<PAGE> 1
SCHEDULE 14A
(RULE 14A-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(A) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (AMENDMENT NO. )
Filed by the registrant [X]
Filed by a party other than the registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
[ ] Preliminary proxy statement [ ] Confidential, for Use of the
Commission Only (as permitted by
Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
[X] Definitive proxy statement
[ ] Definitive additional materials
[ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12
Grand Casinos, Inc.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)
Payment of filing fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] No fee required.
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and
0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the filing fee
is calculated and state how it was determined):
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(5) Total fee paid:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act
Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or
the form or schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount previously paid:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Form, schedule or registration statement no.:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Filing party:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) Date filed:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE> 2
Grand Casinos, Inc.
130 CHESHIRE LANE
MINNETONKA, MINNESOTA 55305
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
MAY 15, 1998
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF GRAND CASINOS, INC.:
Please take notice that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Grand
Casinos, Inc. will be held, pursuant to due call by the Board of Directors of
the Company, at the Radisson Hotel, 3131 Campus Drive, Plymouth, Minnesota on
May 15, 1998, at 3:00 p.m., or at any adjournment or adjournments thereof, for
the purpose of considering and taking appropriate action with respect to the
following:
1. To elect eight directors.
2. To transact any other business as may properly come before the meeting
or any adjournments thereof.
Pursuant to due action of the Board of Directors, shareholders of record on
March 18, 1998, will be entitled to vote at the meeting or any adjournments
thereof.
A PROXY FOR THE MEETING IS ENCLOSED HEREWITH. YOU ARE REQUESTED TO FILL IN AND
SIGN THE PROXY, WHICH IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, AND MAIL IT
PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
By Order of the Board of Directors
GRAND CASINOS, INC.
Timothy J. Cope Signature
Timothy J. Cope,
Executive Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer
and Secretary
March 27, 1998
<PAGE> 3
GRAND CASINOS, INC.
130 CHESHIRE LANE
MINNETONKA, MINNESOTA 55305
PROXY STATEMENT
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD
MAY 15, 1998
This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of
proxies by the Board of Directors of Grand Casinos, Inc. (the "Company") to be
used at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company to be held May 15,
1998. The approximate date on which this Proxy Statement and the accompanying
proxy were first sent or given to shareholders was March 27, 1998. Each
shareholder who signs and returns a proxy in the form enclosed with this Proxy
Statement may revoke the same at any time prior to its use by giving notice of
such revocation to the Company in writing, in open meeting or by executing and
delivering a new proxy to the Secretary of the Company. Unless so revoked, the
shares represented by each proxy will be voted at the meeting and at any
adjournments thereof. Presence at the meeting of a shareholder who has signed a
proxy does not alone revoke that proxy. Only shareholders of record at the close
of business on March 18, 1998 (the "Record Date") will be entitled to vote at
the meeting or any adjournments thereof.
1
<PAGE> 4
VOTING SECURITIES AND
PRINCIPAL HOLDERS THEREOF
The Company has outstanding one class of voting securities, common stock,
$0.01 par value, of which 42,008,793 shares were outstanding as of the close of
business on the Record Date. Each share of common stock is entitled to one vote
on all matters put to a vote of shareholders.
The following table sets forth as of the Record Date certain information
regarding the beneficial ownership of shares of common stock by each director of
the Company, each nominee for director, each of the executive officers listed in
the Summary Compensation Table, each person known to the Company to be the
beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding shares and all directors and
executive officers as a group. Except as otherwise indicated, each shareholder
has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares beneficially
owned.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENT OF
BENEFICIAL OWNER NUMBER CLASS
---------------- ------ ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Lyle Berman(1).............................................. 4,751,462(2) 11.2
Stanley M. Taube............................................ 1,127,647(3) 2.7
Neil I. Sell, as sole trustee of four irrevocable trusts for
the benefit of Lyle Berman's children..................... 1,242,000(4) 3.0
Neil I. Sell................................................ 67,797(5) *
Thomas J. Brosig............................................ 648,245(6) 1.5
Joseph Galvin............................................... 58,500(7) *
Timothy J. Cope............................................. 54,000(8) *
Ronald Kramer............................................... 14,800(9) *
Morris Goldfarb............................................. 87,822(10) *
David L. Rogers............................................. 86,057(11) *
Joel N. Waller.............................................. 56,437(12) *
Heartland Advisors, Inc. ................................... 2,662,100(13) 6.3
790 North Milwaukee Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
All directors and executive officers as a group (ten
persons).................................................. 8,194,766(14) 19.1
</TABLE>
- -------------------------
* Less than one percent.
(1) The address of such person is 130 Cheshire Lane, Minnetonka, Minnesota,
55305.
(2) Includes 400,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options exercisable
within 60 days of the Record Date and 82,500 shares beneficially owned by
Mr. Berman's spouse. Also includes 45,615 shares held by Berman Consulting
Corporation, a corporation wholly owned by Mr. Berman, and 23,000 shares
held by the Nate Berman Family Trust.
(3) Includes 1,091,647 shares held by S.M. Taube & Co., Inc., a corporation
controlled by Stanley M. Taube and 12,000 shares beneficially owned by Mr.
Taube's spouse. Mr. Taube disclaims beneficial ownership of shares owned by
his spouse. Also includes 24,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options
exercisable within 60 days of the Record Date.
(4) Mr. Sell has disclaimed beneficial ownership of such shares.
(5) Includes 51,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options exercisable within
60 days of the Record Date.
(6) Includes 67,350 shares beneficially owned by Mr. Brosig's spouse. Also
includes 150,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options exercisable
within 60 days of the Record Date.
(7) Represents 58,500 shares issuable upon exercise of options exercisable
within 60 days of the Record Date.
(8) Represents 54,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options exercisable
within 60 days of the Record Date.
(9) Includes 2,000 shares beneficially owned by a partnership in which the
general partner is a corporation wholly owned by Mr. Kramer. Also includes
12,800 shares issuable upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days
of the Record Date.
2
<PAGE> 5
(10) Includes 1,000 shares held by Mr. Goldfarb as custodian under the Uniform
Gifts to Minors Act and 60,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options
exercisable within 60 days of the Record Date.
(11) Includes 33,000 shares beneficially owned by Mr. Rogers' spouse, and 51,000
shares issuable upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days of the
Record Date.
(12) Includes 1,368 shares beneficially owned by Mr. Waller's spouse and 51,000
shares issuable upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days of the
Record Date.
(13) Includes 46,500 shares as to which the holder has sole dispositive, but not
sole voting power.
(14) Includes shares held by corporations controlled by such officers and
directors and 912,300 shares issuable upon exercise of options exercisable
within 60 days of the Record Date.
The foregoing footnotes are provided for informational purposes only and
each person disclaims beneficial ownership of shares owned by any member of his
or her family or held in trust for any other person, including family members.
3
<PAGE> 6
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Eight directors are to be elected at the meeting, each director to hold
office until the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders, or until his successor is
elected and qualified. All of the persons listed below, except Mr. Cope, are now
serving as directors of the Company. All of the persons listed below have
consented to serve as a director, if elected. The Board of Directors proposes
for election the nominees listed below:
LYLE BERMAN, age 56, has been the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the
Company since October 1991. Mr. Berman served as the Company's Chief Executive
Officer from October 1991 to March 1998. Mr. Berman is also a director of G-III
Apparel Group Ltd ("G-III"), Innovative Gaming Corporation of America ("IGCA"),
New Horizon Kids Quest, Inc. ("Kids Quest") and Wilsons The Leather Experts Inc.
("Wilsons"). Mr. Berman is Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of
Rainforest Cafe, Inc. ("Rainforest"). Mr. Berman was a member of the Board of
Directors of Stratosphere Corporation from July 1994 to July 1997, and served as
the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Stratosphere from July, 1996 to July,
1997. From July, 1994 through October 1996, Mr. Berman was Stratosphere's Chief
Executive Officer. Stratosphere filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the
Bankruptcy Code on January 27, 1997.
THOMAS J. BROSIG, age 48, has been President and a director of the Company
since September 1996. Mr. Brosig was Executive Vice President of the Company
from August 1994 through September 1996 and President of the Company from May
1993 through August 1994. Mr. Brosig also served as the Company's Chief
Operating Officer from October 1991 to May 1993 and as the Company's Chief
Financial Officer from October 1991 to January 1992. Mr. Brosig is a director of
G-III, Wilsons and Famous Dave's of America, Inc. In March 1998, Mr. Brosig was
named Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
TIMOTHY J. COPE, age 46, has been the Chief Financial Officer of the
Company since January 20, 1994 and an Executive Vice President since April of
1997. Mr. Cope was the Company's Vice President Finance from August 1993 through
January 1994. From May 1986 through August 1992, Mr. Cope was the vice
president -- finance and administration of Bally's Grand, Reno and after the
sale of Bally's Grand, Reno to the Hilton Corporation in August 1992 served as
the vice president -- finance of The Reno Hilton until August 1993. From January
1984 through May 1986, Mr. Cope was the vice president of finance of MGM Grand
Reno.
MORRIS GOLDFARB, age 47, has been a director since December 1992. Mr.
Goldfarb is a director and the president and chief executive officer of G-III.
Mr. Goldfarb has served as either the president or vice president of G-III and
its predecessors since their formation in 1974. Mr. Goldfarb is a director of
Wilsons.
RONALD J. KRAMER, age 39, has been a director of the Company since March
1995. Mr. Kramer is the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of
Ladenburg, Thalmann Group Inc., an investment banking firm where he has been
employed for over five years. Mr. Kramer is also a director of Griffon
Corporation and New Valley Corporation. Ladenburg has periodically provided
investment banking services to the Company.
DAVID L. ROGERS, age 55, has been a director of the Company since October
1991. Mr. Rogers has been President of Wilsons since March 1992. From November
1988 through March 1992, Mr. Rogers was executive vice president and chief
operating officer of Wilsons. Mr. Rogers is a director of Wilsons and
Rainforest.
NEIL I. SELL, age 56, has been a director of the Company since October
1991. Mr. Sell is also a director of U.S. Foodservice, Inc. Rykoff-Sexton, Inc.
and, until July 31, 1997, was a director of Stratosphere. Since 1968, Mr. Sell
has been engaged in the practice of law in Minneapolis, Minnesota with the firm
of Maslon Edelman Borman & Brand, LLP, which has rendered legal services to the
Company.
JOEL N. WALLER, age 58, has been a director of the Company since October
1991. Mr. Waller has been Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Wilsons since
March 1992. Mr. Waller was President of Wilsons from 1983 through March 1992.
Mr. Waller is also a director of Damark International, Inc. and Rainforest.
4
<PAGE> 7
PROXIES AND VOTING
The affirmative vote of the holders of the greater of (a) a majority of the
outstanding shares of common stock of the Company present and entitled to vote
on the election of directors or (b) a majority of the voting power of the
minimum number of shares entitled to vote that would constitute a quorum for
transaction of business at the meeting, is required for election to the Board of
each of the eight nominees named above. A shareholder who abstains with respect
to the election of directors is considered to be present and entitled to vote on
the election of directors at the meeting, and is in effect casting a negative
vote, but a shareholder (including a broker) who does not give authority to a
Proxy to vote, or withholds authority to vote, on the election of directors,
shall not be considered present and entitled to vote on the election of
directors.
All shares represented by proxies will be voted FOR the election of the
foregoing nominees unless a contrary choice is specified. If any nominee should
withdraw or otherwise become unavailable for reasons not presently known, the
proxies which would have otherwise been voted for such nominee will be voted for
such substitute nominee as may be selected by the Board of Directors.
5
<PAGE> 8
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth the cash and noncash compensation for each
of the last three fiscal years (or such shorter applicable period) awarded to or
earned by the Chief Executive Officer, the four most highly compensated
executive officers other than the Chief Executive Officer and a certain former
executive officer of the Company:
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LONG-TERM
COMPENSATION
AWARDS
------------
ANNUAL COMPENSATION SECURITIES ALL OTHER
FISCAL --------------------- UNDERLYING COMPENSATION
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY($) BONUS($) OPTIONS (4)($)
--------------------------- ------ --------- -------- ---------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Lyle Berman................................ 1997 722,729 325,000 -- --
Chairman of the Board and 1996 609,615 -- 1,000,000 --
Chief Executive Officer 1995 500,000 520,000 -- --
Thomas J. Brosig(1)........................ 1997 455,940 225,000 -- 1,596
President 1996 248,654 -- 300,000 1,500
1995 150,000 96,000 -- 404
Stanley M. Taube........................... 1997 125,000 62,500 -- --
Executive Vice President 1996 125,042 -- 60,000 --
1995 250,000 160,000 -- --
Timothy J. Cope(2)......................... 1997 207,116 105,000 75,000 1,600
Executive Vice President, 1996 175,577 16,033 -- 1,500
Chief Financial Officer and 1995 144,616 72,000 45,000 346
Secretary
Joseph Gavin(3)............................ 1997 216,420 107,500 87,000 --
Executive Vice President, 1996 170,500 18,633 -- --
Chief Administrative Officer
and Assistant Secretary
</TABLE>
- -------------------------
(1) Mr. Brosig was President of the Company from May 1993 through August 1994,
when he was appointed Executive Vice President. In September, 1996, Mr.
Brosig was appointed President of the Company, and in March 1998, Mr. Brosig
replaced Mr. Berman as Chief Executive Officer.
(2) Mr. Cope was appointed Chief Financial Officer in January 1994, Secretary in
May 1995 and Executive Vice President in April 1997. From August 1993
through January 1994, Mr. Cope was Vice President of Finance.
(3) Mr. Galvin was appointed Chief Administrative Officer in November 1996 and
was promoted to the position of Executive Vice President in April 1997. From
March 1992 to November 1996, Mr. Galvin served the Company as Vice President
of Security.
(4) The compensation reported represents the amount of Company contributions to
the Company's 401(k) plan.
6
<PAGE> 9
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
The following table summarizes information with respect to options granted
to the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table during the
last fiscal year.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS(1)
------------------------------------------------------------ POTENTIAL REALIZABLE VALUE
PERCENTAGE OF OF ASSUMED ANNUAL RATES
NUMBER OF TOTAL OPTIONS OF STOCK PRICE APPRECIATION
SECURITIES GRANTED TO EXERCISE OF FOR OPTION TERM(2)
UNDERLYING OPTION EMPLOYEES IN BASE PRICE EXPIRATION ---------------------------
NAME GRANTED FISCAL YEAR ($/SHARE) DATE 5%($) 10%($)
---- ----------------- ------------- ----------- ---------- ----- ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Lyle Berman..................... -- -- -- -- -- --
Thomas J. Brosig................ -- -- -- -- -- --
Stanley M. Taube................ -- -- -- -- -- --
Timothy J. Cope................. 75,000 5.24 11.00 2-28-07 518,838 1,314,838
Joseph Galvin................... 87,000 6.08 11.00 2-28-07 601,852 1,525,212
</TABLE>
- -------------------------
(1) All options were granted at a price equal to the fair market value of the
Company's common stock on the date of grant. Options become exercisable in
five equal 20 percent annual increments beginning on the first anniversary
of the date of grant.
(2) Amounts shown in these columns have been derived by multiplying the exercise
price by the annual appreciation rate shown (compounded for the term of the
options), multiplying the result by the number of shares covered by the
options, and subtracting the aggregate exercise price of the options. The
dollar amounts set forth under this heading are the result of calculations
at the 5 percent and 10 percent rates set by the Securities and Exchange
Commission, and therefore are not intended to forecast possible future
appreciation, if any, of the Company's stock price.
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND
FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
The following table summarizes information with respect to options held by
the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table and the value of
the options held by such persons as of the end of the last fiscal year.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
ACQUIRED NUMBER OF UNEXERCISED IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS
ON VALUE OPTIONS AT FY-END(#) AT FY-END($)
EXERCISE REALIZED ------------------------------ ------------------------------
NAME (#) ($) EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
---- -------- -------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Lyle Berman................ -- -- 400,000 600,000 1,050,000 1,575,000
Thomas J. Brosig........... -- -- 150,000 300,000 656,550 962,700
Stanley M. Taube........... -- -- 24,000 36,000 63,000 94,500
Timothy J. Cope............ -- -- 54,000 84,000 192,531 248,514
Joseph Gavin............... -- -- 58,500 81,600 237,287 221,196
</TABLE>
TEN-YEAR OPTION/SAR REPRICINGS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF LENGTH OF ORIGINAL
SECURITIES MARKET PRICE OF NEW OPTION TERM
UNDERLYING OPTION STOCK AT TIME EXERCISE PRICE AT EXERCISE REMAINING AT DATE
NAME DATE REPRICED OF REPRICING TIME OF REPRICING PRICE OF REPRICING
---- ---- ----------------- --------------- ----------------- -------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Lyle Berman........... 2-27-97 1,000,000 11.00 32.00 11.00 9 years
Chief Executive
Officer
Thomas J. Brosig...... 2-27-97 300,000 11.00 17.625 11.00 10 years
President
Stanley M. Taube...... 2-27-97 60,000 11.00 32.125 11.00 9 years
Executive Vice
President
</TABLE>
The Company's Stock Option and Compensation Committee (the "Committee")
decided to reprice the options enumerated above in response to a precipitous
decrease in the market price of the Company's common
7
<PAGE> 10
stock to a level which, in the opinion of the Committee, had the effect of
eliminating substantially all the incentive value of such options. In
recognition of the Company's failed investment in Stratosphere and the related
financial consequences to the Company, the Committee decided to pay no bonus to
Mr. Berman, Mr. Brosig and Mr. Taube for all of 1996. The Committee concluded,
however, that short-term financial performance considerations should not unduly
influence long-term compensation strategies. The Committee believes that stock
options play an extremely important role in attracting talented executives, and
motivating them to perform up to their full potential. Accordingly, the
Committee determined that a repricing of options to current market value was
both necessary and consistent with its strategy of providing executives with
tangible long-term performance incentives.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
The Company pays each director who is not otherwise employed by the Company
an annual fee of $15,000. The Company also pays each director not otherwise
employed by the Company $1,000 for each meeting of the Board of Directors and
$1,000 for each committee meeting of the Board of Directors attended. In
addition, the 1995 Director Stock Option Plan (the "1995 Director Plan")
provides that each non-employee director in office at the time of the Plan's
adoption, and each subsequent non-employee director at the time of his or her
initial election to the Board will receive a one-time grant of options to
purchase up to 30,000 shares of common stock at an option exercise price equal
to the fair market value of such shares on the respective grant date. These
options will have a ten year term and will generally become exercisable in five
equal annual installments commencing on the first anniversary of the grant date.
Pursuant to the 1995 Director Plan, each of Messrs. Goldfarb, Rogers, Sell and
Waller received a one-time grant of options to purchase 30,000 shares of common
stock at an exercise price of $10.42. Mr. Kramer received an option to purchase
32,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $32.00. On February 27,
1997, Mr. Kramer's options were repriced at $11.00 per share, the fair market
value of the Company's common stock on such date. These options have ten year
terms and generally become exercisable in five equal annual installments.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
During fiscal 1997 the Company's Compensation and Stock Option Committee
was comprised of Messrs. David L. Rogers and Joel N. Waller. Messrs. Rogers and
Waller are directors and executive officers of Wilsons. Lyle Berman and Thomas
J. Brosig, directors and executive officers of the Company, and Morris Goldfarb,
a director of the Company, are directors of Wilsons. During fiscal 1997, Messrs.
Brosig and Goldfarb served on the Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors of Wilsons.
The Company owns approximately 38% of the common stock issued by
Stratosphere Corporation ("Stratosphere"). Stratosphere and its wholly owned
operating subsidiary developed and operate the Stratosphere Tower, Hotel and
Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. In January 1997, Stratosphere and its wholly owned
operating subsidiary filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S.
Bankruptcy Code.
In October 1997, the Company announced that it had not been able to reach
an agreement with holders of a significant portion of Stratosphere's First
Mortgage Notes for a consensual reorganization of Stratosphere that would
involve the Company's participation. The Company also announced that it had no
intention of participating in any plan of reorganization for Stratosphere.
In March 1995, in connection with Stratosphere's issuance of its First
Mortgage Notes, the Company entered into a Standby Equity Commitment Agreement
(the "Standby Equity Commitment") between Stratosphere and the Company. The
Company agreed in the Standby Equity Commitment, subject to the terms and
conditions stated in the Standby Equity Commitment, to purchase up to $20.0
million of additional equity in Stratosphere during each of the first three
years Stratosphere is operating (as defined in the Standby Equity Commitment) to
the extent Stratosphere's consolidated cash flow (as defined in the Standby
Equity Commitment) during each of such years does not exceed $50.0 million.
Based on provisions of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code that the Company contends
apply to the Standby Equity Commitment, the Company has asserted that the
enforceability of the Standby Equity Commitment is in question. Both the
Official Committee of Noteholders in the Stratosphere Bankruptcy case (the
"Official Committee") and the current trustee under the indenture pursuant to
which Stratosphere issued its First Mortgage Notes (the "Trustee") claim that
the Standby Equity Commitment is enforceable.
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<PAGE> 11
The enforceability of the Standby Equity Commitment is the subject of
litigation to which the Company is a party in (i) the Stratosphere Bankruptcy
case (as a result of a motion brought by the Official Committee), and (ii) the
U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada (as a result of an action brought
by the Trustee). On February 19, 1998, the Bankruptcy Court ruled that the
Standby Equity Commitment is not enforceable in the Stratosphere bankruptcy
proceeding as a matter of law. The Official Committee has stated that it intends
to appeal the Bankruptcy Court's decision.
Neil I. Sell is a partner in the law firm of Maslon Edelman Borman & Brand,
LLP, which rendered legal services to the Company during the last fiscal year.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
In November 1997, the Company entered into employment agreements (the
"Agreements") with each of Lyle Berman and Thomas J. Brosig (each an
"Executive"), the Company's Chief Executive Officer and President, respectively.
Under the Agreements, Mr. Berman is to receive a minimum annual salary of
$600,000 and Mr. Brosig will receive a salary of at least $450,000 per year. In
addition, each of Mr. Berman and Mr. Brosig are entitled to participate in the
Company's incentive compensation programs. Each Agreement has a term of four
years, subject to earlier termination in the event of the Executive's death,
disability, resignation, or discharge by the Company. Upon an Executive's
discharge from employment by the Company for reasons other than cause (as
defined in the Agreements), the Company is obligated to pay the Executive a sum
equal to one year's base salary and a pro rata portion of the Executive's
incentive compensation for the year of termination. In the event of a change of
control of the Company (as defined in the Agreements), each of the Executives
has the right to resign from employment with the Company and receive a severance
payment equal to his then current base salary for the greater of (i) 730 days or
(ii) the remaining term of the Agreement, plus a pro rata portion of the
Executive's incentive compensation for the year of resignation. In addition,
upon an Executive's severance from employment with the Company for any reason
following a change of control, the Executive will have until the later of (i)
the date which is six months after the date of severance or (ii) November 9,
2001 to exercise Executive's right to purchase shares of the Company's common
stock under any then outstanding option agreement.
In December 1997, Stanley M. Taube, formerly executive Vice President of
the Company, was appointed President of Grand Casinos of Nevada I, Inc.
("Grand-Nevada"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, pursuant to an
employment agreement (the "Agreement") then entered into by and between Mr.
Taube and Grand-Nevada. Under the terms of the Agreement, Mr. Taube is to
receive an annual base salary of $150,000 plus a one-time bonus of $250,000,
contingent upon the Company's development of certain real property prior to the
expiration of the Agreement on December 31, 2000. The Agreement is subject to
termination in the event of Mr. Taube's death, disability, resignation or
discharge by the Company. Upon Mr. Taube's discharge from employment with
Grand-Nevada for reasons other than cause (as defined in the Agreement), he will
be entitled to receive his entire compensation due for the remainder of the term
of the Agreement, including the bonus described above if the related condition
precedent is satisfied before December 31, 2000. The Agreement also provides for
the payment to Mr. Taube of the remainder of his compensation due for the full
term of the Agreement upon Mr. Taube's decision to resign from employment
following a change in control (as defined in the Agreement) in Grand-Nevada.
BOARD COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Decisions on compensation of the Company's executives generally have been
made by the Compensation Committee. Each member of the Compensation Committee is
a non-employee director. All decisions by the Compensation Committee relating to
the compensation of the Company's executive officers are reviewed by the full
Board. Pursuant to rules designed to enhance disclosure of the Company's
policies toward executive compensation, set forth below is a report prepared by
the Compensation Committee addressing the compensation policies for the Company
and its subsidiaries for the year ended December 28, 1997 as they affected the
Company's executive officers.
The Compensation Committee's executive compensation policies are designed
to provide competitive levels of compensation that integrate pay with the
Company's annual objectives and long-term goals, reward above-average corporate
performance, recognize individual initiative and achievements, and assist the
9
<PAGE> 12
Company in attracting and retaining qualified executives. Executive compensation
is set at levels that the Compensation Committee believes to be consistent with
others in the Company's industry.
There are three elements in the Company's executive compensation program,
all determined by individual and corporate performance.
- Base salary compensation
- Annual incentive compensation
- Stock options
Total compensation opportunities are competitive with those offered by
employers of comparable size, growth and profitability in the Company's
industry.
Base salary compensation is determined by the potential impact the
individual has on the Company, the skills and experiences required by the job,
and the performance and potential of the incumbent in the job. Annual incentive
compensation for executives of the Company is based primarily on corporate
operating earnings and revenue growth and the Company's positioning for future
results, but also includes an overall assessment by the Compensation Committee
of executive management's performance, as well as market conditions. Awards of
stock grants under the 1991 Stock Option and Compensation Plan (the "Management
Plan") are designed to promote the identity of long-term interests between the
Company's executives and its shareholders and assist in the retention of
executives. The Management Plan also permits the Committee to grant stock
options to key personnel. Options become exercisable based upon criteria
established by the Company. During 1997, the Compensation Committee granted
options to acquire 75,000 and 87,000 shares of the Company's common stock,
respectively, to Messrs. Cope and Galvin.
The Compensation Committee surveys employee stock option programs of
companies with similar capitalization to the Company prior to recommending the
grant of options to executives. While the value realizable from exercisable
options is dependent upon the extent to which the Company's performance is
reflected in the market price of the Company's common stock at any particular
point in time, the decision as to whether such value will be realized in any
particular year is determined by each individual executive and not by the
Compensation Committee. Accordingly, when the Committee recommends that an
option be granted to an executive, that recommendation does not take into
account any gains realized that year by that executive as a result of his or her
individual decision to exercise an option granted in a previous year.
Prior to July 1994, Mr. Berman's annual compensation was fixed at 1.67% of
the Company's annual pre-tax earnings. Subsequent to that date, the Committee
established Mr. Berman's annual base salary at $500,000. Mr. Berman was paid a
$320,000 bonus for fiscal year ended December 31, 1995. Earnings from operations
increased from approximately $52 million in 1994 to $116 million during 1995,
and decreased to $97 million for the year ended December 29, 1996. In April
1996, Mr. Berman's annual compensation was increased to $650,000, and Mr. Berman
did not receive a bonus during fiscal 1996. In May 1996, Mr. Berman received a
stock option grant covering 1,000,000 shares, exercisable at $32.00 per share,
the fair market value of the Company's common stock on such date. On February
27, 1997, this stock option was repriced at $11.00 per share, the fair market
value of the Company's common stock on such date.
In November 1997, the Company entered into four-year employment agreements
with each of Lyle Berman and Thomas J. Brosig. Pursuant to such agreements, Mr.
Berman and Mr. Brosig will receive minimum annual base salaries of $600,000 and
$450,000, respectively. Mr. Berman and Mr. Brosig are also entitled to
participate in the Company's incentive compensation programs. During the year
ended December 28, 1997, Mr. Berman and Mr. Brosig received bonuses of $325,000
and $225,000, respectively, and earnings from operations increased 42 percent
from $97 million in 1996 to $138 million in 1997.
The Company is reviewing the impact of the limitation on deductibility of
certain amounts in excess of $1 million per year paid or accrued as compensation
for certain executive officers.
DAVID L. ROGERS
JOEL N. WALLER
10
<PAGE> 13
STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The Securities and Exchange Commission requires that the Company include in
this Proxy Statement a line-graph presentation comparing cumulative, five-year
return to the Company's shareholders (based on appreciation of the market price
of the Company's common stock) on an indexed basis with (i) a broad equity
market index and (ii) an appropriate published industry or line-of-business
index, or peer group index constructed by the Company. The following
presentation compares the Company's common stock price in the period from
December 27, 1991 to December 28, 1997, to the S&P 500 Stock Index and to a
"peer group" index created by the Company over the same period. The "peer group"
index consists of the common stock of: Circus Circus Enterprises Inc., Elsinore
Corporation, MGM Grand, Inc., Player's International, Inc., Harrahs
Entertainment Inc., Mirage Resorts, Incorporated, President Casinos, Inc.,
Casino Magic Corp. and Casino America, Inc. These corporations are involved in
various aspects of the gaming industry. The presentation assumes that the value
of an investment in each of the Company's common stock, the S&P 500 Index, and
the peer group index was $100 on December 27, 1991, and that any dividends paid
were reinvested in the same security.
COMPARISON OF FIVE YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*
AMONG GRAND CASINOS, INC., THE S & P 500 INDEX AND A PEER GROUP
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
GRAND
MEASUREMENT PERIOD CASINOS, PEER
(FISCAL YEAR COVERED) INC. GROUP S & P 500
<S> <C> <C> <C>
12/91 100 100 100
12/92 220 175 108
12/93 315 326 118
12/94 185 220 120
12/95 465 256 165
12/96 270 284 203
</TABLE>
- -------------------------
* $100 invested on 12/31/92 in stock or index-including reinvestment of
dividends. Fiscal year ending December 31.
11
<PAGE> 14
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
STRATOSPHERE CORPORATION
The Company owns approximately 38% of the common stock issued by
Stratosphere Corporation ("Stratosphere"). Stratosphere and its wholly-owned
operating subsidiary developed and operate the Stratosphere Tower, Hotel and
Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. In January 1997, Stratosphere and its wholly-owned
operating subsidiary filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S.
Bankruptcy Code.
In October 1997, the Company announced that it had not been able to reach
an agreement with holders of a significant portion of Stratosphere's First
Mortgage Notes for a consensual reorganization of Stratosphere that would
involve the Company's participation. The Company also announced that it had no
intention of participating in any plan of reorganization for Stratosphere.
In March 1995, in connection with Stratosphere's issuance of its First
Mortgage Notes, the Company entered into a Standby Equity Commitment Agreement
(the "Standby Equity Commitment") between Stratosphere and the Company. The
Company agreed in the Standby Equity Commitment, subject to the terms and
conditions stated in the Standby Equity Commitment, to purchase up to $20.0
million of additional equity in Stratosphere during each of the first three
years Stratosphere is operating (as defined in the Standby Equity Commitment) to
the extent Stratosphere's consolidated cash flow (as defined in the Standby
Equity Commitment) during each of such years does not exceed $50.0 million.
Based on provisions of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code that the Company contends
apply to the Standby Equity Commitment, the Company has asserted that the
enforceability of the Standby Equity Commitment is in question. Both the
Official Committee of Noteholders in the Stratosphere Bankruptcy case (the
"Official Committee") and the current trustee under the indenture pursuant to
which Stratosphere issued its First Mortgage Notes (the "Trustee") claim that
the Standby Equity Commitment is enforceable.
The enforceability of the Standby Equity Commitment is the subject of
litigation to which the Company is a party in (i) the Stratosphere Bankruptcy
case (as a result of a motion brought by the Official Committee), and (ii) the
U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada (as a result of an action brought
by the Trustee). On February 19, 1998, the Bankruptcy Court ruled that the
Standby Equity Commitment is not enforceable in the Stratosphere bankruptcy
proceeding as a matter of law. The Official Committee has stated that it intends
to appeal the Bankruptcy Court's decision.
NEW HORIZON KIDS QUEST, INC.
New Horizon Kids Quest, Inc. ("New Horizon") owns and operates Kids
Quest(SM) child care entertainment centers in casinos owned or managed by the
Company. The Company beneficially owns approximately 28% of New Horizon's common
stock. Lyle Berman, Chairman of the Board and a principal shareholder of the
Company, is a director of New Horizon. Since 1992, the Company has entered into
three separate agreements with New Horizon pursuant to which New Horizon Kids
Quest activity centers have been developed and are being operated at various
casinos owned by the Company. Although the precise terms of each of the
agreements with New Horizon vary by location, each provides for a profit sharing
arrangement in which New Horizon manages and operates a Kids Quest center and
pays a percentage of the center's pre-tax gross operating profits to the
Company. Under these agreements, New Horizon paid the Company $200,045 in 1997.
The agreements also typically provide for a minimum guaranteed management fee to
be paid to New Horizon by the Company, which also varies by location, as well as
a child care rate subsidy from the Company against New Horizon operating losses
at the Company's locations. Under the subsidy provisions, the Company paid
$472,503 in 1997 to New Horizon. Under the guaranty provisions, the Company paid
$50,000 in 1997.
Pursuant to an indemnification agreement entered into in December 1997 by
and between the Company and Mr. Berman, the Company has agreed to indemnify Mr.
Berman for any damages incurred by Mr. Berman and arising out of his acts and
omissions as a director of New Horizon.
12
<PAGE> 15
OTHER MATTERS
Neil I. Sell is a partner in the law firm of Maslon Edelman Borman & Brand,
LLP, which rendered legal services to the Company during the last fiscal year.
PROPOSALS OF SHAREHOLDERS
All proposals of shareholders intended to be presented at the 1999 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders of the Company must be received by the Company at its
executive offices on or before November 27, 1998.
OTHER MATTERS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEES
The Board of Directors held nine meetings during the fiscal year ended
December 28, 1997. The Company has an audit committee and a compensation and
stock option committee, but does not have a nominating committee of the Board of
Directors.
The Company's audit committee, which consisted of Messrs. David L. Rogers,
Neil I. Sell and Joel N. Waller, held two meetings during the fiscal year ended
December 28, 1997. The audit committee recommends to the full Board the
engagement of the independent accountants, reviews the audit plan and results of
the audit engagement, reviews the independence of the auditors, and reviews the
adequacy of the Company's system of internal accounting controls.
The Company's Compensation Committee, which consisted of Messrs. David L.
Rogers and Joel N. Waller, held one meeting during the fiscal year ended
December 28, 1997. The Compensation Committee reviews the Company's remuneration
policies and practices, makes recommendations to the Board in connection with
all compensation matters affecting the Company and administers the Management
Plan.
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company's
officers and directors, and persons who own more than ten percent of a
registered class of the Company's equity securities, to file reports of
ownership and changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the "SEC") and the New York Stock Exchange. Officers, directors and greater
than ten percent shareholders are required by SEC regulation to furnish the
Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely on review
of the copies of such forms furnished to the Company, or written representations
that no Forms 5 were required, the Company believes that during the fiscal year
ended December 28, 1997, all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to its
officers, directors and greater than ten-percent beneficial owners were
satisfied.
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Arthur Andersen LLP has served as independent public accountants for the
Company since May, 1995. A representative of Arthur Andersen LLP is expected to
attend this year's Annual Meeting of Shareholders and have an opportunity to
make a statement and/or respond to appropriate questions from shareholders.
SOLICITATION
The Company will bear the cost of preparing, assembling and mailing the
proxy, Proxy Statement, Annual Report and other material which may be sent to
the shareholders in connection with this solicitation. Brokerage houses and
other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries may be requested to forward
soliciting material to the beneficial owners of stock, in which case they will
be reimbursed by the Company for their expenses in doing so. Proxies are being
solicited primarily by mail, but, in addition, officers and regular employees of
the Company may solicit proxies personally, by telephone, by telegram or by
special letter.
13
<PAGE> 16
The Board of Directors does not intend to present to the meeting any other
matter not referred to above and does not presently know of any matters that may
be presented to the meeting by others. However, if other matters come before the
meeting, it is the intent of the persons named in the enclosed proxy to vote the
proxy in accordance with their best judgment.
By Order of the Board of Directors
GRAND CASINOS, INC.
TIMOTHY COPE
Timothy J. Cope
Executive Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer
and Secretary
14
<PAGE> 17
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GRAND CASINO, INC. PROXY
FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS -- MAY 15, 1998
The undersigned, a shareholder of Grand Casinos, Inc., hereby
appoints Lyle Berman, Thomas J. Brosig and Timothy J. Cope, and each
of them, as proxies, with full power of substitution, to vote on
behalf of the undersigned the number of shares which the undersigned
is then entitled to vote, at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of
Grand Casinos, Inc. to be held at the Radisson Hotel, 3131 Campus
Drive, Plymouth, Minnesota on May 15, 1998, at 3:00 p.m., and at any
and all adjournments thereof, with all the powers which the
undersigned would possess if personally present, upon:
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
[ ] FOR all nominees (except as marked to [ ] WITHHOLD AUTHORITY to vote for all
the contrary below) nominees listed below
LYLE BERMAN, THOMAS J. BROSIG, MORRIS GOLDFARB, RONALD KRAMER,
DAVID L. ROGERS, NEIL I. SELL, TIMOTHY J. COPE, JOEL N. WALLER
INSTRUCTION: TO WITHHOLD AUTHORITY TO VOTE FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL NOMINEE WRITE THAT
NOMINEE'S NAME ON THE SPACE PROVIDED BELOW.
---
2. Upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournments
thereof.
</TABLE>
(Continued, and TO BE COMPLETED AND SIGNED ON THE REVERSE SIDE)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(continued from other side)
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR ALL NOMINEES.
The undersigned hereby revokes all previous proxies relating to
the shares covered hereby and acknowledges receipt of the Notice of
Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement relating to the
Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. When
properly executed, this proxy will be voted on the proposal set forth
herein as directed by the shareholder, but if no direction is made in
the space provided, this proxy will be voted FOR the election of all
nominees for director.
Dated ,1998
-------------------------------
-------------------------------
(Shareholder must sign exactly
as the name appears at left.
When signed as a corporate
officer, executor,
administrator, trustee,
guardian, etc., please give
full title as such. Both joint
tenants must sign.)
