<PAGE> 1
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(A) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (AMENDMENT NO. )
Filed by the Registrant /X/
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant / /
Check the appropriate box:
/ / Preliminary Proxy Statement / / Confidential, for Use of the Commission
/X/ Definitive Proxy Statement Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
/ / Definitive Additional Materials
/ / Soliciting Material
Pursuant to Section 240.14a-11(c) or Section 240.14a-12
SAFEWAY INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
/ / $125 per Exchange Act Rules 0-11(c)(1)(ii), or 14a-6(i)(1), or 14a-6(i)(2)
or Item 22(a)(2) of Schedule 14A.
/ / $500 per each party to the controversy pursuant to Exchange Act Rule
14a-6(i)(3).
/ / Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
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(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
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(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(5) Total fee paid:
<PAGE> 2
----------------------------------------------------------------------
/X/ Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
/ / Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act
Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was
paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement
number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount Previously Paid:
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(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
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(3) Filing Party:
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(4) Date Filed:
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2
<PAGE> 3
LOGO
SAFEWAY INC.
4TH & JACKSON STREETS
OAKLAND, CA 94660
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Safeway
Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), will be held at the San Ramon
Marriott Hotel, 2600 Bishop Drive, San Ramon, California on Tuesday, May 14,
1996 at 10:30 a.m. for the following purposes:
1. To elect three directors of the Company to serve for a term of three
years and until their successors are elected and have qualified;
2. To consider and vote upon a proposal to amend the Company's Restated
Certificate of Incorporation to increase the total number of authorized
shares of (a) the Company's Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, from
300,000,000 to 750,000,000, and (b) the Company's Preferred Stock, par
value $.01 per share, from 10,000,000 to 25,000,000;
3. To consider and vote upon one stockholder proposal which is opposed by
the Board of Directors;
4. To ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as independent
auditors for fiscal year 1996; and
5. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting
and any adjournments thereof.
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on March 19, 1996 will
be entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting and at any and all
adjournments thereof.
Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting in person, in order to ensure
your representation, please complete, sign, date and promptly return the
enclosed proxy card. A return envelope, which requires no postage if mailed in
the United States, has been provided for your use. If you attend the Annual
Meeting and inform the Secretary of the Company in writing that you wish to vote
your shares in person, your proxy will not be used.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,
MICHAEL C. ROSS, Secretary
Oakland, California
Dated: March 22, 1996
<PAGE> 4
SAFEWAY INC.
4TH & JACKSON STREETS
OAKLAND, CA 94660
PROXY STATEMENT
This Proxy Statement is furnished to the stockholders on behalf of the
Board of Directors of Safeway Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Safeway" or the
"Company"), in connection with the solicitation by the Board of Directors of
proxies for use at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company, to be held
at the San Ramon Marriott Hotel, 2600 Bishop Drive, San Ramon, California on
Tuesday, May 14, 1996, at 10:30 a.m. and at any and all adjournments thereof. It
is anticipated that the mailing to stockholders of this Proxy Statement and the
enclosed proxy will commence on March 26, 1996.
The information contained in this Proxy Statement has been adjusted, where
appropriate, to give effect to a two-for-one stock split whereby each holder of
the Company's common stock ("Common Stock") received on January 30, 1996 one
additional share of Common Stock for each share owned as of January 16, 1996.
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on March 19, 1996 will
be entitled to vote at the meeting. At the close of business on March 19, 1996
there were outstanding 216,964,630 shares of the Common Stock. A majority of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock will constitute a quorum for the transaction
of business. Each share of Common Stock not in the treasury is entitled to one
vote. There is no provision in the Company's Restated Certificate of
Incorporation for cumulative voting.
If shares are not voted in person, they cannot be voted on your behalf
unless a signed proxy is given. Even if you expect to attend the Annual Meeting
in person, in order to ensure your representation, please complete, sign and
date the enclosed proxy and mail it promptly in the enclosed envelope. A
stockholder giving a proxy pursuant to the present solicitation may revoke it at
any time before it is exercised by giving a subsequent proxy or by delivering to
the Secretary of the Company a written notice of revocation prior to the voting
of the proxy at the Annual Meeting. If you attend the Annual Meeting and inform
the Secretary of the Company in writing that you wish to vote your shares in
person, your proxy will not be used. If you receive two or more proxy cards,
please complete, sign, date and return each to complete your representation. All
shares represented by each properly executed and unrevoked proxy, in the
accompanying form, will be voted unless the proxy is mutilated or otherwise
received in such form or at such time as to render it unusable.
Votes cast at the Annual Meeting will be tabulated by the persons appointed
by the Company to act as inspectors of election for the Annual Meeting. Shares
represented by proxies that reflect abstentions or "broker non-votes" (i.e.,
shares held by a broker or nominee which are represented at the meeting, but
with respect to which such broker or nominee is not empowered to vote on a
particular proposal) will be counted as shares that are present and entitled to
vote for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum. Directors will be
elected by a plurality of the shares voting, which means that abstentions and
broker non-votes will not affect the election of the candidates receiving the
plurality of votes. The proposed amendment to the Company's Restated Certificate
of Incorporation to increase the total number of authorized shares of the
Company's capital stock will require the affirmative vote of holders of a
majority of the issued and outstanding Common Stock; accordingly, with respect
to the proposed amendment, abstentions and broker non-votes will have the same
effect as negative votes. In accordance with the Company's By-Laws, for purposes
of determining the outcome of any other proposal as to which proxies reflect
abstentions or broker non-votes, shares represented by such proxies will be
treated as not present and not entitled to vote with respect to that proposal.
The cost of this solicitation will be borne by the Company. Solicitation
will be made by mail, by telegraph and telephone, and personally by a few
officers and regular employees of the Company who will not receive additional
compensation for solicitation. Brokers, nominees and fiduciaries will be
reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in obtaining proxies or
authorizations from the beneficial owners of the Common Stock.
The purpose of the meeting and the matters to be acted upon are set forth
in the foregoing attached Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders. As of the
date of this Proxy Statement, management knows of no
<PAGE> 5
other business which will be presented for consideration at the meeting.
However, if any such other business shall properly come before the meeting,
votes will be cast pursuant to said proxies in respect of any such other
business in accordance with the best judgment of the persons acting under said
proxies.
PROPOSAL 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws provide that
the Board of Directors is divided into three classes. Each year the stockholders
are asked to elect the members of a class for a term of three years or less,
depending on the class to which the Board has assigned a director not previously
elected by the stockholders. If a quorum is present in person or by proxy, the
affirmative vote of a plurality of the voting power of the shares represented at
the meeting and entitled to vote will be sufficient to elect directors.
It is intended that the shares represented by proxies, in the accompanying
form, will be voted for the election of the three nominees named below unless
authority to so vote is withheld. All of the nominees have consented to being
named herein and to serve if elected. If any of them should become unavailable
prior to the Annual Meeting, the proxy will be voted for a substitute nominee or
nominees designated by the Board of Directors, or the number of directors may be
reduced accordingly.
The nominees named below are currently directors of the Company and each
was elected by the stockholders. The Board of Directors recommends the three
nominees for election as directors. The three directors will hold office for a
three-year term ending at the Annual Meeting in 1999 and until their successors
are elected and have qualified.
The following information, which has been provided by the directors, sets
forth for each of the nominees for election to the Board of Directors and for
each director whose term continues, his name, age and principal occupation or
employment during the past five years, the name of the corporation or other
organization, if any, in which such occupation or employment is or was carried
on and the period during which such person has served as a Safeway director.
1996 NOMINEES
PETER A. MAGOWAN, age 53, has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors
since November 26, 1986. He served as Chief Executive Officer of the Company
from November 26, 1986 to April 30, 1993. He also served as President of the
Company from March 27, 1988 to October 26, 1992. Previously from December 1979,
Mr. Magowan served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company's predecessor, Safeway Stores, Incorporated, a Maryland corporation. Mr.
Magowan is also a director of Caterpillar, Inc., Chrysler Corporation and The
Vons Companies, Inc. Mr. Magowan is Managing General Partner and President of
the San Francisco Giants.
GEORGE R. ROBERTS, age 52, has been a member of the Board of Directors
since July 1986. Mr. Roberts has been a General Partner of Kohlberg Kravis
Roberts & Co. ("KKR") during the last five years. Mr. Roberts is also a director
of American Re Corporation, AutoZone, Inc., Borden, Inc., Bruno's, Inc.,
Duracell International Inc., Flagstar Companies, Inc., Flagstar Corporation,
IDEX Corporation, K-III Communications Corporation., Owens-Illinois, Inc.,
Owens-Illinois Group, Inc., Red Lion Properties, Inc., The Stop & Shop
Companies, Inc., Union Texas Petroleum Holdings, Inc. and World Color Press,
Inc.
MICHAEL T. TOKARZ, age 46, has been a member of the Board of Directors
since December 17, 1987. Mr. Tokarz has been a General Partner of KKR since
January 1, 1993 and has been an executive of KKR during the last five years. Mr.
Tokarz is also a director of Flagstar Companies, Inc., Flagstar Corporation,
IDEX Corporation, K-III Communications Corporation and Walter Industries, Inc.
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<PAGE> 6
CONTINUING DIRECTORS
STEVEN A. BURD, age 46, has been Chief Executive Officer of the Company
since April 30, 1993 and President of the Company since October 26, 1992. He was
first elected to the Board of Directors on September 7, 1993. Previously, he was
the sole owner of Burd & Associates, a management consulting firm. Mr. Burd is
also a director of The Vons Companies, Inc.
SAM GINN, age 58, has been a member of the Board of Directors since January
15, 1991. Mr. Ginn has served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer of AirTouch Communications, Inc., formerly PacTel Corporation, since
December 1993. From 1988 until that time, Mr. Ginn served as Chairman of the
Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Pacific Telesis Group. Mr. Ginn
is also a director of Chevron Corporation and Transamerica Corporation.
JAMES H. GREENE, JR., age 45, has been a member of the Board of Directors
since December 17, 1987. Mr. Greene has been a General Partner of KKR since
January 1, 1993 and has been an executive of KKR during the last five years. Mr.
Greene is also a director of Bruno's, Inc., Owens-Illinois, Inc., Owens-Illinois
Group, Inc., The Stop & Shop Companies, Inc., Union Texas Petroleum Holdings,
Inc. and The Vons Companies, Inc.
PAUL HAZEN, age 54, has been a member of the Board of Directors since July
18, 1990. Mr. Hazen has served as President and Chief Operating Officer and
director of Wells Fargo & Co. and its principal subsidiary, Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association, since 1984 and was elected Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer in January 1995. Mr. Hazen is also a director of Phelps Dodge
Corporation and AirTouch Communications, Inc.
HENRY R. KRAVIS, age 52, has been a member of the Board of Directors since
November 26, 1986. Mr. Kravis has been a General Partner of KKR during the last
five years. Mr. Kravis is also a director of American Re Corporation, AutoZone,
Inc., Borden, Inc., Bruno's, Inc., Duracell International, Inc., Flagstar
Companies, Inc., Flagstar Corporation, IDEX Corporation, K-III Communications
Corporation., Owens-Illinois, Inc., Owens-Illinois Group, Inc., The Stop & Shop
Companies, Inc., Union Texas Petroleum Holdings, Inc. and World Color Press,
Inc.
ROBERT I. MACDONNELL, age 58, has been a member of the Board of Directors
since November 26, 1986. Mr. MacDonnell has been a General Partner of KKR during
the last five years. Mr. MacDonnell is also a director of AutoZone, Inc.,
Owens-Illinois, Inc., Owens-Illinois Group, Inc. and The Vons Companies, Inc.
Mr. Roberts and Mr. Kravis are first cousins. Mr. MacDonnell and Mr.
Roberts are brothers-in-law.
Messrs. Greene, Hazen and Kravis are in the class of directors whose term
will expire in 1997.
Messrs. Burd, Ginn and MacDonnell are in the class of directors whose term
will expire in 1998.
Under Securities Purchase Agreements dated August 11, 1986, as amended
December 1, 1987, each of two partnerships which are the principal stockholders
of Safeway and which are affiliated with KKR has the right, so long as either
owns any shares of the Common Stock, to elect at least one director to Safeway's
Board of Directors in order to substantially participate in and substantially
influence the conduct of the management of Safeway and its business. See
"Beneficial Ownership of Securities."
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF SECURITIES
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial
ownership of Safeway's outstanding Common Stock as of March 19, 1996 by (i) each
of Safeway's directors and nominees who is a stockholder, (ii) the Company's
Chief Executive Officer, (iii) each of the Company's four other most highly
compensated executive officers who were serving as executive officers at the end
of fiscal 1995, (iv) all executive officers and directors of Safeway as a group
and (v) each person believed by Safeway to own beneficially more than 5% of its
outstanding shares of Common Stock. Except as indicated by the notes to the
following table, the holders listed below have sole voting power and investment
power over the shares
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<PAGE> 7
beneficially held by them. The address of KKR Associates, SSI Equity Associates,
L.P. and SSI Partners, L.P. is 9 West 57th Street, New York, New York 10019.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SHARES
BENEFICIALLY PERCENTAGE OF
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER OWNED(1) CLASS(1)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
KKR Associates(2)............................................... 109,232,263 50.4%
James H. Greene, Jr.(3)....................................... 35,000 *
Henry R. Kravis(4)............................................
Robert I. MacDonnell(5).......................................
George R. Roberts(6)..........................................
Michael T. Tokarz............................................. 10,000 *
SSI Equity Associates, L.P.(7).................................. 23,405,953 9.7
Sam Ginn(8)..................................................... 68,748 *
Paul Hazen(8)................................................... 68,748 *
Peter A. Magowan(9)............................................. 2,501,086 1.2
Steven A. Burd(9)............................................... 1,083,341 *
Kenneth W. Oder(9)(10).......................................... 686,072 *
Julian C. Day(9)................................................ 201,572 *
E. Richard Jones(9)(11)......................................... 1,054,114 *
Michael C. Ross(9).............................................. 235,530 *
All executive officers and directors as a group (17 persons,
excluding Messrs. Greene, Kravis, Roberts, MacDonnell and
Tokarz)(9).................................................... 7,163,558 3.2
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* Less than 1%
(1) For purposes of this table, a person or a group of persons is deemed to
have "beneficial ownership" as of a given date of any shares which such
person has the right to acquire within 60 days after such date. For
purposes of computing the percentage of outstanding shares held by each
person or group of persons named above on a given date, any shares which
such person or persons has the right to acquire within 60 days after such
date are deemed to be outstanding, but are not deemed to be outstanding for
the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person.
(2) The shares are owned of record by two partnerships, the sole general
partner of each of which is KKR Associates, a New York limited partnership.
KKR Associates, in its capacity as general partner, may be deemed to
beneficially own such shares. Messrs. Greene, Kravis, MacDonnell, Roberts,
Tokarz, Saul A. Fox, Edward A. Gilhuly, Perry Golkin, Michael W. Michelson,
Paul E. Raether, Clifton S. Robbins and Scott Stuart, as general partners
of KKR Associates, may be deemed to share beneficial ownership of any
shares beneficially owned by KKR Associates, but disclaim any such
beneficial ownership. Messrs. Greene, Kravis, MacDonnell, Roberts and
Tokarz are members of Safeway's Board of Directors.
(3) Represents shares owned jointly by Mr. Greene and his wife. Does not
include 10,000 shares owned by Mrs. Greene, as to which Mr. Greene
disclaims any beneficial ownership. Does not include 6,000 shares held in
trust by Mrs. Greene for the benefit of their children, as to which Mr.
Greene disclaims any beneficial ownership.
(4) Does not include 400,000 shares held by Mr. Kravis as a trustee of an
irrevocable trust created by Mr. Roberts for the benefit of his children
(the "Roberts Trust"). As co-trustee, Mr. Kravis shares the authority to
vote and dispose of the shares, but has no economic interest in such
shares.
(5) Does not include 60,000 shares held in an irrevocable trust created by Mr.
MacDonnell for the benefit of his children (the "MacDonnell Trust") with
respect to which Mr. MacDonnell disclaims any beneficial ownership.
(6) Does not include 60,000 shares held by Mr. Roberts as a trustee of the
MacDonnell Trust. As co-trustee, Mr. Roberts shares the authority to vote
and to dispose of the shares, but has no economic
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<PAGE> 8
interest in such shares. Does not include 400,000 shares held in the
Roberts Trust with respect to which Mr. Roberts disclaims any beneficial
ownership.
(7) SSI Equity Associates, L.P. is a Delaware limited partnership, the sole
general partner of which is SSI Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited
partnership. SSI Partners, L.P., in its capacity as general partner, may be
deemed to own any shares beneficially owned by SSI Equity Associates, L.P.
Messrs. Kravis, MacDonnell, Raether and Roberts, as general partners of SSI
Partners, L.P., may be deemed to share beneficial ownership of any shares
beneficially owned by SSI Partners, L.P., but disclaim any such beneficial
ownership. Messrs. Kravis, MacDonnell and Roberts are members of Safeway's
Board of Directors.
(8) Includes 47,914 shares issuable upon exercise of stock options.
(9) Includes shares issuable upon exercise of stock options as follows: Mr.
Magowan, 1,116,156; Mr. Burd, 940,000; Mr. Oder, 630,000; Mr. Day, 165,000;
Mr. Jones, 650,000, Mr. Ross, 210,000; and all executive officers and
directors as a group, 4,691,844. Does not include shares issuable upon
exercise of stock options which are not vested. Also includes shares
issuable upon exercise of warrants as follows: Mr. Jones, 188; and all
executive officers and directors as a group, 777.
(10) Does not include 1,600 shares held by Mr. Oder as trustee of irrevocable
trusts created by Mr. Burd for the benefit of his children. As trustee, Mr.
Oder has the authority to vote and dispose of the shares, but has no
economic interest in such shares.
(11) Does not include 12,000 shares owned by Mr. Jones' children as to which Mr.
Jones disclaims any beneficial ownership.
BOARD MEETINGS, COMMITTEES AND COMPENSATION
The Company's Board of Directors held six meetings in fiscal 1995. Each
director, except Messrs. Kravis, Roberts and Tokarz, attended 75% or more of the
total number of Board meetings and meetings of Board committees on which the
director served during the time he served on the Board or committee. The Board
of Directors has established the following standing committees: Audit Committee,
and Compensation and Stock Option Committee. There is no standing Nominating
Committee.
Audit Committee: Paul Hazen, Chairman; Sam Ginn. As directed by the Board,
the functions of the committee include recommending independent auditors to be
employed by the Company; conferring with the independent auditors regarding
their audit of the Company; reviewing the fees of such auditors and other terms
of their engagement; considering the adequacy of internal financial controls and
the results of fiscal policies and financial management of the Company; meeting
with the Company's internal auditors; reviewing with the independent and
internal auditors the results of their examinations; and recommending changes in
financial policies or procedures as suggested by the auditors. During fiscal
1995 the Audit Committee held four meetings.
Compensation and Stock Option Committee: Sam Ginn, Chairman; James H.
Greene, Jr., Paul Hazen and Robert I. MacDonnell. The functions of the committee
are to review new or modified programs in the areas of executive salary and
incentive compensation, deferred compensation and stock plans; to review direct
and indirect compensation matters; and to review management's compensation
actions for executive officers and other key personnel. During fiscal 1995 the
Compensation and Stock Option Committee held one meeting.
Director Compensation: Directors who are not employees of the Company or
its subsidiaries were paid an annual fee of $40,000. See "Compensation Committee
Interlocks and Insider Participation" for a description of fees paid to KKR by
the Company for management, consulting and financial services.
The Outside Director Equity Purchase Plan (the "Director Plan") generally
provides for the grant to "Outside Directors" (as defined in the Director Plan)
of options to purchase shares of Common Stock of the Company and requires
Outside Directors to purchase shares of Common Stock as a condition to
membership on the Board. Pursuant to the Director Plan, each Outside Director
shall be granted, on the later to occur of (a) the adoption of the Director Plan
by the Board, or (b) such Outside Director's appointment to the Board,
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<PAGE> 9
an option to purchase the number of shares of Common Stock equal to $150,000
(increased by 10% on every other anniversary of the date the Director Plan was
adopted by the Board) divided by the Purchase Price (defined as $4.80 for
Outside Directors eligible to be granted options as of the date of adoption of
the Director Plan by the Board, and 80% of the fair market value of a share of
Common Stock on the date of grant for all other initial grants). The foregoing
option grants are conditioned on the purchase by such Outside Director of shares
of Common Stock as set forth in the Director Plan. Mr. Ginn and Mr. Hazen each
has purchased 20,834 shares of Common Stock. In connection with such purchases,
Mr. Ginn and Mr. Hazen each delivered to Safeway a full recourse note in the
amount of $99,900. Each note matures in 2001 and bears interest at 8.87% per
annum. In addition, pursuant to the Director Plan, each Outside Director shall
be granted, on the later to occur of (i) May 9, 1995 (the adoption of the First
Amendment to the Director Plan by the Board) or (ii) the date such Outside
Director completes three continuous years of service as a member of the Board,
an option to purchase an additional 50,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise
price equal to the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the date of
grant.
Under the Deferred Compensation Plan for Safeway Directors, a non-employee
director may elect to defer, until a specified calendar year or retirement from
the Board, all or any portion of the director's compensation. The director may
elect to have such compensation credited to a cash credit account (which accrues
interest at the prime rate) or a stock credit account (based on an equivalent
number of shares of Common Stock that could have been purchased with the
deferred compensation). All distributions of a director's cash or stock credit
account are made in cash.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND TRANSACTIONS
In January 1995 and October 1995, the Company acquired a total of 50.7% of
the limited partnership interests in SSI Equity Associates, L.P. for $196.2
million. Safeway acquired the interests, using bank borrowings, from parties
unrelated to Safeway or any of its affiliates. The purchase price of the
interests was determined by arms'-length negotiations between the Company and
the selling parties. SSI Equity Associates, L.P. is a limited partnership whose
sole assets are warrants to purchase 23,405,953 shares of Common Stock at $1.00
per share. See "Beneficial Ownership of Securities." Messrs. Kravis, MacDonnell
and Roberts, who are directors of the Company, are general partners of SSI
Partners, L.P., which is the general partner of, and holds a one percent
interest in, SSI Equity Associates, L.P.
In 1995, Safeway made payments totaling approximately $250,000 for the
direct or indirect benefit of the San Francisco Giants. Mr. Magowan, Chairman of
the Board of the Company, is the Managing General Partner and President of the
San Francisco Giants. Such payments were made in connection with advertising,
promotional events and marketing programs involving the San Francisco Giants and
Safeway. It is anticipated that similar expenditures in the approximate amount
of $200,000 will be made in 1996.
Mr. Magowan resigned from his position as Chief Executive Officer of the
Company effective April 30, 1993 and has continued as Chairman of the Board of
the Company. The Company employed Mr. Magowan at an annual salary of $737,500
until December 31, 1994, after which he has received and will continue to
receive a monthly salary of $42,500 ($510,000 annually) until his retirement on
April 30, 1997. Mr. Magowan will continue to receive insurance benefits, and he
received a prorated bonus under the Company's operating performance and capital
performance bonus programs with respect to the first four months of 1993. The
Company paid Mr. Magowan $125,000 for 1993 and an additional $125,000 for 1994
with regard to operating performance and capital performance bonuses pertaining
to his performance previous to 1993 under the Company's bonus programs. Upon
retirement, Mr. Magowan will be entitled to receive retirement benefits in
accordance with the terms of the Company's qualified retirement plan of $70,089
per year, and $566,843 per year from the Company.
From December 1986 through December 1989, certain members of management
(the "Management Investors") purchased shares of Common Stock and/or acquired
options to purchase an aggregate of 19,272,000 shares of Common Stock. The
Management Investors paid $1.00 per share, and stock options held by the
Management Investors are exercisable primarily at $1.00 per share. Each such
Management Investor also entered into a subscription agreement with Safeway,
pursuant to which all shares of Common Stock held
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by such Management Investor are subject to certain restrictions on transfer and
certain repurchase rights and obligations under certain circumstances, primarily
relating to such Management Investor's termination of employment.
See COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION for
additional relationships and transactions.
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(A) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
"Exchange Act"), requires the Company's officers and directors, and persons who
own more than ten percent of a registered class of the Company's equity
securities, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership (Forms 3, 4
and 5) of Common Stock with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"),
the New York Stock Exchange and the Pacific Stock Exchange. Officers, directors
and greater-than-ten-percent holders are required to furnish the Company with
copies of all such forms which they file.
To the Company's knowledge, based solely on the Company's review of copies
of such reports or written representations from certain reporting persons that
no Forms 5 were required to be filed by those persons, the Company believes that
during fiscal 1995 all filing requirements applicable to its officers,
directors, greater-than-ten-percent beneficial owners and other persons subject
to Section 16 of the Exchange Act were complied with.
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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following Summary Compensation Table shows compensation paid by the
Company for services rendered during fiscal years 1995, 1994 and 1993 for the
Chief Executive Officer and the four most highly compensated executive officers
of the Company who were serving as executive officers at the end of fiscal 1995.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LONG-TERM
COMPENSATION
-------------------
ANNUAL COMPENSATION AWARDS PAYOUTS
---------------------------- ---------- -------
OTHER ANNUAL SECURITIES LTIP ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL SALARY BONUS COMPENSATION UNDERLYING PAYOUTS COMPENSATION
POSITION YEAR ($) ($)(A) ($) OPTIONS(#) ($) ($)
- -------------------------- ---- ------ ----- ------------ ---------- ------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Steven A. Burd............ 1995 650 706 -- -- -- --
President and CEO 1994 619 644 -- 1,000,000 -- --
1993 550 545 -- -- -- --
Kenneth W. Oder........... 1995 420 420 43(b) -- -- --
Executive Vice President 1994 407 407 54(b) 500,000 -- --
1993 365 465 60(b) -- -- --
Julian C. Day............. 1995 365 367 -- -- -- --
Executive Vice President 1994 327 340 -- 100,000 -- --
and CFO 1993 144 142 -- 400,000 -- --
E. Richard Jones.......... 1995 358 373 -- -- -- --
Executive Vice President 1994 358 369 -- -- -- --
1993 358 307 -- -- 93(d) --
Michael C. Ross........... 1995 297 238 103(c) -- -- --
Senior Vice President, 1994 261 209 59(c) 100,000 -- --
Secretary & General 1993 168 235 -- 400,000 -- 31
Counsel
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(a) Represents the dollar value of the cash and stock bonuses earned by the
named individual during the fiscal year indicated. Includes cash signing
bonuses of $100,000 paid in 1993 to each of Mr. Oder and Mr. Ross.
(b) Represents a transportation allowance paid to Mr. Oder.
(c) Represents amounts reimbursed to Mr. Ross for the payment of taxes on
relocation expenses.
(d) In 1993, long-term incentive plan compensation awards were paid based on
operating performance during the three fiscal years preceding the time of
payment.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
Messrs. Ginn, Greene, Hazen and MacDonnell served as members of the
Compensation and Stock Option Committee (the "Committee") of the Company's Board
of Directors during fiscal 1995. Mr. Greene was a Vice President and Assistant
Secretary of the Company from August 1986 to November 1986. No other member of
the Committee is a current or former officer or employee of the Company or any
of its subsidiaries.
Safeway holds an 80% interest in Property Development Associates, a
California general partnership formed in 1987 ("PDA"). The general partners of
PDA are Pacific Resources Associates, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership
("PRA"), which is a company controlled by an affiliate of KKR, and Safeway U.S.
Holdings, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Safeway. PDA was organized to
purchase, manage and dispose of certain Safeway facilities which are no longer
used in Safeway's retail grocery business. During 1995, the Company did not
contribute any properties to PDA. During 1995, Safeway paid PDA $1.5 million for
reimbursement of expenses related to management and real estate services
provided by PDA in connection
8
<PAGE> 12
with certain of Safeway's properties no longer used in the retail grocery
business. At year-end 1995, PDA held 216 properties which were recorded at an
aggregate net book value of $116.9 million. The accounts of PDA are consolidated
with those of the Company, and a minority interest of $23.2 million is included
in accrued claims and other liabilities in the Company's consolidated balance
sheet at year-end 1995.
During fiscal 1995, the Company paid approximately $124,000 in rent to
Carmel Valley Partners with respect to a lease for one of the Company's retail
grocery stores. Carmel Valley Partners is a general partnership 80% of which is
owned by a subsidiary of Pacific Realty Associates, L.P., which is a company
controlled by an affiliate of KKR. In addition, during fiscal 1995, the Company
paid approximately $495,000 in rent and maintenance fees to PDA with respect to
leases for three of the Company's retail grocery stores. The Company believes
that the rates charged with respect to the foregoing leases were the same as or
less than the rates that could be obtained from unrelated third parties.
Mr. MacDonnell and Mr. Greene are General Partners of KKR. KKR provides
management, consulting and financial services to Safeway for an annual
management fee. Such services include, but are not necessarily limited to,
advice and assistance concerning any and all aspects of the operation, planning
and financing of Safeway, as needed from time to time. In 1995, the Company paid
KKR a management fee of $1.35 million and reimbursed expenses in the amount of
approximately $4,500.
During fiscal 1995, the Company paid approximately $108,000 in charter fees
to RIM Air, Inc. for the use of an airplane by certain executive officers in the
performance of their Company duties. RIM Air, Inc. is a corporation one-half of
which is owned by Mr. MacDonnell, a director of the Company. The Company
believes that the rates charged to the Company by RIM Air, Inc. were the same as
or less than the rates that could be obtained from unrelated third parties.
Messrs. Ginn and Hazen each purchased 20,834 shares of Common Stock of the
Company pursuant to the Director Plan which requires Outside Directors to
purchase shares of Common Stock as a condition to membership on the Board. In
connection with such purchases, Messrs. Ginn and Hazen each delivered to the
Company a full recourse note in the amount of $99,900. Each note matures in 2001
and bears interest at 8.87% per annum. Each of Messrs. Ginn and Hazen remained
indebted to the Company for such amount (plus accrued interest) as of March 19,
1996.
* * * * *
The following Report of the Compensation and Stock Option Committee and
Stock Performance Graph are not to be deemed to be "soliciting material" or to
be "filed" with the SEC or subject to Regulation 14A or 14C or to the
liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act except to the extent the Company
specifically requests that such information be treated as soliciting material or
specifically incorporates it by reference into any filing under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act.
REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION AND STOCK OPTION COMMITTEE
The Company's policies with respect to the compensation of executive
officers, which policies are approved by the Compensation and Stock Option
Committee, are (1) to base a significant portion (up to approximately 50%) of
total yearly compensation of executive officers on the performance of the
Company and the individual performances of the executive officers, (2) to award
the Company performance-based portions of compensation only when overall Company
performance reaches pre-established levels, and (3) to pay base salaries and
award stock options to executive officers based on a review of competitive
compensation practices of various industry groups and comparable size companies,
overall financial, strategic and operational Company performance, improvement in
market value of the Company's stock and each individual executive officer's
performance.
The relationship of Company performance to the compensation of executive
officers, including the Chief Executive Officer ("CEO"), is as follows.
9
<PAGE> 13
The Company undertakes an annual planning process which culminates in the
adoption and approval of an operating plan for the Company. The operating plan
includes a target level for Company operating performance for the following
year. The specific elements of Company operating performance that are relevant
to compensation determinations are sales, operating profit and working capital.
No operating performance-based compensation is awarded to executive officers,
including the CEO, unless an operating performance threshold based upon target
level performance is met. The operating performance threshold can be met only if
specific performance thresholds for sales and operating profit are met. The
amount of operating performance-based compensation awardable is then increased
or decreased depending on the extent to which the working capital threshold is
or is not met. If the operating performance threshold is met, operating
performance-based compensation of up to 80% of the CEO's base salary is awarded
based upon the extent to which Company performance exceeds the threshold, and
executive officers other than the CEO are eligible to receive operating
performance-based compensation up to a maximum percentage of each such executive
officer's base salary, which maximum percentage ranges from 48% to 100%. The
amount of operating performance-based compensation awarded to such executive
officers may be reduced by the CEO and is based on individual,
participant-specific performance factors, and the amount of a particular
individual's award cannot exceed the maximum percentage for such individual. The
foregoing ranges of percentages of base salary payable to the CEO and other
executive officers were established based on a review of competitive
compensation levels with a view to allowing for higher than average incentive
compensation to supplement lower than average base compensation.
When awarded, operating performance-based compensation is divided into two
components: (1) a cash bonus ranging from 70% to 80% of the award, and (2) a
stock bonus subject to restrictions on sale ranging from 20% to 30% of the
award. The percentages of the award made as a cash bonus and a stock bonus vary
within these ranges based on the officer's position, with higher level officers
receiving a higher percentage made as a stock bonus. Based on actual operating
results in 1995, Company performance exceeded the threshold of operating
performance and, accordingly, operating performance-based compensation was
awarded to the CEO and other executive officers.
In addition to operating performance-based compensation, the most senior
executive officers who are responsible for making capital investment decisions,
including the CEO, are also eligible for capital performance-based compensation,
payment of which is contingent on new capital investments of the Company
achieving targeted rates of return established at the outset of each new capital
investment project. Capital performance is measured for the first and third
years following completion of a particular project. With respect to each such
year, if the capital performance threshold is met, compensation of up to 15% of
the executive officer's base salary is awarded based upon the extent to which
capital performance exceeded the threshold. The foregoing percentage was
established at a level intended to emphasize the importance of capital spending
to the Company's business. Based on the results of the measured projects, all of
which exceeded the pre-established targeted rates of return, the CEO and certain
other executive officers earned a capital performance-based bonus in 1995 with
respect to measured first and third year projects.
Base salaries are evaluated annually for all executive officers, including
the CEO. Base salaries for executive officers, including the CEO, are based in
part on overall financial, strategic and operational Company performance,
improvement in market value of the Company's stock, individual performance and
competitive salary levels. Of these factors, the most significance is accorded
to overall Company performance and improvement in market value of the Company's
stock, followed by individual performance and competitive salary levels. The
determination of whether to make certain one-time payments, such as signing
bonuses, including the amount of any such payments, is evaluated on a
case-by-case basis. Competitive compensation practices are reviewed by position
and various industry groups, and this competitive data is used to determine
appropriate ranges of base salary levels and annual increases to attract and
retain qualified executives. The companies surveyed for this purpose include
grocery companies and non-grocery companies. The non-grocery companies were
selected because they were considered to be the significant competitors with
respect to executive officer positions. All grocery companies whose executive
pay practices were surveyed for this purpose are included in the peer group
identified in footnote (a) to the Stock Performance Graph set forth elsewhere in
this proxy statement, except for those companies whose common stock was not
publicly traded
10
<PAGE> 14
for the period covered by the Stock Performance Graph. The Company's executive
salary levels, including with respect to the CEO, generally are at the median of
or lower than the executive compensation levels of the companies surveyed.
Stock option grants are considered periodically by the Committee for all
executive officers, including the CEO. A primary consideration in granting stock
options is to encourage members of management to hold significant equity
ownership in the Company. The aggregated option exercise table shows stock
options owned by the individuals named in the Summary Compensation Table. The
amounts of stock options granted in any given year, including those granted to
executive officers, are derived based upon the same factors, and with the same
relative significance, as are set forth in the preceding paragraph with respect
to establishment of base salary levels, although less weight is accorded to
competitive compensation levels because of the difficulty in making a meaningful
comparison with respect to stock options.
The Committee believes that the executive compensation policies and
programs described above serve the interests of all stockholders and the Company
and substantially link compensation of the Company's executive officers with the
Company's performance.
During 1993, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"),
was amended to include a provision which denies a deduction to any publicly held
corporation for compensation paid to any "covered employee" (defined as the CEO
and the Company's other four most highly compensated officers, as of the end of
a taxable year) to the extent that the compensation exceeds $1 million in any
taxable year of the corporation beginning after 1993. Compensation which is
payable pursuant to written binding agreements entered into before February 18,
1993 and compensation which constitutes "performance-based compensation" is
excludable in applying the $1 million limit. It is the Company's policy to
qualify all compensation paid to its top executives, in a manner consistent with
the Company's compensation policies, for deductibility under the 1993 law in
order to maximize the Company's income tax deductions. However, this policy does
not rule out the possibility that the Committee may approve compensation that
may not qualify for the compensation deduction, if in light of all applicable
circumstances it would be in the best interests of the Company for such
compensation to be paid.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Sam Ginn Paul Hazen
James H. Greene, Jr. Robert I. MacDonnell
</TABLE>
11
<PAGE> 15
STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following graph compares the yearly percentage change in the Company's
cumulative total shareholder return on its common stock to that of the S&P 500
and a group of peer companies in the retail grocery industry.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Measurement Period 1994 Peer 1995 Peer
(Fiscal Year Covered) Safeway S&P 500 Group(a) Group(a)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
12/28/90 100 100 100 100
12/27/91 145 128 125 127
12/31/92 105 142 129 131
12/31/93 172 157 126 127
12/30/94 258 159 133 136
12/29/95 416 217 166 170
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(a) The peer group companies selected for 1995 are: The Kroger Co., American
Stores Co., Safeway Inc., The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc.,
Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc., Albertson's Inc., Food Lion, Inc., The Vons
Companies, Inc., Giant Food, Inc., Fred Meyer, Inc., The Penn Traffic
Company, Smith's Food & Drug Centers, Inc. and Hannaford Bros. Co. The 1995
peer group does not include Bruno's, Inc., Weis Markets, Inc. and Eagle Food
Centers, all of which had been included in the peer group selected for 1994.
Bruno's, Inc. was not included in the 1995 peer group (and has been removed
from the 1994 peer group presented above) because it is no longer a publicly
held company. Weis Markets, Inc. and Eagle Food Centers were not included
because these companies are significantly smaller in terms of sales than all
of the other companies in the peer group.
12
<PAGE> 16
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES DURING 1995
FISCAL YEAR AND 1995 FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
The following table sets forth information concerning exercise of stock
options during fiscal 1995 by each of the individuals identified in the Summary
Compensation Table and the value of unexercised options at the end of fiscal
1995.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF
SECURITIES
UNDERLYING VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
UNEXERCISED OPTIONS IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS
SHARES VALUE AT 1995 YEAR-END(#) AT 1995 YEAR-END($)(B)
ACQUIRED ON REALIZED EXERCISABLE/ EXERCISABLE/
NAME EXERCISE(#) ($)(A) UNEXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
- ------------------------------- ----------- -------- -------------------- -----------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Steven A. Burd................. -- -- 790,000/ 16,346,250/
1,750,000 28,843,750
Kenneth W. Oder................ -- -- 555,000/ 10,606,875/
745,000 11,805,625
Julian C. Day.................. -- -- 145,000/ 2,413,750/
355,000 5,500,000
E. Richard Jones............... -- -- 650,000/ 15,849,375/
20,000 336,250
Michael C. Ross................ -- -- 135,000/ 2,476,875/
365,000 6,435,625
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(a) Value realized is (i) the fair market value of the stock at the date of
exercise less the exercise price of the options exercised multiplied by (ii)
the number of shares represented by such options.
(b) Potential unrealized value is (i) the fair market value at fiscal 1995
year-end ($25.75 per share) less the exercise price of "in-the-money,"
unexercised options multiplied by (ii) the number of shares represented by
such options.
PENSION PLANS
Pension benefits are paid to executive officers under the Employee
Retirement Plan, a qualified defined benefit pension plan, and the Retirement
Restoration Plan. The Retirement Restoration Plan, which became effective on
January 1, 1994, provides benefits to certain employees, including the
individuals named in the Summary Compensation Table, that cannot be paid under
the qualified Retirement Plan due to Internal Revenue Code limitations on the
amount of compensation that may be recognized and the amount of benefits that
may be paid.
The Employee Retirement Plan and the Retirement Restoration Plan
(collectively, the "Retirement Plans") provide benefits under a formula based in
part on years of service, age at retirement date, and the employee's highest
60-month average compensation out of the 120 consecutive months preceding
retirement. Unreduced benefits under the formula are payable as early as age 62,
and reduced early retirement benefits are available at ages 55 through 61.
The following table illustrates the total estimated annual benefits payable
as of December 30, 1995 from the Retirement Plans to persons in specified
remuneration and years of credited service classifications. The benefits shown
in the table are based on the Retirement Plans' final average earnings benefit
formula, retirement at age 65, and payment in the form of a single life annuity.
13
<PAGE> 17
PENSION PLAN TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL FINAL YEARS OF CREDITED SERVICE UNDER PLANS
AVERAGE EARNINGS ------------------------------------------------------------
USED FOR PLANS 15 20 25 30 35
-------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ 100,000........... $ 19,815 $ 26,420 $ 33,025 $ 39,630 $ 46,235
200,000.......... 41,565 55,420 69,275 83,130 97,985
300,000.......... 63,315 84,420 105,525 126,630 147,735
400,000.......... 85,065 113,420 141,775 170,130 198,485
500,000.......... 106,815 142,420 178,025 213,630 249,235
600,000.......... 128,565 171,420 214,275 257,130 299,985
800,000.......... 172,065 229,420 286,775 344,130 401,485
1,000,000.......... 215,565 287,420 359,275 431,130 502,985
1,500,000.......... 324,315 432,420 540,525 648,130 756,735
</TABLE>
Remuneration under the final average earnings formula illustrated in the
foregoing table includes pay earned from full-time employment, contingent pay
and pay for part-time employment, but excludes any special pay made solely in
the discretion of the employer and stock options. Remuneration under this final
average earnings formula for the individuals named in the Summary Compensation
Table generally corresponds with the aggregate of the earned salary, plus
bonuses and long-term compensation for each such person. Credited years of
service as of December 30, 1995 under the final average earnings formula for the
five individuals named in the Summary Compensation Table were: S. A. Burd, two;
J. C. Day, one; E. R. Jones, 12; K. W. Oder, two; M.C. Ross, two.
In addition to benefits provided under the final average earnings benefit
formula, the Retirement Plans provide retirement benefits under an account
balance feature. The normal form of benefit under this feature is a life annuity
commencing at age 65, and early retirement benefits are available at ages 55 and
greater. The annual account balance benefit at age 65 is equal to 12% of an
employee's accumulated account balance. Additions to an employee's account
balance are based on the employee's salary, exclusive of bonuses and other
contingent or special pay, and interest in accordance with an interest index.
Estimated annual retirement benefits under the account balance feature for the
individuals named in the Summary Compensation Table are shown below, and assume
a 5% annual interest index factor and no increases in salary.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME YEAR REACHING AGE 65 ESTIMATED ANNUAL BENEFIT
--------------------------------------------- -------------------- ------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
S. A. Burd................................... 2014 $142,038
J. C. Day.................................... 2017 92,306
E. R. Jones.................................. 2009 89,848
K. W. Oder................................... 2012 77,511
M.C. Ross.................................... 2013 56,274
</TABLE>
14
<PAGE> 18
PROPOSAL 2
APPROVAL OF PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE COMPANY'S RESTATED CERTIFICATE
OF INCORPORATION TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED SHARES OF
COMMON STOCK AND PREFERRED STOCK
The Board of Directors is presenting, for approval by the stockholders, a
proposal to amend the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation to
increase the number of authorized shares of Common Stock from 300,000,000 to
750,000,000 and the number of authorized shares of Preferred Stock from
10,000,000 to 25,000,000.
On January 3, 1996, the Board approved a two-for-one split of the
outstanding Common Stock. The stock split was effected in the form of a
distribution to stockholders on January 30, 1996 of one additional share of
Common Stock for each share owned as of January 16, 1996. The Board believes
that the stock split is in the best interests of the stockholders because it
should broaden the market for the Company's shares and ultimately result in an
increased number of stockholders.
Although the stock split resulted in doubling the number of shares of
Common Stock outstanding, it did not affect the number of shares of Common Stock
or Preferred Stock authorized under the Company's Restated Certificate of
Incorporation. As of March 19, 1996, there were 216,964,630 shares of Common
Stock outstanding and approximately 46.4 million shares of Common Stock reserved
for issuance pursuant to outstanding warrants and options. There are no shares
of Preferred Stock outstanding.
The text of the proposed amendment to Article IV of the Company's Restated
Certificate of Incorporation is as follows:
RESOLVED, that Article IV of the Company's Restated Certificate of
Incorporation be amended to read as follows, subject to the required
consent of the stockholders of the Company:
ARTICLE IV
The total number of shares of all classes of stock which the
Corporation shall have authority to issue is Seven Hundred Seventy Five
Million (775,000,000), consisting of Seven Hundred Fifty Million
(750,000,000) shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share (the
"Common Stock"), and Twenty-Five Million (25,000,000) shares of
preferred stock, par value $.01 per share (the "Preferred Stock"). The
designation, powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional
or other special rights, including voting rights, and qualifications,
limitations or restrictions of the Preferred Stock shall be established
by resolution of the Board of Directors pursuant to Section 151 of the
General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.
The Board believes it is advisable for the Company, particularly in light
of the recent stock split, to have an increased number of authorized shares of
Common Stock and Preferred Stock which would be available for future issuance
for various corporate purposes. While the Board has no present arrangement,
agreement or plan to approve the issuance of any of the proposed additional
authorized shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock, such shares may be issued
for a variety of corporate purposes. Such purposes might include, without
limitation, the issuance and sale of Common Stock or Preferred Stock (i) as part
or all of the consideration required to be paid for an acquisition of an ongoing
business or other assets, (ii) in public or private offerings as a means of
obtaining additional capital, (iii) to satisfy any current or future obligation
of the Company, whether or not relating to financings, (iv) in connection with
the exercise of options, warrants, rights, or the conversion of convertible
securities of the Company, (v) in public or private exchange offers for other
securities of the Company, (vi) as part or all of the consideration to repay or
retire any debt of the Company, (vii) in connection with stock splits and
dividends, or (viii) with respect to existing or new employee benefit or stock
ownership plans or employment agreements. The proposed increase in the number of
authorized shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock will not change the number
of shares of stock outstanding or the rights of the holders of such stock.
Issuance of authorized shares of Common Stock and
15
<PAGE> 19
Preferred Stock can be made generally at the discretion of the Board, except
under limited circumstances where stockholder approval is required.
Although the Board of Directors believes that it is in the best interest of
the stockholders for the Board to have the flexibility to approve the issuance
of additional shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock in any or all of the
above circumstances, the issuance of additional shares of Common Stock or
Preferred Stock could, in certain instances, discourage an attempt by another
person or entity to acquire control of the Company. Moreover, the availability
of sufficient authorized and unissued shares of Common Stock would facilitate
the adoption and implementation of a shareholders' rights plan. While rights
plans may provide management with additional flexibility in negotiating a higher
price for the Company's Common Stock and otherwise dealing with an unsolicited
acquirer, such plans may make it more difficult for an acquirer to effect a
change of control. The Board of Directors currently has no intention of adopting
such a plan. Lastly, the issuance of additional Common Stock or Preferred Stock,
whether or not in connection with a contest for control, would, in most
instances, dilute the voting power of each stockholder, and may dilute earnings
and book value on a per share basis.
BOARD RECOMMENDATION
The Board unanimously recommends a vote FOR approval of the adoption of the
amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of
authorized shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock. The affirmative vote of
the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares is necessary to approve the
adoption of the amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation. Unless
otherwise instructed, proxies will be voted FOR approval of the adoption of the
amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of
authorized shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock.
PROPOSAL 3
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL
Mrs. Evelyn Y. Davis, 2600 Virginia Ave., N.W. #215, Washington, D.C.
20037, who is the owner of 400 shares of Common Stock, has given notice that she
intends to present for action at the Annual Meeting the following resolution:
RESOLVED: That the shareholders recommend that the Board direct
management that within five days after approval by the shareholders of
this proposal, the management shall publish in newspapers of general
circulation in the cities of New York, Washington, D.C., Detroit,
Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston and Miami, and in
the Wall Street Journal and U.S.A. Today, a detailed statement of each
contribution made by the Company, either directly or indirectly, within
the immediately preceding fiscal year, in respect of a political
campaign, political party, referendum or citizens' initiative, or
attempts to influence legislation, specifying the date and amount of
each such contribution, and the person or organization to whom the
contribution was made. Subsequent to this initial disclosure, the
management shall cause like data to be included in each succeeding
report to shareholders. And if no such disbursements were made, to have
that fact publicized in the same manner.
The following statement was submitted in support of such resolution:
REASONS: This proposal, if adopted, would require the management to
advise the shareholders how many corporate dollars are being spent for
political purposes and to specify what political causes the management
seeks to promote with those funds. It is therefore no more than a
requirement that the shareholders be given a more detailed accounting of
these special purpose expenditures that they now receive. These
political contributions are made with dollars that belong to the
shareholders as a group and they are entitled to know how they are being
spent.
If you AGREE, please mark your proxy FOR this resolution.
16
<PAGE> 20
BOARD RECOMMENDATION
The Board of Directors recommends a vote against this proposal for the
following reasons:
All U.S. corporations are prohibited by law from making direct or indirect
contributions or expenditures in connection with federal elections. Accordingly,
the Company has not made any such contributions or expenditures. To the extent
that state or local law specifically allows contributions to candidates for
state or local office, any such contributions typically would be a matter of
public record.
Safeway may on occasion make contributions in support of or in opposition
to certain ballot measures, initiatives or referenda which affect the welfare of
the Company, its stockholders and its employees. However, such contributions are
infrequent and made only after careful management review has determined that the
expenditures would be legal and in connection with a matter that significantly
affects Safeway in the communities it serves.
In respect of "attempts to influence legislation," making contributions for
this purpose would be a clear violation of federal and state laws. The Company
believes it is in the best interests of Safeway, as well as its stockholders and
employees, to express its views openly on legislative and regulatory matters of
vital concern to Safeway. While corporate funds are expended in monitoring
proposed legislation and governmental policies, the expense is relatively small
and, in any event, does not involve making contributions to any person or
organization.
As authorized by federal law, administrative employees of Safeway have
formed a political action committee which solicits and distributes voluntary
contributions from such employees to various candidates for federal office.
Safeway provides administrative support for this activity but makes no
contributions itself. All contributions from the Company's political action
committee are a matter of public record and available upon request of the
Federal Election Commission in Washington, D.C. To require additional disclosure
would be duplicative and an unnecessary expenditure of corporate funds.
The Board of Directors does not believe that the benefit, if any, to
stockholders, of the proposed newspaper advertisements would be worth the
additional cost and burden to the Company.
The Board unanimously recommends a vote AGAINST the adoption of this
stockholder proposal. The affirmative vote of holders of a majority of shares
present in person or by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on this matter
is necessary to approve the adoption of this stockholder proposal. Unless
otherwise instructed, proxies will be voted AGAINST approval of adoption of this
stockholder proposal.
PROPOSAL 4
SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Board of Directors, acting on the recommendation of its Audit
Committee, has selected the firm of Deloitte & Touche LLP, which has served as
independent auditors since 1987, to conduct an audit, in accordance with
generally accepted auditing standards, of the Company's consolidated financial
statements for the 52-week fiscal year ending December 28, 1996. A
representative of that firm is expected to be present at the Annual Meeting to
respond to appropriate questions and will be given an opportunity to make a
statement if he or she so desires. Neither the firm nor any of its partners has
any direct financial interest or any indirect financial interest in the Company
or any of its subsidiaries, other than as independent auditors. This selection
is being submitted for ratification at the meeting. If not ratified, the
selection will be reconsidered by the Board, although the Board of Directors
will not be required to select different independent auditors for the Company.
Unless otherwise instructed, proxies will be voted FOR ratification of the
selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
17
<PAGE> 21
GENERAL
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
Stockholder proposals for presentation at the 1997 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders must be received at the Company's principal executive offices on or
before November 30, 1996. The Company's Bylaws provide that stockholders
desiring to bring any other business before the stockholders at an annual
meeting must notify the Secretary of the Company thereof in writing 50 to 75
days before the meeting (or, if less than 65 days' notice or prior public
disclosure of the meeting date is given, within 15 days after such notice was
mailed or publicly disclosed, whichever first occurs). Such notice must set
forth (i) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the
annual meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the annual
meeting, (ii) the proposing stockholder's name and record address, (iii) the
class and number of shares of Company stock beneficially owned by the
stockholder, and (iv) any material interest of the stockholder in such business.
ANNUAL REPORT
The Company's Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended December 30,
1995 is being mailed to all stockholders of record with this Proxy Statement.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MICHAEL C. ROSS, Secretary
Dated: March 22, 1996
18
<PAGE> 22
(LOGO)
<PAGE> 23
SAF 1 DETACH HERE DETACH HERE SAF 1
SAFEWAY INC.
PROXY - FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING - MAY 14, 1996
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
P
R
O
X
Y
The undersigned, having received the Notice of Meeting and Proxy
Statement dated March 22, 1996, appoints Steven A. Burd and Michael C. Ross,
and each or any of them as Proxies, with full power of substitution, to
represent and vote all the shares of Common Stock which the undersigned may be
entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at the San
Ramon Marriott Hotel, 2600 Bishop Drive, San Ramon, California, on Tuesday,
May 14, 1996, at 10:30 a.m. or at any and all adjournments thereof, with all
powers which the undersigned would possess if personally present.
THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER
DIRECTED HEREIN BY THE UNDERSIGNED. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THE PROXY WILL BE
VOTED "FOR" ALL NOMINEES LISTED UNDER ITEM (1), "FOR" THE PROPOSALS DESCRIBED IN
ITEMS (2) AND (4) AND "AGAINST" THE STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL DESCRIBED IN ITEM (3),
ALL OF SAID ITEMS BEING MORE FULLY DESCRIBED IN THE NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF
STOCKHOLDERS AND THE ACCOMPANYING PROXY STATEMENT. IF ANY OF THE NAMED NOMINEES
SHOULD BECOME UNAVAILABLE PRIOR TO THE ANNUAL MEETING, THE PROXY WILL BE VOTED
FOR ANY SUBSTITUTE NOMINEE OR NOMINEES DESIGNATED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. THE
UNDERSIGNED RATIFIES AND CONFIRMS ALL THAT SAID PROXIES OR THEIR SUBSTITUTES MAY
LAWFULLY DO BY VIRTUE HEREOF.
SEE REVERSE
CONTINUED AND TO BE SIGNED ON REVERSE SIDE SIDE
<PAGE> 24
SAF 1 DETACH HERE DETACH HERE SAF 1
/X/ PLEASE MARK VOTES AS IN THIS EXAMPLE
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE AGAINST
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL 3 AND FOR PROPOSALS 2 AND 4.
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
NOMINEES: PETER A. MAGOWAN, GEORGE R. ROBERTS, MICHAEL T. TOKARZ
FOR WITHHELD
ALL FROM ALL
NOMINEES / / NOMINEES / /
MARK HERE
FOR ADDRESS
CHANGE AND
/ / ______________________________________ NOTE BELOW / /
FOR ALL NOMINEES EXCEPT AS NOTED ABOVE
2. Adoption of amendment to Restated FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
Certificate of Incorporation to / / / / / /
increase the number of authorized
shares of Common Stock and
Preferred Stock.
3. Stockholder proposal on disclosure FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
of political contributions. / / / / / /
4. Appointment of Deloitte & Touche FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
LLP as independent auditors for / / / / / /
fiscal year 1996.
5. In accordance with the judgments of the proxies, upon such other business
as may properly come before the meeting and at any and all adjournments
thereof.
Please date and sign exactly as name appears hereon. Joint owners should each
sign. The full title or capacity of any person signing for a corporation,
partnership, trust or estate should be indicated.
Signature: ________________________________ Date: ____________
Signature: ________________________________ Date: ____________
