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SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
(AMENDMENT NO. )
Filed by the Registrant [ ]
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 240.14a-11(c) or 240.14a-12
ALBERTSON'S, INC.
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(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
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(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:
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(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
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(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
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(5) Total fee paid:
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[ ] 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
previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number,
or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount Previously Paid:
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LOGO
ALBERTSON'S, INC.
250 PARKCENTER BOULEVARD
P.O. BOX 20
BOISE, IDAHO 83726
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April 19, 1999
Dear Fellow Stockholder:
It is our pleasure to invite you to attend the 1999 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders. This year's Annual Meeting will be held on Friday, May 28, 1999,
at 10:00 a.m., Mountain Daylight Time, in the Eyries Room at the Boise Centre on
the Grove, 850 Front Street, Boise, Idaho.
Information about the business of the meeting and the nominees for election as
members of the Board of Directors is set forth in the Notice of Meeting and the
Proxy Statement on the following pages. This year you are asked to elect
directors and to ratify the appointment of independent auditors for the fiscal
year ending February 3, 2000. In addition, one stockholder proposal, which is
opposed by your Board of Directors, may be presented for consideration and
voting.
It is important that your shares be represented at the meeting. Accordingly,
whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, we urge you to vote.
We look forward to personally greeting those stockholders able to attend.
Very truly yours,
ALBERTSON'S, INC.
Gary G. Michael
Chairman of the Board
and Chief Executive Officer
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TABLE OF CONTENTS LOGO
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PAGE
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Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders 1
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Proxy Statement 2
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Voting Securities and Principal Holders Thereof 3
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Shares Beneficially Owned as of March 15, 1999 3
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Beneficial Ownership of Albertson's Common Stock by
Directors to be Appointed
Upon the American Stores Merger as of March 15, 1999 6
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Election of Directors (Proposal 1) 7
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Nominees for Election as Class I Directors 8
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Nominee for Election as Class II Director 9
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Nominees for Election as Class I Directors
(If the Merger takes place prior to the date of the
meeting) 10
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Nominee for Election as Class III Director
(If the Merger takes place prior to the date of the
meeting) 10
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Continuing Class II Directors 11
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To Be Continuing Class II Directors
(If the Merger takes place prior to the date of the
meeting) 12
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Continuing Class III Directors 12
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To Be Continuing Class III Director
(If the Merger takes place prior to the date of the
meeting) 14
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Director Emeritus 14
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Certain Transactions 15
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Committees and Meetings of the Board of Directors 16
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Directors' Fees 18
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Compensation of Executive Officers 19
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Summary Compensation Table 19
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Aggregated Option Exercises in Last Fiscal Year and
Fiscal Year-End Option Values 20
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Retirement Benefits 20
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Pension Plan Table 21
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Compensation Committee Report 22
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Performance Graph 24
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Ratification of Appointment of Independent Auditors
(Proposal 2) 25
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Stockholder Proposal (Proposal 3) 25
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Board of Directors' Statement in Opposition 26
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Other Matters 27
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Deadline for Receipt of Stockholders' Proposals 27
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FREE PARKING FOR MEETING
For three hours of free parking at the Bannock Garage, Eastman Garage, Capital
Terrace Garage, Grove Street Garage, Boulevard Garage (under The Grove Hotel)
and surface parking areas as indicated on the map below, your admittance badge
for the Meeting will include a validation sticker. Handicap parking is available
as indicated on the map. Parking is not available at Boise Centre on the Grove.
[MAP OF PARKING FOR MEETING]
Downtown Boise is undergoing increased construction. Please come early to find
the closest available parking.
Free shuttle service will be available from the 11th and Front Street parking
lot and the Bannock Garage beginning at 9:00 a.m. Shuttle service to the same
areas will resume after the meeting is adjourned.
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NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
MAY 28, 1999, AT BOISE, IDAHO
LOGO
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TO THE STOCKHOLDERS OF ALBERTSON'S, INC.:
The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Albertson's, Inc., a Delaware corporation
(the "Company"), will be held on Friday, May 28, 1999, at 10:00 a.m., Mountain
Daylight Time, in the Eyries Room at the Boise Centre on the Grove, 850 Front
Street, Boise, Idaho, for the following purposes:
(1) To elect five Class I directors to hold office for three years and one Class
II director to hold office for one year and, if the merger in which American
Stores Company becomes a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (the
"American Stores Merger") takes place before the date of the Annual Meeting,
to elect two additional Class I directors to hold office for three years and
one Class III director to hold office for two years.
(2) To ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company's
independent auditors for the fiscal year ending February 3, 2000;
(3) To consider and act upon, if properly presented, one proposal submitted by a
single stockholder and opposed by the Board of Directors; and
(4) To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or
any adjournments or postponements thereof.
All of the above matters are more fully described in the accompanying Proxy
Statement.
Stockholders of record at the close of business on April 8, 1999 will be
entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the meeting.
All stockholders are cordially invited to attend the meeting in person. WHETHER
OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND, PLEASE VOTE in one of these ways: (1) USE THE
TOLL-FREE TELEPHONE NUMBER shown on the proxy card which is available 24 hours a
day (this call is free in the United States); (2) VISIT THE INTERNET SITE
identified on your proxy card to vote via the Internet; OR (3) MARK, SIGN, DATE
AND PROMPTLY RETURN the enclosed PROXY CARD in the postage-paid envelope (if
mailed in the United States) enclosed for your convenience.
If your shares are held in the name of a bank, broker or other holder of record,
you will receive instructions from the holder of record that you must follow in
order for your shares to be voted. Telephone and Internet voting may also be
offered to stockholders owning stock through certain banks and brokers.
Any stockholder of record attending the meeting may vote in person even if that
stockholder previously voted. If you plan to attend the meeting and your shares
are held in the name of a broker or other nominee, please bring a statement or
letter from the broker or nominee confirming your ownership of shares.
By Order of the Board of Directors
/s/Kaye L. O'Riordan
Kaye L. O'Riordan
Vice President and Corporate Secretary
April 19, 1999
YOUR COPY OF THE COMPANY'S ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE
FISCAL YEAR ENDED JANUARY 28, 1999 IS ENCLOSED.
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PROXY STATEMENT
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This Proxy Statement and the accompanying proxy card, which are being mailed to
stockholders on or about April 19, 1999, are furnished in connection with the
solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors of Albertson's, Inc., a
Delaware corporation (the "Company"), for use at the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders to be held on May 28, 1999, including any adjournments or
postponements thereof.
The Annual Meeting is called for the purposes stated in the accompanying Notice
of Meeting. All stockholders of record of the Company's common stock as of the
close of business on April 8, 1999 are entitled to vote at the meeting. As of
that date, there were 245,835,950 shares of common stock outstanding. On each
matter coming before the meeting, a stockholder is entitled to one vote for each
share of stock held of record as of the record date. Because the American Stores
Merger was not completed prior to the record date for the Annual Meeting,
holders of Albertson's common stock received in that merger will not be entitled
to vote at the Annual Meeting even if the merger is completed prior to the
meeting.
All shares that have been properly voted -- whether by telephone, Internet or
mail -- and not revoked will be voted at the meeting in accordance with your
instructions. If you sign your proxy card but do not give voting instructions,
the shares represented by that proxy card will be voted as recommended by the
Board of Directors.
Proxies may be revoked at any time before they are voted at the meeting by (1)
written notice to the Secretary of the Company which is received prior to the
meeting at 250 Parkcenter Boulevard, P.O. Box 20, Boise, Idaho 83726; (2) timely
delivery -- whether by telephone, Internet or mail -- of a valid, later-dated
proxy; or (3) voting by ballot at the meeting.
This solicitation is made on behalf of the Board of Directors and all expenses
of this solicitation will be paid by the Company. Initial solicitations will be
made by mail. However, in order to assure sufficient representation, some
directors, officers or regular employees of the Company may solicit proxies in
person or by telephone, facsimile or telegram without special compensation.
Also, to assist in the solicitation of proxies, the Company has engaged
Georgeson and Company, Inc. for a fee estimated not to exceed $25,000 plus
reimbursement of expenses. In addition, arrangements have been made with
brokerage houses and other custodians to send proxy cards and proxy solicitation
material to their principals, and the Company will reimburse such brokerage
houses and custodians for their expenses in doing so.
Under Delaware law and the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation, if a
quorum is present at the meeting (i) there will be an election of directors and,
if they receive a plurality of the votes cast in the election of directors, the
nine nominees will be elected (if the American Stores Merger has taken place
prior to the meeting) or the six nominees will be elected (if the merger has not
taken place prior to the meeting); and (ii) proposal 2 and the stockholder
proposal, if properly brought before the meeting, will be adopted if approved by
the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present in person or by proxy
and entitled to vote on the matter. With regard to the election of directors,
abstentions and broker non-votes will be disregarded and will have no effect on
the outcome of the vote. With regard to proposal 2 and the stockholder proposal,
if properly brought before the meeting, and other matters that may properly come
before the meeting, abstentions will be counted and will have the same effect as
a vote against the matter, and broker non-votes will be disregarded and will
have no effect on the outcome of the vote.
A complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting will be open
to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting,
at 250 Parkcenter Boulevard, Boise, Idaho, during ordinary business hours for
the ten-day period ending immediately prior to the date of the meeting.
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7
VOTING SECURITIES AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS THEREOF
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LOGO
The following table shows the persons (including any group deemed a "person"
under Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) known to the
Company who beneficially own more than 5% of the Company's common stock. It also
shows beneficial ownership for each director, for each nominee for director, for
each executive officer named in the Summary Compensation Table and for the
executive officers and directors as a group (except for the directors to be
appointed upon the American Stores Merger whose stock ownership is set forth in
a separate table following this one).
SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED AS OF MARCH 15, 1999(1)
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NAME (AND ADDRESS NUMBER OF SHARES
FOR BENEFICIAL BENEFICIALLY PERCENT
OWNERS OVER 5%) OWNED(2) OF CLASS(3)
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American Stores Company(4)............................... 48,800,000 19.84%
299 South Main Street
Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
Markus Stiftung(5)....................................... 29,152,800 11.85%
Timmasper Weg
2353 Nortorf
Federal Republic of Germany
J.A. and Kathryn Albertson............................... 20,222,446 8.22%
Foundation, Inc.(6)
501 Baybrook Court,
P.O. Box 70002
Boise, ID 83707-0102
Kathryn Albertson........................................ 6,000(7) +
A. Gary Ames............................................. 13,000(7) +
Cecil D. Andrus.......................................... 12,100(7) +
John B. Carley........................................... 517,755 +
Paul I. Corddry.......................................... 18,000(7) +
John B. Fery............................................. 25,285(7) +
Clark A. Johnson......................................... 22,850 +
Richard L. King.......................................... 29,931(8,9,10) +
Charles D. Lein.......................................... 29,825(7) +
Gary G. Michael.......................................... 250,305(8,10) +
Beatriz Rivera........................................... 8,000(7) +
J.B. Scott............................................... 6,009,600(7,11)() 2.44%
Thomas L. Stevens, Jr.................................... 4,500(7) +
Will M. Storey........................................... 13,000(7) +
Steven D. Symms.......................................... 9,502(7) +
Thomas J. Wilford........................................ 6,125,704(11,12) 2.49%
Carl W. Pennington....................................... 217,935(8,9,10) +
Ronald D. Walk........................................... 289,336(8,10) +
All directors (including
nominees) and all executive
officers as a group (37)............................... 8,325,413(7,8,9,10,11,12) 3.38%
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+ Indicates that the percentage of shares beneficially owned does not exceed one
percent of the Company's common stock.
(1) Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Shares are considered to be "beneficially"
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owned if the person has the sole or shared power to vote or direct the voting of
the securities or the sole or shared power to dispose of or direct the
disposition of the securities. A person is also considered to be the beneficial
owner of shares if that person has the right to acquire beneficial ownership of
the shares within 60 days following March 15, 1999.
(2) Each director, nominee for director and executive officer disclaims
beneficial ownership of any shares owned by his or her spouse, children or
grandchildren and by trusts for which such person, whether or not the director
or officer is a trustee or co-trustee thereof.
(3) If calculated by treating the outstanding stock of American Stores Company
("American Stores") (276,684,724 shares) as of March 15, 1999 as being converted
in the American Stores Merger at the ratio of 0.63 share of the Company's common
stock for each share of the common stock of American Stores, then the
percentages of beneficial ownership would be: American Stores Company (not
applicable since the option will terminate upon the American Stores Merger);
Markus Stiftung 6.94%; J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation, Inc. 4.81%; J.B.
Scott 1.43%; Thomas J. Wilford 1.46%; and all directors, nominees (including the
stock ownership as of March 15, 1999 of the appointees upon the American Stores
Merger from the table on page 6) and executive officers as a group (43) 2.40%.
All other percentages remain less than one percent.
(4) In connection with the American Stores Merger, the Company and American
Stores entered into a stock option agreement (the "Albertson's Stock Option
Agreement"), pursuant to which the Company granted American Stores an option
(the "Albertson's Option") to purchase, pursuant to the terms and conditions
thereof, up to 48.8 million shares of the Company's common stock at a price of
$48 per share (subject to adjustment as provided in the Albertson's Stock Option
Agreement). The Albertson's Stock Option Agreement provides that American Stores
may exercise the Albertson's Option, in whole or in part, at any time or from
time to time following the occurrence of a Triggering Event and prior to the
expiration of the Albertson's Option (which is generally 120 days after the
Triggering Event). A "Triggering Event" occurs if American Stores becomes
entitled to receive a termination fee from the Company pursuant to the merger
agreement relating to the American Stores Merger.
(5) According to a Schedule 13D filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on or about January 18, 1990, Mr. Theo Albrecht is also a beneficial
owner of these shares. Mr. Albrecht's address is the same as that of Markus
Stiftung. On February 15, 1980, the Company entered into an agreement with Theo
Albrecht Stiftung, the name of which was changed to Markus Stiftung on April 22,
1988, relating to its ownership of the Company's voting securities. As amended
on April 11, 1984, September 25, 1989 and December 5, 1994, this agreement
provides that until February 14, 2000 (subject to earlier termination under
certain limited circumstances), (i) Markus Stiftung will not acquire or permit
its affiliates to acquire any additional shares of the Company's common stock or
any other voting securities of the Company if such acquisition would cause it or
its affiliates to own directly or indirectly more than 14% of the Company's
outstanding voting securities; provided that, if the number of outstanding
voting securities is reduced for any reason, including purchases by the Company
of its voting securities, Markus Stiftung will not be required to dispose of any
of its holdings of voting securities even if such reduction in outstanding
voting securities results in Markus Stiftung owning in excess of 14% of the
outstanding voting securities, and (ii) the Company has a right of first refusal
with respect to the voting securities of the Company held by Markus Stiftung if
it desires to dispose of such securities. This agreement also restricts the
manner in which the voting securities of the Company may be sold by Markus
Stiftung in the event the Company does not elect to exercise such right of first
refusal.
(6) The Chairman of the Board of the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation, Inc.
(the "Foundation") is J.B. Scott. Thomas J. Wilford is President and a director
and Kathryn Albertson is a Vice President and a director of the Foundation.
Cecil D. Andrus is a director of the Foundation.
On May 21, 1997, the Company and the Foundation entered into an agreement (the
"Foundation Agreement") giving the Company certain rights of first refusal
regarding the common stock of the Company held by the Foundation (the
"Foundation Stock") should the Foundation wish to sell the Foundation Stock.
The Foundation Agreement provides that in the event the Foundation proposes to
transfer (other than through charitable donations) any of the Foundation Stock,
the Company will be given notice and an opportunity to purchase such Foundation
Stock for a specified period at a price that is approximately 96% of the then
market price and upon terms set forth in the notice. Should the Company decline
to exercise its option to purchase all of such Foundation Stock offered for sale
within the specified period, the Foundation may sell such Foundation Stock
within 45 days on terms and at a price equivalent to or exceeding that offered
to the Company.
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LOGO
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The Foundation may make charitable donations of up to 5% of the common stock
held by the Foundation each year, provided that each donee of Foundation Stock
must agree to (i) offer to sell to the Company at a price that is approximately
96% of the then market price all of the Foundation Stock received as a
charitable donation and (ii) sell all of such Foundation Stock on the open
market within 30 days following receipt of the charitable donation if the
Company does not accept the offer.
Except as summarized above, the Foundation Agreement does not in any respect
deprive the Foundation of the rights of ownership of the Foundation Stock,
including unrestricted voting rights and the right to receive and retain all
cash and stock dividends.
(7) Includes 3,000 shares in the case of Steven D. Symms; 3,300 shares in the
case of Thomas L. Stevens, Jr.; 4,000 shares in the case of Beatriz Rivera;
6,000 shares each in the case of Kathryn Albertson and J.B. Scott, and 8,000
shares each in the case of the remaining indicated directors (70,300 shares
total) not held of record on March 15, 1999, but which could have been acquired
within 60 days thereafter under the Company's 1995 Stock Option Plan for
Non-Employee Directors.
(8) Includes shares credited to the Albertson's Employees' Tax Deferred Savings
Plan accounts and to the Employee Stock Ownership Plan accounts of the
individuals named and all executive officers as a group.
(9) Includes a total of 139,750 shares not held of record on March 15, 1999, but
which could have been acquired within 60 days thereafter under the Company's
1982 Incentive Stock Option Plan, 1986 Nonqualified Stock Option Plan and 1995
Stock-Based Incentive Plan by certain executive officers. Of these shares, 7,000
shares under the Company's 1986 Nonqualified Stock Option Plan could have been
acquired within 60 days thereafter by Richard L. King; and 30,000 shares under
the Company's 1986 Nonqualified Stock Option Plan and 25,000 shares under the
Company's 1995 Stock-Based Incentive Plan could have been acquired within 60
days thereafter by Carl W. Pennington. Includes 17,523 shares as to which
certain directors and executive officers included in all directors and executive
officers as a group have sole voting and investment power but which are held for
minor children and relatives and as to which they disclaim any other beneficial
interest. None of these shares could have been acquired by or are held by any of
the named individuals.
(10) Does not include a total of 1,301,700 shares not held of record on March
15, 1999, but which will vest and become exercisable upon the consummation of
the American Stores Merger (which may occur within 60 days of March 15, 1999)
under the Company's 1982 Incentive Stock Option Plan, 1986 Nonqualified Stock
Option Plan and 1995 Stock-Based Incentive Plan by the executive officers. Of
these shares, 182,000 shares will vest for Gary G. Michael; 170,000 shares will
vest for Richard L. King; 35,000 shares will vest for Carl W. Pennington; and
57,500 shares will vest for Ronald D. Walk.
(11) Includes 6,003,600 shares held by Alscott Limited Partnership #1 of which
Alscott, Inc., an Idaho corporation, is the general partner and J.B. Scott and
Thomas J. Wilford are limited partners. J.B. Scott is the Chairman of the Board
of and has a majority interest in Alscott, Inc., and Thomas J. Wilford is the
President and a director of Alscott, Inc.
(12) Includes 37,304 shares held by a family trust for the benefit of
descendants of Kathryn Albertson of which Thomas J. Wilford is the trustee and
84,800 shares held by family trusts for the benefit of the children of J.B.
Scott of which Thomas J. Wilford is one of the trustees. Mr. Wilford disclaims
beneficial ownership of these shares.
5
10
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BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF ALBERTSON'S COMMON STOCK BY DIRECTORS TO BE APPOINTED
UPON THE AMERICAN STORES MERGER AS OF MARCH 15, 1999
NUMBER OF SHARES
NAME BENEFICIALLY OWNED(1, 2, 3)
---- ---------------------------
Pamela G. Bailey........... 3,824
Teresa Beck................ 381,417(4)
Henry I. Bryant............ 10,892
Fernando R. Gumucio........ 18,653
Victor L. Lund............. 1,303,075(4)
Arthur K. Smith............ 32,633
(1) These individuals do not own any common stock of the Company, except Pamela
G. Bailey who owns 900 shares of the Company's common stock. The amounts of
shares beneficially owned were calculated by converting the common stock of
American Stores owned by these individuals on March 15, 1999 into common stock
of the Company at the merger conversion ratio of 0.63 share of the Company's
common stock for each share of common stock of American Stores. The percent of
shares beneficially owned by each individual does not exceed one percent of the
Company's common stock after giving effect to the American Stores Merger.
(2) Includes, pursuant to Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
shares as to which sole or shared voting power or dispositive power is
possessed. Also includes a total of 957,852 shares (calculated as set forth in
footnote (1) above) not held of record on March 15, 1999, but which could be
acquired within 60 days thereafter under American Stores' stock options. Of
these shares, 308,070 shares could be acquired by Ms. Beck; 648,270 shares could
be acquired by Mr. Lund; and 378 shares could be acquired by each of Pamela G.
Bailey, Henry I. Bryant, Fernando R. Gumucio and Arthur K. Smith.
Each of these individuals had the right (an "LSAR"), during a period of up to 60
days after the occurrence of a change of control (defined as the date of the
meeting at which the American Stores stockholders voted to approve the American
Stores Merger which occurred on November 12, 1998), but prior to the
consummation of the American Stores Merger, to elect to surrender all or part of
the stock options described in this footnote in exchange for shares of the
Company's common stock having a value equal to the excess of the change in
control price (defined as the higher of (i) the highest reported sales price of
American Stores stock during the 60-day period ending on November 11, 1998 which
was $33.875 or (ii) the price paid to stockholders in the American Stores
Merger) over the exercise price of the options. Ms. Beck and Mr. Lund each
exercised the LSAR and none of the other individuals exercised the LSAR. The
shares of Company common stock payable to Ms. Beck and Mr. Lund due to their
exercise of the LSAR will be deliverable upon the American Stores Merger.
(3) Does not include a total of 219,996 shares (calculated as set forth in
footnote (1) above) not held of record on March 15, 1999, but which will vest
upon the consummation of the American Stores Merger (which may occur within 60
days of March 15, 1999) under American Stores' stock options. Of these shares,
69,930 shares will vest for Teresa Beck; 145,530 shares will vest for Victor L.
Lund; and 1,134 shares will vest for each of Pamela G. Bailey, Henry I. Bryant,
Fernando R. Gumucio and Arthur K. Smith.
Each of these individuals has the right (an "LSAR"), during an exercise period
of up to 60 days after the occurrence of a change of control (defined as the
date upon which regulatory approval of the American Stores Merger is obtained),
but prior to the consummation of the American Stores Merger, to elect to
surrender all or part of the stock options described in this footnote in
exchange for shares of the Company's common stock having a value equal to the
excess of the change of control price (defined as the higher of (i) the highest
reported sales price of American Stores stock during the 60-day period ending on
the day before the date that regulatory approval of the American Stores Merger
is obtained or (ii) the price paid to stockholders in the American Stores
Merger) over the exercise price of the options, subject to adjustment if the
exercise period is less than 60 days. The shares of Company common stock payable
upon the exercise of the LSAR will be deliverable upon the American Stores
Merger.
(4) Includes a total of 7,492 shares (calculated as set forth in footnote (1)
above) not held of record on March 15, 1999, but which were issued on April 1,
1999 under the American Stores Company 1998 Key Management Performance Incentive
Plan to Mr. Lund: 4,921 shares and to Ms. Beck: 2,571 shares.
6
11
LOGO
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ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
(PROPOSAL 1)
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The Board of Directors is divided into three classes, each serving for a
three-year term. Classes I and III currently consist of five directors each and
Class II currently consists of four directors. All the directors in one class
stand for election each year.
The Board of Directors has nominated the following candidates to stand for
election as Class I directors, all of whom are nominated for terms expiring in
2002, are now directors of the Company and have each previously been elected by
the stockholders: Clark A. Johnson, Charles D. Lein, Gary G. Michael, Thomas L.
Stevens, Jr. and Steven D. Symms. In addition, the Board of Directors has
nominated Thomas J. Wilford to stand for election as a Class II director for a
term expiring in 2000. Mr. Wilford is not currently a director and has not been
previously elected by the stockholders. Except as otherwise specified in any
proxy, the proxies will be voted for the election of all these nominees.
Upon the consummation of the American Stores Merger pursuant to the merger
agreement, the following individuals who are currently directors of American
Stores Company will be appointed to the Board of Directors: Pamela G. Bailey,
Henry I. Bryant, Fernando R. Gumucio, Victor L. Lund and Arthur K. Smith. Teresa
Beck, currently the President of American Stores Company, will also be appointed
to the Board of Directors.
If the American Stores Merger takes place before the date of the meeting,
Fernando R. Gumucio and Arthur K. Smith, currently directors of American Stores
Company, will be nominated to stand for election as Class I directors for terms
expiring in 2002, and Teresa Beck will be nominated to stand for election as a
Class III director for a term expiring in 2001. Except as otherwise specified in
any proxy, the proxies will be voted for the election of all these nominees,
provided that the American Stores Merger takes place before the date of the
meeting.
The Board of Directors is informed that each of the nine nominees has consented
to being named in this Proxy Statement as a nominee for director and to serve as
a director if elected; however, if for any reason any of the nominees becomes
unavailable for election, proxies will be voted as directed by the Board of
Directors. It is not anticipated that any nominee will become unavailable for
election.
Information as to the nominees (including those individuals who will be
nominated if the American Stores Merger takes place before the date of the
meeting), as to directors who will be appointed to Classes II and III upon
consummation of the American Stores Merger (provided that this merger takes
place before the date of the meeting) and as to each other director whose term
will continue after the meeting is given on pages 8 - 14. Unless otherwise
indicated, the nominees have been engaged in the same principal occupation for
the past five years. Directors' ages are as of March 15, 1999.
7
12
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOMINEES FOR ELECTION AS CLASS I DIRECTORS
TERM EXPIRING IN 2002
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLARK A. JOHNSON
Director
since 1989
Age 67
Served as Chairman of the Board of Pier 1 Imports, Inc., a retailer of imported
goods, until his retirement in 1999, and Chief Executive Officer until 1998. Mr.
Johnson is a director of Heritage Media Corporation, InterTan, Inc. and
Metromedia International Group. Chairman of the Compensation Committee and
member of the Executive and Outside Directors' Committees.
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHARLES D. LEIN
Director
since 1975
Age 57
President and Chief Operating Officer of Stuller Settings, Inc., a jewelry
manufacturing and wholesaling company, and its subsidiaries, Stuller Service
Centers, Inc., Stuller Thailand Limited, Stuller Israel Diamonds Limited and
Stuller Manufacturing, Inc., since January 1994. Formerly Chairman of the Board,
President and Chief Executive Officer of Black Hills Jewelry Manufacturing Co.
from 1982 to 1993. President, University of South Dakota from 1977 to 1982 and
Dean of the College of Business, Boise State University from 1973 to 1977. Mr.
Lein is a director of Stuller Settings, Inc. and Bank One, Lafayette Region.
Member of the Compensation, Grantor Trust and Outside Directors' Committees.
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GARY G. MICHAEL
Director
since 1979
Age 58
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Mr. Michael is
the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of San
Francisco and a director of Boise Cascade Corporation and Questar Corporation.
Chairman of the Non-Employee Directors' Deferred Compensation Committee and
member of the Executive Committee.
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8
13
LOGO
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THOMAS L. STEVENS, JR.
Director
since 1996
Age 65
Served as President, Los Angeles Trade-Technical College (LATTC) until his
retirement in 1996. Mr. Stevens was a member of the Board of Directors of the
Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, Los Angeles Branch until his retirement
from LATTC. He is the Chairman of the Board of the Achievement Council and the
Los Angeles Opportunities Industrialization Center, Inc. Mr. Stevens is the
former Chairman and current member of the Executive Committee of Goodwill
Industries of Southern California and is a director of the Braille Institute.
Member of the Audit, Compensation and Outside Directors' Committees.
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STEVEN D. SYMMS
Director
since 1993
Age 60
President of Symms, Lehn & Associates, Inc., a consulting firm, since January
1993. Elected United States Senator from the State of Idaho in 1980 and served
until January 1993. Vice President and Secretary of Boise Air Service, Inc.
since 1983. Mr. Symms is a Director of Symms, Lehn & Associates, Inc., Boise Air
Service, Inc. and PanAmerican Capital Group, Inc. Member of the Audit, Grantor
Trust and Outside Directors' Committees.
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOMINEE FOR ELECTION AS CLASS II DIRECTOR
TERM EXPIRING IN 2000
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THOMAS J. WILFORD
Age 56
President and a director of Alscott, Inc., real estate and other investments,
since April 1997 and President and a director of the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson
Foundation, Inc., focusing on education within Idaho, since 1997. Secretary-
Treasurer and a director of Alscott, Inc. and the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson
Foundation, Inc. from 1993 to 1997. Managing Partner of the Anchorage, Alaska
office of Ernst & Young LLP from 1986 to 1993 and Managing Partner of the Boise
office of Ernst & Young LLP from 1978 to 1986.
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9
14
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOMINEES FOR ELECTION AS CLASS I DIRECTORS
TERM EXPIRING IN 2002
(IF THE MERGER TAKES PLACE PRIOR TO THE DATE OF THE MEETING)
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FERNANDO R. GUMUCIO
Will become a director of the Company upon consummation of the Merger
Age 64
Owner and President of The Lafayette Group, a management consulting company,
since 1993. Formerly Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Del
Monte USA from 1987 to 1988 and its President from 1984 to 1987. Mr. Gumucio is
a director of Basic Vegetable Products Corporation and has served as a director
of American Stores Company since 1991.
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ARTHUR K. SMITH
Will become a director of the Company upon consummation of the Merger
Age 61
Chancellor of the University of Houston System and President of the University
of Houston main campus since April 1997. Formerly President of the University of
Utah from August 1991 through March 1997. Mr. Smith is a director of Shell
Exploration and Production Company, a subsidiary of Shell Oil Company, and has
served as a director of American Stores Company since 1992.
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOMINEE FOR ELECTION AS CLASS III DIRECTOR
TERM EXPIRING IN 2001
(IF THE MERGER TAKES PLACE PRIOR TO THE DATE OF THE MEETING)
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TERESA BECK
Will become a director of the Company upon consummation of the Merger
Age 44
President of American Stores Company since March 1998. Formerly Chief Financial
Officer from March 1995 to March 1998, and Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer from June 1994 to March 1995. Ms. Beck is a director of
Textron Inc.
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10
15
[LOGO]
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTINUING CLASS II DIRECTORS
TERM EXPIRING IN 2000
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A. GARY AMES
Director
since 1988
Age 54
President and Chief Executive Officer, MediaOne International (formerly U S West
International), a telecommunications company, since July 1995. President and
Chief Executive Officer, U S West Communications from 1990 to 1995. Mr. Ames is
a director of Flextech, Tektronix, Inc. and Telewest. Member of the
Compensation, Nominating and Outside Directors' Committees.
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JOHN B. CARLEY
Director
since 1979
Age 65
Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors, an officer
position, until his retirement on January 28, 1999 and formerly President and
Chief Operating Officer of the Company. Mr. Carley is a director of Boise
Cascade Office Products Corporation, Idaho Power Company and AgriBeef Co.
Chairman of the Executive Committee and member of the Outside Directors'
Committee.
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PAUL I. CORDDRY
Director
since 1987
Age 62
Served as Senior Vice President, Europe, of H.J. Heinz Company, a worldwide
provider of processed food products and services, until his retirement in 1992.
Mr. Corddry is a director of Ameristar Casinos, Inc. Member of the Executive,
Nominating and Outside Directors' Committees.
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BEATRIZ RIVERA
Director
since 1995
Age 48
Member of the Public Utilities Commission of the State of New Mexico until
January 1, 1999. Formerly owner of Infiniti of Albuquerque, an automobile
dealership, from 1990 to 1995. Ms. Rivera is a director of Greer Properties,
Inc., a member of the Board of Trustees for the Tomas Rivera Policy Institute
and El Rancho de las Golondrinas (Spanish Colonial Arts Museum) and a member of
the International Women's Forum. Chairman of the Nominating Committee and member
of the Audit and Outside Directors' Committees.
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11
16
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TO BE CONTINUING CLASS II DIRECTORS
TERM EXPIRING IN 2000
(IF THE MERGER TAKES PLACE PRIOR TO THE DATE OF THE MEETING)
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PAMELA G. BAILEY
Will become a director of the Company upon consummation of the Merger
Age 50
Chief Executive Officer of The Healthcare Leadership Council since 1990.
Formerly President of the National Committee for Quality Health Care from
February 1987 to January 1997. Ms. Bailey has served as a director of American
Stores Company since 1997.
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HENRY I. BRYANT
Will become a director of the Company upon consummation of the Merger
Age 56
Served as Managing Director in the Corporate Finance Unit of J.P. Morgan & Co.
Incorporated, an investment banking firm, from August 1994 until his retirement
on February 1, 1998. Formerly Managing Director of the Financial Institutions
Group at J.P. Morgan from July 1992. Mr. Bryant has served as a director of
American Stores Company since 1992.
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTINUING CLASS III DIRECTORS
TERM EXPIRING IN 2001
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CECIL D. ANDRUS
Director
since 1995
Age 67
Chairman of the Andrus Center for Public Policy, a public policy forum located
at Boise State University dealing in natural resource issues, since January 1995
and of counsel to the Gallatin Group, a consulting firm, since February 1995.
Elected Governor of the State of Idaho in 1987 and served until January 1995.
Served as Secretary of the Interior in the Carter Administration from 1977
through 1980. Mr. Andrus is a director of Coeur d'Alene Mines Corporation,
KeyCorp., PCS Learning Centers and the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation,
Inc., focusing on education within Idaho. Chairman of the Grantor Trust
Committee and member of the Nominating and Outside Directors' Committees.
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12
17
[LOGO]
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JOHN B. FERY
Director
since 1974
Age 69
Served as Chairman of the Board of Boise Cascade Corporation, a timber and paper
products company, until his retirement in 1995 and Chief Executive Officer from
1972 to 1994. Mr. Fery is a director of Hewlett-Packard Company and The Boeing
Company. Chairman of the Outside Directors' Committee and member of the
Executive and Grantor Trust Committees.
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RICHARD L. KING
Director
since 1998
Age 49
President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company since February 1996.
Formerly Senior Vice President and Regional Manager of the Company from November
1994; Group Vice President, Merchandising of the Company from January 1994; and
Vice President, Rocky Mountain Division of the Company from 1992. Mr. King is a
director of T J International. Member of the Nominating and the Non-Employee
Directors' Deferred Compensation Committees.
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
J.B. SCOTT
Director
since 1993
Age 45
Chairman of the Board of Directors of Alscott, Inc., real estate and other
investments, and Chairman of the Board and a director of the J.A. and Kathryn
Albertson Foundation, Inc., focusing on education within Idaho. Grandson of
Kathryn Albertson. Member of the Audit, Grantor Trust and Outside Directors'
Committees.
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WILL M. STOREY
Director
since 1992
Age 67
Served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, American
President Companies, Inc., a provider of container transportation services,
until his retirement in 1995. Chairman of the Audit Committee and member of the
Compensation and Outside Directors' Committees.
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13
18
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TO BE CONTINUING CLASS III DIRECTOR
TERM EXPIRING IN 2001
(IF THE MERGER TAKES PLACE PRIOR TO THE DATE OF THE MEETING)
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VICTOR L. LUND
Will become Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company upon
consummation of the Merger
Age 51
Chairman of the Board of American Stores Company since June 1995 and Chief
Executive Officer of American Stores Company from 1992 until the consummation of
the Merger. President of American Stores Company from August 1992 to June 1995.
Mr. Lund is a director of the Borders Group, Inc. and has served as a director
of American Stores Company since 1992.
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIRECTOR EMERITUS
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KATHRYN ALBERTSON
Age 90
The Board of Directors of the Company has designated Mrs. Kathryn Albertson as
Director Emeritus of the Company for the rest of her life in recognition of her
position as the widow of the Company's founder, J.A. Albertson, and her many
years of service on the Board of Direc-
tors. As Director Emeritus, Mrs. Albertson is entitled, but not required, to
attend Board of Directors' meetings but will not vote at, or be counted in the
quorum for, Board of Directors' meetings. Mrs. Albertson is a Vice President and
a director of the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation, Inc., focusing on
education within Idaho. Prior to 1997, she was President and a director of
Alscott, Inc., real estate and other investments. She is the grandmother of J.B.
Scott.
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14
19
[LOGO]
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
During the fiscal year ended January 28, 1999, two store leases and two office
space leases were held by Alscott Real Estate LLC, as landlord, and Albertson's,
Inc. as tenant. Alscott Real Estate LLC is managed by Alscott, Inc., an Idaho
corporation of which J.B. Scott, a director of the Company, is Chairman of the
Board and has a majority ownership interest and of which Thomas J. Wilford, a
nominee to the Board of Directors, is President and a director. One store was
sold during the fiscal year. The term of the remaining store lease is for a
period of 37 years with the expiration date of the primary term occurring in
2007. The office space leases are for a 20 year primary term and a 5 year
primary term expiring in 2017 and 2004. The total rentals and common area
maintenance fees paid by the Company under the leases to this landlord during
the fiscal year ended January 28, 1999 were $842,919.
During the fiscal year ended January 28, 1999, one store lease was held by DSRG,
Inc., as landlord, and Albertson's, Inc., as tenant. DSRG, Inc. is a real estate
investment trust of which J.B. Scott and Thomas J. Wilford are directors and of
which Alscott Limited Partnership owns over 10%. The general partner of Alscott
Limited Partnership is Alscott, Inc., an Idaho corporation of which J. B. Scott
is Chairman of the Board and has a majority ownership interest and Thomas J.
Wilford is President and a director, and the limited partners include J.B. Scott
and Thomas J. Wilford. The term of the store lease is for a period of 31 years
with the expiration date occurring in 2030. The total rentals and common area
maintenance fees paid by the Company under the lease to this landlord during the
fiscal year ended January 28, 1999 were $120,485.
Steven D. Symms, a director of the Company, was a director of Symms Fruit Ranch,
Inc. during the fiscal year ended January 28, 1999, during which period, the
Company paid Symms Fruit Ranch $173,969 for food products purchased for resale
in the Company's stores.
Richard Ogle, son-in-law of Warren E. McCain, a director of the Company during a
portion of the fiscal year, is the owner of The Office Environment Company, an
office supply company. During the fiscal year ended January 28, 1999, the
Company paid $2,877,913 to The Office Environment Company for office furniture,
equipment and supplies.
James Smith, brother-in-law of Richard J. Navarro, Senior Vice President and
Controller of the Company and an executive officer of the Company during the
fiscal year ended January 28, 1999, is the owner of Tynick Services, Inc., a
retail and wholesale electronics distributor. During the fiscal year ended
January 28, 1999, the Company paid $89,788 to Tynick Services, Inc. for
electronics equipment.
Margene Norland, sister of Robert K. Banks, Senior Vice President, Real Estate
and an executive officer of the Company during the fiscal year ended January 28,
1999, is the owner of Life Enhancement Services, a technology consulting firm.
During the fiscal year ended January 28, 1999, the Company paid $61,336 to Life
Enhancement Systems for consulting services.
William H. Emmons, Regional President and an executive officer of the Company
during the fiscal year ended January 28, 1999, obtained a loan from the Company
to assist in the purchase of a new residence due to his relocation by the
Company. The highest aggregate amount of indebtedness during the fiscal year
ended January 28, 1999 was $160,000 and the amount outstanding as of March 15,
1999 is $160,000. No interest is paid or charged on this loan.
In the opinion of management, all of the foregoing transactions were fair and
reasonable and were entered into on terms not less favorable than could be
obtained in transactions with responsible third parties.
On August 2, 1998 the Company entered into a Termination and Consulting
Agreement with
15
20
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Stores and Victor L. Lund (the "Consulting Agreement") in connection
with the American Stores Merger. Mr. Lund is Chairman of the Board of American
Stores. The Consulting Agreement provides that Mr. Lund will be appointed to the
Board of Directors of the Company for a term or terms extending until the third
annual meeting of the Company following the consummation of the American Stores
Merger, and that while he is a member of such board, he will serve as its Vice
Chairman. Mr. Lund has also agreed to provide specified consulting services of
up to 1,000 hours to the Company and American Stores for one year following the
termination of his employment upon consummation of the American Stores Merger,
for a fee of $850,000. Similar to certain existing employment agreements that
Mr. Lund has with American Stores, Mr. Lund and his wife will be provided under
the Consulting Agreement with certain lifetime health coverage benefits and with
additional cash payments if necessary to make them whole for any taxes imposed
on such benefits. Instead of providing office space and operating services
through October 31, 2012, as required by the existing employment agreements with
American Stores, Mr. Lund will be paid $39,000 per year (adjusted for inflation)
and will be provided specified secretarial services through that date, or until
his earlier death. Upon termination of employment upon consummation of the
American Stores Merger, Mr. Lund will receive title to his company-owned
vehicle. During the one-year consulting term, Mr. Lund will receive fringe
benefits (including expense reimbursement and transportation) consistent with
the fringe benefits afforded to him immediately before the consummation of the
American Stores Merger. Upon Mr. Lund's permanent disability or death, he or his
estate, as applicable, will receive a lump sum payment of the consulting fee for
the remainder of the one-year consulting term. Upon a termination of his
consulting services for "cause," no further payments would be made. Mr. Lund
will be subject to a noncompetition covenant while serving as a consultant or
member of the Company's Board of Directors and to a confidentiality covenant.
Mr. Lund will be indemnified by the Company and by American Stores with respect
to his consulting services. As provided in the existing employment agreements
with American Stores, Mr. Lund would be entitled to an additional payment for
any excise tax on excess parachute payments to which he may be subject. The
Company has agreed to guarantee all payments and benefits under the Consulting
Agreement. The Consulting Agreement also acknowledges that the consummation of
the American Stores Merger will permit Mr. Lund to terminate his employment and
receive the severance benefits called for by the existing employment agreements
with American Stores. The Consulting Agreement acknowledges that upon the
termination of Mr. Lund's employment after the American Stores Merger, he will
receive a cash lump sum payment equal to the sum of (i) his base salary to the
extent not already paid; (ii) pro rata bonuses for the year of termination;
(iii) an amount in cash equal to three times his base salary and bonus amount
(approximately $4.3 million); and (iv) a lump sum payment of the present value
of his "Special Long-Range Retirement Plan" benefit which will have vested in
full upon consummation of the American Stores Merger (approximately $11 million,
based upon an assumed discount rate of 8.25%).
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMITTEES AND MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Board of Directors held four regular meetings and four special meetings
during the fiscal year ended January 28, 1999. All incumbent directors attended
at least 75% of the total number of meetings of the Board of Directors and the
committees of which they were members.
The Company has an Executive Committee, which is a standing committee of the
Board of Directors, presently consisting of five members
16
21
LOGO
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
who are John B. Carley, Chairman, Paul I. Corddry, John B. Fery, Clark A.
Johnson and Gary G. Michael. There was one meeting of the Executive Committee
held during the last fiscal year. The Executive Committee was established to
exercise the authority of the Board of Directors between meetings of the full
Board subject to limitations under Delaware law.
The Company has an Audit Committee, which is a standing committee of the Board
of Directors, presently consisting of five members who are Will M. Storey,
Chairman, Beatriz Rivera, J.B. Scott, Thomas L. Stevens, Jr. and Steven D.
Symms. Four meetings of the Audit Committee were held during the last fiscal
year. The Audit Committee's responsibilities include: (i) reviewing the plan,
scope and results of the independent audit and reporting to the full Board
whether financial information is fairly presented and whether generally accepted
accounting principles are followed; (ii) monitoring the internal accounting and
financial functions of the Company to assure quality of staff and proper
internal controls; and (iii) investigating conflicts of interest, compliance
with ethical standards and compliance with laws and regulations.
The Company has a Compensation Committee, which is a standing committee of the
Board of Directors, presently consisting of five members who are Clark A.
Johnson, Chairman, A. Gary Ames, Charles D. Lein, Thomas L. Stevens, Jr. and
Will M. Storey. Two meetings of the Compensation Committee were held during the
last fiscal year. The Compensation Committee is responsible for reviewing
salaries and bonuses paid to the officers appointed by the Board of Directors
and certain other officers of the Company and for selecting key employees who
are to receive stock option grants and determining the terms thereof.
The Company has a Nominating Committee, which is a standing committee of the
Board of Directors, presently consisting of five members who are Beatriz Rivera,
Chairman, A. Gary Ames, Cecil D. Andrus, Paul I. Corddry and Richard L. King.
There were two meetings of the Nominating Committee held during the last fiscal
year. The Nominating Committee is responsible for selecting nominees to fill
Board vacancies and to replace retiring members of the Board. The Nominating
Committee reviews possible nominees for membership on the Board of Directors,
including any nominees recommended in good faith by a registered stockholder
with the consent of the proposed nominee, and makes recommendations concerning
nominees to the Board of Directors. Stockholders wishing to propose director
candidates for consideration by the Nominating Committee may do so by writing to
the Corporate Secretary of the Company, giving the candidate's name,
biographical data and qualifications. In addition, the Company's By-Laws permit
stockholders to make nominations for directors at a meeting of stockholders, but
only if, among other things, timely written notice of an intent to make such a
nomination is given to the Corporate Secretary of the Company. To be timely,
such notice, except in certain circumstances, must be received by the Company
not less than 120 days nor more than 150 days prior to the anniversary date of
the proxy statement provided to stockholders in connection with the immediately
preceding annual meeting of stockholders.
The Company has a Grantor Trust Committee, which is a special committee of the
Board of Directors, presently consisting of five members who are Cecil D.
Andrus, Chairman, John B. Fery, Charles D. Lein, J. B. Scott and Steven D.
Symms, none of whom, with the exception of Cecil D. Andrus, has a financial
interest in the deferred compensation plans and trusts established by the
Company for its executives. Mr. Andrus is receiving payments of compensation
deferred from his service as a Director from 1984 to 1987 and will abstain from
any decisions made by the Grantor Trust Committee which would affect such
payments. There were two meetings of the Grantor Trust Committee held during the
last fiscal year. The Grantor Trust Committee was established to administer the
Company's deferred compensation plans and pension benefit makeup plan for its
executives and the trusts established to protect the benefits to be received
under these plans.
17
22
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Company has a Non-Employee Directors' Deferred Compensation Committee which
is a special committee created to administer the Non-Employee Directors'
Deferred Compensation Plan. The committee presently consists of two members who
are Gary G. Michael, Chairman, and Richard L. King, neither of whom has a
financial interest in this plan. The committee held no meetings during the last
fiscal year.
In May 1998, the Company established the Outside Directors' Committee, which is
a special committee, consisting of all of the non-employee directors of the
Company, with John B. Fery as Chairman. The Outside Directors' Committee reviews
the progress and performance of the Company on a periodic basis. There were two
meetings of the Outside Directors' Committee held during the last fiscal year.
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIRECTORS' FEES
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Directors who are employees of the Company do not receive additional
compensation as directors. Directors who are not employees receive directors'
fees of $30,000 per year plus $1,000 for each Board of Directors' meeting and
each committee meeting attended.
Non-employee directors may elect to defer payment of their directors' fees into
the Company's nonqualified deferred compensation plan for non-employee
directors.
Pursuant to the Albertson's, Inc. 1995 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee
Directors which became effective on May 26, 1995, each non-employee director is
granted an option on the first business day after each annual meeting of
stockholders of the Company during the ten-year term of the Plan. Each such
option entitles the holder thereof to purchase 2,000 shares of the common stock
of the Company at the closing market price on the date of the grant and may be
exercised for ten years from the date of grant, pursuant to the terms of the
Plan.
As Director Emeritus, Kathryn Albertson receives an annual fee of $35,000 and
does not receive any stock option grants.
18
23
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- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following table sets forth the compensation paid for each of the Company's
last three fiscal years to (i) the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and
(ii) the four other most-highly compensated executive officers of the Company
for the last completed fiscal year:
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
LONG-TERM
COMPENSATION
ANNUAL AWARDS
COMPENSATION ------------
-------------------------------------- SECURITIES
OTHER ANNUAL UNDERLYING ALL OTHER
NAME AND FISCAL SALARY(1) BONUS(1) COMPENSATION(2) OPTIONS COMPENSATION(3)
PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR ($) ($) ($) (#) ($)
------------------ ------ --------- -------- --------------- ------------ ---------------
Gary G. Michael 1998 $899,423 $756,800 -- 0 $151,582
Chairman of the Board and Chief 1997 750,000 351,000 -- 100,000 135,892
Executive Officer and a director 1996 750,000 292,500 $50,391 0 121,310
Richard L. King 1998 499,808 378,400 -- 0 3,162
President and Chief Operating Officer 1997 450,000 195,000 -- 50,000 2,275
and a director 1996 387,692 175,500 -- 50,000 1,575
Carl W. Pennington 1998 349,942 206,400 -- 0 37,065
Executive Vice President, Marketing 1997 335,000 91,000 -- 25,000 30,696
1996 326,692 87,100 -- 0 24,901
Ronald D. Walk 1998 349,942 180,600 -- 0 32,462
Executive Vice President, 1997 335,000 91,000 -- 25,000 26,586
Retail Operations 1996 326,692 87,100 -- 0 21,430
John B. Carley(4) 1998 500,000 0 -- 0 144,858
Chairman of the Executive Committee 1997 500,000 0 -- 0 131,542
of the Board and a director 1996 500,423 0 -- 0 119,485
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Includes amounts deferred by certain of the named executive officers
pursuant to the Company's qualified and nonqualified deferred compensation
programs.
(2) This column includes the value for income tax purposes of noncash personal
benefits, except that amounts, which, when aggregated, did not exceed the lesser
of $50,000 or 10% of compensation for any of the named executives are not
included. The amount indicated for Mr. Michael for fiscal year 1996 includes
$28,922 for the value of personal use of corporate aircraft.
(3) This column includes $22,000 in fiscal years 1998, 1997 and 1996 for each of
Gary G. Michael and John B. Carley, which is a fixed annual amount, in addition
to salary and bonus, contributed by the Company and deferred into the Company's
nonqualified deferred compensation plans. The remaining amount consists of
interest accrued at above-market rates (as defined by the rules of the
Securities and Exchange Commission) on compensation deferred pursuant to the
Company's nonqualified deferred compensation programs.
(4) Effective February 2, 1996, John B. Carley entered into an employment
contract with the Company as Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Board of
Directors for an annual salary of $500,000 for a period of three years, as well
as all perquisites provided by the Company to senior executive officers and the
annual $22,000 contribution to the Company's nonqualified deferred compensation
plan for the three-year period which ended on January 28, 1999. No bonus was
paid for services rendered during the three-year period.
19
24
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND
FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NUMBER OF SECURITIES VALUE+ OF UNEXERCISED
UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED IN-THE-MONEY
OPTIONS AT FISCAL OPTIONS AT FISCAL
YEAR-END YEAR-END
ACQUIRED ON VALUE+ --------------------------- ---------------------------
EXERCISE REALIZED EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
NAME (#) ($) (#) (#) ($) ($)
---- ----------- ---------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
Gary G. Michael 48,000 $1,988,000 0 182,000 $ 0 $4,524,625
Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer and a director
Richard L. King 1,600 79,500 7,000 170,000 288,938 4,422,250
President and Chief Operating
Officer and a director
Carl W. Pennington 0 0 55,000 35,000 1,917,031 1,020,781
Executive Vice President, Marketing
Ronald D. Walk 10,000 338,125 22,500 57,500 648,125 1,841,563
Executive Vice President, Retail
Operations
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ The dollar values are calculated by determining the difference between the
closing price on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape for the Company's
Common stock at exercise or at fiscal year-end (January 28, 1999) for
exercisable and unexercisable options and the exercise price of the options.
RETIREMENT BENEFITS
The Company has adopted two defined benefit pension plans that cover certain
salaried and hourly-paid employees of the Company, both of which are governed by
the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA"). One plan covers
eligible salaried employees of the Company and the other plan covers eligible
hourly-paid employees. "Eligible" employees are those who complete at least
1,000 hours of service during the twelve-month period commencing with their date
of hire or with any anniversary thereof, are age 21 or over and (with certain
exceptions) are not covered by a collective bargaining agreement. The amount of
benefit paid under the plans depends upon the credited years of service and the
compensation level of the participant. The compensation used in determining the
retirement benefit for the individuals named in the Summary Compensation Table
consists of the employee's salary and deferred compensation and does not include
bonus and noncash compensation.
The table on page 21 gives the estimated annual benefit payable upon retirement
for participants in the salaried pension plan, including benefits payable under
the Makeup Plan (as defined on page 21). The estimates assume normal retirement
at age 62 for employees at specified compensation levels (based on average
earnings for the highest five consecutive years of service out of the last ten
years) with various years of service with the Company.
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LOGO
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PENSION PLAN TABLE
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YEARS OF SERVICE
COMPENSATION ---------------------------------------------------------------
LEVEL 20 25 30 35 40 45
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10$0,000... $ 27,000 $ 33,750 $ 40,500 $ 47,250 $ 54,000 $ 60,750
200,000... 54,000 67,500 81,000 94,500 108,000 121,500
300,000... 81,000 101,250 121,500 141,750 162,000 182,250
400,000... 108,000 135,000 162,000 189,000 216,000 243,000
500,000... 135,000 168,750 202,500 236,250 270,000 303,750
600,000... 162,000 202,500 243,000 283,500 324,000 364,500
700,000... 189,000 236,250 283,500 330,750 378,000 425,250
800,000... 216,000 270,000 324,000 378,000 432,000 486,000
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As of January 28, 1999, the years of service credited to the executive officers
listed in the Summary Compensation Table were: Mr. Michael, 33; Mr. Carley, 45;
Mr. King, 33; Mr. Pennington, 35; and Mr. Walk, 37. Also as of such date, the
covered compensation for the last fiscal year of these executive officers under
the Company's pension plans was: Mr. Michael, $921,423; Mr. Carley, $522,000;
Mr. King, $499,808; Mr. Pennington, $349,942; and Mr. Walk, $349,942.
The amounts presented in the pension table are single life annuities
notwithstanding the availability of joint and survivor annuity provisions. The
pension benefit is not subject to any deduction for social security or other
offset amounts.
Retirement benefits otherwise available to key executives under the Company's
qualified defined benefit plans have been limited by the effects of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). For example, the maximum annual
benefit under a qualified pension plan under the Code is limited to $130,000
(subject to certain exceptions). The Company has complied with this limitation
to assure continuing qualification of its plans. To offset the loss of
retirement benefits associated with tax law limitations, the Company adopted a
nonqualified "makeup" benefit plan ("Makeup Plan") effective June 1, 1988.
Benefits are provided under this plan for key employees equal to those that
would otherwise be lost by such plan qualification limitations. The Makeup Plan
was amended in 1990 to extend certain benefits to participants in the 1990
Deferred Compensation Plan. All amounts for any benefits accrued under the
Makeup Plan are included in the figures in the Summary Compensation Table.
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COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the "Committee") is
comprised solely of directors who are not current or former employees of the
Company. The Committee is responsible for establishing the compensation policy
and administering the compensation programs for the Company's executive officers
and other key employees. The Committee periodically engages independent
compensation consultants to assist them in this process. In carrying out its
duties, the Committee intends to make all reasonable attempts to comply with the
requirements to exempt executive compensation from the $1 million deduction
limitation under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, unless the
Committee determines that such compliance in given circumstances would not be in
the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.
Several changes were made to the executive compensation program during the most
recent fiscal year. The following discussion incorporates these changes.
COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY
The compensation program for executive officers is designed to attract, motivate
and retain talented executives who will strive to attain the Company's strategic
and financial objectives, and thereby increase stockholder value. The principal
elements of the program consist of base salary, short-term incentives under the
annual bonus plan and long-term incentives in the form of stock option awards.
The Company's philosophy is to position the aggregate of these elements at a
level which is commensurate with the Company's size and performance relative to
other leading wholesale and retail companies. The Committee periodically reviews
the reasonableness of total compensation levels and mix using public information
from comparator company proxy statements and survey information from credible
third-party industry surveys.
BASE SALARY
The Committee annually reviews and approves base salaries for the Company's
executive officers, considering the responsibilities of their positions, their
individual performance and their competitive position relative to comparator
companies and industry surveys. Salary increases, including increases due to
promotions, for the most recent fiscal year were based on these criteria.
ANNUAL BONUS
Senior operations executive officers are eligible to receive annual incentive
awards under a stockholder approved bonus program. Under the stockholder
approved plan, threshold levels of pre-established performance goals must be
attained before any awards are paid. For the most recent fiscal year, these
performance goals were based on sales, earnings per share and return on asset
goals.
Once the Committee has certified that the threshold performance goals are
attained for senior operations executive officers, actual award payments for
those officers and for the other executive officers are based on more aggressive
performance goals, weighted to a greater extent on sales and diluted earnings
per share goals and to a lesser extent on return on asset goals. For the most
recent fiscal year, target award opportunities ranged from 60 to 80 percent of
base salary, and the maximum award opportunity was 150 percent of the target
award. A portion of the award may be further adjusted based on individual or
subjective performance criteria. Based on overall Company performance for the
most recent fiscal year, actual award payments averaged 86 percent of target
award opportunities for the Company's executive officers named in the Summary
Compensation Table.
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STOCK OPTIONS
Due to the Company's pending merger with American Stores Company, stock options
were not granted to executive officers during the most recent fiscal year. In
prior years, executive officers received periodic stock option awards under
stockholder approved plans. Such options generally vested on a pro rata basis
over five years beginning on the fifth anniversary of the award. For future
years, the Committee intends to grant stock options on an annual basis according
to pre-established grant guidelines that are intended to be competitive both
individually and in the aggregate with the comparator companies.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
The Chief Executive Officer's compensation is comprised principally of base
salary, annual bonus and stock option awards. In addition, the Chief Executive
Officer receives an annual $22,000 contribution to the Company's nonqualified
deferred compensation plan. Compensation levels and opportunities are
established by the Committee in a manner generally consistent with that of the
other executive officers. For the most recent fiscal year, the Committee
established a base salary of $900,000 for the Chief Executive Officer, which
represents an increase of $150,000 over the prior year. The Chief Executive
Officer received an annual bonus payment of $756,800, which represents 86
percent of his target award opportunity of 80 percent of current base salary.
The bonus payment was based on the Company's performance relative to the same
pre-established performance criteria applicable to other executive officers. The
Chief Executive Officer did not receive a stock option award during the most
recent fiscal year, consistent with the treatment accorded other executive
officers.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Clark A. Charles D. Lein
Johnson, Thomas L. Stevens, Jr.
Chairman Will M. Storey
A. Gary Ames
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PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following graph provides a comparison of the five-year cumulative total
return* for the Standard & Poor's 500 Index, the Standard & Poor's Retail
Store-Food Chains Index and the Company.
S & P RETAIL (FOOD
ALBERTSON'S, INC. S & P 500 CHAINS)
----------------- --------- ------------------
'1/94' 100.00 100.00 100.00
'1/95' 113.00 104.00 114.00
'1/96' 131.00 141.00 145.00
'1/97' 137.00 176.00 161.00
'1/98' 190.00 224.00 221.00
'1/99' 246.00 296.00 319.00
* $100 invested on January 31, 1994 in stock or index, including reinvestment of
dividends. Fiscal year ending January 31.
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RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
(PROPOSAL 2)
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Upon the recommendation of its Audit Committee, the Board of Directors has
reappointed Deloitte & Touche LLP as independent auditors for the fiscal year
ending February 3, 2000, and is requesting ratification by the stockholders for
such reappointment. Deloitte & Touche LLP has audited the financial statements
of the Company for each fiscal year since 1967.
In the event this proposal is defeated, the adverse vote will be considered as a
direction to the Board of Directors to select other auditors for the next fiscal
year. However, because of the difficulty and expense of making any substitution
of auditors after the beginning of a fiscal year, it is contemplated that the
appointment for the 1999 fiscal year will be permitted to stand unless the Board
of Directors finds other reasons for making a change.
Services to be performed by Deloitte & Touche LLP for the 1999 fiscal year will
include, among other things, audit of annual financial statements, limited
review of quarterly financial information, consultations in connection with
various financial reporting, accounting and income tax matters and certain
consulting services. Representatives of Deloitte & Touche LLP will attend the
Annual Meeting and will have an opportunity to make a statement, if they desire
to do so, and to respond to appropriate questions.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR PROPOSAL 2.
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL
(PROPOSAL 3)
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gerald R. Armstrong, the holder of 1,914 shares of the Company's Common stock,
whose address is 910 Fifteenth Street, No. 754, Denver, Colorado 80202-2924, has
notified the Company that he intends to present the following resolution at the
Annual Meeting. In accordance with applicable proxy regulations, the proposed
resolution and supporting statement, for which the Board of Directors and the
Company accept no responsibility, are set forth below.
STOCKHOLDER RESOLUTION:
Resolved: That the shareholders of ALBERTSON'S, INC., assembled in person and by
proxy in an annual meeting, request that the Board of Directors take those steps
necessary to cause annual elections for all directors by providing that at
future elections in annual meetings, all directors be elected annually and not
by classes as is now provided and that on the expiration of the present terms
their subsequent elections shall also be on an annual basis.
STOCKHOLDER SUPPORTING STATEMENT:
Last year, 64,886,582 shares, or 33% of the shares represented in the annual
meeting voted in favor of this proposal. In viewing the merger, the proponent
believes greater accountability is essential. Our board has no proven record in
handling such a complex transaction. Please reference the problems of the recent
merger of Union Pacific and Southern Pacific.
For many of Albertson's most profitable years, one year terms were in place in
the election of Directors when performance warranted re-election without the
fears expressed by current management. Anti-takeover provisions are present
which negate any need for three year terms.
Ameritech, Time-Warner, Lockheed-Martin, Campbell Soups, Atlantic Richfield,
Pacific Enterprises, Westinghouse, and other corporations have replaced three
year terms with the annual election of all directors.
25
30
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Occidental Petroleum Corporation stated in its 1997 proxy statement in support
of replacing three year terms with one year terms for its directors:
"the current Board of Directors . . . . does recognize that under current views
of corporate governance a classified board is believed to offer less protection
against unfriendly takeover attempts than previously assumed while frustrating
stockholders in their exercise of oversight of the board. The Board of Directors
believes that the best interests of the stockholders are not currently served by
maintaining a classified board . . . ."
These actions have increased shareholder voting rights by 300% -- and, at no
cost to the shareholders.
At ALBERTSON'S, this procedure will allow shareholders an opportunity to
register annually their reviews of the performance of the board collectively and
of each director, individually. Concern that annual elections of all directors
would leave ALBERTSON'S without experienced directors is unfounded.
If you agree, please vote FOR this proposal. If your proxy card is unmarked on
this issue, your shares will be automatically voted "against" it.
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BOARD OF DIRECTORS' STATEMENT IN OPPOSITION
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Your Board of Directors recommends a vote AGAINST Proposal 3 for the following
reasons:
Your Board of Directors believes that a classified board continues to serve the
Company, you, the stockholders, and those with whom the Company does business by
permitting all to rely on the consistency and continuity of corporate policy. At
the same time, annual elections in which approximately one-third of the board is
elected each year offer stockholders a regular opportunity to renew and
reinvigorate corporate decision-making while maintaining the basic integrity of
corporate policy from year-to-year for the benefit of all who rely on it.
A system of classified directors also benefits stockholders by making corporate
takeovers by proxy contest more difficult. Since only approximately one-third of
the Company's directorships are filled at any annual meeting of stockholders, it
is impossible to elect an entire new board or even a majority of the board at a
single meeting. Incumbent directors always represent a majority of the Board and
are in a position to protect the interests of all stockholders.
The stockholders of the Company adopted the present system of classified
directors at the 1980 Annual Meeting of Stockholders by a vote of 77% of the
outstanding shares.
Our stockholders have consistently rejected a similar proposal for the past five
years. While a stockholder has the right to submit this proposal again this year
(and year after year, provided the proposal receives at least 10% of the vote),
your Board of Directors believes that the reasons relied on by the Company in
prior years remain persuasive and that the proposal should continue to be
defeated by the stockholders.
FOR THE FOREGOING REASONS, YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS BELIEVES THAT THIS PROPOSAL
IS NOT IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE COMPANY AND UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU
VOTE AGAINST PROPOSAL 3.
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LOGO
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OTHER MATTERS
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Company is not aware of any other matters to be submitted at the meeting. If
any other matters properly come before the meeting, it is the intention of the
proxy holders to vote the shares they represent as the Board of Directors may
recommend.
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF STOCKHOLDERS' PROPOSALS
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proposals by stockholders of the Company that are intended to be presented at
the Company's 2000 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (whether or not intended for
inclusion in the proxy statement and proxy card for that meeting) must be
received by the Company no later than December 17, 1999. In order for a
stockholder proposal to be eligible for inclusion in the proxy statement and
proxy card for that meeting, the proposing stockholder must specifically request
such inclusion in a timely submission of the proposal and satisfy the
eligibility and procedural requirements of Rule 14a-8 under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
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32
[RECYCLED LOGO]
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
33
PROXY
[LOGO]
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
ALBERTSON'S, INC.
The undersigned hereby appoints Gary G. Michael and Richard L. King, and each of
them, as proxies for the undersigned, each with full power of substitution, to
represent the undersigned and to vote all shares of common stock of Albertson's,
Inc. (the "Company") that the undersigned is entitled to vote in the manner
indicated on the reverse side hereof, and with discretionary authority as to any
other matters that may properly come before the Company's 1999 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders to be held on Friday, May 28, 1999, and at any and all adjournments
thereof, as set forth under the heading "Other Matters" in the accompanying
Proxy Statement. If no other indication is made at the meeting, and at any and
all adjournments thereof, the proxyholders will vote FOR (i) the election of
director nominees and (ii) the ratification of the appointment of the
independent auditors and will vote AGAINST proposal 3.
(PLEASE DATE AND SIGN ON REVERSE SIDE)
- FOLD AND DETACH HERE -
[LOGO]
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
FRIDAY, MAY 28, 1999
10:00 A.M.
BOISE CENTRE ON THE GROVE
850 FRONT STREET
BOISE, IDAHO
IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING AND YOUR SHARES ARE HELD IN THE NAME OF A
BROKER OR OTHER NOMINEE, PLEASE BRING A STATEMENT OR LETTER FROM THE BROKER OR
NOMINEE CONFIRMING YOUR OWNERSHIP OF SHARES.
34
PLEASE MARK
YOUR VOTE /X/
LIKE THIS
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR PROPOSAL 1.
1. ELECTION OF FIVE DIRECTORS TO CLASS I
and one Director to Class II,
Nominees: 01) Clark A. Johnson; 02) Charles D. Lein;
03) Gary G. Michael; 04) Thomas L. Stevens, Jr.;
05) Steven D. Symms; 06) Thomas J. Wilford
WITHHOLD
FOR AUTHORITY
ALL NOMINEES TO VOTE FOR ALL NOMINEES
/ / / /
IF THE MERGER OCCURS BEFORE THE DATE OF THE MEETING, ELECTION OF TWO ADDITIONAL
DIRECTORS TO CLASS I: 07) Fernando R. Gumucio and 08) Arthur K. Smith AND ONE
ADDITIONAL DIRECTOR TO CLASS III: 09) Teresa Beck
To withhold authority for any nominee, check the "FOR" all nominees box above
and write that nominee's name on line below:
_______________________________________
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR PROPOSAL 2.
2. RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
/ / / / / /
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE AGAINST PROPOSAL 3.
3. STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL TO DECLASSIFY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
/ / / / / /
I hold additional accounts and do not wish to continue receiving duplicate
copies of Albertson's material. Please discontinue mailings, other than my
proxy, to this account.
/ /
I plan to attend Albertson's 1999 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
/ /
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND WILL BE VOTED AS
DIRECTED THEREIN. IF NO DIRECTION IS GIVEN, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR
PROPOSALS 1 AND 2 AND AGAINST PROPOSAL 3.
Signature(s)_______________________________ Dated:_____________________, 1999
THIS PROXY SHOULD BE SIGNED EXACTLY AS NAME APPEARS HEREON. Executors,
administrators, trustees and so forth, should give full title as such. If the
signatory is a corporation, please sign full corporate name by a duly authorized
official. If a partnership, please sign in partnership name by an authorized
party. If shares are held in multiple names, at least one must sign as an
authorized party.
- FOLD AND DETACH HERE AND READ THE REVERSE SIDE -
VOTE BY TELEPHONE OR INTERNET
QUICK ** EASY ** IMMEDIATE
Your telephone or Internet vote authorizes the named proxies to
vote your shares in the same manner as if you marked, signed
and returned your proxy card in the enclosed envelope.
VOTE BY PHONE: CALL 1-800-840-1208 ON A TOUCH-TONE PHONE 24 HOURS A DAY.
THERE IS NO CHARGE TO YOU FOR THIS CALL. Telephone
voting is available until 5:00 EDT on Thursday, May
27, 1999. You will be asked to enter your Control
Number (look below at right).
OPTION A: To vote as the Board of Directors recommends on all
matters, press 1. Then, when asked, you must confirm
your vote by pressing 1 again.
OPTION B: If you choose to vote AGAINST or ABSTAIN on any
matter, press 0. You will hear these instructions for
each item to be voted upon.
Item 1: To vote FOR, press 1; AGAINST, press 9;
ABSTAIN, press 0.
When asked, you must confirm your vote by pressing 1.
VOTE BY INTERNET: http://www.eproxy.com/abs/
There may be Internet charges (usage or server fees) that must be paid by the
stockholder.
Please have this card handy when you call or log on to the Internet. You'll need
it in front of you in order to complete the voting process.
PLEASE DO NOT RETURN THE ABOVE PROXY CARD IF YOU VOTE
BY TELEPHONE OR INTERNET.
FOR TELEPHONE OR INTERNET VOTING, YOUR CONTROL NUMBER IS: