or expense, the amount to be reimbursed or indemnified is first reduced by any input tax credit the other party is entitled to for the loss, cost or expense, and then increased in accordance with clause 18.2.
 
18.4  Tax invoice
 
A party need not make a payment for a taxable supply made under or in connection with this deed until it receives a tax invoice for the supply to which the payment relates.


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19.   Announcements
 
19.1  Announcements
 
A party must not make or authorise a press release or public announcement relating to the negotiations of the parties or the subject matter or provisions of this deed unless:
 
(a) it is required to be made by law or the rules of a recognised investment exchange or by contract and before it is made that party has:
 
(i) notified the other parties to this deed; and
 
(ii) given the other parties to this deed at least two Business Days to comment on the contents of, and the requirement for, such press release or public announcement; or
 
(b) it has the prior written approval of Equity Partners, the Purchaser and Management Vendors (which approval may not be unreasonably withheld); or
 
(c) Equity Partners Two Pty Limited wishes or must, in satisfaction of its reporting obligations, issue a release or notice to investors or shareholders of Equity Partners or to the members of advisory and investment committees of funds managed by Equity Partners.
 
19.2  Equity Partners exception
 
(a) The Vendors must not (and the Vendors must procure that any of their Associated Persons must not) negotiate or offer to treat in any way the sale of the Company or the Business with any third party.
 
(b) If the Conditions in clause 2.1(a) and 2.1(b) are not satisfied or waived by 1 March 2007 then Equity Partners may discuss the potential sale of the Company or the Business with any third party between the period from 1 March 2007 to 17 March 2007 (both dates inclusive).
 
20.   Notices and other communications
 
20.1  Service of notices
 
A notice, demand, consent, approval or communication under this deed (Notice) must be:
 
(a) in writing, in English and signed by a person duly authorised by the sender; and
 
(b) hand delivered or sent by prepaid post or facsimile to the recipient’s address for Notices specified in the Details, as varied by any Notice given by the recipient to the sender.
 
20.2  Effective on receipt
 
A Notice given in accordance with clause 20.1 takes effect when taken to be received (or at a later time specified in it), and is taken to be received:
 
(a) if hand delivered, on delivery;
 
(b) if sent by prepaid post, the second Business Day after the date of posting (or the seventh Business Day after the date of posting if posted to or from a place outside Australia); and
 
(c) if sent by facsimile, when the sender’s facsimile system generates a message confirming successful transmission of the entire Notice unless, within eight Business Hours after the transmission, the recipient informs the sender that it has not received the entire Notice,
 
but if the delivery, receipt or transmission is not on a Business Day or is after 5.00pm on a Business Day, the Notice is taken to be received at 9.00 am on the next Business Day.


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21.   Miscellaneous
 
21.1  Vendors’ Representatives
 
The Vendors agree that when this document provides that any power may be exercised by, any decision may be made by, any action may be performed by, any notice may be given by, or any consent may be given by the Vendors’ Representatives:
 
(a) then that power may be exercised by, that decision may be made by, that action may be performed by, that notice may be given by and that consent may be given by the Vendors’ Representatives for and on behalf of all the Vendors; and
 
(b) the Purchasers may rely on the exercise, decision, action, notice or consent of the Vendors’ Representatives in relation to any such matters as having been given on behalf of all the Vendors.
 
21.2  Alterations
 
This deed may be altered only in writing signed by each party.
 
21.3  Approvals and consents
 
Except where this deed expressly states otherwise, a party may, in its discretion, give conditionally or unconditionally or withhold any approval or consent under this deed.
 
21.4  Assignment
 
A party may only assign this deed or a right under this deed with the prior written consent of each other party.
 
21.5  Costs
 
(a) The Vendors’ costs and expenses of negotiating, preparing and executing this deed will be paid by the Company.
 
(b) The Purchaser and GFC must pay its own costs and expenses of negotiating, preparing, stamping and executing this deed including the costs and expenses of preparing the proxy statement referred to in clause 2.1(a) and the costs and expenses of Horwath and Horwath and KPMG.
 
21.6  Stamp duty and other duties
 
Any stamp duty, duties or other taxes of a similar nature (including fines, penalties and interest) in connection with this deed or any transaction contemplated by this deed, must be paid by the Purchaser.
 
21.7  Survival
 
Any indemnity or any obligation of confidence under this deed is independent and survives termination of this deed. Any other term by its nature intended to survive termination of this deed survives termination of this deed.
 
21.8  Counterparts
 
This deed may be executed in counterparts. All executed counterparts constitute one document.
 
21.9  No merger
 
The rights and obligations of the parties under this deed do not merge on completion of any transaction contemplated by this deed.


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21.10  Entire agreement
 
This deed and the documents referred to in this deed constitute the entire agreement between the parties in connection with its subject matter and supersede all previous agreements or understandings between the parties in connection with its subject matter.
 
21.11  Further action
 
Each party must do, at its own expense, everything reasonably necessary (including executing documents) to give full effect to this deed and any transactions contemplated by it.
 
21.12  Severability
 
A term or part of a term of this deed that is illegal or unenforceable may be severed from this deed and the remaining terms or parts of the term of this deed continue in force.
 
21.13  Waiver
 
A party does not waive a right, power or remedy if it fails to exercise or delays in exercising the right, power or remedy. A single or partial exercise of a right, power or remedy does not prevent another or further exercise of that or another right, power or remedy. A waiver of a right, power or remedy must be in writing and signed by the party giving the waiver.
 
21.14  Governing law and jurisdiction
 
This deed is governed by the law of New South Wales and each party irrevocably and unconditionally submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of New South Wales.
 
21.15  Specific performance
 
Nothing in this deed is intended to exclude a party from seeking the remedy of specific performance in relation to Completion.
 
22.   Trusts
 
The Management Vendors covenant with each other party that they have full, complete, valid and unfettered authority and power to enter into this deed pursuant to the trusts for which they are the trustees including the power to give a guarantee and to enter into all the terms, conditions and covenants herein on its part contained or implied and that the entering into of this deed is in the due administration of such trusts.


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Schedule 4 — Title and Capacity Warranties
 
1. Each Vendor has full power, capacity, authority and all necessary consents to enter into and perform its obligations under this deed.
 
2. This deed will, when executed by the Vendors, constitute binding obligations of the Vendors in accordance with their respective terms.
 
3. The execution, delivery and performance by the Vendors of this deed will not:
 
(a) result in a breach of any provision of the constitution of a Vendor; or
 
(b) result in a breach of, or constitute a default under, any instrument to which a Vendor is a party or by which a Vendor is bound and which is material in the context of the transactions contemplated by this deed.
 
4. No:
 
(a) meeting has been convened, resolution proposed, petition presented or order made for the winding up of the Vendor; or
 
(b) receiver, receiver and manager, provisional liquidator, liquidator or other officer of the Court has been appointed in relation to all or any material assets of the Vendor.
 
5. Each Vendor:
 
(a) is not insolvent within the meaning of section 95 of the Corporations Act;
 
(b) has not stopped paying its debts as and when they fall due; and
 
(c) is not subject to voluntary administration under Part 5.3A of the Corporations Act.
 
6. Each Vendor warrants that it is the registered holder and the sole legal owner of the Sale Shares set out opposite its name in Schedule 1.
 
7. Each Vendor warrants that there is no option, right to acquire or Encumbrance over or affecting such Sale Shares or any of them.
 
 


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Schedule 5 — Business Warranties
 
Warranty 1 — The Group
 
1.1  (Status) Each Group Company is duly incorporated and validly exists under the laws of the jurisdiction in which it was incorporated.
 
1.2 (No insolvency event):
 
(a) No meeting has been convened, resolution proposed, petition presented or order made for the winding up of the Company or any Group Company;
 
(b) No receiver, receiver and manager, provisional liquidator, liquidator or other officer of the Court has been appointed in relation to all or any material assets of the Company or any Group Company; and
 
(c) Each Vendor and Group Company:
 
(i) is not insolvent within the meaning of section 95 of the Corporations Act;
 
(ii) has not stopped paying its debts as and when they fall due; and
 
(iii) is not subject to voluntary administration under Part 5.3A of the Corporations Act.
 
(d) No writ of execution exists against any Group Company.
 
1.3 (Sale Shares) The Sale Shares:
 
(a) will, as at Completion, comprise the entire issued share capital of the Company;
 
(b) are fully paid; and
 
(c) were validly issued.
 
1.4 There are no agreements, arrangements or understandings in force or securities issued which call for the present or future issue of, or grant to any person the right to require the issue of, any shares in the Company.
 
1.5 The shares in the Subsidiaries which have been issued by the Subsidiaries are:
 
(a) held by and beneficially owned by the Company (in the case of Royal Wolf Trading) or Royal Wolf Trading (in the case of Royal Wolf Hi-Tech Pty Limited); and
 
(b) are free from any security or third party interest.
 
1.6 There are no agreements, arrangements or understandings in force or securities issued which require the present or future issue of, or grant to any person the right to require the issue of, any shares or other securities in any of the Subsidiaries.
 
1.7 No Group Company:
 
(a) has any subsidiary (other than a Subsidiary);
 
(b) holds or beneficially owns any share or other security of any other company (other than a           Subsidiary);
 
(c) is a member of any partnership, joint venture or unincorporated association; or
 
(d) has any branch or any permanent establishment outside Australia.
 
1.8 Each Group Company has full power and authority to own its property and assets and to conduct its Business in all relevant jurisdictions and does not own property or assets or conduct any business in any place other than those places.
 
1.9 The register of members of each Group Company contains a true and accurate record of its members from time to time.

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1.10 All statutory books and records of each Group Company have been properly kept and are up to date with true and accurate entries and records.
 
1.11 Each Group Company:
 
(a) has complied with all legal requirements for the filing of returns, particulars, notices and other documents with all government and regulatory authorities;
 
(b) has complied with all legal requirements in relation to the conduct of its Business; and
 
(c) has conducted its Business and its affairs generally in accordance with all applicable laws, orders, regulations, by-laws and other requirements.
 
1.12 Since the Accounts Date, no dividend in respect of any capital of a Group Company has been declared or paid nor has there been any other distribution of property or assets to members of the Group Company since the Accounts Date.
 
1.13 The Vendors are entitled to, and will, receive and be paid the Purchase Price in the respective amounts set out opposite their names in the sixth column of Schedule 1 (the Respective Proportions), notwithstanding that they hold the Sale Shares in different proportions.
 
Warranty 2 — Accounts
 
2.1 The Accounts give a true and fair view of the financial position of the Group as at the Accounts Date, and of the assets, liabilities and the results of operations of the Group for the period to which the Accounts relate.
 
2.2 The Accounts were prepared with due and reasonable care, in accordance with the accounting policies, principles and bases of preparation stated in those Accounts.
 
2.3 There has been no material change to the financial position of any Group Company or of the assets, liabilities or the results of operations of any Group Company since the Accounts Date.
 
Warranty 3 — Taxation
 
Compliance
 
3.1 The Group has not and will not have any liability for Tax in respect of the period ending on the Completion Date except for Tax for which provision has been made in the Accounts or Tax incurred in the ordinary course of business since the Accounts Date and provided for in the Completion Accounts.
 
3.2 Each Group Company has:
 
(a) complied with all obligations imposed on the Group Company by any Tax law;
 
(b) filed, lodged or submitted all Tax returns and information regarding Tax and Tax matters as and when required by Tax law or requested by any Tax authority or as agreed with their tax agent with true and full disclosure of all relevant matters; and
 
(c) maintained sufficient and accurate records and all other information required to support all Tax returns and information which has been or may be filed, lodged or submitted to any Tax authority or is required to be kept under any Tax law.
 
Stamp duty
 
3.3 All documents required to be created by each Group Company under a law relating to stamp duty or a Tax of a similar nature, have been created and have had stamp duty or other Taxes of a similar nature paid in full in accordance with all applicable laws.
 
3.4 All documents which are liable to stamp duty or a Tax of a similar nature, or necessary to establish the title of each Group Company to an asset, have had stamp duty or other Taxes of a similar nature paid in full in accordance with all applicable laws.


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GST
 
3.5 No Group Company is a party to any contract, deed, arrangement or understanding in respect of which it is or will become liable to pay GST without being entitled to increase the consideration payable under the contract, deed, arrangement or understanding or otherwise seek reimbursement so that the Group Company retains the amount it would have retained but for the imposition of GST.
 
3.6 Each Group Company:
 
(a) is registered for GST under the GST law;
 
(b) has complied in all respects with the GST law; and
 
(c) is not in default of any obligation to make any payment or return (including any Business Activity Statement) or notification under the GST law.
 
3.7 Each Group Company has correctly and on a timely basis, returned GST on all taxable supplies and has no outstanding GST liabilities.
 
3.8 Each Group Company has correctly claimed input tax credits on all creditable acquisitions and has held valid tax invoices in each relevant tax period in which the input tax credits were claimed and continues to hold those tax invoices as required by law.
 
3.9 All Instalment Activity Statements have been duly and punctually lodged.
 
Consolidated group
 
3.10 The Group is a tax consolidated group within the meaning of Part 3-90 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (Cth) and the Company is the ’head company’ (within the meaning of section 703-15 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (Cth)) of that tax consolidated group.
 
Warranty 4 — Stock/Lease Fleet
 
4.1 All stock is:
 
(a) either in the physical possession of the Company or in transit;
 
(b) in all material respects, in good and marketable condition.
 
4.2 The level of stock is sufficient to meet and is not materially surplus to the requirements of the Business.
 
4.3 The stock can be sold in the ordinary and normal course of trading in the Business in the time period within which the Business would expect to sell it.
 
4.4 As at Completion, the Group will have at least 15,000 container units in a rental ready condition of which approximately 3,500 container units are cross hired.
 
Warranty 5 Litigation
 
5.1 No Group Company is involved in any litigation or arbitration proceedings and, so far as the Vendors are aware, there are no facts likely to give rise to any such proceedings.
 
5.2 There is no unsatisfied judgment, order, arbitral award or decision of any court, tribunal or arbitrator against any Group Company or any of the assets of the Group or the Shares.
 
Warranty 6 — Environment
 
6.1 In this Warranty 6:
 
(a) Contaminant means a solid, liquid or gaseous substance, odour, heat, sound, vibration or radiation which is or may be:
 
(i) harmful or potentially harmful to the health, welfare, safety or property of human beings;


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(ii) poisonous, harmful, or potentially harmful to animals or plants; or
 
(iii) detrimental to any beneficial use made of the Environment.
 
(b) Environment means the physical factors of the surrounds of human beings including the land, waters, atmosphere, climate, sound, odours, place, the biological factors of animals and plants and the social factors of aesthetics.
 
(c) Environmental Authorisation means any authorisation, approval, permit, licence, consent, registration or authority required by any Environmental Law.
 
(d) Environmental Law means a law regulating or otherwise relating to the Environment including land use, planning, pollution of the atmosphere, water or land waste, the storage and handling of chemicals, Hazardous Substances, or any other aspect of protection of the Environment.
 
(e) Hazardous Substance means any substance which is, or may be, hazardous, toxic, dangerous or polluting or which is regulated by any law relating to the Environment.
 
6.2 There is no Contaminant:
 
(a) present in, on or under any of the Leased Premises; or
 
(b) in, on or under any other part of the Environment which has originated or emanated from the Leased Premises.
 
6.3 All Environmental Authorisations, necessary to operate the Business:
 
(a) have been obtained;
 
(b) are in full force and effect in all material respects;
 
(c) have been complied with in all material respects; and
 
(d) are not being appealed by any person.
 
6.4 No fact or circumstance exists which:
 
(a) could lead to any Environmental Authorisation necessary to operate the Business being modified, suspended, revoked or not renewed; or
 
(b) would cause the Group to be in breach of any Environmental Law.
 
Warranty 7 — Employees
 
7.1 As far as the Vendors are aware, each Group Company has complied with, and continues to comply with, all obligations arising under law, equity, statute (including occupational health and safety, annual leave, long service leave, tax, superannuation, workers compensation and industrial laws) and all Industrial Instruments with respect to its current and former employees and contractors.
 
7.2 No Group Company has been served with notice of a Claim, prosecution, proceedings or dispute by any statutory body, union or any current or former employee or contractor (including with respect to occupational health and safety or workers’ compensation) nor is any Vendor aware of any threatened Claim or any facts of circumstances which could give rise to any such Claim.
 
7.3 There are no payments due by any Group Company in connection with the redundancy of any employee.
 
Warranty 8 — Material Contracts
 
8.1 As far as the Vendors are aware, no substantial reduction in revenue is likely to occur by reason of the change in control of the Group as a result of the transaction contemplated by this deed, or as a result of a failure to comply with any minimum requirements imposed by third party suppliers to the Group.


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8.2 Full details of all material contracts entered into by any Group Company have been fully disclosed to the Purchaser in writing as part of the Disclosure Documents. A material contract means:
 
(a) any contract that relates to, or is likely to relate to, revenue or costs in any financial year of $100,000 or more;
 
(b) any contract which (irrespective of quantitative value), might reasonably be expected to be material to a prudent intending purchaser of the Business, including any contract between a Vendor on the one hand, and a Group Company on the other hand.
 
8.3 As far as the Vendors are aware, no Group Company is a party to any material contract of which it or any other party is in default or, but for the requirements of notice or lapse of time or both, would be in default.
 
8.4 Each Group Company has duly complied with and fulfilled all the material obligations and duties that it owes under any material contract to which it is party.
 
8.5 As far as the Vendors are aware, no event has occurred which may be grounds for termination of any material contract to which a Group Company is a party.
 
Warranty 9 — Plant and Equipment
 
9.1 As at Completion, the Group will own all of the assets, plant and equipment and fixtures and fittings (Plant and Equipment) that are required to conduct the Business, provided that all finance lease and other leasing obligations have been repaid at Completion.
 
9.2 As far as the Vendors are aware, the Plant and Equipment is in a good and reasonable state of repair and condition and it is in satisfactory working order, has been regularly maintained and is currently sufficient for the purposes of conducting the Business.
 
9.3 As at Completion, all of the Plant and Equipment will be free and clear from all Encumbrances.
 
9.4 As far as the Vendors are aware, all finished goods of each Group Company comply with statutory requirements and are of merchantable quality.
 
Warranty 10 — Compliance with laws
 
10.1 As far as the Vendors are aware, each Group Company has complied in all material respects with           all applicable laws.
 
10.2 As far as the Vendors are aware, the Group holds all necessary licences (including statutory licences) and consents, planning permissions, authorisations and permits for the proper carrying on of its Business in all their aspects and all of those licences, consents, permissions, authorisations and permits:
 
(a) have been fully paid up;
 
(b) have been fully complied with;
 
(c) are in full force and effect; and
 
(d) are not liable to be revoked or not renewed.
 
10.3 As far as the Vendors are aware, there are no facts or circumstances involving any Group Company or its affairs which are likely to result in the revocation of or variation in any material respect of any permit, licence, authority or consent held by it.
 
10.4 As far as the Vendors are aware, no permit, licence, authority or consent held by any Group Company would be adversely affected by, or liable to be terminated revoked or varied in any material respect by reason of, a change in the ownership of any Group Company.


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Warranty 11 — Records
 
As far as the Vendors are aware, the Records:
 
(a) are in the physical possession of the Company;
 
(b) are located at the Leased Premises;
 
(c) include all records required under, or to comply with or support any return or claim under, any applicable law (including any Tax law and the Corporations Act);
 
(d) have been properly and accurately prepared and maintained in all material respects in accordance with all applicable laws and are up-to-date where legally required; and
 
(e) do not contain material inaccuracies or discrepancies of any kind.
 
Warranty 12 — Disclosure Documents
 
Without limiting anything in clause 9 and subject to clauses 9.4(b), 9.5(b) and 9.14:
 
12.1 the factual information contained in the Disclosure Documents is not false, misleading or deceptive in any material respect;
 
12.2 the Vendors have not omitted to include any information in the Disclosure Documents the omission of which renders any of the Disclosure Documents misleading in any material respect; and
 
12.3 the facts set out in the Recitals and in Schedules 1, 4, 5, 7 and 8 and Schedule 9 are true, complete and accurate in all respects.
 
Warranty 13 — Compliance programs
 
As far as the Vendors are aware, each Group Company has in place compliance programs with respect to:
 
(a) occupational health and safety;
 
(b) discrimination and harassment in the work place; and
 
(c) consumer legislation,
 
which are necessary to comply with applicable regulatory or statutory requirements.
 
Warranty 14 — Superannuation
 
14.1 Each Group Company has fully complied with all of its obligations, duties and liabilities pursuant to the SGAA (including Part 3A of the SGAA), including its obligations in relation to the prescribed minimum level of superannuation contributions for each person employed by the Group and it is not liable to pay a Superannuation Guarantee Charge liability in respect of any superannuation contributions or entitlements for its Employees.
 
14.2 As far as the Vendors are aware, completion under this deed will not cause an increase in the obligations of any Group Company to make contributions to the Funds or result in any increase in benefits payable to Employees from the Funds.
 
Warranty 15 — Insurance
 
15.1 The Disclosure Documents contain details of all material insurances in respect of the assets and businesses of each Group Company, each such insurance is in force, the premiums that have fallen due for payment have been paid or paid in accordance with payment plan in force between each Group Company and Hunter Premium Funding at Completion and, so far as the Vendors are aware, nothing has been done or omitted to be done which would make any of them void, voidable or unenforceable in respect of any Claim.
 
15.2 There is no Claim outstanding under an insurance contract of the Group companies which is material to the Group as a whole.


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15.3 No Group Company has been notified by any insurer that it is required or is advisable for it to carry out any maintenance, repairs or other works in relation to any of its assets.
 
Warranty 16 — Intellectual Property
 
16.1 Schedule 8 is a complete and accurate list of all Intellectual Property Rights owned and/or used (as applicable) in connection with the Business and comprise all of the intellectual property rights required to conduct the Business.
 
16.2 The Group owns and/or uses (as specified in Schedule 8) all right, title and interest throughout Australia in the Intellectual Property Rights. No Group Company has licensed any of the Intellectual Property Rights to any person and has not assigned, or in any way disposed of, any right, title or interest in the Intellectual Property Rights.
 
16.3 The Intellectual Property Rights are valid and enforceable throughout Australia. The relevant Group Company has taken all necessary steps to obtain and maintain appropriate registrations for the Intellectual Property Rights and to protect and defend the Intellectual Property Rights.
 
16.4 As far as the Vendors are aware, neither the carrying on of the Business nor the use of the Intellectual Property Rights:
 
(a) infringes, or is alleged to infringe, the Intellectual Property Rights or rights or other rights of any third party;
 
(b) is, or is alleged to be, in breach of any obligation of confidence owed to any third party; or
 
(c) is resulting, or so far as the Vendors are aware, is alleged to be resulting, in a breach of any obligation that a Group Company owes to any third party (including a breach of contract).
 
Warranty 17 — Real property
 
17.1 No Group Company owns, holds, or is the occupier, lessee or tenant of or has any interest in any real property except for the Leased Property.
 
17.2 Where the interest of a Group Company in a property is a leasehold:
 
(a) the lease is a valid, legal and binding obligation in accordance with its terms;
 
(b) the Group Company has duly complied with and fulfilled all its material obligations and duties under the lease; and
 
(c) so far as the Vendors are aware, no event has occurred which may be grounds for termination of the lease.
 
 


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Signing page
 
             
EXECUTED as a deed.
           
             
Executed by Equity Partners Two Pty Limited in its capacity as trustee of Equity Partners 2 Trust            
             
/s/ Rajeev Dhawan       /s/ Quentin Jones    
             
Signature of director
     
Signature of director/company secretary
(Please delete as applicable)
   
             
Rajeev Dhawan       Quentin Jones    
             
Name of director (print)
     
Name of director/company secretary (print)
   
             
Executed by FOMM Pty Limited (as trustee of the FOMM Trust)            
             
/s/ Michael Baxter            
             
Signature of sole director and sole company secretary
      who states that he or she is the sole director and the sole company secretary of the company.    
             
Michael Baxter            
             
Name of sole director and sole company secretary (print)
           
             
Executed by FOMJ Pty Limited (as trustee of the FOMJ Trust)            
             
/s/ James H. Warren            
             
Signature of sole director and sole company secretary
      who states that he or she is the sole director and the sole company secretary of the company.    
             
James H. Warren            
             
Name of sole director and sole company secretary (print)
           

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Executed by Cetro Pty Limited (as trustee of the FOMP Trust)            
             
/s/ Paul Jeffrey            
             
Signature of sole director and sole company secretary
      who states that he or she is the sole director and the sole company secretary of the company.    
             
Paul Jeffrey            
             
Name of sole director and sole company secretary (print)
           
             
Executed by TCWE Pty Limited (as trustee of the McCann Family Trust)            
             
/s/  Peter McCann
     
/s/  Alexandra McCann
   
Signature of director
     
Signature of director/company secretary
(Please delete as applicable)
   
Peter McCann
      Alexandra McCann    
Name of director (print)
     
Name of director/company secretary (print)
   
             
Signed by Michael Paul Baxter in the presence of            
             
/s/  Maya Port
     
/s/  Michael Paul Baxter
   
Signature of witness
     
Michael Paul Baxter
   
Maya Port
           
Name of witness (print)
           
             
Signed by James Harold Warren in the presence of            
             
/s/  Maya Port
     
/s/  James Harold Warren
   
Signature of witness
     
James Harold Warren
   
Maya Port
           
Name of witness (print)
           


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Signed by Paul Henry Jeffery in the presence of            
             
/s/  Maya Port
     
/s/  Paul Henry Jeffery
   
Signature of witness
     
Paul Henry Jeffery
   
Maya Port
           
Name of witness (print)
           
             
Signed by Peter Linden McCann in the presence of            
             
/s/  Maya Port
     
/s/  Peter Linden McCann
   
Signature of witness
     
Peter Linden McCann
   
Maya Port
           
Name of witness (print)
           
             
Executed by GFN Australasia Finance Pty Limited            
             
             
             
/s/  John O. Johnson

Signature of director
     
/s/  Robert Charles Barnes

Signature of director/company secretary
(Please delete as applicable)
   
             
John O. Johnson
     
Robert Charles Barnes

Name of director/company secretary (print)
   
             
Executed by General Finance Corporation            
             
             
             
/s/  John O. Johnson

Signature of director
     
Signature of director/company secretary
(Please delete as applicable)
   
             
John O. Johnson
     
Name of director/company secretary (print)
   


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PROXY
General Finance Corporation
260 S. Los Robles Avenue, Suite # 217
Pasadena, California 91101
SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF GENERAL FINANCE CORPORATION
          The undersigned hereby appoints Ronald F. Valenta and John O. Johnson, and each of them with full power to act without the other, as proxies of the undersigned, each with the power to appoint a substitute, and to represent the undersigned at the Special Meeting of Stockholders to be held on [l], 2006, and at any postponement or adjournment thereof and to vote thereat, as designated on the reverse side, all shares of common stock of General Finance Corporation that the undersigned, if personally present, would be entitled to vote.
          THIS PROXY REVOKES ALL PRIOR PROXIES GIVEN BY THE UNDERSIGNED. BY EXECUTING THIS PROXY CARD, THE UNDERSIGNED AUTHORIZES THE PROXIES TO VOTE IN THEIR DISCRETION TO APPROVE GENERAL FINANCE CORPORATION’S ACQUISITION OF RWA HOLDINGS PTY LIMITED IF THE UNDERSIGNED HAS NOT SPECIFIED HOW HIS, HER OR ITS SHARES SHOULD BE VOTED.
          THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED. IF NO DIRECTIONS ARE GIVEN, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED “FOR” EACH OF THE PROPOSALS SHOWN ON THE REVERSE SIDE. OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” EACH OF THE PROPOSALS.
(Continued and to be signed on reverse side)

 


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PROXY
                         
1.   To approve General Finance Corporation’s acquisition of RWA Holdings Pty Limited   FOR
o
  AGAINST
o
  ABSTAIN
o
  If you vote “AGAINST” Proposal Number 1 and you hold shares of our common stock originally issued in our initial public offering, you may demand that we convert your shares of common stock into a pro rata portion of the funds held in our trust account by marking the “Exercise Conversion Rights” box below. If you exercise your conversion rights, then you will be exchanging your shares of our common stock for cash and will no longer own these shares. You will only be entitled to receive cash for these shares if the acquisition is completed and you continue to hold these shares through the effective time of the acquisition and tender your stock certificate to us. Failure to (a) vote against the approval of the acquisition, (b) check the following box and (c) submit this proxy in a timely manner will result in the loss of your conversion rights.
 
                    I HEREBY EXERCISE MY CONVERSION RIGHTS o
2.
  If there are insufficient votes present at the special meeting for approval of the acquisition, to grant our board of directors discretionary authority to postpone or adjourn the special meeting to solicit additional votes for the acquisition.

MARK HERE FOR ADDRESS CHANGE AND NOTE AT RIGHT
  FOR
o
  AGAINST
o
  ABSTAIN
o




o
       
PLEASE MARK, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY PROMPTLY.
                     
Signature
      Signature       Date    
 
 
 
     
 
     
 
Sign exactly as name appears on this proxy card. If shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. Executors, administrators, trustees, guardians, attorneys and agents should give their full titles. If stockholder is a corporation, sign in full name by an authorized officer.