##### Table of Contents

---

UNITED STATES


SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION


Washington, D.C. 20549





FORM 10-K


(Mark One)





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




For the fiscal year ended June 29, 2002





OR





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




For the transition period
from            to





Commission File No. 1-11427





---




NEW ENGLAND BUSINESS SERVICE, INC.


(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)





Delaware

04-2942374(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

(IRS Employer Identification number)


500 Main Street Groton,
Massachusetts

01471(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)





Registrants telephone number, including area code: (978) 448-6111





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





Title of each class

Name of each exchange on which registeredCommon Stock ($1.00 par value)

New York Stock ExchangePreferred Stock Purchase Rights

New York Stock Exchange





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





Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.





Yes x                No  ̈





Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrants knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  ̈





The aggregate market value of the Registrants Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share, held by stockholders
who are not affiliates of the Registrant at August 30, 2002 as computed by reference to the closing price of such stock on that date was approximately $289,732,631.





The number of shares of Registrants Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share, outstanding at August 30, 2002 was 13,086,983.





Documents Incorporated By Reference





Portions of the Proxy Statement sent to stockholders in connection with the Annual Meeting to be held on October 25, 2002 are incorporated by reference into Items 10, 11, 12 and 13 (Part III) of this Report. Such Proxy
Statement, except for the parts therein which have been specifically incorporated by reference, shall not be deemed filed for the purposes of this report on Form 10-K.





---



---

##### Table of Contents




New England Business Service, Inc.


2002 ANNUAL REPORT


ON FORM 10-K





TABLE OF CONTENTS





Page NumberPART IItem 1.

Business

1Item 2.

Properties

7Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

7Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

7Item 4.1

Executive Officers of the Registrant

7PART IIItem 5.

Market for Registrants Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

9Item 6.

Selected Financial Data

10Item 7.

Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

11Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

22Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplemental Data

22Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

22PART IIIItem 10.

Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

23Item 11.

Executive Compensation

23Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

23Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

23Item 14.

Controls and Procedures

23PART IVItem 15.

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

24Signatures

25Certifications

26




---

##### Table of Contents

PART I





ITEM 1.    BUSINESS





New England Business Service, Inc. (the
Company) was founded in 1952, incorporated in Massachusetts in 1955 and reincorporated in Delaware in 1986. The Company designs, produces and distributes business forms, checks, envelopes, labels, greeting cards, signs, stationery and
related printed products, and distributes packaging, shipping and warehouse supplies, software, work and promotional apparel, advertising specialties and other business products through direct mail, direct sales, telesales, dealers and the Internet
to small businesses throughout the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and France. The Company also markets and sells payroll services provided by a payroll services company on a private label basis as well as designs, embroiders and sells
specialty apparel products through distributors and independent sales representatives to the promotional products/advertising specialty industry, primarily in the United States. During the past five years the Company has completed several
acquisitions which are described below.





In December 1997, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common
stock of Rapidforms, Inc. (Rapidforms) for consideration of approximately $82.1 million in cash (net of cash acquired). Rapidforms designs, produces and markets business forms, business supplies, holiday greeting cards and promotional
products sold principally by direct mail to small businesses across the United States. As part of the Rapidforms acquisition, the Company also acquired Rapidforms wholly-owned subsidiary, Russell & Miller, Inc., which primarily sells
in-store retail merchandising supplies.





In June 1998, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common stock of
McBee Systems, Inc. and all of the assets of McBee Systems of Canada, Inc. (collectively McBee) for consideration of approximately $48.5 million in cash (net of cash acquired) and $12.6 million in Company common stock. McBee manufactures
and markets checks and related products to small businesses in the United States and Canada through a dedicated field sales force.





In July 2000, the Company acquired all the outstanding shares of PremiumWear, Inc. (PremiumWear). The purchase price was $13.50 per share in cash and totaled approximately $39.0 million (net of cash acquired) for
the shares plus debt assumed of $3.9 million. PremiumWear designs, embroiders and sells specialty apparel products through distributors and independent sales representatives to the promotional products/advertising specialty industry, primarily
in the United States.





In March 2000, the Company invested $12.9 million in the common stock of privately held
Advantage Payroll Services, Inc. (Advantage). In August 2001, the Company invested an additional $17.7 million in the common stock of Advantage. In July 2002, the Company invested $5.4 million in the common stock of Advantage. As a
result of the foregoing investments, the Company owns 2,567,453 shares or approximately 19.6% of the Advantage common shares outstanding on a fully diluted basis. These investments were made in connection with a strategic alliance agreement with
Advantage pursuant to which the Company sells Advantages payroll and payroll tax filing services to small businesses on a private-label basis. The investment has been classified as a long-term asset on the consolidated balance sheet because of
its non-marketable nature.





The Company has identified five reportable segments. The first segment is Direct
Marketing-US and represents those business operations that sell primarily printed products such as checks and business forms to small businesses through direct marketing in the United States. The second segment, Direct Sales-US,
also sells primarily checks and business forms to small businesses; however, they sell through a direct sales force to the customer in the United States and, to a lesser extent, through distributors. The third segment, Apparel, utilizes
independent sales representatives to market its specialty apparel products and to solicit orders from customers in the promotional products/advertising specialty industry. Packaging and Display Products, the fourth segment, primarily
resells packaging and shipping supplies and retail signage marketed through a combination of direct marketing and direct selling efforts. The fifth segment, International, sells primarily




1




---

##### Table of Contents

printed products such as checks and business forms to small businesses in Europe and Canada through direct marketing, distributors or by directly selling to the customer.





Additional financial information regarding the segments, including the net sales and operating profit attributable to each of the
Companys segments for the last three fiscal years, is contained in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.





Products





The Companys product lines consist of an
extensive range of standardized imprinted manual and computer forms, custom forms, checks and check writing systems, envelopes, labels, greeting cards, signs, stationery and other printed products principally designed and imprinted in-house. Most
forms are either specifically designed for individual lines of business or are of a type generally used by small businesses and professional offices. In addition, the Company distributes a variety of other business products commonly used by small
businesses, including merchandising displays, presentation folders, promotional products, personalized apparel and software. These products are primarily sold through the Direct Marketing-U.S., Direct Sales-U.S. and International segments. The
Company, primarily through its Packaging and Display Products segment, also distributes a variety of industrial shipping and packaging products including corrugated boxes, polyethylene bags, tape, labels and shrink wrap as well as retail packaging
supplies such as bags, ribbons, gift wrap and bows. The Companys full range of products is enhanced by high quality, fast delivery, competitive prices and extensive product guarantees.





The Companys standard manual forms include billing forms, work orders, job proposals, purchase orders, invoices and personnel forms. Standard manual forms are
designed to provide small businesses with the financial and other business records necessary to efficiently manage a business. The Companys stationery line, including letterhead, envelopes and business cards, is available in a variety of
formats and ink colors designed to provide small businesses with a professional image. Checks and check writing systems are designed to facilitate payments, the recording of transactional information and the posting of related bookkeeping entries.





The Company also offers a full line of printed products compatible with most accounting software packages
commonly used by small businesses. The Companys computer forms, including checks, billing forms, work orders, purchase orders and invoices, provide computer compatible records necessary to efficiently manage a business.





Promotional products, including labels, pricing tags, signage, advertising specialties, presentation folders and greeting
cards, are designed to fulfill a variety of selling and marketing activities and to provide small businesses with a professional image. Additionally, the Company markets a line of filing systems, accountants supplies and appointment products
specifically for use in small professional offices.





The majority of the Companys standard products are
imprinted to provide small businesses with a professional image. Standard imprint options include consecutive numbering, logos, customer names, addresses, and phone numbers. The Company also offers a wide range of custom printing alternatives and a
custom logo design service.





The Company also sells the Company Colors TM line of personalized apparel, including an array of jackets, shirts, pants, hats, sweatshirts, and uniforms commonly worn in the workplace. The
Company Colors line may be embroidered with business names, logos, and employee names to provide a small business with a coordinated and professional image.





The Company distributes Form Magic ® , a proprietary
form-filling software package, third-party accounting software including Peachtrees One-Write Plus ® and Intuits Quickbooks ® , and a line of products designed by
MySoftware Company. Software distributed by the Company is designed to perform a variety of the tasks




2




---

##### Table of Contents

required to manage and promote a small business, and is compatible with certain business forms and other printed products offered by the Company.





The Company, primarily through its Packaging and Display Products segment, sells packaging and shipping supplies, including bags and bag
closures, bubble and polystyrene fill, wrapping materials, boxes, tapes and mailers, used principally by small wholesalers, manufacturers and distributors to package, distribute and market their products. The Companys line of retail supplies,
including signs, merchandising supplies, bags, ribbons, gift wrap and bows, are used by small retailers to display, market and package their products.





The Company, through its PremiumWear subsidiary, sells knit and woven sport shirts under the Munsingwear ® , Jockey ® and Field &
Stream ® labels to promotional products/advertising specialty customers pursuant to licenses from
Perry Ellis International, Inc., Jockey International and Field & Stream Licensing, respectively. The Company sells its Page & Tuttle ® brand of knit golf shirts and coordinated apparel to advertising specialty customers and golf course pro shops throughout the U.S. Distribution of PremiumWear products to customers is
through a network of independent sales representatives. Also, PremiumWear receives commission income from representing other companies products to the promotional products industry.





The Company sells, principally through its Direct Sales-U.S. segment, payroll and payroll tax filing services to small businesses on a private-label basis pursuant to a
distribution agreement with a payroll services company. The service is designed to manage payroll processing and compliance by calculating and submitting all payroll tax payments and deposits to the federal, state and local tax jurisdictions,
fulfilling regulatory payroll reporting requirements and delivering payroll checks.





For a further discussion of
the risks and uncertainties associated with customer preferences and the market for forms and related printed products and apparel, see Certain Factors That May Affect Future Results included in Part II, Item 7 to this Annual Report on
Form 10-K.





Product Development and Research





Products sold by all of the Companys segments are designed either by an in-house product development staff or are obtained from third-party sources. The Company
relies upon direct field research with customers and prospects, focus groups, mail surveys, feedback from distributors, salespeople and representatives, and unsolicited suggestions to generate new product ideas. Product design efforts are
accomplished or directed by Company design personnel who employ manual and computer design methods to create products. Product design efforts range from minor revisions of existing manual business forms to the creation of an entirely new line of
products such as the Company Colors line of work and promotional apparel. Throughout the design process, the Company solicits comments and feedback from customers and prospects, and tests market acceptance through a variety of methods.





For a further discussion of the risks and uncertainties associated with the technological changes affecting future demand for
the Companys business forms and related products, see Certain Factors That May Affect Future Results included in Part II, Item 7 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.





Sales and Marketing





The Company has four distinct channels
of distribution. The Companys primary channel, used by all segments except for PremiumWear, is direct mail, through which up to 100 million pieces of promotional advertising offering the Companys products are delivered by mail to
customers and prospective customers each year under the NEBS ® , RapidForms ® , McBee ® , Chiswick ® , Histacount ® , SYCOM ® , R&M Retail Merchandising Products ® ,
Visual Display Solutions TM , Bags & Bows TM , NCS National Clothier Supply ® , Main Street ® , Holiday Expressions ® , Ad Ideas TM , ASH ® , NAPCO ® , Education Matters ® , Company Colors TM , Business
Envelopes TM and SFL TM brand names. The Companys direct mail efforts are supplemented by the prospecting and account development efforts of an outbound telemarketing group.




3




---

##### Table of Contents




The Companys success to date has largely been the result of effective
direct marketing and the strength of its customer relationships. Targeted direct mail marketing in combination with focused telemarketing allows the Company to identify and penetrate geographically dispersed but, in the aggregate, significant
markets. The Company targets small businesses with 100 or fewer employees within these markets with specialized promotions and products specifically designed to meet small business needs. In the direct mail channel, the Companys promotional
materials contain one or more order forms to be completed by the customer and either mailed, faxed or telephoned to the Companys telesales and customer service group. The Company and its subsidiaries also maintain numerous Internet sites for
promotion, customer education and order taking.





The Companys promotional materials include several catalogs
containing a comprehensive display of the Companys forms and checks, work and promotional apparel, packaging supplies and retail merchandising supplies product offerings. In addition, the Company utilizes smaller catalogs focused on specific
products or targeted to a specific small business segment, promotional circulars with samples, flyers, and inserts included with invoices, statements and product shipments. To a lesser extent, the Company relies on advertising space in magazines and
post card packages to generate sales leads from prospective customers. The Company utilizes the United States or the local country postal service for distribution of most of its advertising materials.





The Companys second principal channel of distribution, used primarily by the Direct Sales-U.S. and to a lesser extent by the
Packaging and Display Products and International segments, is through a field sales organization of approximately 400 employees, primarily dedicated to marketing McBee brand checks and check writing systems, Chiswick brand packaging and shipping
supplies, or Russell & Miller brand retail merchandising and display products. Initial order support, product reorders and routine service in the direct sales channel are provided by a network of customer service representatives located
throughout the United States and Canada.





The principal focus of the McBee sales force in the Direct Sales-U.S.
segment is to generate first-time buyers for check and check-writing system products. An additional focus for the McBee sales force is selling payroll services. Prospective customer leads are generated for the McBee sales force under referral
arrangements with accountants servicing small businesses and commercial banks representing approximately 26,000 geographically dispersed branch offices. The McBee sales effort typically targets small business customers with fewer than 10 employees.
The principal focus of the Chiswick and Russell & Miller sales forces in the Packaging and Display Products segment is to develop high-potential customer relationships initially established through the direct mail channel. The Chiswick and
Russell & Miller sales efforts typically support businesses with more than 100 employees or retail chains with geographically dispersed store locations.





The Companys third principal distribution channel is a network of independent dealers used primarily by the Direct Sales-U.S. segment. The Company distributes a full line of private label
standard and custom printed products, including manual and computer forms, checks, greeting cards and labels through this dealer network. The Companys approximately 26,000 independent dealers typically include local printers and print
distributors, office supply dealers, ad specialty dealers, computer retailers and computer systems value-added resellers.





The Companys PremiumWear subsidiary represents the fourth channel of distribution by utilizing independent sales representatives to market its products and to solicit orders from customers. All products are distributed to
customers through PremiumWears distribution facility in Tennessee.





The Company also has entered into
alliance marketing agreements with third-party vendors to offer payroll, accounting, workers compensation and direct marketing services to the Companys customers. Revenue from these alliances is generated in the form of royalties and
commissions received from the third-party vendors.





The Company believes that its sophisticated and extensive
marketing databases, customer/prospect lists and referral sources used by most segments constitute a competitive advantage. The Company is able to select names




4




---

##### Table of Contents

and plan promotions based on a variety of attributes including status as a customer or prospect, line of business, product purchase history, purchase frequency or purchase dollar volume. With
this data, the Company is able to create and deliver cost-effective marketing programs to small businesses through direct mail, direct sales, outbound telemarketing, the Internet or the dealer channel.





For a further discussion of the risks and uncertainties associated with the small business market and the Companys various channels
see Certain Factors That May Affect Future Results included in Part II, Item 7 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.





Raw
Materials, Production and Distribution





The Companys production and distribution systems for all
segments are designed to process a high volume of small dollar value orders on a cost-effective basis. The production and procurement of printed product base stock is driven by forecasts of demand for the Companys printed products. The Company
produces semi-finished base business forms, check stock and related products in long runs on high-speed, roll-fed presses from bond and carbonless papers. The bond and carbonless papers used by the Company to produce base stock are purchased from a
limited number of vendors at competitive prices. The Company also purchases printed base stock from a number of industry sources at competitive prices.





In response to a customer order for a printed product, the Companys base printed products are personalized with a variety of imprint options including customer name, address, phone number,
consecutive numbering and logo. The Company operates equipment specifically designed to meet the demands of short-run personalized printing. Typesetting and imprinting of customer headings are accomplished with automated typesetting and layout
systems, platemaking systems, letter presses, offset presses and digital presses. In addition, the Company utilizes manual and semi-automatic bindery equipment. A number of the Companys imprinting presses have been designed internally or
substantially modified to meet the short-run demands of small businesses. These specialized presses allow the Company to produce small-order quantities with greater efficiency than would be possible with stock equipment available from typical
printing press equipment suppliers.





Due to business primarily from within the Packaging and Display Products
segment, the Company has significant revenue generated by the sale of stock business products produced by third parties, but shipped to customers by the Company, including industrial packaging and warehouse supplies, and retail supplies. The Company
principally utilizes a pick and pack operation to aggregate stock products from warehoused inventory into distinct order groups and to package these order groups for shipment to the customer. The Companys stock business products
are obtained from a large number of suppliers at competitive prices. In addition, the Company relies on a limited number of suppliers to produce and drop-ship products directly to Company customers. The Company believes that alternative sources are
generally available for products purchased from third-party vendors, and is continually evaluating its sourcing of these third-party supplied products. PremiumWear, which comprises the Apparel segment, primarily sources its product from full
package manufacturers outside the United States. There currently is reasonable availability of raw materials, manufacturing and assembly capacity for the product lines in this segment.





The Company has no significant backlog of orders. The Companys objective is to produce and ship product as expeditiously as possible following receipt of a
customers order. During fiscal year 2002, approximately 70% of printed products were produced and shipped within one day and approximately 90% within four days of order. The Companys stock business products are routinely shipped within
24 hours of receipt of a customer order. Approximately 69% of apparel products were produced and shipped within one day and substantially all within five days of order.





To facilitate expeditious production and shipment of product, the Company maintains inventories of unprinted paper and in process apparel ($1.7 million at June 29, 2002),
and partially printed business forms, packaging, shipping and retail supplies, work and promotional apparel and related business products ($32.4 million at June 29, 2002).




5




---

##### Table of Contents




The Company ships its products to U.S. customers primarily by United Parcel
Service of America, Inc. The Company uses parcel post or overnight delivery services for distribution of the remainder of its products to customers in the U.S. and comparable providers for its international businesses.





For a further discussion of the risks and uncertainties associated with the Companys reliance on certain individual third-party
vendors to provide raw materials and services critical to the Companys operation, see Certain Factors That May Affect Future Results included in Part II, Item 7 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.





Competition





The
small business forms and supplies industry is highly competitive. The Company believes that it is well positioned in the small business marketplace, with a reputation for reasonable prices, high quality and dependable service.





The Companys primary competitors for printed products are the local printers, business forms dealers, contract stationers
and office products superstores located throughout each of its geographic markets. Local printers have an advantage of physical proximity to customers, but generally do not have the capability of producing a broad array of products, particularly
those having a complex construction. In addition, most local printers lack the economies of scale to produce a small order for a single customer on a cost-effective basis. General purpose, preprinted business forms offered by stationers and office
product superstores are typically price competitive with the Companys forms, but lack the design and functionality for specific lines of business and the custom printing options available with the Companys products. The Companys
principal competitors for stock business products and packaging and display supply products are the numerous local and regional business supplies jobbers, distributors and retailers throughout the United States and Canada.





At present, the Company is aware of more than twenty major independent companies or divisions of larger companies in its geographic
markets offering printed products and business supplies to small businesses through direct mail, distributors, or a direct sales force. The primary competitive factors influencing a customers purchase decision are product guarantees, breadth
of product line, speed of delivery, product quality, price and customer service. The Company believes it is the leading direct marketer of business forms, checks and related printed products to the very small business market in the United States,
Canada and the United Kingdom. The Company defines the very small business market as businesses with fewer than 20 employees.





The Companys PremiumWear subsidiary operates in the promotional products/advertising specialty marketplace for apparel which has become increasingly competitive and is characterized by a number of broad-line companies. The
principal competitive features are pricing, styling, quality (both in material and production), product availability and customization services such as embroidery and screen printing.





For a further discussion of the risks and uncertainties associated with the competitive landscape for the Companys products, see Certain Factors That May Affect
Future Results included in Part II, Item 7 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.





Employees





The Company had 3,611 full and part-time employees at June 29, 2002. The Company believes its relationship with its employees to be
satisfactory.





Environment





To the Companys knowledge, no material action or liability exists on the date hereof arising from the Companys compliance with federal, state and local statutes and regulations relating to
protection of the environment.




6




---

##### Table of Contents

ITEM 2.    PROPERTIES





The Companys principal executive
offices are located in Groton, Massachusetts. The Companys principal operating facilities consist of manufacturing, administrative and warehouse facilities and are located in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and France. Of all of
its operating facilities, the Company owns approximately 801,000 square feet in the aggregate in Flagstaff, Arizona, Groton and Townsend, Massachusetts, Maryville, Missouri, Peterborough, New Hampshire, Thorofare, New Jersey, Midland, Ontario and
Chester, England, and leases approximately 747,000 square feet in the aggregate in Santa Fe Springs, California, Sudbury, Massachusetts, Lithia Springs, Georgia, Athens, Ohio, Minnetonka, Minnesota, Clarksville, Tennessee, Chateau-Renault, France
and in approximately 51 locations in the United States and Canada for sales offices.





The Company believes its
existing production and office facilities are adequate for its present and foreseeable future needs.





ITEM 3.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS





On June 30, 2000, a lawsuit
entitled Perry Ellis International, Inc. v. PremiumWear, Inc., was filed in the Circuit Court of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit in and for Miami-Dade County, Florida. The case has been removed to federal court and is currently pending in
the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. On April 11, 2001, the court granted the plaintiffs motion to amend its complaint to add the Company as a co-defendant. The amended complaint relates to a Right of First
Refusal Agreement dated as of May 22, 1996 (the RFR Agreement) between the plaintiff and PremiumWear, Inc., and to the Companys acquisition of all the outstanding shares of PremiumWear in July 2000. In the amended complaint, the
plaintiff alleges breach of the RFR Agreement and breach of an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing against PremiumWear as a result of PremiumWears alleged failure to notify the plaintiff of certain discussions between PremiumWear
and the Company preceding the Companys agreement to purchase all of the outstanding shares of PremiumWear. The amended complaint also alleges that the Company tortiously interfered with the plaintiffs rights under the RFR Agreement by
allegedly inducing PremiumWear to breach its obligations to the plaintiff under the RFR Agreement. The plaintiff is seeking damages in an unspecified amount, attorneys fees, interest and costs. The Company believes the allegations in the
amended complaint are without merit and intends to defend the lawsuit vigorously.





On July 24, 2002, a class
action lawsuit entitled OLDAPG, Inc. v. New England Business Service, Inc. was filed in the Court of Common Pleas of the Ninth Judicial Circuit in and for Charleston County, South Carolina. The named plaintiff in the lawsuit seeks to
represent a class consisting of all persons who allegedly received facsimiles containing unsolicited advertising from the Company in violation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 (the TCPA). The plaintiff is seeking
statutory damages in the amount of $500.00 per individual violation, which amount can be trebled to $1,500.00 for each violation found to have been willful and knowing. The plaintiff is also seeking injunctive relief with respect to
further violations of the TCPA and attorneys fees and costs. The Company believes that it has valid defenses to the claims asserted in the complaint and intends to defend the lawsuit vigorously.





From time to time the Company is involved in other disputes and/or litigation encountered in the ordinary course of its business. The
Company does not believe that the ultimate impact of the resolution of such other outstanding matters will have a material effect on the Companys business, operating results or financial condition.





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





There were no matters submitted to a vote of stockholders during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2002.





ITEM 4.1    EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT





The
Companys executive officers are elected to office by the Board of Directors at the first board meeting following the Annual Meeting of Stockholders or at other board meetings as appropriate, and hold office until the first board meeting
following the next Annual Meeting and until a successor is chosen. Information regarding the Companys executive officers is presented below.




7




---

##### Table of Contents




Robert J. Murray, age 61, joined the Company in 1995, and he has served as
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since that date. From 1995 to July 31, 2002 he also served as President of the Company. Mr. Murray retired from The Gillette Company, a diversified consumer products company, in 1995,
having been with Gillette for more than 34 years. Mr. Murray served in a variety of capacities during his career at Gillette, and during the four years immediately preceding his retirement, he was Executive Vice-President, North Atlantic Group of
Gillette. Mr. Murray has been a director of the Company since 1991 and he is also a director of LoJack Corporation, Allmerica Financial Corporation and the Delhaize Group.








Richard T. Riley, age 46, joined the Company in 1997 in connection with the Companys acquisition of Rapidforms, Inc., and has served
as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company since August 1, 2002. Prior to that he served as a Senior Vice President of the Company from 1998 to July 31, 2002, and as PresidentNEBS Direct Marketing from 2001 to July 31, 2002, as
PresidentIntegrated Marketing Services from 2000 to 2001, and as PresidentRapidforms from 1998 to 2000. He served as President of Rapidforms, Inc. from 1992 to 2001, and during 1998 he held the additional office of Vice President of the
Company.


George P. Allman, age 60, joined the Company in 1996, and he has served as Senior Vice President and PresidentDiversified Operations since
1998. Prior to that he served as Vice PresidentDiversified Operations from 1996 to 1998, and as Vice PresidentRetail Sales and Operations during 1996.





Jeffrey W. Angus, age 47, joined the Company in 1995, and he has served as Senior Vice President, Information Systems, since 1998. Prior to that, he served as Vice
President, Information Systems from 1996 to 1998.





David E. Berg, age 45, joined the Company in 2000 in connection
with the Companys acquisition of PremiumWear, Inc., and he has served as Senior Vice President and PresidentPremiumWear since that date. Mr. Berg has served as President of PremiumWear, Inc. since 1997. Prior to that, he served as
PremiumWears Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing from 1995 to 1997. Mr. Berg has also served as PremiumWears Chief Executive Officer since 1999, and he served as Chief Operating Officer from 1996 to 1999.





John F. Fairbanks, age 41, joined the Company in 1994, and he has served as Senior Vice President and PresidentChiswick
since 1998. Prior to that, he served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from 1996 to 1998, as Vice President and Corporate Controller during 1996, and prior to that in different capacities in corporate administration.





Daniel M. Junius, age 50, joined the Company in 1998, and he has served as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
and Treasurer since August 1, 2002. Prior to that he served as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer from 1998 to July 31, 2002. Prior to joining the Company, he served as Vice PresidentFinance and Chief Financial
Officer of Nashua Corporation, a supplier of specialty imaging products and services, from 1995 to 1998.





Steven
G. Schlerf, age 50, joined the Company in 1979, and he has served as Senior Vice PresidentManufacturing and Technical Operations since 1998. Prior to that he served as Vice PresidentManufacturing and Technical Operations from 1996 to
1998, and prior to that in a variety of capacities in manufacturing and operations.





Robert D. Warren, age 51,
joined the Company in 1996, and he has served as Senior Vice President and President-NEBS Direct Marketing since August 1, 2002. Prior to that he served as Senior Vice President and PresidentInternational from 2000 to July 31, 2002, as Senior
Vice PresidentBusiness Management and Development from 1998 to 2000, and as Vice PresidentBusiness Management and Development from 1996 to 1998.





Hedwig V. Whitney, age 51, joined the Company in 2002, and she has served as Senior Vice President, Human Resources since that date. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Whitney served as Senior Vice
President and Director Human Resources for Fidelity Investments Retirement Services Company, a provider of 401(k) retirement plan services, from 1997 to 2000, and as Executive Vice President for Human Resources at BayBanks, a regional bank, from
1991 to 1996.




8




---

##### Table of Contents

PART II





|ITEM  5. |  | MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANTS COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
|-------- |  | -------------------------------------------------------------------------




Common Stock





The Companys Common Stock is
listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NEB. For the fiscal periods indicated, the high and low sales prices for shares of the Companys Common Stock as reported on the New York Stock
ExchangeComposite Transactions Reporting System were as follows:





Fiscal 2002

High

Low



Fiscal 2001

High

Low1st Quarter

21.37

15.87



1st Quarter

22.00

16.192nd Quarter

19.99

16.58



2nd Quarter

21.38

14.693rd Quarter

26.00

18.51



3rd Quarter

21.87

16.314th Quarter

29.30

23.25



4th Quarter

19.45

16.90





As of August 30, 2002, there were 572 stockholders of record, and
the Company believes that as of such date there were approximately 6,000 beneficial owners of the Companys Common Stock, based on information provided by the Companys transfer agent. Information with respect to dividends paid on the
Companys Common Stock during the past two fiscal years is shown in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.




9




---

##### Table of Contents

|ITEM  6. |  | SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
|-------- |  | -----------------------




FIVE YEAR SUMMARY


(In thousands, except per share amounts and Other Statistics)





For the fiscal year ended

June 29, 2002(A)


June 30, 2001(B)


June 24, 2000(C)


June 26, 1999(D)


June 27, 1998(E)Income Statement StatisticsNet sales

$557,539


$586,091


$523,053


$503,933


$380,189Income before income taxes

40,994


30,726


45,697


43,742


41,405Percent of sales

7.4
%

5.2
%

8.7
%

8.7
%

10.9
%Provision for income taxes

15,742


11,983


16,339


17,291


16,471Percent of income before income taxes

38.4
%

39.0
%

35.8
%

39.5
%

39.8
%Income before the effect of a change in accounting principle

25,252


18,743


29,358


26,451


24,934Percent of sales

4.5
%

3.2
%

5.6
%

5.3
%

6.6
%Percent of beginning stockholders equity

22.2
%

14.9
%

24.2
%

23.1
%

30.9
%Per diluted common share

1.94


1.43


2.12


1.81


1.77Net income

22,460


18,743


29,358


26,451


24,934Percent of sales

4.0
%

3.2
%

5.6
%

5.3
%

6.6
%Percent of beginning stockholders equity

19.7
%

14.9
%

24.2
%

23.1
%

30.9
%Per diluted common share

1.73


1.43


2.12


1.81


1.77Dividends per common share

.80


.80


.80


.80


.80Balance Sheet StatisticsCurrent assets

$122,559


$138,017


$108,216


$  97,903


$100,009Current liabilities

66,086


68,606


52,254


45,775


50,677Working capital

56,473


69,411


55,962


52,128


49,332Current ratio

1.9


2.0


2.1


2.1


2.0Total assets

368,922


377,684


323,671


300,262


307,577Long-term debt

147,900


179,168


133,500


128,000


141,000Obligations under capital lease

1,560


2,873


2,429


0


0Stockholders equity

136,720


113,903


125,729


121,529


114,505Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

13,006


13,143


13,868


14,640


14,106Cash Flow StatisticsEBITDA (F)

$81,316


$73,183


$80,043


$77,081


$  61,194Percent of sales

14.6
%

12.5
%

15.3
%

15.3
%

16.1
%Free cash flow (G)

55,452


28,735


32,047


28,742


28,203Net cash provided by operating activities

70,817


55,571


53,104


45,608


41,478Net cash used by investing activities

(32,985
)

(65,783
)

(33,168
)

(16,125
)

(144,207
)Net cash provided (used) by financing activities

(38,959
)

13,958


(20,086
)

(35,619
)

105,412Capital expenditures

(15,365
)

(26,836
)

(21,057
)

(16,866
)

(13,275
)Depreciation

18,333


16,464


14,168


12,432


9,296Amortization

8,542


12,515


11,553


12,413


5,922Other StatisticsNumber of employees

3,611


3,819


3,779


3,727


3,738Number of stockholders

6,000


6,000


6,000


6,200


6,000Number of 24-month customers

2,511,000


2,650,000


2,602,000


2,526,000


2,507,000Facilities (in square feet)

1,548,000


1,613,000


1,659,000


1,531,000


1,594,000


|(A) |  | Included in the 2002 results are a $2.8 million impairment charge relating to a change in accounting principle, or $.21 per diluted share, to write off goodwill
relating to the Companys European business within its International business segment and a $1.1 million net after tax charge, or $.08 per diluted share, related to restructuring and integration activities.
|--- |  | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

|(B) |  | Included in the 2001 results is a $7.3 million net after tax charge, or $.55 per diluted share, related to restructuring and integration activities.
|--- |  | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

|(C) |  | Included in the 2000 results is a $.9 million tax benefit, or $.07 per diluted share, from a favorable letter ruling effecting prior years taxes.
|--- |  | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

|(D) |  | Included in the 1999 results is a $.3 million pretax gain, or $.01 per diluted share, from the settlement of the Companys Canadian defined benefit pension
plan.
|--- |  | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

|(E) |  | Included in the 1998 results is a $.9 million pretax gain, or $.04 per diluted share, from the settlement of the Companys U.S. defined-benefit pension
plan and curtailment of the Companys Canadian defined-benefit pension plan.
|--- |  | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

|(F) |  | Earnings before interest expense, taxes, depreciation, amortization and change in accounting principle.
|--- |  | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

|(G) |  | Cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures.
|--- |  | ----------------------------------------------------------------




See the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.




10




---

##### Table of Contents

|ITEM  7. |  | MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
|-------- |  | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------




Overview





New
England Business Service, Inc. (the Company) was founded in 1952, incorporated in Massachusetts in 1955 and reincorporated in Delaware in 1986. The Company designs, produces and distributes business forms, checks, envelopes, labels,
greeting cards, signs, stationery and related printed products and distributes packaging, shipping and warehouse supplies, software, work and promotional apparel and other business products through direct mail, direct sales, telesales, dealers and
the Internet to small businesses throughout the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and France. During the past five years the Company has completed several acquisitions, the most recent of which is described below. The Company also markets
and sells payroll services provided by a payroll services company on a private label basis to small businesses in the United States as well as designs, embroiders and sells specialty apparel products through distributors and independent sales
representatives to the promotional/advertising specialty industry, primarily in the United States.





In July 2000,
the Company acquired all the outstanding shares of PremiumWear, Inc. The purchase price was $13.50 per share in cash and totaled approximately $39.0 million (net of cash acquired) for the shares plus debt assumed of $3.9 million. PremiumWear
designs, embroiders and sells specialty apparel products through distributors and independent sales representatives to the promotional products/advertising specialty industry, primarily in the United States.





The Companys fiscal year ends the last Saturday of June. The Companys results for fiscal years 2000 and 2002 encompassed 52
weeks; fiscal year 2001 encompassed 53 weeks.





The Company has identified five reportable segments. The first
segment is Direct Marketing-US and represents those business operations that sell primarily printed products such as checks and business forms to small businesses through direct marketing in the United States. The second segment,
Direct Sales-US, also sells primarily checks and business forms to small businesses; however, they sell through a direct sales force to the customer in the United States and, to a lesser extent, through distributors. The third segment,
Apparel, utilizes independent sales representatives to market its specialty apparel products and to solicit orders from customers in the promotional products/advertising specialty industry. Packaging and Display Products, the
fourth segment, primarily resells packaging and shipping supplies and retail signage marketed through a combination of direct marketing and direct selling efforts. The fifth segment, International, sells primarily printed products such
as checks and business forms to small businesses in Europe and Canada through direct marketing, distributors or by directly selling to the customer.





Any sentence followed by an asterisk (*) in this section constitutes a forward-looking statement which reflects the Companys current expectations. There can be no assurance the Companys
actual performance will not differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements due to the important factors described in the section of this Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations titled Certain Factors That May Affect Future Results.





Results of Operations





2002 versus 2001





Net sales decreased $28.6 million or 4.9% to $557.5 million for fiscal year 2002 from $586.1 million in fiscal year 2001. The comparison for all segments is affected by a 52-week fiscal year in 2002 as compared to a 53-week fiscal
year in 2001. The sales decrease by segment was comprised of a $17.3 million decrease in Direct Marketing-US, a $6.3 million decrease in Apparel and a $5.5 million decrease in Packaging and Display Products, which management believes are principally
attributable to an economic slowdown. The $1.6 million decrease in International is due to the effect of exchange rate changes. These decreases were partially offset by an increase of $2.1 million in the sales of the Companys Direct Sales-US
segment due to expanding sales presence and bank relationships.




11




---

##### Table of Contents




For fiscal year 2002, cost of sales declined to 43.4% of net sales from 43.9% in
fiscal year 2001. The Companys cost management strategies and the effect of actions announced/taken in all segments offset the impact of the decrease in sales on cost of sales. Cost of sales as a percent of sales is expected to remain
relatively consistent with fiscal year 2002 during fiscal year 2003.*





Selling and advertising expense decreased
to 33.8% of sales in fiscal year 2002 as compared to 34.3% of sales in fiscal year 2001. The Companys adoption of SFAS 142, which decreased the amortization charge in the current fiscal year, positively impacted selling and advertising
expense. This decrease was partially offset by a slight increase in the proportion of sales coming from the Direct Sales-US segment, which has a higher selling and advertising expense as a percentage of sales than in the Companys other
business segments due to its selling structure depending on a direct sales force. Selling and advertising expense as a percentage of sales is expected to be slightly lower during fiscal year 2003.*





General and administrative expense decreased to 12.9% of sales in fiscal year 2002 from 13.1% of sales in fiscal year 2001. General and
administrative expenses in fiscal year 2001 included an impairment charge of $1.7 million for the write-off of capitalized internal-use software related to an enterprise resource planning system the Company no longer plans to implement. The
Company also recognized an impairment charge in fiscal year 2001 of $.5 million for the write-off of its investment in a privately owned web hosting company. These charges are included in general and administrative expenses. Excluding the asset
impairment write-off, general and administrative expense as a percentage of sales for fiscal year 2001 approximated 12.8%, which is consistent with fiscal year 2002. General and administrative expense as a percent of sales is expected to be slightly
higher during fiscal year 2003.*





During fiscal year 2001, the Company undertook two separate restructuring
actions. The first resulted in a restructuring charge of $3.5 million in fiscal year 2001 and an additional charge of $1.0 million in fiscal year 2002 to provide for costs primarily associated with the Companys decision to more closely align
its direct marketing and direct sales activities. As part of the restructuring program, the McBee US headquarters was relocated from Parsippany, New Jersey to the existing RapidForms facility in Thorofare, New Jersey. In addition, the McBee
manufacturing plant in Damascus, Virginia was closed and a portion of leased warehousing space occupied by Chiswick in Sudbury, Massachusetts was vacated. In Canada, the McBee sales and marketing organizations were combined with NEBS Direct
Marketing and are operating under the NEBS name. Approximately 140 employees were affected by the restructuring either through elimination of their positions or relocation.





The second restructuring action resulted in the Company recording an additional restructuring charge in fiscal year 2001 of $3.6 million and a credit of $.3 million in
fiscal year 2002 to provide for costs associated with the Companys decision to eliminate excess capacity by closing a manufacturing facility in Ogden, Utah and a leased distribution facility in Sudbury, Massachusetts, along with other actions
to reduce the workforce in various locations. Approximately 175 employees were affected by the restructuring, either through elimination of their positions or relocation. The following is a table of the charges incurred and the cash paid pursuant to
these actions (in thousands of dollars):





First Restructuring


Second RestructuringEmployee termination benefit costs


Facility closure costs


Employee termination benefit costs


Facility closure costs


TotalBalance, June 24, 2000

$



$



$



$



$
Charge/(credit) for the period


2,185



1,315



2,900



745



7,145Payments for the period


(1,328
)


(643
)


(509
)






(2,480
)Balance June 30, 2001


857



672



2,391



745



4,665Charge/(credit) for the period


(272
)


1,295



(369
)


46



700Payments for the period


(585
)


(929
)


(1,856
)


(340
)


(3,710
)Balance, June 29, 2002

$



$
1,038


$
166


$
451


$
1,655




12




---

##### Table of Contents




The activities related to all restructuring actions identified above are
anticipated to be completed by the Company during fiscal year 2003 with the exception of lease payments, which may extend beyond this time frame.*





Interest expense increased to 2.4% of sales in fiscal year 2002 from 2.3% of sales in fiscal year 2001. The increase is the result of additional debt, primarily from an additional investment in
Advantage Payroll Services, Inc. in the first quarter 2002 and significant additional treasury share repurchases in the third quarter of fiscal year 2001 both of which increased the Companys average debt outstanding in fiscal year 2002 as
compared to fiscal year 2001.





The provision for income taxes as a percentage of pre-tax income decreased to 38.4%
in fiscal year 2002 from 39.0% in fiscal year 2001due to a decrease in the Companys overall effective state tax rate.





The Company will continue to seek opportunities to acquire companies, businesses and product lines to enhance the Companys competitive position in the marketplace or to gain access to new markets, products, competencies or
technologies.* In addition, the Company will continue to seek opportunities to enhance the cost structure of the Company, to improve operating efficiencies, and to fund investments in support of the Companys strategies.*





2001 versus 2000





Net sales increased $63.0 million, or 12.1%, to $586.1 million for fiscal year 2001 from $523.1 million in fiscal year 2000. The comparison for all segments is affected by a 53-week fiscal year in 2001 as compared to a 52-week fiscal
year in 2000. The sales results included a $7.7 million increase associated with the Direct Sales-US and Packaging and Display segments. Also included in the year-to-year consolidated increase are $56.9 million in sales from the PremiumWear,
Inc. operation, which makes up the Apparel segment, purchased in July 2000 and hence not part of the comparable figures for fiscal year 2000. These increases were offset by a slight decline of $1.6 million in sales of the Companys Direct
Marketing-US and International segments.





For fiscal year 2001, cost of sales increased to 43.9% of sales from
40.7% in fiscal year 2000. The increase was due primarily to the addition of PremiumWear, which incurs a higher cost of sales as a percentage of sales than the Companys other businesses. Excluding PremiumWear, cost of sales was 40.6% of sales,
which is consistent with fiscal year 2000. In fiscal 2001, increased handling charges and freight discounts and improvement in plant efficiencies were offset by increases in material costs year-to-year due to a shift in product sales towards
outsourced products.





Selling and advertising expense decreased to 34.3% of sales in fiscal year 2001 from 35.5%
of sales in fiscal year 2000. The year to year decrease was due primarily to the addition of PremiumWear, which has a significantly lower selling and advertising expense as a percentage of sales than in the Companys other businesses.





General and administrative expense declined as a percentage of sales from 13.4% of sales in fiscal year 2000 to
13.1% in fiscal year 2001. The decrease was due to the lower general and administrative expense as a percentage of sales incurred by PremiumWear. Additionally, during the year, the Company recognized an impairment charge of $1.7 million for the
write-off of capitalized internal-use software related to an enterprise resource planning system the Company no longer plans to implement. The Company also recognized an impairment charge of $.5 million for the write-off of its investment in a
privately-owned web hosting company. These charges are included in general and administrative expenses. Excluding the asset impairment write-off and the effect of PremiumWear, general and administrative expense as a percentage of sales for fiscal
year 2001 approximated 16.4%. Without considering the effect of PremiumWear, general and administrative expense as a percentage of sales would have climbed due to increased investment in information systems and general corporate expenses.





Interest expense increased to 2.3% of sales in fiscal year 2001 from 1.7% of sales in fiscal year 2000. The
increase is the result of additional debt, primarily from the investment in Advantage Payroll Services, Inc. in March 2000, the PremiumWear acquisition in July 2000, additional treasury share repurchases, and higher interest rates in fiscal 2001.




13




---

##### Table of Contents




The provision for income taxes as a percentage of pre-tax income increased to
39.0% in fiscal year 2001 from 35.8% in fiscal year 2000. The lower fiscal year 2000 provision was due to a favorable letter ruling affecting prior years state tax rates.





Critical Accounting Policies





The Companys discussion
and analysis of its financial condition and results of operations are based upon the consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of
these financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. On an on-going
basis, the Company evaluates its estimates and judgments, including those related to revenue recognition, bad debts, inventories, intangible assets, and incomes taxes. Estimates and judgments are based on historical experience and on various other
assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. The Company believes the following critical accounting policies affect its
more significant estimates and judgments used in preparation of its consolidated financial statements.





Revenue is recognized on product sales at the point in time when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the price is fixed and final, delivery has occurred and there is reasonable assurance of collection of the sales proceeds. The Company
generally obtains purchase authorizations from its customers for a specified amount of product at a specified price and considers delivery to have occurred at the point of shipment. While the Company does provide its customers with a right of
return, revenue is not deferred. Rather, a reserve for sales returns is provided based on significant historical experience.





Asset valuation includes assessing the recorded value of certain assets, including accounts receivable, inventories, property, plant and equipment, investments, capitalized software, goodwill, deferred mail costs and intangible and
other assets. Asset valuation is governed by various accounting principles, including Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 121, Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and For Long-Lived Assets to Be
Disposed Of (to be superceded in fiscal year 2003 by SFAS No. 144 Accounting for the Impairment of Disposal of Long-Lived Assets), SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations, SFAS No. 142 Goodwill and Other Intangible
Assets and Accounting Research Bulletin No. 43, among others. Management uses a variety of factors to assess valuation depending on the asset. For example, accounts receivable are evaluated based upon an aging schedule. The recoverability of
inventories is based upon the types and levels of inventory held. Property, plant and equipment, capitalized software and intangible and other assets are evaluated utilizing various factors, including the expected period the asset will be utilized,
forecasted cash flows, the cost of capital and customer demand. Investments are evaluated for impairment based upon market conditions and the viability of the investment. Changes in judgments on any of these factors could impact the value of the
asset.





As part of the process of preparing our consolidated financial statements, we are required to estimate our
income taxes in each jurisdiction in which we operate that imposes a tax on income. This process involves estimating our actual current tax exposure together with assessing temporary differences resulting from different treatment of items for tax
and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included in our consolidated balance sheet. We must then assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable
income, and to the extent we believe that recovery is not likely, we must establish a valuation allowance. To the extent we establish a valuation allowance, we must include an expense within the tax provision in the consolidated statements of
income. In the event that actual results differ from these estimates, our provision for income taxes could be materially impacted.





New Accounting Pronouncements





In the first quarter of fiscal year 2002, the Company
adopted SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations and SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. SFAS No. 141 eliminates the pooling-of-interests




14




---

##### Table of Contents

method of accounting for business combinations and modifies the application of the purchase accounting method. SFAS No. 142 eliminates the requirement to amortize goodwill and indefinite-lived
intangible assets, addresses the amortization of intangible assets with a defined life and addresses the impairment testing and recognition for goodwill and intangible assets.





As of July 1, 2001, the Company had identified those intangible assets that remain separable under the provisions of SFAS 141 and those that are to be included in goodwill.
In applying SFAS 142, the Company completed the transitional intangible asset impairment test. As a result, the Company recognized an impairment charge to write off goodwill in the amount of $2.8 million relating to its European business within its
International business segment.





In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued
SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. SFAS 144 addresses financial accounting and reporting for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets. This Statement supercedes SFAS No. 121 on the same
topic and the accounting and certain reporting provisions of Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion 30, Reporting the Results of Operations-Reporting the Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual
and Infrequently Occurring Events and Transactions, for the disposal of a segment of a business (as defined in that Opinion). This Statement also amends Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) 51, Consolidated Financial
Statements, to eliminate the exception to consolidation for a subsidiary for which control is likely to be temporary. The Company will adopt this Statement in fiscal 2003. Management believes that the impact of this Statement on its
consolidated financial statements will not be material.





In June 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146,
Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities. SFAS 146 addresses the financial accounting and reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities and nullifies Emerging Issues ask Force Consensus No. 94-3,
Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit and Activity(including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring). The Company will adopt this Statement in fiscal 2003. Management believes that the
impact of this Statement on its consolidated financial statements will not be material.





In the first quarter of
fiscal 2001, the Company adopted SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. This adoption resulted in an initial credit of $.4 million (net of tax) to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss.





In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001, the Company adopted Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin
(SAB) No. 101 Revenue Recognition. This SAB was intended to clarify certain elements of revenue recognition. It has been supplemented by a frequently asked questions document.





In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001, the Company adopted the Emerging Issues Task Force Consensus No. 00-10, Accounting for
Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs. The consensus states that a seller of goods should classify fees attributable to shipping and handling in the income statement as revenues. The Company had previously netted such fees against shipping and
handling costs in the cost of sales line. In fiscal years 2001 and 2000, approximately $42.0 million and $37.7 million, respectively, which previously would have reduced cost of sales, have been reclassified as revenues. There was no effect on
reported net income.





Liquidity and Capital Resources





Cash provided by operating activities amounted to $70.8 million in fiscal year 2002, approximately $15.2 million, or 27.3%, higher than the $55.6 million provided in fiscal
year 2001. This increase in cash provided by operating activities was due to working capital changes, primarily inventory reductions, being a source of cash in fiscal 2002 as compared to those changes being a use of cash in fiscal 2001. In fiscal
year 2001, cash provided by operating activities increased $2.5 million, or 4.7%, from the $53.1 million dollars provided in fiscal year 2000




15




---

##### Table of Contents

due principally to a $10.6 million decrease in net income and a $5.5 million increase in non-cash depreciation, amortization expense and asset impairments, $7.1 million for exit costs and $.5
million in the amount of cash provided by working capital and other non-cash adjustments to reported net income.





Working capital as of June 29, 2002 amounted to $56.5 million, including $6.1 million of cash and short-term investments. This represents a decrease of $12.9 million from the working capital balance of $69.4 million, including cash
and short-term investments of $7.2 million, at the end of fiscal year 2001. The decrease in working capital is primarily the result of inventory reductions in the Apparel segment. The Company does not expect to experience any significant change to
the amount of working capital investment required to support its business during fiscal year 2003.* Working capital increased in fiscal year 2001 by $13.5 million, principally due to the effect of the PremiumWear, Inc. acquisition in July 2000.





Capital expenditures of $15.4 million in fiscal year 2002 represented an $11.4 million decrease from the $26.8
million expended in fiscal year 2001 and a $5.7 million decrease from the $21.1 million expended in fiscal year 2000. Capital expenditures over the three-year period have included significant investments in the purchase, development and
implementation of information systems infrastructure, operating systems and the Companys website and manufacturing-related equipment. Capital expenditures in fiscal year 2001 included over $5.0 million of investments in information
systems and embroidery and distribution capacity for the Companys acquired PremiumWear business. The Company expects capital expenditures to approximate $16.0 million in fiscal year 2003, which will include additional planned improvements in
information systems capabilities and investments to enhance manufacturing capability.*





In August 2001, the
Company acquired 1.1 million shares of common stock of Advantage Payroll Services, Inc. (Advantage) for $17.7 million. Combined with the Companys purchase in March 2000 of 1.1 million Advantage common shares for $12.9 million, the
Company had invested a total of $30.6 million for 2.2 million Advantage common shares as of June 29, 2002.





The
Company also holds a common stock purchase warrant, pursuant to which it has the right to purchase up to 1.1 million Advantage common shares, at a purchase price of $12.67 per share subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the warrant. In
July 2002, the Company exercised the warrant in part and purchased .4 million Advantage common shares for an aggregate purchase price of $5.4 million. As a result of the foregoing investments, the Company owns 2.6 million shares or
approximately 19.6% of the Advantage common shares outstanding on a fully diluted basis.





The Company repurchased
1,111,432 shares of the Companys common stock for $17.6 million in cash during fiscal year 2001 and 595,157 shares of the Companys common stock for $14.2 million in cash during fiscal year 2000. There were no repurchases of the
Companys common stock during fiscal year 2002. In addition, the Company declared and paid cash dividends totaling $.80 per share during each of the last three fiscal years, amounting to a total of $10.2 million in fiscal 2002,
$10.4 million in fiscal 2001 and $11.0 million in fiscal 2000. As of June 29, 2002 the Company has authorization from its Board to purchase up to an additional 1,202,600 shares of its stock.





In addition to its present cash and short-term investment balances, the Company has consistently generated sufficient cash internally to
fund its needs for working capital, dividends and capital expenditures. The Company currently has a committed, unsecured, revolving credit agreement for $200 million. The credit agreement contains various restrictive covenants which, among other
things, require the Company to maintain certain minimum levels of consolidated net worth and specific consolidated debt and fixed charge ratios. The Company is in compliance with these covenants. At June 29, 2002, the Company had $97.9 million
outstanding under this arrangement.





In November 2001, the Company entered into a $50 million Note Purchase
Agreement with The Prudential Insurance Company of America. Under this agreement, the Company will borrow at the Eurodollar rate plus a




16




---

##### Table of Contents

spread for one year, after which the interest rate will be fixed at a rate of 7.23%. This agreement contains various restrictive covenants, which, among other things, require the Company to
maintain certain minimum levels of consolidated net worth and specific consolidated debt and fixed charge ratios. The Company is in compliance with these covenants. At June 29, 2002, the Company had $50 million outstanding under this arrangement.





The following table summarizes the Companys contractual obligations and commercial commitments as of June
29, 2002 (in thousands of dollars):





Total

Less than 1 year

1-3 years

4-5 years

ThereafterContractual Obligations (payments due by period):Long Term Debt

$
147,900

$


$
117,900

$
20,000

$
10,000Capital Lease Obligations


1,560


1,102


458





Operating Leases


18,362


4,969


7,827


5,479


87Total Contractual Cash Obligations

$
167,822

$
6,071

$
126,185

$
25,479

$
10,087Other Commercial Commitments (amount of commitment expiration per period):Lines of Credit

$
200,000

$


$
200,000

$


$
Standby Letter of Credit


115


115








Commercial Letters of Credit


1,146


405


741





Total Commercial Commitments

$
201,261

$
520

$
200,741

$


$






In order to effectively fix the interest rate on a portion of the
debt outstanding under the revolving credit agreement, the Company has entered into six interest rate swap agreements with three of the banks party to the credit agreement. These swap agreements contain notional principal amounts and other terms
(including rate of interest paid and received and maturity date) determined with respect to the Companys forecasts of future cash flows and borrowing requirements. At June 29, 2002 the notional principal amount outstanding under the interest
rate swap agreements totaled $145.0 million. For the fiscal year ended 2002, a credit of approximately $17 thousand was reclassified from other comprehensive income to earnings related to the ineffective portion of the Companys swaps. In
fiscal year 2001, there were no amounts transferred from other comprehensive income to earnings related to the Companys swaps as the ineffective portion of the swaps was insignificant.





The Company anticipates that its current cash on hand, cash flow from operations and additional availability under the lines of credit will be sufficient to meet the
Companys liquidity requirements for its operations and capital expenditures during fiscal year 2003.* However, the Company may pursue additional acquisitions from time to time, such as the acquisitions mentioned in the Overview section of
Managements Discussion and Analysis, which would likely be funded through the use of available cash, issuance of stock, obtaining of additional credit, or any combination thereof.*





Certain Factors That May Affect Future Results





References in this section to we, us and our refer to New England Business Service, Inc.





We may make forward-looking statements in this report and in other documents filed with the SEC, in press releases, and in discussions with analysts, investors and others. These statements include:





| |  |  | descriptions of our operational and strategic plans,
| | - |  | ----------------------------------------------------




| |  |  | expectations about our future sales and profits,
| | - |  | ------------------------------------------------




| |  |  | views of conditions and trends in our markets, and
| | - |  | --------------------------------------------------




| |  |  | other statements that include words like expects, estimates, anticipates, believes and intends, and
which describe opinions about future events.
| | - |  | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



17




---

##### Table of Contents




You should not rely on these forward-looking statements as though they were
guarantees. These statements are based on our expectations at the time the statements are made, and we are not required to revise or update these statements based on future developments. Known and unknown risks may cause our actual results,
performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these statements.





A
majority of our sales and profits come from selling standardized business forms, checks and related products by mail order, telesales and direct sales to a target market consisting mainly of small businesses. We believe that the critical success
factors to compete in this market include competitive pricing, breadth of product offering, product quality and the ability to attract and retain a large number of individual customers. These critical success factors are also applicable to the
success of our packaging, shipping and warehouse supplies markets as well. Known material risks that may affect those critical success factors are described below.





A majority of the sales in our apparel business come from selling knit and woven sport shirts under labels licensed from third parties to the promotional
products/advertising specialty industry. We believe that the critical success factors to compete in this market include product quality, timely fulfillment of customer orders and brand awareness. Known material risks that may affect those success
factors are also described below.





Our printed product lines face increased competition from various sources,
such as office supply superstores. Increased competition may require us to reduce prices or offer other incentives in order to attract new customers and retain existing customers, which could reduce our profits.





Low-price, high-volume office supply chain stores offer standardized business forms, checks and related products to small businesses.
Because of their size, these superstores have the buying power to offer many of these products at competitive prices. These superstores also offer the convenience of one-stop shopping for a broad array of office supplies that we do not
offer. In addition, national superstore competitors have greater financial strength to reduce prices or increase promotional discounts in order to seek or retain market share.





If any of these new competitors seek to gain or retain market share through price reductions or increased discounting, we may be forced to reduce our prices or match the
discounts in order to stay competitive, which could reduce our profits.





Technological improvements may reduce
our competitive advantage over our smaller competitors, which could reduce our profits.





Historically, our
relatively greater financial strength and size have enabled us to offer a broader array of products, particularly those having a complex construction, at lower prices than the small local and regional dealers, distributors and printers who
constitute our primary competition. Improvements in the cost and quality of printing technology are enabling these smaller competitors to gain access to products of complex design and functionality at competitive costs. Increased competition from
local and regional competitors could force us to reduce our prices in order to attract and retain customers, which could reduce our profits.





Because our sales growth is dependent on our ability to continually attract new customers in our target small business market, economic events that adversely affect the small business economy may
reduce our sales and profits.





Average annual sales per customer of our core products have remained relatively
stable over time. As a result, we rely, in part, on continually attracting new customers for these products. Our sales and profits have been adversely affected by economic-related contractions in the small business economy. We expect that our sales
and profits will continue to be affected by changes in the levels of small business formations and failures and from other economic events that affect the small business economy generally.




18




---

##### Table of Contents




Because our sales growth is dependent on our ability to continually attract
new customers in our target small business market, changes in the direct marketing industry that reduce our competitive advantage in contacting prospective customers may reduce our sales and profits.





Growth in the total number of our direct mail customers depends on continued access to high-quality lists of newly-formed small
businesses. In the past, our ability to compile proprietary prospect lists was a distinct competitive advantage. However, the external list compilation industry has become more sophisticated and comprehensive lists of new small business formations
are now commercially available to our competitors. In addition, the Internet has the potential to eliminate our advantage of scale in direct marketing by providing all competitors, regardless of current size, with access to prospective customers.





We currently rely on the speed of our delivery of promotional materials to prospective customers to gain
advantage over competitors. We are also expanding our Internet product offerings and capabilities and seeking to increase our visibility on the Internet. Notwithstanding these efforts, a deterioration in our competitive advantage in contacting
prospective customers could reduce our sales and profits.





In addition, the enactment of privacy laws could
constrain our ability to obtain prospect lists or to telemarket to prospective customers.





Declining response
rates to the Companys catalogs and other direct mail promotional materials could reduce our sales and profits.





Our direct mail-based businesses have recently experienced declines in the response rates to our catalogs and other direct mail promotional materials from both existing customers and prospects. We believe that these declines are
attributable to a number of factors, including current economic conditions, the overall increase in direct mail solicitations received by our target customers generally, and the gradual obsolescence of our standardized forms products. To the extent
that we cannot compensate for reduced response rates through increases in average order value or improve response rates through new product introductions and improved direct mail contact strategies, our sales and profits may be adversely affected.





Increases in the cost of paper and in postal rates adversely impact our costs, which we may be unable to
offset by reducing costs in other areas or by raising prices.





The cost of paper to produce our products,
catalogs and advertising materials makes up a significant portion of our total costs. Also, we rely on the U.S. Postal Service to deliver most of our promotional materials. Prices for the various types of paper that we use have been volatile, and we
expect them to continue to be so. Third class postal rates have generally increased over the past ten years, at times significantly. We are not sure that we will always be able to reduce costs in other areas or to increase prices for our products
sufficiently to offset increases in paper costs and postal rates. If we are unable to offset these cost and expense increases, our profits will be adversely affected.





Disruption in the services provided by certain of our critical vendors may adversely affect our operating performance and profits.





We use a limited number of vendors to provide key services to our business. Examples of this are as follows:





| |  |  | we use MCI WorldCom and Qwest Communications International to provide a majority of the toll-free telephone lines for our direct marketing business,
| | - |  | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------




| |  |  | we use United Parcel Service to deliver most of the products that we ship to customers in the United States,
| | - |  | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------




| |  |  | we rely on the postal services of the countries in which we do business to deliver our catalogs and other advertising material to customers.
| | - |  | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



19




---

##### Table of Contents




In the past, we have been adversely affected by disruption of some of these
services due to labor actions, system failures, adverse weather conditions and other natural disasters. If there are future interruptions in service from one or more of these vendors, we believe that there could be a significant disruption to our
business due to our inability to readily find alternative service providers at comparable rates.





Sales of our
standardized forms products face technological obsolescence and changing customer preferences, which could reduce our sales and profits.





Our standardized business forms, checks and related products provide our customers with financial and business records to manage their businesses. Continual technological improvements have provided our
target customers in several market segments with alternative means to enact and record business transactions. For example, the price and performance capabilities of personal computers and related printers now provide a cost-competitive means to
print low-quality versions of our business forms on plain paper. In addition, electronic transaction systems and off-the-shelf business software applications have been designed to automate several of the functions performed by our business form
products.





In response to the gradual obsolescence of our standardized forms business, we continue to develop our
capability to provide custom and full-color products. However, we have less of a cost advantage with these products than with standardized forms, due to improvements in the cost and quality of printing technology available to our smaller local and
regional competitors. We are also seeking to introduce new products and services that are less susceptible to technological obsolescence. We may develop new products internally, procure them from third party vendors, or obtain them through the
acquisition of a new business. We generally realize lower gross margins on outsourced products than on products that we manufacture ourselves. The risks associated with the acquisition of new businesses are described below.





If new printing capabilities and new product introductions do not continue to offset the obsolescence of our standardized business forms
products, there is a risk that the number of new customers we attract and existing customers we retain may diminish, which could reduce our sales and profits. Decreases in sales of our historically high margin standardized business forms products
due to obsolescence could also reduce our gross margins. This reduction could in turn adversely impact our profits unless we are able to offset the reduction through the introduction of new high margin products and services or realize cost savings
in other areas.








We source our apparel products from offshore third
party manufacturers. Difficulty in securing reliable sources for these products could adversely affect our ability to maintain inventory levels that are adequate to satisfy customer demand.





We purchase a majority of our apparel products from full package manufacturers outside the United States. In most cases, these same manufacturers supply
other apparel companies, many of which are significantly larger than our apparel business and are able, when necessary, to secure preferential treatment from the manufacturers. The availability of product from these manufacturers can also be
adversely affected by social, political and economic conditions in their respective regions. Any significant disruption in our relationships with our current manufacturers could adversely affect our apparel business to the extent we cannot readily
find alternative sources of supply at comparable levels of price and quality.





Inaccurate forecasting of the
demand for specific apparel styles and sizes could reduce our sales and profits.





We believe that success in
our apparel business depends in part on our ability to immediately ship ordered products, either directly or through our distributors. Given the relatively long lead time in procuring inventory, we must estimate demand for specific styles and sizes
well in advance of receiving firm orders from customers in order to ensure the timely availability of these products. Inaccurate forecasting of demand for specific styles and sizes can result in either lost sales due to product unavailability, or
reduced margins from liquidating overstocked items.







20




---

##### Table of Contents

Failure of our apparel licensors to adequately promote our licensed brands and protect those brands from infringement
could reduce our sales and profits.





We believe that brand awareness is an important factor to the end-user of
our apparel products, and in that regard we market and sell a majority of our apparel products under nationally-recognized brands licensed from third parties. In each case, the licensor is primarily responsible for promoting its brand and protecting
its brand from infringement. The failure of one or more of our licensors to adequately promote or defend their brands could diminish the perceived value of those brands to our customers, which could lead to reduced sales and profits.





Reductions in the number of apparel lines carried by wholesalers in the promotional products/advertising specialty industry
may adversely impact our sales and profits.





Until recently, a significant portion of the sales in our apparel
business have been to a relatively small number of wholesalers serving the promotional products/advertising specialty market. Sales to these wholesalers have been recently decreasing, and have been partially offset by increases in direct sales to
our advertising specialty dealers. We believe that the wholesale apparel business serving this market is undergoing fundamental change, with wholesalers increasingly carrying only private label lines and branded lines on an exclusive basis. We
believe that these changes, together with current economic conditions, are likely to result in an accelerated decrease in our sales to wholesalers. To the extent that increases in our direct sales to advertising specialty dealers, together with
increases in our apparel sales to other markets, cannot keep pace with the erosion in our sales to wholesalers, sales and profits could be adversely impacted.





Our growth strategy depends, in part, on the acquisition of complementary businesses that address our target small business market.





The acquisition of complementary businesses that address our target small business market has been important to our growth strategy. We intend to continue this acquisition
activity in the future. The success of this activity depends on the following:





| |  |  | our ability to identify suitable businesses and to negotiate agreements on acceptable terms,
| | - |  | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------




| |  |  | our ability to obtain financing through additional borrowings, by issuing additional shares of common stock, or through internally generated cash flow, and
| | - |  | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------




| |  |  | our ability to achieve anticipated savings and growth and avoid disruption to our existing businesses.
| | - |  | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------




In evaluating a potential acquisition, we conduct a business, financial and legal review of the target. This review is intended to support
our assumptions with respect to the projected future performance of the target and to identify the benefits and risks associated with those assumptions. We cannot be certain that our review will identify all potential risks associated with the
purchase, integration or operation of acquired businesses. Unanticipated risks may adversely affect the benefits that we expect to obtain from any given acquisition.





Any write-down of our investment in Advantage Payroll Services, Inc. required under generally accepted accounting principles could reduce our reported earnings.





As of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we have invested a total of $35.9 million for a minority
investment in Advantage Payroll Services, Inc., a closely-held payroll processing company. This investment is currently reported on our balance sheet at our cost. If, as a result of Advantages performance or other economic factors beyond our
control, the value of this investment on our books exceeds the realizable value of the investment in the market, then we may be required under generally accepted accounting principles to write-down the reported value of the investment, which could
reduce our reported earnings for the period in which the write-down occurs.




21




---

##### Table of Contents




|ITEM  7A. |  | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
|--------- |  | ----------------------------------------------------------




The Company is exposed to a number of market risks, primarily due to the effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. Investments in and loans
and advances to foreign subsidiaries and branches, and their resultant operations, since they are denominated in foreign currencies, create exposures to changes in exchange rates. The Companys utilization of its revolving credit agreement
(which carries a variable interest rate) creates an exposure to changes in interest rates. The effect, however, of changes in exchange rates and interest rates on the Companys earnings generally has been small relative to other factors that
also affect earnings, such as business unit sales and operating margins. This is because (i) foreign operations represent a relatively small portion of the Companys total activity, the magnitude of foreign currency transactions has been
minimal and forward foreign currency contracts have been historically entered into to hedge certain foreign exchange rate exposures; (ii) a significant portion of the Companys borrowings are fixed through interest rate swaps. In order to
effectively convert the interest rate on a portion of the Companys debt from a Eurodollar-based floating rate to a fixed rate, the Company has entered into interest rate swap agreements with major commercial banks. Although the Company is
exposed to credit and market risk in the event of future nonperformance by any of the banks, management has no reason to believe that such an event will occur.





The Company does, however, have a component of its borrowings that is not hedged. A 10% upward movement in interest rates would impact earnings and cash flows by approximately $.01 million because of
this unhedged position. For more information on these market risks and financial exposures, see the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Company does not hold or issue financial instruments for
trading, profit or speculative purposes.





Upon reviewing its derivatives and other foreign currency and interest
rate instruments, based on historical foreign currency rate movements and the fair value of market-rate sensitive instruments at year-end, the Company does not believe that changes in foreign currency or interest rates will have a material impact on
its near-term earnings, fair values or cash flows.





|ITEM  8. |  | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
|-------- |  | ------------------------------------------




The Companys financial statements, together with the independent auditors report thereon, appear beginning on page F-1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.





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




Not applicable.




22




---

##### Table of Contents

PART III





ITEM 10.    DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT





The Company will furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission, not later than 120 days after the close of its fiscal year ended June 29, 2002, a definitive Proxy Statement (the Proxy Statement) for the Annual Meeting
of Stockholders to be held on October 25, 2002. The information required by this Item concerning the directors of the Company who have been nominated for reelection is incorporated by reference to Election of Directors in the Proxy
Statement.





The information required by this Item concerning the executive officers of the Company appears in Part
I, Item 4.1 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.





Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance





Information regarding compliance with Section 16(a) beneficial ownership reporting requirements is located in the Proxy Statement under
the heading Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance and is incorporated herein by reference.





ITEM 11.    EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION





The information required by
this Item is incorporated by reference to Election of Directors and Executive Compensation in the Proxy Statement.





ITEM 12.    SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT





The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to Voting Securities and Approval of NEBS 2002 Equity Incentive PlanSecurities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
in the Proxy Statement.





ITEM 13.    CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS





The
information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to Certain Relationships and Related Transactions in the Proxy Statement.





ITEM 14.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES





Not applicable.




23




---

##### Table of Contents

PART IV





ITEM 15.    EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K





The following documents are filed as part of this report:





(a)(1)  Consolidated Financial Statements





PageNew England Business Service, Inc. and SubsidiariesConsolidated Balance Sheets as of June 29, 2002 and June 30, 2001

F-2Statements of Consolidated Income for the fiscal years ended June 29, 2002, June 30, 2001 and June 24, 2000

F-3Statements of Consolidated Stockholders Equity and Comprehensive Income for the fiscal years ended June 29, 2002, June 30, 2001 and June 24, 2000

F-4Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended June 29, 2002, June 30, 2001 and June 24, 2000

F-5Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

F-6Independent Auditors Report

F-25(a)(2) Financial Statement ScheduleSchedule II  Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

F-26





Schedules I, III, IV and V are omitted as they are not applicable
or required under Regulation S-X.





(a)(3)  List of Exhibits





Exhibits required to be filed by Item 601 of
Regulation S-K are listed in the exhibit index beginning on page X-1.





(b)  Reports on Form 8-K





None




24




---

##### Table of Contents

SIGNATURES





Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.





NEW ENGLAND BUSINESS SERVICE, INC. (Registrant)BY:

/s/    ROBERT J.
MURRAY(Robert J. Murray, Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer)





Date:    September 6, 2002





POWER OF ATTORNEY





KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that each of the undersigned officers and directors of New England Business Service, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the Company), hereby constitutes and appoints Robert J. Murray and Daniel
M. Junius, and each of them, with full power to act without the other, his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities
(until revoked in writing) to sign the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 29, 2002, and any and all amendments thereto, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact or either of them, or their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.





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





Name

Title

Date/s/    ROBERT J. MURRAY (Robert J. Murray)

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Director

September 6, 2002(Principal Executive Officer)/s/    WILLIAM T. END (William T. End)

Director

September 6, 2002/s/    NEIL S. FOX (Neil S. Fox)

Director

September 6, 2002/s/    ROBERT L. GABLE (Robert L. Gable)

Director

September 6, 2002/s/    THOMAS J. MAY (Thomas J. May)

Director

September 6, 2002




25




---

##### Table of Contents

Name

Title

Date/s/    HERBERT W. MOLLER
(Herbert W. Moller)

Director

September 6, 2002/s/    JOSEPH R. RAMRATH
(Joseph R. Ramrath)

Director

September 6, 2002/s/    BRIAN E. STERN (Brian E. Stern)

Director

September 6, 2002/s/    M. ANNE SZOSTAK (M. Anne Szostak)

Director

September 6, 2002/s/    DANIEL M. JUNIUS (Daniel M. Junius)

Executive Vice President, Chief     Financial Officer and Treasurer     (Principal Financial Officer)


September 6, 2002/s/    DAVID G. FOSTER (David G. Foster)

Vice President and Corporate     Controller (Principal Accounting     Officer)

September 6, 2002





CERTIFICATIONS





I, Robert J. Murray, certify that:





1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of New England Business Service, Inc.;





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





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





Dated: September 6, 2002





/s/    ROBERT J. MURRAY


| | 
| | 

(Robert J. Murray)


Chairman and Chief Executive Officer


(Principal Executive Officer)





I, Daniel M. Junius, certify that:





1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of New England Business Service, Inc.;





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





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





Dated: September 6, 2002





/s/    DANIEL M. JUNIUS


| | 
| | 

(Daniel M. Junius)


Executive Vice President,  Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer


(Principal
Financial Officer)




26




---

##### Table of Contents

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS





PageNew England Business Service, Inc. and SubsidiariesConsolidated Balance Sheets as of June 29, 2002 and June 30, 2001

F-2Statements of Consolidated Income for the fiscal years ended June 29, 2002, June 30, 2001 and June 24, 2000

F-3Statements of Consolidated Stockholders Equity and Comprehensive Income for the fiscal years ended     June 29, 2002, June 30, 2001
and June 24, 2000

F-4Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended June 29, 2002, June 30, 2001 and June 24, 2000

F-5Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

F-6Independent Auditors Report

F-25Schedule IIValuation and Qualifying Accounts

F-26




F-1




---

##### Table of Contents




NEW ENGLAND BUSINESS SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES





CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS





June 29, 2002 and June 30, 2001


(In thousands of dollars, except share data)





June 29, 2002


June 30, 2001ASSETSCurrent Assets:Cash and cash equivalents

$
6,112


$
7,154Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $5,141 in 2002 and $5,344 in 2001)


55,738



59,528Inventories, net


34,095



42,599Direct mail advertising materials, net and prepaid expenses


13,374



13,603Deferred income tax benefit


13,240



15,133Total current assets


122,559



138,017Property and Equipment:Land and buildings


48,289



45,884Equipment


150,149



146,782Property and equipment


198,438



192,666Less accumulated depreciation


(124,836
)


(115,598
)Property and equipment, net


73,602



77,068Property Held for Sale


328



Deferred Income Tax Benefit


18,934



16,986Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, net


119,848



129,339Long-Term Investment


30,521



12,869Other Assets


3,130



3,405Total

$
368,922


$
377,684LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITYCurrent Liabilities:Accounts payable

$
16,858


$
18,314Federal and state income taxes


3,430



2,868Accrued bonus distribution


3,562



3,395Accrued payroll expense


7,780



8,790Accrued employee benefit expense


12,215



11,168Accrued exit costs/restructuring charge


1,655



4,665Derivative contracts at fair value


5,443



4,517Obligations under capital leasecurrent portion


1,102



1,323Current portion of long-term debt






120Deferred income taxes


3,221



3,378Other accrued expenses


10,820



10,068Total current liabilities


66,086



68,606Obligations Under Capital Lease


458



1,550Long-Term Debt


147,900



179,168Deferred Income Taxes


17,758



14,457Commitments and ContingenciesStockholders Equity:Preferred stock, par value $1 per shareauthorized 1,000 shares; 0 shares issued and outstanding in 2002 and
2001Common stock, par value, $1 per shareauthorized, 40,000,000 shares; issued, 15,829,363 shares in 2002 and
15,511,093 shares in 2001; outstanding, 13,035,732 shares in 2002 and 12,499,702 shares in 2001


15,829



15,511Additional paid-in capital


57,885



52,083Unamortized value of restricted stock awards


(62
)


(157
)Accumulated other comprehensive loss


(7,411
)


(7,417
)Retained earnings


125,905



113,628Total


192,146



173,648Less treasury stock, at cost2,793,631 shares in 2002 and 3,011,391 shares in 2001


(55,426
)


(59,745
)Total stockholders equity


136,720



113,903Total

$
368,922


$
377,684





See notes to consolidated financial statements.




F-2




---

##### Table of Contents




NEW ENGLAND BUSINESS SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES





STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME





For the Fiscal Years Ended June 29, 2002, June 30, 2001
and June 24, 2000


(In thousands, except per share data)





2002


2001


2000Net Sales

$
557,539


$
586,091


$
523,053Cost of sales including shipping costs


241,908



257,411



213,113Gross Profit


315,631



328,680



309,940Operating Expenses:Selling and advertising


188,487



200,803



185,544General and administrative


72,188



76,960



70,213Exit costs


700



7,145



Total operating expenses


261,375



284,908



255,757Income From Operations


54,256



43,772



54,183Other Income (Expense):Interest income


185



432



139Interest expense


(13,447
)


(13,478
)


(8,625
)Total other income (expense)


(13,262
)


(13,046
)


(8,486
)Income Before Income Taxes


40,994



30,726



45,697Provision For Income Taxes


15,742



11,983



16,339Income Before the Effect of a Change in Accounting Principle


25,252



18,743



29,358Effect of a Change in Accounting Principle


(2,792
)






Net Income

$
22,460


$
18,743


$
29,358Per Share Amounts:Basic earnings per share before the effect of a change in accounting principle

$
1.99


$
1.44


$
2.14Effect of a change in accounting principle

$
(.22
)

$
.00


$
.00Basic earnings per share

$
1.77


$
1.44


$
2.14Diluted earnings per share before the effect of a change in accounting principle

$
1.94


$
1.43


$
2.12Effect of a change in accounting principle

$
(.21
)

$
.00


$
.00Diluted earnings per share

$
1.73


$
1.43


$
2.12Dividends

$
.80


$
.80


$
.80Basic Weighted Average Shares Outstanding


12,723



13,015



13,717Plus incremental shares from assumed conversion of stock options and contingently returnable shares


283



128



151Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding


13,006



13,143



13,868





See notes to consolidated financial statements.




F-3




---

##### Table of Contents




NEW ENGLAND BUSINESS SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES





STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME


For the Fiscal Years Ended June 29, 2002, June 30,
2001 and June 24, 2000


(In thousands)





Common Stock Issued

Additional Paid-in Capital

Unamortized Value of Restricted Stock
Awards


Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)


Retained Earnings


Treasury Stock


Total Stockholders Equity


Comprehensive IncomeNumber of Shares

At Par Value
AmountBalance, June 26, 1999

15,358

$
15,358

$
49,500

$
0


$
(2,654
)

$
86,902


$
(27,577
)

$
121,529Issuance of common stock to employees pursuant to stock plans including tax benefit

41


41


837


(165
)














713Dividends paid


















(10,982
)






(10,982
)Amortization of restricted stock awards










50















50Acquisition of treasury stock






















(14,194
)


(14,194
)Net income


















29,358







29,358


$
29,358Foreign currency translation adjustment














(770
)










(770
)


(770
)Net unrealized investment gains














25











25



25Balance, June 24, 2000

15,399


15,399


50,337


(115
)


(3,399
)


105,278



(41,771
)


125,729


$
28,613Issuance of common stock to employees pursuant to stock plans including tax benefit

112


112


1,746


(188
)










(334
)


1,336Dividends paid


















(10,393
)






(10,393
)Amortization of restricted stock awards










146















146Acquisition of treasury stock






















(17,640
)


(17,640
)Net income


















18,743







18,743


$
18,743Foreign currency translation adjustment














(635
)










(635
)


(635
)Net unrealized investment losses














(213
)










(213
)


(213
)Net unrealized losses on derivatives held for hedging purposes














(3,019
)










(3,019
)


(3,019
)Cumulative effect adjustment recorded upon the adoption of SFAS No. 133














391











391



391Net pension adjustment














(542
)










(542
)


(542
)Balance, June 30, 2001

15,511


15,511


52,083


(157
)


(7,417
)


113,628



(59,745
)


113,903


$
14,725Issuance of common stock to employees pursuant to stock options and employee benefit plans including tax
benefit

318


318


5,802














4,319



10,439Dividends paid


















(10,183
)






(10,183
)Amortization of restricted stock awards










95















95Net income


















22,460







22,460


$
22,460Foreign currency translation adjustment














441











441



441Net unrealized investment losses














(104
)










(104
)


(104
)Net unrealized losses on derivatives held for hedging purposes














(568
)










(568
)


(568
)Net pension adjustment














237











237



237Balance, June 29, 2002

15,829

$
15,829

$
57,885

$
(62
)

$
(7,411
)

$
125,905


$
(55,426
)

$
136,720


$
22,466





See notes to consolidated financial statements.




F-4




---

##### Table of Contents




NEW ENGLAND BUSINESS SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES





STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS





For the Fiscal Years Ended June 29, 2002, June 30,
2001 and June 24, 2000


(In thousands of dollars)





2002


2001


2000Cash Flows From Operating Activities:Net income

$
22,460


$
18,743


$
29,358Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:Depreciation


18,333



16,464



14,168Amortization


8,542



12,515



11,553Loss/(gain) on disposal of equipment


361



386



(175
)Change in accounting principle


2,792







Asset impairment loss






2,207



Deferred income taxes


3,846



(32
)


1,463Exit costs


700



7,145



Deferred grants


(6
)






Provision for losses on accounts receivable


4,865



4,659



4,203Employee benefit charges


3,885



240



121Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:Accounts receivable


(971
)


2,200



(7,294
)Inventories and advertising materials


8,782



(2,469
)


(5,542
)Prepaid expenses and other assets


62



549



(1,165
)Accounts payable


(1,509
)


(6,087
)


3,457Income taxes payable


972



2,682



606Other accrued expenses


(2,297
)


(3,631
)


2,351Net cash provided by operating activities


70,817



55,571



53,104Cash Flows From Investing Activities:Additions to property and equipment


(15,365
)


(26,836
)


(21,057
)Acquisition of businessesnet of cash acquired






(38,976
)


Proceeds from sale of facilities and equipment


32



29



1,258Purchase of long-term investment


(17,652
)






(13,369
)Net cash used by investing activities


(32,985
)


(65,783
)


(33,168
)Cash Flows From Financing Activities:Repayment of debt


(122,738
)


(83,968
)


(96,250
)Proceeds from borrowingsnet of issuance costs


89,508



125,900



101,406Repayment of obligations under capital lease


(1,346
)


(1,007
)


(592
)Proceeds from issuance of common stock


5,800



1,066



526Acquisition of treasury stock






(17,640
)


(14,194
)Dividends paid


(10,183
)


(10,393
)


(10,982
)Net cash provided (used) by financing activities


(38,959
)


13,958



(20,086
)Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash


85



(61
)


(65
)Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents


(1,042
)


3,685



(215
)Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year


7,154



3,469



3,684Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year

$
6,112


$
7,154


$
3,469Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosure:Interest paid

$
13,408


$
13,331


$
8,417Income taxes paid

$
12,124


$
10,788


$
14,685Stock issued pursuant to employee benefit plans

$
3,691


$



$
Purchase of equipment under capital lease

$
33


$
1,451


$
3,021





See notes to consolidated financial statements.




F-5




---

##### Table of Contents



NEW ENGLAND BUSINESS SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES





NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


(In thousands, except per share data)







1.    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies





Description of Business and Basis of ConsolidationThe financial statements include the accounts of New England
Business Service, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (the Company). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company sells primarily printed business products such as checks
and business forms and work/promotional apparel through a variety of channels, markets and sells payroll services provided by a payroll services company on a private label basis, serves as a reseller of packaging and shipping supplies and retail
signage and designs, sources and distributes embroidered and unembroidered apparel for ad specialties applications.





Fiscal YearThe Companys fiscal year ends the last Saturday of June. The Companys results for fiscal year 2000 and 2002 contained 52 weeks, whereas fiscal year 2001 contained 53 weeks.





Significant EstimatesIn the process of preparing its consolidated financial statements, the Company estimates the appropriate
carrying value of certain assets and liabilities which are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.





Foreign Currency TranslationThe financial statements of the Companys foreign subsidiaries are measured in the respective subsidiarys functional currency and then translated
into U.S. dollars. All balance sheet accounts have been translated using the year-end rate of exchange, while income statement accounts have been translated using the average rates prevailing throughout the year. Resulting translation gains or
losses are accumulated in a separate component of stockholders equity entitled Accumulated other comprehensive loss. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses, including those related to intercompany transactions that are
expected to be settled in the short term are recorded directly in the income statement and are immaterial in all periods presented; intercompany foreign currency transaction gains and losses incurred on balances of a long term investment nature are
recorded as translation gains and losses.





Cash and Cash EquivalentsThe Company considers its
holdings in short-term money market accounts and certificates of deposit with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.





InventoriesInventories are generally carried at the lower of first-in, first-out cost or market. At year end, inventories consisted of:





2002

2001Raw Material

$
1,709

$
1,821Work in Process


124


1,459Finished Goods


32,262


39,319Total

$
34,095

$
42,599





Long-Term InvestmentsIn March 2000, the Company
invested $12,869 in the common stock of Advantage Payroll Services, Inc. In August 2001, the Company invested an additional $17,652 in the common stock of Advantage Payroll Services, Inc. and in aggregate represents a voting interest of 17.7%. The
securities are not considered to be marketable equity securities under SFAS 115 because the company is currently privately held and, hence, the securities are restricted and have no readily determinable market value. The investment has been carried
at cost and will periodically be evaluated to determine whether a decline in fair value below the original cost basis has occurred and is other than temporary. The investment has been classified as a long-term asset on the consolidated balance sheet
because of its non-marketable nature.




F-6




---

##### Table of Contents



NEW ENGLAND BUSINESS SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES





NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)


(In thousands, except
per share data)







Direct Mail AdvertisingThe Company expenses the
production costs of advertising at the time the advertising is initiated, except for direct-response advertising, which is capitalized and amortized over its expected period of future benefit; this period is not in excess of six months.
Direct-response advertising consists primarily of product catalogs and associated mailing costs. As of June 29, 2002 and June 30, 2001, $7,356 and $7,569, respectively, were reported as direct advertising assets and included in direct mail
advertising materials, net and prepaid expenses in the consolidated balance sheets. Advertising expense included in selling and advertising was $59,822 in 2002, $61,119 in 2001, and $59,325 in 2000.





Property and EquipmentProperty and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation is computed over the estimated useful lives
(three to twenty years) of the assets using the straight-line method.





Leased Equipment Under Capital
LeasesEquipment under capital leases is amortized over the lives of the respective leases or the estimated useful lives of the assets whichever is shorter.





Adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 141, Business Combinations, and No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible
AssetsIn the first quarter of fiscal 2002, the Company adopted SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations and SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. SFAS No. 141 eliminates the pooling-of-interests method of
accounting for business combinations and modifies the application of the purchase accounting method. SFAS No. 142 eliminates the current requirement to amortize goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, addresses the amortization of
intangible assets with a defined life and addresses the impairment testing and recognition for goodwill and intangible assets.





As of July 1, 2001, the Company had identified those intangible assets that remain separable under the provisions of SFAS No. 141 and those that are to be included in goodwill. In applying SFAS No. 142, the Company completed the
transitional intangible asset impairment test by determining the carrying amount of its various reporting units and comparing that with their fair value, determined by using a multiple of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and
amortization. As a result, the Company recognized an impairment charge to write off goodwill in the amount of $2,792 relating to its European business within its International business segment. The impairment loss is recognized in the consolidated
statements of income under the caption Effect of a Change in Accounting Principle. The Company completed the annual intangible asset impairment test as of April 27, 2002. The Company determined there was no impairment as of the
measurement date.




F-7




---

##### Table of Contents



NEW ENGLAND BUSINESS SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES





NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)


(In thousands, except
per share data)







Had the provisions of SFAS Nos. 141 and 142 been applied for fiscal
years 2001 and 2000, the Companys net income and net income per share, calculated using the Companys annual estimated tax rate, would have been as follows:





2001


2000Net income as reported

$
18,743


$
29,358Add: Goodwill amortization


2,209



1,710Assembled workforce amortization


817



817Tradename amortization


818



818Less: Tax effect


(1,499
)


(1,199
)Pro forma net income

$
21,088


$
31,504Per share amounts:Basic earnings per share as reported

$
1.44


$
2.14Effect of SFAS No. 141 and 142

$
.18


$
.16Pro forma basic earnings per share

$
1.62


$
2.30Diluted earnings per share as reported

$
1.43


$
2.12Effect of SFAS No. 141 and 142

$
.18


$
.15Pro forma diluted earnings per share

$
1.61


$
2.27





Intangible AssetsCustomer lists and other intangible
assets are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated lives. The ranges of estimated lives and accumulated amortization balances for each category of assets at June 29, 2002 consist of the following:





Description

Lives

Gross Carrying Amount

Accumulated Amortization

Net Carrying AmountIntangible assets with defined lives:Customer lists

2-18 years

$
46,327

$
36,562

$
9,765Covenant not to compete

2-5 years


1,183


1,183


Debt issue costs

1-7 years


2,729


1,209


1,520Long-term contracts

16 years


5,300


663


4,637Bank referral agreements

20 years


7,400


1,511


5,889Intangible assets with indefinite lives:Tradenames




32,800


2,727


30,073Total intangible assets



$
95,739

$
43,855

$
51,884




F-8




---

##### Table of Contents



NEW ENGLAND BUSINESS SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES





NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)


(In thousands, except
per share data)







Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill (net) for the fiscal year
ended June 29, 2002, by segment are as follows:





June 30, 2001

Adjustments


June 29, 2002Direct MarketingUS

$
24,237





$
24,237Direct SalesUS


5,119

$
2,382



7,501Apparel


9,624






9,624Packaging and Display Products


23,246






23,246International


6,148


(2,792
)


3,356Total

$
68,374

$
(410
)

$
67,964





Adjustments include the reclassification of $2,382 related to an
assembled workforce intangible asset in the Direct SalesUS segment and an asset impairment charge in the International segment of $2,792 discussed above. Amortization of intangible assets for the years ended June 29, 2002 and June 30, 2001 was
$8,542 and $12,515, respectively. Estimated amortization of intangible assets for fiscal years 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007, without consideration of any other increases or decreases in the balance of the assets, is $7,134, $5,434, $759, $752 and
$749, respectively.





Revenue RecognitionRevenue is recognized on product sales at the point in time
when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the price is fixed and final, delivery has occurred and there is reasonable assurance of collection of the sales proceeds. The Company generally obtains purchase authorizations from its customers
for a specified amount of product at a specified price and considers delivery to have occurred at the point of shipment. While the Company does provide its customers with a right of return, revenue is not deferred. Rather, a reserve for sales
returns is provided in accordance with SFAS No. 48 based on significant historical experience.





Income
TaxesThe provision for income taxes is determined based upon the Companys computed total income tax obligation for the year and the change in the Companys deferred tax balances from year to year. Deferred income taxes reflect
the impact of temporary differences between assets and liabilities recognized for financial reporting purposes and such amounts recognized for tax purposes. Such deferred tax assets and liabilities are also adjusted to reflect changes in the U.S.
and applicable foreign tax laws when enacted and changes in blended state tax rates. Future tax benefits are recognized to the extent realization of such benefit is more likely than not to occur.





Per Share AmountsBasic earnings per share amounts are computed based upon the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each
fiscal year less any contingently returnable shares. Diluted earnings per share amounts are computed by also giving consideration to potentially dilutive stock options outstanding and contingently returnable shares. Common stock equivalents totaling
approximately 900 outstanding stock options are not included in the computation of earnings per share as they are anti-dilutive. A reconciliation of outstanding shares is shown on the statements of consolidated income.





Concentration of Credit RiskThe Company extends credit annually to approximately 1,700 geographically dispersed customers on
an unsecured basis in the normal course of business. No individual industry or industry segment is significant to the Companys customer base. The Company has in place policies governing the extension of credit and collection of amounts due
from customers.




F-9




---

##### Table of Contents



NEW ENGLAND BUSINESS SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES





NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)


(In thousands, except
per share data)







DerivativesIn June 1998, the Financial Accounting
Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. The Company adopted this Statement in fiscal year 2001. Such adoption resulted in an initial credit of $391 (net of
tax) to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss.





The Company is exposed to interest rate risk relating to its
variable rate debt. As part of its overall strategy to manage the level of exposure to the risk of interest rate fluctuations, the Company uses interest rate swaps which qualify and are designated as cash flow hedges.





On the date the Company enters into a derivative contract, management designates the derivative as a hedge of the identified cash flow
exposure. The Company does not enter into derivative transactions that do not qualify as hedges.





The Company
formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. In this documentation, the Company specifically identifies the
asset, liability, firm commitment, or forecasted transaction that has been designated as a hedged item and states how the hedging instrument is expected to hedge the risks related to the hedged item. The Company formally measures effectiveness of
its hedging relationships both at the hedge inception and on an ongoing basis in accordance with its risk management policy.





The Company may discontinue hedge accounting prospectively when it is determined that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of a hedged item; when the derivative expires or is
sold, terminated, or exercised; or when the derivative is redesignated to no longer be a hedge instrument.





As
discussed above, the Company designates certain derivatives as cash flow hedges. For all qualifying and highly effective cash flow hedges, the changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded in Other Comprehensive Income (OCI).
There can be, however, a portion of the hedge that is deemed ineffective and which can result in a charge/(credit) to the Companys income statement. For the fiscal year ending June 29, 2002, a credit of approximately $17 was
reclassified from OCI to earnings related to the ineffective portion of the Companys swaps. In fiscal year 2001, there were no amounts transferred from OCI to earnings related to the Companys swaps since the amount of the swaps
ineffectiveness was insignificant.





Impairment of Long-Lived AssetsThe Company evaluates the
recoverability of long-lived assets in accordance with SFAS No. 121, Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of. In fiscal 2001, the Company recognized impairment charges of $1,707 and
$500, respectively, for the write-off of capitalized internal-use software related to an enterprise resource planning system the Company no longer plans to implement and its investment in WebNow, Inc. There were no adjustments to the carrying value
of any long-lived assets in 2002.





Accounting for Stock-Based CompensationSFAS No. 123,
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, encourages, but does not require, companies to record compensation cost for stock-based employee compensation plans at fair value. The Company has chosen to continue to account for stock-based
compensation using the intrinsic-value method prescribed in Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related Interpretations. When awards are made to consultants or
individuals who are other than employees, the Company does apply the precepts of SFAS No. 123 and the Emerging Issue Task Force (EITF) Consensus No. 96-18 Accounting for Equity Instruments That Are Issued to Other Than Employees
for Acquiring, or in Conjunction with Selling Goods or Services.




F-10




---

##### Table of Contents



NEW ENGLAND BUSINESS SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES





NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)


(In thousands, except
per share data)







New Accounting PronouncementsAs described above, in the
first quarter of fiscal year 2002, the Company adopted SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations and SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. SFAS No. 141 eliminates the pooling-of-interests method of accounting for
business combinations and modifies the application of the purchase accounting method. SFAS No. 142 eliminates the requirement to amortize goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, addresses the amortization of intangible assets with a defined
life and addresses the impairment testing and recognition for goodwill and intangible assets.





As of July 1, 2001,
the Company had identified those intangible assets that remain separable under the provisions of SFAS No. 141 and those that are to be included in goodwill. In applying SFAS No. 142, the Company completed the transitional intangible asset impairment
test. As a result, the Company recognized an impairment charge to write off goodwill in the amount of $2,792 relating to its European business within its International business segment.





In July 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. SFAS No. 144 addresses financial accounting and
reporting for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets. This Statement supercedes SFAS No. 121 on the same topic and the accounting and certain reporting provisions of APB Opinion 30, Reporting the Results of Operations-Reporting the
Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently Occurring Events and Transactions, for the disposal of a segment of a business (as defined in that Opinion). This Statement also amends Accounting
Research Bulletin (ARB) 51, Consolidated Financial Statements, to eliminate the exception to consolidation for a subsidiary for which control is likely to be temporary. The Company will adopt this Statement in fiscal 2003.
Management believes that the impact of this Statement on its consolidated financial statements will not be material.





In June 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities. SFAS 146 addresses the financial accounting and reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities
and nullifies Emerging Issues Task Force Consensus No. 94-3, Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit and Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring). The Company will
adopt this Statement in fiscal 2003. Management believes that the impact of this Statement on its consolidated financial statements will not be material.





As described above, in the first quarter of fiscal 2001, the Company adopted SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. This adoption resulted in an initial
credit of $391 (net of tax) to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss.





In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001, the
Company adopted Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 101 Revenue Recognition. This SAB was intended to clarify certain elements of revenue recognition. It has been supplemented by a
frequently asked questions document.





In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001, the Company adopted the
EITF Consensus No. 00-10, Accounting for Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs. The consensus states that a seller of goods should classify fees attributable to shipping and handling in the income statement as revenues. The Company had
previously netted such fees against shipping and handling costs in the cost of sales line. In fiscal years 2001 and 2000, approximately $41,989 and $37,667, respectively, which previously would have reduced cost of sales, have been classified as
revenues. There was no effect on reported net income.





ReclassificationsCertain reclassifications
have been made to the 2001 and 2000 financial statements to conform with the 2002 presentation.




F-11




---

##### Table of Contents



NEW ENGLAND BUSINESS SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES





NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)


(In thousands, except
per share data)







2.    2000 Acquisition





In July 2000, the Company acquired all the outstanding shares of PremiumWear, Inc. The purchase price was $13.50 per share in cash and
totaled approximately $38,976 (net of cash acquired) for the shares plus debt assumed of $3,856. The Company also incurred fees of approximately $602 in connection with the acquisition. The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of
accounting. Accordingly, PremiumWears results from operations are included in the accompanying financial statements from the date of acquisition. The purchase price, including acquisition costs, was allocated to the net tangible assets
acquired based on the fair value of such assets and liabilities. The excess cost over fair value of the net tangible assets acquired was $16,013, of which $5,300 and $583 were allocated to long-term contracts and non-compete agreements,
respectively, and the balance of $10,130 to goodwill. The long-term contracts and non-compete agreements are being amortized over their respective useful lives. The accounting for goodwill is in accordance with Companys adoption of SFAS No.
142 discussed in note 1.





The following unaudited pro forma financial information reflects the consolidated
results from operations of the Company for the years ended June 30, 2001 and June 24, 2000 as though the acquisition described above had occurred on the first day of the respective fiscal year and the results are prior to the adoption of SFAS 141
and 142. The pro forma operating results are presented for comparative purposes only and do not purport to present the Companys actual operating results had the acquisition been consummated on June 27, 1999 or results which may occur in the
future:





2001

2000Net sales

$
588,180

$
575,610Net income


18,772


28,172Net income per diluted share


1.43


2.03





In connection with this transaction, a complaint entitled
Perry Ellis International, Inc. v. PremiumWear, Inc., was filed. The Company was subsequently named a co-defendant. The amended complaint relates to a Right of First Refusal Agreement dated as of May 22, 1996 (the RFR
Agreement) between the plaintiff and PremiumWear, Inc., and to the Companys acquisition of all the outstanding shares of PremiumWear in July 2000. In the amended complaint, the plaintiff alleges breach of the RFR Agreement and breach of
an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing against PremiumWear as a result of PremiumWears alleged failure to notify the plaintiff of certain discussions between PremiumWear and the Company preceding the Companys agreement to
purchase all of the outstanding shares of PremiumWear. The amended complaint also alleges that the Company tortiously interfered with the plaintiffs rights under the RFR Agreement by allegedly inducing PremiumWear to breach its obligations to
the plaintiff under the RFR Agreement. The plaintiff is seeking damages in an unspecified amount, attorneys fees, interest and costs. The Company believes the allegations in the amended complaint are without merit and intends to defend the
lawsuit vigorously.




F-12




---

##### Table of Contents



NEW ENGLAND BUSINESS SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES





NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)


(In thousands, except
per share data)







3.    Restructuring and Impairment of Assets





During fiscal year 2001, the Company undertook two distinct restructuring actions. The first resulted in a restructuring charge
of $3,500 in fiscal year 2001 and an additional charge of $1,023 in fiscal year 2002 to provide for costs primarily associated with the Companys decision to more closely align its direct marketing and direct sales activities. As part of the
restructuring program, the McBee US headquarters was relocated from Parsippany, New Jersey to the existing RapidForms facility in Thorofare, New Jersey. In addition, the McBee manufacturing plant in Damascus, Virginia has been closed and a portion
of leased warehousing space occupied by Chiswick in Sudbury, Massachusetts was vacated. In Canada, the McBee sales and marketing organizations were combined with NEBS Direct Marketing and are operating under the NEBS name. Approximately
140 employees were affected by the restructuring either through elimination of their positions or relocation. Pursuant to this plan, the following charges and payments have been recorded:





Employee termination benefit costs


Facility closure costs


TotalBalance June 24, 2000

$



$



$
Charge/(credit) for the period


2,185



1,315



3,500Payments for the period


(1,328
)


(643
)


(1,971
)Balance June 30, 2001


857



672



1,529Charge/(credit) for the period


(272
)


1,295



1,023Payments for the period


(585
)


(929
)


(1,514
)Balance June 29, 2002

$



$
1,038


$
1,038





The second restructuring action resulted in the Company recording
an additional restructuring charge in fiscal year 2001 of $3,645 and a credit of $(323) in fiscal year 2002 to provide for costs associated with the Companys decision to eliminate excess capacity by closing a manufacturing facility in Ogden,
Utah and a leased distribution facility in Sudbury, Massachusetts, along with other actions to reduce the workforce in various locations. Approximately 175 employees were affected by this restructuring, either through elimination of their positions
or relocation. Pursuant to this plan, the following charges and payments have been recorded:





Employee termination benefit costs


Facility closure costs


TotalBalance June 24, 2000

$



$



$
Charge/(credit) for the period


2,900



745



3,645Payments for the period


(509
)






(509
)Balance June 30, 2001


2,391



745



3,136Charge/(credit) for the period


(369
)


46



(323
)Payments for the period


(1,856
)


(340
)


(2,196
)Balance June 29, 2002

$
166


$
451


$
617





The activities related to all restructuring actions identified
above are anticipated to be completed by the Company during fiscal year 2003 with the exception of lease payments, which may extend beyond this time frame.




F-13




---

##### Table of Contents



NEW ENGLAND BUSINESS SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES





NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)


(In thousands, except
per share data)







4.    Debt Obligations and Leases





The Company has maintained a committed credit facility up to $200,000 over the past three years (the Credit Facility). In July
2001, the Company amended and restated the Credit Facility to extend the maturity date to July 2004. Under the Credit Facility, the Company has the option to borrow at the Eurodollar rate plus a spread or the agent banks base lending rate
prevailing from time to time. The effective interest rates as of June 29, 2002 and June 30, 2001 were 2.7% and 4.8%, respectively. The credit agreement contains various restrictive covenants which, among other things, require the Company
to maintain certain minimum levels of consolidated net worth and specific consolidated debt and fixed charge ratios. The Company was in compliance with such covenants and as of June 29, 2002, $97,900 was outstanding under this facility. Debt
issuance costs incurred in connection with this facility are amortized over the term of the agreement.





In
November 2001, the Company entered into a $50,000 Note Purchase Agreement with The Prudential Insurance Company of America. The maturity of long-term debt under this agreement is $10,000 per year beginning November 2004 through November 2008. Under
this agreement, the Company will borrow at the Eurodollar rate plus a spread for one year, after which the interest rate will become fixed at 7.23%. This agreement contains various restrictive covenants, which, among other things, require the
Company to maintain certain minimum levels of consolidated net worth and specific consolidated debt and fixed charge ratios. The Company was in compliance with such covenants and as of June 29, 2002, $50,000 was outstanding under this agreement.
Debt issuance costs incurred in connection with this agreement are amortized over the term of the agreement.





The
aggregate maturities of long-term debt for each of the five years subsequent to June 29, 2002, are as follows:





Fiscal Year Ended June2003

$
2004


2005


107,9002006


10,0002007


10,000Thereafter


20,000Total long-term debt

$
147,900





The Company has $1,146 and $115 outstanding at June 29, 2002 under
commercial and standby letters of credit, respectively.





The Company leases facilities and equipment under
long-term leases with unrelated parties; several of these qualify as capitalized leases. The future minimum rental commitments for leases of certain facilities and equipment are as follows:





Fiscal Year Ended June

Operating Leases

Capitalized Leases2003

$
4,969

$
1,1832004


4,137


3752005


3,690


1012006


3,411


62007


2,068


Thereafter


87


Total minimum lease payments

$
18,362

$
1,665Less amount representing interest





105Present value of net minimum lease payments including current maturitiesof $1,102




$
1,560




F-14




---

##### Table of Contents



NEW ENGLAND BUSINESS SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES





NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)


(In thousands, except
per share data)







The Companys investment in equipment under capital leases (net)
was $1,389 and $2,676 in 2002 and 2001, respectively.





Total rental expense was $5,898, $7,674 and $6,476 in 2002,
2001 and 2000, respectively. Included in those amounts were payments for properties leased from a former executive officer of $783, $1,174 and $1,035 in 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.





5.    Financial Instruments





In order to minimize exposure to fluctuations with respect to foreign currency, the Company may enter into forward exchange rate contracts for the amount of the exposure. At June 29, 2002, the Company had no outstanding forward
currency contracts. Gains or losses on those previously closed have been immaterial.





The Company has entered into
six interest rate swap agreements with three major commercial banks in order to effectively convert the interest rate of a portion of the Companys outstanding revolving credit debt from a Eurodollar-based floating rate to a fixed rate. The
agreements expire on different dates, and the total notional principal amount decreases over time. Although the Company is exposed to credit and market risk in the event of future non-performance by any of the banks, management has no reason to
believe that such an event will occur. Information regarding the agreements as of June 29, 2002 follows:





Notional Principal Amount

Fixed Interest Rate


Fair Value


Agreement Expiration Date$25,000

6.44
%

$
(394
)

October 19, 200225,000

4.69



(354
)

December 8, 200225,000

6.95



(935
)

March 7, 200325,000

6.91



(1,275
)

July 7, 200320,000

5.00



(753
)

June 8, 200425,000

6.61



(1,732
)

July 13, 2004





As of June 29, 2002 and June 30, 2001, the carrying value of all
other financial instruments approximated fair value. Within the next twelve months approximately $4,200 of net losses are expected to be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income.





6.    Equity Transactions





The Company has issued a stock purchase right to stockholders for each outstanding share of common stock of the Company. Each right becomes exercisable upon the occurrence of certain events, as
provided in the Rights Agreement, and entitles the registered holder to purchase from the Company a Unit consisting of one one-hundredth of a share of preferred stock at a purchase price of $75.00 per Unit, subject to adjustment to
prevent dilution. In addition, upon the occurrence of certain events, the registered holder will thereafter have the right to receive, upon payment of the purchase price, additional shares of common stock and/or cash and/or other securities, as
provided in the Rights Agreement. The rights will expire on October 20, 2004. The Company may redeem the rights at a price of $.01 per right. The Company also has authorized but not issued 1,000 shares of $1.00 par value preferred stock.





On October 23, 1998, the Companys Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 2,000 additional
shares of the Companys common stock over a two year period, replacing an earlier authorization. As of October 20, 2000, the expiration of the 1998 authorization, 1,403 shares had been purchased at a cumulative cost of $33,718. On October
20, 2000, the Companys Board of Directors had authorized the repurchase of up to




F-15




---

##### Table of Contents



NEW ENGLAND BUSINESS SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES





NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)


(In thousands, except
per share data)




2,000 shares, replacing the expiring 1998 authorization. The new authorization expires on October 31, 2003. As of June 29, 2002, 797 shares had been purchased under the October 2000,
authorization at a cumulative cost of $12,147.





7.    Stock Options And Awards





At the Companys October 1997 annual meeting, the stockholders approved the NEBS Key Employee and Eligible Director Stock Option and
Stock Appreciation Rights Plan (the 1997 Plan). The 1997 Plan amended and restated the Companys 1990 plan and 1994 plan and incorporated the two plans into the 1997 Plan. Under the 1997 Plan, the Company was authorized to issue
1,300 shares of common stock pursuant to the granting of stock options or stock appreciation rights in addition to the shares remaining available for issuance under the 1990 and 1994 option plans (these plans had authorized the issuance of up to
1,200 and 1,000 shares, respectively).





In addition to shares issuable under these plans, the Company approved and
adopted the NEBS 2000 Stock Option Plan for PremiumWear Employees (the 2000 Plan) and the NEBS Stock Option Agreement dated February 2, 1996. Under the 2000 and 1996 Plans, the Company was authorized to issue 105 and 250 shares,
respectively, of the Companys common stock pursuant to the granting of stock options.





Under the terms of
the Companys stock option plans, options are granted to purchase stock at fair market value on the date of the option grant. Options granted have been exercisable in full in terms of up to ten years from the date of grant and the options
expire no later than ten years from the date of grant. Generally, the options vest and become exercisable over a four year period. As of June 29, 2002, 2,395 shares of common stock are reserved for issuance under the Companys stock option
plans, of which 2,212 are subject to outstanding options and 183 remain available for future option grants. During fiscal 2000, the Company repurchased outstanding options for 861 shares at a cost of $430 and charged such buyout amount to
compensation expense in general and administrative expenses.





Options for 1,396, 1,464 and 1,159 shares were
currently exercisable under all option arrangements at June 29, 2002, June 30, 2001 and June 24, 2000, respectively. There were no outstanding stock appreciation rights under any of the plans during 2002, 2001 or 2000.





A summary of activity under the Companys stock option plans during 2002, 2001, and 2000 follows:





Number of Shares


Per Share Option Price

Weighted- Average Exercise PriceJune 26, 1999

2,191


$14.75  33.88

$
24.13Granted

407


14.13  27.69


27.35Repurchased

(861
)

25.75  33.88


28.34Exercised

(30
)

14.75  20.75


17.31Expired

(98
)

15.38  33.88


27.96June 24, 2000

1,609


14.75  33.88


22.60Granted

1,054


15.00  20.88


17.28Exercised

(96
)

14.75  19.75


15.27Expired

(142
)

15.00  30.00


19.74June 30, 2001

2,425


14.75  33.88


20.75Granted

301


17.50  17.89


17.88Exercised

(343
)

14.75  27.69


16.94Expired

(171
)

15.00  33.06


24.59June 29, 2002

2,212


14.13  33.13


20.61




F-16




---

##### Table of Contents



NEW ENGLAND BUSINESS SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES





NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)


(In thousands, except
per share data)







The following table presents information with regard to all stock
options outstanding at June 29, 2002:





Options Outstanding

Options ExercisableRange of Exercise Price

Number Outstanding

Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (years)

Weighted- Average Exercise Price

Number Exercisable

Weighted- Average Exercise Price$14.13  16.63

752

8.16

$
16.08

356

$
15.6517.50  19.75

498

4.59


18.44

405


18.3020.13  21.50

341

7.15


20.59

129


20.6325.75  33.13

621

5.84


27.86

506


27.672,212

6.38

$
20.61

1,396

$
21.24





The Company applies APB Opinion No. 25 to account for its various
stock plans. Accordingly, pursuant to the terms of the plans, no compensation cost has been recognized for the stock plans. However, if the Company had determined compensation cost for stock option grants made since 1996 under the provisions of SFAS
No. 123 (the 1996 date coinciding with the adoption of SFAS No. 123 for disclosure purposes), the Companys net income and net income per share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts shown below:





2002

2001

2000Net income:As reported

$
22,460

$
18,743

$
29,358Pro forma


21,150


16,307


28,462Net income per diluted share:As reported

$
1.73

$
1.43

$
2.12Pro forma


1.63


1.24


2.05





The pro forma net income reflects the compensation cost only for
those options granted since 1996. Compensation cost is reflected over a stock options vesting period and compensation cost for options granted prior to June 30, 1995 is not considered. Therefore, the full potential impact of compensation cost
for the Companys stock plans under SFAS No. 123 may not be reflected in the pro forma net income amounts presented above.





The fair value of each stock option granted in 2002, 2001 and 2000 under the Companys stock option plans was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The following key assumptions were used
to value grants issued for each year:





Weighted- Average Risk Free Rate


Average Expected Life

Volatility


Dividend Yield2000

6.20
%

5.5 years

21.49
%

2.9
%2001

4.73
%

5.1 years

33.98
%

4.6
%2002

4.14
%

5.1 years

33.65
%

4.5
%




F-17




---

##### Table of Contents



NEW ENGLAND BUSINESS SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES





NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)


(In thousands, except
per share data)







The weighted-average fair values per share of stock options granted
during 2002, 2001 and 2000 were $4.12, $4.11 and $6.41, respectively. It should be noted that the Black-Scholes option pricing model used in the calculation was designed to value readily tradable stock options with relatively short lives. The
options granted to employees are not tradable and have contractual lives of up to ten years. Management believes that the assumptions used and the model applied to value the awards yield a reasonable estimate of the fair value of the grants made
under the circumstances.





At the Companys October 1994 annual meeting, the stockholders approved the New
England Business Service, Inc. Stock Compensation Plan (the Stock Compensation Plan). Under the Stock Compensation Plan, up to 300 shares of common stock may be issued to the Companys directors and employees in lieu of cash
compensation otherwise payable. At June 29, 2002, 254 shares remain reserved for issuance under the Stock Compensation Plan.





During fiscal years 2001 and 2000, the Company awarded restricted stock to several executive employees under the Stock Compensation Plan. For these awards, which vest after three years, the fair market value of the shares is expensed
over the vesting period. The unamortized portion of deferred compensation expense is recorded as a reduction of shareholders equity. Recipients of all restricted shares have the right to vote such shares and receive dividends.





8.    Benefit Plans





The Company sponsors several 401(k) plans covering substantially all of the Companys domestic employees. Contributions to the plans are made by way of participant salary deferrals and Company
contributions. Company contributions include combinations of matching, fixed and discretionary contributions, subject to a maximum Company obligation ranging from 4% to 9% of an employees eligible pay. The Companys aggregate
contributions to the plans were $7,111 in fiscal 2002, $7,123 in fiscal 2001 and $6,638 in fiscal 2000.





SFAS No.
87, Employers Accounting for Pensions, requires the accrual of pension benefits during the years an employee provides service to the Company. The Company has a supplemental executive retirement plan which is currently unfunded.
Executive employees are eligible to become members of the plan upon designation by the Board of Directors. Benefits under the plan are based on each participants annual earnings and years of service. Provision for this benefit is charged to
operations over the participants term of employment.




F-18




---

##### Table of Contents



NEW ENGLAND BUSINESS SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES





NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)


(In thousands, except
per share data)







The following table sets forth the plans funded status and
obligations as of June 29, 2002 and June 30, 2001:





2002


2001Change in benefit obligation:Benefit obligation at beginning of year

$
3,075


$
1,350Service cost


296



185Interest cost


241



119Plan amendment


93



Actuarial loss (excluding assumptions changes)


254



1,280Actuarial (gain)/loss due to assumptions changes


(124
)


141Benefit obligation at end of year

$
3,835


$
3,075Funded status:Accumulated benefit obligation (ABO) in excess of plan assets

$
3,835


$
3,075Unrecognized net loss


(1,477
)


(1,481
)Unrecognized prior service cost


(689
)


(766
)Net benefit liability

$
1,669


$
828Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets:Accrued benefit liability

$
2,896


$
2,526Intangible asset


(689
)


(766
)Accumulated other comprehensive income


(538
)


(932
)Net amount recognized

$
1,669


$
828





The components of net periodic benefit cost for 2002, 2001 and 2000
are as follows:





2002

2001

2000Service cost

$
296

$
185

$
144Interest cost


241


119


81Amortization of prior service cost


77


77


77Recognized actuarial loss (gain)


139


5


(5
)Net periodic benefit cost

$
753

$
386

$
297





For measurement purposes a 4.0% annual rate of increase in
compensation cost was assumed in 2002 and 2001.





The weighted average discount rate used in determining the ABO
was 7.50% and 7.25% in 2002 and 2001, respectively.





SFAS No. 106, Employers Accounting for
Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions, requires the accrual of postretirement benefits other than pensions (such as health care benefits) during the years an employee provides service to the Company. The Company sponsors a defined
benefit postretirement plan that provides health and dental care benefits for retired Company officers and health and insurance benefits for certain PremiumWear, Inc. retirees. The plans are contributory, and retirees contributions are
adjusted annually.




F-19




---

##### Table of Contents



NEW ENGLAND BUSINESS SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES





NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)


(In thousands, except
per share data)







The following table sets forth the plans funded status and
obligations as of June 29, 2002 and June 30, 2001:





2002

2001Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO):Retirees

$
1,239

$
1,102Eligible active plan participants





Other active plan participants


775


499Total


2,014


1,601Plan assets at fair value





Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation in excess of plan assets


2,014


1,601Unrecognized net gain


218


551Net postretirement liability (included in accrued employee benefit expense)

$
2,232

$
2,152





The components of net periodic postretirement benefits cost for
2002, 2001 and 2000 are as follows:





2002


2001


2000Service cost

$
59


$
71


$
76Interest on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation


138



62



68Amortization of gain


(14
)


(41
)


(17
)Net periodic postretirement cost

$
183


$
92


$
127





For measurement purposes, a 10.0% annual rate of increase in the
cost of providing medical benefits was assumed in 2002 with a reduction to a trend rate of 6% for fiscal 2006 and beyond.





The weighted average discount rate used in determining the APBO was 7.5% in 2002 and 2001.





The
health care cost trend has an effect on the amounts reported. An increase of 1% in the rate of increase would have had an effect of increasing the APBO by $262 and the net periodic postretirement benefits cost by $31.




F-20




---

##### Table of Contents



NEW ENGLAND BUSINESS SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES





NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)


(In thousands, except
per share data)







9.    Income Taxes





The components of income before income taxes were as follows:





2002

2001

2000United States

$
38,801

$
30,312

$
46,166Foreign


2,193


414


(469
)Total

$
40,994

$
30,726

$
45,697





Provisions for income taxes under SFAS No. 109 in 2002, 2001 and
2000 consist of:





2002

2001


2000Currently payable:Federal

$
10,227

$
10,884


$
15,270State


639


726



(126
)Foreign.


1,030


405



(268
)Total


11,896


12,015



14,876Deferred


3,846


(32
)


1,463Total

$
15,742

$
11,983


$
16,339





The tax effects of significant items comprising the Companys
net deferred tax assets as of June 29, 2002 and June 30, 2001 are as follows:





2002


2001Current


Noncurrent


Current


NoncurrentDeferred tax assets:Accrued vacation

$
1,191






$
1,655Allowance for doubtful accounts


1,804







1,762Accrued expenses


1,585







3,159Sales returns and allowances


284







426Inventory


2,278







2,468Employee benefit reserves


3,245







3,040Other comprehensive income


2,694







2,406Amortization of intangible assets





$
10,674






$
8,739Depreciation






3,021







2,509Net operating loss carryforward






4,134







4,730Business tax credit carryforward






607







69Other


159



498



217



939Deferred tax liabilities:Amortization






(7,424
)






(5,153
)Depreciation






(9,981
)






(8,635
)Deferred mail advertising


(1,306
)






(1,338
)


Other


(1,915
)


(353
)


(2,040
)


(669
)Net deferred tax assets

$
10,019


$
1,176


$
11,755


$
2,529




F-21




---

##### Table of Contents



NEW ENGLAND BUSINESS SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES





NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)


(In thousands, except
per share data)







Current and non-current amounts have been further segregated on the
balance sheet due to the effect of different tax jurisdictions.





As a result of the PremiumWear, Inc. acquisition,
the Company has a net operating loss carryforward for regular federal tax purposes of approximately $11,337 which will begin to expire in 2005. The utilization of these losses is subject to an annual limitation as set forth in IRC 382. The maximum
amount of net operating losses that may be utilized by the Company in any period is limited to $2,176 per year. In addition, as a result of the acquisition, the Company has general business tax credit carryforwards of $69, which expire between 2002
and 2004.





A reconciliation of the provisions for income taxes to the U.S. Federal income tax statutory rates
follows:





2002


2001


2000Statutory tax rate

35.0
%

35.0
%

35.0
%State income taxes (less federal tax benefits)

3.3


2.3


2.3Letter ruling benefit (less federal tax expense)







(2.3
)Othernet

.1


1.7


.8Effective tax rate

38.4
%

39.0
%

35.8
%





The letter ruling benefit shown above is the result of a one-time
tax benefit due to a favorable state tax letter ruling received during fiscal year 2000 affecting prior years.





10.    Segment Information





The Company has identified five reportable
segments. The first segment is Direct Marketing-US and represents those business operations that sell primarily printed products such as checks and business forms to small businesses through direct marketing in the United States. The
second segment, Direct Sales-US, also sells primarily checks and business forms to small businesses; however, they sell through a direct sales force to the customer in the United States and, to a lesser extent, through distributors. The
third segment, Apparel, utilizes independent sales representatives to market its specialty apparel products and to solicit orders from customers in the promotional products/advertising specialty industry. Packaging and Display
Products, the fourth segment, primarily resells packaging and shipping supplies and retail signage marketed through a combination of direct marketing and direct selling efforts. The fifth segment, International, sells primarily
printed products such as checks and business forms to small businesses in Europe and Canada through direct marketing, distributors or by directly selling to the customer.





The Company evaluates segment performance and allocates resources based on a profit from operations measure. This measure is similar to income from operations as reported
on the statements of consolidated income in that it excludes interest and other income and expense. This measure, however, also excludes certain items that are reported within income from operations. These include management incentive compensation,
amortization, integration charges, restructuring charges, impairment charges and corporate expenses. The chief operating decision-maker, in assessing segment results, does not consider these items. In order to reconcile the segment numbers to the
Companys income before income taxes, adjustments representing the items listed above totaling $36,734, $49,579 and $33,470 for the years ended June 29, 2002, June 30, 2001 and June 24, 2000, respectively, need to be made to the reported
segment results.




F-22




---

##### Table of Contents



NEW ENGLAND BUSINESS SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES





NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)


(In thousands, except
per share data)







Net sales and profit from operations for each of the Companys
business segments are set forth below:





Direct Marketing-US

Direct Sales-US

Apparel


Packaging and Display Products

International

Total2002Net sales

$
282,595

$
105,958

$
50,592


$
78,907

$
39,487

$
557,539Profit from operations


63,229


9,237


(1,205
)


2,563


3,904


77,728Adjustments listed above


















(36,734
)Income before income taxes


















40,9942001Net sales


299,919


103,817


56,853



84,355


41,147


586,091Profit from operations


64,712


6,989


2,677



3,082


2,845


80,305Adjustments listed above


















(49,579
)Income before income taxes


















30,7262000Net sales


300,667


98,437






82,023


41,926


523,053Profit from operations


66,807


6,616






4,097


1,647


79,167Adjustments listed above


















(33,470
)Income before income taxes


















45,697





11.    Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income





The Companys accumulated other comprehensive income is set forth below:





Balance


BalanceJune 29, 2002


June 30, 2001Unrealized gains/losses on investments, net of tax

$
(292
)

$
(188
)Foreign currency translation adjustments, net


(3,618
)


(4,059
)Pension adjustments, net of tax


(305
)


(542
)Unrealized losses on derivatives held for hedging purposes, net of tax


(3,196
)


(2,628
)Total

$
(7,411
)

$
(7,417
)




F-23




---

##### Table of Contents



NEW ENGLAND BUSINESS SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES





NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)


(In thousands, except
per share data)







12.    Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)





First Quarter

Second Quarter

Third Quarter

Fourth Quarter

Total Year2002Net sales

$
133,515

$
157,532

$
132,879

$
133,613

$
557,539Gross profit


75,427


89,934


74,358


75,912


315,631Income before income taxes


7,542


15,178


7,541


10,733


40,994Net income


1,854


9,349


4,646


6,611


22,460Diluted earnings per share

$
.15

$
.73

$
.35

$
.49

$
1.73Dividends per share

$
.20

$
.20

$
.20

$
.20

$
.802001Net sales

$
141,118

$
166,475

$
132,857

$
145,641

$
586,091Gross profit


78,725


94,596


73,999


81,360


328,680Income before income taxes


4,630


14,429


5,815


5,852


30,726Net income


2,824


8,802


3,547


3,570


18,743Diluted earnings per share

$
.21

$
.66

$
.27

$
.28

$
1.43Dividends per share

$
.20

$
.20

$
.20

$
.20

$
.80





13.    Subsequent Events





In July 2002, the Company exercised a common stock purchase warrant in part and purchased 428 shares of common stock of Advantage Payroll
Services, Inc (Advantage) for an aggregate purchase price of $5,421. As a result of this additional investment, the Company now owns 2,567 shares or approximately 19.6% of the Advantage common shares outstanding on a fully diluted basis.





On July 24, 2002, a class action lawsuit entitled OLDAPG, Inc. v. New England Business Service, Inc.
was filed in the Court of Common Pleas of the Ninth Judicial Circuit in and for Charleston County, South Carolina. The named plaintiff in the lawsuit seeks to represent a class consisting of all persons who allegedly received facsimiles containing
unsolicited advertising from the Company in violation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 (the TCPA). The plaintiff is seeking statutory damages in the amount of $500.00 per individual violation, which amount can be trebled
to $1,500.00 for each violation found to have been willful and knowing. The plaintiff is also seeking injunctive relief with respect to further violations of the TCPA and attorneys fees and costs. The Company believes that it has
valid defenses to the claims asserted in the complaint and intends to defend the lawsuit vigorously.




F-24




---

##### Table of Contents




INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT





To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of New England Business
Service, Inc.:





We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of New England Business Service, Inc.
and subsidiaries as of June 29, 2002 and June 30, 2001 and the related statements of consolidated income, consolidated stockholders equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 29, 2002.
Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed under Item 14(a)(2). These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on
the financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.





We conducted our audits in
accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes 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, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of New England Business Service, Inc. and subsidiaries as of June 29, 2002 and June 30, 2001, and the
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 29, 2002 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial
statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.





As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, in 2002 the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, and in
2001 the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activity.





/s/    DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP





Boston, Massachusetts


July 31, 2002




F-25




---

##### Table of Contents




SCHEDULE II





NEW ENGLAND BUSINESS SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES





VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS


(in thousands of dollars)





Balance at Beginning Period

Additions


Deductions from Reserves(2)

Balance at End of PeriodCharged to Income

OtherReserves deducted from assets to which they apply:For doubtful accounts receivable:Year ended June 24, 2000

$
4,899

$
4,203

$
0


$
4,065

$
5,037Year ended June 30, 2001


5,037


4,659


422
(1)


4,774


5,344Year ended June 29, 2002


5,344


4,865


0



5,068


5,141For inventory obsolescence:Year ended June 24, 2000

$
2,733

$
1,008

$
0


$
1,227

$
2,514Year ended June 30, 2001


2,514


8,736


1,700
(1)


7,355


5,595Year ended June 29, 2002


5,595


6,749


0



6,711


5,633Reserves included in liabilities:For sales returns and allowances:Year ended June 24, 2000

$
985

$
1,059

$
0


$
985

$
1,059Year ended June 30, 2001


1,059


1,021


80
(1)


1,059


1,101Year ended June 29, 2002


1,101


787


0



1,101


787


---

|(1) |  | Acquired in acquisitions.
|--- |  | -------------------------

|(2) |  | Accounts written off.
|--- |  | ---------------------



F-26




---

##### Table of Contents




EXHIBIT INDEX





Exhibit Number

Description3.1.1

Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 7(a) to the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 31,
1986.)3.1.2

Certificate of Merger of New England Business Service, Inc. (a Massachusetts corporation) and the Company, dated October 24, 1986 amending the Certificate of
Incorporation of the Company by adding Articles 14 and 15 thereto. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 7(a) to the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 31, 1986.)3.1.3

Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of Series A Participating Preferred Stock of the Company, dated October 27, 1989. (Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit (3)(c) to the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1995.)3.2

By-Laws of the Registrant, as amended through August 2, 2002; filed herewith.4.1

Specimen stock certificate for shares of Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (4)(a) to the Companys Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1995.)4.2

Amended and Restated Rights Agreement, dated as of October 27, 1989 as amended as of October 20, 1994 (the Rights Agreement), between New England
Business Service, Inc. and Fleet National Bank (formerly known as BankBoston, N.A.), as rights agent, including as Exhibit B the forms of Rights Certificate and Election to Exercise. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 of the Companys
Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 20,1994.)10.1.1

Second Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of July 13, 2001 by and among the Company, Fleet National Bank, and certain other financial
institutions. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2001.)10.1.2

First Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of October 24, 2001 by and between the Company, Fleet National Bank, and
certain other financial institutions. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Companys Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended December 29, 2001.)10.1.3

Second Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of April 26, 2002 by and among the Company, Fleet National Bank, and
certain other financial institutions. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Companys Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 30, 2002.)10.2

Note Purchase Agreement dated as of November 9, 2001 by and between the Company and The Prudential Insurance Company of America. (Incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.3 to the Companys Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended December 29, 2001.)10.3.1

Lease Agreement dated as of March 31, 1997, relating to 33 Union Avenue, Sudbury, Massachusetts (33 Union Avenue Lease). (Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.3.1 to the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2001.)10.3.2

Amendment No. 1 to 33 Union Avenue Lease dated as of January 28, 1988. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3.2 to the Companys Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2001.)10.3.3

Assignment and Assumption Agreement as of September 27, 1999 relating to 33 Union Avenue Lease. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3.3 to the
Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2001.)




X-1




---

##### Table of Contents

Exhibit Number

Description10.4

Lease Agreement dated as of June 3, 1998, relating to 1055 East State Street, Athens, Ohio. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Companys
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2001.)10.5

Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of May 26, 2000, among the Company, Penguin Sub, Inc. and PremiumWear, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
(d)(1) to the Companys Schedule TO dated June 9, 2000.)10.6*

NEBS 1997 Key Employee and Eligible Director Stock Option and Stock Appreciation RightsPlan dated July 25, 1997 (including amendment and restatement of the
NEBS 1990 Key Employee Stock Option and Stock Appreciation Rights Plan and the NEBS 1994 Key Employee and Eligible Director Stock Option and Stock Appreciation Rights Plan), amended through October 23, 1998. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.1 to the Companys Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 26, 1998.)10.7*

Stock Option Agreement dated February 2, 1996 between the Company and Robert J. Murray. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Companys
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 27, 1998.)10.8*

NEBS Deferred Compensation Plan for Outside Directors. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10)(d) to the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended June 25, 1982.)10.9.1*

New England Business Service, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan dated June 25, 1994. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10)(g) to the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1995.)10.9.2*

First Restated Trust Agreement for the New England Business Service, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan, restated effective April 1, 1998. (Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.11.2 to the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 27, 1998.)10.10.1*

Supplemental Retirement Plan for Executive Employees of New England Business Service, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Companys
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 26, 1998.)10.10.2*

First Amendment to the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan for Executives of New England Business Service, Inc., effective October 26, 2001. (Incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Companys Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended December 29, 2001).10.10.3*

Second Amendment to the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan for Executives of New England Business Service, Inc. effective August 2, 2002; filed
herewith.10.11*

New England Business Service, Inc. Stock Compensation Plan dated July 25, 1994, amended through October 23, 1998. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2
to the Companys Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 26, 1998.)10.12*

Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement issuable under the Companys Stock Compensation Plan in connection with the Executive Bonus Plan for 2000
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 26, 1999.)10.13

Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement issuable under the Companys Stock Compensation Plan in connection with the Executive Bonus Plan for 2002;
filed herewith.10.14

Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement issuable under the Companys Stock Compensation Plan in connection with the FY 2002 NEBS Performance Restricted
Stock Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2001.)




X-2




---

##### Table of Contents

Exhibit Number

Description10.15*

Executive Bonus Plan for 2003; filed herewith.10.16*

Performance Restricted Stock Bonus Plan for 2003; filed herewith.10.17*

Change in Control Severance Agreement dated August 2, 2001 between the Company and Robert J. Murray. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the
Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2001.)10.18.1*

Form of Change in Control Severance Agreement between the Company and certain executive officers of the Company. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.15.1 to the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2001.)10.18.2*

List of executive officers of the Company who have entered into Change in Control Severance Agreements and the dates thereof; filed herewith.10.19*

Employment Agreement dated May 26, 2000 between PremiumWear, Inc. and David E. Berg. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.4 (a) to the Current Report on
Form 8-K dated May 26, 2000 of PremiumWear, Inc. (File No. 000-28501)).10.20.1*

Amended and Restated Change in Control Severance Agreement dated as of May 22, 2000 between PremiumWear, Inc. and David E. Berg. (Incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 99.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 26, 2000 of PremiumWear, Inc. (File No. 000-28501)).10.20.2*

First Amendment to Amended and Restated Change in Control Severance Agreement dated as of May 26, 2000 between PremiumWear, Inc. and David E. Berg.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.5 (a) to the Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 26, 2000 of PremiumWear, Inc. (File No. 000-28501)).10.21*

NEBS 2000 Stock Option Plan for PremiumWear Employees dated July 14, 2000. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99 to the Companys Registration
Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-43028), filed on August 4, 2000).10.22*

Employment Agreement dated June 29, 2001 between the Company and Richard T. Riley. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Companys Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2001.)10.23*

Form of Promissory Note dated June 22, 2001 between the Company and Richard T. Riley; filed herewith.21

List of Subsidiaries.23

Independent Auditors ConsentDeloitte & Touche LLP.24

Power of Attorney (included in the signature page of this Annual Report on Form 10-K).99.1

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Chief Executive
Officer).99.2

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


---

|* |  | Identifies a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement in which an executive officer or director of the Company participates.
|- |  | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



X-3