<PAGE> 1
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON JANUARY 6, 1995
REGISTRATION NO. 33-
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- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
------------------------
FORM S-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
------------------------
FOOD 4 LESS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
DELAWARE 5411 95-4222386
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (PRIMARY STANDARD INDUSTRIAL (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) CLASSIFICATION CODE NUMBER) IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
SUBSIDIARY REGISTRANTS
ALPHA BETA COMPANY CALIFORNIA 95-1456805
BAY AREA WAREHOUSE STORES, INC. CALIFORNIA 93-1087199
BELL MARKETS, INC. CALIFORNIA 94-1569281
CALA CO. DELAWARE 95-4200005
CALA FOODS, INC. CALIFORNIA 94-1342664
FALLEY'S, INC. KANSAS 48-0605992
FOOD 4 LESS OF CALIFORNIA, INC. CALIFORNIA 33-0293011
FOOD 4 LESS GM, INC. CALIFORNIA 95-4390407
FOOD 4 LESS MERCHANDISING, INC. CALIFORNIA 33-0483193
FOOD 4 LESS OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, INC. DELAWARE 33-0483203
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER) INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
</TABLE>
777 SOUTH HARBOR BOULEVARD
LA HABRA, CALIFORNIA 90631
(714) 738-2000
(ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF
REGISTRANTS' PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
------------------------
MARK A. RESNIK, ESQ.
VICE PRESIDENT AND SECRETARY
FOOD 4 LESS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
777 SOUTH HARBOR BOULEVARD
LA HABRA, CALIFORNIA 90631
(714) 738-2000
(NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE,
OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
------------------------
COPIES TO:
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<S> <C>
THOMAS C. SADLER, ESQ. WILLIAM M. HARTNETT, ESQ.
PAMELA B. KELLY, ESQ. CAHILL GORDON & REINDEL
LATHAM & WATKINS 80 PINE STREET
633 WEST FIFTH STREET NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10005
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90071 (212) 701-3000
(213) 485-1234
</TABLE>
------------------------
APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: As soon as
practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
If any of the securities on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or
continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check
the following box. / /
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
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<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
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PROPOSED PROPOSED
MAXIMUM MAXIMUM
TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF AMOUNT TO BE OFFERING PRICE AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF
SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED REGISTERED PER NOTE(1) OFFERING PRICE(1) REGISTRATION FEE
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
% Senior Notes due 2004................. $400,000,000 100% $400,000,000 $137,932
Guarantees of the % Senior Notes due
2004..................................... -- -- -- (2)
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</TABLE>
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(1) Estimated solely for purposes of computing the registration fee pursuant to
Rule 457.
(2) Pursuant to Rule 457(n) no separate fee is required.
------------------------
THE REGISTRANTS HEREBY AMEND THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANTS
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 OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A)
MAY DETERMINE.
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<PAGE> 2
FOOD 4 LESS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET
PURSUANT TO RULE 404(A) AND ITEM 501(B) OF REGULATION S-K
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<CAPTION>
ITEM NO. FORM S-1 CAPTION PROSPECTUS CAPTION
- -------- ---------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C>
1. Forepart of the Registration Statement
and Outside Front Cover Page of
Prospectus............................... Facing Page; Cross Reference Sheet;
Outside Front Cover Page
2. Inside Front and Outside Back Cover Pages
of Prospectus............................ Inside Front Cover Page; Outside Back
Cover Page
3. Summary Information, Risk Factors and
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges....... Summary; Risk Factors; Business; Selected
Historical Financial Data of Food 4
Less
4. Use of Proceeds.......................... Summary; The Merger and the Financing;
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
5. Determination of Offering Price.......... *
6. Dilution................................. *
7. Selling Security Holders................. *
8. Plan of Distribution..................... Underwriting
9. Description of Securities to be
Registered............................... Summary; Description of the New F4L
Senior Notes
10. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel... *
11. Information with Respect to the
Registrant............................... Summary; Selected Historical Financial
Data of Food 4 Less; Pro Forma
Capitalization; Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations; Business;
Management; Executive Compensation;
Principal Stockholders; Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions;
Consolidated Financial Statements of
Food 4 Less; Consolidated Financial
Statements of RSI; Unaudited Pro Forma
Combined Financial Statements
12. Disclosure of Commission Position on
Indemnification for Securities Act
Liabilities.............................. *
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* Inapplicable
<PAGE> 3
Information contained herein is subject to completion or amendment. A
registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may
not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the
registration statement becomes effective. This prospectus shall not
constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer
to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any State in
which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to
registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such State.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED JANUARY 6, 1995
PROSPECTUS
$400,000,000
FOOD 4 LESS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
TO BE COMBINED THROUGH MERGER WITH
[Logo] [Logo]
RALPHS GROCERY COMPANY
% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2004
------------------------
Food 4 Less Supermarkets, Inc. ("Food 4 Less") is offering $400,000,000
aggregate principal amount of its % Senior Notes due 2004 (the "New F4L
Senior Notes"). The offering of the New F4L Senior Notes made hereby (the
"Offering") is part of the financing required to consummate the proposed merger
(the "RSI Merger") of Food 4 Less with and into Ralphs Supermarkets, Inc.
("RSI"). Immediately following the RSI Merger, Ralphs Grocery Company ("RGC"), a
wholly-owned subsidiary of RSI, will merge with and into RSI (the "RGC Merger,"
and together with the RSI Merger, the "Merger") and RSI will change its name to
Ralphs Grocery Company ("Ralphs Grocery Company" or the "Company"). As a result
of the Merger, the New F4L Senior Notes will be the obligations of the Company.
Interest on the New F4L Senior Notes will be payable semiannually on each
February 1 and August 1, commencing on August 1, 1995, at the rate set forth
above. The New F4L Senior Notes will mature on February 1, 2004. The New F4L
Senior Notes will be redeemable, in whole or in part, at the option of the
Company, at any time on and after February 1, 2000 at the redemption prices set
forth herein, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date. In
addition, on or prior to February 1, 1998, the Company may, at its option, use
the net cash proceeds of one or more Public Equity Offerings (as defined) to
redeem up to an aggregate of 35% of the New F4L Senior Notes originally issued,
at a redemption price equal to % of the principal amount thereof, plus
accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date. Upon a Change of Control (as
defined) each holder of New F4L Senior Notes has the right to require the
Company to repurchase such holder's New F4L Senior Notes at a price equal to
101% of their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of
repurchase. In addition, subject to certain conditions, the Company will be
obligated to make an offer to repurchase the New F4L Senior Notes at 100% of
their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of
repurchase, with the net cash proceeds of certain sales or other dispositions of
assets.
The New F4L Senior Notes will be senior unsecured obligations of the
Company and will rank pari passu in right of payment with other senior unsecured
indebtedness of the Company. However, the New F4L Senior Notes will be
effectively subordinated to all secured indebtedness of the Company and its
subsidiaries, including indebtedness under the New Credit Facility (as defined).
See "Risk Factors -- Corporate Structure; Effects of Asset Encumbrances." The
New F4L Senior Notes will rank senior in right of payment to all subordinated
indebtedness of the Company, including the F4L Senior Subordinated Notes (as
defined) and the RGC Senior Subordinated Notes (as defined). At September 17,
1994, on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the Merger and the Financing
(as defined) (and certain related assumptions), the Company and its subsidiaries
would have had outstanding $992.7 million aggregate principal amount of secured
indebtedness.
The New F4L Senior Notes will be unconditionally guaranteed (the
"Guarantees") on a senior unsecured basis by each of the Company's wholly-owned
subsidiaries (the "Subsidiary Guarantors"). Upon the issuance of the New F4L
Senior Notes, the Subsidiary Guarantors will be Alpha Beta Company, Bay Area
Warehouse Stores, Inc., Bell Markets, Inc., Cala Co., Cala Foods, Inc., Falley's
Inc., Food 4 Less of California, Inc., Food 4 Less GM, Inc., Food 4 Less
Merchandising, Inc., and Food 4 Less of Southern California, Inc. The Guarantees
of the New F4L Senior Notes will be released upon the occurrence of certain
events. See "Description of the New F4L Senior Notes -- Guarantees."
------------------------
SEE "RISK FACTORS" FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN FACTORS THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED
BY POTENTIAL INVESTORS.
------------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS
PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
OFFENSE.
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<S> <C> <C> <C>
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PRICE TO UNDERWRITING PROCEEDS TO
PUBLIC(1) DISCOUNT(2) COMPANY(3)
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Per New F4L Senior Note.................. % % %
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total.................................... $ $ $
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</TABLE>
(1) Plus accrued interest, if any, from , 1995.
(2) Food 4 Less and the Subsidiary Guarantors, jointly and severally, have
agreed to indemnify the Underwriters (as defined) against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended. See "Underwriting."
(3) Before deducting expenses payable by Food 4 Less, estimated at $ .
------------------------
The New F4L Senior Notes are offered by the Underwriters, subject to prior
sale, when, as and if delivered to and accepted by the Underwriters, and subject
to approval of certain legal matters by counsel. It is expected that delivery of
the New F4L Senior Notes will be made on or about , 1995, at the
offices of BT Securities Corporation, One Bankers Trust Plaza, New York, New
York.
------------------------
BT SECURITIES CORPORATION
CS FIRST BOSTON
DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE
SECURITIES CORPORATION
------------------------
The date of this Prospectus is , 1995
<PAGE> 4
(cover page continued)
Concurrently with this Offering, (i) Food 4 Less is (A) offering to holders
of its 10.45% Senior Notes due 2000 (the "Old F4L Senior Notes") to exchange
such Old F4L Senior Notes for additional New F4L Senior Notes (which will be
part of the same issue as the New F4L Senior Notes offered hereby) plus $5.00 in
cash for each $1,000 principal amount of Old F4L Senior Notes exchanged and to
holders of its 13.75% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2001 (the "Old F4L Senior
Subordinated Notes," and together with the Old F4L Senior Notes, the "Old F4L
Notes") to exchange such Old F4L Senior Subordinated Notes for new 13.75% Senior
Subordinated Notes due 2005 (the "New F4L Senior Subordinated Notes," and
together with the New F4L Senior Notes, the "New F4L Notes") plus $20.00 in cash
for each $1,000 principal amount of Old F4L Senior Subordinated Notes exchanged,
(B) soliciting consents from holders of the Old F4L Notes to certain amendments
to the indentures (collectively, the "Old F4L Indentures"), under which the Old
F4L Notes were issued (such transactions being referred to herein collectively
as the "F4L Exchange Offers"), (C) offering to holders of RGC's 9% Senior
Subordinated Notes due 2003 (the "Old RGC 9% Notes") and to holders of RGC's
10 1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2002 (the "Old RGC 10 1/4% Notes," and
together with the Old RGC 9% Notes, the "Old RGC Notes") to exchange such Old
RGC Notes for new Senior Subordinated Notes due 2005 (the "New RGC Notes") plus
$10.00 in cash for each $1,000 principal amount of Old RGC Notes exchanged, and
(D) soliciting consents from the holders of Old RGC Notes to certain amendments
to the indentures (collectively, the "Old RGC Indentures") under which the Old
RGC Notes were issued (such transactions being referred to herein collectively
as the "RGC Exchange Offers" and, together with the F4L Exchange Offers, the
"Exchange Offers"), and (E) Food 4 Less Holdings, Inc. ("Holdings"), which
currently owns 100% of the outstanding stock of Food 4 Less, is soliciting
consents from holders of its 15.25% Senior Discount Notes due 2004 (the
"Holdings Discount Notes") to certain amendments to the indenture (the "Holdings
Discount Note Indenture"), under which the Holdings Discount Notes were issued,
with respect to which Holdings will make a cash consent payment of $20.00 for
each $1,000 principal amount of Holdings Discount Notes for which a consent is
properly delivered and accepted (such transaction being referred to herein as
the "Holdings Consent Solicitation"). Prior to the Merger, Holdings' parent
corporation, Food 4 Less, Inc. ("FFL"), will merge with and into Holdings, which
will be the surviving corporation (the "FFL Merger"). Immediately following the
FFL Merger, Holdings will change its jurisdiction of incorporation by merging
into a newly formed, wholly-owned subsidiary incorporated in Delaware ("New
Holdings"). See "The Merger and the Financing," "Description of Holding Company
Indebtedness" and "The Exchange Offers." The Exchange Offers and the Holdings
Consent Solicitation are sometimes hereinafter referred to as the "Other Debt
Financing Transactions." The New RGC Notes and any Old RGC Notes not exchanged
in the RGC Exchange Offers are collectively referred to herein as the "RGC
Senior Subordinated Notes." The New F4L Senior Notes and any Old F4L Senior
Notes not exchanged in the F4L Exchange Offers are collectively referred to
herein as the "F4L Senior Notes." The New F4L Senior Subordinated Notes and any
Old F4L Senior Subordinated Notes not exchanged in the F4L Exchange Offers are
collectively referred to herein as the "F4L Senior Subordinated Notes."
Concurrently with the consummation of this Offering and the Other Debt
Financing Transactions, Food 4 Less and RGC intend to obtain new senior
financing (the "Bank Financing") pursuant to a senior facility of up to $1,075
million (the "New Credit Facility") and to obtain $150 million in cash equity
financing (the "New Equity Investment"). In addition, New Holdings will issue as
part of the consideration for the RSI Merger $100 million aggregate principal
amount of 13% Senior Subordinated Pay-In-Kind Debentures due 2007 (the "Seller
Debentures"). See "The Merger and the Financing."
Standard & Poor's Ratings Group ("Standard & Poor's") has publicly
announced that, upon consummation of the Merger, it intends to assign a new
rating to the Old RGC Notes. Such new rating assignment, if implemented, would
constitute a Rating Decline (as defined) under the Old RGC Indentures. The
consummation of the Merger (which is conditioned on, among other things,
successful consummation of the Other Debt Financing Transactions and the Bank
Financing, which itself is conditioned upon the exchange of at least 80% of the
aggregate principal amount of each of the Old RGC Notes and the Old F4L Notes
pursuant to the Exchange Offers prior to their expiration date (the "Minimum
Tender")) and the resulting change in composition of the Board of Directors of
RGC, together with the anticipated Rating Decline would
ii
<PAGE> 5
(cover page continued)
constitute a Change of Control Triggering Event (as defined) under the Old RGC
Indentures. Upon such a Change of Control Triggering Event, the Company would be
obligated to make a change of control purchase offer following the consummation
of the Merger for all outstanding Old RGC Notes at 101% of the principal amount
thereof ($90.9 million, assuming $90 million of Old RGC Notes are outstanding
following the Merger) plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of purchase
(the "Change of Control Offer"). The Merger will not constitute a change of
control under the Old F4L Indentures and no change of control purchase offer
will be made with respect to the Old F4L Notes.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
Food 4 Less has filed a Registration Statement on Form S-1 (the
"Registration Statement") with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities
Act") with respect to the New F4L Senior Notes. Each of Food 4 Less and RGC is
subject to the reporting and other informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and the rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder, and in accordance therewith files reports
and other information with the Commission. Such reports and other information
filed by Food 4 Less or RGC with the Commission can be inspected without charge
at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Room 1024, Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the following Regional
Offices of the Commission: New York Regional Office, 7 World Trade Center, 13th
Floor, New York, New York 10048; and Chicago Regional Office, Suite 1400,
Northwestern Atrium Center, 500 West Madison Street, Chicago, Illinois 60661.
Copies of such materials can also be obtained from the Public Reference Section
of the Commission, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed
rates.
In addition, whether or not it is required to do so by the rules and
regulations of the Commission, the Company will be obligated under the indenture
governing the New F4L Senior Notes (the "New F4L Senior Note Indenture") to file
with the Commission (i) all quarterly and annual financial information that
would be required to be contained in a filing with the Commission on Forms 10-Q
and 10-K, including a "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations" and, with respect to the annual information
only, a report thereon by the Company's independent certified public accountants
and (ii) all reports that would be required to be filed with the Commission on
Form 8-K. The Company intends to furnish to each holder of New F4L Senior Notes,
upon their request, annual reports containing audited financial statements and
quarterly reports containing unaudited financial information for the first three
quarters of each fiscal year. Any such request should be directed to Jan Charles
Gray, the Senior Vice-President, General Counsel and Secretary of Ralphs Grocery
Company at 1100 West Artesia Boulevard, Compton, California 90220, telephone
number (310) 884-4000.
This Prospectus summarizes the contents and terms of documents not included
herewith. These documents are available upon request from, as applicable, Food 4
Less at 777 South Harbor Blvd., La Habra, California 90631, telephone number
(714) 738-2000, Attn: Robert P. Bermingham, Esq., Vice President and General
Counsel; RGC at 1100 West Artesia Blvd., Compton, California 90220, telephone
number (310) 884-4000, Attn: Jan Charles Gray, Esq., Senior Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary.
IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVER-ALLOT OR EFFECT
TRANSACTIONS WHICH STABILIZE OR MAINTAIN THE MARKET PRICE OF THE NEW F4L SENIOR
NOTES, THE NEW F4L SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES OR THE OLD F4L NOTES AT LEVELS
ABOVE THOSE WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE PREVAIL IN THE OPEN MARKET. SUCH STABILIZING,
IF COMMENCED, MAY BE DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME.
iii
<PAGE> 6
SUMMARY
The following summary is qualified in its entirety by, and should be read
in conjunction with, the more detailed information and financial data, including
the Financial Statements and notes thereto, appearing elsewhere in this
Prospectus. Unless the context otherwise requires, the terms "Food 4 Less" and
"Ralphs," as used herein, refer to Food 4 Less and RSI and their consolidated
subsidiaries, respectively, prior to the consummation of the Merger. The
"Company" refers to Ralphs Grocery Company as the surviving and renamed
corporation following the consummation of the Merger and includes, unless the
context otherwise requires, all of its consolidated subsidiaries. As used
herein, "Southern California" means Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, San
Bernardino, Riverside and San Diego counties. Except as otherwise stated,
references in this Prospectus to numbers of stores prior to the consummation of
the Merger are as of October 1, 1994. References to the "pro forma" number of
stores to be operated by the Company following the consummation of the Merger
are based on October 1, 1994 totals, but give effect to certain anticipated
store conversions, divestitures and closings.
THE COMPANY
The combination of Ralphs Grocery Company and Food 4 Less Supermarkets,
Inc. will create the largest food retailer in Southern California. Pro forma for
the Merger, the Company will operate approximately 332 Southern California
stores with an estimated 26% market share among the area's supermarkets. The
Company will operate the second largest conventional supermarket chain in the
region under the "Ralphs" name and the largest warehouse supermarket chain under
the "Food 4 Less" name. In addition, the Company will operate approximately 24
conventional format stores and 39 warehouse format stores in Northern California
and the Midwest. Management believes that by the end of the fourth full year of
combined operations, approximately $90 million in net annual cost savings will
be achieved as a result of the Merger. Pro forma for the Merger, the Company
would have had sales of approximately $5.1 billion, operating income of $183
million and EBITDA (as defined) of $343 million for the 52 weeks ended June 25,
1994. Management believes the Merger will enhance the growth and profitability
of Ralphs and Food 4 Less by providing the Company with the following benefits:
- - TWO LEADING COMPLEMENTARY FORMATS. The Company will operate its conventional
supermarkets in Southern California under the "Ralphs" name and all of its
price impact warehouse format stores in Southern California under the "Food 4
Less" name. Pro forma for the Merger and certain planned store conversions,
the Company will operate 264 Ralphs conventional format stores and 68 Food 4
Less warehouse format stores in the region. The Ralphs stores will continue to
emphasize a broad selection of merchandise, high quality fresh produce, meat
and seafood and service departments, including bakery and delicatessen
departments in most stores. The Company's conventional stores will also
benefit from Ralphs' strong private label program and its strengths in
merchandising, store operations and systems. Passing on format-related
efficiencies, the price impact warehouse format stores will continue to offer
consumers the lowest overall prices while providing product selections
comparable to conventional supermarkets. Management believes the Food 4 Less
warehouse format has demonstrated its appeal to a wide range of demographic
groups in Southern California and offers a significant opportunity for future
growth. The Company plans to open nine new Food 4 Less warehouse stores and 21
new Ralphs stores over the next two years.
- - SUBSTANTIAL COST SAVINGS OPPORTUNITIES. Management believes that approximately
$90 million of net annual cost savings will be achieved by the end of the
fourth full year of combined operations. It is also anticipated that
approximately $117 million in Merger-related capital expenditures and $50
million of other non-recurring costs will be required to complete store
conversions, integrate operations and expand warehouse facilities over the
same period. Although a portion of the anticipated cost savings is premised
upon the completion of such capital expenditures, management believes that
over 70% of the cost savings could be achieved without making any
Merger-related capital expenditures.
The following anticipated savings are based on estimates and assumptions
made by the Company that are inherently uncertain, though considered reasonable
by the Company, and are subject to significant business,
1
<PAGE> 7
economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, all of which are
difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of management.
There can be no assurance that such savings will be achieved. The sum of the
components of the estimated annual cost savings exceeds $90 million; however,
management has made an offsetting adjustment to reflect its expectation that a
portion of the savings will be reinvested in the Company's operations. See "Risk
Factors -- Ability to Achieve Anticipated Cost Savings."
-- REDUCED ADVERTISING EXPENSES. Consolidating the conventional format stores
in Southern California under the "Ralphs" name will eliminate the separate
advertising associated with Food 4 Less' existing Alpha Beta, Boys and Viva
formats. Since Ralphs' current advertising program covers the Southern
California region, the Company will be able to advertise for all of its
Southern California stores under the existing Ralphs program. Management
estimates that annual advertising cost savings of approximately $28 million
will be achieved in the first full year of combined operations.
-- REDUCED STORE OPERATIONS EXPENSE. Management expects to reduce store
operations costs as a result of both reduced labor and benefit costs and
reduced non-labor expenses. Store-level labor savings will be achieved when
Ralphs' labor scheduling, computerized record keeping and other advanced
store systems are applied to the Food 4 Less store base. In addition,
management believes that the adoption of Ralphs' store systems in non-labor
areas, such as energy management, safety programs and pooled supply
purchasing, will produce further annual cost savings. Management estimates
that annual store operations cost savings of approximately $21 million will
be achieved by the fourth full year of combined operations after certain
required capital expenditures are made.
-- INCREASED VOLUME PURCHASING EFFICIENCIES. The combined volume requirements
and leading market position of the Company should generally allow the
Company to obtain improved terms from vendors, including suppliers of
products carried on an exclusive or promoted basis, and to convert some
less-than-truckload shipping quantities to full truckload quantities.
Management estimates that annual purchasing cost savings of approximately
$19 million will be achieved by the second full year of combined
operations.
-- WAREHOUSING AND DISTRIBUTION EFFICIENCIES. Consolidating the Company's
warehousing and distribution operations into Ralphs' two primary facilities
located in Compton, California and in the Atwater district of Los Angeles
and Food 4 Less' primary facility located in La Habra, California will
result in lower outside storage, transportation and labor costs. In
addition, occupancy costs will be reduced as a result of the closure of
certain existing facilities. Management estimates that annual warehousing
and distribution cost savings of approximately $16 million will be achieved
by the third full year of combined operations after certain capital
expenditures on existing facilities are completed.
-- CONSOLIDATED MANUFACTURING. Ralphs and Food 4 Less operate manufacturing
facilities that produce similar products or have excess capacity.
Management believes that consolidating meat, bakery, dairy, and other
manufacturing and processing operations, and discontinuing external
purchases of certain goods that can be manufactured internally, will
achieve annual cost savings of approximately $11 million by the second full
year of combined operations.
-- CONSOLIDATED ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS. The Company expects to achieve
savings from the elimination of redundant administrative staff, the
consolidation of management information systems and a decreased reliance on
certain outside services and consultants. Management estimates that annual
savings of approximately $15 million associated with consolidating
administrative functions will be achieved by the second full year of
combined operations.
- - TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED WAREHOUSING AND DISTRIBUTION. The Company will
utilize Ralphs' technologically advanced warehousing and distribution
systems, which include a 17 million cubic foot high-rise automated storage
and retrieval system warehouse (the "ASRS") for non-perishable items and a
5.4 million cubic foot perishable service center (the "PSC") designed for
processing, storing and distributing all perishable items. These facilities
will provide the Company with substantial operating benefits, including: (i)
enhanced turnover to further improve the freshness and quality of in-store
products, (ii) reduced in-store storage space to increase available selling
space, (iii) added opportunities in forward buying programs and (iv) an
increased percentage of inventory supplied by the Company's own warehousing
and distribution system. Management believes the utilization of these
facilities will enable the
2
<PAGE> 8
Company to meet the combined inventory requirements of all stores with fewer
employees and lower operating and occupancy-related expenses.
- - STORE LOCATIONS. As a result of Ralphs' 122-year history and Alpha Beta
Company's ("Alpha Beta") 91-year history in Southern California, the Company
will have valuable and well established store locations, many of which are in
densely populated metropolitan areas.
- - RECENTLY REMODELED AND NEW STORE BASE. The Company will have a modern,
technologically advanced store base. During the five years ended June 25,
1994, on a combined basis, Ralphs and Food 4 Less opened 74 new stores and
remodeled 211 stores. Approximately 84% of the Company's stores have been
opened or remodeled during the last five years.
- - EXPERIENCED MANAGEMENT TEAM. The executive officers of the Company have
extensive experience in the supermarket industry. The strength of Ralphs
management expertise is evidenced by Ralphs' reputation for quality and
service, technologically advanced systems, strong store operations and high
historical EBITDA margins. The Food 4 Less management team will provide
valuable experience in operating warehouse supermarkets and in effectively
integrating companies into a combined operation. Following the acquisition of
Alpha Beta in 1991, Food 4 Less management successfully integrated Alpha Beta
with its existing Southern California operations and (within three years)
achieved annual cost savings in excess of $40 million (compared to a
pre-acquisition estimate of approximately $33 million).
THE YUCAIPA COMPANIES
Food 4 Less was organized in 1989 by its sponsor, The Yucaipa Companies
("Yucaipa"), a private investment group which specializes in the supermarket
industry. Yucaipa has a successful track record in acquiring, integrating and
improving the cash flow of supermarket companies. Since 1986, Yucaipa and its
affiliated companies have completed ten acquisition transactions, including five
acquisitions by Food 4 Less and its subsidiaries. Following completion of the
Merger, Yucaipa and its affiliates will control the Board of Directors of New
Holdings and the Company.
THE MERGER AND THE FINANCING
On September 14, 1994, Food 4 Less Supermarkets, Inc. ("Food 4 Less"), Food
4 Less Holdings, Inc. ("Holdings"), and the parent company of Holdings, Food 4
Less, Inc. ("FFL"), entered into a definitive Agreement and Plan of Merger (the
"Merger Agreement") with Ralphs Supermarkets, Inc. ("RSI") and its stockholders.
Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, Food 4 Less will be merged with
and into RSI (the "RSI Merger"). Immediately following the RSI Merger, RGC,
which is currently a wholly-owned subsidiary of RSI, will merge with and into
RSI (the "RGC Merger," and together with the RSI Merger, the "Merger"), and RSI
will change its name to Ralphs Grocery Company ("Ralphs Grocery Company" or the
"Company"). Prior to the Merger, FFL will merge with and into Holdings, which
will be the surviving corporation (the "FFL Merger"). Immediately following the
FFL Merger, Holdings will change its jurisdiction of incorporation by merging
into a newly-formed, wholly-owned subsidiary ("New Holdings"), incorporated in
Delaware (the "Reincorporation Merger"). As a result of the Merger, the FFL
Merger and the Reincorporation Merger, the Company will become a wholly-owned
subsidiary of New Holdings. See "-- Corporate Structure." As a result of the RSI
Merger and the RGC Merger, the New F4L Senior Notes will be the obligations of
the Company. Conditions to the consummation of the RSI Merger include the
receipt of regulatory approvals and other necessary consents and the completion
of financing. The purchase price for RSI is approximately $1.5 billion,
including the assumption of debt. The consideration payable to the stockholders
of RSI consists of $425 million in cash and $100 million principal amount of the
Seller Debentures to be issued by New Holdings. New Holdings will use $150
million of cash received from the New Equity Investment, together with $100
million principal amount of the Seller Debentures, to acquire approximately 48%
of the capital stock of RSI immediately prior to consummation of the RSI Merger.
New Holdings will then contribute the $250 million of purchased shares of RSI
stock to Food 4 Less, and pursuant to the RSI Merger the remaining shares of RSI
stock will be acquired for $275 million in cash.
3
<PAGE> 9
As currently contemplated, the Merger will be financed through the
following transactions (collectively, the "Financing"):
- Borrowings of up to $750 million aggregate principal amount of the New
Term Loans (as defined) under the New Credit Facility to be provided by a
syndicate of banks led by Bankers Trust Company ("Bankers Trust"). The
New Credit Facility will also provide for a $325 million revolving credit
facility (the "New Revolving Facility"), $23.4 million of which is
anticipated to be drawn at closing.
- The issuance of up to $400 million of New F4L Senior Notes pursuant to
this Offering.
- The issuance of preferred stock in a private placement by New Holdings to
a group of investors (the "New Equity Investors") led by Apollo Advisors,
L.P. (on behalf of one or more managed entities) or its affiliates and
designees ("Apollo") and including affiliates of BT Securities
Corporation ("BT Securities") and CS First Boston Corporation ("CS First
Boston") and other institutional investors, yielding cash proceeds of
$150 million pursuant to the New Equity Investment. Concurrently with the
New Equity Investment, the New Equity Investors will purchase outstanding
shares of New Holdings capital stock from a stockholder of New Holdings
for a purchase price of $57.7 million. See "Description of Capital
Stock -- New Equity Investment."
- The exchange by Food 4 Less pursuant to the F4L Exchange Offers of (a) up
to $175 million aggregate principal amount of the Old F4L Senior Notes
for up to $175 million aggregate principal amount of New F4L Senior Notes
plus $5.00 in cash per $1,000 principal amount exchanged and (b) up to
$145 million aggregate principal amount of the Old F4L Senior
Subordinated Notes for up to $145 million aggregate principal amount of
the New F4L Senior Subordinated Notes plus $20.00 in cash per $1,000
principal amount exchanged, together with the solicitation of consents
from the holders of the Old F4L Notes to certain amendments to the Old
F4L Indentures. It is a condition to the F4L Exchange Offers that at
least 80% of the outstanding principal amount of the Old F4L Notes are
exchanged pursuant to the F4L Exchange Offers.
- The exchange by Food 4 Less pursuant to the RGC Exchange Offers of up to
$450 million aggregate principal amount of the Old RGC Notes for up to
$450 million aggregate principal amount of the New RGC Notes plus $10.00
in cash per $1,000 principal amount exchanged, together with the
solicitation of consents from the holders of the Old RGC Notes to certain
amendments to the Old RGC Indentures. It is a condition to the RGC
Exchange Offers that at least 80% of the outstanding principal amount of
the Old RGC Notes are exchanged pursuant to the RGC Exchange Offers.
- The purchase by New Holdings of approximately 48% of the outstanding
common stock of RSI for an aggregate consideration of $250 million,
consisting of the proceeds of the New Equity Investment and $100 million
principal amount of the Seller Debentures, followed by the contribution
of such common stock of RSI to Food 4 Less. Pursuant to the RSI Merger,
the remaining shares of RSI stock will be acquired for $275 million in
cash.
- The assumption by the Company, pursuant to the Merger, of approximately
$157.7 million of other indebtedness of RGC and Food 4 Less.
- The solicitation of certain consents pursuant to the Holdings Consent
Solicitation from the holders of the Holdings Discount Notes to certain
amendments to the Holdings Discount Note Indenture.
4
<PAGE> 10
The following table illustrates the sources and uses of funds to consummate
the Merger, assuming the transaction occurs as of February 1, 1995. This
presentation assumes that $360 million principal amount of Old RGC Notes is
tendered into the RGC Exchange Offers and $256 million principal amount of Old
F4L Notes is tendered into the F4L Exchange Offers, in each case representing
80% of the outstanding aggregate principal amount of such securities. The
presentation also assumes that the remaining $90 million of Old RGC Notes not
tendered into the RGC Exchange Offers are repurchased after the Closing Date
pursuant to the Change of Control Offer. Although management believes such
assumptions are reasonable under the circumstances, actual sources and uses may
differ from those set forth below depending upon the outcome of the Exchange
Offers.
For additional information regarding the Financing, see "The Merger and the
Financing."
SOURCES AND USES
(in millions)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CASH SOURCES CASH USES
- --------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
New Term Loans(a)................ $ 750.0 Purchase RSI Common Stock(g)....... $ 425.9
New Revolving Facility(b)........ 23.4 Purchase Old RGC Notes(h).......... 90.9
New F4L Senior Notes(c).......... 400.0 Repay Ralphs 1992 Credit
New Equity Investment(d)......... 150.0 Agreement....................... 296.0
Repay F4L Credit Agreement......... 170.0
Pay Accrued Interest(i)............ 16.1
Pay EAR Liability(j)............... 22.8
Repay Mortgage Indebtedness(k)..... 187.0
Fees and Expenses(l)............... 114.7
--------
Total Cash Sources............ $1,323.4 Total Cash Uses................. $1,323.4
======== ========
NON-CASH SOURCES NON-CASH USES
- --------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------
New F4L Senior Notes(e).......... $ 140.0 Old F4L Senior Notes Exchanged..... $ 140.0
Assumed Old F4L Senior Notes..... 35.0 Assumed Old F4L Senior Notes....... 35.0
New F4L Senior Subordinated Old F4L Senior Subordinated Notes
Notes......................... 116.0 Exchanged....................... 116.0
Assumed Old F4L Senior Assumed Old F4L Senior Subordinated
Subordinated Notes............ 29.0 Notes........................... 29.0
New RGC Notes.................... 360.0 Old RGC Notes Exchanged............ 360.0
Assumed Capital Leases and Other Assumed Capital Leases and Other
Debt.......................... 157.7 Debt............................ 157.7
Seller Debentures(f)............. 100.0 Purchase RSI Common Stock(f)....... 100.0
-------- --------
Total Non-Cash Sources........ $ 937.7 Total Non-Cash Uses............. $ 937.7
======== ========
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(a) Food 4 Less has accepted a commitment letter from Bankers Trust pursuant to
which Bankers Trust has agreed, subject to certain conditions, to provide
the Company up to a maximum aggregate amount of $1,075 million of financing
under the New Credit Facility. It is anticipated that the New Credit
Facility will be syndicated to a number of financial institutions for whom
Bankers Trust will act as agent. The New Credit Facility will provide for
(i) term loans in the aggregate amount of up to $750 million, comprised of a
$375 million tranche with a six year term (the "Tranche A Loan"), a $125
million tranche with a seven year term (the "Tranche B Loan"), a $125
million tranche with an eight year term (the "Tranche C Loan"), and a $125
million tranche with a nine year term (the "Tranche D Loan," and, together
with the Tranche A Loan, Tranche B Loan and Tranche C Loan, the "New Term
Loans"); and (ii) a $325 million revolving credit facility (the "New
Revolving Facility"). The New Term Loans and the New Revolving Facility are
referred to collectively as the "New Credit Facility." See "Description of
the New Credit Facility."
(b) The New Revolving Facility will provide for a $325 million line of credit
which will be available for working capital requirements and general
corporate purposes. Up to $150 million of the New Revolving Facility may be
used to support standby letters of credit. The letters of credit will be
used to cover workers' compensation contingencies and for other purposes
permitted under the New Revolving Facility. The Company anticipates that
letters of credit for approximately $101 million will be issued under the
New Revolving Facility at closing, in replacement of existing letters of
credit, primarily to satisfy the State of California's requirements relating
to workers compensation self-insurance.
(c) Represents New F4L Senior Notes issued pursuant to this Offering. If Food 4
Less receives tenders in excess of the Minimum Tender in the RGC Exchange
Offers, Food 4 Less may elect to decrease the amount of New F4L Senior Notes
being offered pursuant to this Offering.
5
<PAGE> 11
(d) Does not include the $10 million equity contribution by Ralphs management.
See note (j) below. Concurrently with the New Equity Investment, certain
existing stockholders of New Holdings (formerly stockholders of FFL),
including affiliates of George Soros, will sell outstanding shares of New
Holdings stock to CLH Supermarket Corp. ("CLH"), a corporation owned by
certain Yucaipa partners, which in turn will sell such shares to the New
Equity Investors for an aggregate purchase price of $57.7 million (which
represents the same price per share as will be paid in the New Equity
Investment). In connection with the New Equity Investment, the New Equity
Investors will contribute the common stock so acquired to New Holdings in
consideration for newly-issued preferred shares. See "Description of Capital
Stock -- New Equity Investment."
(e) Represents New F4L Senior Notes issued pursuant to the F4L Exchange Offers,
which will be part of the same issue as the New F4L Senior Notes issued
pursuant to this Offering.
(f) In connection with the RSI Merger, New Holdings will issue $100 million
principal amount of the Seller Debentures as part of the purchase price for
the RSI common stock, up to $10 million of which may be put to Yucaipa on
the closing date of the Merger at a purchase price equal to their principal
amount pursuant to the Put Agreement (as defined). In addition, Yucaipa will
be reimbursed by the Company for (i) any losses incurred upon the resale of
the $10 million principal amount of Seller Debentures which may be put to it
pursuant to the Put Agreement and (ii) its expenses in connection with the
Merger and the related transactions. See "The Merger and the Financing" and
"Description of Holding Company Indebtedness -- The Seller Debentures."
(g) Includes $425 million to be paid in cash to stockholders of RSI and $0.9
million to be paid in cash to holders of RSI management stock options. See
"Executive Compensation -- New Management Stock Option Plan and Management
Investment."
(h) Represents the purchase of Old RGC Notes tendered pursuant to the Change of
Control Offer which will occur up to 90 days following the Merger. A portion
of the proceeds of this Offering will be available to fund the purchase of
Old RGC Notes pursuant to the Change of Control Offer. To the extent that
any such Old RGC Notes are not tendered pursuant to the Change of Control
Offer, any excess proceeds from this Offering will be used to repay
borrowings under the New Credit Facility.
(i) Represents accrued interest payable on all debt securities assumed to be
tendered in the Exchange Offers.
(j) Represents payments to Ralphs management with respect to the cancellation of
outstanding equity appreciation rights (the "EARs" or "Equity Appreciation
Rights") in connection with the Merger. Ralphs management will receive New
Holdings stock options in exchange for the cancellation of the remaining EAR
liability of $10 million. See "Executive Compensation -- Equity Appreciation
Rights Plan."
(k) Represents the repayment of outstanding mortgage indebtedness of Ralphs in
the principal amount of $174.6 million, plus the estimated amount of the
prepayment fees payable with respect thereto.
(l) Includes an advisory fee of $24 million to be paid to Yucaipa upon closing
of the Merger. See "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions -- Food 4
Less."
6
<PAGE> 12
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
The following tables illustrate (i) the corporate structures of Food 4 Less
and Ralphs immediately prior to the RSI Merger, the RGC Merger, the
Reincorporation Merger and the FFL Merger and (ii) the corporate structure of
the Company and its parent, New Holdings, and the anticipated outstanding
indebtedness of the Company and New Holdings immediately after such mergers.
Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, Food 4 Less will merge with and
into RSI and RSI will be the surviving corporation in the RSI Merger.
Immediately following the RSI Merger, RGC will merge with and into RSI and RSI
will be the surviving corporation in the RGC Merger and will change its name to
Ralphs Grocery Company. Prior to these transactions, FFL will merge with and
into Holdings, and Holdings (which will be the surviving corporation) will
reincorporate in Delaware as New Holdings.
[See EDGAR Appendix]
7
<PAGE> 13
[See EDGAR Appendix]
8
<PAGE> 14
THE OFFERING
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
ISSUER................... The Company, as successor by merger to Food 4 Less.
SECURITIES OFFERED....... $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of % Senior Notes due
2004. The New F4L Senior Notes offered hereby will be part of an
issue of up to $575,000,000 aggregate principal amount of New F4L
Senior Notes, up to $175,000,000 aggregate principal amount of
which will be issued pursuant to the F4L Exchange Offers. See "The
Exchange Offers."
MATURITY DATE............ February 1, 2004.
INTEREST RATE............ The New F4L Senior Notes will bear interest at the rate of %
per annum.
INTEREST PAYMENT DATES... February 1 and August 1, commencing on August 1, 1995.
OPTIONAL REDEMPTION...... The New F4L Senior Notes will be redeemable at the option of the
Company, in whole or in part, at any time on or after February 1,
2000, at the redemption prices set forth herein plus accrued and
unpaid interest to the redemption date.
In addition, on or prior to February 1, 1998, the Company may, at
its option, use the net cash proceeds from one or more Public
Equity Offerings to redeem up to an aggregate of 35% of the
principal amount of the New F4L Senior Notes originally issued, at
a redemption price equal to % of the principal amount thereof
plus accrued and unpaid interest, to the redemption date.
RANKING.................. The New F4L Senior Notes will be senior unsecured obligations of
the Company and will rank senior in right of payment to all
subordinated indebtedness of the Company including the F4L Senior
Subordinated Notes and the RGC Senior Subordinated Notes. The New
F4L Senior Notes will rank pari passu in right of payment with
other senior unsecured indebtedness of the Company. However, the
New F4L Senior Notes will be effectively subordinated to all
secured indebtedness of the Company and its subsidiaries,
including indebtedness under the New Credit Facility. At September
17, 1994, on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the Merger
and the Financing (and certain related assumptions) the Company
would have had outstanding $992.7 million aggregate principal
amount of secured indebtedness.
GUARANTEES............... Each Subsidiary Guarantor will unconditionally guarantee, jointly
and severally, the full and prompt performance of the Company's
obligations under the New F4L Senior Note Indenture and the New
F4L Senior Notes.
CHANGE OF CONTROL........ Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control (as defined), each
holder will have the right to require the Company to repurchase
such holder's New F4L Senior Notes at a purchase price equal to
101% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid
interest to the date of repurchase.
CERTAIN COVENANTS........ The New F4L Senior Note Indenture contains certain covenants,
including, but not limited to, covenants with respect to the
following: (i) limitation on restricted payments; (ii) limitation
on incurrences of additional indebtedness and incurrence of
subordinated indebtedness; (iii) limitation on liens; (iv)
limitation on asset sales; (v) limitation on dividend and other
payment restrictions affecting subsidiaries; (vi) guarantees of
certain indebtedness; (vii) limitation on transactions with
affiliates; (viii) limitation on mergers and certain other
transactions; and (ix) limitations on preferred stock of
subsidiaries.
</TABLE>
9
<PAGE> 15
SUMMARY UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table sets forth summary unaudited pro forma combined
financial data for the 52 weeks ended June 25, 1994 and for the 12 weeks ended
September 17, 1994, after giving effect to the Merger and the Financing (and
certain related assumptions), as if such transactions had occurred on June 27,
1993, with respect to the pro forma operating and other data, and as of
September 17, 1994, with respect to the pro forma balance sheet data. Such pro
forma information combines the results of operations of Food 4 Less for the 52
weeks ended June 25, 1994 and the results of operations and balance sheet data
as of and for the 12 weeks ended September 17, 1994, with the results of
operations of Ralphs for the 52 weeks ended July 17, 1994 and the results of
operations and balance sheet data as of and for the 12 weeks ended October 9,
1994, respectively. See "The Merger and the Financing." The pro forma financial
data set forth below is not necessarily indicative of the results that actually
would have been achieved had such transactions been consummated as of the dates
indicated, or that may be achieved in the future. The following pro forma
financial data should be read in conjunction with the "Unaudited Pro Forma
Combined Financial Statements," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the historical consolidated
financial statements of Food 4 Less and Ralphs and related notes thereto,
included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
52 WEEKS ENDED 12 WEEKS ENDED
JUNE 25, 1994 SEPTEMBER 17, 1994
--------------- ------------------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S> <C> <C>
OPERATING DATA:
Sales.................................................... $5,053.5 $1,160.8
Gross profit............................................. 1,048.2 231.6
Selling, general and administrative expenses............. 829.9 187.6
Interest expense:
Cash.................................................. 224.6 53.3
Non-cash.............................................. 15.2 3.3
Amortization of debt issuance costs................... 11.7 2.7
-------- --------
Total interest expense................................... 251.5 59.3
Net earnings (loss)(a)................................... (85.8) (23.2)
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(b).................... -- --
BALANCE SHEET DATA (END OF PERIOD):
Working capital (deficit)........................................................ $ (5.7)
Total assets..................................................................... 3,055.1
Total debt....................................................................... 1,971.7
Stockholder's equity............................................................. 249.2
OTHER DATA:
Depreciation and amortization............................ $ 151.0 $ 34.9
Capital expenditures(c).................................. 123.2 36.3
Stores open at end of period(d).......................... -- 395
EBITDA (as defined)(a)(e)(f)............................. $ 342.5 $ 79.5
EBITDA margin(g)......................................... 6.8% 6.9%
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(a) The summary unaudited pro forma combined financial data and the results of
operations and EBITDA (as defined) for the 52 weeks ended June 25, 1994 and
the 12 weeks ended September 17, 1994 do not include certain one-time
non-recurring costs related to (i) severance payments under certain
employment contracts with Food 4 Less management totaling $1.4 million that
are subject to change of control provisions and the achievement of earnings
and sales targets, (ii) costs related to the integration of the Company's
operations, which are estimated to be $50.0 million over a three-year
period, (iii) $1.8 million in costs related to the cancellation of an
employment agreement, and (iv) other costs related to warehouse closures,
which costs are not presently determinable.
(b) For purposes of computing the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, "earnings"
consist of earnings before income taxes, cumulative effect of change in
accounting principles, extraordinary items and fixed charges before
capitalized interest. "Fixed charges" consist of interest expense (including
amortization of self-insurance reserves discount), capitalized interest,
amortization of deferred debt issuance costs and one-third of rental expense
(the portion deemed representative of the interest factor). The Company's
pro forma earnings were insufficient to cover pro forma fixed charges by
approximately $85.8 million and $23.2 million for the 52 weeks ended
10
<PAGE> 16
June 25, 1994 and the 12 weeks ended September 17, 1994, respectively.
However, such pro forma earnings included non-cash charges of $182.9 million
and $41.8 million, respectively, primarily consisting of depreciation and
amortization.
(c) Does not include Merger-related capital expenditures of $61.0 million and
$10.0 million for the 52 weeks ended June 25, 1994 and the 12 weeks ended
September 17, 1994, respectively.
(d) The pro forma number of stores is based on October 1, 1994 totals, but gives
effect to the closing or divestiture of 32 stores (29 Food 4 Less
conventional supermarkets or warehouse stores and 3 Ralphs Stores) in
connection with the Merger and the closure of 2 additional Food 4 Less
stores.
(e) "EBITDA", as defined and presented historically by RGC, represents net
earnings before interest expense, income tax expense (benefit), depreciation
and amortization expense, provision for Equity Appreciation Rights,
provision for tax indemnification payments to Federated Department Stores,
Inc. ("Federated"), provision for postretirement benefits, the LIFO charge,
extraordinary item relating to debt refinancing, provision for legal
settlement, provision for restructuring, provision for earthquake losses, a
one-time charge for Teamsters Union sick pay benefits and gains and losses
on disposal of assets. EBITDA is a widely accepted financial indicator of a
company's ability to service debt. However, EBITDA should not be construed
as an alternative to operating income or to cash flows from operating
activities (as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles) and should not be construed as an indication of the Company's
operating performance or as a measure of liquidity. See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
(f) Pro forma EBITDA does not give any effect to $90 million of anticipated net
annual cost savings which management believes are achievable by the end of
the fourth full year of combined operations. It is anticipated that
approximately $117 million in Merger-related capital expenditures and $50
million of other non-recurring costs will be required to complete store
conversions, integrate operations and expand warehouse facilities over the
same period. Although a portion of the anticipated cost savings is premised
upon the completion of such capital expenditures, management believes that
over 70% of the cost savings could be achieved without making any
Merger-related capital expenditures. As shown below, the sum of the
components of the estimated annual cost savings exceeds $90 million;
however, management has made an offsetting adjustment to reflect its
expectation that a portion of the savings will be reinvested in the
Company's operations. These anticipated savings are based on estimates and
assumptions made by the Company that are inherently uncertain, though
considered reasonable by the Company, and are subject to significant
business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, all of
which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of
management. As a result, there can be no assurance that such savings will be
achieved. See "Business -- The Merger" and "Risk Factors -- Ability to
Achieve Anticipated Cost Savings." The components of the estimated cost
savings are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(IN MILLIONS)
<S> <C>
Pro forma EBITDA for the 52 weeks ended June 25, 1994........................ $342.5
Estimated net annual cost savings:
Reduced advertising expenses............................................... 28.0
Reduced store operations expense........................................... 21.0
Increased volume purchasing efficiencies................................... 19.0
Warehousing and distribution efficiencies.................................. 16.0
Consolidated manufacturing................................................. 11.0
Consolidated administrative functions...................................... 15.0
Less: Annual reinvestment of cost savings.................................. (20.0)
------
Total estimated net annual cost savings...................................... $ 90.0
------
Sum of EBITDA (as defined) and full amount of estimated annual cost savings
to be realized over four years............................................. $432.5
======
</TABLE>
(g) EBITDA margin represents EBITDA (as defined) as a percentage of sales.
11
<PAGE> 17
SUMMARY HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA OF RALPHS
The following table sets forth summary historical financial data of RGC (as
the predecessor of RSI) as of and for the 52 weeks ended January 28, 1990, the
53 weeks ended February 3, 1991 and the 52 weeks ended February 2, 1992, and
summary historical financial data of RSI as of and for the 52 weeks ended
January 31, 1993 and January 30, 1994, which have been derived from the
financial statements of RSI and RGC audited by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP,
independent certified public accountants. The summary historical financial data
of RSI presented below as of and for the 36 weeks ended October 10, 1993 and
October 9, 1994 have been derived from unaudited interim financial statements of
RSI which, in the opinion of management, reflect all material adjustments,
consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair
presentation of such data. The following information should be read in
conjunction with the Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements,
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" and the historical consolidated financial statements of RSI and RGC
and related notes thereto included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
52 WEEKS 53 WEEKS 52 WEEKS 52 WEEKS 52 WEEKS 36 WEEKS 36 WEEKS
ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED
JANUARY 28, FEBRUARY 3, FEBRUARY 2, JANUARY 31, JANUARY 30, OCTOBER 10, OCTOBER 9,
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1993 1994
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS) (UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATING DATA:
Sales........................ $2,556.1 $2,799.1 $2,889.2 $2,843.8 $2,730.2 $1,874.2 $1,856.3
Gross profit................. 505.0 573.7 614.0 626.6 636.5 429.1 423.3
Selling, general and
administrative expense..... 391.0 435.8 456.6 466.7 467.6 319.4 316.0
Interest expense(a).......... 130.9 128.5 130.2 125.6 108.8 75.7 77.2
Net earnings (loss)(b)....... (69.7) (51.4) (41.2) (76.1) 138.4(h) 23.7 19.9
Ratio of earnings to fixed
charges(c)................. --(c) --(c) --(c) 1.02x 1.24x 1.27x 1.22x
BALANCE SHEET DATA (end of
period):
Working capital surplus
(deficit).................. $ (46.5) $ (93.9) $ (114.2) $ (122.0) $ (73.0) $ (87.5) $ (118.3)
Total assets................. 1,404.8 1,406.4 1,357.6 1,388.5 1,483.7 1,363.9 1,491.4
Total debt(d)................ 991.0 986.1 941.9 1,029.8 998.9 990.4 1,000.6
Redeemable stock............. 3.0 3.0 3.0 -- -- -- --
Stockholders' equity
(deficit).................. 35.4 (16.0) (57.2) (133.3) 5.1 (109.5) 15.0
OTHER DATA:
Depreciation and
amortization(e)............ $ 81.6 $ 75.2 $ 76.6 $ 76.9 $ 74.5 $ 51.7 $ 51.9
Capital expenditures......... 103.5 87.6 50.4 102.7 62.2 46.8 44.5
Stores open at end of
period..................... 142 150 158 159 165 163 168
EBITDA (as defined)(f)....... $ 188.8 $ 207.0 $ 225.8 $ 227.3 $ 230.2 $ 155.9 $ 156.1
EBITDA margin(g)............. 7.4% 7.4% 7.8% 8.0% 8.4% 8.3% 8.4%
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(a) Interest expense includes non-cash charges related to the amortization of
deferred debt issuance costs of $4.1 million for the 52 weeks ended January
28, 1990, $4.1 million for the 53 weeks ended February 3, 1991, $5.0 million
for the 52 weeks ended February 2, 1992, $5.5 million for the 52 weeks ended
January 31, 1993, $6.5 million for the 52 weeks ended January 30, 1994 and
$4.5 and $4.3 for the 36 weeks ended October 10, 1993 and October 9, 1994,
respectively.
(b) Net earnings (loss) includes expenses relating to provisions for Equity
Appreciation Rights and for tax indemnification payments to Federated,
extraordinary item relating to debt refinancing, loss on disposal of assets,
provisions for postretirement and pension benefits and provision for
earthquake losses.
(c) For purposes of computing the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, "earnings"
consist of earnings before income taxes, cumulative effect of change in
accounting principles, extraordinary item and fixed charges before
capitalized interest. "Fixed charges" consist of interest expense (including
amortization of self-insurance reserves discount), capitalized interest,
amortization of deferred debt issuance costs and one-third of rental expense
(the portion deemed representative of the interest factor). Earnings were
insufficient to cover fixed charges for the 52 weeks ended January 28, 1990,
the 53 weeks ended February 3, 1991 and the 52 weeks ended February 2, 1992
by approximately $57.7 million, $25.5 million and $27.7 million,
respectively.
(d) Total debt includes long-term debt, current maturities of long-term debt,
short-term debt and capital lease obligations.
(e) For the 52 weeks ended January 28, 1990, the 53 weeks ended February 3,
1991, the 52 weeks ended February 2, 1992, January 31, 1993 and January 30,
1994 and the 36 weeks ended October 10, 1993 and October 9, 1994,
depreciation and amortization includes amortization of the excess of cost
over net assets acquired of $11.7 million, $11.0 million, $11.0 million,
$11.0 million, $11.0 million, $7.6 million and $7.6 million, respectively.
(f) "EBITDA," as defined and presented historically by RGC, represents earnings
before interest expense, income tax expense (benefit), depreciation and
amortization expense, provisions for Equity Appreciation Rights, provision
for tax indemnification payments to Federated, provision for postretirement
benefits, the LIFO charge, extraordinary item relating to debt refinancing,
provision for legal settlement, provision for restructuring, provision for
earthquake losses, a one-time charge for Teamsters Union sick pay benefits
and loss on disposal of assets. EBITDA is a widely accepted financial
indicator of a company's ability to service debt. However, EBITDA should not
be construed as an alternative to operating income or to cash flows from
operating activities (as determined in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles) and should not be construed as an indication of
Ralphs' operating performance or as a measure of liquidity. See
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations."
(g) EBITDA margin represents EBITDA (as defined) as a percentage of sales.
(h) Includes recognition of $109.1 million of deferred income tax benefit and
$1.1 million current income tax expense for Fiscal 1993 (see Note 11 of
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Ralphs Supermarkets, Inc.).
12
<PAGE> 18
SUMMARY HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA OF FOOD 4 LESS
The following table sets forth summary historical financial data of Food 4
Less as of and for the 53 weeks ended June 30, 1990 and the 52 weeks ended June
29, 1991, June 27, 1992, June 26, 1993 and June 25, 1994 which have been derived
from the financial statements of Food 4 Less audited by Arthur Andersen LLP,
independent public accountants. The summary historical financial data of Food 4
Less presented below as of and for the 12 weeks ended September 18, 1993 and
September 17, 1994 have been derived from unaudited interim financial statements
of Food 4 Less which, in the opinion of management, reflect all material
adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a
fair presentation of such data. The following information should be read in
conjunction with the Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements,
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" and the historical consolidated financial statements of Food 4 Less
and related notes thereto included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
53 WEEKS 52 WEEKS 52 WEEKS 52 WEEKS 52 WEEKS 12 WEEKS 12 WEEKS
ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED
JUNE 30, JUNE 29, JUNE 27, JUNE 26, JUNE 25, SEPTEMBER 18, SEPTEMBER 17,
1990 1991(A) 1992 1993 1994(B) 1993 1994
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------------- -------------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS) (UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATING DATA:
Sales.................................... $1,318.2 $1,606.6 $2,913.5 $2,742.0 $2,585.2 $616.6 $598.7
Gross profit............................. 204.8 265.7 520.8 484.2 469.3 112.4 103.0
Selling, general, administrative and
other expense.......................... 157.8 213.1 469.7 434.9 388.8 95.7 88.1
Interest expense(c)...................... 50.8 50.1 70.2 69.8 68.3 15.7 16.0
Net loss................................. (10.1) (9.6) (33.8) (27.4) (2.7) (1.1) (3.3)
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(d).... --(d) --(d) --(d) --(d) 1.0x --(d) --(d)
BALANCE SHEET DATA (end of period)(e):
Working capital surplus (deficit)........ $ (40.5) $ 13.7 $ (66.3) $ (19.2) $ (54.9) $(18.6) $(58.1)
Total assets............................. 574.7 980.0 998.5 957.8 980.1 967.3 978.5
Total debt(f)............................ 360.7 558.9 525.3 538.1 517.9 530.6 518.8
Redeemable stock......................... 5.1 -- -- -- -- -- --
Stockholder's equity..................... 20.6 84.6 50.8 72.9 69.0 71.6 65.7
OTHER DATA:
Depreciation and amortization(g)......... $ 25.8 $ 31.9 $ 54.9 $ 57.6 $ 57.1 $ 13.1 $ 13.0
Capital expenditures..................... 36.4 34.7 60.3 53.5 57.5 6.6 16.8
Stores open at end of period............. 115 259 249 248 258 248 261
EBITDA (as defined)(h)................... $ 69.5 $ 80.7 $ 103.1 $ 105.9 $ 130.5 $ 29.0 $ 29.7
EBITDA margin(i)......................... 5.3% 5.0% 3.5% 3.9% 5.0% 4.7% 5.0%
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(a) Operating data for the 52 weeks ended June 29, 1991 include the results of
Alpha Beta only from June 17, 1991, the date of its acquisition. Alpha
Beta's sales for the two weeks ended June 29, 1991 were $59.2 million.
(b) Operating data for the 52 weeks ended June 25, 1994 include the results of
the Food Barn stores, which were not material from March 29, 1994, the date
of the Food Barn acquisition.
(c) Interest expense includes non-cash charges related to the amortization of
deferred financing costs of $4.1 million for the 53 weeks ended June 30,
1990, $5.2 million for the 52 weeks ended June 29, 1991, $6.3 million for
the 52 weeks ended June 27, 1992, $4.9 million for the 52 weeks ended June
26, 1993, $5.5 million for the 52 weeks ended June 25, 1994, $1.2 million
for the 12 weeks ended September 18, 1993 and $1.3 million for the 12 weeks
ended September 17, 1994.
(d) For purposes of computing the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, "earnings"
consist of loss before provision for income taxes and extraordinary charges
plus fixed charges. "Fixed charges" consist of interest on all indebtedness,
amortization of deferred debt financing costs and one-third of rental
expense (the portion deemed representative of the interest factor). Earnings
were insufficient to cover fixed charges for the 53 weeks ended June 30,
1990, the 52 weeks ended June 29, 1991, June 27, 1992 and June 26, 1993 and
the 12 weeks ended September 18, 1993 and September 17, 1994, by
approximately $9.1 million, $3.4 million, $25.6 million, $25.9 million, $0.8
million and $2.4 million respectively. However, such earnings included
non-cash charges of $29.9 million for the 53 weeks ended June 30, 1990,
$37.0 million for the 52 weeks ended June 29, 1991, $61.2 million for the 52
weeks ended June 27, 1992, $62.5 million for the 52 weeks ended June 26,
1993, $14.3 million for the 12 weeks ended September 18, 1993 and $14.3
million for the 12 weeks ended September 17, 1994, primarily consisting of
depreciation and amortization.
(e) Balance sheet data as of June 30, 1990 relate to Food 4 Less and include the
effect of the acquisition of Breco Holding Company (the "BHC Acquisition"),
as well as the acquisitions of Bell Markets, Inc. and certain assets of ABC
Market Corp. Balance sheet data as of June 29, 1991, June 27, 1992, June 26,
1993 and September 18, 1993 relate to Food 4 Less and reflect the Alpha Beta
acquisition and the financings and refinancings associated therewith.
Balance sheet data as of June 25, 1994 and September 17, 1994 relate to Food
4 Less and reflect the acquisition of the Food Barn stores.
(f) Total debt includes long-term debt, current maturities of long-term debt and
capital lease obligations.
(g) For the 53 weeks ended June 30, 1990, the 52 weeks ended June 29, 1991, June
27, 1992, June 26, 1993 and June 25, 1994, and for the 12 weeks ended
September 18, 1993 and September 17, 1994, depreciation and amortization
includes amortization of excess of cost over net assets acquired of $5.3
million, $5.3 million, $7.8 million, $7.6 million, $7.7 million, $1.8
million and $1.8 million, respectively.
(h) "EBITDA," as defined and presented historically by Food 4 Less, represents
income before interest expense, depreciation and amortization expense, the
LIFO provision, provision for income taxes, provision for earthquake losses
and a one-time charge for Teamsters Union sick pay benefits. EBITDA is a
widely accepted financial indicator of a company's ability to service debt.
However, EBITDA should not be construed as an alternative to operating
income or to cash flows from operating activities (as determined in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles) and should not be
construed as an indication of Food 4 Less' operating performance or as a
measure of liquidity. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations."
(i) EBITDA margin represents EBITDA (as defined) as a percentage of sales.
13
<PAGE> 19
RISK FACTORS
Prospective investors should carefully consider the following factors, in
addition to the other matters described in this Prospectus, before purchasing
New F4L Senior Notes.
LEVERAGE AND DEBT SERVICE
Following the consummation of the Merger and the Financing, the Company
will be highly leveraged. At September 17, 1994, pro forma for the Merger and
the Financing (and certain related assumptions), the Company's total
indebtedness (including current maturities) and stockholder's equity would have
been $1,971.7 million and $249.2 million, respectively, and the Company would
have had an additional $218.2 million available to be borrowed under the New
Revolving Facility. In addition, as of September 17, 1994, after giving effect
to the Merger and the Financing, scheduled payments under operating leases of
the Company and its subsidiaries for the twelve months following the Merger
would have been $111.6 million. On the same pro forma basis, for the 52 weeks
ended June 25, 1994 and the 12 weeks ended September 17, 1994, the Company's
earnings before fixed charges would have been inadequate to cover fixed charges
by $85.8 million and $23.2 million, respectively. However, such earnings include
non-cash charges of $182.9 million and $41.8 million, respectively, primarily
consisting of depreciation and amortization. At September 17, 1994, after giving
effect to the Merger, the FFL Merger, the Financing and the Reincorporation
Merger (and certain related assumptions), New Holdings would have had (i) $61.4
million in accreted value of Indebtedness outstanding under the Holdings
Discount Notes, which will accrete to $103.6 million aggregate principal amount
on December 15, 1997 and (ii) $100 million principal amount of Indebtedness
outstanding under the Seller Debentures which, through payment of interest
thereon with additional Seller Debentures, will increase to $187.7 million
aggregate principal amount over a five-year period. The New F4L Senior Note
Indenture permits the Company (in the absence of a default or event of default
thereunder) to pay cash dividends to New Holdings in an amount sufficient to
allow New Holdings to pay interest on such Indebtedness when due. The Company's
ability to make scheduled payments of the principal of, or interest on, or to
refinance its Indebtedness (including the New F4L Senior Notes) and to make
scheduled payments under its operating leases depends on its future performance,
which to a certain extent is subject to economic, financial, competitive and
other factors beyond its control.
Based upon the current level of operations and anticipated cost savings,
the Company believes that its cash flow from operations, together with
borrowings under the New Revolving Facility and its other sources of liquidity
(including leases), will be adequate to meet its anticipated requirements for
working capital, capital expenditures, interest payments and scheduled principal
payments over the next several years. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Liquidity and Capital
Resources." There can be no assurance, however, that the Company's business will
continue to generate cash flow at or above current levels or that anticipated
cost savings can be fully achieved. If the Company is unable to generate
sufficient cash flow from operations in the future to service its debt and make
necessary capital expenditures, or if its future earnings growth is insufficient
to amortize all required principal payments out of internally generated funds,
the Company may be required to refinance all or a portion of its existing debt,
sell assets or obtain additional financing. There can be no assurance that any
such refinancing or asset sales would be possible or that any additional
financing could be obtained, particularly in view of the Company's high level of
debt following the Merger and the fact that substantially all of its assets will
be pledged to secure the borrowings under the New Credit Facility and other
secured obligations.
The Company's high level of debt will have several important effects on its
future operations, including the following: (a) the Company will have
significant cash requirements to service debt, reducing funds available for
operations and future business opportunities and increasing the Company's
vulnerability to adverse general economic and industry conditions; (b) the
financial covenants and other restrictions contained in the New Credit Facility
and other agreements relating to the Company's senior indebtedness and in the
New F4L Senior Note Indenture will require the Company to meet certain financial
tests and will restrict its ability to borrow additional funds, to dispose of
assets or to pay cash dividends; and (c) because of the Company's debt service
requirements, funds available for working capital, capital expenditures,
acquisitions and general corporate purposes, may be limited. The Company's
leveraged position may increase its
14
<PAGE> 20
vulnerability to competitive pressures. The Company's continued growth depends,
in part, on its ability to continue its expansion and store conversion efforts,
and, therefore, its inability to finance capital expenditures through borrowed
funds could have a material adverse effect on the Company's future operations.
Moreover, any default under the documents governing the indebtedness of the
Company could have a significant adverse effect on the market value of the New
F4L Senior Notes.
ABILITY TO ACHIEVE ANTICIPATED COST SAVINGS
Management of the Company has estimated that approximately $90 million of
annualized net cost savings can be achieved over a four year period as a result
of integrating the operations of Ralphs and Food 4 Less. See "Business -- The
Merger." The cost savings estimates have been prepared solely by members of the
management of each company. The estimates necessarily make numerous assumptions
as to future sales levels and other operating results, the availability of funds
for capital expenditures as well as general industry and business conditions and
other matters, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Several of
the cost savings estimates are premised on the assumption that certain levels of
efficiency presently maintained by either Food 4 Less or Ralphs can be achieved
by the combined Company following the Merger. Other estimates are based on a
management consensus as to what levels of purchasing and similar efficiencies
should be achievable by an entity the size of the Company. Certain of the
estimates relating to the consolidation of warehousing and distribution
facilities assume the completion of certain capital expenditures to expand the
capacity of the continuing facilities. It is anticipated that $117 million in
Merger-related capital expenditures and $50 million of other non-recurring costs
will be required to complete store conversions, integrate operations and expand
warehouse facilities over the four year period following the Merger, without
which the estimated cost savings may not be fully achievable. Because the
assumptions underlying the cost savings estimates are numerous and detailed,
management believes that it would be impractical to specify all such assumptions
in this Prospectus. However, management also believes that all such assumptions
are reasonable in light of existing business conditions and prospects. Investors
are cautioned that the actual cost savings realized by the Company may vary
considerably from the estimates contained herein and that undue reliance should
not be placed upon such estimates. There also can be no assurance that
unforeseen costs and expenses or other factors will not offset the projected
cost savings in whole or in part.
REGIONAL ECONOMIC CONDITIONS
Following the consummation of the Merger, a substantial percentage of the
Company's business (representing approximately 90% of pro forma sales) will be
conducted in Southern California. Southern California began to experience a
significant economic downturn in 1991 and has only recently begun a mild
recovery. The economy in Southern California has been affected by substantial
job losses in the defense and aerospace industries and other adverse economic
trends. These adverse regional economic conditions have resulted in declining
sales levels at Ralphs and Food 4 Less in recent periods. For the 52 weeks ended
June 25, 1994, and the 52 weeks ended January 30, 1994, Food 4 Less and Ralphs
experienced 6.9% and 5.8% declines, respectively, in comparable store sales as
compared with the comparable period in the prior year, primarily reflecting the
weak economy in Southern California, lower levels of price inflation in certain
food product categories, and increased competitive store openings in Southern
California. For the 12 weeks ended September 17, 1994 and the 36 weeks ended
October 9, 1994, Food 4 Less and Ralphs experienced 5.8% and 3.8% declines,
respectively, in comparable store sales. Although the declines in comparable
store sales have begun to moderate in recent months, and management believes
that sales trends will continue to be favorable, there can be no assurance that
this trend will continue or that substantial future declines in same store sales
will not occur. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations."
COMPETITION
The supermarket industry is highly competitive and characterized by narrow
profit margins. The Company's competitors in each of its operating divisions
include national and regional supermarket chains, independent and specialty
grocers, drug and convenience stores, and the newer "alternative format" food
15
<PAGE> 21
stores, including warehouse club stores, deep discount drug stores and "super
centers." Supermarket chains generally compete on the basis of location, quality
of products, service, price, product variety and store condition. The Company
regularly monitors its competitors' prices and adjusts its prices and marketing
strategy as management deems appropriate in light of existing conditions. Some
of the Company's competitors have greater financial resources than the Company
and could use these resources to take steps which could adversely affect the
Company's competitive position. See "Business -- Competition."
CORPORATE STRUCTURE; EFFECTS OF ASSET ENCUMBRANCES
Following the consummation of the Merger, a significant portion of the
Company's operating income will be generated by its subsidiaries. As a result,
the Company will rely on distributions or advances from its subsidiaries to
provide a portion of the funds necessary to meet its debt service obligations,
including the payment of principal and interest on the New F4L Senior Notes.
Should the Company fail to satisfy any payment obligation under the New F4L
Senior Notes, the holders would have a direct claim therefor against the
Subsidiary Guarantors pursuant to their Guarantees. However, the capital stock
of, and substantially all of the assets of, the Subsidiary Guarantors will be
pledged to secure the obligations of the Company and such subsidiaries under the
New Credit Facility and other secured obligations. The New F4L Senior Note
Indenture will limit, but not prohibit, the ability of the Company and its
subsidiaries to incur additional secured indebtedness. In the event of a default
under the New Credit Facility (or any other secured indebtedness), the lenders
thereunder would be entitled to a claim on the assets securing such indebtedness
which is prior to any claim of the holders of the New F4L Senior Notes.
Accordingly, there may be insufficient assets remaining after payment of prior
secured claims (including claims of lenders under the New Credit Facility) to
pay amounts due on the New F4L Senior Notes.
In addition, if a court were to avoid the Guarantees under fraudulent
conveyance laws or other legal principles or, by the terms of such Guarantees,
the obligations thereunder were reduced as necessary to prevent such avoidance,
or the Guarantees were released, the claims of other creditors of the Subsidiary
Guarantors, including trade creditors, would to such extent have priority as to
the assets of such Subsidiary Guarantors over the claims of the holders of the
New F4L Senior Notes. The Guarantees of the New F4L Senior Notes by any
Subsidiary Guarantor will be released upon the sale of such Subsidiary Guarantor
or upon the release by the lenders under the New Credit Facility of such
Subsidiary Guarantor's Guarantee of the Company's obligation under the New
Credit Facility. The New F4L Senior Note Indenture limits the ability of the
Company and its subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness and to enter into
agreements that would restrict the ability of any subsidiary to make
distributions, loans or other payments to the Company. However, these
limitations are subject to certain exceptions. See "-- Fraudulent Conveyance
Risks" and "Description of the New F4L Senior Notes."
CONTROL OF THE COMPANY
Following completion of the Merger, the FFL Merger and the Reincorporation
Merger, all of the Company's outstanding common stock will be held by New
Holdings. Pro forma for the Merger and certain related events, affiliates of
Yucaipa and Apollo will have beneficial ownership of approximately 37.2% and
33.1%, respectively, of the outstanding capital stock of New Holdings. Pursuant
to a new stockholders' agreement (the "1995 Stockholders Agreement") which will
be entered into by new equity investors and certain current FFL stockholders and
Holdings warrantholders, upon completion of the Merger, New Holdings and the
Company will have boards consisting of nine and ten members, respectively, and
Yucaipa, Apollo and BT Investment Partners, Inc. ("BTIP") will have the right to
elect six (seven in the case of the Company), two and one director(s),
respectively, to each board. Under the 1995 Stockholders Agreement, unless and
until New Holdings has effected an initial public offering of its equity
securities meeting certain criteria, New Holdings and its subsidiaries,
including the Company, may not take certain actions without the approval of at
least two of the three New Holdings directors which the new equity investors are
entitled to elect, including but not limited to certain mergers, sale
transactions, transactions with affiliates, issuances of capital stock and
payments of dividends on or repurchases of capital stock. As a result of the
ownership structure of the Company and the contractual rights described above,
the voting and management control of the Company is highly concentrated.
Yucaipa, acting with the consent of Apollo, has the ability to direct the
16
<PAGE> 22
actions of the Company with respect to matters such as the payment of dividends,
material acquisitions and dispositions and other extraordinary corporate
transactions. Yucaipa will be a party to a consulting agreement with the
Company, pursuant to which Yucaipa will render certain management and advisory
services to the Company, and will receive fees for such services. Yucaipa will
also receive certain fees in connection with the consummation of the Merger,
including a $24 million advisory fee payable upon the closing of the Merger. In
addition, as a result of the Merger, certain officers and former officers of
Ralphs will redeem the EARs for $22.8 million in cash and will cancel certain
options to purchase common stock of RSI for $880,000. An additional $10 million
of the EARs, however, will be reinvested in the New Holdings by such officers
and former officers. Yucaipa will also be reimbursed for (i) any losses incurred
upon the resale of the $10 million principal amount of Seller Debentures which
may be put to it pursuant to the Put Agreement and (ii) its expenses in
connection with the Merger and the related transactions. In addition, on the
Closing Date, the Company and EJDC will enter into a Consulting Agreement,
pursuant to which EJDC will act as a consultant to the Company with respect to
certain real estate and general commercial matters for a period of five years
from the Closing Date in exchange for the payment of a one-time consulting fee
of $9 million. See "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions," "Principal
Stockholders" and "Description of Capital Stock."
FRAUDULENT CONVEYANCE RISKS
Various fraudulent conveyance laws have been enacted for the protection of
creditors and may be utilized by a court to subordinate or avoid the New F4L
Senior Notes or any Guarantee in favor of other existing or future creditors of
the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor.
If a court in a lawsuit on behalf of any unpaid creditor of the Company or
a representative of the Company's creditors were to find that, at the time the
Company issued the New F4L Senior Notes, the Company (x) intended to hinder,
delay or defraud any existing or future creditor or contemplated insolvency with
a design to prefer one or more creditors to the exclusion in whole or in part of
others or (y) did not receive fair consideration or reasonably equivalent value
for issuing such New F4L Senior Notes and the Company (i) was insolvent, (ii)
was rendered insolvent by reason of such distribution, (iii) was engaged or
about to engage in a business or transaction for which its remaining assets
constituted unreasonably small capital to carry on its business, or (iv)
intended to incur, or believed that it would incur, debts beyond its ability to
pay such debts as they matured, such court could void such New F4L Senior Notes
and void such transactions. Alternatively, in such event, claims of the holders
of such New F4L Senior Notes could be subordinated to claims of the other
creditors of the Company.
The Company's obligations under the New F4L Senior Notes will be guaranteed
by the Subsidiary Guarantors. To the extent that a court were to find that (x) a
Guarantee was incurred by a Subsidiary Guarantor with intent to hinder, delay or
defraud any present or future creditor or the Subsidiary Guarantor contemplated
insolvency with a design to prefer one or more creditors to the exclusion in
whole or in part of others or (y) such Subsidiary Guarantor did not receive fair
consideration or reasonably equivalent value for issuing its Guarantee and such
Subsidiary Guarantor (i) was insolvent, (ii) was rendered insolvent by reason of
the issuance of such Guarantee, (iii) was engaged or about to engage in a
business or transaction for which the remaining assets of such Subsidiary
Guarantor constituted unreasonably small capital to carry on its business, or
(iv) intended to incur, or believed that it would incur, debts beyond its
ability to pay such debts as they matured, the court could void or subordinate
such Guarantee in favor of the Subsidiary Guarantor's creditors. Among other
things, a legal challenge of a Guarantee on fraudulent conveyance grounds may
focus on the benefits, if any, realized by the Subsidiary Guarantor as a result
of the issuance by the Company of the applicable New F4L Senior Notes.
To the extent any Guarantees were avoided as a fraudulent conveyance or
held unenforceable for any other reason, holders of the New F4L Senior Notes
would cease to have any claim in respect of such Subsidiary Guarantor and would
be creditors solely of the Company and any Subsidiary Guarantor whose Guarantee
was not avoided or held unenforceable. In such event, the claims of the holders
of the applicable New F4L Senior Notes against the issuer of an invalid
Guarantee would be subject to the prior payment of all liabilities and preferred
stock claims of such Subsidiary Guarantor. There can be no assurance that, after
providing for all prior claims and preferred stock interests, if any, there
would be sufficient assets to satisfy the
17
<PAGE> 23
claims of the holders of the applicable New F4L Senior Notes relating to any
voided portions of any of the Guarantees.
Based upon financial and other information currently available to it,
management of the Company believes that the New F4L Senior Notes and the
Guarantees are being incurred for proper purposes and in good faith and that the
Company and each Subsidiary Guarantor (i) is solvent and will continue to be
solvent after issuing the New F4L Senior Notes or its Guarantees, as the case
may be, (ii) will have sufficient capital for carrying on its business after
such issuance, and (iii) will be able to pay its debts as they mature. See
"Management's Discussions and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations -- Liquidity and Capital Resources."
ABSENCE OF ESTABLISHED PUBLIC MARKET FOR THE NEW F4L SENIOR NOTES
There is no established market for the New F4L Senior Notes and there can
be no assurance as to the liquidity of any markets that may develop for the New
F4L Senior Notes, the ability of holders of the New F4L Senior Notes to sell
their New F4L Senior Notes, or the price at which holders would be able to sell
their New F4L Senior Notes. Future trading prices of the New F4L Senior Notes
will depend on many factors, including, among other things, prevailing interest
rates, the Company's operating results and the market for similar securities.
The Underwriters have advised the Company that they currently intend to make a
market in the New F4L Senior Notes. However, the Underwriters are not obligated
to do so and any market-making may be discontinued at any time without notice.
18
<PAGE> 24
THE MERGER AND THE FINANCING
On September 14, 1994, Food 4 Less and its parent company, Holdings, and
FFL entered into the Merger Agreement with RSI and the stockholders of RSI.
Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, Food 4 Less will, subject to
certain conditions being satisfied or waived, be merged with and into RSI
pursuant to the RSI Merger. Immediately following the RSI Merger, RGC, which is
currently a wholly-owned subsidiary of RSI, will merge with and into RSI
pursuant to the RGC Merger, and RSI will change its name to Ralphs Grocery
Company. Prior to the Merger, FFL will merge with and into Holdings which will
be the surviving corporation in the FFL Merger. Immediately following the FFL
Merger, Holdings will change its jurisdiction of incorporation by merging into a
newly-formed, wholly-owned subsidiary, New Holdings, incorporated in Delaware,
pursuant to the Reincorporation Merger. As a result of the Merger, the FFL
Merger and the Reincorporation Merger, the Company will become a wholly-owned
subsidiary of New Holdings. Upon consummation of the RSI Merger and RGC Merger,
the New F4L Senior Notes will be the obligations of the Company. Conditions to
the consummation of the RSI Merger include the receipt of regulatory approvals
and other necessary consents and completion of financing. The purchase price for
RSI is approximately $1.5 billion, including the assumption of debt. The
consideration payable to the stockholders of RSI consists of $425 million in
cash and $100 million principal amount of the Seller Debentures to be issued by
New Holdings. New Holdings will use $150 million of cash received from the New
Equity Investment, together with $100 million principal amount of the Seller
Debentures, to acquire approximately 48% of the capital stock of RSI immediately
prior to consummation of the RSI Merger. New Holdings will then contribute the
$250 million of purchased shares of RSI stock to Food 4 Less, and pursuant to
the RSI Merger the remaining shares of RSI stock will be acquired for $275
million in cash. Pursuant to an agreement (the "Put Agreement") entered into in
connection with the execution of the Merger Agreement, the Edward J. DeBartolo
Corporation, an Ohio corporation ("EJDC"), which currently owns approximately
60.3% of the outstanding common stock of RSI, will have the right to put to
Yucaipa, which controls Food 4 Less, on the closing date of the Merger (the
"Closing Date"), up to $10 million aggregate principal amount of Seller
Debentures acquired by EJDC in connection with the Merger, at a purchase price
equal to their principal amount. Yucaipa also will be reimbursed for (i) any
losses incurred upon the resale of the $10 million principal amount of Seller
Debentures which may be put to it pursuant to the Put Agreement and (ii) its
expenses in connection with the Merger and the related transactions. In
addition, on the Closing Date the Company and EJDC will enter into a Consulting
Agreement, pursuant to which EJDC will act as a consultant to the Company with
respect to certain real estate and general commercial matters for a period of
five years from the Closing Date in exchange for the payment of a consulting fee
of $9 million.
As currently contemplated, the Merger will be financed through the
following transactions:
- Borrowings of up to $750 million aggregate principal amount pursuant to
the New Term Loans under the New Credit Facility to be provided by a
syndicate of banks led by Bankers Trust. The New Credit Facility will
also provide for the $325 million New Revolving Facility, $23.4 million
of which is anticipated to be drawn at closing.
- The issuance of up to $400 million of New F4L Senior Notes pursuant to
this Offering.
- The issuance of preferred stock in a private placement by New Holdings to
a group of investors led by Apollo and including affiliates of BT
Securities and CS First Boston and other institutional investors,
yielding cash proceeds of $150 million pursuant to the New Equity
Investment. Concurrently with the New Equity Investment, the New Equity
Investors will purchase outstanding shares of New Holdings capital stock
from a stockholder of New Holdings for a purchase price of $57.7 million.
See "Description of Capital Stock -- New Equity Investment."
- The exchange by Food 4 Less pursuant to the F4L Exchange Offers of (a) up
to $175 million aggregate principal amount of the Old F4L Senior Notes
for up to $175 million aggregate principal amount of New F4L Senior Notes
plus $5.00 in cash per $1,000 principal amount exchanged and (b) up to
$145 million aggregate principal amount of the Old F4L Senior
Subordinated Notes for up to $145 million aggregate principal amount of
the New F4L Senior Subordinated Notes plus $20.00 in cash per $1,000
principal amount exchanged, together with the solicitation of consents
from the holders of the Old F4L Notes to certain amendments to the Old
F4L Indentures. It is a condition to the F4L
19
<PAGE> 25
Exchange Offers that at least 80% of the outstanding principal amount of
Old F4L Notes are exchanged pursuant to the F4L Exchange Offers.
- The exchange by Food 4 Less pursuant to the RGC Exchange Offer of up to
$450 million aggregate principal amount of the Old RGC Notes for up to
$450 million aggregate principal amount of the New RGC Notes plus $10.00
in cash per $1,000 principal amount exchanged, together with the
solicitation of consents from the holders of the Old RGC Notes to certain
amendments to the Old RGC Indentures. It is a condition to the RGC
Exchange Offer that at least 80% of the outstanding principal amount of
the Old RGC Notes are exchanged pursuant to the RGC Exchange Offers.
- The purchase by New Holdings of approximately 48% of the outstanding
common stock of RSI for an aggregate consideration of $250 million,
consisting of the proceeds of the New Equity Investment and $100 million
principal amount of the Seller Debentures followed by the contribution of
such common stock of RSI to Food 4 Less. Pursuant to the RSI Merger the
remaining shares of RSI stock will be acquired for $275 million in cash.
- The assumption by the Company, pursuant to the RGC Merger, of
approximately $157.7 million of other indebtedness of RGC and Food 4
Less.
- The solicitation of certain consents pursuant to the Holdings Consent
Solicitation from the holders of the Holdings Discount Notes to certain
amendments to the Holdings Discount Note Indenture.
20
<PAGE> 26
The following table illustrates the sources and uses of funds to consummate
the Merger, assuming the transaction occurs as of February 1, 1995. This
presentation assumes that $360 million principal amount of Old RGC Notes is
tendered into the RGC Exchange Offers and $256 million principal amount of Old
F4L Notes is tendered into the F4L Exchange Offers, in each case representing
80% of the outstanding aggregate principal amount of such securities. The
presentation also assumes that the remaining $90 million of Old RGC Notes not
tendered into the RGC Exchange Offers are repurchased after the Closing Date
pursuant to the Change of Control Offer. Although management believes such
assumptions are reasonable under the circumstances, actual sources and uses may
differ from those set forth below depending upon the outcome of the Exchange
Offers.
SOURCES AND USES
(in millions)
<TABLE>
CASH SOURCES CASH USES
- --------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
New Term Loans(a).................. $ 750.0 Purchase RSI Common Stock(g)....... $ 425.9
New Revolving Facility(b).......... 23.4 Purchase Old RGC Notes(h).......... 90.9
Repay Ralphs 1992 Credit
New F4L Senior Notes(c)............ 400.0 Agreement........................ 296.0
New Equity Investment(d)........... 150.0 Repay F4L Credit Agreement......... 170.0
--------
Pay Accrued Interest(i)............ 16.1
Pay EAR Liability(j)............... 22.8
Repay Mortgage Indebtedness(k)..... 187.0
Fees and Expenses(l)............... 114.7
--------
Total Cash Sources............ $1,323.4 Total Cash Uses............... $1,323.4
======== ========
NON-CASH SOURCES NON-CASH USES
- --------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------
New F4L Senior Notes(e)............ $ 140.0 Old F4L Senior Notes Exchanged..... $ 140.0
Assumed Old F4L Senior Notes....... 35.0 Assumed Old F4L Senior Notes....... 35.0
New F4L Senior Subordinated Old F4L Senior Subordinated Notes
Notes............................ 116.0 Exchanged........................ 116.0
Assumed Old F4L Senior Subordinated Assumed Old F4L Senior Subordinated
Notes............................ 29.0 Notes............................ 29.0
New RGC Notes...................... 360.0 Old RGC Notes Exchanged............ 360.0
Assumed Capital Leases and Other Assumed Capital Leases and Other
Debt............................. 157.7 Debt............................. 157.7
Seller Debentures(f)............... 100.0 Purchase RSI Common Stock(f)....... 100.0
-------- --------
Total Non-Cash Sources........ $ 937.7 Total Non-Cash Uses........... $ 937.7
======== ========
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(a) Food 4 Less has accepted a commitment letter from Bankers Trust pursuant to
which Bankers Trust has agreed, subject to certain conditions, to provide
the Company up to a maximum aggregate amount of $1,075 million of financing
under the New Credit Facility. It is anticipated that the New Credit
Facility will be syndicated to a number of financial institutions for whom
Bankers Trust will act as agent. The New Credit Facility will provide for
(i) the New Term Loans in the aggregate amount of up to $750 million,
comprised of the $375 million Tranche A Loan, the $125 million Tranche B
Loan, the $125 million Tranche C Loan, and the $125 million Tranche D Loan,
and (ii) the $325 million New Revolving Facility. See "Description of the
New Credit Facility."
(b) The New Revolving Facility will provide for a $325 million line of credit
which will be available for working capital requirements and general
corporate purposes. Up to $150 million of the New Revolving Facility may be
used to support standby letters of credit. The letters of credit will be
used to cover workers' compensation contingencies and for other purposes
permitted under the New Revolving Facility. The Company anticipates that
letters of credit for approximately $101 million will be issued under the
New Revolving Facility at closing, in replacement of existing letters of
credit, primarily to satisfy the State of California's requirements relating
to workers compensation self-insurance.
(c) Represents New F4L Senior Notes issued pursuant to this Offering. If Food 4
Less receives tenders in excess of the Minimum Tender in the RGC Exchange
Offers, Food 4 Less may elect to decrease the amount of New F4L Senior Notes
being offered pursuant to this Offering.
(d) Does not include the $10 million equity contribution by Ralphs management.
See note (j) below. Concurrently with the New Equity Investment, certain
existing stockholders of New Holdings (formerly stockholders of FFL),
including affiliates of George Soros, will sell outstanding shares of New
Holdings stock to CLH, which in turn will sell such shares to the New Equity
Investors for an
21
<PAGE> 27
aggregate purchase price of $57.7 million (which represents the same
price per share as will be paid in the New Equity Investment). In
connection with the New Equity Investment, the New Equity Investors will
contribute the common stock so acquired to New Holdings in consideration
for newly-issued preferred shares. See "Description of Capital Stock -- New
Equity Investment."
(e) Represents New F4L Senior Notes issued pursuant to the F4L Exchange Offers,
which will be part of the same issue as the New F4L Senior Notes issued
pursuant to this Offering.
(f) In connection with the RSI Merger, New Holdings will issue $100 million
principal amount of the Seller Debentures as part of the purchase price for
the RSI common stock, up to $10 million of which may be put to Yucaipa on
the Closing Date at a purchase price equal to their principal amount
pursuant to the Put Agreement. In addition, Yucaipa will be reimbursed by
the Company for (i) any losses incurred upon the resale of the $10 million
principal amount of Seller Debentures which may be put to it pursuant to the
Put Agreement and (ii) its expenses in connection with the Merger and the
related transactions. See "Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions -- Food 4 Less."
(g) Includes $425 million to be paid in cash to stockholders of RSI and $0.9
million to be paid in cash to holders of RSI management stock options. See
"Executive Compensation -- New Management Stock Option Plan and Management
Investment."
(h) Represents the purchase of Old RGC Notes tendered pursuant to the Change of
Control Offer which will occur up to 90 days following the Merger. A portion
of the proceeds of this Offering will be available to fund the purchase of
Old RGC Notes pursuant to the Change of Control Offer. To the extent that
any such Old RGC Notes are not tendered pursuant to the Change of Control
Offer, any excess proceeds from this Offering will be used to repay
borrowings under the New Credit Facility.
(i) Represents accrued interest payable on all debt securities assumed to be
tendered in the Exchange Offers.
(j) Represents payments to Ralphs management with respect to the cancellation of
outstanding EARs in connection with the Merger. Ralphs management will
receive New Holdings stock options in exchange for the cancellation of the
remaining EAR liability of $10 million. See "Executive
Compensation -- Equity Appreciation Rights Plan."
(k) Represents the repayment of outstanding mortgage indebtedness of Ralphs in
the principal amount of $174.6 million, plus the estimated amount of the
prepayment fees payable with respect thereto.
(l) Includes an advisory fee of $24 million to be paid to Yucaipa upon the
closing of the Merger. See "Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions -- Food 4 Less."
For additional information, see "Description of the New Credit Facility," "The
Exchange Offers" and "Description of Holding Company Indebtedness."
22
<PAGE> 28
PRO FORMA CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth the pro forma combined capitalization of the
Company as of September 17, 1994, adjusted to give effect to the Merger and the
Financing (and certain related assumptions) and the application of the proceeds
therefrom. This presentation assumes that $360 million principal amount of Old
RGC Notes is tendered into the RGC Exchange Offers, and $256 million principal
amount of Old F4L Notes is tendered into the F4L Exchange Offers. This
presentation also assumes that the remaining $90 million of Old RGC Notes not
tendered into the RGC Exchange Offers are repurchased after the Closing Date
pursuant to the Change of Control Offer. The table should be read in conjunction
with the Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements and the historical
consolidated financial statements of Ralphs and Food 4 Less and related notes
thereto included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRO FORMA
CAPITALIZATION
--------------
(IN MILLIONS)
<S> <C>
Cash...................................................................................... $ 62.7
========
Short-term and current portion of long-term debt:
New Term Loans.......................................................................... $ 3.8
Other indebtedness...................................................................... 21.5
--------
Total short-term and current portion of long-term debt........................... $ 25.3
========
Long-term debt:
New Term Loans(a)....................................................................... $ 746.2
New Revolving Facility(b)............................................................... 5.8
Other indebtedness...................................................................... 114.4
New F4L Senior Notes(c)................................................................. 540.0
Old F4L Senior Notes.................................................................... 35.0
New RGC Notes(d)........................................................................ 360.0
New F4L Senior Subordinated Notes....................................................... 116.0
Old F4L Senior Subordinated Notes....................................................... 29.0
--------
Total long-term debt............................................................. $1,946.4
--------
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value............................................................ 0.0
Additional paid-in capital.............................................................. 424.1
Notes receivable(e)..................................................................... (0.6)
Retained deficit........................................................................ (171.8)
Treasury stock.......................................................................... (2.5)
--------
Total stockholders' equity............................................................ 249.2
--------
Total capitalization............................................................. $2,195.6
========
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(a) Food 4 Less has accepted a commitment letter from Bankers Trust pursuant to
which Bankers Trust has agreed, subject to certain conditions, to provide
the Company up to a maximum aggregate amount of $1,075 million of financing
under the New Credit Facility. It is anticipated that the New Credit
Facility will be syndicated to a number of financial institutions for whom
Bankers Trust will act as agent. The New Credit Facility will provide for
(i) the New Term Loans in the aggregate amount of up to $750 million,
comprised of the $375 million Tranche A Loan, the $125 million Tranche B
Loan, the $125 million Tranche C Loan and the $125 million Tranche D Loan,
and (ii) the $325 million New Revolving Facility. See "Description of the
New Credit Facility."
(b) The New Revolving Facility will provide for a $325 million line of credit
which will be available for working capital requirements and general
corporate purposes. Up to $150 million of the New Revolving Facility may be
used to support standby letters of credit. The letters of credit will be
used to cover workers' compensation contingencies and for other purposes
permitted under the New Revolving Facility. The Company anticipates that
letters of credit for approximately $101 million will be issued under the
New Revolving Facility at closing, in replacement of existing letters of
credit, primarily to satisfy the State of California's requirements relating
to workers' compensation self-insurance.
(c) Includes New F4L Senior Notes issued pursuant to both this Offering and the
F4L Exchange Offers.
(d) In accordance with the terms of the Old RGC Indentures, holders of Old RGC
Notes not exchanged for New RGC Notes pursuant to the RGC Exchange Offers
will be entitled to have such Old RGC Notes repurchased by the Company
pursuant to the Change of Control Offer which will occur up to 90 days
following the closing of the Merger. A portion of the proceeds of this
Offering will be available to fund the purchase of Old RGC Notes pursuant to
the Change of Control Offer. To the extent that any such Old RGC Notes are
not tendered pursuant to the Change of Control Offer, any excess proceeds
from this Offering will be used to repay borrowings under the New Credit
Facility.
(e) Represents notes receivable from shareholders of Holdings with respect to
the purchase of Holdings' common stock. See "Executive Compensation -- Food
4 Less Stock Plan."
23
<PAGE> 29
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following unaudited pro forma combined financial statements of the
Company for the 52 weeks ended June 25, 1994 and as of and for the 12 weeks
ended September 17, 1994, give effect to the Merger and the Financing (and
certain related assumptions set forth below) and the application of the proceeds
therefrom as if such transactions occurred on June 27, 1993, with respect to the
pro forma operating and other data, and as of September 17, 1994, with respect
to the pro forma balance sheet data. Such pro forma information combines the
results of operations of Food 4 Less for the 52 weeks ended June 25, 1994 and
the results of operations and balance sheet data as of and for the 12 weeks
ended September 17, 1994, with the results of operations of Ralphs for the 52
weeks ended July 17, 1994 and the results of operations and balance sheet data
as of and for the 12 weeks ended October 9, 1994, respectively. For information
regarding the Merger and the Financing, see "The Merger and the Financing."
The pro forma adjustments are based upon the assumption that all conditions
to the consummation of this Offering are satisfied, including the following: (i)
$360 million aggregate principal amount of Old RGC Notes are tendered into the
RGC Exchange Offers and (ii) $256 million aggregate principal amount of Old F4L
Notes are tendered into the F4L Exchange Offers. The presentation also assumes
that the remaining $90 million of Old RGC Notes not tendered into the RGC
Exchange Offers are repurchased following the Closing Date pursuant to the
Change of Control Offer and that $400 million principal amount of New F4L Senior
Notes are issued pursuant to this Offering. In addition, the unaudited pro forma
combined financial statements have been prepared based upon the assumption that
upon consummation of the Merger, the Company will divest or close 32 stores.
The pro forma adjustments are based upon currently available information
and upon certain assumptions that management believes are reasonable. The Merger
will be accounted for by the Company as a purchase of Ralphs by Food 4 Less and
Ralphs' assets and liabilities will be recorded at their estimated fair market
values at the date of the Merger. The adjustments included in the unaudited pro
forma combined financial statements represent the Company's preliminary
determination of these adjustments based upon available information. There can
be no assurance that the actual adjustments will not differ significantly from
the pro forma adjustments reflected in the pro forma financial information.
The unaudited pro forma combined financial statements are not necessarily
indicative of either future results of operations or results that might have
been achieved if the foregoing transactions had been consummated as of the
indicated dates. The unaudited pro forma combined financial statements should be
read in conjunction with the historical consolidated financial statements of
Food 4 Less and Ralphs, together with the related notes thereto, included
elsewhere in this Prospectus.
24
<PAGE> 30
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
52 WEEKS ENDED
--------------------------
RALPHS FOOD 4 LESS
(HISTORICAL) (HISTORICAL)
(UNAUDITED) (AUDITED)
JULY 17, JUNE 25, PRO FORMA PRO FORMA
1994 1994 ADJUSTMENTS COMBINED
----------- ------------ ----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Sales........................................... $2,709.7 $2,585.2 $(241.4)(a) $5,053.5
Cost of sales................................... 2,076.3 2,115.9 (194.7)(a) 4,005.3
4.2 (b)
2.8 (c)
0.8 (d)
-------- -------- ------- --------
Gross profit............................... 633.4 469.3 (54.5) 1,048.2
Selling, general and administrative expenses.... 465.9 388.8 (36.4)(a) 829.9
8.1 (b)
1.4 (d)
1.6 (e)
0.5 (f)
Amortization of excess cost over net assets
acquired...................................... 11.0 7.7 11.0 (g) 29.7
Provision for restructuring..................... 2.4 0.0 -- 2.4
Provision for postretirement benefits........... 3.2 0.0 -- 3.2
-------- -------- ------- --------
Operating income........................... 150.9 72.8 (40.7) 183.0
Other expenses:
Interest expense -- cash...................... 93.2 57.0 74.4 (h) 224.6
Interest expense -- non-cash.................. 9.4 5.8 -- 15.2
Amortization of debt issuance costs........... 6.4 5.5 (0.2)(h) 11.7
Loss on disposal of assets...................... 1.8 -- -- 1.8
Provision for earthquake loss................... 11.0 4.5 -- 15.5
-------- -------- ------- --------
Earnings (loss) before income tax
provision................................ 29.1 (0.0) (114.9) (85.8)
Income tax expense (benefit).................... (108.0) 2.7 105.3 (i) --
-------- -------- ------- --------
Net earnings (loss)(o)..................... $ 137.1 $ (2.7) $(220.2) $ (85.8)
======== ======== ======= ========
Preferred stock accretion....................... -- 8.8 (8.8)(j) --
Earnings (loss) applicable to common
shares................................... $ 137.1 $ (11.5) $(211.4) $ (85.8)
======== ======== ======= ========
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(k)...... 1.2x 1.0x --
======== ======== ========
Other Data:
EBITDA(as defined)(l)(o)...................... $ 228.1 $ 130.5 $ (16.1)(m) $ 342.5
EBITDA margin(n).............................. 8.4% 5.0% 6.8%
</TABLE>
See Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Statement of Operations
25
<PAGE> 31
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS -- CONTINUED
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
12 WEEKS ENDED
---------------------------
RALPHS FOOD 4 LESS
(HISTORICAL) (HISTORICAL)
(UNAUDITED) (UNAUDITED)
OCTOBER 9, SEPTEMBER 17, PRO FORMA PRO FORMA
1994 1994 ADJUSTMENTS COMBINED
------------ ------------- ----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Sales.......................................... $615.4 $598.7 $(53.3)(a) $1,160.8
Cost of sales.................................. 476.6 495.7 (44.4)(a) 929.2
1.0 (b)
0.0 (c)
0.3 (d)
------ ------ ------ --------
Gross profit.............................. 138.8 103.0 (10.2) 231.6
Selling, general and administrative expenses... 104.8 88.1 (8.2)(a) 187.6
1.9 (b)
0.5 (d)
0.4 (e)
0.1 (f)
Amortization of excess cost over net assets
acquired..................................... 2.6 1.8 2.6 (g) 7.0
Provision for restructuring.................... 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0
Provision for postretirement benefits.......... 0.6 0.0 -- 0.6
------ ------ ------ --------
Operating income.......................... 30.8 13.1 (7.5) 36.4
Other expenses:
Interest expense -- cash..................... 22.3 13.4 17.6 (h) 53.3
Interest expense -- non-cash................. 2.0 1.3 -- 3.3
Amortization of debt issuance costs.......... 1.4 1.3 0.0 (h) 2.7
Loss (gain) on disposal of assets.............. 0.8 (0.5) -- 0.3
Provision for earthquake loss.................. 0.0 0.0 -- 0.0
------ ------ ------ --------
Earnings (loss) before income tax
provision............................... 4.3 (2.4) (25.1) (23.2)
Income tax expense (benefit)................... 0.0 0.9 (0.9)(i) 0.0
------ ------ ------ --------
Net earnings (loss)(o).................... $ 4.3 $ (3.3) $(24.2) $ (23.2)
====== ====== ====== ========
Preferred stock accretion...................... -- 2.4 (2.4)(j) --
Earnings (loss) applicable to common
shares.................................. $ 4.3 $ (5.7) $(21.8) $ (23.2)
====== ====== ====== ========
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(k)..... 1.1x -- --
====== ====== ========
Other Data:
EBITDA (as defined)(l)(o).................... $ 52.0 $ 29.7 $ (2.2)(m) $ 79.5
EBITDA margin(n)............................. 8.5% 5.0% 6.9%
</TABLE>
See Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Statement of Operations.
26
<PAGE> 32
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA
COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(a) Reflects the anticipated closing or divestiture of 32 stores. Does not give
effect to the closure of 2 Food 4 Less stores open at October 1, 1994 which
were closed subsequent to September 17, 1994.
(b) Represents the additional depreciation expense associated with the purchase
price allocation to property, plant and equipment of $160.0 million based on
the current estimate of fair market value. Property, plant and equipment is
being depreciated over an average useful life of 13 years. Depreciation
expense has been allocated among cost of sales and selling, general and
administrative expenses.
(c) Reflects the elimination of Ralphs historical LIFO provision.
(d) Reflects depreciation expense associated with approximately $36.8 million of
additional fixed assets required for the conversion of 23 Ralphs stores to
the Food 4 Less warehouse format and 122 Alpha Beta, Boys and Viva stores to
the Ralphs format.
(e) Reflects additional Yucaipa management fees ($2.0 million for the 52 weeks
ended June 25, 1994 and $0.5 million for the 12 weeks ended September 17,
1994) and the elimination of an annual guarantee fee ($0.4 million for the
52 weeks ended June 25, 1994 and $0.1 million for the 12 weeks ended
September 17, 1994) paid by Ralphs to EJDC.
(f) Reflects increased compensation resulting from new employment agreements
with certain of the current executive officers of Ralphs.
(g) Reflects the amortization of the excess of cost over net assets acquired in
the Merger ($22.0 million for the 52 weeks ended June 25, 1994 and $5.1
million for the 12 weeks ended September 17, 1994) and elimination of
Ralphs' historical amortization ($11.0 million for the 52 weeks ended June
25, 1994 and $2.5 million for the 12 weeks ended September 17, 1994).
Amortization has been calculated on the straight line basis over a period of
40 years.
(h) The following table presents a reconciliation of pro forma interest expense
and amortization of deferred financing costs:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
52 WEEKS 12 WEEKS
ENDED ENDED
JUNE 25, 1994 SEPTEMBER 17, 1994
------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Historical interest expense -- cash........................................ $150.2 $ 35.7
------ ------
Plus: Interest on borrowings under:
New Credit Facility.................................................... 74.6 16.3
New F4L Senior Notes................................................... 44.0 10.1
New RGC Notes.......................................................... 41.4 9.5
Other bank fees........................................................ 3.5 0.8
Other debt............................................................. 4.2 2.7
Less: Interest on borrowings under:
Old bank term loans:
Ralphs............................................................... (21.3) (5.4)
Food 4 Less.......................................................... (11.5) (2.5)
Old RGC Notes.......................................................... (43.9) (10.1)
Other debt............................................................. (16.6) (3.8)
------ ------
Pro forma adjustment..................................................... 74.4 17.6
------ ------
Pro forma interest expense -- cash......................................... $224.6 $ 53.3
====== ======
Historical amortization of debt issuance costs............................. $ 11.9 $ 2.7
Plus:
Financing and exchange/consent fees.................................... 8.8 2.0
Other fees and expenses................................................ 2.4 0.6
Less:
Historical Financing Costs:
Ralphs................................................................. (6.1) (1.4)
Food 4 Less............................................................ (5.3) (1.2)
------ ------
Pro forma adjustment..................................................... (0.2) 0.0
------ ------
Pro forma amortization of debt issuance costs.............................. $ 11.7 $ 2.7
====== ======
</TABLE>
(i) Represents the elimination of the historical income tax benefit of Ralphs
($108.0 million for the 52 weeks ended June 25, 1994) and Food 4 Less
income tax expense ($2.7 million for the 52 weeks ended June 25, 1994 and
$0.9 million for the 12 weeks ended September 17, 1994) given expected pro
forma losses. The Company's ability to recognize income tax benefits may be
limited in accordance with Financial Accounting Standard No. 109
"Accounting for Income Taxes." As such, no income tax benefit has been
reflected in these pro forma financial statements. See "Certain Federal
Income Tax Considerations."
(j) Reflects cancellation of cumulative convertible preferred stock of Food 4
Less held by Holdings.
(k) For purposes of computing the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, "earnings"
consist of earnings before income taxes, cumulative effect of change in
accounting principles, extraordinary item and fixed charges before
capitalized interest. "Fixed charges" consist of interest expense (including
amortization of self-insurance reserves discount), capitalized interest,
amortization of deferred debt issuance costs and one-third of rental expense
(the portion deemed representative of the interest factor). The Company's
pro forma earnings were inadequate to cover pro forma fixed charges for the
52 weeks ended June 25, 1994 and for the 12 weeks ended September 17, 1994
by approximately $85.8 million and $23.2 million, respectively. However,
such pro forma earnings included non-cash charges of $182.9 million for the
52 weeks ended June 25, 1994 and $41.8 million for the 12 weeks ended
September 17, 1994, primarily consisting of depreciation and amortization.
27
<PAGE> 33
(l) "EBITDA," as defined and presented historically by RGC, represents net
earnings before interest expense, income tax expense (benefit),
depreciation and amortization expense, post-retirement benefits, the LIFO
charge, provision for restructuring, provision for earthquake losses, a
one-time charge for Teamsters Union sick pay benefits, and gains and losses
on disposal of assets. EBITDA is a widely accepted financial indicator of a
company's ability to service debt. However, EBITDA should not be construed
as an alternative to operating income or to cash flows from operating
activities (as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles) and should not be construed as an indication of the Company's
operating performance or as a measure of liquidity. See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
(m) Reflects primarily EBITDA (as defined) associated with closed or divested
stores and the adjustments referred to in notes (e) and (f) above.
(n) EBITDA margin represents EBITDA (as defined) as a percentage of sales.
(o) The unaudited pro forma results of operations and EBITDA for the 52 weeks
ended June 25, 1994 and the 12 weeks ended September 17, 1994 do not include
certain one-time non-recurring costs related to (i) severance payments under
certain employment contracts with Food 4 Less management totalling $1.4
million that are subject to change of control provisions and the achievement
of earnings and sales targets, (ii) costs related to the integration of the
Company's operations which are estimated to be $50.0 million over a
three-year period, (iii) $1.8 million in costs related to the cancellation
of an employment agreement, or (iv) other costs related to warehouse
closures, which costs are not presently determinable.
28
<PAGE> 34
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOOD 4 LESS
RALPHS (HISTORICAL)
(HISTORICAL) (UNAUDITED)
(UNAUDITED) SEPTEMBER 17, PRO FORMA
OCTOBER 9, 1994 1994 ADJUSTMENTS PRO FORMA
--------------- ------------- ----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents................ $ 33.3 $ 29.4 $ 0.0 (a) $ 62.7
Accounts receivable...................... 45.2 25.4 -- 70.6
Inventories.............................. 217.2 210.6 39.9 (b) 467.7
Prepaid expense and other current
assets................................ 18.3 13.4 -- 31.7
-------- ------- ------- --------
Total current assets............. 314.0 278.8 39.9 632.7
Investments................................ 0.0 12.7 12.7
Property, plant and equipment.............. 611.6 370.0 160.0 (c) 1,111.7
(27.9)(d)
(2.0)(e)
Excess of cost over net assets acquired,
net...................................... 368.8 266.1 511.6 (f) 1,146.5
Beneficial lease rights.................... 50.7 0.0 -- 50.7
Deferred debt issuance costs, net.......... 22.7 27.2 76.2 (g) 80.0
(46.1)(h)
Deferred income taxes...................... 113.6 0.0 (113.6)(i) 0.0
Other assets............................... 10.0 23.7 (12.9)(d) 20.8
-------- ------- ------- --------
Total assets..................... $1,491.4 $ 978.5 $ 585.2 $3,055.1
======== ======= ======= ========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt..... $ 79.9 $ 23.2 $ (77.8)(j) $ 25.3
Short-term debt.......................... 37.4 0.0 (37.4)(k) 0.0
Accounts payable......................... 177.5 176.1 -- 353.6
Accrued expenses......................... 109.3 108.1 (22.1)(l) 201.8
4.7 (d)
1.8 (m)
Current portion of self-insurance
reserves.............................. 28.2 29.5 -- 57.7
-------- ------- ------- --------
Total current liabilities........ 432.3 336.9 (130.8) 638.4
Long-term debt............................. 883.4 495.7 567.3 (n) 1,946.4
Self-insurance reserves.................... 46.0 65.5 -- 111.5
Deferred income taxes...................... 0.0 14.7 -- 14.7
Lease valuation reserve.................... 30.1 0.0 -- 30.1
Other non-current liabilities.............. 84.6 0.0 (33.8)(o) 64.8
11.0 (p)
3.0 (e)
-------- ------- ------- --------
Total liabilities................ 1,476.4 912.8 416.7 2,805.9
-------- ------- ------- --------
Stockholder's equity:
Preferred Stock.......................... 0.0 61.4 (61.4)(q) 0.0
Common Stock............................. 0.3 0.0 (0.3)(t) 0.0
Additional paid-in capital............... 175.2 107.7 61.4 (q) 424.1
10.0 (o)
145.0 (r)
100.0 (s)
(175.2)(t)
Notes receivable from shareholders of
parent................................ 0.0 (0.6) -- (0.6)
Accumulated deficit...................... (160.5) (100.3) (24.2)(u) (171.8)
160.5 (t)
(45.5)(d)
(1.8)(m)
Treasury stock........................... 0.0 (2.5) -- (2.5)
-------- ------- ------- --------
Total stockholder's equity(v).... 15.0 65.7 168.5 249.2
-------- ------- ------- --------
Total liabilities and
stockholder's equity........... $1,491.4 $ 978.5 $ 585.2 $3,055.1
======== ======= ======= ========
</TABLE>
See Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Balance Sheet.
29
<PAGE> 35
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
(a) Reflects gross proceeds received from (i) the New Term Loans, (ii) the New
Revolving Facility, (iii) the New Equity Investment and (iv) this Offering
used to retire certain debt and liabilities and to pay financing costs and
other related fees as set forth in the following table:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
New Term Loans............................................................................ $ 750.0
New Revolving Facility.................................................................... 5.8
New F4L Senior Notes...................................................................... 400.0
New Equity Investment..................................................................... 150.0
Purchase RSI Common Stock................................................................. (425.9)
Repay Ralphs 1992 Credit Agreement........................................................ (296.2)
Repay F4L Credit Agreement................................................................ (140.3)
Purchase Old RGC Notes.................................................................... (90.9)
Pay EAR liability......................................................................... (23.8)
Repay other Ralphs debt................................................................... (191.9)
Accrued Interest.......................................................................... (22.1)
Fees and Expenses......................................................................... (114.7)
-------
Pro forma adjustment.............................................................. $ 0.0
=======
</TABLE>
(b) Reflects the elimination of Ralphs historical LIFO reserve ($17.4 million)
and the write-up of merchandise inventory ($22.5 million); both to reflect
current estimated selling prices less costs of disposal and a reasonable
profit allowance for the selling effort of the acquiring company.
(c) Reflects the estimated write-up to fair value of Ralphs property, plant and
equipment as of the date of the Merger.
(d) Reflects estimated restructuring charge associated with closing 29 Food 4
Less conventional supermarkets or warehouse stores and converting 16 Food 4
Less conventional supermarkets to warehouse stores. Pursuant to the
settlement agreement with the State of California, 24 Food 4 Less stores (as
well as 3 Ralphs stores) must be closed by December 31, 1995. See
"Business -- California Settlement Agreement." Although not required by such
settlement agreement, an additional 5 under-performing stores selected by
the Company also are scheduled to be closed by December 31, 1995. The
restructuring charge consists of write-downs of property, plant and
equipment ($27.9 million), write-off of the Alpha Beta trademark ($8.6
million), write-off of other assets ($4.3 million), lease termination
expenses ($3.1 million), and miscellaneous expense accruals ($1.6 million).
The expected cash payments to be made in connection with the restructuring
charge total $7.1 million. It is expected that such cash payments will be
made by December 31, 1995. The estimated restructuring charge will be
recorded as an expense once the Merger is completed. No additional expenses
are expected to be incurred in future periods in connection with these
closings.
(e) Reflects the anticipated closing of 3 Ralphs stores.
(f) Reflects the excess of costs over the fair value of the net assets of Ralphs
acquired in connection with the Merger ($880.4 million) and the elimination
of Ralphs historical excess of costs over the fair value of the net assets
acquired ($368.8 million). The aggregate purchase price of $525.9 million
plus $54.1 million of costs related to the acquisition was allocated to
assets and liabilities based on management's preliminary estimate of fair
values as of October 9, 1994, as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNTS IN MILLIONS
<S> <C>
Cash........................................................................... $ 33.3
Receivables.................................................................... 45.2
Inventories.................................................................... 257.1
Other current assets........................................................... 18.3
Property, fixtures and equipment............................................... 771.6
Beneficial lease rights........................................................ 50.7
Goodwill....................................................................... 880.4
Other assets................................................................... 10.7
Current liabilities............................................................ (432.3)
Obligations under capital leases............................................... (58.1)
Long-term debt................................................................. (825.3)
Other non-current liabilities.................................................. (171.6)
--------
$ 580.0
=========
A reconciliation of the excess purchase price is as follows:
Purchase price............................................................... $ 580.0
Less historical net book value at October 9, 1994............................ (15.0)
Add historical deferred tax asset............................................ 113.6
Add historical goodwill...................................................... 368.8
Add historical deferred debt costs........................................... 21.9
--------
Excess to be allocated............................................... $ 1,069.3
=========
Excess allocated to:
Inventories.................................................................. $ 39.9
Property, fixtures and equipment............................................. 160.0
Goodwill..................................................................... 880.4
Other non-current liabilities................................................ (11.0)
--------
$ 1,069.3
=========
</TABLE>
(g) Reflects the debt issuance costs associated with the New Credit Facility,
($26.9 million), the RGC Exchange Offers ($4.5 million), the F4L Exchange
Offers ($3.2 million), the Holdings Consent Solicitation ($0.5 million), the
RGC Exchange Offers cash payments ($3.6 million), the F4L Exchange Offers
cash payments ($5.2 million), the Holdings Consent Solicitation cash
payments ($3.1 million), the New F4L Senior Notes ($12.0 million) and other
financing costs ($17.2 million). These amounts have been capitalized as
deferred financing costs.
30
<PAGE> 36
(h) Reflects the elimination of deferred debt issuance costs associated with the
Ralphs 1992 Credit Agreement (as defined) ($7.4 million), the F4L Credit
Agreement (as defined) ($10.4 million), the Old RGC Notes ($10.8 million)
and the Old F4L Notes ($13.8 million) and other indebtedness of RGC and Food
4 Less ($3.7 million) to be repaid in connection with the Merger.
(i) Reflects the elimination of Ralphs deferred tax asset associated with
changes in the financial reporting basis of assets. The combined Company may
be required to record a valuation allowance on all or some deferred tax
assets in compliance with Financial Accounting Standard No. 109 "Accounting
for Income Taxes." This determination may be based, in part, on historical
or expected earnings. For purposes of these pro forma financial statements
it has been assumed that all deferred net tax assets have been fully
reserved.
(j) Reflects the repayment and cancellation of the current maturities of Ralphs
1992 Credit Agreement ($62.5 million), the F4L Credit Agreement ($17.0
million), certain other Ralphs debt ($2.1 million) and the recording of the
current maturities of the New Credit Facility ($3.8 million).
(k) Reflects the repayment of Ralphs' old revolving credit facility.
(l) Reflects the payment of accrued interest on the Ralphs 1992 Credit Agreement
($2.3 million), the F4L Credit Agreement ($0.5 million), the Old RGC Notes
($7.4 million), the Old F4L Notes ($10.8 million) and other indebtedness of
RGC and Food 4 Less ($1.1 million) to be repaid in connection with the
Merger.
(m) Represents the liability to an executive under his employment contract due
to a change of control provision.
(n) Reflects the repayment and cancellation of the Ralphs 1992 Credit Agreement
and the F4L Credit Agreement, and the repayment of certain other Ralphs
debt, and records borrowings under the New Credit Facility as set forth in
the table below:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
New Term Loans............................................................................ $ 746.2
New Revolving Facility.................................................................... 5.8
New F4L Senior Notes...................................................................... 400.0
Repay Ralphs 1992 Credit Agreement........................................................ (196.3)
Repay F4L Credit Agreement................................................................ (123.3)
Purchase Old RGC Notes.................................................................... (90.0)
Repay other Ralphs debt................................................................... (175.1)
-------
Net pro forma adjustment.......................................................... $ 567.3
=======
</TABLE>
(o) Reflects the payment of a portion of the Ralphs EAR liability ($23.8
million) and the issuance of New Holdings stock options in consideration of
the cancellation of the remaining Ralphs EAR liability ($10.0 million). See
"Executive Compensation -- Equity Appreciation Rights Plan." No future
compensation expense will be recorded as the cancellation of certain EAR
liabilities ($10.0 million) in consideration for the issuance of New
Holdings stock options is deemed to reflect fair value.
(p) Reflects a reserve for Ralphs unfunded defined benefit pension plan,
determined as the difference between the projected benefit obligation of the
plans as compared to the fair value of plan assets, less amounts previously
accrued.
(q) Reflects cancellation of cumulative convertible preferred stock of Food 4
Less held by Holdings.
(r) Reflects the contribution by New Holdings of RSI stock acquired with the
cash proceeds of the New Equity Investment of $150.0 million offset by $5.0
million in related commitment fees.
(s) Reflects the contribution by New Holdings of RSI stock acquired through the
issuance of $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of the Seller
Debentures.
(t) Reflects the elimination of Ralphs historical equity.
(u) Represents the write-off of the historical deferred debt issuance costs of
Food 4 Less related to its refinanced debt.
(v) The unaudited pro forma combined balance sheet as of September 17, 1994 does
not include certain one-time non-recurring costs related to (i) severance
payments under certain employment contracts with Food 4 Less management
totaling $1.4 million that are subject to change of control provisions and
the achievement of earnings and sales targets, (ii) costs related to the
integration of the Company's operations which are estimated to be $50.0
million over a three-year period, (iii) other costs related to warehouse
closures, which costs are not presently determinable, or (iv) any contingent
liability to reimburse Yucaipa in the event it incurs a loss on the resale
of $10 million of the Seller Debentures.
31
<PAGE> 37
SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA OF RALPHS
The following table presents selected historical financial data of RGC (as
the predecessor of RSI) as of and for the 52 weeks ended January 28, 1990, the
53 weeks ended February 3, 1991, and the 52 weeks ended February 2, 1992, and
summary historical financial data of RSI for the 52 weeks ended January 31, 1993
and January 30, 1994, which have been derived from the financial statements of
RSI and RGC audited by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent certified public
accountants. The selected historical financial data of RSI presented below as of
and for the 36 weeks ended October 10, 1993 and October 9, 1994 have been
derived from unaudited interim financial statements of RSI which, in the opinion
of management, reflect all material adjustments, consisting of only normal
recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of such data. The
following information should be read in conjunction with the Unaudited Pro Forma
Combined Financial Statements, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the historical financial
statements of RSI and RGC and related notes thereto included elsewhere in this
Prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
52 WEEKS 53 WEEKS 52 WEEKS 52 WEEKS 52 WEEKS 36 WEEKS 36 WEEKS
ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED
JANUARY 28, FEBRUARY 3, FEBRUARY 2, JANUARY 31, JANUARY 30, OCTOBER 10, OCTOBER 9,
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1993 1994
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS) (UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATING DATA:
Sales......................... $2,556.1 $2,799.1 $2,889.2 $2,843.8 $2,730.2 $1,874.2 $1,856.3
Cost of sales................. 2,051.1 2,225.4 2,275.2 2,217.2 2,093.7 1,445.2 1,433.0
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Gross profit.................. 505.0 573.7 614.0 626.6 636.5 429.0 423.3
Selling, general and
administrative expenses..... 391.0 435.8 456.6 466.7 467.6 319.4 316.0
Provision for equity
appreciation rights......... 26.0 15.3 18.3 -- -- -- --
Amortization of excess of cost
over net assets acquired.... 11.7 11.0 11.0 11.0 11.0 7.6 7.6
Provisions for restructuring,
post retirement benefits and
tax indemnification
payments(a)................. -- 2.2 12.6 10.4 5.8 2.1 1.8
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Operating income.............. 76.3 109.4 115.5 138.5 152.1 99.9 97.9
Interest expense(b)......... 130.9 128.5 130.2 125.6 108.8 75.7 77.2
Loss on disposal of assets
and provisions for legal
settlement and earthquake
losses(c)................. 3.1 6.4 13.0 10.1 12.9 0.4 0.8
Income tax expense
(benefit)................... 12.0 12.8 13.5 8.3 (108.0)(d) -- --
Cumulative effect of change in
accounting for
postretirement benefits
other than pensions......... -- (13.1) -- -- -- -- --
Extraordinary item-debt
refinancing, net of tax
benefits.................... -- -- -- (70.6) -- -- --
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net earnings (loss)........... $ (69.7) $ (51.4) $ (41.2) $ (76.1) $ 138.4 $ 23.8 $ 19.9
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Ratio of earnings to fixed
charges(e).................. --(e) --(e) --(e) 1.02x 1.24x 1.27x 1.22x
BALANCE SHEET DATA (end of period):
Working capital surplus
(deficit)................... $ (46.5) $ (93.9) $ (114.2) $ (122.0) $ (73.0) $ (87.5) $ (118.3)
Total assets.................. 1,404.8 1,406.4 1,357.6 1,388.5 1,483.7 1,363.9 1,491.4
Total debt(f)................. 991.0 986.1 941.9 1,029.8 998.9 990.4 1,000.6
Redeemable stock.............. 3.0 3.0 3.0 -- -- -- --
Stockholders' equity
(deficit)................... 35.4 (16.0) (57.2) (133.3) 5.1 (109.5) 15.0
OTHER DATA:
Depreciation and
amortization(g)............. $ 81.6 $ 75.2 $ 76.6 $ 76.9 $ 74.5 $ 51.7 $ 51.9
Capital expenditures.......... 103.5 87.6 50.4 102.7 62.2 46.8 44.5
Stores open at end of
period...................... 142 150 158 159 165 163 168
EBITDA (as defined)(h)........ $ 188.8 $ 207.0 $ 225.8 $ 227.3 $ 230.2 $ 155.9 $ 156.1
EBITDA margin(i).............. 7.4% 7.4% 7.8% 8.0% 8.4% 8.3% 8.4%
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(a) Provisions for restructuring are charges for expenses relating to closing of
Ralphs central bakery operation. The charge reflected the complete
write-down of the bakery building, machinery and equipment, leaseholds,
related inventory and supplies, and providing severance pay to terminated
employees. These charges were $7.1 million and $2.4 million for the 52 weeks
ended January 31, 1993 and the 52 weeks ended January 30, 1994,
respectively. Provision for post retirement benefits other than pensions was
$2.2 million, $2.6 million, $3.3 million, $3.4 million, $2.1 million and
$1.8 million for the 53 weeks ended February 3, 1991, the 52 weeks ended
February 2, 1992, January 31, 1993, and January 30, 1994, and the 36 weeks
ended October 10, 1993 and ended October 9, 1994, respectively. Provision
for tax indemnification payments to Federated were $10.0 million for the 52
weeks ended February 2, 1992.
(b) Net earnings (loss) includes non-cash charges related to the amortization of
deferred debt issuance costs of $4.1 million for the 52 weeks ended January
28, 1990, $4.1 million for the 53 weeks ended February 3, 1991, $5.0 million
for the 52 weeks ended February 2, 1992, $5.5 million for the 52 weeks ended
January 31, 1993, $6.5 million for the 52 weeks ended January 30, 1994 and
$4.5 and $4.3 for the 36 weeks ended October 10, 1993 and October 9, 1994,
respectively.
(c) Loss on disposal of assets was $3.1 million, $6.4 million, $13.0 million,
$2.6 million, $1.9 million, $0.4 million and $0.8 million for the 52 weeks
ended January 28, 1990, the 53 weeks ended February 3, 1991, the 52 weeks
ended February 2, 1992, January 31, 1993, and January 30, 1994 and the 36
weeks
32
<PAGE> 38
ended October 10, 1993 and October 9, 1994, respectively. The 52 weeks ended
February 2, 1992 includes approximately $12.2 million representing a reserve
against losses related to the closing of three stores. Provision for legal
settlement was $7.5 million for the 52 weeks ended January 31, 1993.
Provision for earthquake losses was $11.0 million for the 52 weeks ended
January 30, 1994. This represents reserve for losses, net of anticipated
insurance recoveries, resulting from the January 17, 1994 Southern
California earthquake.
(d) Includes recognition of $109.1 million of deferred income tax benefit and
$1.1 million current income tax expense for Fiscal 1993 (see Note 11 of
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Ralphs).
(e) For purposes of computing the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, "earnings"
consist of earnings before income taxes, cumulative effect of change in
accounting principles, extraordinary items and fixed charges before
capitalized interest. "Fixed charges" consist of interest expense (including
amortization of self-insurance reserves discount), capitalized interest,
amortization of deferred debt issuance costs and one-third of rental expense
(the portion deemed representative of the interest factor). Earnings were
insufficient to cover fixed charges for the 52 weeks ended January 28, 1990,
the 53 weeks ended February 3, 1991 and the 52 weeks ended February 2, 1992
by $57.7 million, $25.5 million and $27.7 million, respectively.
(f) Total debt includes long-term debt, current maturities of long-term debt,
short-term debt and capital lease obligations.
(g) For the 52 weeks ended January 28, 1990, the 53 weeks ended February 3,
1991, the 52 weeks ended February 2, 1992, January 31, 1993, and January 30,
1994 and the 36 weeks ended October 10, 1993 and October 9, 1994,
depreciation and amortization includes amortization of the excess of cost
over net assets acquired of $11.7 million, $11.0 million, $11.0 million,
$11.0 million, $11.0 million, $7.6 million and $7.6 million, respectively.
(h) "EBITDA," as defined and presented historically by RGC, represents net
earnings before interest expense, income tax expense (benefit), depreciation
and amortization expense, provisions for Equity Appreciation Rights,
provision for tax indemnification payments to Federated, provision for
postretirement benefits, the LIFO charge, extraordinary item relating to
debt refinancing, provision for legal settlement, provision for
restructuring, provision for earthquake losses, a one-time charge for
Teamsters Union sick pay benefits and loss on disposal of assets. EBITDA is
a widely accepted financial indicator of a company's ability to service
debt. However, EBITDA should not be construed as an alternative to operating
income or to cash flows from operating activities (as determined in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles) and should not be
construed as an indication of Ralphs' operating performance or as a measure
of liquidity. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations."
(i) EBITDA margin represents EBITDA (as defined) as a percentage of sales.
33
<PAGE> 39
SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA OF FOOD 4 LESS
The following table presents selected historical financial data of Food 4
Less as of and for the 53 weeks ended June 30, 1990 and the 52 weeks ended June
29, 1991, June 27, 1992, June 26, 1993 and June 25, 1994 which have been derived
from the financial statements of Food 4 Less audited by Arthur Andersen LLP,
independent public accountants. The summary historical financial data of Food 4
Less presented below as of and for the 12 weeks ended September 18, 1993 and
September 17, 1994 have been derived from unaudited interim financial statements
of Food 4 Less which, in the opinion of management, reflect all material
adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a
fair presentation of such data. The following information should be read in
conjunction with the Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Statements, "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and
the historical financial statements of Food 4 Less and related notes thereto
included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
53 WEEKS ENDED 52 WEEKS ENDED 52 WEEKS ENDED 52 WEEKS ENDED 52 WEEKS ENDED 12 WEEKS ENDED 12 WEEKS ENDED
JUNE 30, JUNE 29, JUNE 27, JUNE 26, JUNE 25, SEPTEMBER 18, SEPTEMBER 17,
1990 1991(A) 1992 1993 1994(B) 1993 1994
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS) (UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATING DATA:
Sales.............. $1,318.2 $1,606.6 $2,913.5 $2,742.0 $2,585.2 $616.6 $598.7
Cost of sales...... 1,113.4 1,340.9 2,392.7 2,257.8 2,115.9 504.2 495.7
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------ ------
Gross profit....... 204.8 265.7 520.8 484.2 469.3 112.4 103.0
Selling, general,
administrative
and other
expenses......... 157.8 213.1 469.7 434.9 388.8 95.7 88.1
Amortization of
excess cost over
net assets
acquired......... 5.3 5.3 7.8 7.6 7.7 1.8 1.8
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------ ------
Operating income... 41.7 47.3 43.3 41.7 72.8 14.9 13.1
Interest
expense(c)....... 50.8 50.1 70.2 69.8 68.3 15.7 16.0
Loss (gain) on
disposal of
assets........... -- 0.6 (1.3) (2.1) -- -- (0.5)
Provision for
earthquake losses -- -- -- -- 4.5 -- --
Provision for
income taxes..... 1.0 2.5 3.4 1.4 2.7 0.3 0.9
Extraordinary
charge........... -- 3.7(d) 4.8(e) -- -- -- --
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------ ------
Net loss........... $ (10.1) $ (9.6) $ (33.8) $ (27.4) $ (2.7) $ (1.1) $ (3.3)
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ====== ======
Ratio of earnings
to fixed
charges(f)....... --(f) --(f) --(f) --(f) 1.0x --(f) --(f)
BALANCE SHEET DATA
(end of period)(g):
Working capital
surplus (deficit) $ (40.5) $ 13.7 $ (66.3) $ (19.2) $ (54.9) $(18.6) $(58.1)
Total assets....... 574.7 980.0 998.5 957.8 980.1 967.3 978.5
Total debt(h)...... 360.7 558.9 525.3 538.1 517.9 530.6 518.8
Redeemable stock... 5.1 -- -- -- -- -- --
Stockholder's
equity........... 20.6 84.6 50.8 72.9 69.0 71.6 65.7
OTHER DATA:
Depreciation and
amortization(i)... $ 25.8 $ 31.9 $ 54.9 $ 57.6 $ 57.1 $ 13.1 $ 13.0
Capital expenditures 36.4 34.7 60.3 53.5 57.5 6.6 16.8
Stores open at end
of period........ 115 259 249 248 258 248 261
EBITDA
(as defined)(j).. $ 69.5 $ 80.7 $ 103.1 $ 105.9 $ 130.5 $ 29.0 $ 29.7
EBITDA
margin(k)... 5.3% 5.0% 3.5% 3.9% 5.0% 4.7% 5.0%
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(a) Operating data for the 52 weeks ended June 29, 1991 include the results of
Alpha Beta only from June 17, 1991, the date of its acquisition. Alpha
Beta's sales for the two weeks ended June 29, 1991 were $59.2 million.
(b) Operating data for the 52 weeks ended June 25, 1994 include the results of
the Food Barn stores, which were not material, from March 29, 1994, the date
of the acquisition of the Food Barn stores.
(c) Interest expense includes non-cash charges related to the amortization of
deferred financing costs of $4.1 million for the 53 weeks ended June 30,
1990, $5.2 million for the 52 weeks ended June 29, 1991, $6.3 million for
the 52 weeks ended June 27, 1992, $4.9 million for the 52 weeks ended June
26, 1993, $5.5 million for the 52 weeks ended June 25, 1994, $1.2 million
for the 12 weeks ended September 18, 1993 and $1.3 million for the 12 weeks
ended September 17, 1994.
(d) Represents an extraordinary charge of $3.7 million (net of related income
tax benefit of $2.5 million) relating to the refinancing of certain
indebtedness in connection with the Alpha Beta acquisition and the write-off
of related debt issuance costs.
(e) Represents an extraordinary net charge of $4.8 million reflecting the
write-off of $6.7 million (net of related income tax benefit of $2.5
million) of deferred debt issuance costs as a result of the early redemption
of a portion of Food 4 Less' term loan facility under the F4L Credit
Agreement, partially offset by a $1.9 million extraordinary gain (net of a
related income tax expense of $0.7 million) on the replacement of partially
depreciated assets following the civil unrest in Los Angeles.
34
<PAGE> 40
(f) For purposes of computing the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, "earnings"
consist of loss before provision for income taxes and extraordinary charges,
plus fixed charges. "Fixed charges" consist of interest on all indebtedness,
amortization of deferred debt issuance costs and one-third of rental expense
(the portion deemed representative of the interest factor). Earnings were
insufficient to cover fixed charges for the 53 weeks ended June 30, 1990,
the 52 weeks ended June 29, 1991, June 27, 1992 and June 26, 1993 and the 12
weeks ended September 18, 1993 and September 17, 1994 by approximately $9.1
million, $3.4 million, $25.6 million, $25.9 million, $0.8 million and $2.4
million, respectively. However, such earnings included non-cash charges of
$29.9 million for the 53 weeks ended June 30, 1990, $37.0 million for the 52
weeks ended June 29, 1991, $61.2 million for the 52 weeks ended June 27,
1992 and $62.5 million for the 52 weeks ended June 26, 1993, $14.3 million
for the 12 weeks ended September 18, 1993 and $14.3 million for the 12 weeks
ended September 17, 1994, primarily consisting of depreciation and
amortization.
(g) Balance sheet data as of June 30, 1990 relate to Food 4 Less and include the
effect of the BHC Acquisition, as well as the acquisitions of Bell Markets,
Inc. and certain assets of ABC Market Corp. Balance sheet data as of June
29, 1991, June 27, 1992, June 26, 1993 and September 18, 1993 relate to Food
4 Less and reflect the Alpha Beta acquisition and the financings and
refinancings associated therewith. Balance sheet data as of June 25, 1994
and September 17, 1994 relate to Food 4 Less and reflect the acquisition of
the Food Barn stores.
(h) Total debt includes long-term debt, current maturities of long-term debt and
capital lease obligations.
(i) For the 53 weeks ended June 30, 1990, the 52 weeks ended June 29, 1991, June
27, 1992, June 26, 1993 and June 25, 1994, and the 12 weeks ended September
18, 1993 and September 17, 1994, depreciation and amortization includes
amortization of excess of cost over net assets acquired of $5.3 million,
$5.3 million, $7.8 million, $7.6 million, $7.7 million, $1.8 million and
$1.8 million, respectively.
(j) "EBITDA," as defined and presented historically by Food 4 Less, represents
income before interest expense, depreciation and amortization expense, the
LIFO provision, provision for incomes taxes, provision for earthquake losses
and the one-time adjustment to the Teamsters Union sick pay accrual. EBITDA
is a widely accepted financial indicator of a company's ability to service
debt. However, EBITDA should not be construed as an alternative to operating
income or to cash flows from operating activities (as determined in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles) and should not be
construed as an indication of Food 4 Less' operating performance or as a
measure of liquidity. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations."
(k) EBITDA margin represents EBITDA (as defined) as a percentage of sales.
35
<PAGE> 41
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
OVERVIEW
The combination of Ralphs and Food 4 Less will create the largest
supermarket operator in Southern California with an estimated 264 conventional
format Ralphs stores and an estimated 68 price-impact Food 4 Less warehouse
format stores. The Company will operate an additional 63 stores in Northern
California and certain areas of the Midwest. Management believes that the
Company's dual format strategy will appeal to a broad range of Southern
California consumers and enable the Company to significantly enhance its overall
competitive position. In addition, the Company expects to achieve cost savings
and incremental profitability through the integration of advertising,
administration, purchasing, distribution, manufacturing and other operations.
Due to its increased size, dual format strategy and integration related costs,
the Company believes that its future operating results may not be directly
comparable to the historical operating results of either Ralphs or Food 4 Less.
Certain factors which are expected to affect the future operating results of the
Company (or their comparability to prior periods) are discussed below.
Regional Economic Conditions. In recent periods Ralphs and Food 4 Less have
each been affected by the adverse economic conditions that have existed in
Southern California since approximately 1991. These conditions were exacerbated
by the substantial layoffs in the defense and aerospace industries and by the
civil unrest in Los Angeles in April, 1992. In addition, management estimates
that approximately eight million square feet of supermarket selling space has
been added in Southern California over the past five years. As a result of these
factors and general deflationary pressures in certain food product categories,
Ralphs and Food 4 Less have each experienced declining comparable store sales in
recent periods. Over the last three fiscal years, Food 4 Less' and Ralphs' total
sales declined by 11.3% and 5.5%, respectively. Despite these adverse sales
trends, however, each company has improved its profitability over the same
period as discussed in greater detail below. In addition, comparable store sales
declines have begun to moderate in recent periods, which is consistent with data
indicating a mild recovery in the Southern California economy. Management
believes that its dual format strategy and anticipated cost savings will leave
it well positioned to take advantage of improvements in the regional economy and
growing population and to compete effectively in the Southern California
marketplace. See "Risk Factors -- Regional Economic Conditions."
Integration Costs and Restructuring Charges. The two principal components
of the Company's integration strategy will be (i) the conversion of up to 122 of
Food 4 Less' conventional stores (primarily Alpha Beta stores) to the Ralphs
name and format and the conversion of 16 other Food 4 Less conventional stores
(Boys and Viva) and 23 Ralphs stores to the Food 4 Less price impact warehouse
format; and (ii) the achievement of substantial cost savings through the
consolidation of warehousing, manufacturing and distribution operations and the
elimination of certain other duplicative overhead costs. Management has
estimated that approximately $90 million of net annual cost savings are
achievable by the end of the fourth year of combined operations. Although a
portion of the anticipated cost savings is premised upon the completion of such
capital expenditures, management believes that over 70% of the cost savings
could be achieved without making any Merger-related capital expenditures. See
"Business -- The Merger" and "Risk Factors -- Ability to Achieve Anticipated
Cost Savings." Management believes that approximately $117 million in
Merger-related capital expenditures and $50 million of other non-recurring costs
will be required to complete store conversions, integrate operations and expand
warehouse facilities over this four-year period. Management expects that the
non-recurring integration costs will effectively offset any cost savings in the
first year following the Merger. See "-- Liquidity and Capital Resources." In
addition, management anticipates that certain non-recurring costs associated
with the integration of operations will be recorded as a restructuring charge.
The charge will cover costs associated with the writedown of property and
equipment and related reserves associated with the conversion of certain Food 4
Less conventional supermarkets to warehouse stores and the closure of certain
Food 4 Less conventional stores as well as the write-off of the Alpha Beta
trademark. On December 14, 1994, Food 4 Less and Ralphs entered into a
Settlement Agreement (the "Settlement Agreement") with the State of California.
See "Business -- California Settlement Agreement." Under the Settlement
Agreement, the Company must divest a total of 27 stores (24 Food 4 Less
conventional supermarkets or warehouse stores and
36
<PAGE> 42
3 Ralphs stores). In addition, although not required pursuant to the Settlement
Agreement, an additional 5 under-performing stores selected by the Company are
scheduled to be closed following the Merger. It is anticipated that such
closures and store conversions will be substantially completed by December 31,
1995. The estimated restructuring charge aggregating $45.5 million for the 24
Food 4 Less stores to be divested under the Settlement Agreement, the planned
closures (5 Food 4 Less stores) and the conversion of 16 Food 4 Less
conventional stores to warehouse format stores reflects (i) the writedown of
property, plant and equipment ($27.9 million), (ii) the write off of the Alpha
Beta trademark ($8.6 million), (iii) the write-off of other assets ($4.3
million), (iv) lease termination expense ($3.1 million) and (v) miscellaneous
expense accruals ($1.6 million). The expected cash payments to be made in
connection with the restructuring charge will total $7.1 million. It is expected
that such cash payments will be made by December 31, 1995. The estimated
restructuring charge will be recorded as an expense once the Merger is
completed. The divestiture of the 3 Ralphs stores pursuant to the Settlement
Agreement will be reflected in the allocation of the purchase price and
therefore will not give rise to any restructuring charge.
Store Mix. Approximately 28% of the Company's total anticipated number of
stores following the Merger are expected to be warehouse format stores. Because
these stores offer prices that are generally 5-12% below those in Food 4 Less'
conventional stores, they produce lower gross profit margins than an average
conventional supermarket. As a result, the Company's consolidated gross margin
following the Merger is expected to decline from the levels historically
reported by Ralphs. In addition, if the percentage of warehouse stores in the
overall store mix increases following the Merger, as expected, the Company's
consolidated gross margins should also be expected to decline slightly over
time. Because of the reduced SG&A (as defined) costs associated with the
warehouse format stores, management believes that overall profitability of the
warehouse stores is comparable to that of conventional stores.
Purchase Accounting. The Merger will be accounted for as a purchase of
Ralphs by Food 4 Less. As a result, the assets and liabilities of Ralphs will be
recorded at their estimated fair market values on the date the Merger is
consummated. The purchase price in excess of the fair market value of Ralphs'
assets will be recorded as goodwill and amortized over a forty year period. The
purchase price allocation reflected in the pro forma statements is based on
management's preliminary estimates. The actual purchase accounting adjustments
will be determined following the Merger and may vary from the amounts reflected
in the Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Data included elsewhere herein.
Fiscal Year and Restatement of Food 4 Less Financial Statements. Following
the Merger, the Company will adopt Ralphs' fiscal year end for financial
reporting purposes. Ralphs' fiscal year ends on the Sunday closest to January
31. In connection with the preparation of this Prospectus, Food 4 Less elected
to restate its historical financial statements to conform to Ralphs'
classification of certain expenses. The changes primarily involved the
reclassification of certain labor, occupancy and utility costs associated with
product deliveries as cost of goods sold, which were previously classified as
selling, general, administrative and other expense, net. In addition,
depreciation expense, which had been reported separately by Food 4 Less with the
amortization of goodwill, was classified as cost of goods sold or selling,
general, administrative and other expense, net, as appropriate. The amounts
aggregated $236.2 million, $224.5 million, $219.5 million and $50.9 million
(unaudited) for the fiscal years ended June 27, 1992, June 26, 1993, June 25,
1994 and the 12 weeks ended September 18, 1993. Food 4 Less has also classified
a portion of its self-insurance costs as interest expense that was previously
recorded in selling, general, administrative and other expense, net. These
self-insurance amounts were reclassified to more completely segregate the
interest component of self-insurance costs arising from discounting long-term
obligations. The amounts reclassified aggregated $5.0 million, $5.9 million,
$5.8 million and $1.4 million (unaudited) for the fiscal years ended June 27,
1992, June 26, 1993, June 25, 1994 and the 12 weeks ended September 18, 1993.
All historical financial information for Food 4 Less included in this Prospectus
reflects these reclassifications. See Note 15 of Notes to Food 4 Less
Consolidated Financial Statements.
37
<PAGE> 43
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF RALPHS
The following table sets forth the historical operating results of Ralphs
for the 52 weeks ended February 2, 1992 ("Fiscal 1991"), January 31, 1993
("Fiscal 1992") and January 30, 1994 ("Fiscal 1993") and for the 36 weeks ended
October 10, 1993 and October 9, 1994:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
52 WEEKS ENDED 36 WEEKS ENDED
-------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------
FEBRUARY 2, JANUARY 31, JANUARY 30, OCTOBER 10, OCTOBER 9,
1992 1993 1994 1993 1994
---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ----------------
(IN MILLIONS) (UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Sales.......................... $2,889.2 100.0% $2,843.8 100.0% $2,730.2 100.0% $1,874.2 100.0% $1,856.3 100.0%
Cost of sales.................. 2,275.2 78.8 2,217.2 78.0 2,093.7 76.7 1,445.2 77.1 1,433.0 77.2
Selling, general and
administrative expenses...... 456.6 15.8 466.7 16.4 467.6 17.1 319.4 17.1 316.0 17.0
Operating income(a)............ 115.5 4.0 138.5 4.9 152.1 5.6 99.9 5.3 97.9 5.3
Net interest expense........... 130.2 4.5 125.6 4.4 108.8 4.0 75.7 4.0 77.2 4.2
Provision for earthquake
losses(b).................... -- -- -- -- 11.0 0.4 -- -- -- --
Income tax expense (benefit)... 13.5 0.4 8.3 0.3 (108.0) (4.0) -- -- -- --
Extraordinary item............. -- -- 70.6 2.5 -- -- -- -- -- --
Net earnings (loss)............ (41.2) (1.4) (76.1) (2.7) 138.4 5.1 23.8 1.3 19.9 1.1
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(a) Operating income reflects charges of $7.1 million in Fiscal 1992 and $2.4
million in Fiscal 1993, for expenses relating to closing of central bakery
operation. The charges reflected the complete write-down of the bakery
building, machinery and equipment, leaseholds, related inventory and
supplies, and providing severance pay to terminated employees.
(b) Represents reserve for losses, net of expected insurance recoveries,
resulting from the January 17, 1994 Southern California earthquake.
COMPARISON OF RALPHS' RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE 36 WEEKS ENDED OCTOBER 9,
1994 WITH RALPHS' RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE 36 WEEKS ENDED OCTOBER 10, 1993.
Sales
For the thirty-six weeks ended October 9, 1994, sales were $1,856.3
million, a decrease of $17.9 million or 1.0% from the thirty-six weeks ended
October 10, 1993. During the first three quarters of the fiscal year ending
January 29, 1995 ("Fiscal 1994"), Ralphs opened five new stores (three in Los
Angeles County, one in San Diego County and one in Riverside County), closed two
stores (in conjunction with new stores opening in the same areas), and completed
three store remodels. Comparable store sales decreased 3.8%, which included an
increase of 0.3% for replacement store sales, from $1,855.0 million in the first
three quarters of Fiscal 1993 to $1,784.4 million in the first three quarters of
Fiscal 1994. Ralphs sales continued to be adversely affected by the continuing
softness of the economy in Southern California, continuing competitive new store
and remodeling activity and recent pricing and promotional changes by
competitors. Ralphs continued to take steps to mitigate the impact of the weak
retailing environment in its markets, which included continuing its own new
store and remodeling program and initiating the Ralphs Savings Plan in February
1994, a new marketing campaign specifically designed to enhance customer value.
See "Business -- Advertising and Promotion."
On January 17, 1994, an earthquake in Southern California caused
considerable damage in Los Angeles and surrounding areas. Several Ralphs
supermarkets suffered earthquake damage, with 54 stores closed on the morning of
January 17th. Thirty-four stores reopened within one day and an additional 17
stores reopened within three days. Three stores in the San Fernando Valley area
of Los Angeles suffered major structural damage. All three stores have since
reopened for business, with the last reopening on April 15, 1994. Management
believes that there was some negative impact on sales resulting from the
temporary disruption of business resulting from the earthquake. Ralphs is
partially insured for earthquake losses. The pre-tax financial impact, net of
expected insurance recoveries, is expected to be approximately $11.0 million and
Ralphs reserved for this loss in Fiscal 1993. The gross earthquake loss is
approximately $25.3 million and the expected insurance recovery is approximately
$14.3 million.
38
<PAGE> 44
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales decreased $12.2 million or 0.8% from $1,445.2 million in the
first three quarters of Fiscal 1993 to $1,433.0 million in the first three
quarters of Fiscal 1994. As a percentage of sales, cost of sales increased to
77.2% in the first three quarters of Fiscal 1994 from 77.1% in the first three
quarters of Fiscal 1993. The increase in cost of sales as a percentage of sales
included a one-time charge for Teamsters Union sick pay benefits pursuant to a
new contract ratified in August 1994 with the Teamsters. The total charge was
$2.5 million, of which $2.1 million was included in cost of sales and $0.4
million in selling, general and administrative expense. Increases in cost of
sales were partially offset by savings in warehousing and distribution costs,
reductions in self-insurance costs, pass-throughs of increased operating costs
and increases in relative margins where allowed by competitive conditions.
Warehousing and distribution cost savings were primarily attributable to
Ralphs' ASRS and PSC facilities. The ASRS facility can hold substantially more
inventory and requires fewer employees to operate than does a conventional
warehouse of equal size. This facility has reduced Ralphs' warehousing costs of
non-perishable items markedly, enabling it to take advantage of advance buying
opportunities and minimize "out-of-stocks." Ralphs engages in forward-buy
purchases to take advantage of special prices or to delay the impact of upcoming
price increases by purchasing and warehousing larger quantities of merchandise
than immediately required. The PSC facility has consolidated the operations of
three existing facilities and holds more inventory than the facilities it
replaced, thereby reducing Ralphs' warehouse distribution costs.
Over the last several years, Ralphs has been implementing modifications in
its workers compensation and general liability insurance programs. Ralphs
believes that these modifications have resulted in a significant reduction in
self-insurance costs for Fiscal 1994. Based on a review of the results of these
modifications by Ralphs and its actuaries, adjustments to the accruals for
self-insurance costs were made during the second and third quarters of Fiscal
1994 resulting in reductions of approximately $7.8 million and $3.9 million,
respectively. Of the total $11.7 million reduction in self-insurance costs, $4.3
million is included in cost of sales and $7.4 million is included in selling,
general and administrative expenses.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") decreased $3.4
million or 1.1% from $319.4 million in the first three quarters of Fiscal 1993
to $316.0 million in the first three quarters of Fiscal 1994. As a percentage of
sales, SG&A decreased from 17.1% in the first three quarters of Fiscal 1993 to
17.0% in the first three quarters of Fiscal 1994. The decrease in SG&A was
primarily due to a reduction in contributions to the United Food and Commercial
Workers Union ("UFCW") health care benefit plans, due to an excess reserve in
these plans, a reduction in self-insurance costs, as discussed above, and the
results of cost savings programs instituted by Ralphs. Ralphs is continuing its
expense reduction program. The decrease in SG&A was partially offset by several
factors including increases in union wage rates, a one-time charge for Teamsters
Union sick pay benefits and increased rent expense resulting from new stores,
including fixture and equipment financing.
Ralphs participates in multi-employer pension plans and health and welfare
plans administered by various trustees for substantially all union employees.
Contributions to these plans are based upon negotiated contractual rates. In
both Fiscal 1992 and Fiscal 1993 the multi-employer pension plan was deemed to
be overfunded based upon the collective bargaining agreement then currently in
force. During Fiscal 1993 the agreement called for pension benefits which
resulted in additional required expense. The UFCW health and welfare benefit
plans were overfunded and those employers who contributed to these plans are to
receive a pro rata share of the excess reserve in these health care benefit
plans through a reduction in current maintenance payments. Ralphs' share of the
excess reserve was approximately $24.5 million of which $11.8 million was
recognized in Fiscal 1993 and the remainder will be recognized in Fiscal 1994.
In the first three quarters of Fiscal 1994 $8.7 million of the excess reserve
was recognized. Since employers are required to make contributions to the
benefit funds at whatever level is necessary to maintain plan benefits, there
can be no assurance that plan maintenance payments will remain at current
levels.
39
<PAGE> 45
Operating Income
Operating income in the first three quarters of Fiscal 1994 decreased 2.0%
to $97.9 million from $99.9 million in the first three quarters of Fiscal 1993.
Operating margin, defined as operating income as a percentage of sales, remained
at 5.3% in the first three quarters of Fiscal 1994 and Fiscal 1993. EBITDA,
defined as net earnings before interest expense, income tax expense (benefit),
depreciation and amortization expense, provision for post-retirement benefits,
gain or loss on disposal of assets and a one-time charge for Teamsters Union
sick pay benefits, was 8.4% of sales or $156.1 million in the first three
quarters of Fiscal 1994 and 8.3% of sales or $155.9 million in the first three
quarters of Fiscal 1993.
Net Interest Expense
Net interest expense for the first three quarters of Fiscal 1994 was $77.2
million versus $75.7 million for the first three quarters of Fiscal 1993. Net
interest expense increased primarily as a result of increases in interest rates.
Included as interest expense during the first three quarters of Fiscal 1994 was
$66.5 million, representing interest expense on existing debt obligations,
capitalized leases and a swap agreement. Comparable interest expense for the
first three quarters of Fiscal 1993 was $64.6 million. Also included in net
interest expense for the first three quarters of Fiscal 1994 was $10.7 million
representing certain other charges related to amortization of debt issuance
costs, self-insurance discounts, lease valuation reserves and other
miscellaneous charges (categorized by Ralphs as non-cash interest expense) as
compared to $11.1 million for the first three quarters of Fiscal 1993.
Investment income, which is immaterial, has been offset against interest
expense.
Net Earnings
For the first three quarters of Fiscal 1994, Ralphs reported net earnings
of $19.9 million compared to net earnings of $23.8 million for the first three
quarters of Fiscal 1993. The decrease in net earnings is primarily the result of
decreased operating income and higher interest expense due to increased interest
rates.
Other
In February 1994, the Board of Directors of RGC authorized a dividend of
$10.0 million to be paid to RSI, and the Board of Directors of RSI authorized
distribution of this dividend to its shareholders subject to certain restrictive
covenants in the instruments governing certain of RGC's indebtedness that impose
limitations on the declaration or payment of dividends. RGC's credit agreement,
entered into in 1992 (the "1992 Credit Agreement"), was amended to allow for the
payment of the dividend to RSI for distribution to RSI's shareholders. The fee
for the amendment was approximately $500,000, which was included in interest
expense for the period. The dividend was distributed to the shareholders of RSI
in the second quarter of Fiscal 1994.
COMPARISON OF RALPHS' RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE 52 WEEKS ENDED JANUARY 30,
1994 WITH RALPHS' RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE 52 WEEKS ENDED JANUARY 31, 1993.
Sales
Sales in Fiscal 1993 were $2,730.2 million, a decrease of $113.6 million or
4.0% compared to Fiscal 1992. During Fiscal 1993, Ralphs opened eight new
stores, four in Los Angeles County, two in Orange County and two in Riverside
County, and remodeled six stores. Two of the eight new stores replaced the two
stores closed during the fiscal year. Comparable store sales decreased 5.8%,
which included an increase of 0.6% for the replacement stores, from $2,823.4
million to $2,659.3 million in Fiscal 1993. Ralphs' sales continued to be
adversely affected by the significant recession in Southern California,
continuing competitive new store and remodelling activity and pricing and
promotional changes by competitors.
40
<PAGE> 46
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales decreased $123.5 million or 5.6% from $2,217.2 million in
Fiscal 1992 to $2,093.7 million in Fiscal 1993. As a percentage of sales, cost
of sales declined to 76.7% in Fiscal 1993 from 78.0% in Fiscal 1992. The
decrease in cost of sales as a percentage of sales was the result of savings in
warehousing and distribution costs, the pass-through of increased operating
costs and increases in relative margins where allowed by competitive conditions.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
SG&A increased $0.9 million or 0.2% from $466.7 million in Fiscal 1992 to
$467.6 million in Fiscal 1993. As a percentage of sales, SG&A increased from
16.4% in Fiscal 1992 to 17.1% in Fiscal 1993. The increase in SG&A as a
percentage of sales was the result of several factors including the soft sales
environment. Increases in expense were partially offset by cost savings programs
instituted by Ralphs.
Ralphs participates in multi-employer pension plans and health and welfare
plans administered by various trustees for substantially all union employees.
Contributions to these plans are based upon negotiated contractual rates. In
both Fiscal 1992 and Fiscal 1993 the UFCW multi-employer pension plan was deemed
to be overfunded based upon the collective bargaining agreement then currently
in force. During Fiscal 1993 the agreement called for pension benefits which
resulted in additional required expense. The UFCW health and welfare benefit
plans were overfunded and those employers who contributed to these plans are to
receive a pro rata share of the excess reserve in these health care benefit
plans through a reduction in current maintenance payments. Ralphs' share of the
excess reserve was approximately $24.5 million of which $11.8 million was
recognized in Fiscal 1993 and the remainder will be recognized in the fiscal
year ending January 29, 1995. The change in health and welfare plan expenses
resulted from the $11.8 million credit associated with the collective bargaining
agreement as well as a reduction in the current year plan expense due to the
overfunded status of the plan. Since employers are required to make
contributions to the benefit funds at whatever level is necessary to maintain
plan benefits, there can be no assurance that plan maintenance payments will
remain at current levels. Partially offsetting the reductions of health and
welfare maintenance payments was a $6.0 million contract ratification bonus paid
by Ralphs at the conclusion of contract negotiations with the UFCW in Fiscal
1993. The $6.0 million contract ratification payment was an item separate from
either of these plans.
Operating Income
Operating income in Fiscal 1993 increased to $152.1 million from $138.5
million in Fiscal 1992, a 9.8% increase. Operating margin increased in Fiscal
1993 to 5.6% from 4.9% in Fiscal 1992. This increase was primarily the result of
the aforementioned improvements in Ralphs' cost of sales percentage. EBITDA,
defined as net earnings before interest expense, income tax expense (benefit),
depreciation and amortization expenses, post-retirement benefits, the LIFO
charge, extraordinary item relating to debt refinancing, provision for legal
settlement, provision for restructuring, provision for earthquake losses and
loss on disposal of assets, improved to $230.2 million or 8.4% of sales in
Fiscal 1993 from $227.3 million or 8.0% of sales in Fiscal 1992.
Net Interest Expense
Net interest expense for Fiscal 1993 was $108.8 million, compared to $125.6
million for Fiscal 1992. The reduction in net interest expense was attributable
to the refinancing and defeasance of Ralphs 14% Senior Subordinated Debentures
due 2000 (the "14% Debentures") with the proceeds from the issuance of the Old
RGC 9% Notes as the final step in a recapitalization plan initiated on July 30,
1992. Cash interest expense during Fiscal 1993 was $92.8 million compared to
$105.5 million in Fiscal 1992. Also included in interest expense for Fiscal 1993
was $16.0 million representing certain other charges relating to amortization of
debt issuance costs, self-insurance discount, lease valuation reserves and other
miscellaneous charges (categorized by Ralphs as non-cash interest expense) as
compared to $20.1 million for Fiscal 1992. Investment income, which is
immaterial, has been offset against interest expense.
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<PAGE> 47
Earthquake Losses
Several Ralphs stores suffered earthquake damage from the January 17, 1994
earthquake in Southern California and 54 stores were completely shutdown on the
morning of January 17th. Management believes that there was some negative impact
on sales resulting from the temporary disruption of business resulting from the
earthquake. Ralphs is partially insured for earthquake losses. The pre-tax
financial impact, net of expected insurance recoveries, is expected to be
approximately $11.0 million and Ralphs reserved for this loss in Fiscal 1993.
The gross earthquake loss is approximately $25.3 million and the expected
insurance recovery is approximately $14.3 million.
Income Taxes
In Fiscal 1993, Ralphs recorded the incremental impact of The Omnibus
Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 on net deductible temporary differences and
Ralphs increased its deferred income tax assets by a net amount of $109.1
million. Income tax expense (benefit) for Fiscal 1993 includes recognition of
$109.1 million of deferred income tax benefit and $1.1 million current income
tax expense for Fiscal 1993. See Note 11 of Notes to Ralphs Consolidated
Financial Statements.
Net Earnings
In Fiscal 1993, Ralphs reported net earnings of $138.4 million compared to
a net loss of $76.1 million for Fiscal 1992. This increase in net earnings was
primarily the result of Ralphs' recognition of $109.1 million of deferred income
tax benefit for Fiscal 1993 and the following items recorded in Fiscal 1992: (1)
an extraordinary charge, net of tax benefit, of $70.6 million relating to
Ralphs' recapitalization plan, (2) a provision of $7.1 million made for expenses
related to the closure of the central bakery operation (an additional charge of
$2.4 million was recorded in Fiscal 1993) and (3) a provision of $7.5 million
made for the maximum loss under a judgment rendered against Ralphs.
COMPARISON OF RALPHS' RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE 52 WEEKS ENDED JANUARY 31,
1993 WITH RALPHS' RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE 52 WEEKS ENDED FEBRUARY 2, 1992.
Sales
Fiscal 1992 sales were $2,843.8 million, a decrease of $45.4 million or
1.6% compared to Fiscal 1991. During Fiscal 1992, Ralphs opened six new stores,
three in Los Angeles County, one in Riverside County, one in San Bernardino
County and one in San Diego County, closed five stores and remodeled 23 stores.
Comparable stores sales decreased 3.5%, which included an increase of 0.6% for
replacement stores, from $2,859.4 million to $2,759.1 million in Fiscal 1992.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales decreased $58.0 million or 2.5% from $2,275.2 million in
Fiscal 1991 to $2,217.2 million in Fiscal 1992. As a percentage of sales, cost
of sales declined to 78.0% in Fiscal 1992 from 78.8% in Fiscal 1991. The
decrease in cost of sales as a percentage of sales was the result of the
pass-through of increased operating costs, an increase in the mix of above
average gross margin products and increases in relative margins where allowed by
competitive conditions.
The Company believes that through achieving cost savings and applying
effective pricing policies, both cost and gross margins can be improved.
However, given the highly competitive nature of the Southern California grocery
market, such cost and gross margin improvements cannot be assured.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
SG&A increased $10.1 million or 2.2% from $456.6 million in Fiscal 1991 to
$466.7 million in Fiscal 1992. As a percentage of sales, SG&A increased from
15.8% in Fiscal 1991 to 16.4% in Fiscal 1992. The increase in SG&A as a percent
of sales was the result of several factors including the continuing soft sales
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<PAGE> 48
environment. Other factors impacting SG&A during Fiscal 1992 were increases in
union wage rates. These expense increases were partially offset by significant
cost savings programs instituted by Ralphs. These programs were intensified in
the third quarter of Fiscal 1992 due to the prolonged period of soft sales
experienced in Southern California.
Operating Income
Operating income in Fiscal 1992 increased to $138.5 million from $115.5
million in Fiscal 1991, a 19.9% increase. Operating margin increased in Fiscal
1992 to 4.9% from 4.0% in Fiscal 1991. This increase was primarily the result of
the aforementioned improvements in Ralphs' cost of sales percentage and the
vesting of then outstanding rights under Ralphs' 1988 Equity Appreciation Rights
Plan. EBITDA, defined as net earnings before interest expense, income tax
expense (benefit), depreciation and amortization expense, provision for Equity
Appreciation Rights, provision for tax indemnification payments to Federated,
provision for post-retirement benefits, the LIFO charge, extraordinary item
relating to debt refinancing, provision for legal settlement, provision for
restructuring and gains and losses on disposal of assets, improved to $227.3
million or 8.0% of sales in Fiscal 1992 from $225.8 million or 7.8% of sales in
Fiscal 1991.
Net Interest Expense
Net interest expense for Fiscal 1992 was $125.6 million, including an
adjustment of $2.3 million related to additional interest on self-insurance,
compared to $130.2 million for Fiscal 1991. On July 30, 1992 Ralphs initiated
its recapitalization plan, which was designed to reduce interest expense and
improve financial flexibility. The first part of the recapitalization plan
consisted of a tender offer for its 14% Debentures (of which $301.9 million were
tendered), the issuance of $300 million Old RGC 10 1/4% Notes, and the new
$470.0 million 1992 Credit Agreement. The 1992 Credit Agreement replaced the
1988 credit agreements (the "1988 Credit Agreements"), which were paid in full,
including termination of existing interest rate swap agreements. Included as
interest expenses during Fiscal 1992 was $105.5 million of cash interest as
compared to $115.8 million for Fiscal 1991. Also included in interest expense
for Fiscal 1992 was $20.1 million representing certain other charges relating to
amortization of debt issuance costs, self-insurance discount, lease valuation
reserves and other miscellaneous charges (categorized by Ralphs as non-cash
interest expense) as compared to $14.4 million for Fiscal 1991. Investment
income, which is immaterial, has been offset against interest expenses.
Recapitalization Charges
In Fiscal 1992 Ralphs incurred a non-recurring after-tax charge of $70.6
million (net of a tax benefit of $4.2 million) in connection with the retirement
of $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 14% Debentures and the
write-off of deferred financing costs related to the $400.0 million principal
amount of the 14% Debentures and the 1988 Credit Agreements, charges incurred to
terminate interest rate swap agreements and costs related to a prospective
equity offering. Incurrence of the non-recurring charge resulted in a
substantial reduction in income taxes payable in Fiscal 1992.
Net Loss
In Fiscal 1992, Ralphs reported a net loss of $76.1 million compared to a
loss of $41.2 million for Fiscal 1991. This increase in the loss was primarily
the result of the consummation of the recapitalization plan, which resulted in
an extraordinary charge, net of a tax benefit, of $70.6 million. In addition, a
provision of $7.1 million was made for expenses related to the closing of the
central bakery operation and a provision of $7.5 million was made for the
maximum loss under a judgment rendered against Ralphs in December 1992.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF FOOD 4 LESS
The following table sets forth the historical operating results of Food 4
Less for the 52 weeks ended June 27, 1992 ("Fiscal 1992"), June 26, 1993
("Fiscal 1993") and June 25, 1994 ("Fiscal 1994"), and for the 12 weeks ended
September 18, 1993 and September 17, 1994:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
52 WEEKS ENDED 12 WEEKS ENDED
---------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
JUNE 27, JUNE 26, JUNE 25, SEPTEMBER 18, SEPTEMBER 17,
1992 1993 1994 1993 1994
---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ----------------
(IN MILLIONS) (UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Sales...................... $2,913.5 100.0% $2,742.0 100.0% $2,585.2 100.0% $616.6 100.0% $598.7 100.0%
Gross profit............... 520.8 17.9 484.2 17.7 469.3 18.1 112.4 18.2 103.0 17.2
Selling, general,
administrative and other,
net...................... 469.7 16.1 434.9 15.9 388.8 15.0 95.7 15.5 88.1 14.7
Amortization of excess
costs over net assets
acquired................. 7.8 0.3 7.6 0.3 7.7 0.3 1.8 0.3 1.8 0.3
Operating income........... 43.3 1.5 41.7 1.5 72.8 2.8 14.9 2.4 13.1 2.2
Interest expense........... 70.2 2.4 69.8 2.5 68.3 2.6 15.7 2.6 16.0 2.7
Loss (gain) on disposal of
assets .................. (1.3) -- (2.1) (0.1) -- -- -- -- (0.5) (0.1)
Provision for earthquake
losses................... -- -- -- -- 4.5 0.2 -- -- -- --
Provision for income
taxes.................... 3.4 0.1 1.4 0.1 2.7 0.1 0.3 -- 0.9 0.2
Loss before extraordinary
charge................... (29.0) (1.0) (27.4) (1.0) (2.7) (0.1) (1.1) (0.2) (3.3) (0.6)
Extraordinary charges...... 4.8 0.2 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Net loss................... (33.8) (1.2) (27.4) (1.0) (2.7) (0.1) (1.1) (0.2) (3.3) (0.6)
</TABLE>
COMPARISON OF FOOD 4 LESS' RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE 12 WEEKS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 17, 1994 WITH FOOD 4 LESS' RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE 12 WEEKS
ENDED SEPTEMBER 18, 1993
Sales
Sales decreased $17.9 million, or 2.9%, from $616.6 million in the 12 weeks
ended September 18, 1993, to $598.7 million in the 12 weeks ended September 17,
1994, primarily as a result of a 5.8% decline in comparable store sales
partially offset by sales from 18 new stores opened since September 18, 1993.
Management believes that the decline in comparable store sales is attributable
to the continuing softness of the economy in Southern California and, to a
lesser extent, in Food 4 Less' other operating areas, and increased competitive
store openings and remodels in Southern California.
Gross Profit
Gross profit decreased as a percentage of sales from 18.2% in the 12 weeks
ended September 18, 1993, to 17.2% in the 12 weeks ended September 17, 1994. The
decrease in gross profit margin resulted primarily from pricing and promotional
activities related to Food 4 Less' "Total Value Pricing" program, an increase in
the number of warehouse format stores (which have lower gross margins resulting
from prices that are generally 5-12% below the prices in the Food 4 Less'
conventional stores) from 46 at September 18, 1993, to 69 at September 17, 1994,
and the effect of the fixed cost component of gross profit as compared to a
lower sales base. The decrease in gross profit was partially offset by
improvements in product procurement and an increase in vendors' participation in
Food 4 Less' promotional costs.
Selling, General, Administrative and Other Expenses, Net
Selling, general, administrative and other expenses ("SG&A") were $95.7
million and $88.1 million for the 12 weeks ended September 18, 1993 and
September 17, 1994, respectively. SG&A decreased as a percentage of sales from
15.5% to 14.7% for the same periods. Food 4 Less experienced a reduction of
workers' compensation and general liability self-insurance costs of $3.5 million
due to continued improvement in the cost and frequency of claims. The improved
experience was due primarily to cost control programs implemented by Food 4
Less, including awards for stores with the best loss experience, specific
achievable goals for each store, and increased monitoring of third-party
administrators, and, to a lesser extent, a lower
44
<PAGE> 50
sales base which reduced Food 4 Less' exposure. In addition, Food 4 Less
maintained tight control of administrative expenses and store level expenses,
including advertising, payroll (due primarily to increased productivity), and
other controllable store expenses. Because Food 4 Less' warehouse stores have
lower SG&A than conventional stores, the increase in the number of warehouse
stores, from 46 at September 18, 1993, to 69 at September 17, 1994, also
contributed to decreased SG&A as a percentage of sales. The reduction in SG&A as
a percentage of sales was partially offset by the effect of the fixed cost
component of SG&A as compared to a lower sales base.
Food 4 Less participates in multi-employer health and welfare plans for its
store employees who are members of the UFCW. As part of the renewal of the
Southern California UFCW contract in October 1993, employers contributing to
UFCW health and welfare plans are to receive a pro rata share of the excess
reserves in the plans through a reduction of current employer contributions.
Food 4 Less' share of the excess reserves was $24.2 million, of which Food 4
Less recognized $8.1 million in Fiscal 1994 and $4.7 million in the 12 weeks
ended September 17, 1994. The remainder of the excess reserves will be
recognized as the credits are taken in the future.
On August 28, 1994, the Teamsters and Food 4 Less ratified a new contract
which, among other things, provided for the vesting of sick pay benefits
resulting in a one-time charge of $2.1 million.
Interest Expense
Interest expense (including amortization of deferred financing costs)
increased $0.3 million from $15.7 million to $16.0 million for the 12 weeks
ended September 18, 1993 and September 17, 1994, respectively. The increase in
interest expense was due primarily to increasing interest rates on the revolving
credit facility and the term loan portions of the Old F4L Credit Agreement.
These increases were partially offset by the reduction of indebtedness under
such term loan and such revolving credit facility as a result of amortization
payments.
Net Loss
Primarily as a result of the factors discussed above, Food 4 Less' net loss
increased from $1.1 million in the 12 weeks ended September 18, 1993, to $3.3
million in the 12 weeks ended September 17, 1994.
COMPARISON OF FOOD 4 LESS' RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE 52 WEEKS ENDED JUNE 25,
1994 WITH FOOD 4 LESS' RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE 52 WEEKS ENDED JUNE 26,
1993.
Sales
Sales decreased $156.8 million or 5.7% from $2,742.0 million in Fiscal 1993
to $2,585.2 million in Fiscal 1994. The decrease in sales resulted primarily
from a 6.9% decline in comparable store sales. The decline in comparable store
sales primarily reflects (i) the continuing softness of the economy in Southern
California, (ii) lower levels of price inflation in certain key food product
categories, and (iii) competitive factors, including new stores, remodeling and
recent pricing and promotional activity. This decrease in sales was partially
offset by sales from 13 stores opened or acquired during Fiscal 1994.
Gross Profit
Gross profit increased as a percent of sales from 17.7% in Fiscal 1993 to
18.1% in Fiscal 1994. The increase in gross profit margin was attributable to
improvements in product procurement and an increase in vendors' participation in
Food 4 Less' promotional costs. These improvements were partially offset by an
increase in the number of warehouse format stores (which have lower gross
margins resulting from prices that are generally 5-12% below the prices in Food
4 Less' conventional stores) from 45 at June 26, 1993 to 66 at June 25, 1994,
and the effect of the fixed cost component of gross profit as compared to a
lower sales base.
45
<PAGE> 51
Selling, General, Administrative and Other Expenses, Net
SG&A was $434.9 million and $388.8 million in Fiscal 1993 and Fiscal 1994,
respectively. SG&A decreased as a percent of sales from 15.9% to 15.0% for the
same periods. Food 4 Less experienced a reduction of self-insurance costs of
$18.2 million due to continued improvement in the cost and frequency of claims.
The improved experience was due primarily to cost control programs implemented
by Food 4 Less, including awards for stores with the best loss experience,
specific achievable goals for each store, and increased monitoring of
third-party administrators, and, to a lesser extent, a lower sales base which
reduced Food 4 Less' exposure. In addition, Food 4 Less maintained tight control
of administrative expenses and store level expenses, including payroll (due
primarily to increased productivity), advertising, and other controllable store
expenses. Because Food 4 Less' warehouse stores have lower SG&A than
conventional stores, the increase in the number of warehouse stores, from 45 at
June 26, 1993 to 66 at June 25, 1994, also contributed to decreased SG&A as a
percentage of sales. The reduction in SG&A as a percentage of sales was
partially offset by the effect of the fixed cost component of SG&A as compared
to a lower sales base.
Food 4 Less participates in multi-employer health and welfare plans for its
store employees who are members of the UFCW. As part of the renewal of the
Southern California UFCW contract in October 1993, employers contributing to
UFCW health and welfare plans are to receive a pro rata share of the excess
reserves in the plans through a reduction of current employer contributions.
Food 4 Less' share of the excess reserves was $24.2 million, of which Food 4
Less recognized $8.1 million in Fiscal 1994 and the remainder of which will be
recognized as the credits are taken in the future. Offsetting the reduction in
employer contributions was a $5.5 million contract ratification bonus and
contractual wage increases.
Interest Expense
Interest expense (including amortization of deferred financing costs)
decreased $1.5 million from $69.8 million to $68.3 million for Fiscal 1993 and
Fiscal 1994, respectively. The decrease in interest expense is due primarily to
reduced borrowings under Food 4 Less' credit agreement dated as of June 17,
1991, as amended (the "F4L Credit Agreement").
Provision for Earthquake Losses
On January 17, 1994, Southern California was struck by a major earthquake
which resulted in the temporary closing of 31 of Food 4 Less' stores. The
closures were caused primarily by loss of electricity, water, inventory, or
structural damage. All but one of the closed stores reopened within a week of
the earthquake. The final closed store reopened on March 24, 1994. Food 4 Less
is insured against earthquake losses (including business interruption), subject
to certain deductibles. The pre-tax financial impact, net of expected insurance
recovery, was approximately $4.5 million.
Net Loss
Primarily as a result of the factors discussed above, Food 4 Less' net loss
decreased from $27.4 million in Fiscal 1993 to $2.7 million in Fiscal 1994.
COMPARISON OF FOOD 4 LESS' RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE 52 WEEKS ENDED JUNE 26,
1993 WITH FOOD 4 LESS' RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE 52 WEEKS ENDED JUNE 27,
1992.
Sales
Sales decreased $171.5 million or 5.9% from $2,913.5 million in Fiscal 1992
to $2,742.0 million in Fiscal 1993, primarily as a result of a 5.1% decline in
comparable store sales and a net reduction in Food 4 Less' total store count of
one store at June 26, 1993 compared to June 27, 1992. Management believes that
the decline in comparable store sales was attributable to (i) the weak economy
in Southern California, and, to a lesser extent, in Food 4 Less' other operating
areas, (ii) lower levels of price inflation in certain key food categories, and
(iii) increased competitive store openings in Southern California.
46
<PAGE> 52
Gross Profit
Gross profit decreased as a percent of sales from 17.9% in Fiscal 1992 to
17.7% in Fiscal 1993 primarily as a result of an increase in the number of Food
4 Less warehouse stores (which have lower gross margins resulting from prices
that are generally 5-12% below the prices in Food 4 Less' conventional stores),
from 34 stores in Fiscal 1992 to 45 stores in Fiscal 1993, and as a result of
the fixed cost component of gross profit being compared to a lower sales base,
partially offset by increases in relative margins allowed by competitive
conditions, improvements in the procurement function, and cost savings and
operating efficiencies associated with Food 4 Less' warehousing and
manufacturing facilities.
Selling, General, Administrative and Other Expenses, Net
SG&A was $469.7 million and $434.9 million in Fiscal 1992 and Fiscal 1993,
respectively. SG&A decreased as a percent of sales from 16.1% to 15.9% for the
same periods as a result of tight control of direct store expenses, primarily
payroll costs, the impact in Fiscal 1992 of the $12.8 million non-cash
self-insurance reserve adjustment partially offset by market-wide contractual
increases in union wages, current year increases in workers' compensation costs
primarily associated with the new law which took effect in 1990, and the fixed
cost component of SG&A being compared to a lower sales base.
Interest Expense
Interest expense (including amortization of deferred financing fees) was
$70.2 million for Fiscal 1992 and $69.8 million for Fiscal 1993, respectively.
The decrease in interest expense is due to the reduction of indebtedness as a
result of amortization payments combined with decreasing interest rates on the
term loan under the F4L Credit Agreement, partially offset by higher interest
expense incurred in connection with the Old F4L Senior Notes which replaced
lower cost debt under the F4L Credit Agreement.
Loss Before Extraordinary Charge
Primarily as a result of the factors discussed above, Food 4 Less' loss
before extraordinary charge decreased from $29.0 million in Fiscal 1992 to $27.4
million in Fiscal 1993. Food 4 Less recorded a net extraordinary charge of $4.8
million in Fiscal 1992, reflecting the write-off of certain deferred financing
costs which were partially offset by a gain on the replacement of partially
depreciated assets following the civil unrest in Los Angeles.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
In order to consummate the Merger, Food 4 Less expects to utilize total new
financing proceeds in the amount of approximately $1.3 billion. Pursuant to the
New Equity Investment, New Holdings (as the successor to Holdings) will issue
capital stock for total cash proceeds of approximately $150 million (excluding a
$5.0 million commitment fee). In addition, Food 4 Less will enter into the New
Credit Facility pursuant to which it will have available up to $750 million of
New Term Loans, all of which is anticipated to be drawn at the Closing Date and
will have available a $325 million New Revolving Facility, of which $23.4
million is anticipated to be drawn at the Closing Date. Food 4 Less will also
issue up to $400 million principal amount of New F4L Senior Notes pursuant to
this Offering. The proceeds from the New Credit Facility and this Offering,
together with the $150 million proceeds of the New Equity Investment and $100
million principal amount of the Seller Debentures, will provide the sources of
financing required to consummate the Merger and to repay existing bank debt of
approximately $170 million at Food 4 Less and $296.0 million at Ralphs and
existing mortgage debt of $174.6 million (excluding prepayment fees) at Ralphs.
Proceeds from the New Term Loans and this Offering will also be used to pay the
cash portion of the Exchange Offers and the Holdings Consent Solicitation, as
well as the Change of Control Offer, and accrued interest on all exchanged debt
securities in the amount of $16.1 million (as of February 1, 1995), to pay $22.8
million to the holders of Ralphs Equity Appreciation Rights and to pay up to
$115.6 million of fees and expenses of the Merger and the Financing. The Company
will also assume certain existing indebtedness of Food 4 Less and Ralphs.
Pursuant to the Exchange Offers, Food 4 Less will seek the exchange of at least
80% of the Old RGC Notes for the New RGC Notes and the exchange of at least 80%
of the Old F4L Notes for
47
<PAGE> 53
New F4L Notes. The primary purpose of the Exchange Offers is to refinance Food 4
Less' and RGC's existing public debt securities with longer term public debt
securities, to obtain all necessary consents to consummate the Merger and to
eliminate substantially all of the restrictive covenants in the Old RGC
Indentures and Old F4L Indentures.
After the Merger the Company's principal sources of liquidity are expected
to be cash flow from operations, borrowings under the New Revolving Facility and
capital and operating leases. It is anticipated that the Company's principal
uses of liquidity will be to provide working capital, finance capital
expenditures, including the costs associated with the integration of Food 4 Less
and Ralphs, and to meet debt service requirements.
The New Revolving Facility will be a $325 million line of credit which will
be available for working capital requirements and general corporate purposes. Up
to $150 million of the New Revolving Facility may be used to support standby
letters of credit. The letters of credit will be used to cover workers'
compensation contingencies and for other purposes permitted under the New Credit
Facility. The Company anticipates that letters of credit for approximately $101
million will be drawn under the New Revolving Facility at closing, in
replacement of existing letters of credit, primarily to satisfy the State of
California's requirements relating to workers compensation self-insurance. The
New Revolving Facility will be non-amortizing and will have a six-year term. The
Company will be required to reduce loans outstanding under the New Revolving
Facility to $75 million for a period of not less than 30 consecutive days during
each consecutive 12-month period. Assuming that the Merger closes on February 1,
1995, giving effect to currently anticipated borrowings and letter of credit
issuances, the Company's remaining borrowing availability under the New
Revolving Facility would have been approximately $200.6 million. Pursuant to the
New Credit Facility, the New Term Loans will be issued in four tranches: (i)
Tranche A, in the amount of $375 million, will have a six-year term; (ii)
Tranche B, in the amount of $125 million, will have a seven-year term; (iii)
Tranche C, in the amount of $125 million, will have an eight-year term; and,
(iv) Tranche D, in the amount of $125 million, will have a nine-year term. The
New Term Loans will require quarterly amortization payments aggregating $3.8
million in the first year, $48.8 million in the second year and increasing
thereafter. The New Credit Facility will be guaranteed by New Holdings and each
of the Company's subsidiaries and secured by liens on substantially all of the
unencumbered assets of the Company and its subsidiaries and by a pledge of New
Holdings' stock in the Company. The New Credit Facility will contain financial
covenants which are expected to require, among other things, the maintenance of
specified levels of cash flow and stockholder's equity. See "Description of the
New Credit Facility."
Standard & Poor's has publicly announced that, upon consummation of the
Merger, it intends to assign a new rating to the Old RGC Notes. Such new rating
assignment, if implemented, would constitute a Rating Decline under the Old RGC
Indentures. The consummation of the Merger (which is conditioned on, among other
things, successful consummation of the Other Debt Financing Transactions and the
Bank Financing, which itself is conditioned upon the receipt of the Minimum
Tender) and the resulting change in composition of the Board of Directors of
RGC, together with the anticipated Rating Decline, would constitute a Change of
Control Triggering Event under the Old RGC Indentures. Upon such a Change of
Control Triggering Event the Company would be obligated to make the Change of
Control Offer following the consummation of the Merger for all outstanding Old
RGC Notes at 101% of the principal amount thereof ($90.9 million, assuming $90
million of Old RGC Notes are outstanding following the Merger) plus accrued and
unpaid interest to the date of repurchase. A portion of the proceeds from this
Offering will be available to fund the purchase of Old RGC Notes tendered
pursuant to the Change of Control Offer.
Management anticipates that significant capital expenditures will be
required following the Merger in connection with the integration of Ralphs and
Food 4 Less. In order to implement the Company's store format strategy, up to
122 conventional stores currently operated by Food 4 Less will be converted to
the Ralphs format and 16 conventional stores (primarily Boys and Viva) and 23
Ralphs will be converted to the Food 4 Less warehouse format. An additional 18
Ralphs and Food 4 Less warehouse stores are scheduled to be opened during
calendar 1995. Other anticipated Merger-related capital expenditures are
expected to include the expansion of Ralphs' ASRS and PSC facilities in order to
support the additional volume of the Food 4 Less stores. It is estimated that
the gross capital expenditures to be made by the Company in the first fiscal
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<PAGE> 54
year following the closing will be approximately $159 million (or $110 million
net of expected capital leases), of which approximately $98 million relate to
ongoing expenditures for new stores, equipment and maintenance and approximately
$61 million relate to store conversions and other Merger-related and
non-recurring items. An additional $33 million of Merger-related and
non-recurring capital expenditure items (or $22 million net of expected capital
leases) are anticipated to be incurred in the second year following the
consummation of the Merger. Management expects that these expenditures will be
financed primarily through cash flow from operations and capital leases.
Ralphs cash flow from operating activities was $43.5 million for the 36
weeks ended October 9, 1994 and $104.0 million for Fiscal 1993. Food 4 Less
generated approximately $87.8 million of cash from operating activities during
the 52-week period ended June 25, 1994 and $9.5 million of cash from operating
activities during the 12 weeks ended September 17, 1994 (as compared to $29.1
million during the 12 weeks ended September 18, 1993). The decrease in cash from
operating activities is due primarily to changes in operating assets and
liabilities. The Company anticipates that one of the principal uses of cash in
its operating activities will be inventory purchases. However, supermarket
operators typically require small amounts of working capital since inventory is
generally sold prior to the time that payments to suppliers are due. This
reduces the need for short-term borrowings and allows cash from operations to be
used for non-current purposes such as financing capital expenditures and other
investing activities. Consistent with this pattern, Ralphs and Food 4 Less had
working capital deficits of $118.3 million and $58.1 million at October 9, 1994
and September 17, 1994, respectively.
Ralphs cash used in investing activities was $45.5 million during Fiscal
1994 and $38.2 million during the thirty-six weeks ended October 9, 1994. These
amounts reflected increased capital expenditures related to store remodels and
new store openings (including store acquisitions) and, to a lesser extent,
expansion of other warehousing, distribution and manufacturing facilities and
equipment, including data processing and computer systems. For the 52 weeks
ended June 25, 1994, Food 4 Less' cash used in investing activities was $55.8
million. Investing activities consisted primarily of capital expenditures of
$57.5 million, partially offset by $9.3 million of sale/leaseback transactions,
and $11.1 million of costs in connection with the acquisition of ten former
"Food Barn" stores. For the 12 weeks ended September 17, 1994, Food 4 Less' cash
used in investing activities was $14.0 million. Investing activities consisted
primarily of capital expenditures of $16.8 million, partially offset by $2.1
million of sale/leaseback transactions. The capital expenditures, net of the
proceeds from sale/leaseback transactions, and the Food Barn acquisition costs
were financed with cash provided by operating activities.
Ralphs and FFL have significant net operating loss carryforwards for
regular federal income tax purposes. As a result of the Merger and the New
Equity Investment, the Company's ability to utilize such loss carryforwards in
future periods will be limited to approximately $15.6 million per year with
respect to FFL net operating loss carryforwards and approximately $15.0 million
per year with respect to Ralphs' net operating loss carryforwards. The Company
does not expect the Merger to materially adversely affect any of its other tax
assets. The Company will be a party to a tax sharing agreement with New Holdings
and the subsidiaries of the Company. Pursuant to the tax sharing agreement,
payments by the Company will not exceed the amount it would be required to pay
if its consolidated liability was calculated on a separate company basis. See
"Certain Relationships and Related Transactions." The Company will continue to
be a party to an indemnification agreement with Federated and certain other
parties. See Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Ralphs
Supermarkets, Inc. Pursuant to the terms of such agreement, Ralphs will make
annual tax payments of $1.0 million in 1995 and 1996 and a final tax payment of
$5.0 million in 1997.
Following the Merger, the Company will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of New
Holdings. New Holdings will have outstanding $103.6 million aggregate principal
amount of the Holdings Discount Notes (with an accreted value of $61.4 million)
as of September 17, 1994 and following the Merger, New Holdings will have an
additional $100.0 million principal amount of the Seller Debentures outstanding.
New Holdings is a holding company which will have no assets other than the
capital stock of the Company. New Holdings will be required to commence
semi-annual cash payments of interest on the Holdings Discount Notes on June 15,
1998 in the amount of approximately $15.8 million per annum. New Holdings will
also be required to commence semi-annual cash payments of interest on the Seller
Debentures commencing five years from their date of issuance in the amount of
$24.4 million per annum. Subject to the limitations contained in its debt
49
<PAGE> 55
instruments, the Company intends to make dividend payments to New Holdings in
amounts which are sufficient to permit New Holdings to service its cash interest
requirements. The Company may pay other dividends to New Holdings in connection
with certain employee stock repurchases and for routine administrative expenses.
Following the consummation of the Merger and the Financing, the Company
will be highly leveraged. Based upon current levels of operations and
anticipated cost savings and future growth, the Company believes that its cash
flow from operations, together with available borrowings under the New Revolving
Facility and its other sources of liquidity (including leases), will be adequate
to meet its anticipated requirements for working capital, capital expenditures,
integration costs and interest payments. There can be no assurance, however,
that the Company's business will continue to generate cash flow at or above
current levels or that future costs savings and growth can be achieved. See
"Risk Factors -- Leverage and Debt Service."
Interest Rate Protection Agreements
Ralphs and Food 4 Less currently are parties to certain interest rate
protection agreements required under the terms of their existing bank
indebtedness. In connection with the New Credit Facility, these interest rate
protection agreements will be replaced by a new agreement which will be
finalized prior to the closing of the Merger. The Company will be exposed to
credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparty to the interest
rate protection agreement. However, the Company does not anticipate
nonperformance by such counterparty.
The following details the impact of Ralphs' hedging activity on its
weighted average interest rate for each of the last three fiscal years of
Ralphs:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WITH WITHOUT
HEDGE HEDGE
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
1991............................................ 11.87% 11.52%
1992............................................ 10.52% 10.22%
1993............................................ 8.96% 8.96%
</TABLE>
The following details the impact of Food 4 Less' hedging activity on its
weighted average interest rate for each of the last three fiscal years of Food 4
Less:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WITH WITHOUT
HEDGE HEDGE
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
1992............................................ 10.28% 10.52%
1993............................................ 10.07% 10.03%
1994............................................ 10.10% 10.09%
</TABLE>
Effects of Inflation
The Company's primary costs, inventory and labor, are affected by a number
of factors that are beyond its control, including inflation, availability and
price of merchandise, the competitive climate and general and regional economic
conditions. As is typical of the supermarket industry, Ralphs and Food 4 Less
have generally been able to maintain margins by adjusting their retail prices,
but competitive conditions may from time to time render the Company unable to do
so while maintaining its market share.
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<PAGE> 56
BUSINESS
THE MERGER
The combination of Ralphs Grocery Company and Food 4 Less Supermarkets,
Inc. will create the largest food retailer in Southern California. Pro forma for
the Merger, the Company will operate approximately 332 Southern California
stores with an estimated 26% market share among the area's supermarkets. The
Company will operate the second largest conventional supermarket chain in the
region under the "Ralphs" name and the largest warehouse supermarket chain in
the region under the "Food 4 Less" name. In addition, the Company will operate
approximately 24 conventional format stores and 39 warehouse format stores in
Northern California and the Midwest. On a pro forma basis giving effect to the
Merger, the Company would have had sales, operating income and EBITDA (as
defined) of approximately $5.1 billion, $183 million and $343 million,
respectively, for the twelve months ending June 25, 1994.
TWO LEADING COMPLEMENTARY FORMATS
In Southern California the Company plans to convert up to 122 conventional
stores currently operated by Food 4 Less to the "Ralphs" name and format and 39
Ralphs and Food 4 Less conventional stores to the "Food 4 Less" name and
warehouse format. As a result, and pro forma for the Merger, Ralphs will be the
region's second largest conventional format supermarket chain, with 264 stores
and Food 4 Less will be the region's largest warehouse format supermarket chain
with 68 stores. The Ralphs stores will continue to emphasize a broad selection
of merchandise, high quality fresh produce, meat and seafood and service
departments, including bakery and delicatessen departments in most stores. The
Company's conventional stores will also benefit from Ralphs' strong private
label program and its strengths in merchandising, store operations and systems.
Passing on format-related efficiencies, the Company's price impact warehouse
format stores will continue to offer consumers the lowest overall prices while
still providing product selections comparable to conventional supermarkets.
Management believes the Food 4 Less warehouse format has demonstrated its appeal
to a wide range of demographic groups in Southern California and offers a
significant opportunity for future growth. The Company plans to open nine new
Food 4 Less warehouse stores and 21 new Ralphs stores over the next two years.
Management believes the consolidation of its formats will improve the
Company's ability to adapt its stores' merchandising strategy to the local
markets in which they operate while achieving cost savings and other
efficiencies. These conversions will be effected in three phases which the
Company believes will be completed within the first 18 months of combined
operation.
Phase 1. Food 4 Less is currently in the process of converting 16 of its
conventional format stores operated under the names "Viva," "Alpha Beta" and
"Boys" into Food 4 Less warehouse format supermarkets. These conversions have
already begun at the rate of two stores per week. Management expects that each
such conversion will take up to eight weeks to complete and may require the
store to be closed for up to two weeks during such period. Management believes
that these Phase 1 conversions, which were planned independently, will be
completed prior to the consummation of the Merger at a cost of approximately $1
million per store.
Phase 2. Following the Merger, the Company plans to begin converting up to
122 conventional format stores currently operated by Food 4 Less under the names
"Viva," "Alpha Beta" and "Boys" into Ralphs conventional format stores. It is
anticipated that these conversions will be completed at the rate of
approximately 10 stores per week. Management expects that the Company will be
able to substantially complete each conversion without closing the store.
Management believes that these Phase 2 conversions will be completed within the
first 12-16 weeks of the Company's combined operation at a cost of approximately
$75,000 per store.
Phase 3. Following the Merger, the Company also plans to convert 23
conventional Ralphs format stores into Food 4 Less warehouse format stores.
Management expects that each such conversion will take up to eight weeks and may
require the store to be closed for up to two weeks during such period.
Management believes that these Phase 3 conversions will be completed within the
first 18 months of the Company's combined operation at a cost of approximately
$1 million per store.
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<PAGE> 57
The following table summarizes the store formats to be operated by the
Company in Southern California both before and after giving effect to the
conversion program:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRO FORMA NUMBER OF
ACTUAL STORES(1)
---------- -------------------------
OCTOBER 1, PRIOR TO FOLLOWING
STORE FORMATS 1994 CONVERSION CONVERSION
----------------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Ralphs Conventional............................... 168 165 264
Food 4 Less Warehouse............................. 30 29 68
Alpha Beta Conventional........................... 129 105 0
Viva Conventional................................. 15 13 0
Boys Conventional................................. 24 20 0
--- --- ---
Total........................................... 366 332 332
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Pro forma store numbers give effect to the anticipated Merger-related
divestiture or closing of 32 stores open at October 1, 1994 and the closure
of two additional Food 4 Less conventional stores.
Ralphs Conventional Format. Following completion of the store conversions
described above, and pro forma for the Merger, the Company will operate 264
Ralphs stores in Southern California. Management believes these conversions will
enhance Ralphs' market position and competitive advantages. Converted stores
will benefit from Ralphs strengths in merchandising, store operations, systems
and technology. Although all Ralphs stores use the Ralphs name and are operated
under a single format, each store is merchandised to appeal to the local
community it serves. Ralphs' substantial supermarket product selection is a
significant aspect of its marketing efforts: Ralphs stocks between 20,000 and
30,000 merchandise items in its stores, including approximately 2,800 private
label products, representing 17.3% of sales (excluding meat, service
delicatessen and produce items) during Fiscal 1993. Ralphs stores offer
name-brand grocery products; quality and freshness in its produce, meat,
seafood, delicatessen and bakery products; and broad selection in all
departments. Most existing Ralphs stores offer service delicatessen departments,
on-premises bakery facilities and seafood departments. Ralphs emphasizes store
ambiance and cleanliness, fast and friendly service, the convenience of debit
and credit card payment (including in-store branch banks) and 24-hour operations
in most stores.
Food 4 Less' 168 conventional supermarkets, currently operated under the
names "Alpha Beta," "Boys" and "Viva," are located throughout densely populated
areas of Los Angeles and surrounding counties, including both suburban and urban
neighborhoods. Food 4 Less' merchandising strategy for conventional stores has
been tailored to the community each store services, but has emphasized customer
service, quality of merchandise, and a large variety of product offerings in
modern store environments. Of Food 4 Less' 168 conventional supermarkets, up to
122 are intended to be converted to the "Ralphs" name and format, 16 will be
converted to the "Food 4 Less" warehouse format and the remainder are expected
to be closed or sold.
Food 4 Less Warehouse Format. Following completion of the store conversions
described above, and pro forma for the Merger, the Company will operate 68 Food
4 Less warehouse stores in Southern California. The conversions will
substantially accelerate the growth of the Food 4 Less format and will enhance
the Company's position as the largest operator of warehouse supermarkets in
Southern California. In addition to the conversions, the Company plans to
continue its rapid growth of the Food 4 Less format by opening nine new
warehouse format stores over the next two years, including five stores in San
Diego, a new market for Food 4 Less. Management believes the expansion of
warehouse format stores will create efficiencies in warehousing, distribution,
and administrative functions.
Food 4 Less' warehouse format stores target the price-conscious segment of
the market, encompassing a wide range of demographic groups in both urban and
suburban areas. Food 4 Less attempts to offer the lowest overall prices in its
marketing areas by passing savings on to the consumer while providing the
product selection associated with a conventional format. Savings are achieved
through labor efficiencies and lower overhead and advertising costs associated
with the warehouse format. In-store operations are designed to allow customers
to perform certain labor-intensive services usually offered in conventional
supermarkets. For example, merchandise is presented on warehouse style racks in
full cartons, reducing labor intensive
52
<PAGE> 58
unpacking, and customers bag their own groceries. Labor costs are also reduced
since the stores generally do not have service departments such as
delicatessens, bakeries and fresh seafood departments, although they do offer a
complete line of fresh meat, fish, produce and baked goods. Additionally, labor
rates are generally lower than in conventional supermarkets.
The Food 4 Less format generally consists of large facilities constructed
with high ceilings to accommodate warehouse racking with overhead pallet
storage. Wide aisles accommodate forklifts and, compared to conventional
supermarkets, a higher percentage of total store space is devoted to retail
selling because the top of the warehouse-style grocery racks on sales floors are
used to store inventory. This reduces the need for large backroom storage. The
Food 4 Less warehouse format supermarkets have brightly painted walls and
inexpensive signage in lieu of more expensive graphics. In addition, a "Wall of
Values" located at the entrance of each store presents the customer with a
selection of specially priced merchandise.
SUBSTANTIAL COST SAVINGS OPPORTUNITIES
Management believes that approximately $90 million of net annual cost
savings will be achieved by the end of the fourth full year of combined
operations. It is also anticipated that approximately $117 million in
Merger-related capital expenditures and $50 million of other non-recurring costs
will be required to complete store conversions, integrate operations and expand
warehouse facilities over the same period. Although a portion of the anticipated
cost savings is premised upon the completion of such capital expenditures,
management believes that over 70% of the cost savings could be achieved without
making any Merger-related capital expenditures. The following anticipated
savings are based on estimates and assumptions made by the Company that are
inherently uncertain, though considered reasonable by the Company, and are
subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and
contingencies, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are
beyond the control of management. There can be no assurance that such savings
will be achieved. The sum of the components of the estimated cost savings
exceeds $90 million; however, management has made an offsetting adjustment to
reflect its expectation that a portion of the savings will be reinvested in the
Company's operations. See "Risk Factors -- Ability to Achieve Anticipated Cost
Savings."
Reduced Advertising Expenses. As a result of the consolidation of
conventional format stores in Southern California under the "Ralphs" name, the
Company will eliminate advertising associated with Food 4 Less' existing Alpha
Beta, Boys and Viva formats. Because Ralphs' current advertising program now
covers the Southern California region, the Company will be able to expand the
number of Ralphs stores without significantly increasing advertising costs.
Management estimates that annual advertising cost savings of approximately $28
million will be achieved in the first full year of combined operations.
Reduced Store Operations Expense. Management expects to reduce store
operations costs as a result of both reduced labor and benefit costs and reduced
non-labor expenses. Projected labor and benefit cost savings are based primarily
on Ralphs' labor scheduling system, which has reduced Ralphs' labor costs
relative to those of Food 4 Less. Other labor savings will result from the
reduction of certain high-cost labor as a result of changed manufacturing,
warehouse and distribution practices, and productivity enhancements resulting
from the installation of Ralphs store level systems.
Non-labor expense reductions are based primarily on the installation of
Ralphs' computerized energy management equipment in Food 4 Less stores which
will require significant capital expenditures. The expense savings associated
with the use of this equipment is based on Ralphs' historical experience. Other
significant non-labor expense reductions are projected to come from improved
safety programs, increased cardboard baling revenues, changes to guard and
shoplift agent programs and a reduction in supply and packaging costs. Total
labor and non-labor operational savings estimated at approximately $21 million
annually are anticipated to be achieved by the fourth full year of combined
operation.
Increased Volume Purchasing Efficiencies. Management has identified
approximately $19 million of cost savings it believes can be achieved as a
result of purchasing efficiencies. These efficiencies consist primarily of (i)
savings from increased discounts and allowances as a result of the combined
volume of the two companies; (ii) an improvement in the terms of vendor
contracts for products carried in the Company's stores on an
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<PAGE> 59
exclusive or promoted basis; and (iii) savings from the conversion of some
less-than-truckload shipping quantities to full truckload quantities. These
savings are anticipated to be achieved by the second full year of combined
operation.
Warehousing and Distribution Efficiencies. The consolidation of the
Company's warehousing and distribution facilities will result in lower
transportation and labor costs. The Company plans facility additions at one
Ralphs facility to accommodate the additional volume as a result of such
consolidation. Management anticipates improvements in the areas of automation,
inventory management and handling, delivering, scheduling and route optimization
and worker safety. In addition, the Company plans to close two existing
facilities, which will result in lower occupancy expenses. Management believes
that annual savings of approximately $16 million associated with warehousing and
distribution will be achieved, before giving effect to capital expenditures in
connection with facilities expansions and facility closing costs. Such savings
are expected to be achieved by the third full year of combined operations.
Consolidated Manufacturing. Ralphs and Food 4 Less operate manufacturing
facilities that produce similar products or have excess capacity. Through the
consolidation of meat, bakery, dairy and other manufacturing and processing
operations, and the discontinuance of external purchases of certain goods that
can be manufactured internally, management believes that annual cost savings of
approximately $11 million can be achieved. In each instance, management has
identified the facilities best suited to the needs of the combined company and
has estimated the expense savings associated with each consolidation. The
combined company will utilize a 316,000 square foot bakery and a 25,722 square
foot milk processing plant, located at Food 4 Less' La Habra facility, and a
28,000 square foot milk processing plant, a 9,000 square foot ice cream
processing plant, and a 23,000 square foot delicatessen kitchen located at
Ralphs' Compton facility. Previously, Ralphs purchased bakery products
externally and Food 4 Less purchased ice cream and delicatessen items
externally. Management also plans to utilize Ralphs' third party meat
processors, which have historically provided Ralphs with a full line of
prefabricated and retail cuts of beef, to produce meat for Food 4 Less stores.
Management anticipates that manufacturing expense savings will be achieved by
the second full year of combined operation.
Consolidated Administrative Functions. The Company expects to achieve
savings from the elimination of redundant administrative staff, the
consolidation of management information systems and a decreased reliance on
certain outside services and consultants. To reduce headcount, the Company plans
to target several functions for consolidation, including accounting, marketing,
management information systems, and administration and human resources. The
Company plans to eliminate a data processing center, which is anticipated to
result in savings in the areas of equipment, software, headcount and outside
programmer fees. The Company also plans to eliminate the use of third party
administrators to handle workers compensation and general liability claims.
Management estimates that annual savings of approximately $15 million associated
with consolidating administrative functions will be achieved by the second full
year of combined operation.
EXPERIENCED MANAGEMENT TEAM
The executive officers of the Company have extensive experience in the
supermarket industry. The strength of Ralphs management expertise is evidenced
by Ralphs' reputation for quality and service, its technologically advanced
systems, strong store operations and high historical EBITDA margins. The Food 4
Less management team will provide valuable experience in operating warehouse
supermarkets and in effectively integrating companies into a combined operation.
Following the acquisition of Alpha Beta in 1991, Food 4 Less management
successfully integrated Alpha Beta with its existing Southern California
operations and (within three years) achieved annual cost savings in excess of
$40 million (compared to a pre-acquisition estimate of approximately $33
million). See "Management."
WAREHOUSING AND DISTRIBUTION
The combined Company will utilize Ralphs' technologically advanced
warehousing and distribution systems, which include a 17 million cubic foot
high-rise automated storage and retrieval system warehouse
54
<PAGE> 60
(the "ASRS") for non-perishable items and a 5.4 million cubic foot perishable
service center (the "PSC") designed for processing, storing and distributing all
perishable items. These facilities will provide the Company with substantial
operating benefits, including: (i) enhanced turnover to further improve the
freshness and quality of in-store products, (ii) additional opportunities in
forward buying programs and (iii) an increase in the percentage of inventory
supplied by the Company's own warehousing and distribution system. Management
believes the consolidation of these operations will enable the Company to meet
the combined inventory requirements of all stores with fewer employees and lower
operating and occupancy-related expenses.
In November 1987, Ralphs opened the 17 million cubic foot highrise ASRS
warehouse for non-perishable items in the Atwater district of Los Angeles, at a
cost of approximately $50 million. This facility significantly increased
capacity and improved the efficiency of Ralphs' warehouse operations. The
automated warehouse has a ground floor area of 170,000 square feet and capacity
of approximately 50,000 pallets. Guided by computer software, ten-story high
cranes move pallets from the receiving dock to programmed locations in the ASRS
warehouse while recording the location and time of storage. Goods are retrieved
and delivered by the cranes to conveyors leading to the adjacent grocery
"picking" warehouse where individual store orders are filled and shipped. The
Company plans to utilize existing unused capacity to accommodate additional
volume resulting from the consolidation. The ASRS facility can hold
substantially more inventory and requires fewer employees to operate than a
conventional warehouse of equal size. This facility has reduced Ralphs'
warehousing costs of non-perishable items markedly, enabling it to take
advantage of advance buying opportunities and minimize "out-of-stocks." The
Company plans to close two existing Ralphs warehouse facilities in Los Angeles
and Carson, California, each of which is currently operated on a short-term
lease, pending expansion of Ralphs' ASRS warehouse.
In mid-1992, Ralphs opened the 5.4 million cubic foot PSC facility in
Compton, California, designed to process and store all perishable products. This
facility cost approximately $35 million and has provided Ralphs with the ability
to deliver perishable products to its stores on a daily basis, thereby improving
the freshness and quality of these products. The facility contains an energy
efficient refrigeration system and a computer system designed to document the
location and anticipated delivery time of all inventory. The PSC has
consolidated the operations of three existing facilities and holds more
inventory than the facilities it replaced, thereby reducing Ralphs' warehouse
distribution costs. The Company also plans to expand the PSC facility to
accommodate additional volume resulting from the consolidation.
Most Ralphs stores and Food 4 Less Southern California stores are located
within approximately a one-hour drive from Ralphs' distribution and warehousing
facilities. This geographical concentration, combined with Ralphs' efficient
order system, shortens the lead time between the placement of a merchandise
order and its receipt.
Food 4 Less currently operates a centralized manufacturing, warehouse and
office facility in La Habra, California which it leases from Alpha Beta's former
parent corporation. The La Habra facility measures 1,378,083 total square feet
over 75 acres and, in addition to serving warehousing, distribution and office
functions, houses manufacturing operations which include a bakery and a
creamery. The La Habra facility is operated pursuant to a long-term lease which
expires in 2001. The La Habra facility is expected to be used as a secondary
source of supply for the Company's stores.
Food 4 Less is party to a joint venture with a subsidiary of Certified
Grocers of California, Ltd. which operates a general merchandise warehouse in
Fresno, California. Management is evaluating the role of such warehouse in the
operation of the combined Company.
MANUFACTURING
Ralphs' manufacturing operations produce a variety of dairy and other
products, including fluid milk, ice cream, yogurt and bottled waters and juices
as well as packaged ice, cheese and salad preparations. Ralphs contracts with
meat processors to provide a full line of prefabricated and retail cuts of beef.
Ralphs ceased its bakery operations during the second quarter of Fiscal 1993 at
its 102,000 square foot facility in Los Angeles. Food 4 Less' La Habra facility
includes a full-line bakery as well as a creamery and certain other
manufacturing operations.
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<PAGE> 61
The following table sets forth information concerning the principal
manufacturing and processing facilities expected to be owned and operated by the
Company:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FACILITY SQUARE FEET LOCATION
-------- ----------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Milk processing................................ 28,000 Compton
Ice cream processing........................... 9,000 Compton
Delicatessen kitchen........................... 23,000 Compton
Bakery......................................... 316,000 La Habra
Milk processing................................ 25,722 La Habra
</TABLE>
Management believes that Ralphs' manufacturing facilities and the La Habra
bakery can accommodate the volume requirements of the Company, after planned
expenditures of approximately $3.0 million over the next year.
PRIVATE LABEL PROGRAM
Through its private label program, Ralphs offers approximately 2,800 items
under the "Ralphs," "Private Selection," "Perfect Choice" and "Plain Wrap" brand
names. These products provide quality comparable to that of national brands at
prices 20-30% lower. Gross margins on private label goods are generally higher
than on national brands. Management believes its private label program is one of
the most successful programs in the supermarket industry, representing 17.3% of
sales (excluding meats, service delicatessen and produce items) during the
twelve months ended July 17, 1994. This figure has grown in the past few years,
and management intends to continue the growth of its private label program in
the future.
Food 4 Less has entered into several private label licensing arrangements
which allow it to exclusively utilize recognized brand names in connection with
certain goods it manufactures or purchases from others, including "Carnation"
and "Sunnyside Farms" (dairy products) and "Van de Kamps" (baked goods). In
addition, Food 4 Less has entered into an agreement to distribute private label
dry grocery and frozen products under the "Sunny Select" and "Grocers Pride"
labels and has established its own private label, "Equality," for health and
beauty aid products. Food 4 Less actively promoted its private label products
during fiscal 1994, and management believes that the additional variety,
superior quality and promotional program resulted in an overall increase in
private label sales and corresponding gross margins. It is expected that the
Company will continue the Carnation, Van de Kamps and certain of its other
licensing agreements following the Merger.
EXPANSION AND DEVELOPMENT
As a result of Ralphs' 122-year history and Alpha Beta's 91-year history in
Southern California, the Company will have valuable and well established store
locations, many of which are in densely populated metropolitan areas.
Additionally, the Company will have a technologically advanced store base.
During the five years ended June 25, 1994, on a combined basis, Ralphs and Food
4 Less opened 74 new stores and remodeled 211 stores. Approximately 84% of the
Company's stores have been opened or remodeled in the last five years.
The Company plans to expand the Southern California Division by acquiring
existing stores and constructing new ones. The Company intends to continue to
focus its new store construction and store conversion efforts during calendar
1995 and future years primarily within existing marketing areas. Such efforts
will encompass both of the Company's store formats, namely Food 4 Less and
Ralphs. To this end, the Company plans to continue its store expansion program
in Southern California by opening 17 new stores during calendar 1995 (including
three Food 4 Less stores which will be located in San Diego, a new market for
Food 4 Less), and additional stores in subsequent years. Moreover, in connection
with the Merger, the Company plans to convert approximately 16 conventional
stores currently managed by Food 4 Less and approximately 23 stores currently
managed by RGC to the "Food 4 Less" name and warehouse format, as Food 4 Less
stores have proven to have a strong appeal to value-conscious consumers across a
wide range of demographic groups. See "-- The Merger -- Two Leading
Complementary Formats." Remodeling activity in Southern California will be
focused on the conventional format stores, including 13 planned major remodels
of
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<PAGE> 62
such stores during calendar 1995. The Company's expansion, remodel and
conversion efforts have required, and will continue to require, the funding of
significant capital expenditures. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Liquidity and Capital
Resources."
During the last five fiscal years, Ralphs has opened 46 new stores and
remodeled 87 stores at a cost of approximately $283.6 million. A majority of
these new and remodeled stores offer expanded produce and European-style seafood
departments, service delicatessens, fresh bakeries and a broad selection of
general merchandise. With enhanced decor reflecting contemporary interior
design, these stores are designed to provide a quality shopping experience. At
the end of Fiscal 1993, 133 of Ralphs' 165 total stores were newly built or
remodeled within the past five fiscal years. While Ralphs has sold or closed 15
stores during the last five fiscal years, the number of Ralphs' stores has
increased from 142 stores at January 28, 1990 to 165 stores at January 30, 1994.
During the last five fiscal years, in Southern California Food 4 Less has
acquired or opened 172 stores (which includes 142 stores acquired in connection
with the acquisition of Alpha Beta) and remodeled 113 stores. Since its
acquisition of Alpha Beta in 1991, Food 4 Less has undertaken an extensive
program of store remodels, conversions and additions, which have resulted in a
substantially improved store base. During Fiscal 1994, Food 4 Less spent
approximately $50.7 million on capital improvements in Southern California.
Additionally, since the Alpha Beta acquisition, Food 4 Less has converted 11
Southern California stores from conventional formats to the warehouse format. As
Food 4 Less has remodeled existing stores, opened new larger stores and closed
smaller, marginally performing stores, there has been a net reduction in store
count, from 209 stores to 196 stores from the year ended June 29, 1991 ("Fiscal
1991") to the end of Fiscal 1994, but an increase in average store size. The
average square feet per store has increased from 28,700 at the end of Fiscal
1991 to 30,500 at the end of Fiscal 1994. During the last five fiscal years, 29
stores have been closed or sold (including five stores which closed as a result
of the April 1992 civil unrest in Los Angeles).
The Company will select most new store sites from developers' proposals
after such proposals have been researched and analyzed by the Company's
personnel. Each site will be monitored for population shifts, zoning changes,
traffic patterns, and nearby new construction and competitors' stores in an
effort to determine sales potential. The Company will actively participate with
developers in order to attain the Company's objectives for the site, including
adequate parking and complementary co-tenant mix. Remodeling involves enhancing
a store's decor through fixture replacement, upgrading of service departments
and improvements to lighting systems. In order to minimize the disruptive effect
on sales, most stores will be kept open during the remodeling period. The
primary objectives of remodeling will be to improve the attractiveness of
stores, increase sales of higher margin product categories and to increase
selling area where feasible.
Remodelings and openings, among other things, are subject to the
availability of developers' financing, agreements with developers and landlords,
local zoning regulations, construction schedules and other factors, including
costs, often beyond the Company's control. Accordingly, there can be no
assurance that the schedule will be met. Further, the Company expects increasing
competition for new store sites, and it is possible that this competition might
adversely affect the timing of its new store opening program.
ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION
Ralphs' marketing strategy is to provide a combination of wide product
selection, quality and freshness of perishable products, competitive prices and
double coupons supporting Ralphs' advertising theme "Everything You Need. Every
Time You Shop." In February 1994, Ralphs launched the Ralphs Savings Plan, a new
marketing campaign designed to enhance customer value. The Ralphs Savings Plan
is comprised of six major components: Guaranteed Low Prices ("GLPs"), Price
Breakers, Big Buys, Multi-Buys, Ralphs Brand Products and Double Coupons. GLPs
guarantee low prices on certain high volume items that are surveyed and updated
every four weeks. Price Breakers are weekly advertised items that offer
significant savings. Big Buys are club size items at prices competitive to club
store prices and Multi-Buys offer Ralphs shoppers the opportunity to purchase
club store quantities of regular sized items at prices competitive to club store
prices. In conjunction with this new campaign Ralphs' private label offering of
approximately 2,800 products provides value to the customer. In the second
quarter of 1994, Ralphs began more aggressively promoting perishables
57
<PAGE> 63
through weekly ad features and lower prices. In addition, Ralphs increased the
number of storewide GLPs. Further, a mailer program was intensified to highlight
the perishable pricing and increased GLPs.
Ralphs stores promote sales through the use of product coupons, consisting
of manufacturers' coupons and Ralphs' own promotional coupons. Ralphs offers a
double coupon program in all stores with Ralphs matching the price reduction
offered by the manufacturer. Ralphs also generates store traffic through weekly
advertised specials, special sales promotions such as discounts on recreational
activities, seasonal and holiday promotions, increased private label selection,
club pack items and exclusive product offerings. Current advertising by Ralphs
has substantially the same market coverage as Food 4 Less and it is expected
that following the Merger duplicative advertising can be eliminated.
The Food 4 Less warehouse stores utilize print and radio advertising which
emphasizes Food 4 Less' low-price leadership, rather than promoting special
prices on individual items. The Food 4 Less warehouse stores also utilize weekly
advertising circulars, customized to local communities, which highlight the
merchandise offered in each store.
INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY
Ralphs' management utilizes technology and industrial engineering methods
to enhance operating efficiency. Every checkout lane in every Ralphs store has a
point of sale terminal. Information from these terminals is utilized to allocate
shelf space, select merchandise based on the buying patterns of each store,
reduce out-of-stocks and increase efficiency at the checkstand and in the
warehouses. Industrial engineering methods are used to schedule labor thereby
improving productivity at the store level and in warehousing and distribution
operations.
Ralphs was the first supermarket chain in the western United States to
adopt scanning in all of its stores and has upgraded this equipment through the
purchase of IBM 4680 point-of-sale computers. All Ralphs stores use laser
scanning equipment, operating through an integrated computer system, to scan the
Universal Product Code, which provides prices and descriptions for most
products.
Ralphs has a Uniform Communications Standard purchase order system that
electronically links Ralphs to major suppliers via computer. This system has
enabled the automated processing of purchase orders which management believes
reduces the lead time required for product purchases. In Fiscal 1994, Ralphs
completed installation of an industry standard, direct store delivery receiving
system for goods delivered directly by vendors. This system allows the receipt
of each order to be recorded electronically, thereby confirming product retail
price and purchase authorization. This system has reduced the incidence of
billing errors and unauthorized deliveries.
Industrial engineering standards have been established for all major work
functions in Ralphs stores, ranging from stocking to checkout. Performance of
each major department in each store is measured weekly against these standards.
Similar measurements are made in Ralphs' distribution, warehouse and
manufacturing operations. Ralphs believes that its application of qualitative
methods to the operation of the business has given it a competitive advantage
and has better enabled management to run its business efficiently and to control
costs.
The Company plans to convert the Food 4 Less management information systems
to the Ralphs management information systems. Ralphs stores that will be
converted to the Food 4 Less format will continue to use the Ralphs programs.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA AND MIDWESTERN DIVISIONS
The Northern California Division of Food 4 Less operates 19 conventional
supermarkets in the greater San Francisco Bay Area under the names "Cala" and
"Bell," and six warehouse format stores under the "Foods Co." name. Management
believes that the Northern California Division has excellent store locations in
the city of San Francisco that are very difficult to replicate. The Midwestern
Division of Food 4 Less operates 38 stores, of which 33, including ten former
"Food Barn" stores which Food 4 Less acquired in March 1994, are warehouse
format stores operated under the "Food 4 Less" name, and five of which are
58
<PAGE> 64
conventional supermarkets operated under the "Falley's" name. Of these 38
stores, 34 are located in Kansas and four are located in Missouri. Management
believes the Food 4 Less warehouse format stores are the low-price leaders in
each of the markets in which they compete. The Northern California Division's
conventional store strategy is to attract customers through its convenient
locations, broad product line and emphasis on quality and service and its
advertising and promotion strategy highlights the reduced price specials offered
in its stores. In contrast, the Company's warehouse format stores, operated
under the Food 4 Less name in the Midwestern Division and the Foods Co. name in
the Northern California Division, emphasize lowest overall prices rather than
promoting special prices on individual items. The Northern California Division's
conventional stores range in size from approximately 8,900 square feet to 32,800
square feet, and average approximately 19,400 square feet. The Northern
California Division's warehouse stores range in size from approximately 30,000
square feet to 59,600 square feet, and average approximately 37,900 square feet.
The Midwestern Division's warehouse format stores range in size from
approximately 8,800 square feet to 60,200 square feet and average approximately
37,300 square feet.
The Northern California Division purchases merchandise from a number of
suppliers; however, approximately 40% of its purchases are made through
Certified Grocers of California, Ltd. ("Certified"), a food distribution
cooperative, pursuant to supply contracts. The Northern California Division does
not operate its own warehouse facilities, relying instead on direct delivery to
its stores by Certified and other vendors. Food 4 Less' Southern California
warehouse facilities supply a portion of the merchandise sold in the Northern
California Division stores, and it is expected that, following completion of the
Merger, the Company's Southern California warehouses will continue to do so.
The Midwestern Division's primary supplier is Associated Wholesale Grocers
("AWG"), a member-owned wholesale grocery cooperative based in Kansas City. The
Midwestern Division does not operate a central warehouse, but purchases
approximately 73% of the merchandise sold in its stores from AWG. Management
believes that, as AWG's largest single customer, the Midwestern Division has
significant buying power, allowing it to provide a broader product line more
economically than it could if it maintained its own full-line warehouse. The
Midwestern Division produces approximately 50% of all case-ready fresh meat
items sold in its stores at its central meat plant located in Topeka, Kansas.
In fiscal 1990, the Northern California Division initiated a remodeling
program to upgrade its stores and to increase profitability. Food 4 Less
remodeled 15 stores during the past five fiscal years, and opened five new
stores during the past four fiscal years. During fiscal 1994, Food 4 Less opened
one new warehouse store, converted three existing stores to the warehouse format
and remodeled one conventional format store. The Company has closed 4 stores
during the past five fiscal years and increased its number of stores from 22 at
the end of the fiscal year ended June 30, 1990 to 24 at the end of the fiscal
year ended June 25, 1994. The average square feet per store has increased from
20,000 at the end of fiscal 1990 to 23,300 at the end of fiscal 1994. The
Company plans to open one additional warehouse format store and remodel two
conventional format stores during fiscal 1995. Management plans to further
expand the Northern California Division in the future by acquiring existing
stores and constructing new stores, including warehouse stores. The Northern
California Division Food 4 Less warehouse stores were renamed "Foods Co." in
fiscal 1994 following the sale by Food 4 Less of exclusive rights to use the
"Food 4 Less" name in Northern California to Fleming Companies, Inc. See
"Licensing Operations."
The Company intends to focus its Midwestern Division expansion primarily on
its Food 4 Less operations. While Food 4 Less expects to construct new stores,
it may also expand operations by purchasing existing Food 4 Less stores from
unaffiliated licensees, or by acquiring existing supermarkets and converting
them to the Food 4 Less warehouse format. The acquisition in March 1994 of ten
warehouse stores formerly operated as "Food Barn" stores increased the
Midwestern Division's Food 4 Less warehouse store count from 23 at June 26, 1993
to 33 at June 25, 1994. During the last five fiscal years, the Midwestern
Division has opened 3 new stores, acquired 13 stores, closed one store and
remodeled 10 stores.
59
<PAGE> 65
COMPETITION
The supermarket industry is highly competitive and characterized by narrow
profit margins. The Company's competitors in each of its operating divisions
include national and regional supermarket chains, independent and specialty
grocers, drug and convenience stores, and the newer "alternative format" food
stores, including warehouse club stores, deep discount drug stores and "super
centers." Supermarket chains generally compete on the basis of location, quality
of products, service, price, product variety and store condition. The Company
regularly monitors its competitors' prices and adjusts its prices and marketing
strategy as management deems appropriate in light of existing conditions. Some
of the Company's competitors have greater financial resources than the Company
and could use these resources to take steps which could adversely affect the
Company's competitive position.
The Southern California stores compete with several large national and
regional chains, principally Albertsons, Hughes, Lucky, Smith's, Stater Bros.,
and Vons, and with smaller independent supermarkets and grocery stores as well
as warehouse clubs and other "alternative format" food stores. The Northern
California Division competes with large national and regional chains,
principally Lucky and Safeway, and with independent supermarket and grocery
store operators and other retailers, including "alternative format" stores. The
Midwestern Division's supermarkets compete with several national and regional
supermarket chains, principally Albertsons and Dillons, as well as independent
and "alternative format" stores such as Hypermarket USA. Food 4 Less positions
its Food 4 Less warehouse format supermarkets as the overall low-price leader in
each marketing area in which they operate. In addition, management believes that
Ralphs is a leading competitor in many of its marketing areas, based on its
strong customer franchise, desirable store locations, technology and efficient
distribution systems.
EMPLOYEES
RALPHS
At July 17, 1994, Ralphs had 6,052 full-time and 8,755 part-time employees
as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EMPLOYEE TYPE UNION NON-UNION TOTAL
------------- ------ --------- ------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Hourly....................................... 13,487 250 13,737
Salaried..................................... -- 1,070 1,070
------ ----- ------
Total employees.................... 13,487 1,320 14,807
</TABLE>
Of Ralphs' 14,807 total employees at July 17, 1994, 13,487 were covered by
union contracts principally with the UFCW. The table below sets forth
information regarding Ralphs' union contracts which cover more than 100
employees.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNION NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES COVERED DATE OF EXPIRATION
- ------------------------------ -------------------------------- -------------------
<S> <C> <C>
UFCW 10,506 clerks and meatcutters October 6, 1996
International Brotherhood of 1,607 drivers and warehousemen September 13, 1998
Teamsters
Hotel Employees and Restaurant
Employees 906 September 10, 1995
Hospital and Service Employees 323 Los Angeles January 19, 1997
66 San Diego April 20, 1997
</TABLE>
60
<PAGE> 66
FOOD 4 LESS
At June 25, 1994, Food 4 Less had a total of 5,728 full-time and 8,959
part-time employees as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EMPLOYEE TYPE UNION NON-UNION TOTAL
---------------------------------- ------ --------- ------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Hourly............................ 11,882 1,907 13,789
Salaried.......................... -- 898 898
------ ----- ------
Total employees......... 11,882 2,805 14,687
</TABLE>
Of Food 4 Less' 14,687 total employees at June 25, 1994, 11,882 were
covered by union contracts, principally with UFCW. The table below sets forth
information regarding Food 4 Less' union contracts which cover more than 100
employees.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF DATE OF
UNION EMPLOYEES COVERED EXPIRATION
- ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------- ---------------------
<S> <C> <C>
UFCW.......................................... 7,908 Southern California October 6, 1996
clerks and meatcutters
Hospital and Service Employees................ 299 Southern California January 19, 1997
store porters
International Brotherhood of Teamsters........ 886 Southern California September 13, 1998
produce drivers
and warehousemen
UFCW.......................................... 971 Northern California February 28, 1995(a)
clerks and meatcutters
UFCW.......................................... 1,532 Southern California February 25, 1996
clerks and meatcutters
Bakery and Confectionery Workers.............. 192 Southern California July 8, 1995
bakers
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(a) Certain of such employees are covered by contracts expiring on March 4, 1995
or June 2, 1996.
Pursuant to their collective bargaining agreements, both Ralphs and Food 4
Less contribute to various union-sponsored, multi-employer pension plans.
The terms of most collective bargaining agreements that cover employees of
conventional stores operated by Food 4 Less are substantially identical to the
terms of the corresponding collective bargaining agreements of Ralphs. The terms
of each company's collective bargaining agreements generally will remain in
effect following the Merger, although it is expected that, as a result of
current negotiations, Ralphs' collective bargaining agreements will apply to all
Company stores converted to the Ralphs name and format, and the collective
bargaining agreements that cover employees of Food 4 Less warehouse format
stores will apply to all Company stores converted to the Food 4 Less name and
warehouse format.
Management believes that both Ralphs and Food 4 Less have good relations
with their employees.
LICENSING OPERATIONS
Food 4 Less owns the "Food 4 Less" trademark and service mark and licenses
the "Food 4 Less" name for use by others. In Fiscal 1994, earnings from
licensing operations were approximately $270,000. An exclusive license with the
right to sublicense the "Food 4 Less" name in all areas of the United States
except Arkansas, Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South
Dakota, Wisconsin, the upper peninsula of Michigan, certain portions of Kansas,
Missouri, and Tennessee has been granted to Fleming Companies, Inc. ("Fleming"),
a major food wholesaler and retailer. In August of 1993, Food 4 Less amended
(the "Amendment") its licensing agreement with Fleming to give Fleming exclusive
use of the Food 4 Less name in Northern California and Food 4 Less exclusive use
in Southern California. Fleming paid Food 4 Less a fee of $1.9 million for the
Amendment. With the exception of Northern California, and subject to the
Amendment and certain proximity restrictions, Food 4 Less retains the right to
open and operate its own "Food 4 Less" warehouse supermarkets throughout the
United States. As of June 25, 1994, there were 158 Food 4 Less warehouse
supermarkets in 20 states, including the 61 stores owned or leased and operated
by
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<PAGE> 67
Food 4 Less. Of the remaining 97 stores, Fleming operates three under license,
67 are operated under sublicenses from Fleming and 27 are operated by other
licensees.
PROPERTIES
At October 1, 1994, Ralphs and Food 4 Less operated a total of 429 stores,
as set forth in the table below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF
SUPERMARKETS
-------------- TOTAL SELLING
OWNED LEASED SQUARE FEET SQUARE FEET
----- ------ ----------- -----------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Southern California..................... 49 317(a) 12,929 9,174
Northern California..................... -- 25 610 424
Midwestern.............................. 2(b) 36 1,357 1,025
-- --- ------ ------
Total......................... 51 378(c) 14,896 10,623
== === ====== ======
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(a) Includes 17 stores located on real property subject to a ground lease.
(b) Includes one store that is partially owned and partially leased.
(c) The average remaining term (including renewal options) of Ralphs' and Food 4
Less' supermarket leases is 27 years.
The number of Ralphs and Food 4 Less stores by size classification as of October
1, 1994 is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AVERAGE GROSS SQUARE FEET AVERAGE SELLING SQUARE FEET NUMBER OF STORES
TOTAL SQUARE --------------------------- --------------------------- -----------------------------------
FEET RALPHS FOOD 4 LESS RALPHS FOOD 4 LESS RALPHS FOOD 4 LESS TOTAL
- ---------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- --------- ----------- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
8,800 - 15,599 -- 13,175 -- 9,478 -- 8 8
15,600 - 25,000 21,867 21,740 16,709 14,880 3 92 95
25,001 - 30,000 27,926 26,966 19,725 18,633 15 37 52
30,001 - 35,000 32,993 32,574 24,204 23,247 31 51 82
35,001 - 40,000 37,254 36,804 27,053 26,272 32 27 59
40,001 - 45,000 43,264 42,329 31,422 30,038 59 12 71
45,001 - 50,000 46,356 48,037 33,185 34,572 15 11 26
50,001 - 84,280 68,400 55,056 48,466 37,814 13 23 36
</TABLE>
At October 1, 1994, the Company also operated 20 distribution, warehouse
and administrative facilities and five manufacturing and processing facilities,
14 of which are owned and 11 of which are leased. Certain of the facilities are
expected to be sold, closed or subleased following completion of the Merger. See
"-- Warehousing and Distribution."
Ralphs' distribution and warehouse facilities include the 17 million cubic
foot ASRS warehouse for nonperishable items that Ralphs opened in November 1987
and the 5.4 million cubic foot PSC facility for the processing and storage of
perishable products opened in mid-1992. Food 4 Less operates two warehouse
facilities: The largest of such facilities is Food 4 Less' central office,
manufacturing and warehouse complex in La Habra, California, which occupies
approximately 1.4 million total square feet over 75 acres. Food 4 Less has
entered into a lease of the La Habra property which expires in 2001 (and which
may be extended for up to 15 years at the election of Food 4 Less), with
American Food and Drug, Inc. ("AFDI"), a subsidiary of American Stores Company,
and has an option to purchase such property. Rent on the La Habra property was
$6.3 million in Fiscal 1994. Four of Food 4 Less' supermarkets are also leased
from AFDI. In addition to the La Habra facility, Food 4 Less leases a 321,000
square foot warehouse in Los Angeles. This warehouse, which was formerly owned
by Food 4 Less, was the subject of a sale leaseback arrangement entered into by
Food 4 Less in August 1990. For information regarding the Company's plan to
consolidate its warehouse facilities following completion of the Merger, see
"-- The Merger -- Substantial Cost Savings Opportunities -- Warehousing and
Distribution Efficiencies."
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In December 1992, three California state antitrust class action suits were
commenced in Los Angeles Superior Court against RGC and Food 4 Less and other
major supermarket chains located in Southern California, alleging that they
conspired to refrain from competing in the retail market for fluid milk and to
fix the retail price of fluid milk above competitive prices. Specifically, class
actions were commenced by Diane
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<PAGE> 68
Barela and Neila Ross, Ron Moliare and Paul C. Pfeifle on December 7, December
14, and December 23, 1992, respectively. The Court has yet to certify any of
these classes. A demurrer to the complaints was denied. RGC had reached an
agreement in principle to settle these cases, however, no settlement agreement
was signed. Food 4 Less is continuing to actively defend these suits and Ralphs
has elected to defer any further settlement discussions until after the
consummation of the Merger. The Company does not believe that the resolution of
these cases will have a material adverse effect on its future financial
condition. Any settlement would be subject to court approval.
On March 25, 1991, George A. Koteen Associates, Inc. ("Koteen Associates")
commenced an action in San Diego Superior Court alleging that RGC breached an
alleged utility rate consulting agreement. In December 1992, a jury returned a
verdict of approximately $4.9 million in favor of Koteen Associates and in March
1993, attorney's fees and certain other costs were awarded to the plaintiff. RGC
has appealed the judgment and fully reserved in Fiscal 1992 against an adverse
judgment.
In April 1994, RGC was served with a complaint filed by over 240 former
employees at Ralphs' bakery in the Atwater district of Los Angeles (the "Bakery
Plaintiffs"). The action was commenced in the United States District Court for
the Central District of California, and, among other claims, the Bakery
Plaintiffs alleged that RGC breached its collective bargaining agreement and
violated the Workers Adjustment Retraining Notification Act (the "WARN Act")
when it downsized and subsequently closed the bakery. In their complaint, the
Bakery Plaintiffs are seeking damages for lost wages and benefits as well as
punitive damages. The Bakery Plaintiffs also named RGC and two of its management
employees in fraud, conspiracy and emotional distress causes of action. In
addition, the Bakery Plaintiffs sued their union local for breach of its duty of
fair representation and other alleged misconduct, including fraud and
conspiracy. The defendants have answered the complaint and discovery is ongoing.
Trial is set for February, 1996, and RGC is vigorously defending this suit.
Management believes, based on its assessment of the facts, that the resolution
of this case will not have a material effect on the Company's financial position
or results of operations.
In addition, Food 4 Less and Ralphs are defendants in a number of other
cases currently in litigation or potential claims encountered in the normal
course of business which are being vigorously defended. In the opinion of
management, the resolutions of these matters will not have a material effect on
Food 4 Less' or Ralphs' financial position or results of operations.
CALIFORNIA SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
On December 14, 1994, Food 4 Less and Ralphs entered into a Settlement
Agreement (the "Settlement Agreement") with the State of California to settle
potential antitrust and unfair competition claims the State of California
asserted against Ralphs and Food 4 Less relating to the effects of the Merger on
supermarket competition in Southern California (the "State Claims"). Without
admitting any liability in connection with the State Claims, Food 4 Less and
Ralphs agreed in the Settlement Agreement to divest 27 specific stores in
Southern California. Under the Settlement Agreement, the Company must divest 14
stores by June 30, 1995, and the balance of 13 stores by December 31, 1995. The
Company also agreed not to acquire new stores from third parties in the six
Southern California areas specified in the Settlement Agreement for five years
following the date of the Settlement Agreement. If the Company fails to divest
the required stores by the two dates set forth in the Settlement Agreement, the
Company has agreed not to object to the appointment of a trustee to effect the
required sales. The Settlement Agreement also requires the Company to pay the
reasonable fees and costs of the attorneys and experts of the State of
California associated with its review.
GOVERNMENT REGULATION
Ralphs and Food 4 Less are subject to regulation by a variety of
governmental agencies, including, but not limited to, the California Department
of Alcoholic Beverage Control, the California Department of Agriculture, the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and state
and local health departments. In addition, the Merger and the New Equity
Investment are subject to the review of the Federal Trade Commission and may not
be consummated prior to the expiration of the applicable waiting period imposed
by the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976.
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<PAGE> 69
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
In January 1991, the California Regional Water Quality Control Board for
the Los Angeles Region (the "Regional Board") requested that Ralphs conduct a
subsurface characterization of Ralphs' Atwater property. This request was part
of an ongoing effort by the Regional Board, in connection with the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (the "EPA"), to identify contributors to
groundwater contamination in the San Fernando Valley. Significant parts of the
San Fernando Valley, including the area where Ralphs' Atwater property is
located, have been designated federal Superfund sites requiring response actions
under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act
of 1980, as amended, because of regional groundwater contamination. On June 18,
1991, the EPA made its own request for information concerning the Atwater
property. Since that time, the Regional Board has requested further
investigations by Ralphs. Ralphs has conducted the requested investigations and
has reported the results to the Regional Board. Approximately 25 companies have
entered into a Consent Order (EPA Docket No. 94-11) with the EPA to investigate
and design a remediation system for contaminated groundwater beneath an area
which includes the Atwater property. Ralphs is not a party to that Consent
Order, but is cooperating with requests of the subject companies to allow
installation of monitoring or recovery wells on Ralphs' property. Based upon
available information, management does not believe this matter will have a
material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition or results of
operations.
Ralphs has removed several underground storage tanks and remediated soil
contamination at the Atwater property. Although the possibility of other
localized contamination from prior operations or adjacent properties exists at
the Atwater property, management does not believe that the costs of remediating
such contamination will be material to the Company.
Apart from the Atwater property, the Company has recently had environmental
assessments performed on a significant portion of Ralphs' facilities and Food 4
Less' facilities, including warehouse and distribution facilities. The Company
believes that any responsive actions required at the examined properties as a
result of such assessments will not have a material adverse effect on its
financial condition or results of operations.
Ralphs has incurred approximately $4.5 million in non-recurring capital
expenditures for the mandated conversion of refrigerants during 1994. Food 4
Less may incur some additional capital expenditures for such conversion. Other
than these expenditures, neither Ralphs nor Food 4 Less has incurred material
capital expenditures for environmental controls during the previous three years,
nor does management anticipate incurring such expenditures during the current
fiscal year or the succeeding fiscal year.
At the time that Food 4 Less acquired Alpha Beta in 1991, it learned that
certain underground storage tanks located on the site of the La Habra facility
may have released hydrocarbons. In connection with the acquisition of Alpha Beta
the seller (who is also the lessor of the La Habra facility) agreed to retain
responsibility, subject to certain limitations, for remediation of the release.
Ralphs and Food 4 Less are subject to a variety of environmental laws,
rules, regulations and investigative or enforcement activities, as are other
companies in the same or similar business. The Company believes it is in
substantial compliance with such laws, rules and regulations. These laws, rules,
regulations and agency activities change from time to time, and such changes may
affect the ongoing business and operations of the Company.
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<PAGE> 70
MANAGEMENT
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the persons
who are expected to serve as the executive officers and directors of the Company
and New Holdings following the consummation of the Merger.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS OF SUPERMARKET
INDUSTRY SERVICE
----------------------------
NAME AGE POSITION MANAGERIAL POSITIONS TOTAL
- ------------------------- --- ----------------------------------- -------------------- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Ronald W. Burkle 42 Director and Chairman of the Board 19 24
of New Holdings and the Company
Byron E. Allumbaugh 63 Director and Chief Executive 36 36
Officer of New Holdings and the
Company
George G. Golleher 46 Director and Vice Chairman of New 21 21
Holdings and the Company
Alfred A. Marasca 53 Director of the Company and 29 37
President and Chief Operating
Officer of New Holdings and the
Company
Joe S. Burkle 71 Director and Executive Vice 44 48
President of New Holdings and the
Company
Greg Mays 48 Executive Vice President of New 21 21
Holdings and the Company
Terry Peets 50 Executive Vice President of New 17 17
Holdings and the Company
Jan Charles Gray 47 Senior Vice President, General 19 31
Counsel and Secretary of New
Holdings and the Company
Alan J. Reed 48 Senior Vice President and Chief 21 21
Financial Officer of New Holdings
and the Company
Patrick L. Graham 45 Director of New Holdings and the -- --
Company
Mark A. Resnik 47 Director of New Holdings and the -- --
Company
</TABLE>
Ronald W. Burkle has been a Director and the Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer of Food 4 Less since its inception in 1989. Mr. Burkle
co-founded Yucaipa in 1986 and has served as Director, Chairman of the Board,
President and Chief Executive Officer of FFL since 1987 and of Holdings since
1992. From 1986 to 1988, Mr. Burkle was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
Jurgensen's, a Southern California gourmet food retailer. Before joining
Jurgensen's, Mr. Burkle was a private investor in Southern California. Mr.
Burkle is the son of Joe S. Burkle.
Byron E. Allumbaugh has been Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer of Ralphs since 1976 and a Director since 1988. He also is a Director of
the H.F. Ahmanson Company, El Paso Natural Gas Company and Ultramar, Inc.
George G. Golleher has been a Director of Food 4 Less since its inception
in 1989 and has been the President and Chief Operating Officer of Food 4 Less
since January 1990. From 1986 through 1989 Mr. Golleher served as Senior Vice
President, Finance and Administration, of The Boys Markets, Inc. Prior to
joining The Boys Markets, Inc. in 1984, Mr. Golleher served as Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer of Mayfair Markets, Inc. from 1983 to 1984.
Alfred A. Marasca has been President, Chief Operating Officer and a
Director of Ralphs since February 1994 and he was President from February 1993
to February 1994, Executive Vice President, Retail from 1991 until 1993 and
Executive Vice President, Marketing from 1985 to 1991.
65
<PAGE> 71
Joe S. Burkle has been a Director and Executive Vice President of Food 4
Less since its inception in 1989 and has been Chief Executive Officer of
Falley's, Inc. since 1987. Mr. Burkle began his career in the supermarket
industry in 1946, and served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Stater
Bros. Markets, a Southern California supermarket chain. Prior to 1987, Mr.
Burkle was a private investor in Southern California. Mr. Burkle is the father
of Ronald W. Burkle.
Greg Mays has been Executive Vice President -- Finance and Administration,
and Chief Financial Officer of Food 4 Less and of Holdings since December 1992.
From 1989 until 1991, Mr. Mays was Chief Financial Officer of Almac's, Inc. and,
from 1991 to December 1992, President and Chief Financial Officer of Almac's.
From April 1988 to June 1989, Mr. Mays was Chief Financial Officer of Food 4
Less of Modesto, Inc. and Cala Foods, Inc.
Terry Peets has been Executive Vice President of Ralphs since February
1994. He was Senior Vice President, Marketing from 1991 to February 1994, Senior
Vice President, Merchandising from 1990 to 1991, Group Vice President,
Merchandising from 1988 to 1990 and Group Vice President, Store Operations from
1987 to 1988.
Jan Charles Gray has been Senior Vice President, General Counsel and
Secretary of Ralphs since 1988. He was Senior Vice President and General Counsel
from 1985 to 1988 and Vice President and General Counsel from 1978 to 1985.
Alan J. Reed has been Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of
Ralphs since 1988. He was Senior Vice President, Finance from 1985 to 1988 and
Vice President, Finance from 1983 to 1985.
Patrick L. Graham joined Yucaipa as a general partner in January 1993.
Prior to that time he was a Managing Director in the corporate finance
department of Libra Investments, Inc. from 1992 to 1993 and PaineWebber Inc.
from 1990 to 1992. From 1982 to 1990, he was a Managing Director of the
corporate finance department of Drexel Burnham Lambert Incorporated and an
Associate Director in the corporate finance department of Bear Stearns & Co.,
Inc.
Mark A. Resnik has been a Director and the Vice President and Secretary of
Food 4 Less since its inception in 1989, co-founded Yucaipa in 1986 and has been
a Director, Vice President and Secretary of FFL since 1987. From 1986 until
1988, Mr. Resnik served as a Director, Vice President and Secretary for
Jurgensen's. From 1983 through 1986, Mr. Resnik served as a Director, Vice
President and General Counsel of Stater Bros. Markets.
Two members will be nominated to the Board of Directors of each of the
Company and New Holdings by Apollo, one member will be nominated to the Board of
Directors of each of the Company and New Holdings by BTIP, six members will be
nominated to the Board of Directors of New Holdings and seven members will be
nominated to the Board of Directors of the Company by Yucaipa, pursuant to the
terms of the 1995 Stockholders Agreement. See "Description of Capital
Stock -- New Equity Investment."
All directors of the Company will hold office until the election and
qualification of their successors. Executive officers of the Company will be
chosen by the Board of Directors and will serve at its discretion. It is
anticipated that the Company will not pay any fees or remuneration to its
directors for service on the board or any board committee, but that the Company
will reimburse directors for their ordinary out-of-pocket expenses incurred in
connection with attending meetings of the Board of Directors.
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<PAGE> 72
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
Concurrently with the consummation of the Merger, the Company will enter
into employment agreements with certain of the current executive officers of
Ralphs and Food 4 Less. It is expected that Byron E. Allumbaugh, George G.
Golleher, Alfred A. Marasca, as well as other executive officers of the Company,
will enter into three-year employment contracts with the Company and that the
existing employment contracts, if any, of such officers will be cancelled.
New Allumbaugh Agreement. The employment agreement between the Company and
Byron Allumbaugh, 63, is expected to provide for a salary of $1 million for the
first year and $1.25 million for the second year. If Mr. Allumbaugh continues as
the Chief Executive Officer during the third year following the Merger, he would
be entitled to a salary of $2 million and if he is employed in another capacity
then he would be entitled to a salary of $1.25 million for the third year. Mr.
Allumbaugh will be entitled to a bonus equal to his salary in each year if
certain prescribed earnings targets (the "Earnings Targets") for the year are
reached. If the Company completes an initial public offering of capital stock
during the first two years of Mr. Allumbaugh's employment, Mr. Allumbaugh will
remain Chief Executive Officer for one year after the public offering. If the
public offering is anticipated to occur during the third year of Mr.
Allumbaugh's employment agreement, Mr. Allumbaugh will resign as Chief Executive
Officer six months prior to the intended date of the public offering but will
continue to be employed at the lesser compensation level provided in his
employment agreement until its termination.
New Golleher Agreement. Food 4 Less is currently a party to a five-year
employment agreement with George G. Golleher providing for annual base
compensation of $350,000, plus employee benefits and an incentive bonus
calculated in accordance with a formula based on Food 4 Less' earnings. Under
the employment agreement, Mr. Golleher may terminate his employment agreement in
the event of a change of control of Food 4 Less, in which case he is entitled to
receive all of the salary and benefits provided under the agreement for the
remaining term thereof, notwithstanding the termination of his employment. In
connection with the consummation of the Merger the Food 4 Less board of
directors has authorized the payment of a special bonus to George Golleher in a
lump sum amount equal to the base salary due him under the remaining term of his
employment agreement. As a condition of the payment of such bonus, Mr.
Golleher's existing employment agreement will be cancelled, and he will enter
into a new agreement containing terms to be mutually agreed upon between Food 4
Less and Mr. Golleher. The new employment agreement is expected to provide for
an annual salary of $500,000 plus a bonus equal to his salary in each year if
the Earnings Targets are reached.
New Marasca Agreement. The employment agreement between the Company and
Alfred Marasca is expected to provide for a salary of $500,000 per annum and an
annual bonus equal to his salary if the Earnings Targets for the year are
reached.
General Provisions of the New Employment Agreements. The new employment
agreements are expected to provide generally that the Company may terminate the
agreement for cause or upon the failure of the employee to render services to
the Company for a continuous period to be agreed upon by the Company and the
employee because of the employee's disability. In addition, the employee's
services may be suspended upon notice by the Company and in such event the
employee will continue to be compensated by the Company during the remainder of
the term of the agreement subject to certain offsets if the employee becomes
engaged in another business.
Existing Food 4 Less Employment Agreements. Food 4 Less entered into
employment agreements with 24 officers providing for their employment for a
one-year term commencing on the date of a change of control of Food 4 Less.
These agreements provide for the payment of an incentive bonus calculated in
accordance with Food 4 Less policies, and certain of the agreements provide for
the payment of a special bonus payable upon a change of control (provided
certain financial performance targets have been met). These agreements will
become effective upon the consummation of the Merger. Greg Mays, who will be an
Executive Vice President of the Company, will be entitled to receive a base
salary of not less than $250,000 and a special
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<PAGE> 73
bonus of $150,000 (provided certain financial performance targets have been
met). It is anticipated that some, but not all, of these employment agreements
will be replaced by new employment agreements with the Company.
Joe Burkle Consulting Agreement. Food 4 Less has a consulting agreement
with Joe S. Burkle providing for compensation of $3,000 per week, pursuant to
which Mr. Burkle provides the management and consulting services of an executive
vice president. The agreement has a five-year term, which is automatically
renewed on January 1 of each year for a five-year term unless sixty days' notice
is given by either party; provided that if Food 4 Less terminates Mr. Burkle's
services for reasons other than for good cause, the payments due under the
agreement continue for the balance of the term. It is expected that the Company
will assume Mr. Burkle's consulting agreement upon the consummation of the
Merger.
EQUITY APPRECIATION RIGHTS PLAN
RGC has 1,500,000 EARs outstanding that were granted under the RGC 1988
Equity Appreciation Rights Plan, as amended (the "EAR Plan"). The outstanding
EARs are held by 36 officers and former officers of Ralphs, including Byron
Allumbaugh, Alfred Marasca, Alan Reed, Jan Charles Gray and Terry Peets. All
outstanding EARs are vested in full and not subject to forfeiture by the
holders, except in the event a holder's employment is terminated for cause
within the meaning of the EAR Plan. The outstanding EARs represent the right to
receive, in the aggregate, 15% of the increase of the appraised value of RGC's
equity at the time of exercise over a base value of $120 million. Concurrently
with the consummation of the Merger, the outstanding EARs will be redeemed for
$22.8 million in cash. An additional $10 million of EAR payments that would
otherwise be payable upon consummation of the Merger will be cancelled in
exchange for the issuance of the Reinvestment Options (as defined). See "-- New
Management Stock Option Plan and Management Investment" and "Description of
Capital Stock -- New Equity Investment." The price to redeem the EARs is based
on a $517 million valuation (the maximum valuation possible under the EAR Plan)
of RGC's equity.
NEW MANAGEMENT STOCK OPTION PLAN AND MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT
Upon the consummation of the Merger, certain members of Ralphs' management
and Food 4 Less' management will be entitled to receive options to purchase
common stock of New Holdings (the "New Options"). The New Options will have a
term of ten years and the exercise price with respect to each New Option will be
$10 per share, which is equal to the price paid by the New Equity Investors for
the New Equity Investment. The New Options will represent 7.5% of the total
equity of New Holdings, and will be allocated as follows: New Options
representing 1.5%, 0.5% and 0.5% of the total equity of New Holdings will be
granted to Byron Allumbaugh, George Golleher and Alfred Marasca, respectively
(the "Tier One Options"). The Tier One Options will be fully vested upon
issuance and will be immediately exercisable. New Options for an additional 2.5%
of the total equity of New Holdings will be granted to certain other management
employees of the Company (the "Tier Two Options"). Fifty percent (50%) of the
Tier Two Options granted to each holder will vest immediately upon issuance and
10% will vest each year thereafter. In addition, New Options representing an
aggregate of 2.5% of the total equity of New Holdings will be issued to holders
of EARs in exchange for the cancellation of $10 million of the EAR payments
which would otherwise be payable upon consummation of the Merger (the
"Reinvestment Options"). The value of the EAR payments cancelled will be
credited against the exercise price for each Reinvestment Option. The
Reinvestment Options will be fully vested upon issuance and will be immediately
exercisable.
Certain of Ralphs' officers, including Messrs. Allumbaugh, Marasca, Reed,
Gray and Peets, currently hold options to purchase common stock of RSI. These
options will be cancelled for cash payments aggregating $880,000 in connection
with the Merger.
Each holder of New Options (collectively, the "Management Shareholders")
will also execute a management shareholder agreement with New Holdings
(collectively, the "Management Shareholder Agreements"). The Management
Shareholder Agreements generally will provide New Holdings with a right of first
refusal in the event of proposed sales of New Holdings stock acquired by the
Management
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<PAGE> 74
Shareholders upon the exercise of New Options and an option, exercisable
following any termination for cause of a Management Shareholder's employment or,
if the Management Shareholder commences employment with a competitor, to
repurchase at Fair Market Value (as defined in the Management Shareholder
Agreements) any New Holdings stock acquired by such Management Shareholder upon
the exercise of New Options. Each Management Shareholder Agreement will contain
certain rights of the Management Shareholders to participate in sales by Yucaipa
of New Holdings stock and certain obligations of the Management Shareholders to
sell their New Holdings stock in the case of a sale for cash of all of the
outstanding New Holdings stock. Finally, the Management Shareholders will be
required to vote their New Holdings stock to elect to the New Holdings Board of
Directors the directors nominated by Yucaipa, Apollo and BTIP under New
Holdings' 1995 Stockholders Agreement. See "Description of Capital Stock -- 1995
Stockholders Agreement." The Management Shareholders Agreements, and all rights
and obligations of the Management Shareholders thereunder described above, will
terminate upon an initial public offering of New Holdings common stock meeting
certain criteria.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE -- RALPHS
The following Summary Compensation Table sets forth information concerning
the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and the other four most highly
compensated executive officers of Ralphs who are expected to serve as executive
officers of the Company, whose total annual salary and bonus exceeded $100,000
for the year ended January 30, 1994.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LONG TERM
COMPENSATION AWARDS
-------------------
ANNUAL COMPENSATION SECURITIES
-------------------- UNDERLYING ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY($) BONUS($) OPTIONS/SARS(#) COMPENSATION($)(1)
- --------------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Byron E. Allumbaugh, 1993 645,000 387,000 N/A 38,575
Chairman and 1992 620,000 372,000 587,753 31,886
Chief Executive Officer 1991 580,000 348,000 N/A N/A
Alfred A. Marasca, 1993 340,000 204,000 N/A 18,177
President 1992 296,260 148,125 308,812 11,485
1991 280,500 140,000 N/A N/A
Alan J. Reed, 1993 222,500 111,250 N/A 12,904
Senior Vice President, 1992 211,250 105,625 154,406 9,569
Finance and 1991 196,260 98,125 N/A N/A
Chief Financial Officer
Jan Charles Gray, 1993 207,500 103,750 N/A 13,584
Senior Vice President, 1992 196,250 98,125 154,406 13,593
General Counsel and 1991 181,250 90,625 N/A N/A
Secretary
Terry Peets, 1993 192,500 96,250 N/A 10,337
Senior Vice President, 1992 182,500 91,250 154,406 10,237
Marketing 1991 171,250 85,625 N/A N/A
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Represents (i) insurance premiums and the dollar value of the remainder of
premiums paid under the Senior Executive Supplemental Benefit Plan and (ii)
RGC's contributions under the Ralphs Thrift Incentive Plan. The respective
amounts paid for Messrs. Allumbaugh, Marasca, Reed, Gray and Peets are as
follows: (A) insurance premiums: $18,500, $8,890, $6,662, $7,250 and $4,210;
(B) dollar value of the remainder of premiums: $18,500, $6,600, $4,025,
$4,500 and $4,210; (C) incentive plan contributions: $1,575, $2,687, $2,217,
$1,834 and $1,917.
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<PAGE> 75
AGGREGATED OPTION/SAR EXERCISES IN FISCAL 1994 AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION/SAR
VALUES -- RALPHS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF VALUE OF
SECURITIES UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED
UNEXERCISED IN-THE-MONEY
OPTIONS/SARS AT OPTIONS/SARS AT
SHARES FISCAL YEAR-END(#) FISCAL YEAR-END($)
ACQUIRED --------------------- --------------------
ON EXERCISE VALUE EXERCISABLE/ EXERCISABLE/
NAME (#)(1) REALIZED($) UNEXERCISABLE(2) UNEXERCISABLE(3)(4)
- -------------------------------- ----------- ----------- --------------------- --------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Byron E. Allumbaugh............. 70,000 1,961,646 235,102/ 0/
562,651 5,884,935
Alfred A. Marasca............... 9,000 252,212 61,762/ 0/
319,050 2,017,692
Alan J. Reed.................... 7,000 196,165 30,882/ 0/
179,524 1,569,316
Jan Charles Gray................ 5,000 140,118 30,882/ 0/
163,524 1,120,939
Terry Peets..................... 5,000 140,118 30,882/ 0/
163,524 1,120,939
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Represents EARs exercised under the EAR Plan.
(2) Each number represents the aggregate number of options and EARs outstanding,
as currently exercisable/unexercisable. Options and EARs were granted under
different plans, not in tandem. All EARs are free standing.
(3) Represents value of EARs, based on a value of $28.0235 per EAR at the time
of exercise. Outstanding options are not currently in-the-money, based on
current estimates of the fair market value of the Common Stock.
(4) A portion of the EARs will be redeemed in connection with the Merger and the
remaining EARs will be cancelled in exchange for the issuance of the
Reinvestment Options by New Holdings, based upon their maximum possible
valuation of $39.70 per EAR (or $517 for the total equity of RGC). For
purposes of such redemptions and cancellations, the value of outstanding
EARs held by Messrs. Allumbaugh, Marasca, Reed, Gray and Peets is expected
to equal approximately $8.0 million, $2.7 million, $2.1 million, $1.7
million and $1.5 million, respectively.
RALPHS' RETIREMENT PLANS
Retirement Plan. The Ralphs Grocery Company Retirement Plan (the
"Retirement Plan") is a defined benefit pension plan for salaried and hourly
nonunion employees with at least one year of credited service (1,000 hours).
Ralphs makes annual contributions to the Retirement Plan in such amounts as are
actuarially required to fund the benefits payable to participants in accordance
with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA").
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. To allow Ralphs' retirement program
to provide benefits based upon a participant's total compensation and without
regard to other ERISA or tax code pension plan limitations, eligible executive
employees of Ralphs participate in the Ralphs Grocery Company Supplemental
Executive Retirement Plan and, after December 31, 1993, the Ralphs Grocery
Company Retirement Supplement Plan (collectively, the "Supplemental Plan"). The
Supplemental Plan also modifies the benefit formula under the Retirement Plan in
other respects. Benefits provided under the Supplemental Plan were improved
effective April 9, 1994.
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<PAGE> 76
The following table sets forth the combined estimated annual benefits
payable in the form of a (single) life annuity under both the Retirement Plan
and the Supplemental Plan (unreduced by the cash surrender value of any life
insurance policies) to a participant in both plans who is retiring at a normal
retirement date of January 1, 1994 for the specified final average salaries and
years of credited service.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS OF CREDITED SERVICE
------------------------------------------------------------
FINAL AVERAGE SALARY 15 20 25 30 35
- -------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ 100,000 $ 19,484 $ 25,978 $ 32,473 $ 38,967 $ 45,462
200,000 41,984 55,978 69,973 83,967 97,962
300,000 84,763 113,017 141,271 169,526 169,526
400,000 114,763 153,017 191,271 229,526 229,526
600,000 174,763 233,017 291,271 349,526 349,526
800,000 234,763 313,017 391,271 469,526 469,526
1,000,000 294,763 393,017 491,271 589,526 589,526
1,200,000 354,763 473,017 591,271 709,526 709,526
</TABLE>
Messrs. Allumbaugh, Marasca, Reed, Gray and Peets have completed 36, 37,
21, 31 and 17 years of credited service, respectively. Compensation covered by
the Supplemental Plan includes both salary and bonus. The calculation of
retirement benefits generally is based on average compensation for the highest
three years of the ten years preceding retirement. The benefits earned by a
participant under the Supplemental Plan are reduced by any benefits which the
participant has earned under the Retirement Plan and may be offset under certain
circumstances by the cash surrender value of life insurance policies maintained
by Ralphs pursuant to the split dollar life insurance agreements entered into by
Ralphs and the executive. Benefits are not subject to any deduction for social
security offset.
It is currently anticipated, although there can be no assurance, that
Ralphs and Food 4 Less salaried employees will participate in the Retirement
Plan and other existing Ralphs benefit plans following the Merger. These plans
are currently being evaluated to determine the feasibility of such
participation.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE -- FOOD 4 LESS
The following Summary Compensation Table sets forth information concerning
the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and the other three most highly
compensated executive officers of Food 4 Less who are expected to serve as
executive officers of the Company, whose total annual salary and bonus exceeded
$100,000 for services rendered in all capacities to Food 4 Less and its
subsidiaries for Fiscal 1994.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL COMPENSATION
---------------------- ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY($) BONUS($) COMPENSATION(4)($)
- ---------------------------------------------- ---- --------- -------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Ronald W. Burkle, Chairman and................ 1994 -- -- --
Chief Executive Officer(1) 1993 -- -- --
1992 -- -- --
George G. Golleher,........................... 1994 500,000 500,000 3,937
President 1993 500,000 500,000 --
1992 500,000 235,000 5,300
Greg Mays, Executive Vice-President........... 1994 250,000 150,000 --
Finance/Administration and 1993 108,000 75,000 --
Chief Financial Officer(2) 1992 -- -- --
Joe Burkle,................................... 1994 196,000 50,000 --
Executive Vice President(3) 1993 156,000 -- --
1992 156,000 -- --
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Ronald W. Burkle and Mark A. Resnik, Vice President and Secretary of Food 4
Less, provide services to Food 4 Less pursuant to a management agreement
between Yucaipa and Food 4 Less. See "Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions." Pursuant to this management agreement, Food 4 Less paid
Yucaipa and an affiliate of Yucaipa $2.4 million in the fiscal year ended
June 25, 1994 for the services of Messrs. Ronald Burkle and Resnik and other
Yucaipa personnel. Such payments to Yucaipa and its affiliate are not
reflected in the table set forth above.
(2) During fiscal 1993, Greg Mays became Executive Vice
President-Finance/Administration and Chief Financial Officer.
(3) Mr. Joe Burkle provides services to Food 4 Less pursuant to a consulting
agreement. See " -- Employment Agreements."
(4) The amounts shown in this column represent annual payments by Food 4 Less to
the Employee Profit Sharing and Retirement Program of Food 4 Less for the
benefit of Mr. Golleher.
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<PAGE> 77
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION -- FOOD 4 LESS
Food 4 Less does not have a board committee performing the functions of a
compensation committee. Ronald W. Burkle, Chief Executive Officer of Food 4
Less, and George G. Golleher, President of Food 4 Less, made decisions with
regard to Food 4 Less' executive officer compensation for Fiscal 1994.
FOOD 4 LESS STOCK PLAN
As of June 25, 1994, certain employees of Food 4 Less (the "Management
Stockholders") collectively owned approximately 4.5% of Holdings' outstanding
common stock which they acquired under the management stock plan of Food 4 Less.
Pursuant to this plan, the Board of Directors of Holdings from time to time has
offered common stock of Holdings for sale to selected employees at a price and
for consideration (which may include a promissory note) determined at the
discretion of the Board. Management Stockholders who have purchased shares are
party to a Management Stockholders Agreement (the "Stockholders Agreement") with
Holdings, a Stockholder Voting Agreement and Proxy (the "Voting Agreement"), and
such other documents as Holdings may require. The Stockholders Agreement
prohibits the transfer of any of the Management Stockholder's common stock for a
period of four years from the date of its original issuance (although such date
may, in the case of certain Management Stockholders who were shareholders of
BHC, relate back to the date that shares were issued to them by BHC) other than
transfers to certain family members and heirs or pursuant to a registration
statement. The Management Stockholder's shares may be purchased by Holdings if,
(a) prior to the fourth anniversary of their issuance, the Management
Stockholder's employment terminates for any reason, or (b) after such fourth
anniversary, the Management Stockholder wishes to sell his/her common stock to a
third party. The shares vest over a three or four-year period for purposes of
the repurchase price determination, which may result in a more favorable price
for vested stock than for unvested stock, but the shares do not vest in any
other sense. In the event of the death or permanent disability of the Management
Stockholder, each Management Stockholder has an irrevocable option for one year
to require Holdings to purchase all (or a portion) of his common stock in the
manner and on the terms set forth in the Stockholders Agreement; provided,
however, that the Management Stockholder may exercise such option in the event
of death or disability only to the extent that Holdings or Food 4 Less has
insurance, under which Holdings or Food 4 Less is the named beneficiary, with
respect to such event. Additionally, if shareholders holding at least fifty
percent (50%) of the issued and outstanding common stock of Holdings agree to
sell to a third party more than eighty percent (80%) of the shares of common
stock then held by them, then upon the demand of such selling stockholders, each
Management Stockholder must sell to such third party the same percentage of his
common stock as is proposed to be sold by the selling stockholders.
Under the Voting Agreement, Ronald W. Burkle, George G. Golleher and
Yucaipa Capital Advisors, Inc. have sole voting control over the shares of
common stock owned by the other Management Stockholders until December 31, 2001
(unless extended by such Management Stockholders). Messrs. Burkle and Golleher
also have rights which vary in certain respects from the rights of the other
Management Stockholders under the Stockholders Agreement. Among other
differences, Messrs. Burkle and Golleher have (i) rights to subscribe to
offerings of additional shares of the common stock of Holdings, (ii) "piggyback"
registration rights in the event of a public offering of common stock (if and to
the extent permitted by Holdings' underwriter) and (iii) "tag-along" rights to
participate in certain sales of common stock of Holdings. In addition, Mr.
Golleher has the right to be elected to the Board of Directors of Holdings so
long as he beneficially owns shares of common stock of Holdings.
The Stockholders Agreement terminates automatically, in the case of Messrs.
Burkle and Golleher, upon a change of control of Holdings or upon an
underwritten public offering of Holdings' common stock (subject to certain
exceptions). In the case of the other Management Stockholders, the Stockholders
Agreement terminates on the tenth anniversary of the original share issuance.
As of July 25, 1994, there was outstanding $0.6 million principal amount of
notes receivable from certain Management Stockholders, representing loans for
the purchase of Holdings' common stock. The notes are due over various periods,
bear interest at the bank "prime" lending rate, and are secured by such common
stock.
Pursuant to the Reincorporation Merger, New Holdings will succeed to the
rights and obligations of Holdings under the Food 4 Less stock plan. It is
expected that following the Merger, equity issuances to management will cease to
be made under the Food 4 Less stock plan and instead will be made under the New
Holdings option plan. See "-- New Management Stock Option Plan and Management
Investment."
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<PAGE> 78
PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
The information in the following table gives effect to (i) the Merger and
the Financing and (ii) the FFL Merger and the Reincorporation Merger. The
information in the following table assumes that the outstanding stock options of
RSI have been cancelled, that certain new stock options of New Holdings have
been granted to management and that certain warrants to purchase New Holdings
common stock have been issued to institutional investors who currently hold
warrants to purchase common stock of Holdings. Based on such assumption and
giving effect to the foregoing events, the following table sets forth the
ownership of common stock and Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred
Stock of New Holdings by each person who to the knowledge of Food 4 Less will
own 5% or more of New Holdings' outstanding voting stock, by each person who
will be a director or named executive officer of the Company, and by all
executive officers and directors of the Company as a group. Share amounts and
percentage ownership information set forth for the Series A Preferred Stock and
Series B Preferred Stock are subject to change pending finalization of the
Financing.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SERIES A SERIES B
COMMON PREFERRED PREFERRED
STOCK(1)(2) STOCK(1) STOCK(1)
------------------ ----------------- ----------------- PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE
NUMBER NUMBER NUMBER OF TOTAL OF ALL
OF OF OF VOTING OUTSTANDING
BENEFICIAL OWNER(3) SHARES % SHARES % SHARES % POWER STOCK
- --------------------------- ---------- ----- ---------- ---- --------- ---- ---------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Yucaipa and affiliates:
The Yucaipa
Companies(4)(5)........ 14,547,447 57.7% -- -- -- -- 33.9% 31.6%
Ronald W. Burkle(4)(6)... 2,094,792 10.4% -- -- -- -- 5.5% 5.1%
George G. Golleher
(2)(4)(6).............. 461,971 2.3% -- -- -- -- 1.2% 1.1%
10000 Santa Monica
Boulevard, Los Angeles,
California 90067
---------- ----- --------- ---------
Total................ 17,104,210 67.8% -- -- -- -- 39.9% 37.2%
Byron E. Allumbaugh(2)..... 600,000 3.0% -- -- -- -- 1.6% 1.5%
Alfred A. Marasca(2)....... 200,000 1.0% -- -- -- -- 0.5% 0.5%
Greg Mays(7)............... -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Apollo Advisors, L.P.(8)
2 Manhattanville Road
Purchase, NY 10577....... 1,282,454 6.3% 12,271,049 69.4% -- -- 35.8% 33.1%
BT Investment Partners,
Inc.(9)
130 Liberty Street
New York, NY 10006....... 508,737 2.5% 900,000 5.1% 3,100,000 100% 3.7% 11.0%
Other New Equity Investors
as a group(10)........... 4,500,000 25.5% -- -- 11.9% 11.0%
All directors and executive
officers as a group (15
persons)(2)(4)(5)(6)..... 17,904,210 71.0% -- -- -- -- 41.7% 38.9%
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Gives effect to (i) a stock split to be effected with respect to the
outstanding common stock of Holdings prior to the Merger, (ii) the
conversion (in connection with the FFL Merger) of the outstanding common
stock of FFL into newly-issued common stock of Holdings in an amount which
will preserve the proportionate ownership interests of FFL's stockholders,
and of the equity holders of Holdings, in the combined Company, (iii) the
conversion (in connection with the Reincorporation Merger) of the
outstanding common stock, and warrants to acquire common stock, of Holdings
into New Holdings common stock and warrants, (iv) the issuance by New
Holdings of 17,671,049 shares of Series A Preferred Stock and 3,100,000
shares of Series B Preferred Stock in connection with the New Equity
Investment and the concurrent exchange of outstanding shares of common stock
acquired by the New Equity Investors from an existing stockholder, and (v)
the assumed exercise of the outstanding warrants to acquire New Holdings
common stock issued to the former Holdings warrantholders in connection with
the Reincorporation Merger.
(2) Gives effect to the exercise of Tier One Options to be issued to Byron E.
Allumbaugh, George G. Golleher and Alfred A. Marasca under a new management
stock option plan to be adopted prior to completion of the Merger, covering
600,000, 200,000 and 200,000 shares, respectively. Does not give effect to
the exercise of (a) Tier Two Options to purchase up to 1,000,000 shares of
New Holdings common stock to be issued at the discretion of the Board of
Directors to certain management employees of the Company, under such stock
option plan, concurrently with or following completion of the Merger or (b)
Reinvestment Options to purchase up to 1,000,000 shares of New Holdings
common stock to be issued to holders of EARs in exchange for the
cancellation of $10 million of the EAR payments which would otherwise be
payable upon consummation of the Merger. See "Executive Compensation -- New
Management Stock Option Plan and Management Investment."
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<PAGE> 79
(3) Except as otherwise indicated, each beneficial owner has the sole power to
vote, as applicable, and to dispose of all shares of Common Stock or Series
A Preferred Stock or Series B Preferred Stock owned by such beneficial
owner.
(4) Represents shares owned by The Yucaipa Companies, F4L Equity Partners,
L.P., FFL Partners, Yucaipa Capital Fund and Yucaipa/F4L Partners. These
entities are affiliated partnerships which are controlled, directly or
indirectly, by Ronald W. Burkle. Following completion of the Merger, the
foregoing entities will be parties to a stockholders agreement with other
New Holdings investors which will give to Yucaipa the right to elect a
majority of the directors of New Holdings. See "Description of Capital
Stock -- 1995 Stockholders Agreement."
(5) Share amount and percentages shown for Yucaipa include a warrant to
purchase 5,000,000 shares of New Holdings Common Stock, exercisable at
$31.25 per share, to be issued to Yucaipa concurrently with the completion
of the Merger and the Financing. See "Description of Capital
Stock -- Yucaipa Warrant."
(6) Certain management stockholders who own in the aggregate 903,244 shares of
Common Stock (pro forma for the events and assumptions described above)
have entered into a Stockholder Voting Agreement and Proxy pursuant to
which Ronald W. Burkle, George G. Golleher and Yucaipa Capital Advisors,
Inc. have sole voting control over the shares currently owned by such
management stockholders until December 31, 2002 (unless extended by such
stockholders). See "Executive Compensation -- Food 4 Less Stock Plan." The
903,244 shares have been included, solely for purposes of the above table,
in the share amounts shown for Mr. Burkle but not for Mr. Golleher. Neither
Messrs. Burkle and Golleher nor Yucaipa Capital Advisors, Inc. have the
power to dispose of, or any other form of investment power with respect to,
such shares. Messrs. Burkle and Golleher have sole voting and investment
power with respect to 1,191,548 and 461,971 shares of Common Stock they
respectively own (including, in the case of Mr. Golleher, 200,000 shares
issuable upon the exercise of Tier One Options).
(7) Mr. Mays owns 8,871 of the 903,244 shares of Common Stock which are subject
to the Stockholder Voting Agreement and Proxy described in note (6) above.
(8) Represents shares owned by one or more entities managed by or affiliated
with Apollo Advisors, L.P., together with certain affiliates or designees
of Apollo.
(9) Represents shares owned by BTIP, Bankers Trust New York Corporation and BT
Securities Corporation. Bankers Trust New York Corporation and BT
Securities Corporation are affiliated with BTIP. BTIP expressly disclaims
beneficial ownership of all shares owned by Bankers Trust New York
Corporation and BT Securities Corporation.
(10) Includes certain institutional investors, other than Apollo and BTIP, which
will purchase Series A Preferred Stock of New Holdings in connection with
the Financing. Pursuant to the 1995 Stockholders Agreement, certain
corporate actions by New Holdings and its subsidiaries will require the
consent of a majority of the directors whom the New Equity Investors,
including Apollo and BTIP, are entitled to elect to the New Holdings Board
of Directors. See "Description of Capital Stock -- 1995 Stockholders
Agreement." Such investors do not affirm the existence of a "group" within
the meaning of Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, and expressly disclaim
beneficial ownership of all New Holdings shares except for those shares
held of record by each such investor or its nominees.
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
Following is a description of the capital stock of the Company and New
Holdings to be authorized and outstanding upon completion of the Merger, the FFL
Merger and the Reincorporation Merger, including the terms of the New Equity
Investment to be made in New Holdings in connection with the closing of the
Merger.
THE COMPANY
Upon completion of the Merger, the authorized capital stock of the Company
will consist of 1,600,000 shares of common stock, $.01 par value per share, of
which 1,513,938 shares will be outstanding. All of such outstanding shares will
be owned by New Holdings. There will be no public trading market for the common
stock of the Company. The indentures that will govern outstanding debt
securities of the Company will contain certain restrictions on the payment of
cash dividends with respect to the Company's common stock. In addition, it is
expected that the New Credit Facility will also restrict such payments. Subject
to the limitations contained in the New Credit Facility and such indentures,
holders of common stock of the Company will be entitled to dividends when and as
declared by the Board of Directors from funds legally available therefor, and
upon liquidation, will be entitled to share ratably in any distribution to
holders of common stock. All holders of common stock will be entitled to one
vote per share on any matter coming before the stockholders for a vote.
NEW HOLDINGS
Following completion of the FFL Merger, the Reincorporation Merger, the
Merger and the New Equity Investment, (i) the authorized capital stock of New
Holdings will consist of 60,000,000 shares of common
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<PAGE> 80
stock, $.01 par value, 25,000,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock, $.01 par
value, and 25,000,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock, $.01 par value, (ii)
17,224,313 shares of common stock, 17,671,049 shares of Series A Preferred Stock
and 3,100,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock will be outstanding and held by
approximately 100 holders of record, (iii) 2,004,638 shares of common stock will
be reserved for issuance upon the exercise of outstanding warrants held by
institutional investors, and (iv) 3,000,000 shares of common stock will be
reserved for issuance upon the exercise of the New Options. See "Executive
Compensation -- New Management Stock Option Plan and Management Investment." An
additional 5,000,000 shares of common stock will be reserved for issuance upon
the exercise of an outstanding warrant to be issued upon closing of the Merger
to an affiliate of Yucaipa. See "Yucaipa Warrant" below.
There is no public trading market for the capital stock of New Holdings,
nor will any such market exist following completion of the Merger. New Holdings
does not expect in the foreseeable future to pay any dividends on its capital
stock. Holders of common stock of New Holdings are entitled to dividends when
and as declared by the Board of Directors of New Holdings from funds legally
available therefor, and upon liquidation, are entitled to share ratably in any
distribution to holders of common stock. All holders of New Holdings common
stock are entitled to one vote per share on any matter coming before the
stockholders for a vote.
The Series A Preferred Stock initially will have an aggregate liquidation
preference of $176,710,490, or $10 per share, which will accrete at the rate of
7.5% per annum until the fifth anniversary of the date of issuance, and
thereafter will remain constant. The accretion of the liquidation preference
will not affect the conversion ratio of the Series A Preferred Stock or
otherwise have any effect on the economic interest of the preferred stockholders
other than in the event New Holdings is liquidated or dissolved. Aside from
priority in respect of liquidation, the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock
will have in all respects the same rights, including with respect to voting and
dividends, as the holders of New Holdings common stock have, and will vote
together with the common stock as a single class on all matters submitted for
stockholder vote. Each share of Series A Preferred Stock initially will be
convertible at the option of the holder thereof into one share of New Holdings
common stock. Upon consummation of an initial public offering of New Holdings
equity securities which meets certain criteria, each share of Series A Preferred
Stock will automatically convert into one share of common stock of New Holdings.
The Series B Preferred Stock initially will have an aggregate liquidation
preference of $31,000,000, or $10 per share, which will accrete at the rate of
7.5% per annum until the fifth anniversary of the date of issuance, and
thereafter will remain constant. The accretion of the liquidation preference
will not affect the conversion ratio of the Series B Preferred Stock or
otherwise have any effect on the economic interest of the preferred stockholders
other than in the event New Holdings is liquidated or dissolved. The holders of
Series B Preferred Stock generally will not be entitled to vote on any matters,
except as required by the Delaware General Corporation Law. Each share of Series
B Preferred Stock initially will be convertible at the option of the holder
thereof into one share of New Holdings common stock upon the occurrence of a
Change of Control (as defined in the New F4L Senior Note Indenture). See
"Description of the New F4L Senior Notes." Upon consummation of an initial
public offering of New Holdings equity securities which meets certain criteria,
each share of Series B Preferred Stock will automatically convert into one share
of common stock of New Holdings.
The initial aggregate liquidation preference of the Series A Preferred
Stock and the Series B Preferred Stock may vary from the amounts set forth above
depending on whether New Holdings determines to increase the number of shares it
may sell pursuant to the New Equity Investment, and depending on whether certain
existing equity holders of FFL and Holdings exercise preemptive rights to
participate in the New Equity Investment.
Upon any transfer or sale of shares of either Series A Preferred Stock or
Series B Preferred Stock, such shares may be converted (subject to certain
conditions) at the option of the holder into shares of the other series. Each
share of Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock will have
identical rights with respect to dividends and distributions, provided that if
dividends are declared which are payable in voting securities of New Holdings,
New Holdings will make available to each holder of Series A Preferred Stock and
Series B Preferred Stock, at such holder's request, dividends consisting of
non-voting securities of New
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<PAGE> 81
Holdings which are otherwise identical to the voting securities and which are
convertible into or exchangeable for such voting securities on the same terms as
those by which the Series B Preferred Stock is convertible into New Holdings
common stock.
NEW EQUITY INVESTMENT
Concurrently with the issuance of the New Notes and the closing of the
Merger, certain existing stockholders of New Holdings, including affiliates of
George Soros, will sell 5,771,049 outstanding shares of common stock of New
Holdings to CLH, which in turn will sell such shares to the New Equity Investors
for an aggregate purchase price of $57.7 million. New Holdings will then issue
17,671,049 shares of Series A Preferred Stock and 3,100,000 shares of Series B
Preferred Stock in a private placement to a group of investors led by Apollo and
including affiliates of BT Securities and CS First Boston and other
institutional investors (the "New Equity Investors") for an aggregate
consideration of $150 million plus the contribution to New Holdings of the
shares of common stock purchased from CLH in the secondary sale transaction. The
shares of Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock acquired by the
New Equity Investors will represent approximately 43% in the aggregate of the
fully diluted common equity of New Holdings. See "Principal Stockholders."
The $150 million cash proceeds from the issuance of Series A Preferred
Stock and Series B Preferred Stock will be applied by New Holdings as set forth
under "The Merger and the Financing."
Food 4 Less has accepted a commitment letter (the "Equity Commitment") from
Apollo pursuant to which Apollo has agreed (subject to certain conditions) to
purchase up to $150 million of the Series A Preferred Stock to be offered by New
Holdings as part of the New Equity Investment. In consideration of its Equity
Commitment, Apollo will receive a fee of $5 million from the Company upon the
closing of the Merger. The Company anticipates that the remainder of the Series
A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock so offered will be purchased by
affiliates of lenders and other financial institutions which have provided
financing to the Company, including BTIP, which is an affiliate of Bankers
Trust, by affiliates of CS First Boston and by certain other investors. The
amounts of New Holdings stock expected to be held by Apollo, affiliates of
Bankers Trust and all other holders of 5% or more of New Holdings' outstanding
stock following completion of the Merger and the Financing are set forth above
under "Principal Stockholders."
1995 STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT
Under the terms of the 1995 Stockholders Agreement (which is expected to be
entered into by New Holdings, Yucaipa and its affiliates, the New Equity
Investors and other stockholders), the New Equity Investors will be entitled to
nominate three directors to the Board of Directors of each of New Holdings and
the Company (the "Series A Directors"), of which two directors will be nominees
of Apollo and one director will be a nominee of BTIP. The 1995 Stockholders
Agreement will give to Yucaipa the right to nominate six directors of New
Holdings and seven directors of the Company, and the boards of New Holdings and
the Company will consist of a total of nine and ten directors, respectively. The
numbers of directors which may be nominated by the foregoing stockholders will
be reduced if such stockholders cease to own certain specified percentages of
their initial holdings. Unless and until New Holdings has effected an initial
public offering of its equity securities meeting certain criteria, New Holdings
and its subsidiaries may not take certain actions without the approval of a
majority of the Series A Directors, including but not limited to certain
mergers, sale transactions, transactions with affiliates, issuances of capital
stock and payments of dividends on or repurchases of capital stock. In addition,
the New Equity Investors will have certain "demand" and "piggyback" registration
rights with respect to their Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred
Stock, as well as the right to participate, on a pro rata basis, in sales by
Yucaipa of the New Holdings stock it holds. In certain circumstances, Yucaipa
will have the right to compel the participation of the New Equity Investors and
other stockholders in sales of all the outstanding shares of New Holdings stock.
The Company intends to seek the agreement of the current stockholders of
FFL and warrantholders of Holdings to become party to the 1995 Stockholders
Agreement, which would grant to such holders certain rights thereunder in
replacement of two existing stockholders agreements among FFL and its
stockholders
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<PAGE> 82
entered into in 1987 and 1991, respectively, and an agreement among Holdings and
its warrantholders executed in 1992.
YUCAIPA WARRANT
Upon closing of the Merger, New Holdings has agreed to issue to Yucaipa a
warrant to purchase up to 5,000,000 shares of New Holdings common stock. The
initial exercise price of such warrant will be $31.25 per share. Such warrant
will be exercisable on a cashless basis at the election of Yucaipa in the event
New Holdings completes an initial public offering of equity securities meeting
certain criteria, or in connection with certain sale transactions involving New
Holdings, in either case effected on or prior to the fifth anniversary of the
Closing Date. The expiration date of such warrant, and the deadline for such
triggering transactions, may be extended from the fifth to the seventh
anniversary of the Closing Date if New Holdings meets certain financial
performance goals prior to such fifth anniversary. The cashless exercise
provisions of such warrant allow the holder to exercise it without the payment
of cash consideration, provided that New Holdings will withhold from the shares
otherwise issuable upon exercise thereof a number of shares having a fair market
value as of the exercise date equal to the exercise price.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
RALPHS
In connection with the acquisition of a majority of RSI's common stock in
February 1992, EJDC agreed to guarantee RGC's obligations as a self-insurer of
worker's compensation liabilities in the State of California (the "EJDC
Guaranty"). In consideration of the EJDC Guaranty, RGC unconditionally agreed to
reimburse EJDC for any payments made under the EJDC Guaranty and for the cost of
insurance up to $200,000 to cover liabilities incurred pursuant to the EJDC
Guaranty. Further, RGC agreed to pay EJDC a guarantee fee of $33,500 for each
month the EJDC Guaranty was in effect ($402,000 was paid in Fiscal 1993).
Concurrently with the completion of the Merger, the EJDC Guaranty will be
terminated, and RGC will cease to pay any guarantee fee to EJDC or to reimburse
it for the cost of insurance. However, RGC will continue to be obligated to
reimburse EJDC for any payments which EJDC could in the future be required to
make under the EJDC Guaranty in respect of prior claims. Moreover, FFL has
undertaken for the benefit of EJDC to maintain, until the fifth anniversary of
the closing of the Merger, bank letters of credit, insurance or other security
for the workers' compensation claims for which EJDC could have liability under
the EJDC Guaranty.
In connection with the bankruptcy reorganization of Federated and its
affiliates, Federated agreed to pay certain potential tax liabilities relating
to RGC as a member of the affiliated group of companies comprising Federated and
its subsidiaries. In consideration thereof, RSI and RGC agreed to pay Federated
a total of $10 million, payable $1 million on each of February 3, 1992, 1993,
1994, 1995 and 1996 and $5 million on February 3, 1997. The five $1 million
installments are to be paid by RGC and the $5 million payment is the joint
obligation of RSI and RGC. In the event Federated is required to pay certain tax
liabilities, RSI and RGC have agreed to reimburse Federated up to an additional
$10 million, subject to certain adjustments. This additional obligation, if any,
is the joint and several obligation of RSI and RGC. Pursuant to the terms of the
Merger Agreement, the $5 million payment and the potential $10 million payment
will be paid in cash. See Note 1 of Notes to Ralphs Consolidated Financial
Statements.
In addition, EJDC and the other current holders of Common Stock of RSI are
parties to an agreement providing for various aspects of corporate governance
(the "Ralphs Registration Rights and Governance Agreement") relating to Ralphs.
Pursuant to the Ralphs Registration Rights and Governance Agreement, RGC is
obligated to provide RSI, by dividend, pursuant to a services agreement or
otherwise, with funds sufficient to enable RSI to perform its duties as the
holding company of RGC's stock and to perform its obligations set forth in the
Ralphs Registration Rights and Governance Agreement. The Ralphs Registration
Rights and Governance Agreement will be cancelled concurrently with the closing
of the Merger.
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<PAGE> 83
FOOD 4 LESS
Yucaipa provides certain management and financial services to Food 4 Less
and its subsidiaries pursuant to a consulting agreement. The services of Ronald
Burkle, Mark Resnik and Patrick Graham, acting in their capacities as directors
and officers, and the services of other Yucaipa personnel are provided to Food 4
Less pursuant to this agreement. All of such individuals are partners of
Yucaipa. Yucaipa's consulting agreement provides for annual management fees
currently equal to $2 million plus an additional amount based on Food 4 Less'
performance. Upon completion of the Merger, the consulting agreement will be
amended to provide for an annual management fee payable by the Company to
Yucaipa in the amount of $4 million, with no additional amounts payable based on
performance. In addition, the Company may retain Yucaipa in an advisory capacity
in connection with certain acquisitions or sale transactions, in which case the
Company will pay Yucaipa an advisory fee. The agreement has a five-year term,
which is automatically renewed on January 1 of each year for a five-year term
unless ninety days' notice is given by either party. The agreement may be
terminated at any time by the Company, provided that Yucaipa will be entitled to
full monthly payments under the agreement for the remaining term thereof, unless
the Company terminates for cause pursuant to the terms of the agreement. Yucaipa
may terminate the agreement if the Company fails to make a payment due
thereunder, or if there occurs a change of control (as defined in the agreement)
of the Company, and upon any such termination Yucaipa will be entitled to full
monthly payments for the remainder of the five-year period commencing on the
closing of the Merger. Pursuant to the agreement, Food 4 Less paid Yucaipa a
total of $2.4 million, $3.8 million and $2 million in management and advisory
fees for the fiscal years ended June 25, 1994, June 26, 1993 and June 27, 1992
respectively.
The Yucaipa consulting agreement also provides that upon closing of the
Merger, Yucaipa will be entitled to receive an advisory fee from the Company in
the amount of $24 million, plus reimbursement of expenses in connection with the
Merger and the related transactions. At the option of Yucaipa, up to $5 million
of such fee may be paid in the form of common stock of New Holdings. See
"Description of Capital Stock." In consideration of its commitment to purchase
Series A Preferred Stock of New Holdings, Apollo will receive a fee of $5
million from the Company upon the closing of the Merger. See "Description of
Capital Stock--New Equity Investment." In addition, upon closing of the Merger,
Yucaipa anticipates that it will pay a fee of approximately $3.5 million to
Soros Fund Management in consideration of advisory services which Soros Fund
Management has rendered since 1991. The Company has no responsibility for such
payment by Yucaipa.
In connection with the execution of the Merger Agreement, Yucaipa entered
into the Put Agreement with EJDC, pursuant to which EJDC will be entitled to put
up to $10 million aggregate principal amount of Seller Debentures to Yucaipa on
the Closing Date. The Yucaipa consulting agreement will provide that the Company
will reimburse Yucaipa for any loss and expenses incurred by Yucaipa upon the
resale of such Seller Debentures to any unaffiliated third party. Yucaipa has
advised the Company that it intends to resell the Seller Debentures on the
Closing Date or as soon thereafter as practicable. The agreement will also
require Yucaipa to contribute any profit realized upon the resale of such Seller
Debentures within such period to the capital of the Company.
FFL files a consolidated federal income tax return, under which the federal
income tax liability of FFL and its subsidiaries (which since June 23, 1989
includes Food 4 Less) is determined on a consolidated basis. FFL has entered
into a federal income tax sharing agreement with Food 4 Less and certain of its
subsidiaries (the "Tax Sharing Agreement"). The Tax Sharing Agreement provides
that in any year in which Food 4 Less is included in any consolidated tax
liability of FFL and has taxable income, Food 4 Less will pay to FFL the amount
of the tax liability that Food 4 Less would have had on such due date if it had
been filing a separate return. Conversely, if Food 4 Less generates losses or
credits which actually reduce the consolidated tax liability of FFL and its
other subsidiaries, FFL will credit to Food 4 Less the amount of such reduction
in the consolidated tax liability. In the event any state and local income taxes
are determinable on a combined or consolidated basis, the Tax Sharing Agreement
provides for a similar allocation between FFL and Food 4 Less
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<PAGE> 84
of such state and local taxes. By operation of the FFL Merger and the
Reincorporation Merger, New Holdings will succeed to the rights and obligations
of FFL under the Tax Sharing Agreement.
Management believes that the terms of the transactions described above are
or were fair to Food 4 Less and are or were on terms at least as favorable to
Food 4 Less as those which could be obtained from unaffiliated parties (assuming
that such transactions could be effected with such parties).
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<PAGE> 85
DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW F4L SENIOR NOTES
GENERAL
The New F4L Senior Notes will be issued under an indenture (the "New F4L
Senior Note Indenture"), to be dated as of February , 1995, by and among the
Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and Norwest Bank Minnesota, N.A., as Trustee
(the "Trustee").
The following summary of certain provisions of the New F4L Senior Notes and
the New F4L Senior Note Indenture does not purport to be complete and is subject
to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the Trust Indenture Act of
1939, as amended (the "TIA"), and to all of the provisions of the New F4L Notes
and the New F4L Senior Note Indenture, including the definitions of certain
terms therein and those terms made a part of the New F4L Senior Note Indenture
by reference to the TIA. The definitions of certain capitalized terms used in
the following summary are set forth below under "-- Certain Definitions." A copy
of the form of the New F4L Senior Note Indenture may be obtained from the
Company.
The New F4L Senior Notes will be issued in fully registered form only,
without coupons, in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof.
Initially, the Trustee will act as Paying Agent and Registrar for the New F4L
Senior Notes. The New F4L Senior Notes may be presented for registration or
transfer and exchange at the offices of the Registrar, which initially will be
the Trustee's corporate trust office. The Company may change any Paying Agent
and Registrar without notice to holders of the New F4L Senior Notes (the
"Holders"). The Company will pay principal (and premium, if any) on the New F4L
Senior Notes at the Trustee's corporate office located in New York, New York. At
the Company's option, interest may be paid at the Trustee's corporate trust
office or by check mailed to the registered address of the Holders.
As used below in this "Description of the New F4L Senior Notes," the
"Company" means Food 4 Less Supermarkets, Inc. (and Ralphs Grocery Company, as
survivor of the Merger), but not any of its subsidiaries.
PRINCIPAL, MATURITY AND INTEREST
The New F4L Senior Notes are limited in aggregate principal amount to
$575,000,000, of which $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount will be issued
and sold in a public offering pursuant to this Prospectus and up to $175,000,000
will be issued pursuant to the terms of the F4L Exchange Offers. See "The
Exchange Offers." The New F4L Senior Notes will mature on February 1, 2004.
Interest on the New F4L Senior Notes will accrue at the rate of % per annum
and will be payable semi-annually on each February 1 and August 1, commencing on
August 1, 1995, to the Holders of record on the immediately preceding January 15
and July 15. Interest on the New F4L Senior Notes will accrue from the most
recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid,
from the date of issuance. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day
year comprised of twelve 30-day months.
OPTIONAL REDEMPTION
The New F4L Senior Notes will be redeemable, at the option of the Company,
in whole at any time or in part from time to time, on and after February 1,
2000, at the following redemption prices (expressed as percentages of the
principal amount) if redeemed during the twelve-month period commencing on
February 1 of the year set forth below, plus, in each case, accrued and unpaid
interest to the date of redemption:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
REDEMPTION
YEAR PRICE
---- ----------
<S> <C>
2000.............................................. %
2001.............................................. %
2002.............................................. %
2003 and thereafter............................... 100.00%
</TABLE>
In addition, on or prior to February 1, 1998, the Company may, at its
option, use the net cash proceeds of one or more Public Equity Offerings to
redeem up to an aggregate of 35% of the principal amount of the New F4L Senior
Notes originally issued, at a redemption price equal to % of the principal
amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date.
In order to effect the foregoing redemption with
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<PAGE> 86
the proceeds of a Public Equity Offering, the Company shall send the redemption
notice not later than 60 days after the consummation of such Public Equity
Offering.
NOTICES AND SELECTION
In the event of a redemption of less than all of the New F4L Senior Notes,
such New F4L Senior Notes will be selected for redemption by the Trustee pro
rata, by lot or by any other method that the Trustee considers fair and
appropriate and, if the New F4L Senior Notes are listed on any securities
exchange, by a method that complies with the requirements of such exchange;
provided however, that any redemption pursuant to the provisions relating to a
Public Equity Offering shall be made on a pro rata basis. Notice of redemption
will be mailed at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption
date to each Holder of New F4L Senior Notes to be redeemed at such Holder's
registered address. On and after the redemption date, interest will cease to
accrue on New F4L Senior Notes or portions thereof called for redemption (unless
the Company shall default in the payment of the redemption price or accrued
interest). New F4L Senior Notes that are redeemed by the Company or that are
purchased by the Company pursuant to a Net Proceeds Offer as described under "--
Certain Covenants -- Limitation on Asset Sales" below or pursuant to a Change of
Control Offer as described under "-- Change of Control" below or that are
otherwise acquired by the Company will be surrendered to the Trustee for
cancellation.
RANKING
The New F4L Senior Notes will rank senior in right of payment to all
Subordinated Indebtedness of the Company, including the New F4L Senior
Subordinated Notes and the New RGC Notes. The New F4L Senior Notes will rank
pari passu in right of payment with all unsubordinated Indebtedness and other
liabilities of the Company, including borrowings and other obligations of the
Company and its Subsidiaries under the Credit Agreement. The borrowings and
obligations under the Credit Agreement (and the related guarantees) are secured
by substantially all of the assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, whereas
the New F4L Senior Notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Company and its
Subsidiaries. As of September 17, 1994, on a pro forma basis after giving effect
to the Merger, the aggregate amount of secured Indebtedness and other
obligations of the Company and its Subsidiaries outstanding would have been
approximately $992.7 million (and the Company would have had $218.2 million
available to be borrowed under the Credit Agreement).
GUARANTEES
Each Subsidiary Guarantor will unconditionally guarantee, jointly and
severally the Company's obligations under the New F4L Senior Notes on a senior
unsecured basis (the "Guarantees").
Upon (i) the release by the lenders under the Term Loans, related documents
and future refinancings thereof of all guarantees of a Subsidiary Guarantor and
all Liens on the property and assets of such Subsidiary Guarantor relating to
such Indebtedness, or (ii) the sale or disposition (whether by merger, stock
purchase, asset sale or otherwise) of a Subsidiary Guarantor (or substantially
all of its assets) to an entity which is not a subsidiary of the Company, which
is otherwise in compliance with the New F4L Senior Note Indenture, such
Subsidiary Guarantor shall be deemed released from all its obligations under its
Guarantee; provided, however, that any such termination shall occur only to the
extent that all obligations of such Subsidiary Guarantor under all of its
guarantees of, and under all of its pledges of assets or other security
interests which secure, such Indebtedness of the Company shall also terminate
upon such release, sale or transfer.
Each Subsidiary Guarantor may consolidate with or merge into or sell its
assets to the Company or another Subsidiary Guarantor without limitation. The
New F4L Senior Note Indenture will further provide that a Subsidiary Guarantor
may consolidate with or merge into or sell its assets to a corporation other
than the Company or another Subsidiary Guarantor (whether or not affiliated with
the Subsidiary Guarantor, but subject to the provisions described in the
immediately preceding paragraph), provided that (a) if the surviving corporation
is not the Subsidiary Guarantor, the surviving corporation agrees to assume such
Subsidiary Guarantor's obligations under its Guarantee, and all its obligations
under the New F4L Senior Note Indenture and (b) such transaction does not (i)
violate any covenants set forth in the New F4L Senior
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Note Indenture or (ii) result in a Default or Event of Default under the New F4L
Senior Note Indenture immediately thereafter that is continuing.
The obligations of each Subsidiary Guarantor under its Guarantee are
limited to the maximum amount as will, after giving effect to all other
contingent and fixed liabilities of such Subsidiary Guarantor (other than
liabilities of such Subsidiary Guarantor under Indebtedness which constitutes
Subordinated Indebtedness with respect to its Guarantee) and after giving effect
to any collections from or payments made by or on behalf of any other Subsidiary
Guarantor in respect of the obligations of such other Subsidiary Guarantor under
its Guarantee, or pursuant to its contribution obligations under the New F4L
Senior Note Indenture, result in the obligations of such Subsidiary Guarantor
under such Guarantee not constituting a fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent
transfer under federal or state law. Each Subsidiary Guarantor that makes a
payment or distribution under a Guarantee shall be entitled to a contribution
from each other Subsidiary Guarantor in a pro rata amount based on the Adjusted
Net Assets of each Subsidiary Guarantor.
CHANGE OF CONTROL
The New F4L Senior Note Indenture will provide that, upon the occurrence of
a Change of Control, each Holder of New F4L Senior Notes will have the right to
require the repurchase of such Holder's New F4L Senior Notes pursuant to the
offer described below (the "Change of Control Offer"), at a purchase price equal
to 101% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest to the
date of repurchase.
The New F4L Senior Note Indenture will provide that within 30 days
following the date upon which the Change of Control occurred, the Company must
send, by first class mail, a notice to each Holder of New F4L Senior Notes, with
a copy to the Trustee, which notice shall govern the terms of the Change of
Control Offer. The New F4L Senior Note Indenture shall require that notice of an
event giving rise to a Change of Control shall be given on the same date and in
the same manner to all Holders. Such notice shall state, among other things, the
purchase date, which must be no earlier than 30 days nor later than 40 days from
the date such notice is mailed, other than as may be required by law (the
"Change of Control Payment Date"). The New F4L Senior Note Indenture and the
indenture governing the New F4L Senior Subordinated Notes shall provide that the
Change of Control Payment Date under the New F4L Senior Note Indenture with
respect to any Change of Control shall be one business day prior to the Change
of Control Payment Date under the indenture governing the New F4L Senior
Subordinated Notes with respect to such Change of Control. Holders electing to
have a New F4L Senior Note purchased pursuant to a Change of Control Offer will
be required to surrender the New F4L Senior Note, with the form entitled "Option
of Holder to Elect Purchase" on the reverse of the New F4L Senior Note
completed, to the Paying Agent at the address specified in the notice prior to
the close of business on the Business Day prior to the Change of Control Payment
Date. Each Change of Control Offer is required to remain open for at least 20
Business Days and until 12:00 midnight New York City time on the applicable
Change of Control Payment Date.
The Company must comply with Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any
other applicable provisions of the federal securities laws in connection with a
Change of Control Offer.
CERTAIN COVENANTS
The New F4L Senior Note Indenture will contain, among other things, the
following covenants:
Limitation on Restricted Payments. The New F4L Senior Note Indenture will
provide that the Company shall not, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries not
to, directly or indirectly, make any Restricted Payment if, at the time of such
proposed Restricted Payment, or after giving effect thereto, (a) a Default or an
Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, (b) the Company could
not incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness (other than Permitted Indebtedness)
pursuant to the covenant described under "-- Limitation on Incurrences of
Additional Indebtedness" below or (c) the aggregate amount expended for all
Restricted Payments, including such proposed Restricted Payment (the amount of
any Restricted Payment, if other than cash, to be the fair market value thereof
at the date of payment as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of
the Company), subsequent to the Issue Date, shall exceed the sum of (i) 50% of
the aggregate Consolidated Net Income (or if such aggregate Consolidated Net
Income is a loss, minus 100% of such loss)
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of the Company earned subsequent to the Issue Date and on or prior to the date
of the proposed Restricted Payment (the "Reference Date") plus (ii) 100% of the
aggregate Net Proceeds received by the Company from any person (other than a
Subsidiary of the Company) from the issuance and sale (including upon exchange
or conversion for other securities of the Company) subsequent to the Issue Date
and on or prior to the Reference Date of Qualified Capital Stock (excluding (A)
Qualified Capital Stock paid as a dividend on any Capital Stock or as interest
on any Indebtedness and (B) any Net Proceeds from issuances and sales financed
directly or indirectly using funds borrowed from the Company or any Subsidiary,
until and to the extent such borrowing is repaid), plus (iii) 100% of the
aggregate net cash proceeds received by the Company as capital contributions to
the Company after the Issue Date, plus (iv) $25 million.
The New F4L Senior Note Indenture will provide that if no Default or Event
of Default shall have occurred and be continuing as a consequence thereof, the
provisions set forth in the immediately preceding paragraph will not prevent (1)
the payment of any dividend within 60 days after the date of its declaration if
the dividend would have been permitted on the date of declaration, (2) the
acquisition of any shares of Capital Stock of the Company or the repurchase,
redemption or other repayment of any Subordinated Indebtedness in exchange for
or solely out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale (other than
to a Subsidiary) of shares of Qualified Capital Stock of the Company, (3) the
repurchase, redemption or other repayment of any Subordinated Indebtedness in
exchange for or solely out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale
(other than to a Subsidiary) of Subordinated Indebtedness of the Company with an
Average Life equal to or greater than the then remaining Average Life of the
Subordinated Indebtedness repurchased, redeemed or repaid, and (4) Permitted
Payments; provided, however, that the declaration of each dividend paid in
accordance with clause (1) above, each acquisition, repurchase, redemption or
other repayment made in accordance with, or of the type set forth in, clause (2)
above, and each payment described in clause (iii), (iv), (v), (vi) or (vii) of
the definition of the term "Permitted Payments" shall each be counted for
purposes of computing amounts expended pursuant to subclause (c) in the
immediately preceding paragraph, and no amounts expended pursuant to clause (3)
above or pursuant to clause (i) or (ii) of the definition of the term "Permitted
Payments" shall be so counted; provided further that to the extent any payments
made pursuant to clause (vii) of the definition of the term "Permitted Payments"
are deducted for purposes of computing the Consolidated Net Income of the
Company, such payments shall not be counted for purposes of computing amounts
expended as Restricted Payments pursuant to subclause (c) in the immediately
preceding paragraph.
Limitation on Incurrences of Additional Indebtedness. The New F4L Senior
Note Indenture will provide that the Company shall not, and shall not permit any
of its Subsidiaries, directly or indirectly, to incur, assume, guarantee, become
liable, contingently or otherwise, with respect to, or otherwise become
responsible for the payment of (collectively "incur") any Indebtedness other
than Permitted Indebtedness; provided, however, that if no Default with respect
to payment of principal of, or interest on, the New F4L Senior Notes or Event of
Default shall have occurred and be continuing at the time or as a consequence of
the incurrence of any such Indebtedness, the Company may incur Indebtedness if
immediately before and immediately after giving effect to the incurrence of such
Indebtedness the Operating Coverage Ratio of the Company would be greater than
2.0 to 1.0; provided further, a Subsidiary may incur Acquired Indebtedness to
the extent such Indebtedness could have been incurred by the Company pursuant to
the immediately preceding proviso.
In addition, the New F4L Senior Note Indenture will provide that neither
the Company nor any Subsidiary Guarantor will, directly or indirectly, in any
event incur any Indebtedness that by its terms (or by the terms of any agreement
governing such Indebtedness) is subordinated to any other Indebtedness of the
Company or such Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be, unless such
Indebtedness is also by its terms (or by the terms of any agreement governing
such Indebtedness) made expressly subordinate to the New F4L Senior Notes or the
Guarantee of such Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be, to the same extent
and in the same manner as such Indebtedness is subordinated pursuant to
subordination provisions that are most favorable to the holders of any other
Indebtedness of the Company or such Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be.
Limitation on Liens. The New F4L Senior Note Indenture will provide that
the Company shall not and shall not permit any Subsidiary to create, incur,
assume or suffer to exist any Liens upon any of their respective assets unless
the New F4L Senior Notes are equally and ratably secured by the Liens covering
such
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assets, except for (i) existing and future Liens securing Indebtedness and other
obligations of the Company and its Subsidiaries under the Credit Agreement and
related documents or any refinancing or replacement thereof in whole or in part
permitted under the New F4L Senior Note Indenture, (ii) Permitted Liens, (iii)
Liens securing Acquired Indebtedness; provided that such Liens (x) are not
incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of the acquisition of the
property or assets acquired and (y) do not extend to or cover any property or
assets of the Company or any Subsidiary other than the property or assets so
acquired, (iv) Liens to secure Capitalized Lease Obligations and certain other
Indebtedness that is otherwise permitted under the New F4L Senior Note
Indenture; provided that (A) any such Lien is created solely for the purpose of
securing such other Indebtedness representing, or incurred to finance, refinance
or refund, the cost (including sales and excise taxes, installation and delivery
charges and other direct costs of, and other direct expenses paid or charged in
connection with, the purchase (whether through stock or asset purchase, merger
or otherwise) or construction) or improvement of the property subject thereto
(whether real or personal, including fixtures and other equipment), (B) the
principal amount of the Indebtedness secured by such Lien does not exceed 100%
of such costs and (C) such Lien does not extend to or cover any other property
other than such item of property and any improvements on such item; (v) Liens
existing on the Issue Date (after giving effect to the Merger); (vi) Liens in
favor of the Trustee under the New F4L Senior Note Indenture and any
substantially equivalent Lien granted to any trustee or similar institution
under any indenture for Indebtedness permitted to be incurred under the New F4L
Senior Note Indenture; and (vii) any replacement, extension or renewal, in whole
or in part, of any Lien described in this or the foregoing clauses including in
connection with any refinancing of the Indebtedness, in whole or in part,
secured by any such Lien provided that to the extent any such clause limits the
amount secured or the assets subject to such Liens, no extension or renewal
shall increase the amount or the assets subject to such Liens, except to the
extent that the Liens associated with such additional assets are otherwise
permitted hereunder.
Limitation on Asset Sales. The New F4L Senior Note Indenture will provide
that neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries shall consummate an Asset
Sale unless (a) the Company or the applicable Subsidiary receives consideration
at the time of such Asset Sale at least equal to the fair market value of the
assets sold and (b) upon consummation of an Asset Sale, the Company will within
365 days of the receipt of the proceeds therefrom, either: (i) apply or cause
its Subsidiary to apply the Net Cash Proceeds of any Asset Sale to (A) a Related
Business Investment, (B) an investment in properties and assets that replace the
properties and assets that are the subject of such Asset Sale or (C) an
investment in properties and assets that will be used in the business of the
Company and its Subsidiaries existing on the Issue Date or in businesses
reasonably related thereto; (ii) apply or cause to be applied such Net Cash
Proceeds to the permanent repayment of Pari Passu Indebtedness; provided,
however, that the repayment of any revolving loan (under the Credit Agreement or
otherwise) shall result in a permanent reduction in the commitment thereunder;
(iii) use such Net Cash Proceeds to secure Letter of Credit Obligations to the
extent the related letters of credit have not been drawn upon or returned
undrawn; or (iv) after such time as the accumulated Net Cash Proceeds equals or
exceeds $20 million, apply or cause to be applied such Net Cash Proceeds to the
purchase of New F4L Senior Notes tendered to the Company for purchase at a price
equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued interest to the date
of purchase pursuant to an offer to purchase made by the Company as set forth
below (a "Net Proceeds Offer"); provided, however, that the Company shall have
the right to exclude from the foregoing provisions Asset Sales subsequent to the
Issue Date, (x) the proceeds of which are derived from the sale and
substantially concurrent lease-back of a supermarket and/or related assets which
are acquired or constructed by the Company or a Subsidiary subsequent to the
Issue Date, provided that such sale and substantially concurrent lease-back
occurs within 180 days following such acquisition or the completion of such
construction, as the case may be, and (y) the proceeds of which in the aggregate
do not exceed $20 million; provided further that pending the utilization of any
Net Cash Proceeds in the manner (and within the time period) described above,
the Company may use any such Net Cash Proceeds to repay revolving loans under
the Credit Agreement without a permanent reduction of the commitment thereunder.
Each Net Proceeds Offer will be mailed to the record Holders of New F4L
Senior Notes, as shown on the register of Holders of New F4L Senior Notes not
less than 325 nor more than 365 days after the relevant Asset Sale, with a copy
to the Trustee, shall specify the purchase date (which shall be no earlier than
30 days nor later than 40 days from the date such notice is mailed) and shall
otherwise comply with the procedures set
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forth in the New F4L Senior Note Indenture. Upon receiving notice of the Net
Proceeds Offer, Holders of New F4L Senior Notes may elect to tender their New
F4L Senior Notes in whole or in part in integral multiples of $1,000 in exchange
for cash. To the extent Holders properly tender New F4L Senior Notes in an
amount exceeding the Net Proceeds Offer, New F4L Senior Notes of tendering
Holders will be repurchased on a pro rata basis (based on amounts tendered).
The Company will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the
Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the
extent such laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the
repurchase of New F4L Senior Notes pursuant to a Net Proceeds Offer.
Limitation on Dividends and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting
Subsidiaries. The New F4L Senior Note Indenture will provide that the Company
shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly,
create or suffer to exist, or allow to become effective any consensual Payment
Restriction with respect to any of its Subsidiaries, except for (a) any such
restrictions contained in (i) the Credit Agreement and related documents as in
effect on the Issue Date as any such payment restriction may apply to any
present or future Subsidiary, (ii) the New F4L Senior Note Indenture and any
agreement in effect at or entered into on the Issue Date, (iii) Indebtedness of
a person existing at the time such person becomes a Subsidiary (provided that
(x) such Indebtedness is not incurred in connection with, or in contemplation
of, such person becoming a Subsidiary, (y) such restriction is not applicable to
any person, or the properties or assets of any person, other than the person so
acquired and (z) such Indebtedness is otherwise permitted to be incurred
pursuant to the provisions of the covenant described under "-- Limitation on
Incurrences of Additional Indebtedness" above), (iv) secured Indebtedness
otherwise permitted to be incurred pursuant to the provisions of the covenants
described under "-- Limitation on Incurrences of Additional Indebtedness" and
"-- Limitation on Liens" above that limit the right of the debtor to dispose of
the assets securing such Indebtedness; (b) customary non-assignment provisions
restricting subletting or assignment of any lease or other agreement entered
into by a Subsidiary; (c) customary net worth provisions contained in leases and
other agreements entered into by a Subsidiary in the ordinary course of
business; (d) customary restrictions with respect to a Subsidiary pursuant to an
agreement that has been entered into for the sale or disposition of all or
substantially all of the Capital Stock or assets of such Subsidiary; (e)
customary provisions in joint venture agreements and other similar agreements;
and (f) restrictions contained in Indebtedness incurred to refinance, refund,
extend or renew Indebtedness referred to in clause (a) above; provided that the
restrictions contained therein are not materially more restrictive taken as a
whole than those provided for in such Indebtedness being refinanced, refunded,
extended or renewed and (g) Payment Restrictions contained in any other
Indebtedness permitted to be incurred subsequent to the Issue Date pursuant to
the provisions of the covenant described under "-- Limitation on Incurrences of
Additional Indebtedness" above; provided that any such Payment Restrictions are
ordinary and customary with respect to the type of Indebtedness being incurred
(under the relevant circumstances), and, in any event, no more restrictive than
the most restrictive Payment Restrictions in effect on the Issue Date.
Guarantees of Certain Indebtedness. The New F4L Senior Note Indenture will
provide that the Company shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to (a) incur,
guarantee or secure through the granting of Liens the payment of any
Indebtedness under the term portion of the Credit Agreement or any refinancings
thereof or (b) pledge any intercompany notes representing obligations of any of
its Subsidiaries, to secure the payment of any Indebtedness under the term
portion of the Credit Agreement or any refinancings thereof, in each case unless
(x) such Subsidiary, the Company and the Trustee execute and deliver a
supplemental indenture evidencing such Subsidiary's Guarantee.
Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates. The New F4L Senior Note
Indenture will provide that neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries
shall (i) sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its properties or
assets or issue securities (other than equity securities which do not constitute
Disqualified Capital Stock) to, (ii) purchase any property, assets or securities
(other than equity securities which do not constitute Disqualified Capital
Stock) from, (iii) make any Investment in, or (iv) enter into or suffer to exist
any contract or agreement with or for the benefit of, an Affiliate or
Significant Stockholder (or any Affiliate of such Significant Stockholder) of
the Company or any Subsidiary (an "Affiliate Transaction"), other than (x)
Affiliate Transactions permitted under the following paragraph and (y) Affiliate
Transactions in the ordinary course of business, that are fair to the Company or
such Subsidiary, as the case may be, and on terms
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at least as favorable as might reasonably have been obtainable at such time from
an unaffiliated party; provided, that (A) with respect to Affiliate Transactions
involving aggregate payments in excess of $1 million and less than $5 million,
the Company or such Subsidiary, as the case may be, shall have delivered an
Officers' Certificate to the Trustee certifying that such Affiliate Transaction
complies with clause (y) above, (B) with respect to Affiliate Transactions
involving aggregate payments in excess of $5 million and less than $15 million,
the Company or such Subsidiary, as the case may be, shall have delivered an
Officers' Certificate to the Trustee certifying that such Affiliate Transaction
complies with clause (y) above and that such Affiliate Transaction has received
the approval of a majority of the disinterested members of the Board of
Directors of the Company or the Subsidiary, as the case may be, or, in the
absence of any such approval by the disinterested members of the Board of
Directors of the Company or that the Subsidiary, as the case may be, that an
Independent Financial Advisor has reasonably and in good faith determined that
the financial terms of such Affiliate Transaction are fair to the Company or
such Subsidiary, as the case may be, or that the terms of such Affiliate
Transaction are at least as favorable as might reasonably have been obtained at
such time from an unaffiliated party, and that such Independent Financial
Advisor has provided written confirmation of such determination to the Board of
Directors and (C) with respect to Affiliate Transactions involving aggregate
payments in excess of $15 million, the Company or such Subsidiary, as the case
may be, shall have delivered to the Trustee, a written opinion from an
Independent Financial Advisor to the effect that the financial terms of such
Affiliate Transaction are fair to the Company or such Subsidiary, as the case
may be, or that the terms of such Affiliate Transaction are at least as
favorable as those that might reasonably have been obtained at the time from an
unaffiliated party.
The provisions of the foregoing paragraph shall not apply to (i) any
Permitted Payment, (ii) any Restricted Payment that is made in compliance with
the provisions of the covenant described under "-- Limitation on Restricted
Payments" above, (iii) reasonable and customary fees and compensation paid to,
and indemnity provided on behalf of, officers, directors, employees or
consultants of the Company or any Subsidiary, as determined by the Board of
Directors of the Company or any Subsidiary or the senior management thereof in
good faith, (iv) transactions exclusively between or among the Company and any
of its wholly-owned Subsidiaries or exclusively between or among such
wholly-owned Subsidiaries, provided such transactions are not otherwise
prohibited by the New F4L Senior Note Indenture, (v) any agreement as in effect
as of the Issue Date or any amendment thereto or any transaction contemplated
thereby (including pursuant to any amendment thereto) so long as any such
amendment is not disadvantageous to the Holders of the New F4L Senior Notes, in
any material respect, (vi) the existence of, or the performance by the Company
or any of its Subsidiaries of its obligations under the terms of, any
stockholders agreement (including any registration rights agreement or purchase
agreement related thereto) to which it (or New Holdings) is a party as of the
Issue Date and any similar agreements which it (or New Holdings) may enter into
thereafter; provided, however, that the existence of, or the performance by the
Company or any Subsidiaries of obligations under any future amendment to, any
such existing agreement or under any similar agreement entered into after the
Issue Date shall only be permitted by this clause (vi) to the extent that the
terms of any such amendment or new agreement are not otherwise disadvantageous
to the Holders of the New F4L Senior Notes in any material respect, (vii)
transactions permitted by, and complying with, the provisions of the covenant
described under "-- Limitation on Mergers and Certain Other Transactions" below
and (viii) purchases or sales of goods or services or other transactions with
suppliers, in each case, in the ordinary course of business (including, without
limitation, pursuant to joint venture agreements) and otherwise in compliance
with the terms of the applicable New Indenture which are fair to the Company, in
the reasonable determination of the Board of Directors, or are on terms at least
as favorable as might reasonably have been obtained at such time from an
unaffiliated party.
Limitations on Preferred Stock of Subsidiaries. The New F4L Senior Note
Indenture will provide that the Company will not permit any of its Subsidiaries
to issue any Preferred Stock (other than to the Company or to a wholly-owned
Subsidiary) or permit any person (other than the Company or a wholly-owned
Subsidiary) to own any Preferred Stock of any Subsidiary.
Limitation on Mergers and Certain Other Transactions. The New F4L Senior
Note Indenture will provide that the Company, in a single transaction or through
a series of related transactions, shall not
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(i) consolidate with or merge with or into any other person, or transfer (by
lease, assignment, sale or otherwise) all or substantially all of its properties
and assets as an entirety or substantially as an entirety to another person or
group of affiliated persons or (ii) adopt a Plan of Liquidation, unless, in
either case, (1) either the Company shall be the continuing person, or the
person (if other than the Company) formed by such consolidation or into which
the Company is merged or to which all or substantially all of the properties and
assets of the Company as an entirety or substantially as an entirety are
transferred (or, in the case of a Plan of Liquidation, any person to which
assets are transferred) (the Company or such other person being hereinafter
referred to as the "Surviving Person") shall be a corporation organized and
validly existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the
District of Columbia, and shall expressly assume, by an indenture supplement,
all the obligations of the Company under the New F4L Senior Note Indenture and
the New F4L Senior Notes; (2) immediately after and giving effect of such
transaction and the assumption contemplated by clause (1) above and the
incurrence or anticipated incurrence of any Indebtedness to be incurred in
connection therewith, (A) the Surviving Person shall have a Consolidated Net
Worth equal to or greater than the Consolidated Net Worth of the Company
immediately preceding the transaction and (B) the Surviving Person could incur
at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness (other than Permitted Indebtedness)
pursuant to the provisions of the covenant described under "-- Limitation on
Incurrences of Additional Indebtedness" above; (3) immediately before and
immediately after and giving effect to such transaction and the assumption of
the obligations as set forth in clause (1) above and the incurrence or
anticipated incurrence of any Indebtedness to be incurred in connection
therewith, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing;
and (4) each Subsidiary Guarantor, unless it is the other party to the
transaction, shall have by supplemental indenture confirmed that its Guarantee
of the obligations of the Company under the New F4L Senior Notes shall apply,
without alteration or amendment as such Guarantee applies on the date it was
granted under the New F4L Senior Note Indenture to the obligations of the
Company under the New F4L Senior Note Indenture and the New F4L Senior Notes to
the obligations of the Company or such Person, as the case may be, under the New
F4L Senior Note Indenture and the New F4L Senior Notes, after the consummation
of such transaction.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the consummation of the Merger on the Issue
Date need only comply with clauses (1) and (3) of the foregoing paragraph.
The New F4L Senior Note Indenture will provide that upon any consolidation
or merger or any transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the
Company or any adoption of a Plan of Liquidation by the Company in accordance
with the foregoing, the surviving person formed by such consolidation or into
which the Company is merged or to which such transfer is made (or, in the case
of a Plan of Liquidation, to which assets are transferred) shall succeed to, and
be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Company under
the New F4L Senior Note Indenture with the same effect as if such surviving
person had been named as the Company therein; provided, however, that solely for
purposes of computing amounts described in subclause (c) of the first paragraph
of the covenant described under "-- Limitation on Restricted Payments" above,
any such surviving person shall only be deemed to have succeeded to and be
substituted for the Company with respect to periods subsequent to the effective
time of such merger, consolidation or transfer of assets.
For purposes of the foregoing, the transfer (by lease, assignment, sale or
otherwise) of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of one or
more Subsidiaries, the Capital Stock of which constitutes all or substantially
all of the properties and assets of the Company shall be deemed to be the
transfer of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the
Company.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
The following events constitute "Events of Default" under the New F4L
Senior Note Indenture: (i) failure to make any interest payment on the New F4L
Senior Notes when due and the continuance of such default for a period of 30
days; (ii) failure to pay principal of, or premium, if any, on the New F4L
Senior Notes when due, whether at maturity, upon acceleration, redemption,
required repurchase or otherwise; (iii) failure to comply with any other
agreement contained in the New F4L Senior Notes or the New F4L Senior Note
Indenture, if such failure continues unremedied for 30 days after written notice
given by the
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Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the New F4L Senior
Notes then outstanding (except in the case of a default with respect to the
covenants described under "-- Certain Covenants -- Limitation on Restricted
Payments," "-- Certain Covenants -- Limitations on Asset Sales," "-- Change of
Control," and "-- Certain Covenants -- Limitations on Merger and Certain Other
Transactions," which shall constitute Events of Default with notice but without
passage of time); (iv) a default under any Indebtedness of the Company or its
Subsidiaries, whether such Indebtedness now exists or shall hereinafter be
created, if both (A) such default either (1) results from the failure to pay any
such Indebtedness at its stated final maturity or (2) relates to an obligation
other than the obligation to pay such Indebtedness at its stated final maturity
and results in the holder or holders of such Indebtedness causing such
Indebtedness to become due prior to its stated maturity and (B) the principal
amount of such Indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any other
such Indebtedness in default for failure to pay principal at stated final
maturity or the maturity of which has been so accelerated, aggregate $20 million
or more at any one time outstanding; (v) any final judgment or order for payment
of money in excess of $20 million shall be entered against the Company or any
Significant Subsidiary and shall not be discharged for a period of 60 days after
such judgment becomes final and nonappealable; (vi) either the Company or any
Significant Subsidiary pursuant to or within the meaning of any Bankruptcy Law:
(a) commences a voluntary case or proceeding; (b) consents to the entry of an
order for relief against it in an involuntary case or proceeding; (c) consents
to the appointment of a Custodian of it or for all or substantially all of its
property; or (d) makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors;
(vii) a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any
Bankruptcy Law that: (a) is for relief against the Company or any Significant
Subsidiary, in an involuntary case or proceeding; (b) appoints a Custodian of
the Company or any Significant Subsidiary, or for all or any substantial part of
their respective properties; or (c) orders the liquidation of the Company or any
Significant Subsidiary, and in each case the order or decree remains unstayed
and in effect for 60 days; (viii) the lenders under the Credit Agreement shall
commence judicial proceedings to foreclose upon any material portion of the
assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries; or (ix) any of the Guarantees shall
be declared or adjudged invalid in a final judgment or order issued by any court
of governmental authority. In the event of a declaration of acceleration because
an Event of Default set forth in clause (iv) above has occurred and is
continuing, such declaration of acceleration shall be automatically rescinded
and annulled if either (i) the holders of the Indebtedness which is the subject
of such Event of Default have waived such failure to pay at maturity or have
rescinded the acceleration in respect of such Indebtedness within 90 days of
such maturity or declaration of acceleration, as the case may be, and no other
Event of Default has occurred during such 90-day period which has not been cured
or waived, or (ii) such Indebtedness shall have been discharged or the maturity
thereof shall have been extended such that it is not then due and payable, or
the underlying default has been cured, within 90 days of such maturity or
declaration of acceleration, as the case may be.
If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default resulting from
bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or reorganization of the Company or a
Subsidiary Guarantor) occurs and is continuing under the New F4L Senior Note
Indenture, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the
then outstanding New F4L Senior Notes may declare due and payable all unpaid
principal and interest accrued and unpaid on the then outstanding New F4L Senior
Notes issued under the New F4L Senior Note Indenture by notice in writing to the
Company and the Trustee specifying the respective Event of Default and that it
is a "notice of acceleration" (the "Acceleration Notice"), and the same (i)
shall become immediately due and payable or (ii) if there are any amounts
outstanding under the Credit Agreement, shall become due and payable upon the
first to occur of an acceleration under the Credit Agreement, or five business
days after receipt by the Company and the administrative agent under the Credit
Agreement of such Acceleration Notice. If an Event of Default resulting from
certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or reorganization of the
Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor shall occur under the New F4L Senior Note
Indenture, all unpaid principal of and accrued interest on all then outstanding
New F4L Senior Notes shall be immediately due and payable without any
declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any of the Holders of the
New F4L Senior Notes. After a declaration of acceleration under the New F4L
Senior Note Indenture, subject to certain conditions, the Holders of a majority
in principal amount of the then outstanding New F4L Senior Notes, by notice to
the Trustee, may rescind such declaration if all existing Events of Default
under the New F4L Senior Note Indenture are remedied. In certain cases the
Holders of a majority in
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principal amount of outstanding New F4L Senior Notes may waive a past default
under the New F4L Senior Note Indenture and its consequences, except a default
in the payment of or interest on any of the New F4L Senior Notes issued
thereunder.
The New F4L Senior Note Indenture provides that if a Default or Event of
Default occurs and is continuing thereunder and if it is known to the Trustee,
the Trustee shall mail to each Holder of New F4L Senior Notes notice of the
Default or Event of Default within 90 days after such Default or Event of
Default occurs; provided, however, that, except in the case of a Default or
Event of Default in the payment of the principal of or interest on any New F4L
Senior Notes, including the failure to make payment on a Change of Control
Payment Date pursuant to a Change of Control Offer or payment when due pursuant
to a Net Proceeds Offer the Trustee may withhold such notice if it in good faith
determines that withholding such notice is in the interest of the Holders of
such New F4L Senior Notes.
The New F4L Senior Note Indenture provides that no Holder of New F4L Senior
Notes may pursue any remedy thereunder unless the Trustee (i) shall have failed
to act for a period of 60 days after receiving written notice of a continuing
Event of Default under the New F4L Senior Note Indenture by such Holder and a
request to act by Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of New F4L Senior
Notes and (ii) has received indemnification satisfactory to it; provided,
however, that such provision does not affect the right of any Holder to sue for
enforcement of any overdue payment of New F4L Senior Notes.
The New F4L Senior Note Indenture provides that two officers of the Company
are required to certify to the Trustee within 120 days after the end of each
fiscal year of the Company whether or not they know of any Default that occurred
under the New F4L Senior Note Indenture during such fiscal year and, if
applicable, describe such Default and the status thereof.
DEFEASANCE OF INDENTURE
The Company may, at its option and at any time, elect to have the
obligations of the Company discharged with respect to the outstanding New F4L
Senior Notes. Such Legal Defeasance means that the Company shall be deemed to
have paid and discharged the entire Indebtedness represented by the New F4L
Senior Notes except for (i) the rights of Holders of New F4L Senior Notes to
receive payments in respect of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest
on such New F4L Senior Notes when such payments are due; (ii) the Company's
obligations to issue temporary New F4L Senior Notes, register the transfer or
exchange of such New F4L Senior Notes, replace mutilated, destroyed, lost or
stolen New F4L Senior Notes and maintain an office or agency for payments in
respect of such New F4L Senior Notes and money for security payments held in
respect of such New F4L Senior Notes, (iii) the rights, powers, trusts, duties
and immunities of the Trustee and the Company's obligations in connection
therewith; and (iv) the Legal Defeasance provisions of the New F4L Senior Note
Indenture. In addition, the Company may, at its option and at any time elect to
have the obligations of the Company released with respect to certain covenants
described above under "-- Certain Covenants" ("Covenant Defeasance"), and
thereafter any omission to comply with such obligations shall not constitute a
Default or Event of Default with respect to the New F4L Senior Notes.
In order to exercise either Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance, (i)
the Company must have irrevocably deposited with the Trustee, in trust, for the
benefit of the Holders of the New F4L Senior Notes, cash in U.S. dollars, U.S.
Government Obligations (as defined in the New F4L Senior Note Indenture), or a
combination thereof, in such amounts as will be sufficient, in the opinion of a
nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants, to pay the
principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the outstanding New F4L Senior
Notes to redemption or maturity provided that the Trustee shall have been
irrevocably instructed to apply such money or the proceeds of such U.S.
Government Obligations to said payments with respect to the New F4L Senior Notes
on the maturity date or such redemption date, as the case may be, (ii) in the
case of Legal Defeasance, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an
opinion of counsel stating that (A) the Company has received from, or there has
been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling or (B) since the Issue
Date, there has been a change in the applicable federal income tax law, in
either case to the effect that, and based thereon such opinion of counsel shall
confirm that, the Holders of New F4L Senior Notes will not recognize income,
gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such Legal
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Defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the
same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such Legal
Defeasance had not occurred; (iii) in the case of Covenant Defeasance, the
Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an opinion of counsel stating that
the Holders of New F4L Senior Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for
federal income tax purposes as a result of such Covenant Defeasance and will be
subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the
same times as would have been the case if such Covenant Defeasance had not
occurred; (iv) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing under the New F4L Senior Note Indenture on the date of such deposit
or insofar as clauses (vi) and (vii) under the first paragraph under "-- Events
of Default" above are concerned, at any time in the period ending on the 91st
day after the date of deposit; (v) such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance
shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, the
New F4L Senior Note Indenture or any other material agreement or instrument to
which the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor is a party or by which it is bound
(and in that connection, the New Trustee shall have received a certificate from
the Agent under the Credit Agreement to that effect with respect to such Credit
Agreement if then in effect); (vi) the Company shall have delivered to the
Trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that after the 91st day following
the deposit the trust funds will not be subject to the effect of any applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors'
rights generally; (vii) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an
Officer's Certificate stating that the deposit was not made by the Company with
the intent of preferring the Holders of the New F4L Senior Notes over other
creditors of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor or with the intent of
defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding creditors of the Company, any
Subsidiary Guarantor or others; and (viii) the Company shall have delivered to
the Trustee an officers' certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating
that all conditions precedent provided for relating to the Legal Defeasance or
Covenant Defeasance, have been complied with.
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE
The New F4L Senior Note Indenture will be discharged and will cease to be
of further effect as to all outstanding New F4L Senior Notes issued thereunder,
when either (a) all such New F4L Senior Notes theretofore authenticated and
delivered (except lost, stolen or destroyed New F4L Senior Notes which have been
replaced or paid and New F4L Senior Notes for whose payment money has
theretofore been deposited in trust and thereafter repaid to the Company) have
been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or (b)(i) all such New F4L
Senior Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation have
become due and payable by reason of the making of a notice of redemption or
otherwise and the Company has irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited
with the Trustee as trust funds in trust for the purpose an amount of money
sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on such New F4L Senior
Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation for principal,
premium, if any, and accrued interest to the date of maturity or redemption;
(ii) the Company has paid all sums payable by it under the New F4L Senior Note
Indenture; and (iii) the Company has delivered irrevocable instructions to the
Trustee to apply the deposited money toward the payment of such New F4L Senior
Notes at maturity or the redemption date, as the case may be. In addition, the
Company must deliver an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel to the
Trustee stating that all conditions precedent to satisfaction and discharge have
been complied with.
MODIFICATION OF THE NEW F4L SENIOR NOTE INDENTURE
The New F4L Senior Note Indenture and the New F4L Senior Notes issued
thereunder may be amended or supplemented (and compliance with any provision
thereof may be waived) by the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors, the Trustee
and the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of New
F4L Senior Notes then outstanding, except that (i) without the consent of each
Holder of such New F4L Senior Notes affected, no such amendment, supplement or
waiver may (1) change the principal amount of the New F4L Senior Notes the
Holders of which must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver of any
provision of the New F4L Senior Note Indenture, the New F4L Senior Notes or the
Guarantees, (2) reduce the rate or extend the time for payment of interest on
any New F4L Senior Notes, (3) reduce the principal amount of any New F4L Senior
Notes, (4) change the Maturity Date of any New F4L Senior Notes or the Change of
Control Payment Date or alter the redemption provisions in the New F4L Senior
Note
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Indenture or the New F4L Senior Notes or the purchase price in connection with
any repurchase of New F4L Senior Notes pursuant to the covenant described under
"-- Change of Control" above in a manner adverse to any Holder of New F4L Senior
Notes, (5) make any changes in the provisions concerning waivers of Defaults or
Events of Default by Holders or the rights of Holders to recover the principal
of, interest on or redemption payment with respect to any New F4L Senior Notes,
(6) make the principal of, or interest on, any New F4L Senior Notes payable with
anything or in any manner other than as provided for in the New F4L Senior Note
Indenture, the New F4L Senior Notes and the Guarantees, or (7) waive an Default
or Event of Default resulting from a failure to comply with the covenant
described under "-- Change of Control" above and (ii) without the consent of
Holders of not less than two thirds in aggregate principal amount of New F4L
Senior Notes then outstanding, no such amendment, supplement or waiver may
release any Subsidiary Guarantor from any of its Obligations under its Guarantee
or the New F4L Senior Note Indenture other than in accordance with the terms of
such Guarantee and the New F4L Senior Note Indenture.
In addition, the New F4L Senior Note Indenture, the New F4L Senior Notes
and the Guarantees may be amended by the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and
the Trustee (a) to cure any ambiguity, defect or ambiguity therein; provided
that such amendment or supplement does not adversely affect the rights of any
Holder thereof or (b) to make any other change that does not adversely affect
the rights of any Holder thereunder in any material respect.
THE TRUSTEE
The New F4L Senior Note Indenture will provide that the Holders of a
majority in principal amount of the outstanding New F4L Senior Notes may remove
the Trustee and appoint a successor trustee with the Company's consent, by so
notifying the trustee to be so removed and the Company. In addition, the Holders
of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding New F4L Senior Notes have
the right, subject to certain limitations, to direct the time, method and place
of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or of
exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee.
The New F4L Senior Note Indenture will provide that, in case a Default or
an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee shall exercise
such of the rights and powers vested in it by the New F4L Senior Note Indenture,
and use the same degree of care and skill in the exercise thereof, as a prudent
person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of such
person's own affairs. Subject to the latter provision, the Trustee is under no
obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the New F4L Senior Note
Indenture at the request, order or direction of any of the Holders of the New
F4L Senior Notes, unless they shall have offered to the Trustee reasonable
security or indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities which may be
incurred thereby. If the Company fails to pay such amounts of principal of,
premium, if any, or interest on, the New F4L Senior Notes as shall have become
due and payable upon demand as specified in the New F4L Senior Note Indenture,
the Trustee, at the request of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal
amount of New F4L Senior Notes at the time outstanding, and upon being offered
such reasonable indemnity as it may be required against the costs, expenses and
liabilities incurred by it, except as a result of its negligence or bad faith,
shall institute any actions or proceedings at law or in equity for the
collection of the sums so due and unpaid, and collect in the manner provided by
law the monies adjudged or decreed to be payable.
The New F4L Senior Note Indenture contains limitations on the rights of the
Trustee, should it become a creditor of the Company, to obtain payment of claims
in certain cases or to be realized on certain property received by it in respect
of any such claims, securities or otherwise. The Trustee is permitted to engage
in other transactions; however, if the Trustee acquires any "conflicting
interest," it must eliminate such conflict or resign.
REPORTS
The New F4L Senior Note Indenture will provide that the Company will
deliver to the Trustee thereunder within 15 days after the filing of the same
with the Commission, copies of the quarterly and annual report and of the
information, documents and other reports, if any, which the Company is required
to file with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
The New F4L Senior Note Indenture
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will further provide that, notwithstanding that the Company may not be subject
to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the
Company will file with the Commission, to the extent permitted, and provide the
Trustee and Holders of the New F4L Senior Notes with such annual reports and
such information, documents and other reports specified in Sections 13 and 15(d)
of the Exchange Act. The Company will also comply with the other provisions of
TIA sec. 314(a).
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
"Acquired Indebtedness" means (i) with respect to any person that becomes a
Subsidiary of the Company (or is merged into the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries) after the Issue Date, Indebtedness of, such person or any of its
Subsidiaries existing at the time such person becomes a Subsidiary of the
Company (or is merged into the Company or any of its Subsidiaries) and which was
not incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such person becoming a
Subsidiary of the Company (or being merged into the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries) and (ii) with respect to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries,
any Indebtedness assumed by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in connection
with the acquisition of any assets from another person (other than the Company
or any of its Subsidiaries), and which was not incurred by such other person in
connection with, or in contemplation of, such acquisition.
"Adjusted Net Assets" means, with respect to the Guarantee of a Subsidiary
Guarantor at any date, the lesser of the amount by which (x) the fair value of
the property of such Subsidiary Guarantor exceeds the total amount of
liabilities, including, without limitation, contingent liabilities (after giving
effect to all other fixed and contingent liabilities incurred or assumed on such
date (other than liabilities of such Subsidiary Guarantor under Indebtedness
which constitutes Subordinated Indebtedness with respect to such Guarantee)),
but excluding liabilities under the Guarantee of such Subsidiary Guarantor at
such date and (y) the present fair salable value of the assets of such
Subsidiary Guarantor at such date exceeds the amount that will be required to
pay the probable liability of such Subsidiary Guarantor on its debts (after
giving effect to all other fixed and contingent liabilities incurred or assumed
on such date (other than liabilities of such Subsidiary Guarantor under
Indebtedness which constitutes Subordinated Indebtedness with respect to such
Guarantee) and after giving effect to any collection from any Subsidiary of such
Subsidiary Guarantor in respect of the obligations of such Subsidiary under the
applicable Guarantee), excluding debt in respect of the Guarantee of such
Subsidiary Guarantor, as they become absolute and matured.
"Affiliate" means, with respect to any person, any other person directly or
indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common
control with such specified person. For the purposes of this definition,
"control" when used with respect to any person means the power to direct the
management and policies of such person, directly or indirectly, whether through
the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms
"affiliated," "controlling" and "controlled" have meanings correlative to the
foregoing. For purposes of the New F4L Senior Note Indenture, neither BT
Securities Corporation nor any of its Affiliates shall be deemed to be an
Affiliate of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
"Asset Sale" means, with respect to any person, any sale, transfer or other
disposition or series of sales, transfers or other dispositions (including,
without limitation, by merger or consolidation or by exchange of assets and
whether by operation of law or otherwise) made by such person or any of its
subsidiaries to any person other than such person or one of its wholly-owned
subsidiaries (or, in the case of a sale, transfer or other disposition by a
Subsidiary, to any person other than the Company or a directly or indirectly
wholly-owned Subsidiary) of any assets of such person or any of its subsidiaries
including, without limitation, assets consisting of any Capital Stock or other
securities held by such person or any of its subsidiaries, and any Capital Stock
issued by any subsidiary of such person, in each case, outside of the ordinary
course of business, excluding, however, any sale, transfer or other disposition,
or series of related sales, transfers or other dispositions (i) involving only
Excluded Assets, (ii) resulting in Net Proceeds to the Company and the
Subsidiaries of $500,000 or less or (iii) pursuant to any foreclosure of assets
or other remedy provided by applicable law to a creditor of the Company with a
Lien on such assets, which Lien is permitted under the New F4L Senior Note
Indenture, provided that such foreclosure or other remedy is conducted in a
commercially reasonable manner or in accordance with any Bankruptcy Law.
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"Average Life" means, as of any date of determination, with respect to any
debt security, the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the sum of the products of
the number of years from the date of determination to the dates of each
successive scheduled principal payments of such debt security multiplied by the
amount of each such principal payment by (ii) the sum of all such principal
payments.
"Bankruptcy Law" means Title 11, U.S. Code or any similar Federal, state or
foreign law for the relief of debtors.
"Board Resolution" means a duly adopted resolution of the Board of
Directors of the Company.
"Capital Stock" means, with respect to any person, any and all shares,
interests, participation or other equivalents (however designated) of corporate
stock, including each class of common stock and preferred stock of such person.
"Capitalized Lease Obligation" means obligations under a lease that is
required to be capitalized for financial reporting purposes in accordance with
GAAP, and the amount of Indebtedness represented by such obligations shall be
the capitalized amount of such obligations determined in accordance with GAAP.
"Cash Equivalents" means (i) obligations issued or unconditionally
guaranteed by the United States of America or any agency thereof, or obligations
issued by any agency or instrumentality thereof and backed by the full faith and
credit of the United States of America, (ii) commercial paper rated the highest
grade by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. and Standard & Poor's Ratings Group and
maturing not more than one year from the date of creation thereof, (iii) time
deposits with, and certificates of deposit and banker's acceptances issued by,
any bank having capital surplus and undivided profits aggregating at least $500
million and maturing not more than one year from the date of creation thereof,
(iv) repurchase agreements that are secured by a perfected security interest in
an obligation described in clause (i) and are with any bank described in clause
(iii) and (v) readily marketable direct obligations issued by any state of the
United States of America or any political subdivision thereof having one of the
two highest rating categories obtainable from either Moody's Investors Service,
Inc. or Standard & Poor's Ratings Group.
"Change of Control" means the acquisition after the Issue Date, in one or
more transactions, of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3
under the Exchange Act) by (i) any person or entity (other than any Permitted
Holder) or (ii) any group of persons or entities (excluding any Permitted
Holders) who constitute a group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the
Exchange Act), in either case, of any securities of New Holdings or the Company
such that, as a result of such acquisition, such person, entity or group
beneficially owns (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act),
directly or indirectly, 40% or more of the then outstanding voting securities
entitled to vote on a regular basis for a majority of the Board of Directors of
the Company (but only to the extent that such beneficial ownership is not shared
with any Permitted Holder who has the power to direct the vote thereof);
provided, however, that no such Change of Control shall be deemed to have
occurred if (A) the Permitted Holders beneficially own, in the aggregate, at
such time, a greater percentage of such voting securities than such other
person, entity or group or (B) at the time of such acquisition, the Permitted
Holders (or any of them) possess the ability (by contract or otherwise) to
elect, or cause the election, of a majority of the members of the Company's
Board of Directors.
"Commission" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Common Stock" means, with respect to any person, any and all shares,
interests or other participations in, and other equivalents (however designated
and whether voting or nonvoting) of, such person's common stock, whether
outstanding at the Issue Date or issued after the Issue Date, and includes,
without limitation, all series and classes of such common stock.
"Consolidated Net Income" means, with respect to any person, for any
period, the aggregate of the net income (or loss) of such person and its
subsidiaries for such period, on a consolidated basis, determined in accordance
with GAAP; provided that (a) the net income of any other person in which such
person or any of its subsidiaries has an interest (which interest does not cause
the net income of such other person to be consolidated with the net income of
such person and its subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP) shall be included only
to the extent of the amount of dividends or distributions actually paid to such
person or such
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subsidiary by such other person in such period; (b) the net income of any
subsidiary of such person that is subject to any Payment Restriction shall be
excluded to the extent such Payment Restriction actually prevented the payment
of an amount that otherwise could have been paid to, or received by, such person
or a subsidiary of such person not subject to any Payment Restriction; and
(c)(i) the net income (or loss) of any other person acquired in a pooling of
interests transaction for any period prior to the date of such acquisition, (ii)
all gains and losses realized on any Asset Sale, (iii) all gains realized upon
or in connection with or as a consequence of the issuance of the Capital Stock
of such person or any of its subsidiaries and any gains on pension reversions
received by such person or any of its subsidiaries, (iv) all gains and losses
realized on the purchase or other acquisition by such person or any of its
subsidiaries of any securities of such person or any of its subsidiaries, (v)
all gains and losses resulting from the cumulative effect of any accounting
change pursuant to the application of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No.
20, as amended, (vi) all other extraordinary gains and losses, (vii) (A) all
non-cash charges, (B) up to $10 million of severance costs and (C) any other
restructuring reserves or charges (provided, however, that any cash payments
actually made with respect to the liabilities for which such restructuring
reserves or charges were created shall be deducted from Consolidated Net Income
in the period when made), in each case, incurred by the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries in connection with the Merger, including, without limitation, the
divestiture of the Excluded Assets, (viii) losses incurred by the Company and
its Subsidiaries resulting from earthquakes and (ix) with respect to the
Company, all deferred financing costs written off in connection with the early
extinguishment of any Indebtedness, shall each be excluded.
"Consolidated Net Worth" means, with respect to any person, the total
stockholders' equity (exclusive of any Disqualified Capital Stock) of such
person and its subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis in accordance
with GAAP.
"Credit Agreement" means the Credit Agreement, dated as of the Issue Date,
by and among Food 4 Less, certain of its subsidiaries, the Lenders referred to
therein, and Bankers Trust Company, as administrative agent, as the case may be,
amended, extended, renewed, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified (in
whole or in part, and without limitation as to amount, terms conditions,
covenants and other provisions) from time to time, and any agreement governing
Indebtedness incurred to refund or refinance the borrowings and commitments then
outstanding or permitted to be outstanding under such Credit Agreement or such
agreement. The Company shall promptly notify the Trustee of any such refunding
or refinancing of the Credit Agreement.
"Custodian" means any receiver, trustee, assignee, liquidator, sequestrator
or similar official under any Bankruptcy Law.
"Disqualified Capital Stock" means, with respect to any Capital Stock of
such person or its subsidiaries that, by its terms, by the terms of any
agreement related thereto or by the terms of any security, into which it is
convertible, puttable or exchangeable is, or upon the happening of any event or
the passage of time would be, required to be redeemed or repurchased by such
person or its subsidiaries, including at the option of the holder thereof, in
whole or in part, or has, or upon the happening of an event or passage of time
would have, a redemption or similar payment due, on or prior to the Maturity
Date, or any other Capital Stock of such person or its subsidiaries designated
as Disqualified Capital Stock by such person at the time of issuance; provided,
however, that if such Capital Stock is either (i) redeemable or repurchaseable
solely at the option of such person or (ii) issued to employees of the Company
or its Subsidiaries or to any plan for the benefit of such employees, such
Capital Stock shall not constitute Disqualified Capital Stock unless so
designated.
"EBDIT" means, with respect to any person, for any period, the Consolidated
Net Income of such person for such period, plus, in each case to the extent
deducted in computing Consolidated Net Income of such person for such period
(without duplication)(i) provisions for income taxes or similar charges
recognized by such person and its consolidated subsidiaries accrued during such
period, (ii) depreciation and amortization expense of such person and its
consolidated subsidiaries accrued during such period (but only to the extent not
included in fixed charges), (iii) fixed charges of such person and its
consolidated subsidiaries for such period, (iv) LIFO charges (credits) of such
person and its consolidated subsidiaries for such period, (v) the amount of any
restructuring reserve or charge recorded during such period in accordance with
GAAP, including any
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such reserve or charge related to the Merger, and (vi) any other non-cash
charges reducing Consolidated Net Income for such period (excluding any such
charge which requires an accrual of or a cash reserve for cash charges for any
future period), less, without duplication, (i) non-cash items increasing
Consolidated Net Income of such person for such period in each case determined
in accordance with GAAP and (ii) the amount of all cash payments made by such
person or its subsidiaries during such period to the extent that such cash
payment has been provided for in a restructuring reserve or charge referred to
in clause (v) above (and were not otherwise deducted in the computation of
Consolidated Net Income of such person for such period).
"Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and
the rules and regulations promulgated by the Commission thereunder.
"Excluded Assets" means assets of the Company required to be disposed of by
applicable regulatory authorities in connection with the Merger.
"Fixed Charges" means, with respect to any person, for any period, the
aggregate amount of (i) interest, whether expensed or capitalized, paid, accrued
or scheduled to be paid or accrued during such period (except to the extent
accrued in a prior period) in respect of all Indebtedness of such person and its
consolidated subsidiaries (including (a) original issue discount on any
Indebtedness (including (without exception), in the case of the Company, any
original issue discount on the New F4L Senior Notes but excluding amortization
of debt issuance costs) and (b) the interest portion of all deferred payment
obligations, calculated in accordance with the effective interest method, in
each case to the extent attributable to such period but excluding the
amortization of debt issuance costs) and (ii) dividend requirements on Capital
Stock of such person and its consolidated subsidiaries (whether in cash or
otherwise (except dividends payable in shares of Qualified Capital Stock)) paid,
accrued or scheduled to be paid or accrued during such period (except to the
extent accrued in a prior period) and excluding items eliminated in
consolidation. For purposes of this definition, (a) interest on a Capitalized
Lease Obligation shall be deemed to accrue at an interest rate reasonably
determined by the Board of Directors of such person (as evidenced by a Board
Resolution) to be the rate of interest implicit in such Capitalized Lease
Obligation in accordance with GAAP, (b) interest on Indebtedness that is
determined on a fluctuating basis shall be deemed to have accrued at a fixed
rate per annum equal to the rate of interest of such Indebtedness in effect on
the date Fixed Charges are being calculated, (c) interest on Indebtedness that
may optionally be determined at an interest rate based upon a factor of a prime
or similar rate, a eurocurrency interbank offered rate, or other rate, shall be
deemed to have been based upon the rate actually chosen, or, if none, then based
upon such optional rate chosen as the Company may designate, and (d) Fixed
Charges shall be increased or reduced by the net cost (including amortization of
discount) or benefit associated with Interest Swap Obligations attributable to
such period. For purposes of clause (ii) above, dividend requirements shall be
increased to an amount representing the pretax earnings that would be required
to cover such dividend requirements; accordingly, the increased amount shall be
equal to a fraction, the numerator of which is the amount of such dividend
requirements and the denominator of which is one (1) minus the applicable actual
combined federal, state, local and foreign income tax rate of such person and
its subsidiaries (expressed as a decimal), on a consolidated basis, for the
fiscal year immediately preceding the date of the transaction giving rise to the
need to calculate Fixed Charges.
"FFL" means Food 4 Less, Inc., a Delaware corporation and its successors,
including, without limitation, Holdings following the FFL Merger and New
Holdings following the Reincorporation Merger.
"FFL Merger" means the merger, prior to the Merger, of FFL and Holdings.
"Food 4 Less" means Food 4 Less Supermarkets, Inc., a Delaware corporation,
and its successors, including, without limitation, Ralphs Supermarkets, Inc. (to
be renamed Ralphs Grocery Company following the Merger).
"Foreign Exchange Agreement" means any foreign exchange contract, currency
swap agreement or other similar agreement or arrangement designed to protect
against fluctuations in currency values.
"Holdings" means Food 4 Less Holdings, Inc., a California corporation, and
its successors, including, without limitation, New Holdings following the
Reincorporation Merger.
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"Holdings Discount Notes" means the 15.25% Senior Discount Notes due 2004
of Holdings, as the same may be modified or amended from time to time and
refinancings thereof.
"Indebtedness" means with respect to any person, without duplication, (i)
all liabilities, contingent or otherwise, of such person (a) for borrowed money
(whether or not the recourse of the lender is to the whole of the assets of such
person or only to a portion thereof), (b) evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures,
drafts accepted or similar instruments or letters of credit or representing the
balance deferred and unpaid of the purchase price of any property (other than
any such balance that represents an account payable or any other monetary
obligation to a trade creditor (whether or not an Affiliate) created, incurred,
assumed or guaranteed by such person in the ordinary course of business of such
person in connection with obtaining goods, materials or services and due within
twelve months (or such longer period for payment as is customarily extended by
such trade creditor) of the incurrence thereof, which account is not overdue by
more than 90 days, according to the original terms of sale, unless such account
payable is being contested in good faith), or (c) for the payment of money
relating to a Capitalized Lease Obligation; (ii) the maximum fixed repurchase
price of all Disqualified Capital Stock of such person; (iii) reimbursement
obligations of such person with respect to letters of credit; (iv) obligations
of such person with respect to Interest Swap Obligations and Foreign Exchange
Agreements; (v) all liabilities of others of the kind described in the preceding
clause (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) that such person has guaranteed or that is
otherwise its legal liability; and (vi) all obligations of others secured by a
Lien to which any of the properties or assets (including, without limitation,
leasehold interests and any other tangible or intangible property rights) of
such person are subject, whether or not the obligations secured thereby shall
have been assumed by such person or shall otherwise be such person's legal
liability (provided that if the obligations so secured have not been assumed by
such person or are not otherwise such person's legal liability, such obligations
shall be deemed to be in an amount equal to the fair market value of such
properties or assets, as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of
such person, which determination shall be evidenced by a Board Resolution). For
purposes of the preceding sentence, the "maximum fixed repurchase price" of any
Disqualified Capital Stock that does not have a fixed repurchase price shall be
calculated in accordance with the terms of such Disqualified Capital Stock as if
such Disqualified Capital Stock were purchased on any date on which Indebtedness
shall be required to be determined pursuant to this Indenture, and if such price
is based upon, or measured by, the fair market value of such Disqualified
Capital Stock (or any equity security for which it may be exchanged or
converted), such fair market value shall be determined in good faith by the
Board of Directors of such person, which determination shall be evidenced by a
Board Resolution. For purposes of the New F4L Senior Note Indenture,
Indebtedness incurred by any person that is a general partnership (other than
non-recourse Indebtedness) shall be deemed to have been incurred by the general
partners of such partnership pro rata in accordance with their respective
interests in the liabilities of such partnership unless any such general partner
shall, in the reasonable determination of the Board of Directors of the Company,
be unable to satisfy its pro rata share of the liabilities of the partnership,
in which case the pro rata share of any Indebtedness attributable to such
partner shall be deemed to be incurred at such time by the remaining general
partners on a pro rata basis in accordance with their interests.
"Independent Financial Advisor" means a reputable accounting, appraisal or
nationally recognized investment banking firm that is, in the reasonable
judgment of the Board of Directors of the Company, qualified to perform the
tasks for which such firm has been engaged and disinterested and independent
with respect to the Company and its Affiliates.
"Interest Swap Obligation" means any obligation of any person pursuant to
any arrangement with any other person whereby, directly or indirectly, such
person is entitled to receive from time to time periodic payments calculated by
applying either a fixed or floating rate of interest on a stated notional amount
in exchange for periodic payments made by such person calculated by applying a
fixed or floating rate of interest on the same notional amount; provided that
the term "Interest Swap Obligation" shall also include interest rate exchange,
collar, cap, swap option or similar agreements providing interest rate
protection.
"Investment" by any person in any other person means any investment by such
person in such other person, whether by a purchase of assets, in any transaction
or series of related transactions, individually or in the aggregate, in an
amount greater than $5 million, share purchase, capital contribution, loan,
advance (other
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than reasonable loans and advances to employees for moving and travel expenses,
as salary advances or to permit the purchase of Qualified Capital Stock of the
Company and other similar customary expenses incurred, in each case in the
ordinary course of business consistent with past practice) or similar credit
extension constituting Indebtedness of such other person, and any guarantee of
Indebtedness of any other person.
"Issue Date" means the date of original issuance of the New F4L Senior
Notes under the New F4L Senior Note Indenture.
"Letter of Credit Obligations" means Indebtedness of the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries with respect to letters of credit issued pursuant to the Credit
Agreement, and for purposes of the definition of the term "Permitted
Indebtedness" above, the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness outstanding
at any time with respect thereto, shall be deemed to consist of (a) the
aggregate maximum amount then available to be drawn under all such letters of
credit (the determination of such maximum amount to assume compliance with all
conditions for drawing), and (b) the aggregate amount that has then been paid
by, and not reimbursed to, the issuers under such letters of credit.
"Lien" means any mortgage, pledge, lien, encumbrance, charge or adverse
claim affecting title or resulting in an encumbrance against real or personal
property, or a security interest of any kind (including any conditional sale or
other title retention agreement, any lease in the nature thereof, any option or
other agreement to sell which is intended to constitute or create a security
interest, mortgage, pledge or lien, and any filing of or agreement to give any
financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code (or equivalent statutes)
of any jurisdiction); provided that in no event shall an operating lease be
deemed to constitute a Lien under the New F4L Senior Note Indenture.
"Maturity Date" means February 1, 2004.
"Merger" means (i) the merger of Food 4 Less Supermarkets, Inc. into Ralph
Supermarkets, Inc. (with Ralph Supermarkets, Inc. surviving such merger)
pursuant to the Merger Agreement and (ii) immediately following the merger
described in clause (i) of this definition, the merger of Ralphs Grocery Company
into Ralphs Supermarkets, Inc. (with Ralphs Supermarket, Inc. surviving such
merger and changing its name to "Ralphs Grocery Company" in connection with such
merger).
"Merger Agreement" means the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated September
14, 1994, by and among Holdings, FFL, Food 4 Less, RSI and the Stockholders of
RSI, as such agreement is in effect on the Issue Date.
"Net Cash Proceeds" means the Net Proceeds of any Asset Sale received in
the form of cash or Cash Equivalents.
"Net Proceeds" means (a) in the case of any Asset Sale or any issuance and
sale by any person of Qualified Capital Stock, the aggregate net proceeds
received by such person after payment of expenses, taxes, commissions and the
like incurred in connection therewith (and, in the case of any Asset Sale, net
of the amount of cash applied to repay Indebtedness secured by the asset
involved in such Asset Sale), whether such proceeds are in cash or in property
(valued at the fair market value thereof at the time of receipt as determined
with respect to any Asset Sale resulting in Net Proceeds in excess of $5 million
in good faith by the Board of Directors of such person, which determination
shall be evidenced by a Board of Resolution) and (b) in the case of any
conversion or exchange of any outstanding Indebtedness or Disqualified Capital
Stock of such person for or into shares of Qualified Capital Stock of the
Company, the sum of (i) the fair market value of the proceeds received by the
Company in connection with the issuance of such Indebtedness or Disqualified
Capital Stock on the date of such issuance and (ii) any additional amount paid
by the Holder to the Company upon such conversion or exchange.
"New Holdings" means Food 4 Less Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation,
and its successors.
"Operating Coverage Ratio" means, with respect to any person, the ratio of
(1) EBDIT of such person for the period (the "Pro Forma Period") consisting of
the most recent four full fiscal quarters for which financial information in
respect thereof is available immediately prior to the date of the transaction
giving rise
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to the need to calculate the Operating Coverage Ratio (the "Transaction Date")
to (2) the aggregate Fixed Charges of such person for the fiscal quarter in
which the Transaction Date occurs and the three fiscal quarters immediately
subsequent to such fiscal quarter (the "Forward Period") reasonably anticipated
by the Board of Directors of such person to become due from time to time during
such period. For purposes of this definition, if the Transaction Date occurs
prior to the first anniversary of the Merger, "EBDIT" for the Pro Forma Period
shall be calculated, in the case of the Company, after giving effect on a pro
forma basis to the Merger as if it had occurred on the first day of the Pro
Forma Period. In addition to, but without duplication of, the foregoing, for
purposes of this definition, "EBDIT" shall be calculated after giving effect
(without duplication), on a pro forma basis for the Pro Forma Period (but no
longer), to (a) any Investment, during the period commencing on the first day of
the Pro Forma Period to and including the Transaction Date (the "Reference
Period"), in any other person that, as a result of such Investment, becomes a
subsidiary of such person, (b) the acquisition, during the Reference Period (by
merger, consolidation or purchase of stock or assets) of any business or assets,
which acquisition is not prohibited by the New F4L Senior Note Indenture, and
(c) any sales or other dispositions of assets (other than sales of inventory in
the ordinary course of business) occurring during the Reference Period, in each
case as if such incurrence, Investment, repayment, acquisition or asset sale had
occurred on the first day of the Reference Period. In addition, for purposes of
this definition, "Fixed Charges" shall be calculated after giving effect
(without duplication), on a pro forma basis for the Forward Period, to any
Indebtedness incurred or repaid on or after the first day of the Forward Period
and prior to the Transaction Date. If such person or any of its subsidiaries
directly or indirectly guarantees any Indebtedness of a third person, the
Operating Coverage Ratio shall give effect to the incurrence of such
Indebtedness as if such person or subsidiary had directly incurred such
guaranteed Indebtedness.
"operating lease" means any lease the obligations under which do not
constitute Capitalized Lease Obligations.
"Pari Passu Indebtedness" means, with respect to the Company or any
Subsidiary Guarantor, Indebtedness of such person which ranks pari passu in
right of payment to the New F4L Senior Notes or the Guarantee of such Subsidiary
Guarantor, as the case may be.
"Payment Restriction" means, with respect to a subsidiary of any person,
any encumbrance, restriction or limitation, whether by operation of the terms of
its charter or by reason of any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order,
statute, rule or governmental regulation, on the ability of (i) such subsidiary
to (a) pay dividends or make other distributions on its Capital Stock or make
payments on any obligation, liability or indebtedness owed to such person or any
other subsidiary of such person, (b) make loans or advances to such person or
any other subsidiary of such person or (c) transfer any of its properties or
assets to such person or any other subsidiary of such persons, or (ii) such
person or any other subsidiary of such person to receive or retain any such (a)
dividends, distributions or payments, (b) loans or advances or (c) transfer of
properties or assets.
"Permitted Holder" means (i) Food 4 Less Equity Partners, L.P. and The
Yucaipa Companies, or any entity controlled thereby or any of the partners
thereof, (ii) Apollo Advisors, L.P., Lion Advisors, L.P. or any entity
controlled thereby or any of the partners thereof, (iii) an employee benefit
plan of the Company, or any participant therein or any of its subsidiaries, (iv)
a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan
of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or (v) any Permitted Transferee of any
of the foregoing persons.
"Permitted Indebtedness" means (a) Indebtedness of the Company and its
Subsidiaries pursuant to (i) the Term Loans in an aggregate principal amount at
any time outstanding not to exceed $750 million, less the aggregate amount of
all principal repayments thereunder pursuant to and in accordance with the
covenant described under "-- Certain Covenants -- Limitation on Asset Sales"
above subsequent to the Issue Date, and (ii) the revolving credit facility under
the Credit Agreement (and the Company and each Subsidiary (to the extent it is
not an obligor) may guarantee such Indebtedness) in an aggregate principal
amount at any time outstanding not to exceed $325 million, less all permanent
reductions thereunder pursuant to and in accordance with the covenant described
under "-- Certain Covenants -- Limitation on Asset Sales" above, (b)
Indebtedness of the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor owed to and held by the
Company or a
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Subsidiary Guarantor; (c) Indebtedness incurred by the Company or any Subsidiary
in connection with the purchase or improvement of property (real or personal) or
equipment or other capital expenditures in the ordinary course of business
(including for the purchase of assets or stock of any retail grocery store or
business) or consisting of Capitalized Lease Obligations provided that (i) at
the time of the incurrence thereof, such indebtedness, together with any other
Indebtedness incurred during the most recently completed four fiscal quarter
period in reliance upon this clause (c) does not exceed, in the aggregate, 3% of
net sales of the Company and its Subsidiaries during the most recently completed
four fiscal quarter period on a consolidated basis (calculated on a pro forma
basis if the date of incurrence is prior to the first anniversary of the Merger)
and (ii) such Indebtedness, together with all then outstanding Indebtedness
incurred in reliance upon this clause (c) does not exceed, in the aggregate, 3%
of the aggregate net sales of the Company and its Subsidiaries during the most
recently completed twelve fiscal quarter period on a consolidated basis
(calculated on a pro forma basis if the date of incurrence is prior to the third
anniversary of the Merger); (d) Indebtedness incurred by the Company or any
Subsidiary in connection with capital expenditures in an aggregate principal
amount not exceeding $150 million in the aggregate, provided that such capital
expenditures relate solely to the integration of the operations of RSI, Food 4
Less and their respective subsidiaries, as described in this Prospectus; (e)
Indebtedness of the Company incurred under certain Foreign Exchange Agreements
and Interest Swap Obligations; (f) guarantees incurred in the ordinary course of
business by the Company or a Subsidiary of Indebtedness of any other person in
aggregate not to exceed $25 million at any time outstanding; (g) guarantees by
the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor of Indebtedness incurred by a wholly-owned
Subsidiary Guarantor so long as the incurrence of such Indebtedness incurred by
such wholly-owned Subsidiary Guarantor is permitted under the terms of the New
F4L Senior Note Indenture; (h) Refinancing Indebtedness; (i) Indebtedness for
letters of credit relating to workers' compensation claims and self-insurance or
similar requirements in the ordinary course of business; (j) other Indebtedness
outstanding on the Issue Date (after giving effect to the Merger); (k)
Indebtedness arising from guarantees of Indebtedness of the Company or any
Subsidiary or other agreements of the Company or a Subsidiary providing for
indemnification, adjustment of purchase price or similar obligations, in each
case, incurred or assumed in connection with the disposition of any business,
assets or Subsidiary, other than guarantees of Indebtedness incurred by any
person acquiring all or any portion of such bonuses, assets or Subsidiary for
the purpose of financing such acquisition, provided that the maximum aggregate
liability in respect of all such Indebtedness shall at no time exceed the gross
proceeds actually received by the Company and its subsidiaries in connection
with such disposition; (l) obligations in respect of performance bonds and
completion guarantees provided by the Company or any Subsidiary in the ordinary
course of business; and (m) additional Indebtedness of the Company and the
Subsidiary Guarantors in an amount not to exceed $200 million at any time
outstanding.
"Permitted Investment" by any person means (i) any Related Business
Investment, (ii) Investments in securities not constituting cash or Cash
Equivalents and received in connection with an Asset Sale made pursuant to the
provisions of the covenant described under "-- Certain Covenants -- Limitation
on Asset Sales" above or any other disposition of assets not constituting an
Asset Sale by reason of the $500,000 threshold contained in the definition
thereof, (iii) cash and Cash Equivalents, (iv) Investments existing on the Issue
Date, (v) Investments specifically permitted by and made in accordance with the
provisions of the covenant described under "-- Certain Covenants -- Limitation
on Transactions with Affiliates," (vi) Investments by Subsidiary Guarantors in
other Subsidiary Guarantors and Investments by Subsidiaries which are not
Subsidiary Guarantors in other Subsidiaries which are not Subsidiary Guarantors
and (vii) additional Investments in an aggregate amount not exceeding $5
million.
"Permitted Liens" shall mean (i) Liens for taxes, assessments and
governmental charges or claims not yet due or which are being contested in good
faith by appropriate proceedings promptly instituted and diligently conducted
and if a reserve or other appropriate provision, if any, as shall be required in
conformity with GAAP shall have been made therefor; (ii) statutory Liens of
landlords and carriers, warehouseman, mechanics, suppliers, materialmen,
repairmen or other like Liens arising in the ordinary course of business,
deposits made to obtain the release of such Liens, and with respect to amounts
not yet delinquent for a period of more than 60 days or being contested in good
faith by an appropriate process of law, and for which a reserve or other
appropriate provision, if any, as shall be required by GAAP shall have been
made; (iii) Liens incurred
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or pledges or deposits made in the ordinary course of business to secure
obligations under workers' compensation, unemployment insurance and other types
of social security or similar legislation; (iv) Liens incurred or deposits made
to secure the performance of tenders, bids, leases, statutory obligations,
surety and appeal bonds, government contracts, performance and return of money
bonds and other obligations of a like nature incurred in the ordinary course of
business (exclusive of obligations for the payment of borrowed money); (v)
easements, rights-of-way, zoning or other restrictions, minor defects or
irregularities in title and other similar charges or encumbrances not
interfering in any material respect with the business of the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries incurred in the ordinary course of business; (vi) Liens upon
specific items of inventory or other goods and proceeds of any person securing
such person's obligations in respect of bankers' acceptances issued or created
for the account of such person to facilitate the purchase, shipment or storage
of such inventory or other goods in the ordinary course of business; (vii) Liens
securing reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit which
encumber documents and other property relating to such letters of credit and the
products and proceeds thereof; (viii) Liens in favor of customs and revenue
authorities arising as a matter of law to secure payment of nondelinquent
customs duties in connection with the importation of goods; (ix) judgment and
attachment Liens not giving rise to a Default or Event of Default; (x) leases or
subleases granted to others not interfering in any material respect with the
business of the Company or any Subsidiary; (xi) Liens encumbering customary
initial deposits and margin deposits, and other Liens incurred in the ordinary
course of business that are within the general parameters customary in the
industry, in each case securing Indebtedness under Interest Swap Obligations and
Foreign Exchange Agreements and forward contracts, option futures contracts,
futures options or similar agreements or arrangements designed to protect the
Company or any Subsidiary from fluctuations in the price of commodities; (xii)
Liens encumbering deposits made in the ordinary course of business to secure
nondelinquent obligations arising from statutory, regulatory, contractual or
warranty requirements of the Company or its Subsidiaries for which a reserve or
other appropriate provision, if any, as shall be required by GAAP shall have
been made; (xiii) Liens arising out of consignment or similar arrangements for
the sale of goods entered into by the Company or any Subsidiary in the ordinary
course of business in accordance with past practices; (xiv) any interest or
title of a lessor in the property subject to any lease, whether characterized as
capitalized or operating other than any such interest or title resulting from or
arising out of a default by the Company or any Subsidiary of its obligations
under such lease; (xv) Liens arising from filing UCC financing statements for
precautionary purposes in connection with true leases of personal property that
are otherwise permitted under the New F4L Senior Note Indenture and under which
the Company or any Subsidiary is lessee; and (xvi) additional Liens securing
Indebtedness at any one time outstanding not exceeding the sum of (i) $25
million and (ii) 10% of the aggregate Consolidated Net Income of the Company
earned subsequent to the Issue Date and on or prior to such time.
"Permitted Payments" means (i) any payment by the Company or any Subsidiary
to The Yucaipa Companies or the principals or any Affiliates thereof for
consulting, management, investment banking or similar advisory services during
such period pursuant to that certain Consulting Agreement, dated as of the Issue
Date, between Food 4 Less, New Holdings and The Yucaipa Companies, (as such
Consulting Agreement may be amended or replaced, so long as any amounts paid
under any amended or replacement agreement do not exceed the amounts payable
under such Consulting Agreement as in effect on the Issue Date), (ii) any
payment by the Company or any Subsidiary pursuant to the Amended and Restated
Tax Sharing Agreement, dated as of June 17, 1991, between Food 4 Less and
certain Subsidiaries, as such Tax Sharing Agreement may be amended from time to
time, so long as the payment thereunder by the Company and its Subsidiaries
shall not exceed the amount of taxes the Company would be required to pay if it
were the filing person for all applicable taxes, (iii) any payment by the
Company or any Subsidiary pursuant to the Transfer and Assumption Agreement,
dated as of June 23, 1989, between Food 4 Less and Holdings, as in effect on the
Issue Date, (iv) any payment by the Company or any Subsidiary (a) in connection
with repurchases of outstanding shares of the Company's or New Holdings Common
Stock following the death, disability or termination of employment of management
stockholders, and (b) of amounts required to be paid by New Holdings, the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries to participants in employee benefit plans
upon termination of employment by such participants, as provided in the
documents related thereto, in an aggregate amount (for both clauses (a) and (b))
not to exceed $10 million in any Yearly Period (provided that any
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unused amounts may be carried over to any subsequent Yearly Period subject to a
maximum amount of $20 million in any Yearly Period), (v) from and after June 30,
1998, payments of cash dividends to New Holdings in an amount sufficient to
enable New Holdings to make payments of interest required to be made in respect
of the Holdings Discount Notes in accordance with the terms thereof in effect on
the Issue Date, (vi) from and after February , 2000, payments of cash
dividends to New Holdings in an amount sufficient to enable New Holdings to make
payments of interest required to be made in respect of the Seller Debentures in
accordance with the terms thereof in effect on the Issue Date, and (vii)
dividends or other payments to New Holdings sufficient to enable New Holdings to
perform accounting, legal, corporate reporting and administrative functions in
the ordinary course of business or to pay required fees and expenses in
connection with the Merger, the FFL Merger, the Reincorporation Merger and the
registration under applicable laws and regulations of its debt or equity
securities.
"Permitted Transferees" means, with respect to any person, (i) any
Affiliate of such person, (ii) the heirs, executors, administrators,
testamentary trustees, legatees or beneficiaries of any such person, (iii) a
trust, the beneficiaries of which, or a corporation or partnership, the
stockholders or general or limited partners of which, include only such person
or his or her spouse or lineal descendants, in each case to whom such person has
transferred the beneficial ownership of any securities of the Company, (iv) any
investment account whose investment managers and investment advisors consist
solely of such person and/or Permitted Transferees of such person and (v) any
investment fund or investment entity that is a subsidiary of such person or a
Permitted Transferee of such person.
"Plan of Liquidation" means, with respect to any person, a plan that
provides for, contemplates or the effectuation of which is preceded or
accompanied by (whether or not substantially contemporaneously, in phases or
otherwise) (i) the sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition of all or
substantially all of the assets of such person otherwise than as an entirety or
substantially as an entirety and (ii) the distribution of all or substantially
all of the proceeds of such sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition and all
or substantially all of the remaining assets of such person to holders of
Capital Stock of such person.
"Preferred Stock" means, with respect to any person, Capital Stock of any
class or classes (however designated) which is preferred as to the payment of
dividends or distributions, or as to the distribution of assets upon any
voluntary or involuntary liquidation or dissolution of such person, over shares
of Capital Stock of any other class of such person.
"pro forma" means, with respect to any calculation made or required to be
made pursuant to the terms of the New F4L Senior Note Indenture, a calculation
in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, as interpreted by the Company's chief financial officer or
Board of Directors in consultation with its independent certified public
accountants.
"Public Equity Offering" means an underwritten public offering of Common
Stock of the Company or New Holdings pursuant to a registration statement filed
with the Commission in accordance with the Securities Act which public equity
offering results in gross proceeds to the Company or New Holdings, as the case
may be, of not less than $20 million provided, however, that in the case of a
Public Equity Offering by New Holdings, New Holdings contributes to the capital
of the Company net cash proceeds in an amount sufficient to redeem New Notes
called for redemption in accordance with the terms thereof.
"Qualified Capital Stock" means, with respect to any person, any Capital
Stock of such person that is not Disqualified Capital Stock.
"Refinancing Indebtedness" means, with respect to any person, Indebtedness
of such person issued in exchange for, or the proceeds from the issuance and
sale or disbursement of which are used to substantially concurrently repay,
redeem, refund, refinance, discharge or otherwise retire for value, in whole or
in part (collectively, "repay"), or constituting an amendment, modification or
supplement to, or a deferral or renewal of (collectively, an "amendment"), any
Indebtedness of such person existing on the Issue Date or Indebtedness (other
than Permitted Indebtedness, except Permitted Indebtedness incurred pursuant to
clauses (a), (c), (d), (h) and (j) of the definition thereof) incurred in
accordance with the New F4L Senior Note Indenture (a) in a principal amount (or,
if such Refinancing Indebtedness provides for an amount less than the principal
amount thereof to be due and payable upon the acceleration thereof, with an
original issue price) not in excess of (without duplication) (i) the principal
amount or the original issue price, as the case
101
<PAGE> 107
may be, of the Indebtedness so refinanced (or, if such Refinancing Indebtedness
refinances Indebtedness under a revolving credit facility or other agreement
providing a commitment for subsequent borrowings, with a maximum commitment not
to exceed the maximum commitment under such revolving credit facility or other
agreement) plus (ii) unpaid accrued interest on such Indebtedness plus (iii)
premiums, penalties, fees and expenses actually incurred by such person in
connection with the repayment or amendment thereof and (b) with respect to
Refinancing Indebtedness that repays or constitutes an amendment to Subordinated
Indebtedness, such Refinancing Indebtedness (x) shall not have any fixed
mandatory redemption or sinking fund requirement in an amount greater than or at
a time prior to the amounts and times specified in such repaid or amended
Subordinated Indebtedness, except to the extent that any such requirement
applies on a date after the Maturity Date and (y) shall contain subordination
and default provisions no less favorable in any material respect to holders of
the New F4L Senior Notes than those contained in such repaid or amended
Subordinated Indebtedness.
"Reincorporation Merger" means the merger, prior to the Merger, of Holdings
with and into New Holdings.
"Related Business Investment" means (i) any Investment by a person in any
other person a majority of whose revenues are derived from the operation of one
or more retail grocery stores or supermarkets or any other line of business
engaged in by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries as of the Issue Date; (ii)
any Investment by such person in any cooperative or other supplier, including,
without limitation, any joint venture which is intended to supply any product or
service useful to the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries as it is
conducted as of the Issue Date and as such business may thereafter evolve or
change; and (iii) any capital expenditure or Investment (without regard to the
$5 million threshold in the definition thereof), in each case reasonably related
to the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries as it is conducted as of the
Issue Date and as such business may thereafter evolve or change.
"Restricted Debt Prepayment" means any purchase, redemption, defeasance
(including, but not limited to, in substance or legal defeasance) or other
acquisition or retirement for value, directly or indirectly, by the Company or a
Subsidiary, prior to the scheduled maturity or prior to any scheduled repayment
of principal or sinking fund payment, as the case may be, in respect of
Subordinated Indebtedness.
"Restricted Payment" means any (i) Stock Payment, (ii) Investment (other
than a Permitted Investment) or (iii) Restricted Debt Prepayment.
"Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the
rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.
"Seller Debentures" means the 13% Senior Subordinated Pay-in-Kind
Debentures of New Holdings, as the same may be modified or amended from time to
time and future refinancings thereof.
"Significant Stockholder" means, with respect to any person, any other
person who is the beneficial owner (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the
Exchange Act) of more than 10% of any class of equity securities of such person
that are entitled to vote on a regular basis for the election of directors of
such person.
"Significant Subsidiary" means each subsidiary of the Company that is
either (a) a "significant subsidiary" as defined in Rule 1-02(v) of Regulation
S-X under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Exchange Act (as such
regulation is in effect on the date hereof) or (b) material to the financial
condition or results of operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as
a whole.
"Stock Payment" means, with respect to any person, (a) the declaration or
payment by such person, either in cash or in property, of any dividend on
(except, in the case of the Company, dividends payable solely in Qualified
Capital Stock of the Company), or the making by such person or any of its
subsidiaries of any other distribution in respect of, such person's Qualified
Capital Stock or any warrants, rights or options to purchase or acquire shares
of any class of such Capital Stock (other than exchangeable or convertible
Indebtedness of such person), or (b) the redemption, repurchase, retirement or
other acquisition for value by such person or any of its subsidiaries, directly
or indirectly, of such person's Qualified Capital Stock (and, in the case of a
Subsidiary, Qualified Capital Stock of the Company) or any warrants, rights or
options to purchase or acquire shares of any class of such Capital Stock (other
than exchangeable or convertible Indebtedness of such person), other than, in
the case of the Company, through the issuance in exchange
102
<PAGE> 108
therefor solely of Qualified Capital Stock of the Company; provided, however,
that in the case of a Subsidiary, the term "Stock Payment" shall not include any
such payment with respect to its Capital Stock or warrants, rights or options to
purchase or acquire shares of any class of its Capital Stock that are owned
solely by the Company or a wholly-owned Subsidiary.
"Subordinated Indebtedness" means, with respect to the Company or any
Subsidiary Guarantor, Indebtedness of such person which is subordinated in right
of payment to the New F4L Senior Notes or the Guarantee of such Subsidiary
Guarantor, as the case may be.
"subsidiary" of any person means (i) a corporation a majority of whose
Capital Stock with voting power, under ordinary circumstances, to elect
directors is, at the date of determination, directly or indirectly, owned by
such person, by one or more subsidiaries of such person or by such person and
one or more subsidiaries of such person or (ii) a partnership in which such
person or a subsidiary of such person is, at the date of determination, a
general partner of such partnership, but only if such person or its subsidiary
is entitled to receive more than fifty percent of the assets of such partnership
upon its dissolution, or (iii) any other person (other than a corporation or a
partnership) in which such person, a subsidiary of such person or such person
and one or more subsidiaries of such person, directly or indirectly, at the date
of determination, has (x) at least a majority ownership interest or (y) the
power to elect or direct the election of a majority of the directors or other
governing body of such person.
"Subsidiary" means any subsidiary of the Company.
"Subsidiary Guarantor" means (i) each of Alpha Beta Company, Bay Area
Warehouse Stores, Inc., Bell Markets, Inc., Cala Co., Cala Foods, Inc., Falley's
Inc., Food 4 Less of California, Inc., Food 4 Less Merchandising, Inc., Food 4
Less GM, Inc., Food 4 Less of Southern California, Inc., (ii) upon consummation
of the Merger, Crawford Stores, Inc., (iii) each of the Company's Subsidiaries
which becomes a guarantor of the New F4L Senior Notes in compliance with the
provisions set forth under "-- Certain Covenants -- Guarantees of Certain
Indebtedness," and (iv) each of the Company's Subsidiaries executing a
supplemental indenture in which such Subsidiary agrees to be bound by the terms
of the New F4L Senior Note Indenture.
"Term Loans" means the term loan facility under the Credit Agreement.
"Yearly Period" means each fiscal year of the Company; provided that the
first Yearly Period shall begin on the Issue Date and shall end on January 28,
1996.
"The Yucaipa Companies" means The Yucaipa Companies, a California general
partnership.
103
<PAGE> 109
THE EXCHANGE OFFERS
THE F4L EXCHANGE OFFERS
Concurrently with this Offering, Food 4 Less is offering to holders of its
Old F4L Senior Notes and its Old F4L Senior Subordinated Notes the opportunity
to (i) exchange such Old F4L Senior Notes for New F4L Senior Notes (which will
be part of the same issue as the New F4L Senior Notes issued pursuant to this
Offering) plus $5.00 in cash for each $1,000 principal amount exchanged, plus
accrued and unpaid interest to the date of exchange and (ii) exchange such Old
F4L Senior Subordinated Notes for New F4L Senior Subordinated Notes, plus $20.00
in cash for each $1,000 principal amount exchanged, plus accrued and unpaid
interest to the date of exchange. The consummation of this Offering and the F4L
Exchange Offers will occur simultaneously. It is a condition to the consummation
of this Offering that the F4L Exchange Offers be successfully consummated. See
"Description of The New F4L Senior Notes" for a description of the securities to
be offered pursuant to this Offering and to tendering holders of Old F4L Senior
Notes.
The obligation of Food 4 Less to accept for exchange any validly tendered
Old F4L Note is conditioned upon, among other things, the satisfaction or waiver
of certain conditions, including (i) satisfaction of a minimum tender amount
(i.e., at least 80% of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Old F4L
Notes being validly tendered and not withdrawn pursuant to the F4L Exchange
Offers prior to the date of expiration); (ii) the receipt of the requisite
consents to certain amendments to the indentures governing the Old F4L Notes
(i.e., consents from Old F4L Noteholders representing at least a majority in
aggregate principal amount of each issue of Old F4L Notes held by persons other
than Food 4 Less and its affiliates) on or prior to the date of expiration;
(iii) the satisfaction or waiver, in Food 4 Less' sole discretion, of all
conditions precedent to the Merger; (iv) the prior or contemporaneous
consummation of this Offering, the Holdings Consent Solicitation and the RGC
Exchange Offers with respect to the Old RGC Notes; and (v) the prior or
contemporaneous consummation of the Bank Financing and the New Equity
Investment.
Noteholders participating in the F4L Exchange Offers will be required to
consent to certain amendments to the indentures governing the Old F4L Notes.
Such proposed amendments will modify certain terms of such indentures to permit
the Merger and will eliminate substantially all of the restrictive covenants in
the Old F4L Indentures.
The Old F4L Senior Subordinated Notes. The Old F4L Senior Subordinated
Notes were issued in June 1991, are limited in aggregate principal amount to
$145 million and will mature on June 15, 2001. The Old F4L Senior Subordinated
Notes are unsecured general obligations of Food 4 Less, are subordinated to the
prior payment when due of all Senior Indebtedness (as defined in the indenture
(the "Old F4L Senior Subordinated Note Indenture") governing the Old F4L Senior
Subordinated Notes) and are guaranteed on a senior subordinated basis by Food 4
Less' wholly-owned subsidiaries.
The Old F4L Senior Subordinated Notes bear interest at a rate equal to
13.75% per annum and interest is payable semi-annually on June 15 and December
15 of each year. On or after June 15, 1996, the Old F4L Senior Subordinated
Notes may be redeemed in whole or from time to time in part, at the option of
Food 4 Less, at a redemption price equal to the applicable percentage of the
principal amount thereof set forth below, together with accrued interest to the
redemption date, if redeemed during the 12 months commencing on June 15 in the
years set forth below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR REDEMPTION PRICE
---- ----------------
<S> <C>
1996................................. 106.111%
1997................................. 104.583%
1998................................. 103.056%
1999................................. 101.528%
</TABLE>
and thereafter at 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid
interest to the redemption date.
104
<PAGE> 110
In the event of a Change of Control (as defined in the Old F4L Senior
Subordinated Note Indenture), the Old F4L Senior Subordinated Notes may be
redeemed on or after June 15, 1994 and prior to June 15, 1996, at the option of
Food 4 Less, at a redemption price equal to the applicable percentage of the
principal amount thereof set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest to
the redemption date, if redeemed during the 12 months commencing on June 15 in
the years set forth below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR REDEMPTION PRICE
---- ----------------
<S> <C>
1994................................. 109.167%
1995................................. 107.639%
</TABLE>
Food 4 Less is required to make a mandatory sinking fund payment on June
15, 2000, sufficient to retire 50% of the Old F4L Senior Subordinated Notes, at
a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, together with
accrued interest to the redemption date. Food 4 Less may, at its option, receive
credit against such sinking fund payment for 100% of the principal amount of any
Old F4L Senior Subordinated Notes previously acquired by Food 4 Less in the open
market and surrendered to the Trustee under the Old F4L Senior Subordinated Note
Indenture for cancellation or redeemed at the option of Food 4 Less and which
were not previously used as a credit against any other required payment pursuant
to the Old F4L Senior Subordinated Note Indenture. Food 4 Less intends to credit
exchanges of Old F4L Senior Subordinated Notes accepted pursuant to the F4L
Exchange Offers against its sinking fund obligations.
The Old F4L Senior Subordinated Notes are subject to certain covenants as
provided in the Old F4L Senior Subordinated Note Indenture. These covenants
impose certain limitations on the ability of Food 4 Less to, among other things,
incur indebtedness, pay dividends or make certain other restricted payments,
enter into certain transactions with affiliates, merge or consolidate with any
other person, or sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of substantially all
of the properties or assets of Food 4 Less. In addition, upon the occurrence of
a Change of Control, each holder has the right to require the repurchase of such
holder's Old F4L Senior Subordinated Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of
the principal amount thereof plus accrued interest, if any, to the date of
purchase. The Old F4L Senior Subordinated Note Indenture also requires Food 4
Less to offer to repurchase a specified portion of the Old F4L Senior
Subordinated Notes if its net worth does not equal or exceed a specified minimum
net worth at the end of any two consecutive fiscal quarters.
Under the Old F4L Senior Subordinated Note Indenture, certain events
constitute an event of default, including (i) the failure to make any principal
and interest payment on the Old F4L Senior Subordinated Notes when due; (ii) the
failure to comply with any other agreement contained in the Old F4L Senior
Subordinated Note Indenture or the Old F4L Senior Subordinated Notes; (iii) a
default under certain indebtedness; (iv) certain final judgments or orders for
payments of money; and (v) certain events occurring under bankruptcy laws.
Upon the consummation of the F4L Exchange Offers, a supplemental indenture
to the Old F4L Senior Subordinated Note Indenture will become effective,
reflecting the proposed amendments to the Old F4L Senior Subordinated Note
Indenture. Such supplemental indenture will eliminate substantially all of the
restrictive covenants in the Old F4L Senior Subordinated Note Indenture,
including covenants with respect to maintenance of net worth, the limitation on
restricted payments, limitation on incurrences of additional indebtedness,
limitation on liens, limitation on disposition of assets, limitation on payment
restrictions affecting subsidiaries, limitation on transactions with affiliates,
limitation on change of control and the covenant requiring additional subsidiary
guarantees under certain circumstances. In addition, such supplemental indenture
will modify the covenant which limits the ability of Food 4 Less to consolidate
or merge with, or sell all or substantially all of its assets to, any other
person or entity unless certain conditions are satisfied by eliminating the
subsections thereof which require that immediately after giving effect to such
transaction and the incurrence of any indebtedness in connection therewith, Food
4 Less or the surviving entity, as the case may be, has a Net Worth (as defined)
or Operating Coverage Ratio (as defined) that meets the standards set forth
therein.
105
<PAGE> 111
The New F4L Senior Subordinated Notes. The New F4L Senior Subordinated
Notes will be issued upon consummation of the F4L Exchange Offers to tendering
holders of Old F4L Senior Subordinated Notes.
The New F4L Senior Subordinated Notes will bear interest at a rate of
13.75% per annum and interest is payable on February 1 and August 1, beginning
August 1, 1995. The New F4L Senior Subordinated Notes will mature on February 1,
2005. On or after June 15, 1996, the New F4L Senior Subordinated Notes may be
redeemed in whole at any time or in part from time to time, at the option of the
Company, at a redemption price equal to the applicable percentage of the
principal amount thereof set below, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the
redemption date, if redeemed during the 12 months commencing on June 15 of the
years set forth below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR REDEMPTION PRICE
---- ----------------
<S> <C>
1996................................. 106.111%
1997................................. 104.583%
1998................................. 103.056%
1999................................. 101.528%
</TABLE>
and thereafter at 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid
interest to the redemption date.
Upon a Change of Control (as defined), each holder of the New F4L Senior
Subordinated Notes has the right to require the Company to repurchase such
holder's New F4L Senior Subordinated Notes at a price equal to 101% of their
principal amount, plus accrued interest, if any, to the date of repurchase.
The aggregate principal amount of Old F4L Senior Subordinated Notes and New
F4L Senior Subordinated Notes will be limited to $145 million at any one time
outstanding.
The Old F4L Senior Notes. The Old F4L Senior Notes were issued in April
1992, are limited in aggregate principal amount to $175 million and will mature
on April 15, 2000. The Old F4L Senior Notes are unsecured general obligations of
Food 4 Less and are guaranteed on a senior basis by Food 4 Less' wholly-owned
subsidiaries.
The Old F4L Senior Notes bear interest at a rate equal to 10.45% per annum
and interest is payable semi-annually on April 15 and October 15 of each year.
The Old F4L Senior Notes are redeemable, at the option of Food 4 Less, in whole
at any time or in part from time to time, on and after April 15, 1996 at the
following redemption prices (expressed as percentages of the principal amount)
if redeemed during the twelve-month period commencing on April 15 of the year
set forth below, plus, in each case, accrued and unpaid interest to the date of
redemption:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR REDEMPTION PRICE
---- ----------------
<S> <C>
1996................................. 104.48%
1997................................. 102.99%
1998................................. 101.49%
1999 and thereafter.................. 100.00%
</TABLE>
In the event of a Change of Control (as defined in the indenture (the "Old
F4L Senior Note Indenture") governing the Old F4L Senior Notes), each holder has
the right to require the repurchase of such holder's Old F4L Senior Notes at a
purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and
unpaid interest to the date of repurchase.
Food 4 Less is required to make a mandatory sinking fund payment of $87.5
million on April 15, 1999, sufficient to retire 50% of the Old F4L Senior Notes
originally issued, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount
thereof, together with accrued interest to the date of redemption. Food 4 Less
may, at its option, receive credit against such sinking fund payment for 100% of
the principal amount of any Old F4L Senior Note previously acquired by Food 4
Less and surrendered to the Trustee under the Old F4L Senior Note Indenture for
cancellation or redeemed at the option of Food 4 Less and which, in each case,
were not previously used for or as a credit against any other required payment
pursuant to the Old F4L Senior Note
106
<PAGE> 112
Indenture. Food 4 Less intends to credit exchanges of Old F4L Senior Notes
accepted pursuant to the F4L Exchange Offers against its sinking fund
obligations.
The Old F4L Senior Notes are subject to certain covenants as provided in
the Old F4L Senior Note Indenture. These covenants impose certain limitations on
the ability of Food 4 Less to, among other things, incur indebtedness, pay
dividends or make certain other restricted payments, enter into certain
transactions with affiliates, incur liens, guarantee indebtedness or merge or
consolidate with any other person, or sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose
of substantially all of the properties or assets of Food 4 Less. The Old F4L
Senior Note Indenture also requires Food 4 Less to offer to repurchase a
specified portion of the Old F4L Senior Notes if its net worth does not equal or
exceed a specified minimum net worth at the end of any two consecutive fiscal
quarters.
Under the Old F4L Senior Note Indenture, certain events constitute an event
of default. These events are as follows: (i) the failure to make any principal
and interest payment on the Old F4L Senior Notes when due; (ii) the failure to
comply with any other agreement contained in the Old F4L Senior Note Indenture
or the Old F4L Senior Notes; (iii) a default under certain indebtedness; (iv)
certain final judgments or orders for payments of money; and (v) certain events
occurring under bankruptcy laws.
Upon consummation of the F4L Exchange Offers, a supplemental indenture to
the Old F4L Senior Note Indenture will become effective, reflecting the proposed
amendments to the Old F4L Senior Note Indenture. Such supplemental indenture
will eliminate substantially all of the restrictive covenants in the Old F4L
Senior Note Indenture, including covenants with respect to the maintenance of
net worth, the limitation on change of control, the limitation on restricted
payments, the limitation on incurrences of additional indebtedness, the
limitation on liens, the limitation on disposition of assets, the limitation on
payment restrictions affecting subsidiaries and the limitation on transactions
with affiliates and the covenant requiring additional subsidiary guarantees
under certain circumstances. In addition, the supplemental indenture will modify
the covenant which limits the ability of Food 4 Less to consolidate or merge
with, or sell all or substantially all of its assets to, any other person or
entity unless certain conditions are satisfied, to eliminate the subsections
thereof which require that immediately after giving effect to such transaction
and the incurrence of any indebtedness in connection therewith, Food 4 Less or
the surviving entity, as the case may be, has a Net Worth (as defined) or
Operating Coverage Ratio (as defined) that meets the standards set forth
therein.
The New F4L Senior Notes. The New F4L Senior Notes will be issued upon
consummation of the F4L Exchange Offers to tendering holders of Old F4L Senior
Notes and will be part of the same issue as the New F4L Senior Notes offered
hereby.
The New F4L Senior Notes will bear interest at a fixed rate per annum equal
to the greater of (a) 11.00%, and (b) the F4L Applicable Treasury Rate (as
defined) plus 375 basis points (3.75 percentage points), provided, however, that
in any event the New F4L Senior Notes will bear interest at a rate per annum no
less than the rate established upon the pricing of the New F4L Senior Notes
offered in this Offering. The "F4L Applicable Treasury Rate" means the yield to
maturity at the time of computation of United States Treasury securities with a
constant maturity (as compiled by, and published in, the most recent Federal
Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519)) most nearly equal to the average life to
stated maturity of the New F4L Senior Notes; provided, that if the average life
to stated maturity of the New F4L Senior Notes is not equal to the constant
maturity of the United States Treasury security for which a weekly average yield
is given, the F4L Applicable Treasury Rate shall be obtained by linear
interpolation (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth of the year) from the
weekly average yields of the United States Treasury securities for which such
yields are given. The terms of the New F4L Senior Notes exchanged for Old F4L
Senior Notes will be identical to those of the New F4L Senior Notes offered
hereby and will be issued pursuant to the New F4L Senior Note Indenture. See
"Description of the New F4L Senior Notes."
Upon a Change of Control (as defined), each holder of the New F4L Senior
Notes has the right to require the Company to repurchase such holder's New F4L
Senior Notes at a price equal to 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued
interest, if any, to the date of repurchase.
The aggregate principal amount of Old F4L Senior Notes and New F4L Senior
Notes, whether issued in the applicable F4L Exchange Offer or pursuant to this
Offering, will be limited to $575 million at any one time outstanding.
107
<PAGE> 113
THE RGC EXCHANGE OFFERS
Concurrently with this Offering, Food 4 Less is offering to holders of the
Old RGC Notes the opportunity to exchange such Old RGC Notes for New RGC Notes
and $10.00 in cash for each $1,000 principal amount exchanged, plus accrued and
unpaid interest to the date of exchange. The consummation of this Offering and
the RGC Exchange Offers will occur simultaneously. It is a condition to the
consummation of this Offering that the RGC Exchange Offers be successfully
consummated.
The obligation of Food 4 Less to accept for exchange any validly tendered
Old RGC Note is conditioned upon, among other things, the satisfaction or waiver
of certain conditions, including (i) satisfaction of a minimum tender amount
(i.e., at least 80% of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Old RGC
Notes being validly tendered and not withdrawn pursuant to the RGC Exchange
Offers prior to the date of expiration); (ii) the receipt of the requisite
consents to certain amendments to the Old RGC Indentures (i.e., consents from
Old RGC Noteholders representing at least a majority in aggregate principal
amount of each issue of Old RGC Notes held by persons other than RGC and its
affiliates) on or prior to the date of expiration; (iii) the satisfaction or
waiver, in Food 4 Less's sole discretion, of all conditions precedent to the
Merger; (iv) the prior or contemporaneous consummation of this Offering, the
Holdings Consent Solicitation and the F4L Exchange Offers and the Solicitation
with respect to the Old F4L Notes; and (v) the prior or contemporaneous
consummation of the Bank Financing and the New Equity Investment.
The terms of the Old RGC 9% Indenture and the Old RGC 10 1/4% Indenture
(collectively, the "Old RGC Indentures") are substantially identical.
Noteholders participating in the RGC Exchange Offers will be required to consent
to certain proposed amendments to the Old RGC Indentures. Such proposed
amendments will modify certain terms of such indentures to permit the Merger and
will eliminate substantially all the restrictive covenants in the Old RGC
Indentures.
The Old RGC Notes. The Old RGC 10 1/4% Notes were originally issued in
July 1992, are currently outstanding in an aggregate principal amount of $300
million and will mature on July 15, 2002. The Old RGC 9% Notes were originally
issued in March 1993, are currently outstanding in an aggregate principal amount
of $150 million and will mature on April 1, 2003. Interest on the Old RGC
10 1/4% Notes accrues at a rate of 10 1/4% per annum and is payable
semi-annually on each January 15 and July 15. Interest on the Old RGC 9% Notes
accrues at a rate of 9% per annum and is payable semi-annually on each April 1
and October 1.
The Old RGC 10 1/4% Notes are subject to redemption at any time on or after
July 15, 1997, at the option of RGC, in whole or in part, on not less than 30
nor more than 60 days' prior notice in amounts of $1,000 or an integral multiple
of $1,000 at the following redemption prices (expressed as percentages of the
principal amount), if redeemed during the 12-month period beginning July 15 of
the years indicated below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
REDEMPTION
YEAR PRICE
---- ----------
<S> <C>
1997...................................................... 105.0%
1998...................................................... 102.5%
1999 and thereafter....................................... 100.0%
</TABLE>
in each case plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date (subject to
the right of holders of record on relevant record dates to receive interest due
on an interest payment date).
The Old RGC 9% Notes are subject to redemption at any time on or after
April 1, 2000, at the option of RGC, in whole or in part, on not less than 30
nor more than 60 days' prior notice in amounts of $1,000 or an integral multiple
of $1,000 at 100% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued interest to the
redemption date (subject to the right of holders of record on relevant record
dates to receive interest due on an interest payment date).
Standard & Poor's has publicly announced that, upon consummation of the
Merger, it intends to assign a new rating to the Old RGC Notes. Such new rating
assignment, if implemented, would constitute a Rating Decline under the Old RGC
Indentures. The consummation of the Merger (which is conditioned on, among other
things, successful consummation of the Other Debt Financing Transactions and the
Bank Financing,
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<PAGE> 114
which itself is conditioned upon the receipt of the Minimum Tender) and the
resulting change in composition of the Board of Directors of RGC, together with
the anticipated Rating Decline would constitute a Change of Control Triggering
Event under the Old RGC Indentures. Upon such a Change of Control Triggering
Event the Company would be obligated to make the Change of Control Offer
following the Merger for all outstanding Old RGC Notes at 101% of the principal
amount thereof ($90.9 million, assuming $90 million of Old RGC Notes are
outstanding following the Merger) plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date
of repurchase.
The Old RGC Indentures contain certain covenants, including, but not
limited to, covenants with respect to the following matters: (i) limitation on
incurrence of additional indebtedness; (ii) limitation on dividends and other
restricted payments; (iii) limitation on transactions with affiliates; (iv)
limitation on liens securing subordinated indebtedness; (v) limitation on other
senior subordinated indebtedness; (vi) limitation on preferred stock of
subsidiaries; (vii) limitation on dividend and other payment restrictions
affecting subsidiaries; and (viii) limitation on mergers and sales of assets.
Under the Old RGC Indentures, certain events constitute an event of default
including: (i) the failure to make any principal and interest payment on the Old
RGC Notes when due; (ii) the failure to comply with any other agreement
contained in the Old RGC Indentures or the Old RGC Notes; (iii) a default under
certain indebtedness; (iv) certain final judgments or orders for payments of
money; and (v) certain events occurring under bankruptcy laws.
Upon the consummation of the RGC Exchange Offers, supplemental indentures
to each of the Old RGC Indentures will become effective, reflecting the proposed
amendments to the Old RGC Indentures. Such supplemental indentures will
eliminate substantially all of the restrictive covenants in the Old RGC
Indentures, including covenants with respect to limitation on indebtedness,
limitation on restricted payments, limitation on transactions with affiliates,
limitation on liens securing subordinated indebtedness, restrictions on
preferred stock of subsidiaries and limitation on dividends and other payment
restrictions affecting subsidiaries. In addition, such supplemental indentures
will modify the covenants which limit the ability of RGC to consolidate or merge
with, or sell all or substantially all of its assets, to any other person or
entity unless certain conditions are satisfied, by eliminating the subsections
thereof which require that immediately after giving effect to such transaction
on a pro forma basis RGC or the surviving entity, as the case may be, has a
Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Old RGC Indentures) for
its four most recently completed fiscal quarters of at least 1.8 to 1.0.
The New RGC Notes. The New RGC Notes will be issued upon consummation of
the RGC Exchange Offer to tendering holders of Old RGC Notes.
The New RGC Notes will bear interest at a fixed rate per annum equal to the
greater of (a) 11.50% and (b) the RGC Applicable Treasury Rate (as hereinafter
defined) plus 425 basis points (4.25 percentage points); provided, however, that
in no event will the New RGC Notes bear interest at a rate per annum that is
less than the interest rate on the New F4L Senior Notes offered hereby plus 50
basis points (0.50 percentage points). The "RGC Applicable Treasury Rate" means
the yield to maturity at the time of computation of United States Treasury
securities with a constant maturity (as compiled by and published in the most
recent Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519)) most nearly equal to the
average life to stated maturity of the New RGC Notes; provided, that if the
average life to stated maturity of the New RGC Notes is not equal to the
constant maturity of the United States Treasury security for which a weekly
average yield is given, the Treasury Rate shall be obtained by linear
interpolation (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth of the year) from the
weekly average yields of the United States Treasury securities for which such
yields are given. The New RGC Notes will mature on February 1, 2005. On or after
February 1, 2000, the New RGC Notes may be redeemed in whole at any time or in
part from time to time, at the option of the Company, at a redemption price
equal to the applicable percentage of the principal amount thereof set forth
below, plus accrued and
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<PAGE> 115
unpaid interest to the redemption date, if redeemed during the 12 months
commencing on February 1 of the years set forth below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
REDEMPTION
YEAR PRICE
---- ----------
<S> <C>
2000.................................... %
2001.................................... %
2002 and thereafter..................... 100%
</TABLE>
In addition, on or prior to February 1, 1998 the Company may, at its
option, use the net cash proceeds from one or more Public Equity Offerings to
redeem up to an aggregate of 35% of the principal amount of the New RGC Notes
originally issued, at a redemption price equal to % of the principal amount
thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date.
The New RGC Note Indenture provides that if a Change of Control (as defined
therein) occurs, each holder will have the right to require the Company to
repurchase such holder's New RGC Notes pursuant to a Change of Control Offer (as
defined therein) at 101% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued interest,
if any, to the date of repurchase.
The New RGC Note Indenture contains certain covenants, including, but not
limited to, covenants with respect to the following matters: (i) limitation on
dividends and other restricted payments; (ii) limitation on incurrences of
additional indebtedness; (iii) limitation on liens; (iv) limitation on asset
sales; (v) limitation on dividend and other payment restrictions affecting
subsidiaries; (vi) limitation on transactions with affiliates; (vii) limitation
on preferred stock of subsidiaries; (viii) limitation on mergers and certain
other transactions; (ix) limitation on other senior subordinated indebtedness;
and (x) limitation on guarantees of certain indebtedness.
The aggregate principal amount of Old RGC Notes and New RGC Notes will be
limited to $450 million at any one time outstanding. The covenants in the New
RGC Note Indenture will be substantially similar to the covenants in the New F4L
Senior Subordinated Note Indenture.
DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW CREDIT FACILITY
In connection with the Merger, Food 4 Less will enter into the New Credit
Facility with a syndicate of financial institutions for whom Bankers Trust will
act as agent. All of Food 4 Less' obligations under the New Credit Facility will
be assumed by the Company immediately following the Merger. Food 4 Less has
accepted a commitment letter (the "Commitment Letter") from Bankers Trust
pursuant to which Bankers Trust has agreed, subject to certain conditions, to
provide the Company up to a maximum aggregate amount of $1,075 million of
financing under the New Credit Facility. The following is a summary of the
anticipated material terms and conditions of the New Credit Facility. This
summary does not purport to be a complete description of the New Credit Facility
and is subject to the detailed provisions of the loan agreement (the "Loan
Agreement") and various related documents to be entered into in connection with
the New Credit Facility. A draft copy of the Loan Agreement will be available
upon request from Food 4 Less.
GENERAL
The New Credit Facility will provide for (i) term loans in the aggregate
amount of $750 million, comprised of the $375 million Tranche A Loan, the $125
million Tranche B Loan, the $125 million Tranche C Loan, and the $125 million
Tranche D Loan; and (ii) the $325 million New Revolving Facility under which
working capital loans may be made and commercial or standby letters of credit in
the maximum aggregate amount of up to $150 million may be issued, under which
approximately $101 million of letters of credit are expected to be issued upon
the closing of the Merger.
Proceeds of the New Term Loans, together with proceeds from the New Equity
Investment and this Offering, will be used to fund the cash requirements for the
acquisition of RSI, refinance existing bank indebtedness of Ralphs and Food 4
Less, purchase Old RGC 9% Notes and Old RGC 10 1/4% Notes, repay a
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<PAGE> 116
portion of other indebtedness, pay holders of the Ralphs EARs and pay various
fees, expenses and other costs associated with the Merger and the Financing. The
New Revolving Facility will be available to provide for the working capital
requirements and general corporate purposes of the Company and to issue
commercial and standby letters of credit to support workers' compensation
contingencies and for other corporate purposes.
INTEREST RATE; FEES
Borrowings under (i) the New Revolving Facility and the Tranche A Loan will
bear interest at a rate equal to the Base Rate (as defined in the Loan
Agreement) plus 1.25% per annum or the reserve adjusted Euro-Dollar Rate (as
defined in the Loan Agreement) plus 2.50% per annum; (ii) the Tranche B Loan
will bear interest at the Base Rate plus 1.75% per annum or the reserve adjusted
Euro-Dollar Rate plus 3.00% per annum; (iii) the Tranche C Loan will bear
interest at the Base Rate plus 2.125% per annum or the reserve adjusted
Euro-Dollar Rate plus 3.375% per annum; and (iv) the Tranche D Loan will bear
interest at the Base Rate plus 2.50% per annum or the reserve adjusted
Euro-Dollar Rate plus 3.75% per annum, in each case as selected by the Company.
Applicable interest rates on Tranche A Loan and the New Revolving Facility and
the fees payable under the New Revolving Facility on letters of credit, will be
reduced by up to 0.50% per annum after the Term Loans have been reduced by such
amounts and if the Company meets certain financial tests. Up to $30 million of
the New Revolving Facility will be available as a swingline facility and loans
outstanding under the swingline facility shall bear interest at the Base Rate
plus 0.75% per annum (subject to adjustment as described in the preceding
sentence). After the occurrence of a default under the New Credit Facility,
interest will accrue at the rate equal to the rate on loans bearing interest at
the rate determined by reference to the Base Rate plus an additional 2.00% per
annum. The Company will pay certain fees on the standby and the commercial
letters of credit and will pay a commitment fee of 0.50% per annum on the
undrawn amount of the Tranche A Loans from the closing of the Merger until the
drawing or termination thereof and on the unused portions of the New Revolving
Facility. The New Credit Facility will require the Company to enter into hedging
agreements to limit its exposure to increases in interest rates for a period of
not less than two years. The New Credit Facility may be prepaid in whole or in
part without premium or penalty.
AMORTIZATION; PREPAYMENTS
The Tranche A Loan will mature six years after the closing of the Merger
and will be subject to amortization, commencing in the fifteenth month after the
closing of the Merger on a quarterly basis in aggregate annual amounts of $45
million in the second year, $75 million in the third year, $80 million in the
fourth year, $85 million in the fifth year, and $90 million in the sixth year.
The Tranche B Loan will mature seven years after the closing of the Merger and
will be subject to amortization on a quarterly basis in aggregate annual amounts
of $1.25 million for the first six years and $117.5 million in the seventh year.
The Tranche C Loan will mature eight years after the closing of the Merger and
will be subject to amortization on a quarterly basis in aggregate annual amounts
of $1.25 million for the first seven years and $116.25 million in the eighth
year. The Tranche D Loan will mature nine years after the closing of the Merger
and will be subject to amortization on a quarterly basis in aggregate annual
amounts of $1.25 million for the first eight years and $115 million in the ninth
year. The New Revolving Facility will mature on the same date as the Tranche A
Loan. The Company will be required to reduce loans outstanding under the New
Revolving Facility to $75 million for a period of not less than 30 consecutive
days during each consecutive 12-month period. The Company will be required to
make certain prepayments, subject to certain exceptions, on the New Credit
Facility with 75% of Consolidated Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the Loan
Agreement) and with the proceeds from certain asset sales, issuances of debt and
equity securities and any pension plan reversion. Such prepayments will be
allocated pro rata between the Tranche A Loans, Tranche B Loans, Tranche C Loans
and the Tranche D Loans and to scheduled amortization payments of the Tranche A
Loans, the Tranche B Loans, Tranche C Loans, and the Tranche D Loans pro rata.
GUARANTEES AND COLLATERAL
New Holdings and all active subsidiaries of the Company (including the
Subsidiary Guarantors) will guarantee the Company's obligations under the New
Credit Facility. The Company's obligations and the
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<PAGE> 117
guarantees of its subsidiaries will be secured by substantially all personal
property of the Company and its subsidiaries, including a pledge of the stock of
all subsidiaries of the Company. New Holdings' guarantee will be secured by a
pledge of the stock of the Company. The Company's obligations will also be
secured by first priority liens on certain unencumbered real property fee
interests of the Company and its subsidiaries and the Company and its
subsidiaries will use their reasonable economic efforts to provide the lenders
with a first priority lien on certain unencumbered leasehold interests of the
Company and its subsidiaries.
COVENANTS
The obligation of the lenders under the New Credit Facility to advance
funds is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions customary in
agreements of this type. In addition, the Company will be subject to certain
customary affirmative and negative covenants contained in the New Credit
Facility, including, without limitation, covenants that restrict, subject to
specified exceptions, (i) the incurrence of additional indebtedness and other
obligations, (ii) a merger or acquisition, (iii) asset sales, (iv) the granting
of liens, (v) prepayment or repurchase of other indebtedness, (vi) engaging in
transactions with affiliates, or (vii) cash capital expenditures. Certain of
these covenants may be more restrictive than those in favor of holders of the
New F4L Notes as described herein and as set forth in the New F4L Indentures. In
addition, the New Credit Facility will require that the Company maintain certain
specified financial covenants, including a minimum fixed charge coverage, a
minimum EBITDA, a maximum ratio of total debt to EBITDA and a minimum net worth.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
The New Credit Facility also provides for customary events of default. The
occurrence of any of such events of default could result in acceleration of the
Company's obligations under the New Credit Facility and foreclosure on the
collateral securing such obligations, which could have material adverse results
to holders of the New F4L Senior Notes.
DESCRIPTION OF HOLDING COMPANY INDEBTEDNESS
The Seller Debentures. The Seller Debentures will be issued to the
stockholders of RSI upon consummation of the Merger. The Seller Debentures will
be issued in an aggregate principal amount of $100 million and will mature on a
date to be determined in 2007. The Seller Debentures will be general unsecured
obligations of New Holdings and will be subordinated to the prior payment when
due of all Senior Indebtedness (as defined in the indenture governing the Seller
Debentures (the "Debenture Indenture")). The Seller Debentures will bear
interest at a rate equal to 13.00% per annum. Interest will accrue on the Seller
Debentures beginning from the date of issuance or from the most recent date to
which interest has been paid and will be payable semi-annually in arrears on
each interest payment date. New Holdings will have the option, in its sole
discretion, to issue additional securities ("Secondary Securities") in lieu of a
cash payment of any or all of the interest due for the period prior to the
interest payment date five years after the date of issuance of the Seller
Debentures.
On or after a date to be determined in 2000, the Seller Debentures may be
redeemed, at the option of New Holdings, in whole at any time or in part from
time to time, at a redemption price equal to the applicable percentage of the
principal amount thereof set forth below, together with accrued interest to the
redemption date, if redeemed during the twelve-month period commencing on a date
to be determined in the years set forth below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
REDEMPTION
YEAR PRICE
---- ----------
<S> <C>
2000...................................... 106.500%
2001...................................... 104.875%
2002...................................... 103.250%
2003...................................... 101.625%
2004 and thereafter....................... 100.000%
</TABLE>
112
<PAGE> 118
Notwithstanding the foregoing, prior to a date to be determined in 1998,
New Holdings may use the net proceeds of an Initial Public Offering (as defined
in the Debenture Indenture) of New Holdings or Food 4 Less to redeem up to 35%
of the Seller Debentures at a redemption price equal to 110% of the principal
amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption.
In the event of a Change of Control (as defined in the Debenture
Indenture), each holder has the right to require the repurchase of such holder's
Seller Debentures at a purchase price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal
amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of purchase.
The Debenture Indenture will contain certain covenants that, among other
things, limit the ability of New Holdings to enter into certain mergers or
consolidations or incur certain liens or of New Holdings or its subsidiaries to
incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends or make certain other Restricted
Payments (as defined in the Debenture Indenture), or engage in certain
transactions with affiliates. Under certain circumstances, New Holdings will be
required to make an offer to purchase Seller Debentures at a price equal to 100%
of the aggregate principal amount thereof with the proceeds of certain Asset
Sales (as defined in the Debenture Indenture). The Debenture Indenture will
contain certain customary events of default, which will include the failure to
pay interest and principal, the failure to comply with certain covenants in the
Seller Debentures or the Debenture Indenture, a default under certain
indebtedness, the imposition of certain final judgments or warrants of
attachment and certain events occurring under bankruptcy laws.
Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement and a registration rights
agreement to be executed concurrently with the closing of the Merger, New
Holdings is obligated to file a shelf registration statement with the Commission
with respect to the Seller Debentures, use its best efforts to cause such shelf
registration statement to become effective and remain effective for up to three
years, and pay the expenses related thereto. The effectiveness of such shelf
registration statement is a condition to the consummation of the Merger. If New
Holdings fails to comply with its obligations to keep such shelf registration
statement effective, Holdings will be obligated to pay certain liquidated
damages.
The Holdings Discount Notes. The Holdings Discount Notes were issued in
December 1992, are limited in aggregate principal amount to $103.6 million and
will mature on December 15, 2004. The Holdings Discount Notes are unsecured
general obligations of Holdings (and will become unsecured obligations of New
Holdings by operation of the Reincorporation Merger) and bear interest at a rate
equal to 15.25% per annum. The purchase discount on the Holdings Discount Notes
accretes from the date of issuance until December 15, 1997. Interest accrues on
the Holdings Discount Notes beginning December 15, 1997, or from the most recent
date to which interest has been paid, and is payable semi-annually on each June
15 and December 15, commencing on June 15, 1998.
The Holdings Discount Notes are redeemable, at the option of Holdings, in
whole at any time or in part from time to time, on or after December 15, 1997 at
the following redemption prices (expressed as percentages of the accreted value)
if redeemed during the twelve-month period commencing on December 15 of the year
set forth below, plus, in each case, accrued and unpaid interest to the date of
redemption:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
REDEMPTION
YEAR PRICE
---- ----------
<S> <C>
1997...................................... 107.625%
1998...................................... 106.100%
1999...................................... 104.575%
2000...................................... 103.050%
2001...................................... 101.525%
2002 and thereafter....................... 100.000%
</TABLE>
Notwithstanding the foregoing, prior to December 15, 1997, Holdings may use
the net proceeds of an Initial Public Offering (as defined in the Holdings
Discount Note Indenture) of Holdings or Food 4 Less to redeem up to 25% of the
Holdings Discount Notes at redemption prices equal to the sum of (i) the
applicable percentage of the accreted value plus (ii) the Proportionate Share
(as defined in the Holdings Discount Note
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<PAGE> 119
Indenture) of the Holdings Discount Notes, if any to the date of redemption if
redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning December 15 of the year set
forth below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
REDEMPTION
YEAR PRICE
---- ----------
<S> <C>
1992...................................... 120.000%
1993...................................... 117.525%
1994...................................... 115.050%
1995...................................... 112.575%
1996...................................... 110.100%
</TABLE>
In the event of a Change of Control (as defined in the Holdings Discount
Note Indenture), each holder has the right to require the repurchase of such
holder's Holdings Discount Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the
accreted value, plus either, (i) if the date of the purchase is prior to
December 15, 1997, the Proportionate Share, if any, with respect to the Holdings
Discount Notes to the date of purchase and (ii) if the date of the purchase is
on or after December 15, 1997, the aggregate principal amount thereof plus
accrued interest, if any, to the date of purchase.
Holdings will make a mandatory sinking fund payment on December 15, 2003,
sufficient to retire 50% of the Holdings Discount Notes, at a redemption price
equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, together with accrued interest to
the redemption date. Holdings may, at its option, receive credit against such
sinking fund payment for 100% of the principal amount of any Holdings Discount
Notes previously acquired or redeemed by Holdings and surrendered to the Trustee
under the Holdings Discount Note Indenture for cancellation and which were not
previously used as a credit against any other required payment pursuant to the
Holdings Discount Note Indenture.
The Holdings Discount Note Indenture contains certain covenants that, among
other things, limit the ability of Holdings to enter into certain mergers or
consolidations or incur certain liens or of Holdings or its subsidiaries to
incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends or make certain other Restricted
Payments (as defined in the Debenture Indenture), or engage in certain
transactions with affiliates. Under certain circumstances, Holdings will be
required to make an offer to purchase Holdings Discount Notes at a price equal
to 100% of the aggregate principal amount thereof with the proceeds of certain
Asset Sales (as defined in the Debenture Indenture). The Holdings Discount Note
Indenture contains certain customary events of default, including the failure to
pay interest and principal, the failure to comply with certain covenants in the
Holdings Discount Notes or the Holdings Discount Note Indenture, a default under
certain indebtedness, the imposition of certain final judgments or warrants of
attachment and certain events occurring under bankruptcy laws.
Pursuant to the Holdings Consent Solicitation, Holdings is soliciting
consents from, and will make a cash consent payment of $20.00 for each $1,000
principal amount of Holdings Discount Notes for which a consent is properly
delivered and accepted to, holders of the Holdings Discount Notes representing
at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of such notes to proposed
amendments to the Holdings Discount Note Indenture to permit the consummation of
the Merger and to provide appropriate operating and financial flexibility to the
Company after the Merger. Following the Reincorporation Merger, New Holdings and
the trustee under the Holdings Discount Note Indenture will execute a
supplemental indenture assuming the obligations of Holdings thereunder. New
Holdings and the trustee under the Holdings Discount Note Indenture will then
execute a second supplemental indenture implementing such proposed amendments to
the Holdings Discount Note Indenture after certification to such trustee that
Holdings has received consents from at least a majority in aggregate principal
amount of such notes.
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<PAGE> 120
UNDERWRITING
Subject to the terms and conditions of the underwriting agreement (the
"Underwriting Agreement") among Food 4 Less, the Subsidiary Guarantors and BT
Securities Corporation ("BT Securities"), CS First Boston Corporation ("CS First
Boston") and Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation ("DLJ")
(collectively, the "Underwriters"), the Underwriters have agreed to purchase,
and the Company has agreed to sell to the Underwriters, the entire principal
amount of the New F4L Senior Notes offered hereby.
The Underwriting Agreement provides that the obligation of the Underwriters
to pay for and accept delivery of the New F4L Senior Notes is subject to the
approval of certain legal matters by counsel and to various other conditions.
The nature of each Underwriter's obligation is such that each is severally
committed to purchase the aggregate principal amount of New F4L Senior Notes set
forth opposite its name if any are purchased.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT
UNDERWRITERS OF NEW F4L SENIOR NOTES
------------ -----------------------
<S> <C>
BT Securities Corporation............................... $
CS First Boston Corporation.............................
Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation.....
-------------
Total......................................... $ 400,000,000
=============
</TABLE>
The Underwriters propose to offer the New F4L Senior Notes directly to the
public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page hereof, and to
certain dealers at such price less a concession not in excess of $
per $1,000 principal amount of the New F4L Senior Notes. The Underwriters may
allow and such dealers may reallow a concession not in excess of $
per $1,000 principal amount of the New F4L Senior Notes. After the initial
public offering of the New F4L Senior Notes, the public offering price and other
selling terms may be changed.
The Company does not intend to apply for listing of the New F4L Senior
Notes on a national securities exchange, but has been advised by the
Underwriters that they presently intend to make a market in the New F4L Senior
Notes, as permitted by applicable laws and regulations. The Underwriters are not
obligated, however, to make a market in the New F4L Senior Notes, and any such
market making may be discontinued at any time at the sole discretion of the
Underwriters. There can be no assurance that an active public market for the New
F4L Senior Notes will develop.
The Company has been informed by the Underwriters that they will not
confirm sales to any account over which they exercise discretionary authority
without prior specific written consent.
The Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors have agreed to indemnify the
Underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act, or to contribute to payments the Underwriters may be required to
make in respect thereof.
Bankers Trust, an affiliate of BT Securities has been a co-agent and a
lender under the existing credit agreements of each of RGC and Food 4 Less and
will be administrative agent and a lender under the New Credit Facility. See
"Description of the New Credit Facility." The Underwriters will also serve as
dealer managers and solicitation agents in connection with the Exchange Offers
and will receive customary fees in connection with such services.
In addition, affiliates of BT Securities and CS First Boston are investing
in the capital stock of New Holdings pursuant to the New Equity Investment.
After giving effect to the Merger, BTIP will own in the aggregate approximately
900,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock and approximately 3,100,000 shares of
Series B Preferred Stock and affiliates of CS First Boston will own
approximately 1,000,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock. Affiliates of BTIP
additionally own 508,737 shares of FFL Common Stock which they had previously
acquired. See "Principal Stockholders" and Description of Capital Stock."
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<PAGE> 121
Each of the Underwriters has from time to time provided investment banking
and financial advisory services to one or more of Food 4 Less, Holdings and RGC
and/or their respective affiliates and may continue to do so in the future. The
Underwriters have received customary fees for such services.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the New F4L Senior Notes offered hereby will be passed upon
for Food 4 Less by Latham & Watkins, Los Angeles, California. Certain legal
matters in connection with this Offering will be passed upon for the
Underwriters by Cahill Gordon & Reindel (a partnership including a professional
corporation), New York, New York.
EXPERTS
The consolidated balance sheets of Ralphs Supermarkets, Inc. as of January
31, 1993 and January 30, 1994, and the related consolidated statements of
operations, cash flows and stockholders' equity for the year ended January 31,
1993, the year ended January 30, 1994, and the statements of operations, cash
flows and stockholders' equity of Ralphs Grocery Company for the year ended
February 2, 1992 have been included in this Prospectus in reliance upon the
report of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent certified public accountants,
appearing elsewhere herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
The consolidated balance sheets and schedules of Food 4 Less Supermarkets,
Inc. and subsidiaries as of June 26, 1993 and June 25, 1994, and the related
consolidated statements of operations, cash flows and stockholders' equity of
Food 4 Less Supermarkets, Inc. for the 52 weeks ended June 27, 1992, the 52
weeks ended June 26, 1993 and the 52 weeks ended June 25, 1994, and the related
financial statement schedules, included in this Prospectus have been audited by
Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, as indicated in their
reports with respect thereto, and are included herein in reliance upon the
authority of said firm as experts in giving said reports.
116
<PAGE> 122
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
-----
<S> <C>
RALPHS SUPERMARKETS, INC. (AS SUCCESSOR TO RALPHS GROCERY COMPANY):
Independent Auditors' Report (KPMG Peat Marwick LLP).................................. F-2
Consolidated balance sheets at January 31, 1993, January 30, 1994 and October 9, 1994
(unaudited)......................................................................... F-3
Consolidated statements of operations for the years ended February 2, 1992, January
31, 1993 and January 30, 1994 and the 36 weeks ended October 10, 1993 (unaudited)
and October 9, 1994 (unaudited)..................................................... F-4
Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended February 2, 1992, January
31, 1993 and January 30, 1994 and the 36 weeks ended October 10, 1993 (unaudited)
and October 9, 1994 (unaudited)..................................................... F-5
Consolidated statements of stockholders' equity for the years ended February 2, 1992,
January 31, 1993 and January 30, 1994 and the 36 weeks ended October 9, 1994
(unaudited)......................................................................... F-6
Notes to consolidated financial statements............................................ F-7
FOOD 4 LESS SUPERMARKETS, INC.:
Report of Independent Public Accountants (Arthur Andersen LLP)........................ F-26
Consolidated balance sheets as of June 26, 1993, June 25, 1994 and September 17, 1994
(unaudited)......................................................................... F-27
Consolidated statements of operations for the 52 weeks ended June 27, 1992, June 26,
1993 and June 25, 1994 and the 12 weeks ended September 18, 1993 (unaudited) and
September 17, 1994 (unaudited)...................................................... F-29
Consolidated statements of cash flows for the 52 weeks ended June 27, 1992, June 26,
1993 and June 25, 1994 and the 12 weeks ended September 18, 1993 (unaudited) and
September 17, 1994 (unaudited)...................................................... F-30
Consolidated statements of stockholder's equity for the 52 weeks ended June 27, 1992,
June 26, 1993 and June 25, 1994 and the 12 weeks ended September 17, 1994
(unaudited)......................................................................... F-32
Notes to consolidated financial statements............................................ F-33
</TABLE>
F-1
<PAGE> 123
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Ralphs Supermarkets, Inc.:
We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Ralphs Supermarkets,
Inc. and subsidiary as of January 30, 1994 and January 31, 1993, and the related
consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows for
the years then ended and the statements of operations, stockholders' equity and
cash flows of Ralphs Grocery Company for the year ended February 2, 1992. These
consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated
financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are
free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Ralphs
Supermarkets, Inc. and subsidiary as of January 30, 1994 and January 31, 1993,
and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then
ended and the results of operations and cash flows of Ralphs Grocery Company for
the year ended February 2, 1992, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP
Los Angeles, California
April 8, 1994 (except as to
Note 16, which is as of
September 14, 1994)
F-2
<PAGE> 124
RALPHS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
(AS SUCCESSOR TO RALPHS GROCERY COMPANY)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JANUARY 31, JANUARY 30, OCTOBER 9,
1993 1994 1994
----------- ----------- -----------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents............................ $ 46,192 $ 55,080 $ 33,305
Accounts receivable.................................. 19,117 30,420 45,182
Inventories.......................................... 207,023 202,354 217,186
Prepaid expenses and other current assets............ 16,543 18,111 18,321
---------- ---------- ----------
Total current assets......................... 288,875 305,965 313,994
Property, plant and equipment, net................... 610,665 601,897 611,642
Excess of cost over net assets acquired, net......... 387,410 376,414 368,801
Beneficial lease rights, net......................... 60,757 55,553 50,733
Deferred debt issuance costs, net.................... 27,999 26,583 22,568
Deferred income taxes................................ -- 109,125 113,639
Other assets......................................... 12,792 8,113 9,985
---------- ---------- ----------
Total assets................................. $1,388,498 $1,483,650 $1,491,362
========== ========== ==========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt................. $ 66,465 $ 70,975 $ 79,865
Short-term debt...................................... 31,100 -- 37,400
Bank overdrafts...................................... 37,061 37,716 35,784
Accounts payable..................................... 120,709 138,554 141,775
Accrued expenses..................................... 127,788 101,543 109,273
Current portion of self-insurance reserves........... 27,732 30,138 28,209
---------- ---------- ----------
Total current liabilities.................... 410,855 378,926 432,306
Long-term debt....................................... 932,226 927,909 883,377
Self-insurance reserves.............................. 45,247 49,872 46,025
Lease valuation reserve.............................. 35,941 32,575 30,096
Other non-current liabilities........................ 97,526 89,299 84,593
---------- ---------- ----------
Total liabilities............................ 1,521,795 1,478,581 1,476,397
---------- ---------- ----------
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Common stock, $.01 par value per share Authorized
50,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding,
25,587,280 shares at January 31, 1993, January 30,
1994 and October 9, 1994.......................... 256 256 256
Additional paid-in capital........................... 175,292 175,292 175,292
Accumulated deficit.................................. (308,845) (170,479) (160,583)
---------- ---------- ----------
Total stockholders' equity (deficit)......... (133,297) 5,069 14,965
---------- ---------- ----------
Commitments and contingencies (See Notes 2 and 8)
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
(deficit).................................. $1,388,498 $1,483,650 $1,491,362
========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-3
<PAGE> 125
RALPHS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
(AS SUCCESSOR TO RALPHS GROCERY COMPANY)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THIRTY-SIX THIRTY-SIX
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED WEEKS ENDED WEEKS ENDED
FEBRUARY 2, 1992 JANUARY 31, 1993 JANUARY 30, 1994 OCTOBER 10, 1993 OCTOBER 9, 1994
------------------ ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ ------------------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Sales................ $2,889,222 100.0% $2,843,816 100.0% $2,730,157 100.0% $1,874,222 100.0% $1,856,341 100.0%
Cost of sales........ 2,275,237 78.8 2,217,197 78.0 2,093,727 76.7 1,445,171 77.1 1,433,008 77.2
---------- ----- ---------- ----- ---------- ----- ---------- ----- ---------- -----
Gross profit....... 613,985 21.2 626,619 22.0 636,430 23.3 429,051 22.9 423,333 22.8
Selling, general
and
administrative
expenses......... 456,602 15.8 466,737 16.4 467,630 17.1 319,417 17.1 316,045 17.0
Provision for
equity
appreciation
rights........... 18,321 0.6 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Amortization of
excess cost over
net assets
acquired......... 10,996 0.4 10,997 0.4 10,996 0.4 7,614 0.4 7,613 0.4
Provision for
restructuring.... -- -- 7,100 0.2 2,374 0.1 -- -- -- --
Provision for post
retirement
benefits other
than pensions.... 2,627 0.1 3,275 0.1 3,370 0.1 2,079 0.1 1,821 0.1
Provision for tax
indemnification
payments to
Federated
Department
Stores, Inc...... 10,000 0.3 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
---------- ----- ---------- ----- ---------- ----- ---------- ----- ---------- -----
Operating income... 115,439 4.0 138,510 4.9 152,060 5.6 99,941 5.3 97,854 5.3
Other expenses:
Interest expense,
net.............. 130,206 4.5 125,611 4.4 108,755 4.0 75,748 4.0 77,162 4.2
Loss on disposal of
assets........... 12,967 0.5 2,607 0.1 1,940 0.1 422 -- 796 --
Provision for legal
settlement....... -- -- 7,500 0.3 -- -- -- -- -- --
Provision for
earthquake
losses........... -- -- -- -- 11,048 0.4 -- -- -- --
---------- ----- ---------- ----- ---------- ----- ---------- ----- ---------- -----
Earnings (loss)
before income taxes
and extraordinary
item............... (27,734) (1.0) 2,792 0.1 30,317 1.1 23,771 1.3 19,896 1.1
Income tax expense
(benefit).......... 13,506 0.4 8,346 0.3 (108,049) (4.0) -- -- -- --
---------- ----- ---------- ----- ---------- ----- ---------- ----- ---------- -----
Earnings (loss)
before
extraordinary
item............... (41,240) (1.4) (5,554) (0.2) 138,366 5.1 23,771 1.3 19,896 1.1
Extraordinary
item-debt
refinancing, net of
tax benefit
$4,173............. -- -- (70,538) (2.5) -- -- -- -- -- --
---------- ----- ---------- ----- ---------- ----- ---------- ----- ---------- -----
Net earnings
(loss)............. $ (41,240) (1.4)% $ (76,092) (2.7)% $ 138,366 5.1% $ 23,771 1.3% $ 19,896 1.1%
========== ===== ========== ===== ========== ===== ========== ===== ========== =====
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-4
<PAGE> 126
RALPHS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
(AS SUCCESSOR TO RALPHS GROCERY COMPANY)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THIRTY-SIX THIRTY-SIX
YEAR END YEAR END YEAR END WEEKS ENDED WEEKS ENDED
FEBRUARY 2, JANUARY 31, JANUARY 30, OCTOBER 10, OCTOBER 9,
1992 1993 1994 1993 1994
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings (loss)........................... $(41,240) $ (76,092) $ 138,366 $ 23,771 $ 19,896
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net
cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization............... 76,552 76,873 74,452 51,704 51,929
Amortization of discounts and deferred debt
issuance costs............................ 8,564 20,978 9,768 6,715 6,322
LIFO charge (credit)........................ 2,829 1,115 (2,054) 2,615 1,897
Loss on sale of assets...................... 12,967 6,841 4,314 422 796
Provision for equity appreciation rights.... 18,321 -- -- -- --
Provision for post-retirement benefits...... 2,627 3,275 3,370 2,079 1,821
Provision for tax indemnification payments
to Federated Department Stores, Inc. ..... 10,000 -- -- -- --
Provision for legal settlement.............. -- 7,500 -- -- --
Other changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable........................... 20,660 6,376 326 (7) (14,763)
Inventories at replacement cost............... (21,523) (13,682) 6,724 6,058 (16,728)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets..... (4,446) 3,703 (1,658) 1,915 (210)
Other assets.................................. 2,133 (616) 4,449 2,353 (1,993)
Interest payable.............................. (1,448) (13,393) (4,822) (4,226) (11,089)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities...... 1,606 23,054 (1,622) (771) 23,579
Income taxes payable.......................... 822 (527) (1,480) -- --
Deferred tax asset............................ -- -- (109,125) -- (4,514)
Business interruption credit.................. -- -- (581) -- --
Earthquake losses............................. -- -- (11,048) -- --
Self insurance reserves....................... 6,575 8,456 7,031 3,860 (5,776)
Other liabilities............................. 1,095 (170) (12,407) (6,957) (7,635)
-------- --------- --------- --------- --------
Cash provided by operating activities......... 96,094 53,691 104,003 89,531 43,532
-------- --------- --------- --------- --------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures.......................... (50,355) (102,697) (62,181) (46,827) (44,544)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and
equipment................................... 8,498 219 16,700 2,968 6,362
-------- --------- --------- --------- --------
Cash used in investing activities............. (41,857) (102,478) (45,481) (43,859) (38,182)
-------- --------- --------- --------- --------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net borrowings under lines of credit.......... 29,000 2,100 (31,100) (31,100) 37,400
Redemption of preferred stock................. -- (3,000) -- -- --
Capitalized financing and acquisition costs... (573) (22,426) (5,108) (5,717) (246)
Increase (decrease) in bank overdrafts........ (7,193) (8,865) 655 (751) (1,932)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt...... 2,000 668,269 150,000 150,000 --
Dividends paid................................ -- -- -- -- (10,000)
Principal payments on long-term debt.......... (75,361) (577,902) (164,081) (157,963) (52,347)
-------- --------- --------- --------- --------
Cash provided by (used in) financing
activities.................................. (52,127) 58,176 (49,634) (45,531) (27,125)
-------- --------- --------- --------- --------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents................................... 2,110 9,389 8,888 141 (21,775)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
period........................................ 34,693 36,803 46,192 46,192 55,080
-------- --------- --------- --------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period...... $ 36,803 $ 46,192 $ 55,080 $ 46,333 $ 33,305
======== ========= ========= ========= ========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-5
<PAGE> 127
RALPHS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
(AS SUCCESSOR TO RALPHS GROCERY COMPANY)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
RALPHS RALPHS
SUPERMARKETS, INC. GROCERY COMPANY
-------------------- -------------------- ADDITIONAL
OUTSTANDING COMMON OUTSTANDING COMMON PAID-IN- ACCUMULATED
SHARES STOCK SHARES STOCK CAPITAL DEFICIT TOTAL
----------- ------ ----------- ------ ---------- ----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCES AT FEBRUARY 3,
1991...................... -- $ -- 100 $ -- $175,548 $(191,513) $(15,965)
Net Loss.................. -- -- -- -- -- (41,240) (41,240)
---------- ---- --- ---- -------- --------- --------
BALANCES AT FEBRUARY 2,
1992...................... -- -- 100 -- 175,548 (232,753) (57,205)
Capitalization of Ralphs
Supermarkets, Inc. .... 25,587,280 256 (100) -- (256) -- --
Net Loss.................. -- -- -- -- -- (76,092) (76,092)
---------- ---- --- ---- -------- --------- --------
BALANCES AT JANUARY 31,
1993...................... 25,587,280 256 -- -- 175,292 (308,845) 133,297)
Net earnings.............. -- -- -- -- -- 138,366 138,366
---------- ---- --- ---- -------- --------- --------
BALANCES AT JANUARY 30,
1994...................... 25,587,280 256 -- -- 175,292 (170,479) 5,069
Net Earnings
(unaudited)............ -- -- -- -- -- 19,896 19,896
Dividends Paid
(unaudited)............ -- -- -- -- -- (10,000) (10,000)
---------- ---- --- ---- -------- --------- --------
BALANCES AT OCTOBER 9, 1994
(unaudited)............... 25,587,280 $256 -- $ -- $175,292 $(160,583) $ 14,965
========== ==== === ==== ======== ========= ========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-6
<PAGE> 128
RALPHS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
(AS SUCCESSOR TO RALPHS GROCERY COMPANY)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(1) ORGANIZATION
At February 2, 1992, Ralphs Grocery Company was an indirect wholly owned
subsidiary of Federated Stores, Inc. ("Federated"). Two wholly owned
subsidiaries of Federated, Federated Holdings III, Inc. ("Holdings III") and
Allied Stores Corporation ("Allied") directly owned the common stock of Ralphs
Grocery Company approximately 84% and 16% respectively. In January 1990 Holdings
III and Allied, and certain other subsidiaries of Federated, each filed
petitions for relief under Chapter 11, Title 11 of the United States Code
("Chapter 11"). In March 1990, Federated filed a petition for relief under
Chapter 11. Pursuant to the plans of reorganization for Federated and certain of
its subsidiaries, Ralphs Supermarkets, Inc. was formed to hold the outstanding
shares of common stock of Ralphs Grocery Company. On February 3, 1992, Holdings
III and Allied contributed their shares of Ralphs Grocery Company to Ralphs
Supermarkets, Inc. in exchange for the issuance by Ralphs Supermarkets, Inc. of
Ralphs Supermarkets, Inc. shares in the same proportion in Ralphs Grocery
Company shares were owned ("Internal Reorganization"). For financial reporting
purposes, this transaction was recorded at predecessor cost. For Federal tax
purposes, a new basis was established at Ralphs Supermarket, Inc. as more fully
described in Note 11.
Under the plans of reorganization for Federated, Holdings III and certain
other subsidiaries of Federated (the "FSI Plan"), all Ralphs Supermarkets, Inc.
shares of common stock held by Holdings III were to be distributed to certain
creditors of Federated and Holdings III, including The Edward J. DeBartolo
Corporation ("EJDC"), Bank of Montreal ("BMO"), Banque Paribas ("BP") and Camdev
Properties Inc. ("Camdev"), and Federated. The FSI Plan was confirmed by the
Bankruptcy Court in January 1992 and was consummated on February 3, 1992. Under
the plan of reorganization of Allied and certain affiliates including Federated
Department Stores, Inc. (the "Allied-Federated Plan"), a portion of Allied's
Holding Company shares were to be distributed to BMO and BP. The
Allied-Federated Plan was confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court in January 1992 and
was consummated shortly after the FSI Plan.
Thus, following consummation of both the FSI Plan and the Allied-Federated
Plan and the transfer on July 19, 1993 of the shares of common stock in Ralphs
Supermarkets, Inc. held by Federated Stores, Inc. to Camdev. The approximate
ownership of Ralphs Supermarkets, Inc. is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
APPROXIMATE PERCENT
OWNERSHIP OF RALPHS
SUPERMARKETS, INC.
COMMON STOCK
AS OF JULY 19, 1993
-------------------
<S> <C>
EJDC................................................ 60.4%
BMO................................................. 10.1%
BP.................................................. 10.1%
Camdev.............................................. 12.8%
Federated Department Stores, Inc. (as successor by
merger to Allied)................................. 6.6%
</TABLE>
Pursuant to certain agreements entered into contemporaneously with the
effectiveness of the FSI Plan and the Allied-Federated Plan, certain income tax
liabilities of Ralphs Grocery Company, Federated, Allied, Federated Department
Stores, Inc. and other affiliates have been settled with the Internal Revenue
Service. In addition, Ralphs Grocery Company and certain affiliates including
Federated Department Stores, Inc., Allied and Federated (the "Affiliated Group")
entered into an agreement (the "Tax Indemnity Agreement") pursuant to which
Federated Department Stores, Inc. agreed to pay certain tax liabilities, if any,
relating to Ralphs Grocery Company being a member of the Affiliated Group. The
Tax Indemnity Agreement provides a formula to determine the amount of additional
tax liabilities through February 3, 1992 that Ralphs Grocery
F-7
<PAGE> 129
RALPHS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
(AS SUCCESSOR TO RALPHS GROCERY COMPANY)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
Company would be obligated to pay the Affiliated Group. However, such additional
liability, if any, is limited to $10 million subject to certain adjustments.
Under the Tax Indemnity agreement, both Ralphs Supermarkets, Inc. and
Ralphs Grocery Company have agreed to pay Federated Department Stores, Inc. $1
million annually for each of five years starting on February 3, 1992, and an
additional $5 million on February 3, 1997. These total payments of $10 million
have been recorded in the consolidated financial statements at February 2, 1992.
The five $1 million installments are to be paid by Ralphs Grocery Company and
the $5 million is the joint obligation of both Ralphs Supermarkets, Inc. and
Ralphs Grocery Company. Also, in the event Federated Department Stores, Inc. is
required to pay certain tax liabilities on behalf of Ralphs Grocery Company,
both Ralphs Supermarkets, Inc. and Ralphs Grocery Company have agreed to
reimburse Federated Department Stores, Inc. up to an additional $10 million,
subject to certain adjustments. This additional obligation is the joint and
several obligation of both Ralphs Supermarkets, Inc. and Ralphs Grocery Company.
The $5 million payment and the potential $10 million payment may be paid, at the
option of both Ralphs Supermarkets, Inc. and Ralphs Grocery Company, in cash or
newly issued Ralphs Supermarkets, Inc. Common Stock.
In connection with the consummation of the FSI Plan and the
Allied-Federated Plan, Ralphs Grocery Company and certain parties entered into
an agreement (the "Comprehensive Settlement Agreement") pursuant to which the
parties thereto, among other things, agreed to deliver releases to the various
parties to the Comprehensive Settlement Agreement as well as certain additional
parties. Under the Comprehensive Settlement Agreement, Ralphs Grocery Company
received general releases from Allied, Federated, Federated Department Stores,
Inc. and certain other affiliates which released it from any and all claims
which could have been asserted by the parties thereto prior to the effective
dates of FSI Plan and the Allied-Federated Plan other than for claims arising
under the Comprehensive Settlement Agreement, the FSI Plan, the Allied-Federated
Plan and the Tax Indemnity Agreement.
(2) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(a) Basis of Presentation
These consolidated financial statements present the statements of financial
position of Ralphs Supermarkets, Inc. and subsidiary as of January 30, 1994 and
January 31, 1993 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for
the two years then ended. In addition, these consolidated financial statements
present the results of operations and cash flows of Ralphs Grocery Company for
the year ended February 2, 1992. Ralphs Grocery Company is deemed to be the
predecessor entity of Ralphs Supermarkets, Inc. For purposes of these
consolidated financial statements Ralphs Supermarkets, Inc. and Ralphs Grocery
Company will be collectively referred to as "Ralphs".
The interim consolidated financial statements included herein have been
prepared by Ralphs (the "Company") without audit, pursuant to the rules and
regulations promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission"). Certain information and footnote disclosures, normally included
in the financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles, have been omitted pursuant to Commission rules and
regulations; nevertheless, Ralphs believes that the disclosures are adequate to
make the information presented not misleading. These consolidated financial
statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements
and notes thereto included in Ralphs Grocery Company's latest annual report
filed on Form 10-K. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting
only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the financial
position of Ralphs with respect to the interim financial statements, and of the
results of Ralphs' operations for the thirty-six weeks ended October 9, 1994 and
cash flows for the thirty-six weeks ended October 9, 1994 and the results of
Ralphs' operations for the thirty-six weeks ended October 10, 1993 and cash
flows for the thirty-six weeks ended October 10, 1993,
F-8
<PAGE> 130
RALPHS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
(AS SUCCESSOR TO RALPHS GROCERY COMPANY)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
have been included. The results of operations for the interim periods are not
necessarily indicative of the results for the full year.
(b) Reporting Period
Ralphs' fiscal year ends on the Sunday closest to January 31. Fiscal
year-ends are as follows:
February 2, 1992 (Fiscal 1991)
January 31, 1993 (Fiscal 1992)
January 30, 1994 (Fiscal 1993)
(c) Cash and Cash Equivalents
For purposes of the statements of cash flows, Ralphs considers all highly
liquid debt instruments with original maturities of three months or less to be
cash equivalents.
(d) Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower cost or market. Cost is determined
primarily using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. The replacement cost of
inventories exceeded the LIFO inventory cost by $15.535 million and $17.589
million at January 30, 1994 and January 31, 1993, respectively.
(e) Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Property and equipment
held under capital leases are stated at the present value of the minimum lease
payments at the inception of the lease.
Depreciation of plant and equipment is calculated using the straight-line
method over the estimated useful lives of assets. Plant and equipment held under
capital leases and leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line
method over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the
asset. Useful lives range from 10 to 40 years for buildings and improvements and
3 to 20 years for fixtures and equipment.
Interest is capitalized in connection with the construction of major
facilities. The capitalized interest is recorded as part of the asset to which
it relates and is amortized over the asset's estimated useful life. Interest
cost capitalized during fiscal 1991, 1992 and 1993 was $.510 million, $1.074
million, and $.740 million, respectively.
(f) Deferred Debt Issuance Costs
Direct costs incurred as a result of financing transactions are capitalized
and amortized over the terms of the applicable debt agreements using the
effective interest method.
(g) Pre-opening Costs
Pre-opening costs of new stores are deferred and expensed at the time the
store opens. If a new store is ultimately not opened, the costs are expensed
directly to selling, general and administrative expense at the time it is
determined that the store will not be opened.
F-9
<PAGE> 131
RALPHS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
(AS SUCCESSOR TO RALPHS GROCERY COMPANY)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(h) Self Insurance Reserves
Ralphs is self-insured for a portion of workers' compensation, general
liability and automobile accident claims. Ralphs establishes reserve provisions
based on an independent actuary's review of claims filed and an estimate of
claims incurred but not yet filed.
(i) Excess of Cost Over Net Assets Acquired
The excess of cost over net assets acquired, resulting from the May 3, 1988
acquisition of Ralphs is being amortized using the straight-line method over 40
years. Ralphs assesses the recoverability of this intangible asset by
determining whether the amortization of the asset balance over its remaining
life can be recovered through projected undiscounted operating income (including
interest, depreciation and all amortization expense except amortization of
excess of cost over net assets acquired) over the remaining amortization period
of the excess of cost over net assets acquired. The amount of excess of cost
over net assets acquired impairment, if any, is measured based on projected
discounted future results using a discount rate reflecting Ralphs' average cost
of funds. Accumulated amortization aggregated $52.4 million and $63.4 million at
January 31, 1993 and January 30, 1994, respectively.
(j) Acquired Leases
Beneficial lease rights and lease valuation reserves are recorded as the
net present value of the differences between contractual rents under existing
lease agreements and fair value of entering such lease agreements as of the May
3, 1988 acquisition of Ralphs. All beneficial lease rights and lease valuation
reserves arose solely as a result of the May 3, 1988 acquisition. Adjustments to
the carrying value of these assets would typically occur only through additional
business combinations or in the event of early lease termination. Beneficial
lease rights are amortized using the straight-line method over the terms of the
leases. Lease valuation reserves are amortized using the interest method over
the terms of the leases.
(k) Discounts and Promotional Allowances
Promotional allowances and vendor discounts are recorded as a reduction of
cost of sales in the accompanying statements of operations. Allowance proceeds
received in advance are deferred and recognized over the period earned.
(l) Income Taxes
Through February 2, 1992, Ralphs operated under a tax-sharing agreement
with Federated and was included in the consolidated Federal tax returns of
Federated. Through January 28, 1990, Ralphs was included in the combined state
tax returns of Federated; however, Ralphs filed separate state tax returns
subsequent to January 28, 1990. Under the tax-sharing agreement, tax-sharing
payments were made to Federated based on the amount that Ralphs would be liable
for had Ralphs filed separate tax returns, taking into account applicable
carryback and carryforward provision of the tax laws.
Subsequent to February 2, 1992, Ralphs is responsible for filing tax
returns with the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities. Prior to
February 3, 1992 Ralphs paid alternative minimum tax to Federated under its tax
sharing agreement. As a result of the Internal Reorganization, Ralphs will not
be entitled to offset its future Federal regular tax liability with the payments
made to Federated.
Effective for the fiscal year ended February 2, 1992, Ralphs adopted
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 109, "Accounting for
Income Taxes." At the date of adoption such change had no impact on the
consolidated financial results.
F-10
<PAGE> 132
RALPHS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
(AS SUCCESSOR TO RALPHS GROCERY COMPANY)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(m) Postretirement Medical Benefits
Effective for the fiscal year ended February 3, 1991, Ralphs adopted SFAS
106, "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits other Than Pensions",
which requires that the cost of postretirement benefits other than pensions be
recognized in the financial statements over an employee's service with Ralphs.
(n) Reclassification
Certain amounts in the accompanying financial statements have been
reclassified to conform to the current year's presentation.
(o) Consolidation Policy
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Ralphs
Supermarkets, Inc., and its wholly owned subsidiary, Ralphs Grocery Company, and
its wholly owned subsidiary, collectively referred to as the Company. All
material intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
(p) Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value
of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate
that value:
(i) Cash and short-term investments
The carrying amount approximates fair value because of the short
maturity of those instruments.
(ii) Long-term debt
The fair value of Ralphs' long-term debt is estimated based on the
quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates
offered to Ralphs for debt of the same remaining maturities.
(iii) Interest Rate Swap Agreements
The fair value of interest rate swap agreements is the estimated amount
that Ralphs would receive or pay to terminate the swap agreements at the
reporting date, taking into account current interest rates and the current
credit-worthiness of the swap counterparties.
(3) PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment is summarized as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JANUARY 31, JANUARY 30,
1993 1994
----------- -----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
Land................................................. $ 156,487 $ 159,904
Buildings and improvements........................... 180,639 191,179
Leasehold improvements............................... 149,273 161,341
Fixtures and equipment............................... 349,697 354,626
Capital leases....................................... 69,058 86,964
---------- ----------
905,154 954,014
Less: Accumulated depreciation....................... (266,127) (312,746)
Less: Accumulated capital lease amortization......... (28,362) (39,371)
---------- ----------
Property, plant and equipment, net................... $ 610,665 $ 601,897
========== ==========
</TABLE>
F-11
<PAGE> 133
RALPHS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
(AS SUCCESSOR TO RALPHS GROCERY COMPANY)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(4) ACCRUED EXPENSES
Accrued expenses are summarized as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JANUARY 31, JANUARY 30,
1993 1994
----------- -----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
Accrued wages, vacation and sick leave............... $ 38,238 $ 34,763
Taxes other than income tax.......................... 13,285 11,084
Interest............................................. 15,912 11,090
Other................................................ 60,353 44,606
----------- -----------
$ 127,788 $ 101,543
========= =========
</TABLE>
(5) LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt is summarized as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JANUARY 31, JANUARY 30,
1993 1994
----------- -----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
First mortgage notes payable in monthly installments,
commencing June 1, 1994 of $1,553,000 including
interest at an effective rate of 9.651%; interest
only payable monthly prior to June 1, 1994. Final
payment due June 1, 1999. Secured by land and
buildings with a net book value of $190.8
million............................................ $ 178,482 $ 178,013
Notes payable in varying monthly installments
including interest ranging from 11.5% to 18.96%.
Final payment due through November 30, 1996.
Secured by equipment with a net book value of $30.0
million............................................ 17,920 9,721
Capitalized lease obligations at interest rates
ranging from 7.25% to 14% maturing at various dates
through 2009 (note 6).............................. 54,181 61,150
Note payable to bank................................. 350,000 300,000
Senior Subordinated Debentures, 14% due 2000......... 98,108 --
Initial Notes and Exchange Notes, 9% due 2003........ -- 150,000
Senior Subordinated Debentures, 10 1/4%, due 2002.... 300,000 300,000
----------- -----------
Total long-term debt................................. 998,691 998,884
Less current maturities.............................. (66,465) (70,975)
----------- -----------
Long-term debt....................................... $ 932,226 $ 927,909
========= =========
</TABLE>
During the third quarter of 1992, the Company implemented a
recapitalization plan (the "Recapitalization Plan") which was completed during
the first quarter of 1993 by the Company's offering of $150.0 million aggregate
principal amount of its 9% Senior Subordinated notes due 2003 (the "Initial
Notes") in private placement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act"). The proceeds of the Initial Notes were used to (i) purchase
for cancellation of $60.0 million aggregate principal amount of the Company's
14% Senior Subordinated Debentures due 2000 (the "14% Subordinated Debentures")
from a noteholder who had made an unsolicited offer to sell such 14%
Subordinated Debentures, (ii) defease the remaining $38.1 million aggregate
principal amount of the 14% Subordinated Debentures, (iii) prepay $36.1 million
of borrowings under the Company's $350.0 million 1992 term loan facility entered
into as part of the Recapitalization Plan and (iv) pay fees and expenses
associated with such transactions and for other
F-12
<PAGE> 134
RALPHS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
(AS SUCCESSOR TO RALPHS GROCERY COMPANY)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
purposes. As part of a registration rights agreement entered into with the
initial purchasers of the Initial Notes, the Company agreed to offer to exchange
up to $150.0 million aggregate principal amount of the Exchange Notes for all of
the outstanding Initial Notes (the "Exchange Offer"). The terms of the Exchange
Notes are substantially identical (including principal amount, interest rate and
maturity) in all respects to the terms of the Initial Notes except that the
Exchange Notes are freely transferable by the holders thereof (with certain
exceptions) and are not subject to any covenant upon the Company regarding
registration under the Securities Act. On June 24, 1993, the Company completed
the Exchange Offer exchanging $149.7 million aggregate principal amount of
Exchange Notes for Initial Notes ($.3 million of Initial Notes remain
outstanding).
The note payable to bank and working capital line, under the 1992 Credit
Agreement, are secured by first priority liens on Ralphs' inventory and
receivables, servicemarks and registered trademarks, equipment (other than
equipment located at facilities subject to existing liens in favor of equipment
financiers) and after-acquired real property interests and all existing real
property interests (other than those that are subject to prior encumbrances) and
bears interest at the rates, as selected by Ralphs as follows: (i) 1 3/4% over
the prime rate, or (ii) 2 3/4% over the Eurodollar Rate. Interest calculated
pursuant to (i) above is payable quarterly, otherwise interest is payable
quarterly or at the selected borrowings option maturity. During the 52 weeks
ended January 30, 1994, interest rates under these borrowings ranged from
5.9375% to 7.75%. Ralphs is required to pay an annual administrative fee of
$300,000 pursuant to the 1992 Credit Agreement as well as a commitment fee of
0.5% on the average daily amounts available for borrowing under the $120.0
million working capital credit line.
The 1992 Credit Agreement, which includes a $350.0 million term loan and
$120.0 million working capital credit line, also supports up to $60.0 million of
letters of credit which reduce the available borrowings on the credit line. The
1992 Credit Agreement is subject to quarterly principal payment requirements,
which commenced on March 31, 1993, with payment in full on June 30, 1998. As of
January 30, 1994, $51.1 million of letters of credit were outstanding, with
$68.9 million available under the working capital credit line.
In the fourth quarter of Fiscal 1992, Ralphs entered into an interest rate
cap agreement with an effective date of November 6, 1992 and a three-year
maturity. The interest rate cap agreement hedges the interest rate in excess of
6.5% LIBOR on $105.0 million principal amount against increases in short-term
rates. This agreement satisfies interest rate protection requirements under the
1992 Credit Agreement. In addition to the interest rate cap agreement, Ralphs
entered into an interest rate swap agreement on $150.0 million notional
principal amount. Under the interest rate swap agreement, Ralphs is required to
pay interest based on LIBOR at the end of each six month calculation period and
Ralphs will receive interest payments based on LIBOR at the beginning of each
six month calculation period. This interest rate swap agreement has a three-year
term expiring November 6, 1995. Ralphs is exposed to credit loss in the event of
nonperformance by the other party to the interest rate swap agreement. However,
Ralphs does not anticipate nonperformance by the counterpart.
The following details the impact of the hedging activity on the weighted
average interest rate for each of the last three fiscal years.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WITH HEDGE WITHOUT HEDGE
---------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
1991........................................ 11.87% 11.52%
1992........................................ 10.52% 10.22%
1993........................................ 8.96% 8.96%
</TABLE>
The Initial Notes and Exchange Notes are unsecured obligations of Ralphs
subordinated in right of payment to amounts due on the aforementioned senior
debt. Interest at 9% is payable each April 1 and October 1 through April 1,
2003, when the notes mature.
F-13
<PAGE> 135
RALPHS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
(AS SUCCESSOR TO RALPHS GROCERY COMPANY)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
The 10 1/4% Senior Subordinated Debentures are unsecured obligations of
Ralphs subordinated in right of payment to amounts due on the senior debt.
Interest at 10 1/4% is payable each January 15 and July 15 through July 15,
2002, when the debentures mature.
The aforementioned debt agreements contain various restrictive covenants
pertaining to net worth levels, limitations on additional indebtedness and
capital expenditures, financial ratios and dividends.
The aggregate maturities on long-term debt for each of the five years
subsequent to fiscal 1993 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(DOLLARS IN
THOUSANDS)
------------
<S> <C>
1994...................................................... $ 70,975
1995...................................................... 81,572
1996...................................................... 83,756
1997...................................................... 81,716
1998...................................................... 50,406
1999 and thereafter....................................... 630,459
--------
$998,884
========
</TABLE>
The fair value of each class of financial instruments (where practical) is
as follows in (000s):
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Long-term debt........................................... $1,014,634
Interest rate swap agreement............................. $ 1,153
Interest rate cap agreement.............................. $ (19)
</TABLE>
(6) LEASES
Ralphs has leases for retail store facilities, warehouses and manufacturing
plants for periods up to 30 years. Generally, the lease agreements include
renewal options for five years each. Under most leases, Ralphs is responsible
for property taxes, insurance, maintenance and expense related to the lease
property. Certain store leases require excess rentals based on a percentage of
sales at that location. Certain equipment is leased by Ralphs under agreements
ranging from 3 to 15 years. The agreements usually do not include renewal option
provisions.
F-14
<PAGE> 136
RALPHS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
(AS SUCCESSOR TO RALPHS GROCERY COMPANY)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
Minimum rental payments due under capital leases and operating leases
subsequent to fiscal 1993 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CAPITAL OPERATING
LEASES LEASES TOTAL
-------- --------- --------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1994............................................... $ 17,043 $ 57,264 $ 74,307
1995............................................... 15,172 55,424 70,596
1996............................................... 12,381 53,998 66,379
1997............................................... 11,607 51,124 62,731
1998............................................... 9,286 47,211 56,497
1999 and thereafter................................ 18,247 321,149 339,396
-------- -------- --------
Total minimum lease payments....................... $ 83,736 $586,170 $669,906
======== ========
Less amounts representing interest................. (22,586)
--------
Present value of net minimum lease payments........ 61,150
Less current portion of lease obligations.......... (11,052)
--------
Long-term capital lease obligations................ $ 50,098
========
</TABLE>
Total rent expense is summarized as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
52 WEEKS 52 WEEKS 52 WEEKS
ENDED ENDED ENDED
FEBRUARY 2, JANUARY 31, JANUARY 30,
1992 1993 1994
----------- ----------- -----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Capital Leases
Contingent rental............................... $ 2,358 $ 2,443 $ 2,241
Rentals from subleases.......................... (2,133) (2,144) (2,048)
Operating Leases
Minimum rentals................................. 42,156 49,001 54,965
Contingent rentals.............................. 4,081 5,058 3,645
Rentals from subleases.......................... (1,057) (1,123) (1,150)
------- ------- -------
$45,405 $53,235 $57,653
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
(7) SELF-INSURANCE
Ralphs is a qualified self-insurer in the State of California for worker's
compensation and for automobile liability. For fiscal 1991, 1992 and 1993 self
insurance loss provisions amounted to (in thousands) $25,549, $25,950 and
$30,323, respectively.
(8) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
In December 1992, three California state antitrust class action suits were
commenced in Los Angeles Superior Court against Ralphs and other major
supermarket chains located in Southern California, alleging that they conspired
to refrain from competing in and to fix the price of fluid milk above
competitive prices. Specifically, class actions were commenced by Diane Barela
and Neila Ross, Ron Moliare and Paul C. Pfeifle on December 7, December 14, and
December 23, 1992 respectively. Ralphs intends to vigorously pursue its defense
in these actions.
F-15
<PAGE> 137
RALPHS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
(AS SUCCESSOR TO RALPHS GROCERY COMPANY)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
On March 25, 1991, George A. Koteen Associates, Inc. ("Koteen Associates")
commenced an action in San Diego Superior Court alleging that Ralphs breached an
alleged utility rate consulting agreement. In December 1992, a jury returned a
verdict of $4,949,084 in favor of Koteen Associates and in March 1993,
attorney's fees and certain other costs were awarded to the plaintiff. Ralphs
has appealed the judgment and fully reserved in Fiscal 1992 against an adverse
judgement.
Environmental Matters
In January 1991, the California Regional Water Quality Control Board for
the Los Angeles Region (the "Regional Board") requested that Ralphs conduct a
subsurface characterization of Ralphs' Atwater property. This request was part
of an ongoing effort by the Regional Board, in connection with the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (the "EPA"), to identify contributors to
groundwater contamination in the San Fernando Valley. Significant parts of the
San Fernando Valley, including the area where Ralphs' Atwater property is
located, have been designated federal Superfund sites requiring response actions
under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act
of 1980, as amended, because of regional groundwater contamination. On June 18,
1991, the EPA made its own request for information concerning the Atwater
property. Since that time, the Regional Board has requested further
investigations by Ralphs. Ralphs has conducted the requested investigations and
has reported the results to the Regional Board. Approximately 25 companies have
entered into a Consent Order with the EPA to investigate contaminated
groundwater beneath an area which includes the Atwater property. Ralphs is not a
party to that Consent Order, but is cooperating with requests of the subject
companies to allow installation of monitoring or recovery wells on Ralphs'
property. Based upon available information, management does not believe this
matter will have a material adverse effect on Ralphs' financial condition or
results of operations.
Ralphs has removed several underground storage tanks and remediated soil
contamination at the Atwater property. Although the possibility of other
localized contamination from prior operations or adjacent properties exists at
the Atwater property, management does not believe that the costs of remediating
such contamination will be material to Ralphs.
Ralphs has not incurred material capitalizable and noncapitalizable
expenses relating to environmental type issues during the previous three fiscal
years.
Ralphs has not incurred material preventative and remediation costs related
to environmental type issues.
Ralphs is a party to several pending legal proceedings and claims incurred
in the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, based in part on
the advice of counsel, these matters are adequately covered by insurance or will
not have a material effect on Ralphs' financial position or results of
operations.
(9) REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK
Ralphs' non-voting preferred stock consisted of 10,000,000 shares of
authorized $.01 par value preferred stock. At February 3, 1991 and February 2,
1992, 170,000 shares of Class A Preferred Stock and 130,000 shares of Class B
Preferred Stock were issued and outstanding. All of the outstanding shares of
preferred stock were redeemed by Ralphs during February 1992 at their initial
issuance price of $3.0 million.
(10) EQUITY APPRECIATION RIGHTS PLANS
Effective August 26, 1988, Ralphs adopted an Equity Appreciation Plan
("1988 Plan"), whereby certain officers received equity rights representing, in
aggregate, the right to receive 15% of the increase in the appraised value (as
defined in the 1988 Plan) of the Ralphs' equity over an initial value of $120.0
million. The 1988 Plan was amended in January 1992 by agreement among Ralphs and
the Equity Rights holders
F-16
<PAGE> 138
RALPHS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
(AS SUCCESSOR TO RALPHS GROCERY COMPANY)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
("Amended Plan"). Ralphs accrued for the increase in equity appreciation rights
over the contractually defined vesting period (fully accrued in fiscal 1991),
based upon the maximum allowable contractual amount which approximated ending
appraised value.
Under the Amended Plan, all outstanding Equity Rights are vested in full
are no longer subject to forfeiture by the holders, except in the event a
holder's employment is terminated for cause within the meaning of the Amended
Plan. The appraised value of Ralphs' equity is to be determined as of May 1 each
year by an investment banking company engaged for this purpose utilizing the
methodology specified in the Amended Plan (which is unchanged from that
specified in the 1988 Plan); however, under the Amended Plan the appraised value
of Ralphs' equity for purposes of the plan may not be less than $400.0 million
nor exceed $517.0 million. The amount of equity rights redeemable at any given
time is defined in each holders' separate agreement. On exercise of an equity
right, the holder will be entitled to receive a pro rata percentage of any such
increase in appraised value. In addition, the Amended Plan provides for the
possible additional further payment to the holder of each exercised Equity Right
of an amount equal to the "Deferred Value" of such Equity Right as defined in
the Amended Plan. Ralphs did not incur any expense under the Equity Appreciation
Rights Plan in fiscal 1992 and fiscal 1993.
The amount of Equity Rights redeemable for each of the five years
subsequent to fiscal 1993 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(DOLLARS IN
THOUSANDS)
<S> <C>
1994...................................................... $ 7,251
1995...................................................... 7,251
1996...................................................... 7,251
1997...................................................... 5,185
1998...................................................... 13,318
-------
$40,256
=======
</TABLE>
(11) INCOME TAXES
Income tax expense (benefit) consists of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
52 WEEKS 52 WEEKS 52 WEEKS
ENDED ENDED ENDED
FEBRUARY 2, JANUARY 31, JANUARY 30,
1992 1993 1994
----------- ----------- -----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Current
Federal........................................ $ 9,224 $4,173 $ (2,424)
State.......................................... 4,282 -- 3,500
------- ------ ---------
$13,506 $4,173 $ 1,076
------- ------ ---------
Deferred
Federal........................................ $ -- $ -- $(109,125)
State.......................................... -- -- --
------- ------ ---------
$ -- $ -- $(109,125)
------- ------ ---------
Total income tax expense (benefit)............. $13,506 $4,173 $(108,049)
======= ====== =========
</TABLE>
F-17
<PAGE> 139
RALPHS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
(AS SUCCESSOR TO RALPHS GROCERY COMPANY)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
Income tax expense (benefit) has been classified in the accompanying
statements of operations as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1991 1992 1993
------- ------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Earnings before extraordinary items................. $13,506 $ 8,346 $(108,049)
Extraordinary item.................................. -- (4,173) --
------- ------- ---------
Net tax expense (benefit)........................... $13,506 $ 4,173 $(108,049)
======= ======= =========
</TABLE>
The differences between income tax expense and income taxes computed using
the top marginal U.S. Federal income tax rate of 34% for both Fiscal 1991 and
1992 and, for Fiscal 1993, of 35% applied to earnings (loss) before income taxes
(including, in Fiscal 1992, the extraordinary loss of $74.8 million) were as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
52 WEEKS 52 WEEKS 52 WEEKS
ENDED ENDED ENDED
FEBRUARY 2, JANUARY 31, JANUARY 30,
1992 1993 1994
----------- ----------- -----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Amount of expected expense (benefit) computed
using the statutory Federal rate................ $(9,430) $(24,450) $ 10,611
Utilization of financial operating loss........ -- -- (10,611)
Amortization of excess cost over net assets
acquired.................................... 3,356 3,356 --
State income taxes, net of Federal income tax
benefit..................................... 4,282 -- 3,500
Accounting limitation (recognition) of deferred
tax benefit................................. 6,139 20,041 (109,125)
Alternative minimum tax........................ 9,224 4,173 625
Other, net..................................... (65) 1,053 (3,049)
------- -------- ---------
Total income tax expense (benefit)..... $13,506 $ 4,173 $(108,049)
======= ======== =========
</TABLE>
Ralphs' deferred tax assets, recorded under SFAS 109, were comprised of the
following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
52 WEEKS 52 WEEKS
ENDED ENDED
JANUARY 31, JANUARY 30,
1993 1994
----------- -----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
Deductible intangible assets................................. $ -- $ 56,000
Net operating loss carryforward and tax credit............... 5,907 40,125
Self insurance accrual....................................... 8,951 43,000
Software basis difference and amortization................... 9,320 --
Fees collected in advance.................................... 5,572 --
Property, plant and equipment basis difference and
depreciation............................................... 25,914 21,000
Equity appreciation rights................................... -- 16,000
Favorable lease basis differences............................ -- 16,000
State deferred taxes......................................... -- 17,000
Other........................................................ 16,539 40,000
-------- ---------
72,203 249,125
Less valuation allowance................................... (72,203) (140,000)
-------- ---------
Total.............................................. $ -- $ 109,125
======== =========
</TABLE>
F-18
<PAGE> 140
RALPHS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
(AS SUCCESSOR TO RALPHS GROCERY COMPANY)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
The provision for income taxes for the thirty-six weeks ended October 9,
1994 and the thirty-six weeks ended October 10, 1993 consists of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
36 WEEKS 36 WEEKS
ENDED ENDED
OCTOBER 10, OCTOBER 9,
1993 1994
----------- ----------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C>
Federal Income Taxes................................ $ 3,121 $ 836
State Income Taxes.................................. 1,290 3,678
Adjustment to Valuation Allowance for Deferred Tax
Assets............................................ (4,411) (4,514)
------- -------
Total Income Tax Provision.......................... $ -- $ --
======= =======
</TABLE>
On October 15, 1992, Ralphs filed an election with the Internal Revenue
Service under Section 338(h)(10). Under this Section, Ralphs is required to
restate, for Federal tax purposes, its assets and liabilities to fair market
value as of February 3, 1992. The effect of this transaction is to record a new
Federal tax basis to reflect a change of control for Federal tax purposes
resulting from the Internal Reorganization. No change of control for financial
reporting purposes was affected.
In August, 1993, The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 (the "Act")
was enacted. The Act increased the Federal income tax rate from 34 to 35 percent
for filers whose taxable income exceeded $10.0 million. In the current year, the
effect of the Federal income tax rate change was to increase the net deferred
tax assets. In addition, the Act also provided for the deductibility of certain
intangibles, including costs in excess gross assets acquired.
The Act has significantly impacted the aggregate deferred tax asset
position of Ralphs at January 30, 1994. Ralphs elected to retroactively apply
certain provisions of the Act related to the February 3, 1992 change of control
for Federal tax purposes. As such, approximately $610.7 million in excess of
cost over net assets acquired became fully deductible for Federal tax purposes.
This amount is deductible over 15 years. This excess in the tax basis over the
financial statement basis of excess of cost over net assets acquired aggregated
$153.0 million at January 30, 1994.
During the year ended January 30, 1994, Ralphs has recorded the incremental
impact of the Act on deductible temporary differences and increased its deferred
income tax assets by a net amount of $109.1 million. The decision to reduce the
valuation allowance was based upon several factors. Specific among them, was the
Company's completion of its restructuring plan which effectively reduced
estimated interest expense by approximately $9.0 as compared to the year ended
January 31, 1993. In addition, the January 31, 1993 operating results were
negatively effected by several charges including provisions for restructuring,
legal settlements and a loss on retirement of debt all aggregating approximately
$90 million on a pre-tax basis.
Although there can be no assurance as to future taxable income, the Company
believes that, based upon the above mentioned events, as well as the Company's
expectation of future taxable income, it is more likely than not that the
recorded deferred tax asset will be realized. In order to realize the net
deferred tax asset currently recorded, Ralphs will need to generate sufficient
future taxable income, assuming current tax rates, of approximately $300.0
million.
At January 30, 1994, the Company has Federal net operating loss (NOL)
carryforwards of approximately $115.0 million and Federal and state Alternative
Minimum Tax Credit carryforwards of approximately $2.1 million which can be used
to offset Federal taxable income and regular taxes payable, respectively. The
NOL carryforwards begin expiring in 2008.
F-19
<PAGE> 141
RALPHS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
(AS SUCCESSOR TO RALPHS GROCERY COMPANY)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
During the past two fiscal years, the Company has generated Federal taxable
losses of approximately $115.0 million versus financial pre-tax losses of
approximately $42.0 million for the same periods. These differences result
principally from excess tax versus financial amortization on certain intangible
assets (excess of cost over net assets acquired), as well as several other
originating temporary differences.
(12) EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Ralphs has a defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all
employees not already covered by collective bargaining agreements with at least
one year of credit service (defined at 1,000 hours). Ralphs' policy is to fund
pension costs at or above the minimum annual requirement.
The following actuarially determined components were included in the net
pension expense:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
52 WEEKS 52 WEEKS 52 WEEKS
ENDED ENDED ENDED
FEBRUARY 2, JANUARY 31, JANUARY 30,
1992 1993 1994
----------- ----------- -----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Service cost...................................... $ 1,806 $ 2,076 $ 2,228
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation..... 2,079 2,471 2,838
Actual return on assets........................... (3,291) (2,794) (2,695)
Net amortization and deferral..................... 992 237 (46)
------- ------- -------
Net pension expense............................. $ 1,586 $ 1,990 $ 2,325
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
The funded status of Ralphs' pension plan, (based on December 31, 1992 and
1993 asset values), is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JANUARY 31, JANUARY 30,
1993 1994
----------- -----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
Actuarial present value of benefit obligations:
Vested benefit obligation................................... $18,608 $29,659
Accumulated benefit obligation.............................. 20,887 29,950
Projected benefit obligation................................ 33,378 42,690
Plan assets at fair value................................... 30,684 32,968
------- -------
Projected benefit obligation in excess of Plan Assets......... (2,694) (9,722)
Unrecognized net gain......................................... (1,959) 4,567
Unrecognized prior service cost............................... 46 (1,778)
Unrecognized net asset........................................ -- --
------- -------
Accrued pension cost........................................ $(4,607) $(6,933)
======= =======
</TABLE>
Service costs for fiscal 1991, 1992 and 1993 were calculated using a rate
of increase in future compensation levels of 6% and discount rate of 8.5%.
Certain assumptions will be revised to reflect future trends in fiscal 1994. The
discount rate will be reduced to 7.75% to reflect current decline in interest
rates and the rate of increase in future compensation levels will be 5% for
fiscal 1994. These changes are not expected to have a material effect on Fiscal
1994 operations. A long-term rate of return on assets of 9% was used for fiscal
1992 and 1993.
Plan assets consist primarily of debt securities, guaranteed interest
contracts and a money market fund. Plan benefits are based primarily on years of
service and on average compensation during the last years of employment.
F-20
<PAGE> 142
RALPHS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
(AS SUCCESSOR TO RALPHS GROCERY COMPANY)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
On February 23, 1990, Ralphs adopted a Supplemental Executive Retirement
Plan covering certain key officers of Ralphs. Earned vested benefits under the
Plan were $4,246,300 at December 31, 1992 and $5,075,000 at December 31, 1993.
Under certain circumstances, the cash surrender value of certain split-dollar
life insurance policies purchased under split-dollar life insurance agreement
will offset Ralphs' obligations under the Supplemental Executive Retirement
Plan.
Ralphs participates in multi-employer pension plans and health and welfare
plans administered by various trustees for substantially all union employees.
Contributions to these plans are based upon negotiated contractual rates. The
United Food and Commercial Workers health and welfare benefit plans were
overfunded and those employers who contributed to these plans are to receive a
pro-rata share of the excess reserve in these health care benefit plans through
a reduction in current maintenance payments. Ralphs share of the excess reserve
was approximately $24.5 million of which $11.8 million was recognized in Fiscal
1993 and the remainder will be recognized in Fiscal 1994. Since employers are
required to make contributions to the benefit funds at whatever level is
necessary to maintain plan benefits, there can be no assurance that plan
maintenance payments will remain at current levels.
The expense related to these plans is summarized as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
52 WEEKS 52 WEEKS 52 WEEKS
ENDED ENDED ENDED
FEBRUARY 2, JANUARY 31, JANUARY 30,
1992 1993 1994
----------- ----------- -----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Multi-employer pension plans...................... $ 7,370 $ 7,973 $17,687
======= ======= =======
Multi-employer health and welfare................. $73,250 $71,183 $45,235
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
Ralphs maintains the Ralphs Grocery Company Savings Plan Plus--Prime and
the Ralphs Grocery Savings Plan Plus -- Basic (collectively referred to as the
"401(k) Plan") covering substantially all employees who are not covered by
collective bargaining agreements and who have at least one year of credited
service (defined at 1,000 hours). The 401(k) Plan provided for both pre-tax and
after-tax contributions by participating employees. With certain limitations,
participants may elect to contribute from 1% to 10% of their annual compensation
on a pre-tax basis to the Plan. Ralphs has committed to match a minimum of 20%
of an employee's contribution to the 401(k) Plan that do not exceed 5% of the
employee's compensation. Expenses under the 401(k) Plan for fiscal 1991, 1992
and 1993 were $377,335, $407,961 and $431,774, respectively.
Ralphs has an executive incentive compensation plan which covers
approximately 39 key employees. Benefits to participants are earned based on a
percentage of base compensation upon attainment of a targeted formula of
earnings. Expense under this plan for fiscal 1991, 1992 and 1993 was $2.4
million, $2.5 million and $2.6 million, respectively. Ralphs has also adopted an
incentive plan for certain members of management. Benefits to participants are
earned based on a percentage of base compensation upon attainment of a targeted
formula of earnings. Expense under this plan for fiscal 1991, 1992 and 1993 was
$2.8 million, $2.8 million and $3.0 million, respectively.
The aforementioned incentive plans may be cancelled by the Board of
Directors at any time.
Ralphs sponsors a postretirement medical benefit plan (Postretirement
Medical Plan) covering substantially all employees who are not members of a
collective bargaining agreement and who retire under certain age and service
requirements.
The Postretirement Medical Plan is a traditional type medical plan
providing outpatient, inpatient and various other covered services. Such
benefits are funded from Ralphs' general assets. The calendar year deductible is
$1,180 per individual, indexed to the Medical Consumer Price Index.
F-21
<PAGE> 143
RALPHS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
(AS SUCCESSOR TO RALPHS GROCERY COMPANY)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
On February 3, 1991, Ralphs adopted Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards (SFAS) 106, "Employees' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits other
Than Pension," which required that the cost of future benefits under the
Postretirement Medical Plan be recognized in the financial statements over an
employee's service with Ralphs. At the beginning of fiscal 1990, Ralphs elected
to immediately recognize the transition obligation in accordance with the
provision of SFAS 106. Previously, expenses were recognized as paid.
The net periodic cost of the Postretirement Medical Plan includes the
following components:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
52 WEEKS 52 WEEKS 52 WEEKS
ENDED ENDED ENDED
FEBRUARY 2, JANUARY 31, JANUARY 30,
1992 1993 1994
----------- ----------- -----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Service cost...................................... $1,323 $1,908 $1,767
Interest cost..................................... 1,304 1,367 1,603
Return on plan assets............................. -- -- --
Net amortization and deferral..................... -- -- --
------ ------ ------
Net postretirement benefit cost................. $2,627 $3,275 $3,370
</TABLE>
The funded status of the postretirement benefit plan is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
52 WEEKS 52 WEEKS
ENDED ENDED
JANUARY 31, JANUARY 30,
1993 1994
----------- -----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation:
Retirees...................................................... $ 2,218 $ 1,237
Fully eligible plan participants.............................. 441 357
Other active plan participants................................ 16,675 16,062
Plan assets at fair value..................................... -- --
------- --------
Funded status................................................. (19,334) (17,656)
Plan assets in excess of projected obligations................ -- --
Unrecognized gain (loss)...................................... 1,694 6,302
Unrecognized prior service cost............................... -- --
-------- --------
Accrued postretirement benefit obligation..................... $(21,028) $(23,958)
======== ========
</TABLE>
Service cost was calculated using a medical cost trend of 10.5% for fiscal
1992 and 1993. Certain assumptions will be revised to reflect future trends. The
discount rate will be reduced to 7.75% in 1994 to reflect current decline in
interest rates. The long term rate of return of plan assets is not applicable as
the plan is not funded.
The effect on a one-percent increase in the medical cost trend would
increase the fiscal 1993 service and interest cost of 24%. The accumulated
postretirement benefit obligation at January 30, 1994 would also increase by
31%.
F-22
<PAGE> 144
RALPHS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
(AS SUCCESSOR TO RALPHS GROCERY COMPANY)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(13) QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED)
Quarterly results for fiscal 1992 and 1993 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXTRAORDINARY
ITEM, NET OF NET
GROSS OPERATING INCOME INCOME TAX EARNINGS/
SALES PROFIT INCOME TAXES BENEFIT (LOSS)
-------- ------ --------- ------- ------------- ---------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
FY 1992 Quarters
12 weeks ended 04/26/92............. $ 677.0 $146.7 $ 35.1 $ 3.9 $ -- $ 2.2
12 weeks ended 07/19/92............. 660.3 143.5 33.0 3.9 -- 1.7
12 weeks ended 10/11/92............. 631.4 137.0 28.8 1.3 (55.8) (58.6)
16 weeks ended 01/31/93............. 875.1 199.4 41.6 (.8) (14.8) (21.4)
-------- ------ ------ ------- ------ ------
Total....................... $2,843.8 $626.6 $138.5 $ 8.3 $(70.6) $(76.1)
======== ====== ====== ======= ====== ======
FY 1993 Quarters
12 weeks ended 04/25/93............. $ 632.4 $142.4 $ 31.4 $ 1.0 $ -- $ 3.9
12 weeks ended 07/18/93............. 629.0 145.2 36.8 (1.0) -- 12.9
12 weeks ended 10/10/93............. 612.8 141.5 31.7 -- -- 7.0
16 weeks ended 01/30/94............. 856.0 207.4 52.2 (108.0) -- 114.6
-------- ------ ------ ------- ------ ------
Total....................... $2,730.2 $636.5 $152.1 $(108.0) $ -- $138.4
======== ====== ====== ======= ====== ======
</TABLE>
(14) SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
36 WEEKS
52 WEEKS 52 WEEKS 52 WEEKS ENDED 36 WEEKS
ENDED ENDED ENDED OCTOBER ENDED
FEBRUARY 2, JANUARY 31, JANUARY 30, 10, OCTOBER 9,
1992 1993 1994 1993 1994
----------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Supplemental cash flow disclosures:
Interest paid, net of amounts
capitalized........................... $115,159 $118,391 $93,738 $65,148 $65,969
Income taxes paid........................ $ 12,643 $ 7,169 $ 2,423 $ 2,196 $ 4,750
Capital lease assets and obligations
assumed............................... $ 3,847 $ -- $15,395 $ 92 $17,630
</TABLE>
(15) STOCK OPTION PLAN
On February 3, 1992, 3,162,235 options for Common Stock of the Company were
granted under the Ralphs Non-qualified Stock Option Plan. All options were
vested, but not exercisable, on the date of the grant. Options granted to
certain officers become exercisable at the rate of 20% on each September 30 of
calendar years 1992 through 1996. Options granted to other officers become
exercisable as to 10% of the grant on each of September 30, 1992 and 1993, 15%
on each of September 30, 1994 through September 30, 1997, and 20% on September
20, 1998.
F-23
<PAGE> 145
RALPHS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
(AS SUCCESSOR TO RALPHS GROCERY COMPANY)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
The following table summarizes the Ralphs Non-qualified Stock Option Plan.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF PRICE
OPTIONS RANGE
--------- ------
<S> <C> <C>
Options Outstanding at January 30, 1994:
Beginning of year............................................. 3,162,235 $20.21
Granted....................................................... -- --
Exercised..................................................... -- --
Cancelled..................................................... -- --
Expired....................................................... -- --
End of year................................................ 3,162,235 $20.21
--------- ------
Exercisable at end of year...................................... 811,760 --
--------- ------
Available for grant at end of year.............................. -- --
--------- ------
Options Outstanding at January 31, 1993:
Beginning of year............................................. -- --
Granted....................................................... 3,162,235 $20.21
Exercised..................................................... -- --
Cancelled..................................................... -- --
Expired....................................................... -- --
--------- ------
End of year................................................ 3,162,235 $20.21
--------- ------
Exercisable at end of year...................................... 405,880 --
--------- ------
Available for grant at end of year.............................. -- --
--------- ------
</TABLE>
The option price for outstanding options at January 30, 1994 assumes a
grant date fair market value of Common Stock of the Company equal to $20.21 per
share, which represents the high end of a range of estimated values of the
Common Stock of the Company on February 3, 1992, the date of the grant.
(16) SUBSEQUENT EVENT (UNAUDITED)
On September 14, 1994 Ralphs entered into a definitive Agreement and Plan
of Merger (the "Merger") with Food 4 Less, Inc. ("FFL"), Food 4 Less Holdings
("FFL Holdings") and Food 4 Less Supermarkets, Inc. ("FFL Supermarkets").
Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, Ralphs will merge with FFL
Supermarkets and become a wholly-owned subsidiary of FFL Holdings. Conditions to
the consummation of the Merger include, among other things, receipt of
regulatory approvals and other necessary consents and the completion of
financing for the transactions. The consideration price paid for the Company
approximates $1.5 billion, including assumption of debt.
Upon the effectiveness of the Merger, each outstanding share of common
stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Ralphs will be converted into and become a
right to receive (a) approximately $16.61 in cash and (b) approximately $3.91
principal amount of 13% Senior Subordinated Pay-In Kind Debentures due 2006
issued by FFL Holdings (the "Debentures"). This represents aggregate
consideration, payable to the stockholders of the Company of $425 million in
cash and $100 million initial principal amount of Debentures.
F-24
<PAGE> 146
RALPHS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
(AS SUCCESSOR TO RALPHS GROCERY COMPANY)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
Upon consummation of the Merger, the operations and activities of Ralphs
will be significantly impacted due to conversions of some existing stores to
Food 4 Less warehouse stores as well as the consolidation of various operating
functions and departments. This consolidation may result in a restructuring
charge for the merged entity. The amount of the restructuring charge is not
presently determinable due to various factors, including uncertainties inherent
in the completion of the Merger; however, the restructuring charge may be
material in relation to the stockholders' equity and financial position of
Ralphs at January 30, 1994 and to the merged entity.
F-25
<PAGE> 147
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors and
Stockholder of Food 4 Less Supermarkets, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Food 4 Less
Supermarkets, Inc. (a Delaware corporation) and subsidiaries (the Company) as of
June 26, 1993 and June 25, 1994, and the related consolidated statements of
operations, stockholder's equity and cash flows for the 52 weeks ended June 27,
1992, the 52 weeks ended June 26, 1993, and the 52 weeks ended June 25, 1994.
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based
on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Food 4 Less
Supermarkets, Inc. and subsidiaries as of June 26, 1993 and June 25, 1994, and
the results of their operations and their cash flows for the 52 weeks ended June
27, 1992, the 52 weeks ended June 26, 1993, and the 52 weeks ended June 25, 1994
in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Los Angeles, California
July 29, 1994 (except with respect
to the matter discussed in
Note 14, as to which the date is
September 14, 1994, and with respect to
the matter discussed in Note 15, as to
which the date is October 14, 1994)
F-26
<PAGE> 148
FOOD 4 LESS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JUNE 26, JUNE 25, SEPTEMBER 17,
1993 1994 1994
-------- -------- -------------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents.............................. $ 25,089 $ 32,996 $ 29,388
Trade receivables, less allowances of $1,919, $1,386
and $1,318 at June 26, 1993, June 25, 1994 and
September 17, 1994, respectively.................... 22,048 25,039 24,331
Notes and other receivables............................ 1,278 1,312 1,094
Inventories............................................ 191,467 212,892 210,548
Patronage receivables from suppliers................... 2,680 2,875 3,998
Prepaid expenses and other............................. 6,011 6,323 9,437
-------- -------- --------
Total current assets........................... 248,573 281,437 278,796
INVESTMENTS IN AND NOTES RECEIVABLE FROM SUPPLIER
COOPERATIVES:
A.W.G.................................................. 6,693 6,718 6,718
Certified and Other.................................... 6,657 5,984 5,952
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:
Land................................................... 23,912 23,488 23,488
Buildings.............................................. 12,827 12,827 12,827
Leasehold improvements................................. 81,049 97,673 101,634
Store equipment and fixtures........................... 129,178 148,249 150,851
Transportation equipment............................... 31,758 32,259 32,306
Construction in progress............................... 757 12,641 20,369
Leased property under capital leases................... 77,553 78,222 78,222
Leasehold interests.................................... 93,863 93,464 93,473
-------- -------- --------
450,897 498,823 513,170
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization........ 96,948 134,089 143,135
-------- -------- --------
Net property and equipment.......................... 353,949 364,734 370,035
OTHER ASSETS:
Deferred financing costs, less accumulated amortization
of $11,611, $17,083 and $18,382 at June 26, 1993,
June 25, 1994 and September 17, 1994,
respectively........................................ 33,778 28,536 27,245
Goodwill, less accumulated amortization of $26,254,
$33,945 and $35,732 at June 26, 1993, June 25, 1994
and September 17, 1994, respectively................ 280,895 267,884 266,097
Other, net............................................. 27,295 24,787 23,643
-------- -------- --------
$957,840 $980,080 $978,486
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-27
<PAGE> 149
FOOD 4 LESS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JUNE 26, JUNE 25, SEPTEMBER 17,
1993 1994 1994
-------- -------- -------------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable....................................... $140,468 $180,708 $ 176,148
Accrued payroll and related liabilities................ 40,319 42,805 43,767
Accrued interest....................................... 5,293 5,474 14,310
Other accrued liabilities.............................. 40,467 53,910 48,782
Income taxes payable................................... 2,053 2,000 1,249
Current portion of self-insurance liabilities.......... 23,552 29,492 29,492
Current portion of long-term debt...................... 12,778 18,314 19,566
Current portion of obligations under capital leases.... 2,865 3,616 3,612
-------- -------- ---------
Total current liabilities................................ 267,795 336,319 336,926
LONG-TERM DEBT........................................... 335,576 310,944 311,457
OBLIGATIONS UNDER CAPITAL LEASES......................... 41,864 39,998 39,186
SENIOR SUBORDINATED DEBT................................. 145,000 145,000 145,000
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES.................................... 22,429 14,740 14,740
SELF-INSURANCE LIABILITIES AND OTHER..................... 72,313 64,058 65,503
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES............................ -- -- --
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY:
Cumulative convertible preferred stock, $.01 par value,
200,000 shares authorized and 50,000 shares issued
at June 26, 1993, June 25, 1994 and September 17,
1994 (aggregate liquidation value of $53.8 million,
$62.2 million and $64.4 million at June 26, 1993,
June 25, 1994 and September 17, 1994,
respectively)....................................... 50,230 58,997 61,373
Common stock, $.01 par value, 1,600,000 shares
authorized and 1,519,632 shares issued at June 26,
1993, June 25, 1994 and September 17, 1994.......... 15 15 15
Additional paid-in capital............................. 107,650 107,650 107,650
Notes receivable from shareholders of parent........... (714) (586) (586)
Retained deficit....................................... (83,119) (94,586) (100,309)
-------- -------- ---------
74,062 71,490 68,143
Treasury stock: 13,249 shares, 16,732 shares and 16,732
shares of common stock at June 26, 1993, June 25,
1994 and September 17, 1994, respectively........... (1,199) (2,469) (2,469)
-------- -------- ---------
Total stockholder's equity..................... 72,863 69,021 65,674
-------- -------- ---------
$957,840 $980,080 $ 978,486
======== ======== =========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-28
<PAGE> 150
FOOD 4 LESS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FIFTY-TWO FIFTY-TWO FIFTY-TWO TWELVE WEEKS TWELVE WEEKS
WEEKS ENDED WEEKS ENDED WEEKS ENDED ENDED ENDED
JUNE 27, JUNE 26, JUNE 25, SEPTEMBER 18, SEPTEMBER 17,
1992 1993 1994 1993 1994
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- -------------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
SALES...................................... $2,913,493 $2,742,027 $2,585,160 $ 616,616 $ 598,698
COST OF SALES (including purchases from
related parties of $277,812, $204,028,
$175,929, $47,607 and $41,165 for the 52
weeks ended June 27, 1992, June 26, 1993,
and June 25, 1994, and for the 12 weeks
ended September 18, 1993 and September
17, 1994, respectively).................. 2,392,655 2,257,835 2,115,842 504,269 495,656
---------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------
GROSS PROFIT............................... 520,838 484,192 469,318 112,347 103,042
SELLING, GENERAL, ADMINISTRATIVE AND OTHER,
NET...................................... 469,751 434,908 388,836 95,694 88,152
AMORTIZATION OF EXCESS COST OVER NET ASSETS
ACQUIRED................................. 7,795 7,571 7,691 1,772 1,787
---------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------
OPERATING INCOME........................... 43,292 41,713 72,791 14,881 13,103
INTEREST EXPENSE:
Interest expense, excluding amortization
of deferred financing costs........... 63,907 64,831 62,778 14,491 14,709
Amortization of deferred financing
costs................................. 6,304 4,901 5,472 1,239 1,299
---------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------
70,211 69,732 68,250 15,730 16,008
LOSS (GAIN) ON DISPOSAL OF ASSETS.......... (1,364) (2,083) 37 (37) (458)
PROVISION FOR EARTHQUAKE LOSSES............ -- -- 4,504 -- --
---------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------
LOSS BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES AND
EXTRAORDINARY CHARGES.................... (25,555) (25,936) -- (812) (2,447)
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES................. 3,441 1,427 2,700 300 900
---------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------
LOSS BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY CHARGES.......... (28,996) (27,363) (2,700) (1,112) (3,347)
EXTRAORDINARY CHARGES:
Loss on extinguishment of debt, net of
income tax benefit of $2,484.......... 6,716 -- -- -- --
Gain on partially depreciated assets
replaced by insurance companies, net
of income tax expense of $702......... (1,898) -- -- -- --
---------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------
NET LOSS................................... $ (33,814) $ (27,363) $ (2,700) $ (1,112) $ (3,347)
========== ========== ========== ========= =========
PREFERRED STOCK ACCRETION.................. -- 3,882 8,767 2,023 2,376
LOSS APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHARES........... $ (33,814) $ (31,245) $ (11,467) $ (3,135) $ (5,723)
========== ========== ========== ========= =========
LOSS PER COMMON SHARE:
Loss before extraordinary charges........ $ (20.74) $ (21.52) $ (7.63) $ (2.08) $ (3.81)
Extraordinary charges.................... (3.45) -- -- -- --
---------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------
Net loss................................. $ (24.19) $ (21.52) $ (7.63) $ (2.08) $ (3.81)
========== ========== ========== ========= =========
Average Number of Common Shares
Outstanding........................... 1,397,939 1,452,184 1,503,828 1,505,004 1,502,900
========== ========== ========== ========= =========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-29
<PAGE> 151
FOOD 4 LESS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FIFTY-TWO FIFTY-TWO FIFTY-TWO TWELVE TWELVE
WEEKS ENDED WEEKS ENDED WEEKS ENDED WEEKS ENDED WEEKS ENDED
JUNE 27, JUNE 26, JUNE 25, SEPTEMBER 18, SEPTEMBER 17,
1992 1993 1994 1993 1994
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- -------------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CASH PROVIDED (USED) BY OPERATING
ACTIVITIES:
Cash received from customers............ $ 2,913,493 $ 2,742,027 $ 2,585,160 $ 616,616 $ 598,698
Cash paid to suppliers and employees.... (2,752,442) (2,711,779) (2,441,353) (586,745) (582,504)
Interest paid........................... (56,234) (58,807) (56,762) (4,367) (5,873)
Income taxes (paid) refunded............ (4,665) 2,971 (247) 1,289 (1,651)
Interest received....................... 1,266 993 903 202 688
Other, net.............................. 4,734 8,093 121 2,093 140
----------- ----------- ----------- --------- ---------
NET CASH PROVIDED (USED) BY OPERATING
ACTIVITIES.............................. 106,152 (16,502) 87,822 29,088 9,498
CASH PROVIDED (USED) BY INVESTING
ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from sale of property and
equipment............................ 17,395 15,685 11,953 2,486 2,703
Payment for purchase of property and
equipment............................ (60,263) (53,467) (57,471) (6,585) (16,750)
Proceeds (payment) for sale (purchase)
of other assets...................... (4,754) (18) 813 -- --
Business acquisition costs, net of cash
acquired............................. (27,563) -- (11,050) -- --
Receivable received from seller of
business acquired.................... 12,259 -- -- -- --
Other, net.............................. -- -- -- 799 --
----------- ----------- ----------- --------- ---------
NET CASH USED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES..... (62,926) (37,800) (55,755) (3,300) (14,047)
CASH PROVIDED (USED) BY FINANCING
ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term
debt................................. 177,500 26,557 28 -- --
Net increase (decrease) in revolving
loan................................. (23,900) 4,900 (4,900) (4,900) 6,100
Payments of long-term debt.............. (184,389) (14,319) (14,224) (1,955) (4,335)
Proceeds from the issuance of preferred
stock................................ -- 46,348 -- -- --
Proceeds from issuance of common stock,
net.................................. 341 3,652 -- -- --
Purchase of treasury stock, net......... (313) (545) (1,192) -- --
Payments of capital lease obligation.... (2,814) (2,840) (3,693) (667) (816)
Deferred financing costs and other...... (6,656) (8,839) (179) (214) (8)
----------- ----------- ----------- --------- ---------
NET CASH PROVIDED (USED) BY FINANCING
ACTIVITIES.............................. (40,231) 54,914 (24,160) (7,736) 941
----------- ----------- ----------- --------- ---------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH
EQUIVALENTS............................. 2,995 612 7,907 18,052 (3,608)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD.................. 21,482 24,477 25,089 25,089 32,996
----------- ----------- ----------- --------- ---------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
AT END OF PERIOD........................ $ 24,477 $ 25,089 $ 32,996 $ 43,141 $ 29,388
=========== =========== =========== ========= =========
</TABLE>
F-30
<PAGE> 152
FOOD 4 LESS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FIFTY-TWO FIFTY-TWO FIFTY-TWO TWELVE TWELVE
WEEKS ENDED WEEKS ENDED WEEKS ENDED WEEKS ENDED WEEKS ENDED
JUNE 27, JUNE 26, JUNE 25, SEPTEMBER 18, SEPTEMBER 17,
1992 1993 1994 1993 1994
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------- -------------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
RECONCILIATION OF NET LOSS TO NET CASH
PROVIDED (USED) BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss................................ $(33,814) $(27,363) $ (2,700) $(1,112) $(3,347)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net
cash provided (used) by operating
activities:
Depreciation and amortization........ 61,181 62,541 62,555 14,263 14,301
Extraordinary charge................. 4,818 -- --
Loss (gain) on sale of assets........ (1,364) (4,613) 65 (37) (458)
Equity loss on investments in
supplier cooperative............... 472 207 -- -- 32
Change in assets and liabilities, net
of effects from acquisition of
businesses:
Accounts and notes receivable...... (7,688) 17,145 (3,220) (5,777) (197)
Inventories........................ 202 17,697 (17,125) 7,562 2,344
Prepaid expenses and other......... (2,834) (6,163) (5,717) (3,213) (3,982)
Accounts payable and accrued
liabilities..................... 71,369 (83,286) 55,301 14,573 (1,945)
Self-insurance liabilities......... 15,034 2,935 (3,790) 1,240 3,501
Deferred income taxes.............. 2,033 4,004 2,506 1,289 --
Income taxes payable............... (3,257) 394 (53) 300 (751)
-------- -------- -------- ------- -------
Total adjustments.................... 139,966 10,861 90,522 30,200 12,845
-------- -------- -------- ------- -------
NET CASH PROVIDED (USED) BY OPERATING
ACTIVITIES.............................. $106,152 $(16,502) $ 87,822 $29,088 $ 9,498
======== ======== ======== ======= =======
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NONCASH INVESTING
AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of property and equipment
through issuance of capital lease
obligation........................... -- -- $ 2,575 -- --
======== ======== ======== ======= =======
Reduction of goodwill and deferred
income taxes......................... -- -- $ 9,896 -- --
======== ======== ======== ======= =======
Acquisition of businesses:
Fair value of assets acquired........ -- -- $ 11,241 -- --
Net cash paid in acquisition......... -- -- (11,050) -- --
-------- -------- -------- ------- -------
Liabilities assumed.................. -- -- $ 191 -- --
======== ======== ======== ======= =======
Final purchase price allocation for the
Alpha Beta Acquisition:
Property and equipment valuation
adjustment......................... $ 44,231 -- -- -- --
======== ======== ======== ======= =======
Additional acquisition liabilities... $ 14,305 -- -- -- --
======== ======== ======== ======= =======
Deferred tax benefit................. $ 12,800 -- -- -- --
======== ======== ======== ======= =======
Accretion of preferred stock............ $ -- $ 3,882 $ 8,767 $ 2,023 $ 2,376
======== ======== ======== ======= =======
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-31
<PAGE> 153
FOOD 4 LESS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PREFERRED STOCK COMMON STOCK TREASURY STOCK
---------------- ------------------ ----------------- TOTAL
NUMBER NUMBER NUMBER SHARE- ADD'L STOCK-
OF OF OF HOLDERS' PAID-IN RETAINED HOLDER'S
SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT NOTES CAPITAL (DEFICIT) EQUITY
------ ------- --------- ------ ------- ------- -------- -------- --------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCES AT JUNE 29,
1991................... -- $ -- 1,396,878 $14 (1,250) $ (125) $(930) $103,658 $ (18,060) $ 84,557
Net loss............... -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- (33,814) (33,814)
Issuance of Common
Stock................ -- -- 1,636 -- -- -- (190) 341 -- 151
Purchase of Treasury
Stock................ -- -- -- -- (3,947) (463) 131 -- -- (332)
Sale of Treasury
Stock................ -- -- -- -- 1,560 159 (50) -- -- 109
Payments of
Shareholders'
Notes................ -- -- -- -- -- -- 100 -- -- 100
------ ------- --------- --- ------- ------- -------- -------- --------- --------
BALANCES AT JUNE 27,
1992................... -- -- 1,398,514 14 (3,637) (429) (939) 103,999 (51,874) 50,771
Net loss............... -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- (27,363) (27,363)
Issuance of Common
Stock................ -- -- 121,118 1 -- -- -- 3,651 -- 3,652
Purchase of Treasury
Stock................ -- -- -- -- (9,612) (770) 225 -- -- (545)
Issuance of Cumulative
Convertible Preferred
Stock................ 50,000 46,348 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 46,348
Accretion of Preferred
Stock................ -- 3,882 -- -- -- -- -- -- (3,882) --
------ ------- --------- --- ------- ------- -------- -------- --------- --------
BALANCES AT JUNE 26,
1993................... 50,000 50,230 1,519,632 15 (13,249) (1,199) (714) 107,650 (83,119) 72,863
Net loss............... -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- (2,700) (2,700)
Purchase of Treasury
Stock................ -- -- -- -- (3,483) (1,270) 78 -- -- (1,192)
Payments of
Shareholders'
Notes................ -- -- -- -- -- -- 50 -- -- 50
Accretion of Preferred
Stock................ -- 8,767 -- -- -- -- -- -- (8,767) --
------ ------- --------- --- ------- ------- -------- -------- --------- --------
BALANCES AT JUNE 25,
1994................... 50,000 58,997 1,519,632 15 (16,732) (2,469) (586) 107,650 (94,586) 69,021
Net loss (unaudited)... -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- (3,347) (3,347)
Accretion of Preferred
Stock (unaudited).... -- 2,376 -- -- -- -- -- -- (2,376) --
------ ------- --------- --- ------- ------- -------- -------- --------- --------
BALANCES AT SEPTEMBER 17,
1994 (unaudited)....... 50,000 $61,373 1,519,632 $15 (16,732) $(2,469) $(586) $107,650 $(100,309) $ 65,674
====== ======= ========= === ======== ======= ===== ======== ========= ========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-32
<PAGE> 154
FOOD 4 LESS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(1) ORGANIZATION AND ACQUISITIONS
Food 4 Less Supermarkets, Inc. (the "Company"), a wholly-owned subsidiary
of Food 4 Less Holdings, Inc. ("Holdings"), is a multiple format supermarket
operator that tailors its retail strategy to the particular needs of the
individual communities it serves. Holdings is a majority-owned subsidiary of
Food 4 Less, Inc. ("FFL"). The Company operates in three geographic areas:
Southern California, Northern California and certain areas of the Midwest. The
Company has three first-tier subsidiaries: Cala Co. ("Cala"), Falley's, Inc.
("Falley's") and Food 4 Less of Southern California, Inc. ("F4L-SoCal"),
formerly known as Breco Holding Company, Inc. ("BHC"). Cala Foods, Inc. ("Cala
Foods") and Bell Markets, Inc. ("Bell") are subsidiaries of Cala, and Alpha Beta
Company ("Alpha Beta") is a subsidiary of F4L-SoCal.
(a) Acquisitions
On March 29, 1994, the Company purchased certain operating assets formerly
owned by Food Barn Stores, Inc. (the "Food Barn Stores") from Associated
Wholesale Grocers, Inc. ("AWG") (the "Food Barn Acquisition") for $11,241,000
(including acquisition costs of $180,000). The financial statements reflect the
preliminary allocation of the purchase price as the purchase price allocation
has not been finalized. The effect of the acquisition was not material to the
Company's financial position and results of operations. Falley's has agreed to
purchase merchandise (as defined) for the Food Barn Stores from AWG through
March 24, 2001. Falley's has pledged its patronage dividends and notes
receivable from AWG as security under this supply agreement.
On June 17, 1991, the Company acquired all of the common stock of Alpha
Beta for $270,513,000 (including acquisition costs of $41,477,000) in a
transaction accounted for as a purchase.
In January 1990, the Company purchased certain operating assets of ABC
Market Corp. ("ABC") for $14,675,000, plus approximately $1,000,000 in fees and
expenses.
On June 30, 1989, the Company acquired Bell for approximately $13,700,000,
which includes $8,000,000 of notes and the assumption of Bell's long-term debt.
The transaction was accounted for as a purchase. Certified Grocers of
California, Ltd. ("Certified") has guaranteed up to $4,000,000 of notes issued
by the Company to the seller in connection with the purchase and the performance
of a lease.
(2) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(a) Business
The Company is engaged primarily in the operation of retail supermarkets.
(b) Basis of Presentation
Principles of Consolidation. The accompanying consolidated financial
statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned
subsidiaries. The results of operations of Alpha Beta, F4L-SoCal (BHC), Bell,
ABC and the Food Barn Stores have been excluded from the consolidated financial
statements prior to their respective acquisition dates. The excess of the
purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired is classified as
goodwill. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Interim Financial Statements. The consolidated balance sheet of the Company
as of September 17, 1994 and the consolidated statements of operations and cash
flows for the interim periods ended September 17, 1994 and September 18, 1993
are unaudited, but include all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring
accruals) which the Company considers necessary for a fair presentation of its
consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows for these
periods. These interim financial statements do not include all disclosures
required by generally accepted accounting principles, and, therefore, should be
read in conjunction
F-33
<PAGE> 155
FOOD 4 LESS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
with the Company's financial statements and notes thereto included herein.
Results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the
results for a full fiscal year.
(c) Fiscal Years
The Company's fiscal year is the 52 or 53-week period which ends on the
last Saturday in June. Fiscal years 1994, 1993, and 1992 include 52 weeks.
(d) Cash and Cash Equivalents
For purposes of the statements of cash flows, the Company considers all
highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or
less to be cash equivalents.
(e) Inventories
Inventories, which consist of grocery products, are stated at the lower of
cost or market. Cost has been principally determined using the last-in,
first-out ("LIFO") method. If inventories had been valued using the first-in,
first-out ("FIFO") method, inventories would have been higher by $13,103,000,
$13,802,000 and $14,822,000 (unaudited) at June 26, 1993, June 25, 1994 and
September 17, 1994, respectively, and gross profit and operating income would
have been greater by $3,554,000, $4,441,000, $699,000, $1,011,000 (unaudited)
and $1,020,000 (unaudited) for the 52 weeks ended June 27, 1992, the 52 weeks
ended June 26, 1993, the 52 weeks ended June 25, 1994, the 12 weeks ended
September 18, 1993, and the 12 weeks ended September 17, 1994, respectively.
(f) Pre-opening Costs
The costs associated with opening new stores are deferred and amortized
over one year following the opening of each new store.
(g) Closed Store Reserves
When a store is closed, the Company provides a reserve for the net book
value of any store assets, net of salvage value, and the net present value of
the remaining lease obligation, net of sublease income. For the 52 weeks ended
June 27, 1992, the 52 weeks ended June 26, 1993, the 52 weeks ended June 25,
1994, the 12 weeks ended September 18, 1993 and the 12 weeks ended September 17,
1994, utilization of this reserve was $4.0 million, $2.4 million, $1.1 million,
$0.2 million (unaudited) and $0.2 million (unaudited), respectively.
(h) Investments in Supplier Cooperatives
The investment in Certified is accounted for on the cost method. There are
certain restrictions on the sale of this investment.
(i) Investment in Food 4 Less of Modesto, Inc.
During the 52 weeks ended June 26, 1993, the Company sold its 20%
investment in Food 4 Less of Modesto, Inc. ("Modesto") for gross proceeds of
$4.5 million, which included a $1.5 million note receivable, resulting in a gain
of $2.5 million. The Company previously accounted for this investment using the
cost method.
F-34
<PAGE> 156
FOOD 4 LESS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(j) Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost and are depreciated principally
using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Buildings and improvements.................. 5-40 years
Equipment and fixtures...................... 3-10 years
Property under capital leases and leasehold
interests................................. 3-45 years (lease term)
</TABLE>
(k) Deferred Financing Costs
Costs incurred in connection with the issuance of debt are amortized over
the term of the related debt using the effective interest method.
(l) Goodwill and Covenants Not to Compete
The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets of
businesses acquired is amortized on a straight-line basis over 40 years
beginning at the date of acquisition. Covenants not to compete, which are
included in Other Assets, are amortized on a straight-line basis over the term
of the covenant.
Current and undiscounted future operating cash flows are compared to
current and undiscounted future goodwill amortization to determine if an
impairment of goodwill has occurred and is continuing. As of June 25, 1994, no
impairment exists.
(m) Income Taxes
On June 27, 1993, the Company prospectively adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 109 (SFAS 109), Accounting for Income Taxes. SFAS 109
is an asset and liability approach that requires the recognition of deferred tax
assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that
have been recognized in the Company's financial statements or tax returns. In
estimating future tax consequences, SFAS 109 generally considers all expected
future events other than enactments of changes in the tax law or rates.
Previously, the Company used the SFAS 96 asset and liability approach that gave
no recognition to future events other than the recovery of assets and settlement
of liabilities at their carrying amounts.
Under SFAS 109, the Company recognizes to a greater degree the future tax
benefits of expenses which have been recognized in the financial statements.
The implementation of SFAS No. 109 did not have a material effect on the
accompanying consolidated financial statements.
(n) Notes Receivable from Shareholders of Parent
Notes receivable from shareholders of parent represent loans to employees
of the Company for purchases of Holdings' stock. The notes are due over various
periods, bear interest at the prime rate, and are secured by each shareholder's
shares of common stock.
(o) Self-Insurance
Certain of the Company's subsidiaries are self-insured for a portion of
workers' compensation, general liability and automobile accident claims. The
Company establishes reserves based on an independent actuary's review of claims
filed and an estimate of claims incurred but not yet filed.
F-35
<PAGE> 157
FOOD 4 LESS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(p) Discounts and Promotional Allowances
Promotional allowances and vendor discounts are recorded as a reduction of
cost of sales in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Allowance proceeds received in advance are deferred and recognized over the
period earned.
(q) Provision for Earthquake Losses
On January 17, 1994, Southern California was struck by a major earthquake
which resulted in the temporary closing of 31 of the Company's stores. The
closures were caused primarily by loss of electricity, water, inventory, or
structural damage. All but one of the closed stores reopened within a week of
the earthquake. The final closed store reopened on March 24, 1994. The Company
is insured against earthquake losses (including business interruption), subject
to certain deductibles. The pre-tax financial impact, net of insurance claims,
was approximately $4.5 million. At June 25, 1994, the Company had received all
expected insurance proceeds related to this claim.
(r) Extraordinary Items
For the 52 weeks ended June 27, 1992, the Company classified the write-off
of deferred financing costs associated with the early extinguishment of debt as
an extraordinary item. For the 52 weeks ended June 27, 1992, the Company also
classified the difference between the net book value and replacement cost of
property and equipment destroyed during the April 1992 civil unrest in Los
Angeles and replaced by insurance companies as an extraordinary item. Proceeds
received from insurance companies for business interruption related to the civil
unrest are included as a component of selling, general, administrative and other
expenses.
(s) Loss Per Common Share
Loss per common share is computed based on the weighted average number of
shares outstanding during the applicable period. Fully diluted loss per share
has been omitted as it is anti-dilutive for all periods presented.
(t) Reclassifications
Certain prior period amounts in the consolidated financial statements have
been reclassified to conform to the June 25, 1994 presentation.
(3) PREFERRED STOCK
On December 31, 1992, the Company issued 50,000 shares of $.01 par value
Series A cumulative convertible preferred stock (the "Preferred Stock") with a
liquidation value of $1,000 per share and 121,118 shares of its $.01 par value
common stock (the "Common Stock") to its parent company, Food 4 Less Holdings,
Inc. ("Holdings") in exchange for gross proceeds of $50.0 million. The Preferred
Stock is convertible into common stock at the option of the holder based upon a
conversion price which results in a one-for-one exchange. The Preferred Stock
has a stated dividend rate of $152.50 per share, per annum, and is
anti-dilutive. The Company may pay dividends on or before December 31, 1997 only
by issuing additional shares of Preferred Stock. The Company may redeem the
Preferred Stock at any time after December 31, 1997 for its liquidation value.
At June 25, 1994, the Company had accrued approximately $12,649,000 for the
Preferred Stock dividends earned but not yet declared.
In order to finance the purchase of the Preferred and Common Stock from the
Company, Holdings issued $103.6 million aggregate principal amount of 15.25%
Senior Discount Notes due 2004 (the "Holdings
F-36
<PAGE> 158
FOOD 4 LESS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
Notes") and 121,118 Common Stock Purchase Warrants (the "Warrants") for gross
proceeds of $50.0 million. No cash interest is payable on the Notes until June
15, 1998.
At the present time, Holdings has no other income or assets other than its
investment in the Company's Common and Preferred Stock and intends to service
the interest payments on the Holdings Notes when they become payable in cash (in
fiscal 1998) through dividends it receives on the Company's capital stock.
(4) LONG-TERM DEBT AND SENIOR SUBORDINATED DEBT
The Company's long-term debt is summarized as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JUNE 26, JUNE 25,
1993 1994
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Bank Term Loan, principal due quarterly through January
1999, with interest payable monthly in arrears........ $148,478,000 $137,064,000
10.45 percent Senior Notes principal due 2000 with
interest payable semi-annually in arrears............. 175,000,000 175,000,000
Revolving Loan.......................................... 4,900,000 --
10.625 percent first real estate mortgage due 1998,
$12,000 of principal plus interest payable monthly
secured by land and building with a net book value of
$2,122,000............................................ 1,558,000 1,521,000
9.2 to 9.25 percent notes payable, collateralized by
equipment, due September 1994, $67,000 of principal
plus interest payable monthly, plus balloon payment of
$992,000.............................................. 1,772,000 1,103,000
10.8 percent notes payable, collateralized by equipment,
due September 1995, $72,000 of principal plus interest
payable monthly, plus balloon payment of $1,004,000... 2,447,000 1,819,000
10.0 percent secured promissory note, collateralized by
the stock of Bell, due 1996, interest payable
quarterly through June 1996........................... 8,000,000 8,000,000
10.08 percent notes payable, collateralized by
equipment, due November 1996, $34,000 of principal
plus interest payable monthly, plus balloon payment of
$493,000.............................................. 1,515,000 1,242,000
10.15 percent notes payable, collateralized by
equipment, due December 1996, $45,000 of principal and
interest payable monthly, plus balloon payment of
$640,000.............................................. 1,994,000 1,675,000
10.0 percent real estate mortgage due 2000, $8,000 of
principal and interest payable monthly................ 474,000 419,000
Other long-term debt.................................... 2,216,000 1,415,000
------------ ------------
348,354,000 329,258,000
Less -- current portion................................. 12,778,000 18,314,000
------------ ------------
$335,576,000 $310,944,000
============ ============
</TABLE>
In June 1991, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into a
Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") with certain banks, comprised of a
$315,000,000 Term Loan (the "Bank Term Loan") facility, a $70,000,000 Revolving
Loan (the "Revolving Loan") facility and a $55,000,000 standby letter of credit
facility (the "Letter of Credit Facility"). At June 25, 1994, $137,064,000 was
outstanding under the Bank Term Loan, there were no borrowings outstanding under
the Revolving Loan and $48,131,000 of standby letters of credit had been issued
on behalf of the Company. A commitment fee of 1/2 of 1 percent is charged on the
average daily unused portion of the Revolving Loan and the Letter of Credit
Facility; such commitment fees are due quarterly in arrears. Interest on
borrowings under the Bank Term Loan is at the bank's Base Rate (as defined) plus
1.25 percent or the Eurodollar Rate (as defined) plus 2.5 percent. At June 25,
1994, the
F-37
<PAGE> 159
FOOD 4 LESS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
weighted average interest rate on the Bank Term Loan was 6.5 percent. In
accordance with certain requirements of the Credit Agreement, the Company
purchased an interest rate cap for a principal amount of approximately $91.4
million on the three-month Libor rate at 5.5% which expires on January 3, 1995.
Quarterly principal installments on the Bank Term Loan continue to December
1998, with $15,580,000 payable in fiscal year 1995, $21,245,000 payable in
fiscal year 1996, $22,661,000 payable in fiscal 1997, $40,489,000 payable in
fiscal 1998, and $37,089,000 payable in fiscal 1999. Interest on borrowings
under the Revolving Loan is at the bank's Base Rate (as defined) plus 1.25
percent. At June 25, 1994, the interest rate on the Revolving Loan was 8.5
percent. To the extent borrowings under the Revolving Loan are not paid earlier,
they are due in June 1996. The common stock of F4L-SoCal, Falley's, Cala and
certain of their direct and indirect subsidiaries has been pledged as security
under the Credit Agreement.
In April 1992, the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries issued
$175,000,000 of 10.45 percent Senior Notes (the "Senior Notes"). These notes are
due in two equal sinking fund payments on April 15, 1999 and 2000. They are
general unsecured obligations of the Company and rank senior in right of payment
to all subordinated indebtedness (as defined). The Senior Notes rank "pari
passu" in right of payment with all borrowings and other obligations of the
Company under its bank Credit Agreement; however, the obligations under the
Credit Agreement are secured by substantially all the assets of the Company and
its subsidiaries. The Senior Notes may be redeemed beginning in 1996 at 104.5
percent, declining ratably to 100 percent in 1999. The proceeds received, net of
issuance costs, were used to pay down borrowings under the Bank Term Loan.
Deferred financing costs related to the portion of the Bank Term Loan that was
retired of $6.7 million, net of related tax benefit of $2.5 million, are
classified as an extraordinary item in the Company's consolidated statement of
operations for the 52 weeks ended June 27, 1992.
Scheduled maturities of principal of Long-Term Debt at June 25, 1994 are as
follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1995................................................... $ 18,314,000
1996................................................... 23,384,000
1997................................................... 32,322,000
1998................................................... 40,701,000
1999................................................... 124,823,000
Later years............................................ 89,714,000
------------
$329,258,000
============
</TABLE>
The Company issued $145,000,000 principal amount of Senior Subordinated
Notes (the "Subordinated Notes") in connection with the acquisition of Alpha
Beta as described in Note 1. The Subordinated Notes bear interest, payable
semi-annually on June 15 and December 15, at an annual rate of 13.75 percent.
The Subordinated Notes are subordinated to all Senior Indebtedness (as defined)
of the Company, and may be redeemed beginning in 1996 at a redemption price of
106 percent. The redemption price declines ratably to 100 percent in 2000.
The debt agreements, among other things, require the Company to maintain
minimum levels of net worth (as defined), to maintain minimum levels of earnings
(as defined), to maintain a hedge agreement to provide interest rate protection,
and to comply with certain ratios related to interest expense (as defined),
fixed charges (as defined), working capital and indebtedness. In addition, the
debt agreements limit, among other things, additional borrowings, dividends on,
and redemption of, capital stock, capital expenditures, incurrence of lease
obligations, and the acquisition and disposition of assets. At June 26, 1993 and
June 25, 1994 the Company was in compliance with the financial covenants of its
debt agreements. At June 25, 1994, dividends and certain other payments are
restricted based on terms in the debt agreements.
F-38
<PAGE> 160
FOOD 4 LESS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(5) LEASES
The Company's operations are conducted primarily in leased properties.
Substantially all leases contain renewal options. Rental expense under operating
leases was as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
52 WEEKS 52 WEEKS 52 WEEKS
ENDED ENDED ENDED
JUNE 27, JUNE 26, JUNE 25,
1992 1993 1994
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Minimum rents................................. $46,706,000 $44,504,000 $49,788,000
Rents based on sales.......................... 7,656,000 5,917,000 3,806,000
</TABLE>
Following is a summary of future minimum lease payments under operating
leases at June 25, 1994:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1995................................................... $ 52,542,000
1996................................................... 48,966,000
1997................................................... 45,325,000
1998................................................... 38,925,000
1999................................................... 34,423,000
Later years............................................ 269,332,000
------------
$489,513,000
============
</TABLE>
The Company has entered into lease agreements for new supermarket sites
which were not in operation at June 25, 1994. Future minimum lease payments
under such operating leases generally begin when such supermarkets open and at
June 25, 1994 are: 1995 -- $5,990,000; 1996 -- $11,772,000; 1997 -- $11,825,000;
1998 -- $11,810,000; 1999 -- $11,819,000; later years -- $218,480,000.
Certain leases qualify as capital leases under the criteria established in
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 13, "Accounting for Leases," and
are classified on the consolidated balance sheets as leased property under
capital leases. Future minimum lease payments for the property under capital
leases at June 25, 1994 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1995.................................................... $ 7,948,000
1996.................................................... 7,521,000
1997.................................................... 6,995,000
1998.................................................... 6,374,000
1999.................................................... 6,071,000
Later years............................................. 44,108,000
-----------
Total minimum lease payments.................. 79,017,000
Less: amounts representing interest..................... 35,403,000
-----------
Present value of minimum lease payments................. 43,614,000
Less: current portion................................... 3,616,000
-----------
$39,998,000
===========
</TABLE>
Accumulated depreciation related to capital leases was $20,356,000 and
$24,041,000 at June 26, 1993 and June 25, 1994, respectively.
The Company is leasing a distribution facility and four store locations
from the previous owner of Alpha Beta. The agreement contains a purchase option
for the land, buildings and improvements and equipment at a price that equals or
exceeds the estimated fair market value throughout the term of the lease.
F-39
<PAGE> 161
FOOD 4 LESS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(6) INVESTMENT IN A.W.G.
The investment in Associated Wholesale Grocers ("A.W.G.") consists
principally of the cooperative's six percent interest-bearing seven and
eight-year patronage certificates received in payment of certain rebates.
Following is a summary of future maturities based upon current redemption terms:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1995..................................................... $ --
1996..................................................... --
1997..................................................... 795,000
1998..................................................... 1,420,000
1999..................................................... 1,520,000
Later years.............................................. 2,983,000
----------
$6,718,000
==========
</TABLE>
(7) INCOME TAXES
The provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
52 WEEKS 52 WEEKS 52 WEEKS
ENDED ENDED ENDED
JUNE 27, JUNE 26, JUNE 25,
1992 1993 1994
---------- ---------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Current:
Federal..................................... $2,507,000 $ -- $ 3,251,000
State and other............................. 934,000 82,000 712,000
---------- ---------- -----------
3,441,000 82,000 3,963,000
---------- ---------- -----------
Deferred:
Federal..................................... -- 1,345,000 (70,000)
State and other............................. -- -- (1,193,000)
---------- ---------- -----------
-- 1,345,000 (1,263,000)
---------- ---------- -----------
$3,441,000 $1,427,000 $ 2,700,000
========== ========== ===========
</TABLE>
A reconciliation of the provision (benefit) for income taxes to amounts
computed at the federal statutory rates of 34% for fiscal 1992 and 1993 and 35%
for fiscal 1994 is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
52 WEEKS 52 WEEKS 52 WEEKS
ENDED ENDED ENDED
JUNE 27, JUNE 26, JUNE 25,
1992 1993 1994
----------- ----------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Federal income taxes at statutory rate on
loss before provision for income taxes and
extraordinary charges...................... $(8,689,000) $(8,818,000) $ --
State and other taxes, net of federal tax
benefit.................................... 934,000 82,000 (1,000)
Alternative minimum tax...................... 2,507,000 -- --
Effect of permanent differences resulting
primarily from amortization of goodwill.... 2,706,000 2,850,000 2,820,000
Accounting limitation (recognition) of
deferred tax benefit....................... 5,983,000 7,313,000 (119,000)
----------- ----------- ----------
$ 3,441,000 $ 1,427,000 $2,700,000
=========== =========== ==========
</TABLE>
F-40
<PAGE> 162
FOOD 4 LESS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
The provision (benefit) for deferred taxes consists of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
52 WEEKS 52 WEEKS 52 WEEKS
ENDED ENDED ENDED
JUNE 27, JUNE 26, JUNE 25,
1992 1993 1994
------------ ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Depreciation....................................... $ 6,282,000 $ 7,756,000 $ 2,536,000
Difference between book and tax basis of assets
sold............................................. 2,514,000 3,198,000 (4,223,000)
Deferred revenues and allowances................... (7,028,000) 40,000 (2,349,000)
Pre-opening costs.................................. 1,072,000 (512,000) 174,000
Accounts receivable reserves....................... -- (270,000) 249,000
Unicap............................................. (124,000) (5,000) (536,000)
Capital lease obligation........................... (2,010,000) (1,385,000) 2,792,000
Self-insurance reserves............................ (13,558,000) (4,082,000) (535,000)
Inventory shrink reserve........................... (528,000) 777,000 (869,000)
LIFO............................................... 7,104,000 (554,000) (1,010,000)
Closed store reserve............................... 964,000 1,092,000 440,000
Accrued expense.................................... -- -- (582,000)
Accrued payroll and related liabilities............ (2,656,000) 193,000 1,721,000
Damaged inventory reimbursement.................... 1,195,000 -- --
Acquisition costs.................................. 4,974,000 2,626,000 1,397,000
Sales tax reserves................................. -- (715,000) (418,000)
Deferred rent subsidy.............................. -- (483,000) (624,000)
Net operating loss usage........................... -- -- 5,782,000
Tax credits benefited.............................. -- (1,392,000) (4,477,000)
Accounting limitation (recognition) of deferred tax
benefit 1,588,000 (4,591,000) (1,085,000)
Other, net......................................... 211,000 (348,000) 354,000
------------ ----------- -----------
$ -- $ 1,345,000 $(1,263,000)
============ =========== ===========
</TABLE>
F-41
<PAGE> 163
FOOD 4 LESS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
The significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets
(liabilities) are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JUNE 26, JUNE 25,
1993 1994
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Deferred tax assets:
Accrued payroll and related liabilities.... $ 4,064,000 $ 2,448,000
Other accrued liabilities.................. 13,488,000 13,953,000
Property and equipment..................... 9,674,000 2,997,000
Self-insurance liabilities................. 30,907,000 27,744,000
Loss carryforwards......................... 27,863,000 20,675,000
Tax credit carryforwards................... 1,392,000 5,869,000
Other...................................... 1,223,000 580,000
------------ ------------
Gross deferred tax assets............... 88,611,000 74,266,000
Valuation allowance........................ (45,008,000) (31,149,000)
------------ ------------
Net deferred tax assets................. $ 43,603,000 $ 43,117,000
------------ ------------
Deferred tax liabilities:
Inventories................................ $(20,243,000) $(16,738,000)
Property and equipment..................... (38,298,000) (30,516,000)
Obligations under capital leases........... (5,802,000) (8,733,000)
Other...................................... (1,689,000) (1,870,000)
------------ ------------
Gross deferred tax liability............ (66,032,000) (57,857,000)
------------ ------------
Net deferred tax liability.............. $(22,429,000) $(14,740,000)
============ ============
</TABLE>
The Company recorded a valuation allowance to reserve a portion of its
gross deferred tax assets at June 25, 1994 due primarily to financial and tax
losses in recent years. Under SFAS 109, this valuation allowance will be
adjusted in future periods as appropriate. However, the timing and extent of
such future adjustments to the allowance cannot be determined at this time.
At June 25, 1994, approximately $8,864,000 of the valuation allowance for
deferred tax assets will reduce goodwill when the allowance is no longer
required.
At June 25, 1994, the Company has net operating loss carryforwards for
federal income tax purposes of $59,071,000, which expire in 2007 through 2008.
The Company has federal and state Alternative Minimum Tax ("AMT") credit
carryforwards of approximately $4,090,000 which are available to reduce future
regular taxes in excess of AMT. Currently, there is no expiration date for these
credits.
FFL files a consolidated federal income tax return, under which the federal
income tax liability of FFL and its subsidiaries (which since June 23, 1989
include the Company) is determined on a consolidated basis. FFL has entered into
a federal income tax sharing agreement with the Company and certain of its
subsidiaries (the "Tax Sharing Agreement"). The Tax Sharing Agreement provides
that in any year in which the Company is included in any consolidated tax
liability of FFL and has taxable income, the Company will pay to FFL the amount
of the tax liability that the Company would have had on such due date if it had
been filing a separate return. Conversely, if the Company generates losses or
credits which actually reduce the consolidated tax liability of FFL and its
other subsidiaries, FFL will credit to the Company the amount of such reduction
in the consolidated tax liability. These credits are passed between FFL and the
Company in the form of cash payments. In the event any state and local income
taxes are determinable on a combined or consolidated basis, the Tax Sharing
Agreement provides for a similar allocation between FFL and the Company of such
state and local taxes.
F-42
<PAGE> 164
FOOD 4 LESS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
The Company currently has an Internal Revenue Service examination in
process covering its 1990 and 1991 fiscal years. The Internal Revenue Service
has not yet made any additional tax assessments related to these years.
(8) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company has a five-year consulting agreement with an affiliated company
effective June 17, 1991 for management, financing, acquisition and other
services. The agreement is automatically renewed on January 1 of each year for
the five-year term unless ninety (90) days' notice is given by either party. The
contract provides for annual management fees equal to $2 million plus an
additional amount based on the Company's performance and advisory fees for
acquisition and financing transactions.
Fees paid or accrued associated with management services were $2,270,000
during the 52 weeks ended June 25, 1994, $2,000,000 during the 52 weeks ended
June 26, 1993, and $2,000,000 during the 52 weeks ended June 27, 1992. Advisory
fees paid or accrued were $170,000 during the 52 weeks ended June 25, 1994,
$1,795,000 for the 52 weeks ended June 26, 1993, and $116,000 for the 52 weeks
ended June 27, 1992. Advisory fees paid or accrued for financing transactions
are capitalized and amortized over the term of the related financing. In
connection with the acquisitions of Alpha Beta, ABC and the Food Barn Stores,
the Company capitalized fees of $8,000,000, $500,000 and $92,000, respectively,
which were paid to this affiliated company for acquisition services.
(9) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Company is contingently liable to former stockholders of certain
predecessors for any prorated gains which may be realized within ten years of
the acquisition of the respective companies resulting from the sale of the
Certified stock. Such gains are only payable if Certified is purchased or
dissolved, or if the Company sells the shares to Certified within the period
noted above.
The Company is a partner in a supplier partnership, in which it is
contingently liable for the partnership's long-term debt. The Company's portion
of such debt is approximately $1,650,000.
The Company has entered into lease agreements with the developers of
several new sites in which the Company has agreed to provide construction
financing. At June 25, 1994, the Company had capitalized construction costs of
$10,435,000 on total commitments of $19,250,000.
In December 1992, three California state antitrust class action suits were
commenced in Los Angeles Superior Court against the Company and other major
supermarket chains located in Southern California, alleging that they conspired
to refrain from competing in and to fix the price of fluid milk above
competitive prices. Specifically, class actions were commenced by Diane Barela
and Neila Ross, Ron Moliare and Paul C. Pfeifle on December 7, December 14 and
December 23, 1992, respectively. To date, the Court has yet to certify any of
these classes, while a demurrer to the complaints was denied. The Company will
vigorously defend itself in these class action suits.
In addition, the Company or its subsidiaries are defendants in a number of
other cases currently in litigation or potential claims encountered in the
normal course of business which are being vigorously defended. In the opinion of
management, the resolutions of these matters will not have a material effect on
the Company's financial position or results of operations.
(10) EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
The Company implemented SOP No. 93-6, Employer Accounting for Employee
Stock Ownership Plans, effective June 26, 1994. The implementation of SOP No.
93-6 did not have a material effect on the accompanying unaudited consolidated
financial statements.
F-43
<PAGE> 165
FOOD 4 LESS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
The Company and its subsidiaries sponsor several defined contribution
benefit plans. The full-time employees of Falley's who are not members of a
collective bargaining agreement are covered under a 401(k) plan under which the
Company matches certain employee contributions with cash or FFL stock (the
"Falley's ESOP"). As part of the original stock sale agreement between FFL and
the Falley's ESOP, which has been amended from time to time, an affiliate of the
Company has assumed the obligation to purchase any FFL shares as to which
terminated plan participants have exercised a put option under the terms of
Falley's ESOP. As part of that agreement, the Company may, at its sole
discretion, after providing a right of first refusal to the affiliate, purchase
FFL shares put under the provisions of the plan. During the year ended June 25,
1994, the Company elected to purchase $1.0 million of FFL shares as to which
terminated plan participants had exercised their put option. FFL shares
purchased by the Company are classified as treasury stock. As of September 17,
1994, the fair value of the shares allocated which are subject to a repurchase
obligation by an affiliate of the Company was approximately $13,286,000
(unaudited).
The Company also sponsors two ESOPs for employees of the Company who are
members of certain collective bargaining agreements (the "Union ESOPs"). The
Union ESOPs provide for annual contributions based on hours worked at a rate
specified by the terms of the collective bargaining agreements. The Company
contributions are made in the form of Holdings stock or cash for the purchase of
Holdings stock and are to be allocated to participants based on hours worked.
During the 12 weeks ended September 17, 1994, the Company recorded a charge
against operations of approximately $77,000 (unaudited) for benefits under the
Union ESOPs. There were no shares issued to the Union ESOPs at September 17,
1994.
All other full-time employees of the Company who are not members of a
collective bargaining agreement are covered under a separate 401(k) plan (the
"Management Plan"). The Management Plan provides for annual contributions which
are determined at the discretion of the Company. The Company contributions are
allocated to participants based on employee compensation and matching of certain
employee contributions. A portion of the Company contribution allocated based on
compensation is made in the form of stock or cash for the purchase of stock.
Total charges against operations related to all employee benefit plans
sponsored by the Company and its subsidiaries were $337,000, $284,000 and
$699,000 for the 52 weeks ended June 27, 1992, the 52 weeks ended June 26, 1993,
and the 52 weeks ended June 25, 1994, respectively. No contributions were made
with stock and no stock was acquired by any plans in fiscal 1992, fiscal 1993 or
fiscal 1994.
The Company contributes to multi-employer pension plans administered by
various trustees. Contributions to these plans are based upon negotiated wage
contracts. These plans may be deemed to be defined benefit plans. Information
related to accumulated plan benefits and plan net assets as they may be
allocated to the Company at June 25, 1994 is not available. The Company
contributed $78.6 million, $69.4 million and $57.2 million to these plans for
the 52 weeks ended June 27, 1992, June 26, 1993, and June 25, 1994,
respectively. Management is not aware of any plans to terminate such plans.
The United Food and Commercial Workers health and welfare plans were
overfunded and those employers who contributed to the plans are to receive a pro
rata share of the excess reserves in these plans through a reduction of current
contributions. The Company's share of the excess reserve was $24.2 million, of
which $8.1 million was recognized in the 52 weeks ended June 25, 1994, with the
remainder to be recognized in future periods as the credits are taken.
Offsetting the reduction in employer contributions was a $5.5 million union
contract ratification bonus and contractual wage increases.
(11) COMMON STOCK
On December 31, 1992, concurrent with the sale of the Preferred Stock, the
Company sold 121,118 shares of common stock to Holdings. Concurrently, the
remaining shares of common stock of the Company were exchanged for shares of
Holdings common stock on a one for one basis.
F-44
<PAGE> 166
FOOD 4 LESS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(12) FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value
of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate
that value:
(a) Cash and Cash Equivalents
The carrying amount approximates fair value as a result of the short
maturity of these instruments.
(b) Short-Term Notes and Other Receivables
The carrying amount approximates fair value as a result of the short
maturity of these instruments.
(c) Investments In and Notes Receivable From Supplier Cooperatives
The Company maintains a non-current deposit with Certified in the form of
Class B shares of Certified. Certified is not obligated in any fiscal year to
redeem more than a prescribed number of the Class B shares issued. Therefore, it
is not practicable to estimate the fair value of this investment.
The Company maintains a non-current note receivable from A.W.G. There are
no quoted market prices for this investment and a reasonable estimate could not
be made without incurring excessive costs. Additional information pertinent to
the value of this investment is provided in Note 6.
(d) Long-Term Debt
The fair value of the $175.0 million Senior Notes, the $145.0 million
Subordinated Notes and the Bank Term Loan is based on quoted market prices.
Market quotes for the fair value of the remainder of the Company's debt are not
available, and a reasonable estimate of the fair value could not be made without
incurring excessive costs. Additional information pertinent to the value of the
unquoted debt is provided in Note 4.
The estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments are as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JUNE 25, 1994
-------------------------
CARRYING FAIR
AMOUNT VALUE
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Cash and cash equivalents................................... $32,996,000 $32,996,000
Short-term notes and other receivables...................... 4,187,000 4,187,000
Investments in and notes receivable from supplier
cooperatives.............................................. 12,702,000 --
Long-term debt for which it is:
- Practicable to estimate fair values..................... 457,064,000 472,779,000
- Not practicable......................................... 17,194,000 --
</TABLE>
F-45
<PAGE> 167
FOOD 4 LESS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(13) OTHER INCOME, NET
The components of other income items included in SG&A are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
52 WEEKS 52 WEEKS 52 WEEKS
ENDED ENDED ENDED
JUNE 27, JUNE 26, JUNE 25,
1992 1993 1994
---------- ---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Interest income.................................... $1,266,000 $ 993,000 $ 903,000
Licensing fees..................................... 493,000 246,000 270,000
Other income (expense)............................. 769,000 3,710,000 (177,000)
---------- ---------- ---------
$2,528,000 $4,949,000 $ 996,000
========== ========== =========
</TABLE>
(14) SUBSEQUENT EVENT (UNAUDITED)
On September 14, 1994, the Company, Holdings, and FFL entered into a
definitive Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger") with Ralphs Supermarkets,
Inc. ("Ralphs") and the stockholders of Ralphs. Pursuant to the terms of the
Merger Agreement, the Company will, subject to certain terms and conditions
being satisfied or waived, be merged into Ralphs and Ralphs will become a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdings. Conditions to the consummation of the
Merger include, among other things, receipt of regulatory approvals and other
necessary consents and the completion of financing for the transaction. The
purchase price for Ralphs is approximately $1.5 billion, including the
assumption of debt.
Upon the effectiveness of the Merger, each outstanding share of common
stock, par value $1.00 per share, of Ralphs will be converted into and become a
right to receive (a) approximately $16.61 in cash and (b) approximately $3.91
principal amount of 13% Senior Subordinated Pay-in Kind Debentures due 2006
issued by Holdings (the "Debentures"). This represents an aggregate purchase
price, payable to the stockholders of Ralphs, of $425 million in cash and $100
million initial principal amount of Debentures. In addition, the Company will
enter into an agreement with a stockholder of Ralphs pursuant to which such
stockholder will act as a consultant to the Company with respect to certain real
estate and general commercial matters for a period of five years from the
closing of the Ralphs Merger in exchange for the payment of a consulting fee.
The financing required to complete the Merger will include the issuance of
significant additional equity by FFL, the issuance of new debt securities by the
Company and Holdings and the incurrence of additional bank financing by the
Company. The equity issuance would be made to a group of investors led by Apollo
Advisors, L.P., which has committed to purchase up to $150 million in FFL stock,
and the bank financing would be made pursuant to a commitment by Bankers Trust
Company to provide up to $1,225 million in such financing. In connection with
the receipt of new financing, the Company and Holdings will also be required to
complete certain exchange offers, consent solicitations and or other
transactions with the holders of their currently outstanding debt securities.
As of July 17, 1994, Ralphs had outstanding indebtedness of approximately
$990 million. Ralphs had sales of $2,730 million, operating income of $152.1
million and earnings before income taxes of $30.3 million for its most recent
fiscal year ended January 30, 1994.
Upon consummation of the Merger, the operations and activities of the
Company will be significantly impacted due to conversions of the Company's
existing Southern California conventional stores to either Ralphs or Food 4 Less
warehouse stores as well as the consolidation of various operating functions and
departments. This consolidation may result in a restructuring charge and, in
conjunction with the Merger, the Company intends to determine if there is any
impairment of the value of the Company's existing assets and goodwill. The
amount of the restructuring charge is not presently determinable due to various
factors,
F-46
<PAGE> 168
FOOD 4 LESS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
including uncertainties inherent in the completion of the Merger; however, the
restructuring charge may be material in relation to the stockholder's equity and
financial position of the Company at June 25, 1994.
(15) RESTATEMENT
The Company has restated the statements of operations for its fiscal years
ended June 27, 1992, June 26, 1993 and June 25, 1994 and the 12 weeks ended
September 18, 1993 to classify certain buying, occupancy and labor costs
associated with making its products available for sale as cost of sales. These
amounts were previously classified as selling, general, administrative, and
other net, and depreciation and amortization of property and equipment and
totalled $236,152,000, $224,469,000, $219,548,000 and $50,910,000 (unaudited)
for the fiscal years ended June 27, 1992, June 26, 1993 and June 25, 1994 and
the 12 weeks ended September 18, 1993, respectively. The Company has also
classified a portion of its self-insurance costs as interest expense that was
previously recorded in selling, general, administrative and other, net. These
amounts were $4,960,000, $5,865,000, $5,836,000 and $1,389,000 (unaudited) for
the fiscal years 1992, 1993 and 1994 and the 12 weeks ended September 18, 1993,
respectively. Depreciation and amortization costs not classified in cost of
sales are included in selling, general, administrative and other, net. The
change in classification did not affect the net loss, loss before provision for
income taxes and extraordinary charges or loss per common share.
F-47
<PAGE> 169
- ------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------
NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS
PROSPECTUS IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER MADE BY THIS PROSPECTUS, AND IF GIVEN OR
MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN
AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR THE UNDERWRITERS. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT
CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY SECURITY
OTHER THAN THE NEW F4L SENIOR NOTES OFFERED BY THIS PROSPECTUS, NOR DOES IT
CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO THIS PROSPECTUS, NOR DOES IT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL
OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY THE NEW F4L SENIOR NOTES BY ANYONE IN ANY
JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS NOT AUTHORIZED, OR IN WHICH
THE PERSON MAKING SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS NOT QUALIFIED TO DO SO, OR TO
ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION. NEITHER
THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY
CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT INFORMATION HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF
ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE HEREOF.
------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Available Information...................... iii
Summary.................................... 1
Risk Factors............................... 14
The Merger and the Financing............... 19
Pro Forma Capitalization................... 23
Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial
Statements............................... 24
Selected Historical Financial Data of
Ralphs................................... 32
Selected Historical Financial Data of Food
4 Less................................... 34
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of
Operations............................... 36
Business................................... 51
Management................................. 65
Executive Compensation..................... 67
Principal Stockholders..................... 73
Description of Capital Stock............... 74
Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions............................. 77
Description of the New F4L Senior Notes.... 80
The Exchange Offers........................ 104
Description of the New Credit Facility..... 110
Description of Holding Company
Indebtedness............................. 112
Underwriting............................... 115
Legal Matters.............................. 116
Experts.................................... 116
Index to Financial Statements.............. F-1
- -------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
- ------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------
PROSPECTUS
-------------------------
$400,000,000
FOOD 4 LESS
SUPERMARKETS, INC.
TO BE COMBINED THROUGH MERGER WITH
RALPHS GROCERY COMPANY
% SENIOR NOTES
DUE 2004
BT SECURITIES CORPORATION
CS FIRST BOSTON
DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE
SECURITIES CORPORATION
, 1995
- ------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE> 170
EDGAR APPENDIX
This EDGAR Appendix is filed in compliance with Item 304 of Regulation S-T
regarding graphic and image information. It describes material appearing on
pages 7 and 8 of the Prospectus.
PAGE 7
The chart consists of two columns which graphically illustrate the
respective corporate structures of Food 4 Less and Ralphs before the Merger.
Food 4 Less' corporate structure illustrates that Food 4 Less, Inc. ("FFL") owns
Food 4 Less Holdings, Inc. ("Holdings"), which, in turn, owns Food 4 Less
Supermarkets, Inc. ("Food 4 Less") which, in turn, owns several other Food 4
Less subsidiaries. The Ralphs' corporate structure illustrates that Ralphs
Supermarkets, Inc. ("RSI"), owns Ralphs Grocery Company ("RGC") which, in turn,
owns Crawford Stores, Inc. A dotted arrow has been drawn from the box
representing Food 4 Less to the box representing RSI to simulate the RSI Merger.
A dotted arrow has been drawn from the box representing RGC to the box
representing RSI to simulate the RGC Merger. A dotted arrow has been drawn to
the box representing Holdings from the box representing FFL to simulate the FFL
Merger.
PAGE 8
The chart illustrates the corporate structure of the Company after the
Merger and the FFL Merger. The corporate structure illustrates that New Holdings
owns the Company which, in turn, is the parent of all other subsidiaries of the
Company. The anticipated debt obligations of New Holdings are placed in order of
ranking next to the box representing New Holdings and the anticipated debt
obligations of the Company are placed in order of ranking next to the box
representing the Company.
<PAGE> 171
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 13. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION
The following table sets forth the estimated expenses in connection with
the issuance and distribution of the New F4L Senior Notes.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
SEC registration fee............................................. $ 137,931
NASD filing fee.................................................. 30,500
Blue Sky fees and expenses....................................... 5,000
Accounting fees and expenses..................................... 300,000
Legal fees and expenses.......................................... 300,000
Printing and engraving expenses.................................. 400,000
Trustee fees..................................................... 10,000
Miscellaneous.................................................... 50,000
----------
Total.................................................. $1,233,431
=========
</TABLE>
ITEM 14. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Food 4 Less and its subsidiaries Cala Foods, Inc. and Food 4 Less of
Southern California, Inc., are Delaware corporations and their Certificates of
Incorporation and Bylaws provide for indemnification of their officers and
directors to the fullest extent permitted by law. Section 102(b)(7) of the
Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL") eliminates the liability of a
corporation's directors to a corporation or its stockholders, except for
liabilities related to breach of duty of loyalty, actions not in good faith, and
certain other liabilities.
Section 145 of the DGCL provides for the indemnification by a Delaware
corporation of its directors, officers, employees and agents in connection with
actions, suits or proceedings brought against them by a third party or in the
right of the corporation, by reason of the fact that they were or are such
directors, officers, employees or agents, against liabilities and expenses
incurred in any such action, suit or proceeding.
Alpha Beta Company, Bay Area Warehouse Stores, Inc., Bell Markets, Inc.,
Cala Co., Food 4 Less of California, Inc., Food 4 Less GM, Inc. and Food 4 Less
Merchandising, Inc. are California corporations and their Certificates of
Incorporation and Bylaws provide for indemnification of their officers and
directors to the fullest extent permitted by law. Section 204(10) of the
California General Corporation Law (the "CGCL") eliminates the liability of a
corporation's directors for monetary damages to the fullest extent permissible
under California law. Pursuant to Section 204(11) of the CGCL, a California
corporation may indemnify Agents (as defined in Section 317 of the CGCL),
subject only to the applicable limits set forth in Section 204 of the CGCL with
respect to actions for breach of duty to the corporation and its shareholders.
As permitted by Section 317 of the CGCL, indemnification may be provided by
a California corporation of its Agents (as defined in Section 317 of the CGCL),
to the maximum extent permitted by the CGCL, in connection with any proceeding
arising by reason of the fact that such person is or was such a director or
officer, against expenses, judgments, fines, settlements and other amounts
actually and reasonably incurred in any such proceeding.
Falley's, Inc. is a Kansas corporation and its Bylaws provide for
indemnification of its officers and directors to the fullest extent permitted by
law. Section 17-6305(a) of the Kansas General Corporation Code provides for the
indemnification by a Kansas corporation of its directors, officers, employees
and agents in connection with actions, suits or proceedings brought against them
by a third party or in the right of the corporation, by reason of the fact that
they were or are such directors, officers, employees or agents, against
liabilities and expenses incurred in any such action, suit or proceeding.
II-1
<PAGE> 172
ITEM 15. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES
In connection with a financing transaction undertaken by the registrant's
parent, Food 4 Less, Inc. ("FFL"), in December 1992, Food 4 Less Holdings, Inc.
("Holdings") was formed as a subsidiary of FFL and issued, in a private
placement transaction, $103.6 million aggregate principal amount of 15.25%
Senior Discount Notes due 2004 and 121,118 common stock purchase warrants for
gross proceeds of $50.0 million (the "Discount Notes Offering"). Holdings
contributed the proceeds from the Discount Notes Offering to the registrant in
return for the issuance of 1,513,938 shares of common stock, $.01 par value, and
50,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock, $.01 par value, to Holdings on
December 31, 1992. Such securities were issued by the registrant to Holdings in
reliance upon an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities
Act provided by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act.
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a) Exhibits
A list of exhibits filed with this Registration Statement on Form S-1 is
set forth in the Index to Exhibits on page E-1, and is incorporated herein by
reference.
(b) Financial Statement Schedules
(i) Ralphs
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Schedule V -- Property, Plant and Equipment
Schedule VI -- Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization of Property, Plant
and Equipment
Schedule VIII -- Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Schedule IX -- Short-Term Borrowings
</TABLE>
(ii) Food 4 Less
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Schedule II -- Amounts Receivable from Related Parties and Underwriters,
Promoters, and Employees other than Related Parties
Schedule V -- Property and Equipment
Schedule VI -- Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization of Property and
Equipment
Schedule VIII -- Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
</TABLE>
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS
(a) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of
the registrants pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the
registrants have been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act
and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrants of expenses
incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrants
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 registrants will, unless in the opinion of their counsel the
matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of
appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by them is
against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.
(b) The registrants hereby undertake that:
(1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of
1933, 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 registrants pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h)
under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration
statement as of the time it was declared effective.
II-2
<PAGE> 173
(2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act
of 1933, 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-3
<PAGE> 174
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant
has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Los Angeles, State of
California, on January 6, 1995.
FOOD 4 LESS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
By: /s/ MARK A. RESNIK
------------------------------------
Mark A. Resnik
Vice President and Secretary
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Ronald
W. Burkle, George G. Golleher and Mark A. Resnik, his true and lawful attorney
and agent, each acting alone, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments)
to this Registration Statement and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto
and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney and agent, each acting alone,
full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite or necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming that said attorney
and agent, each acting alone, or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do
or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
--------- ----- ----
<C> <S> <C>
/s/ RONALD W. BURKLE Chief Executive Officer and January 6, 1995
- --------------------------------------------- Director (Principal
Ronald W. Burkle Executive Officer)
/s/ GREG MAYS Executive Vice President -- January 6, 1995
- --------------------------------------------- Finance/Administration and
Greg Mays Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)
/s/ JOE S. BURKLE Director January 6, 1995
- ---------------------------------------------
Joe S. Burkle
/s/ MARK A. RESNIK Director January 6, 1995
- ---------------------------------------------
Mark A. Resnik
/s/ GEORGE G. GOLLEHER Director January 6, 1995
- ---------------------------------------------
George G. Golleher
</TABLE>
II-4
<PAGE> 175
SIGNATURES
(continued)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrants
have duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on their behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Los Angeles, State of
California, on January 6, 1995.
BAY AREA WAREHOUSE STORES, INC.
BELL MARKETS, INC.
CALA CO.
CALA FOODS, INC.
FOOD 4 LESS OF CALIFORNIA, INC.
FOOD 4 LESS GM, INC.
FOOD 4 LESS MERCHANDISING, INC.
FOOD 4 LESS OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, INC.
By: /s/ MARK A. RESNIK
------------------------------------
Mark A. Resnik
Vice President and Assistant
Secretary
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Ronald
W. Burkle, George G. Golleher and Mark A. Resnik, his true and lawful attorney
and agent, each acting alone, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments)
to this Registration Statement and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto
and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney and agent, each acting alone,
full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite or necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming that said attorney
and agent, each acting alone, or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do
or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
--------- ----- ----
<C> <S> <C>
/s/ RONALD W. BURKLE Director and Chairman of the January 6, 1995
- --------------------------------------------- Board of each Registrant
Ronald W. Burkle
/s/ GEORGE G. GOLLEHER Chief Executive Officer and January 6, 1995
- --------------------------------------------- Director (Principal
George G. Golleher Executive Officer) of each
Registrant
/s/ GREG MAYS Executive Vice President -- January 6, 1995
- --------------------------------------------- Finance/Administration and
Greg Mays Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer) of
each Registrant
</TABLE>
II-5
<PAGE> 176
SIGNATURES
(continued)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant
has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Los Angeles, State of
California, on January 6, 1995.
ALPHA BETA COMPANY
By: /s/ MARK A. RESNIK
------------------------------------
Mark A. Resnik
Vice President and Assistant
Secretary
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Ronald
W. Burkle, George G. Golleher and Mark A. Resnik, his true and lawful attorney
and agent, each acting alone, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments)
to this Registration Statement and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto
and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney and agent, each acting alone,
full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite or necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming that said attorney
and agent, each acting alone, or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do
or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
--------- ----- ----
<C> <S> <C>
/s/ RONALD W. BURKLE Director and Chief Executive January 6, 1995
- --------------------------------------------- Officer (Principal
Ronald W. Burkle Executive Officer)
/s/ GEORGE G. GOLLEHER Director January 6, 1995
- ---------------------------------------------
George G. Golleher
/s/ GREG MAYS Executive Vice President -- January 6, 1995
- --------------------------------------------- Finance/Administration and
Greg Mays Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)
</TABLE>
II-6
<PAGE> 177
SIGNATURES
(continued)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant
has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Los Angeles, State of
California, on January 6, 1995.
FALLEY'S, INC.
By: /s/ MARK A. RESNIK
------------------------------------
Mark A. Resnik
Vice President and Assistant
Secretary
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Ronald
W. Burkle, George G. Golleher and Mark A. Resnik, his true and lawful attorney
and agent, each acting alone, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments)
to this Registration Statement and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto
and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney and agent, each acting alone,
full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite or necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming that said attorney
and agent, each acting alone, or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do
or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
--------- ----- ----
<C> <S> <C>
/s/ RONALD W. BURKLE Director January 6, 1995
- ---------------------------------------------
Ronald W. Burkle
/s/ GEORGE G. GOLLEHER Director January 6, 1995
- ---------------------------------------------
George G. Golleher
/s/ JOE S. BURKLE Chief Executive Officer January 6, 1995
- --------------------------------------------- (Principal Executive Officer)
Joe S. Burkle
/s/ MICHAEL SALTMAN Director January 6, 1995
- ---------------------------------------------
Michael Saltman
/s/ GREG MAYS Executive Vice President -- January 6, 1995
- --------------------------------------------- Finance/Administration and
Greg Mays Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)
</TABLE>
II-7
<PAGE> 178
ACCOUNTANTS' CONSENT AND REPORT ON SCHEDULES
Board of Directors and Stockholders
Ralphs Supermarkets, Inc.:
The audits referred to in our report dated April 8, 1994 (except as to note 16,
which is as of September 14, 1994), included the related financial statement
schedules as of January 30, 1994 and January 31, 1993, and for each of the
fiscal years in the three-year period ended January 30, 1994, included in the
registration statement. These financial statement schedules are the
responsibility of Ralphs management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion
on these financial statement schedules based on our audits. In our opinion, such
financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic
consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly in all
material respects the information set forth therein.
We consent to the use of our reports included herein and to the reference to our
firm under the headings "Summary Historical Financial Data of Ralphs," "Selected
Historical Financial Data of Ralphs" and "Experts" in the prospectus.
KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP
Los Angeles, California
January 4, 1995
S-1
<PAGE> 179
RALPHS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
(AS SUCCESSOR TO RALPHS GROCERY COMPANY)
SCHEDULE V -- PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
52 WEEKS ENDED JANUARY 30, 1994, 52 WEEKS ENDED JANUARY 31, 1993
AND 52 WEEKS ENDED FEBRUARY 2, 1992
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BALANCE OTHER BALANCE
BEGINNING CHANGES -- AT END
OF PERIOD ADDITIONS RETIREMENTS ADD (DEDUCT) OF PERIOD
---------- --------- ----------- ------------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
52 WEEKS ENDED JANUARY 30, 1994:
Land.................................... $156,487 $ 4,206 $ -- $ (789) $159,904
Buildings & improvements................ 180,639 16,730 (6,290) 100 191,179
Leasehold improvements.................. 149,273 8,670 (159) 3,557 161,341
Fixtures & equipment.................... 349,697 33,361 (30,299) 1,867 354,626
Capitalized leases...................... 69,058 15,395 (358) 2,869 86,964
--------- ------- -------- ------ --------
Total......................... $905,154 $78,362 $(37,106) $7,604 $954,014
======== ======= ======== ====== ========
52 WEEKS ENDED JANUARY 31, 1993:
Land.................................... $145,344 $11,143 $ -- $ -- $156,487
Buildings & improvements................ 151,896 28,657 (31) 117 180,639
Leasehold improvements.................. 140,989 8,843 (442) (117) 149,273
Fixtures & equipment.................... 317,832 48,336 (16,471) -- 349,697
Capitalized leases...................... 70,151 -- (668) (425) 69,058
-------- ------- --------- ------ --------
Total......................... $826,212 $96,979 $ (17,612) $ (425) $905,154
======== ======= ========= ====== ========
52 WEEKS ENDED FEBRUARY 2, 1992:
Land.................................... $143,410 $ 1,864 $ -- $ 70 (a) $145,344
Buildings & improvements................ 136,205 16,558 (15) (852)(a) 151,896
Leasehold improvements.................. 144,385 (11) (3,497) 112 140,989
Fixtures & equipment.................... 301,482 31,944 (16,264) 670 317,832
Capitalized leases...................... 69,228 3,847 (2,924) -- 70,151
-------- ------- --------- ------ --------
Total......................... $794,710 $54,202 $ (22,700) $ -- $826,212
======== ======= ========= ====== ========
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(a) Reclassification to/from other accounts.
S-2
<PAGE> 180
RALPHS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
(AS SUCCESSOR TO RALPHS GROCERY COMPANY)
SCHEDULE VI -- ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
AND AMORTIZATION OF PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
52 WEEKS ENDED JANUARY 30, 1994, 52 WEEKS ENDED JANUARY 31, 1993
AND 52 WEEKS ENDED FEBRUARY 2, 1992
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BALANCE OTHER BALANCE
BEGINNING CHANGES-- AT END
OF PERIOD ADDITIONS RETIREMENTS ADD (DEDUCT) OF PERIOD
--------- --------- ----------- ------------ ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
52 WEEKS ENDED JANUARY 30, 1994:
Buildings & improvements.................. $ 33,598 $10,117 $ (2,640) $ (630) $ 40,445
Leasehold improvements.................... 49,549 6,691 (86) 9,082 65,236
Fixtures & equipment...................... 182,980 40,301 (14,392) (1,824) 207,065
Capitalized leases........................ 28,362 8,434 (294) 2,869 39,371
-------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Total........................... $294,489 $65,543 $(17,412) $ 9,497 $352,117
======== ======= ======== ======== ========
52 WEEKS ENDED JANUARY 31, 1993:
Buildings & improvements.................. $ 24,514 $ 9,092 $ (8) $ -- $ 33,598
Leasehold improvements.................... 38,138 11,775 (364) -- 49,549
Fixtures & equipment...................... 148,407 43,256 (8,683) -- 182,980
Capitalized leases........................ 21,271 7,759 (668) -- 28,362
-------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Total........................... $232,330 $71,882 $ (9,723) $ -- $294,489
======== ======= ======== ======== ========
52 WEEKS ENDED FEBRUARY 2, 1992:
Buildings & improvements.................. $ 17,161 $ 7,366 $ (11) $ (2) $ 24,514
Leasehold improvements.................... 26,483 11,678 (23) -- 38,138
Fixtures & equipment...................... 113,431 40,003 (5,029) 2 148,407
Capitalized leases........................ 13,009 8,271 (9) -- 21,271
-------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Total........................... $170,084 $67,318 $ (5,072) $ -- $232,330
======== ======= ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
S-3
<PAGE> 181
RALPHS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
(AS SUCCESSOR TO RALPHS GROCERY COMPANY)
SCHEDULE VIII -- VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
52 WEEKS ENDED JANUARY 30, 1994, 52 WEEKS ENDED JANUARY 31, 1993
AND 52 WEEKS ENDED FEBRUARY 2, 1992
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BALANCE CHARGED TO CHARGED TO BALANCE
BEGINNING COSTS AND OTHER ACCOUNTS-- DEDUCTIONS AT END
OF PERIOD EXPENSES DESCRIBE(B) (PAYMENTS) OF PERIOD
--------- ---------- ---------------- ---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
JANUARY 30, 1994:
Self-Insurance Reserves(a)............. $72,979 $30,323 $ 5,953 $(29,245) $80,010
Store Closure Reserves................. $10,277 $ -- $ -- $ (763) $ 9,514
JANUARY 31, 1993:
Self-Insurance Reserves(a)............. $64,523 $25,950 $10,902 $(28,396) $72,979
Store Closure Reserves................. $14,244 $ 1,838 $ -- $ (5,805) $10,277
FEBRUARY 2, 1992:
Self-Insurance Reserves(a)............. $57,948 $25,549 $ 5,620 $(24,594) $64,523
Store Closure Reserves................. $ 2,000 $12,244 $ -- $ -- $14,244
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(a) Includes short-term portion.
(b) Amortization of discount on self-insurance reserves to interest expense.
S-4
<PAGE> 182
RALPHS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
(AS SUCCESSOR TO RALPHS GROCERY COMPANY)
SCHEDULE IX -- SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS
52 WEEKS ENDED JANUARY 30, 1994, 52 WEEKS ENDED JANUARY 31, 1993
AND 52 WEEKS ENDED FEBRUARY 2, 1992
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT INTEREST RATE DATA)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MAXIMUM WEIGHTED
WEIGHTED AMOUNT AVERAGE AVERAGE
BALANCE AVERAGE OUTSTANDING AMOUNT INTEREST
AT END INTEREST DURING OUTSTANDING DURING
OF PERIOD RATE PERIOD RATE(A) THE PERIOD
--------- -------- ----------- ----------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
JANUARY 30, 1994:
Working capital credit line........ $ -- --% $51,900 $ 8,006 7.75%
JANUARY 31, 1993:
Working capital credit line........ $31,100 7.75% $41,800 $13,851 7.82%
FEBRUARY 2, 1992:
Working capital credit line........ $16,500 7.75% $34,900 $ 6,706 9.56%
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(a) Average interest rate for the year is computed by dividing the actual
short-term expense by the average short-term debt outstanding.
S-5
<PAGE> 183
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors and
Stockholder of Food 4 Less Supermarkets, Inc.:
We have audited, in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards,
the consolidated balance sheets of Food 4 Less Supermarkets, Inc. and
subsidiaries as of June 26, 1993 and June 25, 1994, and the related consolidated
statements of operations, stockholder's equity and cash flows for the 52 weeks
ended June 27, 1992, the 52 weeks ended June 26, 1993, and the 52 weeks ended
June 25, 1994 and have issued our report thereon dated July 29, 1994 (except
with respect to the matter discussed in Note 14, as to which the date is
September 14, 1994, and with respect to the matter discussed in Note 15, as to
which the date is October 14, 1994). Our audits were made for the purpose of
forming an opinion on the basic financial statements taken as a whole. The
financial statement schedules on pages S-7 through S-10 are the responsibility
of the Company's management and are presented for purposes of complying with the
Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and are not part of the basic
consolidated financial statements. These schedules have been subjected to the
auditing procedures applied in the audits of the basic consolidated financial
statements and, in our opinion, fairly state in all material respects the
financial data required to be set forth therein in relation to the basic
consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Los Angeles, California
July 29, 1994 (except with
respect to the matter discussed in
Note 14, as to which the date is
September 14, 1994, and with respect
to the matter discussed in
Note 15, as to which the date is
October 14, 1994)
S-6
<PAGE> 184
FOOD 4 LESS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
SCHEDULE II -- AMOUNTS RECEIVABLE FROM RELATED
PARTIES AND UNDERWRITERS, PROMOTERS, AND
EMPLOYEES OTHER THAN RELATED PARTIES
52 WEEKS ENDED JUNE 25, 1994, 52 WEEKS ENDED JUNE 26, 1993, AND 52 WEEKS ENDED
JUNE 27, 1992
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BALANCE AT END OF
BALANCE AT PERIOD
BEGINNING AMOUNTS OTHER ---------------------
OF PERIOD ADDITIONS COLLECTED CHANGES CURRENT NONCURRENT
---------- --------- --------- ------- ------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
52 WEEKS ENDED JUNE 25, 1994:
None................................... $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ --
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
$ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ --
==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ====
52 WEEKS ENDED JUNE 26, 1993:
Spencer Deese.......................... $100 $ -- $100 $ -- $ -- $ --
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
$100 $ -- $100 $ -- $ -- $ --
==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ====
52 WEEKS ENDED JUNE 27, 1992:
Spencer Deese.......................... $105 $ -- $ 5 $ -- $ -- $100
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
$105 $ -- $ 5 $ -- $ -- $100
==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ====
</TABLE>
S-7
<PAGE> 185
FOOD 4 LESS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
SCHEDULE V -- PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
52 WEEKS ENDED JUNE 25, 1994, 52 WEEKS ENDED JUNE 26, 1993 AND 52 WEEKS ENDED
JUNE 27, 1992
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BALANCE AT
BEGINNING OF OTHER BALANCE AT END
PERIOD ADDITIONS RETIREMENTS CHANGES(A) OF PERIOD
------------ --------- ----------- ---------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
52 WEEKS ENDED JUNE 25, 1994:
Land..................................... $ 23,912 $ -- $ 424 $ -- $ 23,488
Buildings................................ 12,827 -- -- -- 12,827
Leasehold improvements................... 81,049 17,292 668 -- 97,673
Store equipment & fixtures............... 129,178 27,324 11,643 3,390 148,249
Transportation equipment................. 31,758 971 470 -- 32,259
Construction in progress................. 757 11,884 -- -- 12,641
Leased property under capital leases..... 77,553 2,575 1,906 -- 78,222
Leasehold interests...................... 93,863 -- 399 -- 93,464
-------- ------- ------- -------- --------
$450,897 $60,046 $15,510 $ 3,390 $498,823
======== ======= ======= ======== ========
52 WEEKS ENDED JUNE 26, 1993:
Land..................................... $ 26,952 $ 652 $ 3,692 $ -- $ 23,912
Buildings................................ 12,568 207 126 178 12,827
Leasehold improvements................... 58,846 20,853 1,912 3,262 81,049
Store equipment & fixtures............... 104,473 24,956 2,328 2,077 129,178
Transportation equipment................. 29,415 2,531 188 -- 31,758
Construction in progress................. 8,679 1,601 2,513 (7,010) 757
Leased property under capital leases..... 80,369 115 2,931 -- 77,553
Leasehold interests...................... 92,193 2,552 882 -- 93,863
-------- ------- ------- -------- --------
$413,495 $53,467 $14,572 $ (1,493) $450,897
======== ======= ======= ======== ========
52 WEEKS ENDED JUNE 27, 1992:
Land..................................... $ 26,952 $ -- $ -- $ -- $ 26,952
Buildings................................ 12,568 -- -- -- 12,568
Leasehold improvements................... 41,730 19,592 2,476 -- 58,846
Store equipment & fixtures............... 130,497 27,819 21,072 (32,771) 104,473
Transportation equipment................. 28,937 651 173 -- 29,415
Construction in progress................. 1,947 12,201 5,469 -- 8,679
Leased property under capital leases..... 80,399 -- 30 -- 80,369
Leasehold interests...................... 100,710 -- 357 (8,160) 92,193
-------- ------- ------- -------- --------
$423,740 $60,263 $29,577 $(40,931) $413,495
======== ======= ======= ======== ========
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(a) Consists of (1) the acquisition of Food Barn in March 1994, (2) final Alpha
Beta purchase price allocation adjustments, and (3) gains and losses on
involuntary conversion of assets.
S-8
<PAGE> 186
FOOD 4 LESS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
SCHEDULE VI -- ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION
OF PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
52 WEEKS ENDED JUNE 25, 1994, 52 WEEKS ENDED JUNE 26, 1993, AND 52 WEEKS ENDED
JUNE 27, 1992
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BALANCE AT BALANCE
BEGINNING OTHER AT END
OF PERIOD ADDITIONS RETIREMENTS CHANGES(A) OF PERIOD
---------- --------- ----------- --------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
52 WEEKS ENDED JUNE 25, 1994:
Buildings................................... $ 2,515 $ 441 $ -- $ -- $ 2,956
Leasehold improvements...................... 25,050 7,097 185 -- 31,962
Store equipment & fixtures.................. 36,506 20,789 1,762 -- 55,533
Transportation equipment.................... 7,036 2,461 337 -- 9,160
Leased property under capital leases........ 20,356 5,591 1,906 -- 24,041
Leasehold interests......................... 5,485 5,001 49 -- 10,437
------- ------- ------- ----- --------
$96,948 $41,380 $ 4,239 $ -- $134,089
======= ======= ======= ===== ========
52 WEEKS ENDED JUNE 26, 1993:
Buildings................................... $ 1,861 $ 682 $ 24 $ (4) $ 2,515
Leasehold improvements...................... 15,534 9,692 15 (161) 25,050
Store equipment & fixtures.................. 19,818 18,051 673 (690) 36,506
Transportation equipment.................... 5,040 2,180 184 -- 7,036
Leased property under capital leases........ 16,655 5,342 1,641 -- 20,356
Leasehold interests......................... 4,051 1,479 45 -- 5,485
------- ------- ------- ----- --------
$62,959 $37,426 $ 2,582 $(855) $ 96,948
======= ======= ======= ===== ========
52 WEEKS ENDED JUNE 27, 1992:
Buildings................................... $ 1,252 $ 688 $ 79 $ -- $ 1,861
Leasehold improvements...................... 7,800 8,649 915 -- 15,534
Store equipment & fixtures.................. 12,275 19,224 11,681 -- 19,818
Transportation equipment.................... 3,323 1,751 34 -- 5,040
Leased property under capital leases........ 10,306 6,379 30 -- 16,655
Leasehold interests......................... 2,888 1,207 44 -- 4,051
------- ------- ------- ----- --------
$37,844 $37,898 $12,783 $ -- $ 62,959
======= ======= ======= ===== ========
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(a) Consists of gains and losses on involuntary conversion of assets.
S-9
<PAGE> 187
FOOD 4 LESS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
SCHEDULE VIII -- VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
52 WEEKS ENDED JUNE 25, 1994, 52 WEEKS ENDED JUNE 26, 1993, AND 52 WEEKS ENDED
JUNE 27, 1992
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BALANCE AT PROVISIONS CHARGED TO BALANCE AT
BEGINNING CHARGED TO INTEREST OTHER END OF
OF PERIOD EXPENSE EXPENSE(B) PAYMENTS CHANGES PERIOD
---------- ---------- ---------- -------- ------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
SELF-INSURANCE LIABILITIES:
52 weeks ended June 25, 1994...... $85,494 $19,880 $5,836 $29,506 $ -- $81,704
======= ======= ====== ======= ====== =======
52 weeks ended June 26, 1993...... $82,559 $38,040 $5,865 $40,970 $ -- $85,494
======= ======= ====== ======= ====== =======
52 weeks ended June 27, 1992...... $59,525 $46,140 $4,960 $36,066 $8,000(a) $82,559
======= ======= ====== ======= ====== =======
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(a) Reflects self-insurance reserve related to Alpha Beta resulting from the
acquisition of Alpha Beta.
(b) Amortization of discount on self-insurance reserves charged to interest
expense.
S-10
<PAGE> 188
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION PAGE
------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ----
<S> <C> <C>
1.1 Form of Underwriting Agreement among Food 4 Less, Food 4 Less
Holdings, Inc., the subsidiary guarantors named therein, BT Securities
Corporation, CS First Boston Corporation and Donaldson, Lufkin &
Jenrette Securities Corporation dated as of , 1995*....
2.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among Food 4 Less, Inc., Food 4
Less Holdings, Inc., Food 4 Less, Ralphs Supermarkets, Inc. and the
Stockholders of Ralphs Supermarkets, Inc. (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 99 to Food 4 Less' Form 8-K dated September 14,
1994).................................................................
2.1.1 Form of Amendment No. 1 dated as of , to Agreement and
Plan of Merger by and among Food 4 Less, Inc., Food 4 Less Holdings,
Inc., Food 4 Less Holdings, Inc. (a Delaware corporation), Food 4
Less, Ralphs Supermarkets, Inc. and the stockholders of Ralphs
Supermarkets, Inc.*...................................................
3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of Food 4 Less, as amended (incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Food 4 Less' Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 25, 1994)....................
3.2 Bylaws of Food 4 Less, as amended (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 3.2 to Food 4 Less's Registration Statement on Form S-1, No.
33-31152).............................................................
4.1 Form of Senior Note Indenture dated as of , 1995 by and
among Ralphs Grocery Company (as successor by merger to Food 4 Less),
the subsidiary guarantors identified therein and Norwest Bank
Minnesota, N.A., as trustee, with respect to its % Senior Notes
due 2004 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Amendment
No. 1 to Food 4 Less' Registration Statement on Form S-4, No.
33-56451).............................................................
4.2 Form of Senior Subordinated Note Indenture dated as of
, 1995 by and among Ralphs Grocery Company (as
successor by merger to Food 4 Less), the subsidiary guarantors
identified therein and United States Trust Company of New York, as
trustee, with respect to its 13.75% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2005
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Amendment No. 1 to
Food 4 Less' Registration Statement on Form S-4, No. 33-56451)........
4.3 Form of Senior Subordinated Note Indenture dated as of
, 1995 by and among Ralphs Grocery Company (as
successor by merger to Food 4 Less), the subsidiary guarantors
identified therein and United States Trust Company of New York, as
trustee, with respect to its % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2005
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Amendment No. 1 to
Food 4 Less' Registration Statement on Form S-4, No. 33-56445)........
4.4.1 Form of First Supplemental Indenture dated as of , 1995
by and between Ralphs Grocery Company and United States Trust Company
of New York, as trustee, with respect to its 10 1/4% Senior
Subordinated Notes due 2002 (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 4.4.1 to Amendment No. 1 to Food 4 Less' Registration
Statement on Form S-4, No. 33-56445)..................................
4.4.2 Form of Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of ,
1995 by and between Ralphs Grocery Company (as successor by merger to
Food 4 Less) and United States Trust Company of New York, as trustee,
with respect to its 10 1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2002
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4.2 to Amendment No. 1
to Food 4 Less' Registration Statement on Form S-4, No. 33-56445).....
4.5.1 Form of Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of
, 1995 by and between Ralphs Grocery Company and
United States Trust Company of New York, as trustee, with respect to
its 9% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2003 (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 4.5.1 to Amendment No. 1 to Food 4 Less'
Registration Statement on Form S-4, No. 33-56445).....................
</TABLE>
E-1
<PAGE> 189
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION PAGE
------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ----
<S> <C> <C>
4.5.2 Form of Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of , 1995
by and between Ralphs Grocery Company (as successor by merger to Food
4 Less) and United States Trust Company of New York, as trustee, with
respect to its 9% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2003 (incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 4.5.2 to Amendment No. 1 to Food 4
Less' Registration Statement on Form S-4, No. 33-56445)...............
4.6 Senior Note Indenture dated as of April 15, 1992 by and among Food 4
Less, the subsidiary guarantors identified therein and Norwest Bank
Minnesota, N.A., as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 4.1 to Food 4 Less' Registration Statement on Form S-1, No.
33-46750).............................................................
4.6.1 First Supplemental Indenture dated as of July 24, 1992 by and among
Food 4 Less, Bay Area Warehouse Stores, Inc., and Norwest Bank
Minnesota, N.A., as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 4.1.1 to Food 4 Less' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended June 27, 1992)......................................
4.6.2 Form of Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of , 1995 by
and among Food 4 Less, the subsidiary guarantors identified therein
and Norwest Bank Minnesota, N.A., as trustee, with respect to its
10.45% Senior Notes due 2000 (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 4.6.2 to Amendment No. 1 to Food 4 Less' Registration
Statement on Form S-4, No. 33-56451)..................................
4.6.3 Form of Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of , 1995
by and among Ralphs Grocery Company (as successor by merger to Food 4
Less), the subsidiary guarantors identified therein and Norwest Bank
Minnesota, N.A., as trustee, with respect to its 10.45% Senior Notes
due 2000 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.6.3 to
Amendment No. 1 to Food 4 Less' Registration Statement on Form S-4,
No. 33-56451).........................................................
4.7 Senior Subordinated Note Indenture dated as of June 15, 1991 by and
among Food 4 Less, the subsidiary guarantors identified therein and
United States Trust Company of New York, as trustee (incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Food 4 Less's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 29, 1991)....................
4.7.1 First Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 8, 1992 by and among
Food 4 Less, Food 4 Less GM, Inc. and United States Trust Company of
New York, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
4.2.1 to Food 4 Less' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended June 27, 1992)..................................................
4.7.2 Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of May 18, 1992 by and among
Food 4 Less, the Subsidiary Guarantors and United States Trust Company
of New York, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
4.2.2 to Food 4 Less' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended June 27, 1992)..................................................
4.7.3 Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of July 24, 1992 by and among
Food 4 Less, Bay Area Warehouse Stores, Inc. and United States Trust
Company of New York, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 4.2.3 to Food 4 Less' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended June 27, 1992)......................................
4.7.4 Form of Fourth Supplemental Indenture dated as of ,
1995, by and among Food 4 Less, the subsidiary guarantors identified
therein and United States Trust Company of New York, as trustee, with
respect to its 13 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2001
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.7.4 to Amendment No. 1
to Food 4 Less' Registration Statement on Form S-4, No. 33-56451).....
4.7.5 Form of Fifth Supplemental Indenture dated as of , 1995 by
and among Ralphs Grocery Company (as successor by merger to Food 4
Less), the subsidiary guarantors identified therein and the United
States Trust Company of New York, as trustee, with respect to its
13 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2001 (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 4.7.5 to Amendment No. 1 to Food 4 Less'
Registration Statement on Form S-4, No. 33-56451).....................
4.8 Bank commitment letter by and among Food 4 Less, the guarantors named
therein and Bankers Trust Company, as agent, and the financial
institutions identified therein*......................................
</TABLE>
E-2
<PAGE> 190
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION PAGE
------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ----
<S> <C> <C>
5.1 Form of Opinion of Latham & Watkins regarding the legality of the
% Senior Notes due 2004 including consent*.......................
10.1 Lease dated as of June 17, 1991 by and between Food 4 Less and
American Food and Drug, Inc. relating to La Habra, California property
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Food 4 Less'
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 29, 1991)...
10.2 Stockholders Agreement dated as of June 23, 1989 by and among Food 4
Less, Food 4 Less, Inc. and Peter J. Sodini (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10.16 to Food 4 Less' Registration Statement on
Form S-1, No. 33-31152)...............................................
10.2.1 Amendment dated as of May 4, 1990 to Stockholders Agreement by and
among Food 4 Less, Food 4 Less, Inc. and Peter J. Sodini (incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 10.58 to Food 4 Less' Registration
Statement on Form S-1, No. 33-31152)..................................
10.2.2 Letter Agreement dated as of June 27, 1990 by and among Peter J.
Sodini, The Boys Markets, Inc., and certain affiliates, officers,
directors and employees of Food 4 Less (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10.39.1 to Food 4 Less' Annual Report on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1990).........................
10.2.3 Assignment and Assumption Agreement dated as of August 22, 1990 by and
between Peter J. Sodini and Ronald W. Burkle with respect to
Stockholders Agreement by and among Food 4 Less, Food 4 Less, Inc. and
Peter J. Sodini (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.16.2
to Food 4 Less' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
June 30, 1990)........................................................
10.2.4 Amendment dated as of December 31, 1992 by and among Food 4 Less,
Inc., Food 4 Less Holdings, Inc., Food 4 Less and Ronald W. Burkle to
Stockholders Agreement by and among Food 4 Less, Food 4 Less, Inc. and
Peter J. Sodini (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6.2 to
Food 4 Less Holdings, Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form S-4, No.
33-59214).............................................................
10.3 Stockholders Agreement dated as of June 23, 1989 by and among Food 4
Less, Food 4 Less, Inc. and George G. Golleher (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10.17 to Food 4 Less' Registration Statement on
Form S-1, No. 33-31152)...............................................
10.3.1 Amendment dated as of May 4, 1990 to Stockholders Agreement by and
among Food 4 Less, Food 4 Less, Inc. and George G. Golleher
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.59 to Food 4 Less'
Registration Statement on Form S-1, No. 33-31152).....................
10.3.2 Amendment dated as of December 31, 1992 by and among Food 4 Less
Holdings, Inc., Food 4 Less, Food 4 Less, Inc. and George G. Golleher
to Stockholders Agreement by and among Food 4 Less, Food 4 Less, Inc.
and George G. Golleher (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
10.8.2 to Food 4 Less Holdings, Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form
S-4, No. 33-59214)....................................................
10.4 Letter Agreement dated as of September 14, 1994 by and among FFL
Partners, Food 4 Less, Inc., Food 4 Less Holdings, Inc., Food 4 Less
and Falley's Inc. relating to certain obligations arising under the
Falley's, Inc. Stock Ownership Plan and Trust, as amended
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Food 4 Less'
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 25, 1994)...
10.5 Form of Consulting Agreement dated as of , 1995 by and
among The Yucaipa Companies and Food 4 Less*..........................
10.6 Consulting Agreement dated as of June 27, 1988 by and between
Falley's, Inc. and Joe S. Burkle (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10.38 to Food 4 Less' Registration Statement on Form S-1, No.
33-31152).............................................................
10.6.1 Letter Agreement dated as of December 10, 1990 amending Consulting
Agreement by and between Falley's, Inc. and Joe S. Burkle
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.17.1 to Food 4 Less'
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 29, 1991)...
10.7 Form of Employment Agreement dated as of , 1995 by and
between the Company and Byron E. Allumbaugh*..........................
</TABLE>
E-3
<PAGE> 191
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION PAGE
------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ----
<S> <C> <C>
10.8 Form of Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated as of
, 1995 by and between the Company and George G.
Golleher*.............................................................
10.9 Employment Agreement dated as of July 1, 1994 between Food 4 Less and
Harley DeLano (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to
Food 4 Less' Annual Report on Form 10-K dated June 25, 1994)..........
10.10 Employment Agreement dated as of July 1, 1994 between Food 4 Less and
Greg Mays (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to Food 4
Less' Annual Report on Form 10-K dated June 25, 1994).................
10.11 Form of Employment Agreement dated as of , 199 by and
between the Company and Alfred A. Marasca*............................
10.12 Form of Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of , 1995, among
Food 4 Less, Inc., Food 4 Less Holdings, Inc., Food 4 Less and the
Purchasers therein*...................................................
10.13 Amended and Restated Tax Sharing Agreement dated as of June 17, 1991
by and among Food 4 Less, Inc., Food 4 Less and the subsidiaries of
Food 4 Less (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to Food
4 Less' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 29,
1991).................................................................
12.1 Statements regarding computations of ratios of earnings to fixed
charges...............................................................
21.1 Subsidiaries of Food 4 Less (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 22.1 to Food 4 Less' Annual Report on Form 10-K dated June 25,
1994).................................................................
23.1 Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent certified public
accountants...........................................................
23.2 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants........
23.3 Consent of Latham & Watkins (included in the opinion filed as Exhibit
5 to the Registration Statement)*.....................................
23.4 Consent of Director Nominee Byron E. Allumbaugh.......................
23.5 Consent of Director Nominee Alfred A. Marasca.........................
23.6 Consent of Director Nominee Patrick L. Graham.........................
24 Power of Attorney of directors and officers of Food 4 Less (included
in the signature pages in Part II of the Registration Statement)......
25.1 Statement of Eligibility and Qualification on Form T-1 of Norwest Bank
Minnesota, N.A., as trustee, under the Indenture for the % Senior
Notes due 2004 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 25.1 to
Amendment No. 1 to Food 4 Less' Registration Statement on Form S-4,
No. 33-56451).........................................................
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* To be filed by amendment.
E-4
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 12.1
RALPHS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
(AS SUCCESSOR TO RALPHS GROCERY COMPANY)
COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES(A)
(DOLLAR IN THOUSANDS)
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
52 WEEKS 53 WEEKS 52 WEEKS 52 WEEKS 52 WEEKS 36 WEEKS 36 WEEKS
ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED
JANUARY 28, FEBRUARY 3, FEBRUARY 2, JANUARY 31, JANUARY 30, OCTOBER 10, OCTOBER 9,
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1993 1994
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Earnings (loss) before income
taxes, cumulative effect of
change in accounting and
extraordinary item......... $(57,670) $(25,529) $(27,734) $ 2,792 $ 30,317 $ 23,771 $ 19,896
Add:
Portion of rents
representative of the
interest factor......... 11,836 12,936 15,135 17,745 19,218 13,092 13,493
Capitalized interest...... 1,019 915 510 1,074 740 599 227
Interest expense.......... 130,883 128,477 130,206 125,611 108,755 75,748 77,162
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ---------
Earnings as adjusted...... $ 86,068 $116,799 $118,117 $147,222 $159,030 $113,210 $ 110,778
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== =========
Fixed charges:
Interest expense.......... 130,883 128,477 130,206 125,611 108,755 75,748 77,162
Capitalized interest...... 1,019 915 510 1,074 740 599 227
Portion of rents
representative of the
interest factor......... 11,836 12,936 15,135 17,745 19,218 13,092 13,493
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ---------
Total fixed charges....... $143,738 $142,328 $145,851 $144,430 $128,713 $ 89,439 $ 90,882
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== =========
Ratio of earnings to fixed
charges................... --(b) --(b) --(b) 1.02 1.24 1.27 1.22
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== =========
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(a) The ratio of earnings to fixed charges has been computed based upon net
earnings (loss) before income taxes, extraordinary item and fixed charges.
Fixed charges consist of interest expense (including amortization of
self-insurance reserves discount), capitalized interest, amortization of
debt discount and expense and one-third of rental expense (the proportion
deemed representative of the interest factor).
(b) Earnings before income taxes and fixed charges were insufficient to cover
fixed charges for the periods ended January 28, 1990, February 3, 1991 and
February 2, 1992 by $57,670, $25,529 and $27,734, respectively.
Page 1 of 2
<PAGE> 2
EXHIBIT 12.1
FOOD 4 LESS SUPERMARKETS, INC.
COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
53 WEEKS ENDED 52 WEEKS ENDED 52 WEEKS ENDED 52 WEEKS ENDED
JUNE 30, 1990 JUNE 29, 1991 JUNE 27, 1992 JUNE 26, 1993
------------------ ------------------ ------------------ ------------------
FIXED FIXED FIXED FIXED
EARNINGS CHARGES EARNINGS CHARGES EARNINGS CHARGES EARNINGS CHARGES
-------- ------- -------- ------- -------- ------- -------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Loss before provision for income taxes
and extraordinary charges............ $(9,106) $ -- $(3,387) $ -- $(25,555) $ -- $(25,936) $ --
Add: Fixed charges:
Interest expense including
amortization of deferred financing
costs............................... 50,789 50,789 50,085 50,085 70,210 70,210 69,733 69,733
Interest factor in rent expense(1).... 3,814 3,814 6,523 6,523 15,569 15,569 14,835 14,835
-------- ------- -------- ------- -------- ------- -------- -------
$45,497 $54,603 $53,221 $56,608 $ 60,224 $85,779 $ 58,632 $84,568
======= ======= ======= ======= ======== ======= ======== =======
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges.... -- -- -- --
======= ======= ======== ========
Deficiency of earnings to cover fixed
charges............................. $ 9,106 $ 3,387 $ 25,555 $ 25,936
======= ======= ======== ========
<CAPTION>
52 WEEKS ENDED 12 WEEKS ENDED 12 WEEKS ENDED
JUNE 25, 1994 SEPTEMBER 18, 1993 SEPTEMBER 17, 1994
------------------ ------------------ ------------------
FIXED FIXED FIXED
EARNINGS CHARGES EARNINGS CHARGES EARNINGS CHARGES
-------- ------- -------- ------- -------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Loss before provision for income taxes
and extraordinary charges............ $ -- $ -- $ (812) $ -- $(2,447) $ --
Add: Fixed charges:
Interest expense including
amortization of deferred financing
costs............................... 68,250 68,250 15,730 15,730 16,008 16,008
Interest factor in rent expense(1).... 16,596 16,596 3,830 3,830 4,095 4,095
------- ------- -------- ------- -------- -------
$84,846 $84,846 $18,748 $19,560 $17,656 $20,103
======= ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges.... 1.0 -- --
======= ======= =======
Deficiency of earnings to cover fixed
charges............................. -- $ 812 $ 2,447
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Calculated as one-third of minimum rent expense (see note 5 in the audited
financial statements):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1990 1991 1992 1993
------- ------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Minimum rent.......................... $11,443 $19,570 $46,706 $44,504
Interest factor....................... /3 /3 /3 /3
------- ------- ------- -------
$ 3,814 $ 6,523 $15,569 $14,835
======= ======= ======= =======
<CAPTION>
12 WEEKS ENDED 12 WEEKS ENDED
1994 SEPTEMBER 18, 1993 SEPTEMBER 17, 1994
------- ------------------ ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Minimum rent.......................... $49,788 $11,490 $12,286
Interest factor....................... /3 /3 /3
------- ------- -------
$16,596 $ 3,830 $ 4,095
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
Page 2 of 2
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 23.1
ACCOUNTANTS' CONSENT AND REPORT ON SCHEDULES
Board of Directors and Stockholders
Ralphs Supermarkets, Inc.:
The audits referred to in our report dated April 8, 1994 (except as to note 16,
which is as of September 14, 1994), included the related financial statement
schedules as of January 30, 1994 and January 31, 1993, and for each of the
fiscal years in the three-year period ended January 30, 1994, included in the
registration statement. These financial statement schedules are the
responsibility of Ralphs management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion
on these financial statement schedules based on our audits. In our opinion, such
financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic
consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly in all
material respects the information set forth therein.
We consent to the use of our reports included herein and to the reference to our
firm under the headings "Summary Historical Financial Data of Ralphs," "Selected
Historical Financial Data of Ralphs" and "Experts" in the prospectus.
KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP
Los Angeles, California
January 4, 1995
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 23.2
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our
reports and to all references to our firm included in or made a part of this
registration statement.
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Los Angeles, California
January 4, 1995
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 23.4
CONSENT OF DIRECTOR NOMINEE
The undersigned hereby consents to the reference of the undersigned as a
director nominee of the successor corporation to Food 4 Less Supermarkets, Inc.
(the "Company") in the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1.
/s/ BYRON E. ALLUMBAUGH
-----------------------------
Byron E. Allumbaugh
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 23.5
CONSENT OF DIRECTOR NOMINEE
The undersigned hereby consents to the reference of the undersigned as a
director nominee of the successor corporation to Food 4 Less Supermarkets, Inc.
(the "Company") in the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1.
/s/ ALFRED A. MARASCA
--------------------------
Alfred A. Marasca
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 23.6
CONSENT OF DIRECTOR NOMINEE
The undersigned hereby consents to the reference of the undersigned as a
director nominee of the successor corporation to Food 4 Less Supermarkets, Inc.
(the "Company") in the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1.
/s/ PATRICK L. GRAHAM
---------------------------
Patrick L. Graham
