<PAGE>
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON MAY 8, 1998
REGISTRATION NO. 333-51055
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
------------------------
AMENDMENT NO. 1
TO
FORM SB-2
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
------------------------
SCHEID VINEYARDS INC.
(Name of small business issuer in its charter)
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
DELAWARE 0172 77-0461833
(State or other jurisdiction (Primary Standard Industrial (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or Classification Code Number) Identification
organization) Number)
</TABLE>
------------------------------
13470 WASHINGTON BLVD.
MARINA DEL REY, CALIFORNIA 90292
(310) 301-1555
(Address and telephone number of principal executive offices and principal place
of business)
------------------------------
ALFRED G. SCHEID
CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
SCHEID VINEYARDS INC.
13470 WASHINGTON BLVD.
MARINA DEL REY, CALIFORNIA 90292
(310) 301-1555
(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)
------------------------------
COPIES TO:
GORDON R. KANOFSKY, ESQ. BRIAN W. COPPLE, ESQ.
DEBORAH L. GUNNY, ESQ. MONICA J. BURICK, ESQ.
SANDERS, BARNET, GOLDMAN, SIMONS & GIBSON, DUNN & CRUTCHER LLP
MOSK,
A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION JAMBOREE CENTER
1901 AVENUE OF THE STARS, SUITE 850 4 PARK PLAZA
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90067 IRVINE, CALIFORNIA 92614-8557
(310) 553-8011 (714) 451-3800
------------------------------
APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC:
As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective.
------------------------------
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and
list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering. / /
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. / /
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. / /
If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434
under the Securities Act, please check the following box. / /
------------------------------
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TITLE OF EACH AMOUNT PROPOSED MAXIMUM PROPOSED MAXIMUM AMOUNT
CLASS OF SECURITIES TO BE OFFERING AGGREGATE OF REGISTRATION
TO BE REGISTERED REGISTERED PRICE PER SHARE(1) OFFERING PRICE(1) FEE(1)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A Common Stock, $0.001 par value
per share........................... 1,150,000(2) $9.875 $11,356,250.00 $3,350.09
</TABLE>
(1) Determined in accordance with Rule 457(c) based on the average of the per
share high and low sale prices for the Registrant's Class A Common Stock
reported in the Nasdaq National Market System on April 21, 1998. The
registration fee was paid upon the filing of the Registration Statement on
April 27, 1998.
(2) Includes up to 150,000 shares of Class A Common Stock that may be purchased
by the Underwriters to cover overallotments, if any.
------------------------------
THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL HEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE
WITH THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 8(a) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933.
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<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS
1,000,000 SHARES
[LOGO]
CLASS A COMMON STOCK
------------
All of the 1,000,000 shares (the "Shares") of Class A Common Stock (the
"Class A Common Stock") of Scheid Vineyards Inc. ("SVI" or the "Company")
offered hereby are being offered for sale by a principal stockholder of the
Company (the "Selling Stockholder"). See "Principal and Selling Stockholders."
The Company will not receive any of the proceeds from this offering.
The Company has two classes of Common Stock, Class A Common Stock and Class
B Common Stock. Holders of Class A Common Stock are entitled to one vote per
share, and holders of Class B Common Stock are entitled to five votes per share.
The two classes generally vote together, but holders of Class A Common Stock
voting separately are entitled to elect two of the Company's five directors, and
holders of Class B Common Stock voting separately are entitled to elect the
remaining three directors. Class A Common Stock is freely transferable and Class
B Common Stock is transferable only to certain permitted transferees but is
convertible into Class A Common Stock. The Shares offered hereby are Class B
Common Stock in the hands of the Selling Stockholder but will automatically
convert into Class A Common Stock on a share-for-share basis in connection with
their sale in this offering.
The Class A Common Stock is quoted on the Nasdaq National Market under the
symbol "SVIN". On May 7, 1998, the last reported sale price of the Class A
Common Stock as reported on the Nasdaq National Market was $9 1/4 per share. See
"Price Range of Class A Common Stock."
------------------
SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 7 FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN RISKS THAT
SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS OF THE CLASS A COMMON STOCK.
---------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNDERWRITING PROCEEDS TO
PRICE TO DISCOUNTS AND SELLING
PUBLIC COMMISSIONS (1) STOCKHOLDER (2)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share....................................... $9.25 $0.8325 $8.4175
Total (3)....................................... $9,250,000 $832,500 $8,417,500
</TABLE>
(1) Underwriting discounts and commissions will be paid by the Selling
Stockholder. Excludes a non-accountable expense allowance payable by the
Company and the Selling Stockholder to Cruttenden Roth Incorporated (the
"Representative"). The Company and the Selling Stockholder have agreed to
indemnify the Underwriters against certain liabilities, including
liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. See
"Underwriting."
(2) Before deducting the Selling Stockholder's share of offering expenses,
including the Representative's non-accountable expense allowance. Total
offering expenses (excluding underwriting discounts and commissions) are
estimated to be $232,500, and will be paid half by the Selling Stockholder
and half by the Company.
(3) Certain other stockholders of the Company have granted the Underwriters a
45-day option to purchase up to 150,000 additional shares of Class A Common
Stock on the same terms per share solely to cover overallotments, if any. If
this option is exercised in full, the total Price to Public, Underwriting
Discounts and Commissions, and Proceeds to Selling Stockholder will be
$10,637,500, $957,375, and $9,680,125, respectively. If the overallotment
option is exercised, the stockholders selling overallotment shares will pay
the underwriting discounts and commissions on those sales and their ratable
share of offering expenses. See "Principal and Selling Stockholders" and
"Underwriting."
------------------
The shares of Class A Common Stock are being offered severally by the
Underwriters named herein, subject to prior sale, when, as and if delivered to
and accepted by the Underwriters, and subject to other conditions. It is
expected that delivery of the certificates representing the shares of Class A
Common Stock will be made against payment therefor at the offices of Cruttenden
Roth Incorporated, Irvine, California, on or about May 13, 1998.
------------------
[LOGO]
THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS MAY 8, 1998
<PAGE>
NOTE CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Prospectus contains certain forward-looking statements, including the
plans and objectives of management for the business, operations, and economic
performance of the Company. These forward-looking statements generally can be
identified by the context of the statement or the use of words such as the
Company or its management "believes," "anticipates," "intends," "expects,"
"plans" or words of similar meaning. Similarly, statements that describe the
Company's future operating performance, financial results, plans, objectives,
strategies, or goals are forward-looking statements. Although management
believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements are
reasonable, these assumptions and the forward-looking statements are subject to
various factors, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control
of the Company, including but not limited to agricultural risks, dependence on a
small number of principal customers and uncertainties concerning growth in
revenues and profitability. Accordingly, actual results could differ materially
from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. In addition to the
other cautionary statements relating to certain forward-looking statements
throughout this Prospectus, attention is directed to "Risk Factors" for
discussion of some of the factors, risks and uncertainties that could affect the
outcome of future results contemplated by forward-looking statements.
CERTAIN PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN THIS OFFERING MAY ENGAGE IN TRANSACTIONS
THAT STABILIZE, MAINTAIN OR OTHERWISE AFFECT THE PRICE OF THE CLASS A COMMON
STOCK. SUCH TRANSACTIONS MAY INCLUDE STABILIZING BIDS AND PURCHASES, SYNDICATE
SHORT COVERING TRANSACTIONS AND PENALTY BIDS. FOR A DESCRIPTION OF THESE
ACTIVITIES, SEE "UNDERWRITING."
IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY ENGAGE IN PASSIVE
MARKET MAKING TRANSACTIONS IN THE COMPANY'S CLASS A COMMON STOCK ON THE NASDAQ
NATIONAL MARKET IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 103 OF REGULATION M. SEE "UNDERWRITING."
2
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
THE FOLLOWING SUMMARY IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY, AND SHOULD BE READ IN
CONJUNCTION WITH, THE MORE DETAILED INFORMATION, INCLUDING THE COMPANY'S
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND THE RELATED NOTES THERETO, APPEARING ELSEWHERE IN THIS
PROSPECTUS. UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED, THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS
ASSUMES (I) NO EXERCISE OF THE UNDERWRITERS' OVERALLOTMENT OPTION, (II) NO
EXERCISE OF OPTIONS GRANTED UNDER THE COMPANY'S 1997 STOCK OPTION/STOCK ISSUANCE
PLAN, (III) NO EXERCISE OF ANY OUTSTANDING WARRANTS TO PURCHASE SHARES OF
CAPITAL STOCK OF THE COMPANY, AND (IV) NO CONVERSION OF ANY OUTSTANDING SHARES
OF CLASS B COMMON STOCK TO CLASS A COMMON STOCK OTHER THAN THE SHARES OFFERED BY
THIS PROSPECTUS. THE TERM "COMPANY" OR "SVI" WHEN USED IN THIS PROSPECTUS
INCLUDES, WHEN THE CONTEXT SO REQUIRES, SCHEID VINEYARDS INC., A DELAWARE
CORPORATION ("SVI-DEL") AND THE ISSUER OF THE CLASS A COMMON STOCK OFFERED
HEREBY, AND ITS WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY, SCHEID VINEYARDS CALIFORNIA INC., A
CALIFORNIA CORPORATION ("SVI-CAL"), THROUGH WHICH SVI-DEL CONDUCTS ALL OF ITS
BUSINESS.
THE COMPANY
Scheid Vineyards Inc. ("SVI" or the "Company") is a leading independent
(I.E., not winery controlled) producer of premium varietal wine grapes. The
Company currently operates approximately 5,280 acres of wine grape vineyards. Of
this total, approximately 3,600 acres are operated for the Company's own account
and 1,680 acres are operated under management contracts for others. All of the
properties currently operated by the Company are located in Monterey and San
Benito Counties in California, both of which are generally recognized as
excellent regions for growing high quality wine grape varieties.
Since 1980, sales revenues of premium California table wines have grown at a
compound annual rate of 18%, according to Gomberg, Frederickson & Associates, a
wine industry consulting firm in San Francisco. The same source indicates that
in 1997 total California table wine sales were approximately $4.8 billion, of
which $3.8 billion, or 78%, represented the premium table wine segment. The
Company believes that nearly all of the grapes it produces are used to make
wines for the premium segment of the California wine market.
The Company currently produces 14 varieties of premium wine grapes,
primarily Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc, Gewurztraminer
and Sauvignon Blanc. The Company believes that its customers contract with SVI
to assure a consistent, reliable source of high-quality premium grapes for their
wines. The Company's two largest winery customers are Canandaigua Brands, Inc.
("Canandaigua") and International Distillers and Vinters North America, a
subsidiary of Diageo plc ("IDV"), the second and seventh largest U.S. wineries
in terms of 1997 case shipments, respectively. These customers' labels include
GLEN ELLEN, BEAULIEU VINEYARD, BLOSSOM HILL, CHRISTIAN BROS., INGLENOOK, PAUL
MASSON, ALMADEN, DEER VALLEY, DUNNEWOOD and TAYLOR CALIFORNIA CELLARS. Grape
purchase contracts with IDV cover 61% of the Company's acreage and accounted for
approximately 81% and 84% of the Company's 1997 and 1996 total revenues,
respectively.
The Company also has long-term grape purchase agreements with other
well-known producers of ultra premium wines, including The Chalone Wine Group,
Ltd., The Hess Collection Winery, Joseph Phelps Vineyards and Gundlach-Bundschu
Winery. The terms of the Company's long-term grape purchase contracts extend to
between 2001 and 2013, and have "evergreen" renewal provisions requiring two or
three years' prior written notice of termination. These contracts generally
require the customers to purchase substantially all of the Company's production
from specified vineyards at a formula price based upon the previous harvest
year's sales prices in California's leading coastal regions, including Napa,
Sonoma, Mendocino and Monterey Counties.
The Company believes that selling its production through long-term contracts
allows it to attain reliable sources of revenues and profits not available
through sales on the yearly spot market or short-term contracts with wineries.
This, in turn, has allowed the Company to implement long-term
3
<PAGE>
programs for upgrading vineyard productivity, increasing product quality and
mechanizing its field operations. Because increased yields per acre do not
significantly increase the Company's costs of operating vineyards, productivity
improvements contribute substantially to gross profits. The Company has
increased its yields of higher value and better quality wine grapes in recent
years through a continuing redevelopment and improvement program begun in 1993,
and anticipates continued increases in average yields until its redeveloped
vineyards reach full maturity. Similar productivity improvements generally are
anticipated in connection with vineyards that may be acquired in the future. See
"Business--The Company's Grape Production Operations."
The Company's strategic objective is to become the leading independent
producer of premium varietal wine grapes in California. In furtherance of this
strategy, in 1997 the Company acquired an existing vineyard and open land that
the Company is developing as a vineyard. See "Recent Developments" below. Due to
the significant capital required to own and operate vineyards and what the
Company believes to be the demographic structure of wine grape vineyard
ownership in California, SVI believes there are significant opportunities for
growth of its business through additional acquisitions. The Company plans to
purchase existing vineyards and purchase or lease land that is suitable for
vineyards in Monterey County and other regions of California.
The Company's executive offices are located at 13470 Washington Blvd.,
Marina del Rey, California 90292, telephone number (310) 301-1555, and its
vineyard headquarters is located at 1972 Hobson Avenue, Greenfield, California
93927.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
The 1997 harvest set new records for the Company for both tonnage and
revenues. The 1997 grape production from vineyards owned by the Company was
approximately 15,600 tons, generating revenues of approximately $18.6 million.
In addition, the Company realized approximately $1.2 million of revenue from its
vineyard and management services and other fees.
Based upon the pricing formulas in substantially all of the Company's grape
purchase contracts, the Company expects that the weighted average prices per ton
it will receive for the 1998 harvest for its principal grape varieties will
increase between 7% and 11% over the weighted average prices per ton it received
for the 1997 harvest.
In June 1997, the Company acquired the 370-acre Riverview Vineyard in
Monterey County. This vineyard is planted with several grape varieties,
including approximately 120 acres of Chardonnay and approximately 100 acres of
Pinot Noir. The Company in 1998 intends to replant approximately 54 acres and to
begin an improvement program of interplanting and trellis conversion.
In 1997, the Company acquired a lease option for, and began development of,
an approximately 537-acre property in Hames Valley in Monterey County. The
Company planted 207 acres of this property in 1997, and in early 1998 began
developing the remaining 330 acres. The 1997 planting is expected to begin
bearing fruit in 1999, and the 1998 planting is expected to begin bearing fruit
in 2000. In 1997, the Company also began to develop an additional 445 acres in
Hames Valley for Canandaigua under a vineyard management contract.
The Company sold grapes to ten new customers in 1997, including Beringer
Wine Estates, David Bruce Winery and Gundlach-Bundschu Winery and entered into
new long-term grape purchase contracts for 175 acres. The terms of these new
contracts extend to between 2007 and 2013 and have "evergreen" renewal
provisions requiring two years' prior written notice of termination.
During the third quarter of 1997, the Company completed its initial public
offering of 2,300,000 shares of its Class A Common Stock, from which the Company
realized approximately $20 million in net proceeds.
4
<PAGE>
THE OFFERING
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Class A Common Stock Offered by the
Selling Stockholder................... 1,000,000 shares
Common Stock Outstanding after the
offering (1):
Class A Common Stock................. 3,325,000 shares
Class B Common Stock................. 3,375,000 shares
Total.............................. 6,700,000 shares
Voting Rights (2):
Class A Common Stock................. One vote per share; entitled to elect 25% of the
authorized directors rounded up to the nearest
whole number (currently two directors).
Class B Common Stock................. Five votes per share; entitled to elect the
remainder of the authorized directors (currently
three directors).
</TABLE>
- ------------------------------
(1) Excludes (i) 200,000 shares of Class A Common Stock reserved for issuance
under the Company's 1997 Stock Option/Stock Issuance Plan, (ii) 200,000
shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants issued
to the representatives of the underwriters for the Company's initial public
offering in July 1997, and (iii) 150,000 shares of Class A Common Stock
which may be purchased by the Underwriters from certain other stockholders
of the Company (together with the Selling Stockholder, the "Selling
Stockholders") to cover overallotments, if any. If the overallotment option
is exercised in full, the number of outstanding shares of Class A Common
Stock and Class B Common Stock will be 3,475,000 and 3,225,000,
respectively.
(2) Except with respect to voting rights, certain dividend features and
convertibility, the Class A Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock have
identical rights. See "Description of Capital Stock."
5
<PAGE>
SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------
1995 1996 1997
--------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Revenues...................................................................... $ 7,640 $ 11,691 $ 19,870
Gross profit.................................................................. 3,970 7,147 13,648
Operating income.............................................................. 1,387 4,543 9,433
Income before provision for income taxes...................................... 481 3,889 8,733
Income before deferred tax adjustment......................................... 480 3,845 4,846
Net income.................................................................... 480 3,845 3,456
Basic and diluted net income per share........................................ $ 0.11 $ 0.87 $ 0.65
PRO FORMA AMOUNTS(1):
Income before income taxes as reported........................................ $ 481 $ 3,889 $ 8,733
Pro Forma income tax provision................................................ 192 1,556 3,493
Pro Forma net income.......................................................... 289 2,333 5,240
Pro Forma basic and diluted net income per share.............................. $ 0.07 $ 0.53 $ 0.98
Shares used in computing net income per share................................. 4,400 4,400 5,344
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
--------------------
1996 1997
--------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital.......................................................................... $ 2,254 $ 15,665
Current assets........................................................................... 5,220 17,159
Total assets............................................................................. 24,069 49,869
Current liabilities...................................................................... 2,966 1,494
Long-term liabilities(2)................................................................. 12,042 19,254
Total liabilities........................................................................ 15,008 20,748
Equity................................................................................... 9,061 29,121
</TABLE>
- ------------------------------
(1) The Exchange Transaction (as defined in "The Company") resulted in the
conversion of SVI-Cal's S Corporation status to C Corporation status in July
1997. The Pro Forma statement of operations data reflect provisions for
federal and state income taxes as if SVI-Cal had been subject to federal and
state income taxation as a C Corporation at an assumed 40% combined federal
and state income tax rate during the periods presented. See "The Company."
In addition, Pro Forma basic and diluted net income per share is based upon
the weighted average number of shares outstanding, which for 1997 (through
the effective date of the Exchange Transaction), 1996 and 1995 consists of
the 4,400,000 shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding after giving pro
forma effect to the Exchange Transaction. See Note 2 of "Notes to Financial
Statements."
(2) Long-term liabilities include borrowings of $4,679,000 at December 31, 1997
used for costs incurred for the development of certain vineyards owned by
IDV. IDV is obligated to advance budgeted costs to the Company on a monthly
basis, which are being funded under a line of credit obtained by the
Company. IDV has provided a letter of credit to secure repayment of these
borrowings. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations-- Liquidity and Capital Resources."
6
<PAGE>
RISK FACTORS
IN ADDITION TO THE OTHER INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, THE
FOLLOWING RISK FACTORS SHOULD BE CAREFULLY CONSIDERED IN EVALUATING THE COMPANY
AND ITS BUSINESS PROSPECTS BEFORE PURCHASING SHARES OFFERED BY THIS PROSPECTUS.
AGRICULTURAL RISKS
Wine grape production is subject to many risks common to agriculture that
can materially and adversely affect the quality and quantity of grapes produced.
These hazards include, among other things, adverse weather such as drought,
frost, excessive rain, excessive heat or prolonged periods of cold weather.
These weather conditions can materially and adversely affect the quality and
quantity of grapes produced by the Company and its profitability. To the extent
a grape producer's properties are geographically concentrated, the effects of
local weather can be material. The vineyards owned by SVI are spread over a
distance of approximately 70 miles, north to south, close to Highway 101 in
Monterey County. Accordingly, adverse weather in the future could affect a
substantial portion of the Company's vineyards in any year and have a material
adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of
operations. The Company does not maintain crop insurance against weather or
certain other risks.
Vineyards are also susceptible to certain diseases, insects and pests, which
can increase operating expenses, reduce yields or kill vines. In recent years
phylloxera, a louse that feeds on the roots of grape vines, has infested many
vineyards in the wine grape producing regions of California and caused grape
yields to decrease. Within a few years of the initial infestation, phylloxera
can leave a vine entirely unproductive. Phylloxera infestation has been
widespread in California, particularly in Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino and Monterey
Counties, and most of the other wine grape producing areas of the state are
affected to some degree. Phylloxera infestation can be reduced through use of
the chemical pesticides Furadan-Registered Trademark- (a registered trademark of
FMC Corporation) in this section and Enzone-TM- (a trademark of Union Oil
Company of California). While Furadan is still approved for use in Monterey
County, its use is no longer legal in certain other viticultural regions of
California, including Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino Counties. Furadan is currently
under investigation by the Environmental Protection Agency which may result in
the prohibition of its use. There can be no assurance that Furadan will continue
to be available as a method of controlling phylloxera for the Company and, if
its use is prohibited in Monterey County, the Company will rely more on the use
of Enzone. If the use of Enzone is prohibited in Monterey County, however, there
can be no assurance that the Company will be able to find a safe, cost-effective
alternative.
As a result of this widespread problem, thousands of vineyard acres
throughout California have been replanted with phylloxera-resistant rootstock
or, in some cases, taken out of production completely. It takes approximately
four to five years for a replanted vineyard to bear grapes in quantities
sufficient for profitable operations. The Company estimates that it currently
costs approximately $15,000 per acre to replant vineyards. Of the Company's
approximately 3,357 net vine acres (I.E., excluding acreage devoted to roads,
storage areas, equipment yards or uses other than vineyards) of wine grapes,
approximately 2,594 net vine acres, or 77%, are planted or interplanted with
phylloxera-resistant rootstock. The remaining approximately 763 acres are
planted on non-resistant rootstock and are, therefore, potentially susceptible
to phylloxera infestation. The Company is managing the non-resistant acres
through application of Furadan and a program of selective replantings.
Other pests that may infest vineyards include leafhoppers, thrips,
nematodes, mites, insects, orange tortrix, twigbore, microflora and various
grapevine diseases. Pesticides and the selection of resistant rootstocks reduce
losses from these pests, but do not eliminate the risk of such loss. Gophers,
rabbits, deer, wild hogs and birds can also pose a problem for vineyards, and
wine grape vines are also susceptible to certain virus infections which may
cause reduction of yields. None of these currently
7
<PAGE>
poses a major threat to the Company's vineyards, although they could do so in
the future and, at that time, will have the potential to subject the vineyards
to severe damage.
DEPENDENCE ON MAJOR CUSTOMERS; RENEWAL OF GRAPE PURCHASE AGREEMENTS
The majority of SVI's current grape production is contracted for sale to two
winery customers, IDV, which accounted for approximately 81% of the Company's
total revenues in 1997 and Canandaigua, which accounted for approximately 9% of
its total revenues in 1997. The terms of the long-term grape purchase contracts
with these customers extend to between 2001 and 2013. The majority of the
contracts extend to 2006 and have an "evergreen" renewal provision whereby the
contract continues unless either party gives a three-year advance written notice
of termination. Although these contracts do not specifically provide for
termination prior to expiration of their stated terms, it is possible that they
could be terminated under various circumstances, including material breach. If
these contracts are terminated, there can be no assurance that the Company will
be able to replace IDV or Canandaigua as significant purchasers of its grape
production or that the Company will be able to enter into agreements with other
purchasers on similar terms. Termination of these contracts with IDV or
Canandaigua could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
financial condition and results of operations.
UNCERTAINTY OF REVENUE GROWTH
Approximately 62% of the Company's net vine acres are at or near full
production, and a certain portion of the Company's vineyards will always be out
of production or below maximum production due to initial development,
replanting, regrafting and various other factors. While some productivity
increases may be expected from further development of vineyard acreage not yet
in full production or from enhancements of fully productive vineyards, the
growth potential of the Company's existing properties is limited and the
Company's ability to increase revenue depends ultimately upon its ability to
acquire, develop and operate more vineyard properties. There can be no assurance
that suitable properties will be available to the Company at prices that would
make the Company's growth plans viable. See "Business--The Company's Grape
Production Operations--Capital Investment Requirements for Acquisition,
Development and Improvement of Vineyards--Maturity Levels of SVI's Net Vine
Acres."
FIXED COSTS AND REVENUE FLUCTUATIONS; UNCERTAINTY OF PROFITABILITY
The Company incurs annual farming costs currently averaging approximately
$1,500 to $2,500 per acre in production. These costs are incurred throughout the
year preceding harvest and are relatively fixed. Revenues from grape sales are
not realized until harvest and vary depending upon yields and prices. Vineyard
productivity varies from year to year depending upon a number of factors, and
significant variations in annual yields should be expected from time to time.
Furthermore, grape prices have fluctuated significantly in the past and should
be expected to continue to fluctuate from year to year and to decrease at times
in the future. Because production costs are not significantly adjustable in
light of productivity or revenue levels, weak harvests or lower grape prices
cannot be mitigated by cost reductions and should be expected to have
significant adverse effects upon profitability.
CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS
The farming of vineyards in production requires substantial amounts of
working capital. Historically, the Company has relied heavily on short-term
credit to finance its working capital requirements. Working capital requirements
are expected to increase to support the expansion anticipated by the Company.
There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain financing when
required or that such financing will be available on reasonable terms, and lack
of access to adequate lines of
8
<PAGE>
credit or other capital sources could impair the Company's ability to grow and
adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition and results of
operations.
Substantial capital expenditures are required to develop and acquire new
vineyards and improve existing vineyards. The Company has made and intends to
continue to make such expenditures to finance its expansion, and has incurred
and plans to continue to incur indebtedness. Over the next three years, the
Company's planned new vineyard developments are expected to require
approximately $7.3 million in capital investment and continued improvements of
existing vineyards are expected to require approximately $8 million. In
addition, it costs approximately $15,000 to $18,000 per acre in capital
expenditures over a three-year period to develop open land into a producing
premium wine grape vineyard, before taking into account the cost of land, and
additional indebtedness may be required to finance these costs. As a
consequence, (i) the Company has and will continue to have significant interest
and principal repayment obligations, (ii) the Company's earnings and cash flows
will be adversely affected by increases in interest rates, and (iii) the
presence of this debt will limit the Company's ability to pay dividends on its
Common Stock.
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH BUSINESS EXPANSION AND ACQUISITION STRATEGY; LONG-TERM
STRATEGIES
SVI intends to expand its business through (i) new development of
undeveloped properties suitable for premium varietal vineyards and (ii)
acquisitions of developed vineyard properties. There can be no assurance that
the Company will be able to locate suitable properties to buy or lease at viable
prices, and any undeveloped properties acquired by the Company will require
significant capital investment and several years of development before becoming
productive. The Company does not expect to receive the full benefit from any
newly planted vineyards for at least four to five years after planting due to
the time required for the vines to mature and produce economic yields. In
addition, the Company's ability to increase profits through acquisition depends
to a significant degree upon the prices at which properties can be purchased or
leased. Furthermore, increased acreage under management will create additional
demands on Company management and may require the Company to hire and integrate
more employees. Accordingly, the Company's strategies are long-term strategies
designed to increase the Company's production capacity and expand the Company's
business. As a result, the full economic impact in terms of projected earnings
and the other beneficial effects of the Company's expansion program will not be
fully realized for several years, if at all.
In addition, the Company initiated wine production and limited marketing
operations in 1997. The Company has not previously engaged in this business and
it competes against hundreds of larger and more experienced competitors. The
Company produced only 2,000 and 4,000 cases of wine in 1996 and 1997,
respectively, and has made no significant commercial wine sales. In the absence
of an acquisition of an established winery, the Company does not expect wine
sales to make a material contribution to revenues or profits for several years,
if at all. The Company has no experience as a vintner, and the Company's wines
are produced under contract by an independent winemaker. There can be no
assurance that this winemaking contract will remain in effect, and if the
Company is required to find a new winemaker, it may suffer an interruption in
supply and inconsistencies in the characteristics of its wines, which could
adversely affect its wine sales revenue. See "Business--Wine Production and
Sales; Stockholder 'Wine Dividend' Program."
WINE GRAPE SUPPLY AND DEMAND; PRICING
Prices for premium California wine grapes are at historically high levels
due to (i) a shortage of grapes due to a variety of factors and (ii) an increase
in demand. Recent plantings of new vineyards, yield enhancements through
technological advances, foreign competition and other factors are expected to
increase supply. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that demand will not
decline. Increases in supply or reductions in demand may cause California
premium wine grape prices to decline significantly, and there can be no
assurance that the prices received by the Company will
9
<PAGE>
continue to increase. Some declines in prices received by the Company should be
expected, and these declines may be significant.
CONTROL BY SCHEID FAMILY
The Company has two classes of Common Stock: Class A Common Stock, which is
entitled to one vote per share; and Class B Common Stock, which is entitled to
five votes per share. The holders of the Class A Common Stock, voting as a
separate class, are entitled to elect 25% of the authorized number of directors
of the Company, rounded up to the nearest whole number (currently two
directors), and the holders of the Class B Common Stock, voting as a separate
class, are entitled to elect the remaining directors of the Company (currently
three directors). Following completion of this offering, Alfred G. Scheid (as
Trustee of the Alfred G. Scheid Revocable Trust dated October 8, 1992), Scott D.
Scheid, Heidi M. Scheid (all of whom are officers and directors of the Company),
Kurt J. Gollnick (an officer of the Company who is not related to the Scheid
family), Emily K. Liberty (a daughter of Alfred G. Scheid who is not involved
with the Company) and Tyler P. Scheid (a son of Alfred G. Scheid who is not
involved with the Company) and certain other members of the Scheid family will
own or control all of the outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock, having the
power to elect three of the five directors of the Company and representing
approximately 84% of the combined voting power of both classes of Common Stock,
assuming no exercise of the Underwriters' overallotment option. As a result, the
holders of the Class B Common Stock will be able for the foreseeable future to
control the management and policies of the Company. In addition, so long as the
outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock represent more than approximately 17%
of the total number of shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock
outstanding, the holders of the Class B Common Stock will be able to determine
the outcome of any matter submitted to a vote of the Company's stockholders,
including any merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of the
Company's assets or "going private" transactions, take action by written consent
without a stockholders' meeting, and cause or prevent a change in control of the
Company. Furthermore, the Company is permitted to issue additional shares of
Class B Common Stock. Any such issuance to existing holders of Class B Common
Stock could extend their control of the Company. In addition, issuance of
additional shares of Class B Common Stock could result in a change of control of
the Company without approval of the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock.
The Company has no present plans to issue additional shares of Class B Common
Stock. This concentration of voting control may have the effect of delaying,
deferring or preventing a change in control of the Company, including any
business combination with an unaffiliated party, or of impeding the ability of
the stockholders to replace management even if factors warrant such a change.
This concentration of voting control may also affect the price that investors
might be willing to pay in the future for shares of Class A Common Stock. See
"Principal and Selling Stockholders."
Most of the Company's senior management positions are currently held by
members of the Scheid family. Alfred G. Scheid is Chairman of the Board of
Directors and Chief Executive Officer. His son, Scott D. Scheid, is Vice
President, Chief Operating Officer and a director, and his daughter, Heidi M.
Scheid, is Vice President Finance, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and a
director. This family relationship may affect, among other things, the
management style and decision-making process of these members of the Company's
senior management team and may produce results different from those that would
be expected if the Company's senior management consisted of unrelated persons.
COMPETITION; INDUSTRY FRAGMENTATION
The wine grape industry is extremely competitive. Many of the Company's
current and prospective competitors have substantially greater financial,
production, personnel and other resources than the Company. The Company competes
with many other producers of premium wine grapes in California, including a few
thousand small independent (I.E., not winery controlled) wine grape producers
who sell their production to wineries. Many wineries also own vineyards, and
there has been a
10
<PAGE>
significant trend among major wineries to develop additional acreage to produce
wine grapes for their own use. To meet recent shortfalls in supply of premium
grape varieties in California, there have been significant new plantings of
vineyards which can be expected to result in increased production of California
wine grapes in future years. Moreover, to a significant extent, wine grapes of a
particular variety are fungible, and the ability of foreign producers to compete
with the Company on the basis of price due to their lower production costs may
have a negative impact upon the Company's profitability. Foreign competition can
be expected to continue and increase. In addition, the Company's principal
winery customers compete with each other and with other wineries located in the
United States and abroad.
SEASONALITY OF BUSINESS; HARVEST REVENUES; REPORTING
The wine grape business is extremely seasonal. Similar to most
nondiversified agricultural crop producers, the Company recognizes all of its
crop sales revenues at the time of its annual harvest in September and October.
SVI is not managed to maximize quarter-to-quarter results, but seeks instead to
achieve maximum production of wine grapes at harvest and long-term productivity
of its vineyards. Because success of the Company's operations is dependent upon
the results of the Company's annual harvest, its quarterly results are not
considered indicative of those to be expected for a full year and little or no
information about annual grape sales revenues or profitability will be available
until year end. SVI has historically recognized losses for the first two fiscal
quarters. Profits, if any, are recognized in the last two fiscal quarters of the
year when revenues from grape sales are realized. From time to time the Company
has in the past, and may in the future, convert grapes into bulk wines for sales
in years subsequent to their harvest years which may impact quarterly results.
Seasonality of revenue also affects the Company's cash flow requirements. In the
past, SVI has borrowed funds under annual lines of credit beginning in February
or March to finance crop production costs through harvest and repaid such
borrowings from the proceeds of each harvest. See "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
POSSIBLE TERMINATION OF VINEYARD MANAGEMENT AGREEMENTS
Substantially all of the Company's material vineyard management agreements
with IDV and Canandaigua may be terminated in the event that Alfred G. Scheid
and Kurt J. Gollnick and the members of their families cease to beneficially
own, directly or indirectly, shares of the Company's capital stock representing
a majority of the combined voting power of all classes of common stock of the
Company or having the power to elect a majority of the directors of the Company.
Sales to the public by members of the Scheid family or further public offerings
by the Company may result in a change of control of the Company, which could
result in termination of these agreements. In addition, the vineyard management
agreements with Canandaigua may be terminated if management of the Company does
not include one or more members of the Scheid or Gollnick families.
LABOR REGULATIONS AND UNION CONTRACT
California has many laws and regulations concerning labor in general and
farm labor in particular. The Agricultural Labor Relations Board has promulgated
many regulations concerning farm labor and a body of court decisions has
developed. SVI is subject to many of these regulations, laws and precedents.
The United Farm Workers, AFL-CIO ("UFW") is the major union representing
farm labor and has represented SVI's farm workers since 1993. The Company has
recently completed the negotiation of a new four-year contract with the UFW that
will expire at the end of 2001. Although the Company historically has had
satisfactory labor relations, it has been picketed from time to time during the
initial organization of its employees and during contract negotiations. No
assurances can be given that the Company's satisfactory labor relations will
continue or that the UFW will not engage in picketing, walk-outs, sit-downs,
slow-downs or strikes or the threat of these actions. The Company's business is
11
<PAGE>
heavily dependent upon farm labor, and the failure of the Company to maintain
adequate labor relations on terms acceptable to the Company could have a
material adverse effect upon the Company's business, financial condition and
results of operations.
DEPENDENCE ON CONSUMER DEMAND
In recent years there has been substantial publicity regarding the possible
health benefits of moderate wine consumption. Anti-alcohol groups have, in the
past, successfully advocated more stringent labeling requirements and other
regulations designed to discourage consumption of alcoholic beverages, including
wine. More restrictive regulations, negative publicity regarding alcohol
consumption, publication of studies that indicate a significant health risk from
moderate consumption of alcohol or changes in consumer perceptions of the
relative healthfulness or safety of wine generally could adversely affect the
sale and consumption of wine and the demand for wine and wine grapes and could
have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition
and results of operations.
Trends in consumer spending have a substantial impact on the wine industry
and the Company's business. Factors that influence consumer spending include the
general condition of the economy, federal, state and local taxation, the
deductibility of business entertainment expenses under federal and state tax
laws and general levels of consumer confidence. Imposition of excise or other
taxes on wine could negatively impact the wine industry by increasing wine
prices for consumers. These factors are especially relevant to premium wines,
which constitute the majority of wines for which the Company produces grapes.
The wine industry is also subject to changes in consumer tastes and preferences.
To the extent wine consumers reduce consumption of wine in favor of other
beverages, demand for wine grapes could decrease. Similarly, to the extent wine
consumers shift their preferences to different varieties of wines or imports,
the Company and other producers of certain grape varieties may experience
reduced demand for their grape production. Increasing demand for wine products,
and therefore wine grapes, may depend on advertising expenditures and expanded
new product introductions by the wineries.
GOVERNMENT REGULATION; TAXES
SVI is subject to a broad range of federal and state regulatory requirements
regarding its operations and practices. The Company's current operations and
future expansion are subject to regulations governing the storage and use of
fertilizers, fungicides, herbicides, pesticides, fuels, solvents and other
chemicals. These regulations are subject to change and conceivably could have a
significant impact on operating practices, chemical usage, and other aspects of
the Company's business.
Wine production and sales are subject to extensive regulation by the Federal
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the California Department of Alcohol
Beverage Control and other state and federal governmental authorities that
regulate licensing, trade and pricing practices, labeling, advertising and other
activities. In recent years, federal and state authorities have required warning
labels on beverages containing alcohol. Restrictions imposed by government
authorities on the sale of wine could increase the retail price of wine, which
could have an adverse effect on demand for wine in general. Increases in excise
taxes on wine, if enacted, could reduce demand for wine and wine grapes, which
could materially and adversely effect the Company's business, financial
condition and results of operations.
RELIANCE ON KEY PERSONNEL
The Company believes its continued success depends to a significant extent
on the active involvement of certain members of the Scheid family and the
retention of its senior non-family executives. There can be no assurance that
the key persons will remain in their management positions with the
12
<PAGE>
Company, and the loss of the services of any of the key persons could have a
material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and
results of operations. See "Management."
LIMITED TRADING MARKET; VOLATILITY OF STOCK PRICE
The Class A Common Stock is designated for trading as a National Market
Security on the Nasdaq Stock Market. The average daily trading volume of the
Class A Common Stock has fluctuated significantly since it began trading in July
1997 and trading has been generally limited. Stockholders wishing to sell shares
of the Class A Common Stock may encounter difficulties in view of the recent
level of trading volume. There can be no assurance that a more active trading
market will develop, or if one does develop, that it will be maintained. Trading
activity in the Class A Common Stock and any associated market price volatility
may be concentrated at year-end after harvest, when grape sales revenues are
known, and in early February and early March, when the Grape Crush Report is
issued by the CDFA. There can be no assurance that the market price of the Class
A Common Stock after this offering will equal or exceed the public offering
price set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus. In addition, the stock
market from time to time has experienced price and volume fluctuations that have
affected the market price for many companies and that frequently have been
unrelated to the operating performance of those companies. Such market
fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of the Class A Common Stock.
After the offering, the Company's market float will remain relatively small and
the shares of Class A Common Stock may continue to be thinly traded, so sales of
Class A Common Stock by a few stockholders, or even a single significant
stockholder, may have a significant adverse impact on the market price of the
Class A Common Stock.
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
Sales of substantial amounts of Class A Common Stock (including shares
issued upon the exercise of employee stock options or upon conversion of the
Class B Common Stock) in the public market following this offering could
adversely affect the market price of the Class A Common Stock. A substantial
portion of the 3,375,000 shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion
of outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock following this offering will be
eligible for sale in the public market beginning July 30, 1998 (subject to the
180-day lock-up period described below), subject to certain rights of first
refusal held by the Company and certain other Class B stockholders and subject
to the volume and manner of sale limitations imposed by Rule 144 under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). See "Principal and
Selling Stockholders--Agreement Among Class B Stockholders." Rule 144 generally
provides that beneficial owners of common stock who have held such common stock
for one year may sell within a three-month period a number of shares not
exceeding the greater of 1% of the total outstanding shares or the average
weekly trading volume of the shares during the four calendar weeks preceding
such sale. Future sales of restricted Class A Common Stock under Rule 144 could
negatively impact the market price of the Class A Common Stock. Pursuant to the
terms of the underwriting agreement for this offering, the Class A Common Stock
issuable upon conversion of the Class B Common Stock owned by Alfred G. Scheid
may not be sold for 180 days from the date of this Prospectus, but Cruttenden
Roth Incorporated may waive this requirement. See "Shares Eligible for Future
Sale."
NO PAYMENT OF DIVIDENDS
The Company currently intends to retain its future earnings, if any, to fund
the development and growth of its business and, therefore, does not anticipate
paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. In addition, the Company's
principal bank credit facilities prohibit the payment of dividends without the
consent of the lender. See "Dividend Policy."
13
<PAGE>
DILUTION
Investors purchasing shares of Class A Common Stock in this offering may
incur dilution upon exercise of stock options and issuances of Class A Common
Stock in public or private offerings and in connection with future acquisitions
or issuances of Class B Common Stock in private offerings.
ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS
Ownership of real property creates a potential for environmental liability
on the part of the Company. If hazardous substances are discovered on or
emanating from any of the Company's vineyards and the release of hazardous
substances (including fuels and chemicals kept by the Company on its properties
for use in its business) presents a threat of harm to public health or the
environment, the Company may be held strictly liable for the cost of remediation
of these hazardous substances. See "Business--Environmental Issues."
WATER
The Company is dependent upon wells located on or near its vineyards for
water to irrigate the vineyards, which wells are supplied by aquifers fed by the
Salinas River and reservoirs operated by Monterey County. Although historically
the quality of water from these wells has been good and the wells have
consistently supplied a plentiful and reliable source of water, even during the
drought years of the late 1980s, and the Company believes its sources of water
will be available for the foreseeable future, it is possible that the Company's
water supplies could be impaired in the future due to drought, contamination or
other circumstances. An impairment in the Company's water supplies could
adversely affect the business, financial condition and results of operations of
the Company.
ANTITAKEOVER EFFECTS OF CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION, BYLAWS AND DELAWARE LAW;
"BLANK CHECK" PREFERRED STOCK
Certain provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL") and
the Company's Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws (the "Bylaws") could have
the effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire, or of
discouraging a third party from attempting to acquire, control of the Company.
Such provisions could limit the price that investors might be willing to pay in
the future for the Class A Common Stock.
The Board of Directors of the Company has the authority to issue up to
2,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock (the "Preferred Stock") and to determine the
price, rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions, including voting
rights, of those shares without any further vote or action by the stockholders.
The rights of the holders of Class A Common Stock will be subject to, and may be
adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of any Preferred Stock that may
be issued in the future. The issuance of Preferred Stock, while providing
desirable flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions and other
corporate purposes, could have the effect of making it more difficult for a
third party to acquire a majority of the outstanding voting stock of the
Company. The Company has no present plans to issue shares of Preferred Stock.
Furthermore, following this offering, the Company is permitted to issue up to
6,625,000 additional shares of Class B Common Stock, which also could have the
effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire a majority of
the outstanding voting stock of the Company. See "--Control by Scheid Family."
The Company has no present plans to issue additional shares of Class B Common
Stock. In addition, the Company is subject to the anti-takeover provisions of
Section 203 of the DGCL. In general, this statute prohibits a publicly held
Delaware corporation from engaging in a "business combination" with an
"interested stockholder" for a period of three years after the date of the
transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder unless such
business combination is approved in the manner prescribed under the DGCL. See
"Management--Executive Officers and Directors," "Description of Capital
Stock--Preferred Stock" and "--Certain Provisions of the Delaware General
Corporation Law."
14
<PAGE>
THE COMPANY
SVI-Cal was founded in 1972 to act as general partner for several limited
partnerships using vineyards as an investment vehicle to create tax shelter and
eventual cash flow for high income investors. In addition to acting as general
partner of these partnerships, the Company's responsibilities included buying
land and developing it as vineyards and marketing the resultant grape
production. The Company also developed new vineyards for its own account. Alfred
G. Scheid, the Company's principal stockholder, has been Chief Executive Officer
of the Company from the time of its founding and concurrently engaged in several
other business enterprises until 1988 when he acquired complete ownership of the
Company. All of the interests of the limited partners were acquired by the
Company, the Scheid family and Kurt J. Gollnick, in three transactions in 1988,
1994 and 1996, and the partnership vineyards were all transferred to the Company
concurrently with the Company's July 1997 initial public offering. Until Mr.
Scheid acquired the Company, the vineyards owned by the partnerships and the
Company were managed principally for maximum current income and were not
substantially upgraded or improved. Since 1993, the Company has installed
improved irrigation systems, new stakes and trellising systems, and has
selectively replanted, grafted and implemented other improvements for a total
incremental investment of over $11.0 million. These improvements were funded
primarily with internally generated cash, loans from Mr. Scheid, net proceeds
from the Company's initial public offering and bank borrowings portions of which
were repaid out of the net proceeds from the initial public offering. As of the
date of this Prospectus, the Company operates for its own account approximately
3,600 acres of vineyards, at various production levels ranging from new
plantings in 1997 to fully mature.
SVI-Cal was a Subchapter S Corporation for federal and California state
income tax purposes from 1989 until July 1997. As a result, the net income of
SVI-Cal for federal and certain state income tax purposes for such periods was
reported by, and taxed directly to, SVI-Cal's sole stockholder, Alfred G.
Scheid, whether or not such earnings were distributed. Prior to the Company's
initial public offering, SVI-Cal's cumulative S Corporation earnings were
determined and a distribution of $3,102,000 was made to Mr. Scheid. In addition,
a distribution of $480,000 was made to the limited partners of Vineyard
Investors 1972 (as of immediately prior to the Exchange Transaction) to pay
income taxes on income from the partnership. The Exchange Transaction resulted
in conversion of SVI-Cal's S Corporation status to C Corporation status. See
"Certain Transactions--Exchange of Shares, Partnership Units and Limited
Liability Company Interests for Class B Common Stock."
In connection with the conversion of SVI-Cal's S Corporation status to C
Corporation status, the Company was required to record deferred tax liabilities
and deferred tax assets. Such change resulted in a net charge to earnings of
$1,390,000 in the 1997 third fiscal quarter. This one-time charge was a result
of differences in the accounting and tax treatment of certain of the Company's
assets and liabilities and was reflected through (i) an increase in deferred
income tax liabilities, partially offset by (ii) an increase in the Company's
deferred tax assets.
In connection with the Company's initial public offering, the capital stock
of SVI-Cal held by its sole shareholder, the membership interests held by all
members of each of Quadra Partners LLC, a California limited liability company,
and Big Vines Limited Liability Company, a California limited liability company,
and the limited partnership units held by all limited partners (other than
SVI-Cal) in Vineyard Investors 1972 ("VI-1972"), a California limited
partnership, were contributed to SVI-Del in exchange for 4,400,000 shares of
Class B Common Stock of the Company (the "Exchange Transaction") representing
100% of the issued and outstanding capital stock of the Company prior to the
initial public offering. SVI-Del was incorporated on July 15, 1997. See "Certain
Transactions-- Exchange of Shares, Partnership Units and Limited Liability
Company Interests for Class B Common Stock."
15
<PAGE>
PRICE RANGE OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK
The Company's Class A Common Stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market
System under the symbol "SVIN". The following table sets forth, for the fiscal
quarter indicated, the high and low per share sales prices for the Class A
Common Stock, as reported by Nasdaq:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
HIGH LOW
--------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
1997
Third Quarter (commencing July 25, 1997)............................... $ 11.88 $ 10.00
Fourth Quarter......................................................... $ 11.50 $ 8.13
1998
First Quarter.......................................................... $ 11.50 $ 6.75
</TABLE>
On April 16, 1998, there were 24 holders of record of the Company's Class A
Common Stock and 14 holders of record of the Company's Class B Common Stock. The
Company believes that on that date the number of beneficial owners of the Class
A Common Stock was in excess of 450.
DIVIDEND POLICY
The Company currently intends to retain its future earnings, if any, to fund
the development and growth of its business and, therefore, does not anticipate
paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. In addition, the Company's
principal bank credit facilities prohibit the payment of dividends without the
consent of the lender. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations--Dividends and Distributions" for
information concerning distributions made prior to the Company's initial public
offering.
16
<PAGE>
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth the capitalization of the Company (i) at
December 31, 1997, and (ii) as adjusted at December 31, 1997 to reflect the
conversion of 1,000,000 shares of Class B Common Stock to Class A Common Stock
in connection with this offering. The Company will receive no proceeds from the
offering. This table should be read in conjunction with the "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and
the Company's Financial Statements, including the related notes thereto, and
other financial information included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31, 1997
-------------------------
HISTORICAL AS ADJUSTED(1)
--------- --------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
Total debt (including current portion)................................................ $ 18,511 $ 18,511
--------- --------------
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred Stock, par value $.001 per share; 2,000,000 shares authorized; no shares
issued and outstanding historical and as adjusted................................. 0 0
Class A Common Stock, par value $.001 per share; 20,000,000 shares authorized;
2,300,000 issued and outstanding historical; 3,300,000 shares issued and
outstanding as adjusted........................................................... 2 3
Class B Common Stock, par value $.001 per share; 10,000,000 shares authorized;
4,400,000 shares issued and outstanding historical; 3,400,000 shares issued and
outstanding as adjusted........................................................... 5 4
Additional paid-in capital............................................................ 21,797 21,797
Retained earnings..................................................................... 7,317 7,317
--------- --------------
Total stockholders' equity............................................................ 29,121 29,121
--------- --------------
Total capitalization.................................................................. $ 47,632 $ 47,632
--------- --------------
--------- --------------
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) As adjusted to give effect to the conversion of 1,000,000 shares of Class B
Common Stock to Class A Common Stock in connection with the offering. See
"Principal and Selling Stockholders" and "Underwriting." Does not give
effect to the conversion of 25,000 shares of Class B Common Stock to Class A
Common Stock that occurred since December 31, 1997.
17
<PAGE>
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
The following selected financial data at December 31, 1996 and 1997 and for
the fiscal years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997 have been derived from
the Company's financial statements, which have been audited by Deloitte & Touche
LLP, independent auditors. The Company's Financial Statements as of and for the
years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997 are included elsewhere in this
Prospectus. The selected financial data should be read in conjunction with, and
are qualified in their entirety by, the Company's Financial Statements,
including the related notes thereto. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------
1995 1996 1997
--------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Revenues:
Sales..................................................................... $ 7,164 $ 10,769 $ 18,683
Vineyard management, service and other fees............................... 476 922 1,187
--------- --------- ---------
Total................................................................... 7,640 11,691 19,870
Cost of sales............................................................... 3,670 4,544 6,222
--------- --------- ---------
Gross profit................................................................ 3,970 7,147 13,648
General and administrative.................................................. 2,583 2,604 4,215
--------- --------- ---------
Operating income............................................................ 1,387 4,543 9,433
Interest income (expense)................................................... (906) (654) (700)
--------- --------- ---------
Income before provision for income taxes.................................... 481 3,889 8,733
Provision for income taxes.................................................. 1 44 3,887
--------- --------- ---------
Income before deferred tax adjustment....................................... 480 3,845 4,846
Deferred tax adjustment..................................................... 0 0 1,390
--------- --------- ---------
Net income.................................................................. $ 480 $ 3,845 $ 3,456
--------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- ---------
Basic and diluted net income per share...................................... $ 0.11 $ 0.87 $ 0.65
PRO FORMA AMOUNTS (1):
Income before income taxes as reported...................................... $ 481 $ 3,889 $ 8,733
Pro Forma income tax provision.............................................. 192 1,556 3,493
--------- --------- ---------
Pro Forma net income........................................................ $ 289 $ 2,333 $ 5,240
--------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- ---------
Pro Forma basic and diluted net income per share............................ $ 0.07 $ 0.53 $ 0.98
Shares used in computing net income per share............................... 4,400 4,400 5,344
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
--------------------
1996 1997
--------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital...................................................................... $ 2,254 $ 15,665
Current assets....................................................................... 5,220 17,159
Total assets......................................................................... 24,069 49,869
Current liabilities.................................................................. 2,966 1,494
Long-term liabilities(2)............................................................. 12,042 19,254
Total liabilities.................................................................... 15,008 20,748
Equity............................................................................... 9,061 29,121
</TABLE>
- ------------------------------
(1) The Exchange Transaction (as defined in "The Company") resulted in the
conversion of SVI-Cal's S Corporation status to C Corporation status in July
1997. The Pro Forma statement of operations data reflect provisions for
federal and state income taxes as if SVI-Cal had been subject to federal and
state income taxation as a C Corporation at an assumed 40% combined federal
and state income tax rate during the periods presented. See "The Company."
In addition, Pro Forma basic and diluted net income per share is based upon
the weighted average number of shares outstanding, which for 1997 (through
the effective date of the Exchange Transaction), 1996 and 1995 consists of
the 4,400,000 shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding after giving pro
forma effect to the Exchange Transaction. See Note 2 of "Notes to Financial
Statements."
(2) Long-term liabilities include borrowings of $4,679,000 at December 31, 1997
used for costs incurred for the development of certain vineyards owned by
IDV. IDV is obligated to advance budgeted costs to the Company on a monthly
basis, which are being funded under a line of credit obtained by the
Company. IDV has provided a letter of credit to secure repayment of these
borrowings. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations--Liquidity and Capital Resources."
18
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
THE FOLLOWING DISCUSSION SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE COMPANY'S
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, INCLUDING THE RELATED NOTES THERETO, AND OTHER FINANCIAL
INFORMATION INCLUDED HEREIN. THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS INCLUDES
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. IN ADDITION, PAST OPERATING RESULTS ARE NOT
NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF THE RESULTS TO BE EXPECTED FOR FUTURE PERIODS. SEE
"NOTE CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS" AND "RISK FACTORS."
OVERVIEW
SVI is a leading independent (I.E., not winery controlled) producer of
premium varietal wine grapes. The Company currently operates approximately 5,280
acres of wine grape vineyards. Of this total, approximately 3,600 acres are
operated for the Company's own account, and 1,680 acres are operated under
management contracts for others. All of the properties currently operated by the
Company are located in Monterey and San Benito Counties in California, both of
which are generally recognized as excellent regions for growing high quality
wine grape varieties.
Fiscal 1997 was an outstanding year for SVI. The Company achieved record
sales and earnings, fueled by a record harvest of over 15,600 tons from
Company-owned vineyards. In early 1997, the Company acquired an option to lease,
for a term of up to 50 years, approximately 537 acres of undeveloped land
suitable for wine grape vineyards in Hames Valley, which is located
approximately 45 miles south of the Company's vineyard headquarters. Following
exercises of the option, the Company began development on 207 acres in 1997 and
the balance of 330 acres in early 1998. These acreages are expected to begin
bearing fruit in 1999 and 2000, respectively. In June 1997, the Company acquired
a 370-acre vineyard planted primarily with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. In
addition, during 1997, the Company signed several long-term purchase contracts
with new winery clients, including The Hess Collection Winery, Gundlach-Bundschu
Winery, Morgan Winery and The Chalone Wine Group, Ltd., covering approximately
175 acres, or 5% of the Company's net vine acreage, and entered into a new
vineyard management contract covering approximately 445 acres. In the long term,
the Company will continue its efforts to broaden its customer base and will seek
additional long-term grape purchase contracts with new winery clients.
The Company currently produces 14 varieties of premium wine grapes,
primarily Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc, Gewurztraminer
and Sauvignon Blanc. Substantially all of the Company's current wine grape
production is contracted at least through the harvest of 2001, and the majority
is contracted at least through the harvest of 2006. The Company's two largest
winery customers are IDV, the seventh largest U.S. winery in terms of 1997 case
shipments, and Canandaigua, the second largest U.S. winery. Grape purchase
contracts with IDV covered 61% of the Company's acreage as of December 31, 1997
and accounted for approximately 81% and 84% of the Company's 1997 and 1996 total
revenues, respectively. Grape purchase contracts with Canandaigua accounted for
approximately 9% and 7% of the Company's 1997 and 1996 total revenues,
respectively. Thus, the Company is substantially dependent on IDV and
Canandaigua and termination of these contracts could have a material adverse
effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
The Company has had grape purchase contracts with IDV and its predecessors since
1972 and with Canandaigua and its predecessors since 1979.
The revenue growth potential of the Company's existing vineyards is limited
and the Company's ability to increase revenue long term depends upon its ability
to acquire additional mature vineyard properties and/or develop new vineyards.
Recent prices for premium California wine grapes are at historically high
levels. A decline in the prices received by the Company should be expected, and
these declines may be significant. This expected decline in prices makes
execution of the Company's vineyard acquisition strategy even more essential to
revenue growth.
19
<PAGE>
SEASONALITY AND QUARTERLY RESULTS
The wine grape business is extremely seasonal. Similar to most
nondiversified agricultural crop producers, the Company recognizes substantially
all of its crop sales revenues at the time of its annual harvest in September
and October. Because success of the Company's operations is dependent upon the
results of the Company's annual harvest, the first two quarters have
historically resulted in a loss and quarterly results are not considered
indicative of those to be expected for a full year. Profits, if any, are
recognized in the last two fiscal quarters of the year when revenues from grape
sales are recognized. From time to time, the Company has in the past, and may in
the future, convert grapes into bulk wine for sale in years subsequent to the
harvest year, which may impact quarterly results.
The following table sets forth certain unaudited quarterly financial data
for the four quarters in fiscal 1997. In the opinion of the Company's
management, this unaudited information has been prepared on the same basis as
the audited information and includes all adjustments (consisting only of normal
recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the information set forth
therein. The operating results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of
results for any future period. The results presented below do not include
provision for income taxes for periods prior to the July 1997 Exchange
Transaction during which periods the Company was an S Corporation and
partnerships not subject to income taxes.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL 1997
----------------------------------------------
QUARTER ENDED
----------------------------------------------
MAR 31 JUNE 30 SEPT 30 DEC 31
----------- ----------- --------- ---------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues:
Sales.................................................................. $ 0 $ 16 $ 12,410 $ 6,257
Vineyard management, services and other fees........................... 347 216 341 283
----------- ----------- --------- ---------
347 232 12,751 6,540
Cost of sales............................................................ 0 24 4,512 1,686
----------- ----------- --------- ---------
Gross profit............................................................. 347 208 8,239 4,854
General and administrative............................................... 628 830 1,260 1,497
----------- ----------- --------- ---------
Operating income (loss).................................................. (281) (622) 6,979 3,357
Interest income (expense), net........................................... (185) (137) (351) (27)
----------- ----------- --------- ---------
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes.......................... (466) (759) 6,628 3,330
Provision for income taxes............................................... 0 0 2,430 1,457
----------- ----------- --------- ---------
Net income (loss) before deferred tax adjustment......................... (466) (759) 4,198 1,873
Deferred taxes from reorganization to C Corporation...................... 0 0 1,390 0
----------- ----------- --------- ---------
Net income (loss)........................................................ $ (466) $ (759) $ 2,808 $ 1,873
----------- ----------- --------- ---------
----------- ----------- --------- ---------
</TABLE>
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS--YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996
REVENUES. SVI derives its revenues from three sources: (i) sales of wine
grapes pursuant to long-term purchase contracts; (ii) vineyard management and
services revenues consisting primarily of management and harvest fees and
equipment rentals for services provided to owners of vineyards; and (iii) sales
of wine and wine-related merchandise sold primarily through the Company's
tasting room which opened in late April 1997. Sales (which include revenues from
grape sales and from the sale of wine and wine-related merchandise) increased by
73.5% to $18,683,000 for the year ended December 31, 1997 from $10,769,000 in
1996, an increase of $7,914,000.
Grape sales increased by 72.6% to $18,585,000 for the year ended December
31, 1997 from $10,769,000 in 1996, an increase of $7,816,000. The increase was
due primarily to (i) a 32% increase in the average price per ton received on
grape sales from 1996 to 1997 (contributing approximately
20
<PAGE>
$3,428,000 of the increase), (ii) a 31% increase in the yields produced by the
Company's vineyards in operation during both years on acres harvested
(contributing approximately $3,364,000 of the increase), and (iii) the
acquisition of a 370-acre vineyard in June 1997 (contributing approximately
$1,024,000 of the increase).
Revenue from the sale of wine and wine-related merchandise at the Company's
tasting room totaled $98,000 for the year ended December 31, 1997. The tasting
room was opened in April 1997.
Revenue from vineyard management, services and other fees increased by 28.7%
to $1,187,000 for the year ended December 31, 1997 from $922,000 in 1996, an
increase of $265,000. This increase was primarily due to the addition of a
445-acre long-term management contract in early 1997.
GROSS PROFIT. As a result of the factors discussed above, gross profit
increased by 91.0% to $13,648,000 for the year ended December 31, 1997 from
$7,147,000 in 1996, an increase of $6,501,000. Gross profit on grape sales as a
percentage of revenues increased to 67.0% in 1997 from 57.8% in 1996. The
increase in gross profit is primarily the result of higher revenues related to
increased yields and higher grape prices per ton in relation to relatively
stable farming costs.
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE. General and administrative expenses increased
by 61.9% to $4,215,000 for the year ended December 31, 1997 from $2,604,000 in
1996, an increase of $1,611,000. The increase was due primarily to costs
associated with additional compensation and related benefits and overall office
expense due to the expansion of the Company's business and its initial public
offering, as well as promotional activities surrounding the opening and initial
operations of the Company's tasting room.
INTEREST EXPENSE, NET. Net interest expense increased 7.0% to $700,000 for
the year ended December 31, 1997 from $654,000 in 1996, an increase of $46,000.
The increase in interest expense was primarily due to increased levels of
borrowing by the Company to finance crop growing costs and the completion of
certain vineyard development and improvement projects for which interest is
capitalized instead of expensed during the development or improvement period.
These increases were partially offset by an increase in interest income on cash
holdings of the Company from 1996 to 1997 as the result of funds received in the
Company's initial public offering and from the increase in revenues from 1996 to
1997.
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES. The provision for income taxes increased to
$3,887,000 for the year ended December 31, 1997 from $44,000 in 1996. The
Company was an S Corporation for income tax purposes prior to the initial public
offering in July 1997. The S Corporation election was terminated in connection
with the public offering, upon which the Company became taxable as a C
Corporation. As a result of the Company's prior S Corporation status, the
Company's losses for the first seven months of 1997 were allocated to the
Company's sole stockholder and were not available to offset the Company's income
for the last five months of the year. This resulted in an effective tax rate for
1997 of 44.5%. The Company anticipates a 40% effective tax rate for future
years.
NET INCOME BEFORE DEFERRED TAX ADJUSTMENT. Due to the above factors, the
Company had net income before deferred tax adjustment for the year ended
December 31, 1997 of $4,846,000 as compared to $3,845,000 in 1996, an increase
of $1,001,000 or 26.0%.
DEFERRED TAXES FROM REORGANIZATION TO C CORPORATION. The Company incurred a
one-time noncash charge to earnings in the amount of $1,390,000 to record the
deferred tax liability arising from the reorganization of the Company's business
from an S Corporation and partnerships to a taxable C Corporation in connection
with the Company's initial public offering in July 1997.
NET INCOME. Net income for the year ended December 31, 1997 was $3,456,000
as compared to $3,845,000 in 1996, a decrease of $389,000 or 10.1%. On a pro
forma basis, net income for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 was
$5,240,000 and $2,333,000, respectively, an increase of $2,907,000 or 124.6%.
Pro forma net income is derived by providing a provision for income taxes as if
the Company had been a C Corporation for all periods presented.
21
<PAGE>
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
SVI's primary sources of cash historically have been funds provided by
internally generated cash flow and bank borrowings. The Company has made
substantial capital expenditures to redevelop its existing vineyard properties
and acquire and develop new acreage, and the Company intends to continue these
types of expenditures. Cash generated from operations has not been sufficient to
satisfy all of the Company's working capital and capital expenditure needs. As a
consequence, the Company has depended upon and continues to rely upon, both
short and long-term bank borrowings. Primarily as a result of the application of
the net proceeds from the Company's initial public offering, working capital
increased to $15,665,000 at December 31, 1997 from $2,254,000 at December 31,
1996, an increase of $13,411,000. Such increase is expected to reduce dependence
on borrowings in the near-term to meet working capital and capital expenditure
requirements.
Under the Company's historical working capital cycle, working capital is
required primarily to finance the costs of growing and harvesting its wine grape
crop. The Company normally delivers substantially all of its crop in September
and October, and receives the majority of its cash from grape sales in November.
In order to bridge the gap between incurrence of expenditures and receipt of
cash from grape sales, large working capital outlays are required for
approximately eleven months each year. Historically, SVI has obtained these
funds pursuant to credit lines with banks.
The Company currently has credit lines that provide both short-term and
long-term funds. The short-term "crop" line has maximum credit available of
$10,500,000 and is intended to finance the Company's working capital needs.
There were no amounts outstanding under this line at December 31, 1997 as it was
repaid following the Company's initial public offering. This crop line expires
on June 5, 1998, and the Company expects to replace the line prior to maturity.
Although no assurances can be given, management believes that the Company's
existing working capital and short-term borrowing capabilities will be adequate
to meet the Company's currently anticipated liquidity needs during the fiscal
year ending December 31, 1998.
SVI also has long-term credit facilities expiring through July 2007 that
provide for maximum borrowings totaling $7,285,000, which diminish annually
through the expiration dates to a maximum allowable commitment of $3,432,000. At
December 31, 1997, the outstanding amount owed by the Company under these
facilities was $6,857,000. The annual interest rates on these lines are based on
the bank's "reference rate" and ranged from 8.59% to 8.79% at December 31, 1997.
The Company also has other long-term notes payable which, as of December 31,
1997, totaled approximately $6,975,000. These notes are primarily secured by
deeds of trust, leasehold interests or equipment and have interest rates based
on the bank's reference rate plus 1/4% to 1 1/4%. At December 31, 1997, the
weighted average interest rate on these notes payable was 8.78%.
The Company also has a $7,500,000 bank line of credit, the proceeds of which
are being used to develop a vineyard owned by a major client and managed under a
long-term contract by the Company. At December 31, 1997, the outstanding balance
on this line of credit was $4,679,000. This line bears interest at the bank's
reference rate (6.31% at December 31, 1997) and is repayable in six annual
installments beginning January 2000. The note is secured by a letter of credit
provided by the client and by the Company's management contract. The management
contract provides for the Company's client to make payment of the annual
principal installments under this line as and when they become due.
The Company's principal credit facilities and notes payable bind the Company
to a number of affirmative and negative covenants, including requirements to
maintain certain financial ratios within certain parameters and to satisfy
certain other financial tests. At December 31, 1997, the Company was in
compliance with these covenants.
Management expects that capital requirements will expand significantly to
support expected future growth and that this will result in the expenditure of
the Company's available cash and additional borrowing under credit lines and/or
new arrangements for term debt. The Company's
22
<PAGE>
planned new vineyard developments are expected to require approximately $7.3
million in capital investment over the next three years, and continued
improvements of existing vineyards are expected to require approximately $8
million. Management believes it should be able to obtain long-term funds from
its present lender, but there can be no assurance that the Company will be able
to obtain financing when required or that such financings will be available on
reasonable terms.
Cash provided by operating activities was $4,685,000 for the year ended
December 31, 1997, compared to $4,461,000 in 1996, an increase of $224,000. The
increase was primarily due to non-cash deferred income taxes recorded in 1997
due to the conversion of the Company's income tax status from an S Corporation
to a C Corporation and an increase in depreciation, amortization and
abandonments from 1996 to 1997. These increases were partially offset by cash
used for increases in inventories due to an increase in deferred crop production
costs.
Cash used in investing activities was $15,400,000 for the year ended
December 31, 1997, compared to $5,962,000 in 1996, an increase of $9,438,000.
The increase principally was the result of additions to property, plant and
equipment and an increase in a long-term receivable. The additions to property
and equipment were primarily due to the Company's acquisition of the 370-acre
Riverview Vineyard in June 1997 for $5,500,000, improvements at the Company's
existing vineyards, and ongoing development of approximately 374 acres of new
vineyards. The increase in long-term receivables was for the costs incurred for
the development of certain vineyards owned by a major client of the Company and
managed by the Company pursuant to a long-term contract, as described above.
Cash provided by financing activities was $21,174,000 for the year ended
December 31, 1997, compared to $1,966,000 in 1996, an increase of $19,208,000.
The increase primarily was due to the net proceeds received in the Company's
initial public offering of $19,968,000 and net increases to long-term and other
debt of approximately $4,788,000, which were offset by distributions to partners
and shareholders of $3,582,000.
YEAR 2000 ISSUE
The Company has determined that the costs to address the Year 2000 issue
(I.E., computer applications that use only two digits to identify a year and
could produce erroneous results after 1999) are not material to the Company's
business, operations or financial condition and that the consequences of an
incomplete or untimely resolution of the Year 2000 issue for the Company's
computer systems do not represent a known material event or uncertainty that
management expects to affect future financial results. The impact of the Year
2000 on the Company's vendors and customers is not expected to be significant.
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
The Company intends to retain its future earnings, if any, to fund the
development and growth of its business and does not anticipate paying cash
dividends on either class of its Common Stock in the foreseeable future. In
addition, the Company's principal bank credit facilities prohibit the payment of
cash dividends without the consent of the lender.
In connection with the Company's initial public offering, the Company was
reorganized from an S Corporation and partnerships to a C Corporation. During
the period from January 1, 1996 until the reorganization, the Company and these
partnerships made aggregate cash stockholder and partner distributions totaling
$3,582,000 and $468,000, respectively. The 1997 distributions were made at the
time of the reorganization in respect of cumulative S Corporation earnings and
income tax liabilities on partnership income.
23
<PAGE>
BUSINESS
OVERVIEW
SVI is a leading independent (I.E., not winery controlled) producer of
premium varietal wine grapes. The Company currently operates approximately 5,280
acres of wine grape vineyards. Of this total, approximately 3,600 acres are
operated for the Company's own account, and 1,680 acres are operated under
management contracts for others. All of the properties currently operated by the
Company are located in Monterey and San Benito Counties in California, both of
which are generally recognized as excellent regions for growing high quality
wine grape varieties. The Company's strategic objective is to become the leading
independent producer of premium varietal wine grapes in California.
The Company currently produces 14 varieties of premium wine grapes,
primarily Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc, Gewurztraminer
and Sauvignon Blanc. The Company believes that its customers contract with SVI
to assure a consistent, reliable source of high-quality premium grapes for their
wines. The Company's two largest winery customers are Canandaigua and IDV, a
subsidiary of Diageo plc, the second and seventh largest U.S. wineries in terms
of 1997 case shipments, respectively. These customers' labels include GLEN
ELLEN, BEAULIEU VINEYARD, BLOSSOM HILL, CHRISTIAN BROS., INGLENOOK, PAUL MASSON,
ALMADEN, DEER VALLEY, DUNNEWOOD and TAYLOR CALIFORNIA CELLARS. Grape purchase
contracts with IDV cover 61% of the Company's acreage and accounted for
approximately 81% and 84% of the Company's 1997 and 1996 total revenues,
respectively.
The Company also has long-term grape purchase agreements with other
well-known producers of ultra premium wines, including The Chalone Wine Group,
Ltd., The Hess Collection Winery, Joseph Phelps Vineyards and Gundlach-Bundschu
Winery. The terms of the Company's long-term grape purchase contracts extend to
between 2001 and 2013, and have "evergreen" provisions requiring two or three
years' prior written notice of termination. These contracts generally require
the customers to purchase substantially all of the Company's production from
specified vineyards at a formula price based upon the previous harvest year's
sales prices in California's leading coastal regions, including Napa, Sonoma,
Mendocino and Monterey Counties.
The Company believes that selling its production through long-term contracts
allows it to attain reliable sources of revenues and profits not available
through sales on the yearly spot market or short-term contracts with wineries.
This, in turn, has allowed the Company to implement long-term programs for
upgrading vineyard productivity, increasing product quality and mechanizing its
field operations. Because increased yields per acre do not significantly
increase the Company's costs of operating vineyards, productivity improvements
contribute substantially to gross profits. The Company has increased its yields
of higher value and better quality wine grapes in recent years through a
continuing redevelopment and improvement program begun in 1993, and anticipates
continued increases in average yields until its redeveloped vineyards reach full
maturity. Similar productivity improvements generally are anticipated in
connection with vineyards that may be acquired in the future.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
The 1997 harvest set new records for the Company for both tonnage and
revenues. The 1997 grape production from vineyards owned by the Company was
approximately 15,600 tons, generating revenues of approximately $18.6 million.
In addition, the Company realized approximately $1.2 million of revenue from its
vineyard and management services and other fees.
Based upon the pricing formulas in substantially all of the Company's grape
purchase contracts, the Company expects that the weighted average prices per ton
it will receive for the 1998 harvest for its principal grape varieties will
increase between 7% and 11% over the weighted average prices per
24
<PAGE>
ton it received for the 1997 harvest. See "--The Company's Grape Production
Operations--Grape Sales--Pricing."
In June 1997, the Company acquired the 370-acre Riverview Vineyard in
Monterey County. This vineyard is planted with several grape varieties,
including approximately 120 acres of Chardonnay and approximately 100 acres of
Pinot Noir. The purchase price for this vineyard was approximately $5.5 million.
The Company in 1998 intends to replant approximately 54 acres and to begin an
improvement program of interplanting and trellis conversion. See "--The
Company's Grape Production Operations--New Vineyards and Redevelopment of
Existing Vineyards."
In 1997, the Company acquired a lease option for, and began development of,
an approximately 537-acre property in Hames Valley in Monterey County. The
Company planted 207 acres of this property in 1997, and exercised its option for
and began development of the remaining 330 acres in early 1998. The 1997 acreage
is expected to begin bearing fruit in 1999, and the 1998 acreage is expected to
begin bearing fruit in 2000. In 1997, the Company also began to develop an
additional 445 acres in Hames Valley for Canandaigua under a vineyard management
contract. See "--The Company's Grape Production Operations--New Vineyards and
Redevelopment of Existing Vineyards."
The Company sold grapes to ten new customers in 1997, including Beringer
Wine Estates, David Bruce Winery and Gundlach-Bundschu Winery and entered into
new long-term grape purchase contracts for 175 acres. The terms of these new
contracts extend to between 2007 and 2013 and have "evergreen" renewal
provisions requiring two years' prior written notice of termination.
During the third quarter of 1997, the Company completed its initial public
offering of 2,300,000 shares of its Class A Common Stock, from which the Company
realized approximately $20 million in net proceeds.
COMPANY STRATEGY
The Company's strategic objective is to become the leading independent
producer of premium varietal wine grapes in California. The Company believes
that its success to date has resulted from execution of a coherent strategy that
includes the following elements:
PRODUCE HIGH VALUE PREMIUM WINE GRAPES. The Company has consistently
emphasized production of high value wine grapes that its customers can use
to produce premium varietal wine. These varieties principally include
Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, in addition to other varieties
that command premium prices. Throughout its history, SVI has consistently
provided its customers with wine grapes that meet demanding specifications
for quality, as measured by sugar content and other objective
characteristics. The Company maintains an ongoing program of grafting,
replanting and new vineyard development to conform its product mix to take
advantage of trends in the wine industry. The Company believes it has
developed an excellent reputation in the grape producing industry due to its
emphasis on quality and performance. See "--The Company's Grape Production
Operations."
CONTINUE LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIPS WITH LEADING WINE PRODUCERS. The
Company has had grape purchase contracts with IDV and its predecessors since
1972 and with Canandaigua and its predecessors since 1979. More recently,
SVI has begun contracting for grape sales to smaller wineries with
reputations for producing excellent wines such as The Chalone Wine Group,
Ltd., Joseph Phelps Vineyards and The Hess Collection Winery. Substantially
all of the Company's production is contracted at least through the harvest
of 2001, and the majority is contracted at least through the harvest of 2006
with pricing arrangements the Company considers favorable. See "--The
Company's Grape Production Operations--Grape Sales." The Company believes
that its utilization of long-term contracts allows it to build long-term and
mutually beneficial relationships with its customers and attain reliable
sources of revenues not readily available to producers relying on the yearly
spot market or short-term contracts with wineries.
25
<PAGE>
MAXIMIZE REVENUES AND PROFITABILITY PER ACRE. The Company invests in
new equipment and the development of new and improved viticultural practices
in order to increase the productivity and efficiency of its vineyards. These
practices include methods of interplanting grape vines to increase vine
density, new trellising systems designed to support more grape production
while maintaining quality, and other state-of-the-art vineyard practices
that facilitate increased production and mechanization. Because increased
yields per acre do not significantly increase fixed or variable costs of
operating vineyards, productivity improvements contribute substantially to
gross profits. Due to its continuing redevelopment and improvement program
begun in 1993 on approximately 1,900 acres, the Company believes that much
of its acreage now produces significantly more higher value and better
quality grapes. See "--The Company's Grape Production
Operations--Viticultural Practices."
ACQUIRE HIGH QUALITY VINEYARD PROPERTIES. The Company has developed a
disciplined property acquisition strategy in order to increase its
productive capacity and leverage its available management and equipment
resources. Due to the significant capital required to own, improve and
operate vineyards and the demographic structure in the California wine grape
industry, SVI believes that there may be significant opportunities for
acquisitions of existing vineyards. The Company plans to capitalize on the
experience and reputation of its senior management to purchase existing
vineyards and purchase or lease, for terms of up to 50 years, land that is
suitable for vineyards in Monterey County and other regions in California.
See "--The Company's Grape Production Operations--Capital Investment
Requirements for Acquisition, Development and Improvement of Vineyards" and
"--New Vineyards and Redevelopment of Existing Vineyards."
CALIFORNIA WINE AND GRAPE INDUSTRY
OVERVIEW
The California grape production industry is highly fragmented and consists
of several thousand vineyard owners. Most wine grape producers have small,
privately owned operations and sell their production to wineries, often at spot
market prices from year to year. To supplement the grapes they buy from
independent producers, many wineries also own or lease vineyards to supply some
of their grape needs. Certain major wineries, such as Robert Mondavi, are large
grape producers and produce a significant proportion of the grapes they need to
make wine. There are no published data regarding ownership or contractual
relationships in the California wine grape production industry and individual
holdings of properties are not publicly reported. However, the Company believes
it is one of the largest independent producers of premium wine grapes in
California, and that there are approximately four or five independent producers
of comparable size.
California wine is produced and marketed by approximately 800 commercial
wineries. However, seven wineries, E&J Gallo, Canandaigua, The Wine Group,
Sutter Home, Sebastiani, Robert Mondavi and IDV, accounted for approximately 71%
of total California wine shipments in 1997. The Company historically has been,
and currently is, a supplier to IDV and Canandaigua. In 1997, IDV was the
seventh largest winery in terms of case shipments, and its brands include GLEN
ELLEN, BEAULIEU VINEYARD, BLOSSOM HILL and CHRISTIAN BROS. Canandaigua was the
second largest winery in 1997 and its brands include DEER VALLEY, DUNNEWOOD,
TAYLOR CALIFORNIA CELLARS, INGLENOOK, PAUL MASSON and ALMADEN. The Company
believes its relationships with IDV and Canandaigua have contributed
significantly to its success.
WINE CONSUMPTION
Table wines are still wines usually containing less than 14% alcohol and are
generally consumed with food or as cocktails. Table wines that retail at less
than $3.00 per 750 ml. bottle are generally considered to be generic or "jug"
wines, while those that retail at $3.00 or more per bottle are
26
<PAGE>
considered premium wines. The premium category is generally divided by the trade
into three segments: popular premium wines that retail at $3.00 to $7.00 per
bottle; super premium wines that retail at $7.01 to $14.00 per bottle; and ultra
premium wines that retail at over $14.00 per bottle.
The market for California premium varietal table wines has grown
significantly over the last 18 years. Since 1980, unit sales of these California
wines have increased at an average 15% compound annual rate from approximately
6.6 million nine-liter cases to approximately 69.5 million nine-liter cases in
1997, according to Gomberg, Fredrikson & Associates. During the same time
period, premium wine revenues grew at an average 18% compound annual rate to
approximately $3.8 billion, or approximately 78% of total California table wine
sales of approximately $4.8 billion, in 1997. The growth in California premium
wine revenue reflects, among other things, an increase in U.S. per capita
consumption of premium California table wines from 0.2 gallons in 1986 to 0.6
gallons in 1997. The following chart shows estimated revenues for California
premium and jug wines since 1980.
EDGAR REPRESENTATION OF DATA POINTS USED IN PRINTED GRAPHIC
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Jug Wine Revenues (millions of $) $ 930 $ 1,022 $ 1,053 $ 1,031 $ 984 $ 905 $ 876 $ 848
Premium Wine Revenues (millions of $) $ 211 $ 269 $ 318 $ 337 $ 478 $ 572 $ 750 $ 891
<CAPTION>
1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995
<S> <C> <C>
Jug Wine Revenues (millions of $) $ 841 $ 858 $ 922 $ 1,076 $ 1,154 $ 1,150 $ 1,209 $ 1,242
Premium Wine Revenues (millions of $) $ 1,094 $ 1,204 $ 1,392 $ 1,616 $ 1,883 $ 2,002 $ 2,224 $ 2,518
<CAPTION>
1996 1997
Jug Wine Revenues (millions of $) $ 1,310 $ 1,046
Premium Wine Revenues (millions of $) $ 2,942 $ 3,774
</TABLE>
Notwithstanding the growth in table wine sales and per capita consumption,
industry reports indicate that approximately 88% of all table wine sold in the
U.S. is consumed by only 16% of the adult population between the ages of 21 and
59. Accordingly, the Company perceives significant room for growth in sales of
California table wines, including premium wines.
GRAPE DEMAND AND SUPPLY
GRAPE DEMAND FACTORS. The demand for premium wine grapes is driven by the
demand for premium wine. The Company believes that the growth in the wine market
and shifts in consumer preferences from generic to premium categories reflect
several factors, including medical studies linking possible health benefits to
moderate wine consumption, growing awareness and interest in wines, especially
by adults over 30 years of age, greater consumer education with respect to
higher quality wines and general consumer preferences. The results of recent
studies have indicated there may be positive health benefits associated with
moderate consumption of wine. These studies have been reported in the news,
including the 1991 and 1995 CBS television 60 Minutes broadcasts concerning the
"French Paradox," which suggested that moderate wine consumption is important in
protecting the French from coronary heart disease despite a high-fat diet and
high levels of other cardiovascular risk factors. More recently, studies have
been published that confirm a more favorable mortality profile for moderate male
wine drinkers compared to nondrinkers and that resveratrol, a compound found in
wine, inhibits processes that result in the formation and spreading of cancerous
27
<PAGE>
tumors. These reports and others like them are believed to have contributed to
recent increases in the consumption of premium wines.
Wine grapes are produced in many regions in California. The climate of the
coastal valleys, extending approximately 500 miles from Mendocino County in the
north to Santa Barbara County in the south, is characterized by warm days and
cool nights moderated by proximity to the Pacific Ocean. These are excellent
conditions for production of high quality varietal wine grapes. Monterey County,
the Company's focus of operation, is located approximately in the middle of this
area. In contrast, the inland areas of California have more extreme summer heat
conditions and are less well-suited to the production of high quality varietals.
Wine grapes produced in those areas are generally better suited for use as
generic wines or inexpensive premium wines. Consequently, the prices of the
premium varieties produced in the inland regions are lower than the prices of
the same varieties produced in the coastal regions. For example, according to
the California Department of Food and Agriculture (the "CDFA") the 1997 weighted
average prices per ton of all wine grapes purchased and crushed ranged from
$1,115 to $1,716 in the eight coastal districts, compared to a range from $236
to $890 in California's remaining nine grape producing districts.
GRAPE SUPPLY FACTORS. The supply and price of available grapes are subject
to considerable fluctuations caused by, among other things, poor weather
conditions, such as excessive rain, drought, frost, excessive heat and prolonged
periods of cold weather, and phylloxera infestation. The California wine
industry has recently experienced a shortage of grapes due to growth in consumer
demand which has outpaced supply increases because of insufficient plantings of
grapes in the late 1980's, acreage taken out of production due to phylloxera
infestation and reduced yields due to below average weather conditions during
the growing seasons in 1995 and 1996. These factors have led to substantial
price increases for wine grapes, including those produced by the Company. The
Company believes that these conditions may continue for the next one to two
years because new vineyards planted in recent years in response to this supply
shortfall take four to six years to reach full levels of production.
THE COMPANY'S GRAPE PRODUCTION OPERATIONS
VINEYARD OPERATIONS
SVI currently owns or manages approximately 5,280 acres of wine grape
vineyards in Monterey and San Benito Counties. These properties consist of
approximately 3,600 acres in Monterey County operated for the Company's own
account and approximately 1,680 acres operated under management contracts for
others. Of the Company's approximately 3,357 net vine acres of wine grapes,
approximately 2,050 net vine acres, or 61%, have been contracted for sale to IDV
under long-term grape purchase contracts, approximately 400 net vine acres have
been contracted for sale to other winery clients, approximately 598 net vine
acres represent newly developed acreage planted by the Company in 1996, 1997 and
1998 which is not subject to grape purchase contracts, and approximately 309 net
vine acres represent acreage recently acquired by the Company which is not
subject to grape purchase contracts. See "--New Vineyards and Redevelopment of
Existing Vineyards."
GRAPE PRODUCTION
SVI's tons per acre and overall yields of higher value varieties (E.G.,
Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot) have increased in recent years due
to, among other factors, changes in product mix through grafting, replanting,
increased vine density and improvements in wine grape production technology and
know-how. See "--Viticultural Practices." In 1993, the Company began a major
improvement and refurbishment program and took many acres out of production
temporarily in order to graft or replant new rootstock. This planned decline in
grape production, along with poor weather, caused grape sales revenues for 1993
and 1994 to be lower than they otherwise would have been and resulted in a
significant decline in tonnage produced through 1996. In 1996, as replanted
acreage started to mature, production of high value premium varieties increased.
The Company believes that
28
<PAGE>
its production of high value wine grapes in these vineyards will continue to
increase for the next few years as replanted and interplanted vines continue to
mature. However, actual grape production varies according to the variety of
grape produced, vine density, the quality and type of soil, water conditions,
weather and other factors, and no assurances can be given that such production
increases will occur with any predictability or at all. The following table
shows SVI's net vine acres by variety from 1993 to 1998 and wine grape tonnage
produced by SVI for 1997.
NET VINE ACRES OWNED BY SVI AND TONS PRODUCED
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NET VINE ACRES TONS
---------------------------------------------------------------- ---------
VARIETY 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1997
- ----------------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Chardonnay............................... 552 574 656 756 901 880 5,886
Merlot................................... 66 150 307 454 506 556 3,470
Cabernet Sauvignon....................... 286 286 286 274 296 296 1,719
Sauvignon Blanc.......................... 171 133 133 133 133 121 1,190
Gewurztraminer........................... 103 103 103 103 103 82 884
Pinot Noir............................... -- -- -- -- 102 102 665
White Riesling........................... 183 124 103 83 87 87 505
Chenin Blanc............................. 350 302 228 187 84 84 487
Zinfandel................................ 138 107 107 83 83 83 257
Napa Gamay............................... 39 39 39 39 39 20 240
Grenache(1).............................. 49 49 28 28 28 28 134
Semillon................................. -- -- -- -- 26 5 135
Souzao................................... -- -- -- -- 10 10 38
Syrah.................................... -- -- -- -- -- 26 --
Early Burgundy........................... 34 13 13 -- -- -- --
French Colombard......................... 20 -- -- -- -- -- --
Replants/Grafts (2)...................... 325 436 313 164 255 327 --
New Acreage (3).......................... -- -- -- 54 374 650 --
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total Net Vine Acres................... 2,316 2,316 2,316 2,358 3,027 3,357
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total Tons Produced...................... 12,734 11,177 8,390 11,241 15,610 -- 15,610
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
</TABLE>
- ------------------------------
(1) Includes 28 acres leased to Joseph Phelps Vineyards and operated by the
Company for the account of Joseph Phelps Vineyards.
(2) Replants/grafts are acres which are temporarily taken out of production due
to grafting or replanting to change varieties. Acres are deemed to be back
in production in the third crop year.
(3) New acreage represents newly acquired bare ground which is in the
development stage. The development stage is the first three years of the
vineyard's life, when the Company expects little or no production.
GRAPE SALES
PRIMARY CUSTOMERS. The wine grape tonnage harvested from the Company's
approximately 2,374 net vine acres in production (I.E., excluding vineyards
under development or redevelopment) is largely subject to grape purchase
contracts with a small number of well-known wine producing companies. The
largest set of these contracts, representing approximately 87% of the Company's
1997 grape sales revenues and 81% of the Company's 1997 total revenues, is with
IDV. IDV is a unit of Diageo plc, one of the world's largest wine and spirits
sales companies, which is headquartered in the United Kingdom. In 1997, IDV was
California's seventh largest wine producing company with sales of approximately
6.1 million cases of wine. The Company's contractual relationship with IDV's
predecessor began in 1972 and has been continuous since that time. The Company
believes that it is currently the largest supplier of wine grapes to IDV. The
Company has sales contracts for substantially all of the balance of its wine
grape production with Canandaigua, the second largest marketer of wine in the
29
<PAGE>
United States, and other wine producers, including The Chalone Wine Group, Ltd.,
Joseph Phelps Vineyards and The Hess Collection Winery. The Company also
manages, as a contract vineyard operator, an aggregate of approximately 1,533
acres of wine grapes for IDV and Canandaigua, representing 91% of the total
acres managed by the Company. See "--Vineyard Management Contracts."
The terms of the Company's grape purchase contracts generally require the
customers to purchase substantially all of the Company's production from
specified vineyards at a formula price based upon the previous harvest year's
sales prices for specified districts as reported in the Final Grape Crush Report
published by the California Department of Food and Agriculture ("CDFA"). See
"--Pricing." The contracts generally require the Company to deliver grapes
meeting specified sugar levels and other quality measurements. Substantially all
of the contracts call for payment in full within 30 days of delivery of the crop
to the customer.
The terms of the Company's long-term grape purchase contracts extend to
between 2001 and 2013. Contracts covering most of SVI's acreage extend to 2006
and have "evergreen" renewal provisions whereby the contracts continue until
either party gives a two or three years' prior written notice of termination.
The Company believes that these evergreen provisions allow it time either to
renegotiate the contract with its contracting customer or to find a new customer
for the grape production before the contract terminates. See "Risk
Factors--Dependence on Major Customers; Renewal of Grape Purchase Agreements."
The Company has enjoyed excellent relationships with its customers that have
been built over many years of satisfying customer needs for quality, timely
delivery and service. Long-term supply arrangements benefit customers by
providing a significant, reliable supply of high-quality grapes at predictable
prices, and the Company believes that in many respects IDV and Canandaigua
prefer their supply arrangements with the Company to the purchase of comparable
amounts of grapes on the open market from multiple producers. These contracts
also benefit the Company by providing reliable sources of revenues. SVI believes
that these contracts are one of the major reasons for its past success, and it
plans to rely upon these and similar contracts in the future. While contract
terms are typically a function of market factors and it is not possible to know
what the terms of the Company's future grape purchase arrangements will be, it
is probable that any renewal or replacement of the Company's IDV and Canandaigua
contracts, the majority of which will expire in 2006, and any purchase
agreements covering new vineyards will have different terms. Among other
potential contract terms, the Company intends to consider entering into
long-term grape purchase contracts with generally fixed maximum and minimum
prices per acre instead of prices per ton that are subject to annual variation.
It is anticipated that such acreage contracts would provide for the customer to
bear more of the crop risk than is typically borne by the Company under a
tonnage contract.
PRICING. Each year the CDFA publishes the Grape Crush Report on a
preliminary basis on February 10, with a final report published on March 10. The
Grape Crush Report discloses the prices, tons and certain quality standards of
all grapes crushed for wine from each of California's 17 wine grape producing
districts in the grape harvest of the previous autumn. The report is relied upon
heavily by wineries and wine grape producers to negotiate contracts and
establish grape prices, as well as by financial and other institutions who serve
the wine industry.
SVI's contract grape prices are established each year by formulas which are
different for each of its customers. However, substantially all of its contracts
utilize a formula which is used to calculate a price for each wine grape variety
based on the previous year's prices in several specified CDFA reporting
districts. For example, grapes from the Company's 1998 harvest that are subject
to these contracts will be sold at prices based on the actual prices for the
1997 harvest reported in the Final Grape Crush Report published March 10, 1998.
This enables both the Company and its customers to know final grape prices (on a
per ton basis by variety) approximately eight months in advance of each year's
harvest. These multiple district formula prices, as opposed to sales on the
short-term spot market, tend to moderate year-to-year swings in prices. The
Company's grape purchase contracts
30
<PAGE>
typically utilize pricing based in part upon prices for Napa, Sonoma and
Mendocino County grapes, which tend to be higher than prices for the same
varieties produced in Monterey County. Some recent agreements use pricing
formulas that are based more heavily on Monterey County data, which may also be
the case for the renewal or replacement of the IDV and Canandaigua agreements
and additional agreements covering new or replanted vineyards. The chart below
shows the weighted average prices SVI has received, or expects to receive, per
ton of grapes for the primary varieties it has produced since 1994 based on the
pricing formulas of its various contracts.
WEIGHTED AVERAGE PRICES PER TON RECEIVED BY SVI (1)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VARIETY 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 (2)
- -------------------------------------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Chardonnay.................................................... $ 1,092 $ 1,060 $ 1,188 $ 1,444 $ 1,572
Merlot........................................................ 1,098 1,098 1,184 1,432 1,538
Cabernet Sauvignon............................................ 1,117 1,097 1,193 1,425 1,577
Zinfandel..................................................... 582 623 790 971 1,113
Sauvignon Blanc............................................... 649 682 742 902 1,031
Gewurztraminer................................................ 590 589 663 825 913
White Riesling................................................ 512 514 624 803 828
Napa Gamay.................................................... -- -- -- 717 878
Chenin Blanc.................................................. 417 420 482 666 766
</TABLE>
- ------------------------------
(1) Prices for premium varieties have increased in recent years largely as a
result of supply and demand conditions. Supply and demand factors will
change over time and there can be no assurance that the prices received by
the Company in the future will continue to increase or will match or exceed
historical prices.
(2) Based upon existing contracts, Company production estimates and the 1997
Final Grape Crush Report released March 10, 1998.
VITICULTURAL PRACTICES
The Company continually investigates and experiments to develop enhanced
viticultural practices in order to improve the yields of its vineyards and the
quality of grapes it produces. Innovations developed or employed by SVI over the
past ten years have included new grafting methods, interplanting, new trellis
designs and improved machine harvesting technology and practices. In addition,
the Company has experimented with increased vine densities in order to improve
productivity.
VINEYARD PRODUCTION CYCLE
The vineyard production cycle begins each year in December, after completion
of harvest. From December through March vines are pruned and tied to trellises,
and damaged stakes, trellises, irrigation systems and other vineyard components
are repaired or refurbished. After winter rains end, irrigation and cultivation
of the vineyards begin and continue through the harvest season. Herbicides are
applied as needed through the summer. Necessary applications of pesticides and
fertilizer begin in the spring and continue until harvest. Grafting and planting
also take place in the first four or five months of the year. As growth of the
vines accelerates beginning in late spring, they are trained and tied, and
excess leaves are sometimes pulled to promote more efficient growth of vines and
fruit. Depending on the rate at which fruit ripens, harvest typically begins in
late-August to mid-September and is completed by the end of October or early
November. Direct farming costs currently range from $1,500 to $2,500 per acre
over the course of the year for vineyards in full production, and revenues are
realized at the time of harvest. Approximately one-half of annual production
costs are incurred by June 30.
31
<PAGE>
CAPITAL INVESTMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR ACQUISITION, DEVELOPMENT AND IMPROVEMENT
OF VINEYARDS
Because of the increasing demand for premium wine, the Company's customers
as well as other wineries have been seeking additional long-term sources of
premium wine grapes. Accordingly, the Company's strategy is to expand its
operations and grape production through the acquisition of existing vineyards
and other properties that can be developed into new vineyards and the
redevelopment of the Company's older vineyards. As discussed below, the Company
has implemented this strategy through the 1997 acquisition of the 370-acre
Riverview Vineyard, the lease in 1997 and 1998 of approximately 537 acres of
undeveloped land in Hames Valley for vineyard development, and the redevelopment
of the Company's vineyards begun in 1993. The Company plans to expand its
operations further, subject to the availability of capital and additional
suitable properties on terms acceptable to the Company.
Generally, significant amounts of fruit are not produced for three years
from newly planted vines and for two years from vines which are grafted to a new
variety. During this time, the Company incurs significant development and
production costs that are not offset by revenues from these vineyards and must
be financed from other sources. Newly planted vines that are four to five years
of age and grafted vines that are three to four years of age generally begin to
produce grapes in sufficient quantities to cover production costs and contribute
to gross profit, subject to some variation due to the effects of factors such as
geographic location, variety of grape grown, vine density, quality and type of
soil, water quality and weather conditions.
It has been the Company's experience that it currently costs approximately
$15,000 to $18,000 per acre over a three-year period to develop open land into a
producing premium wine grape vineyard, before taking into account the cost of
land. Accordingly, the Company estimates that the current replacement value of
its existing 3,600 acres is approximately $49 to $59 million, before cost of
land and ignoring the amount of time necessary to produce grapes economically.
The costs of redeveloping existing vineyards vary depending upon the condition
of the vineyard and the scope of the redevelopment plan.
Due to the acquisition and development of new vineyards and the
redevelopment of existing vineyards, much of the Company's vineyard acreage has
not yet reached full productive capacity. While there can be no assurance that
the Company's properties will achieve their full productive capacity at the rate
indicated, if at all, the Company believes that its existing acreage under
development or redevelopment represents significant potential for revenue
growth. The following table shows recent and anticipated maturity of the
Company's vineyards.
MATURITY LEVELS OF SVI'S NET VINE ACRES (1)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CROP YEAR
----------------------------------------------------------------
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Acres five or more years old (at or near full production)... 1,999 2,093 2,210 2,374 2,875 3,357
Acres three and four years old (partial production)......... 363 281 665 983 482 --
Acres one and two years old (not in production)............. 665 983 482 -- -- --
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total Acres............................................. 3,027 3,357 3,357 3,357 3,357 3,357
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
</TABLE>
- ------------------------------
(1) The net vine acreage shown above is SVI's planted acreage only. It does not
include acreage devoted to roads, storage areas, equipment yards or uses
other than vineyards.
If the Company's vineyards under development mature consistently with
historical experience and no significant problems are encountered, they should
be at or near their full productive capacity in or about 2002. Therefore,
acquisitions of producing vineyards will be required prior to 2002 to achieve
production increases in excess of those anticipated from the Company's existing
vineyards. In
32
<PAGE>
addition, acquisitions of producing vineyards or open land suitable for vineyard
development will be required to sustain productivity increases after 2002 and
moderate any productivity losses from the Company's existing vineyards due to
grafting to new varieties, replanting with phylloxera-resistant rootstock, and
various other factors that take vineyards out of production from time to time.
See "--Uncertainty of Revenue Growth," "--Capital Requirements," and "--Risks
Associated with Business Expansion and Acquisition Strategy; Long-Term
Strategies" under "Risk Factors."
NEW VINEYARDS AND REDEVELOPMENT OF EXISTING VINEYARDS
HAMES VALLEY. In 1997, the Company acquired an option to lease, for a term
of up to 50 years, approximately 537 acres of undeveloped land suitable for wine
grape vineyards in Hames Valley, which is located approximately 45 miles south
of the Company's vineyard headquarters. Following exercises of the option, the
Company began development on 207 acres in 1997 and on the remaining 330 acres in
1998. This acquisition is expected to allow the Company to leverage its existing
resources, and it establishes SVI in a region where it believes additional
property suitable for premium wine grape production is available. The Company
intends to secure long-term grape purchase contracts for the grape production
from these new vineyards. There can be no assurance, however, that the Company
will be successful in finding a winery or wineries which will agree to such
long-term wine grape purchase contracts.
After negotiating its own Hames Valley lease, SVI arranged for Canandaigua
to lease an additional approximately 445 acres in Hames Valley. Pursuant to a
long-term contract with Canandaigua, in 1997 SVI began to develop this acreage
into vineyards that it will manage for Canandaigua. Under the contract, SVI
receives monthly fees, equipment rental income and, when the vineyard begins to
produce wine grapes, harvest fees. The Company has no investment in the vineyard
because development money and working capital are provided by Canandaigua.
RIVERVIEW VINEYARD. On June 26, 1997, the Company acquired a 370-acre
vineyard known as Riverview Vineyard located approximately 12 miles north of
SVI's vineyard headquarters. The purchase price was approximately $5.5 million.
The vineyard is planted with several varieties, including approximately 120
acres of Chardonnay and 100 acres of Pinot Noir. The Company intends to secure
long-term grape purchase contracts for the grape production from this new
vineyard. There can be no assurance, however, that the Company will be
successful in finding a winery or wineries which will agree to such long-term
wine grape purchase contracts.
REDEVELOPMENT OF EXISTING VINEYARDS. In 1993, SVI began a major improvement
and refurbishment program at its vineyards in order to increase production and
to upgrade its variety mix to those grapes that were expected to be in greater
demand and sell at higher prices. From 1993 through 1997, the Company made
capital expenditures at its vineyards of over $11.0 million, and the improvement
and refurbishment program is continuing. From 1993 through 1997, the Company
replanted or regrafted approximately 995 acres to higher value varieties and
interplanted an additional 870 acres. In 1998, the Company is replanting
approximately 152 acres and is interplanting approximately 322 acres. See "--Net
Vine Acres Owned by SVI and Tons Produced."
WATER SUPPLY
The Company's vineyards are located in the Salinas Valley through which
flows the Salinas River. The watershed of the Salinas Valley is from the Ventana
Wilderness in the Los Padres National Forest and Santa Lucia range of coastal
mountains. The Salinas River supplies a very large aquifer which is tapped by
agricultural users. In addition, the Salinas River is fed by two large
reservoirs, Lake Nacimiento and Lake San Antonio, which were built primarily for
agricultural water supply purposes to serve the Salinas Valley. These reservoirs
are maintained by the Monterey County Water Resource Agency. The Company drip
irrigates all of its vineyards from wells located on or near its vineyards. The
quality of the water obtained from the wells is good, and the wells have proven
to be a plentiful
33
<PAGE>
and reliable source of water for the Company's operations, even during the
drought years of the late 1980s. See "Risk Factors--Water."
VINEYARD MANAGEMENT CONTRACTS
The Company manages, as a contract vineyard operator, approximately 1,680
acres in Monterey and San Benito Counties for four vineyard owners, including
approximately 1,533 acres managed for IDV and Canandaigua. Pursuant to its
management and harvest contracts, budgeted costs of labor and equipment are
advanced to the Company on a monthly basis and the Company receives management
fees based on the acreage managed and harvested. The Company's vineyard
management contracts generally expire no earlier than the completion of harvest
in years ranging from 2004 to 2012, and otherwise may be terminated by either
party with one or two years' advance notice. In certain cases the Company has
also received fees for financing vineyard improvements, securing property and
designing vineyards. The Company may enter into similar arrangements for other
vineyard properties in the future.
WINE PRODUCTION AND SALES; STOCKHOLDER "WINE DIVIDEND" PROGRAM
SVI began limited production of its own ultra premium varietal wines under
the SCHEID VINEYARDS and SAN LUCAS VINEYARD labels in 1991. The Company has
contracted for its wine production with Storrs Winery, a small producer of award
winning wines located in Santa Cruz, California, approximately 50 miles from the
Company's vineyard headquarters. The Company currently subleases space in a
1,600 square foot building from Storrs Winery, including certain space dedicated
for the Company's exclusive use in connection with its winemaking activities. In
1996, the Company obtained a winery license, and a tasting room was opened in
April 1997 at the Company's vineyard headquarters located on U.S. Highway 101 (a
major north-south thoroughfare between San Francisco and Los Angeles) just south
of Greenfield and north of King City in Monterey County.
Production and sales have been limited to date. In 1996 and 1997, SVI
produced approximately 2,000 and 4,000 cases, respectively, of ultra premium
varietal wines, including Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and White
Riesling, using Company-grown grapes. While its actual wine production will
depend on various factors, the Company currently plans to increase its annual
production to approximately 5,000 cases by late 1998. As it increases wine
production, the Company intends to distribute directly through its tasting room,
restaurants, clubs and a few selected retailers. In 1997, the Company also
offered a "wine dividend" to holders of at least 100 shares of its Class A
Common Stock, whereby such shareholders were entitled to a $0.50 per share
credit for use in making limited purchases of the Company's wine at up to a 50%
discount from the retail price. The Company intends to offer another "wine
dividend" in 1998. SVI has not yet earned a profit on its wine business and
cannot predict when, or if, these operations will become profitable. Further,
SVI does not expect its wine business to have a material impact on sales or
earnings in the foreseeable future. No assurances can be given that wine
production and sales ever will be a major source of profit for the Company.
COMPETITION
Wine grape growing and wine production are extremely competitive. There are
an estimated 800 commercial wineries which produce and market California table
wine, approximately half of which produce fewer than 5,000 cases per year. Seven
wineries account for approximately 71% of sales based on total California wine
shipments in 1997. In addition, there are many sources of supply of wine grapes
in California and in countries outside the United States. At the end of 1996,
approximately 380,000 acres were planted to wine grapes in California according
to the California Agricultural Statistics Service, and the number of planted
acres is growing. Most wine grape producers have small, privately owned
operations and sell their production to wineries, often at spot market prices
from year to year. Quality of production and yields can vary widely from
vineyard to vineyard in the same geographic area. To supplement the grapes they
buy from independent producers, many wineries also
34
<PAGE>
own or lease vineyards to supply some of their grape needs. Certain major
wineries, such as Robert Mondavi, are large wine grape producers and produce a
significant proportion of the grapes they need to make wine. Substantial
vineyard acreage is also owned by other wineries and more is being developed.
There are no published data regarding the size of the wine grape production
industry in California, and holdings of properties are not publicly reported.
However, the Company believes it is one of the largest independent producers of
premium wine grapes in California, and that there are approximately four or five
independent producers of comparable size in terms of acreage.
In addition, there are numerous wine producers in Europe, South America,
South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. All of these regions export wine into
the United States. California grape and wine supply shortages, especially in red
wines, have prompted some domestic national brand marketers to purchase wine
from foreign sources. Most imports are bottled wines; however, some wineries
have imported bulk wine in large tanks for bottling and sale in the United
States. Imports to California for these purposes increased from approximately
279,000 gallons in 1995 to approximately 6 million gallons in 1996. Over 90% of
the bulk wine imported for this purpose came from Chile and France.
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
SVI currently maintains 14 above-ground fuel storage tanks on its own
vineyard properties to provide fuel to its various vehicles and machinery. These
tanks have capacities ranging from approximately 500 to 10,000 gallons and are
installed on concrete slabs with catch basins to protect the ground surface from
any inadvertent release. No underground storage tanks are located on the
Company's properties.
The Company's current operations require the periodic usage of various
chemical herbicides, fungicides and pesticides, some of which contain hazardous
or toxic substances. The usage and storage of these chemicals are, to varying
degrees, subject to federal and state regulation. To the extent that the Company
stores such chemicals, they are contained in a secured storage facility at the
Company's vineyard headquarters. The most toxic pesticide used by the Company,
Furadan-TM-, is not stored on-site, but is delivered as needed by an
unaffiliated company and applied to the vineyard under the supervision of a
state-licensed applicator. The Company also maintains a comprehensive safety
program supervised by the Company's human resources safety director and a
licensed pest control advisor.
TRADEMARKS AND LABELS
The Company is seeking to register a trademark relating to a specific slogan
which the Company uses on souvenirs and paraphernalia sold at the Company's
wine-tasting room. The Company also has wine labels approved by the Bureau of
Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, including the SCHEID VINEYARDS and SAN LUCAS
VINEYARD brand names.
EMPLOYEES AND LABOR RELATIONS
The Company has approximately 63 full-time employees and employs seasonal
and contract labor for vineyard development, pruning, harvesting and other
related tasks during peak seasons. Field labor needs are seasonal, normally
peaking at approximately 400 field workers at harvest, and dropping to a low of
approximately 50 immediately after harvest. The Company also uses contracted
labor for specialized work, such as grafting, and otherwise when necessary.
The UFW has represented the Company's farm workers since 1993. The Company
has recently completed the negotiation of a new four-year contract with the UFW
that will expire at the end of 2001. The terms of the new contract are not
expected to have a material economic impact on the Company. The Company believes
its labor relations are satisfactory. The Company has never had a walk-out,
sit-down, slow-down or strike, and the existing contract has a "no strike"
clause. The
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<PAGE>
Company has, however, been picketed, particularly during the organizing effort
by the UFW and during negotiation of the first contract in 1995. See "Risk
Factors--Labor Regulations and Union Contract."
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is not a party to any material legal proceedings.
PROPERTIES
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS. The Company's executive corporate office occupies
approximately 5,685 square feet in Marina del Rey, California under a five-year
lease with Tesh Partners, L.P., a limited partnership of which SVI is the
general partner and four members of the Scheid family are limited partners. Each
of these members of the Scheid family is a principal stockholder of the Company.
See "Certain Transactions." The lease expires in 1999. The Company believes that
its existing facilities will be adequate to meet the Company's needs for the
foreseeable future. Should the Company need additional space, management
believes it will be able to secure additional space at commercially reasonable
rates.
VINEYARDS. The Company currently owns approximately 1,837 acres of land and
leases approximately 1,763 acres of land underlying its vineyards, all of which
are located in Monterey County, California. The four leases to which the Company
is a party were entered into in 1973, 1979, 1996 and 1997, respectively, and
each of the land leases has an initial term of approximately 30 years and
options to extend for up to an additional 20 years. In addition, if the owner of
any leased property decides to sell, the Company has rights of first purchase or
first refusal. Substantially all of the Company's property, plant and equipment
serves as collateral for long-term debt.
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<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
The following sets forth certain information with regard to each of the
directors and executive officers of the Company.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AGE POSITION
- ------------------------------------ --- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Alfred G. Scheid(1)................. 66 Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer
Scott D. Scheid..................... 38 Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Director
Heidi M. Scheid(2).................. 34 Vice President Finance, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and
Director
Kurt J. Gollnick.................... 39 Vice President Vineyard Operations
Ernest M. Brown..................... 70 Vice President and Secretary
John L. Crary (1)(2)................ 44 Director
Robert P. Hartzell (1)(2)........... 64 Director
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Member of the Compensation Committee.
(2) Member of the Audit Committee.
ALFRED G. SCHEID, the Company's Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer, was one of the founders of the Company in 1972 and has served
continuously as its Chief Executive Officer since that time. Mr. Scheid has been
engaged full-time in the business of SVI since 1988, when he became the sole
owner of the Company. Prior to 1988, Mr. Scheid had other business affairs
outside SVI. Mr. Scheid is a founder of the California Association of Winegrape
Growers, a trade association that represents the interests of California wine
grape producers and has served as its chairman. He is also a founder of Monterey
County Vintners and Growers Association, a trade association composed primarily
of wine grape and wine producers, and has been an associate member of the Wine
Institute, a San Francisco-based trade organization, for more than 25 years. Mr.
Scheid is a graduate of the Harvard Graduate School of Business, and is the
father of Scott D. Scheid and Heidi M. Scheid.
SCOTT D. SCHEID became Chief Operating Officer and a director of the Company
in 1997. Mr. Scheid joined the Company in 1986 as Vice President and has been
engaged full-time in the business of the Company since that time. Prior to
joining SVI, he was employed as an options trader with E.F. Hutton & Company
Inc. Mr. Scheid was recently elected as a director of the California Association
of Winegrape Growers, and he previously has served as a director of Monterey
County Vintners and Growers Association. Mr. Scheid holds a B.A. degree in
economics from Claremont Men's College.
HEIDI M. SCHEID became the Company's Vice President Finance, Chief Financial
Officer, Treasurer and a director in 1997. Ms. Scheid joined the Company in 1992
as Director of Planning after serving as a senior valuation analyst at Ernst &
Young, LLP for two years. Prior to that, she was an associate with Interven
Partners, a venture capital firm. Ms. Scheid holds an M.B.A. degree from the
University of Southern California.
KURT J. GOLLNICK has been the Company's Vice President Vineyard Operations
since 1997. Mr. Gollnick joined SVI in 1988 as General Manager, Vineyard
Operations. For seven years prior to joining the Company, Mr. Gollnick was a
vineyard manager for Thornhill Ranches of Santa Maria, California, where he
managed 1,200 acres of vineyards. He has served as a director of the California
Association of Winegrape Growers from 1989 through 1997. Mr. Gollnick has also
served as president of the Central Coast Grape Growers and Monterey Grape
Growers Associations. Mr. Gollnick holds a
37
<PAGE>
B.S. degree in agricultural economics from the California Polytechnic State
University San Luis Obispo.
ERNEST M. BROWN joined the Company in 1972, and at various times has served
as the Company's Vice President, Controller and Secretary. Mr. Brown currently
holds the positions of Vice President and Secretary. Mr. Brown is a licensed
certified public accountant and was formerly a partner with the accounting firm
of Lee, Sperling, Brown and Hisamune.
JOHN L. CRARY became a director of the Company in 1997. Since 1988, Mr.
Crary has been a corporate financial advisor and venture capital investor active
with companies in the agricultural, bioscience and energy industries. From 1980
to 1988, Mr. Crary was an investment banker in the corporate finance department
of E.F. Hutton & Company Inc. Mr. Crary has been a consultant to SVI and its
predecessors since 1993 in connection with financial matters, acquisitions and
business strategy. Mr. Crary is a founder and director of Petroleum Capital
Associates, Inc., a privately held oil and gas investment concern, and is a
graduate of the University of California at Irvine and the Columbia University
Graduate School of Business.
ROBERT P. HARTZELL became a director of the Company in 1997. Mr. Hartzell is
the owner of Harmony Vineyards, a producer of premium Zinfandel wine grapes near
Lodi, California. From 1978 to 1996, Mr. Hartzell was President of the
California Association of Winegrape Growers. For six years during this period,
Mr. Hartzell also served on the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee to the
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and the U.S. Trade Representative in connection
with the General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs negotiations. Mr. Hartzell has
also served as Deputy Director of the California Department of Food and
Agriculture. Mr. Hartzell holds a B.S. degree from the University of California
at Davis.
Officers serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS, COMMITTEES AND COMPENSATION
Directors are elected to serve a one-year term and until their successors
are duly elected and qualified. The number of authorized directors is currently
set at five. See "Description of Capital Stock--Class A Common Stock and Class B
Common Stock--Voting Rights" for information concerning the election of
directors by the holders each class of the Company's Common Stock.
The Board of Directors has appointed an Audit Committee and a Compensation
Committee. The members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Crary and Hartzell and
Ms. Scheid. Responsibilities of the Audit Committee include reviewing financial
statements and consulting with the independent auditors concerning the Company's
financial statements, accounting and financial policies and internal controls
and reviewing the scope of the independent auditors' activities and fees. The
members of the Compensation Committee are Messrs. Crary, Hartzell and Alfred G.
Scheid. The Company's Compensation Committee establishes and reviews salary,
bonus and other forms of compensation for officers of the Company, provides
recommendations to the Board of Directors for the salaries and incentive
compensation of the employees and consultants of the Company, reviews training
and human resources policies and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors
regarding such matters. The Company has no nominating committee or committee
performing similar functions.
The Company pays each non-employee director an annual fee of $5,000 and
meeting fees at the rate of $500 for each Board meeting attended in person and
reimburses such director for all expenses incurred by him in his capacity as a
director of the Company. No fees are paid for participation in telephonic
meetings of the Board of directors or its committees or actions taken in
writing. Under the Company's 1997 Stock Option/Stock Issuance Plan, non-employee
directors of the Company periodically receive automatic grants of stock options
exercisable for shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock as described below
under "--1997 Stock Option/Stock Issuance Plan."
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<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
SUMMARY OF CASH AND CERTAIN OTHER COMPENSATION OF NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table sets forth information concerning the annual and
long-term compensation earned by the Named Executive Officers for services
rendered in all capacities to the Company for the fiscal years ended December
31, 1997 and 1996. The "Named Executive Officers" include (i) each person who
served as Chief Executive Officer during 1997 (one person), (ii) each person who
(a) served as an executive officer at December 31, 1997, (b) was among the four
most highly paid executive officers of the Company, not including the Chief
Executive Officer, during 1997 and (c) earned total annual salary and bonus
compensation in 1997 in excess of $100,000 (four persons), and (iii) up to two
persons who would be included under clause (ii) above had they served as an
executive officer at December 31, 1997 (no persons).
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LONG-TERM
ANNUAL COMPENSATION (1) COMPENSATION (4)
-------------------------------------------------- -----------------
OTHER SHARES
ANNUAL UNDERLYING ALL OTHER
NAME AND CAPACITY FISCAL SALARY COMPENSATION OPTIONS/SARS COMPENSATION
IN WHICH SERVED YEAR ($)(2) BONUS ($) ($)(3) (#) ($)(5)(6)
- ---------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------- ------------- ----------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Alfred G. Scheid, 1997 $ 400,000 $ 140,000 -- 0 $ 168,183
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD 1996 $ 400,000 $ 0 -- 0 $ 97,095
AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE
OFFICER
Scott D. Scheid, 1997 $ 118,300 $ 105,000 -- 20,000 $ 3,550
VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF 1996 $ 90,000 $ 75,000 -- 0 $ 2,700
OPERATING OFFICER
Heidi M. Scheid, 1997 $ 106,700 $ 90,000 -- 20,000 $ 3,200
VICE PRESIDENT FINANCE, CHIEF 1996 $ 75,000 $ 30,000 -- 0 $ 2,250
FINANCIAL OFFICER AND TREASURER
Kurt J. Gollnick, 1997 $ 111,700 $ 105,000 -- 20,000 $ 3,350
VICE PRESIDENT VINEYARD OPERATIONS 1996 $ 92,700 $ 85,000 -- 0 $ 2,781
Ernest M. Brown, 1997 $ 120,000 $ 72,000 -- 20,000 $ 3,600
VICE PRESIDENT AND SECRETARY 1996 $ 118,000 $ 72,000 -- 0 $ 2,070
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Amounts shown include cash compensation earned for the periods reported
whether paid or accrued in such periods.
(2) As of the date of this Prospectus, the annual salary levels for the Named
Executive Officers were: Alfred G. Scheid ($400,000); Scott D. Scheid
($130,000); Heidi M. Scheid ($120,000); Kurt J. Gollnick ($120,000); and
Ernest M. Brown ($120,000).
(3) During 1997 and 1996, the Named Executive Officers received personal
benefits, the aggregate amounts of which for each Named Executive Officer
did not exceed the lesser of $50,000 or 10% of the total of the annual
salary and bonus reported for such Named Executive Officer in such years.
(4) The Named Executive Officers did not receive any restricted stock awards or
long-term incentive plan payouts in 1997 or 1996.
(5) Except as described in note 6, all amounts in this column represent matching
contributions under the Company's 401(k) plan. In the case of Alfred G.
Scheid, matching contributions in 1997 and 1996 were $4,750 and $4,620,
respectively.
(6) In the case of Alfred G. Scheid, includes $163,433 and $92,475 in 1997 and
1996, respectively, representing benefits received under a split dollar life
insurance trust arrangement pursuant to which Alfred G. Scheid is entitled
to designate the
39
<PAGE>
beneficiary of a $2,000,000 life insurance policy and the Company is
obligated to advance a portion of the premiums. The owner of the insurance
policy is a trust, the trustees of which include Scott D. Scheid and Heidi
M. Scheid, each of whom is an executive officer and director of the Company
and a child of Alfred G. Scheid. Advances by the Company are required to be
repaid out of the surrender proceeds or death benefits payable under the
policy. The amount of the benefits received in each year represents (i) the
premiums payable by the Company during the year ($163,433 in 1997 and
$92,475 in 1996) plus (ii) the proportionate amount, if any, of the excess
of the actuarially projected cash surrender value of the policy at the end
of such year over the aggregate amount of premiums advanced by the Company
through such year ($0 at each of December 31, 1997 and 1996). Such
proportionate amount is measured by the time-weighted compounded returns on
the premiums advanced by each of the Company and the policy owner, and
assuming a constant rate of return from inception of the policy.
OPTION GRANTS
The following table sets forth information with respect to grants of stock
options to the Named Executive Officers during fiscal 1997, which stock options
are exercisable for shares of Class A Common Stock of the Company. No stock
appreciation rights were granted by the Company in fiscal 1997.
OPTIONS/SAR GRANTS IN FISCAL 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF % OF TOTAL
SECURITIES OPTIONS/SARS
UNDERLYING GRANTED TO EXERCISE
OPTIONS/SARS EMPLOYEES IN PRICE
NAME GRANTED (#) (1) FISCAL YEAR ($/SHARE) EXPIRATION DATE
- ------------------------------------------------ --------------- --------------- ------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Scott D. Scheid................................. 20,000 14.2% $ 10.00 July 23, 2007
Heidi M. Scheid................................. 20,000 14.2% $ 10.00 July 23, 2007
Kurt J. Gollnick................................ 20,000 14.2% $ 10.00 July 23, 2007
Ernest M. Brown................................. 20,000 14.2% $ 10.00 July 23, 2007
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) These options were granted on July 24, 1997. The exercise price is equal to
the fair market value of the Class A Common Stock on the date of grant. The
options vest 25% on the first anniversary of the grant date with the
remaining 75% vesting ratably in 36 monthly installments following the first
anniversary of the grant date; provided, however, that the vesting of
options will be accelerated immediately prior to certain corporate
transactions involving certain changes in control of the Company unless the
options are assumed, or replaced with comparable options or a cash incentive
program, by the successor corporation. The stock options are subject to
termination prior to the expiration date following the termination of the
optionee's employment with the Company. The terms of the stock options
granted to the Named Executive Officers are the same as those granted on the
same date to other employees of the Company, except that none of the stock
options granted to the Named Executive Officers are "incentive stock
options," and the stock options granted to the Named Executive Officers
provide for the acceleration of vesting and extension of the option
termination dates upon the termination of the optionee's employment with the
Company under certain circumstances following certain changes in control of
the Company. See "--1997 Stock Option/Stock Issuance Plan" and "--Employment
Agreements, Termination of Employment and Change-in-Control Arrangements"
below.
40
<PAGE>
OPTION EXERCISES AND HOLDINGS
The following table sets forth with respect to the Named Executive Officers
information concerning the exercise of stock options during 1997 and unexercised
options held as of the end of the year. The Company has never granted stock
appreciation rights.
AGGREGATED OPTION/SAR EXERCISES
AND 1997 YEAR-END OPTION/SAR VALUES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VALUE OF
UNEXERCISED
NUMBER OF IN-THE-MONEY
UNEXERCISED OPTIONS/SARS AT OPTIONS/SARS
AT FISCAL YEAR
FISCAL YEAR END(#) END($)(1)
SHARES ACQUIRED ON VALUE -------------------------------- -----------------
NAME EXERCISE(#) REALIZED($) UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
- ----------------------------- --------------------- --------------- ------------- ----------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Alfred G. Scheid............. 0 $ 0 0 0
Scott D. Scheid.............. 0 $ 0 20,000 0 $ 0
Heidi M. Scheid.............. 0 $ 0 20,000 0 $ 0
Kurt J. Gollnick............. 0 $ 0 20,000 0 $ 0
Ernest M. Brown.............. 0 $ 0 20,000 0 $ 0
<CAPTION>
NAME EXERCISABLE
- ----------------------------- ---------------
<S> <C>
Alfred G. Scheid.............
Scott D. Scheid.............. $ 0
Heidi M. Scheid.............. $ 0
Kurt J. Gollnick............. $ 0
Ernest M. Brown.............. $ 0
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) The values of unexercised in-the-money options have been determined based on
the per share closing price of the Company's Class A Common Stock as
reported in the Nasdaq National Market System on December 31, 1997 ($9.125).
1997 STOCK OPTION/STOCK ISSUANCE PLAN
An aggregate of 200,000 shares of Class A Common Stock have been authorized
for direct issuance to, or issuance upon exercise of options that may be granted
to, directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company under the 1997
Stock Option/Stock Issuance Plan, as amended (the "Plan"). In no event, however,
may any one participant in the Plan receive option grants or direct stock
issuances for more than 100,000 shares of Class A Common Stock in the aggregate
per calendar year.
The Plan is divided into three separate components: (i) the Discretionary
Option Grant Program under which eligible individuals may, at the discretion of
the Plan Administrator, be granted options to purchase shares of Class A Common
Stock at an exercise price not less than 100% of the fair market value of those
shares on the grant date; (ii) the Stock Issuance Program under which such
individuals may, in the Plan Administrator's discretion, be issued shares of
Class A Common Stock directly, through the purchase of such shares at a price
not less than 100% of their fair market value at the time of issuance or as a
bonus tied to the performance of services; and (iii) the Automatic Option Grant
Program under which option grants will automatically be made at periodic
intervals to eligible non-employee directors to purchase shares of Class A
Common Stock at an exercise price equal to 100% of their fair market value on
the grant date.
The Discretionary Option Grant Program and the Stock Issuance Program are
administered by the Board of Directors with recommendations by the Compensation
Committee. The Board of Directors has complete discretion to determine which
eligible individuals are to receive option grants or stock issuances, the time
or times when such option grants or stock issuances are to be made, the number
of shares subject to each such grant or issuance, the status of any granted
option as either an incentive stock option or a non-statutory stock option under
the federal tax laws, the vesting schedule to be in effect for the option grant
or stock issuance and the maximum term for which any granted option is to remain
outstanding.
In the event that the Company is acquired by merger or asset sale while
SVI-Del continues to own at least 50% of the outstanding voting securities of
SVI-Cal, or in the event SVI-Cal is acquired by merger or asset sale, each
outstanding option under the Discretionary Option Grant Program which is
41
<PAGE>
not to be assumed by the successor corporation will automatically accelerate in
full (unless such acceleration is precluded by the terms of the grant), and all
unvested shares under the Stock Issuance Program will immediately vest, except
to the extent the Company's repurchase rights with respect to those shares are
to be assigned to the successor corporation or such acceleration is precluded by
the terms of the grant. However, the Board of Directors has the discretionary
authority to structure option grants and repurchase rights under the
Discretionary Option Grant and Stock Issuance Programs so that the shares
subject to those options or repurchase rights will vest immediately upon (i) a
merger or asset sale whether or not those options are assumed or those
repurchase rights are assigned or (ii) the termination of the individual's
service, whether involuntarily or through a resignation for good reason, within
a designated period following a merger or asset sale in which those options are
assumed or those repurchase rights are assigned or following a change in control
of the Company effected by a successful tender offer for more than 50% of the
Company's outstanding voting securities or by proxy contest for the election of
directors. In addition, one or more options or repurchase rights may be
structured so that the shares subject to those options or repurchase rights will
vest immediately upon the termination of the individual's service within a
designated period following a change in ownership of more than 50% of the
outstanding voting securities of SVI-Cal.
The Board of Directors has the authority to effect the cancellation of
outstanding options under the Plan in return for the grant of new options for
the same or different number of option shares with an exercise price per share
based upon the fair market value of the shares of Class A Common Stock on the
new grant date.
Under the Automatic Option Grant Program, each individual who was serving as
a non-employee director on the date the underwriting agreement for the Company's
initial public offering was executed (July 24, 1997) received an option grant on
such date for 10,000 shares of Class A Common Stock. Such option grants were
made to each of Messrs. Crary and Hartzell. Each individual who first becomes a
non-employee director at any time after such date will receive a 10,000-share
option grant on the date such individual joins the Board, provided such
individual has not been in the prior employ of the Company and has not
previously received an option grant from the Company in his or her capacity as a
non-employee director. In addition, at each Annual Stockholders Meeting,
beginning with the 1998 Annual Meeting, each individual with at least six months
of Board service who is to continue to serve as a non-employee director after
the meeting will receive an additional option grant to purchase 2,500 shares of
Class A Common Stock, whether or not such individual has been in the prior
employ of the Company.
Each automatic grant has or will have a term of ten years, subject to
earlier termination following the optionee's cessation of Board service. The
initial 10,000-share option grant will become exercisable in a series of four
successive equal annual installments over the optionee's period of Board
service. Each additional 2,500-share option grant will become exercisable upon
the optionee's completion of one year of Board service measured from the grant
date. However, each outstanding option will immediately vest upon (i) certain
changes in the ownership or control of the Company or (ii) the death or
disability of the optionee while serving as a director.
The Board may amend or modify the Plan at any time. The Plan will terminate
in June 2007, unless sooner terminated by the Board.
As of the date of this Prospectus, options exercisable for 162,000 shares
had been granted under the Plan at an average exercise price of $10.00 per
share.
LIMITATION OF DIRECTORS' LIABILITY; INDEMNIFICATION
The Company's Certificate of Incorporation limits the liability of directors
to the maximum extent permitted by Delaware law. Delaware law provides that a
corporation's certificate of incorporation may contain a provision eliminating
or limiting the personal liability of a director for monetary
42
<PAGE>
damages for breach of their fiduciary duties as directors, except for liability
(i) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or its
stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve
intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) for unlawful
payments of dividends or unlawful stock repurchases or redemptions as provided
in Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL") or (iv) for
any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.
The Company's Bylaws provide that the Company shall indemnify its directors
and officers and may indemnify its employees and agents to the fullest extent
permitted by law. Indemnification under the Company's Bylaws covers at least
negligence and gross negligence on the part of indemnified parties. Under
certain circumstances, the scope of liability of directors and the
indemnification of directors and officers may be subject to the requirements of
California corporate laws. See "Description of Capital Stock--Potential
Applicability of Certain Provisions of the California General Corporation Law"
The Company has entered into agreements to provide indemnification for the
Company's directors and certain officers in addition to the indemnification
provided for in the Bylaws. These agreements, among other things, will indemnify
the Company's directors and certain officers to the fullest extent permitted by
Delaware law for certain expenses (including attorneys' fees), and all losses,
claims, liabilities, judgments, fines and settlement amounts incurred by such
persons arising out of or in connection with such persons' service as directors
or officers of the Company or an affiliate of the Company. These agreements
provide for the advancement of expenses incurred in defending a claim prior to
resolution of the merits of the claim. These agreements also require the Company
to maintain directors and officers liability insurance. The Employment
Agreements described below impose similar indemnification obligations on the
Company.
There is no pending litigation or proceeding involving a director, officer,
employee or agent of the Company, and the Company is not aware of any threatened
litigation or proceeding which may result in a claim for such indemnification.
RETIREMENT PLANS
The Company has two 401(k) profit sharing plans. The first plan is for the
benefit of the Company's employees who are covered by the United Farm Workers of
America Collective Bargaining Agreement. All union employees of the Company are
eligible to participate after having worked 500 hours within a one-year period.
The Company contributes 15 cents for each hour worked by eligible employees. The
second plan covers SVI's non-union employees. All non-union employees of the
Company are eligible to participate in the plan after one year of employment.
Employees may contribute between 1% and 15% of their annual compensation. The
Company matches 50 cents for every dollar of an employee's contributions up to
6% of the employee's annual salary.
The Company has an individual retirement agreement with Ernest M. Brown,
Vice President and Secretary of the Company, age 70. This agreement provides for
the Company to pay to Mr. Brown $100,000 per annum at the time of his retirement
or disability for the rest of his life. Mr. Brown has not set a date for his
retirement and this retirement agreement is unfunded; therefore, it is not
possible to determine the absolute dollar amount for which the Company is liable
in the future. The Company has, however, reserved $662,000 for this contingency
as of December 31, 1997.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS, TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT AND CHANGE-IN-CONTROL
ARRANGEMENTS
The Company has entered into an employment agreement (collectively, the
"Employment Agreements") with each of Alfred G. Scheid, Scott D. Scheid, Heidi
M. Scheid and Kurt J. Gollnick (collectively, the "Employees") providing for a
minimum employment of three years beginning on July 19, 1997, except for Alfred
G. Scheid, whose Employment Agreement has a one-year term. Under
43
<PAGE>
their respective Employment Agreements, Alfred G. Scheid currently is entitled
to an annual base salary of $400,000, Scott D. Scheid currently is entitled to
an annual base salary of $130,000 and each of Heidi M. Scheid and Kurt J.
Gollnick is entitled to an annual base salary of $120,000. The base salary under
each Employment Agreement is subject to upward adjustment, and each Employee is
eligible for bonus compensation pursuant to bonus arrangements, as determined by
the Board of Directors upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee.
The Company may terminate each Employee's employment at any time with or without
cause, and no severance payment obligations are provided.
A Buy-Sell Agreement among the Company and the holders of Class B Common
Stock provides, among other things, that the shares of Class B Common Stock held
by Mr. Gollnick (currently 300,093) are purchasable at the option first of the
Company, next of Alfred G. Scheid if the Company does not exercise such option,
and thereafter of Scott D. Scheid and Heidi M. Scheid if the Company and Alfred
G. Scheid do not exercise such options, if Mr. Gollnick's employment with the
Company terminates for any reason. See "Principal and Selling
Stockholders--Agreement Among Class B Stockholders." If such termination is a
voluntary termination by Mr. Gollnick that occurs prior to July 29, 2004, or is
for "cause" (as defined) regardless of when such termination for "cause" occurs,
the per share purchase price for Mr. Gollnick's shares of Class B Common Stock
will be equal to the price per share he paid for such shares, and if such
termination occurs for any other reason or under any other circumstances, or
upon the death of Mr. Gollnick, the per share purchase price will be the
weighted average trading price of the Class A Common Stock for the immediately
preceding 20 trading days on which such Class A Common Stock actually was
traded.
The outstanding stock options exercisable for shares of Class A Common Stock
of the Company that have been granted under the Plan, including those granted to
the directors and Named Executive Officers, provide for accelerated vesting in
connection with certain corporate transactions involving certain changes in
control of the Company unless the options are assumed, or replaced with
comparable options or a cash incentive program, by the successor corporation. In
addition, the stock options that have been granted to the Named Executive
Officers provide for immediate acceleration of these options upon an
"involuntary termination" of employment occurring within 18 months of a "change
in control." In the event of such an acceleration, the options will remain
exercisable until the earlier of the expiration date specified in the option
grant and one year after the date of involuntary termination. For purposes of
these provisions: an "involuntary termination" means, generally, termination by
the Company other than for "misconduct" (as defined) or termination by the
employee following an involuntary material change in position and
responsibility, an involuntary reduction in compensation by more than 15% or an
involuntary relocation by more than 50 miles; and a "change in control" means,
generally, the acquisition of securities representing a majority of the voting
power of the Company other than by the Company and its affiliates, a change in a
majority of the Board of Directors over a period of 36 months or less involving
new directors that have not been elected or nominated by the other directors or
a change in ownership of securities representing more than a majority of the
voting power of certain subsidiaries of the Company.
44
<PAGE>
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
FORMATION OF SVI
SVI was incorporated in Delaware in July 1997 to act as a holding company
for Scheid Vineyards California Inc., a California corporation ("SVI-Cal"), the
Company's operating subsidiary, and to participate in the Exchange Transaction
described below. See "--Exchange of Shares, Partnership Units and Limited
Liability Company Interests for Class B Common Stock."
EXCHANGE OF SHARES, PARTNERSHIP UNITS AND LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY INTERESTS
FOR CLASS B COMMON STOCK
Prior to the Company's initial public offering, SVI-Cal was the general
partner of (i) Vineyard Investors 1972 ("VI-1972"), a California limited
partnership having as its limited partners SVI-Cal, Big Vines Limited Liability
Company ("Big Vines"), a California limited liability company having Scott D.
Scheid (the son of Alfred G. Scheid and an executive officer and a director of
the Company) and Heidi M. Scheid (the daughter of Alfred G. Scheid and an
executive officer and a director of the Company) as its members, Emanty Limited
Liability Company, a California limited liability company having Alfred G.
Scheid (an executive officer and a director of the Company), Tyler P. Scheid
(the son of Alfred G. Scheid) and Emily K. Liberty (the daughter of Alfred G.
Scheid) as its members, and Kurt J. Gollnick (an executive officer of the
Company); and (ii) Vineyard 405 ("V-405"), a California limited partnership
having as its limited partners SVI-Cal and VI-1972. Prior to the initial public
offering, SVI-Cal also was a member of Quadra Partners LLC ("Quadra Partners"),
a California limited liability company having Alfred G. Scheid, Scott D. Scheid,
Heidi M. Scheid and Kurt J. Gollnick as additional members. During their
respective existences, VI-1972, V-405 and Quadra Partners were the owners or
ground lessees of various vineyard properties currently owned or leased by the
Company.
In connection with the initial public offering, the capital stock of SVI-Cal
held by its sole stockholder, the membership interests held by all members of
each of Quadra Partners and Big Vines and the limited partnership units held by
all limited partners (other than SVI-Cal) in VI-1972 were contributed to the
Company in exchange for (i) 4,400,000 shares of Class B Common Stock of the
Company (the "Exchange Transaction"), representing 100% of the issued and
outstanding common stock of the Company prior to the initial public offering,
and (ii) a commitment by SVI-Cal to make the distributions described below. See
"--Termination of SVI-Cal's S Corporation Status." The Company, as part of the
Exchange Transaction, simultaneously contributed such limited partnership units
in VI-1972 and such membership interests in each of Quadra Partners and Big
Vines to SVI-Cal and, as a result, each of Quadra Partners, Big Vines, VI-1972
and V-405 was terminated and dissolved and the assets and liabilities of each
became assets and liabilities of SVI-Cal. The following table sets forth the
number and percentage of shares of Class B Common Stock of SVI that were issued
to the sole stockholder of SVI-Cal and the members of and limited partners in
Quadra Partners, Big Vines and VI-1972 as a result of the Exchange Transaction:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENTAGE OF CLASS B
NUMBER OF SHARES COMMON STOCK
OF CLASS B COMMON OUTSTANDING FOLLOWING
NAME OF MEMBER OR PARTNER STOCK RECEIVED EXCHANGE TRANSACTION
- ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -----------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Emanty Limited Liability Company (1)............................. 573,870 13.0%
Alfred G. Scheid (2)............................................. 2,955,851 67.2%
Scott D. Scheid.................................................. 290,093 6.6%
Heidi M. Scheid.................................................. 290,093 6.6%
Kurt J. Gollnick................................................. 290,093 6.6%
----------------- ---
Total........................................................ 4,400,000 100%
----------------- ---
----------------- ---
</TABLE>
- ------------------------------
(1) Emanty Limited Liability Company has been dissolved by agreement of its
members, and its shares of Class B Common Stock have been distributed to its
members (Alfred G. Scheid and two of his children not employed by the
Company) pro rata in accordance with their respective membership interests.
(2) All of these shares were issued to Mr. Scheid as Trustee of the Alfred G.
Scheid Revocable Trust dated October 8, 1992.
45
<PAGE>
TERMINATION OF SVI-CAL'S S CORPORATION STATUS
SVI-Cal was a Subchapter S Corporation for federal and California state
income tax purposes from 1989 until July 1997. As a result, the net income of
SVI-Cal for federal and certain state income tax purposes for such periods was
reported by, and taxed directly to, SVI-Cal's sole stockholder, Alfred G.
Scheid, whether or not such earnings were distributed. Prior to the Company's
initial public offering, SVI-Cal's cumulative S Corporation earnings were
determined and a distribution of $3,102,000 was made to Mr. Scheid. In addition,
a distribution of $480,000 was made to the limited partners of Vineyard
Investors 1972 (as of immediately prior to the Exchange Transaction) to pay
income taxes on income from the partnership. The Exchange Transaction resulted
in the termination of SVI-Cal's S Corporation status. See "--Exchange of Shares,
Partnership Units and Limited Liability Company Interests for Class B Common
Stock."
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS LEASE
Pursuant to a five-year lease (the "Lease"), the Company leases the third
floor of a three-story office building in Marina del Rey, a suburb of Los
Angeles, from Tesh Partners, L.P., a limited partnership comprised of members of
the Scheid family. The Company occupies 5,685 square feet and the rest of the
building (approximately 5,300 square feet) is leased to unrelated parties. The
general partner of Tesh Partners, L.P. is SVI-Cal and the limited partners are
Alfred G. Scheid's four children, two of whom are Scott D. Scheid and Heidi M.
Scheid, each an executive officer and a director of the Company. The Lease runs
until 1999 and the rent is $98,616 annually, plus an additional annual amount of
$3,660 for parking. The Company believes that the terms of the Lease are at
least as favorable to the Company as if the Lease were entered into with an
unaffiliated third party.
WORKING CAPITAL LOAN
In March 1997, SVI-Cal paid $1.0 million to Alfred G. Scheid, then its sole
stockholder, as repayment of a working capital loan made by him to SVI-Cal. This
loan bore interest at one-quarter percentage point above the reference rate of a
commercial bank.
GOLLNICK NOTE
On December 30, 1994, Kurt J. Gollnick, an executive officer of the Company,
purchased 555 limited partnership units of VI-1972 from SVI in exchange for the
delivery by Mr. Gollnick to the Company of a Promissory Note (the "Gollnick
Note") in the original principal amount of $98,790. The Gollnick Note bore
interest at the rate of 8.23% per annum, and was payable interest only on the
30th day of December of each year until December 30, 2004, at which time the
entire principal balance and all accrued, unpaid interest was payable in full.
The Gollnick Note was repaid in full in December 1997.
CONSULTING AGREEMENTS
The Company periodically consults with John L. Crary and Robert P. Hartzell,
both directors of the Company, on various matters relating to its business
activities. The Company pays Messrs. Crary and Hartzell on an hourly basis, at
varying rates depending on the nature of service being provided. Consulting fees
and reimbursable consulting-related expenses paid to Mr. Crary by the Company
during 1997 aggregated $124,864.
FUTURE TRANSACTIONS
The Company does not have any current intentions to enter into any future
transactions with related parties with respect to the acquisition or development
of additional vineyard or other properties. The Company has adopted a policy
requiring future transactions with affiliates to be on terms no less favorable
to the Company than could be obtained from unaffiliated parties.
46
<PAGE>
PRINCIPAL AND SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
The following tables set forth certain information as of the date of this
Prospectus with respect to persons known by the Company to be beneficial owners
of more than five percent of the Company's Class A Common Stock and Class B
Common Stock, respectively, as well as beneficial ownership of such classes of
Common Stock by the executive officers and directors of the Company, and all
executive officers and directors as a group. These tables also set forth the
number of shares of Class A Common Stock to be sold by Alfred G. Scheid in this
offering and the beneficial ownership of the Class A Common Stock and Class B
Common Stock after giving effect to this offering and the resulting conversion
of the shares sold in the offering from Class B Common Stock to Class A Common
Stock. The persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with
respect to all shares beneficially owned, unless otherwise indicated.
CLASS A COMMON STOCK
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A COMMON STOCK CLASS A COMMON STOCK
BENEFICIALLY OWNED TO BE BENEFICIALLY OWNED
PRIOR TO OFFERING (1) AFTER OFFERING (1)
-------------------------- --------------------------
NUMBER OF SHARES TO NUMBER OF
NAME AND ADDRESS OF BENEFICIAL OWNER (2) SHARES PERCENTAGE BE SOLD SHARES PERCENTAGE
- ------------------------------------------------ ----------- ------------- ----------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Alfred G. Scheid (3)(4)(5)...................... 2,709,589 53.8 1,000,000 1,709,589 34.0
Scott D. Scheid (3)(5)(6)....................... 327,093 12.3 327,093 9.0
Heidi M. Scheid (3)(5)(7)....................... 337,093 12.7 337,093 9.2
Kurt J. Gollnick (3)(5)(8)...................... 300,093 11.4 300,093 8.3
Ernest M. Brown (5)............................. 5,000 * 5,000 *
John L. Crary................................... 0 0.0 0 0.0
Robert P. Hartzell.............................. 0 0.0 0 0.0
Emily K. Liberty (3)(5)(9)...................... 299,066 11.4 299,066 8.3
Tyler P. Scheid (3)(5).......................... 299,066 11.4 299,066 8.3
John Hancock Advisors, Inc. (10)................ 388,600 16.9 388,600 11.7
Wellington Management Company, LLP (11)......... 290,000 12.6 290,000 8.7
Delaware Management Company, Inc. (12).......... 169,900 7.4 169,900 5.1
Putnam Investment Management, Inc. (13)......... 141,500 6.2 141,500 4.3
Fidelity Management & Research Company (14)..... 125,000 5.4 125,000 3.8
All executive officers and directors as a group
(7 PERSONS)................................... 3,666,868 61.2 2,666,868 44.5
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
* Less than one percent.
Footnotes appear after the following table.
47
<PAGE>
CLASS B COMMON STOCK
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS B COMMON STOCK CLASS B COMMON STOCK
BENEFICIALLY OWNED TO BE BENEFICIALLY OWNED
PRIOR TO OFFERING (1) AFTER OFFERING (1)
-------------------------- --------------------------
NUMBER OF NUMBER OF
NAME AND ADDRESS OF BENEFICIAL OWNER (2) SHARES PERCENTAGE SHARES PERCENTAGE
- -------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Alfred G. Scheid (3)(4)(5).................................... 2,709,589 61.9 1,709,589 50.7
Scott D. Scheid (3)(5)(6)..................................... 327,093 7.5 327,093 9.7
Heidi M. Scheid (3)(5)(7)..................................... 337,093 7.7 337,093 10.0
Kurt J. Gollnick (3)(5)(8).................................... 300,093 6.9 300,093 8.9
Ernest M. Brown............................................... 0 0.0 0 0.0
John L. Crary................................................. 0 0.0 0 0.0
Robert P. Hartzell............................................ 0 0.0 0 0.0
Emily K. Liberty (3)(5)(9).................................... 299,066 6.8 299,066 8.9
Tyler P. Scheid (3)(5)........................................ 299,066 6.8 299,066 8.9
All executive officers and directors as a group (7 PERSONS)... 3,661,868 83.7 2,661,868 78.9
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Except in the cases of Mr. Brown and John Hancock Advisors, Inc.,
Wellington Management Company, LLP, Delaware Management Company, Inc.,
Putnam Investment Management, Inc. and Fidelity Management & Research
Company (the "Institutional Holders"), all shares of Class A Common Stock
reflected as beneficially owned by each person named in the first table
above represent shares issuable upon conversion of the beneficial holder's
shares of Class B Common Stock. Beneficial ownership and the percentages of
the Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock outstanding have been
determined in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended, and the rules promulgated thereunder.
(2) The address of each of the persons named in this table, other than the
Institutional Holders, is c/o Scheid Vineyards Inc., 13470 Washington
Boulevard, Marina del Rey, California 90292. The addresses of the
Institutional Holders are set forth in notes 10 through 14 below. Scott D.
Scheid, Heidi M. Scheid, Emily K. Liberty and Tyler P. Scheid are children
of Alfred G. Scheid.
(3) The shares sold will be converted from Class B Common Stock to Class A
Common Stock at the time of sale on the basis of a one-to-one conversion
ratio. The information in this table assumes that the Underwriters'
overallotment option is not exercised. If the overallotment option is
exercised in full, the following Selling Stockholders will sell the
specified number of shares of Class A Common Stock: Scott D. Scheid (30,000
shares); Heidi M. Scheid (30,000 shares); Kurt J. Gollnick (30,000 shares);
Emily K. Liberty (25,000 shares); Tyler P. Scheid (25,000 shares); and
Shirley Gladden Scheid (the wife of Alfred G. Scheid), as sole trustee of a
revocable trust (10,000 shares). All of the overallotment shares also will
be converted from Class B Common Stock at the time of sale on the basis of
a one-to-one conversion ratio. If the overallotment option is exercised in
part, each of the Selling Stockholders (other than Alfred G. Scheid) will
sell a pro rata portion of the aggregate number of shares for which the
option is exercised.
(4) Owned by Alfred G. Scheid as Trustee of the Alfred G. Scheid Revocable
Trust dated October 8, 1992. Does not include 100,000 shares of Class B
Common Stock owned by a revocable trust of which Mr. Scheid's wife is the
sole trustee and over which Mr. Scheid does not have any voting power or
investment power. Mr. Scheid disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares
beneficially owned by his wife's trust.
(5) Pursuant to agreements provided to the representatives of the underwriters
for the Company's initial public offering in July 1997, each of these
stockholders has agreed, subject to certain exceptions, not to sell or
dispose of any shares of capital stock of the Company, either publicly or
privately, without the prior written consent of Cruttenden Roth
Incorporated until July 24, 1998, which consent has been obtained for this
offering. In addition, pursuant to the underwriting agreement for this
offering, Alfred G. Scheid has agreed, subject to certain exceptions, not
to sell or dispose of any shares of capital stock of the Company, either
publicly or privately, without the prior written consent of Cruttenden Roth
Incorporated until 180 days after the date of this Prospectus.
(6) Includes 315,093 shares of Class B Common Stock owned by Scott D. Scheid
and 12,000 shares of Class B Common Stock owned by trusts for the benefit
of the children of Heidi M. Scheid, of which Mr. Scheid is a co-trustee
together with Heidi M. Scheid. Does not include 11,000 shares of Class B
Common Stock owned by Mr. Scheid's wife and over which Mr. Scheid does not
have any voting power or investment power. Mr. Scheid disclaims beneficial
ownership of the shares beneficially owned by his wife.
48
<PAGE>
(7) Includes 325,093 shares of Class B Common Stock owned by Heidi M. Scheid
and 12,000 shares of Class B Common Stock owned by trusts for the benefit
of the children of Ms. Scheid, of which Ms. Scheid is a co-trustee together
with Scott D. Scheid. Does not include 1,000 shares of Class B Common Stock
owned by Ms. Scheid's husband and over which Ms. Scheid does not have any
voting power or investment power. Ms. Scheid disclaims beneficial ownership
of the shares beneficially owned by her husband.
(8) Does not include 1,000 shares of Class B Common Stock owned by Mr.
Gollnick's wife and over which Mr. Gollnick does not have any voting power
or investment power. Mr. Gollnick disclaims beneficial ownership of the
shares beneficially owned by his wife.
(9) Does not include 1,000 shares of Class B Common Stock owned by Ms.
Liberty's husband and over which Ms. Liberty does not have any voting power
or investment power. Ms. Liberty disclaims beneficial ownership of the
shares beneficially owned by her husband.
(10) John Hancock Advisors, Inc. ("JHA") is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary
of John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company. JHA is the investment
adviser to various clients that beneficially own these 388,600 shares of
Class A Common Stock, including John Hancock Emerging Growth Fund, which
beneficially owns 316,200 of these shares. The address of JHA is 101
Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02199.
(11) The address of Wellington Management Company, LLP is 75 State Street,
Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
(12) Lincoln National Corp. is the ultimate parent of Delaware Management
Company, Inc. ("DMC"). The address of DMC is 2005 Market Street,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103.
(13) Putnam Investment Management, Inc. ("PIM") is an indirect wholly owned
subsidiary of Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. PIM is the investment
adviser to the Putnam Capital Appreciation Fund, which beneficially owns
these 141,500 shares of Class A Common Stock. The address of PIM is One
Post Office Square, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
(14) Fidelity Capital Research & Management Company ("FCR&MC") is a wholly
owned subsidiary of FMR Corp. FCR&MC is the investment adviser to the
Fidelity Capital Appreciation Fund, which beneficially owns these 125,000
shares of Class A Common Stock. The address of FCR&MC is 82 Devonshire
Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
AGREEMENT AMONG CLASS B STOCKHOLDERS
The holders of the outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock and the
Company are parties to an Amended and Restated Buy-Sell Agreement (the "Buy-Sell
Agreement"). Pursuant to the Buy-Sell Agreement, no holder of shares of Class B
Common Stock other than Alfred G. Scheid may, with limited exceptions, transfer
Class B Common Stock or convert Class B Common Stock into Class A Common Stock
without first offering such stock, in a specified order, to the Company, Alfred
G. Scheid, Scott D. Scheid and Heidi M. Scheid. The Buy-Sell Agreement applies
to a broad range of transfers and dispositions other than transfers to (i) the
Company, (ii) certain other Class B stockholders, (iii) a current or former
spouse or direct lineal descendant of any Class B stockholder including, without
limitation, adopted persons (if adopted during minority) and persons born out of
wedlock, and excluding foster children and stepchildren, (iv) a trust under
which all of the beneficiaries are persons described in clauses (ii) or (iii)
above, and (v) a corporation, partnership or limited liability company, all of
the equity interests of which are owned by persons or entities described in
clauses (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) above or corporations, partnerships and
limited liability companies described in this clause (v). The Buy-Sell Agreement
also grants an option, exercisable in a specified order, to the Company, Alfred
G. Scheid, Scott D. Scheid and Heidi M. Scheid, to purchase the shares of Class
B Common Stock held by certain Class B stockholders at specified prices upon (A)
the death of such Class B Stockholder, (B) the entry or imposition of certain
judgments, levies or attachments affecting the shares of Class B Common Stock
held by such stockholder, (C) certain bankruptcy or insolvency events affecting
such stockholder or (D) in the case of Kurt J. Gollnick, the termination of his
employment with the Company.
49
<PAGE>
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 20,000,000 shares of
Class A Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share, 10,000,000 shares of Class B
Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share, and 2,000,000 shares of Preferred
Stock, par value $0.001 per share. Immediately prior to this offering, there
were 2,325,000 shares of Class A Common Stock outstanding, 4,375,000 shares of
Class B Common Stock outstanding and no shares of Preferred Stock outstanding.
CLASS A COMMON STOCK AND CLASS B COMMON STOCK
VOTING RIGHTS
Each share of Class A Common Stock is entitled to one vote and each share of
Class B Common Stock is entitled to five votes on all matters submitted to a
vote of the stockholders. Except for matters where applicable law requires the
approval of one or both classes of Common Stock voting as a separate class and
except as described below, the Class A Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock
vote together as a single class on all matters presented for a vote of the
stockholders. However, the holders of the Class A Common Stock, voting as a
separate class, are entitled to elect 25% of the authorized number of directors
rounded up to the nearest whole number (currently two), and the holders of the
Class B Common Stock, voting as a separate class, are entitled to elect the
remaining directors (currently three). Immediately following this offering, the
holders of Class B Common Stock will retain effective control, and will continue
to direct the business, management and policies of the Company through holding
approximately 84% of the combined voting power of the outstanding Class A and
Class B Common Stock and the ability to elect three of the five members of the
Board of Directors. Stockholders do not have cumulative voting rights with
respect to election of directors. The Certificate of Incorporation provides that
the election of directors by the respective classes of Common Stock shall be
from separate slates of nominees.
For matters requiring a separate class vote of the Class A or the Class B
Common Stock, the holders of a majority of the shares of that class entitled to
vote on such matter will constitute a quorum. For all other matters, holders of
a majority of the total votes entitled to be voted on such matter will
constitute a quorum.
The record date for the Company's May 28, 1998 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders was April 16, 1998. As a result, purchasers in this offering will
not be permitted to vote their shares at this meeting.
Directors may be removed with or without cause by the holders of the class
of stock that elected them or, to the extent permitted by applicable law, with
cause by the Board of Directors. A vacancy on the Board created by the removal
or resignation of a director may be filled either by directors in office or, if
the directors have not filled the vacancy, by stockholders upon application to
the Court of Chancery. Any director so appointed also may be removed with or
without cause by the holders of the class of stock entitled to elect such
director.
Because the Company's shareholders are permitted to act by written consent
in lieu of a meeting, the holders of the Class B Common Stock may take actions
required to be voted upon by stockholders without providing the holders of the
Class A Common Stock with an opportunity to make proposals or raise other
matters at a meeting.
The Company may not alter the rights, preferences, privileges or
restrictions of either the Class A Common Stock or the Class B Common Stock (i)
without the approval by vote or written consent, in the manner provided by law,
of holders of a majority of the total number of outstanding shares of such
changed class, or (ii) in any way that would adversely affect such class or that
would adversely affect the relative rights, preferences, privileges or
restrictions of the other class in comparison with the altered class without the
approval by vote or written consent, in the manner provided by law, of holders
of a majority of the total number of shares of the adversely affected class
outstanding, voting
50
<PAGE>
as a separate class. No increase in the authorized number of shares of either
the Class A Common Stock or the Class B Common Stock may be effected without the
approval, by vote or written consent, in the manner provided by law, of the
holders of a majority of the total number of shares of each such class
outstanding, voting as a separate class. In addition, except with respect to the
issuance of shares of Class B Common Stock in connection with a stock split of
such Class B Common Stock or for payment of dividends on such Class B Common
Stock in Class B Common Stock, (i) no issuance of Class B Common Stock may be
made prior to July 15, 2000 without the approval, by vote or written consent, in
the manner provided by law, of a majority of the Class A Common Stock
outstanding and of a majority of the Class B Common Stock outstanding, each
voting separately as a class, and (ii) no issuance of Class B Common Stock may
be made from and after July 15, 2000 without the approval, by vote or written
consent, in the manner provided by law, of a majority of the Class A Common
Stock outstanding and of the Class B Common Stock outstanding, each voting
separately as a class, or the unanimous approval, by vote or written consent, in
the manner provided by law, of all directors elected by the holders of Class A
Common Stock, or appointed to replace directors who were elected by the holders
of Class A Common Stock or their appointed successors, consisting of not less
than two persons, who are not, directly or indirectly, beneficial owners of any
Class B Common Stock and who have not been officers or employees of the Company
or any of its subsidiaries within the three-year period immediately preceding
such issuance.
DIVIDENDS
Each share of Class A Common Stock is entitled to receive dividends if, as
and when declared by the Board of Directors of the Company out of any funds
legally available therefor. Identical dividends, if any, must be paid or made
simultaneously on the Class A Common Stock at any time that dividends are paid
or made on the Class B Common Stock, except that dividends payable in shares of
Class B Common Stock may be paid only on shares of Class B Common Stock and
dividends payable in shares of Class A Common Stock may be paid only on shares
of Class A Common Stock. Dividends other than dividends payable in Class A
Common Stock may be declared and paid or made on the Class A Common Stock
without an identical or equivalent dividend being declared and paid or made on
the Class B Common Stock. If a dividend payable in Class A Common Stock is made
on the Class A Common Stock, the Company must also make a pro rata and
simultaneous dividend of Class B Common Stock on the Class B Common Stock. If a
dividend payable in Class B Common Stock is made on the Class B Common Stock,
the Company must also make a pro rata and simultaneous dividend of Class A
Common Stock on the Class A Common Stock.
CONVERTIBILITY
Subject to the terms of the Buy-Sell Agreement, each share of Class B Common
Stock is convertible at any time at the option of the holder into Class A Common
Stock on a share-for-share basis. Shares of Class B Common Stock will be
automatically converted into shares of Class A Common Stock on the happening of
certain events described below. Transfers of shares of Class B Common Stock are
also subject to the terms of the Buy-Sell Agreement. The Company has reserved
4,375,000 shares of its Class A Common Stock for issuance upon the exercise of a
conversion right or automatic conversion, and all shares sold in this offering
will be converted at the time of sale from shares of Class B Common Stock to
shares of Class A Common Stock. See "Principal and Selling Stockholders." The
Class A Common Stock is not convertible.
Each share of Class B Common Stock shall automatically be converted into
Class A Common Stock, on a share-for-share basis, in the event that the
beneficial ownership of such share of Class B Common Stock is transferred
(including, without limitation, by way of gift, settlement, will or intestacy)
to any person or entity other than (i) the Company, (ii) any of Alfred G.
Scheid, Scott D. Scheid, Heidi M. Scheid, Tyler P. Scheid, Emily K. Liberty or
Kurt J. Gollnick (the "Permitted
51
<PAGE>
Transferees"), (iii) a current or former spouse or direct lineal descendant of
any of the Permitted Transferees including, without limitation, adopted persons
(if adopted during minority) and persons born out of wedlock, and excluding
foster children and stepchildren, (iv) a trust under which all of the
beneficiaries are persons described in clauses (ii) or (iii) above, or (v) a
corporation, partnership or limited liability company, all of the equity
interests of which are owned by persons or entities described in clauses (i),
(ii), (iii) and (iv) above or corporations, partnerships and limited liability
companies described in this clause (v).
LIQUIDATION RIGHTS
In the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company,
after satisfaction of amounts payable to creditors and distribution to the
holders of outstanding Preferred Stock, if any, of amounts to which they may be
preferentially entitled, holders of the Class A Common Stock and Class B Common
Stock are entitled to share ratably, on a per share basis, in the assets
available for distribution to the stockholders.
OTHER PROVISIONS
There are no preemptive rights to subscribe to any additional securities
which the Company may issue and there are no redemption provisions or sinking
fund provisions applicable to the Class A Common Stock or the Class B Common
Stock, nor is either class subject to calls or assessments by the Company. All
outstanding shares are legally issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
PREFERRED STOCK
The Board of Directors has the authority, subject to any limitations
prescribed by law, without further action by the stockholders, to issue up to an
aggregate of 2,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock in one or more series and to
fix the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions granted to or imposed
upon any unissued shares of Preferred Stock and to fix the number of shares
constituting any series and the designations of such series. The shares noted
above constitute "blank check" Preferred Stock, and, as of the date of this
offering, the Board of Directors has not yet designated any series thereof or
any rights, preferences, privileges or restrictions attaching thereto. The
issuance of Preferred Stock could adversely affect the voting power of the
holders of Class A Common Stock and the likelihood that such holders will
receive dividend payments and payments upon liquidation and may have the effect
of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of the Company. The
Company has no present plan to issue any Preferred Stock.
OUTSTANDING WARRANTS; REGISTRATION RIGHTS
The Company issued to the representatives of the underwriters for the
Company's initial public offering warrants to purchase up to 200,000 shares of
Class A Common Stock at an exercise price per share of $14.00. These warrants
are exercisable for a period of four years commencing July 24, 1998. The holders
of these warrants have the right, on one occasion while such warrants are
exercisable, to require the Company at the Company's expense to register under
the Securities Act the offer and sale of such warrants or the underlying shares
of Class A Common Stock. In addition, the holders of these warrants may include
them or the underlying Class A Common Stock in any registration (other than on
Form S-4 or S-8) filed by the Company while such warrants are exercisable.
BYLAW PROVISIONS
The Company's Bylaws provide that special meetings of stockholders may be
called only by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, a
majority of the Board of Directors or the holders of shares entitled to cast not
less than 25% of the voting power of any class of stock entitled to vote at
52
<PAGE>
the meeting. The Bylaws also provide that any action which may be taken at any
meeting of stockholders may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and
without a vote if written consents approving the action are signed by the
holders of outstanding shares having not less than the minimum number of votes
that would be necessary to take such action at a meeting of stockholders.
Accordingly, immediately following this offering, the holders of Class B Common
Stock may take certain actions by written consent without formally convening a
meeting of stockholders. `
CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE DELAWARE GENERAL CORPORATION LAW
Generally, Section 203 of the DGCL prohibits a publicly held Delaware
corporation from engaging in a broad range of "business combinations" with an
"interested stockholder" (defined generally as a person owning 15% or more of
the corporation's outstanding voting stock) for three years following the date
such person became an interested stockholder unless (i) before the person
becomes an interested stockholder, the transaction resulting in such person
becoming an interested stockholder or the business combination is approved by
the board of directors of the corporation, (ii) upon consummation of the
transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested
stockholder, the interested stockholder owns at least 85% of the outstanding
voting stock of the corporation (excluding shares owned by directors who are
also officers of the corporation or shares held by employee stock plans that do
not provide employees with the right to determine confidentially whether shares
held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender offer or exchange offer)
or (iii) on or after such date on which such person became an interested
stockholder the business combination is approved by the board of directors and
authorized at an annual or special meeting, and not by written consent, by the
affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting stock excluding
shares owned by the interested stockholders. The restrictions of Section 203 do
not apply, among other reasons, if a corporation, by action of its stockholders,
adopts an amendment to its certificate of incorporation or bylaws expressly
electing not to be governed by Section 203, provided that, in addition to any
other vote required by law, such amendment to the certificate of incorporation
or bylaws must be approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares
entitled to vote. Moreover, an amendment so adopted is not effective until
twelve months after its adoption and does not apply to any business combination
between the corporation and any person who became an interested stockholder of
such corporation on or prior to such adoption. The Company's Certificate of
Incorporation and Bylaws do not currently contain any provisions electing not to
be governed by Section 203 of the DGCL.
Section 203 of the DGCL may discourage persons from making a tender offer
for or acquisitions of substantial amounts of the Class A Common Stock. This
could have the effect of inhibiting changes in management and may also prevent
temporary fluctuations in the Class A Common Stock that often result from
takeover attempts.
Section 228 of the DGCL allows any action which is required to be or may be
taken at a special or annual meeting of the stockholders of a corporation to be
taken without a meeting with the written consent of holders of outstanding stock
having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to
authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote
thereon were present and voted, provided that the certificate of incorporation
of such corporation does not contain a provision to the contrary. The Company's
Certificate of Incorporation contains no such provision, and therefore
stockholders holding a majority of the voting power of the Common Stock (I.E.,
the Scheid family and its descendants and Kurt J. Gollnick) will be able to
approve a broad range of corporate actions requiring stockholder approval
without the necessity of holding a meeting of stockholders.
53
<PAGE>
POTENTIAL APPLICABILITY OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE CALIFORNIA GENERAL
CORPORATION LAW
Under Section 2115 of the California General Corporation Law ("Section
2115"), certain foreign corporations having specified minimum contacts with
California are made subject to certain provisions of the California General
Corporation Law with respect to the internal governance of their affairs.
Section 2115 provides that in such instances California law is to apply to the
exclusion of the laws of the state in which such a corporation is incorporated.
Among other provisions, Section 2115 applies to a subject corporation the
provisions of the California General Corporation law relating to: (i) annual
election of directors; (ii) removal of directors and the filling of director
vacancies in certain circumstances; (iii) directors' standard of care; (iv)
indemnification of directors, officers and other agents; (v) cumulative voting
rights; (vi) certain supermajority voting requirements; (vii) certain rights in
connection with sales of assets, mergers and other reorganizations; and (viii)
stockholder inspection rights. Many of the substantive requirements of Section
2115 are not subject to variation by the charter or bylaws of a subject
corporation. Although the constitutionality of Section 2115 has been upheld by
the California courts, the Board of Directors of the Company believes that
significant legal issues regarding the constitutionality and enforceability of
Section 2115 remain.
Section 2115 does not apply to a foreign corporation (i) with securities
that are listed on the New York or American Stock Exchanges or (ii) with
securities that are designated as qualified for trading as a national market
security on the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Automated
Quotation System and with at least 800 record holders of its equity securities
as of the record date of its most recent annual meeting. For this purpose, the
beneficial owners of certain shares held by nominees may be counted as the
record holders. A corporation not exempt under Section 2115 is subject to the
requirements of Section 2115 if the average of its statutory property factor,
statutory payroll factor and statutory sales factor is greater than 50% in
respect of its latest full income year and if more than one-half of its
outstanding voting securities are held of record by persons having addresses in
California.
Although the Company currently is not subject to the requirements of Section
2115, the Company will become subject to Section 2115 effective as of January 1,
1999. If the number of record holders of the Company's Common Stock increases to
at least 800 as of the record date of any annual meeting of stockholders,
Section 2115 will not apply to the Company commencing on the first day of the
following fiscal year.
At the Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders scheduled to be held on May
28, 1998, the Board of Directors is proposing to put to a vote of the
stockholders certain amendments to the Company's Certificate of Incorporation
and Bylaws so that the internal affairs of the Company, if governed by
California law at any time, will be subject to legal requirements as comparable
as possible to those of Delaware law with respect to the exculpation of
directors from liability and the indemnification of directors, officers and
other agents.
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
The Transfer Agent and Registrar of the Class A Common Stock is American
Stock Transfer & Trust Company.
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
Upon completion of this offering, the Company will have outstanding
3,325,000 shares of Class A Common Stock and 3,375,000 shares of Class B Common
Stock. The Class B Common Stock is convertible on a share-for-share basis into
Class A Common Stock and must be converted to effect any public sale of such
stock. Of these outstanding shares, 3,300,000 shares of Class A Common Stock
will be freely tradeable without restriction under the Securities Act, except
for any shares held by an
54
<PAGE>
"affiliate" of the Company (as that term is defined in the Securities Act),
which will be subject to the resale limitations and saleable under Rule 144
adopted under the Securities Act.
The 3,375,000 shares of Class B Common Stock owned by members of the Scheid
family and Kurt J. Gollnick following this offering and the other 25,000
outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock are "restricted" securities within
the meaning of Rule 144 and may not be resold in a public distribution (before
or upon conversion into Class A Common Stock) except in compliance with the
registration requirements of the Securities Act or pursuant to Rule 144.
In general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect, an affiliate of the
Company, or person (or persons whose shares are aggregated) who has beneficially
owned restricted shares for at least one year but less than two years, will be
entitled to sell in any three-month period a number of shares that does not
exceed the greater of (i) 1% of the then outstanding shares of Class A Common
Stock (approximately 2,000,000 shares immediately after the offering) or (ii)
the average weekly trading volume during the four calendar weeks immediately
preceding the date on which notice of the sale is filed with the Commission.
Sales pursuant to Rule 144 are subject to certain requirements relating to
manner of sale, notice and availability of current public information about the
Company. A person (or persons) other than an "affiliate" who has beneficially
owned his or her shares for at least two years is entitled to sell such shares
pursuant to Rule 144(k) without regard to the limitations described above. As
defined in Rule 144, an "affiliate" of an issuer is a person who directly, or
indirectly through the use of one or more intermediaries, controls, or is
controlled by, or is under common control with, such issuer. Rule 144A under the
Securities Act as currently in effect permits the immediate sale by current
holders of restricted shares of all or a portion of their shares to certain
qualified institutional buyers described in Rule 144A, subject to certain
conditions.
Alfred G. Scheid has agreed not to sell any shares of capital stock of the
Company, either publicly or privately, without the prior consent of Cruttenden
Roth Incorporated for a period ending 180 days after the date of this
Prospectus. In addition, the other members of the Scheid family and the
Company's other officers and their families who, together with Alfred G. Scheid,
hold beneficially all of the outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock, have
agreed that they will not sell any shares of capital stock of the Company,
either publicly or privately, without the prior consent of Cruttenden Roth
Incorporated until July 24, 1998.
The Company has reserved an aggregate of 200,000 shares of Class A Common
Stock for issuance pursuant to the Plan. The Company has filed a registration
statement on Form S-8 under the Securities Act to register the shares to be
issued pursuant to the Plan. As a result, shares of Class A Common Stock issued
under the Plan will be freely tradeable in the public market, subject to the
lock-up restrictions and subject in the case of sales by affiliates to the
amount, manner of sale notice and public information requirements of Rule 144.
55
<PAGE>
UNDERWRITING
The underwriters named below, for whom Cruttenden Roth Incorporated is
acting as representative (the "Representative"), have severally agreed, subject
to the terms and conditions of the Underwriting Agreement, to purchase from
Alfred G. Scheid the number of shares of Class A Common Stock set forth opposite
their respective names below at the price to public less underwriting discounts
and commissions set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus. The nature of
the Underwriters' obligations is such that if any such shares are purchased, all
must be purchased.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNDERWRITER PARTICIPATION
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------
<S> <C>
Cruttenden Roth Incorporated.................................................... 650,000
NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC........................................... 100,000
Advest, Inc. ................................................................... 50,000
Imperial Capital, LLC........................................................... 50,000
Josephthal & Co. Inc. .......................................................... 50,000
Sutro & Co. Incorporated........................................................ 50,000
Wedbush Morgan Securities Inc. ................................................. 50,000
------------
Total........................................................................... 1,000,000
------------
------------
</TABLE>
The several Underwriters propose to offer the shares of Class A Common Stock
in part directly to the public at the price to public set forth on the cover
page of this Prospectus, and in part to certain dealers who are members of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD"), or institutions
that are located outside the U.S., are not registered under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, and agree to make no sales within the U.S. or its
territories and possessions or to persons who are nationals thereof or residents
therein, at the price to public less a concession not exceeding $0.54 per share.
The Underwriters may allow, and such dealers may reallow, a concession not
exceeding $0.10 per share. After the shares of Class A Common Stock are released
for sale to the public, the Representative may change the initial price to
public and other selling terms. No change in such terms will change the amount
of proceeds to be received by the Selling Stockholders as set forth on the cover
page of this Prospectus.
Certain stockholders (other than Alfred G. Scheid) have granted the
Underwriters an option, exercisable for 45 days after the date of this
Prospectus, to purchase up to 150,000 additional shares of Class A Common Stock
at the price to public less the underwriting discount set forth on the cover
page of this Prospectus. The Underwriters may exercise the option solely to
cover overallotments, if any. To the extent that the Underwriters exercise the
overallotment option, each Underwriter will be committed, subject to certain
conditions, to purchase that number of additional shares which is proportionate
to such Underwriter's initial commitment. The stockholders who have granted the
overallotment option and the number of shares of Class A Common Stock owned by
each that are subject to the overallotment option are as follows: Heidi M.
Scheid, 30,000 shares; Scott D. Scheid, 30,000 shares; Kurt J. Gollnick, 30,000
shares; Emily K. Liberty, 25,000 shares; Tyler P. Scheid, 25,000 shares; and
Shirley Gladden Scheid, 10,000 shares. Each of these six stockholders will share
ratably in any partial exercise of the overallotment option.
All of the shares to be sold in this offering are Class B Common Stock in
the hands of the Selling Stockholders, but will automatically convert into Class
A Common Stock on a share-for-share basis in connection with their sale in this
offering.
Each of the Selling Stockholders has also agreed to pay the Representative a
non-accountable expense allowance equal to 1.0% of the gross proceeds of the
shares sold by such person (including any overallotment shares). The Company
will pay or reimburse to the Selling Stockholders half of the non-
56
<PAGE>
accountable expense allowance and other offering expenses (excluding
underwriting discounts and commissions).
Alfred G. Scheid has agreed, subject to certain limited exceptions, not to
sell or offer to sell, contract to sell, transfer the economic risk of ownership
in, make any short sale, pledge, or otherwise dispose of any equity securities
of the Company for a period ending 180 days after the date of this Prospectus,
without the prior written consent of the Representative, other than shares sold
in this offering. The Representative may, in its sole discretion at any time and
from time to time without notice, release all or any portion of the securities
subject to this lock-up agreement.
The Company and the Selling Stockholders have agreed to indemnify the
Underwriter against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act, or to contribute to payments that the Underwriters may be
required to make in respect thereof.
In connection with this offering, certain Underwriters and their respective
affiliates may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise
affect the market price of the Class A Common Stock. Such transactions may
include stabilization transactions effected in accordance with the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 pursuant to which such persons may bid for or purchase
Class A Common Stock for the purpose of stabilizing its market price. The
Underwriters also may create a short position for the account of the
Underwriters by selling more Class A Common Stock in connection with the
offering than they are committed to purchase from the Selling Stockholders, and
in such case may purchase Class A Common Stock in the open market following
completion of the offering to cover all or a portion of such short position. The
Underwriters may also cover all or a portion of such short position, up to
150,000 shares, by exercising the Underwriters' overallotment option referred to
above. In addition, the Representative, on behalf of the Underwriters, may
impose "penalty bids" whereby it may reclaim from an Underwriter (or dealers
participating in the offering), for the account of the other Underwriters, the
selling concession with respect to Class A Common Stock that is distributed in
the offering but subsequently purchased for the account of the Underwriters in
stabilization or syndicate covering transactions or otherwise.
In connection with this offering, certain Underwriters may engage in passive
market making transactions in the Class A Common Stock on the Nasdaq National
Market in accordance with Rule 103 of Regulation M under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934. Passive market making consists of displaying bids on the Nasdaq
National Market limited by the bid prices of independent market makers and
making purchases limited by such prices. Net purchases by a passive market maker
are limited to a specific percentage of the average daily trading volume in the
Class A Common Stock during a specified period and must be discontinued when
such limit is reached.
Any of the stabilization or passive market making activities described above
may result in the maintenance of the price of the Class A Common stock at a
level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open market, although no
representation is made regarding the direction or magnitude of any effect that
these transactions may have on the market price of the Class A Common Stock.
None of the stabilization or passive market making activities described above is
required, and if they are undertaken they may be discontinued at any time.
The Representative was the managing underwriter of the Company's initial
public offering in July 1997 and received customary compensation in connection
with that transaction. The Representative may be engaged from time to time in
the future to provide investment banking and other advisory services to the
Company and its affiliates, including the Selling Stockholders.
57
<PAGE>
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters with respect to the validity of the shares of Class A
Common Stock offered hereby are being passed upon for the Company by Sanders,
Barnet, Goldman, Simons & Mosk, A Professional Corporation, Los Angeles,
California. Certain legal matters are being passed upon for the Underwriters by
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, Orange County, California.
EXPERTS
The Financial Statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 1996 and
1997 included in this Prospectus have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
independent auditors, as stated in their report appearing herein and are
included in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as
experts in accounting and auditing.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") a Registration Statement on Form SB-2 (the "Registration
Statement") under the Securities Act with respect to the Class A Common Stock
offered hereby. This Prospectus, which is part of the Registration Statement,
does not contain all of the information set forth in the Registration Statement
and the exhibits and schedules thereto, certain items of which are omitted as
permitted by the rules and regulations of the Commission. For further
information with respect to the Company and the Class A Common Stock offered
hereby, reference is made to the Registration Statement and to the Company's
Financial Statements, including the related notes thereto, schedules and
exhibits filed as a part thereof.
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Agreement") and, in accordance
therewith, files reports, proxy and information statements and other information
with the Commission. The Registration Statement, including all schedules and
exhibits thereto, and the reports, proxy and information statements and other
information filed by the Company under the Exchange Act may be inspected without
charge at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at its
principal office at Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.
and at the Commission's regional offices at 7 World Trade Center, 13th floor,
New York, New York and 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois.
Copies of such material may be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the
Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed
rates. Such material may also be accessed electronically by means of the
Commission's web site on the Internet at http://www.sec.gov. The Company's Class
A Common Stock is designated for trading as a National Market Security in the
Nasdaq system. Material filed by the Company with the Commission may also be
inspected at the offices of The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc., 1735 K Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C.
Statements contained in this Prospectus concerning the contents of any
contract or other document are not necessarily complete and, in each instance,
reference is made to the copy of such contract or other document filed as an
exhibit to the Registration Statement with the Commission, each such statement
being qualified in all respects by such reference.
58
<PAGE>
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
-----
<S> <C>
Independent Auditors' Report............................................................................... F-2
Balance Sheets............................................................................................. F-3
Statements of Operations................................................................................... F-4
Statements of Cash Flows................................................................................... F-5
Statements of Equity....................................................................................... F-6
Notes to Financial Statements.............................................................................. F-7
</TABLE>
F-1
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Scheid Vineyards Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Scheid Vineyards Inc. and
subsidiary (the "Company") as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the related
statements of operations, cash flows and equity for the years then ended. 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 in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such financial statements present fairly in all material
respects, the financial position of Scheid Vineyards Inc. and subsidiary as of
December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the results of their operations and their cash
flows for the years then ended in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Los Angeles, California
February 13, 1998
F-2
<PAGE>
SCHEID VINEYARDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
BALANCE SHEETS
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NOTES 1997 1996
--------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents....................................................... 2 $ 14,483 $ 4,024
Accounts receivable, trade...................................................... 349 274
Accounts receivable, other...................................................... 412 3
Inventories..................................................................... 3 1,102 100
Supplies, prepaid expenses and other current assets............................. 813 819
--------- ---------
Total current assets........................................................ 17,159 5,220
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET................................................ 4,7 27,795 16,342
LONG-TERM RECEIVABLE.............................................................. 5 4,679 2,233
OTHER ASSETS, NET................................................................. 236 274
--------- ---------
$ 49,869 $ 24,069
--------- ---------
--------- ---------
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Current portion of long-term debt............................................... 7 $ 660 $ 458
Notes payable to affiliates..................................................... 8 -- 807
Note payable to stockholder..................................................... 9 -- 1,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities........................................ 519 497
Accrued interest payable........................................................ 315 204
--------- ---------
Total current liabilities................................................... 1,494 2,966
LONG-TERM DEBT, NET OF CURRENT PORTION............................................ 7 17,851 11,458
DEFERRED COMPENSATION............................................................. 11 662 584
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES............................................................. 10 741 --
--------- ---------
Total liabilities........................................................... 20,748 15,008
--------- ---------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES..................................................... 12
EQUITY:........................................................................... 13,14
Preferred stock, $.001 par value; 2,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued
and outstanding............................................................... -- --
Common stock,
Class A, $.001 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; 2,300,000 and no
shares issued and outstanding in 1997 and 1996, respectively
Class B, $.001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; 4,400,000 and 97,413
shares issued and outstanding in 1997 and 1996, respectively................ 7 2
Additional paid-in capital...................................................... 21,797 124
Retained earnings............................................................... 7,317 5,621
Partners' capital............................................................... -- 3,314
--------- ---------
29,121 9,061
--------- ---------
$ 49,869 $ 24,069
--------- ---------
--------- ---------
</TABLE>
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
F-3
<PAGE>
SCHEID VINEYARDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------
NOTES 1997 1996
--------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
REVENUES:
Sales..................................................................... $ 18,683 $ 10,769
Vineyard management, services and other fees.............................. 1,187 922
------------- -------------
Total revenues.......................................................... 19,870 11,691
COST OF SALES............................................................... 6,222 4,544
------------- -------------
GROSS PROFIT................................................................ 13,648 7,147
General and administrative expenses....................................... 4,215 2,604
Interest expense (net of interest income of $283,000 in 1997 and $86,000
in 1996)................................................................ 700 654
------------- -------------
INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES.................................... 8,733 3,889
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES.................................................. 10 3,887 44
------------- -------------
INCOME BEFORE DEFERRED TAX ADJUSTMENT....................................... 4,846 3,845
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES FROM REORGANIZATION TO C CORPORATION.................. 2 1,390 --
------------- -------------
NET INCOME.................................................................. $ 3,456 $ 3,845
------------- -------------
------------- -------------
BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE........................................ 2 $ 0.65 $ 0.87
------------- -------------
------------- -------------
PRO FORMA AMOUNTS: 2
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES AS REPORTED...................................... $ 8,733 $ 3,889
PRO FORMA INCOME TAX PROVISION.............................................. 3,493 1,556
------------- -------------
PRO FORMA NET INCOME........................................................ $ 5,240 $ 2,333
------------- -------------
------------- -------------
PRO FORMA BASIC AND DILUTED NET INCOME PER SHARE............................ $ 0.98 $ 0.53
------------- -------------
------------- -------------
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING......................................... 2 5,344,000 4,400,000
------------- -------------
------------- -------------
</TABLE>
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
F-4
<PAGE>
SCHEID VINEYARDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
------------------------
1997 1996
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income........................................................................... $ 3,456 $ 3,845
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, amortization and abandonments........................................ 1,711 909
Deferred compensation.............................................................. 78 71
Deferred income taxes.............................................................. (649) --
Deferred taxes arising from reorganization......................................... 1,390 --
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, trade......................................................... (75) (111)
Accounts receivable, other......................................................... (409) 62
Inventories........................................................................ (956) (46)
Supplies, prepaid expenses and other current assets................................ 6 (249)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities........................................... 133 (20)
----------- -----------
Net cash provided by operating activities........................................ 4,685 4,461
----------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Long-term receivable................................................................. (2,446) (2,233)
Additions to property, plant and equipment........................................... (12,994) (3,742)
Other assets......................................................................... 40 13
----------- -----------
Net cash used in investing activities............................................ (15,400) (5,962)
----------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Increase in long-term debt........................................................... 22,589 7,267
Repayment of long-term debt.......................................................... (15,994) (4,833)
Repayment of notes payable, affiliates............................................... (807) --
Repayment of note payable, stockholder............................................... (1,000) --
Proceeds from issuance of common stock............................................... 20,700 --
Stock offering costs................................................................. (732) --
Subchapter S distributions........................................................... (3,102) (125)
Partnership distributions............................................................ (480) (343)
----------- -----------
Net cash provided by financing activities........................................ 21,174 1,966
----------- -----------
Increase in cash and cash equivalents.............................................. 10,459 465
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR........................................... 4,024 3,559
----------- -----------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR................................................. $ 14,483 $ 4,024
----------- -----------
----------- -----------
</TABLE>
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
F-5
<PAGE>
SCHEID VINEYARDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMMON STOCK
------------------------------------- RETAINED
NUMBER OF NUMBER OF ADDITIONAL EARNINGS AND
CLASS A CLASS B PAID-IN PARTNERS'
SHARES SHARES AMOUNT CAPITAL CAPITAL
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE, JANUARY 1, 1996.......................... -- 97,413 $ 2 $ 124 $ 5,558
Subchapter S distribution....................... -- -- -- -- (125)
Partnership distributions....................... -- -- -- -- (343)
Net income...................................... -- -- -- -- 3,845
----------- ----------- --- ----------- ------------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1996........................ -- 97,413 2 124 8,935
Recapitalization as Delaware corporation and
contribution of partnership interests......... -- 4,302,587 3 1,707 (1,492)
Subchapter S distribution....................... -- -- -- -- (3,102)
Partnership distributions....................... -- -- -- -- (480)
Issuance of common stock, net of costs.......... 2,300,000 -- 2 19,966 --
Net income...................................... -- -- -- -- 3,456
----------- ----------- --- ----------- ------------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1997........................ 2,300,000 4,400,000 $ 7 $ 21,797 $ 7,317
----------- ----------- --- ----------- ------------
----------- ----------- --- ----------- ------------
</TABLE>
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
F-6
<PAGE>
SCHEID VINEYARDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996
1. ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
ORGANIZATION--The principal business of the Company is the management and
farming of approximately 5,280 acres of premium wine grape vineyards in Monterey
and San Benito Counties, California.
The Company has long-term grape purchase agreements with several wineries
whereby the wineries agree to purchase substantially all of the Company's
current grape production. These contracts generally expire no earlier than the
completion of harvest in years ranging from 2001 to 2013 and are extended if
neither party cancels two or three years before the expiration date. The largest
set of these winery contracts with a single customer covers approximately 61% of
the Company's acreage and accounted for approximately 81% and 84% of the
Company's total revenues in 1997 and 1996, respectively.
BASIS OF PRESENTATION--In connection with the Company's initial public stock
offering as described below, the Company formed Scheid Vineyards Inc., a
Delaware corporation ("SVI-Del"). SVI-Del conducts all of its business through
its wholly-owned subsidiary, Scheid Vineyards California Inc., a California
corporation ("SVI-Cal").
On July 30, 1997, SVI-Del completed its initial public offering of 2,000,000
shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $.001 per share. On September 3, 1997,
the underwriters of the Company's public offering exercised their over-allotment
option to purchase 300,000 additional shares of Class A Common Stock. The
increase in net worth due to the public offering totaled approximately
$19,968,000, after deduction of offering-related expenses.
The Company reported its operations through the date of the Exchange
Transaction described below on a combined basis. Since the date of the Exchange
Transaction, the Company reports its operations on a consolidated basis. All
significant intercompany balances have been eliminated in the combination and
consolidation.
EXCHANGE OF PARTNERSHIP UNITS AND LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY INTERESTS FOR
CLASS B COMMON STOCK--Immediately prior to the date of the Company's initial
public stock offering, SVI-Cal was the general partner of two California limited
partnerships, Vineyard Investors 1972 ("VI-1972") and Vineyard 405 ("V-405") and
a member of a California limited liability company, Quadra Partners LLC ("Quadra
Partners"). SVI-Cal and VI-1972 were the only limited partners of V-405. In
connection with the Company's public offering, SVI-Del was formed to act as a
holding company for SVI-Cal. The capital stock of SVI-Cal held by its sole
stockholder, the membership interests held by all members (other than SVI-Cal)
of Quadra Partners, and the limited partnership units held by all limited
partners (other than SVI-Cal) in VI-1972 were contributed to SVI-Del in exchange
for (i) 4,400,000 shares of Class B Common Stock of SVI-Del (the "Exchange
Transaction") and (ii) a commitment by SVI-Cal to make the distributions
described below. SVI-Del, as part of the Exchange Transaction, simultaneously
contributed such limited partnership units in VI-1972 and such membership
interests in Quadra Partners to SVI-Cal. As a result, each of VI-1972, V-405 and
Quadra Partners was terminated and dissolved, and SVI-Cal succeeded to their
respective assets and liabilities.
For periods prior to the Exchange Transaction, the term "Company" refers
collectively to SVI-Cal, VI-1972, V-405 and Quadra Partners on a combined basis,
and for periods following the Exchange Transaction, the term "Company" refers
collectively to SVI-Del and SVI-Cal on a consolidated basis.
F-7
<PAGE>
SCHEID VINEYARDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996
1. ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION (CONTINUED)
Prior to the Exchange Transaction, the financial statements were based upon
the historical cost of assets and liabilities except that assets related to
limited partnership interests purchased from unrelated partners were recorded at
the cost of acquisition.
DISTRIBUTIONS--Immediately prior to the offering, SVI-Cal's cumulative S
Corporation earnings in the amount of $3,102,000 were distributed to its
stockholder. In addition, a distribution of approximately $480,000 was made to
the limited partners of VI-1972 (immediately prior to the Exchange Transaction)
to pay income taxes on income from the partnership.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS--The Company considers all highly liquid
investments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash
equivalents. At December 31, 1997 and 1996, substantially all cash balances were
on deposit with the Company's major bank. Cash invested in short-term commercial
paper with one large corporation totaled $12,000,000 at December 31, 1997.
INVENTORIES--Inventories are stated at the lower of FIFO (first-in,
first-out) cost or market. Cost includes the cost of grown grapes, harvesting,
production, aging and bottling, and tasting room merchandise. Wine inventories
are classified as current assets in accordance with recognized trade practice
although certain inventories will be aged for periods longer than one year. Crop
costs associated with farming vineyards prior to the harvest are deferred and
recognized in the year the grapes are harvested. On a quarterly basis, the
Company evaluates the cost of its inventories and reduces such inventories to
market if required.
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT--Property, plant and equipment are stated at
cost and are depreciated using straight-line and accelerated methods over the
estimated useful lives of the assets. Vineyards generally have estimated
depreciable lives of 25 to 30 years, buildings 30 years, and furniture and
equipment 5 to 7 years. Development costs incurred during the development period
of a vineyard including related interest are capitalized. Depreciation commences
in the initial year the vineyard becomes commercially productive, generally in
the fourth year.
REVENUE RECOGNITION--The Company recognizes revenue from grape sales when
the grapes are delivered to the winery. The Company does not have any allowance
for returns because grapes are tested and accepted upon delivery. Vineyard
management and other services are recognized as provided.
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS--The fair values of accounts receivable
and accounts payable approximate book value because of their short duration.
Long-term receivables and long-term debt approximate book value because such
financial instruments have variable, market driven, interest rates.
IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS AND FOR LONG-LIVED ASSETS TO BE DISPOSED
OF--Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 121, "Accounting
for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed
of" requires that long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles to be
held and used by the Company be reviewed for impairment whenever events or
changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not
be recoverable. This statement also requires that long-lived assets and certain
identifiable intangibles to be
F-8
<PAGE>
SCHEID VINEYARDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
disposed of be reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value, less cost
to sell. There have been no such impairments or write-downs to date.
INCOME TAXES--Prior to the date of the Exchange Transaction, SVI-Cal elected
to be treated as an S Corporation for federal income tax and California
franchise tax purposes. Pursuant to this election, net income or loss of SVI-Cal
was included in the income tax returns of the stockholder. Consequently, no
federal income tax provision has been recorded in the accompanying financial
statements through the date of the Exchange Transaction. However, under
California state law, a franchise tax equal to 1 1/2% of taxable income is
imposed upon S Corporations and is provided for in the accompanying financial
statements through the date of the Exchange Transaction. VI-1972, V-405 and
Quadra Partners were treated as partnerships for federal and state income tax
purposes such that their income or loss was included in the taxable income of
the partners.
The Exchange Transaction resulted in the termination of SVI-Cal's S
Corporation status. As a result, the Company currently pays income taxes at the
corporate level. The pro forma income tax provision in the statements of
operations is based upon an assumed 40% federal and state income tax rate.
In connection with the conversion of SVI-Cal's S Corporation status to C
Corporation status, the Company was required by SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for
Income Taxes" to record deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets. Such
change resulted in a net charge to earnings of $1,390,000 upon the conversion to
C Corporation status. This one-time charge is a result of differences in the
accounting and tax treatment of certain of the Company's assets and liabilities
and is reflected through (i) an increase in deferred income tax liabilities,
partially offset by (ii) an increase in the Company's deferred tax assets.
USE OF ESTIMATES--The preparation of financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.
EARNINGS PER SHARE AND CLASSES OF COMMON STOCK--The weighted average shares
outstanding in the statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 1996
and through the effective date of the Exchange Transaction are based upon the
4,400,000 shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding after giving pro forma
effect to the Exchange Transaction. The weighted average shares outstanding
since the date of the Exchange Transaction are based on the actual weighted
average shares of Class A and Class B Common Stock outstanding since the date of
the Exchange Transaction. The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 128,
"Earnings per Share" in 1997. The adoption had no effect on the presentation of
prior period disclosures. The effect of outstanding stock options and warrants
on the weighted average shares was immaterial for the periods presented.
F-9
<PAGE>
SCHEID VINEYARDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996
3. INVENTORIES
Inventories consist of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
------------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Bulk and bottled wine............................................. $ 612,000 $ 56,000
Deferred crop costs............................................... 458,000 44,000
Tasting room merchandise.......................................... 32,000 --
------------- -----------
Total......................................................... $ 1,102,000 $ 100,000
------------- -----------
------------- -----------
</TABLE>
4. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment consists of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
-------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
Land and buildings........................................... $ 6,515,000 $ 3,616,000
Vineyard improvements........................................ 16,972,000 10,274,000
Vineyard improvements under development...................... 8,396,000 6,111,000
Machinery and equipment...................................... 3,598,000 2,696,000
-------------- --------------
Total.................................................... 35,481,000 22,697,000
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization............... 7,686,000 6,355,000
-------------- --------------
Property, plant and equipment--net........................... $ 27,795,000 $ 16,342,000
-------------- --------------
-------------- --------------
</TABLE>
5. LONG-TERM RECEIVABLE
The Company has a contract to redevelop certain vineyards owned or
controlled by a major client. The current contract calls for the expenditure of
approximately $7,500,000 over a three-year period. The funds for this project
are being borrowed, as an accommodation to the client, by the Company under a
line of credit (see Note 7). The interest rate and payment terms of this
receivable are the same as the related note payable. The note payable to the
bank is secured by a letter of credit provided by the client and by the
management contract. The contract calls for the payment of this receivable by
the client's payment of the six annual principal installments under the line,
beginning January 5, 2000. Under the contract, the client is responsible on an
annual basis for determining the nature and amount of budgeted expenditures for
the year. The client is obligated to advance the budgeted costs to the Company
on a monthly basis, which are funded out of draws under the line of credit.
6. LINES OF CREDIT
The Company had two Agricultural Credit Agreements with a bank which
provided for maximum aggregate borrowings of $3,900,000 through July 5, 1997. No
amounts were outstanding under these agreements at December 31, 1996.
On June 4, 1997, the Company replaced the two crop line of credit agreements
with a crop line of credit which provides for maximum borrowings of $10,500,000
through June 5, 1998. Borrowings are
F-10
<PAGE>
SCHEID VINEYARDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996
6. LINES OF CREDIT (CONTINUED)
secured by crops and other assets with interest due quarterly at the bank's
reference rate. No amounts were outstanding under this agreement at December 31,
1997.
The crop line prohibits the payment of dividends without the consent of the
lender and contains various financial covenants, including minimum tangible net
worth amounts, and current and debt to net worth ratios. The Company was in
compliance with all financial provisions of the agreement.
7. LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt consists of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
-------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
Revolving/Declining Line of Credit Agreement with a bank which provides for a
maximum borrowing of $3,000,000 diminishing annually to a maximum allowable
commitment of $1,071,000, which is due on July 5, 2005. The line of credit is
secured by a leasehold interest in 707 vineyard acres. Interest is payable
quarterly at the lower of a bank-quoted fixed rate or 3/4% over the bank's
reference rate (8.79% at December 31, 1997).................................... $ 2,572,000 $ 327,000
Revolving/Declining Line of Credit Agreement with a bank which provides for a
maximum borrowing of $2,835,000 diminishing annually to a maximum allowable
commitment of $1,775,000, which is due on July 5, 2007. The line of credit is
secured by a leasehold interest in 405 vineyard acres. Interest is payable
quarterly at the lower of a bank-quoted fixed rate or 1/4% over the bank's
reference rate (8.59% at December 31, 1997).................................... 2,835,000 --
Revolving/Declining Line of Credit Agreement with a bank which provides for a
maximum borrowing of $1,450,000 diminishing annually to a maximum allowable
commitment of $586,000, which is due on July 5, 2007. The line of credit is
secured by a leasehold interest in 352 vineyard acres. Interest is payable
quarterly at the lower of a bank-quoted fixed rate or 1/4% over the bank's
reference rate (8.59% at December 31, 1997).................................... 1,450,000 --
Note payable to bank, with interest at the lower of a bank-quoted fixed rate or
the bank's reference rate plus 3/4% (8.79% at December 31, 1997), principal due
in annual installments through July 5, 2005, secured by trust deed on 707
vineyard acres................................................................. 1,350,000 1,425,000
Note payable to bank, with interest at the bank's reference rate plus 1/4%,
principal due in annual installments through December 31, 1998, refinanced in
June 1997...................................................................... -- 1,434,000
</TABLE>
F-11
<PAGE>
SCHEID VINEYARDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996
7. LONG-TERM DEBT (CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
-------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
Note payable to bank, with interest at the lower of a bank-quoted fixed rate or
the bank's reference rate plus 3/4% (8.79% at December 31, 1997), principal due
in annual installments through October 5, 2004, secured by first deed of trust
on 1,063 acres of real property................................................ $ 5,050,000 $ 5,200,000
Note secured by business residential real property, due November 1, 2014,
variable interest payable monthly based on the Wall Street Journal Index with
maximum ceiling of 18% (8.5% at December 31, 1997)............................. 435,000 435,000
Various notes payable, with terms of interest at 3/4% to 1 1/4% over the bank's
reference rate, secured by deeds of trust, leasehold interest or equipment..... 140,000 862,000
Note payable to bank represents borrowings on a $7,500,000 line of credit, which
bears interest at the bank's reference rate (6.31% at December 31, 1997). The
note is secured by a letter of credit provided by a major client, and is used
for costs incurred for the development of certain vineyards owned by the client
(see Note 5). Principal due in six annual installments beginning January 5,
2000........................................................................... 4,679,000 2,233,000
-------------- --------------
Total........................................................................ 18,511,000 11,916,000
Less current maturities.......................................................... 660,000 458,000
-------------- --------------
Long-term portion................................................................ $ 17,851,000 $ 11,458,000
-------------- --------------
-------------- --------------
</TABLE>
Principal payments required on long-term debt for each of the next five
years ending December 31 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1998.......................................................... $ 660,000
1999.......................................................... 660,000
2000.......................................................... 1,182,000
2001.......................................................... 1,270,000
2002.......................................................... 1,410,000
Thereafter.................................................... 13,329,000
-----------
Total......................................................... $18,511,000
-----------
-----------
</TABLE>
Substantially all of the Company's property, plant and equipment serves as
collateral for long-term debt.
F-12
<PAGE>
SCHEID VINEYARDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996
8. NOTES PAYABLE TO AFFILIATES
The Company had notes payable to various affiliates in the amount of
$807,000 at December 31, 1996, with interest at the rate of 5.75%. These notes
were repaid in March 1997.
9. NOTE PAYABLE TO STOCKHOLDER
The Company had a note payable at December 31, 1996 to its stockholder of
$1,000,000 which bore interest at the bank's reference rate plus 1/4%. The note
was repaid in April 1997.
10. INCOME TAXES
Significant components of the Company's net deferred tax liability at
December 31, 1997 are as follows.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Deferred income tax assets:
Deferred compensation........................................ $ 284,000
State income taxes........................................... 403,000
Miscellaneous reserves....................................... 86,000
-----------
773,000
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Depreciation................................................. (1,514,000)
-----------
Net deferred income tax liability.............................. $ (741,000)
-----------
-----------
</TABLE>
The provision for income taxes is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Current:
Federal....................................................... $ 3,600,000 $ --
State......................................................... 936,000 44,000
------------- -------------
Total........................................................... 4,536,000 44,000
------------- -------------
Deferred:
Federal....................................................... (576,000) --
State......................................................... (73,000) --
------------- -------------
Total........................................................... (649,000) --
------------- -------------
Total provision for income taxes................................ $ 3,887,000 $ 44,000
------------- -------------
------------- -------------
</TABLE>
F-13
<PAGE>
SCHEID VINEYARDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996
10. INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
The Company's effective income tax rate differs from the federal statutory
income tax rate due to the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
--------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Federal statutory rate........................................................ 34.0% 34.0%
Losses (income) allocated to Subchapter S Corporation shareholder............. 4.0 (34.0)
State taxes, net of federal benefit........................................... 6.5 1.1
--- ---------
Total..................................................................... 44.5% 1.1%
--- ---------
--- ---------
</TABLE>
11. DEFERRED COMPENSATION
The Company has a non-qualified deferred compensation arrangement with an
employee. The arrangement provides for annual payments of $100,000 commencing
upon the employee's retirement. The deferred compensation liability included in
the accompanying balance sheets represents the net present value at 7% of the
expected future payments. Compensation expense related to the arrangement was
$78,000 and $71,000 for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996,
respectively.
12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
LEASE OBLIGATIONS--The Company has various operating lease agreements for
office space and farm land. The lease for office space is with a related
partnership and runs until 1999. The rent is currently $102,000 annually. Farm
land leases cover approximately 1,433 acres with unexpired terms ranging from 7
to 30 years.
Certain leases provide for options to renew, contain adjustment clauses
based upon the prevailing market rate or Consumer Price Index, and also provide
for payments of taxes, insurance and maintenance costs. Aggregate minimum rental
expense for each of the next five years ending December 31 is as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1998.......................................................... $ 517,000
1999.......................................................... 517,000
2000.......................................................... 414,000
2001.......................................................... 414,000
2002.......................................................... 414,000
Thereafter.................................................... 3,896,000
</TABLE>
Rent charged to operations was $485,000 and $388,000 for the years ended
December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
PENSION PLANS--The Company has two 401(k) Profit Sharing Plans. The first
plan is for the benefit of the Company's employees who are covered by the United
Farm Workers of America Collective Bargaining Agreement. All union employees of
the Company are eligible to participate after having worked 500 hours within a
one-year period. The Company contributes 15 cents for each hour worked by
eligible employees, subject to the limitations imposed by the Internal Revenue
Code. The
F-14
<PAGE>
SCHEID VINEYARDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996
12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)
Company's contribution to the union employees' plan amounted to $35,000 for each
of the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996.
The second plan covers the Company's non-union employees. All non-union
employees of the Company are eligible to participate in the plan after one year
of employment. Employees may contribute between 1% and 15% of their annual
compensation. The Company matches 50 cents for every dollar of employee
contributions up to 6% of their annual salaries, subject to the limitations
imposed by the Internal Revenue Code. The Company's contribution to this plan
amounted to $22,000 and $27,000 for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996,
respectively.
13. COMMON STOCK
In connection with the stock offering (see Note 1), the Company sold
2,300,000 shares of Class A Common Stock. Each share of Class A Common Stock is
entitled to one vote and each share of Class B Common Stock is entitled to five
votes on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders. The holders of the
Class A Common Stock, voting as a separate class, elect 25% of the total Board
of Directors, rounded up to the nearest whole number, of the Company and the
holders of the Class B Common Stock, voting as a separate class, elect the
remaining directors. Each share of Class B Common Stock is convertible into one
share of Class A Common Stock at the option of the holder or automatically upon
transfer to a person other than certain specified persons. Except for the
differing voting rights, the shares of Class A and Class B common stock have
substantially identical rights, preferences and privileges.
In addition, the Company granted warrants to purchase 200,000 shares of
common stock to the representative of the underwriters of the offering. The
warrants are exercisable at $14.00 per share any time between July 24, 1998 and
July 24, 2002.
14. STOCK OPTION PLAN
In 1997, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted the 1997 Stock
Option/Stock Issuance Plan authorizing the issuance of qualified or
non-qualified stock options to directors, officers, employees, consultants and
others to purchase up to 200,000 shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock at
prices equal to the fair value of the Company's stock at the date of grant. In
July and November 1997, options to purchase a total of 162,000 shares were
granted at an exercise price of $10.00 per share. Such options vest one-quarter
each year, beginning one year after the grant date or a specified vesting
commencement date and expire ten years after the earlier of the grant date and
the vesting
F-15
<PAGE>
SCHEID VINEYARDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996
14. STOCK OPTION PLAN (CONTINUED)
commencement date. No options have vested at December 31, 1997. The following
summarizes stock option activity for the periods presented:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WEIGHTED- AVERAGE
SHARES EXERCISE PRICE
----------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C>
Outstanding, January 1, 1997....................................................... -- --
Granted............................................................................ 162,000 $ 10.00
----------- --------
Outstanding, December 31, 1997..................................................... 162,000 $ 10.00
----------- --------
----------- --------
Options exercisable at December 31, 1997........................................... None
Weighted average fair value of options granted..................................... $ 3.69
Weighted average remaining contractual life........................................ 9.6 years
</TABLE>
The Company accounts for its stock-based awards using the intrinsic value
method in accordance with Accounting Principals Board Opinion No. 25,
"Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" and its related interpretations.
Accordingly, no compensation expense has been recognized in the financial
statements for employee stock arrangements.
SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," requires the
disclosure of pro forma net income and net income per share. Under SFAS No. 123,
the fair value of stock-based awards to employees is calculated through the use
of options pricing models, even though such models were developed to estimate
the fair value of freely-tradable, fully transferable options without vesting
restrictions, which significantly differ from the Company's stock option awards.
These models also require subjective assumptions, including future stock price
volatility and expected time to exercise, which greatly affect the calculated
values. The Company's calculations were made using the Black-Scholes option
pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: expected life, 5
years following vesting; 29% stock price volatility; risk free rate of return of
between 6.0% and 6.2%; and no dividends during the expected term. Forfeitures
are recognized as they occur. If the computed fair values of the Company's stock
option awards had been amortized to expense over the vesting period of the
awards, pro forma net income for the year ended December 31, 1997 would have
been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below. There were no grants
prior to 1997.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Net income:
As reported.................................................. $3,456,000
Pro forma.................................................... $3,394,000
Net income per share:
As reported.................................................. $ 0.65
Pro forma.................................................... $ 0.64
</TABLE>
F-16
<PAGE>
SCHEID VINEYARDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996
15. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Supplemental disclosures to the statements of cash flows are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
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<S> <C> <C>
Interest paid (net amount capitalized)............................ $ 872,000 $ 654,000
Interest capitalized.............................................. $ 294,000 $ 430,000
Income taxes paid................................................. $ 4,550,000 $ 0
</TABLE>
F-17
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR ANY OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS IN
CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER MADE BY THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH
INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED
BY THE COMPANY OR THE UNDERWRITERS. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER
TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY SECURITIES OTHER THAN THE CLASS
A COMMON STOCK TO WHICH IT RELATES, OR AN OFFER IN ANY JURISDICTION TO ANY
PERSON TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH AN OFFER IN SUCH JURISDICTION.
NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER
ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN
IS CORRECT AT ANY TIME AFTER THE DATE HEREOF.
--------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
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PAGE
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Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements................................ 2
Prospectus Summary........................................................ 3
Risk Factors.............................................................. 7
The Company............................................................... 15
Price Range of Class A Common Stock....................................... 16
Dividend Policy........................................................... 16
Capitalization............................................................ 17
Selected Financial Data................................................... 18
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations............................................................... 19
Business.................................................................. 24
Management................................................................ 37
Certain Transactions...................................................... 45
Principal and Selling Stockholders........................................ 47
Description of Capital Stock.............................................. 50
Shares Eligible for Future Sale........................................... 54
Underwriting.............................................................. 56
Legal Matters............................................................. 58
Experts................................................................... 58
Available Information..................................................... 58
Index to Financial Statements............................................. F-1
</TABLE>
1,000,000 SHARES
[LOGO]
CLASS A COMMON STOCK
---------------------
PROSPECTUS
---------------------
CRUTTENDEN ROTH
I N C O R P O R A T E D
MAY 8, 1998
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<PAGE>
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 24. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
Reference is made to Section 102(b)(7) of the Delaware General Corporation
Law (the "DGCL"), which permits a corporation in its certificate of
incorporation or an amendment thereto to eliminate or limit the personal
liability of a director for violations of the director's fiduciary duty, except
(i) for any breach of the director's fiduciary duty of loyalty to the
corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or
which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii)
pursuant to Section 174 of the DGCL (providing for liability of directors for
unlawful payment of dividends or unlawful stock purchases or redemptions), or
(iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal
benefit. The Registrant's Certificate of Incorporation contains provisions
permitted by Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL.
Reference is made to Section 145 of the DGCL which provides that a
corporation may indemnify any person, including directors and officers, who are,
or are threatened to be made, parties to any threatened, pending or completed
legal action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or
investigative (other than an action by or in the right of such corporation), by
reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer, employee or
agent of such corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such
corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or
enterprise. The indemnity may include expenses (including attorneys' fees),
judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred
by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding, provided such
director, officer, employee or agent acted in good faith and in a manner he or
she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the corporation's best
interests and, with respect to any criminal actions or proceedings, had no
reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful. A Delaware
corporation may indemnify directors and/or officers in an action or suit by or
in the right of the corporation under the same conditions, except that no
indemnification is permitted without judicial approval if the director or
officer is adjudged to be liable to the corporation. Where a director or officer
is successful on the merits or otherwise in the defense of any action referred
to above, the corporation must indemnify him or her against the expenses which
such director or officer actually and reasonably incurred.
The Registrant's Certificate of Incorporation (Exhibit 3.1 to this
Registration Statement) provides for indemnification of directors of the
Registrant to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL.
Reference is made to Sections 317 and 2115 of the California General
Corporation Law (the "CGCL"). Under Section 2115 of the CGCL, the Registrant
from time to time may be subject to the requirements of Section 317 of the CGCL,
instead of Sections 102(b)(7) and 145 of the DGCL with respect to exculpation
from liability and indemnification of directors and officers of the Registrant.
Section 317 of the CGCL provides that a subject corporation shall have the power
to indemnify any agent of the corporation (including its directors and officers)
who was or is a party to any proceeding or threatened proceeding (other than an
action by or in the right of the corporation) against expenses, judgments,
fines, settlements and other amounts incurred if that person acted in good faith
and in a manner reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the
corporation, and in the case of a criminal proceeding, had no reasonable cause
to believe the conduct of such person was unlawful. Section 317 of the CGCL
further provides that a subject corporation shall have the power to indemnify
any agent of the corporation who was or is a party to any proceeding or
threatened proceeding by or in the right of the corporation against expenses
incurred in connection with the defense or settlement of the proceeding if the
person acted in good faith and in a manner the person believed to be in the best
interests of the corporation and its shareholders. Under Section 317 of the
CGCL, to the extent that an agent of a subject corporation is successful on the
merits in the defense of an action, the corporation must indemnify such person
for his or her actual and reasonable expenses incurred in connection with
II-1
<PAGE>
such defense. Under Section 317 of the CGCL, a subject corporation may advance
expenses of an indemnifiable person in defending an action; provided that such
advancement of expenses may be made only if the person provides an undertaking
to reimburse the corporation if it is ultimately determined that the person is
not entitled to be indemnified against such expenses.
The Bylaws of the Company (Exhibit 3.2 to this Registration Statement)
contain provisions requiring indemnification of directors and officers to the
maximum extent permitted by Delaware law.
The Registrant has entered into agreements to provide indemnification for
its directors and certain officers in addition to the indemnification provided
for in the Bylaws. These agreements, among other things, indemnify such parties
to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law for certain expenses (including
attorneys' fees), and all losses, claims, liabilities, judgments, fines and
settlement amounts incurred by such persons arising out of or in connection with
such persons' service as directors or officers of the Registrant or an affiliate
of the Registrant.
The Registrant is required by agreements to provide liability insurance for
each director and officer for certain losses arising from claims or charges made
against them while acting in their capacities as directors or officers of the
Registrant.
The above-described provisions relating to the indemnification of directors
and officers are sufficiently broad to permit the indemnification of such
persons in certain circumstances against liabilities (including reimbursement of
expenses incurred) arising under the Securities Act of 1993, as amended (the
"Securities Act").
ITEM 25. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
The following table sets forth the costs and expenses to be paid in
connection with the sale of the Class A Common Stock being registered. All of
the amounts shown are estimates except the SEC registration fee and the NASD
filing fee. These costs and expenses will be borne one-half by the Company and
one-half by the selling stockholders.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
SEC registration fee............................................. $ 3,350
NASD filing fee.................................................. 1,637
Nasdaq National Market listing fee............................... --
Blue sky fees and expenses....................................... 5,000
Accounting fees and expenses..................................... 12,000
Legal fees and expenses of the Company........................... 45,000
Printing and engraving........................................... 65,000
Transfer agent and registrar fees and expenses................... 4,000
Miscellaneous.................................................... 4,013
---------
Total........................................................ $ 140,000
---------
---------
</TABLE>
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* To be filed by amendment.
The Registrant maintains director and officer liability insurance insuring
the Registrant's directors and executive officers against certain liabilities,
including without limitation liabilities they may incur in the registration,
offering or sale of the securities being registered hereby, the annual premium
for which is approximately $53,000.
ITEM 26. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES.
(a) There have been no sales of unregistered securities by the Registrant
during the past three years, except that simultaneously with the Registrant's
initial public offering, the Registrant issued an aggregate of 4,400,000 shares
of Class B Common Stock to the sole stockholder of Scheid Vineyards
II-2
<PAGE>
California Inc., a California company and wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Registrant, the limited partners of Vineyards Investors 1972, a California
limited partnership, and the members of each of Quadra Partners LLC, a
California limited liability company, other than the Registrant or Scheid
Vineyards California Inc., and Big Vines Limited Liability Company, as
applicable, in exchange for all of their partnership and membership interests,
respectively. These shares were issued in reliance on Section 4(2) of the
Securities Act.
(b) There were no underwriters employed in connection with the transaction
set forth in Section (a).
(c) The issuances of the securities set forth in this Item 26 were deemed to
have been exempt from registration under the Securities Act in reliance on
Section 4(2) of the Act as transactions by an issuer not involving any public
offering. It was a condition in all such transactions that the recipients of
securities represent their intentions to acquire the securities for investment
only and not with a view to or for sale in connection with any distribution
thereof and appropriate legends were affixed to the share certificates issued in
such transactions. All recipients had adequate access, through their
relationships with the Registrant, to information about the Registrant.
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<PAGE>
ITEM 27. EXHIBITS.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER
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1.1* Form of Underwriting Agreement.
2.1 Exchange and Contribution Agreement, dated as of July 29, 1997, among Registrant and certain affiliated
entities and stockholders of Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit number 2.1 to
Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997).
3.1 Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit number 3.1 to Amendment No. 2 to
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed July 21, 1997).
3.2 Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit number 3.2 to Amendment No. 2 to Registrant's Registration
Statement on Form SB-2 filed July 21, 1997).
4.1 Warrant Agreement, dated as of July 30, 1997, by and among the Company, Cruttenden Roth Incorporated,
Laidlaw Equities, Inc. and Rodman & Renshaw, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit number 4.1 to
Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997).
4.2 Form of Certificate Evidencing Ownership of Class A Common Stock of Scheid Vineyards Inc. (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit number 4.2 to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1998).
4.3 Form of Certificate Evidencing Ownership of Class B Common Stock of Scheid Vineyards Inc. (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit number 4.3 to Amendment No. 1 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form
SB-2 filed July 3, 1997).
4.4 Form of Lock-Up Agreement between Cruttenden Roth Incorporated and the Scheid Vineyards Inc. Class B
Common Stockholders (incorporated by reference to Exhibit number 10.2 to Amendment No. 2 to
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed July 21, 1997).
5.1* Opinion of Sanders, Barnet, Goldman, Simons & Mosk, A Professional Corporation as to the legality of
the securities being registered.
10.1 Form of 1997 Stock Option/Stock Issuance Plan, as amended and restated through March 10, 1998
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit number 10.1 to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997).
10.2 Lease, dated as of January 1, 1997, by and among Sam Avila and Margaret J. Avila, as trustees under
declaration of trust dated August 16, 1989, and Margaret J. Avila and Valarie Bassetti successor
co-trustees of the testamentary trust of Joseph Laberere, and Sam Avila, and Margaret J. Avila, and
Scheid Vineyards and Management Co. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit number 10.3 to Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed May 28, 1997).(1)
10.3 Lease, dated as of January 1, 1996, by and between Echenique Ranch and Scheid Vineyards and Management
Co., as amended by a Letter Agreement dated March 27, 1996 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
number 10.4 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed May 28, 1997).(1)
10.4 Land Lease by and between William McHenry Bland and Monterey Farming Corporation and Addendum to Land
Lease, dated September 26, 1973, by and between William McHenry Bland and Monterey Farming
Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit number 10.5 to Registrant's Registration Statement
on Form SB-2 filed May 28, 1997).(1)
</TABLE>
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<PAGE>
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10.5 Lease, dated September 27, 1979, by and among Luis Echenique, Francis D. Echenique, Ricardo Echenique
and Monterey Farming Corporation, as amended by (i) a Memorandum of Lease, dated September 27, 1979,
(ii) an Amendment to Memorandum of Lease, dated September 4, 1987, (iii) a First Amendment to Lease,
dated September 4, 1987, and (iv) a Second Amendment of Lease, dated September 4, 1987 (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit number 10.6 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed May 28,
1997).(1)
10.6+ Vineyard Management Agreement, dated as of January 1, 1997, by and among Scheid Vineyards and
Management Co., Canandaigua West, Inc. and Canandaigua Wine Company, Inc. (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit number 10.7 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed May 28, 1997).(1)
10.7+ Vineyard Management Agreement, dated as of January 1, 1996, by and among Scheid Vineyards and
Management Co., Canandaigua West, Inc. and Canandaigua Wine Company, Inc. (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit number 10.8 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed May 28, 1997).(1)
10.7a* Amendment No. 1 to Vineyard Management Agreements, dated as of May 7, 1998, by and among Scheid
Vineyards California Inc., Canandaigua Wine Company, Inc., Canandaigua Brands, Inc.
10.8+ Grenache Vineyard Management Agreement, dated as of April 1, 1995, by and between Scheid Vineyards and
Management Co. and Joseph Phelps Vineyards (incorporated by reference to Exhibit number 10.9 to
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed May 28, 1997).(1)
10.9+ Vineyard Management Agreement, dated as of April 1, 1995, by and between Scheid Vineyards and
Management Co. and Joseph Phelps Vineyards (incorporated by reference to Exhibit number 10.10 to
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed May 28, 1997).(1)
10.10+ Vineyard Management Agreement, dated as of February 1, 1992, by and between Scheid Vineyards and
Management Co. and John Hill and Richard Hill as co-trustees of the Hill Living Trust (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit number 10.11 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed May
28, 1997).(1)
10.11a+ Vineyard Development and Management Agreement, dated as of December 1, 1995, by and between Heublein,
Inc. and Scheid Vineyards and Management Co. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit number 10.12 to
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed May 28, 1997).(1)
10.11b Amendment No. 1 to Vineyard Development and Management Agreement, dated as of March 28, 1997, by and
between Heublein, Inc. and Scheid Vineyards and Management Co. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
number 10.11b to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended December 31,
1997).(1)
10.11c* Amendment No. 2 to Vineyard Development and Management Agreement, dated as of May 7, 1998, by and
between Scheid Vineyards California Inc. and IDV North America, Inc.
10.12 Agricultural Credit Agreement (General Term Loan), dated October 6, 1994, between Vineyard Investors
1972 and Sanwa Bank California (incorporated by reference to Exhibit number 10.15 to Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed May 28, 1997).(1)
</TABLE>
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10.13 Business Loan Agreement, dated as of March 28, 1997, between Scheid Vineyards and Management Co. and
Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit number
10.20 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed May 28, 1997).(1)
10.14+ Long Term Grape Purchase Contract, dated February 12, 1973, between Monterey Farming Corporation and
Almaden Vineyards, Inc., as amended by (i) a Memorandum of Understanding, dated August 6, 1987, (ii)
a Letter Agreement, dated May 14, 1990, and (iii) an Amendment to Long Term Grape Purchase Contract,
dated as of March 12, 1993, between Scheid Vineyards and Management Co. and Heublein, Inc.
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit number 10.21 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form
SB-2 filed May 28, 1997).(1)
10.15+ Long Term Grape Purchase Contract, dated December 21, 1972, between Vineyard Investors 1972 and Almaden
Vineyards, Inc., as amended by (i) a Memorandum of Understanding, dated August 6, 1987, (ii) an
Amendment to Long Term Grape Purchase Contract, dated April 19, 1988, between Vineyard Investors 1972
and Heublein, Inc., (iii) a Second Amendment to Long Term Grape Purchase Contract, dated June 2,
1988, (iv) a Third Amendment to Long Term Grape Purchase Contract, dated as of March 12, 1993 and (v)
a letter agreement, dated April 6, 1990 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit number 10.22 to
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed May 28, 1997).(1)
10.16+ Long Term Grape Purchase Contract, dated February 12, 1973, between Monterey Farming Corporation, as
General Partner on behalf of Vineyard 405, and Almaden Vineyards, Inc., as amended by (i) a certain
Memorandum of Understanding, dated August 6, 1987, and (ii) an Amendment to Long Term Grape Purchase
Contract, dated as of March 12, 1993, between Vineyard 405 and Heublein, Inc. (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit number 10.23 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed May 28,
1997).(1)
10.17+ Long Term Wine Grape Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 12, 1993, by and between Scheid Vineyards
and Management Co. and Heublein, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit number 10.24 to
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed May 28, 1997).(1)
10.18+ Grape Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 1, 1996, by and between Scheid Vineyards and Management Co.
and The Hess Collection Winery (incorporated by reference to Exhibit number 10.25 to Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed May 28, 1997).(1)
10.19+ Grape Purchase Agreement, dated July 1, 1996, by and among Scheid Vineyards and Management Co., Stephen
Dooley Wine Co., Inc. and The Chalone Wine Group, Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit number
10.26 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed May 28, 1997).(1)
10.20 Alternating Winery Agreement, dated November 30, 1995, by and between Scheid Vineyards and Management
Co. and Storrs Winery (incorporated by reference to Exhibit number 10.27 to Registrant's Registration
Statement on Form SB-2 filed May 28, 1997).(1)
10.21 Winery Services Agreement, dated January 1, 1996, by and between Scheid Vineyards and Management Co.
and Storrs Winery (incorporated by reference to Exhibit number 10.28 to Registrant's Registration
Statement on Form SB-2 filed May 28, 1997).(1)
10.22 Standard Office Lease, dated July 1, 1994, by and between Scheid Vineyards and Management Co. and Tesh
Partners, L.P. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit number 10.29 to Registrant's Registration
Statement on Form SB-2 filed May 28, 1997).(1)
</TABLE>
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10.23 Collective Bargaining Agreement, dated January 1, 1996, by and between Scheid Vineyards and Management
Co. and United Farm Workers of America, AFL-CIO (incorporated by reference to Exhibit number 10.30 to
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed May 28, 1997).(1)
10.23a* Collective Bargaining Agreement, for the period April 9, 1998 to December 31, 2001, between Scheid
Vineyards Inc. and The United Farm Workers of America, AFL-CIO.
10.24 Amended and Restated Buy-Sell Agreement, dated as of December 31, 1997, by and among Scheid Vineyards
Inc. and holders of Class B Common Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit number 10.24 to
Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997).
10.25 Promissory Note, dated December 30, 1994, by Kurt Gollnick for the benefit of Scheid Vineyards and
Management Co. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit number 10.32 to Registrant's Registration
Statement on Form SB-2 filed May 28, 1997).(1)
10.26 Individual Retirement Agreement, dated as of May 1, 1997, by and between Scheid Vineyards and
Management Co. and Ernest M. Brown (incorporated by reference to Exhibit number 10.34 to Amendment
No. 2 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed July 21, 1997).(1)
10.27 Joint Agreement, dated as of March 27, 1997, by and among Samuel R. Avila and Margaret J. Avila,
individually and as trustees under declaration of trust dated August 16, 1989, and Margaret J. Avila
and Valarie Bassetti, as successor co-trustees of the testamentary trust of Joseph Labarere,
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, Scheid Vineyards and Management Co., Canandaigua West, Inc. and
Canandaigua Wine Company, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit number 10.35 to Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed May 28, 1997).(1)
10.27a* Joint Agreement, dated as of November 7, 1997, by and among Samuel R. Avila (also known as Sam Avila)
and Margaret J. Avila, individually and as trustees under declaration of trust dated August 16, 1989,
and Margaret J. Avila and Valarie Bassetti (also known as Valerie Bassetti), as successor co-trustees
of the testamentary trust of Joseph Labarere, deceased, Central Coast Federal Land Bank Association,
FLCA, Scheid Vineyards and Management Co., Canandaigua Wine Company, a New York corporation,
successor by merger to Canandaigua Wine Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and Canandaigua West,
Inc.
10.28 Water Supply Agreement, dated as of January 1, 1997, by Scheid Vineyards and Management Co. and
Canandaigua West, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit number 10.36 to Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed May 28, 1997).(1)
10.29 Agreement Regarding Water, dated as of January 1, 1996, by Luis Echenique, Ricardo Echenique and
Margaret Echenique, Executrix of the Estate of Francis D. Echenique, in favor of each of Scheid
Vineyards and Management Co. and Canandaigua West, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit number
10.37 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed May 28, 1997).(1)
10.30 Easement Agreement, dated January 1, 1997, by Sam Avila and Margaret J. Avila, as trustees under
declaration of trust dated August 16, 1989, and Margaret J. Avila and Valarie Bassetti successor
co-trustees of the testamentary trust of Joseph Labarere and Sam Avila and Margaret J. Avila and
Scheid Vineyards and Management Co., in favor of Canandaigua West, Inc. (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit number 10.38 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed May 28, 1997).(1)
</TABLE>
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<TABLE>
<S> <C>
10.31 Agricultural Credit Agreement, dated June 4, 1997, between Scheid Vineyards Inc. and Sanwa Bank
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit number 10.31 to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997).(1)
10.32 Vineyard Lease Agreement, dated as of April 1, 1995, by and between Vineyard Investors 1972 and Joseph
Phelps Vineyards (incorporated by reference to Exhibit number 10.41 to Registrant's Registration
Statement on Form SB-2 filed May 28, 1997).(1)
10.33+ Grape Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 9, 1997, by and between Scheid Vineyards Inc. and The Hess
Collection Winery (incorporated by reference to Exhibit number 10.42 to Registrant's Registration
Statement on Form SB-2 filed May 28, 1997).(1)
10.34+ Grape Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 1, 1997, by and between Vineyard Investors 1972 and Stephen
Dooley Wine Co., Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit number 10.43 to Registrant's Registration
Statement on Form SB-2 filed May 28, 1997).(1)
10.35 Employment Agreement, dated as of July 19, 1997, by and between Scheid Vineyards Inc. and Alfred G.
Scheid (incorporated by reference to Exhibit number 10.44 to Amendment No. 2 to Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed July 21, 1997).
10.36 Employment Agreement, dated as of July 19, 1997, by and between Scheid Vineyards Inc. and Scott D.
Scheid (incorporated by reference to Exhibit number 10.45 to Amendment No. 2 to Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed July 21, 1997).
10.37 Employment Agreement, dated as of July 19, 1997, by and between Scheid Vineyards Inc. and Heidi M.
Scheid (incorporated by reference to Exhibit number 10.46 to Amendment No. 2 to Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed July 21, 1997).
10.38 Employment Agreement, dated as of July 19, 1997, by and between Scheid Vineyards Inc. and Kurt J.
Gollnick (incorporated by reference to Exhibit number 10.47 to Amendment No. 2 to Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed July 21, 1997).
10.39 Form of Indemnification Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit number 10.48 to Amendment No. 1
to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed July 3, 1997).
21.1 List of Subsidiaries (incorporated by reference to Exhibit number 21.1 to Amendment No. 1 to
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed July 3, 1997).
23.1* Independent Auditors' Consent.
23.2* Consent of Sanders, Barnet, Goldman, Simons & Mosk, A Professional Corporation (included in Exhibit 5.1
hereto).
24.1 Power of Attorney (see signature page of this Registration Statement).(2)
99.1* Supplemental Agreement of Scheid Vineyards Inc.
</TABLE>
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* Filed electronically herewith.
+ Portions of this Exhibit have been deleted pursuant to the grant of the
Registrant's prior request for confidential treatment pursuant to Rule 406
promulgated under the Securities Act.
(1) The contracting party is a predecessor in interest to Scheid Vineyards
California Inc., the Registrant's wholly owned subsidiary.
(2) Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit
to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form SB-2 as filed on April
27, 1998 and incorporated herein by reference.
All schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission have been omitted because
they are not required, are inapplicable or the required information has already
been provided elsewhere in this Registration Statement.
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ITEM 28. UNDERTAKINGS.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) For purposes of determining liability under the Securities Act, the
information omitted from the form of Prospectus filed as part of this
Registration Statement in reliance on Rule 430A and contained in a form of
Prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h)
under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this Registration
Statement as of the time the Commission declared it effective.
(2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act,
each post-effective amendment that contains a form of Prospectus shall be deemed
to be a new registration statement for the securities offered in the
registration statement, and the offering of the securities at that time shall be
deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the
Underwriters at the closing specified in the underwriting agreements
certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required by
the underwriters to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.
(4) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act
and is, therefore, unenforceable.
In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities
(other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a
director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful
defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer
or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered
hereunder, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.
II-9
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
In accordance with the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form SB-2 and authorized this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, in the City of Los
Angeles, State of California, on May 7, 1998.
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
SCHEID VINEYARDS INC.
By: /s/ ALFRED G. SCHEID
-----------------------------------------
Alfred G. Scheid
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
(PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER)
</TABLE>
In accordance with the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement was signed by the following persons in the capacities and
on the dates stated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
- ------------------------------ -------------------------- -------------------
<C> <S> <C>
Chairman of the Board and
/s/ ALFRED G. SCHEID Chief Executive Officer
- ------------------------------ (Principal Executive May 7, 1998
Alfred G. Scheid Officer)
Vice President Finance,
HEIDI M. SCHEID* Chief Financial Officer,
- ------------------------------ Treasurer and Director May 7, 1998
Heidi M. Scheid (Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)
SCOTT D. SCHEID* Vice President, Chief
- ------------------------------ Operating Officer and May 7, 1998
Scott D. Scheid Director
</TABLE>
S-1
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
- ------------------------------ -------------------------- -------------------
<C> <S> <C>
JOHN L. CRARY*
- ------------------------------ Director May 7, 1998
John L. Crary
ROBERT P. HARTZELL*
- ------------------------------ Director May 7, 1998
Robert P. Hartzell
</TABLE>
*By: /s/ ALFRED G. SCHEID
-------------------------
Alfred G. Scheid
ATTORNEY-IN-FACT
S-2
<PAGE>
1,000,000 SHARES(1)
SCHEID VINEYARDS INC.
CLASS A COMMON STOCK
UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT
May 7, 1998
CRUTTENDEN ROTH INCORPORATED
As Representative of the several Underwriters
18301 Von Karman, Suite 100
Irvine, California 92715
Dear Sirs:
Scheid Vineyards Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "COMPANY"), Alfred G.
Scheid, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company, individually and as Trustee of the Alfred G. Scheid Revocable Trust
dated October 8, 1992 (the "PRINCIPAL SELLING STOCKHOLDER"), and Heidi M.
Scheid, Scott D. Scheid, Kurt J. Gollnick, Emily K. Liberty, Tyler P. Scheid,
and Shirley Gladden Scheid individually and as Trustee Under Declaration of
Trust dated March 12, 1997 (together with the Principal Selling Stockholder,
the "SELLING STOCKHOLDERS"), address you as the representative (the
"REPRESENTATIVE") of each of the parties listed in SCHEDULE A hereto (herein
collectively called the "UNDERWRITERS") and hereby confirm their agreement
with the several Underwriters as follows:
1. DESCRIPTION OF SHARES. The Principal Selling Stockholder proposes
to issue and sell one million (1,000,000) shares of the Company's Class A
Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share (the "FIRM SHARES"), to the several
Underwriters. The Selling Stockholders other than Alfred G. Scheid also
propose to grant to the Underwriters an option to purchase up to an aggregate
150,000 additional shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock, par value
$0.001 per share (the "OPTION SHARES"), as provided in SECTION 8. All shares
of Class A Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share, of the Company,
including the Shares, are hereinafter referred to as "CLASS A COMMON STOCK,"
and all shares of Class B Common Stock, par value $.001 per share, of the
Company are hereafter referred to
- --------------------
(1) Plus an option to purchase up to 150,000 additional shares from the
Selling Stockholders other than the Principal Selling Stockholder to
cover over-allotments.
<PAGE>
as "CLASS B COMMON STOCK." The Class A Common Stock and the Class B Common
Stock are referred to herein collectively as the "COMMON STOCK." As used in
this Agreement, the term "SHARES" shall include the Firm Shares and the
Option Shares, as shares of Class B Common Stock in the hands of the Selling
Stockholders and as shares of Class A Common Stock upon and after sale to the
Underwriters pursuant hereto.
2. REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND AGREEMENTS OF THE COMPANY.
The Company and the Principal Selling Stockholder, Heidi M. Scheid,
Scott D. Scheid and Kurt J. Gollnick jointly and severally represent and
warrant to and agree with each Underwriter that:
(a) A registration statement on Form SB-2 (File No. 333-51055)
with respect to the Shares, including a prospectus, has been prepared by the
Company in material conformity with the requirements of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "ACT"), and the applicable rules and regulations (the
"RULES AND REGULATIONS") of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"COMMISSION") under the Act and has been filed with the Commission; such
amendments to such registration statement, such amended prospectuses and such
abbreviated registration statements pursuant to Rule 462(b) of the Rules and
Regulations as may have been required prior to the date hereof have been
similarly prepared and filed with the Commission; and the Company will file
such additional amendments to such registration statement, such amended
prospectuses and such abbreviated registration statements as may hereafter be
required. Copies of such registration statement and amendments together with
each exhibit filed therewith, of each related prospectus (the "PRELIMINARY
PROSPECTUSES") and of any abbreviated registration statement pursuant to Rule
462(b) of the Rules and Regulations have been delivered to you.
If the registration statement relating to the Shares has been
declared effective under the Act by the Commission, the Company will prepare
and promptly file with the Commission, pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the Rules
and Regulations or as part of a post-effective amendment to the registration
statement (including a final form of prospectus), the information omitted
from the registration statement pursuant to Rule 430A(a) of the Rules and
Regulations or, if Cruttenden Roth Incorporated, on behalf of the several
Underwriters, shall agree to the utilization of Rule 434 of the Rules and
Regulations, the information required to be included in any term sheet filed
pursuant to Rule 434(b) or (c), as applicable, of the Rules and Regulations.
If the registration statement relating to the Shares has not been declared
effective under the Act by the Commission, the Company will prepare and
promptly file an amendment to the registration statement, including a final
form of prospectus, or, if Cruttenden Roth Incorporated, on behalf of the
several Underwriters, shall agree to the utilization of Rule 434 of the Rules
and Regulations, the information required to be included in any term sheet
filed pursuant to Rule 434(b) or (c), as applicable, of the Rules and
Regulations.
The term "REGISTRATION STATEMENT" as used in this Agreement shall
mean such registration statement, including financial statements, schedules
and exhibits (including exhibits incorporated by reference), in the form in
which it became or becomes, as the case may be, effective (including, if the
Company omitted information from the registration statement pursuant to Rule
430A(a) of the Rules and Regulations or files a term sheet pursuant to Rule
434 of the Rules and Regulations, the information deemed to be a part of the
registration statement at the time it became effective pursuant to Rule
430A(b) or Rule 434(d) of the Rules and Regulations) and, in the event of
2
<PAGE>
any amendment thereto or the filing of any abbreviated registration statement
pursuant to Rule 462(b) of the Rules and Regulations relating thereto after
the effective date of such registration statement, shall also mean (from and
after the effectiveness of such amendment or the filing of such abbreviated
registration statement) such registration statement as so amended, together
with any such abbreviated registration statement. The term "PROSPECTUS" as
used in this Agreement shall mean the prospectus relating to the Shares as
included in such Registration Statement at the time it becomes effective
(including, if the Company omitted information from the Registration
Statement pursuant to Rule 430A(a) of the Rules and Regulations, the
information deemed to be a part of the Registration Statement at the time it
became effective pursuant to Rule 430A(b) of the Rules and Regulations);
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if in reliance on Rule 434 of the Rules and
Regulations and with the consent of Cruttenden Roth Incorporated, on behalf
of the several Underwriters, the Company shall have provided to the
Underwriters a term sheet pursuant to Rule 434(b) or (c), as applicable,
prior to the time that a confirmation is sent or given for purposes of
Section 2(10)(a) of the Act, the term "Prospectus" shall mean the "prospectus
subject to completion" (as defined in Rule 434(g) of the Rules and
Regulations) last provided to the Underwriters by the Company and circulated
by the Underwriters to all prospective purchasers of the Shares and the
information deemed to be a part of the Registration Statement at the time it
became effective pursuant to Rule 434(d) of the Rules and Regulations, and
such Prospectus will not be materially different from such prospectus subject
to completion. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any revised prospectus shall
be provided to the Underwriters by the Company for use in connection with the
offering of the Shares that differs from the prospectus referred to in the
immediately preceding sentence (whether or not such revised prospectus is
required to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the Rules
and Regulations), the term "Prospectus" shall refer to such revised
prospectus from and after the time it is first provided to the Underwriters
for such use.
(b) The Commission has not issued any order preventing or
suspending the use of any Preliminary Prospectus or, to the Company's
knowledge, instituted proceedings for that purpose, and each such Preliminary
Prospectus has conformed in all material respects to the requirements of the
Act and the Rules and Regulations and, as of its date, has not included any
untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact
necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances
under which they were made, not misleading; and at the time the Registration
Statement became or becomes, as the case may be, effective and at all times
subsequent thereto up to and on the Closing Date (hereinafter defined) and on
any later date on which Option Shares are to be purchased, (i) the
Registration Statement and the Prospectus, and any amendments or supplements
thereto, contained and will contain all material information required to be
included therein by the Act and the Rules and Regulations and will in all
material respects conform to the requirements of the Act and the Rules and
Regulations, (ii) the Registration Statement, and any amendments or
supplements thereto, did not and will not include any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein
or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and (iii) the
Prospectus, and any amendments or supplements thereto, did not and will not
include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material
fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; PROVIDED, HOWEVER,
that none of the representations and warranties contained in this
subparagraph (b) shall apply to information contained in or omitted from the
Registration Statement or Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto,
in reliance upon, and in conformity with, written information
3
<PAGE>
relating to any Underwriter furnished to the Company by such Underwriter
specifically for use in the preparation thereof.
(c) The Company is duly incorporated and validly existing as a
corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and owns
all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Scheid Vineyards
California Inc. ("SVI-CAL"), which is duly incorporated and validly existing
as a corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of California.
The Company conducts its business through SVI-Cal and has no independent
material operations and no material assets other than the capital stock of
SVI-Cal. The Company and SVI-Cal have full power and authority (corporate
and other) to own, lease and operate their respective properties and conduct
their business as described in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus;
the Company and SVI-Cal are duly qualified to do business as foreign
corporations and are in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the
ownership or leasing of their respective properties or the conduct of their
business requires such qualification, except where the failure to be so
qualified or be in good standing would not have a material adverse effect on
the financial condition, earnings, operations, business or business prospects
of the Company and SVI-Cal taken as a whole; no proceeding has been
instituted in any such jurisdiction revoking, limiting or curtailing, or
seeking to revoke, limit or curtail, such power and authority or
qualification; the Company and SVI-Cal are in possession of and operating in
material compliance with all authorizations, licenses, certificates,
consents, orders and permits from state, federal and other regulatory
authorities that are material to the conduct of their business, all of which
are valid and in full force and effect; neither the Company nor SVI-Cal is in
violation of or breach of or default under (nor has any event occurred that
with notice, lapse of time or both would constitute a breach of or default
under) its charter or bylaws or any material obligation, agreement, covenant
or condition contained in any material bond, debenture, note or other
evidence of indebtedness, or in any material lease, contract, indenture,
mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement, joint venture or other agreement or
instrument to which it is a party or by which its properties may be bound;
and neither the Company nor SVI-Cal is in material violation of any law,
order, rule, regulation, writ, injunction, judgment or decree of any court,
government or governmental agency or body, domestic or foreign, having
jurisdiction over it or its properties. The Company does not directly or
indirectly own any equity interest in or securities of, or control, any
corporation, association or other entity other than SVI-Cal.
(d) The Company has full legal right, power and authority to enter
into this Agreement and perform the transactions contemplated hereby. This
Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and
is a valid and binding agreement on the part of the Company, enforceable in
accordance with its terms, except as rights to indemnification hereunder may
be limited by applicable law and except as the enforcement hereof may be
limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or
other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors' rights generally or by
general equitable principles; the making and performance of this Agreement by
the Company and the consummation of the transactions herein contemplated will
not result in a breach or violation of any of the material terms and
provisions of, or constitute a default under, (i) any bond, debenture, note
or other evidence of indebtedness, or under any lease, contract, indenture,
mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement, joint venture or other agreement or
instrument to which the Company or SVI-Cal is a party or by which their
respective properties may be bound, (ii) the charter or bylaws of the Company
or SVI-Cal or (iii) any law, order, rule, regulation, writ, injunction,
judgment or decree of any court, administrative agency, regulatory body,
government or governmental
4
<PAGE>
agency or body, domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction over the Company or
SVI-Cal or their respective properties. No consent, approval, authorization
or order of or qualification with any court, government or governmental
agency or body, domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction over the Company or
SVI-Cal or their respective properties is required for the execution and
delivery of this Agreement and the consummation by the Company of the
transactions herein contemplated, except such as may be required under the
Act, by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD"),
the rules of the Nasdaq National Market, or under state or other securities
or Blue Sky laws, all of which requirements have been satisfied in all
material respects.
(e) There is not pending or, to the Company's knowledge,
threatened, any action, suit, claim or proceeding against the Company or
SVI-Cal, any of their respective officers, directors, employees, or agents or
any of their respective properties or assets or rights, at law or in equity,
before any court, administrative agency, regulatory body, government or
governmental agency or body, domestic or foreign, which (i) might,
individually or in the aggregate, result in any material adverse change in
the financial condition, earnings, operations, business or business prospects
of the Company and SVI-Cal taken as a whole or might materially and
adversely affect the properties, assets or rights of the Company and SVI-Cal
taken as a whole, (ii) might prevent consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby or (iii) is required to be disclosed in the Registration
Statement or Prospectus and is not so disclosed; and there are no agreements,
contracts, leases or documents of the Company or SVI-Cal of a character
required to be described or referred to in the Registration Statement or
Prospectus or to be filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement by the
Act or the Rules and Regulations which have not been accurately described in
all material respects in the Registration Statement or Prospectus or filed as
exhibits to the Registration Statement. Neither the Company nor SVI-Cal is a
party or subject to the provisions of any injunction, judgment, decree or
order of any court, regulatory body, administrative agency, government or
governmental agency or body domestic or foreign, that could be expected to
result in a material adverse change in the condition (financial or other),
earnings, operations, business or business prospects of the Company and
SVI-Cal taken as a whole.
(f) All outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company have
been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and nonassessable,
have been issued in compliance with all federal and state securities laws,
were not issued in violation of or subject to any preemptive rights or other
rights to subscribe for or purchase securities, and the number of outstanding
shares of Class A Common Stock is 2,325,000 and the number of outstanding
shares of Class B Common Stock is 4,375,000, and the authorized capital stock
of the Company is as set forth in the Prospectus under the caption
"CAPITALIZATION" and the authorized and outstanding capital stock of the
Company conforms in all material respects to the statements relating thereto
contained in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus (and such
statements correctly state the substance of the instruments defining the
capitalization of the Company); the Shares have been duly authorized for
issuance as Class A Common Stock upon sale to the Underwriters pursuant to
this Agreement and conversion to shares of Class A Common Stock in connection
therewith, and, when issued by the Company upon such conversion and delivered
by the Selling Stockholders as shares of Class A Common Stock in connection
with sale to the Underwriters and subsequent resale by the Underwriters in
accordance with the terms of this Agreement will be duly and validly issued
and fully paid and nonassessable, and will be sold free and clear of any
pledge, lien, security interest, encumbrance, claim or equitable interest
imposed by the Company; to the Company's knowledge, no preemptive right,
co-sale right, registration right, right of
5
<PAGE>
first refusal or other similar right of stockholders or the Company exists
with respect to any of the Shares or the issuance and sale thereof as
contemplated hereby other than rights of holders of Class B Common Stock to
consent to the sale of the Shares pursuant to the Amended and Restated
Buy-Sell Agreement among them; and the certificates for the Shares are in due
and proper form and the purchasers of the Shares in the offering contemplated
hereby, after making payment therefor, will not be subject to personal
liability solely by reason of being the holders thereof. No further approval
or authorization of any stockholder, the Board of Directors of the Company or
others is required for the issuance and sale or transfer of the Shares except
as may be required under the Act or under state or other securities or Blue
Sky laws. Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, Prospectus and
the financial statements of the Company, and the related notes thereto
included in the Prospectus, the Company has no outstanding options to
purchase, or any preemptive rights or other rights to subscribe for or to
purchase, any securities or obligations convertible into, or any contracts or
commitments to issue or sell, shares of its capital stock or any such
options, rights, convertible securities or obligations. The description of
the Company's stock option, stock bonus and other stock plans or
arrangements, and the options or other rights granted and exercised
thereunder, set forth in the Prospectus fairly and accurately presents the
information required to be shown with respect to such plans, arrangements,
options and rights.
(g) Deloitte & Touche LLP, whose report on the financial
statements of the Company is included in the Registration Statement and the
Prospectus, are independent accountants within the meaning of the Act and the
Rules and Regulations; the audited financial statements of the Company,
together with the related schedules and notes, and the unaudited financial
information, forming part of the Registration Statement and Prospectus,
fairly present the financial position and the results of operations and cash
flows of the Company at the respective dates and for the respective periods
to which they apply and have been prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles consistently applied throughout the periods
involved except as may be otherwise stated therein. The selected and summary
financial and statistical data included in the Registration Statement present
fairly the information shown therein and have been compiled on a basis
consistent with the audited financial statements presented therein. No other
financial statements or schedules are required to be included in the
Registration Statement.
(h) Subsequent to the respective dates as of which information is
given in the Registration Statement and Prospectus, there has not been any
(i) material adverse change in the financial condition, earnings, operations,
business or business prospects of the Company and SVI-Cal taken as a whole,
except losses incurred in operation of the Company's business in the ordinary
course and consistent with past practices, (ii) transaction that is material
to the Company or SVI-Cal, except transactions entered into in the ordinary
course of business consistent with past practices, (iii) obligation, direct
or contingent, that is material to the Company or SVI-Cal, incurred by the
Company or SVI-Cal, except obligations incurred in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practices, (iv) change in the capital stock of
the Company, (v) change in the outstanding indebtedness of the Company or
SVI-Cal that is material to the Company and SVI-Cal taken as a whole or is
out of the ordinary course of business of the Company and SVI-Cal taken as a
whole, (vi) dividend or distribution of any kind declared, paid or made on
the capital stock of the Company, (vii) default in the payment of principal
of or interest on any outstanding debt obligations, or (viii) loss or damage
(whether or not insured) to the property of the Company or SVI-Cal that has
been
6
<PAGE>
sustained or will have been sustained that has a material adverse effect on
the financial condition, earnings, operations, business or business prospects
of the Company and SVI-Cal taken as a whole.
(i) The Company and SVI-Cal each has good and marketable title to
all properties and assets described in the Registration Statement and
Prospectus as owned by it, and valid and subsisting interests in all of the
real property described in the Registration Statement and Prospectus as
leased by it, in each case free and clear of any pledge, lien, security
interest, encumbrance, claim or equitable interest, other than as set forth
in the Registration Statement and Prospectus or as would not have a material
adverse effect on the financial condition, earnings, operations, business or
business prospects of the Company or SVI-Cal. The agreements to which the
Company or SVI-Cal is a party described in, or filed as exhibits to, the
Registration Statement and Prospectus are valid agreements, enforceable by
the Company or SVI-Cal, except as the enforcement thereof may be limited by
applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other
similar laws relating to or affecting creditors' rights generally or by
general equitable principles and, to the Company's knowledge, the other
contracting party or parties thereto are not in material breach or material
default under any of such agreements, and the Company and SVI-Cal each has
valid and enforceable leases for all properties described in the Registration
Statement and Prospectus as leased by it, except as the enforcement thereof
may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,
moratorium or other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors' rights
generally or by general equitable principles. Except as set forth in the
Registration Statement and Prospectus, the Company and SVI-Cal each owns or
leases all such properties as are necessary to its operations as now
conducted or as proposed to be conducted (subject to the acquisition of
additional properties and assets as may be required in connection with
expansion of the Company's operations), and all such properties are free of
contractual or legal restrictions that would impair the use by the Company or
SVI-Cal of such properties in its business for the purposes described in the
Registration Statement and the Prospectus.
(j) The Company and SVI-Cal have timely filed all necessary
federal, state and foreign income and franchise tax returns and have paid all
taxes shown thereon as due, and there is no tax deficiency that has been or,
to the Company's knowledge, might be asserted against the Company or SVI-Cal
that might have a material adverse effect on the financial condition,
earnings, operations, business or business prospects of the Company; and all
tax liabilities are adequately provided for on the books of the Company.
(k) The Company and SVI-Cal maintain insurance with insurers of
recognized financial responsibility of the types and in the amounts they deem
prudent for their business, including, but not limited to, insurance covering
real and personal property owned or leased by the Company or SVI-Cal against
theft, damage, destruction, acts of vandalism, errors and omissions, and all
other risks customarily insured against, all of which insurance is in full
force and effect (PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the Company and SVI-Cal have
elected to have minimal crop insurance coverage consistent with standard
practice in the wine grape industry); neither the Company nor SVI-Cal has
been refused any insurance coverage sought or applied for other than refusal
of certain insurance coverages that were discontinued by the carriers
thereof; and the Company does not have any reason to believe that it or
SVI-Cal will not be able to renew its existing insurance coverage as and when
such coverage expires or to obtain similar coverage from similar insurers as
may be necessary to continue its business at a cost that would not materially
and adversely affect the financial condition, earnings, operations, business
or business prospects of the Company.
7
<PAGE>
(l) To the Company's knowledge, no labor disturbance by the
employees of the Company or SVI-Cal exists or is imminent, and the Company is
not aware of any existing or imminent labor disturbance by the employees of
any of its principal suppliers, subcontractors, authorized dealers or
distributors that might be expected to result in a material adverse change in
the financial condition, earnings, operations, business or business prospects
of the Company. There are no pending grievances or arbitration awards against
the Company or SVI-Cal pursuant to any Collective Bargaining Agreement or
otherwise, and no Unfair Labor Practice filings have been made with the
Agricultural Labor Relations Board ("ALRB") against the Company or SVI-Cal
within the past five years, and there are no pending ALRB proceedings or ALRB
orders that have been issued against the Company or SVI-Cal, except for such
matters as would not, individually or in the aggregate, result in a material
adverse change in the financial condition, earnings, operations, business or
business prospects of the Company.
(m) The Company and SVI-Cal each owns or possesses rights to use
all know-how necessary to conduct its business as now conducted and as
described in the Registration Statement and Prospectus; no patent rights or
copyrights are utilized in the business of the Company or SVI-Cal; the
Company has not received any notice of, and has no knowledge of, any
infringement of or conflict with asserted rights of the Company or SVI-Cal by
others with respect to any patent, patent rights, inventions, trade secrets,
know-how, trademarks, service marks, trade names or copyrights; and the
Company has not received any notice of, and has no knowledge of, any
infringement of or conflict with asserted rights of others by the Company or
SVI-Cal with respect to any patent, patent rights, inventions, trade secrets,
know-how, trademarks, service marks, trade names or copyrights which, singly
or in the aggregate, if the subject of an unfavorable decision, ruling or
finding, might have a material adverse effect on the financial condition,
earnings, operations, business or business prospects of the Company.
(n) The Class A Common Stock is registered pursuant to Section
12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "EXCHANGE
ACT"), and is approved for quotation on the Nasdaq National Market, and the
Shares are authorized for inclusion on the Nasdaq National Market, and the
Company has taken no action designed to, or likely to have the effect of,
terminating the registration of the Class A Common Stock under the Exchange
Act or delisting the Class A Common Stock or the Shares from the Nasdaq
National Market, nor has the Company received any notification that the
Commission or the NASD is contemplating terminating such registration or
listing.
(o) The Company has been advised concerning the Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 ACT"), and the rules and regulations
thereunder, and the Company has in the past conducted, and the Company
intends in the future to conduct, its affairs in such a manner as to ensure
that it is not and will not become an "investment company" or a company
"controlled" by an "investment company" within the meaning of the 1940 Act
and such rules and regulations.
(p) The Company has not distributed and will not distribute prior
to the later of (i) the Closing Date, or any date on which Option Shares are
to be purchased, as the case may be, and (ii) completion of the distribution
of the Shares, any offering material in connection with the offering and sale
of the Shares other than any Preliminary Prospectuses, the Prospectus, the
Registration Statement and other materials, if any, permitted by the Act.
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(q) None of the Company, SVI-Cal or their officers, directors,
employees or agents has at any time during the last five (5) years made (i)
any unlawful contribution to any candidate for foreign office or failed to
disclose fully any contribution in violation of law, or (ii) any payment to
any federal or state governmental officer or official, or other person
charged with similar public or quasi-public duties, other than payments
required or permitted by the laws of the United States or any jurisdiction
thereof, or (iii) any other payment of funds of the Company or SVI-Cal
prohibited by law, and no funds of the Company or SVI-Cal have been set aside
for any payment prohibited by law.
(r) The Company has not taken and will not take, directly or
indirectly, any action designed to or that might reasonably be expected to
cause or result in stabilization or manipulation of the price of the Class A
Common Stock to facilitate the sale or resale of the Shares (except for any
action taken by the Underwriters).
(s) The Company hereby represents and warrants that it will not
purport to release any of its officers, directors or other stockholders from
any Lock-up Agreements currently existing or hereafter effected including,
without limitation, the provisions of SECTION 5(k), without the prior written
consent of Cruttenden Roth Incorporated.
(t) The Company and SVI-Cal maintain a system of internal
accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurances that (i)
transactions are executed in accordance with management's general or specific
authorizations, (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit
preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles and to maintain accountability for assets, (iii) access
to assets is permitted only in accordance with management's general or
specific authorization, and (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is
compared with existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action
is taken with respect to any differences.
(u) There are no outstanding loans, advances (except normal
advances for business expenses in the ordinary course of business) or
guarantees of indebtedness by the Company or SVI-Cal to or for the benefit of
any of the officers, directors, employees, or consultants of the Company or
SVI-Cal or any of the members of the families of any of them, except as
disclosed in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus.
(v) Other than Cruttenden Roth Incorporated, on behalf of the
several Underwriters, no person is or will be owed any finder's fee or
commission or similar payment in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.
(w) There are no persons with registration or other similar rights
to have any securities registered pursuant to the Registration Statement or
otherwise registered by the Company under the Act, except that the
underwriters of the Company's July 1997 initial public offering have
registration rights with respect to the Underwriters' Warrants granted in
connection with that initial public offering and the underlying Class A
Common Stock as described in the Underwriters Warrant Agreement dated July
30, 1997.
(x) The Company and SVI-Cal have conducted and are conducting
their businesses in compliance with all applicable federal, state, local and
foreign statutes, laws, rules,
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regulations, ordinances, codes, decisions, decrees, directives and orders,
except where the failure to do so would not, singly or in the aggregate, have
a material adverse effect on the financial condition, earnings, operations,
business or business prospects of the Company.
(y) Except as described in the Prospectus, to the Company's
knowledge, there are no rulemaking or similar proceedings before any federal,
state, local or foreign government or regulatory bodies which involve or
affect the Company or SVI-Cal which, if the subject of an action unfavorable
to the Company or SVI-Cal would have a material adverse effect on the
financial condition, earnings, operations, business or business prospects of
the Company taken as a whole.
(z) To the knowledge of the Company, no officer, director,
employee, or consultant of the Company or SVI-Cal is in violation of any
non-competition, non-disclosure, confidentiality or other similar agreement
with any party other than the Company or SVI-Cal, and no such person is
expected to be in violation thereof as a result of the business conducted or
expected to be conducted by the Company and SVI-Cal as described in the
Prospectus or such person's performance of his obligations to the Company or
SVI-Cal.
(aa) Neither the Company nor SVI-Cal has violated any foreign,
federal, state or local law or regulation relating to the protection of human
health and safety, the environment or hazardous or toxic substances or
wastes, pollutants or contaminants ("ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS"), and the Company
does not anticipate incurring any material costs or liabilities (including
without limitation any capital or operating expenditures) in connection with
any clean-up or remediation of hazardous or toxic substances or wastes,
pollutants or contaminants, related closure of properties or compliance with
Environmental Laws, or any federal or state law relating to discrimination in
the hiring, promotion or pay of employees or any applicable federal or state
wages and hours laws, or any provisions of the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, which in
each case might result in any material adverse effect on the properties,
assets, operations, business, business prospects or condition (financial or
other) of the Company.
(bb) The Company and SVI-Cal have such permits, licenses,
franchises and authorizations of governmental or regulatory authorities
("permits"), including without limitation under any applicable Environmental
Laws, as are necessary to own, lease and operate their respective properties
and to conduct their business; the Company and SVI-Cal have fulfilled and
performed all of their respective material obligations with respect to such
permits and no event has occurred which allows, or after notice or lapse of
time would allow, revocation or termination thereof or results in any other
material impairment of the rights of the holder of any such permit; and,
except as described in the Prospectus, such permits contain no restrictions
that are materially burdensome to the Company or SVI-Cal.
3. REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND AGREEMENTS OF THE SELLING
STOCKHOLDERS.
Each of the Selling Stockholders, severally and not jointly, represents
and warrants to and agrees with each Underwriter that:
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(a) Such Selling Stockholder has and on the date of sale to the
Underwriters pursuant hereto will have valid and unencumbered title to the
number of Shares of Class B Common Stock set forth opposite such Selling
Stockholder's name on SCHEDULE B hereto, which shares will automatically
convert to shares of Class A Common Stock on a share-for-share basis prior to
or in connection with their sale to the Underwriters pursuant hereto, and
full right, power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to sell,
assign, transfer and deliver such Shares hereunder; and upon delivery of and
payment for such Shares hereunder, and to the extent delivered and paid for
in the case of the Option Shares, the several Underwriters will acquire valid
and unencumbered title thereto.
(b) Such Selling Stockholder has not taken and will not take,
directly or indirectly, any action designed to or that might reasonably be
expected to cause or result in stabilization or manipulation of the price of
the Class A Common Stock to facilitate the sale or resale of the Shares
(except for any action taken by the Underwriters).
(c) No consent, approval, authorization or order of or
qualification with any court, government or governmental agency or body,
domestic or foreign, is required to be obtained or made by such Selling
Stockholder for the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the
consummation of the transactions herein contemplated in connection with the
sale of the Shares to be sold by such Selling Stockholder, except such as
have been obtained and made under the Act, and such as may be required by the
NASD, by the rules of the Nasdaq National Market, or under state or other
securities or Blue Sky laws.
(d) The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and
the consummation of the transactions herein contemplated will not result in a
breach or violation of any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a
default under, any statute, rule, regulation or order of any governmental
agency or body or any court having jurisdiction over such Selling Stockholder
or any of his or her properties, any material agreement or instrument to
which such Selling Stockholder is a party or by which such Selling
Stockholder is bound or to which any of the properties of such Selling
Stockholder is subject.
(e) The sale of shares by such Selling Stockholder pursuant hereto
is not prompted by any material adverse information concerning the Company,
and the statements or omissions made in the Prospectus under the caption
"Principal and Selling Stockholders" and any other statements or omissions in
the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement
thereto, made in reliance upon, and in conformity with, written information
furnished to the Company by such Selling Stockholder specifically for use in
the preparation thereof, did not or will not upon filing and effectiveness of
the Registration Statement and the Closing Date contain an untrue statement
of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and each
such part of the Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto, upon
filing and effectiveness of the Registration Statement and the Closing Date,
did not or will not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein not misleading.
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(f) Each Selling Stockholder other than Alfred G. Scheid hereby
delivers to Heidi M. Scheid and Alfred G. Scheid, each with the power to act
individually, as his or her agent (the "AGENT"), stock certificates that
evidence the maximum number of Option Shares that such Selling Stockholder
has agreed to sell to the Underwriters, should the Underwriters exercise
their over-allotment option in full, together with duly executed instruments
of transfer thereof endorsed in blank. Agent is instructed and authorized by
each Selling Stockholder other than Alfred G. Scheid to hold the certificates
for the account of such Selling Stockholder pending disposition thereof in
accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
Each Selling Stockholder other than Alfred G. Scheid hereby
appoints Agent as his or her attorney-in-fact and agent with full power and
authority in the name of, and for the benefit of, such Selling Stockholder to
make, execute, acknowledge and deliver all contracts, orders, receipts,
notices, requests, instructions, certificates, letters and other writings,
and in general to do or cause to be done all things and to take all action,
which the Agent or the Company may consider necessary or proper in connection
with or to carry out and comply with all terms and conditions herein and the
sale and transfer of the Option Shares placed in the custody of the Agent by
such Selling Stockholder to the Underwriters as contemplated by this
Agreement. It is understood that the Agent assumes no responsibility or
liability to any person other than to deal with the certificates for the
Option Shares deposited with the Agent in accordance with the provisions of
this SECTION 3(f). The Agent shall not be liable for any error of judgment
or for any act done or omitted or for any mistake of fact or law in the
exercise of Agent's power under this SECTION 3(f) except for the Agent's own
gross negligence or bad faith. Each Selling Stockholder other than Alfred G.
Scheid agrees to indemnify and hold the Agent harmless from any and all loss,
claim, damage, liability or expense (including without limitation, all fees
and expenses of counsel) with respect to anything done by Agent in accordance
with the provisions of this SECTION 3(f), absent gross negligence or bad
faith on the part of the Agent.
The Option Shares hereby placed in the custody of the Agent and all
power and authority conferred hereby are granted and conferred subject to the
interests of the Underwriters, the Company and the Principal Selling
Stockholder; in consideration of those interests, and for the purpose of
completing the transaction contemplated by this Agreement, the custody
arrangement in this SECTION 3(f) is coupled with an interest and, subject to
the last paragraph in this SECTION 3(f), all power and authority conferred
hereby shall be irrevocable and shall not be terminable by act or deed or
death or incapacity of such Selling Stockholder (or by any other person, firm
or corporation including the Company, the Agent or the Underwriters) or by
operation of law, or the occurrence of any other event or events, except as
expressly stated in this SECTION 3(f), and the obligations of such Selling
Stockholder under this SECTION 3(f) are to be similarly not subject to
termination. If any event should occur prior to the delivery to the
Underwriters of any Option Shares hereunder, certificates for such Option
Shares shall be delivered by the Agent in accordance with the terms and
conditions of this Agreement as if such event had not occurred.
In the event that, and to the extent that, the Underwriters have
not exercised their over-allotment option in the period permitted under
SECTION 8(a) hereof, or in the event that this Agreement shall terminate,
then the Agent shall promptly return to each Selling Stockholder the
certificates delivered by such Selling Stockholder to the Agent under this
SECTION 3(f), at the Company's address set forth below to such Selling
Stockholder's attention, and the custody
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arrangement in this SECTION 3(f) shall, upon such delivery, terminate,
subject to any lawful action done or performed by the Agent pursuant to this
SECTION 3(f) prior to such termination.
4. PURCHASE, SALE AND DELIVERY OF SHARES. On the basis of the
representations, warranties and agreements herein contained, but subject to
the terms and conditions herein set forth, the Principal Selling Stockholder
agrees to sell to the Underwriters, and each Underwriter agrees, severally
and not jointly, to purchase from the Principal Selling Stockholder, at a
purchase price of $8.4175 per share, the respective number of Firm Shares set
forth opposite the name of such Underwriter in SCHEDULE A hereto (subject to
adjustment as provided in SECTION 11).
Delivery of definitive certificates for the Firm Shares to be purchased
by the several Underwriters pursuant to this SECTION 4 shall be made against
payment of the purchase price therefor by the several Underwriters by
certified or official bank check or checks drawn in same day funds, payable
to the order of the Principal Selling Stockholder, at the offices of Gibson,
Dunn & Crutcher LLP, 4 Park Plaza, Suite 1700, Irvine, California (or at such
other place as may be agreed upon between the Representative and the
Company), at 7:00 a.m. California time, (a) on the third (3rd) full business
day following the first day that Shares are traded or (b) if this Agreement
is executed and delivered after 1:30 p.m. California time, the fourth (4th)
full business day following the day that this Agreement is executed and
delivered or (c) at such other time and date not later than seven (7) full
business days following the first day that Shares are traded as the
Representative and the Principal Selling Stockholder may determine (or at
such time and date to which payment and delivery shall have been postponed
pursuant to SECTION 11), such time and date of payment and delivery being
herein called the "CLOSING DATE"; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if the Company or
the Principal Selling Stockholder has not made available to the
Representative copies of the Prospectus within the time provided in SECTION
5(d), the Representative may, in its sole discretion, postpone the Closing
Date until no later than two (2) full business days following delivery of
copies of the Prospectus to the Representative.
The certificates for the Firm Shares to be so delivered will be made
available to you at such office or such other location including, without
limitation, in New York City, as you may reasonably request for checking at
least one (1) full business day prior to the Closing Date and will be in such
names and denominations as you shall specify at least two (2) full business
days prior to the Closing Date. If the Representative so elects, delivery of
the Firm Shares may be made by credit through full fast transfer to the
accounts at The Depository Trust Company designated by the Representative.
It is understood that you, individually, and not as the Representative
of the several Underwriters, may (but shall not be obligated to) make payment
of the purchase price on behalf of any Underwriter or Underwriters whose
check or checks shall not have been received by you prior to the Closing Date
for the Firm Shares to be purchased by such Underwriter or Underwriters. Any
such payment by you shall not relieve any such Underwriter or Underwriters of
any of its or their obligations hereunder.
The Underwriters intend to make a public offering of the Firm Shares at
the public offering price of $9.25 per share. After the public offering, the
Underwriters may from time to time, in their discretion, vary the public
offering price. The information set forth on the inside front cover page of
the Prospectus (insofar as such information relates to the Underwriters)
concerning stabilization, syndicate
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short covering transactions and penalty bids, and under the first (including
the table listing the Underwriters), second, third, eighth, ninth, tenth and
eleventh paragraphs under the caption "Underwriting" in the Prospectus
constitutes the only information furnished by the Underwriters to the Company
for inclusion in the Registration Statement or Prospectus or any Preliminary
Prospectus, or amendment or supplement thereto, and you, on behalf of the
respective Underwriters, represent and warrant to the Company that the
statements made therein do not include any untrue statement of a material
fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances
under which they were made, not misleading.
5. FURTHER AGREEMENTS OF THE COMPANY AND THE SELLING STOCKHOLDERS.
The Company and the Selling Stockholders agree with the several
Underwriters that:
(a) The Company and the Selling Stockholders will each use its or
his or her best efforts to cause the Registration Statement and any amendment
thereof, if not effective at the time and date that this Agreement is
executed and delivered by the parties hereto, to become effective as promptly
as possible; the Company and the Selling Stockholders will each use its or
his or her best efforts to cause any abbreviated registration statement
pursuant to Rule 462(b) of the Rules and Regulations as may be required
subsequent to the date the Registration Statement is declared effective to
become effective as promptly as possible; the Company will notify you,
promptly after it shall receive notice thereof, of the time when the
Registration Statement, any subsequent amendment to the Registration
Statement or any abbreviated registration statement has become effective or
any supplement to the Prospectus has been filed; if the Company omitted
information from the Registration Statement at the time it was originally
declared effective in reliance upon Rule 430A(a) of the Rules and
Regulations, the Company will provide evidence satisfactory to you that the
Prospectus contains such information and has been filed, within the time
period prescribed, with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the Rules
and Regulations or as part of a post-effective amendment to such Registration
Statement as originally declared effective which is declared effective by the
Commission; if the Company files a term sheet pursuant to Rule 434 of the
Rules and Regulations, the Company will provide evidence satisfactory to you
that the Prospectus and term sheet meeting the requirements of Rule 434(b) or
(c), as applicable, of the Rules and Regulations have been filed, within the
time period prescribed, with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the
Rules and Regulations; if for any reason the filing of the final form of
Prospectus is required under Rule 424(b)(3) of the Rules and Regulations, it
will provide evidence satisfactory to you that the Prospectus contains such
information and has been filed with the Commission within the time period
prescribed; it will notify you promptly of any request by the Commission for
the amending or supplementing of the Registration Statement or the Prospectus
or for additional information; promptly upon your request, it will prepare
and file with the Commission any amendments or supplements to the
Registration Statement or Prospectus which, in the opinion of counsel for the
several Underwriters ("UNDERWRITERS' COUNSEL"), may be necessary or advisable
in connection with the distribution of the Shares by the Underwriters; it
will promptly prepare and file with the Commission, and promptly notify you
of the filing of, and provide you with copies of, any amendments or
supplements to the Registration Statement or Prospectus which may be
necessary to correct any statements or omissions, if, at any time when a
prospectus relating to the Shares is required to be delivered under the Act,
any event shall have occurred as a result of which the Prospectus or any
other prospectus relating to the Shares as then in effect would include any
untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
necessary to make the statements therein, in
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light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; in
case any Underwriter is required to deliver a prospectus nine (9) months or
more after the effective date of the Registration Statement in connection
with the sale of the Shares, it will prepare promptly upon request, but at
the expense of such Underwriter, such amendment or amendments to the
Registration Statement and such prospectus or prospectuses as may be
necessary to permit compliance with the requirements of Section 10(a)(3) of
the Act; and it will file no amendment or supplement to the Registration
Statement or Prospectus which shall not previously have been submitted to you
a reasonable time prior to the proposed filing thereof or to which you shall
reasonably object in writing, subject, however, to compliance with the Act
and the Rules and Regulations and the provisions of this Agreement.
(b) The Company will advise you, promptly after it shall receive
notice or obtain knowledge, of the issuance of any stop order by the Commission
suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, or suspension of the
qualification of the Shares for sale in any jurisdiction, or of the initiation
or threat of any proceeding for any such purpose; and it will promptly use its
best efforts to prevent the issuance of any stop order or to obtain its
withdrawal at the earliest possible moment if such stop order should be issued.
(c) The Company will use its best efforts (including by providing
full cooperation with your counsel, whose services in this matter are required
and which you and the Company will seek to expedite) to qualify the Shares for
offering and sale under the securities laws of such jurisdictions as you may
designate and to continue such qualifications in effect for so long as may be
required for purposes of the distribution of the Shares, except that the Company
shall not be required in connection therewith or as a condition thereof to
qualify as a foreign corporation or to execute a general consent to service of
process in any jurisdiction in which it is not otherwise required to be so
qualified or to so execute a general consent to service of process. In each
jurisdiction in which the Shares shall have been qualified as above provided,
the Company will make and file such statements and reports in each year as are
or may be required by the laws of such jurisdiction for such purpose.
(d) The Company will furnish to you, as soon as available, and, in
the case of the Prospectus and any term sheet or abbreviated term sheet under
Rule 434, in no event later than the first full business day following the
first day that Shares are traded, copies of the Registration Statement (two
of which will be signed and which will include all exhibits), each
Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus and any amendments or supplements to
such documents, including any prospectus prepared to permit compliance with
Section 10(a)(3) of the Act, all in such quantities as you may from time to
time reasonably request. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Cruttenden Roth
Incorporated, on behalf of the several Underwriters, shall agree to the
utilization of Rule 434 of the Rules and Regulations, the Company shall
provide to you copies of a Preliminary Prospectus updated in all respects
through the date specified by you in such quantities as you may from time to
time reasonably request.
(e) The Company will make generally available to its securityholders
as soon as practicable, but in any event not later than the forty-fifth (45th)
day following the end of the fiscal quarter first occurring after the first
anniversary of the effective date of the Registration Statement, an earnings
statement (which will be in reasonable detail but need not be audited) complying
with the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Act or Rule 158 of the Rules and
Regulations and covering a twelve (12) month period beginning after the
effective date of the Registration Statement.
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(f) During a period of five (5) years after the date hereof, the
Company will furnish to its stockholders as soon as practicable after the end
of each respective period, annual reports (including financial statements
audited by independent certified public accountants) and, upon request by a
stockholder, unaudited quarterly reports of operations for each of the first
three quarters of the fiscal year, and will furnish to you and the other
several Underwriters hereunder, upon request (i) concurrently with furnishing
such reports to its stockholders, statements of operations of the Company for
each of the first three (3) quarters in the form furnished to the Company's
stockholders, (ii) concurrently with furnishing to its stockholders, a
balance sheet of the Company as of the end of such fiscal year, together with
statements of operations, of stockholders' equity, and of cash flows of the
Company for such fiscal year, accompanied by a copy of the certificate or
report thereon of independent certified public accountants, (iii) as soon as
they are available, copies of all reports (financial or other) mailed to
stockholders, (iv) as soon as they are available, copies of all reports and
financial statements furnished to or filed with the Commission, any
securities exchange or the NASD, (v) every material press release and every
material news item or article in respect of the Company or its affairs which
was generally released to stockholders or prepared by the Company, and (vi)
any additional information of a public nature concerning the Company, or its
business which you may reasonably request. During such five (5) year period,
if the Company shall have active subsidiaries, the foregoing financial
statements shall be on a consolidated basis to the extent that the accounts
of the Company and such subsidiaries are consolidated, and shall be
accompanied by similar financial statements for any significant subsidiary
which is not so consolidated.
(g) The Company will pay or reimburse to the Selling Stockholders
half of the non-accountable expense allowance and other expenses incurred in
connection with the offering contemplated hereby (excluding underwriting
discounts and commissions).
(h) The Company will maintain a transfer agent and, if necessary
under the jurisdiction of incorporation of the Company, a registrar (which
may be the same entity as the transfer agent) for its Class A Common Stock.
(i) If the transactions contemplated hereby are not consummated by
reason of any failure, refusal or inability on the part of the Company to
perform any agreement on its part to be performed hereunder or to fulfill any
condition of the Underwriters' obligations hereunder, or if the Company or
the Principal Selling Stockholder shall terminate this Agreement pursuant to
SECTION 12(a), or if the Representative shall terminate this Agreement
pursuant to SECTION 12(b), then, subject to SECTION 5(g) and in addition to
the payments required under SECTION 6(a), the Principal Selling Stockholder
will reimburse the Representative up to $50,000 for its out-of-pocket
expenses including, without limitation, its legal fees and disbursements.
(j) If at any time during the ninety (90) day period after the
Registration Statement becomes effective, any rumor, publication or event
relating to or affecting the Company shall occur as a result of which in your
opinion the market price of the Class A Common Stock has been or is likely to
be materially affected (regardless of whether such rumor, publication or
event necessitates a supplement to or amendment of the Prospectus), the
Company will, after written notice from you advising the Company to the
effect set forth above, forthwith prepare, consult with you concerning the
substance of and disseminate a press release or other public statement,
reasonably satisfactory to you, responding to or commenting on such rumor,
publication or event.
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(k) In consideration of the Underwriters' agreement to purchase
and make the Public Offering of the Shares as provided for herein, and for
other good valuable consideration, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged,
the Principal Selling Stockholder hereby agrees, for a period beginning on
the date of the final prospectus included in the Registration Statement and
ending 180 days thereafter (the "Lock-Up Period"), not to offer to sell,
contract to sell or otherwise sell, transfer, dispose of, loan, pledge or
grant any rights with respect to or solicit any offer to buy, or otherwise
transfer the economic risk of ownership in (collectively a "Disposition") any
shares of Common Stock, any options or warrants to purchase any shares of
Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of
Common Stock (collectively "Securities") now owned or hereafter acquired
directly by the Principal Selling Stockholder or with respect to which the
Principal Selling Stockholder has or hereafter acquires the power of
disposition, otherwise than (i) exercise (on a cash or cashless basis not
resulting in any public sale of Class A Common Stock) of options to purchase
Class A Common Stock, PROVIDED that the shares of Class A Common Stock
received (net of any shares delivered to the Company in a traditional
cashless exercise thereof) shall be subject to the terms hereof; (ii) as a
bona fide gift or gifts or upon death by will or intestacy, PROVIDED each
transferees thereof agree in writing to be bound by the terms of this SECTION
5(k); (iii) transfers of Class B Common Stock of the Company permitted
pursuant to the Amended and Restated Buy-Sell Agreement among the holders of
the Company's Class B Common Stock (PROVIDED such transfers do not result in
any public sale or distribution of any Securities and the transferees agree
in writing to hold such shares subject to this SECTION 5(k)); or (iv) with
the prior written consent of Cruttenden Roth Incorporated. The foregoing
restriction is expressly agreed to preclude the holder of the Securities from
engaging in any hedging, pledge or other transaction which is designed to or
reasonably expected to lead to or result in any Disposition of any Securities
during the Lock-Up Period even if such Securities are owned by a person other
than the Principal Selling Stockholder and/or would be disposed of by someone
other than the Principal Selling Stockholder. Such prohibited hedging,
pledge or other transactions would include, without limitation, any short
sale (whether or not against the box), any pledge of shares covering an
obligation that matures, or could reasonably be expected to mature, during
the Lock-Up Period, or any purchase, sale or grant of any right (including
without limitation any put or call option) with respect to any Securities or
with respect to any security (other than a broad-based market basket or
index) that includes, relates or derives any significant part of its value
from Securities.
Furthermore, the Principal Selling Stockholder hereby agrees and
consents to the entry of stop transfer instructions with the Company's
transfer agent against the transfer of the Securities held by the Principal
Selling Stockholder except in compliance with this SECTION 5(k).
(l) During the Lock-up Period, the Company will not, without the
prior written consent of Cruttenden Roth Incorporated, effect the Disposition
of, directly or indirectly, any Securities other than the sale of the Firm
Shares and the Option Shares hereunder, the issuance of Class A Common Stock
pursuant to the warrants issued to the representatives of the underwriters
for the Company's initial public offering, and the Company's issuance of
options or Common Stock under the Company's presently authorized stock option
and stock purchase plans described in the Registration Statement and the
Prospectus.
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(m) Each of the Selling Stockholders shall pay to Cruttenden Roth
Incorporated a nonaccountable expense allowance equal to one percent (1%) of
the gross proceeds of the sale by the Underwriters to the public of the
Shares sold by such person hereunder (which obligation shall be several and
not joint).
(n) The Company will use its best efforts to cause the Shares to
be included in the Nasdaq National Market.
(o) The Company will furnish to you as early as practicable before
the Closing Date and any later date on which Option Shares are to be
purchased, as the case may be, but not later than two business days prior
thereto, a copy of the latest available unaudited interim consolidated
financial statements, if any, of the Company that have been read by the
Company's independent certified public accountants as stated in their letter
to be furnished pursuant to SECTION 7(f).
(p) To the extent necessary to consummate the sale of the Shares
pursuant to this Agreement, the Representative hereby consents to the sale of
the Shares by the Selling Stockholders notwithstanding any otherwise
applicable restrictions set forth in the certain Lock-up Agreements dated
July 21, 1997, between certain of the Company's stockholders and the
representatives of the underwriters in the Company's initial public offering.
6. EXPENSES.
(a) The Company and each of the Selling Stockholders agree with
each Underwriter that:
(i) Subject to SECTION 5(g), the Principal Selling
Stockholder will pay and bear all costs and expenses in connection with the
preparation, printing and filing of the Registration Statement (including
financial statements, schedules and exhibits), Preliminary Prospectuses and
the Prospectus and any amendments or supplements thereto; the printing of
this Agreement, the Agreement Among Underwriters, the Selected Dealer
Agreement, the Preliminary Blue Sky Survey and any Supplemental Blue Sky
Survey, the Underwriters' Questionnaire and Power of Attorney, and any
instruments related to any of the foregoing; the issuance and delivery of the
Shares hereunder to the several Underwriters, including transfer taxes, if
any; the cost of all certificates representing the Shares and transfer
agents' and registrars' fees; the fees and disbursements of counsel for the
Company; all fees and other charges of the Company's independent certified
public accountants; the cost of furnishing to the several Underwriters copies
of the Registration Statement (including appropriate exhibits), Preliminary
Prospectus and the Prospectus, and any amendments or supplements to any of
the foregoing; NASD filing fees and the cost of qualifying the Shares under
the laws of such United States jurisdictions as you may reasonably designate
(including fees of Underwriters' Counsel not to exceed $5,000 and filing fees
and other disbursements in connection with such NASD filings and Blue Sky
qualifications); the cost of any listing of the Shares on any securities
exchange or qualification of the Shares for inclusion in the Nasdaq National
Market; registration and other fees payable to the Commission; the cost of
preparing bound volumes of the public offering documents for the
Representatives and Underwriters' Counsel; and all other expenses directly
incurred by the Company or the Selling Stockholders in connection with the
performance of its or his or her obligations hereunder. If the Underwriters'
over-allotment option is exercised, all Selling Stockholders will share the
expenses
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payable by the Principal Selling Stockholder pursuant to this SECTION 6(a)(i)
pro-rata based upon the relative number of Shares sold by each of them
pursuant hereto. The provisions of this SECTION 6(a)(i) are intended to
relieve the Underwriters from the payment of the expenses and costs which the
Selling Stockholders hereby agree to pay.
(ii) In addition to their other obligations under SECTION
9(a), the Company, jointly and severally with the Selling Stockholders (each
obligated severally in proportion to the relative number of Shares sold by
each Selling Stockholder hereunder), agree that, as an interim measure during
the pendency of any claim, action, investigation, inquiry or other proceeding
described in SECTION 9(a), each will reimburse the Underwriters on a monthly
basis for all reasonable legal or other expenses incurred in connection with
investigating or defending any such claim, action, investigation, inquiry or
other proceeding, notwithstanding the absence of a judicial determination as
to the propriety and enforceability of the Company's or the Selling
Stockholder's obligation to reimburse the Underwriters for such expenses and
the possibility that such payments might later be held to have been improper
by a court of competent jurisdiction, PROVIDED that no Selling Stockholder
will be obligated to provide reimbursement under this SECTION 6(a)(ii) in
respect of any such claim, action, investigation, inquiry or other proceeding
if SECTION 9(a) would preclude any obligation of such Selling Stockholder to
provide indemnity in respect of any such claim, action, investigation,
inquiry or other proceeding. To the extent that any such interim
reimbursement payment is so held to have been improper, the Underwriters
shall promptly return such payment to the Company or Selling Stockholder, as
the case may be, together with interest, compounded daily, determined on the
basis of the prime rate (or other commercial lending rate for borrowers of
the highest credit standing) listed from time to time in THE WALL STREET
JOURNAL which represents the base rate on corporate loans posted by a
substantial majority of the nation's thirty (30) largest banks (the "PRIME
RATE"). Any such interim reimbursement payments which are not made to the
Underwriters within thirty (30) days of a request for reimbursement shall
bear interest at the Prime Rate from the date of such request.
(b) In addition to their other obligations under SECTION 9(b), the
Underwriters severally in proportion to the relative number of Shares
purchased by each of them hereunder agree that, as an interim measure during
the pendency of any claim, action, investigation, inquiry or other proceeding
described in SECTION 9(b), they will reimburse the Company or the Selling
Stockholders on a monthly basis for all reasonable legal or other expenses
incurred in connection with investigating or defending any such claim,
action, investigation, inquiry or other proceeding, notwithstanding the
absence of a judicial determination as to the propriety and enforceability of
the Underwriters' obligation to reimburse the Company or the Selling
Stockholders for such expenses and the possibility that such payments might
later be held to have been improper by a court of competent jurisdiction. To
the extent that any such interim reimbursement payment is so held to have
been improper, the Company or the Selling Stockholders shall promptly return
such payment to the Underwriters together with interest, compounded daily,
determined on the basis of the Prime Rate. Any such interim reimbursement
payments which are not made to the Company or the Selling Stockholders within
thirty (30) days of a request for reimbursement shall bear interest at the
Prime Rate from the date of such request.
(c) It is agreed that any controversy arising out of the operation
of the interim reimbursement arrangements set forth in SECTIONS 6(a)(ii) and
6(b), including the amounts of any requested reimbursement payments, the
method of determining such amounts and the basis on which such amounts shall
be apportioned among the reimbursing parties, shall be settled by arbitration
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conducted under the provisions of the Constitution and Rules of the Board of
Governors of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. or pursuant to the Code of
Arbitration Procedure of the NASD. Any such arbitration must be commenced by
service of a written demand for arbitration or a written notice of intention
to arbitrate, therein electing the arbitration tribunal. In the event the
party demanding arbitration does not make such designation of an arbitration
tribunal in such demand or notice, then the party responding to said demand
or notice is authorized to do so. Any such arbitration will be limited to
the operation of the interim reimbursement provisions contained in SECTIONS
6(a)(ii) and 6(b) and will not resolve the ultimate propriety or
enforceability of the obligation to indemnify for expenses that is created by
the provisions of SECTIONS 9(a) and 9(b) or the obligation to contribute to
expenses that is created by the provisions of SECTION 9(d).
7. CONDITIONS OF UNDERWRITERS' OBLIGATIONS. The obligations of the
several Underwriters to purchase and pay for the Shares as provided herein
shall be subject to the accuracy, as of the date hereof and the Closing Date
and any later date on which Option Shares are to be purchased, as the case
may be, of the representations and warranties of the Company and the
representations and warranties made by each Selling Stockholder herein, to
the performance by the Company and each Selling Stockholder of its or his or
her obligations hereunder, and to the following additional conditions:
(a) The Registration Statement shall have become effective not
later than 2:00 p.m., California time, on the date following the date of
execution and delivery of this Agreement, or such later date and time as
shall be consented to in writing by you; and no stop order suspending the
effectiveness thereof shall have been issued, no suspension of the
qualification of the Shares for sale in any jurisdiction shall have occurred,
and no proceedings for any such purpose shall have been initiated or, to the
knowledge of the Company, any Selling Stockholder or any Underwriter,
threatened by the Commission or any other regulatory authority of appropriate
jurisdiction, and any request of the Commission for additional information
(to be included in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or otherwise)
shall have been complied with to the satisfaction of Underwriters' Counsel.
(b) All corporate proceedings and other legal matters in
connection with this Agreement, the form of Registration Statement and the
Prospectus, and the registration, authorization, issue, sale and delivery of
the Shares, shall have been reasonably satisfactory to the Underwriters'
Counsel, and such counsel shall have been furnished with such papers and
information as they may reasonably have requested to enable them to pass upon
the matters referred to in this Section.
(c) Subsequent to the execution and delivery of this Agreement and
prior to the Closing Date, or any later date on which Option Shares are to be
purchased, as the case may be, there shall not have been any (i) change in
the financial condition, earnings, operations, properties, assets, business
or business prospects of the Company from that set forth in the Registration
Statement or Prospectus, which, in your sole judgment, is material and
adverse to the Company and that makes it, in your sole judgment,
impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the public offering of the
Shares as contemplated by the Prospectus; (ii) transaction that is material
to the Company entered into or committed to by the Company other than as
described in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus; or (iii) material
obligation, contingent or otherwise, directly or indirectly, incurred by the
Company other than as described in the Registration Statement and the
Prospectus.
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(d) You shall have received on the Closing Date and on any later
date on which Option Shares are to be purchased, as the case may be, the
following opinion of Sanders, Barnet, Goldman, Simons & Mosk, A Professional
Corporation, counsel for the Company, dated the Closing Date or such later
date on which Option Shares are to be purchased addressed to the Underwriters
and with reproduced copies or signed counterparts thereof for each of the
Underwriters, substantially to the effect that:
(i) The Company has been duly incorporated and is validly
existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of
Delaware, with the corporate power and corporate authority to own or lease
its properties and conduct its business as described in the Registration
Statement and Prospectus.
(ii) SVI-Cal has been duly incorporated and is validly
existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of
California, with the corporate power and corporate authority to own or lease
its properties and conduct its business as described in the Registration
Statement and Prospectus.
(iii) The authorized capital stock, and to such counsel's
knowledge, the issued and outstanding capital stock of the Company, is as set
forth in the Prospectus under the caption "Capitalization," as of the date
stated therein, and, to such counsel's knowledge, the outstanding shares of
capital stock of the Company and SVI-Cal have been duly authorized and
validly issued, are fully paid and nonassessable, are not subject to any
preemptive or similar rights and have not been issued in violation of any
registration right or in violation of or subject to any preemptive right,
co-sale right, right of first refusal or other similar right.
(iv) The conversion of shares of the Class B Common Stock
into Class A Common Stock on a one-for-one basis will occur by operation of
the Company's Certificate of Incorporation, and upon such conversion, the
Shares as Class A Common Stock will be duly and validly issued and fully paid
and nonassessable, and, to such counsel's knowledge, will be free of any
pledge, lien or other encumbrance, will not have been issued in violation of
or subject to any preemptive or similar rights or any registration right or
any co-sale right, right of first refusal, or other similar right.
(v) The Registration Statement has become effective under
the Act, any required filing of the Prospectus, or any Term Sheet that
constitutes a part thereof, pursuant to Rules 434 and 424(b) has been made in
the manner and within the time period required by Rules 434 and 424(b) and,
to such counsel's knowledge, no stop order proceedings suspending the
effectiveness of the Registration Statement have been instituted or
threatened or are pending under the Act.
(vi) The Underwriting Agreement has been duly authorized,
executed and delivered by the Company and has been executed and delivered by
each of the Selling Stockholders. The Underwriting Agreement constitutes a
valid and binding obligation of the Company and, to such counsel's knowledge,
each of the Selling Stockholders, enforceable in accordance with its terms,
except to the extent that rights to indemnity or contribution under the
Underwriting Agreement may be unenforceable under certain circumstances under
law or court decisions with respect to a liability where indemnification or
contribution is contrary to law or public policy and except as enforceability
may be
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subject to or limited by the effect of bankruptcy, insolvency,
fraudulent transfer or conveyance, reorganization, receivership, moratorium
or other similar laws now or hereafter in effect relating to or affecting the
rights of creditors generally and general principles of equity, regardless of
whether enforcement is considered in proceedings at law or in equity
(including possible unavailability of specific performance or injunctive
relief and the general discretion of the court or tribunal considering the
matter), including principles of commercial reasonableness or conscionability
and an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.
(vii) The information in the Prospectus under the captions
"Description of Capital Stock," and "Shares Eligible For Future Sale" to the
extent that it describes laws, regulations, rules, legal or governmental
proceedings, or contracts, or constitutes matters of law or legal
conclusions, has been reviewed by such counsel and is accurate in all
material respects;
(viii) To such counsel's knowledge, there are no agreements,
contracts, leases or documents to which the Company or SVI-Cal is a party of
a character required to be described or referred to in the Registration
Statement or Prospectus or to be filed as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement which are not described or referred to therein or filed as required.
(ix) The execution and delivery and performance of the
Underwriting Agreement and the consummation by the Company of the
transactions contemplated therein do not (a) result in any violation of the
Company's Certificate of Incorporation or the Company's Bylaws or (b) require
any approval, authorization, consent or order of or filing with any United
States federal or state governmental or regulatory board, authority or agency
in connection with the sale of the Shares to be sold as contemplated hereby
other than registration of the Shares under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (except that such counsel need not express any opinion as to any
necessary qualification under state or foreign securities or blue sky laws of
the various jurisdictions in which the Shares are being offered by the
Underwriters) or (c) result in a material breach or violation of any of the
terms and provisions of, or constitute a default under, (i) any material
bond, debenture, note or other evidence of indebtedness, or any material
lease, contract, indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement, joint
venture or other agreement or instrument to which the Company or SVI-Cal is a
party or by which either of their respective properties are bound and which
has been filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, (ii) any
applicable California, Delaware corporate or federal securities statute, rule
or regulation, other than state or foreign securities or Blue Sky laws, as to
which such counsel need express no opinion, or (iii) to such counsel's
knowledge, any judgment, order, or decree of any governmental body, agency or
court having jurisdiction over the Company or SVI-Cal or any of their
respective properties or operations; except as to clauses (i), (ii) and (iii)
where such material breach, violation or default would not have a material
adverse effect on the financial condition, earnings, operations or business
of the Company and SVI-Cal taken as a whole.
(x) To such counsel's knowledge, neither the Company nor
SVI-Cal (a) is in violation of its respective charter or bylaws, (b) is in
material breach or violation of any of the terms and provisions of, or in
default under, any material bond, debenture, note or other evidence of
indebtedness, or any material lease, contract, indenture, mortgage, deed of
trust, loan agreement, joint venture or other agreement or instrument to
which the Company or SVI-Cal is a party or by which their respective
properties are bound and which has been filed as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement, or any applicable statute, rule or regulation or any
order, writ or decree of any court,
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<PAGE>
government or governmental agency or body having jurisdiction over the
Company or SVI-Cal or their respective properties or operations; except as to
clause (b) where such material breach, violation or default would not have a
material adverse effect on the financial condition, earnings, operations or
business of the Company or SVI-Cal, taken as a whole.
(xi) Except as set forth in the Registration Statement and
Prospectus, no holders of securities of the Company have preemptive rights
or, to the knowledge of such counsel, registration rights with respect to
securities of the Company.
(xii) To such counsel's knowledge, and without conducting any
litigation or similar searches, there is no legal or governmental proceeding
pending to which the Company or SVI-Cal is a party or to which any of the
properties of the Company or any of the properties of SVI-Cal is subject
which is required to be described in the Registration Statement or the
Prospectus and is not so described.
(xiii) Delivery of certificates for the Shares to be sold by
the Selling Stockholders pursuant hereto will pass title thereto to the
Underwriters severally, free and clear of any lien which may be perfected by
possession under Article 9 of the California Commercial Code assuming that
the several Underwriters are good faith purchasers without notice of any
adverse claim. To such counsel's knowledge, each of the Selling Stockholders
has full legal right and power, and has obtained any authorization or
approval required by law (other than those imposed by the Act or state or
foreign securities or blue sky laws with respect to which such counsel need
not express any opinion) to sell, assign, transfer and deliver the Shares to
be sold by such Selling Stockholder in the manner provided in this Agreement.
In addition, such counsel shall state in substance that such
counsel has acted as outside corporate legal counsel to the Company and
participated in conferences with officials and other representatives of the
Company, the Representatives, Underwriters' Counsel and the independent
certified public accountants of the Company, at which such conferences the
contents of the Registration Statement and Prospectus and related matters
were discussed, and although they have not verified the accuracy or
completeness of the statements contained in the Registration Statement or the
Prospectus, nothing has come to the attention of such counsel which leads
such counsel to believe that, at the time the Registration Statement became
effective and at all times subsequent thereto up to and on the Closing Date
and on any later date on which Option Shares are to be purchased, the
Registration Statement and any amendment or supplement thereto (other than
the financial statements including supporting schedules and other financial
information derived therefrom, as to which such counsel need express no
opinion) contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to
state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein not misleading, or at the Closing Date or any later date
on which the Option Shares are to be purchased, as the case may be, the
Registration Statement, the Prospectus and any amendment or supplement
thereto (except as aforesaid) contained any untrue statement of a material
fact or omitted to state a material fact necessary to make the statements
therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading.
Counsel rendering the foregoing opinion may rely as to questions of
law not involving the laws of the United States or the State of California
upon opinions of local counsel, and as to
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questions of fact upon representations or certificates of officers of the
Company, and of government officials, in which case their opinion is to state
that they are so relying and that they have no knowledge of any material
misstatement or inaccuracy in any such opinion, representation or
certificate. Copies of any opinion, representation or certificate so relied
upon shall be delivered to you, as Representative of the Underwriters, and to
Underwriters' Counsel.
(e) You shall have received on the Closing Date and on any later
date on which Option Shares are to be purchased, as the case may be, an
opinion of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to you, with respect to the sufficiency of all such corporate
proceedings and other legal matters relating to this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby as you may reasonably require, and the
Company shall have furnished to such counsel such documents as they may have
requested for the purpose of enabling them to pass upon such matters.
(f) You shall have received on the Closing Date and on any later
date on which Option Shares are to be purchased, as the case may be, a letter
from Deloitte & Touche LLP, Independent Auditors ("DELOITTE"), addressed to
the Underwriters, dated the Closing Date or such later date on which Option
Shares are to be purchased, as the case may be (in each case, the "BRING DOWN
LETTER"), confirming that they are independent certified public accountants
with respect to the Company within the meaning of the Act and the applicable
published Rules and Regulations and based upon the procedures described in a
letter delivered to you concurrently with the execution of this Agreement
(herein called the "ORIGINAL LETTER"), but carried out to a date not more
than five (5) business days prior to the Closing Date or such later date on
which Option Shares are to be purchased, as the case may be, (i) confirming,
to the extent true, that the statements and conclusions set forth in the
Original Letter are accurate as of the Closing Date or such later date on
which Option Shares are to be purchased, as the case may be, and (ii) setting
forth any revisions and additions to the statements and conclusions set forth
in the Original Letter that are necessary to reflect any changes in the facts
described in the Original Letter since its date, or to reflect the
availability of more recent financial statements, data or information. The
Bring Down Letter shall not disclose any change in the financial condition,
earnings, operations, business or business prospects of the Company from that
set forth in the Registration Statement or Prospectus, which, in your sole
judgment, is material and adverse and that makes it, in your sole judgment,
impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the public offering of the
Shares as contemplated by the Prospectus. The Original Letter from Deloitte
shall be addressed to or for the use of the Underwriters in form and
substance satisfactory to the Underwriters and shall (i) represent, to the
extent true, that they are independent certified public accountants with
respect to the Company within the meaning of the Act and the applicable
published Rules and Regulations, (ii) set forth their opinion with respect to
their examination of the combined balance sheet of the Company as of December
31, 1997 and related combined statements of operations, equity and cash flows
for the twelve (12) months ended December 31, 1997, (iii) state that nothing
came to their attention that caused them to believe that the financial
statements included in the Registration Statement and Prospectus do not
comply as to form in all material respects with the applicable accounting
requirements of the Rules and Regulations and that any adjustments thereto
have not been properly applied to the historical amounts in the compilation
of such statements, and (iv) address other matters agreed upon by Deloitte
and you. In addition, you shall have received from Deloitte a letter
addressed to the Company and made available to you for the use of the
Underwriters stating that their review of the Company's system of internal
accounting controls, to the extent
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they deemed necessary in establishing the scope of their examination of the
Company's financial statements as of December 31, 1997, did not disclose any
weaknesses in internal controls that they considered to be material
weaknesses.
(g) You shall have received on the Closing Date and on any later
date on which Option Shares are to be purchased, as the case may be,
certificates of the Selling Stockholders, dated the Closing Date or such
later date on which Option Shares are purchased, as the case may be, that
their representations and warranties in this Agreement are true and correct,
as if made on and as of the Closing Date or any later date on which Option
Shares are to be purchased, as the case may be, and of the Company, dated the
Closing Date or such later date on which Option Shares are to be purchased,
as the case may be, signed by the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial
Officer of the Company, to the effect that, and you shall be satisfied that:
(i) The representations and warranties of the Company in
this Agreement are true and correct, as if made on and as of the Closing
Date or any later date on which Option Shares are to be purchased, as the
case may be, and the Company has complied with all the agreements and
satisfied all the conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied at or
prior to the Closing Date or any later date on which Option Shares are to be
purchased, as the case may be;
(ii) No stop order suspending the effectiveness of the
Registration Statement has been issued and no proceedings for that purpose
have been instituted or are pending or threatened under the Act;
(iii) When the Registration Statement became effective and at
all times subsequent thereto up to the delivery of such certificate, the
Registration Statement and the Prospectus, and any amendments or supplements
thereto, contained all material information required to be included therein
by the Act and the Rules and Regulations, and in all material respects
conformed to the requirements of the Act and the Rules and Regulations, the
Registration Statement, and any amendment or supplement thereto, did not and
does not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein not misleading, the Prospectus, and any amendment or
supplement thereto, did not and does not include any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the
statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made,
not misleading, and, since the effective date of the Registration Statement,
there has occurred no event required to be set forth in an amended or
supplemented Prospectus which has not been so set forth; and
(iv) Subsequent to the respective dates as of which
information is given in the Registration Statement and Prospectus, there has
not been any (A) material adverse change in the financial condition,
earnings, operations, business or business prospects of the Company and
SVI-Cal taken as a whole, except losses incurred in operation of the
Company's business in the ordinary course and consistent with past practices,
(B) transaction that is material to the Company or SVI-Cal, except
transactions entered into in the ordinary course of business consistent with
past practices, (C) obligation, direct or contingent, that is material to the
Company or SVI-Cal, incurred by the Company or SVI-Cal, except obligations
incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices,
(D) change in the capital stock of the Company, (E) change in the outstanding
indebtedness of the Company or SVI-Cal that is material to the Company and
SVI-Cal taken as a
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whole or is out of the ordinary course of business of the Company and SVI-Cal
taken as a whole except for refinancing of the Company's lines of credit with
Sanwa Bank California, (F) dividend or distribution of any kind declared,
paid or made on the capital stock of the Company, (G) default in the payment
of principal of or interest on any outstanding debt obligations, or (H) loss
or damage (whether or not insured) to the property of the Company or SVI-Cal
which has been sustained or will have been sustained which has a material
adverse effect on the financial condition, earnings, operations, business or
business prospects of the Company and SVI-Cal taken as a whole.
(h) The Shares have been approved for inclusion in the Nasdaq
National Market.
(i) The Company shall have furnished to you such further
certificates and documents as you shall reasonably request (including
certificates of officers of the Company) as to the accuracy of the
representations and warranties of the Company herein, as to the performance
by the Company of its obligations hereunder and as to the other conditions
concurrent and precedent to the obligations of the Underwriters hereunder.
All such opinions, certificates, letters and documents will be in
compliance with the provisions hereof only if they are reasonably
satisfactory to Underwriters' Counsel. The Company will furnish you with
such number of conformed copies of such opinions, certificates, letters and
documents as you shall reasonably request.
8. OPTION SHARES.
(a) On the basis of the representations, warranties and agreements
herein contained, but subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth,
each of the Selling Stockholders other than Alfred G. Scheid hereby grants to
the several Underwriters, for the purpose of covering over-allotments in
connection with the distribution and sale of the Firm Shares only, a
nontransferable option to purchase from such Selling Stockholder at the
purchase price per share for the Firm Shares set forth in SECTION 4, up to
the number of Option Shares listed opposite such Selling Stockholder's name
on SCHEDULE B hereto. Such option may be exercised by the Representative on
behalf of the several Underwriters on one (1) or more occasions in whole or
in part during the period ending forty-five (45) days after the date of the
final Prospectus by giving written notice (the "OPTION NOTICE") to the
Selling Stockholders. The number of Option Shares to be purchased by each
Underwriter upon the exercise of such option shall be the same proportion of
the total number of Option Shares to be purchased by the several Underwriters
pursuant to the exercise of such option as the number of Firm Shares
purchased by such Underwriter (set forth in SCHEDULE A hereto) bears to the
total number of Firm Shares purchased by the several Underwriters (set forth
in SCHEDULE A hereto), adjusted by the Representative in such manner as to
avoid fractional shares. In any partial exercise of the over-allotment
option, each of the Selling Stockholders other than Alfred G. Scheid will
sell that portion of the total Option Shares for which the over-allotment
option is being exercised equal to the portion of the 150,000 maximum
aggregate over-allotment shares listed opposite such Selling Stockholder's
name on SCHEDULE B.
Delivery of definitive certificates for the Option Shares to be
purchased by the several Underwriters pursuant to the exercise of the option
granted by this SECTION 8 shall be made by the
26
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Agent against payment of the purchase price therefor by the several
Underwriters by certified or official bank check or checks drawn in same-day
funds, payable to the order of each Selling Stockholder. In the event of any
breach of such definitive certificate delivery obligations, the party in
breach shall reimburse the Underwriters for the interest lost and any other
expenses borne by them by reason of such breach. Such delivery and payment
shall take place at the offices of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, 4 Park Plaza,
Suite 1700, Irvine, California or at such other place as may be agreed upon
between the Representative and the Agent (i) on the Closing Date, if written
notice of the exercise of such option is received by the Agent at least two
(2) full business days prior to the Closing Date, or (ii) on a date which
shall not be later than the third (3rd) full business day following the date
the Agent receive written notice of the exercise of such option, if such
notice is received by the Agent after the date two (2) full business days
prior to the Closing Date.
The certificates for the Option Shares to be so delivered will be
made available to you at such office or such other location including,
without limitation, in New York City, as you may reasonably request for
checking at least one (1) full business day prior to the date of payment and
delivery and will be in such names and denominations as you shall specify at
least two (2) full business days prior to such date of payment and delivery.
If the Representative so elects, delivery of the Option Shares may be made by
credit through full fast transfer to the accounts at The Depository Trust
Company designated by the Representative.
It is understood that you, individually, and not as the
Representative of the several Underwriters, may (but shall not be obligated
to) make payment of the purchase price on behalf of any Underwriter or
Underwriters whose check or checks shall not have been received by you prior
to the date of payment and delivery for the Option Shares to be purchased by
such Underwriter or Underwriters. Any such payment by you shall not relieve
any such Underwriter or Underwriters of any of its or their obligations
hereunder.
(b) Upon exercise of any option provided for in SECTION 8(a), the
obligations of the several Underwriters to purchase such Option Shares will
be subject (as of the date hereof and as of the date of payment and delivery
for such Option Shares) to the accuracy of and compliance with the
representations, warranties and agreements of the Company and each Selling
Stockholder herein, to the accuracy of the statements of the Company and
officers of the Company and each Selling Stockholder made pursuant to the
provisions hereof, to the performance by the Company and each Selling
Stockholder of its obligations hereunder, to the conditions set forth in
SECTION 7, and to the condition that all proceedings taken at or prior to the
payment date in connection with the sale and transfer of such Option Shares
shall be satisfactory in form and substance to you and to Underwriters'
Counsel, and you shall have been furnished with all such documents,
certificates and opinions as you may request in order to evidence the
accuracy and completeness of any of the representations, warranties or
statements, the performance of any of the covenants or agreements of the
Company and each Selling Stockholder or the satisfaction of any of the
conditions herein contained.
9. INDEMNIFICATION AND CONTRIBUTION.
(a) The Company, jointly and severally with the Selling
Stockholders (each obligated severally in proportion to the relative number
of Shares sold by each Selling Stockholder hereunder), agree to indemnify,
defend and hold harmless each Underwriter (as "INDEMNITEE") against
27
<PAGE>
any losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, to which such
Underwriter may become subject (including, without limitation, in its
capacity as an Underwriter or as a "qualified independent underwriter" within
the meaning of Schedule E of the Bylaws of the NASD), under the Act, the
Exchange Act or otherwise, specifically including, but not limited to,
losses, claims, damages, judgments, liabilities and expenses (including the
fees and expenses of counsel and other expenses in connection with
investigating, defending or settling any such action or claim) (or actions in
respect thereof), as they are incurred and regardless of whether the
Indemnitee is a party to the litigation, if any, arising out of or based upon
(i) any breach of any representation, warranty, agreement or covenant of the
Company herein contained, (ii) any untrue statement or alleged untrue
statement of any material fact contained in the Registration Statement or any
amendment or supplement thereto, or the omission or alleged omission to state
therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make
the statements therein not misleading, or (iii) any untrue statement or
alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in any Preliminary
Prospectus or the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto, or the
omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be
stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of
the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, and agrees to
reimburse each Underwriter for any legal or other expenses reasonably
incurred by it in connection with investigating or defending any such loss,
claim, damage, liability or action as such expenses are incurred; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that neither the Company nor any of the Selling Stockholders shall
be liable in any such case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage,
liability or action arises out of or is based upon an untrue statement or
alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in the
Registration Statement, such Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus, or any
such amendment or supplement thereto, in reliance upon, and in conformity
with, written information relating to any Underwriter furnished to the
Company by such Underwriter, directly or through you, specifically for use in
the preparation thereof; PROVIDED FURTHER that Emily K. Liberty, Tyler P.
Scheid and Shirley Gladden Scheid, individually and as Trustee Under
Declaration of Trust dated March 12, 1997, shall not be liable in indemnity
under clause (i), and in the case of each preceding clause (ii) and (iii),
shall be liable only if any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement, or
any omission or alleged omission, in the Registration Statement or any
amendment or supplement thereto, or in the Preliminary Prospectus, the
Prospectus or any amendment or supplement to either of the foregoing, is made
in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the
Company by such Selling Stockholder for use in the preparation thereof; and
PROVIDED FURTHER, that the indemnity agreement provided in this SECTION 9(a)
with respect to any Preliminary Prospectus shall not inure to the benefit of
any Underwriter from whom the person asserting any losses, claims, damages,
liabilities or actions based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue
statement of material fact or omission or alleged omission to state therein a
material fact purchased Shares, if a copy of the Prospectus in which such
untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission
was corrected had not been sent or given to such person within the time
required by the Act and the Rules and Regulations, unless such failure is the
result of noncompliance by the Company with SECTION 5(d).
In addition, each of the Selling Stockholders severally agrees to
indemnify, defend and hold harmless each Underwriter (as "INDEMNITEE")
against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, to
which such Underwriter may become subject under the Act, the Exchange Act or
otherwise, specifically including, but not limited to, losses, claims,
damages, judgments, liabilities and expenses (including the fees and expenses
of counsel and other expenses in connection with
28
<PAGE>
investigating, defending or settling any such action or claim) (or actions in
respect thereof), as they are incurred and regardless of whether the
Indemnitee is a party to the litigation, if any, arising out of or based upon
any breach of any representation, warranty, agreement or covenant of such
Selling Stockholder herein contained.
The indemnity agreement in this SECTION 9(a) shall extend upon the
same terms and conditions to, and shall inure to the benefit of, each person,
if any, who controls any Underwriter within the meaning of the Act or the
Exchange Act and each of the agents, employees, officers and directors of
each Underwriter and person who so controls any Underwriter. This indemnity
agreement shall be in addition to any liabilities which the Company may
otherwise have.
(b) Each Underwriter, severally and not jointly, agrees to
indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Company and each Selling Stockholder
(as "INDEMNITEE") against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint
or several, to which the Company and each Selling Stockholder may become
subject under the Act or otherwise, specifically including, but not limited
to, losses, claims, damages, judgments liabilities and expenses (including
the fees and expenses of counsel and other expenses in connection with
investigating, defending or settling any such action or claim) (or actions in
respect thereof), as they are incurred and regardless of whether the
Indemnitee is a party to the litigation, if any, arising out of or based upon
(i) any breach of any representation, warranty, agreement or covenant of such
Underwriter herein contained, (ii) any untrue statement or alleged untrue
statement of any material fact contained in the Registration Statement or any
amendment or supplement thereto, or the omission or alleged omission to state
therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make
the statements therein not misleading, or (iii) any untrue statement or
alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in any Preliminary
Prospectus or the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto, or the
omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact necessary to
make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which
they were made, not misleading, in the case of subparagraphs (ii) and (iii)
of this SECTION 9(b) to the extent, but only to the extent, that such untrue
statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was
made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to
the Company and/or each Selling Stockholder by such Underwriter, directly or
through you, specifically for use in the preparation thereof, and agrees to
reimburse the Company and/or such Selling Stockholder for any legal or other
expenses reasonably incurred by the Company or any Selling Stockholder in
connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage,
liability or action as such expenses are incurred.
The indemnity agreement in this SECTION 9(c) shall extend upon the
same terms and conditions to, and shall inure to the benefit of, each Selling
Stockholder, each officer of the Company who signed the Registration
Statement and each director of the Company, and each person, if any, who
controls the Company within the meaning of the Act or the Exchange Act. This
indemnity agreement shall be in addition to any liabilities which each
Underwriter may otherwise have.
(c) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under this
SECTION 9 of notice of the commencement of any action, such indemnified party
shall, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against any indemnifying
party under this SECTION 9, notify the indemnifying party in writing of the
commencement thereof, but the omission so to notify the indemnifying party
will not relieve it from any liability which it may have to any indemnified
party otherwise than under this SECTION 9 except to
29
<PAGE>
the extent that it has been prejudiced by such omission. In case any such
action is brought against any indemnified party, and it notified the
indemnifying party of the commencement thereof, the indemnifying party will
be entitled to participate therein and, to the extent that it shall elect by
written notice delivered to the indemnified party promptly after receiving
the aforesaid notice from such indemnified party, to assume the defense
thereof, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to such indemnified party;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if the defendants in any such action include both the
indemnified party and the indemnifying party and the indemnified party shall
have reasonably concluded that there may be legal defenses available to it
which are different from or additional to those available to the indemnifying
party, the indemnified party or parties shall have the right to select
separate counsel to assume such legal defenses and to otherwise participate
in the defense of such action on behalf of such indemnified party or parties.
Upon receipt of notice from the indemnifying party to such indemnified party
of the indemnifying party's election so to assume the defense of such action
and approval by the indemnified party of counsel, the indemnifying party will
not be liable to such indemnified party hereunder for any legal or other
expenses subsequently incurred by such indemnified party in connection with
the defense thereof unless (i) the indemnified party shall have employed
separate counsel in accordance with the proviso to the next preceding
sentence (it being understood, however, that the indemnifying party shall not
be liable for the expenses of more than one separate counsel (together with
appropriate local counsel) approved by the indemnifying party representing
all the indemnified parties under SECTION 9(a) or 9(b) hereof who are parties
to such action), (ii) the indemnifying party shall not have employed counsel
satisfactory to the indemnified party to represent the indemnified party
within a reasonable time after notice of commencement of the action or (iii)
the indemnifying party has authorized the employment of counsel for the
indemnified party at the expense of the indemnifying party. In no event
shall any indemnifying party be liable in respect of any amounts paid in
settlement of any action unless the indemnifying party shall have approved
the terms of such settlement; PROVIDED that such consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld. No indemnifying party shall, without the prior
written consent of the indemnified party, effect any settlement of any
pending or threatened proceeding in respect of which any indemnified party is
or could have been a party and indemnification could have been sought
hereunder by such indemnified party, unless such settlement includes an
unconditional release of such indemnified party from all liability on all
claims that are the subject matter of such proceeding.
(d) In order to provide for just and equitable contribution in any
action in which a claim for indemnification is made pursuant to this SECTION
9 but it is judicially determined (by the entry of a final judgment or decree
by a court of competent jurisdiction and the expiration of time to appeal or
the denial of the last right of appeal) that such indemnification may not be
enforced in such case notwithstanding the fact that this SECTION 9 provides
for indemnification in such case, all the parties hereto shall contribute to
the aggregate losses, claims, damages or liabilities to which they may be
subject (after contribution from others) in such proportion so that the
Underwriters severally and not jointly are responsible pro rata for the
portion represented by the percentage that the underwriting discount bears to
the public offering price, and the Company, jointly and severally with the
Selling Stockholders (each obligated severally in proportion to the relative
number of Shares sold by each Selling Stockholder hereunder ) will be
responsible for the remaining portion, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that (i) no
Underwriter shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the
amount by which the underwriting discount applicable to the Shares purchased
by such Underwriter exceeds the amount of damages which such Underwriter has
otherwise been required to pay and (ii) no person guilty of a
30
<PAGE>
fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Act)
shall be entitled to contribution from any person who is not guilty of such
fraudulent misrepresentation. The contribution agreement in this SECTION
9(d) shall extend upon the same terms and conditions to, and shall inure to
the benefit of, each person, if any, who controls any Underwriter or the
Company within the meaning of the Act or the Exchange Act and each officer of
the Company who signed the Registration Statement and each director of the
Company and each Selling Stockholder.
(e) The parties to this Agreement hereby acknowledge that they are
sophisticated business persons who were represented by counsel during the
negotiations regarding the provisions hereof including, without limitation,
the provisions of this SECTION 9, and are fully informed regarding said
provisions. They further acknowledge that the provisions of this SECTION 9
fairly allocate the risks in light of the ability of the parties to
investigate the Company and its business in order to assure that adequate
disclosure is made in the Registration Statement and Prospectus as required
by the Act and the Exchange Act.
(f) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the aggregate
liability of each Selling Stockholder in respect of all obligations in
indemnity or contribution under this SECTION 9, or in respect of any breach
or inaccuracy of any representation or warranty hereunder, will not exceed
the total price at which the Shares sold by such Selling Stockholder were
offered to the public less the underwriting discounts and commissions and
non-accountable expense allowance attributable to those Shares.
10. REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES, COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS TO SURVIVE
DELIVERY. All representations, warranties, covenants and agreements of the
Company, the Selling Stockholders and the Underwriters herein or in
certificates delivered pursuant hereto, and the indemnity and contribution
agreements contained in SECTION 9 shall remain operative and in full force
and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of any
Underwriter or any person controlling any Underwriter within the meaning of
the Act or the Exchange Act, or by or on behalf of any Selling Stockholder or
the Company, or any of the Company's officers, directors or controlling
persons within the meaning of the Act or the Exchange Act, and shall survive
the delivery of the Shares to the several Underwriters hereunder or
termination of this Agreement.
11. SUBSTITUTION OF UNDERWRITERS. If any Underwriter or Underwriters
shall fail to take up and pay for the number of Firm Shares agreed by such
Underwriter or Underwriters to be purchased hereunder upon tender of such
Firm Shares in accordance with the terms hereof, and if the aggregate number
of Firm Shares which such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters so agreed
but failed to purchase does not exceed 10% of the Firm Shares, the remaining
Underwriters shall be obligated, severally in proportion to their respective
commitments hereunder, to take up and pay for the Firm Shares of such
defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters.
If any Underwriter or Underwriters so defaults and the aggregate number
of Firm Shares which such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters agreed but
failed to take up and pay for exceeds 10% of the Firm Shares, the remaining
Underwriters shall have the right, but shall not be obligated, to take up and
pay for (in such proportions as may be agreed upon among them) the Firm
Shares which the defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters so agreed but failed
to purchase. If such remaining Underwriters do not, at the Closing Date,
take up and pay for the Firm Shares which the defaulting Underwriter or
Underwriters so agreed but failed to purchase, the Closing Date shall be
postponed for twenty-four (24) hours to allow the several Underwriters the
privilege of substituting within twenty-
31
<PAGE>
four (24) hours (including non-business hours) another underwriter or
underwriters (which may include any nondefaulting Underwriter) satisfactory
to the Principal Selling Stockholder. If no such underwriter or underwriters
shall have been substituted as aforesaid by such postponed Closing Date, the
Closing Date may, at the option of the Principal Selling Stockholder, be
postponed for a further twenty-four (24) hours, if necessary, to allow the
Principal Selling Stockholder the privilege of finding another underwriter or
underwriters, satisfactory to you, to purchase the Firm Shares which the
defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters so agreed but failed to purchase. If
it shall be arranged for the remaining Underwriters or substituted
underwriter or underwriters to take up the Firm Shares of the defaulting
Underwriter or Underwriters as provided in this SECTION 11, (i) the Principal
Selling Stockholder shall have the right to postpone the time of delivery for
a period of not more than seven (7) full business days, in order to effect
whatever changes may thereby be made necessary in the Registration Statement
or the Prospectus, or in any other documents or arrangements, and the Company
and the Principal Selling Stockholder agree promptly to file any amendments
to the Registration Statement, supplements to the Prospectus or other such
documents which may thereby be made necessary, and (ii) the respective number
of Firm Shares to be purchased by the remaining Underwriters and substituted
underwriter or underwriters shall be taken as the basis of their underwriting
obligation. If the remaining Underwriters shall not take up and pay for all
such Firm Shares so agreed to be purchased by the defaulting Underwriter or
Underwriters or substitute another underwriter or underwriters as aforesaid
and the Principal Selling Stockholder shall not find or shall not elect to
seek another underwriter or underwriters for such Firm Shares as aforesaid,
then this Agreement shall terminate.
In the event of any termination of this Agreement pursuant to the
preceding paragraph of this SECTION 11, then neither the Company nor the
Principal Selling Stockholder shall be liable to any Underwriter (except as
provided in SECTIONS 6 and 9 hereof) nor shall any Underwriter (other than an
Underwriter who shall have failed, otherwise than for some reason permitted
under this Agreement, to purchase the number of Firm Shares agreed by such
Underwriter to be purchased hereunder, which Underwriter shall remain liable
to the Company, the Principal Selling Stockholder and the other Underwriters
for damages, if any, resulting from such default) be liable to the Company or
the Principal Selling Stockholder (except to the extent provided in SECTIONS
6 and 9 hereof).
The term "Underwriter" in this Agreement shall include any person
substituted for an Underwriter under this SECTION 11.
12. EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS AGREEMENT AND TERMINATION.
(a) This Agreement shall become effective at the earlier of (i)
6:30 A.M., California time, on the first full business day following the
effective date of the Registration Statement, or (ii) the time of the public
offering of any of the Shares by the Underwriters after the Registration
Statement becomes effective. The time of the public offering shall mean the
time of the release by you, for publication, of the first newspaper
advertisement relating to the Shares, or the time at which the Shares are
first generally offered by the Underwriters to the public by letter,
telephone, telegram or telecopy, whichever shall first occur. By giving
notice as set forth in SECTION 13 before the time this Agreement becomes
effective, you, as Representative of the several Underwriters, the Company,
or the Principal Selling Stockholder, may prevent this Agreement from
becoming effective without liability of any party to any other party, except
as provided in SECTIONS 5(i) and 9.
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<PAGE>
(b) You, as Representative of the several Underwriters, shall have
the right to terminate this Agreement by giving notice as hereinafter
specified at any time on or prior to the Closing Date or on or prior to any
later date on which Option Shares are to be purchased, as the case may be,
(i) if the Company or any Selling Stockholder shall have failed, refused or
been unable to perform any agreement on its part to be performed, or because
any other condition of the Underwriters' obligations hereunder required to be
fulfilled is not fulfilled, including, without limitation, any change in the
financial condition, earnings, operations, business or business prospects of
the Company from that set forth in the Registration Statement or Prospectus,
which, in your sole judgment, is material and adverse, or (ii) if additional
governmental restrictions, not in force and effect on the date hereof, shall
have been imposed upon trading in securities generally or minimum or maximum
prices shall have been generally established on the New York Stock Exchange
or on the American Stock Exchange or in the over the counter market by the
NASD, or trading in securities generally shall have been suspended on either
such exchange or in the over the counter market by the NASD, or if a banking
moratorium shall have been declared by federal, New York or California
authorities, or (iii) if the Company shall have sustained a loss by strike,
fire, flood, earthquake, accident or other calamity of such character as to
interfere materially with the conduct of the business and operations of the
Company regardless of whether or not such loss shall have been insured, or
(iv) if there shall have been a material adverse change in the general
political or economic conditions or financial markets as in your judgment
makes it inadvisable or impracticable to proceed with the offering, sale and
delivery of the Shares, or (v) if there shall have been an outbreak or
escalation of hostilities or of any other insurrection or armed conflict or
the declaration by the United States of a national emergency which, in the
opinion of the Representative, makes it impracticable or inadvisable to
proceed with the public offering of the Shares as contemplated by the
Prospectus. In the event of termination pursuant to subparagraph (i) above,
the Selling Stockholders and the Company shall remain obligated to pay costs
and expenses pursuant to SECTIONS 5(i), 6 and 9. Any termination pursuant to
any of subparagraphs (ii) through (v) above shall be without liability of any
party to any other party except as provided in SECTIONS 5(i) and 9.
If you elect to prevent this Agreement from becoming effective or
to terminate this Agreement as provided in this SECTION 12, you shall
promptly notify the Company by telephone, telecopy or telegram, in each case
confirmed by letter, which notice shall be sufficient to notify each Selling
Stockholder as well. If the Company or the Principal Selling Stockholder
shall elect to prevent this Agreement from becoming effective, the Company
shall promptly notify you by telephone, telecopy or telegram, in each case,
confirmed by letter.
13. NOTICES. All notices or communications hereunder, except as herein
otherwise specifically provided, shall be in writing and if sent to you shall
be mailed, delivered, telegraphed (and confirmed by letter) or telecopied
(and confirmed by letter) to you c/o Cruttenden Roth Incorporated, 18301 Von
Karman, Suite 100, Irvine, California 92715, telecopier number (714)
852-9603, Attention: General Counsel; if sent to the Company, such notice
shall be mailed, delivered, telegraphed (and confirmed by letter) or
telecopied (and confirmed by letter) to 13470 Washington Blvd., Marina del
Rey, California 90292, telecopier number (310) 301-1569, Attention: Chief
Executive Officer.
14. PARTIES. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be
binding upon the several Underwriters, the Company and each Selling
Stockholder and their respective executors, administrators, successors and
assigns. Nothing expressed or mentioned in this Agreement is intended or
shall be construed to give any person or entity, other than the parties
hereto and their respective
33
<PAGE>
executors, administrators, successors and assigns, and the controlling
persons within the meaning of the Act or the Exchange Act, officers and
directors referred to in SECTION 9, any legal or equitable right, remedy or
claim in respect of this Agreement or any provisions herein contained, this
Agreement and all conditions and provisions hereof being intended to be and
being for the sole and exclusive benefit of the parties hereto and their
respective executors, administrators, successors and assigns and said
controlling persons and said officers and directors, and for the benefit of
no other person or entity. No purchaser of any of the Shares from any
Underwriter shall be construed a successor or assign by reason merely of such
purchase.
In all dealings with the Company or any Selling Stockholder under this
Agreement, you shall act on behalf of each of the several Underwriters, and
the Company and each Selling Stockholder shall be entitled to act and rely
upon any statement, request, notice or agreement made or given by you jointly
or by Cruttenden Roth Incorporated on behalf of you.
15. APPLICABLE LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed
in accordance with, the laws of the State of California.
16. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be signed in several
counterparts, each of which will constitute an original.
[remainder of page intentionally left blank]
34
<PAGE>
If the foregoing correctly sets forth the understanding among the
Company, the Selling Stockholders, and the several Underwriters, please so
indicate in the space provided below for that purpose, whereupon this letter
shall constitute a binding agreement of the Company, the Selling
Stockholders, and the several Underwriters.
Very truly yours,
SCHEID VINEYARDS INC.
By: ____________________________
Name: __________________________
Title: _________________________
_________________________________ _________________________________
Alfred G. Scheid, individually and Scott D. Scheid
as Trustee of the Alfred G. Scheid
Revocable Trust dated October 8,
1992
_________________________________ _________________________________
Heidi M. Scheid Kurt J. Gollnick
_________________________________ _________________________________
Emily K. Liberty Tyler P. Scheid
_________________________________
Shirley Gladden Scheid,
individually and as Trustee Under
Declaration of Trust dated
March 12, 1997
Accepted as of the date first above written:
CRUTTENDEN ROTH INCORPORATED
On its behalf and on behalf of each of the
several Underwriters named in SCHEDULE A hereto.
By CRUTTENDEN ROTH INCORPORATED
By: ______________________________
Name: ____________________________
Title: ___________________________
35
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE A
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Firm Shares
Underwriters to be Purchased
------------ ---------------
<S> <C>
Cruttenden Roth Incorporated 650,000
NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC 100,000
Advest, Inc. 50,000
Imperial Capital, LLC 50,000
Josephthal & Co. Inc. 50,000
Sutro & Co. Incorporated 50,000
Wedbush Morgan Securities Inc. 50,000
------------
------------
Total 1,000,000
</TABLE>
36
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE B
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Shares of Class B
Common Stock
Selling Stockholder Subject to this Agreement
------------------- ---------------------------
<S> <C>
Alfred G. Scheid, individually and as Trustee of the 1,000,000
Alfred G. Scheid Revocable Trust dated October 8, 1992
Scott D. Scheid 30,000
Heidi M. Scheid 30,000
Kurt J. Gollnick 30,000
Emily K. Liberty 25,000
Tyler P. Scheid 25,000
Shirley Gladden Scheid, individually and as Trustee 10,000
Under Declaration of Trust dated March 12, 1997
---------
---------
Total 1,150,000
</TABLE>
37
<PAGE>
May 7, 1998
The Board of Directors
Scheid Vineyards Inc.
13470 Washington Boulevard
Marina del Rey, California 90292
Re: Registration Statement on Form SB-2
File No. 333-51055
-----------------------------------
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel for Scheid Vineyards Inc., a Delaware
corporation (the "Company"), in connection with the registration under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), of an aggregate of 1,150,000
shares (the "Shares") of the Company's Class A Common Stock, par value $.001
per share (the "Class A Common Stock"), to be sold for the account of selling
stockholders of the Company. The Shares include 150,000 shares that may be
purchased by the underwriters in the offering to cover overallotments. The
Shares offered and sold will be converted from an equal number of shares of
the Company's Class B Common Stock, par value $.001 per share (the "Class B
Common Stock").
As such counsel, we have considered such matters of law as we have
deemed appropriate under the circumstances. Additionally, we have examined
originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction,
of such records, certificates, documents and other instruments, consulted
with officers and other representatives of the Company and have obtained such
representations with respect to such matters of fact as we have deemed
necessary or advisable; however, we have not necessarily independently
verified the content of factual statements made to us in connection therewith
or the veracity of such representations. We have assumed without independent
verification or investigation (i) the genuineness of all signatures, (ii) the
authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals and (iii) the
conformity to authentic original documents of all documents submitted to us
as certified, conformed or photostatic copies.
Based on the foregoing, it is our opinion that the Shares, upon their
conversion from Class B Common Stock, will be legally issued, fully paid and
non-assessable.
<PAGE>
The Board of Directors
Scheid Vineyards, Inc.
May 7, 1998
Page 2
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Company's Registration Statement on Form SB-2, File No. 333-51055, and to the
reference to this firm in the Prospectus forming a part of such Registration
Statement under the heading "Legal Matters." In giving this consent, we do
not admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required
under Section 7 of the Act or the rules or regulations promulgated thereunder.
Very truly yours,
SANDERS, BARNET, GOLDMAN, SIMONS & MOSK,
A Professional Corporation
By: /s/ DEBORAH L. GUNNY
----------------------------------
Deborah L. Gunny
DLG/tbm
<PAGE>
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO VINEYARD MANAGEMENT AGREEMENTS
THIS AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO VINEYARD MANAGEMENT AGREEMENTS (this
"Amendment") is made and entered into as of the 7th day of May 1998, by and
among SCHEID VINEYARDS CALIFORNIA INC., a California corporation and formerly
named Scheid Vineyards and Management Co. ("Scheid"), CANANDAIGUA WINE
COMPANY, INC., a New York corporation and formerly named Canandaigua West,
Inc. ("Canandaigua"), and CANANDAIGUA BRANDS, INC., a Delaware corporation
and formerly named Canandaigua Wine Company, Inc. ("CWC"). This Amendment is
being entered into for the purpose of amending (i) that certain Vineyard
Management Agreement, dated as of January 1, 1997, among the parties (the
"1997 Agreement") and (ii) that certain Vineyard Management Agreement, dated
as of January 1, 1996, among the parties (the "1996 Agreement" and together
with the 1997 Agreement, the "Management Agreements").
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, Section 5.3(A) of each of the Management Agreements provides
that Canandaigua may terminate such Management Agreement if certain persons
specified therein fail to beneficially own, directly or indirectly, at least
51% of the capital stock of Scheid;
WHEREAS, at the time each of the Management Agreements was entered into,
Scheid was a privately held company with a single class of capital stock all
outstanding shares of which were owned by Alfred G. Scheid;
WHEREAS, the original mutual intent of the parties in including Section
5.3(A) of each of the Management Agreements was to provide Canandaigua a
right of termination if the persons specified in such section failed to
maintain voting and management control of Scheid, as opposed to owning a
majority of the economic interest in Scheid;
WHEREAS, in July 1997, in connection with the initial public offering of
Scheid Vineyards Inc., a Delaware corporation ("SVI"), (i) Scheid became a
wholly owned subsidiary of SVI, (ii) SVI created a dual class capital
structure comprised of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, with
the Class B Common Stock possessing greater voting rights than the Class A
Common Stock, (iii) shares of Class B Common Stock of SVI were issued to
Alfred G. Scheid, members of his family, Kurt Gollnick (an officer of each of
SVI and Scheid) and members of his family, and (iv) shares of Class A Common
Stock were issued to purchasers in the offering;
WHEREAS, each share of Class A Common Stock of SVI is entitled to one
vote and each share of Class B Common Stock of SVI is entitled to five votes
on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders of SVI; and except for
matters where applicable law requires the approval of one or both classes of
the Common Stock of SVI voting as a separate class and except as described
below in connection with the election of directors, the Class A Common
<PAGE>
Stock and the Class B Common Stock vote together as a single class on all
matters presented for a vote of the stockholders of SVI;
WHEREAS, the holders of the Class A Common Stock, voting as a separate
class, are entitled to elect 25% of the authorized number of directors of SVI
rounded up to the nearest whole number, and the holders of the Class B Common
Stock, voting as a separate class, are entitled to elect the remaining
directors of SVI; and
WHEREAS, due to the above-described changes in the ownership of Scheid
and the capital structure of SVI, the parties have recognized and agreed that
the provisions of Section 5.3(A) of each of the Management Agreements no
longer operate to give effect to the original mutual intent of the parties,
and the parties desire to amend Section 5.3(A) of each of the Management
Agreements to conform such provisions to the original mutual intent of the
parties.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the payment of $10.00 and other good
and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
acknowledged, the parties hereby agree as follows:
1. AMENDMENT OF CLAUSE (A) OF SECTION 5.3. Clause (A) of Section 5.3
of each of the Management Agreements is hereby amended to read in its
entirety as follows:
"A. (i) (a) Alfred G. Scheid or the members of his family or Kurt J.
Gollnick or the members of his family, collectively, shall fail
to beneficially own, directly or indirectly, shares of the
capital stock of SVI: (1) representing a majority of the combined
voting power of the outstanding shares of all classes of Common
Stock of SVI, when voting together as a single class, or
(2) having the power to elect a majority of the total authorized
number of directors of SVI; or (b) SVI shall fail to beneficially
own, directly or indirectly, shares of the capital stock of
Scheid representing a majority of the voting power of Scheid in
the election of directors; Scheid shall give prompt written
notice to Canandaigua of any such failure; or
"(ii) none of Alfred G. Scheid or members of his family or Kurt J.
Gollnick or members of his family shall be actively involved in
the business of Scheid, unless Canandaigua shall consent in
writing; such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld;".
2. FULL FORCE AND EFFECT. Except as amended hereby, each of the
Management Agreements remains in full force and effect.
-2-
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Amendment as of the
day and year first above written.
SCHEID VINEYARDS CALIFORNIA INC.
By: /s/ HEIDI M. SCHEID
-------------------------------
Signature
Vice President Finance
-------------------------------
Name and Title
CANANDAIGUA WINE COMPANY, INC.
By: /s/ DANIEL C. BARNETT
-------------------------------
Signature
President
-------------------------------
Name and Title
CANANDAIGUA BRANDS, INC.
By: /s/ DANIEL C. BARNETT
-------------------------------
Signature
Vice President
-------------------------------
Name and Title
-3-
<PAGE>
AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO
VINEYARD DEVELOPMENT AND
MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
THIS AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO VINEYARD DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
(this "Amendment") is made and entered into as of the 7th day of May 1998, by
and between SCHEID VINEYARDS CALIFORNIA INC., a California corporation and
formerly named Scheid Vineyards and Management Co. ("Scheid"), and IDV NORTH
AMERICA, INC., a Connecticut corporation and formerly named Heublein, Inc.
("Heublein"). This Amendment is being entered into for the purpose of
amending that certain Vineyard Development and Management Agreement between
the parties, dated as of December 1, 1995, as previously amended by that
certain Amendment No. 1 to Vineyard Development and Management Agreement
between the parties, dated as of March 28, 1997 (collectively, the
"Management Agreement"). All capitalized terms used herein without separate
definition shall have the same meaning as used in the Management Agreement.
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, clause (vii) of Section 10.3 of the Management Agreement
provides that Heublein may terminate the Management Agreement if Alfred G.
Scheid and members of his family fail to beneficially own, directly or
indirectly, at least 51% of the capital stock of Scheid;
WHEREAS, at the time the Management Agreement was entered into, Scheid
was a privately held company with a single class of capital stock all
outstanding shares of which were owned by Alfred G. Scheid;
WHEREAS, in July 1997, in connection with the initial public offering of
Scheid Vineyards Inc., a Delaware corporation ("SVI"), (i) Scheid became a
wholly owned direct subsidiary of SVI, (ii) SVI created a dual class capital
structure comprised of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, with
the Class B Common Stock possessing greater voting rights than the Class A
Common Stock, (iii) all of the outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock of
SVI were issued to and are owned beneficially and of record by Alfred G.
Scheid, members of his family, Kurt Gollnick (an officer of each of SVI and
Scheid) and members of his family, and (iv) shares of Class A Common Stock
were issued to purchasers in the offering;
WHEREAS, each share of Class A Common Stock of SVI is entitled to one
vote and each share of Class B Common Stock of SVI is entitled to five votes
on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders of SVI; and except for
matters where applicable law requires the approval of one or both classes of
the Common Stock of SVI voting as a separate class and except as described
below in connection with the election of directors, the Class A Common Stock
and the Class B Common Stock vote together as a single class on all matters
presented for a vote of the stockholders of SVI;
<PAGE>
WHEREAS, the holders of the Class A Common Stock, voting as a separate
class, are entitled to elect 25% of the authorized number of directors of SVI
rounded up to the nearest whole number, and the holders of the Class B Common
Stock, voting as a separate class, are entitled to elect the remaining
directors of SVI; and
WHEREAS, due to the proposed changes in the ownership of SVI, and
indirectly in Scheid, described in excerpts from SVI's preliminary prospectus
dated April 27, 1998 that were delivered to Heublein on or about May 6, 1998
(the "Preliminary Prospectus Excerpts"), the parties desire to amend clause
(vii) of Section 10.3 of the Management Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the payment of $10.00 and other good
and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
acknowledged, the parties hereby agree as follows:
1. AMENDMENT OF CLAUSE (vii) OF SECTION 10.3. Clause (vii) of Section
10.3 of the Management Agreement is hereby amended to read in its entirety as
follows; provided, that such amendment shall be effective only in the event
that the public offering of shares of Class A Common Stock of SVI by Alfred
G. Scheid (and certain other selling stockholders in the event of an exercise
of the underwriters' overallotment option) is consummated substantially in
the manner described in the Preliminary Prospectus Excerpts:
"(vii) if Heublein is the Terminating Party, (A) Alfred G. Scheid
and the members of his family and Kurt J. Gollnick and the members of his
family, collectively, shall fail to beneficially own, directly or
indirectly, shares of the capital stock of SVI that both (1) represent a
majority of the combined voting power of the outstanding shares of all
classes of Common Stock of SVI, when voting together as a single class,
and (2) have the power to elect a majority of the total authorized number
of directors of SVI, or (B) SVI shall fail to beneficially own, directly
or indirectly, shares of the capital stock of Scheid representing at least
80% of the voting power of Scheid in the election of directors; Scheid
shall give prompt written notice to Heublein of any such failure; or".
2. DIAGEO AND UDV AS AFFILIATES OF HEUBLEIN. Scheid acknowledges and
agrees that Diageo plc and United Distillers and Vintners plc are
"Affiliates" of Grand Metropolitan plc for purposes of clause (viii) of
Section 10.3 of the Management Agreement.
3. LEGAL FEES. Scheid agrees to reimburse Heublein for its reasonable
attorneys' fees and costs incurred in connection with the negotiation and
execution of this Amendment and the confirmation by Heublein described in
Section 5 below, up to an amount not to exceed $1,500.
4. REPRESENTATION BY SCHEID. Scheid represents and warrants to
Heublein that since the time that the Management Agreement was entered into,
there has been no material adverse change in the financial condition,
operations or assets of Scheid.
-2-
<PAGE>
5. HEUBLEIN CONSENT TO BANK WAIVER. Scheid has requested Bank of
America National Trust and Savings Association ("Bank") to grant a waiver of
default substantially in the form of EXHIBIT A attached to this Amendment in
connection with a loan related to the vineyard that is the subject of the
Management Agreement. Bank has advised Scheid that it desires to obtain
confirmation from Heublein that the grant of such a waiver by Bank will not
adversely affect any current obligation of Heublein to Scheid and/or Bank
related to such loan. Heublein hereby agrees to provide such confirmation to
Bank in such form as shall be reasonably acceptable to Heublein; provided,
however, that such confirmation shall not subject Heublein to any increased
obligation to Scheid or Bank.
6. FULL FORCE AND EFFECT. Except as amended hereby, the Management
Agreement remains in full force and effect.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Amendment as of the
day and year first above written.
SCHEID VINEYARDS CALIFORNIA INC.
By: /s/ HEIDI M. SCHEID
---------------------------------
Signature
Vice President Finance
---------------------------------
Name and Title
IDV NORTH AMERICA, INC.
By: /s/ MARK A. SCHLOSSBERG
---------------------------------
Signature
Vice President, Assistant Secretary
and Assistant General Counsel
---------------------------------
Name and Title
-3-
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A
WAIVER
SCHEID VINEYARDS CALIFORNIA INC., a California corporation and formerly
named Scheid Vineyards and Management Co. (the "Borrower"), has requested
BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST AND SAVINGS ASSOCIATION (the "Bank") to waive
any default that may occur under Section 9.7 of that certain Business Loan
Agreement, dated as of March 28, 1997, between the Borrower and the Bank (the
"Loan Agreement") as a result of the public offering described herein, and
the Bank is willing to grant such waiver as specified herein. All
capitalized terms used herein without separate definition have the same
meaning as used in the Loan Agreement.
DISCLOSURES BY THE BORROWER
The Borrower has notified the Bank of the following:
Section 9.7 of the Loan Agreement provides that it shall be an event of
default if a direct or indirect change in the Borrower's capital ownership in
excess of 10% shall occur.
The Borrower is a wholly owned subsidiary of Scheid Vineyards Inc., a
Delaware corporation ("SVI").
Certain principal stockholders of SVI propose to sell between 1,000,000
and 1,150,000 shares of Class A Common Stock of SVI in an underwritten public
offering, as described in SVI's Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 27, 1998 (the
"Offering"). The maximum number of shares proposed to be sold represents
17.2% of the aggregate number of outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock
and Class B Common Stock of SVI. It is anticipated that the shares sold in
the Offering will be widely distributed and not concentrated in the hands of
any buyer or buyers.
As a result of the Offering, the stockholdings of the management
personnel of SVI and their family members (the "Control Group") will decrease
from 65.3% to between 48.1% to 50.4% of the aggregate number of outstanding
shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock of SVI.
SVI has a dual class capital structure consisting of Class A Common
Stock and Class B Common Stock. Generally, except for the election of
directors, the Class A Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock vote
together as a single Class on all matters presented for a vote of the
stockholders, with each share of Class A Common Stock entitled to one vote
and each share of Class B Common Stock entitled to five votes. The holders
of the Class B Common Stock, voting as a separate class, are entitled to
elect a majority of the Board of Directors of SVI, and the holders of the
Class A Common Stock, voting as a separate class, are entitled to elect a
minority of the Board of Directors of SVI.
Immediately following the Offering, the Control Group will retain
effective control of SVI and the Borrower, and will continue to direct the
business, management and policies of
<PAGE>
SVI and the Borrower, through (i) holding from 74.6% up to 83.5% of the
combined voting power of the outstanding Class A and Class B Common Stock of
SVI and (ii) the ability to elect a majority of the Board of Directors of SVI
as a result of their holdings of shares of Class B Common Stock of SVI.
WAIVER
Based on the disclosures made by the Borrower as described above, the
Bank hereby waives any default that may occur under Section 9.7 of the Loan
Agreement as a result of any change in ownership of the capital stock of SVI
that may result from the proposed sales of shares of Class A Common Stock of
SVI in the Offering.
This Waiver shall be effective as of the 7th day of May 1998.
BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST
AND SAVINGS ASSOCIATION
By:
-----------------------------
Signature
-----------------------------
Name and Title
-2-
<PAGE>
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
SCHEID VINEYARDS INC.
AND
UNITED FARM WORKERS OF AMERICA, AFL-CIO
April 9, 1998 - December 31, 2001
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE NO.
<S> <C>
PREAMBLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
ARTICLE 1
RECOGNITION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
ARTICLE 2
UNION SECURITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
ARTICLE 3
HIRING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
ARTICLE 4
SENIORITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
ARTICLE 5
LAYOFF AND RECALL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
ARTICLE 6
PROMOTION, DEMOTION AND TRANSFER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
ARTICLE 7
TRAINING AND APPRENTICESHIP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
ARTICLE 8
GRIEVANCE AND ARBITRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
ARTICLE 9
STRIKES AND LOCKOUTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
ARTICLE 10
DISCIPLINE AND DISCHARGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
ARTICLE 11
LEAVES OF ABSENCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
ARTICLE 12
WORKING CONDITIONS AND SAFETY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
ARTICLE 13
MANAGEMENT AND UNION RIGHTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 14
HOURS AND OVERTIME. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
ARTICLE 15
WAGES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
ARTICLE 16
VACATIONS AND BONUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
ARTICLE 17
HOLIDAYS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
ARTICLE 18
ROBERT F. KENNEDY FARM WORKERS MEDICAL PLAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
ARTICLE 19
SCHEID VINEYARDS INC. 401(k) DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLAN. . . . . . . . . . . . 54
ARTICLE 20
DURATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
APPENDIX "A"
SCHEDULE OF HOURLY WAGE RATES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A1
APPENDIX "B"
SCHEDULE OF PIECE RATES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B1
APPENDIX "C"
AUTHORIZATION FOR VOLUNTARY ASSESSMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C1
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
PREAMBLE
This Collective Bargaining Agreement (hereinafter called the "Agreement")
is between SCHEID VINEYARDS INC. (hereinafter called the "Company"), and THE
UNITED FARM WORKERS OF AMERICA, AFL-CIO (hereinafter called the "Union"), and
said Collective Bargaining Agreement shall operate for the purpose of
establishing uniform wages, hours, and working conditions as hereinafter
defined.
The parties agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1
RECOGNITION
A. The Company recognizes the rights and obligations of the Union as the
sole and exclusive bargaining agent to negotiate wages, hours and conditions of
employment, and to administer this Agreement on behalf of covered workers. The
term "worker" shall mean persons performing agricultural labor in the vineyards
or in support of such labor, but not include family members of management,
interns, security guards, management trainees, clerical, sales or supervisory
workers who have the authority to hire, transfer, suspend, layoff, recall,
promote, discharge, assign, reward or discipline other workers or the
responsibility to independently direct them without discretion or adjust their
grievances or effectively recommend such action, if, in connection with the
foregoing, the exercise of such authority is not of a merely routine manner or
clerical in nature, but requires the use of independent judgment.
1
<PAGE>
B. Both the Company and the Union will make known to the workers the
obligations of the parties set forth in this Agreement, and in addition, the
Company shall so inform its supervisors.
C. Neither the Company nor any of its representatives will take any
action to disparage, denigrate or subvert the Union, nor promote or finance a
decertification petition. Neither the Union nor any of its representatives will
take any action to disparage, denigrate or subvert the Company.
D. The Union and the Company agree with the objective of a fair day's
work for a fair day's pay. The Union and the Company further agree with the
objective of a safe, productive and incentive based work environment. In
accordance with these objectives, the workers recognize their obligations in
carrying out their job responsibilities and assignments.
E. In accordance with the law no employee shall be discriminated against
in his or her employment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age,
sex, national origin, ancestry, marital status, union activity or disability.
F. The United Farm Workers Union was certified to represent all
agricultural workers of the Company in the State of California by the
Agricultural Labor Relations Board on April 30, 1992 in Case Number 92-RC-1-SAL.
2
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 2
UNION SECURITY
A. Union membership shall be a condition of employment. Each worker
shall be required to become a member of the Union immediately following ten (10)
continual days of work after the beginning of employment. The Company will
advise new workers that it is a condition of their employment that they must
become a member of the Union immediately following ten (10) continual days of
work after the beginning of their employment. The Union agrees to admit new
workers into the Union.
B. Any worker who fails to become a Union member within the time limit
set forth herein or who fails to pay the required initiation fee and periodic
dues shall be immediately discharged or suspended within five (5) work days
after written notice from the Union to the Company. Periodic dues is defined as
a percentage of a worker's gross wages before taxes which are deducted from each
pay check as provided in Section E.
C. The Union will be responsible for obtaining the membership
applications and dues check-off authorization forms not later than thirty (30)
continual days of work following the beginning of a new worker's employment.
3
<PAGE>
D. The Union will notify the Company in writing of the amounts of
deduction within thirty (30) days of the execution of this Agreement and thirty
(30) days before the effective date of any changes.
E. The Company agrees to deduct from each worker's pay, the Union's
normal initiation fee and all periodic dues as required by the Union. The
Company shall make such deductions upon presentation by the Union of individual
authorizations, signed by the worker, directing the Company to make such
deductions. The Company shall make such deductions from the worker's pay for
that payroll period in which it is submitted, provided that it is submitted
seven (7) days in advance of the close of the pay period and periodically
thereafter, as specified on the authorization so long as such authorization is
in effect. The Union shall provide the forms for all dues and initiation fees.
F. The Company agrees to deduct from each worker's pay, a voluntary
assessment of one dollar ($1.00) per week for a maximum of 26 weeks each
calendar year according to the following conditions:
1. The Company and the Union agree that such assessments shall be
for the benefit of duly elected ranch committee members for
administration of this Contract and Union training programs.
4
<PAGE>
2. The Union shall provide to the Company individual authorization
forms, signed by each worker authorizing such deductions. These forms
shall be photocopies or exact replicas of the "Authorization for
Voluntary Assessments" form in Appendix "C".
3. New, signed authorization forms shall be provided to the Company
for each calendar year.
4. The Company shall make such deductions from the worker's pay in
the payroll period after the period in which a form is submitted or
later as specified on the signed authorization forms.
G. Withheld deductions and assessments are to be sent to the Union within
three (3) days after the payroll checks are distributed to the workers. Dues
reports shall be provided by the Company to the Union in accordance with
procedures to be agreed upon by the parties.
H. The Union shall indemnify and hold the Company harmless from and
against any and all claims, demands, suits or other forms of liability that may
arise out of or by reason of action taken by the Company for the purpose of
compliance with any of the provisions of this Article.
5
<PAGE>
I. In the event that the Company files in bankruptcy proceedings it shall
promptly notify the Union. If such proceedings occur, any Union dues withheld
from employees' pay checks shall be forwarded to the Union as provided in
Paragraph F.
6
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 3
HIRING
A. The Company shall operate, maintain and staff three or more
facilities for the purpose of hiring new or additional workers. The Company
will inform the Union of any change in the locations of the hiring facilities.
Company headquarters at Hobson Avenue and Highway 101 in Greenfield, the Sage
Ranch headquarters on Airline Highway in Paicines and the Vineyard office
located on Jolon Rd. in Bradley will be the locations of the Company's hiring
facilities.
B. Whenever, at the beginning of any operating season, in any area of
operation of the Company, the Company anticipates the need for new or additional
workers to perform any work covered by this Agreement, the Company may, at least
seventy-two (72) hours prior to the date of anticipated need for such workers,
notify the Union, in writing, stating the number of workers needed, the type of
work to be performed, the date the workers are needed, and estimated duration
thereof. The Company shall notify the Union promptly of any changes in
estimated starting date.
C. Hiring shall not be done in an unlawfully discriminatory manner, but
the Company may hire on the basis of past experience, competence, productivity,
positive verification of previous employment and other legitimate factors. The
Company will determine job qualifications.
7
<PAGE>
D. When the Company hires workers, it will make available to the Union in
writing within fourteen (14) days thereafter, the names, social security
numbers, hire dates, job classifications, and addresses of all workers hired.
E. The parties understand and accept that the Company has three separate
geographical areas of operations, one based in the Greenfield area of Monterey
County ("the Greenfield Operation"), the other based in the Paicines area of San
Benito County ("the Paicines Operation") and the third based in the Bradley area
of Monterey County ("the Bradley Operation"). Workers hired for employment in
any of these three areas of operations shall work solely in that respective
area, rather than be transferred back and forth between the three areas, except
in emergencies as determined by the Company and during the early stages of the
harvest when the Company may assign equipment operators to work in any of these
areas in order to prepare for operations.
8
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 4
SENIORITY
A. Seniority is defined as total length of service with the Company
from date of hire in the geographical area of operation where the worker is
hired (the Greenfield Operation, the Paicines Operation or the Bradley
Operation), unless there is a break in service. Classification seniority is
defined as a worker's total length of service within a job classification,
which has been designated as a separate classification for purposes of
acquiring and losing seniority beginning with his/her date of entry or
reentry into the classification. The foregoing is subject to the
geographical area of operation where the worker is hired. More specifically,
classification seniority is defined as a worker's total length of service
within a job classification in the Greenfield Operation, the Paicines
Operation or the Bradley Operation. A break in service terminates
seniority. Layoffs are not considered a break in service. All workers on the
payroll on the effective date of this Agreement shall have seniority dates
based on their original dates of hire unless seniority has been broken in
accordance with Article 4, Paragraph B of this Agreement. If seniority is or
has been broken, then the worker's new seniority shall be based on the
worker's most recent date of hire. After a worker has worked for the Company
at least twenty-five (25) work days within the preceding 120 days, he/she
shall acquire seniority. The days prior to acquiring seniority shall
constitute a probationary period, during which period a worker may be
terminated; such termination will not be subject to the grievance and
arbitration provision. The worker shall be entitled to all benefits of the
Agreement during the probationary period, except as modified in this
Agreement.
9
<PAGE>
B. Seniority shall be lost for the following reasons:
1. Voluntary quitting;
2. Discharge for just cause;
3. When recalled following a layoff, failure to report back to work
within four (4) calendar days after telephone notice to the worker or,
if telephone contact is not made within five (5) calendar days from
the mailing of a notice to the worker, unless reasons satisfactory to
the Company are given. Employment elsewhere is not a satisfactory
reason.
4. Failure to report to work at the termination of a leave of
absence or vacation without an approved extension or other reasons
satisfactory to the Company. Securing other employment during a leave
of absence is not a satisfactory reason.
5. When a worker leaves the bargaining unit to accept a permanent
supervisory position or other nonbargaining unit position with the
Company.
The Company will provide to the Union and the Workers Board on a quarterly
basis, a list of workers by name, social security, seniority date, and job
classification, whose seniority was broken during the prior quarter, pursuant to
this Article.
10
<PAGE>
C. On April 15, August 15 and November 15, the Company shall provide the
Union with up-to-date seniority lists, one for the Greenfield Operation, one for
the Paicines Operation and the other for the Bradley Operation showing the name
of each worker, his/her seniority date, social security number, and job
classification. Where more than one worker has the same original date of hire,
the worker with the highest last four digits in his/her social security number
shall have the higher seniority. The Company shall also post the same seniority
lists in a conspicuous place for examination by the workers and the Union. The
Union may review the accuracy of the seniority lists and present to the Company
any error it may find on such lists.
D. If a question arises concerning the accuracy of the seniority lists,
the Union and the Company have up to two (2) weeks after the posting is complete
to resolve the dispute, provided, however, that a worker not on the Company's
payroll during such two (2) week period shall have up to five (5) work days
within which to file a written grievance on the accuracy of the seniority lists
after he/she returns to the Company's payroll, or if a worker is not recalled,
such worker shall have the right to file a grievance on the accuracy of the
lists within three (3) days of the discovery thereof.
E. It is understood that the Company and the Union may agree, in writing,
to make deviations from these seniority provisions regarding the application of
seniority.
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F. There shall be three separate seniority lists, one maintained for the
Greenfield Operation, another maintained for the Paicines Operation and the
other for the Bradley Operation. Each seniority list shall be organized by
classification.
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ARTICLE 5
LAYOFF AND RECALL
A. Whenever there is a layoff in any job classification, the Company
shall retain the most effective workers based on their qualifications which
include skills, efforts, productivity, experience, work history and seniority.
Company approved leaves and excused absences will not adversely affect a
worker's work history. The Company shall layoff first those workers who are
least effective in accordance with the above qualifications. In case of a
dispute, the Company has the burden of proving that the workers retained are
more able to do an effective job. If workers are equal in this respect, the
layoff shall be by seniority order within the classification in the geographical
area of operation where the worker is working, with the worker with the lowest
seniority laid off first. More specifically, classification seniority shall be
followed on a geographical basis, with no bumping of workers between the
Greenfield Operation, the Bradley Operation and the Paicines Operation. In
making determinations for the purposes of this Article, there shall be no
favoritism or unlawful discrimination by the Company.
B. The Company will notify the Union twenty-four (24) hours in advance of
any layoff, or as soon as possible prior to any layoff.
C. The Company, when anticipating the recall of seniority workers, shall
telephone the workers not less than seventy-two (72) hours prior to the
estimated starting day of work. If contact with the worker is not made by
telephone, a written notice shall be mailed by First Class
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mail to the worker at his/her last known address. The names and addresses of
those workers who are not contacted by telephone will be provided to the Union,
upon the Union's written request. The most effective workers according to the
qualifications listed in Paragraph A shall be recalled first. Only those
workers who have acquired classification seniority in a particular seasonal
operation (i.e., pruning/tying season; suckering/training season; and harvest
season) are entitled to be recalled for the same seasonal operation. If a
worker does not work during the same seasonal operation in the following year
after being recalled, he/she shall lose his/her seniority except where a Company
approved leave of absence has been in effect. The Company shall request and the
worker shall supply at the time of layoff, if a change of address has occurred,
the exact address where he/she wishes to receive a written notice of recall,
and, thereafter, the worker shall be responsible for notifying the Company in
writing of any such change of address.
1. The Company shall send a postcard or letter to the address
supplied by each worker on layoff within the classification, advising
him/her of the estimated date on which his/her classification will
begin work. The postcard or letter shall advise the worker that the
exact date on which work will begin can be obtained by phoning the
Company office at (408) 385-3924. The postcard or letter shall
further advise the worker that if he/she is unable to report to work
on the date specified, he/she shall inform the Company at 1972 Hobson,
Greenfield, California 93927, in writing and that his/her failure to
report may result in his/her loss of seniority and termination.
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2. Upon the Union's written request, the Company shall make
available to the Union the names of all workers to whom recall notices
were sent.
3. The Company shall notify the Union of the exact starting date
forty-eight (48) hours in advance, or in the case of the harvest, as
soon as possible, but no less than twenty-four (24) hours, of the
exact date on which work is scheduled to begin.
4. The Company shall make available to the Union, at the Union's
request, any notices of recall that have been returned with United
States Postal Service notice of nondelivery.
5. During the operating season, when a layoff occurs within a
classification of work that is fifteen (15) days or less, and the
worker has been given a specific report-back date, no recall
procedures shall be required.
D. Whenever there is a recall and fewer than the expected number of
employees return to work, the Company may call additional workers twenty-four
(24) hours prior to the estimated starting day of work.
E. In cases of crews performing general labor, layoffs may be by entire
crew without regard to individual seniority. Such provision will not be used
for more than four (4) work days.
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F. In cases where general labor crews will be transferred from one job to
another, such transfers may be made by entire crew without regard to individual
seniority. Such provision will not be used for more than five (5) work days.
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ARTICLE 6
PROMOTION, DEMOTION AND TRANSFER
A. When the Company decides to permanently fill a job vacancy, or when it
creates a new job, the job will be posted. Each unit job opening description
posted shall include the job classification title, pay range, working title,
and, if available, a brief job description, anticipated shifts, required
licenses and other pertinent data.
B. Such posting shall remain on the bulletin board for three (3)
consecutive work days. All applications must be received within the posting
period in order to be eligible. The posting period shall be extended for
another three (3) consecutive workdays if the Company receives no qualified
applications during the initial posting.
C. Workers shall not be limited on their rights to bid for posted job
vacancies in a job class higher than their own. A worker who will be absent
during the bidding period may submit a bid in writing prior to departing.
D. The filling of vacancies, new jobs, and promotions within the
bargaining unit and transfer to lower paying jobs shall be on the basis of the
worker's qualifications as they apply specifically to the job in question, as
well as the workers past performance. Those workers who are the most effective
with regard to the above qualifications shall be promoted first. If workers
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are equal in such qualifications a promotion or vacancy shall be filled by
seniority order within the geographical area of the operation where the worker
is working.
In making determinations for the purposes of this article, there will be no
favoritism or unlawful discrimination by the Company.
E. A bargaining unit worker has the right to refuse a promotion to a
supervisor or management position.
F. The Company shall have the right to fill temporary vacancies, such as
during the posting period or those created by a worker's short-term illness,
injury or other temporary absence not exceeding ten (10) days, without regard to
the posting procedures.
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ARTICLE 7
TRAINING AND APPRENTICESHIP
A. The Company and the Union will negotiate an apprentice program if they
mutually decide to do so.
B. The Company agrees to provide on-the-job training for workers in the
bargaining unit to fill expected vacancies to the extent that the Company
decides necessary.
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ARTICLE 8
GRIEVANCE AND ARBITRATION
A. The parties agree that all disputes which arise during the duration of
this contract concerning the application and interpretation of any specific and
express provision of this Agreement shall be subject to the grievance and
arbitration procedure. The parties further agree that the grievance and
arbitration procedure of this Agreement shall be the exclusive remedy with
respect to any disputes arising under this Agreement and no other remedies shall
be utilized by any person with respect to any dispute involving this Agreement.
B. Grievances shall be resolved in the following manner:
STEP ONE: Any grievance arising under this Agreement shall be immediately
taken up between the Company supervisor involved and the employee or the Union
steward. They shall use their best efforts to resolve the grievance. In the
event the grievance is not immediately satisfactorily resolved, the aggrieved
party may choose to proceed to Step Two.
STEP TWO: Any grievance not resolved in Step One, shall be reduced to
writing setting forth the nature of the grievance. A grievance regarding
discharge must be in writing and sent to the Company by certified mail, fax
(followed by certified mail hard copy sent same day), or hand delivery within
five (5) days (excluding Sundays and holidays) of the occurrence of the
discharge or discovery thereof. All other grievances must be in writing and
sent to the Company by
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certified mail or hand delivered within ten (10) calendar days of the occurrence
of the action that predicated such grievance or discovery thereof. Grievances
which have gone through Step One and have been submitted in writing according to
the above, shall be discussed in a meeting between the Union Representative and
the Company representative delegated to resolve such matters not later than ten
(10) calendar days from the filing of the grievance, unless both parties agree
to meet after the ten (10) day period.
The failure of the grieving party to file a grievance within the time
limits specified in this paragraph shall wave the grievance.
Valid written grievances shall include the following information:
1. Section(s) of contract alleged to have been violated.
2. Action(s) claimed to have violated contract.
3. Remedies sought.
4. Name(s) and signature(s) of person(s) in the grievance. (If more
than ten (10) workers are involved in the grievance then the
signatures of a ranch committee member and a union representative
shall be sufficient.)
5. Date of alleged violation.
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If the grievance is not satisfactorily resolved in the Step Two meeting,
the party receiving the grievance shall give a written response to the other
regarding its position including reasons for denial within ten (10) work days
from the close of the Step Two meeting. If the party receiving the grievance
fails to respond within said ten (10) work days such party shall be considered
to have withdrawn its objection to the grievance and the grievance shall be
granted in the grieving party's favor. A Union representative may fully
participate in the grievance meeting.
STEP 3: If the grieving party is not satisfied with the written response,
it may request in writing that the matter be referred to arbitration. This
request shall be made not more than thirty (30) calendar days from the receipt
of such written response. The request for arbitration must be sent to the
Company by certified mail, fax (followed by certified mail hard copy sent same
day), or hand delivery. If the parties are unable to agree upon an arbitrator
within fifteen (15) days of the request for arbitration, they shall select an
arbitrator for each case from a list of nine (9) persons submitted to the
parties by the California State Mediation and Conciliation Service (CSMCS).
Each party shall alternatively strike one (1) name from said list (the first
strike being determined by a coin toss) and the last name remaining shall be the
arbitrator. If said individual is unable or unwilling to serve, the parties
shall request a new list of nine (9) names from the CSMCS and the process shall
be repeated. Either party has the right to reject the first list sent by the
CSMCS.
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C. The arbitrator shall consider and decide the grievance referred to
him/her and his/her decision shall be final and binding on the Company, the
Union, and the workers. The arbitrator's decision shall be in writing, signed
and delivered to the respective parties. The arbitrator shall have no authority
to modify, amend, change, alter, or waive any provision of the Agreement.
Within this limitation, he/she shall have the authority in a discipline case to
award back pay for any loss of earnings from the Company and the right to revoke
the discipline, if it is found that the discipline was rendered without just
cause. The arbitrator shall have no authority to impose compensatory damages,
punitive damages, or attorney's fees.
D. Unless otherwise mutually agreed to, all testimony taken at
arbitration hearings shall be under oath, reported and transcribed. The
arbitrator's and reporter's fees and expenses, and the cost, if any, of a
hearing room shall be paid by the losing party. All other expenses incident to
the arbitration shall be borne by the party incurring them. The arbitrator
shall allow briefs if either party so requests.
E. If a Step 3 grievance is not arbitrated within one year of its filing
date the grievance shall be dismissed.
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ARTICLE 9
STRIKES AND LOCKOUTS
A. There shall be no strikes, slowdowns, or interruptions of work by any
of the workers or the Union during the term of the Agreement. There shall be no
picketing, boycotts, or other adverse economic action of any kind against the
Company or its products, and there shall be no lockout against the workers
during the term of this Agreement.
B. If any said events occur, the officers and representatives of the
Union and/or Company as the case may be, shall do everything within their power
to end or avert such activity.
C. Workers engaging in any strikes, slowdowns, boycotts or other
curtailment of production in violation of this Agreement may be subject to
discipline, including discharge. In the event of an arbitration over
disciplinary action taken by the Company against a worker for violation of this
Article, the arbitrator's authority shall be limited to determining whether the
worker in fact violated any provision of the Article. If it is found that
he/she did, the discipline shall stand.
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ARTICLE 10
DISCIPLINE AND DISCHARGE
A. The Company shall have the right to discipline and discharge workers
for just cause. The parties agree that working under the influence of alcohol
or illegal drugs, having the same in their possession on Company time or
property, negotiating a transaction pertaining to illegal drugs constitute just
cause and if any of the foregoing is established, the Company has the right to
terminate. Additional basis for termination may be reviewed in individual
discipline cases which proceed to arbitration.
The Company shall have the right to require a worker to submit to a drug
and/or alcohol test if reasonable suspicion exists that the worker has consumed
or has in his/her possession alcohol or drugs or is under the influence of
either. If the worker refuses to submit to the test, such refusal shall
constitute insubordination and be grounds for termination. If the worker admits
to the consumption or the possession of drugs or alcohol or being under the
influence of either, or the Company believes it has sufficient evidence of the
foregoing, the Company shall not be required to have the worker tested. The
first twenty-five (25) work days of employment (within a 120 day period) for a
new non-seniority employee shall be considered as a probationary period. The
Company may discharge such new employee during this twenty-five (25) work day
period without being subject to the grievance procedures or Union intervention.
Unless immediate action is necessary, the Company shall, upon the worker's
request, notify the Union prior to any investigatory interview of a worker which
might reasonably result in disciplinary action, and upon request of the worker,
the Union shall have the right to be present during these
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interviews. Provided, however, if a situation occurs in a remote area, wherein
the Company deems it necessary to take action and no steward or Union
representative is available, the Company may take action.
B. No worker shall be summarily discharged. In all cases in which the
Company concludes that a worker's conduct may justify discharge, he/she shall be
suspended initially for not more than five (5) working days. Upon the worker's
request, during this suspension, the Company will meet with the worker.
Furthermore, if the worker requests the presence of a Union representative
during the review of the facts of the case, such shall be permissible. This
suspension period may be extended for three (3) days at the request of either
party to assure a complete investigation of the facts which initiated the
suspension. At the end of the suspension period, the Company shall notify the
worker and the Union of its final action.
C. The Union and the worker(s) involved shall be furnished with any
discharge or suspension notices within forty-eight (48) hours, exclusive of
Saturday, Sunday, or holidays, after the suspension or discharge occurs.
D. The worker may acknowledge, by signature, if he/she so desires, in
receiving a written warning, and such acknowledgment is in no way an admission
of guilt.
E. The Company and the Union agree that the Company's Rules of Conduct
were developed solely by the Company.
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F. Within three (3) days of signing the Agreement, the Union will initial
a set of the Company's Rules of Conduct, indicating on its own behalf and on
behalf of its members who are employed by the Company the receipt and knowledge
of the Rules, and it further acknowledges and accepts that the Company takes the
position that violation of any of the Rules of Conduct constitutes just cause
for the discipline imposed for the violation. The Company acknowledges and
accepts that the Union may take the position during a grievance proceeding or in
arbitration that the discipline imposed for violation of the Rules of Conduct
does not constitute just cause for the discipline imposed. It shall then be for
the arbitrator to decide whether just cause has been established, subject to the
limitation set forth in Paragraph A of this Article.
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ARTICLE 11
LEAVES OF ABSENCE
A. A worker shall be granted a leave of absence without pay upon request
for valid personal reasons, as determined by the Company. Applications for
leaves of absence without pay and any extension thereof, shall be made to the
Company at least two (2) days, excluding weekends and holidays, in advance of
the effective date of the leave of absence, except for emergency requests.
Applications for leaves of absence which will be longer than two (2) continual
days shall be submitted to the Company at least two (2) weeks in advance of the
effective date of the leave of absence, except for emergency requests. Such
leaves shall not constitute a breach of the worker's seniority. Leaves of
absence are not valid unless they are approved by the Company in writing before
the effective date of the leave of absence.
Occasionally, individual employees require short leaves (two - three
hours) taken at the end of the work day. Such leaves are permissible if the
employee has given his/her immediate supervisor one (1) work day notice and has
received a written leave of absence approved by the Company. If a supervisor is
unavailable during the work day the employee shall telephone the office and
leave a voice message at (408) 385-3924 or (408) 385-4801 with their first and
last name and the reason for the leave.
In case of an emergency leave where the employee is unable to speak
with a Company representative, the employee shall leave a voice message at (408)
385-3924 or (408) 385-4801 with their first and last name and the reason for the
emergency leave. In addition, the employee shall call back during normal
business hours to speak with a Company representative
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as soon as possible, but in no event later than three work days from the start
of the emergency leave. The employee shall inform the Company of the nature and
duration of the emergency. An emergency leave is not valid unless approved by
the Company, within three work days from the start of the emergency leave. The
Company shall apply reasonable standards when granting emergency leaves.
B. A copy of each approved leave of absence request will be submitted to
the Secretary of the Worker's Board.
C. Unless excused, a worker who does not return to work on the day
following the expiration of his/her leave of absence will be considered as
having resigned voluntarily and will forfeit all his/her seniority rights.
D. Workers on leaves of absence who desire to return to work before their
leave expires, shall notify the Company three (3) days prior to their intended
date of return to work. The Company is not required to return the worker to
his/her job prior to the expiration of the earlier agreed upon expiration date.
E. At the written request of the Union, a leave of absence shall be
granted to no more than two (2) workers selected by the Union who are required
to perform functions on behalf of the Union, necessitating a leave of absence.
The leave of absence may be granted for a period of one (1) month, renewable for
one additional month upon proper application. A leave of absence
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without pay shall be granted for temporary leave not to exceed three (3)
consecutive work days at one time, to conduct Union business, provided that
notice is given by the Union to the Company at least two (2) days prior to the
day on which such leave commences.
F. A disability leave shall be for the purpose of recuperating from an
illness, injury, disability or pregnancy leave. The following shall apply to
disability leaves of absence:
1. The worker must provide written verification from a medical
doctor that he/she cannot work due to the disability. The Company may
waive this requirement if the disability does not exceed three (3)
days.
2. A worker shall be granted a leave of absence for a period of up
to 4 months while disabled due to non job-related illness. This
provision shall also apply to female employees who are disabled due to
pregnancy including prenatal and postnatal disability.
3. A leave of absence for a job-related disability will be
authorized for the duration of the disability or until the worker
indicates a desire to be terminated, accepts employment with another
company or refuses to return to work after having been released for
full or partial work.
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4. Workers on an approved disability leave of absence or work
related injury in excess of ten (10) days must update the Company at
the end of the first calendar month and each month thereafter
concerning their health status, anticipated date of return to work and
continued intent to return to work. If a worker does not comply with
this reporting requirement, the Company may terminate the worker.
5. All jobs in the Company require varying amounts of physical
labor. The Company will attempt to adjust a disabled worker's work
assignment to accommodate the disability. New assignments will depend
on the availability of vacancies in suitable positions and upon the
approval of the worker's medical doctor. If a suitable position is
not available, the worker may not return to work until a written
release is approved by the worker's medical doctor.
6. The Company requires all workers who plan to take a leave on
account of disability (e.g., due to corrective surgery or pregnancy)
to give the Company at least two (2) months notice of the approximate
date the leave will commence and the estimated duration of the leave.
7. A leave of absence without pay shall be granted to workers by the
Company upon workers applying to and being confirmed by the Company
for jury duty or witness duty when subpoenaed.
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8. The Company agrees to be bound contractually to any applicable
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) laws. If the same are not
applicable as a matter of law, this paragraph is of no effect.
Nothing in this Agreement is intended to abrogate rights under the
FMLA laws.
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ARTICLE 12
WORKING CONDITIONS AND SAFETY
A. The Company will comply with all applicable laws relating to the
health and safety of farm workers.
B. In the interest of each workers personal safety, the Company will
publish safety rules covering the overall operations.
The use of such chemicals injurious to farm workers must be such so as
not to cause injury to workers. Therefore, the Company shall maintain in its
area office(s) and shall make available to its workers, the following
information, in English and Spanish and shall make such information available to
the Union. The Company shall have seventy-two (72) hours to make such
information available to the requesting party following written request.
1. Location of fields treated with an agricultural chemical.
2. Name of material used by brand name, formulation, chemical name,
and registration number.
3. Date and time material was applied.
4. Amount of material applied.
5. Method of application.
6. Applicator's name and address, if any.
7. Re-entry date in accordance with the chemical label requirements.
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When an agricultural chemical is to be applied, the Company shall
advise all workers in the immediate area prior to the application. Re-entry
into treated fields shall be in accordance with label requirements. Workers
shall not re-enter a field during the prohibited period, nor shall the worker
refuse to re-enter thereafter. Nothing in this paragraph shall infringe upon
the right of a worker under the paragraph below.
Equipment and chemicals for fumigation and spraying shall be stopped
outside the area where employees are working, or where workers take rests or
lunch. Fumigation and spraying shall not be performed in close proximity to the
area in which workers are present.
C. Protective equipment and other devices necessary to properly protect
workers from injury and sickness shall be provided by the Company according to
state and federal laws. Such protective equipment shall be provided by the
Company without cost, except that the Company may assess a reasonable charge to
cover loss or willful destruction thereof by the worker. When the Company
introduces new personal protective apparel or extends the use of protective
apparel to new areas or issues, or new rules relating to the use of protective
apparel, the Union will be advised of such changes, in advance.
Workers shall be responsible for returning all equipment that was
checked out to them, but shall not be responsible for normal wear and tear.
Workers shall be charged actual cost for excessive breakage beyond normal wear
and tear and for equipment that is not returned. Receipts for returned
equipment shall be given to the worker by the Company. The Company and the
Union have agreed that the following tools, equipment and protective garments
are to be provided: irrigation boots for irrigators and those temporarily
assigned to irrigation work;
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pruning shears; budding knives; coveralls for tractor drivers; breathing and
protective eye wear for tractor drivers when spraying or dusting; protective
rubberized coveralls, gloves, masks and goggles for employees engaged in hand
spraying; hard hats for driving stakes hydraulically; gloves for handling stakes
and wires in the installation and repair and maintenance of trellises, stakes,
wire and posts. Supervisors will have mill bastard files available for use by
the crew leader or the worker as appropriate for sharpening shears when needed;
no Company shears will be sharpened except with Company files.
D. All Company vehicles and equipment used by and around workers shall be
maintained and operated in safe conditions at all times.
E. A worker may refuse to perform work the worker legitimately believes
to be unsafe or hazardous to his/her health.
F. In cases involving occupation injuries, illnesses, or disease, the
Company will provide to the Union, upon receipt of a written request, a copy of
Occupational Safety and Health Administration form OSHA no. 101 entitled
"Supplementary Record of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses," provided the ill
or injured worker involved approves in writing the release of such information.
In the event a worker dies, written approval from the worker's legal heirs is
acceptable.
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G. The Company shall make the necessary provisions for the safety and
health of its workers and will maintain adequate medical and first aid services
to care for accidents and minor illnesses occurring while at work.
H. Any worker who becomes sick or injured during working hours will be
provided with transportation to the nearest Company approved doctor provided
that if an injury is of a minor nature and does not impair an employees ability
to transport himself/herself, such shall be permissible.
I. In accordance with law, there shall be adequate toilet facilities,
separate for men and women in the field readily accessible to workers, that will
be maintained in a clean and sanitary manner. Doors on portable toilets shall
have latches. Hand washing facilities, soap and paper towels shall be provided.
J. Each place where there is work being performed shall be provided with
suitable, cool, potable drinking water convenient to workers. Water shall be
provided in cool cans or equivalent containers. Individual paper drinking cups
shall be provided.
Failure to adhere strictly to these safety procedures will subject a worker
to disciplinary actions which may include termination.
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ARTICLE 13
MANAGEMENT AND UNION RIGHTS
A. The Company retains any and all rights and prerogatives of management
it had prior to the execution of this contract except as specifically and
expressly limited or modified by the provisions of this contract.
B. The Company may adopt or alter any rules which are not in direct
conflict with the provisions of this Agreement. The Company will provide to the
nearest Union field office a copy of any new or revised Company rules and the
Union will acknowledge receipt of the same, thereby indicating its knowledge of
the rules.
C. Supervisors, interns and other workers not included in the bargaining
unit shall not perform any work covered by this Agreement except for
instruction, training, emergencies, temporary work and/or work they have
performed in the past. There shall be no more than three (3) interns working
at any one time in each geographical area of operation as defined in Paragraph A
of Article 4. This paragraph shall not be used for the purpose of avoiding the
recall of laid off workers.
D. Crew Leaders are "workers" as defined in Paragraph A of Article 1 and
are members of the bargaining unit. Crew Leaders are responsible for carrying
out the instructions of Vineyard Supervisors and management and relaying such
instructions to their crews. As
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defined in Paragraph A of Article 1, Crew Leaders do not discipline or recommend
discipline for other workers; however, they are responsible for observing,
reporting and quality control. The parties understand and accept that workers
on occasion may serve as Crew Leaders for a period of time and thereafter not
serve as Crew Leaders. In accordance with past practice, such is permissible.
E. In the event the Company decides to increase its mechanization in any
way that will result in the permanent displacement of bargaining unit workers,
the Company shall notify the Union in writing one (1) month before commencing
such mechanical operations and shall meet with the Union to discuss the training
of displaced workers to operate and maintain the new mechanical equipment, the
placing of displaced workers in other jobs with the Company, the training of
workers for other jobs with the Company, or the placing of such workers on a
preferential rehire list. Experimentation with new equipment is not subject to
the next paragraph. The Company may experiment with new equipment applications
without following the procedure in paragraph E.
F. New job classifications or material changes in the operation of
existing job classifications shall be established and made effective by the
Company in accordance with the following procedure.
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1. The Company shall notify the Union in writing of new job
classifications or of material changes in existing job
classifications. Such notices shall be given at least ten (10) days
in advance of the date on which the new classification or the change
in an existing job classification is to become effective.
2. The Company and the Union shall meet within five (5) days after
notice is received to negotiate the wage rate.
3. If the Union and the Company cannot reach an agreement on the job
classification and wage rates, the matter may be submitted to
arbitration as provided for in Article 8 of this Agreement, which
shall decide the dispute. The scope of such arbitration shall be the
job wage rate.
4. Any wage rate increase shall be retroactive to the effective date
of the new classification or of the change in the existing job
classification.
G. The parties understand and agree that the hazards of agriculture are
such that subcontracting may be necessary and proper. Subcontracting may be
necessary in areas such as new vineyard developments or major renovations to
existing vineyards, land leveling, custom land work, agricultural chemicals,
irrigation system installation, grafting and any emergency situation and/or
where specialized equipment is required.
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<PAGE>
H. The Company has historically used contract labor under certain
conditions. The Company may continue with this past practice when any of the
following conditions exist:
1. Weather conditions that cause the Company to fall behind on work.
2. Labor, transportation or equipment shortages.
3. Customer demands for grape deliveries which exceed tonnages that
can be harvested by the current labor force.
4. Other unforeseen acts of God.
I. The parties agree that in the application of this article the
following guidelines may be used:
1. Subcontracting is permissible under this Agreement where workers
in the bargaining unit covered by this Agreement do not have the
skills to operate and maintain the equipment or perform the work of a
specialized nature.
2. Subcontracting is permissible under this Agreement where the
Company does not have the equipment to do the work being
subcontracted. When the Company does subcontract pursuant to the
terms of this provision, any workers of the subcontractor who actually
operate or maintain the equipment shall not be covered by terms of
this Agreement.
3. When developing new vineyards or doing major renovations to
existing vineyards that require extra workers beyond the Company's
permanent labor force, the Company may utilize up to three labor
contractor workers per each ten acres that are under such development
or renovation.
40
<PAGE>
4. The amount of labor contractor workers utilized by the Company
shall not exceed thirty-seven and one half percent (37.5%) of the work
force.
5. In the event that a greater number of labor contractor workers is
required to complete the work within the available time frame, the
Company and the Union will meet immediately to discuss such labor
requirement. The Company may utilize a greater number of labor
contractor workers to finish the work with the Union's approval, which
approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.
J. The provisions of Article 2-Union Security, Article 4-Seniority and
all economic provisions of this Collective Bargaining Agreement shall not
apply to an employee of a subcontractor or labor contractor unless that
employee has worked continuously for sixty work days.
K. Time off during regular working hours without pay will be provided to
no more than five (5) members of the Worker's Board to attend collective
bargaining sessions scheduled by the Company during working hours. The Union
may post notices on the Company's bulletin board provided these notices do not
exceed an area of 12" x 12" and do not remain in place longer than ten (10)
days.
41
<PAGE>
L. Vineyard Access
1. Duly authorized and designated Union Representatives will have a
right of access to the Company premises covered by this Agreement in
connection with the administration of this Agreement, provided that
there is no interference with presently working employees or with the
conduct of Company business.
2. Before a Union Representative contacts any worker on company
property, he or she will notify a Company agent by telephoning the
Greenfield office (408-385-4801) at least one hour prior to their
arrival.
3. In order to accommodate Union Representatives, who occasionally
drive over one mile on vineyard farm roads, access to Company property
shall be allowed at the following time periods:
a. One hour before the start of the usual work day in the
morning.
b. Fifteen minutes before the standard noon lunch period (11:45
A.M.), until 15 minutes after the conclusion of the lunch
period (12:45 P.M.).
c. One hour after the conclusion of the usual work day in the
afternoon.
4. The Union will advise the Company of the names of its duly
authorized and designated representatives in writing. This notice
will be effective upon receipt by the Company.
42
<PAGE>
5. The Union will indemnify and hold the Company harmless from any
and all liability for any injuries sustained or caused by anyone
involved in taking access under this Article 13. The Union hereby
certifies to the Company that all vehicles operated by its agents or
representatives during any such access, shall be covered by an
automobile general liability insurance policy.
43
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 14
HOURS AND OVERTIME
A. Nine (9) hours per day and fifty-four (54) hours a week shall be the
usual number of hours of work for piece work and general labor, except during
harvest.
B. Each worker shall be entitled to one full day, twenty-four (24) hours
off work, without pay during each payroll week. Insofar as possible, work shall
be arranged so that each worker will have Sunday off.
C. When a worker is assigned to a "shift" they will be paid overtime at
the rate of time and one-half (1 1/2) for time worked in excess of ten (10)
consecutive hours. A shift is the assigned working period of time that a worker
is performing his/her job duties.
D. Time and one-half (1 1/2) shall be paid for all work in excess of ten
(10) hours in any one work day, for all work in excess of sixty (60) hours in
any regularly scheduled work week and time and one-half (1 1/2) for work
performed on Sunday. In the case of a Monday "shift" which begins Sunday
evening at 8:00 P.M. or later, time and one half (1 1/2) will be paid for the
Sunday hours worked and after ten (10) consecutive hours have been worked.
Overtime earnings while working by piece rate shall equal at least 1.5 times
the piece rate minimum base wage.
44
<PAGE>
E. A night-time premium of twenty cents ($0.20) per hour will be paid for
hours worked between 8:00 P.M. and 4:00 A.M. Any shift that was begun at 8:00
P.M. will be considered a shift for the upcoming day, e.g. work starting at 8:00
P.M. Sunday will be attributed to the Monday shift. The night-time premium
shall not be paid for Sunday hours or overtime.
F. A worker shall receive the rate of his/her classification for all time
worked, including time, if any, worked in a classification with a lesser rate of
pay. When a worker performs work in a higher rated job, he/she shall be paid at
the highest rate for all time worked on the highest rated job.
G. If more than five (5) consecutive days of overtime work are
anticipated, the work shall be offered initially on the basis of highest
seniority within the classification required to work the overtime. If there are
no volunteers for the overtime work, the Company has the right to assign the
work to anyone. The Company has the right to finish fields or the harvest
orders without searching for seniority workers.
H. Meal time breaks shall be one-half (1/2) hour and not compensated for
nor counted as hours worked under the provisions of this Agreement. The Company
shall not use the meal time breaks for the purpose of moving the workers to
another job-site, or any other related work activity.
45
<PAGE>
I. Workers shall have paid rest periods of fifteen (15) minutes each,
which insofar as practical, shall be in the middle of each continuous four (4)
hour work period or major fraction thereof.
J. A worker paid on a hourly basis who is required to report for work and
does report and is furnished no work or less than four (4) hours of work for
reasons other than an Act of God or other cause beyond the control of the
Company, shall be paid at least four (4) hours for that day at the worker's
hourly rate of pay.
46
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 15
WAGES
A. The Company shall pay the wage rates (hourly and piece rates) in
accordance with Appendices A and B attached hereto. However, when the Company
determines that particular piece rates are inappropriate, it may pay on an
hourly basis.
B. All new hires will be designated as "General Labor Trainees" for a
period of up to twenty-five (25) days. These new employees will receive
training for job skills, policies and safety. The Company will conduct
"tailgate" meetings and such other training sessions as are necessary for the
explanation of Company policies, Senate Bill 198 safety compliance issues, the
proper use of machinery, tools and safety equipment and other important
information.
C. During the training period, employees will be paid the General Labor
Trainee rate from Appendix "A" for hourly work. Employee skills and
productivity will be evaluated during the training period. If, in the Company's
sole discretion, a worker's performance has reached an appropriate level, such
worker may be promoted to the General Labor wage rate from Appendix "A" prior to
the completion of twenty-five (25) work days. All General Labor Trainees not
already promoted, shall be promoted to the General Labor wage rate after
completing twenty-five (25) work days.
47
<PAGE>
D. An employee in a "Trainee" classification, other than General Labor
Trainee, will be promoted to the appropriate regular classification when, in the
Company's sole discretion, he/she has exhibited the necessary qualifications in
accordance with Article 6, Paragraph D. Such Trainee classifications include
Mechanic Trainee, Tractor Driver Trainee, Irrigator Trainee and Crew Leader
Trainee, as listed in Appendix "A."
48
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 16
VACATIONS AND BONUS
A. Vacation pay for the completed calendar year will be paid to workers
in January of the following year. In order to qualify for the first January
vacation check, the worker must have earned gross wages of at least $6,500 in
each of the immediate past two calendar years. Workers must continue to earn
$6,500 in gross wages each calendar year in order to maintain their
qualifications for vacation pay. If the worker falls below the $6,500 minimum
in any one calendar year, he/she then must requalify as if it were his/her first
year of employment. The vacation pay amounts are calculated as a percentage of
gross wages. The percentage is based on the number of consecutive calendar
years the worker has met the minimum qualifications, as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CALENDAR MINIMUM % VACATION
YEAR GROSS PAY
--------- ---------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
1 $6,500 0
2 $6,500 2
3 - 4 $6,500 4
5 or more $6,500 6
</TABLE>
49
<PAGE>
B. A bonus is paid to any worker who works 600 hours or more during the
farming year from December 1st to November 30th. Workers will be paid a bonus
of ten ($.10) cents for each hour worked. Bonuses will paid to those who
qualify with the first check in December or with the final check at lay-off.
50
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 17
HOLIDAYS
A. Commencing on the effective date of this Agreement, the following
holidays shall be paid holidays for workers who qualify under the provisions of
this Article:
NEW YEARS DAY
GOOD FRIDAY
MEMORIAL DAY
JULY 4TH
LABOR DAY
THANKSGIVING
CHRISTMAS
Workers shall be paid eight (8) hours at their usual hourly rate for
each of these holidays. To qualify a worker must work the scheduled work day
both immediately before and after each holiday. In addition, the worker must
have already worked four hundred (400) hours during the current calendar year;
however, for New Year's Day the qualifying period shall be the prior calendar
year.
A worker who reports for work on such workdays immediately before and
after the holiday but who works less than the full number of scheduled hours on
the day before and the day after the holiday must provide valid written
documentation to the Company in support of his/her reasons why he/she only
worked a partial day in order to be eligible to receive holiday pay. The
Company shall apply reasonable standards in determining what to accept as valid
written documentation.
51
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 18
ROBERT F. KENNEDY FARM WORKERS MEDICAL PLAN
The Company will contribute to the RFK Farm Workers Medical Plan one
dollar ten cents ($1.10) per hour in 1998, one dollar twelve and one half cents
($1.125) in 1999, one dollar fifteen cents ($1.15) in 2000 and one dollar
seventeen and one half cents ($1.175) in 2001 for each hour worked by each
worker who has worked one full season and also completes thirty (30) days of
work during the season immediately following such full season.
The names and dates of the working seasons are as follows:
Pruning/Tying Season December 1 to March 31
Suckering/Training Season April 1 to August 15
Harvest Season August 16 to November 30
The Union will provide the Company with the schedule of benefits provided
for the workers. In the event that the benefits provided by the RFK Farm
Workers Medical Plan are substantially reduced or are contemplated to be
substantially reduced, the Union shall immediately notify the Company. At the
Company's request, the Union shall meet with the Company and negotiate in good
faith a mutually agreed upon solution to the reduced medical benefits.
52
<PAGE>
The Union shall provide, or cause to be provided, to the Company the
following materials.
1. Summary Annual Report on or about July 29th of each year.
2. Summary of Plan changes during the preceding Plan year, on or about
July 29th of each year.
3. A copy of the summary plan description filed with the Department of
Labor each five (5) years, or as more frequently published by the
Board of Trustees.
Furthermore, the Union will provide the Company with copies of all claims
experience studies prepared for the Plan's trustees by its consultant, the
Western Benefits Plans Consultants, Inc.
53
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 19
SCHEID VINEYARDS INC.
401(k) DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLAN
The Company will, after execution of this Agreement, contribute
fifteen cents ($.15) per hour worked into a 401(k) Defined Contribution Plan for
each worker who has qualified.
54
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 20
DURATION
This Agreement shall be in full force and effect until December 31, 2001.
SCHEID VINEYARDS INC. UNITED FARM WORKERS OF
AMERICA, AFL-CIO
By: /s/ SCOTT D. SCHEID By: /s/ ARTURO RODRIGUEZ
------------------------ ------------------------
Scott D. Scheid Arturo Rodriguez
Vice President and President
Chief Operating Officer
By: /s/ KURT J. GOLLNICK By: /s/ EFREN BARAJAS
------------------------ ------------------------
Kurt J. Gollnick Efren Barajas
Vice President, Third Vice President
Vineyard Operations
By: /s/ DAVID VILLARINO
------------------------
David Villarino
Membership Manager
Bargaining Committee:
------------------------
------------------------
------------------------
------------------------
------------------------
------------------------
55
<PAGE>
APPENDIX "A"
SCHEDULE OF HOURLY WAGE RATES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1999 2000 2001
----- ------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
MECHANIC $ 10.92 10.98 11.04 11.10
----- ------ ------ ------
MECHANIC TRAINEE $ 10.02 10.08 10.14 10.20
----- ------ ------ ------
ADVANCED TRACTOR DRIVER $ 10.02 10.08 10.14 10.20
----- ------ ------ ------
INTERMEDIATE TRACTOR DRIVER $ 9.47 9.52 9.58 9.65
----- ------ ------ ------
TRACTOR DRIVER TRAINING (TRIAL PERIOD) $ 8.55 8.60 8.60 8.65
----- ------ ------ ------
IRRIGATOR LEVEL 1 $ 10.02 10.08 10.14 10.20
----- ------ ------ ------
IRRIGATOR LEVEL 2 $ 9.47 9.53 9.59 9.65
----- ------ ------ ------
IRRIGATOR TRAINEE (TRIAL PERIOD) $ 8.30 8.35 8.35 8.40
----- ------ ------ ------
CREW LEADER $ 9.68 9.78 9.90 10.00
----- ------ ------ ------
CREW LEADER TRAINEE (TRIAL PERIOD) $ 8.30 8.35 8.35 8.40
----- ------ ------ ------
HYDRAULIC ASSISTED PRUNING $ 8.37 8.43 8.49 8.55
----- ------ ------ ------
GENERAL LABOR $ 8.22 8.28 8.34 8.40
----- ------ ------ ------
GENERAL LABOR TRAINEE $ 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00
----- ------ ------ ------
</TABLE>
"A" 1
<PAGE>
APPENDIX "B"
SCHEDULE OF PIECE RATES
Piece rates will be determined by the Company and announced to the employees
prior to the time they enter the field and begin working. The Company shall
closely evaluate the field conditions and will consider vine vigor, spacing,
training practices and timing when determining rates. There shall be a piece
rate minimum wage of $6.50 per hour.
If, after giving their best efforts towards the piece rate job assignment, the
worker(s) believe the rate is set too low they may follow the grievance
procedures referenced in Article 8, Page 20.
"B" 1
<PAGE>
APPENDIX "C"
-----------------------------
RANCH-CODE DISPATCH
-----------------------------
GENERAL FIELD OTHER
WORK / /
-----------------------------
LOCATION
-----------------------------
AUTHORIZATION FOR VOLUNTARY ASSESSMENT
AUTORIZACION PARA DEDUCCIONS VOLUNTARIOS
THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT BETWEEN SCHEID VINEYARDS INC. AND THE UNITED
FARM WORKERS (EFFECTIVE APRIL 9, 1998 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2001), PROVIDES IN
ARTICLE 2, SECTION F THAT VOLUNTARY ASSESSMENTS OF ONE DOLLAR ($1.00) PER WEEK
FOR UP TO 26 WEEKS EACH YEAR MAY BE DEDUCTED FROM YOUR PAY IF YOU AUTHORIZE SUCH
DEDUCTIONS BY SIGNING BELOW.
EL ACUERDO COLECTIVO ENTRE SCHEID VINEYARDS INC. Y LA UNION DE COMPENSINOS (UFW)
(EFECTIVO 9 DE ABRIL DE 1998 A DICIEMBRE 31, 2001), PROPORCIONA EN ARTICULO 2,
SECCION F QUE DEDUCCIONES VOLUNTARIOS DE UN DOLLAR ($1.00) POR SEMANA HASTA 26
SEMANAS CADA ANO PUEDEN SER RESTADOS DE SU PAGO SI USTED AUTORIZA LAS
DEDUCCIONES CON SU FIRMA EN LA LINEA ABAJO.
/ / YES, PLEASE DEDUCT $1.00 PER WEEK FROM MY PAY FOR 26 WEEKS AND SEND IT TO
THE UNITED FARM WORKERS.
SI, POR FAVOR RESTE $1.00 POR SEMANA DE MI PAGO POR 26 SEMANAS Y MANDELO A
LA UNION DE COMPENSINOS (UFW).
/ / NO, PLEASE DO NOT DEDUCT ANY ASSESSMENTS FROM MY PAY.
NO, POR FAVOR NO RESTE DEDUCCIONES DE ME PAGO.
ASSESSMENTS WILL BEGIN IN THE PAYROLL PERIOD AFTER THE PERIOD IN WHICH THIS
FORM IS SUBMITTED TO THE SCHEID VINEYARDS PAYROLL DEPARTMENT.
LAS DEDUCCIONES EMPEZARAN EN EL PERIODO DE PAGO DESPUES QUE ESTA FORMA SEA
ENTREGADA AL DEPARTAMENTO DE NOMINAS DE SCHEID VINEYARDS.
NAME (PLEASE PRINT)
NOMBRE (POR ESCRITO) S.S. #
------------------------------ -----------------
- ------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------
SIGNATURE / FIRMA DATE / FECHA
"C" 1
<PAGE>
SCHEID
VINEYARDS
RULES OF CONDUCT
Listed below are examples that illustrate the type of conduct which is not
permitted and may result in disciplinary action or immediate termination.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<C><S>
1. Obtaining employment on the basis of false or misleading information.
2. Falsifying any time card or timekeeping record.
3. Fraud-by whatever means.
4. False remarks about the company or fellow employees.
5. Using someone else's identification card or permitting someone else to use
your card to enter the property.
6. Unauthorized duplication or use of keys or any device used for locking or
securing company premises or property.
7. Transmission of confidential and/or employee information to unauthorized
persons.
8. Leaving premises during working hours without written permission from
authorized personnel.
9. Failure to promptly inform the office (385-3924/385-4801) or immediate
supervisor by directly talking to them or by telephone prior to 9:00 a.m.
when unable to report to work due to an emergency.
10. Excessive tardies or absences.
11. Possessing, using, or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs in work
areas or during work hours.
12. Violation of sanitation rules.
13. Unsafe working practices that endanger you or your fellow worker's health
and safety.
14. Failure to report industrial injuries to your crew leader or supervisor
immediately after an injury.
15. Violation of any Fish and Game laws.
16. Horseplay, immoral conduct, or indecency.
17. Using profane, abusive, or derogatory language.
18. Fighting, threatening, or disrupting the work of others.
19. Possession of any unauthorized type of weapon in work areas or on company
property.
20. Sleeping on the job during working hours.
21. Insubordination, belligerency or failure or refusal to perform assigned
work or exercises.
22. Slowing or interfering with production or advocating or encouraging other
employees to do so.
23. Performing work of a personal nature during working hours.
24. Abuse, misuse, or theft of company property, supplies, materials and
equipment or the property of another employee.
"C" 2
<PAGE>
25. Failure to obtain permission from supervisor before using company
telephone.
26. Charging supplies to the company for personal use.
27. Smoking in unauthorized areas.
28. Posting notices of any kind on company property without prior written
approval of the company.
29. Allowing visitors in the work area or on work equipment.
30. Gambling or any moral offense.
31. Carelessness or negligence resulting in excessive spoilage, damage, waste,
loss, or inferior work.
32. Conviction of a felony or conviction of any crime which renders you
unsuitable for your position.
33. Solicitation of money or sale of merchandise on company property.
34. Incompetence or inefficiency in the performance of the duties of the
position.
35. Discourteous or offensive conduct or language toward other employees or
supervisors.
36. Abuse of illness leave privileges.
37. Failing to support or interfering with the company's goal of being
profitable, including failing to be loyal to the company, working at less
than the employee's full potential, or creating or promoting dissension
among fellow employees.
38. Three unexcused absences and/or three tardies during a 90 day period.
39. Not being available at recall time.
40. Failure to follow all safety rules and use all safety equipment required.
</TABLE>
Employees who violate rules of Scheid Vineyards Inc. are subject to disciplinary
action. In some cases, an employee may receive a verbal or written warning.
Suspension and/or termination may follow if the employee continues to violate
any of the rules. Depending on the seriousness of the violation, it is possible
for the employee to be terminated immediately.
This is not a complete list but it does give us a general idea of the behavior
that is expected of employees by Scheid Vineyards Inc. Before you begin work in
a field, you must have read these rules. You will need to sign the attached
form stating that you have read and understand the rules set forth by Scheid
Vineyards Inc.
--------------------------------------
Received and Acknowledged
United Farm Workers
--------------------------------------
Date
"C" 3
<PAGE>
JOINT AGREEMENT
THIS JOINT AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is made as of November 7th,
1997, by and among SAMUEL R. AVILA (also known as SAM AVILA) and MARGARET J.
AVILA, individually and as trustees under declaration of trust dated August
16, 1989, and MARGARET J. AVILA and VALARIE BASSETTI (also known as VALARIE
BASSETTI), a successor co-trustees of the testamentary test of Joseph
Labarere, deceased (collectively, "Owners"), CENTRAL COAST FEDERAL LAND BANK
ASSOCIATION, FLCA ("Lender"), SCHEID VINEYARDS AND MANAGEMENT CO., a
California corporation ("Scheid"), CANANDAIGUA WINE COMPANY, INC., a New York
corporation, successor by merger to CANANDAIGUA WINE COMPANY, INC., a Delaware
corporation, and CANANDAIGUA WEST, INC., a New York Corporation
("Canandaigua")(Canandaigua and Scheid are together referred to herein as
"Lessees").
RECITALS
A. Owners are, or will be, indebted to Lender under Lender's loan no.
0500564700 ("Loan") for the amount of $733,000. The Loan is/will be evidenced
and secured by a deed of trust dated October 22, 1997, ("Deed of Trust") to
be recorded against that certain real property located in Monterey County,
California ("Property") and which is described in the Deed of Trust. The Loan
also is/will be evidenced by a Promissory Note dated October 22, 1997, as
well as various other loan documents, security agreements, UCC filings and
other instruments (hereinafter collectively referred to as "Loan Documents").
B. Owners and Scheid have entered into that certain Lease dated as of
January 1, 1997 (the "Scheid Lease"), with respect to a portion of the
Property.
C. Owners and Canandaigua, have entered into that certain Lease dated
as of January 1, 1997 ("Canandaigua Lease" and, together with the Scheid
Lease, the "Leases"), with respect to a portion of the Property.
AGREEMENT
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals, the mutual
covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the
receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto
agree as follows:
1. CONSENT TO LEASES: Lender hereby acknowledges the entry by Owners
into the Leases and agrees that such entry by Owners into the Leases does
not, by itself, constitute a default or event of default by Owners under the
Loan Documents; provided, however, that Lender, by such acknowledgment and
agreement, shall not be construed as having subordinated or otherwise impaired
in any manner whatsoever its liens and interests pursuant to the Loan
Documents to any liens or interests evidenced by or related to the Leases,
except as otherwise
-1-
<PAGE>
specifically set forth in this Agreement or in the Non-Disturbance and
Attornment Agreement (as hereinafter defined).
Concurrently herewith, Lender shall enter into separate
non-disturbance and attornment agreements (each "a Non-Disturbance and
Attornment Agreement") with each of Canandaigua and Scheid with respect to
each of the Leases. Such agreements shall be in the forms attached hereto as
Exhibits A-1 and A-2. The Non-Disturbance and Attornment Agreement shall be
in recordable form and shall be recorded by Lender concurrently with the
recordation of the Deed of Trust.
2. SUBORDINATION OF LEASES. Except as otherwise specifically set forth
in this Agreement or in the Non-Disturbance and Attornment Agreement, it is
understood and agreed that the Leases are and shall remain fully junior and
subordinate to the liens and interests of Lender pursuant to the Loan
Documents, including any renewals, modifications, consolidations, replacements
and extensions of the Loan.
3. LEASE PAYMENTS. By this Agreement and pursuant to the terms of the
Deed of Trust, Owners hereby direct Lessees to pay to Lender all payments due
and owing to Owners under the Leases. Lessees shall make all checks payable to
"Central Coast Federal Land Bank Association, FLCA" and mail them to Lender
at the address shown below its signature hereto. Lessees will continue to
make all payments under the Leases to Lender until otherwise notified in
writing by Owners AND Lender. Lender agrees to apply to the Loan a sufficient
amount of said Lease payments each year to make the semi-annual installments
on the Loan.
4. NOTICE OF DEFAULT AND OPPORTUNITY TO CURE. Upon the occurrence of
any default or event of default under the Loan Documents (each, a "Loan
Event"), Lender shall (a) simultaneously provide Lessees with any written
notice provided to Owners with respect thereto or, in the event no notice to
Owners is required by the Loan Documents with respect thereto, provide
Lessees with prompt written notice thereof and (b) provide Lessees with the
opportunity to cure such Loan Event within a period of forty-five (45) days
after the date of such notice (the "Cure Period"). Notwithstanding any terms
of the Loan Documents to the contrary, during any such Cure Period, Lender
agrees not to accelerate the maturity of the Loan nor to assert any other
rights or remedies available to it under the Loan Documents, at law or in
equity, other than as may be necessary or desirable in the reasonable
business judgment of Lender to preserve and protect (but not enforce) its
liens and interest pursuant to the Loan Documents or any other collateral
serving as security of the Loan.
5. CURE BY LESSEES. Owners and Lessees hereby agree that, in the event
that either or both Lessees elect to cure any Loan Event, such Lessee shall
be entitled to a credit against the next succeeding installment(s) of rentals
due under its Lease with Owners in an amount equal to (a) the payment made by
such Lessee to cure such Loan Event, plus (b) interest thereon, from the date
of such cure payment to the date(s) of the rental installment(s) against
which such cure payment is credited, at a rate of ten percent (10%) per
annum. Solely as an agreement between Lessees, in the event either Lessee
elects to cure any such Loan Event, Lessees shall jointly make such cure
payment and agree that the amount of the cure payment shall be prorated
between them
-2-
<PAGE>
as follows: 60% to Scheid and 40% to Canandaigua. Lessees shall not have any
obligation to cure a default by Owners and Lessees shall not have any
liability under the Loan Documents.
6. DISCLAIMERS OF CROP LIENS OR INTERESTS. Each of Lender and Owners
hereby disclaim any lien or interest in the crops growing or to be grown and
owned by the Lessees on the Property in accordance with the Leases; Lender
specifically retains its liens and interests upon crops owned by Owners.
Lender agrees to execute, deliver, record and file such further documents and
instruments (including, without limitation, amendments to the Financing
Statements) as may be reasonably requested from time to time by Lessees to
evidence the foregoing disclaimer. Lender represents and warrants that Lender
is the sole holder of the security interests evidenced by the Financing
Statements and has the power and authority to agree to the foregoing
disclaimer.
7. NOTICES. Any notices to be given hereunder will be deemed to have
been given if (a) personally served upon the party to whom it is directed or
(b) deposited in the United States mail registered or certified, addressed to
whom it is directed at the address shown below its signature hereto, or at
such other address as such party hereafter may designate for notices
hereunder.
8. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which
shall constitute one and the same instrument.
9. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and
enforced in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of California
without application of the conflicts of laws provisions thereof.
10. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. This Agreement shall be binding upon, and
inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective theirs, legal
representatives, successors and assigns.
11. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement by
and among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof, and
may not be amended, modified or terminated, in whole or in part, except by an
instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto or their respective
successors or assigns. It is understood and agreed that nothing contained in
this Agreement shall be construed in any manner whatsoever as limiting or
otherwise impairing Lender from modifying or amending the Loan Documents or
otherwise servicing the Loan, including, without limitation, releasing or
otherwise modifying any collateral therefor, nor shall any notice to or
consent of Lessees be required with respect thereto except as otherwise
specifically set forth herein.
12. LOAN DOCUMENTS. The Loan Documents shall not be cross-defaulted or
cross-collateralized with any other loans made to Owners or any related
party.
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<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the
date first above written.
OWNERS
/s/ SAMUEL R. AVILA
-------------------------------------------
SAMUEL R. AVILA, individually and as trustee
under declaration of trust dated August
16, 1989
Address: P.O. Box 419
San Ardo, California 93450
/s/ MARGARET J. AVILA
-------------------------------------------
MARGARET J. AVILA, individually and as trustee
under declaration of trust dated August 16,
1989, and as successor co-trustee of the
testamentary trust of Joseph Labarere,
deceased
Address: P.O. Box 419
San Ardo, California 93450
/s/ VALERIE BASSETTI
-------------------------------------------
VALERIE BASSETTI, as successor co-trustee of
testamentary trust of Joseph Labarere,
deceased
Address: c/o Valerie Bassetti
402 Bassett Street
King City, California 93930
LENDER
CENTRAL COAST FEDERAL LAND BANK
ASSOCIATION, FLCA
By: /s/ JOHN R. GOLDSMITH
-------------------------------------------
John R. Goldsmith, Vice President
Address: P.O. Box 1557
Paso Robles, California 93447
(SIGNATURES CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE)
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<PAGE>
LESSEES
SCHEID VINEYARDS AND MANAGEMENT CO.
By: /s/ HEIDI M. SCHEID
-----------------------------------------
Name: Heidi M. Scheid
Title: Vice President Finance
Address: 13470 Washington Boulevard
Marina del Rey, California 90292
CANANDAIGUA WINE COMPANY, INC.
By: /s/ RONALD FONDILLER
----------------------------------
Name:
Title: Assistant Secretary
Address: 116 Buffalo Street
Canandaigua, New York 14424
Omitted Exhibits:
(a) Exhibit A-1, Non-Disturbance and Attornment Agreement, by and
between Central Coast Federal Land Bank Association, FLCA, Samuel R. Avila
(also known as Sam Avila) and Margaret J. Avila, individually and as trustees
under declaration of trust dated August 16, 1989, and Margaret J. Avila and
Valarie Bassetti (also known as Valerie Bassetti), as successor co-trustees
of the testamentary trust of Joseph Labarere, deceased, and Scheid Vineyards
and Management Co.
(b) Exhibit A-2, Non-Disturbance and Attornment Agreement, by and
between Central Coast Federal Land Bank Association, FLCA, Samuel R. Avila
(also known as Sam Avila) and Margaret J. Avila, individually and as trustees
under declaration of trust dated August 16, 1989, and Margaret J. Avila and
Valarie Bassetti (also known as Valerie Bassetti), as successor co-trustees
of the testamentary trust of Joseph Labarere, deceased, Canandaigua Wine
Company, Inc., a New York Corporation, successor by merger to Canandaigua
West, Inc., a New York corporation and Canandaigua Wine Company, Inc., a
Delaware corporation.
-5-
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
We consent to the use in this Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No.
333-51055 of Scheid Vineyards Inc. on Form SB-2 of our report dated February 13,
1998 appearing in the Prospectus, which is part of such Registration Statement,
and to the references to us under the headings "Selected Financial Data" and
"Experts" in such Prospectus.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Los Angeles, California
May 6, 1998
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 99.1
SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT OF SCHEID VINEYARDS INC.
Scheid Vineyards Inc. ("SVI") hereby agrees to furnish supplementally to
the Securities and Exchange Commission a copy of any of the exhibits to Exhibit
10.27a to SVI's Registration Statement on Form SB-2, Registration No. 333-51055,
which have been omitted therefrom. Such Exhibit 10.27a includes a list setting
forth a description of such omitted exhibits.