<PAGE> 1
Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)
Registration Statement No. 333-65903
THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE
CHANGED. THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN
OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE AND WE ARE NOT SOLICITING OFFERS TO
BUY THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT Issued October 30, 1998 (Subject to Completion) (To
Prospectus dated October 27, 1998)
$750,000,000
Safeway Inc.
% NOTES DUE
% NOTES DUE
% NOTES DUE
[LOGO OF SAFEWAY INC.]
------------------------
Interest payable on May and November
------------------------
WE MAY, AT ANY TIME, REDEEM THE NOTES DUE OR THE NOTES DUE ,
IN WHOLE OR IN PART, AT THE REDEMPTION PRICES DESCRIBED HEREIN.
------------------------
NOTES DUE -- PRICE % AND ACCRUED INTEREST, IF ANY
NOTES DUE -- PRICE % AND ACCRUED INTEREST, IF ANY
NOTES DUE -- PRICE % AND ACCRUED INTEREST, IF ANY
------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNDERWRITING DISCOUNTS
PRICE TO PUBLIC AND COMMISSIONS PROCEEDS TO COMPANY
--------------- ---------------------- -------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Per Notes Due ...................... % % %
Total........................... $ $ $
Per Notes Due ...................... % % %
Total........................... $ $ $
Per Notes Due ...................... % % %
Total........................... $ $ $
</TABLE>
The Securities and Exchange Commission and state securities regulators have not
approved or disapproved these securities or determined if this prospectus
supplement or the accompanying prospectus is truthful or complete. Any
representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The Underwriters expect to deliver the notes to purchasers on November , 1998.
------------------------
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER
BT ALEX. BROWN
CHASE SECURITIES INC.
LEHMAN BROTHERS
MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
SALOMON SMITH BARNEY
------------------------
FIRST CHICAGO CAPITAL MARKETS, INC. SCOTIA CAPITAL MARKETS
November , 1998
<PAGE> 2
[GRAPHIC OF SAFEWAY OPERATING TERRITORIES]
S-2
<PAGE> 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Forward-Looking Statements.................................. S-4
Prospectus Supplement Summary............................... S-5
Use of Proceeds............................................. S-8
Capitalization.............................................. S-9
Selected Financial Data..................................... S-10
Business.................................................... S-12
Description of the Securities............................... S-16
Underwriters................................................ S-24
Legal Matters............................................... S-25
</TABLE>
PROSPECTUS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
About this Prospectus....................................... 1
Where You Can Find More Information......................... 1
Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements............. 2
The Company................................................. 2
Use of Proceeds............................................. 3
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.......................... 4
Description of Debt Securities.............................. 4
Plan of Distribution........................................ 11
Legal Matters............................................... 12
Experts..................................................... 13
</TABLE>
------------------------
You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by
reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. We have
not authorized anyone to provide you with information different from that
contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. We are
offering to sell the securities, and seeking offers to buy the securities, only
in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted. The information contained
in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is accurate only
as of the date of this prospectus supplement and the date of the accompanying
prospectus, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus supplement or
any sales of the securities. In this prospectus supplement and the accompanying
prospectus, unless otherwise indicated, the "Company," "we," "us" and "our"
refer to Safeway Inc. and its subsidiaries.
S-3
<PAGE> 4
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus supplement, including the documents that we incorporate by
reference, contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A
of the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act") and Section 21E of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"). Such statements relate to,
among other things, capital expenditures, cost reduction, cash flow and
operating improvements and are indicated by words or phrases such as
"anticipate," "estimate," "plans," "projects," "continuing," "ongoing,"
"expects," "management believes," "the Company believes," "the Company intends,"
"we believe," "we intend" and similar words or phrases. The following factors
are among the principal factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially from the forward-looking statements:
- general business and economic conditions in our operating regions,
including the rate of inflation/ deflation, population, employment and
job growth in our markets;
- pricing pressures and other competitive factors, which could include
pricing strategies, store openings and remodels;
- results of our programs to reduce costs;
- the ability to integrate any companies we acquire and achieve
operating improvements at those companies;
- relations with union bargaining units;
- issues arising from addressing year 2000 information technology
issues;
- opportunities or acquisitions we pursue;
- conditions to the acquisitions of Dominick's Supermarkets, Inc. and
Carr-Gottstein Foods Co., including regulatory approval, which could
affect the timing of these acquisitions; and
- the availability and terms of financing.
Consequently, actual events and results may vary significantly from those
included in or contemplated by or implied by such statements.
S-4
<PAGE> 5
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY
THE COMPANY
We are currently the second largest food and drug chain in North America
(based on sales), with 1,381 stores at September 12, 1998. There have been
several previously announced mergers or acquisitions in the food retailing
business, including acquisitions we are making and those of our competitors.
After the completion of these transactions, we expect to be the third largest
food and drug chain in North America. Our U.S. retail operations are located
principally in northern California, southern California, Oregon, Washington,
Colorado, Arizona and the Mid-Atlantic region. Our Canadian retail operations
are located principally in British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba/Saskatchewan.
In support of our retail operations, we have an extensive network of
distribution, manufacturing and food processing facilities.
In April 1997, we completed a merger with The Vons Companies, Inc. ("Vons")
pursuant to which we issued 83.2 million shares of our common stock for all of
the shares of Vons common stock that we did not already own. We also hold a 49%
interest in Casa Ley, S.A. de C.V. which, as of September 12, 1998, operated 75
food and general merchandise stores in western Mexico.
RECENTLY ANNOUNCED ACQUISITIONS
Dominick's Acquisition. On October 13, 1998, we signed a definitive
agreement to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Dominick's Supermarkets,
Inc. ("Dominick's") for $49 cash per share, or a total of approximately $1.2
billion. At August 8, 1998, Dominick's had outstanding approximately $646
million of debt, most of which we will repay in connection with that
transaction.
Dominick's operates 111 stores in the greater Chicago metropolitan area and
owns and operates two primary distribution facilities and a dairy processing
plant.
We commenced a cash tender offer for all of Dominick's outstanding shares
on October 19, 1998, and that tender offer is currently set to expire on
November 16, 1998. Affiliates of The Yucaipa Companies and Apollo Advisors, L.P.
that own approximately 41% of the outstanding shares have agreed to tender their
shares in the tender offer and have granted us options to buy their shares at
$49 cash per share upon termination of the definitive agreement in certain
circumstances. Following the successful completion of the tender offer, the
definitive agreement provides that a wholly owned subsidiary of Safeway will be
merged with Dominick's, with Dominick's surviving as our wholly owned
subsidiary.
The acquisition of Dominick's is subject to a number of conditions,
including the valid tender in the tender offer of a majority of Dominick's
outstanding shares (determined on a fully diluted basis, excluding shares
issuable upon exercise of a warrant held by The Yucaipa Companies), the receipt
of certain regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Although
we cannot assure you that all of these conditions will be satisfied or waived,
we believe we will complete the transaction before the end of 1998.
Carr-Gottstein Acquisition. On August 6, 1998, we signed a definitive
agreement to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Carr-Gottstein Foods Co.
("Carr-Gottstein") for $12.50 per share, or a total of approximately $110
million, in a cash merger transaction. In addition, at June 28, 1998,
Carr-Gottstein had outstanding approximately $224 million of debt, substantially
all of which we will repay in connection with that transaction.
Carr-Gottstein is the leading food and drug retailer in Alaska, with 49
stores (including liquor and tobacco stores) primarily located in Anchorage, as
well as Fairbanks, Juneau, Kenai and other Alaska communities. Carr-Gottstein is
Alaska's highest-volume alcoholic beverage retailer through its chain of 17 wine
and liquor stores operated under the name Oaken Keg Spirit Shops. Carr-Gottstein
also operates seven specialty tobacco stores under the name The Great Alaska
Tobacco Company. In addition, Carr-Gottstein's
S-5
<PAGE> 6
vertically integrated organization includes freight transportation operations
and a full-line food warehouse and distribution center.
The definitive agreement requires Carr-Gottstein to call a special meeting
of its stockholders where they will be asked to approve the merger of one of our
wholly owned subsidiaries with Carr-Gottstein, with Carr-Gottstein surviving as
our wholly owned subsidiary. An affiliate of Leonard Green & Associates owns
approximately 35% of the outstanding shares and has agreed to vote its shares in
favor of the transaction. Upon completion of the merger, each outstanding
Carr-Gottstein share will be converted into the right to receive $12.50 in cash.
The acquisition of Carr-Gottstein is subject to a number of conditions,
including the approval of a majority of Carr-Gottstein's outstanding shares,
certain regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. We and
Carr-Gottstein have received a request for additional information from the
Federal Trade Commission, and both companies are in the process of compiling
information in response to this request.
In late October 1998, an Alaska consumer group and five individuals filed a
purported class-action lawsuit in Alaska state court seeking an injunction to
prevent our merger with Carr-Gottstein. We and Carr-Gottstein believe the
lawsuit is without merit and intend to defend the lawsuit vigorously. Although
we cannot assure you that all of the conditions to the merger will be satisfied
or waived, or that this lawsuit will be resolved to our satisfaction, we believe
we will complete the transaction in early 1999.
Financing the Acquisitions. We intend to finance the acquisitions of
Dominick's and Carr-Gottstein with a combination of bank borrowings and
commercial paper proceeds. In addition to our existing credit agreement and
commercial paper program, we have recently secured the commitment of a group of
lenders to provide up to $500 million of borrowings under a 364-day credit
facility. See "Use of Proceeds."
After we complete these acquisitions, we will operate more than 1,500
stores in 19 states, the District of Columbia and five Canadian provinces. We
intend to continue to focus on three key priorities, (1) controlling costs, (2)
increasing sales and (3) improving capital management, to enhance the
performance of our operations, including the operations of Dominick's and
Carr-Gottstein.
Our sales and net income for 1997 were $22.5 billion and $557.4 million,
respectively. Dominick's had 1997 revenues of $2.6 billion, and Carr-Gottstein's
1997 revenues were $589 million.
Our principal executive offices are located at 5918 Stoneridge Mall Road,
Pleasanton, California 94588, and our telephone number is (925) 467-3000.
S-6
<PAGE> 7
NOTES DUE
SECURITIES OFFERED............ $ principal amount of % Notes due
.
MATURITY DATE................. The Notes Due will mature on
.
INTEREST RATE................. % per annum, accruing from November , 1998.
OPTIONAL REDEMPTION........... We may not redeem the Notes Due
before maturity.
NOTES DUE
SECURITIES OFFERED............ $ principal amount of % Notes due
.
MATURITY DATE................. The Notes Due will mature on
.
INTEREST RATE................. % per annum, accruing from November , 1998.
OPTIONAL REDEMPTION........... We may redeem the Notes Due in
whole or in part at any time at a redemption
price described herein plus accrued interest to
the date of redemption.
NOTES DUE
SECURITIES OFFERED............ $ principal amount of % Notes due
.
MATURITY DATE................. The Notes Due will mature on
.
INTEREST RATE................. % per annum, accruing from November , 1998.
OPTIONAL REDEMPTION........... We may redeem the Notes Due in
whole or in part at any time at a redemption
price described herein plus accrued interest to
the date of redemption.
CERTAIN COMMON TERMS OF THE SECURITIES
INTEREST PAYMENT DATES........ May and November , commencing May
, 1999.
COVENANTS..................... The indenture contains covenants that limit our
ability and our subsidiaries' ability to incur
liens secured by our indebtedness and to engage
in sale and lease-back transactions. See
"Description of the Securities -- Covenants."
LIMITATION ON INCURRANCE
OF NEW DEBT................. The indenture does not limit the amount of debt
that we may issue or provide holders any
protection should we be involved in a highly
leveraged transaction.
RANKING....................... The securities will rank equal to all of our
other existing and future senior unsecured
indebtedness.
S-7
<PAGE> 8
USE OF PROCEEDS
We anticipate our net proceeds from the sale of these securities to be
$745.5 million after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and
estimated offering expenses. We expect to use the net proceeds to reduce
indebtedness under our commercial paper program or bank credit agreement. We
anticipate issuing commercial paper, borrowing under the bank credit agreement
and/or borrowing under a new 364-day credit facility to fund our acquisitions of
Dominick's and Carr-Gottstein, which will total approximately $1.3 billion. In
addition, based on debt outstanding of Dominick's as of August 8, 1998 and of
Carr-Gottstein as of June 28, 1998, we expect to repay approximately $700
million of their outstanding indebtedness. The actual amount we repay will vary
from $700 million because that outstanding indebtedness will change prior to the
closing of those transactions.
S-8
<PAGE> 9
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth our short-term debt and capitalization as of
September 12, 1998, as adjusted to give effect to this offering of securities.
You should read this table in conjunction with our consolidated financial
statements and accompanying notes which we incorporate herein by reference. See
"Where You Can Find More Information" in the accompanying prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SEPTEMBER 12, 1998
-----------------------------
ACTUAL AS ADJUSTED(1)(2)
-------- -----------------
(IN MILLIONS)
<S> <C> <C>
Short-Term Debt............................................. $ 313.6 $ 313.6
======== ========
Long-Term Debt
Bank Credit Agreement..................................... $ 77.1 $ 77.1
Securities offered hereby................................. -- 750.0
Other long-term debt...................................... 2,129.2 1,379.2
Obligations under capital leases.......................... 212.2 212.2
Other notes payable....................................... 122.0 122.0
-------- --------
Total long-term debt.............................. 2,540.5 2,540.5
-------- --------
Stockholders' equity
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share; 486.0 shares
outstanding, after deducting 60.8 treasury shares(3)... 5.5 5.5
Additional paid-in capital................................ 1,245.5 1,245.5
Unexercised warrants purchased............................ (322.7) (322.7)
Cumulative translation adjustments.......................... (17.0) (17.0)
Retained earnings........................................... 1,866.7 1,866.7
-------- --------
Total stockholders' equity........................ 2,778.0 2,778.0
-------- --------
Total capitalization.............................. $5,318.5 $5,318.5
======== ========
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Assumes we sell $750 million aggregate principal amount of securities and
apply the proceeds to repay outstanding indebtedness under our commercial
paper program.
(2) In order to finance the acquisitions of Dominick's and Carr-Gottstein, we
expect to issue commercial paper and/or borrow under our bank credit
facilities, which will total approximately $1.3 billion. In addition, based
on debt outstanding of Dominick's as of August 8, 1998 and of Carr-Gottstein
as of June 28, 1998, we expect to repay approximately $700 million of their
$870 million of outstanding indebtedness. See "Use of Proceeds."
(3) Does not include up to 38.8 million shares of common stock issuable upon
exercise of outstanding stock options and 18.4 million shares of common
stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding warrants.
S-9
<PAGE> 10
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
SAFEWAY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
The financial data below are derived from our audited consolidated
financial statements, except for the financial data for the 36-week periods
ended September 12, 1998 and September 6, 1997, which are derived from unaudited
financial statements. You should read the selected financial data in conjunction
with our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes, which we have
incorporated by reference herein. In the opinion of our management, the results
of operations for the 36 weeks ended September 12, 1998 and September 6, 1997
contain all adjustments that are of a normal and recurring nature necessary to
present fairly the financial position and results of operations for these
periods. The results for the 36 weeks ended September 12, 1998 are not
necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full year.
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT RATIOS AND PER-SHARE AMOUNTS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
36 WEEKS ENDED
---------------------- 53 52 52 52 52
SEPT. 12, SEPT. 6, WEEKS WEEKS WEEKS WEEKS WEEKS
1998 1997(1) 1997(1) 1996 1995 1994 1993
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:
Sales........................... $16,561.6 $14,698.4 $22,483.8 $17,269.0 $16,397.5 $15,626.6 $15,214.5
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Gross profit.................... 4,836.4 4,203.4 6,414.7 4,774.2 4,492.4 4,287.3 4,123.3
Operating and administrative
expense....................... (3,746.5) (3,363.3) (5,135.0) (3,882.5) (3,765.0) (3,675.2) (3,681.8)
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Operating profit................ 1,089.9 840.1 1,279.7 891.7 727.4 612.1 441.5
Interest expense................ (153.2) (163.7) (241.2) (178.5) (199.8) (221.7) (265.5)
Equity in earnings of
unconsolidated affiliates..... 16.7 25.6 34.9 50.0 26.9 27.3 33.5
Other income, net............... 1.9 2.1 2.9 4.4 2.0 6.4 6.8
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Income before income taxes and
extraordinary loss............ 955.3 704.1 1,076.3 767.6 556.5 424.1 216.3
Income taxes.................... (403.6) (297.5) (454.8) (307.0) (228.2) (173.9) (93.0)
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Income before extraordinary
loss.......................... 551.7 406.6 621.5 460.6 328.3 250.2 123.3
Extraordinary loss, net of tax
benefit of $41.1, $41.1 $1.3
and $6.7...................... -- (64.1) (64.1) -- (2.0) (10.5) --
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net income...................... $ 551.7 $ 342.5 $ 557.4 $ 460.6 $ 326.3 $ 239.7 $ 123.3
========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Diluted earnings per share:
Income before extraordinary
loss........................ $ 1.09 $ 0.82 $ 1.25 $ 0.97 $ 0.68 $ 0.51 $ 0.25
Extraordinary loss............ -- (0.13) (0.13) -- -- (0.02) --
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net income.................... $ 1.09 $ 0.69 $ 1.12 $ 0.97 $ 0.68 $ 0.49 $ 0.25
========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
FINANCIAL STATISTICS:
Identical-store sales(2)(3)..... 4.2% 0.8% 1.3% 5.1% 4.6% 4.4% 2.1%
Comparable-store sales(2)....... 4.8 2.5 2.2 6.1 5.5 5.0 3.5
Gross profit margin............. 29.20 28.60 28.53 27.65 27.40 27.44 27.10
Operating and administrative
expense as a percent of
sales......................... 22.62 22.88 22.84 22.48 22.96 23.52 24.20
Operating profit margin......... 6.58 5.72 5.7 5.2 4.4 3.9 2.9
Operating cash flow(4).......... $ 1,451.1 $ 1,148.9 $ 1,732.3 $ 1,239.5 $ 1,068.6 $ 947.6 $ 777.0
Operating cash flow margin...... 8.76% 7.82% 7.70% 7.18% 6.52% 6.06% 5.11%
Capital expenditures(5)......... $ 538.1 $ 379.6 $ 829.4 $ 620.3 $ 503.2 $ 352.2 $ 290.2
Depreciation and amortization... 354.7 304.4 455.8 338.5 329.7 326.4 330.2
Total assets.................... 8,603.4 8,176.2 8,493.9 5,545.2 5,194.3 5,022.1 5,074.7
Total debt...................... 2,854.1 3,353.2 3,340.3 1,984.2 2,190.2 2,196.1 2,689.2
Stockholders' equity............ 2,778.0 1,921.5 2,149.0 1,186.8 795.5 643.8 382.9
Weighted average shares
outstanding -- diluted (in
millions)..................... 508.1 494.6 497.7 475.7 481.2 494.2 493.8
Ratio of earnings to fixed
charges(6).................... 5.01x 3.97x 4.10x 3.63x 2.81x 2.28x 1.51x
OTHER STATISTICS:
Vons stores acquired in 1997.... -- 316 316 -- -- -- --
Total stores at period-end...... 1,381 1,367 1,368 1,052 1,059 1,062 1,078
Remodels completed during the
period(7)..................... N/A N/A 181 141 108 71 45
Total retail square footage at
period-end (in millions)...... 53.8 52.0 53.2 40.7 40.1 39.5 39.4
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) We completed our acquisition of Vons on April 8, 1997. The results of
operations of Vons are included in our results of operations as of the
beginning of the second quarter of 1997.
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<PAGE> 11
(2) Reflects sales increases for stores (including Vons stores for the final 41
weeks of 1997 and 1998) operating the entire measurement period in both the
current and prior periods. The 1997 and 1996 annual identical-store sales
and comparable-store sales exclude British Columbia stores, which were
closed during a labor dispute in 1996.
(3) Excludes replacement stores.
(4) Defined as FIFO earnings before income taxes, interest, depreciation,
amortization, income from unconsolidated affiliates and extraordinary
losses. Operating cash flow is similar to net cash flow from operations
(which is presented in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
incorporated in this prospectus supplement by reference) because it excludes
certain noncash items. However, operating cash flow also excludes interest
expense and income taxes. Management believes that operating cash flow is
relevant because it assists investors in evaluating our ability to service
our debt by providing a commonly used measure of cash available to pay
interest, and it facilitates comparisons of our results of operations with
those of companies having different capital structures. Other companies may
define operating cash flow differently, and, as a result, those measures may
not be comparable to our operating cash flow.
(5) Defined under "Business -- Capital Expenditure Program."
(6) For these ratios, "earnings" represents income before income taxes,
extraordinary loss, equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates,
minority interest in subsidiary and fixed charges (other than capitalized
interest). "Fixed charges" represents interest on indebtedness (including
capitalized interest) and a share of rental expense which is deemed to be
representative of the interest factor.
(7) Defined as store projects (other than maintenance) generally requiring
expenditures in excess of $200,000.
S-11
<PAGE> 12
BUSINESS
We are currently the second largest food and drug chain in North America
(based on sales), with 1,381 stores at September 12, 1998. There have been
several previously announced mergers or acquisitions in the food retailing
business, including acquisitions we are making and those of our competitors.
After the completion of these transactions, we expect to be the third largest
food and drug chain in North America. Our U.S. retail operations are located
principally in northern California, southern California, Oregon, Washington,
Colorado, Arizona and the Mid-Atlantic region. Our Canadian retail operations
are located principally in British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba/Saskatchewan.
In support of our retail operations, we have an extensive network of
distribution, manufacturing and food processing facilities.
In April 1997, we completed a merger with Vons pursuant to which we issued
83.2 million shares of our common stock for all of the shares of Vons common
stock that we did not already own. We also hold a 49% interest in Casa Ley, S.A.
de C.V. which, as of September 12, 1998, operated 75 food and general
merchandise stores in western Mexico.
After we complete the acquisitions of Dominick's and Carr-Gottstein, we
will operate more than 1,500 stores in 19 states, the District of Columbia and
five Canadian provinces. We intend to continue to focus on three key priorities,
(1) controlling costs, (2) increasing sales and (3) improving capital
management, to enhance the performance of our operations, including the
operations of Dominick's and Carr-Gottstein.
Our sales and net income for 1997 were $22.5 billion and $557.4 million,
respectively. Dominick's had 1997 revenues of $2.6 billion, and Carr-Gottstein's
1997 revenues were $589 million.
We may not be able to complete the acquisitions of Dominick's or
Carr-Gottstein because one or more of the conditions to those transactions may
not be satisfied. Even if we do consummate these transactions, there is a risk
that we may not be able to implement programs to enhance the performance of
operations at Dominick's or Carr-Gottstein in a timely manner, if at all. If we
do achieve success in any one area, that success may be diluted by our inability
to produce results in another. These acquisitions also present certain risks
with regard to the integration of Dominick's and Carr-Gottstein with Safeway,
including risks relating to coordinating different operations and integrating
personnel and corporate cultures. We cannot assure you that we will be able to
integrate these operations effectively or in a timely manner. If we are not
successful in integrating these operations, our financial results could be
adversely affected.
OPERATING STRATEGY
During the past five years, our management team has demonstrated
proficiency at turning around underperforming assets. Central to its success is
a simple but powerful formula that focuses on three key priorities: (1)
controlling costs, (2) increasing sales and (3) improving capital management.
Management's focus on these three priorities has produced significant progress
in the following key measures of financial performance:
- Identical-store sales growth
- Expense ratio reduction
- Working capital management
- Operating cash flow margin
- Earnings per share growth
We continue to be focused on these same three priorities and expect
continued improvement, but we cannot assure you as to the future results we will
be able to achieve.
S-12
<PAGE> 13
Controlling Costs
We have focused on controlling and reducing elements of our cost of sales
through:
- better buying practices;
- lower advertising expenses;
- distribution efficiencies;
- manufacturing plant closures and consolidations;
- improved category management; and
- increased private label mix.
Our efforts to control or reduce operating and administrative expenses have
included overhead reduction in our administrative support functions, negotiation
of competitive labor agreements, store level work simplification, consolidation
of our information technology operations, elimination of certain corporate
perquisites and the general encouragement of a "culture of thrift" among
employees.
Increasing Sales
We have increased sales by achieving and maintaining competitive pricing,
improving store standards, enhancing customer service and offering high quality
products. Our efforts to upgrade store standards have focused on improving store
appearance, in-stock condition, employee friendliness and speed of checkout. We
have over 850 premium corporate brand products under the "Safeway SELECT" banner
and recently added "Great Meal Combos," a line of prepared entrees and side
dishes, to our deli offerings. Since our merger with Vons, we have been applying
certain sales strategies that each of Safeway and Vons have employed
successfully. For example, we have introduced in all of our Safeway operating
areas the Safeway Club Card (a customer loyalty program designed to reward
frequent shoppers) which was inspired by a similar program at Vons.
Improving Capital Management
Our capital management has improved in two key areas: capital expenditures
and working capital. In the capital expenditure area, we have expanded our use
of standardized layouts and centralized purchasing agreements for building
materials, fixtures and equipment for our new stores and remodels. As a result,
our new store prototype is less expensive to build and more efficient to operate
than the stores we and Vons previously built and operated. These lower project
costs, coupled with our improved operations, have allowed us to improve our
returns on capital investment. Working capital invested in the business has
declined substantially since year-end 1993, primarily through lower warehouse
inventory levels and improved payables management.
RETAIL OPERATIONS
Stores
We operate stores ranging in size from approximately 5,900 square feet to
over 89,000 square feet. We determine the size of a new store based on a number
of considerations, including the needs of the community the store serves, the
location and site plan, and the estimated return on capital invested. Our
primary new store prototype is 55,000 square feet and is designed to accommodate
changing consumer needs and to achieve certain operating efficiencies. Most
stores offer a wide selection of both food and general merchandise and feature a
variety of specialty departments such as bakery, delicatessen, floral and
pharmacy. In most of our larger stores, specialty departments are showcased in
each corner and along the perimeter walls of the store to create a pleasant
shopping atmosphere.
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Merchandising
Our operating strategy is to provide value to our customers by maintaining
high store standards and a wide selection of high quality products at
competitive prices. We emphasize high quality perishables, such as produce and
meat, and specialty departments, including in-store bakery, delicatessen, floral
and pharmacy, designed to provide one-stop shopping for today's busy shoppers.
We have developed a line of over 850 premium corporate brand products under
the "Safeway SELECT" banner. These products include, among others, soft drinks,
pasta and pasta sauces, salsa, whole bean coffee, cookies, ice cream, yogurt,
pet food and laundry detergent. The line also includes Safeway SELECT "Healthy
Advantage" items such as low-fat ice cream and low-fat cereal bars, and Safeway
SELECT "Gourmet Club" frozen entrees and hors d'oeuvres.
DISTRIBUTION
Each of our ten retail operating areas is served by a regional distribution
center consisting of one or more facilities. We have 13 distribution/warehousing
centers (ten in the United States and three in Canada), which collectively
provide the majority of all products to our stores. Our distribution centers in
northern California and British Columbia are operated by a third party.
Management regularly reviews distribution operations focusing on whether these
operations support their operating areas in a cost-effective manner. As a result
of such reviews, we are constructing a replacement distribution center in
Maryland which we expect to complete by the end of 1998.
CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PROGRAM
A component of our long-term strategy is our capital expenditure program.
Our capital expenditure program funds new stores, remodels, information
technology advances, and other facilities, including plant and distribution
facilities and corporate headquarters. In the last several years, our management
has significantly strengthened our program to select and approve new capital
investments, resulting in improved returns on investment.
The table below reconciles for the last three fiscal years cash paid for
property additions reflected in our consolidated statements of cash flows to our
broader definition of capital expenditures, excluding Vons, and also details
changes in our store base during such period:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
------ ------ ------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash paid for property additions............................ $758.2 $541.8 $450.9
Less: Purchases of previously leased properties............. (28.2) (13.2) (9.9)
Plus: Present value of all lease obligations incurred....... 91.3 91.7 62.2
Mortgage notes assumed in property acquisitions........ 0.9 -- --
Vons first quarter expenditures........................ 7.2 -- --
------ ------ ------
Total capital expenditures........................ $829.4 $620.3 $503.2
====== ====== ======
Capital expenditures as a percent of sales.................. 3.7% 3.6% 3.1%
Vons stores acquired........................................ 316 -- --
New stores opened........................................... 37 30 32
Stores closed or sold....................................... 37 37 35
Remodels.................................................... 181 141 108
Total retail square footage at year-end (in
millions)....................................... 53.2 40.7 40.1
</TABLE>
Improved operations and lower project costs have raised the return on
capital projects, allowing us to increase capital expenditures. Our capital
expenditures in fiscal 1998 are expected to increase to approximately $1.0
billion and will be used primarily to open about 40 new stores, complete more
than 200 remodels and finish construction of the Maryland distribution center.
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ACQUISITIONS
Our management believes that the supermarket industry in North America is
fragmented and that there may be opportunities to make other acquisitions that
would enhance our long-term growth. Our criteria for considering acquisition
targets include, but are not limited to, strong market share and the potential
for improving operating cash flow margin. These criteria are subject to review
and modification from time to time. We cannot assure you that we will complete
any such acquisition or that, if completed, the business acquired will make any
contribution to our long-term growth.
EMPLOYEES
At September 12, 1998, we had approximately 149,300 full and part-time
employees. Approximately 90% of our employees in the United States and Canada
are covered by collective bargaining agreements negotiated with local unions
affiliated with one of 12 different international unions. There are
approximately 400 such agreements, typically having three-to-five-year terms.
Accordingly, we renegotiate a significant number of these agreements every year.
We have concluded early negotiations and signed new labor contracts
covering employees whose collective bargaining agreements had been due to expire
in 1998. Certain of these contracts were with employees represented by the
United Food and Commercial Workers Union in northern California and Seattle and
Spokane, Washington and by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters in
southern California. In addition, union members in British Columbia ratified a
new labor contract. Our management considers the terms of these new contracts to
be satisfactory. As a result of these early negotiations, the only significant
remaining labor contract to be negotiated in 1998 is in the Winnipeg operating
area covering approximately 40 stores.
In the last three years there have been four significant work stoppages.
During the second quarter of 1997, we were engaged in a 75-day labor dispute
affecting 74 stores in the Alberta, Canada operating area. We continued to
operate the affected stores with a combination of replacement workers,
management and employees who returned to work. During the second and third
quarters of 1996, we were engaged in a labor dispute in British Columbia which
lasted 40 days and affected 86 stores. Under Provincial law in British Columbia,
replacement workers could not be hired, and therefore all the affected stores
were closed throughout the strike-lockout. Separately, we were engaged in a
strike-lockout in the Denver operating area which lasted 44 days also during the
second and third quarters of 1996. All of the Denver stores operated during the
strike-lockout, largely with replacement workers. A nine-day strike during the
second quarter of 1995 affected 208 stores in northern California. These work
stoppages were resolved in a manner that management considered generally
satisfactory. We estimate that the Alberta strike reduced 1997 net income by
approximately $0.04 per share, that the combined impact of the disputes in
Denver and British Columbia reduced 1996 earnings by approximately $0.07 per
share, and that the dispute in northern California reduced 1995 earnings by an
estimated $0.01 per share.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE SECURITIES
The following description of the particular terms of the securities offered
hereby (referred to in the accompanying prospectus as the "debt securities")
supplements, and to the extent inconsistent replaces, the description of the
general terms and provisions of the debt securities set forth in the
accompanying prospectus.
We will issue the securities under an indenture between us and The Bank of
New York, as trustee. The securities will constitute three different series of
debt securities described in the accompanying prospectus. We have summarized
select portions of the indenture below. The summary is not complete and is
qualified by reference to the indenture. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined
herein have the meanings given them in the accompanying prospectus or the
indenture.
In this section, "we", "our" and "us" mean Safeway Inc. excluding, unless
the context otherwise requires or as otherwise expressly stated, our
subsidiaries.
Each series of securities is being sold separately and not as a unit.
CERTAIN TERMS OF THE NOTES DUE
The Notes Due :
- will be limited to $ aggregate principal amount; and
- will mature on .
CERTAIN TERMS OF THE NOTES DUE
The Notes Due :
- will be limited to $ aggregate principal amount; and
- will mature on .
CERTAIN TERMS OF THE NOTES DUE
The Notes Due :
- will be limited to $ aggregate principal amount; and
- will mature on .
CERTAIN COMMON TERMS OF THE SECURITIES
The securities will bear interest from November , 1998 at the respective
rates shown on the front cover of this prospectus supplement, payable on May
and November of each year, commencing May , 1999, to the persons in
whose names the securities are registered on the preceding and
, respectively. The securities will be senior unsecured
obligations and will be issued in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples
of $1,000.
We will pay principal and interest on the securities, register the transfer
of securities and exchange the securities at our office or agency maintained for
that purpose (which initially will be the corporate trust office of the trustee
located at 101 Barclay Street, New York, New York 10286, Attention: Corporate
Trust Services). So long as the securities are represented by global debt
securities, the interest payable on the securities will be paid to Cede & Co.,
the nominee of the Depositary, or its registered assigns as the registered owner
of such global debt securities, by wire transfer of immediately available funds
on each of the applicable interest payment dates. If any of the securities are
no longer represented by a global debt security, we have the option to pay
interest by check mailed to the address of the person entitled to the interest.
No service charge will be made for any transfer or exchange of securities, but
we may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other
governmental charge payable.
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<PAGE> 17
The securities are not subject to a sinking fund or to redemption or
repurchase by us at the option of the holders.
OPTIONAL REDEMPTION
The Notes Due are not redeemable prior to maturity.
We may redeem either the Notes Due or the Notes Due
, in whole or in part, at any time at a redemption price equal to
the greater of:
- 100% of the principal amount of such series of securities then
outstanding; or
- as determined by an Independent Investment Banker, the sum of the
present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and
interest thereon (not including any portion of such payments of
interest accrued as of the date of redemption) discounted to the
redemption date on a semiannual basis (assuming a 360-day year
consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Adjusted Treasury Rate,
plus basis points in the case of the Notes Due
or basis points in the case of the Notes
Due ,
plus, in either of the above cases, accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the
date of redemption.
"Adjusted Treasury Rate" means, with respect to any redemption date:
- the yield, under the heading which represents the average for the
immediately preceding week, appearing in the most recently published
statistical release designated "H.15(519)" or any successor
publication which is published weekly by the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System and which establishes yields on actively traded
United States Treasury securities adjusted to constant maturity under
the caption "Treasury Constant Maturities," for the maturity
corresponding to the Comparable Treasury Issue (if no maturity is
within three months before or after the Remaining Life, yields for the
two published maturities most closely corresponding to the Comparable
Treasury Issue shall be determined and the Adjusted Treasury Rate
shall be interpolated or extrapolated from such yields on a straight
line basis, rounding to the nearest month); or
- if such release (or any successor release) is not published during the
week preceding the calculation date or does not contain such yields,
the rate per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to
maturity of the Comparable Treasury Issue, calculated using a price
for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its
principal amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury Price for such
redemption date. The Adjusted Treasury Rate shall be calculated on the
third Business Day preceding the redemption date.
"Comparable Treasury Issue" means the United States Treasury security
selected by an Independent Investment Banker as having a maturity comparable to
the remaining term of the securities to be redeemed that would be utilized, at
the time of selection and in accordance with customary financial practice, in
pricing new issues of corporate debt securities of comparable maturity to the
remaining term of such securities ("Remaining Life").
"Comparable Treasury Price" means (1) the average of five Reference
Treasury Dealer Quotations for such redemption date, after excluding the highest
and lowest Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, or (2) if the Independent
Investment Banker obtains fewer than five such Reference Treasury Dealer
Quotations, the average of all such quotations.
"Independent Investment Banker" means one of the Reference Treasury Dealers
appointed by the trustee after consultation with us.
"Reference Treasury Dealer" means:
- each of Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, BT Alex. Brown
Incorporated, Chase Securities Inc., Lehman Brothers Inc., Merrill
Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Salomon
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<PAGE> 18
Smith Barney Inc. and their respective successors; provided, however,
that if any of the foregoing shall cease to be a primary U.S.
Government securities dealer in New York City (a "Primary Treasury
Dealer"), we shall substitute therefor another Primary Treasury
Dealer; and
- any other Primary Treasury Dealer selected by the trustee after
consultation with us.
"Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations" means, with respect to each
Reference Treasury Dealer and any redemption date, the average, as determined by
the Independent Investment Banker, of the bid and asked prices for the
Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its
principal amount) quoted in writing to the Independent Investment Banker at 5:00
p.m., New York City time, on the third Business Day preceding such redemption
date.
We will mail a notice of redemption at least 30 days but not more than 60
days before the redemption date to each holder of the securities to be redeemed.
Unless we default in payment of the redemption price, on and after the
redemption date, interest will cease to accrue on the securities or portions
thereof called for redemption.
LEVERAGE
As of September 12, 1998, we had approximately $2.9 billion of outstanding
indebtedness. At September 12, 1998, on a pro forma basis after giving effect to
this offering of securities and the acquisitions of Dominick's and
Carr-Gottstein (based on outstanding indebtedness of Dominick's and
Carr-Gottstein at August 8, 1998 and June 28, 1998, respectively), we would have
had $5.0 billion of outstanding indebtedness. We have indebtedness that is
substantial in relation to our stockholders' equity. At September 12, 1998, on a
pro forma basis after giving effect to this offering of securities and the
acquisitions of Dominick's and Carr-Gottstein (based on outstanding indebtedness
of Dominick's and Carr-Gottstein at August 8, 1998 and June 28, 1998,
respectively), we would have had a ratio of total debt to stockholders' equity
of 1.8 to 1.0. See "Capitalization." Our ability to satisfy our obligations with
respect to the securities will be dependent upon our future performance, which
will be subject to financial and business conditions and other factors.
RANKING
With respect to our assets, the securities will be senior unsecured
indebtedness and will rank equal in right of payment with all of our other
senior unsecured obligations, including our obligations under the Bank Credit
Agreement (which is currently unsecured), and senior in right of payment to all
of our existing and future subordinated debt. We conduct certain of our
operations through direct and indirect wholly owned subsidiaries, including
Canada Safeway Limited and Vons. Accordingly, we could be dependent on the
earnings of our subsidiaries (which will include Dominick's and Carr-Gottstein
once those acquisitions are completed) to meet our debt obligations, including
the securities, if our future performance, excluding the operations of our
subsidiaries, is not adequate to allow us to satisfy those obligations. Although
such earnings may be provided to us by our subsidiaries through dividends and
payments on intercompany indebtedness, certain outstanding indebtedness of our
subsidiaries in the future may restrict the payment of dividends to us. In
addition, under applicable law, our subsidiaries may be limited in the amount
that they are permitted to pay as dividends on their capital stock. Also as a
result of this structure, the claims of holders of the securities effectively
will be subordinated to the claims of creditors of these subsidiaries as to the
assets of these subsidiaries, which claims include trade payables, obligations
of Canada Safeway Limited and Vons under the Bank Credit Agreement and certain
other indebtedness of these subsidiaries.
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COVENANTS
Limitation on Liens
The indenture provides that, with respect to each series of securities, we
will not, nor will we permit any of our Subsidiaries to, create, incur, or
permit to exist, any Lien on any of our or their respective properties or
assets, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, or upon any income or profits
therefrom, in order to secure any of our Indebtedness, without effectively
providing that such series of securities shall be equally and ratably secured
until such time as that Indebtedness is no longer secured by such Lien, except:
- Liens existing as of the closing date of the offering of these
securities (the "Closing Date");
- Liens granted after the Closing Date on any of our or our
Subsidiaries' assets or properties securing our Indebtedness created in
favor of the holders of that series;
- Liens securing our Indebtedness which is incurred to extend, renew or
refinance Indebtedness which is secured by Liens permitted to be
incurred under the indenture; provided that those Liens do not extend
to or cover any of our or our Subsidiaries' property or assets other
than the property or assets securing the Indebtedness being refinanced
and that the principal amount of such Indebtedness does not exceed the
principal amount of the Indebtedness being refinanced;
- Permitted Liens; and
- Liens created in substitution of or as replacements for any Liens
permitted by the clauses directly above, provided that, based on a good
faith determination of one of our officers, the property or asset
encumbered under any such substitute or replacement Lien is
substantially similar in nature to the property or asset encumbered by
the otherwise permitted Lien which is being replaced.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, we and any of our Subsidiaries may, without
securing any series of securities, create, incur or permit to exist Liens which
would otherwise be subject to the restrictions set forth in the preceding
paragraph, if after giving effect thereto and at the time of determination,
Exempted Debt does not exceed the greater of (i) 10% of Consolidated Net
Tangible Assets or (ii) $350,000,000.
Limitation on Sale and Lease-Back Transactions
The indenture provides that we will not, nor will we permit any of our
Subsidiaries to, enter into any sale and lease-back transaction for the sale and
leasing back of any property or asset, whether now owned or hereafter acquired,
of ours or any of our Subsidiaries, except such transactions:
- entered into prior to the Closing Date;
- for the sale and leasing back to us of any property or asset by one of
our Subsidiaries;
- involving leases for less than three years; or
- in which the lease for the property or asset is entered into within
120 days after the later of the date of acquisition, completion of
construction or commencement of full operations of such property or
asset unless:
- we or the Subsidiary would be entitled under the Limitation on
Liens covenant above to create, incur or permit to exist a Lien on
the assets to be leased in an amount at least equal to the
Attributable Liens in respect of such transaction without equally
and ratably securing the securities of that series; or
- the proceeds of the sale of the assets to be leased are at least
equal to their fair market value and the proceeds are applied to
the purchase or acquisition (or in the case of real property, the
construction) of assets or to the repayment of our or one of our
Subsidiaries' Indebtedness which by its terms matures not earlier
than one year after the date of such repayment.
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Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets
The indenture provides that we may not consolidate with or merge with or
into, or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of our properties
and assets to, any person (a "successor person") unless:
- we are the surviving corporation or the successor person (if other
than us) is a corporation organized and validly existing under the laws
of any U.S. domestic jurisdiction and expressly assumes our obligations
on such series of securities and under the indenture;
- immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no Event of
Default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time, or both,
would become an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing
under the indenture; and
- certain other conditions are met.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
In addition to the Events of Default set forth in the accompanying
prospectus, the following is an Event of Default with respect to each series of
securities: acceleration of $150,000,000 or more, individually or in the
aggregate, in principal amount of our Indebtedness under the terms of the
instrument under which that Indebtedness is issued or secured, except as a
result of compliance with applicable laws, orders or decrees, if that
Indebtedness is not discharged or the acceleration is not annulled within 10
days after written notice.
DEFEASANCE
The provisions described under "Description of Debt
Securities -- Defeasance of Debt Securities and Certain Covenants in Certain
Circumstances" in the accompanying prospectus are applicable to the securities.
BOOK-ENTRY, DELIVERY AND FORM
Each series of securities will be represented by one or more global debt
securities that will be deposited with, or on behalf of, the Depositary and
registered in the name of Cede & Co., the nominee of the Depositary.
The Depositary has advised us and the underwriters that it is:
- a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking
Law;
- a "banking organization" within the meaning of the New York Banking
Law;
- a member of the Federal Reserve System;
- a "clearing corporation" within the meaning of the New York Uniform
Commercial Code; and
- a "clearing agency" registered pursuant to the provisions of Section
17A of the Exchange Act.
The Depositary was created to hold securities of its participating
organizations ("participants") and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of
securities transactions, such as transfers and pledges, among its participants
in such securities through electronic computerized book-entry changes in
accounts of the participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement
of securities certificates. Participants include securities brokers and dealers
(including the underwriters), banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and
certain other organizations, some of whom (and/or their representatives) own the
Depositary. Access to the Depositary's book-entry system is also available to
others, such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through
or maintain a custodial relationship with a participant, either directly or
indirectly. Persons who are not participants may beneficially own securities
held by the Depositary only through participants.
Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for certificated debt
securities, in definitive form, a global debt security may not be transferred
except as a whole by the Depositary to a nominee of the Depositary or by a
nominee of the Depositary to the Depositary or another nominee of the Depositary
or by the Depositary or any such nominee to a successor depositary or a nominee
of such successor depositary.
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<PAGE> 21
The Depositary has further advised us that the Depositary's management is
aware that some computer applications, systems, and the like for processing data
that are dependent upon calendar dates, including dates before, on, and after
January 1, 2000, may encounter "Year 2000 problems." The Depositary has informed
its participants and other members of the financial community that it has
developed and is implementing a program so that its systems, as the same relate
to the timely payment of distributions (including principal and interest
payments) to security holders, book-entry deliveries, and settlement of trades
within the Depositary, continue to function appropriately. This program includes
a technical assessment and a remediation plan, each of which is complete.
Additionally, the Depositary's plan includes a testing phase, which is expected
to be completed within appropriate time frames.
However, the Depositary's ability to perform properly its services is also
dependent upon other parties, including but not limited to issuers and their
agents, as well as third party vendors from whom the Depositary licenses
software and hardware, and third party vendors on whom the Depositary relies for
information or the provision of services, including telecommunication and
electrical utility service providers, among others. The Depositary has informed
its participants and other members of the financial community that it is
contacting (and will continue to contact) third party vendors from whom the
Depositary acquires services to: (i) impress upon them the importance of such
services being Year 2000 compliant; and (ii) determine the extent of their
efforts for Year 2000 remediation (and, as appropriate, testing) of their
services. In addition, the Depositary is in the process of developing such
contingency plans as it deems appropriate.
According to the Depositary, the foregoing information with respect to the
Depositary has been provided to its participants and other members of the
financial community for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve
as a representation, warranty, or contract modification of any kind.
A further description of the Depositary's procedures with respect to the
securities is set forth in the accompanying prospectus under the heading
"Description of Debt Securities -- Transfer and Exchange -- Global Debt
Securities and Book-Entry System."
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
"Attributable Liens" means in connection with a sale and lease-back
transaction the lesser of:
- the fair market value of the assets subject to such transaction; and
- the present value (discounted at a rate per annum equal to the average
interest borne by all outstanding securities issued under the indenture
(which may include securities in addition to the securities) determined
on a weighted average basis and compounded semi-annually) of the
obligations of the lessee for rental payments during the term of the
related lease.
"Bank Credit Agreement" means the Credit Agreement dated as of April 8,
1997 among Safeway Inc., Vons and Canada Safeway Limited, as borrowers, Bankers
Trust Company, as administrative agent, The Chase Manhattan Bank, as syndication
agent, The Bank of Nova Scotia and Bank of America National Trust and Savings
Association, as documentation agents, and the other lenders which are parties
thereto, as such agreement may be amended (including any amendment, restatement
and successors thereof), supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time,
including any increase in the principal amount of the obligations thereunder.
"Capital Lease" means any Indebtedness represented by a lease obligation of
a person incurred with respect to real property or equipment acquired or leased
by such person and used in its business that is required to be recorded as a
capital lease in accordance with GAAP.
"Capital Stock" means any and all shares, interests, participations, rights
or other equivalents (however designated) of corporate stock.
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"Consolidated Net Tangible Assets" means the total amount of our and our
Subsidiaries' assets (less applicable depreciation, amortization and other
valuation reserves) after deducting therefrom:
- all of our and our Subsidiaries' current liabilities; and
- all goodwill, trade names, trademarks, patents, unamortized debt
discount and expenses and other like intangibles, determined on a
consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.
"Exempted Debt" means the sum of the following as of the date of
determination:
- our Indebtedness incurred after the Closing Date and secured by Liens
not otherwise permitted by the first sentence under Limitation on Liens
above; and
- our and our Subsidiaries' Attributable Liens in respect of sale and
lease-back transactions entered into after the Closing Date, other than
sale and lease-back transactions permitted by the limitation on sale
and lease-back transactions set forth under Limitation on Sale and
Lease-Back Transactions above.
For purposes of determining whether or not a sale and lease-back transaction is
"permitted" by Limitation on Sale and Lease-Back Transactions, the last
paragraph under Limitation on Liens above (creating an exception for Exempted
Debt) will be disregarded.
"Indebtedness" of any person means, without duplication, any indebtedness,
whether or not contingent, in respect of borrowed money or evidenced by bonds,
notes, debentures or similar instruments or letters of credit (or reimbursement
agreements with respect thereto) or representing the balance deferred and unpaid
of the purchase price of any property (including pursuant to Capital Leases),
except any such balance that constitutes an accrued expense or trade payable, if
and to the extent any of the foregoing indebtedness would appear as a liability
upon a balance sheet of such person prepared on a consolidated basis in
accordance with GAAP (but does not include contingent liabilities which appear
only in a footnote to a balance sheet), and shall also include, to the extent
not otherwise included, the guaranty of items which would be included within
this definition.
"Lien" means any lien, security interest, charge or encumbrance of any kind
(including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any lease in
the nature thereof, and any agreement to give any security interest).
"Permitted Liens" means:
- Liens securing our Indebtedness under the Bank Credit Agreement and
any initial or subsequent renewal, extension, refinancing, replacement
or refunding thereof;
- Liens on accounts receivable, merchandise inventory, equipment, and
patents, trademarks, trade names and other intangibles, securing our
Indebtedness;
- Liens on any of our assets, any of our Subsidiaries' assets, or the
assets of any Joint Venture to which we or any of our Subsidiaries is a
party, created solely to secure obligations incurred to finance the
refurbishment, improvement or construction of such asset, which
obligations are incurred no later than 24 months after completion of
such refurbishment, improvement or construction, and all renewals,
extensions, refinancings, replacements or refundings of such
obligations;
- (a) Liens given to secure the payment of the purchase price incurred
in connection with the acquisition (including acquisition through
merger or consolidation) of property (including shares of stock),
including Capital Lease transactions in connection with any such
acquisition, and (b) Liens existing on property at the time of
acquisition thereof or at the time of acquisition by us or one of our
Subsidiaries of any person then owning such property whether or not
such existing Liens were given to secure the payment of the purchase
price of the property to which they attach; provided that, with respect
to clause (a), the Liens shall be given within 24 months after such
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acquisition and shall attach solely to the property acquired or
purchased and any improvements then or thereafter placed thereon;
- Liens in favor of customs and revenue authorities arising as a matter
of law to secure payment of customs duties in connection with the
importation of goods;
- 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;
- Liens securing reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of
credit that encumber documents and other property relating to such
letters of credit and the products and proceeds thereof;
- Liens on key-man life insurance policies granted to secure our
Indebtedness against the cash surrender value thereof;
- Liens encumbering customary initial deposits and margin deposits and
other Liens in the ordinary course of business, in each case securing
our Indebtedness under Interest Swap Obligations and Currency
Agreements and forward contract, option, futures contracts, futures
options or similar agreements or arrangements designed to protect us or
any of our Subsidiaries from fluctuations in interest rates, currencies
or the price of commodities;
- Liens arising out of conditional sale, title retention, consignment or
similar arrangements for the sale of goods entered into by us or any of
our Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business; and
- Liens in our favor or the favor of any of our Subsidiaries.
"Subsidiary" of any specified person means any corporation, association or
other business entity of which more than 50% of the total voting power of shares
of Capital Stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency)
to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the
time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such person or one or more
of the other Subsidiaries of that person or a combination thereof.
S-23
<PAGE> 24
UNDERWRITERS
Under the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Underwriting
Agreement, dated November , 1998 (the "Underwriting Agreement"), the
underwriters named below (the "Underwriters") have severally agreed to purchase,
and we have agreed to sell to them, severally, the respective principal amount
of the securities set forth opposite their respective names below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT PRINCIPAL AMOUNT PRINCIPAL AMOUNT
OF NOTES DUE OF NOTES DUE OF NOTES DUE
NAME ---------------- ---------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated..... $ $ $
BT Alex. Brown Incorporated...........
Chase Securities Inc. ................
Lehman Brothers Inc. .................
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated.............
Salomon Smith Barney Inc. ............
First Chicago Capital Markets, Inc....
Scotia Capital Markets (USA) Inc. ....
-------- -------- --------
Total....................... $ $ $
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
The Underwriting Agreement provides that the obligations of the several
Underwriters to pay for and accept delivery of the securities are subject to,
among other things, the approval of certain legal matters by their counsel and
certain other conditions. The Underwriters are obligated to take and pay for all
the securities if any are taken.
The Underwriters propose initially to offer part of the securities to the
public at the public offering prices set forth on the cover page hereof and in
part to certain dealers at prices that represent a concession not in excess of
% of the principal amount in the case of the Notes Due , % of
the principal amount in the case of the Notes Due and % of the
principal amount in the case of the Notes Due . Any Underwriter
may allow, and such dealers may reallow, a concession not in excess of % of
the principal amount in the case of the Notes Due , % of the
principal amount in the case of the Notes Due and % of the
principal amount in the case of the Notes Due to certain other dealers.
After the initial offering of the securities, the offering price and other
selling terms may from time to time be varied by the Underwriters.
We do not intend to apply for listing of the securities on a national
securities exchange, but have been advised by the Underwriters that they
presently intend to make a market in the securities, as permitted by applicable
laws and regulations. The Underwriters are not obligated, however, to make a
market in the securities and any such market making may be discontinued at the
sole discretion of the Underwriters. Accordingly, no assurance can be given as
to the liquidity of, or trading markets for, the securities.
In order to facilitate the offering of the securities, the Underwriters may
engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of
the securities. Specifically, the Underwriters may over-allot in connection with
this offering, creating short positions in the securities for their own account.
In addition, to cover over-allotments or to stabilize the price of the
securities, the Underwriters may bid for, and purchase, securities in the open
market. Finally, the Underwriters may reclaim selling concessions allowed to an
underwriter or dealer for distributing securities in this offering, if the
Underwriters repurchase previously distributed securities in transactions that
cover syndicate short positions, in stabilization transactions or otherwise. Any
of these activities may stabilize or maintain the market price of the securities
above independent market levels. The Underwriters are not required to engage in
these activities, and may end any of these activities at any time.
We have agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against certain liabilities,
including liabilities under the Securities Act.
S-24
<PAGE> 25
The Underwriters or their affiliates have provided and may in the future
continue to provide investment banking and other financial services, including
the provision of credit facilities, for us in the ordinary course of business
for which they have received and will receive customary compensation.
LEGAL MATTERS
Latham & Watkins of San Francisco, California, and Michael C. Ross, our
General Counsel, will issue an opinion about certain legal matters with respect
to the securities for Safeway. Certain partners of Latham & Watkins, members of
their families, related persons and others, have an indirect interest, through
limited partnerships, in less than 1% of our common stock. These persons do not
have the power to vote or dispose of such shares of common stock. Brown & Wood
LLP of San Francisco will act as counsel for the underwriters.
S-25
<PAGE> 26
SAFEWAY INC.
DEBT SECURITIES
------------------
We may from time to time sell up to $2,000,000,000 aggregate initial
offering price of our debt securities. These debt securities may consist of
debentures, notes or other types of debt. We will provide specific terms of
these securities in supplements to this prospectus. You should read this
prospectus and any supplement carefully before you invest.
------------------
These securities have not been approved by the Securities and Exchange
Commission or any state securities commission, nor have these organizations
determined that this prospectus is accurate or complete. Any representation to
the contrary is a criminal offense.
------------------
October 27, 1998
<PAGE> 27
WE HAVE NOT AUTHORIZED ANY DEALER, SALESMAN OR OTHER PERSON TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED OR
INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND THE ACCOMPANYING SUPPLEMENT TO
THIS PROSPECTUS. YOU MUST NOT RELY UPON ANY INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION NOT
CONTAINED OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR THE ACCOMPANYING
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AS IF WE HAD AUTHORIZED IT. THIS PROSPECTUS AND THE
ACCOMPANYING SUPPLEMENT TO THIS PROSPECTUS DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR
THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY SECURITIES OTHER THAN THE REGISTERED
SECURITIES TO WHICH THEY RELATE, NOR DO THIS PROSPECTUS AND THE ACCOMPANYING
SUPPLEMENT TO THIS PROSPECTUS CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF
AN OFFER TO BUY SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT IS
UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IN SUCH JURISDICTION. THE
INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND THE SUPPLEMENT TO THIS PROSPECTUS
IS ACCURATE AS OF THE DATES ON THEIR COVERS. WHEN WE DELIVER THIS PROSPECTUS OR
A SUPPLEMENT OR MAKE A SALE PURSUANT TO THIS PROSPECTUS, WE ARE NOT IMPLYING
THAT THE INFORMATION IS CURRENT AS OF THE DATE OF THE DELIVERY OR SALE.
-------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
About this Prospectus....................................... 1
Where You Can Find More Information......................... 1
Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements............. 2
The Company................................................. 2
Use of Proceeds............................................. 3
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.......................... 4
Description of Debt Securities.............................. 4
Plan of Distribution........................................ 11
Legal Matters............................................... 12
Experts..................................................... 13
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 28
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") utilizing a "shelf"
registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may sell any
combination of the debt securities described in this prospectus in one or more
offerings up to a total dollar amount of $2,000,000,000. This prospectus
provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each
time we sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will
contain specific information about the terms of that offering. The prospectus
supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this
prospectus. You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement
together with additional information described under the next heading "Where You
Can Find More Information."
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other
information with the Commission. You can inspect and copy these reports, proxy
statements and other information at the public reference facilities of the
Commission, in Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549; 7
World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048; and Suite 1400,
Citicorp Center, 500 W. Madison Street, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511. You can
also obtain copies of these materials from the public reference section of the
Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed
rates. Please call the Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on
the public reference rooms. The Commission also maintains a web site that
contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information
regarding registrants that file electronically with the Commission
(http://www.sec.gov). You can inspect reports and other information we file at
the office of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., 20 Broad Street, New York, New
York 10005.
We have filed a registration statement and related exhibits with the
Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").
The registration statement contains additional information about us and the debt
securities. You may inspect the registration statement and exhibits without
charge at the office of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington,
D.C. 20549, and you may obtain copies from the Commission at prescribed rates.
The Commission allows us to "incorporate by reference" the information we
file with it, which means that we can disclose important information to you by
referring to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is an
important part of this prospectus, and information that we file later with the
Commission will automatically update and supersede this information. We
incorporate by reference the following documents we filed with the Commission
pursuant to Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
"Exchange Act"):
- Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 3, 1998
(including information specifically incorporated by reference into our
Form 10-K from our 1997 Annual Report to Stockholders and Proxy
Statement for our 1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders) and Form 10-K/A
filed March 10, 1998;
- Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 28, 1998,
June 6, 1998 and September 12, 1998;
- Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on July 15, 1998 and October 19,
1998; and
- all documents filed by us with the Commission pursuant to Sections
13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this
prospectus and before we stop offering the debt securities (other than
those portions of such documents described in paragraphs (i), (k), and
(l) of Item 402 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the Commission).
1
<PAGE> 29
You may request a copy of these filings at no cost, by writing or
telephoning us at the following address:
Investor Relations
Safeway Inc.
5918 Stoneridge Mall Road
Pleasanton, California 94588
(925) 467-3790
You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or
provided in this prospectus and any supplement. We have not authorized anyone
else to provide you with different information.
DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus, including the documents that we incorporate by reference,
contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the
Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Such statements relate to,
among other things, capital expenditures, cost reduction, cash flow and
operating improvements and are indicated by words or phrases such as
"anticipate," "estimate," "plans," "projects," "continuing," "ongoing,"
"expects," "management believes," "the Company believes," "the Company intends,"
"we believe," "we intend" and similar words or phrases. The following factors
are among the principal factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially from the forward-looking statements: general business and economic
conditions in our operating regions, including the rate of inflation/deflation,
population, employment and job growth in our markets; pricing pressures and
other competitive factors, which could include pricing strategies, store
openings and remodels; results of our programs to reduce costs; the ability to
integrate any companies we acquire and achieve operating improvements at those
companies; relations with union bargaining units; issues arising from addressing
year 2000 information technology issues; opportunities or acquisitions that we
pursue; and the availability and terms of financing. Consequently, actual events
and results may vary significantly from those included in or contemplated or
implied by such statements.
THE COMPANY
We operate a chain of food and drug stores in North America, comprised of
1,381 stores at September 12, 1998. Our U.S. retail operations are located
principally in northern California, southern California, Oregon, Washington,
Colorado, Arizona and the Mid-Atlantic region. Our Canadian retail operations
are located principally in British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba/Saskatchewan.
In support of our retail operations, we have an extensive network of
distribution, manufacturing and food processing facilities.
In April 1997, we completed a merger with The Vons Companies, Inc. ("Vons")
pursuant to which we issued 83.2 million shares of our common stock for all of
the shares of Vons common stock that we did not already own. We also hold a 49%
interest in Casa Ley, S.A. de C.V. which, as of September 12, 1998, operated 75
food and general merchandise stores in western Mexico.
Our principal executive offices are located at 5918 Stoneridge Mall Road,
Pleasanton, California 94588, and our telephone number is (925) 467-3000.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
Dominick's Acquisition. On October 13, 1998, we signed a definitive
agreement to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Dominick's Supermarkets,
Inc. ("Dominick's") for $49 cash per share, or a total of approximately $1.2
billion. At August 8, 1998, Dominick's had outstanding approximately $646
million of debt, most of which we will repay in connection with that
transaction.
Dominick's operates 111 stores in the greater Chicago metropolitan area and
had fiscal 1997 revenues of $2.6 billion. Dominick's also owns and operates two
primary distribution facilities and a dairy processing plant.
2
<PAGE> 30
We commenced a cash tender offer for all of Dominick's outstanding shares
on October 19, 1998, and that tender offer is currently set to expire on
November 16, 1998. Affiliates of The Yucaipa Companies and Apollo Advisors, L.P
that own approximately 41% of the outstanding shares have agreed to tender their
shares in the tender offer and have granted us options to buy their shares at
$49 cash per share upon termination of the definitive agreement in certain
circumstances. Following the successful completion of the tender offer, the
definitive agreement provides that a wholly owned subsidiary of Safeway will be
merged with Dominick's, with Dominick's surviving as our wholly owned
subsidiary.
The acquisition of Dominick's is subject to a number of conditions,
including the valid tender in the tender offer of a majority of Dominick's
outstanding shares (determined on a fully diluted basis, excluding shares
issuable upon exercise of a warrant held by The Yucaipa Companies), the receipt
of certain regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Although
we cannot assure you that all of these conditions will be satisfied or waived,
we believe we will complete the transaction before the end of 1998.
Carr-Gottstein Acquisition. On August 6, 1998, we signed a definitive
agreement to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Carr-Gottstein Foods Co.
("Carr-Gottstein") for $12.50 per share, or a total of approximately $110
million, in a cash merger transaction. In addition, at June 28, 1998,
Carr-Gottstein had outstanding approximately $224 million of debt, substantially
all of which we will repay in connection with that transaction.
Carr-Gottstein is the leading food and drug retailer in Alaska, with 49
stores (including liquor and tobacco stores) primarily located in Anchorage, as
well as Fairbanks, Juneau, Kenai and other Alaska communities. Carr-Gottstein is
Alaska's highest-volume alcoholic beverage retailer through its chain of 17 wine
and liquor stores operated under the name Oaken Keg Spirit Shops. Carr-Gottstein
also operates seven specialty tobacco stores under the name The Great Alaska
Tobacco Company. In addition, Carr-Gottstein's vertically integrated
organization includes freight transportation operations and a full-line food
warehouse and distribution center.
The definitive agreement requires Carr-Gottstein to call a special meeting
of its stockholders where they will be asked to approve the merger of one of our
wholly owned subsidiaries with Carr-Gottstein, with Carr-Gottstein surviving as
our wholly owned subsidiary. An affiliate of Leonard Green & Associates owns
approximately 35% of the outstanding shares and has agreed to vote its shares in
favor of the transaction. Upon completion of the merger, each outstanding
Carr-Gottstein share will be converted into the right to receive $12.50 in cash.
The acquisition of Carr-Gottstein is subject to a number of conditions,
including the approval of a majority of Carr-Gottstein's outstanding shares, the
receipt of certain regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
Safeway and Carr-Gottstein have received a request for additional information
from the Federal Trade Commission, and we and Carr-Gottstein are in the process
of compiling information in response to this request. Although we cannot assure
you that all of these conditions will be satisfied or waived, we believe we will
complete the transaction in early 1999.
Financing the Acquisitions. We intend to finance the acquisitions of
Dominick's and Carr-Gottstein with a combination of bank borrowings and
commercial paper proceeds. In addition to our existing credit agreement and
commercial paper program, we have recently secured the commitment of a group of
lenders to provide up to $500 million of borrowings under a 364-day credit
facility. We may also choose to make public offerings of debt securities.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Unless we indicate otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, we
anticipate that any net proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes,
which may include but are not limited to funding our obligations in the
acquisitions of Dominick's and Carr-Gottstein, including repaying or refinancing
bank borrowings or commercial paper proceeds, and for working capital, capital
expenditures and other acquisitions. The factors which we will consider in any
refinancing will include the amount and characteristics of any debt securities
issued and may include, among others, the impact of such refinancing on our
interest coverage, debt-
3
<PAGE> 31
to-capital ratio, liquidity and earnings per share. We will set forth in the
prospectus supplement our intended use for the net proceeds received from the
sale of any series of debt securities. Pending the application of the net
proceeds, we expect to invest these proceeds in short-term interest-bearing
instruments or other investment-grade debt securities or to reduce indebtedness
under our commercial paper program or bank credit agreement.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
Our ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the periods indicated are as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEAR
-------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (a)................. 4.10x 3.63x 2.81x 2.28x 1.51x
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(a) For these ratios, "earnings" represents income before income taxes,
extraordinary loss, equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates,
minority interest in subsidiary and fixed charges (other than capitalized
interest). "Fixed charges" represents interest on indebtedness (including
capitalized interest) and a share of rental expense which is deemed to be
representative of the interest factor.
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
This prospectus describes certain general terms and provisions of our debt
securities. When we offer to sell a particular series of debt securities, we
will describe the specific terms of the series in a supplement to this
prospectus. We will also indicate in the supplement whether the general terms
and provisions described in this prospectus apply to a particular series of debt
securities.
We may offer under this prospectus up to $2,000,000,000 aggregate principal
amount of debt securities, or if debt securities are issued at a discount, or in
a foreign currency or composite currency, such principal amount as may be sold
for an initial public offering price of up to $2,000,000,000. Unless otherwise
specified in a supplement to this prospectus, the debt securities will be our
direct, unsecured obligations and will rank equally with all of our other
unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness.
The debt securities will be issued under an indenture between us and The
Bank of New York, as trustee. We have summarized select portions of the
indenture below. The summary is not complete. The form of the indenture has been
incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement and you
should read the indenture for provisions that may be important to you. In the
summary below, we have included references to the section numbers of the
indenture so that you can easily locate these provisions. Capitalized terms used
in the summary have the meaning specified in the indenture.
When we refer to "we," "our" and "us" in this section, we mean Safeway Inc.
excluding, unless the context otherwise requires or as otherwise expressly
stated, our subsidiaries.
GENERAL
The terms of each series of debt securities will be established by or
pursuant to a resolution of our Board of Directors and set forth or determined
in the manner provided in an officers' certificate or by a supplemental
indenture. (Section 2.2) The particular terms of each series of debt securities
will be described in a prospectus supplement relating to such series (including
any pricing supplement).
4
<PAGE> 32
We can issue an unlimited amount of debt securities under the indenture
that may be in one or more series with the same or various maturities, at par,
at a premium, or at a discount. We will set forth in a prospectus supplement
(including any pricing supplement) relating to any series of debt securities
being offered, the initial offering price, the aggregate principal amount and
the following terms of the debt securities:
- the title of the debt securities;
- the price or prices (expressed as a percentage of the aggregate
principal amount) at which we will sell the debt securities;
- any limit on the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities;
- the date or dates on which we will pay the principal on the debt
securities;
- the rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable) per annum or the
method used to determine the rate or rates (including any commodity,
commodity index, stock exchange index or financial index) at which the
debt securities will bear interest, the date or dates from which
interest will accrue, the date or dates on which interest will
commence and be payable and any regular record date for the interest
payable on any interest payment date;
- the place or places where principal of, premium and interest on the
debt securities will be payable;
- the terms and conditions upon which we may redeem the debt securities;
- any obligation we have to redeem or purchase the debt securities
pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provisions or at the option
of a holder of debt securities;
- the dates on which and the price or prices at which we will repurchase
debt securities at the option of the holders of debt securities and
other detailed terms and provisions of these repurchase obligations;
- the denominations in which the debt securities will be issued, if
other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof;
- whether the debt securities will be issued in the form of certificated
debt securities or global debt securities;
- the portion of principal amount of the debt securities payable upon
declaration of acceleration of the maturity date, if other than the
principal amount;
- the currency of denomination of the debt securities;
- the designation of the currency, currencies or currency units in which
payment of principal of, premium and interest on the debt securities
will be made;
- if payments of principal of, premium or interest on the debt
securities will be made in one or more currencies or currency units
other than that or those in which the debt securities are denominated,
the manner in which the exchange rate with respect to these payments
will be determined;
- the manner in which the amounts of payment of principal of, premium or
interest on the debt securities will be determined, if these amounts
may be determined by reference to an index based on a currency or
currencies other than that in which the debt securities are
denominated or designated to be payable or by reference to a
commodity, commodity index, stock exchange index or financial index;
- any provisions relating to any security provided for the debt
securities;
- any addition to or change in the Events of Default described in this
prospectus or in the indenture with respect to the debt securities and
any change in the acceleration provisions described in this prospectus
or in the indenture with respect to the debt securities;
- any addition to or change in the covenants described in this
prospectus or in the indenture with respect to the debt securities;
- any other terms of the debt securities, which may modify or delete any
provision of the indenture as it applies to that series; and
5
<PAGE> 33
- any depositaries, interest rate calculation agents, exchange rate
calculation agents or other agents with respect to the debt
securities. (Section 2.2)
We may issue debt securities that provide for an amount less than their
stated principal amount to be due and payable upon declaration of acceleration
of their maturity pursuant to the terms of the indenture. We will provide you
with information on the federal income tax considerations and other special
considerations applicable to any of these debt securities in the applicable
prospectus supplement.
If we denominate the purchase price of any of the debt securities in a
foreign currency or currencies or a foreign currency unit or units, or if the
principal of and any premium and interest on any series of debt securities is
payable in a foreign currency or currencies or a foreign currency unit or units,
we will provide you with information on the restrictions, elections, general tax
considerations, specific terms and other information with respect to that issue
of debt securities and such foreign currency or currencies or foreign currency
unit or units in the applicable prospectus supplement.
TRANSFER AND EXCHANGE
Each debt security will be represented by either one or more global
securities registered in the name of The Depository Trust Company, as Depositary
(the "Depositary"), or a nominee (we will refer to any debt security represented
by a global debt security as a "book-entry debt security"), or a certificate
issued in definitive registered form (we will refer to any debt security
represented by a certificated security as a "certificated debt security") as set
forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Except as set forth under the
heading "Global Debt Securities and Book-Entry System" below, book-entry debt
securities will not be issuable in certificated form.
CERTIFICATED DEBT SECURITIES. You may transfer or exchange certificated
debt securities at any office we maintain for this purpose in accordance with
the terms of the indenture. No service charge will be made for any transfer or
exchange of certificated debt securities, but we may require payment of a sum
sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection
with a transfer or exchange.
You may effect the transfer of certificated debt securities and the right
to receive the principal of, premium and interest on certificated debt
securities only by surrendering the certificate representing those certificated
debt securities and either reissuance by us or the trustee of the certificate to
the new holder or the issuance by us or the trustee of a new certificate to the
new holder.
GLOBAL DEBT SECURITIES AND BOOK-ENTRY SYSTEM. Each global debt security
representing book-entry debt securities will be deposited with, or on behalf of,
the Depositary, and registered in the name of the Depositary or a nominee of the
Depositary.
The Depositary has indicated it intends to follow the following procedures
with respect to book-entry debt securities.
Ownership of beneficial interests in book-entry debt securities will be
limited to persons that have accounts with the Depositary for the related global
debt security ("participants") or persons that may hold interests through
participants. Upon the issuance of a global debt security, the Depositary will
credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the participants'
accounts with the respective principal amounts of the book-entry debt securities
represented by such global debt security beneficially owned by such
participants. The accounts to be credited will be designated by any dealers,
underwriters or agents participating in the distribution of the book-entry debt
securities. Ownership of book-entry debt securities will be shown on, and the
transfer of such ownership interests will be effected only through, records
maintained by the Depositary for the related global debt security (with respect
to interests of participants) and on the records of participants (with respect
to interests of persons holding through participants). The laws of some states
may require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such
securities in definitive form. These laws may impair the ability to own,
transfer or pledge beneficial interests in book-entry debt securities.
So long as the Depositary for a global debt security, or its nominee, is
the registered owner of that global debt security, the Depositary or its
nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of
6
<PAGE> 34
the book-entry debt securities represented by such global debt security for all
purposes under the indenture. Except as described below, beneficial owners of
book-entry debt securities will not be entitled to have securities registered in
their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of a
certificate in definitive form representing securities and will not be
considered the owners or holders of those securities under the indenture.
Accordingly, each person beneficially owning book-entry debt securities must
rely on the procedures of the Depositary for the related global debt security
and, if such person is not a participant, on the procedures of the participant
through which such person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder
under the indenture.
We understand, however, that under existing industry practice, the
Depositary will authorize the persons on whose behalf it holds a global debt
security to exercise certain rights of holders of debt securities, and the
indenture provides that we, the trustee and our respective agents will treat as
the holder of a debt security the persons specified in a written statement of
the Depositary with respect to that global debt security for purposes of
obtaining any consents or directions required to be given by holders of the debt
securities pursuant to the indenture. (Section 2.14.6)
We will make payments of principal of, and premium and interest on
book-entry debt securities to the Depositary or its nominee, as the case may be,
as the registered holder of the related global debt security. (Section 2.14.5)
Safeway, the trustee and any other agent of ours or agent of the trustee will
not have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating
to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in a global
debt security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating
to beneficial ownership interests.
We expect that the Depositary, upon receipt of any payment of principal of,
premium or interest on a global debt security, will immediately credit
participants' accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to the respective
amounts of book-entry debt securities held by each participant as shown on the
records of such Depositary. We also expect that payments by participants to
owners of beneficial interests in book-entry debt securities held through those
participants will be governed by standing customer instructions and customary
practices, as is now the case with the securities held for the accounts of
customers in bearer form or registered in "street name," and will be the
responsibility of those participants.
We will issue certificated debt securities in exchange for each global debt
security if the Depositary is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as
Depositary or ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act,
and a successor Depositary registered as a clearing agency under the Exchange
Act is not appointed by us within 90 days. In addition, we may at any time and
in our sole discretion determine not to have the book-entry debt securities of
any series represented by one or more global debt securities and, in that event,
will issue certificated debt securities in exchange for the global debt
securities of that series. Global debt securities will also be exchangeable by
the holders for certificated debt securities if an Event of Default with respect
to the book-entry debt securities represented by those global debt securities
has occurred and is continuing. Any certificated debt securities issued in
exchange for a global debt security will be registered in such name or names as
the Depositary shall instruct the trustee. We expect that such instructions will
be based upon directions received by the Depositary from participants with
respect to ownership of book-entry debt securities relating to such global debt
security.
We have obtained the foregoing information concerning the Depositary and
the Depositary's book-entry system from sources we believe to be reliable, but
we take no responsibility for the accuracy of this information.
NO PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A CHANGE OF CONTROL
Unless we state otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the debt
securities will not contain any provisions which may afford holders of the debt
securities protection in the event we have a change in control or in the event
of a highly leveraged transaction (whether or not such transaction results in a
change in control) which could adversely affect holders of debt securities.
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COVENANTS
We will set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement any restrictive
covenants applicable to any issue of debt securities.
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER AND SALE OF ASSETS
We may not consolidate with or merge with or into, or convey, transfer or
lease all or substantially all of our properties and assets to, any person (a
"successor person") unless:
- we are the surviving corporation or the successor person (if other
than Safeway) is a corporation organized and validly existing under
the laws of any U.S. domestic jurisdiction and expressly assumes our
obligations on the debt securities and under the indenture;
- immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no Event of
Default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time, or both,
would become an Event of Default, shall have occurred and be
continuing under the indenture; and
- certain other conditions are met. (Section 5.1)
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
"Event of Default" means with respect to any series of debt securities, any
of the following:
- default in the payment of any interest upon any debt security of that
series when it becomes due and payable, and continuance of that
default for a period of 30 days (unless the entire amount of the
payment is deposited by us with the trustee or with a paying agent
prior to the expiration of the 30-day period);
- default in the payment of principal of or premium on any debt security
of that series when due and payable;
- default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment, when and as due in
respect of any debt security of that series;
- default in the performance or breach of any other covenant or warranty
by us in the indenture (other than a covenant or warranty that has
been included in the indenture solely for the benefit of a series of
debt securities other than that series), which default continues
uncured for a period of 60 days after we receive written notice from
the trustee or we and the trustee receive written notice from the
holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the
outstanding debt securities of that series as provided in the
indenture;
- certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization; and
- any other Event of Default provided with respect to debt securities of
that series that is described in the applicable prospectus supplement
accompanying this prospectus.
No Event of Default with respect to a particular series of debt securities
(except as to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization)
necessarily constitutes an Event of Default with respect to any other series of
debt securities. (Section 6.1) The occurrence of an Event of Default may
constitute an event of default under our bank credit agreements in existence
from time to time. In addition, the occurrence of certain Events of Default or
an acceleration under the indenture may constitute an event of default under
certain of our other indebtedness outstanding from time to time.
If an Event of Default with respect to debt securities of any series at the
time outstanding occurs and is continuing (except as to certain events of
bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization), then the trustee or the holders of
not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities
of that series may, by a notice in writing to us (and to the trustee if given by
the holders), declare to be due and payable immediately the principal (or, if
the debt securities of that series are discount securities, that portion of the
principal amount as may be specified in the terms of that series) of and accrued
and unpaid interest, if any, on all debt
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securities of that series. In the case of an Event of Default resulting from
certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, the principal (or
such specified amount) of and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all
outstanding debt securities will become and be immediately due and payable
without any declaration or other act on the part of the trustee or any holder of
outstanding debt securities. At any time after a declaration of acceleration
with respect to debt securities of any series has been made, but before a
judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the
trustee, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt
securities of that series may rescind and annul the acceleration if all Events
of Default, other than the non-payment of accelerated principal and interest, if
any, with respect to debt securities of that series, have been cured or waived
as provided in the indenture. (Section 6.2) For information as to waiver of
defaults see the discussion set forth below under "-- Modification and Waiver."
We refer you to the prospectus supplement relating to any series of debt
securities that are discount securities for the particular provisions relating
to acceleration of a portion of the principal amount of such discount securities
upon the occurrence of an Event of Default.
The indenture provides that the trustee will be under no obligation to
exercise any of its rights or powers under the indenture at the request of any
holder of outstanding debt securities, unless the trustee receives indemnity
satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense. (Section 7.1 (e))
Subject to certain rights of the trustee, the holders of a majority in principal
amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series will have the right to
direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy
available to the trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the
trustee with respect to the debt securities of that series. (Section 6.12)
No holder of any debt security of any series will have any right to
institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to the indenture
or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any remedy under the
indenture, unless:
- that holder has previously given to the trustee written notice of a
continuing Event of Default with respect to debt securities of that
series; and
- the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the
outstanding debt securities of that series have made written request,
and offered reasonable indemnity, to the trustee to institute the
proceeding as trustee, and the trustee has not received from the
holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt
securities of that series a direction inconsistent with that request
and has failed to institute the proceeding within 60 days. (Section
6.7)
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the holder of any debt security will have an
absolute and unconditional right to receive payment of the principal of, premium
and any interest on that debt security on or after the due dates expressed in
that debt security and to institute suit for the enforcement of payment.
(Section 6.8)
The indenture requires us, within 120 days after the end of our fiscal
year, to furnish to the trustee a statement as to compliance with the indenture.
(Section 4.3) The indenture provides that the trustee may withhold notice to the
holders of debt securities of any series of any Default or Event of Default
(except in payment on any debt securities of that series) with respect to debt
securities of that series if it in good faith determines that withholding notice
is in the interest of the holders of those debt securities. (Section 7.5)
MODIFICATION AND WAIVER
We and the trustee may modify and amend the indenture with the consent of
the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt
securities of each series affected by the modifications or amendments. We and
the trustee may not make any modification or amendment without the consent of
the holders of each affected debt security then outstanding if that amendment
will:
- reduce the amount of debt securities whose holders must consent to an
amendment or waiver;
- reduce the rate of or extend the time for payment of interest
(including default interest) on any debt security;
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- reduce the principal of or premium on or change the fixed maturity of
any debt security or reduce the amount of, or postpone the date fixed
for, the payment of any sinking fund or analogous obligation with
respect to any series of debt securities;
- reduce the principal amount of discount securities payable upon
acceleration of maturity;
- waive a default in the payment of the principal of, premium or
interest on any debt security (except a rescission of acceleration of
the debt securities of any series by the holders of at least a
majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding debt
securities of that series and a waiver of the payment default that
resulted from such acceleration);
- make the principal of or premium or interest on any debt security
payable in currency other than that stated in the debt security;
- make any change to certain provisions of the indenture relating to,
among other things, the right of holders of debt securities to receive
payment of the principal of, premium and interest on those debt
securities and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such
payment and to waivers or amendments; or
- waive a redemption payment with respect to any debt security. (Section
9.3)
Except for certain specified provisions, the holders of at least a majority
in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may on
behalf of the holders of all debt securities of that series waive our compliance
with provisions of the indenture. (Section 9.2) The holders of a majority in
principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may on behalf
of the holders of all the debt securities of such series waive any past default
under the indenture with respect to that series and its consequences, except a
default in the payment of the principal of, premium or any interest on any debt
security of that series or in respect of a covenant or provision which cannot be
modified or amended without the consent of the holder of each outstanding debt
security of the series affected; provided, however, that the holders of a
majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series
may rescind an acceleration and its consequences, including any related payment
default that resulted from the acceleration. (Section 6.13)
DEFEASANCE OF DEBT SECURITIES AND CERTAIN COVENANTS IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES
LEGAL DEFEASANCE. The indenture provides that, unless otherwise provided by
the terms of the applicable series of debt securities, we may be discharged from
any and all obligations in respect of the debt securities of any series (except
for certain obligations to register the transfer or exchange of debt securities
of such series, to replace stolen, lost or mutilated debt securities of such
series, and to maintain paying agencies and certain provisions relating to the
treatment of funds held by paying agents). We will be so discharged upon the
deposit with the trustee, in trust, of money and/or U.S. Government Obligations
or, in the case of debt securities denominated in a single currency other than
U.S. Dollars, Foreign Government Obligations, that, through the payment of
interest and principal in accordance with their terms, will provide money in an
amount sufficient in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent
public accountants to pay and discharge each installment of principal, premium
and interest on and any mandatory sinking fund payments in respect of the debt
securities of that series on the stated maturity of those payments in accordance
with the terms of the indenture and those debt securities.
This discharge may occur only if, among other things, we have delivered to
the trustee an opinion of counsel stating that we have received from, or there
has been published by, the United States Internal Revenue Service a ruling or,
since the date of execution of the indenture, there has been a change in the
applicable United States federal income tax law, in either case to the effect
that, and based thereon such opinion shall confirm that, the holders of the debt
securities of that series will not recognize income, gain or loss for United
States federal income tax purposes as a result of the deposit, defeasance and
discharge and will be subject to United States federal income tax on the same
amounts and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case
if the deposit, defeasance and discharge had not occurred. (Section 8.3)
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DEFEASANCE OF CERTAIN COVENANTS. The indenture provides that, unless
otherwise provided by the terms of the applicable series of debt securities,
upon compliance with certain conditions:
- we may omit to comply with the covenants described under the heading
"Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets" and certain other covenants
set forth in the indenture, as well as any additional covenants which
may be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement; and
- any omission to comply with those covenants will not constitute a
Default or an Event of Default with respect to the debt securities of
that series ("covenant defeasance").
The conditions include:
- depositing with the trustee money and/or U.S. Government Obligations
or, in the case of debt securities denominated in a single currency
other than U.S. Dollars, Foreign Government Obligations, that, through
the payment of interest and principal in accordance with their terms,
will provide money in an amount sufficient in the opinion of a
nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants to pay
and discharge each installment of principal of, premium and interest
on and any mandatory sinking fund payments in respect of the debt
securities of that series on the stated maturity of those payments in
accordance with the terms of the indenture and those debt securities;
and
- delivering to the trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that the
holders of the debt securities of that series will not recognize
income, gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes as
a result of the deposit and related covenant defeasance and will be
subject to United States federal income tax on the same amounts and in
the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if
the deposit and related covenant defeasance had not occurred. (Section
8.4)
COVENANT DEFEASANCE AND EVENTS OF DEFAULT. In the event we exercise our
option to effect covenant defeasance with respect to any series of debt
securities and the debt securities of that series are declared due and payable
because of the occurrence of any Event of Default, the amount of money and/or
U.S. Government Obligations or Foreign Government Obligations on deposit with
the trustee will be sufficient to pay amounts due on the debt securities of that
series at the time of their stated maturity but may not be sufficient to pay
amounts due on the debt securities of that series at the time of the
acceleration resulting from the Event of Default. However, we shall remain
liable for those payments.
"FOREIGN GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS" means, with respect to debt securities of
any series that are denominated in a currency other than U.S. Dollars:
- direct obligations of the government that issued or caused to be
issued such currency for the payment of which obligations its full
faith and credit is pledged which are not callable or redeemable at
the option of the issuer thereof; or
- obligations of a person controlled or supervised by or acting as an
agency or instrumentality of that government the timely payment of
which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit
obligation by that government which are not callable or redeemable at
the option of the issuer thereof.
GOVERNING LAW
The indenture and the debt securities will be governed by, and construed in
accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York. (Section 10.10)
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
We may sell the debt securities to one or more underwriters for public
offering and sale by them and may also sell the debt securities to investors
directly or through agents. We will name any underwriter or agent involved in
the offer and sale of debt securities in the applicable prospectus supplement.
We have reserved the
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right to sell or exchange debt securities directly to investors on our own
behalf in those jurisdictions where we are authorized to do so.
We may distribute the debt securities from time to time in one or more
transactions:
- at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed;
- at market prices prevailing at the time of sale;
- at prices related to such prevailing market prices; or
- at negotiated prices.
We may also, from time to time, authorize dealers, acting as our agents, to
offer and sell debt securities upon the terms and conditions set forth in the
applicable prospectus supplement. In connection with the sale of debt
securities, we, or the purchasers of debt securities for whom the underwriters
may act as agents, may compensate underwriters in the form of underwriting
discounts or commissions. Underwriters may sell the debt securities to or
through dealers, and those dealers may receive compensation in the form of
discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters and/or commissions
from the purchasers for whom they may act as agent. Unless otherwise indicated
in a prospectus supplement, an agent will be acting on a best efforts basis and
a dealer will purchase debt securities as a principal, and may then resell the
debt securities at varying prices to be determined by the dealer.
We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement any compensation
we pay to underwriters or agents in connection with the offering of debt
securities, and any discounts, concessions or commissions allowed by
underwriters to participating dealers. Dealers and agents participating in the
distribution of debt securities may be deemed to be underwriters, and any
discounts and commissions received by them and any profit realized by them on
resale of the debt securities may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and
commissions. We may enter into agreements to indemnify underwriters, dealers and
agents against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act, and to reimburse these persons for certain expenses.
To facilitate the offering of debt securities, certain persons
participating in the offering may engage in transactions that stabilize,
maintain, or otherwise affect the price of the debt securities. This may include
over-allotments or short sales of the debt securities, which involves the sale
by persons participating in the offering of more debt securities than we sold to
them. In these circumstances, these persons would cover such over-allotments or
short positions by making purchases in the open market or by exercising their
over-allotment option. In addition, these persons may stabilize or maintain the
price of the debt securities by bidding for or purchasing debt securities in the
open market or by imposing penalty bids, whereby selling concessions allowed to
dealers participating in the offering may be reclaimed if debt securities sold
by them are repurchased in connection with stabilization transactions. The
effect of these transactions may be to stabilize or maintain the market price of
the debt securities at a level above that which might otherwise prevail in the
open market. These transactions may be discontinued at any time.
Certain of the underwriters, dealers or agents and their associates may
engage in transactions with and perform services for Safeway in the ordinary
course of our business.
LEGAL MATTERS
Latham & Watkins of San Francisco, California, will issue an opinion about
certain legal matters with respect to the debt securities for Safeway. Certain
partners of Latham & Watkins, members of their families, related persons and
others, have an indirect interest, through limited partnerships, in less than 1%
of our common stock. These persons do not have the power to vote or dispose of
such shares of common stock. Any underwriters will be advised about the other
issues relating to any offering by their own legal counsel.
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EXPERTS
Our consolidated financial statements as of January 3, 1998 and December
28, 1996 and for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended January 3,
1998, which are incorporated by reference herein from our Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended January 3, 1998, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche
LLP, independent auditors, as stated in their report, which is also incorporated
by reference herein, and have been so included in reliance upon the report of
such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
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[LOGO OF SAFEWAY INC.]
