<PAGE>
SECURITIES EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
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
NASH-FINCH COMPANY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(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/ $125 per Exchange Act Rules 0-11(c)(1)(ii), 14a-6(i)(1), 14a-6(i)(2) or
Item 22(a)(2) of Schedule 14A.
/ / $500 per each party to the controversy pursuant to Exchange Act Rule
14a-6(i)(3).
/ / Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4)
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) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
3) Filing Party:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
4) Date Filed:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
[LOGO]
NASH FINCH COMPANY
7600 FRANCE AVENUE SOUTH
EDINA, MINNESOTA 55435
------------------------
NOTICE OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD MAY 14, 1996
------------------------
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the 1996 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Nash
Finch Company ("Nash Finch") will be held at the Lutheran Brotherhood Building,
625 Fourth Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Tuesday, May 14, 1996, at
10:00 a.m., local time, for the following purposes:
1. To elect four directors to serve for three-year terms.
2. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting
or any adjournment or adjournments thereof.
Only stockholders of record as shown on the books of Nash Finch at the close
of business on March 25, 1996 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the
Annual Meeting or any adjournment or adjournments thereof.
Your attention is directed to the enclosed proxy statement and proxy card.
STOCKHOLDERS WHO DO NOT EXPECT TO ATTEND IN PERSON ARE URGED TO FILL IN, DATE,
SIGN AND RETURN PROMPTLY THE PROXY CARD IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE PAID ENVELOPE.
By Order Of The Board of Directors
Norman R. Soland
Vice President, Secretary
and General Counsel
April 8, 1996
<PAGE>
[LOGO]
NASH FINCH COMPANY
7600 FRANCE AVENUE SOUTH
EDINA, MINNESOTA 55435
TELEPHONE NO. (612) 832-0534
------------------------
PROXY STATEMENT
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD MAY 14, 1996
------------------------
INTRODUCTION
The Board of Directors of Nash Finch Company ("Nash Finch") solicits your
proxy for use at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 14, 1996
(the "Annual Meeting"), and any adjournment or adjournments thereof. A proxy
card is enclosed herewith. Any proxy given pursuant to this solicitation and
received in time for the Annual Meeting will be voted in accordance with the
instructions given in such proxy. Any stockholder who executes and delivers the
proxy may revoke it at any time prior to its use by giving notice in writing to
the Secretary of Nash Finch, by filing a revoking instrument or a duly executed
proxy bearing a later date with the Secretary of Nash Finch, or by attending the
Annual Meeting and voting said stock in person. The execution by a stockholder
of a later dated proxy will revoke all proxies previously executed by such
stockholder. However, a stockholder who attends the Annual Meeting need not
revoke his proxy and vote in person unless he wishes to do so. This proxy
material is first being mailed to the Nash Finch stockholders on or about April
8, 1996.
PURPOSES OF MEETING
The following business will be attended to at the Annual Meeting (the Board
of Directors recommends a vote FOR the following):
FIRST: To elect four directors to serve for three-year terms.
SECOND: To transact such other business as may properly be brought before
the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or adjournments thereof.
<PAGE>
OUTSTANDING SHARES; VOTING RIGHTS
The close of business on Monday, March 25, 1996 has been fixed by the Board
of Directors of Nash Finch as the record date for the determination of
stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. On March
25, 1996, Nash Finch had outstanding 10,920,793 shares of common stock, par
value $1.66 2/3 per share ("Common Stock"), each such share entitling the holder
thereof to one vote in person or by proxy. The holders of a majority of the
total shares issued and outstanding (5,460,397 shares), whether present in
person or represented by proxy, will constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business at the Annual Meeting.
Shares of Common Stock represented by properly executed proxies will be
voted in accordance with the choices specified therein, and where no choice is
specified, such shares will be voted (i) for the election of the four nominees,
and (ii) with respect to any other business which may properly come before the
Annual Meeting or any adjournment or adjournments thereof, according to the best
judgment of the proxies named on the enclosed proxy card.
In general, shares of Common Stock represented by a properly signed and
returned proxy will be counted as shares present and entitled to vote at the
Annual Meeting for purposes of determining a quorum, without regard to whether
the proxy reflects votes withheld from director nominees (or is left blank) or
reflects a "broker non-vote" on a particular matter (i.e., a proxy returned by a
broker on behalf of its beneficial owner customer that is not voted on that
particular matter because voting instructions have not been received and the
broker has no discretionary authority to vote).
Stockholders may vote for all nominees for director, or withhold authority
to vote for all or certain nominees. Withheld shares will be treated as shares
present and entitled to vote and will be counted as voted shares. Broker
non-votes will be treated as shares not entitled to vote, and thus will not be
counted as voted shares. The election of directors requires the affirmative vote
of a majority of the total shares present and entitled to vote on each such
matter.
2
<PAGE>
PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS AND BENEFICIAL
OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT
Set forth in the following table is information, as of March 1, 1996 unless
otherwise indicated, pertaining to (a) persons who, to the best of Nash Finch's
knowledge, owned beneficially more than five percent of the outstanding shares
of Common Stock, (b) the individual ownership of Common Stock by directors,
nominees and named executive officers, and (c) the ownership of Common Stock by
directors and executive officers as a group. Options exercisable within 60 days
after March 1, 1996 are set forth in note (2) to the table.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES OF COMMON
STOCK
BENEFICIALLY
OWNED (1)(2)
---------------------
PERCENT
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER AMOUNT OF CLASS
- -------------------------------------------------- ---------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Carole F. Bitter 1,000 *
Richard A. Fisher 1,500 *
Alfred N. Flaten 21,831(3) *
Allister P. Graham 1,000 *
John H. Grunewald 2,000 *
Richard G. Lareau 3,500(4) *
Russell N. Mammel 33,210(5) *
Don E. Marsh 0 --
Donald R. Miller 1,043 *
Robert F. Nash 104,655(6) *
Jerome O. Rodysill 21,015(7) *
David W. Bell 11,983(8) *
William T. Bishop 6,956(9) *
Charles F. Ramsbacher 1,300 *
Norman R. Soland 8,165(10) *
All Directors and Executive 231,614(11) 2.12%
Officers as a Group (23 persons)
Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., Inc. 602,875(12) 5.52%
One State Street Plaza
New York, New York 10004
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
* Less than 1%.
(1) Unless otherwise noted, all of the shares shown are held by individuals or
entities possessing sole voting and investment power with respect to such
shares.
(2) Not included are shares of Common Stock which may be acquired within 60 days
of March 1, 1996 by the persons and group identified in this table upon the
exercise of options granted under the Nash Finch 1994 Stock Incentive Plan
(the "1994 Stock Incentive Plan") and the Nash Finch 1995 Director Stock
Option Plan (the "1995 Director Stock Option Plan"). For all directors and
executives as a group, there are 20,280 shares of Common Stock issuable upon
the exercise of options, which include: 2,800 shares for Mr. Flaten; 3,000
shares for Mr. Nash; 1,500 shares for Mr. Bell; 1,280 shares for Mr. Bishop;
1,200 shares for Mr. Soland; 1,200 shares for Mr. Ramsbacher; and 500 shares
each for Mr. Graham, Mr. Grunewald, Mr. Lareau, Mr. Mammel, Mr. Miller, and
Mr. Rodysill. The following assumes the exercise of these options for
purposes of calculating the percent of Common Stock
3
<PAGE>
deemed to be beneficially owned by such individual or group: each named
executive officer and director of Nash Finch, less than 1%; and the
directors and executive officers of Nash Finch as a group, 2.30%.
(3) Includes 1,000 shares owned beneficially by Mr. Flaten's wife as to which he
may be deemed to share voting and investment power, but as to which he
disclaims any beneficial interest. Also includes 16,231 shares of restricted
Common Stock purchased by Mr. Flaten pursuant to rights granted to him in
1996 under the 1994 Stock Incentive Plan.
(4) Includes 1,500 shares owned beneficially by Mr. Lareau's wife as to which he
may be deemed to share voting and investment power, but as to which he
disclaims any beneficial interest.
(5) Includes 32,810 shares owned beneficially by Mr. Mammel's living trust, as
to which he exercises voting and investment power as trustee and beneficiary
of such living trust.
(6) Includes 28,082 shares owned beneficially by Mr. Nash's wife as to which he
may be deemed to share voting and investment power, but as to which he
disclaims any beneficial interest.
(7) Includes 10,620 shares held by a trust for the benefit of Mr. Rodysill's
wife, of which Mr. Rodysill is a co-trustee with his son and as to which he
shares voting and investment power.
(8) Includes 5,023 shares owned beneficially by Mr. Bell's wife as to which he
may be deemed to share voting and investment power, but as to which he
disclaims any beneficial interest. Also includes 6,956 shares of restricted
Common Stock purchased by Mr. Bell pursuant to rights granted to him in 1996
under the 1994 Stock Incentive Plan.
(9) Shares of restricted Common Stock purchased by Mr. Bishop pursuant to rights
granted to him in 1996 under the 1994 Stock Incentive Plan.
(10)Includes 3,157 shares that are owned beneficially by Mr. Soland and his
wife jointly and as to which he shares voting and investment power. Also
includes 5,008 shares of restricted Common Stock purchased by Mr. Soland
pursuant to rights granted to him in 1996 under the 1994 Stock Incentive
Plan.
(11)Includes 82,192 shares as to which voting and investment power are shared
or may be deemed to be shared, and 39,788 shares of restricted Common Stock
purchased by persons included in the group pursuant to rights granted to
them in 1996 under the 1994 Stock Incentive Plan.
(12)Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., Inc. has reported in a Schedule 13G filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission that, as of December 31, 1995, it was
the beneficial owner of all of such shares, possessing sole investment power
with respect to all such shares, sole voting power with respect to 470,800
shares and shared voting power with respect to 8,400 shares. Sanford C.
Bernstein & Co., Inc. has also reported that the filing was made in its
capacities as an investment adviser and broker/dealer, and that its
beneficial ownership of such shares is on behalf of certain accounts of its
discretionary clients. These clients have the right to receive dividends
from and the proceeds of the sale of such securities.
4
<PAGE>
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
NOMINATION
The Nash Finch Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, each as
amended, provide that the Board of Directors shall consist of not less than nine
nor more than 17 members, as determined from time to time by the Board of
Directors, divided into three classes of as nearly equal size as possible. The
term of each class of directors is three years, and the term of one class
expires each year in rotation. The Board of Directors has determined that there
will be eleven directors of Nash Finch for the ensuing year.
The terms of four current members of the Board of Directors will expire at
the Annual Meeting. The terms of the remaining seven current members of the
Board of Directors will not expire this year, but will expire as indicated
below. The Board of Directors has nominated four of the nominees listed below to
serve as directors of Nash Finch for terms of three years, expiring at the 1999
Annual Meeting of Stockholders or until their successors are duly elected and
qualified. The four nominees currently serve as directors and have served
continuously from the dates indicated below.
The affirmative vote of a majority of the total shares represented in person
or by proxy and entitled to vote is required for the election of the four
nominees. It is the intention of the persons named in the enclosed form of proxy
to vote such proxy for the election of the four nominees named in the proxy,
unless otherwise directed by the stockholder. Nash Finch's Board of Directors
recommends a vote FOR the election of each of the nominees. While the Board of
Directors has no reason to believe that any of those named will not be available
as a candidate, should such a situation arise, the proxy will be voted for the
election as directors of such other persons as determined in the discretion of
the proxies named on the enclosed proxy card. Proxies cannot be voted for a
greater number of persons than the number of nominees named.
5
<PAGE>
INFORMATION ABOUT DIRECTORS AND NOMINEES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DIRECTOR
NAME AGE PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION SINCE
- -------------------------------- --- ---------------------------------------------------------------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
NOMINEES FOR THREE-YEAR TERMS EXPIRING IN 1999:
Carole F. Bitter 50 President and Chief Executive Officer of Harold Friedman, Inc. 1993
(operator of retail supermarkets)
Richard A. Fisher 66 Retired Vice President -- Finance and Treasurer of Network 1984
Systems Corporation (manufacturer of data communications
systems)
John H. Grunewald 59 Executive Vice President, Finance and Administration, Polaris 1992
Industries, Inc. (manufacturer of recreational equipment)
Don E. Marsh 58 Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, 1995
Marsh Supermarkets, Inc. (supermarket and convenience store
chain operator)
DIRECTORS NOT STANDING FOR ELECTION THIS YEAR WHOSE TERMS EXPIRE IN 1997:
Russell N. Mammel 69 Retired President and Chief Operating Officer of Nash Finch 1974
Donald R. Miller 68 Management Consultant 1978
Robert F. Nash 62 Retired Vice President and Treasurer of Nash Finch 1968
DIRECTORS NOT STANDING FOR ELECTION THIS YEAR WHOSE TERMS EXPIRE IN 1998:
Alfred N. Flaten 61 President and Chief Executive Officer of Nash Finch 1990
Allister P. Graham 59 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Oshawa Group Limited 1992
(food and pharmaceutical distributor in Canada)
Richard G. Lareau 67 Partner, Oppenheimer Wolff & Donnelly (law firm) 1984
Jerome O. Rodysill 67 Retired Senior Vice President of Nash Finch 1974
</TABLE>
OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT DIRECTORS AND NOMINEES
Except as indicated below, there has been no change in principal occupations
or employment during the past five years for the directors or nominees for
election as directors.
Mr. Fisher retired in December 1992 as Vice President -- Finance and
Treasurer of Network Systems Corporation, a position he had held for more than
five years.
Mr. Flaten's election as Chief Executive Officer was effective in November
1994. His election as President and Chief Operating Officer of Nash Finch was
effective in November 1991. He had been elected Executive Vice President, Sales
and Operations of Nash Finch in February 1991.
Mr. Lareau has been a partner in the law firm of Oppenheimer Wolff &
Donnelly for over 30 years. Oppenheimer Wolff & Donnelly has provided and is
expected to continue to provide legal services to Nash Finch. Mr. Lareau also
serves as a director of Merrill Corporation, Northern Technologies International
Corporation and Ceridian Corporation.
6
<PAGE>
Mr. Mammel resigned in November 1991 as President and Chief Operating
Officer of Nash Finch, a position he had held for more than five years, in
anticipation of his planned retirement which was effective January 1, 1992.
Mr. Nash retired in January 1996 as Vice President and Treasurer of Nash
Finch, a position he had held for more than five years.
Mr. Rodysill retired in January 1994 as Senior Vice President, Store
Development and Construction of Nash Finch, a position he had held for more than
five years.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ITS COMMITTEES
Standing committees of the Board of Directors include the Audit Committee,
the Compensation Committee and the Nominating Committee.
The Audit Committee reviews and monitors accounting policies and control
procedures of Nash Finch, including recommending the engagement of independent
public accountants and reviewing the scope of the audit. The current members of
the Audit Committee are Carole F. Bitter, Richard A. Fisher, John H. Grunewald,
Richard G. Lareau and Jerome O. Rodysill. The Audit Committee met four times
during fiscal 1995.
The Compensation Committee determines salaries and bonuses for executive
officers, selects the officer and key employee participants and determines the
compensation awards to be made to such participants under the Nash Finch
Executive Incentive Bonus and Deferred Compensation Plan, and considers new
executive compensation plans for recommendation to the Board of Directors. The
Compensation Committee also administers the 1994 Stock Incentive Plan and the
1995 Director Stock Option Plan. The current members of the Compensation
Committee are Carole F. Bitter, Richard A. Fisher, Russell N. Mammel and Donald
R. Miller. Alfred N. Flaten, as Chief Executive Officer of Nash Finch, is a
non-voting member of the committee. The Compensation Committee met four times
during fiscal 1995.
The Nominating Committee considers and recommends to the Board of Directors
the size of the Board, nominees who meet the criteria for Board membership, the
procedures for identifying potential Board nominees, and nominees for election
as officers. In addition, the Nominating Committee recommends to the Board of
Directors nominees for appointment to Board committees as well as the functions,
responsibilities and procedures for the various Board committees. The current
members of the Nominating Committee are Alfred N. Flaten, Allister P. Graham,
Richard G. Lareau, Don E. Marsh, Donald R. Miller and Robert F. Nash. The
Nominating Committee met four times during fiscal 1995. Stockholder
recommendations for director nominees may be considered, but there are no
established procedures for the submission of such recommendations to the
Nominating Committee for consideration.
Until its discontinuance as a standing committee of the Board of Directors
as of May 10, 1995, the Executive Committee had substantially all of the
authority and power of the Board of Directors in the management of the business
and affairs of the Company, as provided by Delaware corporation law. The
Executive Committee, however, was at all times subject to the direction and
control of the full Board of Directors. The members of the Executive Committee,
at May 10, 1995, were Alfred N. Flaten, Robert F. Nash and Jerome O. Rodysill.
In addition, Norman R. Soland was a non-voting, advisory member of the
committee. The Executive Committee met four times during fiscal year 1995.
7
<PAGE>
During 1995, the Board of Directors held six regularly scheduled meetings
and two special meetings. All of the directors attended 75% or more of the
aggregate meetings of the Board of Directors and all committees on which they
served during the periods that each served as a director and committee member,
with the exception of Carole F. Bitter who, because of business conflicts, was
unable to attend one Board of Directors meeting and three committee meetings.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
DIRECTORS' FEES. Directors who are full-time employees of Nash Finch
receive no separate compensation for their services as directors. Directors who
are not full-time employees of Nash Finch receive out-of-pocket traveling
expenses incurred in attending Board and committee meetings. From the beginning
of fiscal 1995 through February 28, 1995, such directors received compensation
of $1000 for each Board meeting attended, $600 for each committee meeting
attended (or, $400 if held on the same day as a Board meeting or by telephone
conference), and a retainer of $1,000 per month. Effective March 1, 1995, such
directors receive $1,000 for each Board meeting attended and a retainer of
$1,100 per month. Also, from March 1, 1995 through September 30, 1995, such
directors received $750 for each committee meeting attended (or $500 if held on
the same day as a Board meeting or by telephone conference). Effective October
1, 1995, such directors receive $500 for each committee meeting attended,
without regard to the day or manner held. Effective May 9, 1995, the director
elected by the Board of Directors to serve as Board Chair, if not a full-time
employee of the Company, receives an additional retainer of $1,100 per month.
1995 DIRECTOR STOCK OPTION PLAN. Pursuant to the 1995 Director Stock Option
Plan, each director who is not an employee of Nash Finch is eligible to receive
an annual grant of an option to purchase 500 shares of Common Stock (the
"Option") immediately following each annual meeting of stockholders of Nash
Finch while the plan is in effect. On May 9, 1995, each director other than Mr.
Flaten, Mr. Nash and Mr. Marsh was granted an Option. Mr. Flaten and Mr. Nash
were ineligible because they were employees of the Company; Mr. Marsh was
ineligible because his election as a director was not effective until June 1,
1995.
8
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND OTHER BENEFITS
SUMMARY OF CASH AND CERTAIN OTHER COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth the cash and non-cash compensation earned
during the fiscal years ending December 30, 1995, December 31, 1994, and January
1, 1994, by the Chief Executive Officer and the four most highly compensated
executive officers of Nash Finch whose salary and bonus exceeded $100,000 for
the fiscal year ended December 30, 1995.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LONG TERM COMPENSATION
----------------------
AWARDS
ANNUAL COMPENSATION ----------- PAYOUTS
------------------------------- SECURITIES --------- ALL OTHER
NAME AND FISCAL SALARY BONUS (1) UNDERLYING LTIP COMPENSATION (3)
PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR ($) ($) OPTIONS (2) PAYOUTS ($)
------------------ --------- --------- --------- ----------- --------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Alfred N. Flaten 1995 279,232 130,000 -- -- 5,081
President, Chief 1994 221,257 100,000 7,000 -- 4,944
Executive Officer and 1993 199,452 85,000 -- -- 7,874
Director
David W. Bell 1995 149,588 50,000 -- -- 5,081
Senior Vice President, 1994 127,150 50,000 3,750 -- 4,944
Retail Sales and Operations 1993 118,674 33,000 -- -- 4,960
William T. Bishop (4) 1995 149,588 50,000 -- -- --
Senior Vice President, 1994 5,753 -- 3,200 -- --
Sales and Logistics 1993 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Norman R. Soland 1995 107,704 47,000 -- -- 4,398
Vice President, 1994 102,219 33,000 3,000 -- 4,338
Secretary and 1993 97,233 29,500 -- -- 4,095
General Counsel
Charles F. Ramsbacher 1995 109,698 35,000 -- -- 4,101
Vice President, Marketing 1994 99,726 25,000 3,000 -- 3,941
1993 91,748 15,000 -- -- 3,560
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Cash bonuses for services rendered have been included as compensation for
the year earned, even though bonuses were actually paid in the following
year.
(2) Reflects the grant of options under the 1994 Stock Incentive Plan.
(3) "All Other Compensation" consists of contributions by Nash Finch in 1993,
1994 and 1995 to the Nash Finch Profit Sharing Plan.
(4) Mr. Bishop joined Nash Finch in December 1994.
9
<PAGE>
STOCK OPTIONS
During 1995, no options were granted to or exercised by the executive
officers named in the Summary Compensation Table. The following table summarizes
the potential realizable value of the options held by the named executive
officers on December 30, 1995.
FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SECURITIES
UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
OPTIONS AT DECEMBER 30, IN-THE- MONEY OPTIONS AT
1995 DECEMBER 30, 1995
-------------------------- --------------------------
NAME EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
- --------------------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Alfred N. Flaten 2,800 4,200 $ 3,150 $ 4,725
David W. Bell 1,500 2,250 $ 1,688 $ 2,531
William T. Bishop 1,280 1,920 $ 2,400 $ 3,600
Norman R. Soland 1,200 1,800 $ 1,350 $ 2,025
Charles F. Ramsbacher 1,200 1,800 $ 1,350 $ 2,025
</TABLE>
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
The following table sets forth information regarding (a) the number of stock
equivalent ("phantom stock") units allocated during the fiscal year ended
December 30, 1995 to each of the executive officers named in the Summary
Compensation Table under the Nash Finch Executive Bonus and Deferred
Compensation Plan (the "Deferred Compensation Plan") and (b) the number of
performance share units granted to such officers under the 1994 Stock Incentive
Plan. Each phantom stock unit has a base value of $18.776.
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN -- AWARDS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERFORMANCE ESTIMATED FUTURE PAYOUTS UNDER
NUMBER OF OR OTHER NON-STOCK PRICE-BASED PLANS
SHARES, UNITS PERIOD UNTIL ---------------------------------
OR OTHER MATURATION OR THRESHOLD TARGET MAXIMUM
NAME RIGHTS (#) PAYOUT (#) (#) (#)
- --------------------------- ------------- ------------- --------- --------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Alfred N. Flaten 2,488(1) (2) -- -- --
20,913(3) 1995-1997 0 13,942 13,942
David W. Bell 1,214(1) (2) -- -- --
7,002(3) 1995-1997 0 4,668 4,668
William T. Bishop 1,214(1) (2)
7,002(3) 1995-1997 0 4,668 4,668
Norman R. Soland 941(1) (2) -- -- --
5,043(3) 1995-1997 0 3,362 3,362
Charles F. Ramsbacher 880(1) (2) -- -- --
5,136(3) 1995-1997 0 3,424 3,424
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) The Deferred Compensation Plan provides additional long-term incentive
compensation to selected executive officers and other key employees.
Participants are selected annually by the Compensation Committee which also
determines the amounts to be allocated to participants for the year.
Normally, the Deferred Compensation Plan is effective only if the
consolidated net
10
<PAGE>
income of Nash Finch and its subsidiaries exceeds 6% of the stockholders'
equity as shown on Nash Finch's current financial statements, and then only
5% of such excess is available for allocation to participants. The
Compensation Committee may, however, in its discretion, authorize any amount
to be allocated under the Deferred Compensation Plan. The amount allocated
annually to each participant cannot exceed one-third of the participant's
annual base salary. The entire allotment to a participant is contingently
credited to the participant's account at the end of each year. (Nash Finch
does not fund or set aside any cash amounts which are allocated to
participants; instead, bookkeeping entries are made). Allotments credited to
each participant's account are converted to share equivalents of Common
Stock and each participant is entitled to additional credits for dividends
paid on such share equivalents during each year. The dividend credits are
also converted to share equivalents. In addition, the value of each
participant's account is increased or decreased, whichever is applicable, by
an amount equal to the increase or decrease in fair market value of the
share equivalents during the year, provided that the participant is always
entitled to the amounts originally allocated regardless of any decrease in
the market value of share equivalents.
(2) Amounts contingently credited to the participant's account are payable to
the participant in cash upon termination of employment, except that benefits
may be totally or partially forfeited under certain circumstances.
(3) These awards represent performance units granted under the 1994 Stock
Incentive Plan and payable, to the extent earned, in shares of Common Stock
(the "Performance Units"). Payout of the Performance Units is tied to
achieving specified levels of earnings per share ("EPS") growth, average
return on stockholders' equity ("ROE") and total stockholder return ("TSR").
Minimum and maximum performance goals for each category have been determined
by the Compensation Committee. If performance equals or exceeds the maximum
goal for the category, all of the Performance Units allocated to the
category are earned and paid out. If performance equals or is less than the
minimum goal, no Performance Units allocated to the category are earned or
paid out. If performance for a particular category exceeds the minimum goal
for that category, but is less than the maximum goal, Performance Units are
earned and paid out on a proportionate basis. Performance Units allocated to
EPS growth would be earned based upon 1995 performance and paid out in 1996.
Performance Units allocated to ROE and TSR would be earned based upon
performance for the period 1995 through 1997, and would not be paid out
until 1998. The minimum targeted EPS growth was not achieved in 1995, and
therefore, Performance Units allocated to this category were not earned and
will not be paid out in 1996. Since payout of the Performance Units may not
exceed 100% of the Performance Units granted, the target award amount and
the maximum award amount are the same. More detail about the Performance
Units is available in the Compensation Committee Report on pages 12 to 14 of
this Proxy Statement.
CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENTS
The Board of Directors has authorized Nash Finch to enter into change in
control agreements with certain executive officers and key employees of Nash
Finch and its subsidiaries. Pursuant to these agreements, certain payments and
benefits would be provided to such employees in the event their employment is
terminated under certain conditions, including a change in control of Nash
Finch.
If an employee is terminated by Nash Finch or a subsidiary within 24 months
of a change in control (or, in limited circumstances, prior to such a change in
control) other than by reason of death,
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disability, retirement or cause, or the employee terminates for good reason,
Nash Finch will pay or cause to be paid to the employee a lump sum equal to the
employee's highest monthly compensation (as defined in the employee's change in
control agreement) multiplied by a number of months equal to either 12, 24 or 36
months and will maintain or cause to be maintained benefit plans (including
health, life, dental and disability) for the employee and his or her dependents
for 12, 24 or 36 months. Subject to certain limitations, the multiple referred
to above is 36 months for Mr. Flaten, 24 months for Mr. Bell, Mr. Bishop, Mr.
Soland and Mr. Ramsbacher, and 24 months or 12 months for all other designated
employees.
The options and Performance Units granted to the executive officers named in
the Summary Compensation Table were granted under the 1994 Stock Incentive Plan.
Pursuant to the terms of the 1994 Stock Incentive Plan and the agreements
evidencing such awards, the following occurs upon a change in control of Nash
Finch: (i) for options granted, the Compensation Committee, in its sole
discretion, may (a) accelerate the exercisability of options such that the
options will be immediately exercisable upon the change in control, or (b)
determine that the optionee will receive, as of the effective date of the change
in control, cash in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of
the option shares immediately prior to the effective date of the change in
control over the exercise price per share of the options; and (ii) for
Performance Units granted, the Compensation Committee, in its sole discretion,
may (a) adjust the number and kind of securities subject to the Performance Unit
and the performance criteria which must be fulfilled in order to earn the award
shares, and (b) in the event of involuntary termination of employment following
a change in control, adjust the formula provided in the performance award to
provide for the issuance of more award shares than would be the case if the
involuntary termination were not preceded by a change in control.
Pursuant to the terms of the Deferred Compensation Plan, the following
occurs upon a change in control of Nash Finch: (i) an additional amount would be
allocated to the account of each participant equal to the amount allocated in
the previous year; (ii) forfeiture provisions would lapse; and (iii) the total
balance of the participant's account would become payable in full.
REPORT OF COMPENSATION COMMITTEE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
OVERVIEW. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors is comprised
of directors who are not full-time employees of Nash Finch. The Chief Executive
Officer of Nash Finch, EX OFFICIO, is a non-voting member of the Compensation
Committee.
The Compensation Committee was established by the Board of Directors in May
1992, and has overall responsibility for executive compensation pursuant to
delegation by the Board. As described under "Election of Directors --
Information About Board and Its Committees," the Compensation Committee
determines annual salaries and bonuses of executive officers and certain other
key employees, including the Chief Executive Officer; considers and makes
recommendations to the Board concerning new executive compensation plans; and
administers the Deferred Compensation Plan, the 1994 Stock Incentive Plan and
the 1995 Director Stock Option Plan.
As part of the Company's on-going efforts to ensure the continuing
effectiveness and appropriateness of its executive compensation program, the
program was reviewed in 1993 with the assistance of an outside consultant. The
review led to various changes in Nash Finch's policies regarding executive
compensation including clarification and restatement of the basic objectives of
the program, a more defined performance focus, and an increased emphasis on
performance-related stock incentives.
12
<PAGE>
COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY. The fundamental objective of Nash Finch's
executive compensation program is to support the achievement of the Company's
business objectives. As such, the Company's philosophy is that executive
compensation should be designed to achieve the following objectives:
- Enable the Company to attract and retain qualified key executives whose
skills and capabilities are needed to assure the continued growth and
success of Nash Finch in a highly competitive industry.
- Provide an incentive to executives by tying a meaningful portion of
compensation to the achievement of Company financial objectives.
- Align the interests of executives with those of Nash Finch stockholders by
providing a significant portion of compensation in Common Stock.
To maintain an appropriately competitive level of total compensation,
comparisons are made with the ranges of compensation paid to persons holding
comparable positions at other companies of similar size, with primary emphasis
on the food distribution industry. These comparisons, by necessity, extend
beyond the companies included in the peer group for the comparative performance
graph shown below, given the number and size of companies included in the
industry group.
COMPONENTS OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION. The principal components of executive
compensation include salaries, cash bonuses and longer-term incentive
compensation.
Salaries and cash bonuses for executive officers, including Mr. Flaten and
the other executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table, are
determined annually, taking into consideration the executive's level of
responsibility and experience, individual and corporate performance, and
competitive compensation comparisons. While no specific criteria for measuring
individual and corporate performance was employed in 1995, each executive
officer's performance is evaluated by the Chief Executive Officer and reviewed
by the Compensation Committee. Similarly, in determining bonuses for executive
officers, the financial results of the Company are reviewed in light of various
objectives for the year, historical performance levels, external factors and
competitive considerations.
The Compensation Committee has approved a new officer bonus plan, which will
be effective for 1996, under which annual cash bonuses for executive officers
will be determined based upon performance against predetermined financial and
other goals. A maximum potential bonus is assigned by the Compensation Committee
for each eligible officer. For executive officers, these range from 30% of
annual base salary to 50% of annual base salary for the Chief Executive Officer.
Longer-term incentive compensation consists of awards of phantom stock units
to certain executives under the Deferred Compensation Plan. Such awards are
intended primarily to serve as a means of retaining key executives by providing
supplemental retirement income. The potential value of such awards is linked to
stock price appreciation providing an additional long-term incentive to increase
stockholder value during an executive's career with Nash Finch. The Compensation
Committee administers the Deferred Compensation Plan and is responsible for
selecting the executive officers and other key employees for participation in
the plan and determining the amounts of compensation awards allocated to the
selected participants. Refer to "Executive Compensation and Certain Other
Benefits -- Long-Term Incentive Plan" for a description of the key terms of the
Deferred Compensation Plan.
It has also been Nash Finch's policy to encourage a broad range of employees
(including executive officers) to participate in stock ownership. For this
purpose, a number of stock option plans have been
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adopted over the years. The size of individual stock option grants made under
such plans have largely been determined by the employee's position and ability
to purchase shares, as measured by his or her cash compensation level.
The 1994 Stock Incentive Plan, among other things, authorizes the
Compensation Committee to award rights to executive officers and other key
employees to receive shares of Common Stock upon the achievement of established
performance goals. Such awards are referred to in the 1994 Stock Incentive Plan
as "Performance Units."
Such Performance Units would have a maximum value at grant ranging from 60%
of a participant's 1995 base salary to 120% for the Chief Executive Officer. For
1995, the number of share units which could be earned (an equal number of share
units for each of three corporate performance objectives) would be determined on
the basis of the average closing sales prices for the Common Stock for the last
calendar quarter of 1994. The three performance categories are earnings per
share (EPS) growth in 1995 compared with the highest reported EPS for the
preceding four years, average return on stockholders' equity (ROE) for the
three-year period beginning in 1995, and total stockholder return (TSR) for the
same three-year period. Minimum and maximum performance goals have been
determined by the Compensation Committee for each category. In no case will any
portion of an award for a performance category be earned unless the minimum for
that category is exceeded. An award for EPS growth would be earned based on
performance in 1995 and paid out in 1996. Awards for ROE and TSR would, to the
extent earned, not be paid out until 1998. Awards paid out in Common Stock will
be restricted as to transferability for three years following the issuance of
such shares.
The Compensation Committee believes that such performance-based awards will
serve the purpose of more closely aligning executive and stockholder interests
in that the executives will benefit only if stockholder value is enhanced. Also,
for this purpose, the Compensation Committee has established stock ownership
guidelines for executive officers who will be encouraged, but not required, to
satisfy these guidelines within three to five years. The stock ownership
guideline for the Chief Executive Officer is five times annual base salary.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION. For the 1995 fiscal year, Mr. Flaten
received a salary of $279,232, a bonus of $130,000, and a grant of 2,488 phantom
stock units under the Deferred Compensation Plan. The salary and bonus of Mr.
Flaten was determined in accordance with the policies outlined above.
Carole F. Bitter
Richard A. Fisher
Russell N. Mammel
Donald R. Miller
Alfred N. Flaten (EX OFFICIO)
Members of the Compensation Committee
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
Mr. Flaten, the Chief Executive Officer of Nash Finch, is a non-voting
member of the Compensation Committee. Mr. Mammel, the retired President and
Chief Operating Officer of Nash Finch, is also a member of and chairs the
Compensation Committee.
14
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PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following graph compares the cumulative total stockholder return on Nash
Finch Common Stock for the last five fiscal years with the cumulative total
return over the same period of the S & P 500 Index, the S & P SmallCap 600 Index
(in which Nash Finch is included) and a peer group of companies selected by Nash
Finch (weighted according to the peer companies' market capitalization at the
beginning of each fiscal year). The comparison assumes the investment of $100 in
Common Stock, the S & P 500 Index, the S & P SmallCap 600 Index and the peer
group at the end of fiscal 1990 and reinvestment of all dividends.
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS RETURN
PREPARED FOR NASH FINCH COMPANY
EDGAR REPRESENTATION OF DATA POINTS USED IN PRINTED GRAPHIC
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NASH FINCH CO. S&P 500 INDEX S&P SMALLCAP 600 INDEX PEER GROUP
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1990 100 100 100 100
1991 102.32 130.47 148.49 110.24
1992 115.74 140.41 179.74 118.25
1993 115.15 154.56 213.50 126.84
1994 111.69 156.60 203.31 97.88
1995 128.85 215.45 264.22 117.75
</TABLE>
Source: Standard & Poor's Compustat Services, Inc.
The companies included in the peer group are Fleming Companies, Inc., Super
Food Services, Inc. and Supervalu, Inc. They were selected on the basis that,
like Nash Finch, each is predominately a full-line wholesale distributor of
grocery products having several distribution centers and with operations which
extend over a wide geographic area. The Compensation Committee has approved the
selection of these companies.
COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL TAX LEGISLATION
Federal tax legislation enacted in 1993 generally would preclude Nash Finch
and other public companies from taking a tax deduction for compensation over $1
million which is not "performance-based" and is paid, or otherwise taxable, to
executives named in the Summary Compensation Table and employed by Nash Finch at
the end of the applicable tax year. No named executive earned over $1 million in
1995. Similarly, no named executive is likely to earn over $1 million in 1996.
The Compensation Committee intends to monitor the executive compensation program
with respect to the present federal tax law.
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<PAGE>
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(A) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT.
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires Nash Finch's
directors and executive officers and all persons who beneficially own more than
10% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock to file with the SEC reports of
initial ownership and reports of changes in ownership in Common Stock. Copies of
such reports must also be furnished to Nash Finch, which offers assistance to
its directors and executive officers in complying with Section 16(a), including
preparing the reports and forwarding them to the SEC for filing. During 1995,
the initial report of ownership of Don E. Marsh, a director, was filed four (4)
days late.
To Nash Finch's knowledge, based upon a review of the copies of reports
furnished to Nash Finch and written representations, all other filing
requirements applicable to directors and executive officers were complied with
during the fiscal year ended December 30, 1995, and no reports of actual
transactions were filed late.
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
On February 14, 1995, the Board of Directors approved the engagement of
Ernst & Young LLP to serve as Nash Finch's independent certified public
accountants to audit its financial statements for the fiscal year ended December
30, 1995. The Audit Committee has not made a recommendation to the Board of
Directors regarding the re-engagement of Ernst & Young LLP to audit Nash Finch's
financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 28, 1996; however,
there is no reason to believe or expect that the Audit Committee will not make
such a recommendation to the Board of Directors during the year. Prior to the
engagement of Ernst & Young LLP, KPMG Peat Marwick LLP served as the independent
certified public accountants for Nash Finch. The services of KPMG Peat Marwick
LLP were terminated effective upon completion of the audit for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1994.
During fiscal year 1994, Nash Finch had no disagreements with KPMG Peat
Marwick LLP on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial
statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure. In addition, KPMG Peat
Marwick LLP's report on the financial statements for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1994 contained no adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion and was
not qualified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles.
Furthermore, during fiscal year 1994, there were no consultations with Ernst &
Young LLP regarding either the application of accounting principles to a
specified transaction (completed or proposed) or the type of audit opinion that
might be rendered on the financial statements.
Nash Finch requested and expects a representative of Ernst & Young LLP to be
present at the Annual Meeting, to make a statement if he or she so desires and
to respond to appropriate questions.
1997 STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
Any proposal of a Nash Finch stockholder intended to be presented at the
Annual Meeting of Stockholders in 1997 must be received by Nash Finch at its
principal executive office not later than November 30, 1996, for inclusion in
its proxy statement and form of proxy.
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<PAGE>
MISCELLANEOUS
The Board of Directors is not aware of any other matters which may be
presented to the stockholders for formal action at the Annual Meeting. If,
however, any other matters properly come before the Annual Meeting or any
adjournment or adjournments thereof, it is the intention of the persons named on
the proxy card to vote such proxies in accordance with their best judgment on
such matters.
The cost of soliciting proxies will be borne by Nash Finch. Directors,
officers and regular employees of Nash Finch may, without compensation other
than their regular compensation, solicit proxies by mail, telephone, telegram or
personal interview. Nash Finch may reimburse brokerage firms and others for
their expense in forwarding proxy materials to the beneficial owners of Common
Stock.
All stockholders who do not expect to attend the Annual Meeting, are urged
to execute and return the enclosed proxy card promptly.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
NORMAN R. SOLAND
VICE PRESIDENT, SECRETARY
AND GENERAL COUNSEL
April 8, 1996
Minneapolis, Minnesota
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<PAGE>
PROXY THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
[LOGO]
NASH FINCH COMPANY The undersigned hereby appoints Alfred
N. Flaten, John H. Grunewald and Robert
7600 FRANCE AVENUE SOUTH, P.O. BOX 355 F. Nash, and each of them, as Proxies,
MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55440-0355 each with the power of substitution, and
- -------------------------------------- hereby authorizes each of them to
represent and to vote, as designated
below, all the shares of common stock of
Nash Finch Company held of record by the
undersigned on March 25, 1996, at the
Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be
held on May 14, 1996 or any adjournment
thereof.
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS FOR all nominees listed WITHHOLD AUTHORITY to vote
below (except as for all
marked to the contrary nominees listed below / /
below) / /
(INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee strike
a line through the nominee's name)
Carole F. Bitter John H. Grunewald
Richard A. Fisher Don E. Marsh
2. In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other
business as may properly come before the meeting.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR PROPOSAL 1 ABOVE.
(PLEASE SIGN ON REVERSE SIDE)
<PAGE>
THIS PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED
HEREIN BY THE UNDERSIGNED STOCKHOLDER. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY
WILL GRANT AUTHORITY TO VOTE FOR ALL NOMINEES NAMED IN PROPOSAL 1 ABOVE.
Please sign exactly as name appears below. When shares are held by joint
tenants, both should sign. When signing as attorney, executor,
administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If a
corporation, please sign in full corporate name by President or other
authorized officer. If a partnership, please sign in partnership name by
authorized person.
DATED ____________________, 1996
________________________________
SIGNATURE
________________________________
SIGNATURE IF HELD JOINTLY
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND
RETURN THE PROXY CARD PROMPTLY
USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
