AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON OCTOBER 13, 1998
REGISTRATION NO. 333-65085
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
---------------
PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 1
TO
FORM S-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
---------------
DEAN FOODS COMPANY
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
---------------
DELAWARE 2026 36-0984820
(STATE OR OTHER (PRIMARY STANDARD (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
JURISDICTION OF INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION IDENTIFICATION NO.)
INCORPORATION OR NUMBER)
ORGANIZATION) ---------------
3600 N. RIVER ROAD
FRANKLIN PARK, ILLINOIS 60131
(847) 678-1680
(ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF
REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
---------------
ERIC A. BLANCHARD
GENERAL COUNSEL, DEAN FOODS COMPANY
3600 N. RIVER ROAD, FRANKLIN PARK, ILLINOIS 60131
(847) 678-1680
(NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE,
OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
---------------
COPIES TO
MERRILL J. SCHWARTZ, ESQ. STARK, WELLS, RAHL, SCHWARTZ & SCHIEFFER
LAKE MERRITT PLAZA, 1999 HARRISON STREET, SUITE 1300
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA 94612-3508
---------------
APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: As soon as
practicable after the effectiveness of this Registration Statement and the
satisfaction of the conditions to the merger of Berkeley Farms, Inc.
("Berkeley Farms") with and into a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Registrant
(the "Merger") pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among the
Registrant, Berkeley Farms and certain other parties thereto.
If the securities being registered on this Form are being offered in
connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance
with General Instruction G, check the following box. [_]
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and
list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering. [_]
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [_]
---------------
The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or
dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant
shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this
Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with
Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until the
Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission,
acting pursuant to such Section 8(a), may determine.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BERKELEY FARMS, INC.
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON OCTOBER 29, 1998
To the shareholders of Berkeley Farms, Inc.:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special meeting of shareholders (the "Berkeley
Farms Meeting") of Berkeley Farms, Inc., a California corporation ("Berkeley
Farms"), will be held at 25500 Clawiter Road, Hayward, California on October
29, 1998 at 10:00 a.m. local time to consider and vote upon a proposal to
approve an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated September 14, 1998 (the "Merger
Agreement") by and among Dean Foods Company ("Dean"), BFD Acquisition Co., a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Dean ("Merger Sub"), Berkeley Farms and the
shareholders of Berkeley Farms party thereto.
The Merger Agreement provides for (1) the merger of Berkeley Farms with and
into Merger Sub (the "Merger") with the result that the separate corporate
existence of Berkeley Farms will cease and (2) the conversion of each issued
and outstanding share of Berkeley Farms Common Stock (other than any such
share as to which statutory dissenters' rights have been perfected) into the
right to receive, in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement, the
following consideration:
(x) shares of Dean Common Stock having an aggregate Closing Price (as
defined in the accompanying Proxy Statement/Prospectus) equal to
approximately $37.99 (such shares of Dean Common Stock will be
delivered into escrow as discussed below); and
(y) subject to partial substitution of Dean Common Stock in a specified
event as described below, $1,147.33 in cash; provided that the holder
of such share of Berkeley Farms Common Stock may elect to receive in
lieu of such cash shares of Dean Common Stock having an aggregate
Closing Price equal to $1,128.33 (except that cash will be paid in lieu
of any fractional share of Dean Common Stock otherwise issuable to the
holder).
To be effective, such an election to receive Dean Common Stock in lieu of
cash for any share of Berkeley Farms Common Stock (properly completed) must be
received by Dean by the close of business on October 30, 1998. A Berkeley
Farms shareholder may elect to receive Dean Common Stock in lieu of cash for
all or only certain of his or her shares of Berkeley Farms Common Stock.
The Merger Agreement provides that the aggregate cash (excluding cash paid
in lieu of fractional interests) paid in the Merger will not exceed
$30,700,000 (as reduced in the event any Berkeley Farms shareholder exercises
statutory dissenters' rights). In the event that, after giving effect to any
effective elections to receive Dean Common Stock in lieu of cash, the
aggregate cash that would otherwise be paid in the Merger exceeds such maximum
amount, cash in such maximum amount will be prorated among those Berkeley
Farms shareholders who are to receive any cash in the Merger on the basis of
the respective amounts of cash otherwise to be received by such shareholders,
and Dean Common Stock (valued at the Closing Price) will be paid to each such
shareholder in an amount equal to approximately 98.34% of the difference
between the amount of cash otherwise to be received by such shareholder and
the cash actually received by such shareholder in the Merger. Thus, the actual
number of shares of Dean Common Stock and the actual amount of cash ultimately
received by a Berkeley Farms shareholder who desires to receive any cash will
depend upon the elections of other shareholders of Berkeley Farms, and under
certain circumstances a Berkeley Farms shareholder may receive more shares of
Dean Common Stock and less cash than desired. Any shareholder of Berkeley
Farms who receives Dean Common Stock in the Merger will become a Dean
stockholder.
In connection with the consummation of the Merger, an escrow will be
established as collateral security for the satisfaction by the Berkeley Farms
shareholders of their indemnification obligations related to the Merger
Agreement, and approximately $2,000,000 (valued at the Closing Price) of the
Dean Common Stock payable by Dean in the Merger (pro rated among the Berkeley
Farms shareholders based on their Berkeley Farms shareholdings) will be
delivered into such escrow in lieu of being delivered to the Berkeley Farms
shareholders.
The terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement are described more fully in
the accompanying Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
The following documents accompany this Notice of Special Meeting of
Shareholders:
. Proxy Statement/Prospectus
. Revocable Proxy
. Dean Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 1998
. Dean Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 30, 1998
. Dean Annual Report to Stockholders for fiscal year 1998
. Proxy Statement of Dean for its 1998 annual stockholders meeting
. Form of election to receive Dean Common Stock in lieu of cash in the
Merger
. Copy of Article 13 of the General Corporation Law of California
Each Berkeley Farms shareholder entitled to vote at the Berkeley Farms
Meeting will have the right to dissent from the Merger and to obtain payment
for the fair value of his or her shares upon compliance with the provisions of
Article 13 of the General Corporation Law of the State of California. For a
summary of the rights of shareholders of Berkeley Farms to dissent, see
"Rights of Dissenting Shareholders" in the accompanying Proxy
Statement/Prospectus.
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares
of Berkeley Farms Common Stock is required to approve the Merger. Failure to
forward a proxy or to vote in person at the Berkeley Farms Meeting will have
the same effect as if a shareholder had voted against the Merger. Shareholders
of Berkeley Farms who in the aggregate own of record approximately 55% of the
outstanding shares entitled to vote at the Berkeley Farms Meeting have
indicated their intentions to vote such shares in favor of the Merger
Agreement. Only holders of Berkeley Farms Common Stock of record at the close
of business on October 12, 1998 are entitled to receive notice of and to vote
at the Berkeley Farms Meeting or any adjournments thereof.
All holders are urged to attend the Berkeley Farms Meeting in person.
Whether or not you expect to attend the Berkeley Farms Meeting in person,
please sign and promptly return the accompanying proxy in the enclosed return
envelope. You may revoke your proxy at any time prior to the Berkeley Farms
Meeting by giving written notice to the Secretary of Berkeley Farms or other
officer or agent authorized to tabulate votes, by delivering to such Secretary
or other officer or agent a later dated proxy, or by voting in person at the
Berkeley Farms Meeting. Signing and mailing your proxy at this time will not
affect your right to vote in person if you attend the Berkeley Farms Meeting.
Information relating to the above matters is set forth in the accompanying
Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
By Order of the Board of Directors
Norman Alberts
Secretary
Berkeley Farms, Inc.
Hayward, California
October 15, 1998
PROXY STATEMENT OF BERKELEY FARMS, INC.
FOR THE SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON OCTOBER 29, 1998
---------------
PROSPECTUS OF
DEAN FOODS COMPANY
SHARES OF COMMON STOCK, PAR VALUE $1.00 PER SHARE,
AND RELATED PREFERRED SHARE PURCHASE RIGHTS
This Proxy Statement/Prospectus is being furnished to the shareholders of
Berkeley Farms, Inc., a California corporation ("Berkeley Farms"), in
connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors of
Berkeley Farms for use at the special meeting of shareholders of Berkeley
Farms (the "Berkeley Farms Meeting") to be held at 25500 Clawiter Road,
Hayward, California at 10:00 a.m. local time on October 29, 1998 and at any
adjournments thereof. The purpose of the Berkeley Farms Meeting is for the
shareholders of Berkeley Farms (the "Berkeley Farms Shareholders") to consider
and vote upon approval of the Agreement and Plan of Merger described below.
This Proxy Statement/Prospectus is first being given or mailed to Berkeley
Farms Shareholders on or about October 15, 1998 in connection with the
solicitation of proxies for the Berkeley Farms Meeting.
This Proxy Statement/Prospectus also constitutes a prospectus of Dean Foods
Company, a Delaware corporation ("Dean"), under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Securities Act"), relating to shares of Dean common stock, par
value $1.00 per share (including the related Preferred Share Purchase Rights
unless the context indicates otherwise, "Dean Common Stock") that may be
issued to the Berkeley Farms Shareholders in connection with the proposed
merger (the "Merger") of Berkeley Farms with and into BFD Acquisition Co., a
California corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dean ("Merger Sub"),
as a result of which the separate corporate existence of Berkeley Farms will
cease.
The terms and conditions of the Merger are set forth in an Agreement and
Plan of Merger dated September 14, 1998 by and among Dean, Merger Sub,
Berkeley Farms and the shareholders of Berkeley Farms party thereto (the
"Merger Agreement"), a copy of which is included as Appendix A to this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus.
At the effective time of the Merger (the "Effective Time"), each outstanding
share of Berkeley Farms common stock, par value $10.00 per share ("Berkeley
Farms Common Stock"), other than any such share as to which statutory
dissenters' rights have been perfected, will be converted into the right to
receive, in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement, the following
consideration:
(x) shares of Dean Common Stock having an aggregate Closing Price (as defined
below) equal to approximately $37.99 (such shares of Dean Common Stock
will be delivered into escrow as discussed under "The Merger Agreement--
Indemnification Escrow Agreement; Shareholder Claims" below); and
(y) subject to partial substitution of Dean Common Stock in a specified event
as described below, $1,147.33 in cash; provided that the holder of such
share of Berkeley Farms Common Stock may elect to receive in lieu of such
cash shares of Dean Common Stock having an aggregate Closing Price equal
to $1,128.33 (except that cash will be paid in lieu of any fractional
shares of Dean Common Stock otherwise issuable to the holder).
To be effective, such an election to receive Dean Common Stock in lieu of
cash for any share of Berkeley Farms Common Stock (properly completed) must be
received by Dean by the close of business on October 30, 1998. See "The Merger
Agreement--Election Procedure." A Berkeley Farms Shareholder may elect to
receive Dean Common Stock in lieu of cash for all or only certain of his or
her shares of Berkeley Farms Common Stock.
The Merger Agreement provides that the aggregate cash (excluding cash paid
in lieu of fractional interests) paid in the Merger will not exceed
$30,700,000 (as reduced in the event any Berkeley Farms Shareholder exercises
statutory dissenters' rights). In the event that, after giving effect to any
effective elections to receive Dean Common Stock in lieu of cash, the
aggregate cash that would otherwise be paid in the Merger exceeds such maximum
amount, cash in such maximum amount will be prorated among those Berkeley
Farms Shareholders who are to receive any cash in the Merger on the basis of
the respective amounts of cash otherwise to be received by such Shareholders,
and Dean Common Stock (valued at the Closing Price) will be paid to each such
Shareholder in an amount equal to approximately 98.34% of the difference
between the amount of cash otherwise to be received by such Shareholder and
the cash actually received by such Shareholder in the Merger. Thus, the actual
number of shares of Dean Common Stock and the actual amount of cash ultimately
received by a Berkeley Farms Shareholder who desires to receive any cash will
depend upon the elections of other Berkeley Farms Shareholders, and under
certain circumstances a Berkeley Farms Shareholder may receive more shares of
Dean Common Stock and less cash than desired. See "The Merger Agreement--Pro
Ration of Cash." Any Berkeley Farms Shareholder who receives Dean Common Stock
in the Merger will become a Dean stockholder.
In connection with the consummation of the Merger, an escrow will be
established as collateral security for the satisfaction by the Berkeley Farms
Shareholders of their indemnification obligations related to the Merger
Agreement, and approximately $2,000,000 (valued at the Closing Price) of the
Dean Common Stock payable by Dean in the Merger (pro rated among the Berkeley
Farms Shareholders based on their Berkeley Farms shareholdings) will be
delivered into such escrow in lieu of being delivered to the Berkeley Farms
Shareholders. See "The Merger Agreement--Indemnification Escrow Agreement;
Shareholder Claims."
The following documents accompany this Proxy Statement/Prospectus:
. Revocable Proxy
. Dean Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 1998
. Dean Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 30, 1998
. Dean Annual Report to Stockholders for fiscal year 1998
. Proxy Statement of Dean for its 1998 annual stockholders meeting
. Form of election to receive Dean Common Stock in lieu of cash in the
Merger
. Copy of Article 13 of the General Corporation Law of California
This Proxy Statement/Prospectus does not cover any resales of any Dean
Common Stock received by Berkeley Farms Shareholders upon consummation of the
Merger, and no person is authorized to make any use of this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus in connection with any such resale. See "Restrictions on
Resales by Affiliates."
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares
of Berkeley Farms Common Stock is required to approve the Merger. Failure to
forward a proxy or to vote in person at the Berkeley Farms Meeting will have
the same effect as if a Berkeley Farms Shareholder had voted against the
Merger. Shareholders of Berkeley Farms who in the aggregate own of record
approximately 55% of the outstanding shares entitled to vote at the Berkeley
Farms Meeting have indicated their intentions to vote such shares in favor of
the Merger Agreement. Only holders of Berkeley Farms Common Stock of record at
the close of business on October 12, 1998 are entitled to receive notice of
and to vote at the Berkeley Farms Meeting or any adjournments thereof.
NEITHER THIS TRANSACTION NOR THESE SECURITIES HAVE BEEN APPROVED OR
DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE
SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE FAIRNESS OR MERITS OF THIS TRANSACTION
OR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
No person is authorized to give any information or to make any
representation not contained in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus or in the
documents indicated above as accompanying this Proxy Statement/Prospectus, and
any information or representation not contained herein or in any such
accompanying document must not be relied upon as having been authorized by
Dean, Merger Sub or Berkeley Farms. This Proxy Statement/Prospectus does not
constitute an offer of any securities other than the registered securities to
which it relates or an offer to any person in any jurisdiction where such
offer would be unlawful. Neither the delivery of this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus nor any sales made hereunder shall, under any
circumstances, create any implication that there has been no change in the
affairs of Dean, Merger Sub or Berkeley Farms since the date hereof.
The date of this Proxy Statement/Prospectus is October 13, 1998.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
Dean is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance therewith
files reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "SEC"). Such reports and other information may be inspected
and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the SEC's Regional Offices at
Seven World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048 and Citicorp Center, 500
West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511. Copies of this
material should also be available on-line through EDGAR and may be obtained at
prescribed rates from the Public Reference Section of the SEC at its principal
office in Washington, D.C. The SEC also maintains a Web site
(http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports and other information regarding
companies that file electronically with the SEC, including Dean. Such reports
and other information concerning Dean can also be inspected at the office of
the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005, the
exchange on which the Dean Common Stock is listed (and on which application
will be made to list the Dean Common Stock that may be issued in the Merger).
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
This Proxy Statement/Prospectus incorporates documents by reference. The
Dean Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 1998 incorporated by reference
herein is being delivered herewith. The other documents incorporated by
reference herein are available (not including exhibits to the information that
is incorporated by reference unless such exhibits are specifically
incorporated by reference into the information that this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus incorporates) without charge to each person to whom a
copy of this Proxy Statement/Prospectus is delivered, upon written or oral
request addressed to Eric A. Blanchard, Secretary, Dean Foods Company, 3600
North River Road, Franklin Park, Illinois 60131, telephone: (847) 678-1680. In
order to ensure timely delivery of the documents, any request should be made
by October 26, 1998.
The following documents of Dean have been filed with the SEC and are
incorporated herein by reference:
(1) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 1998;
(2) Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 11, 1998;
(3) Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 30, 1998;
(4) The description of the Dean Common Stock contained in the
Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed under Section 12 of the Exchange
Act, dated August 1, 1988, as amended on August 8, 1988, August 10, 1988
and December 27, 1989; and
(5) The description of the Dean Preferred Share Purchase Rights contained
in the Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed under Section 12 of the
Exchange Act, dated August 4, 1998.
All documents filed by Dean pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d)
of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Proxy Statement/Prospectus
and prior to the date of the Berkeley Farms Meeting shall be deemed to be
incorporated by reference into this Proxy Statement/Prospectus and to be a
part hereof from the date of filing of such documents.
Any statement contained in a document incorporated by reference herein shall
be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes hereof to the extent that
a statement contained herein (or in any other subsequently filed document
which also is incorporated herein) modifies or supersedes such statement. Any
such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed to constitute a
part hereof except as so modified or superseded.
ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
----
SUMMARY................................................................... 1
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS................................................ 6
THE BERKELEY FARMS MEETING................................................ 6
THE PROPOSED MERGER....................................................... 7
THE MERGER AGREEMENT...................................................... 8
RESTRICTIONS ON RESALES BY AFFILIATES..................................... 16
COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF SHAREHOLDERS...................................... 17
RIGHTS OF DISSENTING SHAREHOLDERS......................................... 22
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES........................................... 23
DESCRIPTION OF DEAN CAPITAL STOCK......................................... 29
BUSINESS OF DEAN.......................................................... 32
BUSINESS OF BERKELEY FARMS................................................ 33
MARKET PRICES OF AND DIVIDENDS DECLARED ON BERKELEY FARMS COMMON STOCK.... 34
BERKELEY FARMS SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA AND OTHER INFORMATION.............. 34
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS OF BERKELEY FARMS; BERKELEY FARMS MANAGEMENT
HOLDINGS................................................................. 38
EXPERTS................................................................... 39
LEGAL OPINIONS............................................................ 39
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS............................................. F-1
iii
SUMMARY
The following summary is not intended to be complete and is qualified in all
respects by the more detailed information set forth elsewhere in this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus (including the Merger Agreement attached as Appendix A
hereto) and in the documents incorporated by reference herein. Shareholders of
Berkeley Farms are urged to carefully review the entire Proxy
Statement/Prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein.
THE PARTIES
Dean Foods Company. Dean is a Delaware corporation which is engaged
principally in the processing, distribution and sale of dairy, pickle and
specialty products. On September 23, 1998, Dean disposed of its vegetable
operations. See "Business of Dean." The principal executive offices of Dean
are located at 3600 North River Road, Franklin Park, Illinois 60131,
telephone: (847) 678-1680.
Berkeley Farms, Inc. Berkeley Farms is a California corporation which is
engaged in the business of processing and distributing fluid milk, ice cream
and other dairy products throughout Northern California. The principal
executive offices of Berkeley Farms are located at 25500 Clawiter Road,
Hayward, California 94545, telephone: (510) 265-8650.
BFD Acquisition Co. Merger Sub is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dean that was
formed for the sole purpose of implementing the Merger. Merger Sub is
minimally capitalized and has not conducted any business or operations.
THE MERGER
General. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, Berkeley Farms will be
merged with and into Merger Sub and the separate corporate existence of
Berkeley Farms will cease. The Merger Agreement provides for the conversion of
each issued and outstanding share of Berkeley Farms Common Stock (other than
any such share as to which statutory dissenters' rights have been perfected)
into the right to receive, in accordance with the terms of the Merger
Agreement, the following consideration:
(x) shares of Dean Common Stock having an aggregate Closing Price equal to
approximately $37.99 (such shares of Dean Common Stock will be
delivered into escrow as discussed under "The Merger Agreement--
Indemnification Escrow Agreement; Shareholder Claims" below); and
(y) subject to partial substitution of Dean Common Stock in a specified
event as described below, $1,147.33 in cash; provided that the holder
of such share of Berkeley Farms Common Stock may elect to receive in
lieu of such cash shares of Dean Common Stock having an aggregate
Closing Price equal to $1,128.33 (except that cash will be paid in lieu
of any fractional share of Dean Common Stock otherwise issuable to the
holder).
To be effective, such an election to receive Dean Common Stock in lieu of
cash for any share of Berkeley Farms Common Stock (properly completed) must be
received by Dean by the close of business on October 30, 1998. See "The Merger
Agreement--Election Procedure." A Berkeley Farms Shareholder may elect to
receive Dean Common Stock in lieu of cash for all or only certain of his or
her shares of Berkeley Farms Common Stock.
The Merger Agreement provides that the aggregate cash (excluding cash paid
in lieu of fractional interests) paid in the Merger will not exceed
$30,700,000 (as reduced in the event any Berkeley Farms Shareholder exercises
statutory dissenters' rights). In the event that, after giving effect to any
effective elections to receive Dean Common Stock in lieu of cash, the
aggregate cash that would otherwise be paid in the Merger exceeds such maximum
amount, cash in such maximum amount will be prorated among those Berkeley
Farms Shareholders who are to receive any cash in the Merger on the basis of
the respective amounts of cash otherwise
to be received by such Shareholders, and Dean Common Stock (valued at the
Closing Price) will be paid to each such Shareholder in an amount equal to
approximately 98.34% of the difference between the amount of cash otherwise to
be received by such Shareholder and the cash actually received by such
Shareholder in the Merger. Thus, the actual number of shares of Dean Common
Stock and actual amount of cash ultimately received by a Berkeley Farms
Shareholder who desires to receive any cash will depend upon the elections of
other Berkeley Farms Shareholders, and under certain circumstances a Berkeley
Farms Shareholder may receive more shares of Dean Common Stock and less cash
than desired. See "The Merger Agreement--Pro Ration of Cash." Any Berkeley
Farms Shareholder who receives Dean Common Stock in the Merger will become a
Dean stockholder.
In connection with the consummation of the Merger, an escrow will be
established as collateral security for the satisfaction by the Berkeley Farms
Shareholders of their indemnification obligations related to the Merger
Agreement, and approximately $2,000,000 (valued at the Closing Price) of the
Dean Common Stock payable by Dean in the Merger (pro rated among the Berkeley
Farms Shareholders based on their Berkeley Farms shareholdings) will be
delivered into such escrow in lieu of being delivered to the Berkeley Farms
Shareholders. See "The Agreement of Merger--Indemnification Escrow Agreement;
Shareholder Claims."
The "Closing Price" of Dean Common Stock will be based on the average of the
last reported sales prices as reported by The Wall Street Journal for a share
of Dean Common Stock for each of the ten trading days ending on the day prior
to the Berkeley Farms Meeting (i.e., October 15, 1998 through and including
October 28, 1998, excluding weekends).
Reasons for the Proposed Merger. Dean is acquiring Berkeley Farms to expand
its presence in the California dairy system. Berkeley Farms is entering into
the Merger to provide the Berkeley Farms Shareholders with an opportunity to
obtain a financial interest in Dean through a tax-free exchange of their
Berkeley Farms Common Stock, which is not publicly traded, for Dean Common
Stock, which is traded on the NYSE, and to participate in the potential growth
of Dean. Berkeley Farms also anticipates that Dean's expertise and capital
resources will contribute to the expansion of Berkeley Farms' new Hayward
processing plant and that Dean's packaging techniques will bring Berkeley
Farms' customers innovative new dairy products in unique containers.
Recommendation of Berkeley Farms Board of Directors. The Berkeley Farms
Board of Directors has unanimously approved the Merger Agreement and is
unanimously recommending the Merger Agreement to the Berkeley Farms
Shareholders. See "The Proposed Merger--Background" and "--Reasons for the
Merger; Recommendation of the Berkeley Farms Board of Directors."
Exchange of Certificates. Upon the closing of the transaction contemplated
by the Merger Agreement (the "Closing" and the date thereof, the "Closing
Date"), certificates representing shares of Berkeley Farms Common Stock shall
be exchanged for certificates representing shares of Dean Common Stock and
(unless otherwise elected) cash in accordance with the terms and conditions of
the Merger Agreement. A portion of the Dean Common Stock payable by Dean in
the Merger will be delivered into escrow. See "The Merger Agreement--
Indemnification Escrow Agreement; Shareholder Claims."
Conditions to the Obligations of Each Party to Effect the Merger. The
respective obligations of the parties to consummate the Merger are subject to
certain conditions, including among others, receipt of the requisite approval
of the Berkeley Farms Shareholders. See "The Merger Agreement--Conditions to
Obligations of Each Party to Effect the Merger." Dean, Merger Sub or Berkeley
Farms may waive certain of the conditions to the Merger.
Amendment and Termination of the Merger Agreement. The Merger Agreement may
be amended in any manner and at any time prior to the submission of the Merger
to the Berkeley Farms Shareholders and after such submission may be amended
only under certain circumstances. The Merger Agreement may be terminated at
any time by mutual agreement of the Boards of Directors of Dean, Merger Sub
and Berkeley Farms or, under certain conditions, by one of such Boards of
Directors without the consent of the other. See "The Merger Agreement--
Amendment and Termination of the Merger Agreement."
2
Antitrust Considerations. The transaction contemplated by the Merger
Agreement is subject to the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of
1976, as amended (the "HSR Act"). Early termination of the applicable waiting
period under the HSR Act was obtained on October 2, 1998. See "The Proposed
Merger--Antitrust Considerations."
Accounting Treatment. The Merger will be a "purchase" for accounting
purposes. See "The Proposed Merger--Accounting Treatment."
Federal Income Tax Consequences. For federal income tax purposes, it is
expected that the Merger will constitute a reorganization within the meaning
of Section 368 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. As a result,
a Berkeley Farms Shareholder who receives Dean Common Stock for Berkeley Farms
Common Stock in the Merger should not recognize gain or loss from such
receipt. A Berkeley Farms Shareholder who receives cash for Berkeley Farms
Common Stock, however, will recognize income or gain equal to the lesser of
(i) the excess of the value of the total consideration received from Dean over
the basis in his or her Berkeley Farms Common Stock or (ii) the total amount
of cash received. An opinion of counsel regarding the federal income tax
consequences of the Merger has been obtained in connection with the Merger.
See "Federal Income Tax Consequences."
Rights of Dissenting Shareholders. Under California law, Berkeley Farms
Shareholders who object to the Merger have the right to be paid the "fair
market value" of their shares of Berkeley Farms Common Stock if they comply
with certain requirements, including without limitation giving timely written
notice to Berkeley Farms of their intent to demand payment and not voting in
favor of the Merger. The Merger Agreement provides that a condition precedent
to Dean's and BFD's obligation to close is that the terms of the Merger
Agreement shall have been approved by Berkeley Farms Shareholders owning at
least 90% of the Berkeley Farms Common Stock. See "Rights of Dissenting
Shareholders" and "The Merger Agreement--Conditions to the Obligations of Each
Party to Effect the Merger."
Comparison of Rights of Stockholders. The rights of holders of Berkeley
Farms Common Stock are presently governed by the articles of incorporation and
bylaws of Berkeley Farms and California law. If the Merger is consummated,
then each Berkeley Farms Shareholder who receives Dean Common Stock in the
Merger will become a stockholder of Dean and the rights of such holder of Dean
Common Stock will be governed by the restated certificate of incorporation and
bylaws of Dean and Delaware law. This change in governing instruments and law
will modify the rights of Berkeley Farms Shareholders in certain respects. See
"Comparison of Rights of Shareholders."
Share Ownership of Affiliates. The directors and executive officers of
Berkeley Farms and certain of its affiliates beneficially own 89% of the
Berkeley Farms Common Stock. See "Principal Shareholders of Berkeley Farms;
Berkeley Farms Management Holdings."
The Berkeley Farms Meeting. The Berkeley Farms Meeting will be held at 25500
Clawiter Road, Hayward, California at 10:00 a.m. local time on October 29,
1998. The purpose of the Berkeley Farms Meeting is to consider and vote upon
approval of the Merger Agreement. The shareholders entitled to vote at the
Berkeley Farms Meeting are the holders of record of Berkeley Farms Common
Stock on October 12, 1998, which is the record date fixed by the Berkeley
Farms Board of Directors. All written notices of revocation and other
communications with respect to revocations of proxies should be addressed as
follows: Berkeley Farms, Inc., 25500 Clawiter Road, Hayward, CA 94545,
Attention: Norman Alberts, Secretary. See "Principal Shareholders of Berkeley
Farms; Berkeley Farms Management Holdings."
New York Stock Exchange Listing. Dean Common Stock is traded on the NYSE
(symbol: DF). All of the shares of Dean Common Stock to be issued in the
Merger are treasury shares which have been approved for listing previously by
the NYSE.
3
Recent Prices of Common Stock. As reported on the New York Stock Exchange
composite tape, the last sale price of Dean Common Stock on September 14,
1998, the last trading day before the proposed Merger was publicly announced,
and on October 12, 1998 were $42.6875 and $47.625, respectively.
No information regarding sales prices of Berkeley Farms Common Stock is
included because no public trading market exists for Berkeley Farms Common
Stock. See "Market Prices of and Dividends Declared on Berkeley Farms Common
Stock."
DEAN SUMMARY SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The following presents summary financial information derived from the
consolidated financial statements of Dean and the Form 8-K of Dean filed on
September 30, 1998 incorporated by reference in this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus and should be read in conjunction with such financial
statements and the notes thereto and such Form 8-K.
DECEMBER 31,
------------------------------------------------------------------
PRO FORMA
1994(1) 1995 1996(2) 1997 1998 1998
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
Net Sales............... $2,011,273 $2,087,079 $2,240,517 $2,460,563 $2,735,834 $2,831,200(3)
Income (loss) from
continuing operations.. 56,859 58,504 (16,865) 73,988 87,980 92,300(3)
Income (loss) from
continuing operations
per diluted share...... 1.46 1.46 (.42) 1.83 2.13 2.23(3)
Total Assets............ 1,027,149 1,114,157 1,131,625 1,133,680 1,607,189 1,546,000(3)
Long-Term obligations... 131,820 220,553 217,984 208,931 558,233 348,200(3)
Cash dividends per
common share........... .64 .68 .72 .76 .80 .80
- --------
(1) 1994 includes an after-tax net gain of $1,179 ($.03 per share) related to
changes in accounting principles.
(2) 1996 continuing operations results include a pre-tax charge of $102,439
($64,906 after-tax, or $1.62 per share) related to the adoption of a plan
to reduce costs, rationalize production capacity and provide for severance
and environmental costs.
(3) As reported on the Form 8-K filed on September 30, 1998 related to the
disposition of Dean's vegetable operations.
4
EQUIVALENT AND COMPARATIVE PER SHARE DATA
The following unaudited table presents selected (i) historical per common
share data for Dean and Berkeley Farms, (ii) Pro Forma per common share data
for Dean as reported on its Form 8-K filed on September 30, 1998 and (iii)
equivalent Pro Forma per common share data for Berkeley Farms Common Stock at
Dean historical and Pro Forma amounts on the basis described in Note 4. Pro
Forma combined financial and operating information of Dean and Berkeley Farms
are not required to be presented herein because Berkeley Farms information is
not considered significant in relation to that of Dean. This data should be
read in conjunction with the historical consolidated financial statements of
Dean and the Pro Forma information as reported on Form 8-K of Dean filed on
September 30, 1998 incorporated by reference into this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus, and the historical financial statements of Berkeley
Farms included elsewhere in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
EQUIVALENT PRO FORMA EQUIVALENT PRO FORMA
PER SHARE OF BERKELEY PER SHARE OF BERKELEY
DEAN PRO FARMS COMMON STOCK AT FARMS COMMON STOCK AT
DEAN (1) BERKELEY FARMS (2) FORMA (3) DEAN HISTORICAL (4) DEAN PRO FORMA (4)
-------- ------------------ --------- --------------------- ---------------------
Income (loss) from
continuing operations
per diluted share for
Fiscal Year 1998....... $ 2.13 N/A $ 2.23 $ 55.38 $ 57.98
Income (loss) per
common share for Fiscal
Year 1997.............. N/A $ 20.69 N/A N/A N/A
For six months ended
June 30, 1998.......... N/A ($149.06) N/A N/A N/A
Book value per common
share at End of Fiscal
Year 1998.............. $15.49 N/A $17.64 $402.74 $458.64
Book value per common
share at End of Fiscal
Year 1997.............. N/A $ 589.63 N/A N/A N/A
For six months ended
June 30, 1998.......... N/A $ 438.57 N/A N/A N/A
Cash dividends per
common share for Fiscal
Year 1998.............. $.80 N/A $.80 $ 20.80 $ 20.80
Cash dividends per
common share for Fiscal
Year 1997.............. N/A $ 2.00 N/A N/A N/A
For six months ended
June 30, 1998.......... N/A $ 2.00 N/A N/A N/A
- --------
(1) Dean's fiscal year end is the last Sunday in May.
(2) Berkeley Farms' fiscal year end is December 31.
(3) As reported on the Form 8-K of Dean filed on September 30, 1998 related to
the disposition of Dean's vegetable operations. The impact of the Merger
is not reflected in the Dean Pro Forma information as the impact is not
considered significant.
(4) The Berkeley Farms equivalent Pro Forma share amounts are calculated by
assuming (i) that a share of Berkeley Farms Common Stock is converted
entirely into Dean Common Stock and (ii) a Dean Common Stock Closing Price
of $45.00, which was the September 29, 1998 Dean Common Stock closing
price, in determining the equivalent shares of Berkeley Farms Common Stock
to be exchanged for each share of Dean Common Stock.
5
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements contained in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus, including
without limitation, statements containing the words "believes," "anticipates,"
"intends," "expects," and words of similar import, constitute "forward-looking
statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance
or achievements of the Company or industry results to be materially different
from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by
such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to
such differences include but are not limited to the following as well as those
factors discussed elsewhere in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus and in the
documents incorporated herein by reference: risks associated with the
acquisition strategy of Dean, adverse weather conditions resulting in poor
harvest conditions, raw milk costs and butterfat prices, interest rate
fluctuations, competitive pricing pressures, marketing and cost-management
programs, changes in government programs and shifts in market demand. Given
these uncertainties, Berkeley Farms Shareholders are cautioned not to place
undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Dean and Berkeley Farms
disclaim any obligation to update any such factors or to publicly announce the
results of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained
herein to reflect future events or developments.
THE BERKELEY FARMS MEETING
PURPOSE; VOTES REQUIRED; SHAREHOLDERS ENTITLED TO VOTE; RECORD DATE
The Berkeley Farms Meeting will be held at 25500 Clawiter Road, Hayward,
California at 10:00 a.m. local time on October 29, 1998. The purpose of the
Berkeley Farms Meeting is to consider and vote upon approval of the Merger
Agreement. The shareholders entitled to vote at the Berkeley Farms Meeting are
the holders of record of Berkeley Farms Common Stock on October 12, 1998,
which is the record date fixed by the Berkeley Farms Board of Directors. As of
October 12, 1998, there were 52,644 shares of Berkeley Farms Common Stock
outstanding and entitled to vote held by 46 shareholders of record, with each
share entitled to one vote.
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares
of Berkeley Farms Common Stock is required to approve the Merger. Because
approval of the Merger Agreement requires the affirmative vote of the holders
of a majority of the outstanding shares of Berkeley Farms Common Stock, a
failure to vote will have the same effect as a vote against approval of the
Merger Agreement. Shareholders of Berkeley Farms who in the aggregate own of
record approximately 55% of the outstanding shares entitled to vote at the
Berkeley Farms Meeting have indicated their intentions to vote such shares in
favor of the Merger Agreement. Only holders of Berkeley Farms Common Stock of
record at the close of business on October 12, 1998 are entitled to receive
notice of and to vote at the Berkeley Farms Meeting or any adjournments
thereof.
SOLICITATION, VOTING AND REVOCATION OF PROXIES
The Berkeley Farms Board of Directors is soliciting proxies in connection
with the Berkeley Farms Meeting. The Berkeley Farms Board of Directors
consists of Frank E. Sabatte, John B. Sabatte, John A. Sabatte, Donald
Sabatte, Norman Sabatte, George Sabatte, Jr. and Roger Sabatte. Neither Dean
nor its Board of Directors is soliciting any proxies in connection with the
Berkeley Farms Meeting.
Solicitations will be made on behalf of Berkeley Farms by the directors,
officers and employees of Berkeley Farms, none of whom will receive any
special compensation for such services. Such solicitations may be made in
person, by mail or by telephone. The costs of the solicitation will be borne
by Berkeley Farms.
Shares of Berkeley Farms Common Stock may be voted either in person or by
proxy. A shareholder may appoint a proxy to vote for him by signing an
appointment form, either personally or by his attorney-in-fact. An appointment
of a proxy is effective when received by the Secretary of Berkeley Farms or
other officer or agent authorized to tabulate votes.
6
All proxy cards delivered pursuant to this solicitation are revocable at any
time prior to the Berkeley Farms Meeting at the option of the person executing
them by giving written notice to the Secretary of Berkeley Farms or other
officer or agent authorized to tabulate votes, by delivering to the Secretary
of Berkeley Farms or other officer or agent a later dated proxy or by voting
in person at the Berkeley Farms Meeting. All written notices of revocation and
other communications with respect to revocations of proxies should be
addressed as follows: Berkeley Farms, Inc., 25500 Clawiter Road, Hayward,
California, Attention Norman Alberts, Secretary.
HOLDERS OF BERKELEY FARMS COMMON STOCK ARE REQUESTED TO COMPLETE, DATE AND
SIGN THE ACCOMPANYING PROXY AND RETURN IT PROMPTLY TO BERKELEY FARMS IN THE
ACCOMPANYING POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE.
THE PROPOSED MERGER
BACKGROUND
In March 1998, Dean, Berkeley Farms and the controlling shareholders of
Berkeley Farms entered into discussions regarding the possible acquisition of
Berkeley Farms by Dean. Negotiation of an agreement and plan of merger ensued,
which negotiations resulted in such parties entering into the Merger Agreement
on September 14, 1998. Dean's and Berkeley Farms' Boards of Directors ratified
and approved the Merger Agreement on July 24, 1998 and September 14, 1998,
respectively.
REASONS FOR THE MERGER; RECOMMENDATION OF THE BERKELEY FARMS BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
Dean's Reasons for the Merger. Dean is acquiring Berkeley Farms to expand
its presence in the California dairy system.
Berkeley Farms' Reasons for the Merger. Berkeley Farms is entering into the
Merger to provide the Berkeley Farms Shareholders with an opportunity to
obtain a financial interest in Dean through a tax-free exchange of their
Berkeley Farms Common Stock, which is not publicly traded, for Dean Common
Stock, which is traded on the NYSE and to participate in the potential growth
of Dean. Berkeley Farms also anticipates that Dean's expertise and capital
resources will contribute to the expansion of Berkeley Farms' new Hayward
processing plant and that Dean's packaging techniques will bring Berkeley
Farm's customers innovative new dairy products in unique containers.
Recommendation of Berkeley Farms Board of Directors. The Berkeley Farms
Board of Directors has unanimously approved the Merger Agreement and the
Merger, and is unanimously recommending approval of the Merger Agreement to
the holders of Berkeley Farms Common Stock.
INTERESTS OF CERTAIN BERKELEY FARMS PERSONS IN THE MERGER
As a condition to the Closing, Dean, Merger Sub or Berkeley Farms will
purchase from Berkeley Land Co., Inc. ("Berkeley Land"), an approximately 4.6
acre real estate parcel adjacent to the processing facility of Berkeley Farms
in Hayward, California for $1,000,000 on customary terms and conditions. The
families which own Berkeley Land are substantially the same as the families
which own Berkeley Farms. Berkeley Land currently leases certain other real
property to Berkeley Farms at fair market rent and on other customary terms
and conditions. Such real property will continue to be leased from Berkeley
Land after the Merger.
At the Closing, Berkeley Farms will pay bonuses to Messrs. Norman Alberts,
the Vice President, Finance and Secretary of Berkeley Farms, and J. Patrick
Roland, the Controller of Berkeley Farms, in the sums of $400,000 and
$200,000, respectively.
As a condition of Closing, each of the Berkeley Farms Shareholders involved
in the business of Berkeley Farms, except for J. Patrick Roland, Norman
Alberts, Randy Sabatte and Patrick McChristy, will enter into a
7
non-compete agreement pursuant to which, for a term of two years commencing on
the date of the Closing, each shall agree not to compete in the business in
which Berkeley Farms was engaged on the Closing Date. No additional
compensation is to be paid to any of the Berkeley Farms Shareholders for such
non-compete agreements.
As an additional condition of Closing, the current Berkeley Farms Sabatte
Family Executive Retirement Plan will be amended to freeze all accruals as of
the Closing Date (except for the CPI adjustments called for under the plan),
to provide for benefits to all plan participants whether or not they have
accrued the previously required 25 years of employment and to reduce benefits
to participants and other spouses in the event marital status changes under
certain circumstances.
Pursuant to an Indemnification Escrow Agreement to be executed at the
Closing and as a condition of Closing the Berkeley Farms Shareholders have
agreed to indemnify and hold harmless Dean in the event of, among other
things, breaches of the representations, warranties and covenants of Berkeley
Farms and the Berkeley Farms Shareholders in the Merger Agreement or related
documents. See "The Merger Agreement--Indemnification Escrow Agreement;
Shareholder Claims."
ANTITRUST CONSIDERATIONS
The HSR Act provides that certain acquisition transactions, including the
Merger, may not be consummated until certain information has been furnished to
the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission and certain waiting
period requirements have been satisfied. Early termination of the applicable
waiting period under the HSR Act was obtained on October 2, 1998.
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
The Merger will be accounted for under the "purchase" method of accounting,
whereby the fair market value of the aggregate shares of Dean Common Stock
issued and cash paid in connection with the Merger will be allocated to the
tangible and identifiable intangible assets and liabilities of Berkeley Farms.
Any excess purchase price over the estimated fair market value of the net
assets of Berkeley Farms will be amortized over a period up to 40 years.
THE MERGER AGREEMENT
The following description of the Merger Agreement does not purport to be
complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Merger
Agreement, a copy of which (excluding the Exhibits thereto other than Exhibit
B, the Indemnification Escrow Agreement) is attached as Appendix A to this
Proxy Statement/Prospectus and incorporated herein by reference.
EFFECTIVE TIME OF THE MERGER
The Merger will become effective upon the filing of an agreement of merger
with the Secretary of State of the State of California.
EFFECT OF THE MERGER
At the Effective Time, Berkeley Farms will be merged with and into Merger
Sub and the separate corporate existence of Berkeley Farms will cease. The
Articles of Merger provide that the articles of incorporation and bylaws of
Merger Sub, as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, will remain
unchanged except that the name of Merger Sub will be changed to Berkeley
Farms, Inc. The directors and officers of Merger Sub immediately following the
Effective Time will be the persons specified in the Exhibit A attached to the
Merger Agreement.
8
The Merger Agreement provides for the conversion of each outstanding share
of Berkeley Farms Common Stock (other than any such share as to which
statutory dissenters' rights have been perfected) into the right to receive,
in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement, the following
consideration:
(x) shares of Dean Common Stock having an aggregate Closing Price equal to
approximately $37.99, except that the aggregate number of shares of
Dean Common Stock into which each Berkeley Farms Shareholder's Berkeley
Farms Common Stock are so converted will be rounded down to the next
lower whole number of shares (such shares of Dean Common Stock will be
delivered into escrow as discussed under "--Indemnification Escrow
Agreement; Shareholder Claims" below); and
(y) subject to partial substitution of Dean Common Stock in a specified
event as described below, $1,147.33 in cash; provided that the holder
of such share of Berkeley Farms Common Stock may elect to receive in
lieu of such cash shares of Dean Common Stock having an aggregate
Closing Price equal to $1,128.33 (except that cash will be paid in lieu
of any fractional share of Dean Common Stock otherwise issuable to the
holder).
To be effective, such an election to receive Dean Common Stock in lieu of
cash for any share of Berkeley Farms Common Stock (properly completed) must be
received by Dean by the close of business on October 30, 1998. See "--Election
Procedure." A Berkeley Farms Shareholder may elect to receive Dean Common
Stock in lieu of cash for all or only certain of his or her shares of Berkeley
Farms Common Stock.
The Merger Agreement provides that the aggregate cash (excluding cash paid
in lieu of fractional interests) paid in the Merger will not exceed
$30,700,000 less the product of $1,185.32 multiplied by the number of shares
of Berkeley Farms Common Stock with respect to which statutory dissenters'
rights have been perfected. In the event that, after giving effect to any
effective elections to receive Dean Common Stock in lieu of cash, the
aggregate cash that would otherwise be paid in the Merger exceeds such maximum
amount, cash in such maximum amount ($30,700,000 in the event no statutory
dissenters' rights are perfected) will be prorated among those Berkeley Farms
Shareholders who are to receive any cash in the Merger on the basis of the
respective amounts of cash otherwise to be received by such Shareholders, and
Dean Common Stock (valued at the Closing Price) will be paid to each such
Shareholder in an amount equal to approximately 98.34% (i.e., $1,128.33
divided by $1,147.33) of the difference between the amount of cash otherwise
to be received by such Shareholder and the cash actually received by such
Shareholder in the Merger. Thus, the actual number of shares of Dean Common
Stock and actual amount of cash ultimately received by a Berkeley Farms
Shareholder who desires to receive any cash will depend upon the elections of
other Berkeley Farms Shareholders, and under certain circumstances a Berkeley
Farms Shareholder may receive more shares of Dean Common Stock and less cash
than desired. See "--Pro Ration of Cash."
In connection with the consummation of the Merger, an escrow will be
established as collateral security for the satisfaction by the Berkeley Farms
Shareholders of their indemnification obligations related to the Merger
Agreement, and approximately $2,000,000 (valued at the Closing Price) of the
Dean Common Stock payable by Dean in the Merger (pro rated among the Berkeley
Farms Shareholders based on their Berkeley Farms shareholdings) will be
delivered into such escrow in lieu of being delivered to the Berkeley Farms
Shareholders. See "--Indemnification Escrow Agreement; Shareholder Claims."
The "Closing Price" of Dean Common Stock will be based on the average of the
last reported sales prices as reported by The Wall Street Journal for a share
of Dean Common Stock for each of the ten trading days ending on the day prior
to the Berkeley Farms Meeting.
No conversion of shares of Berkeley Farms Common Stock into shares of Dean
Common Stock and (unless otherwise elected) cash shall occur with respect to
any shares of Berkeley Farms Common Stock held by a shareholder who has
dissented from the Merger in accordance with the Chapter 13 of the General
Corporation Law of the State of California (the "California Corporation Law")
with respect to such shares (the "Dissenting Shares"). The fair value of the
Dissenting Share shall be determined, and the holders of the Dissenting Shares
9
shall be compensated, in accordance with the procedures set forth in the
California Corporation Law. The rights accruing from the Dissenting Shares
shall be limited to the rights provided in the California Corporation Law. See
"Rights of Dissenting Shareholders."
ELECTION PROCEDURE
Any Berkeley Farms Shareholder who desires to receive Dean Common Stock
instead of the $1,147.33 of cash otherwise payable in the Merger for any share
of Berkeley Farms Common Stock must sign and date the form of election (the
"Election") which accompanies this Proxy Statement/Prospectus and timely
deliver such Election to Dean Foods Company, 3600 North River Road, Franklin
Park, Illinois 60131, Attention: Eric A. Blanchard, Secretary. Such election
shall be made on a share by share basis, and so a Berkeley Farms Shareholder
may elect to receive Dean Common Stock in lieu of such cash for certain of his
or her shares of Berkeley Farms Common Stock and to receive such cash for
other shares of such Stock. Any Berkeley Farms Common Stock with respect to
which a proper Election to receive Dean Common Stock in the Merger has not
been received by Dean by the close of business on October 30, 1998 will
receive the $1,147.33 in cash (subject to the pro ration provisions described
under "--Pro Ration of Cash" below). Delivery of the Election to Dean will be
deemed made only if and when the Election is actually received by Dean at the
above specified address. The method of delivery of the Election is at the
option and risk of the delivering Berkeley Farms Shareholder and the risk of
loss or delay of any Election is with such delivering Shareholder. If delivery
is by mail, registered mail with return receipt requested, properly insured,
is recommended. Delivery by overnight courier may be advisable.
PRO RATION OF CASH
Under no circumstances will the total amount of cash paid in the Merger with
respect to shares of Berkeley Farms Common Stock other than shares of Berkeley
Farms Common Stock as to which statutory dissenters rights have been perfected
(the "Dissenting Shares"), excluding any cash consideration paid with respect
to fractional shares, exceed $30,700,000 less the product of $1,185.32
multiplied by the number of Dissenting Shares (the "Maximum Cash"). If after
giving effect to all proper Elections, such total amount of cash would
otherwise exceed the Maximum Cash, the Maximum Cash shall be pro-rated among
those Berkeley Farms Shareholders who have elected or are deemed to have
elected to receive cash with respect to any shares on the basis of the
respective amounts of cash elected or deemed elected, and each such Berkeley
Farms Shareholder shall receive, in lieu of the amount of cash elected or
deemed elected by such Berkeley Farms Shareholder but not paid, Dean Common
Stock (valued at the Closing Price) in an amount equal to approximately 98.34%
of the difference between the amount of cash otherwise to be received by such
Shareholder and the cash actually received by such Shareholder in the Merger.
SHARE CONVERSION; EXCHANGE AND PAYMENTS
At the Closing, Berkeley Farms and its stockholders will deliver to Dean
certificates representing all of the shares of Berkeley Farms Common Stock,
other than the Dissenting Shares. Dean will then deliver to a representative
of the Berkeley Farms Shareholders, a certificate representing that number of
shares of Dean Common Stock which each Shareholder is entitled to receive at
the Closing (other than the shares to be paid into an escrow fund) plus any
cash to which a Shareholder may be entitled. See "--Indemnification Escrow
Agreement; Shareholder Claims."
Berkeley Farms Shareholders should note that unless the Effective Time
occurs prior to the record date for Dean's next quarterly dividend, they will
not receive such dividend. It is currently anticipated that the record date
for the next quarterly dividend will be November 13, 1998.
10
CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF EACH PARTY TO EFFECT THE MERGER
Conditions Precedent to Obligations of Dean and Merger Sub. Under the Merger
Agreement, the obligations of Dean and Merger Sub are subject to the
satisfaction of the following conditions:
(a) The representations and warranties of each of the Berkeley Farms
Shareholders and Berkeley Farms contained in the Merger Agreement or
otherwise made in writing by them or on their behalf shall be true and
correct in all material respects at and as of the Closing Date and each of
the agreements and conditions to be performed or satisfied by the Berkeley
Farms Shareholders or Berkeley Farms at or prior to the Closing Date shall
have been duly performed or satisfied.
(b) Berkeley Farms shall have furnished Dean and Merger Sub with a
favorable opinion of Stark, Wells, Rahl, Schwartz and Schieffer, counsel
for Berkeley Farms, regarding certain corporate matters.
(c) Each of the directors and officers of Berkeley Farms shall have
executed and delivered to Berkeley Farms their resignations as directors
and officers of Berkeley Farms effective as of the Closing Date.
(d) Berkeley Farms shall have obtained the consents of third parties
required in order that the consummation of the transactions contemplated
under the Merger Agreement not constitute events which of themselves, or
with the giving of notice or the passage of time or both, could constitute,
on the part of Berkeley Farms, a violation of, or could conflict with or
result in any breach of, or any default under the terms, conditions or
provisions of, any judgment, law or regulation, or the articles of
incorporation or bylaws of Berkeley Farms, or any agreement or instrument
to which Berkeley Farms is a party or by which it is bound, or could result
in the creation or imposition of any lien, security interest, charge or
encumbrance of any nature whatsoever on the property or assets of Berkeley
Farms, or could result in the acceleration of the due date of any
obligation of Berkeley Farms.
(e) No law, statute, rule or regulation shall have been enacted or
promulgated, nor shall any suit, action or proceeding be pending or
threatened before or by any court or governmental body, (a) either seeking
to restrain or prohibit, or seeking damages or other relief in connection
with, the execution and delivery of the Merger Agreement or the
consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby or (b) directly or
indirectly, (i) imposing material limitations on the ability of Dean or
Merger Sub effectively to acquire or hold or to exercise full rights of
ownership of Berkeley Farms, (ii) imposing material limitations on the
ability of Berkeley Farms to continue effectively all or any material
portion of its business as heretofore conducted or to continue to own or
operate effectively all or any material portion of its assets as heretofore
owned or operated, (iii) imposing material limitations on the ability of
Dean or Merger Sub to continue effectively all or any material portion of
the business of Berkeley Farms as heretofore conducted or to continue to
own or operate effectively all or any material portion of the assets of
Berkeley Farms as heretofore owned or operated, or (iv) having or
potentially having, in the reasonable judgment of Dean or Merger Sub, a
material adverse effect on the condition (financial or other), operating
results, assets, liabilities, customer or employee relations, business or
prospects of Berkeley Farms.
(f) Dean and Merger Sub shall have received from Berkeley Farms surveys
of certain real property prepared by a registered land surveyor, and
including legal descriptions and certifications, in form reasonably
satisfactory to counsel for Dean and Merger Sub, showing the boundary lines
and location of such real property and the location of all buildings and
improvements thereon in compliance with the standards of the American Land
Title Association and the title insurer's requirements for issuance of its
extended coverage endorsement; provided that under certain circumstances
receipt of such surveys will not be a condition to the obligations of Dean
and Merger Sub.
(g) Dean and Merger Sub shall have obtained from Berkeley Farms a
preliminary title report dated within 90 days prior to the Closing Date
from a reputable title insurance company, reasonably satisfactory to Dean
and Merger Sub, reflecting that Berkeley Farms has good, marketable and
insurable title in fee simple to certain real estate, free and clear of all
material encumbrances, insuring the title of Berkeley Farms in all of such
real property.
11
(h) All of the Berkeley Farms Shareholders shall have entered into an
indemnification escrow agreement in the form attached to the Merger
Agreement as Exhibit 1 (the "Indemnification Escrow Agreement").
(i) The terms of the Merger Agreement and the Merger shall have been
approved by Berkeley Farms Shareholders owning at least 90% of the Berkeley
Farms Common Stock.
(j) All shares of Dean Common Stock to be issued pursuant to the Merger
shall have been approved for listing on the New York Stock Exchange,
subject to official notice of issuance.
(k) Any waiting period (and any extension thereof) applicable to the
consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement under
the HSR Act shall have expired or been terminated and the transactions
contemplated by the Merger Agreement can be consummated in their entirety
without (i) divestiture or disposition of any of the assets of Berkeley
Farms, (ii) any modification in the structure of the transaction
contemplated by the Merger Agreement, (iii) the Berkeley Farms
Shareholders, Berkeley Farms, Dean or Merger Sub entering into any consent
agreement or other restriction imposed on the Berkeley Farms Shareholders,
Berkeley Farms, Dean or Merger Sub after the Closing Date or (iv) any other
concession by the parties hereto mandated by the U.S. Justice Department or
other state or federal antitrust enforcement agency as a condition of
consummating the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement.
(l) All of the Berkeley Farms Shareholders (except Randy Sabatte, Pat
McChristy, Patrick Roland and Norman Alberts) involved in the business of
Berkeley Farms as of the date of the Merger Agreement shall have executed
non-compete agreements in favor of Berkeley Farms, Dean and Merger Sub.
(m) Dean, Merger Sub or Berkeley Farms shall have purchased from Berkeley
Land an approximately 4.6 acre real estate parcel adjacent to the
processing facility of Berkeley Farms in Hayward, California for $1,000,000
and on certain other terms and conditions.
(n) There shall have been no uninsured damage, destruction or loss by
fire or other casualty to any of the properties and assets of Berkeley
Farms or any acquisition or taking of property by any governmental
authority, which in either case or in the aggregate materially and
adversely affects the conduct of the business of Berkeley Farms.
(o) All obligations owed to Berkeley Farms by Berkeley Land and
Mercantile Finance Company shall have been paid in full on or prior to the
Closing Date.
(p) Berkeley Farms shall have exercised the minimum 12 month extended
reporting provision under its Fiduciary Liability Policy FRP 000 0213-03
and Employment Practices Liability Policy 0085-65517; the Company shall
also have exercised the unlimited Employee Benefits Errors and Omission
Insurance Supplemental Extended Reporting Period under its Policy P TV-
444738 0099.
Conditions Precedent to the Obligations of Berkeley Farms and the Berkeley
Farms Shareholders. The obligations of Berkeley Farms and the Berkeley Farms
Shareholders are subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions:
(a) The representations and warranties of Dean and Merger Sub contained
in the Merger Agreement or otherwise made in writing by them or on their
behalf shall be true and correct in all material respects at and as of the
Closing Date and each of the agreements and conditions to be performed or
satisfied by Dean and Merger Sub at or prior to the Closing Date shall have
been duly performed or satisfied.
(b) Dean and Merger Sub shall have furnished the Berkeley Farms
Shareholders with a favorable opinion of Eric A. Blanchard, General Counsel
for Dean, regarding certain corporate matters.
(c) No suit, action or proceeding shall be pending or threatened before
or by any court or governmental body seeking to restrain or prohibit, or
damages or other relief in connection with, the Merger Agreement or the
related transactions.
(d) Dean and Merger Sub shall have entered into the Indemnification
Escrow Agreement.
12
(e) All shares of Dean Common Stock to be issued pursuant to the Merger
shall have been approved for listing on the New York Stock Exchange,
subject to official notice of issuance.
(f) Dean, Merger Sub or Berkeley Farms shall have purchased from Berkeley
Land an approximately 4.6 acre real estate parcel adjacent to the
processing facility of Berkeley Farms in Hayward, California for $1,000,000
and on such other terms and conditions as are mutually agreed to by the
parties to the Merger Agreement.
(g) Since May 31, 1998, there shall not have been any material adverse
changes in the financial condition or operating results of Dean and its
subsidiaries, taken as a whole, other than changes arising out of facts,
conditions or events that adversely affect the industries in which Dean
participates or the economy of the United States of America in general.
(h) Berkeley Farms and the Berkeley Farms Shareholders shall have
received an opinion of Venture Counsel Associates, LLP ("Venture Counsel"),
special tax counsel to Berkeley Farms, dated the Closing Date,
substantially to the effect that, on the basis of facts, representations
and assumptions set forth in such opinion which are consistent with the
state of facts existing at the Closing Date, the Merger will be treated for
federal income tax purposes as a reorganization within the meaning of
Section 368(a) of the Code provided that receipt of such opinion shall not
be a condition to the obligations of the Berkeley Farms Shareholders and
Berkeley Farms unless the Federal tax laws (including the Code,
regulations, ruling and case law) change between the date of the Merger
Agreement and the Closing such that Venture Counsel is unable to deliver
such opinion.
AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT
Termination or Abandonment. The Merger Agreement may be terminated and the
Merger may be abandoned at any time prior to the Effective Time, whether
before or after approval of the Merger by the Berkeley Farms Shareholders:
(a) By Dean or Merger Sub if prior to the Closing Date any of the assets
of Berkeley Farms is damaged, destroyed or lost by fire or other casualty
or acquired or taken by any governmental authority, which damage,
destruction or loss is material to the conduct of its business (Dean may in
lieu of terminating the Merger Agreement as a result thereof reduce the
purchase price to be paid in the Merger to the extent of such loss, net of
insurance and other such proceeds).
(b) By Dean or Merger Sub if the Berkeley Farms Meeting is held and
Berkeley Farms Shareholders owning at least 90% of the Berkeley Farms
Common Stock do not approve the Merger Agreement.
(c) By Dean or Merger Sub, upon notice to Berkeley Farms, if the
conditions to the obligations of Dean and Merger Sub to close have not been
satisfied on or before December 12, 1998 (the "Termination Date") or if
Berkeley Farms shall have failed to complete the Closing despite
satisfaction of the conditions precedent to its obligations on or before
the Termination Date.
(d) By Berkeley Farms, upon notice to Dean and Merger Sub, if the
conditions to the obligations of Berkeley Farms shall not have been
satisfied on or before the Termination Date of if Dean and Merger Sub shall
have failed to complete the Closing despite satisfaction of the conditions
precedent to their obligations on or before the Termination Date.
(e) At any time by mutual agreement of the Boards of Directors of Dean,
Merger Sub and Berkeley Farms;
provided, however, that no party shall have the right to terminate the Merger
Agreement unilaterally if the event giving rise to such right shall be
primarily attributable to such party or to any shareholder, employee, agent or
representative of such party.
Amendment. The Merger Agreement may be amended in any manner and at any time
prior to the submission of the Merger to the Berkeley Farms Shareholders and
after such submission may be amended to make amendments which, in the opinion
of the respective counsel for Dean and Berkeley Farms, do not substantially
13
alter the terms of the Merger Agreement or otherwise violate the California
Corporation Code, by written instrument stating that it is an amendment to the
Merger Agreement.
SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
The representations, warranties, covenants, agreements and indemnifications
provided for in the Merger Agreement will be unaffected by any investigation
made by or on behalf of any party thereto. All representations and warranties
(other than representations and warranties with respect to litigation,
compliance with laws, taxes, capitalization and environmental matters) made by
Berkeley Farms in the Merger Agreement will survive the Closing and continue
until 5 years after the Closing Date. Representations and warranties made by
Berkeley Farms in the Merger Agreement with respect to litigation, compliance
with laws, taxes, capitalization and environmental matters will survive the
Closing and continue until 30 days after the claims with respect thereto are
barred by the applicable statute of limitations. All covenants and agreements
of the parties to the Merger Agreement shall survive the Closing.
INSPECTION AND INFORMATION; CONFIDENTIALITY; NO NEGOTIATIONS; OPERATION OF
SURVIVING CORPORATION
Inspection and Information. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Dean and
Merger Sub may, through their representatives, accountants and attorneys, make
such investigation of the business, properties and assets of Berkeley Farms,
including without limitation contacting personnel, customers and suppliers of
Berkeley Farms, and of the financial and legal condition of Berkeley Farms, as
they may deem necessary or advisable. Berkeley Farms has agreed to make
available to such persons its books, tax returns, records and other data and
its personnel, customers and suppliers as may from time to time be reasonably
requested. Berkeley Farms has further agreed to furnish Dean and Merger Sub
with such financial and operating data and other information with respect to
the business, properties and assets and financial and legal condition of
Berkeley Farms as Dean and Merger Sub or their representatives, accountants
and attorneys from time to time reasonably request.
Confidentiality. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, the Berkeley Farms
Shareholders, Dean and Merger Sub have agreed that, whether or not the Merger
is effected, each of them will use its best efforts to keep confidential any
and all information and data with respect to the other parties which it has
received as a result of any investigation made in connection with the Merger
Agreement and which is not otherwise available to the parties; provided,
however, that each of them will be free to disclose any such information or
data to the extent required by applicable law and during the course of or in
connection with any litigation, arbitration or other proceeding based upon or
in connection with the subject matter of the Merger Agreement.
No Negotiations. Berkeley Farms and the Berkeley Farms Shareholders who are
parties to the Merger Agreement have agreed that, so long as the Merger
Agreement is in effect, Berkeley Farms and the Berkeley Farms Shareholders
shall not, directly or indirectly, through any officer, director, agent or
otherwise, solicit, initiate or encourage the submission of any proposal or
offer from any person or entity (including any of its officers or employees)
relating to any liquidation, dissolution or recapitalization of, merger or
consolidation with or into, or acquisition or purchase of assets of or of any
equity interest in, Berkeley Farms or relating to any other similar
transaction or business combination involving Berkeley Farms, or participate
in any discussions or negotiations regarding, or furnish to any other person
or entity except as required by legal process any information with respect to,
or otherwise cooperate in any way with, or assist or participate in,
facilitate or encourage, any effort or attempt by any other person or entity
to do or seek any of the foregoing. Berkeley Farms and the Berkeley Farms
Shareholders who are parties to the Merger Agreement have agreed that, so long
as the Merger Agreement is in effect, Berkeley Farms and the Berkeley Farms
Shareholders shall immediately notify Dean and Merger Sub if any such proposal
or offer, or any inquiry or contact with any person or entity with respect
thereto, is made.
INDEMNIFICATION ESCROW AGREEMENT; SHAREHOLDER CLAIMS
Indemnification Escrow Agreement. At the Closing, the Berkeley Farms
Shareholders will deliver to Dean the Indemnification Escrow Agreement
executed by each of the Berkeley Farms Shareholders, pursuant to which an
escrow will be established for the purpose of holding shares of Dean Common
Stock as collateral security for
14
the satisfaction by the Berkeley Farms Shareholders of their indemnification
obligations described in the Indemnification Escrow Agreement. Pursuant to the
Indemnification Escrow Agreement, Dean will deliver at the Closing to the
escrow agent under such Agreement certificates representing Dean Common Stock
having a value equal to approximately $2 million, assuming each share of Dean
Common Stock has a value equal to the Closing Price (the "Indemnity Fund").
Under the Indemnification Escrow Agreement, the Berkeley Farms Shareholders
will agree severally (pro rata in the percentages set forth in Exhibit A to
the Indemnification Escrow Agreement), to indemnify, defend and save harmless
Dean, Merger Sub and their respective successors and assigns (the "Dean
Parties") for the amount of any loss, liability, damage or expense (including
reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses and interest and penalties) suffered
or incurred by any of the Dean Parties arising out of or resulting from any of
the following (a "Payment Amount"):
(a) Any obligation or liability of any holder of Berkeley Farms Common
Stock with respect to Berkeley Farms Common Stock which any of the Dean
Parties at any time may be required to pay or become liable for (and the
Berkeley Farms Shareholder from whose shares such obligation or liability
arises shall be responsible for all of such Payment Amount).
(b) Any representation or warranty on the part of any Berkeley Farms
Shareholder or Berkeley Farms in the Merger Agreement, or in any
certificate or other document or instrument delivered to Dean or Merger Sub
(a "Related Document") thereunder by or on behalf of any Berkeley Farms
Shareholder or Berkeley Farms, being untrue in any respect.
(c) Any breach or nonfulfillment by any Berkeley Farms Shareholder or
Berkeley Farms of any covenant or agreement (other than those
representations, warranties or covenants set forth in Section 2 of the
Merger Agreement) on his, her or its part contained in the Merger Agreement
or any Related Document.
(d) Any liability of any of the Dean Parties for the payment of
dissenters' appraisal rights.
(e) All professional fees, costs and expenses incurred by Berkeley Farms
or the Berkeley Farms Shareholders in connection with the Merger which
exceed $50,000, provided that the total of such costs plus the amount paid
by Berkeley Farms at or prior to the close of escrow under the Merger
Agreement shall not exceed $100,000 (it being understood that should such
fees, costs and expenses exceed $100,000, the Dean Parties may recover such
amounts directly from the Berkeley Farms Shareholders).
(f) Any amount due to the escrow agent under the Indemnification Escrow
Agreement from the Berkeley Farms Shareholders in connection with an
indemnification obligation of the Berkeley Farms Shareholders to such
escrow agent.
(g) Any actions, suits, proceedings, demands or assessments incident to
any of the foregoing, and any investigation or defense against claims
which, if proven, would be covered thereby.
The Berkeley Farms Shareholders and Dean have agreed in the Indemnification
Escrow Agreement to jointly and severally (but as between them on a 50-50
basis) to indemnify and hold harmless the escrow agent under the
Indemnification Escrow Agreement from and against a customary range of
liabilities, losses and expenses, and the Escrow Fund will be offset by the
amount of any such indemnification required to be paid by the Berkeley Farms
Shareholders.
The Indemnity Fund will be paid out to the Berkeley Farms Shareholders five
years following the Closing Date, except for any portion of the Indemnity Fund
for which the Dean Parties shall have before such date made a claim for a
Payment Amount (which amounts retained in the Indemnity Fund shall be subject
to release pending resolution of the respective claim). However, cash
dividends and income actually earned with respect to the contents of the
Indemnity Fund and received by the escrow agent thereunder shall be paid out
to the Berkeley Farms Shareholders on a quarterly basis, net of any expenses
of such distribution.
Certain thresholds and other limitations with respect to the indemnification
obligations of the Berkeley Farms Shareholders are set forth in the
Indemnification Escrow Agreement.
15
Ronald Hufft will be the agent of all Berkeley Farms Shareholders for the
purposes of giving and receiving notices under the Indemnification Escrow
Agreement, executing, delivering and receiving any certificates, service of
process or other documents or doing any other actions which are required or
permitted to be done by the Berkeley Farms Shareholders under the
Indemnification Escrow Agreement. In the event of the death, incapacity,
resignation, removal or refusal to act of Ronald Hufft, the successor
representative shall be Merrill J. Schwartz; in the event of his death,
incapacity, resignation, removal or refusal to act, the successor
representative shall be such person as the majority in interest of the
Berkeley Farms Shareholders shall designate by written instrument delivered to
Dean the escrow agent under the Indemnification Escrow Agreement. The
Indemnification Escrow Agreement contains additional successor provisions.
During any period when no such representative is acting under the
Indemnification Escrow Agreement, the majority in interest of the Berkeley
Farms Shareholders shall act for the Berkeley Farms Shareholders
Berkeley Farms Shareholder Claims. Berkeley Farms has agreed not to settle
or compromise any claim brought by any shareholder of Berkeley Farms in
connection with the Merger prior to the Effective Time without the prior
written consent of Dean and Merger Sub.
RESTRICTIONS ON RESALES BY AFFILIATES
The shares of Dean Common Stock issuable in the Merger have been registered
under the Securities Act. Therefore, such shares may be traded freely and
without restriction by those Berkeley Farms Shareholders not deemed to be
"affiliates" of Berkeley Farms or Dean (as such term is used in Rule 145 under
the Securities Act). An affiliate of a specified person is defined in the
rules and regulations of the SEC as a person that, directly or indirectly
through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by, or is under
common control with, the person specified. Directors and executive officers of
a corporation are commonly deemed to be included among the affiliates of such
corporation.
Those persons who are deemed "affiliates" of Berkeley Farms or Dean will be
restricted from publicly selling the shares of Dean Common Stock they receive
in the Merger unless such sales are made pursuant to either an effective
registration statement under the Securities Act or an exemption from
registration. Dean is not required to provide any such registration statement
(and this Proxy Statement/Prospectus may not be used for selling such shares)
and it is not required to take any action to make any such exemption
available.
Persons who become affiliates of Dean generally will be able to sell shares
of Dean Common Stock received in the Merger pursuant to Rule 145 under the
Securities Act. In general, under Rule 145 an affiliate of Dean, together with
certain members of such affiliate's immediate family, will be entitled to sell
shares of Dean Common Stock received in the Merger only through unsolicited
"brokers' transactions" or in transactions directly with a "market maker," as
such terms are defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act. Additionally, the
number of such shares to be sold by an affiliate within any three-month period
under Rule 145 may not exceed the greater of 1% of the outstanding shares of
Dean Common Stock or the average weekly trading volume of such stock during
the four calendar weeks preceding such sale. It is not anticipated that any
shareholder of Berkeley Farms will become an affiliate of Dean.
Under Rule 145, for one year following the Merger, affiliates of Berkeley
Farms who do not become affiliates of Dean, and affiliates of Dean who
subsequently terminate their affiliate status, will be required to sell shares
of Dean Common Stock received in the Merger subject to the conditions
described above. It is not anticipated that this limitation will adversely
impact any shareholder of Berkeley Farms to any significant extent given that
the Dean Common Stock to be outstanding after the Merger will be approximately
40.0 million shares (assuming that the minimum number of shares of Dean Common
Stock are issued in the Merger); and thus the number of shares which can be
sold by an affiliate within any three-month period will be approximately
400,000 shares. After one year, such persons will be able to sell such Dean
Common Stock freely as long as Dean is current in its informational filings
under the Exchange Act. Two years after the Effective Time, such persons will
be able to sell such shares of Dean Common Stock without any restrictions as
long as they had not been affiliates of Dean for at least three months.
16
COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF SHAREHOLDERS
UNDER CALIFORNIA AND DELAWARE LAW
Berkeley Farms is a California corporation and the rights of its
shareholders are therefore governed by California law. If the Merger is
consummated, the Berkeley Farms Shareholders will become shareholders of Dean,
a Delaware corporation. While there are many similarities between California
and Delaware corporate law, the laws of each state are not identical.
Following is a summary of some of the more significant provisions of
California and Delaware law pertaining to shareholders' rights. This summary
is not intended to be a complete description of such provisions and is
qualified in its entirety by the corporation laws of California and of
Delaware.
VOTING RIGHTS
California and Delaware law provide that every shareholder of record,
regardless of class, is entitled to one vote per share of stock owned of
record, unless otherwise provided in the articles of incorporation in the case
of a California corporation or in the certificate of incorporation in the case
of a Delaware corporation (hereafter, the "articles of incorporation").
Berkeley Farms Shareholders are currently entitled to one vote per share of
Berkeley Farms Common Stock held by them. Berkeley Farms Shareholders who
receive Dean Common Stock in the Merger will be entitled to one vote per share
of Dean Common Stock issued to them.
QUORUM AT SHAREHOLDERS' MEETING
California and Delaware law provide that a majority of the shares entitled
to vote will constitute a quorum unless the articles of incorporation or a
bylaw adopted by the shareholders provide otherwise. In no event, however, may
the quorum be less than one-third of the shares entitled to vote. Dean's and
Berkeley Farms' Bylaws provide that a majority of the shares entitled to vote
constitutes a quorum.
MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS
Under California and Delaware law, special meetings of shareholders may be
called by the board of directors or by such other person as authorized by the
articles of incorporation or bylaws. Berkeley Farms' Bylaws provide that
special meetings of the shareholders may be called by the President, the Board
of Directors, or at the request of shareholders holding not less than one-
fifth of the outstanding shares entitled to vote at any meeting of
shareholders. Dean's Certificate of Incorporation requires the consent of
holders of 80% of Dean Common Stock in order for shareholders to call a
special meeting without the consent of its Board of Directors, Chairman or
President.
AMENDMENT OF THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
Under California law, with certain exceptions described below, an amendment
of the articles of incorporation must be approved by a majority of the shares
entitled to vote by each group of shareholders entitled to vote on the
proposed amendment. Unless the articles of incorporation provide otherwise,
the board of directors may amend the articles of incorporation without
shareholder approval: (i) to extend the duration of the corporation, if the
corporation was incorporated at a time when limited duration was required by
law; (ii) to delete the names and addresses of the initial directors; (iii) to
delete the name address of the initial registered agent for service of
process; and (iv) to effect a stock split of a class (including a
proportionate increase in the number of authorized shares) if the corporation
has only shares of that class outstanding.
Under Delaware law, an amendment to the articles of incorporation must be
approved by a majority of the outstanding stock of each class entitled to vote
thereon. Delaware law contains no provision which is comparable to the
California provisions permitting amendment of the articles of incorporation by
the board of directors without a vote of the shareholders. Dean's Certificate
of Incorporation requires an 80% shareholder vote to amend it in certain
respects. See "Description of Dean Capital Stock--Dean Common Stock."
17
EXTRAORDINARY CORPORATE TRANSACTIONS
California law provides that, unless a greater vote is required by the
articles of incorporation, a corporate reorganization such as a merger or sale
of substantially all of the corporation's assets must be approved by a
majority of each class entitled to vote, voting as a class. In addition,
California law imposes a requirement that a supermajority of shares vote in
favor of certain reorganization transactions, such as (i) a reorganization
transaction between an affiliated buyer and seller in which the majority
attempts to "cash out" the minority shareholders, (ii) a merger in which all
outstanding shares of the seller are to be cancelled without payment of
consideration in the merger, (iii) a reorganization transaction which provides
that a class or series of shares will receive a smaller percentage of
consideration in the transaction than would otherwise be required through the
application of the percentages in the articles of incorporation at the
dissolution of the corporation, (iv) a reorganization transaction in which a
class of shareholders is treated disparately, and (v) a reorganization in
which a nonprofit corporation is the surviving entity. On the other hand, a
vote of the shareholders is, with certain limited exceptions, not required in
a reorganization transaction in which the shareholders of the selling or
disappearing corporation have control of greater than five-sixths of the
voting power of the acquiring or surviving corporation.
Under California law, unless the articles of incorporation provide
otherwise, shareholder action is not required for the board of directors to:
(i) dispose of less than all or substantially all of the corporation's assets;
(ii) mortgage or encumber the corporation's assets; or (iii) transfer all
corporate assets if the transfer is in the regular and usual course of the
corporation's business. Any other sale, exchange or transfer of all or
substantially all of the corporation's assets requires approval of the holders
of a majority of the shares entitled to vote or, if the corporation receives
equity securities or certain types of debt securities in payment for the
assets, the approval of majority of the outstanding shares of each class of
shares voting as a class.
Under Delaware law, with certain exceptions, the holders of at least a
majority of the corporation's stock must approve a merger transaction. A
significant exception to the foregoing rule is that shareholder approval is
not required if the articles of incorporation are not changed as a result of
the merger and if the amount of common stock to be issued as a result of the
merger does not exceed twenty percent of the common stock outstanding
immediately prior to the merger.
Dean's Certificate of Incorporation provides that in the case of certain
mergers, sales of assets, issuances of securities, liquidations or
dissolutions or reclassifications or recapitalizations involving holders of
stock representing 5% or more of the voting power (a "Related Entity") of the
then outstanding Voting Stock (as hereinafter defined), such transactions must
be approved by at least 80% of the combined voting power of the then
outstanding Voting Stock, unless (a) such transaction would not otherwise
require a vote of stockholders, (b) the Dean Board of Directors shall have
approved, by resolution, a memorandum of understanding substantially
consistent with such transaction prior to the time any party to the
transaction became a Related Entity or an affiliate of a Related Entity or (c)
each party to the transaction other than Dean is a corporation of which the
majority of the outstanding voting shares of common stock are owned by Dean.
Dean's Certificate of Incorporation provides that the affirmative vote of the
holders of at least 80% of the total votes eligible to be cast in the election
of directors is required to amend, alter, change or repeal such provisions.
In addition to the general requirement of shareholder approval of mergers, a
corporation may under Delaware law sell, lease or exchange all or
substantially all of its property only if that transaction is approved by the
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the corporation's shares
entitled to vote. Also, as described elsewhere in this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus (see "Description of Dean Capital Stock"), under Delaware
law and with certain exceptions, Dean and its majority-owned subsidiaries
generally may not engage in one of the transactions described above or certain
other "business combinations" or transactions with an "interested stockholder"
within three years following the date the interested stockholder became such
unless such transaction: (i) is approved by Dean's Board of Directors prior to
the date the interested stockholder became such; or (ii) is with an interested
stockholder whose becoming such was so approved or who owned at least 85% of
the voting stock of Dean upon consummation of the transaction which resulted
in such interested stockholder becoming such.
18
VOLUNTARY DISSOLUTION
California law provides that approval of the holders of shares representing
at least fifty percent of the voting power of the corporation is necessary to
commence a voluntary dissolution of the corporation, unless the articles of
incorporation provides that the approval of a greater percentage of shares is
required. Delaware law requires that voluntary dissolution be approved by
resolution adopted by a majority of the directors and approved by a majority
of the shareholders entitled to vote thereon or, without board action, by
consent in writing of all shareholders entitled to vote thereon.
AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS
Under California law, shareholder action is generally not necessary to amend
the bylaws unless the articles of incorporation provide otherwise. The
shareholders do, however, have the right to amend, repeal or adopt bylaws.
Delaware law provides that the power to adopt, amend or repeal a corporation's
bylaws is conferred upon its stockholders alone unless its articles of
incorporation confers such power upon its directors. Dean's Certificate of
Incorporation permits the amendment or repeal of bylaws by its Board of
Directors or with the approval of the holders of 80% of Dean Common Stock.
DIVIDENDS
California law provides that the corporation may pay dividends if the
payment of such dividends is approved by the board of directors, provided
either that the corporation has retained earnings for that purpose or that it
meets a statutorily prescribed ratio of assets to liabilities, and provided
further that such distribution does not render the corporation insolvent. The
articles of incorporation may impose additional restrictions on the payment of
dividends by the corporation.
Under Delaware law, the board of directors may declare and pay dividends out
of surplus or, if there is not surplus, out of net profits for the fiscal year
in which the dividend is declared or in the preceding fiscal year. If the
capital of the corporation shall have been diminished in any way to an amount
less than the aggregate amount of the capital represented by the issued and
outstanding stock of all classes having a preference upon the distribution of
assets, the directors shall not declare and pay out of such net profits any
dividends upon any shares of any classes of capital stock until the deficiency
in the amount of capital represented by the issued and outstanding stock of
all classes having a preference upon the distribution of assets shall have
been repaired. The foregoing rights are subject to any additional restrictions
that the articles of incorporation may impose. The Dean Bylaws provide that
the board of directors may declare and make payable dividends at such times
and in such amounts as the board shall determine, which dividends may be paid
in cash, other property or in the form of a stock dividend. Before declaring
any dividend, the Board may set apart out of any funds of the corporation
available for dividends, a reserve for working capital, or to meet
contingencies, or for any other lawful purpose and may, from time to time,
abolish or decrease such reserves.
DISSENTERS' RIGHTS
California law provides that shareholders who are entitled to vote on a
reorganization transaction or share exchange transaction may dissent from the
transaction and have their shares purchased, in whole or in part, by the
corporation at fair market value. Fair market value is established based upon
proposals by the corporation and the shareholder, or, if they are unable to
agree, by the Superior Court, with or without the assistance of an appraiser.
The dissenters' rights do not apply to shareholders of any class of securities
listed on a national securities exchange certified by the California
Commissioner of Corporations or listed on the list of OTC margin stocks issued
by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System unless (i) more than
five percent of a class voting on the reorganization or share exchange
dissents; or (ii) shares are subject to a restriction on transfer, whether
legal or otherwise. The process of asserting dissenters' rights in the Merger
are described in greater detail below under "Rights of Dissenting
Shareholders".
19
Delaware law provides that shareholders who are entitled to vote on a merger
or consolidation transaction may dissent from the transaction and have their
shares purchased at appraised fair market value as determined by the Chancery
Court upon petition by the corporation or by a dissenting shareholder.
Appraisal rights are not available (i) to holders of shares which at the
record date were either listed on a national securities exchange or designated
as national market system securities or (ii) held of record by more than 2,000
shareholders, unless the holders are required to accept for exchange of their
shares anything except one of the following: stock of the surviving
corporation, or stock of any other corporation whose stock is either listed on
a national securities exchange or designated as national market system
securities or is held of record by more than 2,000 stockholders, or, in the
case of fractional shares of such corporations, cash in lieu of such
fractional shares, or any combination of each of the foregoing. Under Delaware
law, a corporation's articles of incorporation may provide for appraisal
rights with respect to amendments to its articles of incorporation, or to the
sale of substantially all of the corporation's assets.
RIGHT OF INSPECTION
Under California law, any shareholder or holder of a voting trust
certificate may, upon written demand, inspect and copy the corporation's
record of shareholders, the corporation's accounting books and records and the
corporate book during the corporation's normal business hours for any purpose
reasonably related to the shareholder's interests as a shareholder or a
certificate holder. In addition, shareholders who individually or in the
aggregate hold five percent or more of the voting shares of the corporation
(or one percent in the case of a corporation that files a Schedule A with the
Securities and Exchange Commission) have the absolute right to: (i) inspect
and copy the record of shareholders during the corporation's normal business
hours on five business days' prior written demand; and (ii) obtain a copy of
the list from the transfer agent upon payment of the usual charges for such a
list.
Under Delaware law, shareholders have the right, upon written demand under
oath stating the purpose thereof, to inspect for any proper purpose, a
corporation's stock ledger, a list of its stockholders and its other books and
records and to make copies thereof.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Under California law, all directors are elected annually at the annual
shareholders meeting unless the corporation is a "listed corporation" (a
corporation that is listed on the New York or the American Stock Exchange, or,
if it meets certain additional criteria, a corporation that is qualified for
trading on the NASDAQ system). A listed corporation may provide for a
classified board of directors with two- or three-year terms. Shareholders may
cumulate their votes in any election of directors unless the corporation is a
listed corporation, which may eliminate cumulative voting by amendment to the
articles or bylaws. The number of directors and the establishment of either a
fixed number of directors or a variable number of directors are determined by
the shareholders through approval of or amendment to the corporation's bylaws.
If the bylaws provide that the corporation may have a variable number of
directors, the board of directors may establish and change the number of
directors to any number within that range. Unless the articles or bylaws of
the corporation provide otherwise, a vacancy in the board of directors may be
filled either by the board of directors or the shareholders unless the vacancy
was created by the removal of a director, in which event the vacancy may be
filled only by the shareholders.
Under Delaware law and under Dean's Certificate of Incorporation, Dean's
directors are elected by a plurality of votes cast in the election of
directors without cumulative voting. Dean's directors serve staggered, three-
year terms which means that only approximately one-third of Dean's Board of
Directors may be replaced by Dean shareholders each year. Dean's Certificate
of Incorporation provides that the number of directors cannot exceed 12. Under
Delaware law, a corporation's board of directors may fill any vacancies on the
board, including vacancies resulting from an increase in the authorized number
of directors.
20
REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS
Under California law, unless the articles of incorporation or a bylaw
adopted by the shareholders provides otherwise, the shareholders may, by
majority vote, remove either a single director or the entire board of
directors with or without cause, provided that no individual director may be
removed (unless the entire board of directors is removed) if the votes cast
against the director's removal would be sufficient to elect a director at an
election in which the shareholder vote is cumulated.
Under Delaware law, directors may be removed with or without cause unless
the board is staggered. Dean shareholders may only remove directors for cause
because directors are elected to serve staggered terms.
SHAREHOLDER DERIVATIVE SUITS
California and Delaware both permit shareholders to bring derivative suits
in order to redress a wrong done to the corporation. Under the law of each
state, the shareholder must either have been a shareholder at the time of the
action complained of or must have acquired the shares by operation of law from
someone who was a shareholder at the time of the action that is the basis for
the suit. California also permits a shareholder to bring an action in certain
limited circumstances even if that shareholder became a shareholder after the
occurrence of the wrongful conduct if the wrongful conduct is not disclosed
prior to the time that the shareholder acquires the shares. Under the laws of
both California and Delaware, the shareholder must first demand that the board
of directors address the problem before bringing the suit. Under Delaware law,
if a shareholder ceases to be a shareholder during the suit, he or she loses
standing to maintain it.
DIRECTOR LIABILITY
The laws of California and Delaware permit corporations to adopt a provision
in their articles of incorporation eliminating the liability of a director to
the corporation or its shareholders for monetary damages for breach of the
director's fiduciary duty of care to the corporation and its shareholders.
Neither state permits the elimination of liability for breaches of loyalty,
for bad faith conduct, for intentional misconduct, transactions from which the
director derives an improper benefit, or for the illegal payment of dividends.
California, in addition, prohibits the elimination of liability for conduct
that would constitute the reckless disregard of a director's duty or the
director's abdication of duty and transactions in which in which the director
is an interested party.
Berkeley Farms' Articles of Incorporation have not been amended to include
an indemnification provision. Dean's Certificate of Incorporation includes
such a provision.
INDEMNIFICATION
Delaware law and California law each authorize a corporation by charter,
bylaw, contract or resolution to indemnify or agree to indemnify certain
persons against liability and litigation expense, including reasonable
attorneys' fees. The persons who may receive indemnification include the
corporation's officers, directors, employees, and agents, and any person who
is or was serving at the corporation's request as a director, officer,
employee or agent of another entity or as a trustee or administrator under an
employee benefit plan, provided that the matter indemnified against arises out
of their status as such or out of their activities in any of the foregoing
capacities. To be eligible for indemnification, the person requesting
indemnification must have acted in good faith and in a manner that the person
reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the corporation. In
criminal actions, the person seeking indemnification must have had no
reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. No
indemnification may be made by the corporation in actions brought by or on
behalf of the corporation where the person seeking indemnification has been
held liable to the corporation in an action brought by or on behalf of the
corporation unless the court specifically orders the indemnification.
Additionally, the law of each state requires a corporation to provide
indemnification whenever the officer, director or other person is successful
in his or her defense. Under Delaware law and Dean's Certificate of
Incorporation, Dean
21
has extended indemnification to all persons who have ceased to be officers,
directors or other such persons, and to their heirs, executors and
administrators.
Dean's Certificate of Incorporation provides for mandatory indemnification
to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. In addition, Dean has entered
into indemnification agreements with its directors and officers and maintains
policies of insurance with respect to such indemnification. A more complete
description is included in Part II of the Registration Statement of which this
Proxy Statement/Prospectus comprises a part.
Berkeley Farms' Articles of Incorporation do not make any special provision
for indemnification.
RIGHTS OF DISSENTING SHAREHOLDERS
Pursuant to Chapter 13 of Division 1 of Title One of the California
Corporations Code (commencing with Section 1300), any Berkeley Farms
Shareholder who objects to the Merger and desires to receive the fair market
value of his or her Berkeley Farms Common Stock may do so if he or she
complies with the provisions of Chapter 13 pertaining to the exercise of
dissenters' rights (any such shareholder who complies with such provisions of
Article 13 hereinafter is referred to as a "Dissenting Shareholder").
Following is a summary of such provisions of Chapter 13 and is qualified in
its entirety by reference to such provisions. A copy of Chapter 13 accompanies
this Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
Chapter 13 provides that a dissenting shareholder desiring to object to the
Merger and to receive payment in cash for his or her Berkeley Farms Common
Stock must vote his or her shares against, or abstain from voting on, the
Merger. The Merger Agreement provides that a condition precedent to Dean's and
BFD's obligation to close is that the terms of the Merger Agreement shall have
been approved by shareholders owning at least 90% of the Berkeley Farms Common
Stock.
If the Merger is approved by a majority of the Berkeley Farms shares,
Berkeley Farms is required to send to each shareholder who has not voted in
favor of the Merger a notice of approval of the Merger within 10 days after
the date of such approval accompanied by a copy of Sections 1300 through 1304
of the California Corporations Code, a statement of the price determined by
Merger Sub to represent the fair market value of the dissenting shares and a
brief description of the procedure to be followed if the shareholder desires
to exercise his or her rights under such sections. Any Dissenting Shareholder
who voted for or consented in writing to the Merger shall not be entitled to
the aforesaid notice or to receive payment of the fair market value of his or
her shares.
Each Dissenting Shareholder who desires Merger Sub to purchase his or her
shares must make written demand upon Merger Sub for the purchase of such
shares and the payment to the shareholder in cash of their fair market value.
Such demand must be received by Merger Sub not later than 30 days after the
date on which the notice of the approval of the Merger was mailed to the
Dissenting Shareholder. The demand must state the number of shares which the
Dissenting Shareholder demands that Merger Sub purchase and must contain a
statement of what such shareholder claims to be the fair market value of those
shares as of the day before the announcement of the proposed Merger. In
addition, within such 30 day period, the Dissenting Shareholder must deliver
to Merger Sub his or her certificates representing any shares which the
Dissenting Shareholder demands Merger Sub purchase.
Payment of the fair market value of dissenting shares must be made within 30
days after the date upon which the Dissenting Shareholder and Merger Sub have
agreed upon the fair market value of the dissenting shares or within 30 days
after any statutory or contractual conditions to the reorganization have been
satisfied, whichever is later. If the parties are unable to agree upon the
fair market value of the shares, the Dissenting Shareholder must, within six
months after the date on which notice of approval of the Merger was mailed to
the shareholder, file a complaint in the Superior Court in the county where
the principal executive office of the
22
company is located or, if such principal executive office is not located in
California, in Sacramento County, asking the court to determine the fair
market value of the dissenting shares.
At the trial of the lawsuit referred to above, the court first determines
the status of the shares as dissenting shares if that is an issue. If the fair
market value of the dissenting shares is an issue, the court determines or
appoints one or more impartial appraisers to determine the fair market value
of the shares. Judgment shall be rendered against Merger Sub for payment of an
amount equal to the fair market value of the dissenting shares, and such
judgment shall be payable upon the endorsement and delivery to Merger Sub of
the certificates for the shares. The costs of the lawsuit, including
compensation to the appraisers, shall be assessed or apportioned as the court
determines equitable. If the appraisal exceeds the price offered by Merger
Sub, Merger Sub must pay the costs (including in the discretion of the court
attorneys' fees, fees of expert witnesses and interest at the legal rate if
the value awarded by the court for the shares is more than 125% of the price
specified by Merger Sub in its notice referred to above).
The determination of "fair market value" necessarily involves matters of
judgment upon which reasonable persons may disagree.
The Dean Parties are entitled to indemnification out of the Indemnity Fund
with respect to any liability of the Dean Parties for the payment of
dissenters' appraisal rights.
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
The following summary of the federal income tax consequences which are
considered material to Berkeley Farms Shareholders sets forth the opinion of
Venture Counsel Associates, LLP, tax counsel to Berkeley Farms (hereinafter
"Counsel"). The federal income tax consequences of the Merger will depend in
part on the particular facts and circumstances applicable to each Berkeley
Farms Shareholder. The summary does not purport to discuss all potential tax
issues or consequences that may be relevant to a particular Berkeley Farms
Shareholder in light of his or her personal circumstances. For example,
persons who acquired their Berkeley Farms Common Stock by gift, devise or
inheritance and persons who do not hold Berkeley Farms Common Stock as a
capital asset may be subject to special rules not discussed below. Therefore,
each Berkeley Farms Shareholder is urged to consult his or her own tax advisor
regarding the tax consequences of the Merger to him or her. In addition, no
opinion is provided as to (1) any federal income tax consequences other than
as expressly set forth herein, (2) any state and local tax consequences, or
(3) any federal estate or gift tax consequences.
In connection with its opinion, Counsel has examined (1) the Merger
Agreement, (2) the form of Indemnification Escrow Agreement and (3) this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus. Counsel has assumed the genuineness of all signatures
and the authority of all signatories on all documents examined by it, the
genuineness and authenticity of all documents submitted to it, and the
conformity to originals of all copies submitted to it. With respect to factual
matters which Counsel has considered material in rendering this opinion,
Counsel has relied, without any independent verification, upon the statements
of fact set forth in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus and on certain written
representations supplied by Berkeley Farms, Merger Sub and Dean. Counsel has
not conducted independent investigations to verify such facts, and its opinion
is limited to its actual knowledge of facts and circumstances existing as of
the date of this Proxy Statement/Prospectus. Such knowledge does not include
constructive knowledge nor any information that Counsel might have gained had
it performed independent investigations.
Counsel emphasizes that its opinion is subject to the qualifications,
assumptions and representations set forth in the following discussion. Any
inaccuracy in those factual statements or representations, including the
omission of any material facts, or any change in the relevant facts subsequent
to the date of this Proxy Statement/Prospectus could cause Counsel's opinion
to become inapplicable and would necessitate a reconsideration of Counsel's
opinion and could possibly result in conclusions differing from those set
forth below which conclusions could be unfavorable to some or all of the
Berkeley Farms Shareholders.
23
The opinion of Counsel is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code"), the income tax regulations issued by the Internal
Revenue Service (the "IRS"), including temporary and proposed regulations (the
"Treasury Regulations"), administrative rulings of the IRS, and judicial
decisions as of the date of this Proxy Statement/Prospectus--all of which are
subject to change at any time either prospectively or retroactively.
The opinion of Counsel is limited to the specific issues on which Counsel
provides an opinion in the following summary. No other issues are considered
and no conclusions or opinions pertaining to other issues should be inferred.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, no opinion is expressed
herein, or should be implied, concerning the state or local income tax
consequences of the Merger to any of Dean, Merger Sub, Berkeley Farms or any
shareholder in any of the foregoing entities.
Each Berkeley Farms Shareholder should be aware that the opinion of Counsel
is not binding on the IRS or the courts. Although the opinion of Counsel
expressed herein represents Counsel's best judgment as to how the issues would
likely be resolved if litigated, no assurance can be given Berkeley Farms
Shareholders that the IRS will not challenge Counsel's conclusions or opinions
or that such challenge, if made, will not be successful. It may be necessary
for Berkeley Farms Shareholders to resort to administrative or court
proceedings in an effort to sustain some or all of the conclusions stated in
Counsel's opinion. Such proceedings would cause the Berkeley Farms
Shareholders to incur attorneys' fees and possibly other litigation expenses.
Further, any such IRS challenge could lead to an IRS audit of each
shareholder's personal income tax return.
EACH BERKELEY FARMS SHAREHOLDER SHOULD CONSULT HIS OR HER OWN TAX ADVISOR
WITH RESPECT TO THE SPECIFIC FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL TAX CONSEQUENCES TO HIM
OR HER OF THE MERGER, OF THE OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF DEAN COMMON STOCK,
AND OF THE POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF CHANGES IN FEDERAL AND OTHER TAX LAWS.
CHARACTERIZATION OF TRANSACTION AS A REORGANIZATION
The Merger has been structured with the intention that it qualify as a
"reorganization" as defined in sections 368(a)(1)(A) and 368(a)(2)(D) of the
Code (hereinafter a "Reorganization"). The Merger takes the form of what is
known as a "forward triangular merger", i.e the merger of the target
corporation into the acquiring corporation using the stock of a corporation
which is in control of the acquiring corporation.
To qualify as a Reorganization under Code sections 368(a)(1)(A) and
368(a)(2)(D), the transaction must constitute a merger under the corporation
laws of the United States, any state or territory or the District of Columbia;
the acquiring corporation must be "controlled" by the corporation whose stock
will be issued to the shareholders of the target corporation; and no stock of
the acquiring corporation may be used in the transaction. The proposed Merger
will satisfy all of these statutory criteria. Berkeley Farms will be merged
into Merger Sub under California's corporation laws. Merger Sub is a wholly-
owned subsidiary of Dean and is thus controlled by Dean for this purpose. None
of Merger Sub's stock will be used in the transaction.
There is no requirement that a merger, in order to qualify as a
Reorganization under Code section 368(a)(2)(D), be accomplished solely by the
exchange of stock for stock. Some combination of stock plus cash or other
property may be employed. Under the terms of the Merger, up to $30,700,000,
being 50 percent of the consideration for Berkeley Farms Common Stock, can be
paid in cash at the option of the Berkeley Farms Shareholders. There is also
some chance that payments to certain dissenting shareholders or payments in
lieu of fractional shares could cause the total cash received by Berkeley
Farms Shareholders to exceed $30,700,000. The pertinent Treasury Regulations
state that "[a]lthough no stock of the acquiring corporation can be used in [a
forward triangular merger], there is no prohibition (other than the continuity
of interest requirement) against using other property, such as cash or
securities, of either the acquiring corporation or the parent or both."
24
In addition to the express statutory requirements of section 368(a)(1)(D) of
the Code, Treasury Regulations and relevant case law have established that the
following additional requirements must be satisfied if a transaction is to
qualify as a Reorganization: (1) the transaction must be motivated by a valid
business purpose, (2) the shareholders of the acquired corporation must
maintain a continuity of interest in the acquiring corporation (or the
corporation controlling it), and (3) the acquiring corporation must continue
the business enterprise of the acquired corporation.
Business Purpose. As a general rule, any gain or loss realized upon an
exchange of property constitutes gross income subject to federal income tax.
However, relevant Treasury Regulations provide that it is the "purpose of the
reorganization provisions of the Code . . . to except from the general rule
certain specifically described exchanges incident to such readjustments of
corporate structures . . . as are required by business exigencies . . ." Case
law has indicated that what is at issue is whether what is contemplated is
driven by "business exigencies" and has a goal "apart from the tax motive."
Dean is participating in the Merger for the purpose of expanding its presence
in the California dairy system. Berkeley Farms anticipates that Dean's
expertise and capital resources will contribute to future expansion and that
Dean's packaging techniques will assist in future marketing and sales efforts.
The objectives of both Dean/Merger Sub and Berkeley Farms should satisfy the
business purpose requirement for a Reorganization. They evidence a business
motivation for the Merger, establishing that it is not a mere device or
disguise, the true object and accomplishment of which is the consummation of a
preconceived plan having no business or corporate purpose.
Continuity of Interest. The continuity of interest requirement is designed
to separate sales from Reorganizations. In a sale, the shareholders of an
acquired corporation receive cash or other property and cease to have any
significant interest in the business of the corporation thereafter. In a
Reorganization, Treasury Regulations require that "a substantial part of the
proprietary interests in the target corporation be preserved" and this is the
case where a "proprietary interest in the target corporation . . . is
exchanged for a proprietary interest in the issuing corporation." A
proprietary interest "is not preserved if, in connection with the potential
reorganization, it is acquired by the issuing corporation for consideration
other than stock of the issuing corporation."
The fact that up to 50 percent of the consideration for Berkeley Farms
Common Stock can be paid in cash at the option of the Berkeley Farms
Shareholders does not sever the requisite continuity of interest. Under
current ruling guidelines, the IRS will consider the continuity of interest
requirement satisfied "if there is a continuing interest through stock
ownership in the acquiring or transferee corporation . . . on the part of the
former shareholders of the acquired or transferor corporation which is equal
in value . . . to at least 50 percent of the value of all of the formerly
outstanding stock of the acquired or transferor corporation . . ." The courts
have been even more generous in applying the requirement; the Supreme Court
has concluded that a continuing interest equal in value to approximately 38
percent of the value of the acquired company constituted "a definite and
substantial interest in the affairs of the purchasing corporation."
Until recently, the IRS had required that the shareholders of the acquired
corporation retain their equity interest in the acquiring corporation for a
period of time following the reorganization if the continuity of interest
requirement were to be satisfied. Judicial interpretation of the continuity of
interest rule was more flexible, focusing on intent at the time of the
reorganization rather than a minimum post-reorganization holding period. But
with respect to transactions occurring after January 28, 1998, the IRS no
longer requires post-reorganization continuity of interest, at least with
respect to dispositions to parties unrelated to the acquiring corporation.
Current Treasury Regulations state that, as concerns such transactions, "a
mere disposition of stock of the issuing corporation received in a potential
reorganization to persons not related . . . to the issuing corporation is
disregarded."
An indemnification escrow, to the extent that it could result in a post-
merger surrender of stock by the former shareholders of the acquired
corporation, could negate the requisite continuity of interest. The
indemnification escrow in this transaction, however, has been structured so
that all the Dean Common Stock held pursuant to the escrow will qualify for
nonrecognition of gain treatment and will not prevent the Merger
25
from qualifying as a Reorganization. Specifically, the Dean Common Stock will
be escrowed to assure performance by the former Berkeley Farms Shareholders of
their obligations to indemnify Dean for any loss, cost or damage incurred by
Dean by reason of the breach or failure of any warranty or representation by
the former Berkeley Farms Shareholders. All Dean Common Stock subject to the
escrow will be issued and outstanding on Dean's balance sheets and will be
legally outstanding under the law of the state of Dean's incorporation. Cash
dividends and income actually earned on the escrowed Dean Common Stock will be
distributed quarterly to the former Berkeley Farms Shareholders in whose name
it is registered. None of the shares of escrowed Dean Common Stock will be
subject to restrictions requiring their return to Dean because of the death or
failure to continue employment of any former Berkeley Farms Shareholder or
will be subject to any similar restrictions. Any remaining shares of the
escrowed Dean Common Stock will be released from escrow within five years of
the effective date of the Merger (unless there is a bona fide dispute as to
whom any of the Dean Common Stock should be released). At least 50 percent of
the number of shares of Dean Common Stock to be initially issued to the former
Berkeley Farms Shareholders is not subject to the indemnity escrow. The return
of escrowed shares will generally not be triggered by an event the occurrence
or nonoccurrence of which is within the control of the former Berkeley Farms
Shareholders nor will the return of the escrowed shares be triggered by
payment of additional tax or reduction of any tax paid as a result of an IRS
audit of the former Berkeley Farms Shareholders or Berkeley Farms with respect
to the Reorganization. Finally, the mechanism for the calculation of the
number of shares of Dean Common Stock to be returned is objective and readily
ascertainable.
These provisions of the escrow agreement for the most part mirror those
required by the IRS if it is to issue a ruling that a proposed transaction
constitutes a Reorganization. The courts have taken an even more liberal view
than the IRS in applying the continuity-of-interest requirement to
indemnification escrows. Counsel is therefore of the opinion that the
indemnity escrow will not constitute a bar to continuity of interest.
Continuity of Business Enterprise. Under current Treasury Regulations,
continuity of business enterprise exists where the acquiring corporation
"either continue[s] the target corporation's . . . historic business or use[s]
a significant portion of [the target corporation's] historic business assets
in a business." Merger Sub will conduct Berkeley Farms' historic business of
manufacturing and distributing dairy products and will use a significant
portion of Berkeley Farms' assets in that business. This satisfies the
continuity of business enterprise requirement.
Counsel is of the opinion that the proposed Merger will constitute a
Reorganization as described in Code section 368(a)(1)(A) and section
368(a)(2)(D). Should the IRS disagree with this conclusion, and, if the matter
is litigated, should the courts decide in favor of the IRS, then the Merger
would likely be treated as a taxable sale by Berkeley Farms of its assets to
Merger Sub followed by a liquidating distribution to the former Berkeley Farms
Shareholders consisting of the Dean Common Stock and any cash. The liquidating
distribution would cause the former Berkeley Farms Shareholders to recognize
gain in an amount equal to the difference between their respective bases in
their Berkeley Farms stock and the fair market value of the Dean Common Stock
received by them (including any Dean Common Stock held in escrow) plus any
cash paid to them.
RECEIPT OF CASH
As a general rule, a shareholder in a corporation which is a party to a
Reorganization recognizes no gain or loss when his or her stock is exchanged
for stock in another corporation which is also a party to the Reorganization.
In the present case, both Berkeley Farms and Merger Sub are parties to the
Reorganization and so, too, is Dean. To the extent that a shareholder,
pursuant to a transaction otherwise described in Code section 354(a)(1),
receives not only stock in the acquiring corporation and/or its parent, but
also other property or money, then gain, if any, is recognized, but in an
amount not in excess of the sum of such money and the fair market value of
such other property. Further, under Code section 356(a)(2), if the
shareholder's receipt of other property or money "has the effect of the
distribution of a dividend . . . then there shall be treated as a dividend to
each distributee such an amount of the gain . . . as is not in excess of his
or her ratable share of the undistributed earnings and profits of the
corporation . . ."
26
The former Berkeley Farms Shareholders may receive up to 50 percent of the
Merger consideration in the form of cash. This "boot" will constitute taxable
income to the recipients and, if it "has the effect of the distribution of a
dividend", the income will be ordinary income rather than capital gain.
Conversely, if it lacks the attributes of a dividend, it will constitute
payment for the stock of a former Berkeley Farms Shareholder and, assuming
that the former Berkeley Farms Shareholder held his or her Berkeley Farms
Common Stock as a capital asset, will be capital gain to the extent it exceeds
his or her basis in his or her Berkeley Farms Common Stock.
Any Berkeley Farms Shareholder who receives cash in an amount equal to more
than approximately 20 percent of the aggregate consideration he or she is
entitled to receive in the Merger would sustain a "substantially
disproportionate" reduction in his or her Dean share holdings. (The precise
amount of reduction necessary to satisfy the "substantially disproportionate"
test will be slightly more than 20 percent.) Under the rule of Commissioner v.
Clark, 489 U.S. 726 (1989), such cash payment will constitute a distribution
in redemption of the former Berkeley Farms Shareholders' Dean Common Stock. As
such, the cash portion of the acquisition consideration will be eligible for
capital gain treatment. In determining whether the Shareholder has incurred
such a "substantially disproportionate" reduction, however, Dean Common Stock
owned by certain related persons and entities would be attributed to the
Shareholder. If sufficient stock is retained by the related persons or
entities so that the Shareholder's reduction in ownership is 20 percent or
less, then the Shareholder would not be able to rely on the "substantially
disproportionate" test to ensure that his or her receipt of cash qualifies for
capital gain characterization rather than dividend characterization for tax
purposes.
Any Berkeley Farms Shareholder who is unable to rely on the "substantially
disproportionate" reduction test would still be entitled to treat his or her
receipt of cash as the payment for his or her Berkeley Farms shares, eligible
for capital gain rather than ordinary income characterization, if he or she
could establish that the cash payment did not have "the effect of the
distribution of a dividend." Current law addressing this issue is unsettled,
however, and the determination of whether a cash receipt is treated as a
payment for shares may depend on the individual circumstances of each
shareholder. Counsel is therefore unable to render an opinion as to whether
any individual shareholder who fails to satisfy the "substantially
disproportionate" test would be able to treat his or her receipt of cash as a
payment for shares eligible for capital gains treatment. Each Berkeley Farms
Shareholder is urged to consult his or her own tax advisor about this issue.
BERKELEY FARMS SHAREHOLDERS' BASES AND HOLDING PERIOD IN DEAN COMMON STOCK
A former Berkeley Farms Shareholder who accepts Dean Common Stock pursuant
to the Merger will have a basis in that Dean Common Stock equal to the basis
in his or her Berkeley Farms Common Stock held at the Effective Time reduced,
however, by the amount of any cash received by him or her pursuant to the
terms of the Merger and increased by the amount of gain he or she recognizes
(or the amount treated as a dividend) as a result of the Merger. The holding
period of a former Berkeley Farms Shareholder in his or her Dean Common Stock
for tax purposes will include his or her holding period in his or her Berkeley
Farms Common Stock.
DIVIDENDS ON DEAN COMMON STOCK
Dividends paid to former Berkeley Farms Shareholders on Dean Common Stock
received in the Merger (whether or not held in escrow) will constitute a
"distribution" for federal income tax purposes and to the extent such
distribution is paid out of Dean's earnings and profits, such distribution
will constitute a "dividend" which will be taxable as ordinary income to the
former Berkeley Farms Shareholders upon receipt (even if the distribution is
with respect to escrowed shares). To the extent that any such distribution
exceeds Dean's earnings and profits when made, it will be treated as a
nontaxable recovery of a former Berkeley Farms Shareholder's basis in his or
her Dean Common Stock, but only to the extent of such basis. Any portion of
the distribution in excess of such basis will be treated as gain from the sale
or exchange by the former Berkeley Farms Shareholder of his or her Dean Common
Stock and will generally constitute capital gain.
27
RETURN OF ESCROWED SHARES TO DEAN TO SATISFY CLAIMS
Under the terms of the escrow agreement, if, following the Merger, Dean
should successfully claim indemnity from the former Berkeley Farms
Shareholders, the escrow holder may be obligated to release to Dean the number
of shares of Dean Common Stock having a then fair market value equal to the
claim. The use of appreciated property to satisfy a liability gives rise to
taxable gain to the debtor in an amount equal to the difference between his or
her basis in the property and its fair market value. Thus, if the former
Berkeley Farms Shareholders use the escrowed shares to satisfy a Dean claim,
they will realize taxable income in an amount equal to the difference between
their bases in those shares (being the bases carried-over from their Berkeley
Farms shares as described above) and the fair market value of those shares on
the date the shares revert to Dean.
PAYMENT BY BERKELEY FARMS SHAREHOLDERS OF MERGER EXPENSES
Expenses incurred by an acquired corporation's shareholders incident to a
Reorganization are generally capital in nature, although the portion of those
expenditures that is attributable to tax planning may be currently deductible
under Code section 212(3). However, even if a portion of such expenses is
properly treated as deductible, the deduction would constitute a
"miscellaneous itemized deduction" under Code section 67 and, as such, would
be deductible only to the extent that it (plus other miscellaneous itemized
deductions) exceeds 2% of the taxpayer's adjusted gross income.
In general, then, it is likely that Berkeley Farms Shareholders will be
required to capitalize the bulk of the costs of the Reorganization incurred by
them by adding such costs to the basis of the Dean Common Stock received by
them.
To the extent practicable, Counsel and the other professional advisors to
Berkeley Farms will endeavor to allocate their respective fees and
disbursements between nondeductible capital expenditures and deductible costs.
Because the determinations of the proper allocation involves in part
prospective factual determinations by Counsel and the other professional
advisors, Counsel expresses no opinion as to the appropriate allocation of
these Reorganization expenses. Counsel also expresses no opinion as to the
deductibility of any of the legal, accounting and other Reorganization
expenses incurred by the Berkeley Farms Shareholders under Code section 212(3)
or any other provision of the Code.
DISSENTING BERKELEY FARMS SHAREHOLDERS
Under California law, a shareholder who votes against a proposed merger (a
"dissenting shareholder") may compel the corporation in which he or she holds
his or her shares to purchase those shares at their fair market value. A
Berkeley Farms Shareholder who exercises his or her rights as a dissenting
shareholder and receives cash from Merger Sub in payment of his or her
Berkeley Farms Common Stock will be treated as having had his or her Berkeley
Farms Common Stock redeemed in complete termination of his or her interest in
Berkeley Farms within the meaning of Code section 302(b)(3), provided that as
a result of the Merger the dissenting shareholder holds no Dean Common Stock
directly or constructively through the application of Code section 318(a). The
dissenting shareholder will recognize capital gain (or loss) measured by the
difference between the cash he or she receives and his or her basis in his or
her redeemed Berkeley Farms Common Stock.
TREATMENT OF THE CORPORATE PARTIES TO THE MERGER
Assuming that the Merger qualifies as a Reorganization, no gain or loss will
be recognized by Dean or Merger Sub in connection with the Reorganization.
Likewise, Berkeley Farms will recognize no gain or loss in connection with the
Reorganization.
28
DESCRIPTION OF DEAN CAPITAL STOCK
CAPITAL STOCK
The total amount of the authorized capital stock of Dean consists of
150,000,000 shares, par value $1.00 per share, of Common Stock and 10,000,000
shares of Series Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per share (the "Series
Preferred Stock"), of which approximately 39,354,000 shares of Common Stock
and no shares of Series Preferred Stock were issued and outstanding as of
October 9, 1998. The Dean Board of Directors is authorized to create and issue
one or more series of Series Preferred Stock and to determine the rights and
preferences of each series, to the extent permitted by the restated
certificate of incorporation of Dean. The issued and outstanding shares of
Dean Common Stock are fully paid and non-assessable. The holders of
outstanding shares of the Dean Common Stock are entitled to receive dividends,
subject to the prior rights of any outstanding Series Preferred Stock, out of
assets legally available therefor at such times and in such amounts as the
Dean Board of Directors may from time to time determine. The shares of Dean
Common Stock are neither redeemable nor convertible, and the holders thereof
have no preemptive or subscription rights to purchase any securities of Dean.
Each outstanding share of Dean Common Stock is entitled to one vote on all
matters submitted to a vote of stockholders of Dean. There is no cumulative
voting. The Dean Board of Directors is expressly authorized to adopt, amend or
repeal the bylaws in any manner not inconsistent with the laws of the State of
Delaware or the restated certificate of incorporation of Dean, subject to the
power of the stockholders by action of holders of at least 80% of the shares
of stock of Dean entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the
"Voting Stock") to adopt, amend or repeal the Dean bylaws, and Dean may in its
bylaws confer powers and authorities upon its Board of Directors in addition
to those conferred upon it by statute.
Upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Dean, whether voluntary
or involuntary, remaining net assets of Dean shall be distributed pro rata to
the holders of the Dean Common Stock.
CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS
The following summary of certain provisions of the restated certificate of
incorporation and bylaws of Dean does not purport to be complete and is
subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the restated
certificate of incorporation and bylaws of Dean, which are filed as exhibits
to the Registration Statement of which this Proxy Statement/Prospectus is a
part and are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
The restated certificate of incorporation of Dean provides that Dean shall
indemnify each officer and director of Dean to the fullest extent permitted by
applicable law. The restated certificate of incorporation also provides that,
to the fullest extent permitted by the General Corporation Law of the State of
Delaware (the "Delaware General Corporation Law"), a director of Dean shall
not be liable to Dean or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of
fiduciary duty as a director.
The restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws of Dean contain certain
provisions that are intended to enhance the likelihood of continuity and
stability in the composition of the Board of Directors of Dean and which may
have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a future takeover or
change in control of Dean unless such takeover or change in control is
approved by the Board of Directors of Dean. Such provisions may also render
the removal of the current Dean Board of Directors and of management more
difficult.
Pursuant to the restated certificate of incorporation of Dean, the Board of
Directors of Dean is divided into three classes serving staggered three-year
terms. Directors can be removed from office only for cause as provided under
the Delaware General Corporation Law and only by the affirmative vote of the
holders of a majority of the shares of Dean Common Stock voting at a duly
convened meeting. Vacancies on the Dean Board of Directors may be filled by
the remaining directors.
29
The restated certificate of incorporation of Dean also provides that in the
case of certain mergers, sales of assets, issuances of securities,
liquidations or dissolutions or reclassifications or recapitalizations
involving holders of stock representing 5% or more of the voting power (a
"Related Entity") of the then outstanding Voting Stock, such transactions must
be approved by at least 80% of the combined voting power of the then
outstanding Voting Stock, unless (a) such transaction would not otherwise
require a vote of stockholders, (b) the Dean Board of Directors shall have
approved, by resolution, a memorandum of understanding substantially
consistent with such transaction prior to the time any party to the
transaction became a Related Entity or an affiliate of a Related Entity or (c)
each party to the transaction other than Dean is a corporation of which the
majority of the outstanding voting shares of common stock are owned by Dean.
The restated certificate of incorporation of Dean provides that the
affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the total votes eligible to
be cast in the election of directors is required to amend, alter, change or
repeal such provisions.
The requirement of a supermajority vote to approve certain corporate
transactions and certain amendments to the restated certificate of
incorporation of Dean could enable a minority of the stockholders of Dean to
exercise veto powers over such transactions and amendments.
The bylaws of Dean provide that any special meetings of stockholders may be
called only by the Chairman of the Board or the President of Dean, and shall
be called by the Secretary of Dean at the request in writing of either a
majority of the Board of Directors of Dean or the holders of at least 80% of
the outstanding Voting Stock. The restated certificate of incorporation of
Dean provides that stockholders may act only at an annual or special meeting
and stockholders may not act by written consent unless such consent is signed
by the holders of at least 80% of the outstanding Voting Stock. The bylaws of
Dean also provide that any nomination for election to the Board of Directors
of Dean at any meeting of stockholders, or proposal of business to be
transacted at any meeting of stockholders, that is not included in the proxy
statement and form of proxy of Dean relating to the meeting but that a
stockholder wishes to make at the meeting may be made only if it may properly
be made by the stockholder at the meeting and only if the stockholder delivers
a notice to the Secretary of Dean at its principal executive offices on a
timely basis. For an annual meeting, such notice must be so delivered not less
than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the anniversary of the prior
year's annual meeting (unless the date of the meeting is more than 30 days
prior to or more than 60 days after the anniversary of the prior year's annual
meeting, in which event such notice must be so delivered not earlier than the
90th day prior to the meeting and not later than the close of business on the
later of the 60th day prior to the meeting or the 10th day following the date
on which public announcement of the meeting date is made). For a special
meeting, the notice must be so delivered not earlier than the 90th day prior
to the meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the
60th day prior to the meeting or the 10th day following the date on which
public announcement of the meeting date is made. The notice must set forth the
related information required by Article II, Section 10 of the Dean bylaws.
Such information generally consists of the information relating to any nominee
that would be required to be disclosed in the proxy statement of Dean for that
meeting if the nominee were proposed by Dean or, as to other matters, a brief
description of the matter, the reason for the proposal and any material
interest of the proposing stockholder (or beneficial owner) in the matter and
information regarding the proposing stockholder (or beneficial owner) and such
stockholder's (or beneficial owner's) beneficial ownership of shares of Dean.
CERTAIN ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS OF DELAWARE LAW
Dean is a Delaware corporation and is subject to Section 203 of the Delaware
General Corporation Law. In general, Section 203 prevents an "interested
stockholder" (defined generally as a person owning 15% or more of the
outstanding voting stock of Dean) from engaging in a "business combination"
(as defined in Section 203) with Dean (or its majority-owned subsidiaries) for
three years following the time such person became an interested stockholder
unless: (i) before such person became an interested stockholder, the Board of
Directors of Dean approved the transaction in which the interested stockholder
became an interested stockholder or approved the business combination; (ii)
upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the interested
stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder
owns at least 85% of the voting stock of Dean
30
outstanding at the time the transaction commenced (excluding stock held by
directors who are also officers of Dean and by employee stock plans that do
not provide employees with the rights to determine confidentially whether
shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange
offer); or (iii) at or following the transaction in which such person became
an interested stockholder, the business combination is approved by the Dean
Board of Directors and approved at a meeting of stockholders of Dean by the
affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding
voting stock of Dean not owned by the interested stockholder. Under Section
203, the restrictions described above also do not apply to certain business
combinations proposed by an interested stockholder following the earlier of
the announcement or notification of one of certain extraordinary transactions
involving Dean and a person who had not been an interested stockholder during
the previous three years or who became an interested stockholder with the
approval of a majority of the directors of Dean, if such extraordinary
transaction is approved or not opposed by a majority of the directors who were
directors prior to any person becoming an interested stockholder during the
previous three years or were recommended for election or elected to succeed
such directors by a majority of such directors.
RIGHTS PLAN
On May 22, 1998, the Dean Board of Directors authorized the issuance of one
preferred share purchase right (a "Right") for each outstanding share of Dean
Common Stock. The dividend was payable on August 10, 1998 (the "Record Date")
to the stockholders of record on that date. Each Right entitles the registered
holder to purchase from Dean one one-thousandth of a share of Dean Junior
Participating Preferred Stock, Series A, par value $1.00 per share (the
"Preferred Shares"), at a price of $200.00 per share, subject to adjustment
(the "Purchase Price"). The description and terms of the Rights are set forth
in a Rights Agreement, dated as of May 22, 1998 (the "Rights Agreement"), by
and between Dean and Harris Trust and Savings Bank, as Rights Agent (the
"Rights Agent").
Until the earlier to occur of (i) 10 days following the date of public
disclosure that a person or group of affiliated or associated persons (an
"Acquiring Person") have acquired or obtained the right to acquire beneficial
ownership of 15% or more of the outstanding shares of Dean Common Stock (the
"Stock Acquisition Date") or (ii) 10 business days following the commencement
of, or public disclosure of an intention to commence, a tender offer or
exchange offer for securities of Dean if, upon consummation thereof, such
person could be the beneficial owner of 15% or more of such outstanding Dean
Common Stock (the earlier of such dates being called the "Distribution Date"),
the Rights will be evidenced by such Common Stock certificate. Until the
Distribution Date (or earlier redemption or expiration of the Rights), the
surrender for transfer of any certificates for Common Stock outstanding as of
the Record Date, even without such notation, will also constitute the transfer
of the Rights associated with the Common Stock represented by such
certificate. As soon as practicable following the Distribution Date, separate
certificates evidencing the Rights ("Right Certificates") will be mailed to
holders of record of the Common Stock as of the Close of Business on the
Distribution Date and such separate Right certificates alone will evidence the
Rights.
The Rights are not exercisable until the Distribution Date. The Rights will
expire on August 10, 2008 (the "Final Expiration Date"), unless the Final
Expiration Date is extended or unless the Rights are earlier redeemed (the
"Redemption Date") by Dean, in each case, as described below.
Preferred Shares purchasable upon exercise of the Rights will not be
redeemable. Each Preferred Share will be entitled to a quarterly dividend
payment of $20 per share but will be entitled to an aggregate dividend of
1,000 times the dividend declared per share of Dean Common Stock. In the event
of liquidation, the holders of the Preferred Shares will be entitled to a
minimum preferential liquidation payment of $100 per share but will be
entitled to 1,000 times the aggregate payment made per share of Dean Common
Stock. Each Preferred Share will have 1,000 votes, voting together with the
Dean Common Stock. In the event of any merger, consolidation or other
transaction in which shares of Dean Common Stock are exchanged, each Preferred
Share will be entitled to receive 1,000 times the amount received per share of
Dean Common Stock. The Rights are protected by customary antidilution
provisions.
31
Because of the nature of the dividend, liquidation and voting rights of the
Preferred Shares, the value of the one-thousandth interest in a Preferred
Share purchasable upon exercise of each Right should approximate the value of
one share of Dean Common Stock.
In the event that, after the Distribution Date, Dean is acquired in a merger
or other business combination transaction or 50% or more of its consolidated
assets or earning power are sold, proper provision will be made so that each
holder of a Right will thereafter have the right to receive, upon the exercise
thereof at the then current exercise price of the Right, that number of shares
of common stock of the acquiring company which at the time of such transaction
will have a market value of two times the exercise price of the Right.
If a person acquires 15% or more of the Dean Common Stock (a "Triggering
Event"), then the Rights will "flip-in" and entitle each holder of a Right,
except as provided below, to purchase, upon exercise at the then-current
Purchase Price, that number of shares of Dean Common Stock having a market
value of two times such Purchase Price.
Any Rights beneficially owned at any time on or after the earlier of the
Distribution Date or the Stock Acquisition Date by an Acquiring Person or an
affiliate or associate of an Acquiring Person (whether or not such ownership
is subsequently transferred) shall become null and void upon the occurrence of
a Triggering Event, and any holder of such Rights shall have no right to
exercise such Rights.
At any time prior to the acquisition by a person or group of affiliated or
associated persons of beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the outstanding
Dean Common Stock, the Board of Directors of Dean may redeem the Rights in
whole, but not in part, at a price of $.01 per Right (the "Redemption Price").
The redemption of the Rights may be made effective at such time, on such basis
and with such conditions as the Board of Directors in its sole discretion may
establish. Immediately upon any redemption of the Rights, the right to
exercise the Rights will terminate and the only right of the holders of Rights
will be to receive the Redemption Price.
The terms of the Rights may be amended by the Board of Directors of Dean
without the consent of the holders of the Rights, except that from and after
such time as any person becomes an Acquiring Person no such amendment may
adversely affect the interests of the holders of the Rights (other than the
Acquiring Person and its affiliates and associates).
Until a Right is exercised, the holder thereof, as such, will have no rights
as a stockholder of Dean, including, without limitation, the right to vote or
to receive dividends.
A copy of the Rights Agreement has been filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission as an Exhibit to a Registration Statement on Form 8-A
filed on August 4, 1998. A copy of the Rights Agreement is available to
holders of Dean Common Stock free of charge from Dean. This summary
description of the Rights does not purport to be complete and is qualified in
its entirety by reference to the Rights Agreement, which is filed as an
exhibit to such Registration Statement and incorporated herein by reference.
BUSINESS OF DEAN
Dean was incorporated in Delaware in 1968 and is the successor to Dean Milk
Company, an Illinois corporation organized in 1925. Dean is engaged in the
purchase, processing and distribution of dairy, pickle and specialty food
products. Dean's principal products are dairy products, such as fluid milk,
related dairy products and ice cream, and specialty food products, including
pickle products, powdered products, snack dips, dressings and aseptically
packaged sauces and puddings. A significant portion of Dean's products is sold
under private labels. Further information regarding Dean and its business is
contained in Dean's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May
31, 1998, which accompanies this Proxy Statement/Prospectus. As further
described in the Current Report on Form 8-K of Dean filed on September 30,
1998, on September 23, 1998, Dean sold its vegetable operations.
32
BUSINESS OF BERKELEY FARMS
Berkeley Farms is a producer and wholesaler of dairy products. The business
is a family-owned operation which was started in 1910 by Mr. John A. Sabatte.
Originally known as South Berkeley Creamery, the business was then located in
Oakland, California. Almost all milk was home delivered until the late 1940s
and early 1950s, at which time Berkeley Farms' emphasis changed to wholesale
delivery and the company became a manufacturer and distributor of dairy
products to retailers and institutions. Ice cream was added to the product
lines manufactured in 1950.
In 1956, the successor company, Berkeley Farms, Inc. was incorporated. The
company moved from Oakland to Emeryville in 1957. On July 1, 1996, the company
began construction of a 228,000 square foot plant facility in Hayward,
California. The first phase of the plant was completed in the second half of
1997.
The principal customers of Berkeley Farms are independent grocers in
Northern California, primarily in the Bay Area, with additional sales to
restaurants, hotels and other food service outlets. In addition to milk and
ice cream products, Berkeley Farms distributes novelty ice cream, cottage
cheese, juices and other related products as well as certain non-dairy grocery
items purchased from outside suppliers.
The following table sets forth the amount and percentage of net sales
attributable to each of the Berkeley Farms principal product classes for the
periods indicated:
1995 1996 1997
----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
PRODUCT CLASS AMOUNT PERCENTAGE AMOUNT PERCENTAGE AMOUNT PERCENTAGE
------------- ------------ ---------- ------------ ---------- ------------ ----------
Bulk Milk and Fluid
Cream.................. $ 2,662,688 1.9 $ 3,152,193 2.0 $ 3,615,822 2.2
Ice Cream and Related
Products............... 8,356,212 6.0 9,892,404 6.2 11,347,393 7.0
Packaged Fluid Milk and
Related Products....... 89,000,175 63.6 98,672,008 62.1 93,241,401 57.5
Eggs.................... 752,259 0.5 890,594 0.6 1,021,538 0.6
Other Dairy-Related
Products and Juices.... 39,078,419 28.0 46,262,567 29.1 53,066,886 32.7
------------ ----- ------------ ----- ------------ -----
Total............... $139,849,753 100.0 $158,869,686 100.0 $162,293,040 100.0
============ ===== ============ ===== ============ =====
Berkeley Farms manufactures fluid milk and ice cream products under the
Berkeley Farms, Bud's of San Francisco and Dairy Dawn brand names. Berkeley
Farms also distributes ice cream, cultured and juice products under its own as
well as other brand names.
Berkeley Farms' business is dependent upon adequate supplies of certain raw
and processed agricultural products. Historically, the company has been able
to obtain adequate supplies of raw materials, which are generally purchased
directly from farmers and farm cooperatives. Berkeley Farms has not
experienced, and does not anticipate, any shortages or other difficulties in
obtaining raw materials required for any of its products. Berkeley Farms
currently has no long-term raw material purchase contracts.
Berkeley Farms' principal executive offices and fluid milk production
facilities are located in Hayward, California in a 228,000 square foot
facility owned by Berkeley Farms. Berkeley Farms also owns a 26,000 square
foot facility used for ice cream production located in South San Francisco,
California and a 10,000 square foot distribution facility located in
Castroville, California. Berkeley Farms believes that its present facilities
and equipment are adequate and sufficient to meet its current needs.
As of September 17, 1998, Berkeley Farms had 564 full-time employees of
which 469 were employed in manufacturing, 23 were employed in sales and
marketing, 18 were ice cream merchandisers, 8 were route drivers, and 46 were
employed in corporate and administration operations. Approximately 470
Berkeley Farms employees are represented by Teamsters Local 853 and other
unions under 10 collective bargaining agreements. Employee relations are
considered by Berkeley Farms to be good.
33
MARKET PRICES OF AND DIVIDENDS DECLARED
ON BERKELEY FARMS COMMON STOCK
No information regarding sales prices of Berkeley Farms Common Stock is
included because no public trading market exists for Berkeley Farms Common
Stock.
Berkeley Farms had 46 shareholders as of October 12, 1998.
Berkeley Farms has declared and paid a dividend of $2.00 on the Berkeley
Farms Common Stock during each of calendar years 1995, 1996, 1997 and 1998.
BERKELEY FARMS SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA AND OTHER INFORMATION
The selected financial information set forth below with respect to the
statements of income for each of the five fiscal years ended December 31, 1997
and with respect to the balance sheets at the end of each such fiscal year has
been derived from the financial statements of Berkeley Farms which have been
audited by Hirose, Oto & Bailey Accountants Inc., independent certified public
accountants. The selected financial information set forth below with respect to
the six months ended June 30, 1998 and 1997 and at June 30, 1998 and 1997 is
derived from unaudited financial statements of Berkeley Farms, which have been
prepared on a basis substantially consistent with the audited financial
statements and, in the opinion of management of Berkeley Farms, contain all
adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and the
results of operations of Berkeley Farms for these periods. The results of
operations for the six months ended June 30, 1998 are not necessarily
indicative of the results which may be expected for the full fiscal year ending
December 31, 1998. The financial information set forth below is qualified by
and should be read in conjunction with the financial statements of Berkeley
Farms and the notes thereto and "Berkeley Farms Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
SIX MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30,
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, (UNAUDITED)
-------------------------------------------- -----------------
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1997 1998
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- --------
Net Sales............... $134,843 $137,258 $139,850 $158,870 $162,293 $79,791 $ 81,869
Net Earnings (Loss)..... 1,754 2,182 1,669 2,508 1,089 (716) (7,847)
Total Assets............ 36,780 39,283 39,030 53,326 88,934 64,476 91,020
Debt exclusive of
current installments... 433 340 230 8,293 34,103 17,356 37,834
Stockholders Equity..... 24,014 26,090 27,654 30,057 31,040 29,235 23,088
Earnings (Loss) Per
Share.................. 33.33 41.45 31.70 47.64 20.69 (13.60) (149.06)
Cash Dividend per common
share.................. 0.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00
No independent certified public accountant of Berkeley Farms has resigned,
indicated any intent to resign or been dismissed as the independent certified
public accountant of Berkeley Farms during the two fiscal years ended December
31, 1997 or subsequent thereto.
BERKELEY FARMS MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Six Months Ended June 30, 1998 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 1997
Net sales increased 3%, from $79.8 million for the six months ended June 30,
1997 to $81.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 1998, primarily due to
increased prices of dairy products resulting from the rising costs of raw milk.
34
The gross profit margin (the difference between net sales and cost of sales,
expressed as a percentage of net sales) decreased from 23.0% for the six
months ended June 30, 1997 to 16.6% for the same period this year. The
decrease in the gross profit margin was primarily due to start-up costs
related to the opening of Berkeley Farms new milk processing facility in
Hayward, California (the "Hayward Plant"). Additionally, pricing increases,
during a period of rising milk costs in the current six month period, were not
sufficient to maintain margins at the same level as the prior year period.
Delivery, selling, general and administrative expenses increased
approximately $1.1 million or 6.4% for the six months ended June 30, 1998
compared to the same period in 1997. The increase resulted primarily from
management incentives and professional fee expenses and increased labor costs
in the current six month period.
Other expense increased approximately $5.7 million for the six months ended
June 30, 1998. The increase was primarily due to $4.2 million in management
retirement benefits and additional interest expense of $1.4 million resulting
from the debt incurred during construction of the Hayward Plant.
Year ended December 31, 1997 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 1996
Net sales increased 2% from $158.9 million in 1996 to $162.3 million in 1997
primarily due to the expansion of a convenience store warehouse sales program
and additional volume associated with the new distribution of a branded juice
line of products.
The gross profit margin (the difference between net sales and cost of sales
expressed as a percentage of net sales) was comparable between years.
Delivery, selling, general and administrative expenses increased 4.8% from
$32.8 million in 1996 to $34.4 million in 1997. The increase was primarily due
to increased labor and disability expenses associated with higher claim
activity and an increase in the rate of disability.
Other income and (expense) was ($2.7) million in 1997 and $.6 million in
1996. The 1997 expense includes $2.6 million of retirement benefits expense
and additional interest expense of $.6 million related to the debt supporting
the construction of the Hayward Plant.
Year ended December 31, 1996 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 1995
Net sales increased 14%, from $139.9 million in 1995 to $158.9 million in
1996, primarily due to volume growth from both existing and new customers,
acquisition of a dairy distributor, and overall pricing increases on dairy
products throughout the year.
The gross profit margin decreased from 24.6% in 1995 to 23.0% in 1996 as
pricing increases during a period of rising raw milk costs were not sufficient
to maintain margins at the same level as prior years.
Delivery, selling, general and administrative expenses increased 2.0% from
$32.2 million in 1995 to $32.8 million in 1996, principally due to increased
labor costs.
Other income (expense) totaled approximately $.6 million in both 1996 and
1995.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Berkeley Farms' operating cash and capital expenditures requirements have
historically been met through funds generated internally from assets employed.
Working capital at June 30, 1998 and December 31, 1997 was approximately
$2.4 million. Cash and cash equivalents at June 30, 1998 were $.1 million, a
decrease of $2.7 million from the year ended December 31, 1997. Berkeley
Farms' current ratio as of June 30, 1998 and December 31, 1997 was 1.11 to 1.
35
At June 30, 1998, Berkeley Farms had approximately $5.1 million in
borrowings with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. under an $8 million long-term line of
credit, which expires in July 2003 and bears interest at LIBOR (6.26%) plus
1.125% or prime rate per annum.
Berkeley Farms also had a $34 million term loan with Wells Fargo Bank, with
an outstanding balance of $32.9 million at June 30, 1998. The loan is payable
in monthly principal installments of $210,000 plus interest at LIBOR plus
1.125%. The loan is due on June 30, 2011. In order to mitigate the loan's
inherent interest rate risk, management has entered into an interest rate swap
agreement, expiring January 1, 2006, under which the company will pay an
interest differential if LIBOR is less than 6.26% and will receive the
differential if it rises above that rate. There is a penalty for early
termination of the swap agreement. The swap agreement is collateralized by all
of the company's rights to payments, its personal property, intangibles and
the Hayward Plant.
In October 1997, Berkeley Farms entered into an agreement for a $2 million
term loan to acquire certain equipment for the Hayward Plant. The loan is
payable in monthly installments of $24,000 plus interest at LIBOR (6.25%) plus
1.125%. The loan matures in December 2004. The outstanding balance at June 30,
1998 totaled $1.8 million. Management has entered into an additional interest
rate swap agreement under which Berkeley Farms will pay an interest
differential if LIBOR is less than 6.25% and will receive the differential if
it rises above that rate. There is a penalty for early termination of the swap
agreement. The swap agreement is collateralized by all of the Berkeley Farms'
rights to payment, its personal property, intangibles, and the Hayward Plant.
Berkeley Farms was not in compliance with certain bank credit agreement
covenants relating to fixed asset additions and the ratio of total liabilities
to tangible net worth as of December 31, 1997. The bank, however, waived its
default rights to this specific breach.
Berkeley Farms was also not in compliance with certain covenants as of June
30, 1998. The bank has indicated that conditions for a waiver of these default
rights will be addressed contemporaneously with its consideration for consent
to the pending merger. Since the bank has deferred its decision for a waiver
of default rights and has not demanded an acceleration of its right of
repayment, the debt has been classified as to its original terms.
Berkeley Farms also acquired equipment for the Hayward Plant under the
provisions of a long-term lease. For financial reporting purposes, minimum
lease payments related to the equipment have been capitalized. The lease
expires on January 31, 2002. The equipment acquired through capital lease as
of June 30, 1998 had a cost of $721,000. Related amortization expense at June
30, 1998 was $27,000.
Shareholders' equity at June 30, 1998 was $23.1 million, a decrease of $8.0
million from December 31, 1997, reflecting six months of losses and dividends
paid to Berkeley Farms Shareholders.
CASH FLOWS
The change in cash for the six months ended June 30, 1998 was a decrease of
$2.7 million, whereas the change in cash for the year ended December 31, 1997
was an increase of $2.1 million. The cash flow activities of Berkeley Farms
are as follows:
Operating Activities. Cash provided from operations was $1.8 million for the
six months ended June 30, 1998 compared to $6.3 million for the year ended
December 31, 1997. The decrease in cash was primarily due to decreased
earnings during the six month period.
Investing Activities. Net cash used in Berkeley Farms' investing activities
during the six months ended June 30, 1998 was approximately $8.9 million
compared to $31.9 million for the year ended December 31, 1997. Capital
expenditures for construction of the Hayward Plant were $9.0 and $32.0 million
for the six months ended June 30, 1998 and the year ended December 31, 1997,
respectively. Berkeley Farms currently has $4.9 million in capital commitments
for the remaining six months of 1998.
36
Financing Activities. Net cash provided by financing activities was $4.4
million for the six months ended June 30, 1998 and $27.6 million for the year
ended December 31, 1997. The issuance of long-term obligations to fund the
construction of the Hayward Plant was the principal reason for the change in
net financing activities.
Management believes that Berkeley Farms has in place sufficient cash and
sources of working capital to meet its operating needs in the foreseeable
future.
YEAR 2000
The Company recognizes the need to ensure its operations will not be
adversely impacted by Year 2000 software failures. The Company's outside
consultant, who performs the data processing function, is responsible for
implementing all necessary changes. Management anticipates that the Year 2000
conversion will be achieved with no effect on customers or disruption to
business operations. The cost of achieving Year 2000 compliance will be
accomplished through normal software upgrades and replacements that will be
covered by existing support agreements. Management does not anticipate these
costs to be material.
37
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS OF BERKELEY FARMS;
BERKELEY FARMS MANAGEMENT HOLDINGS
The following table sets forth information as of October 12, 1998 as to
Berkeley Farms Common Stock owned by each person known to Berkeley Farms to be
the beneficial owner of more than 5% of such stock, by each director and
executive officer of Berkeley Farms and by all directors and executive
officers of Berkeley Farms as a group.
SHARES BENEFICIALLY PERCENT OF
NAME AND ADDRESS OF BENEFICIAL HOLDER OWNED(1) CLASS
------------------------------------- ------------------- ----------
Frank E. Sabatte(2)....................... 9,822 18.7%
3969 S. Peardale Drive
Lafayette, CA 94549
Roger J. Sabatte.......................... 3,249 5.8%
828 Meadow Creek Court
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
John A. Sabatte (3)....................... 13,101 24.9%
3493 Silver Springs Road
Lafayette, CA 94549
Donald J. Sabatte (4)..................... 3,190 8.3%
7506 Sedgefield Street
San Ramon, CA 94583
Norman A. Sabatte(5)...................... 4,173 7.9%
2517 Rolling Hills Court
Alamo, CA 94507
George P. Sabatte, Jr..................... 6,581 12.5%
2101 Trafalgar Place
Oakland, CA 94611
John B. Sabatte........................... 6,580 12.5%
2101 Trafalgar Place
Oakland, CA 94611
Norman J. Alberts......................... 90 *
c/o Berkeley Farms, Inc.
25500 Clawiter Road
Hayward, CA 94545
J. Patrick Roland......................... 60 *
c/o Berkeley Farms, Inc.
25500 Clawiter Road
Hayward, CA 94545
All directors and executive officers as a
group
(9 persons).............................. 46,846 89.0%
Richard Michael Sabatte(6)................ 3,249 5.8%
c/o Berkeley Farms, Inc.
25500 Clawiter Road
Hayward, CA 94545
Gary M. Sabatte(7)........................ 4,387 8.3%
6041 Acacia Avenue
Oakland, CA 94618
- --------
* Less than 1%.
38
(1) Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the
Securities and Exchange Commission. The persons named in this table have
sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of Berkeley
Farms Common Stock shown as beneficially owned by them, subject to
community property laws where applicable and except as indicated in the
other footnotes to this table.
(2) Includes 9,225 shares for which Frank E. Sabatte has been granted
revocable proxies; see the second sentence of note 6 below.
(3) Includes 1,545 shares held as trustee of the John A. Sabatte 1997
Revocable Trust, of which John A. Sabatte is the primary beneficiary. Also
includes 11,556 shares for which John A. Sabatte has been granted
revocable proxies.
(4) Represents 3,190 shares held as trustee of the Donald John Sabatte and
Mary Ann Sabatte Revocable Living Trust dated June 14, 1992, of which
Donald J. Sabatte and Mary Ann Sabatte are primary beneficiaries.
(5) Includes 635 shares for which Norman A. Sabatte has been granted revocable
proxies.
(6) Represents 3,249 shares held as trustee of the Richard Michael Sabatte
1991 Revocable Trust as of November 25, 1991, in which Richard Michael
Sabatte is primary beneficiary. Richard Michael Sabatte has executed a
proxy in favor of Frank E. Sabatte authorizing Frank E. Sabatte to vote
the shares held in such Revocable Trust, and these shares are included in
the table as also beneficially owned by Frank E. Sabatte for purposes of
number of shares beneficially owned by Frank E. Sabatte.
(7) Includes 3,538 shares held as trustee of the Gary M. Sabatte Living Trust
dated February 13, 1998 in which Gary M. Sabatte is the primary
beneficiary. Also includes 849 shares for which Gary M. Sabatte has been
granted revocable proxies.
EXPERTS
The financial statements of Berkeley Farms as of December 31, 1997 and 1996
and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1997
included in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus have been so included in reliance
on the report of Hirose, Oto & Bailey Accountants Inc., independent
accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and
accounting.
The financial statements of Dean and its subsidiaries incorporated in this
Proxy Statement/Prospectus by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of
Dean for the fiscal year ended May 31, 1998 have been so incorporated in
reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants,
given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
LEGAL OPINIONS
The legality of the Dean Common Stock issuable in the Merger has been passed
upon by Eric A. Blanchard, the General Counsel of Dean. Mr. Blanchard
beneficially owned 19,865 shares of Dean Common Stock at October 12, 1998.
The statements in the section entitled "Federal Income Tax Consequences"
have been passed upon by Venture Counsel Associates, LLP, 1999 Harrison
Street, Suite 1300, Oakland, California 94612.
39
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PAGE
----
BERKELEY FARMS, INC.
Independent Auditor's Report............................................ F-2
Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1997, December 31, 1996 and
(unaudited) June 30, 1998.............................................. F-3
Statements of Income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 1997,
December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995 and (unaudited) six months
ended June 30, 1998.................................................... F-5
Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended December 31,
1997, December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995 and (unaudited) six
months ended June 30, 1998............................................. F-6
Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1997, December
31, 1996 and (unaudited) six months ended June 30, 1998................ F-7
Notes to Financial Statements for the years ended December 31, 1997,
December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995 and (unaudited) six months
ended June 30, 1998.................................................... F-9
F-1
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Berkeley Farms, Inc.
Hayward, California
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Berkeley Farms, Inc., as
of December 31, 1997 and 1996 and the related statements of income,
stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year
period ended December 31, 1997. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of Berkeley Farms, Inc. as of
December 31, 1997 and 1996 and the results of its operations and its cash
flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1997
in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
Hirose, Oto & Bailey Accountants
Inc.
Mary E. Bailey, CPA
By:__________________________________
Oakland, California
June 20, 1998, except for note 15 as
to which the date is August 7, 1998
F-2
BERKELEY FARMS, INC.
BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER DECEMBER JUNE 30,
ASSETS 31, 1996 31, 1997 1998
------ ----------- ----------- -----------
(UNAUDITED)
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents (notes 1 and
2)...................................... $ 704,092 $ 2,782,737 $ 86,926
Accounts receivable trade, less allowance
for credit losses of $650,000 for 1996
and $550,000 and $747,000 for 1997 and
June 30, 1998 respectively (notes 1, 2,
7 and 8)................................ 13,789,900 14,016,757 13,207,363
Note receivable--Mercantile Finance Co.
Inc.--current portion (notes 2, 4, 7, 8,
12 and 14).............................. 400,000 640,615 320,000
Notes receivable--current portion (notes
2, 3, 7 and 8).......................... 79,984 97,402 97,402
Other receivables (notes 7 and 8)........ 305,387 369,423 291,127
Inventories (notes 1, 5, 7 and 8)........ 3,221,914 3,323,871 3,576,286
Prepaid expenses......................... 655,899 742,741 636,098
Prepaid and refundable income taxes
(notes 1 and 10)........................ 96,746 628,038 4,034,702
Deferred tax asset (notes 1 and 10)...... 1,112,217 1,211,045 1,338,689
----------- ----------- -----------
20,366,139 23,812,629 23,588,593
----------- ----------- -----------
Property, Plant and Equipment at cost less
accumulated depreciation and amortization
(notes 1, 2, 6, 7, 8 and 9)............... 29,671,430 62,432,543 63,648,068
----------- ----------- -----------
50,037,569 86,245,172 87,236,661
----------- ----------- -----------
Other Assets
Note receivable--Mercantile Finance Co.,
Inc. (notes 2, 4, 7, 8, 12 and 14)...... 1,555,615 320,000 --
Notes receivable--net of current portion
(notes 2, 3, 7 and 8)................... 162,558 88,108 93,080
Net assets of closed facility (note 7)... -- -- 600,996
Intangibles and other assets--net of
amortization (notes 1, 7 and 8)......... 1,403,661 1,171,645 1,070,787
Deferred tax asset (1 and 10)............ 166,148 1,109,216 2,018,624
----------- ----------- -----------
3,287,982 2,688,969 3,783,487
----------- ----------- -----------
$53,325,551 $88,934,141 $91,020,148
=========== =========== ===========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
------------------------------------
Current Liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt (notes
2, 7, 8 and 9).......................... $ 142,159 $ 2,817,977 $ 2,939,310
Line of credit (notes 2, 7 and 8)........ 1,100,000 -- --
Due to related companies (notes 12 and
14)..................................... 88,960 101,248 155,731
Trade accounts payable................... 7,957,166 7,471,283 10,350,179
Accrued payroll and related expenses..... 1,963,864 1,991,825 2,842,155
Accrued workers' compensation............ 934,483 1,531,219 1,413,197
Construction costs payable (notes 7 and
8)...................................... 1,938,043 5,755,694 1,346,529
Accrued expenses other................... 851,099 1,681,728 2,118,016
----------- ----------- -----------
14,975,774 21,350,974 21,165,117
----------- ----------- -----------
Long-Term Debt--net of current portion
(notes 2, 7, 8 and 9).....................
Bank and other........................... 8,293,221 33,594,770 37,375,390
Capital lease obligation................. -- 508,083 458,668
----------- ----------- -----------
8,293,221 34,102,853 37,834,058
----------- ----------- -----------
Deferred Compensation (note 11)............ -- 2,440,000 8,933,000
----------- ----------- -----------
23,268,995 57,893,827 67,932,175
----------- ----------- -----------
Commitments and Contingencies (notes 12 and
15)....................................... -- -- --
Stockholders' Equity:
Capital stock:........................... 842,664 842,664 842,664
200,000 shares authorized; 52,644 shares
issued and outstanding Retained
earnings................................ 29,213,892 30,197,650 22,245,309
----------- ----------- -----------
30,056,556 31,040,314 23,087,973
----------- ----------- -----------
$53,325,551 $88,934,141 $91,020,148
=========== =========== ===========
(The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements).
F-3
BERKELEY FARMS, INC.
STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS)
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
---------------------------------------- ---------------------------
1995 1996 1997 1997 1998
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
(UNAUDITED)
Income
Sales................. $141,899,514 $161,227,481 $164,713,116 $ 80,953,999 $ 83,196,398
Less--sales rebates... (1,361,789) (1,535,914) (1,544,824) (733,781) (858,268)
--cash discounts...... (687,972) (821,881) (875,252) (429,584) (468,828)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Net Sales........... 139,849,753 158,869,686 162,293,040 79,790,634 81,869,302
Cost of Goods Sold
Beginning inventory... 2,464,196 2,665,808 3,221,914 3,221,914 3,323,871
Purchases............. 91,752,971 108,358,925 109,026,582 53,772,224 57,765,619
Direct labor.......... 3,242,016 3,705,944 3,891,846 1,899,556 1,984,425
Overhead.............. 10,437,257 10,670,470 11,983,992 5,745,181 8,698,170
Blow molding.......... 236,140 242,882 292,946 126,164 123,311
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
108,132,580 125,644,029 128,417,280 64,765,039 71,895,396
Less ending inventory. (2,665,808) (3,221,914) (3,323,871) (3,323,871) (3,576,286)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
105,466,772 122,422,115 125,093,409 61,441,168 68,319,110
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Gross Profit............ 34,382,981 36,447,571 37,199,631 18,349,466 13,550,192
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Selling and Delivery
Expenses............... 26,118,957 26,477,906 27,956,763 13,592,746 13,702,159
General and
Administrative
Expenses............... 6,075,448 6,346,250 6,452,229 3,200,991 4,171,107
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
32,194,405 32,824,156 34,408,992 16,793,737 17,873,266
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Income (Loss) from
operations............. 2,188,576 3,623,415 2,790,639 1,555,729 (4,323,074)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Other Income (Expense)
Deferred compensation
(note 11)............ -- -- (2,563,170) (2,410,000) (6,629,020)
Interest income....... 771,550 418,653 289,640 152,256 96,360
Interest expense
(notes 7 and 8)...... (69,456) (44,979) (701,905) (18,923) (1,432,059)
Closed facility
expense (note 7)..... -- -- -- -- (134,404)
Other--net............ (73,519) 261,576 270,655 16,866 131,427
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
628,575 635,250 (2,704,780) (2,259,801) (7,967,696)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Income (Loss) before
Taxes.................. 2,817,151 4,258,665 85,859 (704,072) (12,290,770)
Income Tax Provision
(Benefit) (notes 1 and
10).................... 1,148,161 1,750,703 (1,003,187) 11,942 (4,443,717)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Net Income (Loss)....... $ 1,668,990 $ 2,507,962 $ 1,089,046 $ (716,014) $ (7,847,053)
============ ============ ============ ============ =============
Earnings (Loss) per
Share.................. $ 31.70 $ 47.64 $ 20.69 $ (13.60) $ (149.06)
============ ============ ============ ============ =============
Outstanding Shares...... 52,644 52,644 52,644 52,644 52,644
============ ============ ============ ============ =============
(The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements)
F-4
BERKELEY FARMS, INC.
STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996, AND 1997 AND
(UNAUDITED) SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998
TOTAL
RETAINED STOCKHOLDERS'
CAPITAL STOCK EARNINGS EQUITY
------------- ----------- -------------
Balances at December 31, 1994.......... $842,664 $25,247,516 $26,090,180
Net Income............................. 1,668,990 1,668,990
Dividends Paid......................... (105,288) (105,288)
-------- ----------- -----------
Balances at December 31, 1995.......... 842,664 26,811,218 27,653,882
Net Income............................. 2,507,962 2,507,962
Dividends Paid......................... (105,288) (105,288)
-------- ----------- -----------
Balances at December 31, 1996.......... 842,664 29,213,892 30,056,556
Net Income............................. 1,089,046 1,089,046
Dividends Paid......................... (105,288) (105,288)
-------- ----------- -----------
Balances at December 31, 1997.......... 842,664 30,197,650 31,040,314
UNAUDITED
Net (Loss)............................. (7,847,053) (7,847,053)
Dividends Paid......................... (105,288) (105,288)
-------- ----------- -----------
Balances at June 30, 1998.............. $842,664 $22,245,309 $23,087,973
======== =========== ===========
(The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements)
F-5
BERKELEY FARMS, INC.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
--------------------------------------- ---------------------------
1995 1996 1997 1997 1998
----------- ------------ ------------ ------------- ------------
(UNAUDITED)
Cash Flows from
Operating Activities
Net income (Loss)..... $ 1,668,990 $ 2,507,962 $ 1,089,046 $ (716,014) $ (7,847,053)
Adjustments to
reconcile net income
to net cash provided
(used) by operating
activities:
Provision for credit
losses............... 264,007 348,912 157,144 202,306 295,020
Impairment loss....... -- -- 50,000 50,000 --
Depreciation and
amortization......... 3,498,919 3,794,273 3,774,185 1,779,577 2,907,946
Deferred
compensation......... -- -- 2,490,000 2,410,000 6,577,000
(Gain) loss on
disposal of assets... (7,903) (2,827) 48,503 25,602 (95,993)
Deferred tax assets
and liabilities
(notes 1 and 10)..... (43,434) (256,239) (1,041,895) (91,858) (1,037,052)
----------- ------------ ------------ ------------- ------------
5,380,579 6,392,081 6,566,983 3,659,613 799,868
Changes in operating
assets and
liabilities:
Trade accounts
receivable........... (766,628) (2,196,580) (384,003) 727,851 514,371
Other receivables..... 51,778 (136,563) (64,036) 136,011 78,296
Inventories........... (201,612) (556,106) (101,957) 101,520 (252,415)
Prepaid expenses...... 31,956 (63,583) (86,842) 243,490 106,643
Other assets.......... 56,690 (8,360) 19,508 -- (5,396)
Prepaid and
refundable income
taxes................ (231,513) 300,417 (531,292) (316,200) (3,406,664)
Trade accounts
payable.............. 119,101 2,362,144 (485,883) 294,742 2,878,896
Accrued payroll and
related expenses..... (54,181) 130,139 (22,039) (152,666) 766,330
Accrued workers'
compensation......... (31,997) (22,937) 596,736 148,167 (118,022)
Accrued expenses
other................ (140,036) 300,902 830,629 (666,076) 436,288
----------- ------------ ------------ ------------- ------------
Net cash provided
by operating
activities....... 4,214,137 6,501,554 6,337,804 4,176,452 1,798,195
----------- ------------ ------------ ------------- ------------
Cash Flows from
Investing Activities
Sale of short and
long-term
investments.......... 1,646,253 3,090,843 -- -- --
Collections or
(additions) to notes
receivable-net....... (216,244) 133,685 57,032 32,994 (4,972)
Additions to
property, plant,
equipment and other
assets............... (3,375,622) (2,437,393) (3,863,000) (1,801,323) (1,198,780)
New facility--
Hayward, CA.......... (206,179) (18,577,033) (31,930,533) (12,962,442) (3,482,214)
Increase (decrease)
in construction
costs payable........ -- 1,938,043 3,817,651 1,017,244 (4,409,165)
Proceeds from sale of
assets............... 95,815 114,725 53,492 28,758 158,774
Purchase of dairy
routes............... -- (297,000) -- -- --
----------- ------------ ------------ ------------- ------------
Net cash (used) by
investing
activities....... $(2,055,977) $(16,034,130) $(31,865,358) $(13,684,769) $(8,936,357)
----------- ------------ ------------ ------------- ------------
Cash Flows from
Financing Activities
(Repayment) advances
of bank line of
credit net........... $(1,500,000) $(1,000,000) $(1,100,000) $(1,100,000) $ 5,150,000
(Repayment) of long-
term debt............ (133,328) (168,723) (217,804) (108,902) (1,297,459)
Financing of new
facility............. 7,978,000 28,022,003 10,218,456 --
Repayments (advances)
note receivable--
Mercantile Finance
Co., Inc............. (450,000) 1,700,000 995,000 98,720 640,615
Repayments of amounts
due from other
related companies-
net.................. 359,040 624,960 12,288 (88,960) 54,483
Dividends paid........ (105,288) (105,288) (105,288) (105,288) (105,288)
----------- ------------ ------------ ------------- ------------
Net cash provided
(used) by
financing
activities....... $(1,829,576) $ 9,028,949 $ 27,606,199 $ 8,914,026 $ 4,442,351
----------- ------------ ------------ ------------- ------------
Net Increase (Decrease)
in Cash............... 328,584 (503,627) 2,078,645 (594,291) (2,695,811)
Cash and Cash
Equivalents at
Beginning of Period... 879,135 1,207,719 704,092 704,092 2,782,737
----------- ------------ ------------ ------------- ------------
Cash and Cash
Equivalents at End of
Period................ $ 1,207,719 $ 704,092 $ 2,782,737 $ 109,801 $ 86,926
=========== ============ ============ ============= ============
Supplemental Cash Flow
Information
Cash paid during the
period for:
Construction period
interest........... -- $ 115,988 $ 765,328 $ 347,543 --
Other interest...... 70,757 44,979 652,585 19,193 1,201,719
Income taxes........ 1,423,108 1,705,000 570,000 420,000 --
Supplemental Schedule
for Non-Cash Investing
and Financing
Activities............ $ 720,944
Equipment purchased
by capital lease
Less cash paid....... (39,693)
------------
Amount financed....... $ 681,251
============
Purchase of
distributor dairy
routes............... $ 583,000
Less cash paid........ (297,000)
------------
Amount financed....... $ 286,000
============
Reclassification of
net assets of closed
facility from
operating to
investment assets.... $ 600,996
============
(The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements)
F-6
BERKELEY FARMS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996, AND 1997 AND
(UNAUDITED) SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The Company
Berkeley Farms, Inc. is a closely-held family owned company, engaged in the
production and wholesale distribution of dairy products.
Basis of Presentation
Certain amounts as of December 31, 1996 have been reclassified to conform to
the December 31, 1997 presentation.
The unaudited balance sheet at June 30, 1998 and unaudited statements of
income (loss) for the six months ended June 30, 1997 and June 30, 1998 have
been prepared by management and do not include all of the information and
footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles. Management
states that all adjustments considered necessary for fair presentation have
been included. These statements should be read in conjunction with the
financial statements and accompanying notes included in this report. Results
of operations for these interim periods are not necessarily indicative of
results for the entire year.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities,
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company records all highly liquid investments with an original maturity
of three months or less as cash equivalents. Investments with maturities
between three and twelve months are considered to be short-term investments.
Allowance for Credit Losses
The allowance for credit losses on uncollectible receivables is determined
based on management's evaluation of a current aging of the accounts and past
collection experience.
Inventories
Raw materials and supplies are stated at the lower of cost or market as
determined by the first-in, first-out method. Finished dairy products are
generally determined using standard costs which approximate the lower of cost
or market on a first-in, first-out basis.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is generally
computed by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the
assets which range from seven to thirty-two years for building improvements
and three to seven years for fixtures and equipment. For income tax purposes
the modified accelerated cost recovery system and the accelerated cost
recovery system are used.
F-7
BERKELEY FARMS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996, AND 1997 AND
(UNAUDITED) SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998
Maintenance and repairs are expensed in the year incurred; major renewals
and betterments are capitalized and depreciated over the remaining life of the
asset. The cost and related depreciation for properties which have been
retired or otherwise disposed of are removed from the accounts and gains and
losses on disposition are included in other income.
Long-lived Assets
The Company reviews for the impairment of long-lived assets and certain
identifiable intangibles whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate
that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. An impairment
loss would be recognized when estimated future cash flows expected to result
from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition is less than its
carrying amount. The Company has identified impairment losses of approximately
$50,000 resulting from the anticipated closing of its old manufacturing
facility (see note 7).
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets, including goodwill, covenants not to compete and customer
lists arising from business acquisitions, are amortized on the straight-line
basis over estimated economic lives ranging from three to ten years.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes under the provisions of SFAS No. 109,
"Accounting for Income Taxes," which requires that deferred income taxes be
provided on items recognized for financial reporting purposes in different
periods than for income tax purposes, at future enacted rates (see note 10).
Earnings (Loss) Per Share
Earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the
average share of common shares outstanding during each period.
2. CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK AND FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Concentration of credit risk consists primarily of cash, accounts
receivable, related party loan and the new facility financing.
Cash
The Company has a cash management program which provides for investments in
financial instruments of high credit quality, generally maturing in less than
one year. During 1996 and 1997, management directed the investment of excess
cash to money market funds which were used to finance portions of the new
facility discussed in note 7.
Investments and cash accounts are maintained with one commercial bank
located in San Francisco, California. The total cash balances are insured by
the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) up to $100,000.
A summary of the total insured and uninsured cash as of December 31, 1997 is
as follows:
CASH
----------
Balance as shown by bank...................................... $5,434,206
Portion insured by FDIC....................................... (100,000)
----------
$5,334,206
==========
F-8
BERKELEY FARMS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996, AND 1997 AND
(UNAUDITED) SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998
Accounts Receivable
Berkeley Farms, Inc. distributes its dairy products primarily to grocery
stores and food service providers located in Northern California. The Company
provides credit to its customers, sometimes on extended terms. It performs
ongoing customer credit evaluations and obtains a security interest in
inventory, fixtures and other assets when such steps are warranted. The
Company maintains allowances for potential credit losses, which historically
have been within the range of management's estimates.
Related Party Loan (see note 4)
New Facility Financing (see notes 7 and 8)
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts of cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and
accrued liabilities approximate fair value due to the short-term maturities of
these assets and liabilities. The interest rates on the Company's bank
borrowings are adjusted regularly to reflect current market rates.
Accordingly, the carrying amounts of the Company's short-term and long-term
borrowings also approximate fair value. The Company utilizes letters of credit
to collateralize certain commitments. The letters of credit reflect fair value
as a condition of their underlying purpose and are subject to fees
competitively determined in the marketplace.
3. NOTES RECEIVABLE
Notes receivable include trade accounts receivable converted to extended
terms. The terms of the notes are at an average interest rate of 9.5%, with
maturity dates generally within 48 months. Certain notes are secured by
personal property and/or deeds of trust on real estate. The carrying amount of
notes receivable approximates fair value.
4. NOTE RECEIVABLE--MERCANTILE FINANCE CO., INC.
During 1996 and 1997, Mercantile Finance Co., Inc. (MFC) experienced a
decrease in its eligible borrowing base as defined under its bank credit
agreement. Consequently, the Company, as guarantor (see note 12), has provided
the additional funds necessary to finance the MFC loan portfolio. The note is
unsecured, with interest payable monthly at the bank's reference rate (8.5% at
December 31, 1997). The balance outstanding at December 31, 1997 totals
$960,615, of which the Company considers $320,000 to be long-term since the
source of repayment is of a long-term nature.
5. INVENTORIES
Inventories are as follows:
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, JUNE 30,
1996 1997 1998
------------ ------------ -----------
(UNAUDITED)
Raw materials and supplies.......... $ 946,034 $1,011,491 $1,058,276
Finished dairy products............. 2,275,880 2,312,380 2,518,010
---------- ---------- ----------
$3,221,914 $3,323,871 $3,576,286
========== ========== ==========
F-9
BERKELEY FARMS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996, AND 1997 AND
(UNAUDITED) SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998
6. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:
DECEMBER 31, 1996
-------------------------------------------------
ACCUMULATED NET
COST DEPRECIATION/AMORTIZATION BOOK VALUE
----------- ------------------------- -----------
Land.................... $ 1,686,006 $ -- $ 1,686,006
Buildings and
improvements........... 6,997,734 (3,861,215) 3,136,519
Fixtures and equipment.. 15,226,955 (12,575,929) 2,651,026
Transportation
equipment.............. 13,856,493 (10,235,647) 3,620,846
----------- ------------ -----------
37,767,188 (26,672,791) 11,094,397
New facility Hayward,
CA..................... 18,577,033 -- 18,577,033
----------- ------------ -----------
$56,344,221 $(26,672,791) $29,671,430
=========== ============ ===========
DECEMBER 31, 1997
-------------------------------------------------
ACCUMULATED NET
COST DEPRECIATION/AMORTIZATION BOOK VALUE
----------- ------------------------- -----------
Land.................... $ 1,686,006 $ -- $ 1,686,006
Buildings and
improvements........... 7,062,705 (4,307,351) 2,755,354
Fixtures and equipment.. 15,974,699 (13,468,820) 2,505,879
Transportation
equipment.............. 15,698,801 (11,402,314) 4,296,487
----------- ------------ -----------
40,422,211 (29,178,485) 11,243,726
New facility--Hayward,
CA..................... 50,467,873 -- 50,467,873
Equipment acquired
through Capital lease
(note 9................ 720,944 720,944
----------- ------------ -----------
$91,611,028 $(29,178,485) $62,432,543
=========== ============ ===========
7. NEW FACILITY
During 1996 and 1997, the Company was committed to the construction of a new
milk manufacturing plant and distribution center in Hayward, California.
Construction began in 1996 and was substantially completed in 1997 at a final
cost of approximately $50.5 million, including capitalized interest and
property taxes of $951,000.
Financing of the project was provided by the Company's primary bank and
consisted of a $8 million line of credit and a $34 million construction loan
which converted to a term loan as of December 31, 1997. In order to mitigate
the loan's inherent interest rate risk, management has entered into an
interest rate swap agreement, expiring January 1, 2006, under which the
Company will pay an interest differential if LIBOR is less than 6.26% and will
receive the differential if it rises above that rate. There is a penalty for
early termination of the swap agreement. The swap agreement is collateralized
by all of the Company's rights to payments, its personal property, intangibles
and the Hayward property.
Testing of the new plant began in the fall of 1997, while the Company
continued operations in its old facility through March of 1998. Costs related
to the new plant during this period have been expensed to operations as
incurred.
F-10
BERKELEY FARMS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996, AND 1997 AND
(UNAUDITED) SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998
Depreciation and amortization of Hayward plant assets began in 1998 at the
conclusion of the test period. Interest expense of $656,805 is included as
other expense. Management does not anticipate any material impairment of real
estate holdings related to the old facility, since estimated market values
appear to be in excess of book. However, impairment of other long-lived assets
is estimated at $50,000.
8. DEBT
Credit Agreement
Consistent with the commitment from its primary bank to finance the
Company's new manufacturing plant, management entered into a new bank credit
agreement on September 15, 1996 covering the following financing:
Line of Credit
A line of credit of $8 million, which expires July 2003, and bears interest
at the LIBOR plus 1.125% (6.75% as of December 31, 1997) or prime rate. There
were no outstanding borrowings as of December 31, 1997 (see note 15).
Term Loan
A term commitment was converted to a $34 million term loan on December 31,
1997. The loan is payable in monthly principal installments of $210,000
beginning on February 1, 1998 and bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.125%
(interest of 6.875% at December 31, 1997 and June 30, 1998-note 7). The loan
is due June 30, 2011.
Equipment Loan
In October 1997, the Company entered into an agreement for a $2 million term
loan to acquire certain equipment for the Hayward plant. The loan is payable
in monthly installments of $23,810 plus interest at LIBOR plus 1.125% (7.09%
and 6.875% at December 31, 1997 and June 30, 1998). The note matures December
2004. Outstanding balance at December 31, 1997 totals $1,976,190. Management
has entered into an additional interest rate swap agreement under which the
Company will pay an interest differential if LIBOR is less than 6.25% and will
receive the differential if it rises above that rate. There is a penalty for
early termination of the swap agreement. The swap agreement is collateralized
by all of the Company's rights to payment, its personal property, intangibles
and the Hayward property.
Letters of Credit
Irrevocable standby letters of credit total $1,659,660 at December 31, 1997
and $2,568,747 at June 30, 1998, which includes $200,000 as collateral for
payment of liability and auto insurance premiums, $2,234,747 held by the State
of California as a deposit for the Company's workers' compensation self-
insurance plan liability, and $134,000 as collateral for payment of excess
workers' compensation premiums.
Debt service related to loans covered by this credit agreement is guaranteed
by a related company for a limited period of time based on the Company meeting
certain financial criteria. All indebtedness is secured by the Company's real
and personal property, accounts receivable, inventory and fixed assets.
The agreement also incorporates various covenants and conditions, including,
but not limited to, the following:
. Company shall maintain a current ratio of no less than 1.1 to 1.0.
. Tangible net worth not less than $25 million plus 75% of any future net
income.
F-11
BERKELEY FARMS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996, AND 1997 AND
(UNAUDITED) SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998
. Total liabilities divided by tangible net worth not greater than 1.75 to
1.
. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization coverage
not less than 1.5 to 1 at the end of each fiscal quarter with exception
of the end of each fiscal quarter during 1998; however, related amounts
must not be less than $6 million at the end of each fiscal quarter during
1998.
. Free cash flow coverage ratio (as defined) not less than 1 to 1 on a
rolling quarter basis for each fiscal quarter in all calendar years with
the exception of 1998.
. Fixed asset additions not to exceed $2,750,000 per year.
. Dividends not to exceed $200,000 per year.
. Company not to acquire assets or interest in an entity of more than $2
million per year.
. Bank to provide consent regarding certain construction changes.
. Bank to provide consent regarding merger or consolidation with any other
entity.
The Company was not in compliance with bank credit agreement covenants
relating to fixed asset additions and the ratio of total liabilities to
tangible net worth as of December 31, 1997. The bank, however, waived its
default rights to this specific breach.
The Company was also not in compliance with certain covenants as of June 30,
1998. The bank has indicated that conditions for a waiver of these default
rights will be addressed contemporaneously with its consideration for consent
to the pending merger (see note 16). Since the bank has deferred its decision
for a waiver of default rights and has not demanded an acceleration of its
right of repayment, the debt has been classified as to its original terms.
Short-Term Secured Bank Debt
1996 1997
---------- -----------
Line of Credit
The line of credit is secured by all Company
assets and bears interest at prime (8.25% as of
December 31, 1996); debt service is guaranteed
by related company.............................. $1,100,000 --
---------- -----------
Long-Term Debt
Term Loan (see credit agreement)................ $7,978,000 $34,000,000
Equipment Term Loan (see credit agreement)...... -- 1,976,190
Secured Debt
Term loans secured by certain equipment and
dairy routes; guaranteed by related company;
payable in monthly installments of $5,625,
including interest at 10% to November 2001...... 218,800 171,034
Unsecured Debt
Various term loans with interest at 8%; payable
in monthly installments of $9,630 and $8,220 for
1996 and 1997, respectively, including interest,
to March 2001................................... 238,580 144,191
---------- -----------
8,435,380 36,291,415
Less current portion.......................... 142,159 2,696,645
---------- -----------
$8,293,221 $33,594,770
========== ===========
F-12
BERKELEY FARMS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996, AND 1997 AND
(UNAUDITED) SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998
The scheduled maturity of long-term debt is as follows:
1998......................... $ 2,696,645
1999......................... 2,882,864
2000......................... 2,890,077
2001......................... 2,858,495
2002......................... 2,805,714
Thereafter................... 22,157,620
-----------
$36,291,415
===========
9. CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATION
The Company acquired equipment for the Hayward plant under the provisions of
a long-term lease. For financial reporting purposes, minimum lease payments
related to the equipment have been capitalized. The lease expires January 31,
2002. The equipment acquired through capital lease as of December 31, 1997 has
a cost of
$720,944. There is no related amortization expense.
The following is a schedule of future minimum lease payments, including
principal and interest:
1998............................................................ $185,848
1999............................................................ 185,848
2000............................................................ 185,848
2001............................................................ 185,848
2002............................................................ 30,975
--------
Total minimum lease payments................................ 774,367
Less amount representing interest (at 9.3%)..................... 144,952
--------
Present value of net minimum lease payments..................... 629,415
Less current portion of capital lease........................... 121,332
--------
Long-term portion of capital lease.............................. $508,083
========
F-13
BERKELEY FARMS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996, AND 1997 AND
(UNAUDITED) SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998
10. INCOME TAXES
Net deferred tax assets have been computed using Federal and state tax rates
of 34% and 8.84%, respectively since such rates are expected to be in effect
when the cumulative temporary differences reverse.
The net deferred tax asset in the accompanying balance sheet includes the
following amounts:
JUNE 30,
1996 1997 1998
---------- ----------- -----------
(UNAUDITED)
Deferred tax asset--short-term:
Allowance for credit losses........ $ 281,450 $ 235,620 $ 341,551
Accrued compensation............... 406,684 372,716 456,006
Workers' compensation reserve...... 361,331 613,134 650,472
Franchise tax...................... 62,752 (85,425) (109,340)
State manufacturer's credit........ -- 75,000 --
---------- ----------- -----------
1,112,217 1,211,045 1,338,689
========== =========== ===========
Deferred tax asset--long-term:
Depreciation and amortization...... 166,148 (1,030,478) (2,409,517)
Deferred compensation.............. -- 1,066,716 3,643,183
Impairment loss reserve............ -- 21,420 --
Franchise tax...................... -- (71,621) (430,221)
Federal AMT credit carryover....... -- 232,786 232,786
State manufacturer's credit........ -- 890,393 982,393
---------- ----------- -----------
166,148 1,109,216 2,018,624
---------- ----------- -----------
Total deferred tax assets........ $1,278,365 $ 2,320,261 $ 3,357,313
========== =========== ===========
F-14
BERKELEY FARMS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996, AND 1997 AND
(UNAUDITED) SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998
The provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of the following:
1995
------------------------------------
FEDERAL STATE TOTAL
---------- ----------- -----------
Current............................. $ 930,002 $ 294,582 $ 1,224,584
Tax credits......................... (5,511) (27,478) (32,989)
Deferred tax--net................... (33,216) (10,218) (43,434)
---------- ----------- -----------
$ 891,275 $ 256,886 $ 1,148,161
========== =========== ===========
1996
------------------------------------
FEDERAL STATE TOTAL
---------- ----------- -----------
Current............................. $1,603,155 $ 474,925 $ 2,078,080
Tax credits......................... (29,403) (41,735) (71,138)
Deferred tax--net................... (200,873) (55,366) (256,239)
---------- ----------- -----------
$1,372,879 $ 377,824 $ 1,750,703
========== =========== ===========
1997
------------------------------------
FEDERAL STATE TOTAL
---------- ----------- -----------
Current............................. $ 252,338 $ 256,431 $ 508,769
Tax credits......................... (31,143) (255,350) (286,493)
Deferred tax--net................... 139,238 (1,181,133) (1,041,895)
NOL carryback refund................ (183,568) -- (183,568)
---------- ----------- -----------
$ 176,865 $(1,180,052) $(1,003,187)
========== =========== ===========
The provision for income tax differs from the "expected" tax expense for
calendar years 1995, 1996, 1997 and for the six months unaudited period ended
June 30, 1998 (computed at the U.S. Federal corporate tax rate of 34% to
income before taxes) as follows:
JUNE 30,
1995 1996 1997 1998
---------- ---------- ----------- -----------
(UNAUDITED)
Computed expected tax
provision (benefit).... $ 957,831 $1,447,946 $ 29,192 $(4,178,862)
Increases (reductions)
in expense resulting
from:
State income taxes, net
of Federal income tax
effect................. 129,685 296,439 225,400 (293,642)
Meals and entertainment. 100,151 68,337 65,549 50,530
Federal AMT credit
carryover.............. -- -- (232,786) --
State manufacturers
credit carryover....... -- -- (965,393) (17,000)
Other................... (39,506) (62,019) (125,149) (4,743)
---------- ---------- ----------- -----------
$1,148,161 $1,750,703 $(1,003,187) $(4,443,717)
========== ========== =========== ===========
Unused state manufacturers credits total approximately $965,000 and will
expire on December 31, 2005.
F-15
BERKELEY FARMS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996, AND 1997 AND
(UNAUDITED) SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998
11. DEFERRED COMPENSATION
In 1995, the Company formalized an oral family agreement under which certain
key shareholder-employees/or their widows were to receive salary continuation
benefits in the event of retirement or disability.
Historically, family members have remained active in the business for their
full life span; actual benefits paid have consisted of payments to a surviving
spouse which were minimal. Consequently, the estimate of potential liability
regarding the agreement was not material and as such, has not been previously
reflected in the Company's financial statement.
However, in 1997, a key employee/shareholder chose to retire under the terms
of the formalized agreement, creating an estimate of liability that is
material in nature as well as raising the possibility that other members of
the family may do the same. Accordingly, an estimate of potential liability
regarding deferred compensation has been reflected in the financial
statements.
The unfunded, nonqualified deferred compensation plan provides benefits in
the event of retirement, involuntary termination or disability with additional
life-time and widow benefits. Benefits are available after twenty-five years
of service and age 52, in amounts ranging from fifty percent to two-thirds of
base salary subject to designated Consumer Price (CPI) adjustments plus
certain health benefits. After ten years, benefits at a reduced amount are
available for life. Widows of covered individuals shall receive reduced
amounts, also subject to CPI adjustments, plus health benefits for life or
until remarriage. In no event shall the individual benefit exceed $75,000 per
year plus the CPI adjustment. The current estimated cost of benefits,
including amounts paid as of December 1997, approximates $2.6 million and has
been charged to expense in 1997 based on present value computed at a 6.5%
discount rate. The liability is estimated at $2,490,000 of which $50,000 is
current and included in accrued payroll.
Should the Company be sold or merged, the plan participants become fully
vested. The plan also requires the purchaser to assume the legal obligation to
pay all benefits due under the plan. Such amount at December 31, 1997 is
estimated at $8.8 million, based on a 6.5% discount rate.
12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Commitments
Leased Property
The Company leases distribution facilities primarily from related companies
(see note 14) at terms ranging up to ten years with options to renew.
Future minimum payments under operating leases with terms in excess of one
year are as follows:
FACILITY LEASES EQUIPMENT/
(BASE RENT) OTHER LEASES TOTAL
--------------- ------------ ----------
1998.............................. $ 576,400 $142,303 $ 718,703
1999.............................. 570,400 76,990 647,390
2000.............................. 509,400 27,132 536,532
2001.............................. 509,400 26,232 535,632
2002.............................. 509,400 20,221 529,621
---------- -------- ----------
$2,675,000 $292,878 $2,967,878
========== ======== ==========
Total minimum lease payments include amounts due to related companies of
$1,896,000.
F-16
BERKELEY FARMS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996, AND 1997 AND
(UNAUDITED) SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998
Self-Insurance
The Company is self-insured up to $300,000 per occurrence for workers'
compensation benefits. Coverage for risk in excess of this amount up to a
maximum of $10,000,000 per occurrence is carried with a commercial carrier.
The amounts charged to expense for workers' compensation were $843,845,
$1,042,372 and $1,894,913 for 1995, 1996 and 1997 respectively. Such amounts
were based on actual and estimated claims liability costs. The current
liability for workers' compensation included in accounts payable and accrued
expenses as of December 31, 1995 and 1996 approximated $900,000. Accrued
expense for 1997 approximates $1,531,000. Estimated amounts are based upon an
independent administrator's evaluation of the aggregate exposure on claims or
potential claims.
Capital Expenditures
The Company has commitments under contracts for purchases relating to the
new milk manufacturing facility in Hayward, California. This commitment
approximates $3,600,000 at year-end (see note 7).
Contingencies
Litigation
The Company is party to legal actions arising in the ordinary course of
business. In the opinion of management, the amount of ultimate liability with
respect to these actions will not materially affect the financial position of
the Company.
Letters of Credit (see note 8)
Guarantees
Berkeley Farms, Inc. is contingently liable for up to $5,000,000 on bank
loans made to Mercantile Finance Co., Inc. (a related company). The amounts
outstanding on these loans at December 31, 1997 total $3,187,489.
Year 2000
The Company recognizes the need to ensure its operations will not be
adversely impacted by Year 2000 software failures. The Company's outside
consultant, who performs the data processing function, is responsible for
implementing all necessary changes. Management anticipates that the Year 2000
conversion will be achieved with no effect on customers or disruption to
business operations. The cost of achieving Year 2000 compliance will be
accomplished through normal software upgrades and replacements that will be
covered by existing support agreements. Management does not anticipate these
costs to be material.
13. RETIREMENT PLANS
The Company makes payments to multi-employer pension plan trusts established
for the benefit of union employees. Contributions (included in employee
benefits) total $1,740,780, $1,887,627 and $1,961,609 for 1995, 1996 and 1997
respectively. The Multi-Employer Pension Plan Amendment Act of 1980 amended
ERISA to establish funding requirements and obligations for employers
participating in multi-employer plans, whereby the employer is liable upon
withdrawal from or termination of such plan for its share of the plan's
unfunded vested benefits liability. Based upon information provided by the
multi-employer plan administrators, there is no unfunded vested benefit
liability as of December 31, 1997. In addition, the Company currently has no
intention of withdrawing from these plans.
F-17
BERKELEY FARMS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996, AND 1997 AND
(UNAUDITED) SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998
For nonunion employees, the Company has a noncontributory profit sharing
plan. Contributions are made at the discretion of the Board of Directors and
approximate $178,000, $188,000 and $204,000 for 1995, 1996 and 1997.
The Company also has available for eligible nonunion employees, a 401(k)
plan which provides for employee contributions to tax deferred retirement
funds. In 1997, the union 401(k) plan was merged into multiemployer plans.
14. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Berkeley Land Co., Inc.
The Company purchases raw milk product and leases certain of its
distribution facilities from an affiliated company.
Transactions relating to these activities included in operations at December
31, 1995, 1996 and 1997 are as follows:
1995 1996 1997
---------- ---------- ----------
Purchase of raw milk product............ $4,412,913 $5,126,457 $4,890,089
Rent expense relating to distribution
Facilities (including property taxes).. 436,971 441,428 442,742
Interest income......................... 62,849 11,688 --
Mercantile Finance Co., Inc.
Interest income earned on a note receivable (see note 4) totals $141,917 in
1997 and $212,771 in 1996.
15. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
In March 1998, the Company began construction of a freezer unit at the
Hayward facility at an estimated total cost of $7.4 million.
The Company has sales pending on two real estate locations offered for sale
as a result of its plant relocation strategy. Such sales are expected to close
in the third quarter of 1998 at net amounts substantially in excess of book
value.
The Company entered into an additional $2 million line of credit with its
primary bank on August 7, 1998. The line, which expires October 31, 1998,
bears interest at prime and is subject to the terms and conditions of the
credit agreement dated September 15, 1996, including amendments dated October
3, 1997 and August 7, 1998.
16. SUBSEQUENT EVENT (UNAUDITED)
The Company signed an agreement and plan of merger on September 14, 1998
with a publicly-held company. The financial statements do not include all
adjustments which may result from the merger.
F-18
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
----------------------------
THIS AGREEMENT dated September 14, 1998 by and among Dean Foods Company, a
Delaware corporation ("Dean"), BFD Acquisition Co., a California corporation and
a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dean ("BFD"), Berkeley Farms, Inc., a California
corporation (the "Company"), and the Shareholders who are listed on the
signature pages (the "Controlling Shareholders").
WHEREAS, the respective boards of directors of Dean, BFD and the Company
have determined that it is advisable for the Company to be merged with and into
BFD (the "Merger"), as a result of which all of the outstanding Common Stock,
par value $1.00 per share, of the Company ("Company Common Stock") will be
converted into rights to receive shares of common stock of Dean, par value $1.00
per share ("Dean Common Stock"), and, unless otherwise elected, cash; all on the
terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, Dean, BFD and the Company intend that this Agreement constitute a
plan of reorganization and that the Merger described herein qualify for federal
income tax purposes as a "reorganization" within the meaning of Section
368(a)(1)(A) and 368(a)(2)(D) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the "Code"); and
WHEREAS, a portion of the Dean Common Stock to be issued by Dean at the
time the Merger occurs and to be received by each of Company's shareholders (the
"Shareholders") will be placed in escrow by the Shareholders and will be subject
to possible return to Dean under conditions specified in an Escrow Agreement
(defined in Section 1.4 below) and in this Agreement as a mechanism to provide
indemnification to Dean under certain circumstances; and
WHEREAS, it is the express intent of Dean, BFD and the Company that
notwithstanding such escrow arrangement, the Shareholders be considered the
beneficial
1
owners of the escrowed Dean Common Stock for federal income tax purposes when
the Merger is consummated so that such Merger consideration will be treated as
received by the Shareholders at that time for federal income tax purposes.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:
Section 1. THE MERGER.
The respective boards of directors of the Company and BFD have, by
resolutions duly adopted, approved the following provisions of this Section 1 as
the agreement of merger required by Section 1101 of the California Corporations
Code (the "California Law") in connection with the Merger:
1.1 The Closing and Effective Time of the Merger. Subject to the
provisions of Sections 4 and 5, and provided that this Agreement shall not have
been terminated pursuant to Section 8, at a closing to be held at the offices
of Stark, Wells, Rahl, Schwartz & Schieffer, 1999 Harrison Street, Suite 1300,
Oakland, California, or at such other location mutually agreed upon by the
parties (the "Closing"). BFD and the Company shall cause the filing with the
California Secretary of State, pursuant to Section 1103 of the California Law,
of an agreement of merger ("Certificate of Merger") consistent with this
Agreement, with an officer's certificate of each of Dean, BFD and the Company
and a certificate of satisfaction of the California Franchise Tax Board that all
taxes imposed on the Company by the California Bank and Corporation Tax Law have
been paid or secured (in this regard, BFD shall execute FTB Form 3555,
Assumption of Tax Liability/Request for Tax Clearance). The Closing shall be
held on the fourth trading day after the Shareholders' Meeting (as hereinafter
defined), at 10:00 A.M., if all conditions to closing specified in Sections 4
and 5 have been satisfied or waived, as provided in such Sections, as of such
date. If the Closing is not held on that date, the Closing will be held on the
earliest date thereafter when all other such conditions have been satisfied or
waived, as provided in such Sections, or on such other date as may be agreed to
by the parties hereto. The date on which the Closing is held is herein referred
2
to as the "Closing Date". The Merger shall become effective upon filing the
Certificate of Merger with the California Secretary of State (the "Effective
Time"). References herein to the "Surviving Corporation" shall mean BFD upon and
after the Effective Time.
1.2 Terms of the Merger. Upon the Effective Time, pursuant to this
Agreement and the Articles of Merger:
(a) The Company shall be merged into BFD and the separate
existence of the Company (except as may be continued by operation of law) shall
cease;
(b) BFD shall continue as the Surviving Corporation, organized
under the laws of the State of California;
(c) The articles of incorporation of the Surviving Corporation
shall be the articles of incorporation of BFD as in effect immediately prior to
the Effective Time except that the articles of incorporation of BFD shall be
amended to change BFD's name to "Berkeley Farms, Inc.";
(d) The bylaws of the Surviving Corporation shall be the bylaws
of BFD in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, except that the bylaws
of BFD shall be amended to change BFD's name to "Berkeley Farms, Inc.";
(e) The directors and officers of the Surviving Corporation shall
be those specified in Exhibit A attached hereto, except to the extent that the
death, resignation or removal of any of the persons specified shall have
resulted in a vacancy, in which event Dean will designate a replacement;
(f) Each share of Company Common Stock issued and outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time shall, without further act by any
person, be cancelled and extinguished and shall be automatically converted into
and become a right to receive subject to the terms of Section 1.2(g) regarding
fractional shares
3
and of Section 1.4 regarding the escrow of certain Dean Common Stock, the
following consideration (the "Purchase Price"): (i) that number of shares of
Dean Common Stock having a value (based on the Closing Price, as hereinafter
defined) equal to $37.99 (the aggregate number of shares of Dean Common Stock
into which each Shareholder's Company Common Stock is so converted, rounded down
to the next lower whole number of shares, being referred to as such
"Shareholder's Indemnity Shares"), and (ii) cash in an amount equal to
$1,147.33; provided that if a Shareholder has elected to receive Dean Common
Stock with respect to such share of Company Common Stock in accordance with
Section 1.2(g) hereof, such share of Company Common Stock shall instead be
automatically converted into and become a right to receive that number of shares
of Dean Common Stock having a value (based on the Closing Price) equal to
$1,128.33 (the aggregate number of shares of Dean Common Stock into which each
Shareholder's Company Common Stock is so converted shall be determined on an
aggregate basis as provided in Section 1.2(g).
(g) Each Shareholder who so wishes may elect to receive Dean
Common Stock in lieu of the cash such Shareholder would otherwise receive
pursuant to clause (ii) of Section 1.2(f) (for purposes of which, each share of
Dean Common Stock shall be valued at the Closing Price) with respect to any or
all shares of Company Common Stock of such Shareholder by delivering to Dean at
its principal place of business, by the close of business on the trading day
after the Shareholders' meeting which is called to approve the Merger (the
"Shareholders' Meeting"), such election on the form provided to the Shareholders
with the proxy materials for the Shareholders' Meeting
4
(the "Election Form"). Consequently, a Shareholder may elect to receive Dean
Common Stock for certain of the shares of Company Common Stock of such
Shareholder, but not other shares of Company Common Stock. The election to
receive Dean Common Stock pursuant to this Section 1.2(g) shall be made on a
share by share basis and not an aggregate dollar basis. The Company shall cause
the Shareholders' Meeting to occur twelve (12) trading days after the S-4
Registration Statement (defined below) becomes effective ("S-4 Effective Date").
In the event a Shareholder has not so delivered an Election Form on a timely
basis, such Shareholder shall be deemed to have elected to receive only cash
pursuant to clause (ii) of Section 1.2(f). For purposes hereof, the "Closing
Price" shall be equal to the average (computed to the fourth decimal place) of
the last reported sales prices for a share of Dean Common Stock as reported in
The Wall Street Journal or, if unavailable, similar publication for each of the
10 trading days ending on the day prior to the Shareholders' Meeting (the
"Pricing Period"). Neither Dean nor any affiliated purchaser (as defined in
Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation M) of Dean shall purchase any Dean
Common Stock during the period beginning five (5) business days prior to the
commencement of the Pricing Period and ending at the conclusion of the Pricing
Period, nor shall any of the Shareholders or any affiliated purchaser of any of
them sell (including any short sale) any Dean Common Stock during such period.
Furthermore, during the Pricing Period Dean shall not split the Dean Common
Stock or issue any stock dividends in connection therewith.
In lieu of issuing fractional shares of Dean Common Stock, Dean shall pay
to each person who would otherwise have been entitled to a fractional share of
Dean
5
Common Stock, determined on a holder by holder basis, an amount equal to the
product of such fraction multiplied by the Closing Price (hereinafter, the
"Fractional Share Consideration"). No conversion of shares of Company Common
Stock pursuant to Section 1.2(f) shall occur with respect to any shares of
Company Common Stock held by a Shareholder who has perfected statutory
dissenter's rights in accordance with Chapter 13 of Division 1 of Title 1 of the
California Law (commencing with Section 1300) with respect to such shares (the
"Dissenting Shares"). The fair value of the Dissenting Shares shall be
determined, and the holder(s) of the Dissenting Shares shall be compensated, in
accordance with the procedures set forth in such Chapter 13 of the California
Law. The rights accruing from the Dissenting Shares shall be limited to the
rights provided in such Chapter 13 of the California Law.
(h) Under no circumstances will the total amount of cash paid in
the Merger with respect to shares of Company Common Stock other than Dissenting
Shares, excluding the Fractional Share Consideration, exceed $30,700,000 less
the product of $1,185.32 multiplied by the number of Dissenting Shares (the
"Maximum Cash"). If, after giving effect to elections under Section 1.2(g), such
total amount of cash would otherwise exceed the Maximum Cash, the Maximum Cash
shall be pro-rated among those Shareholders who have elected or are deemed to
have elected to receive any cash pursuant to Section 1.2(g) on the basis of the
respective amounts of cash elected or deemed elected, and each such Shareholder
shall receive, in lieu of the amount of cash elected or deemed elected by such
Shareholder but not paid, Dean Common Stock having
6
a value equal to 98.34% (i.e., 1,128.33 (divided by) 1,147.33) of such amount
(for purposes of which, each share of Dean Common Stock shall be valued at the
Closing Price).
(i) The shares of Dean Common Stock issued to any Shareholder who
is an affiliate of the Company will be subject to restrictions on transfer
pursuant to Rule 145 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933. Each
certificate evidencing any of such shares will bear the following legend:
"The securities represented hereby have been issued in a transaction
subject to Rule 145 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Act"), and may not be offered for sale or sold in the absence of
compliance with the Act and until the issuer shall have received from
Stark, Wells, Rahl, Schwartz & Schieffer or other counsel acceptable
to it a written opinion reasonably satisfactory to it that the
proposed disposition will so comply."
A list of those Shareholders who are affiliates of the Company will be provided
by the Company to Dean no later than the close of business on the trading day
following the Shareholders' Meeting.
(j) No shares of Dean Common Stock or cash shall be paid with
respect to any shares of Company Common Stock which are authorized but unissued
or held by the Company as treasury stock; and
(k) All other classes of the capital stock of the Company, if
any, shall be cancelled.
7
1.3 Effect of the Merger. Upon the Effective Time, the title to all
real estate and the other property owned by each of BFD and the Company (the
"Constituent Corporations") is vested in the Surviving Corporation without
reversion or impairment; the Surviving Corporation has all liabilities of each
of the Constituent Corporations; any proceeding pending against either of the
Constituent Corporations may be continued as if the Merger did not occur; and
the Surviving Corporation may be substituted in any proceeding against the
Company, all with the effect set forth in Section 1107 of the California Law.
1.4 Exchange and Payments; Escrow. Subject to the provisions of
Sections 4 and 5, and provided that this Agreement shall not have been
terminated pursuant to Section 8, at the Closing: (i) the Shareholders will
deliver to Dean, or to an exchange agent designated by Dean, certificates
representing all of the shares of Company Common Stock, other than Dissenting
Shares; (ii) Dean will deliver to the Shareholders' Representative, as agent for
the Shareholders, certificates representing any shares of Dean Common Stock
issued to any Shareholder pursuant to Section 1.2 hereof, other than such
Shareholder's Indemnity Shares, plus any cash issued to any Shareholder pursuant
to Section 1.2 hereof; (iii) the Company shall deliver to Dean an
Indemnification Escrow Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B (the
"Escrow Agreement"), executed by the Shareholders' Representative (defined in
the Escrow Agreement), pursuant to which an escrow shall be established with The
Harris Trust & Savings Bank, Chicago, Illinois, as escrow agent (the "Escrow
Agent"), for the purpose of holding each Shareholder's Indemnity Shares pursuant
to the Escrow Agreement; (iv)
8
Dean shall deliver to the Escrow Agent certificates representing each
Shareholder's Indemnity Shares; (v) Dean shall deliver to the Shareholders'
Representative a counterpart of the Escrow Agreement duly executed by Dean and
BFD and shall request that the Escrow Agent simultaneously deliver a counterpart
signature thereto; and (vi) the Company shall deliver to the Escrow Agent
assignments separate from certificate endorsed in blank by each Shareholder and
such further documentation as shall be required by the Escrow Agent to effect,
if necessary, the transfer of all or a portion of each Shareholder's Indemnity
Shares to Dean in satisfaction of such Shareholder's indemnification
obligations. The respective percentages and/or amounts of Shareholder's
Indemnity Shares issued to the Shareholders will be attached to the Escrow
Agreement prior to the Effective Date.
If a Shareholder fails to deliver at the Closing his or her Company Common
Stock certificates and/or assignment separate from certificate as required, Dean
will retain any certificate representing Dean Common Stock and any cash that
would otherwise be delivered pursuant to clause (ii) above until such time as
such Company Common Stock certificates and/or assignment separate from
certificate have been delivered. Pending such delivery, such Shareholder's
Company Common Stock certificates shall represent solely the right to receive,
upon such delivery, such Dean Common Stock and cash and any dividends paid on
such Dean Common Stock to holders of record as of record dates on or after the
Closing Date and prior to such delivery, without interest on such cash or
dividends.
9
Dean, BFD, the Company and the Shareholders agree to treat this transaction
as a tax-free reorganization under Code Sections 368(a)(1)(A) and 368(a)(2)(D)
and Dean, BFD, the Company, and the Shareholders agree to report this
transaction for income tax reporting purposes in accordance with this treatment.
The foregoing actions shall discharge all obligations of Dean, BFD, the
Company and the Surviving Corporation with respect to the shares of Company
Common Stock outstanding at the Effective Time (other than Dissenting Shares).
Notwithstanding anything in the Agreement to the contrary, no party hereto shall
be liable to a holder of any certificate theretofore representing any shares of
Company Common Stock for any amount paid to or deposited with a public official
pursuant to any applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar law.
1.5 Closing of Company Transfer Books. At the Effective Time, the
stock transfer books of the Company shall be closed and no transfer of shares of
Company Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall
thereafter be made.
1.6 Post-Closing Actions by Surviving Corporation. The Surviving
Corporation may, at any time after the Effective Time, take any action
(including executing and delivering any document) in the name and on behalf of
either the Company or BFD in order to carry out and effectuate the transaction
contemplated by this Agreement.
10
Section 2. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY AND SHAREHOLDERS.
As material inducements to Dean's and BFD's entering into and
performing this Agreement, the Company and Shareholders represent, warrant and
covenant to Dean and BFD that the statements contained in this Section 2 are
correct and complete as of the date of this Agreement and will be correct and
complete as of the Closing Date, as though made thereon, except as set forth in
the schedules referred to in this Section 2 (collectively the "Disclosure
Schedules"). Nothing in the Disclosure Schedules shall be deemed adequate to
disclose an exception to a representation or warranty made herein, however,
unless the Disclosure Schedule identifies the exception with reasonable
particularity and describes the relevant facts in reasonable detail. Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, the mere listing (or inclusion of a
copy) of a document or other item shall not be deemed adequate to disclose an
exception to a representation or warranty made herein (unless the representation
or warranty has to do with the existence of the document or other item itself).
The Disclosure Schedule will be arranged in paragraphs corresponding to the
lettered and numbered paragraphs contained in this Section 2.
2.1 Organization and Corporate Power. The Company is a corporation
duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
State of California. The Company is duly qualified to do business as a foreign
corporation in all jurisdictions in which failure by the Company so to qualify
could have an adverse effect on the financial condition, operating results,
assets, liabilities, customer or employee relations, business or prospects of
the Company. The Company has full power and
11
authority (corporate and other) to own and lease its properties and conduct its
business as it is now being conducted. Correct and complete copies of the
Company's articles of incorporation and by-laws have been delivered to Buyer on
or before the date of this Agreement, and there have been no amendments thereof
not reflected in such copies. The Company is not in default in the performance,
observance or fulfillment of any of the terms or conditions of its articles of
incorporation or by-laws.
2.2 Capital Stock Investment. The Company has no subsidiaries.
Except as disclosed in Schedule 2.2, the Company does not own, directly or
indirectly, any capital stock of any corporation, association, trust or other
entity, any interest in the equity of any partnership or other entity, any share
in any joint venture, or any other equity or proprietary interest in any entity
or enterprise, however organized and however such interest may be denominated or
evidenced.
2.3 Due Authorization; Effect of Transaction. No provision of the
Company's articles of incorporation or by-laws or of any agreement, instrument,
judgment, decree, law, rule or regulation to which the Company is a party or by
which the Company is bound or to which any of the Company Common Stock is
subject has been or will be violated by, or has resulted or will result in the
imposition of any lien, charge, security interest or other encumbrance on
account of, the execution and delivery by the Company and the Shareholders of
this Agreement or any other agreement or document executed or delivered or to be
executed or delivered by the Company and the Shareholders pursuant hereto or the
performance or satisfaction by the Company and the Shareholders of any action
contemplated herein or therein or any agreement or condition
12
herein or therein contained or provided for upon their part to be performed or
satisfied. This Agreement and any other agreements or instruments contemplated
hereby constitute the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Company and
the Shareholders, enforceable against the Company and the Shareholders in
accordance with their respective terms. Except as set forth in Schedule 2.3 no
authorization or approval of, or filing with, any governmental agency, authority
or other body is or will be required by the Company or any of the Shareholders
in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the
transactions contemplated hereby. When duly executed and delivered, this
Agreement shall be a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company,
enforceable against it in accordance with its terms.
2.4 Books and Records; Financial Statements. The books and records
of account of the Company have been maintained in accordance with good business
practices and in accordance with GAAP, consistently applied, and any applicable
regulatory requirements.
Attached as Schedule 2.4 are the following financial statements of the
Company (collectively the "Financial Statements"): (i) audited balance sheets
for the years ending December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, together with related
audited statements of income and retained earnings and cash flow for the fiscal
years then ended; and (ii) unaudited financial statements for the six-month
period ending June 30, 1998, including the balance sheet as of such date and the
related profit and loss statement and cash flows for the fiscal period then
ended. Such Financial Statements, including the notes to such Financial
Statements, if any, have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting
13
principles (excluding footnotes) consistently applied throughout the periods
covered thereby and fairly present the financial condition of the Company and
the results of its operations at the dates thereof and for the periods covered
thereby.
The Company has no liabilities or obligations of any nature, whether known
or unknown, fixed or unfixed, choate or inchoate, liquidated or unliquidated,
secured or unsecured, accrued, absolute or contingent, whether or not of a kind
required by generally accepted accounting principles to be accrued or disclosed
on a financial statement, except for (i) liabilities disclosed as such on the
June 30, 1998 Balance Sheet (the "Balance Sheet"), (ii) liabilities which have
arisen after the Balance Sheet in the ordinary course of business (none of which
results from, arises out of, or relates to, is in the nature of, or was caused
by any breach of contract, breach of warranty, tort, infringement, or violation
of law) and liabilities covered by insurance. Since June 30, 1998, there have
not been any changes which individually or in the aggregate have adversely
affected the financial condition, operating results, assets, liabilities,
customer or employee relations or business of the Company, and no fact or
condition exists or is contemplated or, to the best knowledge of the Company, is
threatened which might cause any such effect.
2.5 Real Property. Schedule 2.5 contains a brief description of all
real property which is owned by the Company, including all land and all
buildings, plants, improvements or important structures located thereon (the
"Real Property"). The exceptions set forth in the title insurance commitment
are not violated by and do not interfere with the present use of the Real
Property and the use and location of the improvements located therein. The
Company has not granted any options to purchase any
14
of the Real Property. Dean and BFD acknowledge that the Real Property owned by
the Company at 1400 Doolittle, San Leandro, California and 4575 San Pablo
Avenue, Emeryville, California, are subject to agreements pursuant to which such
properties will be sold. Neither the whole nor any portion of any Real Property
has been or is now being condemned, requisitioned or otherwise taken by any
public authority. The Company does not own or use any land, building, plant,
improvement, important structure or other real estate in connection with its
business other than as set forth in Schedule 2.5 or Schedule 2.6. The
buildings, plants, improvements or structures owned or leased by the Company
have been and are being maintained in good condition and repair and are adequate
for the conduct of the present business of the Company. The assessed valuation
of the Real Property for real estate tax purposes, and taxes paid or payable
with respect thereto for the latest available fiscal year, are set forth on
Schedule 2.5. Dean and BFD are aware that the transaction which is the subject
of this Agreement may constitute a change in ownership of the Real Property
which could result in revisions to such assessed values and/or supplemental
assessments. Except as otherwise set forth on Schedule 2.5, there are no tax
abatements or exemptions affecting the Real Property. All off-site utilities
are installed to the property lines of the Real Property and, except in the case
of drainage facilities, are connected to the buildings located on the Real
Property with valid permits and are adequate to service the buildings. The
buildings are properly connected directly to and served exclusively by public
water and sewer systems. Since June 30, 1998, all buildings, plants,
improvements and structures located on the Real Property have been and are being
maintained in good condition and repair and, taking into
15
consideration the ongoing construction at the New Plant, are adequate for the
business of Seller as currently conducted.
2.6 Leased Real Property. Schedule 2.6 sets forth the real estate
leases for real property used by the Company as of the date hereof (the "Leased
Real Property"), including identification of the lessor, lessee, rent payable
and street address. The Company has delivered to Dean and BFD complete and
accurate copies of all such leases as the same may have been amended or
modified. The Company has not exercised or assigned any options to purchase any
Leased Real Property. Neither the whole nor any portion of any Leased Real
Property has been or is now being condemned, requisitioned or otherwise taken by
any public authority. No amount payable under any real estate lease is past due.
The Company has not delivered any notices of default to any landlord of the
Leased Real Property for defaults not yet cured, except as set forth on Schedule
2.6. The Company has not received any written or oral notice of a default (which
has not been cured), offset or counterclaim under any real estate lease, or any
other written communication calling upon the Company to comply with any
provision of any real estate lease or asserting noncompliance and, no event or
condition has happened or presently exists which constitutes a default or, after
notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default under any real
estate lease, except as may be disclosed on Schedule 2.6. To the best knowledge
of the Company, no grounds exist which would warrant the declaration of a
default under any real estate lease. Such real estate leases are in full force
and effect and are valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with their
respective terms except to the extent such enforcement may be limited by
bankruptcy, insolvency,
16
reorganization, moratorium or other laws relating to or affecting the
enforcement of creditors' rights or by general equitable principles. Except as
set forth in Schedule 2.6, the Company has not received any written notice from
any city, village or other governmental authority, or from any other third
party, of any zoning, building, fire or health code violation in respect of the
Leased Real Property that has not been corrected.
2.7 Personal Properties. The Company owns and has good, marketable
and insurable title to all of the tangible and intangible personal properties
and assets (other than leaseholds) used by it, located on the Real Property and
the Leased Property, reflected in the Balance Sheet, or acquired after the date
thereof (except as sold or otherwise disposed of in the ordinary course of
business since the date thereof), free and clear of all mortgages, liens,
encumbrances, equities, claims and obligations to other persons, of whatever
kind and character, except as reflected in Schedule 2.7. The Company has
furnished BFD and Dean with a list of all items of fixed assets, including
machinery and equipment, owned by the Company or used by it in the conduct of
its business as of June 30, 1998. After the execution of this Agreement and
prior to the Closing, such fixed assets and machinery and equipment have been
and are being maintained in good repair and condition and are adequate for the
conduct of the present business of the Company.
2.8 Employment Arrangements. Except as disclosed in Schedule 2.9 or
Schedule 2.26, the Company has no employment agreements, collective bargaining
or other labor agreements, agreements containing severance or termination pay
arrangements, deferred compensation agreements, retainer or consulting
arrangements,
17
pension or retirement plans, bonus or profit-sharing plans, stock option or
purchase plans or other employee contracts or arrangements, group life, health,
medical or hospitalization insurance plans or programs or other employee or
fringe benefit plans or programs, including vacation, sick leave or severance
plans or programs, to which the Company is a party or under which it is bound.
The Company has performed all obligations required to be performed under all
such agreements, arrangements, plans, contracts and programs and is not (nor to
the knowledge of the Company is any other party thereto or beneficiary thereof)
in breach of or in default or arrears under the terms thereof. Neither the
Company nor any of its employees is now nor has been subject to or involved in
or, to the best of the Company's knowledge, threatened with, any union election,
petition therefor or other organizational activity, except as described in
Schedule 2.8. Since June 30, 1998, the Company has not experienced any work
stoppage or any other general labor difficulty or unrest; no increases in wages
or contributions shall take effect either prior to or after the date of the
Closing without Dean's or BFD's prior written consent; any successorship rights
under the Company's collective bargaining agreements have been disclosed to Dean
and BFD; and no notice requirements are necessary with respect to any employee,
representative or labor organization regarding this Agreement. Schedule 2.8
includes a true and complete list of the name, current annual salary, and all
bonuses, incentive payments and perquisites, whether paid or payable in cash, a
cash equivalent or tangible or intangible property, paid or required to be paid
with respect to calendar year 1998 to each employee of the Company.
18
2.9 Contracts and Commitments
(a) Schedule 2.9 contains a complete list of (or with respect to
oral contracts a summary description of) each contract, commitment and license
agreement of Company that is material to the operations, assets, business or
financial condition of Company or that by its terms can reasonably be expected
to require future payment by or to Company of $50,000 or more per year
individually (except with respect to contracts relating to the construction of
the Company's new plant in Hayward, California (the "New Plant"), for which a
budget for the remaining projects for the New Plant as of August 31, 1998, is
attached hereto as Schedule 2.9(a)), including but not limited to the following
(together the "Material Contracts"):
(i) all employment contracts and commitments between the Company
and its employees;
(ii) all collective bargaining agreements and union contracts to
which the Company is a party;
(iii) all contracts or commitments, written or oral, with
distributors, brokers, manufacturer's representatives, sales
representatives, service or warranty representatives, customers, and
other persons, firms, or corporations engaged in the sale or
distribution of products;
(iv) all purchase orders for goods or services issued by the
Company in excess of $50,000, all sales orders received by the Company
in excess of $50,000 (except for public agency agreements for which
the Company shall provide a list of such agreements) and all purchase
or sales
19
orders that call for delivery or performance on a date more than one
year from the date of this Agreement;
(v) all contracts and arrangements between the Company and any
person or entity that controls, is controlled by, or is under common
control with, the Company or any family member of any such person
(such entity or person, being hereinafter referred to as an
"Affiliate");
(vi) all contracts and commitments and instruments of the Company
reflecting obligations for borrowed money or for other indebtedness or
guarantees thereof; and
(vii) all contracts or licenses related to proprietary rights of
the Company or third party.
(b) Sellers have furnished Dean and BFD on or before the date of
this Agreement with correct and complete copies of all Material Contracts, and
there have been no modifications, amendments or terminations thereof not
reflected in such copies. Each of the Material Contracts is valid, binding,
subsisting and enforceable in accordance with its terms. The Company has
performed, and has the ability to continue to perform, all obligations required
to be performed by it under each contract, commitment and understanding, written
or oral, to which it is a party or by which it is bound (whether or not a
Material Contract), and is not in any respect in breach of or default under, nor
in receipt of any claim of default or breach under, any such contract,
commitment or understanding; no event has occurred which with the passage of
time or giving of notice or both would cause such a breach of or default under
any such contract,
20
commitment or understanding; the Company has no present expectation or intention
of not fully performing, or inability to perform, its obligations under any such
contract, commitment or understanding; the Sellers have no knowledge of any
breach or anticipated breach by any other party to any such contract, commitment
or understanding; each such contract, commitment or understanding has been
entered into in the ordinary course of business; and none of the contracts,
commitments or understandings binding on the Company contains terms or
conditions that are materially adverse to the Company.
(c) The Company is not a party to any written agreement that
would restrict it from carrying on any line of business anywhere in the world.
(d) To Shareholders' best knowledge, the Company enjoys good
working relationships under all of its distributor, sales representative, and
similar agreements necessary to the normal operation of its business.
2.10 Ordinary Course of Business. Except as disclosed in Schedule
2.9 attached hereto since June 30, 1998, the Company:
(a) has operated its business in the normal, usual and customary
manner in the ordinary and regular course of business, including, without
limitation, the maintenance of inventory (of all categories) at normal operating
levels consistent with prior practice;
(b) has not sold or otherwise disposed of, or contracted to sell
or otherwise dispose of, any of its properties or assets, other than inventory
or other assets sold or otherwise disposed of for a fair consideration;
21
(c) has not amended or terminated any outstanding lease, contract
or agreement except in the ordinary course of business and except for items
disclosed in Schedule 2.9 (including without limitation, the New Plant
construction), has not entered into any contract, lease, or license involving
aggregate obligations or expenses in excess of $50,000 or outside the ordinary
course of business;
(d) except for items disclosed in Schedule 2.9 (including without
limitation, the New Plant construction), the Company has not made or committed
to make any additions to its property or any purchases of machinery or equipment
in excess of $50,000 in any one instance, except for normal maintenance and
replacements;
(e) has not discharged or satisfied any lien or encumbrance or
paid, in whole or in part, any obligation or liability (absolute or contingent)
other than current liabilities or obligations under contracts or commitments
then existing or thereafter entered into or liabilities thereafter incurred in
the ordinary course of business, and commitments under leases existing on that
date or incurred since that date in the ordinary course of business;
(f) has not mortgaged or pledged any of its assets or subjected
any of its assets to any lien, security interest or other encumbrance;
(g) has not made any principal payments of any Funded
Indebtedness (other than scheduled payments in the ordinary course of business),
canceled any other debts or claims except in the ordinary course of business or
waived any rights of substantial value without adequate consideration;
22
(h) has not sold, assigned or transferred any patents,
trademarks, trade names, trade secrets, copyrights or other intangible assets;
(i) except as disclosed in Schedule 2.8, the Company has not
increased the compensation (including any bonus) payable or to become payable to
any of its directors, officers, employees or agents, except for wage increases
authorized in the ordinary course of business and in amounts which are
consistent with past practices;
(j) has not suffered any damage, destruction or loss by fire or
other casualty to any of its properties and assets (whether or not covered by
insurance) or any acquisition or taking of property by any governmental
authority, which in either case or in the aggregate could materially adversely
affect the conduct of the Company's business;
(k) has not issued, sold or otherwise disposed of any of its
capital stock, or granted any options, warrants, or other rights to purchase or
obtain any of its capital stock;
(l) except for matters relating to the New Plant construction
included in the budget set forth in Schedule 2.9(a), the Company has not entered
into any transaction which individually, or in the aggregate with other
transactions, is material to the Company other than in the ordinary course of
business;
(m) has not experienced any change in: the Company's financial
condition, operating results, assets, liabilities, except for matters relating
to the New Plant construction included in the budget set forth in Schedule
2.9(a) or as a result of the operation of the New Plant; customer or employee
relations, business or prospects, and
23
changes which have occurred in the ordinary and regular course of business which
are not materially adverse;
(n) has not made any loan or advance to or for the benefit of
any of its officers, directors, employees, agents or stockholders or any
affiliate thereof which has not been paid in full;
(o) has not experienced, or received any claim or notice of, any
quality problem with respect to a material volume of the Company's products;
(p) has not permitted to exist any unpaid bill for materials or
services supplied to the Company by its suppliers, except in accordance with the
Company's customary practices, which practices are summarized in Schedule 2.10;
(q) has not issued any note, bond, or other debt security or
created, incurred, assumed or guaranteed any indebtedness for borrowed money or
capitalized lease obligations; or
(r) has not committed to any of the foregoing.
2.11 Litigation and Compliance with Laws. Except as disclosed in
Schedule 2.11, neither the Company nor any of its officers or directors (in
their capacities as such) is or has been subject to, engaged in or, to the best
knowledge of the Company, threatened by any litigation or legal or other
actions, suits, proceedings or investigations, at law or in equity, or before or
by any federal, state, municipal or other governmental department, commission,
board, agency or instrumentality, domestic or foreign (including, without
limitation, any voluntary or involuntary proceedings under the Federal
Bankruptcy Code). To the best knowledge of the Company, there are no existing
24
grounds on which any such action, suit, proceeding or investigation might be
commenced. Except as disclosed in Schedule 2.11, there are no legal or other
actions, suits, proceedings, investigations or injunctions pending or
outstanding, at law or in equity or admiralty, or before or by any federal,
state, municipal or other governmental department, commission, board, agency or
instrumentality, domestic or foreign, against or involving any of the issued and
outstanding capital stock of the Company, this Agreement, the Company or its
properties or business. The Company is in compliance with all laws and
governmental rules and regulations, domestic or foreign, applicable to it or its
business, affairs, properties or assets, including without limitation state and
federal antitrust, immigration, environmental and health insurance laws. The
Company has been in compliance with all such laws and governmental rules and
regulations during the past five (5) years and during such earlier periods as
shall remain subject to investigation and prosecution under applicable statutes
of limitation.
2.12 Trademarks, Patents, Etc. The Company owns or possesses all
trademarks, trade names, service marks, patents, copyrights and licenses, and
all rights with respect to the foregoing, necessary for the conduct of its
business as now conducted. Schedule 2.12 sets forth all of the Company's
trademarks, trade names, service marks, patents, copyrights, registrations or
applications with respect thereto, and licenses or rights under the same owned,
used or intended to be acquired or used by the Company, including, without
limitation, all software licenses or sublicenses held by the Company. To the
extent indicated in Schedule 2.12, the same have been duly registered in such
offices as are indicated therein. On or prior to the date of this Agreement, the
Company
25
has furnished Buyer with correct and complete copies of all licenses or other
contracts relating to such trademarks, trade names, service marks, patents and
copyrights, and there have been no modifications, amendments or terminations
thereof not reflected in such copies. The Company is the sole and exclusive
owner of such trademarks, trade names, service marks and copyrights within its
marketing area, the holder of the full record title to such trademark
registrations and the sole owner of the inventions covered by such patents and
patent applications. Such registrations and applications are in full force and
effect and have not been abandoned or withdrawn. The Company has the sole and
exclusive right to use such trademarks, trade names, service marks, patents and
copyrights and all the aforesaid are free and clear of any mortgages, liens,
encumbrances, equities, claims and obligations to other persons of whatever kind
and character. There are no claims or demands of any other person, firm or
corporation pertaining to the aforesaid, no proceedings have been instituted,
are pending or, to the best knowledge and belief of the Company, are threatened
which challenge the Company's rights in respect thereto and none of the
trademarks, trade names, service marks, patents or copyrights listed in Schedule
2.12 infringes upon or otherwise violates the rights of others or is being
infringed by others, and none is subject to any outstanding order, decree,
judgment or stipulation. The continued conduct of the Company's business will
not involve infringement or other unlawful invasion of any third party's
proprietary rights. To the knowledge of the Company, no other person or business
entity is using any of the trademarks, trade names or service marks on products
of the same general type as the Company's products. The Company has not been, at
any time during the past five (5)
26
years, charged with or otherwise notified of its infringement of any copyright,
trademark, service mark, trade name, patent or other proprietary right held by a
third party. The Company has the sole and exclusive right to do business under
its corporate name.
2.13 Licenses and Permits. The Company has all permits, licenses,
approvals, authorizations and memberships necessary to conduct its business in
the manner in which it has been conducted. True and correct copies of each such
permit, license, approval, authorization and evidence of membership have been
made available to BFD and Dean. All such permits, licenses, approvals and
authorizations are in full force and effect, and the Company is not in violation
of any term or provision or requirement of any such permit, license, approval or
authorization. The consummation of the transactions contemplated hereunder will
not affect the validity or effectiveness of, and will not require the consent or
approval of any party to, or any other person or governmental agency having
jurisdiction of, any such permit, license, approval or authorization. Other than
in connection with or in compliance with the provisions of the California Law
(including without limitation, issuance of a tax clearance certificate by the
Franchise Tax Board), the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
"Exchange Act"), the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"),
the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 (the "Hart-Scott Act"),
the securities or "blue sky" laws of the various states, and the rules and
regulations thereunder, no authorization or approval of, or filing with, any
governmental agency, authority or other body is or will be required by the
Company in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the
transactions contemplated hereby.
27
2.14 Insurance Policies. Schedule 2.14 contains a correct and complete
list and description of the insurance policies in force and effect in respect of
the Company's business, properties and assets, including, without limitation,
insurance on personnel of the Company. The Company maintains in full force and
effect adequate insurance against fire, theft and other casualties, covering all
of the Company's buildings, machinery, equipment, inventory and other personal
property and fixtures. The Company maintains in full force and effect adequate
insurance against risks covered in general public liability insurance policies
and against product liability. On or prior to the date of this Agreement, the
Company has furnished Dean and BFD with a five (5) year survey of its claims
experience under all its forms of insurance. The Company is not in default
under, or in non-compliance with any insurance policy. The Company has not been
refused insurance by any insurance carrier to which it has applied for
insurance. For purposes of this Section 2.14, "adequate" shall mean consistent
with customary and general practice in the Company's industry as to amounts,
deductibles, exclusions, risks covered and companies providing coverage.
2.15 Suppliers and Customers. Schedule 2.15 is a true and complete
list of the current top ten suppliers and customers of the Company, based on
sales volume from January 1, 1998 through June 30, 1998, in the ordinary course
of business. Neither the Company nor any officer, director, employee, agent or
stockholder of the Company has a prospective obligation to convey, directly or
indirectly, to any customer or supplier, or any officer, director, or employee
of such customer or supplier, any benefit (whether in
28
the form of cash, a cash equivalent, or tangible or intangible property), which
would violate or contradict any applicable federal, state or local statute.
2.16 Dividends and Distributions. Except as disclosed in Schedule
2.16, since December 31, 1997, the Company has not declared, set aside or paid
any dividend or declared, set aside or made any distribution whatsoever to any
of its stockholders, either in cash, stock or other property, through purchases
or redemptions of stock or otherwise.
2.17 Extraordinary Events. Since December 31, 1997 through the date
hereof, neither the financial condition, operating results, assets, liabilities,
customer or employee relations, business nor prospects of the Company has been
adversely affected in any material way as the result of any fire, explosion,
accident, casualty, strike, work stoppage or other labor disturbance,
requisition or taking of property by any governmental body or agency, flood,
embargo, or Act of God or the public enemy, or cessation, interruption or
diminution of operations, whether or not covered by insurance.
2.18 Management; Bank Accounts; Etc. Schedule 2.18 contains a list of
the Company's officers and directors, which is correct and complete except for
any changes after the date of this Agreement of which the Company concurrently
advises Dean and BFD. Schedule 2.18 contains a true, correct and complete list
of all banks, trust companies, savings and loan associations and brokerage firms
in which the Company has an account or a safe deposit box, the names of all
persons authorized to draw thereon, to have access thereto, or to authorize
transactions therein, and the names of all persons, if any, holding powers of
attorney from the Company. The Company has furnished Dean
29
and BFD with copies of all such powers of attorney, and there have been no
modifications, amendments or terminations of any such powers of attorney not
reflected in such copies.
2.19 Inventories; Accounts Receivable.
(a) All inventory of the Company reflected on the Balance Sheet
was, and all inventory of the Company currently existing is, merchantable and
usable and saleable in the ordinary and regular course of the Company's
business. All obsolete, spoiled, adulterated, misbranded, damaged or otherwise
unusable inventory or unmerchantable inventory was charged off prior to the date
of, and not included on, the Balance Sheet. All inventory of the Company shown
on the Balance Sheet was valued for financial statement purposes in accordance
with the Company's normal inventory valuation policy, a description of which
policy is set forth in Schedule 2.19(a). Quantities of inventory on hand are not
excessive for current requirements and have not increased or decreased to any
significant degree since June 30, 1998. The Company had as of such date and,
except for sales thereof in the ordinary course of business, at Closing will
have, good and marketable title to all inventory free and clear of any liens,
mortgages, pledges, encumbrances, claims or charges of any kind whatsoever. All
inventory conforms in all respects to applicable specifications and warranties.
All of the products manufactured, distributed or sold to others by the Company,
all of the methods, processes and know-how used in connection with the
manufacture, by or on behalf of the Company, of any such products, and all
matter appearing in or in connection with labels, packages, cartons, packaging
materials, labeling, displays and advertising matter used in connection with
30
any of such products, have conformed and conform to all requirements of all
applicable governmental laws, rules, orders, ordinances, decrees and
regulations. No claims have been made by any governmental regulatory agency,
whether federal, state or local, that any of the aforesaid was not or is not in
conformity with any applicable law, rule, order, decree, ordinance or
regulation. All finished products and work in process included in the Company's
inventory of foods are (i) not adulterated or misbranded within the meaning of
the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act (the "FDC Act"), as amended, 21 U.S.C.
Section 301, et seq., including the Food Additives Amendment of 1958; (ii) not
an article which may not, under the provisions of Section 404 or 505 of the FDC
Act, be introduced into interstate commerce; and (iii) not adulterated or
misbranded within the meaning of any applicable or potentially applicable state
or municipal food and drug law, regulation or ordinance.
(b) All accounts receivable reflected on the Balance Sheet or
owned by the Company at Closing have been collected or are good and collectible
within ninety (90) days after Closing in the ordinary course of business without
litigation, net of bad debt reserve. The Company's practices with respect to
charges and credits to its reserve for uncollectible accounts are summarized in
Schedule 2.19(b). None of the Sellers nor the Company knows of any right of set-
off against any such receivables. All trade receivables arose in the ordinary
and regular course of business. None of the products of the Company are sold on
a consignment basis.
2.20 Tax Returns. For purposes of this Section 2.20, as well as any
portions of this Agreement dealing with Taxes, the "Company" shall include any
current
31
or former subsidiary of Berkeley Farms, Inc. The Company has timely and in
accordance with applicable laws filed, or caused to be filed, all tax returns
required to be filed, including those based upon the assets, operations,
ownership, or activities of the Company, and the information shown on such
income tax returns of the Company is true, accurate and complete and fairly
reflects the information purported to be shown. The provision for taxes shown on
the Balance Sheet is or was sufficient to satisfy all taxes of the Company,
including interest and penalties in respect thereof, whether disputed or not,
and whether accrued, contingent, due, absolute or deferred, for all periods
ended on or prior to the date of the Balance Sheet. For purposes hereof, "tax"
or "taxes" shall mean any income, corporation, gross receipts, profits, gains,
capital stock, capital duty, franchise, withholding, social security (including
any social security charge or premium), unemployment, disability, property,
wealth, welfare, stamp, excise, occupation, sales, use, transfer, value added,
alternative minimum, estimated or other similar tax (including any fee,
assessment, or other charge in the nature of or in lieu of any tax) imposed by
any governmental entity (whether foreign, national, local or municipal) or
political subdivision thereof, and any interest, penalties, additions to tax, or
additional amounts in respect of the foregoing, and including any transferee or
secondary liability in respect of any tax (whether by law or contractual
agreement) and any liability in respect of any tax as a result of being a member
of any affiliated, consolidated, combined, unitary or similar group. "Tax
Period" shall mean, with respect to any Tax, the period for which the Tax is
reported as provided under Applicable Tax Laws. All taxes and other assessments
and levies which the Company is required by law to withhold or to collect in
connection with
32
amounts paid or owing to any employee, independent contractor, creditor,
shareholder or other party have been duly withheld and collected, and have been
paid over to the proper governmental authorities to the extent due and payable.
No tax liabilities have been assessed or proposed which remain unpaid, and the
Company has not signed any extension agreement with the Internal Revenue Service
(the "IRS") or any state which has not expired by its terms. The Company is not
aware of any basis upon which any assessment of additional income taxes could be
made except as otherwise disclosed in this Agreement or in the Disclosure
Schedules and Exhibits attached hereto. The Company has furnished Buyer with
true and correct copies of the Company's local, state and federal income tax
returns for all tax periods which have not been audited by the relevant taxing
authority or for which the applicable statute of limitations period has not
expired. For purposes hereof, "tax return" or "tax returns" shall mean, with
respect to any Tax, any information return with respect to such Tax, any report,
statement, declaration or document required to be filed under the applicable tax
law in respect of such Tax, any claims for refund of Taxes paid, and any
amendment or supplements to any of the foregoing. The Company has disclosed in
its federal income tax returns positions taken therein that could give rise to
an understatement of federal income tax within the meaning of Internal Revenue
Code Section 6662. The federal income tax return of the Company for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1993 is the last return of the Company examined by the
IRS. The examinations of the Company's federal and state tax returns for fiscal
years prior to 1993 have been closed and paid. The Company does not own,
directly or indirectly, any interest in an entity classified as a partnership
for federal
33
income tax purposes. There is no contract, agreement, plan or arrangement
covering any individual or entity treated as an individual included in the
business or assets of the Company that, individually or collectively, could give
rise to the payment by the Company or BFD or Dean or their affiliates, of an
amount that would not be deductible by reason of Section 280G of the Code or
similar provisions under other applicable tax laws. There are no outstanding
rulings of, or requests for rulings with, any tax authority that are, or, if
issued, would be, binding on BFD or Dean for any tax period beginning after the
Closing Date ("Post-Closing Period"). The Company has not, in a manner that
would be binding on BFD or Dean for any Post-Closing Period, (i) executed,
become subject to, or entered into any closing agreement, or (ii) received
approval to make, or agreed to, a change in accounting method or has any
application pending for any such change. None of the assets of the Company is:
(i) required to be or is being depreciated under the alternative depreciation
system under Section 168(g)(2) of the Code; (ii) secures any debt the interest
on which is tax-exempt; (iii) is "limited use property" within the meaning of
Rev. Proc. 76-30; or (iv) will be treated as owned by any other person under
former Section 168(f). There are no liens, encumbrances or security interests on
the Company, the Company Common Stock, or any of the Company's assets that arose
(or may arise with the lapse of time) in connection with any failure (or alleged
failure) of the Company to pay taxes.
2.21 Adverse Restrictions. Except as set forth on the Financial
Statements, the Company is not subject to any provision of any charter,
mortgage, lien, agreement, commitment, lease, order, judgment, decree or
regulation which could
34
materially and adversely affect the financial condition, operating results,
assets, liabilities, customer or employee relations, business or prospects of
the Company.
2.22 Material Information; Copies of Documents. Neither this Agreement
(including the Schedules hereto), nor any certificate or other document
furnished by or on behalf of the Company to Dean and BFD pursuant hereto,
contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material
fact required to be stated herein or therein or necessary to make the statements
herein or therein not misleading. There is no fact which the Company has not
disclosed to Dean and BFD in writing or which does not appear on the Financial
Statements, except as otherwise disclosed in this Agreement or in the Disclosure
Schedules and Exhibits attached hereto, of which the Company is aware which
could reasonably be anticipated to have a material adverse effect upon the
financial condition, operating results, assets, liabilities, customer or
employee relations, business or prospects of the Company.
2.23 Capitalization. The Company's authorized capital stock consists
of 200,000 shares of Voting Common Stock, $1.00 par value, of which Fifty-two
Thousand Six Hundred Forty-Four (52,644) shares of Voting Common Stock are
issued and outstanding and the remaining authorized shares are unissued. Each
Shareholder represents severally that with respect to the shares standing in his
or her name: (a) he or she is the sole and exclusive record and beneficial owner
of all of the shares of the Company Common Stock in the amounts set forth on
Schedule 2.23; (b) he or she has all requisite power and authority to enter into
this Agreement and to sell and transfer his or her shares of Stock as provided
herein; (c) the Company Common Stock is owned by
35
him or her, free and clear of all claims, liens, charges and encumbrances; each
person who has any community property rights in the Company Common Stock has
consented to the transfer of such Company Common Stock as provided herein; (d)
there are no voting trusts or other agreements or understandings to which he or
she is a party with respect to the voting of the Company Common Stock; (e) he or
she has not entered into any, or is bound by, agreements or understandings
restricting the transfer of the Company Common Stock; (f) he or she will not
sell (or otherwise dispose of) or encumber any interest in his or her shares of
Company Common Stock prior to the Closing without Dean's and BFD's prior written
consent; (g) there is not outstanding nor has he or she agreed to sell options,
rights, warrants, calls or other commitments (either in the form of convertible
securities or otherwise) pursuant to which the holder thereof has or will have
the right to purchase or otherwise acquire such Shareholder's shares of Company
Common Stock; (h) he or she is not a party to any agreement or arrangement under
which any person has or will have, the right to purchase or otherwise acquire,
or to cause the Company or any Shareholder to redeem, purchase or otherwise
acquire, his or her shares. Each personal representative of a Shareholder who
dies before the Closing Date shall be bound by the terms hereof as if his or her
death had not occurred. The Company warrants that all of the shares of Company
Common Stock have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and
nonassessable, and no personal liability for payment of any portion of the
consideration for which said shares were issued will attach to the holders
thereof under the Laws of the State of California. The Company does not have
outstanding any options, rights, warrants, calls or other commitments (either in
the form of convertible
36
securities or otherwise) pursuant to which the holder thereof has or will have,
and the Company is not a party to any agreement or arrangement under which any
person has or will have, the right to purchase or otherwise acquire, or to cause
the Company or any Shareholder to redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire any
capital stock of the Company or any other equity or other security of the
Company. Between the date hereof and the Closing Date, the Company will not
issue any additional shares of capital stock. No shares of capital stock of the
Company were issued in violation of any preemptive rights of any person. The
Company has not incurred any liability arising out of any purchase or sale by
the Company of capital stock or other securities of the Company, whether or not
disclosed in Schedules hereto. Upon consummation of the Merger, Dean will own
the entire equity interest in the Company, and there will be no options, rights,
warrants, calls or other agreements, arrangements or commitments obligating the
Company to issue or sell any shares of capital stock of the Company or of any of
its subsidiaries or of any other person or any securities or obligations of any
kind convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for any shares of capital
stock of the Company or of any of its subsidiaries or of any other person. The
Controlling Shareholders represent that they have voting control over more than
fifty percent (50%) of the Company Common Stock. Each share of Company Common
Stock outstanding on, or prior to, the Closing Date, was issued in accordance
with all applicable state and federal securities laws.
2.24 Absence of Sensitive Payments. Since its inception, the Company
has not made any contributions, payments or gifts to or for the private use of
any governmental official, employee or agent where either the payment or the
purpose of such
37
contribution, payment or gift was illegal under the laws of the United States or
any other jurisdiction. The Company has not established or maintained any
unrecorded fund or asset for any purpose or made any false or artificial entries
on its books, and the Company has not made any payments to any person with the
intention or understanding that any part of such payment was to be used for any
purpose other than that described in the documents supporting the payment.
2.25 Certain Transactions. Except as described in Schedule 2.25, no
officer, director or employee of the Company or Shareholder, nor any member of
his or her family, nor any corporation, partnership, trust or other entity
controlled by any of the foregoing or in which any of the foregoing has any
interest is presently a party to any transaction with the Company (other than
for services as officers, directors and employees), including, without
limitation, any contract, agreement or other arrangement providing for the
furnishing of services to or by, providing for rental of real or personal
property to or from, or otherwise requiring payments to or from, any such
person; nor does any such person have any direct or indirect interest in any
entity which is competitive with the business of the Company or any asset,
property or right which is used by the Company in the conduct of its business.
2.26 Compliance with ERISA. All "employee pension benefit plans" (the
"Pension Plans") and all "employee welfare benefit plans" (the "Welfare Plans")
of which the Company is the "plan sponsor" or to which the Company is required
to contribute pursuant to any collective bargaining or labor agreement are
listed in Schedule 2.26 and on or before the date of this Agreement the Company
has furnished Dean and
38
BFD with a true and complete copy of each Pension Plan (other than any
"multiemployer plan"), the most recently filed IRS Form 5500, including all
schedules, and the most recent actuarial valuations of each such Pension Plan,
and of each Welfare Plan, and a copy of the most recent IRS determination
letter, if any, with respect to the qualification of each Pension Plan (other
than any "multiemployer plan") under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code
(the "Code"), and there have been no amendments, modifications or terminations
thereof not reflected in such copies. Each Pension Plan (other than any
"multiemployer plan") is qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code. The Company
has not been the plan sponsor of, nor has it been required to contribute
pursuant to any collective bargaining or labor agreement to, any employee
pension benefit plan or employee welfare benefit plan other than the Pension
Plans and the Welfare Plans.
Each Pension Plan which is not a multiemployer plan (a "Company Pension
Plan") and each Welfare Plan has been administered in compliance with its terms
and all applicable laws including the Code and the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA"), and there is no fact which would adversely
affect the qualified status of any Company Pension Plan under the Code or the
deductibility of Company contributions for income tax purposes to any Company
Pension Plan or any Welfare Plan. None of the Company Pension Plans, Welfare
Plans, nor any trust related thereto has incurred any federal, state or local
tax liability.
The Company is not in default of any of its obligations with respect to any
Pension Plan or any Welfare Plan. Except for any such plan maintained pursuant
to a collective bargaining or labor agreement of which a copy has been furnished
to Buyer on
39
or prior to the date of this Agreement, the Company has reserved the exclusive
power to amend, terminate or curtail any Pension Plan or Welfare Plan at any
time, and pursuant to such amendment, termination or curtailment the Company may
cease or diminish its contributions or its cost of providing benefits under any
such plan, or require participants to increase their contributions to any such
plan, except as to employee benefits vested or accrued, contractually or
otherwise, prior to such amendment, termination or curtailment and except as
otherwise required by ERISA.
With respect to each Company Pension Plan, the Company has complied in full
with the minimum funding requirements of ERISA and the Code. No Company Pension
Plan has been either completely or partially terminated. The Company has not
incurred any liability to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation ("PBGC")
because of termination or partial termination of any Company Pension Plan. There
has not been any "reportable event" or other condition or event with respect to
any Company Pension Plan which might constitute grounds for termination of the
Plan by the PBGC or for the appointment by a United States District Court of a
trustee to administer such Plan, nor has there been any other risk of liability
of the Company to the PBGC with respect to any Company Pension Plan. The market
value of assets under each Company Pension Benefit Plan (other than any
Multiemployer Plan) equals or exceeds the present value of all vested and
nonvested liabilities thereunder determined in accordance with PBGC methods,
factors, and assumptions applicable to an Employee Pension Benefit Plan
termination on the date for determination.
40
With respect to each Pension Plan which is a multiemployer plan
("Multiemployer Plan"), the Company is not in default as to any contributions
required of it or any other obligations pertaining to such Plan it has under any
collective bargaining or labor agreement. The Company has not incurred, nor has
it taken any action which will result in the Company incurring, any withdrawal
liability with respect to any Multiemployer Plan. The Company has not entered
into any agreement under Section 4204 of ERISA within the last five (5) years.
Except as disclosed in Schedule 2.26, no "withdrawal liability" would be
incurred if the Company completely or partially withdrew from any Multiemployer
Plan at or before the Closing Date. The Company has not been notified by the
plan sponsor of any Multiemployer Plan that such plan is "insolvent" or in
"reorganization status", and to the knowledge of the Company no Multiemployer
Plan is reasonably expected to become insolvent or enter into reorganization
status under current actuarial projections, nor has any such plan incurred a
minimum funding standard deficiency under the Code or ERISA, or obtained a
waiver of such minimum funding standard.
No Welfare Plan and no Company Pension Plan has engaged in a transaction
with the Company or any other "party in interest" or "disqualified person" which
might subject any such plan or any trust created thereunder or any party in
interest or disqualified person with respect thereto to the tax or penalty on
prohibited transactions imposed by Section 4975 of the Code or to a civil
penalty imposed by Section 502 of ERISA. The Company has not engaged in any
"prohibited transaction" with any Multiemployer Plan. Except as set forth in
Schedule 2.26, the Company has complied in all respects with the
41
reporting, disclosure and fiduciary requirements of ERISA and the Code for all
Company Pension Plans and Welfare Plans.
Except as set forth on Schedule 2.26, the Company does not maintain nor has
ever maintained or contributes, ever has contributed, or has ever been required
to contribute to any Employee Welfare Benefit Plan providing medical, health, or
life insurance or other welfare-type benefits for current or future retired or
terminated employees, their spouses, or their dependents (other than in
accordance with COBRA).
As used in this Section 2.26, the terms "employee pension benefit plan",
"employee welfare benefit plan", "party in interest" and "plan sponsor" shall
have the respective meanings assigned to such terms in Section 3 of ERISA; the
term "multiemployer plan" shall have the meaning assigned to such term in
Section 4001 of ERISA; the term "reportable event" refers to the events
described in Section 4043 of ERISA; the term "withdrawal liability" refers to
any liability of an employer which would be determined to exist pursuant to
Subtitle E of Title IV (Section 4201 ff.) of ERISA upon the employer's complete
withdrawal or partial withdrawal from a multiemployer plan; the term
"reorganization status" shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section
4241 of ERISA; the term "insolvent" shall have the meaning assigned to such term
in Section 4245 of ERISA; and the term "disqualified person" shall have the
meaning assigned to such term in Section 4975 of the Code.
2.27 Environmental
"Environmental, Health, and Safety Requirements" shall mean all federal,
state, local and foreign statutes, regulations, ordinances and other provisions
42
having the force or effect of law, all judicial and administrative orders and
determinations, all contractual obligations and all common law concerning public
health and safety, worker health and safety, and pollution or protection of the
environment, including without limitation all those relating to the presence,
use, production, generation, handling, transportation, treatment, storage,
disposal, distribution, labeling, testing, processing, discharge, release,
threatened release, control, or cleanup of any hazardous materials, substances
or wastes, chemical substances or mixtures, pesticides, pollutants,
contaminants, toxic chemicals, petroleum products or byproducts, asbestos,
polychlorinated biphenyls, noise or radiation, each as amended and as now or
hereafter in effect.
(a) Except as set forth on Schedule 2.27(a), the Company has
complied and are in compliance with all Environmental, Health, and Safety
Requirements.
(b) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the
Company has obtained and complied with, and is in compliance with, all permits,
licenses and other authorizations that are required pursuant to Environmental,
Health, and Safety Requirements for the occupation of its facilities and the
operation of its business; a list of all such permits, licenses and other
authorizations is set forth in Schedule 2.27(b).
(c) Neither the Company nor its predecessors have received any
written or oral notice, report or other information regarding any actual or
alleged violation of Environmental, Health, and Safety Requirements, or any
liabilities or potential liabilities (whether accrued, absolute, contingent,
unliquidated or otherwise),
43
including any investigatory, remedial or corrective obligations, relating to any
of them or their facilities arising under Environmental, Health, and Safety
Requirements, except as described in Schedule 2.27(a).
(d) Except as set forth in Schedule 2.27(d), none of the
following exists at any property or facility owned or operated by the Company:
(1) underground storage tanks, (2) asbestos-containing material in any form or
condition, (3) materials or equipment containing polychlorinated biphenyls, or
(4) landfills, surface impoundments, or disposal areas.
(e) Neither the Company nor its predecessors have treated,
stored, disposed of, arranged for or permitted the disposal of, transported,
handled, or released any substance, including without limitation any hazardous
substance, or owned or operated any property or facility (and no such property
or facility is contaminated by any such substance) in a manner that has given or
would give rise to liabilities, including any liability for response costs,
corrective action costs, personal injury, property damage, natural resources
damages or attorney fees, pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended ("CERCLA"), the Solid Waste
Disposal Act, as amended ("SWDA") or any other Environmental, Health, and Safety
Requirements.
(f) Neither this Agreement nor the consummation of the
transaction that is the subject of this Agreement will result in any obligations
for site investigation or cleanup, or notification to or consent of government
agencies or third
44
parties, pursuant to any of the so-called "transaction-triggered" or
"responsible property transfer" Environmental, Health, and Safety Requirements.
(g) Neither the Company nor its predecessors have, either
expressly or by operation of law, assumed or undertaken any liability, including
without limitation any obligation for corrective or remedial action, of any
other person relating to Environmental, Health, and Safety Requirements.
(h) No facts, events or conditions relating to the past or
present facilities, properties or operations of Company or any of its respective
predecessors will prevent, hinder or limit continued compliance with
Environmental, Health, and Safety Requirements, give rise to any investigatory,
remedial or corrective obligations pursuant to Environmental, Health, and Safety
Requirements, or give rise to any other liabilities (whether accrued, absolute,
contingent, or unliquidated) pursuant to Environmental, Health, and Safety
Requirements, including without limitation any relating to onsite or offsite
releases or threatened releases of hazardous materials, substances or wastes,
personal injury, property damage or natural resources damage.
2.28 Complete Rights. The Company owns or leases all buildings,
machinery, equipment, and other tangible and intangible assets necessary for the
conduct of its business as it has been and is presently being conducted, without
infringing on the rights of any other person or entity.
2.29 Shareholder Vote Required. Under California Law and the
Company's articles of incorporation and bylaws, the Company's shareholders can
approve
45
the Merger in accordance with the terms of this Agreement upon the affirmative
vote of a majority of the shares of Company Common Stock entitled to vote
thereon.
2.30 S-4 Registration Statement and Other Information. The
information provided by the Company for inclusion in the registration statement
on Form S-4 (the "S-4 Registration Statement") to be filed by Dean with the
Securities Exchange Commission (the "SEC") in connection with this transaction
will not include an untrue statement of a material fact, or omit any material
fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements
therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading at (i) the time at which the S-4 Registration Statement is declared
effective by the SEC, (ii) the time at which the prospectus included in the S-4
Registration Statement is mailed to the shareholders of the Company, or (ii) the
time of the meeting of shareholders referred to in Section 7.9.
For purposes of the foregoing, the Company will be deemed to have provided
for inclusion in the S-4 Registration Statement all the information therein
(including without limitation financial information and discussion and analysis
thereof) regarding the Company, the Company Common Stock, the Company's
shareholders, directors and executive officers (and their interests in the
Merger), the Company's background to and reasons for the Merger, the
Shareholders' Meeting referred to in Section 7.9 and related solicitation of
proxies, the vote of Shareholders required for approval of the Merger, the
recommendation of the Company's board of directors, the rights of dissenting
shareholders, the comparative rights of holders of Company and Dean Common Stock
and the federal income tax consequences of the Merger.
46
2.31 Special Tax Matters of the Company.
(a) The Company is not an investment company within the meaning
of Section 368(a)(2)(F)(iv) of the Code, nor is it under the jurisdiction of a
court in a "Title 11 or similar case" within the meaning of the Section
368(a)(3)(A) and Section 368(a)(3)(D) of the Code.
(b) At the Effective Time of the Merger, the fair market value
of the assets of the Company will equal or exceed the sum of its liabilities,
plus the amount of liabilities, if any, to which the transferred assets are
subject.
(c) The number of shares of Dean Common Stock and amount of cash
to be received by each holder of Company Common Stock (inclusive of the
Shareholder's Indemnity Shares initially placed in escrow by the Shareholders,
pursuant to the terms of the Escrow Agreement) plus the cash received in lieu of
a fractional share of Dean Common Stock has been negotiated between the parties
at arms length in accordance with each party's opinion of the fair market value
of such party's common stock with the intent that such number of Dean Common
Stock and cash will be approximately equal to the fair market value of the
Company Common Stock to be surrendered in the Merger.
(d) The Company will transfer as a result of the Merger at least
90% of the fair market value of its net assets and at least 70% of the fair
market value of its gross assets held by the Company.
(e) The Shareholders have no plan or intention to sell Dean any
of the Dean Common Stock to be issued in the Merger except: (i) as may occur
pursuant
47
to the terms and conditions of the Escrow Agreement concerning indemnification
for claims made by Dean against the escrow described in Section 1.4 hereof, and
(ii) to the extent that Dean makes purchases of outstanding Dean Common Stock
from time to time pursuant to its on-going stock repurchase program.
(f) There will be no intercorporate indebtedness existing
between Dean and the Company or between BFD and the Company that was issued,
acquired, or will be settled in the Merger at a discount.
(g) None of the compensation received by any Shareholder who is
also an employee of the Company (a "shareholder/employee") will be separate
consideration for, or allocable to, any of their shares of Company Common Stock;
none of the shares of Dean Common Stock to be received by a shareholder/employee
in the Merger will be separate consideration for, or allocable to, any
employment, consulting or other agreement including without limitation the
agreements described in Section 4.15 hereof; and the compensation to be paid (or
deemed paid for whatever reason for federal income tax purposes) to any
shareholder/employee following the Merger will be for services actually rendered
(or in consideration for agreeing not to compete with Dean) and is anticipated
to be commensurate with amounts paid to third parties bargaining at arm's length
for similar services or for agreeing not to compete in the future.
Section 3. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF DEAN AND BFD
As material inducements to the Company entering into this Agreement,
Dean and BFD represent, warrant and covenant to the Company that:
48
3.1 Organization and Corporate Power. Dean and BFD are corporations
duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its
state of incorporation, and have full power and authority (corporate and other)
to execute and deliver, and to carry out the transactions on its part
contemplated by, this Agreement.
3.2 Due Authorization; Effect of Transaction. No provision of Dean's
or BFD's certificate of incorporation or by-laws or of any agreement,
instrument, judgment, decree, law, rule or regulation to which Dean or BFD is a
party or by which they are bound has been or will be violated by, or has
resulted or will result in the imposition of any lien, charge, security interest
or other encumbrance on account of, the execution and delivery by Dean and BFD
of this Agreement or any other agreement or document executed or delivered or to
be executed or delivered by Dean and BFD pursuant hereto or the performance or
satisfaction of any action contemplated herein or therein or any agreement or
condition herein or therein contained or provided for upon its part to be
performed or satisfied. The execution, delivery and performance by Dean and BFD
of this Agreement and any other agreements and instruments contemplated hereby
have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate and other action on the
part of Dean and BFD, and such agreements and instruments constitute the legal,
valid and binding obligations of Dean and BFD enforceable against each of them
in accordance with their respective terms. The Articles of Merger, when duly
executed and delivered by BFD, will be the legal, valid and binding obligations
of BFD, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms.
49
3.3 No Governmental Authorizations or Approvals Required. No
authorization or approval of, or filing with, any governmental agency, authority
or other body is or will be required by Dean or BFD in connection with the
execution and delivery of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby
other than notification filing under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust
Improvements Act of 1976 ("HSR Act"), compliance with the provisions of
California Law, the Exchange Act, the Securities Act, or the securities or "blue
sky" laws of the various states, and the rules and regulations thereunder.
3.4 S-4 Registration Statement and Other Information. The information
provided by Dean for inclusion in the S-4 Registration Statement will not
include an untrue statement of a material fact, or omit any material fact
necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances
under which they were made, not misleading at (i) the time the S-4 Registration
Statement is declared effective by the SEC, (ii) the time at which the
prospectus included in the S-4 Registration Statement is mailed to the
shareholders of the Company, or (iii) the time of the meeting of shareholders of
the Company referred to in Section 7.9.
3.5 Special Tax Matters of Dean and BFD.
(a) Except for fractional share interests in Dean Common Stock,
Dean has no plan or intention to reacquire any of the Dean Common Stock to be
issued in the Merger except: (i) as may occur pursuant to the terms and
conditions of the Escrow Agreement concerning indemnification for claims made by
Dean against the escrow described in Section 1.4 hereof, and (ii) to the extent
that Dean makes purchases
50
of outstanding Dean Common Stock from time to time pursuant to its on-going
stock repurchase program.
(b) Neither Dean nor BFD is an investment company within the
meaning of Section 368(a)(2)(F)(iii) and Section 368(a)(2)(F)(iv) of the Code.
(c) The payment of Fractional Share Consideration to the
Shareholders pursuant to Section 1.2(f) hereof is not separately bargained for
consideration and is being made solely for the purpose of eliminating the
expense and inconvenience of issuing and accounting for the fractional Dean
Common Stock. The total cash consideration that will be paid to holders of
Company Common Stock instead of issuing fractional Dean Common Stock will not
exceed one percent (1%) of the total value of the Merger consideration paid to
all Shareholders.
(d) There will be no intercorporate indebtedness existing
between Dean and the Company or between BFD and the Company that was issued,
acquired, or will be settled in the Merger at a discount.
(e) No capital stock of BFD will be issued to any of the
Shareholders in the Merger.
(f) None of the compensation received by any Shareholder who is
also an employee of the Company (a "shareholder/employee") will be separate
consideration for, or allocable to, any of their shares of Company Common Stock;
none of the shares of Dean Common Stock to be received by a shareholder/employee
in the Merger will be separate consideration for, or allocable to, any
employment, consulting or other agreement including without limitation the
agreements described in Section 4.15
51
hereof; and the compensation to be paid (or deemed paid for whatever reason for
federal income tax purposes) to any shareholder/employee following the Merger
will be for services actually rendered (or in consideration for agreeing not to
compete with Dean) and is anticipated to be commensurate with amounts paid to
third parties bargaining at arm's length for similar services or for agreeing
not to compete in the future.
Section 4. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO DEAN'S AND BFD'S OBLIGATIONS.
The obligations of Dean and BFD herein are subject to the
satisfaction, as of the Closing Date, of the following conditions except to the
extent that any such condition may have been waived in writing by Dean and BFD
at or prior to the Closing:
4.1 Representations and Covenants. The representations and
warranties of each of the Shareholders and the Company contained in this
Agreement or otherwise made in writing by them or on their behalf pursuant
hereto shall be true and correct in all material respects at and as of the
Closing Date with the same force and effect as though made on and as of such
date, subject only to exceptions expressly permitted or contemplated by this
Agreement; each and all of the agreements and conditions to be performed or
satisfied by the Shareholders and the Company hereunder at or prior to the
Closing Date shall have been duly performed or satisfied; and the Shareholders
and the Company shall have furnished Dean and BFD with such certificates and
other documents (including without limitation title commitments and lien
searches) evidencing the truth of such representations and warranties and the
performance of such agreements or conditions as Dean and BFD shall have
reasonably requested.
52
4.2 Opinion of Counsel for the Company. The Company shall have
furnished Dean and BFD with a favorable opinion, dated and speaking as of the
Closing Date of counsel to the Company, in a form reasonably acceptable to
counsel for Dean and BFD.
4.3 Update. The Company shall have furnished Dean and BFD, as
supplemental information and not as an amendment to the Disclosure Schedules,
with a schedule reasonably acceptable to Dean and BFD containing the information
that would have been required to be set forth in the Disclosure Schedule had
this Agreement been dated the Closing Date. It is expressly understood that the
information set forth therein shall not constitute "exceptions expressly
permitted or contemplated by this Agreement" for purposes of Section 4.1 unless
Dean and BFD elect to proceed with the Closing after the receipt of such
supplemental information and neither the Company nor the Shareholders knew or
had reason to know such information on or prior to the date hereof. If Dean and
BFD elect not to proceed with the Closing, neither the Company nor the
Shareholders shall be in breach of this Agreement by virtue of such supplemental
information unless such supplemental information was knowingly or willfully not
disclosed (by the Company or the Shareholders) in the Disclosure Schedules
delivered upon the execution of this Agreement.
4.4 Satisfaction of Counsel. The validity of all transactions herein
mentioned, as well as the form and substance of all opinions, certificates and
other documents hereunder, shall be satisfactory in all reasonable respects to
counsel for Dean and BFD.
53
4.5 Resignation of Directors and Officers. Each of the directors and
officers of the Company shall have executed and delivered to the Company their
resignations as directors and officers of the Company effective as of the
Closing Date.
4.6 Company Consents. The Company shall have obtained the consents
of third parties required in order that the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereunder not constitute events which of themselves, or with the
giving of notice or the passage of time or both, could constitute, on the part
of the Company, a violation of, or could conflict with or result in any breach
of, or any default under the terms, conditions or provisions of, any judgment,
law or regulation, or the Company's articles of incorporation or by-laws, or any
agreement or instrument to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound,
or could result in the creation or imposition of any lien, security interest,
charge or encumbrance of any nature whatsoever on the property or assets of the
Company, or could result in the acceleration of the due date of any obligation
of the Company.
4.7 No Legal Prohibition. No law, statute, rule or regulation shall
have been enacted or promulgated, nor shall any suit, action or proceeding be
pending or threatened before or by any court or governmental body, (a) either
seeking to restrain or prohibit, or seeking damages or other relief in
connection with, the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or (b) directly or
indirectly, (i) imposing material limitations on the ability of Dean or BFD
effectively to acquire or hold or to exercise full rights of ownership of the
Company, (ii) imposing material limitations on the ability of the Company to
continue effectively all
54
or any material portion of its business as heretofore conducted or to continue
to own or operate effectively all or any material portion of its assets as
heretofore owned or operated, (iii) imposing material limitations on the ability
of Dean or BFD to continue effectively all or any material portion of the
Company's business as heretofore conducted or to continue to own or operate
effectively all or any material portion of the Company's assets as heretofore
owned or operated, or (iv) having or potentially having, in Dean's or BFD's
reasonable judgment, a material adverse affect on the condition (financial or
other), operating results, assets, liabilities, customer or employee relations,
business or prospects of the Company.
4.8 Survey. If the Title Insurance referred to in Section 4.9
reflects an exception in Schedule B of the title report for matters which would
be disclosed by a survey, Dean and BFD shall have received from the Company, at
Dean or BFD's expense, surveys of the Real Property (excluding the property
situated at 1400 Doolittle, San Leandro, California, and 4575 San Pablo Avenue,
Emeryville, California) set forth in Schedule 2.5, dated of recent date,
prepared by a registered land surveyor, and including legal descriptions and
certifications, in form reasonably satisfactory to Dean's and BFD's counsel,
showing the boundary lines and location of the Real Property and the location of
all buildings and improvements thereon in compliance with the standards of the
American Land Title Association and the title insurer's requirements for
issuance of its extended coverage endorsement.
4.9 Title Insurance. Dean and BFD shall have obtained from the
Company a preliminary title report dated within 90 days prior to the Closing
Date from a
55
reputable title insurance company, reasonably satisfactory to Dean and BFD,
reflecting that the Company has good, marketable and insurable title, in fee
simple, to all of the Real Property, free and clear of all mortgages, liens,
encumbrances, equities, claims and obligations to other persons except for
easements, covenants, conditions and restrictions of record which do not
materially and adversely affect the value of the Real Property or its use for
the purposes for which currently used, insuring the Company's title in all of
the Real Property listed in Schedule 2.5.
4.10 Indemnification Escrow Agreement. Dean, BFD and the
Shareholders shall have entered into an Indemnification Escrow Agreement in the
form attached hereto as Exhibit 1.
4.11 Approval of Shareholders. The terms of this Agreement and the
Merger shall have been approved by Shareholders owning at least ninety percent
(90%) of the Company Common Stock.
4.12 S-4 Effective. The S-4 Registration Statement shall have become
effective, and no stop order suspending such effectiveness shall have been
issued or proceedings for such purpose shall have been instituted, and the
prospectus included in the S-4 Registration Statement shall not contain an
untrue statement of a material fact or omit any material fact required to be
stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of
the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
56
4.13 NYSE Listing. All shares of Dean Common Stock to be issued
pursuant to the Merger shall have been approved for listing on the New York
Stock Exchange, subject to official notice of issuance.
4.14 Hart-Scott-Rodino Compliance. Any waiting period (and any
extension thereof) applicable to the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act shall
have expired or been terminated and the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement can be consummated in their entirety without (i) divestiture or
disposition of any of the Company's assets, (ii) any modification in the
structure of the transaction, (iii) Shareholders, the Company, Dean or BFD
entering into any consent agreement or other restriction imposed on
Shareholders, the Company, Dean or BFD after the Closing Date, or (iv) any other
concession by the parties hereto mandated by the U.S. Justice Department or
other state or federal antitrust enforcement agency as a condition of
consummating the transactions contemplated herein.
4.15 Non-Compete Agreements. All of the Shareholders (except Randy
Sabatte, Pat McChristy, Patrick Roland and Norman Alberts) involved in the
Company's business as of the date hereof shall have executed Non-Compete
Agreements in favor of the Company, Dean and BFD in the form attached hereto as
Exhibit 4.15.
4.16 Real Estate Owned by Affiliated Company. Dean, BFD or the
Company shall purchase from Berkeley Land Co., Inc. an approximately 4.6 acre
real estate parcel adjacent to the Company's processing facility in Hayward
California for
57
$1,000,000 and on such other terms and conditions as are set forth in the
agreement set forth in Exhibit 4.16.
4.17 Damage or Destruction. There has been no uninsured damage,
destruction or loss by fire or other casualty to any of the Company's properties
and assets or any acquisition or taking of property by any governmental
authority, which in either case or in the aggregate materially and adversely
affects the conduct of the Company's business.
4.18 Intercompany Obligations. All obligations owed to the Company
by Berkeley Land Company and Mercantile Finance Company shall be paid in full on
or prior to the Closing Date.
4.19 Extended Insurance Coverage. The Company shall exercise the
minimum 12 month extended reporting provisions under Fiduciary Liability Policy
FRP 000 0213-03 and Employment Practices Liability Policy 0085-65517. The
Company shall also exercise the unlimited Employee Benefits Errors and Omission
Insurance Supplemental Extended Reporting Period under Policy P TV-444738 0099.
To the extent reportable prior to Closing, the Company agrees to report any
alleged act or omission that may result in a claim according to the terms and
conditions of the respective policies.
Section 5. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE COMPANY'S AND SHAREHOLDERS'
OBLIGATIONS.
The obligations of the Shareholders and the Company specified herein
are subject to the satisfaction, as of the Closing Date, of the following
conditions except as and to the extent that any such condition may have been
waived in writing by the Representative (as hereinafter designated) at or prior
to the Closing Date:
58
5.1 Representations and Covenants. The representations and
warranties of Dean and BFD contained in this Agreement or otherwise made in
writing by them or on their behalf pursuant hereto shall be true and correct in
all material respects at and as of the Closing Date with the same force and
effect as though made on and as of such date, subject only to exceptions
expressly permitted or contemplated by this Agreement; each and all the
agreements and conditions to be performed or satisfied by Dean and BFD hereunder
at or prior to the Closing Date shall have been duly performed or satisfied; and
Dean and BFD shall have furnished the Shareholders with such certificates or
other documents evidencing the truth of such representations and warranties and
the performance of such agreements and conditions as the Shareholders shall have
reasonably requested.
5.2 Opinion of Counsel for Dean and BFD. Dean and BFD shall have
furnished the Shareholders with a favorable opinion, dated and speaking as of
the Closing Date of counsel to Dean and BFD, in a form reasonably acceptable to
counsel for the Shareholders and the Company.
5.3 No Opposition. No suit, action or proceeding shall be pending or
threatened before or by any court or governmental body seeking to restrain or
prohibit, or damages or other relief in connection with, the execution and
delivery of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby.
5.4 Satisfaction of Counsel. The validity of all transactions herein
mentioned, as well as the form and substance of all opinions, certificates and
other
59
documents hereunder, shall be satisfactory in all reasonable respects to
Shareholders' counsel.
5.5 Indemnification Escrow Agreement. Dean and BFD shall have
entered into an Indemnification Escrow Agreement in the form attached hereto as
Exhibit 1.
5.6 S-4 Effective. The S-4 Registration Statement shall have become
effective, and no stop order suspending such effectiveness shall have been
issued or proceedings for such purpose shall have been instituted, and the
information provided by Dean for inclusion in the S-4 Registration Statement
shall not contain an untrue statement of a material fact, or omit any material
fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements
therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading.
5.7 [This section has been intentionally left blank.]
5.8 NYSE Listing. All shares of Dean Common Stock to be issued
pursuant to the Merger shall have been approved for listing on the New York
Stock Exchange, subject to official notice of issuance.
5.9 Purchase of Real Estate. Dean, BFD or the Company shall purchase
from Berkeley Land Co., Inc. an approximately 4.6 acre real estate parcel
adjacent to the Company's processing facility in Hayward, California for
$1,000,000 and on such other terms and conditions as are mutually agreed to by
the parties.
5.10 Absence of Certain Changes. Since May 31, 1998, there shall
not have been any material adverse changes in the financial condition or
operating results of
60
Dean, other than changes arising out of facts, conditions or events that
adversely affect the industries in which Dean participates or the economy of the
United States of America in general.
5.11 Opinion of Tax Counsel. The Company and the Shareholders shall
have received an opinion of Venture Counsel Associates, LLP ("Venture"), special
tax counsel to the Company dated the Closing Date, substantially to the effect
that, on the basis of facts, representations, and assumptions set forth in such
opinion which are consistent with the state of facts existing at the Closing
Date, the Merger will be treated for federal income tax purposes as a
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code, provided that
receipt of such opinion shall not be a condition to the obligations of the
Shareholders and Company specified herein unless the federal tax laws (including
the Code, regulations, rulings and case law) change between the date hereof and
the Closing Date such that Venture is unable to deliver such opinion. In
rendering any such opinion, such counsel may require and, to the extent they
deem necessary and appropriate, may rely upon representations made in
certificates of officers of Dean, BFD, the Company, affiliates of the foregoing
and others. In addition, Venture shall have received the opinion, dated the
Closing Date, of counsel for Dean covering the usual and customary matters.
Section 6. BROKER OR FINDER.
Shareholders jointly and severally represent to Dean and BFD that no person
or persons assisted in or brought about the negotiation of this Agreement in the
capacity of broker or agent or finder on their behalf. Dean and BFD represent to
61
Shareholders that no person or persons assisted in or brought about the
negotiation of this Agreement in the capacity of broker or agent or finder on
their behalf. Shareholders jointly and severally agree to indemnify and hold
harmless Dean and BFD against any claims asserted against Dean or BFD for
brokerage or agent's or finder's commissions or compensation in respect of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement by any person purporting to act on
behalf of Shareholders or the Company. Dean and BFD agree to indemnify and hold
harmless Shareholders against any claims asserted against Shareholders for
brokerage or agent's or finder's commissions or compensation in respect of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement by any person purporting to act on
behalf of Dean or BFD.
Section 7. AGREEMENTS PRIOR TO THE CLOSING.
7.1 Fulfillment of Conditions. Each party hereto agrees to use its
reasonable efforts to take any action necessary or appropriate to cause the
conditions set forth in Sections 4 and 5 (including, without limitation, the
obtaining of any required consents of third parties) to be fulfilled at or prior
to the Closing. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each party
will refrain from taking any action which would cause, and shall use its best
efforts to take any action necessary to prevent, any of the representations and
warranties made by it in this Agreement not to be true and correct in all
respects at and as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as if then
made, subject only to exceptions permitted or expressly contemplated by this
Agreement. Promptly upon becoming aware of any fact, or of the occurrence or
impending or threatened occurrence of any event, which would cause or constitute
a breach, or would
62
have caused or constituted a breach of any representations and warranties made
by either party had such fact been known or such event occurred prior to the
date hereof, each party shall give detailed written notice thereof to the other.
7.2 Inspection and Information. Dean and BFD may, through their
representatives, accountants and attorneys, make such investigation of the
business, properties and assets of the Company, including without limitation
contacting personnel, customers and suppliers of the Company, and of the
financial and legal condition of the Company, as it may deem necessary or
advisable, and the Company agrees to make available to such persons its books,
tax returns, records and other data and its personnel, customers and suppliers
as may from time to time be reasonably requested (provided, however, that such
investigation shall be made only at reasonable hours and so as not to interfere
with the Company's operations). The Company further agrees to furnish Dean and
BFD with such financial and operating data and other information with respect to
the Company's business, properties, assets and financial and legal condition as
Dean and BFD or their representatives, accountants and attorneys may from time
to time reasonably request.
7.3 Confidentiality. Whether or not the transactions contemplated
hereby are consummated, each of Dean and BFD and Shareholders agrees to use its
best efforts to keep confidential any and all information and data with respect
to the other party which it has received as a result of any investigation made
in connection with this Agreement and which is not otherwise available to the
parties; provided, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing each of the
parties hereto shall be free to disclose any such
63
information or data (a) to the extent required by applicable law and (b) during
the course of or in connection with any litigation, arbitration or other
proceeding based upon or in connection with the subject matter of this
Agreement, including, without limitation, the failure of the transactions
contemplated hereby to be consummated.
7.4 Conduct of Business. Between the date of this Agreement and the
Closing, except as specifically provided in this Agreement or the Disclosure
Schedules attached hereto, the Company shall conduct its businesses in the usual
and ordinary course in compliance with all laws applicable to the conduct of the
Company's business and shall not (without the prior written consent of Dean and
BFD) except as necessary to maintain its real and personal property in the
condition required under Sections 2.5 and 2.7 of the Agreement: (a) subject or
suffer to be subjected any of the Company's assets to any lien or encumbrances;
(b) sell or transfer any of the Company's assets other than by sales except
pursuant to agreements in the Disclosure Schedules made in the ordinary course
of business, (c) cancel any receivables, debts or claims except in the ordinary
course of business; (d) sell, transfer or license any patents, inventions, know-
how, trade secrets or other intangible assets; (e) make any changes in director
or officer compensation, or any commitments therefor; (f) purchase any property
or assets other than in the ordinary course of business or lease any property or
guarantee the indebtedness of any other person or entity; (g) amend or modify in
any material respect the terms of, or terminate, any material contract,
engagement, agreement, commitment or order; (h) enter into any contracts,
commitments or transactions other than in the ordinary course of business or in
connection with the New Plant construction pursuant to the
64
budget set forth in Exhibit 2.9(a); (i) pay any dividends or make any
distributions of assets to the shareholders; (j) obligate itself to make capital
expenditures in excess of $50,000 except in connection with the New Plant
construction pursuant to the budget set forth in Exhibit 2.9(a); (k) issue or
sell any of the capital stock of the Company; (l) incur any debt or pay any
existing debt except such amounts as come due in accordance with the terms of
such debt except in connection with the New Plant construction pursuant to the
budget set forth in Exhibit 2.9(a); (m) take any action that may result in or
create an inaccuracy in any of the representations and warranties of each
Shareholder contained in the Agreement, or that may otherwise result in or
create any breach of this Agreement; or (n) agree to do any of the foregoing.
7.5 Preservation of the Company's Existing Relationships. Between
the date of this Agreement and the Closing, the Company shall use its reasonable
best efforts to continue the Company's existing relationships with its
customers, suppliers, employees and others having business relations with the
Company and to keep intact the business and properties of the Company, including
the Company's present operations, physical facilities and working conditions.
7.6 No Negotiations, Etc. The Shareholders and Company will not,
directly or indirectly, through any officer, director, agent or otherwise,
solicit, initiate or encourage the submission of any proposal or offer from any
person or entity (including any of its officers or employees) relating to any
liquidation, dissolution or recapitalization of, merger or consolidation with or
into, or acquisition or purchase of assets of or of any equity interest in, the
Company or relating to any other similar transaction or business
65
combination involving the Company, or participate in any discussions or
negotiations regarding, or furnish to any other person or entity except as
required by legal process any information with respect to, or otherwise
cooperate in any way with, or assist or participate in, facilitate or encourage,
any effort or attempt by any other person or entity to do or seek any of the
foregoing. Shareholders and Company shall immediately notify Dean and BFD if any
such proposal or offer, or any inquiry or contact with any person or entity with
respect thereto, is made.
7.7 S-4 Registration Statement and Shareholder Materials.
(a) The Company and Dean shall prepare, Dean shall file with the
SEC and the Company and Dean shall use diligent efforts to have declared
effective by the SEC, the S-4 Registration Statement which shall contain all
information required under applicable law to register the shares of Dean Common
Stock to be issued by Dean in the Merger. Dean shall deliver to the Company on
the trading day following the effective date of the S-4 Registration Statement,
one copy of the Notice of Special Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy
Statement/Prospectus included in the S-4 Registration Statement and each of the
other documents which such Notice of Special Meeting of Shareholders indicates
accompany it. Not later than the second trading day following the effective date
of the S-4 Registration Statement, the Company shall deliver to each of its
Shareholders entitled to vote at the Shareholders' Meeting, either personally or
by mailing the same first class mail, postage prepaid, a copy of each of the
foregoing, together with any other information required under applicable law to
be furnished to the shareholders of the Company in connection with their vote on
the Merger. The S-4
66
Registration Statement shall include all information and statements which any
party shall reasonably believe necessary for inclusion therein but shall not
include any statement which any party shall reasonably believe to be inaccurate
or misleading.
(b) Without limiting by implication the generality of the
foregoing, the Company shall as expeditiously as practicable supply all
information of the kind described in the second paragraph of Section 2.30 hereof
as may be required to meet the requirements of SEC Form S-4, and shall take all
other actions as reasonably may be requested by Dean in connection with its
preparation of the S-4 Registration Statement, its response to any comments
received by the SEC with respect to the S-4 Registration Statement and its other
efforts to satisfy any requirements imposed in connection with the Merger by the
federal securities laws or the securities laws of any state or by the SEC or any
other governmental agency acting pursuant to any of those laws.
7.8 Accountant's Comfort Letter. Prior to the date the prospectus
included in the S-4 Registration Statement is mailed to the shareholders of the
Company, the Company shall deliver to Dean a letter from Hirose Oto and Bailey
Accountants, Inc. addressed to the Company and Dean and dated a date not more
than one day (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays) before the effective
date of the S-4 Registration Statement, confirming that they are independent
accountants within the meaning of the Securities Act and the applicable
published rules and regulations thereunder and that the response in the S-4
Registration Statement to Item 8 of Form S-4 is correct insofar as it relates to
them, and stating to the effect that:
67
(i) in their opinion the audited financial statements and
financial statement schedules included in the S-4 Registration Statement and
reported on by them comply as to form in all material respects with the
applicable accounting requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the "Securities Act"), and the related published rules and regulations;
(ii) on the basis of a reading of the amounts included in the S-
4 Registration Statement in response to Item 301 of Regulation S-K and the
latest unaudited financial statements included in the S-4 Registration Statement
relating to the Company, a reading of the minutes of the meetings of the
shareholders, directors and executive committees of the Company; and inquiries
of certain officials of the Company who have responsibility for financial and
accounting matters of the Company as to transactions and events subsequent to
June 30, 1998, nothing came to their attention which would cause them to believe
that the unaudited financial statements included in the S-4 Registration
Statement of the Company do not comply as to form in all material respects with
applicable accounting requirements of the Securities Act and with the published
rules and regulations of the SEC with respect to registration statements on Form
S-4; or that said unaudited financial statements are not fairly presented in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a basis
substantially consistent with that of the audited financial statements included
in the S-4 Registration Statement and reported on by them.
7.9 Actions of Company Shareholders. The Company shall take all
action necessary in accordance with the California Law and its articles of
incorporation
68
and by-laws to convene a meeting of its shareholders promptly to consider and
vote upon this Agreement and the Merger. The materials sent by the Company to
its shareholders in connection with such shareholders meeting shall contain the
recommendation of the board of directors of the Company in favor of the Merger,
and the board of directors of the Company shall recommend that the shareholders
of the Company vote to approve this Agreement and the Merger. The Company shall,
if and to the extent requested by Dean, use its best efforts to solicit from
shareholders of the Company proxies in favor of such adoption and approval and
take all other action necessary or, in the opinion of Dean, helpful to secure a
vote of shareholders in favor of the Merger.
7.10 Shareholder Claims. The Company shall not settle or compromise
any claim brought by any shareholder of the Company in connection with the
Merger prior to the Effective Time without the prior written consent of Dean and
BFD.
7.11 [This Section is intentionally left blank.]
7.12 Preparation and Filing of Tax Returns: Payment of Taxes.
Between the date hereof and the Closing Date, the Shareholders and/or the
Company shall prepare and file on or before the due date therefor all Tax
Returns required to be filed by the Company (except for any Tax Return for which
an extension has been granted as permitted hereunder) on or before the Closing
Date, and shall pay, or cause the Company to pay, all Taxes (including estimated
Taxes) due on such Tax Return (or due with respect to Tax Returns for which an
extension has been granted as permitted hereunder) or which are otherwise
required to be paid at any time prior to or during such period. Such Tax Returns
shall be prepared in accordance with the most recent Tax
69
practices with respect to elections and accounting methods except for new
elections that may be made therein that were not previously available, subject
to BFD's and Dean's consent (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed).
7.13 Notification of Tax Proceedings. Between the date hereof and
the Closing Date, to the extent the Company has knowledge of the commencement or
scheduling of any Tax audit, the assessment of any Tax, the issuance of any
notice of Tax due or any bill for collection of any Tax due for Taxes, or the
commencement or scheduling of any other administrative or judicial proceeding
with respect to the determination, assessment or collection of any Tax of the
Company, the Company shall provide prompt notice to BFD and Dean of such matter,
setting forth information (to the extent known) describing any asserted Tax
liability in reasonable detail and including copies of any notice or other
documentation received from the applicable Tax authority with respect to such
matter.
7.14 Retirement Plan. On or prior to Closing, the Company shall (i)
amend the Berkeley Farms, Inc. Profit Sharing and Saving Plan (the "Retirement
Plan") to provide that each employee (who will not be transferred to Berkeley
Land Company or Mercantile Finance Company on or prior to the Closing) (the
"Affected Employee") of the Company shall be fully vested in such plan as of the
Closing Date, (ii) cause a profit sharing contribution to be made to the
Retirement Plan equal to 5% of the Affected Employee's compensation as defined
in the Retirement Plan as of the Closing Date, and (iii) cause sponsorship of
the Retirement Plan to be transferred to another entity controlled by the
Shareholders which is not part of the transaction contemplated herein.
70
Within a reasonable time after the Closing Date, the Shareholders shall take
whatever action is required to cause the Retirement Plan to transfer the account
balances of the Affected Employees of the Company to the Dean Foods' defined
contribution plan provided Dean approves the transfer which approval shall not
be unreasonably withheld, and if Dean reasonably disapproves the transfer, the
account balances of the Affected Employees shall be distributed to them. On or
prior to the Closing Date, the Company shall take all actions that are necessary
to amend the Berkeley Farms, Inc. Sabatte Family Executive Retirement Plan in
the form of the amendment set forth on Schedule 7.14.
Section 8. TERMINATION.
8.1 Damage by Fire or Other Casualty Prior to the Closing. In the
event that, between the time of execution of this Agreement and the Closing, any
of the assets of the Company shall be damaged, destroyed or lost by fire or
other casualty (whether or not such damage, destruction or loss is covered by
insurance) or acquired or taken by any governmental authority, Shareholders and
Company will promptly notify Dean and BFD that such damage, destruction or loss
has occurred and the estimated extent thereof and shall provide Dean and BFD
full information as to any applicable insurance coverage. If such damage,
destruction or loss is material to the conduct of the Company's business, Dean
and BFD may, at their sole election, by notice given prior to the Closing or
within 10 days after receipt of such notice from Shareholders and Company,
whichever occurs first: (a) terminate this Agreement without liability to
Shareholders and Company, or (b) require the consummation of the transactions
provided for in this Agreement, and in such latter case (or in the case of any
damage, destruction or
71
loss not entitling Dean and BFD to terminate this Agreement) the Purchase Price
shall be reduced to the extent of such loss less the proceeds of all insurance
and other claims by the Company of every kind arising as a result of such
damage, destruction or loss, all of which shall become the property of Dean or
BFD at the Closing. Neither Shareholders nor the Company shall compromise or
settle any such claim prior to or subsequent to the Closing without the prior
written consent of Dean and BFD.
8.2 [This section has been intentionally left blank.]
8.3 Termination or Abandonment. This Agreement may be terminated and
the Merger may be abandoned at any time prior to the Effective Time, whether
before or after approval of the Merger by the shareholders of the Company:
(a) By Dean or BFD in accordance with Sections 8.1, or by Dean or
BFD if the shareholders meeting contemplated by Section 7.9 is held and at such
meeting the vote contemplated to be taken thereat is taken and the requisite
approval described in Section 4.11 is not obtained;
(b) By Dean or BFD, upon notice to the Company, if the conditions
set forth in Section 4 have not been satisfied on or before ninety (90) days
after the date of this Agreement (the "Termination Date") or if the Company
shall have failed to complete the Closing despite satisfaction of the conditions
precedent to the Company's obligations on or before the Termination Date;
(c) By the Company, upon notice to Dean and BFD, if the
conditions set forth in Section 5 shall not have been satisfied on or before the
Termination Date or if Dean and BFD shall have failed to complete the Closing
despite
72
satisfaction of the conditions precedent to their obligations on or before the
Termination Date; or
(d) At any time by mutual agreement of the Boards of Directors of
Dean, BFD and the Company; provided, however, that no party shall have the right
to terminate this Agreement unilaterally if the event giving rise to such right
shall be primarily attributable to such party or to any shareholder, employee,
agent or representative of such party.
8.4 Survival of Certain Provisions. Termination of the Agreement shall
not affect the provisions of Sections 6, 7.3 and 9, which shall survive, nor,
except as provided in Section 8.5, shall termination affect the rights of any
party with respect to the performance or non-performance by any other party of
its obligations hereunder.
8.5 Other Failure to Close. If the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement shall not be consummated, no party which is not in willful default
hereof and which has not willfully breached any of the terms or conditions
hereof or willfully made any inaccurate, untruthful or erroneous representation
or warranty, shall be required to provide any legal or equitable relief.
8.6 Specific Performance; Other Rights. The parties recognize that
various of the rights of the parties under this Agreement are unique and,
accordingly, the parties shall, in addition to such other remedies as may be
available to any of them at law or in equity, and except as otherwise provided
elsewhere in this Section 8, have the right to enforce their rights hereunder by
actions for injunctive relief and specific performance to the extent permitted
by law.
73
Section 9. EXPENSES.
Shareholders, the Company, Dean and BFD shall each pay their own
expenses in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement,
including all fees and expenses of counsel and accountants, provided that if the
transactions contemplated hereby are consummated, there shall be paid to BFD
from the escrow established pursuant to the Escrow Agreement referred to in
Paragraph 1.4 any such expenses incurred by the Company in excess of Fifty
Thousand Dollars ($50,000), and the Shareholders, severally in proportion to
their Company shareholdings, shall pay BFD any such expenses incurred by the
Company in excess of $100,000.
Section 10. FURTHER ASSURANCES.
Shareholders will, at any time and from time to time after the Closing
Date, execute and deliver such further instruments of conveyance and transfer
and take such additional actions as Dean and BFD may reasonably request to
effect, consummate, confirm or evidence the Merger. Shareholders will execute
such documents as may be necessary to assist Dean and BFD in preserving or
perfecting their rights in the Company Stock and will also do such acts as are
necessary to perform their representations, warranties and agreements herein.
Each of the parties hereto agrees to execute all such further instruments
and documents and to take all such further action as any other party may
reasonably require in order to effectuate the terms and purposes of this
Agreement. If, at any time after the Effective Time, BFD shall consider or be
advised that any conveyance, assignment, transfer, deed or other instrument or
act is necessary or desirable to vest, perfect or
74
confirm of record or otherwise, property or rights in BFD, including without
limitation its right, title or interest in, to or under any rights of the
Company acquired or to be acquired by BFD as a result of, or in connection with,
the Merger, or to otherwise carry out this Agreement, the officers and directors
of Dean and BFD shall, and will be authorized to, execute, acknowledge and
deliver such instruments and perform such acts. For such purposes, the
existence of the Company and the authority of its officers and directors shall
be continued, notwithstanding the Merger.
Section 11. NATURE AND SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND
WARRANTIES; ENTIRE AGREEMENT.
All statements contained in the Disclosure Schedules or any
certificate or other document or instrument delivered by or on behalf of any of
the parties pursuant to this Agreement shall constitute representations and
warranties by the party making such statements or on whose behalf such
statements are made. Shareholders, Company, Dean and BFD agree that this
Agreement and the certificates and other documents and instruments delivered
pursuant hereto constitute the entire agreement between the parties with respect
to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior understandings, agreements
and representations with respect thereto. The representations, warranties,
covenants and agreements provided for in this Agreement shall be unaffected by
any investigation made by or on behalf of any party hereto. All representations
and warranties made by Shareholders, Company, Dean and BFD in Sections 2 and 3,
respectively, of this Agreement shall terminate five (5) years after the Closing
Date, except that Shareholders' and Company's representations in Sections 2.11,
2.20, 2.23 and 2.27, hereof shall survive the Closing until thirty (30) days
after all claims with
75
respect thereto are barred by the applicable statute of limitations. All
covenants and agreements made by the parties herein shall survive the Closing.
Consummation of the transactions contemplated herein shall not be deemed to be a
waiver of any right or remedy possessed by any party hereto, notwithstanding
that such party knew or should have known at the time of the Closing that such
right or remedy existed.
Section 12. WAIVERS; AMENDMENTS; SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE AND OTHER RIGHTS:
ENFORCEABILITY.
Any waiver of any term or condition or of the breach of any covenant,
representation or warranty of this Agreement, in any one instance, shall not
operate as or be deemed to be or construed as a further or continuing waiver of
any other breach of such term, condition, covenant, representation or warranty
or any other term, condition, covenant, representation or warranty, nor shall
any failure at any time or times to enforce or require performance of any
provision hereof operate as a waiver of or affect in any manner such party's
right at a later time to enforce or require performance of such provision or of
any other provision hereof.
This Agreement may not be amended, nor shall any waiver, change,
modification, consent or discharge be effected, except by an instrument in
writing executed by or on behalf of the party against whom enforcement of any
amendment, waiver, change, modification, consent or discharge is sought;
provided, however, that no such written waiver, unless it, by its own terms,
explicitly provides to the contrary, shall be construed to effect a continuing
waiver of the provision being waived and no such waiver in any instance shall
constitute a waiver in any other instance or for any other purpose or impair the
right of the party against whom such waiver is claimed in all other instances or
for all
76
other purposes to require full compliance with such provision. This Agreement
may not be amended, nor shall any waiver, change, modification, consent or
discharge be effected, except by an instrument in writing executed by or on
behalf of the party against whom enforcement of any amendment, waiver, change,
modification, consent or discharge is sought; provided, however, that no such
written waiver, unless it, by its own terms, explicitly provides to the
contrary, shall be construed to effect a continuing waiver of the provision
being waived and no such waiver in any instance shall constitute a waiver in any
other instance or for any other purpose or impair the right of the party against
whom such waiver is claimed in all other instances or for all other purposes to
require full compliance with such provision. This Agreement may be amended in
any manner and at any time prior to the submission of the Merger to the
shareholders of the Company, and, after such submission, may be amended to make
amendments which, in the opinion of the respective counsel for Dean and the
Company, do not substantially alter the terms hereof or otherwise violate the
California Law, by written instrument stating that it is an amendment to this
Agreement.
The parties recognize that various of the rights of the parties under this
Agreement are unique and, accordingly, the parties shall, in addition to such
other remedies as may be available to any of them at law or in equity, but
subject to the limitation on recourse set forth in the Escrow Agreement referred
to in Section 1.4, have the right to enforce their rights hereunder by action
for injunctive relief and specific performance to the extent permitted by law.
77
Insofar as any of the representations and warranties contained in Sections
3 and 4 of this Agreement, or the opinions contemplated by Sections 5 and 6 of
this Agreement, relate to the enforceability of an agreement in accordance with
its terms, in each instance such representation, warranty or opinion is subject,
as to enforceability of remedies, to any applicable limited recourse provisions
of the Escrow Agreement, applicable bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency and
similar laws and to moratorium laws from time to time in effect and to the
discretion of the court before which any proceeding therefor is brought in
ordering any equitable relief such as specific performance or injunctive relief.
Section 13. NOTICES.
All notices, requests, demands or other communications hereunder shall
be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (a) if mailed by
United States registered mail or express mail, return receipt requested, postage
prepaid, as follows:
If to Dean or BFD, to:
Dean Foods Company
3600 North River Road
Franklin Park, Illinois 60131
Attn: President
With a copy to:
Eric Blanchard
Dean Foods Company
3600 N. River Road
Franklin Park, Illinois 60131
78
If to Shareholders, to:
Merrill Schwartz, Esq.
Stark, Wells Rahl, Schwartz & Schieffer
1999 Harrison Street, Suite 1300
Oakland, CA 94612-3508
With a copy to:
Robert Oto
Hirose, Oto & Bailey Accountants, Inc.
1800 Harrison Street
Suite 2300
Oakland, CA 94612
or (b) if delivered in person, to the General Counsel of Dean on behalf of Dean,
and to Shareholders' Representative on behalf of Shareholders, or to such other
person or such other address as Dean or BFD, or Shareholders, may hereafter
designate to the other. Any communication to Shareholders' Representative shall
be deemed a communication as to all Shareholders. Each party hereby agrees to
acknowledge receipt of any such communication simultaneously with the receipt of
the same. Each communication shall be deemed to have been given and received as
of the opening of business on the second business day after so mailed or at the
time of such delivery if delivered in person.
Section 14. SHAREHOLDERS' REPRESENTATIVE.
The Shareholders each appoint the following persons as the
"Shareholders' Representative" hereunder: John A. Sabatte, John B. Sabatte,
Roger Sabatte, Donald Sabatte, and the vote or consent of any three (3) of such
persons shall be required for any action to be taken by the Shareholders'
Representative hereunder. The Shareholders'
79
Representative shall be the agent of all Shareholders for the purpose of giving
and receiving notices (before and after the Closing Date), modifying or making
additions to this Agreement, executing, delivering and receiving any
certificates or other documents or doing any other acts which are required or
permitted to be done by the Shareholders under this Agreement. Until otherwise
advised in writing by a majority in interest of Shareholders, Dean and BFD shall
be entitled to rely on the agency relationship hereby created and to treat any
action taken by Shareholders' Representative on behalf of the Shareholders as
the action of the Shareholders on whose behalf such action was taken. In the
event of resignation, death or incapacity of any of such persons, the remaining
persons shall be the Shareholders' Representative, and the vote or consent of a
majority in number shall be required for any action to be taken by the
Shareholders' Representative hereunder.
Section 15. PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT.
It is understood that no formal public announcement shall be made
relating to the Merger except as mutually agreed upon; provided, however, that
if, in the opinion of counsel for Dean, BFD or the Company, public disclosure of
the pendency of the transaction contemplated by this letter is required by law,
the consent or approval of the other to the release of such publicity and the
content thereof shall not be unreasonably withheld.
Section 16. PRE-CLOSING AND POST-CLOSING AGREEMENTS
16.1 Tax Reporting. Dean, BFD, the Company, and the Shareholders
will file their respective income tax returns on the basis that the Merger
qualifies as a
80
"reorganization" under Sections 368(a)(1)(A) and 368(a)(2)(D) of the Code. Dean,
BFD, the Company, and the Shareholders will not take a tax return position
inconsistent with the foregoing tax return positions unless such inconsistent
position shall arise out of or through an audit of such returns by the Internal
Revenue Service or other taxing authority.
16.2 Tax Elections, Waivers and Settlements. Between the date hereof
and the Closing Date, the Company shall not take any of the following actions
without the express permission of Dean, such permission not to be unreasonably
withheld:
(i) make, revoke or amend any Tax election;
(ii) execute any waiver of restrictions on assessment or collection
of any Tax; or
(iii) enter into or amend any agreement or settlement with any Tax
authority.
16.3 Preparation of Tax Returns.
(i) The Shareholders shall provide to BFD and Dean such Tax
information as is reasonably requested by BFD or Dean with
respect to the operations, ownership, assets or activities of
the Company for Pre-Closing Periods to the extent such
information is relevant to any Tax Return which BFD or Dean has
the right and obligation hereunder to file. For purposes hereof,
"Pre-Closing Period" shall mean tax periods ending on or prior
to the Closing Date.
81
(ii) The Shareholders shall, on the one hand, or BFD and
Dean shall, on the other, with respect to any Tax Return which
such party is responsible hereunder for preparing and filing, or
causing to be prepared and filed, make such Tax Return and
related work papers available for review by the other party if
the Tax Return (A) could affect Taxes for which the other party
may be liable hereunder or under applicable tax law, or (B)
claims Tax benefits which the other party is entitled to receive
hereunder. The filing party shall use its reasonable best
efforts to make Tax Returns available for review as required
under this paragraph sufficiently in advance of the due date for
filing such Tax Returns to provide the non-filing party with a
meaningful opportunity to analyze and comment on such Tax
Returns and have such Tax Returns modified before filing.
16.5 Tax Controversies; Assistance and Cooperation.
The Shareholders on the one hand, and BFD and Dean on the other,
shall cooperate (and cause their affiliates to cooperate) with each other and
with each other's agents, including accounting firms and legal counsel, in
connection with Tax matters relating to the Company, including (i) preparation
and filing of Tax Returns, (ii) determining the liability and amount of any
Taxes due or the right to and amount of any refund of Taxes, (iii) examinations
of Tax Returns, and (iv) any administrative or judicial proceeding in respect of
Taxes assessed or proposed to be assessed. Such cooperation
82
shall include each party making all information and documents in its possession
relating to the Company available to the other party. The Company shall transfer
to BFD all Tax Returns, schedules and work papers, and all material records and
other documents relating thereto, until the expiration of the applicable statute
of limitations (including, to the extent notified by any party, any extension
thereof) of the Tax Period to which such Tax Returns and other documents and
information relate.
16.6 Tax-Free Reorganization. In no event will BFD or Dean be liable
to the Shareholders as a result of any breach of a representation or warranty
made in Section 3.5 of this Agreement unless the Merger fails to qualify as a
tax-free reorganization solely as a result of such breach, and then in
accordance with the indemnification provisions contained herein, and only to the
extent that BFD or Dean made such representation or warranty knowing that the
representation or warranty was untrue when made.
16.7 Tax Allocation Agreements.
As of the Closing Date, Shareholders shall cause any and all Tax
allocation, Tax sharing, Tax reimbursement and similar arrangements or
agreements between Shareholders and their Affiliates, on the one hand, and the
Company, on the other, to be extinguished and terminated with respect to the
Company and any rights or obligations existing under any such agreement or
arrangement to have no further force or effect.
83
16.8 Credit for Seniority. All employees of the Company shall
receive credit for their period of employment with the Company for purposes of
eligibility and vesting under the employee benefit plans made available to them
as employees of BFD.
16.9 SEC Filings. For a period of two (2) years following the
Closing (or such lesser period of time specified in Rule 145(d)(3) under the
Securities Act of 1933), Dean shall timely file (taking into account any
extensions of filing deadlines) all reports required to be filed by it with the
SEC pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act.
16.10 Transition Services. The Shareholders and the Company shall
use their best efforts to cease utilizing the Company for administrative
services (accounting, human resources and payroll) used by Berkeley Land Company
and Mercantile Finance Company prior to, or within a reasonable period of time,
after the Closing.
16.11 Tax Returns. BFD and/or Dean shall prepare and file on or
before the due date therefor all Tax Returns required to be filed by the Company
after the Closing Date.
Section 17. CONSTRUCTION.
Whenever used herein, unless the context otherwise requires, the
singular number shall include the plural, the plural shall include the singular
and the use of one gender shall include all genders.
Section 18. EXPENSES OF LITIGATION.
In the event that any party hereto seeks judicial enforcement of the
other parties' duties hereunder, the prevailing party in such litigation shall
be entitled to recover
84
from the losing party the prevailing party's reasonable attorneys' fees and
expenses incurred in such litigation.
Section 19. GOVERNING LAW.
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in
accordance with the laws (other than the law governing conflicts of law
questions) of the State of California.
85
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement on the
date first mentioned above.
BERKELEY FARMS, INC. DEAN FOODS COMPANY
By: /s/ John A. Sabatte By: /s/ Robert E. Baker
------------------------------ ---------------------------
Its: President Its: Vice President
------------------------------ ---------------------------
By: /s/ Norman J. Alberts By: /s/ Eric A. Blanchard
------------------------------ ---------------------------
Its: Secretary Its: Secretary
------------------------------ ---------------------------
SHAREHOLDERS: BFD ACQUISITION CO.
/s/ John A. Sabatte By: /s/ Robert E. Baker
- ----------------------------------- ---------------------------
John A. Sabatte Its: Vice President
---------------------------
By: /s/ Eric A. Blanchard
/s/ John B. Sabatte ---------------------------
- ----------------------------------- Its: Secretary
John B. Sabatte ---------------------------
/s/ Roger Sabatte
- -----------------------------------
Roger Sabatte
/s/ Donald J. Sabatte
- -----------------------------------
Donald J. Sabatte
/s/ George P. Sabatte, Jr.
- -----------------------------------
George P. Sabatte, Jr.
/s/ Frank E. Sabatte
- -----------------------------------
Frank E. Sabatte
/s/ Gary M. Sabatte
- -----------------------------------
Gary M. Sabatte
/s/ Norman Sabatte
- -----------------------------------
Norman Sabatte
86
Exhibit B
INDEMNIFICATION ESCROW AGREEMENT
--------------------------------
HARRIS TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK
Escrow No. ________
AGREEMENT made _______ __, 1998, by and among Dean Foods Company, a
Delaware corporation ("Dean"), BFD Acquisition Co., a California corporation
("BFD"), Ronald Hufft, Esq., as agent and attorney-in-fact for all of the
persons listed as "Shareholders" on Exhibit A attached hereto ("the
Shareholders"), and Harris Trust & Savings Bank, Chicago, Illinois, as escrow
agent (the "Escrow Agent").
RECITALS:
- --------
A. Dean holds all of the shares of common stock of BFD.
B. Dean, BFD, Berkeley Farms, Inc. (the "Company") and certain of the
Shareholders of the Company have entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger
dated September 14, 1998 (the "Merger Agreement"), pursuant to which the Company
will be merged with and into BFD (the "Merger"), with BFD being the surviving
corporation. All of the outstanding shares of Company Common Stock held by the
Shareholders immediately prior to the Merger will be converted in whole or in
part into shares of Dean Common Stock. Capitalized terms used but not defined
herein shall, unless the context otherwise requires, have the meanings given to
them in the Merger Agreement.
C. The Merger Agreement provides that Dean's and BFD's obligations to
consummate the transactions contemplated thereby are conditioned upon the
execution and delivery by the other parties hereto of an indemnification escrow
agreement in the form hereof.
D. Pursuant to Section 1.4 of the Merger Agreement, at the Closing Dean
shall deliver to the Escrow Agent certificates representing shares of Dean
Common Stock issued to the Shareholders in connection with the Merger having a
market value of approximately $2,000,000 based on the Closing Price specified in
the Merger Agreement (the "Indemnity Shares"), all in satisfaction of any
Shareholder indemnification obligations as provided herein. Each of the
Shareholders shall deliver to the Escrow Agent assignments separate from
certificate endorsed in blank and such further documentation as shall be
required by the Escrow Agent to effect, if necessary, the transfer to Dean of
all or a portion of the Indemnity Shares deposited in escrow by Dean as
described below. The Indemnity Shares and any substitutes therefor (as permitted
under Section 1 below) shall be referred to collectively as the "Escrow Items".
The number and percentage of the Indemnity Shares issued to each Shareholder is
set forth in Exhibit A attached hereto.
E. It is the express intent of Dean, BFD and the Company that
notwithstanding this Agreement, the parties intend that the Shareholders be
considered the beneficial owners of the
Indemnity Shares for federal income tax purposes when the Merger is consummated
so that the Indemnity Shares will be treated as received by the Shareholders at
that time for federal income tax purposes.
F. The foregoing recitals are made as representations and statements of
fact by Dean, BFD and the Shareholders and not by the Escrow Agent.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the recitals and the covenants and
agreements herein contained, and in consideration of the Shareholders, Dean and
BFD proceeding with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the
Merger Agreement, the parties hereto covenant and agree as follows:
1. Investment of Escrow Items.
--------------------------
(a) The Escrow Agent shall invest and liquidate the Escrow Items and shall
invest any proceeds thereof, or dividends, investments or reinvestments thereof
received by the Escrow Agent, in accordance with the instructions of the
"Shareholders' Representative" (hereinafter defined). Permissible investments
shall be limited to:
(i) interest bearing term deposits issued by the Escrow Agent, but
only in amounts and accounts such that the Escrow Items remain at all times
fully insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation;
(ii) federal and federal agency obligations, including obligations
federally guaranteed;
(iii) money market funds and money market deposit accounts of the
Escrow Agent, but only in amounts and accounts such that the Escrow Items remain
at all times fully insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation;
(iv) tax-free bonds of single A or better quality and tax-free mutual
funds; and
(v) other investments mutually agreed upon by the Shareholders'
Representative and Dean and so certified to the Escrow Agent by them.
(b) Cash dividends and income actually earned on Escrow Items and received
by the Escrow Agent shall be paid to the Shareholders quarterly, in the
proportions specified on Exhibit A; provided, however, the Shareholders shall
pay any expenses associated therewith.
(c) The Escrow Agent may use its own Bond Department in executing purchases
and sales of permissible investments.
2. Indemnification Rights.
----------------------
(a) Subject to the limitations set forth in section 2(b) and 2(c) below and
the provisions of the Merger Agreement, the Shareholders hereby severally (pro
rata in the percentages described in Exhibit
2
A) agree to indemnify, defend and save harmless Dean and BFD and their
respective successors and assigns (collectively, the "Dean Parties"), from and
against any and all Payment Amounts (as hereinafter defined).
(b) For purposes of determining the rights of the Dean Parties to
indemnification payments, the term "Payment Amount" shall mean and include any
and all of the following, and any and all loss, liability, damage or expense
(including reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses and interest and penalties
which the Dean Parties are entitled to recover from the Shareholders pursuant
hereto) suffered or incurred by any of the Dean Parties arising out of or
resulting from any of the following:
(i) any obligation or liability of any Shareholder with respect to the
Company Common Stock which any of the Dean Parties at any time may be required
to pay or become liable for; provided, however, that in such case the
Shareholder from whose shares such obligation or liability arises shall be
responsible for one hundred percent (100%) of the Payment Amount arising out of
such obligation or liability (rather than all of the Shareholders being
responsible severally).
(ii) any representation or warranty on the part of any of the
Shareholders or the Company in the Merger Agreement, or in any certificate or
other document or instrument delivered to Dean or BFD thereunder by or on behalf
of any of the Shareholders or the Company (collectively, the "Related
Documents"), being untrue in any respect;
(iii) any breach or non-fulfillment by any of the Shareholders or
Company of any covenant or agreement (except those representations, warranties
or covenants set forth in Section 2 of the Merger Agreement) on his, her or its
part contained in the Merger Agreement or any Related Document ;
(iv) any liability of any of the Dean Parties for the payment of
dissenters' appraisal rights;
(v) all professional fees, costs and expenses incurred by the Company
or the Shareholders in connection with the Merger, which exceed $50,000,
provided that the total of such costs plus the amount paid by the Company at or
prior to close of escrow under the Merger Agreement shall not exceed $100,000
(it being understood that should such fees, costs and expenses exceed $100,000,
the Dean Parties may recover such amounts directly from the Shareholders); and
(vi) any amount due to the Escrow Agent from the Shareholders pursuant
to Section 3(b) of this Agreement; and
(vii) any actions, suits, proceedings, demands, or assessments
incident to any of the foregoing, and any investigation or defense against
claims which, if proven, would be covered thereby (it being no defense to the
claim by any Dean Party for indemnification hereunder that a third party
claimant cannot or does not prove its claim).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Shareholders shall not be obligated to
indemnify the Dean Parties pursuant to clause (ii) of this Section 2(b) (or
clause (vii) to the extent the result of clause (ii) of this
3
Section 2(b)) (other than with respect to representations and warranties set
forth in Section 2.23 of the Merger Agreement) and the Dean Parties shall not be
entitled to any payment from the Escrow Items in the event that the aggregate
losses, liabilities, damages and expenses constituting Payment Amounts pursuant
to such clauses do not exceed $100,000. Any Payment Amount for breach of the
Company's representations and warranties in Section 2.20 of the Merger Agreement
arising solely out of the disallowance of depreciation deductions taken by the
Company in its Tax Returns for the periods ending December 31, 1997 and the
Closing Date shall be reduced to the extent it gives rise to an increase in
income tax liability for a Pre-Closing Period and gives rise to actual reduction
in an income Tax liability of BFD or Dean for a Post-Closing Period. No Payment
Amount shall include any interest and penalties assessed by the IRS with respect
to such disallowed deductions. Further, no Payment Amount shall include any
adjustment of the Company's California Manufacturers Investment Credit or
related penalties and interest. The Escrow Items shall be available, subject to
the conditions and provisions hereof, to the Dean Parties to cover losses,
liabilities, damages and expenses which constitute Payment Amounts for which
Shareholders are obligated to indemnify the Dean Parties. The Escrow Items shall
be paid to the Shareholders five (5) years following the Closing Date (the
"Termination Date"), except for any Escrow Items for which the Dean Parties
shall have, before such date, made a claim for a Payment Amount in the manner
set forth below, and as to any such items they shall be paid to the Shareholders
upon resolution of the claim as to any balance remaining.
(c) Notwithstanding any contrary provision herein or in the Merger
Agreement or the Related Documents, the liability of the Shareholders for any
Payment Amount specified in subparagraphs 2(b)(ii) (other than with respect to
representations and warranties set forth in Section 2.23 of the Merger
Agreement) and under (vii) (only as it relates to Section 2(b)(ii)) shall be
limited to the Escrow Items, and the Dean Parties' sole and exclusive remedy
with respect thereto shall be to proceed in accordance with subparagraph 2(d) of
this Agreement. No action or proceeding at law or in equity shall be brought
against any of the Shareholders with respect to any such Payment Amounts for
which recourse is so limited, and the Shareholders shall not be personally
liable therefor.
(d) After the Closing Date, if any written claim is made by a third party
to, or any suit is brought by a third party against, any of the Dean Parties for
injury, loss, damage or compensation in respect of any liability or claim with
respect to which any Dean Party intends to seek indemnification pursuant hereto,
Dean shall within ten (10) days after receipt of notice of such claim or suit,
notify the Shareholders' Representative who on behalf of the Shareholders shall
have the option to assume the defense of such claim or suit at their sole
expense, (such defense to be conducted, if Dean so elects, in association with
such other counsel as Dean may select, the fees and expenses of such other
counsel to be paid by Dean). However, only with respect to claims under Section
2(b)(ii) hereof and under 2(b)(vii) (only as it relates to Section 2(b)(ii)),
the attorneys' fees and expenses related thereto shall be deemed additional
Payment Amounts related to the claim or suit to which the defense relates and
the Escrow Agent shall pay such fees and expenses upon receipt of appropriate
invoices. The settlement of any such claim or suit shall be determined by the
Shareholders' Representative, and the amount thereof shall be a Payment Amount,
but no settlement shall be made without Dean's prior approval, which shall not
be unreasonably withheld. In the event that (i) the Shareholders' Representative
shall fail to accept the defense of such claim or suit by written notice to Dean
within ten (10) days after having been notified of such claim or suit, or (ii)
the Shareholders shall fail to diligently maintain such defense after such
acceptance, Dean may assume such defense, but shall permit counsel selected by
4
Shareholders' Representative to participate therein. The fees and expenses of
such counsel selected by Shareholders' Representative shall be paid by
Shareholders. The failure of Dean to fulfill its obligations to notify, advise
and inform the Shareholders' Representative hereunder shall not relieve the
Shareholders of their obligations to indemnify any Dean Party except to the
extent of any prejudice to the Shareholders resulting from such failure. All of
Dean's out-of-pocket expenses shall be Payment Amounts.
(e) Dean shall provide written notice to the Escrow Agent of any claim for
a Payment Amount. Such notice shall contain a certification signed by Dean
stating the actual or, if not available, a good faith estimate of the Payment
Amount and, in reasonable detail, the basis for the claim. Dean shall send
copies of all notices of claims made by it to the Shareholders' Representative
concurrently with sending them to the Escrow Agent.
(f) Upon the receipt by the Escrow Agent of notice of a claim for a Payment
Amount, unless a written objection is filed by the Shareholders' Representative
with the Escrow Agent and Dean within thirty (30) days thereafter (the
"Objection Period"), the Escrow Agent shall pay to Dean (or as otherwise
directed by Dean), on the day after the Objection Period expires, the amount
which Dean has certified to the Escrow Agent as a Payment Amount. If an
objection is made within the Objection Period, then Escrow Items having a then
fair market value equal to such amount shall be subtracted from the Escrow Items
and segregated by the Escrow Agent and invested solely in investments permitted
by sections 1 (a) (ii) and/or (iii) above as directed by Dean until receipt by
the Escrow Agent of either (i) a joint notice from Dean and the Shareholders'
Representative or (ii) an order of a court of competent jurisdiction, resolving
the dispute between Dean and the Shareholders concerning their respective rights
with respect to the disputed Payment Amount, and the amount determined by such
joint notice or court order to be payable to Dean shall promptly be paid to Dean
(or as otherwise directed by Dean).
(g) The Escrow Items may be claimed against by any Dean Party, in the
manner herein provided, until the Termination Date. Within ten (10) days after
the Termination Date, after setting aside of funds pursuant to Section 2(f)
above with respect to unresolved claims for Payment Amounts, the Escrow Agent,
without further instructions, shall pay the balance of the Escrow Items not
subject to any pending claim or segregated in connection therewith to the
Shareholders. Except as set forth in this Agreement (including Shareholder
indemnification pursuant to Section 2(b)(i) hereof) or to the extent otherwise
specified in writing from time to time to the Escrow Agent by Shareholders'
Representative, all payments from the Escrow Items to the Shareholders shall be
paid to them in the percentages set forth on Exhibit A. Each Shareholder hereby
confirms that the Shareholders' Representative shall allocate any claim for a
Payment Amount which arises solely from a defect in the ownership or title to
the shares of Company Common Stock owned by such Shareholder solely to such
Shareholder in accordance with Section 2(b)(i) hereof. All other claims for a
Payment Amount shall be allocated among the Shareholders in proportion to their
respective percentages set forth on Exhibit A. The Escrow Agent shall be
entitled to rely upon the most recently received written specification of the
Shareholders' Representative on hand at the time it makes payments hereunder. In
the absence of any such specification, the Escrow Agent shall make such payments
in said proportions. If on or before the Termination Date a notice of a claim
for a Payment Amount has been served on the Escrow Agent by Dean, then the
Escrow Agent shall continue to hold the Escrow Items
5
or such lesser portion thereof that is equal to the amount of such claim (plus
income thereon) and deal with the same in accordance with the terms hereof.
(h) The Shareholders' Representative and Dean covenant each with the other
to give all notices to the Escrow Agent required to effect prompt transfer to
the Shareholders and/or Dean Parties of all Escrow Items to which the
Shareholders and/or Dean Parties become entitled hereunder.
3. Escrow Agent's Fees, Expenses and Indemnification.
-------------------------------------------------
(a) The Escrow Agent shall receive from Dean as reasonable remuneration for
its services hereunder a base fee of $2,500 for the period from the date hereof
through the Termination Date (plus a base fee at the rate of $2,500 per year for
any period thereafter that Escrow Items are still held hereunder), plus its
normal transaction fees (other than transaction fees which relate solely to the
trading of securities which become part of the Escrow Items, which fees shall be
charged solely to Shareholders) and all reasonable expenses and disbursements
incurred or made by the Escrow Agent from time to time in the good faith
performance of its duties under this Agreement (including the reasonable
compensation and disbursements of its counsel and other advisers and assistants
who are not employees of the Escrow Agent). Shareholders hereby direct that the
portion of the fees and expenses of the Escrow Agent for which Shareholders are
responsible be deducted by the Escrow Agent from the Escrow Items. The Escrow
Agent from time to time shall invoice Dean for its share of such fees and
expenses and shall notify the Shareholders' Representative no less frequently
than quarterly of any amounts deducted from the Escrow Items.
(b) The Shareholders and Dean jointly and severally (but as between them, on
a 50-50 basis) covenant and agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Escrow
Agent from and against any and all liability, loss or expense incurred by it
hereunder or arising out of or in connection with the good faith and non-
negligent performance of its duties under this Agreement (including the
reasonable compensation and disbursements of its counsel and other advisers and
assistants who are not employees of the Escrow Agent).
(c) The Escrow Agent may act on the advice of counsel (including counsel to
Dean or the Shareholders' Representative) and shall be fully protected in acting
in good faith in accordance with such advice.
4. Escrow Agent's Resignation; Successor Escrow Agent.
--------------------------------------------------
The Escrow Agent may resign and be discharged from all further duties and
liabilities hereunder by giving to the Shareholders' Representative and Dean not
less than sixty (60) days' notice in writing or such shorter notice as the
Shareholders' Representative and Dean may accept as sufficient. The
Shareholders' Representative and Dean shall have the power jointly at any time
to remove the Escrow Agent and to appoint a new Escrow Agent. In the event of
the Escrow Agent's resigning or being removed as aforesaid or being dissolved,
becoming bankrupt, going into liquidation or otherwise becoming incapable of
acting hereunder, the Shareholders' Representative and Dean shall forthwith
appoint a new Escrow Agent; failing such appointment, the retiring Escrow Agent
may apply to a Judge of the Federal District Court for the Northern District of
Illinois to act in his individual and not
6
judicial capacity, on such notice as such Judge may direct, for the appointment
of a new Escrow Agent. In the event of the appointment of a new Escrow Agent,
the Escrow Agent shall transfer all Escrow Items to such new Escrow Agent.
5. Shareholders' Representative.
----------------------------
The Shareholders hereby confirm their appointment of Ronald Hufft, Esq. as
the "Shareholders' Representative". The Shareholders' Representative shall be
the agent of all Shareholders for the purposes of giving and (except as
contemplated in the last sentence of this section) receiving notices hereunder,
executing, delivering and receiving (except as contemplated in the last sentence
of this section) any certificates, service of process or other documents or
doing any other actions which are required or permitted to be done by the
Shareholders hereunder. Until otherwise advised in writing by a majority in
interest of the Shareholders that a then acting Shareholders' Representative has
been removed by such majority, or until advised of the Shareholders'
Representative's death, resignation or refusal to act, Dean and the Escrow Agent
shall be entitled to rely upon such Shareholders' Representative's authority to
act for all Shareholders hereunder and to treat any action taken by such
Shareholders' Representative as the action of all Shareholders. In the event of
the death, incapacity, resignation, removal or refusal to act of Ronald Hufft,
the successor Shareholders' Representative hereunder shall be Merrill J.
Schwartz. In the event of his death, incapacity, resignation, removal or refusal
to act, the successor Shareholders' Representative shall be such person as the
majority in interest of the Shareholders shall designate by written instrument
delivered to Dean and the Escrow Agent. In the event of the death, incapacity,
resignation, removal or inability to act of a then acting Shareholders'
Representative, if no successor Shareholders' Representative has been designated
by the Shareholders within fifteen (l5) days after written request therefor from
Dean and/or the Escrow Agent, the successor Shareholders' Representative shall
be such person as may be appointed by a Judge of the Federal District Court for
the Northern District of Illinois to act in his individual and not judicial
capacity, on such notice as such Judge may direct. During any period when no
Shareholders' Representative is acting hereunder, the Shareholders collectively
(acting as the majority in interest of them shall determine) shall be deemed the
Shareholders' Representative for purposes of this Agreement and notices,
directions or other instruments required or permitted to be given to the
Shareholders' Representative shall during such period be given to all
Shareholders.
6. Notices.
-------
(a) Dean: Any notice, direction or other instrument required or permitted to
be given to Dean shall be in writing and shall be given by mailing the same
postage prepaid, registered or express mail, addressed to Dean, at:
3600 North River Road
Franklin Park, Illinois 60131
Attention: President
or by delivering the same to such person.
7
(b) To the Shareholders' Representative: Any notice, direction or other
instrument required or permitted to be given to the Shareholders' Representative
hereunder shall be in writing and may be given by mailing the same, postage
prepaid, registered or express mail, addressed to:
Ronald Hufft, Esq.
1211 Newell Street, Suite 118
Walnut Creek, CA 94596-5331
or by delivering the same to such person.
(c) To the Shareholders: Any notice, direction or other instrument required
or permitted to be given to the Shareholders hereunder shall be in writing and
may be given by mailing the same, postage prepaid, registered or express mail,
addressed to such Shareholders at their respective addresses set forth on
Exhibit A hereto (or to such other addresses as they may direct in accordance
with the terms hereof) or by delivering the same to such persons.
(d) To the Escrow Agent: Any notice or direction or other instrument
required or permitted to be given to the Escrow Agent hereunder shall be in
writing and may be given by mailing the same, postage prepaid, registered or
express mail, addressed to:
Harris Trust & Savings Bank
Escrow No. 88506
111 West Monroe Street
Chicago, Illinois 60690
Attention: ___________________________
or by delivering the same to the Escrow Agent.
(e) Any notice, direction or other instrument aforesaid shall be deemed to
have been given on the date on which it was delivered or if mailed as aforesaid
shall be deemed to be given on the second business day after the mailing
thereof; provided no notice, direction or other instrument shall be deemed given
to the Escrow Agent prior to its actual receipt thereof.
(f) Dean, the Shareholders' Representative, any Shareholder or the Escrow
Agent may change its address for service from time to time by notice to each of
the other parties given in accordance with the foregoing.
(g) Whenever under the terms hereof the time for giving a notice or
performing an act falls upon a Saturday, Sunday or bank holiday, such time shall
be extended to the next business day.
7. Escrow Agent's Duties.
---------------------
(a) The Escrow Agent's duties and responsibilities shall be limited to those
expressly set forth in this Agreement, and the Escrow Agent shall not be subject
to, nor obliged to recognize, any other agreement between any or all of the
parties hereto even though reference thereto may be made
8
herein; provided, however, that with the Escrow Agent's written consent (which
will not be unreasonably withheld in the case of any amendment hereto which does
not increase the duties or potential liabilities of the Escrow Agent), this
Agreement may be amended at any time or times by an instrument in writing signed
by Dean and the Shareholders' Representative.
(b) The Escrow Agent is authorized, in its sole discretion, to disregard any
and all notices or instructions given by any of the undersigned or by any other
person, firm or corporation, except (i) only such notices or instructions as are
hereinabove specifically provided for and (ii) orders or process of any court
entered or issued with or without jurisdiction. If any property subject hereto
is at any time attached, garnished, or levied upon under any court order or in
case the payment, assignment, transfer, conveyance or delivery of any such
property shall be stayed or enjoined by any court order, or in case any order,
judgment or decree shall be made or entered by any court affecting such property
or any part thereof, then and in any such events the Escrow Agent is authorized,
in its sole discretion, to rely upon and comply with any such order, writ,
judgment or decree which it is advised by legal counsel of its own choosing is
binding upon it; and if it complies with any such order, writ, judgment or
decree, it shall not be liable to any of the parties hereto or to any other
person, firm or corporation by reason of such compliance even though such order,
writ, judgment or decree may be subsequently reversed, modified, annulled, set
aside or vacated.
(c) The Escrow Agent shall not be personally liable for any act taken or
omitted hereunder if taken or omitted by it in good faith, non-negligently and
in the exercise of its own best judgment. The Escrow Agent shall also be fully
protected in relying upon any written notice, demand, certificate or document
which it in good faith believes to be genuine.
(d) The Escrow Agent shall not be responsible for the sufficiency or
accuracy of the form, execution, validity or genuineness of documents or
securities now or hereafter deposited hereunder (other than those issued by the
Escrow Agent), or of any endorsement thereon, or for any lack of endorsement
thereon, or for any description therein, nor shall it be responsible or liable
in any respect on account of the identity, authority or rights of the persons
(other than itself) executing or delivering or purporting to execute or deliver
any such document, security or endorsement. The Escrow Agent shall not be liable
for any depreciation or change in the value of such documents or securities or
any property evidenced thereby.
8. Federal Income Tax Treatment.
----------------------------
The Shareholders will report for federal income tax purposes in each
year the income generated by the Escrow Items. All dividends payable on the
Indemnity Shares will be paid quarterly to the Shareholders.
9. Governing Law; Binding Effect.
-----------------------------
This Agreement shall be construed, enforced and administered in accordance
with the laws of the State of Illinois, shall be binding upon the respective
heirs, legatees, executors, personal representatives, successors and permitted
assigns of the parties and shall inure to the benefit of the respective
successors and permitted assigns of the parties.
9
10. Nonassignability.
----------------
The rights and obligations of a Shareholder hereunder may not be
assigned or delegated without the prior written consent of Dean, which consent
shall not be unreasonably withheld, except such rights may be transferred by the
laws of descent and distribution, by a deceased Shareholder's will or by the
terms of any trust which is a party hereto or pursuant to any trust hereafter
established primarily for the benefit of a Shareholder or members of his or her
family, provided that any such transfer pursuant to the terms of a trust shall
be made only to beneficiaries thereof on the date hereof or to members of the
family of the trustor. Any permitted assignee of any such rights shall, to the
extent of the rights assigned, become a Shareholder for purposes of this
Agreement. Unless and until notified of, and provided with satisfactory evidence
of, a transfer by the laws of descent and distribution or by a decedent's will,
Dean and the Escrow Agent shall be entitled to treat the deceased Shareholder
(or his estate if Dean has been notified of his personal representative), rather
than the person claiming under such laws or such will, as the person entitled to
notices and distributions hereunder.
11. Counterparts.
------------
This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of
which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute
one and the same instrument, and in pleading or proving any provision of this
Agreement it shall not be necessary to produce more than one such counterpart.
10
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Indemnification Escrow Agreement has been executed
by the parties hereto as of the day and year first above written.
DEAN FOODS COMPANY SHAREHOLDERS
By________________________________ _____________________________
Its_______________________________ _____________________________
_____________________________
SHAREHOLDERS' REPRESENTATIVE
BFD ACQUISITION CO. _____________________________
By: ______________________________
Its: _____________________________
Accepted:
HARRIS TRUST & SAVINGS BANK,
as Escrow Agent
By: _____________________________
Its: ____________________________
11
EXHIBIT A
---------
PERCENTAGE OF
SHAREHOLDERS ESCROW ITEMS
- ------------ -------------
12
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 20. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
Under certain provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law, Dean has
the power to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be
made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or
proceeding, by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director,
officer, employee or agent of Dean, or is or was serving at the request of
Dean as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or other
enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and
amounts paid in settlement reasonably incurred by him or her in connection
with such action, suit or proceeding; except that under such provisions
indemnification relating to a derivative action or suit is limited to expenses
reasonably incurred in connection with the defense or settlement thereof. To
be eligible for indemnification under such provisions as to a particular
action, suit or proceeding (or claim, issue or matter therein), a director,
officer, employee or agent must either be successful in his or her defense
thereof (in which event indemnification against related expenses is mandatory)
or must meet certain statutory standards (generally, that he or she acted in
good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not
opposed to the best interests of the Company, and, with respect to any
criminal action or proceeding, that he or she had no reasonable cause to
believe his or her conduct was unlawful). The indemnification provided by such
provisions does not exclude any other rights to which a person seeking
indemnification may otherwise be entitled.
Article Twelfth of the Dean Certificate of Incorporation provides that each
person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is
involved in any action, suit or proceeding, by reason of the fact that he or
she (i) is or was or has agreed to become a director or officer of Dean or
(ii) is or was serving or has agreed to serve (at or during such time as he or
she is or was a director or officer of Dean) as an employee, agent or
fiduciary of Dean or, at the request of Dean, as a director, officer,
employee, agent or fiduciary of another corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust or other enterprise or entity, or by reason of any action
alleged to have been taken or omitted by him or her in any such capacity,
shall be indemnified and held harmless by Dean to the fullest extent permitted
by Delaware law, as the same existed on October 19, 1987 or may thereafter be
amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such
amendment permits Dean to provide broader indemnification rights than said law
permitted Dean to provide prior to such amendment), against all expense
(including attorneys' fees and amounts expended in seeking indemnification
granted to him or her under applicable law, such Article, the Dean By-laws or
any agreement with Dean) and, in each case other than an action by or in the
right of Dean, all liability and loss (including judgments, fines and amounts
paid or to be paid in settlement), actually and reasonably incurred or
suffered by him or her in connection with such action, suit or proceeding and
any appeal thereof, if in each case he or she acted in good faith and in a
manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best
interests of Dean, and, with respect to any criminal action, suit or
proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was
unlawful; except that, in the case of an action or suit by or in the right of
Dean, no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or
matter as to which he or she shall have been adjudged to be liable to Dean
unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery of Delaware or the
court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon
application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the
circumstances of the case, he or she is fairly and reasonably entitled to
indemnification for such expenses which the Court of Chancery of Delaware or
such other court shall deem proper. Article Twelfth provides that such
indemnification shall continue as to any such person who has ceased to be a
director or officer of Dean and shall inure to the benefit of his or her
heirs, executors and administrators.
Any indemnification under Article Twelfth (other than (i) indemnification
for expenses actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding, appeal thereof or claim,
issue or matter therein, which is mandatory, and (ii) the advance of expenses,
which is mandatory if Dean receives an undertaking to repay such advance if it
shall ultimately be determined that the indemnified
II-1
person is not entitled to be indemnified by Dean) shall, unless ordered by a
court, be made by Dean only as authorized in the specific case upon a
determination, made as provided in Article Twelfth, that indemnification is
proper in the circumstances because the indemnified director or officer has
met the applicable standard of conduct.
Article Twelfth provides that the rights conferred thereunder shall not be
exclusive of any other right which the indemnified director or officer may
have had at October 19, 1987 or thereafter acquire under any law, provision of
the Dean's Certificate of Incorporation or by-laws, agreement, vote of
stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, and further provides
that the Dean Board of Directors is authorized to enter into a contract with
any director or officer of Dean providing for indemnification rights
equivalent to or, if the Dean Board of Directors so determines, greater than
those provided for in Article Twelfth.
The by-laws of Dean include provisions substantially identical to those of
Article Twelfth.
Pursuant to the authorization in Article Twelfth, and as authorized by the
stockholders of Dean, Dean has entered into indemnification agreements with
all of its directors and elected officers. Such agreements provide for and
define more particularly the indemnification contemplated by Article Twelfth
(including mandatory advance of expenses), also provide for indemnification
against all liability or loss actually and reasonably incurred in connection
with actions by or in the right of Dean, and require Dean to maintain (or to
provide indemnification to the full extent of the coverage which would
otherwise have been provided by) directors' and officers' liability insurance
in the amount of $25,000,000; except that the agreements exclude any
obligation to make any indemnity payment or advance of expenses in connection
with any proceeding to the extent that there has been a final adjudication by
a court of competent jurisdiction that the indemnified director or officer
derived an improper personal benefit or otherwise breached his or her duty of
loyalty to the Company or its stockholders or to the extent that there has
been a final adjudication by a court of competent jurisdiction that he or she
committed acts or omissions other than in good faith or which involved
intentional misconduct or knowing violation of law. The agreements effectively
place on Dean the burden of proving that an indemnified director or officer is
not entitled to indemnification, and specify the manner in which any necessary
determinations of entitlement to indemnification are to be made, including any
determinations after any Change in Control (as defined in the agreements).
The agreements provide that no proceeding shall be brought and no cause of
action shall be asserted by Dean or any subsidiary or by any stockholder on
behalf of Dean or any subsidiary against the indemnified director or officer,
his or her spouse, heirs, estate, executors or administrators after the
expiration of one year from the act or omission upon which such proceeding is
based (or, in the event that the indemnified director or officer has
fraudulently concealed the facts underlying such cause of action, after the
expiration of one year from the earlier of (i) the date Dean or any subsidiary
of Dean discovers such facts, or (ii) the date Dean or any subsidiary of Dean
could have discovered such facts by the exercise of reasonable diligence); and
that any claim or cause of action of Dean or any subsidiary of Dean, including
claims predicated upon the negligent act or omission of the indemnified
director or officer, shall be extinguished and deemed released unless asserted
by filing of a legal action within such period; except that such limitation
and release shall not apply to any cause of action which had accrued on the
date of an agreement and of which the indemnified director or officer was
aware on such date but as to which Dean had no actual knowledge apart from his
or her knowledge.
The agreements provide that the provisions for indemnification and
advancement of expenses set forth therein shall not be deemed exclusive of any
other rights which the indemnified director or officer may have under any
provision of law, Dean's Certificate of Incorporation or By-laws, the vote of
Dean's stockholders or disinterested directors, other agreements, or
otherwise, both as to action in his or her official capacity and to action in
another capacity while occupying his or her position as an agent of Dean, and
that the indemnified director or officer's rights thereunder shall continue
after he or she has ceased acting as an agent of Dean and shall inure to the
benefit of his or her heirs, executors and administrators.
II-2
Dean maintains a policy of liability insurance which, subject to various
exclusions and deductibles, covers its directors and officers (and Dean's
indemnification obligations to them), to the extent of $35,000,000 each policy
year, for damages, judgments, settlements, costs and other amounts payable by
them for claims made against them for any actual or alleged error or
misstatement or misleading statement or act or omission or neglect or breach
of duty, or any other matter claimed against them solely by reason of being
directors or officers of Dean.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling the
Company pursuant to the foregoing provisions, Dean has been informed that in
the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is
against public policy as expressed in the Act and is therefore unenforceable.
ITEM 21. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
a. EXHIBITS
The exhibits listed below are filed as part of or incorporated by
reference in this Registration Statement. Where such filing is made by
incorporation by reference to a previously filed report, such report is
identified in parentheses. See the Index of Exhibits included with the
exhibits filed as part of this Registration Statement.
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
------- -----------
2 Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated September 14, 1998, by
and among Dean Foods Company, BFD Acquisition Co., Berke-
ley Farms, Inc. and the shareholders of Berkeley Farms
Inc. party thereto, excluding the Exhibits thereto, other
than Exhibit B, the Indemnification Escrow Agreement (in-
cluded as Appendix A to the Proxy Statement/Prospectus
which forms a part of this Registration Statement).
4 Rights Agreement, dated as of May 22, 1998, by and between
Dean Foods Company and Harris Trust and Savings Bank, as
Rights Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(a) to
the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by Dean Foods Company
on August 31, 1998 (File No. 1-08262)).
5* Opinion of Eric A. Blanchard, General Counsel of the Reg-
istrant.
8* Opinion of Venture Counsel Associates, LLP.
23.1* Consent of Eric A. Blanchard, General Counsel of the Reg-
istrant (included in Exhibit 5).
23.2* Consent of Venture Counsel Associates, LLP (included in
Exhibit 8).
23.3* Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
23.4* Consent of Hirose Oto and Bailey Accountants, Inc.
24* Power of Attorney.
- --------
*Previously Filed.
b. FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Schedule VIII--Valuation and Qualifying Accounts.
II-3
ITEM 22. UNDERTAKINGS
(1) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(a) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a
post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
(i) To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the
Securities Act of 1933;
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after
the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent
post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth
in the registration statement;
(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of
distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or
any material change to such information in the registration statement.
(b) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed
to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed
to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(c) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
termination of the offering.
(2) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to respond to requests for
information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to
Items 4, 10(b), 11 or 13 of this Form, within one business day of receipt of
such request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or
other equally prompt means. This includes information contained in documents
filed subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement through
the date of responding to the request.
(3) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supply by means of a
post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the
company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and
included in the registration statement when it became effective.
(4) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
registrant's annual report pursuant to section 13(a) or section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an
employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the
registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such
securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering
thereof.
(5) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of
the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the
registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the
Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or
proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless
in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether
such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act
and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
II-4
SIGNATURES
PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, THE REGISTRANT
HAS DULY CAUSED THIS PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO REGISTRATION STATEMENT
TO BE SIGNED ON ITS BEHALF BY THE UNDERSIGNED, THEREUNTO DULY AUTHORIZED, IN
THE VILLAGE OF FRANKLIN PARK, STATE OF ILLINOIS ON OCTOBER 12, 1998.
Dean Foods Company
/s/ Eric A. Blanchard
By___________________________________
Eric A. Blanchard
Vice President, General Counsel
and Secretary
PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, THIS
PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO REGISTRATION STATEMENT HAS BEEN SIGNED BY THE
FOLLOWING PERSONS IN THE CAPACITIES INDICATED ON OCTOBER 12, 1998.
SIGNATURE CAPACITY
--------- --------
* Chairman of the Board and Chief
___________________________________________ Executive Officer and Director
Howard M. Dean (Principal Executive Officer)
* Vice President, Finance and Chief
___________________________________________ Financial Officer (Principal
William R. McManaman Financial Officer)
*
___________________________________________ Corporate Controller (Principal
William M. Luegers, Jr. Accounting Officer)
*
___________________________________________
Richard E. Bailey Director
*
___________________________________________
Edward A. Brennan Director
*
___________________________________________
Lewis M. Collens Director
*
___________________________________________
Paula H. Crown Director
* Director
___________________________________________
Bert A. Getz
* Director
___________________________________________
Janet Hill
* Director
___________________________________________
John S. Llewellyn, Jr.
II-5
* Director
___________________________________________
Richard P. Mayer
* Director
___________________________________________
Andrew J. McKenna
* Director
___________________________________________
Thomas A. Ravencroft
*The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does sign and execute this Pre-
Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement pursuant to the Powers
of Attorney executed by the above-named officers and directors of Dean
Foods Company and previously filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on behalf of such officers and directors.
/s/ Eric A. Blanchard
By________________________________________________________________________
Eric A. Blanchard
Attorney-in-Fact
II-6
INDEX OF EXHIBITS
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
------- -----------
2 Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated September 14, 1998, by and
among Dean Foods Company, BFD Acquisition Co., Berkeley Farms,
Inc. and the shareholders of Berkeley Farms Inc. party thereto,
excluding the Exhibits thereto, other than Exhibit B, the
Indemnification Escrow Agreement (included as Appendix A to the
Proxy Statement/Prospectus which forms a part of this
Registration Statement).
4 Rights Agreement, dated as of May 22, 1998, by and between Dean
Foods Company and Harris Trust and Savings Bank, as Rights Agent
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(a) to the Annual Report
on Form 10-K filed by Dean Foods Company on August 31, 1998
(File No. 1-08262)).
5* Opinion of Eric A. Blanchard, General Counsel of the Registrant.
8* Opinion of Venture Counsel Associates, LLP.
23.1* Consent of Eric A. Blanchard, General Counsel of the Registrant
(included in Exhibit 5).
23.2* Consent of Venture Counsel Associates, LLP (included in Exhibit
8).
23.3* Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
23.4* Consent of Hirose Oto and Bailey Accountants, Inc.
24* Power of Attorney.
- --------
*Previously filed.
BERKELEY FARMS, INC.
SCHEDULE VIII--VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
AMOUNT
CHARGED
BALANCE (CREDITED)
AT TO COSTS BALANCE
BEGINNING AND ACCOUNTS AT END
CLASSIFICATION OF PERIOD EXPENSES WRITTEN OFF OF PERIOD
-------------- --------- ---------- ----------- ---------
(IN THOUSANDS)
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1997
Allowance for doubtful accounts
and notes receivable............. $650 $157 $257 $550
==== ==== ==== ====
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1996
Allowance for doubtful accounts
and notes receivable............. $550 $349 $249 $650
==== ==== ==== ====
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1995
Allowance for doubtful accounts
and notes receivable............. $575 $264 $289 $550
==== ==== ==== ====
II-8