The Company

Lazare Kaplan International Inc. (the "Company") was incorporated in 1972 under the laws of the state of Delaware as the successor to a business which was founded by Mr. Lazare Kaplan in 1903. The Company is engaged in the cutting, polishing and selling of ideally proportioned diamonds which it markets internationally under the brand name "Lazare Diamonds(R)". Ideally proportioned diamonds are distinguished from non-ideal cut ("commercial") diamonds by the symmetrical relationship of their facets, which optimize the balance of brilliance, sparkle and fire in a polished diamond. Due to these characteristics, Lazare Diamonds command a premium in the marketplace....