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SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Filed by the Registrant R

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant £

Check the appropriate box:

R   Preliminary Proxy Statement
 
£   Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
 
£   Definitive Proxy Statement
 
£   Definitive Additional Materials
 
£   Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-11(c) or Section 240.14a-12

MERCURY AIR GROUP, INC.

 
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

R   No fee required.
 
£   Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.

  1)   Title of each class of Securities to which Transaction applies:
 
  2)   Aggregate number of securities to which Transaction applies:
 
  3)   Per unit price or other underlying value of Transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
 
  4)   Proposed maximum aggregate value of Transaction:
 
  5)   Total fee paid:

£   Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
 
£   Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

  1)   Amount Previously Paid:
 
  2)   Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
 
  3)   Filing Party:
 
  4)   Date Filed:
 
 

 


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MERCURY AIR GROUP. INC.

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

TO BE HELD

[AUGUST__, 2005]

AND

PROXY STATEMENT

IMPORTANT

PLEASE MARK, SIGN AND DATE YOUR PROXY
AND PROMPTLY RETURN IT IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE

 


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MERCURY AIR GROUP, INC.

5456 MCCONNELL AVENUE

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90066
(310) 827-2737

[July __, 2005]

     Dear Stockholder:

     You are cordially invited to attend a Special Meeting of Stockholders of Mercury Air Group, Inc. on [August ___, 2005], at 9:00 a.m., at the Company’s corporate office at 5456 McConnell Avenue, Los Angeles, California. We look forward to greeting those stockholders who are able to attend.

     At this important meeting, you will be asked to vote on two proposals to effectuate a proposed transaction that, if approved, is expected to result in termination of the registration of Mercury Air Group’s common stock under the federal securities laws and thereby eliminate the significant expense required to comply with the reporting and related requirements under those laws. The proposed Transaction will reduce the number of common stockholders of record to fewer than 300, permitting Mercury Air Group to file for termination of registration of its common stock under the federal securities laws. The reduction in the number of common stockholders will be accomplished by amending our Certificate of Incorporation to provide for a 1-for-501 reverse stock split, followed immediately by a 501-for-1 forward stock split of our common stock. The proposed amended and restated certificate of incorporation is attached as Appendix A to this proxy statement.

     If approved at the Special Meeting, the Transaction will affect Mercury Air Group’s common stockholders as follows:

     
COMMON STOCKHOLDER BEFORE   NET EFFECT AFTER THE
THE TRANSACTION   TRANSACTION
common stockholder holding 501 or more shares:
  None.
 
   
common stockholder holding fewer than 501 shares:
  The common stockholder will receive from Mercury $4.00 in cash per share, without interest.

     Because Mercury Air Group has a large number of common stockholders who own fewer than 501 shares, we expect that the number of common stockholders of record will be reduced from approximately 331 to approximately 33, while the number of outstanding shares will decrease by only approximately 6.3%, a reduction of approximately 192,613 common shares from the 3,056,355 common shares outstanding as of March 1, 2005. No reduction in the number of shares held by preferred stockholders will occur as a result of this Transaction.

     After careful consideration, the Board of Directors has concluded that the costs associated with being a Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) reporting company, especially in light of the additional costs associated with compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, are not justified by the benefits in view of our common stock’s limited trading activity. Mercury Air Group estimates that it will save up to $3,000,000 which would have been expended through June 30, 2007 and approximately $500,000 annually thereafter in Section 404 compliance costs. We believe that these cost-savings will be in the best interest of Mercury Air Group and its stockholders who remain after the Transaction. Although our common stock will no longer be listed on the American Stock Exchange if the Transaction is completed, we believe that our shares would be quoted on the “pink sheets” and our remaining stockholders would be able to trade their shares in the over-the-counter markets. In addition, the Transaction would allow our common stockholders who hold fewer than 501 shares immediately before the Transaction the opportunity to receive cash for their shares at a premium to the closing price of our common stock on the last trading day before the public announcement of the approval of the Transaction by the Special Committee and the Board of Directors, without having to pay brokerage commissions and other transaction costs.

     A special committee comprised of independent directors has reviewed the proposed Transaction and considered its fairness to preferred stockholders and to common stockholders who hold fewer than 501 shares of common stock as well as those common

 


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stockholders holding 501 or more shares of common stock, and received a fairness opinion from its financial advisor with regard to the per share cash amount to be paid to the unaffiliated common stockholders holding fewer than 501 shares of common stock.

     ACCORDINGLY, AFTER CONSIDERING THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE AND CONDUCTING ITS OWN DELIBERATIONS OF THE ISSUES IT DEEMED PERTINENT, INCLUDING ALTERNATIVES TO THE TRANSACTION, THE COSTS AND BENEFITS OF REMAINING AN SEC REPORTING COMPANY AND THE FAIRNESS OF THE TRANSACTION TO STOCKHOLDERS, YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS BELIEVES THIS TRANSACTION IS IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF MERCURY AIR GROUP AND ITS STOCKHOLDERS AND UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THE TWO PROPOSALS REQUIRED TO EFFECTUATE THE TRANSACTION. The enclosed proxy statement includes a discussion of the alternatives and factors considered by the board in connection with the board’s approval of the Transaction. See “Special Factors — Background of the Transaction” and “Special Factors — Recommendation of the Board of Directors; Fairness of the Proposed Transaction.”

     Consummation of the Transaction is subject to certain conditions, including the affirmative vote on each of the first two proposals presented of at least a majority of the shares of Mercury Air Group’s common and preferred stock entitled to vote at the Special Meeting, voting as a single class. It is anticipated that the Transaction will become effective at 11:59 p.m. on [August ___, 2005], or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter. Details of the proposed Transaction are set forth in the accompanying proxy statement, which we urge you to read carefully in its entirety.

     At the Special Meeting, you will also be asked to grant Mercury’s board of directors discretionary authority to adjourn the Special Meeting, if necessary.

     The executive officers and director of Mercury have indicated that they intend to vote “FOR” each proposal required to approve the Transaction and “FOR” the proposal to grant discretionary authority to adjourn the Special Meeting. If Mercury’s executive officers and directors exercise presently exercisable options they hold prior to the record date for the Special Meeting, they would own approximately 42.8% of the then outstanding shares of common and preferred stock, voting as a single class entitled to vote at the Special Meeting.

     IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOUR SHARES ARE REPRESENTED AND VOTED AT THE MEETING, WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND. ACCORDINGLY, PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN YOUR PROXY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE AT YOUR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE.

     Your interest and participation in the affairs of the Company are greatly appreciated. Thank you for your continued support.

     
 
  Sincerely,
 
  Joseph A. Czyzyk
 
  Chairman of the Board,
 
  Chief Executive Officer and President

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MERCURY AIR GROUP, INC.
5456 MCCONNELL AVENUE
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90066
(310) 827-2737

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD [AUGUST __, 2005]

[July __, 2005]

To the Stockholders of Mercury Air Group, Inc.:

     NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Special Meeting of Stockholders (the “Special Meeting”) of Mercury Air Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company” or “ Mercury “), will be held at the Company’s corporate office at 5456 McConnell Avenue, Los Angeles, California, on the [ ___day of August, 2005], at 9:00 a.m., for the following purposes:

  1.   To consider and vote upon a proposal to amend the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation to effect a 1-for-501 reverse stock split of the Company’s common stock (the “Reverse Stock Split”).
 
  2.   To consider and vote upon a proposal to amend the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation to effect a 501-for-1 forward stock split of the Company’s common stock (the “Forward Stock Split”, and proposals 1 and 2 collectively referred to as the “Transaction”).
 
  3.   To grant the Company’s Board of Directors discretionary authority to adjourn the Special Meeting if necessary to satisfy the conditions to completing the Transaction, including for the purpose of soliciting proxies to vote in favor of the Transaction.

     Please note that the amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation to effect the Forward Stock Split is conditioned upon stockholder approval of the amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation to effect the Reverse Stock Split, and that the amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation to effect the Reverse Stock Split is conditioned upon stockholder approval of the amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation to effect the Forward Stock Split.

     As a result of the Transaction, (a) each stockholder owning fewer than 501 shares of common stock immediately before the Transaction will receive from the Company $4.00 in cash, without interest, for each of such stockholder’s shares of the Company’s common stock; and (b) each share of common stock held by a stockholder owning 501 or more shares will continue to represent one share of the Company after completion of the Transaction. The proposed Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, which effectuates the Transaction, is attached as Appendix A to this proxy statement.

     Owners of record of the Company’s common and preferred stock at the close of business on [July ___, 2005], the record date, will be entitled to vote at the meeting. If your shares are held in the name of a broker, trust or other nominee (often referred to as held in “street name”), you must instruct them on how to vote your shares. Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, please date, sign and mail the enclosed proxy in the envelope provided. Thank you for your cooperation.

     The Board of Directors has carefully considered the terms of the Transaction and believes that they are fair to, and in the best interests of, Mercury and its stockholders. The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” Proposals 1 and 2, which will effectuate the Transaction, and “FOR” Proposal 3, which will grant the Board of Directors discretionary authority to adjourn the Special Meeting.

     
 
  By Order of the Board of Directors
 
   
 
  Joseph A. Czyzyk
 
  Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive
 
  Officer and President

PLEASE SIGN AND MAIL THE ENCLOSED PROXY
IN THE ACCOMPANYING ENVELOPE

 


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NO POSTAGE NECESSARY IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES

     NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS: APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THE TRANSACTION; PASSED UPON THE MERITS OR FAIRNESS OF THE TRANSACTION; OR PASSED UPON THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE DISCLOSURE IN THIS DOCUMENT. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

MERCURY AIR GROUP, INC.
5456 MCCONNELL AVENUE
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90066
(310) 827-2737

[July __, 2005]

PROXY STATEMENT FOR
2005 SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

INTRODUCTION

     This Proxy Statement is furnished to the stockholders of Mercury Air Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company” or “Mercury”), in connection with the solicitation by the board of directors of the Company of proxies to be used at the Special Meeting of Stockholders (the “Special Meeting”) to be held at the Company’s corporate offices at 5456 McConnell Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90066, on [August ___, 2005], at 9:00 a.m., local time, and at any adjournment thereof, and is being mailed to the stockholders on or about the date set forth above.

     All shares represented by properly executed proxies received by the board of directors pursuant to this solicitation will be voted in accordance with the stockholder’s directions specified on the proxy or, in the absence of specific instructions to the contrary, will be voted in accordance with the board of directors’ unanimous recommendations, which are:

  -   FOR the proposal to amend the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation to effect a 1-for-501 reverse stock split of the Company’s common stock (the “Reverse Stock Split”).
 
  -   FOR the proposal to amend the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation to effect a 501-for-1 forward stock split of the Company’s common stock (the “Forward Stock Split” and both proposals collectively referred to as the “Transaction”).
 
  -   FOR granting the Company’s Board of Directors discretionary authority to adjourn the Special Meeting if necessary to satisfy the conditions to completing the Transaction, including for the purpose of soliciting proxies in favor of the Transaction.

     Please note that the amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation to effect the Forward Stock Split is conditioned upon stockholder approval of the proposal to amend the Certificate of Incorporation to effect the Reverse Stock Split, and that the amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation to effect the Reverse Stock Split is conditioned upon stockholder approval of the amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation to effect the Forward Stock Split.

     As a result of the Transaction, (a) each stockholder owning fewer than 501 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value (“common stock”) immediately before the Transaction will receive from the Company $4.00 in cash, without interest, for each of such stockholder’s shares of the Company’s common stock; and (b) each share of common stock held by a stockholder owning 501 or more shares will continue to represent one share of common stock of the Company after completion of the Transaction.

     If the Transaction is approved, as permitted by Delaware law, common stockholders whose shares are converted into less than one whole share in the reverse split (meaning they held fewer than 501 shares at the effective time of the reverse split) will receive a cash payment from Mercury for their fractional shares interests equal to $4.00 cash, without interest, for each share of common stock they held immediately prior to the reverse split.

     Stockholders who own 501 or more shares of common stock at the effective time of the Transaction will not be entitled to receive any cash for their fractional share interests resulting from the reverse stock split. The forward split that will immediately follow the reverse split will reconvert their whole share and fractional share interests back into the same number of shares of common stock they

 


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held immediately prior to the effective time of the Transaction. As a result, the total number of shares held by such a stockholder will not change after completion of the Transaction.

     After the Transaction, Mercury anticipates that it will have approximately 33 common stockholders of record. In the event that there are fewer than 300 common stockholders of record following the Transaction, Mercury intends to file a Form 15 with the Securities and Exchange Commission to terminate registration of its common stock under the federal securities laws. As a result, Mercury would no longer be subject to the annual and periodic reporting requirements under the federal securities laws that are applicable to Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) reporting companies although Mercury currently intends to continue to provide reports as to its financial condition and results of operation which Mercury expects may be accessed at www.pinksheets.com. In addition, Mercury common stock would cease to be listed on the American Stock Exchange, any trading in Mercury’s common stock after the Transaction and deregistration of the common stock will only occur in the over-the-counter market or in privately negotiated sales, and Mercury’s common stock will likely only be quoted in the “pink sheets.”

     This Transaction cannot occur unless the holders of more than a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of Mercury’s common stock and Series A 8% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value (“preferred stock”), voting as a single class, approve both the proposal to effect the Reverse Stock Split and the proposal to effect the Forward Stock Split. If both proposals are approved, Mercury intends to file the proposed Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, which is attached as Appendix A to this proxy statement.

     The amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation to effect the Forward Stock Split is contingent upon stockholder approval of the Reverse Stock Split and the amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation to effect the Reverse Stock Split is contingent upon stockholder approval of the Forward Stock Split. The Forward Stock Split will be effected only after completion of the Reverse Stock Split.

     The executive officers and directors of Mercury have indicated that they intend to vote “FOR” both proposals required to effectuate the Transaction. If Mercury’s executive officers and directors exercise presently exercisable options they hold prior to the record date for the Special Meeting, they would own approximately 42.8% of the then outstanding shares of common and preferred stock, voting as a single class, entitled to vote at the Special Meeting.

     A proxy may be revoked, without affecting any vote previously taken, by written notice mailed to the Company (attention Wayne Lovett) or delivered in person at the meeting, by filing a duly executed, later dated proxy, or by attending the meeting and voting in person.

     Only stockholders of record at the close of business on [July ___, 2005], are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Special Meeting and any adjournment thereof. Each share so held entitles the holder thereof to one vote upon each matter to be voted on. As of the record date, the Company had outstanding 3,056,355 shares of common stock and 462,627 shares of preferred stock. The presence of holders of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of common and preferred stock, represented as a single class, entitled to vote at the Special Meeting, either in person or represented by a properly executed proxy, is necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the Special Meeting.

     This document provides you with detailed information about the proposed Transaction. Please see “Where You Can Find More Information” for additional information about Mercury on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

     This Proxy Statement and the accompanying proxy were first mailed to stockholders on or about [July ___, 2005].

PRELIMINARY COPIES

 


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APPENDICES:
       
 
       
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation
    A-  
 
       
Opinion of Imperial Capital, LLC
    B-  
 
       
Mercury’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2004
    C-  
 
       
Mercury’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2005
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SUMMARY TERM SHEET

     THIS SUMMARY TERM SHEET, TOGETHER WITH THE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS SECTION THAT FOLLOWS, PROVIDES AN OVERVIEW OF ALL MATERIAL MATTERS THAT ARE PRESENTED IN THE PROXY STATEMENT, INCLUDING THE MATERIAL TERMS OF THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. FOR A MORE COMPLETE DESCRIPTION WE URGE YOU TO CAREFULLY READ THIS PROXY STATEMENT AND ALL OF ITS APPENDICES BEFORE YOU VOTE. FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE, WE HAVE CROSS-REFERENCED TO THE LOCATION IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT WHERE YOU CAN FIND A MORE COMPLETE DISCUSSION OF EACH ITEM BELOW.

     AS USED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT, “MERCURY,” THE “COMPANY,” “WE,” “OUR,” “OURS” AND “US” REFER TO MERCURY AIR GROUP, INC., A DELAWARE CORPORATION, AND THE “TRANSACTION” REFERS TO THE 1-FOR-501 REVERSE STOCK SPLIT AND THE 501-FOR-1 FORWARD STOCK SPLIT, TOGETHER WITH THE RELATED CASH PAYMENTS TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS HOLDING FEWER THAN 501 SHARES AT THE EFFECTIVE TIME OF THE TRANSACTION.

THE TRANSACTION

     If the Transaction is approved and completed:

  -   Mercury’s stockholders holding fewer than 501 shares of Mercury’s common stock before the Transaction will receive a cash payment from Mercury of $4.00 per share, without interest, for each share of common stock held immediately prior to the Transaction;
 
  -   Mercury’s stockholders holding 501 or more shares of Mercury’s common stock at the effective time of the Transaction will continue to hold the same number of shares of Mercury’s common stock after completion of the Transaction and will not receive any cash payment;
 
  -   Mercury’s preferred stockholders will continue to hold the same number of shares of Mercury’s preferred stock after completion of the Transaction and will not receive any cash payment;
 
  -   the officers and directors of Mercury at the effective time will continue to serve as the officers and directors of Mercury immediately after the Transaction;
 
  -   Mercury believes it will have fewer than 300 holders of record of common stock and intends to file a Form 15 to terminate registration of its common stock with the SEC, which will terminate its obligation to continue filing periodic reports and proxy statements pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), although Mercury currently intends to continue to provide reports as to its financial condition and results of operation which Mercury expects may be accessed at www.pinksheets.com;
 
  -   after a 90 day period following the filing of a Form 15 with the SEC to terminate the registration of its common stock under the federal securities laws (the “90 day waiting period”), Mercury’s executive officers, directors and 10% stockholders will no longer be required to file reports relating to their transactions in Mercury’s common stock with the SEC, and trading in Mercury’s securities by such executive officers, directors and 10% stockholders will no longer become subject to the reporting and recovery of profits provision of the Exchange Act;
 
  -   after the 90 day waiting period, persons acquiring 5% of Mercury’s common stock will no longer be required to report their beneficial ownership under the Exchange Act;
 
  -   after the 90 day waiting period, tender offers for the beneficial ownership of more than 5% of Mercury’s common stock will no longer be regulated;
 
  -   after the 90 day waiting period, tender offer transactions by issuers and affiliates will no longer be regulated;
 
  -   Mercury will not be required to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), the cost of which is estimated to be up to $3,000,000 through June 30, 2007 and approximately $500,000 per year thereafter;

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  -   Mercury’s common stock will no longer be listed on the American Stock Exchange, any trading in its common stock will only occur in the over-the-counter markets and in privately negotiated sales, and its common stock will likely only be quoted in the “pink sheets”;
 
  -   outstanding options held by Mercury’s employees, officers, and directors to acquire Mercury’s common stock will remain outstanding following the Transaction;
 
  -   the number of Mercury’s common stockholders of record will be reduced from approximately 331 to approximately 33, and the number of outstanding shares of Mercury’s common stock will be reduced by approximately 6.3%, from 3,056,355 shares, to approximately 2,863,742 shares;
 
  -   assuming exercise of all options exercisable within sixty days of the date of this proxy statement, the percentage ownership of Mercury’s common and preferred stock beneficially owned by the directors and officers of Mercury as a group will increase from 42.8% to 45.1% based on shares outstanding as of March 1, 2005. Because Mercury’s common and preferred stockholders vote as a single class on all matters presented to the stockholders (including the Transaction), the Transaction will not affect control of Mercury;
 
  -   aggregate stockholders’ equity of Mercury as of March 31, 2005, will be reduced from $13,869,00 on a historical basis to approximately $12,786,000 on a pro forma basis;
 
  -   the book value per share of common stock as of March 31, 2005, will be reduced from $4.54 per share on a historical basis to approximately $4.46 per share on a pro forma basis;
 
  -   Mercury will pay cash of approximately $1,092,000 in the aggregate, net of tax benefits, to repurchase fractional shares and pay the costs of the Transaction; and
 
  -   Mercury expects its business and operations to continue as they are currently being conducted and, except as disclosed in this proxy statement, the Transaction is not anticipated to have any effect upon the conduct of such business.

     For a more detailed discussion on the Transaction, see “Special Factors” beginning on page 11. For a description of the provisions regarding the treatment of shares held in street name, see “Special Factors — Certain Effects of the Transaction” beginning on page 38.

ADJOURNMENT OF THE SPECIAL MEETING

     Mercury’s board of directors is seeking discretionary authority to adjourn the Special Meeting if necessary to satisfy the conditions to completion of the Transaction, including for the purpose of soliciting proxies to vote in favor of the Transaction. For more information, see “Adjournment of Meeting” beginning on page 44.

VOTE REQUIRED

     The required vote for each of the proposals presented at the Special Meeting are as follows:

  -   The proposal to amend the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation to effect the Reverse Stock Split requires the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Mercury’s common and preferred stock, counted as a single class.
 
  -   The proposal to amend the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation to effect the Forward Stock Split requires the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Mercury’s common and preferred stock, counted as a single class.
 
  -   Approval of granting the board of directors discretionary authority to adjourn the Special Meeting requires the affirmative vote of a majority of Mercury’s common and preferred stock, voting as a single class on the proposal.

     Please note that the amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation to effect the Forward Stock Split is conditioned upon stockholder approval of the amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation to effect the Reverse Stock Split, and that the amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation to effect the Reverse Stock Split is conditioned upon stockholder approval of the amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation to effect the Forward Stock Split.

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     As of March 1, 2005, Mercury’s current directors and executive officers owned 1,329,280 common shares, and 25,820 preferred shares, or approximately 38.5% of Mercury’s 3,056,355 outstanding shares of common stock and 462,627 outstanding shares of preferred stock, voting as a single class, that would be entitled to vote at the Special Meeting. If Mercury’s directors and executive officers exercised presently exercisable options they hold prior to the record date for the Special Meeting, they would own approximately 1,595,408 common shares and 25,820 preferred shares or approximately 42.8% of the then outstanding shares of common and preferred stock, voting as a single class, entitled to vote at the Special Meeting. See “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners” on page 60, and “Special Factors — Interests of Mercury’s Directors and Executive Officers in the Transaction” on page 34.

     The officers and directors of Mercury have indicated that they intend to vote “FOR” the approval of both proposals required to effectuate the Transaction. Other than such expressed intent of the officers and directors to vote their shares for the Transaction, Mercury has not obtained any assurances or agreements from any of its stockholders as to how they will vote on the Transaction.

THE VOTING MATERIALS

     We sent you the enclosed materials because Mercury’s Board of Directors is soliciting your vote for use at our Special Meeting of Stockholders, which will take place on [August ___, 2005]. As a stockholder, you are invited to attend the Special Meeting and are entitled to and requested to vote on the proposals described in this proxy statement.

     This proxy statement provides information that you need to know in order to cast an informed vote at the meeting. You do not need to attend the Special Meeting, however, to vote your shares. Instead, you may simply complete, sign and return the enclosed proxy card.

     We began sending this proxy statement, notice of Special Meeting, and enclosed proxy card on or about [July ___, 2005] to all stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Special Meeting. The record date for stockholders entitled to vote is [July ___, 2005]. On that date, there were [_,___,___] shares of our common stock and ___shares of our preferred stock outstanding. Stockholders are entitled to one vote for each share of common stock and one vote for each share of preferred stock held as of the record date.

TIME AND PLACE OF THE SPECIAL MEETING

     The Special Meeting will be held at the principal office of Mercury, located at 5456 McConnell Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90066 at 9:00 a.m., Pacific Time on [August ___, 2005].

SOLICITATION OF PROXIES

     This proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors of Mercury.

SHARES THAT CAN BE VOTED

     You may vote all shares of Mercury’s common and preferred stock that you own as of the close of business on the record date, which was [July ___, 2005]. These shares include shares held:

  -   directly in your name as the “stockholder of record,” and
 
  -   for you as the “beneficial owner” either through a broker, bank or other nominee.

OWNERSHIP OF SHARES

     Many of our stockholders hold their shares through a broker, bank or other nominee rather than directly in their own name. Mercury intends to treat stockholders holding common stock in street name through a nominee (such as a bank or broker) in the same manner as stockholders whose shares are registered in their names (shareholder of record). Nominees may have different procedures, however, and stockholders holding common stock in street name should contact their nominees. As summarized below, there are some distinctions between shares held of record and those owned beneficially.

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Stockholder of Record

     If your shares are registered directly in your name with our transfer agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company (the “Transfer Agent”), you are considered, with respect to those shares, the “stockholder of record”, and these proxy materials are being sent to you by Mercury. As the stockholder of record, you have the right to vote by proxy or to vote in person at the Special Meeting. Mercury has enclosed a proxy card for you to use.

Beneficial Owner

     If your shares are held in a stock brokerage account or by a bank or other nominee, you are considered the “beneficial owner” of shares held in “street name” with respect to those shares, and the proxy materials are being forwarded to you by your broker or other nominee. Your broker or other nominee is considered, with respect to those shares, the stockholder of record. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker or other nominee how to vote and are also invited to attend the Special Meeting. As a beneficial owner, however, you are not the stockholder of record, and you may not vote these shares in person at the Special Meeting unless you obtain a signed proxy appointment form from the stockholder of record giving you the right to vote the shares. Your broker or nominee has enclosed or provided a voting instruction card for you to use in directing the broker or nominee how to vote your shares.

ATTENDANCE AT THE SPECIAL MEETING AND ELIGIBILITY TO VOTE

     All holders of our common and preferred stock may attend the Special Meeting in person. Only holders of record of our common and preferred stock as of [July ___, 2005] may cast their votes in person at the Special Meeting.

VOTING OF SHARES WITHOUT ATTENDING THE SPECIAL MEETING

     Whether you hold your shares directly as stockholder of record or beneficially in street name, you may direct your vote without attending the Special Meeting. You may vote by signing your proxy card or, for shares held in street name, by signing the voting instruction card included by your broker or nominee, and mailing it in the enclosed, pre-addressed envelope. If you provide specific voting instructions, your shares will be voted as you instruct. If you hold your shares of record and sign your proxy card, but do not provide instructions, your shares will be voted as described below in “How are my votes counted?”

COUNTING OF VOTES

     You may vote “FOR,” “AGAINST” or “ABSTAIN” on the proposal to amend the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation to effect the Reverse Stock Split, “FOR”, “AGAINST” or “ABSTAIN” on the proposal to amend the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation to effect the Forward Stock Split (both of which together constitute the “Transaction”) and “FOR”, “AGAINST” or “ABSTAIN” on the proposal granting the Company’s Board of Directors discretionary authority to adjourn the Special Meeting if necessary to satisfy the condition to completing the Transaction, including for the purpose of soliciting proxies to vote in favor of the Transaction (the “Adjournment Proposal”). If you “ABSTAIN” on either the proposal to amend the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation to effect the Reverse Stock Split or on the proposal to amend the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation to effect the Forward Stock Split, each abstention would have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” such proposal. If you vote “ABSTAIN” on the Adjournment Proposal, it has no effect on such proposal. If you sign and date your proxy form with no further instructions, your shares will be voted “FOR” the approval of both the Reverse Stock Split and the Forward Stock Split and “FOR” the approval of the Adjournment Proposal.

     The amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation to effect the Forward Stock Split is contingent upon stockholder approval of the Reverse Stock Split and the amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation to effect the Reverse Stock Split is contingent upon stockholder approval of the Forward Stock Split. The Forward Stock Split will be effected only after completion of the Reverse Stock Split.

NO APPRAISAL OR DISSENTERS’ RIGHTS; ESCHEAT LAWS

     Stockholders do not have appraisal or dissenters’ rights under Delaware state law or Mercury’s Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws in connection with the Transaction.

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     The unclaimed property and escheat laws of each state provide that under circumstances defined in that state’s statutes, holders of unclaimed or abandoned property must surrender that property to the state. Persons whose shares are eliminated and whose addresses are unknown to Mercury, or who do not return their common stock certificate(s) and request payment therefore, generally will have a period of years (depending on applicable state law) from the effective date of the Transaction in which to claim the cash payment payable to them. Following the expiration of that period, the escheat laws of states of residence of stockholders, as shown by the records of Mercury, generally provide for such state to obtain either (i) custodial possession of property that has been unclaimed until the owner reclaims it or (ii) escheat of such property to the state. If Mercury does not have an address for the holder of record of the shares, then unclaimed cash-out payments, without interest, would be turned over to Mercury’s state of incorporation, the state of Delaware, in accordance with its escheat laws.

PURPOSE OF AND REASONS FOR THE TRANSACTION

     If approved, the Transaction will enable Mercury to terminate its registration as an SEC reporting company and thus terminate its obligation to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The Transaction will also terminate Mercury’s obligation to file annual and periodic reports and make other filings with the SEC, although Mercury intends to continue to provide reports as to its financial condition and results of operation which Mercury expects may be accessed at www.pinksheets.com. The reasons for the proposed Transaction and subsequent termination of SEC registration include:

  -   eliminating the costs of compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and related regulations estimated to be up to $3,000,000 through June 30, 2007 and approximately $500,000 per year thereafter;
 
  -   affording stockholders holding fewer than 501 shares immediately before the Transaction the opportunity to receive cash for their shares at a price that represents a premium of approximately 19% over the closing price of $3.36 on March 21, 2005, which was the last trading day before the public announcement of the approval of the proposed Transaction by the Special Committee of the Board of Directors (“Special Committee”) and by the Board, without having to pay brokerage commissions and other transaction costs; and
 
  -   reducing the substantial time that management and other employees will have to spend to implement the Section 404 internal controls certificate provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, thus enabling them to devote more of their time and energy to Mercury’s strategy and operations.

     Joseph A. Czyzyk, President, Chief Executive Officer, Chairman and a principal stockholder of Mercury, Frederick H. Kopko, Jr., a director and a principal stockholder of Mercury and CK Partners, a partnership comprised of Messrs. Czyzyk and Kopko, may be deemed to be engaged in the proposed Transaction as a result of their affiliation with Mercury, and thus are “filing persons” with Mercury as set forth on the Schedule 13E-3 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the proposed Transaction. For purposes of this proxy statement, Joseph A. Czyzyk, Frederick H. Kopko, Jr. and CK Partners are sometimes referred to as the “Transaction Affiliates”. Mr. Kopko also serves as outside legal counsel on various corporate legal matters. Mr. Czyzyk and Mr. Kopko fully concur with the purpose, reasons, benefits and disadvantages of the Transaction described herein.

     Please read “Special Factors — Purpose of and Reasons for the Transaction” beginning on page 21.

BENEFITS OF THE TRANSACTION

     Benefits of the Transaction to Mercury are expected to include the following:

  -   Mercury will benefit from eliminating the costs of compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and related regulations estimated to be up to $3,000,000 through June 30, 2007 and approximately $500,000 per year thereafter;
 
  -   Mercury will benefit from reducing the substantial time that management and other employees will have to spend to implement the Section 404 internal controls certificate provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, thus enabling them to devote more of their time and energy to Mercury’s strategy and operations; and
 
  -   Mercury will benefit because it will no longer be obligated to continue filing periodic reports and proxy statements pursuant to the Exchange Act, although Mercury currently intends to continue to provide reports as to its financial condition and results of operation which Mercury expects may be accessed at www.pinksheets.com.

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     Benefits of the Transaction to affiliates of Mercury are expected to include the following:

  -   assuming the exercise of all options that are exercisable within sixty days of the date of this proxy statement, Mercury’s officers and directors, including the Transaction Affiliates, will increase their percentage ownership in Mercury from 42.8% to 45.1%;
 
  -   assuming the exercise of all options that are exercisable within sixty days of the date of this proxy statement, the Transaction Affiliates will increase their percentage ownership in Mercury from 37.7% to 39.8%;
 
  -   affiliated stockholders may benefit from the reduction in total shares outstanding or from the cost savings by Mercury not being public, either or both of which may result in higher earnings per share, which in turn may result in a higher price for their shares than they would have received if Mercury remained public;
 
  -   Mercury’s officers and employees will benefit from eliminating the time and effort associated with implementation of the Section 404 internal controls certification provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act;
 
  -   Mercury’s officers and directors, and persons holding 5% or more of Mercury’s common stock, will benefit because, after the 90 day waiting period, tender offer transactions by issuers and affiliates will no longer be regulated;
 
  -   Mercury’s officers and directors, and persons holding 5% or more of Mercury’s common stock, including the Transaction Affiliates, will benefit because after the 90 day waiting period, such officers, directors and 5% stockholders will no longer be required to report their acquisition, disposition or ownership of shares under the Exchange Act; and
 
  -   remaining affiliated stockholders may benefit from future operating results of Mercury.

     See “Special Factors— Purpose of and Reasons For the Transaction—Benefits of the Transaction” beginning on page 21 and “Special Factors—Interests of Mercury’s Directors and Executive Officers in the Transaction” beginning on page 34.

     Benefits of the Transaction to unaffiliated stockholders of Mercury are expected to include the following:

  -   Unaffiliated stockholders holding fewer than 501 shares immediately before the Transaction will have the opportunity to receive cash for their shares at a price that represents a premium of approximately 19% over the closing price of $3.36 on March 21, 2005, which was the last trading day before the public announcement of the approval of the proposed Transaction by the Special Committee and the Board, without having to pay brokerage commissions and other transaction costs;
 
  -   Unaffiliated stockholders receiving $4.00 for their shares are receiving an amount that is within the range of implied equity values in the per share analysis presented by Imperial Capital, LLC (“Imperial Capital”), financial advisor to the Special Committee and the Board. (See “Special Factors—Opinion of Imperial Capital, LLC” beginning on page 34.)
 
  -   remaining unaffiliated stockholders may benefit from the reduction in total shares outstanding or from the cost savings by Mercury not being public, either or both of which may result in higher earnings per share, which in turn may result in a higher price for their shares than they would have received if Mercury remained public;
 
  -   and remaining unaffiliated stockholders may benefit from future operating results of Mercury.

     See “Special Factors — Purpose of and Reasons for the Transaction — Benefits of the Transaction” beginning on page 21.

DISADVANTAGES OF THE TRANSACTION

     Disadvantages of the Transaction to Mercury are expected to include the following:

  -   Mercury’s working capital and assets will be decreased and/or indebtedness increased to fund the purchase of fractional shares, and to pay the other costs of the Transaction; and
 
  -   the limited ability that Mercury has to raise capital in the public securities markets or to use its stock as an acquisition currency will be effectively eliminated.

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     See “Special Factors-Disadvantages of the Transaction” beginning on page 24.

     Disadvantage of the Transaction to affiliates of Mercury are expected to include the following:

  -   Mercury’s officers and directors, including the Transaction Affiliates, are likely to experience reduced liquidity for their shares of common stock, even if the common stock trades on the “pink sheets”, and this reduced liquidity may adversely affect the market price of the common stock.

     See “Special Factors—Disadvantages of the Transaction” beginning on page 24.

     Disadvantages of the Transaction to unaffiliated stockholders of Mercury are expected to include the following:

  -   the cash price offered to stockholders under the proposed Transaction could be less than the market price at the time the Board decides to implement the Transaction and is less than the $4.54 book value of the Common Stock as of March 31, 2005;
 
  -   remaining stockholders are likely to experience reduced liquidity for their shares of common stock, even if the common stock trades on the “pink sheets”, and this reduced liquidity may adversely affect the market price of the common stock;
 
  -   less public information about Mercury will be required or available after the Transaction and officers will no longer be required to certify the accuracy of Mercury’s financial statements, although Mercury currently intends to provide reports as to its financial condition and results of operations, which Mercury’s expects may be accessed at www.pinksheets.com (see “Special Factors— Purpose of and Reasons For the Transaction” beginning on page 21);
 
  -   after the 90 day waiting period, officers, directors and persons holding or acquiring 5% of Mercury’s common stock will no longer be required to report their beneficial ownership, or change in beneficial ownership, under the Exchange Act;
 
  -   after the 90 day waiting period, tender offers for the beneficial ownership of more than 5% of Mercury’s common stock will no longer be regulated;
 
  -   after the 90 day waiting period, tender offer transactions by issuers and affiliates will no longer be regulated;
 
  -   stockholders who are cashed out will be unable to participate in any future operating results of Mercury unless they buy stock after the Transaction; and
 
  -   stockholders who are cashed out for $4.00 per share in the Transaction may receive less for their shares than they would if the common stock continued trading on the American Stock Exchange.

     See “Special Factors—Disadvantages the Transaction” beginning on page 24.

DETERMINATION OF THE FAIRNESS OF THE TRANSACTION BY THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE, THE BOARD, AND THE TRANSACTION AFFILIATES

     At a meeting held on March 21, 2005, the Special Committee, consisting of two independent directors, Messrs. Michael Janowiak and Angelo Pusateri, unanimously determined that the Transaction and the $4.00 cash consideration per pre-split share to be paid to stockholders who hold less than 501 shares of common stock before the Transaction (“cash consideration”) are advisable, fair to and in the best interests of Mercury and its stockholders, including all unaffiliated stockholders of Mercury (both those receiving the cash consideration and those remaining as stockholders following the Transaction), and the Special Committee recommended that the Board approve the Transaction. See “Special Factors — Recommendation of the Special Committee.”

     At a meeting held on March 21, 2005, the Board of Directors unanimously determined that the Transaction and the cash consideration to be paid to stockholders who hold less than 501 shares of common stock before the Transaction are advisable, fair to and in the best interests of Mercury and its stockholders, including all unaffiliated stockholders of Mercury (both those receiving the cash consideration and those remaining as stockholders following the Transaction). On March 21, 2005, the Transaction Affiliates also unanimously determined that the Transaction and the cash consideration to be paid to stockholders who hold less than 501 shares of common stock before the Transaction are advisable, fair to and in the best interests of Mercury and its stockholders, including all

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unaffiliated stockholders of Mercury (both those receiving the cash consideration and those remaining as stockholders following the Transaction). The Board of Directors, with Messrs. Kopko and Czyzyk abstaining, therefore unanimously approved the Transaction and recommends that you vote “FOR” approval of this matter at the Special Meeting.

     The Special Committee, the Board of Directors and the Transaction Affiliates, all considered a number of factors that they believe supports their determination that the Transaction is substantively and procedurally fair to Mercury ‘s unaffiliated stockholders, including each of the following factors:

  -   current and historical market prices;
 
  -   net book value and net tangible book value;
 
  -   going concern value;
 
  -   earnings of Mercury;
 
  -   prices at which Mercury has repurchased shares;
 
  -   the opinion and presentation of the Special Committee’s financial advisor;
 
  -   limited liquidity of Mercury’s common stock;
 
  -   future cost savings;
 
  -   interests of unaffiliated stockholders who will remain; and
 
  -   certain negative considerations.

     For a complete discussion of the factors that were considered by the Special Committee, the Board of Directors and the Transaction Affiliates to determine fairness, see “Special Factors — Recommendation of the Special Committee” beginning on page 25, “Special Factors — Recommendation of the Board; Fairness of the Transaction” beginning on page 29, and “Determination of the Fairness of the Transaction by the Transaction Affiliates” beginning on page 33.

RECENT MARKET PRICE OF MERCURY’S COMMON STOCK AND MARKET PRICE FOLLOWING ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION

     The closing price of Mercury ‘s common stock on March 8, 2005 the day before the public announcement that the Special Committee was considering the Transaction, was $4.49 per share. The closing price of Mercury ‘s common stock on March 21, 2005, the last trading day before the public announcement of the approval of the proposed Transaction by the Special Committee and the Board, was $3.36 per share.

FAIRNESS OPINION OF IMPERIAL CAPITAL, LLC

     Imperial Capital, financial advisor to the Special Committee, has delivered to the Special Committee and to the Board its written opinion to the effect that, as of the date of such opinion and based upon and subject to the matters stated in the opinion, the cash consideration to be paid to those stockholders of Mercury receiving such consideration, other than Mercury’s current directors and executive officers, including the Transaction Affiliates and their respective affiliates (collectively, “affiliates of Mercury”), as to whom Imperial Capital expressed no view, is fair, from a financial point of view, to such stockholders. The full text of the written opinion of Imperial Capital, which sets forth the assumptions made, matters considered and limitations on the review undertaken, is attached as Appendix B to this proxy statement. You should read the opinion carefully and in its entirety, along with the discussion under “Special Factors — Opinion of Imperial Capital, LLC” beginning on page 34.

     The opinion of Imperial Capital is directed to the Special Committee of Mercury’s Board of directors and to Mercury’s Board of Directors and addresses only the fairness from a financial point of view of the cash consideration to be paid in the proposed Transaction to stockholders other than affiliates of Mercury, and does not constitute a recommendation to any stockholder as to how such stockholder should vote at the Special Meeting.

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EFFECTS OF THE TRANSACTION

     As a result of the Transaction, Mercury anticipates that:

  -   Mercury’s stockholders holding fewer than 501 shares of Mercury’s common stock at the effective time of the Transaction will receive a cash payment from Mercury of $4.00 per share, without interest, for each share of common stock held immediately prior to the Transaction;
 
  -   Mercury ‘s stockholders holding 501 or more shares of Mercury ‘s common stock at the effective time of the Transaction will continue to hold the same number of shares of Mercury ‘s common stock after completion of the Transaction and will not receive any cash payment;
 
  -   Mercury’s preferred stockholders will continue to hold the same number of shares of Mercury’s preferred stock after completion of the Transaction and will not receive any cash payment;
 
  -   the officers and directors of Mercury at the effective time will continue to serve as the officers and directors of Mercury immediately after the Transaction;
 
  -   Mercury believes it will have fewer than 300 holders of record of common stock and therefore be eligible to terminate registration of its common stock with the SEC, which will terminate its obligation to continue filing periodic reports and proxy statements pursuant to the Exchange Act, although Mercury currently intends to continue to provide reports as to its financial condition and results of operation which Mercury expects may be accessed at www.pinksheets.com;
 
  -   after the 90 day waiting period, Mercury’s executive officers, directors and 5% stockholders will no longer be required to file reports relating to their transactions in Mercury’s common stock with the SEC, and trading in Mercury’s securities by such executive officers, directors and 10% stockholders will no longer be subject to the recovery of profits provision of the Exchange Act;
 
  -   after the 90 day waiting period, persons acquiring 5% of Mercury’s common stock will no longer be required to report their beneficial ownership under the Exchange Act;
 
  -   after the 90 day waiting period, tender offers for the beneficial ownership of more than 5% of Mercury’s common stock will no longer be regulated;
 
  -   after the 90 day waiting period, tender offer transactions by issuers and affiliates will no longer be regulated;
 
  -   Mercury will not be required to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the cost of which is estimated to be up to $3,000,000 through June 30, 2007 and approximately $500,000 per year thereafter;
 
  -   Mercury’s common stock will no longer be listed on the American Stock Exchange, any trading in its common stock will only occur in the over-the-counter markets or in privately negotiated sales, and its common stock will likely only be quoted in the “pink sheets”;
 
  -   outstanding options held by Mercury’s employees, officers and directors to acquire Mercury’s common stock will remain outstanding following the Transaction;
 
  -   the number of Mercury’s stockholders of record will be reduced from approximately 331 to approximately 33, and the number of outstanding shares of Mercury’s common stock will be reduced by approximately 6.3%, from 3,056,355 shares, to approximately 2,863,742 shares;
 
  -   assuming exercise of all options exercisable within sixty days of the date of this proxy statement, the percentage ownership of Mercury’s common and preferred stock beneficially owned by the directors and officers of Mercury as a group will increase from 42.8% to 45.1% based on shares outstanding as of March 1, 2005. Because Mercury’s common and preferred stockholders vote as a single class on all matters presented to the stockholders (including the Transaction), the Transaction will not affect control of Mercury;

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  -   aggregate stockholders’ equity of Mercury as of March 31, 2005, will be reduced from $13,869,000 on a historical basis to approximately $12,786,000 on a pro forma basis;
 
  -   the book value per share of common stock as of March 31, 2005, will be reduced from $4.54 per share on a historical basis to approximately $4.46 per share on a pro forma basis;
 
  -   Mercury will pay cash of approximately $1,092,000 in the aggregate, net of tax benefits, to repurchase fractional shares and pay the costs of the Transaction; and
 
  -   Mercury expects its business and operations to continue as they are currently being conducted and, except as disclosed in this Proxy Statement, the Transaction is not anticipated to have any effect upon the conduct of such business.

     See “Special Factors — Certain Effects of the Transaction” beginning on page 38.

ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

     Prior to deciding to pursue the Transaction, Mercury considered and rejected a number of alternatives, including a cash tender offer at a similar price per share, cash-out merger, purchase of shares in the open market, reverse stock split without a forward stock split, and a sale of certain divisions of Mercury. The Transaction Affiliates also considered briefly a cash tender offer, but rejected this alternative.

     See “Special Factors — Alternatives Considered” beginning on page 25.

CONDITIONS TO COMPLETION OF THE TRANSACTION

     The completion of the Transaction depends upon the consent of the Company’s creditor, the Bank of America, and upon the approval of the proposed amendments to Mercury’s Certificate of Incorporation that will implement the Transaction by the holders of at least a majority of Mercury’s outstanding shares of common and preferred stock, voting as a single class. A copy of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation effecting both the Reverse Stock Split and the Forward Stock Split following immediately thereafter is attached as Appendix A to this proxy statement.

RESERVATION OF RIGHTS

     Mercury’s Board of Directors reserves the right to abandon the Transaction without further action by its stockholders at any time before the filing of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation with the Delaware Secretary of State, even if the Transaction has been authorized by Mercury’s stockholders at the Special Meeting, and by voting in favor of the Transaction you are also expressly authorizing Mercury’s Board of Directors to determine not to proceed with the Transaction if it so decides. See “Special Factors — Reservation of Rights” beginning on page 45.

SOURCE OF FUNDS; FINANCING OF THE TRANSACTION

     Mercury estimates that the total funds required to pay the consideration to stockholders entitled to receive cash for their shares and to pay the costs of the Transaction will be approximately $1,092,000, net of taxes. The consideration to stockholders and the costs of the Transaction will be paid from working capital of Mercury and amounts available under Mercury’s loan agreement with the Bank of America, N.A. (“Bank of America”). See “Special Factors — Source of Funds; and Financing of the Transaction” on page 42.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, INCLUDING THE TRANSACTION AFFILIATES

     Mercury’s directors and executive officers, including the Transaction Affiliates, may have interests in the Transaction that are different from your interests as a stockholder, and have relationships that may present conflicts of interest, including the following:

  -   each member of Mercury’s Board of Directors, except Michael Janowiak, and each of Mercury’s executive officers, except Kent Rosenthal, hold 501 or more shares of Mercury common stock and will retain their shares after the Transaction;
 
  -   each member of Mercury’s Board of Directors and each of Mercury’s executive officers, except Kent Rosenthal, holds options to purchase more than 501 shares of Mercury common stock, which will remain outstanding after the Transaction; and

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  -   as a result of the Transaction, the stockholders who own of record at the effective time of the Transaction 501 or more shares, including Mercury’s Board members and the majority of Mercury’s executive officers, including the Transaction Affiliates, will increase their percentage ownership in Mercury as a result of the Transaction. For example, assuming the Transaction is approved, the beneficial ownership percentage of the current directors and executive officers of Mercury as a group in Mercury’s common and preferred stock will increase from approximately 42.8% to 45.1% as a result of the reduction of the number of shares of common stock outstanding by approximately 192,613 shares.

     See “Special Factors — Interests of Mercury’s Directors and Executive Officers in the Transaction” on page 34.

EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES

     Promptly after the Transaction, Mercury will send a letter of transmittal and instructions to effect the surrender of certificates for Mercury ‘s common stock to all stockholders who, based on information available to Mercury, appear to be holders of fewer than 501 shares of Mercury ‘s common stock in any one account. Upon surrender of a certificate for cancellation to Mercury together with such letter of transmittal, duly completed and executed, the holder of the certificate will receive a cash payment of $4.00 per share, without interest, from Mercury. See “The Proposed Amendment — Exchange of Certificates” beginning on page 53.

EFFECTUATION OF THE TRANSACTION

     Assuming the Transaction is approved by the stockholders at the Special Meeting held on [August ___, 2005], then, as soon as practicable thereafter, Mercury intends to file the proposed Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation effectuating the reverse and forward stock splits.

DATE OF COMPLETION OF THE TRANSACTION

     Mercury expects the Transaction to be completed at 11:59 p.m. on [August ___, 2005], or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter.

U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

     Generally, for stockholders who hold fewer than 501 shares of common stock before the Transaction, the receipt of cash for fractional shares will be treated for tax purposes in the same manner as if the shares were sold in the market for cash. Stockholders who will remain stockholders of Mercury following the Transaction should not be subject to taxation as a result of the Transaction. Tax matters are very complicated, and the tax consequences to you of the Transaction will depend on your own situation. Please read “Special Factors — U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences” beginning on page 43.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT RESTRUCTURING YOUR SHARE OWNERSHIP

Q:   WHY IS THE FORWARD STOCK SPLIT PREDICATED ON THE APPROVAL OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT, AND WHY IS THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT PREDICATED ON THE APPROVAL OF THE FORWARD STOCK SPLIT?
 
A:   We need to have approval of both parts of the Transaction in order to maintain approximately the same market price for each share of common stock. If we did one without the other, the price of each share of common stock would either decrease or increase by a large amount. Also, by having the forward stock split immediately following the reverse stock split, and by cashing out only those shareholders who initially hold less than 501 shares, the Company is spending substantially less money than it would if it had to cash out not only those shareholders holding less than 501 shares, but also the incremental portion of each shareholder’s holdings which is not divisible by 501 (i.e. if a shareholder held 701 shares, and we did not have a forward stock split immediately following the reverse stock split, 501 pre-split shares would be converted into one post-split share, and we would have had to pay cash for the remaining 200 pre-split shares). Finally, having the forward stock split without having the reverse stock split would not accomplish one of the principal reasons for the Transaction, which is to reduce the number of holders of common stock.
 
Q:   IF I OWN FEWER THAN 501 COMMON SHARES, IS THERE ANY WAY I CAN CONTINUE TO BE A STOCKHOLDER OF MERCURY AFTER THE TRANSACTION?
 
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    Mercury after the Transaction is to purchase, prior to the effective date, sufficient additional shares to cause you to own a minimum of 501 shares on the effective date. Mercury cannot assure you, however, that any shares will be available for purchase.
 
Q:   IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO IF I OWN 501 OR MORE COMMON SHARES, BUT WOULD LIKE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE OPPORTUNITY TO RECEIVE CASH FOR MY SHARES AS A RESULT OF THE TRANSACTION?
 
A:   If you own 501 or more common shares before the Transaction, you can only receive cash for all of your shares if, prior to the effective date, you reduce your stock ownership to fewer than 501 shares by selling or otherwise transferring your shares. Mercury cannot assure you, however, that any purchaser for your shares will be available. Alternatively, before the effective date, you could divide the shares you own among different record holders so that fewer than 501 shares are held in each account. For example, you could divide your shares between your own name and a brokerage account so that fewer than 501 shares are held in each account.
 
Q:   WHAT HAPPENS IF I OWN A TOTAL OF 501 OR MORE COMMON SHARES BENEFICIALLY, BUT I HOLD FEWER THAN 501 COMMON SHARES OF RECORD IN MY NAME AND FEWER THAN 501 COMMON SHARES WITH MY BROKER IN “STREET NAME”?
 
A:   An example of this would be if you have 251 common shares registered in your own name with Mercury’s Transfer Agent, and you have 250 common shares held through your broker in “street name.” Accordingly, you are the beneficial owner of 501 shares, but you do not own 501 shares of record or beneficially in street name. If this is the case, as a result of the Transaction, you would receive cash for the 251 shares you hold of record and the 250 shares held in street name.
 
Q:   IF I OWN AT LEAST 501 COMMON SHARES, BUT THE SHARES ARE SPLIT AMONG RECORD OWNERS AS DESCRIBED ABOVE SO THAT NO RECORD OWNER HOLDS AT LEAST 501 COMMON SHARES, BUT I WISH TO CONTINUE TO OWN COMMON STOCK OF MERCURY AFTER THE TRANSACTION, WHAT CAN I DO?
 
A:   Before the effective date, you could put all of the shares you own beneficially in one record name, either in your name or in street name, so that the total shares you own that are held of record in the same name is at least 501 shares, and then you would continue to be a stockholder after the effective date.
 
Q:   SHOULD I SEND IN MY STOCK CERTIFICATES NOW?
 
A:   No. After the Transaction has been completed, Mercury will send instructions on how to receive any cash payments you may be entitled to receive.

SPECIAL FACTORS

CORPORATE DEVELOPMENTS IN LAST FOUR YEARS

Sale of FBOs

     Mercury sold all of its Fixed-Based Operations (“FBO’s”), excluding the Long Beach FBO, to Allied Capital Corporation (“Allied Capital”) on April 12, 2004. Mercury received cash consideration of $76,349,000, subject to adjustment, for the FBOs. The following gives a background description of that transaction (the “Allied Transaction”).

     For the period ended June 30, 2002, Mercury was in violation of certain financial covenants of its then existing senior secured credit facility held by Fleet National Bank (“Senior Secured Credit Facility” or “Facility”) and a promissory note with J.H. Whitney Mezzanine Fund, L.P., one of its creditors (the “Whitney Note”). These violations were as follows:

  A:   The Company’s capital expenditures for the twelve month period ended June 30, 2002 were $4,500,000 exceeding the maximum allowable capital expenditures of $4,000,000 by $500,000; and
 
  b.   After the restatement of the Company’s quarterly financial results for the second and third quarters of fiscal 2002 to: 1) correct its accounting to properly record leasehold amortization expenses for its cargo operations; 2) to write off costs associated with unsuccessful financing transactions; 3) to correct its accounting for certain FBO operating expenses; and 4) to recognize additional compensation expenses resulting from changes in stock option terms, Mercury reported quarterly net losses of

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      $31,000 and $380,000 for the second and third quarters of fiscal 2002, respectively, in violation of the quarterly minimum net earnings covenant of $1 for those quarters.

     During discussions with the senior secured lender, it advised Mercury that it was its preference not to amend the loan agreement or waive the default conditions, but rather have Mercury enter into a new credit facility with another senior lender that would allow Mercury to repay in full the outstanding obligations on the Senior Secured Credit Facility. During the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2002 and the first and second quarters of fiscal 2003 Mercury held discussions with several financial institutions with the intent to prepay both the Senior Secured Credit Facility and the Whitney Note. As a result of those discussions, Mercury was able to secure a new senior secured lender. Foothill Capital Corporation (“Foothill”), now known as Wells Fargo Foothill, to provide a senior credit facility that would provide up to $42,500,000 in financing with $12,500,000 being in the form of a term loan with up to $30,000,000 in the form of a revolving credit line based on eligible customer accounts receivable. Mercury, however, was not able to secure an acceptable subordinated loan facility to replace the Whitney Note. Mercury then initiated talks with Whitney regarding amending the terms of the existing note. Table of Contents

     These discussions culminated on December 30, 2002, when Mercury entered into a new senior credit facility (the “New Facility”) with Foothill as agent for the lenders (the “Lenders”) parties thereto, for the purpose of refinancing the existing Senior Secured Credit Facility as well as for general working capital, and amended the existing Whitney Note. At closing, the Company received $16,923,000 from the New Facility and disbursed the funds as follows:

         
1. Repayment of existing Senior Debt, including accrued interest:
  $ 13,533,000  
2. Agent fee to the Company’s Financial Advisor:
    1,000,000  
3. Closing fee to Lender:
    870,000  
4. Accrued interest to JH Whitney on Senior Subordinated Note:
    840,000  
5. Note amendment fee to JH Whitney:
    270,000  
6. Closing fees:
    410,000  
 
     
Total disbursement at closing
  $ 16,923,000  
 
     

     In addition, the Lenders issued letters of credit in the amount of $16,364,000 at closing that were secured by the New Facility.

     The Whitney Note was secured by Mercury’s assets, subordinated to a senior creditor position held by Foothill. Warrants to purchase an additional 5% of Mercury’s common stock, exercisable for nominal consideration, would have been issued if the principal amount of the Whitney Note was not prepaid by December 31, 2003. Warrants to purchase a second 5% of Mercury’s common stock, exercisable for nominal consideration, along with an additional note in the original principal amount of $5,000,000 would also have been issued if the outstanding principal amount of the Whitney Note was greater than $12,000,000 after December 31, 2003 (collectively, the “Whitney Note Penalty Provisions”). In addition, beginning in January 2004 and continuing through June 2004, the interest rate on the Whitney Note would have increased by 1% per annum each month up to a maximum rate of 18%. Mercury was also required to prepay all outstanding principal on the Whitney Note and any additional note on December 31, 2004 but Mercury’s failure to make such prepayment would not have entitled the holder to accelerate the balance on the outstanding Whitney Note or outstanding additional note. The Whitney Note included covenants that, among other matters, limited senior indebtedness, the payment of dividends, the disposition of assets, requirements for a minimum EBITDA (a financial measure of cash flow representing earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) and capital expenditure limitations.

     As previously required by the Whitney Note, Mercury formed committees consisting of independent directors to seek opportunities for asset and other financing transactions, with a view to reducing Mercury’s total debt.

     Beginning in December 2002, Mercury was engaged in discussions with financial institutions proposing to purchase and lease back to Mercury certain FBO assets (“sale- leaseback”). Mercury engaged DAMG Worldwide, L.L.C. (“DAMG”) on a non-exclusive basis, to manage and participate in a public finance vehicle for the sale-leaseback of ten FBOs. Other participants included Bear Stearns, and Ambac Insurance with Standard and Poors (“S&P”) providing a bond rating. DAMG investigated the establishment of a special purpose entity which was to receive a bond rating in order to raise funds and effect the sale-leaseback transaction. Mercury abandoned the sale-leaseback process in September 2003 after S&P failed to deliver a timely and satisfactory bond rating of the special purpose entity, Ambac Insurance indicated that they would no longer participate and the engagement with DAMG expired.

     Beginning in January 2003, Mercury was responding to numerous solicited and unsolicited verbal purchase offers on the sale of certain FBOs. These responses resulted in three written proposals for the acquisition of selected FBOs. Two offers were contingent on

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airport lease extensions, which were not obtainable on a timely basis for those specific FBOs and the third offer was subject to financing through a leveraged buyout over a two year period.

     During the same time period, Mercury also responded to indications of interest regarding MercFuel, Inc. (“MercFuel”), Mercury’s fueling subsidiary, and Mercury Air Cargo, Inc. (“Cargo”), Mercury’s cargo-handling facility. With regard to MercFuel, a non-binding indication of interest had been received at a price of $15,000,000, which at less than three times cash flow from operations was deemed by management to be unacceptable. With regard to Cargo, discussions with an interested party failed to result in a formal offer as a result of an indication of a purchase price of less than two times cash flow from operations. Beginning in August 2001, Mercury retained Bank America Securities, LLC to market its government services business (“Maytag”) and were unable to obtain any acceptable offers that adequately reflected the value of Maytag.

     In February 2003, Mercury engaged, on a non-exclusive basis, the investment banking firm of ARGI to market some of its individual FBOs, and on February 28, 2003, Mercury engaged Imperial Capital to, among other things, assist management in evaluating interest from a list of buyers for certain of Mercury’s assets, including Mercury’s FBO subsidiary, Mercury Air Centers, Inc. (“Air Centers”), and advising management in the potential sale of such assets. These buyers consisted of both buyers who were interested in purchasing Mercury’s assets in order to make a short-term profit (“Financial Buyers”) and buyers who were interested in purchasing Mercury’s assets in order to expand or complement their existing businesses (“Strategic Buyers”). The efforts of the two investment banking firms preceded separately in that ARGI was to arrange for a sale of individual FBO’s while Imperial Capital was to arrange for the sale of one or more divisions of the Company. The efforts of the two investment banking firms were coordinated by Joseph Czyzyk, Chief Executive Officer. Following its engagement, ARGI held discussions with more than 20 qualified domestic and international acquirers about the purchase of one or more of Mercury’s FBOs. Their efforts resulted in eight separate purchase offers, four of which were for one particular location and four of which were for multiple locations. Five of the eight offers allowed the potential purchasers unlimited time to perform due diligence, which was unacceptable to Mercury due to the timing requirements of the principal reduction conditions associated with the Whitney Note. Of the offers originated by ARGI, seven of the offers were determined to be unacceptable because the amounts offered were from 15% to 30% lower than the amounts that Mercury had advised ARGI to sell the FBO’s for, and if accepted, would have provided insufficient proceeds for Mercury to retire the required amount of principal in the Whitney Note. The one financially adequate offer was not consummated or pursued by the potential buyer for reasons that the potential buyer elected not to disclose to Mercury.

     Imperial Capital was engaged specifically to identify, solicit and negotiate with interested and qualified parties for the purpose of selling significant assets or entire businesses belonging to Mercury adequate to yield sufficient proceeds so that Mercury would be able to repay the necessary amount of debt it was obligated to pay pursuant to the New Facility and the Whitney Note so that the Whitney Note Penalty Provisions would not apply. Pursuant to these documents, the minimum required amount to be repaid was $24,250,000 ($12,500,000 to Foothill and $12,000,000 to Whitney) by December 31, 2003. In order to yield that amount on an after-tax and expenses basis, Mercury instructed Imperial Capital to seek to sell significant assets or businesses belonging to Mercury for at least $30,000,000. Imperial Capital obtained necessary historical financial and operational history of the different businesses Mercury was engaged in and contacted fourteen potential purchasers (including Allied Capital) to solicit their interest, first by qualifying their financial capabilities and their historical acquisition experience, and second by engaging them in confidentiality agreements followed by provision of selected financial and operational information, resulting in offer to acquire letters. With the assistance of management, Imperial Capital prepared information and financial analyses describing the operations of each of Mercury’s business divisions, including Air Centers. Information was distributed by Imperial Capital to the fourteen potential financial and strategic buyers, ten of which were financial and four of which were strategic, each of which had expressed interest in receiving further information and signed confidentiality agreements to receive such information. Following its engagement, Imperial Capital received six offers for the stock and/or substantially all of the assets of Air Centers or certain assets of Air Centers. Four of these bidders, who had held meetings with Mercury’s management and conducted due diligence, sought to purchase certain assets of Air Centers. Three of the offers were subject to the bidders obtaining necessary financing. In addition, several other parties were contacted, executed a confidentiality agreement, and received information, but chose not to issue a proposal. Below is a summary, in chronological order, of the definitive bids received:

     In June 2003 Mercury’s senior management began to deal directly with representatives from Party A. On July 30, 2003, Party A mailed a Letter of Intent to Mercury to purchase Mercury’s Charleston, SC FBO and Mercury’s Johns Island, SC FBO. On July 30, 2003, Party A mailed a Letter of Intent to Mercury for the purchase of Mercury’s FBOs in Reno, NV; Jackson, MS; and Nashville, TN. On August 18, 2003, Party A mailed a revised Letter of Intent for the purchase of the Mercury FBO in Nashville, TN because they had determined that their ability to conclude the sale of that FBO could be hampered by a Hart Scott Rodino (“HSR”) violation as Party A owned and operated the only other FBO competing with Mercury’s FBO at Nashville, TN Airport.

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     During August and September, 2003 Party A proposed purchasing a total of four of Air Center’s FBOs. Party A submitted an offer to acquire these four FBOs, which collectively generated EBITDA of approximately $3,300,000, for total consideration of $20,000,000, representing an EBITDA multiple of 6.1x.

     On March 28, 2003, Party B submitted an initial proposal to purchase seven of Air Centers’ FBOs, with total EBITDA of approximately $6,600,000, and other Air Centers’ assets for total consideration of $25,800,000. On April 24, 2003, Party B submitted a revised proposal for eight of Air Centers’ FBOs, with total LTM EBITDA (latest twelve months EBITDA) of approximately $7,900,000 as of February 2003, for total consideration of $37,900,000, representing an EBITDA multiple of approximately 4.7x. On May 5, 2003, Mercury made a counter proposal to Party B which entailed the sale of six of Air Centers’ FBOs, with total EBITDA multiple of approximately $4,400,000, for total consideration of $30,900,000, representing an EBITDA multiple of approximately 7x.

     On May 7, 2003, Party C submitted an initial proposal, which entailed the purchase of ten FBOs, with total EBITDA of approximately $7,000,000, for total consideration of $31,000,000, representing an EBITDA multiple of 4.4x. In June 2003, Party C submitted a subsequent offer for nine FBOs, with total EBITDA of $5,500,000, for total consideration of $29,100,000, representing an EBITDA multiple of 5.3x.

     On May 28, 2003, Party B made a counterproposal which entailed the purchase of six FBOs, with total LTM EBITDA of approximately $4,400,000 as of March 2003, for total consideration of $21,500,000, representing an EBITDA multiple of approximately 4.9x.

     On June 10, 2003, Party C submitted a revised offer for nine of Air Centers’ FBOs, with total EBITDA of $5,600,000, for $36,600,000 in cash, representing an EBITDA multiple of 7.6x.

     In July 2003, Mercury engaged in discussions with a foreign investor who proposed to acquire all of Mercury’s FBOs, proposing a step transaction including cash and notes. Mercury rejected the offer due to the investor’s inability to verify and guarantee the availability of the funds.

     In July 2003, Mercury began to engage in discussions with Allied Capital for the acquisition of Mercury’s FBOs.

     On July 31, 2003, Party C submitted a revised offer for fourteen FBOs at a purchase price of $58,800,000 million, representing an EBITDA multiple of approximately 5.8x. On August 1, 2003, Party C issued a final proposal for substantially all of Air Centers FBOs for a total purchase price of $77,800,000 million, representing an EBITDA multiple of 6.3x. Each of Party C’s offers was subject to Party C successfully obtaining adequate senior and subordinated debt financing. Further, Party C’s never completed any due diligence.

     In August 2003, Mercury’s management determined not to pursue Party C’s final proposal based on (i) the financing contingency, and concerns by Mercury’s management of Party C’s ability to obtain the necessary financing, given Party C’s high degree of leverage; (ii) lack of certainty of closure on proposed terms; and (iii) Party C’s concerns regarding the construction obligations relating to the Los Angeles FBO.

     In August 2003, Party D submitted a verbal preliminary indication of interest for all Air Centers’ FBOs in the range of $65,000,000 to $70,000,000 million in cash, subject to financing.

     On August 14, 2003, Allied Capital submitted an initial Letter of Intent (“LOI”) for the purchase of all of the capital stock of Air Centers (all of Mercury’s FBOs) for a purchase price of $79,000,000 million in cash (subject to adjustment based on Air Centers’ net working capital as of the transaction closing date) and the assumption of Mercury’s and Air Centers’ liabilities for construction or renovations at Air Centers’ FBOs under existing agreements. The LOI provided, among other things, for Allied Capital to perform due diligence and the parties to work toward the negotiation, preparation and execution of a definitive agreement subject to certain exceptions. Mercury and Air Centers agreed to work exclusively with Allied Capital for a 45 day “No-Shop” period.

     On September 29, 2003, after performing additional due diligence and several weeks of negotiations, Mercury, Air Centers and Allied Capital entered into an LOI, which replaced the August 14, 2003 LOI. The new LOI provided for the purchase of all of the capital stock of Air Centers for a purchase price of $88,600,000 million in cash (subject to adjustment based on Air Centers’ net working capital as of the transaction closing date). Allied Capital agreed to assume all of Mercury’s and Air Centers’ liabilities for construction or renovations at Air Centers’ FBOs under existing agreements, the amount of which would be deducted from the

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$88,600,000 million of cash proceeds on the transaction closing date (effectively a $70,000,000 purchase price, representing an EBITDA multiple of 5.7x). The LOI also provided for Allied Capital to commence negotiations with J.H. Whitney Mezzanine Fund, L.P. regarding the execution and delivery of a binding agreement for the purchase by Allied Capital of the Whitney Note, and with Mercury regarding execution and delivery of a binding stock purchase agreement, both agreements to be executed simultaneously on or before October 8, 2003, with closing of the stock purchase to occur on or before December 31, 2003. Allied Capital agreed to remove the Whitney Note Penalty Provisions in the event it purchased the Whitney Note. The LOI provided, among other things, for Allied Capital to perform due diligence, and the parties to work together toward the negotiation, preparation and execution of a definitive agreement.

     Mercury and Air Centers agreed to work exclusively with Allied Capital for a No-Shop period ending October 8, 2003.

     Negotiations between Party A and Mercury were ongoing until Mercury’s execution of the September 29, 2003 LOI with Allied Capital. Mercury’s senior management determined that a transaction with Party A and Mercury for the four FBOs would have resulted in a significant tax expense to Mercury of approximately $4,000,000, resulting from the low tax base of these FBOs thereby not providing Mercury with sufficient capital to avoid the Whitney Note Penalty Provisions without additional asset sales. In addition, management was concerned that Party A would not be in a position to purchase all of Air Centers’ FBOs due to potential regulatory issues under the HSR Act and certain issues which had not yet been resolved. Party A was given the opportunity to pursue discussions regarding the acquisition of all of the FBO locations but declined. Mercury’s management determined to instead pursue the Allied Capital transaction.

     In October 2003 and November 2003, Mercury received two additional offers for one or more FBOs. Pursuant to the terms of the LOI and the stock purchase agreement, respectively, Mercury notified Allied Capital of these offers.

     On October 9, 2003, Mercury, Air Centers and Allied Capital extended the No-Shop period and the date for purchase of the Whitney Note and execution of a binding stock purchase agreement for the purchase of Air Centers to October 16, 2003.

     On October 14, 2003, Mercury, Air Centers and Allied Capital extended the No-Shop period and the date for purchase of the Whitney Note and execution of a binding stock purchase agreement for the purchase of Air Centers to October 29, 2003.

     On October 23, 2003, at a telephonic meeting, the Mercury Board reviewed Allied Capital’s offer in detail. Prior to the Board meeting, the Secretary of the Corporation distributed a copy of the most recent draft of the stock purchase agreement with Allied (“Allied Stock Purchase Agreement”), and Imperial Capital distributed a draft fairness opinion to the members of the Board of Directors of Mercury. Two representatives of Imperial Capital attended the Board meeting, made a presentation to the Board with respect to the Allied Transaction, issued its final opinion indicating that the Allied Transaction is fair to Mercury’s stockholders from a financial point of view, in substantially the form of the draft opinion that was previously distributed, and answered questions pertaining to its due diligence, methodology and the contents of the fairness opinion.

     October 28, 2003 Allied Capital purchased the Whitney Note and simultaneously, Mercury, Air Centers and Allied Capital entered into the Allied Stock Purchase Agreement.

     On October 27, 2003, the day immediately preceding the public announcement of the Allied Transaction, the closing price of Mercury Common Stock on the American Stock Exchange was $8.00.

     On November 26, 2003, Signature Flight Support Corporation (“Signature”), previously identified herein as Party A, filed a complaint in the Federal District Court, Central District of California, against Air Centers (the former FBO division of Mercury that was the subject of the Allied Stock Purchase Agreement) and Allied Capital alleging: 1) breach of contract against Air Centers; 2) tortious interference with contract against Allied Capital; 3) tortious interference with prospective economic advantage against Allied Capital; and 4) unfair business practices against Mercury and Allied Capital. Mercury agreed to indemnify Allied Capital and its affiliates (including, without limitation, Air Centers after the closing of the FBO sale), directors, officers, agents, employees and controlling persons from any liability, obligation, losses or expenses to which Allied Capital may become subject as a result of the complaint. On January 26, 2005 the Federal District Court granted Allied Capital’s motion for summary judgment dismissing all claims against Allied Capital with prejudice. The Court also granted Mercury Air Centers motion in part dismissing in its entirety Signature’s unfair business practices claim and holding that the substantive deal terms of the parties’ executed letter of intent were non-binding. The sole remaining claim of Signature is for breach of the stand-down provision within the disputed letter of intent between the parties. The Court limited Signature’s damages in that claim to reasonable out of pocket costs and expenses, and set the amount of damages at $160,000 if Signature proves the existence of a binding contract and material breach thereof. This matter is

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expected to be appealed. In addition, on September 22, 2004, Signature filed a complaint against Mercury Air Group, Inc. in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleging unfair business practices, tortious interference with contract and prospective economic advantage and fraud. Mercury has filed a counterclaim against Signature and others for fraud, negligent misrepresentation and other claims in the Los Angeles Superior Court action. Signature filed an amended complaint on or about February 1, 2005. Mercury believes these allegations have no merit and will also be vigorously disputed and defended. In the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution of these complaints will not have a material effect on Mercury’s consolidated financial statements.

     The sale of the FBO assets to Allied Capital closed on April 12, 2004. Imperial Capital received $300,000 from Mercury in connection with the sale to Allied Capital — $262,500 for services in connection with the purchase of the Whitney Note by Allied Capital and the execution of the Allied Stock Purchase Agreement, and $37,500 for rendering the fairness opinion.

Special Dividend

     On October 6, 2004, Mercury announced that its Board of Directors declared a one-time special dividend totaling $17,500,000, or approximately $5.45 to $5.60 per share that would be payable on a pro rata basis to holders of record of its common stock as of the close of business on October 18, 2004. On October 5, 2004, the day immediately preceding the public announcement of the special dividend, the closing price of the common stock on the American Stock Exchange was $5.39. The Board of Directors declared the one-time special cash dividend after a lengthy review of strategic goals in light of the sale of the FBO business. The dividend was paid on November 5, 2004. The dividend was paid from cash on hand and a $10,000,000 cash advance on the loan agreement with Bank of America. Based on 3,056,355 shares of its common stock outstanding as of the close of business on October 18, 2004, the dividend payable per common share was $5.70. The amount payable per share of common stock was net of the mandatory dividend payments of approximately $70,000 on Mercury’s outstanding preferred stock as of the dividend payment date of November 5, 2004.

BACKGROUND OF THE TRANSACTION — BOARD AND SPECIAL COMMITTEE DELIBERATIONS

     At a Board meeting on February 2, 2005, the Board of Directors formally asked management to consider the topic of SEC deregistration and delisting from the American Stock Exchange. The Board’s interest in deregistration as an SEC reporting company was the result of a February 1, 2005 report requested by Mercury’s former Chief Financial Officer and compiled by Mercury’s current Chief Financial Officer, Kent Rosenthal, of estimated costs by outside consultant SenPro Consulting/Casey & Co. for implementation of Section 404 internal controls certification provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The report stated that projected Sarbanes-Oxley compliance costs would range between $1.2 million and $2.5 million of external compliance costs, along with approximately $0.4 million of internal compliance costs. The report also provided an overview of Sarbanes-Oxley benefits and challenges, summarized six pages of Sarbanes-Oxley compliance procedures which would be required by Mercury and also summarized the results of phase I, which was the observational phase, and upon which the consultant based its Sarbanes-Oxley compliance costs estimates. In selecting SenPro Consulting/Casey & Co., the former CFO of the Company reviewed the costs, availability and background of a number of consultants engaged in Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance analyses. The former CFO had a long standing business relationship with a high ranking officer of the Casey Group of Parsippany, NJ. The Casey Group has specialized experience in IT evaluation and enterprise driven work. The Casey Group in turn contacted and hired SenPro Consulting for its specific Sarbanes-Oxley expertise. SenPro consultants came to the Company with experience working with 10 accelerated filer companies and specific experience dealing with the needs of small cap companies. Except as set forth above, no material relationship existed during the past two years or is mutually understood to be contemplated between SenPro Consulting/Casey & Co. and/or its affiliates and the Company and/or its affiliates.

     At the February 2, 2005 Board meeting, the Board discussed the high cost of maintaining the status quo and complying with the Section 404 Internal Controls Certification provisions, and the cost-savings benefits of SEC deregistration in light of the Company’s lack of liquidity for its common stock. The Board also discussed that the Company’s common stock would likely be quoted on the “pink sheets.” At this meeting, the Board discussed certain matters with Mercury’s outside legal counsel, McBreen & Kopko (“M&K”). M&K is a law firm of which Frederick H. Kopko, Jr. is a partner. The matters discussed with M&K included, potential methods for deregistration as an SEC reporting company, which would require Mercury to reduce the number of stockholders of record of its common stock to less than 300. At this meeting the Board of Directors formed the Special Committee, which consisted of two independent directors to consider delisting and deregistering the Company’s common stock. The Board of Directors also discussed at this meeting the advisability of continuing to utilize M&K as its outside legal counsel. The Board of Directors determined that, due to M&K’s knowledge of the Company, it would be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to continue to use M&K as its outside legal counsel, however, the Board of Directors also determined that it would be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to also utilize an independent legal counsel to advise the Special Committee in connection with a possible deregistration and delisting.

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     Following the Board meeting on February 2, 2005, Bingham McCutchen, LLP (“Bingham McCutchen”) was engaged as independent legal counsel to the Special Committee and Imperial Capital was engaged as financial adviser to the Special Committee and the Board. Bingham McCutchen was requested to provide a presentation to the Special Committee on the considerations of delisting from the American Stock Exchange and deregistration as an SEC reporting company. Imperial Capital was requested to discuss with the Special Committee the advantages and disadvantages of delisting, deregistering and being quoted on the “pink sheets.”

     The Special Committee discussed the topics of deregistration and delisting at a meeting held on February 16, 2005, with its independent legal counsel, Bingham McCutchen. At such meeting, the Special Committee confirmed its scope of duties and responsibilities, including its fiduciary obligations, the independence of its members, its engagement of Bingham McCutchen and its engagement of Imperial Capital. The members of the Special Committee confirmed their selection of Imperial Capital on the basis that Imperial Capital is an independent and experienced provider of valuation and fairness opinions; it does not have an advisory or other potentially conflicting role in the proposed Transaction; and it is thoroughly familiar with Mercury and its operations from having rendered prior fairness opinions in unrelated transactions and could therefore perform the analysis more expeditiously and cost effectively than other financial advisors.

     The Special Committee also discussed in detail the information needed to evaluate the proposed Transaction, including the cost of maintaining the status quo, information regarding anticipated cost savings and anticipated expenses, all of which were considered in order to make an informed recommendation to the Board as to whether Mercury should delist its common stock from the American Stock Exchange and deregister its common stock as an SEC reporting company. The Special Committee reviewed material from Bingham McCutchen consisting of an agenda, which detailed what items should be considered at the meeting, and a draft delisting/deregistration process memorandum, which set forth the processes, procedures, and issues to be considered by the Special Committee. The Special Committee also considered a reverse/forward stock split as one of the methods of reducing the holders of record of Mercury’s common stock to less than 300. Mercury’s management and the Special Committee’s advisers were requested to provide the Special Committee with responses to a variety of questions and to respond to a variety of requests for information. The information requested included examples of press releases and proxy statement information for other companies that had deregistered, a report on any of Mercury’s contractual arrangements that might be impacted, alternatives to a reverse/forward stock split as the mechanism for accomplishing deregistration and a liquidity study to be performed by Imperial Capital as to the market impact of deregistration by other companies, and cost data from the Section 404 Sarbanes-Oxley compliance consultant.

     On February 21, 2005, the Special Committee met again to review information with which it had been supplied consisting of the study previously provided to the Board of Directors on February 2, 2005, of estimated costs by outside consultant SenPro Consulting/Casey & Co. for implementation of Section 404 internal controls certification provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Also provided were proxy materials from another company that had deregistered. The Company’s third independent director, who is not a member of the Special Committee, Gary Feracota, was invited to and did attend the meeting of the Special Committee. The Special Committee also discussed with Bingham McCutchen various issues being considered as to the advantages and disadvantages for ceasing to have its shares of common stock continue to be listed on the American Stock Exchange and registered with the SEC.

     The advantages and disadvantages included, cost savings that likely would result, both on an initial and continuing basis, the costs of accomplishing delisting and deregistration, the impact on stockholders’ liquidity for their shares of common stock, and the consequences to stockholders who would receive cash for their fractional shares. Bingham McCutchen provided a “step-by-step” memorandum at this meeting, which detailed the steps necessary to effectuate the reverse/forward stock split, and advised the Special Committee on both procedural and substantive considerations for effecting a transaction that would result in SEC deregistration and American Stock Exchange delisting, including the fiduciary duties of directors on the Special Committee. The methods for accomplishing such delisting and deregistration again were discussed, including management’s recommendation of a reverse/forward stock split with cash being paid to holders of record of Mercury’s common stock who hold less than 501 shares. Other methods considered were a cash tender offer, a cash-out merger, purchase of shares in the open market, a reverse stock split without a forward stock split and the sale of certain divisions. The method of determining the fairness of a cash payment to unaffiliated stockholders for fractional shares was discussed in detail. At the request of the Special Committee, additional information was to be provided for future meetings by Mercury’s management, Bingham McCutchen and Imperial Capital. Management was requested to provide a detailed analysis of anticipated cost savings of deregistration, particularly as such cost savings relate to not having to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and to provide a description of anticipated corporate governance if deregistration occurred. Bingham McCutchen was requested to provide the Special Committee with a detailed check list of matters that should be considered. Imperial Capital was requested to provide an analysis of companies that had deregistered and the reasons therefore and their trading history pre and post deregistration.

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     The Special Committee met again on February 25, 2005 with Bingham McCutchen and Imperial Capital. The additional information that had been supplied to the Special Committee by Imperial Capital was reviewed in detail, including a summary of information about: other companies who had used a reverse stock split for deregistration commencing in 2004 and their reasons for doing so (the “Comparable Stock Split Analysis”); a liquidity analysis of companies that had become traded on the “pink sheets” after having been traded either on a major stock exchange or quoted on NASDAQ (the “Pink Sheet Liquidity Analysis”); a share premium analysis (“Share Premium Analysis”); and a preliminary draft of a fairness opinion. The Comparable Stock Split Analysis listed 12 companies and itemized their reverse stock split ratios, the purpose of each stock split, whether the stock was later quoted on the pink sheets, and financial information on the companies, including market capitalization at the time of the split. The Pink Sheets Liquidity Analysis presented a price and volume chart of all stocks that were transferred to the pink sheets since July 1, 2004, listing price and volume, along with one week, one month, and one year average price and volume, of each such company, and also summarized the price and volume activity in total and by where each stock traded prior to being listed on the pink sheets. The liquidity analysis was also presented for stocks that were illiquid prior to transfer to the pink sheets. The Pink Sheets Liquidity Analysis concluded that price and volume dropped significantly when companies were transferred to the pink sheets, but that when illiquid securities were considered, the drop in price was less significant and volume actually increased in certain periods. The Share Premium Analysis analyzed the price activity of nine small illiquid companies where the majority shareholder acquired a majority interest of between 5% and 25%, finding a significant one-day, five-day and thirty-day premium for such prices. Also presented at the meeting: a distribution of shares analysis which was prepared internally and set forth the range of shares held by Mercury’s stockholders along with an analysis of the cost of Mercury buying out stockholders within specified ranges, and a revised “step-by-step” memorandum provided by Bingham McCutchen, which set forth additional processes, procedures and issues to be considered at the Special Committee meeting. Bingham McCutchen also discussed Delaware case law on the selective purchase of fractional shares. At the meeting, further information was requested from Mercury’s management and refinements were asked to be made in the analyses provided by Imperial Capital. The additional information requested from Mercury’s management included the computation of anticipated cost savings based on analyses of consultants, a detailed summary of the proposed Transaction, potential audit firm issues if Mercury deregistered whether credit agreement or other contractual consents or modifications would be required, whether registration rights exist, whether employment agreements would be impacted, the amount and source of funding required and the projected increase in ownership that would occur to the largest stockholders of Mercury.

     On March 1, the Special Committee again met with Bingham McCutchen and Imperial Capital to discuss the additional information and reports it had received, including a revised liquidity analysis of companies that had begun trading on the “pink sheets” after having been traded either on a major stock exchange or quoted on NASDAQ, which analysis separately breaks out “distressed” companies and concludes that “distressed companies” had significantly lowered price and volume, following the transfer to the pink sheets, than did non-distressed companies, and that for both the overall positive price change and the non-distressed group, a rise in stock price correlated to an increase in volume. Also distributed at the meeting was a revised step-by-step memorandum and Imperial Capital’s preliminary opinion, subject to various assumptions and limitations as set forth therein. The Special Committee discussed with Imperial Capital the methodology for determining an appropriate range of cash consideration that would be fair, from a financial point of view, to those stockholders receiving the cash consideration, including all unaffiliated stockholders. The Special Committee requested that any preliminary information and reports be revised before the next meeting of the Special Committee. The Special Committee also reviewed the revised “step-by-step” memorandum to determine what additional information was needed and who was to provide such information. Except for the “step-by-step” memorandum discussed above, memoranda regarding agendas and processes, legal research and publicly available information on other companies, Bingham McCutchen did not provide any opinions or presentation materials at the March 1, 2005 Special Committee meeting or at any other meeting of the Special Committee or the Board of Directors. Also at the March 1, 2005 Special Committee meeting, management reported to the Committee that the proposed new auditors for Mercury have confirmed that they will not require Mercury to become Section 404 compliant if Mercury becomes delisted/deregistered. However, any necessary expenditures for internal controls must be made to ensure the integrity of the financial statements and such costs are not included in the Section 404 estimates. Management also reported on its due diligence relating to its review of the top ten contracts for each of the divisions, and on its review of preferred stock provisions and outstanding stock options. Management stated that, based on its review, delisting/deregistration presented no issues with respect to such items. Management also reported that based on its review of Mercury’s credit documents, certain consents and/or modifications would be necessary. The Committee also discussed the alternatives considered other than the proposed Transaction. Such other alternatives included a cash tender offer by Mercury, a cash-out merger, purchase of shares in the open market, a reverse stock split without a forward stock split and a possible cash tender offer by CK Partners. It was noted that some of these alternatives previously have been discussed by Mercury’s board. Also discussed at the meeting was Section 404 compliance costs.

     Another meeting of the Special Committee was held on March 3, 2005 with Bingham McCutchen and Imperial Capital to review the procedural and substantive issues that the Special Committee had considered to date. M&K, the Company’s outside legal counsel, reported to the Special Committee on the extension of the required compliance date for the Section 404 provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley

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Act for small issuers, such as Mercury. The Special Committee then discussed the impact of such extension on its deliberations and whether further information would be useful in reaching a decision to recommend to the Board that Mercury delist its common stock from the American Stock Exchange and deregister such common stock from SEC reporting requirements in accordance with the proposed Transaction being considered. The Special Committee discussed in detail the previous draft opinion and other materials from Imperial Capital consisting of a revised comparable stock split analysis of other companies which was similar to the previous Comparable Stock Split Analysis of other companies, but contained additional analysis of the market value of the comparable companies at the time of the reverse stock split. Also provided by Imperial Capital, and discussed extensively by the Special Committee, was an analysis of how much it would cost Mercury to undertake the reverse stock split at various prices (“Cash Buy-Out Analysis”). Management provided to the Special Committee its estimate that ongoing compliance costs would range from $500,000 to $1,000,000 per year. Bingham McCutchen requested that the Special Committee be presented with data supporting the annual ongoing costs. Management was asked to provide support for its estimate. In addition, the Special Committee previously had been furnished with a draft of a preliminary proxy statement that included a discussion of the proposed Transaction. After reviewing the draft of the preliminary proxy statement, the Special Committee determined to further reflect on the issues presented, to further review the material provided, including a further update to the draft of the preliminary proxy statement, and to meet again the following week.

     The Special Committee next met on March 8, 2005 with Bingham McCutchen and Imperial Capital. Management and M&K reported to the Special Committee on unusual price and volume activity that was occurring that day in Mercury’s common stock and reviewed with the Special Committee a proposed press release to be released later that day. The Special Committee reviewed in detail a Mercury historical price and volume analysis setting forth the price and volume of Mercury’s common stock for the preceding two years; a cash buy-out analysis updated to reflect various premiums based on the March 7, 2005 closing price of Mercury’s common stock, the draft fairness opinion issued by Imperial Capital with respect to the proposed transaction, which was previously provided to the Special Committee, the latest draft of the proxy statement, and the latest draft of the step-by-step memorandum previously provided to the Special Committee. Imperial Capital discussed with the Special Committee, based on the documents summarized above, Mercury’s historical trading prices and volumes for its common stock and provided a detailed review of its draft fairness opinion. Imperial also reviewed typical premiums paid in going private transactions, how the Special Committee might approach determining the price to be paid to holders of fractional shares and how this information should be compared with Mercury’s range of implied equity values set forth in Imperial Capital’s draft fairness opinion.

     The two members of Mercury’s Special Committee next met on March 9, 2005 with Bingham McCutchen to review with the third independent director, who was not a member of the Special Committee, a summary of the discussions that the Special Committee had engaged in to date, the information and reports it had previously received, including a revised cash buy-out analysis based on the closing price on March 8, 2005, the draft fairness opinion from Imperial Capital and the most recent draft of proposed proxy materials. The independent directors again reviewed with counsel their fiduciary duties, the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed Transaction as detailed in the draft proxy statement and the methodology for determining the cash price for fractional shares in the event that the Special Committee recommended the proposed Transaction to the Board of Directors.

     At a meeting on March 10, 2005, the Special Committee, along with the third independent director, again reviewed the procedures and process that had been followed by the Special Committee in considering the proposed Transaction and the advice and information that had been furnished to the Special Committee. The Special Committee reviewed in detail a revised cash buy-out analysis based on the closing price on March 10, 2005, a revised comparable stock split analysis which was similar to the previous comparable stock split analysis documents but contained additional information on the 20-day average premium on the comparable companies presented, and the latest draft of the fairness opinion, which set forth updates to the calculations in the appendices. The Special Committee also reviewed in detail computations of cost savings projections from two sources: Sen/Pro Consulting/Casey & Co., which was previously provided to the Special Committee, and a separate report from Parson Consulting also setting forth cost savings projections which was presented to the Special Committee by Mercury’s Chief Financial Officer. The report from Parson Consulting estimated that projected Sarbanes-Oxley costs attributable to direct billings from that consultant would be $600,000 to $900,000. However, this was exclusive of other costs that were included in the SenPro Consulting/Casey & Co. report such as increased audit fees, systems enhancements, and increased personnel costs, which Mercury’s Chief Financial Officer stated would make the costs from the two consultants comparable. The report also outlined the five phases of Sarbanes-Oxley compliance and summarized Parson Consulting’s credentials. Mercury’s Chief Financial Officer noted that Parsons Consulting had contacted Mercury and provided its estimate based on the study prepared by SenPro Consulting/Casey & Co. Parson Consulting has performed over 50 Sarbanes-Oxley estimates. No material relationships existed during the past two years or its mutually understood to be contemplated between Parson Consulting and its affiliates and Mercury and its affiliates. Mr. Rosenthal stated to the Committee that he was comfortable with the range of projected initial and ongoing Sarbanes-Oxley compliance costs as stated in Mercury’s public filings and the proposed preliminary proxy statement. He stated that in prior conversations with various audit firms, they told him that the Sarbanes-Oxley compliance cost will be at least 200% of the company’s audit fees with ongoing costs of 65% to 70% of the initial cost. Mr. Rosenthal

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stated that the costs likely could be significantly higher. Following a discussion of the report, management stated that a new draft of the preliminary proxy materials was to be furnished to the independent directors not later than March 11, 2005 and would be reviewed by the independent directors before the meeting of the Special Committee on March 14, 2005.

     On March 14, 2005, the Special Committee again met with the third independent director, with Bingham McCutchen, with members of senior management and with Imperial Capital and thoroughly discussed the additional information it received since its last meeting. Such additional information included: revised preliminary proxy material prepared by M&K; an updated draft of the fairness opinion which again set forth updates to the calculations in the appendices, a cash buy-out analysis based on the closing price of Mercury’s stock on March 14, 2005 (all from Imperial Capital); data from management detailing estimated annual Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 compliance costs; and a summary of the determination of the existence of a legal source under Delaware law for the proposed purchase of fractional shares. The status of requested changes to the loan agreement with Bank of America, and the additional data on annual Section 404 compliance costs, also were discussed. The Special Committee members and the third independent director again reviewed with Imperial Capital and counsel whether to recommend the proposed Transaction to the Board and, if so, the methodology for determining the cash consideration to be paid that would be advisable, fair and in the best interests of Mercury and all of its stockholders, including unaffiliated stockholders.

     The Special Committee, along with the third independent director, met again on March 21, 2005 to review in detail: the advice that it had received; the information and reports provided from all sources, including a cash buy-out analysis, based on the closing price of Mercury’s common stock on March 18, 2005, an expanded cash buy-out analysis, based on the closing price of Mercury’s common stock on March 21, 2005 and the most recent draft of the fairness opinion issued by Imperial Capital with respect to the proposed Transaction, which was similar to the previous draft opinions except for updates to the calculations in the appendices. In considering the cash consideration to be paid to stockholders who would receive less than one share in the reverse stock split, the Special Committee reviewed a number of factors as discussed in “Special Factors — Recommendation of the Special Committee” beginning on page 25 below. The Special Committee also considered the advice received from Imperial Capital, including Imperial Capital’s fairness opinion. The full text of Imperial Capital’s opinion is attached as Appendix B. Mr. Janowiak noted that Mr. Czyzyk had suggested that the Special Committee consider a repurchase price of $3.65, which then represented a premium of $.29 to the $3.36 March 21, 2005 closing price for the Company’s common stock. Both committee members considered the range of implied equity values as set forth in Imperial Capital’s analysis of value, as well as the closing prices over the last 10, 20 and 30 trading days and one month average closing prices. Mr. Janowiak proposed a $4.00 repurchase price, representing a premium of $.64 or 19% over the closing price on March 21, 2005. Mr. Pusateri agreed and subject to Board approval and stockholder approval, the Special Committee unanimously recommended the cash consideration of $4.00 per share and determined that: (i) both the Transaction and the payment of cash consideration of $4.00 per share of common stock to stockholders who otherwise would receive less than one share in the reverse stock split are advisable, fair and in the best interests of Mercury and all of its stockholders, including all unaffiliated stockholders, and (ii) the proposed Transaction, including the cash consideration, be recommended to Mercury’s Board of Directors for adoption.

     At the special Board meeting on March 21, 2005, Mr. Janowiak, chairman of the Special Committee, reported on the Special Committee meeting held earlier that day. The Board discussed extensively the Special Committee’s review of the reverse stock split, the estimated cost to accomplish the Transaction, and the cost savings that would be realized by SEC deregistration. The Board and its counsel, M&K, specifically discussed the preliminary proxy materials previously furnished to the Board members and the cash consideration of $4.00 per pre-split share to be paid to stockholders who would otherwise receive less than one share in the reverse stock split. In considering the price for the cash consideration, the Board reviewed a number of factors as discussed in “Special Factors — Recommendation of the Board; Fairness of the Transaction” beginning on page 39. The Board also considered the Special Committee’s recommendation and the opinion of the Special Committee’s financial advisor. With Messrs. Czyzyk and Kopko abstaining, the remainder of the Board unanimously voted to approve the Transaction and directed that the Transaction be submitted to stockholders for a vote at a Special Meeting of Stockholders. The Board recommended that stockholders approve the Transaction.

PURPOSE OF AND REASONS FOR THE TRANSACTION

     The purpose of the Transaction is to cash-out the equity interests in Mercury of stockholders who, as of the effective date, hold fewer than 501 shares of common stock in any discrete account at a price determined to be fair by the entire Board in order to enable Mercury to deregister its common stock under the Exchange Act and thus terminate its obligation to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The Transaction will also terminate Mercury’s obligation to file annual and periodic reports and make other filings with the SEC, although Mercury currently intends to continue to provide reports as to its financial condition and results of operation which Mercury expects may be accessed at www.pinksheets.com.

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     Joseph A. Czyzyk, Frederick H. Kopko, Jr. and CK Partners, the Transaction Affiliates, fully support the Transaction for the same reasons as stated above and concur with the reasons for and benefits and disadvantages of the Transaction set forth below. The Transaction Affiliates believe that the Transaction is in the best interests of Mercury. While the ownership interest of the Transaction Affiliates in Mercury will increase as a result of the Transaction, this increase will be small due to the small number of shares being bought out in the Transaction. (See “- Benefits of the Transaction to Affiliates of Mercury” beginning on page 22). Unaffiliated stockholders who will remain stockholders after the Transaction will also experience an increase in their ownership interest of Mercury as a result of the Transaction. The Transaction Affiliates are not engaging in this Transaction to increase their ownership interest in Mercury, but because they believe that it will benefit and be in the best interest of Mercury, since the substantial costs and burdens associated with compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 will be largely eliminated.

     The reasons for the Transaction and subsequent deregistration of Mercury as an SEC reporting company include:

  -   eliminating the costs and investment of management time associated with compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and related regulations; and
 
  -   affording stockholders holding fewer than 501 shares immediately before the Transaction the opportunity to receive cash for their shares, without having to pay brokerage commissions and other transaction costs, at a price that represents a premium of 19% over the closing price of $3.36 on March 21, 2005, which was the last trading day before the public announcement that the proposed Transaction had been approved by the Special Committee and the Board.

BENEFITS OF THE TRANSACTION

Benefits and Cost Savings of Termination as an SEC Reporting Company

     Mercury anticipates it will save up to $3,000,000 through June 30, 2007, and approximately $500,000 per year thereafter, by not having to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Mercury will also save approximately $15,000 per year in American Stock Exchange fees. Mercury also incurs substantial additional costs as a result of its status as a reporting company and being required to file annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, proxy statements and stockholder reports as required by Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act, and current reports on Form 8-K; however, these costs are not enumerated below as Mercury intends to continue to provide reports as to its financial condition and results of operation.

     The annual savings that Mercury expects to realize as a result of the Transaction are estimated as follows:

         
Compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act*
  $ 500,000  
American Stock Exchange Fees
  $ 15,000  
 
     
Total
  $ 515,000  
 
*   Initial compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act is estimated to cost up to $3,000,000, through June 30, 2007. This figure does not take into account any additional costs that may be necessary to remediate any deficiencies, if any, in Mercury’s internal controls. Thereafter, annual costs for compliance with Section 404 are expected to be approximately $500,000.

     Estimates of the annual savings expected to be realized if the Transaction is implemented are based upon a study prepared by SenPro Consulting/Casey & Co., in the case of costs of complying with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and actual costs to Mercury in the case of the American Stock Exchange listing fee.

     In addition to the above costs, Mercury believes that there will be a reduction in auditing fees if Mercury ceased to be an SEC reporting company as there will not be any fees for the auditors to attest to internal controls pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

     The estimate regarding Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 is only an estimate, and the actual savings to be realized may be higher or lower than estimated above. In addition, Mercury expects the various costs associated with remaining an SEC reporting company will continue to increase as a result of enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and regulations adopted pursuant to that legislation. Based on Mercury’s size and resources, the Board does not believe the costs associated with remaining an SEC reporting company are justified.

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Comparing the Benefits of Termination versus Remaining an SEC Reporting Company

     The Board believes that Mercury will not benefit significantly from remaining an SEC reporting company. Even as an SEC reporting company that is listed on the American Stock Exchange, there is a very limited trading market for Mercury’s shares, especially for sales of larger blocks of Mercury’s shares, and stockholders derive little benefit from Mercury’s status as an SEC reporting company that is listed on the American Stock Exchange. During the 30-day period prior to the announcement that the Special Committee and the Board had approved the Transaction, the average daily trading volume on the American Stock Exchange of Mercury ‘s common stock was approximately 9,093 shares. Mercury’s small public float and limited trading volume have limited the ability of Mercury’s stockholders to sell their shares without also reducing Mercury’s trading price.

     Further, the Board has no present intention to raise capital through sales of securities in a public offering in the future or to acquire other business entities using Mercury’s stock as the consideration for any acquisition, and Mercury is therefore unlikely to have the opportunity to take advantage of its current status as an SEC reporting company for these purposes. If for any reason the Board of Directors decides in the future to access the public capital markets, Mercury could do so by filing a registration statement for such securities.

Benefits of the Transaction to Affiliates of Mercury

     Benefits of the Transaction to affiliates of Mercury are expected to include the following:

  -   assuming the exercise of all options that are exercisable within sixty days of the date of this proxy statement, Mercury’s officers and directors, including the Transaction Affiliates, will increase their percentage ownership in Mercury from 42.8% to 45.1%;
 
  -   assuming the exercise of all options that are exercisable within sixty days of March 1, 2005, the Transaction Affiliates will increase their percentage ownership in Mercury from 37.7% to 39.8%;
 
  -   affiliated stockholders may benefit from the reduction in total shares outstanding or from the cost savings by Mercury not being public, either or both of which may result in higher earnings per share, which in turn may result in a higher price for their shares than they would have received if Mercury remained public;
 
  -   Mercury’s officers and employees will benefit from eliminating the time and effort associated with implementation of the Section 404 internal controls certification provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act;
 
  -   Mercury’s officers and directors, and persons holding 5% or more of Mercury’s common stock, including the Transaction Affiliates, will benefit because, after the 90 day waiting period, tender offer transactions by issuers and affiliates will no longer be regulated;
 
  -   Mercury’s officers and directors, and persons holding 5% or more of Mercury’s common stock, including the Transaction Affiliates, will benefit because, after the 90 day waiting period, such officers, directors and 5% stockholders will no longer be required to report their acquisition, disposition or ownership of shares under the Exchange Act; and
 
  -   remaining affiliated stockholders may benefit from future operating results of Mercury.

     See “—Interests of Mercury’s Directors and Executive Officers in the Transaction” beginning on page 32.

Benefits of the Transaction to Unaffiliated Stockholders

     Benefits of the Transaction to unaffiliated stockholders of Mercury are expected to include the following:

  -   unaffiliated stockholders holding fewer than 501 shares immediately before the Transaction will have the opportunity to receive cash for their shares at a price that represents a premium of approximately 19% over the closing price of $3.36 on March 21, 2005, which was the last trading day before the public announcement of the approval of the proposed Transaction by the Special Committee and the Board, without having to pay brokerage commissions and other transaction costs;

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  -   unaffiliated stockholders receiving $4.00 for their shares are receiving an amount that is within the range of implied equity values in the per share analyses presented by Imperial Capital, financial advisor to the Special Committee and the Board. (See “—Opinion of Imperial Capital, LLC” beginning on page 34);
 
  -   unaffiliated stockholders who remain stockholders of Mercury after the Transaction may benefit from the reduction in total shares outstanding or from the cost savings by Mercury not being public, either or both of which may result in higher earnings per share, which in turn may result in a higher price for their shares than they would have received if Mercury remained public; and
 
  -   remaining unaffiliated stockholders may benefit from future operating results of Mercury.

DISADVANTAGES OF THE TRANSACTION

Disadvantages of the Transaction to Mercury

     Disadvantages of the Transaction to Mercury are expected to include the following:

  -   Mercury’s working capital and assets will be decreased and/or indebtedness increased, to fund the purchase of fractional shares, and to pay the other costs of the Transaction; and
 
  -   the limited ability that Mercury has to raise capital in the public securities markets or to use its stock as an acquisition currency will be effectively eliminated.

Disadvantages of the Transaction to Affiliates of Mercury

     Disadvantage of the Transaction to affiliates of Mercury are expected to include the following:

  -   Mercury’s officers and directors, including the Transaction Affiliates, are likely to experience reduced liquidity for their shares of common stock, even if the common stock trades on the “pink sheets”, and this reduced liquidity may adversely affect the market price of the common stock.

Disadvantages of the Transaction to Unaffiliated Stockholders of Mercury

     Disadvantages of the Transaction to unaffiliated stockholders of Mercury are expected to include the following:

  -   the cash price offered to stockholders under the proposed Transaction could be less than the market price at the time the Board decides to implement the Transaction and is less than the $4.54 book value of the common stock as of March 31, 2005;
 
  -   remaining stockholders are likely to experience reduced liquidity for their shares of common stock, even if the common stock trades on the “pink sheets”, and this reduced liquidity may adversely affect the market price of the common stock;
 
  -   less public information about Mercury will be required or available after the Transaction and officers will no longer be required to certify the accuracy of Mercury’s financial statements although Mercury currently intends to provide reports as to its financial condition and results of operations, which Mercury expects may be accessed at www.pinksheets.com;
 
  -   after the 90 day waiting period, officers, directors and persons holding or acquiring 5% of Mercury’s common stock will no longer be required to report their beneficial ownership, or changes in beneficial ownership, under the Exchange Act;
 
  -   after the 90 day waiting period, tender offers for the beneficial ownership of more than 5% of Mercury’s common stock will no longer be regulated;
 
  -   after the 90 day waiting period, tender offer transactions by issuers and affiliates will no longer be regulated;
 
  -   stockholders who are cashed out will be unable to participate in any future operating results of Mercury unless they buy stock after the Transaction; and

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  -   stockholders who are cashed out for $4.00 per pre-reverse split share in the Transaction may receive less for their shares than they would if the common stock continued trading on the American Stock Exchange.

     See “Certain Effects of the Transaction” beginning on page 38.

TIMING OF THE TRANSACTION

     In light of the foregoing, the Board believes that it is in the best interests of Mercury and its stockholders, including unaffiliated stockholders, to change the status of Mercury to a non-SEC reporting company at this time because the sooner the proposal can be implemented, the sooner Mercury will cease to incur the expenses and burdens (which are only expected to increase in the near future) and the sooner stockholders who are to receive cash in the Transaction will receive and be able to reinvest or otherwise make use of such cash payments.

ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

     The Special Committee, the Board and the Transaction Affiliates considered several other alternatives to accomplish the reduction in the number of record stockholders to fewer than 300, but ultimately rejected these alternatives because the Special Committee, the Board and the Transaction Affiliates believed that the proposed Transaction consisting of a reverse stock split followed by a forward stock split structure would be the simplest and least costly method. The other alternatives considered were:

  -   CASH TENDER OFFER BY MERCURY AT A SIMILAR PRICE PER SHARE. The Special Committee, the Board and the Transaction Affiliates did not believe that a tender offer would necessarily result in the purchase of a sufficient number of shares to reduce the number of record holders to fewer than 300 because many stockholders with a small number of shares might not make the effort to tender their shares and the cost of completing the tender offer could be significant in relation to the value of the shares that are sought to be purchased. Alternatively, if most of the holders of Mercury’s common stock tendered their shares, Mercury would be required to purchase shares from all tendering stockholders up to the maximum number of shares specified in the cash tender offer, which would result in a substantially greater cash amount necessary to complete the Transaction. Regardless, a tender offer would provide no guarantee that the number of record holders would ultimately be reduced to fewer than 300. In comparison, the Transaction, if successfully completed, is likely to allow Mercury to accomplish its SEC deregistration objectives.
 
  -   CASH-OUT MERGER. The Special Committee, the Board and the Transaction Affiliates considered and rejected this alternative because the proposed Transaction would be more simple and cost-effective than a cash-out merger.
 
  -   PURCHASE OF SHARES BY MERCURY IN THE OPEN MARKET. The Special Committee, the Board and the Transaction Affiliates rejected this alternative because they each concluded it was unlikely that Mercury could acquire shares from a sufficient number of record holders to accomplish the Special Committee’s and the Board’s objectives in large part because Mercury would not be able to dictate that open share purchases only be from record holders selling all of their shares. Even if enough open market purchases resulted in lowering the number of record holders to less than 300, such purchases would likely be more costly than the proposed Transaction.
 
  -   REVERSE STOCK SPLIT WITHOUT A FORWARD STOCK SPLIT. This alternative would accomplish the objective of reducing the number of record holders below the 300 threshold, assuming approval of the reverse stock split by Mercury’s stockholders. In a reverse stock split without a subsequent forward stock split, Mercury would acquire the interests of the cashed-out stockholders and the fractional share interests of those stockholders who are not cashed-out (as compared to the proposed Transaction in which only those stockholders whose shares are converted to less than one whole share after the reverse stock split would have their fractional interests cashed-out; and all fractional interests held by stockholders holding more than one whole share after the reverse stock split would be reconverted to whole shares in the forward stock split). Thus, the Special Committee, the Board and the Transaction Affiliates rejected this alternative due to the higher cost involved of conducting a reverse stock split without a forward stock split.
 
  -   SALE OF CERTAIN DIVISIONS OF THE COMPANY. From time to time, the Board has explored the possibility of a sale of certain divisions of Mercury. Although the Company’s FBO Business was sold in April 2004, no acceptable firm offers for any other division of the Company were received. See “ Corporate Developments in Last Four Years” beginning on page 12.

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  -   DIFFERENT REVERSE/FORWARD STOCK SPLIT RATIOS. The Special Committee, the Board and the Transaction Affiliates also considered reverse stock splits followed by forward stock splits at different ratios than the Transaction, such as reverse stock splits in the amount of 1-for-100, 1-for-200, 1-for-300, 1-for-400, 1-for-500, 1-for-1,000, 1-for-1,500 or 1-for-5,000 followed by, in each case, forward stock splits in the same ratio. Although the lower ratios would be less costly for the Company, and would also reduce the number of record holders below 300, the Special Committee, the Board and the Transaction Affiliates concluded that the additional cost savings would not be worth the risk of Mercury having to re-register as a reporting Company, which would be required if a sufficient number of beneficial owners elected to take record ownership of their shares, causing the number of record owners to exceed 500.

     In addition to various alternatives considered by Mercury, the Transaction Affiliates also considered a cash tender offer for Mercury’s shares. In January 2005, Messrs. Czyzyk and Kopko met with two independent entities for the purpose of obtaining financing for a possible cash tender offer. However, the independent entities would not commit to any financing, and Messrs. Czyzyk and Kopko determined that a cash tender offer would entail significant financial risk. The discussions with these entities did not advance to the points where pricing was considered.

     In summary, the Special Committee, the Board and the Transaction Affiliates considered these alternatives in order for Mercury to terminate its registration as an SEC reporting company and its obligation to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. As discussed above, these alternatives were considered inferior for the reason that either there would be no guarantee that they would accomplish Mercury’s objective, such as in the case of a cash tender offer by Mercury at a similar price per share, or in the case of a different reverse/forward stock split ratio, or for the reason that the alternatives would be more costly, such as in the case of a cash-out merger, or in the case of a reverse stock split without a forward stock split. Moreover, in the case of a purchase of shares in the open market, both uncertainty of completion and cost considerations made this alternative inferior to the Transaction. A sale of certain divisions of the Company was also considered inferior because the Board, the Special Committee and the Transaction Affiliates did not believe any sale could be accomplished at an acceptable price and within an acceptable time frame. Consequently, the Special Committee, the Board and the Transaction Affiliates concluded that the Transaction is the most expeditious and economical alternative to accomplish Mercury’s objectives.

RECOMMENDATION OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE

     The composition of the Special Committee consisted of two directors, Messrs. Michael Janowiak and Angelo Pusateri. Each of these directors has been deemed independent by the Board of Directors as independence is defined in NASD Rule 4200(a)(15) and Rule 10A-3(b)(1) of the Exchange Act. The Special Committee retained Imperial Capital as its financial advisor and Bingham McCutchen as independent legal counsel.

     In evaluating the proposed Transaction and the cash consideration, the Special Committee relied on its knowledge of the business, financial condition and prospects of Mercury as well as the advice of it financial advisors and legal counsel. In view of the wide variety of factors considered in connection with the evaluation of the Transaction and cash consideration, the Special Committee did not find it practicable to, and did not, quantify or otherwise attempt to assign relative weights to the specific factors it considered it reaching its determinations.

     The discussion herein of the information and factors considered by the Special Committee is not intended to be exhaustive, but is believed to include all material factors considered by the Special Committee. In determining that the Special Committee would recommend the Transaction and the cash consideration to the Board of Directors, the Special Committee considered the following substantive factors in the aggregate, which in the view of the Special Committee, supported such determination.

  -   CURRENT AND HISTORICAL PRICES OF MERCURY’S COMMON STOCK. The Special Committee considered both the historical market prices and recent trading activity and current market prices of Mercury common stock.
 
      The Special Committee reviewed the high and low sales prices for the common stock from January 1, 2003 to March 21, 2005 and from March 21, 2004 to March 21, 2005, the latter period of which ranged from $3.08 to $8.45 per share. You should read the discussion under “Market for Common Stock and Related Stockholder Matters” on page 46 for more information about Mercury’s stock prices. On March 8, 2005, the day before the public announcement that the Special Committee was considering the Transaction, the closing price of the common stock was $4.49 per share. The closing price of Mercury common stock on March 21, 2005, the last trading day before the public announcement of the approval of the proposed Transaction by the Special Committee and the Board, was $3.36 per share.

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      The Special Committee noted that, as a positive factor, the cash payment of $4.00 per share payable to stockholders in lieu of fractional shares represents a premium of approximately 19% over the $3.36 closing sales price of Mercury’s common stock on March 21, 2005, which was the last trading day before the public announcement that the Special Committee and the Board had approved the Transaction. In addition to stockholders receiving a premium to the trading price of Mercury’s common stock on any shares redeemed as a result of the reverse stock split, such stockholders will achieve liquidity without incurring brokerage commissions and other transaction costs.
 
      The Special Committee also noted that although the cash consideration represented a 53% discount to the Mercury share price of $8.45 (the highest sales price since March 21, 2004) and a 34% discount to the last closing price of $6.05 one year before the last trading day prior to the public announcement of the approval of the proposed Transaction by the Board and the Special Committee, such historical price data did not take account of the special dividend of $5.70 per share paid as of November 5, 2004 and therefore was of lesser relevance than more recent trading data and in light of the premiums that the cash consideration represents over the average closing sales price of Mercury’s common stock for the 10 trading days, 20 trading days, 30 trading days, and one-month trading periods immediately prior to the public announcement of the approval of the proposed Transaction by the Special Committee and the Board and over the closing sales price of Mercury’s common stock immediately prior to such public announcement.
 
  -   GOING CONCERN VALUE. In determining the cash amount to be paid to cashed-out stockholders in the Transaction, the Special Committee considered the analyses as presented in Imperial Capital’s report, without giving effect to any anticipated effects of the Transaction. In considering going concern value, the Special Committee considered multiples of EBITDA and revenue of comparable SEC reporting air cargo handling and fuel services companies and discounted cash flow valuations.
 
      Also, the Special Committee did not consider the amount per share that might be realized in a sale of all or substantially all of the stock or assets of Mercury, believing that consideration of such amount was inappropriate in the context of a Transaction that would not result in a change in control of Mercury. In considering the going concern value of Mercury’s shares, the Special Committee adopted the analyses of Imperial Capital, which indicated a share price of $2.95, $3.73 or $4.17 per share, as the mean per share implied equity values of Mercury’s common stock. See “ Opinion of Imperial Capital, LLC” beginning on page 33. Accordingly, the Special Committee believes that the going concern analysis supports its determination that the Transaction is fair to stockholders.
 
  -   NET BOOK VALUE. As of December 31, 2004, the net book value per common share was $5.14, and the tangible net book value per common share (excluding intangibles) was $3.65. The Special Committee noted that book value per common share is an historical accounting value which may be more or less than the net market value of Mercury’s assets after payment of its liabilities, and a liquidation would not necessarily produce a higher value than book value per common share.
 
  -   LIQUIDATION VALUE. Although no valuation of total assets was undertaken, the Special Committee believes that a liquidation or other Transaction designed to monetize Mercury’s assets would likely result in recovery of a price for Mercury’s tangible assets that is substantially less than tangible book value. The Special Committee considered that Mercury’s non-cash assets consist primarily of accounts receivable and leasehold improvements. The Special Committee believes that the sale of accounts receivable would not sufficiently offset indebtedness and that the sale of leasehold improvements would not be practicable, given the difficulty in transferring the underlying leaseholds, and in any event would not offset the expense of satisfying lease and other contractual obligations in a liquidation. In view of these factors, the Special Committee agreed that it is highly unlikely that liquidation would generate net proceeds with a current value in excess of $4.00 per share, although the aggregate amount received over a period of time could be greater.
 
  -   EARNINGS. The Special Committee reviewed historic earnings of Mercury for the previous three years and the relevance of historic earnings to future prospects, and factored this review into the going concern analysis. For the three years ended June 30, 2004, 2003, and June 30, 2002, Mercury reported net income (loss) of $615,000, $(2,798,000) and $4,517,000, respectively. The Special Committee believes the earnings analysis supports its determination that the Transaction is fair to stockholders.
 
  -   PRICES AT WHICH MERCURY HAS REPURCHASED SHARES. The Special Committee took account of the fact that Mercury had purchased an aggregate of (i) 343,600 shares at $10.44 per share in the fourth quarter of 2003 in a transaction with Hambro; (ii) 14,500 shares at $6.17 per share in the second quarter of 2004; (iii) 150,000 shares at $6.00 per share in the third quarter of 2004 in a transaction with Murdock; (iv) 3,000 other shares at $6.55 per share in the third quarter of 2004 in other transactions; and (v) 8,750 shares at $4.90 per share in the fourth quarter of 2004. The Special Committee believes these

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      repurchases support its decision that the Transaction is fair to the stockholders, in that: (i) after adjusting for the $5.70 per share special dividend, the repurchase from Hambro was at $4.74 per share, which is close to the price of $4.00 but also additional consideration was given by Hambro and the Transaction with Hambro occurred almost eighteen months ago; (ii) after adjusting for the $5.70 per share special dividend, the purchase of 14,500 shares in the second quarter of 2004 was equivalent to a price of $0.47 per share; (iii) after adjusting for the $5.70 per share special dividend, the purchase of 150,000 shares in the Transaction with Murdock in the third quarter of 2004 was equivalent to a price of $0.30 per share; (iv) after adjusting for the $5.70 per share special dividend, the purchase of 150,000 shares in the Transaction with Murdock in the third quarter of 2004 was equivalent to a price of $0.30 per share; (iv) after adjusting for the $5.70 per share special dividend, the purchase of 3,000 additional shares in the third quarter of 2004 was equivalent to a price of $0.85 per share; and (v) the purchase of 8,750 shares in the fourth quarter of 2004, although occurring after the special dividend, was not significantly higher than the price of $4.00 in the Transaction and represented a purchase by Mercury from a former executive officer upon his termination of employment, and therefore is not strictly comparable to the proposed Transaction.
 
      The Special Committee concluded that these stock purchases by Mercury support the price of $4.00 per share to be paid in the Transaction. The Special Committee also took account of the fact that the Transaction Affiliates had purchased an aggregate of 418,807 shares at an average price of $3.15 per share in the fourth quarter of 2004.
 
  -   OPINION OF THE FINANCIAL ADVISOR. The Special Committee considered the opinion of Imperial Capital rendered to the Special Committee on March 21, 2005, to the effect that, as of the date of such opinion and based upon and subject to certain matters stated therein, the $4.00 per share in cash to be paid to those stockholders of Mercury receiving such consideration, other than affiliates of Mercury, as to whom Imperial Capital expressed no view, is fair, from a financial point of view, to Mercury’s common and preferred stockholders. For more information about the opinion you should read the discussion below under” Opinion of Imperial Capital, LLC” beginning on page 33 and a copy of the opinion of Imperial Capital attached as Appendix B to this proxy statement.
 
  -   PRESENTATION OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE’S FINANCIAL ADVISOR. The Special Committee also considered the various financial information, valuation analyses and other factors set forth in the written presentations delivered to the Special Committee at the meetings of the Special Committee on February 21, 2005, February 25, 2005, March 1, 2005, March 3, 2005, March 8, 2005, March 9, 2005, March 10, 2005, March 14, 2005 and March 21, 2005.
 
  -   LIMITED LIQUIDITY FOR MERCURY COMMON STOCK. The Special Committee recognized the lack of an active trading market and the very limited liquidity of Mercury’s common stock. The Special Committee considered the effects of this factor on both the stockholders who own less than 501 shares of common stock and who will receive the cash consideration and those stockholders who will remain after the Transaction. With respect to the stockholders who will receive the cash consideration and cease to be stockholders, the Special Committee recognized that this Transaction presents such stockholders with an opportunity to liquidate their holdings at a price which represented a premium to the closing price of Mercury’s common stock on March 21, 2005, the last trading day before the public announcement of the approval of the proposed Transaction by the Special Committee and the Board, without incurring brokerage commissions and other transaction costs. With respect to the stockholders who will remain after the Transaction, the Special Committee noted that the effect of this Transaction on their liquidity is mitigated by the limited liquidity they currently experience and that the shares will likely be quoted on the “pink sheets.”
 
  -   FUTURE COST SAVINGS. The Special Committee considered that both affiliated and unaffiliated stockholders remaining after the Transaction will benefit from the reduction of direct and indirect costs borne by Mercury to maintain its status as an SEC reporting company. Such a reduction will include, but not be limited to, the elimination of increased costs to comply with the additional requirements of SEC reporting companies imposed by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. For a full discussion of the cost savings, see “Benefits of the Transaction — Benefits and Cost Savings of Termination as an SEC Reporting Company” on page 22.
 
  -   INTERESTS OF THE UNAFFILIATED STOCKHOLDERS WHO WILL REMAIN. The Special Committee considered the fairness of the Transaction to the unaffiliated common and preferred stockholders who will remain stockholders of Mercury after the Transaction. The Special Committee reasoned that such stockholders would benefit from the cost savings associated with the elimination of expenses attributable to remaining an SEC reporting company and the time and attention currently required of management to fulfill such requirements.

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  -   NO FIRM OFFERS. The Special Committee considered that, other than with respect to the sale of Mercury’s FBOs to Allied Capital on April 12, 2004, Mercury did not receive any firm offers, during the past two years, from any unaffiliated persons, for (i) the merger or consolidation of Mercury with or into another company, (ii) the sale or other transfer of all or any substantial part of the assets of Mercury; or (iii) a purchase of Mercury’s securities that would enable the holder to exercise control of Mercury. The Special Committee recognized that the sale of the FBOs to Allied Capital has no bearing on the present value of Mercury.

     Despite the fact that no unaffiliated stockholder representative was retained to act solely on behalf of the unaffiliated stockholders in the Transaction to negotiate the terms or prepare a report on behalf of the unaffiliated stockholders and the approval of a majority of the unaffiliated holders of Mercury’s common stock is not required, the Special Committee believes that the Transaction is procedurally fair because, among other things:

  -   the Special Committee was established with sole power to make the decision to recommend the Transaction, and the Special Committee’s membership consisted entirely of independent directors; and
 
  -   the Special Committee retained its own independent legal counsel;
 
  -   the Transaction is being effected in accordance with the applicable requirements of Delaware law;
 
  -   the Transaction is being submitted to a vote of Mercury’s stockholders and is subject to approval of a majority of the outstanding shares of common and preferred stock, voting as a single class;
 
  -   stockholders can increase, divide or otherwise adjust their existing holdings, prior to the effective date of the Transaction, so as either to retain some or all other their shares or to be cased-out with respect to some or all of their shares; and
 
  -   stockholders who are cashed-out would likely have the option to repurchase shares of Mercury in the over-the-counter markets with the cash obtained in the Transaction.

     Of particular importance to the belief of the Special Committee that the Transaction is procedurally fair, in the absence of dissenters rights, is the fact that stockholders can increase, divide or otherwise adjust their existing holdings, prior to the effective date of the Transaction, so as either to retain some or all of their shares or to cash-out some or all of their shares.

     Based on the foregoing analyses, the Special Committee believes that the Transaction is procedurally and substantively fair to all stockholders, including the unaffiliated stockholders, regardless of whether a stockholder receives cash or continues to be a stockholder following the Transaction, and believes the $4.00 cash amount to be fair consideration for those stockholders holding less than 501 shares. The Transaction was unanimously approved by the Special Committee, all members of the Special Committee being non-employees of Mercury.

RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD; FAIRNESS OF THE TRANSACTION

     The Board and the Transaction Affiliates unanimously determined that the Transaction, taken as a whole, is fair to, and in the best interests of Mercury and its common and preferred stockholders, including unaffiliated stockholders, as discussed below, regardless of whether a stockholder receives cash in lieu of fractional shares, or remains a holder of Mercury’s common stock. The Board and the Transaction Affiliates also believe that the process for approving the Transaction is procedurally fair. The Board recommends that stockholders vote FOR approval and adoption of the Transaction.

     The Board has retained for itself the absolute authority to reject (and not implement) the Transaction (even after approval of the Transaction) if it determines subsequently that the Transaction is not then in the best interests of Mercury and its stockholders. If for any reason the Transaction is not approved, or, if approved, is not implemented, the common stock will not be deregistered until such time as Mercury otherwise is eligible and determines to do so.

     As discussed above, the Board and the Transaction Affiliates considered alternatives to the Transaction, but ultimately approved the Transaction’s structure. Please see “Alternatives Considered” beginning on page 25.

     In considering whether the cash payment of $4.00 per share payable to stockholders in lieu of fractional shares in connection with the Transaction is substantively fair from a financial point of view to our stockholders, the Board and the Transaction Affiliates

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considered, among other things, the financial analysis and opinion of Imperial Capital that was rendered to the Special Committee, the Board and the Transaction Affiliates adopted the analyses and conclusions of Imperial Capital. The Board and the Transaction Affiliates also considered the recommendation of the Special Committee.

     The Board and the Transaction Affiliates also considered a number of factors in determining whether it was in the best interests of, and fair to, Mercury and its stockholders to undertake a Transaction to reduce the number of its common stockholders to fewer than 300 record holders in order to terminate the registration of its common stock under the Exchange Act. The discussion herein of the information and factors considered is not intended to be exhaustive, but is believed to include all material factors considered by the Board. The Board did not assign any specific weight to the factors below, and individual directors may have given differing weights to different factors. Factors considered included:

  -   CURRENT AND HISTORICAL PRICES OF MERCURY’S COMMON STOCK.
 
      The Board and the Transaction Affiliates considered both the historical market prices and recent trading activity and current market prices of Mercury common stock.
 
      The Board and the Transaction Affiliates reviewed the high and low sales prices for the common stock from January 1, 2003 to March 21, 2005 and from March 21, 2004 to March 21, 2005, the latter period of which ranged from $3.08 to $8.45 per share. You should read the discussion under “Market for Common Stock and Related Stockholder Matters” on page 19 for more information about Mercury’s stock prices. On March 8, 2005, the day before the public announcement that the Special Committee was considering the Transaction, the closing price of the common stock was $4.49 per share. The closing price of Mercury common stock on March 21, 2005, the last trading day before the public announcement of the approval of the proposed Transaction by the Special Committee and the Board, was $3.36 per share.
 
      The Board and the Transaction Affiliates noted that, as a positive factor, the cash payment of $4.00 per share payable to stockholders in lieu of fractional shares represents a premium of approximately 19% over the closing sales price of Mercury’s common stock of $3.36 on March 21, 2005, which was the last trading day before the public announcement that the Special Committee and the Board had approved the Transaction. In addition to stockholders receiving a premium to the trading price of Mercury’s common stock on any shares redeemed as a result of the reverse stock split, such stockholders will achieve liquidity without incurring brokerage commissions and other transaction costs.
 
      The Board and the Transaction Affiliates also noted that although the cash consideration represented a 53% discount to Mercury share price of $8.45 (the highest sales price since March 21, 2004) and a 34% discount to the last closing price of $6.05 one year before the last trading day prior to the public announcement of the approval of the proposed Transaction by the Special Committee and the Board, such historical price data did not take account of the special dividend of $5.70 per share paid as of November 5, 2004 and therefore was of lesser relevance than more recent trading data and in light of the premiums that the cash consideration represents over the average closing sales price of Mercury’s common stock for the 10 trading days, 20 trading days, 30 trading days, and one-month trading periods immediately prior to the public announcement of the approval of the proposed Transaction by the Special Committee and the Board and over the last trading day immediately prior to such public announcement.
 
  -   GOING CONCERN VALUE. In determining the cash amount to be paid to cashed-out stockholders in the Transaction, the Board and the Transaction Affiliates considered the analyses presented in Imperial Capital’s report, without giving effect to any anticipated effects of the Transaction. In considering going concern value, the Board and the Transaction Affiliates considered multiples of EBITDA and revenue of comparable SEC reporting air cargo and fuel services companies and discounted cash flow valuations.
 
  -   Also, the Board and the Transaction Affiliates did not consider the amount per share that might be realized in a sale of all or substantially all of the stock or assets of Mercury, believing that consideration of such amount was inappropriate in the context of a Transaction that would not result in a change in control of Mercury. In considering the going concern value of Mercury’s shares, the Board and the Transaction Affiliates adopted the analyses of Imperial Capital, which indicated a share price range of $2.95, $3.73, or $4.17 per share, as the mean per share implied equity values of Mercury’s common stock. See “Special Factors — Opinion of Imperial Capital, LLC” beginning on page 34. Accordingly, the Board and the Transaction Affiliates believe that the going concern analysis supports its determination that the Transaction is fair to stockholders.

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  -   NET BOOK VALUE. As of December 31, 2004, the net book value per common share was $5.14, and the tangible net book value per common share (excluding intangibles) was $3.65. The Board and the Transaction Affiliates noted that book value per common share is an historical accounting value which may be more or less than the net market value of Mercury’s assets after payment of its liabilities, and a liquidation would not necessarily produce a higher than book value per common share.
 
  -   LIQUIDATION VALUE. Although no valuation of total assets was undertaken, the Board and the Transaction Affiliates believe that a liquidation or other Transaction designed to monetize Mercury’s assets would likely result in recovery of a price for Mercury’s tangible assets that is substantially less than tangible book value. The Board and the Transaction Affiliates considered that Mercury’s non-cash assets consist primarily of accounts receivable and leasehold improvements. The Board and the Transaction Affiliates believe that the sale of accounts receivable would not sufficiently offset indebtedness, and that the sale of leasehold improvements would not be practicable, given the difficulty in transferring the underlying leaseholds, and in any event would not offset the expense of satisfying lease and other contractual obligations in a liquidation. In view of these factors, the Board and the Transaction Affiliates agreed that it is highly unlikely that liquidation would generate net proceeds in excess of $4.00 per share, although the aggregate amount received over a period of time would be greater.
 
  -   EARNINGS. The Board and the Transaction Affiliates reviewed historic earnings of Mercury for the previous three years and the relevance of historic earnings to future prospects, and factored this review into the going concern analysis. For the three years ended June 30, 2004, 2003, and 2002, Mercury reported net income of $615,000, $(2,798,000) and $4,517,000, respectively. The Board and the Transaction Affiliates believe the earnings analysis support its determination that the Transaction is fair to stockholders.
 
  -   PRICES AT WHICH MERCURY HAS REPURCHASED SHARES. The Board and the Transaction Affiliates took account of the fact that Mercury had purchased an aggregate of (i) 343,600 shares at $10.44 per share in the fourth quarter of 2003 in a transaction with Hambro; (ii) 14,500 shares at $6.17 per share in the second quarter of 2004; (iii) 150,000 shares at $6.00 per share in the third quarter of 2004 in a transaction with Murdock; (iv) 3,000 other shares at $6.55 per share in the third quarter of 2004 in other transactions; and (v) 8,750 shares at $4.90 per share in the fourth quarter of 2004. The Board and the Transaction Affiliates believe these repurchases support its decision that the Transaction is fair to the stockholders, in that: (i) after adjusting for the $5.70 per share special dividend, the repurchase from Hambro was at $4.74 per share, which is close to the price of $4.00 but also additional consideration was given by Hambro and the transaction with Hambro occurred almost eighteen months ago; (ii) after adjusting for the $5.70 per share special dividend, the purchase of 14,500 shares in the second quarter of 2004 was equivalent to a price of $0.47 per share; (iii) after adjusting for the $5.70 per share special dividend, the purchase of 150,000 shares in the Transaction with Murdock in the third quarter of 2004 was equivalent to a price of $0.30 per share; (iv) after adjusting for the $5.70 per share special dividend, the purchase of 3,000 additional shares in the third quarter of 2004 was equivalent to a price of $0.85 per share; and (v) the purchase of 8,750 shares in the fourth quarter of 2004, although occurring after the special dividend, was not significantly higher than the price of $4.00 in the Transaction, and this represented a purchase by Mercury from a former executive officer upon his termination of employment, and therefore is not strictly comparable to the proposed Transaction. The Board and the Transaction Affiliates concluded that these stock purchases by Mercury support the price of $4.00 per share to be paid in the Transaction.
 
      The Board and the Transaction Affiliates also took account of the fact that certain affiliates of the Company had purchased an aggregate of 419,807 shares at an average price of $3.15 per share in the fourth quarter of 2004.
 
  -   OPINION OF THE FINANCIAL ADVISOR. The Board and the Transaction Affiliates considered the opinion of Imperial Capital rendered to the Special Committee on March 21, 2005, to the effect that, as of the date of such opinion and based upon and subject to certain matters stated therein, the $4.00 per share in cash to be paid to those stockholders of Mercury receiving such consideration, other than affiliates of Mercury, as to whom Imperial Capital expressed no view, is fair, from a financial point of view, to such stockholders. For more information about the opinion you should read the discussion below under “Opinion of Imperial Capital, LLC” beginning on page 34 and a copy of the opinion of Imperial Capital attached as Appendix B to this proxy statement.
 
  -   PRESENTATION OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE’S FINANCIAL ADVISOR. The Board and the Transaction Affiliates also considered the various financial information, valuation analyses and other factors set forth in the written presentations delivered to the Special Committee at the meetings of the Special Committee on February 25, 2005, March 1, 2005, March 3, 2005, March 8, 2005, March 10, 2005, March 14, 2005 and March 21, 2005.
 
  -   LIMITED LIQUIDITY FOR MERCURY COMMON STOCK. The Board and the Transaction Affiliates recognized the lack of an active trading market and the very limited liquidity of Mercury’s common stock. The Board and the Transaction

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      Affiliates considered the effects of this factor on both the stockholders who own less than 501 shares of common stock and who will receive the cash consideration and those stockholders who will remain after the Transaction. With respect to the stockholders who will receive the cash consideration and cease to be stockholders, the Board and the Transaction Affiliates recognized that this Transaction presents such stockholders with an opportunity to liquidate their holdings at a price which represented a premium to the closing price of Mercury’s common stock on March 21, 2005, the last trading day before the public announcement of the approval of the proposed Transaction by the Special Committee and the Board, without incurring brokerage commissions and other transaction costs. With respect to the stockholders who will remain after the Transaction, the Board and the Transaction Affiliates noted that the effect of this Transaction on their liquidity is mitigated by the limited liquidity they currently experience and that the shares will likely be quoted on the “pink sheets.”
 
  -   FUTURE COST SAVINGS. The Board and the Transaction Affiliates considered that both affiliated and unaffiliated stockholders remaining after the Transaction will benefit from the reduction of direct and indirect costs borne by Mercury to maintain its status as an SEC reporting company. Such a reduction will include, but not be limited to, the elimination of increased costs to comply with the additional requirements of SEC reporting companies imposed by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. For a full discussion of the cost savings, see “Benefits of the Transaction — Benefits and Cost Savings of Termination as an SEC Reporting Company” on page 22.
 
  -   INTERESTS OF THE UNAFFILIATED STOCKHOLDERS WHO WILL REMAIN. The Board and the Transaction Affiliates considered the fairness of the Transaction to the unaffiliated common and preferred stockholders who will remain stockholders of Mercury after the Transaction. The Board and the Transaction Affiliates reasoned that that such stockholders would benefit from the cost savings associated with the elimination of expenses attributable to remaining an SEC reporting company and the time and attention currently required of management to fulfill such requirements.
 
  -   NO FIRM OFFERS. The Board of Directors and the Transaction Affiliates considered that, other than with respect to the sale of Mercury’s FBOs to Allied Capital on April 12, 2004, Mercury did not receive any firm offers, during the past two years, by any unaffiliated persons, for (i) the merger or consolidation of Mercury with or into another company, (ii) the sale or other transfer of all or any substantial part of the assets of Mercury; or (iii) a purchase of Mercury’s securities that would enable the holder to exercise control of Mercury.

     The Board and the Transaction Affiliates recognized that the sale of the FBOs to Allied Capital has no bearing on the present value of Mercury.

  -   UNAFFILIATED REPRESENTATIVES; NON-EMPLOYEE SPECIAL COMMITTEE. No unaffiliated representative was retained to act solely on behalf of the unaffiliated stockholders in the Transaction to negotiate the terms or prepare a report on behalf of the unaffiliated stockholders. The Board determined that an unaffiliated stockholder representative was not necessary to ensure the procedural and substantive fairness of the Transaction because it believed there was sufficient representation in the decision-making at the Special Committee and Board levels to protect the interests of unaffiliated stockholders. The Board also noted that the proposed Transaction would increase ownership in Mercury by the officers and directors as a group of less than three percent. In addition, the Board believed that the expense of separate representatives and advisors would have been cost prohibitive. With respect to unaffiliated stockholders’ access to Mercury’s corporate files, the Board determined that this proxy statement, together with Mercury’s other filings with the SEC, provide adequate information for unaffiliated stockholders to make an informed decision with respect to the Transaction.
 
  -   APPROVAL OF MAJORITY OF UNAFFILIATED HOLDERS IS NOT REQUIRED. The Transaction is not structured so that approval of at least a majority of unaffiliated stockholders is required. The Board determined that any such requirement would prevent affiliated stockholders from participating in considering the proposed Transaction. As affiliated stockholders beneficially own approximately 42.8% of Mercury as of March 1, 2005, and the Transaction will not result in any change in control of Mercury, the Board did not believe the participation of affiliated stockholders in voting upon the Transaction was unfair to non-affiliated stockholders.

     Despite the fact that no unaffiliated stockholder representative was retained to act solely on behalf of the unaffiliated stockholders in the Transaction to negotiate the terms or prepare a report on behalf of the unaffiliated stockholders and the approval of a majority of the unaffiliated holders of Mercury common stock is not required, the Board and the Transaction Affiliates also believe that the Transaction is procedurally fair because, among other things:

  -   the Special Committee was established with sole power to make the decision to recommend the Transaction, and the Special Committee’s membership consisted entirely of independent directors;

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  -   the Special Committee retained its own independent legal counsel;
 
  -   the Transaction is being effected in accordance with the applicable requirements of Delaware law;
 
  -   the Transaction is being submitted to a vote of Mercury stockholders and is subject to approval of a majority of the outstanding shares of common and preferred stock;
 
  -   stockholders can increase, divide or otherwise adjust their existing holdings, prior to the effective date of the Transaction, so as either to retain some or all of their shares or to be cashed-out with respect to some or all of their shares; and
 
  -   stockholders who are cashed-out would likely have the option to repurchase shares of Mercury in the over-the-counter markets with the cash obtained in the Transaction.

     Of particular importance to the belief of the Board and the Transaction Affiliates that the Transaction is procedurally fair, in the absence of dissenters rights, is the fact that stockholders can increase, divide or otherwise adjust their existing holdings, prior to the effective date of the Transaction, so as either to retain some or all of their shares or to cash-out some or all of their shares.

     At the Board’s meeting on March 21, 2005, Mr. Janowiak, chairman of the Special Committee, reviewed Imperial Capital’s fairness opinion with the Board and presented a summary of the principal financial analyses supporting its financial opinion. The Board and the Transaction Affiliates had an opportunity to ask questions and discuss each of the analyses individually. Although it is difficult to determine what the Board as a whole or any individual Board member concluded from any one particular analysis, certain issues were discussed at length. Additionally, in determining the $4.00 per share price to be paid as cash consideration in the Transaction, the Board and the Transaction Affiliates determined that while Mercury common stock traded at both higher and lower levels in the recent year, such historical price data did not take account of the special dividend of $5.70 per share paid as of November 5, 2004 and therefore was of lesser relevance than more recent trading data and in light of the premiums that the cash consideration represents over the average closing sales price of Mercury’s common stock for the previous 10 trading days, previous 20 trading days, previous 30 trading days, and previous one month periods immediately prior to the date that a public announcement is proposed to be made of the approval of the proposed Transaction by the Special Committee and the Board and over the closing price of Mercury’s common stock on the last day immediately prior to such public announcement. After careful consideration of these factors, the Board and the Transaction Affiliates concluded that $4.00 per share was not only a fair price to stockholders being cashed-out, but also to stockholders remaining after the Transaction.

     The Board and the Transaction Affiliates also considered the fact that, in addition to the deregistration of Mercury’s common stock under the Exchange Act as a result of the Transaction, the common stock would cease to be quoted on the American Stock Exchange. The Board and the Transaction Affiliates determined, however, that the current limited market for Mercury’s common stock provides little benefit to Mercury’s stockholders.

     Based on the foregoing analysis, the Board and the Transaction Affiliates believe that the Transaction is procedurally and substantively fair to all common and preferred stockholders, including the unaffiliated stockholders, regardless of whether a stockholder receives cash or continues to be a stockholder following the Transaction. Four of Mercury’s five directors are not employees of the Company. The Transaction was approved by the Board, including all non-employee directors, with Messrs. Czyzyk and Kopko abstaining from the vote.

DETERMINATION OF FAIRNESS OF THE TRANSACTION BY THE TRANSACTION AFFILIATES.

     The Transaction Affiliates agreed with the Board and separately determined that the Transaction is fair to unaffiliated stockholders who will be cashed out in the Transaction and who will remain after the Transaction, and that the cash price of $4.00 per share to be paid to holders of less than 501 shares of Common Stock is fair. In reaching this determination, the Transaction Affiliates considered the same procedural and substantive factors as the Special Committee and the Board. For a full description of the matters considered by the Special Committee, the Board and the Transaction Affiliates, see “—Recommendation of the Board; Fairness of the Transaction” beginning on page 29.

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INTERESTS OF MERCURY’S DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS IN THE TRANSACTION

     In considering the recommendation of the Board of Directors with respect to the Transaction, stockholders should be aware that Mercury’s executive officers and directors have interests in the Transaction that are in addition to, or different from, the stockholders generally. These interests may create potential conflicts of interest and include the following:

  -   each executive officer and each member of the Board of Directors, except Kent Rosenthal, holds shares or vested options in excess of 501 shares and will, therefore, retain shares of common stock or options to purchase common stock after the Transaction; and
 
  -   as a result of the Transaction, the stockholders who own of record on the record date, more shares than 501 shares, including Mercury’s executive officers and directors, will increase their percentage ownership interest in Mercury as a result of the Transaction. For example, assuming the Transaction is implemented and based on information and estimates of record ownership and shares outstanding and other ownership information and assumptions as of May 1, 2005 Mercury’s officers and directors, including the Transaction Affiliates, who currently own 42.8% of Mercury’s common and preferred stock (including options currently exercisable) will increase their percentage ownership in Mercury from 42.8% to 45.1%.

OPINION OF IMPERIAL CAPITAL, LLC

     On February 24, 2005, the Special Committee and the Board of Directors formally retained Imperial to consider the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the cash consideration (as defined below) to be paid to those stockholders of Mercury receiving the cash consideration, other than affiliates of Mercury, as to whom Imperial Capital expresses no view. As a result of the Transaction, (a) each stockholder owning fewer than 501 shares immediately before the Transaction will receive from Mercury consideration of $4.00 in cash for each of such stockholder’s pre-split shares; and (b) each share of common stock held by a stockholder owning 501 or more shares will continue to represent one share of Mercury after completion of the Transaction. At a meeting of the Special Committee held on March 21, 2005, Imperial Capital delivered its oral opinion to the Special Committee, and immediately following the meeting, delivered its written opinion to all the members of the Special Committee that, as of March 21, 2005, the cash consideration to be paid to those stockholders receiving the cash consideration, other than the affiliates of Mercury, was fair, from a financial point of view, to such holders. Imperial Capital subsequently confirmed its opinion in writing.

     The Special Committee and the Board retained Imperial Capital based upon the following factors: Imperial Capital is an independent and experienced provider of valuation and fairness opinions; it does not have an advisory or other potentially conflicting role in the Transaction; and it is thoroughly familiar with Mercury and its operations from having rendered prior fairness opinions in unrelated transactions and could therefore perform the analysis more expeditiously and cost effectively than other financial advisors. No limitations were imposed by the Special Committee or the Board on Imperial Capital with respect to the investigations made or procedures followed by Imperial Capital in rendering its opinion.

     Imperial Capital’s opinion was prepared at the request and for the information and use of the Special Committee and the Board in connection with its consideration of the Transaction. Imperial Capital’s opinion does not address the business decision by Mercury to engage in the Transaction or address the relative merits of any alternatives discussed by the Special Committee and the Board. Imperial Capital’s opinion does not constitute a recommendation as to how any stockholder should vote with respect to the Transaction. Imperial Capital did not make, and was not requested by Mercury or any other person to make, any recommendations as to the relative merits of any alternative discussed by the Board.

     THE FULL TEXT OF IMPERIAL CAPITAL’S WRITTEN OPINION IS ATTACHED AS APPENDIX B TO THIS PROXY STATEMENT, AND DESCRIBES THE ASSUMPTIONS MADE, MATTERS CONSIDERED AND LIMITS ON THE REVIEW UNDERTAKEN. THE DESCRIPTION OF IMPERIAL CAPITAL’S OPINION CONTAINED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT SHOULD BE REVIEWED TOGETHER WITH THE FULL TEXT OF THE WRITTEN OPINION, WHICH YOU ARE URGED TO READ CAREFULLY IN ITS ENTIRETY. THE SUMMARY OF THE OPINION OF IMPERIAL CAPITAL SET FORTH IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO THE FULL TEXT OF IMPERIAL CAPITAL’S WRITTEN OPINION, WHICH IS ATTACHED AS APPENDIX B HERETO.

     THE PROJECTIONS UPON WHICH IMPERIAL CAPITAL’S OPINION IS IN PART BASED ARE ATTACHED AS EXHIBIT (C)27 TO THE AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO SCHEDULE 13E-3 FILED AS OF THE DATE HEREOF BY MERCURY. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THE PROJECTIONS WERE PREPARED ONLY FOR THE USE OF IMPERIAL CAPITAL, AND ARE NOT

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TO BE USED BY ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY. IN ADDITION, THE PROJECTIONS SPEAK AS OF THE DATE THEREOF, AND MERCURY DOES NOT INTEND TO UPDATE SUCH PROJECTIONS.

     In connection with the rendering of its opinion, Imperial Capital has:

  1.   reviewed the draft proxy statement and related documents outlining the Transaction;
 
  2.   analyzed certain publicly available information that Imperial Capital believes to be relevant to its analysis, including the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended (“FYE”) June 30, 2004 and the Company’s quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2004;
 
  3.   reviewed certain information including financial forecasts relating to the business, earnings and cash flow of the Company, furnished to Imperial Capital by senior management of Mercury;
 
  4.   reviewed the Company’s projections for FYE June 30, 2004 through 2008 furnished to Imperial Capital by senior management of Mercury;
 
  5.   reviewed certain publicly available business and financial information relating to Mercury that Imperial Capital deemed to be relevant;
 
  6.   conducted discussions with members of senior management of Mercury concerning the matters described in clauses (1) through (5) above, as well as the prospects and strategic objectives of Mercury;
 
  7.   reviewed public information with respect to certain other companies with financial profiles which Imperial Capital deemed to be relevant.

     In connection with this review, with Mercury’s consent, Imperial Capital relied upon the accuracy and completeness of the foregoing financial and other information and has not assumed responsibility for independent verification of such information or conducted or has been furnished with any independent valuation or appraisal of any assets of Mercury or any appraisal or estimate of liabilities of Mercury. With respect to the financial forecasts, Imperial Capital assumed, with Mercury’s consent, that they have been reasonably prepared on bases reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments of senior management of Mercury as to the future financial performance of Mercury. Imperial Capital also relied upon the assurances of senior management of Mercury that they are unaware of any facts that would make the information or financial forecasts provided to Imperial Capital incomplete or misleading. Imperial Capital assumed no responsibility for, and expressed no view, as to such financial forecasts or the assumptions on which they are based.

     Imperial Capital’s opinion was based upon economic, monetary and market conditions existing on the date of the opinion and does not address the fairness of the Transaction Consideration as of any other date. Imperial Capital expressed no opinion, nor should one be implied, as to the current fair market value of Mercury’s common stock or the prices at which Mercury’s common stock will trade at any time.

     In preparing its opinion, Imperial Capital performed certain financial and comparative analyses summarized in the following paragraphs. Imperial Capital believes that its analyses must be considered as a whole and that selecting portions of such analyses and the factors it considered, without considering all such analyses and factors, could create an incomplete view of the analyses and the process underlying the opinion. While the conclusions reached in connection with each analysis were considered carefully by Imperial Capital in arriving at its opinion, Imperial Capital made various subjective judgments in arriving at its opinion and did not consider it practicable to, nor did it attempt to, assign relative weights to the individual analyses and specific factors considered in reaching its opinion.

     Historical Stock Trading Analysis. Imperial reviewed the historical performance of Mercury’s common stock based on an historical analysis of closing prices and trading volumes for the one-year period prior to the date of the fairness opinion. Imperial noted that the closing price for Mercury’s common stock over this period ranged from $3.08 to $8.45. The following chart summarizes the average closing prices and volume of trading of Mercury’s common stock over the last year.

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Mercury Common Stock Trading History

                 
    Average     Average  
    Price     Volume  
Previous 10 Trading Days
  $ 3.56       19,830  
Previous 30 Trading Days
  $ 3.58       9,093  
Previous 60 Trading Days
  $ 3.81       9,350  
Previous 90 Trading Days
  $ 3.91       18,089  
52-Week High
  $ 8.45 (a)     226,300  
52-Week Low
  $ 3.08 (b)     0  
 
(a)   Occurred on November 5, 2004, the day the special dividend was paid.
 
(b)   Occurred on November 8, 2004, the first trading day after the special dividend was paid.

     Imperial Capital noted that Mercury paid a Special Dividend totaling approximately $17,500,000 ($5.70 per share) to holders of the Company’s common stock on November 5, 2004, which had a significant impact on the trading price and volume of Mercury’s common stock.

     Imperial noted that the Transaction Consideration was above the average closing prices of Mercury’s common stock for the 5-day, 10-day, 30-day and one month periods reviewed as part of the historical stock trading analysis.

     Comparable Company Analysis. Imperial Capital’s comparable company analysis was based on a comparison of Mercury’s valuation multiples with those of a selected group of comparable public companies (the “Company Comparables”).

     In selecting the Company Comparables, Imperial Capital searched comprehensive lists and directories of public companies. When selecting the Company Comparables, certain determinant factors included: (i) the company had to provide products or services for the fuel services and air cargo handling industries; (ii) the company had to make its financial information public; and (iii) the company was required to have an active trading market to measure public perception. The Company Comparables selected were:

    Air T, Inc. (NasdaqSC: AIRT)
 
    AirNet Systems, Inc. (NYSE: ANS)
 
    AutoInfo (OTCBB: AUTO)
 
    Streicher Mobile Fueling, Inc. (NASDAQ: FUEL)
 
    World Fuel Services Corp. (NYSE: INT)

     Due to the lack of public companies that provide the same range of services as Mercury, Imperial Capital chose to select Company Comparables with businesses focused on air cargo handling and fuel services. Imperial Capital’s decision to select such companies was due in part to their exposure to similar macroeconomic and industry-specific risks as those faced by the Company including, but not limited to, exposure to commercial and general aviation industry trends; geo-political risks (e.g., post-September 11 downturn in commercial aviation, oil prices, etc.); and similar customer bases.

     No company included in the selected Company Comparables is identical to Mercury. In selecting and evaluating the Company Comparables, Imperial Capital made subjective judgments and assumptions with regard to industry performance, general business, economic, market and financial conditions, and other matters. Because of the inherent differences between the business, operations, financial condition and prospects of Mercury and those of the selected Company Comparables, Imperial Capital believed it was inappropriate to, and therefore did not, rely solely on the quantitative results of the Company Comparables analysis.

     Imperial Capital then compared market values of, among other things, current enterprise value (equity value, plus total debt, minority interest, preferred stock and convertible instruments, less instruments in unconsolidated affiliates, cash and cash equivalents) (“EV”) as multiples of the latest twelve months EBITDA. Based on a comparison of Mercury with the Company Comparables,

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Imperial Capital arrived at an aggregate range of values between $0.00 per share and $7.79 per share, with a mean value of $4.17 per share. Imperial Capital noted that the cash consideration was in the range of these values and was slightly lower than the mean value.

     Comparable Transaction Analysis. Imperial Capital’s comparable transaction analysis was based on a comparison of Mercury’s valuation multiples with those implied by certain announced control transactions deemed relevant based on similarity of business operations (the “Transaction Comparables”).

     In selecting the Transaction Comparables, Imperial Capital searched comprehensive lists and directories of public companies. When selecting the Transaction Comparables, certain determinant factors included: (i) the transaction had to involve controlling interests in companies in a similar industry or with operations similar to the principal business operations of Mercury; and (ii) the purchase price and the operating results of the acquired company had to be public.

                                                 
        Transaction Details   Transaction Multiples
        Date   Enterprise   Target   Target   EV/   EV/
Acquiror   Target   Announced   Value   Revenue   EBITDA   Revenues   EBITDA
Express One
  Central Florida Air                                            
International, Inc.
  Maintenance   07/21/04     NA       NA       NA       NM       NM  
Alimentation Couche-Tard, Inc.
  Circle K Corporation   10/06/03     811.7       3,900.0       NA       0.2       NM  
The Pantry, Inc.
  Golden Gallon, Inc.   08/25/03     187.0       387.0       NA       0.5       NM  
Transforce Income Fund
  Canadian Freightways
Limited
  08/15/03     60.7       150.7       NA       0.4       NM  
The Carlyle Group
  Air Cargo, Inc.   08/11/03     NA       NA       NA       NM       NM  
 
  Williams Lynxs                                            
 
  Alaska                                            
Chevy Chase Trust Co.
  CargPort   05/31/03     NA       NA       NA       NM       NM  
DHL Worldwide
                                               
Express
  Airborne, Inc.   03/25/03     1,410.0       3,343.7       253.1       0.4       5.6  
Management of Landair Corp.
  Landair Corp.   10/11/02     101.7       102.9       19.5       1.0       5.2  
United Defense Industries, Inc.
  United States Marine Repair, Inc.   05/28/02     417.6       431.8       45.4       1.0       9.2  
Pacific CMA, Inc.
  Airgate International Corp.   03/19/02     3.4       29.1       0.6       0.1       5.6  
Union Pacific Corp.
  Motor Cargo Industries   11/15/01     96.9       130.9       17.2       0.7       5.6  
Vinci SA
  Worldwide Flight   09/10/01     285.0       348.0       NA       0.8       NM  
 
  Services, Inc.                                            
Avfuel Corporation
  Texaco General Aviation   09/07/01     NA       NA       NA       NM       NM  
 
  Business                                            
BBA Group / Signature
  Aircraft Services   07/11/01     137.9       162.0       NA       0.9       NM  
 
  International                                            
United Parcel Service
  Fritz Companies, Inc.   01/10/01     495.8       621.8       54.4       0.8       9.1  
World Fuel Services Corp.
  Page Avjet Fuel Co LLC   01/03/01     NA       NA       NA       NM       NM  
EGL, Inc.
  Circle Int’l Group, Inc.   07/03/00     518.1       832.3       49.2       0.6       10.5  
 
                          High     1.0x       10.5x  
 
                          Median     0.7       5.6  
 
                          Mean     0.6       7.3  
 
                          Low     0.1       5.2  

     No acquired company involved in the selected Transaction Comparables is identical to Mercury. In selecting and evaluating the Transaction Comparables, Imperial Capital made subjective judgments and assumptions with regard to industry performance, general business, economic, market and financial conditions, and other matters. Because of the inherent differences between the business, operations, financial condition and prospects of Mercury and those of the acquired companies included in the selected Transaction Comparables, Imperial Capital believed it was inappropriate to, and therefore did not, rely solely on the quantitative results of the Transaction Comparables analysis.

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     Imperial Capital then compared market values of, among other things, current EV as multiples of the latest twelve months EBITDA. Based on a comparison of Mercury with the Transaction Comparables, Imperial Capital arrived at an aggregate range of values between $1.20 per share and $7.73 per share, with a mean value of $3.73 per share. Imperial Capital noted that the cash consideration was in the range of these values and was slightly higher than the mean value.

     Discounted Cash Flow Analysis. Imperial Capital performed a discounted cash flow analysis (“DCF”) on Mercury. The fundamental premise of the DCF approach is to estimate the available cash flows a prudent investor would expect a company to generate over its remaining life. To determine this amount, Imperial Capital relied on cash flow projections for FYE June 30, 2005 through 2008, as provided by Mercury’s management. Imperial Capital estimated Mercury’s weighted average cost of capital by performing analyses consistent with the Capital Asset Pricing Model. In its analyses Imperial Capital applied the average unlevered beta of 0.80 for the comparable group (this group consists of those companies specified in the Company Comparables analysis). Imperial Capital then applied a 0.0% to 5.0% company specific risk premium which reflects risks which affect the valuation of Mercury. Using a range of 9% to 11% (rounded) as the estimate of cost of capital, Imperial Capital calculated the present value of free cash flows for the 2005 through 2008 years and the present value of the terminal value of Mercury (the calculated value of Mercury at the end of the projection period). Imperial Capital calculated a terminal value at the end of 2008 that incorporated a perpetual growth rate of 2.8%. Imperial Capital arrived at an aggregate range of values between $1.82 per share and $4.43 per share, with a mean value of $2.95 per share. Imperial Capital noted that the cash consideration is within the range of these values.

     In the ordinary course of its business and in accordance with applicable state and federal securities laws, Imperial Capital may trade Mercury’s securities for its own account and for the accounts of customers and, accordingly, may at any time hold long or short positions in such securities.

     Imperial Capital received a fee of $75,000 for rendering the fairness opinion attached as Appendix B, which fee was due and payable at the time such opinion was delivered to the Special Committee and the Board, and an additional fee of $20,000 for rendering a related liquidity analysis, which fee was due and payable upon delivery of a liquidity analysis to the Special Committee and the Board. Imperial Capital has acted as financial advisor to Mercury in connection with the purchase of the Whitney Note and the sale of the FBO business and received a total fee of $300,000 for its services, as set forth in “Corporate Developments in Last Four Years – Sale of FBO’s”. Mercury also agreed, in connection with the issuance of its opinion letter in connection with the Transaction, to indemnify Imperial Capital, its affiliates and each of its directors, officers, agents and employees and each person, if any, controlling Imperial Capital or any of its affiliates against certain liabilities, including liabilities under federal securities laws. Imperial Capital did not recommend the amount of consideration to be paid in the Transaction. The cash consideration of $4.00 per share was recommended by the Special Committee.

CERTAIN EFFECTS OF THE TRANSACTION

     The Transaction will have various effects on Mercury, the affiliated stockholders, including CK Partners, and the unaffiliated stockholders, which are described in the applicable sections below:

Effects on Mercury

     If approved at the Special Meeting, the Transaction, if implemented, will have various effects on Mercury, as described below:

  -   REDUCTION IN THE NUMBER OF STOCKHOLDERS AND THE NUMBER OF OUTSTANDING SHARES. Mercury believes that the Transaction will reduce the number of record common stockholders from approximately 331 to approximately 33. In calculating this number, Mercury assumes that, in addition to the approximately 30,202 common shares held by stockholders of record with fewer than 501 shares in their account, beneficial owners of approximately 162,411 additional shares also will receive cash for their shares in the Transaction. Accordingly the number of outstanding shares of common stock will decrease from 3,056,355 shares, as of March 1, 2005, to approximately 2,863,742 shares. In addition, Mercury believes that the number of beneficial owners of its common stock will decrease from approximately 2,039 to approximately 561 as a result of the Transaction.
 
  -   DECREASE IN BOOK VALUE PER SHARE. As a result of the approximately 192,613 pre-split shares of common stock expected to be cashed-out at $4.00 per share for a total cost (including expenses on an after tax basis) of $1,092,000:

    aggregate stockholders’ equity of Mercury as of March 31, 2005, will be reduced from approximately $13,869,000 on a historical basis to approximately $12,786,000 on a pro forma basis; and

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    the book value per share of common stock as of March 31, 2005, will be reduced from $4.54 per share on a historical basis to approximately $4.46 per share on a pro forma basis.

  -   TERMINATION OF EXCHANGE ACT REGISTRATION. Mercury’s common stock is currently registered under the Exchange Act. Mercury plans to file a Form 15 with the SEC following the Transaction to terminate this registration if its common stock is no longer held by 300 or more stockholders of record. Termination of registration of Mercury’s common stock under the Exchange Act would substantially reduce the information Mercury is required to furnish to its stockholders and to the SEC. It would also make certain provisions of the Exchange Act, such as the short-swing profit recovery provisions of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, Section 16(a) reporting for officers, directors, and 10% stockholders, proxy statement disclosure in connection with stockholder meetings, and the related requirement of an annual report to stockholders, no longer applicable. Mercury intends to apply for such termination as soon as practicable following the Transaction. However, Mercury currently intends to provide reports as to its financial condition and results of operation which Mercury expects may be accessed at www.pinksheets.com.
 
  -   EFFECT ON MARKET FOR COMMON STOCK. Mercury’s common stock is currently listed on the American Stock Exchange. Mercury expects that after the Transaction, its common stock will be delisted from the American Stock Exchange. This delisting could further reduce the liquidity of the common stock. Any trading in Mercury’s common stock after the Transaction and deregistration of the common stock will only occur in the over-the-counter market or in privately negotiated sales, and Mercury’s common stock will likely only be quoted in the “pink sheets.”
 
  -   FINANCIAL EFFECTS OF THE TRANSACTION. Mercury expects that it will use approximately $1,271,000 of cash, or $1,092,000 net of taxes, to complete the Transaction, including Transaction costs, and that this use of cash will not have any materially adverse effect on Mercury’s liquidity, results of operation, or cash flow. Because Mercury does not know the exact amount of shares that will be cashed-out, it can only estimate the total amount to be paid to stockholders in the Transaction. Mercury has sufficient cash and short term cash equivalents, or credit availability, to fund the Transaction. See also “ Source of Funds and Financing of the Transaction.”
 
  -   EFFECTS ON THE BUSINESS OF MERCURY. Mercury expects its business and operations to continue as they are currently being conducted and, except as disclosed in this proxy statement, the Transaction is not expected to have any effect upon the conduct of such business.

Effects on Affiliated Stockholders

     The Transaction will have various effects on stockholders who are affiliates of Mercury, as described below. As used in this proxy statement, the term “affiliated stockholder” means any stockholder who is a director or executive officer of Mercury, or who owns 10% or more of Mercury’s outstanding common and preferred stock, voting as a single class, and the term “unaffiliated stockholder” means any stockholder other than an affiliated stockholder. The effects of the Transaction to an affiliated stockholder will vary based on whether or not all or any portion of the affiliated stockholder’s shares will be cashed-out in the Transaction. The determination of whether or not any particular shares of Mercury’s common stock will be cashed-out in the Transaction will be based on whether the holder of those shares hold either fewer than 501 shares or 501 or more shares. Because an affiliated stockholder may beneficially own both shares held by more than one holder of shares, an affiliate may beneficially own both shares that will be cashed-out in the Transaction and shares that will remain outstanding in the Transaction. Except for 382 shares of common stock held by Mr. Czyzyk’s wife, as custodian for their children, all affiliated stockholders will retain beneficial ownership of all Mercury common shares held by them prior to the Transaction.

  -   CASHED-OUT AFFILIATED STOCKHOLDERS. Affiliated stockholders owning fewer than 501 shares immediately prior to the effective time of the Transaction will, upon consummation of the Transaction:

    receive $4.00 in cash, without interest, per share;
 
    no longer have any equity interest in Mercury and, therefore, will not participate in its future potential earnings or growth, if any; and
 
    be required to pay federal and, if applicable, state and local income taxes on the cash amount received in the Transaction or recognize loss for tax purposes depending upon the adjusted tax basis of their stock.

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  -   REMAINING AFFILIATED STOCKHOLDERS. Potential effects on affiliated stockholders who remain as stockholders after the Transaction include:

    Reduced Reporting Requirements for Officers and Directors. The directors and executive officers will no longer be subject to the reporting and short-swing profit provisions under the Exchange Act with respect to changes in their beneficial ownership of Mercury common stock.
 
    Tender Offer Transactions No Longer Regulated. After a 90 day waiting period, tender offer transactions by issuers and affiliates will no longer be regulated.
 
    Decreased Book Value Per Share. The book value per share of common stock as of March 31, 2005, will be decreased from $4.54 per share on a historical basis to approximately $4.46 per share on a pro forma basis.
 
    Decreased Liquidity. The liquidity of the shares of common stock held by stockholders may be further reduced by the Transaction due to the expected termination of the registration of the common stock under the Exchange Act and the delisting of the common stock from the American Stock Exchange. Any trading in Mercury’s common stock after the Transaction will only occur in the over-the-counter markets and in privately negotiated sales, and Mercury’s common stock will likely only be quoted in the “pink sheets.” There can be no assurance of any market for Mercury stock after the Transaction.

Effect of the Transaction on Transaction Affiliates

     Joseph Czyzyk, Chairman of the Board, President, Chief Executive Officer, Chairman and a principal stockholder of Mercury, Frederick H. Kopko, Jr., a director and principal stockholder of Mercury, and CK Partners, a partnership comprised of Messrs. Czyzyk and Kopko (previously defined as the “Transaction Affiliates”), may be deemed to be engaged in the proposed Transaction as a result of their affiliation with Mercury, and thus are “filing persons” with Mercury as set forth in the Schedule 13E-3 filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed Transaction. The effect of the Transaction on the Transaction Affiliates’ interest in the book value and net earnings of Mercury is set forth in the following table:

                                 
                    Net Income and Net     Net Income and  
            Book Value and     Income Per Share     Net Income Per  
    Percentage     Book Value Per     for the Nine Months     Share for the  
    Ownership of     Share as of     Ended     Fiscal Year Ended  
    Mercury (1)     March 31, 2005 (2)     March 31, 2005 (2)     June 30, 2004 (2)  
    (all dollar amounts are in thousands, except per share amounts)  
 
          $ 12,786,000     $ (2,073,000 )   $ (5,154,000 )
Historical Totals for Mercury
          $ 4.46     $ (0.77 )   $ (1.80 )
Interest of the Transaction Affiliates
          $ 4,820,322     $ (782,000 )   $ (1,943,058 )
Prior to the Transaction:
    37.7 %   $ 1.68     $ (0.29 )   $ (0.67 )
Interest of Transaction Affiliates
          $ 5,088,828     $ (825,000 )   $ (2,051,292 )
After the Transaction:
    39.8 %   $ 1.76     $ (0.31 )   $ (0.72 )
 
(1)   The percentage ownership of Mercury shown for the Transaction Affiliates represents their beneficial ownership of Total Voting Power as set forth in the table under “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners” beginning on page 58. No shares held by the Transaction Affiliates will be cashed out in the Transaction, except for 382 shares owned by Mr. Czyzyk’s wife as custodian for their children.
 
(2)   Book value is based on the pro forma balance sheet as of March 31, 2005, as if the Transaction had occurred on March 31, 2005, and net income information is based on the pro forma income statement for the fiscal period, as if the Transaction had occurred at the beginning of the respective fiscal periods presented. See “Financial Information—Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)” beginning on page 54.

     See “—Interests of Mercury’s Directors and Executive Officers in the Transaction” beginning on page 34.

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Effects on Unaffiliated Stockholders

     The Transaction will have various effects on stockholders who are not affiliates of Mercury, as described below. The effects of the Transaction to an unaffiliated stockholder will vary based on whether or not the unaffiliated stockholder’s shares will be cashed-out in the Transaction.

  -   CASHED-OUT UNAFFILIATED STOCKHOLDERS. Unaffiliated Stockholders owning fewer than 501 common shares immediately prior to the effective time of the Transaction will:

    receive $4.00 in cash, without interest, per share;
 
    no longer have any equity interest in Mercury and, therefore, will not participate in its future potential earnings or growth, if any; and
 
    be required to pay federal and, if applicable, state and local income taxes on the cash amount received in the Transaction or recognize loss for tax purposes depending upon the adjusted tax basis of their stock.

  -   REMAINING UNAFFILIATED STOCKHOLDERS. Potential effects on unaffiliated Mercury stockholders who remain as stockholders after the Transaction include:

    Decreased Access to Information. If the Transaction is effected, Mercury intends to terminate the registration of its common stock under the Exchange Act. As a result, Mercury will no longer be subject to the periodic reporting requirements and the proxy rules of the Exchange Act, although Mercury currently intends to continue to provide reports as to its financial condition and results of operation which Mercury expects may be accessed at www.pinksheets.com. Further, executive officers, directors and other affiliates, along with persons acquiring 5% of Mercury’s common stock, would no longer be subject to many of the reporting requirements and restrictions of the Exchange Act, including, without limitation, the reporting and short-swing profit provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act.
 
    No Regulation of Tender Offer Transactions. Tender offers for the beneficial ownership of more than 5% of Mercury’s common stock, and tender offer transactions by issuers and affiliates, will no longer be regulated.
 
    Decreased Liquidity. The liquidity of the shares of common stock held by stockholders may be further reduced by the Transaction due to the expected termination of the registration of the common stock under the Exchange Act and the delisting of the common stock from the American Stock Exchange. Any trading in Mercury’s common stock after the Transaction will only occur in the over-the-counter markets and in privately negotiated sales, and Mercury common stock will likely only be quoted in the “pink sheets.” There can be no assurance of any market for Mercury stock after the Transaction.
 
    Decreased Book Value Per Share. The book value per share of common stock as of March 31, 2005, will be decreased from $4.54 per share on a historical basis to approximately $4.46 per share on a pro forma basis.

CONDUCT OF MERCURY’S BUSINESS AFTER THE TRANSACTION

     Mercury’s executive officers and Board of Directors will remain the same immediately following the Transaction. Mercury expects to conduct its business and operations after the effective date of the Transaction in substantially the same manner as they are currently being conducted and, except as described in this proxy statement with respect to: (1) the use of funds to finance the Transaction and related costs and (2) Mercury’s plans to deregister its Common Stock under the 1934 Act and delist it from the American Stock Exchange, the Transaction is not anticipated to have a material effect upon the conduct of Mercury’s business.

     Neither Mercury nor its management, including the Transaction Affiliates, has any current plans or proposals to effect any extraordinary corporate transaction, such as a merger, reorganization or liquidation; a sale or transfer of any material amount of its assets; a change in its Board or management; a material change in its indebtedness or capitalization (except as described in this proxy statement); or any other material change in its corporate structure or business. However, Mercury may engage in such a transaction in the future to the extent that management and the Board determines it to be in the interest of Mercury and its stockholders. In addition, the Transaction Affiliates may continue to explore opportunities concerning the securities of Mercury, including one or more of the

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transactions set forth above. More particularly, the Transaction Affiliates may review opportunities to engage in the acquisition or disposition of Mercury’s securities.

CONDITIONS TO THE COMPLETION OF THE TRANSACTION

     The Transaction will not be effected unless and until the Bank of America consents to allow Mercury to complete the Transaction, Mercury stockholders approve the Transaction and the Board of Directors determines that:

    Mercury has available funds necessary to pay for the fractional shares and costs resulting from the Transaction;
 
    Mercury has sufficient cash reserves to continue to operate its business;
 
    no event has occurred or is likely to arise that might have a materially adverse effect on Mercury; and
 
    the Transaction will reduce the number of common stockholders below 300.

     In addition, the Board may decide to abandon the Transaction (even after stockholder approval) at any time prior to its consummation if the Board believes that such action would be in the best interests of Mercury and its stockholders. Assuming that these conditions are satisfied, Mercury, as promptly as reasonably practicable, will file an Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation with the Delaware Secretary of State and thereby effect the Transaction. In that case, the approximate record date for effectuating the Transaction will be [August ___, 2005]. If Mercury does not effect the Transaction, Mercury will continue as a company with its common stock registered under the Exchange Act, and the common stock will continue to be traded on the American Stock Exchange.

SOURCE OF FUNDS AND FINANCING OF THE TRANSACTION

     Based on estimates of ownership of shares of common stock, the number of shares outstanding and other information as of March 1, 2005, and assuming that, as a result of the Transaction, 192,613 fractional shares are cashed out, Mercury estimates that the total funds required to consummate the Transaction will be approximately $1,092,000 after taxes, of which $771,000 will be used to pay the consideration to stockholders entitled to receive cash for their shares, and $500,000, or $322,000 after taxes, will be used to pay the costs of the Transaction, as follows:

         
Legal fees and expenses
  $ 200,000  
Postage and printing
  $ 75,000  
Miscellaneous Costs (1)
  $ 14,000  
Special Committee fees and expenses:
       
Legal fees and expenses
  $ 81,000  
Financial advisor and fairness opinion fees and expenses
  $ 90,000  
Special Committee fees and expenses
  $ 25,000  
Board fees and expenses
  $ 10,000  
Filing fees
  $ 5,000  
Total (before taxes)
  $ 500,000  
 
     
Total (after taxes)
  $ 322,000  
 
     
 
(1)   Includes proxy solicitation fees not to exceed $10,000, plus out-of-pocket expenses.

     On July 29, 2004, Mercury and Bank of America entered into a three-year $30,000,000 revolving credit line under a loan agreement with the Bank of America collateralized by all of the assets of Mercury, the terms of which were amended effective November 1, 2004. In accordance with the terms of the B of A Credit Facility, as amended, the revolving line of credit is used as collateral for any letters of credit issued by Mercury and for general working capital needs. Upon the effective date of the B of A Credit Facility, $15,414,000 of cash deposited by Mercury as collateral for outstanding letters of credit and reported as restricted cash on Mercury’s balance sheet at June 30, 2004 was released to Mercury for general corporate purposes. As of December 31, 2004, Mercury had $2,931,000 of unused revolving credit line available under the B of A Credit Facility. The amount of credit available to Mercury on the B of A Credit Facility, as amended, is determined monthly and is equal to the lesser of 1) sum of: a) 80% of the balance due on Domestic Eligible Receivables less b) $2,000,000; and 2) $30,000,000. The B of A Credit Facility, as amended, contains certain financial covenants limiting the amount Mercury can expend annually for capital expenditures to $2,000,000. The B of A Credit Facility, as amended, also prohibits the repurchase of stock and the payment of cash dividends, except for cash dividends

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in an amount not to exceed $17,500,000 by June 30, 2005. Mercury is also required to comply with certain financial covenants for tangible net worth and fixed charges. The B of A Credit Facility bears interest at the prime rate, and expires on July 31, 2007, or earlier under certain circumstances. Mercury is in compliance with all of the terms and conditions of the B of A Credit Facility. On March 17, 2005, the Bank of America informed Mercury, in writing, that it would allow Mercury to repurchase its common stock during fiscal year 2005, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $1,000,000. The Company is currently requesting additional time from the Bank of America to repurchase its common stock in the Transaction. Mercury has not yet received approval from the Bank of America to effectuate the Transaction and without such approval, the Transaction will not be completed. There are no alternative financing plans in the event the financing under the B of A Credit Facility falls through.

ANTICIPATED ACCOUNTING TREATMENT

     Mercury anticipates that it will account for the purchase of outstanding Mercury common stock in the Transaction from stockholders as cancelled stock.

U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

     Summarized below are the material federal income tax consequences to Mercury and its stockholders resulting from the Transaction. This summary is based on existing federal income tax law, which may change, even retroactively. This summary does not discuss all aspects of federal income taxation that may be important to you in light of your individual circumstances. Many types of stockholders (such as financial institutions, insurance companies, broker-dealers, tax-exempt organizations, and foreign persons) may be subject to special tax rules. Other stockholders may also be subject to special tax rules including, but not limited to, stockholders who received Mercury common stock as compensation for services or pursuant to the exercise of an employee stock option, or stockholders who have held, or will hold, stock as part of a straddle, hedging, or conversion transaction for federal income tax purposes. In addition, this summary does not discuss any state, local, foreign or other tax considerations.

     This summary assumes that you are one of the following:

    a citizen or resident of the United States;
 
    a corporation or an entity taxable as a corporation created or organized under U.S. law (federal or state);
 
    an estate the income of which is subject to federal income taxation regardless of its sources;
 
    a trust if a U.S. court is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more U.S. persons have authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust; or
 
    any other person whose worldwide income and gain is otherwise subject to federal income taxation on a net basis.

     This summary also assumes that you have held and will continue to hold your shares as capital assets.

NO RULING FROM THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE OR OPINION OF COUNSEL WILL BE OBTAINED REGARDING THE FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THE STOCKHOLDERS OF MERCURY IN CONNECTION WITH THE TRANSACTION. ACCORDINGLY, EACH STOCKHOLDER IS ENCOURAGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISOR AS TO THE PARTICULAR FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN, AND OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES, IN LIGHT OF THEIR INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES.

The Transaction

     We believe that the Transaction will be treated as a tax-free “recapitalization” for federal income tax purposes. This will result in no material federal income tax consequences to Mercury.

     Federal Income Tax Consequences to Stockholders, Including Affiliates, Who Are Not Cashed-out in the Transaction

     If you continue to hold Mercury common stock immediately after the Transaction, and you receive no cash as a result of the Transaction, you will not recognize any gain or loss in the Transaction and will have the same adjusted tax basis and holding period in your Mercury common stock as you had in such stock immediately prior to the Transaction.

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Federal Income Tax Consequences to Stockholders, Including Affiliates, Who Both Receive Cash and Own, or Are Considered to Own for Federal Income Tax Purposes, Mercury Common Stock After the Transaction

     In some instances you may be entitled to receive cash in the Transaction for shares you hold in one capacity, but continue to hold shares in another capacity. For example, you may own less than 501 shares in your own name (for which you will receive cash) and own more than 501 shares that are held in your brokerage account in street name. Alternatively, for federal income tax purposes you may be deemed to own shares held by others. For instance, if you own less than 501 shares in your own name (for which you will receive cash) and your spouse owns more than 501 shares (which will continue to be held following the completion of the Transaction), the shares owned by your spouse will be attributable to you. As a result, in some instances the shares you own in another capacity, or which are attributed to you, may remain outstanding. In determining whether you are deemed to continue to hold stock immediately after the Transaction, you will be treated as owning shares actually or constructively owned by certain family members and entities in which you have an interest (such as trusts and estates of which you are a beneficiary and corporations and partnerships of which you are an owner, and shares you have an option to acquire).

     If you both receive cash as a result of the Transaction and continue to hold Mercury common stock either directly or through attribution, you will recognize gain, if any, in an amount not to exceed the amount of cash received. Generally no loss will be recognized. The receipt of cash will be characterized as either a dividend or as a payment received in exchange for the stock. The Transaction will be taxed as a dividend unless the payment:

    is not essentially equivalent to a dividend with respect to you as determined under Section 302(b)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”);
 
    is a substantially disproportionate redemption of stock with respect to you as determined under Section 302(b)(2) of the Code; or
 
    results in the complete termination of your interest in Mercury under Section 302(b)(3) of the Code (which would be possible if you ceased to own any shares directly and if the only shares attributed to you were from a family member and you properly waive family attribution).

     If you satisfy one of these tests, you will recognize income in an amount equal to the excess of the cash received for your shares over your adjusted basis in those shares, and this income will be characterized as capital gain.

     If you fail to satisfy one of these tests, then the cash received will be treated as a dividend to you to the extent of your ratable share of Mercury undistributed earnings and profits, then as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of your aggregate adjusted tax basis in your shares, and any remaining amount will be treated as capital gain.

     If you, or a person or entity whose ownership of Mercury shares would be attributed to you, will continue to hold Mercury common stock immediately after the Transaction, you are urged to consult with your tax advisor as to the particular federal, state, local, foreign, and other tax consequences of the Transaction, in light of your specific circumstances.

Federal Income Tax Consequences to Cashed-out Stockholders, including Affiliates, Who do not Own, and Are Not Deemed to Own, Mercury Common Stock After the Transaction

     If you receive cash as a result of the Transaction and do not own, and are not deemed to own Mercury common stock immediately after the Transaction, you will recognize capital gain or loss. The amount of capital gain or loss you recognize will equal the difference between the cash you receive for your cashed-out stock and your adjusted tax basis in such stock.

Capital Gain and Loss

     For individuals, capital gain recognized on the sale of capital assets that have been held for more than 12 months (to the extent they exceed capital losses) generally will be subject to tax at a federal income tax rate not to exceed 15%. Net capital gain recognized from the sale of capital assets that have been held for 12 months or less will be subject to tax at ordinary income tax rates. In addition, capital gain recognized by a corporate taxpayer will be subject to tax at the ordinary income tax rates applicable to corporations. In general, the capital losses of individuals may only be deducted to the extent of the individual’s capital gains plus $3,000 each year.

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Any capital loss of an individual which is not deductible by reason of the foregoing limitation may be carried forward to subsequent years. In the case of corporations, capital losses may only be deducted to the extent of capital gains.

     Any capital loss of a corporation which is not deductible by reason of the foregoing limitation may be carried back three years and carried forward five years.

Dividend

     For individuals, if any portion of the cash received is treated as a dividend under the rules described above, the dividend generally will be subject to tax at a federal income tax rate not to exceed 15%, provided that the individual satisfies the holding period requirement.

Backup Withholding

     Stockholders will be required to provide their social security or other taxpayer identification numbers (or, in some instances, additional information) in connection with the Transaction to avoid backup withholding requirements that might otherwise apply. The letter of transmittal will require each stockholder to deliver such information when the common stock certificates are surrendered following the effective time of the Transaction. Failure to provide such information may result in backup withholding.

     As explained above, the amounts paid to you as a result of the Transaction may result in dividend income, capital gain income, or some combination of dividend and capital gain income to you depending on your individual circumstance.

REGULATORY APPROVALS

     Mercury is not aware of any material governmental or regulatory approval required for completion of the Transaction, other than compliance with the relevant federal and state securities laws and the corporate laws of the state of Delaware.

NO APPRAISAL OF DISSENTERS’ RIGHTS; ESCHEAT LAWS

     Stockholders do not have appraisal or dissenters’ rights under Delaware state law or Mercury’s Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws in connection with the Transaction.

     The unclaimed property and escheat laws of each state provide that under circumstances defined in that state’s statutes, holders of unclaimed or abandoned property must surrender that property to the state. Persons whose shares are eliminated and whose addresses are unknown to Mercury, or who do not return their common stock certificate(s) and request payment therefor, generally will have a period of years (depending on applicable state law) from the effective date of the Transaction in which to claim the cash payment payable to them. Following the expiration of that period, the escheat laws of states of residence of stockholders, as shown by the records of Mercury, generally provide for such state to obtain either (i) custodial possession of property that has been unclaimed until the owner reclaims it or (ii) escheat of such property to the state. If Mercury does not have an address for the holder of record of the shares, then unclaimed cash-out payments, without interest, would be turned over to Mercury’s state of incorporation, the state of Delaware, in accordance with its escheat laws.

ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING

     Although it is not expected, the Special Meeting may be adjourned for the purpose of soliciting additional proxies. Any adjournment of the Special Meeting may be made without notice, other than by announcement made at the Special Meeting, by approval of the holders of a majority of the shares of Mercury’s common and preferred stock represented in person or represented by proxy at the Special Meeting, whether or not a quorum exists.

RESERVATION OF RIGHTS

     The Board has retained for itself the absolute authority to reject (and not implement) the Transaction (even after approval thereof) if it determines subsequently that the Transaction is not then in the best interests of Mercury and its stockholders.

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EXAMPLES

     In general, the Transaction can be illustrated by the following examples:

     
HYPOTHETICAL SCENARIO
  RESULT
 
   
Mr. Smith is a registered stockholder who holds 50 shares of Mercury’s common stock of record in his name at the effective time of the Transaction. Mr. Smith holds no other shares.
  Instead of receiving fractional shares of common stock immediately after the reverse stock split, Mr. Smith will receive cash in the amount of $4.00 for each of the 50 shares of Mercury’s common stock held prior to the reverse stock split. (Note: If Mr. Smith wants to continue to invest in Mercury, he can buy at least 451 more shares of Mercury’s common stock (with such shares held of record in his name so that it is readily apparent that he owns more than 500 shares). Mr. Smith would have to act far enough in advance of the effective time of the Transaction so that the purchase is completed and registered on the books of Mercury before the effective time.)
 
   
HYPOTHETICAL SCENARIO
  RESULT
 
   
Ms. Jones holds 100 shares of Mercury’s common stock in a brokerage account at the effective time of the Transaction. Ms. Jones holds no other shares.
  Mercury intends to treat stockholders holding common stock in street name through a nominee (such as a bank or broker) in the same manner as stockholders whose shares are registered in their own names. Nominees will be instructed to effect the Transaction for their beneficial holders. Nominees may have different procedures, however, and stockholders holding common stock in street name should contact their nominees. Ms. Jones will receive cash in the amount of $4.00 for each of the 100 shares of Mercury’s common stock held prior to the reverse stock split.
 
   
HYPOTHETICAL SCENARIO
  RESULT
 
   
Mr. Williams holds 475 shares of Mercury’s common stock of record in his name and 75 shares in a brokerage account at the effective time of the Transaction. Mr. Williams holds no other shares.
  Mercury will presume that all of the shares are held by a holder of fewer than 501 shares and Mr. Williams will receive cash in the amount of $4.00 for each of the 550 shares of Mercury’s common stock held prior to the reverse stock split. (Note: If Mr. Williams wants to continue to hold Mercury’s shares, he can transfer at least 26 shares out of his brokerage account so that they are also held of record in his name. Mr. Williams would have to act far enough in advance of the effective time of the Transaction so that the purchase is complete and registered on the books of Mercury before the effective time.)
 
   
HYPOTHETICAL SCENARIO
  RESULT
 
   
Ms. Washington holds 1,000 shares of Mercury’s common stock either in her name or in a brokerage account at the effective time of the Transaction. Ms. Washington holds no other shares.
  Ms. Washington will hold 1,000 shares of Mercury’s common stock after the Transaction.

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SELECTED PER SHARE FINANCIAL INFORMATION

     The following table sets forth selected historical per share financial information for Mercury and unaudited pro forma per share financial information for Mercury giving effect to the Transaction as if it had been consummated as of the end of each period presented, in the case of book value per share information, and as of the beginning of the respective periods, in the case of income per share and weighted common share outstanding information. The information presented below is derived from (i) the consolidated historical financial statements of Mercury, including the related notes thereto, and (ii) the unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements, including the related assumptions, beginning on page 75. This table should be read together with the Selected Historical Financial Information beginning on page 73, the unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements and the related assumptions and footnotes beginning on page 75 and the consolidated financial statements of Mercury and the notes thereto included in Mercury’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004 and Mercury’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2005, which information is attached to and incorporated by reference in this proxy statement. As described in the assumptions to the unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements, the pro forma per share information assumes that 192,613 shares of Common Stock will be cashed out in connection with the Transaction, and that the total cash required for the Transaction will be $1,271,000, including the cash paid for these shares, and amounts required to pay the other costs of the Transaction, or $1,092,000 net of taxes. The pro forma information set forth below is not necessarily indicative of what Mercury’s financial position or results of operations actually would have been if the Transaction had been consummated as of the above referenced dates or of Mercury’s financial position or results of operations in the future.

                 
            As of and for the  
    As of and for the     Year Ended  
    Months Ended     June 30, 2004  
    March 31, 2005     (pro forma amounts  
(Shares in thousands except per share amounts)   (unaudited)     are unaudited)  
Mercury — Historical                
Net income per common share from continuing operations:
               
Basic
  $ (0.71 )   $ (1.67 )
Diluted
  $ (0.71 )   $ (1.67 )
Book value per common share (1)
  $ 4.54     $ 10.79  
Net tangle book value per share
  $ 3.05     $ 9.25  
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges
  $ 0.81     $ 1.00  
Dividends per common share
  $ 5.70     $ 0.00  
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
               
Basic
    2,900,631       3,059,200  
Diluted
    2,900,631       3,059,200  
Mercury—Pro Forma
               
Net income per common share from continuing operations (2):
               
Basic
  $ (0.77 )   $ (1.80 )
Diluted
  $ (0.77 )   $ (1.80 )
Book value per common share (3)
  $ 4.46     $ 11.16  
Net tangible book value per share
  $ 2.88     $ 9.50  
Dividends per common share
  $ 5.70     $ 0.00  
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
               
Basic
    2,708,018       2,866,587  
Diluted
    2,708,018       2,866,587  
 
(1)   Historical book value per share of common stock is computed by dividing stockholders’ equity by the number of basic common shares outstanding at the end of the period.
 
(2)   Basic and diluted pro forma net income per share amounts are computed by dividing pro forma net income by the historical weighted average number of basic shares and diluted shares outstanding for the period, minus the shares of common stock assumed to be cashed out in the Transaction.
 
(3)   Pro forma book value per share of common stock is computed by dividing pro forma stockholders’ equity by the number of basic common shares outstanding at the end of the respective periods, minus the number of shares of common stock assumed to be cashed out in the Transaction.

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MARKET FOR COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

MARKET PRICES OF THE COMMON STOCK

     Mercury’s common stock is listed on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol “MAX.” The following table sets forth the range of high and low closing prices as reported on the American Stock Exchange for the calendar periods set forth below. On March 8, 2005, the day before the public announcement that the Special Committee was considering the Transaction, the closing price of the common stock on the American Stock Exchange was $4.49 per share. On March 21, 2005, the day before Mercury’s announcement that the Transaction had been approved by the Special Committee and the Board, the closing price of the common stock on the American Stock Exchange was $3.36 per share. On ___, 2005 (the most recent practicable date prior to the printing of this proxy statement), the closing price of the common stock was $  per share.

     A special cash dividend of $5.70 per share was paid to stockholders effective the close of business on November 5, 2004. The prices set forth below are not adjusted for this special cash dividend. The prices set forth below are adjusted for a 1-for-2 reverse stock split as of June 18, 2003.

                 
    HIGH     LOW  
Calendar 2005
               
Second quarter (through June 19, 2005)
  $ 3.99     $ 3.32  
First quarter
    4.80       3.25  
 
               
Calendar 2004
               
Fourth quarter (November 6, 2004 through December 31, 2004)
  $ 5.80     $ 3.08  
Fourth quarter (through November 5, 2004)
    8.45       5.02  
Third quarter
    5.56       4.95  
Second quarter
    7.19       4.58  
First quarter
    7.19       5.00  
 
               
Calendar 2003
               
Fourth quarter
  $ 6.85     $ 4.49  
Third quarter
    7.30       6.20  
Second quarter
    7.16       3.20  
First quarter
    3.70       3.20  

     There were approximately 331 common stockholders of record as of March 1, 2005.

DIVIDENDS

     On October 6, 2004, Mercury announced that its Board of Directors declared a one-time special cash dividend totaling $17,500,000, that would be payable on a pro rata basis to holders of record of its common stock. The dividend was paid on November 5, 2004. Based on 3,056,355 shares of its common stock outstanding as of the close of business on the record date, the dividend payable per common shares was $5.70. The amount payable per share of common stock was net of the mandatory dividend payments of approximately $70,000 on the Company’s outstanding preferred stock as of the dividend payment date of November 5, 2004. This one-time special cash dividend was funded, in part, by a cash advance on Mercury’s credit facility with the Bank of America in the amount of $10,000,000.

     Except as set forth above, Mercury has not declared any dividends on the common stock during the past five years, and the Board of Directors does not currently intend to pay any cash dividends on the common stock in the foreseeable future. Payment of cash dividends by Mercury is at the discretion of its Board of Directors and is dependent on its earnings, financial condition, capital requirements and other relevant factors. Mercury’s current credit facility also contains limitations on Mercury’s ability to pay dividends.

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STOCK PURCHASES BY MERCURY AND TRANSACTION AFFILIATES

STOCK PURCHASES BY MERCURY

     Except as described below, Mercury has not purchased any shares of its common stock within the past two years.

     During the period from January 1, 2003 through June 16, 2005, Mercury purchased an aggregate of 519,850 shares of its common stock. The following table sets forth information by quarter regarding such share repurchases, both on an actual basis and on a basis adjusted to account for the $5.70 per share dividend paid to stockholders as of November 5, 2004:

                         
    NUMBER OF     AVERAGE     AVERAGE  
    SHARES     PRICES PAID     PRICES PAID  
CALENDAR PERIOD   PURCHASED     (ACTUAL)     (ADJUSTED) (1)  
2005 - Second Quarter (2)
    0       n.a.       n.a.  
2005 - First Quarter (2)
    3,750 (3)     4.90.       4.90 (4)
 
2004 - Fourth Quarter
    8,750 (3)   $ 4.90     $ 4.90 (4)
2004 - Third Quarter
    153,000 (5)   $ 6.01     $ 0.31  
2004 - Second Quarter
    14,500     $ 6.17     $ 0.47  
2004 - First Quarter
    0       n.a.       n.a.  
 
2003 - Fourth Quarter
    343,600 (6)   $ 10.44 (7)   $ 4.74  
2003 - Third Quarter
    0       n.a.       n.a.  
2003 - Second Quarter
    0       n.a.       n.a.  
2003 - First Quarter
    0       n.a.       n.a.  
 
(1)   Adjusted to account for a $5.70 per share cash dividend paid to stockholders as of November 5, 2004.
 
(2)   Through June 16, 2005.
 
(3)   Purchased by Mercury from former executive officers upon their termination of employment.
 
(4)   Purchased subsequent to November 5, 2004, and therefore not adjusted.
 
(5)   Mercury purchased 150,000 shares on July 16, 2004, pursuant to a settlement agreement with David H. Murdock and related parties (collectively “Murdock”). The shares were purchased at $6.00 per share. In connection with the settlement agreement, Mercury and Murdock agreed to enter into a certain mutual release of claims, and Mercury agreed to pay to Murdock $525,000 representing all costs, fees and expenses incurred by Murdock in connection with the settlement agreement and due diligence investigation of Mercury’s business and in consideration for Murdock’s execution of a mutual release of claims. Mercury also purchased 3,000 shares during the quarter at $6.55 per share from a former executive officer upon his termination of employment.
 
(6)   Represents number of shares purchased by Mercury from J O Hambro and certain of its affiliates and private clients (“Hambro”) on December 15, 2003 pursuant to a settlement agreement with Hambro.
 
(7)   Represents principal amount of three promissory notes issued to Hambro pursuant to the settlement agreement for an aggregate principal amount of $3,586,000, divided by the number of shares purchased by Mercury from Hambro. The $3,586,000 includes consideration paid by Mercury for the shares purchased and also for the following: (i) Mercury’s agreement not to institute certain litigation against Hambro, (ii) Mercury’s agreement to dismiss the litigation against Hambro, (iii) the release of certain claims by Hambro, and (iv) reimbursement of Hambro for certain costs, fees and expenses. The per share amount in the table assumes the payment was exclusively in consideration for the Mercury shares.

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STOCK PURCHASES BY AFFILIATES (INCLUDING TRANSACTION AFFILIATES)

     Except as described below, and except for acquisitions and exercises of stock options, to the best of Mercury’s knowledge, neither the Transaction Affiliates nor any executive officer or director of Mercury, or any other person in control of Mercury (“Affiliates”)have purchased any shares of Mercury’s common stock within the past two years.

     During the period from January 1, 2003 through June 16, 2005, the Affiliates purchased an aggregate of 419,807 shares of its common stock. The following table sets forth information by quarter regarding such share repurchases:

                 
    NUMBER OF     AVERAGE  
    SHARES     PRICE PAID  
CALENDAR PERIOD   PURCHASED     (ACTUAL)  
2005 - Second Quarter(1)
    0       n.a.  
2005 - First Quarter
    0       n.a.  
 
               
2004 - Fourth Quarter
    419,807 (2)   $ 3.15 (3)
2004 - Third Quarter
    0       n.a.  
2004 - Second Quarter
    0       n.a.  
2004 - First Quarter
    0       n.a.  
2003 - Fourth Quarter
    0       n.a.  
2003 - Third Quarter
    0       n.a.  
2003 - Second Quarter
    0       n.a.  
2003 - First Quarter
    0       n.a.  
 
(1)   Through June 16, 2005.
 
(2)   Consists of the following purchases by CK Partners: (i) 192,400 shares purchased on November 23, 2004, at $3.20 per share; and (ii) 226,407 shares purchased on November 30, 2004 at $3.10 per share, and a purchase of 1,000 shares on December 2, 2004 at $5.87 per share, by Mr. Feracota.
 
(3)   Shares acquired subsequent to the special dividend of $5.70 per share which was paid to stockholders on November 5, 2004, and therefore not adjusted.

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THE SPECIAL MEETING

GENERAL

     Mercury is providing this proxy statement to Mercury’s stockholders of record as of [July ___, 2005], along with a form of proxy that the Mercury Board of Directors is soliciting for use at the Special Meeting to be held on [August ___, 2005] at 9:00 a.m., at 5456 McConnell Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90066. At the Special Meeting, the stockholders will vote upon (1) a proposal to amend the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation to effect a 1-for-501 reverse stock split of the Company’s common stock (the “Reverse Stock Split”), immediately followed by (2) a proposal to amend the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation to effect a 501-for-1 forward stock split of Mercury’s common stock (the “Forward Stock Split”, and collectively, the ‘Transaction”); and (3) a proposal to grant the Company’s board of directors discretionary authority to adjourn the Special Meeting if necessary to satisfy the conditions to completing the Transaction, including for the purpose of soliciting proxies to vote in favor of the Transaction. The amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation to effect the Forward Stock Split is contingent upon stockholder approval of the Reverse Stock Split and the amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation to effect the Reverse Stock Split is contingent upon stockholder approval of the Forward Stock Split. The Forward Stock Split will be effected only after completion of the Reverse Stock Split.

WHO CAN VOTE AT AND ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING

     You may vote all of Mercury’s common and preferred stock that you own as of the close of business on the record date, which was [July ___, 2005]. These shares include:

    shares held directly in your name as the “stockholder of record,” and
 
    shares held for you as the “beneficial owner” either through a broker, bank or other nominee.

     Many of Mercury’s stockholders hold their shares through a broker, bank or other nominee rather than directly in their own name. As summarized below, there are some distinctions between shares held of record and those owned beneficially.

     Stockholder of Record. If your shares are registered directly in your name with the Transfer Agent, you are considered, with respect to those shares, the stockholder of record, and these proxy materials are being sent to you by Mercury. As the stockholder of record, you have the right to vote by proxy or to vote in person at the Special Meeting. Mercury has enclosed a proxy card for you to use.

     Beneficial Owner. If your shares are held in a stock brokerage account or by a bank or other nominee, you are considered the “beneficial owner” of shares held in “street name” with respect to those shares, and the proxy materials are being forwarded to you by your broker or other nominee. Your broker or other nominee is considered, with respect to those shares, the stockholder of record. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker or other nominee how to vote and are also invited to attend the Special Meeting. As a beneficial owner, however, you are not the stockholder of record, and you may not vote these shares in person at the Special Meeting unless you obtain a signed proxy appointment form from the stockholder of record giving you the right to vote the shares. Your broker or nominee has enclosed or provided a voting instruction card for you to use in directing the broker or nominee how to vote your shares.

     All holders of Mercury’s common and preferred stock may attend the Special Meeting in person. If you are a beneficial owner of Mercury’s common stock held by a broker, bank or other nominee (i.e., in “street name”), you will need proof of ownership to be admitted to the Special Meeting. A recent brokerage statement or letter from a bank or broker are examples of proof of ownership. Only holders of record of Mercury’s common and preferred stock as of [July ___, 2005] may cast their votes in person at the Special Meeting.

     Whether you hold your shares directly as stockholder of record or beneficially in street name, you may direct your vote without attending the Special Meeting. You may vote by signing your proxy card or, for shares held in street name, by signing the voting instruction card included by your broker or nominee and mailing it in the enclosed, pre-addressed envelope. If you provide specific voting instructions, your shares will be voted as you instruct. If you sign but do not provide instructions, your shares will be voted as described above in “Questions and Answers — About the Meeting and — Voting Procedures — How are my Votes Counted?”

     VOTE REQUIRED

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     The required vote for each of the proposals presented at the Special Meeting are as follows:

  1.   The proposal to amend the Certificate of Incorporation to effect the Reverse Stock Split is subject to the approval of the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock and preferred stock, counted as a single class.
 
  2.   The proposal to amend the Certificate of Incorporation to effect the Forward Stock Split is subject to the approval of the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock and preferred stock, counted as a single class.
 
  3.   Approval of granting the board of directors with discretionary authority to adjourn the Annual Meeting requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of common and preferred stock voting as a single class.

     Please note that the amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation to effect the Forward Stock Split is conditioned upon stockholder approval of the amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation to effect the Reverse Stock Split, and that the amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation to effect the Reverse Stock Split is conditioned upon stockholder approval of the amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation to effect the Forward Stock Split.

     The proposals set forth above are “non-discretionary” items, meaning that brokerage firms cannot vote shares in their discretion on behalf of a client if the client has not given voting instructions. Accordingly, shares held in street name that have been designated by brokers on proxy cards as not voted with respect to that proposal (“broker non-vote shares”) will not be counted as votes cast.

     In accordance with Mercury’s Bylaws relating to special meetings of stockholders, no other business may be presented at the Special Meeting other than matters incidental to the conduct of the Special Meeting.

     As of the record date, the directors and executive officers of Mercury, including the Transaction Affiliates, held a total of approximately 38.5% of the outstanding shares of Mercury’s common and preferred stock entitled to vote at the Special Meeting. The directors and executive officers of Mercury have indicated that they will vote “FOR” each of the proposals presented at the Special Meeting.

VOTING AND REVOCATION OF PROXIES

     The shares of Mercury’s common and preferred stock represented by properly completed proxies received at or before the time for the Special Meeting (or any adjournment) will be voted as directed by the respective stockholders unless the proxies are revoked as described below. If no instructions are given, executed proxies will be voted “FOR” the proposal to effect the Reverse Stock Split, “FOR” the proposal to effect the Forward Stock Split , and “FOR” approval of the proposal granting the Board of Directors discretionary authority to adjourn the Special Meeting.

     The proxies will be voted in the discretion of the proxy holders on other matters, if any, that are properly presented at the Special Meeting and voted upon.

     You may revoke your proxy at any time before the vote is taken at the Special Meeting. To revoke your proxy, you must either: notify Wayne Lovett in writing at Mercury’s principal executive office; submit a later dated proxy to Mr. Lovett; or attend the Special Meeting and vote your shares in person. Your attendance at the Special Meeting will not automatically revoke your proxy. If you hold your shares in street name, please see the voting form provided by your broker for additional information regarding the voting of your shares. Your broker may allow you to deliver your voting instructions via the telephone or the internet. If your shares are not registered in your name, you will need additional documentation from your record holder to vote the shares in person.

RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

     The Board of Directors of Mercury has approved the Transaction and believes that it is fair to and in the best interests of, Mercury and its stockholders. With Messrs. Czyzyk and Kopko abstaining, the remainder of the Board of Directors unanimously recommends that Mercury’s stockholders vote “FOR” the proposal to effect the Reverse Stock Split, “FOR” the proposal to effect the Forward Stock Split, and “FOR” the proposal to grant the Board of Directors discretionary authority to adjourn the Special Meeting.

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THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT

     The following is a description of the material terms and effects of the Transaction. A copy of the proposed Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation effecting both the reverse split and the forward split following immediately thereafter is attached as Appendix A to this proxy statement. This discussion does not include all of the information that may be important to you. You should read the proposed Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and this proxy statement and related appendices before deciding how to vote at the Special Meeting.

THE STRUCTURE OF THE TRANSACTION

     The Transaction includes both a reverse stock split and a forward stock split of the common stock. If the Transaction is approved by stockholders and implemented by the Board of Directors, the reverse and forward splits are expected to occur at 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on or about [August ___, 2005] (the “effective time”).

     Upon consummation of the Reverse Stock Split, each registered stockholder at the effective time will receive 1 share of common stock for each 501 shares of common stock held in his or her account at that time. Upon consummation of the Forward Stock Split, each registered stockholder who holds 1 or more shares of common stock following the Reverse Stock Split will receive 501 shares of common stock for each 1 share of common stock held in his or her account at the time. If a registered stockholder holds 501 or more shares of common stock in his or her account, any fractional shares in such account will not be cashed-out after the Reverse Stock Split and the Forward Stock Split, and the total number of shares held by such holder will not change as a result of the Transaction. Any registered stockholder who holds fewer than 501 shares of common stock in his or her account at the effective time will receive a cash payment instead of fractional shares. This cash payment will be determined and paid as described under “- Conversion of Shares in the Transaction” below.

     We intend to treat stockholders holding common stock in street name through a nominee (such as a bank or broker) in the same manner as stockholders whose shares are registered in their names, and nominees will be instructed to effect the Transaction for their beneficial holders. Nominees may have different procedures, however, and stockholders holding shares in street name should contact their nominees.

CONVERSION OF SHARES IN THE TRANSACTION

     At the effective time of the Transaction:

    stockholders holding fewer than 501 shares of Mercury common stock immediately prior to the effective time, whether record shares (as defined below) or street shares (as defined below), will receive cash equal to $4.00 per share, without interest, and such shares will be cancelled;
 
    all outstanding shares of Mercury common stock other than those described above will remain outstanding with all rights, privileges, and powers existing immediately before the Transaction;

     As used above:

    the term “record shares” means shares of Mercury stock, other than street shares, and any record share shall be deemed to be held by the registered holder thereof as reflected on the books of Mercury; and
 
    the term “street shares” means shares of Mercury stock held of record in street name, and any street share shall be deemed to be held by the beneficial owner thereof as reflected on the books of the nominee holder thereof.

     Mercury (along with any other person or entity to which it may delegate or assign any responsibility or task with respect thereto) shall have full discretion and exclusive authority (subject to its right and power to so delegate or assign such authority) to:

    make such inquiries, whether of any stockholder(s) or otherwise, as it may deem appropriate for purposes of effecting the Transaction; and

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    resolve and determine, in its sole discretion, all ambiguities, questions of fact and interpretive and other matters relating to such provisions, including, without limitation, any questions as to the number of shares held by any holder immediately prior to the effective time. All such determinations by Mercury shall be final and binding on all parties, and no person or entity shall have any recourse against Mercury or any other person or entity with respect thereto.

     For purposes of effecting the Transaction, Mercury may, in its sole discretion, but without any obligation to do so,

    presume that any shares of Mercury common stock held in a discrete account (whether record or beneficial) are held by a person distinct from any other person, notwithstanding that the registered or beneficial holder of a separate discrete account has the same or a similar name as the holder of a separate discrete account; and
 
    aggregate the shares held (whether of record or beneficially) by any person or persons that Mercury determines to constitute a single holder for purposes of determining the number of shares held by such holder.

     Rule 12g5-1 under the Exchange Act provides that, for the purpose of determining whether an issuer is subject to the registration provisions of the Exchange Act, securities shall be deemed to be “held of record” by each person who is identified as the owner of such securities on the records of security holders maintained by or on behalf of the issuer, subject to the following:

  -   In any case where the records of security holders have not been maintained in accordance with accepted practice, any additional person who would be identified as such an owner on such records if they had been maintained in accordance with accepted practice shall be included as a holder of record.
 
  -   Securities identified as held of record by a corporation, a partnership, a trust (whether or not the trustees are named), or other organization shall be included as so held by one person.
 
  -   Securities identified as held of record by one or more persons as trustees, executors, guardians, custodians or in other fiduciary capacities with respect to a single trust, estate, or account shall be included as held of record by one person.
 
  -   Securities held by two or more persons as co-owners shall be included as held by one person.
 
  -   Securities registered in substantially similar names where the issuer has reason to believe because of the address or other indications that such names represent the same person, may be included as held of record by one person.

EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES

     Promptly after the Transaction, Mercury will mail to each holder who appears to have owned fewer than 501 common shares immediately prior to the effective time of the Transaction, based on information available to Mercury, a letter of transmittal (which shall specify that delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to the certificates shall pass, only upon delivery of the certificates to Mercury) and instructions to effect the surrender of the certificates in exchange for a cash payment, if any, payable with respect to such certificates. Upon surrender of a certificate for cancellation to Mercury, together with such letter of transmittal, duly completed and executed and containing the certification that the holder of the certificate holds fewer than 501 common shares, and such other customary documents as may be required pursuant to such instructions, the holder of such certificate will receive a cash payment payable with respect to the shares formerly represented by such certificate and the certificate so surrendered shall be canceled.

     All amounts payable to stockholders will be subject to applicable state laws relating to abandoned property. No service charges or brokerage commissions will be payable by stockholders in connection with the Transaction. Mercury will not pay any interest on any cash amounts payable to its stockholders as a result of the Transaction.

YOU SHOULD NOT SEND YOUR STOCK CERTIFICATES NOW. YOU SHOULD SEND THEM ONLY AFTER YOU RECEIVE A LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL FROM MERCURY. LETTERS OF TRANSMITTAL WILL BE MAILED SOON AFTER THE TRANSACTION IS COMPLETED.

TIME OF CLOSING

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If the Transaction is approved by the Mercury stockholders, the Transaction will take place on [August ___, 2005] or as soon as practicable thereafter. As soon as practicable following the Special Meeting, the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation will be filed with the Secretary of State of Delaware. Each of the reverse split and the forward split will become effective on the date and at the time specified in the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.

PROPOSAL FOR DISCRETIONARY ADJOURNMENT OF THE SPECIAL MEETING

     The board of directors is seeking discretionary authority to adjourn the Special Meeting if necessary to satisfy the conditions to completing the transaction, including for the purpose of soliciting proxies to vote in favor of the transaction.

     Approval of the proposal to grant the board of directors discretionary authority to adjourn the Special Meeting requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of common and preferred stock, voting as a single class on the matter. The board of directors recommends a vote FOR granting the board of directors discretionary authority to adjourn the meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes have no effect in the matter. Unless a contrary choice is indicated, proxies solicited by the board of directors will be voted FOR granting the board of directors discretionary authority to adjourn the Special Meeting.

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FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Summary Historical Financial Information

     The following summary of historical consolidated financial data was derived from Mercury’s audited consolidated financial statements as of and for each of the fiscal years ended June 30, 2004, 2003, and 2002, and from unaudited interim consolidated financial statements as of and for the nine months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004. The statement of operations data for the nine months ended March 31, 2005 is not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full fiscal year. This financial information is only a summary and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of Mercury and other financial information, including the notes thereto, contained in Mercury’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004 and Mercury’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2005, which information is attached hereto and incorporated by reference in this proxy statement. See “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Documents Incorporated by Reference” both on page ___.

                                         
    As of and for the Nine Months     As of and for the  
    Ended March 31     Fiscal Year Ended June 30  
    2005     2004     2004     2003     2002  
            (Dollars in thousands, except for per share data)          
Balance Sheet Data:
                                       
Working Capital
    22,092       23,386       33,874       12,004       (19,224 )
Total assets
    93,302       144,411       105,957       132,955       136,214  
Long-term debt (net of current portion)
    20,716       56,569       17,790       48,946       17,516  
Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Stock
    478       509       518       481        
Stockholders’ equity
    13,869       27,505       31,895       32,430       34,420  
Book value per common share
    4.54       9.31       10.79       9.85       10.52  
 
                                       
Income Statement Data:
                                       
Net sales and revenues
    437,282       274,990       385,461       337,248       288,925  
Gross margin
    13,341       10,071       13,026       13,109       14,268  
Income (loss) from continuing operations (1)
    (2,019 )     (2,595 )     (5,083 )     (2,983 )     (2,420 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations (2)
          (1,043 )     (1,803 )     185       6,937  
Gain on sale of discontinued operations (3)
    22             7,501                  
Net income (loss)
    (1,997 )     (3,638 )     615       (2,798 )     4,517  
Diluted earnings (loss) per share: (4)
                                       
From continuing operations, net of taxes
    (0.71 )     (0.84 )     (1.67 )     (0.92 )     (0.74 )
From discontinued operations, net of taxes
          (0.34 )     (0.59 )     0.06       2.12  
From sale of discontinued operations, net of taxes
    0.01               2.45                  
 
                             
Net income (loss) per share
    (0.70 )     (1.18 )     0.19       (0.86 )     1.38  
 
                             

     Notes:

 
(1)   The loss from continuing operations in FY 2004 includes $1,680 for severance payments to the retiring chairman of the board, $311 for increased audit frees due to the re-audit of the Company’s financial statements for fiscal 2002 and 2001, $1,799 for the Hambro Settlement and $525 associated with the Murdock Settlement.
 
(2)   The income (loss) from the discontinued operation for all years relates to the operations of Mercury Air Centers and the sale of that separate business segment in FY 2004.

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(3)   The income from gain on sale of discontinued operation relates to the sale of Air Centers
 
(4)   Earnings (loss) per share have been adjusted retroactively to reflect the effect of the one-for-two stock split that was effective June 18, 2003.

Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

     The following unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2005, and the unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of operations for the nine months ended March 31, 2005 and for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004, show the pro forma effect of the Transaction and related events as required by Rule 11-02 of Regulation S-X. The historical figures for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004, were derived from Mercury’s audited consolidated financial statements that were included in Mercury’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004. The historical figures as of and for the period ended March 31, 2005 were derived from Mercury’s unaudited consolidated financial statements that were included in Mercury’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the nine months ended March 31, 2005.

     The pro forma information below in this section giving effect to the Transaction is based on estimates of record ownership of shares of common stock, the number of shares outstanding and other information as of March 31, 2005 and assumes that, as a result of the foregoing, 192,613 fractional shares are cancelled or cashed out at a price of $4.00 per pre-Transaction share. Pro forma adjustments to the pro forma balance sheets are computed as if the Transaction had occurred at March 31, 2005, while the pro forma income statements are computed as if the Transaction had occurred at the beginning of the period.

     The pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of what Mercury’s financial position or results of operations actually would have been if the Transaction had occurred on July 1, 2003 or July 1, 2004, or of Mercury’s financial position or results of operations in the future.

     The unaudited pro forma financial statements should be read in conjunction with the historical financial statements and accompanying footnotes included in Mercury’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2004, and in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2005, which are attached hereto and incorporated by reference in this proxy statement.

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Mercury Air Group, Inc.
Pro Forma Consolidated Balance Sheet
For the Nine Months Ended March 31, 2005
As if the Transaction Occurred March 31, 2005
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)

                         
    Historical     Adjustments     Pro Forma  
Assets
                       
CURRENT ASSETS:
                       
Cash
  $ 275     $     $ 275  
Trade accounts receivable
    59,757             59,757  
Inventories
    3,330             3,330  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    4,579             4,579  
Deferred income tax
    1,451             1,451  
 
                 
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
    69,392             69,392  
PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLDS
    7,461             7,461  
NOTES RECEIVABLE
    1,300             1,300  
DEFERRED INCOME TAX
    611             611  
GOODWILL
    4,411             4,411  
OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET
    550             550  
RESTRICTED CASH
    8,450             8,450  
OTHER ASSETS, NET
    1,127             1,127  
 
                 
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 93,302     $ 0     $ 93,302  
 
                 
LIABILITIES, MANDATORILY REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                       
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
                       
Accounts Payable
    37,204             37,204  
Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities
    8,918             8,918  
Current Portion of LTD
    1,178             1,178  
 
                 
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
    47,300             47,300  
LONG-TERM DEBT
    20,716       1,083 (1)     21,799  
DEFERRED GAIN
    9,474             9,474  
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
    837             837  
DEFERRED RENT
    628               628  
 
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES
    78,955       1,083       80,038  
MANDATORILY REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK:
                       
Series A — $0.01 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; 462,627 shares outstanding at December 31, 2004
    478             478  
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
                       
Common Stock — $0.01 par value; authorized 18,000,000 shares; 3,056,355 shares outstanding at December 31
    31       (2 )(2)     29  
Additional Paid-in-Capital
    21,443       (769 )     20,674  
Retained Earnings (Accumulated deficit)
    (4,822 )     (313 )(3)     (5,135 )
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
    176             176  
Treasury Stock
    (61 )           (61 )
Notes Receivable from Officers
    (2,898 )           (2,898 )
 
                 
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
    13,869       (1,083 )     12,786  
 
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES, MANDATORILY REDEEMBABLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 93,302     $ 0     $ 93,302  
 
                 

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Mercury Air Group, Inc.
Pro Forma Consolidated Statement of Operations
For the Nine Months Ended March 31, 2005
As if the Transaction Occurred July 1, 2004
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)

                                 
    Historical     Adjustments     Pro Forma          
Operating data
                               
Sales and revenues
    437,282             437,282       279023  
Costs and expenses
    423,941             423,941       269575  
 
                         
Gross margin
    13,341             13,341       9448  
Expenses:
                               
Selling, general and administrative
    11,736             11,736       7028  
Provision for bad debts
    1,514             1,514       364  
Depreciation and amortization
    1,855             1,855       1254  
Interest and other (income) expense, net
    971       41 (4)     1,012       975  
 
                         
Total Expenses
    16,076       41       16,117       9621  
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
    (2,735 )     (41 )     (2,776 )     -173  
Income tax (benefit) expense
    (716 )     (16 )(5)     (732 )     -25  
 
                         
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
    (2,019 )     (25 )     (2,044 )     -148  
Accrued preferred stock dividends
    29               29       20  
 
                         
Net Income (loss) applicable to common stockholders
    (2,048 )     (25 )     (2,073 )     -168  
 
                         
Net income (loss) per share from continuing operations
                               
Basic
    (0.71 )             (0.77 )     -0.05832  
Diluted
    (0.71 )             (0.77 )     -0.05832  
Number of Shares
                               
Basic
    2,900,631       (192,613 )(6)     2,708,018       2880900  
Diluted
    2,900,631       (192,613 )(6)     2,708,018       2880900  

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Mercury Air Group, Inc.
Pro Forma Consolidated Statement of Operations
For the Year Ended June 30, 2004
As if the Transaction Occurred July 1, 2003
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)

                         
    Historical     Adjustments     Pro Forma  
Operating data
                       
Sales and revenues
    385,461               385,461  
Costs and expenses
    372,435               372,435  
 
                 
Gross margin
    13,026             13,026  
Expenses:
                       
Selling, general and administrative
    12,885             12,885  
Provision for bad debts
    506               506  
Depreciation and amortization
    2,828               2,828  
Settlement costs
    2,414               2,414  
Interest and other (income) expense, net
    654       55 (7)     709  
 
                 
Total Expenses
    19,287       55       19,342  
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
    (6,261 )     (55 )     (6,316 )
Income tax (benefit) expense
    (1,178 )     (21 )(5)     (1,199 )
 
                 
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
    (5,083 )     (34 )     (5,117 )
Accrued preferred stock dividends
    37             37  
 
                 
Net Income (loss) applicable to common stockholders
    (5,120 )     (34 )     (5,154 )
 
                 
Net income (loss) per share from continuing operations
                       
Basic
    (1.67 )             (1.80 )
Diluted
    (1.67 )             (1.80 )
Number of Shares
                       
Basic
    3,059,200       (192,613 )(6)     2,866,587  
Diluted
    3,059,200       (192,613 )(6)     2,866,587  

Notes:

 
(1)   Represents funds borrowed under the Company’s senior credit facility to effect the Transaction.
 
(2)   Represents payments in respect of fractional shares that are estimated to be approximately $771. $0.01 per share, or $2, was allocated to Common Stock; $3.99 per share, or $769 was allocated to Additional Paid-in-Capital.
 
(3)   Retained earnings are reduced for the expenses related to the Transaction of $313, net of tax.
 
(4)   Increased interest costs at an assumed interest rate of 5.0% on the approximately $1,075 of revolving line of credit funds used to effect the Transaction. A 1/8% change in the assumed rate would result in a change in interest expense of approximately $1 per annum.
 
(5)   Taxes are based upon Mercury Air Group’s estimated annual combined statutory federal and state income tax rate of 39%
 
(6)   Pro forma basic and diluted weighted outstanding shares are adjusted based on the assumed redemption of 192,613 pre-split shares.
 
(7)   Increased interest costs at an assumed interest rate of 5.0% on the approximately $1,075 of revolving line of credit funds used to effect the Transaction. A 1/8% change in the assumed rate would result in a change in interest expense of approximately $1 per annum.
 
(8)   Retained earnings are reduced for the expenses related to the Transaction of $339, net of tax.

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MANAGEMENT OF MERCURY

     Set forth below is information about the directors and executive officers of Mercury.

Directors

             
Name   Age   Positions
Joseph A. Czyzyk
    57     President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman
Frederick H. Kopko, Jr.
    49     Director
Gary J. Feracota
    44     Director
Michael J. Janowiak
    41     Director
Angelo Pusateri
    64     Director

Executive Officers Who Are Not Directors

             
Name   Age   Positions
Kent Rosenthal
    45     Chief Financial Officer Executive Vice President and President of Maytag
William L. Silva
    54     Aircraft Corporation (“Maytag”)
Wayne J. Lovett
    56     Executive Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel

     Joseph A. Czyzyk has been President and a Director of Mercury Air Group since November 1994 and has served as Chief Executive Officer since December 1998. Mr. Czyzyk was appointed Chairman in July 2004. Mr. Czyzyk also served as President of Mercury Service, Inc., a discontinued division of Mercury Air Group which sold aviation fuel and provided refueling services for commercial aircrafts, from August 1985 until August 1988, and President of Mercury Air Cargo, Inc. from August 1988 until August 1997. Mr. Czyzyk served as an Executive Vice President of Mercury Air Group from November 1990 through November 1994. Mr. Czyzyk received a B.S. in Civil Engineering from California State University of Los Angeles and served in the U.S. Navy. Mr. Czyzyk has served the City of Los Angeles as a Taxi Commissioner since 1998 and was elected President of the Board of Taxicab Commissioners in July 2002.

     Frederick H. Kopko, Jr. has been a director of Mercury Air Group since October 1992. Mr. Kopko has been a partner in the law firm of McBreen & Kopko since January 1990. Mr. Kopko presently serves on the Board of Directors of Sonic Foundry, Inc., a business which develops automated rich media applications software and systems. He was admitted to practice law in the State of Illinois. He attended the University of Connecticut, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics, magna cum laude. He, thereafter, received his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Notre Dame where he was editor of the Notre Dame Law Review. Mr. Kopko also attended the University of Chicago and obtained his Master of Business Administration degree with High Honors.

     Gary J. Feracota has been a director of Mercury Air Group since November 2001. Mr. Feracota is, and has since January 2002, been a Principal of the Pinnacle Group, a privately-held fractional yacht leasing company. He is also a management consultant serving growth companies. From June 2001 to January 2002, Mr. Feracota was President and Chief Executive Officer of Anlon Systems, a distance learning software company, consummating the sale of that company to a private investment group. From September 1997 to June 2001, he was a Partner at Deloitte Consulting. Mr. Feracota was an Associate Partner at Andersen Consulting, where he served as a management consultant from September 1988 to September 1997. He served as Director of Marketing for Seier Technologies from May 1985 to September 1988 and as a Member of the Technical Staff for Texas Instruments from July 1982 to August 1985. Mr. Feracota received a Bachelor degree in Energy Technology and Physics from Northern Illinois University and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Chicago.

     Michael Janowiak has been a director of Mercury Air Group since September 2002. Mr. Janowiak has been a Principal of a company known as Professional Education International (PEI), a professional training organization, since August 1985. Mr. Janowiak has 19 years experience in the information industry. He founded the publishing/ research division of PEI. He has served on the Advisory Board of the Midtown Foundation since January 2001, as the Subsidiary Director of CIB Marine Bancshares, Inc., since November 2001, as Industry Advisor — Illinois Institute of Technology since January 1999, as member of the Advisory Board of Liquio Corporation since August 2002 and as member of the Advisory Board of Idynta Systems since December 2001. Mr. Janowiak attended the University of Arizona and the Stanford University Executive Program.

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     Angelo Pusateri has been a director of Mercury Air Group since December 2002. In May 2002 he retired from Virgin Atlantic Airways Group, Ltd., after 18 years of service. He was President of Virgin Atlantic Cargo from October 1985 until his retirement and President of Virgin Security Services, Inc. from January 1993 to May 2002. Mr. Pusateri currently is an Adjunct Professor at Hofstra University and lectures on “International Strategic Management”. He earned a Master of Business Administration degree from City University of New York.

     Kent Rosenthal has been Mercury’s Chief Financial Officer since December 2004. Mr. Rosenthal is a senior financial executive with more than twenty years experience in accounting and finance positions. Prior to joining Mercury, from September 2003 to December 2004, Mr. Rosenthal was engaged in independent consulting work. Form October 2000 to September 2003, Mr. Rosenthal was the Vice President of Finance of Anixter Pentacon, Inc. (subsidiary of Anixter, Inc.) (“Anixter”), a leading distributor of communications and specialty wire and cable products. While at Anixter, Mr. Rosenthal’s responsibilities included finance, bank relations, strategic planning, and taxation. Prior to Anixter, from February 1988 to January 2000, Mr. Rosenthal held various financial positions at Allied Signal/Honeywell Aerospace. In his last position as director for sales and marketing, Mr. Rosenthal was responsible for, among other things, budgeting and coordination of revenue plan development. Mr. Rosenthal holds an MBA degree from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.

     Wayne J. Lovett has been Executive Vice President of Mercury Air Group since May 2001 and has served as Corporate Secretary since June 1999. Mr. Lovett has been General Counsel since October 1997. Prior to joining Mercury Air Group he was the presiding Judge of the Lakeway, Texas Municipal Court and was previously Corporate Counsel and Secretary of Communications Transmission, Inc. (now Broadwing). He received a Bachelor of Science in Management from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts and his Juris Doctorate, from South Texas College of Law in Houston, Texas.

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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS

     The following table sets forth certain information as of March 1, 2005 with respect to the Mercury’s common stock, preferred stock, total voting power before the Transaction and after the Transaction, by: (a) each director of Mercury; (b) each of Mercury’s executive officers; (c) the directors and executive officers of Mercury, as a group; and (d) all persons known to Mercury to be the beneficial owners of more than five percent (5%) of its outstanding common stock or preferred stock. As of March 1, 2005, there were 3,056,355 shares of common stock and 462,627 shares of preferred stock issued and outstanding. All entries in this chart and elsewhere in this proxy statement have been adjusted for the one-for-two reverse stock split of the common stock of Mercury effective June 18, 2003.

                                                         
Number of Shares and Percentage of Class Beneficially Owned (1)  
                                                    Total Voting  
                                    Total Voting Power (3)     Power After  
    Common Stock     Preferred Stock (2)     Before Transaction     Transaction  
Name and Address (4)   Shares     Percent     Shares     Percent     Shares     Percent          
Joseph A. Czyzyk
    1,403,698 (5)     43.1 %     0       0       1,403,698       37.7 %     39.8 %
William L. Silva
    88,187 (6)     2.9 %     0       0       88,187       2.5 %     2.6 %
Wayne J. Lovett
    31,148 (7)     1.0 %     25,820       5.6 %     56,968       1.6 %     1.7 %
Kent D. Rosenthal (8)
    0       0       0       0       0       0       0  
Frederick H. Kopko, Jr.
    1,403,698 (9)     43.1 %     0       0       1,403,698       37.7 %     39.8 %
20 N. Wacker Drive
                                                       
Suite 2520
                                                       
Chicago, IL 60606
                                                     
Gary Feracota
    33,500 (10)     1.1 %     0       0       33,500       *       1.0 %
904 Williams St.
                                                       
River Forest, IL
                                                       
60305
                                                       
Sergei Kouzmine (11)
    31,000 (12)     1.0 %     0       0       31,000       *       *  
45 Williamsburg Rd.
                                                       
Evanston, IL 60203
                                                     
Michael H. Janowiak
    22,500 (13)     *       0       0       22,500       *       *  
6540 West Joliet
                                                       
Road
                                                       
#38
                                                       
Countryside, IL
                                                       
60525
                                                       
Angelo Pusateri
    16.375 (14)     *       0       0       16,375       *       *  
17 Cary Road
                                                       
New Hyde Park, NY
                                                       
11040
                                                       
CK Partners
    1,403,698 (15)     43.1 %     0       0       1,403,698       37.7 %     39.8 %
Dimensional Fund
    174,101 (16)     5.7 %     0       0       174,101       4.9 %     5.2 %
Advisors, Inc.
                                                       
1299 Ocean Avenue
                                                       
11th Floor
                                                       
Santa Monica, CA
                                                       
90401
                                                       
Beti Ward
    28,711 (17)     *       250,000 (18)     54.0 %     278,711       7.9 %     8.4 %

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Number of Shares and Percentage of Class Beneficially Owned (1)  
                                                    Total Voting  
                                    Total Voting Power (3)     Power After  
    Common Stock     Preferred Stock (2)     Before Transaction     Transaction  
Name and Address (4)   Shares     Percent     Shares     Percent     Shares     Percent          
6644 Vista Del
                                                       
Mar Playa Del Rey, CA
                                                       
90293
                                                       
Jeff Stallones
    8,250 (19)     *       160,987       34.8 %     169,237       4.8 %     5.1 %
3808 World Houston
                                                       
Parkway, Suite B
                                                       
Houston, TX 77032
                                                     
All directors and executive officers as a group (11 persons)
    1,595,408 (20)     48.5 %     25,820       11.2 %     1,621,228       42.8 %     45.1 %
 
*   Less than one percent
 
(1)   The percentage of shares beneficially owned is based on 3,056,355 shares of common stock and 462,627 shares of preferred stock outstanding as of March 1, 2005. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. The stock ownership information includes current shareholdings and shares with respect to which the named individual has the right to acquire beneficial ownership under options exercisable within 60 days, as of March 1, 2005, but does not assume conversion of any preferred shares. See footnote (3). Shares acquired pursuant to exercise of options are deemed outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage of outstanding shares owned by that person. These shares are not deemed outstanding, however, for the purposes of computing the percentage ownership of any other person.
 
(2)   Preferred stock has one vote per share, and is convertible into shares of common stock at a rate of .13333 per share of preferred stock. The amounts in the table assume that no preferred shares are converted.
 
(3)   Assumes that no preferred shares are converted. As a consequence of the voting rights of the preferred stock, conversion would be dilutive as to voting power. See footnote (2).
 
(4)   Unless otherwise indicated in the table, the address for each of the individuals named in the table is 5456 McConnell Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90066.
 
(5)   Consists of (i) 1,194,885 shares beneficially owned by CK Partners, (ii) 76,127 shares issuable upon exercise of options owned by Mr. Frederick H. Kopko, Jr., (iii) 5,172 shares held jointly with the wife of Mr. Czyzyk, 383 shares held by Mr. Czyzyk as custodian for his children, and 2,131 shares held by Mr. Czyzyk’s wife as custodian for their children and (iv) 125,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options owned by Mr. Czyzyk. On July 27, 2000, Philip J. Fagan, M.D., Frederick H. Kopko, Jr. and Joseph A. Czyzyk formed CK Partners f/k/a CFK Partners f/k/a FK Partners, an Illinois general partnership (CK Partners). On July 30, 2004, Dr. Philip J. Fagan withdrew from the partnership and transferred and conveyed to CK Partners all of his right, title and interest in and to all of the shares held by CK Partners. CK Partners holds all shares beneficially owned by the Partners. Pursuant to Section 7 of the Partnership Agreement of CK Partners, the Partners have agreed that such shares shall be voted for Mr. Czyzyk and Mr. Kopko, or as designated by Mr. Czyzyk and Mr. Kopko, respectively. On August 20, 2004, CK Partners, Messrs. Kopko and Czyzyk filed Amendment No. 1 to Form 13D, with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to the common shares owned by them. Reference is made to that Form 13D for a complete description of the terms and conditions, including voting terms and conditions, on which such shares are being held.
 
(6)   Includes 5,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days from the date hereof.
 
(7)   Includes 15,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days from the date hereof and 200 shares held by Mr. Lovett and his wife. Does not include common shares that may be acquired upon conversion of preferred shares. See footnote (1).
 
(8)   Appointed as Chief Financial Officer on December 9, 2004.
 
(9)   Consists of (i) 1,194,885 shares beneficially owned by CK Partners, (ii) 76,127 shares issuable upon exercise of options owned by Mr. Frederick H. Kopko, Jr., (iii) 5,172 shares held jointly with the wife of Mr. Czyzyk, 383 shares held by Mr. Czyzyk as

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    custodian for his children, and 2,131 shares held by Mr. Czyzyk’s wife as custodian for their children and (iv) 125,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options owned by Mr. Czyzyk. On July 27, 2000, Philip J. Fagan, M.D., Frederick H. Kopko, Jr. and Joseph A. Czyzyk formed CK Partners f/k/a CFK Partners f/k/a FK Partners, an Illinois general partnership (CK Partners). On July 30, 2004, Dr. Philip J. Fagan withdrew from the partnership and transferred and conveyed to CK Partners all of his right, title and interest in and to all of the shares held by CK Partners. CK Partners holds all common shares beneficially owned by the Partners. Pursuant to Section 7 of the Partnership Agreement of CK Partners, the Partners have agreed that such shares shall be voted for Mr. Czyzyk and Mr. Kopko, or as designated by Mr. Czyzyk and Mr. Kopko, respectively. On August 20, 2004, CK Partners, Messrs. Kopko and Czyzyk filed Amendment No. 1 to Form 13D, with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to the common shares owned by them. Reference is made to that Form 13D for a complete description of the terms and conditions, including voting terms and conditions, on which such shares are being held.
 
(10)   Includes 7,501 shares issuable upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days from the date hereof.
 
(11)   Did not stand for re-election in February 2005.
 
(12)   Includes 30,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days from the date hereof.
 
(13)   Consists of 22,500 shares issuable upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days from the date hereof.
 
(14)   Includes 15,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days from the date hereof.
 
(15)   Consists of (i) 1,194,885 shares beneficially owned by CK Partners, (ii) 76,127 shares issuable upon exercise of options owned by Mr. Frederick H. Kopko, Jr., (iii) 5,172 shares held jointly with the wife of Mr. Czyzyk, 383 shares held by Mr. Czyzyk as custodian for his children, and 2,131 shares held by Mr. Czyzyk’s wife as custodian for their children and (iv) 125,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options owned by Mr. Czyzyk. On July 27, 2000, Philip J. Fagan, M.D., Frederick H. Kopko, Jr. and Joseph A. Czyzyk formed CK Partners f/k/a CFK Partners f/k/a FK Partners, an Illinois general partnership (CK Partners). On July 30, 2004, Dr. Philip J. Fagan withdrew from the partnership and transferred and conveyed to CK Partners all of his right, title and interest in and to all of the shares held by CK Partners. CK Partners holds all shares beneficially owned by the Partners. Pursuant to Section 7 of the Partnership Agreement of CK Partners, the Partners have agreed that such shares shall be voted for Mr. Czyzyk and Mr. Kopko, or as designated by Mr. Czyzyk and Mr. Kopko, respectively. On August 20, 2004, CK Partners, Messrs. Kopko and Czyzyk filed Amendment No. 1 to Form 13D, with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to the common shares owned by them. Reference is made to that Form 13D for a complete description of the terms and conditions, including voting terms and conditions, on which such shares are being held.
 
(16)   Based on publicly available information reported on February 9, 2005, Dimensional Fund Advisors, Inc. (“Dimensional”) is a beneficial owner of 174,101 shares as a result of acting as an investment advisor to various investment companies (the “Funds”). In addition, Dimensional has sole power to dispose of 174,101 shares owned by the Funds.
 
(17)   Included 15,461 shares, held by Pacific Aviation Logistics, a company owned by Beti Ward, and 11,000 shares held in the name of a trust of which she is trustee. Does not include common shares that may be acquired upon conversion of preferred shares. See footnote (1).
 
(18)   Includes 50,000 shares of preferred stock held by Pacific Air Cargo, a company owned by Beti Ward.
 
(19)   Includes 6,250 shares issuable upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days from the date hereof. Does not include common shares that may be acquired upon conversion of preferred shares. See footnote (1).
 
(20)   Includes 266,128 shares issuable upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days from the date hereof. Assuming no options are exercised, the directors and executive officers as a group would beneficially own 38.5% of the outstanding common and preferred stock, voting as a single class.

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CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS

     CK Partners is a partnership consisting of two of Mercury’s directors, Joseph A. Czyzyk and Frederick H. Kopko, Jr., Mr. Czyzyk also serves as Mercury’s Chief Executive Officer and Mr. Kopko also serves as outside counsel on various general corporate legal matters. In addition, CK Partners also owns approximately 37.7% of Mercury’s issued and outstanding common and preferred stock.

     CFK Realty Partners, LLC is a Limited Liability Company that, until July 2004, consisted of three of Mercury’s directors Dr. Philip J. Fagan, Joseph A. Czyzyk and Frederick H. Kopko, Jr. In July 2004, Messrs. Czyzyk and Kopko transferred all of their interest in CFK Realty Partners, LLC to Dr. Fagan, at which time Dr. Fagan resigned as Director and Chairman of the Board of Mercury.

     In January 2002, Mercury sold the land and the office building which houses its corporate headquarters to CFK Realty Partners, LLC for $4,200,000, consisting of $2,800,000 cash and a note receivable of $1,400,000. The note accrues interest at 5% and was originally due December 31, 2004. Mercury has also entered into a 20 year lease for the property which provides for monthly rental payments in the amount of $36,664. The lease was amended and restated on July 1, 2004, to provide for a ten-year term with the same monthly rent and the note receivable was reduced to $779,123.29 and the term extended to December 31, 2009. These transactions were conducted on an arms-length basis. For the twelve month period ended June 30, 2003, Mercury expended $275,000 for leasehold improvements on its corporate headquarters. This amount is being amortized over the office lease term. The financial statements of CFK Realty are fully consolidated with the consolidated financial statements of Mercury.

     Until October 28, 2004, Mercury and its former Chairman, Dr. Fagan (collectively, the “Members”) each owned an equity interest in MercMed LLC (“MercMed”) of 68.47% and 31.53%, respectively. MercMed was formed for the purpose of owning and operating an aircraft for the Members. In June 2003, the Members amended the MercMed Operating Agreement to amend each Member’s ownership interest from 50% for each Member to the ownership percentages previously noted. On March 27, 2003, MercMed obtained new financing for the aircraft which is a 15-year loan with the interest rate being fixed for the initial 36-month period. At the end of the initial 36-month period, the interest rate will be reviewed and fixed at the then Federal Home Loan Bank’s regular three-year interest rate plus 275 basis points. Each of the Members are guarantors of this note. Since the inception of the new loan and through June 30, 2004, MercMed is current on the payments due. The outstanding principal amount of the loan as of June 30, 2004 was $667,591. Effective October 28, 2004 Mercury transferred its interest in MercMed, LLC to Dr. Fagan, and Dr. Fagan agreed to indemnify Mercury with respect to the guaranty.

     Mercury uses the services of the legal firm M&K for various general corporate legal matters. Mr. Frederick H. Kopko, Jr., a partner of M&K, is a member of Mercury’s Board of Directors and is a partner of CK Partners. For the twelve month periods ended June 30, 2004, Mercury paid the Firm $916,458 for legal services rendered.

     On May 22, 2002, Mr. Czyzyk entered into an amended and restated employment agreement with Mercury Air Group, and, on the same date, Messrs. Lovett, Enticknap, Schlax, Steven Antonoff, Vice President of Human Services (“Antonoff”) and Mark Coleman, formerly Chief Operating Officer of Mercury Air Cargo (“Coleman”) entered into employment agreements with Mercury Air Group. Under the terms of Mr. Czyzyk’s amended and restated employment agreement and the employment agreements of Messrs. Lovett, Enticknap, Schlax, Antonoff and Coleman, each such officer participated in the 2002 Management Stock Purchase Plan wherein Messrs. Czyzyk, Lovett, Enticknap, Schlax, Antonoff and Coleman purchased 193,825, 15,948, 15,000, 12,501, 12,501 and 12,501 shares of common stock from CK Partners at a price of $15.00 per share, with such purchases funded by Mercury. Each of the officers obligations to repay Mercury are forgiven rateably over a 10-year period, except for Mr. Enticknap whose forgiveness is over 8 years, provided each such officer remains employed by Mercury during such period. Each officer shall have no obligation to repay Mercury if he remains employed by Mercury after March 1, 2012 (March 1, 2010, as to Mr. Enticknap) or in the event of a takeover of Mercury by parties unrelated to the existing Board of Directors. Mr. Coleman’s employment was terminated as of December 5, 2003 when he was replaced by Paul Martins. Mr. Enticknap’s employment was terminated in April, 2004. Mr. Schlax was replaced as Chief Financial Officer on December 9, 2004.

     Mercury has Indemnity Agreements with each of its directors and executive officers which require Mercury, among other things, to indemnify them against certain liabilities that may arise by reason of their status or service as directors, officers, employees or agents of Mercury, and, under certain circumstances, to advance their expenses incurred as a result of proceedings brought against them. In order to be entitled to indemnification, the executive officer or director must have acted in a manner reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of Mercury and, with respect to a criminal matter, in a manner which he had no reason to believe was illegal.

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COST OF SOLICITATION OF PROXIES

     The cost of this solicitation will be paid by Mercury. In addition to the solicitation of proxies by mail, the directors, officers and employees of Mercury may solicit proxies personally or by telephone or telegraph. Mercury may request persons holding shares in their names for others to forward soliciting materials to their principals to obtain authorization for the execution of proxies, and Mercury may reimburse such persons for their expenses in doing so. Mercury may also retain a professional proxy solicitation firm to assist in the solicitation of proxies at a maximum total cost to be borne by Mercury of $10,000 plus out-of-pocket expenses.

STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS

     If the Transaction is not consummated and Mercury remains a public company, stockholder proposals or candidates for Board membership to be considered for inclusion in Mercury’s proxy statement and form of proxy for the next annual meeting of stockholders, must be received by Mercury between November 4, 2005 and December 4, 2005, except that if next year’s annual meeting of stockholders is changed by more than 30 calendar days from February 2, 2006, a stockholder proposal must be received by Mercury not later than the tenth day following the day on which public announcement of such meeting is first made. In addition, the stockholder proposal must meet all other requirements for inclusion in the proxy statement. Further, Mercury will be authorized to exercise discretionary voting authority with respect to any stockholder proposal not disclosed in Mercury’s proxy statement and form of proxy statement for the next annual meeting of stockholders if Mercury has not received written notice of such proposal by November 19, 2005, unless the date of the next annual meeting of stockholders has changed by more than 30 days from February 2, 2006, in which event Mercury must receive advance notice a reasonable time before it mails its proxy statement for the next annual meeting of stockholders.

     Stockholder recommendations of candidates for Board membership will be considered when timely submitted with sufficient detail including candidate’s name, principal occupation during the past five years, listing of directorships, a statement that such nominee has consented to the submission of the nomination, amount of common stock of Mercury held by the nominee and qualification (including information regarding compliance with the Mercury’s Bylaws on qualifications) addressed to: the Secretary of Mercury, 5456 McConnell Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90066. Stockholder proposals should be submitted to 5456 McConnell Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90066.

OTHER MATTERS

     In accordance with Mercury’s Bylaws relating to special meetings of stockholders, no other business may be presented at the Special Meeting other than matters set forth herein which will be presented for consideration at the Special Meeting or which are incidental to the conduct of the Special Meeting.

     All proxies received duly executed will be voted. You are requested to sign and date the enclosed proxy and mail it promptly in the enclosed envelope. If you later desire to vote in person, you may revoke your proxy, either by written notice to Mercury or in person at the meeting, without affecting any vote previously taken.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

     The Transaction will result in a “going private” Transaction subject to Rule 13e-3 of the 1934 Act. Mercury has filed a Rule 13e-3 Transaction Statement on Schedule 13E-3 under the 1934 Act with respect to the Transaction. The Schedule 13E-3 contains additional information about Mercury. Copies of the Schedule 13E-3 are available for inspection and copying at the principal executive offices of Mercury during regular business hours by any interested stockholder of Mercury, or a representative who has been so designated in writing, and may be inspected and copied, or obtained by mail, by written request directed to Wayne J. Lovett, Mercury’s Executive Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel, at the following address: Mercury Air Group, Inc., 5456 McConnell Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90066.

     Mercury is currently subject to the information requirements of the 1934 Act and files periodic reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to its business, financial and other matters.

     Copies of such reports, proxy statements and other information, as well as the Schedule 13E-3, may be copied (at prescribed rates) at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Judiciary Plaza, Washington, D.C.

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20549. For further information concerning the SEC’s public reference rooms, you may call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. Some of this information may also be accessed on the World Wide Web through the SEC’s Internet address at “http://www.sec.gov.” The Common Stock is listed on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol “MAX.”

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

     Annexed hereto and incorporated by reference herein as Appendices C and D, respectively, are the documents listed below that Mercury has filed previously with the SEC. They contain important information about Mercury and its financial condition.

  -   Mercury’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2004.
 
  -   Mercury’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2005.

     The information incorporated by reference should be considered part of this proxy statement except for any information superseded by information contained directly in this proxy statement.

     We have not authorized anyone to give any information or make any representation about the Transaction or us that differs from, or adds to, the information in this proxy statement or in our documents that are publicly filed with the SEC. If anyone does give you different or additional information, you should not rely on it.

     
 
  BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
   
 
  JOSEPH A. CZYZYK
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, CHIEF
 
  EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND PRESIDENT

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APPENDIX A

AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF

MERCURY AIR GROUP, INC.

     Mercury Air Group, Inc., a corporation organized and existing under and by virtue of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, DOES HEREBY CERTIFY:

     FIRST: That at a meeting of the Board of Directors of Mercury Air Group, Inc. resolutions were duly adopted setting forth proposed amendments to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of said corporation, declaring said amendments to be advisable and calling a meeting of the stockholders of said corporation for consideration thereof. The resolution setting forth the proposed amendment is as follows:

     RESOLVED, That the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of this corporation be amended and restated in its entirety so that, as amended and restated said Restated Certificate of Incorporation shall be and read as follows:

ARTICLE I
NAME

     The name of the corporation is Mercury Air Group, Inc. (the “CORPORATION”).

ARTICLE II
PURPOSE

     The purpose for which the Corporation is organized is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the General Corporation Law of Delaware.

ARTICLE III
SHARES

     (a) The aggregate number of shares which the Corporation has authority to issue is eighteen million (18,000,000) shares of common stock, $.01 par value per share, and three million (3,000,000) shares of preferred stock, $.01 par value per share.

     (b) The Board of Directors is expressly authorized to provide for the issuance of all or any shares of preferred stock in one or more classes or series, and to fix for each such class or series such voting powers, full or limited, or no voting powers, and such distinctive designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights and such qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, as shall be stated and expressed in the resolution or resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors providing for the issuance of such class or series and as may be permitted by the General Corporation Law of Delaware. Such authorization shall include, without limitation, the authority to provide that any such class or series may be: (i) subject to redemption at such time or times and at such price or prices; (ii) entitled to receive dividends (which may be cumulative or non-cumulative) at such rates, on such conditions, and at such times, and payable in preference to, or in such relation to, the dividends payable on any other class or classes or any other series; (iii) entitled to such rights upon the dissolution of, or upon any distribution of the assets of, the Corporation; or (iv) convertible into, or exchangeable for, shares of any other class or classes of stock, or of any other series of the same or any other class or classes of stock, of the Corporation at such price or prices or at such rates of exchange and with such adjustments; all as may be stated in such resolution or resolutions.

     (c) Without regard to any other provision of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, each one (1) share of Common Stock, issued and outstanding, immediately prior to the time this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation becomes effective (the “Effective Date”) shall be and is hereby automatically reclassified and changed (without any further act) into one-five hundredth and first (1/501) of a fully-paid and nonassessable share of Common Stock, without increasing or decreasing the amount of stated capital or paid-in surplus of the Corporation, provided that no fractional shares shall be issued to

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any holder of fewer than 501 shares of Common Stock immediately prior to the Effective Date, and that instead of issuing fractional shares, the Corporation shall pay cash as of the Effective Date.

     (d) After giving effect to paragraph (c) of this Article Fourth of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, each one (1) share of Common Stock, issued and outstanding (and including each fractional share in excess of one (1) share held by any stockholder) immediately following the Effective Date shall be and are hereby automatically reclassified and changed (without any further act) into five hundred (501) fully-paid and nonassessable shares of Common Stock (or, with respect to such fractional shares and interests, such lesser number of shares and fractional shares or interests as may be applicable based upon such 501-1 ratio), without increasing or decreasing the amount of stated capital or paid-in surplus of the Corporation, provided that no fractional shares shall be issued.

ARTICLE IV
DENIAL OF PREEMPTIVE RIGHTS

     Except as may be set forth in a written agreement executed by an authorized representative of the Corporation, no stockholder of the Corporation or other person shall have any preemptive right to purchase or subscribe to any shares of any class or any notes, debentures, options, warrants or other securities, now or hereafter authorized.

ARTICLE V
REGISTERED OFFICE AND AGENT

     The street address of the initial registered office of the Corporation is 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801 and the name of its initial registered agent at such address is The Corporation Trust Company.

ARTICLE VI
LIMITATION OF PERSONAL LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS

     To the greatest extent permitted by applicable law, no director (including any advisory director) of the Corporation shall be liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director; provided, however, the foregoing shall not limit the liability of a director (including any advisory director) (i) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the Corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of Title 8 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or (iv) for any Transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.

ARTICLE VII
INDEMNITY

     SECTION 7.1 The Corporation shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of

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the Corporation) by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, or by reason of any action alleged to have been taken or omitted in such capacity, against costs, charges, expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person or on such person’s behalf in connection with such action, suit or proceeding and any appeal therefrom, if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe such person’s conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not meet the standards of conduct set forth in this Section 7.1.

     SECTION 7.2 The Corporation shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the Corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, or by reason of any action alleged to have been taken or omitted in such capacity, against costs, charges and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person or on such person’s behalf in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit and any appeal therefrom, if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable for gross negligence or misconduct in the performance of such person’s duty to the Corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery of Delaware or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of such liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such costs, charges and expenses which the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.

     SECTION 7.3 Notwithstanding the other provisions of this Article VII, to the extent that a Director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise, including, without limitation, the dismissal of an action without prejudice, in defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in Sections 7.1 and 7.2, or in the defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such person shall be indemnified against all costs, charges and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person or on such person’s behalf in connection therewith.

     SECTION 7.4 Any indemnification under Sections 7.1 and 7.2 (unless ordered by a court) shall be paid by the Corporation unless a determination is made (i) by the Board of Directors by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of Directors who were not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, or (ii) if such a quorum is not obtainable, or even if obtainable a quorum of disinterested Directors so directs, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion,

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or (iii) by the stockholders, that indemnification of the Director, officer, employee or agent is not proper in the circumstances because such person has not met the applicable standards of conduct set forth in Sections 7.1 and 7.2.

     SECTION 7.5 Costs, charges and expenses (including attorneys, fees) incurred by a person referred to in Sections 7.1 and 7.2 in defending a civil or criminal action, suit or proceeding (including investigations by any government agency and all costs, charges and expenses incurred in preparing for any threatened action, suit or proceeding) shall be paid by the Corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding; provided, however, that the payment of such costs, charges and expenses incurred by a Director or officer in such person’s capacity as a Director or officer (and not in any other capacity in which service was or is rendered by such person while a Director or officer) in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding shall be made only upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the Director or officer to repay all amounts so advanced in the event that it shall ultimately be determined that such Director or officer is not entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation as authorized in this Article VII. No security shall be required for such undertaking and such undertaking shall be accepted without reference to the recipient’s financial ability to make repayment. The repayment of such charges and expenses incurred by other employees and agents of the Corporation which are paid by the Corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding as permitted by this Section 7.5 may be required upon such terms and conditions, if any, as the Board of Directors deems appropriate. The Board of Directors may, in the manner set forth above, and subject to the approval of such Director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, authorize the Corporation’s counsel to represent such person, in any action, suit or proceeding, whether or not the Corporation is a party to such action, suit or proceeding.

     SECTION 7.6 Any indemnification under Sections 7.1, 7.2 or 7.3 or advance of costs, charges and expenses under Section 7.5 shall be made promptly, and in any event within 30 days, upon the written request of the Director, officer, employee or agent directed to the Secretary of the Corporation. The right to indemnification or advances as granted by this Article VII shall be enforceable by the Director, officer, employee or agent in any court of competent jurisdiction if the Corporation denies such request, in whole or in part, or if no disposition thereof is made within 30 days. Such person’s costs and expenses incurred in connection with successfully establishing such person’s right to indemnification or advances, in whole or in part, in any such action shall also be indemnified by the Corporation. It shall be a defense to any such action (other than an action brought to enforce a claim for the advance of costs, charges and expenses under Section 7.5 where the required undertaking, if any, has been received by the Corporation) that the claimant has not met the standard of conduct set forth in Sections 7.1 or 7.2, but the burden of proving that such standard of conduct has not been met shall be on the Corporation. Neither the failure of the Corporation (including its Board of Directors, its independent legal counsel, and its stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such action that indemnification of the claimant is proper in the circumstances because such person has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Sections 7.1 and 7.2, nor the fact that there has been an actual determination by the Corporation (including its Board of Directors, its independent legal counsel, and its stockholders) that the claimant has not met

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such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that the claimant has not met the applicable standard of conduct.

     SECTION 7.7 The indemnification provided by this Article VII shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which a person seeking indemnification may be entitled under any law (common or statutory), agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested Directors or otherwise, both as to action in such person’s official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding office or while employed by or acting as agent for the Corporation, and shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a Director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the estate, heirs, executors and administrators of such person. All rights to indemnification under this Article VII shall be deemed to be a contract between the Corporation and each Director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation who serves or served in such capacity at any time while this Article VII is in effect. No amendment or repeal of this Article VII or of any relevant provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law or any other applicable laws shall adversely affect or deny to any Director, officer, employee or agent any rights to indemnification which such person may have, or change or release any obligations of the Corporation, under this Article VII with respect to any costs, charges, expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement which arise out of an action, suit or proceeding based in whole or substantial part on any act or failure to act, actual or alleged, which takes place before or while this Article VII is in effect. The provisions of this Section 7.7 shall apply to any such action, suit or proceeding whenever commenced, including any such action, suit or proceeding commenced after any amendment or repeal of this Article VII.

     SECTION 7.8 For purposes of this Article VII:

  (i)   “THE CORPORATION” shall include any constituent corporation (including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or merger which, if its separate existence had continued, would have had power and authority to indemnify its Directors, officers, and employees or agents, so that any person who is or was a Director, officer, employee or agent of such constituent corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such constituent corporation as a Director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, shall stand in the same position under the provisions of this Article VII with respect to the resulting or surviving corporation as such person would have with respect to such constituent corporation if its separate existence had continued;
 
  (ii)   “OTHER ENTERPRISES” shall include employee benefit plans, including, but not limited to, any employee benefit plan of the Corporation;
 
  (iii)   “SERVING AT THE REQUEST OF THE CORPORATION” shall include any service which imposes duties on, or involves services by, a Director, officer, employee, or agent of the Corporation with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants, or beneficiaries, including acting as a fiduciary thereof;

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  (iv)   “FINES” shall include any penalties and any excise or similar taxes assessed on a person with respect to an employee benefit plan;
 
  (v)   A person who acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner “not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation” as referred to in Sections 7.1 and 7.2; and
 
  (vi)   Service as a partner, trustee or member of management or similar committee of a partnership or joint venture, or as a Director, officer, employee or agent of a corporation which is a partner, trustee or joint venturer, shall be considered service as a Director, officer, employee or agent of the partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise.

     SECTION 7.9 If this Article VII or any portion hereof shall be invalidated on any ground by a court of competent jurisdiction, then the Corporation shall nevertheless indemnify each Director, officer, employee and agent of the Corporation as to costs, charges and expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement with respect to any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, including an action by or in the right of the Corporation, to the full extent permitted by any applicable portion of this Article VII that shall not have been invalidated and to the full extent permitted by applicable law.

     SECTION 7.10 The Corporation shall purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a Director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person or on such person’s behalf in any such capacity, or arising out of such person’s status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability under the provisions of this Article VII, provided that such insurance is available on acceptable terms as determined by a vote of a majority of the entire Board of Directors.

ARTICLE VIII
BYLAWS

     The Bylaws of the Corporation may be amended or repealed, or new Bylaws may be adopted, (i) by the Board of Directors of the Corporation at any duly held meeting or pursuant to a written consent in lieu of such meeting, or (ii) by the holders of a majority of the shares represented at any duly held meeting of stockholders, provided that notice of such proposed action shall have been contained in the notice of any such meeting, or pursuant to a written consent signed by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote thereon.

ARTICLE IX
CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATIONS

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     The Certificate of Designations of Mercury Air Group, Inc. attached hereto as Annex A, is hereby incorporated in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.

     SECOND: That thereafter, pursuant to resolution of its Board of Directors, a special meeting of the stockholders of said corporation was duly called and held, upon notice in accordance with Section 222 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware at which meeting the necessary number of shares as required by statute were voted in favor of the amendment.

     THIRD: That said amendments were duly adopted in accordance with the provisions of Section 242 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, said Mercury Air Group, Inc. has caused this certificate to be signed by Wayne J. Lovett, Executive Vice President and Secretary, this ___of ___, 2005.

             
          
By:
  Wayne J. Lovett        
  Executive Vice President and Secretary        

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ANNEX A

CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATIONS
OF
MERCURY AIR GROUP, INC.

     The undersigned Joseph A. Czyzyk, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mercury Air Group, Inc., a corporation organized and existing under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “Corporation”), hereby certifies as follows:

     Pursuant to the authority conferred upon the Board of Directors by the Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, of the said Corporation, and pursuant to the provisions of Section 151 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, the Board of Directors, acting by unanimous consent on December 7, 2002, adopted the following resolutions creating a series of Preferred Stock designated as Series A 8% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock out of the class of 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $.01 per share:

     RESOLVED, that pursuant to the authority vested in the Board of Directors by the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, the Board of Directors does hereby provide for the issue of a series of preferred stock of the corporation and does hereby fix and herein state and express the designations, powers, preferences, and relative and other special rights and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof as follows:

     1. DESIGNATION AND AMOUNT. The shares of such series shall be designated as “Series A 8% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock” (the “Series A Preferred Stock”) and the number of shares constituting Series A Preferred Stock shall be 1,000,000.

     2. RANKING. As to the payment of dividends and distributions on liquidation, the Series A Preferred Stock ranks senior to all Junior Stock, junior to all Senior Stock, and on a parity with each other class or series of preferred stock which by its terms ranks on a parity with the Series A Preferred Stock. Subject to the terms of this Article First, the Corporation reserves the right to issue preferred stock which ranks senior to the Series A Preferred Stock as to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets and on liquidation.

     3. VOTING. In addition to any other voting rights provided by law, the Series A Preferred Stock shall have one vote per share on any actions to be taken by stockholders of the Corporation and shall vote with the Common Stock as a single class.

     4. DIVIDENDS. The holders of the Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to the following dividends:

          4A. PREFERENTIAL CASH DIVIDENDS. When and as declared by the Board of Directors and to the extent permitted by law, the Corporation shall pay preferential cumulative dividends to the holders of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock as provided in this

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SECTION 4A. Such dividends shall be paid in cash or in kind, at the election of the Corporation. Except as otherwise provided herein, dividends on each share of Series A Preferred Stock shall accrue on an annual basis at an annual rate of eight percent (8.0%) of the Stated Value, as defined in SECTION 11. Such dividends shall be fully cumulative and shall accrue whether or not they have been declared and whether or not there are profits, surplus or other funds of the Corporation legally available for the payment of dividends. All accrued and unpaid dividends shall be fully paid or declared with funds irrevocably set apart for payment before any dividend, distribution or payment (other than in capital stock or a right to acquire capital stock of the Corporation) can be made with respect to any Junior Stock, provided, however, that the Corporation may make payments (1) in kind, (2) in lieu of fractional shares, and (3) in satisfaction of dissenter’s rights. No accumulation of dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock shall bear interest.

          Except as otherwise provided for herein, if at any time the Corporation pays less than the total amount of dividends then accrued with respect to all outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock, such payment shall be distributed ratably among the holders of such shares based upon the number of shares of such series held by each such holder.

          4B. RECORD DATE; PAYMENT DATE; PAYMENT DEFAULT. Dividends shall be payable to holders of record of the Series A Preferred Stock as of the close of business on June 30 and December 31 (or in each case the next succeeding business day) of each year, beginning June 30, 2003. Subject to the declaration thereof by the Board of Directors, payment of dividends shall be made within 45 days after the record date. A payment is “made” when a check is mailed. Dividends payable for less than a semi-annual period shall be computed on a pro rata basis for the number of days during such less than semi-annual period that the Series A Preferred Stock is outstanding.

     5. LIQUIDATION. Upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, each holder of shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall be entitled to be paid out of the assets of the Corporation legally available for distribution to its stockholders, before any distribution or payment is made upon any Junior Stock, an amount equal to the Series A Liquidation Preference Payment, as defined in SECTION 11, plus, in the case of each share of Series A Preferred Stock, any accrued but unpaid dividends thereon. If upon such liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, the assets to be distributed among the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock shall be insufficient to permit payment to the holders of Series A Preferred Stock of the amount distributable as aforesaid, then, subject to the rights of any stock ranking senior to the Series A Preferred Stock, the entire assets of the Corporation to be so distributed shall be distributed ratably among the holders of Series A Preferred Stock in proportion to the respective amounts which would otherwise be payable in respect of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock held by them upon such distribution if all amounts payable on or with respect to such shares were paid in full. After the payment or the setting aside for such payment of the preferential amounts provided for in this SECTION 5, the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock as such shall have no right or claim to any of the remaining assets of the Corporation.

     Written notice of such liquidation, dissolution, or winding up stating a payment date, the amount of the Series A Liquidation Preference Payment and the place where said Series A

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Liquidation Preference Payment shall be payable, shall be delivered not less than twenty (20) days prior to the payment date therein, to the holders of record of the Series A Preferred Stock, such notice to be addressed to each such holder at the address as shown by the record of the Corporation.

     6. CONVERSIONS. The holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall have the following conversion right:

          6A. RIGHT TO CONVERT. Subject to the terms and conditions of this SECTION 6, at the option of the holder thereof, each share of Series A Preferred Stock (except that upon liquidation, dissolution, winding up of the Corporation, the right of conversion shall terminate at the close of business on the business day fixed for payment of the amount distributable on the Series A Preferred Stock) into such number of fully paid and nonassessable shares of Common Stock as is obtained by dividing the number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock to be converted by the conversion price of $7.50 per share or, in case an adjustment of such price has taken place pursuant to further provision of this SECTION 6, then by the conversion price as last adjusted and in effect at the date the share or shares of Series A Preferred Stock are surrendered for conversion (such conversion price of $7.50, or such conversion price as last adjusted, being referred to as the “Conversion Price”). Such rights of conversion shall be exercised by the holder of Series A Preferred Stock by giving written notice that the holder elects to convert the stated number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock into Common Stock and by the surrender of a certificate or certificates for the number of shares so to be converted to the Corporation at its principal office (or such other office or agency of the Corporation as the Corporation may designate by notice in writing to the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock) at any time during its normal business hours on the date set forth in such notice, together with a statement of the name or names (with address) in which the certificate or certificates for shares of Common Stock shall be issued.

          In case the Corporation shall at any time subdivide (by a stock split or a stock dividend payable in Series A Preferred Stock but excluding dividends in kind as set forth in SECTION 4A) its outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock into a greater number of shares, the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such subdivision shall be proportionately increased, and, conversely, in case the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall be combined into a smaller number of shares, the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such combination shall be proportionately decreased, it being the intent that any such adjustment shall result in the same number of shares of Common Stock being issuable upon conversion of all the Series A Preferred Stock after such split, dividend or combination as immediately before such split, dividend or combination.

          Cash dividends for less than a semi-annual period on Series A Preferred Stock which are converted prior to the date set for determining holders of record shall be paid on a pro rata basis for the number of days during such less than semi-annual period prior to conversion, and payment of such pro rata amount shall be made in accordance with the provisions of this Section 6A for the payment of cash dividends.

          6B. ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATES; TIME CONVERSION EFFECTED.

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Promptly upon the receipt of written notice referred to in SECTION 6A and surrender of the certificate or certificates for the share of shares of Series A Preferred Stock to be converted, the Corporation shall issue and deliver, or cause to be issued and delivered, to the holder, registered in such name or names as such holder may direct, a certificate or certificates for the number of whole shares of Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of such share or shares of Series A Preferred Stock. To the extent permitted by law, such conversion shall be deemed to have been effected and the Conversion Price shall be determined as of the close of business on the date on which such written notice shall have been received by the Corporation and the certificate or certificates for such share or shares shall have been surrendered as aforesaid, and at such time the rights of the holder of such share or shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall terminate including without limitation, the right to receive the Series A Liquidation Preference Payment, and the person or person in whose name or names any certificate or certificates for shares of Common Stock shall be issuable upon such conversion shall be deemed to have become holder or holders of record of the shares of Common Stock represented thereby.

          6C. DIVIDENDS; PARTIAL CONVERSION; FRACTIONAL SHARES. In case the number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock represented by the certificate or certificates surrendered pursuant to SECTION 6A exceeds the number of shares converted, the Corporation shall, upon such conversion, execute and deliver to the holder, at the expense of the Corporation, a new certificate or certificates for the number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock represented by the certificate or certificates surrendered which are not to be converted. If any fractional share of Common Stock would be delivered upon conversion, the Corporation, in lieu of delivering such fractional share, may pay to the holder surrendering the Series A Preferred Stock for conversion an amount in cash equal to the current market price of such fractional share of Common Stock as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

          6D. ADJUSTMENT UPON SUBDIVISION OR COMBINATION OF COMMON STOCK. In case the Corporation shall at any time subdivide (by a stock split, stock dividend payable in Common Stock, or otherwise) its outstanding shares of Common Stock into a greater number of shares, the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such subdivision shall be proportionately reduced, and, conversely, in case the outstanding shares of Common Stock shall be combined into a smaller number of shares, the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such combination shall be proportionately increased.

          6E. ADJUSTMENT UPON OTHER CORPORATE CHANGE. Upon the consummation of an Other Corporate Change, the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock shall be deemed modified, without payment of any additional consideration therefore, so as to provide that upon the conversion of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock following the consummation of such Other Corporate Change, the holder of such shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall have the right to acquire and receive (in lieu of or in addition to the shares of Common Stock acquirable and receivable prior to the Other Corporation Change) such shares of stock, securities or assets as such holder would have received if such holder had converted such shares of Series A Preferred Stock into Common Stock immediately prior to such Other Corporate Change, in each case giving effect to any adjustment of the Conversion Price made after the date of consummation of the Other Corporate Change. All other terms of the Series A Preferred Stock shall remain in full force and effect following an Other Corporate Change. The provisions of

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this SECTION 6E shall similarly apply to successive Other Corporate Changes. The Corporation shall require any third party involved in an Other Corporate Change, to agree to the application of this SECTION 6E.

          6F. NOTICE OF ADJUSTMENT.

               (a) Immediately upon any adjustment of the Conversion Price, the Corporation shall give written notice thereof to all holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock specifying the Conversion Price in effect thereafter.

               (b) The Corporation shall give written notice to all holders of Series A Preferred Stock at least twenty (20) days prior to the date on which the Corporation closes its books or takes a record for determining rights to vote with respect to an Other Corporate Change, dissolution or liquidation. The Corporation shall also give written notice to the holders of Series A Preferred Stock at least twenty (20) days prior to the date on which any Other Corporate Change shall occur.

          6G. STOCK TO BE RESERVED. The Corporation will at all times reserve and keep available out of its authorized Common Stock, solely for the purpose of issuance upon conversion of Series A Preferred Stock as herein provided, such number of shares of Common Stock as shall then be issuable upon the conversion of all outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock. The Corporation covenants that all shares of Common Stock which shall be so issued shall be duly and validly issued and fully paid and nonassessable and free from all liens. The Corporation will not take any action which results in any adjustment of any Conversion Price if the total number of shares of Common Stock issued and issuable after such action upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock would exceed the total number of shares of Common Stock than authorized by the Certificate of Incorporation.

          6H. NO REISSUANCE OF SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK. Shares of Series A Preferred Stock which are converted into shares of Common Stock as provided herein, shall be cancelled and shall not be reissued.

          6I. ISSUE TAX. The issuance of certificates for shares of Common Stock upon conversion of Series A Preferred Stock shall be made without charge to the holders thereof for any issuance tax in respect thereof, provided that the Corporation shall not be required to pay any tax which may be payable in respect of any transfer involved in the issuance and delivery of any certificate in a name other than that of the holder of the Series A Preferred Stock being converted.

     7. MANDATORY REDEMPTION.

          7A. REDEMPTION AT THE COMPANY’S OPTION AFTER THREE YEARS. During the 30-day period immediately following the third anniversary of the closing of the sale of the Series A Preferred Stock (the “Closing”), and during the 30-day period immediately following the fourth, fifth and each subsequent anniversary of the Closing, the Corporation, at its sole discretion, may redeem all or any portion of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock outstanding at the Series A Redemption Price. If the Corporation redeems less

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than all the shares of Series A Preferred Stock outstanding, then the Board of Directors shall determine (i) the total number of shares to be redeemed and (ii) an equitable method, such as by lot or pro rata, by which shares are to be redeemed. Demand by the Corporation for redemption shall be made by the Corporation by giving written notice (the “Redemption Notice”) to each holder to Series A Preferred Stock to be redeemed, with such Redemption Notice to specify the Series A Redemption Price, the redemption date (which shall be no less than 30 days following the delivery of the Redemption Notice), the total number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock to be redeemed, and the place where the Series A Redemption Price shall be payable. If the Corporation redeems less than all the shares of Series A Preferred Stock held by any holder, the Redemption Notice shall also specify the number of shares the Corporation shall redeem from that holder. The Corporation shall thereafter be obligated to complete such redemption within sixty (60) days after the Corporation gives such notice. For purposes hereof the “Series A Redemption Price” of any Series A Preferred Stock means an amount equal to (a) $1.00 (such amount to be adjusted proportionately in the event the Series A Preferred Stock shall be subdivided by any means into a greater number or combined by any means into a lesser number, excluding dividends-in-kind pursuant to SECTION 4A) plus (b) all accrued but unpaid dividends on such Series A Preferred Stock through the applicable redemption date. Until the close of business on the day before the redemption date (and thereafter if the Corporation shall not tender the redemption price) the Series A Preferred Stock shall be entitled to all its rights and privileges of the Series A Preferred Stock, including the right to convert such stock into Common Stock pursuant to Section 6 hereby.

          7B. MANDATORY REDEMPTION AT HOLDER’S OPTION AFTER THREE YEARS. During the 30-day period immediately following the third anniversary of the Closing, and during the 30-day period immediately following the fourth, fifth and each subsequent anniversary of the Closing, each holder of Series A Preferred Stock shall have the right to tender all or any portion of such holder’s shares to the Corporation for redemption at the Series A Redemption Price, as defined in Section 7A. The Corporation shall be obligated to complete such redemption within 60 days following tender.

          7C. PAYMENT OF REDEMPTION. In the event of a redemption pursuant to Section 7A or 7B, the Corporation may, at its option, pay all or part of the Series A Redemption Price in shares of its Common Stock which have been registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In such event, the Common Stock shall be valued at the average closing price of the Common Stock for the 20 business days immediately preceding the date of redemption.

     8. MISCELLANEOUS.

          8A. REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER; SURRENDER AND REISSUE. The Corporation shall keep at its principal office, or at such other agency as the Corporation shall advise upon written notice to holders of the Series A Preferred Stock, a register of the registration of shares of Series A Preferred Stock. Upon the surrender of any certificate representing shares of Series A Preferred Stock at such place, the Corporation will, at the request of the holder of record of such certificate, execute and deliver (at the Corporation’s expense) a new certificate or certificates in exchange therefor representing in the aggregate the number of

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shares of Series A Preferred Stock represented by the surrendered certificate. Each such new certificate will be registered in such name and will represent such number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock as is requested by the holder of the surrendered certificate and will be substantially identical in form to the surrendered certificate, and dividends will accrue on the shares of Series A Preferred Stock represented by such new certificate from the date to which dividends have been fully paid on such shares of Series A Preferred Stock represented by the surrendered certificate.

          8B. REPLACEMENT. Upon receipt of evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Corporation of the ownership and the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of any certificate evidencing shares of Series A Preferred Stock, and in the case of any such loss, theft or destruction, upon receipt of indemnity and/or bond reasonably satisfactory to the Corporation, or, in the case of any such mutilation upon surrender of such certificate, the Corporation will (at its expense) execute and deliver in lieu of such certificate a new certificate of like kind representing the number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock represented by such lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated certificate and dated the date of such lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated certificate, and dividends will accrue on the shares of Series A Preferred Stock represented by such new certificate from the date to which dividends have been fully paid on such lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated certificate.

     9. AMENDMENT AND WAIVER. No amendment, modification or waiver will be binding or effective with respect to any provision of this Certificate of Designations without the prior written consent of the holder or holders of a majority of the Series A Preferred Stock outstanding at the time such action is taken, provided that no action shall discriminate against any holder of Series A Preferred Stock other than as a result of a difference in the amount of Series A Preferred Stock held by such holders.

     10. NOTICES. Except as otherwise expressly provided, all notices referred to herein will be in writing and will be delivered by United States Mail, first class postage paid and will be deemed to have been given when so mailed (a) to the Corporation at its principal executive offices and (b) to any shareholder, at such holder’s address as it appears in the stock records of the Corporation pertaining to the Series A Preferred Stock.

     11. DEFINITIONS.

     As used in this Certificate of Designation:

     “Board of Directors” means the Corporation’s Board of Directors.

     “Common Stock” means the Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share, of the Corporation, as described in the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation.

     “Junior Stock” means capital stock of the Corporation ranking junior in priority to the Series A Preferred Stock as to the payment of dividends, the distribution of assets and on liquidation. Common Stock is Junior Stock.

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     “Other Corporate Change” means a capital reorganization or reclassification of the Corporation which is effected in such a way that holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive (either directly or upon subsequent liquidation) stock, securities or assets with respect to or in exchange for shares of Common Stock.

     “Senior Stock” means capital stock of the Corporation ranking senior in priority to the Series A Preferred Stock as to the payment of dividends, the distribution of assets and on liquidation. The Corporation currently has no outstanding Senior Stock.

     “Series A Liquidation Preference Payment” means the amount of $1.00, as adjusted proportionately in the event the Series A Preferred Stock shall be subdivided by any means into a greater number or combined by any means into a lesser number, or a stock dividend is paid in Series A Preferred Stock on the Series A Preferred Stock, but excluding dividends-in-kind pursuant to SECTION 4A.

     “Stated Value” means the amount of $1.00, as adjusted for stock splits of the Series A Preferred Stock, stock dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock paid in Series A Preferred Stock (excluding in-kind dividends pursuant to SECTION 4A), and stock combinations of the Series A Preferred Stock.

[SIGNATURE APPEARS ON FOLLOWING PAGE]

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     In witness whereof, said Mercury Air Group, Inc., has caused this certificate to be signed by, its President, this ___day of December, 2002.

                 
    MERCURY AIR GROUP, INC.        
 
  By:                     
               
                Joseph A. Czyzyk        
                President        

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APPENDIX B

(IMPERIAL CAPITAL, LLC LOGO)

     
   

150 SOUTH RODEO DRIVE, SUITE 100 BEVERLY HILLS, CA 90212
310-246-3700    800-929-2299    FAX 310-246-3794
March 21, 2005

Mercury Air Group, Inc.
Board of Directors
Special Committee of the Board of Directors
5456 McConnell Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90066

Members of the Board of Directors and the Special Committee:

We understand that Mercury Air Group, Inc. (“Mercury” or the “Company”) intends to effect a 1-for-501 reverse stock split followed by a 501-for-1 forward stock split of the Company’s common stock (the “Transaction”). As a result of the Transaction, (a) each shareholder owning fewer than 501 shares immediately before the Transaction will receive from the Company $4.00 in cash for each of such shareholder’s pre-split shares (the “Transaction Consideration”); and (b) each share of common stock held by a shareholder owning 501 or more shares will continue to represent one share of the Company after completion of the Transaction. You have advised us that the purpose of the Transaction is to cash-out the equity interests in Mercury of shareholders who, as of the effective date, hold fewer than 501 shares of common stock in any discrete account at a price determined to be fair by the entire Board of Directors in order to enable Mercury to deregister its common stock under the Exchange Act and thus terminate its obligation to file special and periodic reports and make other filings with the SEC.

You have requested our opinion as to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the Transaction Consideration to those shareholders receiving the Transaction Consideration, other than members of senior management, CK Partners, formerly known as CFK Partners, and their respective affiliates (collectively, the “Management Holders”), as to whom we express no view. We also express no view with respect to any aspect of the Transaction other than as described in the immediately preceding sentence.

In connection with this opinion, we have made such reviews, analyses and inquiries as we have deemed necessary and appropriate under the circumstances. We have, among other things:

  (i)   Reviewed the draft proxy statement and related documents outlining the Transaction;
 
  (ii)   Analyzed certain publicly available information that we believe to be relevant to our analysis, including the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended (“FYE”) June 30, 2004 and the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2004;
 
  (iii)   Reviewed certain information including financial forecasts relating to the business, earnings and cash flow of the Company, furnished to us by senior management of Mercury;
 
  (iv)   Reviewed the Company’s projections for FYE June 30, 2004 through 2008 furnished to us by senior management of Mercury;
 
  (v)   Reviewed certain publicly available business and financial information relating to Mercury that we deemed to be relevant;

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Mercury Air Group, Inc.
Board of Directors
Special Committee of the Board of Directors
March 21, 2005

 
  (vi)   Conducted discussions with members of senior management of Mercury concerning the matters described in clauses (i) through (vi) above, as well as the prospects and strategic objectives of Mercury;
 
  (vii)   Reviewed public information with respect to certain other companies with financial profiles which we deemed to be relevant; and
 
  (viii)   Conducted such other financial studies, analyses and investigation and took into account such other matters as we deemed necessary, including our assessment of general economic, market and monetary conditions.

With your consent, we have relied upon the accuracy and completeness of the foregoing financial and other information and have not assumed responsibility for independent verification of such information or conducted or have been furnished with any independent valuation or appraisal of any assets of the Company or any appraisal or estimate of liabilities of the Company. With respect to the financial forecasts, we have assumed, with your consent, that they have been reasonably prepared on bases reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments of senior management of Mercury as to the future financial performance of the Company. We have also relied upon the assurances of senior management of Mercury that they are unaware of any facts that would make the information or financial forecasts provided to us incomplete or misleading. We assume no responsibility for, and express no view as to, such financial forecasts or the assumptions on which they are based.

Our opinion is based upon economic, market and other conditions as they exist and can be evaluated on the date hereof and does not address the fairness of the Transaction Consideration as of any other date. The financial markets in general, and the markets for the securities of the Company in particular, are subject to volatility, and our opinion does not purport to address potential developments in the financial markets or in the markets for the securities of the Company after the date hereof.

Our opinion expressed herein has been prepared for the information of the Special Committee and the Board of Directors of the Company in connection with their consideration of the Transaction. Our opinion does not constitute a recommendation as to any action the Company or any shareholder of the Company should take in connection with the Transaction or any aspect thereof. Our opinion does not address the merits of the underlying decision by the Company to engage in the Transaction or the relative merits of any alternatives discussed by the Special Committee or the Board of Directors of the Company. No opinion is expressed herein, nor shall one be implied, as to the fair market value of Mercury’s equity or the prices at which it may trade at any time. This opinion may not be reproduced, disseminated, quoted or referred to at any time without our prior written consent, except that a copy of the Opinion may be reproduced in full and otherwise referred to in the Company’s proxy statement and related filings describing the Transaction.

In the ordinary course of its business and in accordance with applicable state and federal securities laws, Imperial Capital, LLC may actively trade the equity securities of Mercury for its own account and for the accounts of customers and, accordingly, may at any time hold a long or short position in such securities. In the past, Imperial Capital has previously acted as financial advisor to Mercury and has received a fee in connection with its various engagements.

Based on and subject to the foregoing, we are of the opinion that, as of the date hereof, the Transaction Consideration to be received by the shareholders of the Company receiving the Transaction Consideration, other than the Management Holders (as to whom we express no view), is fair, from a financial point of view, to such shareholders.

Very truly yours,

/s/ IMPERIAL CAPITAL, LLC
 
Imperial Capital, LLC

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APPENDIX C



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 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 30, 2004
 
   
[   ]
  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
  THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
   
  For the transition period from                     to                  

Commission file number: 1-71341

Mercury Air Group, Inc.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
     
Delaware   11-1800515
(State or Other Jurisdiction of   (I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization)   Identification Number)
     
5456 McConnell Avenue    
Los Angeles, California   90066
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code:
(310) 827-2737

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

     
Title of Each Class   Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered

 
 
 
Common Stock — Par Value $.01   American Stock Exchange
  Pacific Stock Exchange

     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  [   ]   No  [X]

     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. Yes  [X]   No  [   ]

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes  [   ]   No  [X]

     As of September 20, 2004, 2,804,855 shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock were outstanding. Of these shares, 953,974 shares were held by persons who may be deemed to be affiliates. The 1,850,911 shares held by non-affiliates as of September 20, 2004 had an aggregate market value (based on the closing price of these shares on the American Stock Exchange of $5.10 per share on September 20, 2004) of $9,439,646. As of September 20, 2004 there were no non-voting shares of common stock outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

     Portions of the Proxy Statement which is to be distributed in connection with the Annual Meeting of Stockholders scheduled to be held in November 2004 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.

(The Exhibit Index May Be Found at Page 29)



 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I
Item 1. Business
Item 2. Properties
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer of Purchases of Equity Securities
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Item 9B. Other Information
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K
SIGNATURES
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

PART I

Item 1. Business

     Mercury Air Group, Inc. (the “Company”), a Delaware corporation was organized in 1956 and provides a broad range of services to the aviation industry through three principal operating units which are all wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company: MercFuel, Inc. (“MercFuel”), a Delaware corporation, Mercury Air Cargo, Inc. (“Air Cargo”), a California corporation, and Maytag Aircraft Corporation (“Maytag”), a Colorado corporation. MercFuel’s operations consist of the sale and delivery of fuel, primarily aviation fuel, to domestic and international commercial airlines, fractional jet ownership companies, corporate aviation fleets and air cargo companies. Air Cargo’s operations consist of cargo handling, the sale of cargo capacity on other airlines (“Cargo Space Logistics”), and general cargo sales agent services. Maytag is a provider of governmental contract services performing aircraft refueling and fuel storage operations, base operations support (“BOS”) services, air terminal and ground handling services and weather observation and forecasting services primarily for agencies of the government of the United States of America.

     Through April 12, 2004, the Company operated a fourth operating unit, Mercury Air Centers, Inc. (“Air Centers”). Air Centers’ operations consisted of aviation fuel sales, aircraft refueling operations (“into-plane”), aircraft ground support services, aircraft hangar services, aircraft parking (“aircraft tie-down services”) and aircraft maintenance at certain Air Center locations, known as Fixed Based Operations (“FBO’s”). On April 12, 2004 (the “FBO Sale Closing Date”), following stockholder approval, the Company sold all of Air Centers outstanding common stock to Allied Capital Corporation (“Allied”) for $76,349 thousand subject to adjustments for, among other things, Air Centers’ net working capital as of the FBO Sale Closing Date and the distribution of funds from an escrow account established at closing associated with the Air Centers’ Hartsfield International Airport FBO (the “Hartsfield FBO”). The assets sold through the sale of the stock of Air Centers consist of all of the assets of the Company’s FBO business excluding the Company’s FBO at the Long Beach Airport which the Company has retained and continues to operate. For more detailed information on this transaction (the “FBO Sale”), please refer to the section titled Mercury Air Centers, Inc. included in the Narrative Description of the Business below.

     As used in this Annual Report, the term “Company” or “Mercury” refers to Mercury Air Group, Inc. and, unless the context otherwise requires, its subsidiaries. The Company’s principal executive offices are located at 5456 McConnell Avenue, Los Angeles, California, 90066 and its telephone number is (310) 827-2737.

     This Form 10-K and the information incorporated by reference in it includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. We intend the forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements in these sections. All statements regarding our expected financial position and operating results, our business strategy, our financing plans and forecasted demographic and economic trends relating to our industry are forward-looking statements. These statements can sometimes be identified by our use of forward-looking words such as “may”, “will”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “expect” or “intend” and similar expressions. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. We cannot promise you that our expectations in such forward-looking statements will turn out correct. Factors that impact such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, quarterly fluctuations in results; the management of growth; fluctuations in world oil prices or foreign currency; changes in political, economic, regulatory or environmental conditions; the loss of key customers, suppliers or members of senior management; uninsured losses; competition; credit risk associated with accounts receivable; and other risks detailed in this Form 10-K and in our other Securities and Exchange Commission filings. We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Narrative Description of the Business

MercFuel, Inc.

     The Company’s fuel sales operations are handled through MercFuel, Inc. which was formed in October 2000 when the Company transferred all of its fuel sale related assets and business activities to MercFuel. MercFuel facilitates the management and distribution of aviation fuel serving as an aviation fuel supplier and logistics manager for its customers, providing a reliable fuel supply operation to its customer base while extending credit, mostly unsecured, to its customers which may not otherwise be available to them if they were to be supplied directly from the major oil companies. MercFuel also serves as a reseller of aviation fuel for major oil companies, affording the oil companies indirect access to certain customers without the credit risk or administrative costs associated with the management of these customer accounts. MercFuel competes based on the quality of its services by offering a combination of reliable and timely supply, fuel

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supply logistics management, competitive pricing and credit terms, and a real time analysis of the availability, quantity and pricing of fuel at airports and terminals throughout the world. MercFuel works through third party suppliers for fuel storage and into-plane delivery.

     MercFuel is the largest revenue generator for the Company with sales revenue of $322,631 thousand in fiscal 2004, representing 83. 7% of the Company’s total revenue from continuing operations, an increase of $42,495 thousand from fiscal 2003. Sales volume in fiscal 2004 was 278,448 thousand gallons, a reduction of 8,425 thousand gallons, or 2.9% from fiscal 2003. The decline in MercFuel’s sales volume is primarily due to National Airlines, Inc. (“National”) ceasing operations in November 2002.

                         
    Year Ended June 30,
    2004
  2003
  2002
    (in thousands)
Revenue
  $ 322,631     $ 280,136     $ 232,573  
Gallons Sold
    278,448       286,873       287,651  

     The increase in revenue in fiscal 2004, as compared to fiscal 2003, is due to increased aviation fuel prices, driven by the increase in worldwide petroleum product prices, partially offset by the decline in sales volume. MercFuel’s average realized sales price in fiscal 2004 was $1.1587 per gallon as compared to $0.9765 per gallon in fiscal 2003.

     By leveraging its scale of operations, MercFuel is able to obtain credit terms and competitive pricing from its suppliers which may not be afforded MercFuel’s customers on an individual basis. Many of MercFuel’s suppliers, which include some of the major oil companies, have opted either not to directly supply nor extend credit to the customer base MercFuel serves, providing MercFuel with a niche market while providing a sale outlet for MercFuel’s suppliers. This arrangement allows MercFuel to offer more competitive pricing and credit terms to its customers than they would commercially be able to obtain directly from the major oil companies.

     With over 24 years of service in the aviation fuel reselling and distribution industry, MercFuel has established itself as a reliable and price competitive aviation fuel reseller which has resulted in the establishment of significant contracts with commercial air carriers, fractional jet ownership companies and corporate aviation fleet managers. MercFuel’s resale service provides an established distribution network for oil companies worldwide and provides MercFuel’s suppliers indirect access to certain markets and customers while reducing their credit exposure. In addition, MercFuel provides the administrative support required in serving this customer base which would otherwise be required by the major oil companies and assumes the credit risk of supplying this customer base. MercFuel’s experience in the aviation fuel reselling industry allows it to assess those risks in a more effective and efficient manner. For more information on MercFuel’s customers, please refer to the section titled “Major Customers and Foreign Customers” included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

     In many cases the small to medium sized commercial air carriers, fractional jet ownership companies and corporate aviation fleet managers are subject to securing aviation fuel supply on the spot fuel market, which can vary significantly on a day-to-day basis. MercFuel provides a 24-hour, 365 days per year single source coordinated distribution system on a national and international basis through its network of over 400 third party supply locations nationally and 1,000 international locations through which customers can purchase fuel. As a result of this integrated network, MercFuel is able to provide its customers with reliable and competitive fuel pricing from airport to airport..

     Through its automated on-line system, MercFuel provides its fractional jet ownership and corporate aviation fleet customers with online pricing, fuel location and ordering information. Accordingly, MercFuel is able to streamline its customers’ fuel purchase process and reduce their administrative costs associated with fuel logistics by providing a single source through which fuel procurement can be arranged and automatically released to the business jet customer.

     MercFuel’s continued success in attracting and retaining its customer base is due, in part, to its willingness to extend credit on an unsecured basis to many of its customers. MercFuel recognizes that active oversight and management of credit risk is essential to the Company’s success. The Company’s executive staff and MercFuel management meet regularly to assess and evaluate MercFuel’s credit exposure, in the aggregate and by individual customer. The Company’s credit committee is responsible for approving credit lines above certain pre-established amounts, and for setting and maintaining credit standards to ensure overall credit quality and optimize its credit portfolio.

     MercFuel purchases aviation and other petroleum-based fuel at prices that are generally tied to market based formulas from several major oil companies and certain independent and state owned oil companies to meet the requirements of its customers. From time-to-time, MercFuel will commit to purchase a fixed volume of fuel, at a fixed price, over an established period of time to meet selected customers’ purchase requirements at set locations. MercFuel’s payment terms generally range from 10 to 20 days, except for bulk purchases which are

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generally payable in shorter periods. MercFuel has agreements with certain suppliers under which MercFuel purchases a minimum amount of fuel each month at prices which approximate the market price. MercFuel also makes occasional spot purchases of fuel to take advantage of market differentials. To ensure supply availability, MercFuel maintains limited inventories at various locations. The amount of inventory held at any particular point in time varies depending on market conditions.

     Outside of the United States of America, MercFuel does not maintain fuel inventory, but arranges to have fuel delivered directly to its customers’ aircraft through into-plane arrangements. Domestically, fuel sales are made on either an into-plane basis where fuel is supplied directly into MercFuel’s customers’ aircraft with fuel provided by MercFuel’s supplier or the fuel is delivered from MercFuel’s inventory. While inventory is maintained at multiple locations, inventory levels are maintained at minimum levels.

     If MercFuel’s relationship with any of its key suppliers were to terminate or be temporarily suspended, MercFuel may not be able to obtain sufficient quantity of aviation fuel on competitive terms to meet its customers’ demands. MercFuel may encounter difficulty and/or delays in securing aviation fuel from alternative sources. In addition, financial or supply disruptions encountered by MercFuel’s suppliers could also limit the availability of fuel supplied to MercFuel.

     For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004, MercFuel’s average cost of fuel was $1.1195 per gallon, an increase of $0.1809 cents per gallon, or 19.2% from fiscal 2003. While MercFuel management believes that currently there are adequate aviation fuel supplies to meet its customers’ needs, events outside of MercFuel’s control have in the past resulted in, and could in the future result in, spot shortages or rapid price changes. Although MercFuel has generally been able to pass through fuel price changes to its customers, extended periods of high fuel costs could adversely affect MercFuel’s ability to purchase fuel in sufficient quantities because of credit limits placed on MercFuel by its fuel suppliers and availability under the Company’s credit facility. In addition, continued high petroleum fuel prices could continue to have an adverse impact on MercFuel’s customers increasing the Company’s credit risk.

Mercury Air Cargo, Inc.

     Air Cargo provides the following services: cargo handling, air cargo logistics services, and general air cargo sales agent services. Air Cargo’s financial performance is highly influenced by changes in the worldwide economy and the amount of import/export business activity. As the general worldwide economy improved during the past fiscal year, Air Cargo experienced increased business activity in each of its primary businesses. Air Cargo’s revenue for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004 increased 21% from fiscal 2003 to $39,549 thousand, representing 10.3% of the Company’s total revenue from continuing operations. Air Cargo’s gross margin in fiscal 2004 was $1,800 thousand, a decrease of $785 thousand from fiscal 2003. The increase in revenue is primarily due to the operation of Mercury World Cargo, while the decrease in margin is primarily due to the Skynet operations, which ceased operations in May 2004, which had been part of the general sales agent services. For a more detailed explanation of the primary factors contributing to Air Cargo’s financial results, refer to the Management’s Discussion and Analysis comparing the financial results for fiscal 2004 to fiscal 2003 starting on page 15.

     Cargo Handling

     Air Cargo provides domestic and international air cargo handling, airmail handling and bonded warehousing services (collectively “Cargo Handling”). Air Cargo performs cargo handling services at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), William B. Hartsfield International Airport (ATL — Atlanta, GA), Dorval International Airport (YUL — Montreal, Canada), Mirabel International Airport (YMX — Montreal, Canada) and Lester B. Pearson International Airport (YYZ — Toronto, Canada). In February 2001, Air Cargo subleased the warehouse facility at ATL to Lufthansa Handling under the terms of a ten-year sublease of a 60,600 square foot warehouse and operations area. Air Cargo continues to provide cargo handling at ATL utilizing Lufthansa Handling as a subcontract service provider for the operations. In fiscal 2004, Cargo Handling’s revenue increased to $25,833 thousand, comprising 65.3% of Air Cargo’s revenue.

     Air Cargo provides cargo handling services at three warehouse locations at LAX, making Air Cargo the largest independent cargo handling company at LAX and one of a small number of non-airline air cargo service providers of contractual cargo containerization and palletization for domestic and international airlines as well as cargo airlines at the airport. The largest of Air Cargo’s warehouses at LAX is a 174,000 square foot warehouse (the “Avion Warehouse”), at which the Company completed an extensive renovation of a previously existing airport facility and commenced operations in April 1998. The lease for this warehouse facility is currently scheduled to expire in June 2006.

     Air Cargo competes in the cargo handling business based on the quality and timeliness of the service it provides along with a competitive pricing structure. Long-term growth in the cargo handling business will be realized by continuing to add new customers to its existing cargo handling locations or by increased volume from its existing customer base. During fiscal 2004, Air Cargo executed a new five-year contract with its largest cargo-handling customer, EVA Airways.

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     Cargo Logistics Services

     Air Cargo’s air cargo logistics services business (“CLS”) brokers cargo space on flights within the United States and on international flights to Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Australia, Mexico and Central and South America. CLS contracts for bulk cargo space on airlines and sells that space to customers with shipping needs. CLS has an established network of shipping agents who assist in securing cargo for shipment on cargo space purchased from various airlines, and who facilitate the delivery and collection of freight charges for cargo shipped by Air Cargo. In fiscal 2004, CLS’s revenue increased to $8,867 thousand, comprising 22.4% of Air Cargo’s revenue.

     Air Cargo’s contract with South African Airways (“SAA”) to utilize all of SAA’s cargo capacity on its passenger flights from the United States to South Africa was renewed for another year beginning in April 2004. Air Cargo’s one-year commitment for these routes is approximately $4,715 thousand. This contract allows Air Cargo to effectively arrange and schedule cargo shipments and optimize the return to SAA and to its freight forwarders while providing a reasonable margin to Air Cargo.

     Unlike a cargo airline, which operates its own aircraft, Air Cargo’s logistics business arranges for the purchase of cargo space on scheduled flights or supplemental flights at negotiated rates. Air Cargo is thereby able to profit from the sale of air cargo space worldwide without the overhead cost of owning and operating an aircraft. In some instances, Air Cargo has entered into fixed minimum commitments for cargo space resulting in exclusive or preferred rights to broker desirable cargo space profitably. Due to the large volume of cargo space contracted, Air Cargo is able to secure air cargo space at rates lower than an individual freight forwarder could arrange. Air Cargo is then able to pass on these lower rates to its customers and still realize a profit.

     Another service brand under the umbrella of CLS is Mercury World Cargo (“MWC”). Using its Part 135 cargo airline certificate, which qualifies MWC as an airline certified to transport cargo in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration (the “FAA”) and Department of Transportation regulations, MWC is able to enter into interline agreements (contracts between carriers for transportation of cargo) with other airlines worldwide. MWC operates a small plane under this certificate. Using the MWC airway bill (an airway bill is a bill of lading for the airline industry) as the cargo transportation document and the other airlines’ air cargo capacity, MWC is able to provide a service for both freight forwarders and airlines. Effectively, MWC provides a secondary brand to airlines that prefer not to utilize their own brand for discounted freight.

     General Sales Agent Services

     Air Cargo also serves as a general sales agent (“GSA”) directly through its subsidiaries, Hermes Aviation, Inc., Hermes Aviation de Mexico, S.A. de C.V., and Hermes Aviation Canada for airlines in the Far East, Canada, Mexico, Central, and South America and in the United States. In this capacity, Air Cargo sells the transportation of cargo on its clients’ airline flights, using its clients’ own airway bills. Air Cargo earns a commission from the airlines for selling their cargo space. In fiscal 2004, GSA’s revenue increased to $4,849 thousand, comprising 12.3% of Air Cargo’s total revenue. As with its space logistics business, the growth for Air Cargo’s GSA business is not constricted by requirements for physical facilities or by large capital commitments.

Maytag Aircraft Corporation

     Maytag is headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado and provides aircraft refueling, air terminal services, base operating support, and weather forecasting and observation services for the government of the United States of America in eighteen countries on four continents. During fiscal 2004, Maytag had revenue of $23,281 thousand, representing 6.0% of the Company’s total consolidated revenue from continuing operations, from twenty-three contracts. As of June 30, 2004, Maytag has twenty-one contracts in effect. For a more detailed explanation of some of the more significant events impacting this business, please refer to the Management’s Discussion and Analysis starting on page 15.

     Aircraft Refueling

     Maytag provides aircraft refueling and related services at eleven military bases in the United States of America, one in Greece, and one in Japan. Maytag’s refueling contracts generally have a term of four years with extension options, with expiration dates ranging from August 2004 to January 2008. One of the contracts, which generated $2,177 thousand in revenue in fiscal 2004, expired on August 31, 2004 without extension or renewal. Under the terms of its refueling contracts, Maytag supplies all necessary personnel and equipment to operate government-owned fuel storage facilities and provides 24-hour per day 365 days-per-year refueling services for a variety of United States of America military and United States of America government contractor aircraft. All fuel handled under these contracts are government owned. In connection with its government contract refueling business, Maytag owns, leases, and operates a fleet of refueling

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trucks and other support vehicles. For fiscal 2004, the aircraft refueling contracts generated revenue of $8,439 thousand, a decrease of 3.0% from last year’s refueling revenue of $8,703 thousand.

     Air Terminal Services

     Maytag provides air terminal and ground handling services to the government of the United States of America at eighteen locations under five contracts. The contracts cover two U.S. military bases (one each in Japan and Korea) and sixteen international airports in Latin America, Japan, Korea and Kuwait. Air terminal services contracts are generally for a base period of one year, with government options for multiple one-year extension periods. The air terminal contracts are scheduled to expire during September 2004, although management believes the government will exercise its option to extend the contracts for an additional year. Maytag’s multi-site Latin America air terminal contract and Pacific Rim contracts have options to extend through September 2005 and the Kuwait contract has options to extend through September 2008. Air terminal and ground handling services include the loading and unloading of passengers and cargo, transient alert, and flight planning services. For fiscal 2004, the air terminal services contracts generated revenue of $7,675 thousand, a decrease of 6.4% from fiscal 2003 revenue of $8,199 thousand.

     Base Operating Support Services

     Maytag provides base operating support (“BOS”) services, as a subcontractor, at four locations in the United States of America. Under the terms of the subcontracts, Maytag provides multi-function services, including fuel management, traffic management, airfield management, air terminal operations, vehicle operations and maintenance services, and meteorological services. Contract expirations range from September 2004, for which management believes the government will exercise its option to extend the contracts for an additional year, to February 2005, with one to three pre-priced one-year options, except for Westover, which expires in February 2005 and is up for competitive bidding. For fiscal 2004, the BOS contracts generated revenue of $5,963 thousand, an increase of 1.9% from fiscal 2003 revenue of $5,854 thousand.

     Other Business – Weather Data Services

     Maytag provides weather observation and/or forecasting services at five locations within the United States of America pursuant to five contracts (the “Weather Data Contracts”) with the government of the United States of America. The Weather Data contracts are comprised of two weather observation and forecasting contracts and three weather observation contracts. The Weather Data Contracts provide firm fixed prices for specified services and are generally for a base period of one year, with multiple one-year options at the election of the governmental agencies of the United States of America. The Weather Data Contracts for weather observation have an expiration date of September 30, 2004, for which management believes the government will exercise its option to extend the contracts for an additional year in accordance with three pre-priced option years. The Weather Data Contract for weather observation and forecasting within the United States Air Force Academy expires in January 2005 and is scheduled for competitive bid. For fiscal 2004, the Weather Data Contracts generated revenue of $1,165 thousand, a decrease of 27.9% from fiscal 2003 revenue of $1,615 thousand.

     Other Information Regarding Maytag

     All of Maytag’s contracts are subject to competitive bidding. Refueling, air terminal, and weather forecasting contracts are generally awarded to the offeror with the proposal that represents the “best value” to the government. In a “best value” competition, the proposals are evaluated on the basis of price, past performance history of the offeror, and the merit of the technical proposal, creating a more subjective process. Weather Data Contracts are generally awarded to the offeror with the lowest priced technically acceptable proposal.

     Maytag’s contracts are all subject to termination at the discretion of the government of the United States of America in whole or in part. Termination of a contract may occur if the government of the United States of America determines that it is in its best interest to discontinue the contract, in which case closure costs will be paid to the Company. Termination may also occur if Maytag defaults under a contract. The Company has never experienced any such default termination.

     As Maytag’s business activities are associated with government contracts that have set termination dates to enable the government to renew the contracts through a competitive bid process, one of the Company’s business activities is the participation in the preparation and submission of contract bids for contracts currently awarded to the Company and for new contracts that fit the type of activities (refueling, base operating support, air terminal services and weather observation and forecasting) in which the Company is involved. In addition, the governmental agencies have the option to extend the expiration dates of existing contracts at their discretion. Although there can be no assurance, the Company believes the government of the United States of America will exercise all options to extend the contracts. Maytag therefore will have a continuing opportunity to renew the terms of existing contracts as they expire and/or engage in new contract activities

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through a successful bidding process. However, as the awarding of contracts is based upon the decision of the government agency’s representative for the contract bids submitted, the Company may not be able to retain existing contracts upon expiration and may be unsuccessful in bidding on new contracts.

Mercury Air Centers, Inc.

     On April 12, 2004, upon approval from the Company’s stockholders at the Annual Stockholders’ meeting, the Company sold all of the outstanding common stock of Air Centers, which represented 100% of the then outstanding common stock in Air Centers, to Allied with the Company receiving total consideration for the sale in cash at closing of $76,349 thousand. The final amount of the total consideration to be received by the Company from the FBO Sale is dependent upon the determination of the amount of Air Centers’ net working capital at the time of closing and the distribution of funds from the escrow account established at closing for the Hartsfield FBO (the “Hartsfield Escrow”). In accordance with the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Air Centers’ SPA”) entered into by the Company and Allied on October 28, 2003, as amended from time to time, the Company and Allied agreed to the extent Air Centers’ actual net working capital at closing exceeded $3,586 thousand, Allied is obligated to pay the Company the excess amount or to the extent Air Centers’ net working capital is less than $3,586 thousand, the Company is obligated to pay Allied the deficiency. The parties also agreed to deposit $8,270 thousand at closing to establish the Hartsfield Escrow to be distributed to the parties over a period not to exceed five years from the FBO Sale Closing Date dependent upon the award of a new lease at the Hartsfield International Airport in Atlanta for a new FBO. Dependent upon the effective date of the new lease and the terms and conditions of the new lease, the Company may be entitled to all, some or none of the amount deposited into the Hartsfield Escrow at closing.

     The proceeds from the FBO Sale were used to: 1) prepay the outstanding principal on the senior secured loan agreement due Wells Fargo Foothill Company (“the WFF Credit Facility”) comprised of both a term loan and a revolving credit facility, in the amount of $13,255 thousand; 2) pay accrued interest and fees associated with the WFF Credit Facility of $203 thousand; 3) establish a cash collateral account with Wells Fargo Foothill Company (“WFF”) in the amount of $16,031 thousand in support of issued and outstanding letters of credit issued under the terms of the WFF Credit Facility; 4) prepay the outstanding principal, including the amount of accrued interest payable-in-kind (“PIK Interest”), on the $24 million senior subordinated 12% note ( the “Note”) of $24,120 thousand to Allied; 5) pay accrued interest and fees associated with the Note of $141 thousand; 6) prepay the outstanding principal, including the amount of accumulated PIK Interest, on three promissory notes issued by the Company in accordance with a settlement agreement with J O Hambro Capital Management and certain of its affiliates and clients (the “Hambro Notes”) in the amount of $3,695 thousand; 7) pay accrued interest on the Hambro Notes in the amount of $15 thousand; 8) establish the Hartsfield Escrow in the amount of $8,270 thousand; and 9) pay for transaction related fees and expenses of $1,324 thousand. After satisfying the obligations noted above, the Company received cash of $9,295 thousand.

Major Customers and Foreign Customers

     Sales by MercFuel to AirTran Airways and NetJets represented approximately 27.5% and 10.0% of MercFuel’s total revenue, respectively, and 23.0% and 8.4% of the Company’s total consolidated revenue from continuing operations, respectively, for fiscal 2004. During fiscal 2004, EVA Airways Corporation accounted for approximately 12.2% of Air Cargo’s total revenue or 1.3% of the Company’s fiscal 2004 total consolidated revenue from continuing operations. During fiscal 2004, Maytag’s revenue consisted entirely of revenues from governmental agencies of the United States of America, which represented approximately 6.0% of the Company’s total consolidated revenue from continuing operations. No other customer accounted for over 10% of the Company’s total consolidated revenue from continuing operations or 10% of revenues for any of the three business units.

     The Company does business with a number of foreign airlines, principally in the sale of aviation fuels. For the most part, such sales are made within the United States of America and utilize the same assets and generally the same personnel as are utilized in the Company’s domestic business. Revenues related to these foreign airlines amounted to approximately 35%, 31% and 23% of the Company’s total consolidated revenue from continuing operations for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

     National, a customer of MercFuel, ceased operations on November 6, 2002. The Company had been providing fuel to National since May 1999. In December 2000, National filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and the Company continued to sell fuel to National on a secured basis under the auspices of the bankruptcy court. Sales to National represented approximately 7.3% and 17% of the Company’s consolidated revenue from continuing operations for fiscal 2003 and 2002, respectively. Due to the secured nature of MercFuel’s sales to National, MercFuel incurred virtually no loss due to National’s cessation of operations.

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Seasonal Nature of Business

     The Company’s commercial fuel sales operation is seasonal in nature, being relatively stronger during the months of April through December due in part to additional commercial and charter flights during the vacation period and prior to the holiday season. Air Cargo’s business is lower during the months of January and February and increases from March through June and September through December. The cargo business is affected by the fluctuations in international trade. Operations at military facilities are not seasonal but may vary with the needs of the military.

Potential Liability and Insurance

     The Company’s business activities subject it to risk of significant potential liability under federal and state statutes, common law and contractual indemnification agreements. The Company reviews the adequacy of its insurance on an on-going basis. The Company believes it follows generally accepted standards for its lines of business with respect to the purchase of business insurance and risk management practices. The Company purchases airport liability and general and auto liability in amounts which the Company believes are adequate for the risks of its business.

     The Company has also agreed to indemnify, reimburse and hold harmless Allied and its affiliates from and against certain liabilities in connection with Air Centers’ previous operations and activities. For a description of certain of such indemnification, see Environmental Matters on page 9 and Item 3 Legal Proceedings on page 11. See also page 33 of Exhibit 2.3.

Competition

     MercFuel competes with approximately five independent fuel suppliers, of which the largest is World Fuel Services Corporation. Additionally, MercFuel competes with other aircraft support companies which maintain their own sources of aviation fuel. Many of MercFuel’s competitors have greater financial, technical and marketing resources than the Company. In addition, certain airlines provide cargo services comparable to those furnished by Air Cargo. At LAX, Air Cargo competes with, in addition to the airlines, three non-airline entities with respect to the air cargo handling business. Maytag has many principal competitors with respect to government contracting services, including certain small disadvantaged businesses which receive a ten percent cost advantage with respect to certain bids and set asides of certain contracts. Substantially all of the Company’s services are subject to competitive bidding. The Company competes on the basis of price, quality of service, historical relationships with customers, and credit terms.

Environmental Matters

     The Company must continuously comply with federal, state and local environmental statutes and regulations associated with its fuel storage tanks and fueling operations. These requirements include, among other things, tank and pipe testing for integrity and soil sampling for evidence of leaking and remediation of detected leaks and spills. As a result of the FBO Sale, the number of locations in which this type of environmental compliance applies has been reduced to one.

     In early 2001, the Company agreed to provide certain environmental remediation on property formerly leased by the Company in Anaheim, California. The Company terminated operations on this leased property in fiscal 1987 at which time a closure letter was in effect. The Company installed an approved remediation system including but not limited to soil vapor extraction and monitoring wells, and incurred costs of approximately $530,000 through June 30, 2004. On July 30, 2004 the Company received notice that no further remediation action was required from the California Regional Water Quality Board.

     On May 1, 2002, the Company received a Notice of Violation (“NOV”) from the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5 (the “EPA”) for Air Centers’ Fort Wayne, Indiana FBO facility alleging that the Company’s Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure Plan (“SPCC Plan”) did not meet certain federal regulations. On March 14, 2003, the Company received an NOV from the EPA alleging certain deficiencies in the SPCC Plan for Air Centers’ Fort Wayne, Indiana FBO facility, submitted to the EPA in November 2002. The Company believes that it has resolved all deficiencies except for alleged deficiencies related to: 1) secondary containment for refueling trucks, and 2) secondary containment for discrete fuel loading areas. Pursuant to an agreement detailed in a letter submitted to the EPA on April 16, 2003, the Company has been permitted to suspend modifications to its SPCC Plan regarding the installation of secondary containment for its refueling trucks, pending resolution of federal regulatory issues associated with secondary containment for such trucks. The EPA has also extended national compliance with regulations related to discrete loading areas until August 17, 2004. Further, the EPA announced in a Federal Register notice dated June 28, 2004, 69 Fed. Reg. 38297 that the EPA is considering a proposal to amend 40 CFR 112 to address, among other things, the “applicability of the rule to mobile/portable containers.”

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     The Air Centers’ SPA provides that the Company is responsible for compliance, for a period of eighteen months subsequent to the FBO Closing Date, for any required secondary containment (as the term is defined in the Air Centers’ SPA) required by any applicable governmental authority requiring secondary containment pursuant to Environmental Law for extended or overnight fuel truck parking at any FBO comprising the FBO business on the FBO Closing Date. In the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution of this matter is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows or financial position.

     There has been no material negative impact on the Company’s earnings or competitive position in performing such compliance and related remediation work. The Company knows of no other basis for any notice of violation or cease and abatement proceeding by any governmental agency as a result of failure to comply with applicable environmental laws and regulations.

Employees

     As of July 31, 2004, the Company employed 810 full-time and 239 part-time persons in the following operating units: MercFuel, forty one full-time and four part-time persons; Corporate, thirty-four full-time and one part-time person; Air Cargo operations, 465 full-time and ninety-one part-time persons; and Maytag, 270 full-time and 143 part-time persons. Maytag has collective bargaining agreements which affect approximately 258 employees in its weather and base support operations. Air Cargo has collective bargaining agreements which affect approximately ninety-two employees in its ground handling operations. Management believes that, in general, wages, hours, fringe benefits and other conditions of employment offered throughout the Company’s operations are at least equivalent to those found elsewhere in its industry and that its general relationships with its employees is satisfactory.

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Item 2. Properties.

     Listed below are the significant properties leased or owned by the Company as of June 30, 2004:

                             
    LEASED   ANNUAL   EXPIRATION   ACTIVITIES   FACILITY
LOCATION
  OR OWNED
  RENTAL
  OF LEASE
  AT FACILITY
  DESCRIPTION
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
  Leased   $ 440,000     December 2021   Executive   22,500 sq. ft.
5456 McConnell Avenue
                      and support   building and parking
Los Angeles, CA(1)
                  personnel offices   space
 
MAYTAG OPERATIONS
6145 Lehman Drive
  Owned     N/A     N/A   Landlord, executive
and support
  8,000 sq. ft. of
offices
Suite 300
                      personnel offices    
Colorado Springs, CO(2)
                       
 
LOS ANGELES INT’L AIRPORT
  Leased   $ 823,000     December 2004   Cargo hangar, with   70,245 sq. ft. of
6851 W. Imperial Highway,
                      offices and   offices and cargo
Los Angeles, CA
                      executive offices   warehouse facility on
 
                  rented to customers   5.4 acres
600 Avion Drive
  Leased   $ 3,006,000     June 2006   Cargo handling   206,120 sq. ft. of
Los Angeles, CA
                      warehouse with   offices and cargo
                    offices   warehouse facility
 
ATLANTA-HARTSFIELD
  Leased   $ 924,000     January 2011   Landlord, cargo   60,597 sq. ft. of
Cargo Building “A”
                      handling warehouse   cargo warehouse
South Cargo Area
                      with offices   facility with 9,785
 
                          sq. ft. of office
 
                          space on 2.4 acres of
 
                    land
 
LONG BEACH OPERATION
  Leased   $ 101,000     August 2013   Service and   5,100 sq. ft. of
4100 Donald Douglas Drive
                      refueling of   offices and hangar
Long Beach, CA
                      commercial and   space
          private aircraft  
 
LESTER B. PEARSON INT’L AIRPORT
  Leased   $ 858,000     November 2010   Cargo handling   5,670 sq. ft. office
Vista Cargo Center
                      warehouse with   space and 50,342 sq.
6500 Silver Dart, Toronto
          offices   ft. of warehouse space
 
DORVAL INT’L AIRPORT
  Leased   $ 599,000     November 2007   Cargo handling   51,000 sq. ft.
800 Stuart Graham Blvd.
                      warehouse with   warehouse and 2,432
South Dorval, Quebec
                      offices   sq. ft. of office
            space
 
MIRABEL INT’L AIRPORT 12005, Rue Cargo
  Leased   $ 21,000     August 2005   Cargo handling   1,200 sq. ft.
A-3, Suite 102
                      warehouse with   warehouse and 570 sq.
Mirabel, Quebec
          offices   ft. of office space
     
(1)   This property was sold to CFK Realty Partners, LLC (“CFK Realty”), a related party of the Company at the time of the sale, in January 2002, however, the related assets are still reported on the Company’s books since CFK Realty is deemed to be a special purpose entity (“SPE”) requiring the financial statements of CFK Realty to be consolidated with those of the Company. In July 2004, CFK Realty underwent a restructuring resulting in CFK Realty no longer being considered a related party of the Company. This restructuring did not impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
(2)   This property was purchased in May 1995 for $515 thousand and is subject to a first mortgage to U.S. Bank in the sum of $252 thousand at June 30, 2004, repayable with interest at 6.68% in equal monthly installments of approximately $3,024, the last payment due May 2010.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

     On May 1, 2002, the Company received a notice of violation (“NOV”) from the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) for Air Centers’ Fort Wayne, Indiana facility alleging that the Company’s spill prevention, control and countermeasure plan (“SPCC Plan”) did not meet certain federal regulations. On March 14, 2003, the Company received an NOV from the EPA alleging certain deficiencies in the Company’s SPCC Plan for Air Centers’ Fort Wayne, Indiana FBO facility submitted to the EPA in November 2002. The Company believes that it has resolved all deficiencies except for alleged deficiencies related to: 1) secondary containment for refueling trucks, and 2)

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secondary containment for discrete fuel loading areas. Pursuant to an agreement detailed in a letter submitted to the EPA on April 16, 2003, the Company has been permitted to suspend modifications to its SPCC Plan regarding the installation of secondary containment for its refueling trucks, pending resolution of federal regulatory issues associated with secondary containment for such trucks. The EPA has also extended national compliance with regulations related to discrete loading areas until August 17, 2004. Further, the EPA announced in a Federal Register notice dated June 28, 2004, 69 Fed. Reg. 38297 that the EPA is considering a proposal to amend 40 CFR 112 to address, among other things, the “applicability of the rule to mobile/portable containers.”

     The Air Centers’ SPA provides that the Company shall be responsible for compliance, for a period of eighteen months subsequent to the FBO Sale Closing Date, for any required secondary containment (as the term is defined in the Air Centers’ SPA) required by any applicable governmental authority requiring secondary containment pursuant to environmental law for extended or overnight fuel truck parking at any FBO comprising the Air Centers’ business on the FBO Sale Closing Date. In the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution of this matter is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows or financial position.

     On February 26, 2003 Robert Bosch filed an action in the United States District Court, Eastern District of New York against Excel Cargo, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and others seeking $1.5 million in damages for damaged cargo. On June 4, 2003 plaintiff’s counsel agreed to voluntarily dismiss Excel Cargo, Inc., without prejudice, from the lawsuit conditioned on the production of information by Excel Cargo, Inc. To date, plaintiff has not yet followed through. This matter is insured and is being handled by insurance counsel. In the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution of this matter is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s operating results, cash flows or financial position.

     On April 16, 2003 the Plan Committee of Shuttle America Corp. filed an Adversary Proceeding in the United States Bankruptcy Court, District of Connecticut alleging preferential transfers in the amount of $995,000. The parties reached a settlement agreement, which provided the Company to pay Shuttle America $40,000. The settlement agreement was approved by the bankruptcy court with the Company satisfying, subsequent to the bankruptcy court approval, all outstanding obligations on this matter.

     On July 9, 2003 Central Insurance Company, LTD. filed an action in the United States District Court Central District of California-Western Division, against Air Cargo for damages paid to their assured United Microelectronics Corp in the amount of $335,337. In May, 2004 this matter was dismissed without cost to the Company.

     On November 26, 2003, Signature Flight Support Corporation (“Signature”) filed a complaint against Air Centers and Allied alleging: 1) breach of contract and tortuous interference with contract against Allied; 2) interference with prospective economic advantage against Allied; and 3) unfair business practices against the Company and Allied. Signature filed a similar action in state court in September 2004. The Company believes that the allegations are without merit and is in the process of preparing a response. The Company has agreed to indemnify Allied and its affiliates (including, without limitation Air Centers after the FBO Sale Closing Date), directors, officers, agents, employees and controlling persons from certain liabilities, obligations, losses or expenses to which Allied may become subject as a result of the complaint. On August 4, 2004 the parties participated in a court ordered mediation session and were not able to resolve their differences. In the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution of this complaint will not have a material effect on the Company’s operating results, cash flows or financial position.

     The Company is also a defendant in certain litigation arising in the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution of such litigation will not have a material effect on the Company’s operating results, cash flows or financial position.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

     The Company held its annual meeting of stockholders on April 12, 2004. Reference is made to Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders included in the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2004 for voting results and certain other information regarding the annual meeting.

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PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer of Purchases of Equity Securities.

     The Company’s common stock is listed and traded on the American Stock Exchange (“AMEX”) under the Symbol “MAX”. The table below sets forth, for the quarterly periods indicated, the high and low sales prices per share of common stock during each full quarterly period.

                 
    High
  Low
FISCAL 2004:
               
Quarter ended June 30, 2004
  $ 7.19     $ 4.58  
Quarter ended March 31, 2004
    7.19       5.00  
Quarter ended December 31, 2003
    6.85       4.49  
Quarter ended September 30, 2003
    7.30       6.20  
FISCAL 2003:
               
Quarter ended June 30, 2003
  $ 8.18     $ 5.70  
Quarter ended March 31, 2003
    7.40       6.40  
Quarter ended December 31, 2002
    8.00       5.00  
Quarter ended September 30, 2002
    9.10       7.00  

     As of September 20, 2004 there were approximately 326 holders of record. The Company has not paid any cash dividends since the fiscal year ended June 30, 1998. On July 29, 2004, the Company entered into a new senior loan agreement with Bank of America, N.A. which contains certain financial covenants that, among other things, limit the amount of annual dividends and stock repurchases to an amount not to exceed $4,600 thousand.

Securities authorized for issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

                         
    Number of securities to be   Weighted-average   Number of securities remaining
    issued upon exercise of   exercise price of   available for future issuance
    outstanding options,   outstanding options,   under equity compensation plans
Plan Category
  warrants and rights
  warrants and rights
  (excl. securities reflected in (a) or (b))
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
    551,473     $ 10.62       554,097  
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
    3,438     $ 14.36       0  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total
    554,911     $ 10.63       554,097  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

     Stock prices have been adjusted retroactively to reflect the effect of the one-for-two reverse stock split that was effective June 18, 2003.

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Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

     The following are the repurchases of the Company’s common stock during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004:

                                 
                            (d) Maximum Number (or
                    (c) Total Number of   Approximate Dollar
                    Shares (or Units)   Value) of Shares (or
    (a) Total Number of           Purchased as Part of   Units) that May Yet Be
    Shares (or Units)   (b) Average Price Paid   Publicly Announced Plans   Purchased Under the
Period
  Purchased
  per Share (or Unit)
  or Programs
  Plans or Programs
Month #1
April 1, 2004 to April 30, 2004
    14,500     $ 6.17       N/A       N/A  
Month #2
May 1, 2004 to May 31, 2004
    0       N/A       N/A       N/A  
Month #3
June 1, 2004 to June 30, 2004
    0       N/A       N/A       N/A  
 
   
     
                 
Total
    14,500     $ 6.17                  
 
   
     
                 

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Item 6. Selected Financial Data.

     The following selected consolidated financial data for each of the five years in the period ended June 30, 2004 have been derived from the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements. Certain reclassifications have been made to reflect the revenues and costs relating to the Air Centers and RPA operations as discontinued operations.

     The information set forth below should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

                                         
    Year Ended June 30,
    2004
  2003
  2002
  2001
  2000
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
INCOME STATEMENT DATA
                                       
Operating data
                                       
Sales and revenues
  $ 385,461     $ 337,248     $ 288,925     $ 378,964     $ 260,667  
Costs and expenses
    372,435       324,139       274,657       359,711       238,452  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Gross margin
    13,026       13,109       14,268       19,253       22,215  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    12,885       10,818       11,771       7,929       7,223  
Provision for bad debts
    506       1,192       1,170       3,665       5,348  
Depreciation and amortization
    2,828       2,782       3,478       3,942       4,193  
Settlement costs
    2,414                                  
Interest expense
    972       997       1,097       1,455       628  
Other (income) expense, net
    (318 )     97       987       (48 )     (124 )
Write-off of deferred financing costs
            1,773                          
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (6,261 )     (4,550 )     (4,235 )     2,310       4,947  
Income tax provision (benefit)
    (1,178 )     (1,567 )     (1,815 )     901       2,292  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of taxes
    (5,083 )     (2,983 )     (2,420 )     1,409       2,655  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes
    (1,803 )     185       6,937       1,480       (10 )
Gain (loss) on sale of discontinued operations, net of taxes
    7,501                       (477 )        
Extraordinary item, net of taxes
                                    (979 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net income (loss) per share
  $ 615     $ (2,798 )   $ 4,517     $ 2,412     $ 1,666  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Income (loss) per share:
                                       
Basic:
                                       
From continuing operations, net of taxes
  $ (1.67 )   $ (0.92 )   $ (0.74 )   $ 0.44     $ 0.81  
From discontinued operations, net of taxes
    (0.59 )     0.06       2.12       0.45          
From gain (loss) on sale of discontinued operations, net of taxes
    2.45                       (0.15 )        
Extraordinary item, net of taxes
                                    (0.30 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net income (loss) per share
  $ 0.19     $ (0.86 )   $ 1.38     $ 0.74     $ 0.51  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Diluted:
                                       
From continuing operations, net of taxes
  $ (1.67 )   $ (0.92 )   $ (0.72 )   $ 0.42     $ 0.76  
From discontinued operations, net of taxes
    (0.59 )     0.06       2.07       0.44          
From gain (loss) on sale of discontinued operations, net of taxes
    2.45                       (0.14 )        
Extraordinary item, net of taxes
                                    (0.26 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net income (loss) per share
  $ 0.19     $ (0.86 )   $ 1.35     $ 0.72     $ 0.50  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

     Please refer to Item 7 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding certain transactions adversely impacting the Company’s results from continuing operations for fiscal 2004.

                                         
    At June 30,
    2004
  2003
  2002
  2001
  2000
BALANCE SHEET DATA
                                       
Total assets
  $ 105,957     $ 132,955     $ 136,214     $ 152,488     $ 134,768  
Short-term debt (including current portion of long-term debt)
    139       4,194       14,677       7,461       6,936  
Long-term debt
    17,790       25,501       17,516       44,560       42,358  
Subordinated debt — current
                    23,179                  
Subordinated debt — long-term
            23,445               23,030       22,844  

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Results of Operations — Fiscal 2004, 2003 and 2002

     The following tables set forth, for the periods indicated, the revenue and gross margin for each of the Company’s three operating units included in continuing operations, as well as selected other financial statement data.

                                                 
    Year Ended June 30,
    2004
  2003
  2002
            % of           % of           % of
            Total           Total           Total
    Amount
  Revenues
  Amount
  Revenues
  Amount
  Revenues
    ($ in thousands)
Revenues:
                                               
MercFuel
  $ 322,631       83.7 %   $ 280,136       83.1 %   $ 232,573       80.5 %
Air Cargo
    39,549       10.3       32,691       9.7       28,124       9.7  
Maytag
    23,281       6.0       24,421       7.2       28,228       9.8  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total revenues
  $ 385,461       100 %   $ 337,248       100 %   $ 288,925       100 %
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
                                                 
            % of           % of           % of
            Unit           Unit           Unit
    Amount
  Revenues
  Amount
  Revenues
  Amount
  Revenues
Gross margin(1):
                                               
MercFuel
  $ 6,080       1.9 %   $ 5,926       2.1 %   $ 6,581       2.8 %
Air Cargo
    1,800       4.6       2,585       8.0       898       3.2  
Maytag
    5,146       22.1       4,598       18.8       6,789       24.1  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total gross margin
  $ 13,026       3.4 %   $ 13,109       3.9 %   $ 14,268       4.9 %
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
                                                 
    Year Ended June 30,
    2004
  2003
  2002
            % of           % of           % of
            Total           Total           Total
    Amount
  Revenues
  Amount
  Revenues
  Amount
  Revenues
    ($ in thousands)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
  $ 12,885       3.3 %   $ 10,818       3.2 %   $ 11,771       4.0 %
Provision for bad debts
    506       0.1       1,192       0.4       1,170       0.4  
Depreciation and amortization
    2,828       0.7       2,782       0.8       3,478       1.2  
Interest expense and other
    654       0.2       1,094       0.3       2,084       0.7  
Settlement costs
    2,414       0.6                                  
Write off of deferred financing costs
                    1,773       0.5              
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes
    (6,261 )     (1.6 )     (4,550 )     (1.3 )     (4,235 )     (1.4 )
Income tax benefit
    (1,178 )     (0.3 )     (1,567 )     (0.4 )     (1,815 )     (0.6 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Loss from continuing operations, net of taxes
    (5,083 )     (1.3 )     (2,983 )     (0.9 )     (2,420 )     (0.8 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes
    (1,803 )     (0.5 )     185       0.1       6,937       2.4  
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of taxes
    7,501       2.0                                  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net income (loss)
  $ 615       0.2 %   $ (2,798 )     (0.8 )%   $ 4,517       1.6 %
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

(1)   Gross margin as used here and throughout Management’s Discussion and Analysis includes certain selling, general and administrative costs which are charged directly to the operating units, but excludes depreciation and amortization expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses.

Fiscal year ended June 30, 2004 compared to fiscal year ended June 30, 2003

     As a result of the Company’s sale of all of the outstanding stock in Air Centers in April 2004, the Company’s fiscal 2004 financial results are segregated between the results from continuing operations, comprised of the Company’s remaining three business segments, results from discontinued operations and the gain from sale of discontinued operations. The following discussion and analysis will include information on both the results from continuing and discontinued operations.

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     The Company reported net income for fiscal 2004 of $615 thousand or $0.19 per basic and diluted share. This compares to a net loss of $2,798 thousand or $0.86 per basic and diluted share for fiscal 2003. The following table reports the segregation between results from continuing operations and discontinued operations for each of the years presented:

                 
    Fiscal 2004
  Fiscal 2003
    (in thousands of dollars)
Income (loss) from:    
Continuing operations, net of taxes
  $ (5,083 )   $ (2,983 )
Discontinued operations, net of taxes
    (1,803 )     185  
Sale of discontinued operations, net of taxes
    7,501          
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net income (loss) per share
  $ 615     $ (2,798 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
Income (loss) per common share basic and diluted:
               
Continuing operations, net of taxes
  $ (1.67 )   $ (0.92 )
Discontinued operations, net of taxes
    (0.59 )     0.06  
Sale of discontinued operations, net of taxes
    2.45          
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net income (loss) per share
  $ 0.19     $ (0.86 )
 
   
 
     
 
 

     The loss from continuing operations for fiscal 2004 includes the following significant items, for which additional information will be provided further in this discussion, which adversely affected the income (loss) from continuing operations:

1)   $1,799 thousand net expense associated with the settlement agreement relating to litigation with J O Hambro (the “Hambro Settlement);
 
2)   $615 thousand net expense associated with the settlement agreement with David H. Murdock and related parties (collectively “Murdock”):
 
3)   $1,680 thousand expense for contractual termination benefits paid to the chairman of the board of directors upon his retirement as chairman and director.

     MercFuel, the Company’s aviation fuel sales operation, generated revenue in fiscal 2004 of $322,631 thousand on sales volume of 278,448 thousand gallons, as compared to revenue of $280,136 thousand on sales volume of 286,873 thousand gallons last year. Following is a comparison of MercFuel’s sales information for fiscal 2004 and 2003:

                 
    Fiscal 2004
  Fiscal 2003
Commercial Sales
               
Revenue ($000)
  $ 252,824     $ 233,425  
Volume (thousand gallons)
    239,244       258,455  
Corporate Aviation/Fractional Jet
               
Revenue ($000)
  $ 69,808     $ 46,712  
Volume (thousand gallons)
    39,204       28,418  
MercFuel Total
               
Revenue ($000)
  $ 322,631     $ 280,136  
Volume (thousand gallons)
    278,448       286,873  
Gross margin ($000)
  $ 6,080     $ 5,926  

     Revenue for MercFuel’s commercial segment increased $19,399 thousand in fiscal 2004 to $252,824 thousand on sales volume of 239,244 thousand gallons. The increased revenue for the commercial segment is due to higher average petroleum product prices resulting from concerns of oil supply disruptions due to the Iraq war and from increased worldwide demand for petroleum products due to an improving worldwide economy. MercFuel’s commercial segment’s average sales price in fiscal 2004 increased 17.0% over fiscal 2003’s average sales price. The increased average sales price in fiscal 2004, as compared to fiscal 2003, represents increased revenue of approximately $36,700 thousand. MercFuel’s commercial sales volume decreased in fiscal 2004 to 239,244 thousand gallons, a reduction of 19,211 thousand gallons, or 7.4%, from MercFuel’s fiscal 2003 commercial sales volume of 258,455 thousand. The reduced sales volume in fiscal 2004 is due to the cessation of business in fiscal 2003 by National. MercFuel was supplying aviation fuel to National on a secured basis under the auspices of the bankruptcy court through November 6, 2002, the day National announced it was ceasing operations. MercFuel’s sales to National in fiscal 2003 through November 6, 2002 were $24,737 thousand on 28,966 thousand gallons.

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     Revenue for MercFuel’s corporate/fractional jet ownership segment was $69,808 thousand on sales volume of 39,204 thousand gallons, an increase of $23,096 thousand, or 49.4%, and 10,786 thousand gallons, or 38.0%, from fiscal 2003 revenue of $46,712 thousand on sales volume of 28,418 thousand gallons. The increase in sales revenue is due to the increase in worldwide petroleum product prices, increased use of private aircraft for both business and personal travel and MercFuel’s strategic focus on this business segment. The average sales price for aviation jet fuel in the corporate/fractional jet ownership segment in fiscal 2004 increased 8.3% as compared to fiscal 2003 equating to increased revenue of approximately $5,400 thousand. The increased sales volume equates to an increase in revenue of approximately $17,700 thousand.

     MercFuel’s cost of aviation fuel was $311,709 thousand in fiscal 2004 which represents an increase of 15.8% from MercFuel’s cost of aviation fuel in fiscal 2003 of $269,239 thousand. The average cost of aviation fuel per gallon increased 19.3% in fiscal 2004 to $1.120 per gallon. MercFuel’s operating expenses, excluding the cost of aviation fuel, was $4,842 thousand in fiscal 2004, a reduction of $130 thousand from fiscal 2003 operating expense excluding aviation fuel cost of $4,972 thousand.

     Air Cargo’s revenue was $39,549 thousand in fiscal 2004, an increase of $6,858 thousand, or 21.0%, from fiscal 2003 revenue of $32,691 thousand resulting in gross margin of $1,800 thousand in fiscal 2004, a reduction of $785 thousand from last year’s gross margin of $2,585 thousand.

                 
    Fiscal 2004
  Fiscal 2003
Revenue ($000)
               
Cargo handling
  $ 25,833     $ 25,243  
Cargo logistics services
    8,867       3,658  
Cargo general sales agent services
    4,849       3,790  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Air Cargo total
  $ 39,549     $ 32,691  
 
Gross margin ($000)
               
Cargo handling
  $ 2,243     $ 2,748  
Cargo logistics services
    1,734       618  
Cargo general sales agent services
    (704 )     756  
Cargo administrative
    (1,473 )     (1,537 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
Air Cargo total
  $ 1,800     $ 2,585  

     The cargo handling segment reported revenue of $25,833 thousand in fiscal 2004, an increase of $590 thousand, or 2.3%, from fiscal 2003 revenue of $25,243 thousand. Cargo handling’s gross margin in fiscal 2004 was $2,243 thousand, a decrease of $505 thousand from last year’s gross margin of $2,748 thousand. The primary cause of the decline in gross margin is due to increased labor costs at Air Cargo’s Avion warehouse at the Los Angeles International Airport.

     The cargo logistics services segment reported revenue of $8,867 thousand in fiscal 2004, an increase of $5,209 thousand from fiscal 2003 revenue of $3,658 thousand. The increased revenue in fiscal 2004 is due to the increased business activity associated with Air Cargo’s Mercury World Cargo (“MWC”) operation. Cargo logistics services segment’s gross margin in fiscal 2004 increased $1,116 thousand from fiscal 2003 to $1,734 thousand. The increased gross margin is due to the increased business activity associated with MWC and lower payroll related expenses.

     The cargo general sales agent (GSA) services segment reported revenue of $4,849 thousand in fiscal 2004, an increase of $1,059 thousand from fiscal 2003 revenue of $3,790 thousand. The GSA services’ gross margin in fiscal 2004 was a loss of $704 thousand as compared to a profit of $756 thousand in fiscal 2003. The decrease in GSA’s gross margin was associated with GSA’s parcel delivery services, which ceased operations in May 2004.

     Air Cargo’s administrative expenses for fiscal 2004 were $1,473 thousand, a reduction of $64 thousand from last year. The fiscal 2004 expense includes severance expense of $300 thousand associated with the termination of the chief operating officer of Mercury Air Cargo in December 2003.

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     Maytag reported revenue of $23,281 thousand in fiscal 2004, a reduction of $1,140 thousand from last year’s revenue of $24,421 thousand. Maytag’s fiscal 2004 gross margin was $5,146 thousand, an increase of $548 thousand from fiscal 2003 gross margin of $4,598.

                 
    Fiscal 2004
  Fiscal 2003
Revenue ($000)
               
Refueling
  $ 8,439     $ 8,703  
Air Terminal
    7,675       8,199  
BOS
    5,963       5,854  
Weather Data
    1,165       1,615  
Other
    39       50  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total Maytag
  $ 23,281     $ 24,421  

     The decrease in Maytag’s revenue was due to the non-renewal of one refueling contract in fiscal 2004, one refueling contract during fiscal 2003 and the non-renewal of one air terminal contract in fiscal 2004.

     Maytag’s fiscal 2004 gross margin was $5,146 thousand, an increase of $548 thousand or 11.9% from fiscal 2003 gross margin of $4,598 thousand. The increased gross margin in fiscal 2004 was primarily due to the recovery of wage increases on two contracts in fiscal 2004 of $259 thousand and the settlement of a labor dispute on a BOS contract in fiscal 2003 of $250 thousand.

     Bad debt expense for continuing operations in fiscal 2004 totaled $506 thousand or 0.13% of total revenue from continuing operations as compared to $1,192 thousand or 0.35% of total revenue from continuing operations in fiscal 2003. The Company experienced no significant individual write-offs during either fiscal 2004 or 2003.

     Selling, general and administrative (“G&A”) expenses in fiscal 2004 amounted to $12,885 thousand, an increase of $2,067 thousand or 19% from the fiscal 2003 expense of $10,818 thousand. The G&A expenses for fiscal 2004 includes $1,680 thousand for the severance payment to the retiring chairman of the board of directors and increased audit fees of approximately $311 thousand due to the re-audit of the Company’s financial statements for fiscal 2002 and 2001. The Company expects certain G&A expenses to increase as the Company maintains compliance with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

     Depreciation and amortization expense from continuing operations was $2,828 thousand in the current period as compared to $2,782 thousand last year.

     Interest and other expense from continuing operations in the current period was $654 thousand, a decrease of $440 thousand from last year’s interest and other expense from continuing operations of $1,094 thousand.

     The Company incurred settlement expenses of $2,414 thousand in fiscal 2004 associated with two settlements. Of this amount, $1,799 thousand was associated with the Hambro Settlement agreement whereby the parties agreed to the following: 1) Hambro’s agreement to release certain claims against the Company; 2) the Company’s agreement to dismiss certain litigation against Hambro; 3) the Company’s agreement not to initiate certain litigation against Hambro; 4) the reimbursement of certain costs incurred by Hambro associated with pending litigation and the defense preparation; and 5) the purchase of 343,600 shares of the Company’s common stock owned by Hambro. The settlement expense represents the difference between the total amount paid by the Company to Hambro and the trading value of the Company’s common stock purchased on the day the settlement was made. Settlement expense of $615 thousand was associated with the Murdock Settlement whereby the parties agreed: 1) to enter into a mutual release of claims 2) to the payment of $525 thousand to Murdock for reimbursement of all cost, fees and expenses incurred by Murdock in connection with the settlement agreement and the due diligence investigation of the Company’s businesses; and 3) that the Company purchase 150,000 shares of the Company’s common stock owned by Murdock at $6.00 per share. The settlement expense represents the difference between the total amount paid by the Company to Murdock and the trading value of the Company’s common stock purchased on the day the settlement was made.

     In fiscal 2003, as a result of the restructuring of the Company’s long-term debt, the Company incurred debt extinguishment costs of $1,773 thousand. This is comprised of the unamortized portion of the deferred debt issuance costs associated with the previous senior collateralized credit facility and the subordinated note at the time of early extinguishment of this debt and note amendment and expenses incurred associated with other refinancing options that were not completed.

     Total income tax expense for fiscal 2004 was $2,481 thousand, segregated by income taxes on the gain on the sale of Air Centers of $4,816 thousand, or 39.1% of the pre-tax gain, partially offset by an income tax benefit of $1,157 thousand, or 39.1%, on the loss from discontinued operations and by an income tax benefit of $1,178 thousand, or 18.8%, on the loss from continuing operations. This compares

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to an income tax benefit of $1,470 thousand in fiscal 2003 representing an income benefit of $1,567 thousand, or 34.4%, on the loss from continuing operations partially offset by an income tax expense of $97 thousand, or 34.4%, on the income from discontinued operations. The fiscal 2004 income tax benefit was adversely affected by the non-deductibility for income tax purposes of certain settlement costs incurred by the Company associated with the Hambro Settlement and the Murdock Settlement. The total non-deductible settlement costs in fiscal 2004 were $2,414 thousand.

     On April 12, 2004, upon approval from the Company’s stockholders at the Annual Stockholders’ meeting, the Company sold all of the outstanding common stock of Air Centers, which represented 100% of the then outstanding common stock in Air Centers, to Allied with the Company receiving total consideration for the sale in cash at closing of $76,349 thousand. Accordingly the Company classified all of the business activities associated with the Air Centers and the debt service costs associated with the debt repaid with the proceeds from the sale, as discontinued operations in the financial statements. For fiscal 2004, the Company reported a net loss from discontinued operations of $1,803 thousand, which includes pre-tax operating income from the Air Centers of $3,107 thousand and other expenses, primarily interest expense associated with the debt required to be repaid with the proceeds from the sale, of $6,067 thousand. The net loss from discontinued operations for fiscal 2004 of $1,803 thousand compares to net income of $185 thousand in fiscal 2003. The Air Centers had revenue and gross margin of $72,775 thousand and $7,375 thousand in fiscal 2004, respectively, through the FBO Sale Closing Date as compared to revenue and gross margin of $96,249 thousand and $12,854 thousand, respectively, for the full twelve months of fiscal 2003. Depreciation and amortization expense was $4,169 thousand in fiscal 2004 through the FBO Sale Closing Date as compared to $5,179 thousand for fiscal 2003. Interest expense for the senior secured credit facility and the senior subordinated note for fiscal 2004 was $6,067 thousand as compared to $6,959 thousand in fiscal 2003.

     The Company reported a net gain on the sale of Air Centers of $ 7,501 thousand.

     The Company may experience decreases in future sales volume and margins as a result of deterioration in the world economy, or in the aviation industry, and continued conflicts and instability in the Middle East, Asia and Latin America, as well as a result of potential future terrorist activities and possible military retaliation. In addition, world oil prices have been very volatile over the last several years. The Company expects continued volatility in world oil prices as a result of the instability in the Middle East. Since fuel costs represent a significant part of an airline company’s operating expenses, volatility of fuel prices can adversely affect our customers’ business and consequently our results of operations.

Fiscal year ended June 30, 2003 compared to fiscal year ended June 30, 2002

     Revenue from continuing operations for the Company was $337,248 thousand in fiscal 2003, representing an increase of $48,323 or 16.7% from fiscal 2002 revenue from continuing operations of $288,925 thousand. The increase in revenue was primarily attributable to higher MercFuel revenue due to higher petroleum product commodity prices, resulting in an increase in revenue of $48,195 thousand from fiscal 2002. In addition, Air Cargo had increased revenues of $4,567 thousand. These gains were offset by reduced revenue of $3,807 thousand for Maytag. Gross margin from continuing operations in fiscal 2003 was $13,109 thousand, representing a decline of $1,159 thousand, or 8.1% from the gross margin realized in fiscal 2002 of $14,268 thousand. The lower gross margin is primarily due to lower government contract business activity during fiscal 2003 resulting in reduced gross margin of $2,191 thousand as compared to fiscal 2002.

     MercFuel, the Company’s fuel sales business, generated revenue in fiscal 2003 of $280,136 thousand, an increase of $47,563 thousand or 20.5% from fiscal 2002 revenue of $232,573 thousand. The increase in revenue was due to higher average sales prices offset by a slightly reduced sales volume. The average sales price in fiscal 2003 was $0.977 per gallon, an increase of 20.8% from the fiscal 2002 average sales price of $0.809 per gallon, equating to higher revenue of $48,195 thousand. Fuel sales volume in fiscal 2003 was 286,873 thousand gallons, a decrease of 778 thousand gallons from fiscal 2002 resulting in lower revenue of $629 thousand. The higher average sales price is due to higher average worldwide petroleum product prices.

     National, a customer of MercFuel, ceased operations on November 6, 2002. MercFuel had been providing fuel to National since May 1999. In December 2000, National filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and the Company continued to sell fuel to National on a secured basis under the auspices of the bankruptcy court. Sales to National for fiscal 2003 through November 5, 2002 were $24,737 thousand on a volume of 28,966 thousand gallons, as compared to $49,085 thousand on a volume of 68,704 thousand gallons for the full twelve months of fiscal 2002. As a result of the secured nature of the transactions, the amount of loss on the cessation of business was negligible.

     MercFuel’s gross margin in fiscal 2003 was $5,926 thousand representing a decline of $655 thousand or 10% from fiscal 2002. The average gross margin per gallon sold in fiscal 2003 was $0.038 per gallon, essentially unchanged from fiscal 2002. The decline in gross margin was primarily due to the lower sales volume.

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     The Company’s Air Cargo operations had revenue of $32,691 thousand in fiscal 2003, an increase of $4,567 thousand or 16.2% from the fiscal 2002 revenue of $28,124 thousand. The increase in revenue is attributed to higher revenue in the cargo handling operations, which had increased handling volume due to the west coast dockworkers’ strike and due to improved import/export activity.

     The Air Cargo segment generated gross margin of $2,585 thousand in fiscal year 2003, an increase of $1,687 thousand or 188.9% from last year’s gross margin of $898 thousand, primarily due to the subleasing of the Air Cargo’s Atlanta warehouse facility to Lufthansa Handling starting in March 2002 which improved margins by $1,243 thousand and higher margin of $617 thousand in Cargo Space Logistics.

     Revenue from Maytag, the Company’s government contract services business segment, was $24,421 thousand in fiscal 2003, a decrease of $3,807 thousand or 13.5% from the fiscal 2002 revenue of $28,228 thousand. The decrease in Maytag’s revenue was due to the loss of revenue of $1,396 thousand from the Yokota, Japan contract, which expired in December 2001 at which time Maytag was not awarded the contract renewal as a result of a competitive bid process. In addition, Maytag lost refueling contracts in the prior year which provided $2,061 thousand in revenue for fiscal 2002. In addition, revenue from Weather Data Services contracts decreased during fiscal 2003 by $816 thousand. Air terminal contract revenue of $8,199 thousand in fiscal 2003 revenues increased slightly from $8,112 thousand in fiscal 2002 .

     Maytag had gross margin of $4,598 thousand in fiscal 2003, a decrease of $2,191 thousand or 32.3% from the gross margin of $6,789 realized in fiscal 2002. The decrease in gross margin is primarily attributed to the loss of the Yokota, Japan contract, lower margin on the Kuwait Air Terminal contract and a reserve for a legal settlement of $250 thousand in fiscal 2003.

     Bad debt expense in 2003 totaled $1,192 thousand or 0.35% of total revenue from continuing operations. This represents a $22 thousand increase from fiscal year 2002 bad debt expense of $1,170 thousand which represented 0.40% of fiscal 2002 revenue from continuing operations. The Company experienced no significant individual write-offs during fiscal 2003.

     Selling, general and administrative (“G&A”) expenses decreased in fiscal 2003 to $10,818 thousand, a decrease of $953 thousand or 8.1% from the fiscal 2002 expense of $11,771 thousand due to executive severance costs incurred in fiscal 2002.

     Continuing depreciation and amortization expense was $2,782 thousand in fiscal 2003 as compared to $3,478 thousand in fiscal 2002.

     The Company ceased the amortization of goodwill due to the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” effective as of July 1, 2002 which resulted in a decrease in annual amortization expense of $0.4 million from the prior year.

     Interest and other expense from continuing operations in fiscal 2003 was $1,094 thousand, a decrease of $990 thousand from fiscal 2002 interest and other expense from continuing operations of $2,084 thousand. In fiscal 2002, the Company wrote-off the deferred stock offering costs of $985 thousand associated with the planned public and private offering of MercFuel common stock. The Company decided not to undertake the offering due to market uncertainties and general economic conditions at the time.

     As a result of the restructuring of the Company’s long-term debt in fiscal 2003, the Company incurred debt extinguishment costs of $1,773 thousand. This is comprised of the unamortized portion of the deferred debt issuance costs associated with the previous senior collateralized credit facility and the subordinated note at the time of early extinguishment of this debt, and note amendment and expenses incurred associated with other refinancing options that were not completed.

     The effective income tax benefit rate on the loss from continuing operation for fiscal 2003 was 34.4% resulting in an income tax benefit on the loss from continuing operations of $1,567 thousand. This compares to an effective income tax benefit rate on the loss from continuing operations for fiscal 2002 of 42.9% resulting in an income tax benefit of $1,815 thousand. The lower effective income tax benefit rate in fiscal 2003, resulting in a lower income tax benefit, is due to non-deductible expenses for tax purposes and a lower effective state income tax benefit rate.

     The Company reported income from discontinued operations, net of taxes, in fiscal 2003 of $185 thousand as compared to $6,937 thousand in fiscal 2002, which included $5,447 thousand from the gain on the sale of the Bedford FBO. Revenue and gross margin from discontinued operations, which is comprised primarily of Air Centers, was $96,249 thousand and $12,854 thousand in fiscal 2003,

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respectively, as compared to $94,417 thousand and $13,545 thousand, respectively, in fiscal 2002. Depreciation and amortization expense was $5,179 thousand and $5,780 thousand in fiscal 2003 and fiscal 2002, respectively. Interest expense associated with the senior credit facility and the senior subordinated note was $6,959 thousand in fiscal 2003 as compared to $4,733 thousand in fiscal 2002.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

     On April 12, 2004, after receiving approval from the Company’s stockholders at the Annual Stockholders’ meeting, the Company sold all of the outstanding common stock of Air Centers, which represented 100% of the then outstanding common stock in Air Centers, to Allied with the Company receiving total consideration for the sale in cash at closing of $76,349 thousand (the “FBO Sale”). The final amount of the total consideration to be received by the Company from the FBO Sale is dependent upon, among other things, the determination of the amount of Air Centers’ net working capital at the FBO Sales Closing Date and the distribution of funds from the Hartsfield Escrow. In accordance with the terms of the Air Centers’ SPA, the Company and Allied agreed to the extent Air Centers’ actual net working capital at closing exceeded $3,586 thousand, Allied is obligated to pay the Company the excess amount or to the extent Air Centers’ net working capital is less than $3,586 thousand, the Company is obligated to pay Allied the deficiency. The parties also agreed to deposit $8,270 thousand at closing to establish the Hartsfield Escrow to be distributed to the parties over a period not to exceed five years from the FBO Sale Closing Date dependent upon the award of a new lease at the Hartsfield International Airport in Atlanta for a new FBO. If Air Centers’ is awarded the new lease, dependent upon the effective date and the terms and conditions of the new lease, the Company may be entitled to all, some or none of the amount deposited into the Hartsfield Escrow at closing.

     The proceeds from the FBO Sale were used to: 1) prepay the outstanding principal on the WFF Credit Facility comprised of both a term loan and a revolving credit facility, in the amount of $13,255 thousand; 2) pay accrued interest and fees associated with the WFF Credit Facility of $203 thousand; 3) establish a cash collateral account with WFF in the amount of $16,031 thousand in support of issued and outstanding letters of credit issued under the terms of the WFF Credit Facility; 4) prepay the outstanding principal, including the amount of accrued interest payable-in-kind (“PIK”), on the Note of $24,120 thousand to Allied; 5) pay accrued interest and fees associated with the Note of $141 thousand; 6) prepay the outstanding principal, including the amount of accumulated PIK interest, on the Hambro Notes in the amount of $3,695 thousand; 7) pay accrued interest on the Hambro Notes in the amount of $15 thousand; 8) establish the Hartsfield Escrow in the amount of $8,270 thousand; and 9) pay for transaction related fees and expenses of $1,324 thousand. After satisfying the obligations noted above, the Company received cash of $9,295 thousand.

     As a result of this transaction, the Company significantly reduced its long-term debt and enhanced its financial position. Prior to the FBO Sale, the Company’s outstanding obligations associated with long term debt and the Hambro Notes were $58,714 thousand. Immediately after the FBO Sale transaction, the Company’s long-term debt obligations were reduced to $19,018 thousand. As of June 30, 2004 the outstanding principal amount of long-term debt, including the current portion of long-term debt, was $17,929 thousand.

     As of June 30, 2004, the Company’s unrestricted cash balance was $4,690 thousand, an increase of $1,888 thousand from June 30, 2003.

     Net cash used in operations in fiscal 2004 was $6,039 thousand, which includes the net cash contributed from operations for Air Centers through the FBO Sale Closing Date, as compared to cash provided by operating activities of $4,807 thousand in fiscal 2003. The net cash used in operations for 2004 was primarily due to the net loss from both continuing and discontinuing operations and an increase in the Company’s income tax obligations due to the FBO Sale. In addition, primarily the result of higher petroleum product prices and the resultant increase in trade receivables, the change in operating assets and liabilities in fiscal 2004 required $3,738 thousand of cash.

     Primarily as a result of the FBO Sale, the Company generated $45,463 thousand of cash from investing activities as compared to net cash used in investing activities of $940 thousand in fiscal 2003. Proceeds from the sale of properties and facilities in fiscal 2004 were $73,753 thousand, of which $73,673 thousand were from the FBO Sale. From the FBO sale proceeds, $24,403 thousand was required to be deposited into restricted accounts as collateral for outstanding letters of credit or for the Hartsfield Escrow. The Company also expended $5,020 thousand for capital projects during fiscal 2004, of which $3,836 thousand was invested in Air Centers’ assets.

     The Company used $37,576 thousand in financing activities in fiscal 2004, due to the repayment of outstanding debt with proceeds from the FBO Sale, as compared to the use of $6,784 thousand in financing activities in fiscal 2003. With the proceeds from the FBO Sale, the Company prepaid the outstanding principal amount of debt on the WFF Credit Facility of $13,255 thousand and prepaid the outstanding principal on the Allied Note of $24,120 thousand, including $120 thousand of capitalized interest. The Company also purchased a total of 346,100 shares of outstanding common stock during fiscal 2004 for $1,824 thousand. On December 12, 2003, as part of the settlement agreement entered into between the Company and J O Hambro Capital Management and certain of its affiliates and private

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clients (“J.O. Hambro”), the Company purchased 343,600 shares of common stock, which were then retired, from J O Hambro valued at $1,787 thousand.

     On December 12, 2003, the Company entered into a settlement agreement (the “Hambro Settlement”) relating to litigation with J O Hambro whereby the Company issued three promissory notes for an aggregate principle amount of $3,586,000 (the “Hambro Notes”) in exchange for the following, among other things: 1) the repurchase of 343,600 shares of the Company’s common stock owned by J O Hambro; 2) reimbursement of certain costs associated with the mutual release of claims; and 3) a standstill agreement associated with the pending lawsuits and anticipated proxy solicitations. The Hambro Notes were: 1) subordinated to the Senior Secured Credit Facility and to the Senior Subordinated Note; 2) due on the earlier of (a) March 31, 2006, provided that if the Senior Secured Credit Facility Matures on December 31, 2007 then such date shall be March 31, 2008 or (b) the ninetieth day following payment in full of the Senior Secured Credit Facility and the termination of commitments for the Senior Secured Lender to provide financing under the Senior Secured Credit Facility; and 3) bear and accrue interest at the rate of 12% per annum commencing on December 31, 2003. On the FBO Sale Closing Date, the Company paid JO Hambro $3,710 thousand as payment for all outstanding obligations associated with the Hambro Notes.

     On July 29, 2004, the Company and Bank of America, N.A. entered into a three-year $30,000,000 revolving line of credit (the “B of A Credit Facility”) collateralized by all of the assets of the Company. The revolving line of credit will be used as collateral for any letters of credit issued by the Company and for general working capital needs. Upon the effective date of the B of A Credit Facility, $15,414 thousand of cash deposited by the Company as collateral for outstanding letters of credit and reported as restricted cash on the Company’s balance sheet at June 30, 2004 was released to the Company for general corporate purposes. As of the closing date of the B of A Credit Facility, the Company had $29,238 thousand of revolving credit line available to it of which $15,414 thousand was reserved for issued and outstanding letters of credit and $13,824 thousand was available and undrawn. The amount of credit available to the Company on the B of A Credit Facility is determined monthly based on the amount of eligible customer receivables, as defined in the B of A Credit Facility agreement, up to an amount not to exceed $30,000 thousand. The B of A Credit Facility contains certain financial covenants limiting the amount the Company can expend annually for cash dividends and/or stock repurchases and for capital expenditures. The Company is also required to maintain certain financial targets for tangible net worth, fixed charge and debt to worth ratios.

     The Company has historically competed in a niche market where it generally purchases fuel from major oil companies and refiners using credit terms, which on average are shorter than the credit terms the Company offers its fuel customers. Because of its bulk buying and credit worthiness the Company is able to purchase fuel at a lower price than its customers. Typically, the Company buys on terms that range from 3 days to 15 days and sells on terms that can exceed 30 days. As a result, the Company requires adequate working capital and access to sufficient credit facilities to meet the day-to-day working capital requirements and to expand its existing operations. The amount of working capital required by the Company has depended, and is expected to depend, primarily on the price and quantity of aviation fuel bought and sold, the Company’s extension of credit to its customers, customers’ compliance with the Company’s credit terms and the credit terms extended to the Company by its suppliers. Increases in the quantity and/or price of fuel sold or in the credit terms extended to its customers and/or any reduction in credit terms extended to the Company by its suppliers and/or any substantial customer noncompliance with the Company’s credit terms can result in an increase in the Company’s working capital requirements. Under these circumstances, the Company’s liquidity could be adversely affected unless the Company is able to increase vendor credit or increase lending limits under the Company’s revolving credit facility. The Company believes, however, that its current financing arrangements and vendor credit terms should provide the Company with sufficient liquidity in the event of a temporary surge in fuel oil prices. However, to the extent that the revolving credit facility or any other credit facility is used to fund increased working capital requirements, the Company will incur additional debt service costs.

     The Company’s accounts receivable balance as of June 30, 2004 was $50,974 thousand. The Company’s accounts receivable are primarily comprised of customer trade receivables net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,492 thousand. The Company’s credit risk is based in part on the following factors: 1) a substantial portion of the customer trade receivables are related to a single industry (aviation) and 2) at any given point in time, one or several customers may owe a significant balance to the Company. At June 30, 2004, MercFuel’s accounts receivable comprised approximately 68% of the Company’s total receivables.

     The Company’s MercFuel operations accounted for approximately 83.7% of the Company’s total revenue from continuing operations in fiscal 2004. As of June 30, 2004, MercFuel trade receivables comprise approximately 68% of the Company’s total trade accounts receivable and are owed from what the Company defines as smaller airlines, including certain foreign, cargo, regional, commuter and start-up airlines. These customers are affected by volatility in fuel prices and by fluctuations in the economy in general and in the aviation industry specifically. To the extent that MercFuel’s airline customers are not able to immediately adjust their business operations to reflect increased operating costs, they could take relatively longer to pay the Company’s accounts receivable. Such payment delays would further increase the Company’s working capital demands. In some cases, the impact of existing, and potentially future, high aviation fuel prices along with and other economic fluctuations could materially impair the financial stability of an airline customer

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such that it would be unable to pay amounts owed to the Company and could result in the airline customer filing for bankruptcy protection. In that event, Mercury could incur significant losses related to the uncollectability of the receivables. The Company has incurred in the past and is likely to continue to incur losses as the result of the business failure of a customer. The Company assesses its credit portfolio on an ongoing basis and establishes allowances which the Company believes are adequate to absorb potential credit problems that can be reasonably anticipated. This assessment includes an analysis of past due accounts as well as a review of accounts with significant balances. Allowances are established for all or some portion of past due balances based upon various factors, including the extent of delinquency, financial conditions of delinquent customers and amounts of insurance and collateral, if any.

     Accounts receivable sales days outstanding for the three remaining business units was 41.4 days and 43.8 days as of June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, based on the average daily revenue for the fourth quarter of each fiscal year. Accounts receivable days sales outstanding have historically been impacted by a high volume of fuel sales to customers with extended payment terms. However, during fiscal 2001, the Company added a large customer, AirTran Airways, whose terms are prepaid. The terms of the prepayment provide for weekly payments equal to the following week’s estimated sales. This prepaid customer accounted for approximately 23.0% and 24.3% of the Company’s consolidated revenue from continuing operations for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

     The Company’s capital expenditures in fiscal 2004 were $5,020 thousand, which includes $3,836 thousand invested in Air Centers’ facilities prior to the FBO Sale. In accordance with the terms of the Air Centers’ SPA, the Company received additional cash consideration at closing of $3,349 thousand for reimbursement of certain capital expenditures made by the Company associated with two Air Center related projects. This compares with capital expenditures in fiscal 2003 of $4,065 thousand, of which $3,675 thousand was associated with the Air Centers’ operations, and $4,500 thousand in fiscal 2002, which includes $3,954 thousand for the Air Centers. Capital expenditures excluding Air Centers’ were $1,184 thousand, $390 thousand and $546 thousand in fiscal 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

     The Company is currently assessing different options regarding the utilization of the Company’s excess cash to enhance stockholder value including strategic acquisitions, reinvestment of the cash into current operations and distributions to stockholders. The B of A Credit Facility limits the amount the Company can expend on an annual basis for capital expenditures to $3,500 thousand for fiscal 2005 and for dividend and/or stock repurchases to $4,600 thousand.

     Absent a capital intensive acquisition, the Company believes that the combination of its operating cash flows, availability under the B of A Credit Facility, vendor credit and existing cash resources will provide it with sufficient liquidity during the next twelve months. The Company believes the availability under its B of A Credit and vendor credit should provide it with sufficient liquidity in the event of a continued surge in oil prices.

Contractual Obligations, Commercial Commitments and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

     The Company’s significant contractual obligations and financial commitments are summarized below. Additional information regarding the Company’s financial commitments can be found in Notes 9, 10 and 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Letters of Credit

     As of June 30, 2004, the Company had outstanding letters of credit in the amount of $15,414 thousand. As of June 30, 2004, these letters of credits were collateralized with cash deposited with the issuer of the letters of credit. Upon the execution of the B of A Credit Facility, these letters of credit are included as part of this credit facility, thereby eliminating the requirement for the Company to post the LOC Collateral but reducing the cash availability on the revolving line of credit. A letter of credit in support of the tax-exempt bonds issued by the California Economic Development Financing Authority (“CEDFA”) comprised $14,207 thousand of the outstanding letters of credit as of June 30, 2004.

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Lease Commitments

     As of June 30, 2004, the Company’s future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases for rental properties with terms in excess of one year were as follows:

         
    Thousands
For the Fiscal Year Ending June 30,
  of dollars
2005
  $ 7,187  
2006
    6,581  
2007
    3,286  
2008
    2,668  
2009
    2,402  
Thereafter
    5,376  
 
   
 
 
Total minimum payments
  $ 27,500  
 
   
 
 

     As part of the Company’s normal business practices, the Company enters into site leases with the respective airport agencies for its Air Cargo Operations. In addition, the Company enters into leases for fueling equipment used in its MercFuel business.

Long Term Debt

     As of June 30, 2004, the Company had long-term debt and notes payable, including the current portion of principal due, in the amount of $17,929 thousand. Please refer to Notes 9 and 10 of the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of the type of long term debt and notes payable outstanding. The following is the principal payment schedule associated with these obligations:

         
    Thousands
For the Fiscal Year Ending June 30,
  of dollars
2005
  $ 139  
2006
    149  
2007
    160  
2008
    171  
2009
    183  
Thereafter
    17,127  
 
   
 
 
Total minimum payments
  $ 17,929  
 
   
 
 

The Company has no off- balance sheet financing arrangements.

Employment Contracts

     The Company currently has employment agreements with its: 1) President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”); 2) Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary (“General Counsel”); and 3) Vice President of Finance, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), and other business unit officers. Following is a brief description of the terms and conditions of the key employment contracts.

     The amended and restated employment agreement with the CEO dated as of May 22, 2002 is for a term ending on November 15, 2004, subject to automatic one-year extensions starting on November 15, 2004 and on each successive anniversary date unless either party gives 30 days notice of non-renewal. The annual salary under this agreement is $520,000. The CEO is also eligible for an annual bonus equal to: (i) 25% of the CEO’s base compensation subject to the Company’s consolidated operating income before sales and general and administrative expenses and depreciation (“Adjusted EBIT”) for the most recent completed fiscal year exceeding the average of the Adjusted EBIT for the immediately prior three fiscal years; and (ii) 4.166% of the amount by which the Adjusted EBIT for the most recently completed fiscal year exceeds the average Adjusted EBIT for the immediately prior three fiscal years. The CEO was eligible to participate in the 2002 Management Stock Purchase Plan (the “2002 Plan”), wherein the CEO was eligible to purchase up to 193,825 shares of the Company’s common stock from CFK Partners at a price of $15.00 per share, both number of shares and price per share were adjusted for the one-for-two reverse stock split effective June 18, 2003, such purchase being funded by a loan from the Company. The CEO elected to participate in the 2002 Plan and purchased 193,825 shares of the Company’s common stock, as adjusted for the stock split. The CEO’s obligation to repay the Company is forgiven ratably over a ten-year period provided the CEO remains employed by the Company during such period.

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     In the event the CEO’s employment with the Company is terminated for cause, the CEO will not be entitled to receive or be paid a bonus for the year in which employment terminated. In the event the CEO’s employment with the Company is terminated without cause, the Company will be obligated to pay the CEO the lesser of three years base compensation or the base compensation that would have been paid to him over the remaining term of the CEO’s employment agreement, and a bonus for the fiscal year of employment termination in an amount which would otherwise be paid to the CEO prorated over the days the CEO was gainfully employed by the Company during the fiscal year in which the employment termination occurred.

     The employment agreements for the General Counsel and the CFO dated as of May 22, 2002 are each for a period ending on May 22, 2005 subject to automatic one-year extensions starting on May 22, 2005 and each subsequent anniversary date, unless either party gives a minimum 30 days notice of non-renewal. Under the employment agreements the annual base salary for the General Counsel and the CFO is $179,000 and $170,000, respectively. Both the General Counsel and the CFO were eligible to participate in the 2002 Plan, wherein the General Counsel was eligible to purchase up to 15,948 shares and the CFO was eligible to purchase up to 12,500 shares of the Company’s common stock from CFK Partners for a price of $15.00 per share, all amounts as adjusted for the reverse stock split, with such purchases being funded through a loan from the Company. Both the General Counsel and the CFO elected to participate in the 2002 Plan and purchased the maximum number of shares allotted. The obligations to repay the Company are forgiven over a ten-year period, provided they each remained employed by the Company during such period.

     In the event that either the General Counsel’s or the CFO’s employment with the Company is terminated for cause, or in the event of their death or disability, all rights under the respective employment agreements will cease. In the event that either the General Counsel’s or the CFO’s employment with the Company is terminated without cause, the Company will be obligated to pay the respective individual the lesser of one-year’s base compensation or the base compensation that would otherwise be paid to them over the remaining term of the employment agreement, not to be less than the equivalent of six months base compensation.

     In July 2004 the consulting agreement between the Company and the Chairman of the Company’s board of directors was terminated as a result of the Chairman’s retirement as Chairman and as a board of director. In accordance with the terms of the consulting agreement with the Chairman, the Chairman received a severance payment of $1,680 thousand upon his retirement.

     As of June 30, 2004, the following is the Company’s future minimum payments for these and other executive employment contracts, excluding discretionary and performance-based bonuses:

         
    Thousands
For the Fiscal Year Ending June 30,
  of dollars
2005
  $ 639  
 
   
 
 
Total minimum payments
  $ 639  
 
   
 
 

Purchase Commitments

     Effective April 1, 2004, the Company’s Air Cargo operations entered into a one-year renewal of its contract to purchase all of South African Airlines cargo capacity on its passenger flights from the United States and Canada to South Africa. The commitment for this one-year contract is approximately $ 4,715 thousand, which is essentially unchanged from the previous year.

     The Company currently has no fixed volume or fixed price purchase commitments for aviation fuel, although the Company may, from time-to-time, commit to such arrangements.

Guarantees

     The Company is a guarantor on certain airport site and facility leases associated with 11 of Air Centers’ FBO locations that were in effect as of the FBO Sale Closing Date. As a condition of the sale, Allied agreed to fully indemnify the Company from any and all costs associated with the pre-existing guarantees while Air Centers and Allied use their best efforts to have the Company removed as guarantor on these leases. As a result of the indemnification provided by Allied, the Company does not believe any claim being made on the Company as a result of these guarantees will have a material affect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows or financial position.

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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

     The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported therein, including the financial information reported in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. Estimates are based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent form other sources. Actual results reported in future periods may be based upon amounts which differ from those estimates. The following represent what the Company believes are the critical accounting policies most affected by significant management estimates and judgments:

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

     The Company continuously monitors collections and payments from its customers and maintains a provision for estimated credit losses based upon its historical experience and any specific customer collection issues that have been identified. Accounts receivable are reported net of the allowance for amounts that may become uncollectable in the future. Such allowances can be either specific to a particular customer or general to all customers. The Company believes the level of the allowance for bad debts is reasonable based on past experience and an analysis of the net realizable value of the Company’s trade receivables at June 30, 2004. However, the credit loss rate can be impacted by adverse changes in the aviation industry, or changes in the liquidity or financial position of its customers which could affect the collectability of its accounts receivable and its future operating results. If credit losses exceed established allowances, the Company’s results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected.

Contingencies

     The Company accounts for contingencies in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies.” SFAS No. 5 requires that the Company record an estimated loss from a loss contingency when information available prior to issuance of the Company’s financial statements indicates that it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred at the date of the financial statements and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Accounting for contingencies such as legal matters requires significant judgment. Many of these legal matters can take years to resolve. Generally, as the time period increases over which the uncertainties are resolved, the likelihood of changes to the estimate of the ultimate outcome increases. Management believes that the accruals for loss contingencies are adequate.

Revenue Recognition

     Revenues are recognized upon delivery of product or the completion of service. For the sale of aviation fuel, revenue is recognized on the date the aviation fuel is delivered into the aircraft. For fuel delivered on an into-plane basis, revenue is recognized on the date the fuel is delivered into the aircraft. Aircraft maintenance contracts are recognized as the labor and maintenance is completed. Cargo handling revenue is recognized in the period the cargo is shipped out of the Company’s cargo warehouses. Space logistics and general cargo sales agent services are recognized as revenue in the period that the related flights occur or the commissions are earned. Revenue associated with fixed rate fees of long-term service contracts is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the contract. Revenue associated with the variable rate fees of long-term contracts is recognized in the period in which services are performed and completed. The Company’s contracts with the government of the United States of America are subject to profit renegotiation. To date, the Company has not been required to adjust profits arising from such contracts.

Income Taxes

     Deferred income taxes are determined using the liability method. A deferred tax asset or liability is determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities as measured by the enacted tax rates that will be in effect when these differences reverse. Deferred tax expense is the result of changes in the deferred tax asset or liability. If necessary, valuation allowances are established to reduce deferred tax assets to their expected realizable values.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Goodwill

     Long-lived assets and goodwill are reviewed for impairment, based on undiscounted cash flows, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable but in any event, no less than once per year. If this review indicates that the carrying amount is not recoverable, the Company will recognize an impairment loss, measured by the future

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discounted cash flow method. In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” This statement was adopted by the Company on July 1, 2002. Under this standard, goodwill is no longer amortized, but is tested for impairment annually. In accordance with this Statement, the Company’s most recent assessment of impairment of goodwill and other intangibles was completed in February 2004 with no adjustments to the amount of goodwill and intangible assets required.

New Accounting Pronouncements

     On April 30, 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 149, “Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” This standard amends and clarifies the accounting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities under SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” The provisions of this statement are generally effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003. The Company adopted SFAS No.149 on July 1, 2003 with no material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

     In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (“FIN 46”). This interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, “Consolidated Financial Statements,” addresses consolidation by business enterprises of variable interest entities. Under current practice, two enterprises generally have been included in consolidated financial statements because one enterprise controls the other through voting interests. FIN 46 defines the concept of “variable interests” and requires existing unconsolidated variable interest entities to be consolidated by their primary beneficiaries if the entities do not effectively disperse risks among the parties involved. This interpretation applies immediately to variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003. It applies in the first fiscal year or interim period beginning after December 15, 2003, to variable interest entities considered to be a special purpose entity (“SPE”) in which an enterprise holds a variable interest that it acquired before February 1, 2003. For non-SPE variable interest entities acquired before February 1, 2003, the interpretation must be adopted no later than the first interim or annual period ending after March 15, 2004. The interpretation may be applied prospectively with a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date on which it is first applied or by restating previously issued financial statements for one or more years with a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the beginning of the first year restated. The Company adopted FIN 46 during the quarter ended March 31, 2004 with no material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

     In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity,” which establishes standards for the classification and measurement of certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. SFAS No. 150 requires classification of financial instruments within its scope as a liability, including financial instruments issued in the form of shares that are mandatorily redeemable, because those financial instruments are deemed to be, in essence, obligations of the issuer. The Company adopted SFAS No. 150 during the quarter ended March 31, 2004 with no material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

Inflation

     The Company believes that inflation has not had a significant effect on its results of operations during the past three fiscal years.

Forward-Looking Statements

     This Form 10-K and the information incorporated by reference in it includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. We intend the forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements in these sections. All statements regarding our expected financial position and operating results, our business strategy, our financing plans and forecasted demographic and economic trends relating to our industry are forward-looking statements. These statements can sometimes be identified by our use of forward-looking words such as “may”, “will”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “expect” or “intend” and similar expressions. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. We cannot promise you that our expectations in such forward-looking statements will turn out correct. Factors that impact such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, quarterly fluctuations in results; the management of growth; fluctuations in world oil prices or foreign currency; changes in political, economic, regulatory or environmental conditions; the loss of key customers, suppliers or members of senior management; uninsured losses; competition; credit risk associated with accounts receivable; and other risks detailed in this Form 10-K and in our other

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Securities and Exchange Commission filings. We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

     The Company does not currently utilize material derivative financial instruments which expose the Company to significant market risk. However, the Company’s cash flows, results of operations, and the fair value of its debt, may be adversely affected due to changes in interest rates with respect to its long-term debt. The table below presents principal cash flows and related weighted average interest rates of the Company’s long-term debt at June 30, 2004 by expected maturity dates. Weighted average variable rates are based on rates in effect at June 30, 2004. These rates should not be considered a predictor of actual future interest rates.

                                                                 
    Expected Maturity Date
    June-05
  June-06
  June-07
  June-08
  June-09
  Thereafter
  Total
  Fair Value
Fixed Rate Other Debt
  $ 139,000     $ 149,000     $ 160,000     $ 171,000     $ 183,000     $ 3,127,000     $ 3,929,000     $ 3,929,000  
Average Interest Rate
    6.93 %     6.93 %     6.94 %     6.95 %     6.95 %     7.17 %     7.12 %        
Variable Rate Tax Exempt Bonds
  $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 14,000,000     $ 14,000,000     $ 14,000,000  
Average Interest Rate
    n/a       n/a       n/a       n/a       n/a       n/a       0.972 %        


(1)   The interest rate on the variable rate tax exempt bonds is based upon a weekly remarketing of the bonds.

     In making its determination as to the balance of fixed and variable rate debt, the Company considers the interest rate environment (including interest rate trends), borrowing alternatives and relative pricing. The Company periodically monitors the balance of fixed and variable rate debt, and can make appropriate corrections either pursuant to the terms of debt agreements or through the use of swaps and other financial instruments.

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

     See Part IV, Item 15, pages F1 through F23 immediately following.

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

     None

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.

      Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. Based on the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-15 (e) and 15d-15 (3) required by Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 (b) or 15-d-15 (b)) the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that as of the end of the period covered by this report the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

     Changes in internal controls. There were no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B. Other Information.

     None

PART III

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.

     Reference is made to the information set forth under the caption “Election of Directors”, “Executive Officers, Compensation and Other Information” and “Section 16 Disclosure” of the Company’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders scheduled to be held in November 2004 (the “2004 Proxy Statement”) for a description of the directors and executive officers of the Company, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 11. Executive Compensation.

     Reference is made to the information set forth under the caption “Executive Compensation” and “Compensation of Directors” of the 2004 Proxy Statement, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

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Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters.

     Reference is made to the table, including the footnotes thereto, set forth under the caption “Principal Shareholders” of the 2004 Proxy Statement for certain information respecting ownership of stock of the Company by management and certain shareholders, which table and footnotes are incorporated herein by reference, and the table set forth under the caption entitled “Securities authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans” in Item 5 of Part II of this Form 10-K for certain information regarding Equity Compensation Plans, which table is herein incorporated by reference.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.

     Reference is made to the information set forth under the caption “Certain Transactions” and “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” of the 2004 Proxy Statement for certain information with respect to relationships and related transactions, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

     Reference is made to the information set forth under the caption “Information Relating to the Corporation’s Independent Public Accountants” of the 2004 Proxy Statement for certain information with respect to principal accountant fees and services which information is incorporated herein by reference.

PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K.

         
(a)(1) Financial Statements
       
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
    F-1  
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2004 and 2003
    F-2  
Consolidated Statements of Operations for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2004
    F-3  
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2004
    F-4  
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2004
    F-5  
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    F-6  
(a)(2) Supplemental Schedule for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2004:
       
Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
    F-23  

     All other items are not included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K either because they are not applicable or are included in the information as set forth in the Consolidated Financial Statements or in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

(a)(3) Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K:

     
Exhibit    
No.
  Description
2.1
  Stock Purchase Agreement Dated as of October 28, 2003. By and Among Allied Capital Corporation, Mercury Air Centers, Inc. and Mercury Air Group, Inc.(28)
 
   
2.2
  Amendment to Stock Purchase Agreement by and Among Allied Capital Corporation, Mercury Air Centers, Inc. and Mercury Air Group, Inc. dated as of December 10, 2003.(31)
 
   
2.3
  Amendment to Stock Purchase Agreement by and Among Allied Capital Corporation, Mercury Air Centers, Inc. and Mercury Air Group, Inc. dated as of January 14, 2004.(31)
 
   
2.4
  Amendment to Stock Purchase Agreement by and Among Allied Capital Corporation, Mercury Air Centers, Inc. and Mercury Air Group, Inc. dated as of February 13, 2004. (32)
 
   
2.5
  Settlement Statement dated as of April 12, 2004.(33)
 
   
2.6
  Closing Escrow Agreement dated as of April 5, 2004 among Allied and Wachovia Bank National, as escrow agent. (33)
 
   
3.1
  Certificate of Incorporation.(17)
 
   
3.2
  Amended and Restated Bylaws of Mercury Air Group, Inc. adopted December 7, 2002.(25)
 
   
3.3
  Certificate of Designations of Series A 8% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock.(27)

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Exhibit    
No.
  Description
4.1
  Loan Agreement between California Economic Development Financing Authority and Mercury Air Group, Inc. relating to $19,000,000 California Economic Development Financing Authority Variable Rate Demand Airport Facilities Revenue Bonds, Series 1998 (Mercury Air Group, Inc. Project) dated as of April 1, 1998.(2)
 
   
4.2
  Securities Purchase Agreement dated September 10, 1999 by and among Mercury Air Group, Inc. and J.H. Whitney Mezzanine Fund, L.P.(12)
 
   
4.3
  Amendment No. 1 dated as of September 30, 2000 by and between J.H. Whitney Mezzanine, L.P. and Mercury Air Group, Inc. to the Securities Agreement.(16)
 
   
4.4
  Waiver and Consent Agreement dated as of December 29, 2000 among Mercury Air Group, Inc. and J.H. Whitney Mezzanine Fund, L.P.(17)
 
   
4.5
  Waiver and Consent Agreement dated as of July 2, 2001 among Mercury Air Group, Inc. and J.H. Whitney Mezzanine Fund, L.P.(18)
 
   
4.6
  Waiver Agreement dated as of September 25, 2001 among Mercury Air Group, Inc. and J.H. Whitney Mezzanine Fund, L.P.(18)
 
   
4.7
  Amendment No. 2 dated as of September 30, 2001 by and between J.H. Whitney Mezzanine Fund, L.P. and Mercury Air Group, Inc. to the Securities Purchase Agreement.(19)
 
   
4.8
  Waiver Agreement dated as of November 26, 2001 among Mercury Air Group, Inc. and J.H. Whitney Mezzanine, L.P.(21)
 
   
4.9
  Waiver Agreement dated as of December 21, 2001 among Mercury Air Group, Inc. and J.H. Whitney Mezzanine, L.P.(21)
 
   
4.10
  Waiver Agreement dated as of June 26, 2002 among Mercury Air Group, Inc. and J.H. Whitney Mezzanine, L.P.(24)
 
   
4.11
  Amendment No. 3 to Securities Purchase Agreement by and between Mercury Air Group, Inc. and J.H. Whitney Mezzanine Fund, L.P. dated as of December 30, 2002.(26)
 
   
4.12
  Amended and Restated J.H. Whitney Mezzanine Fund, L.P. Warrant dated September 10, 1999.(26)
 
   
4.13
  Amended and Restated J.H. Whitney Mezzanine Fund, L.P. Senior Subordinated Promissory Note dated September 10, 1999.(26)
 
   
4.14
  Security Agreement by and between Mercury Air Group, Inc. and each of its subsidiaries hereto as Obligors and J.H. Whitney Mezzanine Fund, L.P. as the Lenders, dated as of December 30, 2002.(26)
 
   
4.15
  Subordination Agreement among J.H. Whitney Mezzanine Fund, L.P. Foothill Capital Corporation, as Agent and Mercury Air Group, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries signatory thereto, dated as of December 30, 2002.(26)
 
   
4.16
  Loan and Security Agreement by and among Foothill Capital Corporation and Mercury Air Group, Inc. and certain subsidiaries signatory thereto, dated as of December 30, 2002.(26)
 
   
4.17
  First Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement by and among Foothill Capital Corporation and Mercury Air Group, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries, dated March 12, 2003.(30)
 
   
4.18
  Second Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement by and among Foothill Capital Corporation and Mercury Air Group, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries, dated March 31, 2003.(30)
 
   
4.19
  Third Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement by and among Foothill Capital Corporation and Mercury Air Group, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries, dated July 16, 2003.(30)
 
   
4.20
  Fourth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement by and among Foothill Capital Corporation and Mercury Air Group, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries, dated August 1, 2003.(30)
 
   
4.21
  Amendment No. 4 to Securities Purchase Agreement by and between Mercury Air Group, Inc. and Allied Capital Corporation, as Assignee of J.H. Whitney Mezzanine Fund, L.P. dated as of October 28, 2003(28)
 
   
4.22
  Assignment of Note dated as of October 28, 2003 between Allied Capital Corporation and J.H. Whitney Mezzanine Fund, L.P.(28)
 
   
4.23
  Second Amended and Restated Allied Capital Corporation 12% Senior Subordinated Promissory Note dated September 10, 1999(28)
 
   
4.24
  Second Amended and Restated Allied Capital Corporation Warrant dated October 28, 2003(28)
 
   
4.25
  Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of October 28, 2003 by and among J.H. Whitney Mezzanine Fund, L.P. and J.H. Whitney Mezzanine Debt Fund, L.P., Allied Capital Corporation and Mercury Air Group, Inc.(28)
 
   
4.26
  Second Amended and Restated J.H. Whitney Mezzanine Fund, L.P. Warrant dated October 28, 2003(28)
 
   
4.27
  Fifth Amendment to Security and Loan Agreement and Forbearance Agreement dated as of December 5, 2003 by and among Wells Fargo Foothill, Mercury Air Group, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries.(31)
 
   
4.31
  Amendment letter to Forbearance Term and New Covenant Default dated as of February 16, 2004. (32)
 
   
10.1
  Mercury Air Group, Inc.’s 1990 Long-Term Incentive Plan.(4)*
 
   
10.2
  Mercury Air Group, Inc.’s 1990 Directors Stock Option Plan.(1)*
 
   
10.3
  Memorandum Dated September 15, 1997 regarding Summary of Officer Life Insurance Policies with Benefits Payable to Officers or Their Designated Beneficiaries.(8)*
 
   
10.4
  Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement dated March 21, 1996, by and between Frederick H. Kopko and Mercury Air Group, Inc.(6)*
 
   
10.5
  Mercury Air Group, Inc.’s 1998 Long-Term Incentive Plan.(10)*
 
   
10.6
  Mercury Air Group, Inc.’s 1998 Directors Stock Option Plan.(10)*
 
   
10.7
  Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement dated as of March 2, 1999 by and among Mercury Air Group, Inc., The Banks

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Exhibit    
No.
  Description
  listed on Schedule 1 thereto, and The Fleet National Bank f/k/a BankBoston, N.A., as Agent.(11)
 
   
10.8
  First Amendment to Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement dated as of September 10, 1999.(14)
 
   
10.9
  Second Amendment to Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement dated as of March 31, 2000.(14)
 
   
10.10
  Third Amendment, Waiver and Consent to Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement dated as of August 11, 2000.(14)
 
   
10.11
  The Company’s 401(k) Plan consisting of CNA Trust Corporation. Regional Prototype Defined Contribution Plan and Trust and Adoption Agreement.(14)*
 
   
10.12
  Employment Agreement dated July 31, 2000 between the Company and Dr. Philip J. Fagan.(15)*
 
   
10.13
  Fourth Amendment to Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement dated as of November 14, 2000.(16)
 
   
10.14
  Amendment No. 1 to Mercury Air Group, Inc. 1998 Long-Term Incentive Option Plan as of August 22, 2000.(16)*
 
   
10.15
  Amendment No. 1 to Mercury Air Group, Inc. 1998 Directors Stock Option Plan as of August 22, 2000.(16)*
 
   
10.16
  Limited Waiver letter Agreement to Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement dated as of September 21, 2001.(18)
 
   
10.17
  Fifth Amendment to Revolving Credit and Term loan Agreement dated as of September 21, 2001.(18)
 
   
10.18
  Limited Consent letter Agreement to Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement dated as of September 30, 2001.(19)
 
   
10.19
  Limited waiver and Consent to Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement dated as of December 31, 2001.(21)
 
   
10.20
  2002 Management Stock Purchase Plan.(22)
 
   
10.21
  Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated May 22, 2002 between Mercury Air Group, Inc. and Joseph A. Czyzyk.(22)*
 
   
10.22
  Employment Agreement dated May 22, 2002 between Mercury Air Group, Inc. and Wayne J. Lovett(22)*
 
   
10.23
  Employment Agreement dated May 22, 2002 between Mercury Air Group, Inc. and John Enticknap (22)*
 
   
10.24
  Employment Agreement dated May 22, 2002 between Mercury Air Group, Inc. and Mark Coleman(22)*
 
   
10.25
  Employment Agreement dated May 22, 2002 between Mercury Air Group, Inc. and Steven S. Antonoff (22)*
 
   
10.26
  Employment Agreement dated May 22, 2002 between Mercury Air Group, Inc. and Robert Schlax(22)*
 
   
10.27
  Limited waiver and Consent to Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement dated as of June 27, 2002.(24)
 
   
10.28
  Sale-Leaseback agreement made by and between CFK Realty Partners, LLC and Mercury Air Group, Inc. dated December 15, 2001.(24)
 
   
10.29
  Amendment to Sale-Leaseback agreement made by and between CFK Realty Partners, LLC and Mercury Air Group, Inc.(24)
 
   
10.30
  Promissory Note by CFK Partners, LLC in favor of Mercury Air Group, Inc.(24)
 
   
10.31
  Limited Waiver and Consent to Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement dated as June 27, 2002.(24)
 
   
10.32
  Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated May 22, 2002 between Mercury Air Group, Inc. and Joseph A. Czyzyk.*(24)
 
   
10.33
  Lease dated December 31, 2001 by and between CFK Realty Partners, LLC. and Mercury Air Group, Inc.(30)
 
   
10.34
  Settlement Agreement dated December 12, 2003 by and among (i) J O Hambro Capital Management Group Limited, (ii) J O Hambro Capital Management Limited, (iii) American Opportunity Trust PLC, (iv) The Trident North Atlantic Fund, and (v) Mercury Air Group, Inc.(29)
 
   
10.35
  Settlement Agreement by and between: 1) David H. Murdock as trustee of the David H. Murdock Living Trust dated May 28, 1996, as amended, d/b/a Pacific Holding Company and using nominee PCS001 and 2) Mercury Air Group, Inc. dated July 16, 2004; (34)
 
   
10.36
  Loan Agreement dated as of July 29, 2004 by and among Bank of America N.A, Mercury Air Group, Inc. and certain subsidiaries. (35)
 
   
21.1
  Subsidiaries of Registrant.
 
   
23.1
  Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP with respect to incorporation of their report on the audited financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K in the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration Statement No. 33-69414).
 
   
31.1
  Section 302 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
 
   
31.2
  Section 302 Certification of Chief Financial Officer
 
   
32.1
  Section 906 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
 
   
32.2
  Section 906 Certification of Chief Financial Officer
 
   
99.1
  Amended and Restated Partnership Agreement dated as of July 30, 2004 of CK Partners by and among Frederick H. Kopko, Jr. and Joseph A. Czyzyk.


*   Denotes managements’ contract or compensation plan or arrangement.
 
(1)   Such document was previously filed as Appendix A to the Company’s Proxy Statement for the December 10, 1993 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
(2)   All such documents were previously filed as Exhibits to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998 and are incorporated herein by reference.

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(3)   All such documents were previously filed as Exhibits to the Company’s Registration Statement No. 33-39044 on Form S-2 and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
(4)   Such document was previously filed as Appendix A to the Company’s Proxy Statement for the December 2, 1992 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
 
(5)   All such documents were previously filed as Exhibits to the Company’s Registration Statement No. 33-65085 on Form S-1 and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
(6)   All such documents were previously filed as Exhibits to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1996 and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
(7)   All such documents were previously filed as Exhibits to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed September 13, 1996 and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
(8)   Such document was previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 1997 and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
(9)   All such documents were previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 1998 and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
(10)   Such document was previously filed as Appendix A to the Company’s Proxy Statement for the December 3, 1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
(11)   All such documents were previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1999 and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
(12)   All such documents were previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 1999 and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
(13)   Such document was previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s current Report on Form 8-K on August 11, 2000 and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
(14)   All such documents were previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2000 and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
(15)   All such documents were previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2000 and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
(16)   All such documents were previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2000 and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
(17)   All such documents were previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2001 and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
(18)   All such documents were previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2001 and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
(19)   All such documents were previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2001 and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
(20)   Such document was previously filed as Appendix A to the Company’s Proxy Statement for the November 7, 2001 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
(21)   All such documents were previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2001 and are incorporated herein by reference.

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(22)   Such document was previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K on June 5, 2002 and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
(23)   Such document was previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K on July 11, 2002 and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
(24)   All such documents were previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2002 and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
(25)   Such document was previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K on December 7, 2002 and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
(26)   Such document was previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K on December 30, 2002 and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
(27)   All such documents were previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2003 and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
(28)   Such document was previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K on October 28, 2003 and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
(29)   Such document was previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K on December 12, 2003 and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
(30)   All such documents were previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2003 and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
(31)   All such documents were previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 30, 2003 and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
(32)   All such documents were previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
(33)   Such document was previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 22, 2004 and dated April 12, 2004 and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
(34)   Such document was previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K on July 16, 2004 and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
(35)   Such document was previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K on July 30, 2004 and is incorporated herein by reference.

     (b) Reports on Form 8-K:

     A Form 8-K was filed on April 22, 2004, dated April 12, 2004 reporting on Item 2. Acquisition or Disposition of Assets and Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits, as to the closing of the transaction with Allied Capital Corporation for the sale of the outstanding shares of stock of the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary Mercury Air Centers, Inc.

     A Form 8-K/A was filed on May 24, 2004 dated April 12, 2004 reporting on Item 2. Acquisition or Disposition of Assets and Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits, as to the closing of the transaction with Allied Capital Corporation for the sale of all of the outstanding shares of stock of the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary Mercury Air Centers, Inc. Proforma Financial Statements were included with this report.

     A Form 8-K was filed dated May 13, 2004 reporting on Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits and Item 12. Disclosure of Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

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     A Form 8-K was filed dated July 16, 2004 reporting on Item 5. Other events and regulations FD disclosure and Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits, as to the settlement agreement entered into with David H. Murdock and related parties.

     A Form 8-K was filed dated July 23, 2004 reporting on Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits and Item 9. Regulations FD disclosure, as to the to the retirement of, and termination benefits paid to Philip J. Fagan.

     A Form 8-K was filed dated July 30, 2004 reporting on Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits and Item 9. Regulations FD disclosure, as to the loan agreement and revolving line of credit entered into with Bank of America, N.A.

34


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SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized in the City of Los Angeles, State of California, on September 28, 2004.

         
  MERCURY AIR GROUP, INC.
 
 
  By:   /s/ JOSEPH CZYZYK
 
    Joseph Czyzyk   
    Acting Chairman of the Board   
 

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

Signers:

     
/s/ JOSEPH CZYZYK
  Dated: September 28, 2004

   
Joseph Czyzyk
   
Acting Chairman of the Board and Chief
   
Executive Officer
   
 
   
/s/ ROBERT SCHLAX
  Dated: September 28, 2004

   
Robert Schlax
   
Chief Financial Officer
   
 
   
Additional Directors:
   
 
   
/s/ GARY J. FERACOTA
  Dated: September 28, 2004

   
Gary J. Feracota
   
Director
   
 
   
/s/ FREDERICK H. KOPKO, JR.
  Dated: September 28, 2004

   
Frederick H. Kopko, Jr.
   
Director
   
 
   
/s/ SERGEI KOUZMINE
  Dated: September 28, 2004

   
Sergei Kouzmine
   
Director
   
 
   
/s/ MICHAEL J. JANOWIAK
  Dated: September 28, 2004

   
Michael J. Janowiak
   
Director
   
 
   
/s/ ANGELO PUSATERI
  Dated: September 28, 2004

   
Angelo Pusateri
   
Director
   

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Mercury Air Group, Inc.

     In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial statements listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(1) present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Mercury Air Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) at June 30, 2004 and 2003, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2004 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(2) presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits 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, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

     As discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, effective July 1, 2002, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” Accordingly, the Company ceased amortizing goodwill as of July 1, 2002.

 

PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP

Los Angeles, California
September 21, 2004

F-1


Table of Contents

MERCURY AIR GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

                 
    June 30,   June 30,
    2004
  2003
ASSETS
               
CURRENT ASSETS:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 4,690,000     $ 2,802,000  
Restricted cash
    15,414,000          
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,492,000 and $1,767,000 at June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively
    50,974,000       46,753,000  
Inventories
    1,165,000       4,422,000  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net of allowance for doubtful notes of $239,000 at June 30, 2003
    5,696,000       5,241,000  
Deferred income taxes
    1,451,000       901,000  
 
   
 
     
 
 
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
    79,390,000       60,119,000  
PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLDS, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $24,836,000 and $61,061,000 at June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively
    10,349,000       58,844,000  
NOTES RECEIVABLE, net of allowance for doubtful notes of $1,025,000 and $509,000 at June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively
    521,000       1,815,000  
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES
    611,000       2,284,000  
GOODWILL
    4,389,000       4,389,000  
OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET
    700,000       1,033,000  
RESTRICTED CASH
    8,989,000          
OTHER ASSETS, NET
    1,008,000       4,471,000  
 
   
 
     
 
 
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 105,957,000     $ 132,955,000  
 
   
 
     
 
 
LIABILITIES, MANDATORILY REDEEMABLE PREFERRED
STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 33,552,000     $ 34,677,000  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    11,825,000       9,244,000  
Current portion of long-term debt
    139,000       4,194,000  
 
   
 
     
 
 
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
    45,516,000       48,115,000  
LONG-TERM DEBT
    17,790,000       25,501,000  
SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTE
            23,445,000  
DEFERRED GAIN
    8,130,000          
OTHER LONG TERM LIABILITY
    669,000       918,000  
DEFERRED RENT
    1,257,000       1,885,000  
MINORITY INTEREST
    182,000       180,000  
 
   
 
     
 
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES
    73,544,000       100,044,000  
 
   
 
     
 
 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (NOTE 17)
               
MANDATORILY REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK, Series A — $0.01 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; 462,627 shares outstanding at June 30, 2004 and 2003
    518,000       481,000  
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
               
Preferred Stock — $.01 par value; 2,000,000 shares authorized; no shares outstanding
               
Common Stock — $.01 par value; 18,000,000 shares authorized; 2,954,819 shares outstanding at June 30, 2004; 3,293,568 shares outstanding at June 30, 2003
    30,000       33,000  
Additional paid-in capital
    20,737,000       22,496,000  
Retained earnings
    14,596,000       14,018,000  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    (46,000 )     (86,000 )
Treasury stock, 22,000 shares at June 30, 2004
    (120,000 )        
Notes receivable from officers
    (3,302,000 )     (4,031,000 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
    31,895,000       32,430,000  
 
   
 
     
 
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES, MANDATORILY REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK, AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 105,957,000     $ 132,955,000  
 
   
 
     
 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-2


Table of Contents

MERCURY AIR GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

                         
    Year Ended June 30,
    2004
  2003
  2002
Sales and revenues:
                       
Sales
  $ 322,631,000     $ 280,136,000     $ 232,573,000  
Service revenues
    62,830,000       57,112,000       56,352,000  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total sales and revenues
    385,461,000       337,248,000       288,925,000  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Costs and expenses:
                       
Costs of sales
    311,728,000       269,238,000       221,668,000  
Operating expenses
    60,707,000       54,901,000       52,989,000  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total costs and expenses
    372,435,000       324,139,000       274,657,000  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Gross margin (excluding depreciation and amortization)
    13,026,000       13,109,000       14,268,000  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Expenses (income):
                       
Selling, general and administrative
    12,885,000       10,818,000       11,771,000  
Provision for bad debts
    506,000       1,192,000       1,170,000  
Depreciation and amortization
    2,828,000       2,782,000       3,478,000  
Interest expense
    972,000       997,000       1,097,000  
Settlement costs
    2,414,000                  
Interest income
    (318,000 )     (99,000 )     (68,000 )
Loss on sale of property
                    70,000  
Expenses of discontinued stock offering
                    985,000  
Write-off of deferred financing costs
            1,773,000          
Write-down of investments
            196,000          
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total expenses (income)
    19,287,000       17,659,000       18,503,000  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Loss from continuing operations before income tax benefit
    (6,261,000 )     (4,550,000 )     (4,235,000 )
Income tax benefit
    (1,178,000 )     (1,567,000 )     (1,815,000 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Loss from continuing operations, net of taxes
    (5,083,000 )     (2,983,000 )     (2,420,000 )
Discontinued operations:
                       
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax provision (benefit) of $(1,157,000), $97,000 and $4,636,000 in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively
    (1,803,000 )     185,000       6,937,000  
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of income tax provision of $4,816,000
    7,501,000                  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net income (loss)
    615,000       (2,798,000 )     4,517,000  
Accrued preferred stock dividends
    (37,000 )     (19,000 )        
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders
  $ 578,000     $ (2,817,000 )   $ 4,517,000  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Income (loss) per common share:
                       
Basic:
                       
From continuing operations, net of taxes
  $ (1.67 )   $ (0.92 )   $ (0.74 )
From discontinued operations, net of taxes
    (0.59 )     0.06       2.12  
From sale of discontinued operations, net of taxes
    2.45                  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net income (loss) per share
  $ 0.19     $ (0.86 )   $ (1.38 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Diluted:
                       
From continuing operations, net of taxes
  $ (1.67 )   $ (0.92 )   $ (0.72 )
From discontinued operations, net of taxes
    (0.59 )     0.06       2.07  
From sale of discontinued operations, net of taxes
    2.45                  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net income (loss) per share
  $ 0.19     $ (0.86 )   $ 1.35  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-3


Table of Contents

MERCURY AIR GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

                         
    Year Ended June 30,
    2004
  2003
  2002
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
                       
Net income (loss)
  $ 615,000     $ (2,798,000 )   $ 4,517,000  
Add: Loss from discontinued operations (RPA)
                    170,000  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    615,000       (2,798,000 )     4,687,000  
Adjustments to derive cash flows from operating activities:
                       
(Gain) loss on sale of facilities and properties
    (12,285,000 )     24,000       (8,929,000 )
Bad debt expense
    652,000       1,648,000       1,358,000  
Depreciation and amortization
    7,306,000       7,963,000       9,258,000  
Deferred income taxes
    1,223,000       (2,052,000 )     (1,757,000 )
Deferred rent
    (877,000 )     (58,000 )     589,000  
Compensation expense related to remeasurement of stock options
            318,000       87,000  
Expense related to discount of executive stock purchase
                    792,000  
Executive loan amortization
    549,000       404,000       34,000  
Amortization of senior subordinated note discount
    132,000       266,000       192,000  
Write off of deferred financing costs
            1,773,000          
Write down of investments
            196,000          
Amortization of deferred financing costs
    384,000       558,000          
Executive compensation used to purchase preferred stock
            204,000          
Executive compensation used to exercise stock options
            174,000          
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                       
Trade accounts receivable
    (13,335,000 )     (831,000 )     4,602,000  
Inventories
    433,000       (1,437,000 )     1,084,000  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    (1,305,000 )     (2,198,000 )     (160,000 )
Accounts payable
    3,569,000       (773,000 )     3,685,000  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    6,900,000       1,426,000       (1,593,000 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    (6,039,000 )     4,807,000       13,929,000  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                       
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash
    (24,403,000 )     3,780,000       (3,780,000 )
Increase in other assets
    (280,000 )     (1,080,000 )     (437,000 )
Decrease (increase) in notes receivable
    1,413,000       343,000       (78,000 )
Proceeds from sale of facilities and properties
    73,753,000       82,000       17,068,000  
Additions to property, equipment and leaseholds
    (5,020,000 )     (4,065,000 )     (4,500,000 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    45,463,000       (940,000 )     8,273,000  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                       
Net additions to (reduction of) debt instruments
    1,489,000       (6,833,000 )     (19,828,000 )
Early retirement of debt
    (37,255,000 )     (13,285,000 )        
Proceeds from refinancing
            16,923,000          
Repurchase of stock for executive plan
                    (3,934,000 )
Increase in deferred financing costs
            (3,550,000 )        
Repurchase of common stock
    (1,824,000 )     (370,000 )     (311,000 )
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock
            259,000          
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    14,000       72,000          
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
                    40,000  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net cash used in financing activities
    (37,576,000 )     (6,784,000 )     (24,033,000 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
    40,000       154,000       (88,000 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
    1,888,000       (2,763,000 )     (1,919,000 )
Net cash provided by discontinued operations (RPA)
                    3,598,000  
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR
    2,802,000       5,565,000       3,886,000  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR
    4,690,000     $ 2,802,000     $ 5,565,000  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
CASH PAID DURING THE YEAR FOR:
                       
Interest
  $ 5,038,000     $ 5,383,000     $ 5,786,000  
Income taxes
  $ 997,000     $ 5,176,000     $ 470,000  
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                       
Adjustment of warrants on subordinated note
                  $ 43,000  
Note receivable due to sale of property
                  $ 570,000  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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MERCURY AIR GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

                                 
    Common Stock
       
                    Additional    
    Number of           Paid-in   Retained
    Shares
  Amount
  Capital
  Earnings
Balances, June 30, 2001
    3,288,340     $ 33,000     $ 21,475,000     $ 12,472,000  
Comprehensive income (loss):
                               
Net income
                            4,517,000  
Foreign currency translation adjustment
                               
 
                               
Comprehensive income
                               
 
                               
Common stock issued on exercise of options
    12,110               40,000          
Note receivable from sale of stock
                               
Value of remeasured stock options
                    110,000          
Repurchase of common stock
    (29,600 )             (194,000 )     (117,000 )
Executive compensation related to 2002 Management Stock Purchase Plan
                    792,000          
Amortization of note from executive stock plan
                               
Revaluation of warrants issued in connection with Senior Subordinated Note
                    43,000          
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Balances, June 30, 2002
    3,270,850     $ 33,000     $ 22,266,000     $ 16,872,000  
Comprehensive income (loss):
                               
Net loss
                            (2,798,000 )
Foreign currency translation adjustment
                               
 
                               
Comprehensive loss
                               
 
                               
Common stock issued on exercise of options
    73,568       1,000       245,000          
Remeasurement of stock options
                    318,000          
Amortization of note from executive stock plan
                               
Repurchase of common stock
    (50,850 )     (1,000 )     (333,000 )     (37,000 )
Accrual of preferred stock dividends
                            (19,000 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Balances, June 30, 2003
    3,293,568     $ 33,000     $ 22,496,000     $ 14,018,000  
Comprehensive income (loss):
                               
Net income
                            615,000  
Foreign currency translation adjustment
                               
 
                               
Comprehensive income
                               
 
                               
Common stock issued on exercise of options
    4,851               13,000          
Tax benefit on options exercised
                    26,000          
Write off of officer notes receivable
                    (15,000 )        
Amortization of note from executive stock plan
                               
Repurchase of common stock
    (343,600 )     (3,000 )     (1,783,000 )        
Accrual of preferred stock dividends
                            ( 37,000 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Balances, June 30, 2004
    2,954,819     $ 30,000     $ 20,737,000     $ 14,596,000  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

     

[Additional columns below]

[Continued from above table, first column(s) repeated]

                                 
                    Accumulated    
    Notes           Other    
    Receivable   Treasury   Comprehensive    
    From Officers
  Stock
  Income (Loss)
  Total
Balances, June 30, 2001
  $ (533,000 )           $ (228,000 )   $ 33,219,000  
Comprehensive income (loss):
                               
Net income
                            4,517,000  
Foreign currency translation adjustment
                    (88,000 )     (88,000 )
 
                           
 
 
Comprehensive income
                            4,429,000  
 
                           
 
 
Common stock issued on exercise of options
                            40,000  
Note receivable from sale of stock
    (3,934,000 )                     (3,934,000 )
Value of remeasured stock options
                            110,000  
Repurchase of common stock
                            (311,000 )
Executive compensation related to 2002 Management Stock Purchase Plan
                            792,000  
Amortization of note from executive stock plan
    32,000                       32,000  
Revaluation of warrants issued in connection with Senior Subordinated Note
                            43,000  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Balances, June 30, 2002
  $ (4,435,000 )           $ (316,000 )   $ 34,420,000  
Comprehensive income (loss):
                               
Net loss
                            (2,798,000 )
Foreign currency translation adjustment
                    230,000       230,000  
 
                           
 
 
Comprehensive loss
                            (2,568,000 )
 
                           
 
 
Common stock issued on exercise of options
                            246,000  
Remeasurement of stock options
                            318,000  
Amortization of note from executive stock plan
    404,000                       404,000  
Repurchase of common stock
                            (371,000 )
Accrual of preferred stock dividends
                            (19,000 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Balances, June 30, 2003
  $ (4,031,000 )           $ (86,000 )   $ 32,430,000  
Comprehensive income (loss):
                               
Net income
                            615,000  
Foreign currency translation adjustment
                    40,000       40,000  
 
                           
 
 
Comprehensive income
                            655,000  
 
                           
 
 
Common stock issued on exercise of options
                            13,000  
Tax benefit on options exercised
                            26,000  
Write off of officer notes receivable
    340,000       (120,000 )             205,000  
Amortization of note from executive stock plan
    389,000                       389,000  
Repurchase of common stock
                            (1,786,000 )
Accrual of preferred stock dividends
                            (37,000 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Balances, June 30, 2004
  $ (3,302,000 )   $ (120,000 )   $ (46,000 )   $ 31,895,000  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

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MERCURY AIR GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1 — Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:

Business

     Mercury Air Group, Inc. (the “Company”), a Delaware Corporation, was organized in 1956 and provides a broad range of services to the aviation industry through three principal operating units which are all wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company: MercFuel, Inc. (“MercFuel”), Mercury Air Cargo, Inc. (“Air Cargo”), and Maytag Aircraft Corporation (“Maytag”). MercFuel’s operations consist of the sale and delivery of fuel, primarily aviation fuel, to domestic and international commercial airlines, fractional jet ownership companies, corporate aviation fleets and air cargo companies. Air Cargo’s operations consist of cargo handling, the sale of cargo capacity on other airlines, and general cargo sales agent services. Maytag is a provider of governmental contract services performing aircraft refueling and fuel storage operations, base operations support (“BOS”) services, air terminal and ground handling services and weather observation and forecasting services primarily for agencies of the government of the United States of America.

     Through April 12, 2004, the Company operated a fourth operating unit, Mercury Air Centers, Inc. (“Air Centers”). Air Centers’ operations consisted of aviation fuel sales, aircraft refueling operations (“into-plane”), aircraft ground support services, aircraft hangar services, aircraft parking (“aircraft tie-down services”) and aircraft maintenance at certain Air Center locations, known as Fixed Based Operations (“FBO’s”). On April 12, 2004 (the “FBO Sale Closing Date”), following stockholder approval, the Company sold all of Air Centers outstanding common stock to Allied Capital Corporation (“Allied”). The assets sold through the sale of the stock of Air Centers consist of all of the assets of the Company’s FBO business excluding the Company’s FBO at the Long Beach Airport, which the Company has retained and continues to operate. For more detailed information on this transaction (the “FBO Sale”), please refer to Note 2 – Discontinued Operations.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation

     The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Mercury Air Group, Inc. and its wholly owned and majority owned subsidiaries. All material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

     Cash equivalents consist of short-term, highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into cash and were purchased with maturities of three months or less.

Inventories

     Inventories primarily consist of aviation fuel and are stated at the lower of moving-average cost or market.

Property, Equipment and Leaseholds

     Property, equipment and leaseholds are recorded at cost. Depreciation and amortization is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the related asset or over the lesser of the lease term and useful life for leasehold improvements. Expenditures incurred to maintain and repair property, equipment and leaseholds are expensed as incurred. Expenditures which extend the estimated useful life or improve productivity are charged to their respective property accounts.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

     Acquisition cost in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired under the purchase method is classified as goodwill. Effective July 1, 2002 the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” In accordance with SFAS No. 142, goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are no longer amortized, but written down, as needed, based upon an impairment analysis that must occur at least annually or sooner if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not result in an impairment loss. All other intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives.

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Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

     The Company reviews for impairment of long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. The carrying value of a long-lived asset is considered impaired when the anticipated undiscounted cash flows from such asset is separately identifiable and is less than its carrying value. In that event, a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the long-lived asset. Fair value is determined primarily using the anticipated cash flows discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved. Losses on long-lived assets to be disposed of are determined in a similar manner, except that fair values are reduced for the cost of disposal. The cash flows used in such analyses are typically derived from the expected cash flows associated with the asset under review, which is determined from management estimates and judgments of expected future results. Should the actual cash flows vary from the estimated amount, a write-down of the asset may be warranted in a future period.

Stock Option Plans

     The Company has four stock option plans, which are more fully described in Note 12. As permitted under SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock- Based Compensation” (“SFAS No. 123”), and as amended by SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation– Transition and Disclosure” (“SFAS No. 148”) the Company measures compensation expense related to employee stock options granted utilizing the intrinsic value method as prescribed by Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related interpretations. The following table illustrates the pro forma effect on net income (loss) if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123 to stock-based employee compensation.

                         
    Year Ended June 30,
    2004
  2003
  2002
Net income (loss), as reported
  $ 615,000     $ (2,798,000 )   $ 4,517,000  
Add stock-based employee compensation expense included in net income (loss), net of tax
    237,000       473,000       561,000  
Less total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under the fair value based method for all awards, net of tax
    (85,000 )     (354,000 )     (1,193,000 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Pro forma net income (loss)
  $ 767,000     $ (2,679,000 )   $ 3,885,000  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Basic net income (loss) per share – as reported
  $ 0.19     $ (0.86 )   $ 1.38  
Basic net income (loss) per share — pro forma
    0.24       (0.82 )     1.18  
Diluted net income (loss) per share — as reported
    0.19       (0.86 )     1.35  
Diluted net income (loss) per share — pro forma
    0.24       (0.82 )     1.16  

     The weighted average per share fair value of options granted in 2004, 2003 and 2002 is estimated as $2.65, $2.55 and $4.53, respectively, on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model using the following weighted average assumptions.

                         
    2004
  2003
  2002
Expected life
  5 years   5 years   5 years
Expected volatility
    42 %     43 %     45 %
Risk free interest rate
    3.93 %     0.97 %     1.90 %
Dividend yield
    0 %     0 %     0 %

     The effect of applying SFAS No. 123 may not be representative of the pro forma effect in future years since additional options may be granted during those future years and the assumptions may change.

Operating Leases

     The Company leases substantially all of its facilities under long-term operating leases. The majority of lease terms range from 2 to 20 years, and typically the leases contain renewable options.

Deferred Rent

     Deferred rent represents the cumulative effect of reduced rental payments during the initial years for one of the Company’s facility leases. The total rental cost is being recognized on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease.

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Environmental Related Liabilities

     Liabilities related to environmental conditions that will result in future expenditures are recorded when it is determined that such liabilities are probable and the amount of the expenditures can be reasonably estimated. The Company considers that an environmental liability has been incurred when an environmental assessment or investigation has identified a condition that will require remedial action for which the Company is responsible. The timing of the recognition of the remediation costs is dependent upon the completion of the assessment or evaluation and the commitment to an appropriate remedial action plan. Liabilities associated with environmental remediation activities are not discounted nor reduced by possible recoveries from third parties.

     Environmental related expenditures resulting from the Company’s operations are expensed when determined. Environmental related expenditures resulting from operations prior to the time that the Company owned and/or operated the site or that are deemed to create future benefits to the Company are capitalized.

Foreign Currency Translation

     Assets and liabilities of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate prevailing at the balance sheet date and, where appropriate, at historical rates of exchange. Income and expense accounts are translated at the average exchange rate in effect during the year. The aggregate effect of translating the financial statements of the foreign subsidiaries is included in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” in the statement of stockholders’ equity. Foreign exchange transaction gains (losses) were not significant during the years presented.

Revenue Recognition

     Revenues are recognized upon delivery of product or the completion of service. For fuel delivered on an into-plane basis, revenue is recognized on the date the fuel is delivered into the aircraft. Aircraft maintenance contracts are recognized as the labor and maintenance is completed. Cargo handling and storage revenue is recognized in the period the cargo is shipped out of the Company’s cargo warehouses. Space logistics and general cargo sales agent services are recognized as revenue in the period that the related flights occur or the commissions are earned. Revenue associated with fixed rate fees of long-term service contracts is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the contract. The Company reviews its fixed priced contracts on an annual basis to determine whether it expects to incur losses over the remaining term of the contract. If the Company expects to incur losses on a fixed price contract, the loss is recognized in the period in which the determination is made. Revenue associated with the variable rate fees of long-term contracts is recognized in the period in which services are performed and completed. The Company’s contracts with the government of the United States of America are subject to profit renegotiation. To date, the Company has not been required to adjust profits arising from contracts with governmental agencies of the United States of America.

     In certain cases, the Company sells aviation fuel to customers on a prepaid basis. Revenue associated with these sales is recognized upon delivery of the aviation fuel to the customer. Amounts received in excess of the amounts recognized as revenue are reported as a current liability to the customer and are reflected on the Company’s balance sheet as “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities.”

Shipping and Handling

     Revenue reported by the Company includes all amounts billed to a customer including applicable shipping and handling costs. In-bound freight and handling costs, or costs incurred to transport product from the Company’s supplier to the Company’s distribution point, are included as a component of product cost and, if the product is held as inventory, included as a component of inventory and expensed as cost of sales when delivered to the customer. Outbound freight and handling costs, or costs incurred to transport product from the Company’s distribution point to the customer, is included as cost of sales in the period in which the product is delivered to the customer.

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Table of Contents

Income Taxes

     Deferred income taxes are determined using the liability method. A deferred tax asset or liability is determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities as measured by the enacted tax rates that will be in effect when these differences reverse. Deferred tax expense is the result of changes in the deferred tax asset or liability. If necessary, valuation allowances are established to reduce deferred tax assets to their expected realizable values.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

     The Company’s financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivables and payables, and debt instruments. The book values of all financial instruments, other than debt instruments, are representative of their fair values due to their short-term maturity.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

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

New Accounting Pronouncements

     On April 30, 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 149, “Amendment of Statement No. 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” This standard amends and clarifies the accounting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities under SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” The provisions of this statement are generally effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003. The Company adopted SFAS No.149 on July 1, 2003 with no material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

     In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (“FIN 46”), which was subsequently revised in December 2003. This interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, “Consolidated Financial Statements,” addresses consolidation by business enterprises of variable interest entities. Under current practice, two enterprises generally have been included in consolidated financial statements because one enterprise controls the other through voting interests. FIN 46 defines the concept of “variable interests” and requires existing unconsolidated variable interest entities to be consolidated by their primary beneficiaries if the entities do not effectively disperse risks among the parties involved. This interpretation applies immediately to variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003. It applies in the first fiscal year or interim period beginning after December 15, 2003, to variable interest entities considered to be a special purpose entity (“SPE”) in which an enterprise holds a variable interest that it acquired before February 1, 2003. For non-SPE variable interest entities acquired before February 1, 2003, the interpretation must be adopted no later than the first interim or annual period ending after March 15, 2004. The interpretation may be applied prospectively with a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date on which it is first applied or by restating previously issued financial statements for one or more years with a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the beginning of the first year restated. The Company adopted FIN 46 during the quarter ended March 31, 2004 with no material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

     In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity,” which establishes standards for the classification and measurement of certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. SFAS No. 150 requires classification of financial instruments within its scope as a liability, including financial instruments issued in the form of shares that are mandatorily redeemable, because those financial instruments are deemed to be, in essence, obligations of the issuer. The Company adopted SFAS No. 150 during the quarter ended March 31, 2004 with no material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

Reclassifications

     Certain reclassifications were made to the prior years’ financial statements to conform to the June 30, 2004 presentation.

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Table of Contents

Risks and Uncertainties

     Accounts receivable is comprised primarily of trade receivables from customers and is net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company’s credit risk is based in part on the following: 1) substantially all receivables are related to the aviation industry, 2) there is a concentration of credit risk as there are several customers who at any time have significant balances owed to the Company, and 3) significant balances are owed by certain customers that are not adequately capitalized. In addition, significantly higher fuel prices for extended periods of time may have a negative impact on the aviation industry as it substantially increases airlines’ operating expenses. Smaller airlines with lower levels of capital may be more seriously impacted. The Company assesses its credit portfolio on an ongoing basis and establishes allowances which it believes are adequate to absorb potential credit problems that can be reasonably anticipated.

     The Company purchases aviation fuel from a limited number of suppliers. If the Company’s relationship with any of these key suppliers terminates, the Company may not be able to obtain a sufficient quantity of aviation fuel on favorable terms or may experience difficulty in obtaining aviation fuel from alternative suppliers. Furthermore, difficulties faced by these suppliers or aviation fuel shortages or the inability to obtain aviation fuel from alternate sources at acceptable prices and terms could impair the Company’s ability to sell aviation fuel to its customers at competitive prices and terms.

Seasonality

     The Company’s commercial aviation fuel sales are seasonal in nature, being relatively stronger during the months of April through December than during the winter months due in part to weather conditions, and stronger during the summer months due in part to additional commercial and charter flights. Air Cargo’s business is lower during the months of January and February and increases from March through June and September through December. The cargo business is affected by the fluctuations in international trade. Operations at military facilities are not seasonal but may vary with the needs of the military.

Note 2 — Discontinued Operations:

     On April 12, 2004, after receiving approval from the Company’s stockholders at the Annual Stockholders’ meeting, the Company sold all of the outstanding common stock of Air Centers, which represented 100% of the then outstanding common stock in Air Centers, to Allied with the Company receiving total consideration for the sale in cash at closing of $76,349 thousand. The assets sold through the sale of the stock of Air Centers consist of all of the assets of the Company’s FBO business excluding the Company’s FBO at the Long Beach Airport which the Company will retain and continue to operate. In December 2002, when the terms and conditions of the $24 million Senior Subordinated 12% Note (the “Note”) were amended, the terms of the amended Note contained punitive provisions if the Company did not prepay the entire amount outstanding on the Note by December 31, 2003. Since that time, the Company assessed several options to raise the capital required to prepay the Note to avoid being subject to those punitive provisions. The Company proposed and the board of directors approved the FBO Sale based on several factors including, but not limited to: 1) the terms of the Note, as amended in December 2002 contained punitive provisions if the Company did not prepay the entire amount due on the Note by December 31, 2003; 2) the Company was unable to raise capital in the financial market to prepay the Note; and 3) the Company was not able to sell other assets to adequately prepay the Note to avoid or eliminate those punitive provisions.

     The final amount of the total consideration to be received by the Company from the FBO Sale is dependent upon, among other things, the determination of the amount of Air Centers’ net working capital at the time of closing and the distribution of funds from the escrow account established at closing for the Hartsfield FBO (the “Hartsfield Escrow”). In accordance with the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement entered into by the Company and Allied on October 28, 2003, as amended from time to time, the Company and Allied agreed to the extent Air Centers’ actual net working capital at closing exceeded $3,586 thousand, Allied is obligated to pay the Company the excess amount or to the extent Air Centers’ net working capital is less than $3,586 thousand, the Company is obligated to pay Allied the deficiency. The parties also agreed to deposit $8,270 thousand at closing to establish the Hartsfield Escrow to be distributed to the parties over a period not to exceed five (5) years from the FBO Sale Closing Date dependent upon the award of a new lease at the Hartsfield International Airport in Atlanta for a new FBO. If Air Centers’ is awarded the new lease, dependent upon the effective date and the terms and conditions of the new lease, the Company may be entitled to all, some or none of the amount deposited into the Hartsfield Escrow at closing.

     The proceeds from the FBO Sale were used to: 1) prepay the outstanding principal on the Facility (See Note 9- Long Term Debt) due Wells Fargo Foothill Company (“Foothill”) comprised of both a term loan and a revolving credit facility, in the amount of $13,255 thousand; 2) pay accrued interest and fees associated with the Facility of $203 thousand; 3) establish a cash collateral with Foothill in the amount of $16,031 thousand in support of issued and outstanding letters of credit issued under the terms of the Facility; 4) prepay the outstanding principal, including the amount of accrued interest payable-in-kind (“PIK”), on the Note of $24,120 thousand to Allied; 5) pay

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accrued interest and fees associated with the Note of $141 thousand; 6) prepay the outstanding principal, including the amount of accumulated PIK interest, on the Hambro Notes (See Note 16- Settlement Costs) in the amount of $3,695 thousand; 7) pay accrued interest on the Hambro Notes in the amount of $15 thousand; 8) establish the Hartsfield Escrow in the amount of $8,270 thousand; and 9) pay for transaction related fees and expenses of $1,324 thousand. After satisfying the obligations noted above, the Company received $9,295 thousand.

     The Company reported a net gain on the FBO Sale of $7,501 thousand in fiscal 2004.

     On July 3, 2001, the Company completed the sale of its subsidiary, RPA Airline Automation Services, Inc. (“RPA”), which provided airline revenue accounting and management information software consisting of proprietary software programs which are marketed to foreign and domestic airlines.

     The following are the results of operations of discontinued business:

                         
    Year Ended June 30,
    2004
  2003
  2002
Total sales and revenue
  $ 72,775,000     $ 96,249,000     $ 94,417,000  
Gross margin
    7,375,000       12,854,000       13,545,000  
Income (loss) before income taxes
  $ (2,960,000 )   $ 282,000     $ 11,573,000  
Income tax provision (benefit)
  $ (1,157,000 )   $ 97,000     $ 4,636,000  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
   
Net income (loss)
  $ (1,803,000 )   $ 185,000     $ 6,937,000  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

Note 3 — Property, Equipment and Leaseholds:

     Property, equipment and leaseholds consist of the following components:

                 
    June 30,
    2004
  2003
Land, buildings and leasehold improvements
  $ 17,842,000     $ 88,706,000  
Equipment, furniture and fixtures
    17,343,000       30,201,000  
Construction in progress
            998,000  
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
    35,185,000       119,905,000  
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (24,836,000 )     (61,061,000 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 10,349,000     $ 58,844,000  
 
   
 
     
 
 

     Property, equipment and leaseholds are depreciated or amortized primarily on a straight-line basis over the lesser of their estimated useful lives or the lease term. Useful lives for buildings and leasehold improvements range from the lease term to 30 years and from 3 to 10 years for equipment, furniture and fixtures. Depreciation and amortization expense for the continuing property, equipment and leasehold improvements was $2,828 thousand, $2,782 thousand and $3,478 thousand in fiscal 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

Note 4 — Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets:

     The following table presents the transitional disclosures for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002 to reflect the adoption of SFAS No. 142 as of July 1, 2002. Such disclosures add back goodwill amortization to the 2002 results to be comparable with the 2004 and 2003 results, which do not include goodwill amortization.

                         
    Year Ended June 30,
    2004
  2003
  2002
Net income (loss), as reported
  $ 615,000     $ (2,798,000 )   $ 4,517,000  
Goodwill amortization net of tax
                    248,000  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net income (loss), as adjusted
  $ 615,000     $ (2,798,000 )   $ 4,765,000  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Diluted net income (loss) per share, as reported
  $ 0.19     $ (0.86 )   $ 1.35  
Diluted net income (loss) per share, as adjusted
  $ 0.19     $ (0.86 )   $ 1.42  

     The Company had $700 thousand and $1,033 thousand of net intangible assets at June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Accumulated amortization for intangible assets was $300 thousand and $967 thousand at June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Intangible assets at June

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30, 2004 consist of value allocated to the purchase of aviation fuel sales contracts and are being amortized over five years. Amortization expense for intangible assets was $200 thousand and $100 thousand for the years ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Estimated amortization expense in each of the next five years is as follows: $200 thousand in 2005; $200 thousand in 2006; $200 thousand in 2007; $100 thousand in 2008; and $0 in 2009.

Note 5 — Restricted Cash

     Restricted cash consists of cash held for specific purposes and not available for general use by the Company. Restricted cash as of June 30, 2004 is comprised of: 1) $16,133 thousand on deposit as collateral for outstanding letters of credit (“LOC Reserve”); and 2) $8,270 thousand for the Hartsfield Escrow.

     On July 29, 2004, the effective date of the senior secured credit facility with Bank of America, N.A. (“Bank of America”), $15,414 thousand of the LOC Reserve became unrestricted as the outstanding letters of credit issued on behalf of the Company by Bank of America were secured by the collateral base of the Bank of America Credit Facility.

     The Hartsfield Escrow is an escrow account established in accordance with the terms of the FBO Sale agreement and will be distributed in part or in whole, under certain conditions, over a period not to exceed five years from the FBO Sale Closing Date dependent upon the award of a new lease at the Hartsfield International Airport in Atlanta for a new FBO. If Air Centers is awarded the new lease, dependent upon the effective date and the terms and conditions of the new lease, the Company may be entitled to all, some or none of the Hartsfield Escrow.

Note 6 — Other Assets:

     Other assets consist of the following components:

                 
    June 30,
    2004
  2003
Deferred loan fees, net
  $ 247,000     $ 3,339,000  
Capitalized acquisition costs
            321,000  
Internally developed software
    453,000       603,000  
Other
    308,000       208,000  
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 1,008,000     $ 4,471,000  
 
   
 
     
 
 

     Deferred loan fees represent costs incurred in connection with outstanding debt and are being amortized over the term of the debt. During fiscal 2004, the Company wrote off $2,549 thousand in deferred loan fees related to debt retired with the proceeds from the FBO sale.

Note 7 — Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities:

     Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of the following components:

                 
    June 30,
    2004
  2003
Salaries, wages, and benefits
  $ 3,819,000     $ 3,610,000  
Sales and fuel taxes
    1,988,000       2,086,000  
Severance payment
    1,890,000          
Legal accrual
    1,519,000       80,000  
Insurance premiums
    789,000       361,000  
Note premium
            1,724,000  
Other
    1,820,000       1,383,000  
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 11,825,000     $ 9,244,000  
 
   
 
     
 
 

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Note 8 — Income Taxes:

     The income tax provision (benefit) consists of the following components:

                         
    Year Ended June 30,
    2004
  2003
  2002
Current income tax provision (benefit) from continuing operations
                       
Federal
  $ (1,087,000 )   $ 157,000     $ 725,000  
State and other
    234,000       328,000       163,000  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total current income tax provision (benefit)
    (853,000 )     485,000       888,000  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Deferred income tax provision (benefit)
                       
Federal
    (260,000 )     (1,594,000 )     (2,180,000 )
State and other
    (65,000 )     (458,000 )     (523,000 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total deferred income tax benefit
  $ (325,000 )   $ (2,052,000 )   $ (2,703,000 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total income tax benefit from continuing operations
    (1,178,000 )     (1,567,000 )     (1,815,000 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Income tax provision on discontinued operations
    3,659,000       97,000       4,636,000  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total income tax provision (benefit)
  $ 2,481,000     $ (1,470,000 )   $ 2,821,000  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

The following is a reconciliation of the federal statutory rate to the Company’s effective tax rate on pretax income (loss):

                         
    Year Ended June 30,
    2004
  2003
  2002
Continuing operations:
                       
Federal income tax (benefit) at statutory rate
  $ (2,129,000 )   $ (1,547,000 )   $ (1,440,000 )
State income tax provision (benefit), net of federal benefit
    148,000       (123,000 )     (118,000 )
Nondeductible settlement costs
    821,000                  
Other, net
    (18,000 )     103,000       (257,000 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Income tax benefit from continuing operations
    (1,178,000 )     (1,567,000 )     (1,815,000 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Discontinued Operations:
                       
Federal income tax at statutory rate
  $ 3,181,000     $ 95,000     $ 4,011,000  
State income tax, net of federal benefit
    484,000       2,000       459,000  
Other, net
    (6,000 )             166,000  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Income tax provision on discontinued operations
    3,659,000       97,000       4,636,000  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total income tax provision (benefit)
  $ 2,481,000     $ (1,470,000 )   $ 2,821,000  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

For additional information on the non-deductible settlement costs, see Note 16 – Settlement Costs.

Deferred tax assets (liabilities) consist of the following components:

                 
    June 30,
    2004
  2003
Depreciation and amortization
  $ (983,000 )   $ 645,000  
Prepaid expenses
    (593,000 )     (787,000 )
Executive note amortization
    769,000       483,000  
State income taxes
    26,000       21,000  
Allowance for doubtful accounts
    643,000       987,000  
Deferred rent
    494,000       740,000  
Installment sale deferral
    805,000       420,000  
Accrued expenses
    978,000       992,000  
Other
    (77,000 )     (316,000 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 2,062,000     $ 3,185,000  
 
   
 
     
 
 

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Note 9 — Long-Term Debt:

     Long-term debt consists of the following components:

                 
    June 30,
    2004
  2003
Tax exempt bond pursuant to a loan agreement between the Company and the California Economic Development Financing Authority (“CEDFA”), with a redemption of $14.0 million at the end of the fifteenth year (2013). The loan carries a variable rate which is based on a weekly remarketing of the bonds. The rate at June 30, 2004 was 1.1% per annum. In addition, a letter of credit has been issued on behalf of the Company to guarantee the credit at an annual cost of approximately 3.1% of the principal.
  $ 14,000,000     $ 14,000,000  
Notes payable to banks
            11,588,000  
Note payable by CFK Realty to a bank in monthly installments of $25,779 per month including interest at 7.5% per annum collateralized by the Company’s corporate office, maturing in December 2011 (See Note 18).
    3,010,000       3,090,000  
Note payable by MercMed to a bank in monthly installments of $5,778 per month including interest at 5.59% per annum, collateralized by an aircraft. The rate is fixed for 36 months through March 2006, at which time the rate is adjusted at three-year intervals, to the federal home loan bank rate plus 275 basis point (See Note 18).
    667,000       696,000  
Mortgage payable to a financial institution in monthly principal installments of $3,024 at an interest rate of 6.68% per annum, collateralized by land and buildings, maturing in May 2010.
    252,000       267,000  
Convertible subordinated debentures payable to seller of Excel Cargo in monthly installments of $13,810 including interest at 8.5% per annum, collateralized by property acquired, which matured in September 2003.
            54,000  
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
    17,929,000       29,695,000  
Less current portion of long term debt
    139,000       4,194,000  
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 17,790,000     $ 25,501,000  
 
   
 
     
 
 

     Notes payable to banks at June 30, 2003 consisted of a loan and security agreement (the “Facility”), entered into on December 30, 2002 with Wells Fargo Foothill (“WFF”), a division of Wells Fargo Bank and Cerberus Partners for a five year term expiring December 30, 2007 that replaced the Company’s former collateralized credit facilities. Outstanding borrowings under the Facility as of June 30, 2003 consisted of a term loan and a revolving line of credit, in the amount of $11,588 thousand. All outstanding obligations associated with the Facility were fully satisfied with proceeds from the FBO Sale on April 12, 2004.

     The note payable by CFK Realty is collateralized by the building that is the Company’s corporate headquarters that has a net book value of $3,967 thousand at June 30, 2004. The note payable by MercMed is collateralized by an aircraft that has a net book value as of June 30, 2004 of $1,167 thousand. The mortgage payable is collateralized by land and a building that is the corporate headquarters for Maytag and has a net book value of $415 thousand at June 30, 2004.

     The following are the annual maturities of long term debt for each of the next five fiscal years and in total thereafter:

         
2005
  $ 139,000  
2006
    149,000  
2007
    160,000  
2008
    171,000  
2009
    183,000  
Thereafter
    17,127,000  
 
   
 
 
 
  $ 17,929,000  
 
   
 
 

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Note 10 — Senior Subordinated Note:

     On September 10, 1999 the Company issued, in a private placement, a $24.0 million Senior Subordinated 12% Note (the “Note”) due in 2006 with detachable warrants to acquire 251,563 shares of the Company’s common stock originally exercisable at $13.00 per share, as adjusted for the reverse stock split effective June 18, 2003. The Note agreement was first amended on November 16, 2001, whereby the exercise price of the warrants was reduced to $11.00 per share. The Note Agreement was then subsequently amended on December 30, 2002 whereby, among other things, the exercise price on the original stock warrants was reduced to $7.484 per share. On October 28, 2003, the Company reduced the exercise price on these original warrants to $6.10 per share in connection with the acquisition of the Note by Allied on that date. The Note was retired on April 12, 2004 utilizing proceeds from the FBO Sale.

     The following were the components of the Note at June 30, 2003:

         
    2003
Senior Subordinated Note, before discount
  $ 24,000,000  
Valuation of warrants credited to additional paid-in-capital
    (1,427,000 )
Accumulated amortization of warrants
    872,000  
 
   
 
 
Senior Subordinated Note
  $ 23,445,000  
 
   
 
 

Note 11 — Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Stock:

     The Company issued 462,627 shares of Series A 8% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Preferred Stock”) at a stated value of $1.00 per share with a par value of $0.01 per share in December 2002 to investors having a pre-existing relationship with the Company, comprised of customers and employees. The issuance of the Preferred Stock occurred after the Company was unable to drawdown on its then senior revolving credit facility.

     The shares of the Preferred Stock are convertible to common stock, at the option of the stockholder, at a conversion price of $7.50 per share. Dividends on the Preferred Stock accrue on an annual basis at an annual rate of 8.0% and shall be fully cumulative and shall accrue whether or not they have been declared and whether or not there are profits, surplus or other funds of the Company legally available for the payment of dividends. Such dividends shall be paid, either in cash or in-kind, at the election of the Company. Accrued dividends at June 30, 2004 were $56,000. During a 30-day period immediately following the third, fourth, fifth and each subsequent anniversary date of the issuance of the Preferred Stock, both the Company and the stockholder have the option to redeem the then outstanding shares of Preferred Stock for an amount equal to $1.00 plus all accrued but unpaid dividends for each share of Preferred Stock redeemed. The Company has the option, whether the Company or the Stockholder exercised their redemption option, to pay all or part of the redemption in shares of the Company’s common stock. In the event of any liquidation of the Company, the holders of Preferred Stock have a liquidation preference over common stock, plus all declared but unpaid dividends. In the event the assets are insufficient to cover the aforesaid amounts, the preferred stockholders would share in the assets ratably in proportion to the full preferential amount.

Note 12 — Employee Stock Option Plans:

     The Company has the following stock option plans: the 1990 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“1990 Incentive Plan”); the 1990 Directors Stock Option Plan (“1990 Directors Plan”); the 1998 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“1998 Incentive Plan”); the 1998 Directors Stock Option Plan (“1998 Directors Plan”); and the 2001 Stock Incentive Plan (“2001 Incentive Plan”). The Company has reserved 864,816 shares related to the Incentive Plans and 240,754 shares related to the Directors’ Plans. The Company has also reserved 3,438 shares for special option grants made outside the Plans. Options granted pursuant to the Plans and special grants are generally made at the fair market value of such shares on the date of grant and generally vest over twelve months. The contractual lives of the options are generally ten years.

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     The following is a summary of stock option activity:

                                                                 
    Long-Term   Weighted   Directors’   Weighted   Special   Weighted   2002   Weighted
    Incentive   Average   Stock Option   Average   Option   Average   Management   Average
    Plans
  Option Prices
  Plans
  Option Prices
  Grants
  Option Prices
  Stock Plan
  Option Prices
Outstanding at June 30, 2001
    224,265       $11.19       183,563       $9.65       3,438       $14.36                  
Granted
    250,000       10.9       5,000       13.22                       68,448       $15.00  
Exercised
    (12,225 )     3.26                                                  
Cancelled
    (19,647 )     15.88       (7,555 )     9.86                                  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Outstanding at June 30, 2002
    442,393       11.04       181,008       9.74       3,438       14.36       68,448       15.00  
Granted
    30,000       6.60                                                  
Exercised
    (20,630 )     2.81       (52,941 )     3.54                                  
Cancelled
    (49,599 )     13.60       (27,563 )     12.96                                  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Outstanding at June 30, 2003
    402,164       10.81       100,504       12.13       3,438       14.36       68,448       15.00  
Granted
    75,000       6.19                                                  
Exercised
    (4,851 )     2.81                                                  
Cancelled
    (21,344 )     7.70                                       (27,500 )     15.00  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Outstanding at June 30, 2004
    450,969       $10.28       100,504       $12.13       3,438       $14.36       40,948       $15.00  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

     The following is a summary of information about stock options issued and outstanding pursuant to the Incentive Plan, Directors’ Plan and special option grants at June 30, 2004:

                                         
    Options Outstanding
  Options Exercisable
            Weighted   Weighted           Weighted
    Shares   Average   Average   Shares   Average
    Outstanding at   Contractual   Exercise   Exercisable at   Exercise
Exercise Price Range
  June 30, 2004
  Remaining Life
  Price
  June 30, 2004
  Price
$  2.806 -   6.600
    112,563       9.23     $ 6.07       112,563     $ 6.07  
    9.252 - 10.900
    247,626       6.92       10.79       247,626       10.79  
  11.200 - 12.908
    133,140       3.74       11.92       133,140       11.92  
  14.364 - 16.875
    102,530       5.36       15.30       61,582       15.51  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
    595,859       6.38     $ 10.93       554,911     $ 10.63  
 
   
 
                     
 
         

     The Company had shares exercisable under the various options plans of 476,106 and 381,828 at June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, at a weighted average exercise price of $11.37 and $10.68, respectively.

     During fiscal 2003, the Company extended the termination dates of certain stock options for an additional five years for 55,730 shares held by a director, an officer, and several employees of the Company, resulting in compensation expense of $318,000. No other terms were modified including the vesting period or exercise price.

     During fiscal 2002, the Company extended the termination dates of certain stock options for an additional five years for 16,625 shares held by an officer and a director, resulting in compensation expense of $87,000. No other terms were modified including the vesting period or exercise price.

     During fiscal 1996, the Company sold 68,750 shares of its common stock to two officers for $812,500. The officers each paid $40,000 in cash and issued promissory notes of $732,500 for the balance of the purchase price. The notes are payable over ten years and due in fiscal 2006. As of June 30, 2004, $533 thousand remained outstanding.

     During fiscal 2002 in connection with the 2002 Management Stock Purchase Plan, the Company loaned certain officers a total of $3,934 thousand to purchase shares in the Company’s stock from CFK Partners (see Note 18) at a price of $15.00 per share, as adjusted for the one-for-two reverse stock split effective June 18, 2003. The split adjusted trading price of the shares at that time was $9.80 per share. Included in this amount was a full recourse loan of approximately $2,907 thousand made to the Company’s CEO (“Full Recourse Note”). The remaining $1,027 thousand in loans (“Non-Recourse Loans”) to the other executives of the Company are collateralized by the related common stock. During fiscal 2002, the Company recorded a compensation charge of $792 thousand in connection with these loans to reflect the benefit received by CFK Partners represented by the purchase price paid for the shares in excess of the market value of such shares at that time. The loans to the executives (including the Full Recourse Note) were made pursuant to employment agreements and contain provisions to be forgiven over either an eight-year or a ten-year period under certain conditions. The Non-Recourse Loans are being accounted for as a variable stock plan pursuant to APB Opinion No. 25, and the Full Recourse Note is being accounted for as a fixed stock plan. Compensation expense will be charged annually as the loans are forgiven. The amount of compensation expense recorded in fiscal 2004, 2003 and 2002 associated with the forgiveness of the loans was $388 thousand, $404 thousand and $34 thousand, respectively.

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     During fiscal 2004, two officers who participated in the 2002 Management Stock Purchase Plan terminated employment with the Company. On the date of their employment termination, their respective executive loans had not been fully forgiven. In exchange for the forgiveness of the outstanding executive loan amounts, the Company acquired 22,000 shares of the Company’s common stock from those officers. The Company is holding these shares of stock as treasury stock at a cost of $120 thousand. The cost of the treasury shares was based on the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the American Stock Exchange on the date of their respective terminations of employment. The difference between the value associated with the treasury stock and the outstanding balance on these executive loans of $213 thousand was expensed.

Note 13 — Common stock purchase warrants

     The Note that the Company issued in 1999, which was repaid in full with the proceeds from the FBO Sale, included detachable warrants to acquire 251,563 shares of the Company’s common stock originally exercisable at $13.00 per share. The Note agreement was amended on November 16, 2001, whereby the exercise price was reduced to $11.00 per share, and again on December 30, 2002, whereby the exercise price of the warrants was reduced to $7.484 per share. On October 28, 2003, J H Whitney Mezzanine Fund, the originally holder of the warrants, assigned warrants to acquire 226,407 shares of the Company’s common stock to Allied (the “Allied Warrants”) while retaining warrants to acquire 25,156 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Whitney Warrants”). At that time, the Company reduced the exercise price for the Allied Warrants to $6.10 per common share. All of the outstanding warrants expire on September 9, 2006.

Note 14 — Acquisitions and Divestitures:

     On April 12, 2004, after receiving approval from the Company’s stockholders at the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting, the Company sold all of the outstanding common stock of Air Centers, which represented 100% of the then outstanding common stock in Air Centers, to Allied with the Company receiving total consideration for the sale in cash at closing of $76,349 thousand. The assets sold through the sale of the stock of Air Centers consist of all of the assets of the Company’s FBO business excluding the Company’s FBO at the Long Beach Airport which the Company will retain and continue to operate. The final amount of the total consideration to be received by the Company from the FBO Sale is dependent upon, among other things, the determination of the amount of Air Centers’ net working capital at the time of closing and the distribution of funds from the Hartsfield Escrow. In accordance with the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement entered into by the Company and Allied on October 28, 2003, as amended from time to time, the Company and Allied agreed to the extent Air Centers’ actual net working capital at closing exceeded $3,586 thousand, Allied is obligated to pay the Company the excess amount or to the extent Air Center’s net working capital is less than $3,586 thousand, the Company is obligated to pay Allied the deficiency. The parties also agreed to deposit $8,270 thousand at closing to establish the Hartsfield Escrow to be distributed to the parties over a period not to exceed five (5) years from the FBO Sale Closing Date dependent upon the award of a new lease at the Hartsfield International Airport for a new FBO. If Air Centers is awarded the new lease, dependent upon the effective date, terms and conditions of the new lease, the Company may be entitled to none, some or all of the Hartsfield Escrow.

     The proceeds from the FBO Sale were used to: 1) prepay the outstanding principal on the Facility due Foothill comprised of both a term loan and a revolving credit facility, in the amount of $13,255 thousand; 2) pay accrued interest and fees associated with the Foothill credit facility of $203 thousand; 3) establish a cash collateral with Foothill in the amount of $16,031 thousand in support of issued and outstanding letters of credit issued under the terms of the Foothill credit facility; 4) prepay the outstanding principal, including the amount of accrued interest PIK on the Note of $24,120 thousand to Allied; 5) pay accrued interest and fees associated with the Note of $141 thousand; 6) prepay the outstanding principal, including the amount of accumulated PIK interest, on the Hambro Notes in the amount of $3,695 thousand; 7) pay accrued interest on the Hambro Notes in the amount of $15 thousand; 8) establish the Hartsfield Escrow in the amount of $8,270 thousand; and 9) pay for transaction related fees and expenses of $1,324 thousand. After satisfying the obligations noted above, the Company received $9,295 thousand.

     In June 2002, the Company sold its FBO operations at Bedford, Massachusetts for $15,500 thousand in cash, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $8,929 thousand. Estimated taxes of $3,530 thousand for this sale were transferred to a bank escrow account pending payment of the related federal and state taxes or payment of bank debt. The remaining cash proceeds of $11,520 thousand were utilized to repay bank debt.

Note 15 — MercFuel Private Placement:

     On March 7, 2001, the Company announced its plan to create an independent publicly traded company, MercFuel, Inc. MercFuel was organized in Delaware on October 27, 2000 as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. On January 1, 2001, the

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Company transferred to MercFuel the assets and liabilities of its Fuel Sales division. On May 16, 2001, and amended twice thereafter, MercFuel filed a registration statement related to the proposed offering. Due to market conditions, the Company was not able to complete the offering. The Company incurred $985 thousand of expenses associated with the offering and private placement which were expensed during the second quarter of fiscal 2002.

Note 16 – Settlement Costs

     During fiscal 2004, the Company incurred settlement costs of $2,414 thousand associated with two items.

     In December 2003, the Company entered into a settlement agreement relating to litigation with J O Hambro Capital Management and certain of its affiliates and private clients (collectively “J O Hambro”) whereby the Company agreed to pay J O Hambro $3,586,000 (the “Hambro Settlement Amount”) in exchange for the following, among other things: (1) the release of certain claims by J O Hambro; (2) the Company’s agreement to dismiss litigation against J O Hambro; (3) the Company’s agreement not to institute certain litigation against J O Hambro and certain other parties; (4) reimbursement of certain costs associated with the pending litigation and defense preparation for anticipated litigation between the parties; and (5) the purchase of 343,600 shares of the Company’s common stock (collectively referred to as the “Hambro Settlement”). The Hambro Settlement resulted in settlement costs of $1,799 thousand, which is non-deductible for income tax purposes, which represented the difference between the Hambro Settlement Amount and the trading value of the shares of common stock acquired by the Company on the day of the Hambro Settlement.

     In July 2004, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with David H. Murdock and related parties (collectively “Murdock”). The Company and Murdock entered into a mutual release of claims whereby Murdock was paid $525 thousand representing all costs, fees and expenses incurred by Murdock in connection with this settlement agreement and due diligence investigation of the Company’s business and in consideration for Murdock’s execution of the mutual release of claims. In addition, Murdock agreed to sell and the Company agreed to purchase 150,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, representing all of the Company’s common stock owned by Murdock, for $6.00 per share (collectively “the Murdock Settlement”). The Murdock Settlement resulted in settlement costs of $615 thousand, which is not deductible for income tax purposes, and represents the difference between the total amount paid by the Company for the Murdock Settlement and the trading value of the shares of common stock acquired by the Company on the day of the Murdock Settlement.

Note 17 — Commitments and Contingencies:

Leases

     The Company is obligated under noncancellable operating leases. Certain leases include renewal clauses and require payment of real estate taxes, insurance and other operating costs. Total rental expense for continuing operations on all such leases for fiscal 2004, 2003 and 2002 was $6,806 thousand, $6,505 thousand and $4,699 thousand, respectively, which is net of sublease rental income of approximately $63,000, $63,000 and $183,000 for fiscal 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The following are the minimum annual rentals on all noncancellable-operating leases having a term of more than one year at June 30, 2004:

         
2005
  $ 7,187,000  
2006
    6,581,000  
2007
    3,286,000  
2008
    2,668,000  
2009
    2,402,000  
Thereafter
    5,376,000  
 
   
 
 
Total minimum payments required
  $ 27,500,000  
 
   
 
 

Purchase Commitments

     On April 1, 2004, Air Cargo entered into a one-year renewal of its contract to purchase all of South African Airlines cargo capacity on its passenger flights from the United States and Canada to South Africa. Air Cargo’s one-year commitment for these routes is approximately $4,715 thousand, which is essentially unchanged from the previous year.

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Guarantees

     The Company is a guarantor on certain airport site and facility leases associated with eleven of Air Centers’ FBO locations that were in effect as of the FBO Sale Closing Date. As a condition of the sale, Allied agreed to fully indemnify the Company from any and all costs associated with the pre-existing guarantees while Air Centers and Allied use their best efforts to have the Company removed as guarantor on these leases. As a result of the indemnification provided by Allied, the Company does not believe any claim being made on the Company as a result of these guarantees will have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows or financial position.

Litigation

     On May 1, 2002, the Company received a notice of violation (“NOV”) from the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) for the Air Centers’ Fort Wayne, Indiana facility alleging that the Company’s spill prevention, control and countermeasure plan (“SPCC Plan”) did not meet certain federal regulations. On March 14, 2003, the Company received a NOV from the EPA alleging certain deficiencies in the Company’s SPCC Plan for the Air Centers’ Fort Wayne, Indiana facility, submitted to the EPA in November 2002. The Company believes that it has resolved all deficiencies except for alleged deficiencies related to: 1) secondary containment for refueling trucks, and 2) secondary containment for discrete fuel loading areas. Pursuant to an agreement detailed in a letter submitted to the EPA on April 16, 2003, the Company has been permitted to suspend modifications to its SPCC Plan regarding the installation of secondary containment for its refueling trucks, pending resolution of federal regulatory issues associated with secondary containment for such trucks. The EPA has also extended national compliance with regulations related to discrete loading areas until August 17, 2004. Further, the EPA announced in a Federal Register notice dated June 28, 2004, 69 Fed. Reg. 38297 that the EPA is considering a proposal to amend 40 CFR 112 to address, among other things, the “applicability of the rule to mobile/portable containers.”

     The FBO Sale’s Stock Purchase Agreement between the Company and Allied provides that the Company shall be responsible for compliance, for a period of eighteen months subsequent to the FBO Sale Closing Date for any required secondary containment (as the term is defined in the Stock Purchase Agreement) required by any applicable governmental authority requiring secondary containment pursuant to environmental law for extended or overnight fuel truck parking at any FBO comprising the FBO business on the FBO Sale Closing Date. In the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution of this matter is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows or financial position.

     On February 26, 2003, Robert Bosch filed an action in the United States District Court, Eastern District of New York against Excel Cargo, Inc. (“Excel”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and others seeking $1.5 million in damages for damaged cargo. On June 4, 2003 plaintiff’s counsel agreed to voluntarily dismiss Excel, without prejudice, from the lawsuit conditioned on the production of information by Excel. To date, plaintiff has not yet followed through. This matter is insured and is being handled by insurance counsel. In the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution of this matter is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows or financial position.

     On April 16, 2003, the Plan Committee of Shuttle America Corp. filed an Adversary Proceeding in the United States Bankruptcy Court, District of Connecticut alleging preferential transfers in the amount of $995 thousand. The parties reached a settlement agreement, which provided the Company to pay Shuttle America $40 thousand. The settlement agreement was approved by the bankruptcy court with the Company satisfying, subsequent to the bankruptcy court approval, all outstanding obligations on this matter.

     On July 9, 2003 Central Insurance Company, LTD filed an action in the United States District Court Central District of California-Western Division, against Air Cargo for damages paid to their assured United Microelectronics Corp in the amount of $335,337. In May 2004, this matter was dismissed without cost to the Company.

     On November 26, 2003, Signature Flight Support Corporation filed a complaint against Air Centers and Allied alleging: 1) breach of contract and tortious interference with contract against Allied; 2) interference with prospective economic advantage against Allied; and 3) unfair business practices against the Company and Allied. The Company believes that the allegations are without merit and is in the process of preparing a response. The Company has agreed to indemnify Allied and its affiliates (including, without limitation, Air Centers after the closing of the FBO Sale), directors, officers, agents, employees and controlling persons from certain liabilities, obligations, losses or expenses to which Allied may become subject as a result of the complaint. On August 4, 2004 the parties participated in a court ordered mediation session and were not able to resolve their differences. In the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution of this complaint is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows or financial position.

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     The Company is also a defendant in certain litigation arising in the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution of such litigation will not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows or financial position.

Note 18 — Related Party Transactions:

     CFK Partners was a partnership consisting of three of the Company’s directors, one of whom also serves as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and another who serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors. In addition, CFK Partners also owns approximately 30% of the Company’s outstanding common stock. In July 2004, after the retirement of Dr. Fagan as the Company’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dr. Fagan withdrew as a member of CFK Partners. The remaining members of CFK Partners, now known as CK Partners, are the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and one of the members of the Company’s board of directors, who is also the Company’s primary outside legal counsel.

     Pursuant to the terms of Dr. Fagan’s contract with the Company, upon Dr. Fagan’s retirement as Chairman of the Board of Directors in July 2004, the Company paid Dr. Fagan a bonus and severance payment of $1,890 thousand.

     In January 2002, the Company sold the land and the office building which houses its corporate headquarters to CFK Realty Partners, LLC (“CFK Realty”) for $4,200 thousand, consisting of $2,800 thousand in cash and a note receivable of $1,400 thousand. The note accrued interest at 5% and contained provisions whereby CFK Realty could elect to extend the maturity date in one-year increments through December 31, 2004. The note had an original maturity date of December 31, 2002. In early December 2002, and again in 2003 the Company received notification from CFK Realty that it was exercising its right to extend the maturity date of the note for an additional one year period. Concurrently with the sale, the Company also entered into a twenty-year lease of the property for a monthly rental amount of approximately $37 thousand. During fiscal 2003, the Company expended $275 thousand for leasehold improvements on its corporate headquarters. This amount will be amortized over the office lease term. CFK Realty financed the purchase of the headquarters through a $3,200 thousand loan. In July 2004, CFK Realty was restructured whereby Dr. Fagan, the retired Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors, became the sole member of CFK Realty.

     The Company uses the services of the legal firm McBreen and Kopko (the “Firm”) for various general corporate legal matters. Mr. Frederick H. Kopko, Jr., a partner of the Firm, is a member of the Company’s Board of Directors and is a member of CK Partners. During fiscal 2004, 2003 and 2002, the Company paid the Firm $916 thousand, $699 thousand, and $785 thousand, respectively, for legal services rendered by the Firm.

Note 19 — Major Customers and Foreign Customers:

     AirTran Airways represented approximately 23%, 24% and 20% of the Company’s consolidated revenues from continuing operations for fiscal 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively, with sales to NetJets comprising approximately 8%, 7% and 2% of the Company’s consolidated revenues from continuing operations for fiscal 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Government contract services consist of revenues from agencies of the government of the United States of America. Revenue from this segment represented approximately 6%, 7% and 10% of the Company’s consolidated revenues from continuing operations for fiscal 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. National, a customer of MercFuel, ceased operations on November 6, 2002. The Company had been providing fuel to National since May 1999. In December 2000, National filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and the Company continued to sell fuel to National on a secured basis under the auspices of the bankruptcy court. Sales to National represented approximately 7% and 17% of consolidated revenues from continuing operations for fiscal 2003 and 2002, respectively. No other customers accounted for over 10% of the Company’s consolidated revenues from continuing operations. The Company does business with a number of foreign airlines, principally in the sale of aviation fuels. For the most part, such sales are made within the United States of America and utilize the same assets and generally the same personnel as are utilized in the Company’s domestic business. Revenues related to these foreign airlines amounted to approximately 35%, 31% and 23% of consolidated revenues from continuing operations for fiscal 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

Note 20 — Net Income (Loss) Per Share:

     Basic net income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.

     Diluted net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares and dilutive common stock equivalents. Common stock equivalents include stock options and shares resulting from the assumed conversion of subordinated debentures, when dilutive.

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     The weighted average number of common shares outstanding and equivalent common shares outstanding have been adjusted retroactively to reflect the effect of the one-for-two reverse stock split that was effective June 18, 2003.

                                                 
    Year Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended
    June 30, 2004
  June 30, 2003
  June 30, 2002
    Basic
  Diluted
  Basic
  Diluted
  Basic
  Diluted
Weighted average number of common stock outstanding during the period
    3,059,200       3,059,200       3,263,000       3,263,000       3,282,500       3,282,500  
Common stock equivalents resulting from the assumed exercise of stock options
                                            60,500  
Common stock resulting from the assumed conversion of debentures
                                            12,000  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding during the period
    3,059,200       3,059,200       3,263,000       3,263,000       3,282,500       3,355,000  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Loss from continuing operations, net of taxes
  $ (5,083,000 )   $ (5,083,000 )   $ (2,983,000 )   $ (2,983,000 )   $ (2,420,000 )   $ (2,420,000 )
Add: Interest expense, net of taxes, on convertible debentures
                                            15,000  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Adjusted loss from continuing operations, net of taxes
  $ (5,083,000 )   $ (5,083,000 )   $ (2,983,000 )   $ (2,983,000 )   $ (2,420,000 )   $ (2,405,000 )
Preferred stock dividends
    (37,000 )     (37,000 )     (19,000 )     (19,000 )                
Discontinued operations:
                                               
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes
    (1,803,000 )     (1,803,000 )     185,000       185,000       6,937,000       6,937,000  
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of taxes
    7,501,000       7,501,000                                  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Adjusted net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders
  $ 578,000     $ 578,000     $ (2,817,000 )   $ (2,817,000 )   $ 4,517,000     $ 4,532,000  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Common stock and common stock equivalents
    3,059,200       3,059,200       3,263,000       3,263,000       3,282,500       3,355,000  
Income (loss) per share:
                                               
From continuing operations, net of taxes
  $ (1.67 )   $ (1.67 )   $ (0.92 )   $ (0.92 )   $ (0.74 )   $ (0.72 )
From discontinued operations, net of taxes
    (0.59 )     (0.59 )     0.06       0.06       2.12       2.07  
From sale of discontinued operations, net of taxes
    2.45       2.45                                  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net income (loss) per share
  $ 0.19     $ 0.19     $ (0.86 )   $ (0.86 )   $ 1.38     $ 1.35  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

Note 21 — Segment Reporting:

     The Company operates and reports its activities through three principal units: MercFuel, Air Cargo and Maytag. Air Centers was sold on April 12, 2004 and RPA, was sold on July 3, 2001. As a result, Air Center’s and RPA’s historical operating results have been reclassified as discontinued operations. The segment data included below has been restated to exclude amounts related to the Air Centers.

                                                         
                            Corporate            
                            or   Total Continuing   Discontinued    
    MercFuel
  Air Cargo
  Maytag
  Unallocated
  Operations
  Business
  Total
2004
                                                       
Revenues
  $ 322,631     $ 39,549     $ 23,281             $ 385,461             $ 385,461  
Gross margin
    6,080       1,800       5,146               13,026               13,026  
Depreciation and amortization
    469       1,725       414       220       2,828       4,478       7,306  
Capital expenditures
    662       63       172       287       1,184       3,836       5,020  
Goodwill
            1,252       3,137               4,389               4,389  
Total segment assets
    38,575       14,631       10,121       42,630       105,957               105,957  
 
2003
                                                       
Revenues
  $ 280,136     $ 32,691     $ 24,421             $ 337,248             $ 337,248  
Gross margin
    5,926       2,585       4,598               13,109               13,109  
Depreciation and amortization
    318       1,887       349       228       2,782       5,181       7,963  
Capital expenditures
    7       60       4       319       390       3,675       4,065  
Goodwill
            1,252       3,137               4,389               4,389  
Total segment assets
    29,460       16,226       10,773       17,411       73,870       59,085       132,955  

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     The information provided above for Discontinued Business represents the depreciation and amortization and capital expenditures for Air Centers through the FBO Sale Closing Date for fiscal 2004. For fiscal 2003, the information provided for Discontinued Business represents depreciation and amortization and capital expenditures for the full year and the segment assets as of June 30, 2003.

     Gross margin is used as the measure of profit and loss for segment reporting purposes as it is viewed by key decision makers as the principal operating indicator in measuring segment profitability. The key decision makers also view bad debt expense as an important measure of profit and loss. The predominant component of bad debt expense relates to MercFuel. Bad debt expense for MercFuel was approximately $263 thousand, $1,060 thousand in fiscal 2004 and 2003, respectively; total bad debt expense for continuing operations, was $506 thousand and $1,192 and in fiscal 2004 and 2003 respectively.

Note 22 — Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited):

                                 
    September 30,
  December 31,
  March 31,
  June 30,
    2003
  2003
  2004
  2004
Sales and revenues
  $ 79,710,000     $ 91,499,000     $ 103,781,000     $ 110,471,000  
Gross margin
    3,511,000       3,828,000       2,732,000       2,955,000  
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of taxes
    68,000       (1,248,000 )     (1,168,000 )     (2,735,000 )
Gain on sale, net of taxes
                            7,501,000  
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes
    (370,000 )     (269,000 )     (651,000 )     (513,000 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net income (loss)
    (302,000 )     (1,517,000 )     (1,819,000 )     4,253,000  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Income (loss) per share:
                               
Basic:
                               
From continuing operations, net of taxes
    $0.02       $(0.39 )     $(0.41 )     $(0.95 )
From gain on sale, net of taxes
                            2.59  
From discontinued operations, net of taxes
    (0.12 )     (0.09 )     (0.22 )     (0.18 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net income (loss) per share
    $(0.10 )     $(0.48 )     $(0.63 )     $1.46  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Diluted:
                               
From continuing operations, net of taxes
    $0.02       $(0.39 )     $(0.41 )     $(0.95 )
From gain on sale, net of taxes
                            2.59  
From discontinued operations, net of taxes
    (0.12 )     (0.09 )     (0.22 )     (0.18 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net income (loss) per share
    $(0.10 )     $(0.48 )     $(0.63 )     $1.46  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

     The sum of the fiscal 2004 quarterly income (loss) per share does not agree with the fiscal 2004 full year income (loss) per share due to the purchase of 346,100 shares of common stock by the Company during fiscal 2004. Included in the shares acquired by the Company is the purchase of 343,600 shares of common stock purchased in accordance with the Hambro Settlement as discussed in Note 16 — Settlement Costs.

                                 
    September 30,
  December 31,
  March 31,
  June 30,
    2002
  2002
  2003
  2003
Sales and revenues
  $ 84,069,000     $ 90,509,000     $ 86,883,000     $ 75,787,000  
Gross margin
    2,977,000       3,947,000       3,249,000       2,936,000  
Loss from continuing operations, net of taxes
    (957,000 )     (834,000 )     (510,000 )     (683,000 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes
    368,000       238,000       (588,000 )     168,000  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net loss
    (589,000 )     (596,000 )     (1,098,000 )     (515,000 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Income (loss) per share:
                               
Basic:
                               
From continuing operations, net of taxes
    $(0.30 )     $(0.25 )     $(0.15 )     $(0.22 )
From discontinued operations, net of taxes
    0.12       0.07       (0.18 )     0.05  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net loss per share
    $(0.18 )     $(0.18 )     $(0.33 )     $(0.17 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Diluted:
                               
From continuing operations, net of taxes
    $(0.30 )     $(0.25 )     $(0.15 )     $(0.22 )
From discontinued operations, net of taxes
    0.12       0.07       (0.18 )     0.05  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net loss per share
    $(0.18 )     $(0.18 )     $(0.33 )     $(0.17 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

F-22


Table of Contents

MERCURY AIR GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE II — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Three Years Ended June 30, 2004

                                 
    Balance at   Charged to Costs   Deductions   Balance at End
Classification
  Beginning of Period
  And Expenses
  (a)
  of Period
2004
                               
Allowance for doubtful accounts (b)
  $ 2,515,000     $ 652,000     $ (650,000 )   $ 2,517,000  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
2003
                               
Allowance for doubtful accounts (b)
  $ 1,583,000     $ 1,648,000     $ (716,000 )   $ 2,515,000  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
2002
                               
Allowance for doubtful accounts
  $ 1,653,000     $ 1,358,000     $ (1,428,000 )   $ 1,583,000  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

(a)   The Deductions for fiscal 2004 includes $510,000 for the Air Centers on the FBO Sale Closing Date. The other Deductions represent the accounts receivable amounts written-off during the year.

(b)   Inclusive of allowance for trade accounts receivable and notes receivable.

F-23


Table of Contents

APPENDIX D

 
 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
Form 10-Q
     
(Mark One)    
þ
  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
    For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2005
 
o
  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. 1-7134
Mercury Air Group, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Delaware
  11-1800515
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
5456 McConnell Avenue   90066
Los Angeles, CA
(Address of principal executive offices)
  (Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
(310) 827-2737
      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 þ          No o
      Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).     Yes o          No þ
      Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common equity, as of the latest practicable date.
     
    Number of Shares Outstanding
Title   as of May 20, 2005
     
Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value
  3,056,355
 
 


TABLE OF CONTENTS
             
        Page
         
 PART I
   Financial Statements     2  
   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations     18  
   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk     28  
   Controls and Procedures     29  
 PART II
   Legal Proceedings     29  
   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds     31  
   Default Upon Senior Securities     31  
   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders     31  
   Other Information     32  
   Exhibits     32  
 Signatures     38  
Exhibit 31.1
           
Exhibit 31.2
           
Exhibit 32.1
           
Exhibit 32.2
           

1


Table of Contents

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
MERCURY AIR GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                     
    March 31,   June 30,
    2005   2004
         
    (Unaudited)    
    (Dollars in thousands)
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
               
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 275     $ 4,690  
 
Restricted cash
            15,414  
 
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,808 and $1,556 at March 31, 2005 and June 30, 2004, respectively
    59,757       50,974  
 
Inventories
    3,330       1,165  
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    4,579       5,696  
 
Deferred income taxes
    1,451       1,451  
             
   
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
    69,392       79,390  
PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLDS, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $25,531 and $24,836 at March 31, 2005 and June 30, 2004, respectively
    7,461       10,349  
NOTES RECEIVABLE, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $921 and $1,025 at March 31, 2005 and June 30, 2004, respectively
    1,300       521  
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES
    611       611  
GOODWILL
    4,411       4,389  
OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET
    550       700  
RESTRICTED CASH
    8,450       8,989  
OTHER ASSETS, NET
    1,127       1,008  
             
   
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 93,302     $ 105,957  
             
 
LIABILITIES, MANDATORILY REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
               
 
Accounts payable
  $ 37,204     $ 33,552  
 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    8,918       11,825  
 
Current portion of long-term debt
    1,178       139  
             
   
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
    47,300       45,516  
LONG-TERM DEBT
    20,716       17,790  
DEFERRED GAIN
    9,474       8,130  
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITY
    837       669  
DEFERRED RENT
    628       1,257  
MINORITY INTEREST
            182  
             
   
TOTAL LIABILITIES
    78,955       73,544  
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Note 4)
               
MANDATORILY REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK: Series A — $0.01 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; 462,627 shares outstanding at March 31, 2005 and June 30, 2004, respectively
    478       518  
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
               
 
Preferred stock — $0.01 par value; authorized 2,000,000 shares; no shares outstanding
               
 
Common stock — $0.01 par value; authorized 18,000,000 shares; 3,056,355 and 2,954,819 shares outstanding at March 31, 2005 and June 30, 2004, respectively
    31       30  
 
Additional paid-in capital
    21,443       20,737  
 
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)
    (4,822 )     14,596  
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    176       (46 )
 
Treasury stock, 12,500 and 24,500 shares at March 31, 2005 and June 30, 2004, respectively
    (61 )     (120 )
 
Notes receivable from officers
    (2,898 )     (3,302 )
             
   
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
    13,869       31,895  
             
   
TOTAL LIABILITIES, MANDATORILY REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 93,302     $ 105,957  
             
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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MERCURY AIR GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                                     
    Nine Months Ended   Three Months Ended
    March 31,   March 31,
         
    2005   2004   2005   2004
                 
    (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Sales and revenues:
                               
 
Sales
  $ 388,998     $ 228,195     $ 142,903     $ 88,304  
 
Service revenues
    48,284       46,795       15,356       15,477  
                         
   
Total sales and revenues
    437,282       274,990       158,259       103,781  
                         
Costs and expenses:
                               
 
Cost of sales
    378,566       219,871       139,176       85,572  
 
Operating expenses
    45,150       45,048       14,965       15,477  
                         
   
Total costs and expenses
    423,716       264,919       154,141       101,049  
                         
   
Gross margin (excluding depreciation and amortization)
    13,566       10,071       4,118       2,732  
                         
Expenses (income):
                               
 
Selling, general and administrative
    11,736       7,838       4,708       2,798  
 
Provision (recovery) for bad debts
    1,514       305       1,150       329  
 
Depreciation and amortization
    1,855       2,169       601       743  
 
Interest and other expense
    1,057       784       286       257  
 
Hambro settlement costs
            1,799                  
 
Interest and other income
    (306 )     (272 )     (65 )     (31 )
 
Asset impairment loss
    626                          
                         
   
Total expenses (income)
    16,482       12,623       6,680       4,096  
                         
 
Loss from continuing operations before minority interest and income tax expense
    (2,916 )     (2,552 )     (2,562 )     (1,364 )
 
Minority interest
    181                          
                         
 
Loss from continuing operations before income tax expense
    (2,735 )     (2,552 )     (2,562 )     (1,364 )
 
Income tax (benefit) expense
    (716 )     43       (691 )     (196 )
                         
 
Loss from continuing operations, net of taxes
    (2,019 )     (2,595 )     (1,871 )     (1,168 )
 
Discontinued operations:
                               
 
Loss from discontinued operation, net of income tax (benefit) of ($359) and ($108) for the nine months and three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively
            (1,043 )             (651 )
 
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of income tax provision of $14
    22                          
                         
Net loss
    (1,997 )     (3,638 )     (1,871 )     (1,819 )
Accrued preferred stock dividends
    29       28       9       9  
                         
Net loss applicable to common stockholders
  $ (2,026 )   $ (3,666 )   $ (1,880 )   $ (1,828 )
                         
Income (loss) per common share:
                               
Basic:
                               
 
From continuing operations, net of taxes
  $ (0.71 )   $ (0.84 )   $ (0.62 )   $ (0.41 )
 
From discontinued operations, net of taxes
            (0.34 )             (0.22 )
 
From sale of discontinued operations, net of taxes
    0.01                          
                         
   
Net loss per share
  $ (0.70 )   $ (1.18 )   $ (0.62 )   $ (0.63 )
                         
Diluted:
                               
 
From continuing operations, net of taxes
  $ (0.71 )   $ (0.84 )   $ (0.62 )   $ (0.41 )
 
From discontinued operations, net of taxes
            (0.34 )             (0.22 )
 
From sale of discontinued operations, net of taxes
    0.01                          
                         
   
Net loss per share
  $ (0.70 )   $ (1.18 )   $ (0.62 )   $ (0.63 )
                         
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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MERCURY AIR GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                       
    Nine Months Ended
    March 31,
     
    2005   2004
         
    (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
               
 
Net loss
  $ (1,997 )   $ (3,638 )
 
Adjustments to derive cash flow from operating activities:
               
   
Provision for bad debts
    1,514       421  
   
Depreciation and amortization
    1,855       6,405  
   
Deferred income taxes
            350  
   
Deferred rent
    (304 )     (471 )
   
Executive loan amortization
    265       290  
   
Minority interest
    (182 )     2  
   
Other non-cash items
    76          
   
Asset impairment loss
    626          
   
Hambro settlement costs
            1,799  
   
Interest added to senior subordinated note Principal
            120  
   
Amortization of senior subordinated note discount
            132  
   
Amortization of loan fees included in interest expense
            381  
   
Loss (gain) on retirement of assets
            25  
   
Write-down of note receivable from officer
    96       105  
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
   
Trade and other accounts receivable
    (11,095 )     (12,622 )
   
Inventories
    (2,165 )     555  
   
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    259       (3,776 )
   
Accounts payable
    3,652       3,682  
   
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    (3,027 )     6,567  
             
     
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    (10,427 )     327  
             
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
 
Decrease in restricted cash
    16,032          
 
Decrease (increase) in other assets
    (232 )     (202 )
 
Decrease in notes receivable
    780       781  
 
Proceeds from sale of property
    2       9  
 
Additions to property, equipment and leaseholds
    (1,517 )     (4,697 )
             
     
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    15,065       (4,109 )
             
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
 
Net addition (reduction) of debt instruments
    7,485       2,734  
 
Repurchase of common stock
    (848 )        
 
Payment of dividends
    (17,491 )        
 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and warrants
    1,687       14  
             
     
Net cash used in financing activities
    (9,167 )     2,748  
             
Effect of exchange rate changes
    114       54  
             
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
    (4,415 )     (980 )
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD
    4,690       2,802  
             
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD
  $ 275     $ 1,822  
             
CASH PAID DURING THE PERIOD FOR:
               
 
Interest
  $ 633     $ 5,398  
 
Income taxes
  $ 3,385     $ 884  
      Non-Cash investing and financing activities are excluded from the consolidated statement of cash flows. On November 10, 2004, the Company entered into an amended lease agreement with CFK Realty and amended the terms of the note receivable due from CFK Realty. The Company reduced the note receivable from CFK Realty by $796,000 and reduced the deferred gain on sale of the building by the same amount. See Note 11. During the second quarter of 2005, the Company upgraded its 12.5% ownership interest in a BeechJet 400A aircraft to a 12.5% interest in a Raytheon Hawker 800XP. The Company received a $443,750 trade-in allowance for its 12.5% ownership in the Beechjet.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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MERCURY AIR GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                                                                     
                        Accumulated    
    Common Stock           Notes       Other    
        Additional       Receivable       Comprehensive    
    Number of       Paid-In   Retained   From   Treasury   Income    
    Shares   Amount   Capital   Earnings   Officers   Stock   (Loss)   Total
                                 
    (In thousands, except per share data)
Balances, June 30, 2004
    2,954,819     $ 30     $ 20,737     $ 14,596     $ (3,302 )   $ (120 )   $ (46 )   $ 31,895  
Comprehensive income (loss):
                                                               
 
Net (loss) income
                            (1,997 )                             (1,997 )
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
                                                    222       222  
                                                 
   
Comprehensive income
                                                            (1,775 )
Cash dividend common $5.70 per share
                            (17,421 )                             (17,421 )
Accrual of preferred stock dividends
                    (30 )                                     (30 )
Repurchase of common stock
    (150,000 )     (2 )     (808 )             265                       (545 )
Repurchase of vested executive stock
                                            (38 )             (38 )
Exercise of options/warrants
    279,036       3       1,684                                       1,687  
Write off officer note
                                    139       (43 )             96  
Retirement of repurchased executive stock
    (27,500 )             (140 )                     140                  
                                                 
Balances, March 31, 2005
    3,056,355     $ 31     $ 21,443     $ (4,822 )   $ (2,898 )   $ (61 )   $ 176     $ 13,869  
                                                 

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MERCURY AIR GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2005
(Unaudited)
Note 1 — General
Business
      Mercury Air Group, Inc. (the “Company”), a Delaware corporation, was organized in 1956 and provides a broad range of services to the aviation industry through three principal operating units which are all wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company: MercFuel, Inc. (“MercFuel”), a Delaware corporation, Mercury Air Cargo, Inc. (“Air Cargo”), a California corporation, and Maytag Aircraft Corporation (“Maytag”), a Colorado corporation. MercFuel’s operations consist of the sale and delivery of fuel, primarily aviation fuel, to domestic and international commercial airlines, fractional jet ownership companies, corporate aviation fleets and air cargo companies. Air Cargo’s operations consist of cargo handling, the sale of cargo capacity on other airlines (“Cargo Space Logistics”), and general cargo sales agent services. Maytag is a provider of governmental contract services performing aircraft refueling and fuel storage operations, base operations support (“BOS”) services, air terminal and ground handling services and weather observation and forecasting services primarily for agencies of the government of the United States of America.
      Through April 12, 2004, the Company operated a fourth operating unit, Mercury Air Centers, Inc. (“Air Centers”). Air Centers’ operations consisted of aviation fuel sales, aircraft refueling operations (“into-plane”), aircraft ground support services, aircraft hangar services, aircraft parking (“aircraft tie-down services”) and aircraft maintenance at certain Air Center locations, known as Fixed Based Operations (“FBO’s”). On April 12, 2004 (the “FBO Sale Closing Date”), following stockholder approval, the Company sold all of Air Centers outstanding common stock to Allied Capital Corporation (“Allied”) for $76,349 thousand subject to adjustments for, among other things, Air Centers’ net working capital as of the FBO Sale Closing Date and the distribution of funds from an escrow account established at closing associated with the Air Centers’ Hartsfield International Airport FBO (the “Hartsfield FBO”). The net working capital adjustment was finalized during the second quarter of fiscal 2005. See Note 12 for details. The assets sold through the sale of the stock of Air Centers (the “FBO Sale”) consisted of all of the assets of the Company’s FBO business excluding the Company’s FBO at the Long Beach Airport which the Company has retained and continues to operate.
      As used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the term “Company” or “Mercury” refers to Mercury Air Group, Inc. and, unless the context otherwise requires, its subsidiaries. The Company’s principal executive offices are located at 5456 McConnell Avenue, Los Angeles, California, 90066 and its telephone number is (310) 827-2737.
Forward-Looking Statements
      This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the information incorporated by reference in it includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. We intend the forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements in these sections. All statements regarding our expected financial position and operating results, our business strategy, our financing plans and forecasted demographic and economic trends relating to our industry are forward-looking statements. These statements can sometimes be identified by our use of forward-looking words such as “may”, “will”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “expect” or “intend” and similar expressions. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. We cannot promise you that our expectations in such forward-looking statements will turn out correct. Factors that impact such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, quarterly fluctuations in results; the management of growth; fluctuations in world oil prices, interest rates or foreign

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MERCURY AIR GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
currency; changes in political, economic, regulatory or environmental conditions; the loss of key customers, suppliers or members of senior management; uninsured losses; competition; credit risk associated with accounts receivable; Sarbanes-Oxley Act Section 404 compliance costs, and other risks detailed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in our other Securities and Exchange Commission filings. We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Risks and Uncertainties
      Accounts receivable is comprised primarily of trade receivables from customers and is net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company’s credit risk is based in part on the following: 1) substantially all receivables are related to the aviation industry, 2) there is a concentration of credit risk as there are several customers who at any time have significant balances owed to the Company, and 3) significant balances are owed by certain customers that are not adequately capitalized. In addition, significantly higher fuel prices for extended periods of time may have a negative impact on the aviation industry as it substantially increases airlines’ operating expenses. Smaller airlines with lower levels of capital may be more seriously impacted. The Company assesses its credit portfolio on an ongoing basis and establishes allowances which it believes are adequate to absorb potential credit problems that can be reasonably anticipated.
      The Company purchases aviation fuel from a limited number of suppliers. If the Company’s relationship with any of these key suppliers terminates, the Company may not be able to obtain a sufficient quantity of aviation fuel on favorable terms or may experience difficulty in obtaining aviation fuel from alternative suppliers. Furthermore, difficulties faced by these suppliers or aviation fuel shortages or the inability to obtain aviation fuel from alternate sources at acceptable prices and terms could impair the Company’s ability to sell aviation fuel to its customers at competitive prices and terms.
      The Company may experience decreases in future sales volume and margins as a result of deterioration in the world economy, or in the aviation industry, and continued conflicts and instability in the Middle East, Asia and Latin America, as well as a result of potential future terrorist activities and possible military retaliation. Through the Company’s first nine months of fiscal 2005, petroleum product prices, including aviation fuel, have either achieved or been close to historical high levels. This sustained price level places additional financial burden on many of the Company’s customers. If the Company’s customers are not able to pass on the higher petroleum product prices to its customers, they may experience financial hardship which may result in the Company experiencing longer collection terms, which will place additional financial burden on the Company, or higher level of uncollectible accounts.
Basis of Presentation
      The accompanying unaudited financial statements of the Company have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments consisting of normal recurring adjustments and accruals necessary for a fair presentation have been reflected in these financial statements. Operating results for the quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2005 due to seasonal and other factors. In order to maintain consistency and comparability between periods presented, certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. The accompanying financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004.

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MERCURY AIR GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
New Accounting Pronouncements
      On December 16, 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS No. 123R”). This standard requires companies to expense the value of employee stock options and similar awards. Under SFAS No. 123R, share-based payments (“SBP”) awards result in a cost that will be measured at fair value on the awards’ grant date, based on the estimated number of awards that are expected to vest. Compensation cost for awards that vest would not be reversed if the awards expire without being exercised. When measuring fair value, companies can choose an option-pricing model (e.g., Black-Scholes or binomial models) that appropriately reflects their specific circumstances and the economics of their transactions. Companies will recognize compensation cost for SBP awards as they vest including the related tax effects. Upon settlement of SBP awards, the tax effects will be recognized in the income statement or additional paid-in capital. Public companies are allowed to select from three alternative transition methods. The effective date for public companies is interim and annual periods beginning after June 15, 2005, and applies to all outstanding and unvested SBP awards at a company’s adoption date. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of the adoption of SFAS 123R.
Note 2 — Stock-Based Employee Compensation
      The Company has four stock option plans. As permitted under SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (“SFAS No. 123”), and as amended by SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation — Transition and Disclosure” (“SFAS No. 148”), the Company measures compensation expense related to employee stock options granted utilizing the intrinsic value method as prescribed by Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related interpretations. The following table illustrates the pro forma effect on net income (loss) if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123 to stock-based employee compensation.
                                 
    Nine Months Ended   Three Months Ended
    March 31,   March 31,
         
    2005   2004   2005   2004
                 
    (In thousands, except per share data)
Net loss, as reported
  $ (1,997 )   $ (3,638 )   $ (1,871 )   $ (1,819 )
Add stock-based employee compensation expense included in net loss, net of tax
    (68 )     185       (164 )     62  
Less total stock based employee compensation determined under the fair value based method for all awards, net of tax
    9       (79 )     20       (20 )
                         
Pro forma net loss
  $ (2,056 )   $ (3,532 )   $ (2,015 )   $ (1,777 )
                         
Basic net loss per share — as reported
  $ (0.70 )   $ (1.18 )   $ (0.62 )   $ (0.63 )
Basic net loss per share — pro forma
  $ (0.72 )   $ (1.14 )   $ (0.67 )   $ (0.62 )
Diluted net loss per share — as reported
  $ (0.70 )   $ (1.18 )   $ (0.62 )   $ (0.63 )
Diluted net loss per share — pro forma
  $ (0.72 )   $ (1.14 )   $ (0.67 )   $ (0.62 )
Note 3 — Income Taxes
      Income tax expense has been computed based on the estimated annual effective income tax rate for the respective periods adjusted for significant events that have occurred during the respective periods that are not expected to recur in future periods. The effective income tax rate from continuing operations was 27.0% and 14.3% for the three month periods ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The effective income tax rate from continuing operations was 26.2% and 8.0% for the nine month periods ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

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MERCURY AIR GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
      The effective income tax rate from continuing operations for the three month and nine month periods ended March 31, 2004 included the results of operations for the Air Centers. The consolidated statements of operations for the three month and nine month periods ended March 31, 2005 was restated to reflect the Air Center results as “Discontinued Operations”. With this restatement, the effective tax rate from continuing operations for the three month and nine month periods ended March 31, 2004 would have been 14.4% benefit and 1.7% expense, respectively, and 14.2% and 25.6% benefit, respectively, for discontinued operations.
      The settlement costs related to J.O. Hambro of $1,799 thousand recognized by the Company in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 is not deductible in the determination of taxable income resulting in a permanent book to tax difference. The difference resulted in an increase in the income tax provision for the three and nine month periods ended March 31, 2004.
Note 4 — Litigation
      On March 14, 2003 the Company received a Notice of Violation from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) alleging certain deficiencies in the Company’s spill prevention, control and countermeasure plan (“SPCC Plan”) for the Air Centers’ Fort Wayne, Indiana facility (“Ft. Wayne Facility”). The Company believes that it has resolved all deficiencies except for alleged deficiencies related to: 1) secondary containment for refueling trucks, and 2) secondary containment for discrete fuel loading areas. Pursuant to an agreement detailed in a letter submitted to EPA on April 16, 2003, the Company was permitted to suspend modifications to its SPCC Plan regarding the installation of secondary containment for its parked refueling trucks and loading areas, pending resolution of federal regulatory issues associated with SPCC requirements.
      The Stock Purchase Agreement between the Company and Allied dated as of October 28, 2003 regarding the sale of all of the outstanding stock owned by the Company in Air Centers (the “Air Centers’ SPA”), provides that the Company shall be responsible for compliance, for a period of eighteen months subsequent to the FBO Sale Closing Date, for any secondary containment (as the term is defined in the Air Centers’ SPA) required by any applicable governmental authority pursuant to environmental law for extended or overnight fuel truck parking at any FBO comprising the FBO business on the FBO Sale Closing Date.
      Pursuant to a letter dated October 18, 2004 from EPA to the Ft. Wayne facility, EPA demanded the installation of secondary containment at the Ft. Wayne Facility for parked refueling trucks (but not loading areas). While the company does not believe SPCC requirements regarding containment are applicable to mobile refueling trucks, it agreed to indemnify Air Centers for the reasonable cost of installation of such containment at the Ft. Wayne Facility in order to avoid further transaction costs. It did not admit that such indemnification was required under the Air Centers SPA or environmental law. The containment was installed in March 2005. The Ft. Wayne Facility’s SPCC plan is currently being revised and certified to reflect the installation. It will then be submitted to EPA.
      In the opinion of management, the resolution of this matter, including the installation of any secondary containment at other Air Centers facilities, is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flow or financial position.
      On November 26, 2003, Signature Flight Support Corporation filed a complaint against Air Centers and Allied alleging: 1) breach of contract against Mercury Air Centers; 2) tortious interference with contract against Allied; 3) Tortious interference with prospective economic advantage against Allied; and 4) unfair business practices against Mercury and Allied. The Company has agreed to indemnify Allied and its affiliates (including, without limitation, Air Centers after the closing of the FBO sale), directors, officers, agents, employees and controlling persons from any liability, obligation, losses or expenses to which Allied may become subject as a result of the complaint. On January 25, 2005 the United States District Court for the Central District of California entered an order granting in part and denying in part Mercury Air Group’s

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MERCURY AIR GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
motion for Summary Judgment or alternatively partial summary judgment and an order granting Allied Capital Corporation’s motion for Summary Judgment. Under this order Allied Capital was completely removed from the case and was granted all relief requested. In regards to Mercury Air Group, Inc. the court found that there was a genuine issue of material fact as to whether or not Signature was entitled to its due diligence expenses. Subsequently the parties stipulated that Signature’s recoverable damages in the event Signature subsequently proves the existence of a binding contract and a material breach by Mercury are to be $160,000. Signature has given notice of appeal in this case. On April 18, 2005 in the companion case between the parties and others filed in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles the parties entered into a Joint Stipulation Continuing Case Management Conference which continued all matters in the cause of action until after the next Case Management Conference which was reset until May 26, 2005 with Case Management Statements to be filed on May 19, 2005 to allow the parties to discuss a global settlement. The Company believes these allegations have no merit and will also be vigorously disputed and defended.
      On July 14, 2004, Leon Shabott filed suit in the United States District Court, District of Massachusetts against Mercury Air Group, Inc. for damages arising out of the repair of Beechcraft twin Bonanza aircraft engines in June of 1998 claiming damages of up to $150 thousand. The Company believes that the claim is barred by the statute of limitations and that it has other good and viable defenses as well. In the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution of this matter is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows or financial position.
      On April 28, 2005 notice of a complaint being filed in the United States District Court of the Southern District of Illinois by Mr. Lambert against BP Products, et al and Maytag Aircraft Corporation was received. The original complaint had been amended to include Maytag Aircraft Corporation as a named defendant which includes a number of jet fuel retailers. Plaintiff alleges that the defendants caused him personal injury and other damage as a result of his exposure to jet fuel products while in the Marines. This matter is currently under investigation, however, Mercury does not believe this matter will have a significant impact on its financial position or operating results.
      On May 2, 2005 notice of action against Mercury Air Cargo, Inc. filed in the Superior Court of Los Angeles County for an accident which occurred on May 6, 2003 was received. Plaintiff claims that her heel was run over by a fork lift while she was working as a government inspector. The company is investigating the matter. The matter has been turned over to Mercury’s insurance company and insurance counsel for handling. However, the company does not believe that this matter will have a significant impact on its financial position or operating results.
      The Company is also a defendant in certain litigation arising in the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution of such litigation will not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows or financial position. Reference is made to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004 for additional legal matters with respect to which no material developments have occurred in the current quarter.
Note 5 — Restricted Cash
      Restricted cash consists of cash held for specific purposes and not available for general use by the Company. Restricted cash as of March 31,2005 is comprised of: 1) $95 thousand on deposit with Wells Fargo Foothill as reserve for outstanding letters of credit fees; and 2) $8,355 thousand for an escrow account established on the FBO Sale Closing Date associated with the Hartsfield FBO (the “Harstfield Escrow Account”). The funds held in the Hartsfield Escrow Account are to be distributed to either one or both of the Company and Allied over a period not to exceed five years from the FBO Sale Closing Date dependent upon the award of a new lease at the Hartsfield International Airport in Atlanta for a new FBO. Dependent upon

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MERCURY AIR GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
the effective date of the new lease and the terms and conditions of the new lease, the Company may be entitled to all, some or none of the amount deposited into the Hartsfield Escrow Account at closing.
      On October 11, 2004, the city of Atlanta notified Air Centers that it planned on entering into lease negotiations with a different company for the FBO at the Hartsfield International Airport under the then existing RFP process. On November 22, 2004, Air Centers was notified by the airport authority that the matter would be re-bid. The re-bid process is currently underway. If a new FBO lease at the Hartsfield International Airport is not awarded to Air Centers, the amount remaining undistributed in the Hartsfield Escrow Account on the date that Air Centers ceases operating the Hartsfield FBO will be distributed to Allied. The first installment of $1,654 thousand was received on April 12, 2005.
Note 6 — Debt
      On July 29, 2004, the Company and Bank of America, N.A. (“Bank of America”) entered into a three-year $30,000 thousand revolving line of credit (the “B of A Credit Facility”) collateralized by all of the assets of the Company, the terms of which were amended by the First Amendment to the Loan Agreement effective November 1, 2004 (the “First Amendment”), by the Second Amendment to the Loan Agreement effective January 31, 2005 (the “Second Amendment”) and by the Third Amendment to the Loan Agreement effective April 6, 2005 (the “Third Amendment”). The loan agreement, as amended, will expire on July 31, 2007, or earlier under certain conditions. Upon the effective date of the B of A Credit Facility, $15,414 thousand of cash deposited by the Company as collateral for outstanding letters of credit and reported as restricted cash on the Company’s balance sheet at June 30, 2004 was released to the Company for general corporate purposes. In accordance with the terms of the loan agreement, as amended, the revolving line of credit is used as collateral for any letter of credit issued by the Company and for general working capital needs. The amount of credit available to the Company on the B of A Credit Facility, as amended, is determined monthly and is equal to the lesser of 80% of the balance due on Domestic Eligible Receivables, and 2) $30,000 thousand. The B of A Credit Facility, as amended, contains certain financial covenants limiting the amount the Company can expend annually for capital expenditures to $2,000 thousand. The B of A Credit Facility, as amended, also prohibits the repurchase of stock and the payment of cash dividends, except for cash dividends in an amount not to exceed $17,500 thousand by June 30, 2005, and stock purchases in an amount not to exceed $1,000 thousand by June 30, 2005. The Company paid a cash dividend of $17,500 thousand on November 5, 2004. The Company is also required to maintain certain financial targets for tangible net worth and fixed charges. As of March 31, 2005, the Company was not in compliance with the tangible net worth and fixed charges financial targets. A waiver was received from Bank of America.
      On November 2, 2004, the Company requested and received a cash advance on the B of A Credit Facility in the amount of $10,000 thousand. The funds received as a cash advance were used to fund the one-time special cash dividend and to meet on-going working capital requirements. As of March 31, 2005, the Company’s borrowing under the revolving credit line was $7,500 thousand.
      As of March 31, 2005, the Company had $30,000 thousand of revolving credit line available under the B of A Credit Facility, of which $15,456 thousand was reserved for issued and outstanding letters of credit and $7,044 thousand was available and undrawn.
      On November 1, 2004, the Company and Bank of America entered into a Letter of Credit and Reimbursement Agreement (the “LOC and Reimbursement Agreement”) relating to the outstanding tax exempt bonds issued in 1998 pursuant to a loan agreement between the Company and the California Economic Development Financing Authority (“CEDFA”). As of November 1, 2004, the outstanding principal amount of the bonds outstanding was $14,000 thousand. In accordance with the terms of the LOC and Reimbursement Agreement, Bank of America has issued an irrevocable direct pay letter of credit to the trustee for the bondholders in an amount of $14,161 thousand (the “CEDFA LOC”) that replaced the previously existing irrevocable direct pay letter of credit of the same amount issued by Wells Fargo Bank,

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MERCURY AIR GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
N.A. on behalf of the Company, which was cancelled simultaneously with the issuance of the CEDFA LOC. In addition to the issuance of the CEDFA LOC, the LOC and Reimbursement Agreement require the Company to call for redemption bonds in the principal amount of $500 thousand on each of April 1 and October 1 commencing on April 1, 2005. The CEDFA LOC was issued by Bank of America as part of the B of A Credit facility.
Note 7 — Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
      The Company owned a 69.6% equity interest in MercMed LLC (“MercMed”), which was formed in 1998 for the purpose of owning and operating an aircraft for the MercMed members. As a result of the age of the MercMed aircraft, changes in Federal Aviation Administration requirements restricting the altitude at which the MercMed aircraft can fly, the popularity of fractional jet ownership versus outright aircraft ownership and the technological advancements in aircraft design and construction, it was determined that the current market value of the MercMed aircraft was below the carrying value of the aircraft. During the first quarter of fiscal 2005, the book value of the MercMed aircraft was adjusted to reflect the current market value as determined by the MercMed members, which was determined to be $532 thousand. This adjustment to market value resulted in an asset impairment loss of $626 thousand.
      On November 10, 2004, the Company, upon authorization from the Company’s Board of Directors, entered into an agreement to sell all of its rights, title and interest in MercMed to Dr. Fagan. In accordance with the agreement between the Company and Dr. Fagan, the Company has agreed to pay for certain costs incurred by MercMed prior to October 1, 2004 and to provide Dr. Fagan with jet fuel in an amount not to exceed $75 thousand over a five year period. Dr. Fagan has agreed to pay the debt service costs, including the outstanding principal associated with MercMed’s loan and to hold the Company harmless in regard to this loan. As of December 31, 2004, the financial statements of MercMed are no longer included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Note 8 — Net Income (Loss) Per Share
      Basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares and dilutive common stock equivalents. Common stock equivalents include stock options and shares resulting from the assumed conversion of subordinated debentures, when dilutive.
                                                                   
    Nine Months Ended March 31,   Three Months Ended March 31,
         
    2005   2004   2005   2004
                 
    Basic   Diluted   Basic   Diluted   Basic   Diluted   Basic   Diluted
                                 
    (In thousands, except number of shares and per share data)
Weighted average number of common stock outstanding during the period
    2,900,631       2,900,631       3,113,858       3,113,858       3,028,063       3,028,063       2,895,472       2,895,472  
Loss from continuing operations, net of taxes
  $ (2,019 )   $ (2,019 )   $ (2,595 )   $ (2,595 )   $ (1,871 )   $ (1,871 )   $ (1,168 )   $ (1,168 )
Preferred stock dividends
    29       29       28       28       9       9       9       9  
Loss from discontinued operation, net of taxes
                    (1,043 )     (1,043 )                     (651 )     (651 )
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of taxes
    22       22                                                  
                                                 
Adjusted net loss applicable to common stockholders
  $ (2,026 )   $ (2,026 )   $ (3,666 )   $ (3,666 )   $ (1,880 )   $ (1,880 )   $ (1,828 )   $ (1,828 )
                                                 
Income (loss) per share:
                                                               
 
From continuing operations, net of taxes
  $ (0.71 )   $ (0.71 )   $ (0.84 )   $ (0.84 )   $ (0.62 )   $ (0.62 )   $ (0.41 )   $ (0.41 )
 
From discontinued operations, net of taxes
                    (0.34 )     (0.34 )                     (0.22 )     (0.22 )
 
From sale of discontinued operations, net of taxes
    0.01       0.01                                                  
                                                 
 
Net loss per share
  $ (0.70 )   $ (0.70 )   $ (1.18 )   $ (1.18 )   $ (0.62 )   $ (0.62 )   $ (0.63 )   $ (0.63 )
                                                 

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MERCURY AIR GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Note 9 — Segment Reporting
      The Company discloses segment information in accordance with SFAS No. 131, “Disclosure About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information,” which requires companies to report selected segment information on a quarterly basis and to report certain entity-wide disclosures about products and services, major customers and material countries in which the entity holds assets and reports revenues. The operating segments reported below are the segments of the Company for which operating results are evaluated regularly by management in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance.
      The Company operates and reports its activities through three principal units: MercFuel, Air Cargo and Maytag. Air Centers was sold on April 12, 2004. As a result, Air Centers’ historical operating results have been reclassified as discontinued operations. The segment data included below have been restated to exclude amounts related to the Air Centers.
                                         
                    Total
                Corporate   Continuing
    MercFuel   Air Cargo   Maytag   and Other   Operations
                     
    (In thousands)
Quarter Ended March 31, 2005
                                       
Revenues
  $ 142,730     $ 10,000     $ 5,322     $ 207     $ 158,259  
Gross margin
    2,410       589       1,303       (184 )     4,118  
Depreciation and amortization
    130       383       52       36       601  
Capital expenditures
    2       16       12       362       392  
Goodwill
            1,274       3,137               4,411  
Segment assets
    53,297       11,575       8,912       19,518       93,302  
Quarter Ended March 31, 2004
                                       
Revenues
  $ 88,305     $ 9,729     $ 5,747             $ 103,781  
Gross margin
    1,506       60       1,166               2,732  
Depreciation and amortization
    118       484       89     $ 52       743  
Capital expenditures
    6       9       37       7       59  
Goodwill
            1,252       3,137               4,389  
Segment assets
    36,899       16,458       10,337       20,717       84,411  
Nine Months Ended March 31, 2005
                                       
Revenues
  $ 388,501     $ 32,578     $ 15,665     $ 538     $ 437,282  
Gross margin
    6,601       3,348       3,832       (215 )     13,566  
Depreciation and amortization
    388       1,163       186     $ 118       1,855  
Capital expenditures
    979       96       13       429       1,517  
Goodwill
            1,274       3,137               4,411  
Segment assets
    53,297       11,575       8,912       19,518       93,302  
Nine Months Ended March 31, 2004
                                       
Revenues
  $ 228,195     $ 29,306     $ 17,489             $ 274,990  
Gross margin
    4,806       1,356       3,909               10,071  
Depreciation and amortization
    352       1,401       249     $ 167       2,169  
Capital expenditures
    645       47       143       28       863  
Goodwill
            1,252       3,137               4,389  
Segment assets
    36,899       16,458       10,337       20,717       84,411  

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MERCURY AIR GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
      Gross margin is used as the measure of profit and loss for segment reporting purposes as it is viewed by key decision makers as the principal operating indicator in measuring segment profitability. The key decision makers also view bad debt expense as an important measure of profit and loss. The predominant component of bad debt expense relates to MercFuel. Bad debt expense for MercFuel was approximately $1,153,000 and $293,000 for the quarters ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively; total bad debt expense was $1,150,000 and $329,000 in the quarters ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Bad debt expense for MercFuel was approximately $1,453,000 and $113,000 for the nine month periods ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively; total bad debt expense was $1,514,000 and $305,000 for the nine month periods ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The second quarter of 2004 included a bad debt benefit of $329,000 at MercFuel. One of MercFuel’s foreign customers has entered into a Chapter 11 reorganization proceeding and continues to operate on a prepay basis with the company. At the time of filing, approximately $1,446,000 was owed to the Company. The primary reason for the increase in bad debt expense for the quarter was to fully reserve this balance.
Note 10 — Comprehensive Income (Loss)
      Comprehensive income (loss) is summarized as follows:
                                 
    Nine Months Ended   Three Months Ended
    March 31,   March 31,
         
    2005   2004   2005   2004
                 
    (In thousands)
Net loss
  $ (1,997 )   $ (3,638 )   $ (1,871 )   $ (1,819 )
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    222       92       (17 )     (56 )
                         
Comprehensive income (loss)
  $ (1,775 )   $ (3,546 )   $ (1,888 )   $ (1,875 )
                         
Note 11 — Related Party Transactions
      CFK Partners was a partnership consisting of three of the Company’s directors, one of whom also serves as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, another who served as Chairman of the Board of Directors and the third who serves as a director and is the Company’s primary outside legal counsel. In July 2004, after the retirement of Dr. Fagan as the Company’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dr. Fagan withdrew as a member of CFK Partners. The remaining members of CFK Partners, now known as CK Partners, are the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Frederick H. Kopko, Jr., a member of the Company’s Board of Directors. As of March 31, 2005, CK Partners owned approximately 43% of the Company’s outstanding common stock.
      Pursuant to the terms of Dr. Fagan’s contract with the Company, upon Dr. Fagan’s retirement as Chairman of the Board of Directors in July 2004, the Company paid Dr. Fagan a bonus and severance payment of $1,890 thousand. This amount was accrued at June 30, 2004.
      In January 2002, the Company sold the land and office building which houses its corporate headquarters to CFK Realty Partners, LLC (“CFK Realty”) for $4,200 thousand, consisting of $2,800 thousand in cash and a note receivable of $1,400 thousand. The note accrued interest at 5% and contained provisions whereby CFK Realty could elect to extend the maturity date in one-year increments through December 31, 2004. The note had an original maturity date of December 31, 2002. In early December 2002 and 2003, the Company received notification from CFK Realty that it was exercising its right to extend the maturity date of the note for an additional one year period. Concurrently with the sale, the Company also entered into a twenty-year lease of the property for a monthly rental amount of approximately $37 thousand. During fiscal 2003, the Company expended $275 thousand for leasehold improvements on its corporate headquarters. This amount is being amortized over the office lease term. CFK Realty financed the purchase of the headquarters through a

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MERCURY AIR GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
$3,200 thousand loan. In July 2004, CFK Realty was restructured whereby Dr. Fagan, the retired Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors, became the sole member of CFK Realty. Effective July 2004, CFK Realty is no longer considered a related party and the financial statements of CFK Realty are no longer included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
      On November 10, 2004, the Company, upon authorization from the Company’s Board of Directors, entered into an amended lease agreement with CFK Realty and amended the terms of the note receivable due from CFK Realty (the “CFK Realty Note”). The amended terms of the lease, which were effective retroactively to July 1, 2004, provide for a ten-year lease with CFK Realty having the right, after the refinancing of its existing loan secured by the office building, to request the Company to vacate the facility at the end of five years without any additional obligation from the Company with CFK Realty continuing to honor the terms of any sublease the Company may have arranged under the McConnell Lease. The monthly lease rate remains unchanged from the original lease at $37 thousand. The Company also agreed to amend the terms of the CFK Realty Note to reduce the principal amount of the note to $779 thousand, from the previous principal amount of $1,400 thousand plus accrued interest of $179 thousand, at an interest rate of 4% per annum. The CFK Realty Note is payable on December 31, 2009.
      The Company uses the services of the legal firm McBreen and Kopko (the “Firm”) for various general corporate legal matters. Mr. Frederick H. Kopko, Jr., a partner of the Firm, is a member of the Company’s Board of Directors and is a member of CK Partners. For the nine month periods ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, the Company paid the Firm $749 thousand and $679 thousand, respectively, for legal services rendered by the Firm. For the three month periods ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, the Company paid the Firm $275 thousand and $198 thousand, respectively, for legal services rendered by the Firm.
Note 12 — Discontinued Operations
      On April 12, 2004, after receiving approval from the Company’s stockholders at the Annual Stockholders’ meeting, the Company sold all of the outstanding common stock of Air Centers to Allied with the Company receiving total consideration for the sale in cash at closing of $76,349 thousand subject to adjustments for, among other things, Air Centers’ net working capital as of the FBO Sale Closing Date and the distribution of funds from the Hartsfield Escrow Account.
      On December 6, 2004, the Company, Allied and Air Centers agreed that Air Centers’ Closing Working Capital as of April 12, 2004 as defined in the Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of October 28, 2003 by and among the Company, Allied and MAC, as amended, (the “SPA”) was $5,307 thousand. The SPA provided that: 1) Allied would pay the Company the amount by which the closing working capital exceeded $3,586 thousand (the “Working Capital Target”), or 2) the Company would pay Allied the amount by which the Working Capital Target exceeded the Closing Working Capital. The Company received $900 thousand in July 2004 from Allied as an initial payment of the amount expected to be due the Company as a result of the Closing Working Capital exceeding the Working Capital Target and $738 thousand on December 6, 2004 as a final payment, which includes accrued interest of $48 thousand and is net of $132 thousand due Allied for reimbursement of certain regulatory compliance improvements as provided for in the SPA.
      In addition to the final payment associated with the Closing Working Capital, Allied and Air Centers agreed to assign to the Company all of Air Centers’ rights, title and interest to Air Centers’ pre-petition claims associated with Hawaiian Airlines in the amount of $329 thousand. Hawaiian Airlines, a customer of both the Company and Air Centers, filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11, Title 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code on March 21, 2003.
      The Company reported a gain on the sale of discontinued operations, net of income tax provision of $14 thousand, of $22 thousand in the second quarter of fiscal 2005.

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MERCURY AIR GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
      The following are the results of operations of Air Centers for the nine month and three month periods ended March 31, 2004:
                 
    Nine Months Ended   Three Months Ended
         
    March 31, 2004
     
    (In thousands)
Total sales and revenue
  $ 69,687     $ 23,704  
Gross margin
  $ 8,392     $ 2,104  
Loss before income tax benefit
  $ (1,402 )   $ (759 )
Income tax expense (benefit)
    (359 )   $ (108 )
             
Net loss
  $ (1,043 )   $ (651 )
             
Note 13 — Cash Dividend
      On October 6, 2004, the Company announced that its Board of Directors declared a one-time special cash dividend totaling $17,500 thousand, that would be payable on a pro rata basis to holders of record of its common stock as of the close of business on October 18, 2004. The dividend was paid on November 5, 2004. Based on 3,056,355 shares of its common stock outstanding as of the close of business on October 18, 2004, the dividend payable per common share was $5.70. The amount payable per share of common stock was net of the mandatory dividend payments of approximately $70 thousand on the Company’s outstanding Series A 8% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Preferred Stock”) as of the dividend payment date of November 5, 2004. This one-time special cash dividend was funded, in part, by a cash advance on the B of A Credit Facility in the amount of $10,000 thousand.
Note 14 — Purchase Commitments
      On January 14, 2005, the Company was notified that its’ Maytag subsidiary was awarded a contract modification on an existing government contract. The term of agreement is through September 30, 2008. As part of the contract, the Company is committed to provide equipment totaling approximately $1,338 thousand.
Note 15 — Subsequent Events
      On April 6, 2005, Mercury Air Group, Inc. (the “Company”) and Bank of America, N.A. (the “Lender”) executed the Third Amendment to Loan Agreement (the “Third Amendment”) that amends certain terms and conditions to the Loan Agreement dated as of July 29, 2004 between the Company and the Lender, as previously amended. The Loan Agreement, as amended by the Third Amendment, will expire on July 31, 2007, or earlier under certain conditions, and provides for cash advances and letters of credit up to the lesser of $30,000,000 or the Borrowing Base (the “Credit Facility”). The Borrowing Base, as defined in the Credit Facility, as amended by the Third Amendment, is determined monthly and will be equal to 80% of the balance due on Domestic Acceptable Receivables. The Credit Facility, as amended, continues to bear interest equal to the Bank’s Prime Rate.
      The Credit Facility, as amended, continues to contain certain financial covenants limiting the amount the Company can expend annually for capital expenditures to $2,000 thousand. The Credit Facility, as amended, also continues to prohibit the repurchase of stock and the payment of cash dividends, except for cash dividends in an amount not to exceed $17,500 thousand, which amount was expended in November 2004, and repurchases of stock in an amount not to exceed $1,000 thousand, by June 30, 2005. The Company will also continue to be required to maintain certain financial targets for tangible net worth and fixed charges. As of March 31, 2005, the Company was not in compliance with the tangible net worth and fixed charges financial targets. A waiver was received from Bank of America.

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MERCURY AIR GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
      One of MercFuel’s foreign customers, Southern Winds, has entered into a Chapter 11 type proceeding and continues to operate on a prepay basis with the company. At the time of filing, approximately $1,446 thousand was owed to the Company. Bad debt expense was increased during the quarter and, as of March 31, 2005, the receivable was fully reserved. At this point we don’t know what the outcome will be and will continue to monitor the situation.

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
      Overview — Mercury Air Group, Inc. (the “Company”), a Delaware corporation, was organized in 1956 and provides a broad range of services to the aviation industry through three principal operating units which are all wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company: MercFuel, Inc. (“MercFuel”), a Delaware corporation, Mercury Air Cargo, Inc. (“Air Cargo”), a California corporation, and Maytag Aircraft Corporation (“Maytag”), a Colorado corporation. MercFuel’s operations consist of the sale and delivery of fuel, primarily aviation fuel, to domestic and international commercial airlines, fractional jet ownership companies, corporate aviation fleets and air cargo companies. Air Cargo’s operations consist of cargo handling, the sale of cargo capacity on other airlines (“Cargo Space Logistics”), and general cargo sales agent services. Maytag is a provider of governmental contract services performing aircraft refueling and fuel storage operations, base operations support (“BOS”) services, air terminal and ground handling services and weather observation and forecasting services primarily for agencies of the government of the United States of America.
      As used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the term “Company” or “Mercury” refers to Mercury Air Group, Inc. and, unless the context otherwise requires, its subsidiaries. The Company’s principal executive offices are located at 5456 McConnell Avenue, Los Angeles, California, 90066 and its telephone number is (310) 827-2737.
      On March 22, 2005, the Company announced that a Special Committee of independent directors of its Board of Directors recommended and the full Board of Directors approved an amendment to its certificate of incorporation, which, if approved by Mercury’s stockholders, would result in a one-for-501 reverse stock split of Mercury’s common stock followed by a 501-for-one forward stock split. Stockholders whose shares are converted into less than one share in the reverse split because they have fewer than 501 shares at the effective date of the reverse split would receive a cash payment from Mercury of $4.00 for each share of common stock that they held immediately prior to the reverse stock split. Stockholders who own 501 or more shares before the reverse stock split would not be affected by the transaction. The reverse/forward stock split is subject to the approval of Mercury’s stockholders. The Board would also have the discretion if and when to affect the transaction and reserves the right to abandon the transaction even if it is approved by Mercury’s stockholders.
      If the reverse/forward split is effected, Mercury would likely have fewer than 300 stockholders of record. If that is the case, Mercury would deregister its common stock under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Mercury’s common stock would no longer be traded on the American Stock Exchange, Mercury would no longer be required to file periodic reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and Mercury would no longer be required to comply with certain regulatory and reporting requirements of Sarbanes-Oxley, including Section 404. Mercury’s future operating results and financial condition could be adversely affected in the event Mercury remains subject to these requirements of Sarbanes-Oxley. See discussion under “Government Regulation” below.
      Management believes its current capital structure and resources are adequate for current operations and, subject to the approvals and the occurrence of the other conditions referred to in the preceding paragraph, to permit the Company to effect the contemplated reverse stock split, although the cost of the reverse stock split is expected to be approximately $1.1 million. Interest rate increases or limited capital availability due to higher working capital requirements could limit capital spending or the working capital necessary to take advantage of other opportunities.
      Government Regulation — The Company is subject to the regulatory and reporting requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Management believes it is in material compliance with the provisions of this Act at this time. Management does anticipate, however, that current and future compliance with such provisions, including the Section 404 certification of internal controls by management and attestation by the Company’s independent auditors, will result in significant increases in consulting, audit and legal fees and overhead expenses related to software, documentation, testing, remediation, system enhancements, hiring new personnel and administrative time. The total cost of the Company’s compliance with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act is uncertain, although the most costly provisions will be related to the Company’s first Section 404 compliance year ending June 30, 2007. However, management estimates such compliance costs could exceed $2.5 million during the period ended June 30, 2007. Management further believes that significant, additional

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costs will be incurred for each succeeding year thereafter. Such compliance cost estimates are incremental to current general and administrative expenses and do not include the opportunity costs associated with the time and effort of current employees and management, which is expected to be significant.
      Results of Operations — Comparison of the three month periods ended March 31, 2005 and March 31, 2004 and comparison of the nine month periods ended March 31, 2005 and March 31, 2004.
      The following tables set forth, for the periods indicated, the revenues and gross margin for each of the Company’s three operating units included in continuing operations, as well as selected other financial statement data.
                                                                 
    Nine Months Ended March 31,   Three Months Ended March 31,
         
    2005   2004   2005   2004
                 
        % of Total       % of Total       % of Total       % of Total
    Amount   Revenues   Amount   Revenues   Amount   Revenues   Amount   Revenues
                                 
    ($ in thousands)
Revenues:
                                                               
MercFuel
  $ 388,501       88.8 %   $ 228,195       83.0 %   $ 142,730       90.2 %   $ 88,305       85.1 %
Air Cargo
    32,578       7.5       29,306       10.6       10,000       6.3       9,729       9.4  
Maytag
    15,665       3.6       17,489       6.4       5,322       3.4       5,747       5.5  
Other
    538       0.1                       207       0.1                  
                                                 
Total revenues
  $ 437,282       100.0 %   $ 274,990       100.0 %   $ 158,259       100.0 %   $ 103,781       100.0 %
                                                 
                                                                 
        % of Unit       % of Unit       % of Unit       % of Unit
    Amount   Revenues   Amount   Revenues   Amount   Revenues   Amount   Revenues
                                 
Gross margin(1):
                                                               
MercFuel
  $ 6,601       1.7 %   $ 4,806       2.1 %   $ 2,410       1.7 %   $ 1,506       1.7 %
Air Cargo
    3,348       10.3       1,356       4.6       589       5.9       60       0.6  
Maytag
    3,832       24.5       3,909       22.4       1,303       24.5       1,166       20.3  
Other
    (215 )     (40.0 )                     (184 )     (88.5 )                
                                                 
Total gross margin
  $ 13,566       3.1 %   $ 10,071       3.7 %   $ 4,118       2.6 %   $ 2,732       2.6 %
                                                 

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    Nine Months Ended March 31,   Three Months Ended March 31,
         
    2005   2004   2005   2004
                 
        % of Total       % of Total       % of Total       % of Total
    Amount   Revenues   Amount   Revenues   Amount   Revenues   Amount   Revenues
                                 
Expenses (Income):
                                                               
Selling, general and administrative expenses
  $ 11,736       2.7 %   $ 7,838       2.9 %   $ 4,708       3.0 %   $ 2,798       2.7 %
Provision (recovery) for bad debts
    1,514       0.4       305       0.1       1,150       0.7       329       0.3  
Depreciation and amortization
    1,855       0.4       2,169       0.8       601       0.4       743       0.7  
Interest expense and other
    751       0.2       512       0.2       221       0.1       226       0.2  
Hambro settlement costs
                    1,799       0.6                                  
Asset impairment loss
    626       0.1                                                  
                                                 
Total expenses (income)
    16,482       3.8       12,623       4.6       6,680       4.2       4,096       3.9  
                                                 
Loss from continuing operations before minority interest and income tax expense
    (2,916 )     (0.7 )     (2,552 )     (0.9 )     (2,562 )     (1.6 )     (1,364 )     (1.3 )
Minority interest
    181                                                          
                                                 
Loss from continuing operations before income tax expense
    (2,735 )     (0.7 )     (2,552 )     (0.9 )     (2,562 )     (1.6 )     (1,364 )     (1.3 )
Income tax benefit
    (716 )     (0.2 )     43       (0.0 )     (691 )     (0.4 )     (196 )     (0.2 )
                                                 
Loss from continuing operations, net of taxes
    (2,019 )     (0.5 )     (2,595 )     (0.9 )     (1,871 )     (1.2 )     (1,168 )     (1.1 )
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes
                    (1,043 )     (0.4 )                     (651 )     (0.7 )
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of taxes
    22                                                          
                                                 
Net income (loss)
  $ (1,997 )     (0.5 )%   $ (3,638 )     (1.3 )%   $ (1,871 )     (1.2 )%   $ (1,819 )     (1.8 )%
                                                 
 
(1)  Gross margin as used here and throughout Management’s Discussion includes certain selling, general and administrative costs which are charged directly to the operating units, but excludes depreciation and amortization expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses.
Three Months Ended March 31, 2005 Compared to March 31, 2004
      The Company reported a net loss from continuing operations of $1,871 thousand or $0.62 per basic and diluted share in the third quarter of fiscal 2005, as compared to a loss from continuing operations, net of taxes, reported for the same period last year of $1,168 thousand, or $0.41 per basic and diluted share. For the third quarter of fiscal 2005, the Company reported a net loss of $1,871 thousand, or $0.62 per basic and diluted share. For the third quarter of fiscal 2004, the Company reported a net loss of $1,819 thousand, or $0.63 per basic and diluted share, which included a loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes, of $651 thousand, or $0.22 per basic and diluted share. Revenue from continuing operations for the Company in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 was $158,259 thousand, which increased by $54,478 thousand or 52.5% from revenue from continuing operations of $103,781 thousand reported for the third quarter of fiscal 2004. Gross margin from continuing operations increased by $1,386 thousand or 50.7% to $4,118 thousand in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 from $2,732 thousand reported in the third quarter of fiscal 2004.

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      MercFuel, the Company’s aviation fuel sales business, generated revenue of $142,730 thousand in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 on sales volume of 84,622 thousand gallons, as compared to revenue of $88,305 thousand on sales volume of 72,393 thousand gallons in the third quarter of fiscal 2004. Following is a comparison of MercFuel’s sales information for the third quarter of fiscal 2005 and 2004, respectively:
                   
    Three Months Ended
    March 31,
     
    2005   2004
         
Commercial Sales
               
 
Revenue ($000)
  $ 106,143     $ 66,871  
 
Volume (thousand gallons)
    70,134       60,643  
Corporate Aviation/ Fractional Jet
               
 
Revenue ($000)
  $ 36,587     $ 21,434  
 
Volume (thousand gallons)
    14,488       11,750  
MercFuel Total
               
 
Revenue ($000)
  $ 142,730     $ 88,305  
 
Volume (thousand gallons)
    84,622       72,393  
 
Gross margin ($000)
  $ 2,410     $ 1,506  
      Revenue for MercFuel’s commercial segment increased $39,272 thousand in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 to $106,143 thousand on sales volume of 70,134 thousand gallons. The increased revenue for the commercial segment is due to higher average petroleum product prices resulting from concerns of oil supply disruptions due to general tension in the Middle East, from production control by OPEC and from increased worldwide demand for petroleum products due to an improving worldwide economy. MercFuel’s commercial segment’s average sales price in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 increased 37.2% over the third quarter of fiscal 2004’s average sales price. The increased average sales price in the third quarter of fiscal 2005, as compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2004, represents increased revenue of approximately $28,806 thousand. MercFuel’s commercial sales volume increased in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 to 70,134 thousand gallons, an increase of 9,491 thousand gallons, or 15.7%, from MercFuel’s third quarter of fiscal 2004’s commercial sales volume of 60,643 thousand gallons. The increased sales volume in the third quarter of fiscal 2005, as compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2004, represents increased revenue of approximately $10,466 thousand.
      Revenue for MercFuel’s corporate/fractional jet ownership segment was $36,587 thousand on sales volume of 14,488 thousand gallons in the third quarter of fiscal 2005, an increase of $15,153 thousand, or 70.7%, and 2,738 thousand gallons, or 23.3%, from the third quarter of fiscal 2004’s revenue of $21,434 thousand on sales volume of 11,750 thousand gallons. The increase in sales revenue is due to the increase in worldwide petroleum product prices, increased use of private aircraft for both business and personal travel and MercFuel’s strategic focus on this business segment. The average sales price for aviation jet fuel in the corporate/fractional jet ownership segment in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 increased 38.5% as compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2004 equating to increased revenue of approximately $10,158 thousand. The increased sales volume equates to an increase in revenue of approximately $4,995 thousand.
      MercFuel’s cost of aviation fuel was $139,018 thousand in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 which represents an increase of 62.5% from MercFuel’s cost of aviation fuel in the third quarter of fiscal 2004 of $85,572 thousand. The average cost of aviation fuel per gallon increased 39.0% in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 to $1.643 per gallon. The increase in the average cost of aviation fuel per gallon equates to an increase in the cost of aviation fuel of $38,989 thousand. The increase in the volume of aviation fuel purchased resulted in an increase in the cost of aviation fuel of $14,455 thousand. MercFuel’s operating expenses, excluding the cost of aviation fuel, were $1,302 thousand in the third quarter of fiscal 2005, an increase of $75 thousand from the third quarter of fiscal 2004’s operating expense excluding aviation fuel cost of $1,227 thousand.

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      Air Cargo’s revenue was $10,000 thousand in the third quarter of fiscal 2005, an increase of $271 thousand, or 2.8%, from the third quarter of fiscal 2004 revenue of $9,729 thousand resulting in gross margin of $589 thousand in the third quarter of fiscal 2005, an increase of $529 thousand from last year’s gross margin of $60 thousand.
                     
    Three Months Ended
    March 31,
     
    2005   2004
         
Revenue ($000)
               
 
Cargo handling
  $ 6,895     $ 6,124  
 
Cargo logistics services
    1,863       2,470  
 
Cargo general sales agent services
    1,242       1,135  
             
   
Air Cargo total
  $ 10,000     $ 9,729  
Gross margin ($000)
               
 
Cargo handling
  $ 522     $ 63  
 
Cargo logistics services
    464       489  
 
Cargo general sales agent services
    39       (73 )
 
Cargo administrative
    (436 )     (419 )
             
   
Air Cargo total
  $ 589     $ 60  
      The cargo handling segment reported revenue of $6,895 thousand in the third quarter of fiscal 2005, an increase of $771 thousand, or 12.6%, from the third quarter of fiscal 2004 revenue of $6,124 thousand. Cargo handling’s gross margin in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 was $522 thousand, an increase of $459 thousand from the third quarter of fiscal 2004 gross margin of $63 thousand. The improved results are mainly due to increased cargo handling volume as a result of an improved worldwide economy and Air Cargo’s focus on process improvements and cost control.
      The cargo logistics services segment reported revenue of $1,863 thousand in the third quarter of fiscal 2005, a decrease of $607 thousand from the third quarter of fiscal 2004 revenue of $2,470 thousand. The decreased revenue in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 is mainly due to decreased business activity associated with Air Cargo’s Mercury World Cargo (“MWC”) operation. Cargo logistics services segment’s gross margin in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 decreased $25 thousand from the third quarter of fiscal 2004 to $464 thousand. The decreased gross margin is due to the lower business activity associated with various airline management contracts.
      The cargo general sales agent (GSA) services segment reported revenue of $1,242 thousand in the third quarter of fiscal 2005, an increase of $107 thousand from the third quarter of fiscal 2004 revenue of $1,135 thousand. The GSA services’ gross margin in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 was $39 thousand, an increase of $112 thousand from the third quarter of fiscal 2004 loss of $73 thousand. The increase in GSA’s gross margin is due to Air Cargo’s focus on cost control and high yield business opportunities.
      Air Cargo’s administrative expenses in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 were $436 thousand, an increase of $17 thousand from the third quarter of fiscal 2004 expenses of $419 thousand.

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      Maytag reported revenue of $5,322 thousand in the third quarter of fiscal 2005, a reduction of $425 thousand from the third quarter of fiscal 2004 revenue of $5,747 thousand. Maytag’s third quarter of fiscal 2005 gross margin was $1,303 thousand, an increase of $137 thousand from the third quarter of fiscal 2004 gross margin of $1,166 thousand.
                     
    Three Months Ended
    March 31,
     
    2005   2004
         
Revenue ($000)
               
 
Refueling
  $ 1,555     $ 2,056  
 
Air Terminal
    2,402       1,906  
 
BOS
    1,066       1,495  
 
Weather Data
    293       281  
 
Other
    6       9  
             
   
Total Maytag
  $ 5,322     $ 5,747  
      The decrease in Maytag’s revenue is due to the non-renewal of one refueling contract in the first quarter of fiscal 2005 and the non-renewal of one refueling contract and one BOS contract during fiscal 2004. The increase of Maytag’s gross margin in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 as compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2004 is due to a contract modification.
      Bad debt expense for continuing operations in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 totaled $1,150 thousand, as compared to $329 thousand in the third quarter of fiscal 2004.. One of MercFuels’ foreign customers, Southern Winds, has entered into a Chapter 11 reorganization proceeding and continues to operate on a prepay basis with the company. At the time of filing, approximately $1,446 thousand was owed to the Company. Bad debt expense was increased during the quarter, and as of March 31, 2005, the receivable was fully reserved.
      Selling, general and administrative (“G&A”) expenses in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 amounted to $4,708 thousand, an increase of $1,910 thousand or 68.3% from the third quarter of fiscal 2004 expenses of $2,798 thousand. The increase in G&A expenses is mainly due to increased legal expenses from outside independent legal counsel in connection with the Signature Litigation (see Note 4 — Litigation). The Company expects that certain G&A expenses will significantly increase in fiscal 2005 as compared to fiscal 2004 as the Company incurs increased legal fees associated with the Signature lawsuit.
      Depreciation and amortization expense from continuing operations was $601 thousand in the current period as compared to $743 thousand last year.
      Interest and other expense from continuing operations in the current period was $221 thousand, a decrease of $5 thousand from last year’s interest and other expense from continuing operations of $226 thousand.
      The effective income tax rate in the third quarter of fiscal year 2005 was 27.0% compared to 14.3% in the same period last year.
      The Company may experience decreases in future sales volume and margins as a result of deterioration in the world economy, or in the aviation industry, and continued conflicts and instability in the Middle East, Asia and Latin America, as well as a result of potential future terrorist activities and possible military retaliation. Through the Company’s third quarter of fiscal 2005, petroleum product prices, including aviation fuel, have either achieved or been close to historical high levels. This sustained price level places additional financial burden on many of the Company’s customers. If the Company’s customers are not able to pass on the higher petroleum product prices to its customers, they may experience financial hardship which may result in the Company experiencing longer collection terms, which will place additional financial burden on the Company, or higher levels of uncollectible accounts.

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Nine Months Ended March 31, 2005 Compared to March 31, 2004
      The Company reported a net loss from continuing operations of $2,019 thousand or $0.71 per basic and diluted share in the first nine months of fiscal 2005, as compared to a net loss from continuing operations, reported for the same period last year of $2,595 thousand, or $0.84 per basic and diluted share. For the first nine months of fiscal 2005, the Company reported a net loss of $1,997 thousand, or $0.70 per basic and diluted share, which included a gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of taxes, of $22 thousand, or $0.01 per basic and diluted share. For the first nine months of fiscal 2004, the Company reported a net loss of $3,638 thousand, or $1.18 per basic and diluted share, which included a loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes, of $1,043 thousand, or $0.34 per basic and diluted share. Revenue from continuing operations for the Company in the first nine months of fiscal 2005 was $437,282 thousand, which increased by $162,292 thousand or 59.0% from revenue from continuing operations of $274,990 thousand reported for the first nine months of fiscal 2004. Gross margin from continuing operations increased by $3,495 thousand or 34.7% to $13,566 thousand in the first nine months of fiscal 2005 from $10,071 thousand reported in the first nine months of fiscal 2004.
      MercFuel, the Company’s aviation fuel sales business, generated revenue of $388,501 thousand in the first nine months of fiscal 2005 on sales volume of 241,201 thousand gallons, as compared to revenue of $228,195 thousand on sales volume of 207,507 thousand gallons in the first nine months of fiscal 2004. Following is a comparison of MercFuel’s sales information for the first nine months of fiscal 2005 and 2004, respectively:
                   
    Nine Months Ended
    March 31,
     
    2005   2004
         
Commercial Sales
               
 
Revenue ($000)
  $ 296,721     $ 179,427  
 
Volume (thousand gallons)
    202,486       178,971  
Corporate Aviation/ Fractional Jet
               
 
Revenue ($000)
  $ 91,780     $ 48,768  
 
Volume (thousand gallons)
    38,715       28,536  
MercFuel Total
               
 
Revenue ($000)
  $ 388,501     $ 228,195  
 
Volume (thousand gallons)
    241,201       207,507  
 
Gross margin ($000)
  $ 6,601     $ 4,806  
      Revenue for MercFuel’s commercial segment increased $117,294 thousand in the first nine months of fiscal 2005 to $296,721 thousand on sales volume of 202,486 thousand gallons. The increased revenue for the commercial segment is due to higher average petroleum product prices resulting from concerns of oil supply disruptions due to the Iraq war, general tension in the Middle East, production control by OPEC, crude oil supply disruptions from the Gulf of Mexico due to hurricane activity and from increased worldwide demand for petroleum products due to an improving worldwide economy. MercFuel’s commercial segment’s average sales price in the first nine months of fiscal 2005 increased 46.2% over the first nine months of fiscal 2004’s average sales price. The increased average sales price in the first nine months of fiscal 2005, as compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2004, represents increased revenue of approximately $93,718 thousand. MercFuel’s commercial sales volume increased in the first nine months of fiscal 2005 to 202,486 thousand gallons, an increase of 23,515 thousand gallons, or 13.1%, from MercFuel’s first nine months of fiscal 2004’s commercial sales volume of 178,971 thousand gallons. The increased sales volume in the first nine months of fiscal 2005, as compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2004, represents increased revenue of approximately $23,576 thousand.
      Revenue for MercFuel’s corporate/fractional jet ownership segment was $91,780 thousand on sales volume of 38,715 thousand gallons in the first nine months of fiscal 2005, an increase of $43,012 thousand, or 88.2%, and 10,179 thousand gallons, or 35.7%, from the first nine months of fiscal 2004’s revenue of $48,768

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thousand on sales volume of 28,536 thousand gallons. The increase in sales revenue is due to the increase in worldwide petroleum product prices, increased use of private aircraft for both business and personal travel and MercFuel’s strategic focus on this business segment. The average sales price for aviation jet fuel in the corporate/fractional jet ownership segment in the first nine months of fiscal 2005 increased 38.7% as compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2004 equating to increased revenue of approximately $25,616 thousand. The increased sales volume equates to an increase in revenue of approximately $17,396 thousand.
      MercFuel’s cost of aviation fuel was $378,174 thousand in the first nine months of fiscal 2005 which represents an increase of 72.0% from MercFuel’s cost of aviation fuel in the first nine months of fiscal 2004 of $219,871 thousand. The average cost of aviation fuel per gallon increased 48.0% in the first nine months of fiscal 2005 to $1.568 per gallon. The increase in the average cost of aviation fuel per gallon equates to an increase in the cost of aviation fuel of $122,601 thousand. The increase in the volume of aviation fuel purchased resulted in an increase in the cost of aviation fuel of $35,702 thousand. MercFuel’s operating expenses, excluding the cost of aviation fuel, were $3,726 thousand in the first nine months of fiscal 2005, an increase of $208 thousand from the first nine months of fiscal 2004’s operating expense excluding aviation fuel cost of $3,518 thousand.
      Air Cargo’s revenue was $32,578 thousand in the first nine months of fiscal 2005, an increase of $3,272 thousand, or 11.2%, from the first nine months of fiscal 2004 revenue of $29,306 thousand resulting in gross margin of $3,348 thousand in the first nine months of fiscal 2005, an increase of $1,992 thousand from last year’s gross margin of $1,356 thousand.
                     
    Nine Months Ended
    March 31,
     
    2005   2004
         
Revenue ($000)
               
 
Cargo handling
  $ 21,711     $ 19,252  
 
Cargo logistics services
    7,210       6,631  
 
Cargo general sales agent services
    3,657       3,423  
             
   
Air Cargo total
  $ 32,578     $ 29,306  
Gross margin ($000)
               
 
Cargo handling
  $ 2,635     $ 1,526  
 
Cargo logistics services
    1,794       1,362  
 
Cargo general sales agent services
    158       (157 )
 
Cargo administrative
    (1,239 )     (1,375 )
             
   
Air Cargo total
  $ 3,348     $ 1,356  
      The cargo handling segment reported revenue of $21,711 thousand in the first nine months of fiscal 2005, an increase of $2,459 thousand, or 12.8%, from the first nine months of fiscal 2004 revenue of $19,252 thousand. Cargo handling’s gross margin in the first nine months of fiscal 2005 was $2,635 thousand, an increase of $1,109 thousand, or 72.7%, from the first nine months of fiscal 2004 gross margin of $1,526 thousand. The improved results are mainly due to increased cargo handling volume as a result of an improved worldwide economy and Air Cargo’s focus on process improvements and cost control.
      The cargo logistics services segment reported revenue of $7,210 thousand in the first nine months of fiscal 2005, an increase of $579 thousand or 8.7%, from the first nine months of fiscal 2004 revenue of $6,631 thousand. The increased revenue in the first nine months of fiscal 2005 is mainly due to the increased business activity associated with Air Cargo’s Mercury World Cargo (“MWC”) operation. Cargo logistics services segment’s gross margin in the first nine months of fiscal 2005 increased $432 thousand from the first nine months of fiscal 2004 to $1,794 thousand. The increased gross margin is due to the increased business activity associated with various airline management contracts and MWC operations.
      The cargo general sales agent (GSA) services segment reported revenue of $3,657 thousand in the first nine months of fiscal 2005, an increase of $234 thousand from the first nine months of fiscal 2004 revenue of

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$3,423 thousand. The GSA services’ gross margin in the first nine months of fiscal 2005 was $158 thousand, an increase of $315 thousand from the first nine months of fiscal 2004 loss of $157 thousand. The increase in GSA’s gross margin is due to Air Cargo’s focus on cost control and high yield opportunities.
      Air Cargo’s administrative expenses in the first nine months of fiscal 2005 were $1,239 thousand, a decrease of $136 thousand from last year.
      Maytag reported revenue of $15,665 thousand in the first nine months of fiscal 2005, a reduction of $1,824 thousand from the first nine months of fiscal 2004 revenue of $17,489 thousand. Maytag’s first nine months of fiscal 2005 gross margin was $3,832 thousand, a decrease of $77 thousand from the first nine months of fiscal 2004 gross margin of $3,909 thousand.
                     
    Nine Months Ended
    December 31,
     
    2005   2004
         
Revenue ($000)
               
 
Refueling
  $ 5,033     $ 6,352  
 
Air Terminal
    6,177       5,773  
 
BOS
    3,554       4,479  
 
Weather Data
    881       855  
 
Other
    20       30  
             
   
Total Maytag
  $ 15,665     $ 17,489  
      The decrease in Maytag’s revenue is due to the non-renewal of one refueling contract in the first quarter of fiscal 2005 and the non-renewal of one refueling contract and one BOS contract during fiscal 2004. The decrease of Maytag’s gross margin is due to a retroactive wage increase on a government BOS sub-contract in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 and the non-renewal of contracts.
      Bad debt expense for continuing operations in the first nine months of fiscal 2005 totaled $1,514 thousand, as compared $305 thousand in the first nine months of fiscal 2004. Fiscal 2004 included a reversal of previously established bad debt reserves in the second quarter due to better than expected customer collections experience. One of MercFuels’ foreign customers, Southern Winds, has entered into a Chapter 11 reorganization proceeding and continues to operate on a prepay basis with the company. At the time of filing, approximately $1,446 thousand was owed to the Company. Bad debt expense was increased during the third quarter of fiscal 2005, and as of March 31, 2005, the receivable was fully reserved.
      Selling, general and administrative (“G&A”) expenses in the first nine months of fiscal 2005 amounted to $11,736 thousand, an increase of $3,898 thousand or 49.7% from the first nine months of fiscal 2004 expenses of $7,838 thousand. The increase in G&A expenses is mainly due to increased legal expenses from outside independent legal counsel in connection with certain litigation and severance costs. The Company expects that certain G&A expenses will significantly increase in fiscal 2005 as compared to fiscal 2004 as the Company incurs increased legal fees associated with the Signature litigation.
      Depreciation and amortization expense from continuing operations was $1,855 thousand in the current period as compared to $2,169 thousand to the first nine months last year.
      Interest and other expense from continuing operations for the first nine months of fiscal 2005 was $751 thousand, an increase of $239 thousand from last year’s interest and other expense from continuing operations of $512 thousand. The increase in interest and other expense is mainly due to the recording of the loss on disposal of assets of $114 thousand in the second quarter of fiscal 2005 and increased interest expense from increased working capital requirements.
      The Company recognized an impairment loss associated with the MercMed aircraft in the amount of $626 thousand in the first quarter of fiscal 2005 as the result of an asset impairment valuation. For more detailed information on this transaction, please refer to “Note 7 — Impairment of Long-lived Assets”.

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      The Company recorded income of $181 thousand from minority interest associated with MercMed in the first nine months of fiscal 2005. The increase in income from minority interest is due to the recognition of the MercMed’s minority member’s share of the impairment loss associated with the MercMed asset.
      The Company recognized settlement expense of $1,799 thousand in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 associated with the J.O Hambro settlement. See Exhibit 10.34 as filed with this 10-Q.
      The effective income tax rate in the first nine months of fiscal year 2005 was 26.2% compared to 8.0% in the same period last year. The Hambro settlement cost of $1,799 thousand recognized by the Company in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 is not deductible in determining taxable income resulting in a permanent book to tax difference.
      The reduction in retained earnings from fiscal year ending June 30, 2004 was primarily due to payment of the $17,500 thousand dividend on November 5, 2004. See Note 13.
      The Company may experience decreases in future sales volume and margins as a result of deterioration in the world economy, or in the aviation industry, and continued conflicts and instability in the Middle East, Asia and Latin America, as well as a result of potential future terrorist activities and possible military retaliation. Through the Company’s first nine months of fiscal 2005, petroleum product prices, including aviation fuel, have either achieved or been close to historical high levels. This sustained price level places additional financial burden on many of the Company’s customers. If the Company’s customers are not able to pass on the higher petroleum product prices to its customers, they may experience financial hardship which may result in the Company experiencing longer collection terms, which will place additional financial burden on the Company, or higher level of uncollectible accounts.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
      As of March 31, 2005, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents were $275 thousand, a decrease of $4,415 thousand from cash and cash equivalents of $4,690 thousand as of June 30, 2004.
      Net cash used in operations in the first nine months of fiscal 2005 was $10,427 thousand, as compared to net cash generated from operations of $327 thousand in the first nine months of fiscal 2004. The net cash used in operations in the first nine months of fiscal 2005 include payments of $1,890 thousand associated with the retirement of the Chairman of the Board, $615 thousand associated with a settlement agreement with David H. Murdock (see Exhibit 10.35 as filed with this 10-Q) and related parties (“Murdock”), $3,385 thousand associated with the Company’s income tax obligations and increased working capital requirements from higher fuel prices.
      In the first nine months of fiscal 2005, the Company generated $15,065 thousand of cash from investing activities as compared to $4,109 thousand used in the first nine months of fiscal 2004. On July 29, 2004, the effective date of the senior secured credit facility with Bank of America, N.A. (“Bank of America”), $15,414 thousand of the LOC Reserve became unrestricted as the outstanding letters of credit issued on behalf of the Company by Bank of America were secured by the collateral base of the Bank of America Credit Facility. The Company also expended $1,517 thousand for additions to property, equipment and leaseholds in the first nine months of fiscal 2005.
      The Company used $9,167 thousand in financing activities in the first nine months of fiscal 2005 primarily due to the one-time special common stock cash dividend payment of $17,500 thousand in the second quarter of fiscal 2005 which was funded, in part, by a cash advance on the B of A Credit Facility in the amount of $10,000 thousand. The Company received $1,687 thousand in the second quarter of fiscal 2005 as a result of the exercise of stock options and warrants. The Company purchased 150,000 shares of common stock for $6.00 per share in accordance with the settlement agreement with Murdock in the first quarter of fiscal 2005.
      On July 29, 2004, the Company and Bank of America entered into a three-year $30,000 thousand revolving credit line (the “B of A Credit Facility”) collateralized by all of the assets of the Company, the terms of which were amended effective November 1, 2004, January 31, 2005 and April 6, 2005. In accordance with the terms of the loan agreement, as amended, the revolving line of credit is used as collateral for any

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letters of credit issued by the Company and for general working capital needs. Upon the effective date of the B of A Credit Facility, $15,414 thousand of cash deposited by the Company as collateral for outstanding letters of credit and reported as restricted cash on the Company’s balance sheet at June 30, 2004 was released to the Company for general corporate purposes. As of March 31, 2005, the Company had $7,044 thousand of revolving credit line available under the B of A Credit Facility. The amount of credit available to the Company on the B of A Credit Facility, as amended, is determined monthly and is equal to the lesser of 1) 80% of the balance due on Domestic Eligible Receivables; and 2) $30,000 thousand. The B of A Credit Facility, as amended, contains certain financial covenants limiting the amount the Company can expend annually for capital expenditures to $2,000 thousand. The B of A Credit Facility, as amended, also prohibits the repurchase of stock and the payment of cash dividends, except for cash dividends in an amount not to exceed $17,500 thousand by June 30, 2005, and repurchases of stock in an amount not to exceed $1,000 thousand, by June 30, 2005. The Company is also required to maintain certain financial targets for tangible net worth and fixed charges. As of March 31, 2005, the Company was not in compliance with the tangible net worth and fixed charges financial targets. A waiver was received from Bank of America.
      On October 6, 2004, the Company announced that its Board of Directors declared a one-time special cash dividend totaling $17,500 thousand, that would be payable on a pro rata basis to holders of record of its common stock as of the close of business on October 18, 2004. The dividend was paid on November 5, 2004. Based on 3,056,355 shares of its common stock outstanding as of the close of business on October 18, 2004, the dividend payable per common share was $5.70. The amount payable per share of common stock was net of the mandatory dividend payments of approximately $70 thousand on the Company’s outstanding Series A 8% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Preferred Stock”) as of the dividend payment date of November 5, 2004.
      On November 2, 2004 the Company requested and received a cash advance of $10,000 thousand from the B of A Credit Facility. The funds received as a cash advance were used to fund the one-time special cash dividend and to meet on-going working capital requirements. As of March 31, 2005, the Company’s borrowing under the revolving credit line was $7,500 thousand.
      On November 1, 2004, the Company and Bank of America entered into the LOC and Reimbursement Agreement relating to the outstanding tax exempt bonds issued in 1998 pursuant to a loan agreement between the Company and CEDFA. As of November 1, 2004, the outstanding principal amount of the bonds outstanding was $14,000 thousand. In accordance with the terms of the LOC and Reimbursement Agreement, Bank of America has issued the CEDFA LOC that replaced the previously existing irrevocable direct pay letter of credit issued by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. on behalf of the Company, which was simultaneously cancelled upon issuance of the CEDFA LOC. In addition to the issuance of the CEDFA LOC, the LOC and Reimbursement Agreement require the Company to call for redemption bonds in the principal amount of $500 thousand on each of April 1 and October 1 commencing on April 1, 2005. The CEDFA LOC was issued by Bank of America as part of the B of A Credit facility.
Critical Accounting Policies
      Management’s beliefs regarding critical accounting policies have not changed significantly from those discussed in Item 7 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
      There has been no material change during the nine month period ended March 31, 2005 from the disclosures regarding market risk presented in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004.

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
      Based on evaluations as of March 31, 2005, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, with the participation of our management team, have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act) are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
      During the period covered by this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, the Company has not made any changes to its internal control over financial reporting (as referred to in paragraph 4(c) of the Certifications of the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer included as exhibits to this report) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
      On March 14, 2003 the Company received a Notice of Violation from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) alleging certain deficiencies in the Company’s spill prevention, control and countermeasure plan (“SPCC Plan”) for the Air Centers’ Fort Wayne, Indiana facility (“Ft. Wayne Facility”). The Company believes that it has resolved all deficiencies except for alleged deficiencies related to: 1) secondary containment for refueling trucks, and 2) secondary containment for discrete fuel loading areas. Pursuant to an agreement detailed in a letter submitted to EPA on April 16, 2003, the Company was permitted to suspend modifications to its SPCC Plan regarding the installation of secondary containment for its parked refueling trucks and loading areas, pending resolution of federal regulatory issues associated with SPCC requirements.
      The Stock Purchase Agreement between the Company and Allied dated as of October 28, 2003 regarding the sale of all of the outstanding stock owned by the Company in Air Centers (the “Air Centers’ SPA”), provides that the Company shall be responsible for compliance, for a period of eighteen months subsequent to the FBO Sale Closing Date, for any secondary containment (as the term is defined in the Air Centers’ SPA) required by any applicable governmental authority pursuant to environmental law for extended or overnight fuel truck parking at any FBO comprising the FBO business on the FBO Sale Closing Date.
      Pursuant to a letter dated October 18, 2004 from EPA to the Ft. Wayne facility, EPA demanded the installation of secondary containment at the Ft. Wayne Facility for parked refueling trucks (but not loading areas). While the company does not believe SPCC requirements regarding containment are applicable to mobile refueling trucks, it agreed to indemnify Air Centers for the reasonable cost of installation of such containment at the Ft. Wayne Facility in order to avoid further transaction costs. It did not admit that such indemnification was required under the Air Centers SPA or environmental law. The containment was installed in March 2005. The Ft. Wayne Facility’s SPCC plan is currently being revised and certified to reflect the installation. It will then be submitted to EPA.
      In the opinion of management, the resolution of this matter, including the installation of any secondary containment at other Air Centers facilities, is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flow or financial position.
      On November 26, 2003, Signature Flight Support Corporation filed a complaint against Air Centers and Allied alleging: 1) breach of contract against Mercury Air Centers; 2) tortious interference with contract against Allied; 3) Tortious interference with prospective economic advantage against Allied; and 4) unfair

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business practices against Mercury and Allied. The Company has agreed to indemnify Allied and its affiliates (including, without limitation, Air Centers after the closing of the FBO sale), directors, officers, agents, employees and controlling persons from any liability, obligation, losses or expenses to which Allied may become subject as a result of the complaint. On January 25, 2005 the United States District Court for the Central District of California entered an order granting in part and denying in part Mercury’s motion for Summary Judgment or alternatively partial summary judgment and an order granting Allied Capital Corporation’s motion for Summary Judgment. Under this order Allied Capital was completely removed from the case and was granted all relief requested. In regards to Mercury Air Group, Inc. the court found that there was a genuine issue of material fact as to whether or not Signature was entitled to its due diligence expenses. Subsequently the parties stipulated that Signature’s recoverable damages in the event Signature subsequently proves the existence of a binding contract and a material breach by Mercury are to be $160,000. Signature has given notice of appeal in this case. On April 18, 2005 in the companion case between the parties and others filed in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles the parties entered into a Joint Stipulation Continuing Case Management Conference which continued all matters in the cause of action until after the next Case Management Conference which was reset until May 26, 2005 with Case Management Statements to be filed on May 19, 2005 to allow the parties to discuss a global settlement. The Company believes these allegations have no merit and will also be vigorously disputed and defended.
      On July 14, 2004, Leon Shabott filed suit in the United States District Court, District of Massachusetts against Mercury Air Group, Inc. for damages arising out of the repair of Beechcraft twin Bonanza aircraft engines in June of 1998 claiming damages of up to $150 thousand. The Company believes that the claim is barred by the statute of limitations and that it has other good and viable defenses as well. In the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution of this matter is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows or financial position.
      On April 28, 2005 notice of a complaint being filed in the United States District Court of the Southern District of Illinois by Mr. Lambert against BP Products, et al and Maytag Aircraft Corporation was received. The original complaint had been amended to include Maytag Aircraft Corporation as a named defendant which includes a number of jet fuel retailers. Plaintiff alleges that the defendants caused him personal injury and other damage as a result of his exposure to jet fuel products while in the Marines. This matter is currently under investigation however, Mercury does not believe this matter will have a significant impact on its financial position or operating results.
      On May 2, 2005 notice of action against Mercury Air Cargo, Inc. filed in the Superior Court of Los Angeles County for an accident which occurred on May 6, 2003 was received. Plaintiff claims that her heel was run over by a fork lift while she was working as a government inspector. The company is investigating the matter. The matter has been turned over to Mercury’s insurance company and insurance counsel for handling. However, the company does not believe that this matter will have a significant impact on its financial position or operating results.
      The Company is also a defendant in certain litigation arising in the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution of such litigation will not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows or financial position. Reference is made to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004 for additional legal matters with respect to which no material developments have occurred in the current quarter.

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Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
      (a) None
      (b) None
      (c) Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities:
                                 
                (d) Maximum Number (or
    (a) Total       (c) Total Number of   Approximate Dollar
    Number of   (b) Average   Shares (or Units)   Value) of Shares (or
    Shares   Price   Purchased as Part of   Units) that May Yet
    (or Units)   Paid per Share   Publicly Announced   be Purchased Under
Period   Purchased   (or Unit)   Plans or Programs   the Plans or Programs
                 
Month #1 January 1, 2005 to January 31, 2005
    3,750       4.90       N/A       N/A  
Month #2 February 1, 2005 to February 28, 2005
    0       N/A       N/A       N/A  
Month #3 March 1, 2005 to March 31, 2005
                    N/A       N/A  
                         
Total
    3,750     $ 4.90                  
                         
      The B of A Credit Facility, as amended, prohibits the repurchase of stock and the payment of cash dividends, except for cash dividends in an amount not to exceed $17,500 thousand by June 30, 2005, and repurchases of stock in an amount not to exceed $1,000 thousand, by June 30, 2005.
Item 3. Default Upon Senior Securities
      None
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
      On February 2, 2005 the Company held its annual meeting of Shareholders.
      All of the Company’s directors were re-elected at the meeting by the following votes:
                 
Name   For   Withheld
         
Joseph A. Czyzyk
    2,620,224       61,090  
Frederick H. Kopko
    2,646,702       34,612  
Gary J. Feracota
    2,646,951       34,363  
Michael J. Janowiak
    2,651,143       30,171  
Angelo Pusateri
    2,646,951       34,363  

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Item 5. Other Information
Item 6. Exhibits
         
Exhibit    
No.   Description
     
  2 .1   Stock Purchase Agreement Dated as of October 28, 2003. By and Among Allied Capital Corporation, Mercury Air Centers, Inc. and Mercury Air Group, Inc.(28)
 
  2 .2   Amendment to Stock Purchase Agreement by and Among Allied Capital Corporation, Mercury Air Centers, Inc. and Mercury Air Group, Inc. dated as of December 10, 2003.(31)
 
  2 .3   Amendment to Stock Purchase Agreement by and Among Allied Capital Corporation, Mercury Air Centers, Inc. and Mercury Air Group, Inc. dated as of January 14, 2004.(31)
 
  2 .4   Amendment to Stock Purchase Agreement by and Among Allied Capital Corporation, Mercury Air Centers, Inc. and Mercury Air Group, Inc. dated as of February 13, 2004. (32)
 
  2 .5   Settlement Statement dated as of April 12, 2004.(33)
 
  2 .6   Closing Escrow Agreement dated as of April 5, 2004 among Allied and Wachovia Bank National, as escrow agent. (33)
 
  3 .1   Certificate of Incorporation.(17)
 
  3 .2   Amended and Restated Bylaws of Mercury Air Group, Inc. adopted December 7, 2002.(25)
 
  3 .3   Certificate of Designations of Series A 8% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock.(27)
 
  4 .1   Loan Agreement between California Economic Development Financing Authority and Mercury Air Group, Inc. relating to $19,000,000 California Economic Development Financing Authority Variable Rate Demand Airport Facilities Revenue Bonds, Series 1998 (Mercury Air Group, Inc. Project) dated as of April 1, 1998.(2)
 
  4 .2   Securities Purchase Agreement dated September 10, 1999 by and among Mercury Air Group, Inc. and J.H. Whitney Mezzanine Fund, L.P.(12)
 
  4 .3   Amendment No. 1 dated as of September 30, 2000 by and between J.H. Whitney Mezzanine, L.P. and Mercury Air Group, Inc. to the Securities Agreement.(16)
 
  4 .4   Waiver and Consent Agreement dated as of December 29, 2000 among Mercury Air Group, Inc. and J.H. Whitney Mezzanine Fund, L.P.(17)
 
  4 .5   Waiver and Consent Agreement dated as of July 2, 2001 among Mercury Air Group, Inc. and J.H. Whitney Mezzanine Fund, L.P.(18)
 
  4 .6   Waiver Agreement dated as of September 25, 2001 among Mercury Air Group, Inc. and J.H. Whitney Mezzanine Fund, L.P.(18)
 
  4 .7   Amendment No. 2 dated as of September 30, 2001 by and between J.H. Whitney Mezzanine Fund, L.P. and Mercury Air Group, Inc. to the Securities Purchase Agreement.(19)
 
  4 .8   Waiver Agreement dated as of November 26, 2001 among Mercury Air Group, Inc. and J.H. Whitney Mezzanine, L.P.(21)
 
  4 .9   Waiver Agreement dated as of December 21, 2001 among Mercury Air Group, Inc. and J.H. Whitney Mezzanine, L.P.(21)
 
  4 .10   Waiver Agreement dated as of June 26, 2002 among Mercury Air Group, Inc. and J.H. Whitney Mezzanine, L.P.(24)
 
  4 .11   Amendment No. 3 to Securities Purchase Agreement by and between Mercury Air Group, Inc. and J.H. Whitney Mezzanine Fund, L.P. dated as of December 30, 2002.(26)
 
  4 .12   Amended and Restated J.H. Whitney Mezzanine Fund, L.P. Warrant dated September 10, 1999.(26)
 
  4 .13   Amended and Restated J.H. Whitney Mezzanine Fund, L.P. Senior Subordinated Promissory Note dated September 10, 1999.(26)
 
  4 .14   Security Agreement by and between Mercury Air Group, Inc. and each of its subsidiaries hereto as Obligors and J.H. Whitney Mezzanine Fund, L.P. as the Lenders, dated as of December 30, 2002.(26)

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Exhibit    
No.   Description
     
  4 .15   Subordination Agreement among J.H. Whitney Mezzanine Fund, L.P. Foothill Capital Corporation, as Agent and Mercury Air Group, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries signatory thereto, dated as of December 30, 2002.(26)
 
  4 .16   Loan and Security Agreement by and among Foothill Capital Corporation and Mercury Air Group, Inc. and certain subsidiaries signatory thereto, dated as of December 30, 2002.(26)
 
  4 .17   First Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement by and among Foothill Capital Corporation and Mercury Air Group, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries, dated March 12, 2003.(30)
 
  4 .18   Second Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement by and among Foothill Capital Corporation and Mercury Air Group, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries, dated March 31, 2003.(30)
 
  4 .19   Third Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement by and among Foothill Capital Corporation and Mercury Air Group, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries, dated July 16, 2003.(30)
 
  4 .20   Fourth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement by and among Foothill Capital Corporation and Mercury Air Group, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries, dated August 1, 2003.(30)
 
  4 .21   Amendment No. 4 to Securities Purchase Agreement by and between Mercury Air Group, Inc. and Allied Capital Corporation, as Assignee of J.H. Whitney Mezzanine Fund, L.P. dated as of October 28, 2003(28)
 
  4 .22   Assignment of Note dated as of October 28, 2003 between Allied Capital Corporation and J.H. Whitney Mezzanine Fund, L.P.(28)
 
  4 .23   Second Amended and Restated Allied Capital Corporation 12% Senior Subordinated Promissory Note dated September 10, 1999(28)
 
  4 .24   Second Amended and Restated Allied Capital Corporation Warrant dated October 28, 2003(28)
 
  4 .25   Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of October 28, 2003 by and among J.H. Whitney Mezzanine Fund, L.P. and J.H. Whitney Mezzanine Debt Fund, L.P., Allied Capital Corporation and Mercury Air Group, Inc.(28)
 
  4 .26   Second Amended and Restated J.H. Whitney Mezzanine Fund, L.P. Warrant dated October 28, 2003(28)
 
  4 .27   Fifth Amendment to Security and Loan Agreement and Forbearance Agreement dated as of December 5, 2003 by and among Wells Fargo Foothill, Mercury Air Group, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries.(31)
 
  4 .28   Amendment letter to Forbearance Term and New Covenant Default dated as of February 16, 2004. (32)
 
  10 .1   Mercury Air Group, Inc.’s 1990 Long-Term Incentive Plan.(4)*
 
  10 .2   Mercury Air Group, Inc.’s 1990 Directors Stock Option Plan.(1)*
 
  10 .3   Memorandum Dated September 15, 1997 regarding Summary of Officer Life Insurance Policies with Benefits Payable to Officers or Their Designated Beneficiaries.(8)*
 
  10 .4   Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement dated March 21, 1996, by and between Frederick H. Kopko and Mercury Air Group, Inc.(6)*
 
  10 .5   Mercury Air Group, Inc.’s 1998 Long-Term Incentive Plan.(10)*
 
  10 .6   Mercury Air Group, Inc.’s 1998 Directors Stock Option Plan.(10)*
 
  10 .7   Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement dated as of March 2, 1999 by and among Mercury Air Group, Inc., The Banks listed on Schedule 1 thereto, and The Fleet National Bank f/k/a BankBoston, N.A., as Agent.(11)
 
  10 .8   First Amendment to Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement dated as of September 10, 1999.(14)
 
  10 .9   Second Amendment to Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement dated as of March 31, 2000.(14)
 
  10 .10   Third Amendment, Waiver and Consent to Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement dated as of August 11, 2000.(14)

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Exhibit    
No.   Description
     
  10 .11   The Company’s 401(k) Plan consisting of CNA Trust Corporation. Regional Prototype Defined Contribution Plan and Trust and Adoption Agreement.(14)*
 
  10 .12   Employment Agreement dated July 31, 2000 between the Company and Dr. Philip J. Fagan.(15)*
 
  10 .13   Fourth Amendment to Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement dated as of November 14, 2000.(16)
 
  10 .14   Amendment No. 1 to Mercury Air Group, Inc. 1998 Long-Term Incentive Option Plan as of August 22, 2000.(16)*
 
  10 .15   Amendment No. 1 to Mercury Air Group, Inc. 1998 Directors Stock Option Plan as of August 22, 2000.(16)*
 
  10 .16   Limited Waiver letter Agreement to Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement dated as of September 21, 2001.(18)
 
  10 .17   Fifth Amendment to Revolving Credit and Term loan Agreement dated as of September 21, 2001.(18)
 
  10 .18   Limited Consent letter Agreement to Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement dated as of September 30, 2001.(19)
 
  10 .19   Limited waiver and Consent to Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement dated as of December 31, 2001.(21)
 
  10 .20   2002 Management Stock Purchase Plan.(22)
 
  10 .21   Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated May 22, 2002 between Mercury Air Group, Inc. and Joseph A. Czyzyk.(22)*
 
  10 .22   Employment Agreement dated May 22, 2002 between Mercury Air Group, Inc. and Wayne J. Lovett.(22)*
 
  10 .23   Employment Agreement dated May 22, 2002 between Mercury Air Group, Inc. and John Enticknap. (22)*
 
  10 .24   Employment Agreement dated May 22, 2002 between Mercury Air Group, Inc. and Mark Coleman.(22)*
 
  10 .25   Employment Agreement dated May 22, 2002 between Mercury Air Group, Inc. and Steven S. Antonoff. (22)*
 
  10 .26   Employment Agreement dated May 22, 2002 between Mercury Air Group, Inc. and Robert Schlax.(22)*
 
  10 .27   Limited waiver and Consent to Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement dated as of June 27, 2002.(24)
 
  10 .28   Sale-Leaseback agreement made by and between CFK Realty Partners, LLC and Mercury Air Group, Inc. dated December 15, 2001.(24)
 
  10 .29   Amendment to Sale-Leaseback agreement made by and between CFK Realty Partners, LLC and Mercury Air Group, Inc.(24)
 
  10 .30   Promissory Note dated July 1, 2004 by CFK Realty Partners, LLC in favor of Mercury Air Group, Inc. (24)
 
  10 .31   Limited Waiver and Consent to Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement dated as June 27, 2002.(24)
 
  10 .32   Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated May 22, 2002 between Mercury Air Group, Inc. and Joseph A. Czyzyk.*(24)
 
  10 .34   Settlement Agreement dated December 12, 2003 by and among (i) J O Hambro Capital Management Group Limited, (ii) J O Hambro Capital Management Limited, (iii) American Opportunity Trust PLC, (iv) The Trident North Atlantic Fund, and (v) Mercury Air Group, Inc.(29)
 
  10 .35   Settlement Agreement by and between: 1) David H. Murdock as trustee of the David H. Murdock Living Trust dated May 28, 1996, as amended, d/b/a Pacific Holding Company and using nominee PCS001 and 2) Mercury Air Group, Inc. dated July 16, 2004. (34)

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Exhibit    
No.   Description
     
  10 .36   Loan Agreement dated as of July 29, 2004 by and among Bank of America N.A, Mercury Air Group, Inc. and certain subsidiaries. (35)
 
  10 .37   First Amendment to Loan Agreement by and among Bank of America, N.A., Mercury Air Group, Inc. and certain subsidiaries. (37)
 
  10 .38   Letter of Credit and Reimbursement Agreement as of November 1, 2004 between Mercury Air Group, Inc. and Bank of America. (38)
 
  10 .39   Amended and Restated Lease entered into as of November 10, 2004 and effective as of July 1, 2004 by and between CFK Realty Partners, LLC. and Mercury Air Group, Inc. (39)
 
  10 .40   Amendment No. 2 to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and between Mercury Air Group, Inc. and Joseph A. Czyzyk.*(39)
 
  10 .41   Agreement entered into on November 10, 2004 and effective on October 28, 2004 by and between Mercury Air Group, Inc. and Dr. Philip J. Fagan. (39)
 
  10 .42   Severance Agreement and General and Special Release between Mercury Air Group, Inc., and Robert Schlax entered into on January 17, 2005.(40)
 
  10 .43   Second Amendment to Loan Agreement dated January 31, 2005 by and among Bank of America, N.A., Mercury Air Group, Inc. and certain subsidiaries. (41)
 
  10 .44   Third Amendment to Loan Agreement dated April 6, 2005 by and among Bank of America, N.A., Mercury Air Group, Inc. and certain subsidiaries. (42)
 
  31 .1   Section 302 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
 
  31 .2   Section 302 Certification of Chief Financial Officer
 
  32 .1   Section 906 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
 
  32 .2   Section 906 Certification of Chief Financial Officer
 
  99 .1   Amended and Restated Partnership Agreement dated as of July 30, 2004 of CK Partners by and among Frederick H. Kopko, Jr. and Joseph A. Czyzyk. (36)
 
  * Denotes managements’ contract or compensation plan or arrangement.
(1)  Such document was previously filed as Appendix A to the Company’s Proxy Statement for the December 10, 1993 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
(2)  All such documents were previously filed as Exhibits to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998 and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
(3)  All such documents were previously filed as Exhibits to the Company’s Registration Statement No. 33-39044 on Form S-2 and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
(4)  Such document was previously filed as Appendix A to the Company’s Proxy Statement for the December 2, 1992 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
 
(5)  All such documents were previously filed as Exhibits to the Company’s Registration Statement No. 33-65085 on Form S-1 and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
(6)  All such documents were previously filed as Exhibits to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1996 and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
(7)  All such documents were previously filed as Exhibits to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed September 13, 1996 and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
(8)  Such document was previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 1997 and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
(9)  All such documents were previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 1998 and are incorporated herein by reference.
(10)  Such document was previously filed as Appendix A to the Company’s Proxy Statement for the December 3, 1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

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(11)  All such documents were previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1999 and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
(12)  All such documents were previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 1999 and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
(13)  Such document was previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s current Report on Form 8-K on August 11, 2000 and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
(14)  All such documents were previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2000 and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
(15)  All such documents were previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2000 and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
(16)  All such documents were previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2000 and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
(17)  All such documents were previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2001 and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
(18)  All such documents were previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2001 and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
(19)  All such documents were previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2001 and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
(20)  Such document was previously filed as Appendix A to the Company’s Proxy Statement for the November 7, 2001 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
(21)  All such documents were previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2001 and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
(22)  Such document was previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K on June 5, 2002 and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
(23)  Such document was previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K on July 11, 2002 and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
(24)  All such documents were previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2002 and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
(25)  Such document was previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K on December 7, 2002 and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
(26)  Such document was previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K on December 30, 2002 and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
(27)  All such documents were previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2003 and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
(28)  Such document was previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K on October 28, 2003 and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
(29)  Such document was previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K on December 12, 2003 and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
(30)  All such documents were previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2003 and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
(31)  All such documents were previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 30, 2003 and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
(32)  All such documents were previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
(33)  Such document was previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 22, 2004 and dated April 12, 2004 and is incorporated herein by reference.

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(34)  Such document was previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K on July 16, 2004 and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
(35)  Such document was previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K on July 30, 2004 and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
(36)  All such documents were previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2004 and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
(37)  Such document was previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K on October 27, 2004 and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
(38)  Such document was previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K on November 1, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference.
 
(39)  Such document was previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004 and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
(40)  Such document was previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K on January 17, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference.
 
(41)  Such document was previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2004 and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
(42)  Such document was previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K on April 8, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference.

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SIGNATURES
      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
  MERCURY AIR GROUP, INC.
  Registrant
 
  /s/ Joseph Czyzyk
 
 
  Joseph Czyzyk
  Chief Executive Officer
 
  /s/ Kent Rosenthal
 
 
  Kent Rosenthal
  Chief Financial Officer
  (Principal Financial Officer)
Date: May 23, 2005

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Exhibit 31.1

MERCURY AIR GROUP, INC

CERTIFICATIONS PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF
THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

CERTIFICATION

I, Joseph Czyzyk, certify that:

     1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on SEC Form 10-Q of Mercury Air Group, Inc.;

     2. Based on my knowledge, this 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, nor misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

     3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this 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 report;

     4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) for the registrant and have;

     a. designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

     b. designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

     c. evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

     d. disclosed in this report any changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting; and

     5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing similar functions);

     a. all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

     b. any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

         
     
  /s/ Joseph Czyzyk    
  Joseph Czyzyk   
  Chief Executive Officer and Director   
 

May 27, 2005

 


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Exhibit 31.2

MERCURY AIR GROUP, INC

CERTIFICATIONS PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF
THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

CERTIFICATION

I, Kent Rosenthal, certify that:

     1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on SEC Form 10-Q of Mercury Air Group, Inc.;

     2. Based on my knowledge, this 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, nor misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

     3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this 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 report;

     4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have;

     a. designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

     b. designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

     c. evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

     d. disclosed in this report any changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting; and

     5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing similar functions);

     a. all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

     b. any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

         
     
  /s/ Kent Rosenthal    
  Kent Rosenthal   
  Chief Financial Officer   
 

May 27, 2005

 


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Exhibit 32.1

STATEMENT

     Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. 1350, the undersigned officer of Mercury Air Group, Inc. (the “Company”) hereby certifies that to the knowledge of the undersigned:

     (1) The Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the nine month period ended March 31, 2005 fully complies with the requirements of sections 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and

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

         
     
  /s/ Joseph Czyzyk    
  Joseph Czyzyk   
  Chief Executive Officer and Director   
 

May 27, 2005

 


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Exhibit 32.2

STATEMENT

     Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. 1350, the undersigned officer of Mercury Air Group, Inc. (the “Company”) hereby certifies that to the knowledge of the undersigned:

     (1) The Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the nine month period ended March 31, 2005 fully complies with the requirements of sections 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and

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

         
     
  /s/ Kent Rosenthal    
  Kent Rosenthal   
  Chief Financial Officer   
 

May 27, 2005

 


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SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF

MERCURY AIR GROUP, INC.

June __, 2005

Please date, sign and mail
your proxy card in the
envelope provided as soon
as possible.

— Please detach along perforated line and mail in the envelope provided. —

PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTE IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS SHOWN HERE  x

1.   To amend the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation to effect a 1-for-501 stock split, followed immediately by a 501-for-1 forward stock split of the Company’s common stock (the “Transaction”).
 
  o  FOR
 
  o  AGAINST
 
  o  ABSTAIN
 
2.   To grant the Company’s Board of Directors discretionary authority to adjourn the Special Meeting if necessary to satisfy the conditions to completing the Transaction, including for the purpose of soliciting proxies in favor of the Transaction.
 
  o  FOR
 
  o  AGAINST
 
  o  ABSTAIN

Please mark here if you plan to attend the Special Meeting. o

To change the address on your account, please check the box at right and indicate your new address in the address space above.  o
Please note that changes to the registered name(s) on the account may not be submitted via this method.

             
Signature of
  Date:   Signature of   Date:
Stockholder
      Stockholder    

Note:  Please sign exactly as your name or names appear on this Proxy. When shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If the signer is a corporation, please sign full corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If signer is a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.







PRELIMINARY COPIES

 


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Admission Ticket

Mercury Air Group, Inc.
Special Meeting of Stockholders
June ___, 2005
9:00 a.m. Local Time

If you plan to attend the Annual Meeting,
please mark the box on the reverse side of the proxy card and
keep this portion as your admission ticket.
 
 
 



MERCURY AIR GROUP, INC.
 


NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
 


To Be Held June ___, 2005

     The undersigned stockholder of Mercury Air Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), acting under the Delaware General Corporation law, hereby constitutes and appoints Joseph A. Czyzyk and Wayne J. Lovett, and each of them the attorneys and proxies of the undersigned (“proxy representative”), each with the power of substitution, to attend and act for the undersigned at the Special Meeting of Stockholders of the Company (the “Meeting”) to be held on June ___, 2005 at 9:00 a.m., local time at the Company’s corporate offices at 5456 McConnell Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90066, and at any adjournments thereof, and in connection therewith to vote and represent all of the shares of Common and Preferred Stock of the Company which the undersigned would be entitled to vote, as specified on the reverse side.

     Said proxy representatives, and each of them, shall have all the powers which the undersigned would have if acting in person. The undersigned hereby revokes any other proxy to vote at the Meeting and hereby ratifies and confirms that said proxy representatives, and each of them, may lawfully do by virtue hereof. Said proxy representatives, without hereby limiting their general authority, are specifically authorized to vote in accordance with their best judgment with respect to such other matters, if any, as may properly come before the Special Meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof.

Important — Please sign on the Other Side