Edgar Filing: WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL INC

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Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1)
Registration No. 333-127819

10,000,000 Shares

Common Stock

The shares of common stock are being sold by the selling shareholders named in this prospectus. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the shares of common stock sold by the selling shareholders.

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "WTW". The last reported sale price on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape on March 7, 2006 was $51.53 per share.

The underwriters have an option to purchase a maximum of 1,500,000 additional shares from the selling shareholders to cover over-allotments of shares.

Investing in our common stock involves risks. See "Risk Factors" beginning on page 10.

		Price to Public		Underwriting Discounts and Commissions		Proceeds to Selling Shareholders
Per Share		$50.50		$1.515		$48.985
Total		$505,000,000		$15,150,000		$489,850,000

Delivery of the shares of common stock will be made on or about March 13, 2006.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

Credit Suisse

UBS Investment Bank

Banc of America Securities LLC

Citigroup

Goldman, Sachs & Co.

JPMorgan

Merrill Lynch & Co.

Morgan Stanley

The date of this prospectus is March 7, 2006.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

		PAGE
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY		1
RISK FACTORS		10
CAUTIONARY NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS		18
USE OF PROCEEDS		19
DIVIDEND POLICY		19
PRICE RANGE OF OUR COMMON STOCK		19
CAPITALIZATION		20
SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL AND OTHER INFORMATION		21
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS		24
BUSINESS		45
MANAGEMENT		58
PRINCIPAL AND SELLING SHAREHOLDERS		61
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK		63
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE		69
CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME AND ESTATE TAX CONSEQUENCES TO NON-U.S. HOLDERS		71
UNDERWRITING		74
NOTICE TO CANADIAN RESIDENTS		78
LEGAL MATTERS		79
EXPERTS		79
WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION		79
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE		80
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS		F-1

You should rely only on the information contained in this document or to which we have referred you. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information that is different. This document may only be used only where it is legal to sell these securities. The information in this document may only be accurate on the date of this document.

Basis of Presentation

Unless otherwise stated or the context otherwise requires, references in this prospectus to:

•: "Weight Watchers International" refer to Weight Watchers International, Inc., together with all its subsidiaries other than WeightWatchers.com, Inc. and subsidiaries of WeightWatchers.com, Inc.;
•: "we," "us," and "our" refer to Weight Watchers International, Inc., together with all subsidiaries consolidated for purposes of its financial statements, including WeightWatchers.com, Inc.;
•: "WeightWatchers.com" refer to WeightWatchers.com, Inc., together with its subsidiaries;
•: "NACO" refer to our North American company-owned meeting operations; and
•: "Artal" refer collectively to Artal Group S.A., its parent and its subsidiaries.

On June 13, 2005, we entered into an agreement to acquire control of our licensee and affiliate, WeightWatchers.com. On July 1 and 2, 2005, we increased our ownership interest in WeightWatchers.com from approximately 20% to approximately 53% by (i) exercising warrants to purchase WeightWatchers.com common stock for a total purchase price of approximately $45.7 million, (ii) acquiring shares of WeightWatchers.com common stock owned by the employees of WeightWatchers.com and other parties not related to Artal through a merger of a subsidiary of ours with WeightWatchers.com for a total purchase price of approximately $28.4 million and (iii) acquiring additional shares of WeightWatchers.com common stock, representing outstanding stock options then held by WeightWatchers.com employees, for a total purchase price of approximately $62.3 million. On June 13, 2005, WeightWatchers.com also entered into a redemption agreement with Artal to purchase all of the shares of WeightWatchers.com owned by Artal at the same price per share as we paid in the merger. Subsequently, on December 16, 2005, WeightWatchers.com redeemed all of its outstanding common stock held by Artal for a total price of approximately $304.8 million, as provided in the redemption agreement. WeightWatchers.com used cash on hand and the proceeds of two credit facilities in the aggregate amount of $215.0 million to finance this redemption, as well as to pay related fees and expenses. As a result of this redemption, we now own 100% of WeightWatchers.com.

As explained below under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Policies," since April 3, 2004, we have consolidated WeightWatchers.com, initially pursuant to Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 46R, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities" ("FIN 46R") and beginning with the second quarter of 2005, pursuant to Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, "Consolidated Financial Statements" as a result of increasing our ownership interest in WeightWatchers.com to a controlling interest as of July 2, 2005 and to a 100% interest as of December 16, 2005.

Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to December 31^st and consists of either 52- or 53-week periods. References in this prospectus to:

•: "fiscal 2001" refers to our fiscal year ended December 29, 2001;
•: "fiscal 2002" refers to our fiscal year ended December 28, 2002;
•: "fiscal 2003" refers to our fiscal year ended January 3, 2004;
•: "fiscal 2004" refers to our fiscal year ended January 1, 2005;
•: "fiscal 2005" refers to our fiscal year ended December 31, 2005; and
•: "fiscal 2006" refers to our fiscal year ended December 30, 2006.

Market Data

When we make statements in this prospectus about our position or our market share in the global weight management services industry, we are using number of customers as our basis of measurement and are making statements of our belief. This belief is based on data from various sources (including market and industry publications, studies, surveys and forecasts), on estimates and assumptions that we have made based on that data and other sources and our knowledge of the markets for our services and products. While we believe our third party sources are reliable, we have not independently verified market and industry data provided by third parties. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that any of these assumptions are accurate or that our assumptions correctly reflect our position or our market share in our industry.

Trademarks

The following terms used in this prospectus are our trademarks: Weight Watchers®, WeightWatchers.com®, POINTS®, TurnAround®, Core Plan™ and Weight Watchers On-the-Go™.

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this prospectus. It is not complete and may not contain all the information that may be important to you. You should read the entire prospectus and the information incorporated by reference in this prospectus before making an investment decision, especially the information presented under the heading "Risk Factors."

Weight Watchers

Overview

We are a leading global branded consumer company and the leading global provider of weight management services, with a presence in 30 countries around the world. With over four decades of weight management experience, expertise and know-how, we have established Weight Watchers as one of the most recognized and trusted brand names among weight conscious consumers. In 2005, consumers spent over $3.0 billion on Weight Watchers branded products and services, including meetings conducted by us and our franchisees, products sold at meetings, Internet subscription products sold by WeightWatchers.com, licensed products sold in retail channels and magazine subscriptions and other publications. Our revenues and operating income for fiscal 2005 were $1,151.3 million and $302.5 million, respectively. On a consolidated basis, from fiscal 2001 through fiscal 2005, our revenues and operating income have grown at a compound annual rate of 17% and 12%, respectively. Excluding the fiscal 2005 transaction expenses relating to the acquisition of WeightWatchers.com, operating income would have been $348.9 million and would have grown from fiscal 2001 through fiscal 2005 at a compound annual rate of 16%.

The high awareness and credibility of our brand among all types of weight-conscious consumers— women and men, consumers online and offline, the support-inclined and the self-help inclined—provide us with a significant competitive advantage and growth opportunity. As the number of overweight and obese people worldwide grows, we believe our global presence and brand awareness uniquely position us to capture an increasing share of the global weight management market through our core meeting business and our additional growth vehicles, such as WeightWatchers.com and our licensing efforts.

In the more than 40 years since our founding, we have built our meeting business by helping millions of people around the world lose weight through a sensible and sustainable diet, exercise, behavior modification and group support. Each week, approximately 1.5 million members attend approximately 48,000 Weight Watchers meetings around the world, which are run by more than 15,000 leaders—each of whom has lost weight on our programs. We are constantly improving our scientifically based weight management approaches, and we are the only commercial weight management program whose efficacy has been clinically proven. Our strong brand, together with the effectiveness of our programs, loyal customer base and unparalleled network and infrastructure, enable us to attract new and returning members efficiently. Our customer acquisition costs remain relatively low due to both word of mouth referrals and our efficient mass marketing programs.

Through WeightWatchers.com, we offer Internet subscription weight management products to consumers and maintain an interactive presence on the Internet for the Weight Watchers brand. We believe WeightWatchers.com is the leader in weight management Internet subscription products and has twice the market share of its next largest Internet competitor. Currently, we provide two subscription offerings: Weight Watchers Online and Weight Watchers eTools. Weight Watchers Online provides interactive and personalized resources that allow users to follow our weight management plans via the Internet. Weight Watchers eTools is the Internet weight management companion for Weight Watchers meetings members who want to interactively manage the day-to-day aspects of their weight management plans on the Internet. We currently offer these two products in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany and Australia/New Zealand.

Our licensing revenues have been rapidly growing in both the United States and internationally. Companies are showing an increased interest in licensing our brand and other intellectual property as a

platform to build their businesses, since the Weight Watchers brand brings high credibility and access to the weight conscious consumer. By partnering with carefully selected companies in categories relevant and helpful to weight conscious consumers, we have created a highly profitable business as well as a powerful vehicle to reinforce the Weight Watchers brand in the minds of our target consumers.

Our Competitive Strengths

We believe that we have significant competitive advantages that support our leadership position in the weight management industry:

•: Leading Global Weight Management Brand. Our proven track record of more than 40 years of safe and sensible weight management has established Weight Watchers as the leading global weight management brand. We believe that our brand conveys an image of healthy, flexible and effective weight management in a supportive environment. Our brand is widely recognized and trusted throughout the world with retail sales of over $3.0 billion in 2005, including sales by our licensees and franchisees. Currently, over 90% of U.S. women recognize the Weight Watchers brand. We also enjoy strong brand presence in several key international markets, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, France and Australia.
•: Number One Global Market Position. We are the market leader in weight management services in nearly every country in which we operate. We have an unparalleled global network of more than 15,000 leaders running approximately 48,000 meetings each week. Our network of leaders, who have achieved their weight loss goals on our programs, combined with our strong brand, provides us with a formidable competitive advantage. Similarly, by leveraging our over four decades of expertise and investing aggressively in innovative web-based software and industry leading content, we have established WeightWatchers.com as the leading Internet weight management provider in the world.
•: Weight Management Expertise. Our significant weight management expertise greatly enhances our ability to develop effective services and products. We continuously support research and monitor scientific developments in an effort to improve our services and products. We also benefit from an internationally recognized board of scientific advisors as well as our involvement in weight management organizations and agencies around the world. In addition, Weight Watchers is the only commercial weight management program whose efficacy has been demonstrated scientifically. Clinical studies have shown that people who attended Weight Watchers meetings were more likely to lose weight than people who dieted on their own and that people who completed the weight loss and maintenance phases of the Weight Watchers program were able to maintain long-term weight loss.
•: Loyal Customer Base. The quality and the compelling consumer value of our offerings as well as the trust in our brand engender a deep affinity to Weight Watchers. As a result, our meeting members have historically demonstrated a consistent pattern of repeat enrollment over a number of years. On the Internet, WeightWatchers.com's subscription products have high levels of customer satisfaction, strong retention and growing repeat subscriptions. This loyalty to our brand generates significant word-of-mouth referrals which help keep our marketing costs relatively low.
•: Diversified Revenue Streams. Our presence in 30 countries on six continents, including every major weight management market outside of Asia, provides diversified revenue streams across our international markets. In addition, our broad array of services and products, including our meetings, product sales, Internet subscription products and licensing activities, helps us diversify our revenues.
•: Attractive Business Model. Our meetings-based business model features high gross margins and a variable cost structure and consistently generates strong cash flow.

•: High Margins. Over the past five years, our meetings-based business has generated gross margins of over 50% as our cost of sales is primarily limited to the compensation of two or three part-time service providers per meeting, the hourly rental of meeting locations and the cost of products sold. Excluding the fiscal 2005 transaction expenses relating to the acquisition of WeightWatchers.com, since fiscal 2001 our operating income margin has been 30% or higher, as our marketing and general and administrative expenses have represented only approximately 20% of revenues during this period.
•: Variable Cost Structure. Our staff is usually paid on a commission basis and space is typically rented as needed. Moreover, we adjust the number of meetings according to demand, including seasonal fluctuations. This variable cost structure enables us to maintain high margins across varying levels of demand.
•: Strong Cash Flow. Over the past five years, we have generated over $1.0 billion in cash provided by operating activities and our capital expenditures have been less than 1.5% of revenues. We require little new capital to grow because we can add additional meetings with little or no capital expenditures and our members typically pay cash at each meeting or prepay for a series of meetings.

On the Internet, we have built a high growth and profitable subscription business with attractive margins. For fiscal 2005, WeightWatchers.com generated an operating income margin of 40.2%, prior to paying inter-company royalties and excluding transaction expenses related to its acquisition by us, despite significant investment in entering new markets that are still in the early stages of development.

Our Growth Strategies

With our broad range of services and products, we believe we are uniquely positioned to increase our share of the growing global weight management market by:

•

Growing Meetings Penetration. We believe that we have significant long-term growth opportunities in most countries where we have established a meeting infrastructure. We believe that the penetration rate at the end of fiscal 2005 of approximately 20% of our target demographic group, overweight women ages 25 to 64, achieved by all group education-based commercial weight management programs in the United Kingdom demonstrates the potential for significant increases in penetration in our other major existing markets:

•: United States. In NACO, our largest market, our penetration is only approximately 8% of our target demographic group.
•: Continental Europe. In Continental Europe, as a whole, our penetration is approximately 3% of our target demographic group. In Germany, the largest Continental European market, our penetration is still only approximately 4% of our target demographic group.

We expect to increase our penetration in our major existing markets primarily by growing our meeting infrastructure, continuing to improve our program offerings and marketing messages and expanding our target market beyond our current core demographics. In addition, we believe we have the ability to enter new markets as our program has proven adaptable in 30 countries. We also believe that synergies with WeightWatchers.com will further accelerate the growth of our meetings business.

•: Increasing Member Retention. Based on our research, the longer our members attend meetings, the more weight loss success they achieve. We believe we can increase our average member retention by improving how we select and train our service providers and offering new payment alternatives that move our members away from making week-to-week decisions to attend our meetings, thereby encouraging them to stay with us longer.

•: Increasing Product Sales. In fiscal 2005, sales of our proprietary products represented 25% of our revenues. We have grown our product sales per attendee by focusing on a core group of products that complement our plans and help our members and subscribers in their weight management efforts. We currently sell bars, snacks, cookbooks, POINTS calculators and other items. We will continue to optimize our product offerings by updating existing products and selectively introducing new relevant products.
•: Growing WeightWatchers.com. We believe that the market for Internet weight management products is still in the early stages of development and expect it to continue its strong growth. In the five years since WeightWatchers.com offered its first product, it has grown its revenues from $9.0 million in fiscal 2001 to $109.7 million in fiscal 2005. We plan to continue WeightWatchers.com's growth by increasing penetration in existing markets and by launching our Internet subscription products in additional countries. We believe we can significantly increase WeightWatchers.com's still relatively low penetration of its core market of self-help inclined overweight women by increasing awareness of WeightWatchers.com through multi-channel marketing programs and corporate selling efforts. In addition, we believe we can further build our WeightWatchers.com business by continuing to increase our retention and re-subscription rates, developing new offerings targeted towards new customer segments such as men and developing additional revenue sources such as e-Commerce and advertising sales.
•: Developing Corporate Sales Channel. We launched our Corporate Solutions sales and marketing initiative in the United States in 2005 to address the increasing demand by national companies for wellness services and products for their employees. We believe our broad range of services and products uniquely positions us to serve this market and help companies reduce their health care costs and improve the well-being of their employees. Our Corporate Solutions sales and marketing initiative leverages a company's internal communications to promote our services and products directly to its employees. As part of this strategy, we have built a dedicated national sales and account management team focused on engaging national clients.
•: Growing Our Licensing Revenues. We license the Weight Watchers brand and other intellectual property in certain categories of food and other consumer products to carefully selected partners. We believe there are significant opportunities both in the United States and internationally to take advantage of the strength of our brand and other intellectual property through additional licensing agreements. We have recently expanded our global licensing team in order to focus on increasing the number of categories and geographies of our licensed products.

Recent Developments

On June 13, 2005, we entered into an agreement to acquire control of our licensee and affiliate, WeightWatchers.com. On July 1 and 2, 2005, we increased our ownership interest in WeightWatchers.com from approximately 20% to approximately 53%. On June 13, 2005, WeightWatchers.com also entered into a redemption agreement with Artal to purchase all of the shares of WeightWatchers.com owned by Artal. On December 16, 2005, WeightWatchers.com completed the redemption and purchased all of its outstanding shares from Artal. We now own 100% of WeightWatchers.com.

The transactions described above were evaluated, negotiated and recommended by a Special Committee of Weight Watchers International's Board of Directors consisting of its independent directors.

On February 16, 2006, our Board of Directors authorized the initiation of a quarterly cash dividend of $0.175 per share of our common stock, which corresponds to an annual dividend rate of $0.70 per share. The initial quarterly dividend will be payable on April 7, 2006 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 24, 2006.

Our principal executive offices are located at 11 Madison Avenue, 17^th Floor, New York, New York 10010. Our telephone number at that address is (212) 589-2700. Our consumer website is at www.weightwatchers.com. Our investor website is at www.weightwatchersinternational.com. Information on these websites does not constitute part of this prospectus.

The Offering

Common stock offered by the selling shareholders		10,000,000 shares (or 11,500,000 shares if the underwriters exercise the over-allotment option in full)
Total common stock outstanding after this offering		100,454,369 shares
Use of proceeds		We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of shares by the selling shareholders. The selling shareholders will receive all the proceeds from the sale of shares of our common stock offered in this prospectus.
New York Stock Exchange symbol		WTW

The number of shares of common stock shown to be outstanding after this offering is based on the number of shares outstanding as of January 31, 2006. This number excludes:

•: 2,888,641 shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options at an average option exercise price of $28.63;
•: 180,772 shares of our common stock issuable upon the vesting of restricted stock units; and
•: 2,125,921 shares of our common stock reserved for future issuance under our existing stock incentive plans.

Unless we specifically state otherwise, all information in this prospectus assumes no exercise by the underwriters of their over-allotment option.

As of January 31, 2006, the selling shareholders, together with their affiliates, held approximately 64.0% of our outstanding common stock. After giving effect to this offering and assuming no exercise of the underwriters' option to purchase 1,500,000 additional shares, the selling shareholders, together with their affiliates, will own approximately 54.0% of our outstanding common stock.

Summary Historical Consolidated Financial and Other Information

The following table sets forth our summary historical financial and other information for the periods indicated. The summary historical financial information as of and for the fiscal years ended December 29, 2001 and December 28, 2002, and as of January 3, 2004, has been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, which are not included in this prospectus. The summary historical financial information for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2004, and as of and for the fiscal years ended January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2005, has been derived from our audited financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.

As explained below under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Policies," since April 3, 2004, we have consolidated WeightWatchers.com, initially pursuant to Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 46R, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities" ("FIN 46R") and beginning with the second quarter 2005, pursuant to Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, "Consolidated Financial Statements" as a result of increasing our ownership interest in WeightWatchers.com to a controlling interest as of July 2, 2005 and to a 100% interest as of December 16, 2005.

You should read the following summary historical financial and other information in conjunction with "Selected Historical Financial and Other Information," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.

		Fiscal 2001			Fiscal 2002		Fiscal 2003		Fiscal 2004			Fiscal 2005
		(52 weeks)			(52 weeks)		(53 weeks)		(52 weeks)			(52 weeks)
		(in millions, except per share amounts)
Statement of operations information:
Revenues, net		$	623.9		$	809.6	$	943.9	$	1,024.9		$	1,151.3
Cost of revenues			286.4			370.3		440.4		487.1			520.7

	Gross profit		337.5			439.3		503.5		537.8			630.6
Marketing expenses			69.7			81.2		113.6		134.8			158.3
Selling, general and administrative expenses(1)			73.0			61.3		73.8		97.1			169.8

	Operating income(1)		194.8			296.8		316.1		305.9			302.5
Interest expense, net			54.5			42.3		33.7		16.8			21.0
Other expense (income), net			13.4			19.0		2.8		(4.7	)		2.2
Early extinguishment of debt			4.7			—		47.4		4.3			—

	Income before income taxes, minority interest and cumulative effect of accounting change		122.2			235.5		232.2		289.5			279.3
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes			(25.0	)		91.8		88.3		94.5			104.9

	Income before cumulative effect of accounting change		147.2			143.7		143.9		195.0			174.4
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax(2)			—			—		—		(11.9	)		—

	Net income(1)(3)	$	147.2		$	143.7	$	143.9	$	183.1		$	174.4

Preferred stock dividends		$	1.5		$	0.3		—		—			—

	Net income available to common shareholders(1)(3)	$	145.7		$	143.4	$	143.9	$	183.1		$	174.4

Per share information:
Basic earnings per share:
	Income before cumulative effect of accounting change	$	1.34		$	1.35	$	1.35	$	1.86		$	1.70
	Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax		—			—		—		(0.11	)		—

	Net income	$	1.34		$	1.35	$	1.35	$	1.75		$	1.70

Diluted earnings per share:
	Income before cumulative effect of accounting change	$	1.31		$	1.31	$	1.31	$	1.82		$	1.67
	Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax		—			—		—		(0.11	)		—

	Net income	$	1.31		$	1.31	$	1.31	$	1.71		$	1.67

Basic weighted average number of shares			108.7			106.0		106.7		104.7			102.7

Diluted weighted average number of shares			111.6			109.7		109.7		106.9			104.2

(1): As a result of our acquisition of WeightWatchers.com, we incurred $46.4 million in acquisition-related expenses which were recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses for fiscal 2005. These acquisition-related expenses resulted in a reduction to operating income and net income for the period of $46.4 million and $27.6 million, net of taxes, respectively. See note 3 to our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.
(2): Effective April 3, 2004, we consolidated WeightWatchers.com. In accordance with the provisions of FIN 46R, we recorded a charge of $11.9 million, including a tax charge of $9.9 million, in the fiscal quarter ended April 3, 2004 for the cumulative effect of this accounting change. This charge reflects the cumulative impact to our results of operations had WeightWatchers.com been consolidated since its inception in September 1999.
(3): Effective December 30, 2001, we adopted SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangibles Assets," and as a result, we are no longer amortizing our goodwill. Had we adopted this standard at the beginning of fiscal 2001, our net income available to common shareholders would have been $152.0 million for fiscal 2001. See note 2 to our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.

		Fiscal 2001			Fiscal 2002			Fiscal 2003			Fiscal 2004			Fiscal 2005
		(52 weeks)			(52 weeks)			(53 weeks)			(52 weeks)			(52 weeks)
		(In millions)
Other financial information:
Net cash provided by (used in):
	Operating activities	$	121.6		$	164.9		$	233.1		$	252.4		$	296.8
	Investing activities(4)		(120.1	)		(73.9	)		(211.6	)		(65.8	)		(400.3	)
	Financing activities(4)		(21.4	)		(60.5	)		(59.5	)		(180.4	)		103.2
Depreciation and amortization			13.2			4.7			5.9			8.9			12.8
Capital expenditures			3.8			4.9			5.0			5.2			14.6
Balance sheet information (at end of period):
Working capital (deficit)		$	(24.1	)	$	22.0		$	(19.5	)	$	(26.8	)	$	(38.2	)
Total assets			482.8			606.4			770.7			816.2			835.5
Total debt(4)			474.0			454.7			469.9			469.1			746.1
Redeemable preferred stock			26.0			—			—			—			—

(4): Cash used in investing activities in fiscal 2005 included $380.8 million for the acquisition of the remaining interests in WeightWatchers.com. This acquisition was financed in part by borrowings of $215.0 million under new credit facilities of WeightWatchers.com.

RISK FACTORS

An investment in our common stock involves risks. You should consider carefully, in addition to the other information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, the following risk factors before deciding to purchase any shares of our common stock.

Risks Relating To Our Company

Competition from a variety of other weight management industry participants or the development of more effective or more favorably perceived weight management methods could result in decreased demand for our products and services.

The weight management industry is highly competitive. We compete against a wide range of providers of weight management products and services. Our competitors include: self-help weight management regimens and other self-help weight management products and publications such as books, tapes and magazines; commercial weight management programs; Internet weight management approaches; dietary supplements and meal replacement products; weight management services administered by doctors, nutritionists and dieticians; surgical procedures; the pharmaceutical industry; government agencies and non-profit groups that offer weight management services; and fitness centers. Additional competitors may emerge as new or different products or methods of weight management are developed and marketed. More effective or more favorably perceived diet and weight management methods, including pharmaceutical treatments, fat and sugar substitutes or other technological and scientific advances in weight management, also could be developed. This competition may reduce demand for our products and services. Any such decrease may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The purchasing decisions of weight management customers are highly subjective and can be influenced by many factors, such as brand image, marketing programs, cost and perception of the efficacy of the product and service offerings. Moreover, customers can, and frequently do, change weight management approaches easily and at little cost. For example, in fiscal 2003 and fiscal 2004, our revenue growth was adversely affected by increased popularity and media exposure of low-carbohydrate diets.

Our operating results depend on the effectiveness of our marketing and advertising programs.

Our business success depends on our ability to attract and retain members to our meetings and subscribers to WeightWatchers.com. The effectiveness of our marketing practices, in particular our advertising campaigns, is important to our financial performance. If our marketing and advertising campaigns do not generate a sufficient number of members and subscribers, our results of operations will be adversely affected.

If we do not continue to develop innovative new products and services or if our products and services are not accepted by the market, our business may suffer.

The weight management industry is subject to changing customer demands based, in large part, on the efficacy and popular appeal of weight management programs. Our future success depends on our ability to continue to develop and market new products and services and to enhance our existing products and services on a timely basis to respond to new and evolving customer demands, achieve market acceptance and keep pace with new nutritional and weight management developments. We may not be successful in developing, introducing on a timely basis or marketing any new or enhanced products and services, and we cannot assure you that any new or enhanced products or services will be accepted by the market. Our failure to develop new and innovative products and services or the failure

of our products and services to be accepted by the market would have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The Weight Watchers brand could be impaired due to actions taken by our franchisees and licensees.

We believe that the Weight Watchers brand is one of our most valuable assets and that our reputation provides us with a competitive advantage. Our franchisees operate their businesses under our brand. In addition, we license the Weight Watchers brand to third-party manufacturers of a variety of goods, including food products. Because our franchisees and licensees are independent third parties with their own financial objectives, actions taken by them, including breaches of their contractual obligations, such as not following our diets or not maintaining our quality standards, could harm our brand or reputation. Also, the products we license to third parties may be subject to product recalls or other deficiencies. Any negative publicity associated with these actions would adversely affect our reputation and may result in decreased products sales, meeting attendance and Internet subscriptions and, as a result, lower revenues and profits.

Our international operations expose us to economic, political and social risks in the countries in which we operate.

The international nature of our operations involves a number of risks, including changes in U.S. and foreign government regulations, tariffs, taxes and exchange controls, economic downturns, inflation and political and social instability in the countries in which we operate and our dependence on foreign personnel. Foreign government regulations may also restrict our ability to operate in those countries, acquire new businesses or repatriate dividends from foreign subsidiaries back to the United States. We cannot be certain that we will be able to enter and successfully compete in additional foreign markets or that we will be able to continue to compete in the foreign markets in which we currently operate.

We are exposed to foreign currency risks from our international operations that could adversely affect our financial results.

A significant portion of our revenues and operating costs are denominated in foreign currencies. We are therefore exposed to fluctuations in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the currencies in which our foreign operations receive revenues and pay expenses. We do not currently hedge, and have not historically hedged, our operational exposure to foreign currency fluctuations. Our consolidated financial results are denominated in U.S. dollars and therefore, during times of a strengthening U.S. dollar, our reported international revenues and earnings will be reduced because the local currency will translate into fewer U.S. dollars. In addition, the assets and liabilities of our non-U.S. subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rate for the period. Translation adjustments arising from the use of differing exchange rates from period to period are recorded in shareholders' equity as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Translation adjustments arising from intercompany receivables with our foreign subsidiaries are generally recorded as a component of other expense (income). Accordingly, changes in currency exchange rates will cause our net income and shareholders' equity to fluctuate.

We may not successfully make or integrate acquisitions.

As part of our growth strategy, we intend to pursue selected acquisitions. We cannot assure you that we will be able to effect acquisitions on commercially reasonable terms or at all. Even if we enter into these transactions, we may not realize the benefits we anticipate or we may experience: difficulties in integrating any acquired companies and products into our existing business; attrition of key personnel from acquired businesses; significant charges or expenses; higher costs of integration than we

anticipated; or unforeseen operating difficulties that require significant financial and managerial resources that would otherwise be available for the ongoing development or expansion of our existing operations.

Consummating these transactions could also result in the incurrence of additional debt and related interest expense, as well as unforeseen contingent liabilities, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We may also issue additional equity in connection with these transactions, which would dilute our existing shareholders.

Disputes with our franchise operators could divert our management's attention from their ordinary responsibilities.

In the past, we have had disputes with our franchisees regarding operations and other contractual issues. We continue to have disputes with some of our franchisees regarding the interpretation of franchisee rights as they relate to the Internet and mail-order products. These disputes and any future disputes could divert the attention of our management from their ordinary responsibilities.

Our results of operations may decline as a result of a downturn in general economic conditions or consumer confidence.

Our results of operations are highly dependent on meeting fees, product sales and Internet product subscriptions. A downturn in general economic conditions or consumer confidence and spending in any of our major markets, including as a result of a terrorist attack, could result in people curtailing their discretionary spending, which, in turn, could reduce attendance at our meetings, product sales and Internet product subscriptions. Any such reduction would adversely affect our results of operations. In addition, any event that discourages people from gathering with others, including as a result of a health epidemic, could adversely affect our business.

The seasonal nature of our business could cause our operating results to fluctuate.

We have experienced and expect to continue to experience fluctuations in our quarterly results of operations. Our business is seasonal with revenues generally decreasing at year end and during the summer months. This seasonality could cause our share price to fluctuate as the results of an interim financial period may not be indicative of our full year results. Seasonality also impacts relative revenue and profitability of each quarter of the year, both on a quarter-to-quarter and year-over-year basis. The timing of certain holidays, particularly Easter, which precedes the spring diet season and occurs between March 22 and April 25, may affect our results of operations and the year-to-year comparability of our results. For example, in 2006, Easter will fall on April 16, which means that the pre-summer diet season will begin later than it did in 2005. This seasonality could cause our stock price to fluctuate as the comparative change in our results for an interim financial period may not be indicative of our full year results.

In addition, our meeting operations are subject to local conditions beyond our control, including weather, natural disasters and other extraordinary events, that may prevent current or prospective members from attending or joining meetings. For example, our attendance was adversely affected in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 by the impact of Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. The inability of prospective members to join our meetings at the beginning of a diet season could adversely affect our results of operations throughout the entire diet season.

Third parties may infringe on our brand name and other intellectual property rights, which may have an adverse impact on our business.

We currently rely on a combination of trademark, copyright, trade secret, patent and other intellectual property laws and confidentiality procedures to establish and protect our proprietary rights, including our brand name. If we fail to successfully enforce our intellectual property rights, the value of our brand name, products and services could be diminished and our business may suffer. Our precautions may not prevent misappropriation of our intellectual property, particularly in foreign countries where laws or law enforcement practices may not protect our proprietary rights as fully as in the United States. Any legal action that we may bring to protect our brand name and other intellectual property could be unsuccessful and expensive and could divert management's attention from other business concerns. In addition, legal standards relating to the validity, enforceability and scope of protection of intellectual property, especially in Internet-related businesses, are uncertain and evolving. We cannot assure you that these evolving legal standards will sufficiently protect our intellectual property rights in the future.

We may in the future be subject to intellectual property rights claims.

Third parties may in the future make claims against us alleging infringement of their intellectual property rights. Any intellectual property claims, regardless of merit, could be time-consuming and expensive to litigate or settle and could significantly divert management's attention from other business concerns. In addition, if we were unable to successfully defend against such claims, we may have to pay damages, stop selling the product or service or stop using the software, technology or content found to be in violation of a third party's rights, seek a license for the infringing product, service, software, technology or content or develop alternative non-infringing products, services, software, technology or content. If we cannot license, develop alternatives or stop using the product, service, software, technology or content for any infringing aspects of our business, we may be forced to limit our product and service offerings. Any of these results could reduce our revenues and our ability to compete effectively, increase our costs and harm our business.

Any failure of our technology or systems to perform satisfactorily could result in expenditure of significant resources, impair our operations or damage our reputation.

We rely on software, hardware, network systems and similar technology that is either developed by us or licensed from third parties to operate our websites and subscription offerings. As much of this technology is relatively new and complex, there may be future errors, defects or performance problems, including when we update our technology to expand and enhance our capabilities. Our technology may malfunction or suffer from defects that become apparent only after extended uses. In addition, our operations depend on our ability to protect our information technology systems against damage from fire, power loss, water, earthquakes, telecommunications failures, vandalism and other malicious acts and similar unexpected adverse events. Interruptions in our offerings or websites could result from unknown hardware defects, insufficient capacity or the failure of our website hosting and telecommunications providers to provide continuous and uninterrupted service. We do not have a fully redundant system that includes an instant back-up hosting facility. As a result of these possible defects or problems, our websites or subscription products could be rendered unreliable or be perceived as unreliable by customers. Any failure of our technology or systems could result in the expenditure of significant resources, impair our operations or damage our reputation.

Our reputation and the appeal of our products and services offerings may be harmed by security breaches.

Unauthorized users who penetrate our information security could misappropriate proprietary information or cause interruptions to the subscription offerings on our websites. As a result, it may become necessary to expend significant additional amounts of capital and resources to protect against, or to alleviate, problems caused by unauthorized users. These expenditures, however, may not prove to be a timely remedy against unauthorized users who are able to penetrate our information security. In addition to purposeful security breaches, the inadvertent transmission of computer viruses could adversely affect our computer systems and, in turn, harm our business.

An increasing number of states require that customers be notified if a security breach results in the disclosure of their personal financial account or other information. Other states and governmental entities are considering such "notice" laws. In addition, other public disclosure laws may require that material security breaches be reported. If we experience a security breach and such notice or public disclosure is required in the future, our reputation and our business may be harmed. Privacy concerns among prospective and existing customers regarding our use of personal information collected on our websites or through our products and services, such as weight management information, financial data, e-mail addresses and home addresses, could keep them from using our websites or purchasing our products or services. Industry-wide events or events with respect to our websites, including misappropriation of third-party information, security breaches or changes in industry standards, regulations or laws could deter people from using our websites or purchasing our offerings, which could harm our business.

Our businesses are subject to legislative and regulatory restrictions.

A number of laws and regulations govern our advertising, franchise operations and relations with consumers, employees and other service providers in the countries in which we operate. The Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, and certain states and foreign jurisdictions regulate advertising, disclosures to consumers, privacy, consumer pricing or billing arrangements, and other consumer matters.

During the mid-1990s, the FTC filed complaints against a number of commercial weight management providers alleging violations of federal law in connection with the use of advertisements that featured testimonials, claims for program success and program costs. In 1997, we entered into a consent order with the FTC settling all contested issues raised in the complaint filed against us. The consent order requires us to comply with certain procedures and disclosures in connection with our advertisements of products and services.

Since we operate our meetings business both in the United States and internationally, we are subject to many distinct employment, labor and benefits laws in each country in which we operate, including regulations affecting our employment practices and our relations with our employees and service providers. If we are required to comply with new regulations or new interpretations of existing regulations, or if we are unable to comply with these regulations or interpretations, our business could be adversely affected.

Laws and regulations directly applicable to communications or commerce over the Internet, such as those governing intellectual property, privacy, libel and taxation, are becoming more prevalent and remain unsettled.

Future legislation or regulations, including legislation or regulations affecting our marketing and advertising practices, relations with consumers or franchisees or our food and weight management products and services, may have an adverse impact on us.

Our debt service obligations and the restrictions of our debt covenants could impede our operations and flexibility.

Our financial performance could be affected by our level of debt. As of December 31, 2005, our total debt was $746.1 million. Weight Watchers International had, as of December 31, 2005, total debt of $531.1 million and additional availability under its revolving credit facility of $112.2 million. As of December 31, 2005, WeightWatchers.com had total debt of $215.0 million which was incurred to finance its redemption of its shares held by Artal in December 2005.

We expect to generate the cash necessary to pay our expenses and to pay the principal and interest on all of our outstanding debt primarily from our operations. Our ability to meet our expenses and debt service obligations thus depends on our future performance, which may be affected by financial, business, economic, demographic and other factors, such as attitudes toward weight management and pressure from our competitors. If we do not have enough money to pay our debt service obligations, we may be required to refinance all or part of our existing debt, sell assets, borrow more money or raise equity. In such an event, we may not be able to refinance our debt, sell assets, borrow more money or raise equity on terms acceptable to us or at all. In fiscal 2006, our interest expense will increase as a result of the increase in our amount of debt.

Our credit facilities contain customary covenants, including covenants that in certain circumstances restrict our ability to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends on and redeem capital stock, make other restricted payments, including investments, sell our assets and enter into consolidations, mergers and transfers of all or substantially all of our assets. Our credit facilities also require us to maintain specified financial ratios and satisfy financial condition tests, certain of which become more restrictive under WeightWatchers.com's credit facilities over time. Our ability to meet those financial ratios and tests can be affected by events beyond our control and we cannot assure you that we will meet those ratios and tests. A breach of any of these covenants, ratios, tests or restrictions could result in an event of default under the credit facilities. If an event of default exists under the credit facilities, the lenders could elect to cease making loans and declare all amounts outstanding thereunder to be immediately due and payable. If the lenders under the credit facilities accelerate the payment of the indebtedness, our assets may not be sufficient to repay in full that indebtedness and our other indebtedness that would become due as a result of any acceleration.

Risks Related to this Offering

Artal controls us and may have conflicts of interest with other shareholders in the future.

Artal controls us. After this offering, Artal will beneficially own 54.0% of our common stock, or 52.5% of our common stock if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full. Consequently, Artal will continue to be able to control the election and removal of our directors and determine our corporate and management policies, including potential mergers or acquisitions, payment of dividends, asset sales, the amendment of our articles of incorporation or bylaws and other significant corporate transactions. This concentration of our ownership may delay or deter possible changes in control of our company, which may reduce the value of your investment. Even if Artal beneficially owns less than 50% but 10% or more of our common stock, Artal will have the right pursuant to an agreement with us to nominate directors to our Board in proportion to its stock ownership. The interests of Artal may not coincide with the interests of other holders of our common stock.

We are a "controlled company" within the meaning of the New York Stock Exchange rules and, as a result, qualify for exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements.

Artal controls a majority of the voting power of our outstanding common stock. Under the New York Stock Exchange rules, a listed company of which more than 50% of the voting power is held by

another person or group of persons acting together is a "controlled company" and such a company may elect not to comply with certain New York Stock Exchange corporate governance requirements, including (1) the requirement that a majority of the Board of Directors consist of independent directors, (2) the requirement that the nominating and corporate governance committee be composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee's purpose and responsibilities, (3) the requirement that the compensation committee be composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee's purpose and responsibilities and (4) the requirement for an annual performance evaluation of the nominating and corporate governance and compensation committees. We have elected to be treated as a "controlled company." Accordingly, our shareholders may not have the same protections afforded to shareholders of companies that are subject to all of the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance requirements.

Future sales of our shares, or the perception of such future sales, could cause our stock price to decline.

The market price of our common stock could decline as a result of sales of a large number of shares of our common stock in the market after this offering or the perception that these sales may occur. These sales, or the possibility that these sales may occur, also might make it more difficult for us to sell equity securities in the future at a time and at a price that we deem appropriate.

As of January 31, 2006, there were 100,454,369 shares of our common stock outstanding. Subject to the lock-up provisions described below and certain management and employee shareholders agreements, all of these shares will be freely tradeable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act"), as amended, by persons other than our affiliates within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act.

Following this offering, Artal will own 54,265,825 shares of our common stock, or 52,765,825 shares if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full. Artal will be able to sell its shares in the public market from time to time, subject to certain limitations on the timing, amount and method of those sales imposed by SEC regulations. Artal and the underwriters have agreed to a "lock-up" period, meaning that Artal may not sell any of its shares without the prior consent of Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and UBS Securities LLC for 90 days after the date of this prospectus, which may be extended under certain circumstances. However, this lock-up arrangement is subject to a number of exceptions. Artal has the right to cause us to register the sale of shares of common stock owned by it and to include its shares in future registration statements relating to our securities. If Artal were to sell a large number of its shares, the market price of our stock could decline significantly. In addition, the perception in the public markets that sales by Artal might occur could also adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

In the future, we may issue our common stock in connection with investments. The amount of our common stock issued in connection with an investment could constitute a material portion of our then outstanding common stock.

Our articles of incorporation and bylaws and Virginia corporate law contain provisions that may discourage a takeover attempt.

Provisions contained in our articles of incorporation and bylaws and the laws of Virginia, the state in which we are incorporated, could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us, even if doing so might be beneficial to our shareholders. Provisions of our articles of incorporation and bylaws impose various procedural and other requirements, which could make it more difficult for shareholders to effect certain corporate actions. For example, our articles of incorporation authorize our Board of Directors to determine the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of unissued series of preferred stock, without any vote or action by our shareholders. Thus, our Board of Directors can authorize and

issue shares of preferred stock with voting or conversion rights that could adversely affect the voting or other rights of holders of our common stock. These rights may have the effect of delaying or deterring a change of control of our company. In addition, a change of control of our company may be delayed or deterred as a result of our having three classes of directors or as a result of the shareholders' rights plan adopted by our Board of Directors. These provisions could limit the price that certain investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock.

The market price of our common stock may be volatile, which could cause the value of your investment to decline.

The price you pay in this offering may not reflect the market price of our common stock following this offering and we cannot assure you that the market price will equal or exceed the price you pay in this the offering. The trading price of our common stock may be subject to wide fluctuations. Factors affecting the trading price of our common stock may include:

•: variations in our financial results;
•: announcements of new business initiatives by us or by our competitors;
•: recruitment or departure of key personnel;
•: changes in the estimates of our financial results, or any failure by us to meet or exceed any such estimates, or changes in the recommendations of any securities analysts that elect to follow our common stock or the common stock of our competitors; and
•: market conditions in our industry and the economy as a whole.

In addition, if the market for weight management products and services or the stock market in general experiences loss of investor confidence, the trading price of our common stock could decline in spite of our operating performance. The trading price of our common stock may also decline in reaction to events that affect other companies in our industry even if these events do not directly affect us. You may be unable to resell your shares of our common stock at or above the offering price.

If securities analysts do not publish research or reports about our business or if they downgrade our stock or our sector, the price of our stock could decline.

The trading market for our common stock will rely in part on the research and reports that industry or financial analysts publish about us or our business. We cannot control what these analysts publish. Furthermore, if one or more of the analysts who do cover us downgrades our stock or our industry, or the stock of any of our competitors, the price of our stock could decline. If one or more of these analysts ceases coverage of our company, we could lose visibility in the market, which in turn could cause our stock price to decline.

CAUTIONARY NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus include "forward-looking statements," within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including, in particular, the statements about our plans, strategies and prospects under the headings "Prospectus Summary," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Business." We have used the words "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "plan," "intend" and similar expressions in this prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current views with respect to future events and financial performance. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including, among other things:

•: competition, including price competition and competition with self-help, pharmaceutical, surgical, dietary supplements and meal replacement products, and other weight management brands, diets, programs and products;
•: risks associated with the relative success of our marketing and advertising;
•: risks associated with the continued attractiveness of our plans;
•: risks associated with general economic conditions and consumer confidence; and
•: the other factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors."

You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. You should understand that many important factors, including those discussed under the headings "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed or suggested in any forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, we do not undertake any obligation to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date of this prospectus or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated events.

USE OF PROCEEDS

We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of shares by the selling shareholders. The selling shareholders will receive all the proceeds from the sale of the shares of our common stock in this offering.

DIVIDEND POLICY

On February 16, 2006, our Board of Directors authorized the initiation of a quarterly cash dividend of $0.175 per share of our outstanding common stock, which corresponds to an annual dividend rate of $0.70 per share. The initial quarterly dividend will be payable on April 7, 2006 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 24, 2006. Prior to this recently announced dividend, we had not declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock since our acquisition by Artal in 1999.

Any decision to declare and pay dividends in the future will be made at the discretion of our Board of Directors, after taking into account our financial results, capital requirements and other factors they may deem relevant. Our Board of Directors may decide at any time to decrease the amount of dividends or discontinue the payment of dividends based on these factors. The Weight Watchers International credit facility also contains restrictions on our ability to pay dividends on our common stock. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Dividends" for a description of these restrictions.

PRICE RANGE OF OUR COMMON STOCK

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, or the NYSE. Our common stock trades on the NYSE under the symbol "WTW."

The following table sets forth, for the period indicated, the high and low sales prices per share for our common stock as reported on the NYSE consolidated tape.

Fiscal 2006

		High			Low
First Quarter (through March 7, 2006)		$	54.11		$	45.51

Fiscal 2005

	High		Low
First Quarter	$	47.49	$	40.51
Second Quarter	$	54.00	$	40.07
Third Quarter	$	58.95	$	50.88
Fourth Quarter	$	53.81	$	44.69

Fiscal 2004

	High		Low
First Quarter	$	43.95	$	35.82
Second Quarter	$	43.26	$	31.83
Third Quarter	$	41.95	$	34.05
Fourth Quarter	$	46.35	$	35.04

The closing sale price of our common stock, as reported by the NYSE, on March 7, 2006 was $51.53. As of January 31, 2006, there were 319 holders of record of our common stock, not including beneficial owners of shares registered in nominee or street name.

CAPITALIZATION

The following table sets forth our cash and our capitalization as of December 31, 2005. You should read this table in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.

			December 31, 2005
			(in millions)
Cash			$	31.5

Long-term debt (including current maturities):
	Credit facilities(1)		$	746.1

		Total long-term debt		746.1

Shareholders' deficit:
	Common stock, no par value (1,000,000,000 authorized, 111,987,587 issued and outstanding, including treasury stock)			—
	Deferred compensation			(8.4	)
	Treasury stock, at cost, 11,410,140 shares			(390.9	)
	Dividend paid to Artal(2)			(304.8	)
	Retained earnings			617.5
	Accumulated other comprehensive income			6.0

		Total shareholders' deficit		(80.6	)

		Total capitalization	$	665.5

(1): We currently have credit facilities at both Weight Watchers International (WWI Credit Facility) and WeightWatchers.com (WW.com Credit Facilities). The WWI Credit Facility consists of a $147.0 million term loan B, a $148.1 million additional term loan B and a $350.0 million revolving credit facility, of which $236.0 million was drawn at December 31, 2005. As of December 31, 2005, $112.2 million was available under the revolving credit facility for additional borrowings, net of outstanding letters of credit. The WW.com Credit Facilities consist of a $170.0 million senior secured lien term loan and a $45.0 million senior secured second lien term loan.
(2): As a result of WeightWatchers.com's redemption of its shares held by Artal, the full redemption amount of $304.8 million is recorded as a dividend paid to Artal because the agreement is considered to be a transaction between entities under common control as defined by EITF 02-05 Definition of "Common Control" in Relation to FASB Statement No. 141.

The table set forth above is based on the number of shares of our common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2005. This table does not reflect:

•: 2,824,851 shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options at an average exercise price of $28.14;
•: 181,399 shares of our common stock issuable upon the vesting of restricted stock units; and
•: 2,201,141 shares of our common stock available for future issuance under our existing stock incentive plans.

SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL AND OTHER INFORMATION

The following table sets forth our selected historical financial and other information for the periods indicated. The selected historical financial information as of and for the fiscal years ended December 29, 2001 and December 28, 2002, and as of January 3, 2004, has been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, which are not included in this prospectus. The selected historical financial information for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2004, and as of and for the fiscal years ended January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2005, has been derived from our audited financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.

As explained below under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Policies," since April 3, 2004, we have consolidated WeightWatchers.com, initially pursuant to FIN 46R and beginning with the second quarter 2005, pursuant to Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, "Consolidated Financial Statements" as a result of our increasing ownership interest in WeightWatchers.com to a controlling interest as of July 2, 2005 and to a 100% interest as of December 16, 2005.

You should read the following selected historical financial and other information in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.

		Fiscal 2001			Fiscal 2002		Fiscal 2003		Fiscal 2004			Fiscal 2005
		(52 weeks)			(52 weeks)		(53 weeks)		(52 weeks)			(52 weeks)
		(in millions, except per share amounts)
Statement of operations information:
Revenues, net		$	623.9		$	809.6	$	943.9	$	1,024.9		$	1,151.3
Cost of revenues			286.4			370.3		440.4		487.1			520.7

	Gross profit		337.5			439.3		503.5		537.8			630.6
Marketing expenses			69.7			81.2		113.6		134.8			158.3
Selling, general and administrative expenses(1)			73.0			61.3		73.8		97.1			169.8

	Operating income(1)		194.8			296.8		316.1		305.9			302.5
Interest expense, net			54.5			42.3		33.7		16.8			21.0
Other (income) expense, net			13.4			19.0		2.8		(4.7	)		2.2
Early extinguishment of debt			4.7			—		47.4		4.3			—

	Income before income taxes, minority interest and cumulative effect of accounting change		122.2			235.5		232.2		289.5			279.3
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes			(25.0	)		91.8		88.3		94.5			104.9

Income before cumulative effect of accounting change			147.2			143.7		143.9		195.0			174.4
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax(2)			—			—		—		(11.9	)		—

Net income(1)(3)		$	147.2		$	143.7	$	143.9	$	183.1		$	174.4

Preferred stock dividends		$	1.5		$	0.3		—		—			—

	Net income available to common shareholders(1)(3)	$	145.7		$	143.4	$	143.9	$	183.1		$	174.4

Per share information:
Basic earnings per share:
	Income before cumulative effect of accounting change	$	1.34		$	1.35	$	1.35	$	1.86		$	1.70
	Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax		—			—		—		(0.11	)		—

	Net income	$	1.34		$	1.35	$	1.35	$	1.75		$	1.70

Diluted earnings per share:
	Income before cumulative effect of accounting change	$	1.31		$	1.31	$	1.31	$	1.82		$	1.67
	Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax		—			—		—		(0.11	)		—

	Net income	$	1.31		$	1.31	$	1.31	$	1.71		$	1.67

Basic weighted average number of shares			108.7			106.0		106.7		104.7			102.7

Diluted weighted average number of shares			111.6			109.7		109.7		106.9			104.2

(1): As a result of our acquisition of WeightWatchers.com, we incurred $46.4 million in acquisition-related expenses which were recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses for fiscal 2005. These acquisition-related expenses resulted in a reduction to operating income and net income for the period of $46.4 million and $27.6 million, net of taxes, respectively. See note 3 to our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.
(2): Effective April 3, 2004, we consolidated WeightWatchers.com. In accordance with the provisions of FIN 46R, we recorded a charge of $11.9 million, including a tax charge of $9.9 million, in the fiscal quarter ended April 3, 2004 for the cumulative effect of this accounting change. This charge reflects the cumulative impact to our results of operations had WeightWatchers.com been consolidated since its inception in September 1999.
(3): Effective December 30, 2001, we adopted SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," and as a result, we are no longer amortizing our goodwill. Had we adopted this standard at the beginning of fiscal 2001, our net income available to common shareholders would have been $152.0 million for fiscal 2001. See note 2 to our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.

		Fiscal 2001			Fiscal 2002			Fiscal 2003			Fiscal 2004			Fiscal 2005
		(52 weeks)			(52 weeks)			(53 weeks)			(52 weeks)			(52 weeks)
		(in millions)
Other financial information:
Net cash provided by (used in):
	Operating activities	$	121.6		$	164.9		$	233.1		$	252.4		$	296.8
	Investing activities(4)		(120.1	)		(73.9	)		(211.6	)		(65.8	)		(400.3	)
	Financing activities(4)		(21.4	)		(60.5	)		(59.5	)		(180.4	)		103.2
Depreciation and amortization			13.2			4.7			5.9			8.9			12.8
Capital expenditures			3.8			4.9			5.0			5.2			14.6
Balance sheet information (at end of period):
Working capital (deficit)		$	(24.1	)	$	22.0		$	(19.5	)	$	(26.8	)	$	(38.2	)
Total assets			482.8			606.4			770.7			816.2			835.5
Total debt(4)			474.0			454.7			469.9			469.1			746.1
Redeemable securities:
	Preferred stock		26.0			—			—			—			—

(4): Cash used in investing activities in fiscal 2005 included $380.8 million for the acquisition of the remaining interests in WeightWatchers.com. This acquisition was financed in part by borrowings of $215.0 million under new credit facilities of WeightWatchers.com.

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

You should read the following discussion in conjunction with "Selected Historical Financial and Other Information" and our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. The discussion in this prospectus contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, such as statements of our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions. The cautionary statements discussed in "Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and elsewhere in this prospectus should be read as applying to all related forward-looking statements wherever they appear in this prospectus. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed here. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include, without limitation, those discussed in "Risk Factors".

Overview

We are a leading global branded consumer company and the leading global provider of weight management services, with a presence in 30 countries around the world. With over four decades of weight management experience, expertise and know-how, we have established Weight Watchers as one of the most recognized and trusted brand names among weight conscious consumers. In 2005, consumers spent over $3.0 billion on Weight Watchers branded products and services, including meetings conducted by us and our franchisees, products sold at meetings, Internet subscription products sold by WeightWatchers.com, licensed products sold in retail channels and magazine subscriptions and other publications. On a consolidated basis, from fiscal 2001 through fiscal 2005, our revenues and operating income have grown at a compound annual growth rate of 17% and 12%, respectively.

We currently have two operating segments: Weight Watchers International and WeightWatchers.com. Since April 3, 2004, we have consolidated WeightWatchers.com, initially pursuant to FIN 46R and beginning with the second quarter of fiscal 2005, pursuant to Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, "Consolidated Financial Statements" as a result of increasing our ownership interest in WeightWatchers.com to a controlling interest as of July 2, 2005 and to a 100% interest as of December 16, 2005.

We derive our revenues principally from:

•: Meeting fees. Members pay us a weekly fee to attend our meetings.
•: Product sales. We sell proprietary products that complement our weight management plans, such as bars, snacks, cookbooks, POINTS value guides, Weight Watchers magazines and POINTS calculators, primarily to members in our meetings and to our franchisees.
•: Online revenues. We generate revenue from our Internet subscription products and from the sale of Internet advertising.
•: Licensing, franchise royalties and other. We license the Weight Watchers brand and other intellectual property for certain foods and other products. In addition, our franchisees typically pay us a royalty fee of 10% of their meeting fee revenues. We also generate revenues from our magazines and third-party advertising in our publications.

Other than online revenues, all of the foregoing sources of revenue are included in our Weight Watchers International operating segment.

The following table sets forth our revenues by category for fiscal 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005.

Revenue Sources
(Amounts in millions)

	Fiscal 2001		Fiscal 2002		Fiscal 2003		Fiscal 2004		Fiscal 2005
	(52 weeks)		(52 weeks)		(53 weeks)		(52 weeks)		(52 weeks)
Meeting fees	$	415.7	$	520.7	$	607.2	$	629.1	$	681.1
Product sales		170.4		237.6		276.8		274.6		285.5
Online revenues		—		—		—		65.0		109.7
Licensing, franchise royalties and other		37.8		51.3		59.9		56.2		75.0

Total	$	623.9	$	809.6	$	943.9	$	1,024.9	$	1,151.3

From fiscal 2001 through fiscal 2005, our revenues have increased at a compound annual growth rate of 17%. This increase is principally a result of:

•: Increased NACO meeting attendance. Our NACO meeting attendance, including the impact of our acquisitions, grew from 23.5 million for fiscal 2001 to 33.5 million for fiscal 2005, a compound annual growth rate of 9.2%. This growth resulted from our program innovations, as well as our acquisitions of franchise operations over that period.
•: Accelerated growth in Continental Europe. From fiscal 2001 to fiscal 2005, attendance in our Continental European operations grew at a compound annual rate of 7.5% as a result of adapting our business model to local conditions, implementing more aggressive marketing programs tailored to the local markets and increasing the number of meetings ahead of anticipated demand.
•: Increased product sales. Global product sales have grown at a compound annual rate of 13.8% from fiscal 2001 to fiscal 2005 as a result of our growing attendance and launching new products successfully. In our meetings, we have increased average product sales per attendee from $2.75 to $3.88 over the same period.
•: Consolidation of WeightWatchers.com. Effective April 3, 2004, we began consolidating WeightWatchers.com. As a result of this consolidation, we have included $65.0 million and $109.7 million of WeightWatchers.com revenues in our results of operations for fiscal 2004 and fiscal 2005, respectively.
•: Increased licensing revenues. Licensing revenues grew at a compound annual rate of 99.9% from fiscal 2001 to fiscal 2005 primarily as a result of our increased focus on expanding the number of Weight Watchers branded products worldwide and the reversion to us at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2004 of revenues from certain third party licenses which had been paid to the H.J. Heinz Company, or Heinz, up until that time.

As shown in the chart below, our worldwide annual attendance (including the acquisitions of franchise operations) in our company-owned operations has grown by 29.6%, from 47.0 million for fiscal 2001 to 60.9 million for fiscal 2005.

Meeting Attendance in Company-Owned Operations
(in millions)

	Fiscal 2001	Fiscal 2002	Fiscal 2003	Fiscal 2004	Fiscal 2005
	(52 weeks)	(52 weeks)	(53 weeks)	(52 weeks)	(52 weeks)
North America	23.5	30.8	34.6	32.3	33.5
United Kingdom	11.6	11.9	12.8	13.0	12.6
Continental Europe	8.7	9.2	10.1	11.2	11.6
Other International	3.2	3.4	3.3	3.4	3.2

Total	47.0	55.3	60.8	59.9	60.9

Beginning in late 2003, our NACO attendance growth was adversely affected by increased media exposure to and the resulting popularity of low-carbohydrate diets, which continued through 2004. Beginning in the third quarter of fiscal 2004 through the first quarter of fiscal 2005, the declines in organic NACO attendance (excluding the impact of acquisitions) versus prior year periods steadily improved from minus 16.7% in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 to minus 13.9% in the third quarter of fiscal 2004 to minus 8.7% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004 and to minus 5.1% in the first quarter of fiscal 2005. After that, NACO attendance versus prior year periods moved into positive territory and has posted increases since, up 5.3%, 2.5% and 6.5% in the second, third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2005, respectively. The third quarter of fiscal 2005 grew at a slower pace, due to the impact of Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. With the decline in the low-carb diet phenomenon, we believe that weight conscious consumers are now moving back to healthier, more balanced approaches to weight management, which should continue to benefit our business.

In the United Kingdom after four years of attendance increases, attendance declined to 12.6 million, a decrease of 3.1%, in fiscal 2005, primarily as a result of the added complexity of a new program innovation. We do not expect our U.K. attendance trend to improve until the second half of fiscal 2006. In Continental Europe, attendance increased 1.1 million in fiscal 2004 primarily as a result of a program innovation in the third quarter. We maintained this increased attendance in Continental Europe in fiscal 2005.

We have maintained an annual gross margin in the Weight Watchers International operating segment of 50% or more since fiscal 2001. Our staff is usually paid on a commission basis and space is typically rented as needed. Moreover, we adjust the number of meetings according to demand, including seasonal fluctuations. This variable cost structure has enabled us to maintain these high margins even as we have expanded the number of our meetings over this period. When our attendance growth outpaces our meeting growth, our gross margins typically improve.

The Weight Watchers International operating segment has consistently generated operating income margin of 30% or more since fiscal 2001 even while making significant investments in strengthening our management teams particularly in North America and Continental Europe and putting in place a stronger global marketing infrastructure.

Performance Indicators and Market Trends

Our management reviews and analyzes several key performance indicators in order to manage our business and assess the quality of and potential variability of our cash flows and earnings. These key performance indicators include:

•: net revenues, which are an indicator of our overall business growth;

•: attendance;
•: meeting fee revenue per attendee and in-meeting product sales per attendee;
•: the number of WeightWatchers.com subscribers; and
•: operating expenses as a percentage of revenue, which is an indicator of the efficiency of our business and our ability to manage our business to budget.

We believe that our revenues and profitability can be sensitive to major trends in the weight management industry. In particular, we believe that our business could be adversely impacted by:

•: the development of more favorably perceived or more effective weight management methods, including pharmaceuticals;
•: the temporary emergence of fad diets;
•: a failure to develop innovative new products and services;
•: a decrease in the effectiveness of our marketing and advertising programs; and
•: an impairment of the Weight Watchers brand and other intellectual property.

Acquisitions

Acquisition of WeightWatchers.com

On June 13, 2005, WeightWatchers.com also entered into a redemption agreement with Artal to purchase all of the shares of WeightWatchers.com owned by Artal at the same price per share as we paid in the merger. Subsequently, on December 16, 2005, WeightWatchers.com redeemed all of its outstanding common stock held by Artal for a total price of approximately $304.8 million as provided in the redemption agreement. WeightWatchers.com used cash on hand and the proceeds of the WW.com Credit Facilities in the aggregate amount of $215.0 million to finance this redemption as well as pay related fees and expenses. As a result of this redemption, we now own 100% of WeightWatchers.com.

The transactions described above relating to WeightWatchers.com were evaluated, negotiated and recommended by a Special Committee of Weight Watchers International's Board of Directors consisting of its independent directors.

Franchise Acquisitions

From time to time, we repurchase franchise territories. Since the beginning of fiscal 2001, we have acquired nine franchise operations for a total of approximately $433.8 million. These acquisitions are typically accretive to our earnings per share. For fiscal 2005, franchise operations accounted for approximately 21% of total worldwide attendance at Weight Watchers meetings.

Critical Accounting Policies

"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP"). The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and judgments, including those related to inventories, the impairment analysis for goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets, income taxes, and contingencies and litigation. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other factors and assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the bases for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

We believe the following accounting policies are most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and require our most significant judgments and estimates.

Revenue Recognition

We earn revenue by conducting meetings, selling products in our meetings and to our franchisees, selling Internet subscription products, collecting commissions from franchisees, collecting royalties related to licensing agreements and selling advertising space in and copies of our magazine. We charge non-refundable registration fees in exchange for an introductory information session and materials we provide to new members in our meeting business. Revenue from these registration fees is recognized when the service and products are provided, which is generally at the same time payment is received from the customer. Revenue from meeting fees, product sales, commissions and royalties is recognized when services are rendered, products are shipped to customers and title and risk of loss pass to the customer, and commissions and royalties are earned. Advertising revenue is recognized when ads are published. Revenue from magazine sales is recognized when the magazine is sent to the customer. Deferred revenue, consisting of prepaid meeting fees and magazine subscription revenue, is amortized into income over the period earned. Discounts to customers, including free registration offers, are recorded as a deduction from gross revenue in the period such revenue was recognized.

WeightWatchers.com primarily generates revenue from monthly Internet subscriptions. Subscription fee revenues are recognized over the period that products are provided. One time sign up fees are deferred and recognized over the expected customer relationship period. Subscription fee revenues that are paid in advance are deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis over the subscription period.

We grant refunds under limited circumstances and at aggregate amounts that historically have not been material. Because the period of payment of the refund generally approximates the period revenue was originally recognized, refunds are recorded as a reduction of revenue when paid.

Goodwill and Other Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets

Finite-lived intangible assets are being amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives of three to 20 years. Effective December 30, 2001, we adopted SFAS No. 141, "Business Combinations" and SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." As a result, we no longer amortize goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets, but instead, review these assets for potential impairment on at least an annual basis. We performed fair value impairment testing as of December 31, 2005 and January 1, 2005 on our goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets and determined that the carrying amounts of these assets did not exceed their respective fair values and therefore, no impairment existed. When determining fair value, we utilize various assumptions, including projections of future cash flows. A change in these underlying assumptions will cause a

change in the results of the tests and, as such, could cause fair value to be less than the carrying amounts. Upon such an event, we would be required to record a corresponding charge, which would impact earnings. We would also be required to reduce the carrying amounts of the related assets on our balance sheet. We continue to evaluate these estimates and assumptions and believe that these assumptions, which included an estimate of future cash flows based upon the anticipated performance of the underlying business units, were appropriate.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging

Prior to the extinguishment of our euro denominated 13% Senior Subordinated Notes in 2004, we entered into forward and swap contracts to hedge transactions denominated in foreign currencies in order to reduce currency risk associated with fluctuating exchange rates. These contracts were used primarily to hedge payments arising from those foreign currency denominated obligations. We currently enter into interest rate swaps to hedge a substantial portion of our variable rate debt. These contracts are used primarily to reduce the risk associated with variable interest rate debt obligations.

We account for our hedging instruments under the provisions of SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," and its related amendments, SFAS No. 138, "Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities" and SFAS No. 149, "Amendment of Statement on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," which require that all derivative financial instruments be recorded on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value as either assets or liabilities. Fair value adjustments for qualifying derivative instruments are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income and will be included in earnings in the periods in which earnings are affected by the hedged item. Fair value adjustments for non-qualifying derivative instruments are recorded in our results of operations.

Consolidation

On January 17, 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Interpretation No. 46 ("FIN 46"), to clarify when an entity should consolidate another entity known as a variable interest entity ("VIE"). The standard required that, under certain circumstances, separate businesses with some common ownership be consolidated for financial reporting purposes. Upon adoption of the original FIN 46, we did not meet those circumstances, and we therefore did not consolidate WeightWatchers.com's financial statements into our 2003 and prior reported financial statements.

On December 24, 2003, the FASB issued FIN 46R, which replaced FIN 46. FIN 46R is applicable for financial statements issued for reporting periods after March 15, 2004. FIN 46R requires that an entity consolidate a VIE if that enterprise has a variable interest that will absorb a majority of the VIE's expected losses, will receive a majority of the VIE's expected residual returns, or both.

Based on the revisions in FIN 46R, we were required to reevaluate our relationship with our affiliate and licensee, WeightWatchers.com. In the course of this reevaluation, we determined that WeightWatchers.com was a VIE under FIN 46R and that we were its primary beneficiary under this regulation. Effective April 3, 2004, we consolidated WeightWatchers.com. In accordance with the provisions of FIN 46R, we recorded a charge of $11.9 million, including a tax charge of $9.9 million, in the fiscal quarter ended April 3, 2004 for the cumulative effect of this accounting change. This charge reflects the cumulative impact to our results of operations had WeightWatchers.com been consolidated since its inception in September 1999. Beginning in our first fiscal quarter ended April 3, 2004, our consolidated balance sheet includes the balance sheet of WeightWatchers.com. Effective at the beginning of the second quarter of fiscal 2004, our consolidated statement of operations and statement of cash flows include the results of WeightWatchers.com. All intercompany balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

As discussed above, WeightWatchers.com is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Weight Watchers International. Therefore, we consolidate 100% of the results of WeightWatchers.com under the traditional rules of consolidation rather than under the provisions of FIN 46R. Since we adopted FIN 46R on the last day of the first quarter of fiscal 2004, commencing in the second quarter of fiscal 2005 and forward, our quarterly consolidated results are comparable with respect to the inclusion of WeightWatchers.com's results.

Income Taxes

Deferred income taxes result primarily from temporary differences between financial and tax reporting. If it is more likely than not that some portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized, a valuation allowance is recognized. We consider historic levels of income, estimates of future taxable income and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for a tax valuation allowance. We also establish an appropriate level of additional provisions for income taxes in the event that certain positions, which we believe are fully supportable, are challenged by the tax authorities. We adjust these additional provisions in light of changing facts and circumstances. If our filing positions are ultimately upheld under audits by respective taxing authorities, the provision for income taxes in future years will reflect favorable adjustments.

Capitalized Software Development

We follow the provisions of AICPA Statement of Position 98-1, "Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use," or SOP 98-1, which requires the capitalization of certain costs incurred in connection with developing or obtaining software for internal use. These costs are amortized to cost of revenue over a period of three years, the estimated useful life of the software. We periodically evaluate for impairment capitalized software development costs by considering, among other factors, whether the software is still expected to provide substantive service potential, and whether a significant change is being made or will be made to the software.

Weight Watchers International Results of Operations

As explained above under "—Critical Accounting Policies," since April 3, 2004, we have consolidated WeightWatchers.com, initially pursuant to FIN 46R and beginning with the second quarter of fiscal 2005, pursuant to Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, "Consolidated Financial Statements" as a result of our increased ownership interest in WeightWatchers.com.

Comparison of Fiscal 2005 (52 weeks) to Fiscal 2004 (52 weeks)

As a result of the July 2, 2005 transaction which increased Weight Watchers International's ownership in WeightWatchers.com from approximately 20% to approximately 53%, our consolidated results for fiscal 2005 include certain transaction-related expenses.

The table below shows the consolidated income statements for fiscal 2005 and fiscal 2004 on a comparable basis adjusted for these 2005 transaction expenses.

		Fiscal 2005
		Reported Results		Less Transaction Expenses			Reported Results Less Transaction Expenses		Fiscal 2004			Increase/ (Decrease)
		(in millions, except per share data)
Consolidated Results
Revenues		$	1,151.3	$	—		$	1,151.3	$	1,024.9		$	126.4
Cost of revenues			520.7		—			520.7		487.1			33.6

	Gross profit		630.6		—			630.6		537.8			92.8
Marketing expenses			158.3		—			158.3		134.8			23.5
Selling, general and administrative expenses			169.8		46.4			123.4		97.1			26.3

	Operating income		302.5		(46.4	)		348.9		305.9			43.0
Interest expense, net			21.0		—			21.0		16.8			4.2
Other (income)/expense, net			2.2		—			2.2		(4.7	)		6.9
Early extinguishment of debt			—		—			—		4.3			(4.3	)

Income before taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change			279.3		(46.4	)		325.7		289.5			36.2
Provision for income taxes			104.9		(18.8	)		123.7		94.5			29.2

	Income before cumulative effect of accounting change		174.4		(27.6	)		202.0		195.0			7.0
	Cumulative effect of accounting change		—		—			—		(11.9	)		11.9

	Net income	$	174.4	$	(27.6	)	$	202.0	$	183.1		$	18.9

	Weighted averge diluted common shares outstanding		104.2		104.2			104.2		107.0
	Diluted EPS	$	1.67	$	(0.27	)	$	1.94	$	1.71		$	0.23

Our consolidated reported net income was $174.4 million for fiscal 2005. This included transaction expenses of $46.4 million, $27.6 million net of taxes. Absent these expenses, net income was $202.0 million as compared to $183.1 million in fiscal 2004.

While our fiscal 2005 consolidated results included 12 months of WeightWatchers.com results, our fiscal 2004 consolidated results included only nine months of WeightWatchers.com due to the timing of the adoption of FIN 46R at the beginning of the second quarter of fiscal 2004. The impact of consolidating WeightWatchers.com for all four quarters in fiscal 2005 compared to the three quarters in fiscal 2004 represented $24.3 million of the increase in total revenues and $17.6 million and $5.6 million of the increase in gross profit and operating income, respectively, as described in more detail below.

Net revenues were $1,151.3 million for fiscal 2005, an increase of $126.4 million, or 12.3%, from $1,024.9 million for fiscal 2004. The $126.4 million increase was driven by a $52.0 million increase in meeting fees, a $44.7 million increase in online revenues (including $26.3 million attributable to the first quarter of fiscal 2004 which, as mentioned above, was not included in the consolidated results for the full fiscal year 2004), a $21.5 million increase in licensing revenues, and a $10.8 million increase in product sales. Due to the timing of the adoption of FIN 46R, our fiscal 2004 consolidated results included one quarter of WeightWatchers.com royalty income of $2.0 million. Included in the $126.4 million increase in net revenues is a benefit of approximately $3.8 million from foreign currency exchange rates.

For fiscal 2005, total meeting fees were $681.1 million, an increase of $52.0 million, or 8.3%, from $629.1 million in fiscal 2004. Total attendances increased 1.7% reaching 60.9 million versus 59.9 million

in the prior year period. Meeting fee growth outpaced attendance growth primarily as a result of price increases in NACO and the United Kingdom.

In NACO, meeting fees for fiscal 2005 were $417.0 million, up 11.8% from $373.1 million in the prior year. NACO meeting fee growth was primarily driven by a price increase in approximately 40% of NACO for the full year of fiscal 2005, and an additional approximately 20% of NACO beginning in September 2005; and by a 3.5% increase in NACO attendance over the comparable prior year period.

International company-owned meeting fees were $264.2 million for fiscal 2005, an increase of $8.2 million, or 3.2%, from $256.0 million for fiscal 2004. International meeting fee growth was primarily driven by attendance and meeting fee per attendee growth in Continental Europe, and by a price increase in the United Kingdom. On a local currency basis, international meeting fee revenues grew 3.5%. Meeting fee growth in the United Kingdom was negatively impacted due to lower attendances of 3.1%, decreasing from 13.0 million in fiscal 2004 to 12.6 million in fiscal 2005.

Worldwide product sales for fiscal 2005 were $285.4 million, an increase of $10.8 million, or 3.9%, from $274.6 million for fiscal 2004. Domestically, product sales rose $6.0 million, or 4.3%, to $144.4 million in fiscal 2005, despite the stronger growth in sales that occurred in the third quarter of fiscal 2004 related to the launch of the TurnAround innovation in NACO as is typical with a new innovation. Domestic product sales grew 9.7% in the first half of fiscal 2005 and 13.5% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005 primarily as a result of refreshing our in-meeting consumables and adding new offerings which have been well received. Internationally, product sales increased 3.5%, or $4.8 million, to $141.1 million, also on the strength of new product introductions.

Online revenues were $109.7 million for fiscal 2005 as compared to $65.0 million in fiscal 2004 which included only nine months of WeightWatchers.com results due to the timing of our adoption of FIN 46R. Growth in online revenues from the second to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005 period versus the comparable nine months of 2004 was $18.4 million, or 20.2%, due to an 18.6% increase in active end-of-period subscribers and a price increase in July 2004. Our first quarter of fiscal 2005 consolidated results included $26.3 million of online revenues.

Other revenue, comprised primarily of licensing revenues and our publications, was $55.7 million for fiscal 2005, an increase of $18.3 million, or 48.9%, from $37.4 million for fiscal 2004. Licensing revenues increased $21.5 million, or 129.5%, due to the continued growth of our licensees around the world, the addition of new licensees and the full year benefit from the third party license royalties which reverted to us from Heinz at the end of September 2004. On a comparable basis, excluding the impact of the reversion, licensing revenues increased 87.7%. Additionally, as mentioned above, our fiscal 2004 consolidated results included $2.0 million of WeightWatchers.com royalty income, due to the timing of the adoption of FIN 46R.

Franchise royalties were $12.5 million domestically and $6.9 million internationally for fiscal 2005. Total franchise royalties were $19.4 million, up from $18.8 million in the prior year. Excluding the franchises acquired in fiscal 2004, domestic franchise royalties increased 8.1%, while international franchise royalties rose 8.6%.

Cost of revenues was $520.7 million for fiscal 2005, an increase of $33.6 million, or 6.9%, from $487.1 million for fiscal 2004. Gross profit margin of 54.8% of sales in fiscal 2005 increased 230 basis points from 52.5% of sales in the prior year. A number of factors contributed to this margin expansion: price increases in NACO and U.K. meeting fees and in the WeightWatchers.com subscription fee; less frequent discounting of product sales; and strong growth in our high margin licensing business. Further, WeightWatchers.com's margin has increased as it has leveraged its existing infrastructure while growing its business.

Marketing expenses increased $23.5 million, or 17.4%, to $158.3 million for fiscal 2005 from $134.8 million for fiscal 2004. The inclusion of WeightWatchers.com in the first quarter of fiscal 2005,

typically when our highest marketing spend occurs, contributed nearly one third of the increase—$8.3 million versus the prior year. The remainder of the increase in marketing spend is largely driven by timing. In fiscal 2005, we resumed in Continental Europe and the United Kingdom our practice of launching, and therefore expensing, our January winter diet season direct marketing campaign in late December. This practice had been interrupted in fiscal 2004. As a result, fiscal 2005 included two years of winter diet season direct marketing costs. The costs for fiscal 2005 were expensed in first quarter of fiscal 2005, and costs for fiscal 2006 were expensed in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005. As a percentage of net revenues, marketing expenses were 13.7% for fiscal 2005, as compared to 13.2% in the prior fiscal year.

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $169.8 million for fiscal 2005, an increase of $72.7 million from $97.1 million for fiscal 2004. During fiscal 2005, we recorded $46.4 million of non-recurring transaction-related expenses related to the acquisition of the additional ownership interest in WeightWatchers.com. These transaction related expenses were primarily compensation charges associated with the buyout of employee stock options, and expenses associated with the relocation of WeightWatchers.com's headquarters. In addition, there are certain recurring transaction related expenses which will be ongoing, but declining, for the next few years. These recurring expenses include amortization related to the acquired intangible assets with a definite life and compensation expense for restricted stock units granted to WeightWatchers.com employees in exchange for unvested WeightWatchers.com stock options. During fiscal 2005, we recorded $2.5 million for these expenses.

Excluding non-recurring transaction-related expenses, our selling, general and administrative expense increased $26.3 million, or 27.1%, over the comparable period in fiscal 2004, and from 9.5% of revenues in fiscal 2004 to 10.7% of revenues in fiscal 2005. This increase comes primarily from the impact of strengthening our management team and higher performance bonuses for staff in most of our regions. In addition, the consolidation of an additional quarter of WeightWatchers.com in fiscal 2005 as compared to fiscal 2004 added $3.8 million.

Operating income was $302.5 million for fiscal 2005. Adjusted for non-recurring transaction related expenses, operating income for fiscal 2005 rose to $348.9 million, an increase of $43.0 million, or 14.1%, from $305.9 million for fiscal 2004. The operating income margin for fiscal 2005 was 26.3%. On the adjusted basis, the operating income margin for fiscal 2005 was 30.3%, as compared to 29.8% in fiscal 2004.

Net interest charges increased 25.1%, or $4.2 million, to $21.0 million for fiscal 2005, as compared to $16.8 million in fiscal 2004. This increase was due to higher interest rates, partially offset by the reduction in interest expense due to the redemption of the remaining $15.5 million of our 13% Senior Subordinated Notes in October 2004, and by slightly lower average debt balances in fiscal 2005 as compared to fiscal 2004.

For fiscal 2005, we reported other expense of $2.2 million as compared to other income of $4.7 million for fiscal 2004. The variance of $6.9 million is primarily due to a first quarter fiscal 2004 loan repayment, made prior to our adoption of FIN 46R, from WeightWatchers.com of $4.9 million.

In fiscal 2004, $4.3 million of expenses were recorded associated with the early extinguishment of debt as a result of the first quarter fiscal 2004 refinancing of the WWI Credit Facility, undertaken to move a large portion of our fixed Term Loans to the Revolver, and the third quarter fiscal 2004 repurchase and retirement the remaining $15.5 million of our 13% Senior Subordinated Notes. These expenses included the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs from prior refinancings and the recognition of fees associated with these refinancing transactions.

Our effective tax rate for fiscal 2005 was 37.6%, as compared to 32.6% for fiscal 2004. We recorded a tax benefit in the third quarter of fiscal 2004 by reversing a $5.5 million accrued tax liability recorded as a result of the September 1999 recapitalization and stock purchase transaction in which Artal acquired us from Heinz. Additionally, WeightWatchers.com benefited throughout fiscal 2005 from the utilization of net operating loss carryforwards, for which a full valuation allowance had previously been recorded, thus largely eliminating its income tax expense for that year. In addition, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004, WeightWatchers.com recorded a $5.0 million reversal of its deferred tax valuation allowance which resulted in a $4.8 million tax expense benefit in that quarter.

Comparison of Fiscal 2004 (52 weeks) to Fiscal 2003 (53 weeks).

Impact of FIN 46R

As a result of our adoption of FIN 46R, we began consolidating the results of our affiliate and licensee, WeightWatchers.com, at the beginning of the second quarter 2004. The table below shows the impact this adoption had on our consolidated income statement for fiscal 2004.

	Fiscal 2004
	WWI Stand-Alone Results			Impact of Adopting FIN 46R			Consolidated Results
	(In millions, except per share data)
Revenues	$	966.1		$	58.8		$	1,024.9
Cost of revenues		468.2			18.9			487.1

Gross profit		497.9			39.9			537.8
Marketing expenses		120.2			14.6			134.8
Selling, general and administrative expenses		87.8			9.3			97.1

Operating income		289.9			16.0			305.9
Interest expense, net		14.6			2.2			16.8
Other (income)/expense, net		(9.3	)		4.6			(4.7	)
Early extinguishment of debt		4.3			—			4.3

Income before taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change		280.3			9.2			289.5
Provision for income taxes		101.1			(6.6	)		94.5

Income before cumulative effect of accounting change		179.2			15.8			195.0
Cumulative effect of accounting change		—			(11.9	)		(11.9	)

Net income	$	179.2		$	3.9		$	183.1

Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding		106.9			106.9			106.9

Diluted EPS	$	1.68		$	0.03		$	1.71

Because the requirement to consolidate WeightWatchers.com's income statement with ours began in the second quarter of fiscal 2004, the impact on fiscal 2004 included WeightWatchers.com's results of operations, net of intercompany eliminations, for only the nine months ended January 1, 2005.

The impact of the consolidation on fiscal 2004 was to add $58.8 million in revenues and $39.9 million of gross profit. Operating income for the year increased by $16.0 million after incremental marketing expenses of $14.6 million and selling, general and administrative expenses of $9.3 million. A scheduled loan repayment of $4.9 million and interest income of $2.2 million, which Weight Watchers International earned from WeightWatchers.com, was eliminated in the consolidation of intercompany activity.

In accordance with the provisions of FIN 46R, we recorded a charge of $11.9 million, including taxes, in the first quarter of fiscal 2004. This charge reflects the cumulative impact to our results of operations had WeightWatchers.com been consolidated since its inception in September 1999.

For fiscal 2004, the consolidation combined with the first quarter of fiscal 2004 cumulative effect of accounting change, including taxes, related to the adoption of FIN 46R, resulted in an increase to diluted earnings per share of $0.03.

Weight Watchers International on a Stand-Alone Basis

The remaining sections of this discussion will address only the results of Weight Watchers International and its majority-owned subsidiaries and will exclude the impact of FIN 46R and the consolidation of WeightWatchers.com.

The chart below compares Weight Watchers International's fiscal 2004 results to the prior year comparable period:

	Weight Watchers International
	Fiscal 2004			Fiscal 2003		Increase/Decrease
	(In millions, except per share data)
Revenues	$	966.1		$	943.9	$	22.2
Cost of revenues		468.2			440.4		27.8

Gross profit		497.9			503.5		(5.6	)
Marketing expenses		120.2			113.6		6.6
Selling, general and administrative expenses		87.8			73.8		14.0

Operating income		289.9			316.1		(26.2	)
Interest expense, net		14.6			33.7		(19.1	)
Other (income)/expense, net		(9.3	)		2.8		(12.1	)
Early extinguishment of debt		4.3			47.4		(43.1	)

Income before taxes		280.3			232.2		48.1
Provision for income taxes		101.1			88.3		12.8

Net income	$	179.2		$	143.9	$	35.3

Diluted EPS	$	1.68		$	1.31	$	0.37

(1): Weight Watchers International on a Stand-Alone Basis.

Net income for fiscal 2004 was $179.2 million, up from $143.9 million in fiscal 2003. Diluted earnings per share were $1.68 in fiscal 2004 as compared to $1.31 in fiscal 2003. Excluding the impact of the early extinguishment of debt in both years, diluted earnings per share were $1.70 in fiscal 2004 compared to $1.59 in fiscal 2003. Fiscal 2003 included a 53rd week versus only 52 weeks in fiscal 2004. Accordingly, our reported results are not fully comparable for the two years.

Net revenues were $966.1 million for fiscal 2004, an increase of $22.2 million, or 2.4%, from $943.9 million for fiscal 2003. The 2.4% increase in net revenues was driven by international attendance growth and more favorable foreign currency rates, partially offset by a decline in North America attendance. On a worldwide basis, attendance at company-owned meetings declined 1.5%. Compared to the fiscal 2003, meeting fees increased $21.9 million, licensing revenues rose $7.0 million, advertising revenue increased $2.4 million, and we earned an additional $1.1 million of royalties from our licensee, WeightWatchers.com. Franchise commissions were $6.1 million lower than in fiscal 2003 as we continued our franchise acquisition program, adding two more in fiscal 2004. Product sales declined $2.2 million, as did publishing and other revenue by $1.9 million. Included in the total $22.2 million increase in net revenues was a benefit of approximately $42.5 million from foreign currency exchange rates. On a local currency basis, meeting fees and product sales in our international operations increased 5.4%.

For fiscal 2004, total meeting fees were $629.1 million, an increase of $21.9 million, or 3.6%, from $607.2 million in the prior year. Attendances declined slightly to 59.9 million from 60.8 million in fiscal 2003. In NACO, meeting fees were $373.1 million for fiscal 2004, down 4.9% from $392.4 million in fiscal 2003. Including acquisitions, NACO attendance for the year was 6.5% lower than fiscal 2003. NACO organic attendance declined 12.1%. The organic attendance comparison excludes the additional week in fiscal 2003 and any franchises that were acquired during either year. We made four franchise acquisitions since the beginning of fiscal 2003: certain franchise territories of The WW Group at the beginning of the second quarter of fiscal 2003, Dallas and New Mexico during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003, the Washington D.C. area during the second quarter of fiscal 2004 and Fort Worth during the third quarter of fiscal 2004. The low-carb diet fad, which escalated over the course of fiscal 2003,

and was extended during fiscal 2004 by food manufacturers' heavily marketed introductions of related food products, had an impact on our North America business. We believe that the appeal of these low-carb diets has peaked and the phenomenon is now in decline. The introduction of our TurnAround program contributed to the improving attendance trends we saw in fiscal 2004. The declines in organic attendances in fiscal 2004 versus fiscal 2003 periods improved from minus 16.7% in the second quarter to minus 13.9% in the third quarter and minus 8.7% in the fourth quarter.

International company-owned meeting fees were $256.0 million for fiscal 2004, an increase of $41.2 million, or 19.2%, from $214.8 million for fiscal 2003. The growth in meeting fees was primarily driven by attendance increases in Continental Europe of 11.4% coupled with the favorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates.

Product sales were $274.6 million for fiscal 2004, a decrease of $2.2 million from $276.8 million for fiscal 2003. While total domestic product sales declined $19.8 million to $138.4 million in fiscal 2004 from $158.2 million in fiscal 2003, primarily driven by the attendance decline, internationally, product sales increased 14.8% to $136.2 million. International product sales rose 2.7% on a local currency basis.

Franchise royalties were $12.5 million domestically and $6.3 million internationally in fiscal 2004. Total franchise royalties of $18.8 million were down $6.1 million, or 24.5%, from $24.9 million in fiscal 2003. The decrease resulted from the impact of having acquired four franchises in the United States since fiscal 2003 and from the general slowdown in the U.S. business. Excluding the recently acquired franchises, domestic franchise royalties declined 17.1%, while international franchise royalties rose 1.0%.

Revenue from advertising, licensing and other sources was $43.6 million for fiscal 2004, an increase of $8.6 million, or 24.6%, from $35.0 million for fiscal 2003. Licensing revenue increased $7.0 million, up 72.2% over fiscal 2003, due to our continued focus on introducing a range of Weight Watchers branded products worldwide. Revenues from advertising, our WeightWatchers.com licensee and other sources contributed to the remainder of the increase.

Cost of revenues was $468.2 million for fiscal 2004, an increase of $27.8 million, or 6.3%, from $440.4 million for fiscal 2003. For fiscal 2004, the gross profit margin of 51.5% remained above the 50% level, but was lower than the 53.3% level of fiscal 2003. We made the strategic decision to keep the vast majority of our NACO meetings open, despite the negative impact on our gross margin resulting from lower attendances per meeting, due to our expectation of the decline in the low-carb phenomenon. We believe this expectation has proven to be correct.

Marketing expenses increased $6.6 million, or 5.8%, to $120.2 million for fiscal 2004 from $113.6 million in fiscal 2003, with the majority of the increase resulting from currency translation. As a percentage of net revenue, marketing expenses were 12.4% for fiscal 2004, as compared to 12.0% in fiscal 2003, driven by the softness in revenues.

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $87.8 million for fiscal 2004, an increase of $14.0 million, or 19.0%, from $73.8 million in fiscal 2003. Expenses were driven up by professional fees and expenses related to compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley, as well as by a strengthening of our management team and increase in our headcount to drive the future growth of our business. Selling, general and administrative expenses were 9.1% of revenues for fiscal 2004, as compared to 7.8% in fiscal 2003.

Operating income was $289.9 million for fiscal 2004, a decrease of $26.2 million, or 8.3%, from $316.1 million for fiscal 2003. Our operating income margin for fiscal 2004 on this stand-alone basis was 30.0%, as compared to 33.5% in fiscal 2003.

Net interest charges were down 56.7%, or $19.1 million, to $14.6 million for fiscal 2004 from $33.7 million for fiscal 2003. The repurchase and retirement in fiscal 2003 of most of our 13% Senior Subordinated Notes and the refinancing of the WWI Credit Facility at that time and again in fiscal 2004 lowered our interest expense significantly.

For fiscal 2004, we reported other income of $9.3 million, as compared to other expense of $2.8 million for fiscal 2003. In fiscal 2004, we received higher loan repayments from WeightWatchers.com, which increased our other income by $4.8 million. In fiscal 2003, we incurred unrealized currency translation gains and losses associated with our 13% Senior Subordinated Notes until the majority were retired in the third quarter of fiscal 2003. This has resulted in a $9.2 million decrease in this expense.

We recognized early extinguishment of debt expenses of $4.3 million for fiscal 2004 as a result of the refinancing of the WWI Credit Facility, and the repurchase and retirement of the balance of our 13% Senior Subordinated Notes. These expenses included the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs from prior refinancings and the recognition of tender premiums and fees associated with these transactions. In fiscal 2003, when we repurchased and retired the majority of our Senior Subordinated Notes, we recognized early extinguishment of debt expenses of $47.4 million. These included tender premiums of $42.6 million, the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs of $4.4 million and $0.4 million of fees associated with the transaction.

Our effective tax rate for fiscal 2004 was 36.1% as compared to 38.0% for fiscal 2003. We recorded a tax benefit in fiscal 2004 by reversing a $5.5 million accrued but no longer necessary tax liability recorded as a result of the September 1999 recapitalization and stock purchase transaction with Heinz.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

At December 31, 2005 and January 1, 2005, the balance sheets of WeightWatchers.com are fully consolidated with Weight Watchers International, and therefore the consolidated balance sheets for both periods are comparable.

Balance Sheet

Comparing the balance sheet at December 31, 2005 with that at January 1, 2005, our cash balance decreased by $3.7 million from $35.2 million to $31.5 million. Our working capital deficit at December 31, 2005 was $38.2 million compared to $26.8 million at January 1, 2005. Excluding cash, the working capital deficit increased by $7.7 million. Higher accrued expenses and accounts payable is the result of timing of salaries and other accruals as well as higher bonuses. Higher deferred revenue is primarily the result of the successful sale of our Seasons Pass prepayment plans for meetings in NACO of $11.4 million. Inventory and prepaids were lower in fiscal 2005. Program and meeting room material inventory was built up at a high rate in fiscal 2004 consistent with the timing of our innovation launches, and has been distributed and utilized throughout fiscal 2005. These decreased amounts were offset by increases in our accounts receivable, primarily the result of our growing licensing revenues and changes in income taxes totaling $25.1 million, the result of tax benefits associated with WeightWatchers.com net operating loss carryforwards, stock option exercises and a reclassification of tax reserves to long term.

Capital spending has averaged approximately $9.8 million annually over the last three years and has consisted primarily of leasehold improvements, furniture and equipment for meeting locations and information system and web-site development expenditures. In fiscal 2005, capital spending was $17.8 million as compared to $6.7 million in fiscal 2004. The increase in capital spending is due primarily to our new corporate office space, consisting primarily of leasehold improvements, furniture and equipment.

Cash Flow

For fiscal 2005, the statement of cash flows for WeightWatchers.com is fully consolidated with our statement of cash flows. For fiscal 2004, the statement of cash flows for WeightWatchers.com was fully consolidated only for the nine months ended January 1, 2005. For the first quarter of fiscal 2004, the cash flows for WeightWatchers.com were reflected on a single line entitled "Impact of Consolidating WeightWatchers.com" in the amount of $5.7 million. For fiscal 2003, WeightWatchers.com is not consolidated with Weight Watchers International.

CASH FLOW

		Consolidated Results Fiscal 2005			Consolidated Results Fiscal 2004			Increase/(Decrease)
		(in millions)
Cash provided by operating activities		$	296.8		$	252.4		$	44.4
Cash used for investing activities			(400.3	)		(65.8	)		(334.5	)
Cash used for financing activities			103.2			(180.4	)		283.6
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash			(3.4	)		(0.1	)		(3.3	)
Impact of consolidating WeightWatchers.com			—			5.7			(5.7	)

	Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(3.7	)		11.8			(15.5	)
Cash/cash equivalents, beginning of period			35.2			23.4			11.8

Cash/cash equivalents, end of period		$	31.5		$	35.2		$	(3.7	)

								WWI Stand Alone (excluding impact of FIN 46R in 2004)
		Consolidated Results Fiscal 2005			Less Impact of FIN 46R			WWI Stand Alone (excluding impact of FIN 46R in 2004)
		Consolidated Results Fiscal 2005			Less Impact of FIN 46R			Fiscal 2004			Fiscal 2003			Increase/(Decrease)
		(in millions)
Cash provided by operating activities		$	252.4		$	18.4		$	234.0		$	233.1		$	0.9
Cash used for investing activities			(65.8	)		(7.6	)		(58.2	)		(211.6	)		153.4
Cash used for financing activities			(180.4	)		—			(180.4	)		(59.5	)		(120.9	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash			(0.1	)		—			(0.1	)		3.9			(4.0	)
Impact of consolidating WeightWatchers.com			5.7			5.7			—			—			—

	Net increase (decrease) in cash/cash equivalents		11.8			16.5			(4.7	)		(34.1	)		29.4
Cash/cash equivalents, beginning of period			23.4			—			23.4			57.5			(34.1	)

Cash/cash equivalents, end of period		$	35.2		$	16.5		$	18.7		$	23.4		$	(4.7	)

Sources and Uses of Cash

Fiscal 2005

At the end of fiscal 2005, cash and cash equivalents were $31.5 million, a decrease of $3.7 million from the end of fiscal 2004. Cash flows provided by operating activities in fiscal 2005 were $296.8 million, including $46.2 million of cash provided by WeightWatchers.com's operating activities. Investing activities utilized $400.3 million of cash, including $380.8 million for the acquisition of the remaining interests in WeightWatchers.com and $17.8 million for capital spending. Net cash provided for financing activities totaled $103.2 million, comprised of net borrowings of $277.0 million and the use of $176.0 million for the repurchase of 3.7 million shares of our common stock pursuant to our stock repurchase plan.

Fiscal 2004

At the end of fiscal 2004, cash and cash equivalents were $35.2 million, an increase of $11.8 million from the end of fiscal 2003. Cash flows provided by operating activities were $252.4 million and the net use of funds for investing and financing activities totaled $246.3 million. Investing activities used cash of $65.8 million, primarily comprised of the $60.5 million cash paid for the acquisitions of our Fort Worth and Washington D.C. area franchises. Cash used for financing activities totaled $180.4 million, including $177.1 million used to repurchase 4.7 million of our shares, pursuant to our stock repurchase plan. Our pay-down of debt which included the impact of refinancings that took place in January 2004 and the retirement of the remainder of our 13% Senior Subordinated

Notes in the third quarter of fiscal 2004 were completely offset by a new Term Loan and Revolver borrowings. In addition, in the first quarter of fiscal 2004, as is required by FIN 46R, we recorded a $5.7 million net increase in cash as a result of the impact of consolidating WeightWatchers.com.

Impact of FIN 46R on Cash Flow

The FIN 46R impact on cash was to add $16.5 million to fiscal 2004. In fiscal 2004, cash flows increased $10.8 million from the operations of WeightWatchers.com, net of intercompany eliminations and investing activities. In addition, in the first quarter of fiscal 2004, as is required by this pronouncement, we recorded a $5.7 million net increase in cash as a result of the impact of consolidating WeightWatchers.com.

The remainder of this section will address the financial position of Weight Watchers International on a stand-alone basis, excluding the impact of FIN 46R.

Weight Watchers International on a Stand-Alone Basis

For fiscal 2004, cash and cash equivalents were $18.7 million, a decrease of $4.7 million from fiscal 2003. Cash flows provided by operating activities in fiscal 2004 were $234.0 million and funds used for investing and financing activities totaled $238.6 million. Investing activities utilized $58.2 million of cash, which included the acquisitions of our Fort Worth and Washington D.C. area franchises for $60.5 million. Cash used for financing activities totaled $180.4 million primarily related to the repurchase of 4.7 million shares of our common stock for $177.1 million, pursuant to our stock repurchase plan.

For fiscal 2003, cash and cash equivalents decreased $34.1 million to $23.4 million. Cash flows provided by operating activities were $233.1 million. Investing activities in the year used $211.6 million of cash and included $208.8 million paid in connection with the acquisition of the assets of The WW Group and Dallas/New Mexico franchises. In addition, $5.0 million was invested in capital expenditures. Cash used for financing activities totaled $59.5 million. We paid $60.3 million in connection with the tender offer and repurchase of our 13% Senior Subordinated Notes and the concurrent refinancing of the WWI Credit Facility and repurchased $28.8 million of stock in accordance with our stock repurchase plan that began in October 2003. These were partially offset by net proceeds of $26.6 million from additional debt borrowings arising at the time of The WW Group acquisition at the end of March 2003.

Long-Term Debt

The WWI Credit Facility consists of Term Loans and a Revolver. The WW.com Credit Facilities consist of first and second lien term loans. As of December 31, 2005, Weight Watchers International had debt of $531.1 million and had additional availability under its $350.0 million Revolver of $112.2 million. As of December 31, 2005, WeightWatchers.com had debt of $215.0 million. Our total debt outstanding was $746.1 million at December 31, 2005 and $469.1 million at January 1, 2005, respectively.

In January 2004, we refinanced the WWI Credit Facility, moving a large portion of our Term Loans to the Revolver. This provided us with a greater degree of flexibility and the ability to more efficiently manage cash. Under this refinancing, our Term Loans were reduced from $454.2 million to $150.0 million and our Revolver capacity was increased from $45.0 million to $350.0 million. To complete the refinancing, we borrowed $310.0 million under the Revolver.

In October 2004, we increased our net borrowing capacity by adding an additional Term Loan to the existing WWI Credit Facility in the amount of $150.0 million, coterminous with the previously existing WWI Credit Facility. These funds were initially used to reduce borrowings under our Revolver, resulting in no increase to our net borrowing. Additionally, in October 2004, we repurchased and retired the remaining balance of our 13% Senior Subordinated Notes.

In connection with the refinancing and retirement of debt described above, we incurred expenses of $4.3 million in fiscal 2004.

On June 24, 2005, WWI amended certain provisions of the WWI Credit Facility to allow for the December 16, 2005 redemption by WeightWatchers.com of its shares owned by Artal.

On December 16, 2005, WeightWatchers.com borrowed $215.0 million pursuant to two credit facilities (the WW.com Credit Facilities), consisting of (i) a five year, senior secured first lien term loan in an aggregate principal amount of $170.0 million and (ii) a five and one-half year, senior secured second lien term loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of $45.0 million.

At December 31, 2005 and January 1, 2005, our debt consisted entirely of variable-rate instruments. At January 3, 2004 fixed-rate debt constituted approximately 3.3% of our total debt. The average interest rate on our debt was approximately 6.1%, 4.1% and 3.7% per annum at December 31, 2005, January 1, 2005, and January 3, 2004, respectively.

The following schedule sets forth our long-term debt obligations (and interest rates) at December 31, 2005:

Long-Term Debt
At December 31, 2005
(Balances in millions)

			Balance		Interest Rate
WWI Revolver due 2009			$	236.0	6.15	%
WWI Term Loan B due 2010				147.0	6.25	%
WWI Additional Term Loan B due 2010				148.1	5.67	%
WW.com First Lien Term Loan				170.0	6.62	%
WW.com Second Lien Term Loan				45.0	9.12	%

		Total Debt		746.1
	Less Current Portion			4.7

		Total Long-Term Debt	$	741.4

The WWI Term Loan B and the WWI Revolver bear interest at an annual rate equal to LIBOR plus 1.75% or, at Weight Watchers International's option, the alternate base rate (as defined in the WWI Credit Facility) plus 0.75%. The WWI Additional Term Loan B bears interest at an annual rate equal to LIBOR plus 1.50%, or at Weight Watchers International's option, the alternative base rate (as defined in the WWI Credit Facility), plus 0.50%. In addition to paying interest on outstanding principal under the WWI Credit Facility, Weight Watchers International is required to pay a commitment fee to the lenders under the WWI Revolver with respect to the unused commitments at a rate equal to 0.375% per year. The WWI Term Loan B is subject to scheduled amortization of $375,000 per quarter until March 31, 2009 and is thereafter subject to amortization of $35.5 million per quarter until maturity. The WWI Additional Term Loan B is subject to scheduled amortization of $375,000 per quarter until March 31, 2009 and is thereafter subject to amortization of $35.8 million per quarter until maturity.

The WWI Credit Facility contains customary covenants including covenants that, in certain circumstances, restrict our ability to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends on and redeem capital stock, make other restricted payments, including investments, sell its assets and enter into consolidations, mergers and transfers of all or substantially all of its assets. The WWI Credit Facility also requires Weight Watchers International to maintain specified financial ratios and satisfy financial condition tests. The WWI Credit Facility contains customary events of default. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under the WWI Credit Facility, the lenders may cease making loans and declare

amounts outstanding to be immediately due and payable. The WWI Credit Facility is guaranteed by certain of our existing and future subsidiaries, other than WeightWatchers.com and its subsidiaries. Substantially all the assets of Weight Watchers International and these subsidiaries collateralize the WWI Credit Facility.

The WW.com First Lien Term Loan bears interest at a rate equal to LIBOR plus 2.25% per annum, or, at WeightWatchers.com's option, the alternate base rate, as defined, plus 1.25% per annum. The WW.com Second Lien Term Loan bears interest at a rate equal to LIBOR plus 4.75% per annum or, at WeightWatchers.com's option, the alternate base rate, as defined, plus 3.75% per annum. Each of WeightWatchers.com's existing and future domestic subsidiaries have guaranteed the WW.com Credit Facilities, which facilities are secured by substantially all the assets of WeightWatchers.com and these subsidiaries. Weight Watchers International has not guaranteed the WW.com Credit Facilities.

Loans outstanding under the WW.com Credit Facilities (i) must be prepaid with certain percentages of excess cash flow and net cash proceeds of asset sales, issuances, offerings or placements of debt obligations of WeightWatchers.com and issuances of equity securities of WeightWatchers.com; and (ii) may be voluntarily prepaid at any time in whole or in part without premium or penalty, with certain exceptions depending on the date of payment. The WW.com First Lien Term Loan is also subject to scheduled amortization of $425,000 per quarter.

The WW.com Credit Facilities contain customary covenants, including affirmative and negative covenants that, in certain circumstances, restrict WeightWatchers.com's ability to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends on and redeem capital stock, make other restricted payments, including investments, sell WeightWatchers.com assets and enter into consolidations, mergers and transfer of all or substantially all of WeightWatchers.com's assets. The WW.com Credit Facilities also require WeightWatchers.com to maintain specified financial ratios and satisfy financial condition tests, which become more restrictive over time. The WW.com Credit Facilities contain customary events of default. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under the WW.com Credit Facilities, amounts outstanding may be immediately due and payable.

On November 4, 2005, Standard & Poor's confirmed its "BB" rating for our corporate credit and the WWI Credit Facility. On March 11, 2005, Moody's assigned a "Ba1" rating for the WWI Term Loan B and the WWI Additional Term Loan B and confirmed its "Ba1" rating for the WWI Credit Facility.

On November 4, 2005, Standard & Poor's assigned its "B+" corporate credit rating to WeightWatchers.com. In addition, Standard & Poor's assigned ratings of "B+" to the WW.com First Lien Term Loan and "B-" to the WW.com Second Lien Term Loan. On November 2, 2005, Moody's assigned ratings of "Ba3" to the WW.com First Lien Term Loan and "B1" to the WW.com Second Lien Term Loan.

Affiliates of certain of the underwriters are agents and lenders under the WWI Credit Facility and the WW.com Credit Facilities. See "Underwriting".

Dividends

The credit facility at Weight Watchers International provides that we are permitted to pay dividends in an aggregate amount equal to $20.0 million plus 66.67% of our net income (as defined in the credit agreement) since December 2, 2001, so long as we are not in default under our credit agreement and so long as we have borrowing availability under the Revolver of at least $30.0 million. We do not expect these restrictions to impair our ability to pay dividends, but they could do so.

Contractual Obligations

We are obligated under non-cancelable operating leases primarily for office and rent facilities. Consolidated rent expense charged to operations under all our leases for fiscal 2005 was approximately $27.7 million.

The impact that our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2005 are expected to have on our consolidated liquidity and cash flow in future periods is as follows:

				Payment Due by Period
		Total		Less than 1 Year		1-3 Years		3-5 Years		More than 5 Years
				(in millions)
Long-Term Debt⁽¹⁾
Principal		$	746.1	$	4.7	$	9.4	$	687.0	$	45.0
Interest			193.6		48.0		95.3		48.4		1.9
Operating Leases			91.2		24.3		28.2		13.5		25.2

	Total	$	1,030.9	$	77.0	$	132.9	$	748.9	$	72.1

(1): Due to the fact that all of our debt is variable rate based, we have assumed for purposes of this table that the interest rate on all of our debt as of December 31, 2005 remains constant for all periods presented.

Debt obligations due to be repaid in the next 12 months are expected to be satisfied with operating cash flows. We believe that cash flows from operating activities, together with borrowings available under our Revolver, will be sufficient for the next 12 months to fund currently anticipated capital expenditure requirements, debt service requirements and working capital requirements.

Acquisitions

WeightWatchers.com Acquisition

Pursuant to a merger agreement effective July 2, 2005, the last day of our second quarter, Weight Watchers International increased its ownership interest in WeightWatchers.com from approximately 20% to approximately 53% for a total cash outlay of $136.4 million including $107.9 million paid to WeightWatchers.com and $28.5 million paid to the non-Artal shareholders. Further to this, on December 16, 2005, WeightWatchers.com redeemed all of the equity interests in WeightWatchers.com owned by Artal for the aggregate cash consideration of $304.8 million. As a result of this redemption, WeightWatchers.com is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Weight Watchers International.

Franchise Acquisitions

On August 22, 2004, we completed the acquisition of certain assets of our Fort Worth franchise for a purchase price of $30.0 million that was financed through cash from operations.

On May 9, 2004, we completed the acquisition of certain assets of our Washington, D.C. area franchise for a purchase price of $30.5 million that was financed through cash from operations.

On November 30, 2003, we completed the acquisition of certain assets of our Dallas and New Mexico franchises for a purchase price of $27.2 million. The acquisition was financed through cash from operations.

On March 30, 2003, we completed the acquisition of certain assets of eight of the 15 franchises of The WW Group for a purchase price of $180.7 million. The acquisition was financed through cash and additional borrowings of $85.0 million.

Stock Transactions

On October 9, 2003, our Board of Directors authorized a plan to repurchase up to $250.0 million of our outstanding common stock. On June 13, 2005, our Board of Directors authorized adding $250.0 million to this plan. The repurchase plan allows for shares to be purchased from time to time in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. No shares will be purchased from Artal under the plan.

During fiscal 2003 and fiscal 2004, we purchased 5.5 million shares of common stock in the open market for a total purchase price of $205.9 million, and in fiscal 2005, we purchased 3.7 million shares of common stock in the open market for a total purchase price of $176.0 million.

Factors Affecting Future Liquidity

Any future acquisitions, joint ventures or other similar transactions could require additional capital and we cannot be certain that any additional capital will be available on acceptable terms or at all. Our ability to fund our capital expenditure requirements, interest, principal and dividend payment obligations and working capital requirements and to comply with all of the financial covenants under our debt agreements depends on our future operations, performance and cash flow. These are subject to prevailing economic conditions and to financial, business and other factors, some of which are beyond our control.

Off-Balance Sheet Transactions

As part of our ongoing business, we do not participate in transactions that generate relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities.

Seasonality

Our business is seasonal, with revenues generally decreasing at year end and during the summer months. Our advertising schedule supports the three key enrollment-generating seasons of the year: winter, spring and fall, with winter having the highest concentration of advertising spending. The timing of certain holidays, particularly Easter, which precedes the spring diet season and occurs between March 22 and April 25, may affect our results of operations and the year-to-year comparability of our results. For example, in 2006, Easter will fall on April 16, which means that the pre-summer diet season will begin later than it did in 2005. Our operating income for the first half of the year is generally the strongest. While WeightWatchers.com experiences similar seasonality in terms of new subscriber signups, its revenue tends to be less seasonal because it amortizes subscription revenue over the related subscription period.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No. 123R, "Share-Based Payment" ("FAS 123R"), which replaces FAS 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" and supersedes Accounting Principles Board Opinion 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees." FAS 123R eliminates the option of using the intrinsic value method to record compensation expense related to stock-based awards to employees and instead requires companies to recognize the cost of such awards based on their grant-date fair value over the related service period of such awards. In April 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission approved a new rule that amended the effective date of FAS 123R for public companies, whereby we will now be required to, and we will, adopt this Standard beginning in the first quarter of 2006.

In accordance with the provisions of FAS 123R, we have elected to apply the modified prospective transition method to all past awards outstanding and unvested as of the date of adoption and will

recognize the associated expense over the remaining vesting period based on the fair values previously determined and disclosed as part of our pro-forma disclosures. We will not restate the results of prior periods. Prior to the effective date of FAS 123R, we will continue to provide the pro forma disclosures for past award grants as required under FAS 123. We believe the level of incremental expense that will be recognized in accordance with FAS 123R for fiscal 2006 will be approximately $6.0 million. However, the total expense recorded in future periods, including fiscal 2006, will depend on several variables, including the number of stock-based awards that are granted in future periods and the fair value of those awards.

The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (the "AJCA") was enacted on October 22, 2004 and includes a special one-time deduction of 85% of certain foreign earnings repatriated to the United States. In December 2004, the FASB issued FSP FAS 109-2, Accounting and Disclosure Guidance for the Foreign Earnings Repatriation Provision within the AJCA, allowing companies additional time to evaluate the effect of the AJCA on plans for reinvestment or repatriation of foreign earnings. This legislation did not have a material impact to our results of operations or cash flows.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We are exposed to foreign currency fluctuations and interest rate changes. Our exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates to interest expense of variable rate debt. Due to the repurchase and retirement of the remaining balance of our Senior Subordinated Notes, we no longer have any fixed rate borrowings outstanding at January 1, 2005. Therefore, market interest rates no longer affect the fair value of our long-term debt balances. Since 100% of our debt is now variable rate based, any changes in market interest rates will cause an equal change in our net interest expense.

Other than inter-company transactions between our domestic and foreign entities, we generally do not have significant transactions that are denominated in a currency other than the functional currency applicable to each entity.

We enter into forward and swap contracts to hedge transactions denominated in foreign currencies to reduce the currency risk associated with fluctuating exchange rates. These contracts have been used primarily to hedge payments arising from some of our foreign currency denominated obligations. Realized and unrealized gains and losses from these transactions are included in net income for the period. In addition, we enter into interest rate swaps to hedge a substantial portion of our variable rate debt. Changes in the fair value of these derivatives will be recorded each period in earnings for non-qualifying derivatives or accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for qualifying derivatives.

Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may impact our shareholders' equity. The assets and liabilities of our non-U.S. subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at the weighted average exchange rate for the period. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded in shareholders' equity as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). In addition, fluctuations in the value of the euro will cause the U.S. dollar translated amounts to change in comparison to prior periods.

Each of our subsidiaries, other than WeightWatchers.com, derives revenues and incurs expenses primarily within a single country and, consequently, does not generally incur currency risks in connection with the conduct of normal business operations.

BUSINESS

Overview

We are a leading global branded consumer company and the leading global provider of weight management services, with a presence in 30 countries around the world. With over four decades of weight management experience, expertise and know-how, we have established Weight Watchers as one of the most recognized and trusted brand names among weight conscious consumers. In 2005, consumers spent over $3.0 billion on Weight Watchers branded products and services, including meetings conducted by us and our franchisees, products sold at meetings, Internet subscription products sold by WeightWatchers.com, licensed products sold in retail channels and magazine subscriptions and other publications. Our revenues and operating income for fiscal 2005 were $1,151.3 million and $302.5 million, respectively. On a consolidated basis, from fiscal 2001 through fiscal 2005, our revenues and operating income have grown at a compound annual growth rate of 17% and 12%, respectively. Excluding the fiscal 2005 transaction expenses relating to the acquisition of WeightWatchers.com, operating income would have been $348.9 million and would have grown from fiscal 2001 through fiscal 2005 at a compound annual rate of 16%.

The high awareness and credibility of our brand among all types of weight-conscious consumers—women and men, consumers online and offline, the support-inclined and the self-help inclined—provide us with a significant competitive advantage and growth opportunity. As the number of overweight and obese people worldwide grows, we believe our global presence and brand awareness uniquely position us to capture an increasing share of the global weight management market through our core meeting business and our additional growth vehicles, such as WeightWatchers.com and our licensing efforts.

Our licensing revenues have been rapidly growing in both the United States and internationally. Companies are showing an increased interest in licensing our brand and other intellectual property as a platform to build their businesses since the Weight Watchers brand brings high credibility and access to the weight conscious consumer. By partnering with carefully selected companies in categories relevant and helpful to weight conscious consumers, we have created a highly profitable business as well as a powerful vehicle to reinforce the Weight Watchers brand in the minds of our target consumers.

Our Competitive Strengths

We believe that we have significant competitive advantages that support our leadership position in the weight management industry:

•

Leading Global Weight Management Brand. Our proven track record of more than 40 years of safe and sensible weight management has established Weight Watchers as the leading global weight management brand. We believe that our brand conveys an image of healthy, flexible and effective weight management in a supportive environment. Our brand is widely recognized and trusted throughout the world with retail sales of over $3.0 billion in 2005, including sales by our licensees and franchisees. Currently, over 90% of U.S. women recognize the Weight Watchers brand. We also enjoy strong brand presence in several key international markets, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, France and Australia.

•

Number One Global Market Position. We are the market leader in weight management services in nearly every country in which we operate. We have an unparalleled global network of more than 15,000 leaders running approximately 48,000 meetings each week. Our network of leaders, who have achieved their weight loss goals on our programs, combined with our strong brand, provides us with a formidable competitive advantage. Similarly, by leveraging our over four decades of expertise and investing aggressively in innovative web-based software and industry leading content, we have established WeightWatchers.com as the leading Internet weight management provider in the world.

•

Weight Management Expertise. Our significant weight management expertise greatly enhances our ability to develop effective services and products. We continuously support research and monitor scientific developments in an effort to improve our services and products. We also benefit from an internationally recognized board of scientific advisors as well as our involvement in weight management organizations and agencies around the world. In addition, Weight Watchers is the only commercial weight management program whose efficacy has been demonstrated scientifically. Clinical studies have shown that people who attended Weight Watchers meetings were more likely to lose weight than people who dieted on their own and that people who completed the weight loss and maintenance phases of the Weight Watchers program were able to maintain long-term weight loss.

•

Loyal Customer Base. The quality and the compelling consumer value of our offerings as well as the trust in our brand engender a deep affinity to Weight Watchers. As a result, our meeting members have historically demonstrated a consistent pattern of repeat enrollment over a number of years. On the Internet, WeightWatchers.com's subscription products have high levels of customer satisfaction, strong retention and growing repeat subscriptions. This loyalty to our brand generates significant word-of-mouth referrals which help keep our marketing costs relatively low.

•

Diversified Revenue Streams. Our presence in 30 countries on six continents, including every major weight management market outside of Asia, provides diversified revenue streams across our international markets. In addition, our broad array of services and products, including our meetings, product sales, Internet subscription products and licensing activities, helps us diversify our revenues.

•

Attractive Business Model. Our meetings-based business model features high gross margins and a variable cost structure and consistently generates strong cash flow.

•: High Margins. Over the past five years, our meetings-based business has generated gross margins of over 50% as our cost of sales is primarily limited to the compensation of two or three part-time service providers per meeting, the hourly rental of meeting locations and the

cost of products sold. Excluding the fiscal 2005 transaction expenses relating to the acquisition of WeightWatchers.com, since fiscal 2001 our operating income margin has been 30% or higher, as our marketing and general and administrative expenses have represented only approximately 20% of revenues during this period.

•: Variable Cost Structure. Our staff is usually paid on a commission basis and space is typically rented as needed. Moreover, we adjust the number of meetings according to demand, including seasonal fluctuations. This variable cost structure enables us to maintain high margins across varying levels of demand.
•: Strong Cash Flow. Over the past five years, we have generated over $1.0 billion in cash provided by operating activities and our capital expenditures have been less than 1.5% of revenues. We require little new capital to grow because we can add additional meetings with little or no capital expenditures and our members typically pay cash at each meeting or prepay for a series of meetings.

Our Growth Strategies

With our broad range of services and products, we believe we are uniquely positioned to increase our share of the growing global weight management market by:

•

•: United States. In NACO, our largest market, our penetration is only approximately 8% of our target demographic group.
•: Continental Europe. In Continental Europe, as a whole, our penetration is approximately 3% of our target demographic group. In Germany, the largest Continental European market, our penetration is still only approximately 4% of our target demographic group.

•: Increasing Member Rentention. Based on our research, the longer our members attend meetings the more weight loss success they achieve. We believe we can increase our average member retention by improving how we select and train our service providers and offering new payment alternatives that move our members away from making week-to-week decisions to attend our meetings, thereby encouraging them to stay with us longer.

•: Increasing Product Sales. In fiscal 2005, sales of our proprietary products represented 25% of our revenues. We have grown our product sales per attendee by focusing on a core group of products that complement our plans and help our members and subscribers in their weight management efforts. We currently sell bars, snacks, cookbooks, POINTS calculators and other items. We will continue to optimize our product offerings by updating existing products and selectively introducing new relevant products.
•: Growing WeightWatchers.com. We believe that the market for Internet weight management products is still in the early stages of development and expect it to continue its strong growth. In the five years since WeightWatchers.com offered its first product, it has grown its revenues from $9.0 million in fiscal 2001 to $109.7 million in fiscal 2005. We plan to continue WeightWatchers.com's growth by increasing penetration in existing markets and by launching our Internet subscription products in additional countries. We believe we can significantly increase WeightWatchers.com's still relatively low penetration of its core market of self-help inclined overweight women by increasing awareness of WeightWatchers.com through multi-channel marketing programs and corporate selling efforts. In addition, we believe we can further build our WeightWatchers.com business by continuing to increase our retention and re-subscription rates, developing new offerings targeted towards new customer segments such as men and developing additional revenue sources such as e-Commerce and advertising sales.
•: Developing Corporate Sales Channel. We launched our Corporate Solutions sales and marketing initiative in the United States in 2005 to address the increasing demand by national companies for wellness services and products for their employees. We believe our broad range of services and products uniquely positions us to serve this market and help companies reduce their health care costs and improve the well-being of their employees. Our Corporate Solutions sales and marketing initiative leverages a company's internal communications to promote our services and products directly to its employees. As part of this strategy, we have built a dedicated national sales and account management team focused on engaging national clients.
•: Growing Our Licensing Revenues. We license the Weight Watchers brand and other intellectual property in certain categories of food and other consumer products to carefully selected partners. We believe there are significant opportunities both in the United States and internationally to take advantage of the strength of our brand and other intellectual property through additional licensing agreements. We have recently expanded our global licensing team in order to focus on increasing the number of categories and geographies of our licensed products.

The Global Weight Management Market

We participate in the global weight management market. According to Marketdata Enterprises, the weight management industry had revenue of approximately $46 billion in 2004 in the United States alone. The number of overweight and obese people around the world has steadily increased over the past 20 years and is now estimated at over 1 billion, primarily driven by improving living standards and changing eating patterns, along with increasingly sedentary lifestyles. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, between 1999 and 2002, 65% of Americans over the age of 19 were considered overweight and almost half of these were obese. Numerous diseases, including heart disease, high blood pressure and Type II diabetes, are associated with being overweight or obese. We believe the growing population of overweight people who are motivated by both an increasing awareness of the health benefits of weight loss and the desire to improve their appearance is fueling the growth in demand for weight management programs. This growth is also a result of an increasing willingness of employers and governments to promote and contribute towards the cost of weight management programs.

Our Services and Products

Our Weight Management Plans

In each of our markets, we offer services and products that are built upon weight management systems tailored to local tastes and habits. These weight management systems are comprised of a range of nutritional, exercise and behavioral tools and approaches. For instance, we currently offer TurnAround in the United States and Canada. One of the features of TurnAround is to give consumers the choice of two weight management plans to follow, the Flex Plan, also known as the POINTS weight management system, and the Core Plan.

Under the Flex Plan, each food has a POINTS value determined by a patented formula based on the food's calories, fat and dietary fiber. Subject to certain nutritional guidelines, consumers on this plan can eat any food as long as their total food consumption stays within their POINTS value "budget" for the week. Since nutritious foods generally have low POINTS values, this approach guides consumers toward healthier eating habits.

Under the Core Plan, consumers eat from a list of wholesome foods from all the food groups, i.e., core foods that provide eating satisfaction without the need to count POINTS values. These core foods are intended to satisfy consumers' hunger by directing them to foods with low calorie density that do not trigger over-eating. The Core Plan also permits consumers to eat non-core foods within an allotted weekly POINTS value.

Meetings

Clinical studies have shown that consumers who attend Weight Watchers meetings are more likely to lose weight than those who diet on their own. Our group support system remains the cornerstone of our meetings. Members provide each other support by sharing their experiences, their encouragement and empathy with other people experiencing similar weight management challenges. This group support provides the reassurance that no one must overcome their weight management challenge alone. Group support assists members in dealing with issues such as emotional eating and finding time to exercise. We facilitate this support through interactive meetings that encourage learning through group activities and discussions.

We present our program in a series of weekly meetings of approximately one hour in duration. Meetings are conveniently scheduled throughout the day. Typically, we hold meetings in either meeting rooms rented from civic or other community organizations or in leased locations.

In our meetings, our leaders present our program that combines group support and education with a structured approach to food, activity and lifestyle modification developed by credentialed weight management experts. Our more than 15,000 leaders run our meetings and educate members on the Weight Watchers method of successful and sustained weight management. Our leaders also provide inspiration and motivation for our members and are examples of our program's effectiveness because they have lost weight and maintained their weight loss on our program.

Meetings typically begin with registration and a confidential weigh-in to track each member's progress. Leaders and receptionists are trained to engage the members at the weigh-in to talk about their weight management efforts during the previous week and to provide encouragement and advice. Part of the meeting is educational, where the leader uses personal anecdotes, games or open questions to demonstrate some of our core weight management strategies, such as self-belief and discipline. For the remainder of the meeting, the leader focuses on a variety of topics pre-selected by us, such as seasonal weight management topics, achievements people have made in the prior week and celebrating and applauding individual successes. Discussions can range from dealing with a holiday office party to

making time to exercise. The leader encourages substantial participation and discusses supporting products and materials as appropriate. At the end of the meeting, new members are given special instruction in our current weight management plan.

Our leaders help set a member's weight goal within a healthy range based on body mass index. When members reach their weight goal and maintain it for six weeks, they achieve lifetime member status. This gives them the privilege to attend our meetings free of charge as long as they maintain their weight within a certain range. Successful members also become eligible to apply for positions as leaders. Field management and current leaders constantly identify new leaders from members who have strong interpersonal skills and are personable. Leaders are usually paid on a commission basis.

Our most popular payment structure in our meeting business is a 'pay-as-you-go' arrangement. A new member pays an initial registration fee and then a weekly fee for each meeting attended, although free registration is often offered as a promotion. We also offer discounted prepayment plans.

We have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship with our franchisees over many years. In our early years, we used an aggressive franchising strategy to quickly establish a meeting infrastructure to pre-empt competition. Since then we have acquired a large number of franchises and we do not intend to award new franchise territories. In fiscal 2005, franchised operations represented approximately 21% of our total worldwide attendance. We estimate that, in fiscal 2005, these franchised operations attracted attendance of over 16 million. Franchisees typically pay us a fee equal to 10% of their meeting fee revenues.

Our franchisees are responsible for operating classes in their franchise class territory using the program and marketing guidelines we have developed. We provide a central support system for the program and our brand. Franchisees purchase products from us at wholesale prices for resale directly to members. Franchisees are obligated to adhere strictly to our program content guidelines, with the freedom to control pricing, class locations, operational structure and local promotions. Franchisees provide local operational expertise, advertising and public relations. Franchisees are required to keep accurate records that we audit on a periodic basis. Most franchise agreements are perpetual and can be terminated only upon a material breach or bankruptcy of the franchisee.

Product Sales

We sell a range of products, including bars, snacks, cookbooks, POINTS value guides, Weight Watchers magazines and POINTS calculators, that complement our weight management plans and help our customers in their weight management efforts. Our emphasis has been on consumables that drive recurring purchases. Our products are designed to be high quality, to offer benefits related to the Weight Watchers plans, to be competitively priced and to be easy to merchandise. We continuously update our product range and share best practices around the globe.

We sell our products primarily through our meeting operations and to our franchisees. Recently, we have grown our product sales per attendee by updating our selection of products. In fiscal 2005,

sales of our proprietary products represented 25% of our revenues. We intend to continue to optimize our product offerings by updating existing products and selectively introducing new products.


Snack Bars		Cookbooks		Baked Snacks

Our WeightWatchers.com Offerings

Through WeightWatchers.com, we are well positioned to benefit from the large self-help market as well as several trends taking place in the Internet marketplace including an increased willingness to access and pay for web content, the proliferation of broadband access and the growth of e-Commerce and Internet advertising. According to comScore, the U.S. paid Internet content market has nearly quadrupled from 2001 to 2005, increasing from $265 million in the first half of 2001 to over $985 million in the first half of 2005, with almost 80% of U.S. Internet content revenue in the first half of 2005 coming from subscriptions as opposed to individual sales.

Since 2001, we have offered two Internet subscription products in the United States—Weight Watchers Online and Weight Watchers eTools.

Weight Watchers Online

Weight Watchers Online is a product based on the Weight Watchers approach to weight management and is designed to attract self-help-inclined consumers. Weight Watchers Online helps consumers adopt a healthier lifestyle, with a view toward long-term behavior modification—a key aspect of the Weight Watchers approach toward sustainable weight loss. Weight Watchers Online allows consumers to learn how to make healthier food choices and to lead a more active lifestyle by providing them with online content, functionality, resources and interactive web-based weight management plans.

Weight Watchers eTools

Weight Watchers eTools is an Internet weight management offering available only to consumers who are Weight Watchers meetings members. Weight Watchers eTools allows users to interactively manage the day-to-day aspects of their weight management plan online, discover different food options, stay informed and motivated, and keep track of their weight management efforts.

In the third quarter of 2002, WeightWatchers.com launched its two Internet subscription products on our U.K. and Canadian websites. In January 2004, WeightWatchers.com launched its Internet subscription products on our German website, and, in December 2005, WeightWatchers.com launched

its Internet subscription products on our Australia/New Zealand website. These products have similar functionality to the existing U.S. products, but are tailored specifically to each local market.

As of December 31, 2005, WeightWatchers.com had approximately 535,000 active subscribers, of which approximately 75% were subscribers to Weight Watchers Online.

As Weight Watchers Online and Weight Watchers eTools reflect different value propositions, the subscriptions are priced differently. Both subscription products currently offer an initial pre-paid subscription term of one or three months, continuing thereafter on a pre-paid month-to-month basis until canceled. In the United States, Weight Watchers Online costs $65.00 for the initial 3-month term or $46.90 for the initial one-month term. The ongoing monthly fee for Weight Watchers Online is $16.95. In the United States, Weight Watchers eTools costs $29.95 for the initial 3-month term or $12.95 for the initial one-month term. The ongoing monthly fee for Weight Watchers eTools is $12.95.

We believe WeightWatchers.com's personalized and interactive Internet subscription products provide consumers with an engaging weight management experience. Our Internet subscription products help customers monitor their weight management efforts, encourage exercise and healthier living, and provide guidance toward healthier eating habits by offering the following interactive resources:

•: POINTS Tracker
•: POINTS Calculators
•: Weight Tracker and Progress Charts
•: Recipe Database
•: Recipe Builder
•: Meal Ideas
•: Restaurant Guides

In July 2004, WeightWatchers.com launched its first mobile subscription product—Weight Watchers On-the-Go—which is available as an add-on product for subscribers to our Internet products. Weight Watchers On-the-Go offers software tools and features for Palm-based handheld devices. Through a two-way synchronization, subscribers can track their POINTS value, food consumption or physical activities either on their handheld device or through the website and have their results automatically uploaded to their Internet subscription account or downloaded to their handheld device. Weight Watchers On-the-Go is currently only offered in the United States and is free for Weight Watchers eTools subscribers. Weight Watchers Online subscribers can currently purchase Weight Watchers On-the-Go for an additional $5 per month.

We believe men represent an important market opportunity for us and we are developing a version of our Internet subscription products customized for men. Based on our internal research, we believe many men trust the Weight Watchers brand as a source of sensible weight management advice. We believe web-based offerings, combined with appropriate content and imagery, will be ideally suited for men.

We believe we can continue to expand our Internet revenues from sources other than our Internet subscription products. For example, in December 2005 we launched in the United States an online store that sells our products (such as bars, snacks and POINTS calculators) to our Weight Watchers Online subscribers. We are also exploring options to increase our Internet advertising sales.

Corporate Solutions

We believe there is an increasing demand by companies for services and products that can improve the health and well-being of their employees. In response, we recently launched our Corporate Solutions sales and marketing initiative. We believe our broad range of services and products uniquely positions us to serve this market and help companies reduce their healthcare costs and improve the well-being of their employees. Our Corporate Solutions initiative typically leverages a company's internal communications to promote our services and products directly to its employees. As part of this strategy, we have built a dedicated national sales and account management team focused on engaging national clients.

The Corporate Solutions initiative promotes four differentiated offerings, any of which can generally be offered by companies to their employees:

•: Onsite Weekly Meetings: For employees who want support from fellow colleagues, guidance from an experienced leader and the convenience of attending meetings at their workplace.
•: Local Meeting Vouchers: For employees who want guidance from a leader but want to attend meetings away from work.
•: Weight Watchers Online: For employees who cannot attend meetings, or are self-help inclined, but want access to Weight Watchers.
•: At Home Kits: For employees who prefer an offline self-help approach.

This national approach to serving companies supplements our existing local efforts to target the corporate market. We intend to leverage our existing local relationships into expanded national relationships.

Licensing and Publishing

Licensing

We license the Weight Watchers brand and other intellectual property in certain categories of food and other consumer products to carefully selected partners. We seek to increase our licensing revenues by targeting sizeable product categories where the Weight Watchers brand can add real value. We have recently expanded our global licensing team in order to focus on increasing the number of categories and geographies of our licensed products.

We typically partner with licensees that excel at new product development and have strong marketing and sales expertise, manufacturing and distribution capabilities, financial strength, prior performance in previous licensing deals and senior management commitment to building the Weight Watchers brand. In addition, in connection with our acquisition from Heinz in September 1999, Heinz received a perpetual royalty-free license to continue using our brand in its core food categories. We plan to continue to choose our licensing partners carefully after identifying and prioritizing categories that enhance the Weight Watchers brand and have long-term growth potential.

Selected licensees include:

LICENSEE		PRODUCT
United States
	Applebee's	Casual Dining Restaurant Menu
	Conair	Scales
	Dawn Foods	Snack Cakes & Muffins
	Organic Milling	Ready to Eat Cereals
	Russell Stover	Chocolate Candies
	Wells Dairy	Ice Cream
	Weston Bakeries	Fresh Bread
United Kingdom
	Anthony Alan Foods	Snack Cakes
	Conair	Scales
	Yoplait	Yogurt
Continental Europe
	Anthony Alan Foods	Snack Cakes
	COOP	COOP "Healthy for You" Range
	Sara Lee	Meats
	Senoble	Yogurt
Australia
	Conair	Scales
	Nestle	Yogurt

Each licensee is required to include on their packaging information about our services and our products, including our toll-free numbers and a URL for WeightWatchers.com. This marketing and promotional support reinforces the value of our brand.

We continue to believe there are significant opportunities both in the United States and internationally to take advantage of the strength of the Weight Watchers brand and other intellectual property through additional licensing agreements.

Weight Watchers Magazine

Weight Watchers magazines are published in all of our major markets. In the United States, Weight Watchers Magazine is an important branded marketing channel that is experiencing strong growth. We re-acquired the rights to publish the magazine without the subscriber list in February 2000 and re-launched its publication in May 2000. Since then, we have grown paid circulation from zero to over one million. As of fall 2005, our U.S. magazine had a readership of 6.61 readers per copy,

according to MediaMark, an industry tracking service. In addition to generating revenues from subscription sales and advertising, Weight Watchers Magazine also reinforces the value of our brand and serves as a powerful tool for marketing to both existing and potential customers.

Marketing and Promotion

Word of Mouth

The word-of-mouth generated by our current and former customers is an important source of new customers. Over our more than 40-year operating history, we have created a powerful referral network of loyal customers. These referrals, combined with our strong brand and the effectiveness of our plans, enable us to efficiently attract new and returning customers.

Media Advertising

Our advertising enhances our brand image and awareness and motivates both former and potential new customers to join Weight Watchers. We have historically taken advantage of a range of traditional offline advertising vehicles such as television, radio and print. Over the past five years, WeightWatchers.com has developed a strong capability and presence in Internet advertising. Our advertising schedule supports the three key diet seasons of the year: winter, spring and fall. We allocate our media advertising on a market-by-market basis, as well as by media vehicle (television, radio, Internet, magazines and newspapers), taking into account the target market and the effectiveness of the medium.

Direct Mail and Email

Direct mail is a critical element of our marketing because it targets potential returning members. We maintain databases of current and former customers in each country in which we operate, which we use to focus our direct mailings and email. During fiscal 2005, our NACO operations sent over 21 million pieces of direct mail. Most of these mailings are timed to coincide with the start of the diet seasons and are intended to encourage former meeting members to re-enroll. WeightWatchers.com has made a substantial investment in developing email targeting capabilities and its email promotional vehicles and programs will be an increasingly important customer acquisition vehicle for both our Internet and offline businesses.

WeightWatchers.com Website

The WeightWatchers.com website is an important global promotional channel for our brand and businesses. The website has become an important vehicle for communicating our services and products in greater detail than could be achieved in more traditional advertising vehicles. In addition to being a gateway for our Internet subscription products, the website contributes value to our meeting business by promoting our brand, advertising Weight Watchers meetings and keeping members involved with Weight Watchers outside of meetings through useful offerings, such as a meeting locator, low calorie recipes, weight management articles, success stories and Internet forums. In 2005, our Meeting Finder feature generated on average over 850,000 meeting searches per month in the United States alone. The Meeting Finder makes it easier than ever for our existing and potential members to find a convenient meeting place and time. WeightWatchers.com now attracts an average of approximately 4.0 million unique visitors per month in the United States alone.

Public Relations

The focus of our public relations efforts is through our current and former members who have successfully lost weight on our program. Leaders and successful members engage in local promotions, information presentations and charity events to promote Weight Watchers and demonstrate the program's efficacy. We currently have over 300 trained media "ambassadors" in the United States as part of our grass roots public relations network.

Recently, we launched a science-based public relations initiative to capitalize on Weight Watchers position as the only clinically proven commercial weight management program. This has included an increased investment in third party scientific research, the launch of a science center on our website and increased efforts to share our consumer and program insights with leaders in the scientific and medical communities as well as the general public.

Weight Watchers Magazine

In addition to generating revenues from subscription sales and advertising, Weight Watchers Magazine reinforces the value of our brand and serves as an important marketing tool to both existing and potential customers. We offer Weight Watchers magazines in all of our major markets.

Entrepreneurial Management

We run our company in a decentralized and entrepreneurial manner that allows us to develop and test new ideas on a local basis and then implement the most successful ideas across our network. We believe local country and regional managers are best able to develop new strategies and plans to meet the needs of their markets. For example, local managers in the United Kingdom were responsible for developing our POINTS-based program. In addition, many of our meeting products were developed locally and then introduced successfully in other countries. Local managers have strong incentives to adopt and implement the best practices of other regions and to continue to develop innovative new plans.

While having strong local leadership has always been a cornerstone of our strategy, we have also been investing in building our global corporate management team. Our management team plays a critical role in driving and facilitating the global coordination necessary to optimize our international assets and share best practices across geographies.

Competition

The weight management market includes self-help weight management regimens and other self-help weight management products and publications such as books, tapes and magazines; commercial weight management programs; Internet weight management approaches; dietary supplements and meal replacement products; weight management services administered by doctors, nutritionists and dieticians; surgical procedures; the pharmaceutical industry; government agencies and non-profit groups that offer weight management services; and fitness centers.

Competition among commercial weight management programs is largely based on program recognition and reputation and the effectiveness, safety and price of the program. In the United States, we compete with several other companies in the commercial weight management industry, although we believe that the businesses are not comparable. For example, many of these competitors' businesses are based on the sale of pre-packaged meals and meal replacements. Our meetings use group support, education and behavior modification to help our members change their eating habits, in conjunction with flexible food plans that allow members the freedom to choose what they eat. There are no significant group education-based competitors in any of our major markets, except in the United Kingdom. Even there, we have an almost 50% market share, which is more than 60% larger than that of our nearest competitor.

We believe that food manufacturers that produce meal replacement products are not comparable competition because these businesses' meal replacement products do not engender behavior modification through education in conjunction with a flexible, healthy diet.

We also compete with various self help diets, products and publications. Beginning in 2003, low-carb diets gained in popularity and media exposure. These diets advocate dramatic reductions in carbohydrates that result in calorie reduction. We believe that the appeal of these programs has peaked and the low carb phenomenon is now in decline.

Regulation

A number of laws and regulations govern our advertising, franchise operations and relations with consumers, employees and other service providers in the countries in which we operate. The FTC and certain states and foreign jurisdictions regulate advertising, disclosures to consumers, privacy, consumer pricing or billing arrangements, and other consumer matters.

Laws and regulations directly applicable to communications or commerce over the Internet such as those governing intellectual property, privacy, libel and taxation, are becoming more prevalent and remain unsettled.

Employees and Service Providers

As of December 31, 2005, we had approximately 46,000 employees and service providers. We consider our relations with our employees and service providers to be satisfactory.

Legal Matters

We are not a party to any material pending litigation. Due to the nature of our activities, we are at times subject to pending or threatened legal actions that arise out of the normal course of business. We have had and continue to have disputes with certain of our franchisees. In the opinion of management, based in part upon advice of legal counsel, the disposition of all such matters is not expected to have a material effect on our results of operations.

MANAGEMENT

Executive Officers and Directors

Set forth below are the names, ages as of December 31, 2005 and current positions with us and our subsidiaries of our executive officers and directors. Directors are elected at the annual meeting of shareholders. Executive officers are appointed by, and hold office at, the discretion of the directors.

Name	Age	Position
Linda Huett	61	President and Chief Executive Officer, Director
Ann M. Sardini	55	Chief Financial Officer
Thilo Semmelbauer	40	Chief Operating Officer, NACO
David P. Kirchhoff	39	Chief Operating Officer, Europe and Asia, President and Chief Executive Officer, WeightWatchers.com
Robert W. Hollweg	63	General Counsel and Secretary
Raymond Debbane(1)	50	Chairman of the Board
Philippe J. Amouyal	47	Director
John F. Bard(1)(2)	64	Director
Marsha Johnson Evans(2)	58	Director
Jonas M. Fajgenbaum	33	Director
Sacha Lainovic(1)	49	Director
Sam K. Reed(2)	58	Director
Christopher J. Sobecki	47	Director

(1): Member of our Compensation and Benefits Committee.
(2): Member of our Audit Committee.

Linda Huett. Ms. Huett has been the President and a director of our company since September 1999. She became our Chief Executive Officer in December 2000. Ms. Huett joined our company in 1984 as a meeting leader. Ms. Huett was promoted to U.K. Training Manager in 1986. In 1990, Ms. Huett was appointed Director of the United Kingdom operation and in 1993 was appointed Vice President of Weight Watchers U.K. Ms. Huett received a B.A. degree from Gustavas Adolphus College and received her Masters in Theater from Yale University. Ms. Huett is also a director of Ann Taylor Inc.

Ann M. Sardini. Ms. Sardini has served as our Chief Financial Officer since April 2002 when she joined our company. Ms. Sardini has over 20 years of experience in senior financial management positions in branded media and consumer products companies. Prior to joining us, she served as Chief Financial Officer of VitaminShoppe.com, Inc. from 1999 to 2001, and from 1995 to 1999 she served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for the Children's Television Workshop. In addition, Ms. Sardini has held finance positions at QVC, Inc., Chris Craft Industries and the National Broadcasting Company. Ms. Sardini received a B.A. from Boston College and an M.B.A. from Simmons College Graduate School of Management. Ms. Sardini is also a director of Venaca Inc.

Thilo Semmelbauer. Mr. Semmelbauer has served as our Chief Operating Officer for North America since March 2004. Prior to that time, he served as the President and Chief Operating Officer of WeightWatchers.com. He held that position since February 2000. Prior to WeightWatchers.com,

Mr. Semmelbauer was with The Boston Consulting Group in the Consumer Goods, Technology and e-Commerce practices. Previously, Mr. Semmelbauer was in Product Management at Motorola, Inc. He received his Master of Science degree in Management and Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and is a graduate of Dartmouth College.

David P. Kirchhoff. Mr. Kirchhoff has been the Chief Executive Officer and President of WeightWatchers.com since rejoining WeightWatchers.com in June 2004. He also became our Chief Operating Officer, Europe and Asia in September 2005. Prior to rejoining WeightWatchers.com, Mr. Kirchhoff served as Chief Financial Officer of the Enthusiast Media Group of Primedia, Inc. from September 2003 to June 2004. Mr. Kirchhoff originally joined WeightWatchers.com in January 2000 as Senior Vice President, Strategy and Business Development, and served as Chief Financial Officer of WeightWatchers.com from January 2003 until his departure in August 2003. Prior to joining WeightWatchers.com in January 2000, he was Director of Corporate Strategy and Development for Pepsico, Inc. Previously, Mr. Kirchhoff was a manager and consultant with The Boston Consulting Group in Washington, D.C. He holds a B.S. in Biomedical and Electrical Engineering from Duke University and an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business.

Robert W. Hollweg. Mr. Hollweg has served as our General Counsel and Secretary since January 1998. He joined our company in 1969 as an Assistant Counsel in the law department. He transferred to the Heinz law department subsequent to Heinz' acquisition of our company in 1978 and served there in various capacities. He rejoined us after Artal acquired our company in September 1999. Mr. Hollweg graduated from Fordham University and received his Juris Doctor degree from Fordham University School of Law. He is a member of the American and New York State Bar Associations and a former President of the International Trademark Association.

Raymond Debbane. Mr. Debbane has been the Chairman of our Board of Directors since our acquisition by Artal on September 29, 1999. Mr. Debbane is a co-founder and President of The Invus Group, LLC. Prior to forming The Invus Group, LLC in 1985, Mr. Debbane was a manager and consultant for The Boston Consulting Group in Paris, France. He holds an M.B.A. from Stanford Graduate School of Business, an M.S. in Food Science and Technology from the University of California, Davis and a B.S. in Agricultural Sciences and Agricultural Engineering from American University of Beirut. Mr. Debbane is a director of Artal Group S.A., Ceres, Inc. and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of GoldenSource Corporation.

Philippe J. Amouyal. Mr. Amouyal has been a director since November 2002. Mr. Amouyal is a Managing Director of The Invus Group, LLC, which he joined in 1999. Previously, Mr. Amouyal was a Vice President and director of The Boston Consulting Group, Inc. in Boston, MA. He holds an M.S. in engineering and a DEA in Management from Ecole Centrale de Paris and was a Research Fellow at the Center for Policy Alternatives of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Mr. Amouyal is a director of GoldenSource Corporation, Metamarix, Inc. and Entopia, Inc.

John F. Bard. Mr. Bard has been a director since November 2002. Since 1999, he has been a director of the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company, where he served as Executive Vice President from 1999 to 2000, Senior Vice President from 1990 to 1999, and at the same time serving as Chief Financial Officer from 1990 until his retirement from management in 2000. He began his business career in 1963 with The Procter & Gamble Company in financial management. He subsequently was Group Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and a director of The Clorox Company and later President and a director of Tambrands, Inc., prior to joining Wrigley. Mr. Bard holds a B.S. in business from Northwestern University and an M.B.A. in Finance from the University of Cincinnati. Mr. Bard also serves as a director of Hollinger International, Inc.

Marsha Johnson Evans. Ms. Evans has been a director since February 2002. Ms. Evans served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross, the preeminent humanitarian

organization in the United States, from August 2002 to December 2005, and previously served as the National Executive Director of Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. from January 1998 to July 2002. A retired Rear Admiral in the United States Navy, Ms. Evans has served as superintendent of the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California from 1995 to 1998 and headed the Navy's worldwide recruiting organization from 1993 to 1995. She is currently a director of Huntsman Corporation, Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc. and the Naval Academy Foundation. Ms. Evans received a B.A. from Occidental College and a Master's Degree from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.

Jonas M. Fajgenbaum. Mr. Fajgenbaum has been a director since our acquisition by Artal on September 29, 1999. Mr. Fajgenbaum is a Managing Director of The Invus Group, LLC, which he joined in 1996. Prior to joining The Invus Group, LLC, Mr. Fajgenbaum was a consultant for McKinsey & Company in New York from 1994 to 1996. He graduated with a B.S. from the Wharton School of Business and a B.A. in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania.

Sacha Lainovic. Mr. Lainovic has been a director since our acquisition by Artal on September 29, 1999. Mr. Lainovic is a co-founder and Executive Vice President of The Invus Group, LLC. Prior to forming The Invus Group, LLC in 1985, Mr. Lainovic was a manager and consultant for The Boston Consulting Group in Paris, France. He holds an M.B.A. from Stanford Graduate School of Business and an M.S. in engineering from Insa de Lyon in Lyon, France. Mr. Lainovic is a director of GoldenSource Corporation.

Sam K. Reed. Mr. Reed has been a director since February 2002. Mr. Reed has over 30 years of experience in the food industry. He is currently the CEO and Chairman of TreeHouse Foods, Inc. Previously, Mr. Reed was the CEO of Dean Specialty Foods Holdings, Inc. Formerly, Mr. Reed was Vice Chairman and a director of Kellogg Company, the world's leading producer of cereal and a leading producer of convenience foods. From 1996 to 2001, Mr. Reed was Chief Executive Officer, President and a director of Keebler Foods Company. Previously, he was Chief Executive Officer of Specialty Food Corporation's Western Bakery Group division. He is a director of the Tractor Supply Company and TreeHouse Foods, Inc. Mr. Reed received a B.A. from Rice University and an M.B.A. from Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Christopher J. Sobecki. Mr. Sobecki has been a director since our acquisition by Artal on September 29, 1999. Mr. Sobecki, a Managing Director of The Invus Group, LLC, joined the firm in 1989. He received an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School. He also obtained a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University. Mr. Sobecki is also a director of GoldenSource Corporation and Eduventures, LLC.

PRINCIPAL AND SELLING SHAREHOLDERS

The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock by (i) all persons known by us to own beneficially more than 5% of our common stock, (ii) our chief executive officer and each of the named executive officers, (iii) each director, (iv) all directors and executive officers as a group and (v) the selling shareholders.

Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. In computing the number of shares beneficially owned by a person and the percentage ownership of that person, shares of common stock subject to options held by that person that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of the date of this prospectus are deemed issued and outstanding. These shares, however, are not deemed outstanding for purposes of computing percentage ownership of each other shareholder.

Our capital consists of our common stock and our preferred stock. As of January 31, 2006, there were 100,454,369 shares of our common stock outstanding and no shares of our preferred stock outstanding.

	As of January 31, 2005				Immediately After This Offering
Name of Beneficial Owner	As of January 31, 2005			Shares to be Sold in Offering	Immediately After This Offering
Name of Beneficial Owner	Shares	Percent		Shares to be Sold in Offering	Shares	Percent
Artal Group S.A.⁽¹⁾	64,265,825	64.0	%	10,000,000	54,265,825	54.0	%
American Century Investment Management, Inc.⁽²⁾	5,810,011	5.8		—	5,810,011	5.8
Delaware Management Business Trust⁽³⁾	5,519,833	5.5		—	5,519,833	5.5
Linda Huett⁽⁴⁾⁽⁵⁾	450,691	*		—	450,691	*
Ann M. Sardini⁽⁴⁾⁽⁵⁾	80,000	*		—	80,000	*
Thilo Semmelbauer⁽⁴⁾⁽⁵⁾	20,000	*		—	20,000	*
David P. Kirchhoff⁽⁴⁾⁽⁵⁾	5,964	*		—	5,964	*
Robert W. Hollweg⁽⁴⁾⁽⁵⁾	247,706	*		—	247,706	*
Raymond Debbane⁽⁴⁾⁽⁶⁾	—	—		—	—	—
Philippe Amouyal⁽⁴⁾	—	—		—	—	—
John F. Bard⁽⁴⁾⁽⁵⁾	9,102	*		—	9,102	*
Marsha Johnson Evans⁽⁴⁾⁽⁵⁾	9,384	*		—	9,384	*
Jonas M. Fajgenbaum⁽⁴⁾	—	—		—	—	—
Sacha Lainovic⁽⁴⁾	—	—		—	—	—
Sam K. Reed⁽⁴⁾⁽⁵⁾	19,384	*		—	19,384	*
Christopher J. Sobecki⁽⁴⁾	—	—			—	—
All directors and executive officers as a group (13 people)⁽⁶⁾	842,231	*		—	842,231	*

*: Less than 1.0%
(1): The information concerning Artal Group S.A. is based on a Schedule 13D filed with the SEC on March 18, 2004 by Westend S.A., the parent company of Artal Group S.A., and other information known to us. Artal Group S.A. is the parent of Artal International S.A., which, in turn, is the parent of each of Artal Luxembourg S.A. and Artal Services N.V. Artal Services N.V. is the parent of Artal Participations & Management S.A. Artal Luxembourg S.A. is the parent of Artal Holdings Sp. z o.o. As of January 31, 2006, Artal Holdings Sp. z o.o. was the record owner of 59,772,567 of our shares and Artal Participations & Management S.A. was the record owner of 4,493,258 of our shares. Artal Participations & Management S.A. will sell all of the shares it owns in us in this offering. Artal Holdings Sp. z o.o. will sell the remainder of the shares in this offering, including any shares sold to cover over-allotments. As a result of the foregoing, Artal International S.A., Artal Group S.A. and Westend S.A. may each be deemed to be the beneficial owner of all of our shares held of record by Artal Holdings Sp. z o.o. and Artal Participations & Management S.A. The address of Artal Holdings Sp. z o.o. and Artal Participations & Management S.A. is 105, Grand-Rue, L-1661 Luxembourg, Luxembourg. The address of Westend S.A., Artal Group S.A., Artal Luxembourg S.A. and Artal International S.A., is the same as Artal Holdings

Sp. z o.o. and Artal Participations & Management S.A. The address of Artal Services N.V. is Woluwedal, 28 B-1932 St. Stevens—Woluwe Belgium.

(2): Based on Amendment No. 1 to Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 14, 2006 by American Century Investment Management, Inc., American Century Companies, Inc. and American Century Mutual Funds, Inc., American Century Investment Management and American Century Companies, its parent, have beneficial ownership of 5,810,011 shares, and American Century Mutual Funds, Inc. has beneficial ownership of 5,319,871 shares. Each of American Century Investment Management and American Century Companies has sole voting power over 5,524,551 shares and sole dispositive power over 5,810,011 shares and American Century Mutual Funds has sole voting power and sole dispositive power over 5,319,871 shares. The address of these entities is 4500 Main Street, 9th Floor, Kansas City, Missouri 64111.
(3): Based on a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 9, 2006 by Delaware Management Holdings, Inc. and Delaware Management Business Trust, Delaware Management Holdings and Delaware Management Business Trust, each of which whose ultimate parent is Lincoln National Corporation, have beneficial ownership of 5,519,833 shares. Each of Delaware Management Holdings and Delaware Management Business Trust has sole voting power over 5,211,366 shares, shared voting power over 293,467 shares, sole dispositive power over 5,354,033 shares, and shared dispositive power over 165,800 shares. The address of these entities is 2005 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103.
(4): Our executive officers and directors may be contacted c/o Weight Watchers International, Inc., 11 Madison Avenue, 17th Floor, New York, New York, 10010.
(5): Number of shares beneficially owned includes shares subject to purchase upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days after January 31, 2006, as follows: Ms. Huett 358,483 shares; Ms. Sardini 80,000 shares; Mr. Semmelbauer 20,000 shares; Mr. Hollweg 161,322 shares; Mr. Bard 6,000 shares; Ms. Evans 2,000 shares; and Mr. Reed 8,000 shares. The number of shares beneficially owned by Mr. Kirchhoff also includes 2,586 shares vesting within 60 days after January 31, 2006 pursuant to restricted stock unit awards.
(6): Mr. Debbane is also a director of Artal Group S.A. Artal Group S.A. is the parent entity of Artal International S.A., which is the parent entity of Artal Luxembourg S.A., which in turn is the parent entity of Artal Holdings Sp. z o.o. Artal International S.A. is the parent entity of Artal Services N.V., which is the parent entity of Artal Participations & Management S.A. Mr. Debbane may be deemed to share beneficial ownership of all shares owned by Artal Holdings Sp. z o.o. and Artal Participations & Management S.A. but disclaims such beneficial ownership.

In addition, the selling shareholders have granted the underwriters the right to purchase up to an additional 1,500,000 shares of common stock to cover over-allotments. If the underwriters exercise this over-allotment option in full, Artal will beneficially own 52.5% of our common stock after this offering.

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

Our authorized capital stock consists of (1) 1.0 billion shares of common stock, no par value, of which 100,454,369 shares were issued and outstanding as of January 31, 2006, and (2) 250,000,000 shares of preferred stock, no par value, of which no shares are issued and outstanding. The following description of our capital stock and related matters is qualified in its entirety by reference to our articles of incorporation and bylaws, copies of which are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

Common Stock

Voting Rights. The holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters submitted for action by the shareholders. There is no provision for cumulative voting with respect to the election of directors. Accordingly, a holder of more than 50% of the shares of our common stock can, if it so chooses, elect all of our directors. In that event, the holders of the remaining shares will not be able to elect any directors.

Dividend Rights. All shares of our common stock are entitled to share equally in any dividends our Board of Directors may declare from legally available sources. Our credit facilities impose certain restrictions on our ability to declare dividends with respect to our common stock.

Liquidation Rights. Upon liquidation or dissolution of our company, whether voluntary or involuntary, all shares of our common stock are entitled to share equally in the assets available for distribution to shareholders after payment of all of our prior obligations, including our preferred stock.

Other Matters. The holders of our common stock have no preemptive or conversion rights and our common stock is not subject to further calls or assessments by us. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the common stock. All outstanding shares of our common stock, including the common stock offered in this offering, are fully paid and non-assessable.

Preferred Stock

Our Board of Directors has the authority, without any further vote or action by the shareholders, to designate and issue preferred stock in one or more series and to designate the rights, preferences and privileges of each series, which may be greater than the rights of the common stock. It is not possible to state the actual effect of the issuance of any series of preferred stock upon the rights of holders of the common stock until the Board of Directors determines the specific rights of the holders of that series. However, the effects might include, among other things:

•: restricting dividends on the common stock;
•: diluting the voting power of the common stock;
•: impairing the liquidation rights of the common stock; or
•: delaying or preventing a change in control without further action by the shareholders.

Options and Restricted Stock Units

As of January 31, 2006, there were outstanding 2,888,641 shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options, 180,772 shares of our common stock issuable upon the vesting of restricted stock units and 2,125,921 shares of our common stock reserved for future issuance under our existing stock incentive plans.

Authorized but Unissued Capital Stock

The listing requirements of the New York Stock Exchange, which will apply so long as our common stock remains listed on the New York Stock Exchange, require shareholder approval of certain issuances equal to or exceeding 20% of then-outstanding voting power or then-outstanding number of shares of common stock. These additional shares may be used for a variety of corporate purposes, including future public offerings, to raise additional capital or to facilitate acquisitions.

One of the effects of the existence of unissued and unreserved common stock or preferred stock may be to enable our Board of Directors to issue shares to persons friendly to current management, which issuance could render more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of our company by means of a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise, and thereby protect the continuity of our management and possibly deprive the shareholders of opportunities to sell their shares of common stock at prices higher than prevailing market prices.

Certain Provisions of Virginia Law and Our Charter and Bylaws

Some provisions of Virginia law and our articles of incorporation and bylaws could make the following more difficult:

•: acquisition of us by means of a tender offer;
•: acquisition of us by means of a proxy contest or otherwise; or
•: removal of our incumbent officers and directors.

These provisions, summarized below, are intended to discourage coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids. These provisions are also designed to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to first negotiate with our board. We believe that the benefits of increased protection give us the potential ability to negotiate with the proponent of an unfriendly or unsolicited proposal to acquire or restructure us and outweigh the disadvantages of discouraging these proposals because negotiation of these proposals could result in an improvement of their terms.

Election and Removal of Directors

Our Board of Directors is divided into three classes. The directors in each class will serve for a three-year term, one class being elected each year by our shareholders. This system of electing and removing directors may discourage a third party from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us because it generally makes it more difficult for shareholders to replace a majority of our directors.

Our articles of incorporation and bylaws do not provide for cumulative voting in the election of directors.

At any time that Artal or certain of its transferees beneficially owns a majority of our then outstanding common stock, directors may be removed with or without cause. At all other times, directors may be removed only with cause.

Board Meetings

Our bylaws provide that the chairman of the board or any two of our directors may call special meetings of the Board of Directors.

Shareholder Meetings

Our articles of incorporation provide that special meetings of shareholders may be called by the chairman of our Board of Directors or our president or by a resolution adopted by our Board of

Directors. In addition, our articles of incorporation provide that Artal and certain of its transferees have the right to call special meetings of shareholders prior to the date it ceases to beneficially own 20% of our then outstanding common stock.

Requirements for Advance Notification of Shareholder Nominations and Proposals

Our bylaws establish advance notice procedures with respect to shareholder proposals and the nomination of candidates for election as directors, other than nominations made by or at the direction of our Board of Directors or a committee of the Board of Directors or by Artal and certain of its transferees when nominating its director designees. In addition, our bylaws provide that so long as Artal or certain of its transferees beneficially owns a majority of our then outstanding common stock, the foregoing advance notice procedures for shareholder proposals will not apply to it.

Shareholder Action by Written Consent

Virginia law generally requires shareholder action to be taken only at a meeting of shareholders and permits shareholders of a public corporation to act only by written consent with the unanimous written consent of all shareholders.

Amendment of Articles of Incorporation and Bylaw Provisions

Amendment of the provisions described above in our articles of incorporation generally will require an affirmative vote of our directors, as well as the affirmative vote of at least 80% of our then outstanding voting stock, except that at any time that Artal or certain of its transferees beneficially owns a majority of our then outstanding common stock, the anti-takeover provisions of our articles of incorporation may be amended by the affirmative vote of a majority of our then outstanding voting stock. Amendments to any other provisions of our articles of incorporation generally require the affirmative vote of a majority of our then outstanding voting stock. Our bylaws may be amended by the affirmative vote of our directors or by the affirmative vote of at least 80% of our then outstanding voting stock.

Rights Agreement

We adopted a rights agreement on November 15, 2001. Under the rights agreement one right was issued and attached to each share of our common stock including all shares that were outstanding. Each right entitles the holder, in the circumstances described below, to purchase from us a unit consisting of one one-hundredth of a share of Series B junior participating preferred stock, no par value per share, at an exercise price of $102.00 per right, subject to adjustment in certain events.

The rights are attached to all certificates representing outstanding shares of common stock and are transferred with and only with these certificates. The rights are exercisable and separately certificated only upon the distribution date, which will occur upon the earlier of the following:

•: ten days following a public announcement that a person or group other than certain exempt persons has acquired or obtained the right to acquire beneficial ownership of 10% or more of the shares of common stock then outstanding; and
•: ten business days, or later, if determined by our board, prior to any person acquiring 10% or more of the shares of common stock then outstanding, following the commencement or announcement of an intention to commence a tender offer or exchange offer that would result in a person or group acquiring 10% or more of the shares of common stock then outstanding.

As soon as practicable after the distribution date, certificates will be mailed to holders of record of common stock as of the close of business on the distribution date. From and after the distribution date, the separate certificates alone will represent the rights. Prior to the distribution date, all shares of

common stock issued will be issued with rights. Shares of common stock issued after the distribution date will not be issued with rights, except that rights may be issued with shares of common stock issued pursuant to any of:

•: the exercise of stock options that were granted or awarded prior to the distribution date;
•: employee plans or arrangements we adopted prior to the distribution date;
•: the exercise, conversion or exchange of securities issued prior to the distribution date; or
•: our contractual obligations.

The final expiration date of the rights will be the close of business on November 19, 2011, unless earlier redeemed or exchanged by us as described below.

In the event that a person acquires 10% or more of the shares of common stock then outstanding, except pursuant to a tender offer or exchange offer for all the outstanding shares of our common stock approved by our board before the person acquires 10% or more of the shares of common stock then outstanding, each holder of a right other than that person and certain related parties, whose rights will automatically become null and void, will thereafter be entitled to receive, upon exercise of the right, a number of shares of common stock, or, in certain circumstances, cash, property or other securities of our company, having a current market price averaged over the previous 30 consecutive trading days equal to two times the exercise price of the right.

If, at any time on or after a person acquires 10% or more of the shares of common stock then outstanding, our company effects a merger or other business combination in which it is not the surviving entity, or any shares of our common stock are changed into or exchanged for other securities, or 50% or more of its assets, cash flow or earning power is sold or transferred, then each holder of a right, except rights owned by any person who has acquired 10% or more of the shares of common stock then outstanding or certain related parties, which will have become void as set forth above, will thereafter have the right to receive, upon exercise, a number of shares of common stock of the acquiring company having a fair market value equal to two times the exercise price of the right.

The exercise price payable, and the number of shares of Series B junior participating preferred stock, shares of common stock or other securities or property issuable, upon exercise of the rights are subject to adjustment from time to time to prevent dilution in the event of a stock dividend on the Series B junior participating preferred stock payable in shares of Series B junior participating preferred stock, a subdivision or combination of the Series B junior participating preferred stock, a grant or distribution to holders of the Series B junior participating preferred stock of certain subscription rights, warrants, evidence of indebtedness, cash or other assets, or other similar events. In addition, the number of rights associated with each share of our common stock is subject to adjustment in the event of a declaration of a dividend on our common stock payable in common stock or a subdivision or combination of our common stock.

No fractional rights or shares of Series B junior participating preferred stock will be issued. In lieu thereof, an adjustment in cash will be made based on the market price of the common stock, right or Series B junior participating preferred stock on the last trading date prior to the date of exercise. Pursuant to the rights agreement, we reserve the right to require that, prior to the occurrence of one of the events that triggers the ability to exercise the rights, upon any exercise of rights, a number of rights be exercised so that only whole shares of Series B junior participating preferred stock will be issued.

We will also have the option, at any time after a person acquires 10% and before a person acquires a majority of the shares of our common stock then outstanding to exchange some or all of the rights, other than rights owned by the acquiring person or certain related parties, which will have become void, at an exchange ratio of one share of common stock and/or other equity securities deemed to have the same value as one share of common stock, per right, subject to adjustment.

At any time prior to the time the rights become exercisable, our company, by vote of a majority of our board, may redeem the rights in whole, but not in part, at a price of $0.01 per right, payable, at our option, in cash, shares of common stock or other consideration as our board may determine. Upon redemption, the rights will terminate and holders of rights will receive only the redemption price.

For as long as the rights are redeemable, our company may amend the rights agreement in any manner, including extending the time period in which the rights may be redeemed. After the time the rights cease to be redeemable, we may amend the rights in any manner that does not materially adversely affect the interests of holders of the rights as such. Until a right is exercised, the holder, as such, will have no rights as a shareholder of our company, including the right to vote or to receive dividends.

Our articles of incorporation provide that each share of Series B junior participating preferred stock, that may be issued upon exercise of the rights will be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared, cash and non-cash dividends equal to the greater of:

•: a dividend multiple of 100 times the aggregate per share amount of all cash and non-cash dividends declared or paid on the common stock, subject to adjustments for stock splits or dividends payable in common stock or reclassifications of common stock; or
•: preferential quarterly cash dividends of $0.01 per share.

Holders of Series B junior participating preferred stock will have a vote multiple of 100 votes per share, subject to adjustments for dividends payable in common stock or subdivisions or combinations of common stock and, except as otherwise provided by the articles of incorporation, or applicable law, will vote together with holders of common stock as a single class. In the event that the preferential quarterly cash dividends are in arrears for six or more quarterly dividend payment periods, holders of Series B junior participating preferred stock will have the right to elect two additional members of our board.

In the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our company, after provision for liabilities and any preferential amounts payable with respect to any preferred stock ranking senior to the Series B junior participating preferred stock, the holders of any Series B junior participating preferred stock will be entitled to receive liquidation payments per share in an amount equal to the following:

•: $1.00 plus an amount equal to accrued and unpaid dividends and distributions thereon to the date of payment; and
•: a proportionate share, on equal terms with the holders of common stock, of the assets remaining after payment described above and a nominal payment to the holders of common stock.

The rights of the Series B junior participating preferred stock as to dividends, voting and liquidation are protected by antidilution provisions. In the event of a consolidation, merger or other transaction in which the shares of capital stock are exchanged, holders of shares of Series B junior participating preferred stock will be entitled to receive an amount per share, equal to 100 times the amount of stock, securities, cash or other property for which each share of common stock is exchanged. The shares of Series B junior participating preferred stock are not redeemable at the option of our company or any holder thereof.

The rights have certain anti-takeover effects. The rights cause substantial dilution to any person or group that attempts to acquire our company without the approval of our board. As a result, the overall effect of the rights may be to render more difficult or discourage any attempt to acquire our company, even if that acquisition may be in the best interests of our shareholders. Because our board can redeem the rights or approve a permitted offer, the rights do not interfere with a merger or other business combination approved by our board.

The rights agreement excludes Artal, as well as transferees of at least 10% of our then outstanding common stock from Artal, from being considered an acquiring person.

Liability of Officers and Directors

Our articles of incorporation require us to indemnify any director, officer or employee who was or is a party to any claim, action or proceeding by reason of his being or having been a director, officer or employee of our company or any other corporation, entity or plan while serving at our request, unless he or she engaged in willful misconduct or a knowing violation of criminal law. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling us pursuant to the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that, in the opinion of the SEC, indemnification for liabilities under the Securities Act is against public policy and is unenforceable.

Anti-Takeover Statutes

We have opted out of the Virginia anti-takeover law regulating "control share acquisitions." Under Virginia law, shares acquired in a control share acquisition have no voting rights unless granted by a majority vote of all outstanding shares other than those held by the acquiring person or any officer or employee director of the corporation, or the articles of incorporation or bylaws of the corporation provide that this regulation does not apply to acquisitions of its shares. An acquiring person that owns five percent or more of the corporation's voting stock may require that a special meeting of the shareholders be held, within 50 days of the acquiring person's request, to consider the grant of voting rights to the shares acquired in the control share acquisition. If voting rights are not granted and the corporation's articles of incorporation or bylaws permit, the acquiring person's shares may be repurchased by the corporation, at its option, at a price per share equal to the acquiring person's cost. Virginia law grants appraisal rights to any shareholder who objects to a control share acquisition that is approved by a vote of disinterested shareholders and that gives the acquiring person control of a majority of the corporation's voting shares. This regulation was designed to deter certain takeovers of Virginia public corporations.

We have opted out of the Virginia anti-takeover law regulating "affiliated transactions." Under this law, certain material transactions between a Virginia corporation and any holder of more than 10% of any class of its outstanding voting shares are required to be approved by the holders of at least two-thirds of the remaining voting shares. Affiliated transactions subject to this approval requirement include mergers, share exchanges, material dispositions of corporate assets not in the ordinary course of business, any dissolution of the corporation proposed by or on behalf of a 10% holder or any reclassification, including reverse stock splits, recapitalization or merger of the corporation with its subsidiaries, that increases the percentage of voting shares owned beneficially by a 10% holder by more than five percent.

Registrar and Transfer Agent

The registrar and transfer agent for the common stock is Computershare (formerly EquiServe Trust Company, N.A.).

Listing

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "WTW".

SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

We cannot predict what effect, if any, market sales of shares of common stock or the availability of shares of common stock for sale will have on the market price of our common stock. Nevertheless, sales of substantial amounts of common stock, including shares issued upon the exercise of outstanding options, in the public market, or the perception that these sales could occur, could materially and adversely affect the market price of our common stock and could impair our future ability to raise capital through the sale of our equity or equity-related securities at a time and price that we deem appropriate.

As of January 31, 2006, we had outstanding an aggregate of 100,454,369 shares of common stock, and this offering will not affect the number of our outstanding shares. All the shares sold in this offering will be freely tradable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act, except that any shares held by our "affiliates," as that term is defined under Rule 144 of the Securities Act, may be sold only in compliance with the limitations described below.

Subject to the lock-up agreements described below and the volume limitations and other conditions under Rule 144, the 54,265,825 unregistered shares held by Artal after this offering will be available for sale in the public market under exemptions from registration requirements. Artal, which will own 54.0% of our shares (or 52.5% if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full) upon the closing of this offering, has the ability to cause us to register the resale of its shares.

Rule 144

In general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect, a person (or persons whose shares are required to be aggregated), including an affiliate, who has beneficially owned shares of our common stock for at least one year is entitled to sell in any three-month period a number of shares that does not exceed the greater of:

•: 1% of then-outstanding shares of common stock, or 1,004,544 shares; and
•: the average weekly trading volume in the common stock on the New York Stock Exchange during the four calendar weeks preceding the date on which notice of sale is filed, subject to restrictions.

Sales under Rule 144 are also subject to manner of sale provisions and notice requirements and to the availability of current public information about us.

Rule 144(k)

In addition, a person who is not deemed to have been an affiliate of ours at any time during the 90 days preceding a sale and who has beneficially owned the shares proposed to be sold for at least two years, would be entitled to sell those shares under Rule 144(k) without regard to the manner of sale, public information, volume limitation or notice requirements of Rule 144. To the extent that our affiliates sell their shares, other than pursuant to Rule 144 or a registration statement, the purchaser's holding period for the purpose of effecting a sale under Rule 144 commences on the date of transfer from the affiliate.

Lock-Up Agreements

We have agreed that we will not offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, or file with the SEC a registration statement under the Securities Act relating to, any shares of our common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any shares of our common stock, or publicly disclose the intention to make any offer, sale, pledge, disposition or filing, without the prior written consent of Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and UBS

Securities LLC for a period of 90 days after the date of this prospectus, except we may issue, and grant options to purchase, shares of common stock under our existing employee benefit plans referred to in this prospectus or the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus. In addition, we may issue shares of common stock in connection with any acquisition of another company if the terms of the issuance provide that the common stock may not be resold prior to the expiration of the 90-day period described above.

The selling shareholders have agreed, subject to limited exceptions, that they will not offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of our common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any shares of our common stock, enter into a transaction that would have the same effect, or enter into any swap, hedge or other arrangement that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of our common stock, whether any of these transactions are to be settled by delivery of our common stock or other securities, in cash or otherwise, or publicly disclose the intention to make any offer, sale, pledge or disposition, or to enter into any transaction, swap, hedge or other arrangement, without, in each case, the prior written consent of Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and UBS Securities LLC for a period of 90 days after the date of this prospectus.

The terms of the lock-up arrangements with us and the selling shareholders may be extended under certain circumstances as described under "Underwriting."

CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME AND ESTATE TAX
CONSEQUENCES TO NON-U.S. HOLDERS

The following is a summary of certain United States federal income and estate tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of our common stock as of the date hereof. Except where noted, this summary deals only with common stock that is held as a capital asset by a non-U.S. holder.

A "non-U.S. holder" means a person (other than a partnership) that is not for United States federal income tax purposes any of the following:

•: an individual citizen or resident of the United States;
•: a corporation (or any other entity treated as a corporation for United States federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia;
•: an estate the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its source; or
•: a trust if it (1) is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (2) has a valid election in effect under applicable United States Treasury regulations to be treated as a United States person.

This summary is based upon provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and regulations, rulings and judicial decisions as of the date hereof. Those authorities may be changed, perhaps retroactively, so as to result in United States federal income and estate tax consequences different from those summarized below. This summary does not address all aspects of United States federal income and estate taxes and does not deal with foreign, state, local or other tax considerations that may be relevant to non-U.S. holders in light of their personal circumstances. In addition, it does not represent a detailed description of the United States federal income and estate tax consequences applicable to you if you are subject to special treatment under the United States federal income tax laws (including if you are a United States expatriate, "controlled foreign corporation," "passive foreign investment company," or an investor in a pass-through entity). We cannot assure you that a change in law will not alter significantly the tax considerations that we describe in this summary.

If a partnership holds our common stock, the tax treatment of a partner will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If you are a partner of a partnership holding our common stock, you should consult your tax advisors.

If you are considering the purchase of our common stock, you should consult your own tax advisors concerning the particular United States federal income and estate tax consequences to you of the ownership of the common stock, as well as the consequences to you arising under the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction.

Dividends

Dividends paid to a non-U.S. holder of our common stock generally will be subject to withholding of United States federal income tax at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty. However, dividends that are effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business by the non-U.S. holder within the United States are not subject to the withholding tax, provided certain certification and disclosure requirements are satisfied. Instead, such dividends are subject to United States federal income tax on a net income basis in the same manner as if the non-U.S. holder were a United States person as defined under the Code, unless an applicable income tax treaty provides otherwise. Any such effectively connected dividends received by a foreign

corporation may be subject to an additional "branch profits tax" at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty.

A non-U.S. holder of our common stock who wishes to claim the benefit of an applicable treaty rate and avoid backup withholding, as discussed below, for dividends will be required to (a) complete Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN (or other applicable form) and certify under penalty of perjury that such holder is not a United States person as defined under the Code or (b) if our common stock is held through certain foreign intermediaries, satisfy the relevant certification requirements of applicable United States Treasury regulations. Special certification and other requirements apply to certain non-U.S. holders that are pass-through entities rather than corporations or individuals.

A non-U.S. holder of our common stock eligible for a reduced rate of United States withholding tax pursuant to an income tax treaty may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by filing an appropriate claim for refund with the Internal Revenue Service.

Gain on Disposition of Common Stock

Any gain realized on the disposition of our common stock generally will not be subject to United States federal income tax unless:

•: the gain is effectively connected with a trade or business of the non-U.S. holder in the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, is attributable to a United States permanent establishment of the non-U.S. holder);
•: the non-U.S. holder is an individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of that disposition, and certain other conditions are met; or
•: we are or have been a "United States real property holding corporation" for United States federal income tax purposes.

An individual non-U.S. holder described in the first bullet point immediately above will be subject to tax on the net gain derived from the sale under regular graduated United States federal income tax rates. An individual non-U.S. holder described in the second bullet point immediately above will be subject to a flat 30% tax on the gain derived from the sale, which may be offset by United States source capital losses, even though the individual is not considered a resident of the United States. If a non-U.S. holder that is a foreign corporation falls under the first bullet point immediately above, it will be subject to tax on its net gain in the same manner as if it were a United States person as defined under the Code and, in addition, may be subject to the branch profits tax equal to 30% of its effectively connected earnings and profits or at such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty.

We believe we are not and do not anticipate becoming a "United States real property holding corporation" for United States federal income tax purposes.

Federal Estate Tax

Common stock held by an individual non-U.S. holder at the time of death will be included in such holder's gross estate for United States federal estate tax purposes, unless an applicable estate tax treaty provides otherwise.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

We must report annually to the Internal Revenue Service and to each non-U.S. holder the amount of dividends paid to such holder and the tax withheld with respect to such dividends, regardless of whether withholding was required. Copies of the information returns reporting such dividends and

withholding may also be made available to the tax authorities in the country in which the non-U.S. holder resides under the provisions of an applicable income tax treaty.

A non-U.S. holder will be subject to backup withholding for dividends paid to such holder unless such holder certifies under penalty of perjury that it is a non-U.S. holder (and the payor does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that such holder is a United States person as defined under the Code), or such holder otherwise establishes an exemption.

Information reporting and, depending on the circumstances, backup withholding will apply to the proceeds of a sale of our common stock within the United States or conducted through certain United States-related financial intermediaries, unless the beneficial owner certifies under penalty of perjury that it is a non-U.S. holder (and the payor does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that the beneficial owner is a United States person as defined under the Code) or such owner otherwise establishes an exemption.

Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be allowed as a refund or a credit against a non-U.S. holder's United States federal income tax liability provided the required information is furnished to the Internal Revenue Service.

UNDERWRITING

Under the terms and subject to the conditions contained in an underwriting agreement dated March 7, 2006, the selling shareholders have agreed to sell to the underwriters named below, for whom Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and UBS Securities LLC are acting as representatives and joint bookrunners, the following respective numbers of shares of common stock:

Underwriter		Number of Shares
Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC		2,612,900
UBS Securities LLC		2,612,900
Banc of America Securities LLC		630,700
Citigroup Global Markets Inc.		630,700
Goldman, Sachs & Co.		630,700
J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.		630,700
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated		630,700
Morgan Stanley & Co., Incorporated		630,700
Brean Murray, Carret & Co.		165,000
Fortis Securities LLC		165,000
Keybanc Capital Markets, a division of McDonald Investments Inc.		165,000
Scotia Capital (USA) Inc.		165,000
Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Inc.		165,000
ThinkEquity Partners LLC		165,000

	Total	10,000,000

The underwriting agreement provides that the underwriters are obligated to purchase all the shares of common stock in the offering if any are purchased, other than those shares covered by the over-allotment option described below. The underwriting agreement also provides that, if an underwriter defaults, the purchase commitments of non-defaulting underwriters may be increased or the offering may be terminated.

The selling shareholders have granted to the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase on a pro rata basis up to 1,500,000 additional shares at the initial public offering price less the underwriting discounts and commissions. The option may be exercised only to cover any over-allotments of common stock.

The underwriters propose to offer the shares of common stock initially at the public offering price on the cover page of this prospectus and to selling group members at that price less a selling concession of $0.9090 per share. The underwriters and selling group members may allow a discount of $0.10 per share on sales to other broker/dealers. After the initial public offering, the representatives may change the public offering price and concession and discount to broker/dealers.

The following table summarizes the compensation the selling shareholders will pay and the estimated expenses we will pay:

	Per Share				Total
	Without Over- allotment		With Over- allotment		Without Over- allotment		With Over- allotment
Underwriting Discounts and Commissions paid by selling shareholders	$	1.5150	$	1.5150	$	15,150,000	$	17,422,500
Expenses payable by us	$	0.0611	$	0.0532	$	611,300	$	611,300

We have agreed that we will not offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, or file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 relating to, any shares of our common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any shares of our common stock, or publicly disclose the intention to make any offer, sale, pledge, disposition or filing, without the prior written consent of Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and UBS Securities LLC for a period of 90 days after the date of this

prospectus. However, in the event that either (1) during the last 17 days of the "lock-up" period, we release earnings results or material news or a material event relating to us occurs or (2) prior to the expiration of the "lock-up" period, we announce that we will release earnings results during the 16-day period beginning on the last day of the "lock-up" period, then in either case the expiration of the "lock-up" will be extended until the expiration of the 18-day period beginning on the date of the release of the earnings results or the occurrence of the material news or event, as applicable, unless Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and UBS Securities LLC waive, in writing, such an extension.

The selling shareholders have agreed that they will not offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of our common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any shares of our common stock, enter into a transaction that would have the same effect, or enter into any swap, hedge or other arrangement that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of our common stock, whether any of these transactions are to be settled by delivery of our common stock or other securities, in cash or otherwise, or publicly disclose the intention to make any offer, sale, pledge or disposition, or to enter into any transaction, swap, hedge or other arrangement, without, in each case, the prior written consent of Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and UBS Securities LLC for a period of 90 days after the date of this prospectus. However, in the event that either (1) during the last 17 days of the "lock-up" period, we release earnings results or material news or a material event relating to us occurs or (2) prior to the expiration of the "lock-up" period, we announce that we will release earnings results during the 16-day period beginning on the last day of the "lock-up" period, then in either case the expiration of the "lock-up" will be extended until the expiration of the 18-day period beginning on the date of the release of the earnings results or the occurrence of the material news or event, as applicable, unless Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and UBS Securities LLC waive, in writing, such an extension.

We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments which the underwriters may be required to make in that respect. The selling shareholders have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments which the underwriters may be required to make in that respect, arising from information provided by the selling shareholders.

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "WTW".

Some of the underwriters and their affiliates have provided, and may provide in the future, investment banking and other financial services for us in the ordinary course of business for which they have received and would receive customary compensation. Credit Suisse, Cayman Islands branch, an affiliate of Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, is an agent and a lender under the WWI Credit Facility and the WW.com Credit Facilities. An affiliate of Banc of America Securities LLC is also a lender under the WWI Credit Facility. J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. acted as financial advisor to Artal on the redemption of its WeightWatchers.com equity ownership by WeightWatchers.com and was paid fees for those services. In addition, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., an affiliate of J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., is also a lender under the WW.com Credit Facilities.

In connection with the offering, the underwriters may engage in stabilizing transactions, over-allotment transactions, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids in accordance with Regulation M under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

•: Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase the underlying security so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum.
•: Over-allotment involves sales by the underwriters of shares in excess of the number of shares the underwriters are obligated to purchase, which creates a syndicate short position. The short position may be either a covered short position or a naked short position. In a covered short position, the number of shares over-allotted by the underwriters is not greater than the number of shares that they may purchase in the over-allotment option. In a naked short position, the number of shares involved is greater than the number of shares in the over-allotment option.

The underwriters may close out any short position by either exercising their over-allotment option and/or purchasing shares in the open market.

•: Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of the common stock in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover syndicate short positions. In determining the source of shares to close out the short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase shares through the over-allotment option. If the underwriters sell more shares than could be covered by the over-allotment option, a naked short position, the position can only be closed out by buying shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there could be downward pressure on the price of the shares in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering.
•: Penalty bids permit the representatives to reclaim a selling concession from a syndicate member when the common stock originally sold by the syndicate member is purchased in a stabilizing or syndicate covering transaction to cover syndicate short positions.

These stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of our common stock or preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the common stock. As a result, the price of our common stock may be higher than the price that might otherwise exist in the open market. These transactions may be effected on the New York Stock Exchange or otherwise and, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.

The common stock is being offered for sale in those jurisdictions in the United States, Europe, Asia and elsewhere where it is lawful to make such offers.

Each of the underwriters has represented and agreed that it has not offered, sold or delivered and will not offer, sell or deliver any of the common stock directly or indirectly, or distribute this prospectus or any other offering material relating to the common stock, in or from any jurisdiction except under circumstances that will result in compliance with the applicable laws and regulations thereof and that will not impose any obligations on us except as set forth in the underwriting agreement.

In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area which has implemented the Prospectus Directive (each, a Relevant Member State), each underwriter represents and agrees that with effect from and including the date on which the Prospectus Directive is implemented in that Relevant Member State, or the Relevant Implementation Date, it has not made and will not make an offer of securities to the public in that Relevant Member State prior to the publication of a prospectus in relation to the securities which has been approved by the competent authority in that Relevant Member State or, where appropriate, approved in another Relevant Member State and notified to the competent authority in that Relevant Member State, all in accordance with the Prospectus Directive, except that it may, with effect from and including the Relevant Implementation Date, make an offer of securities to the public in that Relevant Member State at any time,

(a): to legal entities which are authorized or regulated to operate in the financial markets or, if not so authorized or regulated, whose corporate purpose is solely to invest in securities;
(b): to any legal entity which has two or more of (1) an average of at least 250 employees during the last financial year; (2) a total balance sheet of more than €43,000,000 and (3) an annual net turnover of more than €50,000,000, as shown in its last annual or consolidated accounts;
(c): to fewer than 100 natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined in the Prospectus Directive) subject to obtaining the prior consent of the manager for any such offer; or
(d): in any other circumstances which do not require the publication by the Issuer of a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive.

For the purposes of this provision, the expression an "offer of Shares to the public" in relation to any shares in any Relevant Member State means the communication in any form and by any means of

sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the shares to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe the shares, as the same may be varied in that Member State by any measure implementing the Prospectus Directive in that Member State and the expression "Prospectus Directive" means Directive 2003/71/EC and includes any relevant implementing measure in each Relevant Member State.

The securities will not be offered, transferred or sold, directly or indirectly, to any individual or legal entity in The Netherlands, other than to individuals or legal entities who or which trade or invest in securities in their conduct of a profession or trade (which includes banks, brokers, dealers, insurance companies, pension funds, other institutional investors and commercial enterprises which regularly, as an ancillary activity, invest in securities).

The underwriters will not offer or sell any of our common stock directly or indirectly in Japan or to, or for the benefit of any Japanese person or to others, for re-offering or re-sale directly or indirectly in Japan or to any Japanese person, except in each case pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of, and otherwise in compliance with, the Securities and Exchange Law of Japan and any other applicable laws and regulations of Japan. For purposes of this paragraph, "Japanese person" means any person resident in Japan, including any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan.

The underwriters and each of their affiliates have not (i) offered or sold, and will not offer or sell, in Hong Kong, by means of any document, our common stock other than (a) to "professional investors" as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap.571) of Hong Kong and any rules made under that Ordinance or (b) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a "prospectus" as defined in the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 32) of Hong Kong or which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of that Ordinance or (ii) issued or had in its possession for the purposes of issue, and will not issue or have in its possession for the purposes of issue, whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere any advertisement, invitation or document relating to our common stock which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public in Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the securities laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to our securities which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to "professional investors" as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance any any rules made under that Ordinance. The contents of this document have not been reviewed by any regulatory authority in Hong Kong. You are advised to exercise caution in relation to the offer. If you are in any doubt about any of the contents of this document, you should obtain independent professional advice.

This prospectus or any other offering material relating to our common stock has not been and will not be registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore, and the common stock will be offered in Singapore pursuant to exemptions under Section 274 and Section 275 of the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore (the "Securities and Futures Act"). Accordingly our common stock may not be offered or sold, or be the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, nor may this prospectus or any other offering material relating to our common stock be circulated or distributed, whether directly or indirectly, to the public or any member of the public in Singapore other than (a) to an institutional investor or other person specified in Section 274 of the Securities and Futures Act, (b) to a sophisticated investor, and in accordance with the conditions specified in Section 275 of the Securities and Futures Act or (c) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the Securities and Futures Act.

We estimate that the total expenses of the offering, excluding underwriting discounts and commissions, will be $611,300.

A prospectus in electronic format may be made available on the web sites maintained by one or more of the underwriters or selling group members, if any, participating in this offering and one or more of the underwriters participating in this offering may distribute prospectuses electronically. The representatives may agree to allocate a number of shares to underwriters and selling group members for sale to their online brokerage account holders. Internet distributions will be allocated by the underwriters and selling group members that will make internet distributions on the same basis as other allocations.

NOTICE TO CANADIAN RESIDENTS

Resale Restrictions

The distribution of the common stock in Canada is being made only on a private placement basis exempt from the requirement that we and the selling shareholders prepare and file a prospectus with the securities regulatory authorities in each province where trades of common stock are made. Any resale of the common stock in Canada must be made under applicable securities laws which will vary depending on the relevant jurisdiction, and which may require resales to be made under available statutory exemptions or under a discretionary exemption granted by the applicable Canadian securities regulatory authority. Purchasers are advised to seek legal advice prior to any resale of the common stock.

Representations of Purchasers

By purchasing common stock in Canada and accepting a purchase confirmation a purchaser is representing to us, the selling shareholders and the dealer from whom the purchase confirmation is received that

•: the purchaser is entitled under applicable provincial securities laws to purchase the common stock without the benefit of a prospectus qualified under those securities laws,
•: where required by law, that the purchaser is purchasing as principal and not as agent, and
•: the purchaser has reviewed the text above under Resale Restrictions.

Rights of Action (Ontario Purchasers)

Under Ontario securities legislation, a purchaser who purchases a security offered by this prospectus during the period of distribution will have a statutory right of action for damages, or while still the owner of the shares, for rescission against us and the selling shareholders in the event that this prospectus contains a misrepresentation. A purchaser will be deemed to have relied on the misrepresentation. The right of action for damages is exercisable not later than the earlier of 180 days from the date the purchaser first had knowledge of the facts giving rise to the cause of action and three years from the date on which payment is made for the shares. The right of action for rescission is exercisable not later than 180 days from the date on which payment is made for the shares. If a purchaser elects to exercise the right of action for rescission, the purchaser will have no right of action for damages against us or the selling shareholders. In no case will the amount recoverable in any action exceed the price at which the shares were offered to the purchaser and if the purchaser is shown to have purchased the securities with knowledge of the misrepresentation, we and the selling shareholders, will have no liability. In the case of an action for damages, we and the selling shareholders, will not be liable for all or any portion of the damages that are proven to not represent the depreciation in value of the shares as a result of the misrepresentation relied upon. These rights are in addition to, and without derogation from, any other rights or remedies available at law to an Ontario purchaser. The foregoing is a summary of the rights available to an Ontario purchaser. Ontario purchasers should refer to the complete text of the relevant statutory provisions.

Enforcement of Legal Rights

All of our directors and officers as well as the experts named herein and the selling shareholders may be located outside of Canada and, as a result, it may not be possible for Canadian purchasers to effect service of process within Canada upon us or those persons. All or a substantial portion of our assets and the assets of those persons may be located outside of Canada and, as a result, it may not be possible to satisfy a judgment against us or those persons in Canada or to enforce a judgment obtained in Canadian courts against us or those persons outside of Canada.

Taxation and Eligibility for Investment

Canadian purchasers of common stock should consult their own legal and tax advisors with respect to the tax consequences of an investment in the common stock in their particular circumstances and about the eligibility of the common stock for investment by the purchaser under relevant Canadian legislation.

LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of common stock offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for us by our special Virginia counsel, Hunton & Williams LLP, Richmond, Virginia. Certain legal matters in connection with the common stock offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, New York, New York. The underwriters have been represented by Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP, New York, New York.

EXPERTS

The financial statements and management's assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting (which is included in Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting) incorporated in this prospectus by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may access and read our SEC filings, including the complete registration statement and all of the exhibits to it, through the SEC's Internet site at www.sec.gov. This site contains reports and other information that we file electronically with the SEC. You may also read and copy any document we file at the SEC's public reference room located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-732-0330 for further information on the public reference room.

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement under the Securities Act with respect to the common stock offered by this prospectus. This prospectus, which constitutes part of the registration statement, does not contain all of the information presented or incorporated by reference in the registration statement and its exhibits and schedules. Our descriptions contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus of the provisions of documents filed as exhibits to the registration statement or otherwise filed with the SEC are only summaries of the terms of those documents that we consider material. If you want a complete description of the content of the documents, you should obtain the documents yourself by following the procedures described above.

You may request copies of any of our filings, at no cost, by telephone at (212) 589-2700 or by mail at: 11 Madison Avenue, New York, New York, 10010, Attention: Secretary. Or visit www.weightwatchersinternational.com.

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" information into this prospectus. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to another document filed separately with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus, except for any information that is superseded by information that is included directly in this document or in a more recent incorporated document.

This prospectus incorporates by reference the documents listed below that we have previously filed with the SEC. The documents contain important information about us and our financial condition.

•: Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 filed on February 27, 2005; and
•: the description of our common stock under the heading "Description of Capital Stock" included in our Registration Statement on Form S-1 incorporated by reference in our Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the SEC on November 9, 2001 under Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

We incorporate by reference any future filings we make with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14, or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 between the date of this prospectus and the date all of the securities offered hereby are sold (other than Current Reports on Form 8-K containing only Regulation FD disclosure furnished under Item 7.01 of Form 8-K and exhibits relating to such disclosures, unless otherwise specifically stated in such Current Report on Form 8-K).

You can obtain any of the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus from us, or from the SEC through the SEC's Internet world wide website as described above. Documents incorporated by reference are available from us without charge, excluding any exhibits to those documents, unless the exhibit is specifically incorporated by reference in this prospectus. You can obtain documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus by requesting them in writing or by telephone from us as described above.

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

		Pages
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm		F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2005 and January 1, 2005		F-4
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2005, January 1, 2005 and January 3, 2004		F-5
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity (Deficit), for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2005, January 1, 2005 and January 3, 2004		F-6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2005, January 1, 2005 and January 3, 2004		F-7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements		F-8
All other schedules are omitted for the reason that they are either not required, not applicable, not material or the information is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.

F-1

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Weight Watchers International, Inc.:

We have completed integrated audits of Weight Watchers International Inc.'s 2005 and 2004 consolidated financial statements and of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005 and an audit of its 2003 consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Our opinions, based on our audits, are presented below.

Consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the index on page F-1 present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Weight Watchers International, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the "Company") at December 31, 2005 and January 1, 2005, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2005 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our 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 audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit of financial statements 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.

Internal control over financial reporting

Also, in our opinion, management's assessment, included in Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005 based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on those criteria. Furthermore, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by COSO. The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on management's assessment and on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We conducted our audit of internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. An audit of internal control over financial reporting includes obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management's assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we consider necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed 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. A company's internal

F-2

control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
New York, New York
February 27, 2006

F-3

WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AT

(IN THOUSANDS)

			December 31, 2005			January 1, 2005
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	31,476		$	35,156
	Receivables (net of allowances: December 31, 2005—$1,882 and January 1, 2005—$2,008)			28,040			21,778
	Inventories, net			31,678			32,929
	Prepaid expenses			25,638			31,636
	Deferred income taxes			10,878			4,317

		TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS		127,710			125,816
Property and equipment, net				20,775			17,480
Franchise rights acquired				555,604			557,121
Goodwill				51,305			25,125
Trademarks and other intangible assets				8,837			5,721
Deferred income taxes				61,917			77,964
Deferred financing costs, net				6,145			3,240
Other noncurrent assets				3,198			3,719

		TOTAL ASSETS	$	835,491		$	816,186

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
	Portion of long-term debt due within one year		$	4,700		$	3,000
	Accounts payable			19,714			20,760
	Salaries and wages			30,688			27,173
	Other accrued liabilities			51,337			35,079
	Income taxes payable			13,710			34,684
	Deferred income taxes			7,250			4,844
	Deferred revenue			38,489			27,082

		TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES		165,888			152,622
Long-term debt				741,425			466,125
Deferred income taxes				26			715
Other				8,803			285

		TOTAL LIABILITIES		916,142			619,747
Commitments and contingencies (Note 14)
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
	Dividend to Artal Luxembourg S.A.			(304,835	)		—
	Common stock, $0 par 1,000,000 shares authorized; 111,988 shares issued and outstanding			—			—
Treasury stock, at cost, 11,410 shares at December 31, 2005 and 9,575 shares at January 1, 2005				(390,864	)		(222,547	)
Deferred compensation				(8,417	)		(233	)
Retained earnings				617,470			413,425
Accumulated other comprehensive income				5,995			5,794

		TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)		(80,651	)		196,439

		TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)	$	835,491		$	816,186

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

F-4

WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED

(IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

			December 31, 2005		January 1, 2005			January 3, 2004
			(52 Weeks)		(52 Weeks)			(53 Weeks)
Meeting fees, net			$	681,097	$	629,097		$	607,204
Product sales and other, net				360,497		330,833			336,728
Online revenues				109,657		64,989			—

	Revenues, net			1,151,251		1,024,919			943,932

Cost of meetings, products and other				493,910		468,312			440,398
Cost of online subscriptions				26,772		18,810			—

	Cost of revenues			520,682		487,122			440,398

	Gross profit			630,569		537,797			503,534
Marketing expenses				158,252		134,791			113,603
Selling, general and administrative expenses				169,825		97,121			73,862

	Operating income			302,492		305,885			316,069
Interest expense, net				20,969		16,759			33,698
Other (income)/expense, net				2,208		(4,685	)		2,774
Early extinguishment of debt				—		4,264			47,368

Income before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change				279,315		289,547			232,229
Provision for income taxes				104,913		94,522			88,288

	Income before cumulative effect of accounting change			174,402		195,025			143,941
	Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax			—		(11,941	)		—

		Net income available to common shareholders	$	174,402	$	183,084		$	143,941

Basic Earnings Per Share:
	Income before cumulative effect of accounting change		$	1.70	$	1.86		$	1.35
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax				—		(0.11	)		—

	Net income		$	1.70	$	1.75		$	1.35

Diluted Earnings Per Share:
	Income before cumulative effect of accounting change		$	1.67	$	1.82		$	1.31
	Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax			—		(0.11	)		—

		Net income	$	1.67	$	1.71		$	1.31

Weighted average common shares outstanding:
	Basic			102,747		104,704			106,676

	Diluted			104,203		106,985			109,724

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

F-5

WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY (DEFICIT)

(IN THOUSANDS)

		Common Stock			Treasury Stock
													Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Dividend to Artal Luxembourg S.A.
										Deferred Compensation									Retained Earnings
		Shares	Amount		Shares		Amount			Deferred Compensation									Retained Earnings			Total
Balance at December 28, 2002		111,988	$	—	5,711		$	(23,061	)	$	—		$	(3,873	)	$	—		$	73,482		$	46,548
Comprehensive Income:
	Net income																			143,941			143,941
	Translation adjustment, net of taxes of $4,116													7,733									7,733
Changes in fair value of derivatives accounted for as hedges, net of taxes of $1,687														2,406									2,406

Total Comprehensive Income																							154,080

Stock options exercised					(856	)		3,455												(1,452	)		2,003
Tax benefit of stock options exercised																				7,319			7,319
Purchase of treasury stock					784			(28,815	)														(28,815	)
Restricted stock issued to employees											(267	)								267			—
Compensation expense on restricted stock awards											53												53

Balance at January 3, 2004		111,988	$	—	5,639		$	(48,421	)	$	(214	)	$	6,266		$	—		$	223,557		$	181,188
Comprehensive Income:
	Net income																			183,084			183,084
	Translation adjustment, net of taxes of ($650)													(673	)								(673	)
	Changes in fair value of derivatives accounted for as hedges, net of taxes of ($128)													201									201

Total Comprehensive Income																							182,612

Stock options exercised					(732	)		2,955												(1,076	)		1,879
Tax benefit of stock options exercised																				7,678			7,678
Purchase of treasury stock					4,668			(177,081	)														(177,081	)
Restricted stock issued to employees											(162	)								162			—
Compensation expense on restricted stock awards											143												143
Cumulative effect of accounting change																				20			20

Balance at January 1, 2005		111,988	$	—	9,575		$	(222,547	)	$	(233	)	$	5,794		$	—		$	413,425		$	196,439
Comprehensive Income:
	Net income																			174,402			174,402
	Translation adjustment, net of taxes of $853													(1,272	)								(1,272	)
	Changes in fair value of derivatives accounted for as hedges, net of taxes of ($942)													1,473									1,473

Total Comprehensive Income																							174,603

Issuance of treasury stock under employee stock plans					(1,897	)		7,663												(3,951	)		3,712
Tax benefit of stock options exercised																				26,770			26,770
Excersise of WW.com warrants																				(4,261	)		(4,261	)
Dividend to Artal Luxembourg S.A.																	(304,835	)					(304,835	)
Purchase of treasury stock					3,732			(175,980	)														(175,980	)
Restricted stock granted to employees											(11,085	)								11,085			—
Compensation expense on restricted stock awards											2,901												2,901

Balance at December 31, 2005		111,988	$	—	11,410		$	(390,864	)	$	(8,417	)	$	5,995		$	(304,835	)	$	617,470		$	(80,651	)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements

F-6

WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED

(IN THOUSANDS)

				December 31, 2005			January 1, 2005			January 3, 2004
				(52 Weeks)			(52 Weeks)			(53 Weeks)
Operating activities:
	Net income			$	174,402		$	183,084		$	143,941
	Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
		Cumulative effect of accounting change			—			11,941			—
		Depreciation and amortization			12,817			8,935			5,894
		Amortization of deferred financing costs			879			1,308			1,248
		Restricted stock compensation expense			2,901			143			53
		(Gain) loss on settlement of hedge			—			(1,255	)		5,381
		Deferred tax provision			11,184			22,023			16,677
		Unrealized loss (gain) on derivative instruments			—			1,318			(5,097	)
		Repayments from equity investee			—			(4,916	)		(5,000	)
		Allowance for doubtful accounts			629			728			552
		Reserve for inventory obsolescence, other			6,044			5,474			4,627
		Foreign currency exchange rate (gain) loss			1,576			(803	)		7,271
		Early extinguishment of debt			—			4,264			47,368
		Compensation expense associated with the WW.com acquisition			43,590			—			—
		Tax benefit of stock options exercised			26,770			7,678			7,319
		Other items, net			2,714			144			(63	)
		Changes in cash due to:
			Receivables		(9,125	)		(6,193	)		861
			Inventories		(6,014	)		2,718			1,149
			Prepaid expenses		6,302			(549	)		(1,555	)
			Accounts payable		(1,026	)		(1,067	)		(563	)
			Accrued liabilities		25,102			(676	)		(3,469	)
			Deferred revenue		13,225			4,533			(42	)
			Income taxes		(15,174	)		13,606			6,547

			Cash provided by operating activities		296,796			252,438			233,099

Investing activities:
	Capital expenditures				(14,634	)		(5,163	)		(5,029	)
	Web site development expeditures				(3,184	)		(1,557	)		—
	Repayments from equity investee				—			4,916			5,000
	Cash paid for acquisitions				(380,832	)		(61,881	)		(210,470	)
	Other items, net				(1,617	)		(2,189	)		(1,121	)

			Cash used for investing activities		(400,267	)		(65,874	)		(211,620	)

Financing activities:
	Net increase in short-term borrowings				1,329			(1,609	)		998
	Proceeds from borrowings				65,000			321,000			85,000
	Payments on long-term debt				(3,000	)		(456,055	)		(58,447	)
	Proceeds from new term loan				215,000			150,000			227,326
	Repayment of high-yield loan				—			(15,541	)		(244,919	)
	Proceeds from settlement of hedge				—			1,255			2,710
	Premium paid on extinguishment of debt and other costs				—			(1,331	)		(42,980	)
	Deferred financing costs				(3,758	)		(2,896	)		(2,366	)
	Purchase of treasury stock				(175,980	)		(177,081	)		(28,815	)
	Proceeds from stock options exercised				4,563			1,879			2,003

			Cash provided by/(used for) financing activities		103,154			(180,379	)		(59,490	)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents and other					(3,365	)		(164	)		3,923
Impact of consolidating WeightWatchers.com					—			5,693			—

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents					(3,680	)		11,714			(34,088	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of fiscal year					35,156			23,442			57,530

Cash and cash equivalents, end of fiscal year				$	31,476		$	35,156		$	23,442

The accompanying notes an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

F-7

WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

1. Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Weight Watchers International, Inc., and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, which effective December 16, 2005 includes WeightWatchers.com, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, "WeightWatchers.com" or "WW.com"). From the second quarter of 2004 through the second quarter of 2005, WW.com was consolidated pursuant to Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 46R, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities" ("FIN 46R"). As a result of Weight Watchers International's increased ownership interest in WW.com (see Note 2), beginning with the third quarter 2005, WW.com is consolidated pursuant to Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, "Consolidated Financial Statements."

The term "the Company" as used throughout this document is used to indicate Weight Watchers International, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. The term "WWI" as used throughout this document is used to indicate Weight Watchers International and its wholly-owned subsidiaries other than WeightWatchers.com.

Recapitalization:

On September 29, 1999, WWI entered into a recapitalization and stock purchase agreement (the "Recapitalization") with its former parent, H.J. Heinz Company ("Heinz"). In connection with the Recapitalization, WWI effectuated a stock split of 58,747.6 shares for each share outstanding and then redeemed 164,442 shares of common stock from Heinz. After the redemption, Artal Luxembourg S.A. (together with its affiliates, "Artal") purchased 94% of WWI's remaining common stock from Heinz. For U.S. Federal and State tax purposes, the Recapitalization was treated as a taxable sale under Section 338(h)(10) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Secondary Stock Offerings:

On November 15, 2001, WWI completed a secondary offering of 17,400 shares of its common stock on the New York Stock Exchange at an initial price to the public of $24.00 per share. The Company did not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of shares pursuant to the secondary offering.

On September 23, 2002, WWI completed a secondary offering of 15,000 shares of common stock at an initial price to the public of $42.00 per share. The Company did not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of shares pursuant to this secondary offering.

Simultaneous with the Recapitalization, WWI entered into a Registration Rights Agreement with Artal, under which WWI is obligated, at the request of Artal, to register its common stock with the Securities and Exchange Commission and pay all costs associated with such registration. As a result, all costs incurred in connection with WWI's common stock offerings have been recorded in shareholders' equity (deficit).

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Fiscal Year:

The Company's fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to December 31^st and consists of either 52 or 53-week periods. Fiscal year 2003 contained 53 weeks while fiscal years 2005 and 2004 contained 52

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weeks. WeightWatchers.com's fiscal year ends on December 31^st of each year. This difference in fiscal years does not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

Consolidation:

On January 17, 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Interpretation No. 46 ("FIN 46"), to clarify when an entity should consolidate another entity known as a variable interest entity ("VIE"). The standard required that, under certain circumstances, separate businesses with some common ownership be consolidated for financial reporting purposes. Upon adoption of the original FIN 46, the Company would not have met those circumstances, and it therefore would not have consolidated WeightWatchers.com's financial statements.

Based on the revisions in FIN 46R, WWI was required to reevaluate its relationship with its affiliate and licensee, WeightWatchers.com. In the course of this reevaluation, it determined that WeightWatchers.com was a VIE under FIN 46R and that WWI was its primary beneficiary. Effective April 3, 2004, the Company consolidated WeightWatchers.com. In accordance with the provisions of FIN 46R, the Company recorded a charge of $11,941, including a tax charge of $9,866, in the quarter ended April 3, 2004 for the cumulative effect of this accounting change. This charge reflected the cumulative impact to the Company's results of operations had WeightWatchers.com been consolidated since its inception in September 1999. Beginning in the first fiscal quarter ended April 3, 2004, the Company's consolidated balance sheet includes the balance sheet of WeightWatchers.com. Effective at the beginning of the second fiscal quarter of 2004, the Company's consolidated statement of operations and statement of cash flows include the results of WeightWatchers.com. All intercompany balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

On June 13, 2005, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire control of WeightWatchers.com. On July 1 and 2, 2005, the Company increased its ownership interest in WeightWatchers.com from approximately 20% to approximately 53% by exercising its outstanding warrants to purchase WeightWatchers.com stock and by acquiring all of the equity interest in WeightWatchers.com not owned by Artal. On December 16, 2005, WeightWatchers.com repurchased all of its shares owned by Artal giving the Company a 100% ownership interest in WW.com. Because the Company gained operational control of WW.com as of July 2, 2005, and as of December 16, 2005, owns 100% of WW.com beginning with the third quarter of fiscal 2005, the Company consolidates 100% of the results of operations and financial position of WW.com under the traditional rules of consolidation rather than under the provisions of FIN 46R. Since the Company adopted FIN 46R on the last day of the first quarter of 2004, the annual consolidated results of operations for the Company are not comparable with respect to the inclusion of WeightWatchers.com's results for all periods presented. However, the financial position of the Company for all periods presented is comparable.

Use of Estimates:

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, the disclosure of contingent assets and

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liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates and judgments, including those related to inventories, the impairment analysis for goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets, income taxes, and contingencies and litigation. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other factors and assumptions that it believes 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 from other sources. Actual amounts could differ from these estimates.

Translation of Foreign Currencies:

For all foreign operations, the functional currency is the local currency. Assets and liabilities of these operations are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate in effect at the end of each reporting period. Income statement accounts are translated at the average rate of exchange prevailing during each reporting period. Translation adjustments arising from the use of differing exchange rates from period to period are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

Foreign currency gains and losses arising from the translation of intercompany receivables with the Company's international subsidiaries are recorded as a component of other (income)/expense, net, unless the receivable is considered long-term in nature, in which case the foreign currency gains and losses are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income (loss).

Cash Equivalents:

Cash and cash equivalents are defined as highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. Cash balances may, at times, exceed insurable amounts. The Company believes it mitigates this risk by investing in or through major financial institutions.

Inventories:

Inventories, which consist of finished goods, are stated at the lower of cost or market on a first-in, first-out basis, net of reserves for obsolescence and shrinkage.

Property and Equipment:

Property and equipment are recorded at cost. For financial reporting purposes, equipment is depreciated on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets (3 to 10 years). Leasehold improvements are amortized on the straight-line method over the shorter of the term of the lease or the useful life of the related assets. Expenditures for new facilities and improvements that substantially extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized. Ordinary repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related depreciation are removed from the accounts and any related gains or losses are included in income.

Impairment of Long Lived Assets:

In accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets," the Company reviews long-lived assets, including amortizable intangible assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable.

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Intangible Assets:

In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 141, "Business Combinations" and SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," the Company no longer amortizes goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets but conducts an annual review of these assets for potential impairment. Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives of 3 to 20 years.

The Company accounts for software costs under the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants ("AICPA") Statement of Position No. 98-1, "Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use," which requires capitalization of certain costs incurred in connection with developing or obtaining internally used software. Software costs are amortized over 3 to 5 years.

Pursuant to Emerging Issues Task Force No. 00-2, "Web Site Development Costs" ("EITF 00-2"), WeightWatchers.com applies AICPA Statement of Position No. 98-1 to account for web site development costs. In accordance with EITF 00-2, WeightWatchers.com expenses all costs incurred during the preliminary project stage and capitalizes all internal and external direct costs of materials and services consumed in developing the software, once the development has reached the application development stage. Application development stage costs generally include software configuration, coding, installation to hardware and testing. These costs are amortized over their estimated useful life, which can range from 1.5 to 2 years. All costs incurred for upgrades, maintenance and enhancements, including the cost of web site content, that does not result in additional functionality, are expensed as incurred.

Revenue Recognition:

WWI earns revenue by conducting meetings, selling products and aids in our meetings and to our franchisees, selling Internet subscription products, collecting commissions from franchisees, collecting royalties related to licensing agreements and selling advertising space in and copies of our magazine. We charge non-refundable registration fees in exchange for an introductory information session and materials we provide to new members in our meeting business. Revenue from these registration fees is recognized when the service and products are provided, which is generally at the same time payment is received from the customer. Revenue from meeting fees, product sales, commissions and royalties is recognized when services are rendered, products are shipped to customers and title and risk of loss pass to the customer, and commissions and royalties are earned. Advertising revenue is recognized when ads are published. Revenue from magazine sales is recognized when the magazine is sent to the customer. Deferred revenue, consisting of prepaid meeting fees and magazine subscription revenue, is amortized into income over the period earned. Discounts to customers, including free registration offers, are recorded as a deduction from gross revenue in the period such revenue was recognized.

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Advertising Costs:

Advertising costs consist primarily of national and local direct mail, television, and spokesperson's fees. All costs related to advertising are expensed in the period incurred, except for TV and radio media related costs that are expensed the first time the advertising takes place. Total advertising expenses for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2005, January 1, 2005 and January 3, 2004 were $151,533 (including $22,478 of WeightWatchers.com advertising costs), $128,116 (including $13,723 of WeightWatchers.com advertising costs) and $107,931, respectively.

Income Taxes:

The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." Under SFAS No. 109, deferred income tax assets and liabilities result primarily from temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities, using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which differences are expected to reverse. If it is more likely than not that some portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized, a valuation allowance is recognized. We consider historic levels of income, estimates of future taxable income and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for a tax valuation allowance. We also establish an appropriate level of additional provisions for income taxes in the event that certain positions, which we believe are fully supportable, are challenged by the tax authorities. We adjust these additional provisions in light of changing facts and circumstances. If our filing positions are ultimately upheld under audits by respective taxing authorities, the provision for income taxes in future years will reflect favorable adjustments. In addition, under SFAS No. 109 assets and liabilities acquired in purchase business combinations are assigned their fair values and deferred taxes are provided for lower or higher tax bases.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging:

Prior to the extinguishment of the euro denominated notes in 2004 (as described in Note 6), the Company entered into forward and swap contracts to hedge transactions denominated in foreign currencies in order to reduce the currency risk associated with fluctuating exchange rates. These contracts were used primarily to hedge payments arising from those foreign currency denominated obligations. The Company currently enters into interest rate swaps to hedge a substantial portion of its variable rate debt. These contracts are used primarily to reduce the risk associated with variable interest rate debt obligations.

In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," and its related amendments, SFAS No. 138, "Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities" and SFAS No. 149, "Amendment of Statement on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," all derivative financial instruments are recorded on the consolidated balance sheets at their fair value as either assets or liabilities. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recorded each period in earnings or accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), depending on whether a derivative is designated and effective as part of a hedge transaction and, if it is, the type of hedge transaction. Gains and losses on derivative instruments reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are included in earnings in the periods in which earnings are affected by the hedged item. The receivable or payable associated with derivative contracts is included in the balance of prepaid expenses or accounts payable, respectively.

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Investments:

The Company uses the cost method to account for investments in which it holds 20% or less of the investee's voting stock and over which it does not have significant influence. When the Company holds 50% or less of the investee's voting stock and has the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies of the investee, the investment is accounted for under the equity method, unless the provisions of FIN 46R apply, as was the case with WeightWatchers.com.

Deferred Financing Costs:

Deferred financing costs consist of fees paid by the Company as part of the establishment, exchange and/or modification of the Company's long-term debt. During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2005 and January 1, 2005, the Company incurred additional deferred financing costs of $3,758 and $2,896, respectively, associated with the establishment of the WW.com Credit Facilities (as defined in Note 6) and the refinancing of WWI's Credit Facility (as defined in Note 6). Such costs are being amortized using the interest rate method over the term of the related debt. Amortization expense for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2005, January 1, 2005 and January 3, 2004 was $879, $1,308 and $1,248, respectively. In connection with the early extinguishment of over 90% of its Senior Subordinated Notes, the Company wrote off $4,387 of deferred financing costs in the fiscal year ended January 3, 2004. Additionally, in connection with the refinancing of WWI's Credit Facility, the Company wrote off deferred financing costs of $2,933 in the fiscal year ended January 1, 2005. These amounts have been recorded as components of early extinguishment of debt. See Note 6 for details of the early extinguishment and refinancing.

Comprehensive Income (Loss):

Comprehensive income (loss) represents the change in shareholders' equity (deficit) resulting from transactions other than shareholder investments and distributions. The Company's comprehensive income (loss) includes net income, changes in the fair value of derivative instruments and the effects of foreign currency translations. At December 31, 2005 and January 1, 2005, the cumulative balance of changes in fair value of derivative instruments, net of taxes, is $1,402 and ($70), respectively. As of December 31, 2005 and January 1, 2005, the cumulative balance of the effects of foreign currency translations, net of taxes, is $4,592 and $5,864, respectively.

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Stock Based Compensation:

In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure," an amendment of SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation." SFAS No. 148 provides two additional alternative transition methods for recognizing an entity's voluntary decision to change its method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation to the fair value method. In addition, SFAS No. 148 amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123 so that entities following the intrinsic value method of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" ("APB 25"), will be required to disclose the pro forma effect of using the fair value method for any period for which an income statement is presented. The disclosures are required to be made in annual financial statements and in quarterly information provided to shareholders without regard to whether the entity has adopted the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123. The Company adopted the disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 148 beginning in the first quarter of 2003.

At December 31, 2005, the Company had stock-based employee compensation plans, which are described more fully in Note 9. As permitted by SFAS No. 123, the Company applies the recognition and measurement principles of APB No. 25 "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and related interpretations in accounting for those plans. Except for costs incurred in connection with the acquisition of WW.com (See Note 3), no compensation expense for employee stock options is reflected in earnings, as all options granted under the plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the common stock on the date of grant.

The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123 in each fiscal year:

		December 31, 2005			January 1, 2005			January 3, 2004
Net income, as reported		$	174,402		$	183,084		$	143,941
Add:
	Total stock-based employee compensation expense as recorded under FIN 44 and APB 25, net of related tax effect		27,680			—			—
Deduct:
	Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under the fair value method for all stock options awards, net of related tax effect		(31,663	)		(4,223	)		(2,036	)

Pro forma net income		$	170,419		$	178,861		$	141,905

Earnings per share:
	Basic—as reported	$	1.70		$	1.75		$	1.35

	Basic—pro forma	$	1.66		$	1.71		$	1.33

	Diluted—as reported	$	1.67		$	1.71		$	1.31

	Diluted—pro forma	$	1.64		$	1.67		$	1.29

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Recently Issued Accounting Standard:

In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No. 123R, "Share-Based Payment" ("FAS 123R"), which replaces FAS 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" and supersedes Accounting Principles Board Opinion 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees." FAS 123R eliminates the option of using the intrinsic value method to record compensation expense related to stock-based awards granted to employees and instead requires companies to recognize the cost of such awards based on their grant-date fair value over the related service period of such awards. In April 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission approved a new rule that amended the effective date of FAS 123R for public companies, and the Company will now be required to, and will, adopt this standard beginning in the first quarter of 2006.

In accordance with FAS 123R, the Company has elected to apply the modified prospective transition method to all past awards outstanding and unvested as of the date of adoption and will recognize the associated expense over the remaining vesting period based on the fair values previously determined and disclosed as part of its pro-forma disclosures. The Company will not restate the results of prior periods. Prior to the effective date of FAS 123R, the Company will continue to provide the pro forma disclosures for past award grants as required under FAS 123. The Company believes the incremental expense that will be recognized in accordance with FAS 123R for fiscal 2006 will be approximately $6.0 million. However, the total expense recorded in future periods, including fiscal 2006, will depend on several variables, including the number of stock-based awards that are granted in future periods and the fair value of those awards.

The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (the "AJCA") was enacted on October 22, 2004 and includes a special one-time deduction of 85% of certain foreign earnings repatriated to the U.S. In December 2004, the FASB issued FSP FAS 109-2, Accounting and Disclosure Guidance for the Foreign Earnings Repatriation Provision within the AJCA, allowing companies additional time to evaluate the effect of the AJCA on plans for reinvestment or repatriation of foreign earnings. This legislation did not have a material impact on the Company's results of operations or cash flows.

Reclassification:

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

3. Acquisitions

Summary

The acquisitions of certain assets of Weight Watchers of Dallas, Inc. and Pedebud, Inc., eight of fifteen franchises of The WW Group, Inc. and its affiliates, Weight Watchers of Fort Worth, Inc. and F-W Family Corporation have been accounted for under the purchase method of accounting and, accordingly, earnings have been included in the consolidated operating results of the Company since their dates of acquisition. Details of these acquisitions are outlined below.

Pursuant to a merger agreement effective July 2, 2005, the last day of the second quarter, WWI increased its ownership interest in WW.com from approximately 20% to approximately 53% for a total cash outlay of $136,385, including $107,900 paid to WW.com. Further to this, on December 16, 2005, WW.com redeemed all of the equity interests in WW.com owned by Artal for the aggregate cash

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consideration of $304,835. As a result of this redemption, WW.com became a wholly-owned subsidiary of WWI. See further discussion below for the accounting treatment of this transaction.

Franchise Acquisitions

On March 30, 2003, the Company completed the acquisition of certain assets of eight of the fifteen franchises of The WW Group, Inc. and its affiliates (the "WW Group") pursuant to the terms of an Asset Purchase Agreement executed on March 31, 2003 among the WW Group, The WW Group East L.L.C., The WW Group West L.L.C., Cuida Kilos, S.A. de C.V., Weight Watchers North America, Inc. and the Company. The purchase price for the acquisition was $180,700 plus assumed liabilities of $448 and acquisition costs of $866. The Company completed the purchase price allocation in the fourth quarter of 2003 as follows: franchise rights ($177,128), inventory ($2,741), prepaid expenses ($36) and property and equipment ($2,109). The acquisition was financed through cash from operations and additional borrowings of $85,000 under a new Term Loan D under WWI's Credit Facility, as amended on April 1, 2003 (as described in Note 6).

On November 30, 2003, the Company completed the acquisition of certain assets of two of its franchisees, Weight Watchers of Dallas, Inc. and Pedebud, Inc. (d/b/a Weight Watchers of Northern New Mexico), pursuant to the terms of a combined asset purchase agreement with these two entities (collectively "Dallas/New Mexico") and the Company. The purchase price was $27,200 plus assumed liabilities of $300, and was allocated to franchise rights ($26,874), property and equipment ($412), and inventory ($214). The acquisition was financed through cash from operations. Pro forma results of operations, assuming this acquisition had been completed at the beginning of fiscal 2003, would not differ materially from the reported results.

During 2003, the Company also completed the acquisition of franchises in Mexico and Hong Kong, as well as a third party entity, Easy Slim, for a total purchase price of $1,271, which was paid with cash from operations. As a result of these three acquisitions, the Company recorded goodwill of $395 and franchise rights of $1,326. Pro forma results of operations, assuming these acquisitions had been completed at the beginning of fiscal 2003, would not differ materially from the reported results.

On May 9, 2004, the Company completed the acquisition of certain assets of its Washington, D.C. area franchisee, F-W Family Corporation (d/b/a Weight Watchers of Washington, D.C.) for a purchase price of $30,500, which was financed through cash from operations, plus assumed liabilities of $348. The total purchase price has been allocated to franchise rights ($30,286), fixed assets ($300), inventory ($228) and other assets ($52). Pro forma results of operations, assuming this acquisition had been completed at the beginning of each period presented, would not differ materially from the reported results.

On August 22, 2004, the Company completed the acquisition of certain assets of its Fort Worth franchisee, Weight Watchers of Fort Worth, Inc., for a purchase price of $30,000, which was financed through cash from operations. The purchase price has been allocated to franchise rights ($29,421), fixed assets ($226), inventory ($286), and other assets ($67). Pro forma results of operations, assuming this acquisition had been completed at the beginning of each period presented, would not differ materially from the reported results.

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Acquisition of WW.com

On June 13, 2005, WWI entered into an agreement to acquire its affiliate WW.com. As a result WWI increased its ownership interest in WW.com from approximately 20% to approximately 53% as follows: on July 1, 2005, WWI exercised its 6,395 warrants to purchase WW.com common stock for a total price of $45,660; and on July 2, 2005, WWI acquired through a merger of a subsidiary of WWI with WW.com (the "Merger"), 1,126 shares of WW.com common stock owned by the employees of WW.com and other parties not related to Artal for a total price of $28,383, and acquired an additional 2,759 shares of WW.com common stock, representing outstanding stock options then held by WW.com employees, for a total price of $62,342.

The acquisition of the 1,126 shares represented shares owned outright by the employees of WW.com and other parties not related to Artal. This component of the transaction has been accounted for under the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, "Business Combinations," ("FAS 141"). The acquisition of these shares resulted in an increase to goodwill of $26,185 and an increase to finite-lived intangible assets of $1,161, primarily customer relations and information technology. These amounts represent the excess of the purchase price of $28,383 over the net book value of the assets acquired plus transaction costs.

The acquisition of the 2,759 shares represented vested and unvested options owned by employees of WW.com. Because at the time of the acquisition of these shares Artal owned approximately 47% of WW.com and is the parent company to WWI, the acquisition of these shares is considered to be a transaction between entities under common control, and therefore, the provisions of FAS 141 are not applicable. Under the guidance of FASB Interpretation No. 44, "Accounting for Certain Transactions involving Stock Compensation," ("FIN 44"), and Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 00-23, "Issues Related to the Accounting for Stock Compensation under APB Opinion No. 25 and FIN 44," ("EITF 00-23"), the Company was required to record a compensation charge related to the 2,293 vested options of $39,647 in the second quarter 2005. This amount represents the difference between the purchase price per share and the exercise price per share of the vested options. The 466 unvested options were exchanged for 134 restricted stock units of WWI, resulting in deferred compensation of $7,214, which will be recorded as compensation expense in future periods as the restricted stock units vest.

In connection with the acquisition of the WW.com shares, WWI also purchased and canceled all 103 outstanding WW.com options held by WWI employees for a total settlement price of $2,415. Under the guidance of FIN 44 and EITF 00-23, the Company was required to record the full settlement price as a compensation charge in the second quarter 2005. This charge, coupled with the aforementioned $39,647 compensation charge recorded in connection with the vested options held by WW.com employees, resulted in a total compensation charge of $42,062, which was recorded as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses in the second quarter of 2005.

On June 13, 2005, WW.com entered into a redemption agreement with Artal (the "Redemption") to purchase the 12,092 shares of WW.com currently owned by Artal. Pursuant to the Redemption on December 16, 2005, WW.com redeemed the remaining 47% of its outstanding shares of common stock held by Artal for the aggregate cash consideration of $304,835, the same purchase price per share as that paid by WWI in the merger. WW.com used cash on hand of approximately $89,800 and the proceeds from two new credit facilities (see Note 6) which totaled $215,000. In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 150, "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both

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Liabilities and Equity," because at the time of the Redemption Artal owned approximately 47% of WW.com and is the parent company of WWI, the Redemption was considered to be a transaction between entities under common control. Therefore, the redemption was recorded as a Dividend to Artal in the stockholders' equity section of the balance sheet.

4. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

In accordance with SFAS No. 142, the Company no longer amortizes goodwill or other indefinite lived intangible assets. The Company performed fair value impairment testing as of December 31, 2005 and January 1, 2005 on its goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets and determined that no impairment existed. Unamortized goodwill is due mainly to the acquisition of the Company by Heinz in 1978 and the aforementioned transactions with WW.com. For the year ended December 31, 2005, goodwill increased primarily due to WWI's increased ownership interest in WW.com (see Note 3). Franchise rights acquired are due mainly to acquisitions of the Company's franchised territories. For the year ended December 31, 2005, franchise rights acquired decreased due to foreign currency fluctuations. The balance in goodwill increased during the year ended January 1, 2005 primarily due to the Company's purchase of the minority interest in one of its foreign subsidiaries.

Also, in accordance with SFAS No. 142, aggregate amortization expense for finite lived intangible assets was recorded in the amounts of $4,206, (including $2,710 for amortization of intangible assets of WeightWatchers.com), $2,274 (including $1,061 for amortization of intangible assets of WeightWatchers.com) and $1,062 for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2005, January 1, 2005 and January 3, 2004, respectively.

The carrying amount of amortized intangible assets as of December 31, 2005 and January 1, 2005 was as follows:

	December 31, 2005				January 1, 2005
	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Deferred software costs	$	7,435	$	4,280	$	5,050	$	3,035
Trademarks		8,112		7,352		7,811		7,098
Non-compete agreement		1,200		1,200		1,200		1,175
Web site development costs		9,998		6,661		6,815		4,624
Other		5,382		3,797		4,108		3,331

	$	32,127	$	23,290	$	24,984	$	19,263

Estimated amortization expense of existing finite lived intangible assets for the next five fiscal years is as follows:

2006	$	4,342
2007	$	2,029
2008	$	746
2009	$	154
2010	$	92

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5. Property and Equipment

The components of property and equipment were:

	December 31, 2005			January 1, 2005
Leasehold improvements	$	14,887		$	10,984
Equipment		43,754			39,870

		58,641			50,854
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(37,866	)		(33,374	)

	$	20,775		$	17,480

Depreciation and amortization expense of property and equipment for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2005, January 1, 2005 and January 3, 2004 was $7,808 (including $1,052 for depreciation of assets of WeightWatchers.com), $6,661 (including $1,088 for depreciation of assets of WeightWatchers.com) and $4,832, respectively.

6. Long-Term Debt

The Company's components of long-term debt are as follows:

	December 31, 2005				January 1, 2005
	Balance		Effective rate		Balance		Effective rate
Revolver due 2009	$	236,000	5.22	%	$	171,000	3.24	%
Term Loan B due 2010		147,000	5.04	%		148,500	3.24	%
Additional Term Loan B due 2010		148,125	4.81	%		149,625	3.60	%
Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan		170,000	6.62	%		—
Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loan		45,000	9.12	%		—

		746,125				469,125
Less Current Portion		4,700				3,000

	$	741,425			$	466,125

Credit Facility

WWI's Credit Agreement dated as of January 16, 2001 and as amended and restated as of December 21, 2001, April 1, 2003, August 21, 2003, January 21, 2004 and October 19, 2004 (the "Credit Facility") consists of Term Loans and a revolving line of credit ("the Revolver.")

On January 21, 2004, WWI refinanced its Credit Facility as follows: the Term Loan A, Term Loan B, and the transferable loan certificate (the "TLC") in the aggregate amount of $454,180 were repaid and replaced with a new Term Loan B in the amount of $150,000 and borrowings under the Revolver of $310,000. In connection with this refinancing, available borrowings under the Revolver increased

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from $45,000 to $350,000. At December 31, 2005, WWI had $112,200 of availability under the Revolver.

Due to the early extinguishment of the Term Loans resulting from the January 21, 2004 refinancing, the Company recognized expenses of $3,254 for the three months ended April 3, 2004, which included the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs of $2,933 and $321 of fees associated with the transaction.

On October 1, 2004, the Company repurchased and retired the remaining balance of its 13% Senior Subordinated Notes in the amounts of $5,100 USD denominated and €8,400 euro-denominated. Due to this early extinguishment of debt, the Company recognized expenses of $1,010 in the quarter ended October 2, 2004 related to redemption premiums associated with this redemption.

On October 19, 2004, WWI supplemented its net borrowing capacity by adding an Additional Term Loan B to its existing Credit Facility in the amount of $150,000. Coterminous with the previously existing Credit Facility, these funds were initially used to reduce borrowings under WWI's Revolver, resulting in no increase in WWI's net borrowing.

On June 24, 2005, WWI amended certain provisions of its Credit Facility to allow for the December 16, 2005 Redemption, as described in Note 3.

WWI's Term Loan B and the Revolver bear interest at an annual rate equal to LIBOR plus 1.75% or, at WWI's option, the alternate base rate (as defined in the Credit Facility) plus 0.75%. The additional Term Loan B bears interest at an annual rate equal to LIBOR plus 1.50%, or at WWI's options, the alternative base rate (as defined in the Credit Facility), plus 0.50%. In addition to paying interest on outstanding principal under the Credit Facility, WWI is required to pay a commitment fee to the lenders under the Revolver with respect to the unused commitments at a rate equal to 0.375% per year.

WWI's Credit Facility contains customary covenants including covenants that in certain circumstances restrict WWI's ability to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends on and redeem capital stock, make other restricted payments, including investments, sell its assets and enter into consolidations, mergers, and transfers of all or substantially all of its assets. The Credit Facility also requires WWI to maintain specified financial ratios and satisfy financial condition tests. The Credit Facility contains customary events of default. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under the Credit Facility, the lenders may cease making loans and declare amounts outstanding to be immediately due and payable. The Credit Facility is guaranteed by certain of the Company's existing and future subsidiaries, other than WW.com and it subsidiaries. Substantially all the assets of WWI and these subsidiaries collateralize the Credit Facility.

On November 4, 2005, Standard & Poor's confirmed its "BB" rating for WWI's corporate credit and WWI's Credit Facility. On March 11, 2005, Moody's assigned a "BA1" rating for WWI's Term Loan B and additional Term Loan B and confirmed its "BA1" rating for WWI's Credit Facility.

WW.com Credit Facilities

On December 16, 2005, WW.com, borrowed $215,000 pursuant to two credit facilities (the "WW.com Credit Facilities"), consisting of (i) a five year, senior secured first lien term loan facility in

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an aggregate principal amount of $170,000 (the "First Lien Term Credit Facility") and (ii) a five and one-half year, senior secured second lien term loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of $45,000 (the "Second Lien Term Credit Facility"). The WW.com Credit Facilities are governed by two credit agreements among WW.com, Credit Suisse, as administrative agent and collateral agent, and the lenders party thereto (collectively, the "Lenders"). Each of WW.com's existing and future domestic subsidiaries have guaranteed the Credit Facilities and the WW.com Credit Facilities are secured by substantially all the assets of WW.com and these subsidiaries. WWI has not guaranteed the WW.com Credit Facilities.

The First Lien Term Credit Facility bears an interest rate equal to LIBOR plus 2.25% per annum, or, at WW.com's option, the alternate base rate, as defined, plus 1.25% per annum. The Second Lien Term Credit Facility bears an interest rate equal to LIBOR plus 4.75% per annum or, at WW.com's option, the alternate base rate, as defined, plus 3.75% per annum.

Loans outstanding under the WW.com Credit Facilities (i) must be prepaid with certain percentages of excess cash flow and net cash proceeds of asset sales, issuances, offerings or placements of debt obligations of WW.com and issuances of equity securities of WW.com; and (ii) may be voluntarily prepaid at any time in whole or in part without premium or penalty, with certain exceptions depending upon the date of payment. The rights and priorities of the Lenders under the WW.com Credit Facilities are governed by an intercreditor agreement.

The WW.com Credit Facilities contain customary covenants, including affirmative and negative covenants that, in certain circumstances, restrict WW.com's ability to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends on and redeem capital stock, make other restricted payments, including investments, sell WW.com assets and enter into consolidations, mergers and transfer of all or substantially all of WW.com's assets. The WW.com Credit Facilities also require WW.com to maintain specified financial ratios and satisfy financial condition tests, which become more restrictive over time. The WW.com Credit Facilities contain customary events of default. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under the WW.com Credit Facilities, amounts outstanding may be immediately due and payable.

On November 4, 2005, Standard & Poor's assigned its "B+" corporate credit rating to WeightWatchers.com. In addition, Standard & Poor's assigned ratings of "B+" to the First Lien Term Credit Facility and "B-" to the Second Lien Term Credit Facility. On November 2, 2005, Moody's assigned ratings of "Ba3" to the First Lien Term Credit Facility and "B1" to the Second Lien Term Credit Facility.

Senior Subordinated Notes

As part of the Recapitalization, WWI issued $150,000 USD denominated and €100,000 euro denominated principal amount of 13% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2009 (the "Notes") to qualified institutional buyers.

In fiscal 2003, WWI successfully completed a tender offer and consent solicitation to purchase 96.6% of its $150,000 USD denominated ($144,900) and 91.6% of its €100,000 euro denominated (€91,600) Notes. The consideration for the tender offer and consent solicitation was funded from cash from operations of $57,292 and additional borrowings under the Credit Facility of $227,326 (as described above). On October 1, 2004, WWI repurchased and retired the remaining balance of its

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Notes in the amounts of $5,100 USD denominated and €8,400 euro-denominated. Due to this early extinguishment of debt, the Company recognized expenses of $1,010 in the fiscal year ended January 1, 2005 related to the redemption premiums associated with this redemption, and $47,368 in the fiscal year ended January 3, 2004, which included tender premiums of $42,619, the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs of $4,387 and $362 of fees associated with the transaction.

At January 3, 2004, the euro notes of €8,388 translated into $10,564. The unrealized impact of the change in foreign exchange rates related to euro denominated debt was reflected in other expense, net. The Company used interest rate swaps and foreign currency forward contracts in association with its debt. As of January 3, 2004, 100% of the Company's euro denominated Notes were effectively hedged through the use of a cash flow hedge.

Maturities

At December 31, 2005, the aggregate amounts of existing long-term debt maturing in each of the next five years and thereafter are as follows:

2006	$	4,700
2007		4,700
2008		4,700
2009		452,481
2010		234,544
2011 and thereafter		45,000

	$	746,125

7. Treasury Stock

On October 9, 2003, the Company, at the direction of WWI's Board of Directors, authorized a program to repurchase up to $250,000 of the Company's outstanding common stock. On June 13, 2005, the Company, at the direction of WWI's Board of Directors, authorized adding $250,000 to this program.

The repurchase program allows for shares to be purchased from time to time in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. No shares will be purchased from Artal under the program.

From October 9, 2003 through December 31, 2005, the Company purchased 9,184 shares of common stock in the open market for a total cost of $381,877. This included 784 shares purchased in the fourth quarter of 2003 for a total price of $28,815. In fiscal 2005 and 2004, the Company purchased 3,732 and 4,668 shares of common stock in the open market at a total cost of $175,980 and $177,081, respectively.

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8. Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share ("EPS") computations are calculated utilizing the weighed average number of common shares outstanding during the periods presented. Diluted EPS is calculated utilizing the weighted average number of common shares outstanding adjusted for the effect of dilutive common stock equivalents.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted EPS for the fiscal years ended.

		December 31, 2005		January 1, 2005			January 3, 2004
Numerator:
	Income available to common shareholders before cumulative effect of accounting change	$	174,402	$	195,025		$	143,941
	Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax		—		(11,941	)		—

	Net income available to common shareholders	$	174,402	$	183,084		$	143,941

Denominator:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding		102,747		104,704			106,676
	Effect of dilutive stock options		1,456		2,281			3,048

	Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding		104,203		106,985			109,724

Basic EPS:
	Income available to common shareholders before cumulative effect of accounting change	$	1.70	$	1.86		$	1.35
	Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax		—		(0.11	)		—

	Net income available to common shareholders	$	1.70	$	1.75		$	1.35

Diluted EPS:
	Income available to common shareholders before cumulative effect of accounting change	$	1.67	$	1.82		$	1.31
	Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax		—		(0.11	)		—

	Net income available to common shareholders	$	1.67	$	1.71		$	1.31

For the fiscal 2005, 2004 and 2003 computations 281, 410 and 391 stock options, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of weighted average shares for diluted EPS because their effects were anti-dilutive.

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9. Stock Plans

WWI Incentive Compensation Plans:

On May 12, 2004 and December 16, 1999, respectively, the WWI stockholders approved the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (the "2004 Plan") and the 1999 Stock Purchase and Option Plan (the "1999 Plan") of WWI. These plans are designed to promote the long-term financial interests and growth of WWI by attracting and retaining management with the ability to contribute to the success of the business. The Board of Directors or a committee thereof administers the plans.

Under the 2004 Plan, grants may take the following forms at the committee's sole discretion: incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units and other stock-based awards. The maximum number of shares available for grant under the 2004 Plan is 2,500 as of the plan's effective date.

Under the 1999 Plan, grants may take the following forms at the committee's sole discretion: incentive stock options, other stock options (other than incentive options), stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, purchase stock, dividend equivalent rights, performance units, performance shares and other stock—based grants. The maximum number of shares available for grant under this plan was 5,647 shares of authorized common stock as of the plan's effective date. In 2001, the number of shares available for grant was increased to 7,058 shares.

Under the stock purchase component of the 1999 Plan, 1,639 shares of common stock were sold to 45 members of WWI's management group at a price of $2.13 to $4.04 per share.

Pursuant to the restricted stock components of the 2004 and the 1999 Plan, the Company granted 222, 5 and 7 shares of restricted stock to certain employees during fiscal 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The weighted average grant date fair value of these shares was $50.26, $39.01 and $39.35 for shares granted in fiscal 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. These shares vest over a period of 3 to 5 years and resulted in compensation expense of $2,902 and $143 for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2005 and January 1, 2005, respectively. As of December 31, 2005 there were 181 unvested units and $8,417 of unamortized compensation expense.

Pursuant to the option components of the 2004 and the 1999 Plan, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to enter into agreements under which certain members of management received Non-Qualified Time and Performance Stock Options providing them the opportunity to purchase shares of WWI's common stock at an exercise price of $2.13 to $56.21. The options are exercisable based on the terms outlined in the agreement. The options vest over a period of 3 to 5 years and the expiration terms range from 5 to 10 years. Options granted under the 2004 Plan and the 1999 Plan are accounted for under the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and related interpretations. Accordingly, no compensation expense has been recognized for stock options grants as all such grants had an exercise price not less than fair market value on the date of grant. The table included in Note 2 illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if the Company had applied the fair value method of SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation."

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The fair value of each option, as calculated for purposes of Note 2, is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

	December 31, 2005	January 1, 2005	January 3, 2004
Dividend yield	0%	0%	0%
Volatility	28.30%	32.40%	36.50%
Risk-free interest rate	3.3-4.5%	2.3%-4.4%	2.6%-3.7%
Expected term (years)	5.8	5.8	5.6

A summary WWI's stock option activity is as follows:

		December 31, 2005				January 1, 2005				January 3, 2004
		Number of Shares		Weighted average exercise price		Number of Shares		Weighted average exercise price		Number of Shares		Weighted average exercise price
Options outstanding,
	Beginning of year	4,330		$	14.80	4,501		$	8.19	4,896		$	3.68
	Granted	690		$	46.75	855		$	38.41	543		$	40.61
	Exercised	(1,870	)	$	2.41	(732	)	$	2.51	(855	)	$	2.29
	Cancelled	(325	)	$	37.94	(294	)	$	12.83	(83	)	$	14.63

Options outstanding, end of year		2,825		$	28.14	4,330		$	14.80	4,501		$	8.19
Options exercisable, end of year		1,406		$	14.45	2,872		$	3.56	2,971		$	2.80
Options available for grant, end of year		2,201				263				827
Weighted-average fair value of options granted during the year				$	16.63			$	14.40			$	16.01

The following table summarizes information about WWI stock options outstanding at December 31, 2005 by range of exercise price:

	Options Outstanding
	Options Outstanding				Options Exercisable
		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Yrs.)			Options Exercisable
Range of Exercise Prices	Shares Outstanding	Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Yrs.)	Weighted Average Exercise Price		Shares Exercisable	Weighted Average Exercise Price
$2.13-$2.34	770	4.13	$	2.13	770	$	2.13
$4.04	209	5.51	$	4.04	191	$	4.04
$35.86-$42.27	1,204	5.20	$	38.79	416	$	39.92
$42.36-$56.21	642	6.36	$	47.21	29	$	44.04

	2,825				1,406

WeightWatchers.com Stock Incentive Plan of Weight Watchers International, Inc. and Subsidiaries:

In April 2000, the Board of Directors of WWI adopted the WeightWatchers.com Stock Incentive Plan of Weight Watchers International, Inc. and Subsidiaries, pursuant to which selected employees

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were granted options to purchase shares of common stock of WeightWatchers.com that are owned by WWI. The number of shares available for grant under this plan is 400 shares of authorized common stock of WeightWatchers.com. In connection with the acquisition of WW.com (See Note 3), the Company purchased and canceled all 103 outstanding WW.com options granted under the plan in the second quarter of 2005. Effective July 2, 2005, the Board of Directors of the Company terminated the plan.

WeightWatchers.com Stock Option Plan

Prior to WWI's acquisition of WW.com (See Note 3), WeightWatchers.com granted incentive stock options and/or nonqualified stock options on its common stock to its employees, consultants and/or certain non-employees under the terms of its stock option plans. In connection with the acquisition, WWI acquired 2,759 shares of WW.com stock which represented vested and unvested options under the plan. The 2,293 shares of vested options were acquired based upon the difference between the purchase price per share and the exercise price per share. The 466 shares of unvested options were exchanged for 134 restricted stock units of WWI.

Due to the adoption of FIN 46R (see Note 1), the fair value of stock options granted by WeightWatchers.com are included in the pro forma footnote disclosures showing the impact to the Company's results had it adopted the fair value provisions of SFAS No. 123 (see Note 2). The fair value of options granted by WeightWatchers.com during fiscal 2004 were estimated on their date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: (a) dividend yield of 0%, (b) volatility of 64%, (c) risk-free interest rate of 3.0%—3.9% and (d) expected term of 5 years.

10. Income Taxes

Prior to December 16, 2005 WWI and WeightWatchers.com were separate tax paying entities. Effective with the completion of the Redemption (see Note 3) WW.com will be included with WWI's consolidated federal tax return. The following tables summarize the consolidated provision for U.S. federal, state and foreign taxes on income:

		December 31, 2005			January 1, 2005			January 3, 2004
Current:
	U.S federal	$	61,871		$	41,043		$	40,527
	State		8,811			5,075			10,740
	Foreign		23,047			26,381			20,344

		$	93,729		$	72,499		$	71,611

Deferred:
	U.S federal	$	10,380		$	20,705		$	15,173
	State		1,642			1,900			1,734
	Foreign		(838	)		(582	)		(230	)

			11,184			22,023			16,677

	Total tax provision	$	104,913		$	94,522		$	88,288

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The components of the Company's consolidated income before income taxes and the cumulative effect of accounting change consist of the following:

	December 31, 2005		January 1, 2005		January 3, 2004
Domestic	$	212,085	$	208,553	$	170,196
Foreign		67,230		80,994		62,033

	$	279,315	$	289,547	$	232,229

The difference between the U.S. federal statutory tax rate and the Company's consolidated effective tax rate are as follows:

		December 31, 2005		January 1, 2005		January 3, 2004
U.S. federal statutory rate		35.0	%	35.0	%	35.0	%
Federal and state tax reserve reversal		(0.2	)	(2.5	)	(0.2	)
States income taxes (net of federal benefit)		2.8		2.7		4.0
Reduction in valuation allowance		(0.3	)	(3.5	)	—
Other		0.3		0.9		(0.8	)

	Effective tax rate	37.6	%	32.6	%	38.0	%

The deferred tax assets (liabilities) recorded on the Company's consolidated balance sheet are as follows:

	December 31, 2005			January 1, 2005
Amortization	$	54,622		$	75,449
Provision for estimated expenses		5,741			1,872
Operating loss carryforwards		11,385			5,811
Salaries and Wages		3,317			—
Other		5,034			2,194
Less: valuation allowance		(3,420	)		(1,593	)

Total deferred tax assets	$	76,679		$	83,733

Depreciation/amortization	$	(6,168	)	$	(2,109	)
Prepaid expenses		(820	)		(1,061	)
Deferred income		(198	)		(85	)
Other		(3,974	)		(3,756	)

Total deferred tax liabilities	$	(11,160	)	$	(7,011	)

Net deferred tax assets	$	65,519		$	76,722

As of December 31, 2005 and January 1, 2005, various foreign subsidiaries of WWI had net operating loss carry forwards of approximately $20,572 and $7,956, respectively, most of which can be carried forward indefinitely.

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As discussed in Note 2, beginning in the first fiscal quarter ended April 3, 2004, the Company's consolidated balance sheet includes the balance sheet of WeightWatchers.com. Accordingly, on April 3, 2004, the Company consolidated a deferred tax asset in the amount of $10,248 primarily due to WeightWatchers.com's net operating loss carryforwards, which were offset by a full valuation allowance. During 2004, WeightWatchers.com received current benefit of $5,546 from its deferred tax asset as a result of the utilization of net operating loss carryforwards. In fiscal 2004, due to the recent trend in profitability of WeightWatchers.com, it was concluded that it was more likely than not that WeightWatchers.com would fully realize the benefit of its deferred tax assets. As such, WeightWatchers.com reversed all of its remaining valuation allowance except for $1,593 relating to its foreign operations. In fiscal 2005, due to the then recent trend in profitability of certain WeightWatchers.com's foreign operations, it was concluded that it was more likely than not that these foreign operations would fully realize the benefit of its deferred tax assets. As such, WeightWatchers.com reversed all of its remaining valuation allowance except for a full valuation allowance of $575 relating to certain foreign operations.

Certain foreign operations of WWI, have generated net operating loss carryforwards. It has been determined that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets associated with these net operating loss carryforwards will not be utilized. Therefore, a full valuation allowance of $2,845 has been recorded.

As of December 31, 2005, WeightWatchers.com has net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $19,000 for federal income tax purposes. These losses are available to reduce future Weight Watchers International, Inc.'s consolidated taxable income and will begin to expire at varying amounts after 2020.

The Company's undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries are not considered to be reinvested permanently. Accordingly, the Company has recorded all taxes, after taking into account foreign tax credits, on the undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries.

11. Related Party Transactions

Transactions with WeightWatchers.com:

WeightWatchers.com was formed on September 22, 1999 to develop and market monthly subscription weight loss plans on the Internet. WeightWatchers.com provides these weight management products to consumers through paid access to specified areas of its website. It also provides marketing services to WWI.

Due to the adoption of FIN 46R, the Company's consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of WeightWatchers.com beginning April 3, 2004. As a result, for all periods through and including the first quarter of 2004, WWI's transactions with WeightWatchers.com were not considered intercompany activities and therefore, the resulting income/(expense) has been included in the Company's consolidated results of operations. Beginning in the second quarter of 2004 with the adoption of FIN 46R, all transactions with WeightWatchers.com are now considered intercompany activities and, therefore, are eliminated in consolidation.

Therefore, the Company's consolidated results for the year ended December 31, 2005 contain no income/(expense) related to WWI's activities with WeightWatchers.com since all such activity was eliminated in consolidation. However, the Company's consolidated results for the year ended January 1,

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2005 include the income/(expense) resulting from WWI's activities with WeightWatchers.com that took place during the first quarter of fiscal 2004 and the Company's consolidated results for the year ended January 3, 2004 include all the income/(expense) resulting from WWI's activities with WeightWatchers.com that took place during each respective period.

Loan Agreement:

Pursuant to the amended loan agreement, dated September 10, 2001, between WWI and WeightWatchers.com, WWI provided loans to WeightWatchers.com through fiscal 2001 aggregating $34,500. By the end of 2001, having reviewed the loan balances quarterly for impairment, WWI recorded a full valuation allowance against the balances. Beginning on January 1, 2002, the loan bears interest at 13% per year. This loan has been fully repaid as of July 2, 2005.

For the years ended January 1, 2005 and January 3, 2004, the Company recorded interest income of $949 and $4,219, respectively. Other income recorded by the Company resulting from loan repayments was $4,917 and $5,000 for the years ended January 1, 2005 and January 3, 2004, respectively.

Intellectual Property License:

WWI entered into an amended and restated intellectual property license agreement dated September 29, 2001 with WeightWatchers.com. In fiscal 2002, WWI began earning royalties pursuant to the agreement. For the years ended January 1, 2005 and January 3, 2004, the Company recorded royalty income of $1,954 and $7,080, respectively, which was included in product sales and other, net.

Service Agreement:

Simultaneous with the signing of the amended and restated intellectual property license agreement, WWI entered into a service agreement with WeightWatchers.com, under which WeightWatchers.com provides certain types of services. WWI is required to pay for all expenses incurred by WeightWatchers.com directly attributable to the services it performs under this agreement, plus a fee of 10% of those expenses. The Company recorded service expense of $558 and $1,971 for the years ended January 1, 2005 and January 3, 2004, respectively, that was included in marketing expenses.

Ancillary Agreements:

In addition to the license agreement and service agreement, WWI and WW.com entered into various ancillary agreements in the normal course of business related to the sharing of space, financial, legal and administrative services, and other resources.

WeightWatchers.com Acquisition:

See Note 3 for a description of our acquisition of WW.com and the related transactions with Artal.

Heinz:

At the closing of the Recapitalization, WWI granted to Heinz an exclusive worldwide, royalty-free license to use certain of our trademarks in connection with Heinz licensed products. Heinz paid WWI an annual fee of $1,200 for five years in exchange for the Company serving as the custodian of these trademarks.

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As of January 1, 2005, other accrued liabilities included $1,519, consisting of food royalties received on behalf of Heinz.

12. Employee Benefit Plans

The Company sponsors the Weight Watchers Savings Plan (the "Savings Plan") for salaried and hourly employees of WWI. The Savings Plan is a defined contribution plan that provides for employer matching contributions up to 100% of the first 3% of an employee's eligible compensation. The Savings Plan also permits employees to contribute between 1% and 13% of eligible compensation on a pre-tax basis. Expense related to these contributions for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2005, January 1, 2005 and January 3, 2004 was $1,529, $1,361 and $1,228, respectively.

The Company sponsors the Weight Watchers Profit Sharing Plan (the "Profit Sharing Plan") for all full-time salaried employees of WWI who are eligible to participate in the Savings Plan (except for certain senior management personnel). The Profit Sharing Plan provides for a guaranteed monthly employer contribution on behalf of each participant based on the participant's age and a percentage of the participant's eligible compensation. The Profit Sharing Plan has a supplemental employer contribution component, based on WWI's achievement of certain annual performance targets, which are determined annually by the Board of Directors. The Company also reserves the right to make additional discretionary contributions to the Profit Sharing Plan. Expense related to these contributions for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2005, January 1, 2005 and January 3, 2004 was $1,975, $1,808 and $1,655, respectively.

For certain senior management personnel of WWI, the Company sponsors the Weight Watchers Executive Profit Sharing Plan. Under the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") definition, this plan is considered a Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan. There is a promise of payment by the Company made on the employees' behalf instead of an individual account with a cash balance. The account is valued at the end of each fiscal month, based on an annualized interest rate of prime plus 2%, with an annualized cap of 15%. Expense related to this commitment for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2005, January 1, 2005 and January 3, 2004 was $1,050, $947 and $774, respectively.

During fiscal 2002, the Company received a favorable determination letter from the IRS that qualifies WWI's Savings Plan under Section 401(a) of the IRS Code.

The Company also sponsors the WeightWatchers.com Savings Plan for salaried and hourly employees of WeightWatchers.com. This plan is a defined contribution plan that permits employees to contribute between 1% and 13% of eligible compensation on a pre-tax basis. There are no employer matching contributions and therefore no expense is recognized for this plan in the consolidated financial statements.

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13. Cash Flow Information

		December 31, 2005		January 1, 2005		January 3, 2004
Net cash paid during the year for:
	Interest expense	$	18,030	$	13,564	$	38,533
	Income taxes	$	80,381	$	53,102	$	59,739
Noncash investing and financing activities were as follows:
	Fair value of net assets acquired in connection with the acquisitions	$	—	$	811	$	4,797

14. Commitments and Contingencies

Legal:

On February 18, 2005, WWI settled two lawsuits with CoolBrands International, Inc. ("CoolBrands") one filed by WWI to enforce the termination provisions of the CoolBrands ice cream and frozen novelty license and the other filed by CoolBrands against WWI and Wells Dairy, Inc. alleging breach of the CoolBrands license. CoolBrands will no longer manufacture, sell, market or distribute ice cream and frozen novelty products using WWI's trademarks.

The Company has agreed to settle a litigation filed on behalf of a purported class of employees under the California Labor Code and the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act for $2.3 million plus other costs and expenses. The settlement is subject to approval and certification of the class status by the court.

Due to the nature of its activities, the Company is, at times, also subject to pending and threatened legal actions that arise out of the normal course of business. We have had and continue to have disputes with certain of our franchisees. In the opinion of management, based in part upon advice of legal counsel, the disposition of all such matters is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.

Lease Commitments:

Minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable operating leases, primarily for office and rental facilities, at December 31, 2005, consist of the following:

2006		$	24,297
2007			17,795
2008			10,444
2009			7,212
2010			6,251
2011 and thereafter			25,211

	Total	$	91,210

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Total rent expense charged to operations under these leases for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2005, January 1, 2005 and January 3, 2004 was $27,671 (including $1,561 related to rent expense of WeightWatchers.com), $27,198 (including $1,167 related to rent expense of WeightWatchers.com), and $23,855, respectively.

15. Segment and Geographic Data

Effective with the adoption of FIN 46R in the first quarter of 2004 (see Note 1), the Company has two operating segments, each of which is a reportable segment: WWI and WeightWatchers.com. These are two separate and distinct businesses for which discrete financial information is available. This discrete financial information is maintained and managed separately and is reviewed regularly by the chief operating decision maker. All intercompany activity is eliminated in consolidation.

Since FIN 46R was adopted as of the last day of the first quarter of 2004, WeightWatchers.com's results of operations for the three months ended April 3, 2004 have been included in the charge for the cumulative effect of accounting change. Therefore, the measure of profitability for WeightWatchers.com for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2005 includes only their results of operations beginning with the second quarter of 2004. Prior to April 3, 2004, the Company was engaged principally in one line of business, weight loss, products and services. Therefore, segment information is not presented for fiscal 2003.

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Information about the Company's reportable operating segments is as follows:

		Year Ended December 31, 2005
		Weight Watchers International		Weight Watchers.com			Intercompany Eliminations			Consolidated
Revenues from external customers		$	1,041,594	$	109,657		$	—		$	1,151,251
Intercompany revenue			10,665		3,102			(13,767	)		—

	Total revenue	$	1,052,259	$	112,759			(13,767	)	$	1,151,251

Depreciation and amortization		$	9,131	$	4,565		$	—		$	13,696

Operating income (loss)		$	310,413	$	(7,932	)	$	11		$	302,492
	Interest expense, net										20,969
	Other expense, net										2,208
	Provision for taxes										104,913

Net Income		$	189,834	$	(3,612	)	$	(11,820	)	$	174,402

Weighted average diluted shares outstanding											104,203

Total assets		$	914,959	$	36,069		$	(115,537	)	$	835,491

		Year Ended January 1, 2005
		Weight Watchers International		Weight Watchers.com		Intercompany Eliminations			Consolidated
Revenues from external customers		$	959,930	$	64,989	$	—		$	1,024,919
Intercompany revenue			6,205		1,678		(7,883	)		—

	Total revenue	$	966,135	$	66,667		(7,883	)	$	1,024,919

Depreciation and amortization		$	8,095	$	2,148	$	—		$	10,243

Operating income		$	289,917	$	16,011	$	(43	)	$	305,885
	Interest expense, net									16,759
	Other income, net									(4,685	)
	Early extinguishment of debt									4,264
	Provision for taxes									94,522

Income before cumulative effect of accounting change		$	179,234	$	18,682	$	(2,891	)	$	195,025

Weighted average diluted shares outstanding										106,985

Total assets		$	796,231	$	30,793	$	(10,838	)	$	816,186

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The following table presents information about the Company's sources of revenue and other information by geographic area. There were no material amounts of sales or transfers among geographic areas and no material amounts of United States export sales.

	Revenues for the Year Ended
	December 31, 2005		January 1, 2005		January 3, 2004
NACO meeting fees	$	416,952	$	373,119	$	392,432
International company-owned meeting fees		264,145		255,978		214,772
Product sales		285,448		274,640		276,835
Franchise royalties		19,393		18,789		24,879
Online revenues		109,657		64,989		—
Other		55,656		37,404		35,014

	$	1,151,251	$	1,024,919	$	943,932

	Revenues for the Year Ended
	December 31, 2005		January 1, 2005		January 3, 2004
United States	$	699,981	$	606,916	$	599,944
United Kingdom		169,168		163,338		140,886
Continental Europe		219,175		196,953		159,155
Australia, New Zealand and other		62,927		57,712		43,947

	$	1,151,251	$	1,024,919	$	943,932

	Long-Lived Assets
	December 31, 2005		January 1, 2005		January 3, 2004
United States	$	603,356	$	572,012	$	506,004
United Kingdom		2,342		2,383		2,653
Continental Europe		4,589		3,376		3,153
Australia, New Zealand and other		26,234		27,676		26,431

	$	636,521	$	605,447	$	538,241

16. Financial Instruments

Fair Value of Financial Instruments:

The Company's significant financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, short and long-term debt, and interest rate swap agreements.

In evaluating the fair value of significant financial instruments, the Company generally uses quoted market prices of the same or similar instruments or calculates an estimated fair value on a discounted cash flow basis using the rates available for instruments with the same remaining maturities. As of December 31, 2005, the fair value of financial instruments held by the Company approximated the recorded value.

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Derivative Instruments and Hedging:

Prior to the extinguishment of the Euro Notes (as described in Note 6), the Company entered into forward and swap contracts to hedge transactions denominated in foreign currencies to reduce currency risk associated with fluctuating exchange rates. These contracts were used primarily to hedge certain foreign currency cash flows and for payments arising from those foreign currency denominated debt obligations. The Company currently enters into interest rate swaps to hedge a substantial portion of its variable rate debt. These contracts are used primarily to reduce the risk associated with variable interest rate debt obligations. As of December 31, 2005, the Company held contracts to purchase interest rate swaps with notional amounts totaling $257,500 and to sell interest rate swaps with notional amounts totaling $257,500. As of January 1, 2005, the Company held contracts to purchase interest rate swaps with notional amounts totaling $150,000 and to sell interest rate swaps with notional amounts totaling $150,000. The Company is hedging forecasted transactions for periods not exceeding the next three years. At December 31, 2005, given the current configuration of its debt, the Company estimates that no derivative gains or losses reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) will be reclassified to the Statement of Operations within the next twelve months.

As of December 31, 2005 and January 1, 2005, cumulative losses for qualifying hedges were reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income(loss) in the amount of $1,402 ($2,300 before taxes) and $(70) $(115) before taxes), respectively. The Company discontinued certain of its cash flow hedges that were associated with the euro denominated Notes that were extinguished, as described in Note 6. As such, in fiscal 2003, the Company reclassified a net loss of $5,381 from accumulated other comprehensive income to other expense, net. In addition, the Company recorded net proceeds of $2,710 from the gain on settlement in cash from financing activities in the Statement of Cash Flows as cash flows from hedge transactions are classified in a manner consistent with the item being hedged. The ineffective portion of changes in fair values of qualifying cash flow hedges was not material. Prior to the extinguishment of the euro denominated Notes, the Company hedged 24% of the outstanding principal of the euro Notes via forward contracts, subsequent to the extinguishment, but prior to the repurchase of the remaining Notes, the Company was 100% hedged. As such, to offset gains or losses from changes in foreign exchange rates related to the euro denominated Notes for the fiscal years ended January 1, 2005 and January 3, 2004, the Company reclassified $6 ($9 before taxes) and $310 ($508 before taxes) from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to other expense, net.

For the fiscal year ended January 1, 2005 fair value adjustments for non-qualifying hedges resulted in a reduction to net income of $798 ($1,309 before taxes), included within other expense, net.

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17. Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)

The following is a summary of the unaudited quarterly consolidated results of operations for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2005 and January 1, 2005.

	For the Fiscal Quarters Ended
	April 2, 2005		July 2, 2005		October 1, 2005		December 31, 2005
Fiscal year ended December 31, 2005
Revenues, net	$	329,998	$	312,600	$	257,483	$	251,170
Operating income		90,027		60,488		84,663		67,314
Net income		51,628		34,472		49,452		38,850
Basic EPS		0.50		0.33		0.48		0.38
Diluted EPS		0.49		0.33		0.47		0.38

	For the Fiscal Quarters Ended
	April 3, 2004		July 3, 2004		October 2, 2004		January 1, 2005
Fiscal year ended January 1, 2005
Revenues, net	$	281,367	$	264,892	$	245,915	$	232,745
Operating income		82,216		86,974		73,818		62,877
Net income		36,757		52,886		50,232		43,209
Basic EPS		0.35		0.50		0.48		0.42
Diluted EPS		0.34		0.49		0.47	$	0.41

Basic and diluted EPS are computed independently for each of the periods presented. Accordingly, the sum of the quarterly EPS amounts may not agree to the total for the year. Beginning in the second quarter of fiscal 2004, the Company's results include the results of WeightWatchers.com (see Note 2 for further details). During the fiscal quarters ended July 2, 2005 and October 1, 2005, the Company incurred expenses associated with the WW.com acquisition (See Note 3) of $46,082 and $309, respectively.

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Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) Registration No. 333-127819

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Basis of Presentation
Market Data
Trademarks
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
Recent Developments
Summary Historical Consolidated Financial and Other Information
RISK FACTORS
CAUTIONARY NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
USE OF PROCEEDS
DIVIDEND POLICY
PRICE RANGE OF OUR COMMON STOCK
CAPITALIZATION
SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL AND OTHER INFORMATION
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Long-Term Debt At December 31, 2005 (Balances in millions)
BUSINESS
MANAGEMENT
PRINCIPAL AND SELLING SHAREHOLDERS
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME AND ESTATE TAX CONSEQUENCES TO NON-U.S. HOLDERS
UNDERWRITING
NOTICE TO CANADIAN RESIDENTS
LEGAL MATTERS
EXPERTS
WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AT (IN THOUSANDS)
WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED (IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY (DEFICIT) (IN THOUSANDS)
WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED (IN THOUSANDS)
WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)