WeightWatchers 2003 Annual Report Download - page 17

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advertisements for weight-loss programs that featured testimonials, claims for program success and
safety and statements as to program costs to participants. In 1997, we entered into a consent order with
the FTC settling all contested issues raised in the complaint filed against us. The consent order
requires us to comply with certain procedures and disclosures in connection with our advertisements of
products and services but does not contain any admission of guilt nor require us to pay any civil
penalties or damages.
Our overseas operations and franchises are also generally subject to regulations of the applicable
country regarding the offer and sale of franchises, the content of advertising and the promotion of diet
products and programs. Future legislation or regulations, including legislation or regulations affecting
our marketing and advertising practices, relations with consumers or franchisees, or our food products,
could have an adverse impact on us.
Employees and Service Providers
As of January 3, 2004, we had approximately 46,000 employees and service providers located in the
United States, the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, Australia and New Zealand. None of our
service providers or employees is represented by a labor union. We consider our employee relations to
be satisfactory.
Financial Information by Geographic Area
Information concerning our geographic segments is contained in Note 16 of our Consolidated
Financial Statements, attached hereto and incorporated by reference.
Corporate Information
Corporate information, press releases and our periodic reports (e.g. 10-K’s, 10-Q’s, 8-K’s) and
amendments thereto are available free of charge at www.weightwatchersinternational.com as soon as
reasonably practical after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC (i.e.,
generally the same day as the filing). Moreover, we also make available free of charge at that site the
Section 16 reports filed electronically by our officers, directors and 10% shareholders. Usually these are
publicly accessible no later than the business day following the filing.
Shareholders may request a free copy of these items at:
Weight Watchers International
Attn: Investor Relations
175 Crossways Park West
Woodbury, NY 11797
(516) 390-1400
CAUTIONARY NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Except for historical information contained herein, this Annual Report on Form 10-K, includes
‘‘forward-looking statements,’’ within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including, in particular, the statements about our
plans, strategies and prospects under the headings ‘‘Business’’ and ‘‘Management’s Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.’’ We have used the words ‘‘may,’’ ‘‘will,’’
‘‘expect,’’ ‘‘anticipate,’’ ‘‘believe,’’ ‘‘estimate,’’ ‘‘plan,’’ ‘‘intend’’ and similar expressions in this Annual
Report on Form 10-K and the documents incorporated by reference to identify forward-looking
statements. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current views with respect to
future events and financial performance. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in
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