Filed by Albertsons, Inc.
Commission File No. 1-6187
Pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act of 1933
and deemed filed pursuant to Rule 14a-12
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Subject Company: Albertsons, Inc.
Commission File No. 1-6187
Talking Points used for Communications with Albertsons Florida Department Heads
February 7, 2006
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I just wanted to touch base with you after the recent announcement
about the planned sale of the Florida operations to an investment consortium led by
Cerberus Capital Management. |
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I know that there is uncertainty for all of us after the announcement. |
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Although we do not know the exact plans they have for us in Florida, we do know that
this firm traditionally looks for undervalued assets that it can acquire and help grow. |
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And, I dont know if youve seen the broadcast from Howard Cohen, the business leader
from Cerberus, but he said some pretty positive things about the future of the operations
they are buying from Albertsons. |
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Im very pleased about him saying that they plan to run the company to improve sales,
margins and market share to become a strong competitive force in areas we serve today. |
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I was also glad to hear that they are excited and proud have the Albertsons name and
all it represents. |
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Howard also said that we wont see much happening over the next few months until the
deal closes, which they expect to happen mid-year. |
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But, I just want you to know that we are very excited about our future. |
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I am personally very excited about becoming part of Cerberus, and am looking forward to
working to make our operations better leading up to the transition. |
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And, your expertise is a key element to help us make your store even better as we wait
for the deal with Cerberus to close |
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I dont have any further information about the sale than what has been communicated
already. |
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A special Web site, called Get Connected, has been set up to help communicate the
sale. Youll find information specific to Cerberus, news articles, Frequently Asked
Questions, and other information by looking for the Get Connected link under the Company
Links section of our home page. You can also type getconnected in your Internet browser
to access the site. |
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If you have additional questions, I can pass them along to our HR
representative, who is working closely with Corporate HR on updating the FAQs as we receive
more information. |
CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS RELEVANT TO FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF SAFE HARBOR
PROVISIONS OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995
Except for the historical and factual information contained herein, the matters set forth in this
filing, including statements as to the expected benefits of the acquisition such as efficiencies,
cost savings, market profile and financial strength, and the competitive ability and position of
the combined company, and other statements identified by words such as estimates, expects,
projects, plans, and similar expressions are forward-looking statements within the meaning
of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These
forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to
differ materially, including required approvals by Albertsons and SUPERVALU shareholders and
regulatory agencies, the possibility that the anticipated benefits from the acquisition cannot be
fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected, the possibility that costs or
difficulties related to the integration of Albertsons operations into SUPERVALU will be greater
than expected, the impact of competition and other risk factors relating to our industry as
detailed from time to time in each of SUPERVALUs and Albertsons reports filed with the SEC. You
should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the
date of this press release. Unless legally required, Albertsons undertakes no obligation to update
publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or
otherwise.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
SUPERVALU and Albertsons will file a joint proxy statement/prospectus with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC). INVESTORS ARE URGED TO READ THE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS WHEN IT
BECOMES AVAILABLE BECAUSE IT WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. You will be able to obtain the
joint proxy statement/prospectus, as well as other filings containing information about SUPERVALU
and Albertsons, free of charge, at the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. Copies of
the joint proxy statement/prospectus and the filings with the SEC that will be incorporated by
reference in the joint proxy statement/prospectus can also be obtained, free of charge, by
directing a request to SUPERVALU INC., 11840 Valley View Road, Eden Prairie, Minnesota, 55344,
Attention: Corporate Secretary, or to Albertsons, Inc., 250 East Parkcenter Boulevard, Boise,
Idaho, 83706-3940, Attention: Corporate Secretary. The respective directors and executive officers
of SUPERVALU and Albertsons and other persons may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation
of proxies in respect of the proposed transaction. Information regarding SUPERVALUs directors and
executive officers is available in its proxy statement filed with the SEC by SUPERVALU on May 12,
2005, and information regarding Albertsons directors and executive officers is available in its
proxy statement filed with the SEC by Albertsons on May 6, 2005. Other information regarding the
participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by
security holdings or otherwise, will be contained the joint proxy statement/prospectus and other
relevant materials to be filed with the SEC when they become available.
Investors should read the joint proxy statement/prospectus carefully when it becomes available
before making any voting or investment decisions.
This communication shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any
securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer,
solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities
laws of any such jurisdiction.