PROSPECTUS Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)
THE HAIN FOOD GROUP, INC.
Common Stock
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The selling stockholders identified in this prospectus are offering for
resale under this prospectus shares of our common stock to be issued upon
conversion of up to an aggregate principal amount of $10 million of our 7%
subordinated convertible notes due 2004.
These shares may be offered from time to time by the selling stockholders
through public or private transactions, on or off the Nasdaq National Market, at
prevailing market prices or at privately negotiated prices. The selling
stockholders will receive all of the proceeds from the sale of the shares and
will pay all underwriting discounts and selling commissions, if any, applicable
to the sale of the shares. We will pay the expenses of registration of the sale
of the shares.
The exact number of shares to be issued upon conversion of the notes will
depend upon the average market price of our common stock during the ten trading
days prior to any conversion of the notes. See "Terms of the Offering."
Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol
"HAIN." On June 17, 1999, the last reported sales price of our common stock on
the Nasdaq National Market was $19.875 per share.
Investing in our common stock involves risks. See "Risk Factors" beginning
on page 5.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities
commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the
adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a
criminal offense.
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Prospectus dated June 18, 1999
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page Page
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY.......................................2 SELLING STOCKHOLDERS .................................14
RISK FACTORS.............................................5 PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION....................................16
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS..............................12 DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK............................17
USE OF PROCEEDS.........................................12 LEGAL MATTERS...........................................19
DETERMINATION OF OFFERING PRICE.........................12 EXPERTS.................................................19
PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK AND WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE
DIVIDEND POLICY......................................13 INFORMATION .........................................21
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You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by
reference in this prospectus or to which we have referred you. We have not
authorized anyone to provide you with information that is different. This
prospectus may be used only where it is legal to sell these securities. The
information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus may be
accurate only on the date of this prospectus. We will file a post-effective
amendment to our registration statement of which this prospectus is a part in
the event there is a material change in our business, results of operations or
financial condition.
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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
To understand this offering fully, you should read the entire prospectus
carefully, including the risk factors and the information incorporated by
reference in this prospectus.
The Hain Food Group, Inc.
We market, distribute and sell natural and specialty food products under
brand names which we sell as "better for you" products. Our product categories
encompass natural and organic foods, medically directed foods, weight management
and portion control foods, snack foods and kosher foods. We sell our products
primarily to specialty and natural food distributors, and we market our products
nationally to supermarkets, natural food stores, and other retail classes of
trade.
Since our formation in 1993, we have completed a number of acquisitions of
companies and brands. On May 18, 1999, we completed the acquisition of
privately-held Natural Nutrition Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries, or NNG, a
manufacturer and marketer of premium natural and organic food products sold
under the Health Valley(R), Breadshop's(R) and Casbah(R) brands. Under the terms
of the NNG merger agreement, the purchase price consists of $70 million in cash
and the aggregate principal amount of up to $10 million of our convertible
notes.
In connection with our acquisition of NNG, we entered into a new $160
million senior secured loan facility with our senior lenders, which provides for
a $30 million revolving credit facility and $130 million of term loans. This
facility will be used to finance the acquisition of NNG, refinance our existing
indebtedness and provide for ongoing working capital needs.
In July 1998, we acquired:
o Arrowhead Mills, Inc., a natural foods company;
o Dana Alexander, Inc., the maker of Terra Chips natural vegetable
chips;
o Garden of Eatin', Inc., a natural snack products company; and
o DeBoles Nutritional Foods, Inc., a natural pasta products company.
Our other principal acquisitions and agreements include:
o Earth's Best(R)natural baby foods products, which we sell under a
license from H.J. Heinz Company granted April 1, 1999;
o Nile Spice(R)Soups, which we acquired from a subsidiary of The Quaker
Oats Company in December 1998;
o Westbrae Natural, Inc., through which we sell natural foods under the
Westbrae(R), Westsoy(R), Little Bear Organic Foods(R) and Bearitos(R)
labels, acquired in October 1997;
o Boston Better Snacks, a snack foods producer, acquired in May 1997;
o Weight Watchers(R)dry and refrigerated products, which we sell under a
license from H.J. Heinz Company granted in March 1997;
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o The Estee Corporation, a maker of sugar-free, medically directed food
products under the Estee(R)brand, acquired in November 1995;
o Hain Pure Food Co., Inc., a natural food product company, including
Hollywood Foods, a maker of cooking oils, condiments and vegetable
juice under the Hollywood(R) brand, acquired in April 1994; and
o Kineret Foods Corporation, a kosher foods company, acquired in
November 1993.
As a leading natural and organic food company, we sell a full line of
products under our Hain Pure Foods(R), Westbrae(R), Westsoy(R), Little Bear
Organic Foods(R), Bearitos(R), Arrowhead Mills(R), Terra(R), DeBoles(R), Garden
of Eatin(R), Farm Foods(R) and Harry's Premium Snacks(R) brands. Our specialty
food products also include frozen kosher food products produced under our
Kineret(R) and Kosherific(R) brands, regular and reduced fat snack products
produced under our Boston Better Snacks brand and dry milk products produced
under our Alba(R) brand.
We acquired these brands over the past five years and seek to grow through
internal expansion, as well as the acquisition of complementary brands.
Our mission is to be the leading marketer and seller of natural and
specialty food products, with a strong commitment to total quality management in
all departments. We intend to increase sales and improve operating results by
investing in product development and building brand equity. Key elements of our
business strategy are:
o continue growth through mergers and acquisitions;
o invest in brands and consumer awareness;
o outsource manufacturing;
o reduce expenses; and
o develop export opportunities.
Currently, we manufacture:
o our Arrowhead Mills(R) product line in our Hereford, Texas facility;
o our DeBoles(R) product line in our Shreveport, Louisiana facility;
o our Nile Spice(R) product line in our Fife, Washington facility;
o our Terra(R) product line in our Brooklyn, New York facility; and
o our newly acquired Health Valley(R), Breadshop's(R) and Casbah(R)
product lines in our Irwindale, California facility.
We use independent food processors, or co-packers, to produce and manufacture
our other significant product lines, using proprietary specifications which we
control.
Our executive offices are located at 50 Charles Lindbergh Boulevard,
Uniondale, New York 11553. Our telephone number is (516) 237-6200.
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The Offering
The selling stockholders acquired up to an aggregate principal amount of
$10 million of our 7% subordinated convertible notes due 2004 in accordance with
the NNG merger agreement. Upon conversion of the notes, the selling stockholders
may offer for sale, by use of this prospectus, the shares of common stock
issuable under such notes. See "Plan of Distribution."
The number of shares of common stock that we will issue upon conversion of
any note issued to a selling stockholder will be based upon the conversion price
equal to the average of the closing prices of our common stock for the ten
trading days prior to conversion. For illustrative purposes, the number of
shares of common stock which we may issue upon conversion of all the notes at
various conversion prices is set forth in the table below.
The conversion of notes into shares of common stock is subject to a minimum
conversion price of $22.00 per share until the date six months after the closing
of the NNG acquisition, which occurred on May 18, 1999. Thereafter, the notes
will be convertible at any time at the option of the holders of the notes at a
conversion price determined as set forth above. We cannot state with certainty
the number of shares of our common stock which we will issue upon any
conversion, which is dependent upon a fluctuating market price of our common
stock. The table provides a historical basis for an estimate of the number of
shares of common stock which may be issued. Since January 1, 1999, the market
price of our common stock obtained a high last closing price of $23.5625 on
January 7, 1999 and a low last closing price of $15.125 on March 22, 1999.
Although the historical record of stock prices is no assurance of future
performance, we believe it creates a reasonable basis for a range of the
possible number of shares which may be issued upon conversion of the notes.
Number of Shares of Common
Stock Issued
if all Notes were Fully
Conversion Price Converted
150% of number of shares
issuable at the lowest closing
price since January 1, 1999............................... $10.08 991,736
Lowest closing price since
January 1, 1999........................................... $15.125 661,157
Closing price on June 1, 1999............................. $20.00 500,000
First six months minimum
conversion price.......................................... $22.00 454,545
Highest closing price since
January 1, 1999........................................... $23.5625 424,403
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RISK FACTORS
Prospective investors should carefully consider the following factors and
the other information contained in this prospectus before purchasing any shares
of our common stock.
Our Business Is Dependent Upon Our Ability To Successfully Integrate Our
Acquisitions Into Our Existing Operations
We cannot be certain that we can effectively integrate newly acquired
businesses into our operations. Since our formation, we have acquired several
companies. Our future success may be dependent upon our ability to effectively
integrate these companies and brands, including our ability to realize
potentially available marketing opportunities and cost savings, some of which
may involve operational changes. We cannot be certain:
o as to the timing or number of marketing opportunities or amount of
cost savings that may be realized as the result of our integration of
these companies and brands;
o that these acquisitions will enhance our competitive position and
business prospects; or
o that we will not experience difficulties with customers, personnel or
other parties as a result of these acquisitions.
In addition, we cannot be certain that we will be successful in:
o integrating our distribution channels with those of the acquired
companies;
o coordinating sales force activities of or in selling the products of
the acquired companies to our customer base; or
o integrating the acquired companies into our management information
systems or in integrating the acquired companies' products.
Additionally, integrating our acquired businesses into our existing
operations will require management resources and may divert our management from
our day-to-day operations.
Our Acquisition Strategy Exposes Us To Risk
We intend to continue to grow our business in part through the acquisition
of new brands and businesses. Our acquisition strategy is based on identifying
and acquiring businesses with products and/or brands that complement our
existing product mix. We cannot be certain that we will be able to:
o successfully identify suitable acquisition candidates;
o negotiate identified acquisitions on terms acceptable to us; or
o obtain necessary financing.
We may encounter increased competition for acquisitions in the future,
which could result in acquisition prices we do not consider acceptable. In
addition, our credit facility with our lending banks contains restrictions that
limit our ability to make acquisitions. We are unable to predict whether or when
any prospective acquisition candidate will become available or the likelihood
that any acquisition will be completed.
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Consumer Preferences For Specialty Food Products Are Difficult To Predict And
May Change
A significant shift in consumer demand away from our products or our
failure to maintain our current market position could reduce our sales or the
prestige of our brands in our markets, which could have a material adverse
effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. While we
continue to diversify our product offerings, we cannot be certain that demand
for our products will continue at current levels or increase in the future.
Our business is limited to natural and specialty food products in niche
markets geared to consumer of natural foods, medically-directed and weight
management food products, kosher foods and other specialty food items. We are
subject to evolving consumer preferences for these products. Consumer trends
change based on a number of possible factors, including:
o nutritional values, such as a change in preference from fat free to
reduced fat to no reduction in fat; and
o a shift in preference from organic to non-organic and from natural
products to non-natural products.
In addition, we have other significant product categories, such as cooking
oils and non-dairy beverages, which, if consumer demand for such categories were
to decrease, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of
operations and financial condition.
The Natural and Specialty Food Markets Are Highly Competitive
We operate in highly competitive geographic and product markets, and some
of our markets are dominated by competitors with greater resources than ours. We
cannot be certain that we can successfully compete for sales to distributors or
stores that purchase from larger, more established companies, that have greater
financial, managerial, sales and technical resources. In addition we compete for
limited retailer's shelf space for our products. Larger competitors, such as
mainstream food companies like Nabisco or General Mills, also may be able to
benefit from economies of scale, pricing advantages or the introduction of new
products that compete with our products. Retailers have also begun to market
competitive products under their own private labels. In the future our
competitors may introduce other products that compete with our products and
these competitive products may have an adverse effect on our business, results
of operations and financial condition.
We Are Dependent Upon The Services Of Our Chief Executive Officer
We are highly dependent upon the services of Irwin D. Simon, our President
and Chief Executive Officer. We believe Mr. Simon's reputation as the founder of
our company and his expertise and knowledge in the natural and specialty foods
market are critical factors in our continuing growth. We maintain a key main
life insurance policy on Mr. Simon in the amount of $1.0 million. The loss of
the services of Mr. Simon could have a material adverse effect on our business,
results of operations and financial condition.
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We Rely On Independent Distributors And Brokers For A Substantial Portion Of Our
Sales
We rely upon sales efforts made by or through non-affiliated food brokers
to distributors and other customers. The loss of, or business disruption at, one
or more of these distributors or brokers may have a material adverse effect on
our business, results of operations and financial condition. If we were required
to obtain additional or alternative distribution and food brokerage agreements
or arrangements in the future, we cannot be certain that we will be able to do
so on satisfactory terms or in a timely manner. Two distributors, United Natural
Foods and Tree of Life, accounted for approximately 23% and 14%, respectively,
of our pro forma calendar year 1998 sales, determined prior to our acquisition
of Natural Nutrition Group. Our inability to enter into satisfactory brokerage
agreements may inhibit our ability to implement our business plan or to
establish markets necessary to develop our products successfully. The success of
our business depends, in large part, upon the establishment of a strong
distribution network. Food brokers act as selling agents representing specific
brands on a non-exclusive basis under oral or written agreements generally
terminable at any time on 30 days notice and receive a percentage of net sales
as compensation. Distributors purchase directly for their own account for
resale.
We Rely On Independent Co-Packers To Produce A Number Of Our Products
Currently, independent food manufacturers, who are referred to in our
industry as co-packers, manufacture many of our product lines. These product
lines include our Estee(R), Garden of Eatin'(R), Hain Pure Foods(R), Kineret(R),
Little Bear Organic Foods(R), Westbrae(R), and Westsoy(R) product lines. During
the nine months ended March 31, 1999, on a pro forma basis as if all of our
acquisitions had occurred on or prior to that date, products manufactured for us
by co-packers represented 65% of our sales.
We presently obtain:
o all of our requirements for rice cakes from two co-packers;
o all of our Hollywood(R) cooking oils from one co-packer, which is
under contract;
o principally all of our tortilla chips from two suppliers, one of which
is under contract;
o all of our requirements for Terra's Yukon Gold line from one supplier,
which is under contract; and
o the requirements for our canned soups from one supplier.
In addition, H.J. Heinz manufactures the Earth's Best baby food products
for us under contract. Boston Better Snacks products are manufactured
principally by three co-packers. The loss of one or more co-packers, or our
failure to retain co-packers for newly acquired products or brands, could delay
or postpone our production of our products, which could have a material adverse
effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition until such
time as an alternate source could be secured, which may be on less favorable
terms.
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Inability To Use Our Trademarks Could Have A Material Adverse Effect On Our
Business
Our inability to use our trademarks could have a material adverse effect on
our business, results of operations and financial condition. We own the
trademarks for our principal products, including for the Arrowhead Mills(R),
Bearitos(R), Breadshop's(R), Casbah(R), DeBoles(R), Estee(R), Garden of
Eatin'(R), Hain Pure Foods(R), Health Valley(R), Kineret(R), Little Bear Organic
Foods(R), Nile Spice(R), Terra(R), Westbrae(R), and Westsoy(R) brands. In
addition, in connection with our licensing agreements, we have the right to use
the Weight Watchers(R) and Earth's Best(R) trademarks. We believe that brand
awareness is a significant component in a consumer's decision to purchase one
product over another in the highly competitive food industry. Our failure to
continue to sell our products under our established brand names could have a
material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial
condition.
Our Products Must Comply With Government Regulation
We and our manufacturers, distributors and co-packers are subject to
extensive regulation by federal, state and local authorities that affect our
business. The federal agencies governing our business include the Federal Trade
Commission, The Food and Drug Administration, the United States Department of
Agriculture and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. These
agencies regulate, among other things, the production, sale, safety,
advertising, labeling of and ingredients used in our products. Under various
statutes these agencies prescribe the requirements and establish the standards
for quality, purity and labeling. Among other requirements, the FDA must approve
our products, including a review of the manufacturing processes and facilities
used to produce these products before these products can be marketed in the
United States. In addition advertising of our business is subject to regulation
by the FTC. Our activities are also regulated by state agencies as well as
county and municipal authorities. We are also subject to the laws of the foreign
jurisdictions in which we sell our products.
New government laws and regulations may be introduced in the future that
could result in additional compliance costs, seizures, confiscation, recall or
monetary fines, any of which could prevent or inhibit the development,
distribution and sale of our products. If we fail to comply with applicable laws
and regulations, we may be subject to civil remedies, including fines,
injunctions, recalls or seizures, as well as potential criminal sanctions, which
could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and
financial condition.
Product Recalls Could Have A Material Adverse Effect On Our Business
Manufacturers and distributors of products in the food industry are
sometimes subject to the recall of their products for a variety of reasons,
including for product defects such as ingredient contamination, packaging safety
and inadequate labeling disclosure. If any of our products are recalled due to a
product defect or for any other reason, we could be required to incur the
expense of the recall or the expense of any resulting legal proceeding.
Additionally, if one of our significant brands were subject to recall, the image
of that brand could be harmed, which could have a material adverse effect on our
business, results of operations or financial condition.
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Product Liability Suits, If Brought, Could Have A Material Adverse Effect On Our
Business
If a product liability claim exceeding our insurance coverage were to be
successfully asserted against us, it could have a material adverse effect on our
business, results of operations and financial condition. There is no assurance
that such coverage will be sufficient to insure against claims which may be
brought against us, or that we will be able to maintain such insurance or obtain
additional insurance covering existing or new products. As a marketer of food
products, we are subject to the risk of claims for product liability. We
maintain product liability insurance and generally require that our co-packers
maintain product liability insurance with us as a co-insured.
We Rely On Independent Certification For A Number Of Our Natural And Specialty
Food Products
We rely on independent certificates, such as certifications of our products
as "organic" or "kosher", to differentiate our products in natural and specialty
food categories. Our loss of any independent certifications could adversely
affect our market position as a natural and specialty food company, which could
have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and
financial condition.
We must comply with the requirements of independent organizations or
certification authorities in order to label our product as certified. For
example, we can lose our "organic" certification if a plant becomes contaminated
with non-organic materials, or if not properly cleaned after a production run.
In addition, all raw materials must be certified organic. Similarly, we can lose
our "kosher" certification if a plant and raw materials do not meet the
requirements of the appropriate kosher supervision organization, such as The
Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations, The Organized Kashruth Laboratories,
"KOF-K" Kosher Supervision, Kosher Overseers Associated of America and Upper
Midwest Kashruth. In addition, for our Estee products to carry the logo of the
American Diabetes Association, or ADA, the packaging must meet the standards of
the ADA.
Our Officers and Directors and an Unaffiliated Stockholder May Be Able To
Control Our Actions
Mr. Simon, our President and Chief Executive Officer, together with the
other officers and directors of Hain beneficially owns an aggregate of
approximately 15.7% of our common stock, as determined prior to the acquisition
of Natural Nutrition Group. Accordingly, our officers and directors will be in a
position to influence the election of our directors and otherwise influence
stockholder action. In addition, according to a Schedule 13D amendment filed
with the Commission dated May 17, 1999, an unaffiliated holder of our common
stock, and its affiliates, beneficially own, prior to this offering, an
aggregate of up to 24.75% of our outstanding common stock.
Our Ability To Issue Preferred Stock May Deter Takeover Attempts
Our board of directors is empowered to issue, without stockholder approval,
preferred stock with dividends, liquidation, conversion, voting or other rights
which could decrease the amount of earnings and assets available for
distribution to holders of our common stock and adversely affect the
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relative voting power or other rights of the holders of our common stock. In the
event of issuance, the preferred stock could be used as a method of
discouraging, delaying or preventing a change in control. Our certificate of
incorporation authorizes the issuance of up to 5,000,000 shares of "blank check"
preferred stock with such designations, rights and preferences as may be
determined from time to time by our board of directors. Although we have no
present intention to issue any shares of our preferred stock, we may do so in
the future under appropriate circumstances. See "Description of Capital Stock."
We Do Not Pay Dividends
We have not paid any dividends on our common stock to date and do not
anticipate declaring or paying any dividends in the foreseeable future. Our
ability to pay dividends is currently restricted by our credit facility with our
lending banks. See "Price Range of Common Stock and Dividend Policy."
Our Computer Systems, And Those Of Others On Whom We Rely, May Not Achieve Year
2000 Readiness
The consumer affairs and payroll timekeeping systems of our recently
acquired businesses are not Year 2000 compliant. We cannot be certain that Year
2000 issues will not have a material adverse impact on our business, results of
operations or financial condition. We plan to integrate or replace the computer
functions of such businesses into our Year 2000 compliant systems no later than
December 31, 1999.
We have initiated formal communications with all of our significant
suppliers and large customers to determine the extent to which our interface
systems are vulnerable to those third parties' failure to remediate their own
Year 2000 issues. We cannot be certain that the systems of other companies on
which our systems rely will be timely converted and would not have an adverse
effect on our systems.
This Offering May Adversely Effect The Market Price Of Our Common Stock
Under the NNG merger agreement, we issued convertible notes to the selling
stockholders as part of the merger consideration. Subject to limited
restrictions, the selling stockholders may convert the notes into shares of
common stock at a conversion price equal to the average closing price of the
common stock for the ten trading days immediately preceding the date the notes
are presented for conversion. The NNG merger agreement does not provide a limit
on the number of shares of our common stock that are issuable upon conversion of
the notes.
Under the foregoing conversion formula for the notes, the number of shares
of common stock issuable upon conversion will increase if the market price of
the common stock decreases. We cannot determine accurately the number of shares
which may be issued to the holders of the Notes as such number is based upon the
market price of the common stock prior to the conversion date. If the maximum
number of shares of our common stock provided for in this prospectus, or 991,736
shares,
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were to be issued upon conversion, such shares would represent 6.6% of our
common stock outstanding following their issuance.
To the extent the selling stockholders convert a portion of the notes and
then sell the shares of common stock received upon conversion, the market price
of the common stock may decrease even further due to the additional shares in
the market which would allow the selling stockholders to convert other portions
of the notes into greater amounts of common stock and further depress the price
of the common stock.
Sales in the public market of substantial amounts of common stock,
including sales of shares issued upon conversion of the notes or the perception
that such sales could occur, could depress prevailing market prices for the
common stock. The existence of the notes and any other options, may prove to be
a hindrance to future equity financing by us. Further, the holders of such
options may exercise them at a time when we would otherwise be able to obtain
additional equity capital on terms more favorable to us.
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus contains forward-looking statements regarding our future
financial condition and results of operations and our business operations. These
statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including industry and
economic conditions and customer actions and the other factors discussed in this
prospectus, including under the caption "Risk Factors," and in our filings with
the Securities and Exchange Commission. If one or more of these risks or
uncertainties materialize, or if the underlying assumptions prove incorrect,
actual outcomes may vary materially from those indicated. The words "expect,"
"estimate," "anticipate," "predict" and similar expressions are intended to
identify forward-looking statements.
USE OF PROCEEDS
We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of shares by the
selling stockholders. All of the proceeds from the sale of shares of common
stock by the selling stockholders will be received by the selling stockholders.
DETERMINATION OF OFFERING PRICE
The common stock offered by this prospectus may be offered for sale by the
selling stockholders from time to time in transactions on the over-the-counter
market, in negotiated transactions, or otherwise, or by a combination of these
methods, at fixed prices which may be changed, at market prices at the time of
sale, at prices related to market prices or at negotiated prices. As such, the
offering price is indeterminate as of the date of this prospectus. See "Plan of
Distribution."
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PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK AND DIVIDEND POLICY
Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the
symbol "HAIN." The following table sets forth, for the fiscal periods indicated,
the high and low closing prices per share of our common stock on the Nasdaq
National Market.
Price
Period High Low
Year Ended June 30, 1997
First quarter............................... $ 4 $ 3 1/16
Second quarter.............................. 4 3 1/4
Third quarter............................... 5 3/4 3 3/8
Fourth quarter.............................. 5 5/16 4 1/8
Year Ended June 30, 1998
First quarter............................... $11 15/16 $ 4 27/32
Second quarter.............................. 12 3/4 8 5/8
Third quarter............................... 19 13/16 9 1/16
Fourth quarter.............................. 27 1/4 17 11/16
Year Ending June 30, 1999
First quarter............................... $27 3/4 $14 7/8
Second quarter ............................. 25 12 1/8
Third quarter............................... 23 9/16 15 1/8
Fourth quarter (through June 17, 1999)..... 21 1/2 16 1/6
On June 17, 1999 the closing price of the common stock on the Nasdaq
National Market was $19.875 per share.
We have not paid any dividends on our common stock to date. We intend to
retain all future earnings for use in the development of our business and do not
anticipate declaring or paying any dividends in the foreseeable future. The
payment of all dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors and
will depend on, among other things, future earnings, operations, capital
requirements, contractual restrictions, our general financial condition and
general business conditions. Our ability to pay dividends is currently
restricted by our credit facility with our senior lenders.
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SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
The selling stockholders are the holders of the 7% convertible notes due
2004 issued under the NNG merger agreement. Other than the shares listed on the
table below, none of the selling stockholders holds any shares of our common
stock. For more information about the notes, see "Description of Capital
Stock--Notes". The shares are obtainable upon conversion of the notes. The
following table sets forth information regarding ownership of the shares of
common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes.
Shares of Common Stock Registered for Resale
Conversion Price of
Conversion Percent of Shares 150% of Shares Percent of Shares
Price of Beneficially Issuable at Lowest Beneficially
$22.00 Owned 1999 Closing Price Owned
Chance Bahadur 343 * 749 *
Diane Beardsley 3,639 * 7,939 *
John Calfas 8,182 * 17,852 *
Frontenac VI Limited Partnership 213,394 1.5% 465,587 3.2%
Timothy J. Healy 343 * 749 *
George J. Mateljan, Jr. 23,283 * 50,798 *
Mark Smith 343 * 749 *
Wasserstein Perella & Co. 1,552 * 3,387 *
State of Wisconsin Investment Board 179,178 1.3% 390,935 2.7%
William R. Voss 24,288 * 52,992 *
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* Less than 1%.
The selling stockholders are deemed to beneficially own the shares of
common stock into which the notes held by them are convertible. The voting of
the shares of common stock listed in the table above deemed to be held by
Frontenac VI Limited Partnership is controlled by its general partner, Frontenac
Company. Frontenac Company is controlled by Rodney L. Goldstein, James E. Cowie,
James E. Crawford, III, Roger S. McEniry, Laura P. Pearl, M. Laird Koldyke, Paul
Carbery and Jeremy Silverman. The voting of the shares held by Wasserstein
Perella & Co. is controlled by Michael J. Biondi, James C. Kinsbery and Lee
Siegel. The voting of the shares held by the State of Wisconsin Investment Board
is controlled by Jon Vanderploeg in his capacity as portfolio manager.
As discussed in greater detail under "Prospectus Summary -- The Offering"
in this prospectus, the number of shares of common stock which may be issued
upon the conversion of the notes is dependent upon the market price of our stock
on the ten trading days prior to the conversion of each note. The number of
shares listed in the table above is the total of the estimated shares which may
be
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acquired by the selling stockholders upon conversion of the notes and which are
being registered under the Form S-3 registration statement, of which this
prospectus is a part, assuming:
o conversion by all the selling stockholders at a conversion price of
$22.00 per share; and
o conversion of the notes by the selling stockholders into the number of
shares of common stock equal to 150% of the number of shares issuable
based on the lowest closing price of our common stock since January 1,
1999 of $15.125.
The information set forth above may have no relationship to the market
price of our stock at the conversion dates of any of the notes.
Total shares of common stock outstanding for the purpose of the calculation
of percentage of beneficial ownership consists of 13,970,790 shares of our
common stock outstanding as of April 16, 1999 plus, for each selling
stockholder, the number of shares into which that selling stockholders notes are
convertible, but does not include shares of common stock issuable to the other
selling stockholders or upon exercise of warrants or outstanding stock options
that may be granted under our stock options plans.
The selling stockholders have represented to us that they will acquire the
notes for their own account for investment only and not with a view towards the
public sale or distribution thereof, except for sales registered under the
Securities Act or exemptions therefrom. In recognition of the fact that the
selling stockholders, even though purchasing the notes for investment, may wish
to be legally permitted to sell their shares when they deem appropriate, we
agreed with the selling stockholders to file with the Commission under the
Securities Act the registration statement with respect to the sale of the shares
from time to time in transactions in the over-the-counter market, in privately
negotiated transactions, or through a combination of these methods of sale, and
have agreed to prepare and file such amendments and supplements to the
registration statement as may be necessary to keep the registration statement
effective until the shares are no longer required to be registered for the sale
thereof by the selling stockholders. In the event the registration of additional
shares is necessary, we will prepare and file such additional registration
statements as may be necessary to allow the selling stockholders to sell all of
the shares.
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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
All of the shares offered hereby may be sold from time to time by the
selling stockholders or by their registered assigns. The shares offered hereby
may be sold by one or more of the following methods:
o a block trade in which a broker or dealer so engaged will attempt to
sell the shares as agent but may purchase and resell a portion of the
block as principal to facilitate the transaction;
o purchases by a broker or dealer as principal and resale by such broker
or dealer for its account under this prospectus;
o ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker
solicits purchasers;
o privately negotiated transactions; and
o face-to-face transactions between sellers and purchasers without a
broker-dealer.
Any of the selling stockholders may be deemed to be a statutory underwriter
under the Securities Act. Also any broker-dealers who act in connection with the
sale of the shares hereunder may be deemed to be "underwriters" within the
meaning of Section 2(11) of the Securities Act, and any commissions received by
them and profit on any resale of the shares as principal may be deemed to be
underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act.
In effecting sales, brokers or dealers engaged by the selling stockholders
may arrange for other brokers or dealers to participate. Such broker or dealers
may receive commissions or discounts from the selling stockholders in amounts to
be negotiated by the selling stockholders. The selling stockholders may enter
into hedging transactions with broker-dealers and the broker-dealers may engage
in short sales of the common stock in the course of hedging the positions they
assume with the selling stockholders, including, in connection with the
distribution of the common stock by such broker-dealers. The selling
stockholders may also engage in short sales of the common stock and may enter
into option or other transactions with broker-dealers that involve the delivery
of the common stock to the broker-dealers, who may then resell or otherwise
transfer such common stock. Such broker-dealers and any other participating
broker-dealers may, in connection with such sales, be deemed to be underwriters
within the meaning of the Securities Act. Any discounts or commissions received
by any such broker-dealers may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and
commissions under the Securities Act.
The selling stockholders may also sell shares in accordance with Rule 144
under the Securities Act, if Rule 144 is then available.
In order to comply with the securities laws of some states, if applicable,
the shares will be sold in that state only through registered or licensed
broker-dealers.
We will pay all of the expenses incident to the filing of this registration
statement, estimated to be $140,000. These expenses include legal and accounting
fees in connection with the preparation of the registration statement of which
this prospectus is a part, legal and other fees in connection with the
qualification of the sale of the shares under the laws of some states, if any,
registration and filing fees and other expenses. The selling stockholders will
pay all other expenses incident to the offering
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and sale of the shares to the public, including commissions and discounts of
underwriters, brokers, dealers or agents, if any. We have agreed to keep the
registration of the shares offered hereby effective until the earlier of the
date when all of the shares offered by the selling stockholders have been sold
or two years from the date the merger is consummated. In the event we fail to
keep a registration statement effective, interest on the notes will temporarily
increase.
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
General
As of April 16, 1999, our authorized capital stock is 40,000,000 shares of
common stock, $.0l par value per share, of which 13,970,790 shares are
outstanding, and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $.0l par value per share,
none of which had been issued.
The following description is qualified in all respects by reference to our
certificate of incorporation and the bylaws.
Common Stock
Each share of common stock entitles the holder thereof to one vote on all
matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders. Since the holders of common
stock do not have cumulative voting rights, holders of more than 50% of the
outstanding shares can elect all of our directors then being elected and holders
of the remaining shares by themselves cannot elect any directors. The holders of
common stock do not have preemptive rights or rights to convert their common
stock into other securities. Holders of common stock are entitled to receive
ratably such dividends as may be declared by our board of directors out of funds
legally available therefor. In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or
winding up, holders of the common stock have the right to a ratable portion of
the assets remaining after payment of liabilities. All outstanding shares of
common stock are fully paid and nonassessable.
Preferred Stock
We are authorized by our certificate of incorporation to issue a maximum of
5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, in one or more series and containing such
rights, privileges and limitations including voting rights, dividend rates,
conversion privileges, redemption rights and terms, redemption prices and
liquidation preferences, as our board of directors may, from time to time,
determine.
The issuance of shares of preferred stock at the discretion of our board of
directors could decrease the amount of earnings and assets available for
distribution to holders of common stock, and otherwise adversely affect the
rights and powers, including voting rights, of such holders and may have the
effect of delaying or preventing us from being subject to a change in control.
We are not required by the Delaware General Corporation Law, or the DGCL, to
seek stockholder approval prior to any issuance of authorized but unissued stock
and our board of directors does not currently intend to seek stockholder
approval prior to any issuance of authorized but unissued stock, unless
otherwise required by law.
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Warrants
As of April 16, 1999, warrants to purchase an aggregate of 822,717 shares
of common stock were outstanding. Each warrant entitles the holder to purchase
one share of common stock, subject to anti-dilution adjustments, at an exercise
price ranging from $3.25 to $12.69 per share. The warrants have expiration dates
ranging from January 27, 2000 to October 14, 2004.
Notes
The 7% convertible subordinated notes are convertible at any time after our
consummation of the acquisition of Natural Nutrition Group, Inc. The conversion
price for the notes is the average closing price of the common stock for the ten
trading days prior to the date on which the notes are presented for conversion.
The conversion of the notes into shares is subject to a minimum conversion price
of $22.00 per share until the date which is six months after the closing of the
acquisition of Natural Nutrition Group.
The notes contain provisions that protect the holder against dilution by
adjustment of the exercise price. Such adjustments will occur in the event,
among others, of a merger, stock split or reverse stock split, stock dividend or
recapitalization. The holder of the notes will not possess any rights as our
stockholder until such holder converts the notes.
Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws
Under the DGCL, the power to adopt, amend and repeal bylaws is conferred
solely upon the stockholders unless the corporation's certificate of
incorporation also confers such power upon the board of directors. Under our
certificate of incorporation, our board of directors is granted the power to
amend our bylaws. Our bylaws provide that each director has one vote on each
matter for which directors are entitled to vote. Our certificate of
incorporation and/or bylaws also provide that:
o from time to time, by resolution, our board of directors has the power
to change the number of directors;
o the directors will hold office until the next annual meeting of
stockholders and until their respective successors are elected and
qualified; and
o special meetings of stockholders may only be called by our board of
directors or our officers.
These provisions, in addition to the existence of authorized but unissued
capital stock, may have the effect, either alone or in combination with each
other, of making more difficult or discouraging unsolicited third parties from
an acquisition of us deemed undesirable by our board of directors. Our board of
directors currently has seven members and one vacancy.
Section 203 of the Delaware Law
Section 203 of the DGCL prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from
engaging in a "business combination" with an "interested stockholder" for a
period of three years after the date of the transaction in which the person
became an interested stockholder, unless:
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(1) prior to the date of the business combination, the transaction is
approved by the board of directors of the corporation;
(2) upon consummation of the transaction which resulted in the stockholder
becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owns at
least 85% of the outstanding voting stock, or
(3) on or after such date the business combination is approved by the
board of directors and by the affirmative vote of at least 66-2/3% of
the outstanding voting stock that is not owned by the interested
stockholder.
A "business combination" includes mergers, asset sales and other transactions
resulting in a financial benefit to the stockholder. An "interested stockholder"
is a person, who, together with affiliates and associates, owns, or within three
years, did own, 15% or more of the corporation's voting stock. This provision of
law could discourage, prevent or delay a change in management or stockholder
control of us, which could have the effect of discouraging bids and thereby
prevent stockholders from receiving the maximum value for their shares, or a
premium for their shares in a hostile takeover situation.
Transfer Agent and Registrar
The Transfer Agent and Registrar for the common stock is Continental Stock
Transfer & Trust Company, New York, New York.
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters with respect to the validity of the common stock
offered hereby will be passed upon for Hain by Cahill Gordon & Reindel, a
partnership including a professional corporation, New York, New York.
EXPERTS
Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, have audited our consolidated
financial statements and schedule included in our annual report on Form 10-K for
the year ended June 30, 1998, as set forth in their report which is incorporated
by reference in this prospectus and registration statement. Our financial
statements and schedule are incorporated by reference in reliance on Ernst &
Young LLP's report, given on their authority as experts in accounting and
auditing.
The consolidated financial statements of Westbrae Natural, Inc. (formerly
Vestro Natural Foods, Inc.) incorporated in this prospectus by reference to the
annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, 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.
The financial statements of:
(1) AMI Operating, Inc. incorporated in this prospectus by reference for
the fiscal year ended July 31, 1997 and as of July 31, 1997;
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(2) Dana Alexander, Inc. incorporated in this prospectus by reference for
the period from January 1, 1997 through July 31, 1997 and as of July
31, 1997; and
(3) Garden of Eatin', Inc. incorporated in this prospectus by reference
for the period from January 1, 1997 through December 23, 1997 and as
of December 23, 1997 have been audited by McGladrey & Pullen, LLP,
independent auditors, as set forth in their reports thereon
incorporated in this prospectus by reference.
Such financial statements are incorporated in this prospectus by reference in
reliance upon such reports given upon the authority of such firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
The financial statements of AMI Operating, Inc. incorporated in this
prospectus by reference for the fiscal years ended July 31, 1996 and 1995 and
the balance sheet as of July 31, 1996 have been audited by McGinty & Associates,
independent auditors, as set forth in their report thereon incorporated in this
prospectus by reference. Such financial statements are incorporated in this
prospectus by reference in reliance upon such reports given upon the authority
of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
The financial statements of Dana Alexander, Inc. incorporated in this
prospectus by reference for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 and the
balance sheet as of December 31, 1996 have been audited by Katz & Bloom, LLC,
independent auditors, as set forth in their report incorporated in this
prospectus by reference. Such financial statements are incorporated in this
prospectus by reference in reliance upon such reports given upon the authority
of such firms as experts in accounting and auditing.
The consolidated financial statements of Natural Nutrition Group, Inc.
(formerly known as Intrepid Holdings, Inc.) for the years ended December 31,
1997 and 1998 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
1998, incorporated in this prospectus by reference from the current report on
Amendment No. 2 to Form 8-K dated June 4, 1999, have been audited by Deloitte &
Touche LLP, independent auditors, as stated in their report, which is
incorporated in this prospectus by reference, and have been so incorporated in
reliance upon such report as given upon the authority of such firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other
information with the Commission. You can receive copies of such reports, proxy
and information statements, and other information, at prescribed rates, from the
Commission by addressing written requests to the Public Reference Section of the
Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Judiciary Plaza, Washington, D.C. 20549.
In addition, you can read such reports, proxy and information statements, and
other information at the public reference facilities and at the regional offices
of the Commission, Washington, D.C., New York, New York and Chicago, Illinois.
Please call the Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the
public reference rooms. The Commission also maintains a Web site that contains
reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding
registrants such as us that file electronically with the Commission. The address
of the Commission's Web site is http://www.sec.gov.
This prospectus is part of a registration statement on Form S-3 we filed
with the Commission to register the shares that the selling stockholders will
sell in this offering. This prospectus does not include all of the information
contained in the registration statement. For further information about us and
the securities offered in this prospectus, you should review the registration
statement and the information incorporated by reference in the registration
statement and this prospectus. You can inspect or copy the registration
statement, at prescribed rates, at the Commission's public reference facilities
at the address listed above.
The Commission allows us to "incorporate by reference" information into the
prospectus, which means that we can disclose important information to you by
referring you to those documents filed separately with the Commission. The
information incorporated by reference is considered part of this prospectus, and
information that we file later with the Commission will automatically update and
supersede this information.
This prospectus incorporates by reference the documents listed below that
we previously filed with the Commission. These documents contain important
information about us and our finances:
(1) The description of our common stock contained in our registration
statement on Form 8-A/A dated November 12, 1993 and any amendment or
report filed for the purpose of updating such description;
(2) Westbrae's annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission (under
Westbrae's prior name of "Vestro Natural Foods, Inc.") for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1996;
(3) Westbrae's quarterly reports on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission
(under Westbrae's prior name of Vestro Natural Foods, Inc.) for the
three month periods ended March 31, 1997 and June 30, 1997;
(4) Our annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission for the
fiscal year ended June 30, 1998;
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(5) Our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission for the
three month periods ended September 30, 1998, December 31, 1998, as
amended on Form 10-Q/A on June 3, 1999, and March 31, 1999, as amended
on Form 10-Q/A on June 3, 1999; and
(6) Our current reports on Form 8-K dated October 28, 1997, July 14, 1998,
as amended on Form 8-K/A dated July 23, 1998, April 6, 1999 and April
27, 1999, as amended on Forms 8-K/A dated June 1, 1999 and June 4,
1999.
We also incorporate by reference additional documents that we may file with
the Commission between the date of this prospectus and the completion of the
offering. These additional documents include periodic reports, such as annual
reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form
8-K, as well as proxy statements. Upon request, we will provide without charge
to each person to whom a prospectus is delivered, including any beneficial
owner, a copy of any or all of the information that has been incorporated by
reference in this prospectus. If you would like to obtain this information from
us, please direct your request, either in writing or by telephone, to the
President, The Hain Food Group, Inc., 50 Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Uniondale,
New York, 11553, (516) 237-6200.
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The Hain Food Group, Inc.
Common Stock
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PROSPECTUS
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June 18, 1999
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