As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 27, 1999
Registration No. 333-__________
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
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Form S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
The Chalone Wine Group, Ltd.
(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
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California 94-1696731
(State or other Jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization) Identification No.)
2080
(Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Number)
621 Airpark Road
Napa, California 94558-6272
(707) 254-4200
(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area
Code, of Registrant's Principal Executive Offices)
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THOMAS B. SELFRIDGE
President and Chief Executive Officer
621 Airpark Road
Napa, California 94558-6272
(707) 254-4200
(Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number,
Including Area Code, of Agent for Service)
Copy to:
DANIEL E. COHN, ESQ.
JAMES E. GRAND, ESQ.
Farella Braun & Martel LLP
235 Montgomery Street
San Francisco, CA 94104
(415) 954-4400
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Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From
time to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement as
determined by the selling shareholder.
If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following
box: [ ]
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be
offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), other than securities
offered only in connection with dividend or reinvestment plans, check the
following box: [X]
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ] ______________
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule
462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities
Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration
statement for the same offering. [ ] ______________
If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule
434 under the Securities Act, please check the following box. [ ]
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<TABLE>
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
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<CAPTION>
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Proposed Maximum Proposed Maximum
Title of Each Class of Securities Amount to be Offering Price Aggregate Offering Amount of
to be Registered Registered Per Share(1) Price Registration Fee
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<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Common Stock (no par value) 142,857 shares $10.125 $1,446,427.13 $402.11
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<FN>
(1) Estimated solely for the purpose of computing the registration fee
pursuant to Rule 457(c) of the Securities Act and based on the average
of the reported last high and low sales prices on the Nasdaq National
Market on January 25, 1999.
</FN>
</TABLE>
The company hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as
may be necessary to delay its effective date until the company shall file a
further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement
shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the
Securities Act or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on
such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to such Section 8(a), may
determine.
<PAGE>
The information is this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may
not sell these securities until the Registration Statement filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer
to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these
securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
PROSPECTUS (Subject to Completion)
Issued January __, 1999
142,857 Shares
The Chalone Wine Group, Ltd.
Common Stock (no par value)
Our company is a California-based wine producer which has been selling
premium wines for more than 25 years. Our address is 621 Airpark Road, Napa,
California 94558-6272, and our telephone number is (707) 254-4200.
Our common stock is traded on The Nasdaq National Market under the
trading symbol "CHLN." The last reported sale price of the common stock on The
Nasdaq National Market on January 25, 1999, was $10.25 per share.
This prospectus relates to the public offering, which is not being
underwritten, of up to 142,857 shares of common stock of The Chalone Wine Group,
Ltd., which may be offered from time to time by T. Rowe Price Small-Cap Value
Fund, Inc. or by its pledgees, donees, transferees or other successors in
interest. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of the shares.
We have agreed to pay certain out-of-pocket expenses relating to this
Registration Statement, including printing expenses, legal fees and
disbursements of our counsel, accounting fees and filing fees.
SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 2 FOR INFORMATION THAT YOU SHOULD CONSIDER
BEFORE PURCHASING THE SHARES.
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Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities
commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this
prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a
criminal offense.
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The date of this Prospectus is January __ , 1999
<PAGE>
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
Information contained in or incorporated by reference into this
prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement may contain
"forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities
Act. We intend the forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor
provisions for forward-looking statements contained in Section 27A of the
Securities Act. These forward-looking statements relate to our future economic
performance, our plans and objectives for future operations and our projections
of revenue and other financial items, which can be identified by our use of
forward-looking terminology such as "may," "will," "should," "expect,"
"anticipate," "estimate" or "continue" or other comparable terminology.
Prospective investors should note that many factors, some of which are discussed
in the section entitled "Risk Factors," below and in the documents which are
incorporated into this prospectus by reference, could affect our future
financial results and could cause those results to differ materially from those
expressed in any forward-looking statements contained or incorporated by
reference in this prospectus. Examples of such risks and uncertainties include
our inability to predict the weather and grape growing conditions, our ability
to compete effectively with domestic and foreign premium wine producers, and the
difficulty of accurately predicting changes in consumer preferences. Readers are
cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which
reflect solely management's analyses. We assume no obligation to update such
forward-looking statements.
RISK FACTORS
You should carefully consider, among other factors, the matters
described below before purchasing any Chalone common stock. This list of factors
is not exhaustive.
Unpredictability of Future Operating Results; Likely Fluctuations in Quarterly
Operating Results
We have experienced, and expect to continue to experience, significant
fluctuations in revenues and operating results from quarter to quarter. As a
result, we believe that period-to-period comparisons of our operating results
are not necessarily meaningful, and cannot be relied upon as indicators of
future performance. In addition, there can be no assurance that our revenues
will grow or be sustained in future periods or that we will maintain our current
profitability in the future. Significant factors in these quarterly
fluctuations, none of which are within our control, are changes in consumer
demand for our wines, the affect of weather and other natural forces on growing
conditions and, in turn, the quality and quantity of grapes produced by us,
interest rates and other business and economic conditions. Additionally, sales
volume tends to be affected by price increases, distributors' inventory levels
and the timing of releases for certain wines, among other factors. Consequently,
we have experienced, and expect to continue to experience, seasonal fluctuations
in revenues and operating results.
A large portion of our expenses are fixed and difficult to reduce in a short
period of time. In quarters when revenues do not meet our expectations, our
level of fixed expenses tends to exacerbate the adverse effect on net income. In
quarters when our operating results are below the expectations of public market
analysts or investors, the price of our common stock may be adversely affected.
Geographical Concentration of Sales; Dependence on Certain Types of Wines
In the quarter ended September 30, 1998, approximately 65% of our wine sales
were concentrated in 17 states. Changes in national consumer spending or
consumer spending in these states and other regions of the country could affect
both the quantity and price level of wines that customers are willing to
purchase. Reduced consumer confidence and spending also may result in reduced
demand overall for wines which may limit our ability to increase prices or
require us to increase selling and promotional expenses.
Approximately 90% of our net revenues in the quarter ended September 30, 1998
were concentrated in our top four selling varietal wines. Specifically, sales of
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot accounted for 60%, 10%,
15% and 5% of our fiscal 1998 net revenues, respectively.
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A sudden and unexpected shift in consumer preferences or a reduction in sales of
wine generally or in a particular geographic area, in wine varietals or types,
particularly Chardonnay, could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Competition
The premium table wine industry is intensely competitive and highly fragmented.
Our wines compete in all of the premium wine market segments with many other
premium domestic and foreign wines, with imported wines coming primarily from
the Burgundy and Bordeaux regions of France and, to a lesser extent, Italy,
Chile, Argentina, South Africa and Australia. Our wines also compete with
popular-priced generic wines and with other alcoholic and, to a lesser degree,
nonalcoholic beverages, for shelf space in retail stores and for marketing focus
by our independent distributors, many of which carry extensive brand portfolios.
Additionally, the wine industry has experienced significant consolidation. In
view of these factors, there can be no assurance that we will be able to
continue to compete effectively with larger or better capitalized companies.
Risks of Seasonality
Our business is subject to seasonal as well as quarterly fluctuations in
revenues and operating results. Our sales volume tends to increase during the
summer months and the holiday season. Our sales volume typically decreases after
the holidays. As a result, our sales and earnings are typically highest during
the fourth calendar quarter and lowest in the first calendar quarter. Seasonal
factors also affect our borrowing levels. For example, our borrowing levels
typically peak during the winter, when we have to pay for harvest costs and may
have to make contractual payments to grape growers.
Agricultural Risks
Winemaking and grape growing are subject to a variety of agricultural risks.
Various diseases and pests and extreme weather conditions can materially and
adversely affect the quality and quantity of grapes available to us. This could
materially and adversely affect the quality and supply of our wines and our
operating results. Future government restrictions regarding the use of certain
materials used in grape growing also may have a material adverse effect on
vineyard costs and production.
Grape growing requires adequate water supplies. We generally supply our
vineyards' water needs through wells and reservoirs located on our properties.
We believe that we have adequate water supplies to meet the needs of all of our
vineyards. However, a substantial reduction in water supplies could result in
material losses of grape crops and vines.
Many California vineyards, including vineyards in northern California, have been
infested with phylloxera, a root louse that renders a vine economically
unproductive within a few years after infestation. The current strain of
phylloxera primarily affects vines of a certain type. Our vineyard properties
are primarily planted to rootstocks believed to be resistant to phylloxera.
However, we cannot be certain that our existing vineyards or the rootstocks we
are now using in our planting and replanting programs will not in the future
become susceptible to current or new strains of phylloxera, plant insects or
diseases, any of which could adversely affect our business.
Risks of Fluctuations in Quantity and Quality of Grape Supply
The adequacy of our grape supply is influenced by consumer demand for wine in
relation to industry-wide production levels. While we believe that we can secure
sufficient supplies of grapes from a combination of our own production and from
grape supply contracts with independent growers, we cannot be certain that grape
supply shortages will not occur. A shortage in the supply of wine grapes could
result in an increase in the price of some or all grape varieties and a
corresponding increase in our wine production costs.
Industry trends point to rapid plantings of new vineyards and replanting of old
vineyards to greater densities, with the expected result of significantly
increasing the supply of premium wine grapes and the amount of wine which
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will be produced in the future. This expected increase in grape production could
result in an excess of supply over demand and force wineries to reduce or not
increase prices.
Risks of Dependence on Distribution Network
We sell our products primarily through independent distributors and brokers for
resale to retail outlets, restaurants, hotels and private clubs across the
United States and in some overseas markets. To a lesser degree, we rely on
direct sales from our wineries, our wine library and direct mail. Sales to our
largest distributor and to our sixteen largest distributors combined,
represented approximately 7% and 38%, respectively, of our net revenues during
the quarter ended September 30, 1998. Sales to our ten largest distributors are
expected to continue to represent a substantial portion of our net revenues in
the future. The laws and regulations of several states prohibit changes of
distributors, except under certain limited circumstances, making it difficult to
terminate a distributor without reasonable cause, as defined by applicable
statutes. The resulting difficulty or inability to replace distributors, poor
performance of our major distributors or our inability to collect accounts
receivable from our major distributors could have a material adverse effect on
our business.
Risk of Government Regulation
The wine industry is subject to extensive regulation by the Federal Bureau of
Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and various foreign agencies, state liquor
authorities and local authorities. These regulations and laws dictate such
matters as licensing requirements, trade and pricing practices, permitted
distribution channels, permitted and required labeling, advertising and
relations with wholesalers and retailers. Expansion of our existing facilities
and development of new vineyards and wineries may be limited by present and
future zoning ordinances, environmental restrictions and other legal
requirements. In addition, new regulations or requirements or increases in
excise taxes, income taxes, property and sales taxes and international tariffs,
could materially and adversely affect our financial results. Future legal or
regulatory challenges to the industry, either individually or in the aggregate,
could have a material adverse effect our business.
Need for Additional Capital
The premium wine industry is a capital-intensive business which requires
substantial capital expenditures to develop and acquire vineyards and to improve
or expand wine production. Further, the farming of vineyards and the acquisition
of grapes and bulk wine require substantial amounts of working capital. We
project the need for significant capital spending and increased working capital
requirements over the next several years, which must be financed by cash from
operations or additional borrowings or other financing.
Risks from Consumer Perception of Health Issues Related to Alcohol Consumption
A number of research studies suggest that various health benefits may result
from the moderate consumption of alcohol, but other studies suggest that alcohol
consumption does not have any health benefits and may in fact increase the risk
of stroke, cancer and other illnesses. If an unfavorable report on alcohol
consumption gains general support, it could have a material adverse effect on
the industry and our business.
Operating Hazards
We necessarily use pesticides and other hazardous substances in the operation of
our business. Although we take many precautions to minimize and manage the risks
of contamination, if hazardous substances are discovered on, or emanating from,
any of our properties and their release presents a threat of harm to public
health or the environment, we may be held strictly liable for the cost of
remediation. These costs could be substantial and have a material adverse effect
on our business and financial condition.
We also are subject to certain hazards and liability risks, such as potential
contamination, through tampering or otherwise, of ingredients or products.
Contamination of any of our wines could result in the need for a product recall,
which could significantly damage our reputation for product quality, which we
believe is one of our principle
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competitive assets. We maintain insurance against these kinds of risks, and
others, under various general liability and product liability insurance
policies. However, our insurance may not be adequate or may not continue to be
available at a price or on terms that are satisfactory to us.
Risks of Loss of Key Personnel
Our success depends to some degree upon the continued services of a number of
key employees. Although some key employees are under employment contracts with
us for specific terms, the loss of the services of one or more of our key
employees could have a material adverse effect on our business, particularly if
one or more of our key employees resigns to join a competitor or to form a
competing company. In such an event, despite provisions in our employment
contracts which are designed to prevent the unauthorized disclosure or use of
our trade secrets, practices or procedures by such personnel under these
circumstances, we cannot be certain that we would be able to enforce these
provisions or prevent such disclosures.
Risks From Foreign Operations
We conduct some of our import and export activity for wine and packaging
supplies in foreign currency. We purchase our foreign currency on the spot
market on an as-needed basis and engage in limited financial hedging activities
to offset the risk of exchange rate fluctuations. There is a risk that a shift
in certain foreign exchange rates or the imposition of unforeseen and adverse
trade regulations could adversely impact the costs of these items and have an
adverse impact on our operating results.
In addition, the imposition of unforeseen and adverse trade regulations could
have an adverse effect on our imported wine operations. We do not believe that
our foreign exchange risk and international operations exposure is material at
this time, but the volume of international transactions is increasing and may
increase these risks in the future.
Risk of Dilution or Infringement of Company Trademarks
Our wines are branded consumer products, and we distinguish our wines from our
competitors' by strong and vigilant enforcement of our trademarks. There can be
no assurance that competitors will refrain from using trademarks, tradenames or
trade dress which dilute our intellectual property rights, and any such actions
may require us to become involved in litigation to protect these rights.
Litigation of this nature can be very expensive and tends to divert management's
time and attention.
Possible Volatility of Stock Price
The market price of our common stock fluctuates. All of the foregoing risks,
among others not known or mentioned in this prospectus, may have a significant
effect on the market price of the our shares. Additionally, stock markets have
experienced extreme price and volume trading volatility in recent months and
years. This volatility has had a substantial effect on the market prices of
securities of many companies for reasons frequently unrelated or
disproportionate to the specific company's operating performance. These broad
market fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of our shares.
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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
Our company is subject to the informational requirements of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in
accordance therewith files reports, proxy and information statements and other
information with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such reports, proxy
and information statements and other information may be inspected and copied at
the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at 450 Fifth
Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the following Regional Offices of the
Commission: New York Regional Office, Seven World Trade Center, New York, New
York 10048, and Chicago Regional Office, Northwest Atrium Center, 500 West
Madison Street, Chicago, Illinois 60661. Copies of such material can be obtained
from the Public Reference Section of the Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW,
Washington, D.C. 20549 upon payment of the prescribed fees. We are also required
to file electronic versions of these documents with the Commission through the
Commission's Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval System ("EDGAR").
Our common stock is quoted on The Nasdaq National Market. Reports, proxy and
information statements and other information concerning our company may be
inspected at The Nasdaq Stock Market at 1735 K Street, NW, Washington, D.C.
20006. In addition, the Commission maintains a World-Wide-Web site (http://
www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other
information regarding registrants that file electronically with the Commission.
In addition, we maintain our own Web site at www.chalonewinegroup.com.
The Commission allows us to "incorporate by reference" the information
we file with them, which means that we can disclose important information to you
by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference
is considered to be part of this prospectus, and later information that we file
with the Commission will automatically update and supersede this information. We
incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any future filings made
with the Commission under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14, or 15(d) of the Exchange Act
until the selling shareholder has sold the shares.
o Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 1998;
o Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30,
1998;
o Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September
30, 1998;
o Definitive Proxy Statement filed with the Commission on July
2, 1998 with respect to our Annual Meeting of Shareholders on
August 20, 1998;
o Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 8, 1998.
o The description of our common stock contained in our
Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the Commission
on April 18, 1995 under the Exchange Act.
You may request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by writing or
telephoning us at the following address:
The Chalone Wine Group, Ltd.
621 Airpark Road
Napa, CA 94558-6272
Attn: Investor Relations
(707) 254-4200
This prospectus is part of a registration statement we filed with the
Commission. You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or
provided in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement. We have not authorized
anyone else to provide you with different information. The selling shareholder
will not make an offer of these shares in any state where such an offer is not
permitted. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus or any
prospectus supplement is accurate as of any date other than the date on the
front of those documents.
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ABOUT OUR COMPANY
Our company is a California-based wine producer which has been selling
super- and ultra-premium wines for more than 25 years. In addition to our
original Chalone Vineyard(R) in Monterey County, California, today our company
includes Acacia(TM) Winery in the Carneros region of Napa County, California,
Carmenet(R) Vineyard in Sonoma County, California, and in conjunction with our
joint venture partner, Paragon Vineyard Co., we own and operate Edna Valley
Vineyard(R) in San Luis Obispo County, California. Additionally, we own a 51%
interest in Canoe Ridge(R) Vineyard in Washington State and, in partnership with
Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite), we own 24% of the fourth growth estate
of Chateau Duhart-Milon in the Bordeaux region of France. With the exception of
Chateau Duhart-Milon, we manage and operate all of the above properties and
consolidate the results of their operations. We also seek to achieve certain
economies by consolidating many of the executive management, finance,
accounting, sales and marketing functions at our executive offices in Napa,
California. However, each winery has its own managing director, winemaker, staff
and personality.
All of our wines are vintage-dated and the majority of our primary
label wines are Estate Bottled. A vintage-dated wine is one produced wholly from
grapes which were harvested, crushed and fermented in the calendar year shown on
the label. The Estate Bottled designation may be applied only to wines made
exclusively by one winery from grapes grown on land owned or controlled by that
winery, all within a single viticultural area.
With a view to introducing new consumers to our family of wines, we
recently expanded our product line with the launch of the Echelon(TM) brand.
Taking advantage of our diverse vineyard resources, the mid-priced Echelon label
is expected to reach a larger and entirely new market segment, while permitting
our super- and ultra-premium labels to maintain our reputation for quality.
During the six months ended September 30, 1998, 60,000 cases of Echelon
Chardonnay and 25,000 cases of Echelon Pinot Noir were made available for sale.
A Merlot and Syrah are planned for the Echelon label during 1999.
Our company was incorporated under the laws of the State of California
on June 27, 1969. Unless otherwise indicated the terms "company", "we" and "our"
as used in this prospectus refer to The Chalone Wine Group, Ltd. and its
consolidated subsidiaries. Our company became a publicly held reporting company
as the result of an initial public offering in May of 1984. Our company is, to
our knowledge, one of only six publicly held United States corporations whose
principal activity is the production, marketing and selling of premium-priced
wines.
Our principal executive offices are located at 621 Airpark Road, Napa,
California 94558-6272 and our telephone number at that location is (707)
254-4200.
SELLING SHAREHOLDER
As of January 22, 1999, T. Rowe Price Small-Cap Value Fund, Inc., the
selling shareholder, owned 313,257 shares of our company's common stock, or 3.6%
of the outstanding class of securities, of which 142,857 are being offered
pursuant to this prospectus. If the selling shareholder were to sell all of the
shares being offered pursuant to this prospectus, it would then own 2.0% of the
outstanding class of securities. Neither the selling shareholder, nor any of its
officers, directors or affiliates has held any position, office, or other
material relationship with our company during the past three years. The shares
being offered pursuant to this prospectus were issued upon the exercise of
warrants acquired by the selling shareholder in 1993 in a non-public offering.
To our knowledge, the selling shareholder has no immediate plans to resell the
shares. We understand that they are being registered in compliance with certain
of the selling shareholder's internal investment policies which limit the
selling shareholder's ability to hold unregistered securities. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, there can be no assurance that these shares will not be sold by
the selling shareholder, in whole or in part, at any time after the effective
date of this Registration Statement. We may amend or supplement this prospectus
from time to time to update this disclosure.
USE OF PROCEEDS
We will not receive any proceeds from the sales of the shares by the
selling shareholder.
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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
We are registering the shares offered hereby on behalf of the selling
shareholder. As used in this section, the term "selling shareholder" includes
donees, pledgees, transferees and other sucessors in interest selling shares
received from the selling shareholder after the date of this prospectus. We will
pay all costs and expenses in connection with the preparation of this prospectus
and the registration of the shares offered hereby. Brokerage commissions and
similar selling expenses, if any, attributable to the sale of shares will be
borne by the selling shareholder. Sales of shares may be effected by the selling
shareholder from time to time in one or more types of transactions (which may
include block transactions), on The Nasdaq National Market, in negotiated
transactions, through put or call options transactions relating to the shares,
through short sales of shares, or a combination of such methods of sale, at
market prices prevailing at the time of sale, or at negotiated prices. Such
transactions may or may not involve brokers or dealers. The selling shareholder
has advised us that it has not entered into any agreements, understandings or
arrangements with any underwriters or broker-dealers regarding the sale of the
shares, nor is there an underwriter or coordinating broker acting in connection
with the proposed sale of shares by the selling shareholder.
The selling shareholder may effect such transactions by selling shares
directly to purchasers or to or through broker-dealers, which may act as agents
or principals. Such broker-dealers may receive compensation in the form of
discounts, concessions, or commissions from the selling shareholder and/or the
purchasers of shares for whom such broker-dealers may act as agents or to whom
they sell as principal, or both (which compensation as to a particular
broker-dealer might be in excess of customary commissions).
The selling shareholder and any broker-dealers that act in connection
with the sale of shares might be deemed to be "underwriters" within the meaning
of Section 2(11) of the Securities Act, and any commissions received by such
broker-dealers and any profit on the resale of the shares sold by them while
acting as principals might be deemed to be underwriting discounts or commissions
under the Securities Act. We have agreed to indemnify the selling shareholder
against certain liabilities, including liabilities arising under the Securities
Act. The selling shareholder may agree to indemnify any agent, dealer or
broker-dealer that participates in transactions involving sales of the shares
against certain liabilities arising under the Securities Act.
Because the selling shareholder may be deemed to be an "underwriter"
within the meaning of Section 2(11) of the Securities Act, the selling
shareholder will be subject to the prospectus delivery requirements of the
Securities Act. We have informed the selling shareholder that the
anti-manipulative provisions of Regulation M promulgated under the Exchange Act
may apply to their sales in the market.
The selling shareholder also may resell all or a portion of the shares
in open market transactions in reliance upon Rule 144 under the Securities Act,
provided it meets the criteria and conforms to the requirements of such Rule.
Upon our company being notified by the selling shareholder that any
material arrangement has been entered into with a broker-dealer for the sale of
shares through a block trade, special offering, exchange distribution or
secondary distribution or a purchase by a broker or dealer, a supplement to this
prospectus will be filed, if required, pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the
Securities Act, disclosing (i) the name of each participating broker-dealer,
(ii) the number of shares involved, (iii) the price at which such shares were
sold, (iv) the commissions paid or discounts or concessions allowed to each such
broker-dealer, where applicable, (v) that each such broker-dealer did not
conduct any investigation to verify the information set out or incorporated by
reference in this prospectus and (vi) other facts material to the transaction.
In addition, if we receive notice from the selling shareholder that a donee,
pledgee, transferee or other sucessor in interest intends to sell more than 500
shares, a supplement to this prospectus will be filed.
LEGAL MATTERS
Our law firm, Farella Braun & Martel LLP, San Francisco, California,
which we regularly use for matters of this kind, will issue an opinion about the
legality of the shares for us and for the selling shareholder.
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EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of The Chalone Wine Group, Ltd.
incorporated in this prospectus by reference from the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1998 have been audited by Deloitte
& Touche LLP, independent auditors, as stated in their report, which is
incorporated by reference herein, and has been so incorporated in reliance upon
the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and
auditing.
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No one (including any salesperson or broker) is authorized to provide
oral or written information about this offering that is not included
in this prospectus.
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142,857 Shares
The Chalone Wine Group, Ltd.
COMMON STOCK
(no par value)
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PROSPECTUS
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January __, 1999
<PAGE>
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.
The following table sets forth the costs and expenses in connection
with the sale and distribution of the securities being registered, other than
underwriting discounts and commissions. All of the amounts shown are estimates
except the Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee and the Nasdaq
filing fee.
To be Paid
by the
Registrant
----------
SEC Registration Fee.......................................... $ 400
Accounting fees and expenses.................................. 3,000
Legal fees and expenses....................................... 5,000
Miscellaneous expenses........................................ 600
Total................................................. $9,000
The company shall pay all of the expenses of registration with respect to the
shares being sold by the selling shareholder. The selling shareholder will pay
expenses related to the sale of the shares, including any commissions, stock
transfer taxes and independent legal fees.
Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Article V of the company's Articles of Incorporation, as amended, provides for
the indemnification of the officers and directors of the company to the fullest
extent permissible under California law. In addition, Section 5.8 of the
company's Bylaws requires that the company indemnify, and, in certain instances,
advance expenses to, its agents, with respect to certain costs, expenses,
judgments, fines, settlements and other amounts incurred in connection with any
proceeding, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law. Persons covered
by this indemnification provision include current and former directors,
officers, employees and other agents of the company, as well as persons who
serve at the request of the company as directors, officers, employees or agents
of another enterprise.
Section 317(b) of the California Corporations Code (the "Corporations Code")
provides that a corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is
threatened to be made a party to any "proceeding" (as defined in Section 317(a)
of the Corporations Code), other than an action by or in the right of the
corporation to procure a judgment in its favor, by reason of the fact that such
person is or was a director, officer, employee or other agent of the corporation
(collectively, an "Agent"), against expenses, judgments, fines, settlements and
other amounts actually and reasonably incurred in connection with such
proceeding if the Agent acted in good faith and in a manner the Agent reasonably
believed to be in the best interests of the corporation and, in the case of a
criminal proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe the conduct was
unlawful.
Section 317(c) of the Corporations Code provides that a corporation shall have
power to indemnify any Agent who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a
party to any threatened, pending or completed action by or in the right of the
corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that such
person is or was an Agent, against expenses actually and reasonably incurred by
the Agent in connection with the defense or settlement of such action if the
Agent acted in good faith and in a manner such Agent believed to be in the best
interest of the corporation and its shareholders.
Section 317(c) further provides that no indemnification may be made thereunder
for any of the following: (i) in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to
which the Agent shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation, unless
and only to the extent that the court in which such proceeding is or was pending
shall determine that such Agent is fairly
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<PAGE>
and reasonably entitled to indemnification for expenses, (ii) of amounts paid in
settling or otherwise disposing of a pending action without court approval and
(iii) of expenses incurred in defending a pending action which is settled or
otherwise disposed of without court approval. Section 317(d) of the Corporations
Code requires that an Agent be indemnified against expenses actually and
reasonably incurred to the extent the Agent has been successful on the merits in
the defense of proceedings referred to in subdivisions (b) or (c) of Section
317.
Except as provided in Section 317(d), and pursuant to Section 317(e),
indemnification under Section 317 shall be made by the corporation only if
specifically authorized and upon a determination that indemnification is proper
in the circumstances because the Agent has met the applicable standard of
conduct set forth in Section 317(b) or (c), by any of the following: (i) a
majority vote of a quorum consisting of directors who are not parties to the
proceeding, (ii) if such a quorum of directors is not obtainable, by independent
legal counsel in a written opinion, (iii) approval of the shareholders, provided
that any shares owned by the Agent may not vote thereon, or (iv) the court in
which such proceeding is or was pending. Pursuant to Section 317(f) of the
Corporations Code, the corporation may advance expenses incurred in defending
any proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by the Agent to repay such amount
if it is ultimately determined that the Agent is not entitled to be indemnified.
Section 317(h) provides, with certain exceptions, that no indemnification shall
be made under Section 317 where it appears that it would be inconsistent with a
provision of the corporation's articles, bylaws, a shareholder resolution or an
agreement which prohibits or otherwise limits indemnification, or where it would
be inconsistent with any condition expressly imposed by a court in approving a
settlement.
Section 317(i) authorized a corporation to purchase and maintain insurance on
behalf of an Agent for liabilities arising by reason of the Agent's status,
whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify the Agent
against such liability under the provisions of Section 317. In addition, Article
IX, Section 1 of the Bylaws of the company authorizes the company to purchase
and maintain insurance on behalf of any person indemnified by the company. The
company currently maintains a directors and officers liability policy in the
amount of $5,000,000.
The Stock Purchase Agreement entered into by the company and the selling
shareholder provides for cross-indemnification by the parties thereto and their
officers and directors, for certain liabilities, including liabilities arising
under the Securities Act, or otherwise.
Item 16. Exhibits.
See the exhibit index filed as part of this Registration Statement.
Item 17. Undertakings.
(a). The undersigned company hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are
being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement;
(i) To include any prospectus required by section
10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events
arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most
recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the
registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease
in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered
would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or
high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of
prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the
aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20 percent
change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of
Registration Fee" table in the effective registration statement;
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<PAGE>
(iii) To include any material information with
respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration
statement or any material change to such information in the registration
statement, unless the information required by paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and
(a)(1)(ii) is contained in periodic reports filed by the Company pursuant to
Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by
reference in the registration statement;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) do not
apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment
by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by the company
pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended (the "Exchange Act"), that are incorporated by reference in this
Registration Statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under
the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a
new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective
amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
termination of the offering.
(4) If the company is a foreign private issuer, to file a
post-effective amendment to the registration statement to include any financial
statements required by Rule 3-19 of this chapter at the start of any delayed
offering or throughout a continuous offering. Financial statements and
information otherwise required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act need
not be furnished, provided, that the company includes in the prospectus, by
means of a post-effective amendment, financial statements required pursuant to
this paragraph (a)(4) and other information necessary to ensure that all other
information in the prospectus is a least as current as the date of those
financial statements. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to financial
statements on Form F-3, a post-effective amendment need not be filed to include
financial statements and other information required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
Act of Rule 3-19 of this chapter if such financial statements and information
are contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by
the company pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are
incorporated by reference in Form F-3.
(b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the company's
annual report pursuant to section 13(a) or section 15(d) of the Exchange Act
that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed
to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein,
and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the
initial bona fide offering thereof.
(c) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to deliver or cause to
be delivered with the prospectus, to each person to whom the prospectus is sent
or given, the latest annual report, to security holders that is incorporated by
reference in the prospectus and furnished pursuant to and meeting the
requirements of Rule 14a-3 or Rule 14c-3 under the Exchange Act; and, where
interim financial information required to be presented by Article 3 of
Regulation S-X are not set forth in the prospectus, to deliver, or cause to be
delivered to each person to whom the prospectus is sent or given, the latest
quarterly report that is specifically incorporated by reference in the
prospectus to provide such interim financial information.
(d) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers, and controlling persons
of the company pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the company
has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act
and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the company of expenses
incurred or paid by a director, officer, or controlling person of the company in
the successful defense of any action, suit, or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer, or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the company will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.
II-3
<PAGE>
(e) The undersigned company hereby undertakes that:
(1) For the purposes of determining any liability under the
Securities Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as
part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in
a form of prospectus filed by the company pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or
497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of the registration
statement as of the time it was declared effective.
(2) For the purposes of determining any liability under the
Securities Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus
shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities
offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be
deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
II-4
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the company
believes that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration
statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of Napa, State of California on the 22nd day of January,
1999.
The Chalone Wine Group, Ltd.
By: /s/ Thomas B. Selfridge
----------------------------
Thomas B. Selfridge
President and Chief
Executive Officer
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned does hereby make,
constitute and appoint Thomas B. Selfridge and Francois Muse and each of them,
acting together or alone, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents with
full power of substitution, in his name, place and stead to execute on his
behalf, in his capacity as a Director and/or officer of The Chalone Wine Group,
Ltd., a registration statement on Form S-3 or other appropriate form and any and
all amendments thereto (including post-effective amendments), registering shares
of the common stock of the company, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities
Act"), and any and all instruments which said attorneys-in-fact and agents deem
necessary or advisable to enable the company to comply with the Securities Act
and the rules, regulations and requirements of the commission in respect
thereof, giving and granting to said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of
them, acting together or alone, full power and authority to do and perform each
and every act and thing whatsoever necessary or appropriate to be done in and
about the premises as fully to all intents as he might or would do if personally
present at the doing thereof, with full power of substitution and revocation,
hereby ratifying and confirming all that his said attorneys-in-fact or
substitutes may or shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
<TABLE>
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Registration Statement
has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates
indicated:
<CAPTION>
Signature Title Date
--------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
/s/ W. Philip Woodward Chairman of the Board of Directors December 29, 1998
-------------------------------
W. Philip Woodward
/s/ Thomas B. Selfridge President, Chief Executive Officer and January 22, 1999
------------------------------- Director (Principal Executive Officer)
Thomas B. Selfridge
II-5
<PAGE>
/s/ Francois Muse Acting Chief Financial Officer and January 22, 1999
------------------------------- Treasurer (Principal Financial and
Francois Muse Principal Accounting Officer)
/s/ C. Richard Kramlich Director January 22, 1999
-------------------------------
C. Richard Kramlich
/s/ James H. Niven Director December 24, 1998
-------------------------------
James H. Niven
/s/ Eric de Rothschild Director January 22, 1999
-------------------------------
Eric de Rothschild
/s/ Christophe Salin Director January 22, 1999
-------------------------------
Christophe Salin
/s/ Yves-Andre Istel Director January 22, 1999
-------------------------------
Yves-Andre Istel
/s/ Mark A. Hojel Director January 22, 1999
-------------------------------
Mark A. Hojel
/s/ Phillip M. Plant Director December 24, 1998
-------------------------------
Phillip M. Plant
/s/ William G. Myers Director January 22, 1999
-------------------------------
William G. Myers
</TABLE>
II-6
<PAGE>
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit
Number Exhibit Title
------ -------------
3.1 Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended through June (i)
3, 1985.
3.2 Amendment to Restated Articles, filed June 6, 1988. (ii)
3.3 Amendment to Restated Articles, filed May 17, 1991. (iii)
3.4 Amendment to Restated Articles, filed July 14, 1993. (iv)
3.5 Bylaws, as amended through December 1992. (i)
3.6 1993 Bylaw amendments. (iv)
4.1 Common Stock Purchase Agreement, between the Company and (v)
certain designated investors, dated March 29, 1993.
4.2 Form of Warrant for the purchase in the aggregate of up to (vi)
828,571 shares of the Company's common stock, issued to
certain designed investors, effective July 14, 1993.
5.1 Opinion of Farella Braun & Martel LLP
23.1 Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors
23.2 Consent of Farella Braun & Martel LLP (included in Exhibit
5.1)
24.1 Power of Attorney (included in the Signature Page contained
in Part II of the Registration Statement).
- -------------------------
(i) Filed as Exhibit Nos. 3.1 and 3.2, respectively, to the Company's
Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-8666), and incorporated
herein by reference.
(ii) Filed as Exhibit No. 3.2 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 1988, dated March 11, 1989, and
incorporated herein by reference.
(iii) Filed as Exhibit No. 3.3 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 1991, dated March 25, 1992, and
incorporated herein by reference.
(iv) Filed as Exhibit Nos. 3.4 and 3.6, respectively, to the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993, dated
March 26, 1994, and incorporated herein by reference.
(v) Filed as Exhibit No. 1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K
dated March 31, 1993, and incorporated herein by reference.
(vi) Filed as Exhibit 1 to the Exhibit herein referenced as Exhibit 4.1, and
incorporated herein by reference.
EXHIBIT 5.1
[LETTERHEAD OF FARELLA BRAUN & MARTEL, LLP]
January 26, 1999
The Chalone Wine Group, Ltd.
621 Airpark Road
Napa, CA 94558
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have examined the Registration Statement on Form S-3 to be filed by
you with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about January 27, 1999
(the "Registration Statement") in connection with the registration under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of a total of 142,857 shares of your common
stock, no par value, (the "Shares"), to be sold by that certain selling
shareholder listed in the Registration Statement (the "Selling Shareholder"). As
your legal counsel, we have examined the proceedings taken and are familiar with
the proceedings proposed to be taken by you in connection with the sale of the
Shares by the Selling Shareholder in the manner set forth in the Registration
Statement in the section entitled "Plan of Distribution."
It is our opinion that the Shares, when sold by the Selling Shareholder
in the manner referred to in the Registration Statement, will be legally and
validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
We hereby consent to being named as counsel to the Company in the
Registration Statement, to the references therein to our firm under the caption
"Legal Matters" and to the inclusion of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement.
This opinion is rendered by us as counsel for The Chalone Wine Group,
Ltd. solely for your benefit in connection with the transaction or transactions
contemplated herein and may not be relied upon by you in connection with any
other transaction and may not be relied upon by any other person without our
prior written consent.
This opinion speaks only as of its date and we assume no obligation to
update this opinion should circumstances change after the date hereof.
Very truly yours,
/s/ FARELLA BRAUN & MARTEL, LLP
EXHIBIT 23.1
[Deloitte & Touche LLP letterhead]
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration
Statement of The Chalone Wine Group, Ltd. on Form S-3 of our report dated May
18, 1998, appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of The Chalone Wine Group,
Ltd. for the year ended March 31, 1998 and to the reference to us under the
heading "Experts" in the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration
Statement.
January 22, 1999
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
San Francisco, California
