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FLEMING COMPANIES, INC.
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(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
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March 12, 1996
<PAGE>
FLEMING COMPANIES, INC.
6301 Waterford Boulevard
P.O. Box 26647
Oklahoma City, OK 73126-0647
March 19, 1996
Dear Fleming Shareholder:
I am writing to give you our perspective on the final verdict
announced March 15 in a lawsuit with David's Supermarkets, Inc. in
Johnson County, Texas.
First, let me state that this has no impact on our day-to-day
operations and Fleming's strategic plan.
However, we are extremely disappointed in the verdict and the
attack on our company's and our retired officer's integrity. We
intend to appeal -- a process expected to take up to three years.
We believe we have a strong case, and that the allegations Fleming
did not live up to its supply agreement with David's Supermarkets
are unfounded. Fleming is being blamed for problems that were
beyond our company's control.
Fleming served this 23-store chain located in central Texas off and
on from 1982 until 1993 as the chain periodically moved its
business from one distributor to another. Fleming lived up to the
terms of its supply arrangement with David's Supermarkets, and we
utilized the same approaches as those applied by most other
distributors in our industry. Our company has grown by working
with our customers and vendors honestly and professionally using
this approach.
The size of the jury award, potentially as high as $207 million, is
frankly absurd. We intend to vigorously protect both our
reputation and our business interests. We are working with our
banks to provide a bond. While we must post a bond during the
appeals process, it's important to understand that no award, if any
at all, will be paid until the appeals process is complete. This
should take two to three years. Fleming's case will be heard by a
three-judge panel in the state appellate court in Waco, Texas, and
we will appeal to the Texas Supreme Court if needed to obtain a
just resolution to these allegations.
We're disappointed that this situation has negatively affected our
stock price.
I want to assure you that every resource available to us is being
accessed to ensure that Fleming and our shareholders' interests are
being protected. We are also working closely with the members of
our financial community to address these issues.
Thank you for your continued support, and I hope you will be able
to attend our shareholders' meeting in Oklahoma City on May 1.
Sincerely,
ROBERT E. STAUTH
Robert E. Stauth
Chairman and CEO
