NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

Note 1.  Description of Business

Polymer Group, Inc. (“Polymer” or “PGI”), a Delaware corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries (the “Company”) is a leading global innovator, manufacturer and marketer of engineered materials, primarily focused on the production of nonwoven products. The Company has one of the largest global platforms in the industry, with a total of 13 manufacturing and converting facilities located in 9 countries throughout the world. The Company operates through 4 reportable segments, with the main sources of revenue being the sales of primary and intermediate products to the hygiene, healthcare, wipes and industrial markets.

Note 2.  Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect the consolidated operations of the Company and have been prepared in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) as defined by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) within the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”). In the opinion of management, the accompanying consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, which include normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the consolidated results for the periods presented. The accompanying consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements included in the Polymer Group, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2012.

On January 28, 2011 , pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 4, 2010, the Company was acquired by affiliates of the Blackstone Group (“Blackstone”), along with certain members of the Company's management (the "Merger"), for an aggregate purchase price valued at $403.5 million . As a result, the Company became a privately-held company. The Merger was financed by $560.0 million in aggregate principal of debt financing as well as common equity capital. In addition, the Company repaid its existing outstanding debt. Although the Company continues to operate as the same legal entity subsequent to the Merger and related change in control, a new entity was created for accounting purposes as of January 28, 2011 . As a result, the purchase price was allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair market values at the date of acquisition. Under the guidance of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") Staff Accounting Bulletin Topic 5J, “New Basis of Accounting Required in Certain Circumstances,” push-down accounting is required when such transactions result in an entity being substantially wholly-owned. Therefore, the basis in shares of common stock of the Company has been "pushed down" to the Company from Scorpio Holdings Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("Holdings") that owns 100% of the issued and outstanding stock of Scorpio Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("Parent") that owns 100% of the issued and outstanding common stock of the Company.

The Company's fiscal year is based on a 52 week period ending on the Saturday closest to each December 31. Therefore, the financial results of 53-week fiscal years, and the associated 14-week quarters, will not be comparable to the prior and subsequent 52-week fiscal years and the associated quarters having only 13 weeks. The three months ended March 30, 2013 and March 31, 2012 each contain operating results for 13 weeks.

Note 3. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-02, "Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income" ("ASU 2013-02"), which requires an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, ASU 2013-02 requires an entity to present, either on the face of the income statement or in the notes to the financial statements, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. The amendments in ASU 2013-02 do not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in the financial statements. ASU 2013-02 is effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The adoption of this guidance concerns disclosure only and did not have an impact on the Company's financial results. See Note 11 for additional information.

Note 4.  Accounts Receivable Factoring Agreements

In the ordinary course of business, the Company may utilize accounts receivable factoring agreements with third-party financial institutions in order to accelerate its cash collections from product sales. In addition, these agreements provide the

Company with the ability to limit credit exposure to potential bad debts, better management of costs relate to collections as well as enable customers to extend their credit terms. These agreements involve the ownership transfer of eligible trade accounts receivable, without recourse or discount, to a third party financial institution in exchange for cash.

The Company accounts for these transactions in accordance with ASC 860, "Transfers and Servicing" ("ASC 860"). ASC 860 allows for the ownership transfer of accounts receivable to qualify for sale treatment when the appropriate criteria is met, which permits the Company to present the balances sold under the program to be excluded from Accounts receivable, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Receivables are considered sold when they are transferred beyond the reach of the Company and its creditors, the purchaser has the right to pledge or exchange the receivables, and the Company has surrendered control over the transferred receivables. In addition, the Company provides no other forms of continued financial support to the purchaser of the receivables once the receivables are sold. Amounts due from financial institutions are recorded with Other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

The Company has a U.S. based program where certain U.S. based receivables are sold to an unrelated third-party financial institution. Under the current terms of the U.S. agreement, the maximum amount of outstanding advances at any one time is $20.0 million , which limitation is subject to change based on the level of eligible receivables, restrictions on concentrations of receivables and the historical performance of the receivables sold. In addition, the Company's subsidiaries in Mexico, Colombia, Spain and the Netherlands have entered into factoring agreements to sell certain receivables to unrelated third-party financial institutions. Under the terms of the non-U.S. agreements, the maximum amount of outstanding advances at any one time is $49.7 million , which limitation is subject to change based on the level of eligible receivables, restrictions on concentrations of receivables and the historical performance of the receivables sold.

The following is a summary of receivables sold to the third-party financial institutions that existed at the following balance sheet dates:

The Company sold $101.8 million and $88.8 million of receivables under the terms of the factoring agreements during the three months ended March 30, 2013 and March 31, 2012 , respectively. The increase is primarily related to the inclusion of the Netherlands, which entered into a factoring agreement in March 2012. The Company pays a factoring fee associated with the sale of receivables based on the dollar of the receivables sold. Amounts incurred were $0.3 million and $0.3 million during the three months ended March 30, 2013 and March 31, 2012 , respectively.

Note 5.  Inventories, Net

At March 30, 2013 and December 29, 2012 , the major classes of inventory were as follows:  

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, determined on the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method, or fair market value. The Company performs periodic assessments to determine the existence of obsolete, slow-moving and non-saleable inventories and records necessary provisions to reduce such inventories to net realizable value. Reserve balances, primarily related to obsolete and slow-moving inventories, were $3.1 million and $3.3 million at March 30, 2013 and December 29, 2012 , respectively.

Note 6. Intangible Assets

Indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested and reviewed annually for impairment during the fourth quarter or whenever there is a significant change in events or circumstances that indicate that the fair value of the asset may be less than the carrying amount of the asset. All other intangible assets with finite useful lives are being amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives.

The following table sets forth the gross amount and accumulated amortization of the Company's intangible assets at March 30, 2013 and December 29, 2012 :

As of March 30, 2013 , the Company had recorded intangible assets of $73.6 million . Included in this amount are loan acquisition costs incurred in association with the Merger. These expenditures represent the cost of obtaining financings that are capitalized in the balance sheet and amortized over the term of the loans to which such costs relate.

Amortization of intangible assets was $2.1 million and $2.1 million for the three months ended March 30, 2013 and March 31, 2012 , respectively, of which $0.6 million and $0.7 million were charged to Interest expense , respectively, related to the amortization of loan acquisition costs. Estimated amortization expense on existing intangible assets for each of the next five years, including fiscal year 2013, is expected to approximate $8 million in 2013, $7 million in 2014, $7 million in 2015, $7 million in 2016 and $7 million in 2017.

Note 7.  Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consist of the following:

The fair value of the Company's long-term debt was $649.0 million at March 30, 2013 and $640.0 million at December 29, 2012 . The fair value of long-term debt is based upon quoted market prices in inactive markets or on available rates for debt with similar terms and maturities (Level 2).

Senior Secured Notes

In connection with the Merger, the Company issued $560.0 million of 7.75% Senior Secured Notes on January 28, 2011 . The notes are due in 2019 and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally on a senior secured basis, by each of the Polymer Group's wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries. Interest on the notes is paid semi-annually on February 1 and August 1.

The agreement governing the Senior Secured Notes, among other restrictions, limits the Company's ability and the ability of the Company's restricted subsidiaries to: (i) incur or guarantee additional debt or issue disqualified stock or preferred stock; (ii) pay dividends and make other distributions on, or redeem or repurchase, capital stock; (iii) make certain investments; (iv) repurchase stock; (v) incur certain liens; (vi) enter into transactions with affiliates; (vii) merge or consolidate; (viii) enter into agreements that restrict the ability of subsidiaries to make dividends or other payments to Polymer Group, Inc.; (ix) designate restricted subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries; and (x) transfer or sell assets. However, subject to certain exceptions, the indenture permits the Company and its restricted subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness, including senior indebtedness and secured indebtedness. The indenture also does not limit the amount of additional indebtedness that Parent or its parent entities may incur.

Under the agreement governing the Senior Secured Notes and under the credit agreement governing the senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility, the Company's ability to engage in activities such as incurring additional indebtedness, making investments, refinancing certain indebtedness, paying dividends and entering into certain merger transactions is governed, in part, by the Company's ability to satisfy tests based on Adjusted EBITDA as defined in the indenture.

ABL Facility

In connection with the Merger, the Company entered into a senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility (the "ABL Facility") to provide for borrowings not to exceed $50.0 million , subject to borrowing base availability. The ABL Facility provides borrowing capacity available for letters of credit and borrowings on a same-day basis. The ABL Facility is comprised of (i) a revolving tranche of up to $42.5 million (“Tranche 1”) and (ii) a first-in, last out revolving tranche of up to $7.5 million (“Tranche 2”). Provided that no default or event of default was then existing or would arise therefrom, the Company had the option to request that the ABL Facility be increased by an amount not to exceed $20.0 million , subject to certain rights of the administrative agent, swing line lender and issuing banks with respect to the lenders providing commitments for such increase. The facility was set to expire on January 28, 2015.

On October 5, 2012, the Company entered into an amended and restated ABL Facility. The amended and restated facility extended the maturity date to October 5, 2016 as well as made certain pricing and other changes to the original agreement. The Company maintained the option to request that the ABL Facility be increased by an amount not to exceed $20.0 million , subject to certain rights of the administrative agent, swing line lender and issuing banks with respect to the lenders providing commitments for such increase. As of March 30, 2013 , the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the ABL Facility. Borrowing base availability was $29.6 million , however, outstanding letters of credit in the aggregate amount of $11.0 million left $18.6 million available for additional borrowings. The aforementioned letters of credit were primarily provided to certain administrative service providers and financial institutions. None of these letters of credit had been drawn on as of March 30, 2013 .

Based on current borrowing base availability, the borrowings under the ABL Facility will bear interest at a rate per annum equal to, at our option, either (A) Adjusted London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) (adjusted for statutory reserve requirements) plus (i) 2.00% in the case of Tranche 1 or (ii) 4.00% in the case of Tranche 2; or (B) the higher of (a) the administrative agent's Prime Rate and (b) the federal funds effective rate plus 0.5% (“ABR”) plus (x) 1.00% in the case of Tranche 1 or (y) 3.00% in the case of the Tranche 2.

The ABL Facility contains certain customary representations and warranties, affirmative covenants and events of default, including among other things payment defaults, breach of representations and warranties, covenant defaults, cross-defaults and cross acceleration to certain indebtedness, bankruptcy and insolvency defaults, certain events under ERISA, certain monetary judgment defaults, invalidity of guarantees or security interests, and change of control. If such an event of default occurs, the lenders under the ABL Facility would be entitled to take various actions, including the acceleration of amounts due under the ABL Facility and all actions permitted to be taken by a secured creditor.

Argentine Facility

In January 2007, the Company's subsidiary in Argentina entered into an arrangement with banking institutions in Argentina in order to finance the installation of a new spunmelt line at its facility near Buenos Aires, Argentina. The maximum borrowings available under the facility, excluding any interest added to principal, were 33.5 million Argentine pesos with respect to an Argentine peso-denominated loan and $26.5 million with respect to a U.S. dollar-denominated loan. The loans are secured by pledges covering (i) the subsidiary's existing equipment lines; (ii) the outstanding stock of the subsidiary; and (iii) the new machinery and equipment being purchased, as well as a trust assignment agreement related to a portion of receivables due from certain major customers of the subsidiary.

The interest rate applicable to borrowings under these term loans is based on LIBOR plus 290 basis points for the U.S. dollar-denominated loan and Buenos Aires Interbanking Offered Rate plus 475 basis points for the Argentine peso-denominated loan. Principal and interest payments began in July 2008 with the loans maturing as follows: annual amounts of $3.5 million beginning in 2011 and continuing through 2015, and the remaining $1.7 million in 2016.

In connection with the Merger, the Company repaid and terminated the Argentine peso-denominated loan. In addition, the U.S. denominated loan was adjusted to reflect its fair value as of the date of the Merger. As a result, the Company recorded a contra-liability in Long-term debt and will amortize the balance over the remaining life of the facility. At March 30, 2013 , the face amount of the outstanding indebtedness under the U.S. dollar-denominated loan was $11.2 million , with a carrying amount of $10.8 million and a weighted average interest rate of 3.19% .

China Credit Facility — Healthcare

In the third quarter of 2010, the Company's subsidiary in China entered into a three -year U.S. dollar denominated construction loan agreement (the “Healthcare Facility”) with a banking institution in China to finance a portion of the installation of the new spunmelt line at its manufacturing facility in Suzhou, China. The three-year term of the agreement began with the date of the first draw down on the Healthcare Facility, which occurred in fourth quarter of 2010. The interest rate applicable to borrowings is based on three-month LIBOR plus an amount to be determined at the time of funding based on the lender's internal head office lending rate ( 400 basis points at the time the credit agreement was executed), but in no event would the interest rate be less than 1-year LIBOR plus 250 points.

The maximum borrowings available under the facility, excluding any interest added to principal, were $20.0 million . The Company repaid $4.0 million of the principal balance in the fourth quarter of 2012. As a result, the outstanding balance under the Healthcare Facility was $16.0 million at December 29, 2012 , with a weighted average interest rate of 5.44% . As of March 30, 2013 , the outstanding balance under the Healthcare Facility was $16.0 million with a weighted-average interest rate of 5.42% . The outstanding balance is scheduled to be repaid during 2013 using a combination of existing cash balances and cash generated from operations.

China Credit Facility — Hygiene

On July 1, 2012, the Company's subsidiary in China entered into a three -year U.S. dollar denominated construction loan agreement (the “Hygiene Facility”) with a banking institution in China to finance a portion of the installation of a new spunmelt line at its manufacturing facility in Suzhou, China. The interest rate applicable to borrowings under the Hygiene Facility is based on three-month LIBOR plus an amount to be determined at the time of funding based on the lender's internal head office lending rate ( 520 basis points at the time the credit agreement was executed).

The maximum borrowings available under the facility, excluding any interest added to principal, were $25.0 million . As of December 29, 2012 , the outstanding balance under the Hygiene Facility was $11.0 million with a weighted-average interest rate of 5.51% . As of March 30, 2013 , the outstanding balance under the Hygiene Facility was $17.6 million with a weighted average interest rate of 5.48% . In addition, the Company had $9.4 million of outstanding letters of credit that expired during the three months ended March 30, 2013 . The Company's first payment on the outstanding principal is due in late 2013.

Other Indebtedness

The Company periodically enters into short-term credit facilities in order to finance various liquidity requirements. At March 30, 2013 , outstanding amounts related to such facilities were $1.4 million , which are being used to finance insurance premium payments. The weighted average interest rate on these borrowings was 2.44% . At December 29, 2012 , amounts outstanding under these facilities was $0.8 million at a weighted average interest rate of 2.46% . Borrowings are included in Short-term borrowings in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The Company also has documentary letters of credit not associated with the ABL Facility, Healthcare Facility or the Hygiene Facility. These letters of credit were primarily provided to certain raw material vendors and amounted to $5.9 million and $6.9 million at March 30, 2013 and December 29, 2012 , respectively. None of these letters of credit have been drawn upon.

Note 9.  Derivative Instruments

In the normal course of business, the Company is exposed to certain risks arising from business operations and economic factors. These fluctuations can increase the cost of financing, investing and operating the business. The Company uses derivative financial instruments to help manage market risk and reduce the exposure to fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currencies. These financial instruments are not used for trading or other speculative purposes.

All derivatives are recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at their fair value as either assets or liabilities. On the date the derivative contract is entered into, the Company designates the derivative as (1) a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability (fair value hedge), (2) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flow to be paid (cash flow hedge), or (3) an undesignated instrument. Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is designated as a fair value hedge and determined to be highly effective are recorded in current earnings, along with the gain or loss on the recognized hedged asset or liability that is attributable to the hedged risk. Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is designated as a cash flow hedge and considered highly effective are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) until they are reclassified to earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Changes in the fair value of undesignated derivative instruments and the ineffective portion of designated derivative instruments are reported in current earnings.

The Company formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as the risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. This process includes linking all derivatives that are designated as fair value hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet and linking cash flow hedges to specific forecasted transactions or variability of cash flow to be paid.

The Company also formally assesses, both at the hedge's inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the designated derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flow of hedged items. When a derivative is determined not to be highly effective as a hedge or the underlying hedged transaction is no longer probable, hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively, in accordance with current accounting standards.

The following table presents the fair values of the Company's derivative instruments included within Accounts payable and accrued expenses on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 30, 2013 and December 29, 2012 :

Hygiene Contracts

On June 30, 2011, the Company entered into a series of foreign exchange forward contracts with a third-party financial institution used to minimize foreign exchange risk on certain future cash commitments related to the new hygiene line under construction in China (the "Hygiene Contracts"). The contracts allow the Company to purchase fixed amount of Euros on specified future dates, coinciding with the payment amounts and dates of equipment purchase contracts. The Hygiene Contracts qualify for hedge accounting treatment and are considered a fair value hedge; therefore, changes in the fair value of each contract is recorded in Foreign currency and other, net along with the gain or loss on the recognized hedged asset or liability that is attributable to the hedged risk. Since inception, the Company amended the equipment purchase contract on the hygiene line to which the Hygiene Contracts are linked. However, the Company modified the notional amounts of the Hygiene Contracts to synchronize with the underlying updated contract payments. As a result, the Hygiene Contracts remain highly effective and continue to qualify for hedge accounting treatment.

Healthcare Contracts

In January 2011, the Company entered into a series of foreign exchange forward contracts with a third-party financial institution used to minimize foreign exchange risk on certain future cash commitments related to the new healthcare line under

construction in China (the "Healthcare Contracts"). The contracts allowed the Company to purchase fixed amount of Euros on specified future dates, coinciding with the payment amounts and dates of equipment purchase contracts. The Healthcare Contracts qualified for hedge accounting treatment and were considered a fair value hedge; therefore, changes in the fair value of each contract was recorded in Foreign currency and other, net along with the gain or loss on the recognized hedged asset or liability that was attributable to the hedged risk.

In July 2011, the Company completed commercial acceptance of the new healthcare line under construction in China and recorded a liability for the remaining balance due. As a result, the Company removed the hedge designation of the Healthcare Contracts and will continue to recognize changes in the fair value of the contracts in current earnings as an undesignated hedge. However, changes in the fair value of the hedged asset that is attributable to the hedged risk has been capitalized in the cost base of the healthcare line and no longer recognized in current earnings. During the first quarter of 2012, the Company remitted the final payment on the healthcare line and simultaneously fulfilled its obligations under the Healthcare Contracts.

The following table represents the amount of (gain) or loss associated with derivatives designated as hedges affecting Foreign currency and other, net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations:

Gains and losses associated with the Company's designated fair value hedges are materially offset within Foreign currency and other, net by the changes in the fair value of the underlying transactions. However, once the hedge is undesignated, the fair value of the underlying transaction is no longer recognized in earnings.

Note 10.  Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The accounting standard for fair value measurements establishes a framework for measuring fair value that is based on the inputs market participants use to determine the fair value of an asset or liability and establishes a fair value hierarchy to prioritize those inputs. The fair value hierarchy is comprised of three levels that are described below:

Level 1 — Inputs based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 — Inputs other than Level 1 quoted prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

Level 3 — Unobservable inputs based on little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets and liabilities, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

The fair value hierarchy requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. Observable inputs are obtained from independent sources and can be validated by a third party, whereas unobservable inputs reflect assumptions regarding what a third party would use in pricing an asset or liability based on the best information available under the circumstances. A financial instrument's categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

The following tables present the fair value and hierarchy levels for the Company's assets and liabilities, which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of the following periods:

ASC 820 "Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures" (ASC 820) defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The Company determines fair value of its financial assets and liabilities using the following methodologies:

The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, inventories, short-term borrowings and accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their carrying values due to the short-term nature of these instruments. The methodologies used by the Company to determine the fair value of its financial assets and liabilities at March 30, 2013 are the same as those used at December 29, 2012 . As a result, there have been no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 categories.

Level 2 to Level 1 assets - no

Level 1 to Level 2 liabilities - no

Level 2 to Level 1 liabilities - no

Note 11.  Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans

The Company and its subsidiaries sponsor multiple defined benefit plans that cover certain employees. Postretirement benefit plans, other than pensions, provide healthcare benefits for certain eligible employees. Benefits are primarily based on years of service and the employee’s compensation.

Pension Plans

The Company has both funded and unfunded pension benefit plans. It is the Company’s policy to fund such plans in accordance with applicable laws and regulations in order to ensure adequate funds are available in the plans to make benefit payments to plan participants and beneficiaries when required.

The components of the Company's pension related costs for the following periods are as follows:

During the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company completed the liquidation of two pension plans related to its former Dominion Textile, Inc. business in Canada. All pension benefits legally owed to plan participants were fully paid from plan assets by the end of 2012 . Excess plan assets left in the trust after all participants were paid was $0.3 million and is reported within Other current assets in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 29, 2012 . The surplus was received by the Company in the first quarter of 2013. As a result of the liquidation of these plans during 2012 , the Company recognized a settlement loss of $0.8 million within Special charges, net in the Company's Consolidated Statement of Operations.

The Company’s practice is to fund amounts for its qualified pension plans at least sufficient to meet the minimum requirements set forth in applicable employee benefit laws and local tax laws. In addition, the Company manages these plans to ensure that all present and future benefit obligations are met as they come due. During the three months ended March 30, 2013 , employer contributions totaled $1.7 million . Full year contributions are expected to approximate $5.3 million .

Postretirement Plans

The Company sponsors several non-U.S. postretirement plans that provide healthcare benefits to cover certain eligible employees. These plans have no plan assets, but instead are funded by the Company on a pay-as-you-go basis in the form of direct benefit payments.

The components of the Company's postretirement related costs for the following periods are as follows:

For the three months ended March 30, 2013 and March 31, 2012 , reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) totaled $0.1 million and less than $0.1 million , respectively. These amounts related to net actuarial gains/losses included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost for both pension and postretirement benefit plans.

Defined Contribution Plans

The Company sponsors several defined contribution plans through its domestic subsidiaries covering employees who meet certain service requirements.  The Company makes matching contributions to the plans based upon a percentage of the employee's contribution in the case of its 401(k) plans and makes safe harbor contributions based on the employee's eligibility to participate in the plan.  In the case of the non-qualified Executive Retirement Plan, the Company does not make any contributions.

Note 12.  Income Taxes

The Company accounts for its provision for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, "Income Taxes," which requires an estimate of the annual effective tax rate for the full year to be applied to the respective interim period, taking into account year-to-date amounts and projected results for the full year. For the three months ended March 30, 2013 , the combination of the

Company's income tax provision and recorded loss from operations before income taxes resulted in a negative 51.0% effective tax rate for the period. For the three months ended March 31, 2012 , the effective tax rate was 106.3% . The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 30, 2013 is different than the Company's statutory tax rate primarily due to losses in certain jurisdictions for which no income tax benefits are anticipated, foreign withholding taxes for which tax credits are not anticipated, changes in the amounts of tax uncertainties and foreign taxes calculated at statutory rates different than the U.S. statutory rate.

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of (a) temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax reporting purposes and (b) operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. A valuation allowance is recorded when, based on the weight of the evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The realization of the deferred tax asset depends on the ability to generate sufficient taxable income of the appropriate character in the future and in the appropriate taxing jurisdiction. At March 30, 2013 , the Company has a net deferred tax liability of $28.5 million .

At March 30, 2013 , the Company had unrecognized tax benefits of $24.2 million , of which $11.4 million relates to accrued interest and penalties. These amounts are included within Other noncurrent liabilities within the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the Company's effective tax rate is $24.2 million as of March 30, 2013 . Included in the balance as of March 30, 2013 is $4.2 million related to tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts could significantly change during the next twelve months. This amount is comprised of items which relate to the lapse of statute of limitations or the settlement of issues. The Company recognizes interest and/or penalties related to income taxes as a component of income tax expense.

Management judgment is required in determining tax provisions and evaluating tax positions. Although management believes its tax positions and related provisions reflected in the consolidated financial statements are fully supportable, it recognizes that these tax positions and related provisions may be challenged by various tax authorities. These tax positions and related provisions are reviewed on an ongoing basis and are adjusted as additional facts and information become available, including progress on tax audits, changes in interpretations of tax laws, developments in case law and closing of statute of limitations. The Company’s tax provision includes the impact of recording reserves and any changes thereto.

The major jurisdictions where the Company files income tax returns include the United States, Canada, China, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Spain, Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina. As of March 30, 2013 , the Company has a number of open tax years with various taxing jurisdictions that range from 2003 to 2012. The results of current tax audits and reviews related to open tax years have not been finalized, and management believes that the ultimate outcomes of these audits and reviews will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Note 13.  Special Charges, Net

As part of our business strategy, the Company incurs amounts related to corporate-level decisions or Board of Director actions. These actions are primarily associated with initiatives attributable to restructuring and realignment of manufacturing operations and management structures as well as the pursuit of certain transaction opportunities when applicable. In addition, the Company evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances including the aforementioned, indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. These amounts are included in Special charges, net in the Statement of Operations. A summary for each respective period is as follows:

 

Restructuring and Plant Realignment Costs

Internal redesign and restructuring of global operations

During 2012, the Company initiated the internal redesign and restructuring of its global operations for the purposes of realigning and repositioning the Company to consolidate the benefits of its global footprint, align resources and capabilities with future growth opportunities and provide for a more efficient structure to serve existing markets. During the three months ended March 30, 2013 , the Company incurred $1.5 million associated with this initiative, of which $1.2 million related to professional consulting fees and $0.1 million related to employee separations. Costs related to employee relocation, recruitment and other administrative costs were $0.2 million . During the three months ended March 31, 2012 , the Company incurred $0.7 million , which related to professional consulting fees.

Plant Realignment Costs

The Company incurs costs associated with ongoing restructuring initiatives intended to result in lower working capital levels and improve operating performance and profitability. Costs associated with these initiatives include improving manufacturing productivity, reducing headcount, realignment of management structures, reducing corporate costs and rationalizing certain assets, businesses and employee benefit programs. For the three months ended March 30, 2013 and March 31, 2012 , the Company incurred costs of $0.1 million and $0.7 million , respectively, associated with plant realignment initiatives primarily in the Americas and Europe regions.

IS Support Initiative

During 2012, the Company launched an initiative to utilize a third-party service provider for its Information Systems support tactical functions, including: service desk; desktop/end-user computing; server administration; network services; data center operations; database and applications development; and maintenance. For the three months ended March 30, 2013 and March 31, 2012 , the Company incurr ed less than $0.01 million and $0.3 million , respectively, associated with this initiative, which consisted primarily of employee separation and severance expenses.

Other Restructuring Initiatives

The Company incurs costs associated with less significant ongoing restructuring initiatives resulting from the continuous evaluation of opportunities to optimize the manufacturing process. During the three months ended March 31, 2012 , costs associated with these initiatives were $0.1 million .

The changes in the restructuring reserves were as follows:

The Company accounts for its restructuring programs in accordance with ASC 712, "Compensation - Non-retirement Postemployment Benefits" ("ASC 712") and anticipates that the substantial majority of the remaining accrued liability will be paid by the end of 2013.

Acquisition and Merger Related Costs

Blackstone Acquisition Costs

As a result of the Merger on January 28, 2011, the Company incurred direct acquisition costs associated with the transaction including investment banking, legal, accounting and other fees for professional services. For the three months ended March 31, 2012 , the Company incurred $0.4 million of costs associated with the Merger.

Other Special Charges

Other Charges

Other charges consist primarily of expenses related to the Company’s pursuit of other business opportunities. The Company reviews its business operations on an ongoing basis in light of current and anticipated market conditions and other factors and, from time to time, may undertake certain actions in order to optimize overall business, performance or competitive position. To the extent any such decisions are made, the Company would likely incur costs associated with such actions, which could be material.

Note 14.  Other Operating, Net

Transactions that are denominated in a currency other than an entity's functional currency are subject to changes in exchange rates with the resulting gains and losses recorded within current earnings. The Company includes these gains and losses related to receivables and payables as well as the impacts of other operating transactions as a component of Operating income (loss) .

For the three months ended March 30, 2013 , the Company recognized a loss of $0.3 million within Other operating, net . Amounts associated with foreign currency losses totaled $0.4 million and other miscellaneous income was $0.1 million . For the three months ended March 31, 2012 , the Company recognized income of $0.4 million associated with foreign currency gains.

Note 15. Foreign Currency and Other, Net

Transactions that are denominated in a currency other than an entity's functional currency are subject to changes in exchange rates with the resulting gains and losses recorded within current earnings. The Company includes these gains and losses related to intercompany loans and debt as well as other non-operating activities as a component of Other income (expense) .

For the three months ended March 30, 2013 , the Company recognized a loss of $1.4 million within Foreign currency and other, net . Amounts associated with foreign currency losses totaled $1.0 million and other non-operating expenses were $0.4 million . For the three months ended March 31, 2012 , the Company recognized income of $0.1 million . Amounts associated with foreign currency gains totaled $0.3 million , partially offset by other non-operating expenses of $0.2 million .

Note 16.  Commitments and Contingencies

The Company is involved from time to time in various litigations, claims and administrative proceedings arising out of the ordinary conduct of its business. Amounts recorded for identified contingent liabilities are estimates, which are reviewed periodically and adjusted to reflect additional information when it becomes available. Subject to the uncertainties inherent in estimating future costs for contingent liabilities, management believes that any liability which may result from these legal matters would not have a material adverse effect on the Company's business or financial condition.

Environmental

The Company is subject to a broad range of federal, foreign, state and local laws and regulations relating to pollution and protection of the environment. The Company believes that it is currently in substantial compliance with applicable environmental requirements and does not currently anticipate any material adverse effect on its operations, financial or competitive position as a result of its efforts to comply with environmental requirements. Some risk of environmental liability is inherent, however, in the nature of the Company’s business and, accordingly, there can be no assurance that material environmental liabilities will not arise.

Equipment Lease Agreement

In the third quarter of 2011, the Company's state-of-the-art spunmelt line in Waynesboro, Virginia commenced commercial production. The plant expansion increased capacity to meet demand for nonwoven materials in the hygiene and healthcare applications in the U.S. The line was principally funded by a seven year equipment lease with a capitalized cost of $53.6 million . From the commencement of the lease to its fourth anniversary date, the Company will make annual lease payments of $8.3 million . From the fourth anniversary date to the end of the lease term, the Company's annual lease payments may change, as defined in the lease agreement. The aggregate monthly lease payments under the agreement, subject to adjustment, are expected to approximate $58 million . The lease includes covenants, events of default and other provisions that requires us to maintain certain financial ratios and other requirements.

China Hygiene Expansion

In the second quarter of 2011, the Company entered into a firm purchase agreement to acquire a spunmelt line to be installed in Suzhou, China that will manufacture nonwoven products primarily for the hygiene market. The Company plans to fund the project using a combination of existing cash balances, internal cash flows and the Hygiene Facility. As of March 30, 2013 , the estimated total remaining project costs related to the firm commitment to purchase equipment was $12.8 million . As a result of the firm commitment being denominated in Euros, we entered into a series of foreign exchange forward contracts with a third-party financial institution to purchase fixed amount of Euros on specified future dates that coincide with the payment amounts and the dates of the payments.

Note 17.  Segment Information

The Company is a leading global innovator, manufacturer and marketer of engineered materials, primarily focused on the production of nonwoven products. The Company operates through four segments, with the main source of revenue being the sales of primary and intermediate products to the hygiene, healthcare, wipes and industrial markets. The Company has one major customer that accounts for over 10% of its business, the loss of which would have a material adverse impact on reported financial results. Sales to this customer are reported within each of the the Nonwoven segments.

During 2012, the Company approved the internal redesign and restructuring of its global operations for the purposes of realigning and repositioning the Company to consolidate the benefits of its global footprint, align resources and capabilities with future growth opportunities and provide for a more efficient structure to serve existing markets. As part of the change, the Company eliminated the Latin America Nonwovens segment and merged it with the U.S. Nonwoven segment to create the Americas Nonwoven segment. The Company's segments are now as follows: Americas Nonwovens, Europe Nonwovens, Asia Nonwovens and Oriented Polymers segments. Segment information for all years has been revised to reflect the new structure.

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies except that the segment results are prepared on a management basis that is consistent with the manner in which the Company desegregates financial information for internal review and decision making. Intercompany sales between the segments are eliminated.

Financial data by segment is as follows:  

 

Note 18.  Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions

In connection with the Merger, Holdings entered into a shareholders agreement (the “Shareholders Agreement”) with Blackstone and certain members of the Company's management. The Shareholders Agreement governs certain matters relating to ownership of Holdings, including the election of directors of our parent companies, restrictions on the issuance or transfer of shares, including tag-along rights and drag-along rights, other special corporate governance provisions and registration rights (including customary indemnification provisions). As of March 30, 2013 , the Board of Directors of the Company includes three Blackstone members, three outside members and the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. Furthermore, Blackstone has the power to designate all of the members of the Board of Directors of the Company and the right to remove any or all directors, with or without cause.

Management Services Agreement

Upon the completion of the Merger, the Company became subject to a management services agreement (“Management Services Agreement”) with Blackstone Management Partners V L.L.C. (“BMP”), an affiliate of Blackstone. Under the Management Services Agreement, BMP (including through its affiliates) has agreed to provide certain monitoring, advisory and consulting services for an annual non-refundable advisory fee, to be paid at the beginning of each fiscal year, equal to the greater of (i)  $3.0 million or (ii)  2.0% of the Company’s consolidated EBITDA (as defined under the credit agreement governing our ABL Facility) for the immediately preceding fiscal year. The amount of such fee shall be initially paid based on the Company’s then most current estimate of the Company’s projected EBITDA amount for the fiscal year immediately preceding the date upon which the advisory fee is paid. After completion of the fiscal year to which the fee relates and following the availability of audited financial statements for such period, the parties will recalculate the amount of such fee based on the actual consolidated EBITDA for such period and the Company or BMP, as applicable, shall adjust such payment as necessary based on the recalculated amount. Based on the Company’s fiscal 2012 financial performance, the advisory fee for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2012 remained at $3.0 million . With respect to the fiscal 2013 advisory fee, the Company paid $3.0 million during the first quarter of 2013 . These amounts are included in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Other Relationships

Blackstone and its affiliates have ownership interests in a broad range of companies. We may enter into commercial transactions in the ordinary course of our business with some of these companies, including the sale of goods and services and the purchase of goods and services.

Note 19.  Financial Guarantees and Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements

Polymer’s Senior Secured Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally on a senior secured basis, by each of Polymer’s 100% owned domestic subsidiaries (collectively, the “Guarantors”). As substantially all of Polymer’s operating income and cash flow is generated by its subsidiaries, funds necessary to meet Polymer’s debt service obligations may be provided, in part, by distributions or advances from its subsidiaries. Under certain circumstances, contractual and legal restrictions, as well as the financial condition and operating requirements of Polymer’s subsidiaries, could limit Polymer’s ability to obtain cash from its subsidiaries for the purpose of meeting its debt service obligations, including the payment of principal and interest on the Senior Secured Notes. Although holders of the Senior Secured Notes will be direct creditors of Polymer’s principal direct subsidiaries by virtue of the guarantees, Polymer has subsidiaries that are not included among the Guarantors (collectively, the “Non-Guarantors”), and such subsidiaries will not be obligated with respect to the Senior Secured Notes. As a result, the claims of creditors of the Non-Guarantors will effectively have priority with respect to the assets and earnings of such companies over the claims of creditors of Polymer, including the holders of the Senior Secured Notes.

The following Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements are presented to satisfy the disclosure requirements of Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X. In accordance with Rule 3-10, the subsidiary guarantors are all 100% owned by PGI (the “Issuer”). The

guarantees on the Senior Secured Notes are full and unconditional and all guarantees are joint and several. The information presents Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets as of March 30, 2013 and December 29, 2012 and Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations and Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 30, 2013 and March 31, 2012 of (1) PGI (Issuer), (2) the Guarantors, (3) the Non-Guarantors and (4) consolidating eliminations to arrive at the information for the Company on a consolidated basis.

The Company has made changes to its presentation of certain intercompany activities between PGI (Issuer), the Guarantors, the Non-Guarantors and corresponding Eliminations within its Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements contained herein. Certain prior period intercompany activities included in this note disclosure for the Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets, the Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations and the Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows have been recast to correct the classification of certain intercompany transactions. Management has determined that the adjustments were not material to prior periods and the nature of the changes is not material to the overall presentation. Accordingly, prior period Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets, the Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations and Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows included herein are not comparable to presentation included in prior period disclosures.