<PAGE>
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
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 Section240.14a-11(c) or
Section240.14a-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/ 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) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Filing Party:
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(4) Date Filed:
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<PAGE>
[LOGO]
7600 FRANCE AVENUE SOUTH
EDINA, MINNESOTA 55435
------------------------
NOTICE OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
LUTHERAN BROTHERHOOD BUILDING
625 FOURTH AVENUE SOUTH, MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA
MAY 12, 1998
------------------------
The 1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Nash Finch Company will be held
on Tuesday, May 12, 1998, at 10:00 a.m., local time, for the following purposes:
1. To elect four directors to serve for three-year terms; and
2. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting,
including, if introduced at the meeting, taking action upon the
resolutions set forth under the headings "Stockholder Proposal No. 1"
and "Stockholder Proposal No. 2" in the accompanying Proxy Statement.
Only stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 23, 1998
are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment
or adjournments thereof.
TO ENSURE YOUR REPRESENTATION AT THE ANNUAL MEETING, STOCKHOLDERS WHO DO NOT
EXPECT TO ATTEND THE MEETING IN PERSON ARE REQUESTED TO COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN AND
RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE. A POSTAGE PAID ENVELOPE
HAS BEEN ENCLOSED FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE.
By Order Of The Board of Directors
Norman R. Soland
Vice President, Secretary
and General Counsel
Edina, Minnesota
April 8, 1998
<PAGE>
[LOGO]
7600 FRANCE AVENUE SOUTH
EDINA, MINNESOTA 55435
TELEPHONE NO. (612) 832-0534
------------------------
PROXY STATEMENT
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD MAY 12, 1998
------------------------
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 12, 1998
(the "Annual Meeting"), and any adjournment or adjournments thereof. A proxy
card is enclosed. 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 or she wishes to do so. This proxy
material is first being mailed to the Nash Finch stockholders on or about April
8, 1998.
PURPOSES OF MEETING
The following business will be conducted at the Annual Meeting:
1. The election of four directors to serve for three-year terms; and
2. Such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting,
including, if introduced, taking action upon the resolutions set forth
under the headings "Stockholder Proposal No. 1" and "Stockholder Proposal
No. 2" in this Proxy Statement.
OUTSTANDING SHARES; VOTING RIGHTS
The close of business on Monday, March 23, 1998 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
23, 1998, Nash Finch had outstanding 11,338,371 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 (5,669,186 shares), whether present in
person or represented by proxy, will constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business at the Annual Meeting.
<PAGE>
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,
(ii) if such proposals are introduced at the Annual Meeting, AGAINST each of the
stockholder proposals, and (iii) 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. In connection
with the two stockholder proposals, stockholders may vote for or against the
proposals, or abstain. Abstentions will be treated as shares present and
entitled to vote but not cast in favor of the proposal, thus having the same
effect as votes against the proposal. Broker non-votes, as to a particular
matter, will be treated as shares not entitled to vote, and thus will not be
counted as voted shares. The election of directors and approval of each of the
stockholder proposals requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the total
shares present and entitled to vote on each such matter.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
Set forth in the following table is information pertaining to persons known
to Nash Finch, as of March 1, 1998, to be the beneficial owners of more than
five percent of the outstanding Common Stock.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE PERCENT
BENEFICIAL OWNER AMOUNT OF CLASS
- -------------------------------------------------- ---------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., Inc. 620,138(a) 5.5%
767 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10153
Franklin Resources, Inc. 785,000(b) 6.9%
777 Mariners Island Blvd.
San Mateo, CA 94404
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(a) Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., Inc. has reported in a Schedule 13G dated
February 4, 1998 that, as of December 31, 1997, 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 523,100 shares and shared
voting power with respect to 15,863 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.
(b) Franklin Resources, Inc. has reported in a Schedule 13G dated January 30,
1998 that, as of December 31, 1997, it was the beneficial owner of all of
such shares, possessing sole investment power and sole voting power with
respect to all such shares. Franklin Resources, Inc. has also reported that
2
<PAGE>
the filing was made in its capacities as a holding company of direct and
indirect investment advisory subsidiaries. Such subsidiaries advise various
open or closed-end investment companies or other managed accounts pursuant
to advisory contracts. The advisory contracts grant to such subsidiaries all
voting and investment power over the securities owned by the advisory
clients, and as a result, such subsidiaries may be deemed as the beneficial
owners of such shares. These clients have the right to receive dividends
from and the proceeds of the sale of such securities.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT
Set forth in the following table is information, as of March 1, 1998 unless
otherwise indicated, pertaining to (a) the individual ownership of Common Stock
by directors, nominees and executive officers named in the Summary Compensation
Table, and (b) the ownership of Common Stock by directors and executive officers
as a group.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TOTAL SHARES OF COMMON
STOCK BENEFICIALLY
OWNED(A)(B)(C)
-------------------------
NUMBER OF NUMBER OF NUMBER OF SHARE PERCENT OF
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER SHARES(A) OPTIONS(B) UNITS(C) AMOUNT CLASS
- ----------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- --------------- ------------ -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Carole F. Bitter 1,000 1,000 926 2,926 *
Richard A. Fisher 2,000(d) 1,000 966 3,966(d) *
Alfred N. Flaten 33,030(e) 5,600 N/A 38,630(e) *
Jerry L. Ford 1,000 500 197 1,697 *
Allister P. Graham 1,000 1,500 1,114 3,614 *
John H. Grunewald 2,500(f) 1,500 613 4,613(f) *
Richard G. Lareau 3,948(g) 1,500 0 5,448(g) *
Don E. Marsh 640 500 627 1,767 *
Donald R. Miller 2,015 1,500 0 3,515 *
Robert F. Nash 99,800(h) 1,000 511 101,311(h) *
Jerome O. Rodysill 21,015(i) 1,500 151 22,666(i) *
William T. Bishop (j) 1,110 0 N/A 1,110 *
William E. May, Jr. 0 1,280 N/A 1,280 *
David J. Richards 4,322 0 N/A 4,322 *
Norman R. Soland 11,043(k) 2,400 N/A 13,443(k) *
All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group
(26 persons) 215,210(l) 36,540 5,105 256,855(l) 2.27%
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
* Less than 1%.
(a) 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.
(b) Includes shares of Common Stock that may be acquired upon exercise of
options within 60 days of March 1, 1998 by the persons and group identified
in this table under the Nash Finch 1994 Stock Incentive Plan and the Nash
Finch 1995 Director Stock Option Plan.
(c) Share Units represent shares of Common Stock payable to non-employee
directors upon termination of service on the Board under the Nash Finch 1997
Non-Employee Director Stock Compensation Plan.
3
<PAGE>
(d) Includes 500 shares owned beneficially by Mr. Fisher's wife as to which he
may be deemed to share voting and investment power, but as to which he
disclaims any beneficial interest.
(e) 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.
(f) Includes 500 shares owned beneficially by a trust for which Mr. Grunewald's
wife serves as a trustee. As a result, Mr. Grunewald may be deemed to share
voting and investment power for such shares, but he disclaims any beneficial
interest in such shares.
(g) Includes 1,800 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.
(h) 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.
(i) Includes 12,860 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.
(j) Mr. Bishop resigned from Nash Finch effective as of the end of fiscal 1997.
(k) Includes 3,371 shares that are owned beneficially by Mr. Soland and his wife
jointly and as to which he shares voting and investment power.
(l) Includes 48,413 shares as to which voting and investment power are shared or
may be deemed to be shared.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
NOMINATION
The Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of Nash Finch 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 that are as nearly equal in size as possible. The term of each
class of directors is three years, and the term of one class expires each year.
The Board of Directors has determined that there will be eleven directors 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 expire as indicated below. The Board of Directors has
nominated the four nominees listed below to serve as directors of Nash Finch for
three-year terms, expiring at the 2001 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or until
their successors are duly elected and qualified. All of the 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. The 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 the persons named will not be available as
a candidate, if such a situation arises, the proxy will be voted to elect 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.
4
<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 2001:
Alfred N. Flaten 63 President and Chief Executive Officer of Nash Finch 1990
Allister P. Graham 62 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Oshawa Group Limited (food 1992
distributor in Canada)
Richard G. Lareau 69 Partner, Oppenheimer Wolff & Donnelly (law firm) 1984
Jerome O. Rodysill 69 Retired Senior Vice President of Nash Finch 1974
DIRECTORS NOT STANDING FOR ELECTION THIS YEAR WHOSE TERMS EXPIRE IN 1999:
Carole F. Bitter 52 President and Chief Executive Officer of Harold Friedman, Inc. (operator 1993
of retail supermarkets)
Richard A. Fisher 68 Retired Vice President -- Finance and Treasurer of Network Systems 1984
Corporation (manufacturer of data communications systems)
John H. Grunewald 61 Retired Executive Vice President -- Finance and Administration of Polaris 1992
Industries, Inc. (manufacturer of recreational equipment)
Don E. Marsh 60 Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Marsh 1995
Supermarkets, Inc. (supermarket and convenience store chain operator)
DIRECTORS NOT STANDING FOR ELECTION THIS YEAR WHOSE TERMS EXPIRE IN 2000:
Jerry L. Ford 57 Chief operating officer of Comdisco Network Services, a division of 1997
Comdisco, Inc. (computer network implementation and management)
Donald R. Miller 70 Management Consultant 1978
Robert F. Nash 64 Retired Vice President and Treasurer of Nash Finch 1968
</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. Flaten was elected President in November 1991 and Chief Executive
Officer in November 1994. He also served as Chief Operating Officer from
November 1991 to January 1998. Previously he served as Executive Vice President,
Sales and Operations from February 1991 to November 1991.
Mr. Ford has served as an executive of Comdisco Network Services, a division
of Comdisco, Inc. since June 30, 1994. He previously served as Executive
Director and Chief Operating Officer of Lindquist & Vennum, a law firm, for more
than five years.
5
<PAGE>
Mr. Graham is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Oshawa Group
Limited, a food distributor in Canada, a position he has held for more than five
years. Mr. Graham also serves as a director of Dylex Limited (Canada).
Mr. Grunewald retired in January 1997 as Executive Vice President, Finance
and Administration of Polaris Industries, Inc., a position he had held since
September 1993. He previously served as Executive Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer and Secretary of Pentair, Inc. for more than five years. Mr.
Grunewald also serves as a director of Advantage Learning Systems, Inc. and
Kinnard Investments, Inc.
Mr. Lareau has been a partner in the law firm of Oppenheimer Wolff &
Donnelly LLP for over 30 years. Oppenheimer Wolff & Donnelly has provided and is
expected to continue to provide legal services to the Company. Mr. Lareau also
serves as a director of Merrill Corporation, Mesabi Trust, Northern Technologies
International Corporation and Ceridian Corporation.
Mr. Marsh has been a director of the Company since June 1995. He is the
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Marsh
Supermarkets, Inc., a supermarket and convenience store chain, positions he has
held for more than five years. Mr. Marsh also serves as a director of Indiana
Energy Incorporated and National City Bank, Indiana.
Mr. Miller has served as Board Chair since May 1995. He has been an
independent management consultant for more than five years. Mr. Miller also
serves as a director of Michael Anthony Jewelers, Inc.
Mr. Nash retired in January 1996 as Vice President and Treasurer of the
Company, 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 the Company, 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. Donald R. Miller, as
Board Chair, and Alfred N. Flaten, as Chief Executive Officer of Nash Finch, are
non-voting members of each of these committees.
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 Jerry L. Ford, John H. Grunewald (Committee Chair) and
Jerome O. Rodysill. The Audit Committee met three times during fiscal 1997.
The Compensation Committee determines salaries and bonuses for executive
officers, selects the officer and key employee participants as well as
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 and Allister P.
Graham (Committee Chair). The Compensation Committee met three times during
fiscal 1997.
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, nominees for election as
officers, and matters relating to director compensation. In
6
<PAGE>
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 Nominating Committee also
administers the 1997 Non-Employee Director Stock Compensation Plan. The current
members of the Nominating Committee are Richard G. Lareau (Committee Chair), Don
E. Marsh and Robert F. Nash. The Nominating Committee met two times during
fiscal 1997. 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.
During 1997, the Board of Directors held six regularly scheduled meetings
and one special meeting. All of the directors attended at least 75% of the
aggregate of the number of meetings of the Board of Directors and of all
standing committees on which they served, during the periods that each served as
a director and committee member.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
DIRECTORS' FEES. A director who is a full-time employee of Nash Finch
receives no additional compensation for serving as a director. Directors who are
not full-time employees of Nash Finch ("outside directors"), however, do receive
compensation for serving as a director and are reimbursed for out-of-pocket
traveling expenses incurred in attending Board and committee meetings.
Each outside director is entitled to receive $1,500 for each Board meeting
attended and $750 for each committee meeting attended. Each outside director is
also entitled to receive a retainer of $1,250 per month for serving as a
director, a retainer of $125 per month for serving as a member of a committee of
the Board, and a retainer of $125 per month for serving as a Chair of a
committee of the Board. In addition to the foregoing compensation, the Board
Chair (if not a full-time employee of Nash Finch) is also entitled to receive an
additional monthly retainer equal to two times the monthly retainer paid to
outside members of the Board of Directors generally (i.e., $2,500).
1997 NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR STOCK COMPENSATION PLAN. The 1997 Non-Employee
Director Stock Compensation Plan provides outside directors with (i) a portion
of their annual retainer either in shares of Common Stock or credits to a
phantom stock account, and (ii) the opportunity to defer the remainder of their
director compensation through credits to a phantom stock account or an interest
bearing cash account. Amounts deferred to the phantom stock account are payable
only in shares of Common Stock; amounts deferred to the cash account are payable
in cash. In each case, the amounts deferred are payable upon termination of
service as a director.
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 13, 1997, each director other than Mr.
Flaten was granted an Option. Mr. Flaten was ineligible because he was an
employee of the Company.
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 January 3, 1998, December 28, 1996 and December
30, 1995 by the Chief Executive Officer and the
7
<PAGE>
four most highly compensated executive officers of Nash Finch whose salary and
bonus exceeded $100,000 for the fiscal year ended January 3, 1998.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LONG TERM COMPENSATION
AWARDS
ANNUAL ------------------------ PAYOUTS
COMPENSATION RESTRICTED ------------------------------
------------------ STOCK SECURITIES LTIP ALL OTHER
FISCAL SALARY BONUS (1) AWARDS (2) UNDERLYING PAYOUTS (4) COMPENSATION (5)
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR ($) ($) ($) OPTIONS (3) ($) ($)
- ------------------------------ ------ ------- --------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Alfred N. Flaten 1997 470,091 127,187 -- -- 73,024 3,331
President, Chief 1996 368,985 114,700 69,996 48,693 165,956 5,318
Executive Officer 1995 279,232 130,000 -- -- -- 5,081
and Director
William T. Bishop (6) 1997 215,408 47,216 -- -- 24,437 3,331
Senior Vice President, 1996 179,506 43,200 29,998 20,868 50,478 --
Sales and Logistics 1995 149,588 50,000 -- -- -- --
William E. May, Jr. (7) 1997 208,370 57,400 -- -- -- --
Executive Vice 1996 101,288 30,000 -- -- -- --
President and Chief 1995 -- -- -- -- -- --
Operating Officer
David J. Richards 1997 207,353 53,040 -- -- 20,364 3,331
Vice President, 1996 153,425 55,000 -- -- 37,836 --
Corporate Retail 1995 124,657 25,000 -- -- -- --
Stores
Norman R. Soland 1997 177,876 36,000 -- -- 17,612 3,331
Vice President, 1996 139,616 34,720 21,597 15,024 39,247 5,318
Secretary and 1995 107,704 47,000 -- -- -- 4,398
General Counsel
</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) These amounts reflect the value of the 25% discount related to the purchase
by certain executive officers of shares of Common Stock that are restricted
and subject to a risk of forfeiture for an aggregate purchase price equal to
75% of the fair market value of the Common Stock on January 31, 1996.
Pursuant to this program (the "Management Restricted Stock Purchase
Program"), which was implemented under the 1994 Stock Incentive Plan, 10% of
the aggregate purchase price was paid by such executive officer in cash and
the remainder was paid by delivery of a promissory note secured by a pledge
of the shares. Interest on the promissory note, at a rate of 5.61% per annum
(120% of the then applicable federal rate), is payable quarterly, with
principal amounts payable commencing two years from issuance of the
promissory note and due in full on February 28, 2001. The forfeiture
restrictions on the shares generally will lapse on February 28, 2001,
although the shares will remain pledged as collateral for the promissory
note until repayment of the promissory note or Nash Finch otherwise releases
such shares. If, however, the executive officer's employment is terminated
by
8
<PAGE>
reason of death, disability, retirement, or a change in control of Nash
Finch occurs (as defined in the 1994 Stock Incentive Plan), the forfeiture
restrictions will lapse. If the executive officer's employment is terminated
prior to the lapsing of forfeiture restrictions for any other reason, such
restricted shares generally will be repurchased by Nash Finch at the lesser
of the purchase price paid or an amount equal to the then fair market value
of the shares divided by 0.75. Although ordinary cash dividends on such
restricted shares will be paid to such executive officers, any other
dividends or distributions on such restricted shares will be subject to the
same security interest and forfeiture restrictions as the shares to which
they relate. As of the end of fiscal 1997, the number and fair market value
of restricted shares held by each of the named executive officers
participating in the Management Restricted Stock Purchase Program was as
follows: (i) Mr. Flaten's shares (16,231) had a fair market value of
$312,447; and (ii) Mr. Soland's shares (5,008) had a fair market value of
$96,404. The forfeiture restrictions on Mr. Bishop's shares lapsed upon his
resignation becoming effective by approval of the Compensation Committee.
(3) These amounts reflect the grant of options under the 1994 Stock Incentive
Plan.
(4) For fiscal 1996, these amounts reflect (i) the fair market value ($20.125
per share) of shares of Common Stock issued for performance units earned for
fiscal 1996 pursuant to awards granted under the 1994 Stock Incentive Plan,
and (ii) cash payments representing dividends declared on an equivalent
number of shares ("dividend equivalents") from January 1, 1996 through March
1, 1997, the date the shares were issued. For fiscal 1997, the amounts
reflect (i) the fair market value ($19.625 per share) of shares of Common
Stock issued for performance units earned for fiscal 1995-1997 pursuant to
awards granted under the 1994 Stock Incentive Plan, and (ii) cash payments
representing dividend equivalents from January 1, 1995 through March 1,
1998, the date the shares were issued. Fair market value of the shares of
Common Stock was determined as of the dates that the issuance of the shares
was approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, which
were February 10, 1997 and February 16, 1998, respectively. These shares
have been included as payouts for the year in which they were earned, even
though the shares were not issued, and dividend equivalents paid, until the
following year.
(5) "All Other Compensation" consists of contributions by Nash Finch for fiscal
1995, fiscal 1996 and fiscal 1997 to the Nash Finch Profit Sharing Plan.
(6) Mr. Bishop resigned from Nash Finch effective as of the end of fiscal 1997.
(7) Mr. May joined Nash Finch in June 1996. He was elected as Executive Vice
President and Chief Operating Officer effective as of January 4, 1998.
During fiscal 1997, he served as Vice President, Strategic Technology
Programs and Marketing Services.
STOCK OPTIONS
During fiscal 1997, Nash Finch did not grant any stock options to the
executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table. The following table
summarizes the option exercises in fiscal 1997 by such executive officers and
the number and value of their outstanding stock options at the end of the fiscal
year.
9
<PAGE>
OPTION EXERCISE / FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SECURITIES
UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
OPTIONS IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS
SHARES AT JANUARY 3, 1998 (#) AT JANUARY 3, 1998 ($) (1)
ACQUIRED ON VALUE ---------------------------- --------------------------
NAME EXERCISE (#) REALIZED ($) EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
- ------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Alfred N. Flaten 0 0 5,600 50,093 11,900 85,213
William T. Bishop (2) 1,920 5,400 0 0 0 0
William E. May, Jr. 0 0 1,280 1,920 3,917 5,875
David J. Richards 0 0 1,600 400 4,600 1,150
Norman R. Soland 0 0 2,400 15,624 5,100 27,567
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Value is calculated as the excess of the fair market value of the Common
Stock underlying the options on January 3, 1998 over the option exercise
price.
(2) Mr. Bishop's unexercised options were cancelled at the end of fiscal year
1997. The number of securities underlying the cancelled options / the
respective values thereof were: exercisable -- 21,508 / $38,359;
unexercisable -- 640 / $1,840.
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
The following table sets forth information regarding the number of
performance share units granted to each of the executive officers named in the
Summary Compensation Table under the 1994 Stock Incentive Plan.
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN -- AWARDS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ESTIMATED FUTURE PAYOUTS UNDER
PERFORMANCE OR NON-STOCK PRICE-BASED PLAN
NUMBER OF SHARES, OTHER PERIOD -------------------------------------
UNITS OR OTHER UNTIL MATURATION THRESHOLD TARGET MAXIMUM
NAME RIGHTS (#) (1) OR PAYOUT (#) (#) (#)
- ------------------------------ ------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Alfred N. Flaten 29,196 1997-1999 0 19,464 19,464
William T. Bishop (2) 9,231 1997-1999 0 6,154 6,154
William E. May, Jr. 8,088 1997-1999 0 5,392 5,392
David J. Richards 8,046 1997-1999 0 5,364 5,364
Norman R. Soland 6,903 1997-1999 0 4,602 4,602
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) 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
10
<PAGE>
allocated to EPS growth would be earned based upon 1997 performance and paid
out in 1998. Performance Units allocated to ROE and TSR would be earned
based upon performance for the period 1997 through 1999, and would not be
paid out until 2000. The minimum targeted EPS growth was not achieved in
1997, and therefore, Performance Units allocated to this category were
cancelled in 1998. The payout of earned Performance Units is included in the
number of shares beneficially owned by the executive officers (see "Security
Ownership of Management"), and is reported in the Summary Compensation
Table. 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. For more detail about the Performance Units, see
"Report of Compensation Committee on Executive Compensation."
(2) Mr. Bishop's Performance Units were cancelled at the end of fiscal 1997.
The Nash Finch Executive Incentive Bonus and Deferred Compensation Plan (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 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 subsequent
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. 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. No amounts were allocated to the executive officers named
in the Summary Compensation Table for the fiscal year ended January 3, 1998.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
Nash Finch has entered into an employment agreement with David J. Richards
dated December 1, 1997. Pursuant to this agreement, Mr. Richards shall remain
employed as Vice President, Corporate Retail Stores, or in any other capacity
that the Board of Directors or the President and Chief Executive Officer may
determine in its or his/her sole discretion. Mr. Richards shall receive an
annual salary as determined by the Board of Directors, Compensation Committee,
or President and Chief Executive Officer, as appropriate, subject to such salary
adjustments, if any, as the Board of Directors, Compensation Committee, or
President and Chief Executive Officer, as appropriate, may determine from time
to time. Mr. Richards salary for that portion of the term which extends into
1999 shall not be less than the amount in effect at the end of 1998, unless the
salaries of officers of Nash Finch in general are reduced for 1999.
11
<PAGE>
The term of this employment agreement expires on May 31, 1999 unless sooner
terminated by mutual agreement, by death or disability, by Mr. Richards upon 30
days written notice, or by Nash Finch for cause.
Nash Finch has not entered into any other employment agreements with its
executive officers.
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, 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. May, Mr. Richards, and Mr. Soland, and 24 months or 12 months for
all other designated employees. Mr. Bishop's agreement, which had a multiple of
24 months, terminated on the effective date of his resignation.
The options, Performance Units, and rights to purchase restricted stock
("Restricted Stock Awards") 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; (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; and (iii) for shares of
Common Stock purchased pursuant to Restricted Stock Awards, the Compensation
Committee, in its sole discretion, may declare such shares to be fully vested
and non-forfeitable.
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.
12
<PAGE>
REPORT OF COMPENSATION COMMITTEE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
OVERVIEW. The Compensation Committee (the "Committee") of the Board of
Directors is comprised of directors who are not full-time employees of Nash
Finch. The Board Chair and the Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") of Nash Finch, EX
OFFICIO, are non-voting members of the Committee.
The Committee has overall responsibility for executive compensation pursuant
to delegation by the Board of Directors. As described under "Election of
Directors -- Information About the Board of Directors and Its Committees," the
Committee determines annual salaries and bonuses of executive officers and
certain other key employees, including the CEO; 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 Compensation Committee's on-going efforts to ensure the
continuing effectiveness and appropriateness of Nash Finch's 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.
COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY. The fundamental objective of Nash Finch's
executive compensation program is to support the achievement of Nash Finch's
business objectives. As such, Nash Finch's philosophy is that executive
compensation should be designed to achieve the following:
- Enable Nash Finch 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 Nash Finch 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 the CEO 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. Salaries for executive officers, including the CEO, are recommended
by the CEO to the Committee. The CEO's performance is evaluated by the
Committee, and each executive officer's performance is evaluated by the CEO and
reviewed by the Committee. After giving consideration to such recommendations,
performance evaluations and other relevant factors, the Committee makes its
final determination regarding salaries.
13
<PAGE>
Annual cash bonuses for executive officers are determined based upon
performance against predetermined financial and other goals. A maximum potential
bonus is assigned by the Committee for each eligible officer. For executive
officers, these range from 30% of annual base salary to 55% of annual base
salary for the CEO.
For each such officer, including the CEO, point values are established for
each annually predetermined goal. The goals for the CEO are approved by the
Committee; those for other executive officers are reviewed. Performance against
each goal is measured objectively after the end of the year, and the amount of
the officer's bonus for that year is determined on the basis of such measured
performance as a percentage of the maximum potential bonus. For 1997, 40% of the
CEO's maximum potential bonus was allocated to earnings per share and return on
equity goals; the remaining 60% was allocated to organizational development and
operational goals.
Longer-term incentive compensation consists largely 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
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 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 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 base salary for the previous year to 120% for the CEO. For
1997, 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 1996. The three performance categories are earnings per
share (EPS) growth in 1997 compared with the highest EPS for the preceding three
years, average return on stockholders' equity (ROE) for the three-year period
1997-1999, and total stockholder return (TSR) for the same three-year period.
Minimum and maximum performance goals have been determined by the 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 1997 and paid out in
1998. Awards for ROE and TSR would, to the extent earned, not be paid out until
2000. Awards paid out in Common Stock will be restricted, with respect to 60% of
such shares, as to transferability for three years following the issuance of
such shares.
14
<PAGE>
For the Performance Units awarded in 1995 for fiscal 1995-1997, the minimum
goal for TSR was exceeded. As a result, a total of 12,674 shares of Common Stock
were deemed earned by the Committee and were issued to executive officers and
other participants in the plan, including 3,317 shares to the CEO.
The 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 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 CEO is five
times annual base salary.
The 1994 Stock Incentive Plan also authorizes the Committee to grant awards
in the form of shares of restricted Common Stock. Such awards are referred to in
the 1994 Plan as "Restricted Stock Awards". In 1996, again for the purpose of
more closely aligning executive and stockholder interests, and in consultation
with an outside compensation consultant, the Committee granted Restricted Stock
Awards to a limited number of executive officers, including the CEO. Pursuant to
these grants, the participants purchased shares of restricted Common Stock at a
price equal to 75% of the fair market value of the shares at January 31, 1996,
the date of grant. A minimum down payment of 10% was required, with the balance
being payable to the Company with interest, over a term of five years. The
shares purchased have been pledged to the Company as security for payment of the
balance of the purchase price, and are subject to forfeiture if the individual
does not satisfy a condition of continued employment with the Company, basically
for a term of five years. Each executive officer purchasing such restricted
shares also received a grant of an option to purchase an additional three shares
of unrestricted Common Stock, at an exercise price equal to 100% of fair market
value at January 31, 1996, for each restricted share purchased. The options,
having terms of seven years, become exercisable in 10% increments as the balance
of the restricted share purchase price is paid down. The number of shares of
restricted stock available for purchase by the CEO had an aggregate fair market
value equal to 100% of his 1995 base salary; for the other participants, the
aggregate fair market value was equal to 80% of 1995 base salary. A total of
25,876 shares of restricted stock were purchased under the Restricted Stock
Awards and are outstanding, including 16,231 shares issued to the CEO; related
stock options total 77,628 shares, including an option for 48,693 shares granted
to the CEO.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION. For the 1997 fiscal year, Mr. Flaten
received a salary of $470,090 and a bonus of $127,187. The salary and bonus of
Mr. Flaten was determined in accordance with the policies outlined above.
Carole F. Bitter
Richard A. Fisher
Allister P. Graham
Donald R. Miller (EX OFFICIO)
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.
15
<PAGE>
COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL TAX LEGISLATION
The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 ("OBRA") disallows a deduction
for federal income tax purposes by public corporations for compensation paid in
excess of $1,000,000 in any year to a "covered employee" except under certain
circumstances, including the attainment of objective "performance based" goals.
Compensation that is deferred until retirement does not count toward the
$1,000,000 limit. "Covered employees" are deemed as the individuals who, at the
end of the fiscal year, are the chief executive officer and the other four most
highly compensated executive officers of a company.
During fiscal year 1997, neither the Chief Executive Officer nor any other
executive officer received compensation in excess of $1,000,000. It is also
unlikely that Chief Executive Officer or any other executive officer will
receive total compensation in excess of $1,000,000 during fiscal year 1998. The
Compensation Committee intends to continue to monitor the executive compensation
program with respect to current federal tax law.
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 1992 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 S&P S&P NEW OLD
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Finch 500 SmallCap 600 Peer Peer
Company Index Index Group Group
1992 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00
1993 99.49 110.08 118.79 110.11 107.26
1994 96.5 111.53 113.12 86.22 82.77
1995 111.33 153.45 147.01 108.34 99.57
1996 135.36 188.68 178.35 106.56 90.58
</TABLE>
Source: Standard & Poor's Compustat Services, Inc.
16
<PAGE>
The companies included in the New Peer Group are Fleming Companies, Inc.,
Richfood Holdings, 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. The Compensation Committee has approved the selection of
these companies.
The Old Peer Group consists of Fleming Companies, Inc., Super Food Services,
Inc., and Supervalu, Inc. The New Peer Group was selected because Super Food
Services, Inc. was acquired by Nash Finch Company in November 1996.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL NO. 1
Charles Miller, 23 Park Circle, Great Neck, New York 11024, the beneficial
owner of 250 shares of Common Stock, has notified Nash Finch of his intention to
introduce the following proposal at the Annual Meeting. Mr. Miller's proposed
resolution and supporting statement, for which the Board of Directors and Nash
Finch accept no responsibility, are set forth below. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OPPOSES THIS PROPOSAL FOR THE REASONS STATED BELOW.
ELIMINATE CLASSIFIED BOARD OF DIRECTORS RESOLUTION
"RESOLVED, that the stockholders of the Company request that the Board of
Directors take the necessary steps, in accordance with state law, to declassify
the Board of Directors so that all directors are elected annually, such
declassification to be effected in a manner that does not affect the unexpired
terms of directors previously elected."
SUPPORTING STATEMENT
The election of directors is the primary avenue for stockholders to
influence corporate governance policies and to hold management accountable for
it's [sic] implementation of those policies. I believe that the classification
of the Board of Directors, which results in only a portion of the Board being
elected annually, is not in the best interests of the Company and it's [sic]
stockholders.
I believe that the Company's classified Board of Directors maintains the
incumbency of the current Board and therefore of current management, which in
turn limits management's accountability to stockholders.
The elimination of the Company's classified Board would require each new
director to stand for election annually and allow stockholders an opportunity to
register their views on the performance of the Board collectively and each
director individually. I believe this is one of the best methods available to
stockholders to insure that the Company will be managed in a manner that is in
the best interests of the stockholders.
I believe that concerns expressed by companies with classified boards that
the annual election of all directors could leave companies without experienced
directors in the event that all incumbents are voted out by stockholders, are
unfounded. In my view, in the unlikely event that stockholders vote to replace
all directors, this decision would express stockholder dissatisfaction with the
incumbent directors and reflect the need for change.
I URGE YOUR SUPPORT, VOTE FOR THIS RESOLUTION
17
<PAGE>
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE AGAINST THIS
RESOLUTION FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS:
The Board of Directors believes that its classified Board structure is in
the best interests of the stockholders. The Board of Directors is divided into
three classes of nearly equal size serving staggered three year terms, with one
of the three classes being elected annually on a rotating basis.
The Board of Directors believes that the classified Board structure
encourages potential acquirors to negotiate with the Board of Directors rather
than attempting to take control through removal of the Board of Directors, and
thereby reduces the vulnerability of Nash Finch to certain potentially abusive
takeover tactics. The classified Board structure does not preclude unsolicited
acquisition proposals but, by eliminating the threat of a takeover through
imminent removal of the Board of Directors, places the Board of Directors in a
better position to act to maximize the value of a potential acquisition for all
stockholders.
The Board of Directors also believes that classification of the Board
assures continuity and stability of the Nash Finch's management and policies,
since a majority of the directors at any given time will have prior experience
as directors of Nash Finch and greater familiarity with the business of Nash
Finch and its industry. The Board further believes that this continuity and
stability of management contributes to more effective strategic planning for
Nash Finch.
The Board of Directors further believes that directors elected for staggered
terms are not any less accountable to stockholders than they would be if elected
annually. The same standards of performance apply to all of the directors
regardless of the term of service.
The classified board structure is expressly authorized by the corporate laws
of Delaware, the state of incorporation of Nash Finch, as well as by the
corporate laws of many other States. In addition, many other corporations have
recognized the benefits of a classified board structure. Approximately 60% of
corporations included in the S&P 500 Index currently have classified boards.
The Board of Directors conscientiously strives to attain the highest
standards of corporate governance and recommended best practices to improve
Board performance. Only one member of the Board of Directors is a current member
of the Nash Finch's management team, and the Board Chair is not a current or
former employee of Nash Finch. The current members of the Board of Directors
have a wide range of directly relevant industry experience. The Board makes
extensive use of Board committees, including both standing and special
committees that are controlled by independent Board members, in order to
maximize Board involvement in the most efficient manner. The annual retainer
portion of compensation for independent members of the Board of Directors is
paid one-half in Common Stock of Nash Finch, further aligning the interests of
the independent Board members with those of the stockholders. In sum, Nash Finch
believes that it has assembled an outstanding Board of Directors, consisting of
experienced and independent directors dedicated to enhancing value for all
stockholders of Nash Finch. The Board of Directors believes that it would be
difficult to assemble such an experienced and independent Board without the
benefit of staggered three year terms.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE AGAINST THE ADOPTION OF THIS
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL. PROXIES SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS WILL BE VOTED
AGAINST THIS STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED BY THE STOCKHOLDER
IN THE PROXY.
18
<PAGE>
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL NO. 2
William Steiner, 4 Radcliff Drive, Great Neck, New York 11024, the
beneficial owner of 1,300 shares of Common Stock, has notified Nash Finch of his
intention to introduce the following proposal at the Annual Meeting. Mr.
Steiner's proposed resolution and supporting statement, for which the Board of
Directors and Nash Finch accept no responsibility, are set forth below. THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OPPOSES THIS PROPOSAL FOR THE REASONS STATED BELOW.
MAXIMIZE VALUE RESOLUTION
Resolved that the shareholders of Nash Finch Company Corporation [sic] urge
the Nash Finch Company Board of Directors to arrange for the prompt sale of Nash
Finch Company to the highest bidder.
The purpose of the Maximize Value Resolution is to give all Nash Finch
Company shareholders the opportunity to send a message to the Nash Finch Company
Board that they support the prompt sale of Nash Finch Company to the highest
bidder. A strong and or majority vote by the shareholders would indicate to the
board the displeasure felt by the shareholders of the financial performance of
the company over many years and the drastic action that should be taken. Even if
it is approved by the majority of the Nash Finch Company shares represented and
entitled to vote at the annual meeting, the Maximize Value Resolution will not
be binding on the Nash Finch Company Board. The proponent however believes that
if this resolution receives substantial support from the shareholders, the board
may choose to carry out the request set forth in the resolution.
The prompt auction of Nash Finch Company should be accomplished by any
appropriate process the board chooses to adopt including a sale to the highest
bidder whether in cash, stock, or a combination of both. It is expected that the
board will uphold its fiduciary duties to the utmost during the process.
The proponent further believes that if the resolution is adopted, the
management and the board will interpret such adoption as a message from the
company's stockholders that it is no longer acceptable for the board to continue
with its current management plan and strategies.
I URGE YOUR SUPPORT, VOTE FOR THIS RESOLUTION
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE [AGAINST] THIS
RESOLUTION FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS:
The Board of Directors strongly believes that the implementation of the
proposal described above would not be in the best interests of stockholders of
Nash Finch and, contrary to the title of the proposal, would not maximize value
to the stockholders. The Board of Directors recognizes the preeminence of its
fiduciary duties to the stockholders and believes that this resolution would
compromise the ability of the Board to fulfill its duties.
The Board of Directors is elected by the stockholders to direct the
management of the business and affairs of Nash Finch. Consistent with its
fiduciary duties and responsibilities to the stockholders, the Board continually
reviews and monitors Nash Finch's business and progress, as well as developments
in the Nash Finch's industry, and is in the best position to evaluate and
consider all of the options that may be available to Nash Finch from time to
time. The Board is responsible for determining if, when and under what
conditions the sale of Nash Finch should be considered. Acting precipitously to
sell Nash Finch at
19
<PAGE>
auction to the highest bidder would restrict the Board's ability to examine all
strategic alternatives and weaken the Board's ability to maximize stockholder
value.
Also in furtherance of its fiduciary duties and responsibilities to the
stockholders, the Board of Directors is continually working with management to
evaluate and refine Nash Finch's strategic plans and is continually seeking
opportunities to enhance the value of Nash Finch for all stockholders. In recent
years Nash Finch's industry has become increasingly competitive and
technology-driven. For this reason, Nash Finch has aggressively pursued
strategic acquisitions and has made a significant investment in new business
information systems technology in order to position Nash Finch to compete more
efficiently and effectively over the long term. Acting precipitously to sell
Nash Finch would jeopardize the potential for the stockholders of Nash Finch to
realize the benefits of its recent strategic acquisitions and investments in
technology.
The success of Nash Finch is highly dependent on its ability to maintain
strong relationships with, and the confidence of, its customers and vendors.
Approval of this proposal would cause uncertainty regarding Nash Finch's future,
which would undermine confidence in Nash Finch and adversely affect Nash Finch's
relationships with customers and vendors. The Board believes that stockholder
value can be maximized only if Nash Finch's business partners are informed of a
pending sale, if any, after an acquiror has been identified and its intentions
for the future of the business have been ascertained.
The Board of Directors remains committed to maximizing the value of Nash
Finch for all stockholders, and will pursue the course of action that will best
achieve that objective, including possibly the sale of Nash Finch on terms
acceptable to the Board, but only if that is determined to be the best course of
action to maximize stockholder value. The Board does not believe that
implementation of the stockholder proposal described above would achieve that
result. The Board has always acted and will continue to act in what it considers
to be the best interests of all of the stockholders of Nash Finch. Because the
Board does not believe that the stockholder proposal described above is in the
best interests of all of the stockholders of Nash Finch, the Board vigorously
opposes the stockholder proposal described above.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE AGAINST THE ADOPTION OF THIS
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL. PROXIES SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS WILL BE VOTED
AGAINST THIS STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED BY THE STOCKHOLDER
IN THE PROXY.
COMPLIANCE WITH THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, SECTION 16(A)
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 1997, due to administrative oversight on the part of Nash Finch, the
exercise of a stock option by John McCurry, an executive officer, was not timely
reported on a Current Report of Beneficial Ownership on Form 4. 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
January 3, 1998.
20
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
On September 9, 1997, 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 January
3, 1998. The Board of Directors has not approved the re-engagement of Ernst &
Young LLP to audit Nash Finch's financial statements for the fiscal year ending
January 2, 1999; however, there is no reason to believe or expect that the Board
of Directors will not do so during the year.
Nash Finch has 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.
1999 STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
Any proposal of a Nash Finch stockholder intended to be presented at the
Annual Meeting of Stockholders in 1999 must be received by Nash Finch at its
principal executive office not later than December 4, 1998, for inclusion in its
proxy statement and form of proxy.
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, 1998
Minneapolis, Minnesota
21
<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 23, 1998, at the
Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be
held on May 12, 1998 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)
Alfred N. Flaten Richard G. Lareau
Allister P. Graham Jerome O. Rodysill
2. Stockholder proposal no. 1.
/ / FOR / / AGAINST / / ABSTAIN
3. Stockholder proposal no. 2.
/ / FOR / / AGAINST / / ABSTAIN
4. 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 AND AGAINST PROPOSALS 2
AND 3.
(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 BE VOTED TO GRANT AUTHORITY TO VOTE FOR ALL NOMINEES NAMED IN PROPOSAL
1 ABOVE AND AGAINST PROPOSALS 2 AND 3.
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 ____________________, 1998
________________________________
SIGNATURE
________________________________
SIGNATURE IF HELD JOINTLY
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND
RETURN THE PROXY CARD PROMPTLY
USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
