SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant /X/
Filed by a party other than the Registrant / / Check the appropriate box:
/ / Preliminary Proxy Statement
/ / Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule
14a-6(e)(2))
/ X/ Definitive Proxy Statement
/ / Definitive Additional Materials
/ / Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-11(c) or
Section 240.14a-12
<PAGE>
CANANDAIGUA BRANDS, INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
/X/ No fee required
/ / Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction
computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on
which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
(5) Total fee paid:
/ / Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
/ / Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act
Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee
was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration
statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount Previously Paid:
-2-
<PAGE>
(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
(3) Filing Party:
(4) Date Filed:
<PAGE>
[Canandaigua Brands, Inc. LOGO]
CANANDAIGUA BRANDS, INC.
Fine Wines, Spirits & Beers
================================
SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
================================
August 21, 2000
To Our Stockholders:
You are cordially invited to attend a Special Meeting of Stockholders
of Canandaigua Brands, Inc. at One Chase Square, Rochester, New York, on Monday,
September 18, 2000 at 11:00 a.m.
The accompanying Notice of Special Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy
Statement describe in detail the matters expected to be acted upon at the
Special Meeting.
We hope that you are able to attend this Special Meeting of
Stockholders.
Very truly yours,
/s/Richard Sands
------------------------
RICHARD SANDS
Chairman of the Board, President
and Chief Executive Officer
<PAGE>
[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
<PAGE>
CANANDAIGUA BRANDS, INC.
300 WILLOWBROOK OFFICE PARK
FAIRPORT, NEW YORK 14450
-------------------------------------------------------
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD SEPTEMBER 18, 2000
-------------------------------------------------------
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Special Meeting of Stockholders of
CANANDAIGUA BRANDS, INC. (the "Company") will be held at One Chase Square,
Rochester, New York, on Monday, September 18, 2000 at 11:00 a.m. for the
following purposes more fully described in the accompanying Proxy Statement:
1. To consider and act upon a proposal to amend and restate the
Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation to change the
name of the Company to Constellation Brands, Inc.
(Proposal No. 1).
2. To transact such other business as may properly come before
the Special Meeting or any adjournment thereof.
The Board of Directors of the Company has fixed the close of business
on August 17, 2000 as the record date for the determination of stockholders
entitled to notice of and to vote at the Special Meeting or any adjournment
thereof.
A Proxy Statement and proxy are enclosed.
WE HOPE YOU WILL ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING IN PERSON, BUT IF YOU
CANNOT, PLEASE SIGN AND DATE THE ENCLOSED PROXY. RETURN THE PROXY IN THE
ENCLOSED ENVELOPE WHICH REQUIRES NO POSTAGE IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
David S. Sorce
------------------------
DAVID S. SORCE, Secretary
Fairport, New York
August 21, 2000
<PAGE>
[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
<PAGE>
CANANDAIGUA BRANDS, INC.
300 WILLOWBROOK OFFICE PARK
FAIRPORT, NEW YORK 14450
-----------------
PROXY STATEMENT
-----------------
SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD SEPTEMBER 18, 2000
This Proxy Statement is being furnished to stockholders of Canandaigua
Brands, Inc. (the "Company") in connection with the solicitation of proxies by
the Board of Directors of the Company. The proxies are for use at a Special
Meeting of Stockholders and any adjournment thereof (the "Meeting"). The Meeting
will be held at 11:00 a.m. on September 18, 2000, at One Chase Square,
Rochester, New York.
The shares represented by your proxy, if the proxy is properly executed
and returned, and not revoked, will be voted at the Meeting as therein
specified. You may revoke your proxy at any time before it is exercised by
delivering to the Secretary of the Company a written revocation or a duly
executed proxy bearing a later date. You may also revoke your proxy by attending
the Meeting and voting in person.
Unless you indicate otherwise, the shares represented by your proxy
will be voted FOR the proposal to change the name of the Company to
Constellation Brands, Inc. (Proposal No. 1).
The outstanding capital stock of the Company consists of Class A Common
Stock and Class B Common Stock. The enclosed proxy has been designed so that it
can be used by stockholders owning Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock
or both Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock.
The cost of soliciting proxies will be borne by the Company. In
addition to the solicitation by use of the mails, directors, officers or regular
employees of the Company, without extra compensation, may solicit proxies in
person or by telephone or facsimile. The Company has requested persons holding
stock for others in their names or in the names of nominees to forward these
materials to the beneficial owners of such shares. If requested, the Company
will reimburse such persons for their reasonable expenses in forwarding these
materials.
This Proxy Statement and the accompanying proxy are first being mailed
to stockholders on or about August 21, 2000.
<PAGE>
VOTING SECURITIES
The total outstanding capital stock of the Company, as of August 17,
2000, consisted of 15,239,628 shares of Class A Common Stock, par value
$.01 per share (the "Class A Stock"), and 3,088,572 shares of Class B
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share (the "Class B Stock"). Each share of
Class B Stock is convertible into one (1) share of Class A Stock at any time at
the option of the holder.
Only holders of record of Class A Stock and Class B Stock on the books
of the Company at the close of business on August 17, 2000, the record date for
eligibility to vote at the Meeting, are entitled to notice of and to vote at the
Meeting and at any adjournment thereof. Except as otherwise required by Delaware
law, the holders of the Class A Stock and the holders of the Class B Stock vote
together as a single class on all matters other than the election of directors.
Each holder of Class A Stock is entitled to one (1) vote for each share of Class
A Stock registered in his or her name, and each holder of Class B Stock is
entitled to ten (10) votes for each share of Class B Stock registered in his or
her name.
The holders of a majority of the outstanding aggregate voting power of
the Class A Stock and the Class B Stock present at the Meeting, in person or by
proxy, will constitute a quorum. Shares represented by proxies marked as
abstentions will be counted toward determining the presence of a quorum. Proxies
relating to shares held in "street name" by brokers or other nominees which may
be voted with respect to some, but not all, matters without instruction from the
beneficial owner ("broker non-votes") are counted as shares present for
determining a quorum.
The adoption of the proposal to amend and restate the Company's
Restated Certificate of Incorporation to change the name of the Company to
Constellation Brands, Inc. (Proposal No. 1) requires the affirmative
vote of the holders of a majority of all outstanding shares of Class A Stock and
Class B Stock entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class,
provided that the holders of Class A Stock will have one (1) vote per share and
the holders of Class B Stock will have ten (10) votes per share. Abstentions and
broker non-votes, if applicable, will therefore have the effect of negative
votes.
PROPOSAL NO. 1
PROPOSED AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF THE
COMPANY'S RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
TO CHANGE THE NAME OF THE COMPANY TO
CONSTELLATION BRANDS, INC.
GENERAL
The Board of Directors of the Company has approved changing the name of
the Company from Canandaigua Brands, Inc. to Constellation Brands, Inc.
subject to stockholder approval. The change in the Company's name will be
effected through an amendment and restatement of the Company's Restated
Certificate of Incorporation.
REASONS FOR NAME CHANGE
The Board of Directors believes that the Company's current name,
Canandaigua Brands, Inc., no longer accurately conveys the scope of a company
that has gone far beyond its geographic roots and its original product line.
Additionally, the current name creates confusion in that it does not
2
<PAGE>
provide for a clear distinction between Canandaigua Brands and one of
its operating divisions, Canandaigua Wine Company.
While there is much pride associated with the name Canandaigua, the
Board of Directors and the Executive Management team believe the new name,
Constellation Brands, Inc. , better reflects the Company's dynamic growth,
promising potential and diversified portfolio as well as provides a clear
distinction between the corporate parent and its operating divisions.
Constellation, a collection of stars, conveys a company strengthened by its
people, brands and operating divisions. Often associated with guidance and
discovery, "constellation" portrays the Company's entrepreneurial spirit and
forward thinking style.
The new name, Constellation Brands, Inc. , will be used
principally to identify the corporate management organization, which, among
other things, oversees the various operating divisions and is responsible for
establishing the corporation's strategic direction and for its consolidated
financial results.
The operating divisions will continue to manage the complexity of their
range of products through independent business units. Therefore, the operating
divisions will proudly retain their names and autonomy -- Barton (Barton Beers
and Barton Brands), Canandaigua Wine, Franciscan Estates and Matthew Clark
allowing the divisions to remain close to their markets and their customers.
The change of the Company's name will not, in any way, affect the
validity of currently outstanding stock certificates, nor will stockholders be
required to surrender or exchange any of their stock certificates.
VOTE REQUIRED
In accordance with applicable Delaware law and the Company's Restated
Certificate of Incorporation, approval of Proposal No. 1 requires the
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of all outstanding shares of Class
A Stock and Class B Stock entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single
class, provided that the holders of Class A Stock will have one (1) vote per
share and the holders of Class B Stock will have ten (10) votes per share.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS APPROVE THE
PROPOSED AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF THE COMPANY'S RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF
INCORPORATION TO CHANGE THE NAME OF THE COMPANY TO CONSTELLATION BRANDS,
INC. AND ACCORDINGLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR PROPOSAL NO. 1.
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP
As of August 17, 2000, the following tables and notes set forth (i) the
persons known to the Company to beneficially own more than 5% of the Class A
Stock or Class B Stock, (ii) the number of shares beneficially owned by them,
and (iii) the percent of such class so owned, rounded to the nearest one-tenth
of one percent. This information is based on information furnished to the
Company by or on behalf of each person concerned. Unless otherwise noted, the
percentages of ownership were calculated on the basis of 15,239,628
shares of Class A Stock and 3,088,572 shares of Class B Stock outstanding
as of the close of business on August 17, 2000.
3
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A STOCK
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMOUNT AND NATURE OF BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP (1)
--------------------------------------------------------
NAME AND ADDRESS OF SOLE POWER TO SHARED POWER TO PERCENT OF
BENEFICIAL OWNER VOTE OR DISPOSE VOTE OR DISPOSE TOTAL CLASS (1)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Marilyn Sands
300 WillowBrook Office Park
Fairport, NY 14450 789,053 (2) 86,726 (3) 875,779 5.7 %
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert Sands
300 WillowBrook Office Park
Fairport, NY 14450 360,327 (4) 400,052 (4) 760,379 5.0 %
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Richard Sands
300 WillowBrook Office Park
Fairport, NY 14450 331,445 (5) 400,052 (5) 731,497 4.8 %
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CWC Partnership-I
300 WillowBrook Office Park
Fairport, NY 14450 - 383,046 (6) 383,046 2.5 %
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trust for the benefit of Andrew Stern,
M.D., under the will of Laurie Sands
300 WillowBrook Office Park
Fairport, NY 14450 - 383,046 (7) 383,046 2.5 %
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stockholders Group Pursuant to Section
13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended (8) - 1,091,824 (8) 1,091,824 7.1 %
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FMR Corp.
82 Devonshire Street
Boston, MA 02109 (9) (9) (9) 2,216,790 14.5 %
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS B STOCK
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMOUNT AND NATURE OF BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP (1)
--------------------------------------------------------
NAME AND ADDRESS OF SOLE POWER TO SHARED POWER TO PERCENT OF
BENEFICIAL OWNER VOTE OR DISPOSE VOTE OR DISPOSE TOTAL CLASS (1)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Richard Sands
300 WillowBrook Office Park
Fairport, NY 14450 738,529 1,357,518 (5) 2,096,047 67.9 %
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert Sands
300 WillowBrook Office Park
Fairport, NY 14450 737,824 1,357,518 (4) 2,095,342 67.8 %
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trust for the benefit of Andrew Stern,
M.D., under the will of Laurie Sands
300 WillowBrook Office Park
Fairport, NY 14450 - 832,839 (7) 832,839 27.0 %
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CWC Partnership-I
300 WillowBrook Office Park
Fairport, NY 14450 - 762,385 (6) 762,385 24.7 %
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trust for the benefit of the Grandchildren
of Marvin and Marilyn Sands
300 WillowBrook Office Park
Fairport, NY 14450 - 506,250 (10) 506,250 16.4 %
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4
<PAGE>
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMOUNT AND NATURE OF BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP (1)
--------------------------------------------------------
NAME AND ADDRESS OF SOLE POWER TO SHARED POWER TO PERCENT OF
BENEFICIAL OWNER VOTE OR DISPOSE VOTE OR DISPOSE TOTAL CLASS (1)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marilyn Sands
300 WillowBrook Office Park
Fairport, NY 14450 4,500 101,850 (3) 106,350 3.4 %
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stockholders Group Pursuant to Section
13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended (8) - 2,833,871 (8) 2,833,871 91.8 %
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
-----------------------------
(1) The number of shares and the percentage of ownership set forth in the
Class A Stock table includes the number of shares of Class A Stock that
can be purchased by exercising stock options that are exercisable on
August 17, 2000 or become exercisable within 60 days thereafter
("presently exercisable"), but does not include the shares of Class A
Stock issuable pursuant to the conversion feature of the Class B Stock
beneficially owned by each person. The number of shares and percentage
of ownership assuming conversion of Class B Stock into Class A Stock
are contained in the footnotes. For purposes of calculating the
percentage of ownership of Class A Stock in the footnotes, additional
shares of Class A Stock equal to the number of shares of Class B Stock
owned by each person are assumed to be outstanding pursuant to Rule
13d-3(d)(1) under the Securities Exchange Act. Where the footnotes
reflect shares of Class A Stock as being included, such shares are
included only in the Class A Stock table and where the footnotes
reflect shares of Class B Stock as being included, such shares are
included only in the Class B Stock table.
(2) With respect to 787,501 shares of the 789,053 shares of Class A Stock,
Marilyn Sands is the beneficial owner of a life estate which includes
the right to receive income from and the power to vote and dispose of
such shares. The remainder interest in such shares is held by Richard
Sands, Robert Sands and CWC Partnership-II, a New York general
partnership ("CWCP-II").
(3) The amounts reflected include, as applicable, 12,631 shares of Class A
Stock owned by the Mac and Sally Sands Foundation, Incorporated, a
Virginia corporation (the "Sands Foundation"), of which Marilyn Sands
is a director, 18,429 shares of Class B Stock owned by the Marvin Sands
Master Trust (the "Master Trust"), of which Ms. Sands is a trustee, and
74,095 shares of Class A Stock and 83,421 shares of Class B Stock owned
by M,L,R&R, a New York general partnership ("MLR&R"), of which the
Master Trust is a general partner. Ms. Sands disclaims beneficial
ownership with respect to all shares owned by the Sands Foundation and
with respect to all of the other foregoing shares except to the extent
of her beneficial interest in the Master Trust. Assuming the conversion
of Class B Stock beneficially owned by Ms. Sands into Class A Stock,
Ms. Sands would beneficially own 982,129 shares of Class A Stock,
representing 6.4 % of the outstanding Class A Stock after such
conversion.
(4) The amount reflected as shares of Class A Stock over which Robert Sands
has the sole power to vote or dispose includes 40,350 shares of Class A
Stock issuable upon the exercise of options which are presently
exercisable by Mr. Sands. The amounts reflected as shares over which
Mr. Sands shares power to vote or dispose include, as applicable,
308,951 shares of Class A Stock and 678,964 shares of Class B Stock
owned by CWC Partnership-I, a New York general partnership ("CWCP-I"),
of which Robert Sands is a managing partner, 18,429 shares of Class B
Stock owned by the Master Trust of which Robert Sands is a trustee and
beneficiary, 74,095 shares of Class A Stock and 83,421 shares of Class
B Stock owned by MLR&R, of which Mr. Sands and the Master Trust are
general partners, 70,454 shares of Class B Stock owned by CWCP-II, of
which Mr. Sands is a trustee of the managing partner, 506,250 shares of
Class B Stock owned by the trust described in footnote (10) below,
12,631 shares of Class A Stock owned by the Sands Foundation, of which
Mr. Sands is a director and officer, and 4,375 shares of Class A Stock
issuable upon the exercise of presently exercisable options held by the
Estate of Marvin Sands ("Marvin Sands' Estate"), of which Robert Sands
is an executor. Mr. Sands disclaims beneficial ownership of all of the
foregoing shares except to the extent of his ownership interest in
CWCP-I and MLR&R and his beneficial interest in the Master Trust and
Marvin Sands' Estate. The amounts reflected do not include 22,940
shares of Class A Stock owned by Mr. Sands' wife, individually and as
custodian for their minor children, the remainder interest Mr. Sands
has in 259,849 of the 787,501 shares of Class A Stock subject to the
life estate held by Marilyn Sands described in footnote (2) above or
the remainder interest of CWCP-II in 265,151 of such shares. Mr. Sands
5
<PAGE>
disclaims beneficial ownership with respect to all such shares.
Assuming the conversion of Class B Stock beneficially owned by Mr.
Sands into Class A Stock, Mr. Sands would beneficially own 2,855,721
shares of Class A Stock, representing 16.4 % of the outstanding
Class A Stock after such conversion.
(5) The amount reflected as shares of Class A Stock over which Richard
Sands has the sole power to vote or dispose includes 20,600 shares of
Class A Stock issuable upon the exercise of options which are presently
exercisable by Mr. Sands. The amounts reflected as shares over which
Mr. Sands shares power to vote or dispose include, as applicable,
308,951 shares of Class A Stock and 678,964 shares of Class B Stock
owned by CWCP-I, of which Richard Sands is a managing partner, 18,429
shares of Class B Stock owned by the Master Trust, of which Mr. Sands
is a trustee and beneficiary, 74,095 shares of Class A Stock and 83,421
shares of Class B Stock owned by MLR&R, of which Mr. Sands and the
Master Trust are general partners, 70,454 shares of Class B Stock owned
by CWCP-II, of which Mr. Sands is a trustee of the managing partner,
506,250 shares of Class B Stock owned by the trust described in
footnote (10) below, 12,631 shares of Class A Stock owned by the Sands
Foundation, of which Mr. Sands is a director and officer, and 4,375
shares of Class A Stock issuable upon the exercise of presently
exercisable options held by Marvin Sands' Estate, of which Richard
Sands is an executor. Mr. Sands disclaims beneficial ownership of all
of the foregoing shares except to the extent of his ownership interest
in CWCP-I and MLR&R and his beneficial interest in the Master Trust and
Marvin Sands' Estate. The amounts reflected do not include 1,965 shares
of Class A Stock owned by Mr. Sands' wife, the remainder interest Mr.
Sands has in 262,501 of the 787,501 shares of Class A Stock subject to
the life estate held by Marilyn Sands described in footnote (2) above
or the remainder interest of CWCP-II in 265,151 of such shares. Mr.
Sands disclaims beneficial ownership with respect to all such shares.
Assuming the conversion of Class B Stock beneficially owned by Mr.
Sands into Class A Stock, Mr. Sands would beneficially own 2,827,544
shares of Class A Stock, representing 16.3 % of the outstanding
Class A Stock after such conversion.
(6) The amounts reflected include, as applicable, 74,095 shares of Class A
Stock and 83,421 shares of Class B Stock owned by MLR&R, of which
CWCP-I is a general partner. The shares owned by CWCP-I are included in
the number of shares beneficially owned by Richard Sands and Robert
Sands, the managing partners of CWCP-I, the Marital Trust (defined in
footnote (7) below), a partner of CWCP-I which owns a majority in
interest of the CWCP-I partnership interests, and the group described
in footnote (8) below. The other partners of CWCP-I are trusts for the
benefit of Laurie Sands' children. Assuming the conversion of Class B
Stock beneficially owned by CWCP-I into Class A Stock, CWCP-I would
beneficially own 1,145,431 shares of Class A Stock, representing
7.2 % of the outstanding Class A Stock after such conversion.
(7) The amounts reflected include, as applicable, 308,951 shares of Class A
Stock and 678,964 shares of Class B Stock owned by CWCP-I, in which the
Trust for the benefit of Andrew Stern, M.D. under the will of Laurie
Sands (the "Marital Trust") is a partner and owns a majority in
interest of the CWCP-I partnership interests, 70,454 shares of Class B
Stock owned by CWCP-II, in which the Marital Trust is a partner and
owns a majority in interest of the CWCP-II partnership interests, and
74,095 shares of Class A Stock and 83,421 shares of Class B Stock owned
by MLR&R, of which CWCP-I is a general partner. The Marital Trust
disclaims beneficial ownership with respect to all of the foregoing
shares except to the extent of its ownership interest in CWCP-I and
CWCP-II. The amounts reflected do not include the remainder interest
CWCP-II has in 265,151 of the 787,501 shares of Class A Stock subject
to the life estate held by Marilyn Sands described in footnote (2)
above. The Marital Trust disclaims beneficial ownership with respect to
all such shares except to the extent of its ownership interest in
6
<PAGE>
CWCP-II. Assuming the conversion of Class B Stock beneficially owned by
the Marital Trust into Class A Stock, the Marital Trust would
beneficially own 1,215,885 shares of Class A Stock, representing
7.6 % of the outstanding Class A Stock after such conversion.
(8) The group as reported consists of Richard Sands, Robert Sands, CWCP-I,
CWCP-II, and the trust described in footnote (10) (collectively, the
"Group"). The basis for the Group consists of: (i) a Stockholders
Agreement among Richard Sands, Robert Sands and CWCP-I and (ii) the
fact that the familial relationship between Richard Sands and Robert
Sands, their actions in working together in the conduct of the business
of the Company and their capacity as partners and trustees of the other
members of the Group may be deemed to constitute an agreement to "act
in concert" with respect to the Company's shares. The members of the
Group disclaim that an agreement to act in concert exists. Except with
respect to the shares subject to the Stockholders Agreement, the shares
owned by CWCP-I and CWCP-II and the shares held by the trust described
in footnote (10) below, no member of the Group is required to consult
with any other member of the Group with respect to the voting or
disposition of any shares of the Company. Assuming the conversion of
Class B Stock beneficially owned by the Group into Class A Stock, the
Group would beneficially own 3,925,695 shares of Class A Stock,
representing 21.6 % of the outstanding Class A Stock after such
conversion.
(9) The number of shares equals the number of shares of Class A Stock
reported to be beneficially owned by FMR Corp. ("FMR") in its Schedule
13G (Amendment No. 1) dated February 14, 2000 filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission. The percentage of ownership reflected in the
table is calculated on the basis of 15,239,628 shares of Class A
Stock outstanding on August 17, 2000. The Schedule 13G indicates that
of the 2,216,790 shares beneficially owned by FMR, FMR, through its
control of Fidelity Management Trust Company, has sole voting power
with respect to 135,800 shares and through its control of Fidelity
Management and Research Company and Fidelity Management Trust Company,
has sole dispositive power with respect to 2,216,790 shares. For
further information pertaining to FMR, reference should be made to
FMR's Schedule 13G and Amendment No. 1 thereto filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. With respect to the information
contained herein pertaining to shares of Class A Stock beneficially
owned by FMR, the Company has relied solely on the information reported
in FMR's Schedule 13G (Amendment No. 1) and has not independently
verified FMR's beneficial ownership as of August 17, 2000.
(10) The trust was created by Marvin Sands under the terms of an Irrevocable
Trust Agreement dated November 18, 1987 (the "Trust"). The Trust is for
the benefit of the present and future grandchildren of Marvin and
Marilyn Sands. The Co-Trustees of the Trust are Richard Sands and
Robert Sands. Unanimity of the Co-Trustees is required with respect to
voting and disposing of the Class B Stock owned by the Trust. The
shares owned by the trust are included in the number of shares
beneficially owned by Richard Sands, Robert Sands and the Group.
Assuming the conversion of Class B Stock beneficially owned by the
Trust into Class A Stock, the Trust would beneficially own 506,250
shares of Class A Stock, representing 3.2 % of the outstanding
Class A Stock after such conversion.
STOCK OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT
The following table and notes thereto set forth, as of August 17, 2000,
the beneficial ownership of the Company's directors, the Chief Executive Officer
and the other four most highly compensated executive officers at the end of the
fiscal year ended February 29, 2000, and all of the Company's directors and
executive officers as a group. This information is based on information
furnished to the Company by or on behalf of each person concerned. Unless
otherwise noted, the named individual has sole voting power and investment
discretion with respect to the shares attributed to him and the percentages of
ownership are calculated on the basis of 15,239,628 shares of Class A
Stock and 3,088,572 shares of Class B Stock outstanding as of the close of
business on August 17, 2000.
7
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS A STOCK (1) CLASS B STOCK
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED
-------------------------------
SHARES
ACQUIRABLE PERCENT OF PERCENT OF
WITHIN 60 DAYS CLASS SHARES CLASS
OUTSTANDING BY EXERCISE OF BENEFICIALLY BENEFICIALLY BENEFICIALLY
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER (2) SHARES OPTIONS (3) OWNED (4) OWNED OWNED
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Richard Sands 706,522 (5) 24,975 (5) 4.8% (5) 2,096,047 (5) 67.9 % (5)
Robert Sands 715,654 (5) 44,725 (5) 5.0% (5) 2,095,342 (5) 67.8 % (5)
Alexander L. Berk - 46,675 * - *
Peter Aikens - 12,500 * - *
Thomas S. Summer 570 (6) 42,750 * - *
James A. Locke, III 1,049 15,000 * (7) 33 *
George Bresler 2,000 12,000 * - *
Jeananne K. Hauswald - - * - *
Paul L. Smith 400 12,000 * - *
Thomas C. McDermott - 12,000 * - *
All Executive Officers and
Directors as a Group
(14 persons) (8) 1,030,518 261,700 8.3 % (8) 2,833,904 91.8 %
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
----------------------
* Percentage does not exceed one percent (1%) of the outstanding shares of such
class.
(1) The shares and percentages of Class A Stock set forth in this table do
not include shares of Class A Stock that are issuable pursuant to the
conversion feature of the Company's Class B Stock, although, such
information is provided in a footnote where appropriate. For purposes
of calculating the percentage of Class A Stock beneficially owned in
the footnotes, additional shares of Class A Stock equal to the number
of shares of Class B Stock owned by the named person or by the persons
in the group of executive officers and directors are assumed to be
outstanding only for that person or group of persons pursuant to Rule
13-3(d)(1) under the Securities Exchange Act.
(2) This table would have included information concerning Marvin Sands as
one of the four most highly compensated executive officers other than
the CEO had it not been for his death on August 28, 1999.
(3) Reflects the number of shares of Class A Stock that can be purchased by
exercising stock options that are exercisable on August 17, 2000 or
become exercisable within sixty 60 days thereafter.
(4) The percentage of Class A Stock beneficially owned by each of the named
persons and by the executive officers and directors as a group as
reflected in the table is based on the total number of shares listed
for that person or group of persons under "Outstanding Shares" and
"Shares Acquirable within 60 days by Exercise of Options". For purposes
of calculating the percentage, the number of shares of Class A Stock
listed under "Shares Acquirable within 60 days by Exercise of Options"
for a named person or for the executive officers and directors as a
group are assumed to be outstanding only for that person or group of
persons pursuant to Rule 13d-3(d)(1) under the Securities Exchange Act.
(5) Includes shares with respect to which the named individual shares
voting power or investment discretion. See tables and footnotes under
"Beneficial Ownership" above for information with respect to such
matters and for the number and percentage of shares of Class A Stock
that would be owned assuming the conversion of Class B Stock into Class
A Stock.
8
<PAGE>
(6) Mr. Summer shares the power to vote and dispose these shares with his
spouse.
(7) Assuming the conversion of Mr. Locke's 33 shares of Class B Stock into
Class A Stock, Mr. Locke would beneficially own 16,082 shares of Class
A Stock, representing less than one percent (1%) of the outstanding
Class A Stock after such conversion.
(8) This group consists of the Company's current executive officers and
directors. Assuming the conversion of a total of 2,833,904 shares of
Class B Stock beneficially owned by the executive officers and
directors as a group into Class A Stock, all executive officers and
directors as a group would beneficially own 4,126,122 shares of Class A
Stock, representing 22.5 % of the outstanding Class A Stock after
such conversion.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR THE 2001 ANNUAL MEETING
In order for any stockholder proposal submitted pursuant to Rule 14a-8
promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Act"),
to be included in the Company's proxy statement to be issued in connection with
the 2001 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, such proposal must be received by the
Company no later than February 7, 2001.
Any notice of a proposal submitted outside the processes of Rule 14a-8
promulgated under the Act, which a stockholder intends to bring forth at the
Company's 2001 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, will be untimely for purposes of
Rule 14a-4 of the Act and the By-laws of the Company, if received by the Company
after February 7, 2001.
.
OTHER
As of the date of this Proxy Statement, the Board of Directors does not
intend to present, and has not been informed that any other person intends to
present, any matter at the Meeting other than those specifically referred to in
this Proxy Statement. If any other matters properly come before the Meeting, it
is intended that the holders of the proxies will act in respect thereto
in accordance with their best judgment.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
David S. Sorce
-------------------------
DAVID S. SORCE, Secretary
Fairport, New York
August 21 , 2000
9
<PAGE>
P R O X Y
CANANDAIGUA BRANDS, INC.
PROXY FOR CLASS A COMMON STOCK AND CLASS B COMMON STOCK
The undersigned hereby appoints David S. Sorce and Thomas S. Summer, or
any one of them, proxies for the undersigned with full power of substitution to
vote all shares of CANANDAIGUA BRANDS, INC. (the "Company") that the undersigned
would be entitled to vote at the Special Meeting of Stockholders to be held at
One Chase Square, Rochester, New York, on Monday, September 18, 2000 at 11:00
a.m., and at any adjournments thereof (the "Meeting").
Your Shares of Class A Common Stock and/or Class B Common Stock appear on the
back of this card. Note that Shares (if any) designated as "ESPP" refer to
Shares of Class A Common Stock. PLEASE SIGN ON THE BACK.
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
COMPANY. THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS SPECIFIED BY THE
UNDERSIGNED. THIS PROXY REVOKES ANY PRIOR PROXY GIVEN BY THE UNDERSIGNED. UNLESS
OTHERWISE SPECIFIED, THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY A SIGNED PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR
PROPOSAL 1.
TO APPROVE THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS' RECOMMENDATION,
SIMPLY SIGN ON THE BACK. YOU NEED NOT MARK ANY BOXES.
CONTINUED AND TO BE SIGNED ON THE REVERSE SIDE
[SEE REVERSE SIDE]
<PAGE>
BALLOT Please mark
your votes as [X]
indicated in
this example
1. Proposal to amend and restate the Company's Restated Certificate of
Incorporation to change the name of the Company to Constellation Brands,
Inc.
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
[ ] [ ] [ ]
2. In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon such other
business not known at the time of the solicitation of this Proxy as may properly
come before the Meeting or at any adjournments thereof.
The shares represented by this Proxy , when properly executed and
returned, and not revoked, will be voted at the Meeting as herein specified. You
may revoke this Proxy at any time before it is exercised by delivering to
the Secretary of the Company a written revocation or a duly executed
Proxy bearing a later date. You may also revoke this Proxy
by attending the Meeting and voting in person.
[ ] MARK HERE FOR ADDRESS CHANGE AND NOTE BELOW
The undersigned acknowledges receipt with this Proxy of a copy of the
Notice of Special Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement for the Company's
Special Meeting of Stockholders to be held on September 18, 2000, describing
more fully the proposal set forth herein.
Signature ________________________________ Date _________________________
Signature ________________________________ Date _________________________
NOTE: Please date this Proxy and sign your name above exactly as it appears
hereon. Executors, administrators, trustees, etc. should so indicate when
signing. If the stockholder is a corporation or other entity, the full entity
name should be inserted and the Proxy signed by a duly authorized representative
of the entity, indicating his or her title or capacity.
