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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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SCHEDULE 13E-3
(RULE 13e-100)
TRANSACTION STATEMENT UNDER SECTION 13(e) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 AND RULE 13E-3 THEREUNDER
RULE 13-E TRANSACTION STATEMENT UNDER SECTION 13(e) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
(Amendment No. )
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BUFFETS, INC.
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(Name of the Issuer)
BUFFETS, INC.
KERRY A. KRAMP
ROE H. HATLEN
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(Name of the Person(s) Filing Statement)
Common Stock, Par Value $.01 Per Share
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(Title of Class of Securities)
119882 10 8
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(CUSIP Number of Class of Securities)
KERRY A. KRAMP DOUGLAS P. LONG, ESQ.
President and Faegre & Benson, LLP
Chief Executive Officer 90 South Seventh Street
Buffets, Inc. 2200 Wells Fargo Center
1460 Buffet Way Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402
Eagan, Minnesota 55121 (612) 336-3288
(651) 994-8608
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(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person Authorized to Receive Notices
and Communications on Behalf of Person(s) Filing Statement)
This statement is filed in connection with (check the appropriate box):
a. [X] The filing of solicitation materials or an information statement
subject to Regulation 14A, Regulation 14C, or Rule 13e-3(c) under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
b. [ ] The filing of a registration statement under the Securities Act of
1933.
c. [ ] A tender offer.
d. [ ] None of the above.
Check the following box if the soliciting materials or information
statement referred to in checking box (a) are preliminary copies. [X]
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Check the following box if the filing is a final amendment reporting the
results of the transaction. [ ]
CALCULATION OF FILING FEE
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Transaction Valuation* Amount Of Filing Fee**
$593,645,680 $118,730
*For purposes of calculating the filing fee only. Determined by (1)
multiplying 41,599,223 shares of common stock, par value $.01 per
share, of Buffets, Inc. by $13.85 per share, and (2) adding thereto
$17,496,442 anticipated to be paid to persons holding options to
acquire shares of common stock in connection with the cancellation of
such options (assuming an aggregate of 4,928,575 options are cancelled
in exchange for cash in the transaction).
**The amount of the filing fee calculated in accordance with Exchange
Act Rule 0-11 equals 1/50th of 1% of the value of the securities
proposed to be acquired.
[X] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange
Act Rule 0-1l(a)(2) and identify the filing with which the offsetting
fee was previously paid. Identify the previous filing by registration
statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
Amount Previously Paid: $118,730
Form or Registration No.: Schedule 14(a)
Filing Party: Buffets, Inc.
Date Filed: July 3, 2000
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INTRODUCTION
This Rule 13e-3 Transaction Statement on Schedule 13E-3 (this "Schedule
13E-3") is being filed by Buffets, Inc., a Minnesota corporation ("Buffets"),
the issuer of the equity securities that are the subject of the Rule 13e-3
transaction, Kerry A. Kramp, Buffets' President and Chief Executive Officer, and
Roe H. Hatlen, Chairman of the Board of Buffets. Pursuant to an Agreement and
Plan of Merger, dated as of June 4, 2000, Buffets Merger Corporation will merge
into Buffets. Buffets Merger Corporation is a newly formed Minnesota corporation
wholly owned by Buffets Holdings, Inc., a newly formed Delaware corporation
whose shareholders are affiliates of Caxton-Iseman Capital, Inc.
In the merger, each issued and outstanding share of Buffets common
stock will be cancelled and automatically converted into the right to receive
$13.85 in cash, without interest or any other payment thereon, with the
following exceptions: shares of Buffets common stock owned by Buffets Holdings,
Inc. or by any of Buffets' subsidiaries will be canceled; and shares held by
dissenting shareholders will be subject to appraisal in accordance with
Minnesota law. Upon completion of the merger, and as provided in agreements
between Buffets Holdings, Inc. and certain members of management of Buffets (the
"Management Participants"), the Management Participants are expected to own
approximately 16% of the outstanding common stock of Buffets Holdings, Inc. and
6.6% of the outstanding voting stock.
Concurrently with the filing of this Schedule 13E-3, Buffets is filing
an amended preliminary proxy statement pursuant to which the shareholders of
Buffets will be given notice of the merger. The information set forth in the
proxy statement, including all schedules, exhibits, appendices, and annexes
thereto, is hereby expressly incorporated by reference to the extent set forth
herein and the responses to each item in this Schedule 13E-3 are qualified in
their entirety by the information contained in the proxy statement and the
schedules, exhibits, appendices, and annexes thereto.
ITEM 1. SUMMARY TERM SHEET.
The information contained in the sections entitled "SUMMARY TERM SHEET" and
"QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MERGER" in the proxy statement is incorporated
herein by reference.
ITEM 2. SUBJECT COMPANY INFORMATION.
(a) Name and Address. The information contained in the section
entitled "SUMMARY--Participants" in the proxy statement is
incorporated herein by reference.
(b) Securities. The information contained in the section entitled
"THE SPECIAL MEETING--Record Date and Voting" in the proxy
statement is incorporated herein by reference.
(c) Trading Market and Price. The information contained in the
section entitled "MARKETS AND MARKET PRICE" in the proxy
statement is incorporated herein by reference.
(d) Dividends. The information contained in the section entitled
"MARKETS AND MARKET PRICE" in the proxy statement is
incorporated herein by reference.
(e) Prior Public Offerings. None.
(f) Prior Stock Purchases. The information contained in the
section entitled "COMMON STOCK PURCHASE INFORMATION" in the
proxy statement is incorporated herein by reference.
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ITEM 3. IDENTITY AND BACKGROUND OF THE FILING PERSONS.
(a),(c) Name and Address; Business and Background of Natural
Persons. The information contained in the sections entitled
"SUMMARY--The Participants," "PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS AND STOCK
OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS," and "DIRECTORS AND
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF BUFFETS" in the proxy statement is
incorporated herein by reference. During the last five years,
to the best knowledge of Buffets, none of Buffets' current
directors or executive officers has been convicted in a
criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations or similar
misdemeanors) or has been a party to a civil proceeding of a
judicial or administrative body of competent jurisdiction and
as a result of such proceeding was or is subject to a
judgment, decree or final order enjoining further violations
of, or prohibiting activities subject to, federal or state
securities laws or finding any violation of such laws. All
current Buffets directors and executive officers are U.S.
citizens. Buffets, one of the filing persons, is also the
subject company.
(b) Business and Background of Entities. The information contained
in the sections entitled "SUMMARY--The Participants" and
"SPECIAL FACTORS--The Participants" in the proxy statement is
incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 4. TERMS OF THE TRANSACTION.
(a)(1) Tender Offers. Not applicable.
(a)(2)(i) Transaction Description. The information contained in the
sections entitled "QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MERGER,"
"SUMMARY," and "THE MERGER AGREEMENT" in the proxy statement
is incorporated herein by reference.
(a)(2)(ii) Consideration. The information contained in the sections
entitled "QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MERGER,"
"SUMMARY--The Merger," and "SPECIAL FACTORS--Merger
Consideration" in the proxy statement is incorporated herein
by reference.
(a)(2)(iii) Reasons for Transaction. The information contained in the
sections entitled "SPECIAL FACTORS--Background of the Merger,"
"--Purpose and Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the
Special Committee and the Board of Directors," and "--Messrs.
Kramp and Hatlen's Purpose, Reasons, and Positions Regarding
Fairness of the Merger" in the proxy statement is incorporated
herein by reference.
(a)(2)(iv) Vote Required for Approval. The information contained in the
section entitled "THE SPECIAL MEETING--Required Vote" in the
proxy statement is incorporated herein by reference.
(a)(2)(v) Differences in the Rights of Security Holders. The information
contained in the section entitled "SPECIAL FACTORS--Additional
Interests of Buffets' Management" in the proxy statement is
incorporated herein by reference.
(a)(2)(vi) Accounting Treatment. Not material.
(a)(2)(vii) Income Tax Consequences. The information contained in the
section entitled "SPECIAL FACTORS--Material U.S. Federal
Income Tax Consequences" in the proxy statement is
incorporated herein by reference.
(c) Different Terms. The information contained in the section
entitled "SPECIAL FACTORS--Additional Interests of Buffets'
Management" in the proxy statement is incorporated herein by
reference.
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(d) Appraisal Rights. The information contained in the section
entitled "DISSENTERS' RIGHTS" in the proxy statement is
incorporated herein by reference.
(e) Provisions For Unaffiliated Security Holders. Buffets has made
no provisions in connection with the merger to grant
unaffiliated security holders access to the corporate files of
Buffets or to obtain counsel or appraisal services at the
expense of Buffets.
(f) Eligibility for Listing or Trading. Not applicable.
ITEM 5. PAST CONTACTS, TRANSACTIONS, NEGOTIATIONS AND AGREEMENTS.
(a) Transactions. None.
(b),(c) Significant Corporate Events; Negotiations or Contacts.
The information contained in the sections entitled "SPECIAL
FACTORS--Background of the Merger" and "--Additional Interest
of Buffets' Management" in the proxy statement is incorporated
herein by reference.
(e) Agreements Involving the Subject Company's Securities. The
information contained in the sections entitled "SUMMARY--The
Participants--Management Participants," "SPECIAL
FACTORS--Background of the Merger," and "--Additional Interest
of Buffets' Management" in the proxy statement is incorporated
herein by reference.
ITEM 6. PURPOSES OF THE TRANSACTION AND PLANS OR PROPOSALS.
(b) Use of Securities Acquired. The information contained in the
sections entitled "SUMMARY," "SPECIAL FACTORS--Additional
Interests of Buffets Management," and "--Consequences of the
Merger; Plans for Buffets After the Merger" in the proxy
statement is incorporated herein by reference.
(c) Plans. The information contained in the sections entitled
"SUMMARY," "SPECIAL FACTORS--Additional Interests of Buffets'
Management," and "--Consequences of the Merger; Plans for
Buffets After the Merger" in the proxy statement is
incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 7. PURPOSES, ALTERNATIVES, REASONS AND EFFECTS.
(a),(c) Purposes; Reasons. The information contained in the
sections entitled "QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MERGER,"
"SPECIAL FACTORS--Background of the Merger," "--Purpose and
Reasons for the Merger; Recommendations of the Special
Committee and the Board of Directors," "--Messrs. Kramp and
Hatlen's Purpose, Reasons, and Positions Regarding Fairness of
the Merger," and "--Conduct of Buffets' Business if the Merger
is Not Completed" in the proxy statement is incorporated
herein by reference.
(b) Alternatives. The information contained in the sections
entitled "SPECIAL FACTORS--Background of the Merger" and
"--Conducts of Buffets' Business if the Merger is Not
Completed" in the proxy statement is incorporated herein by
reference.
(d) Effects. The information contained in the sections entitled
"QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MERGER," "SUMMARY," "SPECIAL
FACTORS--Purpose and Reasons for the Merger; Recommendations
of the Special Committee and the Board of Directors,"
"--Additional Interests of Buffets' Management," "--Merger
Financing," "--Estimated Fees and Expenses of the Merger,"
"--Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences,"
"--Consequences of the Merger; Plans for Buffets After the
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Merger," "--Executive Officers and Directors of the Surviving
Corporation," and "THE MERGER AGREEMENT" in the proxy
statement is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 8 FAIRNESS OF THE TRANSACTION.
(a),(b) Fairness; Factors Considered in Determining Fairness. The
information contained in the sections entitled "QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS ABOUT THE MERGER," "SUMMARY," "SPECIAL
FACTORS--Background of the Merger," "--Purpose and Reasons for
the Merger; Recommendations of the Special Committee and the
Board of Directors," "--Messrs. Kramp and Hatlen's Purpose,
Reasons, and Positions Regarding Fairness of the Merger," and
"--Opinion of Financial Adviser" in the proxy statement and
Appendix B, "Opinion of U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray, Inc." is
incorporated herein by reference.
(c) Approval of Security Holders. The information contained in the
section entitled "SPECIAL FACTORS--Purpose and Reasons for the
Merger; Recommendations of the Special Committee and the Board
of Directors," "THE SPECIAL MEETING--Required Vote," and
"--Messrs. Kramp and Hatlen's Purpose, Reasons, and Position
Regarding Fairness of the Merger" in the proxy statement is
incorporated herein by reference.
(d) Unaffiliated Representative. The information contained in the
sections entitled "SPECIAL FACTORS--Purpose and Reasons for
the Merger; Recommendations of the Special Committee and the
Board of Directors" and "--Messrs. Kramp and Hatlen's Purpose,
Reasons, and Position Regarding Fairness of the Merger" in the
proxy statement is incorporated herein by reference.
(e) Approval of Directors. The information contained in the
section entitled "SPECIAL FACTORS--Purpose and Reasons for the
Merger; Recommendations of the Special Committee and the Board
of Directors" and "--Background of the Merger" in the proxy
statement is incorporated herein by reference.
(f) Other Offers. The information contained in the section
entitled "THE MERGER--Background of the Merger" and "--Purpose
and Reasons for the Merger; Recommendations of the Special
Committee and the Board of Directors" in the proxy statement
is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 9. REPORTS, OPINIONS, APPRAISALS AND NEGOTIATIONS.
(a)-(c) Report, Opinion, or Appraisal; Preparer and Summary of the
Report; Availability of Documents. The information contained
in the section entitled "SPECIAL FACTORS--Background of the
Merger," "--Purpose and Reasons for the Merger;
Recommendations of the Special Committee and the Board of
Directors," "--Opinion of Financial Adviser," and "WHERE YOU
CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION" in the proxy statement and Appendix
B, "Opinion of U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray, Inc." is
incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 10. SOURCE AND AMOUNTS OF FUNDS OR OTHER CONSIDERATION.
(a),(b),(d) Source of Funds; Conditions; Borrowed Funds. The
information contained in the section entitled "SPECIAL
FACTORS--Merger Financing" in the proxy statement is
incorporated herein by reference.
(c) Expenses. The information contained in the section entitled
"SPECIAL FACTORS--Estimated Fees and Expenses of the Merger"
in the proxy statement is incorporated herein by reference.
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ITEM 11. INTEREST IN SECURITIES OF THE SUBJECT COMPANY.
(a) Securities Ownership. The information contained in the section
entitled "PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS AND STOCK OWNERSHIP OF
MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS" in the proxy statement is incorporated
herein by reference.
(b) Securities Transactions. The information contained in the
section entitled "COMMON STOCK PURCHASE INFORMATION--Recent
Transactions" in the proxy statement is incorporated herein by
reference.
ITEM 12. THE SOLICITATION OR RECOMMENDATION.
(d) Intent to Tender or Vote in a Going-Private Transaction. The
information contained in the sections entitled "SUMMARY" and
"THE SPECIAL MEETING--Required Vote" in the proxy statement is
incorporated herein by reference.
(e) Recommendations to Others. The information contained in the
sections entitled "SUMMARY" and "SPECIAL FACTORS--Purpose and
Reason for the Merger; Recommendations of the Special
Committee and the Board of Directors" in the proxy statement
is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 13. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
(a) Financial Information. The information contained in the
section entitled "BUFFETS' SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA"
in the proxy statement is incorporated herein by reference.
(b) Pro Forma Information. The information contained in the
section entitled "BUFFETS' SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA"
in the proxy statement is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 14. PERSONS/ASSETS, RETAINED, EMPLOYED, COMPENSATED OR USED.
(a),(b) Solicitations or Recommendations; Employees and Corporate
Assets. The information contained in the sections entitled
"QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MERGER," "SPECIAL
FACTORS--Background of the Merger," "--Estimated Fees and
Expenses of the Merger," and "THE SPECIAL MEETING--Expenses of
Proxy Solicitation" in the proxy statement is incorporated
herein by reference.
ITEM 15. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
(b) Other Material Information. None.
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS.
(a) Preliminary proxy statement on Schedule 14A filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on August 2, 2000
(incorporated herein by reference to the proxy statement).
(c) Opinion of U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray Inc. dated June 4, 2000
(incorporated herein by reference to Appendix B to the proxy
statement).
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(d) Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of June 4, 2000, by and
among Buffets, Inc., Buffets Holdings, Inc., and Buffets
Merger Corporation (formerly Big Boy Merger Corporation)
(incorporated herein by reference to Appendix A to the proxy
statement).
(f) Sections 302A.471 and 302A.473 of the Minnesota Business
Corporation Act (incorporated herein by reference to Appendix
C to the proxy statement).
(g) Not applicable.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This Schedule 13E-3 includes and incorporates by reference statements
that are not historical facts. These forward-looking statements are based on our
current estimates and assumptions and, as such, involve uncertainty and risk.
Forward-looking statements include the information concerning our possible or
assumed future results of operations and also include those preceded or followed
by the words "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "should,"
"could," "targets" and "may" or similar expressions. For each of these
statements, we claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking
statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
The forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future
performance, and actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by
such forward-looking statements. In addition to the factors discussed elsewhere
in the proxy statement, including those discussed in "Special
Factors--Background of the Merger," other factors that could cause actual
results to differ materially include changes in the cost of food and labor,
weather conditions, health and regulatory developments and general economic
conditions. In addition, the ability of Buffets to open new restaurants depends
on a number of factors, including its ability to find suitable locations and
negotiate acceptable leases and land purchases, its ability to attract and
retain qualified restaurant managers and the availability of capital. These and
other factors are discussed in the documents that we incorporate by reference
into the proxy statement.
Except to the extent required under the federal securities laws, we do
not intend to update or revise the forward-looking statements to reflect
circumstances arising after the date of the preparation of the forward-looking
statements.
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SIGNATURE
After due inquiry and to the best of our knowledge and belief, we
certify that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and
correct.
Dated: July 31, 2000
BUFFETS, INC.
By /s/ Kerry A. Kramp
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Name: Kerry A. Kramp
Title: President and Chief Executive Officer
/s/ Kerry A. Kramp
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Kerry A. Kramp
/s/ Roe H. Hatlen
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Roe H. Hatlen
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EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number Description
(a) Preliminary proxy statement on Schedule 14A filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on August 2, 2000
(incorporated herein by reference to the proxy statement).
(c) Opinion of U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffrey Inc. dated June 4, 2000
(incorporated herein by reference to Appendix B to the proxy
statement).
(d) Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of June 4, 2000, by and
among Buffets, Inc., Buffets Holdings, Inc., and Buffets
Merger Corporation (formerly Big Boy Merger Corporation)
(incorporated herein by reference to Appendix A to the proxy
statement.
(f) Sections 302A.471 and 302A.473 of the Minnesota Business
Corporation Act (incorporated herein by reference to Appendix
C to the proxy statement).
(g) Not applicable.
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